Friday Faves

We just got news that there is a baby on her way. (10 days early!) I have to say, I never really understood the emotions experienced when someone you love is having a baby. I used to roll my eyes at all the 'auntie' blog posts and facebook photos. But now that one of my good friends is about to give birth, I'm in awe that someone I love is experiencing something so beautiful and life-changing. I want to cry about it and the baby's not even here yet...

Also, today I'm being hosted on J's Everyday Fashion blog with an outfit re-creation I did based on a thrifted military style blazer. Check it out!

Finally, I got this Ark & Co printed bird blouse from Piperlime with a gift card a few weeks ago. I loved it online, but but it ended up being a little different than I had thought (looser, less structured) and I was having trouble styling it. So with the help of polyvore, I put a couple style boards for inspiration. Anything you'd like to add?

Have a lovely weekend!

Friday Faves + Giveaway!

Make sure you scroll to the end--I have a fun giveaway for you!

Happy Friday! It's my birthday on Sunday so I'm excited to spend the weekend celebrating, and running some errands for our trip. Here are some of my favorites from the blog world the last few weeks...

A fabulous ruffle lace skirt tutorial

(exactly the type of thing I'm hoping to work on when I'm home in July)

Have you ever blogged something you regretted? Here's a great post on the subject.

Some travel tips from Jordan of Oh Happy Day (who's living in Paris!)

I love the idea of a meal in a jar. Wonder how well this works in practice?

I'm dying to make these peanut butter bacon chocolate cookies from Jessica at How Sweet It Is.

Lastly, I'm excited to announce a [sponsored] giveaway from Tah Groen of Tahirih Designs. I was searching on Etsy for local vendors in San Diego County and stumbled upon her great jewelry. She graciously agreed to offer an item from her shop to my readers.

The giveaway is for the Twisted Rosette Ring. I love how sweet and delicate it is!

To enter: please subscribe to my blog, visit Tah's jewelry shop (& photography shop) and comment below!

Winner will be announced on Monday!

Latte Loves: Italy Style

I've been drooling over a few items I would love to add to my wardrobe before we leave this summer. (Also my birthday is on Sunday, so E - hint, hint!)

Here's a peak of my style lusts right now...

Oxfords

Breton striped top

(perfect with bright pink lips!)

Versatile maxi dress

More Alternative Apparel...

Shabby Apple's new Set Sail line

Floppy Hat

Rain Coat

(I didn't expect to love this jacket, but tried it on at REI this weekend and fell in LOVE. It's so cute in person.)

What's on your summer style must-have list?

Chicago: lattes, friends, photos

I was thrilled that Anni, a not-so-fledgling photographer, agreed to take some photos for me last week in Chicago.

Many of you have already seen these shots, because Anni was SO quick at getting them posted! (there are a few new ones in this post!)

I'd been dying try a latte at Intelligentsia, so we met up again on Friday morning (late morning, thanks for your patience, Anni!)

Its sort of awkward to get your photo taken alone. It wasn't that busy, but I felt a little self-conscious every time someone walked by, or slowed down to see what was going on. Anni made me feel really comfortable, and was super encouraging (she kept saying how much she loved the shots she was getting!)

I wanted a headshot for this blog, so I thought it would be fun to get some shots with latte art in a coffee shop. (and p.s. I love lattes, but I've not had anything like Intelligentsia. YUM)

Anni had already scoped out the neighborhood and found some other great spots too.

I'm amazed at what she accomplished in just over an hour. We had a lot of fun (despite the cold wind!)

There are so many shots I love, but now I have to decide which one to use in my bio.

I hope you can help me choose! I've embedded a poll in this post so you can vote for your favorite.

Photo 1

Photo 2

Photo 3

Photo 4

Photo 5

Thanks again, Anni for a wonderful morning, and some great photos!

obvs, all photos by Anni Cee Photographie

Friday Faves

An every-once-in-a-while round up of my favorites around the blogosphere.

In my Imaginary Closet by Creature Comforts. Love the concept, and what she put together. Now I'm messing around on Polyvore trying to create my own.

Taren admits she isn't doing what she loves and takes a leap of faith to get there.

(My friend Cait recently did the same.) Inspiring!

Reuben Egg Rolls at The Kitchn. I die.

you guys already listen to the Civil Wars, right?

I discovered them a couple months, and I've been obsessed with their Pandora station.

I loved their sound, and their music...and especially that Joy (Williams, the girl of the pair) used to be a pop CCM artist I listened to in h.s.!

