The Last Days of Summer

I can't believe our Summer has come to an end.  I honestly feel like it flew by this year.  This morning I will take Sterling to his first day of kindergarten.  Thank goodness they let us walk them in the first week although I am terrified I am going to start bawling the moment I get to his classroom.   He is ready but I am not.  This is my first born, my baby and I am not quite ready for this step.  For 5 years he has been my side kick and while I will be happy for some alone time and one on one time with Frances I will dearly miss him.  But alas this is part of life and having kids. You have to let them grow up a little.

This past week I really tried to spend some one on one time with Sterling.  I sent Frances to stay with my parents for a few days so I could focus on just him before school started.

We hit up the Riverbank Zoo which was really fun.  The kids loved seeing all the animals.  The Riverbanks zoo was nice because you could navigate thru there fairly quickly and it was an easy day trip from Charleston.  We toured the zoo in about 2 hours then had a delicious lunch at Dipratos!

Free People Tee Shirt | Sunglasses | Shorts |Gigi New York Purse (on sale)

We loved the lion and flamingos, they were our favorite animals.

and this little monkey loved Sterling, he got right up to the glass to look at him.

After the zoo my mom took Frances back to Charlotte and I had two and half days just with Sterling.

We enjoyed a few meals out which was so nice because Frances is difficult to dine out with these days.  We saw the Minions movie and did some back to school shopping.

Enjoyed a beautiful evening walk.

Plaid Blouse | Jeans 

We also hit up our pool.

Cooked two of my favorite meatless meals.  Matt and I have still been trying to eat primarily vegetarian meals and we are feeling really good.

Roasted Veggie Couscous | Vegetarian Taco Salad

My parents brought Frances back in town so we got to spend time with them as well. 

We always love happy hour on their deck.

Wearing Free People Dress.

Ended our weekend labeling things and getting ready for school.

The labels are Minted, they are waterproof and so awesome.

For all you Lily lovers the big sale starts this morning at 8:00am.  I am hoping to snag a few dresses and rompers for Frances Moon!  You can shop it all HERE.

Good Luck this week Mamas.

Weekend Style | Free People

Happy Saturday Loves!  We are enjoying our last weekend of Summer (sniff, sniff).  Hitting up the pool then hanging out with my parents who came in town to visit!

I wanted to share a dress I am super in love with.  

The colors and pattern are just gorgeous.  It is a loose fit so it totally could be worn while pregnant too.  I am wearing a size small for sizing reference.

Free People Fiesta Dress also Here

It is light weight, so it is perfect to wear now but I will totally wear it into Fall paired with tights and booties.  I wore it last night for happy hour and dinner.

This is my third recent Free People purchase and I have to say I am loving that line. It is not crazy expensive and the designs have a bohemian vibe that I really love.

This dress is another favorite.

Free People Victorian Dress

This is another Free People Dress, that I bought a few months ago.  It is now on sale in the berry color I am wearing and white.

Emma Trapeze Dress

I rounded up some other Free People Favorites.  Scroll thru to see them all!

Artist Spotlight | 10 Artists I am Loving

The older I have gotten the more interested I have become in art.  There are so many amazing artists out there.  I wanted to share a few artists and their work that I am loving.  I tend to gravitate towards more abstract and modern art, I know everyone likes different art but these are a few artist's whose work I am swooning over. 

 M I L E S  P U R V I S 

 Miles just painted this figure for us and I just adore it.   The detail in person is even more gorgeous.

A N N  B  S C H W A R T Z  

I am lucky to call Ann one of my best friends.  She just recently started her Etsy shop and is super talented.  Plus her prices are very reasonable.  These are two of my favorite paintings she has done.

K E R R Y  S T E E L E 

I would love to own one of Kerry's pieces for my home.   She does amazing abstract work.

J E N N Y  A N D R E W S  A N D E R S O N

I originally became a fan of Jenny's thru her blog.  Now I am obsessed with her artwork.  I own a small piece that is hanging in Frances Moon's room.  She does beautiful abstracts but I am loving her new jelly fish series.

H A Y L E Y  M I T C H E L L |  A R T  H K M

Miles introduced me to this artist and I love her style especially the faces.  When I re-do Frances Moon's room I definitely plan on using one!

R A V E N  R O X A N N E 

Raven is a local Charleston artist and I was just introduced to her work.  I immediately fell in love with it- especially the girl with flowers series.  She is actually releasing a whole new batch of them today at 9:30 am!

K A T E  L O N G  S T E V E N S O N 

Katie is also a dear friend of mine.  Her art is incredible.  I would love to own a nude and abstract one day soon!

L I N D S A Y  C O W L E S 

Lindsay not only does gorgeous paintings but also wallpaper, textiles and pillows.  I am 100% obsessed with her wallpaper and need to find a use for it.

M A R Q U I N  D E S I G N S 

Marquin actually did a beautiful painting for us.  It was in our dining room but I just moved it to our den and I am loving it there.  She does some beautiful abstract landscapes.  She also has some cool pillow covers, cocktail napkins and even pacis made with her art!

S U S I  E   B E T T E R H A U S E N 

I came across Susie thru Instagram and immediately began following her. She has the cutest family, her two sons are gorgeous just like her.  She paints at beach and I love the vibe it gives her art.  It all feels peaceful and relaxing to me.

