Wednesday, May 25, 2016

The Ultimate Veggie Lasagna + 5 Off Shoulder Dresses Under $100

Get ready for the best lasagna recipe ever.  As Matt and I were eating this we both kept looking at each other nodding,  going this is SO good.  I mean it was meat free and honestly better than most meat lasagnas I have had.  I know lasagnas can be time consuming but this one is worth the time.  It makes a huge dish so you can have leftovers for days.  I actually ended up taking some over to our neighbors and we still had plenty left for leftovers.  This would be a great dish to make and take half to a new mom.  This can all be assembled ahead of time and then just baked at dinner.  
A few tips: don't skip the salting and drying of the veggies it helps get the moisture out so your lasagna won't be soggy.  You could easily sub kale or spinach for the swiss chard if you wanted.  Do not use no boil noodles, it will make the dish soggy, you need to boil your own.  Pile on the cheese.  It may seem like a lot of layers but that is what we loved about it.  This is such a great way to use up your Farmer's Market produce!
Enjoy!



 F A R M E R S   M A R K E T   L A S A G N A 
adapted via Everyday Magazine

- 2 zucchinis sliced length wise thinly
- 2 squash sliced length wise very thinly
- 1 small eggplant peeled and sliced length wise thinly
- 1 bunch swiss chard stems removed and chopped
- 1 jar roasted red peppers
- 1 16 oz container ricotta cheese
- 2 eggs
- 2 cup Parmesan Cheese
- 1 bunch basil leaves chopped
- 4 cups marinara sauce ( I used 2 24 oz jars, I really recommend Raos)
- 16 lasagna noodles
- 4 cups mozzarella cheese
- 1 ball fresh mozzarella

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place sliced zucchini in a colander and sprinkle with salt to cover.   Let sit 20 mins then remove to paper towels and pat dry.  Repeat this step with the eggplant and squash.  

In a bowl mix the ricotta cheese, 1 cup parmesan cheese, the eggs, basil, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper.  Mix all together.

Spread one cup marinara sauce in the bottom of a 9 x 13 baking dish.  Top with 4 noodles.  Top with zucchini and roasted red pepper then 4 more noodles.  Spread 1/2 the ricotta mixture and 1.5 cups marinara sauce and top with 2 cups mozzarella.   Top with 1/2 the swiss chard, all the eggplant, 4 more noodles, and 1.5 cups marinara sauce.  Top with yellow squash, and remaining swiss chard.  Spread the remaining ricotta and top with 2 cups mozzarella and 4 more noddles.  Spread remaining marinara if there is any left and top with fresh mozzarella, and 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese.  Bake 1 hour and 15 minutes.  if the cheese starts to brown too quickly cover with foil halfway through.  Let stand at least 15 minutes before slicing. 

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

Last night I went to a fun Pop-Up for Ibu Movement.  They sell so many cool handmade items from impoverished parts of the world.  The event is still going on at Zero George for any locals who want to stop by.
I wore this bright orange off shoulder dress.
The orange color is sold out but it is still available in a pretty pink color and it's under $80!
I rounded up a few other Off Shoulder Options all under $100.




This one is right over $100 but I wanted to share it because it is the dress version of the blouse I have. 






Tuesday, May 24, 2016

Style Files Vol 9 | The Statement Earring

I tend to go thru phases of what type of jewelry I like to wear.  Right now I am big into statement earrings for Summer.  It is such fun way to dress up an outfit.   I love all the bright colored ones to add a pop of color to whatever I am wearing. 

I have especially been loving tassel earrings lately.  I have a weakness for anything with tassels and embroidery so clearly this outfit makes me happy. 

This Chambray Blouse is such a great light weight Summer blouse.  I love the embroidery detail. I am wearing a size small for reference.  


The earrings I am wearing just came out in two new colors.    


Mine are the beaded version but these are the same with tassels.  I love that they are light weight.  I can wear them all day and they don't hurt or get heavy.  They are only $36 too, such a great price!


These Hoops are another pair I purchased a few months ago and I have been loving them.  They are also light weight and I like the turquoise color.
I am wearing the below paired with this Embroidered Dress


Nordstrom has a great selection of statement earrings. The majority of these are under $40 too.  An easy and inexpensive way to dress up an outfit.  A few I am currently loving.

