Goodnite Irene

it’s friday, i’m in love….

February 27, 2015

happy friday-it’s white and gold-goddammit!- to you m’loves.

apparently my husband and i aren’t the only ones now in marriage counseling over “that dress.”

families and friendships are cracking up all over the country.

screw the red states and the blue states; please divide us into white + gold vs blue + black states instead—-cuz i’m sure as hell not hanging with those psychos who see blue/black.

in the spirit of silly, here are a few other things making me chuckle:

but first, this coffee mug and i need to have a make-out session, STAT.

are you geeking out over the perfect365 app too?

designed for the selfie + filter obsessed– {YOU know who YOU are….your friends and family don’t know who you are because you filter the shit out of your face on-line, but that’s a different post;} the perfect 365 app allows you to photo shop an entire sephora store on your mug for those photos that need a little more gloss, hair volume, and contour.

but let’s be honest it’s so much more fun to lean toward the ridiculous.

i’m crushing hard on this new mom who used it on her 7-week old son; my kind of mommy fo’sure–let’s start a playgroup NOW!

my little person isn’t here yet, so my buffonery is still constrained to the beasts.

and yes, my husband’s silent treatment has been extended until monday.

remember my girl crush post with christina sinclair?

this week i was honored to be featured on christina’s fab blog: beach babe fitness.

head on over to see how i got started in the fitness industry and some of my guilty pleasures {hint: four-letter words raise my serotonin levels.}

speaking of my penchant for profanity, whoever curated this list obviously knows my birthday is coming up.

check out the 19 perfect gifts for people who love to swear. i’m especially partial to the birthday banner, and think this needlepoint would look beautiful in the nursery.

while we’re on the birthday subject, do you know what the number one song was on the day you were born?

this fun website tells you what your parents were fox-trotting to as you de-birth canaled.

who out there can top my bellamy brothers’ “let your love flow?”

but if easy-rolling, 70′s soft rock isn’t your groove, maybe like me, you’ll dig rihanna’s new song “towards the sun“ from the soundtrack to the new animated movie from dreamworks, “home.“

so there you have it!

my friday loves–which always includes YOU!

wishing you a sunny, gold + white, winter weekend.

see you on the other side of sunday.

it’s friday, i’m in LOVE!

February 13, 2015

happy candy-coated friday to you my kittens!

are you in the mood for love?

even if you’re a valentine’s day hater {to be honest i kind of am, too} i have rounded up a few things that i hope will make you smile, swoon, gratefully belch, and leave you rubbing your tummies with glee.

but first, if you prefer tear drops over cream in your coffee, read the story behind this heart-shaped meadow; this widower’s ode to his beloved wife had me boo-hooing all over my keyboard this morning.

for reading a little less tragic, but still sweet, i ooohed and sighed over this article on how we all can learn from animal friendships.

…and just like that, i suddenly, now, have a hankering for a pet rhino.

i can personally attest; some of my truest, longest, + dearest love affairs have been with these four-legged angels.

and speaking of celestial beings; who’s gonna make this heart-shaped pizza for me?

head on over to how sweet eats and dinner: a love story for the cutest recipes for your valentine’s day pizza party—i would much prefer pizza over any chocolate-covered strawberry or caviar dish…but i’m trashy that way.

champagne is off my valentine menu this year, but that doesn’t mean i’m not going to splurge on something sparkly. these aranciata rossa’s from san pelligrino are the perfect non-alcoholic, bubble-parties for your champagne flute.

flavored with REAL blood orange juice, these crisp, effervescent spritzers transport you right to the italian riviera; a nice little mid-february pick-me-up without the hangover.

is anyone else addicted to these in-scent laundry boosters?

if your wardrobe is more lululemon that lanvin and you like your yoga hot, your spin class swampy, and barre dripping with sweat, then you must add these to your wash + dry repertoire.

bounce bursts + downey unstoppables have changed the game in our laundry room.

gone are the days of the double, triple wash….one-capful of these magic beads and your clothes come out smelling farmer’s market-fresh.

