10/31/09

Love POP

It is known that exercising with your partner not only strengthens your muscles, but your heart, relationship, and sex life too! The best part is you don't have to go the gym to get physical. There are many walking and hiking trails all over the country to take advantage of and most of them are free. Enjoy the beautiful SoCal weather and head outdoors to one of our local favorites. The Dana Point Marine Reserve offers an easy, but rocky, hiking trail featuring beautiful sea cave exploring and tidepools. Make it to one of the three sea caves for the most romantic views of crashing waves and the sunset. Parking is free at Baby Beach, where a short boardwalk takes you behind the Institute to a rock point where the adventure begins!




10/30/09

Sprout POP

What to wear in your chariot while uber-stylish Mommy gleams in sweat during a session of Baby Bootcamp? Ask her to dress you in this ultra-comfy organic outfit by iPlay. Available at Target.com, iPlay offers an Itsy Bitsy Organic line that includes a shirt, pant, romper and coordinating yoga mat in three characters to complete the look for some much needed tummy time. Baby Bootcamp, a stroller-fitness program that's whipped our post-pregnancy bums into shape, is available all over the U.S., Canada and Australia. Your first class is free!



10/29/09

Dwell POP

Along with all of the other fitness gadgets and videos we have at home, the one we love and use the most is our fitness ball. Not only can you work your abs out on the ball, but some have even used it to bounce their babies to a state of calm. Now, unless you have an actual home gym, where would one store this after a strenuous, hardcore ab workout?! Why not post it up on the Gaiam Balance Ball Chair? A perfect upgrade to your home or business office, it has an adjustable support bar, easy-glide, lockable castor wheels, a desktop exercise guide, and comes in 5 fun colors!


10/28/09

Allure POP

Daily workouts and showers can take a major toll on your hair. Restore softness, shine, and manageability with the Beauty Water Shower Purification System by Jonathan Products. With this system you can have pH-balanced water that is free of chlorine, heavy metals and harmful VOC's. The exclusive, patented two-stage Beauty Water Shower Purification System uses one of the highest-grade filters to change ordinary shower water into pure, pH-balanced water that is free of hair-stripping, skin-damaging chemicals and metals. The purification system and filters are available online at Sephora.com.

10/27/09

Trim POP

Stella McCartney recently did a collaboration with Adidas to create a line of athletic apparel and accessories. The "Kierre" canvas gym bag with metallic coated bottom has room for all of your work out essentials. It features two top zip interior compartments and removable zip pouches that snap on to each side for added storage. Not only is this bag adorable for the gym, but great for everyday use too. Available online at Nordstrom.com.

10/26/09

Moda POP

Lululemon Athletica makes technical clothing for yoga, dancing, running and most other sweaty pursuits. Their products are not only technically advanced, but street savvy as well. The Groove Pant is one of their best sellers, made from lululemon's signature Luon fabric and includes a hidden waistband pocket for your keys or gym card. Available in an assortment of colors, some even reversible, but our favorite is the new Black Denim. The Gratitude Wrap Jacket has many different features including, hidden thumbholes, drawstring at hem and collar, pockets, and snap it up to suit your style. We have been longtime fans of Lululemon and all of our pieces have been through years of wear and tear and still have kept their shape and color. These pieces are well worth the investment!

10/25/09

Wrap POP

This week we got in the spooky spirit of Halloween! We found a boo-tiful dress that will work perfectly with many different costume ideas, as well as a cute spider web bag for toting all of your essentials. Sephora created special Halloween make-up kits to go with just about any theme, with colors that can also be used for the holiday season. Organize your little one's dress up costumes with Guidecraft's wardrobe carousel for dress up fun throughout the year, and take them to Tanaka farms for a fun filled day at a real working farm. Avoid the bar scene this year and check out Thorton Winery in Temecula, CA and their annual Halloween costume dinner dance.

10/24/09

Love POP

Escaping the bar scene for Halloween for some quality time with your Love might be hard to ignore with all of the surrounding festivities...why not join 'em?! Put your Sony and Cher costumes on, jump into a limo, and head to the wineries for a night out of gourmet dining and dancing. Award-winning Thornton Winery, in the Temecula Valley Wine Country, California, is hosting their annual Halloween Bash Friday, October 30th at 7:30 p.m. Seating is limited, but still available at www.thorntonwine.com.


10/23/09

Sprout POP

Many cities in the U.S. experience the first sign of Fall as ever-changing colors of leaves that cover the streets of tree-lined neighborhoods. In Southern California, where the weather can still be in the mid-70's, the first sign of Fall are the pop-up pumpkin patches that claim empty parking lots around town. Luckily, a small treasure of agricultural land in the middle of Irvine, California still remains. Family owned and operated, Tanaka Farms is an all year round working farm. Not only are they featuring a mound a pumpkins for picture taking, they offer farm tours, wagon rides, a petting zoo, and U-pick your own veggies and pumpkins-perfect for a day with the sprouts! Open 7 days a week from 9-6, parking and entrance is free!


10/22/09

Dwell POP

Want to extend the life of your Halloween costumes after the official "day of alter-ego dress-up"? Stow them neatly away in one of the easily accessible carousels featured below fit for all of your little princess' shoes or your super hero's capes! Made by Guidecraft, creators of fine educational toys and furniture, these revolving dress-up carousels feature wooden pegs for hanging capes, cubbies for princess slippers, bins for everything else and 2 mirrors to be admired in. Now dress-up fun can last all year long!


10/21/09

Allure POP

Sephora created an assortment of make-up kits for a more "boo-tiful" Halloween. This particular kit contains everything needed for the look of a vampire, rock star, or witch. The kits have a variety of different products including, lashes, mascara, shadow, liner, nail polish etc. The quality of the make-up in these kits is much better than what you would find in a typical Halloween shop and most of the products can be used again for the holiday season.

10/20/09

Trim POP

This embroidered cob web heart bag from TOPSHOP is the perfect accessory for your Halloween costume. It can be worn cross body or used as a clutch. This is another piece that will last you many Halloween season's to come and will work well with just about any costume. TOPSHOP ships to the states for a flat rate fee and the bag is available online, or at their new location in New York.

10/19/09

Moda POP

We still can't figure out why so many women are spending a fortune on less than appropriate Halloween costumes that are extremely unflattering creations of polyester and nylon. Spare yourself some embarrassment this year and opt for a more chic alternative from The Pyramid Collection. This Midnight Garden Dress is a great base and can be used for many different costumes for years to come. The adjustable ribbon lacing on the back will flatter any shape and we just love all of the detail on the dress.

10/18/09

Wrap POP

This week we dedicated our POP's to items that benefit breast cancer research in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Rebecca Taylor created a stunning ruffle blouse for a fun fall look that will wear well into spring. The Lauren Merkin embossed wallet is a beautiful accessory that can also be used as a clutch. Style your locks with Bumble and bumble classic hairspray which will leave your hair with a subtle softness and sheen. Every woman with a hectic schedule could use a little organization in their life, Erin Condren's 2010 life planner can do just that! No girls bedroom is complete without a classic pink piggy bank that will not only teach her about saving pennies, but also about finding a cure. And don't forget Race For The Cure is taking place November, 1, in San Diego, CA.



10/17/09

Love POP

The Susan G. Komen Foundation hosts events throughout the year and has the largest series of 5K runs/fitness walks in the world. The 13th Annual Komen San Diego Race for the Cure will be held Sunday, November 1, 2009 and more than 13,000 San Diegans are expected to unite in Balboa Park for the event. The Komen Race for the Cure is a unique event, designed and implemented to promote positive awareness, education and early detection of breast cancer. Bring your family and friends out for this event and help raise awareness and support members in your community. For more information on where to register, make a donation, or find a race in your area, visit www.komen.org.

10/16/09

Sprout POP

Teach your little one about saving pennies and find a cure! This classic pink piggy bank is available at Tough Cookies Children's Boutique and 20% of the sales will go to the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Available for $22 at shoptoughcookies.com.





10/15/09

Dwell POP

Balancing work, kids, home, and family life in general takes a lot of strategic planning. Make organizing your life easier with this 2010 life planner by Erin Condren. It can be personalized with many different options and 50% of the sales will benefit a Breast Cancer charity of your choice. It is available for $48 at erincondren.com.

10/14/09

Allure POP

Simply put, Bumble and bumble hair styling products are the best! Bumble and bumble classic hairspray will leave your hair with a subtle softness and sheen that easily brushes out. $1 of every can sold will benefit The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Available on their website, $12 for 4 oz $21 for 10 oz.

10/13/09

Trim POP

This large fuchsia tile embossed lamb wallet by Lauren Merkin, features two cash compartments, a zipped change area and nine credit card slots. It is a fully zip around wallet with plenty of room for all your necessities and can even be carried as a clutch! Lauren Merkin partnered with the Young Survival Coalition to produce an exclusive Breast Cancer Awareness wallet and 50% of the proceeds will be donated to them.


10/12/09

Moda POP

Most, if not all of us have been affected by cancer in one form or another. October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and we have chosen items for this week of which proceeds benefit Breast Cancer foundations and research. This silk ruffled Rebecca Taylor blouse is the perfect staple for any girls wardrobe and it will wear well into Spring. The Triple Negative Breast Cancer Foundation gets 100% of the sales for the blouse she created and is available at shopbop.com.

