Thursday, March 19, 2015

Tory Burch Private Sale!

Tory Burch just started their Private Sale- you can shop it HERE.  Stuff is going super fast because most is up to 70% off!! 

Love this Jessica Tunic now under $100!  Great for work or play!
 These sandals are sitting in my cart.  They would look so good with jeans or dresses.


I own these slippers and they are my favorite!!  So soft!  and 50% off!

Adore this pink crossbody for spring, also comes in blue and is under $100!

I love a pretty cocktail ring and this is down to $49!

Some other favorites!  Scroll thru to see them all.






The Great Mascara Search + New Lip Obsession

As you all know about a year ago I started trying out many different mascaras trying to find the perfect one, one that was not clumpy and made my lashes look super long.  I tried them all trust me.  I thought I had a found in a winner in Chanel Le Volume which I loved but my last two tubes had been clumpy from the day I opened them and that pissed me off.  Then I had two eye infections back to back, not saying the mascara caused them but it did make me throw out what I was using so I didn't keep reinfecting my eye.  The one mascara I had yet to try which actually so many people recommended was the Lancome Defincils.   

 I ended up ordering the mascara and a lipstick because currently at Nordstrom if you spend $39 on Lancome you get an awesome free gift (valued at $125).  It was a no brainer to order an extra item to try!

You get to choose between three different gift sets depending on your skin: LIFT, HYDRATE, or REPAIR. 

and if you spend $70, In addition to the set above you get 2 free lipsticks + a lipstick case.



I loved the mascara, seriously not one clump.  It had a skinner wand than I was used to so I had to apply several layers to make my blond eyelashes look black but it goes on so smooth and really separated and elongated my eyelashes.  I will be buying the mascara again.  It comes in black, deep black, and brown.  I ordered the black but plan to try the deep black next.

The Shine Lover Lipstick is just amazing.  I like a hint of color during the day but not too much.  This is the perfect amount of color plus it feels like silk going on.  I went back and ordered two more colors afterwards I loved mine so much.  I recommend colors French Sourire, Irreverente, Eclat De Rose, and Inattendue.
I am wearing 124 Irreverente 
.


I want to try the Lancome Lip Lover next, I read great reviews about it.  It won Allure's best lipgloss last year in 2014.  It delivers color and shine.

I loved my two Lancome products so much I want to try out a few more. I would love to hear if you use any Lancome products and what your favorites are?  What should I try next?

Now is great time to buy because not only is Nordstrom offering the awesome free gift with purchase it is also double points if you shop with your Nordstrom card.
A few things I want to try:

lancome


\\ Pure Face Mask- I am a sucker for a good face mask. This five minute mask is supposed to minimize pores and leave your skin looking refreshed.
\\ Bronzer- This has won several awards and people swear it gives your skin that perfect natural looking glow
\\ Exfoliating Face Wash-  This got 4.9 out of 5 stars review.  I love a good face wash that exfoliates.
\\ Precision Point Eyeliner- I get so tired of pencil eyeliners and sharpening them.  This one apparently goes on super smooth for a perfect line.
\\ Eye Make-up Remover- My mom has used this eye make up remover for years and swears by it!
\\ Night Cream - For the price this cream is supposed to be amazing and leave your skin hydrated and baby soft.
\\ Eye Serum- I need any help in the eye department I can get!  This actually targets your forehead, eyes and cheekbones to tighten and reduce wrinkles and fine lines.
Rouge in Love Lipstick- These lipstick colors are gorgeous!!




Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post.



Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Thai Beef With Basil


My love affair with ethnic food continues.   I found this recipe in an Old Bon Appetit Magazine and made a few changes.  As far as weeknight meals go this was super easy to fix.   I loved the carrot and red chile pepper slaw it was so simple yet so  refreshing and paired perfectly with the beef and rice.   It was a great combo of spicy and citrus.  
The meat could not have been easier and was full of flavor.  
Matt was not a huge fan of the sauce that your drizzle on top so add accordingly.  He actually preferred just the rice, beef, and slaw with no sauce  I didn't mind the sauce but I know fish sauce is a strong flavor so if you don't like it I recommend skipping the sauce it is still excellent without it.
I will 100% make this dish again. I loved it and gobbled up seconds.  I don't eat a lot of white rice so I got to thinking about lower carb versions and next time may try this as lettuce wraps with the beef and slaw.   It would even be great for entertaining because you make ahead and reheat.
So good that these little hands could not resist it:)


|| T H A I   B E E F   W I T H  B A S I L  ||

- 2 Tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 6 garlic cloves minced
- 4 red chiles, seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 3 cups fresh basil
- 2 carrots julienned or thinly sliced
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 4 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablepsoon fish sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- steamed rice + limes for garnish


Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large skillet add garlic and two sliced chiles and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.  Add in beef and season with salt and pepper.  Cook about 8-10 minutes until browned.  Add Broth and 2 cups basil.  Stir until basil is wilted about 2 minutes.

