{weekend notes}

It’s just another manic Monday

Wish it was Sunday

Cause that’s my funday

Back to the grind! I like to start Monday’s thinking of 3 things I’m looking forward to during the week. Little or small.

This week includes:

  1. NO evening plans all.week.long. Not even sure how that happened.
  2. George Strait’s new album release on Friday
  3. Watching Bravo’s Summer House tonight….just keepin it real!

What are you looking forward to this week?

Intentions for the Week:

  • share our Spring To-Do’s and Easter outfits
  • find all the zero weight watcher point meals + snacks
  • get all my new plants in the ground
  • work on some new recipes
  • organize the junk drawer
  • put together a simple Trader Joe’s flower arrangement
  • reservations at Barrel House Tavern
  • make 1 point weight watchers cookies #sweettooth
  • gather ingredients for a char-kid-erie
  • pack for the beach

This week on the blog: Easter table setting. Spring To-Do’s. Easter #ootd’s.

Highlights from the weekend……

You’re never going to guess what Cory + I did Friday evening…

Symposium in Davis is legit. Cory took me for the first time a few years ago and I fell in love with this little hidden gem. Amazing Greek food. And that pizza right there was divine! Bill Clinton and Arnold Schwarzenegger have dined at this place…..just a tid bit I thought you should know…lol.


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{new trader joe’s finds}

You could call me a “Trader Joe’s Junky!” Maybe a Target + J.Crew + Nordy’s junky too. Ha. Trader Joe’s shopping is one of my favorite pastimes. I guess I could refer to it as my hobby?

I’ve got a whole tab chuck full of Trader Joe’s blog post: xoxostacyb – Trader Joe’s

Taking long walks down each and every isle. Ahh, it’s one of my favorite things to do. Right when those automatic double doors open up, I beeline it for the floral section. I scope out the eucalyptus first. Always. Then walk about the the whole stem section once. Or twice to check out all the pretty blooms.

Next thing, I hit the coffee pot for a mini sample of coffee. I’m come back once or twice for a re-fill.

Every time I make a TJ’s run my DM’s fill up with questions on the New products. And what I got. So, I’m going to tell you ALL THE THINGS Trader Joe’s new arrivals. Everything I’ve picked up in 2019 that I loved. And a few that I legit hated too.

Things I’m Totally LOVING:

ABC Bars – 160 calories pocket sized delight. Soft chewy chocolaty dough with a creamy almond butter filling. They are gluten free + vegan! I’ve been really lazy with breakfast the last week. These have been my grab and go eat in the car on the way to work breakfast. They go incredibly well with coffee too.

Organic Buffalo Style Hummus – OMG!! So good! I dipped TJ’s plantain chips and fell in love with this hummus. I have buffalo chicken lettuce wraps on the menu. I’m planning to spread a layer of this hummus on the lettuce. Top with chicken. Sprinkle blue cheese. Doesn’t that sound so good? Stay tuned. I’ll tell you all about it.

Indian Fare Madras Lentils – I swore I didn’t love lentils for years. I was grabbing my mini coffee at TJ’s the other day and I wanted to droll of the Sample tray. It was this microwavable lentil packet with a piece of bread to dip. I rarely try the samples or buy them. There was NO way I could pass this one up. I haven’t made it at home yet, but plan to this weekend.

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{valentine’s day table setting}

Plates: Walmart | Basket: Target | Velvet Heart Garland: Target | Eucalyptus Garland: Target | Table Runner: World Market | Lace Trim Napkins (BOGO 50% off): Pier 1 | White Pitcher: Pottery Barn

Happy Tuesday peeps! Sorry for the multiple posts today. Yesterday’s {weekend notes} was all set and ready to publish and somehow about half of the post was gone. Deleted. Nowhere to be found. And I chose to drink wine instead of work on it more last night. Priorities…..You know how it goes.

So today you get a BOGO. Except you didn’t have to buy shit to get the second one free. lol.

I was flipping trough a Taste of Home magazine last week and stumbled on these adorable marble meringue hearts. I’m such a sucker for cheesy Holiday tchotchkes + treats. And since I had all 4 ingredients for the meringues and there was no school yesterday, I recruited Bay the Baker to whip some up. I have one on each place setting.

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{weekend notes}

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Happy Monday friends!  Hope you all enjoyed that sunshine over the weekend.  Yesterday was absolutely gorgeous.  Made me so ready for Spring.  January is like the longgessttt month ever…and we’re in the final week.  I’m looking forward to flipping my calendar to February and a fresh start on a new month.  One with less pressure.  Less shit to do…..Kinda.  Amway, hope your Monday is off to a good start.  I’m getting my hair done today, which always puts a smile on my face!

