Scenes From Our Weekend

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  We are still in Charlotte, while our house didn't weather too much damage several power lines are down in our neighborhood in addition to some flooding.  We are hoping to have power restored Tuesday and be able to get back in town then.  I am sending my thoughts and prayers to all those affected by Matthew.  I know many people are still without power and have had major damage to their houses, cars and property.   We were lucky enough to have family nearby to stay with but I know everyone was not that lucky and many of you have been in and out of hotels.  

This is picture Matt sent us of our backyard, lots of limbs and debris that thankfully did not land on our house.  Lots of yard work is in our future.

The kids have really enjoyed being out of school and spending time with their cousins.

Friday my mom let the kid's get out all her Halloween decorations and decorate her house.  We used a few for Happy Hour.  This red wine is a constant favorite.  Oh that snack mix pictured below is from Reid's and it is a must if you are in Charlotte!

Friday's outfit.

Tee Shirt | Sweater Vest (use code Flash to save 40%) | Jeans | Necklace | Sandals | Purse

I had several questions about my lip and nail color on my instastories.

Lip color is Chanel Milky Blackberry and nails are Chanel Emeraude

Also several of you wanted to know about my glasses, they are from the website Coastal eyewear and  the brand is Joseph Marc.  I actually found the exact same pair HERE.

A closer look at my nails, I love the green for Fall.  Ignore the bad paint job I painted them myself and I can't see- still waiting on my new contacts to arrive:)

Friday night my sister and I went out for a girl's only dinner.  We were laughing that the last time just the two of us went out was probably 10 years ago before either of us were married! We snapped this picture before we headed out.  

Mom's blouse | My Dress

We headed to Rooster's one of my favorite spots in Charlotte.  The food is always on point.

Taylor talked me into ordering bone marrow which made me want to gag but the kale salad was really good.  We also love Rooster's mac and cheese it is the stuff dreams are made of.  

One more pic of the two of us.

Several of you wanted the recipe for Cheesy Olives.  They are so easy and so darn good.

|| C H E E S Y  O L I V E S ||

- 1/2 cup margarine

- 2 cups shredded cheddar

- 1 cup all purpose flour

- 1/2 tsp salt

- green olives

Let margarine and shredded cheese come to room temperature.   Add in flour and salt and mix.  Mold around each olive and place on baking sheet.  Place in fridge for at least 30 minutes or longer.  Bake at 350 degrees 15 minutes.

The next morning Bojangles was in order.

Saturday was super dreary in Charlotte as the out skirts of Matthew brought lots of rain and wind.  We spent most of the day inside.   These are the leggings I went back to buy another color in I love them so much.

Tee Shirt (under $20) | Scarf  | Leggings

Sunday we took the kids' to a small pumpkin patch.

What I wore:

Tee Shirt (on sale) | Scarf | Jeans  (On sale) | Necklace | Boots | Purse

These over the knee boots are the best and on sale until midnight tonight.  Use code FRIENDS25 to save 25%.  I wore them Friday night with my dress as well.  The color goes with everything.  They also come in black and burgundy.  I found they ran TTS.

Over the Knee Boots

Have a good Monday.

Weekend Style + The Best Deals

Happy Saturday.  It is rainy and gloomy here in Charlotte from the outskirts of Hurricane Matthew so we most likely be chilling inside today.  I already have plans to help my mom organize her closet and clean out some stuff! I spoke with Matt this morning and thankfully no real damage has been done to our house. Hoping it stays that way.  

Today I wanted to share two recent outfits. 

Since I was in town near a Nordstrom I figured I would stop in to grab another pair of my favorite leggings.  I then spied this sweater and scarf.  This is such a great casual outfit and best part everything is under $40.

I am wearing a small in the leggings and XS in the sweater.

Sweater | Scarf | Leggings

The scarf also comes in this pretty gray color and it is only $19!

The sweater comes in 5 colors.  I am wearing an XS.

I had a few questions about this vest on instastories.  It is 40% off for the weekend, use code FALLFEST!  I am wearing a size small. It also comes in a pretty charcoal color as well.

Vest | Tee Shirt (on sale) | Jeans (on sale) | Sandals | Purse | Necklace

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Gigi New York is running their Friends and Family sale.  Use code WEAREFAMILY to save 25% off.

The Saddle Bag is my current favorite.  I love the shape and style.

I also love the Stella Clutch.  I have the tan color and it goes with everything.

Top | Necklace | Jeans | Purse | Shoes | Ring (on sale)

If you want a bigger purse for everyday I love the Teddy Tote.  It is the perfect size.

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Saks is also running their Friends and Family Event.