In a small bowl toss carrots, scallions, 1 tablespoon lime juice, remaining sliced chiles, basil leaves and 1 tablespoon oil.

Mix soy sauce, fish sauce, sugar, and 3 tablespoons lime in another small bowl til sugar dissolves.

Top rice with beef and slaw and drizzle with soy dressing.





Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Obsessions

Lets start with the biggest deal of the day.  This adorable dress is $17.  I loved it so much I bought it in two different colors.  The perfect easy Summer Dress.


I am beyond obsessed with this dress.  I am thinking about ordering this for my upcoming birthday, a wedding and a girls trip I have coming up. Also available in black HERE.

These are the best shade of blush for Spring.  Wear mine all the time.

Love the detail on this caftan cover-up.  Also comes in white.

This dress is so me.   Love everything about it.  Also comes in a gorgeous pink.


Loving these sandals and the fact that they are under $50!

They just released the Zella Live in Leggings which are a fav of mine in some gorgeous Spring colors.  Loving this bright blue.

Loving the pattern on this blouse and style.

This bracelet is so cute and a great price only $32.  Comes in a black or pink version as well.

I am a huge fan of the Charlie Jade line.  This maxi is stunning!




Such a fun clutch for Summer.

I think these sandals are so pretty.  They remind me of Loeffler Randall but about half the price.
They also come in black and tan.

I always love Nanette's swimwear.

I own a Chambray shirt very similar to this and wear it often.  I really like the ombre detail.
The back is really cute too, it has kind of a bottom split.

If you have been eyeing anything from Serena Lily check out One Kings Lane.  This pouf is now 60% off!  If only I had a spot for it!

I love malachite, I think it is so gorgeous.  These two are a great deal.





Monday, March 16, 2015

Life Lately

Happy Monday.  

We lucked out this week and had some pretty incredible weather.  It always puts me in a good mood when the sun is shining! 
Spent a lot of time outdoors with these two.

I bought sidewalk chalk which I thought was a genius idea to occupy the kids til found this beautiful drawing all over our front door.  At least chalk washes off:)

 Then I busted this little lady chugging all her brother's chocolate milk.
Love that guilty little face though.

I tried roasting purple cabbage instead of green.  I also brushed it with Dijon mustard and olive oil, it was so tasty.

Thursday night we out for a girls dinner since one of our best friends Amanda was back in town visiting.

Snapped the cutest picture of Frances Moon sleeping.  I swear it looks like she is wearing lipstick.


Friday night we had happy hour with some friends and I made the most delicious and easy 5 ingredient app||
Layer Cream Cheese | Onion Relish ( I actually used a local apricot jalapeno jelly that was awesome) | Black Beans | Crumbled Bacon | Chives
Serve with crackers

Visited with my sweet niece Avery this week, she is such a doll!  Love seeing her in Frances Moon's old clothes!
 wearing my tie dye dress again it's a favorite already.

On Saturday we went to a birthday party for my friend Krystine's two sons.  The kids had a blast.  She had a shaved ice truck come in, the kids were in hog heaven!



Saturday night we went out with some friends in town from Charlotte.  If you are looking for a great white blouse, I love the one I am wearing.  The embroidery and tiny pom-poms won me over!

We ate the Rarebit, which I had never eaten at before.  We all really enjoyed our food and drinks.


I had the Patty Melt and Onion Rings + Succotash and it was so good- no dieting on the weekend.

Found the cutest embroidered tunic/dress from F21.  It also comes in white/orange.


Sunday after church  I made a big batch of chicken salad.   The secret ingredients are celery seed and dried basil.  They give it awesome flavor.


Spent Sundays outside.  Sterling would not eve pause to be in a photo, he was off running the whole time!
Wearing her Tarjay Dress:)

I am really enjoying the book Diane Von Furstenberg wrote, I have been reading it at night.  Love this quote and I think it's pretty true.