Cooking · Decor · fall · Food · foodie · friday · Holidays · home · horseback riding · kids · Recipe

{friday 5}

We’re doing the HAPPY FRIDAY dance today!!  Wishing you all a really rad Friday!  Now bring on the weekend!

 

5 things on my mind…..

 

ONE – Back at it // Is it just me, or did every kid activity started up this week?  Bay started Horseback riding lessons + Volleyball + 4-H…THIS WEEK!  She even snuck in some tennis with the neighbor.  I love watching her do what she loves.  But, damn, I earned my wine this week.  Ever feel like you are your kids uber driver?  Except they leave all their shit + wrapers behind and don’t leave a tip?  I did sign her up for all these activities, so I can’t complain too much.  Cheers to the Septmeber craziness!

 

TWO – Chop Salad // You know those days where meal prep just aint gonna happen?  But, you don’t want a shit lunch with 5 bazillion calories?  I got ya covered.  Buy a bag of chop salad.  The southwest is my fave.  Open a can of black beans.  Slice an avocado.  Grab some leftover protein from your fridge.  Chicken, ground turkey, quinoa…anything will work.  Divide between two bowls.  You can toss the dressing (I didn’t, lazy AF) and use a homemade or healthier.  Or divide the packet into two ziplocks.  And you’ve got lunch for 2 days!

Affordable

Healthy

Zero prep.  Or maybe, like, 5 minutes tops!

And you use up the leftovers in the fridge

Chop salads come in so many combs.  I plan to try a new one next week.  If it’s a hit, then I’ll be sure to share it with my peeps!

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THREE – Table talk // Are you guys stick of reading about my table yet?  Me either 🙂

To make it a little fall-ish.  Probably as fall-ish as this table will get.  I added these super cute velvet pumpkins from the $1 bin at Target!  Go now!!  At a $1 a pop, these things will disappear in no time at all!

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Velvet Pumpkins

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Decor · gold · Kitchen · Products · sale · Target

{table talk}

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No more living room floor picnics at our house!  Finally!  Ha.  If you follow along on Instagram stories, then you saw all our fancy floor sitting dinners we had.
Remember back in August when we had our first (and last) garage sale?  I sold my dinning room table.  My Mom was stressed the fuck out.  She was beside herself that I would sale something that I didn’t have a replacement for.  A piece of furniture that was completely in good condition.
She clearly has NO faith in me!
Just kidding, she was being a Mom.  I sold the table + chairs for almost the same price I bought it for back in 2002.  Yes, I said 2002.  The table was one of the first pieces of furniture I ever purchased as an adult.  It came from McMahan’s.  Remember that place?  Where InShape Fitness is now.  Crazy, right?  And chances are, I even financed that $100 table.  They were BIG on financing everything…lol.
Anyway, I just felt like it was time to part ways.
I was ready for a change.  My motto with the dreaded move….
“Sell it”
or
“Toss it”
A week later, as I was deleting all the 837 daily J.Crew, Madewell, Nordstrom, GAP, American Eagle, Pottery Barn emails, I came across…..
World Market 50% off dinning room furniture.
I gathered my Explorer Rewards + promo codes and pulled the trigger.  With a $320 savings (off the original price) I’d say it was meant to be.
Even my Mom agrees!
I love a good deal.
And pretty shit!
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Unfortunately I have to make a trip to Napa to pick up the bench.  Darn it!  I hate the wine country….said no one ever!
Using even more promo codes, I was able to score the bench for $102!
Still not set on chairs.  Stay tuned!
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Honest – I had NO idea how incredibly happy this table would make me.  Not just that it’s a table.  But, our new house is begging to feel like a home.  And a dinning room table is kind of a big deal!
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You can shop or check out my table setting below!!!  Message me or comment if you have any questions at all.  I’m honest AF!
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Continue reading “{table talk}”

Cooking · Decor · family · Food · foodie · friday · friends · home · Kitchen · Movies · weekend

{weekend notes}

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Happy Monday friends!  I hope you all had a great weekend.

 

Intentions for the week:

  • donate more shit (again)
  • try oil pulling (Sarah and I tried…for maybe 15 seconds, does that count?)
  • organize my closet
  • write + send thank you notes (almost done)
  • plan backpacking trip
  • find the perfect white shower curtain
  • make room to park my car in the garage (this is going to be tricky) – Tried NOT going to happen 🙁
  • have mom + dad over for dinner
  • resist over booking the weekend
  • change address on all my 1,837 online/personal accounts
  • make Ina Garten’s Lemon Chicken Breasts
  • play tennis with Bay
  • pick 2 new Whole 30 compliant recipes to try out

(I was able to cross off a couple of things already)  Whoop Whoop!

What’s on you’re list in intentions for the week?

 

And now, highlights from the weekend………

 

MAKING A HOUSE A HOME //

It’s finally beginning to feel like home.

I’ve got a table for my coffee!  Topped with white tulips, which make me smile every single time I walk in the living room!

