Friday Favorites

It's Friday!! Woo Hoo and August 1st! Where did the summer go? It feels like yesterday I was writing about Memorial Day weekend. Luckily living in the south now our summers are longer than Boston! Here are a few of my favorites from this week that I discovered!

Urban Decay All Nighter Long-Lasting Makeup Setting Spray
Where have I been and how come I am just discovering this now? I am headed to the store tomorrow to buy this. I SO could have used this last year for all of my wedding showers and engagement photos. If it had to do with my wedding then the temperature and humidity was 100%! Definitely going to pick this up for the last few weeks of summer!

JCrew Factory Bow-Back Top
How adorable is this shirt? It says it is final sale so I am worried to order because I am not sure what size I am. I hate how they make everything final sale. I would totally buy more if I knew I could return. Regardless, the shirt is adorable and if I make it to the outlets I will definitely try it on!

Restoration Hardware Salvaged Wood Trestle Table
We are in the process of looking for a new home and of course my focus is not actually on finding the home, but finding the perfect dining room table! I have all my cooking tools so why not focus on a place for us to actually eat! What I love about this table is that it is casual and low maintenance!

Lovely People Custom Artwork
I have been slightly obsessed with this artist for a while and can't decide what I want to purchase! I think I might actually get one for my husband for our wedding anniversary, and then as we build our family start a collection! I love the watercolors and think they could also be cute in a nursery as well. Maybe use as a birth announcement in a nursery?

Little Baby Garvin Blog
This is one of my new favorite blogs. This week she had 2 posts that I sent to my friends just based on how funny they were! The first was Birthday Beer Olympics and then the second was Christmas Vacation Drinking game based on the movie! Both of these made me think of my friends in Boston and how we would always come up with Saturday Fun Day Drinking games. Definitely check out her blog!

Linking up with Karli, Lauren, Jennie, Rebecca, Tiffany, Chrissy, Cece, Nicole, and Amanda

Thirsty Thursday - Happy National Tequila Day

Apparently, today is National Tequila Day! What better way to celebrate a Thirsty Thursday. Here are a few recipes I am eying on Pinterest! Do you like the tequila theme?

To start we need a cocktail!

Mesa Mule

Appetizers...

Mini Tacos

Then dinner obviously...

Slow Cooker Tequila Lime Chili

Dessert is next...

Tequila Lime Coconut Macaroon Bars

And we need an outfit that matches the tequila theme right? How adorable is this Tequila Sunrise dress from Mondaydress.com? I love it and love the website. If you haven't visited make sure to check it out!

Tequila Sunrise Pink and Green Tube Top Dress

Happy National Tequila Day! How are you celebrating?

Pottery Barn Outdoor Sale

So last year when we were registering my husband insisted on getting these nautical service pieces at Pottery Barn. I obviously loved them but I thought it was SO funny that he also thought we needed them. I love kitchen and table decor and always go overboard so the fact he agreed with me, I was ecstatic!!

Conch Serving Bowl - $34.99

This morning I got an e-mail from Pottery Barn regarding their End of Season sale with up to 60% off and of course I had to take a peak. I can't tell you how many things I found that would be perfect to go with these dishes!

Like this Whale Serve Stand for $52.99...

Galvanized Metal Boat Drink Dispenser Cubby for $58.99. We already have the drink dispenser so this would make the perfect home for it!

And these adorable crab snack bowls  and blowfish snack bowls for $9.99. They are perfect for dips or to hold drink garnishes.

And last but certainly not least the Cast Metal Rope Serving Set for $26.99! I think they are adorable and really help too complete the set!

Of course I could also use the Woven Shell Chip and Dip Bowl, Turtle Metal Serve Stand, and Anchor with Knot Salt and Pepper Stand but I won't push my luck too far!

For all of you reading this (aka MOM) wondering what to get us for the holidays these are cute ideas!! Not to mention we promise to have you over for an outdoor BBQ in the new house so we can use them!

Linking up with Shanna today!

Trending Tuesday - Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

So I feel like I need to jump on the bandwagon and join the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale blogposts. I had never heard of the Anniversary Sale until this year! In Boston we didn't have any Nordstrom's until a few years ago so I never really understood the fascination until recently!

For once, I am going to start off with something for the Hubby! He has been talking about getting this specific pair for almost a year to match his navy suits. He only wears Allen Edmonds shoes and at this price I might let him get two pairs (only if he lets me buy some things too!!)

