{caramel snickerdoodle bars}

January 15, 2019 xoxostacyb2 Comments

A thick layer of caramel sandwiched between layers of white chocolate + crumbly oatmeal + cinnamon and sugar.

If you’re trying to fit into your skinny jeans. Or on that new year, new me diet. DON’T makes these. I repeat….DO NOT MAKE these. Just close this page right now and move on with your life…ha!

Bay made these right before Christmas. And they are so bad. In the VERY best way possible.

Crazy sweet. Crazy good. You can’t just have one. You’ll go back and pick at it. One of these kind of desserts. Ya know what I mean?

Every time you walk past the dish, you’ll cut off a tiny little sliver. Then next thing you know…..

They’re fucking GONE!

And no one know what happened or who ate them all.

Forreals though.

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · Crafting · Decor · diy · fall · family · Food · foodie · Holiday Whore · Holidays · kids · Products · Pumpkin · Recipe · Table Setting

{thanksgiving kids table // graham cracker crust pumpkin pie}

November 21, 2018November 21, 2018 xoxostacybLeave a comment

My dining room table isn’t large enough accommodate the whole fam-bam. Someday when I grow up (I say this all the time..Ha) I’ll have a table that can seat an army! Until then, we shall set up the kids table.

Not just a boring kids table though. A fun + entertaining table is key. They stay busy = you get to enjoy your wine + pie with a little peace…HA! Love them to death, but let’s be real.

I’m also sharing my graham cracker crust pumpkin pie. Which I’m really sad to announce…I can’t take the credit for inventing. Bobby Flay patented it about 8 fucking years ago. What the hell. As soon as you think you’re onto something BOMB. Google it and it’s already been done!

Which isn’t always the worst thing. I honestly had NO idea how long to bake. So I followed Bobby’s baking directions, which gave me the perfectly set pies!

And how about this kids table. The activity table-cloth is so perfect. And the leaves. My Mom collected each one of them at Casini Ranch while camping last weekend. They have the most gorgeous trees that were dropping these giant leaves. Thanks Mom!

I kept it simple using everything I had on-hand. Including the used to be white mini pumpkins that are now yellow-ish. I did buy them in September, so I should stop bitching. Coloring crayons…we’ve all got some lying around. Poured some Trader Joe’s chocolate covered sunflower seeds…mainly for the color factor. But, for snacking too!

This color on activity tablecloth is from the one, the only….Target. There is a word search for the older kids. A pumpkin + turkey maze. Even a spot to write what they are Thankful for! Love it so much. It completed the kids table.

Color In Thanksgiving Tablecloth $3.50 at Target

Just bring on the turkey…we’re all set over here!

Here are some of the recipes we will be enjoying for Turkey day tomorrow:

Cory has our Branigan’s Turkey in brine as I type. He’s on turkey duty and will be cooking it in an air fryer. I’ll be sure to snap some pictures tomorrow.

Pioneer Women Creamy Mashed Potatoes the main attraction, if you ask me!

I’ve been making these Stuffing Balls for years. I found the recipe in one of the old Kraft Magazines that used to come out monthly. Do they still do that? I sub the ground pork for good ol Jimmy Dean sausage.

My Mom will always be in charge of the gravy. It’s the one thing that I just can’t get down with on the Thanksgiving menu. Honestly I can’t even make it without wanting to gag. Bay’s the same.

Her Pretzel Jello Salad (similar to this one) is probably our “weirdest” side. Poop-A-Doop, my late Grandfather LOVED this salad. Really, it’s not even a salad. It’s a layer of pretzels + sugar + butter. With a cream cheese center and strawberries + jello on top. So random, so good!

Kissey will forever bring her favorite side, Campbell’s Classic Green Bean Casserole. She makes it the BEST!!!

Along with canned cranberry (the only way to serve it). With lots of cans of whole olives to stick on our fingers.

Mom makes homemade rolls that are to die for too!