Earrings

Mint Tassel | Pink Tassels | Gold Fringe | Stars | Turquoise
Coral Drops | Turquoise Drops |  Coral Fringe | Beaded Colorblock | Golden Hour | Hoops
KS Drops | Gray Stone | Beaded fringe | Aztec | Pyramid

I also wanted to share a new to me jewelry line called Nakamoi.  I was shocked when I saw the prices all the pieces are under $60!  I really liked so many of them.  They are unique and at that price point would make great gifts.

jewels under $50


ONE | TWO | THREE | RAINBOW EARRINGS | GOLD EARRINGS
FOUR | FIVE | SIX | SEVEN

Also don't miss out Nordstrom's Designer Clearance sale started today.  You can shop all the mark downs HERE.

So many fabulous pieces that will not break the bank.






Thank you to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.




Monday, May 23, 2016

Scenes From Our Weekend

Good Monday Morning!  This is the last full week of school for both kids, so I have lots I hope to accomplish in my few free mornings!

Last Wednesday I ate lunch at Co with my friend Ashley.  Co is always so tasty.  Charlotte friends they just opened one at Park Road Shopping Center!   This time we tired the Mango Summer Rolls and Chicken Salad and both were delish!  the Mango Rolls were served with the most amazing peanut dipping sauce.



Friday night Matt worked on his boat and the kids and I watched Full House- our favorite show to watch together.  Matt and I enjoyed a dirty martini with blue cheese stuffed olives.  It is one of our favorite weekend drinks.
Saturday the kids and I hit up the Farmer's Market with some friends.  Of course we stopped at Glazed first.  We tried two new doughnuts they had, Blueberry Ginger and Smores.  They both were pretty incredible.
Someone was clearly excited about her doughnut.
Lots of gorgeous produce from the Farmers Market.  I have never cooked purple cauliflower before but it was too pretty to pass up!   This tote is the perfect size for toting all my Farmer's Market goodies.  It comes in 6 different colors and all the totes are made by women who have overcome adverse situations.

That afternoon we took all the kids to the pool.  My cover-up was recently reduced and this cooler is the best.  It is the perfect size for snacks.  We use it all the time.
Another day another bathing suit.


Matt participated in a fishing contest and won for the flounder division!   This was his winning fish! 
Sterling couldn't wait to get his hands on it too.  

Sterling had a sleepover Saturday night with his best friend Oliver.  They are just the cutest together.
Sunday Frances and I headed to church.

Sunday night we had some friends over for dinner and fried up the flounder Matt caught from his tournament.  I always think cole slaw goes perfectly with fried fish so I set off to Pinterest to find a recipe.  Well the first one that popped up was the Chick Fila recipe.  I loved the Chick Fila slaw and I was so bummed when they stopped serving it (and the brownie).   I made the slaw and I have to say it was awesome and tasted just like the Chick Fila version.  I actually shredded my own cabbage but if you wanted it just like Chick Fila's version I would buy the chopped cabbage bag.

What I wore:
A few people have asked about my dining room chairs and these chairs are actually at my parent's condo.  They have been in town quite a bit recently and have floor to ceiling mirrors so I usually just snap a picture when I stop by there.  

Have a wonderful Monday!






Saturday, May 21, 2016

The Best Weekend Deals

Happy Saturday!  The weather has been so yucky here most of the week, so we have spent a lot of time indoors.  It looks like mostly cloudy today so we are going to the Farmers Market and a birthday party and maybe the movies!

I stopped in Old Navy yesterday to pick up a few things for the kids because they are having their 40% off everything sale.  Well I found the cutest white blouse for me and best part its only $17 right now!  I am wearing a size small.  

My favorite jeans that I have mentioned on here several times before are now almost 70% off.  I am wearing the blue version in the picture above.  They fit TTS.  What I like about them is they sit higher up on my hips than other jeans and suck in the flab.
The white version is also on sale, I wearing them in the pic below.


This sleeveless swing dress is now on sale.  It is the softest most comfortable dress.  It does run on the large side so size down, I am wearing an XS.  It also comes in a gorgeous yellow and red color.


40% off your purchase with code BRTAKE40 
I adore this mint halter dress, would be perfect for a Summer wedding.  and it comes to under $100 with the discount.


and of course I love anything animal print.  This reminds me a lot of Equipment but for a fraction of the price.

These heels are sitting in my shopping cart.


SHOPBOP
New items added to sale



The Stella is a favorite of mine.
The Chelsea Crossbody is another favorite.  It is a smaller size and doesn't hold as much as the Stella but perfect for a night out.  You can remove the strap too and carry it as a clutch.


30% off for cardholders with code CARDSONLY
I just ordered this Farmer's Tote. I think it will be perfect for toting all my Farmer's Market goodies.
I also love this tee shirt dress.  It also comes in charcoal and blue.






Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!