Whole30 Power Breakfast
Awesome breakfast made of turkey bacon, bell peppers, cucumbers, eggs, and blueberries. Full of flavor, full of color. Eating clean, healthy and balanced is easier that you think!
// Whole30 - It Starts with Food //
The Book of Mormon
Without a doubt, The Book of Mormon is one of the funniest shows I’ve seen. Not only is it hilarious, but the music and dancing is just as wonderful as a traditional musical would be. The story is uplifting, the characters are both lovable and relatable, and every song perfectly caters to the moment in the show. It’s such a well-written show that truly understands adult humor, keeps the audience laughing and entertains. The Book of Mormon is my new favorite musical. It’s incredible and definitely worth your time and money.
(Sorry, no cameras were allowed in the show. You'll have to go see it yourself).
Blue Bottle Serum
These two serum work MAGIC for my eyes and face. I use them in the morning and it makes the area around my eyes and skin tighter and moister.
// La Prairie eye serum - iS Clinical serum //
Meet MomLikeThat - Megan Mann
Meet my friend Megan Mann who is the president of our local MOMS Club. She lives in American Canyon with her husband and two children. In addition to having 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?
HOPEFUL. RUNNER. DIPLOMATIC.
What do you do besides motherhood?
I run, do yoga, play with/practice make-up trends, serve on the American Canyon Moms Club Board, and invent new bento combos for my kid’s lunches.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
“It never hurts to ask.” My mom always says this.
What’s your beauty routine?
Wash & moisturize my face in the morning and at night; always wear an SPF during the day; I love Smashbox’s Camera Ready CC cream and Maybelline’s Dream Lumi Touch concealer.
What’s your signature scent?
Powder fresh deodorant? I don’t usually wear perfume.
What can’t you live without?
Soy lattes. Undereye concealer. And hugs & kisses from my family
How do you balance your life?
Social media lets me sample the outside world’s wild frivolity (and drama), while trying to stay chill and get the housework done.
Who is your biggest role model?
I always try to stay true to my younger, less-encumbered self and my older, wiser self. Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, and Nelson Mandela are pretty good, too.
Do you have a family tradition?
Pajama days on the weekends or when my kids are sick.
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Maggiano’s
Favorite recipe: Risotto. It takes a while, but the taste is so worth it.
Favorite dessert: Chocolate molten lava cake with ice cream
Favorite drink: Kir Royale (Champagne and Chambord) or Soy lattes
Favorite book: Vogue. I read it every month!
Weekend Ready
It's Thursday!!!!. And I could not be happier. I mean technically yes, I still have one more day for the weekend but I like to plan ahead. I'm heading to Cambria, CA tomorrow with my mommy besties for a weekend of relaxation, food and wine tasting. I picked up these outfits to come with me because it's all about chic and comfort. Happy almost Friday everyone!
// Gap stripe relaxed T-shirt dress //
Two Hair Favorites
I use these two Kevin Murphy products for my hair after every wash. The Damage Manager spray protects your hair from the heat and it makes it soft and strong at the same time. And to style it I use the Easy Rider to help with the frizz.
Mother's Day
Such an honor to be their mother. Mya taught me how to be patient for a child who is exactly like me. Oscar taught me that I could love another child as much as I love the first one. And Leah taught me that's is ok to have a messy house and eat food from the floor. I couldn't ask for anything more! Happy Mother's Day to all the mamas out there. We are all momlikethat!
Photography by Julie Angold
Farmers Market
Last Saturday we took the kids to visit our local farmers market. I love seeing all the beautiful fruit, veggies, and flowers, as well as try all the yummy, fresh, organic, and gluten free treats. Such a perfect way to to begin the weekend.
If you are visiting Napa, I highly recommend a stop at the Farmers Market every Tuesday and Saturday for some local and in season produce.
Life Lately
I can read this cookbook all day…. Love!
Where have you been all my life? These sunscreen towelettes are the best invention ever!
