+ GUEST ROOM UPDATE: THE BIG RUG DILEMMA OF 2013

We are slowly making progress in the guest room.  Mainly, I cleaned out most of the stuff that was being stored in here.  Funny how a second room quickly turns into a storage unit (especially when you don't have a garage).  But what I really want to talk about today, is the rug.   

We have being searching obsessively for the perfect rug for this space.  We felt like the bed wasn't anchored without something under it, thus our hunt began.  And, on top of everything.  I am beyond picky about our space.  When I help friends pick out items for their homes, I don't even have to think twice- but, my own...sometimes paralyzed by indecision. 

Originally, I wanted a jute rug for this room.  Keep it cozy, natural with a few punches of color...but, the jute made it feel like a cream box.  Note: The owners of our home just painted it and rather we hold off on changing the wall color for now.  And, the blinds are a brown (I plan on doing a roman over it or drapes) which also already gives the space an element of natural colors/fibers.  At any rate, we have hunted online, at specialty rug stores, at big box stores- and, I think we found one?  Again, think...I do love the color (kinda brings out the color in the headboard), the texture (it is so soft), the fact that my guests won't worry about getting it dirty, the ombre vibe going on & for whatever reason it reminds me of two things: the ocean (which is so close to us) and a cozy sweater.

Things to note that will also change the room up.  1. that piece of art won't be just thrown randomly on the wall 2. there will be new tables placed in here (instead of a wooden crate & our old bamboo bathroom organizer) 3. there will be different lamps 4. window treatments 5. art 6. dresser etc. so you have an idea of other factors around this rug   

Here's my question for you all: 

1. do I keep this rug and stop looking or 

2. try a leopard rug (LOVE this idea) or 

3. opt for a bold graphic print rug? 

i'd love your opinion :) 

& thank you to all who read this post in it's entirety .  who would have thought there could be so many words around a rug...

+ CABO WEDDING: PART 2

Second post of the Cabo Wedding is here (only 1 week late)!  Again, I mentioned this in Part 1- but, this was seriously a magical wedding!  

The wedding took place at Flora's Farm: 

really wish I would have shot pictures of this at night! all the lanterns were lite up, the twinkle lights were twinkling...it was amazing. 

right when we got there we were given farm fresh carrot margi's!  now that's what I call a welcoming!

at the ceremony...loved the idea of covering the hay in lace.  also, couldn't get enough of the maracas that were on all of our seats.  everyone shook them as the bride & groom walked down the aisle. 

ashley was one of the most stunning brides you've ever seen:

after the ceremony we had a lovely cocktail hour with breathtaking views of the farm.  and, more of those tasty drinks floated our way.  this time I went for the watermelon mojito!

here we are taking advantage of that view.  By the way...my hair is my FIRST EVER attempt to replicate something on pinterest.  I asked for this at the hotel spa, I got what you're seeing.  Nothing like a stiff mad men hair style in the middle of a warm wedding, at a farm.  I didn't have time to change anything so I ran with it!  

 {loved my dress from here}

the reception had some of my favorite elements...gold + sparkle!

yes.

 everyone takes 100 pictures of the tables at a wedding...no?

the food was unreal.  i've never had food that good at a wedding!  here is also a shot of the farm stand area of the farm.

something i didn't get pics of...their gorgeous cakes.  they sent us home with their own hot sauces:

if you can believe it, this is only a portion of my pics from that day...

can't wait to see the photos their photographers post.

congrats to Ashley & Paul! 

hope you all enjoyed a glimpse into our cabo wedding weekend :)

+ CABO WEDDING: PART 1

We are back from celebrating our friends wedding in Cabo...and, it was stunning!  I was really looking forward to getting down to Mexico as I hadn't been since a high school "senior trip".  Which means, besides being ecstatic to celebrate our friends nuptials- I was especially excited to get back to the bright blue water, warm white sand, and rich colors that grace all of Mexico.

When we got to our room we had some very fun treats waiting for us.  Monogramed sunglasses, shot glasses and koozies!

