Dallas Recap + What I Wore

Yay for Friday!  One of my best friends and her family is coming in town for the weekend and I could not be more excited!!  I finally have had time to upload all my Dallas pictures.  As most of you know there was a blog conference in Dallas last weekend.  It was my very first blog conference and so much fun.  I have to admit I was star struck seeing some of my favorite fashion bloggers in person like Ivory Lane, Gal Meets Glam, and Elements of Style. It was my first time leaving Frances behind and that was hard to do.  I actually missed my kids so much I flew standby on the way home to get home earlier!

The hardest part about this trip was what to pack!  The night before I tried to assemble some outfits, but it was hard knowing I would be amongst all the biggest fashion bloggers.  I have to be honest I felt a little intimidated and out of place!

As most of you know I hate to fly.  Like seriously it gives me panic attacks and makes me break out in a rash.  For weeks I stressed about the flight.  I don't take medicine (I rarely even take Tylenol, I am just not a pill person) so no Zanex for me, but I find a cocktail or two helps me unwind.

Two glasses of wine and a swig from my mini airplane bottle and I was good to go.

 I will say it was the smallest plane I have ever flown on, we had to walk outside and then go up stairs to board, that was enough to almost freak me out, but all was fine and I even looked out the window:)

Thank goodness for my liquid courage.

Caycee was my travel partner in crime.  Luckily she is a calm and chill on an airplane.  We were a good combo.

We grabbed a cab and then checked in our hotel, The Joule,  which was fabulous!!

We quickly grabbed a glass of champagne, freshened up and went to meet some of our favorite bloggers in real life.  

I have to say I was most excited to meet Cassie and Megan.  They were both two of very first blogs I started reading and from the beginning they were always so sweet and kind, inspiring me to blog!  They were just as adorable in person.  We had the best time with them!  Friends for life!

// Outfit One

Rag and Bone Nicole Tank | Mother Jeans | Theodosia Sharks Tooth Necklace | Joie Sandals

Saturday we were up bright and early for a day of meetings.  We got to meet with so many fabulous brands!  I have to say we were spoiled the first day with all the great swag we got.

//Outfit Two

Rebecca Taylor Blouse old same style here and here (on sale) | Rag and Bone Skinny Jeans | Madewell Pumps | Gigi New York Uber Clutch

 Christina Jervey Bracelets

We had lunch at the very first Neiman Marcus ever after our morning meetings!  The store was incredible 6 floors in all.  I could have done some damage shopping there if I had more time. We dined at the Neiman Marcus Restaurant and the hype was right the food was delicious (although very expensive).

 They had a photo booth set up that was so much fun.  I can't remember the last time I was in a photo booth.  Give us girls some champagne at lunch and we get silly.

That night Kate Spade hosted an awesome party on the greenway with the giant eyeball.

\\ Outfit Three

Amanda Uprichard Dress | Theodosia Necklaces | Joie Sandals

We had a blast!! We got to meet Courtney Kerr which was a real treat!

Also wearing Ray-Ban sunglasses and carrying my Gigi New York Uber Clutch.

 Yet another photo booth but this one had really fun props.  We got a little silly with the food props.

Saturday morning we were up early again for more meetings, so excuse my tired face in this picture!

\\ Outfit Four

Tibi Cami |  MOTHER Jeans | Theodosia Horn Necklace | Madewell Pumps

That afternoon we had some free time and got to hit up the awesome pool at The Joule.  It over hangs the building and if you swim up to the clear glass you can see right down!

\\ Outfit Five

JCrew Cover-up | Zinke One Piece| Ray-Bans

Then that night we were off to a party hosted by The Outnet.

\\ Outfit Six

Clover Canyon Dress (on sale!) similar versions here, here, and here | Theodosia Necklace | Joie Sandals

Hanging with my favorite ladies.  This was basically my crew for the weekend, loved spending time with these pretty gals!

Shannon | Caycee | Ashley | me | Dominque

The next morning I had a quasi meltdown I was missing my kids so much.  I may have shed a tear.  I am not used to being away from my kids, I have left Sterling a handful of times for weddings etc and I have never left Frances!  Caycee and I decided to head to the airport early and were somehow able to snag two seats on an earlier flight that was overbooked.  I think God was watching out for me.  He knew I needed to see my babies!

