Romp Store For The Little Ones

Have you ever wondered where to find beautifully designed toys that develop your kids imagination & creativity without losing the fun factor? Well, you should definitely check out Romp, this wonderful online store full of super creative toys, accessories, decor and more for the little ones in your family!

Favorite Items From Romp!

I particularly LOVE the modern-vintage feel of Romp, the unique items that you can't find anywhere else, and the fact that their products are environmentally friendly. What else can you ask for? Since Holiday Season is around the corner, I created a wish list for some special little ones in my family! You can see the pictures of my favorite items on this post along with Romp's top products. Aren't they adorable? 

The lovely & super talented owner of Romp store is actress, mom & entrepreneur Kellie Martin. I had the opportunity to do this little interview with her, hope you enjoy it!

BM: Kellie, please share with us a little bit about Romp? How did you decide to start your own business?

Kellie: Becoming the owner of ROMP sort of fell into my lap.  I had been a customer for over four years.  I loved ROMP's selection of wooden and open-ended toys that encouraged a child's imagination.  When I heard that it was closing, I decided that I couldn't let that happen, so I figured out how to buy it and then run it. 

 BM: How can you balance being an actress, mom and business owner? 

Kellie: Balance is achieved if you are able to get your priorities straight.  I am a mom first and foremost and an actress and business owner second.  There are days when I can balance it all but mostly it's a scramble.  I don't think anyone has really figured out how to do it with complete grace.  Actually, I'm just hoping to clone myself: Kellie the mom, Kellie the actress and Kellie the owner of ROMP.

BM: What’s your favorite part of being a business owner especially such a cute little store?

Kellie: My favorite part of owning ROMP is being able to see my parenting philosophy come to life in the products.  I've been so inspired by my own child and so committed to finding interesting toys/activities that engage her mind and body and really encourage her to engage in creative play.  ROMP allows me to share my ideas and what's worked well for my daughter with parents everywhere.  

BM: What advice would you give to other women who want to start their own business?

Kellie: I would encourage other women to start their own business if they whole-heartedly believe in their business.  It can't just be about making money because that usually doesn't happen right away.  Something besides money has to sustain you.  

 BM:    How do you see Romp in five years time?

Kellie: In five years I would love ROMP to have an even bigger online presence and also be a brick and mortar store (maybe a few stores!).  I'd love the stores to be a place where parents and children in the community gather to share ideas, listen to music, learn and grow.  That's my little dream : )

Kellie Martin & daughter Maggie

Thanks for reading! And please don't forget to stop by Romp. 
rompstore.com

xoxo

Spring 2013 Collections

I'm delighted to share with you some of my favorite Spring 2013 collections. These collections have all the elements I love about Spring fashion...from the bold colors an flattering silhouettes to the unique details and fun accessories, this Season definitely comes with much joy and sophistication. This time I decided to illustrate three of my favorite looks from those collections, hope you like them!

Quería compartir con ustedes algunas de mis colecciones favoritas para esta Primavera que se viene 2013. Estas colecciones tienen todos los elementos que me encantan de la moda para esta temporada...desde los colores vivos y siluetas clásicas hasta los detalles únicos y accesorios alegres, esta estación viene con mucha de hecho con mucha alegría y sofisticación. Esta vez decidí hacer unas ilustraciones de mis tres looks favoritos de estas colecciones, espero que les guste!

Tory Burch Spring 2013 / Ready to wear

Tory Burch's collection is definitely one of my favorites because it has all the elements I love: Ethnic details, bold colors, and beautiful accessories...not to mention the fabulous  long braids. The Tory Burch girl is definitely a world traveler, someone who appreciates details and loves to mix and match interesting textiles keeping her look cool and effortless chic. The outfit I drew above is one of my favorites because it's so easy to wear, I'd totally wear it for a Summer vacation, Sunday brunch or just to go to an artisan's market in Peru.

Una de mis colecciones favoritas de Primavera 2013 es la de Tory Burch porque tiene todos los elementos que adoro: Detalles étnicos, colores vivos y bellos accesorios... esto sin mencionar las trenzas largas y fabulosas. La chica Tory Burch es definitivamente una viajera, alguien que aprecia los detalles y le encanta mezclar telas interesantes pero manteniendo un look cool, chic pero sin mucho esfuerzo. El outfit que dibuje arriba es uno de mis favoritos porque es es super fácil de llevar, yo me lo pondría sin dudarlo para unas vacaciones de Verano, para un almuerzo informal o simplemente para ir a comprar al mercado de artesanos en Perú. 

