Happy Friday, everyone!!  I want to start off by congratulating REGINA, as the winner of the Piggledee pouches!  Check your email so I can get your prize to you!  Thank you everyone else for entering.  I wish I could give each of you a pair of these darling pouches, but make sure to check out Asako’s Etsy shop if you want to pick up some of your own.  I truly love mine.

This week has been a blur of errands, emails and appointments!  One thing that remains constant, however, is Olive’s current obsession with reading.  I hope her love of books is more than a stage, of course!  It’s just that these days, she can’t get enough of them.  She is constantly bringing me (and Erik ) various books to read to her.  I love when she waddles over to me and plops herself on my lap, snuggles in, and looks up at me as if to say, “Okay already, are you going to get to it??”  Her current favorites include Let’s Dance, Little Pookie, Mister Seahorse, and Puppies… which is really a picture book with a bunch of dog photos!  haha  In Puppies, there is a tiny maltese named Toby and whenever we get to his page, Olive leans forward and plants a kiss on him!  Melt my heart!!  I think Erik knows that a maltese puppy is in the future one Christmas ahead… ;-)  Although I’m sure I sound and look hilarious while I’m reading aloud to Olive, it is absolutely worth it.  I love getting into character and watching her eyes widen and her face crinkle up in delight as I read to her.  I’m never going to be too old or too busy to get silly with my little girl!

 Does anyone else know the Pookie Shimmy??  I feel like I sing it 10x a day!

I have a lot of half-written posts in the queue so I will be spending some time this weekend preparing posts for next week.  Remaining consistent with my blog posts is a big goal, so I truly appreciate all of you who stop by to read and comment.  ;-)  In addition to writing, my weekend will consist of purging & organizing my closets (a LOT more to sell on @shopangelscloset on Instagram, if you’re interested), having a Skype consultation with some potential clients, and swinging by Barnes & Noble to read up on our fast-approaching trip down under.  So excited!!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend, whether restful, productive, or both!  See you next week with Olive’s 14-month post and more.  ;-)

Hello everyone!  I hope your week is off to a lovely start!  Mine certainly is — I had such a sweet mother’s day on Sunday and I’m still beaming about it.

mother’s day 2013

We started the day at church and I served in the nursery.  There was a visiting family with a young boy (about 2 years old) and he initially had a hard time adjusting to the nursery, surrounded by unfamiliar faces.  He took to me for some reason and I spent most of the service just holding him.  He actually fell asleep in my arms (so sweet!!) and woke up content to spend the remaining time playing with Olive and his other nursery-mates.  It reminded me that although I am not his mother, I can nurture and love other children as my own.  For many years before I had Olive, I longed so much to be a mama.  I want to send a special encouragement to any of you out there who may be in that circumstance now.  I fervently pray that God will open the doors for you to become a mother soon, but urge you in the meanwhile to love on the kiddos around you in your life.  There’s lots of love to go around!

After service, I grabbed our customary Sunday lunch on the way home: In-N-Out burger, of course! We scarfed it down quickly since Olive had fallen asleep in the car, and then we drove out to the charming town of Los Olivos.  Erik took me to get my favorite Enjoy Cupcakes (yum!) and I devoured the pistachio lemon chardonnay + banana lemon creme treats.  We walked around a bit (truthfully we were just chasing Olive around town as she excitedly ambled about, greeting everyone in sight) but the unseasonable heat had us headed home early.  ;-)  We then spent some time browsing the aisles of Home Depot (hilarious, I know… We are both fixated on home stuff right now!) before having delicious Korean food for dinner.  Toward the end of the day, Erik had Olive hand me “her” mother’s day card.  Erik, being Erik, had helped her pick out a card that was for encouragement (not Mother’s Day…haha!) with a chihuaua and a dumbbell on the front.  Inside it said, “You’re stronger than you know.”  I just about died of laughter!  He also helped Olive write me a sweet note and she signed her name with her own hand.  I’m not gonna lie — I was impressed with her penmanship.  ;-)

photo via @enjoycupcakes on IG — love Amber & Kevin and their incredible cupcakes!

All in all I had a lovely day with my little family.  I got exactly what I had hoped for: some time out of the house with my two favorite people!

