Daily Life Loves: Day Tripping…

Spent a supah-dupah nice day with my loved ones, exploring the WONDERFUL little town of Los Olivos, CA…Sweetest little place amigos!

Tasted amazing organic and locally produced Olive Oils (Blood Orange and Rosemary my faves at Olive Hill Farm) and Wines (Riesling at Coquelicot)

While perusing the many interesting shops in town, came across this awesome mask…I blame the Vino for the following action shot :$

Signs of Autumn everywhere you looked, even though it’s been in the 90’s in these parts at times…Aaahhh! gotta love/hate SoCal weather ;)

Best of all, spending time with Mis Peeps! LOVE them BIG! Good times amigos…Good Times!!!

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Tunes and Reads Love: WILD!!!

I just finished this Memoir and I thought it was absolutely fantástico….Raw, powerful, honest and gripping, I could not set it down! It made me cry, laugh and hold my breath while I tried not to skip ahead, anxiety ridden for what was to come within the distance of a mere few sentences :$ 

Via: http://www.cherylstrayed.com/index.htm

The Author, writes about her experiences in loss, love, family and personal struggles paralleling her life to this crazy adventure she sets out on, totally unprepared for the rigors of both…Yet, one can identify with how flawed but amazing her path is, as she searches for self realization through this epic hike.

 Via: http://www.cherylstrayed.com/index.htm

While I personally, may never take on such a mammoth endeavor for self improvement; I do believe that personal growth can truly only come through struggles and hard work, both physical and mental…and while many of our backpacks might be lighter than hers, our trail is no less monumental!

Hopeful the vistas will make it all worthwhile in the end…

Ciao for now  :*

Daily Life Loves: Hello Fall…Hello again All!!!

Hola!!! anyone left out there??!! It’s been a while :$ Took a kind of forced hiatus when daily life loves like family, work and travel took over this Summer...What happened to the so called Lazy Days of Summer! 

Au contraire, quite a hectic one, filled with new projects (work, Work and more WORK), caring for loved ones (Hubby had back surgery), jetting off to “exotic” locales (FL), back to school (year round peeps) and lots, lots more!!! Not leaving much time for this lil’ blog L my days started running into one another with little time to write and share via this medium…

Still I managed to stay connected to the interwebs via new (to me) apps like Instagram and Pinterest (check me out) J and while they are fun, not always as satisfying as putting my thoughts and interests down on this page, which is why I AM BACK AMIGOS!!! Hopefully to stay awhile or as long as daily life will allow ;)

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Lil’ Loves: Kiss-kiss…

I come from an affectionate family and having grown up in South America where you greet total strangers with a quick kiss on the cheek, I’m not shy to show some love with most folks…But, I must say that I was always taken a bit aback by the practice of many parents Stateside that kiss their kids on the mouth…something that South of the Border growing up, was more appropriate for lovers than offspring :$

Alas, as with most things pre-baby, my views on that have shifted as well. Especially, after experiencing the level of pure LOVE for one’s children…I now better understand that sometimes only a big smooch on your kiddo’s pout will do!!! So I’ll continue to do what now feels natural to me until my lil’guy starts saying YUCK!!! Please Mamma :& which hopefully won’t be for a few more years!
 

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Love and Lust for Life: Summer Feelin…

Summer is officially here! Yeay!!! even though June gloom will keep temps below average around these parts for a bit longer :(

Via: http://vanessajackman.blogspot.com/

Nonetheless, kids are out of school, traffic is lighter, hemlines are shorter and seasonal fruits and veggies abound...Delicioso!!!

Via: http://vanessajackman.blogspot.com/

Looking forward to some camping by the beach, outdoor meals with friends & family and trying out some ocean paddle boarding 0.0 Hooooooray for Summer 2012!!!

Ciao for now  :*

Product Lust: Peonies…

Enjoying Peony season courtesy of Trader Joe’s…These capricious blooms are my very fave! I await their flighty arrival with great anticipation each year…Lightly fragrant and gorgeous even as buds, but when they are in full bloom...Watch Out! This is one knockout of a flower!!!

The pink and coral varieties are my preference, but I really love them ALL. So I plan on heading back to TJ’s this weekend for another magnificent bunch, and just keep going back for más y más until they are finally done for the season, which hopefully won’t be for a few more precious weeks…Fingers crossed ;)

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Food Lust: Melt in Your Mouth Joy!!!

