The Ultimate Veggie Sandwich + Favorite Knives

Meet my new favorite lunch.   I just adore a good veggie sandwich.  If a restaurant has that on their lunch menu I usually order it.  I decided it was time to try and create my own.  I tried this out several different ways but this was my favorite combo.  You really need the flavors of the pepper jack cheese and humus to make this sandwich pop.  Lately I have been loving the Roots lima bean hummus, so that is what I used for this sandwich.  But use your favorite hummus and any combo of veggies you have on hand.  I think this would also be great with sliced bell pepper and sprouts.

The warm toasted bread with melted cheese, creamy hummus and crisp veggies is a killer combo.

A legit veggie sandwich that will keep you satisfied.

|| U L T I M A T E   V E G G I E  S A N D W I C H ||

- 2 slices multi-grain bread ( I like Ezekiel or Eureka Organic Bread)

- 1 slice pepper jack cheese

- hummus ( I used Roots Lima Bean)

- Tomato sliced

- Cucumber sliced

- Red onion thinly sliced

- Grated Carrot (I use my cheese grater for this)

- 1/2 avocado sliced and drizzled with lemon juice

Toast the bread with the pepper jack cheese about 5-7 minutes until cheese is melted and bread toasted.  Remove from oven and spread on the hummus.  Layer on veggies and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Enjoy!

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I also wanted to talk about chopping veggies and what knives I use.  I had a reader request wanting to know how I chop everything so finely and what knives I use.  Chopping vegetables can be the most difficult thing without proper knives.  I used to think it was ridiculous to pay a lot of money for knives.  In fact I never really had good knives until about 2 years ago.  It was my brother in law and sister who introduced me to Global knives and they seriously changed the way I chop. I asked for some for Christmas 2 years ago and have been hooked ever since.   They make it so easy and effortless.  They really help chop everything more precisely. 

 Now be prepared these knives are not cheap but honestly you don't need a ton of them.  I have 3 good ones that I use.  Not that I would not like to add more to my collection one day but these get the job done.

This is not sponsored at all, I just really love Global Knives.  Occasionally you can get lucky and find them at Homegoods but they are pretty hard to find there.

I really like this 3 piece set. and it is on sale for 50% off right now.  It is a great started set to let you try out 3 different knives.

If you want to start smaller this 2 piece set is also great and also on sale

Use code FREESHIP to get free shipping on all the knives at Sur La Table.

If you want to just try one knife first, I really like this one.  The size is great for chopping most everything.

Global Utility Knife

10 Versatile Dresses to Take you Through Fall

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  I stayed out at Kiawah for a blogger event and it was so much fun.  I will share pictures soon after I get them uploaded.  

I wore an awesome dress this past weekend and it got me thinking about versatile dresses that you can wear now and into Fall/Winter.  Many of these are on sale right now too:)

One | Clu Dress

This is what I wore Saturday night.  I am now kind of obsessed with the Clu brand.  The dress is actually made out of cotton and it so comfortable but you can dress it up or down.  I paired mine with booties but it was also super cute with heels.

I am wearing a size small runs TTS.

It looks like my exact same dress is sold out but is available in a stripe version.

Available in a Tee Shirt Version as well.

Navy | Gray

It also comes in a Sweater Dress version, which I personally love the gray.

Two | Leith Trapeze Dress

I love a good trapeze dress.  Pregnant friends these are great during pregnancy as well because they are loose.  This one comes in 3 colors and the price is great, only $59.  Cute now with booties or flats and then pair with tights once it gets colder.

Three | Mara Hoffman Dress (on sale)

I just bought this dress last weekend.  I own this in the same style in a green Summer print and just love the gray geometric for Fall.  This dress looks great with booties and heels and I plan to toss on a leather jacket with it once it gets cooler.  Currently on sale too!  Use code FRIENDS to take 25% off.

also available in a red version.

Four | Velvet Dress

I love a cute patterned dress because it stands out.  This looks like a great casual dress and I love the detailed neckline.

Five | BR Drop Waist Dress (on sale!)

I tried this on in the store and loved it.  It also comes in gray and is now on sale.  I like the looser fit and ruffle detail.  The material is thicker which is nice and I think you could dress this up or down.

