A WINTER WEEKEND IN OJAI

Over the holiday break, the boys and I spent a couple of days in Ojai. It really is such a cute and special place. Though it still has the same small-town charm I remembered from my last visit (several years ago), there are some really great new additions to the area. Here's a look inside of our little winter getaway.

We started our trip off with a bang, eating this completely delicious brunch at Knead Baking Company in town. This artisan, family-run bakery serves house-made bagels, super fresh salads, organic eggs and fresh-squeezed OJ. We truly loved it and will definitely be going back. 

Knead's cute and quaint setting.

Family portait!

I have officially named deKor & Co. Ojai's best and most stylish one-stop-shop. They have everything from furniture, to clothing, to cosmetics, to homewares, (in addition to a tea bar!) and so much more. I could've stayed and explored the store all afternoon.

The shop exclusively carries cult cosmetic brand Face Stockholm and offers in-store and at-home make-up application and tutorials.

So many gorgeous treasures. Heart eyes all the way.

Walking through the town under its beautiful Spanish archways.

Another major point for Ojai is their health food store (and the fact that they have one!), Rainbow Bridge.

Cute country vibes in Rainbow Bridge.

And here's another major point-score for the town of Ojai - their huge park and playground, Libbey Park. This place was Brixton's dream. 

The park comes complete with a turf hill, for all of your box sledding needs!

The park is also home to The Libbey Bowl, a beautiful 973-seat outdoor amphitheater. 

We arrived at the Ojai Valley Inn & Spa as the sun was going down. It gets pretty chilly there on winter nights, so we were ready for a warm dinner and our cozy room.

These handmade baskets at the entrance of their gift shop caught my eye.

We ate dinner at the resort's Oak Restaurant. I had their "Green & Spicy" signature cocktail with a kick. 

Brixton had to make a few calls before bedtime.

Good morning from the golf course.

Brekky was the California Scramble, bacon and berries. All food groups covered! ;)

Their newly renovated (adult only) Indigo Pool.

You sure are beautiful, Ojai! Thanks for the lovely getaway! xx

MINI VACAY AT THE RESORT AT PELICAN HILL IN NEWPORT BEACH

We took a mini vacay to The Resort at Pelican Hill for our "2nd annual pre-4th of July celebration." The resort sits on over 500 acres by the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach. Its relaxed style takes inspiration from the Mediterranean, which suits the Southern Californian grounds perfectly. We found the resort to be very family friendly.

The bungalows and villas are spread out along scenic pathways. Our favorite style -- no tall buildings filled with hallways and elevators -- just an airy, comfortable feel. The rooms are the largest we've stayed in, every room feels like a suite. And the service is impeccable. 

We spent most of our time at the pool. Their Coliseum Pool is a perfect circle measuring 136 feet in diameter. It's stunning and the kids loved it.

An upper level cabana. 

Camp Pelican is for ages 4-12, so we're not there yet, but we can still enjoy the splash pad.

Post-swim nuzzle, followed by a bubble bath. 

Future Olympian on the bocce ball court. 

We had breakfast and lunches at the Coliseum Grill. It just feels so vacay to eat outside, gazing at the pool.

Morning latte.

Pre-lunch popcorn. 

Tuscan Caesar.

Blackened Fish Tacos.

For dinner, we headed over to the Pelican Grill. 

Filet Mignon.

Cioppino.

Gluten-free penne with bolognese. 

We brought our own sparklers to get us into a festive mood. Hope you all had a great 4th of July! 

FAVORITE PARTY IDEAS

I could just gaze at pretty party pics all day… sigh. But who has the time? So here are five our favorite party ideas to give a short, fun sample of inspiration.

I can safely say, I never wanted a bachelorette party until I saw what Geronimo Balloons created for this bash featured on 100 Layer Cake. The explosion of pink frill and gold balloons just makes me so happy. Now I need to have one!

I need this fiesta-inspired decor in my life, all day everyday. Beijos Events was at the helm of this gorgeous inspiration on Green Wedding Shoes.

The balloon arch to end all balloon arches. I mean, this just makes me want to cry. It's so incredible. Created by The House That Lars Built for BHLDN.

Here's one from our own moody spring dinner featured on My Domaine. Photo by One Eleven Photography.

These pretty donuts get me every time. So perfect for a baby shower. They're from a pink & gold sip n' see by Melissa Baum Events on 100 Layer Cakelet.

A DAY AT HOTEL BEL-AIR

Every once in a while I find myself in the mood for a day of relaxation at Hotel Bel-Air -- one of the most beautiful and romantic hideaways in LA. The hotel also holds a special place in my heart because my husband proposed to me there, on Valentine's Day, many moons ago. I like to indulge in a long, leisurely (cocktail-filled) lunch on the beautiful patio of WOLFGANG PUCK, and a massage at the Spa by La Prairie. It's kind of a mini vacation without having to leave town, but at the end I feel like I have really lived it up and I'm refreshed.

Driving through the gates of Bel-Air and up to the hotel is relaxing in itself. 

Walking the lush grounds of the hotel.

A breathtaking view of the famous swans and pond.

An orange tree, surrounded by hydrangea greets you at the reception area.

The lobby, decorated in creams, brown leather and black accents, is cozy and perfect for conversation, next to the glass and stone-encased fireplace.

Just outside of the lobby, a walkway lined with greenery and terra-cotta, leads you to the restaurant.

Quick shot of the ladies room, covered in black flowers.

WOLFGANG PUCK at Hotel Bel-Air serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. And some seriously delicious cocktails.

The outdoor terrace of the restaurant has the perfect luxurious, but relaxed, California vibe.

A tip from me to you: request one of the back circular booths in its own private cove. You will feel completely away from it all as you are seated just next to the beautiful gardens.

Warm, house-made breads. 

Ladies and Gentlemen, behold: Pepino's Revenge. I may not love another drink more. It's special. Really REALLY special. A signature Wolfgang Puck cocktail, made with Japanese cucumber, basil, silver tequila and fresh lime. It is TO DIE FOR and I dream about it on an almost daily basis. I will be honest with you, this is the reason I come here. 'Nuff said.

Clockwise from top left: A Bun-less Burger and Fries (no bun = more cocktails), The Hotel Bel-Air Original "Nancy Reagan" Chopped Salad, a Falafel Pita Sandwhich and a Club Sandwich.

An array of decadent and delicious desserts.

Enjoying more of the hotel's beauty on a peaceful post-lunch stroll.

Vine-covered walls and more lovely landscaping surrounds the stone path to the spa.

The Spa by La Prairie.

The minimalist decor and blonde floors set a tranquil tone as you enter the spa's facilities.

A luxurious, modern look inside the newly renovated spa.

Couldn't be happier to be in this soft and cozy robe, ready to embark on my massage. I may just need one more Pepino's Revenge before I go home...