Easiest Appetizer + Life Lately

I can't believe I have not shared this super easy appetizer yet.  It is three ingredients and so tasty!

All you need are phyllo shells (usually found in the freezer section), pimento cheese, and red pepper jelly.  Place the  phyllo shells on a baking sheet and fill with pimento cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees about 10-15 mins until cheese is bubbly.  Remove  let cool just a minute add a dollop of red pepper jelly. These babies are super easy and tasty!

Rebecca Taylor is currently having their Friends and Family Sale you can get 25% off any purchase with code RTSPRINGFF14  Shop the whole site here.  Her Spring line is stunning.

My top pick is this gorgeous watercolor blouse .

I also love this white embroidered top.  The perfect white blouse for Summer. Would look awesome with white jeans or jean shorts.

Last Saturday night we tried out the Bay Street Beirgarten with my brother and sister in law.  We had a blast.  It was such a fun place with a cool atmosphere.

I did my first shotski (and shot post baby).  Things get crazy when my brother is in town:)  Luckily I only did one shot so I was not hungover the next day:)

Andy Cohen would be proud.

  Then Sunday we heaeded to Charlotte for my nephew Finleys first Birthday.  They did a Mexican theme party and it was awesome.  I am talking a margarita machine and taco bell soft tacos!  We had a blast!  How precious is sweet Finley?  I still can't believe he is one already!

I love Spring in Charleston.  We went on a walk the other day and collected the most gorgeous flowers, that smelled amazing.

I got my second Clover Canyon Dress and I can't wait to wear her.  I am planning on rocking her to an upcoming trip to Dallas.   Ladies she is on sale right now and I highly recommend, it fits like a glove!

\\ Clover Canyon

If you live in Charlotte you must eat at the Wolfgang Puck Restaurant at Phillips Place.  My mom and I took the kids there this week and it was so good.  We had the short rib pizza, chicken meatball pizza, and kale salad.  They all were awesome. Plus they have a great outdoor seating area perfect for kids!

I am starting to realize how much Sterling and Frances Moon look alike they are such twins.  Love how sweet they are to each other.

Have a great weekend friends!

NDM Style : Its Wedding Season

I feel like April marks the beginning of wedding season.  We had a lull last year but this year we will end up having five weddings to attend.   I am always on the lookout for dresses I can wear to both weddings and Rehearsal Dinners.  I recently found this Trina Turk dress at Nordstrom and fell in love with it.  The color is magnificent!  It is such a vibrant coral color.   Nordstrom has such a great selection of dresses always- now if only Charleston would get an actual store!

Trina Turk Shift Dress | Baublebar for Nordstrom Necklace c/o | Baublebar for Nordstrom Bracelet c/o |Cole Haan Shoes (old) similar here and here

I always love a shift dress, I feel like they are flattering and easy to dress up or down.

The back of the dress is pretty awesome too.  I love how it cuts in for a fun detail.

I am really loving the Baublebar for Nordstrom Collection.  There are some seriously fabulous pieces.  The necklaces are affordable and super chic.  I love the hot pink color of the one I am wearing.  Pink is always a good idea.

\\ Baublebar Necklace

I paired it with my Baublebar for Nordstrom bracelet as well.  Nordstrom was sweet enough to send me both as a gift and I was blown away by the quality for the price, its only $28!  I have been layering this bracelet with my others for everyday wear!  It comes in 4 colors too if you don't like the pink.

My shoes are old Cole Haan, so sadly they are no longer available.  I love a good nude sandal and pump, they elongate your legs and go with everything!  These Sam Edleman Nude pumps are gorgeous.  Everyone needs to own a good pair of nude pumps.   I am loving the new SJP line as well, these nude sandals are awesome.

You can shop my whole look here:

This post was brought to you by Nordstrom.  All thoughts and opinions are my own always:)

Roasted Veggie Lasagna

I always love a good lasagna recipe.  This one is a delicious vegetarian version.  It is loaded with tons of fresh veggies roasted til they caramelize producing such a vibrant taste.  The roasted veggies paired with the creamy Bechemel and cheese give this lasagna incredible flavor.  This is a great dish to make ahead,  you can freeze or store in your fridge a day before you cook it.  We served ours with a salad and crusty bread and it was a homerun dinner.