Six | Loft Art Deco Shift 

A shift style dress is one of my favorite styles because it is flattering on everyone.  The art deco pattern on this dress is so good.  This could be a great dress for work or play.

Seven | Free People Shirt Dress

I almost bought this dress last year but it sold out.  It is now back in two new colors.  I like the fun spin on a shirt dress with the ruffle at the bottom.

Eight | Free People Fiesta Dress (on sale!)

Another Free People favorite on sale now.  I own this and wear it often. It is lightweight and the pattern is even more gorgeous in person.

Nine | Equipment Aubrey Dress

I can't say enough great things about the fit of this dress.  I own it in a different pattern and just love it.  It is great for any occasion.  I have worn mine to a baby shower, church, and date night- super versatile.

Ten | JCrew Chambray Dress

A Chambray Dress is always a good idea for any season.  

This one is under $100 and I love the lighter wash.

Also don't miss Bloomingdales Friends and Family Event.  You can take 25% off almost everything with code FRIENDS.

I recently bought this dress and it is now part of the sale.  

 A few other dress favorites that are part of the Bloomingdales sale.

Recent Outfits + Random Thoughts

TGIF Friends.  Happy Friday and Happy Weekend. 

I wanted to share 3 recents outfits.

Outfit One

The dress is old but back out in a new pattern this season.  It is a great casual dress.  The vest is so soft and I know I will be wearing it all Fall.  It is a great neutral color to toss on over anything.

 

Joie Dress  | Soft Joie Vest | Sandals sold out similar

Outfit 2

I picked up this leopard blouse during the JCrew sale last week and it has been on heavy rotation.  It looks great with white, black, and blue jeans. I figure once it gets chilly here it will look cute paired with a cardigan as well.

Leopard Blouse | Jeans (on sale) | Sandals | Cross body

Outfit 3

I bought some Hunter boots last year when they were on sale and every time it rains I am so glad I have them!

Rag and Bone Shirt | Waffles and Honey Necklace | Jeans | Hunter Boots

We powered through Narcos in one week.  Seriously such an amazing series.  It was honestly the first show I have loved as much as Breaking Bad.  I am so sad it is over we were so addicted to it. I felt like I was watching a documentary.  It was so interesting to hear the story behind Pablo Escobar.  I highly recommend it. 

Last night I made the most delicious Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes.  They were filled with cheese, spinach, and chick peas and were simply amazing.  I found the recipe via Pinch of Yum and I am now addicted to her site.

You can find the recipe HERE

I picked up 2 new plants for our dining room, that hopefully I won't kill.  I found the cactus at Lowes and the other plant at Hyams.  I am still waiting on our other 4 chairs that are back ordered but I did score some new artwork for the room.  Hopefully I will have some update pictures soon.

I stopped in a new to me boutique on Jame Islands called Style Dwell.  It is located off Maybank near in the same shopping center as Barberritos and the new Harris Teeter.  They had such cute clothes and I was so excited to score this Sundress Cover-up 40% off.  Locals she had a few more left so get one while you can!

I snapped this picture of Sterling the other night sleep.  It reminded me of the book "I'll Love You Forever." Which by the way I can't ever read because I cry the entire time.

I love you forever.  I'll like you for always, as long as I'm living my baby you'll be.

He did not sleep with the balloons all night, he fell asleep with them and then I moved them.

I just love the neutral nursery that Liz (Sequins and Stripes)  put together for her upcoming bundle of joy.  I love all the little details and how fresh and bright the room feels. You can see the whole nursery HERE

I never knew how much fun I would have dressing a little girl.  I love dressing Frances more than myself.  Boho Blouse (on sale) + her first pair of jeggings from Target.

 I wanted her to wear some cute boots with the outfit but she insisted on her jelly shoes.  Already an opinionated fashionista.

Laugh and Love.

10 Beauty Products I Can't Live Without

I technically could live without these beauty products but I don't want to.  I use quite a few different products but these are my tried and true absolute favorites.  From a young age my mom encouraged me to take good care of my skin and it is something that is even more important to me now that I am getting older and aging.

