{weekend notes}

Posted in California, Cooking, family, fashion, fitness, Food, foodie, friends, health, hiking, home, Kaia, Kitchen, Products, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

Happy Monday!

Intentions for the week:

~~Stick to sugar-free diet~~ (did great till the ice cream museum…lol)
~~Set a pretty “everyday” table~~
~~Search for cute summer clothes for Bay #hawaii~~ jealous of her new wardrobe
~~Figure out a way to get out of Jury Duty!!~~ No Jury Duty for this girl…WhoopWhoop!
~~Just say NO to chardonnay~~ Haven’t had a glass since 1/6 #recordbreaking
~~Flowers/eucalyptus for the house~~ TJ’s has gorgeous hydrangeas
~~Work on thank you notes~~ First round went out and finishing the rest today
~~Log food in My Fitness Pal daily~~ I even lost some lbs 🙂
~~Purchase a steamer with gift cards. No more ironing. EVER!~~
Go see The Post (Hopefully this weekend)
~~Share slower cooker butternut squash soup recipe…so good~~
~~Plan a fun day in SF ♥~~

Highlights from the weekend…..

Birthday dinner + sake bombs at Jinju with these chicks. Thanks for spoiling me rotten homegirls!!!

Family Dinner //

Two of my favorite things…..

Baby on my hip + patron in my hand!!! Happy girl right here!! Even did a little dance to prove it 🙂

I requested a taco salad bar and I’d say my Mom straight up killed it!

Well done Mom, well done!

Impromptu mani’s with my Mom.

Totally diggin this almost nonexistent color. And I didn’t even look to see what it was called. Dammit!

Presents //

Chard + shoes. What more could a girl ask for?

Happy AF!

Vinyl //

This Crosley record player was one of my favorite Christmas gifts. It’s a gift that keeps giving.

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15Dec2017

{friday 5}

Posted in fashion, friday, Holidays, home, kid style, kids, mom & me, ootd, Products, sale, Target, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

Happy Friday, Friends! It was a long busy week, but it felt so good to tackle the ol’ to-do list. On a scale from starting to have an fing panic attack to gurrrllll, I got this…..where are you with your Christmas shopping? Or is that just a loaded question 10 days away from Christmas? Hope you get that shit done so you can enjoy the remainder of the Holiday season.

It’s Friday and I’ve got 5 things on my mind…….

ONE – Wine // My most beloved chardonnay vessel of all time. The glass you can find in my hand 90% of the time you’re in my home. The other 10% is before 10am when I’m still holding my cherished coffee mug. Both cups I love equally. One just spends a little more time in-hand than the other. Both from one of my favorite places to purchase beverage holders. Anthropologie! And guess what? Anthropologie is having a sale. It’s unheard of for Anthro to have 25% off ANYTHING + free shipping. You’re welcome 🙂 You too can have this wine cup-glass-thingy in your hand 90% of the day. $18 for a set of 4 glasses!

Unfortunately I will not be partaking in my normal weekend pastime, aka chardonnay drinking. This cold finally got the best of me and I’m currently being medicated for a sinus infection. Pray for me, K!

Wine Glass – set of 4 ($18) // Homegrown Mug ($6) //

Petal Palette Mug ($7.50 ) // White Monogram Mug ($6)

TWO – Cow Print // I stumbled on this cow print last week. I’m totally in love with it and currently trying to figure out a spot I can place it in my home. You can also get it in color too. Honestly, I think I prefer the black + white image better. What do you think?

Oh yeah, and it’s a free printable. Even better!!

Clink on the link below and print!

MINIMAL COW WALL ART

THREE – Twinning // When you find matching tops at Target, you make your kiddo wear it the same day. And you document that shit. Thank god she’s still totally into matching me! It’s hard to see in the photos, but we were bumping arm ruffles in the picture. Love that girl ♥

Both tops combined…under $20!

We both said, spontaneously – my shirt is so cozy. And cute!

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14Dec2017

{ojai // travelogue part #2 }

Posted in Adventure, backpacking, California, friends, health, hiking, travel, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

It always takes me so much time to write these posts. So hard to recap such an amazing time. I don’t want to miss anything. But, it’s impossible. Unless you were there, you really just can’t understand. Unless your body was aching. Unless you were in desperate need of a shower. Unless your socks were full of dirt. Unless your belly hurt from laughing so fucking hard the night before. Unless your bond with 3 of your best gals grew a mile. Unless you just backpacked the Sespe Wilderness overnight, there is NO way possible I can explain how bad ass, strong, empowered, brave and relieved we all felt in this photo above. We were DONE! We survived.

We had our eye on the prize. We were headed for a night stay at the Ojai Valley Inn.

Our reward to ourselves.

Probably the most brilliant idea we’d actually ever come up with. I mean, the hike was for sure coolest part #2. Ojai Valley Inn…coolest part #1.

