Mommy blog

It’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to!!

Carlota’s first birthday party was a pink and white paradise. I’m so excited to finally share photos from that special day. It’s so cliche, but that first year goes by in a blink of an eye. My baby is now officially a toddler. I almost feel like as soon as she hit that 12 month mark, she transitioned almost over night. She’s a walking, talking babe and always in the fast lane. I knew I needed to make her first birthday memorable…and it sure was!

We held the celebration at her favorite park. She loves the outdoors, so we knew that would be a perfect location. We filled the space with flowers and balloons to make it a pink and white wonderland. I definitely went a little overboard with the balloons but it made our space magical. It was worth it. The best part was sharing the balloons with our guests and some of the kids at the park. Seeing their faces when we gave them a huge bouquet to take home was priceless.

Carlota was very excited for her party. She was running around playing and helping us set everything up. When the party started, she was ready for her photoshoot and welcomed all her friends. After about 30 minutes this baby was exhausted from all the excitement. The group photos of all the babies was pretty comical. Carlota was not having it at all. The theme song “it’s my party and I’ll cry if I want to” kept playing in my head because that’s exactly how Carlota felt. It was a good try….but I was foolish to think we could place 8 babies and have them sit pretty all together for a picture.

Carlota had her own little cake for the cake smash and again she was a little camera shy. Not really feeling it she dabbled her fingers in the icing but that was about it. Thankfully we had some photos of a cake smash she did for her group birthday celebration with the babies from our Mommy & Me. Nothing is ever going to run exactly how you plan it and sometimes you just have to go with the flow. I’m slowly trying to learn that.

We were very thankful to have so many people celebrating this special day with us. Some of our loved ones were not able to make it but were there in spirit, and on FaceTime. You can see a few more photos of her birthday here and Carlota playing in the mud while mama is setting up here.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing these memories with our family.

With Love,

Andrea

Romper: Mint Julep Boutique //

Jacket: Here (Select colors on sale here) //

Boots: Here (Less Expensive here) //

On Carlota

Birthday Hats: Kutie Bow Tuties //

Dress: It was a gift (Similar here) //

Onesie: Etsy HoneyduClothing//

Shoes: here //

Festival Florals

I can’t believe Festival season is here already and Coachella weekend 1 starts tomorrow. We will be heading down to Coachella Valley next weekend for the music festival and I couldn’t be more excited. This year will be a different experience than others in the past and I can’t wait.

I’m just not ready to leave my babe behind for the weekend, so Carlota will be joining us in Palm Desert. This means that late night festival afterparties will consist of baby snuggles and pajamas. I wouldn’t want it any other way…..at least that’s what I keep telling myself. Another exciting difference is that BCN will be serving in the VIP area. For those who don’t know BCN is my brother-in-law and husbands restaurant located in West Hollywood. It serves street fare from Barcelona and it’s delicious. If you are going to the festival be sure to stop by and say hi!!

If you’ve ever been to Coachella you know the fashion is just as important as the music festival itself. It’s almost like a fashion show at the Empire Polo Club. There are Pinterest boards set up just for Coachella outfits. With motherhood getting in the way I haven’t had too much time to think about my looks. When I came across this floral romper by Mint Julep Boutique I knew it was going to be in the lineup. I love the fit and subdue sexiness it evokes. Pair it with a cute bra, a statement necklace, or a great belt and you are good to go. I knew the romper was a must have because it can be so versatile. You can give it an edgy look by adding a fedora, leather jacket and booties; or pair it with a dainty necklace, and sandals and wear it to the beach. I wore it here for Carlota’s first birthday and I can’t wait to post all about that experience next week.

Who’s headed to Coachella this year? Do you have a romper in your outfit line up?

With Love,

Andrea

Romper: Mint Julep Boutique //

Jacket: Here (Select colors on sale here) //

Boots: Here (Less Expensive here) //

Carlota’s turning 1!!

How has it been a year since this beautiful being has entered our life? When I first got pregnant I was so excited, but scared at the same time. Would I be a good mother? Would I know what to do? How would my life change? And the list goes on. I had no idea what to expect. Carlota came into our lives and our world has forever changed. She is such a beautiful soul and I’m so proud to be her mother.

