For The Men Gift Ideas | Activewear

I know that men argue us women are hard to shop for but I disagree, men are so much harder to shop for than women.  I am starting up a series with gift ideas for the men in your life since Father's Day is just a few weeks away.  First up Athletic Wear

My dad, Matt and my brother all love athletic wear.  Even if they are not technically working out this what they wear on the weekend.

I am always looking for comfortable athletic shorts for Matt.

They all tend to prefer the loose knit or mesh casual shorts.

Nordstrom always has a great selection of athletic wear- plus if you find it cheaper they will price match.

Under Armor Shorts | Nike Dri Fit Shorts (Matt's favorite) | Under Armor Mesh Shorts | Adias Shorts

Matt had to stop running because of his back problems but if the men in your life run, these are a few great running shorts options.
Under Armor Shorts | Nike Dri-Fit | Nike 2 in 1 running shorts

For the Golf Lovers.  My Dad and brother are big into golf and they love these lightweight polos.

Nike Shadow Stripe Polo | Nike Vent Stripe Polo | Nike Dri-Fit Polo (comes in 9 different colors)

Athletic Tees always pair nicely with the shorts for a full set gift.
These are all under $35 so they aren't too expensive

Under Armor Loose Knit Tee |   Nike Dri Fit Tee | Under Armour UA Tech Tee

 I know most men like lounge pants as well.  I love the flat front golf pants, great for the golf lover paired with one of the polos above.
Golf Pants (come in 5 different colors) | Under Armour (under $40) | Nike Dri Fit Pants

A few other sporty ideas. We all love the Under Armour no show socks,  they are awesome.  No joke my Dad asks for socks every year.  I guess it is something you don't want to buy for yourself, so I usually throw a set in with whatever gift I give him.

Leather Wallet and Card Case | Preformance Watch Watch | Card Case | Iphone Hand Strap Case |
No show Socks | Nike Sunglasses | Reversible Belt

A few other gift ideas for the men.

Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post!

Kate Spade Surprise Sale + The Bachelorette

So I stayed up way past my bedtime tonight watching the new Bachelorette.  I get so sucked into these shows.  Who else watched?  I was not happy it was a cliff hanger.  They draw out these shows so much.   But you know I will be turning in tomorrow night to watch part two.  I can't decide who I think will win.  I am team Kaitlyn but I have a feeling Brit may win.  I feel like Kaitlyn should have been the Bachelorette anyways since she was the third runner up.  Any guesses on who wins the vote?

While I was watching I browsed the Kate Spade Private Sale.  There are some amazing deals.  Some items are 75% off and most are at least 50% off!  You can shop the sale HERE and view some of my favorites below.

Mexican Fiesta

On Cinco de Mayo I hosted a girl's supper club with a few of my good friends.  We do this once a month and switch off houses.  I was beyond excited to have May for my month because we all know I am Mexican obsessed.  I wanted to share a few recipes and what I did for the supper club.

Most of my serving dishes are Terrafirma and from The Open Door Shop.  The pineapple dish is also from there. 

Table Runner and Napkins are World Market

Pink plates are Crate and Barrel and pink wine glasses are vintage, an estate sale score.

I decided to cook beef and chicken tacos for the main dish.  Matt cooks the perfect ground beef taco so I let him handle the beef.  I found the chicken recipe on Pinterest.  I wanted a crock pot one that could cook all day and simmer.  It was so simple and delicious.  I served the tacos with shredded lettuce, shredded Monterrey jack ( I always shred my own) and pickled onions (recipe here)

 Crock Pot Chicken Tacos

I also made homemade Salsa Verde.  I make a big batch of this so we always have it on hand for our taco nights.  It is super easy and tastes so much better than the jarred kind.  I also add an extra jalapeno in ours and use less cilantro.

Salsa Verde

For sides I decided to do beans and a corn salad.

I also found the bean recipe on pinterest but made a few changes.  I ended up simmering mine for longer so I had to add more beer.  I also added crumbled queso fresco.

Drunken Beans

The corn salad recipe is from my dear friend Val's blog.  It is so light and fresh!  It saves well too,  you can make this a day ahead- but it is best at room temperature.  I left out the avocado because we were having guacamole.

Mexican Corn Salad

I set up our bar with wine and skinny margaritas. I made a batch of jalapeno and regular ones.

For my skinny ritas I do 2 shots of tequila. the juice of one lime, and about a teaspoon of honey or agave nectar per drink.  If you are making the spicy version just slice one jalapeno and shake it up in your shaker.  Beware the longer the mixed drink sits the spicier it gets.

I used a new tequila T1.  It was perfect for margaritas and very smooth mixed together.  However if I am going to just sip it straight I prefer the Casamigos Represado, it is my favorite tequila (thank you George Clooney).

Plated tacos.  I served corn and flour shells and let everyone assemble their tacos who they like them.

 A few of my favorite ladies and best friends.  They bring so much laughter and light into my life.

My dress is sold out in the green but I found it in the purple version here .

Weekend Style.

Wanted to share a casual weekend outfit that I have been loving.

I am in jean shorts most of the time. I love dresses but in the summer shorts are just more practical with the kids.   Just like I love my DL1961 jeans I also love their jean shorts.

  If you live in Charleston Thera M carries them, I went there to try them and got mine there. 

They run TTS.  I recently bought the white pair I am wearing and next I want the blue pair.

 

Lucky Embroidered Shirt | DL1961 Shorts | Barrington Tote c\o | dv Sandals | Sunglasses 

This top is 100% cotton and so soft.   I love the purple embroidery detail.  It also comes in a navy version as well.  It is super light weight so not too heavy for hot days.  The Lucky Brand is nice because it is not super expensive but they have cute pieces- sometimes you can luck up and find their stuff at TJMaxx too.

a close up of the embroidery detail.

I own several Barrington Totes and they are awesome for everyday.  

The particular style I have is part of their new monogram collection.

You can choose your background fabric and monogram colors.  It would also make a great baby bag because you can wipe down the fabric.

Happy Saturday!

My favorite weekend pieces

Photo Credit | Rick Dean Photography

Trader Joe's Favorites Part 3

In honor of the weekend I thought I would share some Trader Joe's food items I am loving. 

It has been forever since I did a Trader Joe's Post and time for a new update!  Here are some new favorites of mine and I would love to hear yours!

Horseradish Hummus

This stuff is so tangy and good.

Sweet Sriracha Bacon Jerky

I mentioned this before, but if you love jerky please try this. 

Mini Ice Cream Cones

We all love these mini ice cream cones.   Best part they are only 70 calories if you want a little bite of dessert.

Brie with Wild Mushrooms

This stuff is so darn good.  Super creamy and flavorful.  Try it for your next cheese plate!

Coconut Chips

These are slightly sweet and slightly salty and addicting!  

Vegetable Birds Nests

These frozen nests are actually pretty tasty.  When you cook them they crisp up and the dipping sauce is delish.  A healthy quick dinner option.

Mini Chicken Pot Pies

My kids love these.  I use them when I want a quick easy dinner.

Inner Bean Black Bean Crisps

These are like the snap pea version but with black beans.  Frances loves them.

Israeli Couscous

I always stock up on this when I go.  It is great to have on hand for lunches.

Grains

I love their 10 minute barley and farro.  Also great for lunch salads or dinner sides.

Have a great weekend!

Thoughts For Thursday

This week it has been hotter than hot here.  It has me a little worried that it is already so hot in May.  Makes me wonder our Summer will entail.  Oh, and my car AC stopped working yesterday- perfect timing:)

Run don't walk to your Rite Aid and buy this face oil.  It is about $20 and works wonders.  I apply it in the morning before anything else.  Vitamin C is so good for your skin and I swear my skin looks brighter and fresher.

I ordered a bikini from a new to me line called Triangl Swim.  The suits are made out of neoprene and fit really well.  A few of you wanted to know about sizing.  I ordered a medium in both the top and bottom and found them pretty TTS.  The top fits me perfectly and offers so much support.  The bottoms are a touch skimpy for me (I am pretty grandma when it comes to bikinis) but they fit fine otherwise.  I love the bright colors.  Compared to other swim suits their prices are not bad either.  I like that they are made out of thicker neoprene material,  I feel like it almost sucks you in.

Aqua Punch Lily Bikini

I just finished two easy reads if you are looking for something lighter to read.

I have become addicted to Jane Green's books.  They always suck you right in and have a great story line.  Amy is just hilarious and so was her book.

I saw this palm print blouse in the Nordstrom catalog and quickly ordered it.  I love a good Palm 

Print.  It runs on the large side though so order down.  I am wearing an XS.  It is light weight and fully lined.

Palm Print Blouse | Shorts are older version | Shoes on sale (only $50 in some colors)

The earrings Hyla was sweet enough to send me, check out her site if you have not.   She makes some really beautiful jewelry.

 You can wear it off shoulder or up on both shoulders and it looks cute either way.

My good friend Ann just painted the most beautiful paintings for beside our bed.  I am going to frame them in a thin floating gold frame and then they will flank each side of our bed.  I am so excited they are going to look awesome!  You can check out Ann's work HERE and she takes custom orders too.

I just downloaded the 7 minute workout app and I have vowed to do it everyday til our vacation.  I mean I can spare 7 minutes a day right?  The app is free and I have heard some rave reviews.

I am on 3 day and not gonna lie I am sore, so it must be working some I hope:)

Two new songs added to my running playlist that I am addicted to.  I could listen to Vance Joy all day and I love me some Britney.

The sunrise I caught on Monday morning was so gorgeous.  Loving my morning runs and proud of myself I can now run 3.5 miles without stopping- this is big for me as I am no runner.  My goal is to get up to 4 miles about 4 times a week.

How amazing are these stairs?  If we end up doing an addition here this is what I would do leading up to the kids playroom.

Totally making this smoothie for me and the kids from Creme de la Crumb 

1 C frozen pineapple, 1/2 med banana, 1/2 C crushed ice, 1/2 cup vanilla yogurt, 1 1/2 C skim milk OR coconut milk.

 

Happy Thursday