My To-Go Meal
It's typically whatever leftover protein and veggies I have in my fridge. This was kale, chard, mushrooms, bell peppers, and topped with eggs and pieces of cooked bacon. Yum!
Meet Our New Puppy
Meet Stella V.I.P. Oro our gorgeous new puppy. Born on 6/17/17. She is a first generation labradoodle. We're crazy in love! Welcome to the family!
Back To School Transformation Challenge 2017
I want to let you all be the first to know that my husband and I have teamed up with Fitness Revolution Napa to run a transformation contest starting on 8/22. It is going to be an amazing way to get in great shape and change the way you look and feel. And let’s not forget about the prizes!
The winning team takes home $1,000!
Join the challenge with your partner, best friend, or a family member. I have to say having my husband in the challenge in the past really helped both of us stay on track and hold each other accountable. If you are interested in joining us in the challenge or just need some motivation to get in the best shape of your life, head over to Fitness Revolution Napa to get more info and register AND you can get $25 off your registration with my special code: "mom".
Don’t wait too long or all the spots could be filled up. You are getting a chance to sign up before almost everyone and get a discount!
Register here and don't forget to use "mom" at checkout to get $25 off!
Beauty Finds
// Laura Mercier Rose Duo ($51 value) Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for $28 //
Meet MomLikeThat - Carrie Gehrke
Napa MomLikeThat Carrie Gehrke is stylish, genuine, and inspiring. She is also the owner of Libby Simone LLC, a mobile boutique fashion truck where she hand picks items for both work and play in sizes ranging from XS to 3X. It's a business I should have thought of!
I met Carrie at the American Canyon Farmer’s Market last year and we instantly clicked. In addition to her amazing taste, she’s also incredibly warm and down to earth. Here she shares her beauty secrets and other thoughts on motherhood. Enjoy!
How would you describe yourself? In 3 words. Determined. Creative. Introvert.
What do you do besides motherhood? I own Libby Simone Mobile Boutique, Napa Valley’s first fashion truck showcasing women’s clothing and accessories.
What’s the best advice you have ever received? A life lived in fear is a life half lived.
What’s your beauty routine? Soap (or a home-made face cleanser) and water, home-made lotions & such, mineral foundation (which has sunscreen), and everything except eyeshadow & eyeliner. I must wear lipstick. If I don’t wear lipstick I feel naked and very pale.
What’s your signature scent? Essential oils. I love the Zoe Organics Mama’s Ritual aromatherapy oil which comes in a convenient roller ball, but I also make my own concoctions.
What can’t you live without? My clothes and shoes. They help me feel like me. I was much more introverted as a teenager and clothing helped me to express who I was without me having to say a word. I still have a great love for what clothing can do for your body and your confidence. I especially love to help women achieve confidence & self acceptance by learning how to dress a particularly challenging body type.
How do you balance your life? Oh boy, I’m not sure I have the magic answer. I usually feel like I don’t quite have it all figured out just yet. My kids always want more of me. My husband deserves more of me. My business needs more of me. But, I try to schedule time for it all. I take it one week at a time.
Who is your biggest role model? Jesus. There are many people to look up to but ultimately there’s one person who we should be looking to for how to live our lives. I am still trying to figure out how to use my gifts & talents to make a difference in this world.
Do you have a family tradition? My sister, brother, & all the cousins get together once a week for lunch at our parents house. It’s amazing how easily the important things in life can pass you by if you let them.
What makes a mom like that? Not doing the same old thing. Taking a chance. Listening to that little voice and pushing through the fear and doubt.
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: It used to be Tra Vigne. I guess I need to find a new one.
Favorite recipe: Risotto. I love risotto.
Favorite dessert: My grandmas lemon bars
Favorite drink: Something with bubbles
Favorite book: Who has time to read? Not this gal!
Birthday Celebration In Our New Airstream
One year older, a bit taller, and still showing us each and everyday how beautiful life is. We love how you see the world Leah. You are a bright light, and spark of joy in our lives. Six years ago you made us parents for the third time. I remember your wild and slow birth like it was yesterday. Today is a special one and we love you so. Happy Birthday darling girl!
Say It Like That
“People, even more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Never throw out anyone.” – Audrey Hepburn
Auction Napa Valley 2017
This year's Auction Napa Valley raised over $15.5 Million for Health and Education in Napa Valley. It's so great to see the generosity of our community in making a difference in the lives of kids and families. Cheers to a successful auction and a memorable evening toasting with great friends.
