Monday, May 5, 2014

Life Lately

Good Monday Morning!  Did everyone have a great weekend?  We certainly did, time with old friends is good for the soul!

This past week was a whirlwind after getting back from Dallas.  I had stuff almost every night and then one of my oldest friends and her sweet family came to visit us for the weekend.

This week the fabulous Jamie Meares hosted a Furbish Pop-Up Shop here and let me tell you it was so awesome!!  I loved getting to see all her stuff in person.  I wanted to take everything home with me.


Luckily I had Frances to help me narrow things down.


This is what I ended up with:


And of course the best part was hanging out with Jamie.  She is such a cool gal.


Outfit Details


Then Thursday night was the Hampden and Tibi Runway Show.  Amy Smilovic the designer of Tibi was actually there and we got to see the Fall line, and trust me it is good!


I wore an old Tibi Dress and my new Noomi Necklace (its on sale right now for $18!) Wearing my Madewell Pumps again, I swear they go with everything.  I have been wearing them non-stop.


For lunch this week I made a version of my Greek CousCous but instead of CousCous I used tricolor quinoa and added in chickpeas.  It was awesome.


Then it was on to the weekend.  Erin one of my oldest and best friends came to visit with her family.  She had her third baby girl 3 weeks before I had Frances and this was their first time meeting!  Hopefully they will be best friends for life.


Her girls are seriously the cutest.  Sterling had so much fun playing with them.  It did make me realize that 3 kids is hard work, dealing with 5 kids all weekend was interesting for sure.  No one was ever happy at the same time and someone always needed something!


We spent Saturday afternoon at the Yacht Club, the weather was just perfect.


We ate an incredible lunch at The Glass Onion, I love that place!  I have never had a bad meal there, it is always so fresh.


Sunday Matt had to work for a few hours so I took the kids to the beach.  Our first trip of the season.  Of course Rufus joined us.


 and I have to show a full view of Frances Moon's Marysia Swim bathing suit.  I have been waiting months to dress her in this, it is so darn cute!


Leaving you with this wonderful quote from Mother Theresa.


xoxo



Saturday, May 3, 2014

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

Happy Saturday, I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.  There are some awesome deals going on right now!
 
Shopbop just did some big markdowns.  Most importantly these Navy Rag and Bone Newbury Booties are on major sale, as in 40% off.  I love my Newbury booties and think navy would be such a great color to have.  You can shop the whole Shopbop sale HERE.



I am loving this RP Maxi.  Perfect colors for Summer.  Would look great with a white or black tank and cute flats!

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Rebecca Taylor just marked down a bunch of Spring Merchandise. I am loving this ghost flower print blouse



It also comes in a short sleeve version. I own a top in this same style and wear it all the time. You can shop all the RT markdowns HERE.


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Neiman Marcus is running a Mothers Day special with Tory Burch.  If you spend $300 on select TB Purses and accessories you get this set of two candles free.


I am partial to this gorgeous cross body. 

and for an everyday bag I love this woven tote.

It is also the Neiman Marcus Fragrance Event.  If you spend $100 on fragrances you get this sweet bag filled with goodies.


If you need a new perfume I highly recommend the Jo Malone line.  I received the Peony and Blush Suede for my Birthday and just adore it.  I have also tried the Nectarine Blossom and Honey and love it as well.  Her lotions and candles are also awesome.

http://rstyle.me/n/iqesegf5

 
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Piperlime also did a bunch of markdowns.
The Clover Canyon Dress I wore last weekend is on sale now.  I love mine!!


 I am obsessed with the colors in this Rory Beca Blouse just marked down.  Perfect for Spring!


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Neiman Marcus Last Call already has some great prices and thru Tuesday you can take an additional 30% off apparel.  The prices are crazy good.  If you spend $100 you can also take an additional $25 off with code 25APR4.  Check out the whole site HERE.
I am a huge fan of the Equipment Liam style Blouse and you know I love a leopard print. With the sale this blouse is only $82!!

 Equally love this nude hearts version.


and my favorite Riley Blouse is on sale in Camo for only $60!  You can't beat these prices for Equipment.

Happy Shopping and Happy Saturday!



