Fourth Leaf Release Party

On Saturday my husband and I went to the release party for the 2013 Fourth Leaf Cabernet Sauvignon. Fourth Leaf Wines is a Cabernet Sauvignon from two distinct mountain peaks overlooking the valley floor; Howell Mountain and Atlas Peak. This is a partnership between Angelina Mondavi and Robert Mondavi Jr, 4th generation winemakers from a family legacy in the Napa Valley. The wine was delicious, reminiscent of what you would expect from a classic Napa cab, and is very limited. You can signup to their mailing list to get notified when it goes on sale at the beginning of November.

We had a great time meeting old and new friends and drinking exceptional wine paired with oven baked pizza by Cocina Milonga. To top it all off, I got to meet my mommy crush Amy Parker, the co-founder of theWhatlist, a weekly list of exceptional recommendations that you should subscribe to right now.

 

Practical, Comfortable, and Stylish with 4EurSole

I live in Northern California's Bay Area which means fog, layers and lots of rain during this time of the year (well, unless there's a multi-year drought). When it comes to finding the perfect boots to meet all these requirements, I turn to 4EurSole waterproof wedge lacer boot. They are practical, comfortable, and stylish at the same time. Perfect for this mommy who is always on the go! Click here to learn more about these amazing boots.

This post was sponsored by 4EurSole.

Healthy Living

You guys, I need to start eating healthier. I've fallen back in my old sugar habit and eat far too much ice cream. It doesn’t affect my body because I run and exercise regularly, but it makes me SO TIRED and moody (well, first it makes me super happy and filled with energy, but then I crash). And when my eczema starts to flare up, that's when I know I need to stop!

I also feel like I need much more energy to keep up with my 3 kids, my business, my husband, PTA meetings, volunteering at my kids school, and friends. I'm not going to give up sugar completely because I don’t want to be one of those who can’t eat anything. Plus life is too short to deprive yourself from ice cream! 

Below is an example of my healthier lifestyle. Please leave your comments if you have any great food or snack ideas. Would love to hear what you eat to get more energy.

Breakfast: spinach and leftover roasted chicken omelette.

Mid morning snack: avocado toast with roasted butternut squash, cranberries, and red onion.

Lunch: stir fry green beans.

Afternoon pick me up: green energy juice.

Dinner: roasted Greek chicken with rustic potatoes. My family fav!

 

Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details

Happy Friday! Have any fun plans this weekend? Our Saturday morning is packed with soccer games. Then we plan something really fun to do with the kids - put our Halloween decorations up! Have a gorgeous weekend, and here are some of my Instagram round-ups and outfit details.

Current favorite! check them out here

Hat is from #MustHaveBox from Popsugar  - Old Navy shirt - Zara pants (similar here) and leather mules

Olive and Poppy weekend tote bag - Panama hat here

H&M top and camisole - Target long vest - Old Navy denim - Zara flats - Rice and Beans Vintage bag

T is the season!

WhoWhatWear dress shirt (similar here) - Gap skinny pants - Zara leather mules

Farmer's Market flowers

Madewell shirt (similar here) - BP denim - ASOS oxfords

 

Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Maple Frosting

Recipe courtesy of Barefoot Contessa Foolproof by Ina Garten

Ingredients:

½ cup vegetable oil, plus extra for greasing the pan
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground ginger
½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon kosher salt
2 extra-large eggs, at room temperature
1 cup canned pumpkin purée (not pie filling)
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
Maple Frosting (recipe follows)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Brush the top of a muffin pan with vegetable oil and line it with 10 paper liners. Into a medium bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and salt. In a larger bowl, whisk together the eggs, pumpkin, granulated sugar, brown sugar, and the ½ cup vegetable oil. Add the flour mixture and stir to combine. Scoop the batter into the prepared tins and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely, spread the cupcakes with the

For the maple frosting:

6 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, at room temperature
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
2 cups sifted confectioners' sugar

In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, cream the cream cheese, butter, maple syrup, and vanilla on medium-low speed until very smooth. With the mixer on low, slowly add the confectioners' sugar and mix until smooth.

Enjoy!

 

bonJoy

As a momtrepreneur I love supporting other women-run businesses especially when their mission is to help other women. I was thrilled when bonJoy asked me to unbox their July box. Two “artpreneurs” running this awesome subscription business are darlings and beyond creative. There are some great subscription boxes out there, but this one really caught my attention because of their mission and values. They use their creativity and heart for social justice to help women rebuild their lives and thrive by doing life-changing work so that their programs can flourish and positively impact more women.

They carefully curate products that do good for trafficked, exploited, and at-risk women around the world. Their mission is to share beautiful, useful, and ethical lifestyle products that make a positive impact in women's lives. 

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

Bemnu Earrings in Gold by Fair Anita: these dangles are made of recycled bullet casings (100% brass) by marginalized women given opportunity in Ethiopia.

