Happenings

Hope everyone had a fab Mothers Day.  Here is what has been happening in our world lately.  

Last week my parents were in town and it was so nice.  Mom and I did some shopping and I found some really cute stuff.  Case and point, this dress from Forever 21.  How expensive does it look??  It was only $24.  Please follow my lead and snag this beauty.  

Don't mind Sterling in the background he was obviously over shopping.

{Love 21 Tie Front Georgette Dress}

My mom also treated me to this JCrew dress for Mothers Day.  I am obsessed with it!  I found mine in the store but I was looking online and it comes in navy too, which I really love.  It is the perfect casual Summer dress.

{JCrew Knit Tunic Dress with Marled Trim}

We hit up alot of consignment and antique stores. Those are our favorite places to shop and I scored this amazing brass Lions Head door knocker.  I have been wanting one forever.  My dear old dad installed her for me and I couldn't be happier.

In case you noticed in the previous picture, I moved my Lulu and Georgia Runner to our bedroom.  I put my sweet dad to work while he was in town helping me rearrange stuff.  We also hung this vintage mirror from my grandmother and moved our bar area.

For Mothers Day Sterling surprised me with these flowers.  I kid you not he went on a walk picked them, asked me for a cup and then arranged them himself.  Pretty impressive work for a 3 year old.

Sterling has been such a character lately.  I just love this age (minus the insane tantrums and bossiness), he says and does the funniest things.  These are two scenes I witnessed lately.  The first picture he told me he was calling the police because Daddy fell and the second picture I walked into while he was sleeping in full pirate costume.

I made Gazpacho for the first time this weekend and it was amazing.  So refreshing, healthy, and delicious!.

Say a big prayer for my grandfather he is back in the hospital.  I trust God in all his decisions and my grandfather has lived a very long life but it is very hard on my mom and her brother.  Keep my family in your prayers to give them strength during this difficult time.

 

Have a wonderful Monday.  I am so excited our couch is getting picked up this morning to be recovered,  a little Mothers Day treat for me from my rents.  We will be living without a couch for a few weeks which will be kind of weird but totally worth it!

xoxo

Being a Mom

Mother's Day is Sunday and this year for some reason it really got me thinking about being Mother and what it means.  

Being a mom is the greatest Blessing in the world.  

Being a mom is single handedly the most rewarding and most challenging job ever.  There are no days off .  The future of a human being depends on you.  What paths they choose in life and the direction they take their life is a result of the decisions you make while they are young.  This is heavy stuff.  Being a mom means never having a second to yourself again- not even peeing or showering.  You fully open your life to this tiny human being and it is forever changed.  Your freedom is gone.  Being a mom means alot of sleepless nights and exhausting days.  It means sometimes going days without showering or leaving the house.  It means cleaning up more poop and vomit than you could have ever imagined.   It means sacrificing what you want so you can provide and take care of this person you created.  It means being under appreciated most of the time.  It means crying yourself to sleep sometimes because the day was so incredibly long and monotonous.  It means sometimes needing a glass of wine at 4:00 in the afternoon because it was one of those days.  Being a mom means worrying incessantly.  It means pulling yourself out of bed at the crack of dawn every morning with a smile on your face no matter what. 

Being a mom also means being the luckiest person in the world.   It means a simple smile, hug, or laugh can make your entire day.  It means laughing like you have never laughed before. It means having a love so immense it sometimes brings you to your knees.  Being a mom means living a life so fulfilling you need nothing else.  You frequently wonder what you did with your life before this child was born.  Being a mom means finding simple pleasures out of everything.  Being a mom means having an unspoken bond with all other moms we just get each other.  Being a mom means appreciating your mom that much more- you know what she sacrificed and put into raising you and how hard it was.  Being a mom means being incredibly strong, your body housed a baby for 9 months and then birthed it.  Being a mom means thanking God every single day for the miracle of life he blessed you with.   It means being grateful beyond belief.  Being a mom is the most wonderful thing in the world.

To all you moms out there enjoy this day.  I know we all deserve to be pampered and appreciated at least for one day.  Being a mom is hard as crap but worth every minute.  I wouldn't change it for anything.  And Happy Mothers Day to my mom, the most incredible mom in the world, she is my inspiration.

Obsessions

{VELVET RELAXED TEE}

Lately I have been having a love affair with tie dye.  I guess my inner hippie is coming out.  I love this little tee.  It would look so cute with jean shorts or white jeans.

{VELVET SLINKY MAXI DRESS}

I am pretty smitten with all things Velvet is coming out with lately.  Love this maxi it looks so comfortable and chic.  Perfect for a day of running errands or a night out.  Love both colors equally and the price is great.

{ANCIENT GREEK SANDALS}

After Erin blogged about these this week and after seeing them in every fashion magazine from Bazaar to Vogue, I am fairly certain I need a pair.  These are my three favorites.

 NIKI STRAPPY SLIDE  || MEDEA THONG  || ALETHEA FLAT

{HUNTER DIXON IKAT PEPLUM DRESS}

I am such a huge fan of Social Dress Shop and my love just grew even more now that Sarah picked up the line Hunter Dixon.  How amazing is this dress??  The colors, the pattern, the style it is pure perfection begging me to buy her.  Good news for you all Sarah is offering 25% any full priced items with code DRESS25.  

{GAP PRINTED WEDGE SANDALS}

I can't believe these are from the Gap!  How fabulous are they??

{GREAT GATSBY SOUNDTRACK}

Download it, its good.  So many amazing artist including my boy Jayz.

{NANETTE LEOPORE ONE PIECE}

This is the most gorgeous bathing suit ever.  It looks like it would be so flattering.

Siriacha Glazed Meatloaf + Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes

This is the meatloaf recipe we grew up eating kicked up a notch.  The meatloaf recipe is my mom's and I spiced it up a bit by adding in Siriacha because,  well I like Siriacha on everything.  You can always add more Siriacha if you like the heat or omit totally if you don't like at all.  I think the glaze over the meatloaf is the best part and it helps keep the meat moist and flavorful.  

As for the potatoes who doesn't love a good mashed potato?  The key to these is the cream cheese and using a hand help blender to mix them.  My grandmother made them this way and by using the mixer it gets the potatoes so light and fluffy.  This is totally a mans meal, but worth every calorie I assure you.

:: S I R I A C H A  G L A Z E D   M E A T   L O A F ::

- 1-1.5 pounds ground Sirloin

- 1/2 white onion finely diced

- 1/2 green bell pepper finely diced

- 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

- 1 egg

- 2 tablespoons ketchup

- 1/3 can tomato soup

- Salt and Pepper

For the Sauce:

- 2/3 can tomato soup

-2-3 tablespoons ketchup

-2 -3 tablespoons siriachia

Mix all ingredients together by hand.  Do not over mix.  Season pretty well with salt and pepper.  Mold into loaf shape in baking dish.

Mix together rest of tomato soup, ketchup and siriachia to taste.  I taste the sauce as I mix adding in more ketchup or siriacha to get the desired taste I like.  Spread this over the meatloaf.  We use all the sauce because we like alot of sauce but you can use as little or as much as you want.

Bake at 350 degrees 45mins- 1 hour.

:: C R E A M   C H E E S E   M A S H E D  P O T A T O E S ::

- 4 Russet Baking Potatoes

- 1/2 container of cream cheese

- milk

- 4 tablespoons butter

- 4 tablespoons sour cream

Peel and slice potatoes and place in pot of water and bring to boil.  Boil about 30 mins or until fork tender.  Drain water and add in cream cheese, sour cream, and butter.  Using a handheld mixer blend all the ingredients adding milk as needed to desired consistency.  Season with lots of  salt and pepper.

My Mothers Day Wishlist

I can't believe this is going to be my 4th Mothers Day. Crazy how fast time flies. We are pretty low key on Mothers Day (and most holidays) and since we are on a budget I know I won't be getting any extravagant gifts.  The important things to me are thoughtful cards and family time!  Most of these gifts are affordable and I want them all!  Funny thing is I have such an easy time coming with ideas for myself and then I am stumped thinking of what to buy my mom! Any great mom gift ideas?
Below I have rounded up my favorites (sure hope Matt is reading today).

DIPTYQUE BAIES CANDLE- This is one the most delicious smelling candles ever.  I need one in my life.
TORTOISESHELL MARTINI SHAKER- I need this to go with the Tortoiseshell ice bucket.  What a sleek Martini shaker that would look amaze sitting out on any bar area.
SERENA AND LILY MONTAUK NAPKINS- I am obsessed with these cute geometric napkins.  Perfect for an outdoor picnic or dinner party
SERENA AND LILY MONTAUK TRAY- If I get the napkins I of course need the matching tray.
GORJANA ALPHABET COIN NECKLACE- I am smitten with this sweet necklace.  I would of course want one with an "S" for Sterling.  If you have more than one kid these would be awesome layered.  A great price.
 GORJANA BIRTHSTONE NECKLACE- I love the idea of getting Sterling's birthstone in this necklace and layering it with the "S" necklace.  They are such sweet delicate necklaces.  A fabulous Mothers Day or Push gift!
RHYME LOS ANGELOS SHIFT DRESS- This dress is so adorable and under $100.  Looks like Tibi, right?
 FRENCH CONNECTION LADY SOLITUDE TUNIC- I love this tunic especially the detailing at the bottom.  I see myself living in it all Summer.  White is always chic.
SPLENDID WATERCOLOR FLORAL DRESS- Splendid is my new go to brand for affordable,  cute and comfortable Summer dresses.  I love the colors of this one.
 MARYSIA CUT-OUT ONE PIECE- This is a dream item.  Matt would never in a million years spend this kind of money on a suit for me in fact he would laugh at me, but a girl can dream.  If money grew on trees this would be mine.  It is perfection.  It also comes in Black that I like equally as much as the blue
RELISH BY DAPHENE OZ- Recently I have really gotten into watching The Chew.  I really like Daphene Oz.  I flipped thru this book and it looks awesome filled with gorgeous recipes and great health tips.
TKEES FLIP FLOPS- I have already worn the crap out of my nude Tkees.  They are the best flipflops ever. I need this dark charcoal color next.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Did everyone have a good weekend??  We sure did.  It was jam packed but so nice. 