If you can't afford the real thing, One Kings Lane has some fabulous prints and other options.  Most of these are 50-70% off and come already framed and ready to hang.  I bought a Teil Duncan print from OKL , that I love.

Loving Lately

Wanted to share a few things I am loving lately.

Madewell Embroidered Dress

The embroidery detail is so pretty on this dress.

Size down I found this ran on the large side.  I am wearing a size 2.

Rebecca Minkoff Sandals

I have been living in these sandals.  Love the nude color.  They also come in black.

a view of them on as well.

It's a 10 Hair Products

I am hooked on these hair products.  They make my hair so soft and sleek.  Honestly they are my favorite I have tried.  I love the shampoo + conditioner and leave in conditioner.  They smell amazing too.

West Elm Curtains

These are curtains I ordered for my dining room. They just arrived and I love them!

Nike 5.0 Running Shoes

I ordered these shoes during the anniversary sale and I have been loving them.  My old ones were in bad shape.  These are so light weight and honestly feel so much better for running.

I wore them to the zoo yesterday and walked in them all day- super comfortable.

Also wearing my favorite Free People Tee ( I own three they are the best tees).

Moon Cheese

I randomly bought these at a Starbucks one day when I was starving and I am now obsessed.  They are addictive and 100% cheese no other ingredients.  They have three different flavors | Cheddar, Gouda and Pepper-jack, they all are amazing.

Stella and Dot Earrings

I bought these at my friend's trunk show last week.  What I love is you can wear them 4 different ways.  

La Vie Bohme Yoga Mat

Once school starts back I have decided I am going to get back into Yoga. I feel so much better when I do it.  Love this mat.

Sam Edleman Fringe Booties

I so need these for Fall.  They also come in black.

Faux Shearling Vest

I love this vest and the price, it is under $80.  Would be so cute with leggings this fall.

Abstract Sea Art

Love the beautiful blue colors.

10 Meal Ideas To Bring a Friend

Happy Wednesday Friends!  Today is a request I received from a reader.  She wanted some meal ideas to bring a new mom.  The meals below are great for not only a new mom but someone who had surgery, recently moved to town, experienced a loss, or just a someone you want to say thank you to!  They are for the most part one dish meals that are easy to make and can be enjoyed immediately or frozen.

When you bring a friend a meal I really recommend buying the aluminum disposable pans, that way no one has to remember to give your dishes back.  I also think it is nice to bring a bottle of wine with the meal ( if they are wine drinkers).

One tip is in the Dollar section at Target I try and stock up on the blank gift tags.  This way you can write who the meal is from and cooking instructions as well.  You can use twine from the dollar section as well to tie the tag on the dish.

O N E | T O M A T O  P I E

This is one of my all time favorite Southern Dishes.  It is just so good.  Usually when  I bring this to someone I only cook it partially about half the time and then I let them finish cooking it.  That way the crust doesn't get too over cooked.

T W O | C H I C K E N , S A U S A G E  + W I L D   R I C E   C A S S E R O L E 

This is one of Matt's favorite meals. Whenever one of our friends has a baby he tells me we must bring them this casserols.

T H R E E | S I M P L E  B A K E D   L A S A G N A 

This lasagna really is the best one I have ever made. It is so fresh and not too difficult to assemble.  

I like to send this and the chicken casserole above with a kale salad (see below). 

F O U R | T U S C A N  K A L E  S A L A D 

I usually always send this salad with any main dish I bring.  Mainly because kale is hearty and does not get soggy quickly so this salad will stay fresh for several days.  Whenever I bring it I always get asked for the recipe.  It is so easy and so tasty.

F I V E | S A L S A  V E R D E  C H I C K E N   E N C H I L A D A   C A S S E R O L E 

This dish is so good.  If you bring to a friend leave the avocado off since it will turn brown.  You can always bring an avocado with it for them to slice on top.  I would bring this with a corn salad, black beans, or Mexican rice.

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

I actually made this for the first time when my sister in law had her baby and I have since made it on several other occasions.  It is simple and delicious.  Martha Stewart really never disappoints with her recipes.

S E V E N |  C O C O N U T   G I N G E R  C H I C K E N

If you want to bring something a little different than the usual casserole this is a great meal.  Just bring the rice and chicken in two separate containers.

E I G H T |  C H I C K E N  M A R A B E L L A  +  O R A N G E  C O U S  C O U S

I fell in love with this dish when my parents made it for one of their supper clubs.  The flavors are so uniquely good.  It does require some marinating beforehand but nothing too crazy.

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

This is a white lasagna and a great option is you want something different than classic lasagna.

T E N |  B U T T E R N U T  S Q U A S H + B A C O N + A R G U LA  Q U I C H E

I know not everyone loves quiche, but this is one of my favorite quiches. The arugula, butternut squash, and bacon are just perfect together.

EXTRAS. Sometimes I like to bring the new mom a little something extra on the side.  These Energy balls and muffins are a favorite treat of mine to bring.  They make for a handy snack for younger kids or a quick breakfast.

E N E R G Y  B A L L S 

They are super easy to make: 

Mix 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3/4 cups shredded coconut, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla. 1 tsp cinnamon.  Refrigerate for 30 mins then roll into balls.  Add flax seed or chia seeds if desired. 

 C O C O N U T,  C A R R O T + Z U C H I N N I  M U F F I N S