Living Life to the Fullest

This week started off like it normally does a whirlwind.  Trying to take care of the kids and get everyone fed and ready.  Sterling was being difficult arguing about what he was going to wear to school, he is so darn opinionated all the time.  I felt myself getting annoyed thinking why is everything a battle him.  

Then while I was home feeding Frances I was looking on my phone and read about Ryan, his mom is a blogger and writes the blog baby boy bakery.  Now I don't know this family and have never read her blog but this story hit close to home.  Ryan was outside playing and ran in the street to catch a Frisbee and was hit by a truck and killed.  It struck me that this could happen to any of our kids.   I was looking at Ryan's pictures and he reminded me so much of Sterling, so full of personality and life and that life was tragically taken away.  I cried sitting there thinking about how petty it was of me to be annoyed with Sterling about getting dressed in the morning.  I cried for that sweet family and the unimaginable loss of their son.  I can't even begin to imagine the pain they are feeling. Then I read about two more sweet boys who passed away this week.  Then just this morning I learned that our friends in Charlotte whose daughter had been battling leukemia passed away yesterday.  My heart is so  heavy thinking of the loss of those children. Children are just not supposed to die before their parents. Life can be so hard and unfair sometimes.

It has really made me stop and think about how short life can be.  It has made me hug my kids a little tighter, and cherish every moment with them.  We all face struggles everyday and in the moment they seem real and hard but they are nothing compared to what these families are going through.  I am trying to have more patience with my kids especially Sterling because he is 4 going on 15. He is such a smart mouthed boss these days and as much as it exhausts me, you know what,  I love that about him too.  He is so strong willed and certain it will serve him well later in life.  I forget that he is only 4 sometimes.  I walked into this scene last week and it literally melted my heart.  He has such a sweet soul and I want to savor these moments.

and Frances is growing up faster than I imagined.  With the second child it just whirls by. I can't believe she is 5 months, I know her one year birthday will be here before I know it.  I think about the struggle it took for me to conceive her and I am so grateful for her and my heart aches for others going through the same struggle.  I got my baby but some women can't get pregnant or lose their babies.  I feel sad just thinking about that struggle when you so desperately want a child.  Frances has the sweetest personality, she is always smiling and so laid back.  I am so thankful for her sweet light filled soul.

Yesterday this elderly woman walked past us in the grocery store, Sterling was hitting Frances and I was trying to get my groceries as quickly as possible.  I was on the verge of tears because I was tired and my patience was running out and we still had two more errands to run.  She stopped me and said I remember those days well, they seem tough but you will look back and think they are the best days of your life.  The thing is I know she is right,  it is just sometimes hard to enjoy it when you are in the thick of it.  In light of all the events I read about this week I want to try hard and not be stressed out and enjoy these years.  I am lucky to have these children in my life.

Today I am praying hard for all these families and the unimaginable loss and void they are filling in their lives.  I ask you all to do the same.  Prayer helps comfort in times like this.  I am also working hard to be in the moment with my children and not be consumed by my to-do list.  I just want to love them and be present with them.  I am also thanking God for my healthy babies,  when so many others have such uphill battles right now.  I know this is a somber post for Friday but I want to acknowledge the loss of these families.  It just isn't fair.  Lets be there for them in their darkest moments.

Please keep all these families in your prayers right now as they are going through the unimaginable.

NDM Style: Easy Summer Dress + Saks Sneak Peek Sale

I love easy Summer dresses.  Ones that I can wear during the heat of the Summer and still look put together and cute.  Dresses that are lightweight and cool are key down here in Charleston.

 This is me laughing at Sterling acting a fool.  I am no model that's for sure, but Sterling is a great photographer's assistant always making me smile.

But back to the dress.  I bought this dress two years ago in gray and wear it all the time.  When I saw it was back in new colors this year I knew I had to have it!  It also comes in navy which would be a great neutral color too.  I am partial to green though so I went with the olive green color.  I think it is such a flattering color on everyone.

