Hit the Jackpot

My better half is off for eight days away for business, some of which includes some time in glittery Vegas. While I am home tending to the fam, I am hoping he wins some molla and is feeling extra generous. Maybe enough to come home with a seriously great gift. In case this happens, here are some ideas. A girl can dream...

1. A big Gucci tote 

2. Who doesn't covet a classic Burberry trench?

3. Because you love me. In French. Jennifer Meyer

4. A gorgeous diamond bar necklace by Gabriella Artigas

5. Because a Cartier Love bracelet is always on the list. 

6. These Christian Louboutin nude mary janes are classic and flattering. 

7. In need of a new pair of black flats. Why not these Ferragamo numbers? 

8. You know they carry Celine at Barney's, right?  

9. Loving these Jimmy Choo sandals. 

10. A Givenchy in cobalt would be kind of my dream. 

11. Chanel, Chanel, Chanel. Always. 

12. Casadei makes such killer heels. 

13. These would be great for pretty much everything. Casadei

14. A delicate Jennifer Meyer sapphire ring. 

15. A black YSL tote would be a nice addition. 

And just for fun, since I will probably not be out of warm sweaters and leggings while he is gone, here are some dresses I would want to bring if I was hitting the tables with him. 

From Left: UNIF $125 (loving a crop right now), Bec & Bridge $250 (this dress is h.o.t.), David Lerner $255 (flattering with a cut out back), Parker $187 (glitzy sequins on sale)

I just realized these are all black, white, and nude. Clearly, I am in a neutral state of mind. So chic with statement heels and a punch of color in a cuff or clutch. 

Most importantly today, I want to thank everyone for their support of my post yesterday. It was a little scary to open up that much, but once again I have the best readers whose feedback made it so worth it. Love you all. 

Hope you have a lucky weekend. 

Get excited for the Oscars on Sunday.

xo

Erin 

On the Other Side

The New Yorker

Baby girl slept almost twelve hours last night without a peep. She has been sleeping eleven pretty solidly for a couple of months, but usually likes to wake me up around 3am with just a quick whine. Just enough noise to get me up and looking at the monitor to then see her roll over and go back to sleep. And it is funny because instead of being so proud that she can go back to sleep on her own, I am annoyed that I was awoken at all.

And then I feel guilty.
And then I remind myself of how much we were getting up in the night not so long ago.
Then I feel proud of her.
And then I cannot wait until I hear nothing at all in the night.
And then that makes me a little sad because she is so sweet when she needs a snuggle.
Then eventually I go back to sleep.

If you have a kid, you know these endless mind circles that envelope you about pretty much every milestone and event. It is exhausting and the funny thing is you are the one creating them, in that damn hormone stirred mind of yours.

I do not open up too much on the blog about my personal life. I mostly just give just a glimpse and the problem with that is that it is usually the rosier side of the picture. But just like anything we share on the Internet, life is so much bigger than our iPhone screen. I have shared a bit about the craziness since having my second baby, but I feel now I can really tell you a bit more. Not only for you to know that my life is just as messy and insane as every one's, but also because it feels therapeutic.

After the three month mark had rolled around after sweet Mary Adele was born, I started to feel more like myself. But all of the sudden, things took a turn. I started feeling anxiety like I never had before. The kind that grips your insides and makes your heart race. The kind that keeps you from sitting down for more than a few minutes. The kind that makes you obsess about every little thing. It was terrible and so not my personality. I knew it was bad when I went to a spa day and had a panic attack. Yep, if you cannot relax at a luxury spa you are pretty much screwed.

The worst part was that it was not about anything specific. I had no worries about my kids, their care, or the way our life was and I was generally happy most of the time. The anxiety came and went with no pattern. It would be bad for a couple of days, then not show up again for another week. Being a solutions oriented person made me want to find the problem, deal with it and move on, but that was not what this was about. It was hormones. It was biological. It was time to go get some help. So I did. 

Post-partum problems have such a vast spectrum. In my case it was very mild and did not take much more than time for it to pass. From depression to anxiety and everything in between, we all need a little help in those first few months or even the first year. I hope by writing this that a new mom out there opens up to her husband, calls a mommy friend for advice, or makes an appointment with a doctor, because we all have the right to feel like ourselves in the middle of baby land.  If you are not experiencing full on post-partum depression, you may feel that help is not really needed. But there is help if you want it, because just feeling a little off base can feel like so much more when you are a new mom. 

Who knows if we ever become again the people we were before baby. Clearly my middle of the night mind circles were not present before, but being in charge of another human probably makes us all a little crazy. Which I would not trade for the world, given the love I feel for my two babes. 

xo
Erin 

Just Add Antlers

I am back from the sunshine and gearing up for another frigid week. Being away is so nice, but sometimes coming home can be the best. It reminds you of why you love where you live. Minus the polar vortex, of course. 

Ever since we got home, I have been in full organize/decor mode. Mostly to try and clear all the clutter created by the babes or their stuff that is. But also a little refreshing makes spaces feel newer, even if it is just moving a vase from here to there. One new item that I have added to the abode is this set of elk antlers I scored at a local antique store. 