Intentions for the Week:

  • write thank you notes
  • pull out valentines day decor and get festive af
  • share stuffed bell pepper recipe
  • catch up on laundry
  • delete photos off my phone
  • hit my fitness + water goals
  • build the Omega Nu website…finally
  • have my mom + sis over for a facemask + wine night
  • make breakfast egg cups
  • give homemade celery juice a shot

 

This week on the blog: Stuffed Bell Pepper recipe.  Hopefully I can get my Yosemite post complete.  Black on Black on Black #ootd.

Highlights from the weekend……

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{DIY $12 eucalyptus wreath}

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Annnnndd it’s FRIDAY!

Can I get a hell yeah?!?!  Hell Yeah!

Did you catch what Bay baked in my Instagram stories this morning?  She was asked to bring dessert to the Truitt’s house tonight and she straight up killed it.  It’s a little more formal than the occasion, but I love her creativity.

I’ve gotten lots of messages asking me to share more details.  And don’t trip chocolate chip….you know I will!

 

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You guys, the SUN is trying so hard to come out today.  Which makes it kinda feel like beer drinking weather.  You know what I mean?  That spring weather that makes you wanna ditch work and get hammer-timed.

After all the rain lately, I think we’re all craving some vitamin D!

Anyway, switching things up today.  I just wasn’t feelin the normal {friday 5} thing.

Yes, it’s another DIY that involves eucalyptus.  You know my love for eucalyptus is REAL!  This aromatic greenery is typically referred to as a “filler” Which to me kinda means, the extra stuff.  Cheap.  Not the real thing.

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But, let’s keep it real….I would choose eucalyptus over any flower.  Wellll, maybe till Spring.  Then I may add tulips.  Only white ones though.  Ha.

You’ll find some kind of eucalyptus variety around my house year round.  And once it dries, it’s even better.

This simple DIY took me about 20 minutes.  Closer to 15ish…then an extra 5 to perfect it.

You really only need 3 things.  Unless you’re like me.  Then you’ll need all 4!

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Here’s what you’ll need:

  • grapevine wreath (I used an 18″) Joann’s // Michael’s // Amazon
  • fresh silver dollar eucalyptus ($2.99/ bunch at Trader Joe’s.  I used 3 bunches)
  • scissors
  • glass of wine

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{diy trader joes arrangement}

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Happy Tuesday friends!  If you’re anything like me, you’re scrambling around like a wild women.  So, let’s keep it short and sweet.

Remember how I keep saying I’m craving minimal + simple decor?  Not a lot of color.  Natural.  Greenery.  Clean.

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Marble Top Coffee Table //  Sunday Suppers Book // Candle Wick Trimmer //  Candle: Sweet Citrus // Mercury Glass dish

I was playing around with some ornamental cabbage I picked up from Trader Joe’s last week.  By the way, it’s only $4.99!!  And I was in TJ’s yesterday and they’ve got enough for everyone.  I kept sticking the long stalks in a vase and just wasn’t loving it.  So I chopped the stems and stuck them in a salad bowl.  Grabbed some seeded eucalyptus that I had in a vase.  Popped it all around the base.

And it was magic.  I fell in love with it.  This simple arrangement meets my checklist of needs: clean + minimal + natural + green.

Not to mention it cost me $8.  Trader Joe’s has hands down, the BEST flower section I’ve ever seen.  And right now it’s better than ever.

You could always add some flowers.  Hydrangea would be beautiful.  Or even babies breath.

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Marble Top Coffee Table //  Sunday Suppers Book // Candle Wick Trimmer //  Candle: Sweet Citrus // Mercury Glass dish

Here’s what you do:

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{thanksgiving table setting // DIY centerpiece}

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Hi friends!  If you follow me on instagram, then you know my heart is 100% Christmas.  Butttt, I am hosting my family for Thanksgiving.  What do you think they’ll say when they see I have a mixture of Christmas garland + wreaths + pumpkins?  Ha!  Most likely nothing.  Nothing at all.  They know how batshit crazy I am by now 🙂

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BIG thank you to everyone for voting on my instagram poll this morning.  This setting won.  Although, it was really close.

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I threw together this pumpkin centerpiece over the weekend.  The things I do for a table setting.  It will definitely be rotten by Thanksgiving.  But, I was dying to do a little DIY.  Whenever I’m creating with my hands, I’m the most happy.  Whether that means cooking.  Rearranging.  Planting.  Organizing.  It makes me really frickin happy.

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I found these Hearth & Hand Stoneware mini pedestals at Target and knew I’d find a way to incorporate them some how.  Tealights are in Spice jars – World Market.

Found them for cheap.  6 for $6.  Pop the top off and you’re good to go.  I love the shape.  The eucalyptus clipping was the finishing touch.

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I love adding a clipping to the back of these target chairs too!  The burlap ribbon, I leave it there year round.

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These plates have seen more food.  Ha!  They are my everyday dishes.  Super affordable, I’m talking $20 and come in a set of 12.  They make a great gift for the hostess with the most too!   Along with the gold flatware (it’s 20% off).  Although we don’t use it daily, I don’t hesitate to pull it out.  Dishwasher safe and they come out like new!

