Elevate Your Style with Vintage Finds

In a world where fashion trends come and go, there's a certain charm in discovering pieces that stand the test of time. For over 15 years, I've been on a journey of incorporating vintage finds into my wardrobe, and it's transformed not just my outfits but my entire style. In today's post, I'l be sharing how vintage fashion adds a unique flair that sets your style apart from the crowd.

Creamy Shrimp and Red Pepper Pesto with Rice

WATCH VIDEO HERE

Preparation Time: 20 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, diced + 1 teaspoon grated ginger

• 1/4 tsp turmeric

• 1/4 tsp paprika

• 1/2 cup Roasted Red Pepper & Almond Pesto

• 1 can unsweetened coconut milk

• 1 tbsp tomato paste

• 1 jalapeño, sliced (adjust to your spice preference)

• 2 small red peppers, sliced

• 1 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined

• Thai basil and cilantro for garnish

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Cooked rice for serving

Instructions:

1. Begin by cooking your rice of choice according to package instructions. Set aside when done.

2. In a large skillet, heat some oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and diced garlic. Sauté for a few minutes until they become fragrant and translucent.

3. Sprinkle in the turmeric and paprika. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic with the spices.

4. Add the Roasted Red Pepper & Almond Pesto to the skillet. Mix them into the onion and garlic mixture and add a splash of water.

5. Pour in the can of unsweetened coconut milk and tomato paste, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and well combined. Let it simmer for a few minutes to thicken.

6. Add the sliced jalapeño and red peppers to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they start to soften.

7. Now, it’s time to add the shrimp. Cook them in the sauce until they turn pink and opaque, usually about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

8. To serve, place a portion of cooked rice on each plate. Spoon the creamy shrimp and red pepper pesto sauce over the rice.

9. Garnish with fresh Thai basil and cilantro for a burst of flavor and color.

10. Enjoy your delicious Creamy Shrimp and Red Pepper Pesto with Rice!

Orvis Game Fair: A Family Adventure Day Trip!

Last weekend, my family and I embarked on an unforgettable adventure as we attended the annual Orvis Game Fair at the scenic Orvis Sandanona shooting grounds. This event, nestled in the heart of nature, offered an array of experiences for everyone in the family, from seasoned sportsmen to curious novices. Join us as we recap our delightful day at the Orvis Game Fair and discover why it's the perfect day trip destination, just a stone's throw away from New York City.

Banana Pancakes: A Family Tradition of Flavor and Love

In our household, there exists a culinary tradition that has woven its way into the very fabric of our family’s story – the cherished recipe for Banana Pancakes. These golden delights, infused with the sweetness of ripe bananas and a dash of nostalgia, have been a beloved part of our lives for as long as we can remember.

From the earliest mornings to the laziest weekends, our family has gathered around the kitchen to whip up these heavenly treats. The mere scent of bananas being mashed stirs up memories of our kids growing up, their eager hands forming lumps in the batter that would soon transform into fluffy goodness. This recipe has truly grown with us, adapting to changing tastes while retaining its core essence of comfort and togetherness.

Gracias!

Life has been pretty peaceful lately, and I'm actually enjoying it that way. I've been minding my own business, building those precious friendships that last a lifetime, and cherishing those heartwarming moments with my children. It's unbelievable, but by the age of 32, I've got everything I ever wanted – a loving family, great relationships with everyone around me, a cozy home I can call my own, and a cute little puppy that brings me so much joy. It's the little things in life that mean the most to me and fill my heart with happiness.

When I started this blog 12 years ago, it was all about sharing my interests in beauty, fashion, and food. But now, it's become my sacred place to vent, just like a personal diary. I'm genuinely grateful to each one of you who reads and follows along.

You know, there are times when we might feel small, like we don't really matter. Then, out of the blue, someone sends you a message, and it changes everything. It reminds me that our connections and the impact we make on others do matter, no matter how seemingly small.

So, thank you from the bottom of my heart for being part of my journey, for reading and supporting me. Your presence makes a difference in my life, and I can't thank you enough. Let's keep finding joy in the little things and continue this journey together!

Welcome home, Hunter!

It seems like we can't get a break from all these new apps and technologies. A few months ago it was Tiktok, then Chatgpt and now Threads. If you ask anyone they will agree, it's too much too soon. The thing I love the most is that I get to call this blog my home. No matter what I will always update you guys about my life on here.

and speaking of...

It still feels like I'm dreaming and it's only been a few weeks (inserts heart eye emoji*). 

We are over the moon with our new puppy and wanted to officially introduce the newest member of our family, Hunter. Omg! Look at his adorable little face! He's a German Shorthaired Pointer otherwise known as a hunting dog. It's our dream puppy and I can't believe we get to call him ours. 