Tracy Reese Spring 2013 / Ready to wear

Tracy Reese has been on the news recently due to the gorgeous dress she designed for the stylish First Lady Michelle Obama. Her collection was very expected and she didn't disappoint at all.  Flattering silhouettes, unexpected color combinations and sophisticated yet cool pieces were the main elements of this Spring collection full of bright colors and tribal accents. I particularly love the way she mixes loose silhouettes, like the bright colored pants, with more structured pieces like the blazers. The little dresses, which are her signature pieces, totally caught my eye due to the attention to detail and youthful vibe. On top of that, beautiful accessories! Fringe bags and shoes for the Boho girl...what else can I ask for? The outfit I drew above is one of my favorites, I love the casual yet stylish feel of it and of course the beautiful print on the shirt. 

Una de mis colecciones Tracy Reese ha estado en las noticias últimamente debido al hermoso vestido que diseño para la primera dama de Estados Unidos Michelle Obama. Su colección ha sido muy esperada por todos y no decepciono en lo mas mínimo. Siluetas favorecedoras, colores vivos combinados y piezas modernas sin dejar el lado sofisticado, fueron los principales elementos de esta colección llena de color y acentos tribales. A mi personalmente me encanta la manera como ella combina piezas sueltas y casuales como los pantalones de colores fuertes con otras piezas como blazers mas entallados y formales. Los vestidos también llamaron mi atención debido a los detalles y la onda juvenil que caracteriza esta colección. Y para completar, los accesorios super lindos como carteras y zapatos estilo fringe perfectos para la chica Boho...que mas se puede pedir? El outfit que dibuje arriba es uno de mis favoritos, me encanta la onda casual de la silueta y por supuesto el estampado bello de la camisa. 

Nanette Lepore Spring 2013 / Ready to wear

Nanette Lepore, another favorite designer of mine, has the ability to combine unique  whimsy prints with classic silhouettes to create a sophisticated-modern look. I particularly love the dresses and also the mix and match of prints on the separates. The Nanette Lepore girl is always a girl on-the-go and super stylish. This collection represents Spring Fashion in a young, joyful way and the best of all is that Nanette's clothing line is locally made which is definitely a plus for me.

Nanette Lepore, otra de mis diseñadoras favoritas, tiene la habilidad de combinar estampados únicos con siluetas clásicas para crear un look sofisticado y moderno. Me encantaron todos los vestidos, ademas de la combinación de estampados en las piezas separadas. La chica Nanette Lepore es una chica activa y que le encanta verse super fashion. Esta colección representa la moda de primavera de una manera joven, fresca y alegre y lo mejor de todo es que la ropa esta fabricada aquí mismo lo cual es un plus para mi. 

Look of the day: Color Blocking

One of the fashion trends I like the most is Color Blocking. I like to mix and match unusual colors and prints in a fun but sophisticated way. The look above has two of my favorite colors: bright pink and turquoise. For this look I didn't go for the traditional color blocking with clothing instead I decided to do it with clothes and accessories (shoes + top). You can also recreate the color blocking trend using only accessories which is an easier way to add some fun to your everyday look. What do you think?

Hope you're having a fantastic week! xoxo

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Una de las tendencias que mas me gustan es la del Color Blocking. Me encanta combinar colores inusuales y estampados de una manera sofisticada pero divertida. El look de arriba tiene dos de mis colores favoritos: Rosa fuerte y el turquesa. Para este look no escogí el color blocking tradicional con piezas de ropa si no que utilicé la blusa y los zapatos. También puedes recrear la tendencia del color blocking usando solamente accesorios, lo cual es mucho mas fácil y ademas podrás darle ese toque divertido a tu look diario. Que les pareció? Espero que estén teniendo una linda semana! Besos.

Novica: Beautiful Artisan Treasures

I'm very glad to share with you a unique shop for world treasures named Novica. Novica works in association with National Geographic to support super talented artisans from around the world giving them the opportunity to showcase their beautiful work and share their inspiring stories. One of the things I love the most about Novica, is that you feel that you can really connect with every artisan through their story, pictures and inspiration, so that your shopping experience is more personal. One of the things that is important to me when I shop, especially online, is that I like to know a little bit more about the creator behind the product, the story of the product and how it was made. When you shop at Novica you feel you're not only shopping beautiful and unique pieces but also supporting fair trade policies and helping artisans in their efforts to make a living from their talent. That's the way I felt when I learned about Novica and its mission. Another great thing about this online store is that it carries pretty much everything you need, from home decor to clothing and accessories such as alpaca wool gloves, silk shawls from India, beaded bracelets, onyx dangle earrings, you name it!. Novica has also a gorgeous eco friendly collection that you'll adore.

