Sentence A Day: November Edition

Hello Foxy Friends! I actually remembered to write most of my sentences this month. I had to go fill in the last few days, but I did pretty good! As always, here are my sentences this month. Please join us, we post on the first Tuesday of every month. It's such a great way to remember the month!

1 - Day off after Halloween should happen every year, lazy day, working out, getting stuff done around the house, errands and park time with a friend and then watching our friends kids in a flag football game followed by late night dinner with everyone. (I got one picture...ooops!)

Yep we took 4 kinds into Sephora with us.

2 - Soccer games, followed by our cousins 40th birthday party, in which I got no pictures of the birthday boy. (in my defense I was taking pictures with their phone so they could capture all the moments).

3 - We got rid of cable, and I found this service will let you actually watch all of the new Hallmark Christmas movies, you better believe I ordered it for the next 2 months to watch all of the new Christmas movies, so excited to get Hallmark back!

4 - Survived the first day of Mr. being gone, and I watched 2 Hallmark Movies.

5 - Baby Fox had his 2nd class of Cotillion and the ladies behind us and to the side of us would not shut up...you're trying to teach your kids manners, meanwhile they talked THE ENTIRE TIME, RUDE.

6 - Soccer practice for Baby Fox, then off to workout and our weekly Chick-Fil-A run.

7 - Mini Fox soccer and Baby Fox's 2nd class of karate was cancelled, so I took the kids to Cheesecake Factory and Mini Fox felt the need to wear her Christmas dress, I hope she never changes.

8 - Baby Fox had practice from 4:30-5:30 and Mini Fox had a soccer game from 5:30-6:30 and the stars aligned and both kids had them at the same field, also Mr. came home and I let the kids stay up late so they could wait up for him.

9 - Busiest day EVER, Baby Fox went off to place flags on Veterens graves, then we had Mini Fox soccer game, followed by a play for kids, then off to pick up Baby Fox for a soccer game, barely making it in time, then Friendsgiving...phew!

10 - Cousin's 2nd birthday party, good to see all of the cousins and catch up.

11 - No school for the kids, so my dad took them to make PB&J sandwiches at church, they love doing that, Baby Fox got promoted to PJ&J spreader, he's big time now.

12 - Busy day for the kids, school, church and then make up piano lessons...phew!

13 - Mini Fox had her soccer party today, she's going to miss all of her soccer friends, she's considering doing soccer in the Spring.

14 - Normal Thursday with workout and karate.

15 - A hair cut, a charity fundraiser planning meeting and then a charity cycle class to raise money for our cousin.

16 - Busy day, birthday party in the morning, then straight to Baby Fox's playoff game, which they won, then off to LA for some fun time with friends.

17 - Mr. left for the week, last time this year, woo hoo, went to church and then an awesome jazz concert with my aunt and uncle, Mr. was sad to miss it.

18 - Extra soccer practice to get ready for the playoff game on Wednesday, then Panda Express for dinner, yum!

19 -Workout class while the kids are at church, then piano lessons.

20 - Soccer semi-finals...the kids didn't end up winning, but the played their hearts out and played a great game against a great team.

21 - Mr. comes home today, woo hoo!

22 - Went to Mini Fox's thanksgiving performance, so cute! Woops, that was a fail, bought tickets to go see Frozen II...we went, got snacks/food and then realized that the tickets were actually for yesterday! The kids took it like champs, and we got more tickets to see the movie on Monday. (that was more than one sentence)

When we thought we were going to the movies.

But ended up at a friends house so all was good.

23 - Soccer end of the year party and then in-Laws came to town and Baby Fox had a baseball clinic.

24 - Family Thanksgiving, nice to see family and catch up, no pictures, whoops!

25 - Mini Fox got a fun playdate with some friends while Mr. and I worked.

26 - Dentist for both kids...still in the no cavity club.

27 - Ugh, both kids got blood drawn, snuggled on the couch the rest of the day and I got a good workout in before Thanksgiving tomorrow!

28 - I love Thanksgiving and my family, and the rain stopped just for us to get there and back.

29 - Decorated the front door, so that's something...nothing else got done, whoops!

30 - Friendsgiving, love these people.

So join us next month! The first of the year, that's crazy to think about! Time flies when you're having fun. Link up your sentence a day below!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

15 Gift Guides for Everyone On Your List

Hi Foxy Friends! I can't believe that the Holidays are here! I know it's so overwhelming to have to buy all the gifts for everyone! I thought it would be helpful to put together a huge gift guide for everyone on your list! I know I like a one stop shop!

Kids

For the kids in your life who has EVERYTHING, here are some non toy ideas.

I know my daughter would love any one of the gifts that Terryn has on her gift guide.

The ultimate guide for the 1-3 year olds in your life. I know that with my kids being a bit older, I've sort of lost touch of what 1-3 year olds want now and days.

Got a small creative kid? This is the list for you.


