Love 21

I am huge fan of Forever 21, yes the majority of it is cheap looking and made for 13 year old girls but if you dig you can really find some great stuff in there.  There is an art to shopping in there and I consider myself a pretty savvy F21 shopper. 
Lately I have started to really notice the line Love21, it is a line within Forever 21,  dubbed their more contemporary line.  The stuff is usually a little more expensive like say $27 compared to $15.  I really love the line and think the clothes are even better quality than the regular stuff.   The last three things I bought from Forever 21 came from the Love21 line.

I couldn't find either online- but don't they look nice?  Not quite as cheap looking.

If you live in Charleston the Love21 collection is at the back of the store to the left near the dressing rooms.  Try some of it on or order online I think you will be pleasantly surprised.   I rounded up some of my favorites from online.  Best part is if you are sick of the top or dress in a year you probably only spent $20 anyways!

Thoughts For Thursday

I am so excited because my parents are in town this week for two quick days so I get a fun visit in before Christmas!  I absolutely love when they are in town.  I am off this morning to help my mom finish her Christmas shopping and I think we need to hit up the new Toy store, Magnifilous on King Street for Sterling.  Has anyone been?  I mean there is a carousel inside,  he will be in hog heaven.

I came across this on Pinterest and think it is a great gift rule for kids.  I am honestly not buying Sterling much this year.  He already has so much and is still too young to quite grasp it all.  I took him yesterday to help me pick out Toys for Toys for Tots and that was a bad idea.  He wanted to keep everything we picked out!  I wanted him to understand that there are kids that need those gifts more than him,  but he was clueless all "me, me, gimmie, gimmie."  Oh well I tried.

Its official I am addictive to these Dark Chocolate Pretzel Crisps.  I am pissed at my gals (Amy and Caycee) for telling me to buy these tasty treats.  I ate half a bag in one day.  It said the bag had 4 servings but I am pretty sure I turned it turned it into 1.  I have heard the white chocolate ones are even better but I am scared to buy them in fear I will demolish the whole bag.

Happy Endings is my new favorite show. I love the entire cast.  It is so ridiculously funny- or maybe my sense of humor is just weird. It comes on Tuesday nights at 9,  tune in if you don't already watch it.

I am really trying to grow my hair out. I Loved the long bob I cut in Februray but now I am ready to have super long hair again.  Any tips for getting it to grow fast?  This is what I want it to look like.

 

I have already wrapped most of my gifts for this year and bought tags but next year I plan to make these DIY glitter tags- how cute are they?  This could be a fun project to do with kids too, Sterling loves some glitter.

(tags via)

I tried out a new color combo last night for a dinner out with the rents: Royal Blue and Rust.  Kind of random but I kind of love it at the same time.

{JCrew Top, JBrand Jeans}

My mom and Sterling at dinner last night, melts my heart.  Nothing like seeing how much your parents love your kids.

xoxo

The Best Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie Ever!

I really need a class in 101 food photography because this pie is way better than it looks in this picture.  Why is it so hard to take pictures of food?  I don't get it, even Instagram didn't make it look better.  You have to just trust me when I say this pie is incredible.

  I made it for Thanksgiving dessert and it was a huge hit.  Peanut Butter desserts are my all time favorite.   I could eat them every day.  This is one of the best peanut butter pie's I have ever had - if you live in Charleston it rivals the one at 5 Loaves which is awesome.  The chocolate and creamy peanut butter filling go together so well.   Pure decadence I tell you.  Serve with whipped cream and you are in business for a fantastic dessert for any company!

Here is what the pie should really look like (via)

 

Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie

Recipe adapted from Food & Wine

Serves 8-10

Chocolate Crust

1/2 stick unsalted butter, cut into tablespoons

8 ounces chocolate wafer cookies, finely ground (2 cups)

Peanut Butter Filling

8 ounces cream cheese, softened

1 cup chunky peanut butter

1/2 cup sugar

2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract

1 cup well-chilled heavy cream

Kosher salt

Chocolate Topping

4 ounces semisweet chocolate, chopped (1/2 cup)

1/2 cup heavy cream

Garnish

1/4 cup Chopped Peanuts, chopped

1/4 cup semi sweet chocolate, chopped

MAKE THE CHOCOLATE CRUST: Preheat the oven to 375°. Melt butter and stir into the cookie crumbs. Press the cookie crumbs over the bottom of a 9-inch springform pan and 1 1/2 inches up the side. Bake the crust for 10 minutes, or until set; the crust will continue to firm up as it cools.

