Happy Friday

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Friday!  I'm not sure if the short week made time fly or not, but I know I'll never complain about the arrival of the weekend.  We don't have too much on our agenda this weekend, and I'm excited.  We'll celebrate with my niece at her graduation, grab dinner with some new friends, brunch with others, and try to find a way to wind down from what's been an exceptionally stressful and taxing week in the world of hero manufacturing.  

What's your plan for the weekend?  Here are some ideas from my favorite bloggers just in case you need a little inspiration...

Grab a few of Morgan's #ThriftyThursday picks.

Whip up one of these courtesy of Natalie.

Check out Ashley's perfectly curated loves.  Makes me feel like SUMMER!

Read this challenging and poignant post from Carmel.  Especially if you have young girls.

Start planning your best instagram shots now for this fun challenge with Allie.

Check out the gorgeous photography on Natalie's blog.  Try not to drool over the Memorial Day low country boil.

Check out Annie's amazing #MidWeekMuse outfit here.  AND, link up with us next week!

xo,

Favorite Things: Gotcha Covered

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Just in case you still haven't found that perfect swimsuit.

Or maybe you have found "the one," but you still want to be a little covered up...

Happy Shopping.

xo,

Mid Week Muse: Feelin Hot, Hot...

top // pants // necklace // earrings // sunglasses // sandals

Happy Mid Week Muse!  This week's muse really is all about feelin' HOT, HOT, HOT!  We've hit 95 multiple days in a row here, and we haven't quite settled into our daily afternoon thunderstorms to cool things down.  Basically it is HOT.  Despite the soaring temps, I am completely devoted to my white jeans, and I'll be wearing them loyally all summer long.  In fact, they are the base of about 90% of my outfits for the summer months, so they are actually the perfect muse.

This week, I've paired them with a hot pink top that looks an awful lot like this Tibi top for a fraction of the price.  (Hence the "look for less" alert.)  I'm also in love with tassel jewelry, and I'm on the hunt for a cute tassel necklace like the one pictured here that's a little more reasonably priced.  (Jacksonville locals, Sassyfrass carries some super cute options with a stone and tassel if you're interested.)  Finish the look with a pair of sophisticated flat sandals, stud earrings, and trusty sunglasses.  

What's on heavy rotation in your closet this summer?  Link up below with your "muse" or leave a comment and let me know!

How it works:

Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:

Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

@annelliottblog and @pampersandpearls

Follow us on BlogLovin:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

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Also linking up with:

Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy
Style Elixir
Walking in Memphis in High Heels
The Fashion Canvas

xo,

Recipe: Pineapple and Pork Tacos

Happy Tuesday!  But doesn't it sort of feel like a Monday?  The great news is that by tomorrow we will be half-way to the weekend.  On days like these, I think my greatest gift to you is an easy but delicious dinner like these pork and pineapple tacos.   I actually used some leftover pork tenderloin to make this meal, so it was even easier and faster than the recipe below.  Now, I know the skeptics among you think this one looks like it has lots of ingredients, and it does.  BUT, they are mostly spices, so it really doesn't take long at all.  Whatever you do, don't skimp on the avocado crema - it is delicious, and would go well with plenty of other things too - sandwiches, burgers, chips, etc.  Give this one a try - it is really, REALLY good.  Promise.

Pineapple and Pork Tacos with Avocado Crema
Recipe from The Flat Belly Diet Cookbook

Ingredients:

• 2 tsp. sugar
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp. ground coriander
• 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 12 oz. pork tenderloin, trimmed and cut into bite size cubes (I used leftover pieces of pork tenderloin from the night before.)
• 1 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/4 fresh pineapple, cored and cubed
• 2 Tbs. fresh cilantro, chopped
• 12 corn tortillas, warmed or toasted 
• 1 avocado, mashed
• 2 Tbs. sour cream
• 2 Tbs. fresh lime juice
• 1/8 tsp. salt

Directions:

1. To prepare pork and pineapple: In a cup, mix sugar, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, pepper, and salt.  Mix half of the spices with the pork, then toss with olive oil.  (I did this with my already cooked pork tenderloin pieces.)  Mix the remaining spices with the pineapple.  Let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes while preparing avocado crema.
2. To prepare avocado crema: Whisk avocado with sour cream, lime juice, and salt in a small bowl.  (Cover the mixture with plastic wrap quickly to prevent browning!)
3. Coat a large, nonstick pan with olive oil spray.  Warm over medium high heat for 2-3 minutes.  Add the pork and cook, turning once or twice, for 8 minutes or until browned and cooked through.  (I just warmed mine for about 5 minutes since it was already cooked.)  Transfer to a clean plate and cover loosely to keep warm.  (I skipped this step and kept the pork in the pan with the pineapple since my pork was already cooked through.)
4. Add the pineapple to the pan and cook, turning once or twice for 3-4 minutes or until golden. Remove from heat and add cilantro.
5. While pineapple cooks, prepare corn tortillas according to the package directions.
6. To assemble: place 3 tortillas on a plate.  Spread the avocado crema onto tortillas.  Top with pineapple and pork mixture.  

