Cover-ups, Cocktails, and Beach Fun

Happy Monday friends.  I hope you all had a great weekend. This Monday is not so bad because we are on vacation.  I dream about this week every year!  

Wanted to share a few beach favorites.  I have been loving this cover-up/bikini combo that I ordered from French Connection.  I love that the cover-up goes on like a robe, it just ties in the front.  So it is super easy to get on and off at the beach.  Plus the pattern is amazing.

I have a hard time with bandeau bikinis, but this one actually doesn't make my chest look super flat.  I like that you can tie it around your neck or wear it strapless.

Palm Cover-up | Bikini Top | Bikini Bottoms

 

and of course I have to share a picture of me and my sweet girl, Frances Moon.

This was her first trip to the pool and she loved it!

 

How cute is Frances in her Burberry bathing suit?  My mom bought her this when I found out I was having a girl.  I have to admit I am slightly envious of Frances Moon's bathing suit collection:)

Also wanted to share this cover-up I found at JCrew and have been living in.  It is on sale now for super cheap use code SWEET to get an additional 50% off the sale price!  Runs on the large side, I am wearing a small but could have fit in an XS.

\\ JCrew Tunic

Now onto the important things like cocktails.  My dad has created quite possibly the best margarita ever.   It is a combo of cucumber, jalapenos, lime juice, and tequila.

He muddles the cucumber and jalapenos together and then juices the lime to make the base.  Add tequila plus a splash of orange juice and you have a killer cocktail.

Mom and I approve.

If you need the best flip flops ever do yourself a favor and order some TEEKS.  All of us ladies have been rocking them everyday!  They are the perfect nude flipflop.

\\TKEES Foundation Flipflops in Cocoa Butter

Today marks the start of Gigi New York's Friends Of Friends Event.  I have a Gigi All in One Clutch, Uber Clutch, and Crossbody bag and I love them all! Use code WEAREFRIENDS to get 15% all off orders thru Sunday!

My two favorites, that I carry all the time, I actually have the Uber clutch in two different colors.

Elle Cross Body Bag | Uber Clutch

Next I want this Teddie Tote.  My sister has one and uses it for her everyday purse and even for her laptop for work.  It is pretty much awesome.

Lastly a few family pics.  You will all appreciate Matt's "fake smile."  You can see where Sterling gets it from!

Have a wonderful start to your week.

xoxo

Life Lately

TGIF.  Today marks the first day of our week long vacation and I am so excited to relax in the sun.

I guess since Monday was Memorial Day I never shared pictures from our weekend.  We traveled up to the mountains for one of my close friend's wedding and it was just beautiful up there.  I am such a beach person but I do love the mountains every now and then.  We stayed in an awesome cabin in Valley Crucis.

We had such a good time with my old high school friends.

The happy groom and one of my best friends (his dad married Matt and I )

Before we left town Sterling graduated from his 3 year class.  I can't believe next year will be his last year before kindergarten!  Gotta love the fact he chose to wear cowboy boots for his performance!

After his graduation we tried out a new restaurant here called Box Car Betty's that was incredible.  It was the best fried chicken sandwich I have had.  All the chickens are organic and locally farmed, which I really liked.  This sandwich was slathered with pimento cheese, pickles, and peach cole slaw.  It was truly incredible.  They are located on hwy 17 for all my local friends.

We did a family boat ride Monday night, that was just gorgeous.

I started packing for our family vacation. I am so excited for a week to relax and most importantly spend time with my mom and dad and brother and sister and their spouses.

*If you like vodka try the Absolut Texas it is cucumber and Serrano chile. It is refreshing with a bite at the end!

Flamingo Towel | Burberry Bikini | LSJ Hat (use code LSJ-DBDD for free shipping) | Absolut Texas | JCrew Coverup | Cards Against Humanity

If you are looking for the perfect Summer Tee, I found it!  The Bella tee from La Senorita Jolie is my favorite!  I have been living in mine.  It is soft and the colors are gorgeous. Best part it is only $34!  Use code LSJ-DBDD to get free shipping on all orders!