Today is National Doughnut Day and I wanna give a huge, glazed covered smooch :* to whomever came up with this wonderful “Holiday” celebrating this most humble but divine of treats…Muchas Gracias!!!

Via: http://www.delish.com/

Donuts have always been a weakness of mine :$ One only worsened by a fateful evening back in 1999; after a 20+ mile ride, piled into my friends POS of a car, for what he claimed would be the doughnut experience of a lifetime…”You’ve never had anything like it…These melt in your mouth!” Nonsense, I thought as I rolled my eyes and continued to inhale fumes from his faulty exhaust...

Via: http://www.delish.com/

Having always enjoyed the doughier, more traditional cake like donuts, I could not wrap my mind around the melt in your mouth concept! “What exactly does he mean they will melt in my mouth???” I kept thinking, as we finally pulled into the parking lot of what would later become Mecca; much to my thighs chagrin :&

Via: http://www.delish.com/

And as we ordered these small, glazed, lightly fried, pillows of dough, I harbored no grandiose expectations. But, as soon I bit into the first one I was hooked….and Boy! Do they EVER melt in your mouth!!!! So start your weekend off by claiming your FREE Krispy Kreme Doughnut ...I’ve already had mine ;)

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Lil’ Loves: Catching Dragons…

He stared up at it in wonder and delight; lying on the warm sand as the beautiful kite flew overhead dipping and rising, the wind making the Dragon come to life before his awestruck eyes…

Arms outstretched he reached up, willing it to him…Mamma, I want to catch it!!! he said breathless with wonder and excitement as it drew closer, only to suddenly leap up out of reach again…

And then, as if the lil’one had uttered an enchanted spell, the wind relented and the Dragon fluttered down, softly landing to meet his loving embrace.

An unforgettable Memorial Weekend spent Catching Dragons w/ my Lil’one…Ciao for now  :*

Daily Life Loves: Ring of Fire and the Big 40!!!

Sunday before the Big 40, I was treated to my first solar eclipse viewing ever! And while in So Cal we did not get to see the much anticipated Ring of Fire! I was in total, childlike awe of the natural espectáculo that nonetheless unfolded before my almost 40 year old eyes!!!

Via: http://www.space.com/15780-photos-annular-solar-eclipse-may20-2012.html

It reminded me that there is still so much to see and do in this life and that this “milestone” of a birthday ushers in the best of what’s yet to come! La inimitable Sophia Loren said it best:

 

"There is a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age."

So to my now officially 40 year old self I say...Bring it On! and Ciao for now  :*

Love and Lust for Life: Blessed he calls me Mamma!!!

Sunday our little family celebrated Mother’s Day in low key style but with lots of love, laughter and delicious food :) Once again I’m reminded of the wonders of Motherhood; what a fantastic, scary, amazing and life changing experience this has been for me and how blessed I am to have this amazing lil’ person in my life for whom my love surpasses even my wildest expectations!

My sweet D, always remember you are smart, you are special, you are loved beyond words and I’m blessed you call me Mamma!!!

Ciao for now  :*

Lil Loves: Obsess much???

How can one not be obsessed with these magnificent creatures! Look just how cute they start off!!! A-D-O-R-A-B-L-E...Love'em 0.0

Via: http://joannagoddard.blogspot.com/

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2117544/Orphaned-baby-owls-Linford-Christie-hoot-new-home.html

I reaaaaalllyyy need to go back to that Psychiatrist/Zoologist stat!!!

Ciao for now  :*

Tunes and Reads Love: Guilty Pleasures!!!

A peek at what’s currently on my nightstand…Some quite satisfying (wink-wink) reads! I’m no prude but this book has actually made me blush several times :$ super caliente!!! Wow! and for daydreams of another nature, the super fantastic special edition of Domino Mag!

A must mis amigos…a MUST!!!

