I know it's technically not fall just yet, but that hasn't stopped the pumpkin spice latte lover in me from getting ready for my most favorite time of the year! College football, crisp cool weather, pumpkin flavored everything, and cozy evenings in! Here are a few of my favorite fall must haves!

1- An over-sized, vintage feel collegiate sweatshirt. Nothing says comfy Saturday football watching attire like a worn in sweatshirt with your Alma Mater's logo on it. I have a Baylor one that I just adore, and this one from State Vintage is just perfect with its cut neck. Pair it with some skinny jeans, a tank and some converse or boots and you're all set! 
2- A great pair of boots (or two). Now, if you're like me, you're always on the lookout for a tried and true, budget friendly pair of boots and these Steve Madden Intyce are my faves. My first pair lasted 2+ years and CL literally made me trash them because they were falling apart. I was lucky to pick up both the cognac and black pairs last year while I was pregnant and I LIVED in them. They have a small wedge so they give you a little lift without being uncomfy. And for $129 you can get both colors for under $300, which is coincidentally the starting cost of one pair of Frye's or Tory Burch's. Just sayin'. 
3- An infinity scarf. If you live in the Bay Area, you know that layering is key, so you are never without a good scarf. And if you're a breast feeding mom, you know a good infinity scarf doubles as a good hooter hider. I have a few, but I really love my Popcorn Space Dyed Lurex Infinity Scarf by Simply Vera Vera Wang from Kohl's. Mine is cornflower blue and it matches just about everything. It's full of texture, is light & breathable, and super cozy. Bonus? I picked it up on clearance for less than $10 a while back!
4- Crabtree & Evelyn's Hand Therapy in Pear and Magnolia. I walked in the store randomly a few months back, and tried this, and was hooked almost immediately. With cooler temps, your skin begins to dry out, and if you wash your hands as much as I do (#momproblems), you really need a good moisturizer. This hand cream smells yummy, but not overpowering, is super luxurious feeling, doesn't dry greasy, and keeps your hands super soft. I use it every night before bed and my hands feel amazing. I only purchased the .9oz tube and it's lasted for at least 3 months. Totally worth the $8 if you ask me!
5- Animal Print is going to be huge this fall. Whether you like cheetah, leopard or zebra, adding some print to your wardobe is key! Im loving these Tory Burch Reva Printed Ballet Flats, and this Old Navy Cardigan. You can add a lot (cardigan) if you love wearing bold prints, or a little (shoes, scarf, etc.) if you're more conservative. The cardigan with a fun graphic tee (like this one from Forever21) would be super chic!
6- Clutches are on trend for the fall, and this adorable Kate Spade indigo Denim Clutch is just perfect. Oversized, durable, and a bow detail, this clutch can go from work, errands, and playgroup to cocktails and dinner without ever skipping a beat! And for $78 you can't go wrong!

Our first Anniversary with California!

A year ago today we opened the door to our California home. A whole year. Can you believe it?! Neither can we!
It has been such an exciting year and so much has happened. Here's a quick run down of what's happened! (sorry this is not in any order!)

• we moved into our California home (obvs)
• We celebrated New Years Eve 2013 in Lake Tahoe in the snow
• I started not one, but two new jobs.
• CL got to travel all over the place and he got to hire someone!
• we traveled to Tahoe, Hawaii, Las Vegas, Napa, Houston, Austin, Santa Cruz/ Capitola, San Francisco, Big Sur, Monterrey, Carmel, and Santa Rosa just to name a few!
• CL got to be part of his company going public!
• We got pregnant!
• We celebrated one year of marriage in Hawaii
• CL sliced the tip of his finger off and got 6 stitches in his pinky
• CL turned 30 years old and we celebrated in Las Vegas
• I joined the Junior League of Palo Alto- Mid Penisula and met some amazing girls
• We made lots of new friends that have become our California family
• We attended a Giants game at AT&T park, a Oakland A's game at the Oakland Colliseum (and lived to talk about it) a 49ers game at Candlestick Park, an Indy car race at Sonoma Raceway, and CL went to a Sharks game at the SAP Center
• As an anniversary gift, we got to go see The Rolling Stones live. 
• CL planted and has kept alive an olive tree. and no im not joking.
• we joined costco. 'merica!
• I grew out my bangs. riveting, i know!
• I turned 28 and we celebrated over dinner at the four seasons and with fireworks
• we had lots of visitors.
• I learned to sew and CL built a bass guitar
• We cheered on the Baylor Bears ever week they played, even if our neighbors thought we were crazy
•  We celebrated our first Valentines Day, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, Halloween, Christmas Eve and Christmas on our own

