Quinquennial Girls Trip... (Is that right?)

The last time my Mom and all my Sisters got together on a girls trip was 5 years ago to Newport. It was so much fun and I recall promising each other we would turn it into an annual thing. Welp, after five years of weddings, jobs, graduations, babies, and everyday-life taking priority we realized it had been way too long and we had to make something happen quick before the next wave of babies/internships/etc. We made last minute flights to San Francisco on the one available weekend everyone had and didn't look back! I must say, I was feeling like Mom of the year (sarcasm) leaving on two girls trips in one month, but on the other hand... I can't say I hated it! (Thanks Mr. Mom, a.k.a. Geoff!)

Last weekend was spent with some of my favorite girls in one of my favorite cities; walking, hiking, shopping, laughing, getting pedicures, going to farmers markets, seeing rom-coms, eating, and more eating. It was a blast and I'm so glad I was able to squeeze in one last trip during this pregnancy! Hope your weekend was equally as enjoyable. (and let's be honest, gluttonous!) Can't wait for the next girls trip, let's hope it doesn't take another 5 years. 

and counting...

Starting to feel super antsy already, which isn't great considering I have a whopping 18 weeks left. I guess I'll keep myself busy with getting Ivy "sibling-ready", furnishing and decorating her "big girl" room, nesting & other home projects, possibly some light potty training (we'll see), and getting the nursery ready for round two. I guess I actually have a ton to do before she gets here to distract me, I'm just really excited for that newborn smell again.

Beach bum.

I was so excited when we pulled up to the house the Langs rented out for the weekend because it was only a 30 second walk from the beach. Every morning we were there we'd walk down to the lifeguard tower and look for dolphins, it was a dream! Ivy finally discovered her love for the ocean, she loved running from the freezing waves and even acquired a taste for sand... she loved eating that sand. So glad she's finally a beach-goer, can't wait to take her back when it's warmer! Now a picture overload.

 

Newport Weekend

This past weekend we were able to visit Newport with the Langs. Disneyland, dolphin-watching, paddle surfing, cousin-time, shopping, fun, and most importantly; beignets and churros were had. We lasted at Disneyland until feet were blistered, cheeks were sunburnt, and Ivy was grumpily walking around barefoot and pant-less (she did really good until her breaking point though!). I can't wait to take her back one day when she's tall enough for the good rides/when I'm not pregnant and can ride the good rides myself. Regardless of our little setbacks, the 'Lang' in her couldn't deny her love for Disneyland! Thanks for everything Langs.

The Lion the Witch and the Winner.

Happy weekend! 

image via 
Congrats to the winner of this weeks giveaway from The Lion the Witch and My Wardrobe! Thank you to all those who entered, and my apologies to all those who lost. Either way, be sure to continue checking out Bronwyns blog for fashion help in the future. (Please send me your email address Becca!)

Girls only.

     Over the weekend Geoff went on a day-trip snowboarding. While usually I prefer Saturdays spent together as an entire family, I couldn't have enjoyed my little Satur-date spent with just Ivy any more. (No offense Geoff!) For one, It hit me that before long I'll have two little girls to chase around and laugh with. As excited as I am for that, I can't help but feel a little bit sad about my last days of one-on-one time with V. Secondly, Ivy is an A+ date. She cracks me up, keeps me on my toes, and asked me to dance with her on the "stage" at the park. What else could a girl ask for in a date?

The Lion the Witch and My Wardrobe// CLOSED.

I'm so excited to announce a new sponsor and giveaway this morning from Bronwyn, of 'The Lion the Witch and My Wardrobe'. Bronwyn has been a personal shopper for years and has worked closely with celebrities, athletes, politicians, and most importantly; new Moms and college grads looking to revamp their everyday style! Bronwyn is a darling single Mother from San Fransisco who loves fashion, working under a tight budget, and helping people feel their best about themselves. She has such a quirky yet classic style and has a great sense of what will work on every body type.

You ready for the giveaway details?

Bronwyn has agreed to give away a FULL DAY spent with her; sifting through and breaking down your current wardrobe, shopping and rebuilding your closet (fit to your style and budget of course), and giving away invaluable tips on how to always look your best. (Yes, she will fly TO YOU!) Bronwyn is truly gifted at bringing out the most happy and confident side of people, and is willing to do the same for one lucky winner! To enter, check out and follow her blog and simply leave a comment below stating why you'd like to win. Ideally, the winner should either be someone looking to spruce up what they already have, someone who has recently had a life change (new job, new baby, etc.), or someone looking for fresh new pieces for a special day or event! Giveaway ends Friday morning at 8:00 am. Tell your friends and good luck! ;)

PS- I'm jealous of whoever gets to shop with this girl all day!

