Holiday Gift Guide #2 - The Traveler!

Holiday gift guide #2 – The Traveler

I hope you all loved the first installment of the Holiday Gift Guide (The Girl on the Go!) – seems like everyone did! For our next edition, I thought I would focus on our friend or family member that seems to always be in a different city or on an airplane! We all know that person that is constantly living out of a suitcase, so why not get them something special that lets them know you’re thinking about them even when they are miles away!

My biggest struggle with travel is staying organized – but the last couple of trips I have taken have been night and day compared to the “hotel room destroyer” of previous trips. I seriously upgraded my travel game with a few new things (that I’m totally including here!).

Amazon Basics Hardside Spinner Set ($ 188.97)

The biggest change I made was new luggage! And while luggage can be a pretty personal decision- so far everyone I know that has them, totally loves hard-sided suitcases! I got a pretty inexpensive set on Amazon, (mostly because I couldn’t make a color decision) And I was really impressed with the quality, I've checked them several times and they're holding up great.  (To purchase mine click HERE.) There are gazillions of chic options now on the interwebs. I love the different textures and colors that Calpak offers – you can get lost on their website for hours dreaming of the airport photoshoots you can have with them!

I love the rose gold color of these, this is the Ambeur 2 piece set which sells for $285

Next up… packing cubes! These, like the hard sided luggage, take a little to get used to but have totally elevated my travel game! It really helps keep me organized as well as plan outfits while traveling. When using the hard sided suitcases you can’t just flip your bag open like a normal suitcase and dig around so these are vital! Pick her up a set with a cute print to brighten her day when she's packing!

Packing Cube Set (comes in tons of patterns!) $19.99 

I divide mine up by clothing type, makes unpacking a breeze and helps to stop me from overpacking when you see all 6 pairs of jeans in one spot for a weekend trip!  To purchase click HERE.

On the same theme of packing cubes, help her keep all that tech stuff organized! How cute are these cases?!?? I went ahead and got a second set of chargers that I keep in a little pouch like this – SO. MUCH. EASIER.  To purchase click HERE.

MYTAGALONGS tech cases $10-$14.99

We all know that airplanes can destroy our skin, this rose water mist from Roses and Rose (an awesome local female owned company!) will help keep you glowy when on the go. It’s perfect for a little refresh as well as under all your serums and moisturizers for a little extra hydration.  To purchase click HERE - and the best part? They're offering my readers a 15% off with the code HOLIDAY15 - time to stock up! 

You should for sure pick up a body scrub while you're browsing too! Don't forget to use code HOLIDAY15! 

No one wants to look like a wrinkled mess when they get to their fabulous destination – this lightweight steamer is the perfect addition to your fashionistas bag!  To purchase click HERE.

And there you have it! I hope that you're enjoying these guides. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments below and suggestions for our next guide! 

XOXO | SLL 

Holiday Gift List #1 - The girl on the go!

Can you guys believe its already the last Friday of October!?! 

Where did September and October go?!? Pretty soon we're going to be sliding into the holidays! If you haven't gotten the idea by now...I'm a total stress case, extreme prep-er, and a planner. I'm also the most disorganized compulsively organized person I know. Remember that whole walking contradiction part...  The holidays TOTALLY stress me out, but one thing I am told I am really good at is gift giving! I work really hard to give thoughtful fun gifts, and often do it on a really tight budget!

I usually start with an excel spreadsheet (would anyone be interested in seeing how I set mine up?) with everyone I need to buy for - the budget for each person and my total holiday budget. Once I purchase a gift I add it to the spreadsheet and deduct it from the budget! 

I figured each Friday for the next few weeks I would post a few things I am loving for gifting this year. This weeks edition - the girl on the go! (and all under $35!) 

So let's get to it! 

I know I am late to the party but I absolutely LOVE my PopSocket - I had one that I had ordered off Amazon on my old case and once I found out you could customize them I KNEW I had to do it. It makes your phone so much easier to hold especially when you're on the go! You can use it as a stand to watch a tutorial, or just save your hand when typing out those emails. Wouldn't this be fun to customize and give as a gift? My custom one was $16.99 shipped (price goes way down if you do a bunch - fun for a business too!)

If you don't feel up to getting creative, or don't want to go the custom route - there are ton of cute options you could coordinate with cases! Link to shop! (Link to shop my case - since I'm obsessed with it too!) 

Next up - coffee!!!  These adorable mugs are by Ban.do - and they seriously have the funniest and cutest products. I love their coffee mugs - they're fun, totally functional and under $20. I have several and they never let me down, they're also great conversation starters!  Give one with a Starbucks gift card for an extra little touch. Link to shop! 

