Fall Harvest Pasta Salad + Holiday PJ Ideas for Her + The Cutest Stripe Top

I love love love pasta salad.  I would eat it everyday if it weren't for all the carbs.  I have a standard version that I make frequently but I am always looking for new ones.  I love the addition of sweet potatoes and broccoli in this one.  They pair so well with the creamy goat cheese and tangy dried cherries.  This is definitely best at room temperature so let it sit out about 15-20 minutes before serving.  

Enjoy! 

|| F A L L   H A R V E S T   P A S T A   S A L A D ||

adapted via Inspired by Charm

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/2-inch pieces

1 tablespoon olive oil

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 pound multi-colored pasta

3 cups broccoli, chopped (about 1-inch pieces)

1 cup dried cherries 

1/2 cup pine nuts, toasted

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

1 1/2 cup poppy seed dressing  (I used the Brianna kind)

4 ounces goat cheese, crumbled

Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees F. Place the sweet potato pieces on a large baking sheet. Drizzle them with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then toss. Roast in the oven for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the oven and set aside to cool.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package directions. You'll want the pasta to be al dente. Drain the pasta, allow it to cool, and place it in a large bowl.

To the bowl of pasta, add the roasted sweet potatoes, broccoli, dried cranberries, pine nuts, and red onions. Toss with the poppy seed dressing until evenly coated. Crumble in the goat cheese and gently stir again until combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Stir before serving, adding more dressing if needed.

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I don't know about y'all but I love having cute holiday PJ's.  I rounded up a few of my favorites below.   I have the gold slippers and fleece pants.  They are both so comfy.

I love Holidays | Plaid Set | Sweater  | Snowflake Set | Navy Set | Red Dots
Red Nightshirt | Plaid Set | Deer Fleece Pants | Nightgown | Santa Nightgown | Robe
Black Sweater Socks | Gold Slippers | Ugg Slippers | Red Sweater Socks

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I found the cutest blouse while shopping the other day.  It would be great for the holidays paired with a fun statement necklace or earrings.  Who doesn't love stripes + ruffles??  Sizing wise it is pretty TTS.  I am wearing a size small.  

Stripe Blouse Use code GETGIFTS to save 30% today

Daily Diet + Exercise Plan + Workout Gear

Today I wanted to share a little bit about my current diet and work out plan.  I am always on a mission to tone up and get fit and I feel like I finally have a good routine down.  I am 36 and since I am most likely done having babies I really want to try and be in the best shape I can.  

My goal is to feel good in a bikini next Summer.  I always wear one pieces because I feel too uncomfortable about my body in a two piece and I want to change that.  I am not getting any younger so I want to proudly rock a two piece while I can. 

I recently started doing some one on one training twice a week and I swear 3 weeks in and I can already see small results.  I reached out to my barre teacher Ashley Morris (at Pivotal Fitness) about training me one on one.   She has an amazing body and I love her classes.  They are not typical barre and really challenge you in a good way.   I knew she would hold me accountable and help me see the results I wanted.  If you live locally and are interested in training with her you can email her at chucktownfitchick@gmail.com.  She is amazing and trust me her body is insane- major goals. 

Ashley wanted me to have 5 set workout days.  Some weeks I only make 4 days but 5 is always my goal.  I prefer to knock them out during the week so I can relax on the weekend.  I always workout from 8:30-9:30.  I take Sterling to school around 7 come home and change and get Frances ready for school then head to the gym.  Her school doesn't start til 9:45 so she comes to the gym nursery with me.  That was a huge reason why I joined this gym because of child care.  I am the type of person where if I don't work out first thing in the morning I will make excuses, so I like to get my workouts done early.  Now that I have been going more often I feel like my body actually craves gym time.  I feel so much better on my gym days.  

