Mondays Musings

First Monday of the New Year and I am feeling motivated and refreshed- minus the lack of sleep around here, although I swear my body is getting used to two hour increments of sleep!   I have to say as tired as I am , I don't mind the late night feedings because it is really the only time Frances Moon and I have alone to bond.  

Now that I am officially six weeks post birth, I am ready to kick things into gear and start exercising and eating healthy.  I even have Matt on board for eating healthy. I want to start back our meatless Mondays and eat more fresh veggies.   I decided to attempt to meal plan something I am not very good at.  I like to decide what I want to eat that day and hit up the grocery store, but now with two kids I don't have that luxury.   I recently got both these cookbooks and really love them.  The Raw Detox book is filled with great smoothie and juice recipes and Giada's new cookbook looks awesome.  The new issue of Cooking Light also has some great Kale Salad recipes that I am trying out this week.

In keeping with my attempts to be healthier this New Year, one of my main goals is to drink more water and most importantly to start my day with a cup of warm lemon water.  I can't tell you how many celebrities swear by this trick, its so easy.  It really hydrates you and supposedly makes your skin tighter and fresher.  I started this 21 day detox where you just drink a cup of warm water every morning right when you get up before you eat or drink coffee and I swear my skin is already looking better on day 5.

I am also all about getting organized this New Year for my blog and personal life.  I bit the bullet and ordered this GIGI New York Embossed Snakeskin Planner.  I love the look of it and the fact it features monthly and weekly pages.  I even had my initials embossed in gold on it- once it arrives I will share pics, but I already know I am going to love it!

For Christmas I bought my Dad these shot glasses carved out of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt.  I read about them in Oprah's magazine when she featured them on her favorites list - gotta love that my girl Oprah loves her some tequila.  After seeing my Dads I knew Matt and I needed a set.  We used them last night for our taco night and they are awesome.  They provide the perfect hint of salt with your tequila.  Beware though the longer your drink sits the saltier it gets.   These would make such a cute gift with a bottle of tequila:)  Plus you gotta love the gorgeous pink color.

You can order them here from the Spice Lab.

Rebecca Taylor is offering an additional 25% off all sale items and there are some great deals, check out the whole sale HERE
Use code RTWINTERSALE when you checkout.

I have this Colorblock Sweater and love it. It is so soft and lightweight.  It also comes in a blue version.

I would love to add these beauties to my closet.
PYTHON BLOUSE|| LEOPARD SWEATER || FADED LEOPARD TEE || EMBELLISHED TEE || ARTISONAL BLOCKED DRESS ||
How cute does the Python Blouse look on Sarah Michelle Gellar?

I am looking to invest in a new pair of running shoes, it has been over a year since I bought my last pair and they are on their last leg.  I prefer lighter weight ones, I am considering these Nikes- any other great recs for running shoes.

|| NIKE FREE 3.0 V5 RUNNING SHOE||

I just finished reading the Husbands Secret per Amy's rec and it was such a good read.  One of the best books I have read in awhile.  I highly recommend it.  I have been doing alot of late night reading on my Kindle while I feed Frances.  Any other good books I can add to my download list?

Lastly,  I have to share a few pictures of Frances Moon  She is getting so big, 6 weeks today!  She really is the sweetest most easy going baby.  We love her so much!

xoxo

Saturdays Steals and Splurges: Vince Blouse + Harrow Booties

Happy first Saturday of the new year friends!
 I thought for the New Year I would start a new weekend post series called Saturdays Steals and Splurges.  This is gonna be a fun way for me to share things I have bought or I am lusting over.  Some days I will compare two similar items one cheap and one expensive, other days I will just share some fun finds. Today I am sharing two things I got for Christmas that are currently on major rotation in my wardrobe.

I have written about my love for Rag and Bone on here frequently.    Last time when Shopbop had their sale I was lucky enough to get the elusive Harrow Booties.  I would consider these booties a splurge even on sale but worth every penny, I promise you.   I have to tell you I am smitten with them and have been wearing them nonstop.  They are so comfortable and go with any outfit from dresses to jeans.  They run slightly on the small side so order up half a size if you are concerned about fit.  I have the black suede and they rock.

||  RAG AND BONE HARROW BOOTIES ||
also available in all black HERE

I also got this awesome Vince Blouse for Christmas.  I actually ended up wearing it New Years Eve.  Ladies it is a great post pregnancy blouse because it is loose and I need loose these days to cover my saggy tummy.   It is actually loose enough that I think it could be worn pregnant too.Vince blouses are my absolute favorite they are such classic pieces that always fit well, are good quality, and can be worn all the time from dressy to casual.  I see myself getting alot of wear out of it.  It is long enough to pair with leggings and skinny jeans. It is a steal on sale right now 40% off in olive green and ivory. If you can find Vince on sale buy it!

|| VINCE BLOUSE ||

 

10 Kick Ass Gadgets You Need in Your Kitchen

The New Year is the perfect time to revamp your cooking and cooking utensils and gadgets.  Even though I cook often, I get so inspired in the New Year to try new recipes and invest in a few new cooking tools to make my life easier.  With two babies I need to be productive in the shortest amount of time possible.

