My Birthday Wish List
Chanel Mary Janes Flats.
Celine Horizontal Cabas Canvas and Leather Tote.
Gucci Marmont Mini Bucket Bag.
Bottega Veneta Padded Cassette Bag.
Gucci Ophidia Mini Bucket Bag.
Chloe Woody Logo-print Canvas Slides.
Pink Candy Cake
How cute is this pink candy cake? I got the inspiration while looking for a rug at Home Goods. You see I was so distracted with all the pink hearts, candies, gummies, and macaroons for Valentine's Day that I ended up getting them instead of the rug. Yes, that's my story every time I go to Home Goods and Target.
This cake is literally so easy to make and perfect to get your kids involved. Whether you bake and frost your own cake at home or purchase it, it's almost impossible to mess up. The candies cover up any imperfections in the frosting, and the more randomly they're placed, the better it will look in the end.
If you are baking here is my favorite chocolate cake recipe and buttercream frosting. Happy baking!
Photography by Aurora Heitman
Happy Eight!
January 5th marks the day my sweet boy came into this world and joined our family. He is smart, curious, considerate, thoughtful, determined, responsible, helpful, and above all else, kind. I love when he’ll crawl into my bed in the early hours of the morning and cuddle in between me and his daddy for a few moments as we wake up together. It's the only way he wants to start his day.
Happiest Birthday my handsome boy! I can’t wait to watch you conquer all your dreams!
Photo by Pearly Hens Photography
Acacia House
To celebrate my husband's birthday, we went to Acacia House by Chris Cosentino located inside Las Alcobas Hotel. The food was excellent and their one-of-a-kind- margarita was exceptional! t was nice to be able to relax and catch up with friends after two stressful weeks from the Napa fires. Acacia House had a special menu item called the Napa Valley Spirit Menu whereby $10 was donated to the Napa Valley Community Disaster Relief Fund in support of the victims of the fire. The food on that special was delicious and for a great cause. Cheers to great company and happiest birthday to mi amor!
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!
Happy Seven!
Seven years ago this beautiful 10 pound baby boy joined our family and it was love at first sight! My little baby has turned into the sweetest boy with the kindest heart. He has always loved interacting with people, and was very content observing everything around him. He brings light and love and whole lot of Legos to our family and we love him so so much.
I wish you the happiest 7th birthday, Oscar Race, and I cannot wait to watch you grow! I love being your mama and I'm so very proud of the sweet, funny, smart and kind boy you are. We love you forever! Happy Birthday!
Photos by Angold Photography
Perfect 10
Today is my first born's 10th birthday. Definitely bittersweet for me… I know they say it goes by fast, but I want to defy time and make each year last. From the day you were born you have made our lives sweeter and more perfect. We love seeing you grow to be a smart, beautiful, sweet, and caring young lady.
You were the perfect little one who made me a mama for the first time. I've learned so much from you as I try to figure out how to best be a mother and raise you. Motherhood isn’t always easy, but I have never experienced a greater love and joy in my life (next to marriage). Thank you for being the best big sister and bringing sunshine and warmth into our family. We are nothing but proud of the young lady you are becoming.
Happy Birthday to my perfect 10! You might be 10 today, but you will be always our first baby. We love you always and forever!
Happy Birthday My Love!
Happy Birthday to my best friend, my favorite partner in crime, the greatest dad, the funniest, loveliest dude I've ever met, and much, much more. I love you!
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...
Three Easy Semi-Homemade Cakes For Every Occasion
Tomorrow is my birthday and I thought what a better way to celebrate it by sharing my three easy semi-homemade cake recipes with you all. I always keep cake mix in my pantry for days that I’m craving for cake or when a neighbor reminds me that it's their birthday. Or when your mommy friend calls you for an impromptu wine play date. If you need a dessert for a special occasion, or are just looking for an excuse to make an awesome treat, these cakes deliver on both fronts.
Enjoy!
Tres Leches Cake
Prepare your cake mix. In a saucepan mix 1 can of condensed milk, and 2 cups of any milk you like (I used almond and coconut milk) over medium heat for about 10 minutes. Remove cake from oven and allow it to cool slightly. Cut into squares maintaining it in the cake pan. Pour milk mixture over top of cake. Make sure to refrigerate if you are preparing it ahead.
Here with a scoop of sea salt caramel ice cream. Yum!
Chocolate Cake With Chocolate Frosting
Prepare cake mix. For the chocolate frosting - 3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa, 3 tbsp of any milk, 1 1/2 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp sugar. Mix all ingredients in a saucepan at medium heat until homogeneous. Pour the frosting on the top of the cake and dig in!
Over here I paired it with mint chocolate ice cream and topped it with chocolate syrup. Perfect for chocolate lovers!
Vanilla Cake With Mango
Prepare cake mix. Cut mango into thin slices. Pour half of the batter in to the baking pan. Add mangos on top then pour the rest of the batter on top. When it's done pair it with any topping you like. This cake is perfect for those who don't like frosting on their cake. Note: I got this recipe from my friend Christina who always make this cake for her daughter's birthday.
Perfect with a scoop of old fashion vanilla ice cream!