$239.90 - Allen Edmonds "Strand" Oxford in Walnut

Until this sale I have never heard of Zella athletic wear, so I am extremely curious to check it out. Not to mention it is about a 1/3 of the cost of another well liked athletic brand for leggings and pants. Have you tried Zella clothes before? If so would love to hear your thoughts and what the hype is about. But for $33.90 I don't mind investing as a test experiment!

Zella "Live In" Reversible Leggings - $33.90

Until this sale I have never heard of Zella athletic wear, so I am extremely curious to check it out. Not to mention it is about a 1/3 of the cost of another well liked athletic brand for leggings and pants. Have you tried Zella clothes before? If so would love to hear your thoughts and what the hype is about. But for $33.90 I don't mind investing as a test experiment!

I also LOVE LOVE LOVE this DVF dress! How perfect is this for holiday parties? And the price is AMAZING!! According to reviews it runs small so I am going to have to order a size up. 

Diane Von Fursternberg "Zarita" Lace Sheath Dress - $216.90

Ok, I can basically post a gazillion items that I would like to buy today in my post. However, I hope I at least teased you enough to go and check out the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale for yourself. Remember it ends August 4th so check it out today!!

Linking up today with  linking up with Katie, Zelle,  and Amanda!

 

Meatless Monday - Fresh Tortellini with Asparagus, Peas and Mint

Is my husband's new favorite pasta dish! My husband is a BIG meat and potato guy. Anytime I make any type of pasta or salad he always asks if we can add some type of protein in it... Well that all changed with this recipe from Fine Cooking that I found on Pinterest.

This is a one pot meal and so delicious and easy. Basically you boil the tortellini, peas and asparagus in one pot! And then in your serving bowl you add the olive oil, garlic, cayenne pepper, cheese, mint and toasted pine nuts in the other. Did I mention how yummy this meal is? 

Ingredients: 

• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 medium garlic cloves pressed
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• 1lb fresh cheese tortellini (I used Buitoni)
• 1lb asparagus trimmed and cut into 1/2 inch pieces
• 1 cup peas (I used de-thawed frozen but you could use fresh!)
• 1/3 cup pine nuts, toasted (I didn't use these because I forgot to buy them!!)
• 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh mint
• 2 oz fresh goat cheese, softened (I used pecorino romano cheese)
• Salt & Pepper

Directions: 

• Cook tortellini according to directions. With 3 minutes left add asparagus and with one minute left add the peas. You want to make sure that you don't overcook the vegetables and make them mushy. 
• In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, cayenne, and 1/2 tsp salt
• Reserve one cup of pasta cooking water, and drain pasta with vegetables and toss in large bowl with garlic/olive oil mixture. 
• Add the pine nuts, mint, and cheese and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce. Add cooking water if needed to moisten the pasta. Season to taste!

The best part of this recipe is all the different ways you can change it based on the ingredients you have in your house! You can add some crispy procisutto, try penne instead of tortellini, maybe a flavored olive oil, and play around with different cheeses!

Would love to hear how you would make this dish differently!

Apologizing in advance for the bad photos! My camera lens broke so I am back to using my iPhone to take pictures!

Happy Pinning! 

Friday Favorites - Quick Updos

I am so not skilled at doing my hair! My options are ponytail, barrette, headband, and messy bun! I need to start switching it up! Here are 5 new updos I am going to start attempting! I think they look easy enough to attempt. Let me know if you have any secrets or any recommendations!

This looks simple enough but I guess the key is finding a barrette or clip that holds the hair in place. Also do you remember back in the nineties they used to have a hair tool to accomplish the first of this undo?

This undo is extremely similar to above and instead of a ponytail you do a braid. I think that this might actually hold better with my hair. I have super thick hair and tends to be unruly when I have updos!

This is not an updo but another pinned recommended throwing the curlers in a warm dryer and then spray lightly with hairspray. Cool for 10 minutes. Has anyone tried this? Does it melt the curlers? My hair is so thick and I love curls but can never get them to stay. I am wondering if this would help.

We can't forget the sock bun. I have friends that can do this everyday. I still have not mastered this whatsoever. I even bought the sock bun kit by con-air to try and help me. After 10 minutes of fighting with my hair, my arms get tired, I am frustrated and my hair goes back in a ponytail. I need to watch a YouTube video to see if I can pick up any tips. If you know of anything let me know!

Last but not least a classic french twist! This looks pretty simple and might need some practice to accomplish. Not to mention a few bobby pins!

So as you can see I have a lot of practice ahead of me! I will make sure to follow-up to this blog post with what worked best on my hair, and what I have learned. In the meantime, would love to have your suggestions and feedback.

If you would like to see more of my favorite hairstyles check out my Pinterest page here.

