Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Chopped Mexican Salad


I am obsessed with Mexican food.  Seriously want to eat it everyday.  Lately Matt and I have gotten into chopped salads.  For awhile we were making our Greek chopped salad once a week with Shrimp and decided to switch it up with this salad.  We chop everything up and then toss in in a big bowl.  After it is tossed we add ground beef to the top.  Honestly this salad is amaze without the ground beef, but you know my man needs meat so we add meat.  We add salsa to our bowls and mix before serving and use that as our dressing, but you could use any dressing you like.  We gobble this salad up once a week and best part it is not too bad for you.  It is filled with so many veggies and protein that are healthy.
 Enjoy!

 
 :: C H O P P E D   M E X I C A N   S A L A D ::
This makes enough for about 4 people
- 1 Head Romaine Chopped
- 1 tomato diced
- 2 jalapenos diced
- 2 scallions sliced
- 1 avocado diced
- 2 ears of cooked corn shucked
- 1 can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 1 avocado diced
- Crumbled Cotija Cheese (Mexican Cheese)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning (we use homemade)
- salsa
- sour cream

Place finely chopped lettuce in bowl and top with next 7 ingredients.   Toss together.   Cook ground beef, drain and add taco seasoning + water.  Serve salad in bowl mixed with salsa and topped with ground beef and sour cream.
 



Tuesday, May 28, 2013

Obsessions


I tried on the shirt version of this over the weekend and loved it.  I almost bought it but decided I wanted to hold out for the dress version.  It is gorgeous.





I picked these up over the weekend at the Nordstrom sale.  They are 40% right now and such a steal.  I love them, they look cute with everything. I wore them all weekend!   My mom got the black version and they are equally as cute.  Mom paired hers with skinny jeans and I wore mine with a maxi dress very versatile.




In my search for a few cute pairs of maternity shorts, I found most are heinous.  What pregnant woman wants to wear knee length shorts??  So unflattering.  I wanted shorts that looked like regular shorts not maternity ones.  I am not a big Old Navy shopper but my sister raved about their skinny jeans so I figured I would give the shorts a shot.  They were $25 and worth every penny.  They look like expensive versions I tried on and so comfortable.  They do run on the small size so order up a size.


I finally bought some new perfume.  I swear I only buy new perfume every 3 years!  I debate forever like it is such a huge commitment.  This is the best perfume I have smelled in a long time.  It is floral and so fresh.  Obsessed with it.  Makes me happy everytime I spray it on!


Love the easy loose fit of this dress.  The pink color is amazing but the black is so classic.  Ending today you can get 20% your purchase with code TAKE20.


I have wanted these booties for 2 years now.  I have stalked them waiting for them to go on sale.  Rag and Bone shoes rarely go on sale.  I debated long and hard between the gray or black but my mom talked me into the gray- she ordered them too:)   It also sealed the deal that Gwyneth had the gray version as well.  It may seem weird to buy booties in the summer but that is the time to stock up for Fall while they are on sale.  The black version is onsale HERE- I really like them too.


Monday, May 27, 2013

Finley's Nursery

I have been wanting to share pictures of my nephew, Finley's nursery for awhile.  I finally snapped some pictures while I was home this weekend.  My sister did such an incredible job with it.  I was floored when I saw it, it was the perfect little nursery for Finley.  Playful and masculine while not being too over the top babyish.  Most everything in the nursery was super affordable too!  












If I could find links I included them for the sources:)

:: S O U R C E S ::
Paint Color- Behr Frosted Jade
Rug- TJMaxx (similar HERE)
Table in Front of Window- Homegoods
Side Table- Target
Recliner- 
Owl Lamp- Vintage (used to be in Sterling's nursery)
Stripped artwork in entry- painted by my sister
Framed Audubon Prints- Prints from Barnes and Nobles, Frames from Micheals





Friday, May 24, 2013

Bag Lady

Lately I have been dreaming of a new handbag.  A woman can never have enough purses, right?
Truth be known I like to drop some money on a purse.  It is an investment piece to me and all my purses, that I saved for and bought years ago I still own and love.  
Remember my post on Style Spies, where I gave a sneak peek of my prized possessions?  Just a few from my collection.  As my husband says, I have a sickness.



That being a said a $1000+ purse ain't in my budget or future anytime soon as much as I wish it were, so I rounded a few of my more affordable favorites.  