My two new favorite Paleo breakfast duo - pancake mix and hot cereal
To get a smooth natural tan I like to mix this one from James Read with body lotion. That way it only gives your skin a sun kissed look instead of turning orange. Apply it before bed time and wake up with the look of just gotten back from a sunny vacation…
This bar is perfect for before or after my run
Meet MomLikeThat - Belia Ramos
I’m so happy to introduce you to my super amazing friend Belia Ramos. Not only is she very successful in what’s she is doing, she is also the sweetest person and best mama to her three little monkeys. I've known Belia almost 10 years and she is an inspiring woman on so many levels. I hope you’ll enjoy reading about her just as much as I do!
How would you describe yourself?
Strategic, genuine and passionate.
What do you do besides motherhood?
A lot! I am a private tutor for applicants of the bar exam (Raise the Bar), Law Professor (UC Davis), Council member (City of American Canyon), and Director for the 25th Agricultural District. I also serve on the board of the following nonprofits: Napa Valley Crime Stoppers, Napa Valley Canine Foundation and American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation. Oh! And I am candidate for Napa County Supervisor (5th District).
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
“Kids come first.” This advice helps me find balance on a daily basis.
What’s your beauty routine?
It starts with Smashbox CC cream and my secret weapon Fanny Woo (Make Up artist extraordinaire).
What’s your signature scent?
I haven’t found it yet but I love the smell of jasmine and citrus.
What can’t you live without?
Cuddles from my littles and Reese’s Peanut Butter cups.
How do you balance your life?
Prioritizing my kids helps me find the balance I need. Everything else will fall into place.
Who is your biggest role model?
My father. He is positive, loyal, smart, fun and wise.
Do you have a family tradition?
We (the girls) make pork tamales with my mother on Christmas Eve.
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Celadon
Favorite recipe: My Nana’s Mole Poblano
Favorite dessert: Tiramisu
Favorite drink: Margarita
Favorite book: Like Water for Chocolate
Meet The Clan
Mya - my beautiful bookworm.
Oscar - my handsome builder.
Leah - my little sunshine.
Sibling love.
Proud to be their mama.
Photography by Julie Angold
Butano State Park
We kicked off our camping season at Butano State Park this past weekend. Camping is such a great way to spend quality time with family and friends - no phones, no TV, no household chore distractions. My kids love it because it's the only time I let them go (meaning they get to eat all kinds of junk food, get dirty without me nagging them, be creative with their surroundings, and be with nature). We had an awesome time, despite rain the first night. We took the kids for a hike, celebrated "Uncle Nick's" birthday, counted banana slugs, met new friends, went to the beach, and the best part - we devoured tons of s'mores!
Here are some shots from our super fun trip. Enjoy!
My oldest insisted to wear her leather jacket because she is cool like that.
Hubby found a pond behind our campsite. It was very Zen!
We found a giant broccoli!
Leah and her many uncles. Also, isn't this dog - Hakishi or "Fluffy" so adorable?!?!
Pescadero Beach
Flare Jeans - Seventies or Nineties?
When you wear flare jeans you automatically think of the seventies. But I like to think of the nineties because that's when I started wearing them. I'm so happy that they are back in trend. There is something about these jeans that make me feel carefree and very bohemian. Also, I don't know when I decided to be so matchy lately but I can't stop.
Here is one my favorite songs from the nineties. Enjoy!
// Forever 21 hat - Gap top - ANINE BING jeans - Ivanka Trump pumps - Sam Edelman clutch //
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
Beauty Favorites with Philosophy
It always feels great when someone tells you that your skin is glowing. I was surprised and flattered after hearing this twice last week. Not a compliment I get often considering I’m notoriously dealing with eczema and dry skin. So what’s been my secret? My new Philosophy beauty favorites that have been working wonders. Also changing my diet to Whole30 has helped, but that's a whole different post.
Happy Monday everyone!
