Happy Birthday Sweet Sterling

 I can't believe it has been three years since I first welcomed this beautiful child of mine into my arms.

It seems like such a short time yet also like I have known him for an eternity.  I can't possibly comprehend or imagine my life before him.  With the struggles the last year has brought me it has taught me what a true miracle it is to have a child.   Children are the greatest blessing God can bestow upon us.   I thank God everyday for this momentous blessing. This sweet child of mine has brought a love into my life that literally knocks me off my feet sometimes it is so powerful.

My days are filled with far more worry but also far more laughter than I ever thought possible.  I was born to be a mother.   Your mother.  Always knew I wanted to be one but never understood how much it would define me or change me until I had you, Sterling.  

Sterling, You are the sweetest, most loving, honest, hilarious little boy.  Three years ago God brought you into my life and it was never the same again.  I am undoubtedly a better person because of you.  You make me strive to be the best person I can be.   I know what unconditional love is because of you.  I would give up anything and everything just to make sure you are happy.

This year has brought many changes.  You talk, alot.  Like you have full on adult conversations with us.  Sometimes I am shocked how much you know.  You are incredibly smart.  You amaze me everyday with your knowledge.   You are obsessed with Scooby Doo, Spiderman and Batman.  Much to my dismay you like to wear the same Spiderman shirt everyday.  You potty trained yourself in one day and never turned back.  You are all or nothing.

You are still the most loving little boy.  You tell me often how much you love me and your daddy and you are always ready to give us a big hug and kiss.  You moved to a big boy bed this past year too and you could not be more proud of it.  You always tell me I am your best friend and that melts my heart.

You love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, you want to eat that everyday for lunch.   You also love fruit chews, probably your favorite snack.  You are very opinionated when it comes to what you wear.  You like to dress yourself- you are hard headed like your daddy.   You have an incredible head of hair, the best curls ever.  You are definitely going to be a heart breaker one day.

You love dressing up in my clothes and wearing costumes. You lived in your Spiderman Costume for the whole month of October.

 
You love to be in the Kitchen cooking, just like me.  You are my little chef extraordinaire.

Sometimes you can have quite the attitude.  Not happy if you don't get your way.  I guess some people call this the Terrible Twos.

But for the most part you are a real sweetheart:)

Sterling, I am so incredibly proud to be your mother.  You make me so happy and bring so much joy to my life.  God could not have created a more perfect child.  Your father and I love you to the moon and back again a million times over.

You will always be my baby, and don't you ever forget that.
I love you!  Happy 3rd Birthday Sterling!

Annoying Pet Peeves

A few weeks ago when I was home, I was having happy hour with my parents and the topic turned to pet peeves.  It was a pretty interesting happy hour topic.  Dad at first said he had no pet peeves but then once mom and I started rambling off our list he had quite a few to add.  Here is our list of our top pet peeves-  now please indulge me and tell me what annoys the crap out of you!

- Celebrities that create a perfume- why does every celebrity feel the need to create a perfume?? They all smell like ass for the most part because they are not trained in that field.

- People talking on the phone while paying wheter in a store or in a drive thru line.  Its rude get off your phone for 5 minutes.

- People that say they don't watch what they eat and are just "naturally skinny"  They blame it good metabolism. I don't believe that for one second.  Just be honest and say yes I carefully watch what I eat so not to gain weight.  Celebrities are the worst about this.

- When someone is eating a bowl of soup and they keep scrapping the bottom trying to get every last drop out.

- The family stick figure stickers on the back of cars.  You drive a minivan/ SVU of course I know you have kids.

- Equally as annoying the round stickers with the abbreviations of all the places you traveled.  I don't care to know where you vacationed the last 5 years.

- Socks with Sandals.  What is the point?  Just wear closed toe shoes if your feet are cold.

- When people wear foundation or too much bronzer and their face is way darker then the rest of their body. 

