Thoughts For Thursday

Is everyone getting excited for the long weekend?  I know we are especially to have no school Monday.  Matt has a group of guy friends that come down every year so they are staying at our house and the kid's and I are packing up and staying at my parent's condo for the weekend.  I am excited for some pool time and time with my parents.  Tomorrow I will share a list of all the best Labor Day Sales this weekend! 

Monday night Matt got home from work early so we decided to take the kids to the Yacht Club to run around before bed.  We don't normally do this on a school night but they loved it and we caught a gorgeous sunset.

Sterling got a haircut this week.  What is it about haircuts that makes kids look so grown up??

All the stores are filled with Halloween decorations and it makes my kids so happy.  It is their favorite holiday.  Frances spied this dress at TJMaxx and I couldn't resist it for her.  I figured even we she wants to be something different for Halloween it would be perfect for our dress-up bin.  Not kidding she wore it for 24 hours and even slept in it:)

Tuesday night my parents invited me dinner at FIG.  Would y'all believe I have lived here for 9 years and never eaten at FIG!?!  My mom and I shared several things : the roasted okra, charred eggplant, lamb gnocchi, and prosciutto and figs.  They were all delicious but the gnocchi was my favorite.

How gorgeous is my mom?  Dad snapped this picture of us right before dinner.

What I wore:

Dress | Purse on sale | Wedges (similar)

Gigi New York is offering 15% off the entire site and free personalization for Labor Day Weekend, no code needed.  You can save $50 on my cross body purse.  I have the stone color but I also love the gray and navy for Fall!  It is a really nice and has plenty of space inside.

Beauty Counter is also running a pretty amazing special this weekend on their Spa Set.  It includes 5 products: the charcoal face mask, nourishing night cream, rose water spray, cleansing wipes, and charcoal cleansing bar.   Until Monday this set is $129, it is originally $179.  It includes so many of my favorites products.  I love the charcoal mask, night cream (I use this everyday), and face wipes.   I also really like the rosewater mist for when I travel.  It is great for dry skin.   It is a great way to try out some new products too!  I am actually thinking of ordering this for my sister and saving it for a Christmas gift while it is on sale. 

Spa Set

Sterling has been begging me to make meatballs so last night I did.  The thing about blogging is I am constantly trying out new recipes so I forget about old favorites.  I blogged about these meatballs about 2 years ago and decided to use the recipe again.  I forgot how damn good these meatballs were.  Both kids scarfed them down and I did too!  I ate mine with zucchini noodles tossed with pesto, the kids ate theirs plain.  This was such a great weeknight dinner I am adding back into our regular rotation.

Mozzarella Stuffed Meatballs

This tee shirt tunic dress I blogged about a few weeks ago is now out in a gorgeous green color.  When I find something I love I buy it in multiples and this dress was no exception.  I love that is comfortable, super soft and you can machine wash it!  Tee shirt dresses a daily staple for me.  This dress is also cute dressed up with heels but I am normally in flats:)  You can use code DB&DD15 to save 15% off your order, making the dress under $100. I am in a small for those curious about sizing- this would be a great maternity dress too.

Tunic | also in Rust and Black

I am loving this sweater for Fall.  The black would go with so many different bottoms and I love the cut out shoulder detail and slouchy fit.

Sweater

My Dad shared this with me this week and I really loved and wanted to share it on here.

Scenes From Our Weekend + Lily Pulitzer After Party Sale!

I hope everyone had a great weekend! 

First and foremost the Lily Pulitzer After Party Sale starts at 8am today!  There will be new items today and tomorrow!  I am hoping to snag a few goodies for Frances Moon!  

My personal favorite is the Elsa Blouse.  I have it in hot pink and love it.  I am hoping to get another color or pattern during the sale!  I am wearing an XS in this blouse I found that it runs on the larger side. 

Elsa Blouse

I bought this dress over the Summer and just love the loose fit and embroidery.  Hopefully it is part of the sale!

Embroidered Dress

I love the Lily Shifts for the little girls.  Some of my favorite dresses Frances owns!  These are top on my list of what I want to buy!

Little Shifts

Friday my mom and I did a little shopping downtown.  

I got to see all the new fall Mara Hoffman at Finicky Filly and loved so much of it especially this dress.  I can't wait to wear this once the weather gets a bit cooler! 