They were originally slated for above our bed, but they were too tall. So they have found a home above our back door that leads to the mudroom/laundry/garage. I actually think this is a better spot in all. 

These babies are no joke, heavy and super tall. Why this space makes more sense is it brings your eye up more to the vaulted ceiling that only runs along one side of the kitchen/family room. 

I have used antlers before in the faux variety in the dining room. Because we live in the country, a little nature seems very appropriate to incorporate into the decor. 

If you are looking for real antlers such as these, the best resource is your local antique or thrift store. Ask the owner to be on the look out in their shopping and they can find you one if they do not have one already. Ebay and Hunter's Alley also usually have some. 

You can find some great faux options at West Elm. 

These run only $99-$199 and are papier-mache. 

This Etsy store is where the deer head is from in my dining room. 

They have every color combination that you could want and animal. These are plaster, so the quality is better. Also under $100. 

The woman who runs the antique store that I got the antlers from said "you can never go wrong with nature," when I was contemplating the purchase. Which is kind of cheesy, but so true. Look how a little nature has made a big impact in these spaces. 

Such a cool collection of antlers...

Love the mix of something rustic with the modern kitchen finishes... 

Even antlers can be femme...

They are such a great addition to this vignette... 

Happy antler hunting. 

xo

Erin 

NYFW + Oscars 2014

It was so much fun picking Oscar gowns from the Paris couture, that I decided to repeat with New York fashion week. And although my efforts are super amateur (borderline creepy), since I cut and paste the heads of the actresses on the runway models bodies, it makes it easier to actually see these girls wearing the dresses. Shall we make some predictions? 

Amy would look fab in this Oscar de la Renta. I am completely obsessed with this. Imagine a billion dollar diamond necklace and she is set. 

Anne did not wear too many things that were this regal last year and I think this Marchesa would help America like her again. Kind of brings us back to her Princess days. 

Cate has the bod to pull off this shape and fabric, plus the ability to pull off this color. I even love the matchy bag with it. Marchesa. 

If they gave this a dramatic open back and she did it up with the jewels, this Jenny Packham would be stunning on Jennifer Garner. 

Yes, yes, Jennifer Lawrence will be in Dior. But, if she could deviate, this Naeem Kahen would be a great departure. Totally different than anything she has worn. 

Julia likes a sleeve these days and this Carolina Herrera has a nice option that is fresh. Plus, there is a slight nod to the Southwest, where Julia lives with her broad. 

Lupita can do no wrong and this white Herrera would be the perfect canvas for her glowing skin and some seriously fun accessories. 

Sandra is a big fan of Marchesa and this red number would be gorgeous on her. 

There is something so damn fun about this Oscar de la Renta. Margot is new and young to the red carpet, so this is perfect for her. A bit of whimsy in a sea of satin lameness. 

I am off for vacation for a week and will write when I get back. Not too long of a wait before we get to the big night! So excited to see if any of these make the cut. 

xo

Erin 

What I'm Packing: Palm Springs

While the polar vortex is glorious and all, getting to the desert can not come soon enough. I have been focused on getting the kids there alive and clothed, so my wardrobe has not been thought of much. While I always pack as light as possible, I have to even more so when half my suitcase is filled with the babes' stuff.  Besides a couple of lounge around outfits and my usual make up essentials, this is what I am packing for our trip this week. 

1. This striped Alice + Olivia dress is my latest purchase, it fits and flatters so well. They are out of most sizes, this one is similar and on sale. 

2. I have had a bad experience with spray tans, but I so want to be tan all the time. I swear this Jergens natural glow works great and has spf. A bonus I love. 

3. A cashmere scarf is a splurge, but an oversized one for the plane that can then be used as a wrap pulls double duty. Barney's on sale! $179

4. This botanical print bikini from J. Crew is SO sweet. 

5. A printed maxi is a go to for cover ups. 9seed $115

6. Leopard has become a neutral to me, which I never thought would be possible. This is my go to clutch and I will wear it with everything. Even with prints it works. Claire V. $275

7. No doubt these Jimmy Choo wedges are pricey, but my pair has lasted many years and can be worn with everything. The perfect vacation shoe. 

8. The yellow Parker dress that I got on the last Shopbop sale sold out, but this Dolce Vita is also a sweet shade of sunshine in a great texture. 

9. It is nice to have something that can be dressed up or down. I also love an eyelet when it is warm.

Gap $69

10. I try to just bring one or two pieces and wear my every day items on the plane to save space. This tassel necklace is very similar to a vintage one I am bringing that I can wear with everything. Rosena Sammi $55

Headed anywhere fun to escape this madness of winter? 

xo

Erin 

Vacation Prep: Baby Edition

 

I remember those days when you could just pack the night before, throwing a few cute outfits in a bag, some essential toiletries, and off you were to paradise. If you can still enjoy this easy prep for a trip, lucky you! I am jealous. We leave for a trip this week with both kids, our first not staying with family. And while I have done this before, it never ceases to amaze me what goes in to transporting children (and parents) comfortably. I wrote this post before Tommy's first trip and the advice from other moms was so helpful. Besides the to-do lists and to-pack lists that I start a couple weeks out, these two online services are by far the best tools to get you where you need to go without hauling the entire nursery.

