Summer Reading: What's On my Nightstand Part 2

Remember that Jamie Foxx song, "Blame it on the Alcohol"? Well that is what I blame my surge in reading on this Summer,  the lack of alcohol in my life.  I don't have happy hour anymore so I get in bed with my full wits about me ready to read.   Plus I get in bed super early so I have more time to read now too (ah the joys of pregnancy).  I have been powering through like a book a week.  Such a book worm, I know.  I have read some really great books though and wanted to share.  Here is what I plowed through:

BEAUTIFUL RUINS- Several of you recommended this book to me last time I did my books post.  It was a really entertaining story about an old Hollywood actress and a secret she kept for years.  

BEBE DAY BY DAY- I really liked the first book by Pamela Druckerman, Bringing up Bebe, so I checked this one out at the library.  It is a super short read just 100 little blurbs and tips on French parenting. Everything in it made so much sense to me.  I mean seriously the French have this parenting thing down way better than us.

ROB LOWE STORIES I ONLY TELL MY FRIENDS- I have always loved Rob Lowe but my love for him grew even more after he was on Brothers and Sisters- why was that show canceled again??  This was a juicy autobiography about his life in Hollywood and growing up, it made me like him even more.

WHISKEY BEACH- I am a huge Nora Roberts fan I always love all her books.  This one has it all from mystery to romance.

GUILTY WIVES CLUB- My mom recommended this book to me and I read in 3 days, it was so good.  It is about a group of 4 women arrested in Monaco and put in jail for a crime they did not commit.  James Patterson books are always such quick easy reads

PROOF OF HEAVEN- I have wanted to read this book for a long time and I finally decided to read it after my grandfather died.  I no doubt believe in Heaven but it is so interesting to me to read others accounts of near death experience's.  Eben's story is amazing, he was a neurosurgeon who was more scientific than religious until he contracted meningitis and was in a coma for 7 days.  It is a miracle he survived.  While in his coma he visits Heaven and this is his story of his coma, near death experience and life after.

ENGAGEMENTS- I kept reading write ups for this book in all my fashion magazines.  It was such a compelling story following 5 people around thru their lives.  Each person had a different story relating to marriage, adultery, divorce, or the decision not to be married.  I loved that the chapters switched from one persons perspective to another.  I could not put this book down.  Interesting views on marriage and what it means to others.

REVENGE WEARS PRADA- I loved this sequel as much as the original.  Highly recommend if you loved The Devil Wears Prada.  Such a fun read filled with fun fashions and life in the magazine world.

Now I need to know what to read next, please share some great book recommendations!
xoxo

Thoughts For Friday

Happy Friday Friends! This has been a whirlwind week. I still can't wrap my head around the fact we are having a baby girl. I am so excited. Of course the first thing I wanted to do was go look at baby girl clothes. Turns out I don't love all the girl stuff as much as I thought I would.   Alot of it is too pink, too sparkly, and too fluffy for my taste,  even the traditional smocked stuff that I loved for Sterling I don't love as much for baby girl.  I had a hard time finding anything I loved but I did snag this adorable onesie for Baby girl.    I found alot of cute stuff at Baby Gap, which is funny because I never shop there for Sterling!  Their prices are great though!  I am smitten with this cute outfit.  You must click on the link to see the back of this romper it is adorable!

{Contrast Bow Flutter One Piece}

 Also loved this Baby Gap Dress. The colors and stripes reminded me of LemLem.

{Stripped Bow Dress}

If you love Greek Food as much as I do, you must try Papa ZuZu's in Mt. Pleasant.  My friends Chassity and Sarah urged me to try it and it was amazing.  One the best Greek Salads ever and their warm pita bread and hummus is delish!  I picked it up after my doctors appointment as a treat and I am still dreaming about it!!  Plus the salad is so big I ate off it for two days!

Our first box from Citrus Lane came and it was great!  Sterling was so excited to get mail and it was filled with such fun stuff for him.  I highly recommend.  You can sign up HERE to try it out.  His box came with a race car painting set, a pack of reusable/washable stickers, a lunch container you can use the stickers on to decorate, two cold packs for lunches or booboos, and dried banana snacks.

