Basic in Black

Our last day away last week was spent exploring. We took our time getting ready in the morning and checked out of our hotel in Napa. With a six am flight the next morning, we didn't want to have to leave pretty much in the middle of the night, so we opted for a place in SF a little closer to the airport!

Knowing we didn't have any concrete plans for the day, we decided to just take our time and explore! One of my good friends suggested Stinson Beach as a stopping point because of it's beauty, so we took her up on the suggestion! We opted for taking Shoreline Highway as our route-best decision ever!

That was our view the whole drive...so amazing, isn't it? Stinson Beach was the cutest little town ever. My husband noted that it looked like the type of beach town that would be in a Nicholas Sparks book/movie, and he was spot on. 

Knowing we would be in and out of the car a good bit, and exploring more of San Francisco later in the day, I wanted to be comfortable. We didn't check into our hotel until about nine in the evening, so comfort was key!

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Old Navy /// Dress: Old Navy /// Sandals: Target /// Hat: Target /// Backpack: Target /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Simply Stylist /// Bracelets: Alex and Ani, My Saint My Hero, My Saint My Hero, Stella and Dot /// Necklace: Stella and Dot ///  Earrings: Vivi

Spring Beauty Roundup

With the change of the season comes changes in my beauty routine. Mostly small, but still some changes. I feel like when the weather warms up I am in the mindset of less makeup, what corners can I cut in the morning to get out the door quicker, and anything I can do to smooth out the bumps, flaws, etc of my skin. (Obviously with warmer weather comes more skin exposure).

Here is what I have been loving lately...

1. I know I shared this with you all before, but I still love Pillow Proof just as much as when I started using it. I use it every time before I blow dry, and even bought a travel size bottle of it. It really does cut your drying time down and smells great! Local gals, you can get your hands on some at Midtown Hair Company. It's worth it!

2. It's that time of year again for bare legs! Like most adults, I don't get to layout in the sun all day long, therefore I don't always have a nice tan (I can't even get an airbrush tan as much as I would like to). Because of that, I use Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs. I am telling you, it smooths out the look of your legs SO much. Once I started using this last year, I used it every day I wore shorts or a shorter dress. It dries quickly and it doesn't rub off.

3. Lash extensions are my new best friend. They can be a little pricey, which is why I saved for it. The initial set (similar to when you get acrylic nails I guess) is the most expensive, but getting them filled after that is not nearly as much. The reason I love them so much is because the look of them allows me to wear less makeup. I don't have to take the time in the morning curling and applying mascara, so I save a lot of time getting ready. One thing you should make sure is that the person doing your extensions is certified to do so, and also that you are not allergic to the adhesive. Summer, who did my extensions offered for me to come in a few days early to do a test spot on my skin of the adhesive. I chose not to and took my chances! If you are local, Lashed Out by Summer is the way to go. She is amazing. 

4. I think it's a guarantee that anything Bare Minerals comes out with, I will try. Sort of going along with the reasoning behind using Sally Hansen's Airbrush Legs, I wanted something that would give me the "I was in the sun all day" glow. I haven't tried any bronzing palettes before, so this is all new to me, but so far I really love Bare Minerals California Bronze Palette. I love the two darker options they give you, along with the shimmer. Depending on your preference, you can use the darkest for a more intense contour or the lighter shade for a more subtle glow. The shimmer shade is my favorite though!  Gives a nice sun kissed glow!

5. With spring in the air, I have been obsessed with pastel nail polish. As I type this I have a pastel pink on my nails and pastel purple on my toes. The lighter hues are just so fitting for this time of year. Usually when summer rolls around I opt for brighter, bolder colors. For now though, I will stick to the lighter shades, even white. My three go-to's this season have been Essie's Blanc, OPI's  Don't You Lilac It and Suzi Shops and Island Hops.

6. Coconut Oil is a favorite of mine for many reasons. I love using it in a DIY lip balm for an added SPF and moisturizer. I chatted last year about the many benefits of coconut oil. I also like using it this time of year as it keeps my skin more moisturized, which makes my spray tan last longer! I like using Spectrum Organic Coconut Oil found at Target.