Madewell Dress |  House of Harlow Sunburst Necklace | DV Daffodil Sandals | Gucci Tote | Ray Ban Aviators

For those curious I am 5'10 and yes this dress is on the short side.  I am wearing a size extra small.  I still have some baby weight to lose so after that it will be a bit of a looser fit for reference.

The front of the dress is a touch shorther than the back.

And as you can see I am still wearing my DV Daffodil Sandals all the time.  They are so comfortable and on super sale right now (also available at Thera M locally if you want to try them on)

\\ DV Daffodil Sandal  also in black here

The Gucci Tote is what I bought 5 years ago to be used as my diaper bag for Sterling and I am still using it.  I think it was my first purchase after I found out I was pregnant. I strongly believe in spending a little more for a nice purse that you will like and love for years.  I rarely buy new purses and this one has held up so well!  

\\ Gucci Tote 

We can't forget the arm party.  I wear this trio often.

Alexis Bittar | Banana Republic | Alexis Bittar 

If you live here in Charleston you will see me in this dress often!

You can shop the whole look here:

And don't miss out Saks is having a two day sale with some awesome stuff!.

A rounded up my favorites,  use code FREESHIP for free shipping on all orders!

Summer Staples: Get Em Now!

A few days ago I posted this picture on Instagram of my new favorite Summer outfit and I got a lot of requests for details.  If you are on Instagram and see the #liketkit hashtag- which I am sure you see everywhere, it just means you can get all the outfit details emailed to you with links to shop.  All you do is visit liketoknow.it and enter your email address.  Then if you "like" a blogger's outfit on instagram a few minutes later you will receive an email with outfit details and links to buy.  Its pretty easy and pretty genius.  

I am wearing The Rag and Bone Boyfriend shorts.  They are pretty much awesome and I know I will be living in them all Summer.  I paired them with this cute silk blouse from Madewell that is on sale.

I am wearing a small in the blouse for reference and the jeans shorts run on the large side so definitely go down a size!

Madewell Blouse (on sale) | Rag and Bone Jean Shorts  also here | Theodosia Necklace | Joie Gladiators (on sale)

and these Joie sandals have been my favorite pair this Summer.  They are on sale at Saks but only a few select sizes!

\\ Joie Gladiators

Shop the whole look:

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Much to Matt's dismay Cinco de Mayo fell on a Monday and I stood strong on still doing our meatless Monday- although we did have tequila so that probably negates the healthy food we ate.  I decided to make a healthy spin on a burrito bowl.  I love the roasted veggie burrito bowl at Qdoba, so this was my spin on it.  It would be great with brown rice but I had a ton of quinoa from Trader Joes so I used that.  You can really roast any veggies you like, but this combo of zucchini, squash, bell pepper, corn, onion and tomatoes was delicious.  Roasting them brings out such an intense flavor.  So while quinoa can be bland this steps up the flavor!  If you want meat this would be delicious with roasted chicken, ground beef, or shrimp.

Enjoy!

|| R O A S T E D  V E G G I E  Q U I N O A  B U R R I T O   B O W L S ||

- 1 cup dry quinoa cooked

- 1 can black beans

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes

- 1 yellow squash

- 1 zucchini

- 1 red onion

- 2 ears of corn shucked and kernels sliced off the cob

- 1 red bell pepper

- 1 avocado

- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

- sour cream, and salsa or hot sauce for topping

- 1 lime

Cook the quinoa according to the box.  After it is cooked, fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper and the juice of half a lime.  

Slice all the veggies about the same size. Place on a large pan and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Roast at 350 degrees about 30-45 minutes just depends how caramelized you want your veggies.  

 Below is the size I chopped my veggies.

Heat up the black beans on a skillet until warm.  Sometimes I add a spoonful or two of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor in the beans.

To assemble layer the quinoa, black beans, roasted veggies, and cheese.  Top with avocado, sour cream , jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce.  Serve with warmed corn tortilla shells.

