Trendy Solid Gold Earring Styles for Gals with Sensitive Ears

For all the guys and gals out there with sensitive skin like myself, you may experience negative skin reactions to certain metals such as nickel and possibly even silver. Metal allergies are fairly common and can result in red, swollen and itchy skin, which is medically known as contact dermatitis.

I have never been able to wear any earrings that contain even trace amounts of nickel. Many earrings that are labelled β€œsterling silver”, β€œnickel free” or β€œhypoallergenic” can still legally contain up to 5% nickel mixed into the metal. Other metals to avoid are surgical steel, copper, rhodium and any plated gold jewelry. For people with metal allergies, the best way to go is solid gold. Solid gold is also very lightweight and doesn’t stretch the skin which can also be a cause for irritation.

Read More
Best Snowy Places in California for a Winter Road Trip

Looking for a winter road trip destination where you can walk through a real life winter wonderland? California is a great place to go! With its many snowy mountain ranges, there are plenty of places to explore.

Winter is a wonderful time to enjoy the snow, whether you're hitting the slopes or simply playing in the snow. Snowboarding and skiing are great ways to get out and enjoy the winter weather. Sledding and snowman-building are fun activities for families with young children. There's something about being in the snow that just makes people feel happy, and there's nothing quite like relaxing in a cozy cabin after a long day of playing in the snow. If you're looking for a reason to love winter, start with snow travel. It's an experience you'll never forget.

In this blog post, we will outline and give the highlights to some of the best snowy destinations in California. Whether you're looking for a place to ski or just enjoy the scenery, we have you covered. Keep reading to plan your trip to some of the best winter road trip destinations in the Golden State!

Read More
Healthy Mealtime Mom Hacks for Days When You Don't Have Time to Cook

There are many moments in motherhood when you’re just too tired or busy to spend time in the kitchen cooking healthy meals from scratch. But that doesn’t mean you want to resort to fast food or overly processed junk food.

This guide will give you helpful tips that you can resort to when you’re crunched for time or in a pinch. I’ve also taken into account scenarios when you’re low on fresh groceries and freezer or pantry foods are your only option.

Read More
Visitor’s Guide to Old Sacramento - Top 20 Family-Friendly & Date Night Things To Do

With countless hidden gems, Sacramento is a destination that deserves to be on your California travel bucket list. The first time most people visit California’s capital city of Sacramento, they almost always wind up spending some time in historical Old Sacramento. While many cities have their own version β€œold town”, the Old Sacramento District really takes the cake with blocks of preserved buildings, working locomotive steam trains, shopping and dining, and beautiful Tower Bridge and Sacramento River views.

The Old Sacramento area is home to the highest concentration of historic buildings and landmarks in the state. It has a lovely Old West look and feel, with horse-drawn stagecoaches slowly making their way through its scenic streets. There are over a hundred shops and restaurants, as well as countless cafes and hotels now housed in its attractive old buildings.

Old Sacramento is one of those rare places where there’s truly something for everyone. Within the 8-block grid of Old Sac there’s kid-friendly attractions and not-so-kid-friendly spots. Families can bring their children and simultaneously adults can enjoy more mature activities with booze and sophistication.

This Old Sacramento guide is divided between things to do with your kids and adult only activities for a day out on the town or date night with someone special. There’s also plenty of foodie suggestions for those who enjoy eating well while on vacation.

Read More
Family-Friendly Guide to Sacramento - Top Things To Do with Your Kids

My husband and I moved to Sacramento with two goals in mind, to buy our house and start a family. We’ve been living here in Sacramento for over five years now and we have a toddler and baby. We love exploring our city and finding new and engaging ways to entertain the kids.

Sacramento is a great place for families to both live and visit, with plenty of activities to keep children of all ages thoroughly amused. In this guide, we've put together some of the best things to do in Sacramento that are perfect for families. From visiting tourist attractions like the California State Railroad Museum to enjoying the great outdoors at one of the city's many parks, there's something for everyone in Sacramento.

Read More
Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - Top Things to Eat, U-Pick Farms and Swimming Holes!

If you're looking for a county escape that's far enough away to feel like a mini-vacation but still close enough to get back to the city on Monday morning, Placer County is the place for you.

In Placer, the off-season is not a thing, meaning there is never a bad time to pick up the kids and take the family on a spontaneous weekend getaway that you will all enjoy. Whether you want an action-packed weekend full of adventure or a more laid-back, relaxing time with the family, I guarantee Placer County won't disappoint.

Located just 130 miles away from San Francisco, the area is home to over 1,400 square miles of unspoiled land, beautiful rolling hills, and breathtaking views stretching from the historic Gold Country Foothills to the High Sierras of North Lake Tahoe.

There's no other way to say this: Placer is a superstar Northern California region for outdoor activities, offering something for everyone. From hiking and cycling to boating, fishing, or just relaxing on the lake or river beach, there's no shortage of ways to enjoy your time here.

In this blog, I'll go over some of the best hidden gems in Placer County that will make your trip unforgettable. Whether you’re there for a day trip, a weekend warrior or even a longer extended stay, you'll never be bored. I've also included plenty of adult-friendly things to do for couples who are on a romantic weekend.

