fireplace project

And the projects continue...We decided to tile our fireplace all the way up with the same tile on our kitchen backsplash. We sketched different layouts, but went with the same layout in the kitchen - vertical brick set. We made sure that it was cut in a way so that there was very little waste in tile scrap - only had 6 whole tiles leftover! The house was a mess for a week, but the results were worth it!

speed decorating

Our builder, Blue Heron is doing a coffee table book on our community Stone Canyon. So, we've been scrambling to finish major things in the house such as tiling the fireplace, choose lighting, painting, etc. It has been frustrating trying to choose 3 fixtures within one open space, but we finally nailed it down: Bocci lights which we plan to hang over the kitchen island; a fun conversation piece - the Zettle'z for over the dining area; and a Flos Arco lamp in the family room area. Of the Booci lights - look how amazing 100 Boccis are!!

ashley and i go to hotel valley ho

We had our "romantic getaway" (Valentine's gift from our hubbies) this weekend at Hotel Valley Ho in Scottsdale. It was all planned from the flights to the hotel room. We went straight to the Spa to our massages. We felt like new women and were relaxed enough to cruise around in the Spa robes around the hotel. It wasn't quite warm enough to take a dip, but we hung out at the pool and drooled on ourselves as we had no care in the world - no kids, no husbands, no crying, no cooking, no cleaning, no errands, nothing. Pure relaxation! Thanks hubbies - we needed that! We didn't do much, but shopped and had a nice dinner at Trader Vic's and passed out:)) A special thanks to Bill and Rebecca Nassikas for the wonderful gifts in the room upon our arrival! Valley Ho is always a great place to unwind.

summer picks at j. crew

J. Crew has had a style makeover from their usual preppy threads in the past year. I usually find reliable classics, but have not bought anything memorable in a few years. However, I love their new looks and I love the navy and orange with white. I'd love to have these for the summer (we'll see about that bathing suit)! By the way, their kids line, crewcuts, is outrageously cute, but pricey.

downsizing the car

I've been so anxious to get rid of the gas guzzler for a while, so we finally traded in our Saab 9-7X SUV for a zippy 9-3 sport sedan. What a difference in gas. Yippee! That was the most important factor in downsizing. Fallon misses the DVD player and I miss the navigator, but I love the direct iPod hookup in the new car. It's worth trading in all those bells and whistles for that!

stella mccartney for lesportsac

I have always loved leSportsac and stand by my overnight bags and totes. Their handbags border a 70's feel, but I dig that about them and the fact that it is a leather alternative. I have been looking for a summer bag and this leSportsac line designed by Stella McCartney is the next best thing to fashion eco-conscious! Isn't that bunny bag so cute?

aspen in the exersaucer

Aspen is strong enough to hang in the ExerSaucer...yeah! She loves it and I love that she can play while I'm in the kitchen or on the computer. It's so fun to watch her play with all the toys and explore.

great day at the park

It finally warmed up so we could all go for a walk across the street at the big park. Fallon is blazing along now on her low rider trike and Aspen snoozed in the stroller the whole time. It was a busy day at the playground as Fallon was all about climbing all up and down and all around. That's our house in the background!

get nude...

...at Barneys New York (yes, we have now!). NUDE is more than just another beautifully-packaged, sleek line of skincare products. Brought to you by humanitarians Bono and his gorgeous wife Ali Hewsen, it's not surprising that NUDE (EDUN - yes same married duo - spelled backwards) is completely natural, organic and minimalist. Or that it utilizes post industrial recycled plastic packaging that is fully recyclable, paired with non-GMO biodegradable cornstarch sleeves, plus no testing on animals. And behind all that, NUDE's formulas (which include probiotics) deliver exceptional and comprehensive skincare. Sold here.

she got wings

We went home shopping at the mall and dragged Fallon to all the home stores. She was such a good girl, I took her to a store filled with girly stuff and she got a pair of pink wings and a princess crown. She HAD to wear it around the mall, but it was priceless to see how much fun she had wearing it around other than at home :) Panda had to try the wings.

grabbing toes

Aspen is into grabbing her toes now and sucking her thumb. If she could reach her toes, she'd suck those, too. It's just a matter of time when that happens.