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I really wanted to keep this table simple.  Mainly because, I’m ready to set it for Christmas…lol.  I’ve got too many ideas.  It’s killing me to wait.

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Here’s a little video I took to give you a closer look!

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{friday 5 // things I’m diggin}

It’s Friday, so naturally I have to share 5 things.  But, I’m craving change.  I just wanna change everything.  So, let’s do 5 things I’m diggin today……

ONE – Target BOGO 50% off sweaters // You’re NEVER going to believe this.  I went to Target….HA!  I didn’t mean too.   And all the sweaters are buy one, get one 50% off.  Which is a crazy good deal.  Here are a few I’m diggin….

Twist Front Sweater // Duster Open Cardigan

Back Interest Pullover // V-Neck Pullover Sweater

Lace-Up Back Open Cardigan // Crew Neck Pullover

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TWO – Rembrandt Toothpaste // Cameron from Southern Charm shared that she’s obsessed with this specific toothpaste.  So, naturally I had to try it out.  And I’m in 100% agreeance with Cam…this shit is bomb!!

Walmart (it’s 1/2 the price): Rembrandt Toothpaste // Target: Rembrandt Toothpaste

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{friday 5}

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It’s Friday.  I got a job.  And I’ve got a shit-ton to do.  Ha!  But, I don’t have a single plan for the whole damn weekend.  You guys, I’m going to drink coffee on my couch in my PJ’s tomorrow morning.  And again Sunday morning too.  It’s been so long.  And maybe a little day-date with my girl.  Nephews football game.  Meal prep.  Outfit prep.  Done!  Oh, I did splurge and grab some extra wine.  So, I’ll be gettin tips too!  I almost forgot… the one thing I’m most looking forward to (other than drinking wine + coffee obvi) shampooing the seats in my car…Ha!  It’s the little things peeps.  Have a great weekend friends.

Before I let you go……

Let’s chat about 5 things on my mind real quick!

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ONE – A Star Is Born // Oh man everyone keeps saying how great the new Gaga + Bradley Cooper movie is.  I have my fingers crossed I can sneak away at some point and go see it.  For those of you that have seen it….on a scale from 1 to 10.  How good is it?

You can watch the movie trailer here: A Star Is Born movie trailer

 

 

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Threshold Decorative Basket Natural with leather strap

TWO – Target Basket // Posted a photo of the basket I found at Target yesterday.  You guys clearly liked it as much as I did.  My ShopStyle account as of this morning showed 5 basket orders.  BIG thank you to all of you for clicking on my affiliate links and placing orders.  Today, my first ShopStyle check posted for $47 and I’m fucking giddy…lol.

I found inspo image with a similar hanging basket for my girlfriend Nicole.  She has the best front porch.  She picked up the Target basket yesterday and I can’t wait to see how she styles it!

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(image: via)

 

 

 

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{fall table setting + DIY succulent pumpkin}

 

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Hi friends.  Thanks to having Monday off…this week is flying by.  Bay was home sick yesterday.  Luckily she’s back to her spunky self today.  I cleared our calendar for the week.  Skipped things I/we probably shouldn’t.  Just to straight up stay at home!  We never, ever do this.  But, it felt necessary.  You should try it…just saying.

Our house is all set for Fall.  Yesterday’s morning rain storm gave me all the feels.  But, then it got hot AF and I had to turn the AC on…lol.

Let’s chat about our Fall table.  You know I have a thing for a set table.  Well, I do!

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A beautifully set table makes any meal feel like a special occasion.  And yes, we 100% sit at this table and eat dinner every night.  I pick  up the place settings and move them to the side.  Then put them back in place when we’re done.  It takes maybe 2 minutes out of my day, so I don’t mind it one bit.  Someday, when I grow up (lol)  I dream of having a big long formal dining table.  It will be set year round.  With all the pretty things I can find!

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This year I planned the table all around this show stopper.  My succulent pumpkin.  Real succulents.  Spanish moss.  Eucalyptus.  All spread over the top of a real pumpkin.  Keep scrolling and you’ll find the DIY below.  I even figured out how to make a printable version, which knocked my own socks off Ha!

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My everyday gold flatware.  Linen napkins.  Gold rimmed stemless wine glasses.

Pulled out my trusty gold-rimmed white dishes too.  Bet you can’t guess where I bought them?

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I scored these dishes from the Dollar Store.  Last Christmas.

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The Target dollar spot had rolls of boxwood garland for $3.  I picked up one.  Which made each wreath place setting and chair backers.

I was inspired to use mini white pumpkins and wreaths after seeing Karen of Serendipity Boutique’s table setting at her own home.  Simple + clean + festive.

I picked up the gold leaf garland that is strewn down the center of the table from Serendipity Boutique too.  For $12.  I think it would look so pretty across a mantle.

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