Hello Monday | Randoms

Happy Monday!   

We just got back from a really fun weekend in New York.  Later this week I will share all the details of our trip including where we ate and what we did.  We had such an amazing time in the city.  We got back late yesterday afternoon and I didn't have time to upload and organize all my photos so stayed tuned for a NYC post coming soon.

One of our good friends let us stay in his apartment for the weekend in NYC.  This was our view every night.  I just love the energy of the city.

Wanted to share my maxi dress I am wearing here was just reduced | Joie Maxi Dress 

also on sale here but only a few sizes left

Two of our dining room chairs arrived last week.  The other 4 are back ordered but I am so excited where the space is going!

How cute are Frances and her cousin Drew??  Love that they are so close in age.  I am also loving her red converse shoes from Rack Room.  They are her favorite shoes, she brings them to me everyday and says " shoes Mama"

This Tory Burch Dress is a recent purchase I am loving.  It is cotton and such a great fit.  I love that you can dress it up or down. I am wearing a size small for reference.

Tory Burch Dress

Speaking of Tory Burch a ton of stuff just got marked down on her site.  

 These are some of my favorite Summer sandals. I did find they ran on the small side so I recommend ordering a half size up.

Gold T Sandals

Lots of great deals.  50% off and more.  Scroll thru to see my favorites.

 Someone at school told Sterling about putting cucumbers on his eyes and now he always wants to do it after school.  It trips me out.

New favorite cookies, Grey Ghost Bakery Cookies.  They are a local shop here in Charleston  I loved the lemon sugar and chocolate cayenne.  I like that are individually wrapped with two small cookies, the perfect serving size.

Lately I have been cactus obsessed. I picked up this round one at Lowes the other day and plan to use it in the middle of our doing room table.   

Have a great week.

My 6 Favorite Tee Shirts

There is nothing better then the perfect fitting tee shirt.  

I rounded up a few of my tried and true favorites.  These range in price and I like them each for different reasons.  Would love to hear if you have any favorite tees!

ONE | FREE PEOPLE TEE

This is the perfect faded, slouchy tee.  I own this in three colors I love it so much.  Size down it runs large I am wearing size XS.

TWO | Rag and Bone V-Neck Tee

This tee is on the pricier side but man I love it.  Perfect thickness, length, and fit.  Occasionally you can luck up and find the discontinued colors at TJMaxx.  If you want just a great black or white tee to wear alone or layered this is it.

THREE | FOREVER 21 SIDE SILT TEE

I bought this tee on a whim because it reminded me of a lululemon one I had.  For the price (only $12!) this tee is awesome.  I have two colors and frequently wear them with my workout gear.   I find I don't like the side slit as much for everyday wear but it is great for running, yoga, etc.

FOUR |OLD NAVY TUNIC TEE

I bought this tee at the store a few weeks ago without even trying it on.  I was so pleasantly surprised, I love it.  It is a looser fit and great with skinny jeans.  I have a size small but almost feel like I could have worn XS, however our store was sold out.  Oh and the price- $10, such a steal.

FIVE | RAG AND BONE NICOLE SPLIT BACK TANK

I bought this top last year in two colors I loved it so much.  Such a great knit tank.  I love the little slit in the back.  It is not too high so you can still wear a regular bra with it.  I am wearing a size small.

SIX | T BY ALEXANDER WANG MUSCLE TEE

I bought this tank in Wilmington while we were on vacation this Summer.  What I love is that it is longer and not too fitted. . I plan to wear it this fall with leggings and layered under a sweater.  All the T by Alexander Wang shirts are so soft.

Broccoli and Gouda Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms

I mentioned before but Matt and I have really been trying hard to stick to a vegetarian diet and incorporate more whole foods and vegetables into our meals.   For the most part we have tried to avoid red meat, chicken and pork.  Matt has been stricter about it than me, I occasionally have to indulge in my bacon and prosciutto:)  Either way for the majority of the time we are trying to eat less meat and more veggies.  It has changed the way I usually cook and I have to be a little more innovative to think of filling veggie meals.  This meal is just that,  it is hearty and full of flavor.  It has been on repeat around here lately.   You could do any veggie and cheese combo but we really love the broccoli and Gouda.  Roasting the broccoli first brings out such great flavor. We have made this with regular Gouda and smoked Gouda and we both liked the smoked Gouda better although you can't go wrong with either! 

Enjoy.

|| B R O C C O L I  A N D  G O U D A   S T U F F E D   P O R T O B E L L O 

 M U S H R O O M S ||

- 4 Portobello Mushroom Heads

- 2 heads or crowns of broccoli

- 2 cloves garlic

- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (juice of half a lemon)

- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

- 1 wedge Gouda or smoked Gouda cheese, shredded

- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Wipe clean the mushroom heads with a paper towel and cut out stems and save them.