. While I splurge on some products I try to save on others and find you don't need to spend as much on certain items. 

I would love to hear if you have any favorites you can't live without.  I always love trying new products out!  We women need to share our beauty secrets to help each other out:)

ONE || Cle De Peau Concealer

Hands down the best under eye concealer.  Yes it is expensive but it lasts forever.  I have been using my same one now for over a year.  It just provides such great coverage.  I inherited really bad under eye circles and this really covers them up.

The Neiman Marcus Beauty Event is going on right now too- spend $125 and you get a cute bag filled with new products to try. 

TWO || Maybelline Great Lash Mascara

Last year I tried about every mascara on the market.  I loved Chanel but it just dried out too quickly and for the price ($30)  I didn't want to have keep replacing it every 3 weeks.  At $4 this works magic and I don't feel bad replacing it every few weeks.  My hair dresser who did make-up for years in NYC and knows his stuff told me to go to Sally Beauty Supply and buy some disposable mascara wands.  He said the wand was clogging my mascara making it clumpy and he was right.  He insisted buy the cheap mascara and just use new wands and it works.

THREE|| It's a 10 Miracle Spray

I have been using this for several months now and I am obsessed.  It conditions and detangles your hair and it smells amazing.   My hair is fine and gets tangled very easily, this plus the wet brush is a perfect combo. I also use this for the kids.

FOUR || Tata Harper Face Mask

If you only buy one face mask buy this one.  I love it.  I use it 1-2 times a week and I love that it feels like it is really tightening my skin.  It lasts forever too.  Tata Harper products are all natural and contain no chemicals or weird ingredients.

Right now Nordstrom has a great deal where if you purchase $175 of Tata Harper products you get $110 of products free. It is a great time to sample her products.

FIVE || Beauty Counter Enlightening Treatment Pads

I love these face pads.  I use these a few times a week after I wash my face.  It feels like they exfoliate as you wipe your face.  Your face tingles and just feels so fresh afterwards.  I also feel like they minimize my pores.  I love them so much I just ordered my mom some for her birthday.

SIX || Coconut Oil

I use this for so many different things but mainly as a make up remover.  It works magic getting my eye make-up off and moisturizes at the same time.  If you are pregnant this is great to rub on your belly to prevent stretch marks.  I used this with both my pregnancies.

SEVEN || Cetaphil Moisturizer

I have been using this probably since I was in high school.  My mom always used it so I started using it too.  I use it for body lotion and as my face lotion as well when my skin feels super dry.  It is so thick and moisturizes really well.  It feels luxurious but the price is not, it is usually around $15.  If you are a Costco member they carry it for a bit cheaper too.  It comes in a pump container as well but I prefer the cream in the jar.

EIGHT || Nars Bronzer

Mascara, Concealer and Bronzer are my 3 go to make-up items that I use daily.  This trio works wonders for me.  I have tried many bronzers and this is the best.  It is not too orange or shiny.  I use the Laguna color and it is the perfect sun kissed color.

Nars is also offering a gift with purchase if you spend $125 you receive Orgasm blush, illuminator, and lip gloss.

Nine || Lumene Vitamin C Dry Skin Cocktail Oil

I mentioned this on here a few months ago but it has quickly become my favorite thing.  I apply it first thing in the morning before I apply make-up or moisturizer.  I feel like my skin really absorbs it and it nourishes my dry skin. It feels amazing on your skin.  Vitamin C is so good for brightening your skin. I know Rite Aid carries this line but I actually found it cheaper on Amazon.

Ten || Clarisonic 

One of the best beauty investments.  I received mine 5 years for Christmas and I am still using it.  

It makes your skin feel so amazing afterwards.  I know many of you probably already have one but if you don't you should buy one!  I keep mine in the shower and use with an exfoliating face scrub a few times a week.

11 || Honorable Mention,  Naked Travel Size Eye shadow

I love the regular Naked palette but I like this one even better.  It is streamlined and not quite so many colors.  I like that it doesn't take up as much room too.  The colors are perfect for any skin tone and great for day or night.

My Favorites:

and most importantly:)