Happy Pinning!

Today, I am also linking up with Karli, Amanda, Lauren, Jennie and Rebecca

Tory Burch Sale - Additional 20% Off Sale

Tory Burch is having an additional 20% off sale this weekend with the code TAKE20 at checkout!

Here are a few things that I am thinking about getting!!

Tory Burch Soft Nylon Camera Bag - Perfect to hold my DSLR camera and look cute! Not to mention I am always struggling with what bag to use when traveling with my DSLR camera. I always feel like a sherpa carrying everything! 

Tory Burch Kerrington Twin Cosmetics Case - Love the fact that it has a place to hold brushes as well as makeup!

Tory Burch Reva in Tiger Lily and Gold are perfect for fall! I was obsessed with orange ballet flats last year with my fall wardrobe. I love the Reva's! 

Now it is time to convince the hubby what a good deal these are!! 

Wishful Wednesday - Tory Burch for Fitbit

Yesterday on Facebook I saw that Tory Burch is coming out with bracelets for Fitbit. How adorable are these bracelets? I might have to put them on my Christmas list! Obviously I would need both the brass bracelet and the pink plastic one! I am wondering if Lilly Pulitzer will also come out with a few designs?

Mashable has a great article which reviews the products which you can read here. 

Speaking of which does anyone own a Fitbit? I have been researching them but would love to have your opinion. I love the concept. 

Linking up with Shanna today!

Try New Things Tuesday - Arts & Crafts!

So today I woke up and realized I didn't have any projects to work on. I mean we always have cleaning and housekeeping, but that isn't any fun. So I have been exploring Pinterest for some new arts and crafts ideas to work on. What are your favorites?

I thought these would be cute for someone who has a toddler! A way to make fancy refrigerator letters, but with stainless refrigerators not sure how many people still use magnets! Basically all you need is magnet letters, spray paint and some painters tape to cover the magnet while painting.

For the backyard I thought this could be a cute hostess gift! I love the way they used the antique chalk paint to give the ring toss game more charm. I love how they added sparkles to the rings. Not sure how long they would last but definitely gives it some flair!

And last but not least I am running out of my Bliss Super Minty Soap & Scrub, and considering all the beauty purchases I made last week I need to be good and not buy a new one since they are pricey. However, definitely curious to try out this recipe for homemade bath salts. I would use peppermint essential oil to mimic the smell of my Bliss Minty Scrub. Considering this is just for me I will eliminate the gel coloring! If these work out well they could be cute stocking stuffers for the holidays!

I would love to hear your thoughts on if you have made any of these, or any tips if you have done anything similar!

Happy Pinning!

Meatless Monday - Portobello Mushroom Burger with Spicy Avocado Sauce Recipe

So I don't know about you but I have been eating grilled chicken and burgers non-stop. The other day I was going to pick up some ground beef for burgers and just couldn't get myself to buy it. So I was wondered back over to the vegetable section to see if anything inspired me. And that is where I saw the portobello mushrooms. I quickly took out my phone and searched Pinterest for some recipes. And that is where I found a recipe by Martha Stewart for portobello mushroom burgers with a spicy avocado sauce. Oddly enough I had all the ingredients at home! SCORE!

Now the next trick was getting my husband to eat the portobello burgers! Haha! These are so simple to make. And I served them like traditional burgers with monteray jack cheese with jalapeños, fresh garden tomatoes, and cabbage slaw. Result was a SUCCESS and my husband loved the switch up. Secretly I think he really like the spicy avocado sauce and just tolerated the mushroom! 

Ingredients: 

• 4 large portobello mushrooms, stems removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Coarse salt and ground pepper
• 1 ripe avocado, pitted, peeled, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• 1 tablespoon horseradish
• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
• 1 jalapeño chile finiley chopped
• 4 soft rolls
• Sliced tomatos
• Sliced monteray jack cheese with jalapeños if desired
• Cabbage Slaw (see recipe below)

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. On a large rimmed baking sheet, toss mushrooms with pool and 2/3 cup water; season with salt and pepper. Arrange stem side down; cover loosely with foil. Roast until tender, 30 to 45 minutes. 

When mushrooms are cooking, in a medium mixing bowl combine avocado, mustard, horseradish, lime juice, and jalapeño. 

Toast rolls and layer each bottom half with tomato, portobellos and each top half with avocado mixture. 

Cabbage Slaw Recipe - from Foodess.com. Just put into bowl and stir!

• 4 cups shredded cabbage (I used a bag of shredded coleslaw mix - I was being lazy!)
• 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
• 2 green onions, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 3 tbsp distilled white vinegar
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• 2 tsp white sugar
• 1/2 chopped jalapeño (This wasn't in the original recipe but I added!)

I also want to introduce you to the best/most potent horseradish we found in Charleston. Before our wedding we were at Pearlz Oyster Bar talking to the bartender about how we loved strong horseradish with our oysters. He then brought out Nasal Napalm. And let me tell you this stuff is STRONG! But so amazingly good and perfect for oysters, shrimp cocktail or my favorite Bloody Mary's. I believe the only place you can buy this is in Charleston at Pepper Palace. But you can also order online too! If you are in Charleston and go to Pepper Palace to sample the nasal napalm make sure to only taste the smallest amount. My brother-in-law took a whole spoonful and I don't think he fully recovered for a few hours! 

Happy Pinning!

Friday Favorites - Beauty Products

So I don't know how I manage to do it, but somehow I finish all my makeup at the same time! So I have been on the lookout for some new products to try! Do you have any favorites or recommendations that I should try? Here are a few of the items I have recently bought. Would love to hear your thoughts as well!!

Beauty Favorite 1.... BEAUTYCOUNTER Any Time Eye Cream 

I blogged a few weeks ago about Beautycounter's  Protect All Over Broad Spectrum Sunscreen which I absolutely love. (Read post here.)Not to mention it is not filled with harsh chemicals like most store brand sunscreens.  So I was so excited to try their eye cream as well! I purchased the Any Time Eye Cream and love it! It is super light and I use it both morning and night! I have been using it for the past week and definitely recommend. Not to mention since it is from Beautycounter I can guarantee that the products are healthy for my skin. I am also eyeing the Everyday AM and PM Hydrating creams but I have 2-3 moisturizers at home that  I have to finish first. If you haven't heard about Beautycounter you can read more about their story here. Definitely check it out!

Any Time Eye Cream

Beauty Favorite 2... Amazonian Clay Airbrush Foundation by Tarte

So I have been reading about this powder foundation for a while. Kate at The Small Things Blog did a post a few months ago and I have been thinking about the product ever since. So far all of the reviews I have read are extremely positive. I went to Ulta yesterday to see what color would match my skin tone the best and walked out with Fair Light Honey. They didn't have the brush I wanted (recommended by Kate at The Small Things Blog) so I went home and purchased the Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation Brush at Sephora.com. The brush is highly recommended over the traditional Kabuki brush from mineral makeup. However, I am not 100% sold so I am going to attempt to use my Laura Mercier Face Brush to see if I notice the difference. Would love to hear your thoughts if you have used Amazonian Tarte foundation and if you thought the brush was worth it!

TARTE Amazonian Clay Airbrush  Foundation

TARTE Airbrush Finish Bamboo Foundation  Brush

Beauty Favorite 3... Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

This is actually the second time I have purchased this blush! The first time I purchased and had buyers remorse that I had spent too much money that day and returned it! However, yesterday I didn't have one problem purchasing!! This is another product that Kate at The Small Things Blog has recommended a few times for everything from minimal makeup, travel essentials, bridal, etc. it is a blush and a highlighter. I bought the Luminous Flush color because my skin is fair and it looks like the best match. I also bought this at Sephora.com so excited to have it arrive next week. 

Hourglass Ambient Lighting Blush

Beauty Favorite 4... Kiss My Face Early To Bed Body Wash

I was excited to find this body gel that smells great but also has calming scents that I found at Whole Foods. Perfect for those showers before bed. If you go to the Kiss My Face website you can see which retailers in your area carry the products. Not to mention Amazon sells them as well.

Kiss My Face Early to Bed Body Wash

Beauty Favorite 5... Free Samples at Sephora

I remember when Sephora first opened in Boston and started the Beauty Insider program. They always had the best samples in store to use your points. However, the past 1-2 years I have been so disappointed in the selection that I have been saving my points! Until I discovered the fact that you can use your points online!!! The point value ranges from 100-1000 but they and everything from YSL mascara to Marc Jacobs Beauty products! This is what I used my points for! I am so incredibly excited and luckily these are 3 things that I was looking to purchase too! SCORE!!

Hourglass Veil Mineral Primer Broad Spectrum SPF 15

Givenchy Le Rouge Lipstick

Yves St Laurent Mascara Volume Effet Faux Cils

Before I purchased I noticed a link on the website for Weekly Specials! If you enter in a promo code you get to pick samples!  I chose the Fresh Black Tea Instant Perfecting Mask deluxe sample.

