{friday 5}

Posted in Adventure, California, Food, foodie, friday, friends, kids, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hello, and happy Friiiiidaaaayyyyy friends!!

Today, I’ve got 6 things on my mind…..

ONE – Weekend Notes // I never got around to my Weekend Notes post this week. But, I have to share, because last weekend was a good one!

We spent time with our favorites in Salinas.

2 days at Chamisal is good for the soul!!

I got tan lines. Watched the kids swim for hours. Cheers boomeragned our beverages with Nicole + Lina. Made plans for our next adventure.

Peter Pan in Carmel ♥

The Outdoor Forest Theater has got to be the most beautiful theater ever.

The whole gang!!

I would tell you all about it, except in true Stacy fashion….

I fell asleep though about 75% of the play.

BUTTT, the parts I did see (the end) was fantastic!!!

We also met the new member of the Hostert family, Lulu the rescue dog 🙂 She the sweetest. Until I tried to pick her up. I don’t have the dog touch!!

El Charrito breakfast burritos!! It’s a must every.single.time we wake up in Salinas. And Nicole has the most amazing friends ever. The last 4 times I’ve visited, her peeps delivered El Charrito to us. I tell you, Salinas people are so damn sweet!!! I also got a package of tortillas and Oh My God! I’ve been hooking Bay up with quesadillas all week! She said they are fantastic. I even got crazy and made her the jack-o-lantern quesadilla #holidaywhore (if you follow in insta stories, you saw it)

I’m a true El Charrito lover por vida!!!

Thank you Hostert’s + Odello’s for a FUN weekend ♥

We made it home Sunday evening just in time to catch another play.

Honk at the Woodland Opera House. #socute

We love watching our friends/family do their thing on the big stage!!

TWO – My Girl // It was her 11 year check up this week.

11 years old.

5’2″.

85 lbs.

She grew 4 inches in just 1 year!! She’s predicted to be around 5’9 – 5’10. CRAZY.

Bay was also due for 4 shots. Tdap (I think that’s what it’s called). Flu shot. Some other one I can’t remember. And HPV shot. Last year I had to latterly restrain my kid. I layed on top of her while she was laying on the doc office bed. It was a sight to see. She fought the entire time. Fast forward to Thursday. She sat there. Got her shots. Shed a couple little tears. So we obvi went to Starbucks afterwards.

The doc handed Bay a sheet of paper explaining the shots she had gotten. She got to the HPV and wanted an explanation. I did my best. I’m brutally honest with her. At 11 years old, I’m not sure kids are ready for that explanation. What are your thoughts? Don’t get me wrong, I’m 100% on board with the vaccine!!

Anyway, just crazy proud of my girl! She was so brave ♥

THREE – Jicama Sticks // The veggie of the week. Remember my {Fall To-Do’s}? Try a new veggie each week? Jicama sticks are week #1. Before we talk jicama, lets clarify the spelling/pronunciation. It’s spelled with a “j”, but sounds like it should be a “h”. You read jicama, and say HICK-ah-muh. You just ask the dude at TJ’s and he’ll know what you’re talking about. Okay, on to jicama….

I don’t like it. I actually think it tastes like a cross between an apple + dirt. The texture – crispy apple. The taste – dirt. Anyone else agree with me?

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25Sep2017

{fall to-do’s}

Posted in Adventure, California, fall, Inspiration, Pumpkin, To-Do's by xoxostacyb

It’s no secret that Fall is one of my favorite times of the year. As sad as it is to say goodbye to those long summer days, I’m literally craving the cooler temps + pumpkin everything + cozy sweaters!!!

Especially the month of September!! It’s like summer’s last hoorah!

And I plan to enjoy it to the fullest!!! Since the seasons come and go so quickly, I like to make a list of the things that make me love this time of year so much.

You can check out some of the older To-Do’s below…..

{fall to-do’s}

{spring to-do’s}

{summer to-do’s}

Here are our 2017 Fall To-Do’s….

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7Sep2017

{hot air balloon}

Posted in Adventure, California, kids, mom & me, Summertime by xoxostacyb

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!

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

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

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.

Bay helping spread out our balloon.

Bay inside the balloon. Swear!

So, so cool!

She’s saying “coolest thing ever” here 🙂

Balloon Boom!

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

Beautiful sight to see!

Watch this video. It’s my favorite!

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5Sep2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, friday, friends, kids, Summertime, weekend by xoxostacyb

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.