And for dessert, my Mom is trying a new recipe for mini pecan pies and I’ll be serving my, I mean Bobby Flay’s Graham Cracker Crust Pumpkin Pie (recipe below) with homemade whipped cream (made by Bay)

What’s on your menu? I love hearing about families one random, kinda weird, side dish they can’t have Thanksgiving without.

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · Cool spots · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · friends · old navy · ootd · Outfit Details · sale · ShopStyle · weekend

{weekend notes}

November 5, 2018November 5, 2018 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Hello Monday. May your coffee be strong and your week short! I woke up and immediately practiced gratitude this morning. I wrote down the first 5 things that came to mind that I’m truly grateful for. Instead of thinking about all the things I wasn’t looking forward to. It really works. Try it! We had another relaxing weekend. Friends + family + good food + good wine! Lots of laughs. We even snuck in a date night.

Intentions for the Week:

* VOTE!!

* Get my hair done…cannot fucking wait

* Go to be early. The more zzz’s the more better

* Pull out the Christmas tubs

* Plan our Thanksgiving menu

* Hit 15k steps per day

* Stay off the sugar. Goodbye chardonnay 😭

* Share all the things Target

* Not get sick

Highlights from the weekend…..

Doesn’t everyone show up to their homegirls house looking homeless AF? Budweiser sweatshirt + slippers for my Friday night #ootd

These two fell asleep and Tiger Raptor messed with them the whole time.

When Bubba shows up in his new G-ride. When’s the last time you saw a Miata?

Oops….I found Bays stash 🍫

Breakfast for lunch

Meal preppin. Going sugar free AGAIN. Pray for me k? Turkey + lots of spices + spinach + onion. Clean AF!

But first, we’re having enchiladas. Look at that filling though. Sharing this one mañana.

Another day, another tall boy. This time my fave BLL. Now you see why the sugar cleanse is happening? Lol.

Date Night. I seriously made reservations for the restaurant that I’ve been dying to try. Put on my new dress. Told him to pick me up at 6. And it worked.

We stopped at The Barn in West Sac. It just officially opened over the weekend.

Such a cool spot. As you can see, it looks really cool too.

Situated on the Sac River. In a big open area off to the side of Raley Field.

Family friendly. Dog friendly.

Pizza oven and food trucks. You can totally bring your own snacks to. Which is really cool. Bring a picnic blanket or they have lawn chairs you can use. The really did think of it all.

Outdoor seating. Live music. Fire pits. Lawn games.

Beer! Lots of beer. I believe they said 50 on tap.

This was a ring on a string. You release it and aim for a little hook on the pole. This kid was really good. Cory picked his brain for a bit, but still failed to make one.

They also serve wine and cocktails. We stuck with beer.

Pretty views too. You can see Raley field and the Bridge.

When you have a couple beers and find the perfect selfie mirror. You don’t give AF about the girl trying to wash her hands in the back or the fact the public restroom is a complete mess. Lol. Anything for the gram! Linking everything you see here below.

Dress // Booties (similar) // Denim Jacket // Leather Tote // Necklace // Bracelet // Earrings // Phone Case // OPI

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Bay Bakes · Crafting · diy · fall · Food · foodie · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · Kid Food · kid style · kids · Pumpkin

{happy halloween // spider cupcakes}

October 31, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Happy Halloween! It’s been a full month of all things orange + black + spooky! We’ve baked. We’ve decorated (twice). Pumpkins are carved. Pumpkin seeds roasted…(my mom’s best batch yet) Bay DIY’d her costume.

The only thing left…Trick-Or-Treating!

Which is probably my least favorite part of the Holiday..lol! The kids favorite, the adults…not so much.

But, I realized today – this could possibly be that last time my girl dresses up for Halloween. I was honestly unsure she was even going to be up for it this year. I think the whole DIY costume really got her in the spirit. Or the bribes? HA!

Either way, we are going to Trick-Or-Treat our asses off tonight. In the dark. In the cold. With strangers giving our kids candy.

I will have a wine in hand, though so I can’t complain too much.

Here’s to our kids ending up with shit-tons of Reese’s! CHEERS!!!

