On My Nightstand, What I Have Been Reading

I am such a book worm at heart. I love nothing more than to curl up in bed with a good book.  Here is what I have read lately.  What have you been reading?

SAFE HAVEN- I always love Nicholos Sparks books.  They are such good, easy reads.  I read this book in like 3 days.  Kind of want to see the movie now but I know the book is always better.

MRS. KENNEDY AND ME- I absolutely loved this book.  It was such an interesting insight into the Kennedy's private life.  I seriously could not put it down.  Jackie has always been such an inspiration to me and this made me admire her even more.

GRACE CODDINGTON A MEMOIR- This was such a fun behind the scenes look into the fashion world, especially Vogue.  I loved reading about all the famous models and fashion shoots.

GREAT GATSBY- Like most of you I had to read this years ago for school.   I think I liked it but it was so long ago its hard for me to remember.   I just recently picked it up again because I want to read it again before I see the movie- how good does the movie look?

DRINKING AND TWEETING- I am a little ashamed to admit I read this book, But I won't lie I love the housewives.  It was the first book I downloaded for my Kindle.  It was such an easy read.  It feels just like Brandi is talking to you.  It had alot of good gossip on LeeAnn and Hollywood living.  Plus a whole chapter about her vaginal reconstructive surgery which- which I guess people really do???  If you like the Housewives it is a fun read.

THE HONEST LIFE- This book was such an eye opener to me about all the chemicals in our everyday life.  It has really made me rethink what I bathe Sterling with and products I use on my own skin as well.  I really love Jessica Alba and liked her even more after this book.  She is a great mom with a huge passion to start such a successful company.



Next up and cued up now on my Kindle is, But Mama always put Vodka in the Sangria.  The title makes you want to read it, right??  Reed is a columnist for Garden and Gun and this details her culinary experiences and travels plus is filled some pretty delish recipes.  I read 4 chapters last night and I am really enjoying it so far.

Butter Bean Dip

If you need a quick and easy app to toss together then this is it.  My sister and her husband turned me onto this and it is now one of our favorite apps.  It tastes better the longer it sits.  You will be surprised how much flavor this simple dip is packed with.  The mustard, onion, and garlic really pair together perfect with the butter beans.  My sister recommends going ahead and spooning the bean mixture on the sliced baguette in order to let the flavors soak in the bread.   We did it that way the second time and I think preferred it better.  I was eating this by the spoonful no baguette it was that tasty.  Enjoy!

:: B U T T E R  B E A N  D I P ::
- 1 can drained butter beans
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 tablespoons chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or chives
- 1 teaspoon chopped garlic (1 clove)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste
- baguette sliced

Mix all ingredients together.  This is best when it sits about an hour and at room temperature.  It can be made ahead and refrigerated but pull out and let it come to room temperature before serving.

Obsessions

{EOS LIP BALM}

I had been hearing about this lip balm for along time.  I was at the Pharmacy waiting yesterday for Sterling's prescription and saw it front and center and on sale!  I bought the strawberry and fresh mint flavors (at Harris Teeter they are on VIC special for $2.50, usually $4.99).  I am obsessed.  They are filled with Shea butter and other natural ingredients and feel so moisturizing on your lips.  Plus how cute is the little container it comes in?   Highly recommend.

{DVF For Baby GAP}

Ok I will admit it sometimes I wish I had a girl simply for the clothes, they are just way cuter than boys clothes.  I am in love with the new DVF line for Baby Gap.  A few of my favorites I may just stock up and save for gifts. 

BATHING SUIT | WRAP DRESS | ROMPER | PLEATED DRESS | SHOES | BLANKET | ROMPER

{VICTORIAS SECRET COTTON SLEEP TEE}
I am such a nightgown girl.  Love to sleep in them every night.  I used to wear sleeveless ones but Matt keeps our house so darn cold I started wishing I had a long sleeve one.  This reminded me of the Eberjey version I wanted but for half the price.  I have seriously slept in this every night since I bought it.  It is the softest shirt ever and cute too:)

{ASOS FLORAL SWING DRESS}
Asos is becoming one of my favorite budget friendly websites.  I am obsessed with my Tie- Dye Dress from there and now I have my eye on this floral shift.  I love all the bright colors and I have been wanting something floral to add to my closet for Summer!

{IKEA HOGSTEN OUTDOOR ARM CHAIR}

I love these outdoor chairs from Ikea.  Really want a pair for our patio.  I need to hit up Ikea next time I am in Charlotte.

    {ALEX'S BEDROOM REVEAL}
I am beyond obsessed with Alex's bedroom.  I seriously love every single detail.  But that pink headboard and bedding are perfection.  Alex is such a true talent.
You see the whole feature on her bedroom HERE.
 