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!!

They even stopped for a photo 🙂

This one here, she also made the move doable.

Shelf lining

Carpet cleaning

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

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?

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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?

Scarlet //

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

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.

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.

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29Aug2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, friday, friends, horseback riding, kids, Lake Tahoe, mom & me, Summertime, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

Take me back to Tahoe please!

We had our final-final summer adventure last weekend. Most peeps are celebrating their last summer hurrah this Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, we will be spending our 3-day weekend moving. So. Much. To. Do! Currently wishing I was still sitting on Pope Beach with a bud light lime in hand enjoying the 80 degree weather. This 110 shit is for the birds.

Here’s a little recap of the highlights from our weekend……

We hit the road Friday with Ruby (Bay’s BFF) in tow. I love these girls and their friendship ♥

Pit stop at Strawberry Lodge for sodas. First time ever (in my adult life) I haven’t sat at the bar, played Janis Joplin on the jukebox and enjoyed a coldie.

They did a boomerang cheers. Like mother, like daughter. Pretty sure that was Sara + I a couple of weekends ago….Ha!

The Cabin. With mom waiting for us.

First thing first…Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. for pizza. Pizza is kinda our Friday night thing, if you haven’t caught on yet.

We did half cheese (borefest) + half Mean Greek. You guys, it was BOMB. Sundried tomatoes + sautéed spinach + feta cheese + red onions + peperoncino + chicken. Sounds good, huh?

Saturday morning breakfast on the deck. Fueling for our adventure.

I had a bloody mary to calm my nerves 🙂

Along side avocado toast Carol Willis style. I love avocado toast, but do you want to know how to make your avo toast even better? Add crispy prosciutto. Yes! Carol had made this for my mom a couple of days before. When she told me about it, I requested she show me Carol’s ways. OMG! It was killer. She crisped up a couple thin slices of prosciutto on the stove then layered it up over a toasted pieces od Dave’s Killer Bread. Try it. And thank Carol after!

Horseback riding!! WTF did I get myself into? I am afraid of horses. Horses don’t like me. Pretty sure they can sense how uncomfortable I am. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. I am 35 year young, and have yet to get on a horses. I’ve had plenty of options, but have declined every single time.

The reason we are here….Bay + Ruby are completely horse crazy.

They’ve been riding since they were 5 years old. Look how little they are in the images below.

Then a couple of summers ago, Paige + Willy introduced Bay to Junior Rodeo. She learned barrels + poles + roping. Probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever seem my girl do.

She would ride out to a goat. Jump off her horse. With a hope in hand. And tie up a live goat and lay it on its side.

Bay was 9 years old at the time.

I don’t think I could even do that now.

Ok, so now that you have the history you know why it was time for me to finally get on a horse. Bailey has asked me to a million times.

I said yes.

We went for a guided trail ride in Tahoe at Camp Richardson Corral. I can’t say tell you how great the guides + staff treated us. They knew I was freaked the fuck out. They got me on a horse and reassured me I would love every second of it.

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25Aug2017

{friday 5}

Posted in book recommendations, California, fashion, friday, kid style, kids, Lake Tahoe, mom & me, ootd, sale, Summertime, travel by xoxostacyb

Can I get an Amen for Friday!!! I don’t know about you, but I AM SPENT! This first week of school, Bay’s 11th birthday + the eclipes (Ha) + packing has killed me a little Just a little, but today is Friday! We’re hitting the road for a final-final summer adventure. And then it’s a wrap folks.

But first I’ve got 5 things on my mind…..

ONE – Back to school // This coloring page is everything. Bay literally finished it in 2.5 minutes. For the first time, since she started elementary school, she told me she was too old to do her back to school coloring page. FML! She did it anyway. She must have seen the look on my face. I almost cried. Anyway, I have saved these year after year.

She said the worst thing in her lunch was a pickle. I find that funny, considering she LOVES pickles…lol! What a brat.

Click below and have your kiddo fill on of these out! It’s a keeper

Free Printable Coloring Page

TWO – I Fought The Law // Total pre-ordered this book. It caught my eye and I’m so intrigued. Beautiful photographs of the strangest laws from each of the 50 states.

