Evening Stroll

The perfect beginning to a relaxing night in, after the ending of another Monday here too soon.

Tank- Target, Skirt- TJmaxx, cardi & belt- Urban Outfitters, Oxfords- MLE

Taking the furball out on her evening walk is always a nice way to wind down after a long day.

And attempt to pose for a picture :)


This skirt brings back memories of early Saturday mornings on a fresh cut grass field, putting on my shin guards and cleats, for a soccer game. I am almost inpired to get a ball and practice my dribbling!

Bruce on the Loose

Today was the first day in over a week that I didn't get to see my cute little Turtle friend's face when I woke up this morning. Yesterday was a bitter sweet day for me, when we found Bruce's home.
It all started when we made plans to pick up a 150 gallon tank from one of our friends. My brother said he would be happy to have Bruce stay with him, so we were working to get the whole set up to make him a Turtle Palace aquarium. We did a little more research on all the equipment that he would require, and we found ourselves a little over our heads, and short on time since we had him in a 56 gallon storage tub with bricks for him to bask on, when ideally a pond is where he really belonged.

So my next thought (it broke my heart) was to search for a local Turtle rescue, i just couldn't bare to take him to the pet store. At this point I was so attached, and all I wanted was for him to be healthy and have a safe home.
During our search, Matt's mom called and told us to go to Google earth to see a sky view of our neighborhood, and what do you know there was a HUGE pond just down the street, that the green belt behind our house led to. This HAD to be Bruce's home. This pond was on someone's property, so we found our way into their gated community (following a car in, so slick haha) and we made our way to their gated driveway. I wonder what they were thinking when Matt called their intercom saying " I think I have a turtle from your pond". The gates opened after a brief conversation of turtle talk, and we were greeted at the bottom of the longest driveway with the residents on their golf cart, drink in hand, all smiles and waving. They were the sweetest! we talked about how they rescue turtles and they have over 20 in their Pond (that is as big as over 4 huge pools put together!) The pond was complete with lilly pads, rocks to bask on, and cat fish. THIS was Turtle paradise! We found the route that Bruce must have escaped from, and they have made plans to cover it with chicken wire to prevent any future tricky turtle escapades.
So it was time to say goodbye...with tears in my eyes I set Bruce back on his way.

It felt good knowing he was back at home. We watched him swim across the pond and he looked so happy! But I don't think I will ever forget this face

I can't really explain the feeling I have when I think of what could have happened if he never made it to our yard. My Aunt was the one who found him roaming through our garden, and if it weren't for her, he would have gone unnoticed. We were so happy to take care of him, and went to great lengths to make sure he got back to where he came from. I am grateful we had the chance to save him, and the weight on my heart as been lifted now that he's home. The owners offered to let us come by whenever we wanted to visit, and I will most likey be taking them up on their offer :)

Who ever really knows

If you would have asked me at 17, where I thought I would be 10 years later, my guess would have been way off.
Growing up I never really had a clear picture, or even a dream for that matter of what I would do, or where I would go in life. School was such a painful experience, I just could never grasp things the way everyone else could. That on top of daily awkwardness, just led to disaster for me. Getting caught up in the wrong crowd, easily influenced by everyone's opinions. It's safe to say I spent a majority of childhood and teens, and then some trying to figure out who I was. I just sort of floated along, trying to fit in, while trying not to at the same time.
I don't remember the exact moment, or what it took to make me realize that it was up to me to take charge, and make my own decisions. It was from that point on that I knew what I needed to do, and that was to work hard, and stay focused on my future.
I have had a job since I was 16, (sometimes 2 at a time),and I struggle every day to reach my goals that I have FINALLY made for myself. I know it is not going to be easy, and I've never accepted the easy ride, but I am proud of where I am in life. Not a day goes by that I don't think about where I came from, and what that has done to help me where I am going.
I am so grateful for the people and experiences I have had in my life, and I can't wait for all the things to come :)

Dress- Fire from Nordys Rack, Belt- Urban Outfitters, Shoes- Steve Madden

Sorry to get so deep, but I haven't even scratched the surface ;)

Slow and Steady

Oh Monday, here too soon.
I had a nice weekend with the fiance's family that stayed with us. Got to do a Friday Ikea run (not fun in L.A. traffic during rush hour), but well worth scouring through fun kitchens and nick nacks. In between entertaining, and the normal weekend house chores, we spent most of our time watching our new backyard guest roam through the garden. Meet Bruce:

Named after Bruce Jenner, he's very fast. Somehow he ended up in our yard, and we are glad to have him, I am even petitioning to have a pond built just for him! (or her, not really sure). Anyone have special Turle care tips, I would greatly appreciate it :)

After seeing this outfit post on The Pleated Poppy
, I have been wanting to replicate this outfit. So here is my summer version. (spray tan coming soon):

Dress- Gifted
Vest- F21
Belt- Tjmaxx
Sandals- Bamboo
Necklace- Nordy's Rack

I will probably wear it again for fall with tights, boots and a cardi, but I am squeezing out as many days of dresses and sandals as I possibly can in the next few weeks.
Hope you all had a great weekend, any new guests show up in your yard?

