Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in the winter

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Outfit: Sunglasses: Chanel / Earrings: c/o Laurel Burch / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Sweater: Banana Republic / Ring: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Sunrise Trip / Handbag: Tory Burch (on sale!!) / Jeans: Gap / Shoes: Rag & Bone (sold out, also love this pair and this pair)

Over Christmas break, we took the kids to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Winter is a great time to go to the Boardwalk because there are less crowds, significantly lower lines, and you can really maximize your day; since you are not spending it in long lines!

The Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in winter has reduced hours, and not all of the rides are open. On the day we went, the Boardwalk was open from 12pm-5pm. We arrived at noon and stayed until about 5:15pm. It was a full day, and loads of fun!  There were about twelve rides open, so in addition to going on rides, we played mini golf, and a few carnival games.

The food at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is always fun too. Can you believe the potato on a stick my daughter is holding in the photo above?! It was like potato chips on a stick, but fresh! They make the potato on a stick right there in front of you, so you can see it is fresh; and I would like to think it is healthier than potato chips from a bag at the super market. The kids also ate french fries; and I enjoyed a delicious hot cocoa made from Ghirardelli Chocolate, yum!

The favorite ride of the day for my kids were the bumper cars. I think they went back on the ride close to ten times! There were a lot of people riding the bumper cars, yet there wasn’t a line, so it was easy to keep going back on the same ride. It was the perfect amount of people!

If you are interested in heading down to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk in winter, be sure to call first and see how many rides are open. You will also want to check the hours. They do offer a reduced daily rate during the winter, which is nice.

What are some places you like to go to in the winter because there is less of crowd than in the summer?

Proenza Schouler medium tote bag review

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Pictured: Proenza Schouler medium tote handbag in turquoise / blanket scarf (on sale!!) / lipstick / hand cream / book

The Proenza Schouler medium tote bag instantly caught my attention when it debuted just before Christmas. I have always wanted  a Proenza Schouler handbag, but never actually pulled the trigger and purchased one. When this luscious tote bag appeared on my laptop screen in a beautiful turquoise color, succulent green color, beautiful brown, dark classic black, and crisp white, I knew I had to have one in my life!

Since blue is my favorite color, the turquoise tote bag was the obvious choice for me; I finally found my Proenza Schouler bag! The Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in turquoise was a pre-order item, so I didn’t think I would get my hands on it until early spring. Then, FedEx came to my door less then a week after I pre-ordred the bag and surprised me with it! Imagine my excitement! It was a Christmas miracle 😉

I was more than thrilled to pull the medium tote bag out of the shipping box. The leather is extremely buttery soft. If you are familiar with Balenciaga, imagine the softness of their leather, but a bit thicker. This leather is not only feather soft, it is thick and durable. Perfection!

I was instantly drawn to the details and craftsmanship of  my new Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in turquoise. The closure is a hidden magnetic closure which is strong, yet easy to get in and out of. I love having a tote bag which is secure; so many are wide open, and tempting for pick pockets. The magnetic closure adds a bit of security to the bag which makes me feel a bit safer when I am in the city; especially on public transit in the city!

The interior of the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag feature a roomy zipper pocket, and suede lining. I am a girl who loves luxury inside and out; and Proenza Schouler delivers on this tote! The little fringe charm is eye-catching as well. It features a hidden key fob in case you want to hide your keys in it! 😉

There are two, semi-thin tube straps on my Proenza Schouler medium tote bag. They are soft and comfortable. The straps are long enough to throw over my shoulders; making this a shoulder bag and giving it an almost-hobo-like look. Love that!

Proenza Schouler offers their tote bag in both a medium and large size. I have the medium which is extremely roomy. Although I didn’t picture it above, I can fit my small laptop in this tote. I don’t normally carry my laptop with me unless I am traveling, so I photographed what I normally carry with me; a blanket scarf, wallet, lipstick, keys, book (I am always waiting for my kids), hand cream, and iPhone. With these items, there is still plenty of room for snacks, a water bottle, and random things my kids will hand me when we are out somewhere.

Although this tote in black or neutral would be practical, I am in love with the bright, yummy turquoise Proenza Schouler created for their medium tote bag. It is cheerful, and brings a bit of sunshine to me on a dreary winter day. Plus, this will be a hot color as we move into the spring and summer seasons. Love that!

You can find the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag in five colors online here. The larger version is online here and here. A fringe version is online here. There is a canvas version online here.

I rate the Proenza Schouler medium tote bag five out of five stars!

Daytime ballet performance in San Francisco outfit

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Pictured: Sunglasses: Chanel / Lipstick: Chanel Mighty / Earrings: Kendra Scott / Sweater: Banana Republic (on sale and tons of colors!!!) / Skirt: Theory (old, also love this one and it’s on sale!!!) / Handbag: Givenchy (similar version for less here) / Ring: Kendra Scott / Nail Polish: Chanel Sunrise Trip / Shoes: Prada

Over the Christmas break, we took the kids to a daytime performance of the Nutcracker at the San Francisco Ballet. It was the first time we brought our children to the ballet in San Francisco at the War Memorial Opera House. We have taken them to the ballet in San Jose, which is a shorter performance, but this was their first time seeing the longer, more serious version of the Nutcracker; and they loved it!

We were really afraid the performance would be too long for them, bu they lasted through it! The San Francisco Ballet catered to kids for the daytime performance of the Nutcracker. They gave my son a seat cushion to add to his seat which elevated him; allowing him to see the stage without having to worry about the big head sitting in front of him. The seat cushions were a life-saver for all the kids who attended. Who wants a big head blocking the stage?

When we arrived, our children were given small, stuffed bears while our tickets were scanned. They were thrilled! My kids love stuffed animals, and they hugged them throughout the performance. This was such a nice touch!

If you have never been to the War Memorial Opera House in San Francisco, it is an historic building which reeks of history, and architectural beauty. Our kids were amazed at the beauty of the building, and the ornate decor. They definitely want to go back!

I was excited to wear this cozy sweater at the daytime performance of the Nutcracker. It is really warm, and plays well with both skirts and jeans. I love how it can be worn casual, or dressed up for occasions such as the ballet during the day! If you are looking for a turtleneck sweater, this is the one you have been looking for. It comes in several colors, it is comfortable, cozy, versatile, and on sale! Love that!

Thank you for stopping by, and don’t forget to take my reader survey online here! I would love to hear what type of content you would like more of in  the new year. Also, by completing the survey, you will be entered into a drawing to win a $50 gift card to Nordstrom! Thank you for your time, and stay fabulous!