7. Last, but certainly not least is this amazing new lip stain called Stiff Upper Lip. I personally can't stand when it is super windy out, and my hair gets stuck to my lipstick or lip gloss. This lip stain gives you the color that you want for your lips without the gooey-ness of lipstick or lipgloss. On less windy days, I will add a little sheer gloss or even just chapstick to the stain, but when I wear it, I mostly just wear it as a stain. It's also nice because you don't have to reapply as often as wearing lipstick. I currently have the color Saucy, and I love it!

Overalls in Napa

I think I speak for everyone, when I say the first few days back from vacation are difficult. It's filled with a lot of "yesterday at this time I was sipping wine in the sun," "last week at this time I was packing last minute things before flying out." Yes?

One thing that makes it a tiny bit easier is being able to look back at all the pictures. Lately it seems, with the exception of my blog pictures, most, if not all pictures my husband and I take are with our phones. Knowing I had to take pictures for posts forced us to have our camera with us all the time, which allowed us to capture some really great photos on an actual camera and not just our phone!

If you haven't been to the Napa Valley area, I really, really recommend it. It couldn't have been more relaxing, more beautiful and more welcoming. Not that my husband and I travel a ton, but we typically don't like to revisit a travel destination (unless it's the beach of course). When we have the opportunity to travel, we like to try somewhere new. Napa will definitely not fall into this category. This is one place we both said we would visit again and again!

Our first full day in Napa we decided to do a winery tour of the smaller, boutique type wineries. We thought it would be a good idea to start the trip out with something like that so we could sort of get our bearings. This worked out so well for us for many reasons, but it was really great because we were able to visit wineries that we may not have found otherwise!

Knowing I had a full day of wine tasting ahead of me, I wanted to be comfortable. My friend Lisa wore these overalls to Simply Stylist back in March. I fell in love with them as soon as I saw them! She looked amazing in them (she paired them with a black tank top and nude pumps...gorgeous)! I decided to dress them down a bit with my Target version Birks.

Outfit Details:

Overalls: Forever 21 /// Shirt: Target /// Sandals: Target /// Backpack: Target /// Hat: Target /// Bracelets: My Saint My Hero, Alex and Ani /// Watch: Target /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Simply Stylist

Can't recommend these overalls enough! I think they even grew on my husband by the end of the day! (or it was the wine...one of the two!) When I first put them on I asked him what he thought and he said "They look comfortable?" Haha! I can always count on him being honest! 

I will fill you in more this week on my Napa trip and all I wore! Here are just a few pics from our first day!

10 Years With My Best Friend

First, I want to say a big happy anniversary to my husband. Ten years ago today, we made the biggest commitment of our lives in front of family, friends and God. It was the best and easiest decision I have ever made.

It's crazy to think that it has been ten years. I mean, we were babies. Babies, I tell you! Looking back, I think what the heck was the rush?!?! I know we would without a doubt marry each other all over again, but really-what was the rush!

I insisted on a cathedral length veil, because there was just no other choice-not for me! And I love how terrified we look in the one picture! I am thinking at this point it was sinking in that we were really getting married! 

Wedding photos by Ray Kauffman (and might I add this was before digital pics)

I feel like we grew up with each other, almost. If you think about it, getting married in your early twenties is young. Although you think you are an adult and so grown up, there is still so much growing up and maturing to do. We did that with each other. 

You guys, marriage is hard. It is work. It is essentially another job (along with parenting). I don't mean that to sound negative at all, because I don't intend for it to be negative. But, it is work. Like with anything at your job, or just in life in general, you get out what you put in. 

I always used to think love was just a feeling, but after being married for ten years, I think it is more than just a feeling, it's also a choice. I choose to love my husband everyday. I choose to live this life with him, and experience everything with him- the good, the bad, the happy, the sad. I am lucky enough that he chooses to love me, live his life with me. 

My love has changed too, since we have gotten married. I don't love him any less by any means, it's just different-better, more, deeper. With all that we have experienced-moves, new jobs, no jobs, children, your love kind of evolves as your life does. 

Through the every day triumphs, through the marriage growing pains, through the milestones, the heartaches, the victories, the laughs, the tears,  I choose him. I choose love. I choose our family, our life. 

Besides, I don't have a better time with anyone other than him. No one makes me laugh like he can.  It's amazing to think how many years we have been lucky enough to spend together. (and might I add we have the most amazing family and friends as great support systems and role models for what a great, healthy marriage is!)

