{Post Saturday  morning hike hugs- (leggings, tee)}

As I mentioned last Friday, we headed up to Ojai for a weekend with good friends…. and it didn’t disappoint. We headed out mid-day Friday in an attempt to beat the notorious LA traffic… and when that didn’t happen, we opted for a quick detour through Malibu to stop at one of our favorite spots… which was a fun way to kick off the weekend. Once we arrived in Ojai, we quickly settled in for the weekend ahead.

As we were driving home Sunday, I couldn’t help but reflect. The weekend was spent with my girlfriend from middle school (and her little family)… growing up, we were attached at the hip. High school dances, middle school crushes, heartbreak, heading off to college, getting married… and now starting our own families. I am always amazed at the progression of life and relationships. Two years ago, we were having late nights celebrating the New Year with them, and now, here we are, with babes in tow, sipping wine and hitting the pillow by 11 (and considering that late). Was the weekend seamless and easy? No… I mean is anything with a baby? Was it 100% worth it? Of course. The memories gained end up being priceless (at the risk of sounding completely cliché).

It’s something I have learned since becoming a mom. That while things certainly are not as easy…. they are almost always worth it. So… here’s to another week of making the best of what comes our way (like another 5 hour flight….). Have a good one friends!

{Lately, on our drives up North, we’ve been loving taking PCH and stopping at Malibu Farm. It is one of my favorite spots to stop for an afternoon lunch. The food is fresh and the ambiance is laid back.}

{After an evening in of take-out, we decided to head to Azu for breakfast. It didn’t disappoint. I had two poached eggs on zucchini fritters (um, yum)… but the dish that topped it all was that sweet potato waffle. Can you say heaven in a dish?}

{After brunch, we walked along the main drag (which I highly recommend) and popped into In The Field. This store is the cutest. Lots of gorgeous textiles and unique clothing items. It’s not cheap though… so I did a lot of browsing.}

{After wandering the main drag, we headed back to the house to put together a plan for the rest of the afternoon. The guys wanted to watch football, so we left the babes with them and headed out for a little girl time. We checked out Tipple + Ramble. Highly recommend, as it’s quite possibly the cutest little wine bar I’ve seen. The textiles and decor are bohemian chic and the snacks + wine are delish. We opted for a glass of rosé, as well as the tumeric roasted cashews + olive platter. Such a fun time.}

{We opted to BBQ in on Saturday evening. We always find that it’s the easiest with a little one in tow…. much more relaxing. So, we picked up some wine and steaks from the market, lit the fire pit, and enjoyed good conversation, good food, + better friends.}

{We decided that leaving earlier, rather than later, would be our best bet for Sunday morning. So, after packing up the house, we headed to Knead Baking Company for a quick breakfast before hitting the road and ending the much anticipated weekend.}

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Since we are heading to Hawaii tomorrow morning, I am planning on doing this hotel workout a few times over the course of the trip (probably while Harper naps in the morning).

While I am all set and ready for Hawaii, I know I will want to get back into basics and jeans when I return. I think this stripe long-sleeve swing top, swing turtleneck top, and this oversized v-neck tee are all great everyday options that can be front tucked into my favorite pair of distressed denim. I also think stripes are one of the most perfect basics… they are simple, yet the pattern takes them up a notch from a basic tee. I think this striped drop sleeve tee is so pretty, and I love the side split of this tee. I’m also into ruffles at the moment (as seen here) and am really liking this v-neck tee (which comes in several color options), this sweater with ruffles around the wrist, and I recently bought this ruffle top and absolutely love the color and fit. I think marigold is a gorgeous color for fall and this sweater and scarf are my two current favorites in that hue. Annnnd, lastly, I think a cold shoulder top is a great elevated basic. My friend introduced me to this one, and I just purchased it… I also own this thermal version. I spotted these faux suede leggings and can’t get my mind off of them. I think they’re a great alternative to the leather leggings (I own this pair), and they would look great with an oversized sweater (this option is off the shoulder).

You all know how much I love my mules, and when I saw this faux-fur black pair  I couldn’t help but add them to my wish-list (since they’re a much cheaper version of this pair….).

I also think slip dresses are a great way to elevate your basics. You can toss them on with a chunky cardigan, or a leather/denim jacket… and then a pair of kicks for day. Some of my current favorites include this denim option and this poppy colored version.

If you love cozy pajamas as much as I do, check out this pullover and shorts combo… all that’s missing are these adorable pink slippers. And, a cozy addition to any daytime outfit is a scarf (in my opinion). I’m currently loving this poppy colored option and this windowpane one that comes in two colors.