Things You Need in Your Life

Wanted to share a few things in my life I am loving.

ONE \\ EQUIPMENT LIAM BLOUSE 

My love affair with Equipment continues.  I snagged this blouse on sale awhile back and I am pretty smitten with it.  Equipment blouses are great everyday staples.  They are well made and last forever!!  also available here and here on sale in (size small and large).

TWO \\ EQUIPMENT LEOPARD SHORTS

Also speaking of Equipment my Leopard shorts are now on sale.  I wear these babies all the time!  They run true to size, I am wearing a small.  I love that they zip up in the back and have no pockets for a seamless and flattering fit.

I love how Julia styled hers with a Chambray shirt.  These shorts are so versatile!

THREE \\ Trader Joe's Dark Chocolate Bar with Caramel and Black Sea Salt

This chocolate is freaking amazing.  I almost polished the whole bar off in one sitting.  Pick one (or five) up next time you are shopping at Trader Joes.

FOUR \\ GRIS BLANC ROSE WINE

I found this wine at Harris Teeter and loved it!!  If you like a dry non-sweet rose please try this wine!

FIVE \\ BABY GAP AVIATOR SUNGLASSES

These glasses are on sale for $3.99 now, enough said right??  Sterling loves his (and so does Frances)!  We went with the yellow but they also come in blue as well.

SIX \\ BOON FEEDING TOOLS

I am loving these two feeding tools from Boon.  They are awesome and both are under $10.  I highly recommend.  The spoon I take everywhere with us.  You can put your homemade baby food in it or squeeze a premade pouch into it.  It makes feeding on the go so easy!

Boon Spoon

I also love this silicone feeder.  It s great for teething babies.  I put bananas, avocados, and cold fruits in ours for Frances and she loves it.  

This Boon drying rack is also part of the Nordstrom sale, we have two and love them.  This one is great for bottle parts.

Boon Silcone Feeder

SEVEN \\ FURBISH SPOTTED NAPKINS

I bought these napkins back when Furbish hosted a pop up show here and I just love them.  I use them everytime I entertain.  I used them last night for a supper club I hosted (more details and pictures of that tomorrow).  The black and white goes with everything!

EIGHT \\ GOOD ADVICE

A Day in Our Life : Summer Edition

If you are like me Summer hits and you are like what am I going to do all day with the kids?  I actually love Summer and having no real schedule, but the days can be so long!

I always love seeing a sneak peek in others lives so I thought I would share a day in our life. It has been awhile since I did one of these posts, last time I only had Sterling this time it's juggling two kids

6-7  \\ Wake up with Frances and feed her a bottle.  Now that school is out Sterling has been sleeping later which is nice.  I get a little one on one time with Frances.  After I feed her I proof read my blog and post it.

While I feed her I sip my hot lemon water.  I have basically given up coffee and just drink this in the morning now.  I read it has so many great health benefits. Plus is starts the day off right by re-hydrating my body.

7-7:30 \\ Three days a week I go on a run before Matt leaves for work, this way he can watch the kids because running with a stroller is hard!!  I have a 3 mile loop I do, I run a mile walk about a 1-2 minutes then run another mile.  I am still obsessed with these Zella Tanks, I ordered two more and they are all I run in.  They don't ride up at all and are not too tight.

Zella Scooptank on sale!  | Shorts | New Balance Shoes

8-9 \\ Get back from my run and I feed Frances and Sterling breakfast,  he is always up by then.  I also fix Matt and I a quick bite.  Lately we have been into hard boiled eggs, veggie sausage, avocado, and fresh heirloom tomatoes.  It is such a tasty and filling breakfast.  I have been trying to cut back on my processed foods and my beloved cereal falls in that category, so this is a new breakfast I am loving.

9- 10:30 \\ I put Frances down for her morning nap, turn on a TV show for Sterling and then I have a chance to get showered and cleaned up.

10:30- 1 \\ This is when I take the kids out to run errands.  Today we went and picked up my new contact lens, signed up for Fall Soccer for Sterling,  and hit up Trader Joes.  Then I try and squeeze in an activity that is fun for Sterling. I usually let him choose either the park, library, chick fila, pool etc.  He chose the library today.  It melts my heart that he loves the library so much because I am a huge book lover.  The library is such a great free activity.  He plays with the toys while I chill with Frances and read a magazine.  Then we pick out a few books and DVDS to check out.

1- 3:30 \\ Get home and put away groceries and then I put Frances down for a nap.  She usually naps about 2 hours. Then Sterling and I eat lunch.  His go to is PB and jelly,  he loves it and wants it everyday!  I made a salad today with leftovers from the Farmers Market.  I try to eat salads most days for lunch. 