Either read is perfectly accompanied by the sultry neo soul sounds of Marc Broussard…Really digging this guy and his SOS album, worth checking out for all lovers of this genre and in my opinion, perfect for stirring day dreams in lovers of all kind (wink-wink again) J

Ciao for now  :*

Daily Life Loves: Out The Door Outfit…

This is what I wore “OTD”yesterday…Finally feels like Spring around these parts, so I broke out one of my favorite light and flirty pieces, that I happened to inherit from my Lil’ Sis last year, which she must have had in her closet for over 5 years prior, if not more!!! she has the best taste! This delicately pleated, floral patterned Club Monaco skirt is totally au courant ;)

I’m still into clashing patterns, so I paired it with my fave American Apparel striped top and the most comfortable gladiator platforms from Banana Republic, also courtesy of my baby Sis…I tell you the girl’s got loads of style and she's willing to share..Lucky me! Perfectly springy, fun and office appropriate…Big shout out to you for dressing me yesterday Lil’ Sis woot-woot! Gracias and a big, wet, juicy muaaah!!!

Feliz Fin and Ciao for now  :*

Love and Lust for Life: Shine your Light!!!

April 2^nd officially marked World Autism Awareness Day and this month, like we have since my Son’s original diagnosis back in 2008 we will join thousands of families in LA to Walk for Autism...

In an effort to connect with one another, raise funding for ongoing research and continue to create awareness for this issue which has grown to epidemic proportions in the last few years and which puzzles Doctors, Scientists and Researchers alike, so much so that the CDC now claims 1 in 88 children suffer from the disorder which is more prevalent in boys (1 in 54) yet no cause or cure has been identified to date.

Nonetheless we forge ahead, hopeful that one day we will find an answer to start unlocking the puzzle that is ASD and in the meantime I will continue to work on my own formula (EI-FS²+ULxSF²= HFLG) for successfully dealing with this disorder:

Early Intervention – Fear and Social Stigma + Unconditional Love x Supportive Family and Friends = Happy, well adjusted, bright and all around Fantástico Lil’ Guy whom really…really loves fans J

Ciao for now  :*

Style Loves: Casa Mario…

I love the light of Mario Testino’s photography and after seeing his LA home showcased in a fashion spread for Vogue, which he not only decorated but also shot, I’m further in lust with his aesthetics…

Love everything about this space 0.0!!! I literally want to Photoshop my head unto the model so I can be “in” it…Eclectic, Gorgeous and just totally Fantástico!!!

Big Sigh and Ciao for now  :*

Daily Life Loves: Out The Door Outfit…

This is what I wore “OTD” today…The weather is still psychotic around these parts, so I never leave home without my fave leopard print scarf; which I paired with coral jeans from Old Navy, a fun and inexpensive way to get in on the colored denim trend for Spring ;) a stripped boat neck top from American Apparel and a pair of pointy black heels…

All topped off with one of my old stand-bys: A super comfortable black Gap Blazer with frayed edges reminiscent of the Chanel jacket look and which I’ve had in my closet over 10 years now and use all the time…Proof that a quality garment doesn’t have to be from a high end store/brand to stand the test of time...Love it!

Ciao for now  :*

Product Lust: Have Bag…will Travel!!!

This totally supah caliente Weekender Bag looks travel ready to me...now if I could just settle on a color, I know the destinations are a calling...

There’s the Gorgeous Green…I hear "Laid Back" weekend trip up the California coast to Santa Barbara!!!

http://deuxlux.com/product/week/DL311-137N.html

The Peachy Keen Nude colored one…Screams "Desert Escape" take me to Palm Springs!!!

http://deuxlux.com/product/week/DL311-137P.html

And the All Jazzed Up Silvery Grey one…"Bright Lights, Big City" calling...LA here I come!!!

http://deuxlux.com/product/week/DL311-137N.html

As Ruben Blades would say Decisiones…¡Ave María!

Ciao for now  :*

Love and Lust for Life: Hugs and Besos!!!

Smile at a Stranger…Hug a Friend…Kiss your Family! Spread LOVE today and whenever you can. Remember even a lil' goes a long way!!!

Xoxo’s and Ciao for now  :*

Tunes and Reads Love: Domino’s Back…sort of!!!

I literally did a little dance upon reading about Domino’s Upcoming Special Edition (Domino Quick Fixes) Oh Joy! Happy-happy!!! Joy! How I’ve missed you sooooo!!! my favorite decor magazine ever!!! to this day I regret not keeping every single issue I ever bought *sigh* :(

Even as I’ve found solace, after its demise, in online publications such as Lonny, who possess a similar aesthetic to my beloved Domino, nothing has truly satisfied me the way paging through those issues use to *bigger sigh*

It’s suppose to hit newsstands nationwide on April 17^th! Dear God, let this not be a hoax or a cruel April Fool’s prank, otherwise I’ll look like a certified loca-lunática as I desperately scour the magazine isle at my local Walgreens trying to get my fix on ;) Open…open…open!!!

