Life Lately + Marinated Cheese Recipe

Happy Monday Sweet Friends!  

Last week Sterling's school put out all the pumpkins for Halloween.  They always do a huge pumpkin patch and sell the pumpkins.  Sterling was so excited and insisted we take some pictures with the pumpkins.  Sometimes I can't get over how grown-up he is now.

I tried out Sean Brock's new restaurant Minero. The concept is really cool,  as are the interiors but I just wasn't blown away by the food.  I did really like the salsa trio and queso.  The tacos however were just ok.  I will give it another try though!  Anyone been and have a favorite dish?

My horse blouse that I ordered from the Tory Burch sale came in the mail and I have to say I love it!!  Sometimes her clothes can fit my body funny but this blouse fit perfectly and I just adore the horse print.  I will be wearing this often this Fall.

|| Meg Blouse

I saw the most gorgeous sunrise on Friday morning, one of the most vibrant ones I have seen.

The pictures just don't even do it justice.

I got back my wingback chairs from the Upholster and they look amazing!!  I am working on taking some pictures of the den for a home tour and I will show the full chairs then but here is a peak!

Fabric is from GDC Home.

Sterling takes Halloween very seriously and loves to decorate for it.  We went to Lowes to get pine needles and came home with this guy.  I do kind of love him though.  Perfect to store all my Reeses Pumpkins in that I can't stop eating!  The wine is from my Wine Awesomeness shipment this month and it is excellent!!  Such a great Fall Rose.  Don't forget you can sign up here to get 30% off your first order!

My good friend Jen who started La Senorita Jolie just designed a line of delicate jewelry for LSJ and I am so in love with it and so proud of her!!  They are the perfect pieces for layering and everyday wear and all are under $50!!

I am wearing the Follow Your Heart Necklace +  Lucky 7 Hearts

Don't forget to use code LSJ-DBDD to get free shipping

I surprised Sterling with some Halloween Krispy Kreme Doughnuts Saturday morning.  I thought this was a genius idea til his soccer game two hours later when he had to stop playing because his tummy hurt and he told his coach he ate too many doughnuts- Mom Fail!

After soccer they had big event to focus on fire awareness.  They brought in a bunch of fire trucks and you know kids always love a fire truck- plus the fire men weren't too shabby to look at!

I wore my Rag and Bone top on Saturday.  It is the same style as my tank version I lived in all Summer.  I just love the back detail and it is so soft!  Thru tonight at midnight you can take 20% off with code FALL20 at Piperlime.  A great time to buy this top!

|| Nicole Long Sleeve Top

Sunday Night we did Happy Hour and dinner with some friends and I brought one of my favorite easy Apps, Marinated Cheese.  This recipe comes from my mom's very good friend Jane and it is always a hit!!  We serve with Triscuits, a thicker cracker that can soak up the olive and toppings is a good idea!  Someone commented on my Instagram that this is a great app for Christmas because of the colors and I agree!!

MARINATED CHEESE

Sunday I took Frances to church in one of my old dresses.  I texted my mom a picture of her in it and she sent me back a picture of me at my first Birthday wearing the same dress.  I had to share, so cool we still have this dress!

Stuff you Should Buy at Trader Joes- Part 3

Now that I am budgeting and trying to do better money wise, I have been doing more grocery shopping at Trader Joe's.  They seriously have some great prices.  It can be really overwhelming there so I always appreciate recommendations from others.  These are some new items that I have tried lately and love.  They all seem to make their way to my basket every time I am in there!

PARMESAN PASTRY PUPS

These are the best pigs in a blanket ever.  I love the puff pastry aspect it pairs so well with the hot dogs.  I seriously prefer them to regular pigs in a blanket.   Perfect easy app for entertaining or meal for your little one, Sterling gobbles these up.

SPICY BLACK BEAN DIP

This literally cost a $1.50 so I figured why not try it out.  It was way better than I expected it to be, even Matt loved it.  It has incredible flavor.  I served with sliced fresh veggies and lavash chips.  A great healthy snack to keep on hand.

WHOLE WHEAT LAVISH CHIPS

If you are getting tired of pita chips try these out.  They are thinner with great crunch and salty flavor.  I dip them in hummus or the black bean dip.

 CHILE RELLENOS
I have to admit I am not a big frozen meal person.  Most are disgusting and I can easily whip together something way tastier.  However enter pregnancy number two and I am just plain exhausted come dinner time, I just can't cook every night.  I decided to give these a try- I liked that they were vegetarian, frozen meat grosses me out (I have meat issues).  They were actually really good.  Filled with lots of cheese and the salsa on top was very flavorful.  I did have to add more salt and hot sauce.  But overall a great easy meal and only 350 calories.  I would make them again.

  MANGO LEMONADE

I got sucked into tasting this last time I was shopping and I loved it. I have been on a real lemonade kick and this hit the spot with pulps of fresh lemon and not too sweet.  Sterling loves it too, great for kids.

 SPINACH KALE BALLS

My mom and sister raved about these and for a long time our store didn't have them in stock but they are back in and so good!  A great meal served with a side salad or as an appetizer.  They are delicious served with marinara or roasted red pepper sauce.

MAC AND CHEESE BITES

I don't think I even need to describe these.  Mac and Cheese Balls enough said.

TEMPTING TRAIL MIX

Thanks to my sister I am addicted to this trail mix.  I keep a bag in my purse or car at all times.  It is the perfect combo of salty and sweet filled with nuts, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and pb chips.  Such a great snack.

SALSA AUTENTICA
I mentioned this the other day but wanted to add it to my list.  This salsa is only $1.99 and I buy several each time I am at Trader Joe's that is how much I am addicted to it.  I heard the Salsa Verde is great too so I need to try it next time.

 MARINATED FRESH MOZZARELLA BALLS
With cherry tomatoes in prime season right now, I have been really into caprese salads.  This small mozzarella balls cost a small fortune at other grocery stores but at Trader Joe's they are $4.99.  You really can't beat any of the cheese prices at Trader Joe's.   I love that they are already marinated with tasty spices.  I use them in pasta salads, to snack on, or caprese salads.

 What else should I add to my Trader Joe's shopping list?
xoxo

Tasty Thursday

Ok so I am still on my health kick trying to shed a few pounds before the annual Debnam beach trip, which I inevitably will gain back after a booze and food filled week! But for now I'm dieting:) I made up this recipe with stuff I had at home and it turned out pretty tasty! I love all salads especially any version of a pasta salad and this one is filled with healthy veggies!

LEMON ORZO SALAD
- 1 CUP UNCOOKED ORZO (BOIL 8-10 MINS)
- I CAN CHICKPEAS DRAINED AND RINSED
- I TOMATO DICED
- SMALL JAR MARINATED ARTICHOKE HEARTS (RESERVE THE LIQUID)
- 1-2 CUPS OF FRESH SPINACH SHREDDED
- FETA CHEESE
- 1/3 CUP OLIVE OIL
- 1 GARLIC CLOVE MINCED
- JUICE OF ONE LEMON

MIX TOGETHER OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE, GARLIC AND SALT AND PEPPER- THIS IS THE VINAIGRETTE. COOK ORZO AND DRAIN. ADD TOMATO, ARTICHOKES, AND SPINACH TO THE ORZO AND TOSS WITH DRESSING. ADD THE FETA LAST. I ALSO POURED SOME OF THE ARTICHOKE MARINATE OVER THE SALAD FOR EXTRA FLAVOR.