Monday, January 26, 2015

Weekend Recap: Snow Day, No-Bake Baking, and Monogram Love

Happy Monday, from the snowy Northeast!  Hope everyone is staying warm and safe...we are all snuggled up in our pajamas, and watching the snowfall outside.  It's quite pretty when you're on the inside looking out ;)

We had a cold and lazy weekend around here, but we managed to get outside and play a little too.  Andrew wasn't quite sure what to think of the white fluffy stuff!
But he liked taking the eyes on and off of our super-cute snowman. 




Once we couldn't feel our fingers and toes anymore, we headed back inside to get warm.  
And to play (and eat!) the rest of the weekend away!  


Andrew has been loving his new monogrammed PB Kids chair!  Thank you Mimi and Papa D for the wonderful Christmas gift!  It's the perfect size, and Andrew can fit all his friends inside too ;)



Another monogrammed item that just came in the mail - 
How cute is this for summer?  I can just picture Andrew romping around in this number at the beach :)   
(Ordered off of a Facebook group resale page!)



Lazy day reading with the boys...



I've been trying to drink tons of water lately, after being so sick last week.  A huge mason jar with sliced lemons and a pretty straw is my favorite way to drink it.



I was able to sneak away for a girl's dinner out during the weekend, which was fabulous and much needed!  We went to the new Seasons 52, and had such a wonderful time!
My seared sea scallops were amaaaaaaazing.



Sunday morning, I decided to try making these bite-sized energy balls.  They were so easy to make, and incredibly yummy!  (see recipe below!)


No-Bake Energy Balls

1 cup dry oats
1/2 cup peanut (or almond) butter
1/2 cup coconut flakes (optional)
1/4 cup flax seed (or 1 tbsp chia seeds)
1/3 cup honey
1/2 cup mini chocolate chips (or raisins)
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla

MIX all ingredients.  CHILL for 45 minutes.
ROLL into balls.  ENJOY!
(refrigerate leftover balls)

*As you can see, there are many modifications you can make - feel free to make them according to what your family likes!*


Hope y'all had a great weekend too!  
Is it snowing where you are??

(linking up with Biana today!)

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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

My Latest "Fix"



Have y'all heard about Stitch Fix?  Or have you tried it already?  Well, I found out about it several months ago, and was intrigued.  After reading some great feedback and wonderful reviews, I thought I would give it a shot, and see what all the buzz was about. 

If you don't know, Stitch Fix is basically a service that sends a box full of clothing and accessories that are handpicked by a personal stylist for you.  The stylist analyzes data from questions and information that you answer and give online (that part is actually really fun!)  You get to pick whatever date you want your box shipped out to you.  It comes with 5 items - those items can be selected entirely by your stylist, or you can help choose the type of items you are looking for (i,e. "dress for date night", "distressed skinny jeans").  You can be as specific or non-specific as you want, it's up to you.  

After the box comes, you go through your goodies!  Try them on, see if you like them and how they fit, and then decide what's worth keeping, or sending back.  You get a 25% off discount if you keep ALL 5 items.  If you want to send items back, they include a prepaid bag with label to drop off at any USPS mailbox.  Easy Peasy!  

For what you decide to keep, you pay for!  You do pay an upfront styling fee of $20, but that amount will go towards any item that you keep from your box. All this without all the hassle of driving to the mall, parking, finding a store, digging through racks, finding (or not finding) your size, trying on in the cramped dressing rooms, waiting in line to check out..etc etc.  Its just a few clicks of a button :-) It's really a fabulous idea.  

So on to my very first Stitch Fix Box! I had several requests to share my goodies - so here they are!  
Excuse my awful modeling poses ;)  

1. Floral Infinity Scarf  -$24
Lightweight, linen, gorgeous colors.  I have something similar or else I would have kept it.
Verdict: liked, but sent back.





2. Navy Dress - $78
Flowy, lined, and cinched at the waist. The material of the lining clung to me though.
Verdict:  liked, but sent back.





