Lets Talk About Some Shoes.

You guys gave me some great post ideas last week. One idea that someone suggested was for me to write about shoes. I don't buy shoes often and I tend to be pretty practical when it comes to shoes. I tend to gravitate towards blacks and nudes because I know I will wear them all the time and they will go with everything. I do love a pop of color occasionally and I have a few bright colored ballet flats I love. These are my top picks for Spring/Summer, I actually own several of these and the rest I would love to add to my collection!

ONE:  SPLENDID CONGO FLATS- A perfect everyday flat.  Love both the black and neon color!  A real steal
TWO:  TORY BURCH EMMY FLATS-  I actually own these.  I bought them like 4 years and they are my favorite flats.  I have them in the nude color and wear them all the time.
THREE: ELIZABETH AND JAMES TONI SLIM STRAP SANDALS- I don't wear or buy heels often but when I do I love a really nice and simple pair.  I love the simplicity of these. They would look amazing with jeans and fancy dresses
FOUR:  TKEES FLIP FLOPS-  I stand by the fact that these are the best flipflops ever.  I have worn them everyday since I got them.
FIVE: MELISSA CUT OUT FLATS- I am obsessed with the bright candy red color of these and the cut out details.  Such a fun summer flat.  They come in blue and white too.
SIX: SOLUDOS IKAT ESPADRILLES- These are not shoes I would normally pick out but whenever I see someone wearing them I think they look so cute and comfortable.  Love the ikat and the price is great!
SEVEN: YOSI SAMRA ELASTIC BALLET FLATS- I always love snakeskin it goes with everything.  These flats are a great price and look so comfortable.  Comfort is key for daily wear.
EIGHT:  SAM EDLEMAN GIG T-STRAP FLAT- These are the best Summer flats.  I own several pairs.  The price point is great and they look cute with everything.
NINE: DOLCE VITA HATTIE BOOTIES- I for one love booties in the summer.  I think they are adorable with jean shorts and short dresses.   Love the detail on the leather on these.
TEN: SAM EDLEMAN GILDA GLADIATORS- I love gladiator sandals.  They can jazz up any outfit!
ELEVEN: RACHEL ZOE SCARLETT SANDALS - I am convinced I need pair of Rachel Zoe sandals, I never hear anything but great things about her line.  Love the nude/gold detail.
TWELVE: MADEWELL STRIPPED FLATS- I am a sucker for anything stripped. These would look cute with so many outfits summer or fall!


 
 

 

Things I am Loving

I almost entitled this post things you should buy, but alas some of the things I am loving you can't buy (like my little man) but I highly recommend the ones you can buy. 

I am obsessed with my MOTHER Patchie Jean Shorts.  Ladies these are the best jean shorts.  They are not too short and so comfortable.  Get you a pair.

 

Love AJ just came out with a new collection for Baublebar and I am obsessed with the gold collar necklace!  I love the minimalist metal look.

{Love AJ Pierced Plate Collar}

I am also loving my Rachel Pally Faustina Dress.  This was a belated Birthday Gift and I am smitten with it.  The back is my favorite part.  It is so comfortable it feels like you are wearing pajamas.  Plus the color is just gorgeous.

Tomato Pie.  I made this last week and it was amazing.  It is one of my favorite recipes.  Matt and I demolished it!  You can get the recipe HERE.

The fact that my little man will be in the Pixie Lily ads again this fall.  We did a photo shoot Saturday and he worked it for the camera.  I just love Pixie Lily, the clothes are so sweet.

I am also loving that Sterling is getting into basketball.  My dad and brother are both great basketball players and I would love Sterling to follow in their footsteps.

Yummy Mummy Cookbook.  I finally got my hands on a copy of Marina's new cookbook and I love it.  I have been reading Marina's blog forever so I was so happy when she published a cookbook.  It has great healthy recipes for the whole family.

Essie Come Here Nail polish.  I just picked this color up last week and I can tell I am going to live in this color all Summer!

Gap Neon Stripped Tee.  I have been living in this tee since I bought it a few weeks ago.

Ok, so as you can see I am loving alot of things.  Hope you all have a great Monday!

My Top Ten Favorites Wines Under $15

I think you all know I am a wine lover.  I drink a glass almost every night.  It helps me unwind after a long day.  Right now I have been in a major white mood but I also love red- I am equal opportunist when it comes to wine.  The only wine I won't touch is sweet wine- I can't stand Rieslings and Moscatos. 

