Thursday, April 18, 2013

Thoughts For Thursday

Hello Loves.  How is it Thursday already?  This week seems to be flying by.  First off I am so flattered to be a part of the To & From Gift Guide Issue that was just released yesterday.  There are some great gift guides- trust me you will want to have your wallet handy while reading this guide.  My picks for baby shower gifts are on pages 102-103,  click HERE to read the rest its good stuff.



 

Lets chat about JCrew.  They have had some seriously cute stuff lately.  Case and point this dress and Ikat Tee.  Both new obsessions of mine

I am hooked on the book Mrs Kennedy and Me.  I look forward to reading it everynight.  It is such an interesting look at Jackie's life behind the scenes.


If you are a parent please read this amazing article by Steve Banner.  It is so True.  You can read it HERE


I am totally smitten with this simple classic outfit for Summer.  I will be recreating- although maybe it is just me but I feel silly in hats.  It looks so chic on others but I would just look stupid.  Miranda Kerr always looks so good.


On to TV.   So, Matt and I cut our cable down to basic, gasp right?  But we are trying to save money and honestly now that we have Apple TV we watch that way more than cable anyways.  We are almost done with the final season of Breaking Bad.  Freaking love it, please watch it if you have not.  But I need recommendations of what show to start next.  I need one that both Matt and I will enjoy and sometimes that is hard to find.  Two I am considering are Mad Men and House of Cards.  Any other recs?


I know you all are probably sick of me writing about necklaces.  But the truth is they are the main jewelry I wear.  I don't really wear bracelets and if I wear earrings I wear my gold hoops my parents gave me.  I love to jazz up an outfit with a fun necklace.  This is my latest find.  $34 and tell me it does not look just like JCrew?


Parents if you have an IPad you must download this coloring app called DooDoo Lite. It keeps Sterling occupied for awhile.  Plus I feel like it gets his creative juices going.


Happy Thursday I am off for a lunch date and playgroup.  Fun day:)

Wednesday, April 17, 2013

Baked Chicken Chimichangas



This recipe came highly recommended to me from my friend Erin and I always trust her food judgement.  I whipped this together in like 10 minutes.  Buy a rotisserie chicken it saves time.  I assembled everything at naptime at then just baked at dinner.  These really get crispy like a true chimichangas but they are baked so way less fat than the fried kind.   They were totally delish.
Oh and that is not ketchup on top it is Victorias Hot Sauce, good stuff.
Enjoy!

 :: B A K E D  C H I C K E N  C H I M I C H A N G A S ::
 8oz pkg. cream cheese
8oz. Pepperjack cheese, shredded
1 1/2 Tbsp. taco seasoning
1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded
8 flour tortillas
cooking spray
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions, for garnish
sour cream
salsa

Stir together cream cheese, Pepperjack cheese and taco seasoning.
Fold in chicken.
Divide among flour tortillas.
Tuck in sides, and roll up each tortilla.
Lay seam side down in a sprayed 9x13" baking dish.
Spray tops of tortillas with cooking spray.
Bake at 350 for 15 minutes.
Turn chimi's over, and bake an additional 15 minutes.
Serve with cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, and salsa. 
Recipe via Menu Managed Blog

Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Shopbop Friends and Family

Its that time again!  Shopbop is having their Friends and Family sale where everything is 20%.  Shopbop is by far my favorite site to browse and shop on,  so now is the time to snatch up all those goodies you have been eyeing.  Here is what has been in my virtual shopping cart, now just to decide what comes home with me! 
Use code WEAREFAMILY13


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!

Shoes.




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!


 
 

 

Monday, April 15, 2013

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.


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!







Friday, April 12, 2013

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


Thursday, April 11, 2013

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.

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!