Geometric Coin Purse in Cobalt by Purse & Clutch: these purses are made of organically dyed cotton, then handwoven by women artisans in Guatemala.

Basic Skin Care Kit by Apple Rose Beauty: spa-quality skincare that's natural, organic, wildcrafted, and made by survivors of trafficking.

Squarebars in Chocolate-Coated Crunch & Mint by Square Organics: organic, no-gmo, gluten-free, dairy free, soy-free, vegan, and packed with healthy nutrients, these bars are all about the right ingredients…plus, their protein power also flights trafficking

With your purchase you can support fair trade and small brands who are committed to making a positive impact for trafficked, at-risk, and exploited women around the world. $1 from each box will support anti-trafficking causes. Get your subscription today!

Instagram Roundup and Outfit Details

Happy Monday! Sorry I’ve been kind of MIA on the blog world. I have many posts coming your way so stay tuned. In other news, my Instagram Roundups are back and here to stay! If you have any questions on where something is from or how it fits, ask away in the comments.

Zara flat strappy shoes

Zara slides with bow

Quick easy dinner with kimchi, micro veggies, and cajun turkey

H&M camisole and top - BP denim - Zara flats

H&M top, camisole, and denim - Converse shoes

My kind of breakfast

Homemade alfajores for American Canyon Community & Parks Foundation Gala

Out fundraising with hubby. Zara dress - Justfab booties

Popsugar Must Have September box

Miso peach caramel soft serve with black sesame sauce - seriously the best thing I've ever had!

The cutest velvet Mary Jane shoes for only $12. Get yours here.

Love visiting the farmer's market at the San Francisco Ferry Building!

Cooling off with my main squeeze. #98degrees in Sacramento!

A little me time on a Sunday morning

Mommy's uniform: Boho Lifestyle kimono knit - H&M top - Earl skinny jeans - ASOS shoes

 

Three Fall Trends To Try

Velvet

ASOS Traffic People Velvet Underground Butterfly Peep Dress

Steve Madden Editt Velvet Sock Heeled Ankle Boots

ASOS Motel Cedar Velvet Dress With Lace Trim

Neck Scarves

Urban Outfitters Pattern Neck Tie Scarf

Halogen Skinny Scarf

River Island Women's Cream Floral Print Neck Scarf

Block Heels

Steve Madden Tomorrow Block Heel Pump

BCBGENERATION Liliana Block Heel Bootie

Sole Society Phoebe Suede Block Heel Slingback Pump 

Steve Madden Women's Irenee Two-Piece Block Heel Sandals

 

 

 

Beauty Finds

Taking care of yourself doesn't have to cost a fortune. Below are some of the beauty items of which I'm currently obsessed. Go ahead click on the links and treat yourself because when mommy is happy everyone is happy!

I got this Oh My Brow highlighter from Popsugar Must Have and I'm absolutely in love! You can instantly lift your brows by blending it along your brow bone, widen eyes by applying it on your inner corners, or add glow to your cheekbones.

I've been using Maybelline mascara since I was in college. If you have short eyelashes like me, this is the most affordable way to extend those lashes. A must in my make-up bag!

I don't wear much make up now days, and when I do I like to look effortless and natural. This palette is perfect for a natural subtle look. 

Recently I found this set of brushes at my local Walgreen's. They work wonders!

All moms out there, Laneige water bank soothing gel mask is so good….all you need is 30 minutes before you go to bed once a week. Your face will look so fresh and hydrated the next morning. It's like a free Botox ;-)

 

Camping At Burney Falls

“Keep close to Nature’s heart…

and break clear away, once in awhile,

and climb a mountain or spend a week in the woods.

Wash your spirit clean. ” – John Muir

We took the kids to Burney Falls State Park last week to culminate our summer. We pick this location because it's beautiful and family friendly. There is so much to do from hiking, swimming, boating, biking, scooting, and hello..an onsite general store where they dish out soft serve ice cream (hell yeah!). Below are some photos of our adventure. Have a beautiful weekend!

Our campsite.

Lots of s'mores in here!

Campsite is not complete without our Alien "Pinky".

During our hike. It's a plus when kids can read and find their way.

The famous Burney Falls.

Every year we take a family shot in the same spot.

It's gorgeous out here!

Hubby told the kids that these are the trolls from the movie Frozen.  ;-)

White sand formation.

Stunning view of the lake during our hike. 

Did some reading by our campfire. This book is so good!

Love how tranquil the lake is in the morning. 

Getting some lessons from daddy. Love these two!

Relaxing and enjoying the ride.

The famous bridge from the movie "Stand By Me." 

A must visit!

These two always together. 

Cave entrance.

Temperature drops like 30 degrees when inside.

The end of the cave.

Can't say good bye to summer without getting a banana split from Fentons Creamery.