- People that act like their kid is the best at everything.  Always trying to one up your child.   Well my kid started talking two weeks before yours, my kid rolled over at 2 weeks- you get the point.   All kids do things at different times

- People that drive in the left lane of the highway really slow- get over in the right lane that's what it is for.

-  Status updates on FB detailing what you ate that day or what you did- this ecard sums it up.

   - When you dine out with someone at a restaurant and they don't order off the menu.  They ask the waiter to make all sorts of changes for them.  I understand dressing on the side of a salad or if you are allergic to something leaving that off,  but we have been out when someone has basically requested an entirely different meal than what was on the menu.  Don't eat at that restaurant if you don't like anything on the menu.

-  Texting and driving.  People please stop doing this its so dangerous and stupid!  I can't tell you how many times I have seen a car serving to look over and see someone texting and not looking at the road.

- When you stop your car to let someone cross the street and they purposely walk as slow as they can and then don't wave thank you.  It is only ok for the elderly to walk that slow.

 
- People smacking and chewing with their mouth wide open.  This one really grates my nerves.

- When you are waiting in line to check out and the person in front of you needs a price on some item they are buying.  Please go to the customer service desk and don't hold up a regular line asking for them to look up a price.

- Lastly, Chevron annoys me.  Over it.  It is everywhere, lets find a new pattern to love.

Please make my Friday and tell me what annoys the crap out of you!
 
............................................................
Happy Friday!  We have a super busy weekend, filled with family,  friends and celebrating our sweet Sterling's 3rd Birthday!

Thursdays Thoughts

I think I am the only person not into Target's Designer Collections.  The Prabal Gurung line is hyped up everywhere but I could care less.  I think the designer lines never fit right for the most part.  I stupidly bought a few things when the Missoni line was at Target and I regret every purchase.  Any of you have good luck with the Target designer collections?

I did however pick up this adorable neon stripped dress while at Target for $22.  It would be perfect for running errands with some cute flats or equally as cute as a bathing suit cover-up.

{Mossimo Neon Stripped Dress} 

I really wanted it this black version but of course it was sold out in our store.  I did a little researching and found it online HERE.  How cute is it??

 

I also found this fab maxi dress online, it is only online, not in the stores for $24.99. 

{Mossimo Kimono Dress}

 

I took Sterling to get his first Krispy Kreme doughnut last weekend.  I had not had a Krispy Kreme Doughnut since I was pregnant- 3 long years ago.  I had really been missing out.  I forgot how freaking amazing the hot and now doughnuts are.  They are light as air, I swear I could easily eat 6 of them but I stopped at 2.  Self control peeps.

This is the look I am going for with my hair.  I ended up buying a Conair curling iron at Target and it works well, only my waves always fall out.  Any tips for getting them to stay??  I do use hair spray.

 

This is what it looks like by the end of the day, just straight, no body- I need help!! I want my waves to last.  After I left the salon last week they lasted for 3 days.  I am obviously doing something wrong.

I am completely over the Bachelor this season.  I will go so far to say it is one of the worst seasons ever- not as bad as Jake's season but close.  I don't love any of the women and honestly Sean is started to fade on me too.  It is just plain boring this time around.  We need some fresh meat next season.

Piperlime is having extra 20% off thru tonight.   Use code XOXO for the discount.   As if I needed another reason to shop but my birthday is right around the corner so these are an early birthday gift.   The perfect nude sandal.  I had been eyeing these forever!!

{Joie Menton Sandal}

How fabulous are these mint ice cubes? I don't drink dark liquor but I bet they would be great in vodka or just water.  I will def be making these soon.

This dollface turns 3 on Saturday, I can't believe how fast time flies.  Tune in Saturday if you want to read a sappy post.

Happy Valentines Day Loves.  I will be sitting at home sipping champagne and eating lobster + mac and cheese enjoying some quality time with my main man!