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · family · Food · foodie · friday · friends · kids

{weekend notes}

October 22, 2018October 22, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Good day. Ha. Can’t say good morning. Monday rolled around real, real quick! Our weekend was full of family + friends + straight up kickin it. I still wasn’t ready for today though. The answer – coffee, lots of coffee. Followed by wine, lots of wine. That’s just how I roll these days. So this photo above kinda represents life these days pretty well. Throw your hands up and enjoy the wild ride.

Intentions for the Week:

Hit my step goal every.damn.day
And my water goal #hellaounces
Listen to my damn audio book, not sure I dig it yet
Bays first sports banquet 🏐
Make my Hawaiian chicken
Visit Serendipity + bella moda Christmas Preview…the most wonderful time of the year 🎄
Talk about my favorite new J.Crew sweater
And 10 things I’m diggin
Maybe, just maybe get my Portland Travelogue up?
Share a good ol healthy chili recipe

Highlights from the weekend…..

Beer me

Friday night at Blue Note. We need to make this a habit again.

How we feel about Taqueria Guadalajara nacho Friday 👍🏻

So, I didn’t win the Lotto Friday night, but I did walk around the corner at dollar tree to find my nephew, Benny with these stunna shades on. So it’s kinda the same thing, right?

Facebook memories that stop you in your tracks.

Watching our #4. Bay even made a sign, which Benny was pretty pumped about.

Orchard dinner set-up. It was all Anna, we just helped. She has a vision like no other and it came out better than I imagined.

To the pumpkin patch. Via jeeps, side-by-sides and pickups taking the back roads. Crossing a ditch and this was the view 🇺🇸

But first, solo cup roadies

And they’re off…..

The cow train

Bay + Spencer!

Hands up in the air, wave um like you just don’t care 🙌🏻

(Photo cred: Alex)

Pumpkin patch kids + Jessie ❤️

Bays shuttle service. She had more fun giving rides than anything lol.

Dinner time

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · fall · Food · foodie · Holidays · Pumpkin · Pumpkin Spice · Recipe · sale · ShopStyle · weekend

{pumpkin donut holes}

October 19, 2018October 19, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Fri-YAY! Hallelujah! It’s been a week. Sorry for the lack of posting here. I had the best intentions, but just couldn’t make it happen. No Friday 5 today. I couldn’t think of 5 things if you paid me. So let’s switch it up…..Since I did promise these pumpkin donut holes.

And tomorrow is Saturday, which would be the perfect time to whip up a batch of these bad boys.

Also, FYI – Anthropologie is having a good sale. So, I linked some fun + really pretty coffee mugs at the end of this post. Scroll down and check it out. I’ve also linked them in my Instagram bio for easy access.

Crazy easy recipe. Baked, not fried. Pumpkiny….tis the season, right?

You do need a mini muffin pan. I picked one up at Walmart for $6.

WARNING: they are so dangerous, so make sure you make them when your peeps are awake. I made the mistake of making a batch last weekend. When I was alone. BAD idea.

Remember you can pin it. Print it. Tag me. Message me. I love to hear what you think ❤️

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · family · Food · foodie · Kid Food · kids · Kitchen · mom & me · Recipe

{magnolia table lemon bars}

October 9, 2018October 9, 2018 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Yesterday was just one of them days. Instantly as I typed that first line, a song popped into my head. You know, the Monica song from the 90’s? “Don’t take it personal!” Now do you remember? In case you have no flippin clue what song I’m talking about: Monica – Don’t Take It Personal (Just One Of Dem Days)

And now it’s going to be stuck in your head, like it is mine.

We had one of dem days (as Monica would say). Sometimes I look at my calendar and thinks Dayuuuum Gina! What exactly were you thinking Ha!

