{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}” →

fashion · jcrew addict · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Random shit · sale · Target

{spending freeze}

August 29, 2018August 29, 2018 xoxostacyb6 Comments

top // denim // earrings // mules

WTF is a spending freeze? Other than the worst idea I’ve ever challenged myself too! I’m going to attempt the unthinkable. I GAVE UP SHOPPING! Insert crying emoji with the green squirt gun pointed to the crying emoji. That should sum it up!

Hi, my name is Stacy and I have a shopping addiction.

What’s a spending freeze?

Basically, it’s a period of time where you don’t spend money. Obviously I can’t not spend any money. We gotta eat. Pay bills. Live. I think every person would define this differently. Like what exactly falls in the category. For me, I gave up clothing + Target + online shopping. Pretty much pausing on spending when it comes to all the extra “stuff!”

Why a spending freeze?

Remember when I gave up alcohol for 30 days? In case you missed it, I got your back: {i gave up alcohol for 30 days!!!} I’m still crazy inspired by the book Girl Go Wash Your Face. You know when you get that one book and you’re like Yassss! Give me more! Ha! She talks about giving up a food item for 30 days. She claims that after 30 days, you’ll have a different relationship with that item.

Well I’ve decided to challenge myself to give something different every 30 days for the rest of the year. Something hard! Something crazy challenging.

Continue reading “{spending freeze}” →

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}” →

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.

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Adventure · California · Cooking · Cool spots · family · fashion · Food · friends · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Summertime · weekend

{weekend notes}

August 13, 2018August 17, 2018 xoxostacyb6 Comments

Good morning! How was everyone’s weekend? Were you ready for the Monday alarm clock? I wanted to stay in my cozy bed, but I had an early morming walking date that I was looking forward to. So up and at ’em it was! This weekend I worked around the house. Got lots of odds + ends organized. Back to school season always gets in the organizing mood. Anyone else? Dinner with friends. Biked the CCT, but don’t worry we’re going to talk all about that in a sec. And celebrated a sweet 3 year olds Birthday last night.

Hope you all kick off Monday on the right foot! Have a good one!!

Intentions for the Week:

~~Fair Hair. Yep, you read it right haha.~~ (Thanks Allison!!!)
~~Decide what I’ll give up for 30-days next? Hmmm.~~ (scared as hell to write it down)
~~7th Grade Orientation. Can Mom’s go?~~ (Bay is ready for Wednesday)
~~Plan outfits for the week~~ (we’re both set for Wednesday – Friday)
~~Dinner with girlfriends~~ (good times, as always)
~~Soak up all the time with my girl before school starts~~ (one last hurrah this weekend)
~~Order the cute top I’ve had my eye on 🙂~~ (done)
~~15k steps a day~~ (killed it, again)
~~Make salsa chicken~~ (sharing this week)
~~YOLO COUNTY FAIR!!!~~ (obvi!)

Last week Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday night dinner at Morgan’s On Main. I’m all about the beet salad.

We shared the special: prawn pasta with lotsa veggies. Straight up heavenly!

Up an at ’em. 5:30 is a little too early for my taste though….

Off to explore in cooler temps

I got DM’s about my top details….

I grabbed this during the Nordstrom sale for $40, it’s now re-stocked, but back to the original price. But, I love it and think it’s 100% worth it at full-price tag. And it comes in 4 color options.

FREE PEOPLE Rainbow Thermal Tee

The ocean! 65 degrees + sunny ♥

I’ve had the CCT on my to-do’s since last summer. CCT: California Coastal Trail.

Upon completion, the 1,200 miles of coastal trails will span from the Oregon border all they way through California to Mexico. How cool is that?

We chose to hit the 7 1/2 mile Half Moon Bay stretch from Pillar Point Harbor to The Ritz Carlton.

This trial is ideal for hiking + biking + walking + horse riding + dog + wheelchair + family friendly. It’s all paved and very well maintained.

Beginning: Pillar Point Harbor. The trail begins right in front of the parking lot. You can rent bikes here too! Bike Works + Half Moon Bay Kayak Co.

The first stretch of the trail, not bad. Restaurants + bars right along the trail here too!

Panoramic views of the ocean.

Piles of surfers at the first beach. This is the home of the famous Mavericks big-wave surf competition.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

Cooking · Decor · diy · fashion · Food · foodie · friday · Healthy · home · Movies · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Products · Recipe · Summertime · Target

{friday 5}

August 10, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

FRIDAY! My second favorite F word! I got everything marked off the to-do list…so you know what that means? I’m so fucking ready for the weekend! My last dry weekend…HA! Still sober AF peeps. We’re gonna have to discuss this more next week. As it seems to be a hot topic. Weekend plans: Kick it. Dinner with friends. Might check out a bike trail I’ve been dying to ride. Workout (who am I?). Catch some rays! Before you cut loose for the weekend….

Let take a quick sec and chat about 5 things I’ve got on my mind!!

