spider cupcakes}

October 31, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Happy Halloween! It’s been a full month of all things orange + black + spooky! We’ve baked. We’ve decorated (twice). Pumpkins are carved. Pumpkin seeds roasted…(my mom’s best batch yet) Bay DIY’d her costume.

The only thing left…Trick-Or-Treating!

Which is probably my least favorite part of the Holiday..lol! The kids favorite, the adults…not so much.

But, I realized today – this could possibly be that last time my girl dresses up for Halloween. I was honestly unsure she was even going to be up for it this year. I think the whole DIY costume really got her in the spirit. Or the bribes? HA!

Either way, we are going to Trick-Or-Treat our asses off tonight. In the dark. In the cold. With strangers giving our kids candy.

I will have a wine in hand, though so I can’t complain too much.

Here’s to our kids ending up with shit-tons of Reese’s! CHEERS!!!

Continue reading “{happy halloween // spider cupcakes}” →

{weekend notes}

October 30, 2018October 30, 2018 xoxostacyb4 Comments

Well, it’s a day late! It’s been such a busy (work-wise) few weeks, that by the time I get home – I’m dead! Which has left me little to NO time for this space. I’m trying though! Be patient with me, I’ll be back in the swing of things next week!

Intentions for the week:

Practice gratitude, it makes such a difference
Prune bushes and clean up the front patio #hotmess
Trader Joe’s for some goodies (chard + dark chocolate almonds too, obvi)
Faith Formation Parents night
Share mine + Bay’s Old Navy Try-On
Go greener
Celebrate Halloween with GG + family + friends
Swirl + Slice downtown Woodland….come see me at Serendipity!
Get back on the #last90days challenge and maybe share more about it?
Survive!

Highlights from the weekend…….

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Cooking · Food · foodie · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · Kid Food · kids · Products · Recipe

{monster tacos}

October 16, 2018 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Two things I really, really love. Tacos + holiday themed food. If you’ve been following for some time now, then you know I’ve got a thing for tacos. If it’s Tuesday, I can almost guarantee we’re having tacos in some shape or form. Homemade tacos. Maria’s Taco Tuesday. Taco salads. Scroll down and bit and I linked up some of my favorite taco recipes from xoxostacyb.

Thing #2 you also know, I’m a complete sucker for Holiday themed dinners + treats. My now 12-year-old has had her fill of spooky treats. And I have to admit, I can’t get the reaction I used too…lol. Maybe I need to have another kid? Nahh!

Last year around this time I made {mini spider pizzas} and {monster treats}. I LOVED seeing everyone recreating them for their kiddos at home.

This year, I wiped up Monster Tacos. Just your average taco. Any kind of meat will do. Toppings, the more the merrier.

Honestly, I’ve had to become the 30 minute meal mama the last couple of weeks. We legit have maybe 30 minutes between Bay’s Volleyball games + Faith Formation class on Tuesdays. So I’ll let you in on a little trick. I went to the Nugget on my way home from the gym. Bee lined it for the salad bar. They have cooked chopped chicken for salad toppings. I diced it up a little smaller. Threw it in the skillet with some taco seasoning to warm it up. Bam! Done! I used the leftover chicken over salads + quesadillas for lunches the next day.

In case you’re looking for some Taco Tuesday inspo, I got your back:

{halibut tacos + roast corn salad}

{baked chicken tacos}

{spinach pesto tacos}

{ranch chicken tacos}

{taco salad bowls}

{sheet pan shrimp fajitas}

{tomatillo salsa + crispy cheese taco shells}

{taco shells}

{taco tuesday….salad}

{slow cooker carnitas}

I even went as far as making a Taco Pizza once

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Crafting · Decor · diy · fall · gold · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · home · Kitchen · Products · Pumpkin · Table Setting · Trader Joes

{fall table setting + DIY succulent pumpkin}

October 3, 2018October 3, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

Hi friends. Thanks to having Monday off…this week is flying by. Bay was home sick yesterday. Luckily she’s back to her spunky self today. I cleared our calendar for the week. Skipped things I/we probably shouldn’t. Just to straight up stay at home! We never, ever do this. But, it felt necessary. You should try it…just saying.

Our house is all set for Fall. Yesterday’s morning rain storm gave me all the feels. But, then it got hot AF and I had to turn the AC on…lol.

Let’s chat about our Fall table. You know I have a thing for a set table. Well, I do!

A beautifully set table makes any meal feel like a special occasion. And yes, we 100% sit at this table and eat dinner every night. I pick up the place settings and move them to the side. Then put them back in place when we’re done. It takes maybe 2 minutes out of my day, so I don’t mind it one bit. Someday, when I grow up (lol) I dream of having a big long formal dining table. It will be set year round. With all the pretty things I can find!

This year I planned the table all around this show stopper. My succulent pumpkin. Real succulents. Spanish moss. Eucalyptus. All spread over the top of a real pumpkin. Keep scrolling and you’ll find the DIY below. I even figured out how to make a printable version, which knocked my own socks off Ha!

My everyday gold flatware. Linen napkins. Gold rimmed stemless wine glasses.

Pulled out my trusty gold-rimmed white dishes too. Bet you can’t guess where I bought them?

I scored these dishes from the Dollar Store. Last Christmas.

