{weekend notes}

HELLO and happy Monday! Is it just me or did the weekend fly by? I wasn’t exactly ready for the 4:32 AM alarm this morning, that’s for sure. I got up and headed to the gym with one eye open, but I got my workout in for the day. I never skip a Monday workout!! Hitting the gym first thing definitely sets the tone for the week.

Here’s a little recap of our fun weekend 🙂

FRIDAY night we decided to start our weekend off right with a friendly game of bowling. Cory (my BF) kicked mine and Bailey’s (my daughter) B-U-T-T. He pretty much doubled our score. It was a fun time regardless….

Our friends and family annual pumpkin patch trip was planned for the following morning. Of course I jump on any occasion to make a festive treat for the kids to enjoy…and parents too. Monster cookies seemed to fit the theme. A dollop of vanilla frosting sandwiched between two chocolate chip cookies . Rolled in Sprinkles. Two mini chocolate chips dipped in frosting for eyes. Simple and fun. It was pretty easy since everything was store-bought. Sometimes the easy way is the best way.

SATURDAY morning we woke up bright and early for our Bishop Pumpkin Patch trip. We’ve been visiting this pumpkin patch for a few years now. It’s about an hour drive, but so worth it. Bishop’s has EVERYTHING you can possibly want in a pumpkin patch – train rides, petting zoo, pig races, pony rides, slides, tree houses, zip lines and yummy treats. Not to mention pumpkins in every shape, size and color imaginable.

I only managed to snap a couple pictures of our day. Totally not like me. I’m normally snapping pictures left and right. “Say cheese”

SUNDAY I woke up a little early and surprised Bailey with homemade donuts. Last year I ordered a Wilton donut pan from amazon and it is worth every penny. I pinned this Cinnamon Sugar Donuts recipe on pinterest last week and couldn’t wait to try it out. I had all the ingredients on hand…I love it when that happens, so I gave it a whirl. Turns out Bailey would rather have donut shop donuts 🙂

Wilton Donut Pan + Donut Recipe

We headed to Berkeley for a fun day to celebrate Marilynn’s (Cory’s mom) birthday. First we stopped at our favorite restaurant in the area, The Dead Fish. We sat outdoors on the their beautiful patio that is draped in a black and white striped tent and overlooks the Carquinez bridge. I could sit right there for hours. Lunch was delicious. I had the crabwich melt and a glass of chardonnay (duh). Perfection!!

We decided to try our luck at Golden Gate Fields. We bet on a couple of races and didn’t do too bad. Bailey was just as excited as we were to place our bets after each race. #7 won us a few bucks.

Sunday’s are dollar days, so as you can expect – great people watching. Dollar bets, beers & hot dogs too!

Sunday night dinner is how I like to conclude each weekend. Wish the weather was on track with my comfort food cravings lately. The season changed, but the California weather – not so much.

The cast of characters: chuck roast, onions, carrots, salt, pepper, beef stock, fresh thyme + rosemary, red wine & garlic. THE Pioneer Women Perfect Pot Roast. If I could only insert the aroma of this roast as it cooks. It’s pretty amazing.