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And this table runner can only mean ONE thing……

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I found a dinning room table!  No more living room floor picnics!

I sold my old dinning room table at our garage sale.  Probably sold it for what I paid for it too.  Considering I bought it back in 2001ish.  Swear!  It was time for something different.

I had NO idea how happy this table would make me.  I had a little extra pep in my step once I got it all put together and decorated.

I busted out the linen napkins.  Gold flatware.  Gold rimmed glasses.  Wicker chargers.

I’ll share more details later this week.  I got lots of Instagram messages wanting to see more pics!  Hold on tight.

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Oh, and we have the cutest morning guests at this house now 🙂 Claire just loves the babies.

 

FOOTBALL //

Not to be mistaken by the one on TV.  I only watch the one at Pioneer High.  The one where I can watch my nephew do what he loves!

Goooo Joe!!!

 

Bay spotted her friend Lauren too.  The MOST adorable cheerleader I’ve ever seen.  Except for the fact she looks like a teenager.

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PARTY TIME //

We celebrated cousin Danny’s 40th at Blue Note with the family ♥

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Boom cheers with GG!

Drank wine with Mom + watched Snatched!

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Bay + Ruby made gigantic milkshakes and danced

Continue reading “{weekend notes}”

Adventure · California · kids · mom & me · Summertime

{hot air balloon}

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This year we talked about celebrating birthday’s a little differently.  Bay has had her fair share of BIG ass parties.  If only I could tell you the BIG ass money I’ve dropped on those BIG ass parties, you’d have a heart attack.

How about experiences?  Instead of the BIG ass parties.  Instead of the BIG ass gifts.  How about experience something?  Go on an adventure.  Something she’ll remember forever.  Don’t get me wrong, Bay is 11 years old.  Clearly homegirl likes a gift and toys.  Without having a clue as to what the experience would be, Bay was game for it.  Let’s try something new!  She’s always up for an adventure!

The weekend before Bay’s 11th birthday I surprised her.

We got up early.  I’m talking on the road by 5am.  Bay is not a morning person.  AT ALL!  For some weird reason, she popped out of bed.  Without a fight.  To be honest, I don’t think Bay has ever been up at 5am before.  It was almost like she knew what I had up my sleeve.  She didn’t.

We drove to Winters.

She told me on the way that she knew what we were doing.  Riding horses!

Nope!

Then she was clueless.

As soon as we pulled up, right there in front of us was the hot air balloon basket.

Bay freaked!  She didn’t believe it.

“We’re going on a hot air balloon?”

We met our pilot and group at Turkovich tasting room downtown Winters.  Once eveyone was gathered and release forms were signed, we set off to the launching spot.

I have to give a huge shout out to Yolo Ballooning Adventures!  They sure know how to make you comfortable and excited!  From ages 11 – 35!

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We watched the sunrise.  Bay’s never seen the sunrise before.

Anddd, we can cross that off the Summer To-Do’s 🙂

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Our basket was an 8 passenger.  You can see the squared off areas.  Each pair had their own little cubbie.  Then the pilot stood in the center of the basket.

I was so worried some weirdo would touch me or something.  Ha!  Totally not the case.

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Bay helping spread out our balloon.

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Bay inside the balloon.  Swear!

So, so cool!

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She’s saying “coolest thing ever” here 🙂

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Balloon Boom!

 

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We had the company of 12 other balloons.  Which they say is rare.

Beautiful sight to see!

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Watch this video.  It’s my favorite!

Continue reading “{hot air balloon}”

Cooking · Food · foodie · Kid Food · Recipe · Summertime

{spinach pesto tacos}

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You know we’re BIG on tacos!!  Taco Tuesday has pretty much become a tradition at our house.  Anyone else?

Not to mention, I’ve never met a taco I didn’t like.

But, these tacos are not just any ol taco.  We’re kicking it up a notch.

Well, kinda.

When’s the last time you bought the package of crunchy taco shells from the grocery store?  It’s been years over here.  And it wasn’t until my 30’s that I realized you’re actually supposed to baked these taco shells before filling and eating them.  I’m glad I finally took the time to read the package, because baking will take your taco game to the next level!

Here’s where the kicking it up a notch comes in.  Once you’re ground meat of choice is all browned up, you’re gonna add pesto + spinach + salsa.

Sounds strange.  I know.  I get it.  Just trust me on this one.  I’m not going to screw up you’re Taco Tuesday, promise.

The combo is legit.  And this whole baking + cheese help a little too.

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And I even have a funny taco joke for you.  If you don’t laugh, we’re not friends anymore.

Why can’t you trust tacos?

Continue reading “{spinach pesto tacos}”

Adventure · California · friday · friends · kids · Summertime · weekend

{weekend notes}

I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing Labor Day weekend.  I did not…Ha!  But, guess what?  We are all moved and settled.  Just a few more cabinets to line.  Garage to organize.  Things to hang on the walls.  It was a very productive weekend.  With a little bit of fun mixed in.  You gotta work hard, and play hard too…right?!?!

