On My Nightstand and Sterling's

I have really been into reading lately. Since I am up late night nursing Frances, I bring my Kindle in her room get cozy in the rocking chair and read while I nurse her- FYI if your Kindle is not back lit and mine isn't you can download the kindle app for free and read on your ipad or phone. It automatically sincs up all devices which is nice. This way I can read in the dark while I feed her.
 This is a list of my recent reads including a few new cookbooks that I love. 

CALLIES BISCUITS AND SOUTHERN TRADITIONS-  I am a huge fan of Callie and her delicious biscuits.  She is a Charleston girl after my own heart with her amazing recipes.  This cookbook is awesome and side note if you see Callie's Pimento Cheese or biscuits at your grocery store buy them they are amazing. If your grocery doesn't sell them you can order the biscuits HERE and Pimento Cheese HERE.

GIADAS FEEL GOOD FOOD- I received this book as a Christmas Gift and immediately devoured it front to back.  Not only does it have really gorgeous recipes but it is also filled with health and beauty tips from Giada who at 40+ looks pretty freaking amazing.  I have tried several recipes from here and they were all awesome and full of flavor.

REAL GIRLS KITCHEN- This book is by Haylie Duff, Hilary Duff's sister. I bet you are thinking it is random she has a cookbook and it kind of is, but the cookbook is legit.   I first started following her on instagram where she posted some really delicious looking recipes which got me intrigued.  Her cookbook is actually pretty awesome.  I have made a few recipes, the veggie sandwich and kale salad which did not disappoint.  The book is paperback and I usually prefer hardback cookbooks but it is a nice size.

AERIN LAUDER BEAUTY AT HOME- I have a major girl crush on Aerin, love her and her style.  This is one gorgeous coffee table book.

THE HUSBAND'S SECRET- I mentioned this book Monday but it was one of the best books I have read in a long time.  I devoured it and was sad when it was over.

WHAT ALICE FORGOT- This is by Laine Moriaty as well and also a really awesome thought provoking book.  Alice falls and hits her head and forgets the last ten years of her life.  She is currently in the middle of divorcing her husband but only remembers from when she was first pregnant with their first child.  It is a really good story that makes you think about relationships.

THE SILVER GIRL- I have really been into Elin Hilderbrand books since this Summer.  I think I have read 5 of them so far.  They are all easy reads and the characters are easy to relate to.   This one is about a woman whose husband pulls a sort of ponzi scheme and she is left penniless and shocked that the man she new did this without her knowledge.  During the prosecution and trial she goes to Nantucket to live with an old friend and rediscover herself.

THE LAST ORIGINAL HOUSEWIFE- I loved this book.  Another relationship story about a woman ending her 20+ year marriage to her husband.   Part of it was set in Charleston which I especially loved.

TORI SPELLING: SPELLING LIKE IT IS- I am a bit embarrassed to admit I read this book but it was actually pretty interesting.  It talks about Tori's last pregnancy which she nearly died from and how she lost all her money.  I read this in two days.  It is from Tori's first person point of view so it feels like you are talking with her in person. and don't hate but I am a Tori fan.

I think my love for reading is hopefully rubbing off on Sterling.  He loves story time.  I read to him before his nap and at bedtime Matt and I each read him a book.  These are our all time favorite books they are aways on heavy rotation in our house.  The Peter Brown Books are awesome I highly recommend them all, they are cute and funny.  Dragons Love Tacos is our book we always read on Mason Taco Night:)

Please send some new book recs for me and Sterling our way!  We love finding new favorites!

Immediate Gratification

Immediate Gratification, this is something I struggle with in several aspects of my life.  I like immediate results, I don't like waiting.   For example when I am decorating my house and lets say I want new pillows, I immediately go out and start looking for a pair.   I usually buy the first pair that I kind of like, take them home knowing they are just so-so but keep them because I want an immediate change and then 3 months later I am sick of them.   When what I should have done is taken the time to search for just the right fabric and had them made.  Yes it would have cost me more money but in the long run I would still have those pillows and love them.  I finally did this recently had pillows and ottomans custom made and I could not be happier with them.

