Porches, Market, Buses and Trolleys

This weekend was super active with my kids.

Friday afternoon my oldest wanted to apply new patches from Monday Sparkles on a new stripe top, just in time for back-to-school fashion. School doesn't start until three weeks from now. Clearly she couldn’t wait!

On Saturday the kids and I hopped on a ferry to San Francisco. First stop was the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building. Then for lunch we had to get our empanadas and alfajores fix from El Porteño. We then took  buses and trolleys around the City, which is a great way to see all the action and because my kids love public transportation. 

On Sunday, we went to Porchfest in Napa, where small bands play in front of historical homes. Food trucks and music can’t get better than this! We ended our evening with homemade focaccia burgers - with the bread sourced in San Francisco's Ferry building!

How was your weekend? What did you do with your family or loved ones? 

Mom On The Go With 4eursole

As mom, wife, and business owner, I’m always on the go. I like to mix comfort with chic pieces. I’ve kept my summer wardrobe easy with jean shorts and a tee, shirt dresses, and comfortable shoes to wear all day like these from 4eursole.

This sandal is created with a EurSole Sandal Comfort System, which I wasn't familiar with before, but I am now! It has fabulous arch support and are probably the most comfortable shoes I have this season. I keep telling my husband that they are very comfortable and he keeps reminding me that I already said that to him...several times. You can do a lot of walking with these shoes!

So when you ask why do beautiful things like shoes have to hurt? Well now know they don't. Get your pair at 30% off today. Have a beautiful weekend!

This post was sponsored by 4eursole.

A 5th Birthday For My Baby

Five years ago I was blessed with my beautiful baby girl and I am thankful for the carefree spunky spirit she brings to our days. Life together with her is magical and she makes us laugh everyday. It’s crazy how fast life goes by and I am enjoying the journey of seeing my children grow up. Below are some shots from her birthday party. 

Carnival/State fair theme.

We had lemonade and cotton candy stand, and games.

Party flavors.

It's not a party without a bounce house!

Table settings.

Before the guests arrived.

Gifts.

Happy girl!

Daddy and his tacos.

Yum!

My BFFs.

Birthday girl and her BFFs.

Pie eating contest.

Crafting.

Happy birthday Leah!

You will always be our baby girl...

Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Here is another Instagram Roundup I put together for you. Have a wonderful weekend!

// Date night fundraising Parents Can - Target floral dress (similar here) // 

 // Heirloom tomato salad with fennel salt and olive oil //

// Target top (similar here) - Lauren Conrad floral skirt (similar here) - Olive and Poppy "cheers" necklace //

// Popsugar #MustHaveBox //

// Gingham Drop Waist Dress (similar here) - Madewell crisscross sandals //

// The Clasp by Sloane Crosley //

// Target stripes shirt (similar here) - Birkenstock sandals //

 

Sun Basket

Have I mentioned how much I love Sun Basket? I love cooking, don’t get me wrong, but every once in a while I go through slumps and find myself too busy or too exhausted to go through new recipes for my family. I love that you have menu choices for vegan, gluten free, or paleo meals. The chef-designed meals arrive to your door step with locally sourced ingredients already included, measured out and accompanied with a step-by-step recipe card. And each meal was no more than 30 minutes to cook. We’re completely hooked! 

Grilled steak with roasted poblanos and New Mexican chile sauce.

Cold soba noodle salad with edamame and avocado.

Roast chicken breast with artichoke romesco.

 

June 19

Five years ago my baby wildflower was born on Father’s Day. These two have been inseparable since that day. Daddy is her most favorite person and she is the apple of his eye who makes him mush.

For me birthdays are something nostalgic and wonderful, but there’s something pretty magical about the five mark. May be it’s the fact that those toddler years with chubby arms rolls and sweet lisps are long gone, or she’ll be going off to Kindergarten, but this birthday will be so special for our family because we are celebrating it on Father’s Day.

And as for our main man around here, we love you so very much. Thank you for your patience, dedication and love that is an example to me as your teammate, and I want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed. I am thankful for the way you prioritizes our family and for how hard you work for us. There is so much work behind the scenes of working for ourselves that no one ever sees… and he does so much of it.

Happy birthday darling girl, we love you always and forever!

And Happy Father’s day (weekend), my love! We love you!

P.S. Stay tuned for the big “Five” birthday party post.

 

Current Gingham Favorites Under $50

Gingham prints are still very in this year and every mom should own a piece in their closet. I like mixing one classic checkered piece with cool modern accessories. Here are some of my favorite summer/warm weather finds under $50.

// LOFT Gingham Drop Waist Dress //

// Nordstrom Rack Gingham Off-The-Shoulder-Top //

// T.J.Maxx Gingham Skirt //

// Macy's Maison Jules Gingham Midi Dress //

// Macy's Maison Jules Sleeveless Gingham Dress //

// Macy's Maison Jules Gingham Shorts //

// J. Crew Factory Classic D'Orsay Flats //

// J. Crew Factory Printed Scarf //

 

What Are You Reading This Summer?

This summer we don’t have any major trips planned (unlike last year). Instead we are just going to go with spontaneous day trips or staycations in Northern California. One of my goals this summer is to read and finish a couple of books on my list of books to read in 2016. I’m starting with “How Not To Be Wrong – The Power of Mathematical Thinking” by Jordan Ellenberg. This is a book that everyone should read to becoming a better thinker.

What about you? What are you reading this summer? I would love to hear.

 

BottleRock 2016 - Napa Valley Food, Wine, and Brew Music Festival

Saturday I was invited to my second BottleRock in Napa and had a great time as a VIP. Latitude 38 Entertainment put on another great music festival with performers such as Ziggy Marley, Florence and The Machine, Michael Franti, Red Hot Chili Peppers and more. I was also happy to see so many top restaurants from the Valley providing their best dishes to the crowd but I wanted to try something new so I went with San Francisco-based food truck MeSoHungry. I had their slider and they were delish! My new favorite station was the Nordstrom trend and photo booth where I won a $20 gift card!

Here are highlights from this year's festival. If you plan to visit Napa Valley next year during Memorial Day weekend, get your tickets for BottleRock 2017! 

Paleo Chocolate Chip Cookies

The easiest and yummiest paleo chocolate chip cookies made with coconut and almond flour. These low carb cookies are chewy and a dream come true. Gluten, grain and dairy free! 

Ingredients:

2 eggs, slightly beaten
2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
1/2 cup coconut sugar
1 cup almond flour
1/2 cup coconut flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup of dark chocolate chips

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, add in beaten egg, melted and cooled coconut oil, coconut sugar and vanilla extract. Next add in almond flour, coconut flour and baking soda, mixing well to combine and form a dough. Fold in dark chocolate chips. You may need to use your hands to moisten the dough so that it sticks together well. Use a cookie scoop or large tablespoon to drop dough onto ungreased baking sheet. Gently flatten the dough with your hand. Bake for 11-13 minutes, or until edges are slightly golden brown. Allow to cool on cookie sheet for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire rack to finishing cooling. Makes approximately 24 cookies. Enjoy!