Category Archives: family

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cooking, Cool spots, family, friday, Holidays, kids, Lake Tahoe, mom & me, Summertime, travel, weekend by

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Welcome Monday!  With open arms.  I can’t even remember the last time those words came out of my mouth….or in this case, typed on my keyboard.  It’s amazing what a relaxing weekend PLUS a goodnight sleep does for the soul.  Woke up ready to kick this weeks ass!  Even got some early morning steps, which hasn’t happened in far too long.  Monday’s are for fresh starts and I’m all about it today!  Just hope I feel the same way tomorrow 🙂

 

Intentions for the week:

  • Keep Bay entertained – (pool dates + sleepovers + riding) 
  • Celebrate Alex’s birthday with all the homegirls ♥ – (good times as always)
  • Get 15,000 steps per day – (did it…got a workout in every weekday…this is a big deal) 
  • Homemade ice cream – (did anyone try the Circus Animal Cookie Ice Cream?)
  • Clean the back patio – (it makes me crazy happy)
  • Get blonde again – (Allison straight up KILLED it) 
  • Air dry hair 3x this week – (been rockin a fro)
  • Taco Tuesday date with Bay – (tacos + convos were so good)
  • Library for new reads – (Magnolia Table + True Roots + Gray Malin…not really reading material though) 
  • Celebrity Golf Tournament – (whoop whoop)
  • Walk the arboretum on my lunch break – (Too damn hot for that shit)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

 

Highlights from the weekend:

We headed back up the hill Tuesday evening to celebrate the 4th at the Cabin.

Fancy meeting my sis + bro in-law at Strawberry Lodge.

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Strawberry got fancy for the 4th.  But in sad news, the jukebox is broken.  Which is absolutely devastating if you’ve ever had the opportunity to play a song on it.

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2nd traditional pit-stop: Lake Tahoe Pizza Co!

Bay also takes a picture in this bug every.single.time too!  What can I say, we are creatures of habit.

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While we take pics, Cory makes friend with all the dogs 🙂

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Surprised the kiddos with a donut board for breakfast.

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I picked up every shape + size I could find.

And topped them with cute USA flags on toothpicks.  The kids where in heaven!

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Read to celebrate the 4th! #cousins

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To the beach!

 

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Getting in a beach on the 4th has become a little tricky.  We got it all figured out this year though.

Load up all the bikes.  Drive down early to get a parking spot.  Ride the bikes back to the Cabin.

Then we ride back and forth all day.  Luckily our cabin is fairly close and there is a nice bike trail.

A lot of woke, no doubt.  But 100% worth it!

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From the beach to The Beacon Bar & Grill for Rum Runners!  It’s a must!

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Bay + Gram swam to the bouy.  It was high on Bay’s beach to-do’s!

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Back to the beach after dinner for the fireworks!

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Is it just me, or does the Summer seem to fly by once the 4th of July is over?  As fast as it’s going by, we’ve been loving every minute of it!

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, Bay Bakes, California, Cooking, Cool spots, family, Food, foodie, friday, friends, Holidays, jcrew addict, Kid Food, kids, Lake Tahoe, Summertime, travel, weekend by

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Good morning!  To be completely honest, I cannot believe it’s already Monday.  I spent the last couple of days in Tahoe and it’s like I blinked and boom, the weekend was GONE!  Not a fan of a Holiday landing on a Wednesday.  Do you celebrate all week?  Last weekend?  Or next weekend?  I say we just celebrate all July?  What do you say?  I get lots of questions about where to eat.  Where to hike.  The best beaches in Tahoe.  I’m thinking of doing a South Lake Tahoe blog post.  Is that something you’d be into?  Leave a comment and let me know : )

 

Intentions for the week:

  • Blog June recap – Done {june in review} 
  • Grill peaches for dessert – (and a peach galette) 
  • Renew AAA roadside – (a must with all the miles I’ve been putting on the old Pilot)
  • Hike a new trail
  • Make a recipe from the Inspiralized & Beyond Cookbook
  • Take lots of pics with Bay’s Instax camera – (harder than it looks…iPhone pics are so much easier) 
  • Surprise the kids with a breakfast donut board – (cool breakfast idea for the kiddos)
  • Celebrate the 4th of July in Tahoe – (So much fun with the fam!)
  • Watch the fireworks from the beach – (it’s a tradition) 
  • Wear red, white + blue all week long – (I rocked all three tops) 
  • Put up all the American Flags I can find – (always)
  • Cook with salmon #craving – (made baked salmon over lemon spaghetti…BOMB)
  • Survive the work week + HWY 50 – (barely) 

 

 

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

 

Highlights from the weekend…….

