{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}” →

blogger · Decor · fashion · home · kid style · mom & me · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Random shit · ShopStyle

{i gave up shopping for 30 days…kinda}

September 20, 2018September 20, 2018 xoxostacyb1 Comment

Shop everything here: Garment Rack + details

Sorry for the bit of radio silence yesterday, it has been a crazy week. I worked on this post and just flat-out ran out of time. Some posts take a hell of a lot longer to write than others.

Today is the day. The day I’ve been looking forward to for 30 days. Can you guess why?

My spending freeze has come to an end!!!

You can read more about my {spending freeze} here.

Yesterday, actually. (Remember this post is a day late)

I had originally planned to spend my beloved lunch break at the one, the only, Target. I have been in the store ONCE in the last 30-days. And it was only to pick up an order for Bay. Not me.

But, my homegirl Sarah P posted that Trader Joe’s FINALLY got their pumpkins. Detour! I ended up spending an entire hour stacking pumpkins and sending Sarah pictures. Because my indecisive ass can’t make big decisions like this alone.

Proof – Just like Rachel Hollis preaches, when you give something up for 30 days, your relationship with said item, forever changes. I truly believe this! Not like I’m never going to shop again. But, it wasn’t the first thing I did. Which is shocking as shit!

Now today, shit. Today is a different story. Once I had time to really gather ALL THE THINGS that I’ve had my eye one, I pulled the trigger on another J.Crew order. Ha!

On Monday, August 20th the hardest 30-days even began. I kept a little journal…..

I’m not going to lie. I cheated a littttle bit. In my defense, I had NO fucking clue how hard not shopping would actually be. I mean, I gave up booze for 30-days. So, this should be cake, right? NEGATIVE!

August 20th – What the FUCK Madewell? Promo codes on my first day of a shopping freeze? Alex called and rubbed it in a little. It burned..lol.

Continue reading “{i gave up shopping for 30 days…kinda}” →

Bay Bakes · Cooking · family · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · friends · jcrew addict · Kid Food · kids · mom & me · ootd · Outfit Details · Recipe · ShopStyle · weekend

{weekend notes}

September 14, 2018September 21, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

It’s hard to believe we’re entering the very last week of summer. Crazy! Remember when I told you I was going to keep things short + sweet? Well, I’m going to do just that today. We spent the weekend as low-key as possible. Celebrated my Mom. Showered a new mama and baby coming into our family. Decorated with Mezger Zinnia’s. Church and more kickin it. Sometimes doing nothing, hung over or not, is just want the body and mind are in need of. Woke up refreshed and ready to kick this weeks ass! Rather than letting it kick mine again…lol!

Intentions for the Week:

watch Bay’s first Lee Middle School Volleyball game – (and they won…both games this week)
get blonde + catch up with my homegirl Allison – (thanks for dealing with my hungover ass Allison)
go to Target….it’s been a long, long 30 day – (I was disappointed…hardly found anything I had to have)
hang out with the Hostert’s ♥ – (always a good time)
share my shopping freeze diary – {i gave up shopping for 30 days…kinda}
create a fall inspiration board – (still gathering…but it’s getting close)
solidify Halloween costumes – (finalized…I’ll be a witch, again :))
complete our fall to-do’s – (coming next week)
meal prep lunches for the entire week – {meal prep tips + greek salad}
old navy try-on – (so much good stuff)
hit 15,000 steps per day – (killed it)
remember that everything is going to be okay – (#truth)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday night we celebrated these two turning the BIG 6-0! My mom and her bestie, Ronda. They’ve been thick as thieves since high school. Their friendship makes me happy!

The OG’s – The original 4!

Tank (marked down to $29) // Denim (on sale for $79) // Earrings // Booties

I’m wearing the turtleneck tank that I shared the last week. You 100% need this in your closet!

GG always smiling

3 generations!

I made {mom’s famous thai pasta salad} and Bay baked {magnolia table chocolate chip cookies}

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

Adventure · California · Cool spots · hiking · kids · Lake Tahoe · mom & me · Spring · Summertime · travel · weekend

{top 5 favorite beaches}

August 28, 2018August 28, 2018 xoxostacyb1 Comment

We are on our final week of August….holy smokes, how did that happen? September is the craziest month (other than December) of the year, in my opinion. Everything begins. School. Sports. 4-H. Activities. Omega Nu. Faith Formation. Boosters. My head is spinning just typing all this…yikes. Already planning September blog content too.

But, before we get into fall + September. Before I start sharing transitioning to fall clothing. Before I set my fall tablescape. Before I start filling my feed with casseroles + comfort food recipes.

I HAVE to share my favorite beaches!

I’ve been writing this post since……

Last summer. I kept starting and stopping. The problem is, I had the hardest time ever narrowing down five beaches. Honestly, I could easily do 10!

