Sunday, August 7, 2016

Weekend Sales | Last Day to Shop Nordstrom Anniversary Sale + Serena and Lily Tent Sale

Happy Sunday! Today is the last day to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, so if there is anything you were debating about now is the time to buy it!

Below are a few favorites I bought during the sale.  
This Sweater I shared Friday is my newest find I bought while I was in Charlotte.  Runs large, so size down.  I am wearing an XS.


nordstrom


I ordered this in the camel color and just love it.  I ordered an XS and it def runs on the large side.  I like that it is longer so I can wear it with leggings.  If you want a less expensive option, this ONE is similar. 

I am a huge fan of the high waist Zella leggings.  I ordered these in the green color.  They run TTS.  I usually do a small in Zella leggings.

I ordered this in the black and I love it so much I am tempted to buy the purple.  I love these types of pullovers in the fall to toss on over my workout clothes.  Runs TTS, I bought a size small.

I ordered these in the lighter color.  They run on the small side so size up 1/2 a size.  I really like the zipper detail on the sides.
This is so incredibly soft and I love the open back detail (I would wear a tank underneath and not have an exposed back).  Runs on the large side so size down.  I ordered and XS and it fits perfectly.

My mom has this blouse in the white version and I always think it looks so pretty on her.  I bought the black and figured we can trade:)  We both have size XS.

I have these in the clear version and wear them often. I figured the gold would go with lots of outfits.



For the price you can't beat this blouse- only $27.  I ordered the green and it is such a great color for Fall.  I will be sharing this in an outfit post next week.  It comes in several other colors too.

I shared this Wednesday, but I love this simple tee for only $15.  I am wearing a size small. 


Under $20 and perfect for bad hair days!



I ordered this in the blush color.  For the price, $44 it is a great blouse.  It has a looser fit which I like and I also like the bell sleeve detail.  I am tempted to order the yellow too.  I ordered a size small. 




I actually bought the jeans last year but they are back again.  I am wearing a small in the tank.  The tank is made out of a soft slub knit material and it is such a great casual shirt.  Jeans run TTS.



I ordered these in the pink, I love my other pair so much. 

This arrived yesterday and I love it.  The color is actually more of a neutral pink not quite as bright as I expected but I honestly like that better.  I used the crayon and layered it with the lip gloss last night.  It is such a pretty shade of pink.  




This is the time when I buy my new workout shoes once a year.  I love the fit and style of this new pair.  Order up a 1/2 size as they run small.  I use mine for walking and light jogging.
I loved this so much I bought the black and nude.
A few other fabulous finds.


The Tent sale is happening right now.  Lots of great deals, 40-75% off.   Scroll through to see my favorites.






Have a wonderful Sunday! 



Saturday, August 6, 2016

Back to School Kicks


Each year before school starts I like to treat the kids to some new shoes and clothes for the school year.  Both Sterling and Frances Moon are very opinionated about these things so I always let them choose what they like.  When Rack Room reached out about working together they were so excited because we love shoe shopping at Rack Room.  They have so many great options for the kids.




Rack Room is our go to for kid's shoes.  They have such a great selection.  They carry some of our favorite brands like Nike, Converse, and Vans and they frequently run great promotions.

I am always a fan of Converse and these pink ones are so stinking cute. I love them paired with dresses.  Converse runs on the large side so I usually size down.

Sterling loves Nikes, because that is all I wear:)  We both loved this bright blue color.  They don't actually lace up and just velcro at the top so they are super easy for him to put on by himself.


These two are such hams together.


I can't believe I am going to have a first grader and Frances Moon is almost 3!  Time flies.


Thanks to Rack Room for partnering on this post!




Friday, August 5, 2016

Thoughts For Friday

TGIF!!  We have been in Charlotte for the week visiting my family but we are excited to get back for a fun weekend.  

We decided to come to Charlotte and do a little back to school shopping for the kids.  When I was growing up my mom and grandmother always took us and I loved it.  So I love being able to recreate that tradition with my kids.  

Who else watched the Bachelorette Finale?  I did and I had a feeling she would choose Jordan, I am betting they don't last long.   I am also pumped The Bachelor Pad started back up- it's so horrible it'S good.   Chad has already provided some good entertainment. Wine + The Bachelorette is my idea of a good evening.
I am tottaly obsessed with Instagram stories.  I could never quite figure out snap chat and this seems so much user friendly to me.  I like that is also all in one app so I don't have to switch back and forth.

We made one of my favorite Kale Salads for dinner while I was home- you can find the recipe HERE.  It is really good and it holds up well in the fridge it doesn't get soggy!
I am currently scheming ideas for Frances Moon's big girl room and this is one I have saved for  for inspiration.


I don't normally have much luck for me in the Lily store (I love it for Frances Moon)  but I fell in love with this yellow embroidered dress.   It runs TTS, I am wearing a size small.

I wore it out for a girl's night with my mom and sister.
My sister is wearing my Off Shoulder Dress + Tassel Earrings
I am wearing Dress + Sandals
We tried out Cork Buzz a new wine bar in the South Park area.  We all really enjoyed it.  We sat outside and had wine flights and appetizers.
My Sunglasses are still on sale til Sunday and they restocked all the colors including the pink!

We loved the goat cheese dumplings, shisto peppers, and bacon spring rolls.  We also had the corn dip and cauliflower and loved them too.

I was excited to actually be able to shop the Nordstrom Anniversary sale in person while I was in Charlotte and I picked up a few things.  
I had eyed this sweater online since the sale started and once I tried it on, I knew I needed it.  
It is so soft and will be perfect for Fall.  Size down it runs on the large side, I am wearing an XS.  I think it will be great paired with skinny jeans or even leggings and and a long tee or tunic.
Also loved this adorable dress and it's only $24 right now!  
It comes in 5 color options.  Since it was Juniors I sized up to a medium.
I bought these Pj's  for Sterling and they are so so soft!  On sale and only a few sizes left. 


