Thoughts For Friday

So, I get alot of reader questions in my comment section and I want you to know I try to respond to every question.  But if there is not an email address associated with your google account or whatever you use to leave comments, I can't respond to you.  So please don't think I am ignoring you- when in doubt just email me directly if you never hear back. 

One question I get all the time is what size is your initial necklace?  My necklace is the Jennifer Zeuner Medium Initial in Gold.  I ordered an "s" for Sterling as my push gift and wear it all the time.  I can't say enough great things about this necklace.  It is great alone or layered,  such a versatile piece.  Two years later and I still wear it almost daily.

{Jennifer Zeuner Initial Necklace}

I love everything about this look for fall.  Stripes and Booties are my favorite combo.  I must recreate this look.  Too bad my hair just does not look cute in a top knot. 

I keep seeing interviews and hearing lots of rave reviews about the new movie Bachelorette.  I adore Isla Fischer, so I can't wait to watch it.  I am not the biggest Kristen Dunset fan however, (remember when she and Jake Gyllenhaal where so hot and heavy?) but maybe I will grow to like her more.  Seems like it may be kind of a similar idea to Bridesmaids, but I loved that movie it was hilarious!

I have been on a real organization kick lately and I love this idea of using white beans to store make-up brushes.  Such a cheap and easy idea.  It looks so clean and fresh too.

Want to know a secret?  I am obsessed with the Liz Lange Maternity Tank Tops.  And no I am not pregnant, I am just tall (almost 5'10) and these tanks are super long and fit so well.   They are super comfortable too, I even sleep in mine sometimes.   If you are looking for a great basic tank top please stock up on these.  I own like 8 from when I was pregnant with Sterling.   Black, Grey, and White are the best colors to get for layering. I wore my grey one yesterday with my pink jeans.   They are only $12!!  The stores are always sold out in my size but they carry them online as well.

{LIZ LANGE LONG AND LEAN BASIC TANK}

I just picked a huge thing of Figs for super cheap at our local grocery store and I am thinking I want to make a Fig Pizza with them.   Anyone have a Fig Pizza Recipe they love?  I am torn between using blue cheese or goat cheese, as most of the recipes I come across use one or the other.  I also think it would be amaze with some crispy panchetta crumbled over top and maybe arugula as well.  Dish if you have made Fig pizza before.

I always find Ecards that trip me out and this one was no exception.  Wine is totally my destresser.

 

I came across this on Pinterest and it really resonated with me.  I am so guilty of complaining and getting frustrated about stupid things.  I sometimes forget how darn lucky I am.  So important for us all to remember.

Have a great weekend my pretty friends!

Tomato, Corn, and Fresh Mozzarella Tart

I made this tart for dinner last week and it was so easy and delicious.  And let me first point out that the dark spots on the pie are basil.  Matt informed they looked weird in the photo (one day I will get a nice camera for blog purposes).   I recommend slicing your tomatoes and letting them sit on a paper towel for about 30 minutes before you layer the tart.  This will keep the pie from getting too watery and soggy.  You can use any cheese your heart desires but I used Gruyere and Fresh Mozzarella because I had it on hand.  I do highly recommend the fresh Mozzarella in this, it was great.  With all the fresh tomatoes and corn in season right now, this is a must make dinner!  I served ours with an Arugula Salad and wine:)  This would also be a great meal to bring a friend who had a baby or moved etc because it reheats well and its pretty:)
Bon Appetit!

TOMATO, CORN, AND MOZZARELLA TART (adapted from Proud Italian Cook)

- 1 Store bought refrigerated pie dough

- 1 Onion, sliced

- 2 Ears of Corn Shucked

- 1-2 Tomatoes Sliced

- Fresh Basil

- Dried Oregano

- Fresh Mozzarella and Gruyere

Take your store bought refrigerated pie dough, place it in a pie pan, brushed it with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper, then prick the dough all around with a fork.

Sautee Onion in Olive Oil until it gets caramelized (about 10 minutes)

Layer the bottom of the pie shell with shredded Gruyere.

On top of the cheese scatter caramelized onions and fresh basil. Place fresh corn from the cob over that and add a quick drizzle of olive oil and more cheese (I used fresh sliced Mozzarella for this layer)

Arrange sliced tomatoes on top adding salt, pepper, dried oregano, fresh basil and another quick drizzle of olive oil. Bake in a 375 oven until crust is a nice deep brown. Let it cool down before you cut into it.

Obsessions

JOEL GOTT SAUVIGNON BLANC

This wine is delish. I took a gamble picking it up and was so happy I did.  Retails for $15.99, onsale for $11.99 at Piggly Wiggly right now.  Go buy some it is excellent.

CHARLIE JADE LONG SLEEVE TIE NECK DRESS

Love this dress!  It is such a gorgeous color for fall and as far as dresses go a good price.  It looks to me like so many DVF dresses I have seen but for half the price.  I could see myself wearing this for so many events this fall.

