"Literally" an expert

I think I need to start this post out by saying that it is no way shape or form directed at anyone or a specific individual. This is a general vibe I am getting across all social media platforms as well as has come up in numerous conversations with fellow bloggers and creatives.

Doesn't it seem like these days that everyone is "literally" an expert on everything? So much of my social media, and if I am honest, my daily life is filled with people telling me that they are experts on something. 

Pictured in my litersally sweatshirt, because if we cant laugh at ourselves who can we laugh at?

When did we become a group of self-proclaimed experts? There is no way that you went to bed and poof woke up as Oprah (and believe me, shes no expert either).

There is zero chance we ALL know how to "get perfect skin by the weekend", "get 10,000 followers in 6 days!" "manifest the income of your dreams in just 10 days!" "be debt free by Monday" and the list goes on... can you tell I'm a little heated on this subject? I am all for advertising and marketing but... where has the authenticity gone? Where has the need to show proven results gone? Are we really just a society of fake it until you make it's?

I'm so conflicted on this whole thing, on one hand, I am LOVING the confidence of everyone, yes YOU ARE A BADASS, yes you are kicking ass at your sales goals but honey, please do not tell me that you watched one webinar and now you know how to work sales funnels like a seasoned pro. 

On the other hand, I feel like the authenticity and honesty are missing from a lot of blogs/startups/ small businesses that I come across. They are filled with stock photography and canned phrases.

And... it hurts my heart, I want so badly for everyone around me to be happy and successful and it seems like we are in this perpetual loop of unhappiness unless we are an expert on something. 

My hope is that anyone reading my blogs experiences the same me as you would in person, via text, on Instagram etc. While I am sure many many many "experts" would tell me that that is the wrong thing to do, I cant be anything other than myself.

Literally. Can't. Even. (sorry couldn't resist that one!) 

XOXO | SLL 

My latest candle obsession

I'm the first to admit that I might have a slight obsession with candles... 

Like... they are on almost every surface of my home- coffee tables, bathrooms, closets, I may have even snuck one into the garage at one point...

One of my must-haves with candles is, first - does it fit with my decor?  Because usually without fail the scent I enjoy comes in some ridiculous hot pink and brown tin with sparkles and completely clashes with my neutral table scape or something of that nature. 

Or second... Dom, my husband hates the smell of it and tells me that the entire house smells like when we were teenagers and overdosed on bath and body works body spray. So you'd imagine my delight when the sweet Michelle, of Abboo Candle Co., offered to send me one of her beautiful creations to try out. The shipping ridiculously fast, she even sent Bones his own dog treat (which he proceeded to get off the dining room table and enjoy by himself when we were out to dinner).

You guys, not only did this candle perfectly fit with my cute little fall tablescape - it smells freaking amazing - we tried out the Tobacco and Carmel scent, I was a bit worried it would be too masculine but it's not at all - its a warm inviting and not overpowering smell. We have been taking it room to room with us because BOTH Dom and I love how it smelled.

Michelle is super awesome and has provided a promo code for 20% off through the end of the month for all my readers. Just use the code BONES20 at check out! 

I'm about to place an order for some of her limited edition fall scents as well as a lavender and lemon which I think will be a nice neutral for in my office. 

You can find Abboo Candle Co online at www.abboocandleco.com (be sure to read the sweet story about how the name came to be) as well as on Instagram @abboocandleco and facebook.com/abboocandleco!

You guys know how much I love supporting small businesses, especially those run by awesome female boss babes - and Michelle's company is a perfect example of that! I love that her slogan is hand poured and heart filled - you can totally tell the love and details that go into each creation! 

Don't forget to use your code BONES20 for 20% off your whole order - which makes tons of her creations like 10 bucks, you cannot beat that for a hand made in the USA soy candle. 

(In full disclosure, I received my candle for free in exchange for a review, but truly am a fan of this product and am going to purchase more - right now!)

XOXO | SLL 

Thankful Thursday

It can be easy in the hustle and bustle of life to get caught up and forget the little things. We are so busy focusing on whats next, we forget about what is now. This has been a hard week for many, myself included. For this weeks "Thankful Thursday", I'd like to keep it short and sweet. 

I'm thankful for the roof over my head. 

I'm thankful for a husband who makes me laugh every day. 

I'm thankful for a family who loves me unconditionally.

I'm thankful for a job that allows me to thrive,  (and to bring my dog to work every day.)

I am thankful to be in good health and of sound mind. 

