Workout Favorites

I have been trying to be consistent in my workouts to not only tone up my body but also for my mental health.  I just feel so much better when I workout.  I have still been making an effort to get to the gym at least 4 times a week.  I don't really step on a scale often because I feel like with weight training I am probably going to gain some weight,  but I can definitely tell I am toning up.

New workout clothes always help to motivate me! 

Twist Front Top | Tank Top | Leggings | Tennis Shoes

I have mentioned my favorite high waisted leggings several times on here.  They are now out in several new patterns that I am loving.  I love the graphic black/white pair I am wearing above and this stripe version.  I also have the pink and black.  These run TTS, I am wearing a small.  They suck you in and offer support but they are not too tight.  The high waisted panel is a dream come true after kids.

They also come in a crop version.  The two pairs I am wearing above are the full length style.

The leggings come in a few other versions in the high waisted style.  While I love my lululemon leggings these Zella leggings from Nordstrom are much better priced and fit really well.  

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR | FIVE

My twist front tee is reversible.  I am wearing the twist in the front but you can also wear it the other way as well.  It runs TTS.  I am wearing a small.

This cardigan is another great one to toss on when it is chilly out.

I have had my eye on this pullover.  It comes in several color options.  In Charleston I really don't need heavy outerwear,  so I like lightweight options like these for when it is chilly.

Pullover

I finally splurged for a new pair of shoes.  I love that these have a removable cushioned insole.  They are so comfortable and great for all sorts of exercise.  They come in 2 other color combos.  Nikes are always my go-to for exercise shoes.  I typically go a half size up.

Nike Shoes

It is hard to tell in the first picture but this is the tank I am wearing.  I have mentioned on here before that I don't like my workout tops too fitted.  This one is a great fit and length.  I want to try this tank next, looks loose and not too fitted.

Tank

You can shop my look and other favorites below!

Thanks to Nordstrom for partnering on this post.

3 Bean Quinoa Salad + Scalloped Workout Pants

As soon as I saw this salad on Pinterest I knew it had my name written all over it.  I made it this past weekend and it was a huge hit.  My mom and sister both loved it.  This would be a great salad to take to a dinner party or picnic.  The flavors are so fresh.  It is a filling salad because of the quinoa and banes but not heavy at all.  This saves well in the fridge for several days and I think is best at room temperature.

We doubled the dressing because we felt like it needed more and it was perfect in my opinion. 

Enjoy!

|| 3  B E A N   Q U I N O A  S A L A D ||

via Two Peas and Their Pod

INGREDIENTS:

For the Salad:

• 1 cup quinoa
• 2 cups water
• ½ lb. green beans, trimmed and snapped into 2-inch pieces (I used haricot verts)
• 1 (15 oz) can of garbanzo beans (chickpeas), drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) white beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 red bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 yellow bell pepper, seeds removed and chopped
• 1 cup chopped seedless cucumber
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, cut in half
• 1/4 cup diced red onion
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese- (I used 1/2 cup)
• 1/3 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced in half
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

For the Dressing: (we doubled this)

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves, pressed
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

DIRECTIONS:

1. In a medium saucepan, bring quinoa and water to a boil. Cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer until for 15 minutes, or until quinoa is tender. Remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes, covered. Remove lid and fluff with a fork. Transfer quinoa to a large bowl.
2. Meanwhile, blanch the green beans. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the green beans and cook until tender crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain the green beans and place in a bowl of ice water. Drain well and pat dry.
3. Add the green beans, garbanzo beans, white beans, peppers, cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, olives, and basil to the bowl with the quinoa.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper. Pour dressing over the salad and gently stir until salad is coated with dressing. Season with additional salt and pepper. Serve.

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Several of you commented on my instastories wanting to know about my workout pants.  These have a been a current favorite, I love the scallop detail.  I have the black but I just saw they are now out in navy, purple and turquoise too!  In lulu I usually go up a size.  I wear a 6 in these leggings.  These leggings are great because they really suck you in and are flattering!  

