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
Top 10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants that Are Nearly Impossible to Kill
Top 10 Low-Maintenance Houseplants that Are Nearly Impossible to Kill

When it comes to indoor plants, let’s face it – everybody loves them! They can spruce up a place and make it look more welcoming, warm, and filled with positive energy.

However, not everyone has a knack for keeping houseplants. I have to admit that I have unintentionally killed my fair share of potted plants. I have no problems caring for my human children and my dog, but for some reason my plant babies never seen to survive more than a couple months.

For this blog post I sought out the expert advice of a botanist who could provide valuable advice and knowledge to those of us who are not born with a green thumb. Below you’ll find a list of low-maintenance houseplants that can still flourish with forgetful and preoccupied caretakers.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseComment
40 Bucket List Things To Do Before You Turn 40
40 Bucket List Things To Do Before You Turn 40

So, your 40th birthday is on the horizon. Congrats! You might feel a little bewildered about this next chapter, wondering whether you’re still considered young (or over the hill). Is it time for your mid-life crisis yet? Hint - you’re as young as you feel!

Regardless, turning 40 is a remarkable milestone. It is time to reflect on your life, the past as well as the future. If you’ve been living all footloose and fancy-free, maybe it’s time to finally start “adulting” and working towards big goals and building a sustainable future. 

Where your 30th birthday was about saying goodbye to the wild days of your 20s and entering the “30, flirty and thriving era”, your 40th birthday is going to be more about creating the ideal life for yourself with all the life experiences and wisdom you’ve gained.

I myself am turning 37 years old on my next upcoming birthday. I will admit that the second half of my 30’s really snuck up on me, but I’m doing my best to embrace this new era of womanhood. This blog post is not only things to do on your 40th birthday, but also how to approach midlife with gusto and zest for life.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseComment
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
10 Adult Slumber Party Ideas for the Perfect Girls Sleepover
10 Adult Slumber Party Ideas for the Perfect Girls Sleepover

Having a sleepover as a tween or teenager was a rite of passage for many of us American girls. They usually involve snacks, movies, makeovers, and talking for hours about crushes. It’s an easy way of having fun and a great bonding experience.

But the fun doesn’t have to stop in adulthood. Grown women can still have sleepovers and connect, just like in the old days. While it may look a little different than when you were 13, sleepovers can form a fun part of celebrating everything from birthday milestones to graduations and bridal and bachelorette parties.

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly and nostalgic way to hang out with your girlfriends, then you’ve come to the right place!

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LifestyleGennifer RoseComment
Christmas in Apple Hill - Top Things To Do in Apple Hill During the Holiday Season
Christmas in Apple Hill - Top Things To Do in Apple Hill During the Holiday Season

Apple Hill is essentially an outdoor playground for families, with numerous farms that welcome visitors. While Apple Hill is known for its apple picking in the fall season, there is also plenty to do during the months of Thanksgiving and Christmas. This scenic area of Northern California is not just about apple orchards. Here you can taste fine wines from local wineries, attend unique seasonal events, picnic surrounded by picturesque scenery, and enjoy classic holiday traditions.

Visitors have been coming to this beautiful area for over 50 years, and believe it or not, the popularity of these farms continues to grow in modern times. With so much to do in Apple Hill, you may need some advice on where to start. Read on for suggestions on some of the most popular things to do during the holiday season.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramento, Northern CaliforniaComment
Best Snowy Places in California for a Winter Road Trip
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!

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TravelGennifer RoseNorthern California, Southern 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 “old 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 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
Buy a House in a Year - A Complete Checklist to Buying Your First Home
Buy a House in a Year - A Complete Checklist to Buying Your First Home

For years my husband and I were paying high rent costs for our tiny apartment in San Francisco. All the photos in this blog post were taken during our last year of renting. While we loved living in the city, we knew eventually we would be moving into the suburbs to buy a house and start a family.

One day we received a letter from our landlord that our rent would be going up again, and this was the kick in the pants we needed to lay out the groundwork to homeownership. This notice was the straw that broke the camel’s back and we made the decision to get serious about buying a house and putting a permanent end to paying rent.

This guide compiles all the research and steps we followed in the process of buying our first house. It took us about a year to complete all these stages in our journey, not to mention saving up for the downpayment.

It’s never too early or too late to begin your own plan of action towards owning your first home. My advice is to take it one step at a time and give yourself a reasonable amount of time to complete all the steps.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseHomeownershipComment
Fair Isle Knits and Wellington Boots: Quintessential Modern Winter Fashion Staples
Fair Isle Knits and Wellington Boots: Quintessential Modern Winter Fashion Staples

Both the current fashion trends of Fair Isle Knits and Wellington Boots are actually not trends at all, they are winter fashion staples going back many decades. But in modern day we aren't wearing these styles in exactly the same way as our grandmothers did. These days both fair isles prints and wellies come in an array of bright and colorful shades, making dark winter days much more cheerful.

