Monday Sparkles - Fall Box

There's nothing better than coming back from summer break to find a new Monday Sparkles box waiting to be opened!  The fall box is themed “Back to School – Survival Kit” And I think this might be my favorite one yet!

Here's a closer look at what’s inside the box:

Ottilie and Lulu Face Wipes: Natural gentle cleansing wipes with soothing rosewater scent. Perfect for on-the-go cleansing.

Musing Compact Mirror: Keep it in your backpack for on-the-go touch ups and to always start your day with a smile.

Unicorn EarBuds: You’ve got style and because they are unicorn. They are the cutest accessories for your laptop or iPod.

Decorative Patches: Use the patches to decorate your shoes, backpacks, shorts, jeans, t-shirts, hats... the possibilities are endless!

Decorative Pins: Because you need them to go with your new patches.

“Survival Kit” Pouch: Perfect for carrying small school supplies, toiletries, snacks, and chargers. Also great for organizing smaller items in your sports bag.

Annie’s Organic Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars: Super yummy snack to share with a new friend.

Monday Sparkles is a tween subscription box company for girls ages 8-12. Their mission is to help girls celebrate the power of positivity and bring Earth, love, and sparkle to their lives one box at a time. They also want to teach the girls the value of giving back. So for each subscription sold they will donate $1 to either a charity or a worthy organization. For this box they’ve partnered up with Girls On the Run Napa Solano.

 

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

 

Porches, Market, Buses and Trolleys

This weekend was super active with my kids.

Friday afternoon my oldest wanted to apply new patches from Monday Sparkles on a new stripe top, just in time for back-to-school fashion. School doesn't start until three weeks from now. Clearly she couldn’t wait!

On Saturday the kids and I hopped on a ferry to San Francisco. First stop was the Farmers Market at the Ferry Building. Then for lunch we had to get our empanadas and alfajores fix from El Porteño. We then took  buses and trolleys around the City, which is a great way to see all the action and because my kids love public transportation. 

On Sunday, we went to Porchfest in Napa, where small bands play in front of historical homes. Food trucks and music can’t get better than this! We ended our evening with homemade focaccia burgers - with the bread sourced in San Francisco's Ferry building!

How was your weekend? What did you do with your family or loved ones? 

Mom On The Go With 4eursole

As mom, wife, and business owner, I’m always on the go. I like to mix comfort with chic pieces. I’ve kept my summer wardrobe easy with jean shorts and a tee, shirt dresses, and comfortable shoes to wear all day like these from 4eursole.

This sandal is created with a EurSole Sandal Comfort System, which I wasn't familiar with before, but I am now! It has fabulous arch support and are probably the most comfortable shoes I have this season. I keep telling my husband that they are very comfortable and he keeps reminding me that I already said that to him...several times. You can do a lot of walking with these shoes!

So when you ask why do beautiful things like shoes have to hurt? Well now know they don't. Get your pair at 30% off today. Have a beautiful weekend!

This post was sponsored by 4eursole.

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...

Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details

Hope everyone is having a great summer so far. Here is another Instagram Roundup I put together for you. Have a wonderful weekend!

// Date night fundraising Parents Can - Target floral dress (similar here) // 

 // Heirloom tomato salad with fennel salt and olive oil //

// Target top (similar here) - Lauren Conrad floral skirt (similar here) - Olive and Poppy "cheers" necklace //

// Popsugar #MustHaveBox //

// Gingham Drop Waist Dress (similar here) - Madewell crisscross sandals //

// The Clasp by Sloane Crosley //

// Target stripes shirt (similar here) - Birkenstock sandals //

 

Sun Basket

Have I mentioned how much I love Sun Basket? I love cooking, don’t get me wrong, but every once in a while I go through slumps and find myself too busy or too exhausted to go through new recipes for my family. I love that you have menu choices for vegan, gluten free, or paleo meals. The chef-designed meals arrive to your door step with locally sourced ingredients already included, measured out and accompanied with a step-by-step recipe card. And each meal was no more than 30 minutes to cook. We’re completely hooked! 

Grilled steak with roasted poblanos and New Mexican chile sauce.

Cold soba noodle salad with edamame and avocado.

Roast chicken breast with artichoke romesco.

 

June 19

Five years ago my baby wildflower was born on Father’s Day. These two have been inseparable since that day. Daddy is her most favorite person and she is the apple of his eye who makes him mush.

For me birthdays are something nostalgic and wonderful, but there’s something pretty magical about the five mark. May be it’s the fact that those toddler years with chubby arms rolls and sweet lisps are long gone, or she’ll be going off to Kindergarten, but this birthday will be so special for our family because we are celebrating it on Father’s Day.

And as for our main man around here, we love you so very much. Thank you for your patience, dedication and love that is an example to me as your teammate, and I want you to know it doesn’t go unnoticed. I am thankful for the way you prioritizes our family and for how hard you work for us. There is so much work behind the scenes of working for ourselves that no one ever sees… and he does so much of it.

Happy birthday darling girl, we love you always and forever!

And Happy Father’s day (weekend), my love! We love you!

P.S. Stay tuned for the big “Five” birthday party post.

 

Current Gingham Favorites Under $50

Gingham prints are still very in this year and every mom should own a piece in their closet. I like mixing one classic checkered piece with cool modern accessories. Here are some of my favorite summer/warm weather finds under $50.

// LOFT Gingham Drop Waist Dress //

// Nordstrom Rack Gingham Off-The-Shoulder-Top //

// T.J.Maxx Gingham Skirt //

// Macy's Maison Jules Gingham Midi Dress //

// Macy's Maison Jules Sleeveless Gingham Dress //

// Macy's Maison Jules Gingham Shorts //

// J. Crew Factory Classic D'Orsay Flats //

// J. Crew Factory Printed Scarf //