Thoughts For Thursday

Lots going on in my mind.

Can we discuss the Bachelor?  Monday nights are so good.  Kelsey is plain cray cray and is the story about her husband dying even true??  I get a weird vibe from her.  Princess Jasmine aka virgin Kim Kardashian want to be needs to get the boot.  So far my two favorites are Whitney (being my first favorite) and Kaitlyn.  and how awkward was the sex therapist date??  I almost had the change the channel I felt so uncomfortable.

I made my first purchase from Topshop.  I ordered these adorable Palm Print white shorts. They are even cuter in person.  Can't wait to wear them over my bathing suits this Summer.  They are precious on.

|| Palm Print Shorts

I had a few girls over for an impromptu girls night Tuesday with wine and apps.  Matt often works late Monday and Tuesday nights so it was the perfect night to have some company.  I stopped by Goat Sheep Cow quite possibly the cutest meat, cheese, and wine store and picked up some aweseome cheeses and meats.  They were amazng so much better than the grocery store selection.

 That Banshee Chardonnay is one of my favorites!

We had way too much fun chatting, trying on clothes, and laughing!

I have had a gift card to ASOS for almost a year now.  That site stresses me out.  There are so many cute items but so many items to navigate through to find the cute stuff.  But damn if I was going to let my $50 gift card go to waste.  I settled on a romper something I have been wanting but can't find a cute one.  I figured its not my money anyways so I will give the romper a try.   Ya'll this romper is adorable and the best one I have tried yet.  She is a keeper.  Plus under $50. I highly recommend.  For those curious I am in a size 6, I try to size up in Rompers I hate them too tight.

|| Woodstock Romper

So our kitchen was grouted this week!!  A few final things have to be finished but here is a sneak of the grouted backsplash.

This picture of the kids after church melts my heart.

New favorite lip color, Mac in Sweetie.  It is a great everyday color.

and it is like half the price of most expensive make-up brands.

 Old Navy Spring line for the kids is good.  I am kind of obsessed with this top Frances Moon is wearing.

 Linen Blend Top | Leggings

 Loving these short and long embellished beach dresses.  Can't decide if I want the long or short version.  This is by the same brand that made the fringe/beaded back dress I mentioned last week which btw now comes in pink, yellow and black!  They make some killer beach wear!

White | Turquoise

Long White | Long Turquoise

 I have been taking shots of this apple cider vinegar nightly and I swear it helps digestion issues and weight gain.  Anyone else do this?  I always hear how great this particular apple cider is.

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar

Enjoy your Thursday.

3 Salads You Must Make

Happy Humpday Friends.  Today I have not one recipe but three kick ass salad recipes.  They are all different but oh so good.  The quinoa and shaved Brussels Sprouts salad make great lunches and save well in the fridge.  The Iceberg Salad we paired with steaks and it was incredible.  They are all worth making!

Enjoy!

|| S H A V E D  B R U S S E L S   S P R O U T S   S A L A D  W I T H   C R I S P Y  

P R O S C I U T T O ||

I basically made this recipe up, I had a bag of Brussels Sprouts about to go old and just didn't feel like roasted them again.  This salad is on point.  The crispy prosciutto pairs perfectly with the Brussels.

Even Matt gobbled this up and said for green stuff this is pretty good.  You could also add shredded kale to this if you have any.

- 1 bag Brussels sprouts washed and shredded with a knife or mandolin

- 6-8 slices of prosciutto

- Parmesan cheese

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- juice of one lemon

- 1 garlic clove minced

- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

- salt and pepper

Shred the Brussels Sprouts- I use a knife because I cut my finger on the mandolin once and now it scares the crap out of me.  Just thinly slice with a knife and throw away the stem/core part.  Place in a bowl.  Mix dressing- olive oil and next 4 ingredients and pour over Brussels.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lay the prosciutto slices flat not over lapping on a baking sheet and bake about 10-15 mins until crispy.  Shred fresh Parmesan on top of salad and toss all together.  Then layer prosciutto on right before serving.