Same with clothes,  when I find a good deal or something on sale I am tempted to buy it.   Not because I love the item or need it but because it was a bargain (and I love the thrill of a good deal) and several months later I am over it.    I get quick fixes at places like TJMaxx and Forever 21 when I am just in the mood to shop and buy something.    Most of the time within a year I am sick of those items.  I need to shop with a purpose with a specific item in mind instead of aimlessly shopping.   I spend way more money on all these little so called bargains than if  I had just saved up and bought one thing I truly loved and needed.

People are the same way in life too.  For instance when I wanted baby number two I immediately wanted to get pregnant right away on our first month of trying and that is so unrealistic.  I had to learn to slow down, have patience and trust in God.  We all need to learn that sometimes good things take time and are worth the wait.   We need to have a little faith in God.  Wheter you are trying to get pregnant yourself, or searching for a new job, or even searching for a significant other these things take time.

This year my goal is to try and save and buy more investment long term pieces.  The items in my house and closet that I spend a little more money and thought on are always my favorites.  Yes they cost more but year to year I never tire of them so in the end they are the better investment.   For example my Rag and Bone Booties, Vince Leather Jacket, and my Gucci Tote ; all examples of things I paid quite a bit for but truly love them and get my money's worth out of them.  

I decided to compile a list (I love making lists) of a few investment pieces I want to add to my closet, I have a home list as well.  I would love to know what you deem a good investment and if there is anything I should add to my list.  New motto is quality over quantity. 

Although its gonna be hard for me to kick my TJMaxx habit, there is just something about the thrill of a good bargain! 

|| CHLOE MARCIE LARGE SHOULDER BAG ||

This is my dream purse.  If I saved (for a very long time) I could eventually buy this beauty and I bet I would carry it for years like my Louis Vuitton I got in college and have carried for 10+ years.

|| RAY BAN SUNGLASSES ||

I owned a pair of these once and either lost them or they were stolen from my car and they were my favorites.  I have bought several cheapie pairs of sunglasses at TJMaxx but I never love them like I did these.

|| RAG AND BONE SKINNY JEANS ||

I have one pair of these but would really love another pair in a different wash.  They are worth every penny.

|| LOEFFLER RANDALL SCALLOPED BALLET FLATS ||

I really want to invest in a pair of good black ballet flats.  My last pair were Cole Haan and I paid close to $200 for them but they have lasted me forever.  Love the scalloped detail that makes these stand out a bit.

|| MARYSIA BATHING SUIT ||

Once this baby weight is gone I am treating myself to an awesome bikini.  In the past I have just bought cheap bikinis that I don't love and that don't fit well. I never feel confident or good in them.  I want a bathing suit that I feel amazing in even if I wear the same one all summer long.  I have been in love with this Marysia Bikini for several years.  Classic perfection. 

|| CHARRIOL STATION BRACELET ||

I borrow my mom's bracelets like these every time I am home.  It is time to start my own collection that I can hopefully pass on to Frances one day.  These bracelets are awesome alone or stacked together.

What is on your investment list? 

Kale + Quinoa Salad with Lemon Tahini Dressing

I have decided for the month of January I am going to try and stick to healthy recipes for my Wednesday posts.  I think we are all looking to detox a bit after the holidays and eat healthier as part of our New Years Resolutions.   

I am addicted to Kale Salads.  I usually make the New York Times Tuscan Kale Salad for lunch every week but I got the itch to try something new.  This months Cooking Light had a whole page of new Kale Salads to try and this is my spin on one of the recipes. I find Kale salads are better the longer you let them sit with the dressing on.  The leaves are heartier and won't get soggy so you can make this the day ahead and it just keeps getting better.  The dressing is the best part of this salad it is so flavorful.   I love that the salad incorporates quinoa, a grain, because it helps fill you up.  Lets be real sometimes an hour after I eat a salad I am still hungry. The quinoa gives the salad some bulk.  I added in pistachios because I love them and really like the crunch it gives the salad.

Next time I think I am going to add in some roasted mushrooms for an extra veggie and goat cheese.