Sneak Pique of the Week

I have a secret, that I HAVE to tell you.
After endless hours searching and countless amounts of money. I have finally found the perfect.....wait for it....

Strapless bra!

Yes, the solution to all those underwires that have stabbed me endlessly, and all the slipping and tugging to stay up, and mis-shapen effect some give. Victoria's Secret has won me over once again!

I live in my strapless, and now I can do it pain free!

Anyone else have a favorite?

Family BBQ

I am winding down from our trip up north to celebrate my Grandparent's 80th Birthdays.  We had so much fun with the cousins and their kids. It's always so nice to be around family, especially when you get to see them all of every couple years.  We had a Western themed BBQ, and of course I dressed the part :)

Cowboy Hat- Target
Denim jumper- Hang Ten for Kohls

My cousin decorated the party beautifully!

We enjoyed some of the best ribs I've ever had

I hope you all had a finger licking good weekend :)

Meet my Friend

I want to tell you all about someone who inspires me everyday.  Meet my Friend Lindsay.  It's only fair to tell you how we met....Lindsay, don't be mad ;)

From the looks of this picture, you'd think we had known eachother for YEARS here (we are the 2 blondes in the middle). But the truth is, this is the night we met! and you know how? Well, we had something in common, and it was that were were both Blonde!! hahaha, I will never forget that!
This was over 6 years ago, and who would have thought years later we would run into eachother again at the salon we both worked at, and the picture resurfaced and we pieced the puzzle together and realized we had met long before!
We both moved along from the Salon world to Corporate world together, and it made that crazy transition so much easier to go through, having her there.  She is so sweet and genuine, and will be honest with you no matter what. She is an amazing listener and always gives the best advice.
One day after work, Lindsay had some surprising news to share...she was pregnant!  It was all so exciting and for lack of a better word, we were speechless! Soon after Lindsay and Chris got married, their cute little family of 3 came about. She did the best thing she could, and has taken to being the best Momma to beautiful Landyn! 
Lindsay is one of the reasons I started my blog.  I read Lee La La everyday, and I am so inspired by how Smart and Creative she is.  I hope to one day be a fraction of the amazing mom and person she is!
So Lindsay, this is to show you how much I appreciate you as my friend, we may look like sisters, but I also feel like one! (yes, we did have the same outfit on today, haha).  I feel so lucky we get to see eachother go through these exciting chapters in life!

Sneak Pique of the Week: Green

It could have been the spinach in my omelette, or the lush landscaping in the neighborhoods on my run, whatever it is, my mind is set on GREEN.   And what better way to introduce my new series of my current inspirations, welcome to my weekly new post series, Sneak Pique of the week.  Here is what's on my mind...

Source: grandinroad.com via Megan on Pinterest

Source: porterhousedesigns.com via Peony on Pinterest

Source: google.com via Melissa on Pinterest

Source: jenniferstuart.tumblr.com via Michela on Pinterest

My new nail polish by OPI- "Uh-Oh Roll Down the Window"....one of the best names ever haha!

Flash backs from vacation

and of course I painted my toes too... ;)

Sandals- DV by Dolce Vita

Anyone else stuck on Green?

Back to Reality

I am still trying to recover from the harsh sound of my alarm clock this morning.  Why does it take forever for a vacation to get here, but be over in a blink of an eye?
This past week off was completely amazing.  I spent every moment in full vacation mode, and had the best time with my family.  Since I will be busy for the next year planning the wedding, I was glad to have some time to relax.  Here is some of what I got to enjoy

Over-indulging in some of my favorite Beers

Hikes to some of the most gorgeous scenery

feeding ducks off the boat

The grand finale of my time off was spent at the local winery, the perfect ending to an amazing vacay

Til next time...

Shaken not Stirred

You know that saying "Stop and smell the roses"? Well, what if you are too busy trying to arrange them, that you completely overlook the smell?  It seems like we are always trying to make things better, while ignoring the fact that they may just be good the way they are...says the busy girl who has not stopped and smelled a rose in quite some time. 
So I put together a little treat.  It may not be roses, but a Spicy hot fix will do ;)

I 've decided to put my feet up and enjoy a mid-weekend drinky.... I don't know who Mary is, but she must have had a rough week too!

Cheers!
Hope you take a minute this weekend to stop and enjoy something!