Celebrating the Simple things in Life

 

My daughter Fiona recently turned four years old. What a crazy fun age this is! Her personality constantly has me in hysterics. Especially the way she talks in all sorts of voices... has to be my favorite thing in the world. And for the most part she's an incredibly happy person and oh so easy to please. It really is the simple things for her.

This year we had a mini celebration with family, prior to having a birthday party with friends. In another life I might be a baker, but today I'm just not, I've definitely made cupcakes with the kids before but on a whole, baking isn't really my gig... so, store bought doughnuts it is! Pink flowers, a cupcake balloon the size of her body and we sang Happy Birthday in the morning,  she was the happiest little girl.

After all the morning sweetness we decided a trip to the zoo would be the best place to burn off the sugar high. It was the perfect day, temperature wise, sunny but nice and cool. We cruised the Monkey and Aviara trails, which are covered in greenery, it really is the best, we checked out the snakes, crocodile and turtles, then rode the Sky Ride.

As we got off the Sky Ride we totally lucked out, Santa had set up shop in the zoo, and there was no line... I don't know how that could be but it was. The kids talked to Santa, told him they would be good and whispered their secret wishes for Christmas. Check that off the list. 

After our visit with Santa we hit the kids playground and called it day.  All in all a fun little day for the birthday girl. 

Escaping the madness of Black Friday

Top: Anthropologie// Denim: Banana Republic Destroyed Skinny Jean

We skipped Black Friday this year and headed to the beach post Thanksgiving.  Coronado is just a skip away from where we live so this is the beach you'll usually find us at.  During the holidays the Hotel Del Coronado is decked out in all sorts of festiveness.  My favorite has to be the ice rink on the beach.  Where else can you ice skate with ocean views and palm trees swaying in the breeze?  I used to be a figure skater, competed, the whole bit, so getting back on skates is always a big deal for me. I love coming to the beach when the temperature drops, I always have.  Something about overcast skies and cooler weather makes everything feel so calm in the midst of all the busyness of the holidays.  It feels good to stop, slow down and reflect on the season.  Don't get me wrong, I love a good sale, but this year I think I'll be sticking to the laptop versus fighting the crowds,  I hope you enjoyed the week and had a Happy Thanksgiving!  Thanks for reading and stopping by.
xo
Christie

How to wear red during the holidays

Dress: Free People// Sandals:  Banana Republic// Sunglasses: Marc by Marc Jacobs

Fiona's Dress: Janie & Jack

I'm not much of a red wearer.  I have to subtly dip my toe into the color when I do opt for red.  But I always love the color on other people.  It's so bold and always stuns.  If I go for red it's usually something more on the muted side.  This Free People dress is so up my alley.  It's red with a hint of pattern.  It flows, has pockets and tassels.  I feel like it works well for a kid friendly event but still has a bit of flirtiness.  Another way I've worn it is with black tights paired with black booties or flats.  I wore this dress this past weekend for a showing of How the Grinch Stole Christmas at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park.  This was only our second year seeing the Grinch but I see it as a kickoff to the holidays.  I opted for open toe heels since it was on the warmer side.  The park is so beautiful this time of year.  Really festive, it's just a great way to spend the day.

I'd love to hear how you get into the holiday mood!

Thanks for reading and I hope you and yours have a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.

xo

Christie