Note- I doubled the dressing for one bunch of curly organic kale.  I try to always buy the organic kale.  I felt like it needed more dressing because the leaves were so dense.  If you use Tuscan Kale also called Lacinato Kale (the long thin leaved kind ) the measurements below may be enough.  When in doubt double it and add as needed.  Also if you aren't familiar Tahini can be found in the peanut butter section of the grocery store in a jar.  It is great to make hummus with as well.

|| K A L E + Q U I N O A  S A L A D  W I T H  L E M O N  T A H I N I  D R E S S I N G ||

- 1 bunch kale, stemmed and sliced into thin strips

- 1/4 cup pistachios chopped

- 1 cup cooked quinoa

- fresh grated Parmesan cheese

- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (approx one lemon juiced)

- 1 tablespoon olive oil

- 1 tablespoon water

- 1 tablespoon tahini

- 2 teaspoons soy sauce

- 1/4 teaspoon pepper

combine the kale and quinoa.  Mix together lemon juice and next 5 ingredients.  Toss over salad.   Grate fresh parmesan over top and sprinkle with pistachios.

Obsessions

||VINCE LONG SLEEVE PINTUCK FRONT TEE ||
Vince tees are my favorite.  This gray tee would be a staple in any closet.   You could layer it for winter or it is lightweight enough for Summer.   Love the pintuck detail.

 
|| GREYLIN SILK MAXI DRESS||
Am I the only one ready for warmer temps and summer dressing?  I love this maxi from Greylin.  It would be perfect now with a leather jacket  or sweater as seen below and then alone for summer.

|| MALACHITE DESSERT PLATES ||
I have lusted after these beautiful plates forever.  They are finally on sale (still expensive though) but I think they would be something you would use all the time when entertaining.  And how gorgeous would the green be at Christmas??  An investment but just think I have had the same dishes for almost 7 years now, you would get your moneys worth for sure.

||AEROLATTE FROTHER ||

While I patiently wait and save to buy my Nepresso, I have been using my Aerolatte Frother.  I had forgotten I had bought this because I didn't drink much coffee while I was pregnant but I busted it out this weekend and I have been enjoying the perfect Cappuccino every morning.  It honestly makes getting up so early not so bad to know I can have a tasty cappuccino.  This little handheld device is only $16 totally worth it!

|| T BY ALEXANDER WANG STRIPPED TEE DRESS||

I am a sucker for stripped dresses and tee shirt dresses.  This fits the bill plus I love the T by Alexander Wang line. It also comes in a Mint\black color combo that I really love.

|| CHASER BASEBALL TEE||
I just got my first Chaser tee and I am obsessed with it.  You know those super soft worn in feeling tee shirts?  Well that is just want these feel like.  They are a looser fit and not clingy which I love.  I have a solid color one but really want this Baseball Tee for the Summer.

||REBECCA TAYLORCLIP DOT BLOUSE||
There is nothing I love more than a good white blouse.  It can go with anything and always looks classy.  This is the perfect Spring/Summer blouse.

|| IKAT NAPKINS ||
I have really been into cute napkins lately, they make entertaining and setting the table so much more fun.   These are currently on sale 50% off and I love them.  Great for a Summer Outdoor Party!

|| TORTOISE DAPHNE DROP EARRINGS ||
I have been seeing alot of Tortoise in the spring/summer trends forecast.  I love these earrings and the price ($34) even better.   They would go with everything.  The tortoise bracelets are already sold out so snag these earrings before they do too!

|| DOLCE VITA ALPHA SHOES||
I love this Summer spin on the D'Orsay flats.  These come in camel and black and would go with everything!  I am partial to the camel color it would look so good paired with white skinny jeans or white shorts!

Mondays Musings

First Monday of the New Year and I am feeling motivated and refreshed- minus the lack of sleep around here, although I swear my body is getting used to two hour increments of sleep!   I have to say as tired as I am , I don't mind the late night feedings because it is really the only time Frances Moon and I have alone to bond.  

Now that I am officially six weeks post birth, I am ready to kick things into gear and start exercising and eating healthy.  I even have Matt on board for eating healthy. I want to start back our meatless Mondays and eat more fresh veggies.   I decided to attempt to meal plan something I am not very good at.  I like to decide what I want to eat that day and hit up the grocery store, but now with two kids I don't have that luxury.   I recently got both these cookbooks and really love them.  The Raw Detox book is filled with great smoothie and juice recipes and Giada's new cookbook looks awesome.  The new issue of Cooking Light also has some great Kale Salad recipes that I am trying out this week.