This is a great list for great education toys for the little ones in your life, any parent would love to get any of these gifts.

Teens

I'm still not quite sure what a VSCO girl is, but if you have one in your life and you're like me and have no idea what to get her, here's the list for you.

Woman

Not sure what to get the lady in your life? Here is a ton of great options!


This list is for all of the ladies in your life that helps keep you afloat in this thing called motherhood, and the best part is everything is under $25!

Know nothing about yoga like me? Then this is the gift guide you need for all of those Yogi's (is that even a word?) in your life.

Here is a gift guide for the woman in your life that take a more natural route, I know several of my friends would love anything on this list!

Men

I always find the guys in my life are so hard to buy for, Rebecca has come up with some great ideas.


Everyone

With all of the parties and things you're attending it's always nice to show up with a little hostess gift. I think it's a kind gesture to show up with something in your hands.

I always find it hard to find stocking stuffers, Shari's list is just what you need!

Stacey came up with hilarious white elephant gifts for your next party that will have everyone laughing.

Amber came  up with a really awesome list of gifts to give people with allergies. So thoughtful, as sometimes it is hard to buy for people allergic to everything!

Christmas Bucket List

Hello Foxy Friends! I can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week? Like what-the-what?! Wasn't it just Halloween? Anyway, that being said, I'm joining some friends to share our Christmas bucket list. I never usually do these, but figured, hey I have goals, let's write them down! If you have your own bucket list, join the link down below! Let's make a list, I like lists that I can then cross out.

1.  Send out Christmas Dinner Invites. I bought them, just need to send...do you sent out formal invites? This is our this year, I typically wait for Shutterfly to have free 10 cards promotion, then buy then, so I only pay for shipping, which I think this year it was $6.

I always include a photo of the kids on the back, just cause, why not, it's free part of getting a card, plus who doesn't want to see fun photos of the kids?

2. Watch The Polar Express - I'm not sure when the magic of Christmas is going to end, so we're going to watch this movie every year until the kids don't let me watch it.

3. I want to watch that new Noelle move on Netflix, I'm hoping one of the kids will watch it with me.

4. Christmas parade, each year the city next to us hosts a Christmas parade, hoping to make it over there, we've missed it the last 4 years, haha!

5.  Lights Display, I know this is going to happen, since I bought tickets already, haha

6. Friendsgiving, it's happening after Thanksgiving, so I'm going to count it as holiday.

7. Christmas Brunch with friends, also already on the calendar, is this considering cheating?

8. Oh wait, I forgot the most important one! Decorate for Christmas! Full disclosure, we put the tree up last weekend, but didn't decorate, it takes a while to fluff a 12 foot tree. But eventually it will look like this:

In case you are wondering what is in the upper left corner of the picture, it's a balloon drop for Baby Fox's birthday. It's cheap and fun thing for the kids to do to help celebrate Baby Fox's birthday (yes it's on Christmas day)

9. Gilmore Girls studio tour! I'm so excited for this one! Again cheating because I already bought tickets for this.

10. New Years Eve party...not scheduled, but I'd like to host a NYE party again this year, it was fun last year!

Okay, I think that is it for now...hopefully I can cross all of these off the list! I can't believe Christmas is in a month! So much to do...like start Christmas shopping, oops!

What have you checked off of your Christmas list already? Link up down below!

You are invited to the Inlinkz link party!

Click here to enter

Belong Lifestyle Denim Dress

Hi Foxy Friends. Guess what? I'm collaborating with Belong Lifestyle and they named a dress after me! It's called the Sarah California Dreaming Denim Dress. I have seriously been looking for the perfect denim dress for the LONGEST TIME. I think I have tried to buy no less than 8 denim dresses, and all of them have gone back. This one is PERFECT! I love that it has the tie waist that you can cinch to give it a little structure.

*Some of the links are affiliate links and I will  either receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on it or if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may also receive a commission on the sale of the product. Click here for my disclosure page.

Dress | Bootie | Earrings (similar) | Bracelet

And guess what?! It has pockets! All good dresses have that right?

I had gotten my hair done a couple of days prior, now if only I could get my curls to look like this every time...

Make up

Primer / Foundation /  Blemish Concealer / Concealer (cause one can never have too much) / Lashes  / Eyebrow / Blush / Bronzer / Eyeshadow / Lipsense 

This dress is going to be perfect to transition to Winter too, at least my California winter. Add some tights and boots and you got a completely different outfit. Then it transition back to Spring with some cute flats.

Fall 

Dress | Bootie | Earrings | Bracelet

Winter
Dress | Leggings |  Boots |  Scarf

Spring
Dress | Flats | Hat | Bracelet

Want one yourself? Use the Code: SARAH (make sure it's all caps) for a one time use of 10% off. Know what is even better? All the prices are in Canadian money, so it really works for us Americans and the exchange rate. Their shipping is a flat $5 CAD, which means it's only $3.75 for us...heck ya! So what are you waiting for, go look at all of the pretty things and buy something for yourself!