Finally--One of BlogHer's posts this week arrested my attention and I can't stop thinking about it.

It's all about ownership of your decisions without apology.

I've never been one to back down...at least not since my first college boyfriend where I took the blame for everything that went wrong and then some. I'm assertive, strong-willed (just ask E), and generally confident. I still need a reminder, and I think you do too.

Not just freedom to not speak your mind or share your decisions for fear of criticism (as someone more timid might be tempted to do), but also to have freedom from the rationalization and frustration associated with defending them.

Here's an excerpt from the post by Rachel Wilkerson, Don't say you're sorry, Just Own It

In my early twenties, I made so many decisions based on guilt. I always wanted to have a reason to justify my actions. A million reasons, actually. I went into conversations like I was going into battle, armed with my explanations like they were nun chucks. I would start swinging as soon as I heard the first disapproving, “Really? Are you sure?” I was armed and dangerous, ready to justify what I was doing to my friends and to myself until I was just beating everyone in the face with it.

But finally, something clicked for me. I realized my only explanation was, “Because.”

And I owned it.

Check out the post and let me know--what have you owned?

and finally--EEEeee! I just booked tickets for E and I to head to NYC for a short weekend in June. What should we see, do, eat, buy?!

Friday Faves

I'm going to share a few of my favorite blog posts of the week. This may become a regular feature--I follow some pretty awesome bloggers. Hope you enjoy!

I loved Cole's Vlog Friday book picks (and the fact that she's unashamed of her dislike of Mr. Darcy) Also check out Steph's vlog, Kate's vlog and others! I meant to participate in this week's prompt, but I'm a slacker and didn't get around to it.

It was nearly 70 degrees yesterday so I had lunch outside and enjoyed the sunshine. I know we live in one of the nicest places ever, but I still can't wait for spring! (sfgirlbythebay)

I love this view from my backyard, and the fact that the sun is sticking around after 5pm (yay!)

Layla's post on her attraction of weirdos is hilarious.

I feel like E and I have pretty funny dinner conversations, but I could never remember and trascribe them quite like this. (from Kate of Elefantitas Alegres)

An adorable french outfit by Kendi

Feeling sick? Try this grown-up version of cough syrup posted by my friend Carly

Carolyn posted this nail polish and I just about died of its cuteness. Immediately bought up and sent one to my friend Mocha for her birthday tomorrow.

and finally, why have I never thought to wear a white belt with black pants? genius! (or maybe the question should be, why don't I own a white belt?) love this outfit, Maya

Have a happy weekend!

Lattes and Margaritas: What Girls Are Made Of

ps. Kim just sent over a bunch more pics, so I added a few on the last post if you can find them!

Friday morning we headed for the hills a few miles away to hike at San Elijo Hills.

I've never hiked here when it's been so clear--so crazy to see the ocean (20 miles away)!

I wasn't really planning well when we left. We intended on a leisurely morning hike.

We ended up walking over 5 miles, all very steep inclines, in about 2.5 hours. (lots of breaks)

is it over yet?

Exhausted, we dragged our selves for some refreshment from In 'N Out!

Can you guess from the attire where we spent a leisurely afternoon? Sadly (ha, this is going to sound so snotty), it was a little windy and cool for the perfect day at the beach.

but the sun was still shining, surfers still surfing, margaritas still in order

One of Kim's requests for the visit was to visit coffee shops. A latte lover never turns down those opportunities! Friday night we went to Old California Coffee House (formerly, Mocha Marketplace) Its frequented by undergrads, but has a great setting--eclectic art and thrift store furniture. Outside, two fire pits, live music on the weekends and a huge latte menu keep it busy!

Dessert drinks...my favorite!

Kim tried a Mexican mocha

and I got caramel butterscotch

Saturday morning brought more coffee--at our favorite roasters, Safari

Eric's group of friends has been spending Saturday mornings here for over 8 years!

I convinced Kim to take a pound of beans home (She loved them!) and we headed off to the Island of Coronado for the day.

First stop, Hotel Del

We walked through the basement shops and checked out the display showing the history of the hotel.

Picked up some sweet souvenirs! (Kim had lots of people to buy for!)

We ended the day at Miguel's--a great mexican place across the street from Hotel Del, but hidden down a small walkway.

Margaritas and tacos. A great end to a great (long) weekend!

I love entertaining and was excited to see some new SD sights. Any SD'ers have some suggestions for our next guest? (I'm thinking Point Loma, Mission Beach, Temecula)