House Happenings

I know a lot of you wanted a home tour, in light of our ceiling crashing thru the house is not totally up to par to be photographed yet.  I thought I would share a few new things in and around our house in the mean time.

While we were patching the ceiling hole in our den we decided to add some recess lights.  We live in an old ranch house and our den and dining room had no overhead lights.  Totally random, right?  The hole in the ceiling was a good excuse to put in some lights and it made such a big difference.   We also had them installed in our kitchen as well.   The brightness makes the room feel so much bigger!

While he was doing the lighting work we had him go ahead and wire the dining room so we can hang a chandelier.  Problem is I can't make a decision what I want.  This is why home decorating is so hard to me, I can't commit!  These are a few I like at West Elm but they are a bit more than I want to spend.  The last one is the least expensive.  I want something edgy and modern.  Thoughts on a favorite?

Atrium Chandelier |Waterfall Chandelier | Droplet Glass Pendant

Our rug for the screen porch finally arrived thanks to GDC Home.  I went with a Dash and Albert Rug and really like it.  I didn't want a rug to cover the whole floor because I like the slate tiles I just wanted a small one the kids could play on if they wanted.  I bought a fan that was too big so now I have to return it (blonde moment measure first before you buy)  but we are slowly making progress.   Next is hang a fan, some white twinkling lights around the top and a glass door.

|| Dash and Albert Rug (available in other sizes as well)

Here is another view, this was an old mirror that broke that I set out to go to the trash.  The lighting is actually perfect for outfit pictures though!  The space is small but it is the perfect little play area for the kids.  Sterling loves to sit out here and build blocks and legos.

Joie Marlo Blouse | JBrand Grey Jeans | Madewell D'Orsay Flats

I scored big at TJMaxx recently.  I found this awesome silver bulls head for Sterling's room.

$29!!  Such a steal.We are going to hang it this weekend.

I also found these green moss balls.  I had been looking for something to put in the bowl in my bar area and these were perfect for $7.

I have really been loving our new bedroom lamps.  I found them at Celadon Home on clearance but Lulu & Georgia carries the exact same ones.  They also come in a bunch of different colors.

|| Lydia Lamp in Snow White

The cabinet in our kitchen took a back seat to the lighting but it will be done next including some built ins around our fridge.  I figure if I may be in this house for a few more years I need a few updates, I just have to budget!

and because I love Nate Berkus and he is the master of interior design.

Grouper with Watermelon Salsa + Roasted Cabbage

Ya'll this meal was just awesome.  We had it Tuesday night for dinner and we all loved it.  Even Sterling loved the cabbage and usually he is picky about veggies.   I was inspired because in my CSA basket this week it had a head of cabbage and a watermelon and I wanted to branch out from how I normally eat the two.

 I have been hooked on going to our local fish shop to get fish and this week they said the Grouper was the freshest so I used that but any fish could work with this recipe.  We make this salsa often with pineapple but never watermelon.  The watermelon was great in the salsa and paired really well with the fish.  We served the fish with roasted cabbage and man was it good. I don't know why I have never roasted cabbage before but I am hooked now!!  It had great flavor and was a touch crispy it was excellent!  

Enjoy!

|| G R O U P E R + W A T E R M E L O N   S A L S A ||

- 1 - 1.5 pounds of Grouper or any other white fish

- olive oil

- 1/2 small watermelon diced finely (seeds removed)

- 2 jalapenos diced (seeds removed)

- 1/2 red onion diced

- 1 avocado diced

- juice of one lime

Place the grouper on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Bake at 350 degrees 20-30 minutes depending on size of the fish.  It is ready once you can flake the fish with a fork.

Mix together watermelon, jalapeno, red onion, avocado, lime juice, and salt.  Lightly toss together and let sit while fish cooks.  Spread over fish and enjoy.

|| R O A S T E D  C A B B A G E ||

- 1 head cabbage

- olive oil

- salt and pepper

Slice cabbage into rounds.  Brush each side with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast at 400 degrees 40 minutes.

New Beauty Favs | RMS Beauty + Tata Harper

I just recently started trying to take extra good care of my skin.  Since my late teens I have always moisturized and used eye cream religiously but never really thought much about what I was putting on my face or body.  Our skin is our largest organ and it absorbs everything we put on it.  It made me really think about the products I was using and made me decide to want to take better care of my skin like I take care of my body.  I eat healthy and exercise to take care of my body, why not do the same for my skin??

I started researching companies that were organic and natural and didn't use any weird chemicals.  

These two companies were constants that I heard nothing but great things and rave reviews about :

RMS Beauty | Tata Harper

I decided it was time to revamp by beauty routine and add some new products.

I wanted to share my favorites from each line with ya'll.  

RMS Beauty

Confession until recently I had no idea this line was based out of Charleston, which I think makes it even cooler.  I stopped by the local office here and it was so neat to see how the business was run and I got to test all the products, which is always fun.