This is my current schedule:

MONDAY- 1 hour barre class

TUESDAY- 1 hour training session

WEDNESDAY- Red Zone class - this is a boot camp similar to orange theory lots of cardio and circuits

THURSDAY- 1 hour barre or yoga

FRIDAY - 1 hour training session

For our training sessions we do mainly weights and ab work.  I really didn't lift any weights prior to this so I feel like I am starting to get more definition.  We focus all over the body and do leg work, arms, butt and abs.  Either before or after we train she has me to the stair mill for 15 minutes at between a 5-7 pace.  That machine is the devil.  I hate it and I am always so sweaty afterwards but it burns a lot of calories in a short amount of time. 

After 6 weeks I will give you guys an update.  We did some initial measurements and I will be curious to see the results.  So far I have lost 3 pounds and I am feeling more toned, my stomach also feels flatter.  

D I E T 

As far as my diet goes for the most part I eat fairly healthy.   I have really tried to cut out processed foods.  This is really hard for me because I love crackers, gold fish, cereal, if its a snack food and processed you name it and I used to snack on it.   I am getting used to it though and don't crave that stuff like I used to.  On the weekends I give myself a little more leeway.  I am not super strict, I love food so if I have a dinner out I am going to indulge and eat what I want.  

Here is a sample daily diet of what I eat.  Keep in mind I am not a nutritionist this is just me trying to eat healthy and feel good.  Everyone has different bodies and body types so you gotta do what works for you! 

B R E A K F A S T 

I always start the day with hot lemon water.  Followed by one cup black decaf coffee.  My breakfast is usually PB on whole grain toast and a little yogurt. I have been too burned out on eggs to eat them. Ashley said the complex carbs of the multigrain bread and the protein from the yogurt were a good morning combo to eat before I work out.  Since I work out from 8:30-9:30 I usually eat breakfast around 7:30.

After I work out I usually hit up Starbucks.  Probably a bad treat but I love it,  They just opened a drive through Starbucks beside my gym and it is bad news.  I usually get a tall decaf almond milk latte.  I also like a non fat green tea latte.   I have mentioned this before but after I had Frances I gave up most caffeine.  It was making me feel jittery and anxious and I feel so much better without it but I do still love my coffee.  

L U N C H 

I usually try and prep a few salads to have on hand for my lunch during the week although I typically eat lunch out at least one day a week with friends.

This week was No Mayo Broccoli Salad + White Bean Salad

The week before was Greek Salad + Couscous.

Tuna + White Bean Salad and Hummus is another go to lunch.

If I do eat lunch out I try and do a salad.  This week I ate at Taco Boy and had the Chicken Salad.

D I N N E R 

Dinner is a little more of a wild card.  I have been trying to cook healthier on a whole.  A few recent dinners I have had the past few weeks.  

Arugula + Crispy Prosciutto + Blue Cheese + Figs + Roasted Sweet Potatoes

Chopped Kale Chicken Caesar Salad

Chicken Lettuce Wraps

S N A C K S 

I honestly don't snack much.  If I do it is string cheese, olives or nuts.  

A L C O H O L + B E V E R A G E S 

Yes,  I still have alcohol.  I would rather cut back on calories during the day to allow for a glass or two of wine at night.  As far as other beverages go I only drink water, sparkling water or unsweet tea during the day.  

F A V O R I T E  W O R K O U T  G E A R

Nikes

I bought these Nikes over the Summer and love them.  They are the TR 6 OC Training ones.  They are light weight and work perfectly for the exercises I have been doing. 

I have this black color, they are 20% off right now.

30% here in several colors

My two favorite workout pants are both high waisted.  After two kids I need all the help I can get sucking it in.  I highly recommend both of these.  Sizing wise I wear a small in the Zella ones and a 6 in the Lululemon ones.  

Zella High Waisted  | in a full length version

Lululemon High Rise Pants

These are a bit more expensive but I promise you worth every penny.  These make me feel like a million bucks when I have them on,  The material is fantastic and they really suck you in and are so flattering.

Sculpt Tank

I love this top because it is not too fitted and it has the cutest back.  I own this in a few colors.  

I am wearing it here in navy., paired with the black lulu pants and nikes above. 

Side Slit Tank

I have mentioned before but I prefer tops that are not super fitted when I workout.  I love this style.  The cotton is so soft, I usually wear this for barre classes.

