It's Thursday!!!!. And I could not be happier. I mean technically yes, I still have one more day for the weekend but I like to plan ahead. I'm heading to Cambria, CA tomorrow with my mommy besties for a weekend of relaxation, food and wine tasting. I picked up these outfits to come with me because it's all about chic and comfort. Happy almost Friday everyone!
// Gap stripe relaxed T-shirt dress //
I use these two Kevin Murphy products for my hair after every wash. The Damage Manager spray protects your hair from the heat and it makes it soft and strong at the same time. And to style it I use the Easy Rider to help with the frizz.
Such an honor to be their mother. Mya taught me how to be patient for a child who is exactly like me. Oscar taught me that I could love another child as much as I love the first one. And Leah taught me that's is ok to have a messy house and eat food from the floor. I couldn't ask for anything more! Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there. We are all momlikethat!
Photography by Julie Angold
Last Saturday we took the kids to visit our local farmers market. I love seeing all the beautiful fruit, veggies, and flowers, as well as try all the yummy, fresh, organic, and gluten free treats. Such a perfect way to to begin the weekend.
If you are visiting Napa, I highly recommend a stop at the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday for some local and in season produce.
I can read this cookbook all day…. Love!
Where have you been all my life? These sunscreen towelettes are the best invention ever!
My two new favorite Paleo breakfast duo - pancake mix and hot cereal
To get a smooth natural tan I like to mix this one from James Read with body lotion. That way it only gives your skin a sun kissed look instead of turning orange. Apply it before bed time and wake up with the look of just gotten back from a sunny vacation…
This bar is perfect for before or after my run
I’m so happy to introduce you to my super amazing friend Belia Ramos. Not only is she very successful in what’s she is doing, she is also the sweetest person and best mama to her three little monkeys. I've known Belia almost 10 years and she is an inspiring woman on so many levels. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about her just as much as I do!
How would you describe yourself?
Strategic, genuine and passionate.
What do you do besides motherhood?
A lot! I am a private tutor for applicants of the bar exam (Raise the Bar), Law Professor (UC Davis), Council member (City of American Canyon), and Director for the 25th Agricultural District. I also serve on the board of the following nonprofits: Napa Valley Crime Stoppers, Napa Valley Canine Foundation and American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation. Oh! And I am candidate for Napa County Supervisor (5th District).
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
“Kids come first.” This advice helps me find balance on a daily basis.
What’s your beauty routine?
It starts with Smashbox CC cream and my secret weapon Fanny Woo (Make Up artist extraordinaire).
What’s your signature scent?
I haven’t found it yet but I love the smell of jasmine and citrus.
What can’t you live without?
Cuddles from my littles and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.
How do you balance your life?
Prioritizing my kids helps me find the balance I need. Everything else will fall into place.
Who is your biggest role model?
My father. He is positive, loyal, smart, fun and wise.
Do you have a family tradition?
We (the girls) make pork tamales with my mother on Christmas Eve.
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Celadon
Favorite recipe: My Nana’s Mole Poblano
Favorite dessert: Tiramisu
Favorite drink: Margarita
Favorite book: Like Water for Chocolate
Mya - my beautiful bookworm.
Oscar - my handsome builder.
Leah - my little sunshine.
Sibling love.
Proud to be their mama.
Photography by Julie Angold
We kicked off our camping season at Butano State Park this past weekend. Camping is such a great way to spend quality time with family and friends - no phones, no TV, no household chore distractions. My kids love it because it's the only time I let them go (meaning they get to eat all kinds of junk food, get dirty without me nagging them, be creative with their surroundings, and be with nature). We had an awesome time, despite rain the first night. We took the kids for a hike, celebrated "Uncle Nick's" birthday, counted banana slugs, met new friends, went to the beach, and the best part - we devoured tons of s'mores!
Here are some shots from our super fun trip. Enjoy!
My oldest insisted to wear her leather jacket because she is cool like that.
Hubby found a pond behind our campsite. It was very Zen!
We found a giant broccoli!
Leah and her many uncles. Also, isn't this dog - Hakishi or "Fluffy" so adorable?!?!
Pescadero Beach
When you wear flare jeans you automatically think of the seventies. But I like to think of the nineties because that's when I started wearing them. I'm so happy that they are back in trend. There is something about these jeans that make me feel carefree and very bohemian. Also, I don't know when I decided to be so matchy lately but I can't stop.
Here is one my favorite songs from the nineties. Enjoy!
// Forever 21 hat - Gap top - ANINE BING jeans - Ivanka Trump pumps - Sam Edelman clutch //
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
It always feels great when someone tells you that your skin is glowing. I was surprised and flattered after hearing this twice last week. Not a compliment I get often considering I’m notoriously dealing with eczema and dry skin. So what’s been my secret? My new Philosophy beauty favorites that have been working wonders. Also changing my diet to Whole30 has helped, but that's a whole different post.
Happy Monday everyone!
Say hello to my new favorite denim peplum top. I've only worn it twice so it's a little presumptuous to say my new favorite, but I feel like we are going to get along just fine. Have a lovely weekend everyone!