If your girl with the go is anything like me, her phone dies ALLLLLLLLL the time. I've purchased several different battery packs over the years and they all let me down. They were heavy, didn't hold a charge themselves, took forever etc etc 

Enter the Belkin. I got this as a set with a car and wall adapter, originally from the Apple store, and paid way too much for it but I was desperate. I was able to track it down on Amazon for way cheaper. I know this doesn't seem like the most glam gift, but seriously I don't know what I would do with out it! Pick one up so you guys can stay in touch (you might want to grab one for yourself too!) $35 Amazon. Link to shop! (PS- it comes in silver, gold and gunmetal too!)

This busy girl is going to need some kind of day planner to keep her organized! I have tried about 900000884374 different day planners and I keep finding my way back to the Happy Planner. They are easy to customize, they come with all kinds of fun things, they have tons and tons of different covers and page styles. I really love adding in pockets to keep things like receipts and bills. As well as the clear photo holders to store memories and motivational things. 

You can pick these up locally at places like Michaels, or you can grab this one off Amazon which comes with a whole kit to get you started! What better time to give a planner then the holidays? And only $30!  Set your busy girl off on the right foot for 2018! Link to shop! 

So there you have it! I hope that this gives you a few ideas, or at least sparks one! Stay tuned for next week's list... what would you like to see most? The dudes? The travler? The bff? The parents? 

Leave me a comment and let me know! 

XOXO | SLL 

Books I love, The Daily Stoic

I've always been a voracious reader, for as long as I can remember, I have loved reading and being around books. Most of the women in my family are the same way. It's certainly not uncommon to have a book in your purse, a book in your car, a book on your bedside table... 

I found with my increased use of computers for school work as well as the influx of social media I wasn't reading as much and my mental health suffered for it. I found myself craving that quiet that comes from concentrated reading, where in learning new information you almost are able to quiet your mind.  Historically I was not normally a  non-fiction reader, more so the rom-com/chick lit variety but lately I have been craving knowledge and information from different viewpoints. 

I find myself stealing whatever moments I can on the couch with a cup of coffee and Bones cuddled up by my side. I have been burning through books like they're going out of style lately.

The one that has stuck with me the most lately is, "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday, perhaps because I only read a page per day (and I am trying really really hard to not skip ahead) but I find myself frequently throughout the day, lost in thought, almost day dreaming about what I read in the morning. 

I first came across Stoicism in a podcast- and for a super super super dumbed down version, basically, people who follow the practice of stoicism believe/strive to believe that we cannot change the world around us only OUR reactions to the world around us. First defined by the Greeks in 300 BC the stoic virtues are all about the development of self-control and fortitude as a way of overcoming destructive emotions. Bascially, self help 300 BC style.

image via Pinterest 

Sounds heavy I know... but stay with me here. "The Daily Stoic" breaks down the philosophies of the ancient Greeks into little bite-size daily doses that are just deep enough to get you thinking but not enough to overwhelm you. Holiday ( author of Growth Hacker Marketing, The Obstacle is the Way, Perennial Seller and many more of which can be found HERE) writes in an easy to comprehend style that is thought-provoking without being condescending. 

Today's meditation (October 24th) is in the chapter entitled Virtue and Kindness, was all about how we shouldn't be waiting for good news, good weather, good luck - but we should instead be looking for the good in ourselves. I would highly recommend picking up a copy and sticking it somewhere convenient - it seems these little lessons are finding me when I need them most. 

XOXO | SLL 

PS: there is also a companion journal to The Daily Stoic that I plan on picking up as I am already writing all over my current copy! You can pick that up here if you want to get it when you get your copy! 

"Literally" an expert

I think I need to start this post out by saying that it is no way shape or form directed at anyone or a specific individual. This is a general vibe I am getting across all social media platforms as well as has come up in numerous conversations with fellow bloggers and creatives.

Doesn't it seem like these days that everyone is "literally" an expert on everything? So much of my social media, and if I am honest, my daily life is filled with people telling me that they are experts on something. 

Pictured in my litersally sweatshirt, because if we cant laugh at ourselves who can we laugh at?

When did we become a group of self-proclaimed experts? There is no way that you went to bed and poof woke up as Oprah (and believe me, shes no expert either).

There is zero chance we ALL know how to "get perfect skin by the weekend", "get 10,000 followers in 6 days!" "manifest the income of your dreams in just 10 days!" "be debt free by Monday" and the list goes on... can you tell I'm a little heated on this subject? I am all for advertising and marketing but... where has the authenticity gone? Where has the need to show proven results gone? Are we really just a society of fake it until you make it's?

