Well, hello.

Hi guys! So sorry for the impromptu blog break. As much as I love writing this little blog of mine, it was simply something I hadn't thought about over the last few weeks. The holiday hustle and bustle seems to have been even crazier than in past years, and my blog got pushed aside. And it was ok. We hosted 24 people at Christmas. We went mini golfing and had tamales the day after, which has become somewhat of a little tradition for us. We went crab fishing. We had a ton of family time, and made some really great memories. And so while I'm sorry my little blog got a bit neglected, I'm not sorry about all of the incredible times we had.

I'm hoping to blog more consistently in 2017. More outift posts, and Mani Mondays, recipes, beauty posts, and other things that make me happy. If there's anything you'd like to see me write about please let me know. And, as always, thank you for following along!

Life Lately

How are you, my friends?

I am doing well! We are in a busy season - lots of school functions, softball games and practices, dance lessons and more, but life is good.

Tony and I went to the big wine festival last weekend and had a blast. The weather was absolutely gorgeous (a little over 80 degrees) and we ran into so many friends! {Outfit details: dress + shoes are both BOGO 50% online only right now! dress // shoes // earrings // necklace // bracelet // bag}

The softball season is winding down, and although my girls are sad about that I'm actually kind of excited (don't tell them!) With both of them playing and having two games and one practice a week, plus their normal dance lessons it's a lot. We are constantly watching someone's game, and I wouldn't have it any other way, but it will also be nice to have a bit more free time in our schedules. Leila is an amazing pitcher - it's been great to really see her come into her own, and find a position she is passionate about!

 Coco loves all positions, but especially the positions where she has opportunities to tag girls out a lot!

The girls school year is winding down. I'm looking forward to not having such a strict schedule this summer, but I know a few weeks in I will be craving more of a routine ;)

With Tony's firefighter schedule we've been able to have a lot of day-dates, which has been awesome! We've been enjoying bike rides, time together at the gym, and a lunch date every Friday that he's off. It's been wonderful!

I've had some fun opportunities lately, thanks to this blog! I'm feeling pulled in every direction, but I think that is just a typical mom struggle. It feels like I don't have enough time to give to everyone who wants it, but I'm doing my very best. {Pretty sure I need THIS shirt!}

jacket (on clearance online, still full price in store) // jeans // shoes 

What is going on in YOUR world right now??

Life Lately // end of summer madness

Hey guys! Long time no blog ;) Like I mentioned before, blogging just takes a back seat in the summer. School started yesterday, and although the first day of Fall isn't until September 23 summer is officially over for us.

This summer was a strange mix of crazy fast, and incredibly slow. We did everything and nothing, and it was great. Yesterday, two separate friends of Leila's were telling her all about their big vacations over the summer, to beautiful places like Florida and Europe. We didn't do anything like that. We stayed local, and did a lot of little day trips. We did tons of concerts in the park, farmer's market nights, movies under the stars at a local vineyard and made tons of new memories as a family. Leila made a little summer bucket list, and we checked off as many things as we could. One of the last things we squeezed in was a day trip to Santa Cruz, and it seemed like the perfect way to send off our summer.

My brave girl (and Tony) loved the big ferris wheel:

...while Coco and I preferred the carousel!

One of our chickens (Pepper) started laying eggs during the last week of summer, and we've been enjoying farm backyard fresh eggs ever since. Meep hasn't started laying yet, but hopefully will soon!)

On Sunday night we had our annual Back to School Eve dinner. I always let the girls pick whatever dinner they want for that special night, and since this was the first (of many) years that the girls will be starting on the same day we had two dinners. Leila chose "mama's all day spaghetti" and Coco chose Minion mac 'n cheese. Yep, the kind in the blue box. (Not gonna lie - I stole a bite and it was delicious!) We rounded out the meal with salad and garlic bread, and they had mini cupcakes for dessert.

Their first day of school was awesome! They both have incredible teachers!

This girl is such a pro at the whole back to school thing ;)

And you could practically feel the excitement radiating off of Coco!

Summer 2015 has come and gone, and we are all looking forward to the upcoming season change. Fall is my favorite - what's not to love about cozy sweaters, boots, football and chili?!

I hope you all had an incredible summer as well!

Life Lately - Summer 2015

Hey guys! Long time no blog ;) I feel like the summertime is such a mix of busyness, and slowness. Full days with my girls means that blogging takes a bit of a back seat, and that's ok. I've had a few emails asking where I've been though, so I thought I'd let you know what we've been up to.

