Friday, August 14, 2015

Artist Spotlight | 10 Artists I am Loving

The older I have gotten the more interested I have become in art.  There are so many amazing artists out there.  I wanted to share a few artists and their work that I am loving.  I tend to gravitate towards more abstract and modern art, I know everyone likes different art but these are a few artist's whose work I am swooning over. 

 Miles just painted this figure for us and I just adore it.   The detail in person is even more gorgeous.


I am lucky to call Ann one of my best friends.  She just recently started her Etsy shop and is super talented.  Plus her prices are very reasonable.  These are two of my favorite paintings she has done.

I would love to own one of Kerry's pieces for my home.   She does amazing abstract work.

I originally became a fan of Jenny's thru her blog.  Now I am obsessed with her artwork.  I own a small piece that is hanging in Frances Moon's room.  She does beautiful abstracts but I am loving her new jelly fish series.

Miles introduced me to this artist and I love her style especially the faces.  When I re-do Frances Moon's room I definitely plan on using one!

Raven is a local Charleston artist and I was just introduced to her work.  I immediately fell in love with it- especially the girl with flowers series.  She is actually releasing a whole new batch of them today at 9:30 am!



Katie is also a dear friend of mine.  Her art is incredible I would love to own a nude and abstract one day soon!



Lindsay not only does gorgeous paintings but also wallpaper, textiles and pillows.  I am 100% obsessed with her wallpaper and need to find a use for it.


Marquin actually did a beautiful painting for us.  It was in our dining room but I just moved it to our den and I am loving it there.  She does some beautiful abstract landscapes.  She also has some cool pillow covers, cocktail napkins and even pacis made with her art!

I came across Susie thru Instagram and immediately began following her. She has the cutest family, her two sons are gorgeous just like her.  She paints at beach and I love the vibe it gives her art.  It all feels peaceful and relaxing to me.

If you can't afford the real thing, One Kings Lane has some fabulous prints and other options.  Most of these are 50-70% off and come already framed and ready to hang.  I bought a Teil Duncan print from OKL , that I love.






Thursday, August 13, 2015

Loving Lately

Wanted to share a few things I am loving lately.

The embroidery detail is so pretty on this dress.
Size down I found this ran on the large side.  I am wearing a size 2.

I have been living in these sandals.  Love the nude color.  They also come in black.

a view of them on as well.

I am hooked on these hair products.  They make my hair so soft and sleek.  Honestly they are my favorite I have tried.  I love the shampoo + conditioner and leave in conditioner.  They smell amazing too.


These are curtains I ordered for my dining room. They just arrived and I love them!

I ordered these shoes during the anniversary sale and I have been loving them.  My old ones were in bad shape.  These are so light weight and honestly feel so much better for running.


I wore them to the zoo yesterday and walked in them all day- super comfortable.
Also wearing my favorite Free People Tee ( I own three they are the best tees).

I randomly bought these at a Starbucks one day when I was starving and I am now obsessed.  They are addictive and 100% cheese no other ingredients.  They have three different flavors | Cheddar, Gouda and Pepper-jack, they all are amazing.
I bought these at my friend's trunk show last week.  What I love is you can wear them 4 different ways.  

Once school starts back I have decided I am going to get back into Yoga. I feel so much better when I do it.  Love this mat.

I so need these for Fall.  They also come in black.

I love this vest and the price, it is under $80.  Would be so cute with leggings this fall.

Love the beautiful blue colors.




Wednesday, August 12, 2015

10 Meal Ideas To Bring a Friend

Happy Wednesday Friends!  Today is a request I received from a reader.  She wanted some meal ideas to bring a new mom.  The meals below are great for not only a new mom but someone who had surgery, recently moved to town, experienced a loss, or just a someone you want to say thank you to!  They are for the most part one dish meals that are easy to make and can be enjoyed immediately or frozen.

