Thoughts For Friday

Happy Friday and TGIF.  This has been a super long week.  With Sterling starting school back our days have been starting a lot earlier (like 5:30 am early).  I am a morning person for sure but getting up an hour earlier than I normally do has been an adjustment.  I am trying to get into a routine and get used to our new schedule but it takes time. What am loving is since I drop Sterling off so early I can accomplish so much in the morning afterwards.  I am usually done grocery shopping by 8:15!

I snapped this picture Monday morning before we took him to his first day of kindergarten.  He looks so grown up to me. I am happy to report he loves school and his class.  He even came home yesterday and said his new school was way more fun than his old school:)

We had a lot of work done to our dining room last week.  I wanted to share a sneak peek of the progress so far.  We had the bead-board ripped out and sheet rock installed, the room painted Decorators White and the hutch/Buffet was painted Coventry Gray with new hardware.  More updates to come as the other pieces arrive.  The Minted Ocean artwork is one of my favorite parts of the room.

I just picked up one of these beauties to go in the corner. Now to find a pot.

One of my favorite Alice and Olivia Dresses was just reduced to 40% off.

Alice and Olivia Color block Dress

I finally made homemade zucchini fries.  They were so darn good and the kids gobbled them up.  We dipped ours in Rao's Marinera.

Parmesan Zucchini Fries

New obsession in the morning and at night this this Thin Tea Detox Tea.  It is all natural and caffeine free.  I love the little spoon it comes with to steep your tea.  I swear it helps with bloating.

I just started reading Jennifer Weiner's New Book, Who do You Love and I am really liking it so far.

Just ordered these shoes.  Pretty excited about packing them next week for NYC.  They also come in a taller wedge version that is gorgeous.

Jeffery Campbell Sandals

Since Sterling has been in school I have had lots of one on one time with Frances this week.  I have loved every minute but man I forgot how hard this age is. She is so busy and non-stop!!

I saw this girl at the Apple store this week wearing these leggings.  I imediaelty asked her where they were from.  Honestly I thought they were thew new Mara Hoffman active or Lululemon.  When she told me they were Target, juniors section I was shocked!!  I tried to order my size but it was sold out so I am off to the store to find a pair!

Target Leggings (they also come in 3 other patterns)

Matt and I just started Bloodline this week.  Has anyone watched?  Seems a bit slow starting but still really liking it.

Have a great weekend!

These Boots were Made for Walking (and Jumping)

When Rack Room contacted me about working together to promote their shoes for back to school I was excited.  Growing up we frequently bought shoes at Rack Room Shoes but as of recently I had not stopped in.  I forgot how awesome their shoe selection was not just for the kids but adults too.  I was pleased to find they carry my favorite Nike running shoes.  Rack Room always offers buy one pair get one pair 50% off, which is great if you are buying for several members of your family.

 I let the kids choose their shoes and of course they choose cowboy boots.  Since he was two Sterling has loved his cowboy boots and looks like Frances does too:)

 Cupcake Cowboy Boots c/o | Canyon Trails Cowboy Boots c/o

Allegra and Luca Dress | Denim Shirt | Jeans

I have to admit I think the cowboy boots are pretty adorable. The design on Frances Moon's boots is so cute.

I had to snap a few pictures of my kindergartner:) He looks so grown up in these pictures. 

As you can see the kids are on our trampoline.  They insisted they needed to test the boots out by jumping.

I love this action shot even if it is a touch blurry.

This little lady has become a handful lately.  Really getting her personality and getting sassy.

Don't forget about Rack Room's Shoe to Fit Campaign.  It is a wonderful cause and helps provide shoes to at risk kids at the start of the school year.  You can donate in store or online HERE.  Rack Room matches 100% off all donations up to $300,000.  That is a lot of shoes for children in need!

If you are curious these are the other two pairs I let them choose from Rack Room.  Batman + bright red converse.  Pretty sweet kicks for the new school year!

Thanks to Rack Room Shoes for sponsoring this post and gifting the kids shoes.

Fall Favorites | Splurge vs Steal

I don't mind splurging on some core closet items but it is always nice to find a good deal too.  Everyone has different things they don't mind spending a little more money on.  I rounded up a few Fall trends in a splurge and steal version- you decide which one you like best!

ONE | Lace Up Flats

This is one shoe trend I am loving for Fall.

Aquazzura $675 |Topshop Lace up Flats $98

TWO | Distressed Jeans

I finally jumped on the band wagon to try the Blank Denim Jeans.  They are under $100 and honestly really impressed me.  I still love my Rag and Bone jeans but for the price these are awesome.  They offer a bit more stretch which I really like.

