stacie lang

The One With Fake Freckles

beauty, reviews0
When I first saw someone post about “fake freckles” a couple years back, I thought maybe they were joking. I’ve spent most my life unsuccessfully trying to cover up my freckles, so I was like “What the FRECK?” (…That was funnier in my head.) When I was a teenager, I thought freckles just made me look like a little kid, and then I got older, and I thought they aged me (which, they might?), but still.. explain how that works!
Fast forward a few years and throw in a pandemic for good meausure, and a new brand based out of Canada called Salty Face was born. Since I’m a sucker for women-run companies, clean beauty, and free shipping, I decided to get both products they launched with. When they arrived, I played around with the freckle stain first, and I was actually surprised by how much fun I had. Because I have such uneven skin tone and quite a few dots and spots already, I feel like this is just what I needed to really embrace the fact that I’ll never have porcelain smooth skin. I realize I may look back and chalk this up to another result of 2020 boredom, but in the mean time, I give this an 8/10 for being an affordable and temporary way to shake things up.

Maybe Baby Shopping List

Pregnancy, reviews0
Before we had Mabel, we thought we were totally done having babies. Like…. got-rid-of-all-the-baby-gear done. So when I found out I was expecting, and realized we were starting from zero again, it was a bit overwhelming. While I wanted to make sure her arrival was as smooth as possible, I also wanted to keep the purchases to a minimum, knowing that she would be our caboose. I kept my list short and borrowed what I could (and then frantically bought a few things in the wee hours of the morning after she was born, realizing that a rocking chair in the nursery  actually was essential for a reflux baby who didn’t sleep much!) So, if you’ve found yourself in the same predicament, or if it’s your first and you want some hot leads, see below for some of my favorites!
1. Snuggle Me Organic Lounger: This was a must for me. I took it on trips, co-slept with it while recovering from a C section, and basically moved it with me from room to room those first few months. Mabel loved being swaddled up on it, and I loved the minimal design and soft, washable slip cover.
2. Bloom Lounger: This was another room-to-room traveler. Because Mabel had reflux, she liked being propped up a bit in this, and when she got too old for it, I was actually sad to part with it because it was so pretty.
3. Babyletto Crib: We hadn’t had a crib in the house for a few years, so I was excited to get one that I actually loved. The price seems especially fair considering it converts into a toddler and day bed.
4. Tubby Todd: This is one of my favorite sets to gift to new Moms. It’s got it all, and if your little one has sensitive skin like mine always seem to have, this is the brand.
5. Solly Wrap, Crib Sheets, and Sleepers: Can’t say enough good things about the Solly Wrap for those first couple months, especially if you have older kids you’re keeping up with or a baby who is only happy being held! Also, I was excited to buy their modal sleeper sets and crib sheets that weren’t around when my olders’ were babies. Softest fabric ever!
6. PUJ Tub: When I first had my oldest, I was gifted one of those giant plastic tubs that you put INSIDE your real tub. It was fine, except it took up so.much.space. So then I decided to graduate to the bath sponge they sell at Target. After a while, wringing out cold, probably bacteria-filled water after each bath started to gross me out. Needless to say, I was excited to finally have a bath gadget that didn’t take up a lot of space or potentially grow mold. 😉
7. BIBS usa pacifiers: Mabel preferred the shape of these, and you can’t beat the beautiful colors they come in.
8. 12 pack Gauze Burp Cloths: I’ve bought these with every baby as “emergency burp cloths” to keep in my diaper bag. After experiencing a baby with reflux though, these were promoted from “backup” to “necessity” when leaving the house.
9. Leader Diaper Bag: Would you believe me if I told you this was my very first time buying a diaper bag in over 10 years? I’ve always used a big purse, but decided it was time to see what all the fuss was about. Turns out, it was the pockets! THAT’S what all the fuss was about! I loved the look of these Leader Bags, and one whole year later, I’m so shocked how clean and new my cream style still looks!
10. Maxi Cosi Car Seat + Stroller: After putting some Facebook feelers out there, this travel system came back highly-reviewed. The design and colors were pretty, too. 😉

Us in Encinitas

vacations0

Snuck away to San Diego for Fall Break and enjoyed our slow week of playing in the ocean, eating takeout al fresco, and squeezing in a special day celebrating Mabels 1st Birthday, just the 6 of us. I’m so grateful for the time we’ve been able to spend near the beach as a family. It’s been a wild year, and at the risk of sounding like a cheesy bumper sticker… salt water really is medicine for the soul.

October Etsy Love

Clothes0
I kind of forgot about Etsy after tirelessly looking for the perfect wedding invitations back in 2008, but I have fallen back in love with the hunt! Click here to shop these beautiful linen pieces for the whole fam.

Salt River Bars, a la Liberty Market

Food, How To0

One of our family favorites inspired by our go-to dessert at Liberty Market, and what recipe I probably get asked for more than any other. Nothing better than a salty but sweet, chewy but crunchy treat, am I right? If you’re making for a very large group or party I’d double the recipe, but if you’re only making for your family + leftovers, I’d follow this recipe as is and use a half cookie sheet. These are super rich and a little goes a long way! Watch a 30 second video tutorial, HERE.

Ingredients: 
1 Sleeve of Graham Crackers (Place in ziplock bag and smash into crumbs with rolling pin, or use food processor.)
1 Cup Butter (Yeah I know, I never said these were healthy!)
1 Box of Club Crackers 
1 and 1/2 Cups Brown Sugar
1/2 Cup Milk
1/4 Cup Butterscotch Chips
1 Cup Chocolate Chips
1/2 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter 
Coarse Sea Salt for Sprinkling
 
 
1) Melt Butter in saucepan, then add brown sugar and milk.
2) Once melted, add the graham cracker crumbs to saucepan, stir and remove from heat.
3) Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper, then lay club crackers across paper like tile, covering completely.
4) Pour a thin layer of butter/sugar mix over crackers evenly, then press another layer of club crackers on top.
5) Repeat step once more, until you have 3 layers of crackers and butter mix total. Put in fridge and let cool as you prepare the chocolate topping.
6) Melt chocolate and butterscotch chips, and peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until completely melted.
7 ) Pour over bars evenly and finish with lots of sea salt. Put back in fridge until set and ready to serve. (About 2 hours!). Be sure to keep leftovers (if any!) in the fridge. Enjoy!

SWEATHER WEATHER… ISH

Clothes0

It’s 100 degrees outside today, so naturally I filled up a bunch of online carts and then left them for someone who can safely wear a sweater to the mailbox in September. Feel free to shop my favorites here, and then go ahead and drink a hot chocolate for me while you’re at it. 😉

The Best Biscuits in the Business

Food0
Best biscuits in the business right here. The recipe yields the perfect amount (well I mean, Geoff and I ate the entire batch in one sitting but that’s neither here nor there), and they can be whipped up in less than 40 minutes from start to finish. See how they’re made in 15 seconds, here.