Fridays Favs

ONE \\  Shopbop + BornFree

Have you guys checked out the Shopbop and Born Free Collab?  I am swooning over all the little girl outfits!  This Chloe dress is my absolute favorite.  I also love this two piece set and the Lemlem kids patio dress is amaze.  I always love supporting a good cause while I shop.

Chloe Born Free Dress

I love the TB bags as well.  The tote is reversable and I love both the patterns.

TB Reversable Tote

and my other favorite is this Isabelle Marant Blouse.  You all know I love a blouse and this pattern is fabulous.

TWO \\ French Connection Bikini Top
and Bottoms + Cover up

My exercise motivation arrived yesterday in the form of a cute bikini and cover up from FC. I am obsessed with the Palm Print.  Normally bandeau tops never fit right coverage wise but this one fits great!

THREE \\ Kate Spade On Purpose Collection

I am loving the new Kate Spade On Purpose Collection.  Everything is hand made by artisans in Rwanda.  This collection is helping to inspire women there to support themselves.  I had to have this floral clutch.  I love that you can slip your hand under the bow to carry it.  Plus the vibrant floral colors are perfect for Summer.

I also love the Pom Pom Scarf.

and how cool are these fabric necklaces?? Only $50 and if you sign up for emails you can get additional 10% off your order.  They would be so cute with a white tee or tank.

FOUR \\ KRAVE BEEF JERKY

This beef jerky is amazing. Best beef jerky I have ever had.  It is all natural no weird ingredients.

 The two flavors below are the only two I have tried but they are off the hook good.  So much flavor and the meat is so tender unlike standard tough beef jerky.

FIVE \\ Homemade Baby Food with Beaba

I am all about homemade baby food this time around thanks to my friend Melisas who created Giggle Bites.  She really opened my eyes to how processed baby food even the organic kind is.  I normally feed Frances Giggle Bites but ran out and had to buy the premade kind.  The texture and color really turned me off, so I decided to bust out my Beaba which I love and make a few batches of homemade baby food.  It is so easy to make and so much cheaper.  Plus it is satisfying in a weird way.  I kind of love making baby food:)

This cookbook has great baby food ideas

  and these storage containers are awsome. You can pop them in the freezer and then just pop out a 2 oz serving portion when you are ready.

 SIX \\ Tory Burch Sale

TB just marked down a bunch of new stuff including swimwear!  I am kind of obsessed with this black bathing suit and these flats need to be mine.  My mom just got these black wedges and they are such a great everyday shoe. Scroll thru to see my favorites.

SEVEN \\ The Fault in Our Stars

I am almost done with this book, it is sad but really good!  I need a new book recommendation so lay them on me!

EIGHT \\ Quote

This quote really spoke to me.  So true.

Happy Friday!

Working on My Fitness + Zella Favorites

I have decided it is finally time to get real and lose the last of my baby weight that is lingering.   Everyone said oh, nursing will burn off all that weight just you wait.  Well guess what it never did.  Then people told me once I stopped nursing I would lose the last of it because my body was holding on to it while nursing.  I stopped nursing 3 weeks ago and still no magical weight loss.  The truth is I have found it really hard to lose the last of the weight with baby number two.  I have also had a hard time finding the time to exercise with two kids.  I am run ragged most days and don't have the time or energy to get to the gym.  I run about once a week on the weekends but that is the extent of my exercise these days.  I know I need to make exercise a priority not only to tone up and shed a few pounds but for my mental sanity.  I am a happier person when I have some physical activity in my life.  I am writing all this on here to try and hold myself accountable.  My plan is to wake up early two days a week and run while the kids are still asleep and then also run once each weekend.  Now that it is lighter in the morning I am hoping I can get my butt out of bed and take advantage of the extra daylight.  In addition to that I would like to do a Tracy Anderson video or Barre class once a week.  That gives me 4 days of exercise and I would be happy with that.  Any tips from moms on scheduling workouts, finding the time and holding yourself accountable?

I decided some new workout clothes were just what I needed to inspire me.  I wish Charleston had a great department store but sadly we don't.  So last weekend when I was in Charlotte I hit up Nordstrom and checked out the Zella line in person.  I have heard nothing but amazing things about Zella and the clothes did not disappoint.  I took my mom with me and tried on almost every piece they had in stock.  I needed an honest opinion on what looked good and what didn't- that is what mom's are best at, telling you the truth!  It was hard to narrow down what to buy because I loved it all.  These were two of my favorite pieces I picked up.