Chop broccoli into small bite size pieces.  Mince the two cloves of garlic.  Toss broccoli, chopped mushroom stems and garlic with olive oil, salt and pepper and spread on a baking sheet.  Roast at 350 degrees about 20-25 mins until tender.  

When broccoli is done pull from oven and immediately drizzle it with lemon juice. 

In a bowl mix together roasted broccoli, shredded Gouda cheese, and red pepper flakes. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

Spoon broccoli mixture into mushroom caps and sprinkle with a little extra cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees about 15-20 mins.  Pull from oven and sprinkle tops generously with panko breadcrumbs.  Bake another 5 mins and enjoy!

Obsessions

It has been awhile since I complied an Obsessions list.  Right now my mind is on Fall and the new fall arrivals are so good.  So much pretty stuff.

|| TORY BURCH PRINT DRESS ||

I just bought this dress while I was in Charlotte over the weekend.  I always love stopping in the Tory Burch store- I just wish we had one in Charleston.  This is such a great dress that can be dressed up or down!

|| LOFT FRINGE POUCH ||

This beauty is only $35!!  

|| LOFT EMBROIDERED PURSE ||

Another fabulous bag from Loft.  I saw this in person and it is even better looking.  Looks way more expensive than it is.

|| BLANK DENIM JEANS IN CHARCOAL||

My new favorite jeans just came out in an awesome grey color for Fall.  Under $100!

|| WAYF TIE FRONT PLEATED DRESS ||

I adore this dress and it is also under $100.  Perfect paired with booties for Fall and flats now.

|| JOIE LOREN BOOTS ||

Totally obsessed these.  I love the fringe detail.

 || D.RA SHANNA  DRESS ||

Love this simple embroidered white dress.

|| BB DAKOTA SWEATER VEST ||

Such a great sweater for Fall.  I picture it with a long tee or tunic and leggings.

 

 

|| BAUBLEBAR LEATHER TASSEL BIB NECKLACE ||

Love this fun spin on a tassel necklace. Also comes in black and metallic gold which I really like.

 

 

|| KENZIE  OVER SIZED COLLAR SLUB JACKET ||

This jacket also comes in black and is a great deal under $100.  Looks so comfortable and would make a great everyday coat.

|| UNDER ARMOUR COMPRESSION PANTS ||

Love these workout pants and the fact that they are compression pants and suck you in is even better!

|| BANANA REPUBLIC SILK BLOUSE ||

Banana Republic has had some great Fall arrivals.  This blouse would be great for work or play.

|| LOFT DOTTED LINE PONCHO ||

This poncho from Loft is so good.   Love the tassel detail at the bottom.

|| TWELFTH STREET SHIFT DRESS ||

This dress is so cute for Fall.  I love it paired with the fringe booties.

|| Hinge Shadow Plaid Tassel Scarf ||
This scarf also comes in tan and a beautiful blue.  It is a steal at $30.  I am partial to the black because you could toss it on with everything.

Scenes From Our Weekend

This weekend flew by.  How is it possible we only have one weekend left in August?? Just crazy. This is a short week for us, as Matt and I leave for NYC Thursday. I am super exited to explore the city!

After school Friday the kids and I headed to Charlotte for the weekend.  Saturday was my nephew Maxton's first birthday and we didn't want to miss it!  I was so proud of Sterling for having such a great first week at kindergarten.

Joie Blouse | Jeans | Necklace

These 3 always love to be together.  Sterling and Finley both love the Minions.

One of my favorite parts of going home is the breakfasts my Dad always cooks us.  His pancakes are the best ever and he never skimps on bacon:)  It is such a treat to have someone else cook for you!

Saturday we celebrated my sweet nephew, Maxton's first Birthday.  Sometimes I still can't believe my little brother is a dad!  He will forever be like 16 in my mind.

My mom and dad with the birthday boy.

They had food truck come which I thought was the most genius idea.  I may try and do this for Sterling's next birthday.  It was a cheeseburger and french fry food truck- if you live in Charlotte they were awesome.

Frances got soaked at the water table- hence no dress:)

What I wore:

Topshop Dress | Twine and Twig Necklace | Joie Sandals

Frances Moon looking adorable before the party and before getting soaked.  She loves to accessorize with a necklace.

Tea Dress | Little Twine and Twig Necklace

Got back in town in time for happy hour with Matt.  Jalapeno Margarita + Pizza was the perfect end to our weekend. For those who requested the margarita recipe:

Jalapeno Margaritas (makes 2 )

4 oz tequila

2 limes juiced

about 1-2 tablespoons honey or agave nectar

1 jalapeno sliced

place all in shaker with ice and shake up

Have a great start to your week!