What's in our bag + Vaalbara giveaway

We love our Vaalbara bags! These super cool bags are all handmade in Venice, CA using environmentally conscious materials. Because we are huge fans of Vaalbara clutches, we are giving one away to a lucky reader!  See details below! 

 Vaalbara clutch / iPad/ wallet/ hoops/ sunblock/ lipgloss in Fashion Scoop/ aquaphor/ aviators/ fashion glasses

My Vaalbara bag is perfect for fitting anything and everything. Keeping an iPad may not be the best parenting but as much as we're in the car, it's an essential of mine. I always keep at least two pair of sunglasses within arms reach. My everyday go-to glasses are my aviators but I love a fun oversized pair to hide behind on days I just want to stay in bed. Living in Arizona and having a father who is a dermatologist has reminded me to always protect our faces from the sun. Sun bum stick is a favorite of mine. Suckers, gum and hoops? You never know when you might need either. I buy cheap hoops that I'm not worried about bending or losing. Aquaphor has changed my life! For month's I was having a weird reaction on my lips so I quit using Blistex and Chapstick and only used Aquaphor. It went away and I haven't had a problem since. Last but not least, my wallet. I bought this wallet about 3 years ago. It's been tossed, thrown, over-stuffed, stepped on and still looks brand new. I'm a believer that quality is worth the price!

Vaalbara Bag/ Nook Tablet/ Flip Flops/ Bare Mineral Powder/ Bare Mineral Brush/ Bare Mineral Compact Powder/ Black Sunnies/ Perfume/ Tortouise Aviators/Cashmere Deodorant/ Friendship Bracelet/ Hexagon Bracelet/Lipgloss/ Mascara/ Sunscreen/ Cliff Z Bars/ Fruit Leather/ Neosporin Spray/Canon Power Shot Camera/ Wallet

I love this bag because it can fit everything I need for an entire day. We often leave in the morning and play in NYC all day long. I need a bag that will carry all of our stuff. I always pack a pair of flip flops or flats just in case I need them. These flip flops don't disappoint. I bring my Bare Minerals powder with me everywhere I go. I love the SPF included in this mineral make-up. Instead of re-applying my sunscreen I put a little powder on and feel great about the SPF coverage.  I only use Zinc Oxide sunscreen on my kids' faces. This one in particular is the perfect size to throw in my bag. When I'm out all day, I need my favorite deodorant. This one will change your life. My sister gave this to me and I haven't gone back since. I also pack a tiny bottle of my favorite perfume. You never know when you may need it. My two pairs of sun glasses are always in my bag. My lightweight pair is great so I can chase my kids at the playground without them falling off. The last item I take everywhere is my Anthropologie wallet. I have had it for over a year. I love opening it up and seeing the detail inside.   Now, on to the kid stuff I usually have with me. We bring our Nook when we leave all day. It's a great price for a kid tablet and I love the durable cover it comes in. My kids are crazy about Cliff Z Bars and I love them too. They are whole grain and low in sugar. We also keep fruit leather in my bag at all times. I let my kids shop the dollar section at Target once a week for little games or special prizes to earn during the week. We recently found these miniature tic.tac.toe pads. They have kept Davis and Gwen busy at restaurants while we are waiting for our food. Last but not least, I keep Aquaphor and Neosporin on-the-go spray for any accidents that may happen during the day. That's what is in my bag! Too much I know but it's the real deal. 

Vaalbara/ hobo wallet/ adia drink packets/ kind bars/ tide stick to go/ tigi lipgloss/ mac shy girl/ knotted hair ties/ tortoise iphone case/ rastaclat keychain or bracelet/ hempz lotion/ black sunnies/ mini emergency kit

I always get lots of compliments when I use my Vaalbara.  It's the perfect bag because it fits so much for a mom on the go and can be folded over to use as a clutch for date nights.  A hobo wallet has always been a favorite.  They last so long and are sturdy.  I am addicted to adia probiotic drink packets.  I bring them in my bag to pour in water bottles when I am running my kids around or even for mine and the little's water at restaurants. They add such fun flavor and nutrition. I love kind bars and probably have one a day.  They feel like a treat but are good for you and filling.  My favorite flavors are almond coconut and dark chocolate cherry cashew. I can't handle clothing stains.  My mom always has a tide stick for emergency spills and now I can't go with out either.  Essential with kids! A friend introduced me to this tigi lipgloss.  It's light and gives a perfect pick me up shine.  The color "shy girl" by mac is a perfect subtle color for daytime.  It's been my go to for years. My kids and I always want to throw our hair up by the end of the day.  I try to carry these knotted hair ties in my purse or around my wrist. I am rough on my phones.  An iphone case is a must for me!  I just got this one and have found this company to make the best. This keychain can be a bracelet too! Comes in lots of fun colors. A perfect light weight lotion.  My favorite scent is vanilla plum. I have fallen in love with carrera sunglasses.  They are super light and fit well. I saved the best for last with this mini emergency kit.  You would not believe how many things come in this teeny tiny pouch. Every girl needs one!

How to enter:

Follow Vaalbara on Instagram and Facebook

Leave us a comment telling us what's in your bag! 

It's that simple..

Good Luck!

And the nerium+obagi winner is

KjerstinMay 20, 2013 at 7:21 PM

Following on everything! & shared on FB! I never enter these giveaways but I really want to win this one! My skin is so different now that I'm in my 30's & I have yet to find something I love. Love hearing what works for others! ;)

email us within 24 hours with your address. Thanks!

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Summer

1. tote bag 2. gladiators 3. gold bangle 4. peplum stripe top 5. my favorite necklace

6. wedges, and these are comfortable! 7. gold stackable rings

(click on description)

C. Wonder took a group of bloggers to South Hampton to celebrate the launch of the new C.Wonder location. You have to check it out if you are on the east coast. I couldn't get enough of the nautical prints, stripes, anchor jewelry and sunnies. We took the C. Wonder bus from Manhattan and arrived at this beautiful estate in the Hamptons. The mansion was perfectly decorated and showcased C.Wonder's home line. Have you seen the home line? It's so pretty.

My friend Taylor Morgan is a fashion blogger and fashion student at FIT. Read about her NYC adventures on her blog here. You may even see her on t.v. soon. This girl has major talent! 

white aviators/necklace/ikat blouse/C.Wonder cup

white aviator sun glasses, necklace, white denim jeans, ikat blouse 

Lemonade Stand Essentials 

After lunch we headed to the new C.Wonder store. It was quite the party. 

I'm so impressed with C. Wonder's sunglasses. Every single person at the event found a pair that fit their face shape. C. Wonder has glasses for everyone. 

Check out C. Wonder's online shop if you don't have a store near you.  Make sure you head straight to the room of jewelry.

When I need a gift for a friend this is my go-to store. 

xx,

Jenna

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Evie J Boutique

Let us introduce you to a sponsor of ours..Evie J! Evie J offers some really fun and affordable pieces  all of us can incorporate into our wardrobe!

We want you to fall in love with Evie J as much as we have by offering a promo code for 20% off everything! 

Use promo code: LLEVIEJ 

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Real mom: Angela Hardison

Name: Angela Hardison 

Husband: Clint, commercial real estate broker and the wittiest guy I know. He gets along with everyone, has me laughing every day, and makes certain that we have frequent family dance parties at home.

Children:  Margo, who just turned 1 and is still the most squishable thing you've ever seen.

Side job: Graphic designer and photo stylist.

Tell us about your art. How you got started, why?

I studied graphic design at ASU and started a design/letterpress studio right after college (SeeSaw). After four years, I parted ways with my partners and started doing freelance design. My work mostly includes developing brand identities — logos, business cards, websites — and then some smaller projects like letterpress wedding invitations. The photo styling is a recent endeavor and I love it because getting paid to make things look pretty is awesome. My next big creative venture will hopefully be textile design, combining my love of patterns with fabric.

First thing you do in the morning: The little one always wakes up too early for me these days, so I get her from the crib and lay with her for as long as she'll let me. Then, breakfast! Firm believer that it's the most important meal of the day.