Friday, May 2, 2014

Dallas Recap + What I Wore

Yay for Friday!  One of my best friends and her family is coming in town for the weekend and I could not be more excited!!  I finally have had time to upload all my Dallas pictures.  As most of you know there was a blog conference in Dallas last weekend.  It was my very first blog conference and so much fun.  I have to admit I was star struck seeing some of my favorite fashion bloggers in person like Ivory Lane, Gal Meets Glam, and Elements of Style. It was my first time leaving Frances behind and that was hard to do.  I actually missed my kids so much I flew standby on the way home to get home earlier!

The hardest part about this trip was what to pack!  The night before I tried to assemble some outfits, but it was hard knowing I would be amongst all the biggest fashion bloggers.  I have to be honest I felt a little intimidated and out of place!


As most of you know I hate to fly.  Like seriously it gives me panic attacks and makes me break out in a rash.  For weeks I stressed about the flight.  I don't take medicine (I rarely even take Tylenol, I am just not a pill person) so no Zanex for me, but I find a cocktail or two helps me unwind.
Two glasses of wine and a swig from my mini airplane bottle and I was good to go.


 I will say it was the smallest plane I have ever flown on, we had to walk outside and then go up stairs to board, that was enough to almost freak me out, but all was fine and I even looked out the window:)
Thank goodness for my liquid courage.


Caycee was my travel partner in crime.  Luckily she is a calm and chill on an airplane.  We were a good combo.


We grabbed a cab and then checked in our hotel, The Joule,  which was fabulous!!

We quickly grabbed a glass of champagne, freshened up and went to meet some of our favorite bloggers in real life.  


I have to say I was most excited to meet Cassie and Megan.  They were both two of very first blogs I started reading and from the beginning they were always so sweet and kind, inspiring me to blog!  They were just as adorable in person.  We had the best time with them!  Friends for life!

// Outfit One


Saturday we were up bright and early for a day of meetings.  We got to meet with so many fabulous brands!  I have to say we were spoiled the first day with all the great swag we got.

//Outfit Two


We had lunch at the very first Neiman Marcus ever after our morning meetings!  The store was incredible 6 floors in all.  I could have done some damage shopping there if I had more time. We dined at the Neiman Marcus Restaurant and the hype was right the food was delicious (although very expensive).

 They had a photo booth set up that was so much fun.  I can't remember the last time I was in a photo booth.  Give us girls some champagne at lunch and we get silly.


That night Kate Spade hosted an awesome party on the greenway with the giant eyeball.

\\ Outfit Three


We had a blast!! We got to meet Courtney Kerr which was a real treat!
Also wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses and carrying my Gigi New York Uber Clutch.



 Yet another photo booth but this one had really fun props.  We got a little silly with the food props.


Saturday morning we were up early again for more meetings, so excuse my tired face in this picture!

\\ Outfit Four


That afternoon we had some free time and got to hit up the awesome pool at The Joule.  It over hangs the building and if you swim up to the clear glass you can see right down!


\\ Outfit Five


Then that night we were off to a party hosted by The Outnet.

\\ Outfit Six
Clover Canyon Dress (on sale!) similar versions here, here, and here | Theodosia Necklace | Joie Sandals


Hanging with my favorite ladies.  This was basically my crew for the weekend, loved spending time with these pretty gals!


The next morning I had a quasi meltdown I was missing my kids so much.  I may have shed a tear.  I am not used to being away from my kids, I have left Sterling a handful of times for weddings etc and I have never left Frances!  Caycee and I decided to head to the airport early and were somehow able to snag two seats on an earlier flight that was overbooked.  I think God was watching out for me.  He knew I needed to see my babies!


Sunday night was the best reunion ever with these two.
and the best part was how excited Sterling was to see me.  



It was a fantastic trip and I learned a lot, but I am so glad to be back in my routine and home with my babies!
You can shop all my looks here:




And for any Charleston peeps, Beauty Counter is hosting an event tonight.  I am going with my friend Erin who is a rep.  If you want to attend feel free to mention her name (Erin Smith) when you RSVP.  The line is awesome!




Thursday, May 1, 2014

Zucchini Farro Cakes + Giggle Bites For Your Kids!