I'm so conflicted on this whole thing, on one hand, I am LOVING the confidence of everyone, yes YOU ARE A BADASS, yes you are kicking ass at your sales goals but honey, please do not tell me that you watched one webinar and now you know how to work sales funnels like a seasoned pro. 

On the other hand, I feel like the authenticity and honesty are missing from a lot of blogs/startups/ small businesses that I come across. They are filled with stock photography and canned phrases.

And... it hurts my heart, I want so badly for everyone around me to be happy and successful and it seems like we are in this perpetual loop of unhappiness unless we are an expert on something. 

My hope is that anyone reading my blogs experiences the same me as you would in person, via text, on Instagram etc. While I am sure many many many "experts" would tell me that that is the wrong thing to do, I cant be anything other than myself.

Literally. Can't. Even. (sorry couldn't resist that one!) 

XOXO | SLL 

My latest candle obsession

I'm the first to admit that I might have a slight obsession with candles... 

Like... they are on almost every surface of my home- coffee tables, bathrooms, closets, I may have even snuck one into the garage at one point...

One of my must-haves with candles is, first - does it fit with my decor?  Because usually without fail the scent I enjoy comes in some ridiculous hot pink and brown tin with sparkles and completely clashes with my neutral table scape or something of that nature. 

Or second... Dom, my husband hates the smell of it and tells me that the entire house smells like when we were teenagers and overdosed on bath and body works body spray. So you'd imagine my delight when the sweet Michelle, of Abboo Candle Co., offered to send me one of her beautiful creations to try out. The shipping ridiculously fast, she even sent Bones his own dog treat (which he proceeded to get off the dining room table and enjoy by himself when we were out to dinner).

You guys, not only did this candle perfectly fit with my cute little fall tablescape - it smells freaking amazing - we tried out the Tobacco and Carmel scent, I was a bit worried it would be too masculine but it's not at all - its a warm inviting and not overpowering smell. We have been taking it room to room with us because BOTH Dom and I love how it smelled.

Michelle is super awesome and has provided a promo code for 20% off through the end of the month for all my readers. Just use the code BONES20 at check out! 

I'm about to place an order for some of her limited edition fall scents as well as a lavender and lemon which I think will be a nice neutral for in my office. 

You can find Abboo Candle Co online at www.abboocandleco.com (be sure to read the sweet story about how the name came to be) as well as on Instagram @abboocandleco and facebook.com/abboocandleco!

You guys know how much I love supporting small businesses, especially those run by awesome female boss babes - and Michelle's company is a perfect example of that! I love that her slogan is hand poured and heart filled - you can totally tell the love and details that go into each creation! 

Don't forget to use your code BONES20 for 20% off your whole order - which makes tons of her creations like 10 bucks, you cannot beat that for a hand made in the USA soy candle. 

(In full disclosure, I received my candle for free in exchange for a review, but truly am a fan of this product and am going to purchase more - right now!)

XOXO | SLL 

Three easy things I changed to keep my hair healthy

Let's talk hair! I think that probably I get the most compliments of anything, on my hair. I am lucky to have a full head of pretty hearty hair that stands up to all the crappy things I do to it. I heat style, I color, I go to bed with it wet etc etc etc... 

I'm finding the older I get, (along with my skin - eeek!) I need to give my hair a little more TLC then I previously had to. I try to not wash super frequently, use the right hair ties, the right pillowcases, and the right products. I use sulfate free shampoos, color protectant sprays, serums, lotions, and potions! 

Recently I have come across a few products that have not only significantly improved the health of my hair but also really cut down on the amount of time it takes to get out the door. 

The first thing I changed was switching to a silk pillowcase. Before you think I've completely lost it - try it out. Not only is my hair less frizzy but I think I am also having less breakage. They sell them all over the place, but I've linked one on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2fLZ1li

Sephora and a few other retailers sell the "slip" brand for $80-100 and I wasn't about to spend that kind of money for something I wasn't sure would make a difference. The one l have was only about $20. 

Not only does a silk pillow help with hair breakage and frizz it can also help your skin stay healthy and smooth! A win-win in my book! (Image via Amazon)

The next (and easiest one!) change that I made was my hair ties, I have my hair piled on my head about 75% of the time, which as you can imagine can cause some real breakage and damage.  I switched to a spiral hair tie that looks like it would be disastrous in your hair but works surprisingly well! It also helps to prevent those annoying ponytail kinks.

