From Carpools to Cocktails

Whew. I don't know about y'all but I'm pooped. Like for reals. And not it in the 'wow the holidays were a whirlwind' kind of pooped but a "I could for real sleep for a full day and be totally okay" kind of tired.
These last few weeks have taken a toll on me both physically and emotionally and I am spent. These last few weeks have seen the end of my mother's chemotherapy and my father's hospitalization. Both of which have taken a lot out of my brother and I. I've never been so happy to have a year end and push my hopes toward the start of something new and fresh.
This last year has seen many changes. Both on the blog, personally, professionally and stylistically.
I made the leap into re-branding this site and have found that I am definitely on the right track. From Carpools to Cocktails is truly where I am in this season of life and I love being 'that mom' and letting other moms know it's perfectly acceptable to have a liquid lunch…

Last week I shared a look I'm leaning towards for my own New Years Eve festivities and I thought it would be fun to share some options for alternative nights in. So, who's up for a slumber party? If my girls were all in town this is definitely something I'd love to do and might actually put into action as part of my 35th birthday celebration next year. What a fun way to ring in the new year, a gaggle of girlfriends, buckets filled with champagne or your favorite adult beverage and plenty of music to rock out to until the ball drops at midnight! 


 I could see myself wearing all of these pajamas and actually made my picks based on myself and a few  of my girlfriends personalities.  1) Soft, cozy and casual but cheetah print on the leggings add some sass to an otherwise typical sleep set. 2) The classic sleep shirt gets sophisticated in pink satin. This is for the girl that doesn't necessarily want to be fully covered but also doesn't want to be flitting about in the…

With Christmas just a few days away and the 'holiday gift guides' beginning to wane all eyes are on the next major event: New Year's Eve. In particular what to wear to ring in the New Year. In the old days I would've had plans firmed up and several outfit options (never know what the weather is going to be like in Cali) along with a sitter for Sweet Pea as we party hopped the night away. With the birth of Baby Ninja last year those days came to a screeching halt. Many of our close friends had also recently had babies or have young children and trying to secure a sitter for an exorbitant amount AND pay for whatever party we might possibly attend seemed a bit much. Not to mention, we have BABIES there is no being hungover.

Because of this we all tend to gather at someone's house to eat, drink and be merry .
I know most style bloggers will do a What to Wear New Year's Eve style guide but I thought I'd do something totally different. I'm going to offer up …

Once upon a time that phrase was relegated to athletics and perhaps school work. I remember my parents, teachers and coaches telling us to 'finish strong' as we wound down the school year. Whether is was just before Christmas break or summer when everyone has cabin fever and is just over it or during my track season when discussing a race. For me, it always meant, don't slack off at the end just because you're ahead or because you're tired or because you can.
Funny how that is also true with my writing. It's December, Christmas is in exactly a week and I am pooped.  I have a million and one things I NEED/ SHOULD be doing.  My toddler has decided it would be fun to wake up and chat no less than twice a night (in the wee morning hours) and I haven't been as diligent about getting to bed on time so I'm a TON of fun in the morning. I have deadlines for work and getting things done around the house and all I want to do is zone out, surf the internet and nap.
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There is something about wearing red lipstick that makes me feel more sassy than usual and definitely more pulled together. Paired with ripped jeans, leather accents and classic sunnies and I can feel my inner badass begin to rise to the surface.


I've been obsessed with these boyfriend jeans since I got them but can't really wear them for everyday "play" as I don't want the perfectly torn holes to get ruined so I always love a day when I can wear them while out and about. When SweetPea and I had our culinary adventure with Chef Wolfgang this past October I decided it was the perfect occasion to rock them.




Paired with a statement sweatshirt with the coolest leather shoulders and my studded ankle booties I felt like some kind of hip + stylish mama strollin through the mall with my girl. I have to admit it felt a little odd to be wearing such a bold lip in the middle of the day but once I got over the initial trepidation (they're all going to laugh at me!) I lov…