Saturday, March 22, 2014

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

First off I think I am the last person to know about the Tory Burch Private sale- but lucky for us it is still on thru Monday!  There are some amazing deals! You can shop the whole sale here.

 If you don't have a TB cardigan you should snag one now, they are my favorite- this one is on sale in great basic colors that would go with anything!


I have been wanting this Zander cuff and now it is 50% off.  It would look so good stacked with other bracelets or alone!  The leather wrap bracelets are also 40% off.

Love this Dena Tote because it has a crossboday straps and handles.  This would be a great diaper bag.
 This crossbody clutch is amazing and a major steal at 70%!

 

These Amalie flats are amazing.  The black is sold out but I kind of love the red of yellow for summer!
 The Revas are onsale in a few colors.  I love the purple.

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Tea Collection is one of my favorite lines for the kids and they are running a sale on alot of the their summer stuff, shop here.
I love this Chambray Dress for Frances.
 This stripe dress isn't onsale but I am kind of obsessed with it.  It reminds me of LEMLEM.
This tunic is pretty freaking adorable too.


and for the boys their tee shirts are my favorite!!
I think star tee is the cutest!  Shop the whole sale here!
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My favorite Rebecca Taylor Dress is on Last Call now.  I wore this to a wedding last Summer and can't wait to wear it again.  I was pregnant here hence why it looks more fitted on me:)  Thru this weekend you can get extra 10% off sale prices!


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Jcrew is offering 25% your purchses with code HEYSPRING.
I love this Pom-Pom Cover-up!!
 
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If you need the perfect Summer shoes for your kids you must buy a pair of these Native shoes.  We just love Sterlings. They are rubber so if they get dirty or wet you can just wash them off plus they are way cuter than crocs!


 Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!



Friday, March 21, 2014

Turning 34.....


I turn 34 on Monday.  Crazy I am almost mid thirties.  The funny thing is I still feel pretty young until I look in the mirror and see the signs of wrinkles and crows feet starting to appear on my face and then I think dang, I need to get on the botox\ facials \ microdermabrasion train stat.  I actually love my thirties way more than my twenties.  I think I have really evolved and found myself and I finally feel comfortable in my skin.  Becoming a mom profoundly changed me and ultimately has made me a stronger and better person.  It has taught me how to be selfless and what unconditional love is,  probably the most important things I have learned in my 30s.  I still strive to be a better mom, friend, wife, daughter, and sister daily.  There is always room for improvement in those areas.  I feel really blessed with the life I have and I think 34 is going to be a great year!

I thought it would be fun to share 34 things about me today.  I love getting to know people better so tell me something about yourself too!

ONE \\ I found out I was pregnant with Frances last year on my Birthday.  I was two weeks late with my period and I had stopped taking tests until I was at least two weeks late because they were always negative and I was wasting money on all those expensive tests.  I still remember asking Matt so should I take a test?  and then patiently waiting the 3 minutes and seeing the positive lines.  It was an incredible Birthday to finally be pregnant after many months of trying. A birthday I will never forget.

TWO \\ I still really want three kids and Matt only wants two so I am trying to be at peace with just two kids.  I know three kids would be hard but I always pictured myself with three and it makes me kind of sad to think Frances was the last pregnancy and birth I will get to experience.  In this I trust God and his master plan.

THREE \\ Since having kids I have realized I am not a pet person. I can't take care of both.

FOUR \\ I have a weird eye condition that requires me to wear hard glass contacts that always irritate my eyes and make them water.  I can't wear glasses or regular contacts or even have lasik.  My condition will continue to get worse and ultimately I will have to have a cornea transplant and that scares the crap out of me.

FIVE \\ When I was younger I really wanted to be a model.  My parents even enrolled me in modeling school.  When I realized how skinny I would have to be and how much I liked to eat I decided it wasn't the profession for me.

SIX \\ I hate sweet or sugary drinks.  I only drink unsweetened tea and never juice unless I have made it myself.  Occasionally I will indulge in a coke if I am hungover or sick.  I used to love sweet drinks til I had several cavities and then I gave them up and now I am so used to it the sweet ones make my stomach turn,

SEVEN \\ My mom and my sister are my best friends.  I talk to them both several times a day.  I wish I could give Frances a sister so she could experience that same special bond my sister and I have.  I don't know what I would do without the two of them!


EIGHT \\ I love spending time with my parents, probably too much!  I always choose to hang out with them instead of going out with friends when I am home.  They are such good people and incredible parents, I admire them so much. I always have the best time with them.

NINE \\ At night I lay in bed and think about loved ones dying- so weird and depressing right??  Death really scares me even though I know it is the one certainty in life.   Losing loved ones keeps me up at night sometimes.

TEN \\  I have zero tolerance for mean or negative people and strongly believe in the saying if you don't have something nice to say don't say it all.  I have been shocked at the mean comments on my blog and instagram.


ELEVEN \\  As most of you know Frances Moon is named after my grandmother.   Since my grandmother passed away we started noticing whenever we would have family events or vacations a moon would appear in some of our photos. We know it is my grandmother still with us.  Now it is kind of fun to look and try and find the moon. Another crazy thing is my grandfather loved frogs and collected them,  the day after his funeral a real live frog appeared on my moms kitchen table.  They don't even have frogs where they live much less never inside their house.  We all knew it was him letting us know he was happy and ok.

TWELVE \\ My dream is to publish a cookbook one day

THIRTEEN \\ I have never been to California.  I am trying to convince my parents that next year we all need to travel and do Napa!

FOURTEEN \\  White wine and vodka with fresh lemon juice are my two favorite cocktails of choice

FIFTEEN \\  I only wash my hair usually twice a week and usually only shower every other day- I'm gross I know.

SIXTEEN \\ I still think about Breaking Bad everyday since it ended.  It was quite possibly the best tv show ever.  We did finally just start House of Cards and are loving it but it is no Breaking Bad- I miss Jessie and Walt.


SEVENTEEN \\  I am a neat person but not a clean person.  I like all the clutter put away but I suck at deep cleaning.  In fact last night Matt had to show me how to properly wipe down the counters by removing everything.  My dad never lets me wash pots when I home because I never get them clean enough (although that works to my advantage).

EIGHTEEN \\ I love books.  I love collecting coffee table books and cookbooks.   I have way too many but they make me happy. This is just a small section of my cookbooks I bet I own 50.


NINETEEN \\ Chick Fila is my favorite fast food.  I probably eat it at least once a week. I usually get a 12 pack nuggets or if I am being healthy I do the grilled chicken sandwich or salad.  I never order fries though.

TWENTY \\ I am freakishly in love kale.  Like I eat it everyday. 

TWENTY ONE \\ I never did a sorority in college, I was the only one out of all my friends who didn't

TWENTY TWO \\  I am terrified of sharks and snakes.  So much of sharks that I won't go in the ocean past my knees.

TWENTY THREE \\  Gwyneth Paltrow is my girl crush and my male crushes are a tie between Adam Levine and Zac Efron



TWENTY FOUR \\ I don't drink caffeine anymore.  I basically stopped while I was pregnant with Frances and liked how good it made me feel that I just stick with decaf now.  I swear it has helped my anxiety and nerves.

TWENTY FIVE \\  I had a crush on Matt for four years before we started dated.  I thought he was the most attractive man I had ever seen and I still think that.

TWENTY SIX \\ I prefer to drive on road trips, I like to be in control.

TWENTY SEVEN \\  I hate speaking in public in front of crowds of people it gives me major anxiety.  I used to hate presenting projects at school for the same reason.

TWENTY EIGHT \\  I try to go to church every Sunday although I will be honest it is hard now getting out the door with two kids.  I read a devotional every night- I am on my third year of Jesus Calling- I need a new recommendation! I  pray everyday and we also say prayers with the kids too. Faith is very important to me. 

TWENTY NINE \\  I have a real weakness for blouses.  They are my favorite thing to buy.

THIRTY \\ I like tequila straight.  I think I am one of the few people who actually enjoys sipping on warm tequila- but it must be good tequila

THIRTY ONE \\  I rarely buy new make-up.  I am a creature of habit when comes to make-up ,  I find something I like and use it for years.   I am trying to change that.  I am ready for some new fresh make-up finds.

