Randoms.

Get ready for a brain dump today.  

First thank you for all the comments about a Vitamix.  I am sold and I am going to order one.  I made a new smoothie this week and wanted to share because it was really good.  I made it in my Ninja which made me realize I want the Vitamix even more because it just doesn't blend things as well. 

1 small cucumber chopped, 1/4 cup coconut water, 1 pear sliced, 1 large handful kale, 1 kale handful spinach, 1/4 cup mint, juice of one lime, 1 frozen banana, 1/2 cup frozen pineapple.  This made enough for two smoothies or one large one.

The smoothie recipe came from this cookbook which I am loving.  So many great healthy recipes and gorgeous pictures.  I am cookbook snob and I only like books with pictures of everything:)

Oh She Glows

Anyone else addicted to The Bachelor?   Ah, it brings me so much happiness.  I am so glad it is back on and with lots of crazies to watch this season.  

I got to meet my new nephew James this week.  It is Matt's sister's 3 baby and he is just a doll.  I could have cuddled with him all day.

I mentioned the Colleen Rothschild face mask on my favorite buys post but I wanted to share a few other favorites because many are all on sale.  The prices are great right now!

Dual Enzyme Polish (on sale) - This is a rough exfoliating scrub.  You let it sit on your face for about 10 minutes and then rub in a circular motion and wash off.  I do this twice a week followed by the Intense Hydrating Mask

Detox Mask ( on sale) - a clay mask that helps pull impurities from your skin.  

Body Lotion (on sale)- A light fresh scent.

Face Oil - I use this every single morning it is the first thing I put it.  It really moisturizes your skin. Not on sale but it is pretty amazing.  

 Intense Hydrating Mask (on sale )- this is a thick lotion mask that I actually put on and wear overnight. 

 Gel Face Wash (on sale)- I love a foaming face wash and this one is great.

Frances Moon has used the potty two days in a row this week.  We are still rocking pull ups but she is starting to tell me when she needs to go.  I am so excited we are making progress.  

New PJ obsession is this 2 piece set.  They feel like the softest most worn in tee shirt.  I am wearing the periwinkle color but they also come in a gorgeous cloud color.  I am wearing a medium for those curious about sizing.

PJ Set

I need a few new book suggestion to download.  I am thinking of the Girl in Cabin 10 but would love some other light weight reads.  Lets be real I love a girly romance novel:)

I am still veggie sandwich obsessed.  Square Onion in Mt Pleasant has a great one called The Whitney.

Frances Moon's bedroom clean for once for our guests last weekend.

Headboard | Unicorn Lamp

Today starts the big Lily Pulitizer sale!  Don't miss out.  I am hoping to snag a few dresses for Frances!  You can shop it all HERE, it starts at 8 am and sizes go fast!

I am a sucker for a white blouse and this one is a new find that I am loving.  It buttons up the back and has the cutest fit.

Blouse also in Green and Floral | Earrings

Have a great day!

Butternut Squash Ravioli with Kale Pesto + 2 Sale Pieces

You guys I made ravioli and it was so good!!  Before Christmas I was in a bit of a cooking rut and this recipe re-inspired me.  To make the ravioli you use wonton shells and I was surprised how similar to regular pasta it was once they cooked.  Take note this recipe is not hard but it does require a few steps and a little extra time.  Two things you could do ahead are make the pesto and the butternut filling.   You could also just regular store bought pesto if you don't want to make your own.  

  I used these biscuit cutters to make the circles.

I still eventually want to buy a pasta maker but for now I am so glad to know that wonton shells work perfectly.  Next time I may try a sweet potato filling!

Enjoy!

|| B U T T E R N U T  S Q U A S H   R A V I O L I ||

via Pinch of Yum

(ps if you don't already you should follow @pinchofyum on instagram her recipes and videos are amazing)

- 4 cups cooked butternut squash

- 1 cup whole milk ricotta

- 1/2 grated Parmesan cheese

- 2 tablespoon olive oil

- chopped fresh sage and thyme

- salt and pepper

- wonton wrappers (found in the produce section near mushrooms and bag lettuce)

- 1 egg, whisked

In a food processor or blender mix together the first 6 ingredients.  Using a biscuit cutter cut the wontons into circles.  Place the wontons on a baking sheet with parchment paper so they don't stick.  Then scoop a small spoonful of filling on each one.  Brush around the edges with the whisked egg then place another wonton shell on top pressing the edges.  

Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the ravioli 5 minutes.  Serve with pesto and fresh Parmesan cheese.  

 || K A L E  P E S T O ||

1/3 cup walnuts
3 cups chopped kale
Kosher salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

- juice of 1/2 lemon

Mix all in food processor.  

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

I also wanted to share 2 pieces that are on major sale.  

This dress is now 40% off and only $35.  I sized up to a medium since it was junior's sizing.  It also comes in 3 other colors. 

Dress

This Off Shoulder Blouse is now only $22!  I am wearing a small.

Off Shoulder Blouse

Favorite Buys From 2016

Happy 2017!  I hope everyone had a wonderful New Years.  We rang it with some of our best friends and had so much fun.  