it’s no secret, i think the fifty shades of grey soundtrack is pretty banging! i’ve already overplayed the shit out of ellie goulding’s “love me like you do” in my classes, and the new beyoncé remake of “crazy in love” is hotter than georgia asphalt. but i think my new favorite track is AWOLnation’s remake of the bruce springsteen hit “i’m on fire.”

finally, are you guys watching “the jinx?“—–SO good!! SO creepy!

it’s a serial documentary on HBO that started this week {you have plenty of time to catch the first episode before the next installment airs this sunday night.}

they made a movie about bob durst a while back, “all good things“,–it was more of an “okay” thing, but this new series is worth your time.

so that’s all i got…valentine love to you and yours.

see you on the other side of sunday.

best laid plans…..

February 12, 2015

what is it that they say about best-laid plans?

i had a grand scheme for these nine-plus months of uterine hospitality:

~visions of my water breaking at the 41st week, in the gym shower, post record-breaking calorie expenditure in my spin and pilates classes.

~a diet of 100% organic, vegetarian meals tastefully spread throughout my day at 3-hour, blood-sugar friendly intervals; invigorating me through all the catch up coffee-dates and afternoon walks with my dearests.

~a maternity style to rival nicole richie: teeny tanks coupled with toothpick jeans would alternate easily with the same maxi-dresses i’ve been wearing for last decade.

~my silky, prenatal vitamin-induced, pantene commercial hair flowing long and untangled down my cocoa-buttered, pilates-toned back.

~today was supposed to have been day six of me frolicking in a bikini, downing fresh coconut and pineapple smoothies, lounging on the sand with hunkiest as we celebrated our romantic babymoon in hawaii.

but instead i sit here at home, medically restricted from any type of travel, wearing my 3rd, new bathrobe in 6 months {two sizes larger of course} trying to keep my daily bowl of campbell’s bean with bacon soup down for the second time this morning.

every, single, date, meal, and outing i’ve made with friends and family, i have had to last-minute cancel due to nausea.

that glossy head of hair, promised to me by all the mommy blogs is, in actuality, a tangled, parched, rat’s nest that has become a playground for snarls, split ends and most likely fleas.

but what makes me most heavy-hearted is having to go on official leave from work—those dirty braxton hicks seem to arise every time i teach, and my doctor has officially pulled the plug on my microphone.

i really had intended to teach all the way up to “labor day,” and i feel like such a loser for not keeping that commitment to my incredibly supportive managers {wes + dani.}

so until my little person is evicted i am taking a seat in the back row; still working out but without the microphone, old skool rap and obnoxious hair flips.

but all of it so worth it for the mini-me i’m lucky enough to have growing inside me.

thursday happy to you m’loves.

pregnant or not at XPECTING boutique

February 11, 2015

Xpecting boutique is a southern california, one-stop shopping mecca for mommies; both pregnant and not.

my partner in local-tomfoolery, leigh beach, and i were graciously asked by stefani, the owner of Xpecting, to kick off their social media campaign #pregnantornot; where two people, one who is pregnant and one who is not, wear the same article of clothing in three different ways to show how truly versatile and accessible Xpecting’s fashion is.

we had a blast “styling” ourselves; although i want a do-over when these 30lbs are gone.

let’s get to know the woman behind this great retail concept:

stephani clymer is a working mom of two awesome boys {nash-4 and pierce-almost 2). she started her career in PR at Neiman Marcus. after a brief outside sales stint she realized retail was her calling. with a bachelor’s degree in retail from the university of arizona, stephani had the perfect background to open up a successful boutique.