A few of my current favorites.  Somebody needs to snag the Missoni one, only two are left.  It is amazing!!   Have a great Memorial Day Weekend!
xoxo



Thursday, May 23, 2013

Thoughts For Thursday

You might have noticed my blog got a little makeover.  I have to give Sara at A Dose of Pretty big props.  I am so thrilled with what she did.  You might remember awhile back I blogged about my "Me" page she helped me create.  I loved it so much I knew she would give my blog a fabulous facelift.  I could not be happier with the look.  I wanted a more streamlined and simple look and that is just what she gave me.  Sara was wonderful to work with!! If you need any tweaks big or small on your blog you must email Sara at adoseofprettyblog@gmail.com.



Lately I have become obsessed with finding this Tibi dress from last year.  Is it not the most perfect maternity dress?  I have scoured ebay and online and can't find it.  Anyone have one they want to sell me or let me borrow??  I have two weddings this Summer it would be perfect for.

If you have not tried these glazed nuts you must.  It saves so much time from making your own.  My mom bought some while I was home and we had them on a roasted beet salad it was so good.  Beware they are addictive though!

I recently devoured the new Vogue.  I really enjoyed the article on Kate Upton. She is so gorgeous and yep she says her boobs are real- lucky girl.


While I was home last weekend I finally bit the bullet and bought some maternity jean shorts.  My regular ones were just getting too snug and uncomfortable.  Is it just me or do maternity stores suck?  I hate them almost as Babies R Us.  I will say Destination Maternity/Pea in a Pod in Charlotte had a great selection of designer shorts and jeans- the only maternity items I like to splurge on.  I tried on every single brand of shorts and chose JBrand.  They are awesome.  I liked them better than the other brands because they had side panels and not the huge thing that goes over your belly.  I might even want to wear these not preggo they are so comfy.


I wrote about the JCrew sale yesterday and last week I ordered this fab dress (already on sale) that just came in the mail.  I see myself living in this all Summer.  Very accommodating for a belly.  Also comes in white which I love too.  It is a bit sheer, so I would wear a slip underneath.  I am not wearing a slip in picture just to give you an idea of sheerness.

I picture styling it similar to this and rocking it all summer.

How amazing is this hot pink lacquered bar area.  I am swooning.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend.  We are off to Charlotte again to spend time with my parents while Matt has a Bachelor Party at our house- 6 guys in our house.  I am scared of what I will come home to Monday!  I keep telling myself they are grown men not fraternity guys but you just never know with guys!


Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Damn you JCrew

JCrew has been killing it with their Summer line and now they are having a great sale.  Just what I don't need to see when I am on a budget and have a preggo belly that won't fit in everything I want to wear.  But seriously I am scheming ways to buy a few of these things.  Please buy these things so I can viciously live thru you guys!
Use code SHOPNOW at checkout to save!





Roasted Salmon with Tomato Basil Relish


I am a Salmon lover, I know many people are not fans, but I love it.  Sadly Matt doesn't like it so I don't cook it too often.  I just discovered Sterling is like his Mama and loves it too.  If you have kids give it and try and serve them some.  I was shocked when Sterling ate it, he is such a picky eater always.  He called it pink fish and gobbled it up.  What makes this dish so good is the relish on top.  So if you hate Salmon by all means use Grilled Chicken or a different fish.  I think it would be great over Flounder or Mahi.  If you do use Salmon, buy the Wild Caught kind.  That is the only kind we buy, it is so much better for you and I think it is not as fishy as the regular or farm raised kind.  This recipe came from one of my mom's dear friends and it is down right delicious.  So fresh and healthy, plus it looks gorgeous.  Perfect for a dinner party!
Bon Appetit!

:: R O A S T E D   S A L M O N  W I T H   T O M A T O  B A S I L  R E L I S H ::
-2 lbs Wild Caught Salmon (this will serve 4 people)
- 1 lb Roma Tomatoes diced
- 2 tablespoon capers drained
- 1 shallot diced
- 1/2 cup Basil finely chopped
- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- salt and pepper to taste

Mix together Tomatoes and next 6 ingredients.  Let sit at room temperature for 30min- 1 hour before serving ( I actually let ours sit 2 hours +, I think it tastes better the longer it sits).  Do not refrigerate.  Lay Salmon on a foil lined baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper.  Bake the Salmon at 400 degrees 20-25 mins. Do not overcook, you can test with a fork to see if it is done.  If the fish flakes easily with a fork it is done. Serve the Salmon with the relish and enjoy!