Continuum Family: January 2009

In our household we have (almost) too many fun occasions to celebrate in February. The 8th is the anniversary of our engagement (you'll find us at Cafe 50's). The 19th is my birthday (I'll be 34 this year). The very auspicious Valentine's Day falls on the 14th (red and pink together, what fun!). This year though, February 13th has suddenly become VERY EXCITING and IMPORTANT!

SPOILER ALERT*****This post is about to get really crazy, and will make very little sense to anyone, and absolutely none if you are a man.******

I must start by explaining that I have always had a love for swimwear as long as I can remember. I think it all started with a bathing suit my mom bought for me when I was four or five. This beloved bathing suit was embellished with a beach scene featuring some favorites from the cast of Sesame Street. What is not to love, right?

Fast forward to adulthood... As a single girl living and working in Century City, I had easy access to all the shopping a girl could want. This was especially handy at the start of swimsuit season (every West Coast girl knows that preparation starts in February or March - for a spring debut). As Bloomingdales shifted from a small selection of resort suits, to the full-on summer extravaganza of swimwear, I would be there (a lot). Doing my due diligence - that is - researching that seasons trends, fabrics and silhouettes. (Basically, trying on a LOT of swimsuits.)

A few years into my marriage, I learned of a designer out of New York that had revolutionized the whole game. Her name was Malia Mills, and she felt that swim wear should fit and flatter like fine lingerie. She creates and cuts all her suits for specific body types and sell them by bra sizes. Brilliant, right? She started her company with the slogan "Love thy differences". The second I saw her website, I was hooked. There was only two things standing between me and one of her suits:

Distance - Online shopping is not my forte, least of all for swimsuits!!! Also, they offer many choices online, but some of the most exciting options in fabric/ cut combos are only found in her stores.
Cost - Her stuff is amazing. It is made in the US from the finest Italian fabrics. I fully embrace that you get what you pay for, but budgetary limitations do exist.

Finally after many years of dreaming, I got my first (and only) Malia Mills suit. I ordered online after a few phone consults with the boutiques back east. Lo and behold, my package arrived and the suit was perfect. It exceeded my expectations on every level (fit, workmanship, fabric). All of a sudden, every other dollar I had ever spent on another swimsuit seemed like a tremendous waste.

Fast forward to TWO DAYS AGO...I started thinking that this would be my year to find the perfect one piece (having already found the perfect two piece - see above). The Blake Lively spread in Vogue featured a beautiful, black Michael Kors maillot. After a busy day, I finally found a couple minutes to see what Malia Mills had to offer in a similar style. The second my browser opened on her site, I saw the most exciting announcement EVER. In pretty pink italics the page casually mentioned that a new boutique is opening on February 13th...in California...in Santa Monica...at...THE BRENTWOOD COUNTRY MART!!! Can you believe this????? Are you getting the many implications???? If not, I will lay them out for you.

Not only can I now see, touch and try on everything she offers at her boutique to my hearts content..
It is located at my MOST FAVORITE SHOPPING DESTINATION IN THE WORLD...okay maybe not the world, but in LA for sure.
The new boutique is only a few miles from my house.
It will now be possible to enjoy a City Bakery pretzel croissant after my shopping, I mean research, excursions.
That's all I can think of and my brain is getting cloudy with excitement just thinking about the whole incredible reality.

Okay so the truth is, it has taken me two days to calm down enough to write this post. When I got the news, I literally fell down on the floor making noises that were a combination of joy and shock. I may not be quite ready to blog about this yet. (I am struggling to make cohesive sentences due to my excitement.) But, it's too late. Let me leave you with the following advice:

Start saving for this years suit NOW!!!
Get to the Brentwood Country Mart on or as soon after February 13th as possible.

I think that's it...happy swimsuit season!!!

I saw Mr. and Mrs. Duggar on The View today holding their newborn daughter, Jordan (#18). I have always been inspired by the sincerity that shines through in each interview with this remarkable family. Today was my favorite appearance of all. There was a moment when Barbara Walters asked the couple why they decided to have so many children. Michelle's reply was incredibly touching. She said that after the birth of their first child, she experienced a miscarriage. At that time, she and her husband searched the scriptures and felt strongly prompted that children are a gift and reward from Him. They prayed together and asked God to give them the love that he has for children, and bless them accordingly. I thought this was beautiful. All the parenting advice in the world can't compare with this one thought. What a great starting point. We should begin our journey as parents by asking God to give us the love He has for each individual child he blesses us with. Marvelous! Learn more about the Duggars here.