travelogue}

Posted in Adventure, backpacking, California, Camping, Cool spots, Crafting, Decor, diy, family, friends, hiking, mom & me, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

I’m a weekend explorer. But, you already knew that. Nothing better than getting out and finding new places. Hiking trails. Restaurants. Lots of bars. Parks. Beaches….you know I love a good beach. Vista points. Waterfalls. Random stops on the side of the road for oohs and ahhs.

That’s where this push-pin map comes into place. How fun is it to document where you’ve been on a map? Using little push pins to marks all the spots you’ve stopped.

Maps are so incredibly gorgeous. And the sad thing is, we rarely use or look at them anymore. I mean really, when is the last time you held a map and actually looked at it?

Look below…all the colors. Lakes. Counties. Freeways. Waterways.

Fucking beautiful, right?

Bay + I made a push-pin map for our home years ago. We’ve been pinning our fave places since. It just gets better and better as it ages ♥

We recently moved and it’s become my favorite wall art. Without fail, every time someone new comes into our home, we end up in front of this map.

Maps make great icebreakers. Not that I’m inviting strangers over…lol. But, as soon as you start looking over a map, inevitably, you start reminiscing. The town you grew up. The yearly family camping trip. That time you stopped and had the best meal of your life in such and such town. “This one time I picked up a hitchhiker”……

I love the conversations maps start.

(excuse my toter in the background)

So for Valentine’s Day, Bay + I decided to make Cory his very own. He’s been in love with ours for years.

I snapped some pictures on insta-stories and I was going and got lots of DM’s asking what I was up too. So here ya go. Another easy + cheap diy from xoxostacyb.

Here’s what you’ll need:

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6Apr2018

{friday 5}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cooking, Cool spots, Decor, family, Food, foodie, friday, gold, Healthy, kid style, kids, mom & me, Recipe, Spring, Target, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

Another day, another beach. We’re spending Spring Break chasing the sunshine. Yesterday we ended up in SLO. Chard pit stop at Madonna Inn. It’s been on the bucket list FOR-EV-ERRR, but to be honest I was kinda disappointed. It was kinda like a dingy Denny’s. Still really cool nonetheless. Beached the day away at Avila Beach. How have I never been here before? It’s like this little town was created for me lol. Thank for all the sweet messages + SLO suggestions. We googled them all and made our to-do list. It’s going to be 70 + sunny so we’re headed back to the beach, but first I’ve got 🖐🏻 things on my mind.

ONE – Rose gold hair, don’t care // Such a fun new product by Kristin Ess! A gorgeous subtle rose gold tent. Mom’s, it washes out. No Kool-Aid crap that never washes out. Bay had to have her red Kool-Aid hair cut off a couple of summers. So this shit is gold, literally.

Kristin Ess Rose Gold Temporary Tint

TWO – More water // The struggle is real. I’ve been using all the tips + tricks to get my daily water intake. It’s harder than you think. How do you get in your daily H20?

Here’s what I’ve been doing to get those extra ounces…..

Adding mint + cucumber + lemon to a big ol bottle of water and keep it in the fridge.
Ice, Ice baby. I take ice to work with me each day and store it in the freezer.
Drinking out of a cute cup. Or Yeti. With a straw.
Only refilling when I’m finished with my existing water so I can track how much I’m actually drinking.

My goal is at least 75 ounces a day, which probably isn’t all that crazy of a goal, but to me it feels kind of epic. Ha!

Anyone got any other get-yourself-to-drink-more-water-hacks that I should know about?

THREE – Roast carrots // Super easy + super pretty. We love carrots at our house. It’s such a simple side dish and you can jazz up in so many ways. Use your imagination and the herbs in your fridge. Promise it will be good. Anyone else tell their kids that they’ll be able to see better if they eat all their carrots? Lol. I remember my parents tell me. And I’d swear, that after 1 bite, I had better eyesight.

Here’s what you’ll need:

1 bag Trader Joe’s petite tri-color carrots
1/8 cup olive oil
1 lemon
salt + pepper
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled

Here’s what you’ll do:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil or silpat.