 Sterling just recently stopped napping but I do still make him have quiet time.  He can sit in his room and play with toys or the IPad.  This usually lasts about 45 minutes then he is bored.  During that 45 minutes I quickly empty the dishwasher, start a load of laundry, and work on my blog.  If I have time I will start dinner prep too.

3-4 \\ Frances usually wakes up and is ready for another bottle.  After that I play a quick game with Sterling, today was Memory.  Then we all usually stroll around the block.  Frances rides in the stroller and Sterling rides his scooter.  If we have time we walk to the park near our house but sometimes we just loop around our block.

4-5 \\ Get back from our walk and I put Frances on her play mat with toys and let her and Sterling play while I start assembling dinner and get it started cooking.

5-6 \\ Bath Time.  Most nights I do bath time solo because Matt usually doesn't get home til 7 or so.    I have a plastic bath for Frances I still use that kind of hinges over our tub so I can bathe her and Sterling at the same time.   I have been loving this line of bath products called Weleda my friend and fellow blogger Jess recommended, I swear they have helped with Frances' eczema.

6-7 \\ Dinner for Frances Moon,  this week she is eating avocado, banana and butternut squash.  I feed her around 5:30-6.  Usually at this time I let Sterling watch TV til Matt gets home.  This is  when I pour a glass of wine if I am drinking that night (which is most nights haha).  I sip it while I finish cooking dinner and wait for Matt to get home.  Many nights we sit on the front porch and wait for Daddy.

7-7:30 \\ Feed Frances her last bottle and put her to bed.  Then Matt, Sterling and I sit down and eat dinner together.  I really think it is important to sit down and eat as family so we always do this unless Matt is working too late.  I made one of my all time favorite recipes Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Meatballs.  They are so good.

8-9 \\ Get Sterling read for bed, brush his teeth and then Matt and I each read him a book.  After that we clean up the dishes.  I usually work on my blog for about 30 minutes.  I try not to work on it at night while Matt his home but during the Summer I have a hard time getting it all done during the day since Sterling is out of school and no longer naps.  Matt and I really don't watch much TV, but lately we have been into Anthony Bourdain's Parts Unknown show on CNN.  We may watch an episode of that and then get in bed.  It is also on Netflix if oyu have never watched it, it so interesting!

9-10// We get in bed and read and lights are always out by 10.  I love going to bed early.  Currently I am reading The One and Only by Emily Giffin and I am really liking it.  I always love her books.

Go to bed, wake up and do it all over again:)  I would love to hear any ideas you other moms have for Summer activities!!

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Lastly, local friends don't forget about the Pixie Lily Sample Sale tomorrow morning!!  Seriously the cutest baby clothes around!!  Now is the time to stock up and trust me the prices are amazing at these sample sales!!

Pixie Lily Sample and Seconds Warehouse Sale

Saturday, June 21st

8:00 am - 12:00

Layette and Toddler

BYOB Bring Your Own Bag

48 Society Street (corner of Anson and Society)

 

 

Favorite Beach Snacks + My New Swimsuit

First off, I had several questions about the dress I posed yesterday.  I am wearing a size 4 for those that asked about sizing.  It is a generous fitting dress so order your actual size or go down a size.  Yes you can wear a bra with it, I wore a strapless bra and it worked perfectly.

 

Happy Friday, I am not gonna lie, I am a bit sad as today marks our last day of vacation.  It has truly been a wonderful week with perfect weather and I loved spending so much time with my family.  These are memories that I hope my children hold dear like I do.  I will definitely share some pictures from our trip next week. Today I wanted to share some of our favorite snack foods from our beach week!

\\ SPROUT FRUIT AND VEGGIE CHEWS- the kids love these.  They are a mix of vegges, fruit and rice.  Super healthy but tasty.

\\ YUM-A-ROS- another kid favorite, they are dried banana, mango, and pineapple, they also come in other flavors.  Us adults loved them too.

\\ BEAR NAKED GRANOLA- Delish granola in milk, on yogurt or just for snacking

\\ SASS PINOT GRIGIO- a refreshing pinot even Ramona would love:)

\\ 479 WHITE CHEDDAR AND BLACK PEPPER POPCORN- seriously delicious popcorn

\\ COCO CAFE- This is a mix of coconut water, espresso, milk and vanilla, mocha, or chocolate.  You drink them cold and they are so good.

