Category Archives: family

{strawberry + beet salad}

Posted in Cooking, family, Food, foodie, Holiday Whore, Holidays, Kitchen, Recipe, Spring by

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Mother’s Day is THIS WEEKEND peeps!  Did you scoop up a little something for your Mom yet?  Check out my {gift guide: mother’s day} for some fun ideas.  Have you booked brunch resies at her favorite spot?  Or planned a delish menu to celebrate your Mama?

If you’re going the hostess route, I’ve got something you MUST add to the menu.

This could quite possibly, not only be the most gorgeous salad I’ve ever made, but it’s fucking delicious too!

I’ve even added steps to simplify and make it a little more semi-homemade.  This will blow your Mama’s socks off.  You will definitely become her “favorite!”

You can thank me later 🙂

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Community, family, kids, mom & me, Spring by

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The weekend was filled with: Spring Show, Spring Show and more Spring Show.  Ha!  It was a great, but busy weekend.  Mornings that turn into evenings watching Bay do something she loves always warms my heart.

But, I’m really, really happy it’s all over!!

 

Intentions for the Week:

  • Clean the car (like detail that shit) a clean car gives me life
  • Clean both refrigerators + freezers
  • Spend extra time outdoors – also gives me life
  • Get sunnies fixed – anyone know of a place that fixes sunglasses?
  • Delete photos on my iPhone – so much space for tons of new pics/videos 
  • Share sheet pan fajita recipe – coming manana!!
  • Costco run
  • Plant white impatiens bought more to add
  • Figure out WTF I’m wearing for Lucky In Kentucky Thanks Alex + Spencer
  • Complete Lucky In Kentucky programs nothing like last minute
  • Spoil my Mama! – brunch with all 4 generations ♥

 

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

 

Highlights from the weekend…..

Spring Show kicked off Friday morning for these kids.  Farm Connection Day!

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Bay had a special visitor

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2018

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2012 // OMG, they’ve grown so much it kills me

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We snuck in a little kickin it time at the Truitt’s

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The kids swam

We enjoyed well deserved beverages

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Marilynn retired!!  So we obviously had some celebrating to do!  Check out the dessert Buckhorn brought out to congratulate her!

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Visiting the GATE Art Walk.  Bay’s contribution….Slime!  lol.

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Done!

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Saturday morning ritual…..

Full cup (of coffee)

Full cart

Full heart

lol

J.Crew’s promo codes were on point, so I grabbed a few things for Bay + I!

 

 

Ready to show Rodeo!

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Besties // So proud of these girls.  Their hard work paid off!

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Bay + Andee Pants looking all grown up

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All the friends + supporters…..

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GG always in the arena keeping an eye on her Great Grands ♥

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Even Nikki + Matthew showed their support.  Thanks friends!!

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, backpacking, California, Camping, Cool spots, family, hiking, Kaia, kids, Spring, travel, weekend by

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Happy Monday!  Did you know we are on week 18 of 2018?  I read it somewhere and thought, WOW!  That happened quick.  This week is a busy week.  Like real busy.  I was updating my iPhone notes “shit to do” and it basically said: Spring Show shit.  Monday – Sunday.

But, more importantly….how was your weekend?  Did you get to enjoy some sunshine.  Sleep in.  Hang with your faves.  And sneak in some relaxation + self-care.

I gotta say, we had a good one.

 

Intentions for the week:

  • Survive Spring Show – barely 
  • Try to cook/eat healthy during the busy ass week – 1 minor pizza slip-up otherwise pretty damn good!  
  • Send back all the ugly shit I ordered/bought – thank god for free-returns 
  • Blog: Currently Craving for May – What did you guys think? {currently craving // may}
  • Kill it at Kaia.  BRIK has officially begun. – Didn’t miss a class…whoop whoop
  • Chill on the chard….just a little. – didn’t have a glass…WTF?
  • Celebrate my oldest nephew’s b-day – Missed it due to Spring Show weigh-in 🙁
  • GATE Art Show – ♥
  • At home pedi’s with Bay –
  • Move around patio furniture – All the details coming soon!
  • Make pickled red onions – OMG yumm!

 

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

 

Highlights from the weekend……

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Casini Ranch 2018 camping trip was a blast!

You know it’s been a good weekend when your abs hurt from laughing so much.  Never a dull moment with the family ♥

I never got around to blogging about our 2017 Casini Trip.  It was equally as good!  That’s what brought us back.  The perfect campground for families.  Daily activities for the kids.  Ice cream social.  Bonfires.  Feeding the Casini horses.  Panning for rocks.  Bike rides.  And of course the river.  If you’re looking for a new place to camp, I suggest you try out Casini.

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The Ukiah Brown fire-pit made its second appearance.

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Messy camp

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Burgers around the fire

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Morning cuddle with my sweet nephew

He digs insta-filters

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Queen of the castle

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When Mom’s in-charge of breakfast….she doesn’t mess around.

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Guernville has pretty walls

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And so many fun spots

Guerneville Bank Club is the cutest.  This place even has a photo booth.