 

Friday night, date night //

I’ve been wanting to check out the Revival at the new Sawyer Hotel in Sac.  But, if you’re a male, you cannot wear flip-flops.  At a bar that has a pool?  Hmmmm!  Doesn’t make much sense to me.  Since Cory, (and I’m sure 90% of males on a 100 degree day) were also wearing flip-flops, we were turned away.  Question, are guys encouraged to rock dress shoes + shorts?  End of rant!

So we checked out Punch Bowl Social again.

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When Stover’s Home //

We get together for drinks + a catch up sesh.  Stover even shopped my closet for her outfit 🙂  Missing some homies, but always a good time.  The three of us here, we’ve been friends for over 20 years.  Crazy!  We can reminisce about the good old days all night long!

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Caboodle Poll //

I got another 100% poll Saturday morning.  Every person who voted, once owned (or still has) a caboodle.  I love when classics become popular again.

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Beach Cover-Up //

I was so excited to pack this cover-up, that I totally forgot to wear it….Ha!

SZ Blockprints™ for J.Crew Kitty top

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Peace Out //

Bikes loaded up, hitting the road

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My favorite Place //

Found my favorite peeps at my favorite spot Saturday morning.  Pope Beach!

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Bay + Daniel ♥

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Straight Chillin

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Daniel loved my hat

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Electra Snobs

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Gangs All Here //

One of the perks to our cabin, a brewery right around the corner.

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South Lake Tahoe Brewing Company

Love their blonde

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We ended up making ourselves at home at the brewery, once we found out there was an active shooter in our neighborhood.  SWAT + police EVERYWHERE!  Right up the street from our cabin.  Luckily it didn’t go on all night.  They finally got the bastard and we were able to go home.  Definitely makes for an interesting night!

South Lake Tahoe – deadly shooting

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Trying new recipes //

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, Bay Bakes, Cooking, Cool spots, family, Food, foodie, friday, friends, kids, Movies, Recipe, Summertime, weekend, Wine by

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Hope you all had a fabulous weekend.  Ours was everything I’d hoped for.  Super chill with a perfect mix of friends + family.  Exploring + pizza!  Ha!  A dream, really!

 

Intentions for the Week:

  • Visit Mezger Zinnia Patch + take flowers to GG – (they still look beautiful) 
  • Clean out my work tote – so much shit! – (just throw it away #moto)
  • Set a pretty Mexican themed table – (almost done) 
  • Share asparagus caprese recipe – (did anyone try it yet?) {caprese asparagus}
  • Organize + clean out the garage – (still impressed with the results and also, just throw it away came into play)
  • Edible flower ice cubes – (roses + lavender + lemons + rosemary…stay tuned)  
  • Labor Day camping trip – (we booked Lake Francis and it looks like a fun spot) 
  • Dinner with girlfriends – (always a good time with my gals) 
  • Hang out at home – (the dvr is empty + house is clean + meal prep is done) 
  • Workout…no excuses! – (almost killed it, except for Friday but I’ll take it) 

 

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Here’s some highlights…..

 

My girl //

Car selfies with Bay while we wait for Cory

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Friday Night Vibes //

We headed to Full Bell Farm for their Pizza Night.

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Set up out camp

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Popped open some chard

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Listened to so music

I ran into Nancy and she gave me a quick little tour of the gorgeous kitchen.  Best part, they have a dish washer that washes in 90 second.  Umm, I think I need one!

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Wood-fired pizza

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Pizza time

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The peach salad inspired me.  Crazy simple, yet so beautiful + delish.  Remember, I don’t even really do fruit and I really dug this!