RMS is an organic line, gluten free, GMO free, Soy free, Nano free, and they never test on animals.   They also package their items in recyclable glass with an aluminum recyclable lid....not plastic!

From the RMS website to help better explain the line

 "RMS Beauty breaks away from the pack of natural cosmetics. RMS Beauty products are formulated with raw, food grade and organic ingredients in their natural state, allowing their living, healing attributes to penetrate and rejuvenate the skin. In their purest form, enzymes, vitamins, antioxidants and their healing properties remain fully intact, encouraging amazing potential for anti-aging effects. RMS Beauty has also taken extreme care in the use of minimal heat in the manufacturing process of this product in order to keep all nutrients and healing properties alive."

My favorite part about this line is how great the cosmetics felt on my skin.  They are made with unrefined coconut oil and feel so moisturizing!  

  They all are made to be applied with your fingers for good reason.  According to Rose Marie Swift the founder and creator of the line and celebrity make-up guru- skin to skin application is superior. It blends so much better and benefits the skin because it stimulates the blood flow.  Touching the skin encourages skin cell regeneration and turnover which equals beautiful fresh looking skin.

  

These were some of my favorite products that I really recommend.

 Raw Coconut Cream ||  It is unrefined so it is different than the Coconut oil you find at the grocery store. It has not been heated to a high degree which removes nutrients.   It feels like silk.  I have been using it as make-up remover and to moisturize.  Really I want to slather it on m whole body its that good.

Living Luminizer || This stuff instantly brightens up your face.   I swear a dabble under my eyes on my cheek bones and it makes my face pop and not look so tired. 

The Un Concealor || My favorite thing about this concealer is that is made with coconut oil so it moisturizes under my eyes as I wear it.  It also provides great coverage.  In 2011/2012 it won the best of beauty awards in Allure magazine so you know it is legit.

Eye Polish in Magnetic || Normally I use a powder eye shadow and not a cream but I have been hooked on this since I got it. It is super easy to apply and you can make it as light or dark as you want! Plus it stays on all day.  I love the magnetic color it is a great neutral.  I also love the solar color as well.

Bronzer || This gives your cheeks the perfect hint of color.  It gives your skin a natural looking glow and sunkissed look.

Lip to Cheek in Modest || This can be used on your lips or cheeks but I love it most on my lips because I prefer bronzer on my cheeks but that is just me!  This is a great color for during the day it is not too dark.  I am wearing it in the picture below,  the perfect hint of color.

Lip Shine in Sacred || This is the perfect Hot pink!  It is brighter than the Modest but a gorgeous pink!!  I like this for a night out or when I want a little more color.

RMS Beauty has graciously offered 10% off any order thru October 1 with code DBDD10.  A great time to try out their amazing products!   I am hooked and I am sure you will be too!  You can shop their whole site here and read about the products.  I promise you will fall in love with this line!

Time and time again I kept hearing about Tata Harper and how awesome this organic line was and let me tell you it exceeded my expectations!  I was blown away by every product.  They all smell heavenly too.  These products are a bit pricey but worth the splurge in my opinion.  Thru Wednesday if you order from Neiman Marcus you can get a gift card depending on how much you spend use code BET2GET at checkout.

Resurfacing Mask || This was the most raved about product from the line and I am obsessed with it.  I use it about 2-3 times a week and my skin feels amazing after.  You can leave it on up to 30 minutes, it is easy to put on and relax at night.

Regenerating Cleanser ||  This completely got my make-up off and made my face feel so fresh and clean.  It has a light grain in it so it helps exfoliate as well.  I swear my skin never felt so clean after using this.

Restorative Eye Cream || This feels like silk under my eyes.  It reduces puffiness and dark circles and really helps hydrate the eye area.

Floral Essence || I was unsure of this at first but received a sample when I bought my other products and I would buy it again in a heartbeat.   I spray it on before my moisturizer and it makes my skin feel moisturized and vibrant plus it smells so good.

Would love to hear if any of you have tried RMS Beauty or Tata Harper and what products you swear by!

 

NDM Styles: Fall Pattern

I don't know if you are like me but I have an easy time finding dresses I like but most are expensive, I have a hard time finding ones that are affordable.  I don't mind spending money on something I know I will wear often but that means I need to be able to wear it during the day, at night, and for church.  

I had heard a lot of great things about Vince Camuto, a line carried at Nordstrom but never actually tried it.  When I ordered my plum D'Orsay flats I ordered this dress to try as well.  First of all I was blown away by the quality of both for the price.  They looked way more expensive than they actually cost.

I am pretty much obsessed with this Vince Camuto dress, the colors and fit are perfect.

Vince Camuto Dress | Rag and Bone Newbury Booties

The pattern is so gorgeous up close and the colors are great for Fall.  I think this will also be cute with tights and knee high boots or pumps as well.  The dress runs to true to size, I am wearing a size 4.