Xpecting came about from a life-long dream to open her own shop, and at the age of 25, stephani’s best friend was pregnant and struggling to find cute maternity clothes; that sparked an idea, and stephani opened Xpecting in 2006.

what’s interesting is that stephani opened Xpecting before she was even married; let alone pregnant with babies–this must be why her selection of non-maternity items is so fabulous.

i asked stephani a little more of what makes Xpecting so special:

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what makes xpecting unique?

i think our best/unique quality is the reason women love Xpecting, and that is the fact that over half of what we carry is NOT maternity. sounds crazy at first, but when you really think about it so many of today’s styles are long and loose making them belly friendly. we like to say we do the homework for you by choosing the styles that will work 9 months and beyond. of course we do carry a great selection of maternity denim, dresses, tops and bras because some items just have to be the real deal.

on top of all that we now cater to busy moms who are not pregnant by offering a wide selection of fashionable, price conscious, NON-maternity styles.

you’re getting in new stuff daily; what’s the best way to stay in the loop besides facebook + instagram on new finds and events coming into the store?

the best way to save at Xpecting is to become a VIP – for $50 you can save 15% off of every single purchase for an entire year, plus 25% off twice, each month. where else can you save on new arrivals with brands like Free People, Citizens, Splendid, Chaser, DL1961 and more?!

leigh and i couldn’t agree more, Xpecting carries rad, versatile clothes that both the mommy-to-be + ~~the skinny bitch~~ leigh can wear.

we were asked to style the clementine long kimono from JACK by BB Dakota.

super lightweight and comfortable, it retails for $62, and Xpecting still has them in stock.

for the first “look,” on her way to a movie with her husband eric {he was SO bummed fifty shades of grey wasn’t out yet,} leigh paired her kimono with ripped black jeans and a beanie. she and her not-pregnant self couldn’t look any cuter.

i dressed my kimono up a bit, wearing it over a black blazer, trousers, and pumps.

where do you ask, was i going, so fancy-pants’d-up?

um, downstairs to the fridge thank you!

duh.

leigh and i were both able to put the kimono to work for a barre class—she to take, me to teach.

i love the privacy it gives my growing bump, legs, and bottom.

date night can’t get any hotter with leigh in her leather pants, cheetah heels and kimono.

priscilla and i had our own version of date night, chilling out on our back porch in denim and boots.

thank you again stephani for letting us play “rachel zoe” for a couple of days, and thank you even more for letting us keep the kimonos!!

Xpecting is located at 369 E 17th Street in costa mesa, ca. their phone number is 949-574-2184 + you can email them at info@xpectingmaternity.com..

leigh and i had so much fun with this game we’ve decided to forray it into a new career…..we are open to all offers and businesses; particularly del taco, sidecar doughnuts, four seasons hotels and of course, mercedes benz…so give us a call.

wednesday happy to you m’loves! make it a fashionable day!

girl crush: christina sinclair

February 10, 2015

tuesday happy to you m’loves.

welcome to “girl crush” tuesday.

i am beyond thrilled to showcase my friend and colleague, christina sinclair.

christina is a heavy hitter in the barre world and blogosphere.

her beach babe fitness is one of my favorite blogs; christina offers online workouts, recipes + nutritional advice, and great motivation for your fitness endeavors.

let’s get to know this southern california dynamo:

please tell us a little about yourself:

Hi, I’m Christina! Mother, wife, fitness instructor and blogger. Born and raised in Orange County, I spent 6 years in LA and even lived in the UK for a whole 6 weeks. That’s where I met my husband. We did long distance for two years before I dragged him across the atlantic and he put a ring on it. We have a rescue dog named Patrick, and an (almost) 9 month old son. I’m passionate about maintaining a healthy lifestyle, dramatic arts (I have a BA from USC), and my growing family.

name 5 bottom of the jar products?

January Labs facial products (all of them!), Blinc Mascara which is unlike any mascara you’ve ever tried, Honest company natural deodorant, Dr Bronners Peppermint Soap, + Bag Balm.

who is your style icon and why?

According to Pinterest it looks like it’s a toss-up between Olivia Palermo and Miranda Kerr. They both have a polished and feminine look with a good mix of classic and contemporary.

what is your winter fashion must-have item?

My Leather Jacket and my Ugg Slippers.

what is your favorite smell?

Oh I love smells! Gardenias, sunscreen, and freshly brewed coffee!

how do you define luxury?

a view of the ocean and a glass of red.

what’s the last book you read and loved?

Dissolving Illusions by Dr Suzanne Humphries — Fascinating!

what are your vices?