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We opted for a sausage pizza

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And a margarita.  I can’t tell you which one was better.  It was a tie!

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The homemade salted caramel ice cream….to.die.for.

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The view from our chairs wasn’t too bad either.

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photo cred: Bay

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Get these dates on your calendar and go visit Full Belly Farm for one of their summer pizza nights.  It is a trek, but totally worth it.

Pizzas are $15 each.  We ordered 2 for the three of us and had leftovers.  You can BYO beer + wine.  Set up a picnic and hang out.

I’m now dying to check out one of their Farm Dinners.

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Saturday morning //

Always prepping + cooking in the kitchen.

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I’d swear I shared this one before, but I can’t find it anywhere.  So, coming soon!

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Pool day //

Bay + her flamingo

 

While Me + Nikki + Mom sipped rosé

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Always feeding my people.

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{gift guide: father’s day}

Posted in family, Gift Guide, Holidays, Random shit by

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How about this gem above?  I asked my Mom to find a good one of the three of us, and she killed it!

I’m not sure who’s bangs are better?  Mine?  Katie’s?  Or my Dads?  Instagram Poll?

If my parents didn’t already have this framed, I would 100% be adding this to my Dad’s Father’s Day Gift!

Speaking of Father’s Day….ummm, it’s T-minus 3 days away!  Have you scored the perfect gift for your Dad yet?  Let’s be real, shopping for dad’s is hard.  And if you ask him what he wants, he’ll always say nothing.  Or I have it all.  WTFE!

 

Today I’ve got you covered.  I scoured the internet for some fun + practical + top rated gifts that I’m sure every Dad would LOVE.  Shit, there’s even a couple of things on here I’d like for myself.  The iGrill…never over cook meat again!  Smart WiFi plug…Alexa turn off the lights!  Never lift a finger again…HA!  That pool lounger has a cup holder, just saying.  Bay + I gave Cory the Bosca wallet for Christmas.  I did a lot of research for the perfect front pocket bifold and this one is it.  Just ask Cory!  A pressure washer is a win-win, all your shit will be clean.  It’s so addicting.   And that chair with an ice chest on the side. Hell yes!

Hope this gift guide gives you some inspiration to grab the Dad’s in your life a little something special.  Something he’s sure to love!

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Cooking, Cool spots, family, Food, foodie, friday, friends, home, kids, Recipe, Spring, Summertime, weekend by

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Happy first official day of summer (for the kids) School’s out for the summer!  When the weekend blends into the week.  At least for them.  Ha!  We had a super chill weekend.  Just what we wanted + needed.  And we’re following it up with a very mellow week.  I swear one week (last week for example) is a total shit-show, then the next is so nice and relaxing.  What are your kids up to this week?  Camps?  Hanging out?  Bay started Volleyball camp today and absolutely loved it!

 

Intentions for the Week:

  • Order Bike Parade invites
  • Finish {summer staples} blog post
  • Bike ride
  • Make a BIG summer calendar for Bay (think – lot’s of chores…lol)
  • Propagate succulents (so many babies) 
  • File all Bay’s 6th grade school projects + reports
  • Post my clothes on online yard sale (thanks for buying my clothes friends)
  • Clear photos off my iPhone (3,087 photos gone)
  • Eat dinner outside – (Brunch + Dinner ♥)
  • Host a Father’s Day Brunch – (we made Mom’s famous Christmas morning breakfast) 
  • Final 4-H meeting/BBQ of the year (Bay will be the 2018-2019 club Secretary) 
  • Volunteer with Bay at 4th & Hope – (Loved watching Bay experience serving people in need)
  • Self Care: charcoal mask – (I’ve been using one by Origins and dig it) 

 

Last weeks intentions: {weekend notes} 

Highlights from the weekend…….

 

Bay’s 6th Grade Promotion //

Not going to lie, we both shed a few tears walking to the car Friday morning.  I told Bay it was the last time she’d walk on the school campus as a student.  Crazy!!!