Rag and Bone $220 | Blank Denim $88

 THREE | Leather Jacket

I have to say I own both these jackets.  I was lucky enough to score my Vince one several years ago on major sale and while I prefer it, the BB Dakota jacket is a great option for less money.  The BB Dakota is faux leather and the fit is great. I own the brown version.

Vince Leather Jacket $995 | BB Dakota Drape Jacket $95

FOUR | Stripe Clutch

I have lusted after this Clare V Clutch forever.  I was in Old Navy this week and saw an almost identical one. Both are great for year round.

Clare V $225 | Old Navy $29

FIVE | Plaid Blouse

I always love plaid come Fall.  I actually picked up the Loft version this week.  It is fabulous on (see below)

Equipment Blouse $268 | Loft Plaid Blouse $59.50

SIX| Fringe Bootie

I am convinced I need some fringe booties this Fall.

Aquazurra $995 | Sam Edelman $170

and if you perfer a bit thicker heel or no heel these are two great options.

Ivanka Trump $179 | Bettye Muller (comes in 4 colors) $159

SEVEN | Sweatshirt Dress 

Nothing better than a cozy sweatshirt dress.  Love it alone or over leggings.

AG Sweatshirt Dress $178 | Glamorous Sweatshirt Dress $59 (also in burgundy) 

EIGHT | Off Shoulder Blouse

You all know I love this trend.  I will be rocking it into Fall!

Joie Off Shoulder $268 | Eight Sixty Blouse $70

 NINE | Drape Neck Coat

This is one of my favorite styles of Fall/Winter Coats.

Vince Drape Neck Coat $675 | Dreamers Drape Neck Coat $64

TEN | Horn Necklace

Perfect for layering this Fall.

Tory Burch Horn $250 | Vince Camuto Horn $48

ELEVEN | Stripe Poncho 

Ponchos are great to toss on over any outfit.

Tejido Poncho $242 | BP Stripe Poncho $42

TWELVE | Pointed Toe Loafers 

I keep seeing pointed toe shoes everywhere for Fall. 

Nicholas Kirkwood $395 | Jeffery Campbell $99

THIRTEEN | Embriodered Denim Dress

Kate Spade $348 | Old Navy $39

 FOURTEEN | Bucket Tote

 I own a bucket tote and love it.  You can actually fit way more inside than you think.

Tory Burch Robinson Bucket Tote $520 | Sole Society Bucket Tote $59

FIFTEEN | Stripe Tee 

A stripe tee is a closet staple year round.  I actually love both these versions.

Rag and Bone Camden Tee  $125 |  Lush Stripe Tee $34

Shrimp Tacos + Peach Salsa

Tacos are definitely in my top 10 favorite foods.  I love them and I love trying to dream up new combinations.  We make a pineapple salsa that we absolutely love but after recently reading my friend Liz's blog and seeing her peach salsa, I was inspired.  Especially since peaches are in season and so delicious right now! This meal would have perfect except our shrimp just did not taste that fresh.  I usually try and buy our seafood from a local shop but this time I was lazy and bought at the grocery store and they just tasted old.  So buy good shrimp it makes a difference.  When it was all said and done we ended up eating veggie tacos minus the shrimp and they were still amazing.  All the flavors still work together with or without the shrimp.  If you don't want to do shrimp because I scared you with my bad shrimp (haha) these would be awesome with a flaky white fish like mahi, or flounder.  The star is the peach salsa.   A touch of sweetness and spiciness pairs so well with seafood.  Also letting the shredded cabbage sit in lime juice and salt really brings out some nice flavor. It is a tip I learned from Gwyneth Paltrow and I do it every time we make fish tacos.

The salsa does not really save for more than a day so try and enjoy it the day you make it!

|| S H R I M P   T A C O S  +  P E A C H  S A L S A ||

- 1 pound peeled and devined shrimp

- 2 tablespoons taco seasonings

- 1 bag shredded cabbage

- I lime

- 1 can refried black beans

- Mexican quesco fresco cheese

- 4 ripe peaches, diced

- 1 jalapeno

- 3 ears corn

- 1/2 red onion finely diced 

- flour shells

Toss shrimp with 1 tablespoon oil and taco seasoning plus a few dashes of hot sauce.  In a large skillet add a little canola oil and heat it up.  Add shrimp and cook until pink about 5-7 minutes, tossing a few times.

Roast ears of corn at 350 degrees about 10-15 mins just to slightly cook.  You can wrap in foil or just lay on a baking sheet.

Toss the shredded cabbage with the juice of one lime and salt.  Let sit about 30 minutes before serving.

Heat refried beans.  Wrap flour shells in foil and briefly heat in oven.

Mix peaches, red onion, corn, and jalapeno in a bowl.  Add salt to taste and if desred a little lime juice.

To serve layer shell with beans, cabbage, shrimp, crumbled queso freso and salsa!