Shift Dress also HERE

Friday night we had happy hour with our next door neighbors.  I made mini caprese bites that were delish- this rose is also really good.

The kids just adore Rick and Gary, our next door neighbors.  That is Rick with Sterling he shoots my blog photos sometimes:)   Gary is pictured with Frances.

and I adore them too!

Off Shoulder Blouse also in black, pink, berry, black/white check | Necklace | Jean Shorts

My mom found me some new end tables in Charlotte and brought them back for me.  We are slowly making progress in our den.  I am loving how it is all coming together.

Sterling went to the aquarium with our good friends Saturday so Frances and I went fabric shopping for my cane back chairs.  I picked up these samples at GDC Home.  

This was Sterling at the lego exhibit at the aquarium.  He had a blast!  I highly recommend for any locals or out of town visitors.  That shark is made out of all legos- how cool is that? 

The most delicious tomato sandwich with my Farmer's Market tomatoes. 

I met my girl Caycee for some afternoon wine.  We always love The Avondale Wine and Cheese bar.  They have this triple cream brie that is amazing and we also really loved the smoked olive oil! 

What I wore.  This is the same blouse I wore Friday night but in a different color.  They are my favorite off shoulder blouses.  Size down as they really run on the large side, I am wearing an XS.

Blouse also in a dress version| Necklace | Shorts | Purse | Sandals

Sunday Frances Moon and I went to church.  She really wanted to come sit with me instead of the nursery so I figured why not.  Once we were inside she goes "What is this place?"  I relied it's church.  She then says " well it sure doesn't seem very fun." haha!

Pool time that afternoon after we dealt with Roto Rooter for 4 hours!!  Say what?? The kids had clogged up our toilets pretty good.

Hat | Bag | Suit | Sarong | Sunglasses

That night for dinner we ate at Ellis Fish Camp.  Matt had dinner plans with a friend visiting so I took the kids.  Such gorgeous views and our food was really good too!

I love their wedge salad and fried okra!  Clearly my diet starts back today!  

Have a great Monday and good luck shopping the Lily Sale!

Eggplant Stacks + Antipasto Wraps + OOTDS + Loft Friends and Family

Today I have two recent recipes to share with you that I recently posted on Instagram.  First up is Eggplant Stacks.  I made this for our meatless Monday meal this week and they were so good.  I was originally going to make eggplant parmesan but wanted something a little lighter.  I found a few recipes on line but kind of made this up with ingredients I had on hand.  It turned out great and was almost even better the second day I ate it.

|| E G G P L A N T  S T A C K S ||

- 4 small eggplants sliced

- 1 ball fresh mozzarella cheese

- 1.5 cups feta cheese

- 1 cup pesto

- 1.5 cups marinera sauce (about 1/2 a jar)

- 3 tomatoes sliced

-fresh basil

Cut the eggplant into slices and then lay flat on paper towels.  Sprinkle with salt and let sit 30 minutes.  This will help absorb moisture.  Blot the tops with a paper towel too.  

Heat a grill pan with olive oil over medium.  Drizzle eggplants with olive oil and cook on grill pan about 3 minutes a side.  You want the eggplant to soften up.  Remove and lay on paper towels to drain extra oil off.  

In a baking dish layer one layer of the eggplant.  Then top with tomato slices, pesto and feta.   Then do another layer of eggplant, tomato and marinera sauce.  Top all stacks with slices of fresh mozzarella and basil. 

Bake at 350 degrees about 15-20 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.  

This is what it looked like before I baked it.   I can't wait to make this again! Such a great way to use up eggplant.  

Several of you also wanted the antipasto roll up from this past weekend that I made for our boat ride.  I found this recipe on pinterest.  The only thing I changed was I didn't use ham.  I just used pepperoni and salami.  I also used whole wheat olive oil shells instead of flour.  These were a huge hit with everyone.  A great appetizer I will make again!

|| A N T I P A S T O   R O L L U P S ||

recipe Via Mother Thyme

• 4 ounces cream cheese, soften
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• Pinch of salt and pepper
• 5 (8-inch) flour tortillas- (I used whole wheat and olive oil shells)
• 10 slices provolone cheese, thinly sliced
• 15 slices Genoa salami
• 10 slices deli/sandwich style pepperoni
• 10 slices ham, thinly sliced (I omitted this) 
• ½ cup sliced roasted red peppers, patted dry
• ½ cup mild banana pepper rings, patted dry

