Baby Shower Food + 2 Outfits

I hope everyone had a great weekend.  Frances got the stomach bug Friday night so we had a super low key weekend at home.  I was supposed to help host a baby shower for a good friend Saturday but skipped it in case I was contagious and to take care of Frances Moon.  

Several of you wanted the recipes for the food I made for my friend's baby shower (that I shared on instastories) so I wanted to share those recipes today along two outfits.

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Major love for this romper.  In all honestly I am not a big romper person but I really liked this one.  I loved the fact that it was black and the cute scallop details.  I am wearing a size small.  It also comes in a gorgeous red color. 

Use code MOREISMORE to save up to 30% on the romper.

Romper | Sandals

This off shoulder tee is under $25!  It comes in several colors and it so soft. I am wearing a small in this as well. 

Off Shoulder Blouse | Earrings | Ring

Now onto the shower recipes!  All of these can be made ahead of time and then pulled out to come to room temperature when you serve them.  

T O R T E L L I N I   P A S T A  S A L A D 

- 1 large package cheese tortellini

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes

- 2 small cucumbers diced

- 1/2 red onion thinly sliced

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

- 4 oz crumbled feta 

- 1 bottle Italian dressing (I love the Good Seasonings Italian packet you mix yourself) 

Cook tortellini according to package.  Drain and place in bowl with other ingredients.   Drizzle with dressing.  You may not need the whole bottle just add as much as desired.  Toss and serve room temperature.  I like to sprinkle the top with extra feta and parsley.

B L T   C H I C K E N  S A L A D   C U P S 

via Spices in my DNA

INGREDIENTS

½ c. plain Greek yogurt 

1 tsp. dijon mustard

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

juice of ½ a lemon

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. pepper

2½ c. cooked, shredded chicken

4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled, plus extra for sprinkling

1 T. chopped fresh chives, plus extra for garnish

diced cherry tomatoes

butter lettuce/lettuce of your choice for serving

** I added in 2 tablespoons vegan mayo

INSTRUCTIONS

In a medium bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, dijon, garlic powder, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until combined. Add in the shredded chicken, chopped bacon, and chives and stir until evenly coated.   Sprinkle the tops with extra bacon, chives, and diced tomatoes.

C U C U M B E R  D I L L  T E A  S A N D W I C H E S 

- 2 packages cream cheese room temperature

- 1/3 cup chopped fresh dill

- juice of one lemon

- 1 english cucumber thinly sliced

-  1 loaf thin white and wheat bread (I like Pepperidge Farms)

Let the cream cheese come to room temperature.  Add in chopped dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.  Mix well.  

Use a mandolin to thinly slice the cucumber.  

Spread both sides of bread with cream cheese and layer with cucumbers.  Cut in half and then in half again.  Each sandwich should make 4 mini triangles.

P R O S C I U T T O  M E L O N  S K E W E R S 

These are pretty self explanatory.  Just skewer cantaloupe, prosciutto, and mozzarella.  I will say if you can get the prosciutto fresh sliced from the deli it makes a big difference.  It tastes so much better than the packaged kind. Optional you can drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar. 

B R I E   B I T E S

The pic above was taken before these were baked.  

mini phyllo tarts
Ile de France brie cubed
brown sugar
chopped pecans
honey 

Preheat oven to 350. Place a cube of brie in each phyllo tart. Sprinkle each tart with approximately 1/2 tsp brown sugar. Top with approximately 1/2tsp chopped pecans and a dollop of honey. Bake for 15-20 minutes, until brie is melted. (use more or less of each ingredient according to your preference).

If you make these ahead of time I assembled them with just the brie and brown sugar.  Then I added the honey and nuts right before I baked them.  

This is 37.

Last Friday I turned 37.  Most days I still feel like I am 21 so I have a hard time comprehending the fact that I am rapidly approaching 40.  But as the saying goes you are only as old as you feel right???  I don't mind getting older,  in fact I love my thirties so much more than my twenties.  I know everyone says that but it really is true.  You learn so much about yourself the older you get,  and take less bull shit from people.  You realize what is important and what is not.

The truth is 36 was a tough year for me.  As many of you know I went through a separation from my husband Matt.  There is nothing easy about separating especially when kids are involved.  It has been a heart breaking experience and has made me question so many things. We all have an idea of what we want our life to look like in our head and when it doesn't turn out that way it is sometimes hard to process.  

What I have learned is life is short.  It is way too short not to be happy.  Sometimes you have to go through a lot of shit to even see a glimmer of light.  Sometimes you have to make your own light and convince yourself things will get better- and they will.  We only get one life and you have to make the most of it.  I am trying to embrace this messy and unknown time in my life.  I am fully relying on my family and friends who have lifted me up and shown me so much love and support it has blown me away- that is true love.  When you go through something like it becomes very clear who your true friends are.  

I am hopeful for what the future holds.  We have to be don't we?

I am also so incredibly thankful for all the blessings in my life, especially Sterling and Frances Moon.  They give me a reason to strive to be the best version of me I can be.  

I recently read a new book that was amazing and resonated with me in so many ways, called The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson.  I posted this quote on my instastories and so many of you wanted to know what book it was from and this is it.  I highly recommend it.

I wanted to share a few things I have learned at the ripe old age of 37.

- Quality over quantity when it comes to friends.  I have a small circle of good friends who are my life line these days.  Once you have kids it is hard to maintain friendships because you are so busy.   That is why I have a small handful of friends that I can give my all. 

- That being said time with girlfriends is good for the soul.  It is so important to carve out time with your girls.  

- You can't trust everyone.  This one was a hard one for me.  Be careful what you share with others because not everyone has the best intentions.