24 hour makeover.

Yesterday I got to indulge in one of my favorite things; a hair appointment! As much as I love the feeling of a fresh and healthy cut, I love going to see Krystle at Salon Intrigue just as much. She is the easiest person to talk to and I can almost guarantee you'll walk out wanting to be her best friend. Not only is the girl hilarious, but she knows what she's doing, too. Krystle has been cutting & coloring hair for 10 years and I always leave so happy with what she does. I'm always trying to talk people into going to her, and this blog is no exception. Book an appointment with Krystle and save 15% by telling her I sent-cha! You will love her and that's a promise.

Krystle Johnson @ Krystlejohnson@me.com

The fun did not stop there (hence the moody closeup of my lashes). One of my best friends and old roommates moved down to Arizona a couple weeks ago, and I could not be more thrilled about it! For one, she is the funnest, sweetest girl and I love spending time with her. For two, she is a master at eyelash extensions and gave me a full-set yesterday! (I know, I know...the latter reason is purely selfish, I'll admit it.)

Disclaimer: I've never considered myself too high-maintenance of a girl. I don't like wearing that much makeup nor do I like buying it (that might have something to do with Ivy giving me a very interrupted 60ish seconds in the morning to apply it). So I'll be honest; at first I was a little bit skeptical of lash extensions, but then when I realized this meant I could forgo my whole morning makeup routine (or lack thereof) and not look like a total wreck I was all for it! I absolutely love them and I know it's silly, but I feel like such a woman with them on! Leaving the house sans makeup isn't so scary anymore (for myself or onlookers). This February only, Kelsey is charging an itty-bitty $50 for a full-set session (which takes about an hour) and she does an impeccable job.

To book an appointment with Kelsey, email her at [Kelseyjensen3@gmail.com]  or give her a text/call at (435) 632-7068.

VD: told two days later.

I've already admitted that one of the main reasons I love Valentines Day is because I'm a sucker for all that commercial stuff; the pink, the gifts, the candy, the decor, etc. But I think another reason I love it, is because we never really set too high of expectations for the day (Phil Dunphy said it best last year in regard to his Birthday). We didn't really make any concrete plans; possibly a family picnic somewhere pretty, however when it was rainy and cold out we quite literally rain-checked that idea. We ended up having a relaxing day inside; opening our presents, eating our chocolates, and learning all about Ivys new squinkie toys. The day was just right, however when we scored a last-minute babysitter AND a dinner reservation hookup we couldn't deny the good Valentine-vibes that were being sent our way! (Thanks Johnny the sitter and Brandon the server!) We jumped on the opportunity and headed out to Tia Rosas for our que romantico date (although Geoff most likely felt like a third wheel once the basket of chips and salsa came out).

When we got home Ivy was still awake, and thank goodness for that because it turns out all she wanted was a few more VD kisses and tickles. I'd say overall it was a sublime Valetines Day.

monterey : day two

The second morning in Monterey, we hit up the local donut bakery to give us the energy we needed to explore Big Sur and Pfeiffer Beach to its full capacity. We got on the road and began the beautiful scenic drive and it wasn't long before we were pulling over every 3 minutes for a photo-op at a lookout point. I can easily say that those were the prettiest views I have ever seen, I really wish pictures could do it justice. Pfeiffer Beach was amazing, I love how you can stare out at the ocean and then turn around and look directly into a forest. (Who says you have to choose a habitat?) The beach was super cold for my Arizona blood, so I was beyond grateful that Shanna lent me her puffer coat for the day, because the winds of Big Sur were just that, big and surious. After that adventure, we headed back to Carmel for some lunch and more shopping (the best kind too, fudge shopping at the Cottage of Sweets).

Shanna is the best Sister because everywhere we went she would pack snacks for me and then pretend to be out of breath as well whenever we were walking up-hill, she sure knows how to make a pregnant person feel better about themselves! After a chilly afternoon we cozied up in their adorable house and watched some ep's of Felicity to warm up. (Brad seemed to really like that.) The night ended with a delicious vietnamese dinner and some Valentine shopping for Geoff, which Brad was especially helpful with- thanks Brad. The next morning came and sadly it was time to head to the airport. I actually considered calling Geoff and just having him pack our bags and head up for good, but then remembered that would probably be pretty impulsive. 

Thank you Keslers, for treating me to such a memorable weekend! I've said it a million times, but you two are the best hosts ever. I love you guys to death and sadly this trip didn't give me the Kesler-fix like I had hoped, it just made me miss you more! Guess that means more trips in the future, next time I'll pack Geoff and Ivy! ;)