 I don't think you need to spend a ton of money on a bottle of wine.  As fast as I go thru a bottle I hate to spend alot of money.  Don't get me wrong some cheap bottles are nasty, real nasty.  In my old age I have gotten picky about wine.  It used to be I would drink any alcohol that was handed to me, but now I would rather not have a glass if it is cheapo wine.  I swear the hangovers are worse from the really cheap ones- I will never drink two buck chuck again and I hate Rex Golith, I also dislike Yellow Tail and Barefoot Brands. 

But there are some amazing wines out there all for under $15.  Here are my top picks.
If you have any wines you love please share with me, I am always looking for new wines to try and add to my rotation!
Have a great weekend!
xoxo

:: F O X G L O V E   C H A R D O N N A Y ::

This is one of my all time favorite Chardonnays.  I had it at a bridal shower and stalked the server to find out what type of wine it was.  It is the perfect Chardonnay.  Retails for about $13.50

::  S A I N T   B R I S   S A U V I G N O N   B L A N C ::

This is a wonderful Sauvignon Blanc.  So crisp and refreshing.  Retails for $11.99.  In Charlotte they sell it at Reids- not sure where to find it here.

:: C L O U D   B R E A K   P I N O T  N O I R ::

In all honestly all the Cloud Break wines are good.  I love the Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc as well.  I chose the red for this list because I feel like cheap good bottles of red are harder to come by than cheap whites.  I blind tasted this pinot at my parents and thought it was one of their expensive bottles.  It is so smooth.  They carry this at Total Wine and it sells for $8.99

::  B R  C O H E N   C A B E R N E T  S A U V I G N O N::

I have recently really gotten into cabs.  I used to be a big Pinot girl, but now I love a good cab.  This is one of my favorites.  It retails for $14.99 at Cotsco.

::  C U P C A K E   P R O S E C C O ::

For the price you can't beat the Cupcake line.  I love their Sauvignon Blanc  and Chardonnay as well.  This Prosecco is really good, retails for $11.99.

:: J O E L  G O T T   S A U V I G N O N   B L A N C ::
Another great Sauvignon Blanc.  If you can find this at Target or Walmart it is cheaper there.  Usually retails for $11.99.

::  B U T T E R N U T   C H A R D O N N A Y ::
I found this at Costco and buy it everytime I am there if it is in stock.  It is a delicious Chardonnay.  Retails for $13.99 at Costco.

 
:: T R A D E R  J O E S  G R A N D   R E S E R V E  P I N O T  N O I R ::
I just tried this for the first time while I was home last week.  My parents bought several bottles of it from Trader Joes they loved it so much.  It was a perfect pinot.  Retails for $9.99

::  F E R R A R I   C A R A N O   F U M E  B L A N C ::
For any novices Fume Blanc is basically the same thing as Sauvignon Blanc.  This one is light, crisp and not too sweet.  A little dryer than a regular Sauvignon Blanc.  I usually buy mine at Costco, retails for $11.99 there.

::  C O U R T N E Y  B E N H A M   L U C C A   R E D   W I N E ::
This is a red wine blend that one of the workers at Total Wine recommended to me.  It was excellent.  Retails for $12.99

Thoughts For Thursday

Do you ever feel like when you get back in town from a trip it takes you a week to get back in your routine?  I am still doing laundry, cleaning house, catching up on emails and work and it all seems to never end!  I am struggling on the blog front coming up with interesting stuff to write about so if you guys have any topics you want me to write about leave a comment with an idea or email me!  Today you get my random thoughts- lucky you.

Confession, sometimes I buy food at TJMaxx- is that gross?  Anyways this is the latest gem I found there.  This popcorn was amazing.  It is no secret I love truffles and this had great truffle flavor.  My mom, Sterling, and I ate the entire box in seconds.  I am pretty sure they carry this brand at Whole Foods too if TjMaxx food makes you weary, but its cheaper there!

I have been trying to build my Summer wardrobe on a budget this year.  This is my latest find.  This ASOS Dress is my newest obsession.  It is cotton and comfortable so I know I will live in it all Summer and I love the tie dye colors.  I highly recommend.

:: A S O S  T I E   D Y E  D R E S S ::

My sister and her husband gave me a Kindle for my Birthday and I am so excited.  They know me well they picked a hot pink leather cover that I adore!  I just picked up Mrs. Kennedy and Me and The Honest Life but what should I read next?  I need some good recommendations.

I finally hung my piece of art from Jenny. I am so in love with it, it makes me happy every time I walk by it.

While I was home my mom had this vintage sofa of my great grandmothers recovered.  I love transforming a vintage piece.  They are so unique and bring such character to a room.  This is my new favorite spot in the house.  She had some of the fabric leftover that she gave me to make into custom ottomans for my den.  I can't wait to get them back!

