I’ve had many dogs in my life since my childhood, and each one holds a special place in my heart. With each dog came new challenges on how to keep a clean home, they all have their own personalities and messy habits. This blog post is filled with all the learnings from my experiences and can help anyone smooth out the process of bringing a new furry family member home.
Read MoreThe extra 20+ extra pounds was something I expected with pregnancy, but what I didn’t expect is how much the weight would stick afterwards in postpartum. My daughter Scout is 10 month olds and in that time I've had multiple set backs with my return to my pre-pregnancy weight. I re-gained weight because of travel, stress eating, and hectic schedules. But the important part is that you circle back you're ready and keep working towards your healthy goals.
Read MoreIf you have more complicated feelings about Mother’s Day and mothers, please know you are not alone. If your feelings about Mother’s Day are uncomplicated, please know those around you may not share that experience.
So what do we do when Mother’s Day comes each year? We give ourselves the Gift of True Self-Care. I’m offering a 10 Gifts of True Self-Care with the understanding that you will take what you need and pass on what doesn’t work for you.
Read MoreWith all the information floating around about moon grounding ceremonies, altars and crystals it is easy to get swept up in a vortex of mystic information. Before you know it you’ve ordered every metaphysical book from Amazon and have purchased copious amounts of crystals and are still unsure what to do with it all. Here we will dip our toes into the moon phase pool and learn about ways to ground oneself, set intention(s) using crystals, alters, and self care while touching on the ever so ominous Mercury in Retrograde.
Read MoreFor all of us health conscious folks, eating enough vegetables and getting all of our daily nutrients is always on our to-do list. Our busy lifestyles can make cooking fresh meals a challenge, which is why Otamot is a panty must-have.
This very versatile sauce can be used to whip up a variety of recipes, and all you need to add is a few fresh ingredients. I’m hesitant to even call it a sauce because it’s so much more than what you typically expect in a tomato based sauce. It has a rich and hearty texture, and the savory flavor really goes above and beyond any other sauce in a jar I’ve tried. It’s incredibly nutrient dense with plant-based nutrition from 12 vegetables and healthy oils, making it a super food!
Read MoreSo you wanna launch a podcast? Host and creator of Spark Intention podcast, Jenna Monaco shares her pro tips and outlines all the steps to help you get started on your own podcast.
Read MoreWhen we were planning for my pregnancy with my daughter, one of the biggest concerns I had was how to manage my migraine headaches. Over the next 9 months of pregnancy, I devised my own treatment plan to help me navigate through migraine pain while maintaining a healthy pregnancy.
Read MoreSpringtime is when we all come out of hibernation and start enjoying the surf and sandy beaches. I grew up in the California coastal town of Half Moon Bay and my parent’s house is a short 10 minute walk to the beach. Nowadays I love visiting my family there and enjoying beach days with my daughter and bae. We take road trips from Sacramento to the coast almost every month, especially when it gets too hot inland.
Read MoreThis list began because we had friends visiting us in San Francisco and they were looking for trendy and photogenic places to see, while still staying on a budget. And the more I started thinking about it, the more ideas and places kept popping into my head. I grew up in Half Moon Bay, a beach town 45 minutes south of San Francisco and I’ve been exploring the city for years.
Read MoreJoshua Tree National Park is the meeting place of two deserts, the Colorado Desert and the higher and cooler Mojave Desert. Each area has its own distinct ecosystem with diverse territory. The Mohave Desert is the only place on earth where the Joshua tree grows. This 774,000-acre preserve has a rich history and flourishing natural scene with wildlife and plant-life.
If you’re a shutterbug like me, you’ll understand how I love to explore and photograph all kinds of subjects. The last time I visited Joshua Tree a was very pregnant so I couldn’t venture out too much. But the below list contains all the locations I hope to explore on my next visit!
If you’re a shutterbug like me, you’ll understand how I love to explore and photograph all kinds of subjects. The last time I visited Joshua Tree a was very pregnant so I couldn’t venture out too much. But the below list contains all the locations I hope to explore on my next visit!