Describe your personal style:

Simple, classic, modern with a touch of retro. My home, wardrobe and design work are filled with color and patterns.

How you stay fit:

Mixing it up with Crossfit, yoga, running - whatever I can fit in my schedule. I even tried a ballet class recently (which sadly just reinforced that I'm pretty clumsy). I gained a lot of weight during pregnancy and have spent the last year trying to get rid of it. I still have a little ways to go, but I've learned that for me, staying fit is about 80% what I eat and 20% exercise. I try to limit my gluten intake because it makes a huge difference in my energy and health.

Number one beauty item:

Coconut oil. It's not just for cooking! I use it as a moisturizer and recently discovered it even works wonders on cold sores. It's antiviral and antibacterial and I pretty much think it's magic.

Favorite healthy snack:

An apple with a spoonful of almond butter.

Guilty pleasure:

Candy of any kind. I have such a sweet tooth and wish every single meal could end with a treat.

Children's item you can't live without:

Books, books, books. Two of our absolute favorite children's books are Sparkle & Spin and Extra Yarn.

Tip or trick your mom taught you that have applied to yourself:

My mom has a very natural approach to healing. We used to laugh at her growing up but I've totally become her and will always turn to herbs/vitamins first. 

Favorite tradition:

It's a silly everyday tradition, but right now I'm loving the last part of our bedtime routine with Margo. After we brush her teeth Clint hides somewhere in the room and we look for him. It's adorable to watch her hold her hands up and ask "where?", and then get so excited when she spots his face poking out of the curtains or his feet poking out of the closet.

How you spend your "me"(personal time, no kids or husband) time:

Shopping. I never realized what a luxury it would be to browse and try things on without a little one pulling on me or screaming for me to hold her ;)

How you balance life:

I'm still trying to figure this out. Whenever I'm feeling particularly overwhelmed, I remember something my older sister shared with me about motherhood/work/life being a juggling act. We can't really juggle all the time without dropping a ball here and there. Some balls are made of rubber and will bounce right back, but some are delicate and made of glass - and those we cannot drop. The closest I've ever felt to achieving balance is when my priorities are focused on my family first.

XXO

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Move over yogurt!

While at Whole Foods, my kids and I stumbled upon a sample station with a rainbow of drinks.  What we thought was sugar packed Kool Aid was actually a healthy drink boasting 10 billion probiotics!  The two moms that started Adia Nutrition of Newport Beach, CA are the genius' behind this power packed product that my family has fallen head over heels for!

Here is why:

* It tastes good!

* The powder mixes contain 3 probiotic strains: Lactospore (Bacillus coagulans), Lactobacillus Bulgaricus and Lactobacillus Acidophilus

* The probiotics found in Adia's mixes are activated by water.  Once they get wet they start to grow and will last for 24 hours!

* They also contain prebiotics!

* No exposure to high heat will kill the probiotics!  You can drink them on ice or at room temperature.

* They are super low in calories and low in sugar!

* One packet of drink mix is equal to ten containers of yogurt!

We all know that probiotics have tons of benefits: healthy digestion, allergy fighting and even disease prevention! This is such an easy way to boost your family's immune system.  And if you want an even easier way, they make chews!  The chews have 1 billion probiotics and my kids think they are the greatest!  

Every mom needs to try this product.  You will fall in love with it!  Our friends at Adia are offering a discount just for L&L readers!  Visit their site at www.adianutrition.com and use coupon code "lunchpails" for 10% off all orders (excluding quarterly) through 5-27. 

Throw the drink mix packs in your kids lunch pails or tuck them in your purse next to your lipstick. After a long day at the pool, beach or park they are a refreshing pick me up for all! They even have one with electrolytes to help replenish energy after hot days at summer sports camps.  Drink up! 

Follow Adia Nutrition on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest in products!

 XOXO

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Friday 5

Lisa's Picks

1. I love a structured top. This bright yellow number is going to be perfect for some upcoming vacations! 

2. Hammocks are a favorite of mine! This one is under $100

3. I probably buy more workout clothes than I do regular clothing. I've used the excuse that it's my work wardrobe for years now. Truth is, there are just so many fun prints and styles and I want them all! 

