Levi’s first 8 weeks of life has come and gone in a flash! It’s been awesome having #5 in our lives, growing our hearts with more and more love. Thank you to Patty Othen for these beautiful pics! Find her webpage here.
Why serum? Ever since we moved to LA from Chicago, I’ve been using serum. Partly because I am into my 30’s and thinking about the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and wanting better skin and improving radiance. I recently mentioned to my best friend about using serum and to my shock, she said she doesn’t use serum. I told her, you can’t afford not to and introduced her to Clarins’ Double Serum. It’s a bio-inspired, anti-aging serum, with a two-phase hydric (water soluble) and lipidic formula that, for the first time decodes the language of youth. Does that last sentence catch your attention?
If you’re not familiar with bio-inspired lipidic formula, that’s scientific for “reduces the appearance of pores, improves radiance, evens skin tone, firms and visibly reduces the look of fine lines and wrinkles.” It can be used morning or evening after cleansing your skin. How do I apply it, you ask? Apply a small amount into the palm of your hand, warm between hands before gently pressing into your skin applying on you face, neck, and décolleté. Keep in mind, it takes 28 days to see the full effects of your serum. What do you think, do you use serum?
Thank you Clarins for sponsoring this post
leopard skirt // sweater // sneakers // camel coat similar // belt bag
This weekend is all about clean eating (s’mores by the fire) and checking off those fitness goals on the couch.But seriously, we’ve had a tiring week getting back into the swing of things like art class and piano and can’t wait to get to our cabin in Lake Arrowhead.
Speaking of getting back into the swing of things, I’m back to pairing high and low, casual and formal. Today’s swing skirt is lightweight and a great pattern. I paired it with an oversize knit under $100, cult favorite Gucci belt bag, and sneakers for that pulled-together-but-surprisingly-comfy look. My kind of #momstyle.
Which is your favorite? I provide commentary and styling tips on the below skirts:
1. Midi with buttons // 2. At the Knee Pencil // 3. Midi skirt // 4. Leo Mini // 5. Denim Leo skirt
leopard skirt /(mini skirt version) / sweater // bag // coat zara Similar// mules // similar turquoise ring
Don’t let my smile fool you, this week was tough getting back from vacation and back into our routine (somewhat) and lots of laundry. Thankfully, park days and our sitter have been my saving grace. It takes some time to find that “back to normal” after being away for 2 weeks over the holidays. I’m excited to share with you some new content I’m often asked what are my top 5 closet must haves, so here they are are including my bonus favorite, leopard skirt!
1. Denim (this is very hard to pick only one!)
3. Body Suit
4. Nude Heels (sandals and pumps)
5. Sunglasses
Bonus: Turquoise ring, something leopard, and a one shoulder top
Chunky Knit Sweater // Leather pants Fabiana Fillippi SIMILAR // Shoes // Chanel bag // Bugaboo Frog stroller in Denim
To those asking about my vintage Chanel Cocoon bag, here’s a dupe for much less and bonus, it wipes clean. If you’re worried about the spit up from last night? Yeah, that’s a quick wipe off. See my faves below!
I get a lot of questions about my routines from diet to keeping it up with it all. Read on for some tips!
WHAT IS YOUR MORNING ROUTINE LIKE?
To avoid getting hangry, I take two scoops of Vital Proteins Collagen Powder (non-flavored) in my almond milk latte every morning.
The benefits of collagen are many. It’s the most abundant protein in your body. It can relieve joint pain and improving skin health. I’ve personally noticed better hair quality and stronger nails. After all, increased skin hydration leads to less wrinkles. Do I have your attention now?
AFTERNOON ROUTINE?
Multi tasking is key.
I drink Dandy Blend with one scoop of collagen protein and almond milk and snack on salted almonds or kale chips as I respond to e-mails.
I work on my pilates ring while I help the kids with their homework. Yes they think I’m crazy. The pilates ring tones my inner thighs. I even bring it in my suitcase when we travel.