Here’s some highlights from the weekend.  And some not so highlights too.

 

The Move //

Thursday was moving day.  Just the start of the shit show.

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I thought I was pretty organized and didn’t have tons of shit….until it was time to move.  Holy cow guys, I have a lot of shit!

Dump trip in my near future.

Not to mention, it was like the hottest weekend ever…especially to move.

These guys made the move doable.  The best money spent.

If you’re planning a move anytime soon, I highly recommend you contact Chris Moves and get these guys to do your dirty work.  I booked them based on their price and check out the Yelp reviews.  They are good!!

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They even stopped for a photo 🙂

 

This one here, she also made the move doable.

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Shelf lining

Carpet cleaning

 

 

She even packed the important stuff!  God, I love her!!

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The first night in the house.  I busted out my new wine glasses.  Played Pandora and cleaned/organized till 2:30am.  FML!

But the wine glasses are sooo cute…don’t you think?

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Oh, and when you can’t find the corkscrew….you dump out all the kitchen utensils on the floor and search frantically till you find one.

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First dinner in the new place.  Steak + Shrimp.  Check out those monster shrimp that came for Nugget.  So bomb.

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Berkeley, CA //

We escaped to Berkeley for the day/night.  Only to realize that Berkeley was not the place to go when it’s hot as hell.  No AC anywhere.

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Except a couple of random bars that we stumbled on.  So clearly we kept their bar stools warm for a bit.  Like this spot, Pacific Standard Tap Room.

 

Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen located right in the heart of downtown Berkeley came highly recommended by some locals we met and chatted with.  And let me tell you, it was amazing.  The hush puppies were served with creamy honey butter.  The buttermilk fried chicken, oh man…it was to die for.  I would without a doubt go back to Angeline’s the next time I’m in the area.

I only wish I would have saved room for the biegnets.

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ZUT! On Fourth was the prime location for morning people watching + mimosas + avocado toast.

They make their mimosas just how I like them…easy on the oj, heavy on the bubbles.

Do you spy my new sunnies?  I’m obsessed.  I’ve been on the hunt for a matte black pair of shades for months.  I finally found them.  I’ll share details this week.

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Look at that avocado toast!

Not to mention the inside is gorgeous too!

 

I walked into a Sur La Table store for the first time.  Oh. My. God.  I walked right back out.  I could have spent the entire day browsing all their culinary goodies.  The shelves were piled high with white serving platters.  I had died and gone to heaven.

Who wants to plan a day trip to Sur La Table with me?

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Scarlet //

And the real highlight of the weekend was meeting this angel ♥

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My eldest bestie’s (Zeb’s) babe.

Her shades are hands down way better than mine!

Oh and Bill The Thrill!

In the crooked bar in Jack London Square.

 

Right before we got kicked out for having a baby in a bar…HA!

One of my favorite people on the planet.  This chick right here has more dirt on me that anyone.  We’ve been homies since 2nd grade when we moved 3 houses down from each other.  We were inseparable.  So many crazy memories.  When she said she’d be in the area, I couldn’t wait to meet up with her and meet her sweet new baby.

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Scarlet is even cuter in person.  I can’t get over what a sweet girl she it.  And seeing Sarah as a mama was pretty damn cool too.  Their bond is so special to watch.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}”

fashion · friday · jcrew addict · ootd · sale · Summertime · weekend

{friday 5}


Salut September!  I’m welcoming you with open arms. New month. New beginning.  New mindset. New focus. New start. New intentions. New results. 

And, as usual I’ve got 5 things on my mind…….

ONE – Ruffled Off the Shoulder //  Yet another OTS added to the closet.  Clearly this trend isn’t going away anytime soon.  I saw this online and passed it so many times.  Then said F it and pulled the trigger.  Mainly because it was super marked down…Ha!  So happy I did….It’s so much better in person.  Let me warn you the description “lightweight” is so false.  I wore this to the Derby in August and it was hot as balls.  Not only does the ruffle stay put, but the off the shoulder stay where they belong too.  Which is a big deal if you’re an OTS wearing gal.


(Terrible photo. My new iPhone comes today🙌🏻)

Ohhh, and it comes is a super cute dried thyme color too.  I’m feeling green tones for the fall.  How about you?

 

Lightweight Off-The-Shoulder Sweater

Use code: YESPLEASE for 30% off now through September 4th

 

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TWO – Wow in the World //  A kids podcast brought to you by NPR.  We’ve been tuning in on our morning car ride. Bay totally digs it. And it’s not some lame & annoying weirdo talking like most kids shows. It’s interesting.  Relatable and cu topics and I actually enjoy it too. Check it out and let me know what you think?!?  

NPR is thrilled to announce the launch of Wow in the World, a new podcast for kids ages 5-12 that illuminates the wonders of science, technology, discovery and inventions.

This is the first time in NPR’s 47-year history that it will release a children’s program.

Starting May 15, NPR’s Guy Raz and SiriusXM’s Mindy Thomas will take kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the most incredible science and kid-friendly news stories of the week.

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