BR LINDSAY PRINTED SILK BLOUSE

Big thanks to my girl Julia who steered me to this blouse at BR.  I really loved both colors so I set off to the actual store to see them in person. The blue was the only one available in my size and I actually loved.  Can't wait to rock it this fall.  For the price this blouse is a must have!

AVOCADO HUMMUS

I can't wait to try this recipe, as I am obsessed with any and all hummus!

QUOTE

I adore this book.  We read it all the time to Sterling and love the quote.  This book is a great gift for any kids and if you have kids you should buy it!

House Updates + Super Duper Easy Meal

I hope you all had a fabulous Labor Day Weekend.  I know I did.  Much of mine was spent re-arranging and decorating but I love doing that kind of stuff.  We made some great house progress and I will share a few pictures of what we accomplished.

First off, I am pretty happy with my Entryway and how it turned out. I moved the table that our TV was sitting on in the den and switched out the mirror and lamps.  One thing I still want to change is,  I would like two stools instead of the one big one under the table.  Problem is they need to be fairly narrow to fit two, so I am still searching for the perfect ones.

In our den I moved this piece that was in my Dining Room to sit the TV on.  Yes, our TV really is that giant thanks to the hubs.  It is an eyesore to decorate around but great for watching TV:)  Wingback chairs still need to be recovered.  Maybe that will happen one day soon.....

And you might notice my two little friends peeking out.  I finally found the perfect spot for my Foo Dogs I won off Cassie's blog!

Here is our new piece for the Dining Room.  I am not finished with the shelves,  I am sure they will be restyled many more times. 

Here are my thoughts- should I repaint the whole Hutch?  Or just repaint/wallpaper the back area?  Or leave as is?  For now it is staying as is, but since Sterling is starting school back I now have time to tackle some projects and I'm contemplating painting it.  Thoughts?

I finally hung my sweet Silhouette of Sterling that WayWay painted. I was going to hang it in his room but ended up hanging it in the Dining Room and I love it!  Its right by my wine so I can look at that sweet face everytime I pop a bottle.

I made alot of progress in Sterling's Big Boy Room and I will reveal pictures soon when I have it completed. I had hoped to have it done this weekend but part of his headboard got left in Charlotte so I was not able to assemble the whole bed. Currently there is a mattress and box springs just sitting on the ground on his room, but guess what Sterling didn't care! He was so excited to sleep in his big boy bed.  I feel like I really did the switch to the Big Boy bed at the perfect age.   Two nights and two naps in and he is doing great- no late night visits to our room yet!

Here is my sweets sleeping away, so darn cute but it does make me a little sad he is growing up so fast.

Lots of good stuff going but still more work to be done!

 Now onto food.  I made this pizza probably 4 times over the past week.  It is only 5 ingredients and super easy.  I am drooling just thinking about it. 

{Mini Pizzas with Tomatoes, Arugula and Cilantro Lime Sauce}

Thanks to Trader Joes for offering samples while I shopped last week.  I would have normally never bought this Cilantro Lime dressing, but they had samples of it and I loved it!  And if you have never bought their Naan bread you must.  The Whole Wheat version is so good.  Here is what you need for these tasty pizzas.

{MINI PIZZAS WITH TOMATO, ARUGULA, AND CILANTRO LIME SAUCE}

-Whole Wheat Naan Bread

- TJ Cilantro Lime Salad Dressing

-Arugula

-1 Tomato sliced

-any cheese you choose (I had Manchego on hand and used it)

Bake Naan for about 3-5 minutes.  I bake it first so it doesn't get too soggy with the sauce sitting it on it.  Take out of oven and spread Cilantro Lime sauce over it.  Layer with Tomatoes (sprinkle with salt and pepper), Arugula, and Cheese.  Bake about 10 minutes until cheese melts.  Slice and Enjoy!

Thoughts For Friday

TGIF my friends.  Can I get a Hallelujah for the long weekend coming up!  My family gets in town today and I could not be more excited!!  We have lots of fun stuff planned for this weekend including lots of work around our house:)

Last night the hubs and I had a fabulous evening out at the Charleston Food and Wine Festival Ticket Launch Event.  I can't even begin to describe the tasty food and drinks that were there,  trust me we were well fed and boozed up!  It was held at the Charleston Resort and Marina which had some pretty sweet views as well!

I am obsessed with this gorgeous Atelier Versace Dress Kate Hudson wore to the The Reluctant Fudamentalist premeire.  Love the color, design, fit, everything!!   Is it just me or is Kate Hudson so adorable?   Not to sound stalkerish but I feel like we would really hit it off if we met.  I kind of want to be one of her friends.

Yesterday I took my little man downtown to stroll because we had been cooped up inside the past few days from the rain.  We stopped in F21 because I have had a gift card there since my Birthday.  That place is so hit or miss.  Today they actually had some really cute stuff for Fall.  I came home with this gorgeous Blazer.  I had been wanting one for fall and you can't beat a jacket for $29.95.  It is the perfect shade of pale pink/peach.  Now I just need some cooler weather to come to the Low Country so I can bust this jacket out.