Newest perfume obsession is balenciaga florabotanica.  This is the best scent I have smelled in forever!!   I could not stop smelling my wrists after I tried it last week.  Although side note it makes me not want to buy it because Kristen Stewart is the face of it- I can't stand her pouty attitude.  She never smiles.

Now that the weather is warm all I can think about is Happy Hour.  How good do these pink tequila drinks look?

Have a great Thursday!

Brown Sugar Pound Cake With Caramel Icing

I have to hand it to Pinterest for directing me to yet another fabulous recipe.  I pinned this recipe weeks ago and had been dreaming of it ever since.  While I was home my mom and I decided to make it.  This is one of the best cakes I have ever made.  Keep in mind it is not good for you- it has 3 sticks of butter and lots of sugar but trust me it is worth the extra calories.  The inside has toffee bits mixed in and the top is covered with the most delish caramel icing- are you drooling yet?  Trust me and make this cake for your next big occasion!

Brown Sugar Pound Cake Recipe (serves 12 to 16)

Original Recipe from Lady Behind the Curtain

 

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups butter, softened

2 cups light brown sugar, packed

1 cup granulated sugar

5 large eggs

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1 cup whole milk

1 – 8 ounce bag of toffee bits

1 cup pecans, chopped

1 recipe CARAMEL DRIZZLE  (caramel drizzle recipe below)

Caramel Drizzle Recipe (makes 1-1/2 cups)

Ingredients

1 – 14 ounce can sweetened condensed milk

1 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tablespoons butter

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

In a medium saucepan, combine condensed milk and brown sugar; bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently.  Reduce heat, and SIMMER for 8 minutes, whisking frequently.  Remove from heat; whisk in butter and vanilla.  Let cool for 5 minutes before using.  NOTE:  Make sure you drizzle the caramel while it’s still HOT.  When cooled the caramel does somewhat harden.

Cake Directions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.  Spray a 12 cup Bundt pan with nonstick baking spray with flour.  Set aside.

Beat the butter until creamy.  Add sugars, beating until fluffy.  Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.  In a medium bowl, combine flour, baking powder, and salt.  Gradually add flour mixture to butter mixture in thirds, alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour mixture.  Beat until just combined.  Stir in toffee bits and pecans.  Spoon batter into prepared pan.  Bake until a wood pick inserted near the center of cake comes out clean, 75 to 85 minutes.  TIP:  Cover the top with foil to prevent excess browning is necessary.  Let cake cool in pan for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan, and let cool completely on a wire rack.  Spoon Caramel Drizzle over cooled cake.  This recipe is from The Taste of the South’s Southern Cakes Magazine.

Obsessions

:: L I N E  A N D  D O T  P L E A T E D   T R A P E Z E  D R E S S ::

I am smitten with this emerald green maxi dress.  It is the perfect color and I love the loose trapeze style.  A great price too.

:: N A R S   D O L C E  V I T A  L I P S T I C K ::

My mom got me hooked on this lipstick while I was home.  It is the perfect in between nude color.  Not too dark, not too light.  Perfect for everyday wear.

:: J A C K  B Y  B B  D A K O T A  M A X I   D R E S S ::

This dress is only $88!  Love the print.  Such a great maxi dress.  I may have already pre-ordered mine:)

:: D O L C E   V I T A  H E L I A   S A N D A L S ::

Dolce Vita is quickly becoming my go-to brand for Summer sandals.  They are affordable and hold up well!  I love this fun spin on a gladiator sandal.

:: M I S S O N I   H E A D B A N D ::

I would wear this as an actual headband not across my forehead like this model, it looks like she is going to jazzercise.  But I love a headband for the beach and when we are on the boat to keep my hair at bay.  This one is so so chic!

:: A S O S   C O L O R B L O C K  M A X I ::

Loving this colorblock maxi.  It reminds me so much of Tibi but for a fraction of the price.  Can't decide which color I love more.  It would look great with just a white or black tee for a simple summer outfit.

:: B A U B L E B A R   E N G R A V E D  B A R   N E C K L A C E ::

This is the sweetest necklace.  I would love to order this with Sterling's name on it.  I could see myself wearing it everyday.  It would look great alone or layered with some other gold chains.  

I am thinking about ordering my sister one too with her son's name- it would be a great gift for a new mom.

:: P A S T E L  Z I E G F E I L D  N E C K L A C E ::

I am also really digging this new Baublebar necklace.  The colors are perfection for Spring!