Thursday 16 July 2015

Links I Love


1. The ultimate guide to LA donuts. (studiodiy.com)
2. Unconventional wedding etiquette. (thecoveteur.com)
3. Cute printable spice labels for a weekend project. (spoonforkbacon.com)
4. What not to eat when eating out. (theguardian.com)
6. Buy these things at the farmers' market now. (thekitchn.com)
7. Love this DIY pine serving tray. (designsponge.com)
8. Fringe tote for beach days. (madewell.com)
9. Homemade Hostess cupcake cake. (confessionsofacookbookqueen.com)

Eight Manicure and Pedicure Colour Combinations

When I do things with girlfriends, I inevitably slip back to the mindset of a middle school girl. If we're at brunch and I'm considering eggs, I'll almost always switch up my order for fear of having "food envy" once my friend's waffles arrive. The same goes for nails and whenever I'm at the salon, I like seeing the color combination my friend has chosen before finalizing on mine. But besides my tendency to waver like an adolescent, these are eight of my all-time favorite shades I never question.
 Combo 1 // nude + red
Combo 2 // white + navy
Combo 3 // metallic + coral
Combo 4 // rich blue + light blue
Combo 5 // grey + light pink
Combo 6 // dusty pink + dusty green
Combo 7 // pink purple + lilac
Combo 8 // vamp + orange

3 Summer Weekenders

Things to pack for your next getaway.
1. Bucket Hat - A canvas bucket hat works equally well for while lounging on the lake as it does on a hiking trail.
2. Bug Spray - A non-offensive bug repellent via Coqui Coqui that doesn't smell like, well, bug spray (and I love the chic packaging).
3. Slip-ons - These perforated slip ons are a nice alternative to water shoes.
4. Sunglasses - I usually rely on over sized sunglasses to nip sun-glare in the bud, and love that these gold ones are under $10.
5. One-piece - Packing minimally is at the top of my priority list for a lake trip so I like that this seersucker swimsuit can do double duty as a top.
6. Pull-on Shorts - Easy shorts that have no zippers, ties or buttons. 
7. Favorite Childhood Cereal - We always bring little boxes of cereal when we go on trips and I look forward to waking up each morning to Cinnamon Toast Crunch.
8. Protective Lipstick - I always forget to put sunblock on my lips so I'm thrilled that my favorite tinted formula also contains SPF.
9. Portable Speaker - Download your favorite podcasts and bring a tiny portable speaker so that you can listen while hanging out by the water.
1. Tote - Carry an extra roomy tote so you can bring all of the essentials plus a bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the day.
2. Wine Opener - Pack a small wine bottle opener so you can try out a brand new bottle in the hotel room later that night or out for a picnic during the day.
3. Chic Sandals - Vineyards are oftentimes nestled into sprawling properties so comfortable shoes are a must. This embellished pair fits the bill.
4. Easy Romper - Rompers are the ultimate easy-to-wear item, but this tiered black one piece also looks fancy enough to wear to dinner.
5. Hat - A lightweight straw hat is perfect for daytime, and you can easily throw it into your tote when dinner rolls around.
6. Wine Stopper - For bottles you don't finish, this marble bottle stopper is both functional and beautiful.
7. Traveling Bottle Bag - These padded travel bags are the best way to keep your bottles from breaking. 
1. Pouch - Bring a pouch to the beach to keep valuables safe and sand-free. 
2. Gourmet S'mores - Take a classic fireside treat to a new level with this gourmet s'mores kit, which includes hand crafted honey grahams, vanilla marshmallows and salted chocolate.
3. Cover-Up - An easy cover up that would look equally as good with a pair of boyfriend jeans.
4. Bikini - I'm a sucker for a scalloped edge and love the pretty powder blue color on this bikini set.
5. Paddles - I'm competitive by nature, so a trip to the beach has to include some type of game. I like Paddle ball because it can be enjoyed by just about everyone. 
6. Wide Brim Hat - A beach hat with a floppy brim so that your face and shoulders get plenty of shade.
7. Turkish Towel - Turkish towels are not only super absorbent but they're large, so a couple of people can spread out on one towel. 
8. Lace-Up Sandals - These lace-up gladiator sandals are a little bit more special than flip flops, but just as comfortable.

Links I Love

Nine things you shouldn't miss from around the web.
1. How to make a flag cake for the Fourth of July. (food52.com)
2. The "real" Manhattan subway map. (gothamist.com)
3. The coolest eclectic Echo Park home. (remodelista.com)
4. Snapchat tricks. (theverge.com)
5. James Perse is having a huge summer sale. (Jamesperse.com) Update: Get free shipping with code: CUPCAKESUMMER, extended through July 26.
6. Does being an only child mess you up? (vice.com)
7. Love this DIY marble pitcher. (thesweetestoccasion.com)
8. Fireplace ideas for warm weather. (theeverygirl.com)
9. Nail astrology. (thecoveteur.com)