Also in pink, black and white

Twist Front Tee

This is great to toss on over any workout tank.  It is so soft too!  I have the black but I am thinking of getting another color. 

Define Jacket

This is my favorite jacket to toss on when it is cold.  I find it is super flattering.  I am wearing a size 6. 

Yoga Mat

This was a Christmas gift last year and I love it!  I like to bring my own mat for barre and yoga.

Also available in several other patterns HERE

Scenes From Our Weekend

Thursday night I headed to our monthly girl's supper club at my friend Ann's house. 

Rocking some leopard and ruffles.  I am wearing the US 6 and it is slightly sheer FYI but I am not wearing a tank underneath.  

Leopard blouse | Earrings | Jeans | Ring

I only got to stay about an hour before I got a call from Matt saying Frances had stuck a bead up her nose so I left to meet them at the ER.  Luckily it was not high up her nose and came right out.

Here she is sleeping soundly afterwards and no joke she is still wearing her bracelet from the hospital she will not take it off.  Matt laughed and said it was the most expensive bracelet she owns.

Friday I met my friend Ashley for mani/pedis and lunch at Butcher and Bee.  We tried the Greek wine flights.  I always love a wine flight it is a fun way to try out different wines.

I had the mezze platter with kale salad, spicy carrots and falafel.  You really can't go wrong with anything at Butcher and Bee.  

Later that day we took the kids to see the new trolls movie.  8 kids together at a movie was no joke.  I could barely watch the movie but the kids had a blast.  The music was really good!

Saturday we ran some errands and had lunch at East Bay Deli.  I love the Carolina sandwich.

I worked in Frances Moon's big girl room.  I hung this painting by Marquin Designs that I am loving!! We also found a fabulous sparkly dress for her birthday and the holidays from Pink Chicken.

Saturday night I watched a Hallmark movie.  Words can't describe how much I love a Lifetime/Hallmark holiday movie.    This sweatshirt and pants are my go to loungewear.  I have also been loving the Love and Lemons Cookbook.  So many great recipes.  

Sweatshirt | Pants | Pom Pom Throw 

Snuggles before bed.

Sunday we went to church.  Then did a little grocery shopping for the week.  

My church dress is now 40% off, I am wearing a size 4.  I love it with heels for church but it is also really cute paired with booties or knee high boots. 

Dress | Pumps | Necklace

Frances thought it was hilarious to put doughnuts over her eyes in the grocery store. 

Made two salads for my lunch this week.  Both are so good and really easy to toss together.  

No Mayo Broccoli Salad + White Bean Salad (this recipe came from The Happy Cook by Daphne Oz) see below

Don't miss out the Nordstrom Clearance sale is going on right now.  Most items are 40% off and many are up to 60%.  I rounded up my top picks.  Scroll through to see them.

Happy Monday.

NYC Recap

Happy Monday!  I got back in town yesterday from such a fun girl's trip to NYC.  My dad was so sweet and booked a trip for me, my mom, my sister and sister in law.  We actually flew back in Saturday but I was not breathing well and had to go to Urgent Care in Charlotte after we landed.   One steriod shot, a new inhaler and steriod pills and I am on the mend. 

 I was so happy to see these loves yesterday.  They always request that I bring them back NYC tee shirts.

Wednesday morning we flew out bright and early to NYC.  This tote is my favorite carry on.  It fits so much and can fit under the airplane seat.

Tote | Suitcase

Tee | Jeans | Similar Scarf under $20

Chilling with my sister on the airplane.

We landed,  checked in our hotel and headed to lunch.  I had a mile long list of restaurants I wanted to eat at while we were in NYC.  First stop was Jack's Wife Frieda.  We all loved it.

The breakfast bowl + Greek Salad.  The breakfast bowl was insane and it came with this avocado jalapeno dressing that was out of this world.  

Grilled Halloumi cheese.  I loved the addition of grapes with the cheese.

That afternoon we shopped and then headed back to shower for dinner.