I've purchased these all over the place including Sephora, CVS, Target and Amazon, which I will link to here: http://amzn.to/2xZkEIH

If you follow me on instagram you have probably seen these both in my hair and on my wrist!

My friend Lauren just launched an awesome beauty blog (http://laurenerro.com) and she was the first person to tell me about 12 Benefits. Not only does this spray smell freaking amazing I really have noticed a difference in my hair. It feels softer, shinier and easier to manage. I've just been putting a few sprays in my hair as I brush it out when wet, and then just one or two sprays if I am doing a hot tool touch up. ** Edit: I am now unable to verify the authenticity of the product sold anywhere but their website or from an authorized professional salon. You can pick it up on their website. **

Smells delightful and making a noticeable difference in the health of my hair! 

So there you have it, three simple things you can change up that might just help keep your tresses from getting tangled! 

xoxo | SLL 

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for in my life, it would be impossible to list them here. I think one amazing way to express gratitude is to give back to those who need it most. 

I thought I would start a semi regular installment of ways to give back both locally in my San Diego community but also nationally/globally. For this first post I chose three charities that mean a lot to me for various reasons. 

1. Thrive Animal Rescue - Thrive is a local animal rescue who has a pretty amazing reach, founded by two equestrians they now work tirelessly to find forever homes for lonely shelter dogs.  They rescue mainly here locally but also are the first to act when there is a need across the country, they currently have a campaign to "Help Harvey Hounds", and are helping to clear shelter space for displaced pets.

For a relatively "small" rescue they have an amazing impact and have personally brought one of the coolest dogs ever into my life. Winston is actually my bosses dog, however Winston aka Winnie aka Winneabago aka Winnie the Pooh aka Pooh and I spend about 50+ hours a week together and he and Bones are bff's as well. 

I highly suggest you check out their current adoptables, foster programs and requests for donations. 

You can find more about Thrive at: https://www.thriveanimalrescue.com/

2.  Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE)-  I have a special connection and soft spot in my heart for FACE. Not only is the entire organization beautiful, kind compassionate animal lovers themselves but they treat their recipients with dignity and grace when helping them. You see, FACE is a bit of a different animal charity, they provide funds (money) to pet owners who are otherwise facing euthanasia due to financial constraints.

Meaning, your beloved pup was hit by a car and you don't have the exorbitant funds to plate a fracture so your only other option would be humane euthanasia - this is where FACE steps in. They provide grants to help save animals who would have a good prognosis for life with treatment. 

When working in small animal medicine I helped many of my clients apply for grants and saw first hand how special this organization is. I no longer work in that field but I do still plan to attend their amazing annual charity event "Bags & Baubles" as well as donate whenever I can. 

2017 FACE Foundation Bags & Baubles Event - Rancho Santa Fe, California 

You can find more information on FACE at: https://face4pets.org/

3. Lost Angels Children's Project - I first heard about LACP when I was asked to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win an awesome car! Fast forward several years I have seen the direct impact this amazing organization has and all the wonderful people behind it. If you follow me on Instagram you saw this years build on my insta stories during Ventura Nationals - man I was sure I was going to win! 

The Lost Angels Children's Project (LACP) is a Southern California based non-profit organization with a mission to provide low-income, foster and at-risk youth with a safe, educational after-school program that promotes critical thinking and team building through vocational skills training in Classic Car Restoration and Art opportunities. LACP is committed to empowering youth through services that foster creativity and impart useful skills necessary to elevate students beyond their present condition to become positive participants in their community and transform their lives for a successful future.

For more information on LACP visit : http://www.lostangelscp.org/ and be sure to follow them for more information on next years build and raffle car! 

What are your favorite ways to give back? Any local organizations that you feel most passionate about? Be sure to drop them in the comments below so I can check them out! 

XOXO | SLL 

Four fab to follow - "The Creatives"

I had such a wonderful response to last weeks "Four fabulous ladies to follow this Friday" post I decided to try and make it a semi regular occurrence! This week features my favorite "creatives". 

I have to start with my one and only Heather Gallaher. I am lucky enough that Heather lets me pay her to take photos of me that I could only dream of looking like in real life. She is a mostly natural light photographer with the most beautiful ascetic! I first met Heather through my amazing friend Mandi. Heather shot Dom and my engagement photos at the fair, I knew she was awesome when she didn't run screaming when I suggested it. She has pretty much taken every photo I've liked of myself in the last 5 years, including my wedding photos and tons and tons of new blog content that will be coming your way in the very near future! 