Obsessions

|| See by Chole Marie Sandals ||

I am head over heels in love with these sandals.  They are pretty much perfection.  Saving my pennies to buy these one day.

|| 6 Shore Road Cover-up ||

After seeing the gorgeous Julia rock this cover-up in Cabo, I have convinced myself I need it too.

|| Pink Stitch Maxi ||

I own two of these dresses and love them so much.  They are great while you are pregnant!

Social Dress Shop just got some great new colors back in stock and best part it is only $84!  I love the gray and pink.  The back is super cute and it is the most comfortable dress ever!

|| JCrew Skinny Twill Sweatpants ||

I am loving JCrew's new sweatpant version for the Summer.  I own two pairs of their Saturday pants and they are my favorite.  Love the ivory and navy colors for Summer.  These are so comfortable and cute enough to wear out in public.

|| Rag and Bone Skinny Distressed Jeans ||

I want these to be my next pair of Rag and Bone jeans.  I love the darker color and I have been obsessed with distressed jeans lately.

|| Dolce Vita Romper ||

I have to admit I am not normally a romper person, but I just adore this one.   The lace detail and blue/white combo really draws me in

|| Baublebar Colorblock Threads Necklace ||

I am smitten with this colorful necklace.  It would look so chic just with a white tee and shorts.

|| Dolce Vita Fray Gladiators ||

Another fabulous pair of shoes by DV.    The tan would go with everything! 

 || Edith Miller Boyfriend Dress ||

I am a sucker for a striped tee shirt dress.  Such a classic piece for your closet.   This one comes in blue and tan stripes, I can't decide which one I like more!

|| Tory Burch Cosmetics Case ||

I am obsessed with this new floral pattern by TB.  I would love this cute case to keep in my purse with my lipsticks.  I also love this larger version for traveling.

Life Lately

Good Monday Morning!  Did everyone have a great weekend?  We certainly did, time with old friends is good for the soul!

This past week was a whirlwind after getting back from Dallas.  I had stuff almost every night and then one of my oldest friends and her sweet family came to visit us for the weekend.

This week the fabulous Jamie Meares hosted a Furbish Pop-Up Shop here and let me tell you it was so awesome!!  I loved getting to see all her stuff in person.  I wanted to take everything home with me.

Luckily I had Frances to help me narrow things down.

This is what I ended up with:

Noomi Necklace | Tassel Necklace | Dot Napkins

And of course the best part was hanging out with Jamie.  She is such a cool gal.

Outfit Details

Equipment Logan Blouse (same style different print) | Rag and Bone Skinny Jeans | Madewell Pumps

Then Thursday night was the Hampden and Tibi Runway Show.  Amy Smilovic the designer of Tibi was actually there and we got to see the Fall line, and trust me it is good!

I wore an old Tibi Dress and my new Noomi Necklace (its on sale right now for $18!) Wearing my Madewell Pumps again, I swear they go with everything.  I have been wearing them non-stop.

For lunch this week I made a version of my Greek CousCous but instead of CousCous I used tricolor quinoa and added in chickpeas.  It was awesome.

Then it was on to the weekend.  Erin one of my oldest and best friends came to visit with her family.  She had her third baby girl 3 weeks before I had Frances and this was their first time meeting!  Hopefully they will be best friends for life.

Her girls are seriously the cutest.  Sterling had so much fun playing with them.  It did make me realize that 3 kids is hard work, dealing with 5 kids all weekend was interesting for sure.  No one was ever happy at the same time and someone always needed something!

We spent Saturday afternoon at the Yacht Club, the weather was just perfect.

We ate an incredible lunch at The Glass Onion, I love that place!  I have never had a bad meal there, it is always so fresh.

Sunday Matt had to work for a few hours so I took the kids to the beach.  Our first trip of the season.  Of course Rufus joined us.

 and I have to show a full view of Frances Moon's Marysia Swim bathing suit.  I have been waiting months to dress her in this, it is so darn cute!

Leaving you with this wonderful quote from Mother Theresa.

xoxo