Say It Like That
"What would happen if we were all brave enough to be a little bit more ambitious? I think the world would change" - R e e s e W i t h e r s p o o n
Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details
Another Instagram Roundup I put together for you. This is slowly becoming a thing and I kind of like it. Hope you have most of your holidays shopping done and enjoying all the amazing sales out there!
Hat with pompom from H&M.
Sparkle someone's birthday. Click here to learn more.
New ornament "O" from Target.
Hooded faux suede coat from Forever21. Boots from ANINE BING.
Can't live without my green juice!
Plaid shirt from Old Navy.
Timeless!
My favorites <3
Meet MomLikeThat - Tiffany Larson
Meet my friend Tiffany Larson who is the owner and coach at Fitness Revolution in Napa. The first time I learned about her is when my husband said to me, "Honey, I really like my new gym!" Then six weeks later my husband lost 20lbs with proper nutrition and training. How cool is that! I, of course, joined after seeing the great results. Six months later we are still going to our classes and we love that it's not just a place to workout, but also a great community. The owners, coaches and members are so nice and unlike most gym memberships, people here truly care about you. Thank you Tiffany for all you do to help others get healthier and stronger. You are an inspiring woman on so many levels!
How would you describe yourself?
Intuitive, Giving, Strong
What do you do besides motherhood?
I am a business owner and coach at Fitness Revolution. My husband Jeff and I started this outdoor fitness boot camp back in February of 2006. It started out as one class per day at a park in Napa and has grown to 4 locations, 44 classes per week, personal training, massage, over 250 wonderful clients and an amazing team of 7 team members that make it all happen!
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Oh my goodness, I'm usually giving the advice! There are so many pieces of advice but two stick out in my head and I know you only asked for one. My grandma would always say “birds of a feather, flock together” and when I was a young girl, I used to hate that saying because it was usually given to me at a time when I wasn’t choosing the best people to hang out with. Now it rings so true for me…. I really try to surround myself with positive people and people that are being or doing things that I aspire to be or do. Life is too short to hang out with energy sucking vampires. Also, a business coach I had used the phrase, “you get paid for done”.... I tend to procrastinate and whenever I put things off, I start hearing his voice saying “you only get paid for done.”
What’s your beauty routine?
First and foremost, exercise, water and vegetables. I am VERY low maintenance. Shower first thing out of bed, brush teeth in the shower, I only wash my hair about three times per week. I use a serum and a tinted sunscreen during the day and the same serum and a night cream at night. I like the Andalou products at Whole Foods but I flop around to different products based on my mood. I have my brows and lashes tinted every 4 to 6 weeks so I rarely if ever wear makeup. Beauty is what you think and believe about yourself, not necessarily what you put on your face or body.
What’s your signature scent?
Hmmm, again, I am not super faithful…. I do love Burberry Brit Sheer.
What can’t you live without?
First, my hubby, best friend and business partner Jeff. Next my kids….they are the greatest people! Exercise. Daily personal development, I need to listen to something that makes me a better person each day, it might be Joel Osteen or The Father’s House podcast. It might be Dave Ramsey’s, Entreleadership, it might be a leadership book like 21-Irrefutable Laws of Leadership which I listen to periodically and repeatedly.
How do you balance your life?
I always joke that I am a recovering control freak. It sounds funny but it's true. Right around our second year in business, I was still working full time, we had 2 toddlers and a 9 year old, I ran a business at night and wore stress and busy-ness as some sort of badge. I ended up having, what I believe was a nervous breakdown. Then I started seeing a life coach who taught me a totally new concept of self-care. I started taking time out of my unbelievable crazy day for myself, to workout, or read or just breathe. A few years later I was diagnosed with colon cancer and underwent several surgeries, chemo and radiation. An experience like that forces you to find balance in your life, it changed me. I can tell almost instantly if I am out of “balance” so I quickly start self care to get back in balance. My workout is non-negotiable. If I feel stress I walk away and come back to work on whatever is later. I come first. Then everyone and everything else. It doesn’t take much to really take care of yourself, maybe 30-90 minutes per day and it really makes a difference.
Who is your biggest role model?
I don’t have one role model in my life that I model everything after. I have learned a lot about the importance of family and stick together-ness from my grandmother. I have learned a lot about being strong and pushing through adversity from my mother, who, honestly I have never heard complain about anything, ever. I look to my husband Jeff for adventure and wisdom. My dad is very giving, (he wasn’t always) he will drop anything for me….I wish I had more of his willingness to give. And my daughters….I think it must be such a hard time to grow up with social media. Kids nowadays are bombarded with images and messages that they have to sort through to find their way in this world. To have a constant stream of influence and find a healthy, happy path is a challenge and I admire the way they handle it. Since I have so many amazing female clients, I get to pick and choose role models all the time.
