{weekend notes}

September 24, 2018 xoxostacyb1 Comment

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!

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

Cooking · Decor · diy · fall · family · Food · foodie · friends · gold · Holiday Whore · Holidays · home

{tip for hosting a stress-free holiday}

November 21, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

T (urkey) minus 2 days! Ha! I had to.

Okay guys, I was thinking last week….

People get so stressed out about hosting. I honestly LOVE it. Weird? Maybe? I think I’ve done it so much that I’m really comfortable opening my home just about anytime of the year. But, Holidays. Holidays are my jam. #holidaywhore.

I wanted to share some tips for stress-free hosting that I think might just make you chill the fuck out a little bit.

Here we go…..

Prep!

Do as much prep as possible ahead of time. This is probably the biggest NO BRAINER! It’s also is the one thing that makes the biggest difference. Stay up late if you have to. Run all your errands on your lunch break. Make shit happen. Groceries + paper products. Grab an extra pack of TP. And definitely DON’T forget lotttsss of wine. That way the day of, you will be smooth sailing!

You don’t have to make everything from scratch!

Cut yourself some slack sister. I guarantee not a single person at your table is going to give a fuck that your rolls came from Nugget. Shit, they might even be better than the 5 hours you could have put into making them from scratch. Don’t chance killing the yeast! How about pies? You think guests aren’t going to smother that Costco pumpkin pie in cool whip and lick their plates clean? Trust me….you’re gonna to be just fine. And if they do mention somthing, then remove them from next years guest list. You don’t want a jerk at your table anyway 🙂

Set your table in advance!

The day before, or maybe even….the week before, take your time. Set a pretty table. Admire it. Pull out all that fancy silverware + china you never use. Have fun with it. Then the night before or the day of, all you have to do is add some greenery or fresh flowers and you’re set.

I went with my forever favorite, eucalyptus. It’s timeless. Goes with everything. You will always find a vase of eucalyptus in my home, year round.

Ask your guests to bring a favorite dish!

Everyone likes to contribute, well except for lazy assholes..Ha. It can get fun to see what your peeps sentimental dish may be. Doesn’t each family have that one weird/odd item they HAVE to have on turkey day? You get to try something new and hear a fun background story as to how this dish became so important. Ours would have to be pretzel jello salad. Every time a newbie comes to Thanksgiving they never know what to think. But you better believe they ask for seconds.

{Anna’s beautiful charcuterie platter}

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fall · fashion · Nordstrom · ootd · Target

{bell sleeve cardigan}

November 14, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

#targetdoesitagain

Another Target piece you NEED! This cardigan is all the things ladies. Cozy. Super soft. Feminine. And it has pockets too! The pretty grey color that goes with EVERYTHING!

Add this to your Christmas list!

Oh, and it comes in black too!

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Cooking · fall · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · home · kids · Nordstrom · Recipe · sale · weekend

{weekend notes}

November 6, 2017November 20, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Good morning, friends! Everyone all rested + relaxed after the time change? Yeah, me either. The time change always take a little getting used to. Coffee on top of coffe! That’s how I plan to get through this Monday!!

Intentions for the Week:

~~Lay low!!! You guys, I think I’m getting sick 🙁~~
~~Plan Christmas table setting~~ Plaid + white ♥
~~Donate/sale Bay’s clothes~~
~~Pack for backpacking trip + Ojai~~
Keep on the Keto train – I fell off after Ojai
~~Have Allison do her magic on my roots~~
Plant/pot all the new plants
~~Clean the back patio~~

Last weeks intentions: {weekend notes}

Our weekend highlights and not so highlights….

Link //

Our beloved pet rabbit passed away Friday afternoon. We are guessing old age? Or possibly the move. He never seemed nearly as happy at the new place as he used to be. I do know one thing, he lived a good life. I will miss my morning rabbit greetings in the morning. I still catch myself opening the slider and calling his name. Bay is the fence about getting a new pet. She’s assured me that, no pet could be as cool as Link. I think she’s right. Maybe with time….