That’s why I saved the best for last. And I can 100% guarantee that we would all have to agree.

This place is like the best kept secret. A little gem in the heart of Ojai. A place I’d read about. Shit let’s be real, the Beverly Hills Housewives had 2 episodes taped here. Remember that? That’s how I really heard of it. Oh and remember Brothers & Sisters? That show took place in Ojai too.

Here are a few photos I stole off their website to give you a better idea of what I’m talking about……

(images via)

Ojai Valley Inn is by far the most gorgeous resort I’ve ever visited.

The luxurious amenities.

Best in class customer service. You guys, customer service is everything to me and I have never seen anything like it here. Friendly. Uber accommodating.

You really need to stay here. Trust me. I can guarantee you that you will have the most wonderful time.

The drive inn

You would have thought we were moving in. Nahhh, just a 24 hour stay 🙂

Our bell boy wan’t even slightly phased. He loaded up every bag and we leisurely followed him to our room.

The view from our patio wasn’t too bad either.

and a bed. After sleeping on the ground, this looked damn good!

The Pool(s) //

Is this heaven?

Yes, it is!

There is a pool to suit whatever your needs. Lap pools. Adult pools. Pool with bars. Family pools. Need I say more?

You could find me right here.

We just so happened to arrive at the pool for Happy Hour. My most favorite hour of the day. But, you already knew that!

Thank you!!!

Nicole + her Lavender Lemonade ♥

It didn’t just look pretty either.

The Spa //

Nicole + I slipped away to the Spa.

We both gave them an A+

A 50 minute relaxation massage after a backpacking trip. Yessss please.

When the masseuse asked me which “spots” to focus on…..

Back

Head

Feet

And she straight up killed it. Nicole would agree!!

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13Dec2017

{chardonnay}

Posted in fashion, jcrew addict, ootd, sale, Wine by xoxostacyb

When your homegirl tells you J.Crew has the perfect T-shirt. Not just any old T-shirt. A T-shirt that represent you.

A fucking chardonnay T-shirt you guys!

You buy that T-shirt. And you wear that T-shirt with pride. Well done J.Crew, well done.

CHEERS!!!

The only thing missing is a big glass of chard in my hand. But this was taken at 7:30 am and that may have looked kinda funny?

T-shirt // Blazer // Denim // Wedges

Chardonnay

Cortese

Sauvignon Blanc

Pinot Grigio

Chablis

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1Dec2017

{friday 5}

Posted in Crafting, Decor, diy, fashion, friday, gold, Holiday Whore, Holidays, kids, ootd, Target, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

December 1st! The final chapter of 2017. 31 days left to make it a great one. Who else is planning to finish it off with a bang? It’s been one of those weeks, and I’m so, so ready for the weekend. Lots of fun things planned. One of those weekends where you’re looking forward to everything on your calendar. Don’t you love it when that happens? Have a good one peeps!

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

ONE – Elf on the Damn Shelf // Today, December 1st, our Elf on the Damn Shelf, Holly arrived. It’s bittersweet. On one hand, I LOVE the tradition. The anticipation of where Holly may be hiding each morning. Or what kind of mischief she’s gotten into in the middle of the night, while we’re all fast asleep. On the other hand, it’s a royal pain in the ass to move the elf on the damn shelf every. single. night. for 25 days. Being that I am a seasoned elf on the shelfer, I’m going to share a week of Elf ideas each Saturday morning. For the next 3 weeks to get you though the agony. Including supplies needed. Promise, promise, promise…they will all be easy and with minimal items.

Come back tomorrow morning for {elf on the damn shelf // week 1}

TWO – Christmas Place Setting // This may not look like much more than a place setting to you. To my Mom and I, this is the place setting from hell. Ha. Not really. It was a pain in the ass to make happen. In case you haven’t heard me say it before, I’ll say it again, My Mom is THE SHIT. I called her Wednesday and chatted with her on the phone for about an hour. I told her everything I could think of. From ideas to current events to real life shit. She’s a fantastic listener. Then when we were ready to hang up, I remembered 5 more things I need to discuss with her. One of them being this table…lol.

I’ve been wracking my brain to come up with something I LOVE. Also something that’s different from what I’ve done before. Without spending a shit ton of money. After 3 trips to the Dollar Tree, made by the one and the only….My Mom, I finally have a place setting I love. She originally went for the gold chargers. Then sent me a pic of the gold-rimmed plates. My love for gold will never die. Then went back to get the matching salad plates. Then yesterday, went back AGAIN for 2 more place setting. I can’t even make this shit up.