Leggings

10 Things I am Loving

Today I wanted to share a few things I am loving lately.

ONE | Washed V-Neck Tee

I am a sucker for a super soft tee.  I bought this one yesterday and trust me ladies it feels like pajamas it is so soft!!  I sized up to a medium because I can't stand when my tee shirts are too fitted.  I am wearing the washed black color but it also comes in 3 other colors and is under $20.

TWO | Planner + Notebook

I love stationary and paper goods.  I am also super old school and love to write down my appointments and to-do list.  This is a favorite planner and notebook.  They are slim and fit right in your purse.  The notebook you can re-use year to year and just order refill pages.  They come in so many patterns but I loved the one below.

 You can shop all the patterns HERE

THREE | Bracelets

I own these bracelets in the gold and rose gold colors.  I just saw they are now out in black and white.    I picked up the white last week.  They are the perfect size for stacking.

FOUR | Tie Dye Dress

I just bought this dress over the weekend.  I had admired it online and finally had the chance to try it on and loved it.  I always love a shift dress because they can be so versatile, dressed up or down.  

FIVE | Simple Human Mirror

Ladies, this mirror is amazing for doing your make-up.  After using my mom's every time I was home I was convinced I needed one.  The mirror automatically lights up every time your face approaches and it provides 10x magnification. I especially love the rose gold color.

It also comes in a smaller travel size as well.

SIX | Charlotte Tilbury Make-Up Set

I have heard rave reviews about Charlotte Tilbury's make-up and been waning to try it. This set was a great way for me to try a few items at once.  I chose the natural kit and so far I am loving it. I am planning a beauty post soon and will share more favorites.

SEVEN |  Booties

I love the grommet detail on these booties.  They come in several different colors and are not crazy expensive.

EIGHT | Alabaster Lamps

I am currently working on re-vamping our master bedroom.  I just ordered these and they are even more gorgeous in person.  

NINE | Juice Glasses

I love these juice glasses from Anthro.  I saw them in store and they are so pretty. I am thinking of getting the pink color.

TEN | Off Shoulder Tunic

I love the length of this because it would be perfect to wear with leggings.  It comes in several colors and is under $50.

Scenes From Our Weekend + Marinated Cheese Recipe

The kids are out of school til Wednesday so we are still enjoying a long weekend.  

Friday night we had happy hour with our neighbors before we left town.

Off Shoulder Blouse | Purse | Bracelets | Watch | Jeans

I made this marinated cheese for the appetizer.  It is super easy and always a hit.  Several of you asked for the recipe so see below!

The recipe was passed along from my mom's good friend Jane.  I like to serve this with triscuits to soak up the marinade. I mix the Cracker Barrel white and orange sharp cheddar.  

New smoothie I am loving:

Coconut water, strawberries, frozen banana, frozen mangos, frozen pineapple, and greek yogurt.  The kids of course loved this one. and I finally ordered my Vitamix!  It should arrive this week,  I am so excited!

I am newly addicted to Parenthood.  I plowed through the first season this week.  I spent Saturday night in pjs watching more episodes:)  I can't believe I didn't watch this when it originally aired, it is so good!

My mom introduced me to these Bedhead PJ's and I am really liking them.  They come in such cute patterns and are so comfy!!

Cherry Print 

Scroll through to see some other prints and many are on sale!

Favorite Bagel from Brueggers.

I do a sun-dried tomato bagel, with veggie cream and sun-dried spread.  Then load it up with all the veggies.

Sunday we went to church.

Dress also Here and in pink | Pumps

I always love with I can snuggle with my sweet nephew Rutledge.  

Blouse also Here

These two are addicted to listening to music and music videos on my IPad.   Then they preform dance parties for me afterwards:)

How gorgeous is this orchid??   

I am so excited because we just booked a girl's trip to St John next month.  We have been trying to plan a trip for the past year and now it is happening!  I would love any recs of what to do in St John especially restaurants and beach bars.

Happy MLK Day.