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So, Bay got service on her phone.  This was her promotion gift from me.  Honestly it was something that had to happen, considering our summer plans.  We have lots of rules that go along with it, but we’ll chat more about that this week.

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Gram made her the cutest candy sign.  Bay is a total candy freak FYI!

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We spend the afternoon doing this!  At 93, GG is still a damn good time!

 

Have you ever tried Baskin Robin Polar Pizza?  Do it!  Scroll to the bottom of this link and get a $2 off coupon

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I made not one, but two of these pretty fruit trays.  Think I can sell these things?  Make a business out of making pretty snack trays?

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The last couple of years, we’ve spent the last day of school at Robin’s.  Thanks for having us!  The kids swim.  We chat.  And Spencer feeds me chips + guac!  Ha!!

 

Dinner with Friends //

Friday night dinner with friends.  Bay fell in love with Brandon’s hoverboard.  And now that’s what she wants to buy with her pig money.  I’m still not a fan.  They seem like an injury waiting to happen!

 

Easy Saturday Morning //

We had the most chill Saturday we’ve had in such a long time!

For some odd reason I decided to make blueberry pancakes.  But, neither of us like pancakes or blueberries…HA!

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Packed a picnic and walked the Arboretum.  Check off the Spring To-Do’s!

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Ended the day with date night + catch up sesh with the Truitt’s.  They have the best swings in their backyard.  I could sit there all night, except I’d probably fall asleep….I kinda did.

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Sundayyyy //

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{may in review}

Posted in Bay Bakes, California, Community, Cooking, Cool spots, Crafting, Decor, diy, family, fashion, fitness, Food, foodie, friends, Gift Guide, hiking, Holidays, home, instagram, jcrew addict, Kaia, kid style, kids, Kitchen, mom & me, ootd, Outfit Details, Products, Random shit, Recipe, Spring, Trader Joes, weekend by

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In case you missed it, let’s review what went down in May…..

23 blog posts.

Some of my highest viewing stats, thanks to the Patron sale at Nugget + my Mother’s Day Gift Guide!

Something else that caught my attention, I had views from 44 other countries.  Forty four!  Crazy, right?  I’m really not even sure how that happens.

 

 

Here’s a little re-cap on what we chatted about in May:

 

{currently craving // may} should I do this again for June?

Bay requests this {crunchy iceberg salad bowls} weekly

According to stats this was my highest viewed post for May {gift guide: mother’s day}

{friday 5} this post came in second…all because that Patron sale at Nugget lol.

{weekend notes} a weekend full of Spring Show

The prettiest summer salad I ever did meet {strawberry + beet salad}

{kaia BRIK goals} meeting my goals, but missed two classes in the last 6 weeks (not bad, not bad)

{april in review} and 2 cute Target dresses

{friday 5} homemade pickled onions + a madewell top I love

Another good one {weekend notes}  Mother’s Day + Lucky In Kentucky + my strawberry + baby daisy naked cake

Taco Tuesday {sheet pan shrimp fajitas} with a side of guac…yummm

This {floral top + random thoughts} is another one that’s been on maj repeat + it’s currently marked down to $17!!

Getting a little hippie-dippie with these {floral + herb smudge stick diy}

Now I want to go home and clean my fridge again after looking at this {friday 5} And I’m happy to report….Bay + I are still doing our Friday morning Starbucks dates too ♥

{weekend notes} celebrating GG + pool dates + hiking…that was a damn good weekend

So, {do you kimono} now?

Bay Bakes {oatmeal peanut butter cookies}

Only 2 1/2 days of school left, do you have your {teacher gift} ready?  Loved getting tagged in everyone’s pics that duplicated this fun gift idea.

Still obsessed with this crop top from {friday 5}

Anyone made these {mexican burgers} yet?

Spending the weekend checking out Cory’s old stomping grounds on {weekend notes}

Currently want to tie dye everything after making these {tie dye napkin diy}

Have you added any of these {food finds} to your TJ’s list

 

What a month!