THANK YOU MOM!!! I’m going to buy you something really great for Christmas ♥

Table Runner: World Market

Gold Charger: Dollar Tree

Gold Rimmed Dinner + Salad Plate: Dollar Tree

Plaid Linen Napkins: Target (Hearth & Hand)

Gold Flatware: World Market

Plaid Ribbon: Target (Hearth & Hand)

Garland Clipping: Trader Joe’s

I’ll share my full Christmas table soon! Just a couple more finishing touches.

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30Oct2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, California, fall, family, Food, foodie, friday, Halloween, hiking, Holiday Whore, Holidays, kids, travel, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

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.

About .3 miles into the hike, the first waterfall was spotted.

They were right. This place is lived up to all the hype.

Waterfall after waterfall.

Can you tell that I kinda dig waterfalls a little?

Press Play!!

I’ve got about 1,000 photos of this place on my camera roll. It was so hard to pick just these few I posted. I could go on and on.

Walking along the Squaw Creek. Crossing a couple of times. Then you come to this…..

You stand and turn 360 degrees, and this is all you see. Completely surrounded. Surreal! Crazy beautiful.

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19Oct2017

{booed + boozed}

Posted in Community, Crafting, fall, friends, Halloween, Holiday Whore, Holidays, kids, Pumpkin, Target, Wine by xoxostacyb

It’s that time where again. You know, when you open your front door to discover you’ve been “Booed” or even better yet, “Boozed!” Then you think, shit! Now I have to keep it going. Ha! If you’re my friend, then you know #thestruggleisreal

It’s not that bad. It’s one time a year. You’re not going to die!! Come on, it’s for the kids!!

I kept it pretty frickin simple. Nothing fancy. Everything I used can be picked up in one Target or Walmart trip. And I know you have a Target trip planned in the next day or two. You got this!

Here’s what we “Booed” + “Boozed” this year…..

BOOED //

Cookie Decorating Kit – Walmart $7.99

Spooky Excavation Kit – Target $1 (dollar spot)

Pumpkin Tote – Target $3 (dollar spot)

YOU’VE BEEN BOO’ED

BOOZED //

And something a little fun for the adults. Booze!

Bogle Chard #duh

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3Oct2017

{weekend notes}

Posted in Adventure, fall, Food, foodie, friday, friends, weekend, Wine, Wine Tasting by xoxostacyb

Weekend Notes //

Intentions for the week:

~~Make a big ass salad for lunches~~ – made a bomb.com quinoa salad
~~Find the perfect 2018 planner~~ – I finally decided. Stay tuned, I’ll share this week
~~Purchase a new makeup bag + makeup~~ – ordered!
~~Make something using pumpkin (it’s Fall y’all)~~ – I made not 1, but 2!!!
~~Bust out all the fall decor tubs~~
~~RHONJ premier~~ – It’s going to be a good season
~~Decorate a cute pumpkin for 4-H~~ – {marble pumpkin diy} is ready for tonight
~~Stay sugar-free (ish)~~
Workout 5 days a week – 4 days was all I could squeeze in
~~Work on November budget~~ – done
~~Sign-up for running group~~ – Signed up and ready for this weekend
STAY AWAY FROM TARGET – FAILED big time.
Watch Tom Petty Runnin’ Down A Dream on Netflix – Hopefully this week

And for the weekend highlights…..

Damage //

Sometimes you have to treat your damn self to some cute shit!! I partly blame this purchase on Salinas Julie!!! I had to!

Heaven //

After a full week of eating clean, I caved and had pizza. But not just any pizza. This is Masullo pizza.

1/2 Margarita + 1/2 Pepperoni (so basic)

Gilda (not so basic)

Mozzarella, Fontina, Olives, Red Onion, Garlic/Parsley/Anchovy Persillade

With a side of oven roasted mussels + chard. Pure heaven!

If you are a pizza lover, like myself. Do yourself a favor and try out Masullo! The Hildebrand chicks told me all about this place!! And it didn’t disappoint.

The City //

A day in the City with your girlfriends is good for the soul!!!

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4Aug2017

{friday 5}

Posted in fitness, Food, foodie, friday, friends, health, home, Products, Recipe, Summertime, weekend, Wine by xoxostacyb

Hello and happy Friday friends!! Who’s ready for the weekend. Meeeee!

Before we pop the wine bottles and crack open an ice-cold one…let’s chat about 5 things on my mind.

ONE – Challenge // Who’s down to start a new challenge Monday? Not a wine drinking challenge. A little fitness challenge 🙂 Push-ups + Squats + Sit-ups. Not too bad, right? You have all day to get it done. Split it up. Do half in the morning and the other half at night. Or if your like me, I like to get it all done before I hop in the shower each morning. It’s quick and doable.