Zella Tank Top | Zella Streamline Capri Leggings  also in purple | Puma Tennis Shoes

I just love the capri pants.  They fit like a glove and I felt like they really helped to suck in my flabby stomach.  I honestly had a hard time deciding what color to go with.  If you are between sizes go down a size for the extra support.

  I chose the navy version because it was different from my standard black ones.  The live in slim fit capri is the style I am wearing.  It also comes in this gorgeous purple color.

I almost bought these leopard ones, I kind of loved them and they will probably be my next pair.

I also really loved the space dye version as well.  It comes in three fabulous colors.  All are the same style as the navy ones I am wearing.

The tank top is plain awesome.  I can usually find pants that I like but tops are hard for me.  I hate nothing more than a workout top that is too clingy and shows all your lines and bulges.  This top fits great not too tight, not too loose- the perfect fit.

It comes in five different colors.  I really love this royal blue color too.

For the price it is such a great workout top.  I am wearing a size medium for those curious.

Double Scoopneck Tank

I also loved this compression tank.  It is super cute on.

Seamless Compression Tank

Just so you can get a good laugh and see me being really "active" in the clothes here you go!

The best arm workout is lifting this guy!

For those curious my shoes are Puma but they are an older version.  This is a similar version and a great running shoe!

Puma Narita V2 Running Shoe

and how amazing are these hot pink pumas?

You can shop my whole look below and my other Zella Favorites!

This post was sponsored by Nordstrom.  All thoughts, opinions, and clothing choices are always my own!

Stovetop Mac and Cheese

 

 

Confession I love box mac and cheese.  I know it is so processed and not good for you but I can put down some Velveeta shells or Kraft Mac and Cheese.   However, I got to thinking I wonder if I could make my own.  A few google searches later and a scan of our pantry and I was in business.  The homemade kind is super easy and oh so good!  You can use any noodles you have and any cheese you have.  I happened to have half a box of elbows left and white cheddar cheese.  This mac and cheese was so creamy and delicious!

Enjoy!

|| S T O V E T O P   M A C   A N D   C H E E S E ||

1 pound pasta (elbows, penne, rigatoni, whatever you like)
1 1/2 cups whole milk
2 Tablespoons flour
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
Pinch cayenne

 

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 
2. Warm 1 cup of milk over medium heat. Whisk together the remaining milk and flour until there are no lumps. When the milk begins to steam, whisk in the flour mixture. Whisk until it begins to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. It will be the consistency of heavy cream. Gradually whisk in the cheese. Add salt, pepper, dry mustard, cayenne, and nutmeg. When the cheese has completely melted, add the pasta.
3. Coat the pasta completely in cheese sauce. Serve immediately.

 

Maxi Dress Loving + Natural Balance Board

Today's Obsessions post is all about Maxi dresses.  I am a huge fan of the maxi dress.  It is such an easy Summer staple.  Charleston summers are so hot and a maxi dress is such an easy outfit to throw on and look effortless. 

I recently got this Snakeskin Maxi from Piperlime and I am obsessed with it.  It is a great price and such a cute dress.  I have been wearing mine with flats but it would be so easy to toss on some heels and fun jewelry and wear this for an event.

\\ Eight Sixty Snakeskin Maxi Dress

Ray BanAviators | Alexix Bittar Bracelets

I love that it has a built in necklace.  It also has adjustable straps, so you can make it as short or as long as you need.  The colors are even more vibrant in person.  It is a loose fitting dress and runs on the large side, I am wearing an XS.  This would be such a fabulous dress pregnant because it has plenty of room for a growing bump!

 

 Ever since I started doing my outfit posts Sterling always wants to jump in the picture with me and I love it:)  Special photos of me and my sweet boy.

If you are a Banana Republic, Gap, or Old Navy card holder you can get 10% percent off your order today with code TUESDAYS.