This year has been a whirlwind. Many firsts, sleepless nights, late night online research, play dates, tantrums, pump breaks, diaper changes, tears and smiles. It has been the best year of my life, but also one of the toughest. I’m sure all you mothers reading this understand exactly what I’m talking about.

I love experiencing the world through her inquisitive eyes. Everything is so exciting and new. She loves playing outside, especially at the park. If she could go up and down the slide all day she would be very content. She is miss independent at her daycare. She likes to explore her surroundings and is chatty Cathy. We have no idea what she’s saying but she loves to talk. I wonder where she gets that from.

Her best friend at the moment is our Boston Terrier, Pinxo. They are best buddies. She runs after his favorite toy and brings it to him to play. He loves it. Not to mention she likes to feed him all her leftovers. Of course he is her sidekick. She’s a smart lady.

This weekend we celebrate Carlota’s birthday. I’m getting all the final touches ready. As much as she won’t remember it I can’t wait to look back at the photos from this amazing year and tell her all the wonderful memories she has instilled in our minds forever.

I thought I would be the one who would be teaching her about life….but as it turns out, she’s the one teaching me. I see the world very differently now with her in my life and I am very thankful for my little angel.

I can’t wait to share her first birthday with you. Thank you for being a part of our journey with us.

With love,

Andrea

Sun hat: here, and here //

Top: Zara (Similar here , here and here) //

Leggings: here (Other fun ones here and here) //

Cat flats: Old Navy (Similar here and here) //

No longer a baby!?!

In just over a week my little angel is going to be one!!! ONE!! I still don’t think I can wrap my head around this. Today was graduation day. How have I already experienced a graduation with her. lol. She graduated from our Mommy & me class and it was such a bitter sweet experience. I am proud of the little lady she’s becoming and so sad that my tiny baby isn’t so tiny any more. This class and the mama’s I’ve met have been such a support system for me. For any first time moms, I couldn’t recommend joining a group like this enough. Having friends and a support system of people going through the exact same things as you is amazing. Especially that first year of sleepless nights, new emotions and many firsts.

Lately Carlota has been keeping my hands full. There are just not enough hours in the day and unfortunately I haven’t had as much time to focus on my blog. I don’t know how all the mama bloggers do it out there.

Normally you will see the both of us in jeans and a T-shirt but today we got dolled up. This shift dress is perfect for any occasion. I could dress it down or pair it with these boots and hat for a hip night out. Maybe I need to start planning some more of those soon so that I can wear it more often!! This clutch is handmade by J c & e and I just love the details. Its perfect for sprucing a simple monochromatic look.

Thanks for stopping by.

With Love,

Andrea

Dress: COS (Similar here summer version here) //

Hat: J crew (Similar here and here) //

Clutch: J c & e (Similar here and here) //

Boots: YSL (Similar here, here and here) //

On Carlota:

Dress: Gap (Similar here, here and here) //

Moccs: Freshly picked //

A Spring in my step

As much as I’m missing the cooler weather, Spring is another fun season for fashion. It’s that time of year where you can start to layer your summer clothing with your winter staples. You get to mix and match. Today’s post is all about that. I’ve paired a summer silk dress with and oversized winter sweater to create a perfect spring look.

This is so simple and it’s a way to create a new dress with two pieces from your closet. Living in LA I have a few summer dresses that are perfect for days at the beach. Adding an oversized sweater, vest or chic jacket can transform a beach look into a stylish chic outfit.

Carlota is wearing a Rag to Raches romper. I’m a sucker for getting Carlota clothing from small online boutiques. This brand has the hippest rompers for your little ones. They were recently seen on Shark Tank so I’m sure big things will be happening for this company.

I’ve been looking on Instagram and Etsy for the perfect party favors for Carlota’s first birthday. I can’t believe she will be 1 at the end of this month. So much to plan and not enough time. If any of you have any recommendations please let me know.

With love,

Andrea

Sweater: COS (Similar here and here) //

Dress: Anine Bing (Similar here, here and here) //

Purse: Henri Bendel (New Style here and here) //

Sandals: Celine (Similar here, here and here) //

On Carlota

Romper: Rags to Raches //

Sweater weather??

It’s still winter in most areas of the world but certainly not in LA. It almost feels like summer is right around the corner. I can probably pack up my oversized sweaters for next year, but I just can’t help myself. I keep them for those off days where the weather drops below 70. If you are on the lookout for a great oversized sweater, now is the time to purchase. Many shops are having their end of season sales and I will link some great ones at the end of this post.

