{hot air balloon}

Posted in Adventure, California, kids, mom & me, Summertime by bailey1mom

This year we talked about celebrating birthday’s a little differently. Bay has had her fair share of BIG ass parties. If only I could tell you the BIG ass money I’ve dropped on those BIG ass parties, you’d have a heart attack.

How about experiences? Instead of the BIG ass parties. Instead of the BIG ass gifts. How about experience something? Go on an adventure. Something she’ll remember forever. Don’t get me wrong, Bay is 11 years old. Clearly homegirl likes a gift and toys. Without having a clue as to what the experience would be, Bay was game for it. Let’s try something new! She’s always up for an adventure!

The weekend before Bay’s 11th birthday I surprised her.

We got up early. I’m talking on the road by 5am. Bay is not a morning person. AT ALL! For some weird reason, she popped out of bed. Without a fight. To be honest, I don’t think Bay has ever been up at 5am before. It was almost like she knew what I had up my sleeve. She didn’t.

We drove to Winters.

She told me on the way that she knew what we were doing. Riding horses!

Nope!

Then she was clueless.

As soon as we pulled up, right there in front of us was the hot air balloon basket.

Bay freaked! She didn’t believe it.

“We’re going on a hot air balloon?”

We met our pilot and group at Turkovich tasting room downtown Winters. Once eveyone was gathered and release forms were signed, we set off to the launching spot.

I have to give a huge shout out to Yolo Ballooning Adventures! They sure know how to make you comfortable and excited! From ages 11 – 35!

We watched the sunrise. Bay’s never seen the sunrise before.

Anddd, we can cross that off the Summer To-Do’s 🙂

Our basket was an 8 passenger. You can see the squared off areas. Each pair had their own little cubbie. Then the pilot stood in the center of the basket.

I was so worried some weirdo would touch me or something. Ha! Totally not the case.

Bay helping spread out our balloon.

Bay inside the balloon. Swear!

So, so cool!

She’s saying “coolest thing ever” here 🙂

Balloon Boom!

We had the company of 12 other balloons. Which they say is rare.

Beautiful sight to see!

Watch this video. It’s my favorite!

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6Sep2017

{spinach pesto tacos}

Posted in Cooking, Food, foodie, Kid Food, Recipe, Summertime by bailey1mom

You know we’re BIG on tacos!! Taco Tuesday has pretty much become a tradition at our house. Anyone else?

Not to mention, I’ve never met a taco I didn’t like.

But, these tacos are not just any ol taco. We’re kicking it up a notch.

Well, kinda.

When’s the last time you bought the package of crunchy taco shells from the grocery store? It’s been years over here. And it wasn’t until my 30’s that I realized you’re actually supposed to baked these taco shells before filling and eating them. I’m glad I finally took the time to read the package, because baking will take your taco game to the next level!

Here’s where the kicking it up a notch comes in. Once you’re ground meat of choice is all browned up, you’re gonna add pesto + spinach + salsa.

Sounds strange. I know. I get it. Just trust me on this one. I’m not going to screw up you’re Taco Tuesday, promise.

The combo is legit. And this whole baking + cheese help a little too.

And I even have a funny taco joke for you. If you don’t laugh, we’re not friends anymore.

Why can’t you trust tacos?

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5Sep2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, friday, friends, kids, Summertime, weekend by bailey1mom

I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing Labor Day weekend. I did not…Ha! But, guess what? We are all moved and settled. Just a few more cabinets to line. Garage to organize. Things to hang on the walls. It was a very productive weekend. With a little bit of fun mixed in. You gotta work hard, and play hard too…right?!?!

Here’s some highlights from the weekend. And some not so highlights too.

The Move //

Thursday was moving day. Just the start of the shit show.

I thought I was pretty organized and didn’t have tons of shit….until it was time to move. Holy cow guys, I have a lot of shit!

Dump trip in my near future.

Not to mention, it was like the hottest weekend ever…especially to move.

These guys made the move doable. The best money spent.

If you’re planning a move anytime soon, I highly recommend you contact Chris Moves and get these guys to do your dirty work. I booked them based on their price and check out the Yelp reviews. They are good!!

They even stopped for a photo 🙂

This one here, she also made the move doable.

Shelf lining

Carpet cleaning

She even packed the important stuff! God, I love her!!

The first night in the house. I busted out my new wine glasses. Played Pandora and cleaned/organized till 2:30am. FML!

But the wine glasses are sooo cute…don’t you think?

Oh, and when you can’t find the corkscrew….you dump out all the kitchen utensils on the floor and search frantically till you find one.

First dinner in the new place. Steak + Shrimp. Check out those monster shrimp that came for Nugget. So bomb.

Berkeley, CA //

We escaped to Berkeley for the day/night. Only to realize that Berkeley was not the place to go when it’s hot as hell. No AC anywhere.

Except a couple of random bars that we stumbled on. So clearly we kept their bar stools warm for a bit. Like this spot, Pacific Standard Tap Room.

Angeline’s Louisiana Kitchen located right in the heart of downtown Berkeley came highly recommended by some locals we met and chatted with. And let me tell you, it was amazing. The hush puppies were served with creamy honey butter. The buttermilk fried chicken, oh man…it was to die for. I would without a doubt go back to Angeline’s the next time I’m in the area.

I only wish I would have saved room for the biegnets.

ZUT! On Fourth was the prime location for morning people watching + mimosas + avocado toast.

They make their mimosas just how I like them…easy on the oj, heavy on the bubbles.

Do you spy my new sunnies? I’m obsessed. I’ve been on the hunt for a matte black pair of shades for months. I finally found them. I’ll share details this week.

Look at that avocado toast!

Not to mention the inside is gorgeous too!

I walked into a Sur La Table store for the first time. Oh. My. God. I walked right back out. I could have spent the entire day browsing all their culinary goodies. The shelves were piled high with white serving platters. I had died and gone to heaven.

Who wants to plan a day trip to Sur La Table with me?

Scarlet //

And the real highlight of the weekend was meeting this angel ♥

My eldest bestie’s (Zeb’s) babe.

Her shades are hands down way better than mine!

Oh and Bill The Thrill!

In the crooked bar in Jack London Square.

Right before we got kicked out for having a baby in a bar…HA!

One of my favorite people on the planet. This chick right here has more dirt on me that anyone. We’ve been homies since 2nd grade when we moved 3 houses down from each other. We were inseparable. So many crazy memories. When she said she’d be in the area, I couldn’t wait to meet up with her and meet her sweet new baby.

Scarlet is even cuter in person. I can’t get over what a sweet girl she it. And seeing Sarah as a mama was pretty damn cool too. Their bond is so special to watch.

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1Sep2017

{friday 5}

Posted in fashion, friday, jcrew addict, ootd, sale, Summertime, weekend by bailey1mom

Salut September! I’m welcoming you with open arms. New month. New beginning. New mindset. New focus. New start. New intentions. New results.

And, as usual I’ve got 5 things on my mind…….

ONE – Ruffled Off the Shoulder // Yet another OTS added to the closet. Clearly this trend isn’t going away anytime soon. I saw this online and passed it so many times. Then said F it and pulled the trigger. Mainly because it was super marked down…Ha! So happy I did….It’s so much better in person. Let me warn you the description “lightweight” is so false. I wore this to the Derby in August and it was hot as balls. Not only does the ruffle stay put, but the off the shoulder stay where they belong too. Which is a big deal if you’re an OTS wearing gal.

(Terrible photo. My new iPhone comes today🙌🏻)

Ohhh, and it comes is a super cute dried thyme color too. I’m feeling green tones for the fall. How about you?

Lightweight Off-The-Shoulder Sweater

Use code: YESPLEASE for 30% off now through September 4th

G5697_BK0001

TWO – Wow in the World // A kids podcast brought to you by NPR. We’ve been tuning in on our morning car ride. Bay totally digs it. And it’s not some lame & annoying weirdo talking like most kids shows. It’s interesting. Relatable and cu topics and I actually enjoy it too. Check it out and let me know what you think?!?

NPR is thrilled to announce the launch of Wow in the World, a new podcast for kids ages 5-12 that illuminates the wonders of science, technology, discovery and inventions.

This is the first time in NPR’s 47-year history that it will release a children’s program.

Starting May 15, NPR’s Guy Raz and SiriusXM’s Mindy Thomas will take kids and their grown-ups on a journey into the most incredible science and kid-friendly news stories of the week.

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31Aug2017

{bringing back the scrunchie}

Posted in fashion, jcrew addict, kid style, kids, ootd, Summertime by bailey1mom

Bay is bringing the scrunchie back!

The highly contested 90’s hair accessory is again seeing the light of day.

Let’s be real, when Bella Hadid + Selena Gomez start posting instagram pics with their hair tied up in the throwback trend, you know it’s back!

Scrunchie

A 90’s hairpiece. Formally worn by EVERYONE, and is now and embarrassment to society.

The girl wore a scrunchie to school, then got chased out by everyone, due to lake of stylish hairpiece.

Thank you so much Urban Dictionary for breaking it down, once again! Ha!

I couldn’t have said it better. I’m pretty sure I burned all my scrunchies. Man, if only I would have kept them. I’d have enough to keep Bay in supply for months!!

Take a look as some of these Pinterest images below!!!

Free People has so many cute options too. Free People Scrunchies!