In a large ziplock bag toss together olive oil + 1/2 lemon juiced, carrots.

Lay carrots on baking sheet. Season with salt + pepper.

Bake for 25 minutes. Give the pan a good shake about half way.

Remove carrots and place on a pretty plate. Add the other 1/2 lemon juiced + top with crumbled feta.

This makes a great weeknight side dish. And I can’t get over how easy tri-colored carrots are on the eye 🙂

FOUR – Opalhouse for Target // How made a special Target run to check out the new Opalhouse colab? Once again, Target KILLED it. Over 1,300 authentically-inspired, eclectic pieces to choose from. Colorful. Unique design. Elevated details. But, not over the top. Best part, most items are under $30! I gathered my top picks to share with you today. I’m dying to know what you grabbed or have your eye on.

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26Mar2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, Bay Bakes, California, Cool spots, family, friends, Holiday Whore, Holidays, kids, ootd, Outfit Details, Products, Spring, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hello friends! It’s Monday and I woke up feeling it today. I even made it to 5am Kaia, which hasn’t happened on a Monday in a long, long time. The saying “A weekend well spent, brings a week of content” is so true! There is just something about sitting on a beach with your people that is so incredibly relaxing. Oh and I almost forgot, a marg in hand. That helps a little too!

Hope you had a good one. Here’s to the last week of March. The temps are slowly but surly rising and I can smell Spring. You can’t wipe the smile of this girls face!

Intentions for the week:

~~Dye Easter Eggs. Remember the year I forgot and the Easter Bunny hid white eggs?~~
~~Pack an Easter Lunchbox~~
~~Sign Bay up for Dynamix summer camp~~
~~Send back all the ugly things I ordered last week~~
~~Design an Easter Crudite board~~
~~Share the PERFECT one-piece bathing suit~~
Upgrade the blog (so nerve-racking)
~~Pre-blog for Spring Break since I’ll be MIA~~
Finalize San Diego plans
~~Last but certainly not least, kill it at the gym ALL week~~

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Bay Bakes. Easter cupcakes. I’ll be sharing her cute bunny ear cupcakes later this week. Super cute for an Easter kid dessert.

New product. I love anything by Kristin Ess. Her products smell so yummy. I have her shampoo + condition duo and dig them both. Stay tuned on the Rose Gold Temporary Tent review.

Packing for the beach

shorts // tee // slides // band ana // bag // hat

Stinson Beach

We hit the road for our annual Stinson Beach trip. I just love it here and don’t think I’ll ever stop coming back. Two hour drive and you arrive in the quaint town of Stinson beach. It’s a windy drive along HWY 1. When you pull into town this is your view. Miles of beach. Dreamy!

Stinson Beach 2017

Stinson Beach 2016

We always stay at the Sandpiper.

We stayed in the Cottage. With my sister and her family. 4 adults + 4 kids. We could have even squeeze a couple more. The largest room they offer. A 2 bedroom/1 bath. Full kitchen. Gas fireplace. Sleeps 8 peeps. It’s perfect.

Obsessed with the beachy vibe + decor.

I want a cowhide rug more and more every time I stay here.

Bays favorite is the dutch door. She asks if we can get one for our house every year 🙂

Isn’t the kitchen so cute? Comes stocked with all the kitchen necessities.

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19Mar2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cooking, Cool spots, Decor, Food, foodie, Kitchen, mom & me, Organization, Spring, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hello, Monday!

We’re at it again. Another start to a new week. We had a super low-key weekend. Lots of sleeping in and relaxing. Extra cups of coffee. Not much on the calendar for the week (unlike last week) And I’m really happy about it.

Hope you had a great weekend. And here’s to a new week!