Kale Chips
1 big bunch of organic kale, washed and dried
pinch off the leaves from the stalk into small pieces
drizzle with avocado oil and sea salt
Bake for 15 min on 350 degrees
I get a lot of questions about what vitamins I take on the regular. I take a prenatel vitamin since I’m still nursing and b12, since I’m off coffee. Don’t think for a second this mama doesn’t run on some kind of vitamin in place of a legal addictive stimulant. I link both below that I take daily!
5 things I buy from Amazon each Month read more on THIS POST
Adult Energy B12 Gummies (1000 mcg per serving) // Baby and Me Pre and Postnatel Vitamin // Magnesium Powder // D3 Gummies // Sheets for the Arrowhead Cabin // Baby Pacifier (yet he doesn’t take one right now, unfortunately) // Hand Sanitizer for traveling with kids! // Aspartame Free Gum (I buy a 3 pack for traveling)
WHAT ABOUT YOUR DINNER ROUTINE?
Tonight we are having lemon chicken and oregano potatoes tonight. We have a ton of meyer lemons on our bush in our yard so I’m making that with oregano. It’s delicious. I’m making it in the crock pot because I tend to burn everything. Want the recipe? Look below:
Chicken and Potatoes
1 whole chicken or a couple chicken breasts (whatever I have on hand)
Avocado oil
Garlic
4 lemons freshly squeezed
1 cup of water or enough to cover the potatoes
4 large potatoes peeled and chopped
oregano
Sea Salt
If it’s a crazy busy day ahead, start in the morning and throw it in a crock pot. If not, place all ingredients in a 9×13 dish and cook for 1 hour in 350 degrees or until chicken and potatoes are tender. The lemon makes the sauce amazing! Serve with rolls and a green salad. Top off the salad with my homemade salad dressing here!
CHORES! Do your kids do them?
Oh the dreaded word!! But seriously it HAS to be done. Other things that help laundry and organization are giving each of my kids a chore that is age specific. My oldest does the laundry, second daughter loads/unloads the dishwasher, oldest boy (#3) takes out the trash and the 5 year old takes out the small trash cans from the upstairs bathrooms. I will not claim that my kids do their chores without reminders (nagging) or without some bribing and I’ll admit I have to do lots of incentives, but it eventually gets done. For example, a popular incentive in my house are healthy lollipops. I use those candy on a stick for everything and MANY TIMES A DAY !! :)))
Books on my reading list: Home Management, Body Love, and Large Family Logistics
brass stool table // sandals // similar denim jeans // black jeans // buffalo check top // faux fur
4 Takeaway Tips
Check @airbnb for cool rentals. Our place was 3 bed 3 bath and a pullout couch condo almost 40 floors up. It was the same price as a high end hotel, but had a nice kitchen and plenty of room to spread out. Plus the views were VERY instagram worthy. And that’s reason enough. We’ve become home bodies more and more, so staying in a great place is huge. We didn’t always feel like going out, especially when you love where you’re at. I got SO man questions asking where we stayed in Chicago. Here’s a link to our Airbnb.
Download Park Whiz app. We found parking for 3 nights for $60, a short walk away. I ended up finding a coupon code on Retail me Not (Not sponsored) for an extra $5 off. Hey, score!
Take the kids to the LEGO store. We scored big taking them to the Lego store in Watertower. I ALMOST made up for the time I tried on 5 faux fur coats at Nordstrom with a couple Ninjago sets. Plus the cashier asked if this was a gift, and threw in 2 gift sets. Merry Christmas!
It Lived up to the Hype: Dinner/Lunch/Breakfast at 3 Arts Cafe in Restoration Hardware
We ordered an Uber and headed to the Gold Coast for some fresh interior inspo and yummy bites at the 3 Arts Cafe. No reservations needed, we walked in , sat down, enjoyed veggies and dips as an appetizer and a turkey club. Yummy! And listening to the fountain was so relaxing, even Levi enjoyed it.
