{asparagus salad}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Healthy, instagram, Products, Recipe, Spring by xoxostacyb

Today, is the day. I can finally share my asparagus salad recipe without cringing while I type “what you’ll need!” Ha! Writing about food ALL last week was a total buzz kill. I had no idea I’d feel that way. Just goes to show, I need to write about ALL THE THINGS….not just one topic. Thank god I didn’t start this blog as a food blog. This space would most likely be retired by now.

The perfect mix of lifestyle + fashion + exploring + food keeps me feeling creative and excited to share. So, I think I’ll keep it that way for the future. What do you think? Are you into the mix? Or do you click on my link just for a recipe? Or outfit idea? Now I’m curious 🙂

So, I realized this salad should be named the Rainbow Salad or something much cooler than Asparagus Salad. Don’t you think? I was telling Bay how important it is to eat a variety of colors. Fresh colors. Not red doritos and green fruit snacks…lol. She said, kinda like the rainbow. Yes! Yes, like the rainbow. Whenever my plate is full of color it makes me happy. That normally means, it’s fresh, healthy….and pretty! If it’s pretty (aka instagram worthy) then I’m definitely trying it.

This salad is all those things! I actually saw this on and instagram story. I screen shot it and recreated it. And now I feel like jerk, because I can’t remember who created it so I could give some recipe cred.

Anyone else have a camera roll full of instagram screen shots? I just figured out how to make folders. Totally off topic…we’ll chat about that later. Maybe next week?

Since it is officially asparagus season, we’ll stick with Asparagus Salad. Have you noticed how ridiculously cheap you can get a bunch now? I grabbed this large (skinny) bunch from Pedrick Produce for $1.29. So, I knew I had to make asparagus something. I’m thinking asparagus soup next? Doesn’t that sound killer? Maybe roast it, then puree it? Now my wheels are turing.

This salad also gave me a reason to bust out my The Quails & Olive goodies my homegirl Nicole gave me. She visited the store in Carmel Valley and bought me the Champagne Mimosa Vinegar + Lemon Olive Oil duo. The combination is unreal. I’d never even heard of champagne vinegar. And I’d been on the search for a good lemon olive oil after tasting it at a restaurant in downtown Berkeley. I believe you can find lemon olive oil at Nugget now. Try it! BIG THANK YOU Nicole!!! Love you mucho!

You can totally use regular olive oil + red wine vinegar for this recipe. It will be equally delicious!

Continue reading →

13Mar2018

{dupes + the pretty pink blouse}

Posted in fashion, instagram, jcrew addict, Nordstrom, ootd, Outfit Details, sale, Spring, Target by xoxostacyb

Do you ever just itch for a change? Is it the in-between of seasons that’s got me ready for a change? Honestly, I’m not even sure what the change is…ha! I’m so complicated like that. I think I’m tired of the same ol thing.

Last time I had “the itch” (that sounds really terrible) It was the hair itch. (that sounds even more terrible) You know, the one where you need a cut or color change? So you hit up your hairdresser and make it happen. That was me last month.

But, I still have “the itch!”

I know that when I’m feeling like I need a change, it’s because I DO need a change. Now I have to figure out what will do the trick. It doesn’t have to be anything maj. Sometimes it’s shifting a couple little things, that make “the itch” go away. Ok, I have to be done with that….sounds worse and worse every time I type it.

100% the sun! That would be fabulous.

I might move around some furniture?

Switch up the weekly dinner menu with something funky?

Try a new beauty product?

Maybe all of the above?

What do you do, when you feel like you need to switch things up a little?

In the meantime, since I have NO frickin idea what the change will entail, I bought myself a few pretty things. Springy things. Obvi, that should do the trick for now….lol. A new blouse. A pretty pink one. One that screams spring. And it made me feel better.

I apologize in advance for the terrible photos today. I had every intention of taking outfit pictures over the weekend when it was beautiful and sunny. But decided to save that task for a rainy, dark, stormy Tuesday morning. Totally makes sense, right? HA! And my house it a dungeon. I get zero natural light. Which KILLS me.