Do you have a family tradition?
Birthdays at Benihana. Christmas Day at grandmas. Green jello salad at Thanksgiving. Summer vacation in Tahoe.
What makes a mom like that?
For me it is always trying to be better each day. Even if it is just a tiny bit.
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Rutherford Grill
Favorite recipe: Against All Grain: Slow Cooker Curried Short Ribs
Favorite dessert: Carrot Cake or Strawberry Shortcake
Favorite drink: Water. But if you are speaking in terms of a cocktail, a simple mimosa will do.
Favorite book: Oh so many. Just one? It’s not really a book it is an audio recording of some sermons by Joel Osteen “Living in Favor, Abundance and Joy”. I choose that book because it was pivotal for me in overcoming my “breakdown” and I listened to it nearly everyday while I was being treated for colon cancer. I am not sure I would have survived or gotten through without it, honestly, it means that much.
Celebrating and Remembering Sienna
We lost our dog Sienna over the summer while the family was away on a road trip. We received a call from our parents that she was in critical condition and in severe pain because of advanced stages of an aggressive cancer. We had a hard decision to make to end her life and we had to say good-bye over the phone. The whole family was saddened that we couldn't say our last farewell in person.
Today would have been her 10th birthday. We wanted to celebrate this day and remember her at her happy place - the beach. Sienna loved the water and there was no greater body of it than at an ocean beach. She would swim so hard and gulp so much saltwater that she made herself sick. But as soon as she got the salt water out of her - usually a really gross regurgitation - she was right back in the ocean frolicing in the waves. She was probably a surfer in her previous life.
Rest in peace Sienna bear. You are free now to see the world and swim all you want. We love you and you will always be part of our family and our hearts.
Burgundy
I’m obsessed with this burgundy Vintage Chanel bag from Rice and Beans Vintage. It’s so chic and timeless! If you are looking to invest on a great vintage bag I highly recommend checking them out. Holiday savings is up to 35% off! Now I call that a great investment!
Thankful
With three more days until Thanksgiving, I'm in holiday dress mode. Below are outfit ideas that allow you to stuff your tummy, drink cocktails, hug relatives, lounge all day, give thanks and look great while you're doing it.
I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving break! I will be celebrating with my family and friends. I'm sending my love and thankfulness to you this week. I'm so grateful for being able to share my life and style with you all. Hope it's a love and fun filled Thanksgiving for you, wherever you are celebrating.
Happy Thanksgiving!
// Nordstrom hat - Old Navy dress - Shoedazzle OTK boots //
// Target vest and booties - Sonnet James dress //
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Say It Like That
"I don't take my life seriously, but I do take what I do in my life seriously" - A u d r e y H e p b u r n
Happiest Birthday To Our First
She was our first everything. First pregnancy, baby, granddaughter to our parents, preschooler, kindergartner, and tween. It isn’t always easy having to be the one who goes first, actually I think it’s rarely easy, but what a fantastic little guinea pig she has been. Especially to me! When I brought her home from the hospital I almost can’t believe we survived the last nine years. I learned everything about being a mother from her, and she is the apple of my eye!
Thank you for being patient and loving and kind with me. I absolutely love being your mama. I hope the next nine years of discovery are as interesting and wonderful as the first. I hope I don’t make as many mistakes, but I’m sure I will.
That’s what happens to the first after-all.
Happy 9th Birthday Babydoll!
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!
Meet MomLikeThat - Fanny Woo
I'm so happy to introduce you to Fanny, my partner in crime. We met through our local mom’s club about 4 years ago. I remembered we both stared at each other and went hmmm… I like her style! Since then we have become BFF’s via our shared love of all things fashion, motherhood and shopping. She is also a total genius when it comes to makeup! She is a very hard working mom and always puts 100% in all she does. Love her upbeat personality and amazing style. Here she shares her beauty secrets and other thoughts on motherhood.
How would you describe yourself?
Loyal, indecisive, supportive
What do you do besides motherhood?
Founder of Monday Sparkles / Make up artist and wardrobe stylist
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
You never know unless you try...
What’s your beauty routine?
My everyday consists of Sunscreen, Laura Mercier's Tinted Moisturizer, La Girl Pro Concealer (obsessed with this concealer), Blush or Bronzer, Lipgloss, Mascara
What’s your signature scent?
I have had the same 5 fragrances on rotation for the past 10 years. Depending on my mood. The ones on heavy rotation are Prada D'iris and Hanae Mori.
What can’t you live without?
My family!
