Obsessions

{LOREN HOPE LINDSEY GOLD BRACELET} 

This is my new favorite bracelet.  It goes with everything and looks so expensive but it is only $58.  Such a classic gold bracelet that never goes out of style.  Plus it looks great layered with other bracelets!

{DOLCE VITA ARCHER SANDAL}

I am kind of obsessing over these Dolce Vita sandals.  They come in so many colors but the pink and tan is really speaking to me.  They are so cute and would even look great into end of summer/ prefall with skinny jeans.  Even better they are part of the Nordstrom sale right and a great price.

{MARC JACOBS STRIPPED DRESS}

Remember this dress from yesterday?  I found her on major sale (40% off) so of course she needed to be mine.  The perfect little stripe dress for preggo or not preggo.  I love how vibrant the colors are for Summer.  I also think you could wear this into Fall with a fitted navy blazer.  Marc Jacobs dresses always fit really well too, snag this one before its gone!

{PUCCI COFFEE TABLE BOOK}

I am always on the hunt for gorgeous new coffee table books.  I collect coffee table books like I do cookbooks.  I am head over heels for this Pucci book.  How insanely gorgeous is the cover?  and I am such a huge fan of all of Pucci's designs.  Such a lovely book.

{ASOS SWING DRESS}

Love the comfy loose fit of this dress. I think navy and white stripe dresses are so classic.  I picture it with my Rag and Bone Booties.  A serious steal at $42.

{FREE PEOPLE KEEP ME V TEE}

I live in soft loose fitting tee shirts and I am always on the look for new ones to add to my collection.  This is a new one I am adding.  Looks great with cut-off shorts or skinny jeans.  It comes in 7 great colors and I want one of each!  The back is super cute too.  The tees come from Piperlime and don't forget today started the extra 25 % off all sale, just use code SUMMER when. you checkout!

{C LUCA JEWELED MAXI}

You are not going to believe me when I tell you this Maxi is under $100.  When I first saw it I figured it was Tibi and $400+.  It is my favorite shade of blue and love the details.   Would be gorgeous to wear to a wedding or summer party.

{MARA HOFFMAN IPHONE CASE}

This is the first Iphone case I have seen in awhile that I would actually shell out $40 for.  Love the bright pattern!

{CLOVER CANYON LOTUS TEMPLE DRESS}

I am dying to add a piece from Clover Canyon to my closet.  They use such amazing patterns on all their pieces.  This dress is no exception.  Would love it for the fall.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Did everyone have a fun filled weekend? Ours was part fun with the other part spent taking care of a sick child. I blame camp last week. I swear as soon as the kids are around other kids they catch something. I didn't get much sleep Friday or Saturday thanks to my needy little man- it gave me a little taste for my life to come very soon, up all night!

First off,  I snagged my first piece for our nursery and it was a major deal, trust me.  I am on a major budget for the nursery so I will try to share deals and steals along the way.
Pretty excited about this to hang over our changing table for baby boy or girl.

The most exciting thing that happened this weekend, was I became an aunt again.  Matt's sister had her baby early Saturday morning.  She was not due til August but this sweet baby was ready to enter the world.  He is just perfect and they are doing great.  This is such a special year for babies in both sides of our family.  I love seeing my sister and sister in law become moms, it brings me so much joy.  There is nothing more special than a newborn.

Visiting babies makes me hungry, like seriously hungry.  I think it reminds me of when I had Sterling and couldn't eat for so long since I was in labor for 32 freaking hours.  Anyways we hit up Chick Fila after the hospital for breakfast.   My new favorite breakfast there is the multi grain bagel with chicken, cheese, and egg.  It is so delicious and I most definitely ignore the calories.  And ignore my Lindsay Lohen nails that is not dirt just eye liner I could not get off (and yes I need a manicure bad).

