mom blogger

A day on the pier!!

I’m looking forward to the days of going on the rollercoaster and sharing an ice cream with my babe. As of now I get to just watch her as she’s taking in all of her surroundings, exploring the world and seeing everything for the first time. Its crazy how alert she has become these past few months. If only I knew what she was thinking. We rarely go to the pier, and when we do, we find mostly tourists and children around there. I do imagine that when Carlota is walking and talking, the ferris wheel and Merry-go-round will be our weekly destinations.

My style is 90% casual and I love adding accessories to make my look pop. With this sweater, the sequin details do the popping for itself. No need to accessorize. These details also make it that perfect piece that can be worn from day to night. I added the jeweled pumps for extra sparkle to compliment the shoulder detail of the sweater.

The rips and light colored denim give this look a daytime casual vibe. Changing for a date night, I would trade the skinny jeans for a midi skirt and tuck it in to accentuate the waist. Date nights with the hubby are scarce these days but lets hope as Carlota gets older we start getting back on that track. For now I’ll stick to rocking sequence during my daily outings.

I hope you have a wonderful weekend. I’m really looking forward to our first Thanksgiving with Carlota. So much to be thankful for.

Sweater: J Crew on major sale with an extra %30 off with code SHOPNOW //

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (similar here) //

Heels: Louboutin (Similar here very cool here) //

Clutch: Clare V (Similar less expensive here) //

Our New York Adventures + GIVEAWAY

Fall in the city is my favorite, and it was just as magical as I remembered it. The weather couldn’t have been better and it was perfect for exploring the city with Carlota. My husband and I were nervous about our first flight with her. Would we be that couple with the baby that won’t stop crying?! Not to mention….how many bags would we need to take with us for a 4 day trip? Do we bring our large stroller….get an umbrella stroller….the list went on and on. We knew we needed to pack as light as we could but also be able to walk around the city with everything we needed for Carlota. We packed her diaper bag with only the essentials, brought our Bugaboo stroller and Ergo Carrier, and it was the perfect option for us. Thank goodness she was a perfect angel on the flight. She slept for take off and landing and was happy for most of the trip. She gets a little fussy when we sit down with her for too long so a couple of trips along the isles were the magic touch.

We walked all over Manhattan and even ventured to the underground for her first Subway ride. The New York subway line is not really made for strollers and babies, but we managed. I’d have to say Carlota’s favorite was Central Park. We put her in the leaves for photos and she was having so much fun playing and eating them. I enjoyed exploring and walking around the city with my family.

I loved being able to wear my boots and fall layers without needing to be bundled up. Thankfully we brought the cooler weather back to LA. What are your favorite places to visit in the city?

Jacket: All Saints (Similar here and here) //

Tee: Brandy Melville (Similar here and here) //

Jeans: J Brand //

Boots: Stuart Weitzman (Less expensive here and here) //

Carlota

Vest: Gap on sale //

Shirt: Carters (Similar here) //

Jacket: All Saints (Similar here and here) //

Sweater: J Crew (Similar here and here) //

Shirt: Equipment old (Similar here and here) //

Jeans: 7 for All Mankind //

Boots: Stuart Weitzman (Less expensive here and here) //

The Ultimate Designer Giveaway

A group of bloggers and I have teamed up to bring you a fabulous giveaway you can’t resist! We’re giving one precious follower a gift package consisting of a gold Ipad Mini, authentic Tory Burch tall boots, a luxury Coach handbag and scarf, all valued at approximately $1,815 (before taxes! By following as many bloggers as you want on the Gleam widget below, you will have better chances of winning! There are 129 ways to enter. Good luck lovelies!

The Ultimate Designer Giveaway

Our first visit to the Pumpkin Patch

Holiday season is officially commencing…..first up, Halloween!! We were so excited to take Carlota to her first pumpkin patch. We went to Mr. Bones Pumpkin Patch and if you’re in the LA area I recommend you go. Although she isn’t old enough to run around, get her face painted or play on the inflatable bouncy houses; she was pretty happy sitting by the pumpkins and eating hay. It’s the little things!!! Sharing these memories with her are priceless, and I know they are just going to get better as the years progress. Watching her experience things for the first time are some of the best joys of motherhood. She was wide eyed the entire time and soaking it all in. I hope this will be one family tradition we continue throughout the years.

