A Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay – Top Things to See and Do on the Coast
A Weekend Guide to Half Moon Bay – Top Things to See and Do on the Coast

Dramatic nature sites and breathtaking ocean scenery – it is not difficult to see the allure of Half Moon Bay. If you wish to discover this unspoiled stretch of the Northern California coast, I've handpicked the best things to do and see in the area.

Thanks to its small-town charm combined with incredible vistas, Half Moon Bay has become a loved weekend escape from the hustle and bustle of the nearby cities, San Francisco and San Jose. From excellent surfing opportunities to great hiking spots – Half Moon Bay offers its visitors a wide range of experiences.

Half Moon Bay is my hometown, I was born and grew up here up until I moved away for college. This guide is composed from the perspective of a local with many revealed hidden gems. My blog post is also filled with many of my favorite photos taken over the last several years. Keep scrolling to find all kinds of inspiration for your trip.

Whether you wish to have a romantic laidback weekend with your loved one or a fun-filled getaway with the whole family, Half Moon Bay won't disappoint. But don't just take my word for it – book a trip and see the magic for yourself!

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern CaliforniaComment
Trendy Solid Gold Earring Styles for Gals with Sensitive Ears
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.

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Fashion & StyleGennifer Rose Comment
How to Style Pinafore, Jumper and Overall Dresses for Fall
How to Style Pinafore, Jumper and Overall Dresses for Fall

Ahh, fall. Who doesn’t love days filled with cozy sweaters, leaves that crunch underfoot, and the delicious smell of everything pumpkin spice? This season's warm and inviting vibes just make us feel like curling up in a big blanket and never leaving!

But with the changing weather, it’s time to slightly alter our wardrobe styles for the colder days ahead. As October rolls in, a great way to stay snug is to dress in stylish yet comfortable outfits appropriate for any activity in the fall.

The overall dress is a fall favorite fashion staple, and it goes so well with our favorite autumn activities. This particular style of dress is also often called a pinafore or jumper dress. Whatever you call it, these dresses are perfect for layering and building a cozy fall outfit.

Whether you’re planning an apple-picking outing, a romantic day date, catching up with friends over coffee, or window shopping, we have the perfect looks to keep you chic and cozy.

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Fashion & StyleGennifer RoseFall StyleComment
The Best Time of Year to Visit Palm Springs
The Best Time of Year to Visit Palm Springs

Palm Springs is one of California’s favorite playgrounds for both bachelorette gals in their 20’s to families with children. This desert oasis offers warmth and sunshine most of the year, but events and temperatures vary from month to month.

Every month of the year offers benefits and challenges with traveling to Palm Springs. I’ve broken down the highlights of each month so you can best plan your perfect vacation.

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TravelGennifer RosePalm SpringsComment
10 Easy Ways to Sunday Reset to Start Your Week Right
10 Easy Ways to Sunday Reset to Start Your Week Right

After a long week, your brain can feel frazzled and your body may feel physically exhausted. Once you get to Sunday, the idea of doing it all again next week might overwhelm you. Take a pause, and let’s reset.

Tackling a big week might seem daunting, but using Sunday to reset your body, space, and mind might just be the answer. A Sunday reset routine can help set you up for a successful upcoming week. This article will help you reset your body, mind, and spirit. Use this list to help you get started on a successful Sunday reset!

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LifestyleGennifer RoseComment
How to Style a Sweater with Overalls
How to Style a Sweater with Overalls

During my last trip to New York City I packed my favorite pair of comfy denim overalls and a bright and colorful sweater. It was the month of October and the seasons were still in transition from summer to fall. It was warm enough to wear overalls and flat sandals in the daytime, but it was nice to have a sweater for those chilly breezy moments.

At the time I was 6 months postpartum after having my daughter and I wasn’t fitting back into my pre-pregnancy clothes just yet. Overalls were the perfect maternity staple, and also awesome for my postpartum wardrobe.