MEANWHILE, MAKE THE PEANUT BUTTER FILLING: In a large bowl, using a handheld electric mixer, beat the cream cheese with the peanut butter, sugar and vanilla extract until blended. In another large bowl, using the same beaters, whip the chilled cream until firm. Fold one-third of the whipped cream into the peanut butter mixture to loosen it, then fold in the remaining whipped cream. Spoon the filling into the crust, smoothing the surface. Sprinkle lightly with salt and refrigerate until set, about 3 hours.

MAKE THE CHOCOLATE TOPPING: Place chopped chocolate in a medium bowl. Heat cream over medium heat until simmering. Add cream to chocolate and stir until melted.

Spread the chocolate topping over the peanut butter filling and refrigerate until just firm, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle the chopped peanuts and chocolate around the edge of the pie. Carefully run a thin knife around the pie crust to loosen it, then remove the springform ring. Using a sharp knife, cut the pie into wedges. Run the knife under hot water and dry it between each cut.

Obsessions

{ANNIE GRIFFIN LIBBY DRESS}

Remember the Social Dress Shop giveaway I hosted a few weeks ago?  Well Sarah was nice enough to help hook me up with this fabulous number.  I had never heard of the brand Annie Griffin before but now its a new favorite of mine.  How fabulous is this dress??  I wore it to two holiday parties last week.  I am obsessed, there are still a few left HERE.

{ANTHROPOLGIE FROSTED PANES TUMBLERS}

Newest glass obsession, these fabulous etched stemless wine glasses from Anthro.  They make me so happy while sipping my wine.  They are even more gorgeous in person it is hard to see the detail in pictures.

{WAFERBITES}

These are my new favorite snack.  These crackers are paper thin and addictive.  They don't have many calories so you snack without the guilt.  I tried the double cheese flavor and loved them.  I found mine at Publix.  They are great with cheese!

{JCREW BOWNECK BLOUSE}

J.Crew has done it again, I have found yet another blouse I need for my closet.  I want the Cobalt blue version such a great color on everyone!

{CAPRI BLUE TIN CANDLES}

I have a real weakness for fabulous smelling candles and these are my new favorites.  I smelled the Blue volcano one burning at the Anthropologie store opening and knew I had to have one.  The Aloha Orchard also smells amazing.  They won't break the bank at $14 and they make such cute gifts.

{BOBBI BROWN EYE SHADOW PALETTE}

Ever since reading Erin Gates Best of Beauty List I have convinced myself I need every product on there.  First I want to try this eye shadow palette.  I have used my Naked by Urban Decay Palette (which I love) for so long but I am ready for something new and these colors look perfect.  Great neutrals for anyone.

Weekend Happenings

Can ya'll believe Christmas Eve is two weeks from today?  Pure craziness I tell you. 

Matt's best friend from Charlotte and his fiance stayed with us for the weekend and we had such a great time.   She is a wine rep (hello dream job) so we drank some fabulous wine all weekend.  We started Friday night off with a bottle of Tattinger Champagne and it was amazing.  I may never drink the cheap stuff again.  I have been spoiled, thank you Alice.

Saturday we took Sterling to see Santa at the Yacht Club.  My child does not like Santa.  Check out his face- pretty priceless.  I think it is the beard, he does not like men with beards.  And this Santa's beard was huge and obviously fake.

Here is our picture from last year.  We are starting to build a pretty impressive collection of I hate Santa pictures.

Somehow the past two years I have been roped into to sitting on Santa's lap.  Santa this year was extra frisky.  He was insistent I sit on his lap too and then he proceeded to rub my back.  Akward.....

