{mini spider pizzas}

October 31, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the…..

PIZZA!

Get ready for a creepy crawly Halloween treat!

Mini pizzas + spiders just scream Halloween! Ha! These simple festive pizzas are perfect for serving all the little ghosts + goblins on Halloween night. Before they load up on all the candy. And I love to play with food. So it’s a win-win! I like to call it Holiday food art. Sounds good, don’t you think? #holidaywhore

I make english muffin pizzas for pretty much every Holiday. I’ve made Christmas pizzas. Heart shaped pepperoni for Valentine’s Day. One Halloween I made Jack-O-Lantern faces out of olives.

Fun + delicious way to get in the Holiday spirit!!!

Not only are these pizzas easy to jazz up for the Holidays. They are easy to prepare….period. 4 ingredients. Done!

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Adventure · California · fall · family · Food · foodie · friday · Halloween · hiking · Holiday Whore · Holidays · kids · travel · weekend · Wine

{weekend notes}

October 30, 2017November 6, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Happy Monday. How was your weekend? How is it over already? How is October almost over already? Anyway, hope you had a good one.

Weekend highlights…..

I spent the weekend in Tahoe ♥ As you can probably tell from the first photo.

Cabela’s //

I’m no longer a Cabela’s virgin…Ha. Reminds me a lot like the Bass Pro Shop. Maybe bigger and better?

I spent most of my time trying to figure out where the cookie smell was coming from. The restaurant had these cones filled with candied nuts. Oh.My.God! Highlight of my first Cabela’s trip, that’s for sure.

Pit Stop //

The Biggest Little City In The World! I think I’ve maybe been to Reno twice in my life. Both as a child or teenager. And I’d never seen THE sign before.

Checked out the GSR ….What a cool spot! That place has everything!

And we made a pit stop at Sierra Nevada Wellness. Not a pot smoker. Just curious…lol. It’s very interesting to say the least.

Tahoe //

Tahoe in the Fall just might be my favorite. It was the first time I’ve really felt like we are in the season. I couldn’t get over all the colors of the trees ♥

Except it’s too cold for the beach, so it’s my second favorite time of the year for Tahoe.

Stopped at some cool beaches. Burnt Cedar Beach in Incline Village. Not shown, is a big sandy beach to the left.

Bench sitting is where it’s at. Especially when you have a view like this. I could have sat there the rest of the day and watched the sunset. Except I ran out of chardonnay. So, had to leave.

Another pit stop //

I brake for bars + chard! Jake’s On the Lake!

Squaw Valley //

Room with a view. Now I know why room at The Village are so cheap this time of year. It’s dead! Tahoe’s slow season. But, I didn’t mind it at all. Room upgrade and we had the place all to our self.

The balcony was my spot.

River Ranch //

I’ve spent some time in this spot. You know the restaurant between Squaw Valley + Tahoe City. The River Ranch. Old stomping grounds.

It hasn’t changed a bit.

We stopped here for dinner to find it was their last night till they close up till Thanksgiving. Perfect timing!

That right there is their pan seared rainbow trout. Parmesan polenta. Lots of veggies. Spinach. Lemon cram sauce. Heaven!

With a side of chard, of course.

Not pictured is my super cute velvet tie sweater from {friday 5} I can’t wait to wear it again. So, so cute! It was for sure sweater weather in Tahoe!!

Sunday //

Coffee in bed. I need to do this more often. The view and coziest bed I’ve ever slept in could have helped too 🙂

Take a Hike //

After asking around, it became clear that Shirley Canyon Trail was the hike to do. Every single person we asked lit up and said, DO IT! It’s absolutely beautiful. One dude even said it was “legendary!”

The short walk from The Village to the trail head….this is what you see. The trail begins at the base of this mountain.

About .3 miles into the hike, the first waterfall was spotted.

They were right. This place is lived up to all the hype.

Waterfall after waterfall.

Can you tell that I kinda dig waterfalls a little?

Press Play!!