Today is all about healthy eating for you and your kids.  First I wanted to share a recipe I made last week for our Meatless Monday meal, Zucchini Farro Cakes with Slow Roasted Tomatoes.  I loved this meal, but disclaimer Matt hated it and ate a box of poptarts later.  Keeping it real that the men in your lives may not love this meal:)  It was a light, fresh, and fun new way to eat zucchini and farro.  I served the cakes with Tzatziki sauce but next time I might would serve with crumbles goat cheese or even add goat cheese or some kind of cheese in the cakes.  I thought they needed cheese but I do love cheese, so you make the call!   Don't skip the tomatoes they are awesome and added such amazing flavor!  This recipe makes a ton of cakes (about 12) so you can freeze them or save for your lunches!
Enjoy!


|| Z U C C H I N I  F A R R O  C A K E S + S L O W  R O A S T E D  T O M A T O E S ||
adapted via Cooking Light

Ingredients

Tomatoes:
  • 1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Cakes:
  • 3 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 pound) 
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
  • 2 cups cooked farro
  • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
  • 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
  • 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour 
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 
  • Tzatziki or herbed goat cheese to top with

Preparation

To prepare tomatoes, preheat oven to 250°
  Combine tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250° for 3 hours or until very tender, stirring every hour

To prepare cakes, combine zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cheesecloth-lined bowl (I used a mesh strainer lined with a thin dish towel)  Let stand 10 minutes. Gather edges of cheesecloth; squeeze zucchini in cloth until barely moist. 

Combine zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon salt, farro, and next 7 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Shape mixture into 12 (3-inch) patties, about 3/4 inch thick.  Let sit in fridge 30 minutes to an hour to harden cakes, if not they fall apart easily

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 patties; cook 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Repeat in two more batches with remaining oil and patties. Keep warm

Serve over arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice.  Top with slow roasted tomatoes and tzatziki or herbed goat cheese.

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The second part of today's post is about baby and toddler food! I am so darn proud of my friend Melissa I can't stand it.  For years she has talked about wanting to start her own baby food line and recently she and her husband finally did it!!  I briefly mentioned it a few weeks ago, but the line is called Giggle Bites.  After her first child was born Melissa had a hard time finding pure baby food with nothing extra added to it and that is how Giggle Bites came about.  I am sure you are thinking what makes this baby food different from others?  Well, first it is all frozen, meaning there are no additives or preservatives to give it shelf life.  There is actually nothing in the baby food but the actual fruit and/or veggies. It is frozen making it the freshest, healthiest food you can feed your baby!
It comes in freezer ziploc bags with 6 servings per bag and so many different flavors for each stage.


This is all I have been feeding Frances since she turned 4 months and the doc gave us the go ahead and she loves it.  It is so easy, all you do is pop a star out of the freezer and leave at room temperature to thaw, or pop in the microwave for about 30 secs, it is that easy.  Frances has tried all the firsts : sweet potatoes, green peas, mango, and apples and she loved them all!  I can't wait to try out some of the second foods once she hits 6 months.


There is also a Toddler Sneak-Um line with veggies you can de-thaw and sneak in things you are making like mac and cheese, muffins, quesadillas etc. Pure genius I tell you.  A great way to get your toddlers to eat their veggies. 

This post is kind of a tease because currently Giggle Bites is only available in Charlotte, but Melissa is working to get it in several big stores in the Southeast so stay tuned you should be able to buy it soon!  Charlotte friends all next week Giggle Bites is offering free delivery of your orders with code MOMSROCK for Mothers Day, so go stock up!  You can buy a box of 4 bags or 8 bags of any kind to meet the delivery minimum.  You will honestly probably want more, since it is frozen you don't have to worry about it going bad!  We go thru a bag a week with Frances!
You can shop online HERE and also check out Melissa's blog, it is filled with so much valuable info about kids food.  She has really opened my eyes to so many things about shelved baby food.

If you live in Charlotte on Saturday from 4-6 Giggle Bites will be at Pottery Barn Kids in SouthPark, so stop by and check them out!! If you have babies or toddlers I swear you will love this baby food line.  I am so proud of my girl, Melissa making her dreams come true.  Charleston peeps if you are interested in Giggle Bites shoot me an email, Melissa and I are trying to plan a day to drive some orders in town!  
Giggle Bites is so amazing, feed your kids something you can feel good about!