First, Diapers.com. If you have never used this site or one of its co-sites (Soap for essentials, Wag for pets, Vine for natural products, they are all awesome and you can pretty much get everything you could ever need), you should try it. They have every baby essential that you need, plus toys, gear, clothes, everything. Best part is, free shipping usually in two days. Before a trip, I order everything I will need for our destination and have it delivered the day before. If we are staying at a hotel, I simply give them the heads up that it will be arriving.

Second, is Traveling Baby. This service can be found in most major cities and allows you to rent baby equipment for your trip. It can be delivered or picked up, and in some cities they will meet you at the airport. They carry everything from cribs to toys to high chairs. It is all sanitized and clean and ready for use. They simply pick it up at the end of your trip. 

What services have you used for trips to make traveling with kids easier? This family friendly vacation rental company looks fab, Kid & Coe. Would love to try it sometime. 

xo
Erin 

PS: I have no shame in that this is my son's set up to get through a four hour flight. 

Happy Weekend!

Now that I am feeling more settled with the little ones, the weeks seem to be going by at lightening speed. We leave for Palm Springs on Thursday and there is a lot to do! Super excited to get a break from the cold and take in some of that lovely desert sunshine. The babes need it too. 

There is something fun planned for this weekend that I can't wait to share about on Monday. Other than that, I have an eggplant parm wanting in the fridge that a friend brought over for a seriously comforting meal that I cannot wait for. Oh, and a great bottle of wine I plan on enjoying. Myself.

 In the meantime, I hope you have a killer weekend. And if you have not downloaded the photo app Waterlogue yet, do it. I have pretty much been playing artist all week to gems like this.  xo Erin 

Blonde to Brunette, A Hair Story

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I went brunette last week. Which was a huge change. This is what my hair looked like before. 

Pretty much solid blonde. 

My natural color is light brown so I went with it and had it dyed as close as my roots could take me. 

And while I liked seeing what my natural color was, it was just a bit too dark for me. Maybe even too dramatic. I have been blonde my whole life. I started coloring my hair once it started going dark in high school. So basically I freaked out and made an appointment to lighten it up a bit. 

And I am loving the new color. It is a bit more natural blonde as opposed to the straight bleached head I had going on before. It is hard to tell in these photos, but it has an ombre effect. 

It is darker at the root so I can go a lot longer between appointments, which at this point was every five weeks. 

What do you think? I mean besides that I am crazy for going so much lighter again so fast? ha 

xo

Erin 

Shopbop Sale

I love when retailers are moving on to Spring and put the past season's pieces on sale. Let's be honest, there is plenty more winter to go. There are some fantastic items on sale at Shopbop at up to 70% off. Such a great way to get some designer items for way less. I have my eye on...

1. Classic tuxedo jacket by Club Monaco $202

2. These Rag & Bone booties never go on sale. $346

3. A fun graphic print from Clover Canyon $187

4. A cozy sweater dress by Club Monaco $132

5. Who doesn't always need a set of Hanky Panky? $62

6. This sweet bow back dress from Alice + Olivia $72

7. Obsessed with this navy tunic by Rory Becca $104

8. A classic Diane Von Furstenberg wrap dress is a geometric pattern $255

9. Faux leather paneled leggings from Club Monaco $74

10. Cashmere color block by Vince $227

11. A sweet bralette from Ella Moss $35

12. Love this smocked dress by Lovers & Friends $107

13. LBD by Parker with leather panels $99

14. The perfect LRD by Rag and Bone $227

15. A little sparkly number from Parker $207

16. Yosi Samra because I love the leopard $70

xo

Erin 

Slow Cooker Flank Steak Tacos

I have been making a lot of tacos lately because I can make the meat in advance, do some chopping and make a Mexican slaw during nap time, and dinner is easy breezy come 5:30. Yep, we are on the "let's eat before bedtime train" over here. This recipe using the slow cooker is so easy. No browning beforehand, no laundry list of steps, and not a huge amount of ingredients. This meat is delicious. So juicy and tender when it comes out and perfect after a long day. Just add a margarita and you are set. 

Slow Cooker Flank Steak Tacos
serves 4-6
From: Eat Live Run

Ingredients:

2 lbs flank steak

1 yellow onion, chopped

1 green bell pepper, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 jalapeno, seeded and chopped

for spice rub---

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp cumin

1/4 tsp onion powder

1/4 tsp garlic powder

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

for serving---

corn tortillas

avocado slices

cilantro

your favorite salsa

limes

Directions:

Mix together all spices in a small bowl. Rub the spices all over your flank steak---be generous here! Then, place your steak at the bottom of your crock pot.

Cover the steak with the chopped onions, bell peppers and jalapeno pepper. Turn heat on LOW and cook for 8 hours.

After 8 hours, remove meat from crock pot and shred with a fork. It should be incredibly easy to shred. You can either stick the shredded meat back in the pot for another hour or serve as is.

To serve, heat your corn tortillas in a skillet on the stove. Spoon some carnitas on a tortilla then top with salsa, avocado, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.