- It is ok to say no.  This was another hard one for me to learn.  I used to feel like I had to yes to everything.  Every event I was invited to,  every company that wanted to work with me,  I felt like I had to say yes.  Once you start saying no more often it becomes easier and easier and it is so liberating to do what you actually want to do.  I wasted so much time in the past trying to make others happy and not myself.  

- Hot sauce makes everything taste better.  Total personal preference but I love hot sauce on everything. 

- It is ok to buy store bought treats for class parties.  I used to bust my ass trying to make homemade stuff for the kid's class parties but it doesn't matter.  The kids could care less.  

- Peeing alone is a luxury.  It is still rare that I actually get to pee alone,  someone always needs something the moment I sit down to pee or shower for that matter. 

- Spanx and high waisted jeans are always a good idea.

-  Make a point at the end of day no matter how hard it was to remind yourself of the blessings in your life and all the good in your life.   

- It is good to have alone time.  I had a really hard time with this one.  I like to have company and be surrounded by people.  But I am learning to be alone and appreciate the quiet and time to focus on myself.  

- Your parents are usually right and if they are not right they always have your best interests at heart.

- Netflix and wine are a pretty damn good end to a day.

- Exercise is crucial to mental happiness.  I feel so much better when I leave the gym not just physically but mentally.  

- Age is just a number. 

A few quotes that I love.

Have a fabulous weekend! 

xoxo

February Outfit Round-Up + Tassel Trim Blouse

Holy Moly guys how are there only 2 days left in March??  

Today I am sharing a round-up of all my February Outfits. Many are reduced and I tried to denote if they were on sale.

I featured this blouse on my blog a few weeks ago.  I debated forever what color to order and finally went with the bright orange.  I am loving all the bright colors for spring.  It also comes in black and white, which I equally loved.  It run on the large side so order down a size, I am wearing an XS.

It also looks super cute with jean shorts.  

Tassel Tee | Jeans | Mules

Off Shoulder Blouse

Under $100 and I am wearing a small.

Blouse | Jeans | Pumps | Purse

Dress | also in white

Tee shirt | Jeans | Sunglasses | Watch | Purse | Shoes (same look for less) | Earrings 

Tank | Leggings | Shoes

Blouse (also in white on sale) | Jeans | Pumps

Tote | Duffle | Leopard Dress | Pumps

 watch | white bracelet | gold bracelet | ring

Ruffle Tee | Scarf | Jeans | Booties (similar less expensive version) | Sunglasses 

| Purse (similar less expensive version) | Earrings

Off Shoulder Blouse on sale | Jeans | Earrings | Pumps | Ring

Dress | Hat | Earrings | Tote

Embroidered Dress  also comes in a tank top version

Cover-up

Blouse | Earrings | Jeans | Pumps

Dress | Booties | Purse Similar | Sunglasses (on sale)

Romper | Booties ( on sale)

Blouse (also in white) on sale | Jeans | Heels | Purse | Earrings

T By Alexander Wang Dress

Parker Dress (on sale) also on sale HERE in white | Sandals

Greek Salad Bowl + Marinated Chick peas | Favorites on Sale

I am 100% obsessed with Greek food.  A Greek salad is my go-to lunch most days.  This bowl right here is a combination of all the things I love.  The chopped Greek salad and marinated chick peas are awesome on their own but even better together.  Throw in some quinoa, hummus, and kale and you have a healthy lunch or dinner bowl.  Both the chopped salad and the chick peas can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge until ready to assemble.   This is also great served with extra pita chips or toasted Naan bread to scoop everything up with.   I usually store everything in separate containers and then just scoop out into a bowl when I am ready to eat.

Enjoy.

|| G r e e k   S a l a d   B o w l ||

-marinated chick peas (see recipe below)

- 1 red bell pepper, diced

- 1/2 small red onion diced

- 2 persian cucumbers diced in 1 inch pieces

- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

- 1/4 cup chopped kalamata olives

- 1/2 cup parsley finely chopped

- 1/4 cup mint leaves finely chopped

- 1/2 cup crumbled feta

- 1 cup broken pita chips (toss in pita chips right before serving if you are making ahead of time)

-  1/2 cup Greek Vinaigrette (see recipe below)

Mix all together and toss with Greek vinaigrette

- 1 cup cooked quinoa

- shredded kale or romaine

- optional additions on the side | stuffed grape leaves, pepperoncinis, pita chips. toasted Naan bread

G r e e k  V i n a i g r e t t e 

- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar

- 1 minced garlic clove

- 1 teaspoon dijon

- 3/4 cup olive oil

- 1 teaspoon oregano

- juice from one lemon

Mix all together in a mason jar.  This will save for 2 weeks in the fridge.

 m a r i n a t e d  c h i c k  p e a s

via How Sweet Eats

1 (15 ounce) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed

3 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoon red wine vinegar

2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil

2 teaspoons honey

2 garlic cloves, minced

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Mix all together.  Let sit for 30 minutes.  Can be stored in fridge for several days. 

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Recent OOTD- this blouse is now 60% off.  

Blouse | also here | Shorts | Sandals | Earrings | Purse

I have this dress in the red color and loved it so much I ordered this white.  It is such a great easy Summer dress.  It is now 60% off.  I am wearing a small.

Embroidered Dress

I love this Joie dress.  It also comes in black but I love this neutral color for Spring.

I have this cover-up in the pink version and love it.  This one is now under $100.

cover-up

Tassel Dress

I own this in white and love it.  I have a size small.  It is fully lined. The black is now on crazy sale.

Off Shoulder Blouse

I love the boho print.  I am wearing a size small.

Birtha Blouse

I am wearing a small.  I love the white print even more for Spring.

Smocked Off Shoulder
I love the white with the bright rainbow smocking.  I featured the black version on here last month.