You can read a little more about him here:

{friday 5}

Always photo bombing…..

{friday 5}

{weekend notes}

{friday 5}

Our Christmas cards came and I completely forgot that I added this picture above to the back out our cards. Our little tribute to Link ♥

Some of our favorites…..

RIP Link ♥

You even made this cold-hearted bitch shed crocodile tears!!!

We spent the rest of the weekend doing anything and everything to salvage what we had left of it. Cooking + shopping. Two of my favorite things! And Bay got to cut a rug at the Father Daughter Dance ♥

Father Daughter Dance //

Bay + her dad (aka baby daddy) went to the Father Daughter Dance. I love this tradition of theirs. She did her own makeup and looks about 15…I die!! But, she felt beautiful and looked beautiful, so that’s all that matters.

She said it was like a date night with her dad. So sweet!!!

UC Davis Arboretum Plant Sale //

When they say they’re having a plant sale, they are not messing around. We found our way to the Teaching Nursery located near the Arboretum. Plants are organized by shade + sun. Grasses + trees + shrubs + succulents. Indoor + outdoor. They even supply the wagons for you to load up with plants. Garden experts ready for all the questions. We had a student walk us to our car and load up our plants.

Look at all the pretty plants I scored. Actually, 2 of them are my Mom’s. My 6 plants cost $25.00.

If you’re interested in the next sale, click on the link below. I believe this was the last sale for 2017. I’m sure there will be more come Spring.

Plant Sales at the Arboretum Teaching Nursery

Davis Farmer’s Market //

I can’t remember the last time I went to the Saturday market. I had apples on my mind. In search of the best apple to make my first apple pie.

I found all kinds of goodies. And another plant. Everyone needs a Christmas cactus. When I spotted a white Christmas cactus, I knew it was meant to be. The honey nut squash, which I’ve also never seen before is our veggie of the week. It came with a recipe: roast honey nut squash with rosemary and gruyere. OMG!!! Stay tuned!

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Cooking · fall · Food · foodie · friday · friends · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · kids · Recipe · Target

{friday 5}

November 3, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Don’t you just love Fridays? Dumb question. Of course you LOVE Fridays! Especially ones that don’t come with a jam-packed weekend. What’s on your agenda? I was hoping to get a hike in, but not sure the weather is going to allow it. Maybe the Davis Arboretum Plant sale? Meal prep. Movies. Long mornings in our PJ’s. Ready!!

5 things on my mind…..

ONE – Holiday Cups // November 1st, Starbucks debuted the 2017 Holiday cup. No big deal, just the day after Halloween. Not going to lie, I almost think my coffee tastes better in the Holiday cup…Ha! And I look festive AF with my red matching sweater, don’t you think? Anyway, go get your cup of cheer and make shit happen. 5 o’clock is just around the corner!

My sweater above is now available online at Target. And comes in a cream color too! I’m obsessed with it. The sweater is also included in the spend $40, get a $10 giftcard!!

Bishop Sleeve Pullover – A New Day

TWO – Gratitude // Seems to be the theme of November. And I’m totally into it. I’ve already completed #1 + #2. Promised Bay a Dutch Bros. after school, so does that mean I can cross off #3? Make a Trader Joe’s weekly stem purchase on my lunch break ~~#4.~~ #5 is going to be tricky. WTF are my strengths? And 3 of them. Anyway, I think it’s a fun list. Feel good shit. Join me and try it out.

THREE – Halloween // So many kids. So much candy.

We start Halloween night every year at GG’s house. We gather all the cousins we can for the annual Halloween costume picture. GG had a smile on her face the entire time. Can you believe she’s the creator of all this. All these great grand kids. And that’s not even all of them.

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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.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

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.

Continue reading “{friday 5}” →

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

Continue reading “{friday 5}” →

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 //