Continue reading →

16Feb2018

{friday 5}

Posted in Celebrity News, Cooking, Decor, diy, Food, foodie, friday, Gossip, home, instagram, kids, mom & me, Movies, Products, Recipe, weekend by xoxostacyb

Frrriiiidaaayyyy! Did you happen to check the weather forecast for mañana? (I had to google how to do the ñ = Alt + 0241 try it!!) Sunshine + 70 degrees. I’ll take it considering it’s going to get cold and possibly rainy next week. It’s been a very productive week. Bay got her official 4-H officer shirt. So cute. Celebrated Fat Tuesday with a homemade King Cake. Bay got the baby, so she’s in change of planning the next party/dinner. Lent is in full swing. We celebrated Valentine’s day ♥ Bay + I ugly cried for about 1 hr 53 min last night watching Wonder. SUCH a great movie! I completed week #1 of Kaia CORE this morning #sore

Speaking of this morning……

Do you ever have a day where you feel like a human garbage disposal? I’m not sure what the hell happened to me this morning, but I could not stop eating. Just to hold myself accountable, and so you can probably laugh your ass off. Here’s what I consumed from 6:15 ish till 11am:

ACV shot

coffee with collagen

egg over leftover roast veggies

handful flaming hot Cheetos (they fell out of the snack bag I was packing for bay’s lunch)

chocolate covered macadamia nut (I totally thought they were gone…score)

another handful flaming hot Cheetos (damnnnn, I forgot how good they are)

package of fruit snacks (while I got ready, duh)

coffee #2

la croix

almonds

Atkins Caramel Chocolate Nut Roll (so so good)

Please tell me that this happens to other peeps every now and again? I’m kinda freaking out…..

And I currently cannot stop thinking about lunch!

Enough of that, I’ve still got 5 things on my mind…..

ONE – Lent // You guys are NEVER going to guess what I gave up for lent?!?!

Cursing!

No f bombs for 40 days. FOURTY days!

Every.single.person I’ve told, laughed. Nobody has any faith in me. Let’s clarify….does this mean I cannot say bad words. But, I can still type + text them, right? Ha. I’m giving up both. The f bomb is probably one of my most typed words in my text messages. My iPhone no longer auto corrects to “ducking”

As recommended, I’m wearing a rubber-band around my wrist and I snap myself when I say/write a bad word.

Bay says my wrists are going to be black + blue by day 40 🙂

I think I got this! Oh and yesterday’s post didn’t count, since it was written pre-lent 🙂

Bay gave up YouTube. Which is HUGE for her. She’s a YouTube junkie.

Pray for us, K!!

Continue reading →

12Feb2018

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, Bay Bakes, Cooking, Crafting, diy, family, Food, foodie, friday, friends, Holiday Whore, Holidays, home, instagram, mom & me, Movies, Recipe, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hi guys! How was your weekend? Can you tell how Bay feels about the weekend? ♥ I loved every second of it. Everyday just flowed so well and it was super relaxing and perfect. I need to plan or hope for more weekends like the last. Bay did lots of baking. I did lots of meal prep. Shopping. Pizza. Date night at the movies. And made some time to catch up with some gal pals.

Intentions for the week:

~~plan a cute valentine’s day bento box lunch for Bay~~
~~balance my check book (it’s been 2 weeks..fml)~~
~~find a floor lamp for the living room #dungeon~~ (Picked this up from Target)
~~celebrate Mardi Gras by making a king cake #oldaf~~ – (Bay got the baby)
wheel + deal with Dish for a lower monthly payment (it works!)
~~enjoy our low-key (no plans) week~~ – (such a nice change)
~~workout mon-fri~~ – (Did it WHOOP WHOOP)
~~cleanup my email in boxes~~
~~create a sweet potato burrito bowl with leftover chicken~~ – (delish)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday was National Pizza Day, remember? So how did I celebrate, you ask? Just in case you were curious….

Masullo is Sac.

Pizza is kinda my thang! And these is one thing I know well and that’s good pizza.

Jacqueline:

3 Meats:

Oven-Roasted Mussels:

If you ever find yourself hungry in the Land Park area, do yourself a favor and go to Masullo!

Sleeping in till 8:01 am

Best idea I had all weekend.

Admiring Bay’s pretty Madewell heart earrings ♥

Changed up the coffee table situation

Pig duty

Rodeo #510 + Clover #511

This quote caught my eye

A trip to the cute shop, Papers and Pencils and Pens! Oh my

Bay loves stationary. So she was in pure heaven.

Bay was pretty pumped for her washi tape + eraser purchase.