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Me siento muy contenta de poder compartir con ustedes esta linda tienda online llamada Novica. Novica trabaja en asociación con National Geographic para apoyar a artesanos talentosos de todas partes del mundo dandoles la oportunidad de mostrar su arte y compartir sus historias de vida. Una de las cosas que mas me gustan de Novica es que uno siente que realmente te conectas no solo con el producto, pero también con el artesano detras del producto a través de su historia y proceso de creación. Así, la experiencia de comprar online es mucho mas personal y única. Para mi es importante, especialmente cuando compro online, saber un poco mas acerca del creador del producto y también de donde viene el producto y como esta hecho. Cuando compras en Novica, sientes que no solo estas comprando piezas hermosas y únicas si no que también estas apoyando a los artesanos a seguir viviendo de su arte y talento. Otra de las cosas que me gustan de Novica es que tienen de todo lo que te puedas imaginar, desde cosas para el hogar hasta ropa y accesorios como guantes de alpaca, bufandas de seda de la India, pulseras de piedras naturales, etc. Ademas Novica tiene una hermosa colección eco-friendly que te va a encantar.

Some of my favorite products:

Picture above (from left to right): Beautiful shawl from India, beaded bracelet, decorative basket, Peruvian wall art.

Foto de arriba (de izquierda a derecha): Bufanda de la India, brazalete de piedras, canasta decorativa y arte peruano en tela.

If you'd like to know a little bit more about Novica and its mission, here's a lovely video with a message from Novica artisans:

Si quieres saber un poco mas acerca de Novica, aquí les dejo un video con un mensaje de los artesanos:

Have a lovely Monday!

Que tengan un lindo Lunes!

Strawberry Fields Forever

Two words: Beautiful and inspiring. These photos make me want to spend the weekend enjoying the lovely little things in life such as: A bike ride at the park,
ice cream, strawberry fields, a beautiful sunset and the company of my beloved soulmate.

Any plans for the weekend? Hope you have an awesome one!

xoxo

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Dos palabras: Hermoso e inspirador. Estas fotos me inspiran a pasar este fin de semana disfrutando de las cosas simples de la vida como por ejemplo: Un pequeño paseo en bicicleta por el parque, un helado, los campos de fresa, un hermoso atardecer, y la compañía de mi alma gemela.

Tienes planes para el fin de semana? Espero que la pases genial!

Photography by Remi Rebillard

Photo source: Fashionising

Tea Time

I must confess that I'm a total tea lover. Tea time should be more than once a day, in fact I usually drink tea three times a day, especially if I'm working long hours. I like to try new flavors; however, my all time favorites are: Chamomile, peach and the famous chai tea.

If you want to relax after a stressful day, there's nothing better than a cup of chamomile or chai tea, your favorite cookies and good music...oh that's a happy moment!

Well, talking about the blessings of a cup of tea, I did this illustration inspired

by my favorite beverage, Tea! Hope you like it.

Now I'd like to know if you're a tea lover as well and what's your favorite tea flavor ♥

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Debo confesar que adoro el té. La hora del té debería ser varias veces al día, de hecho yo bebo te casi siempre tres veces al día, especialmente si estoy trabajando muchas horas. Me gusta probar nuevos sabores de té, pero mis favoritos de toda la vida siempre han sido: Manzanilla, durazno y el famoso chai tea. Si te quieres sentir un poco relajada después de un día de stress, nada mejor que un té de manzanilla o un chai tea, tus galletas favoritas, buena música y listo!

Y hablando de té, aquí les dejo una ilustración que hice inspirada en mi bebida favorita, el Té! Espero que les guste. Ahora me gustaría saber si también te gusta el té

y cual es tu sabor favorito ♥

On another note, I'd like to announce the Giveaway winner of the beautiful necklace by Tiny Devotions.

As always, I used the Random Number Generator to pick the winner.

También quería aprovechar para anunciar a la ganadora del sorteo del collar de Tiny Devotions.

Como siempre, use el Random Generator Number para elegir a la ganadora.

The winner of this lovely Giveaway is Jeannie (comment #4).

I really want to thank you for every single comment you left on the Giveaway post,

I truly appreciate them!

Please stay tuned because there will be more Giveaways in the near future!

Have an awesome week!

xo

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La ganadora del sorteo es Jeannie (comentario #4).

Quería aprovechar también para agradecerles por todos los lindos comentarios recibidos

en el post del sorteo. Por favor estén atentos que se vienen mas sorteos muy pronto!

Que tengan una linda semana!

xo