Monday, July 11, 2016

Scenes From Our Beach Week + Weekend + Grapefruit Habanero Cocktail Recipe

Happy Monday Friends!  This week both Sterling and Frances are in camp so I am hoping to accomplish so many things on my to-do list!  After being out of town two basically back to back weeks I have a list a mile long.

We had such a great week at the beach with my parents and brother and sister.  This is one of the few family pictures we got with all 4 of us and I love it!  
My dress I am wearing was just reduced and is now 40% off.  I am wearing a size small for reference. 
My mom and sister.
My sweet parents who always make this the most fun week.  They fill goodie bags for the kids and always cook us amazing meals.  I am still dreaming about my Dad's fried shrimp.

The cousins.   It makes me so happy that these little ones are so close and love hanging out together.


 By far our favorite part of the beach was the tidal pools.  The kids loved playing in them and it was stress free for us adults.  I am not a big ocean person (sharks and other things I can't see scare the heck out of me) so I really enjoyed just chilling in the tidal pools.


I bought this pink dress/cover-up during our shopping day in Wilmington at Monkee's.  I am a sucker anything embellished, it also comes in blue.  It is fully lined so technically you could wear it as a dress as well but you would need a tank or special bra underneath.

The girls always take one day and go into Wilmington to shop and eat lunch, otherwise we really enjoy just relaxing at our beach house.  One of our favorite restaurants in Wilmington is Brasserie du Soleil.  I am slightly obsessed with their salads, french fries, and mac and cheese.  The Heirloom Tomato and Burrata Salad was a special and it was so good!



This off shoulder dress was perfect for our last night.  I love the fun floral print.  I had a few questions about fit and I found it ran tts.  I am wearing a size 4.

Frances Moon rocking her Marysia Suit.
I can't believe how grown-up Sterling is these days.

Family lunch at the pool.  
The boy cousins minus Rutledge.  So far Frances is the only girl.

We did dinner out one night at a place called Cape Fear Seafood Company.  The food was really good.  Sterling and I shared the fried flounder and osyters and both were very fresh.  Their fried okra was also a favorite.

This picture is blurry and not the best lighting but I love it of me and the kids.

The last night we watched a crazy storm roll in, the clouds were incredible.

We got back Friday afternoon and I quickly unpacked everything.  I always like to unpack as soon as I get home.  Then Matt made us a delicious habanero grapefruit cocktail.   Several of you wanted the recipe.  I don't have exact measurements but here is how you make it:
HABANERO GRAPEFRUIT COCKTAIL

Juice one grapefruit.  We typically microwave the whole grapefruit for about 10-15 secs, this helps more juice come out.  Pour the juice in a martini shaker.  Thinly slice 1 habanero and place in the shaker.  Add vodka and ice and shake well.  Usually the grapefruits are sweet enough on their own but if you find it is not add a little honey to the mixture to cut the sourness.

Saturday the kids and I went to the Farmer's Market.  I promptly came home and made gazpacho.  It was good but not great anyone have a recipe they would recommend?


Saturday night Matt and I took it easy and finished Mad Men.  I am so sad it is over, I really loved that show and the characters.  We are thinking about starting back up Bloodline next. 

I picked up this new cookbook after the Farmer's Market and so far I am obsessed.  Every recipe looks amazing.  This detox face works wonders on your skin, I try and use mine twice a week.

Sunday we went to church and then worked around the house.  I have been living in this Mara Hoffman Stars dress, I love the print (it also comes in a lighter version) and fit.  My Annabel Ingall Tote is also reduced in a few colors.  


I love snapping pictures of the kids are these stairs on our walk to church.   We saw the Secret Life of Pets Saturday and loved it- highly recommend it!  That is Gidget from the movie that Sterling is holding the kids loved her character:)
Have a great day.





Friday, July 8, 2016

June Outfit Round-Up

Happy Friday everyone!  We are packing up from our beach week with my family and heading home later today.  It has been such an amazing week and I am sad to leave.  I will share some of our pictures Monday!  
Here is a round-up of my June outfits- many of these items are on sale now too.  

I wore it yesterday and here is a full view picture from a few weeks ago when I wore it out to dinner!
It seems to run pretty TTS, maybe a touch on the large side.  This would be a great dress for any of you pregnant friends because it is very loose. I always liked not buying maternity clothes when I was pregnant so I could wear them again afterwards.   I am wearing a size 4.