The Target dollar spot had rolls of boxwood garland for $3. I picked up one. Which made each wreath place setting and chair backers.

I was inspired to use mini white pumpkins and wreaths after seeing Karen of Serendipity Boutique’s table setting at her own home. Simple + clean + festive.

I picked up the gold leaf garland that is strewn down the center of the table from Serendipity Boutique too. For $12. I think it would look so pretty across a mantle.

Continue reading “{fall table setting + DIY succulent pumpkin}” →

Cool spots · Crafting · Decor · diy · fall · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · home · jcrew addict · ootd · Outfit Details · Products · Pumpkin · ShopStyle

{friday 5}

September 28, 2018 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Hello FRIDAY! And good morning from the Oregon coast.

Five things on my mind….

ONE – Portland // I woke up in Portland this morning. Cory planned + booked this trip for us all on his own. The planner in me wasn’t too sure how I felt about it at first..lol. But, we’re here and we’ve got so many fun things planned for the next couple of days. Today we’re off to Cannon Beach. Goonies never say die! It’s been on my bucket list for years and I’m so happy we’re finally checking it off the list. But first breakfast cocktails. Morning mules. Stay tuned for a shit-ton of Portland pics 🙂

TWO – Centerpiece // Sneak peek at my Fall Table. Which is coming next week. I created another pumpkin + succulent centerpiece. Back in October 2015, I shared the DIY. {friday 5} Going back 3 years on this blog is really crazy FYI! Anyway, its super simple. And I got tons of questions about it. I will go into more detail next week, but you really just need a pumpkin + succulents + moss + glue gun. That’s it!

Continue reading “{friday 5}” →

blogger · Decor · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · Halloween · home · jcrew addict · ootd · Outfit Details · Products · Pumpkin · sale · ShopStyle · Trader Joes

{friday 5}

September 21, 2018 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Okay, so this week was weird. But, I woke up this morning and instead of thinking how not-so-good it was. I started thinking of all the good things that happened. To me. Around me. With me. And I gotta say. It wasn’t really all that weird/bad after all. I could list at least 5 things right now. What ONE good thing that made you smile this week? Mine – watching my daughter spot me at her volleyball game Tuesday afternoon. She was scanning the bleachers. I could tell she was looking for me. Our eyes met and she shot me the biggest smile ever. Happy that I’m able to sneak out of work early to be there ♥

Weekend plans: This evening we’re headed downtown on a double date with some friends. Gonna drink some beerz, maybe some chard. Who knows…I’m still debating on my drink choice for the night. BIG decisions people, big decisions! Bay’s going to her first middle school dance…I die! The rest of the weekend we’re spending with our favorite Hostert girls in Salinas. Apple pickin’ (photo ops + all the apple recipes to come) and an outdoor play in Carmel are on the agenda. Probably going to drink too much wine and talk poor Nicole’s ear off too. But, she loves me so it’s okay.

ONE – Fall color scheme // Orange + white + green. Brought to you by good ol’ Trader Joe’s. You guys, they have the best pumpkins. Gotta give Sarah P a shout out for this one. I’ve been waiting patiently for the TJ’s pumpkin patch to arrive. I even called Monday and Tuesday. Fall arrived on Wednesday. Runnnn don’t walk and get all the things ASAP. They sell out so quick. I’m going back today to pick up a leaf wreath and pumpkin pancake mix. Back to the colors…this is what I’ll be sticking with for my front porch and dining room table. Still working on it, but hopefully I can share all the details next week!

TWO – Madewell Sale // Madewell rarely has a sale and they just extended the sale one more day. Today is the last day to scoop up some great pieces.

Use code: HEARTEYES for 25% off!

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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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Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · Random shit

{a little of this + a little of that}

November 1, 2017 xoxostacybLeave a comment

Happy Hump Day! Happy November 1st!

Today I’m sharing a little of this + a little of that…..

Yesterday was Day #2 of Keto diet. And Halloween. WTF was I thinking?

I normally wait for Bay to fall asleep. Then I sneak all the Reese’s peanut butter cups.

The pumpkin shaped ones first, because they are fresh AF and delicious.

Then I move on to the regular peanut butter cups.

No limit soldier! I thought I told ya!

Then obviously hide all the evidence.

When Bay wakes up the next morning, I act as though I’d never seen a single Reese’s.

Reese’s? What’s that? Never saw one.

Last night, I ate……

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Cooking · Food · foodie · Halloween · Holiday Whore · Holidays · Kid Food · kids · Recipe

{mini spider pizzas}

October 31, 2017 xoxostacyb1 Comment

The itsy bitsy spider climbed up the…..

PIZZA!

Get ready for a creepy crawly Halloween treat!

Mini pizzas + spiders just scream Halloween! Ha! These simple festive pizzas are perfect for serving all the little ghosts + goblins on Halloween night. Before they load up on all the candy. And I love to play with food. So it’s a win-win! I like to call it Holiday food art. Sounds good, don’t you think? #holidaywhore

I make english muffin pizzas for pretty much every Holiday. I’ve made Christmas pizzas. Heart shaped pepperoni for Valentine’s Day. One Halloween I made Jack-O-Lantern faces out of olives.

Fun + delicious way to get in the Holiday spirit!!!

Not only are these pizzas easy to jazz up for the Holidays. They are easy to prepare….period. 4 ingredients. Done!

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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.