3. Distressed Skinny Jeans- $120
Dark denim skinny jeans with the perfect amount of distressing.  I specifically asked for something like these, and LOVED them, but they were just a little too big/baggy.  
Verdict: loved, but sadly sent back. 




4. Lace Detail Black Blouse- $34
Really pretty flowy blouse with lace cut out detail.
Verdict: loved, but sent back only because I have something similar.






5. Lace and Crochet Knit Blouse - $64
Reminded me a lot of an Anthropologie blouse.  Well-made, very comfortable, and cute on.
Verdict: loved, and kept! (with my styling fee and a credit on my account I paid $19 for it!)




Overall, I was very impressed with Stitch Fix!  The quality, material, fit, and style was very true to my taste and budget.  It was such a fun and exciting way to shop!   Not to mention, easy!  Especially when I'm used to shopping with a 1-year old!  ;)


Be sure to check out the website, and let me know what you think!

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Friday, January 16, 2015

Five on Friday

I haven't done one of these posts in forever, but they are one of my favorites to do!
Linking up with Liz, and doing my Five on Friday!  



1. Loving Lately

I got these tennies for Christmas, and I wear them almost everyday!  They are so comfortable for running, or running errands (which is more likely for me).  Highly recommend these, and I love the fun punch of color for my typically all black/gray winter wardrobe.


Another Christmas gift that I have been using religiously since it appeared under the tree.  I love EVERY single item in this kit, and it is SUCH a great price for what you get!  The products are gentle, but luxurious feeling.  And I can already see a difference in the way my skin looks and feels.  I definitely will be repurchasing these products, and might even scoop up another kit while they are still in stock!

2. In My Shopping Cart

I fell in love with this lightweight infinity scarf during the Lilly sale last week!  It is so adorable in person, and I can't wait to wear it when the weather warms up a little bit.




I have been on the hunt for a pair of casual black leather booties for awhile now.  Ones that I can wear with skinny jeans, and also flowy dresses in the spring.  Ones that don't have too much of a heel, and definitely not a stiletto heel.  But that do give some height.  And ones that are comfortable. 
Oh, and ones that don't break the bank.    
I thought they just may not exist.  
Well, I found them!  These were on major sale at the Sperry Outlet nearby, and they fit the bill, and are exactly what I was looking for.  So excited about these!






I found this dress on sale in the store this week, and it is so cute on.  Just one of those easy breezy short sleeve cotton dresses.  Can be dressed up with heels and jewels, or down with flats and a denim jacket.  (And it's just a little less expensive than this lookalike number.)





Snagged this one up just yesterday during their online sale!  With shipping it was just $34! 
The quality looks great, and I love the funnel neck, and camel color!  Looks so much more expensive than it was.





3. What I'm Reading:

Eeek!  So many twists and turns!  Almost finished with it, such a page turner!



Just finished this one - maybe the last person on Earth to read it.  
So well written, and a tear jerker for sure.


This devotional has quickly become something that I look forward to reading each morning as I nurse Andrew and sip my iced coffee.  I love how Max Lucado integrates scripture in his writing....it's the perfect daily read.   Short and sweet, yet always powerful.




4. What's for Dinner

Made this deliciousness last night!  It was packed with flavor, and it's one of those recipes that pretty much just requires dumping a whole lot of cans in one pot.  My fave.  



We have been using this pizza crust recipe almost weekly.  It's the best one I've found, and I highly recommend it!  Love it especially for BBQ chicken pizza - our fave :)

Homemade Pizza Crust Recipe.



These have been in the oven A LOT lately, and they are so yummy!  I usually serve them with sweet potato fries and baked kale.


Extra crispy, oven-fried chicken fingers marinated in honey and BBQ sauce. Your whole family will love them!



5. A Little Bit of Family
My favorite part of every day.






Hope y'all have had a wonderful week, and are gearing up for an even more wonderful weekend!!
Happy FRIDAY!

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