As I mentioned last week, we headed up to Santa Barbara this past weekend for a family vacation… to unplug + enjoy some quality time together. We did just that…. we enjoyed hours spent outside, time on the beach (Camille was all about the sand…), and delicious food. With Harper recovering from a cold, the evenings were a bit rough (from her coughing) but nothing that would put a damper on our time…

And while we made lots of memories over the past few days, something both TJ + I said neither of us will forget about the trip, is exactly where we were when we found out that Kobe Bryant passed (along with the other passengers on board). We were sitting on the lawn playing with the girls at Padaro Beach Grill when TJ received a text from a friend. At first we thought it was one of those “fake” reports…. but after a few minutes, it had been confirmed…

I also find it fascinating how we can be so deeply impacted by the death of someone we never knew. Yet I find that maybe we’re so impacted because the realization hits that it could happen to anyone, us included. For me, I always find it to be a powerful reminder that no one is promised tomorrow, to hug those you love + tell them you love them, to not put off for tomorrow what you want to do today, and to remember that life isn’t a dress rehearsal. Live each day to it’s fullest + don’t sweat the small stuff….. In the end the only moment we’re promised is the one we’re currently in.

(This little lady turned 9 months + I couldn’t resist snapping a photo of her with the beautiful sunset…. Camille’s pants, top)

(Two favorites at the Santa Barbara Zoo: feeding the giraffes + the cute little petting zoo….)

The happy hour sunsets were absolutely beautiful… Harper was up deck with my parents for this one…. cropped cardigan, jeans, duster cardigan (an investment from birthday/Christmas money, very similar option here), shoes)

(Every little corner is so inviting….)

(Never leave home without these beauty essentials… cosmetic case, Elemis cleansing balm (25% off code Shannon25), Elemis superfood toner, body lotion, Tula eye balm (20% off code SHANNON))

(One of our favorite little breakfast spots, Jeannine’s in Montecito…. cutest little outdoor patio)

(Discovered the Padaro Beach Grill + frequented there twice during our stay. Right on the water + quite possibly the most kid friendly spot I’ve ever seen!)

(Discovered the cutest home shop, The Porch, and found the perfect vintage turkish rug for our bathroom…. highly recommend this store if you’re in the area!)

(Another sunset, another glass of bubbly… leggings, sweatshirt)

(Ready for a little Sunday exploring….)

(Lucky Penny has some of the best pizza in the Funk Zone….)

(Styled this cropped cardigan casually for a slow Sunday…. jeans, tee)

(Took our little happy hour beachside for the last bubbly of the trip…. sweatshirt)

(Another breakfast favorite… D’Angelo’s Cafe… for their “Eggs Rose”)

(Said goodbye to our fun little family getaway and headed back to reality… coatigan, pants, tee)
_________

It always feels good to get back home and back into a rhythm and routine. Looking forward to a good long run tomorrow. I’ve been wearing this half zip and it’s such a great lightweight layering option for workouts….

Lou + Grey has some super cute new arrivals, like this ribbed crossover top + matching pants… I think it would look super chic together. Also think this fuzz sweater looks super cute as well.

Everlane just released their first ever high waisted leggings + I’m very intrigued and interested in trying them out. Contemplating between the black + grey… not so much for working out, more for everyday life. I also think this cashmere tank + the alpaca oversized cardigan look like great closet basics….

I haven’t shopped at Banana Republic in a couple of years, but I stumbled across this light sage green tie dye sweatshirt + think it would be super cute with high waisted leggings or my go-to jeans. I then started looking around and saw so many cute items, all at 40% off… this trench coat would be a great closet staple + this leopard maxi dress would be so cute with a leather jacket + booties or black slides in the warmer months.