Monday, May 7, 2012

Scenes From Our Weekend

Is it Monday already??  This weekend really flew by! 
My House of Harlow Leather Station Necklace arrived and me likey. She is perfection.  I debated between the black and tan but ultimately chose the tan and I am glad I did.  I feel like it will go with everything.



 I hit up the Farmers Market Saturday and got all sorts of great veggies.  I love the Farmers Market in a major way.  My main problem is narrowing down what I really want to buy.  I have to only bring a set amount of cash otherwise I would go crazy!
 I came home and made and Avocado BLT with fresh tomatoes and spinach from the market!
 I potted some flowers with my brown thumb. I am really trying to learn more about gardening and keep some plants alive longer than 1 month.  I also started working on my porch renovation.  One rocking chair is now high gloss white (it was black before).  Took a few more cans of spray paint than I thought, but I love the look.  Glossy white looks good on everything.

I saw these cushions at TJMaxx that I am considering for the rocking chairs.  I really wanted the Trina Turk cushions but at $300 a piece that is so not happening.   I want a pattern but I am thinking I want different colors than yellow and green.


 I ordered the Tibi Ikat Shorts but I just can't decide about them.  They are pretty pricey for shorts and I felt like I did not have that many shirts that looked cute with them.  A white tank tucked in looked best.   Plus I am not sure they are super flattering.  Most likely returning them.
 
Had a blast with my little man at the Yacht Club. He is quite obsessed with swings and slides these days.



Last night we cooked this Thai Shrimp Noodle Rice Bowl Recipe recommended by WayWay.  It was off the hook.  Seriously freaking amazing.  We will be making it many more times.

Hope your week is off to a good start!

Saturday, May 5, 2012

Do You Fancy a Margarita?

Happy Cinco De Mayo Loves!  This is honestly one of my favorite holidays because I am a true lover of any and all Mexican food (could eat it everyday) and I am a serious tequila lover.  I swear give me some good tequila and I am a happy lady.   I was reading my new Bon Appetit last weekend and I came across an article tittled "How to Mix the Ultimate Margarita".  Umm, yeah I devoured the article and  then I promptly made both Ritas, nevermind it was only 3:00 in the afternoon but it had me wanting one.   Now they are household favorites.  I know you will all love the Blackberry Rita but don't snub the Jalapeno one.  I know it sounds weird but trust me it is really good in a crazy way.  If you like a little spice and heat you will love this drink!  Try them both and let me know what you think!

BLACKBERRY MARGARITA



Ingredients (Makes one drink)
1/4 cup Tequila
1 lime juiced
3 Blackberries
2 Tbs Agave Nectar

Muddle the blackberries with agave syrup in a cocktail shaker until berries are lightly crushed. Add in Tequila and lime juice. Shake. Pour into glass- salted rim optional

JALAPENO MARGARITA
 
 
Ingredients (Makes one drink)
1/4 cup Tequila
1 lime juiced
2 thin rounds Jalapeno (for a less spicy drink remove seeds)
2 Tbs Agave Nectar
Muddle the Jalapenos with agave syrup in a cocktail shaker until the peppers are lightly crushed. Add in Tequila and lime juice. Shake. Pour into glass- salted rim optional



Friday, May 4, 2012

Thoughts For Friday

I am so glad it is finally Friday.  Our weekend plans include grilling out at the Yacht Club tonight, Farmers Market and a Derby Party tomorrow!


Has anyone watched The Conversation yet with Amanda DeCadenet?  It comes on Lifetime and it is awesome.  She interviews celebrities but it is in such a casual way, almost as if girlfriends are chatting.  Amanda is hilarious and she has had some great celebrities on so far.  It is super interesting.  My girl Gwennie was on the premiere episode last week and it just made me love her even more!  She talked about motherhood and her father's death and seems so strong and wise beyond her years.

I am loving this Chambray shirt from JCrew.  Pretty sure she will look perfect with my new white jeans! 



Can we talk about how excited I am about the Smitten Kitchen Cookbook?  Deb puts together the most amazing recipes and her photography skills are off the charts.  I can't tell you how many of her recipes I have made and loved!  The book will be released in October.  I already pre-ordered my copy on Amazon:)


Wednesday night we made our own taco seasoning.  Lately the packet kind has tasted so processed to me.  It leaves a disgusting taste in my mouth and the sodium in it makes me super thirsty.   I am not sure why I waited so long to make mine own, it was fabulous.  It was the perfect combo of spices and heat.   Here is the RECIPE I used.  I highly recommend it.  It will be all I use from now on.


I saw these shoes on Pinterest and thought these should be mine. So I clicked on the site only to learn these babies are $805-WTH?? Why do they have to be so darn expensive!!  I guess I will admire them from afar because I will never pay that for shoes but how sick are they with the hot pink and patterns?

Jessica Simpson finally had her baby.  I feel like she was pregnant forever.  I mean she looked ready pop after New Years.  I was starting to think there were twins in there.  Her baby weighed 9lbs, 13 oz which is actually a pretty big baby in my opinion.  I actually don't hate the name Maxwell Drew that she choose for her baby girl. But I see the baby being nicknamed Maxi for sure.  I can't wait to get a peek of the baby.
Speaking of babies my friend Caycee is having her baby girl this morning!  Send some prayers her way that everything goes smoothly.  I can't wait to meet baby girl Taylor!  I know she will be beautiful just like her Momma!


