Manic Monday: Summer Bucket List

Summer is in full swing. The June gloom seems to have disappeared from Seal Beach and the sun has settled in. The summer is already filling up with very busy plans so I've made a mini summer bucket list of things to do.

1. Paddle boarding
2. Beach fishing (Bobby's idea)
3. Del Mar Fair
4. 6 Flags Magic Mountain
5. Day trip to Catalina 

Here's to summer!

Image Via

Moving...maybe.

We're moving! Not far, just upstairs. Another studio opened up (supposedly) that is a teeny bit bigger and has a sink in the kitchen (pure luxury). I say supposedly because we found this out a month ago but have still yet to move. We are just waiting for the go ahead from our property management company. There happens to be lots of beautiful windows with ocean views. So I've been dreaming of a few upgrades and redecorating. Nothing major, just "getting ideas." ;-)

Sources 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Manic Monday: Originality

I once had one of my college professors tell me that nothing is new and that you only get new fashion with new technology. In spite of that, I do think that there are those who have original style. They take inspiration from the past and put there own spin on it. Kate Moss. Alexa Chung. Agyness Deyn. So here is to those with style and being an original.

By Anthony Burrill

The Final Countdown

By 3 or 4 today I will be on the open traffic road heading to Palm Springs. Bobby is gone, my Dad is off to family reunion. Momma and I will be soaking up the sun, thrifting away and checking out Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. See ya on what is sure to be a very Manic Monday!

Image Via

Manic Monday: My Heart

Today my Husband leaves for 12 days. It is not the longest we have been apart, but the longer we are together, the harder it is. Funny how you get used to someone being around, the routine of daily life. But with our 6th wedding anniversary in July, it makes me truly appreciate the man I'm married to. Hurry home Bobby, I love you.

Image from HERE

Return of Manic Mondays!

The return of Manic Mondays! With everything going on lately, this is the perfect one to start us off. So much holds me back from enjoying things to the fullest sometimes or taking advantage of amazing opportunities. Thankfully I have an incredible support system of my husband, family & faith that motivates me to keep on going. So here's to creativity and Manic Mondays!

Source

Things I'm Afraid To Tell You

Image via

I've returned and with a bang. Thanks to the few and faithful followers who have stuck with me and to those of you who are reading this now. I stumbled upon a new blogosphere movement by accident today. This was the first one I read, the honesty was refreshing. My heart went out to her. I secretly wondered what I was afraid to tell. Then while perusing some blogs tonight I discovered this, this and this.

It was all over. I was ready to share. I love this movement. It is the whole reason I've taken a break from blogging. There are things I'm afraid to tell you. I was going through some stuff and felt like I couldn't share, like I had to keep up whatever image I was projecting. A goal of this blog has always been to be authentically me. I took a break because I felt like I couldn't share honestly. I've worked hard to appear like I got everything together, but SURPRISE! I don't. So with that here it goes.

I get jealous. I like to pretend that I don't pay attention to what other people are doing. But I do. I'm a closet stalker sometimes and I let it control me. What bothers me most about it, is that I'm well aware that comparison is the thief of joy. When I am able to climb outside of the jealousy and appreciate the abundant ways God has blessed me, LIFE IS GOOD.

I fight with my husband. I know lots of spouses fight and the majority of people who know Bobby & I probably assumed as much (or witnessed it). I just have this weird thing in my head that nobody is supposed to know that.  I've been around other married couples that seem perfectly matched and in a perpetual state of honeymoon bliss. I even get annoyed being around them and all the mushy stuff they say to each other. Bobby and I are usually not like that, I think it may be from being friends for so long. Not to say I'm not sometimes blissfully happy with my husband but we have a lot of low points too! I don't have to shout it from the roof tops and I don't have to hide it either. It is just part of who we are. We are still deeply committed and madly in love.

Sometimes I'm embarrassed about living in a studio. I know that seems weird. Lots of people live in small spaces. But it goes against the grain, specially for Orange County. Most people are looking for more space, I'm living happily with less. I think I worry that people will think my husband and I live here because we can't afford anything else. Let me tell you it is budget friendly but we really love living here because we are one house back from the sand. Beach life is unbeatable. There is nothing more soothing than falling asleep to the crashing waves. And why am I worrying about some one's perception about my finances? If am a good steward of my money, that is all that really matters.

So there it is. No giant earth-shattering revelations. But it feels good to release them. I feel ready to start blogging again with a fresh perspective and renewed inspiration. So I hope that those of you that read this will join me as I continue On The Hunt. I will still post about style, design and what the Hubs & I are up to but I will always strive to do it with genuine authenticity.

Manic Monday: It's OK.

It's Monday and it's OK. Or it will be as soon as Monday is over.

Buy the banner here.