I’ve got about 1,000 photos of this place on my camera roll. It was so hard to pick just these few I posted. I could go on and on.

Walking along the Squaw Creek. Crossing a couple of times. Then you come to this…..

You stand and turn 360 degrees, and this is all you see. Completely surrounded. Surreal! Crazy beautiful.

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Cooking · fall · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · health · jcrew addict · Kid Food · ootd · weekend

{friday 5}

October 27, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Raise your glasses….

Let’s make a toast to FRIDAY! My your work day be short, and your weekend long AF!

C H E E R S!!!

The days are getting shorter. The air is finally getting crisp (at least this morning was). Pumpkins everywhere you look. I’m so ready to see the season’s change. I’ve got all kinds of new sweaters begging to be worn. Ha! I hope you have a great weekend. I’m pretty pumped for 5 o’clock to arrive so I can get mine started off!

5 things on my mind this Friday…..

ONE – Trader Joe’s Chocolate Croissants // I’ve bought these before, probably over a year ago. Then last Salinas, trip my homegirl Nicole made them for the kids. I didn’t have a bite, because you know me…. I can’t cheat on Salinas breakfast burritos. Bay requested them last week. So, I bought a box. This morning we baked 2 of them. And I completely forgot how un-fucking-believable they are!

NOTE: Be prepared that you have to set these guys out the night before. I’m talking like 9-12 hours to proof (rise). You pull them out of the cardboard box and think….Whaaatttt? I’ll admit, I had my doubts. It looks like a flat frozen nutrigrain bar. Then you wake up and in the morning and you have beautifully risen chocolate filled croissants. Then you pop them in the oven for 22 minutes. Your house will smell like a Paris bakery. Not that I would know, but that’s what I imagine it smells like 🙂 Try your verrrryyy hardest to allow a couple of minutes for cooling. Remember you just heated up chocolate for 22 minutes….that shit is HOT!

Take a bite. And think, Damn, xoxo stacyb was right. UN-FUCKING-BELIEVABLE! Ha!!

Delicious, warm and flaky as they are, I think they are well worth the hours of proofing!!

Next TJ’s trip you will need to pick up a box. Or two, or three. They sell out!

TWO – Velvet Tie Sweater // The sweater arrived. After all kinds of nonsense. On Monday, J.Crew cancelled my pre-order back from October 13th. According to customer service, “they don’t know what happened?!?” Anyway, after bitching to the manager of customer service, they agreed to give me 40% off and next day air. Can I get a Whoop Whoop! My Mom is shaking her head right now reading this. She dies at all the deals I can get. This time they truly owed me that deal after the fiasco.

You guys, it’s fucking gorgeous!!! I’m going to Tahoe this weekend and I’m packing this pretty. I’m thinking tucked into black jeans (like the J.Crew model, just a bigger girl version) lol.

V-back Sweater With Velvet Tie

It’s thick. Soft. And that velvet ribbon tie on the back is EVERYTHING!!

THREE – Keto // You guys, I’m giving Keto a try starting Monday. I’m on a FB page with some girlfriends who have been posting about their success and it’s so inspiring. I decided to give it a shot. Meal plan + groceries are purchased. Meal prep goes down Sunday. I think I’m ready? Little nervous, not going to lie. Has anyone done the Keto diet before? Or doing it? Tell me all your secrets + tips + favorite recipes.

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Bay Bakes · diy · Food · foodie · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Kid Food · kids · mom & me · Recipe

{monster treats}

October 26, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Today I’m sharing a couple easy Halloween treat ideas! I posted the Monster Rice Krispy Treats on my Instagam stories last weekend and got lots of messages asking for me to write a post. So, here we go…..

First off, you can’t make Monster treats without the help of eyeballs. Edible version. Candy eyeballs, that is. They are pretty much the best baking invention ever, don’t you think? What kid doesn’t want to chew an eyeball? Ha.

You can pick up these Wilton candy eyeballs just about anywhere these days. Target + Walmart + most grocery stores in the baking isle. They come in 3 different sizes too. This package comes with about 60 pieces and cost roughly $3.50.

