Happy Monday! I’m so ready for this short work week and Thanksgiving break. How about you?
I only have to pack lunches two days this week….hallelujah!! Can I get a whoop whoop! Are you with me? Easy mornings, NO homework, extra time for Starbucks stops and slow evenings. This is what Holiday weeks are all about. Don’t forget family + friends + wine + the food too 🙂
As I mentioned Friday, we really didn’t have much planned for the weekend. It was such a nice change in pace. Pancakes + snuggles + time with friends & family + slow mornings is where it’s at.
Friday night I submitted our Plainfield Elementary School PTA poinsettia fundraiser order. BIG shout out to all our friends and family for supporting our school and ordering their Holiday plants! Another successful poinsettia fundraiser in the books.
My Sister, Mom and I packed up the kids and headed to check out Raley Field’s Biggest Show On Snow. The “Biggest Show on Snow” features the first ever outdoor American Hockey League hockey game on the West Coast. The event also includes six weeks of public skating, Santa, bounce houses and a giant ice slide. All right smack dab in the middle of the Rivercats ball field. Unfortunately the ice slide was closed due to the 72 degree California weather we enjoyed Friday. We were offered a discounted price and free vouchers to come back and enjoy all the amenities.
Here’s a breakdown:
We had a great time.
Ice skating is much harder than you think and I’ve got pictures to prove it. Note – I did NOT fall!! I will be busting out my triple axels before you know it 🙂
Ben even made it out on the ice for quick loop. He lost sleep worrying about falling on the ice. I don’t see much ice skating in his future. You clearly cant see his fear in this photo. Love these turds.
Saturday we slept in, went out to breakfast, took a trip to target and……that’s it. The ultimate lazy stay at home day. It was perfect.
I set out our matching outfits with every intention of wearing them and being productive, but we later agreed that yoga pants were so much more fitting for our day.
At least we planned on looking cute, right?
Saturday night Cory spoiled me with dinner and a movie at home. Roast chicken, one of my favs. We watched Southpaw . I cried like a damn baby for 2 straight hours. Jake Gyllenhaal killed it.
Boxer Billy Hope turns to trainer Tick Wills to help him get his life back on track after losing his wife in a tragic accident and his daughter to child protection services.
Watch this movie. And grab a box of tissue. It’s good!!
“We sip champagne when we thirst-ay”
I can’t say it, I have to sing it.
Sunday’s are for brunch. Champagne brunch. I really need to work brunch into more of my weekends. It’s fabulous. Day drinking in your 30’s is so much more fun. You go to bed super early Sunday night and wake up Monday feeling like a million bucks.
Who wants to brunch next weekend?? Holla!
We headed to one of my bucket list destinations, the Historic Grand Island Mansion in Walnut Grove, Ca. This Historic Landmark is a perfect Sunday drive along the Sacramento River. The brunch did not disappoint….and I’m not much of a buffeter. The spread was top notch. Like, I made two plates.
Check out the menu here.
After brunch we toured the Mansion ….it’s pretty bad ass.
When you find a huge mirror, you absolutely stop and take a selfie. Or would you call this an us-ie or we-sie?
Thanks for the fun morning ladies. Champagne looks good on us:)
Sunday afternoon I worked on some DIY Hostess Gift ideas for you!!
Hosts put a lot of time into preparing for and entertaining guests and you should always remember to say “thanks” with a thoughtful present. Don’t overthink it. It doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. Keep it simple. Keep it thoughtful and you’re good. The Holiday’s have arrived. You probably have a calendar full of events, parties, dinners to attend. I’m here to help you out. Check out some of my favorite hostess gifts to not only give, but to also receive.
Plant:
Fresh flowers are always a great idea. When your running late, grab a bunch from the grocery store and you’re good to go. This is a nice way to jazz it up a little and put a homemade touch to your hostess gift. Marshall’s, Target and JoAnn’s all sell monogram coffee mugs these days. It’s a 2 for 1. Mug and a plant.
Here’s what you need:
Fill mug with soil. Cut hole in moss. Set moss on top of the dirt and stick roots of the bulb through the hole in moss. That’s it, you’re done. Paperwhites have pretty white blooms and are simple to grow.
Wine:
I like to keep these on hand ready to go. In my world, you can never have too many shoes, jeans or WINE.
Wine – Bogle is always my go-to. Everyone loves Bogle.
Festive kitchen towel
Ribbon
This one is pretty self explanatory. If you’re like me, you never buy kitchen towels for yourself. Especially Holiday towels. They are a nice little treat. I grabbed some at Target last year after Christmas, on super sale. I stored them with my Holiday decorations and was pumped when I found them last week.
Target sells their Holiday kitchen towels in coordinating sets. Check them out here.
Homemade Croutons:
Have you ever made croutons before? The difference between homemade and store bought is HUGE. I know, I know, grabbing a bag in the salad dressing section is so convenient, but trust me on this one. Make a batch and see for yourself. All you need is 20 minutes. I totally copied my girl at Cupcakes and Cashmere. Her presentation inspired me.
1 loaf of bread (French, sourdough, wheat) anything works.
Olive oil
Garlic powder
Salt + pepper
Cube the loaf of bread and spread in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Drizzle with olive oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt + pepper. Dust a small amount garlic powder. Toss with your hands so all bread cubes are evenly coated. Pop in the oven for 15 minutes at 400 degrees.
*disclaimer – try your very best not to snack on the entire batch*
Fill cellophane bag and add a sprig of rosemary for decoration. They are soooo damn good.
The possibilities are endless. Glitter Guide featured their Hostess Gift Guide here. Everything on their list is perfection. My favorite is a toss up between the gold playing cards and the tassel party picks. Spoil your hostess with the mostess this Holiday season with some of these ideas.
Please, please, please keep the pictures coming. They truly make my day. It’s proof that someone actually reads this blog…lol. The recipe texts/pictures make me smile. You trusted me and made the recipe for your family that I recommended. I Love it.
xoxo stacyb
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