Links I Love

Nine things you shouldn't miss from around the web.
1. S'more pudding pie. (mattbites.com)
3. Easy DIY solid gold letters. (fallfordiy.com)
4. Unique lighting for under $150. (theeverygirl.com)
5. Sushi trivia. (thrillist.com)
6. 36 inspiring quotes from self-made billionaires. (inc.com)
7. The eyeliner shape you should be wearing. (vogue.com)
9. How cool are these coffee sketches? (honestlywtf.com)

Friday 19 June 2015

Five Things

{Macrame wall hangings from Minnie Jo}

{Macrame wall hangings from Minnie Jo}

Our morning walks have become a lovely ritual. We get out just after sunrise and it feels like we have the world to ourselves for a bit. I’m appreciating this daily tradition more and more and want to keep it going for as long as possible, because it's such a positive way to start our day. Hope you have a great weekend. 


{Inspiration board}

{Downtown twinkling lights}

{Downtown twinkling lights}

{New favorite avocado toast from Sqirl with edible flowers}

{Avocado toast with edible flowers}


{Shades of yellow and blue on a short Malibu hike}

{Shades of yellow and blue in Malibu}

Thursday 11 June 2015

Links I Love


1. The best cooking tips from celebrity chefs. (mydomaine.com)
2. Idea to steal: layering rugs. (apartment34.com)
3. The ultimate guide to tipping. (realsimple.com)
4. A wine tassel DIY I need to try. (sugarandcharm.com)
5. The 25 best homemade donuts. (sayyes.com)
6. Cats in a paradise of boxes. (thedodo.com)
7. Need these paddles for summer beach days. (shopbop.com)
8. A beautiful round-up of the new pale leather lounge chair. (remodelista.com)
9. Edible gummy Legos. (boredpanda.com)

The 15 Things Every New Parent Needs




1. Boon Bottle Warmer - I love the small, simple design of this appliance, which can heat everything from bottles, to jars of food.
2. My Brest Friend - My boss originally used a different pillow, but this version provided better support for both her arms and the baby's body. It's not as travel friendly, but her back and neck appreciated the update.
3. Medela Pumping Bra - This bra frees up your hands, so you can work while pumping. You definitely resemble a fembot from Austin Powers, but it's essential for being able to multitask throughout the day.
4. 4Moms Mamaroo - This powered bouncer was the only thing Toby would sleep in, for more than an hour, during the first month. The five movement settings, along with Bluetooth connectivity, lets you change the motion from your phone, which became a favorite feature.
5. Sleep Sheep - I assumed I'd need complete silence for the kids to sleep, but they prefer low, consistent sounds (i.e. the vacuum cleaner, washing machine, dishwasher). This cute toy puts out several white noise options (their faves are the heart beat and whales), and always soothes them.


6. Medela Quick Clean Bags - Sterilizing certain pieces of equipment often requires boiling them in water for 5-10 minutes, but these reusable bags let you steam everything in a microwave in just three minutes.
7. Honest Company Bundle Subscription - Disposable diapers create a huge amount of landfill waste and while we tried several ecologically friendly brands, the price point and quality of these products were simply the best. Plus, seeing Toby in a cute print diaper kills me every time.
8. Bugaboo Cameleon 3 Stroller - There are a ton of stroller options and you need to get the one that works best for you, but for us, this model is perfect. It's so versatile and well designed and love that it will grow with him. Plus rolls so easily, it makes me wish my car was as smooth.
9. Summer Infant Swaddle Me - This swaddle changed our lives, because it's what helped Toby start sleeping through the night. Best. Purchase. Ever.
10. BABYBJORN Carrier One - Just like strollers, there are several carriers that most people use, but this model works well for us. It distributes the weight perfectly around your hips and shoulders, to relieve any strain and the mesh fabric creates a little air flow, so you and the baby don't overheat.


11. Soothe Probiotics - Thankfully Toby wasn't a very colicky baby, but our doctor recommended adding these probiotics to her bottles, to provide some help with digestion. They work exactly as advertised and supply additional benefits he didn't get from breast milk alone.
12. Dr. Brown's BPA Free Bottles with Preemie Nipples - Toby was a voracious eater and could power through a bottle in a few minutes, which used to result in hiccups and gas. A lactation consult had us change to these bottles and a premie nipple, to reduce the air flow and slow down the amount of food he could pull. The end result was better feedings and a lot of restful naps.
13. Burt's Bees Burp Cloths - All burp cloths are pretty much the same, but these organic cotton versions are super absorbent, which is the most important feature.
14. 4moms Infant Tub - This is definitely G's favorite device, since he usually gives the boys their baths. The digital thermometer ensures your water is the perfect temperature and the design provides a comfortable and safe seat for the baby to lean against. It fits in most sinks and has side drains, so the baby doesn't have to sit in dirty water.
15. Happiest Baby On The Block DVD - Most new parents hear about this video before giving birth, but the five tips that are showcased really do help calm a baby. I was skeptical at first, but watching Toby go from crying hysterically to falling asleep within seconds made me a believer.