Tee Shirt (wearing size 1) + Necklace

Tee Shirt Bathing Suit + Necklace (available at Beckett Boutique in town)+ Shorts + Tote











Mara Stars Dress 50% off | also HERE

Tie Back Dress (70% 0ff)

 Dress (40% 0ff)+ Necklace



My Outfit | Dress (40% off)  Sandals





Thursday, July 7, 2016

Spinach Artichoke and Feta Dip


I love a good dip.  Actually I love appetizers and could gladly just eat that for a meal.  We made this dip last night and everyone loved it.  It is filled with 3 different types of cheese, artichokes, and spinach,  so it is super creamy and delicious.  I made this just trying to use some items we had in our fridge and pantry so adjust to your liking.  We served ours with pita chips but it would also be great with chopped veggies for a healthier option.
It can be made ahead and just baked when ready to eat.
Enjoy!

|| S P I N A C H   A R T I C H O K E  + F E T A   D I P ||

- 1 8oz cream cheese
- 1 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach
- 1 small jar pimentos, drained
- 1 14 oz can quartered artichokes hearts, drained and chopped smaller
- 1/2 cup mayo
- 3 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 garlic clove minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (the juice from half a lemon)
- 1 container feta cheese crumbles
- 1 container shredded parmesan and asiago blend (about 1.5 cups shredded cheese)
- salt and pepper to taste
- pita chips, chips, chopped veggies, or crackers for dipping

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Mix all ingredients together.  I usually let the cream cheese sit out about an hour or two before hand to soften up.  It makes it easier to mix.  Pour mixed ingredients into a baking dish.  Bake about 25-30 minutes until dip is bubbly.  Serve with pita chips or crackers.





Wednesday, July 6, 2016

Obsessions | Vacation Essentials

Since we have had two back to back trips I wanted to share a few essentials that I have packed for both trips.  I love all these items and they have been perfect for our Summer vacations.

vacation




PITUSA Cover-Up- I have this in 3 different versions I love it so much.  Super soft and lightweight.  It is easy to pack and you can wash and dry it.  I like the longer version because it covers you up when you don't want to get much sun.


Burn out Tee- Another favorite I have in 2 colors (the green and white).   I like the faded look and  that it is not fitted.  I did a size medium because I wanted a slouchy oversized tee look.  I wore the green version shopping in Wilmington yesterday.


Hayden Reis Tote- Hands down my favorite beach bag.  It is made out of sailcloth so it is easy to wash and wipe down.  You can literally hose it down to clean it.  I also like that it has several pockets along the sides to store things like sunscreen and snacks for the kids.  It makes keeping everything organized easy.  Plus it is huge and has plenty of space for towels and beach toys.


S'well water bottle- I have the large size and use it all the time at the gym but I have especially appreciated it at the beach.  It has been so hot here and it keeps my water ice cold.  I fill it everyday and take it to the beach with me.

Pitusa Short Cover-up- 2 different versions and love them both.
Pitusa Maxi Cover up also HERE (wearing the maxi version below)


Moon and Lola Tassel Earrings- I love these so much I gave my sister and sister in law a pair.  They are super lightweight so they don't hurt your ears.  They come in some awesome colors for Summer.

Cooler- This is the perfect size cooler to pack a few snacks and drinks in.  I can't tell you how often we use ours whether it be at the beach or pool or for travel purposes.

Tkees Flip Flops-  My favorite flip flops.  Super comfortable.

Le Specs Sunglasses- I recently bought these sunnies and have been wearing them non-stop.  They are under $70 and stay put when I wear them plus I love the mirror lenses.

Hinge Hat- This is now 50% off and only $18.  I packed this when we went to St Maarten and wore it everyday! 

Laptop Case- I love these laptop cases and you can choose your own fabric and monogram.  I pack mine every time I travel.  I also have the matching tote and cosmetic case.


Travel Bags- I ordered a few of these bags before St Maarten and love them.  They help keep everything organized when traveling.   I like this set.


Sunny life Speakers-  My friend Ashley had these and I loved them so much I ordered them before we went to St Maarten.  We used them everyday.  They are great because they are waterproof and you just hook your phone up inside.  They also have an AM\FM radio option.  My parents also have a set we have been using this week on vacation.

Steve Madden Sandals- New favorite sandals and they are under $60.  They run on the small side so size up about 1/2 a size.
I wore them last night to dinner with this dress.

Any other travel favorites??