The Maxi | Holiday Dress Part 2

I know for many sequins are too much for the holidays and you want something more subdued that you could invest in and wear year round.  

I have actually never owned a long sleeve maxi dress until this dress and I have to say I am loving it.  No need for a jacket like a Summer maxi this one keeps you covered and warm.  I am a huge fan of the Clover Canyon line and found this dress at Nordstrom, where I do most of my dress shopping these days.  I fell in love with the color and the style.  My dad and Matt both even commented how much they liked it and usually they are mum on my outfits.

 Clover Canyon Maxi | Black Ballet Flats
 

I love that it can dressed up or dressed down.   I dressed mine down with ballet flats but you could easily wear heels and a sparkly necklace to dress it up.

and because outtakes are funny.  The wind would not corporate with my hair.

another favorite from the Clover Canyon line that is not a maxi but you are still covered up is this long sleeve dress.  I always love the Clover Canyon patterns and colors, such fun dresses.

|| Clover Canyon

If you have work parties or something where you need a more conservative dress a long sleeve maxi is a great option.  I also really love this Ella Moss one!  The black makes it so versatile. 

|| Ella Moss Maxi

I am totally obsessed with this Alice and Olivia Maxi and it is 40% off!  The colors are amazing and  it is stunning.

|| Alice and Olivia Maxi

This green is perfect for the holidays and after.

|| Ella Moss Stella Dress (on sale)

and for the price this black maxi is a steal- under $80!    The back has a cool cut-out detail too.

|| Felcity and Coco Maxi

Shop some of my favorite maxis below that would be perfect for the Holiday season.  I like to order a few to try since Nordstrom offers free shipping and returns!

this post was sponsored by Nordstrom, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own.

7 Vegetable Minestrone Soup + The Best Cornbread Ever

I love a good soup on a chilly day especially one I can toss in one big pot and let it simmer for awhile.  This can also be made in your Crock Pot if you prefer, just saute the veggies first and then put everything in the Crockpot on low.   I let this soup simmer for a few hours and just added in the pasta close to time to eat because it cooks quickly.  This soup was so delicious and filled with so many yummy veggies.   The cornbread is a family favorite.  It is so easy to make and so good.  It pairs perfectly with the soup.   It is a recipe you will want to save, trust me this cornbread is awesome.

|| 7  V E G E T A B L E   M I N E S T R O N E  S O U P ||

adapted via

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil

1 medium yellow onion

2 teaspoons fresh oregano, chopped

2 teaspoons minced garlic

2 medium yellow squash, chopped

2 medium zucchini, chopped

2 medium carrots, chopped

1 - 15.25 oz. can whole kernel sweet white corn, drained

1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes

 1 box chicken broth about 4 cups (plus more if needed)

1 cup uncooked ditalini pasta ( add more if you like more pasta)

1 - 15.5 oz. can Great Northern beans, rinsed & drained
1 package Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing
2 teaspoons hot sauce

1 - 6 oz. bag of fresh baby spinach 

Shredded Parmesan Cheese

Instructions

1. Heat oil in a dutch oven over medium high heat.
2. Add onion to pan; sauté 3 minutes, until softened, stirring frequently.
3. Add oregano and garlic; sauté 1 minute, stirring frequently.
4. Stir in squash, zucchini, carrot, and corn; sauté 5 minutes until vegetables are tender, stirring occasionally. 
5. Add Chicken Broth and sauteed veggies to your pot.  Add in Ranch Packet and about 2 teaspoons hot sauce
6. Add pasta and beans to pot; cook 10 minutes until pasta is tender, stirring occasionally.
7. Remove from heat. Stir in spinach, salt, and pepper to taste.
8. Ladle soup into bowls and top each bowl with cheese.

 || B E S T  C O R N B R E A D ||

- 2 packages Jiffy cornbread mix

- 3 eggs beaten

- 1 8 oz sour cream

- 1 stick of butter

1 14 oz can creamed corn

Melt butter in 9x12 dish @ 350 degrees.  Mix other ingredients and pour in pan.  Bake 30-40 mins.

Obsessions || The House and Holiday Edit

I have been in a real home mode lately wanting to update and spruce things up.  I have also been full on holiday mode dreaming about decorating and entertaining for the upcoming holidays.  Here are a few things I am loving on the house front.

|| Draper Plates

I love these plates for holiday entertaining!  The gold pattern makes such a pretty statement.

 || Draper Glasses

These glasses would be great alone or even better paired with the plates!

|| Agate Coaster Set

I actually have these in our den and love them!  These would make a great stocking stuffer too.

also  in hot pink.

|| Josephine Desk

I am on the hunt for a new desk in my kitchen and this is the forerunner, you can't beat the price it is under $200 and currently extra 25% off.

|| Snowflake Pillows

I love the idea of putting out seasonal pillows at the holidays.  I don't like ones that are too flashy and too much color I love ones that can just fit in with your current decor.  These are my favorites I have seen so far!

 also loving this smaller Holiday pillow as well.

|| Big Book of Chic

Confession I am a book hoarder, mainly coffee table books and cookbooks but I can't get enough of them.  This is the mother of all coffee table books and on my wish list!

