Product Spotlight: Freshly Picked

Seriously?  Seriously?

As if my ovaries haven't been hurting for another baby enough?

Freshly Picked is a company that makes these hand-made pint-sized moccasins (and pillows, and mouse pads) that are pretty much irresistible.

Give them as gifts, buy them for your little one 

or buy them dreaming of another little one!

Happy Weekend Friends!

{G3QDesigns}

Ready, Set, Hike!

Getting ready for game day?  

Here are some of my picks!

1. Adidas Originals Tracksuit

2. Kelly Green Shoe Laces - J.Crew

3. Gold Rams Head Bangle - J.Crew

4. Alexander Wang - Nieman Marcus 

1. ND Letterman's Sweater - ND Bookstore

2. White Nike Wedges - Nordstrom

3. Gold #1 Ring - J.Crew

4. ND Short Shorts - ND Bookstore

1. Kelly Green Cardigan - J.Crew

2. NS Tee - ND Bookstore

3. Bracelet - J.Crew

Welcome back college football!

Fall Report: We've Got The Blues

With all the new styles, cuts and embellishments on denim, you're sure to make a statement this Fall. 

A great pair of jeans can lift your booty, slim your figure and most importantly boost your confidence. 

There's a perfect pair of jeans calling your name whether you're a girl on a budget or willing to break the bank. Play with your denim and have fun. 

Here's my guide to this seasons' blues. Happy shopping!

The Boyfriend Jean: 

Who can wear them? Borrowed from the boys the Boyfriend jean offers a roomy alternative to the Skinnies and are extremely comfortable. The tomboy vibe is fun, modern and right on trend. If your looking to flatter your figure and prefer to wear tailored clothing, then the structured Boyfriend Jean is right up your alley. If you really want to embrace the authentic Boyfriend Jean then go for supper baggy and pair it with a more form fitting top and a great cardigan to complete the outfit.

1) Rag & Bone/Jean: The Selvedge Boyfriend Jean, $297 available at Shopbop
2) Current Elliott: The Fling, $208 available at Shopbop
3) James Jeans: The Neo Beau Boyfriend Jean, $180 available at Shopbop
4) Levi's: Boyfriend Skinny Wasteless, $88 available at Levi's
5) H&M: The Boyfriend Low Jean, $39.95 available at H&M

The Bootcut Jean: 

Who can wear them? Better question is who can't. A classic Bootcut Jean is always in style and the flattering cut works on all body types. With the right pair they can be very flattering to those who are trying to balance out curves. You can pair these classics with a crisp Oxford shirt (my favorites are white and black) or rock these beauties with a tuxedo jacket or a great blazer.

1) Textile Elizabeth and James: The Lennox Flare Jean, $198 available at Shopbop
2) 7 For All Mankind: The Kimmie Distressed Bootcut Jean, $198 available at Shopbop
3) Citizens of Humanity: The Kelly Jean, $168 available at Piperlime
4) Levi's Curve ID: The Demi Curve, $78 available at Levi's
5) H&M: The Bootcut Low Jean, $39.93 available at H&M

The Moto Jean: 

Who can wear them? Moto jeans started hitting the runways back in Spring, now with Autumn and Winter on their way watch out. With its reinforced lower thigh/knee detailing and topstitching these jeans can look great when pulled together with the right feminine piece. Let a plain tank or tee complete the look with effortless perfection. Simplicity is key, steer clear or too much biker inspiration in one outfit such as biker boots and bikers jackets.

1) Mother: The Looker Inside Skinny Jean, $275 available at Piperlime
2) Rag & Bone/Jean: Devi Lace Up Jean, $253 available at Piperlime
3) Rag & Bone/ Jean: Lariat Jean, $253 available at Piperlime
4) Current/ Elliott: The Motto Stiletto Jean, $134 available at Shopbop
5) Blank Denim: Utility Pants, $106 available at Shopbop

The Skinny Jean: 

Who can wear them? Ok here's the skinny on Skinnies, one things for sure these jeans are back with a vengeance and here to stay. Finding the right pair starts with knowing your body type and working with your figure and not against it. Proportional figures have the most options, but you don't need to be stick thin to rock these. Use this denim to help with height, if you have long legs they'll look longer. For you petite girls they can add height, just make sure they hit at the ankle (any longer and they'll bunch up, making you look shorter). those with a tummy or full hips and thighs they can offset curves with styles that have a slightly roomier leg opening.

1) Citizens Of Humanity: The Avedon Skinny, $218 available at Piperlime
2) Rag & Bone/Jean: The SkinnyJean, $198 available at Shopbop
3) 7 For All Mankind: The Skinny, $159 available at Piperlime
4) H&M: The Supper Skinny Supper Low, $19.95 available at H&M
5) Forever 21: The Skinny Jean, $15.80 available at Forever 21

The Ankle-Length Jean: 

Who can wear them? A stylish cut for any season, the ankle- length jean hits right at the ankle and should be worn in a skinny cut. If your on the taller side you can pair this denim up with a great pair of flats. If your on the shorter side pair these up with heels to help compensate for leg shortening. Wear this polished style with a beautiful blouse, tailored jacket or blazer and boom your right on point with one of the hottest trends.

1) Textile Elizabeth and James: Cooper Zip Jean, $228 available at Piperlime
2) Paige: Skyline Ankle Skinny Peg, $199 available at Piperlime
3) J Brand: 811 Mid-Rise Ankle Skinny Jean, $189 available at Piperlime
4) Blanknyc: Ankle -Zip Skinny Cargo Pant, $118 available at Urban Outfitters
5) Mossimo Women's Ankle Skinny Jean, $16.78 available at Target

Bonny Trejos is a stylist at the Canyon Salon, Westlake Village, California. 