Spanish Pea Soup with Crispy Prosciutto

Are you ready for an easy, tasty, and cheap recipe??  Then keep on reading my friends.  I was hesitant about this soup,  because it only has 5 ingredients and the main ingredient is peas, which we don't eat often.  My friend swore she and her husband loved it so I knew I needed to give it a try.  It really knocked my socks off.  Even Matt loved it, like he was gobbling down spoonfuls before we even sat down to eat.  I think the caramelized shallots and garlic gave it great flavor.  This soup took maybe 10 minutes to whip together and cost less than $10 to make.  The crispy prosciutto on top pairs so perfectly with the peas it is like they were made for each other.  We served ours with cheese toast and it was the best rainy day meal.

 If you don't have an immersion blender I highly recommend you get one.  It changed my life.  I used to be trying to ladle out hot soup into the blender to puree it and now I can just stick the blender in the pot and puree.  I always see them at TJMaxx and Homegoods for around $40,  totally worth it!  

  This soup was ridiculously good,  just trust me and make it!

{Spanish Pea Soup With Crispy Prosciutto}

Recipe from Barefoot Contessa Foolproof

Ingredients:

Good olive oil
½ cup chopped shallots (2 large shallots)
1 tablespoon minced garlic (3 cloves)
4 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade
2 pounds frozen peas, such as Bird’s Eye Sweet Garden
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
6 thin slices Spanish Serrano ham or Italian prosciutto

In a deep (8 x 5-inch) heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the shallots and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Add the chicken stock, frozen peas, 2 teaspoons salt, and 1 teaspoon pepper and bring to a boil. Lower the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Purée with an immersion blender until coarsely puréed. (I like it to have some texture.) Alternatively, use a blender to purée the soup 1 cup at a time. Pour the soup back into the pot and season to taste. Depending on the saltiness of the stock, I may add up to another teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper to give the soup a very bright flavor.

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Place the ham in a single layer on a sheet pan and roast for 5 to 8 minutes, until crisp.

Reheat the soup and serve in shallow bowls with a slice of crispy ham on top. Drizzle with a little olive oil and serve hot.

Coveting: The Maxi Dress

It is no secret my favorite item to buy for the Summer is by far a Maxi Dress.  I live in them once the weather turns warm.  I have found if you don't start snatching them up now all the good ones are sold out come the Summer.  So I complied a little list of my favorite maxi dresses that you should buy!

This first dress I actually own and have it stashed away for this Summer.  It is the Rory Becca T-Back Gown in Cosmo print,  from Social Dress Shop.  I am absolutely obsessed with it.  You can still get an extra 25% off it thru Thursday with code: Love25.
It is such a flattering  and great fitting maxi dress!  The pattern and colors are even more gorgeous in person!
 

{Rory Becca T-Back Gown in Cosmo}

Social Dress Shop just got it in stock in this fabulous Mint color as well.  I picture this with a tan,  some killer nude sandals, and maybe a long chain necklace.   I think I just convinced myself I need it too:)  Take advantage of the 25% off and grab one of these before  they sell out again!  It also comes in a reddish orange color I wrote about last week.

{Rory Becca Gemma T-Back in Mint}

Is it just me or does it look exactly like this Tibi Maxi that retails for $575??  Seriously buy the Rory Becca version for a fraction of the cost!  I can't imagine dropping that kind of money on a Maxi dress- $600 could buy alot of clothes!

Next on my list are all these beauties.  Such classic Maxi dresses that are so versatile.  Hoping they will all make their way to my closet!  The middle black one by Rachel Pally is my favorite.  You can never go wrong with a black maxi dress!

Young Fabulous and Broke Tie Dye Maxi | Susana Monaco Josephine Dress | Rachel Pally Nita Dress |  Splendid Strapless Maxi  |  T-Bags Hi-Lo Dress

And if you are looking for pattern. These are my favorite patterned Maxi dresses. The first dress by Sabine is a steal less than $100.   I tried on the Ella Moss one and adore it!

Sabine Ikat Print Maxi | Ella Moss Santa Fe Maxi |  Velvet Bali Print Maxi |  Young and Broke Palm Maxi

Lastly,  the best cheap and chic Maxi I found.  This Maxi is only $29 from F21!!  Does it not look like a way more expensive dress?   It is headed my way as I type.  Such a steal!

