NDM Style: Charcoal + Black

Happy Friday Friends!!  I am hoping we will have some nice weather this weekend!  Lately I have been obsessed with finding the perfect tee shirt and jeans.  I feel like as a stay at home mom of two that is my daily uniform.  A tee shirt and jeans can be totally dowdy if you don't have the right ones.  I am pretty smitten with my outfit today.  The jeans and tee are on constant rotation in my wardrobe.

The jeans are the JBrand Maria High Rise in black.  As far as JBrand jeans go the Marias are my favorite.  They suck you in majorly because of the high waist and are very flattering.  My mom swears by them too.

Rag and Bone Jackson V-Neck Tee | JBrand Maria High Rise Jeans | Kate Spade Purse |  Rag and Bone Harrow Booties  

This tee is my latest obsession.  Rag and Bone tees are the absolute best.  They are soft and fit so well for a casual yet not sloppy look.  I just love the charcoal gray color it goes with everything!  It runs true to size but keep in mind it is not meant to be a fitted tee.  I am wearing a size small.

Rag and Bone Jackson V-Neck Tee also here in different colors | Jane Pope Necklace

Behold, my new favorite bracelet combo.  These three have not left my arms since I was in Charlotte.  Wish I had painted my nails after looking at this picture:)

Alexis Bittar Bracelet (on sale) | JCrew Bracelet |  Charriol Bracelet

Does Kate Spade ever make a bad purse??  I think not.  This is quite possibly the perfect black clutch.  It is big enough for day or evening.

Kate Spade Clutch old but similar here, here and here

and last but not least the booties.  Rag and Bone Harrow Booties, a splurge but worth every penny.  They run on the smaller side so order up a half size if you are in between.

A perfect outfit for running errands during the day but cute enough to wear out at night.  All of these items are favorites in my closet that get heavy rotation.  Trust me you will wear the heck out of this tee and jeans!

Shop the whole look below:

Updating Our Master Bedroom: Phase One New Rug

Several of you have asked me to share more house pictures and updates.  The truth is my house is always in a constant state of change and upheaval.   I feel like it is never quite finished.  I love Frances Moon's nursery and it feels complete,  but the rest of the rooms in our house I am constantly switching things around, rearranging,  and redecorating.  The main rooms I want to focus on and update this year are Sterling's room, our Master bedroom and bathroom.  

I decided to start on our Master first.  We recently got a King Bed from my sweet in-laws,  which we love- game changer for our marriage and sleeping habits I tell you!    After that Biscuit Home helped me out with our bedding which I adore.  If you need new Bedding Biscuit Home is the way to go, their bedding is so soft and gorgeous. I have the gray border duvet and shams.  So far that is all we have done in the Master is work on the bed.

 I decided to compile a list of updates I want to do to our Master to keep me on track:

ONE \\ New Rug

TWO \\ New bedside lamps

THREE \\ Matching bedside tables

FOUR \\ Headboard, preferably upholstered

FIVE \\ artwork

SIX \\ New light fixture- I so want to ditch our ugly fan

SEVEN \\ new paint color ?

A few bedrooms that are my inspiration.  I am drawn to blue tones, grays, and neutrals.  Also as you can see I prefer an all white bed with slight color on the accent pillows.  I still really want a Moroccan Wedding Blanket too!

Step one for Master Bedroom Update was a new rug.  Rugs USA was sweet enough to work with me and send us a new rug for our bedroom.

I chose the Jimuta Dawn Overdye Rug and I am really pleased with it!

Check it out in our bedroom.  I like how it is faded and the colors blend together,  that is just the look I was going for!  I love rugs with a real worn in look.  The rug is a little more brown than it looks in the picture online, but our room is neutral so it worked just fine.  The rug has the texture and look of a softer jute rug in person.

Notice Matt's shoes in the corner he never picks his stuff up, constant battle around here!

Rugs USA has a great selection of rugs.  A few of my other favorites.  I had a hard time choosing!

Ivory area rug / Home decor / Home decor / Cobblestone / Natural / Nickel

Now that rug is done, my next step is matching lamps and bed side tables.  Currently Matt doesn't even have a bedside lamp, poor guy has to read at night with my kindle book light.  I keep hoping to find some cheap ones at Homegoods or TJMaxx but no luck so far!

I love the look of this acrylic side table but I am afraid I might miss having drawers.  So not sure what I will do for side tables. No matter what I want matching ones because right now they are mismatched and I hate it!

I will keep you guys updated along the way as I make progress!

Wild Salmon + White Bean Salad

This meal came about this week as a way to clean out our pantry.  I am trying hard not to go to the grocery store everyday to save money and work with what we have on hand.  This salad knocked my socks off, I loved it.  It was so fresh and light. Plus it took less than 10 minutes to make.   I used canned  Wild Alaskan Salmon, which I love, but if you don't like Salmon you could sub tuna or if you want it totally vegetarian you could add Cauliflower or another type of bean to hearty it up.  I assembled it and then just tossed together right before dinner.  

Enjoy!

|| W I L D  S A L M O N + W H I T E  B E A N  S A L A D ||

- 1 can Wild Alaskan Salmon (make sure it is the boneless kind)

- 1 can Great White Northern Beans (drained and rinsed)

- 1/2 cup diced cherry tomatoes

- 2 sliced green onions

- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons capers 

|| M U S T A R D   V I N I A G R E T T E ||

- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

- 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard

- 2-3 tablespoons white wine vinegar

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- salt and pepper

Mix together dressing and set aside.  Assemble Salad.  Add as much or as little dressing as you like.  Best served at room temperature.