You can find Heather on her website here: http://hgallaher.com Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/heathergallaher2 Insta here: 

Next up is bad ass graphic designer and creator of this very pretty blog you are currently reading, Ms. Shawna Poliziani. She is also the one who created my logo which I love love love. Shawna is part therapist, part creative and I would highly recommend her if you are looking to take yourself to the next level online. She offers branding courses, design packages and a killer personality (just don't hold her terrible taste in music against her)! You can find her online at:http://shawnapoliziani.com & on Insta at: https://www.instagram.com/shawnapolizdesign

I am not so low-key obsessed with turquoise and vintage jewelry, it makes me feel powerful and grounded at the same time. One of my favorites is a local jeweler Little Hobo Bird, the owner Sandra has some of the coolest style I have ever seen, and her original pieces are amazing. Additionally she repairs older pieces, including restringing my amazing squash blossom I rarely take off. You can shop online at: https://www.littlehobobird.com and follow her on Insta at: https://www.instagram.com/littlehobobird

Rounding out 4th this week is my most amazing new friend and total boss babe Michelle, of Vintage Boho Loves Louis - maker of my fringe St. Cloud bag and the bucket bag I have been carrying everywhere. Not only is she like the nicest human ever - she is taking preloved LV bags and making them into the most fabulous creations ever. She has quickly grown and now has a team of 6! She does custom bags, has some ready to ship on her site as well as you can send her your old tired bag (or brand new bag that needs more personality) and she and her team will fix it right up! You can follow them on Insta:(highly recommended for flash sales) https://www.instagram.com/vintageboholoveslouis  and purchase direct on their website as well : https://www.vintageboholoveslouis.com

Post Labor Day, its still Rosé all day!

When I saw these espadrilles the furthest thing from my mind was the date on the calendar!

I don't care if we've already celebrated Labor day - its still far from fall, its summer weather here in San Diego, and I can tell I am going to get lots of use out of these before the weather starts to really change! 

I found these on amazon, duh - like everything else I buy, and was pleasantly surprised by both their comfort and quality. I slipped them right on and walked quite a bit with out a rub or blister anywhere to be found! Link to shop them: http://amzn.to/2wnCHEr

Also, they're under $30 in tons of colors and styles. I am thinking of picking up the Oui & Non pair too - they're an adorable peach color. Link to those: http://amzn.to/2wnCHEr

If you're ever wanting to plan a visit to San Diego, September and October is generally our best weather. September can still be a little warm but still great at the beaches! I've had many friends come visit in June thinking they're going to spend their time sipping cocktails at the beach only to find themselves wishing they packed sweatshirts! 

xoxo | SLL 

Weekend Style, Ventura Nationals Edition!

Spent the weekend at the Ventura Nationals with my husband and some of our very best friends. We are part of a car club the El Vinos and we were fortunate enough to score an inside spot in one of the halls. Most of California is experiencing a crazy heat wave - the temperatures were pretty brutal.

Car shows are a fun way to show your style. There are all kinds of people from all walks of life who all come together over a common interest. On Friday night, we went to the art show downtown after spending the morning setting up our cars.

I decided to pair my newest Vintage Hobo Loves Louis bag with a $15 amazon score. This top is super versatile and you can easily dress it up or down. You know me... its gotta transition and it has to go in the washer AND the dryer if its going to make it into any regular rotation. Link to top: http://amzn.to/2eyrj23

Vintage Boho Loves Louis is an awesome company on the central coast of California who takes only authentic Louis Vuitton bag and customizes them with a vintage/western flare. You can't see it here but mine has amazing fringe all along the bottom. You can shop similar crossbodies on their site here: https://www.vintageboholoveslouis.com/product/louis-vuitton-st-cloud-gm-with-chocolate-fringe/

On Saturday Dom and I escaped for an hour and got some lunch and some time in the A/C - I changed into a t-shirt and was able to freshen up my make up - felt like a new woman afterwards!

Saturday night we decided to hit the town and enjoyed a nice Italian dinner in downtown Ventura. If you find yourself in downtown Ventura be sure to check out Cafe Fiore. Thanks to the Timehop app we also realized that it was 4 years to the day that my husband and I met our now best friends Jay and Bev Dean!

Pre- dinner air conditioning cuddles with my husband, again wearing an awesome amazon find - this one has the cold shoulder vibe mixed with a halter. It was a nice breezy option for a warm evening. It comes in like 10 colors and will set you back $19. You can shop it here: http://amzn.to/2wzgSp2

We packed a ton into the 3 days we were out of town, so thankful for an extra day off to recharge.

Are you an unpack and do all the laundry as soon as you get home kind of person or do you let it hang out in the garage in your suitcase for a while?