Monday, May 27, 2013

Finley's Nursery

I have been wanting to share pictures of my nephew, Finley's nursery for awhile.  I finally snapped some pictures while I was home this weekend.  My sister did such an incredible job with it.  I was floored when I saw it, it was the perfect little nursery for Finley.  Playful and masculine while not being too over the top babyish.  Most everything in the nursery was super affordable too!  












If I could find links I included them for the sources:)

:: S O U R C E S ::
Paint Color- Behr Frosted Jade
Rug- TJMaxx (similar HERE)
Table in Front of Window- Homegoods
Side Table- Target
Recliner- 
Owl Lamp- Vintage (used to be in Sterling's nursery)
Stripped artwork in entry- painted by my sister
Framed Audubon Prints- Prints from Barnes and Nobles, Frames from Micheals





Friday, May 24, 2013

Bag Lady

Lately I have been dreaming of a new handbag.  A woman can never have enough purses, right?
Truth be known I like to drop some money on a purse.  It is an investment piece to me and all my purses, that I saved for and bought years ago I still own and love.  
Remember my post on Style Spies, where I gave a sneak peek of my prized possessions?  Just a few from my collection.  As my husband says, I have a sickness.



That being a said a $1000+ purse ain't in my budget or future anytime soon as much as I wish it were, so I rounded a few of my more affordable favorites.  




A few of my current favorites.  Somebody needs to snag the Missoni one, only two are left.  It is amazing!!   Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
xoxo



Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thoughts For Thursday

You might have noticed my blog got a little makeover.  I have to give Sara at A Dose of Pretty big props.  I am so thrilled with what she did.  You might remember awhile back I blogged about my "Me" page she helped me create.  I loved it so much I knew she would give my blog a fabulous facelift.  I could not be happier with the look.  I wanted a more streamlined and simple look and that is just what she gave me.  Sara was wonderful to work with!! If you need any tweaks big or small on your blog you must email Sara at adoseofprettyblog@gmail.com.



Lately I have become obsessed with finding this Tibi dress from last year.  Is it not the most perfect maternity dress?  I have scoured ebay and online and can't find it.  Anyone have one they want to sell me or let me borrow??  I have two weddings this Summer it would be perfect for.

If you have not tried these glazed nuts you must.  It saves so much time from making your own.  My mom bought some while I was home and we had them on a roasted beet salad it was so good.  Beware they are addictive though!

I recently devoured the new Vogue.  I really enjoyed the article on Kate Upton. She is so gorgeous and yep she says her boobs are real- lucky girl.


While I was home last weekend I finally bit the bullet and bought some maternity jean shorts.  My regular ones were just getting too snug and uncomfortable.  Is it just me or do maternity stores suck?  I hate them almost as Babies R Us.  I will say Destination Maternity/Pea in a Pod in Charlotte had a great selection of designer shorts and jeans- the only maternity items I like to splurge on.  I tried on every single brand of shorts and chose JBrand.  They are awesome.  I liked them better than the other brands because they had side panels and not the huge thing that goes over your belly.  I might even want to wear these not preggo they are so comfy.


I wrote about the JCrew sale yesterday and last week I ordered this fab dress (already on sale) that just came in the mail.  I see myself living in this all Summer.  Very accommodating for a belly.  Also comes in white which I love too.  It is a bit sheer, so I would wear a slip underneath.  I am not wearing a slip in picture just to give you an idea of sheerness.

I picture styling it similar to this and rocking it all summer.

How amazing is this hot pink lacquered bar area.  I am swooning.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend.  We are off to Charlotte again to spend time with my parents while Matt has a Bachelor Party at our house- 6 guys in our house.  I am scared of what I will come home to Monday!  I keep telling myself they are grown men not fraternity guys but you just never know with guys!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Damn you JCrew

JCrew has been killing it with their Summer line and now they are having a great sale.  Just what I don't need to see when I am on a budget and have a preggo belly that won't fit in everything I want to wear.  But seriously I am scheming ways to buy a few of these things.  Please buy these things so I can viciously live thru you guys!
Use code SHOPNOW at checkout to save!





Roasted Salmon with Tomato Basil Relish


I am a Salmon lover, I know many people are not fans, but I love it.  Sadly Matt doesn't like it so I don't cook it too often.  I just discovered Sterling is like his Mama and loves it too.  If you have kids give it and try and serve them some.  I was shocked when Sterling ate it, he is such a picky eater always.  He called it pink fish and gobbled it up.  What makes this dish so good is the relish on top.  So if you hate Salmon by all means use Grilled Chicken or a different fish.  I think it would be great over Flounder or Mahi.  If you do use Salmon, buy the Wild Caught kind.  That is the only kind we buy, it is so much better for you and I think it is not as fishy as the regular or farm raised kind.  This recipe came from one of my mom's dear friends and it is down right delicious.  So fresh and healthy, plus it looks gorgeous.  Perfect for a dinner party!
Bon Appetit!