Intentions for the week:

~~Delete photos to clear up space on my computer + iPhone~~ – I feel lighter
~~Make someone happy~~ – Actually makes you feel happier too
~~Create a springy mood + inspiration board~~ – Check it out here: {spring to-do’s}
~~Drink 75 oz of water each day~~ – harder than you think
~~Set a pretty Easter table~~ – Done, but no help from insta stories…lol.
~~Balance checkbook (I’m off $1.83…makes me crazy)~~ – 863 hours later…damn redbox screwed me up
~~Finish up our Spring To-Do list~~ – did you read it? {spring to-do’s}
~~Asparagus soup~~ – Decided on an asparagus tart instead…stay tuned.
~~Easter brunch menu~~ – possibly not happening 🙁

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday night Beers + adult Connect Four tournament

When the Fricke’s drop off loads of asparagus

I’ve been googling asparagus everything today.

Happy St Patrick’s Day!

Green beer + green top

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2Mar2018

{friday 5}

Posted in Adventure, California, Celebrity News, diy, fashion, jcrew addict, Movies, ootd, Recipe, Spring, Target, weekend by xoxostacyb

Oh hey Friday! Happy to meet you again. So ready for the weekend. But first, can we take a minute to talk about this flash back Friday photo my Mom dug up?!?! A few things. My hair? My Mom is a total babe. Benny is a spitting image of my sis. My Dad looks like a teenager. And we’re sitting on the deck at the cabin. Same place I will be spending this weekend ♥ along with a lot of snow. It’s always fun to pull up to the cabin anticipating how much snow will actually be on the ground. I have a feeling we’ll have more than I’m ready to deal with…Ha! Did I mention, I’m not a fan of the snow…like, at ALL! Cheers to the weekend friends!

5 things on my mind…..

ONE – The Skinny, Skinny Margarita // Whenever I order a marg, I always ask for a skinny, skinny marg. Ha. I hate sweet. The less sugar. The less syrup. The more tequila….the better. Am I right? I want to taste what I’m drinking. You know when you take that first sip, and you pucker up because it’s so overly sweetened? Not havin’ it. So, I think I invented the at home skinny, skinny marg. Unless some other jerk already has. But, until then, I’m claiming it! This is like my second invention in a week! Remember the roasted cauli rice one last week on {friday 5}? That was mine too 🙂

Here’s what you’ll need:

3 oz Patron Silver (don’t buy the cheap crap)
1/2 cup lime La Croix
1 lime juiced
Ice
Margarita salt

Run the cut side of the lime along the rim of the glass. Dip in margarita salt.

In a shaker…or yeti, like I used, combine all ingredients. Give it a good 15 second shake.

Pour into glass + add a little more ice.

Enjoy

Make another 🙂

Dos margaritas!

TWO – Velvet Tank // Velvet was such a BIG deal this fall/winter. I was all about it. As Spring starts showing it’s pretty face, I have a feeling the trend will fade. But, this velvet tank top wont. I promise you will continue to see me wearing it any chance I get. I also layered necklaces for the first time. Did I do okay? I’m kinda diggin it. Now I need some long necklace options. This one here is from Forever 21 a longgg time ago. And it’s still alive. Don’t hate/discriminate on F21 jewelry. Some pieces will outlive you 🙂

Velvet Tank Top // Ruffle Sleeve Kimono // Wire Wrapped Pendant Necklace //

Long necklace (Forever 21)

THREE – Oscar Bingo // I can’t remember a time where I enjoyed the awards season more. The red carpet fashion. The stars. All the movies. I think watching a lot of the movies that are nominated helped. I, Tonya. Lady Bird. The Post. COCO. Wonder. The Greatest Showman. The Big Sick. And just this week we crossed Darkest Hour + Roman J. Isreal, ESQ. off the list too. Denzel Washington deserves “Best Actor In a Leading Role” for Roman J. Isreal, ESQ. He was, as always, fantastic!

Super pumped for Sunday’s Oscar Awards. Bay + I plan to pop some popcorn, bust out some bubbles (for me obvi) + play a friendly game of Oscar BINGO! Check out these super cute free printable cards I found on Pizzazzerie. Four different cards so you can play with your kiddos + company.

2018 Nominees

May the best film win!!

Card #1

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26Feb2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cooking, Cool spots, Decor, diy, Food, foodie, friday, friends, home, kid style, kids, mom & me, Movies, Nordstrom, ootd, Spring, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hi Friends! Hope you all had a great weekend! Bay + I kicked it hard. Together. Like we never left eachothers sight. It was the best! Slow mornings. Extra cup of coffee. Pie for breakfast….for Bay. Early bedtimes. With some adventures mixed in. We need more go with the flow style weekends. Together ♥

Intentions for the week:

~~Cook with bok choy~~ – Um yummm
~~Log food into My Fitness Pal~~ – did it!!!
~~Plan + pack for snowshoeing~~ – so fun
~~In bed by 10 pm~~ – need to do this more!
~~Craving stir-fry~~ – made it…blogged it.
~~Pre-blog + schedule posts for next week~~ – TJ’s week went down!
~~Work on TJ’s recipes~~ – so many recipes
~~Get packed for Alliance Redwoods~~ – survived
~~Lunch date with Nicole ♥~~ – always a treat
~~Prepare for March sugar cleanse~~ – starting MONDAY the 12th!
Stay out of the Girl Scout Cookies – epic FAIL!

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Celebrating

We celebrated Nidia’s 36th birthday!

Missing Rachel in this picture.

Dinner at Father Paddy’s

Who knew how fun Friday nights are right here in Woodland?

We were all pleasantly surprised at how great all our food was. When you can make all 5 chicks at a table happy, that’s saying a lot!

I will for sure go back!

Tips bathroom selfies.

This top was sitting on my front porch when I got home from work. I had about 2 minutes to get ready. Slipped it on a was out the door.

TOP SHOP Cutwork Balloon Sleeve Blouse

El Charro for cantaritos. Next time I’m ordering that big ass $100 one. Ha!

Bay is still obsessed with snap chat filters. This is me trying to drive and get in the snap…lol!

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19Feb2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cool spots, friday, friends, hiking, travel, weekend, Wine, Wine Tasting by xoxostacyb

Monday. Also President’s Day. And I’m pretty sure I’m the only person in the world that is working today. Ha! Anyone taking advantage of the awesome online sales today? I pulled the trigger on a couple of items I’ve been eyeing.

You guys, this weekend was so good. I got to slip away to the coast. Celebrate one of my besties turning the BIG 4-0.

Now if only I could be back on that trail staring at the ocean right now. That would be pretty great!

Intentions for the week:

~~Make a pretty spring table setting~~ – (coming to the blog this week)
~~Bay requested chicken teriyaki. Thinking of making it into a casserole?~~ – (coming to the blog this week)
Sale 10 items from my closet. Running out of hangers!! – (FAILED)
~~Hang out with my nephews~~ ♥
~~Celebrate Nidia’s Birthday with the girls~~ (always a good time)
Research a mother + daughter New York trip
Workout Mon – Fri – (almost, skipped Friday to clean the house)
Ride bikes – (too damn cold brrrr)

Last weeks Intentions : {weekend notes}

And how about some weekend highlights…..

Picking up my girl as a “car rider” on Friday was just as much a treat to me as it was for her. I can’t remember the last time I waited in the pick-up line. And I got a couple more smiles + squeezes before she left for her Dad’s house for the weekend.

#ootn (outfit of the night) not pictured is my leather jacket, because #socold

denim // tank // bralette // leather jacket (not pictured)

Spontaneous Friday afternoon trips to the coast are always a good idea!

Pit stop at The Tide’s for chard + chowder

Paul, the bartender, showing off. Guess how many wine glasses he has in one hand?

Answer: 14 glasses

I’d probably show off too.

Tried some Donkey Piss #yolo

Waking up at Jenner Inn was a treat

We were lucky to grab one of their last rooms

And this view from our front door

Jenner Inn is a bunch of cottages right on HWY 1 overlooking the Russian River. About 10 miles north of Bodega Bay. Just far enough.

Other than the birds, it was dead silent and so crazy relaxing.

Beautiful walkways

I highly reccomend checking this place out. I can’t wait to go back.

Up early to explore.