P.S - Pretty Mother's Day gifts here.
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
// Madewell denim peplum top - Old Navy skirt - Madewell d'Orsay flats //
My kids and I love to make our homemade granola together. It's so easy and healthier than the one you get at the store. They love it so much that they eat it as snack, or with their oatmeal (we call it "Granolameal"). It also makes a perfect Mother's Day gift.
Ingredients
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
2 cups sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries (or any berries)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup good honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Toss the oats, coconut, almonds, cranberries together in a large bowl. Pour the vegetable oil and honey over the oat mixture. Add the cinnamon, and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated with the liquids. Pour onto a sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container.
Enjoy!
As Napa locals, we don't take many private wine tours. Recently though we won a bid for a private tour at Black Stallion Winery from our kid's school fundraising event and invited our good friends to join us. Wine, good company, great tour…all for a good cause. Can't be beat.
I don't wear bright color often, but Citrus is the one color you will see me wear this spring and summer. I love how it brightens the day even without trying too hard. I wore this dress for a business meeting, but you can easily dress it down with a pair of converse or sandals. Happy Monday everyone!
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
// LOFT eyelet dress - ANN TAYLOR tote - Sole Society wedges //
This smart, fun and impressive mom is the head of Piazza Marketing Concepts. My husband actually met her first to talk shop over lunch. After their meeting he told me that I should contact her as we have a lot in common. We have since become good friends and share a passion for being active in our community. On weekends we often meet up with other moms in a running group called "Run Moms Run". Along with the 30 or so other wonderful moms in the running group, Heather and I run to get exercise, find inspiration and for the camaraderie. But we run mostly because we can. Here is more about Heather:
How would you describe yourself?
Passionate, driven, competitive
What do you do besides motherhood?
I am the owner of my own firm, Piazza Marketing Concepts. I play the role of Marketing Director for many organizations that either don’t have one, or need a fresh look at the current marketing and promotional tactics. I also donate my time (a lot!). Whether I am volunteering at my children’s school or acting as the Secretary and Marketing Chair for the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation, I find that giving back is such a great opportunity to do something good for those around me.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Make yourself a priority. Once you do that, everything else will fall into place.
What’s your beauty routine?
BB Cream is the best beauty secret I have!
What’s your signature scent?
Romance by Ralph Lauren
What can’t you live without?
Aside from my family and friends? Chocolate, cheese and bubbles!
How do you balance your life?
Staying active. I realized that I need an outlet just as much as my kids do. There is nothing better than getting outside for a run, walk, hike or bike ride. In our house, my kids have gotten to love and appreciate the importance of dancing it out.
Who is your biggest role model?
That’s a tough one, though for today I would have to say Michele Obama. There are so many brilliant people in this world, both here and gone. I am a sucker for strong females who stopping nothing short of trying to make this world a better place.
Do you have a family tradition?
Every year around Christmas, my family (along with my extended family) congregates at our home for a day of holiday baking. We make the best Swedish Rye Bread and Cinnamon Rolls!
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: The Pear
Favorite recipe: Good ole-fashioned lasagna
Favorite dessert: Crème Brule
Favorite drink: Anything from J Vineyards – they have fantastic bubbles!
Favorite movie: Love Actually
Here are some of my favorite tops for spring. I like to pair them with boyfriend jeans and accessorized with a pair of comfortable shoes.
// Anthropologie top - F21 jeans - Tibi mules //
// Anthropologie top - F21 jeans - Old Navy sandals //
// Anthropologie top - F21 jeans - Ivanka Trump pumps //
We decided to avoid all the busy places for our kid's spring break. I found a great deal on Groupon to visit Calistoga's Sunburst Hotel. I love the idea of not driving too far, but still feel like we are away. Below are some photos of our stay. The kids did not want to leave the 90 degree mineral water pool!
Napa Valley is much more than wine and romantic getaways for adults, it's also a great place for families. If you want to find more family friendly things to do and places to visit in Napa, the Chicago Tribune recently wrote a great piece here.
Spring Break!
My hot date.
SONNET JAMES dress.
A wonderfully warm two-foot pool for the kids to frolic.
Kids in the pool means mommy gets to read.
But mama…I don't want to go..
Heading to Boskos Trattoria for lunch.
Dinner at Calistoga Inn Restaurant and Brewery. Oscar: I'm hungry! where is my food?! - Mya: Stop it you guys! You are acting too cheesy. Leah: Texting her agent (a.k.a Knuffle Bunny) about the casting schedule/ Mommy and Daddy: Happy!
A stop at Scoops & Swirls for Ice cream...a perfect ending.
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
I got all fancy for Easter this year. I love all the spring colors on this dress. It's so feminine and comfortable. I'll be wearing this dress all season long!
// Nordstrom dress - Old boyfriend blazer (similar here) - Ann Taylor tote - Sole Society wedges //
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
Who gets tons of catalogs in the mail? Me!!! A fun way to recycle the catalogs is to use them as wrapping paper. I keep the ones with pretty pictures and backgrounds like this one from Anthropologie. Add a few personal touches and viola! It's also a fun project to do with the kids.