We drove all the way to Pennsylvania to pick him up and the 4+ hours were so worth it.

To give you a back story: a couple of weeks ago my husband, Moe and daughter, Hazel were briefly talking about getting a pet. They browsed online and found a potential candidate. I paid absolutely no attention to it since Moe has always said he is allergic to dogs. The possibility of getting a dog was 0 to none... so I thought. He kept in touch with the owner for about one week. She sent him photos and videos and as time went on, Moe and Hazel fell in love with the puppy without even meeting him. On Father's Day we woke up around 6am due to Moe not being able to sleep thinking about the puppy (I wish I was making this up). He insisted we needed to drive down to get him even though we were scheduled to pick him up July 5th, he just couldn't wait! Boy am I glad that was the case.

Growing up I had dogs, birds and reptiles. Moe in the other hand had a cat. As a married couple we've only owned a white siamese cat who found a better home back in 2017. Like I said previously, the idea of becoming pet owners was the last thing on my mind right now. I also feel like the best things for us come at an unexpected time. It's always unplanned but ends up being what fills our hearts with an abundance of love. That's what Hunter is to our family. 

In my son Jame's own words 

"Our family is now completed"

Parece que no podemos descansar de todas estas nuevas aplicaciones y tecnologías. Hace unos meses fue Tiktok, luego Chatgpt y ahora Threads. Si le preguntas a alguien, estará de acuerdo, es demasiado y demasiado pronto. Lo que más me gusta es que puedo llamar a este blog mi hogar. Pase lo que pase, siempre los actualizaré sobre mi vida aquí.

y hablando de...

Todavía se siente como si estuviera soñando y solo han pasado unas pocas semanas (inserta emoji de ojo de corazón *). Estamos en la luna con nuestro nuevo cachorro y queríamos presentar oficialmente al miembro más nuevo de nuestra familia, Hunter. ¡Dios mío! ¡Mira su adorable carita! Es un braco alemán de pelo corto, también conocido como perro de caza. Es el cachorro de nuestros sueños y no puedo creer que podamos llamarlo nuestro.

Condujimos hasta Pensilvania para recogerlo y las más de 4 horas valieron la pena.

Para darle una historia de fondo: hace un par de semanas, mi esposo, Moe, y mi hija, Hazel, hablaron brevemente sobre tener una mascota. Navegaron en el internet y encontraron un candidato potencial. No le presté absolutamente ninguna atención ya que Moe siempre ha dicho que es alérgico a los perros. La posibilidad de conseguir un perro era de 0 a ninguna... eso pensé. Se mantuvo en contacto con el propietario durante aproximadamente una semana. Ella le envió fotos y videos y, con el paso del tiempo, Moe y Hazel se enamoraron del cachorro sin siquiera conocerlo. El Día del Padre nos despertamos alrededor de las 6 a.m. debido a que mi esposo, Moe no podía dormir pensando en el cachorro (ojalá me lo estuviera inventando). Insistió en que necesitábamos conducir para recogerlo a pesar de que estábamos programados para recogerlo el 5 de julio, ¡simplemente no podía esperar! Chicas, me alegro de que ese fuera el caso.

Al crecer tuve perros, pájaros y reptiles. Moe, por otro lado, tenía un gato. Como pareja casada, solo hemos tenido un gato siamés blanco que encontró un hogar mejor en 2017. Como dije anteriormente, la idea de convertirme en dueña de una mascota era lo último que tenía en mente en este momento. También siento que las mejores cosas para nosotros llegan en un momento inesperado. Siempre es imprevisto, pero termina siendo lo que llena nuestros corazones con abundancia de amor. Eso es lo que Hunter es para nuestra familia.

En las propias palabras de mi hijo James

"Nuestra familia ahora está completa"

5 Fragrances That Will Make the Perfect Mother's Day Gift

Mother's Day is just around the corner, and if you're like me, you might be scrambling to find the perfect gift for your mom. If you're struggling to come up with something thoughtful, why not consider gifting her a perfume? In my opinion, they're one of the best types of gifts out there – they're easy to find, and they always make the recipient feel special.

As someone who loves perfume and has amassed quite a collection over the years, I'm excited to share some of my favorites with you today. You can find all of these fragrances at Nordstrom, one of my go-to department stores for all things beauty. Plus, some of these perfumes even come with a "gift with purchase" – so you'll get a little something extra for yourself or your mom.

Here are some of my top picks for Mother's Day perfumes:

  

On the move: On's high-performance shoes for kids now at Nordstrom

Swiss performance brand On has officially launched at Nordstrom, bringing its innovative and stylish footwear to the department store's customers. This is exciting news for fans of the brand, including my family, who have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of On for kids at Nordstrom.

On is a brand that has been making waves in the athletic footwear industry since its inception in 2010. Founded by Olivier Bernhard, a former professional athlete, and two of his friends, On's mission is to create running shoes that are not only functional but also fashionable.

What sets On apart from other athletic footwear brands is its use of unique technology. The company's patented CloudTec® sole technology features individual pods that compress upon impact and then spring back into shape, providing a cushioned landing and a powerful takeoff. This innovative design has earned On a reputation as one of the most comfortable running shoes on the market.

Be Proud of Your Reflection

   

This entire week has been fully dedicated to 'me' which as a mom rarely happens. I've been miraculously  able to workout and make my post-workout smoothie everyday of this week. I shared the recipe today on my instagram after receiving dozens of questions about my preferred protein powders. I've been using  Orgain Organic Protein Plant Based powder (Vanilla Bean flavor) for years and I love it so much. Head over to my instagram to see the full recipe. 

Casual Styling

Casual style is all about comfort and ease. It's a relaxed, laid-back look that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.

One key aspect of casual style is the use of denim. Jeans are a staple in any casual wardrobe and can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. The same rule applies to a denim skirt. You can pair it with a button-up shirt for a more put-together look, or a t-shirt for a more relaxed vibe. 

Another important element of casual style is layering. Layering allows you to play with textures, patterns, and colors to create a unique and interesting look. For example, try layering a denim jacket over a hoodie or a flannel shirt over a t-shirt. Today I styled this denim skirt with a basic white turtleneck and straight fit navy coat matching my hat.

Accessories are also important in casual style. A great pair of sunglasses, hat or a stylish watch can elevate a simple outfit. For me is this soft cashmere hat from Garin. Additionally, a good pair of sneakers or boots can add a touch of personality to your look.

Finally, don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and trends. Casual style is all about finding what works for you and making it your own. So, have fun with it and don't be afraid to try new things!

Everyone Can Code with Apple

By now many of you are familiar with coding. If you're not here's a little insight on what coding is. Coding is the process of using a programming language to create software, scrips, or instructions that a computer can understand and execute. Coding is used to create a wide range of software and technology, from simple scripts to automating tasks, to creating complex applications, video games, and even artificial intelligence. It is the backbone of the technology industry and is essential in the development of any computer-based technology. In other words, Coding is the future. 

I was recently introduced to coding for kids and was mind-blown at how easy Apple makes it for anyone to understand the complex language.   

Apple offers free in-store and online coding classes for kids called "Everyone Can Code." The program is designed to help children of all ages and skill levels learn to code using interactive and engaging lessons. The class uses the Swift programming language and is available in a variety of formats, including self-paced online courses and in-person workshops. The curriculum covers basic coding concepts such as loops and conditionals, as well as more advanced topics like building apps and creating interactive animations. The goal of the class is to help students develop problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as prepare them for future opportunities in the technology industry.

There are many reasons why children should learn to code. Some of the most significant benefits include:

1. Coding helps develop problem-solving skills and logical thinking.
2. It can inspire creativity and self-expression.
3. Coding is a highly valuable skill in today's job market, and learning to code can open up many career opportunities.
4. Coding can help children develop a strong understanding of technology, which is increasingly important in our digital world.
5. It can help children build a strong foundation for future learning, including other STEM subjects.
6. It can be fun and engaging for children, and can help them develop a sense of accomplishment.

Coding is important because it allows individuals and businesses to create software and technology that can automate tasks, solve problems, and improve efficiency. It also enables the creation of new forms of communication and information sharing through the internet and mobile devices. Additionally, coding skills are in high demand in today's job market, making it a valuable skill to have for career advancement. 

I believe now is the best time to teach our children these essential skills. 

Visit your local Apple store or Apple.com to view the class schedule and book your free class today.

Sushi Bake Cups

It's no surprise that 'Sushi Bake' is having a real moment right now. This viral dish is typically made in a baking dish but I like making mine in a muffin/cupcake tray. This makes the perfect little appetizers if you're throwing a dinner party or just having a few friends over. I've been having it for lunch these last few days and I'm obsessed! As they say, 'looks can be deceiving' because as small as these sushi-bake cups look they are very filling and very satisfying. 

I like making two different versions: a shrimp version and a salmon version.

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No sorprende que 'Sushi Bake' esté teniendo un momento real ahora mismo. Esta receta viral generalmente se hace en un plato de hornear, pero me gusta hacer el mío en una bandeja para muffins/cupcakes. Esto hace que sean los pequeños aperitivos perfectos si está organizando una cena o simplemente invitando a algunos amigos. ¡He estado almorzando esto los últimos días y estoy obsesionada! Como dicen, 'las apariencias pueden ser engañosas' porque, por pequeñas que parezcan este sushi es muy satisfactorio.

Me gusta hacer dos versiones diferentes: una versión con camarones y una versión con salmón.