In keeping with my attempts to be healthier this New Year, one of my main goals is to drink more water and most importantly to start my day with a cup of warm lemon water.  I can't tell you how many celebrities swear by this trick, its so easy.  It really hydrates you and supposedly makes your skin tighter and fresher.  I started this 21 day detox where you just drink a cup of warm water every morning right when you get up before you eat or drink coffee and I swear my skin is already looking better on day 5.

I am also all about getting organized this New Year for my blog and personal life.  I bit the bullet and ordered this GIGI New York Embossed Snakeskin Planner.  I love the look of it and the fact it features monthly and weekly pages.  I even had my initials embossed in gold on it- once it arrives I will share pics, but I already know I am going to love it!

For Christmas I bought my Dad these shot glasses carved out of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.  I read about them in Oprah's magazine when she featured them on her favorites list - gotta love that my girl Oprah loves her some tequila.  After seeing my Dads I knew Matt and I needed a set.  We used them last night for our taco night and they are awesome.  They provide the perfect hint of salt with your tequila.  Beware though the longer your drink sits the saltier it gets.   These would make such a cute gift with a bottle of tequila:)  Plus you gotta love the gorgeous pink color.

You can order them here from the Spice Lab.

Rebecca Taylor is offering an additional 25% off all sale items and there are some great deals, check out the whole sale HERE
Use code RTWINTERSALE when you checkout.

I have this Colorblock Sweater and love it. It is so soft and lightweight.  It also comes in a blue version.

I would love to add these beauties to my closet.
PYTHON BLOUSE|| LEOPARD SWEATER || FADED LEOPARD TEE || EMBELLISHED TEE || ARTISONAL BLOCKED DRESS ||
How cute does the Python Blouse look on Sarah Michelle Gellar?

I am looking to invest in a new pair of running shoes, it has been over a year since I bought my last pair and they are on their last leg.  I prefer lighter weight ones, I am considering these Nikes- any other great recs for running shoes.

|| NIKE FREE 3.0 V5 RUNNING SHOE||

I just finished reading the Husbands Secret per Amy's rec and it was such a good read.  One of the best books I have read in awhile.  I highly recommend it.  I have been doing alot of late night reading on my Kindle while I feed Frances.  Any other good books I can add to my download list?

Lastly,  I have to share a few pictures of Frances Moon  She is getting so big, 6 weeks today!  She really is the sweetest most easy going baby.  We love her so much!

xoxo

Saturdays Steals and Splurges: Vince Blouse + Harrow Booties

Happy first Saturday of the new year friends!
 I thought for the New Year I would start a new weekend post series called Saturdays Steals and Splurges.  This is gonna be a fun way for me to share things I have bought or I am lusting over.  Some days I will compare two similar items one cheap and one expensive, other days I will just share some fun finds. Today I am sharing two things I got for Christmas that are currently on major rotation in my wardrobe.

I have written about my love for Rag and Bone on here frequently.    Last time when Shopbop had their sale I was lucky enough to get the elusive Harrow Booties.  I would consider these booties a splurge even on sale but worth every penny, I promise you.   I have to tell you I am smitten with them and have been wearing them nonstop.  They are so comfortable and go with any outfit from dresses to jeans.  They run slightly on the small side so order up half a size if you are concerned about fit.  I have the black suede and they rock.

||  RAG AND BONE HARROW BOOTIES ||
also available in all black HERE

I also got this awesome Vince Blouse for Christmas.  I actually ended up wearing it New Years Eve.  Ladies it is a great post pregnancy blouse because it is loose and I need loose these days to cover my saggy tummy.   It is actually loose enough that I think it could be worn pregnant too.Vince blouses are my absolute favorite they are such classic pieces that always fit well, are good quality, and can be worn all the time from dressy to casual.  I see myself getting alot of wear out of it.  It is long enough to pair with leggings and skinny jeans. It is a steal on sale right now 40% off in olive green and ivory. If you can find Vince on sale buy it!

|| VINCE BLOUSE ||