ONE – Coffee Table // One of my favorite places to style in my home. PSA: The Bath & Body Leaves candles are BACK!! Get em while they last. You can read about my love for this scent here: {friday 5} We cut some Mezger Zinnia’s ♥. Remember when I told you I wanted to display all our seashells + beach treasures? It’s really had to see here, but that glass jar…it’s currently holding all the sand dollars + driftwood + crab legs + whatnot’s that we’ve collected this summer. I found it at good ol Target and it’s perfect. 1 gallon glass jar. I also picked up the marble “dipping” bowl which houses the matches. And I can’t forget the Magnolia Table cookbook. You guys, get your hands on a copy! We’ve got a list of recipes to make! Oh and our coffee table it’s marked down 1/2 off: Marble Knox Coffee Table

Tank // Denim // Slides // Necklace

TWO – Black on black // When in doubt, where all black. It’s always, always a good idea. I think my heart it telling me fall is upon us. I keep pulling out all my black pieces. This madewell top is so good. Comes in white and a stone color too. You can wear a regular bra…the straps cover that shit up! These have been my go-to black jeans for the last year. Love the distressing. $12 Target slides + the necklace I can’t take off!

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Community · family · fashion · Food · foodie · kids · mom & me · Nordstrom · Outfit Details · sale · Summertime · Target · weekend · Wine · Wine Tasting

{weekend notes}

August 6, 2018August 10, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

Hello Monday! You kinda ruined my day, to be honest. Not you, Monday did! I somehow overslept by 2 1/2 hours. Which means I feel like I’m 2 1/2 hours behind in EVERYTHING today. But, damn I sure did get some good sleep! Hope your Monday is off to a better start than mine!

In other news, I got a notification that today, this very post, is my 700th blog post. CRAZY! Seven hundred. If you’ve been following since the beginning, you should know me pretty really well by now…HA!

Intentions for the week:

~~Set a pretty table~~ – (coming this week)
~~Share the newest addition to my room~~ – (what did you think?)
~~Organize (or throw away everything) both linen closets~~ – (thanks Bay)
Find a new houseplant – (looking for something unique is hard)
~~Gather goodies for Bay’s birthday surprise~~ – (I cannot wait to show her + you)
~~Have GG over for dinner~~ – (peek of my week)
~~Rock my new~~ ~~romper~~ – (think i need a size smaller, which is a good thing I guess)
~~NO-sugar for 10 days #FML~~ – (staying strong…till Tuesday)
Order Bay’s birthday cake from Timothy’s Bakery – (It’s the best one yet)
~~15k steps per day~~ – (straight up killed it + added BBG so I’m so sore)

Last weeks Intentions: {weekend notes}

Highlights from the weekend……

Friday, Bailey spent the entire day riding + washing + braiding horses.

Straight up braid #goals

It’s pretty impressive the work that goes into getting these horses ready for a horse show.

Went downtown to check out First Friday. If you haven’t had a chance to check out the new bella moda boutique, you need too. So many cute tops. And the priced are super reasonable.

Cory surprised me with Steve’s Pizza + extra ranch. It’s true love!

Rise + shine its horse show time!

I bribe Alex….bubbles for braids!

Spencer photo bombing Bay’s braid pic. Some day I need to learn to braid!

Woodland Stallion Station!

Bay + Ruby getting warmed up.

That smile says it all

Whispering sweet nothings ♥

So proud of my girl! She got her first horse show ribbon. And watching her do what she loves brings so much joy!

Cousins

Wish I would have gotten a photo of them all dressed up. Next time.

Amanda, the girls trainer. The girls adore her and their barn time with her each week.

Can’t wait to watch them do it all over again.

Off to the Roots to Wine Twilight Picnic

Tabor Ranch tasting room is looking really good

Let’s rock

We checked in, grabbed our glasses and opted to walk (instead of shuttle) to the venue. I’m really happy we did….the whole walk looked like this.

Rosé all day

All the local wineries hosted a tasting. First stop…Seka Hills! My favorite.

The picnic area was the place to be. The live band started right before the sunset.

Wine tasting in the barn

View from the top of Tabor Ranch.

Food trucks + pizza!

If only the skies weren’t full of smoke. This view is breathtaking either way.

My date ♥

Big thank you to Seka Hills for inviting us to the Root to Wine event. Such a fun night with all the local wineries we love so much!

My dress is on sale for $17!!! And it comes in 2 colors.

Women’s Off the Shoulder Smocked Top Maxi Dress

Pit stop at the casino….which ended up being the longest pit stop ever.

And I didn’t fall asleep at the black jack table this time…for the record!

Sunday morning vibes

Bay + I lounged all day long. It was so incredibly nice!

The cooking + serving crew at 4th & Hope! Teaching these kiddos to give back to the community.

I think it’s safe to say, we all had the feel good’s by the end of our shift.

We decorated the 4th & Hope table with Mezger Zinnia’s.

Sunday dinner dates.

