Taking Stock

{Blogged over reruns of RHONY #TeamBethenny}  Something occurred to me as I was yet again berating myself for failing to squeeze in a few minutes for a blog post--this is not what I envisioned.  When I first came up with this idea (in collaboration with my friend Jen, now at @crystalsandcrunches), it was to create a space for working women-- with posts about things to wear to the office, things to do on the weekends in Orange County and Los Angeles, especially for families, beauty tips, recipes, book reviews-- just topics that interested me, with the hope that it would interest others too.  Overshadowing all of this was my eagerness to write.  I love to write.  I have written in journals my whole life and even though I write for a living, legal writing is nothing like the writing I enjoy.  Legal writing is where creativity and free flowing prose go to die :)  What I never factored into this grand idea is the time it takes to plan out a post--and then the time it takes to actually sit down and write it.  Lots of time. I usually do my social media browsing at night after the kiddos are in bed- not what I would call my optimal creativity zone.  Actually, I don't even know if I would call it my awake zone.  So while I haven't given up on shaping this blog into that dreamed of space, for now-- when I have a few moments-- I am going to do what I first set out to do.

I'm just going to write.

Tonight, I'm going to give you a quick book review of a book I just finished this morning before work- its called Exit West.  I had read recommendations about it everywhere and I thought I'd try it.  It was a fast read (I think it took me about 3 mornings before work-- I read while I'm getting ready) and I'm not sure how I feel about it.   It was described as an adult The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe, but it didn't have any of the magic and whimsy, which might be why I am lukewarm about it.  Its also about war and refugees and what happens to the common person -- not just the loss of daily necessities (like food, electricity and the internet), but things that provide identity and structure (like one's country).  These are heavy topics and ones that are on my mind anyway because of what is happening in our world.  And it stuck with me, each chapter that I read.   The way human being sometimes treat other human beings is horrifying at times.  So while I think this was a good book, and a thought provoking book, I'm not sure I would wholly recommend it.  I might give it a 5 out of 10.  I think you have to be in the mood for a tougher read.   If you do read it, let me know what you think.  I am in a book drought but looking for some recommendations!! Sweetly, Michelle

A Storied Life + Back in (Navy) Blue

{Book Review} So, I have a confession to make. You know how I read? A LOT? Well, I have a weird habit of reading the last chapter of a book first. I know. This horrifies most people. I can't help it.   I need to know and I need to prepare myself for what's coming.  If I don't see a main character referenced in the end? I'm not getting too attached to that person, let me tell you. I think because I am very empathic (my husband will often say " This is a BOOK. It's not REAL") as I am sobbing and hiccupping my way through it, and it just really stays with me, the stories I read.  Maybe I do this because real life is not predictable like this.  We don't know the ending in real life, and so maybe in this small way, I am able to control it a bit. Who knows. ANYWAY! This book "The Storied LIfe of AJ Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin ruined me. It is sad, but in a wonderfully sad way.  Its the story of a bookstore, on a small island, and of the owner AJ Fikry and his life, the life of his customers and life in general. What I loved the most is that every chapter begins with a little synopsis of a different book, written by AJ.  He is sarcastic and witty and I chuckled quite often at his observations. It's a really good read and if you do read it (or have)- let me know what you think. I thought it was wonderful!

{Fashion} Easy office dressing your thing? Then this little dress is for you. Pull it on, add some heels and a great bag and off you go. I love navy and I can't wait to wear the heck out of this wine/oxblood/burgundy (what are we calling this, anyway?) color for Fall. And you notice this cuff? It is handmade by the fabulous and talented @whatwouldvwear as part of her @vwearcollection.  Isn't it beautiful? All of her designs are just gorgeous. You have to check it out! What are you up to for this long weekend? I am leaving  tonight for Chicago (what a city, right?) to spend the weekend with my in-laws and when I get back...I am going to prepare for NYFW! I am so excited! Can you believe it? Do these people know that they are letting a dorky lawyer in their midst? Apparently not! Yay! Can't wait to share pics with you!! Happy Day you all! Xx Michelle 

Dress: Banana Republic

Cuff: whatwouldvwear.com

Heels: Kate Spade

Michelle Hearts Michael

Hi there you! Its Friday! What a week I've had.  Like everyone else, my life is cyclical and there are times when I seem to be  balanced at work, and I can take a nice lunch, come home at night and unwind, read a book after my daughter goes to sleep (You moms out there know what I mean.  Your "you" time starts after your children are in bed!)  Lately? Work is crazy busy. I eat lunch at my desk and every night, I have been up until after midnight with my lap top on my lap, working (this really interferes with my ability to pay attention to important things on TV. Like the Real Housewives of New York Reunion. Part 1). The trial I was hurling toward has been continued a little, so I have a small reprieve but I am really looking forward to this weekend and catching up a little on errands (and sleep!)

{The Dress} I have to tell you something so funny about this dress!   I bought it at Nordstrom (and like most things I buy, the bags stay in the trunk until I figure out a time to strategically (and furtively) scamper upstairs with them)...and I forgot about it!  How sad of a life do I lead that I can buy this cute little number, hide it in my car (who needs another lecture from the hubs, I ask you? No one!) and completely forget about it? It was maybe 3 MONTHS later that I was looking around my trunk and I was like "Hmm. What's in here?"    So sad!  I love it. Shirt dresses are just a good staple every season, and you can find them with so many updated details. Here, it is the silver military- like accents. This is a perfect transition piece because it has 3/4 length sleeves and is a heavier blend of fabric, which is good for the office. I paired it with these TopShop shoes (similar) that I have from Nordstrom. I love a strappy shoe--T-strap, Mary Janes, some kind of ankle strap- yes yes and yes.  They are a great addition to this dress, don't you think?

{The Book}

Even though my book-reading has been seriously infringed upon by this horrible thing we refer to as a JOB, I still find time to read a little bit everyday.  I need to. It relaxes me, it lets my mind wander and I feel like I am doing a little something for myself.  I finished this book in record time (it's a very easy read) and it's good. Her writing style is breezy and it feels (at least from an American like me) very British.  I enjoyed it. It takes a humorous look at a serious event (a murder) that involves one of the most competitive groups of people known to man-- moms!  It looks at the silly and shallow things we sometimes do as parents when it involves our 5 year old children.  Even though its funny, I thought there was a strong lesson to be learned-- that we (humans) compete against each other, tear each other down and value things that in the whole scheme really don't matter.  As a mom with a career outside of the home, it can be difficult for me to go to school functions because I feel a little self conscious around the moms that stay home.  I think that however life works for a certain family should be supported (and it's none of my business how someone else lives or raises their family--if you are happy and healthy, good for you!). This book will maybe make you think about how we (women especially) need to make each other feel good and accomplished as much as possible because look around you---we are each other's future.  Speaking of the future... I hope you all have amazing things coming your way this weekend! ❤️😘 thank you for stopping by- xx Michelle

Beauty and Brains {Book}

So, if you know me, you know I am a reader. I love to read. Its like my favorite thing to do to relax. Take a bath, get in the jammies and read.  I usually have 3 or 4 books going at once, too.  I also buy kind of a lot of beauty items- I am constantly acquiring new nail polish, lip gloss, eye cream, etc.  I was thinking that when I write to you all about my most recent product purchase, every once in a while, I will throw something in here for our brains. Maybe a book review, maybe a good website for current events. We are tip-toeing into 2016 and that's an election year. We need to do our best to weed through the mountains of stuff and learn about the real issues (I do anyway).  I am both disgusted with and fascinated by politics. Plus, I am always looking for that one good place to get a quick dose of current events (because none of us has the time to leisurely flip through  a few newspapers while sipping our lattes from a china cup and saucer- yeah right!) Maybe we will figure it out together.   So here goes!

BEAUTY {Lush Cosmetics}

Beauty: Lush Cosmetic's Vanilla Dee-Lite Lotion and Vanilla Puff Powder. I had never used this before but a store opened in the mall close by me and I was drawn to it. The ingredients are all natural, handmade, not tested on animals (that is really important to me) and there are about fifty different scents!  Plus, they have these bath ball things and you throw them into your bath and they fizz and turn colors and scent the water- soo fun! Its a great store to browse through. So far, the lotion smells great and isn't too heavy and the powder has a little subtle sheen! Go check them out at www.lush.com or at Fashion Island or the Shops at Mission Viejo! Brains:   The Nightingale by  Kristine Hannah.   I just finished reading it and I loved it. I am sort of a World War buff and this story is set in France during the Nazi occupation and it tells the story of two sisters and what they went through during those terrible times. I've read a lot about the various battles in World War II and the atrocities that occurred but not too much about what happened to the citizens of occupied countries. It was brutal for them, because the people who were left behind were typically vulnerable and somewhat helpless--older people, women and children-- with the men being away, fighting.  They were deprived of everything we take for granted-- food, water, blankets and their dignity.   As terrible as the backdrop is, this story is about courage and compassion and selflessness and the lengths people will go to for those that that they love.   It is about love in all different forms and with all different complexities, from that shared by the sisters, to that shared by best friends, by the love of a mother for her child and for the love of one's country.  It was great.  These kind of books stay with you long after you turn the last page and I love that.  If you try it, let me know what you think. Or if you have a favorite book. Or, if you are thinking of buying a book and aren't sure- I've probably read it! :)  Happy day, loves. Michelle