Enjoy!

|| R O A S T E D  V E G G I E  L A S A G N A ||

adapted via The Italian Dish

Ingredients:
 for the bechamel:

• 1/2 cup butter (1 stick)
• 1/2 cup flour
• 4 cups milk
• some grated nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp ground white pepper
• 1 chicken bouillion cube (amount that you would dissolve in 1 cup water)
• Vegetables to roast : I used two small zucchinis, two small squash, 1 small head of broccoli, shredded carrots, diced onion, 3 garlic cloves minced
• Shredded fresh spinach about 2 cups
• Lasagna noodles for one 13x9 inch baking pan
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1.5 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

For the bechamel:
In a medium sized saucepan, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for just a minute or so. Slowly add the milk and keep whisking. Add the nutmeg, white pepper and bouillion cube and whisk. Cook for a few minutes, whisking, until the bechamel has thickened slightly. Set aside to cool. Stir it once in a while so a skin doesn't form.

For the vegetables:
Chop vegetables uniformly. Mince garlic. Combine the mixed vegetables on a large baking sheet pan. Drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast for about 30-40 minutes at 400 degrees. Stir them about halfway thru.  I like my veggies slightly carmelized if you don't just roast for a shorter amount of time.  Set aside to cool slightly.

Cook lasagna noodles for 5 minutes, until soft. Shock in a bowl of ice water, lay on towels to dry.
Spray a 13x9 baking pan with a little cooking spray. Spoon some bechamel thinly on the bottom of the pan. Start with a layer of noodles, a layer of bechamel, some vegetables, shredded spinach, and then a layer of a little parmesan and mozzarella. Repeat layers until you have 3 layers of noodles. On top of the last layer, don't use any vegetables, just some bechamel and the remaining cheeses. Cover tightly with foil.
 Bake for 50 minutes in a 350 degree oven. Remove foil. Bake for a little longer until top is slightly golden. Let sit for about 15 minutes before slicing.

Obsessions

\\ REBECCA MINKOFF ASHER CROSSBODY

I spied this purse in the Nordstrom catalog and fell in love with it.  I love the studded detail and the colors are great for spring. The handle detaches too so you can also carry it as a clutch.

 

\\ REBECCA TAYLOR SWEET WILLIAM DRESS

I love this shift dress.  The floral print is just perfect for Spring and Summer.  You could wear this for so many different occasions from church to a shower.  Plus it just got marked down on Shopbop!

\\ YOSI SAMRA CAMBELLE FLATS

Really digging these colorblock flats.  They are so simple and would go with everything!

\\ DEMYLEE ENYA TANK

I can't say enough great things about this tank top.  I lived in mine while I was pregnant and still love it.  It looks awesome with skinny jeans or fitted mini skirts because it is looser.  and pregnant friends I wore mine the whole nine months.  It just got back in stock in 3 great neutral colors.  Runs on the large side I had an xs.

\\ MARYSIA ANTIBES SCALLOP ONE PIECE

If you follow me on instagram you saw I attended the Marysia event at Everything but Water last week. I was finally able to try on her suits in person and let me tell you they did not disappoint.  They are the most flattering suits ever.  I was smitten with this one piece.  Normally I would not post a picture of myself in a bathing suit but I wanted to show how flattering it is especially post baby.  It runs on the large side- I have on a small and I am normally a medium in swimwear. This bathing suit is an investment but you feel like a million bucks in it.  It comes in a bunch of great colors too.

\\ EQUIPMENT SIGNATURE BLOUSE IN NUDE

This blouse is the most perfect neutral color.  It would look so great with white skinny jeans.

Equipment makes the best blouses.   I tried it on in size small and loved it!

\\ MARK AND GRAHAM MODERN POOL TOTE

I love the sleek modern look of this pool tote.   It would make a great gift too.  If you have not checked out the Mark and Graham site you should it is filled with tons of cute monogrammed things!

