Friday, April 27, 2012

Thoughts For Friday

I am super obsessed with the new Maroon Five song, Payphone that they preformed on The Voice two weeks ago.  Have to play it every time I get in my car.  And we can talk about how hot Adam Levine is. I think I am attracted to him because he looks like my hubs.  I love tall dark haired men! 
First Ann Taylor surprised me and now Banana Republic. How cute is this Ikat blouse? I swear it looks just like some expensive ones I have seen online. It is a steal for a great blouse.   I think it is going to look pretty cute with my white jeans.
{Banana Republic Talia Ikat Blouse}
I am so excited because I am finally getting a Silhouette of Sterling done. I have wanted one forever. WayWay is working on it and I know it be fabulous because all her stuff is! I debated FOREVER about what color to do the Silhouette. You would think it was a life or death decision the way I debated.  I went back and forth between going bright or just doing classic black.  In the end I went for Turquoise, I love the pop of color.  Plus most of our walls are pretty neutral so I think it will show up better.  This is not my silhouette but it is the picture I sent WayWay for reference. I love how the name and age is at the bottom.
Lately I have been hooked on roasted cherry tomatoes. I had no idea how much more flavor the tomatoes would get from just roasting them!  It is my new favorite side dish.  I have been making it at least once a week and surprisingly Matt loves it too! All you do is toss with olive, salt and pepper,  then roast at 350 degrees for about 20-30 mins. After they are done cooking I add in some fresh julienned basil.
Yesterday I finally hit up Glazed, a new doughnut shop downtown. Ladies it was amazing. Worth every single calorie. I will be returning frequently! They had so many fun doughnut flavors, sadly they were sold out of the Maple Bacon flavor that I really wanted to try, but our glazed were mouth wateringly good!
I am in love with this outfit Charlize Theron is wearing. Makes me think I need a blush colored blazer. Love it paired with the black.
Was that enough Random Babble for your Friday? I hope you all have a great weekend!

Thursday, April 26, 2012

The Great White Jean Debate

Ever since seeing Gwyneth in her "perfect running errands" outfit. I have been convinced I need a pair of white jeans.   Well really I would like her whole outfit, but lets start with the jeans.   Problem is do the perfect pair of white jeans exist? Confession: I have never owned a pair of white jeans before.   Crazy, right??  I can't seem to find a pair that is flattering and trust me I have tried on many different brands!  We all know white jeans accentuate everything and put it all on display way more than regular jeans.   I find most are too see through, don't have enough stretch, are too short, or just plain unflattering.
Enter Rag and Bone. Apparently Gwennie is wearing their Skinny Bright White Jeans.
Now I am not delusional I know my figure is nothing like Gwyneth's but these jeans look like a great fit.   They are high waisted which is key for me! And I am obsessed with my Rag and Bone Midnight Skinny Legging Jeans. Really beyond obsessed. They suck me in all the right places and make me look 10lbs thinner.   Seriously ladies try on a pair of these and you will be obsessed too.
Can their white jeans do the same?  Anyone own a pair and care to share?  Any recommendations for white jeans that fit well? I want them long,  skinny,  with stretch, and flattering.   Is that too much to ask?? And I need them soon so I can copy all these fabulous ensembles based around white jeans!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Val's Prosciutto, Asparagus and Parmesan Spaghetti


I have to share with you one of the best recipes I have made lately. First off if you are not already reading Val's blog, Val so Cal you really should be. She is always cooking up something amazing and then sharing the recipes with her beautiful photography skills.  She never ceases to impress me each week with her mouth watering recipes.  I found this recipe on her blog a few weeks ago and promptly made it. Both Matt and I loved it. I mean really loved. It was so full of flavor, yet light at the same time. I highly recommend grating your own fresh Parmesan and adding the baked Prosciutto on top. It gets so crispy and pairs perfectly with the light cream sauce! This dish was super easy to whip together and reheated well the next day. Serve with some crusty bread, an Arugula salad, and chilled white wine and that my friends is one amazing week night meal.