:: R O A S T E D   S A L M O N  W I T H   T O M A T O  B A S I L  R E L I S H ::
-2 lbs Wild Caught Salmon (this will serve 4 people)
- 1 lb Roma Tomatoes diced
- 2 tablespoon capers drained
- 1 shallot diced
- 1/2 cup Basil finely chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Mix together Tomatoes and next 6 ingredients.  Let sit at room temperature for 30min- 1 hour before serving ( I actually let ours sit 2 hours +, I think it tastes better the longer it sits).  Do not refrigerate.  Lay Salmon on a foil lined baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper.  Bake the Salmon at 400 degrees 20-25 mins. Do not overcook, you can test with a fork to see if it is done.  If the fish flakes easily with a fork it is done. Serve the Salmon with the relish and enjoy!

Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Obsessions

Rebecca Taylor is one of my all time favorite brands.  She always makes the most feminine pieces that fit really well.  This skirt is no exception.  Best part is it has an elastic waistband so I am sure any of you preggos like me could rock thiis while pregnant and after!

Another fabulous find from ASOS.  I am becoming addicted to that site.  This maxi has my name written all over it.

I spied this dress in a fashion mag over the weekend and became obsessed with it.  It is online only so no trying on in store, but Gap stuff usually runs true to size.  It looks like the perfect casual Summer Dress- looks really similar to Lem Lem.  Thru today you can get 25% off your order with code GAPSUMMER.


This is such a great versatile tank for Summer.  It even looks loose enough to wear while pregnant.  I am drawn to the black and white because they would go with everything but equally love the coral and yellow. How great would they look paired with white skinny jeans? 



I have been stalking Baublebar waiting for this beauty to get back in stock and it finally is!  Such an awesome necklace for only $38.
 :: G A P   P E R F O R A T E D   S T R A P P Y  S A N D A L S ::
I bought these sandals in the calf hair version earlier this year and love them, I get compliments everytime I wear them.  I love this new version with the perforated leather.  Thinking for the price I need a pair of these too!  You can get 25% off these as well with code GAPSUMMER.

This dress is so simple but so perfect.  Love both colors it comes it.  I love that you could wear it during the day with flip flops and then out at night dressed up.  Joie dresses are my favorite,  they hold up so well and always fit nicely.
   It would look so cute paired with the Gap Sandals above for running errands.


Monday, May 20, 2013

Hiding the Bump Fashions + My Grandfather


First I want to thank each and everyone of you for the kind emails and responses to my big announcement Thursday.  They all brought a smile to my face.  I feel so blessed to have so many encourages and supporters in our corner.  We thank God everyday for this miracle of life that he has given us and pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy.  

Alot of you asked how I kept the bump hidden for so long.  Truth is a few things.  I was so sick in the beginning and could hardly eat so it took awhile to show.  Around 10.5-11 weeks I really popped.   I have yet to buy or wear any maternity clothes but I do have a few favorite non-maternity dresses that are perfect for hiding your little bump.  For those of you not pregnant these are great for days you just eat or drink too much too and don't we all have some of those days!  Here is what I have been living in!

This dress rocks pregnant or not.  It is so comfortable and I love the colors, plus you can't beat ASOS pricing!  For those of you curious it runs true to size, I ordered a size 4.


This dress is so comfortable and easy to wear just tossed on with a pair of flip flops.  I liked my white one so much I ordered the Navy too.  Right now thru the 21st you can get 20% off all womens apparel orders with code LOOK20


I bought this dress long before I was pregnant with Sterling and then after I had him I liked it so much I bought it in another color. I own it in navy and grey and it is such a versatile maxi dress.  You can dress it up or down and it is strecthy so super bump friendly!


I just picked this skirt up last week and I have been living in it.   Such a cute skirt for Summer. I paired it with a Liz Lange Maternity tank and ladies I swear by these tanks pregnant or not.  They fit so well and are longer which I love because I am tall.



This dress was an investment even on sale- my last big purchase pre-budget but worth it.  I adore Tibi and still love their pieces years later.  This dress is no exception.  I get compliments every time I wear it.  I know it is something I wear will years from now and the fact that I can wear it pregnant is an added  bonus.  It runs on the large size so order down a size if you are considering.  I got a 2 and seriously think I might could have even fit in a 0 but wanted a little extra room for the bump.



On another note, thank you for all the prayers for my grandfather, he passed away Tuesday and we had his funeral Saturday and just celebrated his life.  We will all miss him like crazy but know without a doubt he is reunited my grandmother in heaven.  He was such an incredible grandfather and man.  He served in the army and at his graveside they did a military tribute and presented our family with an American flag,  that was just so special.  It was one of the most amazing things I have witnessed, it made me so proud of my grandfather and to be an American.   I just wanted to share a few pictures of him in memory of his life.





Have a great Monday!