While I was home my mom found these dresses my grandmother brought us back from Hawaii probably 30 years ago at least.  Mine actually fit Frances and I was dying over how cute she was in it!!

If you hate to iron like I do you must get this hand held steamer.  I have been using mine non-stop.  It heats up quickly and really works to get all the wrinkles out of my dresses and blouses.  It is small so it is easy to pack.  Matt likes to use it on his work shirts too.  It is on major sale right now.


The Nordstrom Sale ends in 3 days.  Scroll through see my favorites and many items I purchased!
Have a great weekend!










Thursday, August 4, 2016

The Dreaded 10 + Losing it + A Sample Daily Diet + Workout Gear


 I had a physical two weeks ago and had to be weighed.  I used to weigh myself regularly but lately I have been avoiding the scale.  It is because I know I have put on some weight.  I can feel it, my jeans are tight and my stomach is not as flat as it usually is.  As I stepped on the scale I found myself closing my eyes.  Praying for a certain number.  When I opened them I was shocked.  I thought I had maybe gained 5lbs but that number showed 10lbs from what I normally like to weigh.  Now I was fully dressed with shoes on, so I like to think that maybe that accounts for 1-2lbs, but either way I have 10 pounds I need to shed. 

My main problem is portion control and snacking.   I eat fairly healthy for the most part but I have just felt hungry lately, eating more than I normally would.    I found myself finishing off the kids dinner and then eating a dinner of my own.  I have been eating way more bread and pasta then I normally do and eating seconds after dinner.  Part of the problem too is I have not been eating enough protein.  Matt lost weight when he turned to a meat free diet and I gained weight because I was eating more cheese, pasta and fillers.   

I am sharing all this on here because I want to hold myself accountable.  

It has been 10 days since I started trying to control my portions and I can already tell a difference with my appetite.   I did a similar diet to this before my wedding and it really worked.  It is heavy on protein with minimal carbs and sugar.  During the week I try and be really strict but on the weekends I accommodate for some splurges.  So far I have lost 3lbs.  It is a slow process but I know it works and the weight will stay off.

I wanted to share a sample daily meal plan of what I eat during the week.  I know there are a million different diets out there and I am no nutritional expert but this is just what works for me.  My mom and dad have been following the plan with me as well.  We all felt like we had a fairly indulgent summer.

BREAKFAST
1 Boiled Egg + Morning Star Sausage Patty + Avocado + Tomatoes
I try hard to stick to this breakfast because the egg really keeps me full.  I do get sick of eating boiled eggs and when I do I have oatmeal instead for breakfast.  I also drink a cup of black decaf coffee and  a cup of hot lemon water.

LUNCH
Asian Kale Salad + Two Turkey Cheese Roll-Ups + a Pickle
I have really tried to be consistent with this lunch as well.  The turkey also keeps me full.  If I don't have a pre-made salad made I sometimes have sauerkraut on the side.

DINNER
Salmon Cake + Butterbeans + Heirloom Tomato Salad
For dinners I have tried to mainly eat salads, veggie plates or fish with veggies.  I have also tried to eat early like before 7 if possible.  If we make tacos, I use lettuce for the shells and make substitutions like that to avoid carbs.

SNACKS
I have really tried to cut back on snacking but sometimes you just need a snack.  When I do I will have nuts, usually pistachios or drink a V8 because it helps fill me up.  
I have also been trying hard to up my water intake.  We have a measured fill on our fridge and I try and drink at least 50 ounces a day.  
I still have wine, I can't totally cut that out- I need it for my sanity!  However I only drink water and unsweetened green tea during the day.  No other drinks with sugar.

WORKING OUT
 I hurt my back this Summer right after St Maarten and I am still not sure exactly what happened to it.  I tried to run once on our beach vacation and that really pushed it over the edge.  I was in so much pain and could barely move certain ways.  6 weeks later it is finally better but  I have avoided running because of that.  Instead I have tried to do barre class more regularly and walk some.  I aim 4 days a week at barre.  The barre class I attended is called extreme barre and I frequently leave class drenched in sweat so I know I am getting a good workout!  

It is always fun to have new clothes to workout with.  I treat myself as a reward of losing weight and getting to the gym more often.  I know its silly but I get a little excited about the gym when I have a new outfit to wear.  Below are a few of my go-to favorites.   Many are on sale and I denoted that beside them.

Sports Bra (on sale)
I love this style sports bra because it really supports you when you work out.  It hooks in the back like a regular bra ad really keeps your chest area secure.

I like light weight tanks and ones that are not super fitted when I work out.  This style is great and only $20 right now.

These high waisted leggings are my favorite because they really suck everything in!  I am partial to the black but a few colors are on sale now.
They also come in some really fun prints in the high waist style.

I own like 4 of these tanks.  I love them especially for running but they are great for yoga and barre too.  I sized up to a medium in these because I don't like my tanks fitted. 

I enjoy this style for yoga and barre class.  It is a lightweight material.

My favorite shorts.  I love the fit of these because they have a thick waistband and the leggings are not fitted.  Also on sale in blue print.

Nikes are my favorite workout shoes.  I just ordered these from the Nordstrom Anniversary sale and love them.  They come in 4 color options.
My sister gave me this Yoga Mat for Christmas and I love it.  It is a good thickness and I don;t have trouble sliding on it like I did my old one.   They come in a bunch of other patterns here too.
Great to toss on for those chilly mornings.  I sometimes run in mine too if it is really cold.

This is s bit thicker then the previous one.