Surprise plan to hike the Kortum Trail. This has been on my bucket list for a few years now ♥

You know when your driving up HWY 1 and you see all the trails that wind along the coastline? That’s it. I always thought, wow I bet it’s beautiful.

Just a mile south of Jenner you hit Goat Rock/Blind Beach.

More beautiful than I ever imagined.

Four miles of trails that look just like this.

Kortum Trail, connecting Blind Beach to Wrights Beach.

With continuous views like this

Blind Beach

When you’re out exploring by 8am, you get the beach ALL to yourself.

Nothing more peacful.

The water looks like glitter!

Blind beach is divided by a parking lot. It’s crazy because the south side of the beach is a beautiful sandy beach. The northern side of the beach reminds me of glass beach. Full of colorful rocks.

And old tractor looking equipment….

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15Jan2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, Bay Bakes, California, Food, foodie, friday, friends, jcrew addict, Kid Food, kid style, kids, mom & me, Nordstrom, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

G♥♥d Morning! I woke up ready to kill it this week. That doesn’t always happen, so I’m fully embracing it. What a whirlwind of a weekend. So many highlights. So many good times. So many sugar highs. Hope you had a good one too.

Let’s start with the intentions…….

Intentions for the week:

Get my camera repaired. Any suggestions where to go? Locally?
~~Figure out how to add the recipe print option to the blog~~ – Coming soon!!!
~~Squeeze my girl extra tight~~ – ♥
Figure out WTF is wrong with our Netflix
Don’t hit “place order” a single time this week. #onlineshoppingproblems – (Epic FAIL!)
~~Make a turkey bolognese. Over zoodles 🙂~~
~~Drop off donation pile~~
~~Lunch date with girlfriends~~
~~Finish/send last thank you cards~~
~~Call for online price adjustments! Always do this friends!~~ – I got back over $50!!

Last weeks intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend…..

Friday nights are for pizza //

Unless you are dieting.

I had a bite…not even going to lie. I mean, look at it. How do you say NO to that?

You don’t!

Taking pictures of them

taking pictures of their heart hands ♥

We hopped on Yolo Pedicab for a ride up and down Main Street.

If you have a chance, do it. I believe they are out mainly on the weekends. Busy weekends. I messaged them via instagram and they called me right back. Great customer service.

Country music cruisin’

TIPS ONLY

Saturdayzzz //

When you wake up at 4am….

you watch movies and make a candlelit breakfast. Obvi.

Home Again is such a cute movie.

Reese Witherspoon, a single mother of 2 girls living allows three young guys to move into her guest house. She falls for one of the studs. Her girls totally dig them. Then she kicks them out.

That’s just a quick run though, but worth watching when you’re in the mood for a cute, easy movie.

Homemade bagels. They turned out so good. I even sent one to my official recipe taster (aka my Mom) for her input. I little tweak and I will be sharing this week! Stay tuned for this super easy recipe.

Breakfast for two!

Yogurt parfait

Bacon

Cinnamon Rolls

Homemade bagels

With a side of chocolate milk in wine glasses.

Diggin in

Bay said it felt like she was on a date 🙂

Glee re-runs + french braids

DOCO //

DOCO: Downtown Commons. Formerly known as Sacramento Downtown Plaza. I had to google that shit. DOCO just doesn’t sound right to me, but whatev’s.

The DOCO security robot is different. Also had to google WTF it is…lol. The girls dug it.

Punch Bowl Social //

We went to see what all the hype was about.

Food + bar + bowling + arcade + everything in between…..

Features Include: 8 bowling lanes, VR, 2 bocce courts, shuffleboard, 80’s arcade, billiards, giant scrablle, 2 karaoke rooms, bonzini, foosball, photo booth

Activities

Cheers!

Old Man Cans

As recommended, we made reservations for a table. We actually didn’t even need reservations, but I can see where you would on a busy night. We did find a table + arcade to hang at while we waited for a bowling lane.

All and all, I’d say this place has potential of being a fun spot to hang. I was unsure how it all happens, so I think next time we’ll dive in and check everything out.