Thoughts For Monday + Winner

First of all, thank you all for the incredible response to my post on Friday.  I appreciate every single one of your responses and personal emails,  especially all the encouragement and tips!  I promise to share what works for us.

Before my official budget starts I treated myself to some polarized RayBans with some birthday money I had been saving.  Matt had been telling me forever I needed to invest in a good pair of sunglasses, one of the few things he will spend money on and I am cheap about.  In the past I just bought cheap ones and they offered no sun coverage.  These made a world of difference.  Love them! 

I am thrilled my girl Gwennie was voted Most Beautiful Person.  Haters Gonna Hate.  She rocks.  Erin wrote a great post about all the stupid hatred HERE.  I really enjoyed the article on her and the photos were gorgeous. She has such an amazing body.

After watching its a Brad Brad World last night, that I had saved on Dvr I am obsessed with Stacy Keibler.  Her body is amazing and she seems to have such a fun personality.  Watch out Gwennie, new girl crush.

Ever since seeing this house featured on One Kings Lane, I am convinced I need a mini tulip table for Sterling.  I already have the kids lucite ghost chairs.  Any ideas where I could find a mini tulip table?

Saturday I decided to hit up Lowes and try and spruce up our backyard patio.  I planted tons of herbs, peppers, and some flowers.  I really have a black thumb but I am trying to learn to be more green!  I was pretty impressed with my results.  Here is to hoping they don't die in two weeks!

Friday was school picture day at Sterling's school.  I totally had to bribe him to wear this outfit but how adorable does he look?  So grown up.  24 hours later he got the stomach bug.  Needless to say we did not have a fun weekend.

This is how much of our weekend was spent.  I hate seeing my poor guy sick, but I love how cuddly he is while sick.

Finally the Winner of the Rodan + Fields Night Renewing Serum is Ruthie!  Please shoot me an email with your mailing address and we will get the serum headed your way!!  Congrats!

Happy Monday!

Living Within Your Means

This is something I struggle with.  I am a shopper at heart and love the thrill I get from buying new things.   This has lead to the accumulation of some debt.   It is not from student loans or anything it is from silly, really unnecessary purchases.  I opened my first credit card in college and it has been a slippery slope since then.  I have paid off my debt several times (thanks to my parents, selling my first house,  and 401k) but it still manages to get charged back up.  I am not one of those people who charge up a card and pay off the balance in full every month even though I wish I was. That is the right way to manage a credit card.  I charge and then sometimes only pay the minimum (gasp).  Things need to change.

I think today's society has made it hard for people to live within their means.  Credit cards and lines of credit are so easy to attain.  Why not charge it?  I wish credit cards were never invented and that way people just had to live off the money they made.  How do we really ever know if someone can afford something or if they are living outside of their means by charging it.  The blog world and social media make this especially hard.  Everyone is always blogging about and showing off their fabulous houses, amazing clothes, gadgets, cars, the list goes on and on.  It is hard not to compare yourself and not to try and "keep up with the Jones."  You start to resent what you have and want more.

I am guilty of comparing myself to others.  I used to love our house and now it feels so cramped and small to me and I want a bigger one.  I keep seeing friends move into big nice houses and I want that too. It makes me envious and that is not a good way to live.   Some people would consider my house a palace because they don't even have a roof over their head.  I am lucky to have a house to live it wheter it is small is not. I am always wanting to buy all the fabulous clothes I see these bloggers in, but really I have not one but two closets filled to the brim.  I have to ask myself do I really need more or is this turning into greed?

 

Since having Sterling I have thought about this stuff alot more. and honestly I have cut back on my shopping since then but I still shop alot.  My child's future depends on how we manage our money.  I want him to be able to attend any college he wants to (although I won't be sad if he gets a scholarship).   Do I still charge things, yes I do.  Not gonna lie we live on commissions, no set salary from Matt's work so there are some months we have to use the card for gas and groceries to get by.  Other months we are more than fine.  and we would be fine all the time if we had a good savings account and no debt.

The point of this is, I want to become a responsible adult.  I want to think really hard before I buy things and I want to pay off my debt.   I am thinking of starting Dave Ramsey's plan.  I already own the book, Financial Peace, but have yet to read it.  Has anyone else used his plan and does it work?

The other side of this is I want to be grateful and happy for exactly what I have in this moment and not desire more or covet things others have.  I know I am lucky no doubt but sometimes I forget to thank God for all the blessings in my life.  Each night after I read my devotional I have been making a point to thank God for all that I have.  Yes it is not as much as some people, but really how much do we all need?  And all of this around us.  Its not what is important.  Its the people in our lives and memories we create that are important.

