I will never, EVER tire of this.  I'm so grateful to live in such a beautiful spot in our country!

Local flora

I'm not sure what this flower is, but it's beautiful! There are such pretty flowers and plants all around our 'hood.

A day in the life....

We had friends visiting us from upstate New York a couple of weeks ago. They are both avid amateur photographers, and one of them captured my oldest having a blast in the shallow waves.  Just another day in the life of a young boy livin' in SoCal!  We are fortunate indeed.

Special edition

I love getting my magazines in the mail every month!  And it's a nice treat when the special issues arrive.  I'm not as diligent in reading the special issues from cover to cover, but InStyle's Your Look hooked me in this time.

"30 Ways to Update Your Look" gave me lots of inspiration for this Fall season, and I plan to share some with you over the next few months.  From trying this season's hottest shade for lips, donning glitter in daylight, to belting your scarf and more!  So, stay tuned....

September reads

mmmmm, magazines!!!!

New secrets...

Okay, so maybe not so new...but still.  This guide is just as relevant to today's women as it was to those 5 years ago.

Starting with "Style Fundamentals", like finding your look, flattering your figure, and choosing your color, the information in this book will remain a reference for me for a long time to come.  It was a must-have in 2009 and is still a must-have in my book!

Making my introduction

As I embark on my new professional venture, I have to keep in mind that it's going to be a surprise to practically all of the people I know.  That is why I'm going to make my introduction into this realm, to those of my closest family and friends, as professional as possible.

The idea of sending my business card with a personal letter, on a totally cute note card, seems like the best way to go.  Other than the personal touch of receiving a letter in the mail, this is a simple, straight-forward, yet elegant way to announce the change in my career path and solicit well wishes and support!

Yay for MODELS!!

Yes, I do know that September is just about over.  What is not over is my making my way through the glorious Vogue September issue!  And yes, I read it from cover to cover, not letting my eyes even glimpse "last look" until I reach the end. 

Anyhow, when it arrived last month, I was absolutely thrilled to see 3 of my favorite current models, Joan, Cara and Karlie, on the cover.  And after I carefully opened the plastic and discovered that the cover was a tri-fold, revealing 6 more beautiful models of the moment, I was beside myself!!!

Now don't get me wrong, I applaud Anna Wintour for starting the trend over a decade ago of featuring movie and other stars on the cover of magazines.  However, I do miss the days of fashion magazines featuring models on the cover.

It's okay, you can call me old-fashioned! 

My new venture!

I'm so excited for my new journey into the world of fashion!  More specifically, jewelry and accessories.  It's been a long time coming...4 1/2 years to be exact.

Though I have a newly toddling toddler, who does not like to take long naps on the regular, I'm determined to work hard and succeed!

www.azayablue.com