Read MoreWe just returned from a drive out to Woodland to visit the almond orchards that are currently in full bloom. This magical time of year comes and goes so quickly but when you catch it just right, it’s such a gorgeous scene. The orchards are a beautiful place for family portraits, bridal photos and of course spring style OOTD looks.
Read MoreThere’s often a misconception that adopted dogs are not suitable for a household with small children. The truth of the matter is that it takes effort and precautions brining a new dog into a family, adopted or not. It’s true that some adopted dogs come with behavioral issues, but there’s no guarantee that a purebred dog won’t have similar challenges. Below I’ve outlined the steps I’ve taken for introducing my rescue Black Labrador Holly to our baby daughter Scout.
Read MoreGetting dressed after recently having a baby can be discouraging. Trying to feel sexy for Valentine's Day when you're a new mom - forget about it! Luckily there are plenty of trendy styles that work we’ll with a postpartum body, they’ll make you feel beautiful - and comfortable!
Read MoreFor this blog post I partnered with bestie Brianna, who is a South Bay Native and she’s currently still live there working as a local real estate agent. She is truly an expert on all things San Jose!
When having friends that come visit the Silicon Valley, they typically just think of going to San Francisco but in reality, San Jose is a destination in its own right. In the past few years San Jose has been making a name for itself as a place to visit, I mean it is a major part of Silicon Valley!
I recently had a fun San Jose staycation with my blogger besties, hosted by Signia by Hilton San Jose. We stayed in a lovely luxury suite and our itinerary was jam-packed with local fun. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed lounging by the pool, a shopping spree in Santana Row, late night spa fun with the bubbly flowing, and then brunch in the morning.
I invite you to plan your own San Jose getaway, keep reading to see my top 10 favorite south bay hangout spots + so many Instagram worthy locations!
Read MoreI especially love the Le Marais Bakeries because the aesthetic is so bright, filled with light and French elegance. Absolutely perfect for Instagram photography! It’s so easy to take beautiful photos, even if you’re new to the Instagram game.
Read MoreLove is in the air! Whether you’re enjoying the holiday with your sweetheart or Galentine’s gals, finding that perfect dress just makes the occasion extra special. Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to be extra girly, with pinks, lace and bows. This year is our first Valentine’s Day with our little one Scout so it’s extra special for us!
Read MoreThe first year with your little one is filled with so many brand new experiences, and one of the best is baby’s first Christmas. The holidays already feel like a magical time, and even more so with a tiny human in the house. There’s something so warm and nostalgic about cutting down your own Christmas tree, decorating the house with Christmas music playing, and enjoying the twinkling from all the lights.
Read MoreSelecting a namesake for your new baby is both exciting and a daunting challenge. Many people believe that the name you are given shapes and influences the person you grow to be. With that being said, do you choose a strong name? Or an etherial and elegant name? How about looking to past centuries for inspiration? Each parent will gravitate towards a different type of name based on their own values and life experiences.
Read MoreI originally wrote this blog post years ago when I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of my first baby. Fast forward to present day, I’ve had two babies and stayed in the hospital twice during my two labor and deliveries. I have basically re-written the majority of this blog post, now coming from the perspective of a more experienced mama.
My second baby was born during peak pandemic times and I had to deliver him by myself in the hospital. My husband was not even allowed to enter the hospital building. My son was born past 41 weeks which meant I was super pregnant and not in any mood to fuss around with extra baggage and things that weren’t absolutely necessary.
The hospital bag that I packed for delivering my second baby was truly in minimalist style with only the essentials that I knew I would need. It worked out well, I didn’t have to haul around a big heavy bag and I had everything I needed.
In this guide I’ve also included more third-trimester things to get done before baby arrives. Packing your hospital bag is one of the many steps in preparing for labor and bringing baby home.
Read MoreThere’s one time a year when it is perfectly acceptable to wear head-to-toe sparkles without getting any side-eye.. the holidays! Every year I search for that perfect sequined statement piece to add to my collection. My closet has sequined jackets, dresses, skirts and purses. And believe me, when December rolls around I’m sporting them to all my holiday parties!
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