I always have a package of 1/2 used eyeballs in my pantry from random baking projects.

When it comes to whipping up treats for parties or #hellakids, I skip the homemade steps and keep it simple. Boxed brownies + pre-made rice krispy treats. Once they’re smothered in sprinkles + frosting + chocolate, no body can tell the difference anyway.

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family · fashion · jcrew addict · ootd · sale · Target

{rain boot dupe}

October 25, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Happy Hump Day! We’re half way there friends. Something crazy has happened 3 days in a row.

I’ve gotten to work early! EARLY!

This basically never happens. I know, it’s so pathetic being late. All the time! Especially to work. Shouldn’t there be like a 5-10 minute grace period? I think it benefits the company if I’ve got a Starbucks in hand and ready to kick ass when I arrive. Late. lol.

Anyway, all my coworkers have noticed and ask me to stand under the clock so they can take a photo to document the special occasion.

Truth is, I’m kinda diggin this whole on time/early streak. Think I can keep it up?

Okay, okay…..Let’s get to the rain boot dupe!

There is NO surprise that I love a good deal. Whether it be a huge mark down, or a brilliant designer dupe, I’m all about it. But, it’s gotta be a good dupe.

I’m a firm believer in saving money where you can #promocodequeen. Not a believer in sacrificing quality.

So, when you find a dupe of an item you were planning to spend full price on, it’s…..magical. A day maker.

Did you take the poll on my instagram stories yet? If so, are you dying to know which boot, this is basically identical, but will save you $58??

Here’s the dupe…..

I’ve had my eye on the J.Crew Matte Chelsea Rain Boot. They are $78! Which isn’t too bad. Considering what I dropped on my Hunter rain boots.

Then I take my weekly stroll through Target and see the dupe of the century. Merona Alex Chelsea Rain Boot. Ha. Love that they threw Alex in there to make it their own. Clearly they are copycats, BIG TIME. But, I’m completely okay with it.

I tried them on. Comfy AF. Cute AF. SOLD!!

Guess what I paid?

$20!

Booyah!

They would make a great Christmas gift too. Did I just say that out loud? Yes I did. You guys, I’ve officially got Christmas on my brain. Chistmas shopping has stated (this week) and I’ve already bought some cute shit. 61 days #justsaying

Can you spot the dupe?

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Cooking · Food · foodie · Kid Food · Kitchen · Recipe

{slow cooker carnitas}

October 24, 2017October 24, 2017 xoxostacyb4 Comments

Happy Taco Tuesday friends! I got another taco recipe for you today……

I call these Weda Carnitas. Ha! AKA the easiest carnitas you will ever make. Healthier + wayyy easier than the traditional carnitas. No oil or lard needed. And they are still bomb.com! Fall-apart tender goodness! This will take your taco Tuesday up a notch!

This recipe creates enough to feed an army, so be prepared for tacos + quesadillas + burritos all week-long. This pork is amazing even on top of your salad. Try it!

Look at this taco all loaded up and ready to be inhaled!

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Adventure · Bay Bakes · country music · fall · fashion · fitness · Food · foodie · friday · friends · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · jcrew addict · Kid Food · kids · sale · weekend

{weekend notes}

October 23, 2017October 30, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Good morning! How was your weekend? We packed in so much in the last two days, but managed to find a good balance of fun + relaxing! Don’t you love it when that happens. Just enough downtime to feel refreshed Monday morning.

Intentions for the Week:

~~Meet or beat 15k steps per day~~ (killed it!!!)
~~Slang poinsettia’s~~ (still selling, let me know if you want one)
~~Order Christmas cards~~ (done, check)
Log ALL food into My Fitness Pal – failed…only logged 3 days and gave up
~~Go through Bay’s closet~~/sale clothes (everything is too small…AGAIN) – 1/2 done
~~Run 3x this week (who am I?)~~
~~Write a post on Monster Rice Krispy Treats from my insta stories~~
~~Make spider pizzas for Bay’s lunch~~ – will be sharing tomorrow 🙂
Come up with a Blog Giveaway. Any ideas?