Chipotle, Dessert, and Procrastinating.

finish the sentence….i can never leave the house without:

giving my dog a treat.

give me your 5 deserted island items….people and things?

My husband and son, lots of sunscreen, a fishing rod and a big box of matches.

what is your idea of perfect happiness?

Peace, Gratitude and Philippians 4:6

in what historical era would you most like to have lived?

the early 1970s — the music, the fashion just the whole vibe… An 80s aerobic instructor would have been fun too.

what are your favorite things about living in southern california?

the sun, the beach and all of the close getaway spots — palm springs, big bear, catalina, mexico… so many options!

what are your least favorite things about southern california?

the traffic, the smog, the stereotypes.

such a treat to have christina here today.

thanks so much for stopping by the goodniteirene.

if you’re in southern california be sure to catch one of christina’s butt-busting barre classes at equinox newport beach + equinox irvine.

you can also find christina on facebook, instagram, twitter, pinterest, and you tube.

it’s friday, and i’m in LOVE

February 6, 2015

happy-hot-pink-feathers-in-your-ears friday to you m’loves!

priscilla just got back from her petsmart spa day where we, bi-monthly, walk her in looking like the sticky, dirty floor of a movie theater, and strut her out looking like the proper, high-class stripper we’ve raised her to be.

one of my favorite things in the world is to send hunkiest off into the neighborhood, by himself, during prime-time dog walking hours, with priscilla, newly clad in her bright from blocks away, call-girl “feathers.”

the dirty looks and comments he has to endure from pedophile-suspicious neighbors has me in tears, rolling on the ground, sometimes wetting my pants—-{these days always wetting my pants :-(}

he is such a good sport.

here are a few others i am just as in love with:

are you obsessed with the new cinderella movie too? i can’t wait to see it.

it looks like these live-action, disney remakes are on the rise. beauty and the beast has been perfectly cast {in my opinion} with the belle-icious emma watson. i’m not the only one who thinks she’s the perfect yellow-dressed heroine; here are 7 reasons why emma will make the perfect belle.

what other remakes would you like to see?

i’d totally come out of retirement for a mulan audition…ok…mulan’s mother then.

i’ve had some bizarre cravings with this pregnancy; for example the 8-year vegetarian in me went through a 2-week non-stop, salami sandwhich smackdown.

thank god for my conscience and cholesterol that craving has passed, and i’ve moved on to more face-less, non-four legged cuisine.

hot chocolate being number one on my list as of this week.

trader joes makes a great, instant, organic hot chocolate; but it’s still a processed food–and now more than ever i want to stay away from as many chemicals as i can.

i have my eye on making this hot chocolate recipe from food52.com; it’ll go perfect to go with that candy cake you made me for valentine’s day.

one of the most common things people say to me when they come to my pilates/coreplay classes is how surprised they are at the number of men who attend class. while yoga is finally considered a uni-sex activity; pilates, erroneously, still has a “stigma” of being a girl’s workout. the men who take my class have actually been the most vocal on how pilates has improved their fitness game…in all areas: strength, endurance, flexibility, and stress-release.

this article on a guy’s thoughts the first time he takes a pilates class made me giggle because i’ve heard some of these same, exact statements.

so i have a new fitness obsession. and it involves candy-colored reebok’s with the straps, a “total eclipse of the heart” remix, and a bangin’ side-ponytail.

retro-sweat a free-stylin’, 1980′s {think VHS + leg warmers} inspired aerobic work-out is the latest craze down in australia—very similar to our country’s return back to dance aerobics {some of my favorites being: katherine greiner, bari, body by simone, anna kaiser, and mahri relin.} created by shannon dooley, retro-sweat is a tongue-in-cheek workout, complete with thong-clad costumes and the requisite aqua-net bangs–never in my life have i been so motivated to move to australia.

their instagram is my all-time favorite; and their very adult spread {i warned you} in c-heads magazine thinks i should look into a orange county franchise for all the toned yummy-mummy’s we have circulating around here.

and finally to jumpstart your weekend, nothing like a drunk girl on tv, {at monster truck no-less} to get you motivated to party till-ya puke.

you’re welcome.

