New Tops for Spring

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 //

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// Anthropologie top - F21 jeans - Ivanka Trump pumps //

 
 

Spring Break in Napa Valley

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!

Spring Break!

My hot date.

My hot date.

SONNET JAMES dress.

SONNET JAMES dress.

A wonderfully warm two-foot pool for the kids to frolic.

A wonderfully warm two-foot pool for the kids to frolic.

Kids in the pool means mommy gets to read.

Kids in the pool means mommy gets to read.

But mama…I don't want to go..

But mama…I don't want to go..

Heading to Boskos Trattoria for lunch.

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!

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.

A stop at Scoops & Swirls for Ice cream...a perfect ending.

Photography by Doug Zimmerman

 

Spring is Here

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

A Fun Way To Recycle Old Catalogs

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. 

P.S. - Every mom should have this book in their purse, kindle, car, nightstand, or closet.  You never know ;-)

5 Easy Ingredients To Start Your Day

I like to start my day with a glass of green juice. You can make it the night before, but I like to make mine in the morning.  I use five easy ingredients with my Breville juicer to make a delicious and healthy green juice. Here is the recipe:

  • A bunch of Kale
  • 2-3 carrots
  • 1 cucumber or 3 stalks of celery
  • 2-3 apples depending on the size
  • 3-4 strawberries or 3-4 cubes of pinneapple

Enjoy!

// Breville juicer //

Outfits on Instagram

Outfit one: H&M top (similar here) - J. Crew jeans - Old Navy tote - Loeffler Randall shoes

Outfit two: Sonnett James daisy dress - New Balance shoes - J. Crew chambray shirt - Montecristi hat

Outfit three: Old Navy striped linen dress - Ivanka Trump pumps - Sam Edelman clutch //

Outfit one: Anthropologie mixed plaid tunic - Anthropologie vegan leather moto jacket - Old ankle booties (similar here)

Outfit two: Everlane trench coat - Gap boot jeans - Dolce Vita booties

Outfit three: Target floral dress - Target stripes blazer - Steve Madden booties 

Boston State of Mind

In two years, I went from running zero miles to seven half marathons and one full marathon. This year I thought I was going to slow down, until last month when three different people told me that I should try to qualify for the Boston Marathon. I laughed out loud each time! But those outside voices sparked the inner voice to say, "Hey, this is a sign, you should go for it." It will be challenging, but I love a good challenge. The verdict: I'm going to try to qualify for Boston this year at the Santa Rosa marathon. If I don't qualify this year, then I'll try next year and then following year. I'm sure by the time I hit 50 I'll complete the Boston Marathon! Wish me luck!

Photography by Doug Zimmerman

// New Balance Neutral Light Running Shoes //

Beauty Favorite - The Best Eye Make-up Remover

This eye make-up remover from Clarins is the best remover for water proof mascara and liner. It has been a favorite for a long time and it takes away everything without hurting your eyes.

// Clarins eye make-up remover - Benefit push up liner - Kat Von D tattoo liner //

Meet MomLikeThat - Julie Angold

I met Julie through the Mom’s Club where I live. We were not in the same playgroup since her children were older than mine. But when I was expecting my second child Julie called and asked me if she can take newborn photos of our new baby. I said yes! That was five years ago and since then she’s been taking all our family photos (and now my blog), and we’ve became really good friends. Check out her amazing work at www.angoldphotography.com

How would you describe yourself? 

Caring, adventurous, and patient.

What do you do besides motherhood?

I'm a photographer for families, high school seniors, newborns & children. I have always loved photography, but my passion grew as soon as my children were born. My favorite part of being a photographer is knowing that I am capturing a memory for people, so that in many years they can look at the photos and remember that special moment. Life zooms by so quickly, but a photo allows you to hit pause for just a moment, I just love that!

What’s the best advice you have ever received? 

My Mother-in-law raised 7 sons so I reach out to her when I'm in need of motherly advice. One day, many years ago I was really upset about the way my son was behaving. She said to me, "If kids were perfect there would be no need for parents."  I have repeated this to myself many, many, many times over the years :)

What’s your beauty routine?  