1. In a small bowl mix cream cheese with Italian seasoning with garlic powder until combined.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Spread a thin layer of cream cheese mixture on flour tortilla.
4. Top with 2 slices of provolone, then 3 slices of salami, 2 slices of pepperoni and 2 slices of ham.
5. Top ham with some sliced roasted red peppers and banana peppers.
6. Tightly roll up tortilla and wrap in plastic wrap.
7. Repeat until all tortillas are rolled up.
8. Place in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight.
9. When ready to serve cut off ends and cut into slices.

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

A few recent OOTDS. 

I recently ordered this peplum blouse and for the price it is such a steal.   It is under $40 and also comes in black.  I am wearing a size small.

Peplum Tee| Necklace | Jeans

This Madewell Dress is now 40% off.  
I am wearing an XS it ran on the large side. 
Dress

Snapped this picture with my sweet little man this week before we headed to the pool.  

These sunnies are a new favorite and under $80.  The tote is also under $100.  

Sunglasses | Cover-up | Necklace | Tote

The Loft Friends and Family Sale starts today you can take 40% off the entire site.
A few current favorites sitting in my shopping cart.
Blouson Dress

I have this dress and love it!! I am wearing a size small.
Tank Dress

I love the print on dress! 
Babydoll Dress

This is such a greta blouse that could work for work or play.  It also comes in white.  
Henley Blouse

I own this and love it.  I am wearing a size small.
Off Shoulder Blouse

Have a great Wednesday!  

Thoughts For Friday

TGIF.  This weekend we have lots of fun stuff going on.  My parents are in town, Matt is in a fishing tournament and we have a party Saturday afternoon.  

On Tuesday night we had our girl's supper club.  We usually rotate houses but decided during the Summer just to meet out somewhere.  We tried out Barsa and loved it.  All the tapas were delicious and this was the best paella I have ever had.  A great spot for wine and nibbles.  I loved their outdoor patio area where we ate.

They also had a very tasty cheese and meat platter where you choose what cheeses and meats you prefer.

What I wore:

Dress | Necklace | Sandals

Who else is hooked to the Bachelorette?  I love JoJo and think she is so cute.  Her hair always looks so perfect. 

Who are y'all pulling for Robbie or Jordan.  I feel pretty sure she will chose Jordan he has seemed like her favorite from the beginning.  I feel like if she chooses him though it won't last.

I found the cutest red dress at Madewell now on sale.  Size down as it runs on the large side, I am in a size XS.  It is a great dress for now and into Fall.  

Available  HERE and HERE

The kids and I hit up Citadel Mall this week.  Every time I go there I am amazed it is still open, it is the saddest mall ever.  I still don't understand why Charleston doesn't have a good mall.  The only redeeming aspect is the photo booth.  We had a blast taking pictures.

Last night we had dinner over at my parent's place since they were in town.  We love the deck at their condo.  The marsh view is so pretty.

Outfit Details: 

My off shoulder blouse is currently 40% off, no code needed.  I am wearing a size small.

Off Shoulder Blouse | Shorts | Sandals 

I have been very diligent about my diet all week.  I have been working on post where I will share a sample menu of what I have been eating.  The main things I have tried to avoid are processed foods and carbs.  Last night we made our favorite cauliflower tacos and used lettuce instead of flour shells.  They were actually so good wrapped in lettuce I didn't even miss the shells.

Next I want to try out cauliflower nachos.  These look amazing.

Nachos

I have been on a major reading kick lately.  Below are a few books I have read over the past few months.  For the most part they are all pretty light and easy Summer reads. The Nightingale was heavy but such a good story.  Any recommendations of what to read next?

800 Grapes | First Comes Love | The Singles Game | After You | Love and Lemons

Then Came You | The Nightingale | The Weekenders | The Nest | Summer Secrets

I have been kind of obsessed with taking videos of the kids lately.  I feel like they are growing up so fast and I want to remember these sweet ages.  Lately Frances Moon keeps telling me she is not a baby and I had to record it.

Don't miss out on the Serena and Lily Tent Sale!  Everything is 40-75% off.  Scroll through to see my favorites.  There are some really awesome deals on bedding especially.

Have a great weekend!