Lex and Learn

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We are now the proud owners of a Canon Rebel DSLR camera. Woot! I also purchased a DSLR for Dummies book that I am hopeful will guide us on how to take our skills beyond the basic settings.

Like always, one big purchase leads me to seek out accessories to take that purchase to the next level. New jeans? Those jeans would look even better with new boots. New coat? Better find a new scarf that looks chic to complete the look.

What does a gal need to accessorize her new camera? The perfect camera bag, of course. Luckily I do not need to look far, as I’ve had my eye on Jo Totes since first spotting them earlier this year on eighteen25.

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Not only are these camera totes super stylish, the insides appear to be extremely functional. While protecting the camera and lenses, you can also store your wallet, cell phone and a snack for later in the day! In particular, I can also envision every style serving as a very handy plane carry-on to accompany a larger roller bag.

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A Jo Toe is definitely going on my Christmas list. And yes, starting in September is when I begin to think of gifts I hope Santa brings me, as well as what I want to get my family and friends.

Too bad I wait until December 15th to shop, but more on my personal procrastination tendencies later.

If I only buy myself one big item for fall/winter this year, it has to be black knee-length boots. I wore my only black pair into the ground last season. The shoe doctor couldn’t even fix them again (for a third time) come spring.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to get my hands on the pair I really wanted during the Nordstrom anniversary sale so I’m starting to “visit” covert-worthy boots on a nightly basis.

Just a few I am lusting after include…

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None of these boots are in my price range, but a girl can dream from the safety of her couch with all credit cards in the other room, right!?

What fall/winter fashion purchase (or “investment”) are you planning to make?

Disclaimer: I was not charged for the samples provided by P&G; after BlogHer 2011, but my opinions are my own.

BlogHer ’11 was a swag collector’s dream. I got some good stuff on the show floor, but have been patiently waiting for weeks to receive the P&G; “blogger box” that was promised to me after filling out a Q&A; passport in the company booth. The booth was set up like a home and as you visited each room of the house, you read about different products and answered questions accordingly. For example, in the laundry room I read about Tide Coldwater and the energy saved by washing clothes in cold water instead of hot.

The box finally arrived last week and let me tell you, it does not disappoint. I was shocked by the quality of all the samples as well as the sizes. Nearly everything is full size, exactly like you would see them in stores. As I’m able to test the various products I’ll include reviews here.

That is a pretty sweet box, right?! Since I was in full cleaning mode when I finally broke into the box this weekend I decided to test the Tide Washing Machine Cleaner first. According to the Tide website, this product is designed to clean washers in three ways:

1. Fights odor-causing residues with a powerful oxygenated bleach system that gets at the source of the odor
2. Penetrates & lifts away residues and deposits from the surfaces in your washer with specially designed surface active ingredients
3. Freshens your washer, while leaving behind a crisp, clean scent

I do not think our washing machine was particularly stinky, but given the amount of dog hair, workout clothes and construction dirt (from Mike’s clothes) that goes through it weekly, it certainly was not as fresh or clean as it should be and I know residue had really built up in certain places.

I ran our washer on Regular/Medium size using Hot/Cold water after pouring in the sample. After it was finished, I stuck my head in the basin to smell (probably should have had Mike take a picture of that) and ran my hand around the walls of the washer. It definitely felt clean, and I could smell a slight (aka better) difference too.

I probably will not purchase this product monthly, however, I do think this is a smart buy (especially with a coupon) a few times each year, especially when you are in deep cleaning mode in the fall and spring.

I can’t wait to try out the other P&G; goodies in the next several weeks, and I promise not to blog about the feminine products!

Last Sunday we had the privilege of celebrating the marriage of our good friends Alec and Erin ~ now officially Mr. & Mrs. Schiffer! Erin looked absolutely stunning and the ceremony truly reflected the love and respect they have for one another.

Both the ceremony and reception were held at the charming Pearl Hotel in Point Loma, San Diego. Good friends, great drinks and plenty of dancing led to nearly everyone jumping in the pool fully clothed to end the evening. It was an absolute blast and when I get my hands on some of those “pool party” pictures I’ll be sure to share.

Loved our room

Duke, our room’s beta fish

Adorable touches made by the bride

It was delicious

Todd practicing the ceremony on his iPad

My new super long earrings, with feathers

Great retro accents

The beautiful bride and very proud papa

Touching ceremony

Danny, Carrie and Jessica

Danny went crazy with our new camera

Jessica, Carrie, Ashton and Jordan

Open bar!

The delicious “Mrs. Schiffer” cocktail with adorable straws

It is so fun going to weddings once you have been through your own. I appreciate every detail and understand just how much work goes into the day. Erin and Alec were the ultimate hosts all weekend and we wish them many years of health and happiness. Congratulations!

Cooper Martin Block ~ Credit: Lindsay Teague Moreno, 5ive Photography

Olivia Megan Anzalone

While I did not want to wish away our summer, Mike and I have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of September ~ as September has already brought us niece #3 and nephew #2. Bringing the grand total to 5 nieces and nephews. Our family trees are growing quite rapidly!

Cooper arrived on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 11:50 p.m. I was honored that Kelly asked me to be in the delivery room with her husband, mom and two best friends. Reflections on that incredible experience to come in a follow-up post.

My brother Chris and his wife Megan welcomed little Olivia Megan Anzalone last night via C-Section. I got to talk with our nephew Jackson on the phone earlier in the evening and once he was done telling me about all different sorts of animals and the sounds they make, we talked about how he was becoming a big brother. I asked, “are you excited for Olivia to get here?” Jackson replied, “no,” but later added, “I will give her a kiss.” It was priceless and I know he is going to be an awesome big brother.

Congratulations to Kelly and Nate, Chris and Megan on these precious additions to our family. We love them both so much and cannot wait to watch them grow and help them explore this world.