Lets start with Friday.  Friday I finally busted out my Forever 21 Leopard shorts that I bought a few months back.  They are my new favorite shorts.  So comfortable and cute.  Of course now I cant find them online but I did spy these cute leopard  shorts,  skirt and dress.  I have seen the dress in person and love it. 

Friday while Sterling was in school I hit up Target and found the best stuff.  How amazing is this Mossimo Beach Tote?  It of course came home with me.

I also picked up these cute sandals.  I love the Aztec vibe.  Our store was pretty much sold out of them, they had like two pairs left,  a really small pair and one for my big ass feet, but they are still online.  I swear they look so expensive in person. 

{Mossimo Sandals}

  i 

Saturday morning we went to Breakfast at Okra Grill.  I had never been before but Matt kept raving about it and wanted to take us.  It did not disappoint.  I had the Sausage Egg Benedict with Pimento cheese grits, just incredible.

Saturday afternoon we went to Taylor's first Birthday party, I of course did not snap one pic but you know Caycee had a photographer so I am sure there will be plenty of pics on her blog.  I did what I do best and made a mean cheese plate for her party.

Saturday night we babysat for my sister so she and her hubby could go out and celebrate their anniversary. I was in heaven snuggling with my nephew all night and Sterling could not get enough of him.

This was Sterling's attempt to snap a picture of me and Finley.

I found the most gorgeous hydrangea at Lowes- I had never seen a tall one like this.  We put it on our front porch and are loving the pop of color.

 I whipped up a few loaves of our favorite Strawberry bread.  This is the best bread ever- you can get the recipe Here.

Then of course we had to whip up something tasty for Cinco de Mayo.  We made our Shrimp Tacos with Pineapple Avocado Salsa + Mexican Corn.

Lastly, can we discuss Chris Martin's hot body?  Who knew he was rocking a body like that?  Do you think he works out with Tracey Anderson too?

Happy Monday.  At least the sun is finally out here!

xoxo

Total Money Makeover- Part One and Cinco de Mayo

I still can't get over the response from my debt post last week and the comments are still rolling in.  Most of you said you would be interested in me sharing what I am doing and what works.  Obviously I don't know what works yet because I am just getting started but as promised per May 1,  I am buckling down and getting real.  Here are my first plans of action:

ONE: KEEP TRACK OF ALL EXPENSES/ 

BE ACCOUNTABLE

Confession, I never balance our checkbook or keep up with receipts.  I occasionally check our bank account once a week to view the balance.  Totally irresponsible.  Another confession, I am not sure how much debt we have exactly.  I have a ballpark idea but I avoid looking at the credit card balances- out of sight out of mind used to be my mentally.  So for this first month I am going to write down all our household expenses and all our credit card debt to see what we are spending a month.  I am also going to write down every single purchase I make to see where the money goes.  

I bought this 3 ring binder at Target to help me get organized and keep track of this stuff- because doesn't cute stuff help you stay organized too:)  The little dots make me happy everytime I look at them.

TWO: USE NO CREDIT CARDS

We are actually one month down on this part we used no credit cards last month and hope we can continue this so we can pay them down.

THREE: READ DAVE RAMSEY TOTAL MONEY MAKEOVER

Meg who works with Dave Ramsey was sweet enough to mail me the Total Money Makeover this week.  I started reading it last night and it is pretty eye opening.   It is filled with so many personal experiences from other families that are so inspiring.  There are so many people way worse off than us that accomplished his plan and are now debt free.  I want to finish reading it and try to follow his rules.

 They were also kind enough to send Sterling three piggy banks- one for saving, one for spending, and one for giving so he can learn early.  Such a great idea.  He absolutely loved them and spent alot of time yesterday filling them up.  His favorite one was the "Save" one, so not like his Mama:)

Nothing too crazy for my first month, I think all of this is pretty doable.  I will report back next month.  I am thinking maybe once a month I will share what is working unless ya'll get bored with it.

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

Cinco de Mayo is this weekend and it is one of my favorite Holidays because duh, I love Mexican Food and tequila.  These two recipes I saw floating on Pinterest need to happen.  Of course they both need to be served with a side of straight tequila.  Who needs margaritas I just want the tequila!

{Roasted Veggie Tacos +  Spicy Queso Fresco Guacamole}

We have such a fun weekend ahead.  My sister and her husband are in town with my nephew- its his first trip to Charleston at one month old!  Can't wait to snuggle with him all weekend.

and Happy almost Birthday to this beautiful baby, Taylor.  I feel like it was just yesterday Caycee had her.  We will be celebrating that sweet face at a party tomorrow that I know will be over the top fabulous because Caycee has been planning it for months now!  Girl loves to throw a party.