We found Carlota’s jumper from the Gap (on sale) and knew this was the perfect outfit for the patch. I love finding cute seasonal outfits for the babe. Since she won’t get to wear them very much, I always wait until they are on sale…..because once it’s a few days away from the holiday they always go on sale.

We just had a cute Halloween shoot with Carlota and Pinxo and I can’t wait to share that with you later this week. I love getting in the spirit with her.

On Carlota:

Jumper: Gap (other seasonal here, here and here) //

On Me:

Tank: Banana Republic on sale (Similar here on sale) Use code BRSALE to receive an extra 50%off //

Jeans: 7 For All Mankind (Similar here) //

Hat: Anthropologie (I also love this and this) //

Boots: Anine Bing //

Months 5 & 6 with Carlota

My baby girl is half a year old. Looking back at the days I first brought her home I can’t believe how much she’s grown. Every day I’m learning more and more about this little bundle of joy and I can’t get enough.

Month 5

This little girl is such a character and social butterfly. She is so happy when we are surrounded by other babies and children. At daycare, I’m told she’s always observing her classmates with curious eyes. When we pick her up at the end of the day, she always has the biggest smile that just melts our hearts.

Carlota has found her feet and is constantly playing with them and putting them in her mouth. Actually she’s putting just about anything she sees into her mouth. Exploring the world through tastes and textures. She’s started to want whatever her mama’s having. When I’m drinking my morning Soy lattes she’s desperately wanting a sip. Thankfully she hasn’t mastered the use of the straw yet, so I let her chew on the end and she’s very happy to be sharing with me.

Carlota has started squeeling and saying “bababa”. She’s exploring her voice. I’m looking forward to the day she starts to connect the sounds with words.

I’m so thankful to be so close to my little angel. No words can express the bond I feel with her. She is currently a mama’s girl and I’m going to cherish every second of this. I may even remind her of this in a few years (hehe). In the evenings when she’s starting to get tired from a long day nothing beats being in Mama’s arms.

Dress: Rock your baby (Similar here and here)

Teddy Bear: Bla Bla kids (others here, and here)

Month 6

This has been a big month of transitions for this little bean. She’s eating foods, starting to crawl, and taking swimming lessons. So many huge milestones in one short month. Carlota loves getting on her hands and knees and even almost into plank position. She is shimmying around and learning to use her arms and legs to get to that toy she’s eyeing. She’s almost in full fledge crawling mode, so its definitely time we baby proof the home. I think we’re in denial our little pumpkin is no longer a newborn.

This month we started Carlota on solid foods. The faces she makes when she tries a food for the first time is priceless. Most of the time she really isn’t a fan, and is sure to let us know. She spits out what she does’t like and will refuse to take more bites. Currently the two foods she likes and will happily eat, are avocados and yams. Let’s hope she gets over this phase and starts to like a wider variety of foods.

In September, Carlota officially started swim lessons. She’s such a water baby. She loves playing in the water with both her mom and dad and is a splashing machine. She plays with the toys in the water, kicks along, loves when we make bubbles and constantly splashing. It’s such a special time we get to have as a family.

Both of us are Dentists so its no wonder baby girl is already using her toothbrush. She’s still toothless but getting an early start to her oral hygiene. We couldn’t be more proud. At the moment her toothbrush is one of her favorite toys…..let’s hope we can keep it that way.

Bow: Janie and Jack (Similar here)

Jumper: Neck & Neck (Similar here, here and here)

I can’t believe its been half a year with this beautiful being by our side. I can’t wait to experience the next 6 months with her. Thank you for sharing this journey with us.

Boho chic

California is all about that Boho vibe. The weather, the palm trees, the surfers and their laid back attitude. Then there’s Coachella. That time of year in Indio, California where the epitome of California fashion has its own catwalk on the polo fields. The festival is equal parts music and fashion. Most likely the inspiration for this style is a combination of all of the above.