Fruit Kabobs!

These fresh fruit kabobs are easy to assemble and will make you a hit with your kids and at any party!

I love fresh fruit best, but in a bind?  

Buy the precut type at any grocery store!

Add them onto the stick (I use desert sticks without the sharp point!) in any order and...

Really yummy, really healthy, really easy and they look pretty too!

Happy Wednesday friends.

{G3QDesigns}

(ok, ok, so pound cake may not be healthy but my Mom loved it and your kids will too!)

Bathroom Renovation

The gut job of 1980s bathrooms continues.  

I want to call each one my favorite!  This one is a larger, 3 piece bathroom.  I customized the lucite vanity with a black hammered copper sink.  The results are breathtaking. 

Bye Bye bulkheads, hello marble and grasscloth! 

Some of the details:

I splurged on the sink.  I was something I pinched pennies for in every other bathroom and it was worth every one of them!  Next came the scrumptious mirror!  Oh porcupine take me away!!! From there came the accent tiles to create a border.  I loved that they mimiced the quills of the mirror and that it gave the floor some interest and dimension without having to put a rug down.  With all of the hard, mostly white, surfaces I knew I was going to use a grasscloth on the walls to warm the place up and give them some needed texture.  

 I used the wall mounted faucet and handles (and shower head) from Jason Wu for Brizo.  I loved the mat black!  Below are some of the tile details.  

 So, which do you prefer?

Harley says I'll take Carrera any day!

In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight. 

Proverbs 3:6

Recipe Coconut Lime Pound Cake

School is here! 

This recipe for coconut lime pound cake is the perfect gift for teachers to transition them from Summer to Fall.  

Happy baking!

Pound Cake:

3 large eggs

3 tablespoons of whole milk

1 tablespoon of coconut milk

1 1/2 tablespoons of coconut extract

1 1/2 cups of sifted cake flour

1 teaspoon of baking powder

1/4 teaspoon of salt

3/4 cups of sugar

1 cup of room temperature salted butter

Glaze:

Zest of 1 lime

3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice

1 cup of powdered sugar

1 teaspoon of butter

1 cup of sweetened coconut

Instructions for cake:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Cream the butter and sugar, add eggs one at a time mixing well after each addition.  Add the extract, zest, juice and milks.

Slowly add the flour, salt, and baking powder.  Mix until just combined.  Spray a loaf pan with your favorite non-stick spray and add the mix. 

Bake for 55-60 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean.

Instructions for glaze:

The the cake is cooled, mix all ingredients except for the coconut until smooth.  Glaze should be rather thick.  Spread all over top of the cake and while the glaze is wet, sprinkle the coconut on top and enjoy! 

Olivia Beckman is owner of Bakery Sixty Five in Ventura, California. 

Ready Set Renovate!

Renovation is underway!  The transformations are incredible!  6 bathroom remodels in 4 weeks.  Ready, set, renovate!

Bathroom 1:

This bathroom was plain Jane!  (Not that there is anything wrong with Jane!) We took out all of the 80s headers, changed the wall the shower occupied and gave it a stunning wood planked accent wall behind the modern vanity.

Before:

After:

(Oh my, the orange sticker is a treat!)

Before:

After:

Some Details:

TGIF Everyone!  Have a blessed weekend!

In the Kitchen: Blackberry Skewers & Peach Wine Spritzer

Ever throw a little soiree and have no time to put together appetizers? 

Ever want to make a refreshing cocktail for you and the girls to sip on 

while you are tanning by the pool? 

Even better...with your kids going back to school (of course if you don't have any, just borrow your baby cousins for a day), and Summer coming to an end, needing to treat yourself to a cocktail and snacks? 

Beautiful drinks and apps anyone can make!  Of course, Pinterest inspired, I hope you enjoy!

Blackberry Skewers

1. Wash your blackberries and pull your mint leaves
2. Gently push mint onto skewer - I broke multiple leaves and cried a little, kidding, but be easy with them
3. Slice your brie, cut off the rind, fold over and push onto skewer
4. Top with blackberry

You can arrange them any way you'd like, add more to them...get creative! I liked the simple one bite skewer.

Shortbread Brie Bites

1. Buy your favorite shortbread cookies
2. Spread brie on top of the cookie
3. Smack with mint - yes it actually does make a difference and it's fun
4. Muddle blackberries and put your desired amount on top 
5. Sprinkle with brown sugar 

Peach Wine Spritzer

Ingredients: 

• 3 cups seltzer
• 1 cup peach juice
• 3 cups dry white wine
• 2 1/2 tablespoons honey
• Garnish: peach slices

1. Fill pitcher with ice to the top
2. Add all ingredients
3. If you don't have a proper juicer, you can always do a make shift move like I did, ha! 
4. Slice your peaches and drop them in your wine glass before served

All of this is easy, quick and delicious...not to mention the colors are gorgeous and the cocktail is the perfect touch for the blackberry appetizers.

Rachel Metz is cupcake/cake pop enthusiast, foodie, and dessert table designer in Westlake Village, California. 

Powder Room Panache

I am entering phase two of the PRod project and next up is the kitchen and powder room.  The powder room is fairly small and we are simply redecorating rather than renovating.  

So given no walls will come down what should go up?

All of these have served as inspiration.  

Photos of the project will follow!