I love looking back at pictures of us over the years and seeing how much we have changed (more me than him...I am certain he looks exactly the same!). Our family picture has changed so much over the years, too and I just love it! It has only gotten better and better, that's for certain! 

Our first family picture as a family of three. When Ella was a toddler and just the cutest thing ever (photo by KM Photography). Little Miss Charlotte making her entrance, and as just a tiny newborn (photo by Ken Bruggeman)

He has my heart, has given me the best years of my life, my biggest accomplishments-I wouldn't trade any of it for the world. I love you so much, Ryan! Happy anniversary. I can't wait to see what the next 10 years (and more) hold for us! 

Photo by Ken Bruggeman

I Want to Have Adventures With You

Happy Tuesday, everyone! My husband and I are heading out to Napa tomorrow morning to celebrate ten years (yes....ten!!) of marriage! I am beyond excited to be headed back out to CA!

Not that we are world travelers, but we have done the beachy, caribbean type places several times before, so this time we wanted to do something different. I don't know if it's age, or just growing older, but I am to the point now where I just want to explore and see cool cities and do things, and have adventures rather than just go somewhere and lay on a beach (which don't get me wrong- I am totally down with that too!).

We are flying in to San Francisco suuuuper early Tuesday morning, spending the day and night there as well as part of Wednesday to explore the area. We've rented a car, which I am super excited about! Wednesday, we plan to take our time driving to Napa where we will spend the rest of the week! We sort of have a game plan, but sort of don't! I am kind of excited to wake up every day and say "So what do you want to do today?" Especially because we will have a car, so we can just drive and explore! If any of you have suggestions, shoot me an email!

Posting will be a little spotty this week, but you can follow my adventures on instagram (@mommyinheels) or facebook!!

Have a great week!

Lace Kimono

Last spring/summer I was obsessed with kimonos. The look, the comfort, the style, the prints. Kimonos are just an easy outfit. Toss on over a tee and some jeggings and you have an instant outfit.

When I ordered this for my store, I knew it would be a popular item (and even if it wasn't, I loved it!), because kimonos are such a great piece for any body type, any shape and size! My husband on the other hand said it looked like I was wearing my grandmother's tablecloth! Hahaha! I could see that, but I still love it anyway.

To me, kimonos are similar to blazers, in that it can be something easy to toss on when you aren't sure what to wear-perhaps maybe the spring/summer version of a blazer? In the colder months, my blazers seem to be my "I don't know what to wear so I will wear a blazer" piece. In the warmer months, that's a kimono!

Outfit Details:

Kimono: Elizabeth & West Fashion House /// Tank: Target /// Jeans: Target /// Sandals: Target /// Backpack: Target /// Necklace: Stella and Dot, Vintage locket /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Simply Stylist /// Bracelets: Alex and Ani /// Watch: Target 

Shop similar lace kimonos here: 

Fitness Friday

Clever, right? I figured I haven't filled you in on my weight loss journey in a while, and if any of you are like me, I get inspiration, motivation, ideas, etc. from other people like me.

With that in mind, I figured I would start a little Fitness Friday series, and just share with you all my journey, bumps in the road, ideas, thoughts, you name it. Because lets face it- after we all try and stick to something for a few months we consider ourselves experts, right?!?! Kidding, kidding. I am no expert. Far from it. After all, if I were an expert I wouldn't be trying to change my lifestyle for the 6.593rd time.

So I have been doing Weight Watchers (seriously) since the beginning of the year. I "started" it mid December, which I think sort of helped me not indulge as much over the holidays. I didn't get seriously about it though until after the new year.

I took me a bit longer to get going this time around (I say this time around because I have done Weight Watchers several times). I think because in the past, I have dieted to the extreme, and in an unhealthy way, (including diet pills) which gave me instant weight loss (but no long term results). I wanted that instant gratification, which is something you don't get with Weight Watchers. BUT. You do get long term results, essentially a lifestyle change. Make sense? I just had to keep plugging away, and know that I may not lose 10 lbs in one week (totally healthy and normal, right?!?!) but I am doing it the right way.