Even the queen of blogging herself, Italian beauty Chiara Ferragni has adopted this style since moving to LA. The Italian fashion blogger from The Blonde Salad has changed her high fashion ways for crop tops and vintage high-waisted denim shorts. Of course when she attends Paris and Milan fashion weeks she is all decked out in European high fashion but her everyday style is definitely that 70’s California vibe.

Moving to LA from the East Coast I had a lot to learn. My style is definitely not bohemian but I am starting to embrace the California way. This dress was a perfect mix for me. Being a new mom crop tops, short shorts, and fringe skirts just don’t seem as appropriate for me these days. Rather than being discouraged, I look for items that incorporate the trends but suit my personal style as well.

Time to enjoy that beautiful California sunshine!! I hope you have a wonderful weekend!!

Dress: Free People (Similar here) //

Hat: Revolve Clothing (Similar here and here) //

Stroller: Bugaboo (Canopy) //

Off the shoulder

The off the shoulder trend has been all the rage this summer. There is just something so feminine about showing your decollete and shoulders. When I saw this denim ruffle off the shoulder dress I knew this was how I wanted to rock this trend. With my changing postpartum body this dress finds the right areas to emphasize. I am slowly learning to be more comfortable and confident in my new skin. Choosing the right style, cut and fit for your figure is so important. Most women have areas of their body they are more confident with and finding clothing that flaunts those areas are keys to successful dressing.

I added my favorite pop of blue with my accessories. This clutch and these espadrilles have been on major repeat this summer. I find that warmer weather calls for color and LA has been a scorcher this year.

I just realized, in 2 days With Love Andrea will be a year old. I can’t believe how quickly time has flown. This blog has been such a fun outlet for me and I can’t thank you enough for your support.

Dress: Express old (Similar here and here)

Clutch: Clare V (on SALE here)

Espadrilles: Aquazzura

Sunglasses: Ray-ban on Sale here

Dr Browns – Giveaway

I’m always on the lookout for great baby products. One of the first items on my baby registry were my Dr. Brown’s bottles. Since I had to go back to work part-time after 2 months of maternity leave I knew I needed to get Carlota comfortable with bottle feeding. When it came time to choosing a brand, I knew Dr. Brown’s natural flow was the one for us. Dr. Brown’s bottles are well known to help reduce colic, spit-up, burping and gas. They also help preserve Vitamins C, A, E and lipids, key ingredients for a healthy development. Something I learned is that their vacuum-free feeding helps digestion and the fully vented bottle design is the closest to breastfeeding.

Thankfully Carlota has taken to these bottles with ease. I’ve been so happy with their bottles that I was excited to venture out and try some of their other products.

Carlota is a teething monster and will chew on my fingers any chance she gets. This girl is not gentle when it comes to finger chewing, so finding alternatives are on the top of my priority list. Thankfully she loves the Watermelon Coolees Soothing Teether, by Dr. Brown’s. Designed by a Pediatric Dentist and approved by little Miss Sunshine. It’s a two thumbs up from me.

I am also very excited about these wipes because anyone with a little one knows how often they are needed. Carlota is constantly dropping her chew toys or pacifier. When you are out and about it’s not easy to constantly clean them. Having wipes in my diaper bag are a lifesaver. They also make Nose & Face Wipes, and Tooth & Gum Wipes. The best part about all the wipes is that they all contain xylitol. Being a dentist myself, I know of the importance of this ingredient. Xylitol is a sugar that cavity causing bacteria can’t metabolize. This means that it helps to reduce the amount of that bacteria in your mouth. This will be very important for when her teeth start to come in. I always recommend xylitol candies or gum to chew after meals to my patients, especially if they are at a high risk for cavities.

I am happy to be partnering up with Dr. Brown’s and offering one of my readers a gift pack of everything pictured here. This includes a set of Dr Brown’s Natural Flow bottles, a Coolees Soothing Teether, Silicone Pacifiers, Pacifier & Bottle Wipes, Teeth & Gum Wipes, and Nose & Face Wipes.