This is one of my favorite Equipment Dresses.  I love it because it is so versatile.  I have a small in this dress.

Dress

I love this RT Blouse and it is now 50% off.  I am wearing a size 4.

Embroidered Blouse

Joie Dress

I have a small in this dress.  I have been wearing it non-stop.

This open shoulder sweater is a recent purchase that I love for Fall.  I am in a size small.

RM Sweater

Stay safe everyone!  

5 Beauty Items I am Loving + Must Have Poncho

Happy Friday!  We are nervously watching hurricane Matthew and praying he veers off into the ocean before he hits Charleston.  It is so scary not knowing what will happen. I am sending thoughts and prayers to all you in Florida right now.  I know he has hit hard there and so many are without power. I hope power is restored soon and not too damage is done. 

Today I wanted to share 5 Beauty items I am loving and a must have poncho for Fall. 

ONE | CHANEL DOUBLE INTENSE LIP

My mom got me hooked on this lip color.  This goes on like lip gloss but lasts like a lip stick.  You can eat and drink and the color really stays on.  You apply the color first and then top with a layer of  clear gloss.  All the colors are just gorgeous on.   My mom and I both have the Tender beige color.  Yesterday I just bought Milky Blueberry a new shade out for Fall.  Trust me you will love these! 

TWO | BODY BUTTER

Lotion is one of the main products I try to use a "clean " version of.  I feel like it covers so much of your body and really gets absorbed in your skin so it is important to try and find one without chemicals.  I have tried several so called clean versions and they all left my skin ashy, I felt like they didn't really moisturize at all.  Someone sent me a sample of this Beauty Counter Body Butter and I have been hooked ever since.   The scent is light not over powering at all and it feels so good when you slather it on and it really moisturizes.  A little goes a long way! 

THREE | TATA HARPER FACE MASK

I have mentioned my love for Tata Harper on here often.  I recently shared that she came out with a new Honey Blossom face mask that I have been using and loving.  I also highly recommend her Resurfacing Face Mask.  Well now for a limited time only you can try all three.  This includes the Resurfacing Mask, The Purifying Mask, and The Honey Blossom Mask.  You save about $20 by buying all three together.  This would make a great Christmas gift too!  Last year I gave my mom and sister the Purifying Mask as part of their gift.

FOUR | CHANEL NAIL POLISH

Vamp and Particuliere are my two favorite Chanel colors but when I saw this emerald shade at the mall I fell in love with it.  It is the most gorgeous shade of green on. Such a fun shade for Fall.

FIVE | Lancome Defincils Mascara

I am always on the hunt for a mascara that I love.  Currently I am using this one and really liking it.  It goes on without clumping and I feel like it makes my lashes look thick and full.

I picked up the cutest poncho this week and wanted to share because it is currently 40% off.

With the discount it comes to under $50.  I wore mine last night with my pjs and it is so cozy.  I plan to wear it with leggings and skinny jeans all this Fall.  The poncho is one size fits all.

Poncho

Here is what I wore it with last night:

Poncho | Ugg Slippers | Lounge Pants | Tee (40% off)

Thoughts For Thursday

Thank you guys so much for the prayers and well wishes while we wait to see what Hurricane Matthew is gonna do.  I am not gonna lie when they declared a State of Emergency and Mandatory evacuation I felt panicked.  There were long lines at the grocery and gas stations and it just felt eery. Like impending doom or something.   The kids and I got up at 5 yesterday morning and headed to Charlotte.  It took us about an hour longer than usual but we made it.  Matt decided to stay put- he is that crazy guy that will go surf in a hurricane.  But all jokes aside he never leaves during storms.

I mentioned the Marysia sale that is going on right now- there are still some awesome deals left.  Frances Moon's bikini came and I am dying over how cute it is.  I mean that belly and the black and white floral print it makes me giddy!

Bikini

Our first stop when we got to Charlotte was the mall!  We met my sister for lunch at Arthur's. Fun fact I worked at Arthur's when I was in high school.  I love their hot health on pita.  It is basically a salad on toasted pita bread with melted provolone cheese.  It is so good.

After lunch we headed to Old Navy.  I loved this floral dress and the price it is only $26.  I am wearing a small.  It is on the short side so size up a size for a bit longer length.  This would also be great paired with leggings.

Floral Dress

I bought these two vests for Frances Moon. Both are on sale right now.

White Vest | Grey Vest

 I love getting my baby fix with my nephew Rutledge.  He is the sweetest.

I have been reading Truly, Madly Guilty for over a month now.  I usually love Liane Moriarty's books but man this one has been hard for me to get into.  I hate to say but I am ready to finish it so I can start a new book.  

