I found this soft pink, off the shoulder dress from SheIn.com during the summer and it looks as though it's on sale now. I was so happy with it because it's a lightweight material, so flowy and that's just what I was looking for. The elastic on the top is perfect because it's tight enough for the dress not to fall off the shoulder but comfortable as well. I loved the length of the dress because it fit right above my knee so it wasn't short. You will have to wear a slip underneath because its transparent when standing in the sun. I was a disappointed in myself when I washed it and it shrunk. I should have read the cleaning label better. If I buy it again I'll have to remember to just hand wash it. I've listed below some more lovely pink, off the shoulder dresses I want to purchase. Hope you like them too!
Golden Gate Park
We spent half a day at Golden Gate Park on the last day of 2016. If you're out of town, just know there is so much to do and see while visiting this 1000+ acre of land. You can explore it by bikes, boats, and even segways. We've taken several visits and we try to explore different areas every time we visit.
This time we put on our walking / hiking shoes because we were going to do a mini hike. Yes, that's right, in the middle of SF there is a hidden mountain top to climb called Strawberry Hill. It has a view worth seeing. If you follow me and Adam on snapchat, then you will remember us snapping the view. You'll come across a small waterfall, bridges and wooden staircases. The loop will take you around Stow Lake and the Japanese Tea Garden.
The hiking loop is really short and easy to do. It was perfect for the boys because they are little explorers wanting to jump on rocks and pick up anything that could turn into a sword fight.
Few Tips
- Bring a backpack with light snacks + water
- walking shoes
- baby wipes or toilet paper ( no bathrooms allowed, Judah had to pee)
- food to feed the duckies in Stow Lake
Share with me your favorite Golden Gate Park activities!
XOXO, Crystal Cara
Gingerbread House Cake
So let's talk about this gingerbread house cake... I mean it looks as if I was a true baker right? Well, when I saw this gingerbread house cake pan at Target I knew I had to buy it because it would make such a pretty edible cake. I got a gingerbread cake mix from my friend Betty Crocker and followed the receipe in the back, sprayed the pan with butter and filled it up to 3/4 of it to give room for rising. It took about 1 hr. to bake. I checked the middle of it with a fork to make sure it was cooked.
After I let it cool, I flipped the pan and out came a beautiful gingerbread house cake. I grabbed my white filling and outlined the edges. After, I sprinkled it with powdered sugar and decorated with sugared cranberries.
I got the recipe for sugared cranberries.... HERE!
Christmas House Decor ... CLICK HERE!
Deck the Halls
Every year I try to re use as much as I can to decorate our home during Christmas time. When buy new items I go the day after Christmas to see what I can find on sale. I'm not quite sure what you would call my style but I do know I like to keep it simple. These last two years I've used lots of red plaid, whites, faux fur and greenery.
I re purposed the advent calendar I had and put it in a frame. It's an assortment of Christmas prints from Nap Time Diaries (advent from 2014). I was really happy the way it looked inside a frame.
This year I purchased a few items... First, I got gold deer stocking holders, it fit well with all my other home decor. From Target.
Second, a bar cart which I plan on using it all year long. I'm always in need of more space for hosting and I know this cart will serve well in my home. From Target.
Third, if you follow me on snapchat then you'll remember I bought vintage tree napkin holders that I absolutely fell in love with. An antique store from Placerville, Ca.
Gingerbread House Cake Go check out how I made this yummy gingerbread house cake.... CLICK HERE
Christmas Prints I have all of these prints ready for you to go if you want to print... CLICK HERE
xoxo, Crystal Cara
Christmas Free Prints
Below are the free art Christmas prints. Some are available in both PDF + JPG. Just click and save the photo. I printed the larger sizes (non 8 x10) at Costco. Super easy! Something to keep in mind is getting different size frames even though the print is a smaller size. Have fun printing and decorating. All of these are found on my pinterest board as well.
1. Merry Christmas : prints 8 x 11 ( I printed mine as an 11 x 14); print HERE ; found HERE
2. Merry and Bright : prints 8 x 11 ( I printed mine as an 11 x 14); print HERE ; found HERE
3. Oh Come Let Us Adore Him : I designed this one as a 16 x 20; print HERE
4. Merry Christmas Mistletoe : prints 8 x 11; print HERE ; PDF VERSION ; found HERE
5. Oh Come w/mistletoe : prints 8 x 10; print pdf HERE ; found HERE
6. Giant Black Tree : prints 16 x 20; print HERE ; found HERE
7. 3 Black Trees : prints 8 x 11; ( I framed mine in a 5 x 7 frame); print HERE ; found HERE
8. December 25 : prints 16 x 16; print HERE ; found HERE
9. Christmas Tree & Red Car : prints 8 x 11; print HERE ; PDF VERSION ; found HERE
10. Have a Jolly Jolly Christmas : prints 8 x 11 ( I framed mine in a 5 x 7 frame); print HERE ; found HERE