It's all a secret to me, that's why I'll be following your blog, wink!

What’s your signature scent?  

Issey Miyake

What can’t you live without? 

Quesadillas, haha!  For a busy mom with three busy kids you've got to always have some tortillas & cheese on hand, haha!

How do you balance your life? 

Yikes, this is a constant work in progress. I guess I've found that with kids balancing life requires constant adaptation. Our family's schedule is always changing so I try to change my schedule with it. Fortunately for me, having my own business allows me to do this easily.

Who is your biggest role model? 

My husband! He's not afraid to fail and pushes forward when everyone else believes things to be impossible, he always finds the best in others and he spends the majority of his day laughing and making those around him crack up too!

Do you have a family tradition? 

Our family tradition is sort of an anti-tradition. We like seeing new places and try not to go the same place twice. I guess our tradition would be experiencing exciting new adventures together!

5 quick questions:

Favorite restaurant: Boon Fly Cafe on a breakfast date with my hubby.

Favorite recipe: Chicken Parmesan.

Favorite dessert: Creme Brûlée.

Favorite drink: Just went bowling recently, so right now it's White Russians.

Favorite movie: Better Off Dead.

DiscoGem: Lileds, a Sweet Reward from an Unexpected Source

Finding an undiscovered gem is one of the joys of exploring local neighborhood haunts. Once discovered, my husband likes to call them DiscoGems, short for 'discovered gem.' Last summer he surprised me by taking me to Lileds in Vallejo, CA, a DiscoGem for ice cream, chocolates and candies. The minute I entered the colorful shop it reminded me of Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory. I love the old school vintage feel and their ice cream is made on site with fresh ingredients. My favorite flavors are pineapple coconut and peach, which is only available in summer. Lileds was established in 1936 and Yvonne and her husband Vaughn Hardiman took over in October 2005. They are the fifth shop owners to run this wonderful creamery and confectionary.

Here with Yvonne Hardiman.

Photography by Julie Angold

Five Beauty Favorites to Start Your Day

Here are five products I use on my face before I get out of the house in the morning.  It might seem a lot of steps, but it only takes me less than 10 minutes to get ready. I use the NARS multiple stick as blush and lipstick. What is your morning routine?

// Arbonne make up primer - Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer - Maybelline concealer - NARS multiple stick - Maybelline mascara //

Chambray Shirt Dress

I've always been a fan of shirt dresses. It just feels classy and practical, you know? Every mom should have a shirt dress in their closet, especially a chambray one!

Photography by Doug Zimmerman

// Madewell shirtdress (similar here) - Hunter rain boots - Montecristi Panama Hat //

Staycation

Last month we took the kids to The Claremont Hotel in Berkeley for a weekend getaway. If you love Spa treatments this is the place to go. But we didn't come here for that, we came for a staycation. My kids think they are on vacation when we stay at a hotel room and order room service. They also get to jump on the bed as much as they want! The Claremont Kid's Club offers 2 hours of free childcare if you are guest at the hotel. This is great if you want a little time by yourself or with your partner. We had a great time and can't wait for our next adventure! To find affordable staycation around the Bay Area there are many deals on Groupon

Thanks for stopping by and have a great weekend!

The Claremont Hotel. My kids think it's The White House :)

A sweet moment with my youngest.

Sibling love.

All smilles sans kids for 2 hours :)

Me time.

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Catch me if you can.

Peaceful moment with my vino.

Hello again! Cheers!

They did not want to leave the kid's club.

Perfect ending.

// Anthropologie dress - Gap hat (similar here) - Steve Madden riding boots - J. Crew tote (similar here) //

Photography by Doug Zimmerman

Meet MomLikeThat

MomLikeThat is a lifestyle diary that celebrates everything from motherhood, health, beauty, travel and food. My goal is to inspire moms like you with new discoveries, whether it's a sweet treat or a new pair of skinny jeans. I've been working on fun content over the last two months and can't wait to share more. Stayed tuned and thank you for stopping by!  

And don't forget to follow me on Instagram.

 Photography by Doug ZimmermanMake-up by Fanny Woo

 

Photography by Doug Zimmerman

Make-up by Fanny Woo