VIVA LA...

FIESTA!

For 5 days every year Santa Barbara literally shuts down and turns into a giant fiesta! The smells of taquitos, tortas and churros are everywhere. The streets are littered with confetti that has spilled out of brightly colored eggs. Festivities start at sunrise and continue far past sunset. Santa Barbarans get very in the spirit of celebrating the town's Mexican heritage with Flamenco performances, Mariachi music streaming out of every watering hole (and the streets) and a red rose tucked behind the ear of every senorita. I've lived in SB since I was 3 and fiesta brings back lots of memories. I even got into Flamenco dancing when I was little. Yes. A blond, skinny little Flamenco dancer.

(dressed:

H81 top,

H81 jeggings,

old navy wedges)

Last night we went to the Mission to see the Fiesta Pequeña - Fiesta's opening ceremonies. It was a delicious picnic of cantaloupe, brie, crackers, and a zucchini-tomato tart I made. There may or may not have been a few glasses of wine passed around amongst the girls as well. Beautiful twirling skirts against the Mission background is quite a sight to see.

We will still be finding confetti long after Fiesta is over....

The making of the bird's nest

My little girly-girl was super happy to have a girl's night...even though her brother was there was add some male element. 

And he was even able to make a few friends on the walk home. Challenge you to a lightsaber duel?

What special events shut down your town every year? 

XO,

Chelsea

its business time

yes, every once in a while I actually like to look professional. Its not very often, so I figured it would be best to document aforementioned professional attire.

Someone wasn't too pleased with mommy trying to get a few snaps of her alone.

But a few kisses and it was back to smiles.

I love these little munchkins soooo much! I'm off to Norway with Carl and not sure how I'll make it the next few weeks without their sweet little faces! I'm sure they're Daddy will be spoiling them rotten while we are away...but I'm secretly hoping they can't wait for us to hurry home to them!

Hoping to post a bit on my trip, but where we're headed, there might not be connection. The adventure awaits!!

XO,

Chelsea

Baby Needs a New Pair of Shoes

I finally cashed in my Mother's Day new pair of shoes coupon.

When my grandmother was in town a few weeks ago, we took a little trek downtown with the kiddos and I picked out these beauties. I must've tried on at least 10 pairs - which was a slow process considering they'll only allow you to have 2 pairs at a time to try on. Really?!?! Where have I been that I didn't know this was a rule? I guess its been quite a while since I tried on multiple pairs. I usually have my sights on something and just make a beeline. What made it really interesting was that some salespeople (ahem, the menfolk) were sticklers with the rule and then another would shuffle over to help me and she'd keep piling up the shoes. She knew there was a coupon for shoes burning a hole in my pocket that just couldn't wait. Do not get in the way of a woman on her way to buy shoes. It could be deadly.

You can tell I'm smitten by the way I'm adoringly checking them out.

That weekend's visit from my grandma was super special. I grew up spending most weekends and almost all summer long with my grandparents and my grandma has always been one of my favorite persons in the whole wide world. Except perhaps the time she puked all over my lap on a tour bus in New York City. Other than that, I just love her to pieces. She's crafty, a world traveller, good at games and has a keen eye for antiques. Its pretty safe to say, she's awesome.

Its been a pretty hectic week and shaping up to be just as busy of a weekend. I'm off to catch up on sleep and wish on shooting stars...

Happy weekending!!

XO,

Chelsea

juxtapositional

I'm a girl who loves juxtaposition. I prefer my tough with some precious, sultry with some tame, salty with my sweet, and some florals with my stripes.

Truth be told, this outfit was actually something from last month's archives. I've spent most of my time recently posting about anything but my outfits. Sometimes a little change is good but I'm pinky swearing to get back on schedule about everything. Next week...

Taking snaps this day made me feel like I had my own wind machine following me around. Perfect for hair whipping moments.

And a few pretty hilarious out-takes as well.  I'll have to save those for another day. Perhaps an out-takes post. Just so things never manage to get too serious around here!

What's your favorite juxtaposition?

XO,

Chelsea

old faithful

This outfit is my standby.
Something I know always looks good.
The dress and ankle boots combo is one of my favorites and it never fails to make me feel great all day.
Sunshine and blue skies doesn't hurt either.

Funny things happen when you are running around taking pictures. A guy walked by when I was out in this field and asked if I was taking self-portraits. I lied and said I was testing camera settings. Then he asked if I had any tips for shooting into the sun. Um, no. Clearly, I barely know how to use the thing myself.

Another beautiful week and the first day back to my workouts after the detoxification last week. Tomorrow will be the first run in over a week. Fingers crossed that its an easy transition back because I've got to start training for the Nike Women's Half in San Fran. So excited for that race!!

Happy Hump Day!

How is your Wednesday?

XO,

Chelsea

designer crush - built by wendy

Its been out a while now, but I just got a chance to peek at the Built by Wendy Spring 2010 lookbook and whoa!! Rarely do I love EVERY piece in a collection, but this one is fabulous. Gamine, fresh yet familiar and totally wearable. Now how often can you say that about a designer's entire line? I also love that Wendy is all about DIY with her Sew U books and patterns for sale. The line is not outrageously expensive but still out of my everyday wardrobe price range, so I love the thought of nabbing some of Wendy's style and making it my own.

Some favorites:

Happy Weekend to all!!


XO,


Chelsea

geranium

Ahhh Spring! 

I can't stop mentioning how much I love this season. We're blessed in Southern California in that we don't really even have "seasons" per se. But I can't help but feel the change in mood when the days are longer, more consistently warm and that big yellow ball is shining day in and day out.

I picked this little nook yesterday to shoot in and I realized that I just so happened to match the newly blossomed geranium in our side yard.

I'm a huge fan of bright colors and I think more is definitely more! I got lots of comments on how bright this outfit is. I'm taking that as a compliment ;)

I love this. 

Here I am trying to give my best "fierce" face and out darts my little man. Sutter, your timing is impecable!!

What makes you feel like Spring has sprung in your neck of the woods?

XO,

Chelsea