 

I swear this Summer we have had so much rain around here.  It broke a little Saturday night to  reveal the most gorgeous rainbow.  It stretched across the whole sky, I have never seen one this stunning before.  It reminded me of God's presence and how amazing he is.

Saturday we had planned a couples baby shower for my sister in law. Even though she had her baby that morning we went ahead with the shower, we had too much catered food to waste!  Matt and I did not get to stay too long since we had a sick babe with us but we enjoyed some fun for a bit!

you can see the rainbow in the back here again, so pretty.

And lets please discuss Sterling's outfit.  This was obviously the outfit of his choosing, as you know I have real issues with wife beaters. I have a very opinionated 3 year old who insists on dressing himself.  But honestly I was just glad he choose this over a princess skirt so I let it ride.  His pose is classic, fits the outfit so well and has me a little worried about the future... (and that is Daddy's beer not his).

Outfit Deets:  DVF Dress old but similar HERE and HERE, Dolce Vita Sandals (on sale!), Loren Hope Gold Bracelet
I love a stripped fitted dress on a pregnant woman.  Both dresses I linked to above are on sale and if you plan to wear while pregnant I recommend ordering up a size.  If you don't own a pair of Dolce Vita Sandals you need a pair, I live in mine all Summer.

Speaking of Stripes, I was browsing Piperlime, they are having their huge Summer Sale right now with up to 70%.  There are some really great finds on there of course the one dress I really want is not on sale.  How great are the colors in this Marc Jacobs stripe dress?  Pretty sure I need it!
{Marc Jacobs Stripe Dress} 

 But this Splendid Maxi is on sale and I do love it.  It comes in red, green, or blue.  Such a great dress and it looks so comfortable.  It would look really great belted too!  You can shop the sale HERE.
{Splendid Stripe Maxi Dress}

I took Sterling to see his first movie in the theater, Monsters University.  I actually really loved this movie.  It was so cute.  Sterling did pretty well for about an hour then he got antsy.  But if you have kids I really recommend it.  I think I may have enjoyed it more than him!

Hope you have a great Monday we are off to the doctor to get Sterling checked out.  Why is it kids always get sick over the weekend then you have to wait to see the doctor???
xoxo

Weekend Style Files

I am thinking about starting a weekend blog post where I will include an outfit I am obsessed with and then recreate it for you guys. This is a little trial run:)

 I came across this image on Pinterest (big surprise) and I have been obsessed with it ever since. I am not sure my large pregnant body will look cute in this come Fall but maybe after the New Year I can rock this.  I decided to put together how I would recreate this outfit.

I actually own the Madewell Chambray shirt in the lighter wash and love it (it does run on the larger size so consider going down a size, I got an XS).   It is the perfect loose fitting Chambray shirt to pair with skinny jeans.  Makes me want the darker wash too.  I also own the Rag and Bone Jeans below and trust me, they are the best fitting jeans ever.  I promise they suck you and lift you up.  I included flats and pumps because most of the time I prefer flats for daily wear!  This is going to be my go to outfit come Fall!

MADEWELL CHAMBRAY SHIRT IN FERROUS WASH | RAG AND BONE HIGH WAIST JEANS | HOUSE OF HARLOW DOUBLE SUNBURST NECKLACE | MADEWELL CHAMBRAY SHIRT IN HARVEST WASH | JOAN AND DAVID LEOPARD PUMPS | MADEWELL LEOPARD FLATS | TORY BURCH AMALIE TOTE

Hope you are all enjoying your weekend!

xoxo

Predicting the Gender: Boy Or Girl

The time is almost here we find out the sex of our baby next Wednesday- don't worry I will most definitely announce it on here.  I am not doing a gender reveal party or anything, I like the idea of just Matt and I being alone and finding out together.  Something special about just the two of us sharing that moment.  I thought it would be fun to test out some of the old wives tales and see how accurate and true they are.  I don't honestly believe any of this stuff but it will be interesting to see what is accurate and what is not.