And most importantly, I'm thankful that I woke up today...  and I woke up like this. It didn't matter that I have a big zit on my chin or that my hair looked like I stuck my finger in an electric socket. I woke up today, and I am thankful. 

XOXO | SLL 

Three easy things I changed to keep my hair healthy

Let's talk hair! I think that probably I get the most compliments of anything, on my hair. I am lucky to have a full head of pretty hearty hair that stands up to all the crappy things I do to it. I heat style, I color, I go to bed with it wet etc etc etc... 

I'm finding the older I get, (along with my skin - eeek!) I need to give my hair a little more TLC then I previously had to. I try to not wash super frequently, use the right hair ties, the right pillowcases, and the right products. I use sulfate free shampoos, color protectant sprays, serums, lotions, and potions! 

Recently I have come across a few products that have not only significantly improved the health of my hair but also really cut down on the amount of time it takes to get out the door. 

The first thing I changed was switching to a silk pillowcase. Before you think I've completely lost it - try it out. Not only is my hair less frizzy but I think I am also having less breakage. They sell them all over the place, but I've linked one on Amazon here: http://amzn.to/2fLZ1li

Sephora and a few other retailers sell the "slip" brand for $80-100 and I wasn't about to spend that kind of money for something I wasn't sure would make a difference. The one l have was only about $20. 

Not only does a silk pillow help with hair breakage and frizz it can also help your skin stay healthy and smooth! A win-win in my book! (Image via Amazon)

The next (and easiest one!) change that I made was my hair ties, I have my hair piled on my head about 75% of the time, which as you can imagine can cause some real breakage and damage.  I switched to a spiral hair tie that looks like it would be disastrous in your hair but works surprisingly well! It also helps to prevent those annoying ponytail kinks.

I've purchased these all over the place including Sephora, CVS, Target and Amazon, which I will link to here: http://amzn.to/2xZkEIH

If you follow me on instagram you have probably seen these both in my hair and on my wrist!

My friend Lauren just launched an awesome beauty blog (http://laurenerro.com) and she was the first person to tell me about 12 Benefits. Not only does this spray smell freaking amazing I really have noticed a difference in my hair. It feels softer, shinier and easier to manage. I've just been putting a few sprays in my hair as I brush it out when wet, and then just one or two sprays if I am doing a hot tool touch up. ** Edit: I am now unable to verify the authenticity of the product sold anywhere but their website or from an authorized professional salon. You can pick it up on their website. **

Smells delightful and making a noticeable difference in the health of my hair! 

So there you have it, three simple things you can change up that might just help keep your tresses from getting tangled! 

xoxo | SLL 

Break your heart, steal your crown - reflecting on the Vegas massacre

Type. Delete. Type. Delete. Cry. Type. Delete. Get angry. Type. Delete. Cry. Type. Delete. Type really fast. Delete. Watch the cursor blink... type. 

That's about how this post went over and over again as I tried, again , to come to terms with what happened in Las Vegas on Sunday night and articulate my thoughts it to anything that resembled sense.  I even put this post on delayed publishing so I had time to change my mind and delete it if I wanted to...

You see, generally I don't get this rattled by all the horrible things that happen in the world, generally, I am able to stay rational and try to make sense of it, or even just redirect my self and focus on the good in the world.

But... I can't.

I'm angry. Really really angry. I want action, I want reason, I want to be able to do something, anything - and I can't. There is no sense in a senseless act. There is no good in pure evil.  At my last count 18 friends and loved ones were at the Route 91 Harvest Festival when the shooting occurred. While I am extremely thankful that each one of them is alive we cant say the same for many of their friends and loved ones that were in attendance. A good family friend was shot in her calf, and thankfully is as "ok" as anyone could be after experiencing the horrors that she endured Sunday night.

My brother in law Marc, a 7 year Navy veteran was also there that night. He has some puncture wounds on his hand from helping others over fences and to safety, but is otherwise physically "ok".

He stopped to fix a tourniquet on a young girl that had been haphazardly applied on a young girl who was bleeding out, saving her life. Dom and he were able to finally to connect on the phone a few hours after he got to safety and I heard the pain and sadness in his voice when he was telling the story. The entire situation seemed so surreal.

You see, I'm extremely lucky to be married to a big tough Italian man with the last name Lassalle - his little brother Marc is no different, when you think of a big tough Italian guy the picture in your head probably looks something like Dom and Marc. They're the most fiercely loyal protectors around, but they also feel deeply and grieve deeply, their compassion for others is overwhelming. I have no doubt that Marc was thinking about everyone before himself, and acted in a way that ensured the safety of many on Sunday night. And, that's why I'm upset. These were MY people. MY friends, MY family, MY community. My heart is breaking that any one of them had to endure even a moment of pain. 

Marc, like many other trained first responders, military and medical professionals didn't run from the gunfire - they ran towards it. They helped each other, just like Americans do. My only hope through all this tragedy is that people can set aside petty differences and band together.

Marc was interviewed on air by KSFO and gave his first hand account, I have linked the podcast of the show here for those that would like to listen.  

I also cant ignore that Tom Petty, whose lyrics always fought for the under dog passed away just a few hours after the events in Vegas transpired. The lyrics from "Learning to Fly" keep swirling around in my head - if you haven't heard the song its about the highs and lows in life and how we cant have one with out the other... 

I leave you with how I can best describe how I am feeling in lyrics by the late Tom Petty... 

Well some say life will beat you down
Break your heart, steal your crown

XOXO | SLL

Thankful Thursday

I have so many things to be thankful for in my life, it would be impossible to list them here. I think one amazing way to express gratitude is to give back to those who need it most. 

I thought I would start a semi regular installment of ways to give back both locally in my San Diego community but also nationally/globally. For this first post I chose three charities that mean a lot to me for various reasons. 

1. Thrive Animal Rescue - Thrive is a local animal rescue who has a pretty amazing reach, founded by two equestrians they now work tirelessly to find forever homes for lonely shelter dogs.  They rescue mainly here locally but also are the first to act when there is a need across the country, they currently have a campaign to "Help Harvey Hounds", and are helping to clear shelter space for displaced pets.

For a relatively "small" rescue they have an amazing impact and have personally brought one of the coolest dogs ever into my life. Winston is actually my bosses dog, however Winston aka Winnie aka Winneabago aka Winnie the Pooh aka Pooh and I spend about 50+ hours a week together and he and Bones are bff's as well. 

I highly suggest you check out their current adoptables, foster programs and requests for donations. 

You can find more about Thrive at: https://www.thriveanimalrescue.com/

2.  Foundation for Animal Care and Education (FACE)-  I have a special connection and soft spot in my heart for FACE. Not only is the entire organization beautiful, kind compassionate animal lovers themselves but they treat their recipients with dignity and grace when helping them. You see, FACE is a bit of a different animal charity, they provide funds (money) to pet owners who are otherwise facing euthanasia due to financial constraints.

Meaning, your beloved pup was hit by a car and you don't have the exorbitant funds to plate a fracture so your only other option would be humane euthanasia - this is where FACE steps in. They provide grants to help save animals who would have a good prognosis for life with treatment. 

When working in small animal medicine I helped many of my clients apply for grants and saw first hand how special this organization is. I no longer work in that field but I do still plan to attend their amazing annual charity event "Bags & Baubles" as well as donate whenever I can. 

2017 FACE Foundation Bags & Baubles Event - Rancho Santa Fe, California 

You can find more information on FACE at: https://face4pets.org/

3. Lost Angels Children's Project - I first heard about LACP when I was asked to purchase a raffle ticket for a chance to win an awesome car! Fast forward several years I have seen the direct impact this amazing organization has and all the wonderful people behind it. If you follow me on Instagram you saw this years build on my insta stories during Ventura Nationals - man I was sure I was going to win! 

The Lost Angels Children's Project (LACP) is a Southern California based non-profit organization with a mission to provide low-income, foster and at-risk youth with a safe, educational after-school program that promotes critical thinking and team building through vocational skills training in Classic Car Restoration and Art opportunities. LACP is committed to empowering youth through services that foster creativity and impart useful skills necessary to elevate students beyond their present condition to become positive participants in their community and transform their lives for a successful future.

For more information on LACP visit : http://www.lostangelscp.org/ and be sure to follow them for more information on next years build and raffle car! 

What are your favorite ways to give back? Any local organizations that you feel most passionate about? Be sure to drop them in the comments below so I can check them out! 

XOXO | SLL 

Turning 30... birthday recap!

As a general rule, I hate my birthday. Expectations, commitments, all the emotions just have never made me feel super celebratory. It's never had anytihng to do with a number, I am actually really looking forward to getting older. My husband likes to joke that I am actually an 85 year old woman in hiding.

I love OTHER peoples birthdays, gift giving, planning parties etc but when its come to my own I feel awkward and undeserving. This year my family, friends and especially my husband changed all that. I had THE most fabulous 30th birthday I think possible. 