..............................................................................................................

|| C R I S P Y   I C E B E R G   S A L A D ||

 (from Ina Gartens' new cookbook "Make it Ahead"}

This is a spin on a traditional wedge salad.  It is so good.  The crispness of the radishes, celery, and green onions pair perfectly with the iceberg.  The homemade dressing is amazing. I will totally make the dressing again just have on hand.  Surprisingly Sterling loved the blue cheese dressing and dipped his carrots in it and kept requesting more. So don't buy store bought dressing definitely give this homemade one a try and it takes like 5 mins to make.  We gobbled it up. The recipe did not call for bacon but I added bacon because everything is better with bacon.

Dressing \\

4 ounces Roquefort Blue Cheese

2/3 cup good mayonaise

1/3 cup plain  Greek Yogurt

1 tablespoon Sherry Vinegar

salt and fresh pepper

Salad \\

4 tender inside celery stalks, trimmed and sliced

6 radishes trimmed and sliced into rounds

5 scallions sliced white and green parts

1 large head iceberg lettuce

4-6 ounces Roquefort Blue Cheese.

For the dressing, place 4 ounces of blue cheese in a bowl and microwave about 10-15 secs until it begins to melt.  Place the mayo, yogurt, warm blue cheese, and sherry vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a blender or food processor and process untll smooth.

For the salad, combine the celery, radishes, and scallions in a bowl.  Slice the head of iceberg across to make about 4-5 3/4 inch rounds.  Place on a dinner plate.  Spoon the dressing over the lettuce and sprinkle the veggie mix on top.  Top with blue cheese and I added bacon:)

..............................................................................................

|| Z U C C H I N I   M I N T  A N D  P I S T A C H I O  Q U I N O A ||

(from Clean Slate Cookbook)

I made this for lunch a few weeks ago and really liked it.  You cook the zucchini so it gets a bit caramelized and has terrific flavor.  That paired with the mint and pistachios makes for a light healthy salad. 

1.5 cups of water

1 cup quinoa rinsed and drained

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 zucchinis thinly sliced

1 garlic clove minced

3 scallions

1/4 cup roasted salted pistachios

juice and zest of one lemon

1/2 cup fresh mint chopped

Bring the water, quinoa and salt to a boil.  Reduce heat, cover, and simmer until liquid has absorbed and quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.  Transfer to a large bowl and fluff with a fork.

Heat oil in large skillet.  Add zucchini and cook until golden and tender about 10 minutes.  Add garlic and cook about 1 minute do not let it burn.  Season with salt and pepper

Stir in scallions, pistachios, lemon zest and juice, and mint.  Season with salt and pepper and serve.  I added a little extra drizzle of olive oil too.

Shopbop New MarkDowns || Get Your Shop On

Hey Friends.  Just wanted to stop in and tell you Shopbop just did a bunch of new mark downs!  I went  through and rounded up my favorites.  Just scroll through to see them all.  Thinking I finally need to snag this blouse in white and these shorts.

You can shop all the new sale arrivals here.

Home Updates and Home Obsessions

I am starting to feel like our house is slowly coming together.  My main focus lately has been our kitchen and remodeling it.  It is the room we spend the most time in and I figure wheter we eventually add on or sell this house kitchen updates are worth the expense.

So far we have had the built-ins done around the fridge, purchased a new fridge, knocked down the cabinet between the kitchen and dining room, had recess lights installed, and painted the cabinets Decorators White (they were a horrible brown).  This weekend we had our back splash tile laid.  They are actually coming back this morning to grout and finish painting a few cabinets.  I went with white subway tile (I know its what every one and their brother is doing too) but I decided to switch things up and have it laid in a herringbone pattern and do a dark gray grout.

This is a view right in the middle of all the work, after it is grouted I will show more photos.

Our next phase will involve putting in new floors, I am thinking hardwood just to flow with the rest of our house.   I hate the current tile we have and also knocking out a small wall between the kitchen and dining room, it will make the kitchen and dining room one big open room.

Here is a before shot where you can see the stainless back splash before.  The white subway tile really brightens things up. You can also see the ugly tile on the floor I can't wait to replace.

I also worked on cleaning and organizing our porch.  This project got side tracked because of our kitchen work but it is coming along nicely.  I just need a cute light and glass door installed.

It is a great spot because it is right off the kitchen so I can open the door and let the kids play while I cook.

Rug (25% off)

I also tried (tried being the key word) to style under our newly mounted tv.  I have a hard time styling spaces and Matt won't allow anything tall that blocks the tv at all.  

Any thoughts on what to put on there? 

