Yellow Tie Back Maxi Dress

I love bold and bright colors for spring and summer but by far one of my favorites is yellow!  It's a known fact that colors affect your mood and if that's the case, I should wear yellow more often!  It's a cheerful, happy, energetic color that will put a smile on your face all day long and brighten your outlook!
  

I recently purchased this sunny yellow tie back maxi dress.  I thought it would be an easy dress to pack in my suitcase for my upcoming summer vacation!  It's a sexy form fitting silhouette with thin spaghetti straps and a darling bow that ties in the back!  I ordered a medium online, however, I would suggest sizing down to get a slender and smooth look!  I selected a few other sunny yellow dress options in my shop link below but here are a few other favorites I found!

This beautiful Loup Charmant lemon yellow cotton dress
This Mara Hoffman yellow and white stripe cut out midi dress
and this lemon print camisole dress

I decided to wear my floppy sun hat to keep the sun off my face.  I love the big black bow on this one which is only $26 and gives the whole look a summer vibe!         

My niece and I were out shopping and we decided to visit Cocola Bakery at Stanford.  They have the yummiest treats and baked goodies.  We enjoyed sitting in the outdoor patio, sipping on our lattes and indulging in some decadent desserts!   I couldn't leave without picking up a few delicious sweets to bring home to my family!  

   

I love anything with pom poms and/or tassels, so when I saw this colorful  pom pom straw tote, I knew I needed to get it!  There are a lot of expensive brands out there but I found this one for only $45!  I think it adds a pop of whimsy and fun and is a perfect accessory to add to any spring/summer outfit!  Check out some of my other favorite finds in my shop link below!    

I hope you all are enjoying your week so far!  If you find you need a little mood pick me up, start with your wardrobe!  Try bold and bright colors and I promise you will look and feel fabulous! By the way, I started a blog newsletter recently and would love for you to subscribe!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  You can subscribe here...don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!

Thanks for visiting!

xoxoxoxo,

Hayley

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Shorts Weather

I'm so thrilled the temperatures are rising and it's beginning to feel more like "shorts weather" here in the San Francisco bay area!  It's time to indulge in a spring spa pedicure, stock up on your self tanner lotion, and reorganize your closet to swap out the fall/winter essentials for spring and summer must haves! One of my favorite go to spring/summer essentials next to sandals and sundresses are shorts! I could pretty much wear shorts all day every day if the weather permitted me to do so!  

I've gathered up some of my favorite current shorts styles to shop below!  I am a big fan of solid bright colors, fun spring and summer patterns, and embellishments such as bows, tassels, and pom poms!           

 What is your favorite summer must have?

Enjoy Shopping!

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Love these fun flamingo print shorts
These red and white gingham shorts are perfect for a summer picnic!
Give me the summer blues with these linen blend high waisted striped shorts
Put a bow on it with these pink tie waist shorts in cotton poplin!
All the floral feels in these darling spring flowered shorts
These lemon yellow scallop shorts are perfect for a sunny day at the boardwalk!

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Orange Scallops, Ruffles, and a Bow

I was doing my typical Target run at lunch last week.  I needed to pick up a few items I was out of.  I approached the check out line when all of a sudden out of the corner of my eye, I saw the most beautiful bright orange and hot pink scallops, bows, and ruffles.  It was the Victoria Beckham x Target collection... and I immediately turned around to go take a peek!     

I was running a little late and didn't have time to try anything on, so I grabbed a medium in this gorgeous orange scallop one shoulder mini-dress and out the door I flew!  By the way, I got it on sale for $28!  Can you believe that? A Victoria Beckham dress for under $30?  That's just unheard of!  I was excited to get home that evening and try it on...hoping the medium would fit ok!  

I don'r really own much of anything in orange but this bright tangerine color really is the most gorgeous vibrant shade!  There were several VBxTarget items to choose from but I really fell in love with this particular dress...I mean who doesn't love scallops, ruffles, and bows?  I thought it would be the perfect dress to bring on my Caribbean cruise summer vacation which I am counting down the days until our bon voyage!  By the way, I finally tried it on when I got home that night and it fit perfectly!  

This is my new favorite color for the season!  Have you seen the VBxTarget collection?  Some of my favorite fashion bloggers are wearing pieces from the collection that I just adore!  Explore the VBxTarget hashtag to check it out!  Also, if you haven't been to Target lately, you may want to swing by and snag one before they are all sold out!  I promise you will be thrilled you did!  

Here are some of my favorites from the collection!  Enjoy Shopping!

Orange Drop Waist Scallop Trim Dress

Blush Collared Dress

Black Daisy Drop Waist Scallop Trim Dress

Black Twill Skirt with Scallop Trim Pocket

 Black One Shoulder Dress with Bow and Scallop Trim - what I'm wearing in black! 

Black Pleated Culottes

Fuchsia Jacquard Drop Waist Dress

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Pink Palm Print Maxi Dress

I am so obsessed with all the beautiful pink palm print clothing and accessories that have emerged this spring!  I have always loved tropical prints as it reminds me of a summer vacation at the beach!  In fact, my bedroom is decorated with palm print artwork and bedding!  Therefore, when I saw this gorgeous pink palm print maxi dress, I knew I needed it for two reasons: 1) I adore the pink palm print which screams Palm Beach!  2) It’s a perfect maxi dress to bring on our Caribbean cruise and Florida vacation this summer!  I’m literally counting down the days until our bon voyage!

The spring weather here in the San Francisco Bay Area has just been splendid!  I’m so glad we are finally into warmer temperatures and longer days!  This past weekend, we visited the Golden Gate Overlook which is one of the many fabulous spots around the city that offers great viewpoints of the historic and majestic Golden Gate Bridge.  The Golden Gate Overlook is located above the historic batteries at the Southwest side of the Golden Gate Bridge and is a great spot for photos of the bridge, the expansive coastal bluffs, the Pacific Ocean, and native flowers on the winding footpaths below.  If you plan to visit San Francisco and would like a list of all the great viewpoints of the Golden Gate Bridge within the city, check out the Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy website here!

  

As I mentioned, I fell in love with this dress the first time I saw it.  I am 5'10 and normally wear a medium or women's size 6-8 and the fit is TTS.   The dress has a small cut out in front to show a little skin, a twisted sweetheart neckline, and spaghetti straps that tie in the back for versatility and comfort.  There are two slits on either side of the dress so you can show off some legs!  I decided to keep the look very casual by wearing my favorite straw hat (similar here & here), some flip flops or sandals (similar found here and here), and  my favorite straw bag (not pictured - found here).  If you prefer a shorter mini sun dress version of this dress in the same print check out this one here.  There is also a petites version here.  

  

   

The Golden Gate Overlook is a great spot if you want to get fantastic pictures of the bridge (sunset pictures are the best just before dark so you can see the twinkling headlights of the cars passing over! It's also a great place to bike, walk, and run with many trails connecting in. If you love taking pictures of the ocean and coastal bluffs, this is a perfect spot and you may catch a glimpse of sailboats passing by or large cargo ships coming in from the Pacific Ocean.  Lastly, if you just love to meditate, be one with nature, find a bench and read, this spot offers so much peace and tranquility to do all of those things!
        

By the way, I started a blog newsletter recently and would love for you to subscribe!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  You can subscribe here...don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!   

Adventure is out there!  Opt outside and enjoy it!  Thanks for visiting!

xoxoxoxo,

Hayley

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St. Patrick's Day Celebrations

St. Patrick's day is a few days away and this Irish girl is already thinking about how to celebrate!  Every year on March 17, the Irish and the Irish-at-heart across the globe observe St. Patrick's Day. What began as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland has become an international festival celebrating Irish culture with parades, dancing, special foods and a whole lot of green.  

Have you ever wondered why pinching someone who is not wearing green on St. Patrick's Day became a tradition?  Revelers thought wearing green made one invisible to leprechauns, fairy creatures who would pinch anyone they could see (anyone not wearing green). People began pinching those who didn't wear green as a reminder that leprechauns would sneak up and pinch green-abstainers!  Now a days, it's probably best to keep your pinching fingers to yourself, but I still like the idea of wearing green anyway to show my Irish pride!    

What are your St. Patrick's Day traditions?  Do you have any great recipes to share?  My mom always made the best corned beef and cabbage dinner on St. Patrick's Day when I was young!  I love the scent of the red cider vinegar brewing in the dutch oven! She typically served it with small red potatoes and green cabbage and always had a helpful serving of spicy mustard and vinegaron the side!  

I recently created a new Pinterest board to get some St. Patrick's Day inspiration!  You can check it out here!  I've also rounded up some of my favorite St. Patrick's Day inspired fashion looks below!  I hope you enjoy it!  

xoxoxo,
☘☘☘☘

Hayley

This sleeveless structured emerald green tulip dress is on major sale!
I love the frill sleeves and crochet trim on this green dress with embroidered detail!
This classic lambswool pea coat comes in a beautiful loden green color which looks great with these Hunter rain boots!
How about this fringed tartan green scarf  to accessorize your St. Patrick's Day look?
I adore these forest green ponte skinny pants!  They come in a variety of colors!
You can't go worng with a classic grren/navy plaid skirt like this one here!
I'm seriously crushing on this emerald green suede shoulder bag!
These emerald green pumps are gorgeous!  What do you think?
This Tippie tie neck striped sweater with a green bow would look so cute with a pair of jeans for a more casual look!

Shop the rest of my St Patrick's Day selections below!

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Smile Laugh Wink

Happy Monday lovelies!  I received this fabulous Bare Minerals eyeliner set his past Christmas and I've been using it non-stop ever since... so I had to share it with you!  I have been a Bare Minerals makeup user for as long as I can remember (since high school which was many moons ago)!  When it comes to liners (lip, brow, or eyes), there are a few specific needs I must have:  

Featured Product: Bare Minerals "Smile, Laugh, Wink" Eye Liner Set

2) Easy to apply: have you ever bought one of those over the counter brands at your local drug store only to find out when you get home and try to apply it, you murder your eye in doing so?  When applying a liner around your delicate eye area I would like to think it doesn't require a match and fire to soften the tip to make it glide on smoothly!  Right?  Thanks a lot!  Now I can't return it because it's been unwrapped!  I know you've had this experience!  So frustrating!

3) It's versatile in intensity and style.  Some days I might like to do an intense cat eye with a thin line and some days I prefer a more smoky blended line.  I like to have options!


The Bare Minerals "Smile, Laugh, Wink" set is the ultimate wardrobe for achieving classic-to-cat eyed definition. It comes with three masterful, multi-tasking eyeliners and each one delivers a totally different look from simple and traditional to bold and smoked out to intense and polished.

In this set, you'll receive one of each:

Lasting Line Long-Wearing Eyeliner in Absolute Black (0.012 oz)
Round The Clock Intense Cream-Glide Eyeliner in Midnight (0.04 oz)
Lash Domination Ink Liner in Intense Black (0.02 oz)
and a Sharpener!

It's a great buy to purchase all together vs. individually and you will not be disappointed in the quality and versatility this set delivers!  I am absolutely hooked!

Be BeYOUtifil!

xoxoxo,

Hayley

Inhale Exhale Love

The best thing about living in California is the winters are mild and you really can enjoy being outdoors all year long!  I've been spending a lot of time recently exploring, hiking, and taking in the fresh air and beautiful scenery that surrounds the San Francisco Bay Area.  It's fun to just go for a Sunday drive, pull over at a trail head, and take a hike.

Featured Piece: Inhale, Exhale, Love Sweatshirt found here

I recently picked up a few cozy sweatshirts from Target that are perfect for outdoor adventures.  This black "Inhale, Exhale, Love" sweatshirt is one of my favorites and it's super cozy and warm!  It's perfect for a short hike when it's a little cooler out or something to throw on when you're looking to cozy up in sweats and slippers at home!  Here are a few others I recently picked up that you might love as well!

1.  After The Rain Cowl Neck Pull Over

2. California Graphic Cowl Neck Pull Over    

3.  Need More Coffee Cowl Neck Sweatshirt   

4.  Weekend Wanderer Blue Sweatshirt (recently worn in this post here)

I don't know exactly where this trail head started an stopped.  I just sort of stumbled upon it without taking note of exactly where it was or how I got there!  I do know the trail is called "Loon Trail" and it was somewhere off the grid near Camp Jones Gulch in La Honda, CA.  There are a ton of fabulous hiking trails in San Mateo County.  You can find a list with maps and trail descriptions here.   

By the way, I started a blog newsletter recently and would love for you to subscribe!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  You can subscribe here...don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!   

Adventure is out there!  Opt outside and enjoy it!  

xoxoxoxo,

Hayley

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Valentines Day Favorites

"I So Heart You" Valentine Card by the talented Sandy M of Ooh La Frou Frou

Valentines Day is just a few weeks away and I am already dreaming of pink champagne, chocolates, and romance!  I recently created a new Pinterest board to get some Valentine's Day romantic inspiration!  You can check it out here!  I've also rounded up some of my favorite Valentines Day inspired looks and gifts whether you're planning a fancy dinner date in the city or a romantic casual evening at home watching Netflix...I've got you covered!  Guys...pay attention...I've included some great gift ideas as well!  

With Love,
💗💖💝💘

Hayley

This coral pink flowy maxi dress is simply stunning
Every valentine gal needs a sweet scented perfume like this one!
I love anything with bows such as these cute pajamas and this classy red ruffle dress
Scallops are a cute and romantic detail like this blush top here or this lace ruffle neck top here
Get your glow on with this Too Faced Bronzer and this chocolate bons bons eye shadow pallete
Everyone needs a cute pair of red sunnies to go with their valentines outfit
Looking for the perfect bag? I love this mini-love cross body one here
These heart adorned sneakers are sure to make a statement for your casual date out!
Here are a few of my other favorite dress options here, here, and here!

Shop the rest of my Valentines Selections below!

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Weekend Wanderer

I love being outdoors and in to nature as much as possible.  This coming year, we hope to spend more time camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and just enjoying all the beautiful landscape that surrounds us!  Luckily for me, living in California I don't need to travel too far to spend some time in the mountains, on the coast at the beach, or in the wilderness.

Outfit Details:

Featured Piece:  Weekend Wanderer Sweatshirt found here  (similar options here, here, and here)

Faux fur lined snow boots (similar here and here)

Black skinny jeans (similar found here and here)

Plaid flannel button-up shirt (similar here and here)

Faux Fur pom pom Beanie (similar here, here, and here)

This past weekend, we spent some time hiking and taking in the fresh air under the redwood trees. There's a humbling feeling when you're in the presence of these gentle old giants.  A calming peace envelops you like the coastal fog that drifts in.  In honor of California's magnificent redwoods, the Save the Redwoods League has created the infographic below to show some of the ways that redwoods support people and wildlife. Feel free to share it, and visit the Save the Redwoods League blog for more information.

 

It was pretty chilly this past Saturday and I don't like to be cold!  I wore layers that could be put on or peeled off depending on the weather.  The ground on the forest floor was still very damp from recent rain storms.  However, we still had a great time hiking, identifying the various plants along the trails, bird watching, and keeping our eyes out for wildlife. Some of the plants we found were huckleberry, ferns, redwood sorrel, and horsetail.  We also saw a few western grey squirrels, Steller's jays, and acorn woodpeckers.  Some other common wildlife you may encounter are skunks, raccoons, and banana slugs.  

Did you know that giant redwood trees can live up to 2,000 years old?  It amazes me when I stop, look up, and wonder what the world was like when this old living tree was just a seedling?  I hope you all take some time to get out and explore more this year!  Nature has such a calming and soothing effect on your attitude and it's fun to get out with your kids and enjoy the great outdoors!  

Happy New Year,

xoxoxo,

Hayley

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Reflecting Back on 2016

Featured Piece: Red Lantern Bell Sleeve Top from SheIn found here (also comes in pink, black, navy and white)!  I am thinking of ordering this top in the pink color for Valentines day!  Isn't it cute?  I love the bell shaped sleeves and this red color is perfect for the holidays and any occasion!

Happy New Year!  The beginning of the new year is a great time to reflect back on all the memories created and the accomplishments you made, big or small!!  2016 was a memorable year with a lot of great moments, some happy and sad memories, and a good amount of change!  