Of course now that I know we are having a girl my wheels are spinning on the nursery design details.  My sweet Dad has graciously offered to paint the nursery for me, I think he felt sorry for me after I painted our den and hallway myself.  So I am searching for paint colors.  This is so weird and normally I am not a purple girl at all but I am leaning towards doing the nursery a pale purple gray.  After seeing Pratt and Lambert's Quartz Moon in the new House Beautiful I am loving it.  Any other great neutral purple grays I should consider?

I am so excited both my boys from Breaking Bad got nominated for Emmy's, they deserve it.  I am counting down the days til August 11th when the final season starts.  I miss Jessie and Walt.

Can we talk about how amazing Jenna Dewan looks 7 weeks post baby.  I mean how do these celebrities do it??  I need tips.

Normally my little cougar crush Zac Efron can do no wrong but I am still trying to wrap my head around the tragic jean shorts he is wearing.  All men need to take note,  jeans shorts are never a good idea.  His body still looks pretty amazing though.  Is he 21 yet??

My ASOS dress finally came and I can not say enough good things about it!!  It is such a fabulous pattern and looks way more expensive than it is.  It is fitted on me because of my belly but I think it will fit perfect post baby too.  For those curious on sizing I ordered a 6.  Highly recommend this cute dress.

{ASOS MIRROED TEE SHIRT DRESS}

Have a great weekend Friends!
xoxo

Lulu & Georgia Giveaway!!

I am so excited today because I have a killer giveaway for you guys! I am sure most of you are already familiar Lulu and Georgia.  Remember my kick ass runner? Yep, it was from Lulu and Georgia. 

Well lucky for you guys, I have a $100 giftcard to use on their site for one reader! Just check out a few of my favorite things on the site right now!  They have such an amazing selection of rugs, pillows, lighting and home decor.  There are so many things I want for baby girls nursery- mainly one of those pendant lights and a killer rug! 

And even better news since only one person can win, Lulu and Georgia has graciously offered everyone 20% off anything on their site with code DBDD20 !!  This is such a fabulous deal    Get your shop on HERE!
 

Apache Rug, Clay / Voluspa Rug, Navy and Plum | Lulu and Georgia / Elodie Art | Lulu and Georgia / Spotted Ikat Pillow, Coal (Set of 2) | Lulu and Georgia / Blaze Mirror, Gold | Lulu and Georgia / Jill Rosenwald Hourglass Pillow, Sailor Blue | Lulu and Georgia / Taye Trays (Set of 2) | Lulu and Georgia / Rhiannon Lamp | Lulu and Georgia / Golden Lotus Lamp | Lulu and Georgia / Lyra Lamp | Lulu and Georgia

If you want to enter here is what you can do -be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry, and leave your email address so I can contact you if you win:

1) Be a Follower of Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers 
2) Visit Lulu and Georgia and leave a comment with your favorite item
3) Like Lulu and Georgia on Facebook
4) Follow Lulu and Georgia on twitter and tweet about the giveaway @luluandgeorgia. https://twitter.com/LuluandGeorgia


You have til next Wednesday at midnight to enter.  I will announce the winner next Thursday.
xoxo

We're Having A .......

Could not wait to share the news but we just found out today we are having a GIRL!! I am still a little in shock. I always pictured myself with 3 boys. I feel beyond blessed that I get to experience having one of each sex. I am excited for this new girl frontier and a little scared for my credit cards, because lets face it most girl stuff is cuter, although I have gotten pretty darn good with my boy shopping.   Best news though is that the baby looked healthy and honestly that is all I care about.   So grateful and thankful for a good report today.  Hard to wrap my head around the fact I am going to have a daughter, but I am over the moon excited! 