If you are not a pork eater and I am not judging because my girl Gwennie also avoids the pork family, this would be absolutely delish with sauteed Shrimp added instead of the Prosciutto!


PROSCIUTTO,  ASPARAGUS,  AND PARMESAN SPAGHETTI
8 ounce of angel hair pasta
2 tablespoons of olive oil
2 garlic cloves
1 small onion, diced
2 cups of sliced mushrooms
4 oz. of prosciutto, cut into strips
1 lb. asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
1 1/4 cups heavy cream
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
salt and pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes.

1) Cook pasta according to directions and put pack in pot.
2) Meanwhile, heat oil in a large frying pan over medium high heat. Cook onion, garlic, and mushrooms until fragrant and semi done. Add Prosciutto and asparagus and cook until asparagus is bright green, about 3 min. Add cream, 1/3 cup cheese, salt and pepper and red pepper flakes. Reduce heat to simmer and cook until sauce has thickened, about 4 minutes.
3) Pour sauce with vegetables over pasta and toss to coat.
4) I put more Parmesan cheese on top and crisp prosciutto pieces that I baked.

You can check out Val's Original Recipe and Beautiful Photos HERE.  Because mine sure don't do it justice!

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Obsessions

 I am smitten with every single swimsuit in Marysia's swim line. They look like they would be so flattering. These are top on my list of must buy bikinis for this summer
 I used to be very loyal to my Purpose face wash until my mom gave me a bottle of this Shiseido face wash recently. Now I will never use any other face wash. It foams up and lathers really well- I hate face washes that do not lather because I feel like they don't get your face clean. This smells heavenly and a tiny squirt goes a long way. It removed all my make-up and made my skin so soft. I highly recommend!
My grandfather gave me this necklace while I was home as a belated birthday gift ( and yes my mom helped him in picking it out). I love it so much. I have been wearing it nonstop. You might have noticed it with my Ann Taylor Dress.   It goes with everything!
 I think this might be the perfect summer dress. Soft, comfortable, stylish, and affordable!  It comes in many different colors but my two favorites are the stripes and the neon pink. Thinking I am going to splurge for both!
{Stripped Crewneck Dress, Neon Pink Crewneck Dress}
PALERMOS SPINACH AND GOAT CHEESE PIZZA
Normally I am not a frozen pizza girl. Don't get me wrong I love pizza but the frozen one's are usually pretty disappointing. I tried this pizza at my parents house and loved it. It had great flavors and the spinach and goat cheese were the perfect light combination. This is one frozen pizza I will be buying.

Monday, April 23, 2012

Weekend Happenings

I just got back from visiting my parents yesterday afternoon and my house is a wreck! I love going out of town but I sure do hate unpacking!
I did a little shopping while I was home and found the Joie Blouse I blogged about a few weeks ago. She is even better in person. Love the fit and the black and white pattern goes with everything! It especially looks great with my colored jeans. The jeans are J Brand and my newest obsession. They fit great and they are the perfect blush color that goes with everything!
{Joie Madera Dot Blouse, J Brand 811 Skinny Jeans}
I guess I love this black and white pattern because I found these two images of fabric I had saved that I was considering for recovering my wingback chairs. It looks almost identical to the blouse pattern.  The fabric is Ground Works Confetti by Lee Jofa.
While I was home I attended a bridal shower for my dear friend Jenna. It was so fun to see my old my friends. A few of us have been friends since Junior High!  Here is one picture from the shower of all of us.   Jenna the Bride to be is to the left of me.  So excited for her wedding in June.
My dress may look familiar because it is the Ann Taylor Dress I blogged about Thursday. I am really loving it- and thanks to all who gave me the heads up about the 40% off. I got a real steal on it!
My little man has quite the head of curls and I love it. Problem is it is starting to get a little too long. When it is wet it is a full blown mullet.  He needs a haircut bad , but it just makes me sad to cut these sweet curls.
I always find great new wines when I am home visiting my parents because they love wine as much as I do. This Sauvignon Blanc called Glazebrook was so good. Retails for around $14. For those who live in Charlotte it is sold at Reids.
Sunday when I got home we went to the Yacht Club near our house for Happy Hour and saw this beautiful rainbow. It is hard to tell from my picture but it stretched across the whole sky, it was stunning and it was Sterling's first rainbow!
I came across this quote over the weekend and it really made me think about being Thankful. It hit close to home (yep I am getting deep here again even after my deep post Friday).  Now every night as I say my prayers I am reminded to be thankful.

