ClassPass launches in Orange County!

I love trying out new work out classes, and lets be honest it seems about every month there is a new studio popping up with a "new" style of work out.

I usually stick with the basic running (see 1/2 marathon post) and Pilates to lengthen and lean.  Given I have attended the same studios for years, give or take a few in between,  I really enjoy the opportunity ClassPass gives me to check out other local options with out a significant commitment.  My first class was at Club Pilates Costa Mesa, I know its my norm, but it gave me a chance to check out another studio while still staying within my comfort zone. Brittany, the instructor was very welcoming and super friendly, the class was about 1/2 full and she payed close attention to everyone.

I have to say the best part of ClassPass is the confidence that comes along with it.  I didn't feel like I was walking in with a Groupon or paid for a discounted service, the studio treated me like I was a regular member.  Next up is Grit cycle and Dailey Method! both studios I have never been to and workouts I have not participated in for years!!! Check out ClassPass and their participating studios Here. 

Club Pilates Costa Mesa, CA 

Valentine's Day Gift Guide

Ily Couture Tees Red Hearts & "Wifey" // Chloe Perfume // Estee Lauder Nail Polish // Pink Luggage Set // Tory Burch Eye Shadow Palette // Jennifer Meyer Heart Earrings {less expensive version here // Valentino Bow Pump // Saint Laurent Bucket Bag {less expensive version here} // Tom Ford Lipstick // Patent Leather Hunter Boots

Valentin's Day is just a week away!  Naturally, I want everything in pink or red.  :)  What's on your wish list?

XO, Lydia

Tri- City half marathon

Happy Tuesday! I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I spend mine completing one of my 2015 goals, which was running the Tri-city medical half marathon in Carlsbad, CA.  I set this goal on my 30th birthday and feel accomplished that I was able to follow through with it.  I created a running plan to follow, but fell a little short and did not prepare for this race as well as I had for prior races.  That being said I still set my time goal high, with a completion time of 2hrs.  

The morning of the race I felt relaxed and confident, the week prior I ate a clean diet, maintained good sleep habits and stretched my muscles daily.  These good habits really seemed to help we feel great on race day.   

Once I got into my "wave" group I was ready to go, the first 7/8 miles I cruised up and down the coasts rolling hills.  Once I finished mile 8 my plan was so slow slightly and speed up again for miles 11-13, that would have worked if I had not eaten an orange slice!  I had to slow my pace due to a major side cramp, I was really bummed but pushed along and finished the race in 2:02, 2 minutes slower then my goal.  I am very competitive with myself and was really bummed about my time and how I felt at the end of the race.  I am glad I completed the race and feel great about how strong my first half of the run was, now I am ready to beat that time and continue my weekly runs.  

Lesson learned here:  Don't eat the orange and over prepare. 

Until next time!

Carlsbad  beach

Start of the race

Casual Contrast {Happy Weekend!}

Outfit Details:

Shift Dress / Black Leggings // Dolce Vita Suede Boots from Piperlime {on sale now} // Plaid Scarf // Chanel Bag // Rayban Sunglasses

Fridays are all about catching up on errands, emails and maybe a lunch date with the hubbs!  I'm getting to do all that today.  I'm also wearing these boots on this chilly day and realized I never shared this look from a couple weeks ago.  I love the look of blacks and neutrals.  The contrast is so chic and effortless.  This color palate is my staple as of late...if you haven't noticed.  Also, these suede Dolce Vita boots are on sale at Piperlime.  I love the sleek structure and rich color,  and they are pretty comfortable for a weekend around town!

My weekends have been so crazy lately. With holidays and travel, its been go go go!  But I hate staying home and not doing much so I love it!  This weekend will also jammed packed - going bridesmaid dress shopping for my cousin's wedding, photo session for next week's blog posts, church and hoping to squeeze in a workout or two.  And not to mention I'm fighting a cold.  blah!

Of course, the most exciting part will bridesmaid dress shopping.  I love anything related to weddings.  Who doesn't, am I right!  I hope she'll let me share the wedding planning process here on the blog because there's a part of me who wants to go totally overboard with the bridal shower/bachelorette party details but not sure if she's into that.  Perhaps I won't give her a choice. ha! {Just kidding Agnes} She's the most organized and prepared bride-to-be I've ever known, so I'm sure its already taken care of. :)  I can't wait for the big day!

What are your weekend plans?


XO, Lydia

Wish List {Holiday Travel}

Another reason why I love this time of year is the travel.  Whether you’re traveling to be with family or a romantic getaway, I enjoy the excitement and frenzy.  I’ve been very fortunate in life to be able to travel a lot the last few years.  In fact, usually for Christmas and New Years, we’re jetting off to mark another location in our bucket list. This year…not so much.  With the arrival of Baby J, we are staying close to home.  But this is not going to stop me from dreaming big wanderlust dreams. :)  Here is my vacation wish list. 

