Weekend Recap

Still having super bowl hangover? Or can't get enough of beyonce's halftime show? Safe to say, amidst the lights out drama, the B mini-concert and the almost comeback of the SF 49ers - it was a pretty exciting night!

Here's what went down this past weekend : got my February julep maven box and I cant wait to try the colors and the top coat that everyone's raving about. One of our staff made me try greek on the go - tiny granola bites with yogurt and they are addicting!

I have some of the sweetest online friends, laurel of go against the grain sent me the cutest valentine's package ~ cupcake toppers and chocolates ~ can't say no! Thanks laurel!

More weekend highlights : a surprise package from my newest blog sponsor, chic peek. read all about their fabulous membership subscription program here.

I finally busted out a new candle - a gift from the holidays - that smells amazing, voluspa suede blanc. It's got a fresh musk scent that's perfect for winter. More scent report, I picked up a new cologne, calypso's bellini eau de toilette. I love the sweet scent with it's hint of citrus and jasmine. Can't wait to wear them for spring and summer. 

And the weekend does not end without me baking my most requested gluten-free peanut butter cookies. It has become a family favorite. this time i skipped the nutella, still yummy. You can get the recipe here. 

Ok, let's get this week started! 

My Birthday Weekend

Here's a quick look at my birthday weekend shindig! 

 <photos from friends nina and rae>

Midweek Musings

Well, let me just start this post by sharing some unforeseen events in our little home. right before the new year, my husband discovered a leak in his closet from our masterbath shower and needless to say, we are in the midst of having this fixed right now.

It's not what i wished our 2013 to kick off with but i know there are other people with far more problems than us, so i can't help but still feel blessed that we have found out about this issue at an early stage. It's just such a hassle and as you can see (pic below) there is no way we are hanging around ~ we have relocated upstairs in the meantime. 

In other lighter news, our friends and blog sponsors, skincare rx sent me a few goodies last week. these are definite 2 must-haves : oscar blandi dry shampoo spray and nars super orgasm blush (highly pigmented and lots of glitter than the regular orgasm blush). These are my new daily products i use before i head out the door!

In yet another recent trip to target, I discovered this really adorable mug and more colorful paper straws (like i really need them....). Oh well, they're cute!

and more target finds, these pretty in pink craft items went home with me in the hopes of starting valentine's day crafting.....

and more paper goodness at the target dollar bins. They are rolls of wrapping paper in these beautiful trellis and tiny hearts pattern! 

People, Valentine's day is just a few weeks away! 

and remember those notebooks i blogged about last week? See how pretty they are together? Not to mention the tempting sprinkles cupcake? Can't resist! 

and finally, it's my birthday month - so I stopped by sephora and picked up a tube of dr.jart bb cream and my birthday gift, a duo set of mini benefit products! 

and that benefit fine one one (another new favorite - a lip and cheek tint) is from birchbox that also came in the mail that same day! What way to kick-off my birthday month! 

So like i said earlier, I still feel lucky despite us having to deal with a major setback due to unexpected house repair. I still can't stop counting my blessings everyday. Our family is healthy, I've got them and my friends and these little treats are just added bonus we get to enjoy! 

Here's hoping your wednesday is off to a good start!

Closet purging and huge sale

Disclaimer : this is NOT my closet. LOL. 

With the advent of the new year, I am planning to scale down and purge my closet (and even the little boy's closet) and get rid of the ones we no longer use. I will be busy this weekend going through everything and see which ones go to goodwill and which ones I can pass along. 

I am planning to do a flash sale of these clothes via twitter sometime soon and maybe even post some here. So if you dont follow me via twitter, you can follow me if you like @swankychicfete. I just find it easier to snap pictures using my iphone and instantly post it via twitter. 

Obviously i would hate to flood your timeline, so I'd do it sporadically. If you see anything you like, tweet me your email and I'll send you a paypal invoice. Prices will be crazy low, so I hope you see something you like! 