10 Go To Hostess Gifts

Hi Foxy Friends! That season is upon us where we are going to parties and we need a hostess gift. Here are my 15 to go hostess gifts that you should just have on hand for those times that you need to grab a quick gift to take with you. I think any host or hostess would love to get something off this list!! 

*Some of the links are affiliate links and I will  either receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on it or if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may also receive a commission on the sale of the product. Click here for my disclosure page.

Appetizer Plates 

Polka Dot | Wine Holder | Tid Bit

Moscow Mule Mug

Embossed Mug |  Cylinder Mug | Classic Mug

Note Cards

Bright Cards | Motivational Quote Cards | Hello Cards

Fancy Candles

Holographic Candle | Mini Candles | Pink Candle

Cute Pot Holder

Home Pot Holder | Fox Pot Holder | Black and White

 

Cheese Board

Fun Post It Notes

Bath Bombs

Chocolate

Succulent Plants

So anything I need to add to my list of things to have in hand? 

Instant Pot Stew

Hi Foxy Friends! I'm so excited to participate in a recipe blog hop today. So if you're coming from Jamie's blog, thank you for hopping on over! Our them is Soup/Stew/Chili recipes, as soon as I heard this, I knew I wanted to try to make my favorite stew recipe Instant Pot friendly. I hope after you're done reading all about my recipe you'll hop on over to Dani's blog to see what yummy thing she created.

I decided for those that are a very visual learner, I would film the recipe for you. If you are more of a reader, skip the video and go to the written out directions. Thanks for stopping by!

Ingredients You'll Need:

2-3 pounds of beef chuck
4-5 small Potatoes (I like using Yukon, but red ones would work too)
2 carrots (you can use more, but I don't particularly like car rots)
1 Onion
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
3 Garlic cloves
1 tablespoon Flour
1/2 - 3/4 cup of Red Wine
1 cup Chicken or Beef Stock
2 Bay Leaves
1 teaspoon Thyme
Cooking Oil
Corn Starch
Peas


What To Do:

Step 1 - Brown Meat

Set Instant Pot to Saute, once hot add a small amount of oil to IP and add meat to brown. When browning don't try to turn too early, if you try to turn and it sticks, it's not ready, wait a bit and it won't stick once properly browned. I had to do mine in two batches. Put in bowl off to the side when done.

Step 2 - Add a little more oil and add diced onions. Let brown before moving on.

Step 3 - Add tomato paste and garlic, cook for 30 seconds or so, then the flour and stir.

Step 4 - Add red wine and scrap up any brown bits.

Step 5 - Add in chicken or beef stock, thyme and bay leaves.

Step 6 - Add meat back in to the pot and pour potatoes and carrots in and stir to combine as best as you can.

Step 7 - Set Instant Pot to 25 minutes of manual pressure.

Once it's done, let it naturally release for 10 minutes.

Step 8 - Release the pressure valve and open Instant Pot. Turn off Instant Pot and turn on the Saute function. Make a corn starch slurry, add a teaspoon of corn starch with enough cold water to make it a liquid. Pour into the Instant Pot and stir. It will take a minute or two for the liquid to thicken.

Step 9 - Once the liquid has thickened a bit, add in frozen peas and stir.

Let sit for a few minutes and your stew is ready to serve!

Yum!

Let me know if you try it below and what you think! I think the whole thing took a little more than an hour. Most of the work was browning the meat! Once you hit pressure cook, smooth sailing. Don't forget to go check out Dani's blog and see what she's cooking up! Let her know that I sent you over!

Deer Make Up For A Beginner

Hi Foxy Friends! Today I am bringing you, a little late, a deer make up look. I did this for two events I went to with the kids, it was super fun to be dressed up for Halloween, without actually having to wear a costume. Make up does wonders! As I was looking around for Deer make up looks, they were all using things that I didn't have, nor did I have time to go buy, or want to buy. So I took bits and pieces here and there and put together what I thought made you look like a deer.

*Some of the links are affiliate links and I will  either receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you click on it or if you make a purchase from one of these links, I may also receive a commission on the sale of the product. Click here for my disclosure page.

Make Up Used:

Face Primer | Foundation | Light Concealer | Bronzer 1 | Bronzer 2 | Eye Shadow Primer | Eye Shadow | Eyeliner | Felt Tip Eyeliner |  Eyelashes | Nose | Lips | Dots

Other Things Used:

Deer Antlers 

Fur Vest

Flowers - Hobby Lobby

I ended up wearing a short sleeved top because it was 90° outside...no way was I going to wear pants, a long sleeve shirt and a fur vest...

Sorry the pictures are off centered, we were late to our Halloween function and Mr. was wearing his costume and wearing this funky wig and he couldn't see anything...haha!

Black Jeans | Black Top | Fur Vest | Deer Antlers | Shoes