Once again, BIG thank you to you for clicking on this website and reading.  Thank you for sending me pictures of the cute tops you order from the blog.  Tagging me in your pictures on insta stories.  Texting me for that recipe.  Tips on how to make the naked cake.  You guys really do make my day ♥

 

And in other news, the dress of my dreams arrived last night.  Remember the one I told you about yesterday on {weekend notes}?

 

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I bought this dress for an event.  Otherwise, I would have no place to wear it.  Ha!  I’m not a big get super dressed up type.

It’s like a gown.  Never, I have ever owned a dress like this.  The quality is top-notch.  It’s elegant.  Classic.  The color is so vibrant.  Super faltering silhouette…almost like it was tailored.  The ruffle details are perfectly placed.  And it has pockets!  Basically the ultimate summer statement dress.  Exactly what I was looking for.

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Bay Bakes, Cooking, family, fashion, Food, foodie, friday, friends, jcrew addict, Kid Food, kids, Summertime, weekend by

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Monday, why?  Today I dropped a full mug of coffee.  Completely flaked on Kaia.  The snooze button won!  My house got invaded by some weird bugs as I was walking out the door for work.  Somehow wore my top inside out till about 15 minutes ago when I noticed.

Wishing I was back at the pool with these chicks right about now ♥

So there’s that.  Peace out, Monday!

 

Intentions for the week:

  • Grill zucchini (doesn’t it sound so good?) (will be sharing the recipe I posted on IG stores…so good)
  • Bay’s gonna bake and use strawberries…stay tuned (did you catch her strawberry shortcake recipes on {friday 5})? 
  • Homemade pizza (you guys, I made a caesar salad pizza…I DIE)!
  • Asparagus caprese…yes please (coming to the blog too)
  • Can you tell I’m hungry?
  • Can’t decide if I should cut my hair or let it grow a little…hmmm (shorter + blonder)
  • Going super blonde either way though 🙂
  • Toast to our final Omega Nu meeting (till after summer) (nothing for the rest of the summer!)
  • Sign Bay up for Faith Formation (she’s not very excited..lol) 
  • Make + blog a fun Graduation DIY (did you catch the {money + candy lei diy}?) 
  • Complete 4-H record book (DONE√)
  • Bay’s 6th grade promotion (I may cry a little) (got a little teary as we left Plainfield for the last time as a Mustang student/parent) 

 

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

 

Highlights from the weekend……

 

6th Grade Dance //

My girl all ready for the dance.  Bay did her own hair + a little makeup.  She looked so grown up and beautiful!

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And their off.

BIG thanks to Jason + Destiny for sending the girls to their first dance in style.  I’ve never even been in a limo that cool!

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While Bay boogied, we had SOL margs!

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Full cup, Full heart, Full cart //

Saturday mornings are for two cups of coffee + online shopping in your PJ’s.

And those Trader Joe’s peonies are quite the show stopper.

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I was invited to my first blogging event at the end of the month.  So, I pulled the trigger on a pretty dress that I’ve had my eye one.  You know, one of those you can’t stop thinking about, but really you have no place to wear it?  As soon as I got the invite, I went to order this and it was sold out.  Saturday morning is was back in-stock in one size.  My size.  That’s meant to be friends!

Striped ruffle maxi dress

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This dress has mixed reviews, but for that price tag, I decided to give it a shot.  I grabbed it in navy.

Eyelet flutter-hem dress

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Since we’ve been spending a lot of time at the pool, these seem necessary.  And I technically got them for Bay, but we officially wear the same shoe size now.  So, I will be borrowing!

Tortoise pool slides

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I love these leather hair ties.  Bay has some in other colors.  These are the Lee Middle School colors for the win!

 

Leather bow hair ties

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Caprese Egg Cups //

Coming to the blog this week!  So good + so easy!

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Over avocado toast!

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Bay Bakes //

Bay made a delicious dessert for us!

Also coming to the blog this week 🙂

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Cousins pool day //

Happiest + cutest baby ever!

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Say cheese!

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Check out the frog.

Benny scooped him up in a solo cup to transfer him to the kiddie pool.  Handed me the cup (with the frog in it).  As the frog was trying to get out.  I don’t think I’ve ever run so fast in my life.

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Always laying on me.

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From this

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