I also thought these seersucker napkins were pretty darn cute.

\\ SPLENDID WILDFLOWER SKIRT

Love the print and style of this skirt.  So cute with just a plain white tee and some cute flats.

10 Beauty + Hair Items to Try

I am a creature of habit when it comes to make-up.  I find something I love and I stick with it.  I rarely buy new make-up. However,  this year I decided it was time to try out some new products.  These are a few of my new favorites.

ONE \\ NARS BRONZER IN LAGUNA

I have actually used this before and I really feel like it is the best bronzer out there.  It is not too orange or gold and gives the perfect hint of color.  I use this daily instead of blush.

TWO \\ MAKE-UP FOREVER AQUA EYES EYELINER

I have a difficult time with eyeliner.  I used to love the two faced 3 way eyeliner and I still like how it goes on but mine was drying up the same month I bought it and that ain't cool.  As far as pencils go this is one of my favorites because it doesn't smear.  It goes on easily for a precise line.

THREE \\ JO MALONE PEONIES AND BLUSH PERFUME

This is the most gorgeous smelling perfume.  I smelled a sample of it in a magazine and knew I had to have it.  I recently wore this to a baby shower and several people commented how nice I smelled.  I do recommend buying the lotion too- I think the fragrance lasts longer when you layer the two together.  The great thing about Jo Malone is you can buy these small 1 ounce bottles. So you don't have to spend a fortune.  

FOUR \\ NARS LIPSTICK IN GYPSY

My mom had this lipstick and I borrowed it while I was home and fell in love with it.  It is the perfect amount of color.  It is a great neutral red.

FIVE \\ LOREAL VOLUMINOUS MASCARA

I am still loving this cheapie mascara.  I find it goes on well and makes my lashes look great.  A steal for the price.

SIX \\ NARS EYESHADOW IN BELLISIMA

Confession, previous this to this eyeshadow I had been using my NAKED palette for three years.  How gross is that?  I finally tossed it and picked up these new colors.  You can wear them day and night which I really like.  They are a great neutral combo for anyone.

SEVEN // ORIBE TEXTURIZING SPRAY

I am not a big hair products person.  Most hair products make my hair either greasy or stiff and I hate that feeling.  This spray is on the pricey side- $40 but lasts forever,  I have had mine for 2 years now.  I use it as a dry shampoo to fluff up my hair when I don't want to wash it and it smells amazing. It is also great to use when you are styling your hair to help hold curl as well.

EIGHT \\ BASS BOARS BRISTLE BRUSH

I know you have all heard of the Mason Pearson hair brush and I won't lie I used my moms and it is amazing.  But this Bass version is totally equal I swear, and a fraction of the price.  I found mine at TJMaxx so check there for one.  It is made with the same boars hair bristles and really adds volume to your hair.

NINE \\ FREDERICK FEKKAI SHEA BUTTER SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER

This stuff works miracles on my dry over processed hair.  It conditions really well and leaves my hair soft and sleek.  It also smells really fresh!  My hair can last several days without washing when I use this shampoo and conditioner.

TEN \\ GOLD HAIRBRUSH

Another TJMaxx score,  I use this brush on my wet hair to detangle it.  I wish I knew the brand on this one but if you see it buy it!

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

I hope you all are enjoying your Saturday.  We are having a leisurely day over here til our dinner out tonight!

I wanted to share my new favorite outfit.  I decided to bust out my white jeans (gasp before Easter)!  Although I feel like that is an old wives tale not til wear white til after Easter, I feel like now anything goes. I have tried a million pairs of white jeans and didn't own a pair til last year because I couldn't find a pair that didn't make me look like a cow.  It is hard to find flattering white jeans.  These Rag and Bone Skinny white jeans are the perfect white jean.  They are higher waisted, not too tight,  not see thru, and super flattering.  I promise you the best white jeans around.

Rag and Bone Skinny White Jeans | Nicole Tank | Dolce Vita Sandals

The tank I am wearing is also Rag and Bone and it has quickly become my favorite piece for Spring/Summer.  I have been wearing it under my leather jackets and blazer and now that the weather is warmer alone.  It is so soft.  The back is the best part.  It also comes in a great blue color too.