Ciao for now  :*

Lil’ Loves: The Big 5…

This last weekend we celebrated D’s Fifth Birthday….The Big 5 peeps!!! Wow, where has the time gone???!!!! Arrrghhhhh :&!!!!!

1 Añito - Laguna Beach, CA

My once Lil’ Chunky Monkey has grown, in what seems like the blink of an eye, into a sweet, loving, awesome kiddo!!! Everyone kept telling me when he was a baby "they grow up so fast" but wowwzzzaaa, quick someone pull the hand brake POR FAVOR!!!

2 Añitos - Orlando, FL

He now has a voice all his own, capable of clearly expressing how he’s feeling and what he wants out of life…Who's quick to tell you how much he loves the snow and flying on airplanes or "I'm just a little upset now Mamma..."

3 Añitos - San Francisco, CA

And if you are not buying it! he’ll just bat those beautiful long lashes and voilà you are getting him a big golden balloon shaped like the #2 for his 5^th birthday because he likes that number better…PLOP!!!

4 Añitos - Los Angeles, CA

Happy Birthday my Dominico, mi potoco-toco, my Chunky Monkey…Mamma loves you supah hard now and forever <3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3<3

Happy Big 5!!! - Mammoth, CA - January, 2012

Ciao for now  :*

Daily Loves: California…Nowhere like it!

Sure it’s crowded, overpriced and we had the Governator as head of State, but I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else if I can help it…see for yourself ;)

Via: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8nE_taTExp8&feature=email

Loved this tilt shift video and how it captured the essence of this beautiful place in a non-commercial, unretouched way. Even the traffic mixed in with the architecture and natural scenery truly reflects what we experience day in and day out :) plus they gave a quick shout out to my lil’ole hood with the Great Park Balloon <3  <3 <3

Ciao for now  :*

Style Loves: Flawless…

Sorry, but Jennifer Aniston never stood a chance…The current Mrs. Pitt looked absolutamente FLAWLESS last night…WOW!!!

Via: http://wonderwall.msn.com/tv/fashion-hits-and-misses-the-2012-golden-globe-awards

My fave LOOK from the 2012 GG’s <3<3<3

Ciao for now  :*

Love and Lust for Life: Feeling Inspired…

A few things that are inspiring my Body, Mind and Soul in the New Year: Outdoor Yoga…I’m blessed to live here!

Via: http://lagunacasablanca.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/07/lagunabeach5.jpg

Inspirational Quote…“To dream anything that you want to dream. That’s the beauty of the human mind.  To do anything that you want to do.  That is the strength of the human will.  To trust yourself to test your limits.  That is the courage to succeed.” – Bernard Edmonds. 

and finally…Rules that rule ;)

Via: http://domesticreflections.blogspot.com/2012/01/new-year-new-ideas.html

Trying to be more “Zen-like” for lack of a better word, in the year I enter my Forth Decade on this wonderful, crazy planet…here’s hoping!

Ciao for now  :*

Lil’ Loves: Heart Melting Moments…In Potty Training!

As I’ve mentioned before Potty Training is worse the Saturday morning Boot Camp as far as I’m concerned! but I’m happy to report that much progress was made during the latter part of 2011 and I now see the light at the end of the dark potty tunnel and believe it or not there have even been some tender, heartwarming moments along the way…Last night was one of them!

I found myself taking down the Holiday lights while my Son played upstairs in his room, when I came in to check on him I found him naked from the waist down and tippy toeing over the bathroom sink with the water running over the pants he'd been wearing, but before I could ask him what was going on he looked me straight in the eye with those big beautiful brown ojos of his and said….”Mamma I’m washing my pants, don’t worry, it’s OK the pupu is gone now, all clean”

His lil’ face was beaming with a mixture of pride and joy at the fact that he was taking care of business and I had to blink hard to fight back tears of utter happiness…not only did this mean he’s understanding what we are trying to communicate to him on the subject but he spoke to me with such clarity and without need for prompting that I knew in my hearts of hearts this kiddo is gonna be just fine and that light at the end of Potty Training Purgatory is now shinning brighter than ever…May the force continue to be with us ‘til then!

Ciao for now  :*