{weekend notes}

Guess who’s back in the mother f’n house.  With a fat post for your mother f’n……you know the rest.

So I took a week off.  It was weird.  I only clicked on my blog 1 time in that whole week.  Just to make sure it was still there…lol.  It was much needed.  Although I absolutely LOVE writing this blog, it is very time consuming.  I felt as though there were too many things that I was not giving my 100% too that are far more important.

Let’s cut to the chase……

How was your weekend?  Do anything fun?  Relax?  Enjoy the gorgeous weather Saturday?  Wasn’t it phenomenal?

Friday night the Plainfield PTA threw yet another successful Silent Auction Dinner.

I didn’t take ANY pictures the whole night.  This one here was sent to me….all these girls here put in a lot of time to make this event happen.  Contacting local vendors for wine + beer donations.  Local restaurants + stores for auction donations.  Some don’t realize that all those long tables FULL of baskets stuffed with goodies are donations.  Everything is donated.  It’s pretty amazing to see what our little community can do.  We raised close to $18,000.  BIG thank you to all the Plainfield families that came and showed their support.

Saturday morning we loaded up bright and early for our annual Stinson Beach trip.   Overnight bags + bikes in tow.

 

The windy drive on HWY 1 is well worth it. This is what we saw out our window.

Stinson Beach is a three mile stretch of beautiful, flat beach with a nice backdrop of coast range.  This charming little beach town is located in Marin County near Muir Woods.   The seaside town has great restaurants + bars + coffee shops all within 1 block.  Once you park your car, there is no need to drive again.

 

We chose the Sandpiper Inn to lay our heads.  This gem is so cozy and welcoming.  Best part – it’s about a 2 minute walk to the sandy Stinson beach.  We also stayed here last year, but in a much smaller room.  This time, we chose their Cottage.  The largest room they offer.  A 2 bedroom/1 bath.  Full kitchen.  Gas fireplace.  Sleeps 8 peeps.

I love the beachy decor throughout the cottage.  The Dutch front door was the kids favorite.

 

 

We quickly got comfy and made ourselves at home.

I wanted to take the living room rug home with me 🙂

After we got settled, first thing first – we headed to Breaker’s for Bloody Mary’s on their  outdoor patio.  This was more of a bloody mary meal than a drink.

Once all our homies arrived, we hit the beach.  AKA my happy place.  From the Sandpiper Inn, the beach is literally 100 yards.  It’s perfection.  Sunday morning I woke up hearing the waves crashing.  It doesnt get much better than that.

Saturday afternoon we hung out in the Garden area before dinner catching up + throwing balls + drinking beers + enjoying the beautiful weather.

Nicole made this amazing Brie dish.  I will for sure be duplicating this recipe over and over.  But why is it – mine will never taste as good as Nicole’s?  It’s like the creator’s version is always unmatchable 🙂

Try this recipe out and give Nicole props when you try it!  Promise you wont be disappointed.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 wedge double cream Brie
• 1/4-1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3/4-1 cup roasted salted pistachios
• 10-12 cloves garlic, chopped
• 10-12 large basil leaves, chopped

Mix all ingredients (except brie).  Pour mixture over brie wedge and microwave for 60-90 seconds.  Serve with sliced sourdough bread.

* purchase all ingredients at Trader Joe’s

This photo above is the view form the Hostert’s cabin to the Garden.  The vegetation is unbelievable.  Giant succulents + bottle brush trees + Chinese lantern flowers + strawberry vines.

We gathered in the Cottage for dinner.  We also celebrated this sweet girl’s 6th Birthday with cupcakes + pie face.  Happy Birthday Em 🙂

This little cutie pie enjoyed her cupcake too ♥  Seeing this cutie made me realize how much I miss the Hostert’s living in the same town.

Sunday morning we had breakfast at Parkside Cafe.  #kidtable #cantsitwithus

Love these cute kiddos 🙂

Then off to the beach for an early Easter Egg hunt.  I know, I know….Easter isn’t till this coming weekend.  Remember, I’m the Holiday whore??  I celebrate Holidays like no other.  So obvi it was going to happen.  Bailey told me Monday morning that it was the highlight of the trip for her.  Something she’s never done before.  I’ve personally never hunted eggs on the beach either, so it totally made my day how special it was to her 🙂

Um, let’s talk about these adorable bunny canvas totes I found in the dollar section at Target!!  I’ve searched Target.com high and low and can not for the life of me find them.  I almost wish I would have bought more.

I filled them with Easter grass + Bubble sticks + Reese’s Pieces carrot bags.   Then we hit the beach for an egg hunt.

Kissey + Tio played Easter Bunny and hid all the eggs just in time.

What you can’t see in these photos is that 2 seconds after the 15 dozen eggs were collected there was a torrential downpour.  Luckily we were done.  Not so lucky that we had to make our way back to the cabins by foot.  Too bad I didnt get an after picture 🙂

Thank you Mom + Dad, Abarca’s + Hostert’s for joining us for our Annual Stinson Beach trip.  We had the best time ever and once again, made some forever memories with our kids.  There is something about the relaxed easy vibe that keeps me coming back.

See you next year!!

If you’re interested in planning a fun beach weekend, I’ve linked some of our favorites for you below.  Don’t forget that you can “pin” this post to your Pinterest page so view later 🙂

Stinson beach accommodations:

• The Sandpiper Lodging at the beach
• Stinson Beach Motel
• Redwoods Haus Bed & Breakfast 

Restaurants

• Breakers Cafe
• Sand Dollar Restaurant
• The Siren Canteen (on the beach)
• Parkside Cafe

 

See you tomorrow!!

 

xoxo stacyb