A few of my other favorite maxi dresses.

|| Madewell Embroidered Maxi Dress ||

I have been loving anything and everything embroidered for Summer. 

|| Splendid Drapey Maxi Dress ||

A great everyday neutral dress.

|| Ella Moss Bondi Maxi

Love the drape top and color scheme.

|| Born Free Marni Maxi

I love the pattern on this maxi and proceeds go to HIV research.

 || Parker Cassie Maxi Dress ||

This dress comes in three fabulous patterns.

|| Gypsy Tie Maxi ||

I have been all about tie dye lately.  I actually own a few Gypsy Maxi dresses and love them.

|| Line and Dot Maxi Dress ||

Another great pattern-  Can you tell I love patterns?

|| Parker Nikko Print Maxi ||

I am loving the gorgeous watercolor print on this maxi.  It would be perfect for a Summer wedding.

|| Soft Joie Maxi ||

This is a great casual Maxi.

Shop all my favorite maxi dresses below.

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Lastly I want to give a shout out to our good friends who started the Natural Balance Board Company.  I knew Brook in Charlotte and now she lives in Charleston right down the street from us and does a lot of our family photos.  She and her husband started the company Natural Balance Board and it is such a cool product.  It is fun for kids and adults.  It is great for balance, exercise and toning.   The board helps minimize the risk of injury while working and strengthening the core.  Sterling has played on ours non-stop.  I use it often for stretching after I workout.   Check out their website HERE.  If you are local Wonder Works carries their boards so stop in there too and help support a local company and local friends!

It is a great product for surfers too to help with balance.  Matt is a big surfer so he was pretty excited about this board. 

(side note that is not Matt below, it is Brook's husband demonstrating how to use the board) .  So check out the Natural Balance Board, it is a pretty sweet product!

Life Lately

I hope everyone had a fabulous Mothers Day whether you are a mom yourself or were celebrating with your mom.  I was lucky enough to be in Charlotte for the weekend so I actually got to the spend the day with my mom! It was a special day.

I tried out a new juice recipe that is amazing.  After all the crap we ate last weekend I told Matt we needed some green juice each day to start our day off right.  I swear I have more energy the days I drink my green juice- may just be in my head but either way its extra energy!

We decided to add a jalapeno in per my sisters suggestion, she had just finished a juice cleanse and loved the jalapeno juice.  It gave the juice a perfect spice.

Just juice kale + spinach + 1 organic Fuji apple + 1 baby cucumber + 1 lemon + 1 inch piece of ginger peeled + 1 jalapeno seeded and sliced in halve

I have been wearing my tassel necklace from Furbish Studio nonstop.  I love it.

 \\ Tassel necklace also in light pink | yellow | blue

Miss Frances Moon finally rolled over.  Not gonna lie I was starting to get worried since we are approaching the 6 month mark, but she finally did it! 

We celebrated my soon to be third nephew this weekend in Charlotte with a baby shower for my sister in law.  I am so excited for my brother and her.  They will be such awesome parents!  

We snapped this picture before we left of me, my mom, and sister.

We didn't plan to all wear animal prints but somehow we did- great minds think alike.

Taylor's  Dress | My Dress

 

Here we are with my sister in law who is the cutest pregnant person ever.

I enjoyed my first martini since before I was pregnant.  My dad makes the absolute best martinis and he hand stuffs the blue cheese olives.  Pure heaven I tell you!

I admired my mom's peony bushes all weekend.  It has inspired me to want to plant my own- anyone know if they will survive and thrive in Charleston like they do in Charlotte?

Crazy story.  This week marks the one year anniversary of my grandfather's death.  You may remember the story of how my mom found a frog in her kitchen the day after his funeral.  Well she has not seen a frog again until this weekend Sterling spotted one on their patio. It looks exactly like the frog she saw on her table a year ago.  We all knew it was grandfather back to tell us he was OK (and probably sneak a peek at Frances too since he never got to meet her) we were all laughing and in tears.  

Sterling was so excited.  and yes those are Christmas decorations we cleaned out from my grandfathers house he wanted to keep.  I think that was probably the original elf on the shelf. Christmas in May!

Mothers Day we went to church which was nice but chaos with the three kids!

Then my dad took us all out to brunch to celebrate Mothers Day.  I had the most amazing lobster Cobb salad- I am still thinking about it.  It was from McCormick and Schmicks, and actually all our meals were excellent.

Ended the day thankful to spend it with these two precious babies.

I am one lucky Mama.

 

Have a great week!