How do you balance your life?
This question makes me laugh...everyday is a juggle. I haven't quite figured out this balancing act yet. But if I have learned anything, it is to make some time for yourself even if it's only a little bit. So if anyone knows the secret, I would love to know!
Who is your biggest role model?
My dad. He has a great work ethic, is compassionate, and has the biggest heart.
Do you have a family tradition?
My favorite thing to do is with my children at bedtime. We talk about the best part of their day, what they are going to dream about, and what they are grateful for. I always want them to end their days on a positive note. And oh..the silliest things they say they are going to dream about makes me laugh.
What makes a mom like that?
Any mom doing her thing!
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Luna Park
Favorite recipe: Slow-cook Asian Short Ribs
Favorite dessert: I LOVE dessert
Favorite drink: Bubbles
Favorite book: I don't have an all time favorite
Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details
Happy Friday! Have any fun plans for this weekend? I’m meeting my mommy friends tonight for some carnitas street tacos made of boar meat (I know… sounds amazing!), margaritas, and desserts. Then for the weekend we have a kid’s birthday party, world cup soccer championship for my oldest, and daddy has plans to put all Halloween decorations away and maybe skip Thanksgiving all together and put Christmas decorations up. I’m of course going to be part of all of the above, with may be a little online shopping (Old Navy up to 60% the entire store) and start reading this book. Have a lovely weekend, and here are some of my Instagram round-ups and outfit details.
I can spend all my money on flowers...
Army denim shirt from Madewell (similar here). Leopard pumps from Sam Edelman.
These chic suede booties are the most comfortable thing and they are from Target. A must have for your fall wardrobe.
This book is a must read and own. Here is another favorite.
Plaid vest from Target and knee high boots from Nordstrom (last fall).
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Monday Sparkles
What a great week it has been so far! We officially launched Monday Sparkles on Monday and it has been non-stop. Thank you so much for all the support and words of encouragement. They mean so much to us! We are happy and proud of all the hard work, sweat and tears that went into this passion project. We hope you follow us on this journey and share it with all your friends and loved ones. The more girls we can reach the more impact we can make!
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Monday Giveaway
Because I love #LoveStyleLife book so much I'll be giving away three copies to my followers. All you need to do is the following:
1. Follow me @momlikethat on Instagram
2. Tag a friend and make sure to hashtag #momlikethatlove in the comments section of this picture on Instagram
3. Winners will be randomly selected. I'll announce the winners on Thursday on Instagram
Tag as many friends as you like, to be entered multiple times in the giveaway!
Happy Halloween 2015!
This year, our oldest daughter chose her costume. Since she is entering her tweens she went for the evil costume. Daddy’s first reaction was “Is that age appropriate?” I laughed out loud and said “Yes dear it’s totally fine.” I can’t wait to see Daddy’s reaction when both of our girls are sixteen and go to prom. :-)
Our son was not feeling the festivities this year. Even though I tried to hype it up with some awesome costumes, he simply wanted to be a ghost. Not a fancy ghost with all the scary accessories, but just a white bed sheet with two holes ghost (three holes in this case). When this boy makes up his mind there is no way to change it. I guess that’s a virtue right? (Sigh….)
And this year my youngest daughter couldn’t wait to be Princess Elsa. All month she kept asking and talking about it. Sometimes she would tell a stranger on the street, “I’m going to be Elsa for Halloween!” before even saying hello! So we found an incredibly over priced and terribly made Elsa costume. Note to self: it's my fault for thinking that an Elsa costume will be in every store. NOT. SOLD OUT. Almost everywhere! We got lucky though and got the youngest to a happy state.
We are ready to go trick-a-treating and we wish you all a wonderful Halloween!
Happy Birthday Husband
Today is my husband’s birthday so I thought it’s appropriate to share many reasons I love him so much!...
He is unbelievably smart, and ridiculously funny
His laugh is infectious
He makes some kick-ass tacos
He is adventurous and loves to find new places to visit
He watches me eat a whole pint of ice cream and won’t judge
He reads the New York Times and The Economist (I know...very sexy, right?)
He makes me feel like I’m the most beautiful woman in the world. And pretty much rocked my world for the last 14 years.
He gave me three awesome children and then became an amazing dad to them.
In short,
Happy Birthday to my Mr. Awesome!
You are my favorite!
Love you so much…..
Meet MomLikeThat - Lauren Marquez
Today I'm honored to introduce you to my beautiful friend and cousin-in-law. I met Lauren in 2004 on my wedding day. Eleven years later we are both mamas with beautiful children. How time flies! She is one of the most caring and genuine people you can meet. I love how she always lives the fullest everyday and I admire her beauty style. Plenty of lessons can be learned just by being around her.