I am wearing it with my Rag and Bone Boyfriend Jeans Shorts also here

Social Dress Shop is offernig 15% off all Zinke Swimwear.

I have this one piece and love it. Use code SWIM15

Zinke Starboard

I also love this mint one piece!!

I just started reading the best book.  If you are looking for an easy Summer read you must buy/download Jane Green's Tempting Fate.  I am hooked.

Have a great weekend!

NDM Style: 50 Shades of White

You might remember this Sabine blouse I blogged about last week.   It recently arrived and I just love it.  Lately I have been all about neutrals. I love wearing tans, blush, and white and layering them all together.  I think it creates such a fresh and clean look.

 This tank top is so light and airy and I just adore the lace detail.  Added bonus it is super comfortable!! It runs true to size, maybe on the larger side because it is a loose fit.  It also comes in red and black.

Sabine Tank Top | Rag and Bone White Jeans | DV Daffodil Sandals | Gigi New York Clutch |

Boho Beads Tassel Necklace | Dolce Ave Shell Necklace

The great thing about white on white is you can wear any accessories.  

These are two of my favorite necklaces because you can layer them so many different ways and they are affordable.  You must check out my friend Meg's Etsy Shop Dolce Ave, she creates such unique necklaces, like the shell one I am wearing.

The tassel necklace is from a Raleigh company called Boho Beads, they make kids necklaces too!

Boho Beads Tassel Necklace | Dolce Ave Shell Necklace 

The turquoise from my Gigi New York Purse is the perfect pop of color with the white.  I carry my Gigi New York Uber Clutch all the time.  It is great because you can fit so much inside it.

I swear by the Rag and Bone high waisted white jeans.  Most flattering white jeans ever.  They are worth the money I promise.

The DV Shoes are also a favorite and on major sale (less than $50).

I have to include one with my main man.  He loves getting in my pictures now- I should dress him up too next time!  As you can see he dressed himself:)

Sabine (the line that makes the white tank top)  has quickly become a new favorite line of mine.  It is affordable yet looks expensive.  A few of my other Sabine favorites.

You can shop the whole look below.

Italian Sausage, Kale + Zucchini Quiche

I am always experimenting with quiche recipes.  Quiches are so easy to make and filling.  I think this may be my best recipe yet.  It is filled with spicy Italian Sausage, lots of Grueyere cheese and plenty of greens in the form of kale and zuchinni.  The combo is really fantastic.  You won't be disappointed, it is super flavorful.

Also I am starting something new on my cooking posts, at the bottom of each post I will link to all the tools I used to make my meal.  I get a lot of requests for what cooking tools I use and love,  this way you can see what I am actually cooking with!

Enjoy!

|| I T A L I A N   S A U S A G E + K A L E  Z U C C H I N I  Q U I C H E ||

- 1 Pie Crust

- 1 lb hot Italian sausage browned

- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes

- 1.5 cups baby kale

- 1/2 large white onion sliced thinly

- 1 small zucchini sliced

- 2 cups Gruyere

- 6 eggs

- 3/4 cup milk

- 3 tablespoons flour

- 1/2 tsp baking powder

- salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees and cook pie shell 10 mins.  Remove from oven and cool.

Brown sausage and drain off all fat.  I like to place on a plate with paper towels to soak up the grease.  In the same pan you cooked the sausage in, add a little olive oil and saute onions and zucchini about 5-7 mins.  Then add in kale and sun dried tomatoes, cook just until kale is wilted.  Remove from heat and stir in browned sausage.  In a separate bowl whisk 6 eggs with flour, baking soda, and salt and pepper.  Stir in sausage mixture until combined well.  Finally stir in cheese.   Pour mixture into cooled pie crust.  Bake at 350 degrees about 30-40 minutes.  This can be made ahead and save well in the fridge foe a few days.

Shop the tools I used below: