Friday, July 11, 2014

7 Lunch Ideas + Nordstrom Early Access Sale

I always love to see what others eat for meals, so I thought I would share a few of my go-to lunches. Would love to hear any of your favorites!

ONE\\ Turkey Avocado Rolls
I use provolone cheese + Turkey + whole grain mustard + avocado and it is so good.


This is the salad pictured above.  It s my favorite kale salad.  Instead of homemade breadcrumbs I use whole wheat panko and Parmesan cheese.  This saves well for days. 


THREE \\ Avocado Toast
This is a new lunch favorite.  I layer hummus if I have it, although it is still good without hummus.  Then smashed avocado with lemon juice and salt and pepper.  Then top with sliced green onions,  cherry tomatoes and red pepper flakes.


This is my most frequent go to lunch.  I crave it and eat it all the time.  


FIVE \\ Veggie Platter
This has been my new lunch as of lately.  I sautee kale with olive oil, salt and balsamic vinegar- the vinegar gives it such a great flavor.  Then I serve that with Greek quinoa (my greek couscous recipe but with quinoa instead of couscous) and hummus and warmed Naan Bread.


SIX \\ Farmers Market Salad
I usually make this with whatever veggies I have left from that week's Farmers market visit.  I toss with olive oil and red wine vingear.  This particular salad is arugula, corn, okra, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella.


I love this salad so much and the salmon and beans help fill you up.  It is a light and refreshing lunch.


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My favorite white blouse from Rebecca Taylor is on sale.  You can take additional 40% off the sale with code SUMMERSALE
Runs on the large side I am wearing a 2.  I love it paired with white shorts or jeans for an all white look.
 

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If you have a Nordstrom card, you are in luck you get to shop their anniversary sale early!!  There are some great deals, I spent last night browsing to find you all the best things!

First off this Mama Roo Bouncer Seat is amazing.  Trust me you will use it all the time!!  I have never seen these on sale before.  I still use mine with Frances Moon.  I love that it is sleek and compact it doesn't take up much room.

Also awesome for any of you mom's is this Ergo Baby Carrier.  I had the bijorn with Sterling and my sister in law let me borrow and her Ergo and it was so much more comfortable.  The Bijorn killed my back but not the Ergo.  If you have more than one kid a carrier is essential to get errands done.

This Honest Company Bundle is a great deal.  I swear by all their products.  Would be a great gift for a new mom.

All of my favorite Zella workout gear was reduced too.  Scroll thru to see everything.  I swear by these tanks and pants.






And my favorites from the women's sale, some really awesome deals!





Have a great weekend!!

Thursday, July 10, 2014

NDM Styles: Two Dresses You Need To Add To Your Closet

I wanted to share two dresses that are in my closet that I just adore.  

First up is this gorgeous maxi dress.  When I saw it I fell in love with the colors and embellished neckline.  It is such a pretty palette.  I found mine at Thera M (one of my favorite boutiques here) several months ago, so I am sure it is sold out now, but I recently found it online here.

Best part it is under $200.  If you have any upcoming weddings this dress is perfect!  Although I wear mine for baby showers, girls night out- really anything!



The neck is my favorite part.  It runs true to size I am in a size small.  It buttons in the back of the neck and you can wear a strapless bra with it.


Sterling wanted to take a break from photos, so I thought I would represent Miss Frances Moon. She's a natural with the camera.   I love the small side split in the dress too.


We like to make funny faces. This picture made me laugh so I had to include it.



Next up is a little black dress that you need in your closet!!  It is the softest dress ever.  Feels like you are wearing a tee shirt.  I have been living in this dress since I found mine at Hampden Clothing.  It was the last one left in the store but it is also online here.  
 I love solid color, plain dresses, such great closet staples.



The back is the best part of this dress,  It is what sold me on it.


I love that you can wear this dress during the day or dress it up at night.


 I have to show my necklace too, it is made locally here in Charleston by Candy Shop Vintage.  I recently bought one at Gwynns (they have all the colors in stock) and have been wearing it non-stop.  I love that you can wear it long or double or triple strand it.  It also comes in silver, gold, and rose gold.  My mom loved mine so much she bought one too.  A great gift and it is cool because it is locally made- love to support local artisans.
 

Happy Thursday!




Wednesday, July 9, 2014

Chicken + Wild Rice and Sausage Casserole


Sometimes you just want a good ole casserole.  This is probably one of Matt's favorite meals that I make. There are a million casserole recipes out there, but this is an old family favorite.  It is probably not the healthiest but I assure you it is damn good.  This is a great meal to make ahead and pop in the oven.  It is also a great meal to take to someone who had a baby, surgery, etc because it can be easily frozen.  I love the crunch the water chestnuts add and the mushrooms pair really well with all the other flavors.  If don't like using canned soups, which I have no problem with every now and then,  you can make your own cream of celery (recipe here).
 Pair with a green salad and you have a delicious meal! 
Enjoy!



|| C H I C K E N  + W I L D  R I C E  A N D  S A U S A G E  C A S S E R O L E ||

- 1 Rotisserie chicken shredded
- 1 box long grain wild rice, cooked according to box
- 1 lb sausage ( I like to use hot)
- 1 can diced water chestnuts
- 1 small white onion, diced
- 1 can mushroom slices or pint white sliced mushrooms
- 1 can cream of celery soup
- 1 cup mayo
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese


Cook the wild rice according to the box.  Shred the chicken and set aside in large bowl.  Cook the Sausage and lay on paper towels to drain extra grease off, then place in same bowl as chicken.  Sautee the onion in olive oil for about 5 minutes until translucent.  Add in the mushrooms and water chestnuts and continue to cook a few minutes.  Pour this mixture in the bowl with the chicken and sausage.  Add in the can of cream of celery, mayo, and salt and pepper.  Mix all together and stir in one cup of cheese.  Spread in large casserole dish and top with remaining cheese.  Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes.





Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Obsessions

I am in love with this dress / cover-up! It comes in like 8 different colors and is under $100.  Such a chic cover-up!  Plus it looks so comfortable- looks loose enough for any of you pregnant ladies.

Love these simple flats from Yosi.  They are made of the softest leather and would go with everything.

I love the cut out detail and the boxy shape of this top.  Great to hide a Summer belly filled with too much food and booze.  Both colors are awesome and would look great with white jeans!



This is m new favorite Nest scent.  My mom gave my a bottle of the soap and it smells heavenly.  I just ordered the candle to have as well. 
Since I travel back and forth to Charlotte so much I am always on the hunt for the perfect travel duffel bag.  One that is not too big or too small.  This Captains bag is the perfect size and what I love is you can design it yourself!  You get to choose the color, fabric pattern and then add your embossed initials.  The fabric is easy to clean and the leather is so beautiful. Two thumbs up from me!!  Shop all the Barrington site here and design your own, they also make awesome totes as well.


I am very picky when it comes to running shorts.  I like them black, not too fitted, not too long, and flattering.  It is harder than you think to find ones that fit well.  These Brooks shorts are amazing!!  They are on the pricey side but worth every penny.  The fit is fantastic and they are breathable.  They also just came out in this gray fog color that I am so gonna order!



This maxi dress is so gorgeous.  It comes in 4 different colors.  I love the necklace detail and the top part can be worn loose or knotted for two different looks.


Majorly crushing on this pineapple sweater. It is so darn cute!


Swooning over this tie dye clutch!!


I own two of these for Frances and they are my favorites!! This one is on sale and you can get additional 40% off with code SHOPMORE.


Don't forget the matching bloomers!






Monday, July 7, 2014

Life Lately

Did everyone have a fabulous 4th of July?  We definitely did.  We worked hard on our screen porch/patio area that we are trying to spruce up but had some fun on the side too.

I headed to Charlotte last week to celebrate my Dad's birthday and hit up Ikea to get some goodies for our porch.  Ikea with two kids was not a good idea, even with my mom with us we were totally overwhelmed.  I did manage to find everything on my list.



I found these awesome pots on clearance at Homegoods in Charlotte.   Normally I would have passed them over because they were blue and yellow but my mom talked me into buying them and spray painting them because they were so cheap.  I am so glad she did because they turned out awesome!  I used Rustoleam in a natural stone color, it is perfect for pots.

 After two coats of paint we planted some plants in them.  It is my goal to keep these plants alive.  I usually kill everything I plant but I am on a mission this time- I even bought plant food.


While we were in Charlotte I hit up one of my favorite stores Scout and Mollys.  I grabbed this Pink Stitch dress in bright turquoise. You might remember I blogged about my navy one awhile back, such a great dress for a great price.  I loved the coral I am wearing but it was a touch too tight, they didn't have my size.  Stop in if you are in Charlotte! Frances is always a great shopping buddy.  I wear a 4 for those curious about sizing.

and I just found out it comes in this leopard print version, you know I need this!


One of my favorite places to eat while I am home in Charlotte is Wolfgang Puck's Pizza place at Phillips Place.  I love the pizza there.  The crust is so light and amazing.  We shared a kale salad and the goat cheese pesto pizza and the spicy chicken pizza.  All was amazing.


Frances loved the crust.  My girl loves to eat.


Friday and Saturday my sweet Dad worked all day laying tile on our screen porch.  I will show some before and after pictures when I am done with everything.  The tile was the first step and we got it knocked out this weekend.  It amazes me how my Dad knows how to do everything.  He made this seem so easy.


I got down with the pressure washer while Dad worked on the porch.  We had no idea how dirty our patio and driveway were til we pressure washed them.  That thing works wonders.


Friday we took a break to head to the Yacht Club with some friends to hang out and watch the fireworks for the 4th.



Saturday we cooked dinner for my parents as a thank you for all the hard work they did over the weekend.  I was so excited to get showered and dressed after being in workout clothes with no make-up and covered in dirt all weekend!



My appetizer spread for the parents.
And yes that is a pesky fly on the cheese, we quickly moved in the bugs were so annoying.  All washed down with our favorite tequila.


 A sneak peek of the tile my Dad put down.  I could not be more thrilled with the results.  I wanted it to look like slate and I think it really does!


Don't miss the new Piperlime sale.  You can take additional 30% off all sale merchandise for the next two days!  Use code EXTRASALE!











Happy Monday!