Strange, outdated laws from each of the 50 U.S. states—some overturned, some still on the books, and some merely the stuff of legends—are depicted with sly wit by Olivia Locher. Incisive, ironic, and gorgeous, these images will appeal to art buffs and trivia fans alike. A foreword from American poet Kenneth Goldsmith and an interview with the artist by Eric Shiner, former director of the Andy Warhol Museum, contextualize rising-star Locher’s photography. From serving wine in teacups in Kansas to licking a toad in Kentucky or perming a child’s hair in Nebraska, breaking the law has never looked so good.

For instance: In California, it is illegal to ride a bike in a swimming pool.

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7Aug2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Food, foodie, hiking, Summertime, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

The weekend was a mix of major highs and major lows, more so than most weekends. I just have to keep in mind that everything is going to work out…because it always does. I’ll share more as all the kinks work themselves out. All that said, I am excited for the week ahead. So many things happening.

Intentions for the week:

Lets start off with a re-fresh on last weeks Intentions {weekend notes} I certainly didn’t cross off everything, but close enough. Here’s what I’d like to cross off this week…

make homemade fruit roll-ups
at home mani/pedi’s with Bay
try to only worry about the things I can control (challenging AF)
help Bay plan her bake sale for Saturday’s yard sale (come buy our shit, please)
wash car inside/out…that rain really did a doozy on my black car
check off a couple of items on our Summer To-Do’s list
complete daily fitness challenge
catch up with friends
deep clean/pack up the playroom
label all the yard sale shit
get my hair did #fairhair
make Italian sausage veggie bowls for lunches

And now, let’s chat about the highlights…..

Exploring the Bay //

Sunday morning around 9:30am, this was my view.

A day in the Bay….And an itinerary, duh!

On the itinerary:

trail under the golden gate bridge
walk the marina district (always makes the list)
lunch reservations
eat some kind of fresh seafood
swing at the top of bernal heights
walk in the sand
drink some wine
reminisce on haight + ashbury

Pretty sure I’ve taken the exact photo every single time I drive over the Golden Gate, and I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one!

Did you see my post yesterday “I walked under the Golden Gate Bridge?”

You guys, it’s a real thing. You can literally walk under this iconic bridge. If you had to pick one bridge, one that came to mind, you’d probably pick the Golden Gate, right? Me too! This bridge is featured in countless movies and TV shows. The bridge itself is used as a symbol of San Francisco. That’s kind of a big deal! If you’ve even walked, biked or drove across it, you’d get it. I have personally walked (twice) driven (more than I can count), but have yet to bike it. Guess I better throw that on the ol Bucket List!

But, walked under it?

I can put a check next to that one!

You park at Crissy Fields. Look for the Warming Hut signs. That’s when you know that you’re close to the trail.

Follow the path to the Warming Hut.

After you pass the hustle and bustle at the Warming Hut, you’ll find the trail head that leads you to this. Isn’t it beautiful? I was out of breath, but the view was so worth it.

Once you get to the top, the Golden Gate make an appearance.

You go through the creepy ass brick tunnel. I can hear myself…”this is sooo cool”

CAUTION…watch yo head. You have to bend wayyy down to get out of the tunnel.

Then you get to this! Next time, I will have a bottle of wine and snacks. I will sit at that table, right there. And I will set there. Until I can’t sit there any longer. I have a true love for this place, I tell ya!

Under the bridge on the other side (Marin County) on the lower left side. Wayy over there. That’s Kirby Cove. Another one of the most picturesque places I’ve ever been. Amazing views from under the bridge. Go there! Like, today! Or here! Go here!

Ps..there is a tree swing there too!!

Then you continue along the trail….

and you get here.

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25Jul2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Summertime, travel, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

We are on our final week of July….holy smokes, how did that happen? Weekends notes is late, but you know how it goes. Shit happens. Normally on a Monday.

Intentions for the week:

You can read last weeks (updated) Intentions here {weekend notes}. I wanted to see if this would get my ass in gear. I’d say I did okay….thank god there is always next week…Ha 🙂

~~Deep clean office/throw everything away~~ (almost done)
DRINK FUCKING WATER
~~Pack (light) for Vegas….I’m terrible at packing~~
~~Cards with GG~~
Track ALL food on My Fitness Pal (I did two days then gave up)
~~Do good shit for others – aka random acts of kindness~~
Finish Serial podcast (didn’t listen to it once last week)
Mani + pedi
~~Car wash inside + out~~
~~Make honey lemon chicken~~
~~Schedule safety recall on the Pilot…any other fellow Honda Pilot owners get one of these?~~
~~Go to be by 10pm!~~

How about some highlights from the weekend?

