Monday, August 3, 2015

Family Sushi Dinner + Cucumber Salad Recipe

When World Market contacted me about planning a dinner table scape I was ecstatic.  World Market has become my go-to for entertaining essentials.
 There is one not too far from our house and I find myself there often browsing their new arrivals.  They have an amazing wine selection too, especially Rose!

World Market has so many great plain everyday white dishes but I wanted something a little different.  Since Sterling has been so into sushi lately and now Frances loves it too, I decided some Asian inspired dished would be fun.

I have to say I am kind of obsessed with our sushi gear and I know we will be using these dishes often.
My parents happened to be in town this weekend so I invited them over for Sushi Night!



The plates were my starting point for the table.  I fell in love with the bright colors.  The bowls match the plates.
I always love Moroccan tea glasses.   The glasses come in 5 different colors, but I really liked the teal.  You really could serve any beverage in them but I love them for wine.

I use my table runner all the time and it was just reduced to 50% off and is now only $12!

Let's talk about food.  We obviously had more than 2 rolls of sushi, this was our starter course.  These rolls were mainly for the kids, we saved the good stuff for the adults.  The salad could not be easier. 

||  CUCUMBER SALAD ||
 You spiralize one English cucumber, and two carrots.  You could also thinly slice them if you don't have a spiralizer.  Add about half a bag of frozen edamame (thawed).  Drizzle with soy sauce and sesame seeds. So simple and we loved it. Plus the colors are gorgeous.


Sterling was super excited about our sushi night.
Oh and the wooden chopsticks are washable and reusable:)

Since we were doing sushi I went all out and bought sake too.
I just love the little sake carafe and glasses.
The whole set is under $8!


Frances wasn't quite sure how to use everything and had more fun stacking the dipper dishes.  She did however shock me and ate 5 pieces of sushi!

My adorable parents. I was so happy they could join us.
I think Sushi night will be a family tradition we will continue.


You can shop all the pieces I used below. 




Thanks to World Market for partnering on this post.  All opinions and thoughts are my own.




Saturday, August 1, 2015

Weekend Sales

Hope your Saturday is off to a good start! I am off to a few home stores to shop for our dining room make-over!  I am so excited more details to come soon!

This is the last weekend for both the Gigi New York sale and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

For this weekend only Gigi is offering free personalization. 
This Sag Harbor Tote was just added to the sale at 50% off.  I have the tan version and love it! It also comes in a really pretty light and dark blue as well.


This Elle Crossbody is another favorite of mine.
50% off as well.  The blue is so gorgeous in person.
and the Uber Clutch.  My favorite clutch, now down to only $100.  It never goes cheaper than that. I just carried mine this week for dinner out with the girls.  It comes in 8 different colors.


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50% off Summer Favorites. Use code HEATWAVE

My two favorites are:




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Ends Sunday, prices go back up Monday
I have featured most of my favorite women's clothing items. There are some great workout pieces on sale too.  Scroll thru to see them.  






I also could not resist this dress.  I figure it will be a good investment piece for Fall.  I can wear it to church or out.
ALC Plaid Dress


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GAP
35% Off purchase with code HELLO, Cardmembers take 40% off with code SUNSHINE.
If you are back to school shopping for the kids, they have some adorable new arrivals.
I ordered this Butterfly Dress for Frances.

 and this Aztec Tee for Sterling.

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Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!

Friday, July 31, 2015

20 Questions


A few years ago my friend Cassie at High Sugarplum had me play a fun game of 20 questions.  She asked a few different bloggers to answer a series of questions she compiled.  I thought it would be fun to share my answers, I updated a few answers because things have changed a bit in 2 years.  A new baby, new TV shows, and new likes.
Happy Friday!


What is your road trip essential snack?
This is a tough one but I am usually one for salty treats on a road trip- I love Cheese-its, Pringles (the jalapeno kind is my fav), Cheetos, and Gold fish.  My newest obsession is Voodoo Potato chips, they are so good.  Also it is probably considered more of a meal than a snack but I almost always hit up Chick-Fil-A on my road trips. I love me a fried chicken sandwich.

You've been handed two free round-trip tickets...who are you taking and where are you going?
Napa and taking the Hubs because duh, I want to go drink delicious wine all week. I am seriously dying to get out to Napa and do a vineyard tour one day.  I would actually love for my entire family to join.  My mom, dad, brother and sister and law,  and sister and brother in law- the whole crew, minus our babies.


What was your high school jam?
Dave Matthews Band Crash Into Me, kind of makes me cringe now because my high school boyfriend and I listened to it all the time.  We loved Dave Matthews in High School.  I remember going to so many of his concerts.


Would you rather have a perfect bum, or a flawless face?
Flawless face because you can always exercise and work on your bum but there ain't much help for your face besides plastic surgery.  Plus I feel like everyone notices your face before your body.
 
What shows are you ashamed to admit are on your DVR?
Wow my list is pretty long: Basically anything on Bravo.  I am addicted to any season of the Bachelorette, Bachelor or Bachelor in Paradise.  I also love Don't Be Tardy, and all of the Housewives.  Pretty much any reality TV show that you wonder who watches it, I do.  I do draw the line with the Kardashians I just can't watch it anymore.

What's your ringtone?
So lame but it is the standard ring tone my phone came with. I used to have Justin Timberlake's Sexy Back a few years ago when I worked and my boss asked me to take it off (no idea why, Sexy Back is so professional, right?) anyways after that I never changed it. When Matt calls it does play "I love it when you call me Big Poppa."
 
