The other day, I was having the most out-of-control pregnancy craving for fantastic fish tacos. Of course, my first thought was: “Where can I pick up the very best tacos for dinner tonight?!” But since I was already heading to TJ’s that afternoon, my only slightly more domestic second thought chimed: “I bet I can make them from Trader Joe’s treasures!” And made them I did! You guys, these were SUCH a resounding ... View Post
Ranch Goes Glam: Welcome to My Home!
This is such a FUN post for me to write! Mostly because I get to brag about my amazingly talented friend—but also because I get to invite you into my home! For anyone who read my moving-related posts this past fall (here, here and here) you know that we made a relatively big change from suburban master-planned Irvine to the slightly grittier, more coastal city of Costa Mesa. And gritty in the best way! More city ... View Post
Dads Will Be Dads (If We Let Them)
Last Saturday, at that magical time of evening when the ocean just starts to pull down on the sun, Doug and I thought it would be fun to take Emerson walking around Balboa Island. We LOVE Balboa Island, and I was feeling the need to exercise. This baby weight: DANG. This baby weight. And so we did. We walked and talked and laughed along the boardwalk lined with the dreamiest houses, our daughter nestled in the BOB ... View Post
15 Costco Favorites
In the spirit of (attempted) savings in 2015, I’ve been doing something revolutionary: actually using my Costco card! Every year, I dole out the $50 to renew, then every year, I go maybe once. New year, new me! I’m embracing this frightening warehouse. The samples lessen my fears. Okay, it’s not only for savings; it’s also in the name of convenience. I’ve made it no secret that pregnancy zaps my energy, so more ... View Post
Pink Squared: IT’S A GIRL!
Just a little more than a month ago, the time arrived at last. The time to duck into an unassuming hole-in-the-wall called Before the Stork in Costa Mesa, right next to the diviest dance bar, the dear Pierce Street Annex. Before the Stork is a small ultrasound center that prides itself in affordable, accurate gender reveals, and I always laugh that it’s right next to PSA. It feels like the ultimate in ... View Post
Happy New Year: Casting, Reflecting & Reading
To be honest, I never used to care much for New Year’s. For me it ranked low on the list of holidays. The sparkles and cheers and midnight kisses were fun, I supposed, but the night often felt a little anticlimactic, forced. A sad follow-up to the BEST holiday only one week before; the cruel reminder that returning to school or work was just around the corner after a glorious break; a calendar date that made me feel ... View Post