I kept todays look simple and sporty with sneakers. I’ve been a big fan of sneakers lately. I think it’s the combination of LA casual and mom life. Who wants to be running after a baby in pumps?!? Any mom that can do that daily I give major props to. I know I can barely keep up in my sneakers. I remember when converse and Adidas originals were the “it” shoes when I was in grade school. I love how the cycle has come full circle and I’m re-living my childhood with both.

Carlota is wearing her…. or shall I say my favorite “Wondersuits”. These zipper onesies come in the cutest patterns and are super handy and easy for multiple diaper changes. I’m slowly learning that the more convenient the better.

To you mama’s reading my blog…what are your favorite baby clothes or items that make life more convenient?

With love,

Andrea

Sweater: & Other Stories (Similar and on sale here, here and here) //

Jeans: J Brand (Also here) //

Sneakers: Stan Smiths (Also available here, here and here) //

On Carlota:

Onesie: Bonds (Similar here)

Hat: Zara (Similar here and here)

Lifes a Beach

Its been a while since my last post. One of my new year’s resolutions was to try and be more present. Carlota is growing up very quickly, and I am trying to soak it all in. Not to mention we’ve been fighting the cold and flu on and off this entire month. Thankfully it seems like we’re starting to get all better, so fingers crossed it stays that way!

A few weeks ago I was able to bring Carlota home to Canada for a few days. It was very special seeing her explore the place I called home for most of my life. It was a short trip and we mostly stayed home with my parents. Carlota doesn’t get to see her grandparents very often so we were very happy to soak up all those snuggles and kisses.

Valentines day is coming up. I remember when the hubby and I would get dressed up and go for a romantic dinner. This year I don’t see that happening. I think we will spend it at home in our sweats celebrating with our little bug. I wouldn’t even change this for anything. If you are looking for outfit ideas this dress is one of my favorites. I’ve worn it for my maternity photos (here), to a wedding, cocktail hour etc… It comes in a variety of colors and that zipper in the back transforms it from simple and sophisticated to young and chic.

Thanks for reading, I’m looking forward to sharing some new looks with you soon.

Dress: Felicity & Coco

On Carlota:

Dress: From spain (Similar here , here and here)

Bow: Salt Cities

Holiday Photoshoot

I can’t believe it’s already December. Time really does fly when you’re having fun. We are getting ready for our first Christmas with Carlota and there hasn’t been a dull moment. I decided this was the year I was going to start sending Holiday cards to family and friends. I know I’m totally late on that bandwagon but its better late than never. We had our photoshoot on the beach….because why not when you live in LA. No winter wonderland backdrops for us here.

This Christmas we will be heading to Spain to visit family. I’m so excited and I can’t believe we are going in just a few short weeks. This will be a long flight for Carlota, but thankfully our recent trip to NYC will help make us better prepared. On our last flight there was a family with a baby sitting right in front of us. They were baby traveling experts and had all these snacks and teething crackers and opened our eyes to that world…..we have never looked back!!

Here are some of my favorite shots from our family photo shoot. What are your plans for the Holidays?

Photos by Laura Goutcher Photography

Dress: Rachel Pally (Similar on sale here and here)

Necklace: Mirina Collections (Use code “withlove20” to get 20% off your purchase)

On Carlota:

Dress: Carters (Similar here,I love these holiday dresses here and here)

Bow: Salt Cities

Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. This is my favorite holiday. I love how it’s all about family, friends and good food. Not to mention it commences the start of the Christmas season. Something about this time of year….full of so much love. This year is even more special since it will be Carlota’s first. As much as she may not remember these moments, I’m keeping them all imprinted in my head and cherishing every second.

Today’s look was from our trip to NYC. We were lucky to have perfect weather. I kept my look simple as usual with all black but added this vest to add texture and color. I love an army green coat or vest. They go with everything and give a perfect pop of color. This vest was a recent purchase from Anthropology so be sure to pop into one of their stores for their Black Friday Sales.

I hope all my American readers are having a Happy Thanksgiving!!

Vest: Anthrhopologie (Similar and on sale here and here) //

Hat: Lack of Colors //

Top: Zara (Currently everything is 30% off) //

Pants: J Brand (On Sale here and here) //

Boots: Chloe (Similar here, here and 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