Not only was I showered with gifts and experiences - but I was showered with love, and time, and the most beautiful cards filled with words that make me cry just thinking about them. 

On Friday, Dom and I checked in to the Inn at Rancho Santa Fe for a weekend staycation, we spent the afternoon wandering around the property, drinking wine and indulging on the most amazing cheeseboard I may or may not have ordered it 2 more times over the weekend. If you have been reading for a while you know how ridiculous we are about our dog child Bones, so it should be of no surprise that he came on the weekend with us. 

Saturday morning we had a lovely breakfast on the terrace at Morada, the resturant at the Inn and then hit the spa! Dom hadn't ever really been to a spa of this type and thoroughly enjoyed himself! 

Saturday night my husband put together the most awesome dinner with some of my closest friends! Everyone (I think!) had a great time, the food was excellent and the company was even better! 

If youfind yourself at the Inn - make sure you stop into the ladies bathroom in the main lobby. Its been a favorite of mine for years, it has THE best selfie mirror and lighting. I made all my girls come to the bathroom so we could get a group picture, and I'm not sorry for it! 

A huge thank you to everyone who celebrated, I am thoroughly enjoying being 30 and looking forward to this new chapter in my life! 

Tonight we're heading to yet another birthday dinner (the party isnt stopping anytime soon!) with my family and then this weekend we head off to Chicago for more adventure! 

If you're not following me on instagram, I would highly suggest you do so before this weekend, I tend to be waymore active on stories etc when traveling and love taking you along with me! You can find me @bubblesandbones. 

XOXO | SLL 

PS: Dom got a new camera for his birthday (just a few days before mine! - sorry I stole the show this year babe!) and that's why you see all these awesome photos on this post. I am so excited that he has taken an interest in both my blog, and also upping our photo game!

We settled on the Sony a5100 and you can find more info on it here: http://amzn.to/2y7AtOM 

Lets talk morning routines!

I can't be the only one who often wakes up in a funk? Recently I have been having the most irregular sleep patterns, and before you tell me what to do- let me stop you, I do everything wrong. I know I know... 

But what has been seriously helping the most is starting my morning off right! I used to be the person that immediately checked every form of social media, scanned my emails and made my opinion of the day before I had both eyes completely open. Not anymore, and I am so much better for it. 

My weekends are much different, but during the week I have been doing my best to stick to this routine. 

Before I check to see how many times my boss has emailed me before 5am (you'd be surprised...) and before I internally compare myself to the beautiful faces on Instagram - I crank up my Pandora (sorry neighbors!) and take a moment to set my intentions and space for the day. Currently I'm on a female classic country kick, but last week it was 60s French pop. You'd be amazed what a little Patsy will do for you in the morning! 

Next up, getting up. As I get up I repeat a mantra that feels right to me a few times, my current one is "I have the tools, resources and capabilities to handle anything that comes to me today" it really empowers you to dig deep when needed, reach out when needed, and bye Felicia when needed. 

After I am "up" I generally switch got a podcast with some kind of general badass vibe. I am loving Kaitlyn Bristows (of Bachelor(ette) fame, don't judge) Off the Vine, podcast right now. I would like to think that we would be friends in real life, she has an easy conversational style - similar to what I strive for on this blog. And wine. Lots of wine. 

Once I'm up dressed and ready, Bones and I head out the door for work (yes he comes with me everrrrryday, I couldn't leave that sweet baby at home all day!).

I generally don't eat or drink anything during the week until I get to work - it just slows me down too much (before you get all Mom on me, I have a full kitchen and if you have ever seen me know that I aint missing any meals honey).

If I have a few minutes left on the podcast I will finish it in the car, if not I have been letting good ole Siri pick something for me - and ladies (I think you're mostly ladies that read this, and if not holla in the comments below!) she has not let me down. We shake our laffy taffy, we say hello to our friends in low places, we look what you made me do with the best of em. Your commute might be the only 20 minutes you have to yourself each day so what not just do what feels good?

What do you do to start your day? Are you a paper and coffee person? Are you a social media scroller?  Are you a quiet peacefully morning kind of person? I'd love to hear in the comments below! 

XOXO | SLL 

Four fab to follow - "The Creatives"

I had such a wonderful response to last weeks "Four fabulous ladies to follow this Friday" post I decided to try and make it a semi regular occurrence! This week features my favorite "creatives". 