Inside you find:  Chile Pie Baking Co // Nimble and Finns Ice Cream // Jar Jam (local gems) // Tasting Room // Museum

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Chile Pies Baking Co…..yummmm

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I found my heaven!  See ya later!

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Ice cold $6 cans of chard can also be found here.

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Home of the best town sign.  I stop and snap a picture here every.single.time.

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Ocean Trails

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Necessities

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Dead or alive?  I have no clue.

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Those succulents though

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Our State Flower is breathtaking (excuse Callie ass for the photo bomb) 

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Scaling cliffs…in flip flops with a beer in hand!  #skills

The fishing spots

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Cory fishes

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Callie + I collect coffee table treasures.

I came up with the best way to display these one-of-a-kind ocean finds.  I’ll be sharing soon!

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{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, Cooking, Cool spots, family, Food, foodie, friday, hiking, Kaia, Spring, Trader Joes, weekend, Wine by

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Hello Monday!  I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning.  So, I’m taking full advantage of the day.  Even made it to 5am Kaia!  I truly believe that a weekend well spent brings a week of content.  Last week was a shit show, so this one is bound to be great.  The ebb and flow of life.  If one week sucks, the following is probably going to be wayy better.

Bay + I hit the sheets early last night.  Right after I completed my to-do’s for the week.  My blog content schedule.  Okay, so how was your weekend friends?  Saturday was absolutely frickin gorgeous.  Sunday too, till about 5pm when it started DUMPING!  Looking forward to more weekends just like this one……

 

Intentions for the week:

  • workout  (5 days last week and nothing feels better)
  • al fresco dinning
  • spruce up the back patio
  • meal prep
  • avocado taost blog post (say that 5 times fast)
  • hostess the next Omega Nu meeting
  • keep organized
  • positive vibes
  • set a pretty table – (coming this week)

 

 

Highlights from the weekend……

Breakfast + coffee date with my Mama!

Which inspired tomorrows post {avocado toast 4 ways} Stay tuned, it’s a good one.

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UC Davis Arboretum plant sale.

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They offered $10 off to everyone, since they rescheduled last weekend due to rain.  I’ll take it.

Some of the more unique plants.

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Our picks.  Succulants…always.  And some other pretties.  I’d tell you all about them, but I can’t remember what they’re called.  Why do plants have the most awful names?  The green leaf right in front is going in a pot on my front porch.  Little daisy like flowers will come summer time.

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Arboretum stroll

I can’t tell you how gorgeous the Arboretum is this time of year.

3.6 mile loop with views like this.  I really need to spend more time here.

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The poppies are everywhere.  Turtles galore.  Ducks for days.

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Perfect place for a Saturday stroll.

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A surprise Lavendar Topiary plant delivery from my homegirl Sarah P!

I mentioned to her last week, that I’ve been wanting one.  These are a Costco score.  So run now, they sell out quick!

You’re the best Sarah!!!

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Watching both of my nephews baseball games.  Benny got 2 doubles and Joe got an awesome hit too….he even slid into home.  Love watching them play.  And spending time with this little cutie.

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Happy Hour with the fam-bam!

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Sunday Hike

All over Putah Creek + Berryessa.

We pulled off on the side of the road and took the trail down to the Lake.  I never even knew there were trails.  So cool.

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Callie loves a good day hike too ♥

 

Pit stop at Turtle Rock for a cold beer + egg roll.  Always!

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Look for our $1 next time you stop.  It’s right under the sky light 🙂

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Greasy goodness!

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We stumbled upon Nichelini Winery.  Up the road from Turtle Rock about 3 miles.  We actaully saw a sign in the bar and the owner at Turtle Rock told us we should check it out.

Done!

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{image: via}

 

Nestled right on the side of Sage Canyon Road, you’ll come up on Nichelini Family Winery.

You’re probably passed by many times, like us and never stopped.

Do me a favor.  STOP next time.

You won’t be dissapointed.

It just so happened to be their Rosé release day.  And I just so happened to be wearing my Rosé the day away shirt.

The owners asked to take our photo for their FB page.  Yes, Yes + yes!  Ha.

It was meant to be! Rosé is the day — Nichelini Rosé is to die for!
Stacy and Cory

 

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{image: via}

 

Their Caberbet Sauvignon Rosé is to die for.  We both agreed.  And I’m not always a Rosé gal.

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{push-pin map // travelogue}

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

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?

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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.

 

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(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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{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

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

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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?

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

  1. Adding mint + cucumber + lemon to a big ol bottle of water and keep it in the fridge.
  2. Ice, Ice baby.  I take ice to work with me each day and store it in the freezer.
  3. Drinking out of a cute cup.  Or Yeti.  With a straw.
  4. 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.

