Diy chalkboard tray

How To Make a Cute DIY Chalkboard Tray

I am always looking for cute new serving trays and ways to display treats, whether for parties or photo shoots, just something fun and different.  With the kids heading back to school shortly, of course all things school are on my mind, so when I was unpacking some things and ran across these cute chalkboards … Read more

Diy chalkboard tray
Roasted vegetables 3

Easy Roasted Vegetables Recipe : Easy Side Dish Ideas

I am always on the hunt for healthy, delicious and most importantly EASY side dish ideas.  My kids are good about eating vegetables as long as they taste good, and fortunately, this easy roasted vegetables recipe is SO good it will have the kids begging for more.  Mine did last night!  These deliciously seasoned roasted … Read more

Roasted vegetables 3
Brunch at the beach

4 Best Brunch Spots at the Beach : Orange County

We already know it’s the most important meal of the day, but Breakfast served with a side of an ocean view isn’t just good for your body, it’s good for your soul. Here are what we consider to be the 4 best brunch spots at the beach in Orange County where you can grab some … Read more

Brunch at the beach
Fiesta de mickey mouse9

Mickey Mouse Party Ideas for One Year Old

Growing up in Southern California, I think it’s a rule that you have to be a Disney fan. But really, who isn’t a Mickey Mouse fan, am I right?  I feel like as soon as you have a baby you start looking for Mickey Mouse party ideas for one year old babies. Mickey Mouse party ideas … Read more

Fiesta de mickey mouse9
Instagram and featured image

New York City at Christmas : Things to Do

It’s no secret that I love New York City.  Every chance I get I am sneaking away to the city that never sleeps.  I have always wanted to be in New York City at Christmas and last Christmas we had the chance to travel to New York City with kids and spend 10 days in … Read more

Instagram and featured image
Seven layer bars

The Most Delicious Seven Layer Bar Recipe

I love dessert and I love it even more when it is super easy.  The kids have been excited for the latest Disney Channel Original Movie, Freaky Friday, to come out, and it’s finally happening.  So, of course we need to celebrate. 😉 I have so much fun putting together movie nights for the kids … Read more

Seven layer bars
The best home decor stores in orange county

7 Best Home Decor Boutiques In Orange County, CA

I get asked all the time where to eat, shop and play in Orange County when people come to town, so I thought it was about time that I do some posts about the place I love so much.  Now that I am splitting time between SLC and OC, when I’m gone I REALLY miss … Read more

The best home decor stores in orange county
Beet salad with goat cheese pinterest

Delicious Beet Salad Recipe

As a kid I always thought I despised beets.  The first few years John and I were married he always put beets on his salad whenever we were at a salad bar and I though it was disgusting. lol!  Well fast forward a few years and I have gotten older and wiser…and now I’m sad … Read more

Beet salad with goat cheese pinterest
Free back to school printable flashcards

Free Back to School Printable

If you’re anything like me you are DREADING even the thought of back to school…but sadly enough I know that it is just around the corner…as a matter of fact I know that many people in places like Arizona are headed back in the next week or two.  Yep!  In JULY!!!  Yikes!  SO, I thought … Read more

Free back to school printable flashcards
Modern coastal collage featured

Modern Coastal Decor Living Room Decorating Ideas

Ever since nearing completion on the 1987 Fixer Upper, my thoughts have of course turned to the fun part…decorating!  It is fairly daunting to decorate your own home…I totally understand that!  It can definitely be costly, and if you are anything like me, you are much more indecisive when selecting something for yourself, than you … Read more

Modern coastal collage featured
Screen shot 2018 07 16 at 12 38 20 am

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Best Picks Under $100

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is officially open to the public!  Woot, woot!  The good news is there is a ton of great stuff left to grab before prices go back up on August 6th.  So I’ve rounded up the best of what is still in stock (at least according to a few hours ago!) and … Read more

Screen shot 2018 07 16 at 12 38 20 am
Easy no cook summer menu and dinner party idea

Best Summer Dinner Party Menu Idea

We’ve seen glimpses of what summer will look like around here with a few warm nights.  The minute the weather heats up we are outside enjoying every minute, which for us means lots of dining al fresco and simple meals.  When the heat of the summer comes, it’s prime entertaining time…but it’s also the least … Read more

Easy no cook summer menu and dinner party idea
Nordstrom anniversary sale home decor with text

Best Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Home Decor Picks

I think that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale or just Nordstrom as a whole is often overlooked for it’s awesome home decor section.  Do you ever wander through your local Nordstrom home section?  I ALWAYS make a point of checking it out and the offerings online are even better.  I sifted through page after page of … Read more

Nordstrom anniversary sale home decor with text
Nordstromanniversarysale

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

It’s official!  The is here and is LIVE!!  Warm up those girls, because it’s time to shop!  I’ll be the first to acknowledge that I am not a fashion blogger.  You won’t find me sharing pictures of myself on a busy street somewhere, dressed to the nines staring wistfully off to the side…I’d rather be … Read more

Nordstromanniversarysale
Screen shot 2018 06 28 at 2 58 16 pm

Early Access Nordstrom Anniversary Sale 2018

The is nearly here! is only ONE DAY away and I am SO excited! The has been dog eared, marked up and poured over countless times! If you’ve followed the blog for a long time you know this sale is like Christmas in July in our house and that the is like Black Friday.  Well, … Read more