10/11/09

Wrap POP

This week we featured a lambs fur vest and over the knee boots for your fall boho chic look. Moisturize your body with Kiehls all natural delux body lotion available in a variety of different scents. Spruce up your pad with the Tend Eco Orb, which brings the outdoors in with a unique modern design. Give your little sprout an adorable handmade wooden teether or gift one at a baby shower. Spend an afternoon with your love exploring the cottages at Crystal Cove and enjoying a meal at The Beachcomber Cafe.

10/10/09

Love POP

Crystal Cove Beach Cottages in the Crystal Cove State Park Historic District are located on the ocean-side of Pacific Coast Highway in Newport Beach, CA. The Historic District was first developed as a South Seas movie set due to its seclusion and tropical aura, and the cottages have recently been restored to reflect their original era. Spend an afternoon strolling around and exploring the cottages then dine at The Beachcomber Cafe located in the heart of the Crystal Cove district. You can even spend the night in one of the beautiful cottages by making reservations through their website.

10/9/09

Sprout POP

As new mom's we are always concerned about what we are giving our children to play with and whether or not those toys have been recalled or if they are truly "non toxic". We came across this adorable company that has beautiful handmade natural wood toys and teethers, "Little Alouette". Little Alouette is a family run business out of Columbus Ohio, and each item is made of locally sourced hardwood then finished with certified organic flax seed oil. These would make adorable shower gifts and are much more unique than what you could find at "Babies R Us", check them out at littlealouette.com.

10/8/09

Dwell POP

It's about that time to bring the outdoors in...perfect for the city dweller or the beachside modernists, Tend Eco Orb with air plants blends art with nature. Prehistoric-looking and easy to care for tillandsia air plants are transformed into living art inside a hanging glass orb. Hang alone in a statement worthy spot or as a beautiful grouping, it is sure to catch the attention of all your guests! Pick it up or have it shipped from Grounded in Encinitas, California.

10/7/09

Allure POP

New York "Born and Bred" company Kiehls since 1851, has an incredible line of all natural skin and hair products. The Delux Hand and Body Lotion with Aloe Vera and Oatmeal will leave your skin feeling silky and smooth as it easily absorbs in. There are a variety of different fragrances to choose from but our favorites are Grapefruit and the limited edition Cranberry.



10/6/09

Trim POP

After searching long and hard for the perfect over the knee boot we came across this style by Dolce Vita. For those tall girls out there, the 23" shaft will completely cover your knee, unlike the typical 18"-20" we have been seeing. The low covered heel makes this a VERY wearable style for everyday life. The boots are available in brown or black suede at Urban Outfitters for only $178.00. A much better price than the Chloe boots we have been lusting over...

10/5/09

Moda POP

This shagadelic cropped lamb fur vest by La Rok is the perfect piece for your boho chic look. Wear with a lovely floral blouse or simple tee from season's past to update your wardrobe. The soft natural peachy color is a nice change from the hard colors/styles we are seeing for fall and will translate well into spring. An alternative version is available at bebe.

10/4/09

Wrap POP

This week we featured items inspired by one of Fall's hottest trends, sequins! A hint of glint is perfect for evening and daytime looks this season. A pair of sequin leggings with a slouchy white tee can be transitioned easily from day to evening. If the all over sequin look is a bit too much for you, then try a simple hairpiece for the same effect. False lashes add depth and drama to your eyes for an evening out at one of LA's hot spots. Bring the glam into your home with sequin placemats by Kim Seybert, and let your little one explore her inner artist designing her own pieces with the "Fashions Book" by Klutz.

10/3/09

Love POP

All your sequined outfit needs now is a partner and a glitter ball enhanced dance floor! Head to Guys and Dolls in L.A. where the A-listers and model/aspiring actress variety lounge, party and dance the night away. After getting through the paparazzi-lined doors and bouncers, you'll find booths and couches mimicking small living rooms surrounding the dance floor and a cozy fireplace outside. Cover varies Monday and Thursday-Saturday nights 10 pm-2am.

10/2/09

Sprout POP

For some crafty indoor fun, check out the "Paper Fashions" book by Klutz for your little fashionista. It is the perfect way to get your little girl's creative juices flowing. Available at Kitson.com, these paper stencils can be embellished with sequins and ribbons for a one-of-a-kind couture masterpiece to be hung on a hanger and displayed with a magnet, or stuck to a card for sending.

10/1/09

Dwell POP

Glamourize your home dining experience by turning the lights down low and letting the table shimmer with these black sequined table linens by designer Kim Seybert. These 15" square placemats are fashioned in a crocodile pattern, perfect for serving up any meal-even if it's take-out! Available at horchow.com, set of 4 for $376. For a festive alternative, set the table with this sequined set of 4 from zgallerie.com.