{F21 Tribal Print Maxi}

So,  just do it and get on the Maxi Train.  They are easy, effortless, and chic!

How to Style an Orchid like a Pro

I love an orchid, I really do.  I feel like they can really make a room pop.  Every time I see one in someone else's  home I love the look! 

My mom and my sister in law have these beautiful orchids in their homes that a local florist (Jessie Campbell) in Charlotte designed for them.  They are gorgeous and it got me thinking I could recreate that for cheaper. I could not be more thrilled with my results.  

So, it is your lucky day I am dishing all my secrets so you can create a sick nasty arrangement like this too!

First obviously you need to pick up an Orchid.  Trader Joes has great orchids starting at $8.95.  They are my go-to place to buy orchids.  This time I found mine at Costco.  It was around $15 because it is a huge one.   I wanted a larger one to work on our coffee table.  Just pick an orchid according to where you want to keep it in your house.  There are some with just one stem and some with multiples.

 

Next pick a bowl you want to pot the orchid in.  I always love the look of Orchids in glass containers, so I chose this glass bowl my mom gave me.  Other ideas are silver bowls, brass pots,  ceramic bowls etc.  If you don't have one you can easily find something like this at a Consignment store or even Goodwill.

Next you need to trim the plastic around the top of the Orchid so it doesn't stick out in your bowl.  Trim it about 1/2 inch to an inch down.  You want to keep the bottom in the plastic for watering purposes.

 

You will need two types of moss.  The light gray kind I found in our neighborhood.  If you live in the South this stuff is everywhere.   Hanging from trees and piled on the ground.  Sterling and I went on a bike ride and collected it one afternoon. The green moss pieces you can find at Micheals.

 

Place your orchid in the center of your bowl.  And then start spreading the gray moss all around it.  You want it packed in to keep the orchid from moving.

Then layer the green moss all over the top.

 

Then, my friends you are done.  It is as easy as that.   This whole thing cost less than $20.  Pretty great for a fabulous arrangement, that will hopefully last for awhile.

 The final step is to find a home for your sweet new plant.  Ours is pretty happy in our den.

Only problem is my orchids don't live for long.  Supposedly they are the easiest plant to keep alive, but then why do mine always die?  I have a black thumb for real I can't seem to keep anything green living for long.  Any secrets to an Orchids longevity?

Happy Monday.  Its a dreary one here, which means alot of indoor playtime!

xoxo

Things I am Loving this Friday

TGIF my sweet friends.  On the docket for us this weekend is an Oyster Roast with friends and hopefully some time out on our boat, weather permitting!  Plus I need to spend some time learning to style my new middle part myself:)

Here are a few things I am loving as of lately.

{JCREW Chambray Dress}

I am so obsessed with my Chambray shirt so it is a no brainer I need this dress in my life.  I could see myself wearing this all the time.  Perfect dress for running errands.

{My New Go to Snack}

Back to Nature Crispy Wheat Crackers + Life is Good Spicy Lentil Hummus

Best combo ever.

{Girls Season One}

I realize I am so far behind on watching all the "cool" TV shows but I just picked up the Girls Season one DVDS and I am loving it.  It is just so real and refreshing.  Lena Dunham trips me out.

{Adia Kibur Short Stone Necklace}

I have the short version of this necklace in hot pink and love it!  I wear it all the time.  I love the blush color this would go with everything!

{Alternative Eco Racer Maxi Dress}

Obsessed with this Charcoal Maxi dress.  What a great staple for Summer.  Love it casual or funked up with a statement necklace.  I love both ways it is styled on the Piperlime site.

{Joie A La Plague Sandals}

I think these are going to be my new sandals for summer.  They would go with everything! 

{Valentines Pretzels}

Sterling and I made these last night and they turned out fabulous.  They taste as good as they look.  Thank you pinterest!

 

{Quote}

Fabulous quote from the Everyday Girl!

Have a great weekend!

xoxo