any friday favorites you want to share with me?

sending mad-crazy-love to you, and i’ll see you on the other side of sunday.

valentine LOVE

February 5, 2015

thursday happy to you my pops o’lolli!

i hope your week has been full of sugar and sweet.

do you do valentine’s day?

i’ve never been much of a hardcore fan for all things red and artificially flavored {both in taste + sentiment,} but i’m not one to turn down presents of pink, blush, and the candy-coated.

here are a few valentine’s gifts {you have a little over a week} that are sure to dazzle that one you’re sweet on.

nothing feels softer, more snuggly, or better on your skin {at least in public} than wildfox clothing. i swear they use newborn kittens in their fleecy, heather-terried sweatshirts. this wildfox cozy is a perfect cover-up for chilly, february days and nights.

i’m also digging this fun kate spade clutch big enough for a cell phone, keys and ID.

for the gourmand in your life, these le creuset ramekins would bake the prettiest valentine tarts.

and while we’re on the subject of food, if anyone wants to make me this cake from gimmesomeoven i won’t say “no.”

who can pass up a pink purse?

valentine’s day or just an early harbinger for spring, this abigale tote from big buddha makes the prettiest accessory for any shoulder.

this time of year i start moving away from the spicier, darker fragrances of fall + winter; the new diana vreeland perfume, simply divine, has a healthy dose of tuberose and jasmine, but is balanced with a smidge of nutmeg, so it’s still appropriate for the season, and doesn’t have you stinking like a easter basket….yet.

if somber weather is getting you down, this coffee-table book from furbish studio is a lovely antidote to the february clouds and drizzle.

and finally, if you’re looking for love or secretly admiring someone from afar, this love potion from catbirdnyc might be the answer to your romantic woes.

wishing you a love-filled thursday!

game-changer

February 4, 2015

one of the many disappointing aspects of this pregnancy has been the elusive “glow” so promised to me by fellow mommies.

i have the opposite of a glow; it’s more like a dull, pea-soup green hue, chaperoned with puffy, capillary-popped bags beneath my eyes.

i’m the walking, talking, barfing star of an after-school bulimia special—although who am i kidding..at 38 years old t’would be “night school” in my case.

i’ve ransacked my local sephora in search for any sort of fix, salvation or amnesty for my case of the uglies; to no avail.

but in my most recent birchbox delivery, god aka the u.p.s. man, blessed me with a gamechanging product:

the turmeric antioxidant radiance mask by juara.

this is not the first time singing in the choir of the all-holy turmeric; i’ve praised turmeric’s holy + mighty anti-inflammatory properties before; unfortunately i can’t keep my turmeric juice down these days and miss the dynamic boost it gave my system.

the juara mask makes a fine, game-changing stand-in. within the first use i immediately saw and felt a difference in my skin’s texture and clarity.

my muddled and bloated face transformed into a tighter, smoother {like “hey honey feel my face!!-smoothe,”} and sparklier complexion.

i’ve been now leaving the mask on at night {not in the directions, mind you} and loving the morning results.

this time-o-life has made me even more ridiculous/obnoxious about the products and chemicals i expose myself to, but i am rest assured that everything in the juara line is safe.

disappointed with the current skincare offerings, juara skincare was created by four westerners with asian ancestry who realized that there is never a one-stop solution when it comes to concern for the skin.

using an east-meets-west and traditional blended with modern philosophy, juara skincare prides itself in delivering high quality results from time-tested ingredients and state-of-the-art technology.

certified cruelty-free, juara products are 100% vegetarian, paraben-free, sulfate-free, phthalate-free, gluten-free, free of harsh chemicals and artificial colorant free; i feel safe and ethical using juara.

hope you’re wednesday is game-changing too m’loves.

girl crush…danielle aka dani from grit!

