a lovely living

Archives

Short and sweet today ladies! My kids are home on spring break this week (what exactly do they need a break from?) so I’m in ‘go-mode’ all day everyday this week. It’s exhausting, haha! Fortunately the weather has been fantastic and it’s only getting better. So on another note altogether, I’m sharing with you today some of my favorite delicate necklaces. They are totally on trend when it comes to layering, but I always have at least one around my neck at all times. As the months heat up, lighter layers are always better!

delicatenecklaces

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11

Spring Flare

flare1

I love sprucing up my wardrobe with new pieces for the season. These flare jeans feel so fresh and fun and it certainly doesn’t hurt to give the skinny jeans a break every now and then! I love the wash on these as well, perfect for Spring. I also recently picked up this scarf (Riley on Main for those that are local). I’m such a sucker when it comes to scarves. It’s one accessory I don’t think you can ever have enough of. Although they are more of a necessity in the winter, I’d argue that they are quite essential during the spring-time months. A perfect layer to add as we transition with the weather.

flare6

flare4

flare2

flare9

flare8

flare5

flare3

Details: Target t-shirt / LOFT jacket (similar) / scarf (similar) / JCrew Factory denim / tote / Nixon watch (similar) / Sperry bootie (similar)

Target, what did we ever do before Target? We probably had a lot more savings, for one thing! Seriously though, their new lines and continued collaborations just keep getting better and better don’t they? Two specifically, that I’m discussing today….

Who What Wear: This collaboration has been out for a month or so now and they continue to release new items. I was just in the store the other day and had a little time to browse. Of course I snagged a few items and then started browsing online (where of course there’s more to be seen). I’m so impressed with this line. The styles, prints, patterns are beautiful (as would be expected) but the quality is there too. And just to mention, the chambray shirt below is much more appealing in person, this picture doesn’t do it justice. The dresses however, are just as adorable as they are shown here. Perfect for Easter or spring events! You can check out the whole line HERE.

whowhatwear

Pillowfort: This is Target’s new home collection for children and it. is. adorable. Talk about making decorating easy! I’m not completely finished with my children’s rooms, but I sure wish this line had been out when I first started. If you have plans to update or redecorate your little one’s room, at an affordable price nonetheless, you this check out the line HERE.

pillowfort

Standout Outerwear

I don’t know what your local weather has been like, but around here it’s been a bit of a roller-coaster. 30 degrees one day and 60 the next. With the taste of Spring in the air, I wanted to share some great options for jackets this season. Classic trenches and denim jackets are always great staples, but here I’ve gathered 9 pieces that make a bit more of a statement. It’s always fun to have at least one (or two) on hand when you want to top off your outfit with a bit of a punch. There’s quite an array with everything from geometric prints, polka dots, fringe, stripes and a little embroidery to start with. I’ve had my eye on #3 but of course my size is sold out. Oh the struggle. Best to grab one while you can!

springcoats

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9

Another Great Tee

graytee1

As I sit watching the Oscar’s and writing this post I can’t help but feel slightly less than glamorous….but let me tell you, I sure was comfortable! Let me start with this t-shirt. A few weeks ago I discussed the basic tee and shared some of my favorites that I tend to slightly splurge on. Well, this just goes to show me that there are always exceptions…always. I love Old Navy but typically don’t have luck with their t-shirts. This one however, is a different story. It has a great weight to it and the quality really impressed me. It has a loose, boyfriend fit but at the same time lays really well. I’m still nursing, so t-shirts are my best friend and I’m now contemplating getting more colors. We had a 60 degree day yesterday and I’m hoping this wasn’t a tease but more of a sneak peak of what’s to come. Breaking out my jean jacket and ecru pants without having to worry about getting snowy slush on them was a dream! Keep it up Mother Nature, I’m on board.

graytee7

graytee4

graytee2

graytee5

graytee6

graytee3

Details: Old Navy t-shirt / Pilcro jacket (similar) / JCrew pants / Stella & Dot necklace (similar and on sale) / Michael Kors watch / RayBan sunglasses

soup3

We’ve been on quite the soup kick lately in our home. Soups in the winter are my equivalent of grilling in the summer. Delicious and (typically) healthy. Although my kids are pretty good with their veggies, this gives me even more of a chance to load them up! I’m a big fan of SkinnyTaste’s recipe’s and when I made this one for the first time it was a huge hit with everyone. Even Audrey who is 9.5 months and wants to consume everything we are eating could not get enough of this. She was practically hysterical every moment the spoon was not in her mouth, no joke. What’s great about this one is that there are options to cook this on the stove (which is how I made it and I’ll share below), the crock pot or an instant pot. With all that being said, I highly recommend it…as does Audrey ;)

soup1

soup2

Beef, Tomato and Acini di Pepe Soup via SkinnyTaste

Ingredients:

1 lb 90% lean ground beef
1- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 cup diced onion
1/2 cup diced celery
1/2 cup diced carrot
28 oz can crushed or diced tomatoes
32 oz beef stock
2 bay leaves
4 oz small pasta such as Acini di pepei*
grated parmesan cheese, optional

Directions:

In a large pot or Dutch oven, saute the beef and salt on high heat until browned, breaking the meat up into small bits.

Add the onion, celery and carrots and saute 3 to 4 minutes.

Add the tomatoes, stock and bay leaves, cover and cook low until the beef and the vegetables are tender, about 1 to 1 1/2 hours (you may need to add more broth or water if it evaporates too much).

Cook pasta according to package directions, drain and add to soup.

Serve with grated parmesan if desired.

Loving Lately: Beauty Edition

It’s been a while since I’ve chatted beauty on here, so I wanted to take the time to share some of my favorite beauty products at the moment. Some you may have seen on here before and others are more recent finds, but all are worth chatting about. The funny thing is, just about every one of these products I discovered because of other bloggers. The sea of beauty products is entirely too intimidating to me, so I love when I read reviews from other women sharing products that really stand out to them. I don’t have the time or energy to try every different wand for mascara, or every shade of lipstick MAC has to offer and don’t even get me started on tracking down the perfect hair products (ahhh!). So thank you, thank you bloggers for helping me to find some of my favorite beauty products. Read on and you just may discover some of yours…
beauty

MAC Lipstick in ‘syrup’: This is my go-to everyday lipstick. I’m not sure how long I have been using it, but the tube is nearly empty and that never happens for me! I have quite a collection of lipsticks that have piled up because I grow tired of the color and move on to the next. Not the case with this one. It’s the perfect pink…not in your face, but enough that makes you feel put together.

Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer: This one has definitely been on the blog before because it’s been a staple for years. Some days I wear it alone (especially in the summer) and other days I’ll add some foundation on top. It gives a fresh look without overpowering or making it look like you’re actually wearing any make-up. Some days I’ll add in a drop of their primer which adds a bit of a dewy glow to the skin.

Too Faced Better Than Sex mascara: This would be the latest addition to my make-up bag. I’ve been a Benefit’s They’re Real fan for a few years now, but I’m pretty sure this one has turned me. There’s something about the thick wand and it’s shape that grabs my lashes and transforms them. Whether you’re on the hunt for a new mascara or not, I think you should give this one a try!

Amika Undone Texture spray: This is another product I’ve been using for years and it’s still going strong (well, not the first bottle, I’ve been through many of them!). When I first wash my hair (which I typically do every other day) and dry it, it ends up a little too smooth and shiny for my liking. I realize that’s the point of washing one’s hair, but it doesn’t work for my style. This spray adds the perfect about of texture and ‘un-done-ness’ and I rarely go a day without it.

Benefit’s Erase Paste: Another staple for me. I’ve been blessed with under-eye circles so this is a must in my beauty bag. This concealer stays put all day long and does a wonderful job covering what it needs to cover.

Benefit’s Hoola Matte Bronzer: Technically this is a bronzer but I use it for contouring. I don’t use it everyday but it makes a noticeable difference when I do. My mom actually asked me what I had done differently to my make-up last week, she told me my cheeks looked like a model’s (or was it movie star?)…either way, you get the point. Go get some ;)

 

Shearling Coat

shearling1

As eager as I am for warmer weather, I also know I’ll quickly be missing all the fun of layering outfits when the temperatures rise. You may remember the sherpa vest I wore here and continue to throw on regularly. I knew I’d enjoy wearing this (faux) shearling coat as well as it can enhance even the simplest outfit of denim on denim. I’ve gathered a few other fun shearling pieces for you to check out below. Maybe one will fit into your style and enhance your layering while you still can!

shearling5

shearling3

shearling6

shearling2

shearling7

shearling4

Details: SheIn coat c/o / JCrew chambray shirt (similar) / LOFT denim / Madewell tote / Rayban sunglasses / Boots (similar)

shearling

1 / 2 / 3 / 4

Everyday Cardi

cardi5

Has anyone else been feeling a little trapped and stir crazy from the snow/ice/rain lately? It forced me to tackle an indoor shoot (which isn’t my preference, I’d much rather put on a freezing smile outdoors!), but it is what it is. You might recall me posting about my favorite fleece cardigan a few months ago. Well, with as much wear as it gets I decided to grab a lighter weight one for the upcoming warmer months. I also wanted a more versatile color in hopes that people won’t notice when I wear it a little too often ;) It’s a fun layering piece, makes a great nursing cover (especially when your 9 month old wants nothing to do with actual nursing covers, or nursing much at all for that matter because they are distracted by everything around them!), and is great for basically any age group. I also recently bought this striped tee at LOFT. My first official spring purchase and I look forward to wearing it un-layered in the future.

cardi2

cardi7

cardi4

cardi3

cardi8

cardi1

Details: Bobeau cardigan via TJMaxx (options here) / LOFT tee / Pilcro jeans / Jeffrey Campbell booties (similar) / Tiffany necklace

Nursery/Children’s Art

I love art work but I always struggle with it. Finding pieces that not only I love, but my family as well can be a difficult task. I’m much more prone to hang photography around our house because we’ve been fortunate to have talented friends and family members capture some sweet memories over the years. There’s nothing like our wedding pictures or newborn photography or my children’s goofy grins to bring a smile to my face when I pass them daily. But I also realize that art work can add a beautiful element to a home. Since it’s slightly out of my comfort zone, I figured I’d start with the children. I’ve had some luck at HomeGoods lately and I love how Minted has really stepped up their game in this department as well. Or maybe they always have and I’m just now realizing it?? Etsy is also a great resource but it takes some time to do the sorting and scrolling! Here are some of my favorites that I came across that would be a perfect addition to any children’s room or nursery.

Do you have any art resources that you’ve had luck with?

nursery:childrens art

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 / 9 / 10 / 11 / 12

Older Newer