How old were you when you had your first kiss? Was it meh or toe-curling?
Hmm I think I was probably 12-13, and it was the Summer before 8th grade. Totally meh.

Do you have any siblings, and if so, where are you in the birth order?
Yes a brother and a sister. I am first born, then my sister is two years younger than me and my brother is the baby and 5 years younger than me.

What physical quirk were you born with?
One eye with blond eye lashes and one eye with black eyelashes. I always have to have mascara on!

What was your first car, and did you name it?
I had a bright red Buick Skylark, such a classy little car.   It was stick shift, which I am still super proud I knew how to drive.  Her name was Sally The Skylark.
 
 What would you request for your last supper?
Probably Mexican food and a whole platter of it. I am talking cheese dip, salsa, guacamole, tacos, enchiladas, and nachos- the works!


Have you ever been hospitalized, and if so, what for?
Only when I had Sterling and Frances Moon.  Which is a good thing because I get serious anxiety around hospitals. When my mom had shoulder surgery and I went to the hospital to visit I had to fight back tears, like I lose it in hospitals.  
This is me right before I delivered Frances- still smiling so you can tell the bad contractions had not set in:)

How tall are you? Do you wish you were taller, shorter...or are you just right?
5'9. Growing up I always wished I was shorter because I towered over all the boys.   I felt like they always asked the shorter girls out because who wants to date a giant??  Now I would not change a thing, I love my height and being tall. Also glad both Sterling and Frances will be tall- they are both in the 95 percentile for height.

Do you prefer to DIY or hire it out?
Hire it out for sure. Although many times I attempt to do it myself to save money but if I had unlimited resources I would most definitely hire everything out!
 
What do you eat for breakfast?
 Currently I am addicted to avocado toast (like everyone else right??). I usually have that with half a grapefruit and maybe a few pieces of bacon.  Otherwise its Greek yogurt.
  
 
What would you do for a living if you didn't need money?
I would really love to be a personal shopper or stylist- a la Rachel Zoe.  Total dream job.
 


Finish this sentence: Every room needs....
A tv- just kidding but not really. But in all honesty I like a mirror in every room, I feel like it really opens up the space!

How frequently do you wash your hair? Do you have any hair secrets or tricks?
About 2-3 times a week. I try to wash it every other day but if I can stretch longer I do. Wish I had some good tricks but I am clueless when it comes to hair. Two products I do love and swear by are the Living Proof Shampoo and Conditioner and Oribe Texturizing Spray.  I use the texturizing spray like a dry shampoo and use it on days my hair is greasy.  It smells amazing.  I also swear by the Wet brush, if you don't have one you need one.


Will you leave the house without makeup?
Nope. I hate going anywhere without make-up on. Matt always makes fun of me and says he can tell when I am really sick because those are the only days I don't put make-up on. Even right after I had Sterling and Frances Moon I showered and put on make-up.  I have make-up issues obviously. A lot of it relates to question number 9 and my serious under eye circles. I will say the older I have gotten I don't wear as much make-up. Give me mascara, concealer and bronzer and I am happy- well and maybe a touch of color for my lips:)

You just unloaded your Halloween haul...what candy do you go for first?
Reeses Cups, Then Kit Kats
 
 



Thursday, July 30, 2015

Fall Favorites On a Budget | Under $90

With August just 2 days away I have Fall on the brain.  I think because it is so darn hot here I am dreaming of cooler, crisper air.  Fall and back to school shopping were always favorites of mine.  I still get excited about new Fall clothes even though I am no longer back to school shopping.  There are some amazing deals on Fall clothes right now.  I think as I was researching this post I put half these items in my shopping cart!  They are all under $90 !!  But they look so much more expensive.  Many of them are part of the Nordstrom Anniversary sale, so take advantage before the prices go back up Monday.

  I think it would be great with skinny jeans and leggings!
Also comes in a lighter blue stripe.  This honestly reminds me of a Vince I have but a quarter of the price.

This comes in black, gray, and maroon.  Plus it is on sale for $40. Once again looks way more expensive.

I just ordered this in two colors. I am always looking for longer blouses. I picture this with leggings, a cute vest and booties or knee high boots.

Also comes in this Mosaic version which I love.

Comes in 4 colors.  Love the idea of this now with gladiator type flats and then booties in the fall.


I have been wanting to try a pair of Blank denim.  I have heard rave reviews.  I gotta admit they look pretty fabulous for under $100.

I love a plaid coat for Fall.


So gorgeous.  Would be super cute paired with a leather jacket.

I love a cape with skinny jeans.  and pregnant friends I wore capes and ponchos often while pregnant!


I love an Infinity Scarf plus the leopard print is a winning combo.

I never met a snake print I didn't like. This would be a great tote for baby/kid stuff too.

This necklace would look so good with a tee shirt and cardigan.  So many ways you could layer it and wear it.  Comes in 5 color options.

This looks identical to a Joie Blouse I own.  I can't get over the price.  I am sucker for this blue color but it also comes in a few more shades.

Looks identical to a Rag and Bone heathered tee I own. 
I can't believe these are polarized and under $100.  Love the blue lens for Fall too.
I love the classic white/black pattern of this cardigan.  I would pair it with a white or black and leggings for a casual comfy look.

I read that pointy toe flats are in style for this Fall.  These would be great for work or play.  I love the gray color but they also come in black, gold, and brown.

I like that these have a lower heel.  I think they would be great paired with dresses, leggings and skinny jeans.  They also come in black and taupe.