 I compiled a list of a few of my favorite cooking gadgets and new ones I am hoping to acquire.

|| BREVILLE JUICER PLUS ||

 Last year I used a gift card my grandfather gave me for Christmas and purchased the Breville Juicer and it was the best investment ever.  I make Matt and I fresh juice most mornings,  it is a great way to start your day and I swear I have more energy the days I drink my green juice. 

 Plus it is on major sale right now online at Bloomingdales 

And if you are looking for great juice recipes, the Williams-Sonoma Blog has an awesome round-up of 30 juices to make.

|| VITAMIX ||

I am dying to buy a Vitamix.  They are definitely expensive and an investment but I have heard nothing but amazing reviews about them.  Totally worth the money.  I really like that you can use it for hot or cold preparations.  I would use it for smoothies and soups.

|| NESPRESSO CITIZ ESPRESSO MAKER ||

Lets be honest with little sleep these days coffee is a big priority in the wee hours of the morning when I am up.  The Nespresso is the mack daddy of all coffee makers.  I love the sleek chrome look and the fact that it doesn't take up too much space.  I also love that it froths your milk.   Plus the coffee brewed from it tastes phenomenal.  Already told the rents I want this for my upcoming birthday!

|| IPOD STAND ||

I use my iPod when I am cooking all the time.  It is much easier than using my laptop in the kitchen.   If you are like me you use Pinterest often for recipes (my poor cookbooks are neglected).  This stand makes it easy to pull up Pinterest recipes and cook away!

|| PADERNO SPIRALIZER ||

I have wanted one of these forever.  I love the idea of creating raw salads and pastas with zucchini and squash.  You can even use it to make curly fries.  I actually just ordered myself one of these:)

How awesome does this Summer Squash Pasta look, that you could use the Spiralizer to create!

|| COLE AND MASON OSLO SALT AND PEPPER MILLS ||

We received these electric salt and pepper mills for a wedding gift 6 years ago and still use them everyday.  They are amazing, they grate the salt and pepper so finely and quickly.   Plus they are pretty sitting out on your counter too.

|| WHEATGRASS JUICER ||

Wheatgrass is filled with so many great nutrients for you, plus I love the taste of it.  I always get a shot of it when I pick up a smoothie and have wanted a way to make it at home.  I was delighted when I saw Williams-Sonoma carries a version.  It is under $100 and you can use it to press vegetables and fruits as well.

|| BREVILLE CRISPY CRUST PIZZA MAKER ||

Who wouldn't want a pizza maker?  This one makes crispy brick oven pizza, which is my favorite.  It is on sale right now at Williams-Sonoma.  Everything Breville makes is awesome.

 

I would use it to make this Turkey Sausgae Broccoli Rabe Pizza.

|| GOLD TOUCH BAKEWARE ||

These gold pans are hands down the best baking dishes ever.  They always cook everything evenly and I love the look of them.  I have this 6 piece set and use it all the time.  It is currently on sale for a really good deal.

 || MICROPLANE BOX GRATER ||

 This is the best grater you will ever use.  All four sides grate different sizes and it even has a slice side if you want to thinly slice veggies.

 Any other gadgets I need in my kitchen?  Do share!

Coconut, Carrot, and Zuchini Muffins

The New Year always inspires me to revamp my diet and start eating healthier. This year I am even more motivated because I want to lose the last of my baby weight and fit back in all my old clothes!!  I made these muffins this week to have for a healthy breakfast and to bring to a friend who just moved in a new house.   They are filled with carrots, zucchini, coconut, and apples all super fresh ingredients.  You could even sub applesauce for the oil and whole wheat flour for regular if you are trying to be uber healthy.  They were super moist and full of flavor!   Plus Sterling devoured them and I have a hard time getting him to eat his veggies.  I will be making these often!
Enjoy!
side note- I am smitten with my new West Elm marble platter my sister gave me for Christmas- they are on major sale HERE.

|| C O C O N U T  C A R R O T  A N D  Z U C H I N I  M U F F I N S ||

Ingredients

• 2 cups shredded carrot
• 1 cup shredded zucchini
• 1 cup chopped peeled apple
• 3/4 cup flaked coconut
• 1/2 cup chopped almonds
• 2 teaspoons grated orange peel
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1-1/4 cups sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 2 teaspoons baking soda
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 eggs, lightly beaten
• 3/4 cup canola oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

• Gently toss together carrot, zucchini, apple, coconut, almonds and
• orange peel; set aside.
• In a large bowl, combine flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda and
• salt. Combine eggs, oil and vanilla; stir into dry ingredients just
• until moistened (batter will be thick).
• Fold in carrot mixture. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups
• two-thirds full.
• Bake at 375° for 20-22 minutes or until muffins test done. Cool

Happy New Year + Thank You

It is hard to believe 2013 is coming to end. This year has been an eventful one for my family. My sister, sister-in-law, and me all welcomed babies this year.   I am so happy Sterling finally has some cousins and all these babies will grow up together close in age.  We lost my dear sweet grandfather, and Matt started his own law firm.  Lots of major moments this year.  

 I can't even put into words how thankful I am for Frances Moon.   She is our biggest blessing this year.  I am so sad my grandfather never got to meet her, but I know he and my grandmother (her namesake) are smiling down on us.  Once you have experienced a miscarriage and then when it is difficult to conceive again, you realize what a true blessing and miracle a baby is.  I cried and prayed so many days for this baby and now to have her in my arms I feel complete.  God has been good to us this year.

I want to thank each and everyone of you for reading my blog and commenting.  I also want to thank each person who stops me when I am out to tell me they read my blog and how much you enjoy it.  You truly make my day, so don't ever hesitate to stop and talk to me!!  This blog is really my happy place.  It is my creative outlet, a place for me to vent, share my passions like fashion and food, and document our family life.  This blog has opened so many doors for me and connected me with so many people and I hope it continues to do so.  I have made so many virtual and real life friends thru this blog and I hope to continue to nurture these relationships and make more.   I want 2014 to be an even better year for my blog so please leave me a comment and tell me what you want to see more or less of in 2014.  I am open for suggestions!

As much as I love the Holidays, I also love the New Year.  It is a time to reflect,  refocus,  and start fresh.  I am not big on resolutions, more life changes.  Resolutions are easy to break but life changes are not.  I found these two lists and loved them.  Hope to think about these ideas often.

Mostly in 2014, I want to focus on these two,  my two biggest accomplishments and loves.  I want to put down my phone and computer and really savor and enjoy my time with them, because time goes by in the blink of eye when you have a child.  I want to be fully present and be the best mom I can be.
 

I also want to refocus on my relationship with Matt.  With two kids our relationship has definitely been put on the back burner.  We have committed to doing a date night 1-2 times a month just us alone, no friends.  We need that time alone to reconnect and nurture our relationship.  Family is my main priority in 2014 because isnt it the most important thing?
 

I wish each and everyone of you a Happy New Year filled to the brim with happiness, blessings, and dreams fulfilled.  Thank you for all your love and support! 
A motto I hope we all live by this year:
See you in 2014!

xoxo

What I Wore : Holiday Edition

I hope everyone had such a wonderful Christmas. It is crazy to me how fast this year has flown by.   2013 was an eventful year for us and I look forward to what 2014 has in store for our family of 4.   I wanted to share a few pictures from our Christmas including my outfits because several of the items I am wearing are on major year end sale!

As soon as I saw this JCrew plaid shirt, I knew I needed it.  I wore it on Christmas Day and know I will wear it often!  It is on sale right now and you can get an additional 40% off with code SHOPHAPPY so it comes to under $50.

|| JCREW PLAID PEASANT TOP ||

In keeping with my new plaid love affair, I also had to have this plaid robe.  It is soft and comfy.  It is also on sale with an additional 40% off with code SHOPHAPPY.

 || JCREW ROBE IN CERISE PLAID ||

On Christmas Eve, I wore my favorite Loren Hope Necklace.  Her jewelry really is amazing. 

|| LOREN HOPE CARINA NECKLACE || 
Shirt is old Marc Jacobs, similar HERE and HERE
 

I have blogged about it before but the JCrew swing sweater is back in stock again and in some great new colors- I own 4 that is how much I love this sweater!  It is a great pregnancy sweater and I still love mine after too!

|| JCREW SWING SWEATER ||   CHRISTINA JERVEY MOON NECKLACE

I got this Rebecca Taylor Sweater for Christmas and love it.  It is comfy and leopard, does it get any better?  It is also currently on sale.

|| REBECCA TAYLOR WILDCAT SWEATER ||

We managed to get a really good family photo- wish I had this earlier I would have used it for our Christmas cards!

BB DAKOTA NOLAND DRESS | LOREN HOPE GWYNETH NECKLACE || 

Not pictured but I am wearing my Rag and Bone Harrow Booties and love them!

 

A few other pics from our holiday!

XOXO