Thanks for everyone's support and encouragement it means so much to me.  and it looks like the old wives tales proved to be correct for me!

xoxo

Bacon, Avocado, and Corn Salad

 I have been meaning to share this recipe for awhile now.   I made it weeks ago- I blame pregnancy brain for forgetting til now to share. This salad was ridiculously good, but how could it not be with all my favorite ingredients.   Corn and bacon should always be paired together and the creamy feta just ties everything together perfectly.  We used this as a side with grilled fish and it was such a tasty summer meal!  

A few things I did differently was I used microwave bacon instead of cooking mine in a skillet- I was feeling supper lazy and it is so easy just to microwave and crumble it up.  It saves time and cuts out some of the grease but I am sure the recipe way is better.  Cooking in grease always tastes better.   Since I had no bacon grease I sauteed the corn in olive oil.  I thought it was delish and would totally make this again, plus it looks beautiful if you want to impress guests!
Enjoy!

:: B A C O N  A V O C A D O  A N D  C O R N  S A L A D ::

adapted from Recipe Girl

Ingredients:

5 strips thick-cut bacon
4 large ears corn, husks and silks removed
1/2 cup crumbled feta or cotija cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
juice of 1 lime
1 large Hass avocado
coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Directions:

1. Place a heavy skillet over medium heat. Arrange the bacon strips in the skillet and cook on both sides until the bacon is crisp, 5 to 6 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to dry. Remove all but 1 tablespoon of the bacon fat from the skillet.

2. Cut the kernels off each cob by laying the cob flat on a cutting board and using a sharp knife to remove the kernels. Discard the cobs and transfer the kernels to the skillet with the bacon fat. Cook the corn over medium-high heat until it is just slightly golden brown, about 5 minutes. Turn off the heat, crumble in the cheese, and add the cilantro and lime juice. Let the mixture cool to room temperature. Roughly crumble the bacon into the corn mixture and toss to combine.

3. Cut the avocado in half lengthwise. Remove the pit from the avocado and discard. Remove the avocado from the skin, and cut the avocado into 1/2-inch pieces. Transfer the avocado to the skillet and toss.

4. Taste and season with salt and pepper before serving. Serve immediately at room temperature, or refrigerate for later. Bring to room temperature before serving.

Obsessions

{LOREN HOPE LINDSEY GOLD BRACELET} 

This is my new favorite bracelet.  It goes with everything and looks so expensive but it is only $58.  Such a classic gold bracelet that never goes out of style.  Plus it looks great layered with other bracelets!

{DOLCE VITA ARCHER SANDAL}

I am kind of obsessing over these Dolce Vita sandals.  They come in so many colors but the pink and tan is really speaking to me.  They are so cute and would even look great into end of summer/ prefall with skinny jeans.  Even better they are part of the Nordstrom sale right and a great price.

{MARC JACOBS STRIPPED DRESS}

Remember this dress from yesterday?  I found her on major sale (40% off) so of course she needed to be mine.  The perfect little stripe dress for preggo or not preggo.  I love how vibrant the colors are for Summer.  I also think you could wear this into Fall with a fitted navy blazer.  Marc Jacobs dresses always fit really well too, snag this one before its gone!

{PUCCI COFFEE TABLE BOOK}

I am always on the hunt for gorgeous new coffee table books.  I collect coffee table books like I do cookbooks.  I am head over heels for this Pucci book.  How insanely gorgeous is the cover?  and I am such a huge fan of all of Pucci's designs.  Such a lovely book.

{ASOS SWING DRESS}

Love the comfy loose fit of this dress. I think navy and white stripe dresses are so classic.  I picture it with my Rag and Bone Booties.  A serious steal at $42.

{FREE PEOPLE KEEP ME V TEE}

I live in soft loose fitting tee shirts and I am always on the look for new ones to add to my collection.  This is a new one I am adding.  Looks great with cut-off shorts or skinny jeans.  It comes in 7 great colors and I want one of each!  The back is super cute too.  The tees come from Piperlime and don't forget today started the extra 25 % off all sale, just use code SUMMER when. you checkout!

{C LUCA JEWELED MAXI}

You are not going to believe me when I tell you this Maxi is under $100.  When I first saw it I figured it was Tibi and $400+.  It is my favorite shade of blue and love the details.   Would be gorgeous to wear to a wedding or summer party.

{MARA HOFFMAN IPHONE CASE}

This is the first Iphone case I have seen in awhile that I would actually shell out $40 for.  Love the bright pattern!

{CLOVER CANYON LOTUS TEMPLE DRESS}

I am dying to add a piece from Clover Canyon to my closet.  They use such amazing patterns on all their pieces.  This dress is no exception.  Would love it for the fall.

Scenes From Our Weekend

Did everyone have a fun filled weekend? Ours was part fun with the other part spent taking care of a sick child. I blame camp last week. I swear as soon as the kids are around other kids they catch something. I didn't get much sleep Friday or Saturday thanks to my needy little man- it gave me a little taste for my life to come very soon, up all night!

First off,  I snagged my first piece for our nursery and it was a major deal, trust me.  I am on a major budget for the nursery so I will try to share deals and steals along the way.
Pretty excited about this to hang over our changing table for baby boy or girl.

The most exciting thing that happened this weekend, was I became an aunt again.  Matt's sister had her baby early Saturday morning.  She was not due til August but this sweet baby was ready to enter the world.  He is just perfect and they are doing great.  This is such a special year for babies in both sides of our family.  I love seeing my sister and sister in law become moms, it brings me so much joy.  There is nothing more special than a newborn.

Visiting babies makes me hungry, like seriously hungry.  I think it reminds me of when I had Sterling and couldn't eat for so long since I was in labor for 32 freaking hours.  Anyways we hit up Chick Fila after the hospital for breakfast.   My new favorite breakfast there is the multi grain bagel with chicken, cheese, and egg.  It is so delicious and I most definitely ignore the calories.  And ignore my Lindsay Lohen nails that is not dirt just eye liner I could not get off (and yes I need a manicure bad).

 

I swear this Summer we have had so much rain around here.  It broke a little Saturday night to  reveal the most gorgeous rainbow.  It stretched across the whole sky, I have never seen one this stunning before.  It reminded me of God's presence and how amazing he is.

Saturday we had planned a couples baby shower for my sister in law. Even though she had her baby that morning we went ahead with the shower, we had too much catered food to waste!  Matt and I did not get to stay too long since we had a sick babe with us but we enjoyed some fun for a bit!

you can see the rainbow in the back here again, so pretty.

And lets please discuss Sterling's outfit.  This was obviously the outfit of his choosing, as you know I have real issues with wife beaters. I have a very opinionated 3 year old who insists on dressing himself.  But honestly I was just glad he choose this over a princess skirt so I let it ride.  His pose is classic, fits the outfit so well and has me a little worried about the future... (and that is Daddy's beer not his).

Outfit Deets:  DVF Dress old but similar HERE and HERE, Dolce Vita Sandals (on sale!), Loren Hope Gold Bracelet
I love a stripped fitted dress on a pregnant woman.  Both dresses I linked to above are on sale and if you plan to wear while pregnant I recommend ordering up a size.  If you don't own a pair of Dolce Vita Sandals you need a pair, I live in mine all Summer.

Speaking of Stripes, I was browsing Piperlime, they are having their huge Summer Sale right now with up to 70%.  There are some really great finds on there of course the one dress I really want is not on sale.  How great are the colors in this Marc Jacobs stripe dress?  Pretty sure I need it!
{Marc Jacobs Stripe Dress} 

 But this Splendid Maxi is on sale and I do love it.  It comes in red, green, or blue.  Such a great dress and it looks so comfortable.  It would look really great belted too!  You can shop the sale HERE.
{Splendid Stripe Maxi Dress}

I took Sterling to see his first movie in the theater, Monsters University.  I actually really loved this movie.  It was so cute.  Sterling did pretty well for about an hour then he got antsy.  But if you have kids I really recommend it.  I think I may have enjoyed it more than him!

Hope you have a great Monday we are off to the doctor to get Sterling checked out.  Why is it kids always get sick over the weekend then you have to wait to see the doctor???
xoxo