Sunday night was the best reunion ever with these two.

and the best part was how excited Sterling was to see me.  

It was a fantastic trip and I learned a lot, but I am so glad to be back in my routine and home with my babies!

You can shop all my looks here:

And for any Charleston peeps, Beauty Counter is hosting an event tonight.  I am going with my friend Erin who is a rep.  If you want to attend feel free to mention her name (Erin Smith) when you RSVP.  The line is awesome!

Zucchini Farro Cakes + Giggle Bites For Your Kids!

Today is all about healthy eating for you and your kids.  First I wanted to share a recipe I made last week for our Meatless Monday meal, Zucchini Farro Cakes with Slow Roasted Tomatoes.  I loved this meal, but disclaimer Matt hated it and ate a box of poptarts later.  Keeping it real that the men in your lives may not love this meal:)  It was a light, fresh, and fun new way to eat zucchini and farro.  I served the cakes with Tzatziki sauce but next time I might would serve with crumbles goat cheese or even add goat cheese or some kind of cheese in the cakes.  I thought they needed cheese but I do love cheese, so you make the call!   Don't skip the tomatoes they are awesome and added such amazing flavor!  This recipe makes a ton of cakes (about 12) so you can freeze them or save for your lunches!

Enjoy!

|| Z U C C H I N I  F A R R O  C A K E S + S L O W  R O A S T E D  T O M A T O E S ||

adapted via Cooking Light

Ingredients

Tomatoes:

• 1 1/2 pounds grape tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Cakes:

• 3 1/2 cups shredded zucchini (about 1 pound) 
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
• 2 cups cooked farro
• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
• 3 tablespoons finely chopped green onions
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 tablespoons whole-wheat flour 
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
• 3 large eggs, lightly beaten 
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 
• Tzatziki or herbed goat cheese to top with

Preparation

To prepare tomatoes, preheat oven to 250°

  Combine tomatoes, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper in a large bowl; toss to coat. Arrange tomatoes in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Bake at 250° for 3 hours or until very tender, stirring every hour

To prepare cakes, combine zucchini and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a cheesecloth-lined bowl (I used a mesh strainer lined with a thin dish towel)  Let stand 10 minutes. Gather edges of cheesecloth; squeeze zucchini in cloth until barely moist. 

Combine zucchini, 1/2 teaspoon salt, farro, and next 7 ingredients (through garlic) in a large bowl. Let stand 5 minutes. Shape mixture into 12 (3-inch) patties, about 3/4 inch thick.  Let sit in fridge 30 minutes to an hour to harden cakes, if not they fall apart easily

Heat 2 teaspoons oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 4 patties; cook 4 minutes on each side or until golden. Repeat in two more batches with remaining oil and patties. Keep warm

Serve over arugula tossed with olive oil and lemon juice.  Top with slow roasted tomatoes and tzatziki or herbed goat cheese.

.............................................................................

The second part of today's post is about baby and toddler food! I am so darn proud of my friend Melissa I can't stand it.  For years she has talked about wanting to start her own baby food line and recently she and her husband finally did it!!  I briefly mentioned it a few weeks ago, but the line is called Giggle Bites.  After her first child was born Melissa had a hard time finding pure baby food with nothing extra added to it and that is how Giggle Bites came about.  I am sure you are thinking what makes this baby food different from others?  Well, first it is all frozen, meaning there are no additives or preservatives to give it shelf life.  There is actually nothing in the baby food but the actual fruit and/or veggies. It is frozen making it the freshest, healthiest food you can feed your baby!

It comes in freezer ziploc bags with 6 servings per bag and so many different flavors for each stage.

This is all I have been feeding Frances since she turned 4 months and the doc gave us the go ahead and she loves it.  It is so easy, all you do is pop a star out of the freezer and leave at room temperature to thaw, or pop in the microwave for about 30 secs, it is that easy.  Frances has tried all the firsts : sweet potatoes, green peas, mango, and apples and she loved them all!  I can't wait to try out some of the second foods once she hits 6 months.