\\ Nicole Tank

The shoes are the Dolce Vita Daffdols.  I have been wearing mine non-stop!  They are a real steal for the price!

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Kate Spade is having their Friends and Family sale.  Use code to get 25% off all purchases.

Shop Here and use code S14FFUS.

I am loving this cute stripe dress.

 Also digging these pave studs.  Such a great everyday earring.

These bow flats are so adorable and come in 4 great colors!

Totally in love with this nude Claremont purse. The perfect nude shade for everyday!

 Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!

Thoughts For Friday

Yay for the weekend!  Anyone have great plans?  We have a fun dinner out Saturday with my brother and his wife trying out the new Beirgarten and then Sunday we are celebrating my nephews first Birthday!  I can not believe it has been a year since he was born, I still remember sitting and waiting in the hospital for the news that he had arrived.  Such a special day I will never forget seeing my sister become a mom for the first time.

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So, I have yet to write about this but lets discuss the Conscious Uncoupling of Gwyneth and Chris.  I have to admit when I first read of their split I was sad but not surprised.  I liked that they kept their relationship private for the most part which led me to believe they were happy.  I appreciate that they seem to be remaining friends which I think is so important when kids are involved.  It just makes me sad for all Hollywood marriages it seems none can survive.  I was outraged by the comment Gwyneth made about her job as an actress being harder than a regular working mom- read this article if you have not.  This lady's response was awesome.  I still like Gwyneth but I do think some of the things she says are really egotistical and bone headed. 

I do kind of look forward to seeing who they both date next.

Next lets chat about Southern Charm. I have gotten several emails and instagram comments wanting to know my thoughts on the show.  One word its bad- but yes I am still watching it.  I have this problem where I can't stop watching bad reality TV shows.  I find it odd that the none of the cast are real friends it seems they just threw them all together for the sake of the show.  Cameron and Shepp seem the most real and down to earth.  TRav just embarrasses me- I mean hasn't he done enough damage to his name, I have no idea why he would chose to do this show other then to get his name out to run for political office ( and our state is backward enough we will probably elect him).  I have no idea why Jenna is even on the show other than to showcase someone who is not your typical Southerner.  and how the heck does she afford that huge house? I have to say Whitney's mom is my favorite to watch.  I love her life of leisure just sitting in caftans all day having drinks brought to her:)  and how many people work at her house just to take care of her??  What do ya'll think?

Lately I have been all about some tie dye.  I am thinking about adding this Joie Sweater or this Equipment tee to my closet.  The Joie sweater is part of the Bloomingdales Friends and Family so it is a forerunner.

I am on mascara two of my great mascara search.  Currently, I am trying out Benefit They are Real.  I have to be honest it is not much better then the Loreal Illuminous which is way cheaper.  Both have been way better than the Maybelline I was using.  I think Chanel and Josie Maran are next on my list.

Ignore my nails- I never have time for a mani these days!

I am having a hard time dropping my last 5 pounds of baby weight so I have been trying to eat cleaner because lets be real I can't cut out my wine!  Any tips for dropping the last 5-10 pounds?   I made this for lunch the other day and it was fabulous.  It is provolone, turkey, and avocado plus the Tuscan Kale Salad.

Now that the weather is warmer I am finally able to dress Frances in some of the cute Summer outfits we have.   I swear for the first few months she lived in the same 5 onesies and pants so it is fun to dress her now that she is getting a little bigger.  I just want to freeze time I love this age so much.

Gap Dress \\ Rikshaw Jumper

 

Baublebar and Nordstrom just launched an awesome collection together.  They were sweet enough to send me a package with some of the new jewelry and other goodies. You can check out the whole collection over at Nordstrom.

This is Sterling patiently waiting for the confetti and lollipops.

These earrings were part of my gift and I just love them- even better in person.  I can't wait to wear them to a wedding we have in a few weeks.

\\ Crystal Drop Earrings

Have a great weekend!