Style Post: Santa Rosa Edition

Matilda

Another photo shoot courtesy of my talented sister. We went cruising in Santa Rosa to a place Kimmy had seen and thought would make some good pictures. I loved the old brick, wooden and blue doors. There are places like that all over Santa Rosa. We had a great day walking around Healdsburg, wine tasting at Vin Couture and dinner at Tex Wasabi.  Highlight of the day was definitely meeting Matilda, a beautiful little bulldog that reminded my of my Turner.  All photos courtesy of Kimberly Fleckner Photograpy.

Style Notes
Top by Vince via Rebel
Jeans by Target
Belt - I have no idea! I've had it since high school
Boots by Jeffrey Campbell
Earrings by Relics
Bracelets vintage and Chan Luu

Style Post: Calistoga Edition

Just a quick trip up to Calistoga to see my sissy. Sometimes you need a girls weekend. I love nothing more than quality time with my sister and my momma.  We joke around, laugh and just truly enjoy each others company. My talented sister wanted to flex her photography skills and I was happy to oblige her. We cruised to the Bale Grist Mill for a few shots and ended with some wine tasting at Sullivan. Here are a few of her photos. Like what you see? Check out her photography website here. More to come!

Style Notes
Denim shirt by Gap
Stripe tank by Splendid
Denim by J Brand
Necklace Relics by Tami

Shoes by H&M

Arm party
Michael Kors watch
Leather bracelet by Gorjana
Other bracelets misc.

Happy girls at Sullivan Vineyards

Manic Monday

Lots going on lately. Not all of it has been good. But after a weekend with family and HGTV I feel newly inspired. This is my focus for not only today but this week. Here is to being present and working for the future.

Source

Manic Monday

I certainly do not look for adventure around every corner, but as per my new years resolutions, I'm trying too!

From here

Las Vegas and Garth Brooks: Could there be a better combo?

Sorry for the poor quality! We were moving.

So I'm not the biggest country music fan. I got into it in junior high & high school and fell in love with Garth Brooks. I would sing Friends in Low Places and Two Pina Coladas constantly. It is only now that I'm older I understand the meaning of "let's all set sail with Captain Morgan." The album Garth Brooks Double Live is my fave. Something about a live performance. I was devastated when he retired because I thought I would never get to see him live. Not the case thanks to my fabulous Husband and Steve Wynn. We drove out to Vegas on Friday, taking our time, enjoying the ride.

Snacks are a must 

Love me some desert

The traditional road trip pic

 We cruised the Strip, did some shopping and ate some amazing food. On Saturday night we saw the 10:30 pm show which was amazing. It was like hanging out with Garth in his living room asking him about his influences. He started in the 60s talking/playing music that his parents listened to (Haggard and Jones). He moved throughout the 70s (James Taylor), the 80s (George Strait) and finally started playing his hits from the 90s. It was great, you really got a sense of where his sound came from. His wife, Trisha Yearwood came out and sang a few of her songs along with a duet. He also stayed later since we were the last show on Saturday night.

The Crystals 

Dinner at Mon Ami Gabi

The Fountains at the Bellagio, where Bobby told me he loved me and where we got engaged.

Anyways, it was a really fun weekend. We also got to spend some time with our Seal Beach neighbors who live part time in Las Vegas. They took us to dinner one night and shooting Sunday afternoon. Let me tell you, I'm lethal.

Guns are very serious

I was having a little more fun with it

The landscape was beautiful

Style Post: Road Trippin'

Sweater by Vince via Rebel
Tank by Target
Jeans by Target
Ballet flats by Target
Watch by Michael Kors, gift
Sunglasses by Ray-Bans

I promise there is Vegas post to come! I just thought I would share my new favorite jeans (I bought them in both colors!). They look very much like the current elliot ones for a fraction of the cost, thank you very much Target. They are super comfy and seem to go with everything I own. The leopard obsession continues.

The Current Elliott ones, image from here

Manic Monday

Just discovered this site, Five Words Tell A Story. Amazing and inspiring. This is what gave me some confidence on this Manic Monday.

On The Hunt: Jeffrey Campbell Martini

I would wear these almost everyday, just FYI.

Find them here.

Marni x H&M

Ok, the amazing collaborations between big box discount stores and insane designers I can never afford needs to stop. I always think, "This is the best one yet." Not the case. Marni for H&M will descend on stores March 8 and I'm trying to decide if it is worth it to fight the crowds at South Coast Plaza. Mind you I loathe SCP and have not stepped foot in there for a good 3 years. It's a maze! But to score a pair of Marni printed skirt, leather top, cuffs and a necklace? Bring it on. 

Photos from H&M

Manic Monday

Had a great little weekend in Vegas with the Husband, didn't even get around to trying out Blogger's mobile app. I tried to take tons of pictures and will get around to a Vegas post soon. But for now, here is a little something for your manic Monday. This really hit me when I saw it on my Mom's Facebook page.

