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!

Trailer Life

We went to Sacramento for a couple of days to escape the smoke and get relief from the daily anxiety during the Napa fire. It was so nice to see blue sky and breathe clean air. And how cute is our puppy Stella! She is definitely making herself very comfortable in the trailer. 

// J.CREW Amour Sweatshirt - Old Navy Denim (similar here, here, and here) - Halogen Slide Loafer //

 

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 New Year!

Today is the first day back to school for my kids. It's bittersweet as we spent many hours bonding and having so much fun. But I'm also glad that I can finally sit down to catch up with work and the interwebs. Below are highlights of the holidays. From our family to yours we wish you a wonderful and propserous 2017!

Our Annual Gingerbread House Visit in San Francisco

Homemade Sourdough Bread

Christmas Eve Day Hike 

Cookie Decorating

Christmas Day Morning

Pie Face Fun

Lake Tahoe

Perfect Ending For 2016

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!

Passion Project

When I'm not writing my blog, I'm busy with my other passion project called Monday Sparkles. I co-founded this amazing organization back in November 2015 with a good friend of mine. We are both moms with a common goal to bring positivity, fun, kindness, love, and eco-consciousness into the lives of as many tween girls as possible. We created this platform for the girls to be inspired, to promote self-love, confidence, grow together, and enjoy this transitional stage in life.

Monday Sparkles is a tween subscription box company for girls ages 8-12. Our mission is to reinforce the positive and help girls across the country celebrate this special time and bring Earth, love, and sparkle to their lives one box at a time.

Four times a year, we curate a themed box that contains 4-6 products. Our winter box themed "Be The Light" is inspired by celebration, togetherness, and the love of giving. The holidays always remind us of delicious cooking and sumptuous desserts. A time when communities, families, and friends come together for a big celebration of love and giving. We have curated this box that includes all of this and more! This super fun box is filled with opportunities for your tween to shine bright, be the light, and sparkle someone's day. 

We also want to teach our girls the value of giving back. So for each subscription box sold we donate $1 to either a charity or a worthy organization. For our winter box we've teamed up with "Do It For The Love Foundation" which is a wish-granting nonprofit organization that brings people living with life-threatening illnesses, children with severe challenges and wounded veterans to live concerts. Through the healing power of music, their goal is to inspire joy, hope and lasting celebratory memories in the face of severe illness or trauma. Check out what inspired their vision.

So friends now you know what I do besides this blog and taking care of my family. Help us spread the word so we can reach as many doorstep as possible! 

Get a gift that is unique and special this holiday. 

BTS Backpacks

If you are still looking for a back-to-school backpack, or just because, here are some of my favorites.

Happy hump day!

STATE Liberty Backpack

Asstd National Brand Obersee Unicorn Kids' Backpack

Nike Cheyenne Print Kids' Backpack

Star Wars "RD-2D" Backpack

Fjällräven 'Mini Kånken' Water Resistant Backpack

Herschel Supply Co. Pop Quiz Backpack

Herschel Supply Co. Survey Kids' Backapck

Jansport Overexposed Backpack

Herschel Supply Co. Settlement Kids' Backpack

Jansport Superbreak Backpack

STATE Kane Backpack

TOPSHOP Badge Denim Backpack

Terez 'Donut Shop' Neoprene Backpack

 

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...

Dream Big

This summer believe in the incredible power of you and make your dreams come true. Whether it’s about sleeping in, spending all day outside or enjoying the stars on warm summer nights, be sure to also include a little “earth.love.sparkle” in your life. Monday Sparkles summer box themed "Dream Big" includes a headband, notebook, emoji pens, DYI dream box, dream catcher, and more. Be curious, aim high, dream big, and always sparkle someone’s day!

Monday Sparkles #sparklesomeonesday is a quarterly subscription box for girls ages 8-12. Subscriptions currently cost $35 per box or $140 per year.

"Celebrating the power of positivity with young girls one box at a time"

Pre-order your box today!

Photography by Julie Angold