As you all know I am starting on Sterlings Big Boy room this weekend.  My mom bought him his first set of Big Boy Sheets and how cute are they??  They are from Pottery Barn Kids.  I wanted cute sheets that he would be excited to sleep on but nothing too childish.  I like how geometric these are and I feel like he could sleep on them for years and not outgrow them too quick.

Have you tried Hummus Chips?  These chips are so good.  I picked up a bag at TJMaxx- and don't judge me for buying food there,  Sterling was hungry and all he wanted were the chips so I happily bought them to keep him occupied.  Anyways,  I snuck a few (like half the bag) and they were so darn good.  And they are not bad for you.  Pick some up for reals.  We had the Tomato Basil Flavor.

After watching the Real Housewives of NY I am convinced I need a trip to St. Barths.  That place looks insane- minus the tiny plane you have to fly in to get there, that really scares me. I can't even handle commercial flights, so not sure how I would manage on that tiny plane.  But I would try if it got me to that  gorgeous paradise!

I am also convinced I have a girl cruch on Carol.  She seems so cool, calm, and collected all the time.  Also really loving me some Sonja this season, she is hillarious.

Happy Friday.  Enjoy the long weekend!

Watermelon Margaritas + Entryways

Last Friday Matt and I made the tastiest Ritas, Watermelon Margaritas.  You must make these they are the bomb.com. 

I had a bunch of watermelon left from our weekend boat ride and thought hmmm.... what should I use this for??   It was way too much to eat before it went bad so I juiced it.  Then I just added the juice to my regular skinny margaritas, pure goodness I tell you.  If you don't have a juicer you could still do the watermelon in a blender.   However I might strain it through a colander unless you want chunks of watermelon in your drink. 

 How cute are my little glasses and pitcher?  That was a vacay score in Pawleys at a totally random Consignment store,  for get this, $11 for the pitcher and 6 glasses- I kid you not!  I love this vintage glass set and have already gotten my $11 worth out of it!

Here is what you need for this tasty drink.

WATERMELON MARGARITAS

{makes 2 ritas}

- 4 shots Tequila

-2 Limes juiced

- 1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar

-4 shots Watermelon juice

Pour all in a shaker over ice.  Shake and pour into salted glasses.

___________________________

My parents are coming in town this weekend and we are rearranging a few things in my house.  For some reason I have a hard time redecorating or moving things around without my mom's input.  She always knows best!   I always love having a second opinion because if it was left to just Matt we would have surf boards and fishing rods hanging on every wall in our house, no joke.  He once asked me if we could hang his fishing rods above our bed and he was dead serious that he thought that was the perfect decor.

 We are primarily working on Sterling's Big Boy Room plus moving a few things around in our dining room/den.  When my in-laws moved here Matt and I were lucky enough to score their old Hutch and it is coming to my house this weekend to reside in our Dining Room.   Which means our buffet is getting moved to our den and our TV table will become our Entryway Table. That is one of the main areas I can't wait to spruce up!   Here a few entryways I love.

So, dish what do you love in an entryway?  Mirrors?  Framed Pictures?  Flowers?  Artwork?  Stacks of Books?  Don't worry hopefully I will have pictures next week of our progress.  Happy Thursday!

Salmon With Creamy Dijon Dill Sauce

I know most people are either Salmon lovers or haters.  I for one love it and it is so good for you.  It is one of the top ten Superfoods you can eat.   It is rich in Omega-3's which keep your heart and brain healthy.   However if you hate salmon (Matt does, claims it is is fishy)  you could easily substitute another fish to serve with this sauce.  Because it is the sauce that makes the meal so darn good.  My mom cooked this for me while I was home and I have been hooked ever since.  The sauce is so creamy and good,  you will just want to eat spoonfuls of it!  It is an easy yet elegant meal that would be great for a dinner party because the sauce can be made ahead.  Toss the sauce in a pretty serving bowl and you will look like Martha Stewart, trust me.  Bon Appetit!

SALMON WITH CREAMY DIJON DILL SAUCE

{serves 6 people}

-6 pieces of Salmon or any fish (or you can cook one large piece of Salmon and slice later)

-1 Teaspoon Shallot (about one shallot minced)

-2 Teaspoons Minced Garlic

-1 Teaspoon Dill (Fresh or dried)

-2 Teaspoons Capers

-2 Teaspoons Dijon Mustard

-1 16 oz Heavy Cream

-2 Tablespoons Butter

Cover Fish with Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper.  Bake at 400 degrees about 20-25 mins.  May differ depending on what fish you use. 

For the Sauce: Sautee Shallot and Garlic in butter, be careful not to burn garlic.  Add the rest of the ingredients and bring to a boil.   Let it boil and reduce a bit and then it is ready to serve.  This can be made ahead and stored in the fridge and reheated when ready to use.