The goodies didn't stop there either! With every purchase you can also pick out three free samples. I picked the Bumble and Bumble Hairdressers Invisible Oil Shampoo and Conditioner, Marula Cleansing Lotion, and Philosophy Time in a Bottle Eye cream.

Did I mention I also got free shipping? I am SO SO SO excited for all my purchases to get here next week!

Definitely let me know if you have tried any of these products, or if you have any recommendations on other products I should use!

Linking up with Karli, Amanda, Lauren, Jennie and Rebecca this week!!

Thirsty Thursday - Strawberry-Mint Sparkling Limeade

So I had all these ambitions to use strawberries over the 4th of July holiday, none of which ended up happening. So that meant that I had 2 pints of strawberries that I needed to use. I also had a bunch of limes that I bought as well, and we have to use all those limes since they are so pricey! Which made me search recipes on Pinterest for Strawberries and Lime.

And Pinterest came to the rescue!! Woo hoo! I found a great and easy recipe for strawberry-mint sparkling limeade from Cooking Lite May 2012. Not to mention this recipe can be kid friendly too! Just swap the alcohol for club soda!

Ingredients:

• 2 pints of strawberries
• 1/2 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves
• 1/2 cup fresh lime juice (about 6 limes)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup agave nectar
• 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine
• Whole strawberries, lime slices, etc for garnish

Directions:

• Blend strawberries, mint, lime juice, water and agave in a blender. Add crushed ice for a extra frosty beverage. 
• Pour mixture into glasses about half way
• Top with sparkling wine or club soda
• Stir, garnish and SIP

This is such a good recipe. Since I had so many strawberries I was able to make extra which I keep in a mason jar in my fridge. Then when I want a drink I just add the bubbles!

Happy Pinning! 

Tie on your Lobster Bib - We're Headed to Portland!

One of the perks of being a professional wedding guest is traveling to great cities near and far.  My husband and I live in Boston and we are excited to hit some New England hot spots this summer.  

We took a 3 day weekend and ventured up to Portland and Freeport, Maine for Katelyn and Ben's wedding.  Katelyn is Jon's cousin and they have always been close.  My father-in-law even performed the ceremony and married the happy couple!  

We drove up to Portland on a gorgeous (and hot) Friday morning.  From Boston's south shore, it took us approximately two and half hours.  Portland is a small town and parking was easy to find.  We spent a majority of the day at the waterfront and exploring the restaurants and shops in Old Port.

True to form, as soon as we arrived we saddled up to a bar for craft beer and a snack.  The Sliney's typically eat every 2 hours so you'll notice we have a ton of restaurants in the agenda. It's a great foodie town and seafood isn't that filling- right?  Portland is also famous for all of their local breweries and craft beer, which is right up our alley!  

Our favorite spots of the day:

The Thirsty Pig - We walked by this spot and were intrigued by their handmade sausages.  Jon and I split one of the blueberry and chicken sausages and loved it!  

The Portland Lobster Company - My husband loves lobster, he can crack one in 3 seconds flat.  He had a personal best of 8 lobsters in one sitting at an all you can eat lobster bake (it ended with a slow clap and concerned looks).  I enjoy them, but since I grew up in Ohio, I always take the lazy way out and order lobster rolls.  The other thing is I can't avoid thinking I look like the Seinfeld man hands episode when I try to crack one (I digress).  We loved sitting on the patio of the Portland Lobster Company over looking the marina.  One of the most notable things to point out is that they make their lobster rolls with drawn butter - no mayo in sight, they were delicious!  

The Holy Donut - I walked by the Holy Donut in Old Port and was intrigued.  These donuts are actually made with mashed potatoes from Maine.  I ordered the popular Dark Chocolate and Sea Salt flavor and really liked it.  I didn't find it to be too sweet and it was really light and fluffy.  

J's Oysters - We also absolutely love oysters and some locals recommended this spot.  It is really small and has a dive feel.  We were so pleased to find they had $1 oysters on their menu.  Even though the oysters at the time were from Virginia, they were still extremely fresh and delicious.

I did my fair share of shopping in Portland as well.  I found some beautiful home decor stores that you will have to check out if you visit!  My favorites were Folly 101 (coastal chic), Blanche + Mimi (gorgeous textiles and vintage accessories), K Colette (unique and beautiful).

Since we traveled to Freeport for the night, we didn't take full advantage of all of the breweries in the area or the great restaurants for a nice dinner out.  We are definitely planning to return to Portland in the fall for my husband's birthday.  If anyone has any great restaurant recommendations, please be sure to leave them in the comments.  I would love to hear from you!  

Happy Pinning!

Erin