Worked on a new frittata recipe for the blog. You guys, this one is so good! Bay, who doesn’t really do eggs even gave it a thumbs up! That’s a big deal!

Have I ever told you that I’m basically the queen of sheet pan nachos? 1/2 with re fried beans (for bay) 1/2 with black beans + tomatoes (for me)

Sunday dinner request:

Twice baked potatoes

Movie date night

The 15:17 to Paris

The true story, directed by Clint Eastwood. Casting actual heroes to play themselves. Not just any heroes, these are local, Sacramento heroes. Pretty cool!

The movie, just okay. Not sure what I was expecting, but I didn’t love it.

Watch the trailer here: The 15:17 to Paris (movie trailer)

Valentine’s day gift

I’m going to share this next week. Just a fun DIY.

Continue reading →

30Jan2018

{shaved brussels sprout salad}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, instagram, Products, Recipe, Trader Joes by xoxostacyb

I’m really into salads right now. I go through salads kicks from time to time and eat them every. single. day. Then I get so burnt out. Currently they are my jam. Especially trying out different ingredients other than plain ol mixed greens like I tend to reach for.

I got a new one for you today. It’s quick + easy + so fresh!

This was also approved by my Mom ♥

Always leaving her a Tupperware full of a new recipes to try out and give me her review.

Raise your hand if you’re a Trader Joe’s lover?

Sometimes, I spend my entire lunch break walking up and down the isles browsing all the beautiful food. Ha. I really do. Then you can’t forget to grab a bunch of stems on your way out. It’s a must!

They legit have the best ingredients + produce. So many hidden gems. I follow TJ’s on instagram and they’ll share a new item. You bet your ass I’m making a trip that week to grab that item and try it out.

Anyway, this is another TJ’s recipe! I gathered all my ingredients from Trader Joe’s. I’m sure you can find shaved brussels sprouts + romano caesar dressing other places too.

Continue reading →

26Jan2018

{friday 5}

Posted in Cool spots, fashion, Food, foodie, friday, Gossip, instagram, ootd, sale, weekend by xoxostacyb

Hello, hello and Happy Friday. TFGIF! This week was touch + go. I’m happy to report, I survived! Can you believe we’re at the tail end of January ALREADY! I think I’m finally ready to tackle the new year. The struggle has been real! Like really real. How about you?

Weekend plans?

Kick it with the Truitt’s….it’s been too long. Maybe sneak in one more movie? Smother my girl till she’s sick of me. Make + shoot an arugula salad to share next week. The weather channel says 64 degrees Sunday (no rain). Maybe even a little sunshine. So, I hope to be outside for more than like, half a second for once.

Let’s get to the 5 things on my mind today……

ONE – New Logo // Did you catch a peak at the new logo I added to the blog? Isn’t she pretty? I’ve been on the hunt for something with a little color to brighten up the site a bit. When they talk about the January blues….they aint joking. I have never been so ready for some sunshine + 70 degrees in my whole life. So I thought I’d fill my house with pretty blooms. And a pretty floral logo to make me smile. Flowers have been proven to be a mood lifter…I wrote about it here: {friday 5}

TWO – Another stripe top // You will never believe it!!! I fell in love with another stripe top! This one is so good that I recommend you stop what you’re doing and order it NOW! Or go to Arden and find one in-store. That’s where I picked this one up, since all the sizes are just about sold out online. Perfect henley neckline. And it’s fitted. Which you all know I love. The tighter the better…lol. This one doesn’t get all stretched out either. I’m here to tell you about all the good shit you “need” and this is at the top of the list today!

Comes in 8 solids + stripes color combos too!

Oh yeah, and it’s $14! Such a steal!

LONG-SLEEVE HENLEY

THREE – The Commons Farm Kitchen + Bar, Guinda // Found this little gem on FB a couple of weeks ago. It randomly popped up in my feed. The restaurant recently opened in December. This little roadside spot has been so many different restaurants in the past. I really hope this one sticks.

Obsessed with the bar stools right out front. I can see myself squating there for a cold one, come summertime.

Continue reading →

3Jan2018

{lets reminisce 2017}

Posted in Adventure, blogger, California, family, friends, Holidays, instagram, mom & me, Random shit, travel, weekend by xoxostacyb

Happy 2018! I hope your year is off to a great start. I’m working on goals and all the health + fitness shit that comes with the new year. But how about 2017? Bay + I looked back at photos the other night and laughed and talked about all the good times we had. Adventures. Life stuff. Friends + family.