Starting May 1 I am going to attempt to start a budget and pay down some debt.  I will let you guys know what works and what doesn't if you are interested.  I also welcome any tips or advice you peeps have.   This doesn't mean I am going cold turkey and not shopping at all, it just means I am going to really think out every purchase and only use cash no credit. I will still blog about pretty things I just won't buy all of them!   Oh and lets all make a point to be thankful for what we have.

Have a great weekend.  That was your dose of heavy thoughts for the weekend- back to regular mindless posting Monday.

P.S I am keeping the Rodan + Fields Giveaway open thru the weekend.  I will announce the winner Monday.  You can still enter HERE.  Now I am off to shop before I start my budget:)

 

Presenting My New Fabulous Runner

To say I am excited about my new runner is an understatement.  I know several of you have seen sneak peeks of the elusive runner on Instagram.  I was waiting to do this post because one I wanted to get the hallway painted first (didn't happen) and two I wanted to get my gallery wall up (pretty much done).   Anyways I am over the moon thrilled with my Lulu & Gerogia Runner.  It is even better in person,  trust me.  The quality is amazing and the pop of pink makes me happy everytime I walk past it.  This rug is the real deal.  I am so smitten.

Presenting From Lulu & Georgia, the Jadea Rug in Pink Flamingo

As you can see my Gallery Wall is up but you might notice one frame is missing a picture (keeping things real).  Good 8x10 horizontal photos are hard to come by; and would you believe I had ordered just a random family pic I didn't love to use just for this post,  but the photo machine was down at CVS and they couldn't process my order.  That is what happens when you wait til the last minute. Good things come to those who wait right?  Anyways hope to have one in it soon, but you get the overall look I was going for.
  I found the frames at TJMaxx for a real steal, $14.99 a frame.   I love having this little spot for our family photos.

 Now back to the runner. If you have not checked out the Lulu & Georgia website you are really missing out.  They have some amazing home decor stuff including the best selection of rugs around and most are really affordable.  I could browse on there for hours!  Lulu & Georgia has graciously offered my readers 20% off your purchase with code DESIGNERBAGS20.  That is such a great deal.  Here are a few of my other favorites from their site.

Painted Desert Rug / Luna Mae Rug / Metric Pouf, Black and Tan / Margot Pillow / Jill Rosenwald Hourglass Pouf, Dark Chocolate | Lulu and Georgia / Porter Mirror | Lulu and Georgia / Wild & Free Pillow, Sterling Silver | Lulu and Georgia / Leilani Ceramic Lamp | Lulu and Georgia / Sade Trays, Round (Set of 3) | Lulu and Georgia


Now please go check out their fabulous site and get your shop on.  I am tempted to order a new rug for our bedroom with this discount!  Happy Shopping!

Obsessions

{SPLENDID MAGNOLIA STRAPLESS DRESS}

As I mentioned in my post yesterday Saks is currently having their Friends and Family Event and almost everything is 25% with code FRNFAM2.  I ordered this dress and can't wait til she gets here.  I am obessed with the color combo.  It will be the perfect easy Summer Dress.  Splendid has become my go-to brand for cute affordable dresses lately.

{ZARA PRINTED SHIFT DRESS}

I have to thank Liz for fueling my shopping addiction.  I want to buy everything she wears.  Girl has mad style.  This is my latest score.   Tall people be warned it is short but with flats I think it is ok on me.  Absolutely love the pattern and shape.

 

{SHAWLSMITH LONDON POPPY DIGITAL SCARF}

The girls at Shawlsmith were sweet enough to send me this scarf and let me tell you I am obsessed with it.  The colors are amazing.  I have been rocking it daily.  It is the perfect lightweight scarf for Spring and it is big enough to wear as a sarong come Summer!  Mine is the Marigold-Aqua color.

 {JENNIFER ZEUNER HORIZNTAL CROSS NECKLACE}

I have been lusting after this necklace for like a year now and my parents surprised me with it for my Birthday.  I have worn it everyday since it got it.  It is the perfect everyday necklace and great for layering.  I just love it.  You can kind of see it in the picture above with the scarf.

{AEROLATTE FROTHER}

This is the most genius invention ever.  You froth your milk and make cappucinos and lattes at home.  After seeing my friend Katie whip this out and make the most delish coffee ever I knew I needed one.  I stalked down two Williams Sonoma stores and they were of course both sold out but I found it online for cheaper anyways.  Highly recommend!

{LIFE LESSONS}

Love these life lessons.  So very true.