January 27, 2015

talk about breaking the internet…today’s edition of girl crush is going to give that kardashian character quite the run for her money.

ladies and gentlemen, i present to you danielle wellbrock-gallinger, aka dani, danielle has grit, the glue that holds GRIT cycle together, and my nickname for her: the hottest thing to ever happen to a spin bike.

dani’s sold-out classes are not to be missed. always a sweatfest; she makes your time on the bike fly by, with you holding your own ass at the end of class.

let’s get to know a little more about this #goddessonabike

tell us a little bit about yourself dani:

Can I list Ass Kicker as a career? I run GRIT Cycle and teach classes there. My formal title is Director of Operations, but my staff just refers to me as Mama Bear.

I have a super sexy husband, Glenn, and three fur babies….two Snuggle Puggles: Verona, “the Snoogs”, and Ouzo, “the Tank”, and my little meatball French Bulldog: Duke, “the Bootie”.

I have many passions! My family most of all, anything Disney, churros, beer, nachos {I am passionate about food}, reading books, Halloween, making lists, and organizing things. {type A all the way}

name your 5 bottom of the jar products?

Josie Maran Argan Oil

Yves St. Laurent Touche Eclat

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick

Laura Mercier Crème de Pistache Body Cream

Jo Malone Dark Amber and Ginger Lily Cologne

who is your style icon and why?

I am not really sure I have a style icon. I wear what I like. I am not incredibly trend driven.

what is your winter fashion must-have item?

I have a few: My Doma black leather jacket, Frye Dorado riding boots, and my Vince thermal beanie.

what is your favorite smell?

The lumber section of Home Depot.

how do you define luxury?

Luxury is having everything on my to-do list checked off.

what’s the last book you read and loved?

Lamb by Christopher Moore and I just re-read Generation Kill by Evan Wright {I am not monogamous in my book reading.}

what are your vices?

Beer, nachos, churros, shoes, wigs, and lipstick!

finish the sentence….i can never leave the house without:

Sunglasses.

what advice would you give your 25-year-old self?

I would not give myself any advice! Each step in life is a learning experience whether good, bad, or in-between and I cherish every failure, bad tattoo, and triumph the same.

what does your ideal 2 weeks off look like?

Traveling with my hubs and exploring a new corner of the earth!

what is your idea of perfect happiness?

Happiness is being imperfect and accepting life’s imperfections

family members excluded what is your most prized possession?

My education!

in what historical era would you most like to have lived?

It really is not that far back in time, but I would have loved to be in my 20’s in the mid to late 1970’s.

what are your favorite things about living in southern california?

I love the weather and the close proximity to Disneyland

what are your least favorite things about southern california?

It is expensive!

thank you so much dani for the sneak-peak into your beautiful heart and soul; your fan base just grew exponentially.

make sure you check out dani’s fabulous classes at GRIT cycle.

my life….of late….

January 26, 2015

as you can see i can’t keep this under wraps {or hidden beneath baggy shirts} any longer.

hunkiest, jones, priscilla and i will be welcoming the newest family member in april.

we have discovered a new definition for joy.

although this has been a formidable pregnancy {for the last twenty-three weeks i’ve battled hyperemis gravidarum–severe nausea every two hours, without any reprieve;} the “hellos“, kicks, and disco-dancing taking place in my belly are more than worth how sick i feel.

our beasts are already natural babysitters.

it’s amazing how they can sense these things; rarely do they leave my side.

priscilla, especially, likes to get her snuggle on with my bump.

we spend most of our time here, in bed, trying to keep fluids and saltines down.

nursery rhymes + lullabies are rehearsed, we’ve been practicing our “inside voices” and not barking in the house {myself included.}

i’ve had to cut back on my work schedule a bit, but i hope to keep teaching as long as i can.

exercise has actually been the only thing to quell the nausea.

and trust me i have tried every, stinking, in some cases stupid remedy:

ginger, salt, carbs, protein, seabands, coconut water, acupuncture, prayer, IV fluids and intravenous medications, crying, bitching, meditating and begging—all to no avail.

i’ve lost one tooth and all self-respect.

but the time left is so short, and i cannot wait to meet my precious, baby girl.

so that’s my news on a monday!

oh…and the winner of the box of santa barbara bars is:

celena fahey!!

congratulations celena; i will be in touch to get your address.

it’s friday, i’m in love….

February 27, 2015

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