This is us having a moment.  I should have told him what I really want for Christmas is a Goyard bag.

Saturday night we had a fabulous dinner out at High Cotton.  It had been years since I ate there and it did not disappoint.

 I rocked my Joie Dress again.  Telling you such a perfect LBD.

This is Matt's standard face when he doesn't want to take a picture.  Total cheeseball.

In other news did ya'll see Serena and Lily is having 25% off everything online!!  Just use code SHIPTODAY25. 

 Thinking it is a sign I need to order these things I have been eyeing.
{Coro Glasses, Nova Napkins,  Throw Pillows,  HA Kids Fish PJs, Bookends}

Have a great Monday.  I am off to the gym for the first time in weeks, seriously it has been awhile since this body got a good workout.  I have been way to busy eating, drinking,  and watching Lifetime Christmas movies to work out:)

Oreo Fudge + Gifts + Randoms

First of all thank you for all the wonderful responses yesterday.  I got a smile reading each one.  Thank you for believing in me and my mothering skills.  Being a mom is the most rewarding job ever but also the hardest.  I love that this is a place where we can all encourage each other and be real and share our fears.  So thank you for letting me know I am not alone and these thoughts are normal.  You guys are like free therapy:)

***************************************

I am on the ball this year getting my Christmas cards addressed and goodies out to people.  I always like to make a sweet treat for my friends and neighbors this time of year.  Last year you might remember I made the Oreo stuffed brownies- huge hit.  But this year I wanted to do something a little different and decided on Oreo Fudge.  It is only 5 ingredients but knock your socks off good.   It was even easier to make than the brownies and I like it better.   If you are one of my close friends get excited this sweetness is coming your way soon. And for all you other friends that don't live close by here is the recipe:)

{DOUBLE DECKER OREO FUDGE}

•1 can of sweetened condensed milk, portioned in half
•10 Oreos, chopped
•1 cup white chocolate
•2 tablespoon butter
•1 cup of semi-sweet chocolate

Instructions:
1.Split sweetened condensed milk in half and set aside. Chop Oreos and set aside

2.Place white chocolate, one ½ of sweetened condensed milk, 2 tablespoon of butter in a heat proof bowl over simmering water. Stir and mix until melted and combined. Fold in Oreos and stir to combine. Pour mixture into pan.

3.Place semi-sweet chocolate and remaining half sweetened condensed milk in a heat proof bowl over simmering water. Stir and mix until melted and combined. Pour mixture on top of Oreo layer and refrigerate for 1 an hour to set.

4.Remove from refrigerator and peel away foil once set. For ease of cutting make sure to clean knife between cuts to prevent sticking.

I packaged the fudge in these adorable containers I found at Target in the dollar section.  I layered parchment paper between each layer to keep from sticking.  I found the tags at TJMaxx.

I also got a few gifts wrapped this week.  I love having presents under the tree to enjoy.  I found this gorgeous paper set at TJMaxx!

In other news I was shopping at Lowes yesterday and saw this fabulous light fixture.  I was contemplating it for Sterling's room til my mom convinced me it was too girly:(   If you have a little girl this light fixture is adorable and such a steal it is only $29!!  I also think it could be cute in a powder room.  Who knew Lowes had cute lights?



Tibi remains one of my all time favorite brands.  This dress is a new favorite.  I wore it to church Sunday and just adore it.  It is the perfect wine color for Winter.  I plan on rocking it to a holiday party next week too and jazzing it up with a sparkly necklace.

{Tibi Crepe Drapped Dress}

I found the most delicious soap at Williams Sonoma, Fleur de Sel  Pick some up you won't stop washing and smelling your hands.

Alright I am off to clean house we have house guests this weekend!  Hope you all have a fabulous weekend!

Parenting the Heavy Stuff

Sometimes I sit around and my mind wonders and I think about weird things.  I do, seriously like, plane crashes, natural disasters, the world ending,  and hooking up with LL Cool J (weird but true I had a dream about him two weeks ago and it keeps haunting me). 