Then we stepped out to our patio to this.  We were pretty happy and we hadn't even left our room yet!

The hotel pool was where most of the wedding guests spent their time.  Sitting at a swim up bar with a fresh Paloma (my new favorite drink) in hand, eating delicious sushi, all while chatting with good friends- was almost like a dream.   Here is what Chris rather be doing while I'm sipping a Paloma.  If people are playing volleyball at the pool/beach, Chris will find them (serving in the red hat)...

When we needed a break from the pool (is that not the silliest line you've ever read?  a break from the pool?), we all headed down for a quick dip in the sea of cortez:

Missing this view.  A lot.

Now to the wedding events!  

The bride & groom hosted an incredible rehearsal dinner in old town cabo at a place called La Osteria.  I don't know how they found this place, but I was in love with it.  From the rich leather, to rustic wood tables, to the bright canvas pillows- there were several layers of texture which made for a very lovely spot.

Those chairs.

the happy bride & groom welcoming their guests: 

again, everywhere we looked there was something interesting that caught our eye:

even that cross behind us is beautiful!  

loved the lanterns hanging from the tree: 

and to end this perfect evening, the most unreal sunset was peeking over the wall:

When the sun went down, we still really enjoyed this venue! a shot of those awesome sunglasses in action late into the evening (and a shot proving to the bride & groom their guests were all having a lot of fun...). One last thing to note about this photograph.  All the bridesmaids had adorable handmade mini sombro hat/headbands on:

so much fun!

be back soon with the wedding photographs, and if not today, hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

+ DELICIOUSLY ORGANIZED CARRY ON

When it comes to packing for a trip, I like to have all the essentials in my carry on purse. Valuables, items I need in flight, items I know I can't "pick up" if my checked bag was lost, and items I want the second we land.  I've never been able to find a stylish/lightweight bag that could keep me organized, zips up entirely to keep my items secure, and straps to my suitcase to keep me hands free (and shoulders free) while getting through an airport...until I found the OG bag by Lo & Sons!  It's an avid organizers dream!  

 They've thought of everything you could possibly need in a bag (and more)!  It has multiple pockets/sleeves for all of your items to keep organized.  No more digging for your wallet to find your ID/Passport at the security line (p.s. obsessed with the gorgeous gold details and lavender lining!):

love that your laptop stays secure, protected and hidden:

& it even has a hidden place for a second set of shoes...Flats for when your dogs are barking or heels for going straight out from the airport:

 

 plus, you can fit a ton of traveling essentials in it (it's also amazing for weekend trips/used as a gym bag/camera bag):

Here are some of my favorite items to have on hand when packing my Lo & Sons:

1. Water Bottle with a built in filter - water is one of my absolute most needed items when traveling- but, I don't want to spend $ on a water bottle once I pass the security line.

2. Snack & Gum- The worst thing is being starved-  rushing to catch a flight, only to find an expensive non nutritious meal once I get on the flight.  Carrying raw almonds is my way to get ahead of this.

3. Clothes- a wrap/scarf, one item (like a dress-navy & white maxi pictured above) I could wear if my checked bag was lost, extra pair of shoes and my sunglasses. 

4. Beauty essentials- I keep my makeup bag, lip balm, eye drops, evian spray, and non-scented lotion, vitamins/supplements with me in flight (never would want to buy new makeup when I land).

5. Valuables- Any valuables I'm bringing with me (laptop, jewelery bag- that is a roll up tiny version above, camera, etc.)

6. Chargers & Headphones!  Hate having no headphones OR having a dead phone.  I wrap my charges up and place them in a sunglasses case.

7. Reading materials- magazines, books, kindle- whatever it is you like.  Sometimes I also bring a small journal with me if it's a trip I want to write/sketch on.

8. Eye mask, neck pillow and earplugs- for international flights

Lo & Sons is offering 15% OFF all products on their site in honor of Mother's Day-  just use the code "MOMSRULE2013 at checkout.

What's the one item that has a guaranteed spot in your carry on bag?

*this is a sponsored post but all opinions/words are my own