Viva Las Vegas

A cliche headline I know, but Husband and I are on the open road as we speak. We love Vegas, not for the gambling or partying, but the food, lights and shopping! It has also played a big part in our courtship. It's where we first spent some quality time as friends, the place where he first told me he loved me and where he proposed. So here's to a weekend of revisiting old memories and making new ones.

* I will also be testing out Blogger's mobile app and blogging on the go!

Credit - A well traveled woman

Our First Valentine's Day

via Globetrotter Diaries

Although Hubs and I first met our senior year of high school, we did not start dating until college. He asked me out New Years Eve 2004 so our first Valentine's Day came up quick. He planned a beautiful dinner in my parents backyard with tons of candles. We then listened to a cd of love songs he had made for me and exchanged gifts. It was quiet, romantic, and intimate. A day I will never forget and probably one of my favorite Valentine's days. We are going on our sixth year of marriage and we will have many more romantic dinners and dates, but that first one will always be special. Happy Valentine's Day Bobby, I love you.

Manic Monday

Another Manic Monday. Last week was filled with busy-ness, lots of meetings, and new challenges. Even the weekend seemed full of work. This week I'm focusing on positive changes that I have control over and surrendering all to God. On Friday Hubs and I are heading to Vegas. He got me tickets to see Garth Brooks as a Christmas/Valentine's Day gift. I can hardly wait to eat good food, take in all the lights and spend time with my love watching the Bellagio fountain show. Here is the show/song that played when my Hubs proposed. Hope it gets you through this Manic Monday. ;-)

Manic Monday: Can we talk?

I usually try not to wax poetic on this here blog, my fav blogs are always the ones that are short, sweet and loaded with original photos. But on Friday night my husband and I read through Luke 12 and Jesus' teaching on money and possessions really hit me.

²² Then, turning to his disciples, Jesus said, “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food to eat or enough clothes to wear. ²³ For life is more than food, and your body more than clothing. ²⁴ Look at the ravens. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for God feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than any birds!²⁵ Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? ²⁶ And if worry can’t accomplish a little thing like that, what’s the use of worrying over bigger things?

 ²⁷ “Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don’t work or make their clothing, yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. ²⁸ And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith?

 ²⁹ “And don’t be concerned about what to eat and what to drink. Don’t worry about such things. ³⁰ These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers all over the world, but your Father already knows your needs. ³¹ Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need.

 ³² “So don’t be afraid, little flock. For it gives your Father great happiness to give you the Kingdom.

 ³³ “Sell your possessions and give to those in need. This will store up treasure for you in heaven! And the purses of heaven never get old or develop holes. Your treasure will be safe; no thief can steal it and no moth can destroy it. ³⁴ Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be.

Since the new year, I have been consumed by everyday life. Keeping my new years resolutions has been difficult but now I realize why. I haven't given them to God. I tried to do them on my own without focusing on the Kingdom. So in the spirit of honesty and transparency, I recommit myself to seeking the Kingdom of God above all else. I hope that by this post there will be some degree of accountability. I will still do posts on good times, fashion finds, and great design but with a heart focused on the Kingdom and strength that only comes from our Lord. So here is to a fresh start and new perspective! (and a little inspiration for your manic Monday ;)

Found it here

Jason Wu for Target!

Just one short day until Jason Wu for Target! SO EXCITED. I've become kinda a crazy collector of designers for Target. I've snagged everything from Alice Temperley of London, William Rast, Jean Paul Gaultier and of course Missoni. I'll be there at 8:00 AM sharp tomorrow. Here are a few of the looks/favorites I've already scoped out, how to decide. Also, I've include a little link to H&M's next collab. I've been a bit disappointed with theirs in the past both in price and looks, but this one might to change my mind. How could it not with Sofia Coppola directing and those cuff bracelets?

Love me some Instagram

I think most iPhone users I know have become obsessed with Instagram. Here is my little ode to this ultra fab app. It turns mediocre creatives into edgy photographers (in general). I recently discovered this darling blog, Fat Mum Slim and the January photo-a-day challenge, which I was too late for. But, joy of joys there is a February one and I'm going for it. Check me out on Instagram @jennyklein.

Graphic by Fat Mum Slim

Manic Monday

Needing some motivation! 

Find it here!

Manic Monday

Resolution #3 - Seek Adventure

Looking for some adventure on this Manic Monday!

Find it here!

Yay for Friday

Photo Credit

After a particularly long week I'm ready for the alleged "storms" about to hit so cal this weekend. I plan on staying in bed, watching Downton Abbey, and perusing blogs. Any venturing out this weekend will be to go here with my Momma. Yay for Friday.

Happy Birthday Bobby

Happy birthday to the man I fell in love with. I'm so proud of all that you have accomplished and how hard you work to provide for me. I love your passion for life, new experiences, your friends, and most of all God. I'm am truly blessed to partner with you in this life. I hope you have a very merry birthday. I can't wait to celebrate with you tonight. I love you.