 Lately, however I have been thinking alot about the enormity of being a parent.  It is such a huge responsibility and I have to wonder am I doing the best job I can to raise Sterling right?  I feel like the decisions I am making now are going to affect how he turns out as an adult and that stresses me out.  Lately he has been bad, like real bad,  bratty bad.   He is that kid you see out in stores and judge the mom for not parenting better.  Throwing stuff at me,  screaming if he doesn't get his way,  waving his finger in my face, pushing me away, not listening,  talking back,  and majorly stressing me out.  It is making me think hard,  is he acting this way because of me as a parent?  Am I not tough enough?  Should I punish him more?   What am I doing wrong?  I am guilty of giving in- handing him chocolate or buying him a treat just to buy myself  5 minutes of silence.  I know this wrong but I do it anyways, it keeps me sane.  Nobody ever warned me how hard being a parent would be.

This is the biggest job of my life and I want to do it right. 

 A few things that I think about all the time....

I want Sterling to grow up and be well mannered always saying yes, please, and thank you.  I want him to be appreciative of the life he has.  We have it good compared to so may others.

I want Sterling to be man of God,  attend church regularly,  pray, and be a good Christian.   I take Sterling to church. because I want to instill him the value of a higher power and the fact that there is more to this life.  This one is tough in our house because I always take Sterling to church alone, Matt never goes with us.  That is his choice and I don't push him too but I know when Sterling is older he will say why does Daddy get to stay home and I have to go to church?   That worries me. 

I want him to be appreciative of things and not spoiled but I am fearful we are already in the spoiled category.  It is hard not to buy that sweet face treats.  I bribe him often just to get a few moments of silence.    I feel like he already has more than he needs.  It is hard to not want your child to have everything. 

I want him to grow up and be a hard worker and love his job and not complain about it everyday.  I want him to feel passionate about whatever he decides to do.

I want him to take time to help others.  This is something I need to be better at showing him.  Before he was born I volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House once a week and now I don't volunteer at all.  I want to do that and bring him with me to see that we are so fortunate compared to others.

I want him to be a gentleman to the ladies and treat them with love and respect.  This is something I think all boys learn from their dads and how they treat their moms.  That is why I think is important to kiss and be affectionate in front of your children so they feel the love between their parents.

I want him to want to spend time with Matt and I when we are older.  This one I think about alot because boys usually never call their parents once they leave the house.  That makes me sad.  I on the other hand always talk to my parents and choose to hang out with them.  I love spending time with them and I want Sterling to feel the same way about Matt and I.  Sometimes I look forward to spending time with my parents more than my friends- sad but true.  I want Sterling to feel the same way.

I want Sterling to feel comfortable talking to me about anything (well maybe lets save the sex talk for dad).  But I want him to trust me and feel comfortable enough to tell me if kids are bullying him, or encouraging him to do bad things. 

I want him to be healthy and make healthy food and exercise choices.  Before Sterling was born I swore I would make all his food and only feed him organic things.  Well guess what?  If you opened my pantry today you would find it filled with Lucky Charms, Little Debbie Cakes, Oreos, and lots of juice (non-organic juice and full sugar).  I think the children that are restricted what they are allowed to eat over indulge more.  I allow Sterling to eat what he wants (in moderation of course).  My parents raised me the same way and I don't even bat an eye about sweets being in our house- I don't feel the need to eat them.  I want Sterling to have restraint and take care of his body.

I am terrified of when he goes to college.  I am scared the other boys will haze him and make him drink too much or do drugs.  I want him to be man enough to know his limits and say no.

I hope he doesn't grow up being anxious and nervous.  I am such a worry rat.  Always worrying about something and I don't want him to be like that.

Most of all I want Sterling to be happy.  No matter what he does I want him to find joy in life and be happy.  Life is too short not to follow your dreams and I hope he does.

Am I the only freak that thinks these heavy thoughts??  I question my parenting skills everyday.  I guess I will just cross my fingers and hope he turns out ok because I did (thanks to my wonderful parents).