Tuesday, January 13, 2015

My Favorite Cookbooks + Mediterranean Lentil Salad

At the beginning of a New Year I am always inspired to cook more and try new recipes.  One of my goals this year is to use my cookbooks more and make more fresh meals for my family. 

I often get requests about my favorite cookbooks, so here are my all time favorites. Now keep in mind I am a cookbook hoarder, I love to read them and collect them.   I probably own 50+.  These however are the most used cookbooks, the recipes never disappoint.  So if you are looking to add some new cookbooks to your collection or to start a collection these are all wonderful!


I just ordered this cookbook right before Christmas and it is quickly becoming a favorite.  We made the Coconut Oatmeal for breakfast this week and it was so good.  If you are looking to detox or clean up your diet it is a great book.  It has two different detox options 3 days or 21 days and it is filled with healthy recipes that are delicious.

Our overnight coconut oatmeal, so good!


It is no secret I am a huge Ina Garten fan.  Like I am kind of obsessed with her, I should start a fan club. She knows how to entertain and do it right.   Her recipes never disappoint ever.   I own every single one of her cookbooks and love them all, but these 3 are my favorites.  

Good starting points: the kale chips, warm butternut squash salad, tomato tarts, quinoa tabbouleh,  Parmesan roasted broccoli, confetti corn, I could go on and on!



I also have a major crush on Gwyneth Paltrow- she can do no wrong in my eyes and trust me her food is good.  I have loved every recipe I have made from her books.
If you need ideas of where to start : The Lettuce Wraps, Stir Fry Chicken,  Roasted Cauliflower are favorites.



These two cookbooks have such beautiful pictures and recipes.  I get so inspired just flipping through them.  The Williams Sonoma Salad book is filled with salads for each season.  I am a huge fan of salads and this one has 365 salad recipes.  The Sprouted Kitchen has so many healthy delish recipes.


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 I wanted to share a new recipe too.  I posted this lentil salad recipe on instagram and so many of you wanted to know about it!  This is a new recipe from my mom's friend that I made for lunch this week and it was so good and filling.  It is a great healthy salad full of flavor.  I recommend you use the Trader Joes precooked lentils, available in the fridge section.  They are perfect for this salad.  I think it would be delicious with feta added in as well.  You can easily make this ahead but I think it is best served at room temperature.
Enjoy!


|| M E D I T E R R A N E A N   L E N T I L   S A L A D ||

- 2 cups lentils rinsed (I highly recommend the Trader Joes precooked lentils in the fridge section)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1/2 cup red onion sliced thinly
1/2 kalamata olives sliced
1/2 English cucumber diced

Dressing \\
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
-3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice from one lemon)
-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
2 teaspoons honey
- 1 teaspoons dijon
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
-1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper


Mix lentils and all ingredients then pour dressing over the top.  This can be stored in the fridge for several days but it is best served room temperature.




Monday, January 12, 2015

Winter White | Major Coat Sale

We have had some majorly cold weather here, at least for Charleston standards.  That means it is still time to bust out the jackets. Good news is so many stores are having major sales on jackets, so it is a great time to buy!  The coat I am wearing is 65% off and I found it at Nordstrom.  It runs TTS. I ordered a 4 and a 6 to try and felt like the 4 fit best but honestly the fit was very similar.   I have always wanted a classic winter white coat and this one caught my eye, plus I couldn't beat the deal- it is now under $60!



This coat is the perfect shade of winter white.  It is warm too, I wore it to lunch last week and it kept me cozy. 


Had to get Frances Moon trying so hard to walk!


 love my sweet girl.
The jacket I am wearing also comes in a beautiful purple color.  Order fast there are only a few sizes left!

Nordstrom has some killer deals on coats right now! 




The colors of these two coats are just stunning!





Such a great time to buy coats to wear for the rest of this winter and then save for next year!
A few of my other favorites from the Nordstrom sale.





Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post, all thoughts and outfit choices are my own.

Saturday, January 10, 2015

Saturdays Deals!

Happy Saturday Friends! It is still cold here!  Hoping it warms up soon.  

JCrew is still offering 40% off all sale, use code SALENEWS.  There are some amazing deals.  My Lem Lem tunic arrived that I ordered earlier this week and it has me so excited for our Caribbean vacation this summer.

I also picked up this sweater in the store.  It was $95 and I got it for $19!  It runs on the large side, I am wearing an XS. It is a boxy fit, but I like that paired with skinny jeans.  I am tempted to order the tan color as well, they are great basic sweaters.


My Ikat blouse is also on sale. It runs large as well, I am in a size 2.

 for the boys Sterling loves these sweatpants!

I also always love the JCrew fleeces for Sterling.
 These Pumas are also a favorite, we buy a new pair every season.


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Rag and Bone is running their winter sale.
These gray canvas Newbury Booties are 50% off.  I have the tan canvas ones and really like them for a more casual bootie.

The Harrow Booties are also on sale in the Slate color.

My favorite jeans in the gray distressed are also 50% off.



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Nordstrom did a bunch of new markdowns too.
I am so smitten with this leopard Dress.

For those of you like me wanting to exercise more this year,  several Zella Items are on sale.  I own the first two pairs of leggings and love them!


leggings


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Anthropologie is offering 25% sale prices.  Use code INAFLURRY
This leopard tote is pretty gorgeous 
Also really liking this robe, looks so soft.
The colors in this blouse are so pretty.
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I know I mentioned it before but don't miss out on the Rebecca Taylor sale, the prices are so good it is basically 70% off!  You can still take additional 30% off sale til Monday.  Use code WINTER30