Continue reading “{weekend notes}” →

fashion · jcrew addict · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Summertime

{the perfect white denim}

August 1, 2018August 17, 2018 xoxostacyb3 Comments

You guys, I FINALLY found “the” perfect white denim. I’ve been on the hunt for months. Since Spring. I even added it to my {summer to-do’s}

The struggle is real when it comes to white jeans.

Ordered + tried on + returned more pairs than imaginable. I was beginning to think my white denim criteria was impossible to meet?

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fashion · jcrew addict · Nordstrom · ootd · Outfit Details · Products · Summertime

{statement earrings}

July 25, 2018July 25, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

Today I’m excited to share some of my favorite summer statement earrings with you! Contrary to my minimal jewelry beliefs, I dig a good statement earring. Earrings are an easy and fun way to jazz up any outfit! Even a basic tee and shorts can be brought to life by adding a fun pair of earrings! I am very particular when it comes to earrings though. They must be lightweight, but they can’t feel super cheap either. The heaviness + pulling drives me bananas. And my rule of thumb, if I’m rocking a statement earrings all the jewels must be kept to a bare minimum. This is also a great way to incorporate the good ol’ {third piece rule}we chatted about last week.

But first let’s chat about what I’ve got on in this picture. The earrings, obvi. The rest is Madewell + both the jeans & tank are on sale! This doesn’t happen everyday, so let me give you all the details!

Tortoiseshell statement earrings // Currently 30% off at $27. I’ve been rocking these earrings on major repeat. If you’ve seen me in the last couple of weeks, you’ve met these beauties:) They are super lightweight + comfy. Two of my statement earring requirements!

Tortoiseshell statement earrings

Madewell Top // You guys, it’s on sale. $39! I gotta call and get a price adjustment 🙂 The color is so rich + gorgeous. LOVE the high neckline. With a front tuck, you’re good to go!

Gathered Sweater Tank

9-Inch Seamed High Waist Step Hem Skinny Jeans // If I told you I grabbed these $135 Madewell jeans for $34, would you believe me? Nordstom price-matches! You just have to call or pull up the on-line live chat. Madewell had them marked down, but didn’t have my size. Lucky for me, Nordy’s did. They gave me the Madewell price plus an additional 20% on top of that. So, about the jeans. Let me tell you all the reasons I’m obsessed: Cropped step hem for an edgy DIY look. They fit like a fucking glove, just how I like it! Madewell features super sleek “magic pockets” basically they are deep + sewn all the way around. Meaning you can’t pull them inside out. This creates that hold-you-in feeling. Ya know what I mean? If you’re in the market for a funky, not your everyday pair of denim – this is your ticket sister!

9-Inch Seamed High Waist Step Hem Skinny Jeans

And now, here are some of my favorite summer statement earrings 🙂

URBAN OUTFITTERS

Elizabeth Climber Earring // Half Moon Drop // Tortoise Statement Hoop // Resin Hex Hoop Earring

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family · fitness · friday · health · kids · mom & me · Movies · Nordstrom · sale · Summertime · Trader Joes · weekend

{friday 5}

July 20, 2018 xoxostacyb2 Comments

It’s finally Friday
I’m free again
I got my motor running for a wild weekend
It’s finally Friday
I’m out of control
Forget the workin’ blues
And let the good times roll

You’re gonna have that song stuck in your head all day too. You’re welcome 🙂 Hope you all had a groovy week! This week I hosted a rosé tasting + OC Housewives premier night. Can’t wait to share all the deets! Bay completed Algebra Academy today. We planned out the upcoming Omega Nu calendar. Website hopefully coming soon! I started BBG and frickin love it. Watched Mama Mia with my favorite ladies. It was a very productive week, I might add!

And today we’re off to Ukiah today for another fun weekend.

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

ONE – Mama Mia // Here we go again! My DM’s blew up asking how the movie was last night. So, So good! So good, that Bay couldn’t sit in her seat. She’s very into musicals at the moment! But, this one especially. Bay + my Mom have been watching the first Mama Mia on repeat and pretty much know every.single.song. My Mom was a little disappointing that Meryl Streep wasn’t a main character. Not to spoil it, but she was literally in the last 5 minutes of the movie and that’s it. Other than that, no complaints! And the big screen at the State Theater is wow! It was my first time watching a movie on the big screen. It was so comfy I was worried I’d fall asleep…HA! It has happened before!

TWO – Anniversary Sale // Anyone else beyond sick of hearing about the #nsale? This is normally right up my alley, but I’m legit so over hearing about it. Today it opens to the public so be prepared for Nordstrom overload. Not to mention, I’ve been waiting very patiently for my #nsale items to arrive. Still NOTHING! I placed my order Thursday, July 12th…the day the pre-sale stared. As of today, my items show they will arrive by July 24th! Ridiculous. I read that since the PRIME sale + Nordy’s both took place at the same time, UPS is on major overload. Like Christmas in July status. So, if you too haven’t received your order yet, I’m right there with ya!

THREE – BBG // Bikini Body Guide by Kayla Itsines! Have you heard of it? So many instagramers are always chatting about how ah-mazing it is. So I saw a “sponsored” ad

Continue reading “{friday 5}” →