While in Omaha, we visited the Omaha Zoo and Lauritzen Gardens. Two of our favorites!
We look forward to winding down this weekend at home. What are your plans?
Just as an FYI, I’m hosting a giveaway on Instagram today. Stay Tuned!
MatchesFashion is having an extra 10% off sale today – see my picks below:
Also, Nordstrom still has some great finds on sale now up to 40% off. See my picks below:
Le Creuset Round Dutch Oven (20% off one item with code UPICK) // Rails plaid button up // Jeans // Bowls Ikea // Cute measuring spoons
One tradition we started that I absolutely love is making French onion soup the day after Thanksgiving. We would get our tree, decorate it and enjoy fresh bread and soup. I recently mentioned we made the soup again this year on Instagram and immediately got requests for the recipe. There’s nothing like a yummy bowl of French onion soup. The kids love it and it’s only a couple of ingredients. Tip: to reduce tears while cutting onions, place a cracker in your mouth!
Serve with Mozzarella melted on toast.
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 T olive oil
4 cups sliced onions
4 10.5 oz cans beef broth
2 T dry sherry
salt and pepper to taste
Serve with mozzerella toast
Instructions
– Melt the butter in a large pot on medium heat with the olive oil.
– Once the butter is melted down, add all four cups of onions. Stir constantly until they’re translucent, but not brown.
– Add beef broth and sherry and season to taste with salt and pepper. Then, let simmer for 30 minutes.
You can be done here if you’d like and just dip your bread into the soup, but to go the traditional French onion soup route, follow these last few steps.
– Turn on your oven broiler.
– Ladle soup into oven-safe dishes and layer on fresh bread with cheese – we used Mozzarella but you can really use whatever you prefer. Put your dishes on a baking sheet and place in the oven until the cheese bubbles and browns slightly.
And that’s it! Super quick and easy and a recipe the whole family will love!
Enjoy!
Deals this week around the web . .
In addition to Williams – Sonoma having a 20% off one item with UPICK, Revolve is having an additional 20% off Final Sale with code YEAREND20,
Heels // Jeans // Top // Faux Fur
The Nordstrom half yearly sale is here! I’m not sure what I’m excited more about – this Tahari coat or New Years in Palm Springs. Either way, I wanted to give my readers a heads up on some of the top items from the sale. Although we are enjoying 2 weeks in the Midwest, but I’m still online shopping and preparing for upcoming events I’m excited to share. Hope you had a lovely Christmas with your friends and family.
Tops – as low as under $20, and great sweaters
Coats – I’ve my eye on the Tahari coat
Shoes -so many great tall boots, booties and sneakers on sale.
Kids – This is a great time to stock up on kids shoes. My kids are always growing out of their shoes, so I like to buy on discount.
Men’s
Dress // Heels // Tanning Towels
What are you doing for New Years Eve? We are headed to Palm Springs to ring in the new year. We can’t wait! I usually end up in my pj’s way too early in the night and I don’t think this year will be any different — especially with a baby! But I do love a good sequin dress for date nights and events. Which is your favorite?
More NYE options
Boxy Pullover // Silk Midi Skirt // Sparkly Sandals // Tan Towels
I’m not crazy about ugly sweaters, or overly glittery tops or bodycon dresses. The latter especially doesn’t work while nursing. So, when I saw this combination at my local Nordstrom, I jumped on it. I love the combination of a knit sweater (with slight metallic thread) and a satin skirt in the same green color scheme. ‘Tis the season right? I’ll admit it’s a color I don’t wear often but love it in this shade! Speaking of shades, since most of the world does not have sun tanning weather like SoCal, I’ve got you covered. I live by these tan towels when I need a quick “real” looking tan for a night out or special event. Hey, even hubby uses them but don’t tell him I told you. Now, back to traveling to Chicago to see the family, show off Levi and my fake tan. What’s your favorite holiday look?
Happy Monday!
More Cute Skirts
More Cute Knit Options
See my latest looks on Instagram. Click on any image to shop:
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