So far I am down 20 lbs, which I know is excellent. In my mind, I would love to lose a good 30 more, but I know at this point in my life, my body can't get there, and if it does, staying there won't be a realistic way to live. I think everyone's body has a "happy" weight. I would say I am about 20-25 lbs away from my happy weight. That is realistic, that is totally doable and totally possible.

Here are some things I have learned or tried along the way so far that have helped me!!

~ZOODLES! If you are anything like me and love pasta, then it is a challenge for you to keep your portions in check. What I like about Weight Watchers is that I can still eat what I want, but sometimes I just.want.more. If you are unfamiliar, zoodles are noodles made from zucchini. I bought a zoodle maker on amazon and never looked back! I usually just cook them in olive oil with some minced garlic and add some chicken- delicious! I find this to be a great alternative. If you are worried you won't like it, just give it a try. I didn't think I liked zucchini, but cooked in some olive oil and garlic it is delicious!

~Water, water, water. This is sooooo hard for me, but it makes a huge difference. I just find I feel better, my body feels more cleansed when I drink more water. It is a battle I have with myself, but it's beneficial.

~Start the day with warm lemon water. I started doing this a few months ago and now it's part of my morning routine. I posted several months ago about essential oils, and how I started using them (still do, still love them-maybe even more). I use the lemon essential oil and put 2-3 drops in a mug of hot water. The benefits of starting the day with warm lemon water are amazing. Even if it isn't aiding in my weight loss journey, the other benefits that I am getting from it are totally worth it. I am telling you-do it. You will be thankful you did.

~Get cute workout clothes. I am telling you, something simple like this totally helps and motivates me. Now yes, there are times where I will wear my comfy yoga pants and an oversized tee, but I find I want to work out more when I have something cute to wear. It doesn't need to be anything fancy by any means. I love Fabletics (you can read about it here). Target also has a great selection. I have found success with both brands!

~You are going to screw up. It's bound to happen. I can't tell you how many days I have gone to bed disappointed in myself because I ordered a cheeseburger for dinner instead of the chicken and rice I had planned on ordering, or because I had 3 pieces of pizza instead of one piece and a salad. It happens-it's part of the journey. There have been soooo many times when, in the middle of my disappointment, where I have thought the heck with it all, I am content where I am at. Yet here I am, still plugging away, because the truth is, I am not ok with where I am at right now. You can't let your disappointment or slip ups end your journey. You will get through it, and it will be ok.

~On demand-I had no clue until earlier this week what a pretty decent selection of workout videos are available on demand. I am a big fan of Mari Winsor (Winsor Pilates), so the fact that I could get some of her workouts from my tv sold me on it. You should check it out!

Have a great weekend! I won't be posting as much next week- my husband and I are headed to Napa for the week to celebrate our anniversary! Woo hoooooooo!!

Versatile Eyelet

Anything that I can re wear and has a little versatility is great in my book. I think you all are aware of that by now!

I wore this dress the other week for Easter. It's a super cute dress that can obviously be dressed up or down, but what I like about it, is that it's not super tight, so I don't feel as though I need to suck it in all day long. I also think it would look super cute with a baby bump. I asked my husband if he agreed with me- he did not and said it looked just fine without a baby bump! Haha :)

Anyway, with the in between temps, I thought it was safe to bare the legs again. I wanted to dress it up a little bit more than when I wore it for Easter, but knowing I had a packed day, I wanted to still be comfortable.

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Old Navy /// Dress: Old Navy (avail in store, similar) /// Shoes: Go Jane (similar) /// Earrings: Elizabeth & West (in store) /// Backpack: Target  /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Simply Stylist /// Watch: Target /// Ring: Robyn Rhodes

Backpack, Backpack

The fact that backpacks are so popular right now makes me so happy! Not only are they practical, but there is such a variety, that you can find some super cute ones! They are especially useful when I am out and about with my little ones.

Between my backpack, my belt bags and my Blair Ritchey Lango messenger bag (restocking soon), I am all set!

Outfit Details:

Jacket: Old Navy /// Tee: Forever 21 (similar, similar) /// Jeans: Gap (similar) /// Shoes: Sam Edelman /// Bracelets: Alex and Ani, Stella and Dot /// Sunglasses: Karen Walker c/o Simply Stylist /// Watch: Target