I want nothing more than to ditch work early on Friday’s and head to the nearest beach. Bury my toes in the in the sand. Open an ice-cold bud light lime. Turn on some country music and lounge in the sun.

This my friends, is my paradise. Even if it’s only 2 hours from home at the Lake or the Ocean. There is absolutely nothing more relaxing and good for the soul than sitting on a beach!

While the water may not be warm enough for swimming. Toe dipping is always do-able. Seashell hunting is possible. Picnicking is always a good time. Or just sitting on your ass staring at the waves.

Here is a list of my favorite beaches, tested + approved by yours truly.

Continue reading “{top 5 favorite beaches}” →

Adventure · California · Cool spots · family · friday · hiking · kids · Lake Tahoe · mom & me · ootd · Outfit Details · Summertime · travel · weekend

{weekend notes}

August 27, 2018August 27, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Hello Monday! After the weekend we had, I woke up refreshed and ready to take on the new week. Last week almost, kinda, sorta killed me. So, a relaxed couple of days in my most favorite place was exactly what the doctor ordered.

Intentions for the Week:

load up on H2O
use all the produce I’ve been gifted
face mask + mani night with Bay ♥
write out recipe for grilled steak with corn salad
18k steps per day
finish up {things I’m loving} post
share what I’ve given up for 30 days
make grilled hasselback potatoes
pack + prep for camping trip
donate/sale 5 items from my closet
miracle grow all my plants
go through Bay’s jeans…she wont stop growing
continue being punctual AF

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend…..

We began the weekend the best way, celebrating. A little impromptu dinner.

I used to throw the most elaborate Birthday parties. With ponies + Disney Princesses + giant bounce houses + Taylor Swift cover band + butterfly releases. You name it! For about 8 years. Spent hundreds. Invited anyone and everyone. Now I tape homemade Happy Birthday banners that were made minutes before, to the wall. But guess what? Bay thought it was the coolest shit ever. And it didn’t cost me a dime. Crazy how things change and evolve over the years of being a parent.

We did, however, get the Timothy’s Bakery funfetti birthday cake. This is one of our many birthday traditions that will never change.

Bay + GG ♥

GG testing out Bay’s new beats by dre. And I kinda love that her life alert is sticking out around her next. God, I love her!

(Photo cred: Kissey)

Bay made a saran wrap ball game filled with money + candy.

That shit got wild!

About to boomerang!

I wrapped up Bay’s lunch for school. She said #embarrassing 🙂

Cory won for most creative wrapping papper. Nugget bag with sale adds as tissue paper.

Packing list for Tahoe:

Strawberry Lodge pit stop. It’s a tradition!

Cabin, sweet cabin ♥

This place never gets old!

Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. Another Friday night tradition. We walk to pizza. It’s right around the corner from the cabin. We secretly hope we see bears too…lol.

Home of the liters of red wine. And delicious pizza! Be still my heart!

Hey bartender.

Everything tastes better at the cabin too. Like my avocado toast.

Pope beach twins!

My dress is and old J.Crew from years ago. I scored Bay’s on super sale though….

Girls’ neon ruffle dress

Toes in the water

Ass in the sand

Not a worry in the world

A cold beer in my hand

Life is good today!

When you drive through Camp Richardson and there isn’t a line to the street at the Ice Cream Parlor, you GOOOO!

They say you only get 18 summers with your kids. I call bullshit. I’m 36 and my mom still can’t shake me! Hard to see but we’re 9,100 feet in the air on the HeavenlyMountain gondola with the most beautiful view of Lake Tahoe behind us!

We decided to try something new to us. We’ve always talked about going to the top of Heavenly, but just never do it.

Lot’s of time spent suspended in the sky with views like this. It even stops sometimes. Scary AF!

You have to hop out at the observation deck. Super cool 360 views of Lake Tahoe.

And picnic areas like this.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

family · kids · mom & me · Summertime

{this is twelve}

August 23, 2018August 23, 2018 xoxostacyb9 Comments

Well, today is the day. The day I became a mom. The day my life changed forever.

Twelve years ago I held her for the very first time.

Crazy to think 12 years ago this beautiful little girl once lived for a short time…inside my body. The only one that will ever know what my heart sounds like from the inside.

My note to Bay on her 12th birthday:

Bay, you have become such a beautiful young lady. You are kindhearted. You are crazy sensitive. You are STRONG! You are gentle. You are so full of joy. You are fiercely determined. Everything I ever wished you would be!

I promise to always be there for you, support you, and understand who you are. You bring so much light & laughter everyday of my life. I LOVE watching you grow ♥

Love you to the moon & back 1,000 times

xoxo

Mom

My Mom sent me this song a while back and I listen to it all the time. Makes me think of Bay every time.

Continue reading “{this is twelve}” →

fashion · jcrew addict · kid style · kids · mom & me · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Target

{morning routine + 1st day of school #ootd’s}

August 22, 2018August 22, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

denim // top // kimono // heels // earrings

The beginning of a new school year is kinda like a fresh start. New Goals. New routines to help us put our best foot forward as we head out the door. Which all make me happy…..once we work out all the kinks. HA! The begging always tends to have a rocky start, let’s be real!

That’s where planning comes into place. I’m always looking for was to prepare either the night before or first thing in the morning to make our mornings a run little smoother.

Here’s what we’ve implemented to make an EARLIER than ever start-time work in our house:

The Weekend Before:

meal plan (breakfast + lunch + dinner for the following week)
grocery shop (I do this on Thursday’s or Friday’s for the following week)
make a list of lunch main dish options (sandwich, quesadilla, lunchable or leftovers)
fill snack bins see ours on {slow cooker salsa chicken // and back to school hacks}
meal prep (wash, slice, chop and roast veggies. bake muffins – for Bay’s breakfast. prep anything that can make your life easier)
outfit plan. Have everything for each day: top, bottoms, chonies, bra, socks, shoes. EVERYTHING! (I even did this for myself this week and it’s such a time-saver)

The Night Before:

fill Hydro Flask or water bottle
make lunch main dish
fill lunch bags and leave in the fridge
don’t forget a lunch box love note 🙂
pack + clean out backpack/bags for the next day
lay out gym clothes for the morning
Bay showers at night
this year we did 1st day pictures the night before! #lifehack

The Morning:

up bright and early for GTL (gym, tan, laundry) minus the T & L…lol.
time batch. Set a timer and get as much shit as possible done (anything that needs to be cleaned, folded, loaded etc) You’d me amazed at how much can be accomplished when a timer is set!
ACV shot + shower + get ready
Bay wakes up and gets in my way…lol.
grab #ootd
throw lunches in our bags
Bay grabs a muffin, I grab a shake (going to miss my morning eggs) and out the door.

Are you still there?

Boring, I know. But, I get asked ALL THE TIME, so there you have it. Our “new” morning routine.

Now on to the good stuff….#ootd’s

dress // top // shoes // backpack // letter board

Bay’s #ootd details:

Dress – Corduroy Mini Overall Dress Thanks for voting on my instagram stories last night. We went to Forever 21 yesterday to pick up a couple of things and I spotted this dress. I begged Bay to try it on. She wasn’t too sure about it. I put it on a poll and asked if she’d wear it, if she got 30 “YES” votes and she agreed! By the time we went to check out at F21 there were already 40 “YES” votes. Thanks friends. It brings me back to the Clueless days. Totally something Cher would have rocked! But, Bay didn’t get that reference.

Top – Just a basic Target Tee shirt. Nothing fancy.

Shoes – Someone told me that in middle school you have to own a pair of Checkered Classic Slip-On Sneaker. Thanks Kissey + Tio for making sure she was fitted:) I also own a pair of these and they are one of my faves too!

Backpack – I scored this HERSCHEL SUPPLY CO. Retreat Backpack during the Nordstrom sale last month. More than I’ve ever spent on a backpack. Bay claims this will last her whole middle school carer. Maybe we should do a poll on that one too? Hmmm!

Letter Board – This Amazon Letter Board was a gift and I can’t tell you how often I pull it out. No printables needed this year. The 10 x 10 board that Bay’s holding is only $13!

And yes, I do buy myself a back to school outfit too! I think all Mama’s should get a new #ootd for the special day…Ha!

Continue reading “{morning routine + 1st day of school #ootd’s}” →

Cooking · Food · foodie · Kid Food · kid style · kids · mom & me · Organization · Products · Random shit · Recipe · Summertime

{slow cooker salsa chicken // and back to school hacks}

August 21, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

The end of summer is almost here. Can you believe it? Me either. We’ve created so many great memories over the last couple of months. Everything from camping trips. Long weekends + weeks at the cabin in Tahoe. Catching crabs on the coast. Weekend getaways to the city. All the fun must come to an end.

With school about to start, it’s time to get back into the swing of things. I thought it would be fun to do a little back to school series? What do you think? Highlighting everything from back to school shopping. Organization. Morning routines. All the things to ease back into school mode.

This morning, Bay + I had planned to do a little practice run. #fail Ha! We were going to pretended it was the first day of school. Get up early. Do all the things. But, I said F it and went to the gym, the grocery store and drank 2 cups of coffee. I decided I deserved one last chaotic-free morning.

So, tomorrow will probably be an absolute shit-show. You know what I mean?

But, one thing I got planned out is easy dinners for the week. That also create lunch leftovers. Can I get a hell yeah?