Dress | Shoes | Purse

We had dinner that night at Buddakan.  Matt and I ate there last year when we visited and loved it.  I seriously dream about these edamame dumplings.

This was a cauliflower pop- filled with cheese and wrapped in breadcrumbs.  

The next morning we were up bright and early for Live with Kelly.  My dad won VIP tickets at a silent auction.  

Waiting for the show outside the studio.

I have to say I watch Live with Kelly most days so it was so cool to see it filmed LIVE.

 The guest host was John Leguizamo.  I loved him he was so funny.

We had awesome seats on the third row and during commercials Kelly would walk over and talk to us.  She is even cuter in person and so tiny!!

The two guests were Matt Leblanc and Dakota Fanning.

The girls. 

What I wore:

I bought this sweater during the shopbop sale and it was my favorite purchase.  I am wearing a size small.

Sweater | Necklace | Jeans (on sale) | Booties

After the show we headed to Magnolia Bakery for a small nibble.  I had the sugar cinnamon muffin and it was incredible.

My mom had the caramel cake and it was legit.

We strolled through Central Park.  It is so gorgeous in the Fall.

Then we headed to Fred's at Barney's for lunch.

I loved the atmosphere here.  I had the chopped chicken salad.  This was however probably my least favorite place we ate at.  The food wasn't bad it was just not as good as some of the other places we dined at and pretty pricey.

We shopped a little more and then headed home to change for Happy Hour.  My blouse has the cutest split back.  It runs on the large side, I am wearing a size 2. 

What I wore:

Blouse | Jeans | Sandals | Purse | Necklace

We had happy hour at the Crosby Street Hotel and loved it.  Fun atmosphere and great drinks!

Dinner that night was at Mario Batali's new restaurant La Sirena.  This may have been our favorite dinner.  We loved the decor, atmosphere and the food was incredible.

I loved the tile floors.

We shared four dishes.  The pesto lasagna, ravioli, gnocchi and meat pasta. 

All 4 of us ladies.

Friday it was a rainy day but we ventured out anyways.

I had a meeting at the Baublebar Showroom and got to preview some of the new Holiday collection and trust me it's good!

I especially loved these earrings that are now online.

After that we headed to ABC Kitchen for lunch.  I had heard great things about ABC kitchen and it did not disappoint.  It is all farm to table and I wanted to sample everything on the menu.

We all shared the Squash Toast for appetizer and it was so good! I have plans to recreate this at home!

Then mom and I split the burger and carrot/avocado salad.

 I don't eat burgers often but this one was really good.   It had jalapenos and a delish herb mayo.

My outfit that day:

I ended up not packing my blush Joie sneakers after several people commented the NYC streets would ruin them.  I bought this Ugg pair after seeing my sister's and I think I like them even better than the Joie pair.  I walked miles in them and they were so comfortable.

Sweater | Tee | Jeans | Sneakers | Necklace

That night we grabbed drink at The Highline hotel.  Kind of a gothic vibe and super chill.

The bartender made us a tasty drink with vodka, grapefruit, and mint.  

What I wore:

I love this blouse because of the length!  You can even wear it with leggings because it covers your bottom.  I am wearing a XS.

Blouse | Earrings | Jeans | Sandals

We then headed to dinner at Cookshop. 

 I had the Mezze Platter and it was so good.  It had roasted beets, cauliflower, broccoli rabe, eggplant, and farro.  

These three items were favorites that I packed and I got so much use out of:

This clutch is super flat and easy to pack.  I love the size and the fact that it can hold so much stuff.  This driftwood color is new for Fall and the perfect neutral.  It comes in 10 other color options.

Uber Clutch

Ugg Sneakers

These are so comfortable and the color went with so many of my outfits.  I am now addicted to the casual sneaker.  They are also water resistant which worked out great since I had to wear them in the rain one day.  I went up a 1/2 size in these.  I am normally a 9 and did a 9.5.  They are under $100 too!

I didn't walk miles in these heels but I walked several blocks and they didn't hurt my feet.  The caramel color went with all my outfits. They run TTS. 

Heels