When you bring a friend a meal I really recommend buying the aluminum disposable pans, that way no one has to remember to give your dishes back.  I also think it is nice to bring a bottle of wine with the meal ( if they are wine drinkers).

One tip is in the Dollar section at Target I try and stock up on the blank gift tags.  This way you can write who the meal is from and cooking instructions as well.  You can use twine from the dollar section as well to tie the tag on the dish.

This is one of my all time favorite Southern Dishes.  It is just so good.  Usually when  I bring this to someone I only cook it partially about half the time and then I let them finish cooking it.  That way the crust doesn't get too over cooked.


This is one of Matt's favorite meals. Whenever one of our friends has a baby he tells me we must bring them this casserols.



This lasagna really is the best one I have ever made. It is so fresh and not too difficult to assemble.  
I like to send this and the chicken casserole above with a kale salad (see below). 


I usually always send this salad with any main dish I bring.  Mainly because kale is hearty and does not get soggy quickly so this salad will stay fresh for several days.  Whenever I bring it I always get asked for the recipe.  It is so easy and so tasty.

This dish is so good.  If you bring to a friend leave the avocado off since it will turn brown.  You can always bring an avocado with it for them to slice on top.  I would bring this with a corn salad, black beans, or Mexican rice.


I actually made this for the first time when my sister in law had her baby and I have since made it on several other occasions.  It is simple and delicious.  Martha Stewart really never disappoints with her recipes.

If you want to bring something a little different than the usual casserole this is a great meal.  Just bring the rice and chicken in two separate containers.

I fell in love with this dish when my parents made it for one of their supper clubs.  The flavors are so uniquely good.  It does require some marinating beforehand but nothing too crazy.
This is a white lasagna and a great option is you want something different than classic lasagna.


I know not everyone loves quiche, but this is one of my favorite quiches. The arugula, butternut squash, and bacon are just perfect together.


EXTRAS. Sometimes I like to bring the new mom a little something extra on the side.  These Energy balls and muffins are a favorite treat of mine to bring.  They make for a handy snack for younger kids or a quick breakfast.

E N E R G Y  B A L L S 
They are super easy to make: 
Mix 1 cup oats, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3/4 cups shredded coconut, 1/3 cup honey, 1/2 mini chocolate chips, 1 tsp vanilla. 1 tsp cinnamon.  Refrigerate for 30 mins then roll into balls.  Add flax seed or chia seeds if desired. 






Tuesday, August 11, 2015

Bedding + Pillow Love

I always love to browse bedding.  There are so many great options out there.  For the most part I tend to prefer an all white bed but then when I see a gorgeous bed with pops of color I start rethinking my all white. 

I love the pop of color this bedding brings.  Added bonus the duvet is reversible. It also comes in a gray version.  I really like the bohemian vibe it brings.

 I  adore this Kate Spade Pink BeddingWould be so fun in a little girl's room.


I actually had no idea Kate Spade did bedding too until I was browsing the Nordstrom site and found it.
Of course the Kate Spade bedding is as gorgeous as her clothing. I love the crisp black and white look of this set.




I love these fun options for the kids.  I am actually considering the ocean bedding for Sterling.

kids bed


I am pretty sure this needs to happen in Frances Moon's room.  Normally these are around $100 but this one is only $29.  I think it is really cool.
Yarn Art

 Another cool wall art option are these Brass Wall Flowers.


I am often partial to all white bedding.  I don't know what it is but I love climbing in to fresh white sheets.
Kas Herringbone | Isabella Duvet
Gwen Duvet | Dransfield and Ross Coverlet


 These sheets are some of my favorites.  They are not crazy expensive and they are 
 super soft.



Nordstrom not only has a fabulous selection of bedding but a pretty awesome pillow selection too..  I will take one of each!

pillows


 Their throw selection is on point too.  These are 3 of my favorites.

throws

 So many fun bedding options to dream about!
Nordstrom always has free shipping and returns so if you don't like anything it is easy to return.




Thanks to Nordstrom for sponsoring this post