Friday, March 31, 2017

This is 37.

Last Friday I turned 37.  Most days I still feel like I am 21 so I have a hard time comprehending the fact that I am rapidly approaching 40.  But as the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right???  I don't mind getting older,  in fact I love my thirties so much more than my twenties.  I know everyone says that but it really is true.  You learn so much about yourself the older you get,  and take less bull shit from people.  You realize what is important and what is not.

The truth is 36 was a tough year for me.  As many of you know I went through a separation from my husband Matt.  There is nothing easy about separating especially when kids are involved.  It has been a heart breaking experience and has made me question so many things. We all have an idea of what we want our life to look like in our head and when it doesn't turn out that way it is sometimes hard to process.  

What I have learned is life is short.  It is way too short not to be happy.  Sometimes you have to go through a lot of shit to even see a glimmer of light.  Sometimes you have to make your own light and convince yourself things will get better- and they will.  We only get one life and you have to make the most of it.  I am trying to embrace this messy and unknown time in my life.  I am fully relying on my family and friends who have lifted me up and shown me so much love and support it has blown me away- that is true love.  When you go through something like it becomes very clear who your true friends are.  

I am hopeful for what the future holds.  We have to be don't we?
I am also so incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life, especially Sterling and Frances Moon.  They give me a reason to strive to be the best version of me I can be.  

I recently read a new book that was amazing and resonated with me in so many ways, called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.  I posted this quote on my instastories and so many of you wanted to know what book it was from and this is it.  I highly recommend it.



I wanted to share a few things I have learned at the ripe old age of 37.

- Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.  I have a small circle of good friends who are my life line these days.  Once you have kids it is hard to maintain friendships because you are so busy.   That is why I have a small handful of friends that I can give my all. 

- That being said time with girlfriends is good for the soul.  It is so important to carve out time with your girls.  

- You can't trust everyone.  This one was a hard one for me.  Be careful what you share with others because not everyone has the best intentions.

- It is ok to say no.  This was another hard one for me to learn.  I used to feel like I had to yes to everything.  Every event I was invited to,  every company that wanted to work with me,  I felt like I had to say yes.  Once you start saying no more often it becomes easier and easier and it is so liberating to do what you actually want to do.  I wasted so much time in the past trying to make others happy and not myself.  

- Hot sauce makes everything taste better.  Total personal preference but I love hot sauce on everything. 

- It is ok to buy store bought treats for class parties.  I used to bust my ass trying to make homemade stuff for the kid's class parties but it doesn't matter.  The kids could care less.  

- Peeing alone is a luxury.  It is still rare that I actually get to pee alone,  someone always needs something the moment I sit down to pee or shower for that matter. 

- Spanx and high waisted jeans are always a good idea.

-  Make a point at the end of day no matter how hard it was to remind yourself of the blessings in your life and all the good in your life.   

- It is good to have alone time.  I had a really hard time with this one.  I like to have company and be surrounded by people.  But I am learning to be alone and appreciate the quiet and time to focus on myself.  

- Your parents are usually right and if they are not right they always have your best interests at heart.

- Netflix and wine are a pretty damn good end to a day.

- Exercise is crucial to mental happiness.  I feel so much better when I leave the gym not just physically but mentally.  

- Age is just a number. 

A few quotes that I love.






Have a fabulous weekend! 
xoxo



Thursday, March 30, 2017

February Outfit Round-Up + Tassel Trim Blouse

Holy Moly guys how are there only 2 days left in March??  
Today I am sharing a round-up of all my February Outfits. Many are reduced and I tried to denote if they were on sale.

I featured this blouse on my blog a few weeks ago.  I debated forever what color to order and finally went with the bright orange.  I am loving all the bright colors for spring.  It also comes in black and white, which I equally loved.  It run on the large side so order down a size, I am wearing an XS.
It also looks super cute with jean shorts.  

Under $100 and I am wearing a small.












Wednesday, March 29, 2017

Greek Salad Bowl + Marinated Chick peas | Favorites on Sale


I am 100% obsessed with Greek food.  A Greek salad is my go-to lunch most days.  This bowl right here is a combination of all the things I love.  The chopped Greek salad and marinated chick peas are awesome on their own but even better together.  Throw in some quinoa, hummus, and kale and you have a healthy lunch or dinner bowl.  Both the chopped salad and the chick peas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble.   This is also great served with extra pita chips or toasted Naan bread to scoop everything up with.   I usually store everything in separate containers and then just scoop out into a bowl when I am ready to eat.
Enjoy.


|| G r e e k   S a l a d   B o w l ||

-marinated chick peas (see recipe below)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 small red onion diced
- 2 persian cucumbers diced in 1 inch pieces
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup parsley finely chopped
- 1/4 cup mint leaves finely chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1 cup broken pita chips (toss in pita chips right before serving if you are making ahead of time)
-  1/2 cup Greek Vinaigrette (see recipe below)
Mix all together and toss with Greek vinaigrette

- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- shredded kale or romaine
- optional additions on the side | stuffed grape leaves, pepperoncinis, pita chips. toasted Naan bread


G r e e k  V i n a i g r e t t e 
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 minced garlic clove
- 1 teaspoon dijon
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- juice from one lemon

Mix all together in a mason jar.  This will save for 2 weeks in the fridge.


 m a r i n a t e d  c h i c k  p e a s


1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 teaspoons honey
2 garlic cloves, minced
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Mix all together.  Let sit for 30 minutes.  Can be stored in fridge for several days. 


..........................................................
Recent OOTD- this blouse is now 60% off.  


I have this dress in the red color and loved it so much I ordered this white.  It is such a great easy Summer dress.  It is now 60% off.  I am wearing a small.

I love this Joie dress.  It also comes in black but I love this neutral color for Spring.
I have this cover-up in the pink version and love it.  This one is now under $100.

I own this in white and love it.  I have a size small.  It is fully lined. The black is now on crazy sale.

I love the boho print.  I am wearing a size small.

I am wearing a small.  I love the white print even more for Spring.


Smocked Off Shoulder
I love the white with the bright rainbow smocking.  I featured the black version on here last month.






Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Spring Dresses | Easter + Graduation + Wedding Ideas

Today I am doing a reader request post all about Spring dresses.  These would be perfect for Easter, graduation and/or a Spring wedding.

First I want to share this dress I ordered last week that just arrived. I have never ordered from Shein before and I know it can be hit or miss but I really love this maxi- and it is on sale for $34.  You can't beat the price.  It is not the best fabric but honestly once you have it on it looks way more expensive than it is.  It reminds me of  DVF dress from a few years ago I loved.  I am wearing a small.



My friend Caycee has this in black and it is so gorgeous and under $100.
I have this dress in green and it is a great classic dress.  Easy to dress up or down.


This dress comes in several gorgeous colors.  Perfect for a Spring wedding.
This beauty comes in several colors and is under $70.  Size down most reviews said it ran large. 
I love the pretty colors and style of this dress.

I can't believe this beauty is only $55!  It also comes in white.  
I am obsessed with this gorgeous purple color.

I always love blue and white stripes.  Such a classic dress.

I am loving all the bright colors and flirty styles in Mara Hoffman's new spring line.  This yellow is so pretty. 

This is under $75 and also comes in white and blue.

I don't love all Lilly prints but this is one of my favorites to date.

I love this pink shade and the fun sleeves.

The back of this dress is so pretty.
also in pink and several other color options HERE.