This Fourth of July was the first in (I think?) five years that we haven't hosted a big party. It was very bittersweet. We didn't host for a few reasons, and at the end of the day it was kind of nice not to deal with the stress of hosting a big party, but I did miss it. We spent the morning at Tony's firehouse. They have a big pancake breakfast every year, and we all had tons of fun.

That afternoon and into the night we were at an awesome block party. Three sets of friends live in a neighborhood a few minutes away, and we spent it with them and had a blast. Someone was doing face painting. Leila went with a flag:

And Coco was one of the few who decided not to go the patriotic route, and asked to be a witch instead.

 There was a kid's game where they had a plate filled with whipped cream, and one gummy worm was buried in it. First one to find the gummy worm (without using hands!) won. It was so fun to watch!

We've been to a bunch of concerts in the park this summer:

And lunch dates at our favorite spot (Chipotle!)

I've been logging lots of gym time! (Shirt from HERE)

Countless hours have been spent in the backyard, eating nectarines off the trees:

...and playing on their play structure:

 Tony and I went to Wente Vineyard to see one of our favorite bands, Dashboard Confessional (and Third Eye Blind too.) Jacket * Jeans * Shoes

I was in Las Vegas for three days for Stella & Dot's annual conference. I LOVE this conference! It's three days of learning, inspiration and tons of fun! I feel very grateful for this little side gig of mine - it helps pay the bills, I get tons of free jewels, and I get to schedule everything. It's awesome. Our fall line is pretty incredible too - let me know if you'd like a lookbook!

Tony then flew to Las Vegas for another two days. We had a friend getting married there.

We've done a handful of fun, family day trips. Last week we went to Stinson Beach and Mill Valley. Coco fell asleep on me, which never happens anymore so we had to document it!

...and more concerts in the park! It's such a fun, low-key thing to do. We get to see our friends, our kids get to see their friends, it's a win-win. I have fond memories of concerts in the park when I was little, and I hope my girls will too.

My girls have had one week of dance camp, and will have one week of VBS too. Lots of their friends have camps and activities just about everyday, and I'm sure my girls would have it that way too if I let them, but in the summer I think it's important to hang loose, not be so structured and just have fun! What have YOU guys been up to??

bits of glitter // life lately

Just some things I'm loving this summer:

Shows:
fixer upper // ladies of london

Fixer Upper is a super cute show on HGTV about an awesome couple, who do AMAZING things to old houses:

Ladies of London on Bravo is like Real Housewives with accents:

Store:
viv and lou // I am in love with this online shop! The quality is amazing, the embroidery is included in the prices, and the shipping is quick!! I'm a huge fan of anything personalized, and have bought several things for my family, and for gifts from Viv and Lou, and I love them (not a sponsored post - I'm just a huge fan!) I will never shop 31 Gifts again - this is better, cheaper, quicker and in my opinion has better customer service!

Songs:
"rude" // I love this song! But I also love the dad's rebuttal ;)



Eats:

I guess for a while it will be yogurt ;) I'm getting my wisdom teeth removed this morning (hopefully by the time you read this I'll be out of surgery!) and (of course) there are a couple minor complications going in, so please send some good vibes my way!

bits of glitter: life lately.

Lots of DIY projects in the works. Tony recently tore down a bamboo shaded area in the backyard and is in the process of building a pergola. It's been something we've wanted to do for years, and are finally just getting around to. I've been touching up all sorts of things in the backyard with spray paint (gotta get it summer party ready!) and am also working on a giant ruler/measuring chart.

It feels like we pretty much live at Home Depot!

The girls have been busy in school, even though the school year is winding down. Softball season is coming to an end (yay!) and both girls have their dance recitals next month. It seems right about May we all start to feel kind of "over it" in regards to all of the extra curricular activities, and this year has been no exception.

THIS BuzzFeed sums up the end of the year perfectly. I am SO guilty of #2!

We brought out the kiddie pool, and the girls are loving it! (Don't mind the mess in the background - pergola mess!)

I've been quite busy with Stella & Dot, which is making me really happy! It's great to have something that gets me out of the house, meeting new people and making good money. It's really made me feel a lot happier over the last few months!

I can't wait for our summer to start, and for more time at the pool club, concerts in the park, and general fun with my little family.

What are some of YOUR bits of glitter lately?