 

Finally potted a new orchid for our den.  See my post here on how to pot and style an orchid like a pro.

 Mirrored Tray Here.

Since I am on a real home kick, I thought I would share some things I am loving for the home.

|| Japenese Florals

I love these Japenese Florals, if I had a spot I would so order them. They had been $900 down to $200.  There are three different prints, they would look great above a couch or in a bedroom.

|| Side Table

I just adore this side table.  It is simple but so sleek looking.

|| Ikat Pillows

I love these blue ikat pillows, they are such a steal for a set of two.

 

|| Callie Glass Desk Boxes

I love the idea of these for jewelry or sitting out on a coffee or console table filled with pretty objects.

|| Quartz Candle Holders

These are now on sale.  I have a similar one pictured below and just love it.  So cute on any table.

|| Felt Banner Bright Side | Keep it Real

I really want one of these cute Felt Banners to hang on our porch!

 

|| Gold Foo Dogs

I want to find a place for this adorable pair.  I love foo dogs and especially love the gold!

|| Amelia Crystal Lamp

Do you guys ever browse the Pottery Barn Teen section?  I always do!  You can find great stuff for great prices.  I love this crystal lamp, thinking about it for my vanity or desk.

|| Black Swirls Triptych

I am always a fan of black and white art. So classic even when it is modern.  This would look great over a couch, buffet, or bar cart area.

 || Round Coffee Table

I love the idea of a round coffee table, especially with kids. This one is stunning!

this version is just as pretty and more budget friendly.

|| Moroccan Tea Glasses

I could not resist these pink glasses.  I love this smaller size for juice, wine, and cocktails.

They also come in a gorgeous turquoise color.

Double Duty Outfit || Work and Play

Work Clothes can be hard.  My sister often comes to me for advice on what to wear to work.  I like pieces that you can wear for work and still look cute if you go out after work for drinks or pieces you can mix in with your weekend wardrobe.  My sister still wants to look cute for work but not spend a ton of money on boring clothes that she can't wear outside of work.

I don't work a 9-5 job but I do occasionally have meetings with companies where I want to want look pulled together and not in my ripped jeans (which I am usually in on a daily basis).

This is a look I pulled together that I think could be business casual but also cute for running around town.  All three pieces are great staple pieces you can mix in your wardrobe to wear a million different ways.

Cardigan | White Tank | Black Pants | Necklace | Tory Burch Flats | Rebecca Minkoff Purse

I think as women it is hard to find dress pants that fit well and are flattering.  The pants I am wearing rock.  The name really says it all, they are called the Wonder Stretch Slim Pants.  Ladies, they have no zipper or pockets so they are seamless and they stretch to fit your body.  Seriously,  so comfortable too.

I wanted to show the waist band and how they fit.  For those curious I am 5'9 and wearing the size 4.   They run TTS, they do hit a bit short on me because of my height but actually like the length.

 ||Wonder Stretch Slim Pants

They also come in this gorgeous mushroom color.  I ordered both:)

I love that they are seamless and a tailored fit. Perfect for work or play.

I want the tank in all 4 colors.  It is great because it is a thicker material and longer.  I love long tanks for layering under sweaters.  This one is cute alone too.  I am wearing a size small.

You can't go wrong with a great white tank.

|| Perfect Layer Tank

The tank also comes in brown, midnight, and ash.

Love the idea of the midnight color paired with white jeans.

I live in this cardigan.  I like that the back is sheer for a slightly edgy look.  It comes in 5 colors.  I want to buy the black next but I fell in love with the light brown color I am wearing.  It is nice because the fit is loose and it is long enough to wear with leggings too.

|| Cardigan

I think a white blouse is always a good item to have in your closet.  Love it with jeans for play or tailored pants for a sleek professional look.  I love the cuffs and neckline on this one.

|| White Blouse

I also like the idea of cute jacket.  This one would be perfect for work and then so cute with a tee, jeans, and heels for a night out.  It reminds me of Chanel or Rebecca Taylor but way less:)

|| Knit Jacket

One last look at my outfit.

You can shop my whole look below.

A few of my other favorites from the Nic + Zoe line carried at Nordstrom that would be great for work or play.  Nordstrom is great because they always offer free shipping and returns and don't forget they price match now too!  I just ordered a Rag and Bone dress and they matched the price where I found it cheaper!

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own always.