There is also a Toddler Sneak-Um line with veggies you can de-thaw and sneak in things you are making like mac and cheese, muffins, quesadillas etc. Pure genius I tell you.  A great way to get your toddlers to eat their veggies. 

This post is kind of a tease because currently Giggle Bites is only available in Charlotte, but Melissa is working to get it in several big stores in the Southeast so stay tuned you should be able to buy it soon!  Charlotte friends all next week Giggle Bites is offering free delivery of your orders with code MOMSROCK for Mothers Day, so go stock up!  You can buy a box of 4 bags or 8 bags of any kind to meet the delivery minimum.  You will honestly probably want more, since it is frozen you don't have to worry about it going bad!  We go thru a bag a week with Frances!

You can shop online HERE and also check out Melissa's blog, it is filled with so much valuable info about kids food.  She has really opened my eyes to so many things about shelved baby food.

If you live in Charlotte on Saturday from 4-6 Giggle Bites will be at Pottery Barn Kids in SouthPark, so stop by and check them out!! If you have babies or toddlers I swear you will love this baby food line.  I am so proud of my girl, Melissa making her dreams come true.  Charleston peeps if you are interested in Giggle Bites shoot me an email, Melissa and I are trying to plan a day to drive some orders in town!  

Giggle Bites is so amazing, feed your kids something you can feel good about!

Girl Behind The Rug

I was super excited when Lulu & Georgia asked me to participate and be a part of their new series  "Girl Behind the Rug."  I am a huge fan of Lulu &Georgia and actually have three rugs from them in our house!  They wanted me to share about my style and why I chose a particular rug.  For this series I decided to feature the Ink Dye Rug in Frances Moon's nursery.  It is pretty much me in a rug, and quite possibly my favorite rug ever.

To me this rug is edgy, boho, and chic but still classic.  That is pretty much exactly how I would describe my style.  I love to dress with some fun elements but always something classic.  The pattern makes it makes it stand out but the black and cream color combo makes it a classic!

The Ink Dye Rug is even more stunning in person.  It is classically chic, like I like to think I am.  It makes a bold statement but in a good way.  It is not too over the top.

The best part is it is where we most often gather as family.  The rug is super plush for lots of playtime!

These two especially love it!

I find that I am often to drawn to neutral colors like this rug, but the pattern makes it not boring.  My fashion style is similar.  My outfit in these pictures is pretty standard but the shoes and ripped jeans give it some character.

Our first baby, our boxer Nelson, was feeling left out and wanted in on this last picture.
As you can see we all really adore this rug!
 

This gorgeous rug and so many other fabulous items are available at Lulu & Georgia.  Huge thank to Lulu & Georgia for my rug and featuring me in this series.  They have graciously provided a discount code for my readers- DBDDRUG20.  You can use that for 20% off everything thru Sunday!

I think I am going to take advantage of the discount and order this woven basket.  I love the idea of it filled with succulents!  You can shop the whole site HERE!

And for any curious about my outfit you can shop it below.

Obsessions

First off for all my local friends, the insanely talented Jamie Meares from Furbish Studio is in town hosting a pop up shop tomorrow from 10-4.  You should definitely stop by, it will be filled with tons of fabulous stuff!

|| MADEWELL MIRA HEEL ||

If you are looking for the perfect pair of nude/camel heels then look no further.  After I saw Liz wearing these in several posts, I fell in love with them.  I had been on the hunt for some neutral heels and these are just perfect.  I have been wearing mine nonstop because they go with everything.

