Starting to reopen

casual summer outfits bucket bag trend 2020casual summer outfit ideas

wearing: bold gold earrings / pink fabric mask (I wore this the entire time, only removed it for a few photos when no-one was around) / black and white top / bucket bag / gold and blue bracelet / gold cuff / gold chain bracelet / black linen joggers / black slide espadrilles /

Things are starting to reopen! My daughter had her 8th grade graduation over live-stream at the end of last week. Since we were not able to take her out to a restaurant with family and celebrate, we picked up take-out food to enjoy at home. This was the first time we picked up take-out since the lockdown. It’s so nice to start to see things reopen here!

Despite things starting to reopen, it is definitely weird out there! We picked up macarons at Cocola, which is located on Santana Row. Most of the shops were boarded up, with restaurants open for take-out only. There was a handful of people taking a walk down Santana Row, with about 90% of people wearing masks. I wish everyone would wear a mask so we can get through this easier! But I digress. . .

It was so nice to actually go to Cocola. We waited in line outside, six feet apart from other people. They allowed one person inside at a time. It was clean, quick, and easy to pick up their delicious macarons for my daughter. She was so excited and happy to enjoy her favorite treat from Cocola as we celebrated her graduation.

Later in the day, we picked up sushi from Sushi Heaven in Saratoga for her celebratory dinner. They had a huge table blocking the restaurant off from the public. It was really well organized. They handed me my order and I paid, all while staying feet apart and wearing masks. This was the first time I didn’t cook dinner since early March! It was so surreal.

Shop my casual summer look:

It is really nice to see things starting to reopen around here. I think we are one of the most locked down areas in the country. I see my friends in other states dining out, and going about their business as if nothing happened. I cannot wait until we get there. Until then, we are enjoying the tiny little things that reopen slowly.

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

san jose street style

Father’s Day gift ideas 2020

fathers day gift ideas

From top left: conditioner / shampoo / body wash / body lotion / all c/o Alister

Father’s Day 2020 is almost here! This means we need to find that special something for Dad. I have rounded up a few fabulous gift ideas from around the web for Father’s Day. I hope you love them! Actually, I hope your Dad love them!

Shop Father’s Day Gift Ideas 2020:

I plan on getting my husband the men’s cleansing products pictured above, plus some camping gear, for Father’s Day. What is your favorite gift idea for Dad?

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

Fast and easy Pasta Alfredo with bacon

fast easy pasta alfredo

From left: Italian soda (recipe in this post) / white dish (similar here) / recipe below- /

Are you pressed for time? Or are you like me, and still sheltering-in-place due to local regulations? Either way, you might be trying to put meals together with what you have sitting in your pantry, versus fresh food you just picked up from the market this morning. If you are looking for something you can make from your pantry, which happens to be fast and easy, this is the pasta recipe for you!

This is super easy, and requires absolutely zero cooking skills. Love that! Here is what you need to make this delicious pasta dish:

Ingredients for my fast and easy Pasta Alfredo with bacon:

  1. 1 lb spinach pasta.
  2. 1 jar of Alfredo Sauce (that’s right, a jar! Super easy right? I prefer Rao’s Alfredo)
  3. Bacon bits (you can keep a Costco size package in your refrigerator for months-great pantry staple!)
  4. 1/3 of a bag of frozen peas (everyone has this in their freezer right?)
  5. Parmesan cheese

OK, I am sure you can tell from the ingredients, this is super easy. No chopping involved! First, you want to cook the pasta and the frozen peas. Once they are done cooking, drain and return them to the pot. Easy!

Then, you will add the Alfredo Sauce from the jar, and warm it up while mixing it in with the pasta and peas.

Once cooked, place your desired serving size on a plate, and then sprinkle the bacon bits on top. So easy!

Lastly, let everyone put the Parmesan cheese on top of their own serving to taste.

Bon Appetit! You may eat!

Wasn’t that the easiest recipe you have seen on the Internet? It’s really simple, and uses pantry staples most of us have on hand. Plus, it feels fancy, not sure why-but it does! My kids and my husband really enjoy this dish. I hope you love it too!

Things you might need to cook my fast and easy Pasta Alfredo with bacon:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy