Monday, December 15, 2014

Life Lately

This last week Sterling had two of his 6 cavities filled.  As you know I was freaked out about this.  I was a complete nervous wreck the entire time but you know what it all turned out ok.  He had no reaction to the two medicines they gave him and he had no idea what he went thru.  He actually slept for most of the procedure.  He did end up having to get two silver fillings because the cavities had reached his nerves.  We have 4 more to fill- but at least next time I won't be as stressed out. All I can think about now is Little Wayne when I see his mouth:)  Bling Bling.


I received the most beautiful bracelet from Etkie.  If you are not familiar with this site you must check it out.  The jewelry is handmade by artisans in New Mexico and the detail is just amazing.  This would make a beautiful gift for someone.
I am wearing the Laura Cuff. 

A few of the other beautiful bracelets from Etkie.  You can use code HOLIDAY14 to get 20% off your order!!


etkie




I took this picture of the kids Monday morning before school and it made me laugh- my sentiments about Monday too. 
Frances is wearing the Old Navy Poncho I mentioned last week.  Its so cute on and on sale!


I stopped in Forever 21 this week and found the most gorgeous cardigan.  It seriously looks so expensive in person, it kind of reminded me of Chanel and it is only $29!  I am wearing a size small.

Thursday night I hosted a dirty Santa Party.  It was such a fun idea and a tradition I hope to keep up every year.  No pictures of the gifts because some were too naughty to share but I will tell you we all got some good laughs out of the gifts!  
Setting up with some of my favorite wines from Wine Awesomeness and Cupcakes from Sugar always a good combo.


A few of the apps I made.
Melon Proscuitto Skewers | Stuffed Endive Boats | Cheese Tray



If you like champagne I highly recommend this kind from Wine Awesomeness.  It came in my box one month and now I just keep ordering it.  To get festive for the party I froze some cranberries to put in our champagne glasses.

I wore my new French Connection Blouse paired with an old Banana Republic Necklace for the party.
Blouse | Jeans | Similar Necklace | Shoes

Sterling and I made one of the Creature Feature Tee shirts by Neve Hawk and let me tell you it was so fun.  It comes with a pack of different eyes, mouths, and accessories that you can iron on your shirt.  Great for your kids imagination because they can design the face and tee shirt.  I will be buying these for gifts!
Monster Tee

Had a blast playing with our Be Jolly Party Props from Hattan Home- all their Holiday Stuff is on sale right now!




Ended the weekend with my favorite Shrimp Nachos!  Recipe is under the recipes tab!


Have a great week.







Saturday, December 13, 2014

Layers Part Two

This week it has been cold for Charleston standards.  Thought I would share one more of my cold weather outfits.  Sometimes I just don't feel like wearing hat but I swear my ears stay cold so I need something.  Enter the braided headband.  Ya'll I am obsessed with this thing!  It is cute and keeps you warm!




If you need black flats these are my go-to pair these days.  I like the extra detail of the strap and they are comfortable.  Perfect for all the walking around while you Holiday shop!  I wore mine to take Sterling to see Santa and run errands all day.
Plus they are on sale right now for $35!!
and I just ordered these in both patterns, they are also on sale for $35.  Sole Society has become my go to for affordable cute shoes.


The black scarf I am wearing is the perfect basic black scarf.    It just got reduced and is only $17!! I like how chunky it is and so cozy!  It honestly goes with any outfit!

and if you need a good black clutch, I love this one because it is over-sized and I can fit all my crap in it.  A close up detail of the woven pattern.


Baby its cold outside.

Shop my whole look below and other favorites from Sole Society!  All flats and boots are 40% off and always free shipping so a great time to try out Sole Society if you have not!





Thanks to Sole Society for Sponsoring this post.



Friday, December 12, 2014

Tory Burch Sale and Other Weekend Deals

Tory Burch just started their Winter Sale.    You can shop the whole sale Here

I am in love with this top.  It is 50% off.

also love this gorgeous blue floral tunic.