Enjoy and have a beautiful weekend!
How would you describe yourself?
Positive, Dependable, Trustworthy
What do you do besides motherhood?
I work within my community to inspire families to take control of their health and make better nutritional choices. I am a representative for a whole food nutritional product called Juice Plus+, which offers 30 different plants in a capsule or chewable. The benefits my own family has experienced in the last 2 years on Juice Plus have been invaluable, so sharing my health journey has become a true passion of mine.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
“Don’t sweat the small stuff”
What’s your beauty routine?
I absolutely LOVE make-up, so I usually do a full face every day. I love to try new products and looks, but I do have it down to a science. I can do hair and make-up under an hour. I usually shower at night so it takes off time during our crazy mornings trying to get two kids out of the house on time!
What’s your signature scent?
I really love Chance by Chanel. It lasts forever, and it’s the perfect scent for day or night.
What can’t you live without?
Besides my hubby and my two children? Sunglasses, lip-gloss, and baby wipes! Must haves!
How do you balance your life?
I have to give credit here to my amazing husband. We are a great team, and make sure that both of us get time to sneak away for a quick work out or time with friends. A happy mama is a GOOD mama! Taking care of yourself will not only help with raising strong children, but your marriage will benefit too. Divide and Conquer! My husband and I always say, “You get drop off the girl, and I’ll get the boy??” Or vice versa.
Who is your biggest role model?
My mother Kate. She has taught me to be a strong, independent, compassionate and loving woman, and to appreciate everything. She is the first person to offer a hand, and the last to judge. She has been such a strong role model for my daughter as well. I am lucky to call her mom.
Do you have a family tradition?
As far back as I can remember, we have been serving lasagna for Christmas dinner (mom’s secret sauce), and my grandmother’s cherry tort for dessert. We also get bundled up, make some hot cocoa, and drive around to look at Christmas lights in our neighborhood.
What makes a MomLikeThat?
Having a great network of friends and a strong support system. That could be family, school-moms, or a long distant friend who you chat with occasionally. It really does take a village, and to know that we are all in this together makes it that much easier!
5 quick questions:
Favorite restaurant: Mikuni Sushi, Downtown Sacramento
Favorite recipe: My mother’s secret homemade spaghetti sauce
Favorite dessert: Banana Cream Pie
Favorite drink: Mommy Juice: A glass of Pinot Noir. N/A Drink: Iced Tea with Lemon
Favorite book: Carry on, Warrior by Glennon Doyle Melton
Gluten Free Banana Chocolate Chip Cake
Here is an easy one step, all ingredients and one blender recipe for you. You can substitute banana with pumpkin puree or shredded carrots. It's gluten free as well. Eat responsibly.
Ingredients:
2-3 ripe bananas
1/4 tbsp of apple sauce
1/4 cup of agave
1/4 cup of coconut or brown sugar
1 large egg
1/4 cup of coconut milk (or any milk)
1/2 cup coconut flour (or any gluten free flour)
1/4 cup of ground flaxseeds
1/4 cup of almond meal
1/2 tsp of baking powder
1 tsp of vanilla extract
1 tbsp of vegetable oil (or any oil)
Dash of salt
Handful of dark chocolate chips for sprinkling
Preheat oven to 350F. Prepare cake pan with cooking spray. Combine all ingredients in the blender expect for the chocolate chips and blend until homogeneous. Pour batter to prepared baking pan and bake for 35-40 minutes or until the center is set. Sprinkle chocolate chips on top while the cake is still hot.
Enjoy!
Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details
Happy Monday! How was your weekend? I spent most of the weekend cleaning and tidy up the house. I’m glad I got it all done since I have a jammed packed schedule this week. Wish me luck!
In outfit related news, just when I think fall has arrived in the Bay Area, we’re hit with 80 degree. So yes, we’re still transitioning over here. Below are some outfits for your (almost fall) inspiration.
Forever21 hat // Anthropologie bottondown shirt // H&M faux leather pants // ANINE BING boots old
Nordstrom hat // ANINE BING plaid shirt // ANINE BING denim // Barney's New York Booties (similar here)
LV scarf (similar here) // J.Crew sweater // Gap skinny pants // Banana Republic pumps
10 Things I Do When The Kids Go To Bed
1. Work on my blog
2. Reply to text messages and emails
3. Read blogs
4. Instagram
5. Read magazines and catalogs
6. Watch Korean Soaps. And yes, they are so good and addicting! Sign up with Viki
7. Ironing. It’s very therapeutic!
8. I knit. It’s my yoga
9. Eat chocolate. Current favorite
10. Paint my nails