Friday, April 20, 2012

15 Things You Should Give Up to Be Happy

As you all know I am home visiting my parents and their computer is a bit wonky if you know what a mean. They just bought a nice new Mac but Dad thinks my blog stuff ruins it and brings viruses (lame) so I have to use the old one- which sucks ass for picture uploading. So be prepared for few (really just one) pictures my friends!   We will be back to normal Monday!


Btw what happened to blogger? Wowza took me awhile to figure things out this morning!


I just finished reading The Happiness Project, which I highly recommend.

It has made me rethink alot things about my life and do things differently. Shortly after I finished it I came across this article and really related to/liked it. I am not trying to get too deep or preachy but this article was a great read and gave me several things to think about. So enjoy, it is worth reading or I would not post!


**If I am being totally honest I really related to numbers 6 and 8. I never knew I was a complainer til I married Matt and he has made me realize how much of a complainer I am. It is something I am really trying to change. Nobody wants to hang out with someone who is constantly complaining. And as for number 8 I think we all get wrapped up in trying to impress others. I know I do all the time. But the older I have gotten I realize that is not really important at all. I have learned to be true to myself- somedays are easier than others:)**


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Here is a list of 15 things which, if you give up on them, will make your life a lot easier and much, much happier. We hold on to so many things that cause us a great deal of pain, stress and suffering – and instead of letting them all go, instead of allowing ourselves to be stress free and happy – we cling on to them. Not anymore. Starting today we will give up on all those things that no longer serve us, and we will embrace change. Ready? Here we go:


1. Give up your need to always be right. There are so many of us who can’t stand the idea of being wrong – wanting to always be right – even at the risk of ending great relationships or causing a great deal of stress and pain, for us and for others. It’s just not worth it. Whenever you feel the ‘urgent’ need to jump into a fight over who is right and who is wrong, ask yourself this question: “Would I rather be right, or would I rather be kind?” Wayne Dyer. What difference will that make? Is your ego really that big?


2. Give up your need for control. Be willing to give up your need to always control everything that happens to you and around you – situations, events, people, etc. Whether they are loved ones, coworkers, or just strangers you meet on the street – just allow them to be. Allow everything and everyone to be just as they are and you will see how much better will that make you feel.
“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond winning.” Lao Tzu


3. Give up on blame. Give up on your need to blame others for what you have or don’t have, for what you feel or don’t feel. Stop giving your powers away and start taking responsibility for your life.


4. Give up your self-defeating self-talk. Oh my. How many people are hurting themselves because of their negative, polluted and repetitive self-defeating mindset? Don’t believe everything that your mind is telling you – especially if it’s negative and self-defeating. You are better than that.
“The mind is a superb instrument if used rightly. Used wrongly, however, it becomes very destructive.” Eckhart Tolle


5. Give up your limiting beliefs about what you can or cannot do, about what is possible or impossible. From now on, you are no longer going to allow your limiting beliefs to keep you stuck in the wrong place. Spread your wings and fly!
“A belief is not an idea held by the mind, it is an idea that holds the mind” Elly Roselle


6. Give up complaining. Give up your constant need to complain about those many, many, maaany things – people, situations, events that make you unhappy, sad and depressed. Nobody can make you unhappy, no situation can make you sad or miserable unless you allow it to. It’s not the situation that triggers those feelings in you, but how you choose to look at it. Never underestimate the power of positive thinking.


7. Give up the luxury of criticism. Give up your need to criticize things, events or people that are different than you. We are all different, yet we are all the same. We all want to be happy, we all want to love and be loved and we all want to be understood. We all want something, and something is wished by us all.