Two recent OOTD's this week.  My plaid blouse is currently on sale.  I wear this at least once a week.  I love it paired with jean shorts or jeans.  I am wearing a size small.

Plaid Blouse on sale | Necklace | Jean Shorts | Sandals

When we arrived to Charlotte the weather was cooler than I expected.  I had packed my favorite moto leggings that look like pants but feel like pjs but no long sleeve shirts.  My mom let me borrow this sweater and I loved it so much I promptly ordered it.  It is the perfect length with leggings and great with skinny jeans too.  It also comes in a charcoal color.  My mom's sweater is an XS and i ordered that size too.  I am wearing a small in the leggings.

Sweater | Leggings | Scarf | Slippers

I don't drink a ton of red wine but my parents always have the best red wine.  Last night we enjoyed a glass of this red wine from Costco and it was so good!  I highly recommend it.  

The sunrises have been so gorgeous on the way to take Sterling to school- and yes he starts super early we leave the house at 7.

This is a new favorite Fall salad. I ate it three times last week.

Shredded Kale + chopped green apple + chopped white cheddar + crumbled bacon + roasted Brussels sprouts.  I use a green goddess dressing with it that I pick up at a local restaurant Dellz.

Gigi New York just started their Friends and Family Sale.  Use code WEAREFAMILY to save 25% everything. This Cross body is my favorite pick.  I carry mine all the time.  It is the perfect size and it also comes in several other colors.  I have the stone color and it is a really nice neutral.

Cross Body

Two of my favorite Beauty Counter lip colors are back in stock.  They have been sold out because they are so popular.  They are the perfect neutral.   They are great alone or paired together.

Lip Sheer in Terra

Lip Gloss in Dahlia

Saks is running their Friends and Family Event right now.  No code needed most items are 25% off.  I will share more favorites with my Weekend deals.  I just ordered this blouse though I love it.

Off Shoulder Blouse

Stay safe everyone that is dealing with Hurricane Matthew.  I am sending prayers your way. 

Butternut Squash, Arugula and Turkey Sausage Lasagna

As of right now we are headed to Charlotte since Charleston has called a mandatory evacuation because of Hurricane Matthew.  Prayers to all of you in this hurricane's path. I pray the damage is not bad.  Today I wanted to share a lasagna recipe that I was cooking right as all this evacuation business went down.  

I love lasagna.  Sometimes it can be time consuming to make but I always find it is worth the effort.  It is officially October so you know I have Fall food on my brain.  I have been wanting to use butternut squash somehow and this was the perfect answer.  I love that they now sell butternut squash already peeled, seeded and cubed.  It saves so much time!!  The flavors in this lasagna are rich but so good.  I was originally going to use kale or spinach for the greens but I had a huge bag of arugula from the Farmers Market so I figured why not?  The peppery arugula paired perfectly with the slightly sweet squash, spicy sausage and creamy goat cheese.  This is the perfect one dish comfort food.

|| B U T T E R N U T   S Q U A S H + A R U G U L A + 

T U R K E Y  S A U S A G E   L A S A G N A ||

- 1 box lasagna noodles

- 1 pound ground turkey sausage or regular sausage

- 2 cups chopped and cooked butternut squash

- 1/2 cup whipping cream

- 1.5 cups ricotta

- 2 cups arugula

- 2 garlic cloves minced

- 1/2 white onion diced

- 2 cups shredded mozzarella

- 4 oz crumbled goat cheese

- 1 ball fresh mozzarella

- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cook noodles according to box and lay flat to drain and dry.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Toss chopped butternut squash with olive oil and salt and pepper and spread evenly on a baking sheet.  Roast for 30 minutes until fork tender.  Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.  

In a food processor or blender add the cooled squash, whipping cream, and ricotta and blend until smooth.  Add in a little salt and pepper to taste.

In a skillet heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and add the garlic and chopped onion.  Cook 5 minutes and then add in the turkey sausage.  Cook until browned.  Stir in the arugula and red pepper flakes and cook until it wilts.  Remove from heat and add in goat cheese and parmesan cheese.

Take a rectangle baking dish and grease with cooking spray.  Spread a small about of the pureed butternut squash over the bottom.  Then add a layer of noodles, shredded mozzarella, butternut squash puree, then turkey sausage mix.  Repeat 3 times or as many as your dish will fit.  For the last layer do a row of noodles and then the fresh sliced mozzarella ball.  

Cover with foil and bake at 350  degrees 30 minutes.  Remove the foil and cook another 10 minutes until cheese is bubbly but not too brown.