Sunday, October 12, 2014

Children's Book Review With Fran Hawk || 2

Good Sunday Morning Friends!  Fran is back with a new book review.  I am laughing as I type this because Sterling is sitting with me looking at the book pictures saying, " Mom I want those two books, we don't have them, order them"!  So it looks like we will be adding these to our collection!
xoxo



My favorite book in first grade was “The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins” by Dr. Suess.  Now, almost 60 years later, I’m still reading  Dr. Suess stories that are new to me.   

 Dr. Charles D. Cohen has amassed the world’s  most comprehensive private collection of “Suessiana.” In the course of his research, he found a series of short works that Ted Geisel (aka Dr. Suess) had published in magazines in the 1950’s.  In 2011, Random House published seven of these stories in a best-selling  book called “The Bippolo Seed and Other Lost Stories.”   

  Now in 2014, Random House has published another collection of Dr. Suess stories titled “Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories.”  These stories originally appeared in “Redbook.”  Beloved characters like Horton the Elephant and Marco appear, as well as familiar places like Mulberry Street. There’s even a grinch, although not the same grinch who tried to steal Christmas.”     

In “Horton and the Kwuggerbug,”Horton agrees to a very bad deal with a very devious bug. All’s well that ends well.    

 “Marco Comes Late” is the tale Marco tells his teacher when he’s late for school. As he hurried down Mulberry Street, a bird laid an egg on his arithmetic book.  What to do?!    

 “ How Officer Pat Saved the Town” is an example of what Dr. Suess called “logical insanity.” Officer Pat relentlessly pursues a logical course to rectify a situation that didn’t make sense in the first place.    

In the case of these stories, what’s old is brand new.  As well as fun and delightful.

Fran Hawk








Saturday, October 11, 2014

Saturdays Deals || Columbus Day Sales

Is it just me or is it is crazy it is Columbus Day already??  That means Halloween is three weeks away, Thanksgiving is just over a month away, and Christmas is two months away.  Where did the heck did 2014 go??  Oh and I have a baby that is about to turn one, le sigh!!

Columbus Day marks some sweet sales:

JCREW FACTORY is offering 50% off the whole site! 
If you didn't buy it before snag the Merino Wool Pocket Sweater.
It is now only $44!



I also love this Camel Sweater, I remember wishing I bought it last year now it is only $44.


This Chevron Sweater is a deal at $39!!

and if you need a Faux Fur Vest you can't go wrong with this black one.  It would go with everything and a steal at $62.

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Piperlime is offering 20% off thru Sunday.  The have some awesome Fall stuff.  Use code FALL20.
I would recommend the Joie Marlo Blouse.  It is on sale plus 20% off.  I have one and love it.  This wine color is so gorgeous.

I am wearing the Marlo blouse but a different color below.



Also a great time to buy the Rag and Bone Nicole shirt.  I bought this during another sale and it is such a great casual shirt. Love the back detail.




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Madewell is offering 30% off select styles.  Use code OHFALL.
I love this silk blouse, the colors are perfect and it reminds me of the Equipment Blouses for a fraction of the price.


I own these flats and love them!


A great time to buy the Sweatshirt Dress I blogged about Tuesday.


I have long loved the Otis Boot.  A killer flat boot in gray.


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Neiman Marcus is running the Denim Event, get up to $125 off select denim use code DENIM.
If you need jeans this is a great time to buy!


These are the gray jeans I have.  Can't go wrong with JBrand.



I would like to add these to my jean collection!


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Williams Sonoma is offering additional 20% off clearance items.

The Breville Juicers are 40%!  I own this one and love it- such a great deal you will not find Breville Juicers cheaper than this!


 
I have this ipad stand and use it whenever I cook!  So great to hold your ipad while you look at recipes.

 Another great buy is the De Buyer Kobra Adjustable Veggie Slicer.  I love my mandolin and use it often!

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Gigi New York is running a Friends and Family Sale, use code WEAREFAMILY to get 25% off all orders!

I love the Pebbled Leather Collection!
I own two Uber Clutches, they are nice because you can fit everything in them!

I want this Madison Crossbody next.  It is the perfect size.


and if you don't have a Teddy Tote, is the best everyday purse.  It is out in some gorgeous Fall colors.
I love mine!

Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!

 




Friday, October 10, 2014

Sterling's Style || Vince Kids

Did you guys know Vince made a kids line??  I honestly had no idea until Nordstrom asked me to take a look at the line.  I love all the Vince pieces I own personally, they are a splurge but you can usually find them on sale and they always fit so well.  The kids stuff is no exception either, great quality and pieces you can mix and match in your kids current wardrobe.  Nothing is showy or flashy, it is all classic.

I let Sterling pick out his clothes from the Vince kids line and he was thrilled and actually I have to give him props he choose really well.  I think this outfit is super cute.
He takes his modeling very seriously:) and how grown up does he look in this picture??



He really wanted me to include this picture with a lady bug he found.  Such a sweet little heart and we consider finding a lady bug good luck around here.

The tee he is wearing is super soft.

The sweater is so darn cute.  I love the stripe down the side.


The pants fit really well.  We have a hard time finding pants that fit Sterling right, he has long skinny legs and I hate when pants are too baggy.  These fit him great.  


Nordstrom just started price matching too, which means if they see the same item for cheaper they will match that price, so several of the Vince items are marked at 50% off right now.
A few of my other favorites from the boys line.


and because this is what happens after you ask a four year old to pose for more than a few pictures.

Vince kids also has some cute girl stuff- none in Frances Moon's size though it all starts at 4T and up.  Scroll thru to see my favorites. 








This post was sponsored by Nordstrom  All thoughts, opinions, and outfit choices are my own always!!


Thursday, October 9, 2014

NDM Styles || Lafayette 148 Two Looks

This past weekend we had glorious weather.  I mean picture perfect.  It was cool enough to bust out some Fall clothes and that made me really happy.

This white tee and sweater combo are a favorite of mine once the cooler air hits.  If you need a plain white tee to wear under sweaters or alone, I swear by this one.  It is thicker so it is not see through, it is the perfect length, and not too tight.   I am wearing a size small, but it runs on the large side I honestly might could have worn a petite.  It also comes in black which I would love to have as well.


I love the side detail with the side slit.


If you need a great neutral sweater to go with all your colored jeans, look no further.  
I like it paired with the white tee peaking out- plus in Charleston it gets hot quickly so I can ditch the sweater and still be comfortable in the white tee.


It is such a great neutral color.  I love the material and the stitched detail as well.



Second look from the same line, Lafayette 148 is this gorgeous blouse.



Such great warm colors for Fall.  I just to went to link to this blouse and looks like it sold out already- bummer but you can shop all the other Lafayette blouses here, and there are some gorgeous ones.


I also love this blouse and it was just marked down 40% off.  I would pair this with black skinny jeans and booties.


If I were wanting to splurge big time, this ombre jacket is on my wish list.


The great thing about the Lafayette 148 line is that is can be worn for work or play.  I absolutely love this look for work but then the fact that the blouse would look awesome paired with jeans for the weekend.


 The Lafayette 148 Line is carried at Nordstrom, it is on the more expensive side but the quality is amazing.  This stuff will last you for years.  Quite a bit of the Lafayette clothing is on sale right now, so it is a great time to buy!  and remember Nordstrom always offers free shipping and returns, that makes your shopping that much easier.
A few of my other favorites:




This post was sponsored by Nordstrom.  All thoughts, opinions and outfit choices are my own always.


Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Chicken and Artichoke Lasagna


I always love a good lasgana and this recent fall like weather had me craving one even more.  Lasagnas are not the easiest meal to make, they require several steps but man are they worth the extra effort.  Plus you have leftovers for days.  I kind of made this recipe up from a mix of lasgana recipes I found online, a hybrid if you will.   It turned out awesome, even Sterling gobbled it up and I never know what he will eat.  This is good with the chicken but next time I may make it with sausage instead because everything is better with sausage.  Matt said he thought it could use more artichokes, I only used one can so next time I will use two cans.  Otherwise it was rich, creamy and full of great flavor.
Enjoy!



|| C H I C K E N  A N D   A R T I C H O K E   L A S A G A N A ||

INGREDIENTS:
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small white onion diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 rotisserie chicken shredded
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning ( or a mix of basil, parsley, and oregano)
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
coarse salt and fresh black pepper
1 14 oz can artichoke hearts, well-drained and chopped
2 cups ricotta cheese
2 cups Italian blend cheese or Mozzarella
1 beaten egg
2 cups fresh baby spinach leaves, stems removed and thinly sliced
1 pound lasagna noodles
 White Sauce
4 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
dash of nutmeg
3/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
coarse salt and fresh black pepper
 
INSTRUCTIONS:
  1. In a large skillet heat the olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the onion and garlic and cook about 5 minutes.  Once onions are translucent add in chicken, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and artichoke hearts. Cook about 5-7 minutes and remove from heat.
  2.  In a large mixing bowl combine the ricotta, 1 + 1/2 cups of the mozzarella, the egg and spinach and set aside.
  3. In a large, heavy duty saucepan melt the butter over medium-low heat. Whisk in flour and cook 3 - 4 minutes, whisking often. Slowly whisk in milk, turn heat up and bring to a simmer.
  4. Maintain a simmer for 4 minutes, stirring often. Turn heat down to low and stir in nutmeg, Parmesan cheese and a pinch or two each of salt and pepper, continue stirring until cheese is melted. Remove from heat.
  5. If using dried noodles cook according to package directions.
  6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Butter a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan.
  7. Add a very thin layer of sauce over bottom of the pan, then a layer of noodles covering the bottom completely from edge to edge. Spread 1/2 the ricotta mixture evenly from edge to edge then top with 1/3 of the chicken mixture followed by 1/3 of the sauce.
  8. Cover the filling with another layer of noodles followed with the remaining 1/2 of ricotta, 1/3 of the chicken and 1/3 of the sauce.
  9. Cover with another layer of noodles followed by the remaining sauce, the remaining chicken mixture and the 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese.
  10. Bake 45 - 50 minutes until bubbly and hot in the middle.