Top 10 Instagrammable Places in San Jose, CA

For this blog post I partnered with bestie Brianna, who is a South Bay Native and she’s currently still live there working as a local real estate agent. She is truly an expert on all things San Jose!

When having friends that come visit the Silicon Valley, they typically just think of going to San Francisco but in reality, San Jose is a destination in its own right. In the past few years San Jose has been making a name for itself as a place to visit, I mean it is a major part of Silicon Valley!

I recently had a fun San Jose staycation with my blogger besties, hosted by Signia by Hilton San Jose. We stayed in a lovely luxury suite and our itinerary was jam-packed with local fun. Throughout our stay, we enjoyed lounging by the pool, a shopping spree in Santana Row, late night spa fun with the bubbly flowing, and then brunch in the morning.

I invite you to plan your own San Jose getaway, keep reading to see my top 10 favorite south bay hangout spots + so many Instagram worthy locations!

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10 Ways to Celebrate Baby's First Christmas

The first year with your little one is filled with so many brand new experiences, and one of the best is baby’s first Christmas. The holidays already feel like a magical time, and even more so with a tiny human in the house. There’s something so warm and nostalgic about cutting down your own Christmas tree, decorating the house with Christmas music playing, and enjoying the twinkling from all the lights.

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List of 100 Baby Names for the Modern Mama

Selecting a namesake for your new baby is both exciting and a daunting challenge. Many people believe that the name you are given shapes and influences the person you grow to be. With that being said, do you choose a strong name? Or an etherial and elegant name? How about looking to past centuries for inspiration? Each parent will gravitate towards a different type of name based on their own values and life experiences.

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Minimalist Hospital Bag Checklist - The Essentials For Mom, Dad and Baby

I originally wrote this blog post years ago when I was anxiously waiting for the arrival of my first baby. Fast forward to present day, I’ve had two babies and stayed in the hospital twice during my two labor and deliveries. I have basically re-written the majority of this blog post, now coming from the perspective of a more experienced mama.

My second baby was born during peak pandemic times and I had to deliver him by myself in the hospital. My husband was not even allowed to enter the hospital building. My son was born past 41 weeks which meant I was super pregnant and not in any mood to fuss around with extra baggage and things that weren’t absolutely necessary.

The hospital bag that I packed for delivering my second baby was truly in minimalist style with only the essentials that I knew I would need. It worked out well, I didn’t have to haul around a big heavy bag and I had everything I needed.

In this guide I’ve also included more third-trimester things to get done before baby arrives. Packing your hospital bag is one of the many steps in preparing for labor and bringing baby home.

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Etsy Colorful Christmas Decor and Gift Guide

It’s the most COLORFUL time of the year! Are you trading the traditional Christmas green and red for a rainbow of colors? Well then these Etsy shops were made for you. Whether you’re shopping for yourself or your most fabulous friends and family, these makers have created the cutest collections of home decor and gifts. Click each image to take you directly to the Etsy product image. Happy shopping!

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The New York City Autumn Bucket List

Hands down, New York City is one of the best places to be in autumn. The sweltering heat from the summer has gone away and you aren’t experiencing the freezing cold winter weather yet either. The leaves change colors and there’s the promise of good comfort food and the holidays ahead. Every year the season passes by so fast so I always want to make sure I make the most of it with some favorite autumn events.

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The Thrifted Fall Capsule Collection - Top Brands and Wardrobe Essentials to Buy Second Hand

Fall is a popular season and social media has been buzzing with anticipation waiting for crisp cool air, pumpkin spice and chunky sweaters. There are about one million reasons to love autumn, and on the top of my list is the fashion. Fall brings about a whole slew of style options, and with layering being so important, the outfit style options are endless!

Thrifting has always been the way I find my favorite wardrobe pieces. I don't have a massive budget to pay full retail prices, plus I enjoy the hunt for the gems! Shopping thrift I get way more items for the same amount of $$.

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Instagrammable Places in Santa Cruz

In the California beach city of Santa Cruz you’ll find vibrant colors and photo-worthy vignettes scattered throughout the neighborhoods. From the old to the new, there’s colorful Victorian style homes to bright and modern eateries and coffee shops.

Santa Cruz is a great weekend getaway from the Bay Area, it’s only an hour and a half drive south from San Francisco. The weather is usually much warmer and it can be a much needed escape from the fog.

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10 Life Hacks for the Modern Mama

My list of top 10 ways I calm the chaos of motherhood and live my most joyous and stress free life. All you mamas know the hassle of leaving the house when your child is being fussy. The simplest errand of going to the store becomes a stressful and daunting task with a screaming baby. Enter Prime, your new best friend! I have all my essential household items delivered to the house within 2 days.

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