53 Weeks

I am a fan of online (event) invitations. The ease of creating an event invite, tracking responses and even updating/changing event details as needed, makes it very easy. Plus, I don’t have to worry about printing anything, envelopes, postage and getting to the post office, etc… That being said, I do also like setting the “tone” if you will for my event. I’m big on presentation and playing up a theme, and when I can flex my novice design skills + have the time, I like to see what I can whip up. Well, it’s...

I don’t even know where to start, but I will say that if you’re a Bay Area parent and you want to celebrate the “Halloween” season with your kids… GREAT AMERICA should be at the top of your list! We had an amazing weekend and it all kicked off with the Great Pumpkin Fest at Great America, where every weekend from now til the end of October, the park, (from noon -4pm) will be extra fun-filled with its Great Pumpkin Fest event…and it’s all included with admission. The park is open from 10am-5:30pm...

Time flies! We’re just about 4 weeks into the school year and my older son’s foray into Kindergarten. Overall, he’s enjoying it and things are going pretty well. Here’s a look back  into our first 4 weeks… First day of school went very smooth, Raef was excited to see some friends he already knew from ARPD Tiny Tots as well as TBall and day care programs. He lined up first by his classroom too! A post shared by Aubrey Aquino (@fifty3weeks) on Aug 28, 2017 at 8:15am PDT This year we didn’t do...

Pickles and Ice Cream is a cookbook featuring bizarre pregnancy cravings. It contains random recipes like “Oreos and Toothpaste” or “Tomato Soup with M&Ms.” The finished food creations were then  photographed like gourmet meals and feature short stories about the women who craved them. Hungry much? Now, I never had any crazy cravings during either of my two pregnancies, but I certainly know some women who have…. So I love that this book takes a look at some of the most bizarre and brings them to...

Calling all cookie monsters! Molly Hamilton is changing the cookie game with her very own food innovation, Molly’s Bakeovers. Like me, this Mom is a cookie lover, but when it comes to her four kids, they all have food allergies. So, Molly took matters into her own hands and decided to make a treat her kids could enjoy, without the stuff that wouldn’t love them back. And in doing so, she made over the traditional cookie, with a cross between a cookie and granola bar aka “One Smart Cookie!” They are healthy, tasty...

Right before school kicked in, we took a trip south to visit San Diego. In 4 days and 3 nights we found some great spots to hang out with the kiddos, that were fun for the whole family! 1. Seaport Village – Take a nice walk along the San Diego Bay and take in the beautiful views as you make your way along Harbor Drive to Seaport Village. We began our walk with brunch in the Gaslamp district before walking around Petco Park (home of the San Diego Padres), then toward the water and up to Seaport Village’s cute strip of shops...

I don’t drink coffee, but I do drink tea. My tendency is to stick to black teas like Chai and Earl Grey, but I love a good green tea and I appreciate Chamomile too. Well, if you’re looking to literally be “mind-blown” by tea and all the varieties and choices…including loose leaf teas >>> check out Adagio. The first time I visited the site I was completely overwhelmed by the amount of teas available – I mean who knew there were SO MANY different types of green tea!?!? I couldn’t even...

  Your home is your own corner of heaven — a place where your family members will interact, enjoy quality time together, and share important events; the nest in which you’ll raise your children; the palace you’ll return to whenever you need comfort and calm. A family home is a space for traditions and heirlooms, to-do lists and laundry, and sticky fingerprints that are frequently removed from the walls. It’s a collection of rooms that are familiar and beloved; a shelter from harm. Your home is your world, and decorating it...

The boys and I trekked over to Marin for a hike through Muir Woods. I had always heard about Muir Woods and the giant redwoods, but I had never actually made the trip, so I figured it would be a fun day trip to do with my boys. My sister and her 2-month old baby boy also joined us for the excursion. I didn’t do much research before our visit, I had a decent idea of where to go and what to expect…so I went with it! Muir Woods is part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, and it’s known for its giant redwood trees!...

Thanks to McDonald’s of the Greater Bay Area for sponsoring this post/trip, opinions are 100% my own. Garlic Fries are back at McDonald’s for the summer season…and only available in Northern California, so be sure to stop into a Bay Area McDonald’s to try them out (if you haven’t yet), before they’re all gone. McDonald’s Gilroy Garlic Fries are carefully created by combining their legendary french fries with a special blend of garlic, olive oil, parmesan and parsley. When you place an order for these fries, you can rest...