THIRTY TWO \\ I love grocery shopping, I love to browse all the produce and leisurely shop.

THIRTY THREE \\  I have never had a broken bone or had surgery.  I have been partially put under for two colonoscopies and I swear that terrified me.  I don't do well in hospitals but I will say having children has helped me get past alot of my fears in that aspect.  I wasn't nearly as nervous when Frances was born.

THIRTY FOUR \\ Being a mom is the best thing I ever did with my life.  I will say it again it is the hardest yet most rewarding job.  These kids are my everything and I thank God for them everyday.



Cheers to 34 friends!  I am off to milk my birthday weekend and celebrate all weekend!
xoxo



Thursday, March 20, 2014

NDM Style: The Perfect Tee Shirt Dress

As a stay at home mom I love finding causal, comfy,  yet also cute and flattering clothes for my day to day wear.  This tee shirt dress is just that.  It feels like you are wearing a nightgown it is that comfy plus I think it is super cute on as well.  You spill stuff on it and wash it not dry clean which is always nice with kids. Tee shirt dresses just make me happy.



If you are curious about sizing I am almost 5'10 and wearing a size small it fits loosely but is shorter on me than it might be on most.  It also comes in this gorgeous light gray color.


Alexi Bittar makes some of my favorite jewelry,  this necklace is perfect to toss on with anything.  It is a older version but he has so many fabulous new versions! I love my Gigi New York Clutch too- this one is the smaller size- and little secret, it is the perfect size for diapers.  I often use it to store diapers in my big purse.
The bracelets are my go-to daily stack.  I am always wearing these three.

Alexis Bittar Necklace old but similar here and here | Gigi New York Clutch

I have said it before but Tieks are my new favorite flats.  Perfect for anyone on the go. They are so comfortable.  I am wearing the Cardinal color and they surprisingly go with everything!  I find myself wearing them almost daily.


This is such an easy outfit to dress up or down.  Throw on some flip flops and lose the necklace for a more dressed down look!  I promise you will live in this tee shirt dress!


You can shop the whole look here:



Wednesday, March 19, 2014

Winners Finally + Sweater Love

You all know how much I love my JCrew swing sweater well I have a new obsession,  the Merino V-neck sweater.  I find myself wearing it all the time!  It s such a great everyday sweater that I had to share!  I am wearing the thicker version that is now unavailable,  must have been from Fall but there is a new lightweight version out for Spring that is fabulous and almost all the colors are on sale for between $49 and $59!  Plus use code HEYSPRING to get an additional 25% off!


I am getting this hot pink color for Summer love it!  All the colors are gorgeous for Summer!


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AND FINALLY THE WINNERS!!

The winner of the Freshly Picked Mocs is
Amy (aweinlaeder@hotmail.com )!!

The Lulu and Georgia Winner is
Catherine ( cmsmith220@gmail.com ) 

I will email both you girls soon with details!
xoxo 



Korean Beef Bowls


Get ready to have your minds blown.  This dish is beyond amazing and beyond easy.  Matt and I were gobbling it up.  The flavors in the beef paired with the creamy white rice and fresh green onions is so incredible.  The meat is spicy sweet and almost gets sort of caramelized from the brown sugar- divine I tell you!  Plus you don't need many ingredients so it is a cheap meal to cook!  This is going to be on our weekly meal rotation for sure.  My friend Erin had the genius idea to add some steamed broccoli in next time, so if you want an extra veggie add that in!
Enjoy!


|| K O R E A N  B E E F  B O W L S ||
adapted via Six Sisters Stuff

Ingredients:
1 lb lean ground beef
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 Tablespoon sesame oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/2 - 1 teaspoon crushed red peppers (depending on how spicy you like it)
salt and pepper
1 bunch green onions, diced
Rice, cooked
 
Directions:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and brown hamburger with garlic in the sesame oil. Drain most of the fat and add brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, salt and pepper and red peppers. Simmer for a few minutes to blend the flavors. Serve over steamed rice and top with green onions.



Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Obsessions

The other day someone asked me if I buy all the stuff off my obsessions list and I had to laugh!  This is purely a wish list for me!  I think we all like to dream about the things we would like to own but I would go broke if I bought everything! These are things I truly love and if I had the money, yes I would love to buy them all.  I work hard on these lists and never include anything I personally wouldn't want to own or wear!  Occasionally I will include pieces I do own (like the sandals and blanket today)

I am in love with these DV Daffodil Sandals.  Locals they carry them at Thera M so stop in and try them on, you will fall in love with them like I did!  Such a great price.  I have the honey color and it is the perfect neutral but they are also available in black and brown here and silver here
I would say they run true to size, I  have a nine. If you are between sizes go down.
These are super comfy too!


I always love Rachel Pally Maxi dresses.  They are so soft and easy to wear for everyday or dress up for a night out.  This is such a great basic maxi dress, I love the white for Summer.  Any pregnant friends this would be a great maxi for pregnancy and after!

I have been obsessed with Madewell Tees lately.  They fit so well and look awesome on.  I am smitten with this new camo version, headed to our store this week to see if they have it.  For those without stores they are currently offering free shipping online so take advantage and try out some of their tees!

I love a good one piece that doesn't look like a mom suit.  This one is in one of my favorite colors!!  I think the rouching would make it super flattering!


This is one of my favorite prints I have seen the Riley tee in, so perfect for Summer paired with white jeans or shorts!  Plus it is on sale right now!
ps doesn't this model kind of look like the new girl on RHNY?


This blouse comes in my two favorite jewel tone colors.  A great loose tank for Summer at a great price!
Love these casual chambray shorts.  They would be so comfy for everyday wear.  Love the idea of them paired with a white tee and fun flats for the day or a blouse and heels for a night out!


I was lucky enough to be sent one of these canopy covers to try out and they are awesome!  They attach to any type stroller and help block out light, wind, sun, noise and other surrounding influences, plus they have spf 40 built in.  They can be rolled up or down however you want it and are machine washable.  If you use your stroller often, I am telling you these are great!



|| SAM EDLEMAN BRAYDEN D'ORSAY FLATS ||
Love this SE version of the D'orsay with the cut-out details.  So perfect for summer!  Also in black here.


I love the Joie bags.  This Canvas one would be great for the beach or Farmers Market.  I love the
speckled pattern on it and it comes in a gorgeous blue color too!
http://rstyle.me/n/gv8bwgf5



Monday, March 17, 2014

Scenes From Our Weekend

We had the best weekend.  I was able to get out for a girls night which is always nice and then I accomplished alot around the house.

Friday Sterling's new rug from Lulu and Georgia arrived and we were so excited to put it down.  The kids loved it so much (it is super soft) that we did happy hour in Sterlings room Saturday night:)  I can't wait to paint his walls next, might tackle that over Spring Break!  The rug is perfect for a kids room or playroom because it is an indoor\outdoor rug, so it is easy to clean and the price is not too expensive!



Friday night I went out for an awesome girls dinner out.  Sara and Mandy were in town and we had so much fun with them.  It is always so neat to finally met your blog friends in real life.  We met at The Ordinary for drinks and had dinner at The Grocery.


I wore my Leopard Equipment blouse.  Ladies this blouse is such a great fit, and pattern.
Blouse available here on major sale, here, here , and a different pattern here.


Loving this picture of me and Frances we snapped before I left.  I love going out but also love coming home to my kids.

Saturday I tackled cleaning off our patio and porch area it was embarrasing there was so much crap out there.  I cleaned everything off and next is project screen porch to playroom transformation.  It is a small area but right off the kitchen so I can easily watch the kids play out there.  It will be perfect for storing larger toys etc.


I posted on instgram how we order pizza every single weekend and I loved all the comments from other people who order pizza as much as we do!   Pizza is one of my favorite foods.


Sunday I whipped up a batch of three ingredient PB Cookies.  They were so easy and so good. Recipe is: 1 egg, 1 cup sugar, 1 cup pb.  Mix together and scoop onto baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees 12 mins.  Halfway thru and at the end I pressed them with a fork and sprinkled with sugar.


I will leave you with this picture of Sterling and his best attempt at a "real" smile.  I love how hard he tries to show me a genuine smile and it is always so over the top!