Denim Weekend
Say hello to my new favorite denim peplum top. I've only worn it twice so it's a little presumptuous to say my new favorite, but I feel like we are going to get along just fine. Have a lovely weekend everyone!
P.S - Pretty Mother's Day gifts here.
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
// Madewell denim peplum top - Old Navy skirt - Madewell d'Orsay flats //
Homemade Granola
My kids and I love to make our homemade granola together. It's so easy and healthier than the one you get at the store. They love it so much that they eat it as snack, or with their oatmeal (we call it "Granolameal"). It also makes a perfect Mother's Day gift.
Ingredients
4 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
2 cups sweetened, shredded coconut
2 cups sliced almonds
1 1/2 cups of dried cranberries (or any berries)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/3 cup good honey
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
Directions
Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F.
Toss the oats, coconut, almonds, cranberries together in a large bowl. Pour the vegetable oil and honey over the oat mixture. Add the cinnamon, and stir with a wooden spoon until all the oats and nuts are coated with the liquids. Pour onto a sheet pan. Bake, stirring occasionally with a spatula, until the mixture turns a nice, even golden brown, about 25 to 30 minutes.
Remove the granola from the oven and allow to cool. Store the cooled granola in an airtight container.
Enjoy!
5 Daily Looks From Target Under $30
Private Tour at Black Stallion Winery in Napa Valley
As Napa locals, we don't take many private wine tours. Recently though we won a bid for a private tour at Black Stallion Winery from our kid's school fundraising event and invited our good friends to join us. Wine, good company, great tour…all for a good cause. Can't be beat.
Citrus Fever
I don't wear bright color often, but Citrus is the one color you will see me wear this spring and summer. I love how it brightens the day even without trying too hard. I wore this dress for a business meeting, but you can easily dress it down with a pair of converse or sandals. Happy Monday everyone!
Photography by Doug Zimmerman
// LOFT eyelet dress - ANN TAYLOR tote - Sole Society wedges //
Meet MomLikeThat - Heather Piazza
This smart, fun and impressive mom is the head of Piazza Marketing Concepts. My husband actually met her first to talk shop over lunch. After their meeting he told me that I should contact her as we have a lot in common. We have since become good friends and share a passion for being active in our community. On weekends we often meet up with other moms in a running group called "Run Moms Run". Along with the 30 or so other wonderful moms in the running group, Heather and I run to get exercise, find inspiration and for the camaraderie. But we run mostly because we can. Here is more about Heather:
How would you describe yourself?
Passionate, driven, competitive
What do you do besides motherhood?
I am the owner of my own firm, Piazza Marketing Concepts. I play the role of Marketing Director for many organizations that either don’t have one, or need a fresh look at the current marketing and promotional tactics. I also donate my time (a lot!). Whether I am volunteering at my children’s school or acting as the Secretary and Marketing Chair for the American Canyon Community and Parks Foundation, I find that giving back is such a great opportunity to do something good for those around me.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Make yourself a priority. Once you do that, everything else will fall into place.
What’s your beauty routine?
BB Cream is the best beauty secret I have!
What’s your signature scent?
Romance by Ralph Lauren
What can’t you live without?
Aside from my family and friends? Chocolate, cheese and bubbles!
How do you balance your life?
Staying active. I realized that I need an outlet just as much as my kids do. There is nothing better than getting outside for a run, walk, hike or bike ride. In our house, my kids have gotten to love and appreciate the importance of dancing it out.
Who is your biggest role model?
That’s a tough one, though for today I would have to say Michele Obama. There are so many brilliant people in this world, both here and gone. I am a sucker for strong females who stopping nothing short of trying to make this world a better place.
Do you have a family tradition?
Every year around Christmas, my family (along with my extended family) congregates at our home for a day of holiday baking. We make the best Swedish Rye Bread and Cinnamon Rolls!
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: The Pear
Favorite recipe: Good ole-fashioned lasagna
Favorite dessert: Crème Brule
Favorite drink: Anything from J Vineyards – they have fantastic bubbles!
Favorite movie: Love Actually