Have a wonderful Derby/Cinco De Mayo Weekend!  Check back tomorrow I have a great cocktail for Cinco De Mayo!


Thursday, May 3, 2012

Forever 21, White Jeans Update, and a Haircut

So I have two pretty bad ass looks for less for you today, both from Forever 21.

LOOK ONE:
Now you all know I own the Joie Blouse and love it but I actually dig the Forever 21 version as well and I kind of want it too!


LOOK TWO:
I adore both of these looks with a Blush Blazer. 
BLUSH BLAZER



In other news, I tried The Rag and Bone jeans like Gwennie and loved them.  They are high waisted, have just the right amount of stretch and fit really well.  They actually cover my muffin top which is always key after a baby. This is honestly the first pair of white jeans I actually like and feel comfortable in.  I am starting to think Rag and Bone makes the perfect jeans.



and excuse the butt shot, but I wanted to show that they are not see thru and how great they fit.  I feel like a new woman owning white jeans!  Now I need to put together some outfits to wear with my white jeans!  What are your favorite white jean combos?

I finally bite the bullet and cut Sterling's hair.  He got called a "she" one too many times last week.  As sad I was to cut the curls he looks so handsome and like such a little boy with his new haircut, I am loving it.  He actually loved getting his haircut and laughed the whole time!
And how good do these Snickers and Chocolate Chip Cookies look?  I saw the recipe on Pinterest, I swear Pinterest is going to be the demise of me weight wise.  There are way too many good recipes on there!  I really want to make them this weekend but I am scared I won't fit in my white jeans if I do.  I have no self control with cookies!  Get recipe HERE.


Happy Thursday!

Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Ten June: 3 Wishes

Today I am over at Michelle's fabulous blog, Ten June,  participating in her Genie Series. 

If you are not reading Michelle's blog you totally should be. She is stylish, adorably pregnant, and has a golden finger when it comes to decorating.  Girl can do no wrong in my book!  Her blog is one of the first blogs I started reading and still one of my favorites.  You can check out my guest post here and see what my three wishes would be.  Here is a little sneak peek!

Fish Tacos With Creamy Lime Guacamole


Since it is Cinco De Mayo on Saturday I thought it was only appropriate to share a Mexican themed recipe today!  We made these tacos last week and they were delicious.  But lets be honest I love any fish tacos!  We baked our fish in the oven instead of grilling and it turned out flaky and perfect.  I used Cod for our tacos but you could easily substitute Mahi, Tialapa or any white fish that is in season that your grocery store has.  We served ours with a side of black beans and rice. Add some some ritas and tequila and you have yourself a sweet Mexican fiesta!  Btw sorry for the lack of pictures.  By the time our tacos were done it was pushing 9:00 and I was too darn hungry to stop and take photos before I demolished my tacos!

FISH TACOS WITH CREAMY LIME GUACAMOLE AND CABBAGE SLAW

Ingredients
2 Hass avocados—halved, pitted and peeled
1/4 cup low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt
1 small jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced
2 tablespoons minced red onion
2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
5 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
1 small head of napa cabbage, shredded (4 cups)
2 tablespoons vegetable oil, plus more for brushing
2 pounds thick red snapper fillets with skin, cut crosswise into ten 2-inch-wide strips
Ten 7-inch flour tortillas, warmed
2 medium tomatoes, thinly sliced
Hot sauce, for serving
Lime wedges, for serving


1.Light a grill. In a medium bowl, mash the avocados, sour cream, jalapeño, red onion, cilantro and 3 tablespoons of the lime juice. Season the guacamole with salt and pepper and press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the guacamole.

2.In a large bowl, toss the cabbage with the 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons of lime juice. Season with salt and pepper.

3.Brush the fish with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill over moderately high heat until lightly charred and cooked through, about 10 minutes. Transfer the fish to a platter and pull off the skin.

4.To assemble each taco, spread a dollop of guacamole on a tortilla. Top with a piece of fish, a few tomato slices and a large spoonful of the cabbage slaw. Serve with the hot sauce and lime wedges.

Original Recipe and Photo from FOOD AND WINE

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Obsessions

I am loving this necklace from The Bauble Bar.  It comes in Mint and Orange, but I think the Mint is my favorite.   It is only $36!!  It reminds me so much of the JCrew version pictured below that retails for $150. 



How cute is this F21 dress?  The perfect shift dress for summer.  Reminds me of some Phillip Lim and Chole dresses that retail for $400+.  This dress won't break the bank at $32!
NOVAS SAUVIGNON BLANC
I found this gem on special at Bi Lo of all places.  It normally retailed for $15.99 but was in the discount wine bin for $8.99.  A stellar Sauvignon Blanc I would buy again and even pay full price for!

LULU DK CHILD WALLPAPER FOR SCHUMACHER
I just read about this wallpaper in Elle Decor and then I came across it again on Pinterest.  It is absolutely adorable for a child's bedroom.

I have long been on the lookout for a striped maxi dress and yesterday Julia reminded me to amp up my search.  Well I found this on Piperlime and love it.  Navy/White stripes are so classic and neutral that I plan to funk it up with some chunky bright colored necklaces and shoes. 

This is so going to happen on my patio.  Hope the hubby can deal with some neon pink.  This looks like a pretty easy DIY.