Enjoy!

xo,

xo,

Weekend

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Happy Friday, Loves.  And not just any Friday...it's a three day weekend Friday!  

We're sticking around this weekend, but we plan to have some fun.  We can't wait to visit with friends from out of town, spend time with some of our favorites from in town, and say bon voyage and good luck to some great friends moving away from town.  

Wishing you a weekend to relax a little, swim a little, lounge a little, and enjoy LOTS of time with those you love.  

And just in case you are stuck inside this weekend, here are a few favorites from the week:

Shop Nordstom's Half Yearly Sale HERE

Shop JCrew's Extra 25% off Sale with code "PACKME" HERE

A great TED Talk on leadership and marketing HERE

(I know it's not really in the genre of this blog, but I loved it, and I think it's a great message)

A new recipe to try HERE

A beautiful, bright space full of favorite things HERE

xo,

Nordstrom's Half Yearly Sale

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Nordstom is having their half-yearly sale for women and children.  I love stocking up during these sales, whether it's a new pair of white jeans, the perfect wedge, or a fun piece of jewelry.  To save you the time of scrolling through hundreds of pages of sale items, here are my top eight sale picks. I'm especially loving the tassels on the Tory Burch bracelet, I'm thinking a new pair of pointy toe flats might be the perfect thing for my summer work wardrobe...

Happy Shopping!

xo,

Mid Week Muse: Nine to Five

top // pants  (on sale!) // earrings (on sale!) // wrap // watch // bag // shoes

It's Wednesday, and that means it's time for Mid Week Muse with Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls!  We hope you will link up today and maybe even invite a friend or two to link up as well.  

For this week's "muse," I'm thinking about my nine to five wardrobe.  Since I've been working from home, and I've gotten away with wearing a combination of workout clothes, jeans, and anything else that I happen to grab from the clean laundry stack.  While this has been wonderful, we've started working in an actual office (ie: with other people around), and I feel like my jean shorts and workout clothes might not cut it anymore.

Luckily I don't need to wear suits or heels everyday, but I do want to feel put together and appropriate.  Some days when I have meetings I'll go for the dress and heels, but usually I prefer pants or jeans and cute flats.  Throw in a large bag for toting superheroes, a wrap for chilly air conditioned spaces, and some amazing earrings and you've got my standard work wear.  I still love my neutral colors (black and white really never goes out of style), so most of my "fun" comes through accessories.  These geode earrings are the perfect thing, and they are currently on sale with code "MEMDAY14."

Now it's your turn.  Link up below and share your "muse" for the week!  

How it works:

Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:

Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

@annelliottblog and @pampersandpearls

Follow us on BlogLovin:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

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Also linking up with:

Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy

xo,

Recipe: Dressed Up Green Beans

When it comes to making vegetables, I'm always on the lookout for fun, creative ways to prepare old favorites like green beans.  There's always the roasting route (which I love), or the slow cook for hours and add bacon route (not bad either), but sometimes you just want something a little different.  Enter these "dressed up" green beans.  Luckily, the "dressing up" uses simple ingredients and can absolutely be done on a weekend for company or a weeknight for extra flavor.  It's quick, easy and sure to please.  

Recipe: Dressed Up Green Beans

Adapted from The New Southern Garden Cookbook by Sheri Castle

Ingredients:

• Fresh green beans with the ends snapped, blanched
• 3 Tbs. butter
• 1/4 c. chopped pecans
• 4-5 strips of bacon, cooked (optional - if you don't have time, omit the bacon)
• 2 Tbs. chopped parsley
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

To prepare beans: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.  Add the beans and cook until just tender (5-7 minutes.)  While the beans cook, fill a large bowl with ice water.  After the beans are done cooking, drain beans and immediately transfer to the bowl of ice water.  (This preserves color and stops the cooking.  It's how you get that fresh taste and bright green color!)

To finish beans: Melt butter in a large saucepan.  Add pecans and cook until they are crisp (about 3 minutes.)  Add bacon and beans and toss to mix until heated throughout (about 3 minutes.)  Gently stir in the lemon zest and parsley.  Season with salt and pepper.

Enjoy!

xo,

Weekend Updates

Did you have a wonderful weekend?  Ours was beautiful.  Literally, not a cloud in the sky, and perfect temperatures all weekend long.  It was one where you wish you could just freeze time (and humidity), for at least another week or two.  Luckily, we had a few chances to head outside and enjoy the gorgeousness in between baby showers, work meetings, and getting ready for the week.

On Saturday, we showered one of my oldest and dearest "momma to be" friends.  She is already an incredible mom to another sweet little lady, and I know she will love having another little girl in the mix.  We've had lots and lots of baby showers recently, and they it's always so special to spend some time celebrating before a new baby arrives.  We took over a local restaurant for brunch, and I'm still dreaming about the cheese grits...

Pink and White Favors

Momma to Be

It's a Girl!

On Saturdays - We Wear Lavender.  Love you, S.  

With the Grandmothers.

Shower Hosts with the Momma to Be!

Saturday afternoon and evening was devoted to HeroMe.  Our project manager from the sourcing company drove 7.5 hours to meet with us before hitting the road home again.  We convinced him to have a quick dinner with us before heading back to I-95, and we took him to a local BBQ place.  Only once we were seated did we realized that Florida BBQ might not stack up to Carolina BBQ (or Mid-Western ribs), but he gave it his seal of approval.  It was a long day, but things are moving and I'm so thankful for the dedication, advice, and support that HeroMe is receiving. 

Sneak Peak of HeroMe Leg Samples.

On Sunday we woke up to another gorgeous day.  I did a little meal planning over coffee, we had some lemon ricotta pancakes, then we tried out a new church across town.  After lunch we met R+S+K+Baby R for lunch, and savored catching up.  

Coffee and Meal Planning

The afternoon was full of exploring a new building supply salvage place, errands, and long walks to enjoy the beautiful day.  

Echo Designs... a salvage lover's dream.  

I got to try a few new recipes on Sunday night, and I promise to share them with you all soon.  

A Savory (Gluten Free) Muffin

Fancy (but still weeknight) green beans

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend, and I leave you with this thought for the week.  How true...

via

xo,

Favorite Things: 5.16.14

1 // 2 // 3 // 4 // 5 // 6 

Happy Friday!  Wishing you a weekend full of all of your #FavoriteThings!

xo,

Three Things for Thursday

Happy Thursday.  We are within sight of those precious two days we call a weekend, and I couldn't be more excited.  

Today I'm sharing a few random thoughts/things you might not know about me.  I've been paying close attention, and I'm finding that you all respond best to posts that are more about "real life."  For instance, posts that feature weekend updates, posts that give little peaks into day to day life, and sometimes posts about one-piece bathing suits and Target finds.  (How much more "real life" can we get?!?)  So, I thought I'd make a concerted effort to share a little more about myself here on the blog.  That being said, as much as I love sharing snippets here on Ann Elliott, they are just that - snippets.  Some parts might be happy, others silly, and still some sad, but they are little pieces that make up the bigger picture.  Despite what the snippets I do share might reflect, I think it's important to note that my life is just like anyone else's.  It is simultaneously wonderful, messy, stressful, and full of blessings...

and I wouldn't trade it for anything.  

So without further ado, three things for Thursday:

:: I'm Gluten Free :: 

Muffin from Sweet Theory Bakery

I gave up gluten in January of this year, and it was tough.  I often joke that I could live on good bread and butter alone (and the occasional chocolate croissant), and as they say there is a grain of truth in every joke.  All jokes aside, while I do miss bread, pastries and cakes, I've found some incredible gluten free recipes and flour substitutes.  (Like this, and this.)  Even better than my own substitutes though, is Sweet Theory bakery.  They make the most delicious gluten free (and peanut free) items - muffins, crumb cake, brownie bites - you name it they have it... and it's good.  Locals - they are in Riverside on King Street and worth checking out whether you are gluten free or not!  

:: I Love Doing Laundry::

If only... image via

I know this is a strange fact, but it's true.  I actually wrote a law school application essay that highlighted my love for doing laundry.  (It was a short 250 word writing sample - I promise my other essays had more weight behind them.)  Laundry is therapeutic for me.  You take a jumble of clothes, sort them for washing, then fold them into neat and organized stacks as they emerge from the dryer.  Few other things in life provide this much immediate organizational gratification, and I really love the way clean laundry smells.... 

:: This Is One Of My Biggest Fears ::

via

I've shared with you all before that I'm a "try and do everything" type of person.  That being said, I constantly have three to five things I would love to be working on or pursuing or learning.  Unfortunately, there aren't enough hours in the day to pursue them all, so I try to focus on one or two things to the exclusion of the others.  My worry is that I won't ever get to the others.  It's so easy to put things off only to wake up and find a month, a year, or five years has passed.  I certainly don't want to look back on my life and wonder why I never found the time to take a photography class, learn french, start my own business, etc.  

What do you think?  Do you like "Three Things" on Thursdays?  Is there another type of post you would like to see more of?

xo,

Mid Week Muse: Spring has Sprung

top // shorts (20% off with code: SOGOOD) // studs // sunglasses // tote  (can be personalized) // watch // flats

Spring has definitely sprung here in Florida.  It's warm and pretty humid, and we are inching our way into the blazing temperatures and extreme humidity of the summer months ahead.  I'm trying to savor the last vestiges of "spring weather" here, and my #MidWeekMuse is themed accordingly.  

I still love the idea of patterned shorts, and this pair is perfect with a tailored top or dressed down with a simple tank.  If you want to try pattern mixing, throw on a small scale print top (like these skinny stripes) to counter balance the large floral pattern.  You'll see I've paired my "warm weather" must have's with this outfit: wear anywhere studs (the trick is finding nice looking fakes), sunglasses (keep them a little "hip" to balance out the rest of the look's preppy vibe), a lightweight tote for flowers, beach towels, or anything else you might need, a white watch (Sandra Bullock in the blindside is still my hero), and flats to show off your cajun shrimp pedicure.  

What's inspiring you?  Link up or leave a comment below and let me know!

How it works:

Grab the button below and link back to both of our blogs:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

Link up starts on Wednesday at 6am EST

*It would also be super nice of you to visit the blog that entered the link up before you and leave a comment.  We're into creating a community here!*

Promotion:

Please help us promote our new link-up!

Use #MidWeekMuse and be sure to tag us on IG:

 @anniebryan and @pamperspearls

Share your post on Facebook and give us a shout out:

@annelliottblog and @pampersandpearls

Follow us on BlogLovin:

Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls

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Today I'm also linking up with:

Also linking up with:

Because Shanna Said So

Get Your Pretty On

The Pleated Poppy

xo,

Weekend Recap: George and Lauren's Wedding Weekend

Good Morning!  I know my weekend post would usually fall on a Monday, but we got in town late on Sunday and spent the better part of Monday regrouping from our weekend away.  So today it is!

We spent the weekend in Charlotte, NC celebrating the wedding of Lauren and George.  As I mentioned on Friday, it was a whirlwind weekend with friends from undergrad, friends from law school, and friends from our time in Charlotte.  

W&L Crowd

Part of the Law School Crowd

We actually left Florida on Thursday night, and we arrived in Charlotte in time for the "Wedding Weekend Kick-off" party.  It was a smaller crowd, and it was incredible to get some one on one time with Lauren and George before the other parties started.  

Laugh Spasm

On Friday, Josh and I grabbed breakfast at my favorite Charlotte breakfast spot - Toast Dilworth.  I had the gluten free french toast, and I debated ordering another round...it was that good. 

GF French Toast from Toast Dilworth

After breakfast, Josh had groomsmen duties, so I spent some time visiting my favorite boutiques... Luna, Bevello, Handpicked, Petal, Sloan,  Monkees, and Paper Source to name a few.  I even found a new spot with great jewelry, KK Bloom.

Bracelets at KK Bloom

Notepads at Paper Source

Mint Purse at Handpicked

Printed tops at Bevello

Friday night was the rehearsal dinner and after party at the Duke Mansion.  The location was beautiful, the food was delicious, and the toasts had me simultaneously laughing and crying.  There were tons of toasts, and they were truly some of the best, most thoughtful toasts I've ever heard.  For the party after the After Party, we sat in the hotel lobby with a pint of Ben and Jerry's a caught up with friends who had flown in from St. Louis and Palo Alto until the wee hours.  

George and Lauren

With Christina
Jumpsuit here

Duke Mansion

Saturday morning brought a wedding day brunch at Charlotte Country Club.  Once again the location was spectacular and the food was amazing.  Omelet bars, fresh chocolate croissants, and mimosas...I'm suddenly realizing that my scale might not have mysteriously become uncalibrated while I was away.

Josh + Annie, Maggie + Lewis, Christina + Chase
Dress (old) from here
Shoes (great price) here

The wedding was Saturday evening at Christ's Church.  Following a beautiful service (performed by the bride's mother!), we ate and danced the night away at Myers Park Country Club.  Every detail of the evening was considered, and the effect was perfect.  

Heavenly. 

Cutting the Cake.

With my cute date.
dress here

George + Josh + Leggett...traditions.

Eyebrow buddies.

A "Pom Pom" send off.

College roommates reunited.  DOJO forever.

After hours spent at the hotel's continental breakfast on Sunday (seriously- from 8:30am to 12:30pm), we were able to say a sad goodbye to most of our group.  We also got to meet a few new additions - Baby JLK V, and Baby ELR...born 5 weeks apart and already betrothed.  We figure we've got to start planning more weddings so we can all be together again soon.  (Or in 25 years.)

Lessons.

Three men and a baby.

All in all it was an incredible weekend, full of great times with friends and memories.  Congrats to Lauren and George!

via

xo,