I went from work straight to a smog test. The good ol Honda Pilote passed. Flipped a bitch and almost ran into my homegirl, Andrea on West Street as I passed Bay’s school (on accident). Grabbed her from volleyball practice early to make her 5:15 pm 12-year doc appointment. Then to the 4-H officer meeting which is followed with a club meeting. But she missed dinner, so I had to make a detour at good ol Taco Bell. Then go back to the meeting…lol! Too bad I don’t get paid by the mile. We left the house at 7:20 am and got home around 8:15 pm. These are the days of our lives…..

Since we’re on the subject, how about a Bay update?

At her doc appointment, we discovered she is currently…….

144 weeks old (sorry, I had too)

64 inches (5’4″)

92 lbs

Bay grew 4 whole inches in 365 days. What happened to my little girl? She wears the same size shoe as I do. And frequently tries to steal my shoes too. Bay also rocked one of my plaid shirts to school. Tried around her waist. She looked so cute. And so grown up.

Bay obviously still LOVES to bake. She’s always up to try a new recipe or google ingredients we have on hand to create something for her sweet tooth. Like these amazing lemon bars she scoped out in the Magnolia Table cookbook that lives on our coffee table.

Magnolia Table Cookbook

Bay’s still riding horses once a week. She’s competed in two English horse shows and loves every second of it. So much, that she opted to spend her whole Saturday volunteering at this coming weekends show.

1st quarter report cards come out this week. I never thought the sight of a 4.0 would stress me out. Bay’s been kicking ass at school in all zero – 6th periods and has straight A’s. She was sick one day last week and logged in and messaged all her teachers for the days assignments and completed them from her bed. I’d like to say she’s just crazy excited for school. Ha. But, truth is, I made a promise that if she gets a 4.0 and maintains it – She get’s social media. I know, I know. I said I wouldn’t do it. I’m crazy proud of her and this is the ONE and ONLY thing that she wants in exchange for acing the first quarter of middle school. We shall see how this goes!

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Adventure · Bay Bakes · California · Cooking · Cool spots · Decor · fall · family · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · friends · jcrew addict · kids · mom & me · ootd · Outfit Details · Pumpkin · ShopStyle · travel · weekend

{weekend notes}

September 24, 2018 xoxostacyb4 Comments

The weeks are long and the weekends short. Am I right? Never enough time. Although the weekend was gone in a hot one, it was a damn good one. Bay’s first middle school dance. She looked so pretty. Double date with the Truitts…that ended in a girls against boys basketball game. Apple picking. Really good margaritas. Little Mermaid in Carmel. And prepping for the week ahead. Thanks Hostert’s for showing us a good time!

Intentions for the Week:

Set a pretty fall table
Pack for Portland
Watch Bay play volleyball
Order Christmas cards before my promo codes expire
Master pumpkin pancakes
Library for new reads + returns
Shoot new #ootd’s
Mani’s + face masks with Bay
Figure out the Inxtax share printer
15,000 steps per day
Stay focused!

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend…….

And just like that, I dropped Bay off at her first middle school dance. Is it just me or does she look 15 here? OMG!!

Some of the girls.

While Bay did the Kiki, we went on a double date with the Truitt’s. It was nice change to get out with no kids and catch up.

We peeked in the window at the new Avila Winters. Oh man, you guys need to go ASAP!

Saturday morning treats at High Voltage Donuts. We made a pit stop on our way to Salinas to try out the ever so famous baked donuts.

1 dozen to go.

My fave: GF almond joy

Bay’s fave: chocolate with M&M’s

The bacon maple was a runner-up. Along with the circus cookie. Never trued the flaming hot…totally forgot.

Bay is in sweet tooth heaven.

Saturday was the official First Day of Fall!

So we did the only logical thing…..

Apple picking. The fallest fall thing to do 🙂 Gizdich Ranch in Watsonville is pretty bad ass. We spent the afternoon walking though the apple orchards.

J.Crew Scoopneck henley shirt // Jeans // Booties // Scarf

My J.Crew package came just in the nick of time. This scoopneck henley shirt it EVERYTHING. I’ll share more this week, but get one before they sell out! It comes in white, burgundy and black!

I’d steal this kid and take her home!

Apple hunting

Olallieberry Ice Cream was the highlight for the adults. Apple slushies were the kids pick.

Fun time at Gizdich Ranch with these chicks. #girlsrule

hella kids & hella apples.

I’d say we were close to 115 lbs of apples between all these girls. Haha!

Luckily we stopped for margs at Jalisco first! Cheers!

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · family · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · friends · jcrew addict · Kid Food · kids · mom & me · ootd · Outfit Details · Recipe · ShopStyle · weekend

{weekend notes}

September 14, 2018September 21, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

It’s hard to believe we’re entering the very last week of summer. Crazy! Remember when I told you I was going to keep things short + sweet? Well, I’m going to do just that today. We spent the weekend as low-key as possible. Celebrated my Mom. Showered a new mama and baby coming into our family. Decorated with Mezger Zinnia’s. Church and more kickin it. Sometimes doing nothing, hung over or not, is just want the body and mind are in need of. Woke up refreshed and ready to kick this weeks ass! Rather than letting it kick mine again…lol!

Intentions for the Week:

watch Bay’s first Lee Middle School Volleyball game – (and they won…both games this week)
get blonde + catch up with my homegirl Allison – (thanks for dealing with my hungover ass Allison)
go to Target….it’s been a long, long 30 day – (I was disappointed…hardly found anything I had to have)
hang out with the Hostert’s ♥ – (always a good time)
share my shopping freeze diary – {i gave up shopping for 30 days…kinda}
create a fall inspiration board – (still gathering…but it’s getting close)
solidify Halloween costumes – (finalized…I’ll be a witch, again :))
complete our fall to-do’s – (coming next week)
meal prep lunches for the entire week – {meal prep tips + greek salad}
old navy try-on – (so much good stuff)
hit 15,000 steps per day – (killed it)
remember that everything is going to be okay – (#truth)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday night we celebrated these two turning the BIG 6-0! My mom and her bestie, Ronda. They’ve been thick as thieves since high school. Their friendship makes me happy!

The OG’s – The original 4!

Tank (marked down to $29) // Denim (on sale for $79) // Earrings // Booties

I’m wearing the turtleneck tank that I shared the last week. You 100% need this in your closet!

GG always smiling

3 generations!

I made {mom’s famous thai pasta salad} and Bay baked {magnolia table chocolate chip cookies}

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Bay Bakes · Cooking · foodie · Kid Food · kids · mom & me · Recipe · Summertime

{magnolia table chocolate chip cookies}

August 14, 2018 xoxostacyb4 Comments

Today we’re off to 7th grade orientation. You guys, how did this happen? We’re at Middle school…not Plainfield Elementary anymore. It seems like just yesterday I was walking in to drop my girl off to her first day of Kindergarten. Now 7th grade. So may milestones got us here. And so many milestones to go.

Okay, I’m done with all the sappy shit. Let’s talk cookies!

Bay bakes!! Again! While I’m on a sugar cleanse to top it off!

Bay has used this Magnolia Table cookie recipe about 4 times now. She made them for home…twice. Baked 4 batches for dessert the night we served at Fourth + Hope.

This recipe calls for half the butter than any other cookies recipe I’ve made before. So, I was intrigued. And only brown sugar, which I’m totally down with. This mother + daughter duo are big on brown sugar.

We checked out the Magnolia Table Cookbook from the library. We dogeared all the pages as if it were our own book. Remember, I’m cheap AF. I’m not big on buying books. Once I flip through them once, I shove them away and typically never look at them again. But this one, this one I may have to purchase. It’s good.

I even made a list of which recipes I want to try first:

Eggs Benedict Casserole

Flatbread Pizza (surprise, surprise) TJ’s just came out with a new GF flatbread too!

Layered Arugula Salad

Brussels with crispy bacon, toasted pecans & balsamic reduction

Mina’s Lemon Bars (Bay’s making them this week and I get to be the taste tester)

So, if you’re in the market for a new coffee table book, grab this one. You may even be inspired to open it up and make a recipe or two.

Here’s what you’ll need:

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