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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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{friday 5}

Posted in Decor, family, fashion, friday, Holiday Whore, Holidays, jcrew addict, kids, ootd, Outfit Details, Products, Spring, Target, weekend by

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Let the lonnnggg weekend begin.  Today is my last day of work till April 9th.  I can’t even begin to tell you how frickin excited I am.  So excited that I couldn’t even sleep last night.  My brain was going a mile a minute of all the things I need to get done + can’t wait to do in the next 10 days.  Bay + I cleaned the house.  Washed the car.  Full tank of gas.  Grocery shopped.  Easter baskets are complete.  Eggs are filled and ready for the Easter bunny.  So, I plan to drink some LOTS of skinny, skinny margs tonight and begin celebrating.

Don’t even trip though, I kicked butt this week and pre-blogged so you will still get your daily xoxostacyb email 🙂  Just in case you were worried..HA!

Have a great weekend.  Enjoy Easter with your family.  And HAPPY SPRING BREAK!!!

 

Before I let you go, I’ve got 5 things on my mind…..

 

ONE – The perfect black swimsuits //  I found it ladies!  I found THE perfect black one-piece.  And it doesn’t cost $300!  I actually found two!  Both from the one, the only…..

TARGET!

And did you see Target is doing a BOGO 50% off on suits for the fam?

What that means is, you can get both for under $60!  Two perfect black swimsuits!

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My suit // Bay’s suit 

Perfect black suit #1 // $39.99 (BOGO 50% off)

I actually bought this exact suit twice now.  A tragedy happened last year.  While I was at the Cache Creek Spa, I accidentally wrapped up the perfect black suit with my spa robe and threw it in the dirty hamper.  Called the next day and they tossed it!  Went back to Target to buy a new one….SOLD OUT!  Everywhere.  I even tried SF.  No go.  Moral of the story, get this suit.  It’s super faltering.  Lots of coverage.   Removable neck strap.  There are over 300 reviews…read them for yourself.

 

Mesh Inset One Piece Swimsuit

 

Perfect black suit #2 // $39.99 (BOGO 50% off)

This is the show stopper.  Obsessed with the low scoop back.  I saw this on so many bloggers on LiketoKnowit.  Clicked on the link.  And fell out of my seat when I saw it was Target.  It comes in white too.  I kinda want to order it.  I did size up to a large in this one.  Which worked out perfectly.  I have a long torso and I didn’t want it cutting into my shoulders.  It has great coverage.  Removable cups.  I could go on and on.  Get it before it’s sold out!

 

Ruffled One Piece Swimsuit (comes in white)

 

Bay’s perfect black suit // $39.50

Since we like matching, it only made sense that we both get the perfect black suits.  J.Crew suits fit Bay perfectly.  And we can twin on the beach all summer long 🙂

 

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Girls’ scalloped cropped tankini set

 

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{weekend notes}

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

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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.

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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.

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Packing for the beach

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shorts // tee // slides // bandana // 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

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We always stay at the Sandpiper.

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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.

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

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

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

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{easter basket goodies}

Posted in family, Gift Guide, Goody bags, Holiday Gift Guide, Holiday Whore, Holidays, kids, Spring, Target by

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All the kids want is the CHOCOLATE!!  And let’s be real….all us Mama’s want our kids to fall asleep so we can steal all their Reese’s Eggs.  Am I right?  I like to call it “quality control.”  I can’t buy them for myself, because #noselfcontrol obvi.  So, I buy them for Bay.  Then eat them. Ha.  Makes total sense to me!

Ever since I was a kid, my parents always filled our baskets with a new swim suit + salt water sandals…and all the candy.

I totally copycat my Mom and do the same for Bay each year.  I always try to throw in the realistic things that I will need to buy anyway.  And with summer right around the corner, the summery basket was always the ticket.

Except this year.  Bay already has new suits + flip-flops + beach towels + googles….we had to stock up earlier for her Hawaii trip.

This year the Easter Bunny is bringing her museum ticket.

Remember my Adventure + Experiences gift idea.  We’re still rollin with it.

Still jazzing up the tickets with some fun goodies that I know she’ll love too.  #reeseseggs

 

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{spring to-do’s}

Posted in Adventure, Cool spots, diy, family, friends, Inspiration, mom & me, Random shit, Spring, To-Do's, travel, weekend by

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And just like that, it’s SPRING!  To say I am excited for the season change is an understatement.  I’m sure you’re sick of hearing me talk about it.  Spring always seems to be the season we wait the longest for.  Rain and all, I’ve got my eye on the long warm sunny days to come!

The shift from Winter to Spring always leaves me feeling super inspired too.  Always craving to create + explore after the Winter blues (which is a legit real thing).  I think we all, mentally NEED Spring..lol.  Everything seems to suddenly come to life.  Colorful life.

Last night I threw together a Spring mood/inspiration board (pictured above) with all the images that have been catching my eye lately.  Add the wooden flower from our Park Winters Garden Tour.  The pretty pom-pom tassel I originally got for Bay’s Easter basket.  And lastly, wrapped twine around a bunch of ranunculus to dry.

Another way Spring inspires me is by compiling our Spring list of the fun things we plan on creating + making + exploring + doing + wearing ♥

Keeping a running list is a great way to remember all seasonal things you enjoy doing or look forward to do.  When we have a free weekend, I like to refer to our To-Do’s and check items off as we go.

 

Spring To-Do’s 

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