FullSizeRender (11).jpg

Have you ever decided Friday around 6pm to take off. I’m talking leave without a plan. No idea where you’re going? Just a direction. Me either. But, I did. Exhilarating!

My over-planning ass was completely content too.

Waking up here was one of the highlights! Have you ever seen a more beautiful backyard? Me either!

Leggett, Ca //

Where Hwy 1 ends and 101 begins. Also the home of the famous Chandelier Drive-Thru Tree.

Height: 315 feet

Diameter: 21 feet

Age: 2,400 years

Travelers have been taking pictures of their vehicles inside this tree since 1937.

Pretty cool!

And worth the drive!

Wine //

We brake for wineries. Especially wineries that look like this. Pacific Star Winery is a nestled into a cliff side about 12 miles north of Fort Bragg.

I stole this image off the website to show you how impressive this place really is. My iPhone pictures don’t do it enough justice.
above good

Best sign ever!

This bench was the spot.

We sat and dangled our feet.

Sipped a bottle of Pacific Star Tempranillo.

Watched the waves crash.

I could have stayed right here. All Day!

If you’re ever in the neighborhood, please do me a huge favor….STOP here. Drink the wine and take in the views.

Check out this cottage you can rent for the weekend!

Westport, Ca //

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14Jul2017

{friday 5}

Posted in California, Community, Cooking, Food, foodie, friday, friends, jcrew addict, kid style, kids, Lake Tahoe, Products, Summertime by xoxostacyb

Oh, hello! And Happy Friday! It’s the weekend again. You cant wipe the smile off this girls face today:) Heading back to Tahoe for a girls weekend. I foresee lots of laughing. Empty wine bottles. Front porch sitting. Celebrity golf. Dancing with Arty the Party! Hey, maybe I’ll hit the Harrah’s jackpot too? And hopefully, a couple of shades darker (thanks to Tahoe’s dreamy forecast).

Whatever you have planned, enjoy!!

Here’s what I’ve got on my mind today…….

ONE – Mezger Zinnias // “It seems to bring out the best in people” – quoted from the The Davis Enterprise. I think we can all vouch that this beautiful zinnia farm has brought out the best. How can you not smile when you pull up to the 2-acre field of colorful zinnias? Or how about the people you deliver a vase full of these beauties too? Bay and I spent about 20 minutes last night gathering zinnias for bouquets to deliver to Grammy (a welcome home) + GG (my 92-year-old Grandmother). We made a big vase for our living room + even saved a few for our night stands. There’s just something about fresh flowers in the house that make me happy. Try it, stick a little vase on your nightstand.

BIG thank you to the Mezger family for another Zinnia year ♥

TWO – Sakura // Monday night we celebrated Alex (my ride or die homegirl) birthday! If you follow along on Instagram Stories, then you saw it all. Ha. We had a good time. As we always do. I laughed till my stomach hurt. Isn’t that the best? When you wake up in the morning and still laugh out loud about the shit you talked about? Anyway, we left happy + sake drenched. The food was so good, once again. Scroll down and take a peek at my tofu dinner. I cleaned my plate…lol. I woke up with the hangover of the century though. Between the bottles of Bogle chard + the sake. Thanks to our cook. Or do they call them chefs? I’m not really sure. Anyway….he was fucking sake happy. We all left (minus Melika + Robin) with sake all over our clothes, hair and faces. “Who wants sake?” will forever be embedded! ♥

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10Jul2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Lake Tahoe, Summertime, weekend by xoxostacyb

Let’s do this Monday!!

Today was Bay’s first day of YMCA summer camp. And our first week getting back into the swing of things. You know, packing lunches + early bedtime + the regular ol routine. Bay wasn’t having it, but when she heard her YMCA group was going to be spending the morning in the kitchen cooking, you should have seen her perk up. And for me…..you’ll never believe it, I make it to work on time. Can I get a Whoop Whoop!!

What’s your week looking like? We’ve got a busy one. You know the good busy ones though, the ones where you’re actually looking forward to everything on the calendar. Birthday dinner + hair + girlfriend night. Mixed in with some cleaning + yardwork and meal prep. My washing machine finally took a shit, so it looks like I’ll be doing laundry at the parental at some point this week too. New one is on it’s way!

Here are some highlights from the weekend…….

Last minute trip to Tahoe to beat the heat! And kick it with Mom.

Strawberry Lodge Stops //

It’s a must, but you already know that!