Before we start talking 2018, lets reminisce 2017 for a minute……

Continue reading →

20Oct2017

{friday 5}

Posted in Adventure, backpacking, Bay Bakes, California, fall, fashion, friday, friends, hiking, instagram, Products, Random shit, sale, Target, weekend by xoxostacyb

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 →

11Oct2017

{sweater weather}

Posted in fall, fashion, instagram, jcrew addict, Nordstrom, ootd, sale, Target by xoxostacyb

It’s officially sweater weather in California!!! I’ve put one on every day this week and loving every second of it!

I grabbed this cute pink leopard print cardi last week. Remember when I tried on the dress that Instagram Story Polls said “NO”? Ha. Clearly, I can’t let it go. Not yet! Maybe tomorrow 🙂

Do you follow Target Does It Again on Instagram? If not, you really should. Unless you don’t like Target. Or super cute stuff from Target. And if you fall under either of those categories, then we can’t be friends.

The reason I tell you, FOLLOW Target Does It Again….

They always post pics of the New Arrivals. Sometimes before they’ve even hit the internet. Then you drop what you’re doing. Hop in your car. Drive straight to Target to find the super cute shit they posted.

That my friends is how I found this cardigan.

$29.99 by Mossimo Cardigan

Not to mention, they always look so damn cute in everything they post.

It’s currently only available in-store (not online yet). Target Davis had a shit ton of them. I haven’t been to the Woodland store yet, but chances are they’ve got them too.

The rest of the ootd:

Continue reading →

6Oct2017

{friday 5}

Posted in Cooking, fall, fashion, Food, foodie, friday, instagram, Kid Food, kids, Recipe by xoxostacyb

Hello Friday, I’ve been waiting for you! ALL week!

What’s the plan for the weekend? My to-do list is growing by the minute. But, it’s OK. I’m going to sleep in + drink coffee in my pj’s before I conquer the world (and my to-do list) both mornings. That’s something to definitely look forward to. I’m going to drink some wine + indulge in yummy food too. That’s what the weekends were made for!

Whatever you do, have a good one!!

Now, I’ve got 5 things on my mind…..

ONE – Veggie of the week // One of my {Fall To-Do’s} is try a new veggie each week. Last week we tried Jicama (aka dirty apple). It was a flop! This week – Delicata Squash. I prepared it following a recipe from the one and only, Skinny Taste. You guys, it was sooo good. Even Bay enjoyed it. I have proof on Instagram 🙂 “better than brussel sprouts!” I won that one!!

Here’s what you’ll need:

cooking spray
1 delicata squash, washed (99 cents/each at TJ’s)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt
black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup grated parmesan
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon fresh thyme, chopped
1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Here’s what you do:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Line baking sheet with foil, spray with cooking spray.

Slice squash in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Slice seeded halves into 1/4 inch thick slices and place in a bowl.

Drizzle olive oil + salt + pepper over squash slices and toss well to coat.

In a small bowl combine parmesan + parsley + thyme + lemon zest.

Lay squash slices flat on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle parmesan mixture over the top.

Bake for 225 minutes until golden brown.

So good. I can’t wait to make it again.

TWO – Instagram Story Polls // I’m fucking obsessed. Who’s dinner looks tastier? Who likes a full tank of gas + a clean car? Should I buy the dress?

Instagram even keeps track of that shit. I hope it stays FOR-EV-ERRRR! That way you guys can all help this indecisive bitch make life decisions.

I cannot believe you think Bay’s dinner looks better. I even had mayo!!! But to each his own.

Everyone can agree, it’s a good feeling!! I do it every Friday and it makes my day start happy AF!

I didn’t buy the dress:( They only had it in a size large. That’s why I’m holding it in the back. It was huge. Doesn’t mean that I wont find a nearby store that has a medium instock and drive there TONIGHT. I’ve been known to do it!

THREE – It’s Decorative Gourd Season, Motherfuckers // I read this. Laughed my ass off. Therefore I am sharing it with you. I want to be friends with this writer. I think we’d get along GREAT!

IT’S DECORATIVE GOURD SEASON, MOTHERFUCKERS

Continue reading →