Read More
Celebrating Your 30th Birthday While Pregnant - 10 Fun and Safe Things To Do

Your 30th birthday is truly a milestone event unlike any other, especially if you celebrate it while pregnant. When you enter into your 30’s era, your life tends to shift and your priorities change. You begin to settle down and focus on big picture life changes. This is all particularly true when you’re about to become a parent to a new baby.

If you happen to be celebrating your 30th birthday while pregnant, you may be wondering how you can still commemorate this special occasion. This particular birthday is known as the β€œDirty Thirty” which can imply partying with alcohol and shenanigans. Well obviously the pregnant birthday girl will be responsible and not partake in any unruly or unhealthy exploits. But don’t worry, you can still live it up and have plenty of fun.

This guide is filled with pregnancy-friendly party and activity suggestions. All of them are great choices for any point in your pregnancy, no matter what trimester you’re in during your birthday. I myself have done all of these things during my own pregnancies so I speak from experience. Trust me when I say that you can enjoy plenty of get togethers with friends and family to make your birthday memorable without compromising your baby's health.

Read More
Family Guide to Funderland Amusement Park Inside William Land Park in Sacramento

If you are looking for a fun day out with the family, then Funderland is your place. This small amusement park inside William Land Park in Sacramento, California is perfect for families with young children. Funderland is a long-standing family-friendly destination that’s been providing wholesome entertainment for kids since 1946!

This guide was made to help Funderland first timers plan their visit and come prepared for a day of fun. Learn about all the things you can do inside the park and what kid ages are best.

The day that we took the photos in this blog post, my daughter was 3-years-old and my son was 1-year-old. If you have super young kids like mine, I will tell you what you can do with them at Funderland and if it’s worth your time to visit. For older children over the age of 5-years-old there’s plenty of rides for them.

Read More
Family Guide to Fairytale Town Children’s Park Inside William Land Park in Sacramento

Fairytale Town is the perfect affordable, and fun place to spend time with your kids or grandkids, keeping them from watching too much TV or video games during school breaks and getting them out and about in the great outdoors.

It's ideal for the little ones to run around and enjoy themselves while exercising their brains with fun literacy games and colorful play sets that challenge them to use their imagination and keep them entertained for hours.

In this blog I'll take you through some of the best things you can do and all you need to know about the park. After this quick read you’ll be prepared and ready to maximize your day of family fun in Fairytale Town.

Read More
Creamy Chicken and Bacon Bowtie Pasta Salad Recipe - Perfect for Barbecues and Potlucks!

This pasta salad may be easy to make, but it really delivers when it comes to flavor! You’ve got the tangy and creamy ranch sauce, smokiness from the bacon and a dash of fresh zest from the veggies. The protein from the chicken really makes this a hearty side dish, and it can even be a quick leftover main dish lunch!

Whenever I have a BBQ gathering coming up, or I need to make a potluck dish for work, this is one of my go-to recipes. If you have a busy schedule, you can make it ahead of time and leave it the refrigerator overnight. It can be served warmed up or at room temperature, either way its delicious!

Once you’ve got all the ingredients purchased, prep work for this recipe just requires chopping up the veggies, cubing the chicken and mixing up the sauces. Next it’s time to cook the pasta and bacon, chop the bacon, and then mix it all up. If you’re working diligently, you can make this recipe in under 30 minutes, and it yields a large amount of pasta salad to feed a crowd.

Read More
Modern Style Guide to Stacking Bracelets

The art of stacking bracelets doesn’t always come naturally to everyone. The key is to find the perfect balance between bold statement style and simplicity. Your gem colors and metal tones must complement each other and create a harmonious color story. You want a variety of textures and sizes to add eye catching interest, stacking bracelets should never be boring!

Read More
How to Dress During Pregnancy Without Maternity Clothes

You may have already discovered that shopping for maternity clothes can be a real drag. It’s difficult to find cute attire that you actually want to wear, especially during the time of pregnancy when you’re already feeling big and bloated.

The good news is that there’s actually plenty of non-maternity clothes that will get you through the 9 months of pregnancy. You will also find that these new wardrobe staples will come very much handy during your postpartum months while your body is adjusting back to normal.

In this blog post I’m giving suggestions on cuts and styles of dresses, pants, tops, leggings, tunics and more that aren’t necessarily maternity clothes but you can wear for each trimester. After my two pregnancies I’ve learned a thing or two about hacking my closet to fit my growing baby bumps.

Because maternity clothes are so drab, my recommendation is to find wardrobe gems that celebrate pregnancy and mark the special occasion. Not to mention the fact that pretty dresses make motherhood more fun. You want to find clothes that make you feel good and ultimately extend your regular wardrobe. Depending on your style you may even want to flaunt your belly. Do you girl!

Read More
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Eco-Friendly

All around the world, many people are trying to go green or live eco-friendly lives to reduce their impact on the environment. As well as helping out the natural world, going green can also provide some personal benefits, such as saving you money and making certain aspects of your day-to-day life easier and more convenient.

There are lots of ways to become more eco-friendly at home, starting off in the kitchen. And it’s not just about eating organic food or cutting down on the amount of waste you create; there are lots of creative and clever ways to minimize your carbon footprint through kitchen cleaning, organization, and general usage. Let’s take a look at some super easy ways to get started.

Read More