Equipment Blouse (similar here), Diane von Furstenberg Skirt (similar here), Commando Knee Highs, Valentino Flats, ASOS Oversized Bow, Prada Handbag
I love wearing florals any time of year, but there’s something about pulling out these pretty prints when spring is officially among us. Even though the weather forecast is calling for snow, I’m going to pretend I didn’t get the memo. Wishing you all a fabulous Easter weekend, filled with delicious dinners, fabulous friends and family and a visit from the Easter Bunny.
Growing up we always had the most wonderful homemade Easter baskets that my mother made for us. What I loved most is that you couldn’t find them in a store, and not a single other friend of mine had the same one. Those little baskets are still put out every year at my mom’s house, still holding up strong, and they’re filled with decades of memories. Needless to say I wasn’t sure if I wanted to share this little family tradition, but it’s just too wonderful not to. All the credit goes to my cute little mom and her crafty little self. Happy Easter everyone, have a fabulous weekend!
Step 1: Blow up balloon to the desired size that you would like your basket. Tie the end of the string to the balloon, making sure you leave approximately 30cm on the end.
Step 2: Start wrapping the string around the balloon. It’s easiest to go lengthwise to start off. Once you’re done with one bundle, tie it to the beginning of the next bundle and continue until you have used all three or gotten the desired coverage.
Step 3: Using a large bowl in the bathroom (covering the floor with garbage bags) create a water/sugar bath. One part warm water to two parts sugar. (You can add glitter to the water if you want your basket to have some sparkle.) Roll your balloon until it is thoroughly covered with the sugar water.
Step 4: Using the bit of string you left at the beginning, tie your balloon to the shower rod in your bathtub. If some strings come loose, don’t panic, once you tie your balloon up, you can re-wrap your string around the balloon. Once the balloon is nearly dry, you will need to cut it down and roll it again in the sugar/water solution. Rolling twice ensures an extremely durable basket. Once will not be enough.
Step 5: Once your basket is dry but there remains an approximately 2 inch diameter wet spot on the bottom, cut it down and place on parchment paper. Press down on the wet bottom to create a flat surface so your basket will be able to sit on its own. Pop the balloon.
Step 6: Draw out the area you wish to cut out to create your basket. I like to use a ruler to measure from the table up to ensure a straight line across the front of the basket.
Step 7: Cut out the drawn out area. Once you do so, you may use that first piece as a stencil to cut the other side. Remember this is a homemade project, it doesn’t have to be perfect.
Step 8: I like to glue multiple layers of ribbon together to create a multidimensional look. Hot glue gun works best. If your ribbon is too thin the glue will show through, so pick a thicker ribbon or do a couple of layers.
Step 9: Glue ribbon to basket, starting with handles first. After the handle go all the way around the top edge of the basket.
Step 10: Cover the hole at the top of the handle by creating a bow in matching ribbon and gluing on top.
Step 11: Add your cellophane on the bottom of the basket, and fill with the metallic crinkle cellophane. Add any finishing touches or decorations, such as furry chicks, and you’re finished. Wait for Easter Bunny to fill with chocolate.
J. Crew Shirt, Alice + Olivia Skirt (similar here and here), Alice + Olivia Blazer (similar here), Prada Belt, Valentino Pumps, Valentino Handbag, Shinola Watch, David Yurman Bracelet
I apologize for my absence on the blog lately, but sometimes the stars aline and you know you’re meant to take some time away. Well that and my extremely talented Blogging Buddy and photographer was out of the country. Easter weekend is fast approaching and besides getting in my chocolate order to the Easter Bunny, I’m looking forward to spending the long weekend with friends and family. I have some fabulous posts coming up on the blog, so stay tuned my friends, and let’s finish out this week together.
J.Crew Shirt (on sale), Rag & Bone Denim, MIU MIU Pumps (similar here and here), Chanel Handbag, Michael Kors Watch
In the days leading up to the marathon I struggled to find the motivation to get out of my sweatpants. My legs were achy, my body was spent and I was so tired. Thank goodness for easy outfits and fabulous accessories, and it was this particular formula that got me through that last week leading up to the big race. Ripped jeans, an oversized button down and a fab pair of flashy pumps is all one needs to portray a ‘pulled together’ look. Insert small golf claps here.
I said goodbye to 31 and welcomed 32 in a truly spectacular fashion. Months earlier my brother had been seeking out a race for his 10th full marathon, and when he asked me to run it with him, there was no hesitation in my agreement (I think I was tipsy). He was the one I ran slightly behind alongside for my very first full marathon, and the one that got me and my girlfriends over the finish line for my second full marathon. We looked at many options, but the idea of heading out to sunny LA, on my day of birth no less, fit the bill. We proceeded to sign our entire family up for the 5km race that took place the day before the marathon, because this was a working vacation people.
2015 marked the 30th year of the LA Marathon, and it was hands down the most organized, efficient and well-operated run either of us have done. The Stadium-to-Sea Marathon starts in downtown LA in Dodger Stadium and finishes alongside the beach in Santa Monica. I have never experienced the tremendous sense of community and support that we received throughout the entire 26.2 miles in any other race I’ve run. Families, friends and community members setting up water stations, handing out ice chips, oranges, and pretzels, and encouraging us runners with signs, cheers and salutes. Seriously, it was amazing.
No one expected records temperatures of above 30°C for mid March, even in Los Angeles, especially me. If you can imagine a slow moving turtle, in the desert, with five pound weights on each foot, that would be comparable to me running in the heat. I prefer warm weather while I’m lying down, on a beach (or sitting upright on a patio), cold drink in hand. So it was an extra triumph and personal victory for me to make it through the entire race intact.
It’s funny how things play out. But in the past year I’ve learned that physical pain doesn’t even touch the pain caused by the heart. I’ve learned that I can do anything I set my mind to, and I’ve learned that sometimes our downfalls can be lead to some of our biggest blessings. So while I’m grateful to leave this horribly rough, yet transformative year behind, I will be thankful for everything I’ve experienced throughout it. I open my arms and my heart to everything this year may bring with it. Let’s make it the best year yet.
All checked in and ready to go. Pre-race anticipation is similar to Christmas Eve pre-Santa anticipation. Except there’s no presents, just a lot of pride and a lot of pain awaiting you.
Post 5km race in unreal heat. Good grief I love these people.
Post race brunch took place at Bottega Louie, this was a small sampling of the decadent desserts on the menu.
TSN Turning Point – Popping in to say hi to our cheering squad (aka. the Fam Jam) and receiving amazing cooling towels that we wore around our necks for the rest of the race. I was legitimately worried I was going to pass out one mile prior to this. Jealousy was also high at this point as they had been having lunch and cocktails on the patio at the Beverley Wilshire approximately ten minutes before this picture was taken.
Post-race bliss. We checked in to the gorgeous Casa Del Mar Hotel by the Sea and spent the next two days exploring Santa Monica, biking along the water to Venice Beach, dining at delicious restaurants and playing in the ocean.