Screen shot 2018 06 28 at 2 58 16 pm
Best hilltop towns in italy montepulciano

Medieval Towns in Italy : Montepulciano Tuscany

If you are really looking for the ultimate Italian experience, you must visit Tuscany.  This rural and beautiful region is full of rolling hills dotted with stunning, living medieval towns.  When we traveled to Europe for our three month excursion, we knew one thing we really wanted was the quintessential Italian experience…to stay in a Tuscan … Read more

Best hilltop towns in italy montepulciano
Slime pinterest

The Best DIY Butter Slime Recipe Made With Clay (No Borax)

I have never understood the reason to have a basement…until the slime craze hit.  If you could see the basement kitchen-turned slime making factory in our house, you too would understand. 😉 Ash has always loved having a shop…a lemonade stand, cookie business, you name it, she has done it.  Lately she has been making … Read more

Slime pinterest
Snicker doodle ice cream sandwiches lighter

The Most Delicious Snickerdoodle Ice Cream Sandwich Recipe

During these dog days of summer nothing makes a hot day feel better than a cold treat.  This delicious snickerdoodle ice cream sandwich recipe will make all of your trouble melt away.  The best part is, they are so easy, you won’t even mind making them for the neighborhood…because believe me, when the kids hear … Read more

Snicker doodle ice cream sandwiches lighter
4th of july sales

Stars, Stripes and Sales! All the Best 4th of July Sales

It’s only fitting that when there is a birthday to celebrate, you buy presents.  So, it’s time to celebrate the good old USA and buy yourself something fun!  Fortunately, stores love to celebrate too, so here’s a list of all the best 4th of July Sales to make finding a deal a breeze!  Click on … Read more

4th of july sales
Pinterest let freedom ring brighter 150

4th of July Party Favors : Free Patriotic Party Printables

Get your red, white and blue on and get ready to celebrate Memorial Day, Flag Day, and the 4th of July with these cute patriotic 4th of July Party favors.  Show off your American spirit and throw a Fourth of July celebration that’ll go down in history, and cap off the festivities with these darling Let Freedom Ring … Read more

Pinterest let freedom ring brighter 150
Awesome 4th of july ideas

15 Awesome 4th of July Party Ideas

The Fourth of July is almost here and we’ve got red, white and blue parties on the brain. If you are hosting a backyard BBQ at or heading to the beach for a picnic party, you’ll want to be ready with festive decorations and food. Well, look no further because here are 15 Awesome 4th of July Party Ideas to … Read more

Awesome 4th of july ideas
beach theme cookies

Beach Theme Cookies : DIY Clam Cookies

Living by the beach, we are always looking for fun beach party dessert ideas and cute beach party table decorations either for parties or our weekly trips with friends to hang out at the beach.  I saw some cute beach theme cookies while searching for beach themed party ideas a bit ago and I thought … Read more

beach theme cookies
Free 4th of july party printable

Free 4th of July Patriotic Party Printable

The 4th of July is just a few days away and I am getting excited!  All of my red, white and blue party dreams are going to come true.  These free printables are fun for 4th of July party favors, neighbor gifts, something fun to hand out at the fireworks…you name it. This year we’ll be … Read more

Free 4th of july party printable
Dining table round up featured

Dining Table Round Up for Every Budget

Finding the perfect dining table can be a difficult process.  It is such a major purchase for your home, finding something that is not only functional, but timeless as well, is so important.  A dining table can literally last your entire life…sometimes they are even passed down through the family.  In the home I grew … Read more

Dining table round up featured
Stars and stripes forever tags with text

Printable Patriotic Party Tags

Every good party needs a party favor, am I right? These fun printable patriotic party tags are perfect for all of your 4th of July parties…or any red white and blue party for that matter…think Memorial Day party, Flag Day party, Election night party, Veteran’s Day party…you name it…there are tons of uses for these … Read more

Stars and stripes forever tags with text
Potato salad 2

How to Make The Best Traditional Potato Salad (with egg) Recipe

With temperatures heating up and BBQ parties on the calendar I figured it was a good time to share my favorite go-to potato salad recipe.  I love potato salad, but I have to admit I don’t make it terribly often because it is time consuming.  Every time I decide to just grab some from the … Read more

Potato salad 2
Patriotic party decorating ideas

Patriotic Party Decorating Ideas : Red, White and Blue Party

One of my favorite things about summer is getting the chance to put up the patriotic decor, and leave it up all summer long. Kicking things off with Memorial Day in May and rounding out the summer with Labor Day at the end, is a perfect excuse to change up the decor and let it … Read more

Patriotic party decorating ideas
Guest room must haves

Guest Room Must Haves- Tips for Creating the Ultimate Guest Room

I am so excited to be a part of this year’s Summer Home Tour hosted by Marty from A Stroll Thru Life.  If you are visiting from Marty’s beautiful home tour, welcome!  I always love participating in her fun tours, but this year is extra exciting for me since we have spent the last year … Read more

Guest room must haves
Flag photo backdrop pinterest

Amazing DIY 4th of July Easy Party Backdrop Idea

Hooray for the Red, White and Blue!  Seriously though, isn’t it such a great color combination?!  It’s time to plan for some fun Patriotic parties, and there is nothing better than an inexpensive, easy and super cute party backdrop idea.  I made this DIY Patriotic party backdrop in about 30 minutes, using nothing but some … Read more

Flag photo backdrop pinterest