Both my overalls and sweater are from Modcloth, which always has amazing colorful and trendy clothes. They especially have the best rainbow styles!

In this guide you’ll find all kinds of style tips and inspiration for your own sweater and overall outfits. From season to season, this wardrobe combo is an easy to wear and can be worn to all kinds of daytime events.

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Fashion & StyleGennifer RoseComment
The Best Pumpkin Patches and Farms for Photos in Half Moon Bay
The Best Pumpkin Patches and Farms for Photos in Half Moon Bay

Half Moon Bay is known as both a beach town and a cute farming community that comes alive in the autumn season. There are several family farms that convert into festive pumpkin patches for the public to enjoy.

The coast is one of the perfect places to take some time to capture special moments on camera. There’s so many beautiful backdrops for both families and Instagrammers.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern CaliforniaComment
Visitor’s Guide to Old Sacramento - Top 20 Family-Friendly & Date Night Things To Do
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.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
Top 20 Halloween Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating that the Whole Family Can Enjoy
Top 20 Halloween Alternatives to Trick-or-Treating that the Whole Family Can Enjoy

October is the true beginning of the fall season and the entire month is filled with festive Halloween events. With every passing week of the month, the children’s anticipation builds up for October 31st. For most families Halloween night is synonymous with the time-honored tradition of trick-or-treating. Many children celebrate Halloween by dressing up in costumes and visiting neighbors in your neighborhood in search of candy.

So why would you decide against celebrating Halloween with trick-or-treating? There are several reasons to possibly avoid taking to the streets on Halloween. Some neighborhoods are not suitable for walking door-to-door, they may be too spacious and rural. Other places may just be unsafe and not very child-friendly. Extreme weather can hinder trick-or-treating or maybe your tweens are just getting too old.

No matter what your reasons, my guide is filled with many fun and festive Halloween alternatives to trick-or-treating. My suggestions are great for children of all ages (and for adults too!). Your friends and family won’t be disappointed with the spooky fun you’ll be serving up!

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LifestyleGennifer RoseHoliday SeasonComment
DIY Yayoi Kusama Painted Pumpkins
DIY Yayoi Kusama Painted Pumpkins

Halloween is coming up quickly this October and we decided to get crafty with some DIY pumpkin painting. My 2-year-old daughter Scout insists that Halloween shouldn’t be scary, so instead we decided to make it colorful and full of art.

Keep reading to see my step-by-step guide to planning and creating your own Yayoi Kusama inspired painted pumpkins for the fall season.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseHoliday SeasonComment
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Kitchen More Eco-Friendly
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.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseEco-Friendly LivingComment
Over 25 Global Cuisines to Try in Sacramento
Over 25 Global Cuisines to Try in Sacramento

Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world without ever leaving Sacramento. This blog post is filled with all kinds of global cuisine, some of them are traditional authentic and others are inventive fusion foods.

We moved to Sacramento in 2017 and we’ve seen California’s capital city become a coveted foodie destination with so many new restaurants opening up. I have to constantly be updating my Sacramento guides because the city is growing so fast!

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
Family-Friendly Guide to Sacramento - Top Things To Do with Your Kids
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.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
Top 35 Hidden Gems in Placer County - Top Things to Eat, U-Pick Farms and Swimming Holes!
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.

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern CaliforniaComment
Guide to the First 48 Hours with a New Puppy
Guide to the First 48 Hours with a New Puppy

Getting a new puppy is one of the most exciting things you’ll ever experience as a pet owner. After all, nothing beats finally getting to pick up your pup and bring them home for the very first time. My family has owned dogs my entire life, and we've welcomed many puppies into our homes. The adorable puppy you see in this blog is Mia, my parent's newest fur baby.

Because puppies are essentially babies, you need to make sufficient preparations to help your pup get acclimated to their new home. To help you give them a warm welcome, this guide has a few tips on how to best spend the first 48 hours with your new pup.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseDog MamaComment