Family hike with PARA’KITO

alternative to spray mosquito repellant

My family and I love to go hiking. It is such a fabulous way to explore nature, and sometimes, local history! In fact, we love being outdoors. All of my kids are in scouting, so they love to camp, hike, and just be outside. The one thing that drives me crazy about being outside, is that I get eaten alive by mosquitoes! It’s not just me, my kids do too!

We have tried everything to make our outdoor play-time comfortable; and mosquito bite free. Candles don’t seem to chase them away at outdoor mealtimes, and spraying on mosquito repellant is, well, quite repelling! Ew. I can’t stand the stickiness, the smell, and the need to shower as soon as I get home. Spray-on repellant always leaves me with dirt stuck to my skin too. It’s just gross. My kids feel the same way; I’m not alone in this thinking! That’s why I am so thankful for PARA’KITO!

parakito mosquito protection

PARA’KITO mosquito repellant is a game changer. Instead of spraying sticky repellant on your skin, PARA’KITO has created a unique blend of essential oils, a patented slow-release technology, mosquito repellant pellet! These pellets can be inserted into sporty bracelets, and clip-ons. We love the bracelets! They are so easy to wear, and they keep all the mosquitoes away! Love that!

We recently explored a local hiking trail which showcases Saratoga’s quarry history. There were a few remaining artifacts from the quarry along the trail which made for some fun education for my kids. The trail is named the “Saratoga Quarry Park” and it also offers picnic tables, and a beach volleyball court. The views of the valley foothills is picturesque; and you can even see some small vineyards along the way!

parakito mosquito bracelet

There is also a pond along the trail, and the Saratoga Creek runs through the parking area. Of course, where there is water, there are mosquitoes! So glad we were all wearing our PARA’KITO bracelets! They kept us bite free, and after the hike we were able to hop in the car and go out to lunch without worrying about stinking like mosquito repellant; or having dirt stuck on our arms!

The PARA’KITO pellets don’t just work in California’s climates. They can be worn in any climate, temperate weather, and even in tropical weather. Love that!

You can find PARA’KITO online at Parakito.com

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO
Cathy

*sponsored by PARA’KITO, all thoughts and opinions are my own

parakito mosquito repellant bracelet

Mother’s Day Gift Guide to Santana Row 2018

Can you believe Mother’s Day is almost here!? You know my favorite place to find the best gifts for Mom is at Santana Row. The Row has so many amazing shops to choose from, plus, you can plan an entire day for Mom right on Santana Row! Love that!

SoulCycle is opening the first week of May at Santana Row, why not bring Mom to an early morning class to kick-start her day! After working out, stroll over to Cocola and grab a morning pastry and cafe drink. This is a great time to give her a fabulous gift you bought at Santana Row for Mother’s Day! Then, you can treat her to spa treatments at BellaU Spa and Wellness or at Burke Williams. She will love having a relaxing spa day on Mother’s Day!

Mother’s Day would not be complete without a fabulous meal on the Row after spa treatments! If you haven’t tried Tacolicious yet, this is the perfect day to try it! They have light meal choices as well as hearty; so there is something for every appetite. I love their tacos! If you’re more in the mood for seafood, check out EMC Seafood and Raw Bar; it’s so good!

Now for the fun part, Mother’s Day gift shopping! Although Santana Row is filled with fabulous shops to find the perfect gift for Mom’s special day, there are four stores I fell in love with this year for gift shopping! I hope my husband is taking notes, and my Mom isn’t allowed to look! 😉

Mother’s Day gifts from Madewell

The weather is warming up, this means there is a lot of summer fun in Mom’s future. Madewell is filled with fabulous outfits she will love for the summer season; and beyond! They also have a ton of handbags in stock as well as pretty jewelry; you can’t wrong with a head-to-toe look from Madewell for Mother’s Day!

For more information, please visit Madewell on Santana Row or call 408.984.4854

Mother’s Day gifts from Sugarfina

Who doesn’t love candy?! Sugarfina has special Bento Box’s for Mother’s Day where you can place her favorite candy flavors. I highly recommend anything with caramel, and the strawberry gummies; yum! If she has a favorite flavor, look for the extra large boxes housed on the backside of the wrap desk; they are twice the size of the regular candy boxes! Big yum!!

For more information please visit Sugarfina on Santana Row or call 855.784.2734

Mother’s Day gifts from Kendra Scott

How fabulous is Kendra Scott’s summer 2018 collection! I’m in love with all the beautiful blue and lilac baubles. Kendra Scott also has really pretty home decor which Mom will love! Also, if you don’t see the exact color combo Mom wants, you can create your own designs using Kendra Scott’s Color Bar and they will make your gift for Mom on the spot! Love that!

You can learn more at Kendra Scott on Santana Row or call 669.231.0300

Mother’s Day gifts from Ted Baker

Ted Baker has a beautiful spring and summer collection! Mom will love a fabulous new outfit from Ted Baker. They also have pretty handbags and shoes in stock Mom will love. I have my eye on everything blue in store. So pretty!

Check out the entire collection at Ted Baker on Santana Row or call 408.615.1552

In addition to these four stores, Chico’s on Santana Row has a fabulous collection filled with great travel ensembles and jewelry Mom will love; especially if she has travel plans coming up! Also, be sure to check out Jest Jewels, Z Gallerie, and Tommy Bahama for more great gifts for Mom.

Still not sure what to get Mom for Mother’s Day? You can swing by the concierge and purchase a gift card to Santana Row in any amount. She will love being able to use her gift card at one of the Spa’s, restaurants, and retail shops on the Row!

Thanks for stopping and have a fabulous Mother’s Day!

XOXO
Cathy

*Thank you to Santana Row for sponsoring this post, all thoughts and opinions are me own

Everyday spring style

how to wear a flower pot pursestaud handbagscasual spring outfits

wearing: red tassel earrings / lipstick / stripe tee / spring nail polish / side stripe jeans / red flower pot bag / black leather and rose gold watch / black espadrilles /

It’s always so much fun to wear my little flower pot purse! Yes, I know, it has a name; but it looks like a flower pot to me so that is what I shall call it! haha

The weather has been fabulous, so I took my kids to meet some friends at Santana Row for a stroll along the Row, and also a yummy lunch at The Counter. I had a southern fried chicken burger with provolone cheese, and dried cranberries, on a brioche bun with a side of shoestring fries, and pesto sauce. It was a really good combo! I’m going to try it with beef next time; or the impossible burger. Have you tried it? It’s so good!

This outfit was perfect for a relaxing afternoon with friends. This might be my new favorite “throw-on” tee for the spring and summer seasons. It’s really comfy and I love the loose fit. It comes in a few additional colors, so I might pick up one more!

Are you enjoying the spring weather we are getting? Hopefully it won’t get hot too quickly; this weather is perfect!

Shop my everyday spring outfit:

Thanks for stopping by!

XOXO

Cathy

denim outfit ideassan jose street style