- Part 116

April 9, 2014

Chicken & Mushrooms: in a garlic white wine sauce

I’m thankful to friends that are always sharing new recipes with me. Trust me I’m not the one coming up with these things, I’m just here to share the goods! After my girlfriend’s raving reviews, this recipe did not let down. I don’t cook with wine all that frequently, but every time I do I remember what great flavor it can add to a dish. I grabbed a box of mushroom and herb risotto from Trader Joe’s to go along with the chicken and it turned out to be the perfect pair! Amazing flavor from both that left me slightly over-indulging…you’re forewarned ;) You can find the recipe via Skinny Taste here.

Enjoy!

April 8, 2014

Floral

I’m a huge fan of wearing floral prints. From tops to bottoms and scarves and this season even shoes, it’s all too easy to break out this oh so feminine print. I came across this top in TJMaxx a few weeks back and loved the soft floral pattern. I was even happier when I saw the $98 French Connection tag marked down to $29! That surely put a spring in my step ;) You can see some other floral tops I love here, here and here. I chose to keep the rest of the outfit simple so that the top wouldn’t have to compete. I just may need to work this top into an Easter outfit!

I swear this shirt was freshly pressed, and then I had to go and wear a seatbelt!

Details: French Connection top via TJMaxx (options here, here and here) / JCrew pants / Shoes, old (similar) / Kate Spade bag (similar) / Kate Spade sunglasses

In other news, I’ve been selected as one of America’s best dressed women for Redbook Magazine!! A friend of my mother actually brought the contest to my attention and so I thought what the heck, I’ll submit a few photos. Well, it turns out that I was selected as one of the top 25! Voting is open until May 12, so for anyone that has a minute, I’d really appreciate your vote, it literally only takes a second. Who knew these blog photos would come in handy ;) Thanks in advance everyone and you can vote HERE.

Linking up with Rebecca for What She Wears: Floral

April 7, 2014

Hair Stylin’

I don’t know about you, but I end up changing my hair rather frequently. I started blogging last May and since then I have gone from shoulder length blonde hair, to ombre to short and natural with a few highlights. Rarely do I go into the salon without an inspiration picture in my pocket (or iphone). Magazines used to be my source of inspiration, but these days it’s more than likely Pinterest. Since I never know when I’m going to get the ‘itch’ I like to keep a running list (board) of my favorite hairstyles. I’ve selected a few of my favorites from every length to share with you today. Maybe one will strike your fancy!

Do you have a go-to style or do you like to change it up as much as I do?

April 4, 2014

High Five for Friday

We’ve found our way to Friday once again, friends! I have to say that around these parts we’ve had a pretty good week. The weather for the most part was great which allowed us to get outside instead of being entrapped in our home. I also managed to escape being at the end of any April Fools jokes! How about you?

At the same time, there have also been unfortunate events, both near and far, on small and larger scales that have been brought to my attention this week. This world isn’t always an easy place to live in and we’re all going to have numerous trying times and seasons of our life to go through. These moments leave me feeling thankful for all of the time I’m able to spend with my family, no matter how mundane certain days may feel. I don’t mean to put a damper on your Friday, but go hug your family, call your friends and be thankful for all the good times you’re having in your life!

Now enjoy a few shots from my week which will hopefully put a smile back on your face :)

1) My two beauties (ok, one cool guy and a little princess), outside enjoying some lovely spring weather.

2) I couldn’t be happier to finally have a skin regime to follow. Thanks to a friend for introducing me to Rodan and Fields, I now feel like I am actually taking care of my skin in a ‘big girl’ kind of way. I’ll have more to say about this in the coming weeks! Are any of you using their products?

3) I’ve totally been lucking out at TJMaxx lately! If only they’d stop putting these stickers where you can’t remove them without leaving a sticky circle on your heel, I’d be doubly as happy ;)

4) Miss Madelyn at her music class, which only leads me to #5…

5) Last week I showed you a shot of Madelyn lip-synching and this week I’m going one adorable step further. Here she is in the act. Let me remind you that no words (or sounds for that matter) are coming out.

Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

April 3, 2014

My Girl

My son spends his mornings at pre-school, so every M-F I get to enjoy some one on one time with my sweet little lady. This was one particular morning where we took a little stroll together. I feel very blessed to be able to experience raising both a boy and a girl. They are so drastically different which makes it challenging but all the more enjoyable. My son, like myself, enjoys keeping things in line and never misses a beat. He even asks what we all had for lunch and wants to know everything we did while he was at school. My daughter on the other hand, is a carefree spirit that enjoys being the center of attention. She’s also one that will walk herself to timeout after she gets herself in trouble ;) Life is anything but dull!

With most of my week spent chasing after and rolling around on the ground playing games with my kids, I find it’s often easiest for me to be in comfortable clothing. I am not against yoga pants, leggings, t-shirts and sneakers. In fact, I’m all for them! LOFT has recently come out with a new line, Lou & Grey, and this line of everyday lounge clothing already has me hooked. The pieces are well made and everything that I have seen from maxi dresses, to t-shirts and jackets have been so incredibly comfortable! If you haven’t yet, you should check it out here.

My outfit: LOFT Lou & Grey jacket / LOFT Lou & Grey t-shirt / Anthropologie leggings (old) / Converse sneakers / Tiffany necklace / Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses / Michelle watch

Madelyn’s outfit: Gap jacket (similar) / Old Navy leggings / Boden t-shirt (old) / Toms

April 2, 2014

Chicken, Black Bean, & Quinoa Enchilada Bake

I’m a huge fan of Mexican food and even more-so when it can be made a bit healthier. Instead of rice, quinoa is used in this dish and not only do I enjoy the taste and texture of quinoa, but the benefits are fairly impressive. If you have any interest, you can read about the differences between brown rice and quinoa here.

Although this dish would probably taste wonderful without it, I decided to add chicken to make it a bit heartier…and tastier in my mind. I cut up two chicken breasts and simmered them on med/low heat for 20 mins or so in the enchilada sauce. Once it was cooked through I shredded the chicken and added it, along with the sauce, to the mixture.

Overall, this is one delicious, nutrient packed meal. Feel free to use reduced fat cheese if you’d like, it won’t be lacking in flavor! You can find the recipe I used here.

Topping it off with some avocado and/or sour cream, this is one flavorful dinner that everyone should enjoy!

April 1, 2014

On the Farm

As much as I am over layering for winter weather (wool coats, thick scarves, hats etc) I am very much enjoying layering for the slightly warmer temps we’ve been having. Jackets and scarves that don’t necessarily need to be removed once you’re indoors are a great way to begin transitioning.

We spent this particular afternoon at a local fruit farm that also has a wonderful cafe and market on its premisses. We enjoyed a farm to table lunch in the most literal sense! After chatting with one of the owners for a few minutes, he showed us around and let the kids get a look at where they sort, clean and store their apples (one of their main fruits). These farms are always so busy during the summer and fall months which reminds me that we need to take more advantage during their quiet season!

Details: Anthropologie jacket / Madewell shirt / J Brand pants / Scarf via Riley on Main (similar) / The Sak bag via TJMaxx (similar) / Steve Madden boots / Lia Sophia necklace

March 31, 2014

Wedding Style

It’s been 7 and a half years since my wedding, but it may as well have been over a decade with the way things have changed since. When I got married it was common to have your bridesmaids all wearing the same floor length dress in the same color, the same shoes and the same accessories. Now you see bridesmaids wearing different styles, lengths, shoes and accessories and yet it all comes together beautifully. One of my girlfriends even chose a color and set us free to choose any dress we’d like. I would have panicked over this decision, but wouldn’t you know it, the whole group looked amazing together! With the freedom to style ourselves to fit our individual bodies and personalities it seemed to give each of us a boost of confidence, and that always helps when you’re walking down that aisle!