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Here’s some of the highlights from the weekend……

Plainfield Harvest Gala //

Friday night I attended my 7th and final Plainfield Harvest Gala. Since I joined PTA Bay’s kinder year, I’ve been involved with this fundraiser. Jenny + I brought it back to life and it’s crazy to see what it is now. This was also the first year I was able to sit with my table, enjoy dinner and not work the whole event. It was nice! Hands up to Andrea for making shit happen!

My last year folding those goddamn programs too…lol!

Fun night. Love supporting our Plainfield Elementary ♥

Running Group //

Toni + I got up bright and early for our Saturday morning run! It was a good one. We chat the entire time, so it makes it go by quick. We’re gradually adding distance and I’m still in awww over the fact that I’m enjoying this shit.

We’ve even decided to meet for a 3rd run this week. Who am I? LOL!

Christmas Card Photo’s //

Even Link made it in a couple snaps. Moments before we had our picture taken, I finally decided on outfits for us to wear. I couldn’t for the life of my decide. In my head I really wanted us in dresses. That’s just not us though. We’re jeans and a cute top kind of girls, so that’s what we went with.

Monster Rice Krispy Treats //

When you’re in charge of Kid dessert. You google that shit and find the cutest Monster Rice Krispy Treats and make them. I’ll share exactly how we made these in a separate post this week. Super easy. Bay and I whipped them up together in about 10 minute. I have Monster Brownies that we’ll be sharing too! Stay tuned!

Shopping //

We did a little damage at the one, the only…..

Target!

Bay had birthday giftcards that were burning a hole in her pocket. So really, really wanted a cake decorating turn table. I think that’s what they’re called? Anyway, she found one. Happiest girl in the world. I got some really, really cute boots. But, we’ll chat more about them later this week.

50th Anniversary + Cam //

My homegirl Nikki hooked it up with tickets to see Cam at the airport. You know the blonde curly-haired chick that sings Burning House. It was in celebration of the Sacramento International Airports 50th Anniversary.

Such a fun event. Food. WINE + beer. Games. Drawings. Even birthday cake.

And the concert!!

My girl!

Pumpkin Patch //

The Hostert girls came to town. Naturally we got the whole gang together ♥

#hellakids

And this picture makes my heart happy. The other thing that comes to mind……

We are out fucking numbered!

Cow Train was a hit! That thing jams!

I think all the kids got lost in the Milo Maze.

Pumpkin Patch Fun….check!

Then Melika overfed us with her man dip and I was ready for bed!! Thanks for hosting all out crazy kids Melika! I think we need to start a go fund me to repair her house.

I even got to hang with the big girls on the car ride home.

Bake Sale //

Bay + Ruby finally had the bake sale they’ve been asking for since summer.

They did change it up a but though.

These girls decided to donate all the money made on their tasty treats to the Napa/Santa Rosa Fire Relief. God, I love them!!

BIG thank you to all the visitors + friends that stopped by to hang out and buy treats.

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Adventure · backpacking · Bay Bakes · California · fall · fashion · friday · friends · hiking · instagram · Products · Random shit · sale · Target · weekend

{friday 5}

October 20, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

We did it friends. We made it to Friday. And through another crazy week. The weekend is looking bright. So many fun things planned that we’re looking forward to. The Hostert’s are coming to town!!! Pumpkin patch trip. We are taking Christmas card pictures. Running Group, which I’m actually looking forward to. WEIRD! Bay is finally having her bake sale that she’s been begging to do since Summer. She also decided that she wants to donate the money made to the Napa fire relief. God, I love her ♥

Cheers to the weekend peeps!! And now, 5 things on my mind……

ONE – Celebrating // We celebrated our homegirl Sarah P’s birthday this week. We had a good time for a Wednesday night! HA! We laughed. We had an amazing meal at Kitchen 428! We told funny stories. We talked a little shit to eachother…lol. We reminisced. We shared the pits + peeks of life. We toasted new endeavors.

Living our best life!

Jason’s white linens = new fave

Polenta Fries = stop what you’re doing and go to Mojo’s RIGHT NOW! You need these!

Dinner Special = we all ordered the prime rib and it was damn good

Cheers = mini pumpkin pie cheers

Groupies = “Make us super hot + super skinny, k!”

And I think I get the award for the best birthday card. Thanks to Nugget. I laughed out loud (for reals) when I read it in the store.

TWO – Ojia, Ca // Yesterday I booked a massage. In Ojia. After our backpacking trip. At our Hotel. Ojai Valley Inn. Can you say check off the ol bucket list?!?! I’ve had dreams about vacationing in Ojia. And shit got real. We booked our second backpacking trip in Ojai for next month. Remember I wrote all about our first backpacking trip here: {weekend notes} A trip I will NEVER forget! So we are headed down for trip #2. We decided to extend our stay and check out Ojai after we’re done backpacking. So many amazing places I want to see. Places I want to dine. Bars I want to drink “the very best G+T!” Does anyone have any recommendations? I’d love them all!! Anyway, just super excited! That’s all.

THREE – Sweater Weather // So, I went to Target this week. Crazy, right?!?! It was one of those Target trip where they had ALL THE THINGS! It was like the first time I’d ever walked down the women’s clothing section. Did you happen to get the BOGO 50% off sweaters email? Yah, me too! Luckily I’m the kind of person who finds great shit Target and comes right back here to tell you all about it!!

First off, So Many Cute Sweaters. And it’s BOGO, so you’ll at least need two!

Remember the pink leopard cardigan I shared last week? It’s now online! It also comes in camo too.

Camo Print Cardigan // Leopard Print Cardigan

You all know I love a good Instagam Stories Poll, but I have to say…..

My Insta friends and I clearly have different taste. Ha! I always buy the things you all vote “NO” on. That red sweater to the right. See it? It gives me life. I’m in love with it. And it’s currently waiting in my closet for me to wear this weekend!! The pink chenille sweater has already made an appearance. It’s so so soft and comfy. I skipped the destructed leopard (sorry insta polls)

Pink Chenille (Mossimo) not online yet // Leopard Destructed Pullover Sweatshirt // Red Sweater (A New Day) not online yet

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Community · Crafting · fall · friends · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · kids · Pumpkin · Target · Wine

{booed + boozed}

October 19, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

It’s that time where again. You know, when you open your front door to discover you’ve been “Booed” or even better yet, “Boozed!” Then you think, shit! Now I have to keep it going. Ha! If you’re my friend, then you know #thestruggleisreal

It’s not that bad. It’s one time a year. You’re not going to die!! Come on, it’s for the kids!!

I kept it pretty frickin simple. Nothing fancy. Everything I used can be picked up in one Target or Walmart trip. And I know you have a Target trip planned in the next day or two. You got this!

Here’s what we “Booed” + “Boozed” this year…..

BOOED //

Cookie Decorating Kit – Walmart $7.99

Spooky Excavation Kit – Target $1 (dollar spot)

Pumpkin Tote – Target $3 (dollar spot)

YOU’VE BEEN BOO’ED

BOOZED //

And something a little fun for the adults. Booze!

Bogle Chard #duh

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fashion · kid style · kids · mom & me · Nordstrom · ootd · sale

{dramatic bell sleeve}

October 18, 2017 xoxostacyb3 Comments

This is a great transitioning into fall sweater. It’s dramatic and comfy and you will be seeing it on repeat this season!

S W E A T E R // I know, I know….everyone in the world owns this sweater. It’s basically Instagram famous. I tried it on and now know exactly why. #1 – price tag $39. #2 – The bell sleeves are to die for. #3 – Brown rustic color is so on point. #4 – Pairs great with denim + white + black bottoms. #5 – Soft AF! #6 – runs large, so when you order a size down you feel all skinny and shit..HA!

And it comes in 3 color options!

BP. Flare Sleeve Sweater

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