Obsessions

|| HOUSE ACCOUNT APP ||

All my fellow shoppers if you don't have this app (its free) you are missing out.  You must download it today! The House Account App updates daily and shows you pictures of all the new merchandise your local stores are getting in.  You can hand pick the stores you want to follow to create a list specific just for you.  I have all my favorite Charlotte and Charleston stores saved on mine.  It is so awesome especially having little ones to know what a store has in before I make the trek over there.  You can even chat with the owners to find out the price and have them hold something or purchase over your phone.  Shopping made super easy.  Plus it helps support local businesses!  It really is such a genius app.  I check mine several times a day to see what is new!

You can download the app for free HERE.

Below are a few screen shots to let you see how the app works.  I highly recommend it and check out their website too www.houseacct.com, you can see my top ten shopping picks from our local stores on there! 

|| EQUIPMENT GRAYSON SILK DRESS ||

I have a real soft spot for hot pink dresses.  I love my long sleeve Equipment Dress so much that I am pretty certain I need this short sleeve version for Spring.  A great everyday dress or one you could easily dress up.  It also comes in turquoise and navy.

|| BB DAKOTA GRENDELL TUNIC ||

This is the perfect white tunic dress.  Picture it with cute gladiator sandals or even flip flops.  Such a fabulous Summer dress or beach cover up at a great price.

|| DV VIERA ANKLE SANDALS ||

I am totally smitten with these DV sandals.  Best part they are only $68, but don't they look like they cost alot more??  I am buying these for this Summer just can't decide what color!  They come in 4 fabulous colors but my favorite two are below.

|| RORY BECCA LEOPARD SKIRT ||

I think this is such a great skirt for Spring and Summer.  I would wear it with a fitted white or black tank and flip flops for an easy everyday outfit!  You know I love a leopard print.

||GAP METALLIC SCRUNCH LOAFERS ||

How amazing are these metallic scrunch loafers from the Gap?  They are a steal at $44!  They also come in navy, pewter, and gold but I am partial to the Rose Pink.  Use code JUSTFORU to get additional 25% off your order.

|| RAG AND BONE NEW GIADA TEE ||

Rag Bone Tees are slowly becoming my favorite tees.   Yes, they are a bit pricey but worth the investment.

Obsessed with this new version, I love the marbled look.

|| RAY BAN AVIATORS ||

I finally have a pair of Raybans and I am obsessed.  I wanted the blue ones and finally found them at Nordstrom.  They are so awesome, now heres to hoping I don't lose them!

The ones I am wearing are the gold/blue gradient.

|| BALLS OF STEEL ||

The name makes you chuckle, right?  Well these tiny steel balls are made to help spread awareness about testicular cancer while chilling your drink.  BOS was sweet enough to send us a set and we love them. The balls are made of the highest grade and quality of stainless steel and they work to deliver a faster, longer lasting chill while preserving the flavors of your drink without diluting it. These would make a great gift for any man in your life.

Purchasing these balls helps fund testicular research, so its a win win.  They work great in whiskey and vodka or really any liquor!

You can shop the balls Here:) 

|| TORY BURCH BORIA ONE PIECE ||

Tory Burch swimwear is on point this year, I am loving everything.  This one piece is one of my favorites.  Classically sexy.

Scenes From Our Weekend: Blizzards, Birthdays + Baptism

Whew.  It has been a whirlwind week and weekend.  Last week we were in Charlotte when the big snow storm hit so me and the kids were snowed in with my rents.   Not gonna lie it was nice to have someone cook me meals and provide me with good wine all week.  It was relaxing but I am not a cold weather person, the snow was fun for a day and then I was over it.  Sterling however loved it!  It brought me so much joy to see how much fun he was having!  My dad was so great with him and helped him build a snowman and sled- all that fun snow stuff that Mama was too cold to do!

Get ready for picture overload today:)

 

My sweet dad took him sledding and I think that was his favorite part, he is still talking about it!

Luckily we were able to drive back to Charleston Friday just in time for Sterling's Birthday Party Saturday.  We went low key this year with just Sterling's closest friends and did a party at the Yacht Club.  How would we know it would be the coldest windiest day ever??  We had to move the party inside, but it worked.  The kids were warm and us adults enjoyed some adult beverages.

Because my family was going to already be in town for Sterling's party I scheduled Frances Moon's baptism for the next day.  Sadly my sister's husband got the stomach bug so they couldn't come and my brother and his wife had the baptism for their other niece the same day so they were out as well but it still was a beautiful day even though they were greatly missed.

My two boys patiently waiting before we were introduced during the service.

Frances did amazing during the service, no tears.  I was one proud Mama!

Several of you asked about my dress on Instagram is 10 Crosby Derek Lam and on major sale right now, here.  It runs on the smaller side I went up a size and got a 6 because it is a more fitted dress.  But let me tell you it is one of my all time favorite dresses! Super flattering and classic!

Afterwards we had our families and a few close friends over for brunch.  I feel so blessed to have such a great family and friends to help us celebrate this special day.

I made my first ever crock pot breakfast casserole.  It was so easy and so good, recipe to come!

  Our family of four.  Sterling is not very cooperative for pictures, EVER.  This was the best we got. 

Me and mom and Frances Moon, her mom's namesake. Frances was clearly over pictures at this point.

and this picture made me laugh, both kids are like enough pictures already- and I bet you are thinking the same thing:)  Have a great Monday wish I could get back in my routine but school is out again here!  I am off to the dreaded Chuckie Cheese to let Sterling play, wish me luck!