jcasacca

Kona in 5

This year I really wanted experiences in place of “things” for Christmas – both giving and receiving. Mom felt the same way, so in lieu of gifts she decided to book us flights to Kona. She found a hot deal, and who needs more stuff, when you can have an amazing experience? (Yes, I doContinue reading “Kona in 5”

Ballin’ on a budget

New Year, and about darn time for a new guest blog! As we start the New Year bright-eyed and hopeful, we often include monetary or financial goals on our Vision Boards, journals, and as part of our New Year’s resolutions. We have the best of intentions, but without proper knowledge and planning, these goals quicklyContinue reading “Ballin’ on a budget”

Ready.

In giddy preparation of the New Year: I’ve reflected on the last 12 months, with mostly smiles, some frowns, and lots of laughter… I’m hopeful for what is in store, and am feeling both excited and nervous… I’ve planned for success… And I feel ready. Ready to build on the foundation I laid in 2019.Continue reading “Ready.”

Cards and Curds

Last night was a blast! It was the annual holiday party at my parent’s house, and this year’s theme was Cards and Curds. We had card games going (big money on the line!), and the party wouldn’t be complete without our traditional eight foot cheeseboard. Yep. Eight feet of cheese, meat, and bread. Does itContinue reading “Cards and Curds”

Holiday Look

Okay, videoing a makeup tutorial is harder than actually doing Gigi Hadid’s makeup for Vogue. This is Day 2 of filming. I feel like a real star. Please tell me I look like a real star too! Anyway, I’ve filmed my Holiday Look tutorial and am publishing it. I should probably enlist a full cameraContinue reading “Holiday Look”

Stress, my old friend.

For as long as I can remember stress has been a constant companion. As I try to fall asleep, during family time, when traveling, work, holidays, parties… you name the time and place, stress has been there with me. I willingly let stress in, and adopted the mottos: “if you’re not stressed, you must notContinue reading “Stress, my old friend.”

Don’t toss the turkey (carcass!)

Thanksgiving dinner – family and friends join together to enjoy one another’s company, as well as the year’s grandest display of comfort food. Momma’s mashed and sweet potatoes, gravy, green bean casserole, Cal’s pesto spinach salad, fruit salad, Mamoo’s fresh-baked rolls, the cranberry sauce you always wonder who actually eats it, and Gram Pam’s raspberryContinue reading “Don’t toss the turkey (carcass!)”

Tried running, now I’m swapping.

Apparently you can run, but you can’t hide. Uhhhh, say what? That’s right. My home-county vibe is comin’ out! Release the crazy! If you follow me on Insta (or real life, but hopefully not stalker-like) you know I’m crawling back over the fence to the land of au naturale. If you’re down-wind, I’m sorry, thisContinue reading “Tried running, now I’m swapping.”

(Mindful) Feasting

As promised, we have another guest blog! I am not too proud to admit these are some of my favorite posts, too. These guest authors are insightful, practical, and experts on their topics! Any day I can sit back, relax, read, and learn something new, is a good day in my book (or blog?). IContinue reading “(Mindful) Feasting”

Fryin’, Cali Style

I love all things fried (I think I was a truck driver in a past life), but we all know I’m a Cali girl at heart. Yep, that means fresh greens with (almost) every meal, smoothies, and avocado toast. Last year I was fortunate enough to spend a few days in Atlanta where I gotContinue reading “Fryin’, Cali Style”