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37fad343327a33deceade04cb364a322--scrunchies-pink-silk

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29Aug2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, friday, friends, horseback riding, kids, Lake Tahoe, mom & me, Summertime, travel, weekend by bailey1mom

Take me back to Tahoe please!

We had our final-final summer adventure last weekend. Most peeps are celebrating their last summer hurrah this Labor Day weekend. Unfortunately, we will be spending our 3-day weekend moving. So. Much. To. Do! Currently wishing I was still sitting on Pope Beach with a bud light lime in hand enjoying the 80 degree weather. This 110 shit is for the birds.

Here’s a little recap of the highlights from our weekend……

We hit the road Friday with Ruby (Bay’s BFF) in tow. I love these girls and their friendship ♥

Pit stop at Strawberry Lodge for sodas. First time ever (in my adult life) I haven’t sat at the bar, played Janis Joplin on the jukebox and enjoyed a coldie.

They did a boomerang cheers. Like mother, like daughter. Pretty sure that was Sara + I a couple of weekends ago….Ha!

The Cabin. With mom waiting for us.

First thing first…Lake Tahoe Pizza Co. for pizza. Pizza is kinda our Friday night thing, if you haven’t caught on yet.

We did half cheese (borefest) + half Mean Greek. You guys, it was BOMB. Sundried tomatoes + sautéed spinach + feta cheese + red onions + peperoncino + chicken. Sounds good, huh?

Saturday morning breakfast on the deck. Fueling for our adventure.

I had a bloody mary to calm my nerves 🙂

Along side avocado toast Carol Willis style. I love avocado toast, but do you want to know how to make your avo toast even better? Add crispy prosciutto. Yes! Carol had made this for my mom a couple of days before. When she told me about it, I requested she show me Carol’s ways. OMG! It was killer. She crisped up a couple thin slices of prosciutto on the stove then layered it up over a toasted pieces od Dave’s Killer Bread. Try it. And thank Carol after!

Horseback riding!! WTF did I get myself into? I am afraid of horses. Horses don’t like me. Pretty sure they can sense how uncomfortable I am. At least, that’s what I’ve been told. I am 35 year young, and have yet to get on a horses. I’ve had plenty of options, but have declined every single time.

The reason we are here….Bay + Ruby are completely horse crazy.

They’ve been riding since they were 5 years old. Look how little they are in the images below.

Then a couple of summers ago, Paige + Willy introduced Bay to Junior Rodeo. She learned barrels + poles + roping. Probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever seem my girl do.

She would ride out to a goat. Jump off her horse. With a hope in hand. And tie up a live goat and lay it on its side.

Bay was 9 years old at the time.

I don’t think I could even do that now.

Ok, so now that you have the history you know why it was time for me to finally get on a horse. Bailey has asked me to a million times.

I said yes.

We went for a guided trail ride in Tahoe at Camp Richardson Corral. I can’t say tell you how great the guides + staff treated us. They knew I was freaked the fuck out. They got me on a horse and reassured me I would love every second of it.

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25Aug2017

{friday 5}

Posted in book recommendations, California, fashion, friday, kid style, kids, Lake Tahoe, mom & me, ootd, sale, Summertime, travel by bailey1mom

Can I get an Amen for Friday!!! I don’t know about you, but I AM SPENT! This first week of school, Bay’s 11th birthday + the eclipes (Ha) + packing has killed me a little Just a little, but today is Friday! We’re hitting the road for a final-final summer adventure. And then it’s a wrap folks.

But first I’ve got 5 things on my mind…..

ONE – Back to school // This coloring page is everything. Bay literally finished it in 2.5 minutes. For the first time, since she started elementary school, she told me she was too old to do her back to school coloring page. FML! She did it anyway. She must have seen the look on my face. I almost cried. Anyway, I have saved these year after year.

She said the worst thing in her lunch was a pickle. I find that funny, considering she LOVES pickles…lol! What a brat.

Click below and have your kiddo fill on of these out! It’s a keeper

Free Printable Coloring Page

TWO – I Fought The Law // Total pre-ordered this book. It caught my eye and I’m so intrigued. Beautiful photographs of the strangest laws from each of the 50 states.

Strange, outdated laws from each of the 50 U.S. states—some overturned, some still on the books, and some merely the stuff of legends—are depicted with sly wit by Olivia Locher. Incisive, ironic, and gorgeous, these images will appeal to art buffs and trivia fans alike. A foreword from American poet Kenneth Goldsmith and an interview with the artist by Eric Shiner, former director of the Andy Warhol Museum, contextualize rising-star Locher’s photography. From serving wine in teacups in Kansas to licking a toad in Kentucky or perming a child’s hair in Nebraska, breaking the law has never looked so good.

For instance: In California, it is illegal to ride a bike in a swimming pool.