(click on the image, print it and stick it somewhere where you will see it as your daily reminder)

I found this one on My Healthy Happy Home

TWO – Crack Broccoli // I have found my go-to broccoli recipe. The only way I plan to prepare this veggie for the rest of my life. Bailey LOVES trees. Her favorite green vegetable. So, we have it quite often. Steamed. Sautéed. Then I became infatuated with roasting all the veggies I could get my hands on. If you follow me on insta stories, you are aware of this. It’s a weekly thing. Two heads of broccoli should serve 4 people, no problem, right? Well, Bay and I kill this whole batch between the two of us. It’s so addictive!!!

Here’s what you’ll need:

2 heads of broccoli, cut into steaks
1/4 cup olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
pinch of dry red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 teaspoons fresh squeezed lemon juice
3 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese

Here’s what you do:

Preheat oven to 475 degrees

Line a cookie sheet with foil

Cut broccoli into steaks: YouTube

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil + garlic + red pepper flakes + salt. Add broccoli steaks (and all the little pieces too) and toss to evenly coat.

Arrange broccoli cut side down on cookie sheet.

Roast for 12 minutes. Flip broccoli and add sliced almonds.

Roast for an additional 10 minutes. Remove from oven once almonds are toasted and golden.

Gently toss with lemon juice then top with parmesan cheese.

Taste test. Brace yourself. This shit is highly addictive. Hence the name 🙂

THREE – Thursday Night // Can we do chard + cheese every Thursday night? Such a great time catching up with these chicks. There’s just something really fucking great about sitting around a table (full of wine + cheese, of course) laughing and talking with girlfriends. It makes my heart so happy.

{photo cred: erica via nikki’s insta}

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28Jul2017

{friday 5}

Posted in Cooking, family, Food, foodie, friday, friends, Products, Recipe, Summertime, Wine by xoxostacyb

What. A. Week. Not going to bore you too much with the nitty-gritty, but this week was a frickin whirlwind. Today is FRIDAY and that makes me happy AF! And this weekend is going to be pretty good. Me + Mom + Kissey + George + Vegas….enough said!

So, let’s chat about 5 things on my mind…..

ONE – iPhone maps // Anyone else thinks it’s borderline creepy that you’re iPhone knows exactly where you’re headed? I got this leaving the gym the other morning. Every morning I get in my car, it tells me what time I’ll arrive at my office in Dixon.

I found out that deep inside your location services (under privacy) there is a feature called Frequent Locations. When turned on, your phone will keep tack of places you visit on a regular basis. After about a week it will begin automatically sending you travel time to destinations you frequent at that given time. Weird. Some peeps have asked how it works, or how to turn it on. So there ya go.

My question….do you love it? Or do you hate it? I’m not a fan.

TWO – Harry’s // Ladies + gentleman…do yourself a favor and throw away your razors. Go to Target and grab a Harry’s. I know they are designed for me, but trust me on this one…..You’ll get the best leg shave ever. Smooth as a babies butt! Harry’s get’s my full endorsement.

$10 for a the grip + 2 razors + travel cover.

• 1 Rubberized grip handle for control
• 2 Razor Blade Cartridges featuring 5 German razor blades, flex hinge, lubricating strip, and a precision trimmer
• 1 Travel Razor Blade Cover to protect your razor blades when you’re on-the-go

Harry’s Men’s Razor with 2 Razor Blades has everything you need for an exceptional shave.

Harry’s razor blade cartridges are engineered at its world-class German factory that has been producing some of the world’s finest blades for almost 100 years. Each cartridge features 5 razor blades with precision-honed edges that are both sharp and durable, a flex hinge that contours to your face, a lubricating strip for a smooth finish, and a precision trimmer for those hard-to-reach places.

The razor handle is designed with a rubberized matte exterior, texturized grip pattern, and weighted core for maximum grip and control. It may be the best-looking thing in your bathroom (other than you).

The branding is on point too, which I know all women like 🙂

Harry’s Men’s Razor with 2 Razor Blades – Forest Green

THREE – Salsa Chicken // I posted these images on my Instagram stories last night. Dinner delivery + meeting baby Cora ♥ 3 week old Baby Cora was for sure a highlight of the week. Bay’s already requesting to babysit 🙂 She’s the littlest, cutest baby. Reminds me of Bay when she was 3 weeks old…about 11 years ago…OMG!

We also took dinner to Cora’s diaper changing, midnight feeding, parents. I got lots of messages asking for the chicken recipe. It’s probably the most simple recipe ever. And I’ve made it more times than I can count. Make a great salad topper, taco filler, quesadilla stuffing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

boneless skinless chicken breasts
chunky salsa (I use Pace)

Place chicken in a crockpot. Top with 1/2 jar or more of salsa.

Cook on high for 3-4 hours.

Shred with two forks in the crockpot.

That’s it!

Works great for a Sunday meal prep for lunches too.

Other highlights….cards with GG + Hand And Foot night. That bone pile is impressive, and caused a really great chain of group texts the following day. HAF = hungover AF? LOL! Always a good time. I hope my hangover is gone by the next card night.