CHINESE CALENDAR:

The Chinese calendar determines the sex of your baby by entering your due date and age you were when you conceived.  I have no idea how this can be accurate and even the site says it is a 50/50 chance (duh).

The Chinese chart says you're having a GIRL!

RING TEST:

If you have never done the ring test, you take a strand of your hair and place your wedding band on it.  Have a friend hold it very still over your belly.  If it goes in circles it is a girl, if it goes back and forth it means boy.  It is kind of crazy how violent the ring moves one way or the other.  Oddly enough I tried this not pregnant and it did not do anything so it must have to do with hormones or something.

Test said GIRL

BAKING SODA TEST:
You put baking soda in a cup and pee in it.  Supposedly if the baking soda fizzles it is a boy, if it remains flat it is a girl.  I had never heard of this one before but tried it out, mine was pretty much completely flat, a white ring formed around it but no fizzing.
Test said GIRL

MORNING SICKNESS:
Supposedly the sicker you are the more likely it is a girl.  I don't believe this one at all because I have had several friends who have had boys that had bad morning sickness.  With Sterling I had no morning sickness, this pregnancy I was very nauseous the whole first trimester.  Never threw up but had a hard time eating, all food made me want to vomit.
If myth is true: GIRL

HOW YOU CARRY THE BABY:
If your belly hangs low (or in front), you're having a boy. If it's high (or wide in the middle), you're having a girl.
According this I am carrying like its a BOY

HEARTBEAT RATE:
If the baby's heart beats faster than 140 beats per minute, it's a girl. 
Heartbeat at last visit was 145, right near cut-off
Test says GIRL

CRAVINGS:
If you crave sweet things it is a girl, sour things a boy.  I don't really get this one.  I honestly have had few cravings this pregnancy.  Main difference between this pregnancy and with Sterling is I have wanted to eat healthier foods, I crave salads and fruit.  With Sterling I ate junk the whole time, salads made me want to vomit.  Also loved cheeseburgers while pregnant with Sterling and have not wanted one at all this time around.  Not loving red meat. 
BOY or GIRL who knows on this one 

I know there is no way these can actually predict the gender and it is fun to try but I take no stock in the answers.  I don't really believe in this kind of stuff, I mean how accurate can it really be?? Anyone tried these and have success with these? 
Humor me and take a vote boy or girl?  
I will reveal next week.

Oh and I am also over at Cassie's amazing blog Hi Sugarplum participating in her 20 questions series, while she is off on vacay!  Check out my answers HERE!

 

Have a great weekend! 
xoxo

 

Stuff You Should Know About

Have you guys heard of the site Lydali? Well I was introduced to this site thru a friend of my brothers. One of his dear friends started the site and it is pretty amazing. Lydali is a site where you can buy products made from artisans in remote areas of the world, and it is such awesome stuff!! So unique and made by such talented people in far corners of the world. A great way to globally shop and support these artists! 

I love their mission statement: "Lydali’s mission is to share beautiful, ethical products and the stories of the artisans and designers who make them. We envision a world where every consumer is empowered to change the way the global economy works, bringing opportunity to craftspeople all over the world. "

The girls at Lydali were sweet enough to send me this Taupe Diamante Clutch and I love it.   Currently I have been using it as a clutch but once the baby comes I am going to use it to store diapers and wipes in my purse.  Such a chic little pouch with so many possibilities.  Plus it is only, $32!

  Lucky for you girls for the next week with code DBDD15 you can get 15% off any purchases.  Trust me the stuff on Lydali is already great prices but with the code it is a real steal!!  Plus a great way to support these amazing artisans.  Any of these would make such thoughtful gifts for someone.  Visit Lydali and go get your shop on!

 A few other favorites from the site are:

Blue Kuta Clutch | Ofi Clutch | Wood and Gray Leather Bangles | Pink Agate Dusty Earrings 

Colorblocked Spatulas |

Pretty awesome stuff?  I promise their website is filled with all sorts of cool stuff!
You can shop HERE.
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Dark Chocolate Kit Kats.  Where have these been all my life??  They are so darn good, way better than the regular. I have been eating these like it is my job.  So far the only place I have found them at is Target.  I am embarrassed to admit how many grocery and drug stores I have stalked for these.

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Forever 21 Tribal Print Maxi.  I just picked up this dress and love it.  The print reminds me so much of Mara Hoffman.  Plus it is comfortable, any pregnant friends it is a looser fit and will totally fit your growing bellies.  Plus it is only $22!!

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Target C9 Champion Workout Tanks.  I still swear by Lululemon, my fave workout gear but lets be honest we all can't afford to wear that all the time.  I tried these tanks on at Target and they rock, such a great fit and not clingy in the belly area.  I picked up the purple color, our store had very limited sizes in stock so you may have more luck online.

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Sabra, cucumber dill veggie dip.  This stuff is ridic,  Made with Greek yogurt so it is healthy.  Delicious with veggies or pita chips.  Such a great snack.

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Dish it any other fun new stuff I should know about?

xoxo

Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Either you are a quiche lover or hater and I am a lover.  It is such a versatile meal and so easy to whip together.  It is like a savory breakfast for dinner.  Eggs, cheese, veggies, and crispy flaky pie crust- count me in.  I have made many a quiche before but this one tops the charts.  It is officially my new favorite quiche.  The bacon and zucchini/squash go together perfectly with the eggs.   I found this recipe from Cooking Light but of course I had to fatten it up.  Flavor is in fat people- I wrote my changes in pink beside the regular recipe that way you can make the low fat version or my superior full fat version!  I had to add extra bacon and cheese.  I saved time and used a store bought pie shell, but if you are feeling ambitious go on and make the homemade one.  If you hate quiche give this one a try it just might change your mind. 

Enjoy!

:: S U M M E R   S Q U A S H, B A C O N,  A N D  M O Z Z A R E L L A  Q U I C H E ::

Adapted from Cooking Light

INGREDIENTS

• Crust: (I used store bought)
• 6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup ice water

• Filling:
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups (1/8-inch-thick) slices yellow squash
• 2 cups (1/8-inch-thick) slices zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots (used 1/4 red onion instead)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (omitted this because I did not have any)
• 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk (I used 1 cup heavy cream)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (I used 12 slices of crumbled bacon)
• 3 large egg whites
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (I used about 1.5 cups of mozzarella and Gruyere)

PREPARATION

**If you use a store bought pie shell skip steps one- three and just bake the pie shell for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees.  From there follow the rest of the instructions from step 4 on.**

1. To prepare crust, weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor, and pulse 2 times or until combined. Add butter and shortening; pulse 4 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With food processor on, add ice water through food chute, processing just until the mixture is combined (do not form a ball). Press mixture into a 4-inch circle on plastic wrap, and cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour
2.   Preheat oven to 400°.
3. Slightly overlap 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a slightly damp flat surface. Unwrap and place chilled dough on plastic wrap. Cover dough with 2 additional sheets of overlapping plastic wrap. Roll dough, still covered, into a 12-inch circle. Place dough in freezer 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can easily be removed. Remove top sheets of plastic wrap, and fit dough, plastic wrap side up, into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate coated with cooking spray. Remove remaining plastic wrap from dough. Fold edges under, and flute. Pierce bottom and sides of dough with fork. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
4.  Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
5.  To prepare the filling, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add squash, zucchini, shallots, and thyme; saute for 5 minutes or until squash and zucchini are tender, stirring frequently ( I sauteed mine for about 10-15 mins to get good and tender). Cool the squash mixture slightly.
6.  Combine 1 cup reduced-fat milk and the next 5 ingredients (through eggs) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Arrange squash mixture evenly over crust, and sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Pour the egg mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until filling is set. Cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.