9/26/13

thursday's thoughts: couches

via
What a sound piece of advice for a Thursday morning!  While I agree with the sentiment, I have to stop myself (often) from falling into the trap of just trying to get things "finished" around the house.  Really we have a long way to go on the house, but I am so thankful for lots of years ahead to make this house the home we really want.  

While some major projects are on the back burner for now, I am trying hard to get the living room fairly furnished before Christmas rolls around.  This will be our first Christmas morning in our own house after 6 years of marriage, and I cannot wait to wake up and see our tree and stockings before bouncing between family celebrations.  

We're on a tight budget for decorating, so getting the room into shape means being creative.  There are some pieces that will definitely be more of an investment, but I am trying to become a DIY queen with pillows, curtains, and this bench makeover from Becky's blog.  (Check back for posts on these projects...can't promise success, but I am definitely going to try!)  In the meantime, we are on the hunt for a couch.  I know we want a white couch, and I love the look of tufted upholstery and nailhead, but I think it might be more reasonable to get slipcovered white pieces.

slipcovered / nailhead / tufted
I should mention that we have a slipcovered couch in the family room that definitely gets more day to day use.  Any great options out there that combine more of the pretty details with slipcovers?  Or should we just bite the bullet and invest in scotch guard?  Decisions, decisions...

xo,





9/25/13

favorite things

tray // popcorn // lipstick // calendar // necklace
Just a quick round up of the things I can't get enough of this week.  I often get questions about gift ideas for girlfriend's birthdays, anniversary presents, and hostess gifts, so I hope that a "favorite things" post might provide a little inspiration each week.  Feel free to be in touch with your specific gift needs. Happy Wednesday!

xo,




9/18/13

spend or save: target copycats


ORIGINAL: 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
TARGET COPY CAT: (pictured above) 1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 // 7 // 8
It's no secret that I have a love affair with Target.  It never fails that I will run into the store for a box of cereal or a birthday card and come out with 2-3 items to try in our house or in my closet.  (I know, I'm a marketers dream...)  My last trip to Target was no different, except that I saw about 10 things I wanted to take home with me that were NOT on my list.  

While Target has always been my go to for inexpensive, trendy items, Target has really outdone itself recently.  The shelves are stocked with tons of items that are copycats of some of my favorite pieces from other retailers.  With prices substantially lower than the original retailer, it's hard to turn down some of these Target copycats.  Can you guess who Target is copying with the items above?  

xo,





























9/17/13

grilled chicken with herbs


I don't know about y'all but I am constantly looking for new ways to make boneless, skinless chicken breasts a little more exciting.  I do have a few go-to recipes that I can always count on, but I am always up for a new take on chicken.  Last night, I was feeling low on time and creativity, and I found a recipe for grilled chicken with herbs.  I was a little skeptical but decided to try it on a whim (mainly because I had the ingredients on hand and it didn't require prep time to marinate.)  Let me be the first to tell you...it was DELICIOUS.  So good in fact that Josh and I decided to split a chicken breast so we could save the other for leftovers.  Bookmark this, pin this, or go make this right now.  
This is officially one of my new "go to" ways to make chicken.    

Grilled Chicken with Herbs
Original recipe from All Recipes

Ingredients:
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (I used two chicken breasts with the same amount of seasoning and it worked just fine.)
  • 2 Tbs. olive oil
  • 1 tsp. dried rosemary
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano
  • 1 tsp. chopped garlic
  • 1/2 tsp. salt
  • 1/2 tsp. black pepper
    • Full disclosure: I used an Herb de Provence blend and added dried rosemary.  I am not much of a measurer, but I gave the spice blend a few liberal shakes, enough to coat one side of the chicken breasts with herbs. 
Directions:
  1. Preheat grill for medium heat and lightly oil the grate
  2. Rinse chicken breasts, pat dry with paper towels, and pierce several times with a fork.  Place chicken breasts in a large, resealable bag and add olive oil.  Seal bag and shake to coat the chicken.  Add remaining ingredients and shake well.
  3. Grill chicken breasts on preheated grill until juices run clear and an instant read thermometer reads at least 160 F.  (About 15 minutes.)
Enjoy!
xo,

9/16/13

thought for the week: be a good one

original image via

We are all pulled in so many directions (and we all play so many roles) that it can be tough to be "good" at even one thing, much less at ten things.  This week my focus is on being "in the moment" and good at whatever role I happen to be playing: wife, daughter, sister, friend, job applicant, volunteer, etc.
Hope you all have a great week!

xo,


9/13/13

help + phillip lim for target

 :: H E L P ::

Friends, I need your help!  I have been working diligently on our living room, and I am so happy with the fabrics I've found to round out the space.  Except...this beautiful navy and white pattern.  I broke the cardinal rule and fell in love with this fabric without looking at the price.  Needless to say, I have been on the hunt for a similar fabric for the better part of the week, and I am hoping someone out there can help.  I don't need much (only about 2 yds), but since I will be attempting a DIY with the fabric, I want the price point to be one that won't be too painful if I mess up.  Anyone out there have a good fabric source?  Or have a couple yards of this stuff lying around?

john robshaw for duralee bindi fabric

:: P H I L I P  L I M  F O R  T A R G E T ::

In other news, thanks to my friend TB for letting me in on the Philip Lim for Target event starting Sunday.  I had heard rumblings about this way back when I was studying for the bar, but it completely slipped my mind until yesterday when T reminded me that it was this weekend!  While I can't say I am enough of a die hard to shop online at midnight (and certainly not die hard enough to line up at the store before the doors open), I do think there are some pretty great pieces coming out.  Although I've been disappointed by Target collaborations in the past, don't be shocked if you see me at Target on Sunday (during normal daylight hours) checking this one out.  And, just to get you all inspired, here are a few of my favorites from the look book.  
Anything you have your eye on?  


Happy Friday!
xo,





9/11/13

transition into fall: accessories


 nail polish / watch / necklace / lipstick
bracelet
wallet / sunglasses / bag
earrings  / shoes / belt
Fall in Florida means being creative.  While the temperatures are still hot, hot, hot, I try to channel a fall feeling through accessories.  Ruby, burgundy, and gold give a jolt of fall to even the most warm weather outfit.  I'm also in love with these flats that look just like this much more expensive version from Vince.  I can see slipping these on for a quick grocery run, or dressing them up for a fun night out.  And how beautiful is this Rebecca Minkoff leather tote?  I have had my eye on a tan bag for work, and this might be the perfect one.  

Do you have any "go to" accessories to help you transition into fall?


xo,

9/10/13

thought for the week: stop worrying


I'll be the first to admit it...I don't like the unknown.  There is a very real part of me that clings to stability and control.  Maybe it's the "planner" in me.  Whether it's planning our meals for the week, or having our schedule booked from now through December, there is something in me that can't seem to embrace the spontaneity and "fun (?!)" of the unknown.  

My goal for this week is to embrace this time of uncertainty.  All too soon jobs will start, bar results will be posted, HeroMe will launch, and life will be scheduled to the extreme.  I can do my part to prepare for what comes next, but the beauty is that ultimately I don't have much control.  This is an overwhelming yet freeing concept, and one I am trying hard to embrace.  


xo,





9/4/13

transition into fall


navy / tan / cream 
grey / dark grey / chambray
As the temperatures in Florida continue to rise (100+ today!), I am shifting my mindset and closet into fall.  While I wish we had crisp temperatures to look forward to, in Florida it will stay warm through October at the very least.  All that to say, I firmly believe that it is time for the white pants and fabrics of summer to rotate to the back of the closet and make room for more fall appropriate choices.  I will admit that this is a VERY difficult thing to do in Florida.  My trick is to find light weight options in more neutral colors.  Eventually, I would pair any of these tops with black skinny pants and boots (or jeans and flats) for a warm-weather fall look.  For now, I would sport these with dark shorts or skirts, or maybe even a pair of slim ankle pants if I was feeling extra brave about the temps outside. 

Do you have any fun pieces or tricks for navigating this transitional time of the year?  Check back next week for more "transitions" to fall despite searing temperatures.    

xo,


9/3/13

apple snack

After returning from a long weekend in the mountains, breakfast this morning was something of an adventure.  After a quick scan of the pantry, I decided to try to make my own "apple snacks" using a photo that I saw on pinterest last week as inspiration (find me on pinterest here).  I loved this for a make-shift breakfast, but it would also be amazing for an afternoon snack, or a quick, healthy indulgence after dinner.  The best part is that the ingredients are flexible, and you really can use anything you have in your pantry.  Let me know what you think...I will definitely be making these again!

via





Ingredients:
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced
  • Peanut butter (almond butter, or nutella would work as well)
  • Toppings of your choice
    • I used: crasins, chocolate chips, flaxseeds
    • Other options: coconut, raisins, almonds (or any other type of nut)
Directions: 
  1. Spread peanut butter (or whatever base you are using) lightly onto apple slice
  2. Top with your choice of ingredients
Enjoy!
xo,