 

|| Fair Isle Cheese Board

Is this not the coolest cheese board ever??  I just love it and I am always looking for new ways to present apps.  It also has matching glasses and a decantor that are amazing.

|| Mood Moss Wreath

I love the idea of these simple wreaths for the holidays.  On sale right now too.

|| Diptyque Candle

I think I may be the only person never to own a Diptyque candle.  I have heard nothing but rave reviews about them, really want to try one.  Any favorite scents?  Baies is the one I most often hear about.

|| Alpine Tree Skirt

I can't stop thinking about these tree skirts from Serena and Lily.  I love the modern vibe of them.

 || Bergen Napkins + Table Runner

This is just perfection for the holidays.  I would use this for Thanksgiving and Christmas.

|| Michelle Armas Dark and Stormy

I am huge fan of Michelle Armas and many of her prints are on sale on OKL right now.  Would love this one for my dining room.

|| Simon Pearce Christmas Trees 

I just love these glass Christmas Trees.  My mom has a few and I admire them every time I am home.   I would love to start my own collection.

and if you want the same look for less I just found these similar trees on Pottery Barn.

|| Woven Deer Head

I love the idea of hanging this near my bar area with lights around it.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Here is what went down.

Friday I went to a cheese tasting at Goat Sheep Cow.  It focused on cheeses from Europe and I have to say they were all fantastic.  My favorite was called Saint Angel it was amazing.  Frances Moon came with me and she loved every cheese even the stinky ones!  This picture makes me laugh so much cheese:)

I have to show off Frances Moon's outfit.  I am obsessed with the vest.

Vest | Leggings

I got a head start on Christmas shopping and ordered this teepee for Sterling.  He is going to be so excited Christmas morning when he sees it. I going to set it from Santa with his other toys inside it and around it.  If you order by November 15th you can take 10% off your order.

TeePee

Friday night we had happy hour with my parents who were in town with my nephew moving to a new condo.  I made a sweet spread with some of the cheese from my cheese tasting and champagne from my Wine Awesomeness box this month.  If you sign up for Wine Awesomeness this month you can get your first month free- sign up HERE.  I always love my wines each month and this would make a great Christmas gift as well!  This champagne was excellent.

I loved spending time with my sweet nephew Finley he is such a doll.

 Sterling promptly got a haircut after I took this picture, I realized just how long his hair was!

Saturday night we took my parents to the yacht club for happy hour.  It was a chilly evening but gorgeous views.

I made yet another killer recipe from the new Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, Make it Ahead.   The Quinoa Tabbouleh is amazing, I made a big batch for my lunch this week.  This may be my favorite cookbook yet, so many great recipes.

Both nights we enjoyed sitting out by our fire pit after the kids went to sleep.  It was so nice for Matt and I to just catch up and have some alone time.

Sunday we took some pictures for our Christmas cards with our good friend and photographer Brook Bertschy.  I can't wait to see the results.  A few outtakes from my iphone.

Frances Moon's Dress | Shoes

I am wearing: Blouse | Jeans | Shoes

All in all a nice weekend spent with loved ones.

 

Saturdays Steals and Deals

Happy Saturday Friends.  Some great deals going on this weekend, a good time to start Christmas shopping!

Gap is running their Friends and Family event, with 40% off, use code GAPFAM

Love these Christmas PJS for Frances. 

|| Christmas PJs

and I got these for Sterling

|| Fair Isle PJS

I also think this embroidered plaid top is so cute.  Lots of great kid stuff!

|| Plaid Top 

 Love this adorable sweater and hat for Sterling!

Sweater | Hat

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Sephora is having their Friends and Family Event you can take 20% off the entire site.

Use code GIFTVIB at checkout- you do have to sign up to be a beauty insider to get the deal.

I am tempted to buy this Josie Maran skincare set, it is $39 with additional 20% off.  I have been wanting to try her line, heard wonderful things about it.

||Josie Maran Gift Set

 If you need bronzer I swear by the Nars Laguna Bronzer.

|| Nars Bronzer

I also love the Nars lipstick- Dolce Vita and Gipsy are two of my favorites.

||Nars Lipstick

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Nordstrom Clearance Event ends Monday.

I love these Vince Pumps, such classic pumps.  Vince shoes are always well made, these are 40% off.

||Vince Pumps

The Rebecce Minkoff Mini Quilted Bag is now 50% off.  I own this purse and carry it all the time.  The color goes with everything.

||Rebecca Minkoff Mini Quilted Bag

The House of Harlow Station Necklace is 40% off.  I own this in tan and wear it often.  I just love the emerald green, would be so fabulous for the holidays.

|| House of Harlow Station Necklace

I love this Skagen watch, I have been on the hunt for a great everyday watch and may order this.  

|| Skagen Watch

This Missoni ZigZag Scarf is 33% off- comes in three different colors.

|| Missoni Scarf

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West Elm is offering 15% off cleareance with code YIPPEE, 20% off lighting, tableware, linens, and coffee tables!

I just love these glasses for the holidays!

|| Gold Glasses

I also love these mirrored chargers, I am thinking about them for my Thanksgiving table.

|| Mirrored Chargers

This cheese knive set would make a great stocking stuffer or hostess gift.

|| Cheese Knives

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Banana Republic is also offering 30% off full priced items, use code BREXCITED.

I really like this v-neck pullover.  The black and white would go go with everything!

|| Drapey V Pullover

 and I am obsessed with the color of this sweater- so gorgeous!

|| Red Cable Knit Sweater

Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!