Sterling was dying to get in a picture so I obliged:)

If you are looking for a versatile Fall dress you must add this one to your closet!

Print Shift Dress

The Vince Camuto line is really affordable most dresses are under $150 and the quality is great!  A few of my other favorites!

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own always!

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

Happy Saturday.  We are off bright and early for Sterling's first soccer game.  Why do they make the games start at 8?!!  That is pretty early for a Saturday.

I stopped in Forever 21 yesterday and have to share this dress, it is such s steal at $24.

Sizing wise it runs tight in the chest but normal everywhere else.  I am wearing a size small and it is a touch tight in the chest but the medium was too big everywhere else.  I picture this dress with knee high boots and booties!

|| Leaf Print Dress ||

I also loved this tribal cardigan!

|| Tribal Cardigan

 and this looks like the knock off to my favorite Rag and Bone tank for only $12!

|| Tulip Back Tank

............................................................................

Gap is offering 35 % off all purchases.  Use code SPOT

I really like this long sleeve tee- it reminds of some Vince ones but its only $24!  I like that it is longer you could pair with leggings or jeans.

|| Long Sleeve Tee

This dress just arrived for Frances and it is even cuter in person.  Such a cute dress!

|| Flutter Sleeve Dress 

.......................................................

Tibi just did a bunch of markdowns and many things are 60% off.  Love this gauze blouse- it comes in black and white so you could pair it with an bottoms.  Shop the sale HERE

|| Gauze Split Neck Blouse

 This Ibis Cami is down to $79.  I own two of these Tibi Camis and they are awesome.  Cute alone or paired under a blazer or caridgan once it gets cold.

|| Ibis Camisole

I love the purple pattern so much it comes in a maxi dress as well.  Would be gorgoues for a wedding and a steal at 60% off!

||Ibis Maxi

..............................................................

Loft is offering 40% off Fall styles.  I checked out a lot of this new stuff in the store last weekend and I was pleasantly surprised.

I really liked this Space Dye Tee, it reminded me of my Rag and Bone one and it was so soft!

|| Space Dye Tee

I also really liked this Waterfall Cardigan.  It comes in 4 pretty colors.

|| Waterfall Cardigan

This floral Blouse was another favorite.

|| Floral Tipped Blouse

..............................................

Lastly, this Rebecca Taylor Blouse I am wearing is now marked down.  I wear mine often!  I am in a 4 for size reference.

|| Rebecca Taylor Grey Gardens Blouse

Paired with my JBrand Mid Rise Ankle Skinny Jeans  in other sizes here  

 

Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!

Friday's Thoughts

So we had our AC fixed this week and boy and I am glad it was fixed.  The insulation was rotted plus there was some mold from the water damage.  Next week we will repair the ceiling hole and hopefully knock down the kitchen cabinet.

Pretty yuck right?

 

I stopped in Thera M this week to check out their Fall stuff and they have some gorgeous clothes right now!!  

The jacket is a steal under $80 and so comfortable.  It is a sweater coat and I see myself tossing it on over everything this Fall!  It runs on the large side, I am wearing an XS.

I also loved the white blouse, such a classic white blouse with a modern fit.

Olive and Oak Sweater Coat | Twelfth Street Blouse

Been loving this Chardonnay- for all you Banshee wine fans it is made by the same people.  It is a light Chardonnay and not oaky or too buttery which is why I love it.  The Waccamaw Red was also really good.

Took Frances Moon for her 9 month check up a few weeks late.  My girl is still pretty much 90th percentile in all the catergories, head, weight, and height!

My mom's friends gave her this coffee table book for her birthday and I loved it so much I got one for myself.  It is filled with the most beautiful angel paintings.   It also has bible verses and stories about angels.  I just love it.  Would make a beautiful gift for someone.

Can we discuss how sweet Tim McGraw and Faith Hill are!!  They seem to have such a good marriage and stay out of the public eye.  This was them at a concert this week. 

I stopped by the RMS Beauty office this week and was blown away by this organic line.  I took home lots of products to sample and I can't wait to share all my favorites with you guys soon!

Pretty sure this sandwich combo will be in my near future : Bacon + Brie + Avocado. Genius.

Speaking of bacon how delish does this Spicy Candied Bacon look?  It sounds so easy too: 

Spicy Beer Candied Bacon: 400 degrees 1 lb extra thick smoked bacon cup brown sugar 2 tablespoons any dark beer 2 tablespoons Franks Hot Sauce

 

My Tory Burch Dress arrived this week and lets just say I love it.  I tried on the navy version but decided to order the red because I don't have too much red in my closet.  I had a gift card left from my birthday back in March that I was pleasantly surprised to find in my old purse and put towards this beauty.  It is sold out on the Tory Burch site but a few sizes are left on Shopbop.  The red pattern is just so gorgeous.

|| Tory Burch Cora Dress

Happy Friday Loves.