Before I sign out today, I wanted to share my excitement about my new bag.  I was on the hunt for a knitting bag but wanted something large enough to double as a travel tote or carry-on.  I discovered Piggledee on Etsy and followed the links to Asako’s blog.  I was instantly SMITTEN with her beautiful creations.  She makes backpacks, totes, knapsacks, zippered pouches and more, all using beautiful fabrics, many of them in quirky Japanese prints!  The bags can be used for tons of purposes, including cosmetic bags, travel bags, pencil cases, changing pads, washcloths, reusable lunch bags, diaper bags and more…  Although I’m not a cat person at all, I couldn’t resist the whimsical kitty print in grey for my big tote.  I also added a large zip pouch to use for cosmetics when I travel, and for my notions when I’m knitting.  ;-)  I found it hilarious that I was ordering a travel bag for my trip to Australia from a seller who is based in Sydney.  Oh, irony!  Asako is also a fellow Cal grad (Go Bears!); it was fun to learn we had so much in common!

I just received my bags yesterday and I couldn’t be more pleased with them.  They are well-made and beautifully constructed.  Asako herself was a pleasure to work with from start to finish, and her kind communication and speedy shipping were much appreciated.  I can’t wait to revisit her shop and pick up many more goodies in the future!  Today I am thrilled to giveaway TWO of her fabulous pouches!  The winner will win BOTH a large grey cat print zippered pouch, and a slightly smaller pink cat print pouch.

To enter:

1. Like Love and Splendor on Facebook
2. Comment below and let me know what you’d use the pouches for if you won!
3. If you follow this blog on Bloglovin’ and/or follow me on Instagram, mention it in the comment for extra entries (1 each).

You have until Thursday, May 16th at 9 p.m. PST to enter.  I’ll announce the winner this Friday, the 17th!

Thanks for stopping by; see you again soon!

Hello everyone!  I hope your week is off to a lovely start!  Today I am excited to share with you the long-anticipated launch of the webstore of Casa de Perrin!  If you’ve seen my recent post of Anna’s wedding (and other fabulous weddings I’ve done in the past), you know I am a huge fan of Casa de Perrin.  They curate the loveliest collection of vintage china, glassware, flatware and more (tea cups + saucers, salt cellars, apothecary bottles, etc.!) and rent them for weddings and events.  But now, you can bring some of that gorgeous tableware into your own home via Shop Casa de Perrin!

Just try telling me that your family parties and everyday meals don’t taste better served off of gorgeous plates, with gold flatware and a rainbow of colorful goblets.  :)  Afternoon slices of cake (yes, it’s a thing… haha) and fancy holiday dinners alike deserve special presentation.

I am truly excited for their new shop launch and I hope that you mosey over to check out all the goodies for sale.  Next time my birthday rolls around, feel free to pick me up some colored goblets.  Ask Diana and Josh and Libby — they’ll know what I’m currently obsessing over.  ;-)

To celebrate the shop’s grand opening, I am giving away a pair of sparkling cut crystal salt cellars from their store!  If you don’t know what salt cellars are, let me acquaint you.  Diana calls them “jewelry for your table” and I couldn’t agree more.  They are the perfect finishing touch to a well-set table and allow guests to enjoy tactile interaction with special finishing seasonings.  Why shake from a shaker when you can display your gourmet salts + peppers in these beautiful cellars for guests to marvel over, pinch and savor?  There are lots and lots of cellars in the shop so you will want to get a set for your next gathering.  One per person is great, but I love having two per person for a pairing of salt + pepper, or even two beautiful and unique types of finishing salt (French sel gris or Himalayan pink salt, perhaps).

To enter this giveaway, just visit SHOP CdP, browse their gorgeous offerings, and come back here to comment & let me know your favorite item (or two).  I won’t blame you if they all end up in your shopping cart.  ;-)  Make sure you are also following this blog + LIKE us on Facebook.

I’ll kick us off and let you know my 3 faves (so hard!):

• My dream china – its swirls of turquoise and gold make my heart swell!
• A vintage-meets-modern gold-trimmed cake plate
• These sweet delphite blue salt cellars — perfect for spring and summer!