8. Give up your need to impress others. Stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not just to make others like you. It doesn’t work this way. The moment you stop trying so hard to be something that you’re not, the moment you take of all your masks, the moment you accept and embrace the real you, you will find people will be drawn to you, effortlessly.


9. Give up your resistance to change. Change is good. Change will help you move from A to B. Change will help you make improvements in your life and also the lives of those around you. Follow your bliss, embrace change – don’t resist it.“Follow your bliss and the universe will open doors for you where there were only walls” Joseph Campbell


10. Give up labels. Stop labeling those things, people or events that you don’t understand as being weird or different and try opening your mind, little by little. Minds only work when open. “The highest form of ignorance is when you reject something you don’t know anything about.” Wayne Dyer


11. Give up on your fears. Fear is just an illusion, it doesn’t exist – you created it. It’s all in your mind. Correct the inside and the outside will fall into place.“The only thing we have to fear, is fear itself.” Franklin D. Roosevelt


12. Give up your excuses. Send them packing and tell them they’re fired. You no longer need them. A lot of times we limit ourselves because of the many excuses we use. Instead of growing and working on improving ourselves and our lives, we get stuck, lying to ourselves, using all kind of excuses – excuses that 99.9% of the time are not even real.


13. Give up the past. I know, I know. It’s hard. Especially when the past looks so much better than the present and the future looks so frightening, but you have to take into consideration the fact that the present moment is all you have and all you will ever have. The past you are now longing for – the past that you are now dreaming about – was ignored by you when it was present. Stop deluding yourself. Be present in everything you do and enjoy life. After all life is a journey not a destination. Have a clear vision for the future, prepare yourself, but always be present in the now.


14. Give up attachment. This is a concept that, for most of us is so hard to grasp and I have to tell you that it was for me too, (it still is) but it’s not something impossible. You get better and better at with time and practice. The moment you detach yourself from all things, (and that doesn’t mean you give up your love for them – because love and attachment have nothing to do with one another, attachment comes from a place of fear, while love… well, real love is pure, kind, and self less, where there is love there can’t be fear, and because of that, attachment and love cannot coexist) you become so peaceful, so tolerant, so kind, and so serene. You will get to a place where you will be able to understand all things without even trying. A state beyond words.


15. Give up living your life to other people’s expectations. Way too many people are living a life that is not theirs to live. They live their lives according to what others think is best for them, they live their lives according to what their parents think is best for them, to what their friends, their enemies and their teachers, their government and the media think is best for them. They ignore their inner voice, that inner calling. They are so busy with pleasing everybody, with living up to other people’s expectations, that they lose control over their lives. They forget what makes them happy, what they want, what they need….and eventually they forget about themselves. You have one life – this one right now – you must live it, own it, and especially don’t let other people’s opinions distract you from your path.

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Thursday, April 19, 2012

Ann Taylor Revamped



I have to admit I have not stepped foot in an Ann Taylor store probably since Junior High. I am in Charlotte this week visiting my rents and my mom wanted to stop in today to show me a dress she liked. Boy was I pleasantly surprised. I think they are trying to revamp their image. They now have Kate Hudson as their model who I really like. They had some great neon stuff in the store for way better prices than most boutiques around town. I used to think AT was just for older women but I was proven wrong.

Both my mom and got this blouse, it is on sale plus you get an additional 30% percent off. I love navy blouses because they go with everything.


ok and does anyone think this model really looks exactly like Courtney from The Bachelor (Ben's Season)?? Just saying. Tell me you don't agree....

This is not a clear picture but I promise this blouse fits super well and looks cute.

I also picked up this dress.




And excuse my horrific roots in this picture. My hair needs to be colored bad! I thought the dress was super cute and such a great color. I figured I could dress it up or even wear it to church. I knew I had made the right decision when I saw Eva Longoria wearing the same dress!

A few other things I really liked:
Neon Marquis Stretch Bracelet, Lace Shirt, Riley Patent Strappy Sandels



Ann Taylor is rocking it this season.