4. I swear by this highlighter pen! I use color radiant rose mixing it with a dab of concealer to brighten- up overly tired dark eyes. It's magic!

5. Nautical stripes are timeless. Always have been, always will be. Love the versatility of this simple tee shirt dress. Bonus: 20% off all women's apparel with code LOOK20. 

Summer's picks

1. My friend came over with these jeans on and I was dying.  The picture does not do them justice.  They are SO amazing in person!  Great fit, great wash and the tribal print detail down the side is my favorite.  The price is pretty great too!

2. I love a fun short sleeve t-shirt for the summer.  This camo one is perfect with jeans, shorts or tucked into a skirt.  It's one of the best ones I've seen so far this season.

3. The bright yellow color and boho style of this dress is what caught my eye.  It's super different than any dress I have seen. I need this!

4. Who doesn't love a great fitting v-neck?  This one is a favorite of us L&L girls.  

5. These shoes are a pleasant surprise.  Actually I have to say, many shoe companies known for mostly comfort and not style are stepping up their game!  The older I get the more my feet & back hurt when I don't wear the right shoes.  These are a perfect everyday summer shoe that your foot will LOVE.

Jenna's Picks

1. I love a good maxi. This print is fun, it's so comfy and light weight. 

2. BEST tee shirt ever. It's so versatile and comes in tons of colors. 

3. This dress! The lace detail is gorgeous. Can't wait to wear this out! 

4. I love these white aviators from one of my favorite shops. My go to pair this summer. 

5. The perfect bangle. Adds a little color to any outfit. Stack them or wear them one at a time. 

HAVE A SUPER FUN WEEKEND!

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OBAGI + NERIUM A.D. + Give Away

Lately my skin has been dry. I mean really dry. I was applying moisturizer several times a day and I was still flaky & extremely dry. I switched my routine around and found the perfect combination that works. This regimen will definitely prepare your skin for the summer. We are also giving away 2 of my favorite products below! 

1. I will never take this out of my daily routine. This C E FERULIC is the best antioxidant on the market. It will help reduce photo damage and will help lighten any pigmentation you may already have. C E Ferulic and sunscreen are the best form of sun protection. I never leave the house without putting them on.
2. I LOVE the new OBAGI hydrate. After I apply my CE Ferulic I apply a quarter size of the hydrate to my face and neck. It's an all natural moisturizer with ingredients like shea, mango butter and avocado. It delivers moisture for up to 8 hours while it attracts water to the area it is applied to. Make-up will only look good and fresh if your skin is hydrated. This Obagi hydrate does that exactly.
3. After I moisturize I use the Prep & Prime SPF 50 from MAC. Not only does this have a high level of broad-spectrum sun protection (spf50), it illuminates the skin by adding moisture. It was formulated with oil absorbing powder which helps keep your founadation/powder in place all day.  
4. The last step is powder. I love Bare Minerals. This powder is light weight, offers sun protection and does not cause break outs. It is healthy make-up for your skin. 

(click on the description for the link to product)

1. I use this Regenerist cleanser every night. It exfoliates and deep cleans down to the pores.  You can't beat the price and I love the fresh smell.

2.  I apply NERIUM A.D. at night to my freshly washed skin. You can read all about Nerium HERE from my last post on it. To purchase Nerium A.D. go HERE.

3. I end my routine with Eye Balm. It is known for it's perfect combination. It relieves puffiness and prevents collagen loss while adding moisture to your eye area. 

Today we are giving away-

1 bottle of OBAGI HYDRATE + 1 bottle of NERIUM A.D.

To enter please do the following below:

1. Follow us on instagram, face book, twitter & pinterest

2. Share this give away on instagram or face book by tagging us with a bottle of Obagi Hydrate or Nerium A.D.

3.  Leave us a comment so we can look up your picture from step two.

winner will be announced next Thursday

xx,

Jenna

*I am a licensed  esthetician. These are my opinions on these products above.

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