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Fashion & StyleGennifer RoseModern Mama, Winter Style Comments
Your Guide to the Holiday Season in Sacramento
Your Guide to the Holiday Season in Sacramento

After all my holiday celebrating and Christmas-themed research I’ve done in this past month of December, I can officially declare that there’s no shortage of holiday cheer in California’s capital city of Sacramento.

One common theme I discovered is that the people of Sacramento really love supporting their peers, i.e. fellow Sacramento locals. On my list you’ll find ample opportunities to shop both small businesses and local artisans, plus support the arts like the Sacramento Ballet.

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TravelGennifer RoseHoliday Season, SacramentoComment
Hidden Gems Inside Apple Hill - Just Outside Sacramento!
Hidden Gems Inside Apple Hill - Just Outside Sacramento!

Apple Hill is pretty much a farm lover’s paradise! Most farms throughout the US are closed to the public, but in Apple Hill you’ll find over 50 local family farms and small businesses that welcome guests to pick produce and enjoy the countryside scenery.

Apple Hill is not actually a city itself, the territory runs through the small town of Camino into Placerville, CA. The Apple Hill community includes fruit & veggie farms, wineries, B&Bs, flower gardens, Christmas tree farms, restaurants and even a day spa.

While Apple Hill is most popular in the autumn season for apple picking and pumpkin patches, there’s actually plenty to explore year-round. In this blog post I outline all the hidden gems to see, eat, photograph and explore inside Apple Hill.

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TravelGennifer RoseSacramentoComment
Christmas in San Francisco - Top Things to See During the Holiday Season
Christmas in San Francisco - Top Things to See During the Holiday Season

It's the most wonderful time of the year, and I'm here for it! I'm a big fan of Christmas. I love the decorations, the sweet aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg, the cheery lights, and all things sparkly. When a city's festivities and spirit bring on the holiday joy, it makes for an especially memorable experience, and San Francisco will always have a permanent place in my heart for that.

I grew up in the small town of Half Moon Bay which is located just south of San Francisco. My husband and I eventually moved into a tiny apartment in the heart of downtown San Francisco, and we got to experience Christmas in the city firsthand.

In this guide I’ve rounded up my top things to see in the month of December should you find yourself spending the Christmas holiday season in San Francisco. From picture perfect holiday card spots, to the best yuletide sweets, and of course Christmas shopping, we’ve got everything you need for a festive itinerary while on your California winter vacation.

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TravelGennifer RoseSan FranciscoComment
The Complete Travel Guide to Julian, California
The Complete Travel Guide to Julian, California

Just an hour's drive from sunny San Diego toward the mountains, and you find yourself in a completely different world. Julian is a tiny town – just a few streets and nearby farms and ranches. Because of its location in the mountains, there is a much brighter sense of seasonality – the heat in summer, yellow and red leaves in fall, snow in winter, and flowers in spring.

Tourists love coming to Julian, especially during the fall season, because it is one of the few places in Southern California where you can see colorful fall foliage. Combined with the beautiful scenery, it is also a great place to vacation out of town.

Another reason why Fall is great for visiting Julian is that it is apple picking season. Since the town's culture is associated with pies, this dish is a must-try. In Julian, they are baked and sold hot in all kinds of flavors, though the most popular, of course, is the apple pie.

We visited during the second week of November and in our pictures you can see all the holiday festivities and colorful fall foliage. In this guide you’ll see plenty of Julian family-friendly activities and even some romantic weekend itinerary ideas for a couple’s weekend away. For the foodie fans, I’ve also included all the must-try autumn foods and deserts.

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TravelGennifer RoseSan DiegoComment
Guide to Decluttering Your House Before Christmas
Guide to Decluttering Your House Before Christmas

Christmas is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time of accumulation. The tradition of giving gifts means that by January we’ve got a slew of new items in our home that we need to find a place for. It’s very easy to discover that clutter has begun to pile up around the house after the festivities have ended.

The best way to combat this holiday untidiness is with planning ahead before you get into the thick of the gifting season. In this blog post I will outline the best ways to purge your house of unwanted items and then organize your home so that new items can be put away easily.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseHoliday SeasonComment
The Best Christmas Gifts for All Five Love Languages
The Best Christmas Gifts for All Five Love Languages

The 5 Love Languages is both a theory and best selling book on how to improve your relationships with the loved ones in your life. Chapman’s advice is simple and uncomplicated, but still very impactful and easy to implement.

In a simple summary, every individual has both primary and secondary ways that they prefer to give and receive love. As individuals we are all unique in how we express emotions, and sometimes we have a hard time communicating or acknowledging those feelings with our loved ones because we we’re aware of their particular love language.

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LifestyleGennifer RoseHoliday SeasonComment