I have to start with my one and only Heather Gallaher. I am lucky enough that Heather lets me pay her to take photos of me that I could only dream of looking like in real life. She is a mostly natural light photographer with the most beautiful ascetic! I first met Heather through my amazing friend Mandi. Heather shot Dom and my engagement photos at the fair, I knew she was awesome when she didn't run screaming when I suggested it. She has pretty much taken every photo I've liked of myself in the last 5 years, including my wedding photos and tons and tons of new blog content that will be coming your way in the very near future! 

You can find Heather on her website here: http://hgallaher.com Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/heathergallaher2 Insta here: 

Next up is bad ass graphic designer and creator of this very pretty blog you are currently reading, Ms. Shawna Poliziani. She is also the one who created my logo which I love love love. Shawna is part therapist, part creative and I would highly recommend her if you are looking to take yourself to the next level online. She offers branding courses, design packages and a killer personality (just don't hold her terrible taste in music against her)! You can find her online at:http://shawnapoliziani.com & on Insta at: https://www.instagram.com/shawnapolizdesign

I am not so low-key obsessed with turquoise and vintage jewelry, it makes me feel powerful and grounded at the same time. One of my favorites is a local jeweler Little Hobo Bird, the owner Sandra has some of the coolest style I have ever seen, and her original pieces are amazing. Additionally she repairs older pieces, including restringing my amazing squash blossom I rarely take off. You can shop online at: https://www.littlehobobird.com and follow her on Insta at: https://www.instagram.com/littlehobobird

Rounding out 4th this week is my most amazing new friend and total boss babe Michelle, of Vintage Boho Loves Louis - maker of my fringe St. Cloud bag and the bucket bag I have been carrying everywhere. Not only is she like the nicest human ever - she is taking preloved LV bags and making them into the most fabulous creations ever. She has quickly grown and now has a team of 6! She does custom bags, has some ready to ship on her site as well as you can send her your old tired bag (or brand new bag that needs more personality) and she and her team will fix it right up! You can follow them on Insta:(highly recommended for flash sales) https://www.instagram.com/vintageboholoveslouis  and purchase direct on their website as well : https://www.vintageboholoveslouis.com

Invest in yourself!

So I'm pretty sure if you are reading this you are a lot like me, somewhere in your mid-late 20's (and I'm really holding onto that as I am currently 10, (crap, TEN!!!) days away from 30!) to mid 30's.

You've maybe started a 401K because someone told you it was a good idea. Or maybe you're secretly hoping to hit the lottery and slightly terrified about what you're going to do about retirement? (me) 

I mean I can always sell my purses???

But seriously, we need to do something and we need to do it now. No one else is going to save for your future but you. If retirement is too far away for you to think about or something you're not worried about then start saving for that bad ass bag you want, or an amazing trip.

Now, I will be the first to say what a terrible saver I am, I like things, I like to eat out, I like to treat others, I like to buy pretty things, I like to go to the movies, I like to go to Paris, I am a spender. 

I knew that when setting up some kind of savings plan or program it had to be something that I wouldn't notice, and that was hard to access. I tried auto transfers but I could still see it in my account and would just transfer it back. I tried the envelope thing. I tried all the stupid shit they tell you to do to save "for a rainy day" - didn't work. 

Do you know what finally worked for regular saving, on a regular basis? An app that TAKES my money from my checking account and invests it for me. I have it on a super conservative investment plan, but you guys, its already making money! Real money. It uses my rounded up change to invest in microshares of bigger stocks.

In the couple of months I've had it active I have saved more than I ever have before. Cash money, just sitting there making more money! My daily transactions are rounded to the next dollar, so yeah your starbucks just became 45 cents more expensive, but its going to that awesome chanel boy bag your future...

I am currently looking into what type of formal retirement plan will work best for me and the place I am in my life, we are fortunate that my husband has a matching 401K through his company (also, if your company is willing to give you free money - why the hell aren't you doing it???), however mine doesn't offer any kind of formal retirement plan.

Its been an amazing shift in perspective to know that I am really in control of my finances, and it feels so good! Money doesn't have to be a bad thing. Instead of dreading the future and bills we are dreaming up the next place we want to go or improvements we want to make to our home. Hard work pays off, and the little things add up. So for me, right now, I am going to continue to round up my sugar free coconut milk latte's and invest in myself. 

I'm curious to know what others are doing... What are your retirement plans? Do you have a formal program in place? What are you doing to save for your future? Any money apps you love? 

If you're interested in the app I am using, its called Acorns, please do your own research and see if its right for you, if you think it is - use this link to sign up and we each get $5.00. 

Link: acorns.com/invite/7WC64S