aspen's 1st valentine's day

We did not do anything special for Aspen except give her a book and let her hang out with Fallon at her school. I just love this outfit from Electra & Andy Masi. It's perfect for Valentine's Day!

fallon's v-day party at school

We joined Fallon at her school for Valentine's Day fun. Fallon and I put together treats and gave princess and Nemo Valentine cards to everyone. She also helped bake and decorate sugar cookies for some special friends. There was also a fire drill during the party, but the girls did not seem phased by it.

valentines day

Jonathan and I went to Okada at Wynn for dinner. It was a little busy because of Magic. It's a beautiful restaurant and not intimidating at all. We had some Robatayaki (grilled, skewered foods) - which was amazing, and a nice selection of sushi. It was the freshest sushi I've had in a while! We'll definitely be back - I'd love to sit outside at the 8-person table in front of the waterfall. The last amazing dining experience was at Bartolotta at Wynn for our anniversary. Okada, Corsa, DB, SW, Bartolotta have not disappointed me in the food dept. The way to my heart is really through my stomach. I almost forgot! Jonathan and Brent are sending Ashley and I to Scottsdale to stay at either Hotel Valley Ho or Sanctuary for the night - next weekend! It's kind of funny - that we get the romantic getaway!

plain zane onesie voting over

The Plain Zane promotion (below) closed for voting yesterday. There were 87 votes and only 20 lucky winners. Thanks to all my friends, design mommies, fellow bloggers and a bunch of you in Ohio! Your votes were very helpful. I especially appreciate the voters who had no need for a onesie but voted anyway. I wish I could give everyone a onesie, but early birds got the worm. Thanks for your support everyone :)

we must, we must, we must increase our milk

I indulged in a Chimay during the Super Bowl. Since I am still nursing, I heard you can increase your milk supply with a steak and a beer. Aspen and I loved it.

new plain zane onesies: get a free one!

Hey friends, family, bloggers: My onesies are selling out! They are high quality onesies printed with eco-friendly inks. Here's a chance to vote on your top 3 onesies (in order) and I will send your 1st choice (or 2nd or 3rd) if it's still in stock! There are only 20 to give away, so vote now! Sizes depend on availability, so email your preferred size. Free onesie and free shipping! Will ship March 10. Email your votes with your address to this email: info@plainzane.com. Click photo to see larger.

aspen is 5 months and eating

How the months are flying by... Since her fourth month, she has been getting stronger and is able to pull herself up while grabbing onto something (usually my hair). Her rasping is getting louder and she's teething since she recently had low grade fevers. She absolutely loves 2 things: a clean diaper and sitting up. She had her first rice cereal meal and loves that, too. She made funny faces, but complained when she wasn't getting it fast enough! Here are some photos of this milestone.

a ring with no bling

Gotta have this "diamond" ring from Carrie Weston. Love her graphic designs.

fun with letters

I'm always drawn to bold, graphic elements which I try to include in every room in the house. I want to get all our initials (J, C, F, A) in these letter mugs at Anthropologie. I love how they look like old-fashioned teacups. It's also the perfect size for my morning coffee.

chinese new year

We celebrated Chinese New Year's Eve at Frank and Thanya (Chinakarn) Lee's house at MacDonald Highlands yesterday. It was nice to finally visit her at their beautiful home and meet their friends. I also got to catch up with Laurine Tibaldi (from my high school) and meet baby Nico. Little did I know, she lives less than a mile away from my house! It was great to meet everyone - hope to do it again soon! And today, Fallon and her classmates had made a dragon and paraded around school to show it off. I didn't get to see it, but maybe it'll show up in her yearbook.

gorgeous dream house

My friend Stephanie, lent me her issue of Elle Decor to see the newly renovated home of wedding dress designer, Monique Lhuillier (who's half Filipino). Since I want warm grays on the walls with whites and black, she thought I could take some inspiration from this. She's so right - it's exactly what I want, but I can only wish the final look in the house can turn out as beautiful. Thanks, Steph!

fallon's sweet tooth

This is a series of pics Armando, my old college friend, took of Fallon with his iPhone when we ate at Bleu Gourmet last November. She has every reason to be hoarding their amazing peanut butter cups. It's sooooo yummy!