Romper: Rags to Raches //

Elephant Rug: Pottery Barn //To enter into this giveaway all you need to do is :

1) Comment below and let me know what is your favorite Dr. Brown’s product or what you are most excited to try out.

2) For an additional entry you can follow my blog by email or on bloglovin etc.. let me know in your comment that you have done that

3) For a 3rd entry follow me @withloveandrea and @drbrowns on Instagram and follow the instructions posted there.

Your chance to enter starts today September 9th and will close Saturday September 12th at midnight PST.

GOOD LUCK TO EVERYONE

A day in the canals

I adore LA for its diversity and get excited when we venture into areas we don’t frequent very often. The Venice Canals are one of those beautiful places. It’s such a gorgeous tranquil area nestled in the city. A perfect spot to visit on a day with my babe. Since Carlota has passed her 4 month leap she is a whole new baby. She enjoys going on walks and finally is a happy girl when in her stroller. I love exploring new neighborhoods with her, and watching as she takes in the world around her. I can’t wait until Carlota is old enough for me to show her this blog and the journeys we have taken together.

One of my favorite summer pieces has been this floral kimono from Shop Pink Blush. I love the soft and airy feel it gives any outfit. I usually pair it with a simple white tee and jeans. Adding it to my usual mom uniform makes me feel little more glamorous. It’s such a versatile piece. I’ve used it as a beach coverup, worn it for a day in the park, a night out with the girls etc..

Photography by: Audra Arbas

Floral Kimono: Shop Pink Blush //

Dress: Top Shop (old) (Similar here and here) //

Sandals: Rebecca Minkoff //

Clutch: Clare Vivier

Carlota’s Outfit

Onesie: Old Navy //

Romper: Childhoods //

Summer Palette

I can’t believe the summer is almost over. Carlota will be 5 months in less than a week and the Pumpkin Spiced latte will be hitting Starbucks in no time. Eeeekkk….time needs to slow down! As much as I’m excited for the cooler weather and my favorite season for fashion, I’m trying to live up the last few days of summer and bright colors.

Labor Day is quickly approaching and I’m not going to put these white jeans on hold until next Spring. I’m loving that white is no longer only a summer color but its being worn all season long. I’m obsessed with an all white look. Its clean, simple and fresh. The best part is that it goes with EVERYTHING.

This summer was all about pops of color for me. I don’t dress very colorfully but I do love to have bright accessories. I have found that certain colors compliment me better than others and tend to stick with them. For me, pink, blue and red are the colors of choice. By sticking to a few colors you can get accessories that match without having to buy one of everything in all colors of the rainbow. I love how my royal blue accessories pop with this look.

Photography by Audra Arbas

Shirt: Gap //

Jeans: J Brand //

Sunglasses: Ray-ban //

Clutch: Clare V (on sale here) //

Espadrilles: Aquazzura //

Wear-a-blanket

My baby girl is growing up so quickly. I feel like I blinked and she’s no longer a newborn. Just yesterday this girl was just content sleeping, eating and laying in my arms. Now this little angel is just soaking up her surroundings. She loves going on walks. Her eyes are so wide as she’s looking all around observing and taking it all in. She’s grasping my hands and her toys and she’s exploring my face whenever I get close.

Once of the big milestones Carlota has recently achieved is rolling over. She moved from back to side quite early and recently she’s been doing the full back to tummy, and tummy to back. It seems like whenever I put her on her back and walk away for a second, she’s in full tummy time mode when I return. With this new milestone Carlota can no longer be swaddled to sleep. To make this transition easier we are using the Just Born Wear-a-blanket. It’s perfect because her arms are free but her legs at still semi-swaddled. The first couple of naps were an adjustment for her but after just a week she is back to her regular sleeping schedule.

The Sleep sack is a safer alternative to loose blankets in the crib. This model has air vents on the side for temperature control, a comforting tummy wrap and a zipper that makes late-night changes a snap.