Source: brightboldbeautiful.blogspot.com via Andrea on Pinterest

ok, let me go now and sort what we have!

Our Christmas Holiday weekend

Here are a few scenes from a wonderful weekend and Christmas holiday spent with friends and family!

I hope you all had a great time too! 

Our little family is gearing for new hopes and dreams for 2013! 

Merry Christmas!

Spreading love and good cheer 

to all this glorious holiday season! 

xoxo, Lili 

Holiday Break

I am looking forward to this holiday break. We'll be focusing on spending time with the family ~ joining the little guy's school christmas party, preparing for christmas eve, last-minute shopping, delivering gifts, enjoying some hot chocolate with marshmallows, driving through beautifully christmas lit neighborhoods and ultimately making memorable moments with loved ones this season of giving! 

So before I sign off for a long weekend break, this was how my week started : 

• tying grosgrain ribbons on design darling gifts (no need for a box ~ so pretty!)
• hanging our latest inexpensive T ornament (from michaels!)
• singing carols with kindergarteners last monday at their annual christmas sing-along
• driving through river oaks
• painting my nails nude again (chanel frenzy is a new favorite!)
• dining out with my girlfriends and having fun exchanging gifts
• holding tight the special christmas project aston did at school (adorable)
• and dressing up candycanes with washi tape flags (fancy!)  

Also, don't forget our ongoing 

DRESS SOCIAL SHOP GIVEAWAY

details on how to join here

we will pick a winner on Christmas eve! 

FRIENDS, i sincerely hope you all have a wonderful time with your families! 

i'll see you back here next week! 

A Sad Heart + Christmas pjs linky party

My heart goes out to all the parents, families and loved ones affected at yesterday's senseless tragedy. May the good Lord's comfort and warmth be upon them during this very difficult time. 

Couldn't be more thankful for this little guy we get to hug and kiss everyday. So grateful for this precious innocent life we continue to treasure and nurture. Guide and support. Love and cherish. We pray that we continue to have strength to protect and shield our children from any terror and we can only hope and believe that this will never happen again.  

On a lighter note, as soon as December hit ~ we had Aston wear his Christmas jammies (some old and a couple new ones from Target) and it does add a little holiday cheer at home (and for bedtime)! 

And while you have sweet photos or a blogpost of your babies' in their chirstmas pjs, link them up with my friend, Meredith's christmas pajamas linky party ~ as I am doing today! 

Missing You

I am getting a little personal today on the blog, just skip this post if you're quite not into that. 5 years ago today we lost a sister. Not a day goes by without thinking of her and missing her terribly. Our little Aston was just a few months old then and he never had the chance to get to know her. Our family holds dearly all the fond memories we had with her. I miss her giggles, smiling eyes and contagious laughter. She passed right before christmas and ever since, our holiday celebration were never the same without her. 

It reminds us of how precious our lives are and how swiftly it can be taken away from us. Everyday i get to give our boy a tighter hug and blow lots of kisses for that extra dose of love. Everyday is a moment treasured with our loved ones. 

Source: prettystuff.tumblr.com via Lili on Pinterest

Vegas Report

Hello friends! 

We just came back from a very quick visit to vegas. It's always fun to witness the extravagant colorful fare that is las vegas and especially at this time of the year, it was over the top fancy to say the least. We accompanied the husband to his annual conference there and for a short visit, we all had a great time. Unfortunately, I had to endure travelling with a severe head cold and congestion and despite my foggy head, we had fun! 

While the hubs attended his meetings, me and my sweet sidekick aston had the perfect time bonding over brunch, shopping and treating ourselves with delightful desserts over coffee for me and milk for him. Although I'm sure he was disappointed we were not in Disneyland, on our way home he had the time of his life meeting our plane's pilots and crew - he was so excited and can't stop talking about it! 

It's great to be back home. I've got my to-do list on pause-mode because of our trip but I am determined to cross those out this coming week!  How was everyone's weekend?