Every bride reserves her rite to decide what she’d like her wedding party to wear and luckily today there are some beautiful options out there. I’ve gathered a handful of dresses as well as some shoes and accessories in some of my favorite hues to provide a little wedding inspiration. The best part is that none of these dresses scream ‘bridesmaid’. I would wear any one of these dresses even if I were only a attending as a guest. Have a look for yourself…..

Mint: Dress 1 / Dress 2 / Dress 3 / Belt / Dress 4

Pink: Dress 1 / Dress 2 / Dress 3 / Dress 4

Navy: Dress 1 / Dress 2 / Dress 3 / Dress 4

Grey: Dress 1 / Dress 2 / Dress 3 / Dress 4

Necklaces: Necklace 1 / Necklace 2 / Necklace 3 / Necklace 4

Shoes: Shoes 1 / Shoes 2 / Shoes 3 / Shoes 4

For those of you already married, is there anything you’d change about your wedding if you were to do it again today? Maybe I can talk my husband into renewing our vows for our 10th anniversary, hmmmmm…..

March 28, 2014

High Five for Friday

Happy Friday all! I know it’s said all too frequently, but kids really do grow up way too quickly. I realize that in the coming years my husband and I are going to have many obstacles to tackle with our kids and at times it can all seem very daunting. This week my 4yo son began getting incredibly offended when we laughed at something funny he did. He told us that we were hurting his feelings (in his almost cry voice with a quivering lower lip) and it almost broke my heart. How I wish I could keep him in a bubble and protect him from anyone who may knowingly or unknowingly hurt my baby….just like any sane mother would, right? Since that obviously isn’t going to happen and both of them will most likely grow up, I spent the week loving and enjoying my kids. We danced like maniacs, we sang, we read, we cuddled, and I made certain that I did not laugh unless a certain 4yo was laughing along with me.

Here’s what my phone captured this week…

1) I mentioned we sang, right? This would be my daughter’s latest singing face. What’s even better is that not a sound comes out of her mouth when she’s doing this! Count her out for karaoke, but lip-syncing, she’s down!2) Is there anything cuter than watching a bowling ball creep down the lane and ever so slowly knock down a pin or two? And I’ll just throw it out there that I may or may not have beat my husband. Maybe next time, my love ;)3) I was able to help out at Jack’s preschool one morning this week and loved getting a little peek into his world. Preschoolers are so darn cute!!4) There are many components that make a great marriage, but I would have to argue that bringing a Mrs. Fields Klondike home to your wife has got to rank towards the top!5) It took someone else’s talent to remind me that there are endless ways to style little girls’ hair. Now if only I could get her to sit still!

I hope your week was wonderful! See ya next week!

Linking up with The Lauren Elizabeth for High Five for Friday.

March 27, 2014

Old Things & New Things

I ordered this jacket a few weeks ago from Anthropologie and as soon as I got it I loved it. It is incredibly soft and light, yet warm which leads to me lounging around in it all day, not just when I’m out running around. It’s a wonderful piece to add to a wardrobe for spring and I only wish it came in more colors!

I found myself browsing for light-washed denim with warmer weather in our midst, only to discover this old pair from Gap in my closet. That may be a sign that I need to re-visit my spring/summer wardrobe before doing any more shopping ;)

Details: Anthropologie jacket / Old Navy shirt / Gap denim (similar) / DV by Dolce Vita booties (similar) / The Sak bag via TJMaxx (similar)/ Marc by Marc Jacobs sunglasses

a lovely living

Archives

Chicken & Mushrooms: in a garlic white wine sauce

Floral

Hair Stylin’

High Five for Friday

My Girl

Chicken, Black Bean, & Quinoa Enchilada Bake

On the Farm

Wedding Style

High Five for Friday

Old Things & New Things