\\ CARRS CRACKERS- Love these thin crackers to serve with cheese

\\ TAPAS CHEESE SELECTION- all three of these cheese are so tasty and best part they are sliced in thin strips already for serving purposes.  So easy to just to place out with crackers. You can find this pack at Costco.

\\ PLUM CHUTNEY- This comes from Whole Foods and we served it with the goat cheese log for a killer appetizer

\\ GOAT CHEESE WITH HONEY- This goat cheese with honey is one of our favorites from Trader Joes

\\ FIG SPREAD- we also served this with the goat cheese and crackers

\\ KRAVE BEEF AND TURKEY JERKY- This beef jerky is truly the best beef jerky I have ever had. It is so tender and the flavors are awesome.

\\ DARK CHOCOLATE POWER BERRIES - the perfect sweet bite for a snack.

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I have to share the most perfect swimsuit I found.  I have a hard time finding swimsuits I feel good in, that make me feel comfortable and confident.  After two kids I just don't feel awesome in a bathing suit anymore.   I still wear a bikini sometimes, but for the most part I just feel more comfortable in a one piece and its easier for dealing with kids.  When I tried on this bathing suit it was love at first sight. The pattern is so gorgeous and the cut out sides give it just the right amount of fun without being too much.  I am wearing a medium for those curious about sizing.  Added bonus it is reversible so you can wear it as a plain black suit too.  It is on major sale right now so get it while you can!

\\ Mara Hoffman One Piece

 It also comes in pink which I equally love.
Shop pink here.

This bathing suit has really made me fall in love with Mara Hoffman and her fun patterns.  A few other Mara Hoffman favorites and many are on sale! 

Have a great weekend!

xoxo

Roasted Veggie Quinoa Burrito Bowls

Much to Matt's dismay Cinco de Mayo fell on a Monday and I stood strong on still doing our meatless Monday- although we did have tequila so that probably negates the healthy food we ate.  I decided to make a healthy spin on a burrito bowl.  I love the roasted veggie burrito bowl at Qdoba, so this was my spin on it.  It would be great with brown rice but I had a ton of quinoa from Trader Joes so I used that.  You can really roast any veggies you like, but this combo of zucchini, squash, bell pepper, corn, onion and tomatoes was delicious.  Roasting them brings out such an intense flavor.  So while quinoa can be bland this steps up the flavor!  If you want meat this would be delicious with roasted chicken, ground beef, or shrimp.

Enjoy!

|| R O A S T E D  V E G G I E  Q U I N O A  B U R R I T O   B O W L S ||

- 1 cup dry quinoa cooked

- 1 can black beans

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes

- 1 yellow squash

- 1 zucchini

- 1 red onion

- 2 ears of corn shucked and kernels sliced off the cob

- 1 red bell pepper

- 1 avocado

- 1 cup shredded white cheddar cheese

- sour cream, and salsa or hot sauce for topping

- 1 lime

Cook the quinoa according to the box.  After it is cooked, fluff with a fork and season with salt and pepper and the juice of half a lime.  

Slice all the veggies about the same size. Place on a large pan and drizzle with olive oil and salt and pepper.  Roast at 350 degrees about 30-45 minutes just depends how caramelized you want your veggies.  

 Below is the size I chopped my veggies.

Heat up the black beans on a skillet until warm.  Sometimes I add a spoonful or two of salsa or hot sauce for extra flavor in the beans.

To assemble layer the quinoa, black beans, roasted veggies, and cheese.  Top with avocado, sour cream , jalapenos, and salsa or hot sauce.  Serve with warmed corn tortilla shells.

Whole Wheat Greek CousCous Salad

There is nothing I love more than a good salad for lunch.  I made this a few weeks ago and gobbled it up.  I love the whole wheat Trader Joes Israeli couscous, that is what I used for this but you could use plain couscous too.  Greek ingredients are my favorite so this was pretty much a spin on my Greek Salad but with couscous instead.  It is the perfect healthy, light lunch.

Enjoy!

||  G R E E K  C O U S C O U S ||

- 1 bag or box whole wheat couscous

- diced cherry tomatoes

- diced kalamata olives

- diced English cucumber

- thinly sliced spinach

- diced red bell pepper

- diced red onion

- feta crumbled

- 1/2 cup olive oil

- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- juice of half a lemon

- 1 garlic clove minced

- salt and pepper

Cook Couscous according to box.

Chop all veggies and place in large mixing bowl.  Add cooled couscous to veggies.  Mis together olive oil and next 4 ingredients.  Pour over couscous mixture.  Add feta and toss all together.  Best served room temperature. 

Feel free to double dressing if you think you salad needs more.

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