I know it doesn't seem like a lot, but it was! We have enjoyed every second of living out here, except that whole family is 1000s of miles away thing. We have been really lucky and can't wait to see what 2014 has to offer!

here is a short video of pics of the highlights of our year!

Here's to year two!

Is this week over yet?

What a crazy week this has been. First with the Boston Marathon bombing, then with the West Plant Explosion, and the ever on-going man-hunt for the marathon bomber. (As of today 4-19-13, one of the bombers has been shot, and one is still on the run). Does it ever end?
The outpouring of love, support, and humanity i've seen the last few days has really restored my faith in humanity. In a time where we all (well most people) concentrate on the hatred and pain in the world, we are quick to forget those who run into the fear.    To the men and women who rushed to the site of the bombing and explosion. Thank you for forgetting whats best for yourself and helping others. Thank you for being someones hero, helper, hand to hold, water-giver-outer, or blood donor. No one makes you react the way you do, and for reacting in a way that only  people with hearts of gold can, thank you.
As a Baylor University alum, it was more than heartwarming to see the student give up their Dia to help the very small community of West. All Baylor grads know how much students look forward to Dia and for the students to drop everything and give blood, volunteer and donate water, food and clothing is awesome.The donations and lines to give blood, the concern and prayer for the neighboring community not only showed Texas, but the world what a great institution Baylor really is. Sic Em Forever.
Being so far from home makes me feel less connected to the tragedy in West and definitely in Boston. We are so tied to our areas that it's hard to help, but with the Red Cross it makes me feel like i've had an opportunity to help.
It's hard to imagine the amount of hatred in ones soul to do something so destructive. How does one get to that point? Is making the world live in fear really that rewarding? Taking others lives, and crippling hundreds of others does what? Makes you a monster? 
Can you imagine running a marathon only to run to the finish and lose your legs? Or take a day off of work to cheer on strangers to lose an arm? 
The West explosion I cannot even wrap my head around. For a small, Texas town known for it's friendly people and delicious kolaches, I cannot even fathom what the area looks like in real life. The photos alone are mind-blowing. (No pun intended)
I really hope that we can soon wake up from this bad dream and the world will go back to a place where tragedy and violence aren't every day occurrences. I know that that won't happen, but as Americans we are full of hopes and dreams. Wouldn't that be wonderful? Are we not allowed to hope and dream anymore?
Hug your loved ones a little tighter today. Call your family and friends and let them know you love them. This world is a scary place and our days on earth are unfortunately numbered. 
A few songs that have resonated with me the last few days. (And yes, I have a huge Macklemore & Ryan Lewis Crush at the moment. )

catching up. vol 4- baylor homecoming 2012

one of my favorite times of the year (yes, i have more than one) is definately football season. and college football in particular!

it should be no surprise that CL and I are big baylor fans (even though they SUCK this year) something about the waco air just really gets us pumped! we bought season tickets this year, which was a first for us! we were so excited- neither of us had ever bought season tickets to ANYTHING, so we felt like we had accomplished something, even if it was just Baylor football!

we were even lucky to attend an "away" game... in austin! 

anways, last weekend was homecoming! it is always great to go back and catch up with old friends. it was a little warm this year (90+ in november!) and the game was evacuated at half time, but we still had a great time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

and just for good measure, the bears came out on top against kansas!