My other favorite picks from the sale.  Some great deals!








Tory Burch is also gifting a free lipstick in her signature Rosey Nude color when you purchase a fragrance.   I actually ordered this for me I have been wanting to try her perfume and lipstick!  This would make a great gift for a mom or sister.


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Gigi New York is offering a free Nylon Tote if you spend $200 or more.  The totes come in 3 colors and would be awesome for this Summer or to stash kids stuff in.

 I just recently got the Olivia Purse and love it!!




I am loving the new Bucket Tote.
 and this Python Clutch is gorgeous.



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JCREW is offering 40% off super warm styles with code GIVETHIS.
This Coat is perfect for the cold weather we have been having.
 This Shearling Hat is amazing.  I have a mink hat and is my favorite hat, so warm.


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Loft is offering extra 60% off sale and 50% off sweaters and tops!  No code necessary.
This animal print blouse has my name written all over it and will only be $29 with the discount!

also a huge fan of this stripe blouse, love the classic colors.  This would be great for work and play.

Happy Shopping!

Black Bean and Roasted Poblano Soup + Gift Wrapping Ideas


For a meatless meal this soup is pretty incredible.  It had such amazing flavors.  Don't be scared of roasting the poblanos it is as simple as putting them on a pan under your broiler and turning them,  so easy.  The creaminess of the feta and the crispy saltiness of the pumpkin seeds are the perfect addition to the soup!

|| B L A C K  B E A N   A N D   R O A S T E D  P O B L A N O   S O U P ||

Black Bean Soup with Roasted Poblanos
Adapted slightly from Bon Appetit. Serves 3-4.
  • 2 fresh poblano chiles
  • 2 TBS olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, peeled and finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, peeled and crushed
  • 1 large dried ancho chile
  • One 14.5 oz can of fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 3 c. chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3 c. cooked black beans (about two 14.5 oz cans, rinsed and drained)
  • kosher salt to taste
  • 4 TBS roasted, salted pepitas (pumpkin seeds)
  • 1/2 c. crumbled feta cheese
  • 1 lime, cut into 4 wedges
  1. Preheat the broiler. Place the poblanos on a foil-lined baking tray, and broil for 8-12 minutes, turning every few minutes with tongs, until the peppers are blackened all over. Remove the peppers from the oven, and place them in a bowl, covering the bowl immediately with plastic wrap. Let the peppers steam under the plastic wrap for 15 minutes, then peel off and discard their skins, remove and discard the seeds and stems, and finely dice the pepper flesh.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and crushed garlic cloves and saute until onion is golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove the seeds and stem from the dried ancho chile and discard. Place the ancho chile in the pan with the garlic and onion and cook, stirring, until chile has softened and become pliable, about 1-2 minutes. Add the garlic, onion, ancho chile, and tomatoes to a blender and puree until smooth, then return the puree to the saucepan. Stir in the broth, then bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a simmer, and simmer until the soup is thickened, about 10-15 minutes. Stir in the beans and the diced poblanos and cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes. Season to taste with salt.
  3. Divide the soup between 3 or 4 bowls, topping each with 1 TBS of pumpkin seeds, 2 TBS of crumbled feta cheese, and a squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately.

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One of my readers asked for some gift wrapping ideas so I rounded up a few!

I love this classic black/white/green combo.  


Splatter paint kraft paper.  You could use any paint color but I like the gold.  I buy kraft paper at our Dollar Store all the time so check there for rolls.


Love the idea of a sprig of Rosemary tucked in.



For the kids.  How awesome is this crayon/toy idea??

The names stamped on the paper is so cute.


Another adorable kid idea that would be a fun project to do with your kids is these fingerprint reindeer.  They sell the twine in the dollar section of Target if you are looking for some:)


and for the guys- this reindeer beer is pretty cute.

Have a great Friday!