I lost my job in March which was a very scary time time for me personally.  I had only been employed there for a year and a half.  However, I believe everything happens for a reason.  I disliked my Manager, didn't feel like I had any work life flexibility, and just felt underappreciated and under valued.  It's really frustrating when you're in a job with high hopes for a long lasting and fulfilling experience. I tried to focus on the positive aspects this change could bring.  I had a few months off with pay due to my severance package which gave me time to look for a new job and focus on myself for a little while...something I need to get better at doing. During this time off, I was able to spend more time with friends and family, travel to local places I had never seen or experienced, exercise more, and get a bit more organized!  

I started my new job in May and couldn't be happier!  I work for a fantastic, creative, and family friendly company!  I adore my Manager who is one of the best executive leaders I've had the opportunity to work with.  She is extremely organized, intelligent, and really recognizes and appreciates the value I bring to the table!  I love the team I work with as well.  They are collaborative, friendly, and supportive which is really all you can ask for from your co-workers.  I am a firm believer that "progress is always the result of change".  Although this change was scary and a bit stressful, it turned out to be one of the best things I've experienced this past year. 

2016 brought a lot of fun and new travel adventures!  I received a Sonoma/Napa wine passport for my birthday last January and took full advantage of using it as often as we could!  We explored many different wineries with family and friends, experienced new places to dine, and enjoyed all the benefits of this membership!  I posted a few of our wine adventures here, here and here!  

We also took a few mini family vacations.  Although I am a native California girl, I've never been to San Diego! I thought it would be a lot of fun for our kids with so many family activities to see and do!  We visited Sea World, Coronado, La Jolla, and Old Town and really enjoyed the resort we stayed at - Kona Kai Yacht Club.  I posted a few highlights from our trip to San Diego here and here!  We really enjoyed it and look forward to going back in the near future! 

We also just took our first trip to Yosemite as a family over the Christmas holiday!  I didn't get a chance to blog about it but I posted some of our memories on Instagram!  We stayed at Tenaya Lodge in Fish Camp which is in the Wawona area of Yosemite National Park.  We did a full day of exploration in Yosemite Valley seeing some of the most majestic and beautiful sites Yosemite has to offer such as Tunnel View, Half Dome, Bridal Veil Falls, El Capitan, and Yosemite Falls. We also dined at the Majestic Ahwahnee Hotel which was beautifully decked out for the holidays!  Winter time is such a beautiful season to visit Yosemite.  The snow capped mountains and meadows, gushing waterfalls, and starry winter nights are amazingly beautiful!          

2016 was a year to focus on getting some of those home improvement projects checked off our list!  It feels so good to refresh and/or redecorate your house...even it's a small space like painting and  reorganizing your closet...it makes such a big difference!  This past year, we finally installed our new wrought iron and glass front doors which provides so much curb appeal, we installed new french doors in our dining room which brought in a ton of natural light, we opened up a wall between our living and dining room to make the space feel more open and flowing, and we installed new can lighting throughout our first floor living space.  We are not completely done yet...we need to finish painting, installing new bamboo flooring, base boards, and crown molding, and install a custom built in entertainment cabinet in our living room.  Once we finish those projects in 2017, we can move on to the upstairs projects! One day at a time right?  I guess home projects are never completely done!   

I'm looking forward to what 2017 has in store for us! Reflecting back, I want to thank each and every one of you for all your support and encouragement of this little blog project.  I really enjoy creating content, sharing my experiences, and hearing from all of you!  It truly means a lot to me!  I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and I wish you health, happiness, and lots of love for 2017!  

By the way, I started a blog newsletter recently and would love for you to subscribe!  It's a great way to connect with all of you about new posts, great sales you don't want to miss, Q&A on various fashion, beauty, home decor, and travel topics, and so much more!  You can subscribe here...don't worry, I won't overcrowd your inbox!  Also, don't forget you can shop all of the looks from my blog on my shop page!   

Best wishes for a Fabulous 2017!  Thank you to SheIn for sponsoring this post!  For more fabulous fashion, shoes, and accessories, visit their website!  The red lantern bell sleeve top I'm wearing in this post can be found here! 

xoxoxo,

Hayley