Thoughts for Friday + R Kitchen + Huge Mara Sale

I am so glad it's Friday!  Both of my babies have been home sick this week.  It has been a long couple of days and I have major cabin fever.  Hopefully they both are on the mend and we can enjoy our weekend. 

This was us at the doctor's office Wednesday morning. Poor little babies.  Sterling ended up having bronchitis and Frances Moon had some sort of a virus that manifested itself with a rash across her face. We ended up buying a nebulizer which has been a life saver!

We got in the Valentine's spirit and made the cutest Heart shaped Rice Krispie Treats.  Just add sprinkles and cut into heart shapes:)   I found heart shaped cookie cutters at Crate and Barrel but sometimes TJMaxx gets them in.

Thursday night I went out for my monthly girl's supper club.   

I picked up the blouse I am wearing below at Beckett Boutique a local shop here in Charleston.  They have such a great selection!   Plus how gorgeous is the interior of the shop?

I really love the style of the blouse.  It is also available online Here in several different colors.   Sizing wise it runs TTS.  I am wearing a small.  I loved this Camel color, I figure it will look great with white jeans and turquoise jewelry in the Spring.

Blouse | T Marie Necklace | Jeans | Knee High Boots | Gigi Tote

We tried out R Kitchen and loved it. 

It is a small little building on Rutledge right across the street from Fuel.  They only offer 3 seatings at 6:00, 7:30, and 9:00 for 16 people each time.   It is a 5 course meal for $30 and they cook everything right in front of you.  We had so much fun!! The menu changes everyday, this was our menu.

I snapped pictures of all our courses.  I loved every single one, seriously delicious. 

Pictured below is the pasta, pork sandwich, and chicken cordon bleu.

These were the cute chefs and our server! We had so much fun we went ahead and booked the whole place for a couple's dinner next month! 

Over the holidays I ordered some new stationary to help me get organized.  Pretty paper makes everything more fun.

Both are from Pretty Smitten Etsy Shop and another new cookbook I am loving filled with beautiful healthy recipes.

Loving this off shoulder dress I ordered from Loft.  I know I know it is only January but I have summer on the brain. Runs on the large side order down a size, I am wearing XS.

I am beyond obsessed with The Girlfriend's Guide to Divorce.  I wish it came on every single night, and I want to friends with all the ladies. It is hands down my favorite show on tv right now. 

Little confession I have never had a facial before but I want to get one.  Any Charleston readers have a recommendation of where to get a really good one??

Lastly for all you Mara Lovers like me, check out her site today she is running a major sale (75% off). You can view all the end of season sale HERE

This cute tee dress is half off.

I own this bright colored dress and LOVE it!  Currently 70% off!

and this one piece is only $62.  Such great deals!

Happy Friday and to all you readers up north stay warm and dry.  Saying a pryer your weather doesn't get too bad.

Winter Beauty Favorites

I used to be very plain in my Beauty Routine.  I always used the same products most since high school and never trying new ones.   Over the past few years I have really tried to branch out and try some new products.  Some I have hated and some I love and then add to my daily/weekly beauty routine.  Below are a few current new favorites on heavy rotation.  I have been using them all for awhile now and can truly say they rock.

Any other beauty favorites I should add to my list to try?? Do share!

\\ Beauty Counter Retractable Concealer Brush

I mentioned this on here several weeks ago and I am still obsessed with it.  I even got my mom and sister to order one as well after they saw me using mine over Christmas.  I first thought this brush seemed really unnecessary.  I mean why do I need a brush to spread my tinted moisturizer when my fingers work fine??  But trust me you want this brush.  It really applies the tinted moisturizer so much more evenly than your fingers.  It makes your skin look even and almost air brushed.

\\ Aerin Waterlily Sun Perfume

I am very fickle when it comes to perfume.  I like a floral, fresh scent but not overpowering at all.  This perfume smells heavenly, plus I love the bottle design:) If you want to sample all her perfumes I love the idea of this test size set.

\\ It's a 10 Keratin Leave in Treatment

I love any and all It's a 10 Products.  I usually use their regular leave in spray to detangle and condition my hair but decided to try the Keratin after reading an article about it.  I love it, it gets my tangles out and makes my hair so much smoother. I use this every time I wash my hair.  I also use it on the kids too. All their products smell amazing too.

\\ Beauty Counter Shampoo + Conditioner

I decided to try these out after hearing rave reviews and the fact that every single other Beauty Counter product I have tried and loved.  These did not disappoint, first of all I love the fresh clean scent.  Secondly, they made my hair feel clean, not greasy or weighted down. I also use the shampoo to clean all my make-up brushes as well, which is an added bonus.

\\ Charcoal Cleansing Bar

Charcoal is all the rage these days and for good reason, it works wonders on your skin.  It helps remove toxins and impurities from your skin. I like this for a daily cleanser.  I usually use it in the morning, and I keep it in my shower.

\\ Chanel Waterproof Eyeliner

I usually use the Chanel eyeliner pencil but when I went back in for a new one the girl there talked me into trying this one and I love it.  It stays on so much better than the regular pencil and it is easier to apply.  My eyes water frequently because of my contacts and the pencil kind would smear and this one doesn't.  I have the black but I may try out the dark brown for Summer and a lighter look.

\\ Peter Thomas Roth Irish Moor Mud Mask

I use this mask once a week.  It is my Monday night tradition I slather this baby on and watch the Bachelor.  It looks crazy on but I really feel like it works.  It stings a lot at first and then when I take it off my face is red and flushed but the next morning my skin looks so good.  I really think it detoxifies my skin and pulls out impurities.

\\ Oribe Hair Mask

It is no secret my hair is damaged from coloring it.  I have fine hair anyways and the color makes it even more brittle and easily breaks.  I have been trying hard to take better care of it and that includes letting it air dry most days and using this mask twice a week.  I leave it about 10 minutes and then rinse and let my hair air dry.  I can already tell a difference in my hair.  It is softer with less breakage. This is on the pricey side but it will last forever.  You only need a small amount.  If you want to try it out first I recommend the travel size. I did that and then loved it so much I splurged for the full size.

\\ Tata Harper Regenerating Face Wash

I have been using this for almost a year now.  I don't use it every night but I always use it after I do any of my masks.  I like the slight exfoliation after my treatments. You can't go wrong with any Tata Harper products.

\\ Beauty Counter Lipgloss in Peony

I got some of this lip gloss over the holidays and have to say I love it.  What I like most is it is not sticky like other lip glosses.  I love the peony color.  It is great alone or layered over lipstick.

\\ Aerin Lipstick

I have come to really love the Aerin lipsticks.  All the colors are so pretty.  They go on well and stay put.  I have the coral sands color and it is such a beautiful color. 

\\ RMS Coconut Oil Wipes

I am hooked on these coconut oil wipes.  They work so well for removing make-up and are great for travel. A little tip to make them last longer is I cut the sheets in half and save the other half for the next night.

Thai Lentil Lettuce Wraps

Since cutting back on meat I have relied heavily on beans as a substitute.  I still just can't get down with tofu and soy products yet.  The texture gets me every time. I love lentils and after I had them as the "meat" in my taco salad at Gnome Cafe it got me thinking they would make a great lettuce wrap filler.  I honestly loved these and they are guilt free, nothing bad in them at all! I used dried beans and cooked them but if you are feeling lazy just pick up a box of the pre-cooked lentils at Trader Joes (they are in the fridge section where the produce is).  I use those lentils in salads all the time.  These babies are great alone but drizzle them with some dipping sauce and it really sets the flavors off.  Next time I may even add in some water chestnuts for extra crunch. Save a few extra of the grated carrots and green onions for garnish. The lentil filling part for the wraps and the dipping sauce can be made ahead of time.  Just reheat the lentils or bring to room temperature and serve.

Enjoy.

|| T H A I   L E N T I L  L E T T U C E   W R A P S ||

adapted via Thug Kitchen Cookbook

- 1 cup dried lentils

- 3 carrots shredded

- 3 green onions sliced

- 1 large shallot diced

- 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger

- 1.5 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

- 1.5 tablespoon soy sauce

- Romaine or bibb lettuce

- hot sauce for drizzling 

Cook the lentils according to the package.  I used one cup dried lentils to 2 cups water and had to add some more water in while they simmered.  Bring to a boil and then let simmer.  I cooked mine about 40 minutes. 

In a large skillet saute the diced shallot with olive oil for about 5 minutes.  Add in the green onions, carrots, and ginger and cook another 3-5 minutes blending the flavors. 

Add the lentils back to the large skillet with the veggies and stir all together.  Add in soy sauce and rice wine vinegar and season with salt and pepper if needed.

D I P P I N G   S A U C E 

- 2 tablespoons soy sauce

- 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

- 1 garlic clove minced

- 2 teaspoons sesame oil

- 1 tablespoons water

- 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce or siriacha

- sesame seeds optional for garnish

whisk all together and sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired.

Obsessions

A few things I am loving lately.

Athens Blouse

Love the embroidery detail and lace up neckline.

Joie Marx Dress

Of course I am still a huge fan of the off shoulder neck.  I will be wearing this trend another year for sure!

Free People Emma Dress

One of my favorite dresses is back in stock and in fun new spring colors!

Tularosa Santa Fe Jacket

I am kind of obsessed with this print and tassel detail.  A great transition coat from now until Spring.

Sam Edleman Lace up Pumps

These also come in hot pink! They would be perfect with jeans or a dress.

Blank NYC Jeans

These jeans are frequently sold out but are back in stock.  I own them and love this wash.  They are under $100 too! Sizing is TTS and they have some stretch which I like!

Big Buddha Faux Leather Tote

I love this over size tote and it is a great price under $100.  It also comes in white which would be gorgeous for the Summer.

Mara Hoffman Strapless Bathimg Suit

Always love Mara.  I love a strapless suit because it means no tan lines.

Vanessa Mooney Tassel Earrings

The cutest tassel earrings and they are only $30!

La Double Sweater

The design on this poncho sweater drew me in, love the colors.   It was just reduced to $18! I would wear it with a long tee, leggings and booties.

Jeffery Campbell Cut Out Sandal

Love these cut out booties.  

Ted Baker Stacking Rings

I think these rings are so cool, they come in 6 different color options.

Joie Blouse

This blouse comes in black and a white version and I equally love both!  I like the black version for now and the white for Summer!

BCBG Dress

I own this dress and love, love, love the colors.  They are even more vibrant in person.  It is now on sale for 55% off! It looks great with tights or alone. It runs TTS, I am wearing a small.

Clover Canyon Poppy Blossoms Blouse

I am loving this gorgeous floral print on this blouse.  

Old Navy Tote

How cute is this ON Tote??  and best part it is only $34!

Scenes From Our Weekend

Happy MLK Day.  So thankful for all that Martin Luther King Jr did for our nation.  The kids are out of school today so we are off to the gym and then downtown to play around.

I mentioned Friday but the kids and I headed to Charlotte this weekend to meet my new nephew Rutledge.  Since they were out of school Thursday and Friday it was the perfect long weekend to get away!  I am always so sad when I have to leave my family but thankful we are only a few hours away.

My mom had recently bought a coffee table at Slate Interiors so we stopped in to browse.  I swear I wanted everything I saw.  So much gorgeous eye candy for the home. I really want to find a spot for those hot pink chairs.

I spent a lot of time cuddling with sweet Rutledge.   It sure made me miss having a newborn but not the sleepless nights!

My other nephew Finley was such a ham trying to fit in the Moses basket.

No trip to Charlotte is complete without a trip to SouthPark Mall.  Why oh why doesn't Charleston have a good mall??  The shopping is so much better there.  I snagged these two beauties.  And yes I know it is only January but I am over Winter clothes and dreaming of Spring.

The Topshop Dress is so cute on, I love the drape front detail.  I had been eyeing the RM purse online and was so happy to see it in person, the perfect Summer purse!

Topshop Dress | RM Tassel Purse (comes in 3 different colors)

The kids always love Nordstrom because of the fish tank.  They both found cute winter hats on super sale.

Enjoyed one of my Dad's delicious martinis for Happy Hour!

My blouse is 40% off right now, making it only $36 :)

All the cousins minus Rutledge chilling. Maxton was clearly overwhelmed with the older crew!

On Sunday we saw snow!  Charlotte had a few snow flurries in the morning and Sterling said " See Mom wishes really do come true.  I wished for snow last night and its snowing. You should make a wish it will come true, but don't wish for a fire breathing dragon that will ruin the town."

Then we cheered on the Panthers to victory!

Serena and Lily is having a huge sale right now, most of the items pictured below are 70% off.  You can also use code NEWLOOKS to take an additional 20% off all bedding and bath times even ones on sale.  I just ordered the star baskets! You can view the sale HERE and shop my favorites below.

Here's to a great Monday!