Can’t wait to see what catches your eye!  You have until Thursday, April 11th, 2013 at 9pm PST to enter.  The winner will receive one pair of clear cut crystal salt cellars plus some of my favorite salt to enjoy in them!

Good luck to all of you!  And congrats again to my dearest friends Diana + Josh (and Libby!) for this new chapter for the Casa!

xoxo, Angel

Happy Monday, everyone!!  First things first, congrats to the 3 winners of Olive’s birthday giveaway: Vivian, Delia and May!  I’ve contacted the three of you so check your email so we can get your goodies out to you!  I’ll be sending out all the giveaway prizes (these 3 + the 2 winners of the Martha Stewart Weddings giveaway) on Thursday!

Today I’m thrilled to have a guest post up on the WhatToExpect.com Blog “Word of Mom.”  It’s a fun blog with original content from the WTE editors as well as real moms like me!  I was so honored when they reached out to me in January (I was in Big Bear at the time and remember squealing on the couch, in fact) and really enjoyed writing this post for them.  The post centers on 5 lessons I learned during my first year as a mom, and I’d love if you went over to check it out!

I’ll be back later this week with some wedding sneak peeks (yay!  So overdue!) and Olive’s official 12-month summary post!  Enjoy this beautiful day!

xoxo, Angel

Happy Monday, everyone!  Olivia isn’t officially 1 yet (her birthday is tomorrow, the 12th!) but her big party was this weekend.  That means most of last week was consumed with final party prep (as well as some great meetings with vendors and clients I LOVE!  Hi H & T!).  I wanted to thank each of you for entering the giveaway on my last post and for sharing in my excitement.  I appreciated all of your sweet words and I loved reading about your spring favorites.  It is going to be a great season!!

I decided to pick TWO lucky winners (you know me…) using random.org and the winners came out to be Rachel W. and Ashley!  Congrats ladies!  Check your email as I’ve already contacted both of you for your mailing addresses.

For everyone else, don’t fret… I have another fun giveaway around the corner.  I can’t help myself; giveaways are so much fun!  Check back tomorrow for a special birthday post for my darling Olive.  I’m still in shock that she’s really-truly-absolutely going to be a one-year old.

I will have LOTS of photos to share from Olive’s 1st bash very soon, but thank you to all of our loved ones who came to celebrate with us.  It was an unforgettable celebration!  I didn’t take a single photo that day (thanks to the amaaaazing Courtney of Erin Hearts Court) so I’ll end the post with a little snapshot from my former client – now friend – now mama, Shue-Ping!  Also pictured is another former client-turned-friend, Monique.  These girls met at my baby shower last year and now we all have little girls.  We’re raising the next generation of hapa babies!  What a blessing… and talk about full circle!

Enjoy the rest of the day!!  xoxo, Angel

Happy Monday, everyone!!  I am SO excited to let the cat officially out of the bag today and let you all know that we were PUBLISHED in the latest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings magazine!  { pinch me! }

Yes, the Spring 2013 issue features one of our beautiful weddings on its pages… and it happens to be the wedding of my baby sister, Anna!  My love & splendor clients and colleagues all know and adore Anna, as she has been an assistant coordinator for me since the very beginnings of the company.  Anna was married to my wonderful brother-in-law, Sean, last June, and it has been sooooo hard to keep this gorgeous wedding under wraps for so long.  But, we knew this stunning wedding was destined to be shared somewhere special.  It is a true honor (and honestly, one of my proudest biz moments ever!) to see this wedding on the pages of Martha Stewart Weddings — it is a dream come true.  The fact that the wedding is my sister’s takes it over the top because the event held so much personal meaning to our family.  I will never ever forget that day… It was filled with so much beauty and love and emotion.  I kept looking over at Anna throughout the evening and her expressions were filled with so much pure joy.  Designing this day for her and Sean was a true labor of love and I hope it shows!

photo by my dear friend, Ryan Ray

When we found out that the wedding would be featured in the magazine, I nearly keeled over!  I have been counting down to this date for months!  Okay so I’m already thrilled, I am pushed to the limits of my excitement, and then imagine when I found out that a photo of my precious family was included in the magazine as well!  Yes, a photo of me, Erik, and a 3-month old baby Olive are featured in the magazine, too!!  AHH!  

I cannot tell you how much my heart is exploding.  It’s a business-personal-family-press milestone all wrapped into one big ball of joy and now I want to celebrate with YOU!

To mark this fabulous occasion for love & splendor and my family, I wanted to host a little giveaway!  The prize includes a fresh copy of the Spring 2013 Martha Stewart Weddings magazine to enjoy, a Starbucks gift card (because we all know reading magazines is always better accompanied by a latte) , and a few surprises.  ;-)

To enter, just comment below and let me know either your favorite thing about spring.  It could be a flower, a tradition, a local event…  I can’t wait to read about your seasonal favorites!  One of my favorites has to be fresh English peas.  They are like tiny bubbles of happiness!  I love their mild sweet flavor and I try to eat as much of them as I can while they’re available!

Good luck on the giveaway — you have until WEDNESDAY, March 6th at 6p PST to enter.

P.S. I highly recommend grabbing the magazine in all its printed glory, but right now you MUST get the gorgeous iPad version.  It’s currently FREE (woohoo!) with the code GEhhNG.  Just go HERE, fill out the info and the promo code, and they will email you instructions on how to obtain your free iPad copy.

I will eventually be sharing a LOT more of this wedding so stay tuned!  For now, here are the incredible vendors who made this day what it was.  I am truly thankful to every single one of these amazing folks…

Location, Catering, and Cake: Ojai Valley Inn & Spa  – Sarah in catering is AMAZING.
Event Planning and Design: Events of Love and Splendor 
Photography: Ryan Ray  – our talented and dear friend, who is more like family to me!
Flowers: Heavenly Blooms  – Jaclyne always goes way way above and beyond!
Rentals: Found Vintage Rentals  – Jeni’s beautiful furniture set the stage.  Her styling is impeccable!
Tabletop Rentals: Casa de Perrin  – CdP’s wares made the tabletops shine.  I wish every meal was served on their beautiful china, and every toast made with their gorgeous glasses!
Stationery, Menu, and Calligraphy:Julie Song Ink  - such a sweetheart and a brilliant artist!
Videography: Elysium Productions – Julie shot my wedding, my mom’s wedding, and now Anna’s wedding!  The circle is complete!
Music: Brandt Jacobus and Ray Fortune  – two people you NEED to hire.
Linens: La Tavola Linen  – always my pick for lovely linens!
Hair and Makeup: Nicole Deanne  – our cherished friend helped us look our best!  Loved her being there on the big day!!

And THANK YOU, to the wonderful editors at Martha Stewart Weddings who gave us this incredible feature.  I’m off to enjoy this beautiful Monday!  Thank you for sharing in my joy today!!!

xoxo, Angel

Hello everyone!  I hope you are enjoying this first week of December!  Here in my home, we have been decking the halls with pretty much everything *but* the boughs of holly.  We just got our fresh Christmas tree (noble firs are our preference) last night and we’re looking forward to trimming it tonight.  Let’s hope she continues to admire the tree from a distance…  Right now she treats it like an odd stranger in the room, but that may change once it’s draped in tempting sparkling lights!

I’m back today with a fun CD giveaway to get us all in the Christmas spirit!  My dear friend, Courtney Toney (of Joyful Joyful), is married to a gifted musician and they send out Christmas CDs every year.  I always look forward to their sweet seasonal collection of songs!  Clearly, musical talent abounds in their family.  This year, David released the album called “Bright Bright Bright.”  It’s a wonderful mix of classic favorites and new tunes (like the title track, which I can’t get enough of).  The CD retails for $10 and you can get a limited edition hard copy or an immediate digital download.  :)  It is available HERE or on iTunes!

For all my sweet readers, you have the chance to win both the actual CD *and* the digital copy for your instant enjoyment!  You’ll also receive a $10 Starbucks gift card because hey, everything is better this time of year with a warm red cup in your hands, right??  To enter, comment below and let me know your favorite Christmas (or holiday) tradition.  I can’t wait to read about how you all get into the spirit this time of year!

You have until this Friday at 10 a.m. PST to enter!  The winner, selected randomly, will be announced shortly thereafter.  Best of luck!  xoxo, Angel

Happy Wednesday, everyone!!  I wanted to put up a little post congratulating Amanda for winning the Ruby LOVE baby book!  I’ve already emailed you so look out for another message on getting the book to you.  ;-)

Thank you to all of our readers for entering and being a part of the giveaway!  We have more giveaway ideas brewing so look out for another chance to win something fab soon.

Today Olive is SIX MONTHS old!!  I absolutely cannot believe it.  I’m finishing up her six month post and hope to share it within a few days, along with a fun wedding featured on Green Wedding Shoes today.  Take a peek HERE and come back soon for our take on the big day.

Aside from all the excitement today, we are busy finishing up preparations for two more fabulous September weddings.  :)  Back to escort card making for me!

Because every post should have a picture, here’s an iPhone snap of Olive from yesterday.

Enjoy your Wednesday and see you all soon.  <3

love,

Angel

Another wonderful month with our daughter has come and gone… and I nearly lost my chance to get this post up before the next one is due!  In the past month, I feel like I’ve watched Olive blossom into a different baby.  SO many fun changes are happening everyday… from her growing desire to move (everywhere!) to her increased playfulness and the emergence of a personality, I am loving being a witness to this girl’s life.  On a near daily basis, some stranger will come up to me and comment on Miss Olive.  Whether they are remarking on her lush head of hair (most frequently) or her sunny disposition (she has a smile for everyone!), I always get the same feeling inside: I am SO blessed to be her mother.

Here is the latest and greatest in the world of Olivia Iris!

• Olive’s weight gain seems to have leveled off a bit.  We don’t know exactly how much she weighs since our next visit isn’t until the 6-month mark, but I’m guessing she’s in the 15lb range.
• She is showing the early signs of teething, although no pearly whites have popped through yet.  She chomps on everything she can get her hands on (my fingers, her toys, etc.) with great fervor, though!
• She got in a jacuzzi for the first time, and seemed to enjoy it!!  We are trying to ensure she feels comfortable with the water from a young age so we can enjoy lots of childhood swimming and pool/beach time!
• Olive is vocalizing more and more, as if she’s trying to push the limits of her tiny vocal chords.  It is hilarious when we are sitting in church and all of a sudden she’ll make a loud, “Ahhhhhhhrrrrrrrlalalala.”  It cracks everyone up that this tiny bundle can make such a noise, but at least she isn’t crying.  ;-)  It seems to simply be contented exclamations.
• She’s SORT OF crawling!  She is army-crawling around and we laugh when we turn our backs for a minute and turn around to find her somewhere unexpected.
• We took her to the mid-state fair (with Michelle; Yay!) and had a great time.  She seemed mesmerized by the lights and sounds.  It won’t be long before we’re sharing a giant turkey leg with her and she’s begging Daddy to win her some stuffed animal prize.
• We had visits every weekend in July and two in August!  Grandparents and friends near and far were welcomed here, and it is always a treat to host our loved ones.
• She had her first “entire” day without Mommy.  Erik watched her for nearly 12 hours while I did a wedding last month, and he did great!  I left him with bottles for her and he texted me a picture midday of her enjoying one.
• Up to month five, she was sleeping 6-8 hours a night.  :)

via Instagram – @loveandsplendor

with my beautiful friend Mara, from MlovesM

our family at Olive’s first fair!