Where are you traveling to?  Hope its someplace awesome!

1. The Norther Lights in Iceland {at the TOP of bucket list}

Photo credit

2. Christmas Markets in Prague

Photo Cred

3. Lazy beach days  in the Seychelles

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Maybe next year we can take the baby along to these amazing places:

1. Wildlife in Australia {Would absolutely love to go back to Oz}

Photo Cred

2. A Royal tour in London {Hey, Will and Kate!}

Photo Cred

3. Family fun in the Babamas

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Forecast Rain {Boots}

What I'm Wearing:

Bobeau Sweater {old, similar here and here}// Black Jeans // Splendid Tank // Prada Bag // Hunter Boots

It felt like we were experiencing a hurricane last Friday morning!  Of course, when the rain comes we Californians are always so dramatic.  The bad news is that people drive like crazy and the freeways are usually in a state of standstill, but the good news is that I get to wear my Hunter rain boots.  You see, we don't get a lot of opportunity to appropriately show them off here, so when even just a drop falls, these babies are definitely on display.

It's suppose to rain a lot this week, so I'll be ready.  Been awhile since we've endured long rainy days and I think its such a good excuse to just lazy around with hot cocoa and PJs! :)  Hope you all have a good week...be safe out there!

XOXO,

Lydia

New Baby Essentials

We’ve survived a full month. Hallelujah!  The first couple weeks were really challenging.  Sleep deprivation, hormonal changes, utter loss of control can take a real toll on your body, mind and spirit.  But I’m proud to report that we’re starting to get this baby thing…it does get easier by the day.  Can you believe Baby J is 5 weeks already?!  Now he’s started to look like a real baby {less alien newborn} and communicate with us with “coos” and voluntary smiles. 

As a new Mom – I read just about every single “product review” list there was pre and post baby.  Its funny though, just mere days outside the womb, babies already have clear preferences for specific things.  For example, Baby J likes Medela bottles/nipples over Avent, and he loves the 4Moms MamaRoo over the Fisher Price Rock N’ Play {apparently he’s already got expensive taste like his mama!}.  I’ve compiled a short lists of items that we love and used the most so far.  You'll see our favorite brands include 4Moms, Honest and Baby Brezza.  I am a self-proclaimed obsessive compulsive un-clutterer..err, whatever the exact opposite of a hoarder.  I can't stand random things on the floor or on table tops.  i love clean open spaces.  So it was especially important to have baby gear that was not only functional but with innovative clean design.  It was easy to find my preferences in brands these amazing brands.

Hope they will be helpful to some new and even experienced mommy out there. :)

1. Goumikids Mittens - These were the only mittens that actually stayed on!  And word of advice: get multiple pairs.  Like socks, magically one always goes missing in the wash.
2. 4Moms MamaRoo - Baby J will sleep in this for hours.  It has different types of movement in case baby gets bored with the side to side movement and prefers the "Ocean Wave".  Even has a build in plug and insert for an iPhone/iTouch for music.  Also, get the matching 4Moms newborn insert.  It kept his head from sliding down or to the sides.
3. Honest Diapers -  Honest has invaded my household even before the baby arrived {see my post on pregnancy essentials} and naturally when I wanted a non-toxic, natural and eco-friendly diapers, I turned to Honest.  It fits Baby J well and we have less what I call "side pee" accidents.  
4. Zip-front Onesies - Baby J hates pullover onesies with a passion.  He screams bloody murder at the sight of them.  Ok, so a little dramatic, but really pullovers are not so convenient. Zip-front onesies were our fave.  It's easy to put on and convenient for fast diaper changes, especially during the middle of the night when aforementioned "side pee" occurs.  Our favorite ones are these and these.
5. Aden + Anais Swaddle blankets - We tried a few different swaddle blankets and even Sleepsacks like these, but felt the regular Aden + Anais ones are definitely a staple.  Baby J is somewhat indifferent about being swaddled - sometimes he would sleep soundly and other times he would fight his way out.  He actually liked these probably because they are breathable and gives him enough comfort but easy enough he doesn't feel too restricted.  
6. 4Moms Tub - I'm sure the tub function works like any other.  The differentiator here is the thermometer.  I'm always second guessing...is too hot or too cold?  This tub takes the guesswork out and made bath time enjoyable for everyone!
7. Baby Brezza Sterilizer + Dryer - This is an all in one sterilizer and dryer and truly a must-have for all moms.  I use to spend probably a combined 2-3 hours each day drying bottles, nipples and pumping parts!  When this arrived at my doorstep, problem solved!  Imagine what you can do with a couple more hours in a day!
8. Aden + Anais Bibs - Like the swaddle blankets, we love the soft material since it constantly rubs his neck and face.  

XOXO,

Lydia