Their menu looks good….different, but good.

Other than the adult milkshakes (who orders that shit?) their drinks were good too.

STRIKE!

Museum of Ice Cream //

I scream,

You scream,

We all scream for Ice Cream.

Santa brought Bay two tickets to the Museum of Ice Cream. She opted for “experiences” over toys + other gifts this year. I love it. She loves it too. Christmas morning she isn’t flooded with packages, which I wasn’t sure she’d be into. Once she saw that Santa left Museum of Ice Cream tickets and I got her Safari West tickets…she was all about it. We checked out Safari West just a couple of days after Christmas. It was unbelievably cool and deserves it’s very own post…hopefully next week.

Ok, back to the Museum of Ice Cream……

Car selfies

Sooo cool

As we entered our tour guide offered pictures of everyone. I dig it.

Pink everything. Bay blended in perfectly 🙂

I was expecting a flood of peeps. Crowding.

Not at all.

You’re in a group of 15 people. Together you come up with a ridiculous team name.

Sprinkle-licous Bubblegum Buddies

Once you pass the second room, after the Ice Cream Vault,

You’re free to go at your own pace.

I’d say there are about 8 rooms. This is considered a walking forward museum. Meaning, you can’t backtrack. Once you leave a room, you cannot return. So peeps definitely take their time.

Bay and I were done in about 1 hr. 15 min. from start to finish. And we never felt rushed.

Why you look so pissed Bay?

Bay got so many complements on her hot pink fur….

Girls’ faux-fur coat

Let’s be real….

This place is 90% about the gram’

10% about the ice cream

This place is what Ice Cream dreams are made of.

Mary’s Dinner serves Spinkle Pool ice cream. Cake batter with sprinkles of fizzy cotton candy.

Bay asked for seconds.

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8Jan2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in California, Cooking, family, fashion, fitness, Food, foodie, friends, health, hiking, home, Kaia, Kitchen, Products, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

Happy Monday!

Intentions for the week:

~~Stick to sugar-free diet~~ (did great till the ice cream museum…lol)
~~Set a pretty “everyday” table~~
~~Search for cute summer clothes for Bay #hawaii~~ jealous of her new wardrobe
~~Figure out a way to get out of Jury Duty!!~~ No Jury Duty for this girl…WhoopWhoop!
~~Just say NO to chardonnay~~ Haven’t had a glass since 1/6 #recordbreaking
~~Flowers/eucalyptus for the house~~ TJ’s has gorgeous hydrangeas
~~Work on thank you notes~~ First round went out and finishing the rest today
~~Log food in My Fitness Pal daily~~ I even lost some lbs 🙂
~~Purchase a steamer with gift cards. No more ironing. EVER!~~
Go see The Post (Hopefully this weekend)
~~Share slower cooker butternut squash soup recipe…so good~~
~~Plan a fun day in SF ♥~~

Highlights from the weekend…..

Birthday dinner + sake bombs at Jinju with these chicks. Thanks for spoiling me rotten homegirls!!!

Family Dinner //

Two of my favorite things…..

Baby on my hip + patron in my hand!!! Happy girl right here!! Even did a little dance to prove it 🙂

I requested a taco salad bar and I’d say my Mom straight up killed it!

Well done Mom, well done!

Impromptu mani’s with my Mom.

Totally diggin this almost nonexistent color. And I didn’t even look to see what it was called. Dammit!

Presents //

Chard + shoes. What more could a girl ask for?

Happy AF!

Vinyl //

This Crosley record player was one of my favorite Christmas gifts. It’s a gift that keeps giving.

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3Jan2018

{lets reminisce 2017}

Posted in Adventure, blogger, California, family, friends, Holidays, instagram, mom & me, Random shit, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

Happy 2018! I hope your year is off to a great start. I’m working on goals and all the health + fitness shit that comes with the new year. But how about 2017? Bay + I looked back at photos the other night and laughed and talked about all the good times we had. Adventures. Life stuff. Friends + family.

Before we start talking 2018, lets reminisce 2017 for a minute……