My dearest Olive, What a difference a month makes!!  Daddy and I remark that our little chubby newborn is now a slightly less chubby little girl.  Although I still cuddle and snuggle you like a baby, I watch others hold you and wonder to myself how you got so big.  Your hair is getting longer and wilder and as I comb it, I have daydreams about brushing your long hair as a toddler, putting it in braids, curling it for a special holiday… When you’re sleepy, you rest your head on shoulder and nuzzle into my neck, and I imagine you curled up on a twin-sized bed in your own room.  When Mommy and Daddy sit down for dinner, you watch us inquisitively as we eat and lean in as if for a bite.  And naturally, I begin to envision us baking and cooking together, sharing the beaters from a bowl of cookie dough and testing spaghetti sauce from a wooden spoon.  It gives me great joy to consider the beautiful memories to be made together down the road.  But, I have to constantly remind myself to stay present in *this* moment.  So I’ve lay in bed a bit longer with you these days, just enjoying the first hour of the day when you’re full of energy and giggles.  I forgive you for all the unintentional hair pulling and face slapping in the a.m. — I know you’re just excited to get out of the crib and play next to us.  I’ve tried to hold your gaze longer when you stare at me with those beautiful watery blue-grey eyes, and savor the peace of those moments.  I hope you will always look at me with such pure love and trust.  I get down on the ground and crawl alongside you.  I pretend to eat your fingers when you try to nibble on mine.  I imitate your excited coos and engage you in thoughtful “discussions” on various topics.  I’m drinking in every moment.  Olivia, I am blessed to be your mommy.  It is a job I love and I want to pour all my heart into raising you well.  Although I guarantee I will stumble along the way and sometimes even disappoint you, I pray you will always know that you are deeply and truly loved.  And if you forget, you can come back to this post and read about how your mommy held you as a child and delighted in your laugh and let you pull her hair and loved you with all her heart.  I always will.  xoxo, Mommy

Olive’s baby book — “gummy bear” was the first nickname I gave her when I was pregnant

Today I am THRILLED to kick off another exciting giveaway, and this time it is baby-related!  My dear friend Julie is the creator of the Ruby Love baby book, and it is FABULOUS.

They start with a lovely fabric cover (available in a variety of colors and patterns) and then they fill it up with thoughtful prompts and pages to fill in.  There’s a monthly “first year” calendar with milestone stickers, blank pages for journalling, and much, much more… It’s like a stylish and guided scrapbook for your little one’s life.  I have the bonus pregnancy pack of pages and I enjoyed chronicling each step of that special journey, too.  I use washi tape, photo corners and Instax MINI prints to further customize my book.  (I’ll share a peek into my baby book sometime soon!)  It’s a joy to have a user-friendly baby book that looks great but still allows for my own personal touch.  This is why I am so delighted to GIVEAWAY a baby book with personalization ($65 value!) here on the blog.  Here is the skinny:

Simply visit the Ruby Love etsy shop and peruse the gorgeous cover options, page packs, etc.  I know you’ll fall in love with their products.  Then come back here and comment by answering all THREE of these questions:

• Who would this album be for? (your own child or baby on the way, a friend, etc.)
• Which cover would you choose if you won?
• Share your favorite thing about being a mama, or share something you love about YOUR Mom!

That’s it!  As an extra bonus, we are offering any readers who decide to purchase an album (while the giveaway is active — until Thursday, September 6 at 12 noon PST) a 10% discount.  Just use the discount code loveandsplendor10.  The code will get you 10% off *and* a free baby book pen (I looove the ones she has in her shop).  If you end up winning the giveaway, the fine folks at Ruby Love will refund your money so you’ll get your album for free.  So feel free to purchase and enter too!

You have until next Thursday (9/6) at 12noon PST to enter, so best of luck!

—

Thank you for reading along with Olive’s monthly posts… I am grateful for each and every one of you out there!  Have a beautiful weekend!  xoxo, Angel

Hello everyone!!  I’m popping in quickly to say that we decided to give tickets to ALL of the entrants of our giveaway.  ;-)  Congratulations to each of you, and thank you for entering!  We are so grateful for all of you who stop by to read our blog so we are glad to have had the opportunity to give out these great tickets.  I’ve emailed all of the winners already, so contact me directly if you didn’t receive that email yet.

For everyone else, I am working hard on getting Olivia’s five month post up by the end of the week along with ANOTHER giveaway.  You won’t want to miss it!!

Life lately for the L&Sgirls has consisted of meetings, site visits, and emails galore… We are gearing up for an exciting September and also have some fun features to share in coming weeks as well.  As for me (Angel), I am starting on some fall baking (never too early to start, right?) and I’ve taken up knitting!  I just learned to knit last Tuesday and I’m almost done with my first scarf *and* I’ve started another new project I can’t wait to share here…  It’s fun to do something creative “just for me” and I am really enjoying knitting in the evenings after baby goes to sleep.

Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday!  xoxo, Angel