Lunch Spot
Oxbow Public Market is my favorite place to go for lunch. There are so many choices available, but I always end up with my favorite ahi-tuna bowl from Eiko's and my delicious almond milk late from Ritual Coffee Roasters.
Fifth Grade Promotion
This girl is headed to middle school! Thank you Monday Sparkles for the cutest graduation party favors. I see a lot of pool time in the near future!
Happy Mother's Day
I had no idea how hard (yet amazing) motherhood would be until I had them. Grateful for all the heart exploding moments and even the tough ones. Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there. We are all #momlikethat!
Outfits on Instagram
Here are some of my latest outfit posts on Instagram. Hope everyone is having a great week!
/ Boholifestyle kimono (similar here) - Monday Sparkles tote bag - J.CREW sandals (similar here) /
/ Dress and basket bag by DÔEN /
Lace Dresses For Spring Under $100
Lace dresses have always been my must-have list for Spring. They’re a great for just about any occasion. Lace can be very girly or femenine, but paired with the right accessories you can go the complete opposite way and toughen it up (such as a leather jacket). Here are some of my favorites, all under $100!
Socialite Lace Overlay Romper
Endless Rose Drop Waist Lace Dress
ASTR Lace Mid Dress
BP Cutout Lace Dress
Wayf Hadley Lace Mid Dress
2017 Oakland Running Festival
I used to run a lot. I mean like a lot.... like six half marathons and a full marathon in one year. I know, not very smart and of course my knee got injured and I had to force myself to rest. That rest took 3 years for me to start running again. My friend posted on Facebook that one of their teammate had dropped out of their team relay. At first, I was very hesitant to say "me!" because I haven't trained for long runs in a long time, but I thought I can totally run the shortest leg right? So I said yes without asking which leg first. Of course when my friend wrote me back to welcome me and yadi... yada... told me that I'll be running the longest leg. I won't lie, I was very nervous because I didn't have much time to train (not to mention kids baseball season take up all my afternoon, then homework, dinner, bed time...) but went for it. I'm so glad I did because my confidence is back and I can't wait for my next race! Thank you lush butterflies!
Best part after the long run ;-)
Only in Oakland :-)
Say It Like That
“At the end of the day, we can endure much more than we think we can.” – Frida Kahlo
Spring Break Part II
We love taking the ferry to San Francisco for a day trip. We get to relax, talk and see more. And the anticipation of all the yummy foods waiting for us at the ferry building is usually the best!
Taking Uber to Japantown.
Our favorite kind of mochi. So good!
Ramen for lunch at Waraku
Uber back to the ferry building.
Best part of our trip - Ice cream!
Missing you daddy!
The next day we spent the morning at our local library checking out books and reading stories.
Spinach Manciatas from Azzuro Pizzeria for lunch.
Best margarita pizza in town!
Love You Mom
Looking for something unique and special for Mother's Day? Monday Sparkles got you covered! They've curated the "Love You Mom" limited edition box to help kick your summer off with amazing products to celebrate motherhood. From luxurious Turkish towel to a game that will truly leave you and your friends inspired and connected, and much more!
In the box:
Sparked | The game with inspiration, heart and hilarity. Gather some girlfriends to celebrate, inspire, and uplift each other… and be addictively fun!
Frank Regards Set of Personalized Cards | Break away from the typical Mother's Day card and give the mom in your life something funny and unique.
Monday Sparkles Mama Bear Necklace | Cutest accessory for all our moms out there. It can be wear alone, or pair with other pieces.
Oogie’s Toffee Butter Popcorn | Sweet, buttery, and so delicious! Perfectly popped popcorn for a movie or game night.
Olive and Poppy Appellation Turkish Towels | Can be used as a towel, pool wrap, picnic blanket or a light wrap on cool nights. They absorb water as fast as a traditional towel, dry quickly, and take up less space. Made from 100% cotton, they become softer and more absorbent after washing.
The Creme Shop Face Sheet Mask | In need of some me time? Or beauty sleep? This rejuvenating mask brings life back to tired skin, seal in moisture, and eliminate dull skin.
Marin Bee Honey Butter Lotion | This luxurious Honey Butter nourishes and deeply hydrates skin from head to toe. It’s the ultimate, and ultra-rich moisturizer that works naturally to leave skin soft and supple. You’ll never want to leave home without it!
Stripe Tote | This tote has the word “Mommy” written all over! Perfect for toting all your essentials, whether it’s for a day at the beach or a day running errands.