Each year I like to do a round-up of a few of my favorite finds from that previous year.   Here is the 2016 edition!

Mcguire Jeans

Hands down my favorite jeans.  They sit higher up and provide the perfect amount of stretch without stretching out too much.  My favorite style is the Newton skinny.  I just recently got this darker wash and love it.

MLM Label Off Shoulder Blouse

One of my favorite finds last year.  I love the fit and style so much I own it on 3 colors.  Size down as it runs on the large side.  I wear an XS in this style.

The green version is currently 30% off.

Poncho

This is perfect to toss on over leggings or jeans and on sale for 40% off.

Drop Earrings

These are super light and easy to dress up any outfit although I often wear mine with just jeans and a tee shirt.

High Waisted Leggings

I own these in almost every color.  If you don't have high waisted leggings you are missing out!  I just ordered the new black/white print pictured below.

Ankle Booties

These are so comfy and go with everything.  

These changed my life.  I was always looking for comfy shoes but didn't want to wear my nikes everyday.  

Ugg Fierce Slip Ons

Steve Madden Velvet Sneakers

I could not resist this blush/velvet combo.

Chanel Lip Color

This is like a hybrid between lipstick and gloss and it really stays on.  I own the colors Tender Beige, Milky Blueberry, and Soft Rose.

My two favorite cookbook purchases from last year.

Love and Lemons Cookbook

It's All Easy

Crystal Hinge Bracelets

These are a fairly recent purchase but they are on constant repeat everyday.  I have the gold and rose gold colors and wear them together. 

Beauty Counter Charcoal Mask

I love a good mask and this is one I do at least once a week.  Your skin feels amazing afterwards and you can also use it as spot treatment for zits.  Best part is it on sale right now!

I also love the Colleen Rothschild clarifying detox mask.  I alternate between the 2.  It is currently on sale as well.  Use code EOY2016 to save an additional 20% off the mask and any other CR products.  This is a line that was new to me this year.  I had the pleasure of meeting the founder and I have to say I love every product I have tried from this line.   The eye cream, intense hydrating mask and gel cleanser are a few other favorites.  Now is a great time to try them since they are all on sale + additional 20% off.

Detox Mask

Criss Cross Ring

For the price ($32) this is such a gorgeous ring.  I ordered a size larger than my ring finger so I could wear it on my middle or pointer finger.  I get compliments every time I wear this ring.

8 Daily Greens

I was so excited when I got a new bottle of these in my stocking this Christmas.  This is a great way to boost your greens intake.  Each tablet contains 8 greens (spinach, wheatgrass, kale, blue green algae, spirulina, chorella, barley grass, and aloe vera).  You just dissolve the tablet in water and drink it.  I find it really helps my energy, I use these on days I don't feel like juicing.  

Lastly,  this is one item I am hoping to purchase in 2017, a Vitamix.  I would love to hear from any of you that have a Vitamix-  do you love it?  and how often you actually use it?   and is it worth the money?

I love this new copper base version.

Thoughts For Friday

Happy last Friday of 2016!  What a year!  As always thank you to each and everyone of you who read my blog.  I love all the connections I have made through the blog world.  This blog is my creative outlet and happy place.  I look forward to 2017 and what it has in store.  If you have any suggestions of what you would like to see on my blog in the next year I would love suggestions.  Email me or leave a comment! 

A few pics from Christmas.  This year I tried to unplug a bit over the holidays and not have my phone out as much so I didn't take a ton of pictures.  

Cookies and carrots for Santa and his Reindeer.

All the cousins.

My parent's Christmas tree, it is even more stunning in person.  Tree goals.

I wore this cold should sweater for Christmas Eve paired with some festive necklaces.

Sweater also in stripe and pink | Metallic Strands | Collar necklace

My parent's celebrated their 41st wedding anniversary 2 days after Christmas.  How cute are they??

I have a wedding come up in February and I am searching for a fun new dress.

I love this Ted Baker dress.

I wanted to share a picture of the back of the Vince Blouse I shared Tuesday.  It is now 60% off and such a great classic staple to add your closet.  I love the back detail. It runs on the large side, I am wearing a size 2. 

Vince Blouse also HERE

New candle I picked up that smells amazing.   I always like a fresh candle for the New Year.  

Voluspa Candle

Favorite workout top is back in stock and out in this new pink color.

Twist Front Tee

I am loving this Mara Hoffman that is now reduced.  Looks like it may be a bit short as a dress so I would pair it with skinny jeans or leggings.   

Mara Dress

I am planning on indulging this weekend but getting back on track Monday.  I used this cookbook a lot last January it is great for clean eating but not depriving yourself.  The recipes are really good.

Bon Appetit Food Lovers Cleanse

I am totally addicted to Carpool Karaoke.  I can't stop watching every episode several times.

Gigi New York is running their End of Year Closet sale.  Lots of great pieces and they are 30-40% off.  You can shop all the sale HERE

The convertible clutch, one of my favorites is now 50% off in many colors.  I love that you can carry it as a cross body or remove the straps and carry it as a clutch.

Clutch

2017 Goals.