This one you’re gonna want to “pin” to your Pinterest page. Screen shot. Print it out. Whatever you do. I promise you and your family will love it. It’s my go-to, no-fail, easy 2 ingredient dinner. It’s crazy versatile too! I’ll even show you 3 meals I made out of one slow cooker recipe.

Here’s what you need:

Continue reading “{slow cooker salsa chicken // and back to school hacks}” →

Community · Cooking · Cool spots · Decor · diy · family · Food · foodie · friday · friends · kid style · kids · mom & me · Nordstrom · Summertime · weekend · Wine

{weekend notes}

August 20, 2018August 27, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Well friends, we’re in the home stretch of summer. Today I’m feeling equal parts excited AF for school to start and not sure “I’m ready” to drop my little girl off at Middle School. The Sunday scaries got me good last night. I tossed + turned over thinking. The hustle and bustle of school beginning has me getting all kinds of organized. Ready for the routine. The not so settling part – we’ve got so much “new” happening this year. The whole new school. Our morning routine is changing drastically. Hello zero period. You know what I mean? All that unknown stuff. Luckily Bay is beyond pumped which makes my heart incredibly happy!

I really wanted to dedicate this week on the blog to all things back-to-school. But, then I remembered that whenever I spend the entire week on one topic, I get so burnt out. So, we’ll be chatting about ALL THE THINGS. School. #ootd’s Organization. Oh and I’ve got the best easy weeknight dinner for you too. It’s a crockpot recipe I’ve been making for years.

Lot’s of Inentions for this week!!!

Intentions for the Week:

~~Organize ALL THE THINGS~~ – (anything + everything is organized AF)
~~Meal prep like a boss~~ – (killed it)
~~Pre-plan outfits…for me + Bay~~ – (this was crazy helpful in the morning)
~~Make lunches the night before~~ – (lifesaver)
~~Celebrate Toni’s Birthday~~ – (love hanging with my high school girlfriends)
Workout Monday – Friday – (failed…skipped Thursday + Friday)
~~15k steps per day~~ – (but I did get my 15k per day!!)
~~Forever 21 shopping trip~~ – (Bay found so much cute stuff)
~~EARLY bedtime~~ – (9pm yo my boo)
~~Punctuality~~ – (on time everyday…can I get a WHOOP WHOOP)
~~DIY Happy Birthday banner~~ – (we taped it to the wall….things have changed)
~~All the 1st day of school traditions~~ – (except Raley’s…so sad. Damn zero period)
~~Final Tahoe summer hurrah~~ – (just what the doc ordered)
~~Spoil my girl on the 23rd~~ – (obvi I went a little overboard, per usual)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

The Yolo County Fair!!

Beer me!

If I don’t drink another not-so-cold keg beer till next Fair, I’d 100% be okay with it…lol.

The tacos though, that’s another story. Why are they only this good at the Fair? 365 days is a long time away.

Say cheese

Just spying on the big girls ♥

The tornado

The Midway of Fun aka kids heaven! The most expensive place on earth…ha!

Annual Beer Gardens cousins picture. With the newest edition, Daniel.

Now look at the photo below this one……

Beer Gardens 2009. 8 years ago. Our babies! #bestillmyheart

The good ol Derby. Always a good time.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

Decor · Food · foodie · friends · home · kids · mom & me · Products · Summertime · Target · Trader Joes

{friday 5}

August 17, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

Happy Friday! Hope all is well and you’re on your way to a great weekend! My weekend plans: double fisting keg beers at the Yolo County Fair! What else would one do during Fair week? A BIG thank you for all the sweet messages on yesterdays {i gave up alcohol for 30 days!!!} post! My current response: If I can do it, you can 🙂

Let’s chat about 5 things on my mind this Friday afternoon…….

ONE – You can only keep 3 // I keep seeing this floating around instagram. I find it super interesting to see what peeps top 3 are. This is hard! I feel like 3 isn’t that fair. I feel like we need at least 5. Right? I’m going with:

Coffee
Jeans
Wine

In that exact order too. lol. But, now I want to know what would be your 3? Dry shampoo would for sure be #4 for me. And tacos for sure #5!

TWO – Trader Joe’s finds // I have a feeling I’ll be spending more + more time at TJ’s in the near future. I haven’t told you guys what I’ll be giving up for 30 days beginning next week. A piece of me doesn’t want to say it out loud…#indenial. I think giving up booze will be wayyy easier than this one. Anyway, I popped in to grab my weekly stems + Bogle Chard, and I spotted some new shit to try out. Probably my least healthy TJ’s trip of all time…lol.

Spanish Olive Cream Cheese + BIG Soft Pretzels + Chocolate covered sunflowers + individual sun-dried apricots + Fruit leathers + Bay proclaimed her love for pears?

I’ll report back what we love!

Continue reading “{friday 5}” →