This is what they look like on.

|| D.RA ROSIE TOP ||

I was beyond excited when I saw this top version like the dress I posted a few weeks ago.  Love the neon and white.

|| YOSI SAMRA BALLET FLATS ||

I was lucky enough to meet the owner and designer, Yosi, of this awesome shoe line last weekend.  I fell in love with his ballet flats.  They are comfortable, chic, and affordable.  They come in so many great colors and patterns so check out the Yosi Samra Site.  I am smitten with my pair!

|| REBECCA TAYLOR SHORT SLEEVE POPPY TEE ||

I love this floral tee.  The colors are so fresh for Summer.   I tried this on over the weekend and it was such a cute fit- looked awesome with white jeans!

|| JCREW EMBORDRIODERED TUNIC ||

I wore this cover-up while I was in Dallas last weekend and got several requests where it was from.  It is from JCrew and currently 30% off with code GOSHOP!  It runs on the large side, I am wearing an XS.  It also comes in neon pink and white.

|| VINCE STATIC PRINT DRESS ||

I am so lusting after this Vince dress.  Vince dresses are my absolute favorite, I just wish they were a little cheaper!  But the quality and fit is fantastic.

|| LULU & GEORGIA WOVEN HANGING BASKETS ||

I love these Lulu & Georgia Baskets, they are so fabulous and would look awesome on any patio or deck!

 

|| SPLENDID TULUM CANVAS TOTE ||

I just adore this Canvas tote for Summer.  It would be a great everyday purse, pool bag, or diaper bag!

|| LOBSTER ONE PIECE ||

Baby Gap is killing it this year, how precious is this swimsuit??

also loving this tiered stripe dress.

7 Things I am Loving

Happy Monday Friends!  Sorry for the lack of a post Friday.  If you follow me on Instagram then you know I went to Dallas for the weekend for a blogging conference.  It was so much fun to meet some of my favorite bloggers in real life- highlight was dinner with the fabulous and insanely talented Jamie Meares and Erin Gates one night.  I was in heaven as they are two of my biggest inspirations. As fun as it was I was so ready to get home and see my babies, I am such a homebody and I missed them so much!  I know it does us moms good to get away every now and then but man was I glad to get back!  I will try and share some pictures later this week when I have time to upload photos!

ONE \\ RAG AND BONE NICOLE TANK

I ended up getting this tank in blue and gray I love it so much- you can get it for 25% off at Saks thru tonight.  It is such a great everyday shirt.  It is super soft and I find it goes with everything, it is even super cute under a blazer too.  Use code FRNFAM at checkout.

TWO \\ SMITTEN KITCHEN'S LENTIL AND POTATO SALAD

I made this potato salad per my Mom's recommendation for our Easter dinner and it was amazing.  I loved the combo of potatoes and lentils.  There is no mayo in it so it is super fresh and light!  I ate the leftovers for my lunches last week and it still stayed fresh and delicious!

THREE \\ LAURA MERCIER FRESH RASPBERRY LIPSTICK

I stopped in my favorite department store here Gwynns last week to let Sterling pet the Easter bunnies.  While I was there I remembered I had a birthday gift certificate- if you live locally sign up and they will send you $20 the month of your birthday to spend there.  I decided I needed some new lipstick.  I went in wanting to buy neutral but the woman that worked there was great and talked me into this fun new color which I just love!  It is the perfect bright pink for Spring.

They snapped a picture of us while we were there and put it on there FB page (it's a little blurry).

This is me wearing the lipstick. I am not a big lipstick person but loving this color!

FOUR \\ HEAD AND THE HEART

Download their whole album its amazing.  I have always loved them but then got sucked into watching a live performance videotapped from Coachella and it made me love them even more.  They rock.

and I have a weird crush on the lead singer, I have a thing for men who can sing.

FIVE \\ PICTURES OF FRANCES MOON SLEEPING

I am a stalker mom and love watching my kids sleep.  I started noticing that Frances always sleeps in the same position with her arms behind her head.  It is crazy adorable.  I decided I am going to capture as many pictures of her sleeping like this thru the first year or so and make a book out of them!

SIX\\ HOUSE OF CARDS

Matt and I are officially hooked on House of Cards we can't get enough of it!  We are almost done with Season 2 and can't wait for Season 3 to start. It is so nice to have a show we can watch together and both enjoy!  I highly recommend this if you have not watched it yet.

SEVEN \\ TORY BURCH FRIENDS AND FAMILY SALE

The Tory Burch Friends and Family Event ends today.  So one last chance to snag some goodies.  Get 25% off with code FRIENDLY.  

You can shop the whole site HERE

A few of my favorites: