Friday, April 30, 2021

Links I'm Loving

 I cannot believe by the end of the weekend we will officially be in the month of May. I feel like between now and Last March everything has just kind of blended together. I honestly wish that the year would slow down a little, but I am glad that we are on the track to getting back to normal and things are slowly becoming safer. Wishing all of those plan on attending the Kentucky Derby a safe weekend and everyone else a wonderful weekend as well!

One// Pastry Chef Attempts to Make Gourmet Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

This video is a year old and I don’t know how it is that I have just now watched it because Krispy Kreme doughnuts are the only doughnuts I will eat, more specifically the original glazed, and I used to be obsessed with Gourmet Makes.

 

Two// There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing

I feel like this is an article that everyone can relate to right now, everything considered

 

Three// Tory Burch Swim

I always love the prints that Tory Burch comes out with for her swim collection and I am very much loving the ‘climbing vines’ print this year. The colors are beautiful and the print is famine and just really whimsical 

 

Four// J. Crew Slim Perfect T-Shirt

I have so many of these shirts and just love them. They are so comfortable and perfect to wear under sweaters, cardigans, or just itself with a skirt or pair of shorts

 

Five// Black Beauty

Black Beauty was one of my favorite books growing up and I have completely fallen in love with the Disney Plus Black Beauty movie. If you haven’t watched it yet, I highly recommend!

Thursday, April 29, 2021

My Recent Favorite Purchases

 One thing I can say for Covid, is that it has made online shopping all the more dangerous, especially with all the newly featured Instagram and Facebook ads. When the spring collection first started coming out I was a little worried that it was going to be a season of not so faltering pieces, but as the weather has warmed up the fashion has noticeably improved, thankfully. So, I thought it would be a little fun to share some of my favorite recent purchases with you all!

Playa Lucila Pleated Floral Dress

Shopbop is hands down my favorite website to shop; they have all my favorite designers and items available at every price point imaginable. I love the pattern and fit of this easy breezy summer dress, with its floral print and shoulder ties, it just basically screams summer

28 Summers, by Elin Hilderbrand

Confessional, I am such a seasonal reader, Holiday books during November and December, and beach reads for the summer – yes, please. I discovered Elin Hilderbrand books a few years ago when I started reading her Winter Street series {obviously around the holiday season}, and I completely fell in love with her writing style

Drapey Paper-Bag Short

Unpopular opinion, but normally I am not a fan of J. Crew’s shorts at all. I usually end up being in between sizes or their shorts are just too short for me, and I usually can’t find a pair that fit well. These shorts however are amazing! I love the style fit and length of them, plus, they are super comfortable. Runs true to size

Puff-Sleeve Ribbed Sweater

I have always loved J. Crew shirts; they are always super soft, last forever, and are so versatile. This long sleeve shirt is so cute and I love that the addition of puff-sleeves kicks it up a notch so that it can be dressed up or down. Runs a little big, you might want to size down

Provincial Floral Marina Headband

When it comes to gift giving, headbands have become like candles – a can’t go wrong gift. I always love how the Loeffler Randall headbands fit and I practically love the floral print on this headband.

Invisibobble

I forgot how much I love these. I have started wearing them for yoga and I love how this style of hair tie kind of moves with the shift of activity and doesn’t really fall out of place too badly

Tiered Skirt in Blue Ribbon Block Print

This skirt is actually much cuter in person than it is on the website. It’s super cute and the skirt is actually longer in person as well. I normally wear a 2 in shorts and ordered and x-small in this skirt and it fits perfectly!

Just Female Tessa Skirt

In Anthropologie’s sale section, items from this past fall and winter are listed at amazing sale princes and they have so many cute things still in stock just from where people weren’t buying as much as they normally would due to a slight change in lifestyle. You can seriously purchase a skirt that had originally been $150 or $200 for $19 right now, which is crazy. This is another skirt that is actually a lot cuter in person than it is on the internet. Very flattering and I love all the fall colors included in the plaid print. 

Eva Franco Edita Sequined Tulle Maxi Skirt

Not the most practical purchase, but I just love the whimsical pattern on the skirt, and who can ever resist a pink tulle skirt with a touch of glitter that slightly resembles a modern day Glinda the Good Witch Outfit. Love the fact that this skirt can be worn durning the summer months with a nice pair of sandals and a casual shirt and can also be worn during the holiday season with a nice sweater and a pair of heel

Thursday, April 22, 2021

Hitting The Wall

 This week I feel like I have completely hit the wall. I know things are getting better Covid wise, restrictions are being lifted, people being able to convert back a little to how and what they did pre-pandemic, but lets face facts, things still feel so odd at times. 

On a personal level, even without the pandemic in the equation, 2020 was like the year of wrong; I feel like my life folded itself up nice and neat, hoped in the metaphoric basket and went to hell. And incase you are wondering, no, I am not a dramatic person… Life is so drastically different now than it was a year and a half ago and sometimes things just feel so overwhelming, and I get in this mindset that nothing is ever going to workout, and it’s like life just won’t fall into place sometimes, and it can be a little frustrating. But, as the saying goes, things fall apart so something better can fall together {hopefully that is true}.

 

This week I have really felt overwhelmed with different things, and this may sound weird to say, but I have come to find that having too much time on your hands is just as bad as having too little time, which is overwhelming on both ends. So, I figured there are a few other people out there who might be feeling the same way, and thought I would share in the hopes that you don’t feel so alone in what you are feeling in the struggle of hitting the preverbal wall. 

 

It’s definitely during times like these that we need to be a little kinder to ourselves, take a deep breath, count our blessings for what we have, and remember that all good things come with time. In the meantime, here are a few quotes for a little pick-me-up!











Tuesday, April 20, 2021

Summer Accessories

 The bright colors of everything being bloom, vivid blue sky, and the tease of warm days already has me craving the long days of summer, endless stream of sun, the smell of fresh cut grass wafting in the air, and summer accessories. 

Over the years I have turned into such a fan of accessories of any kind. After all, what is life without a few indulgences here and there? I thought it would be fun to round up a few of my current favorite accessories for this coming summer season!

One// Ninety Percent Circle Tie Dye Maxi Dress

Love the fact that this dress can be worn to lunch as a normal everyday maxi dress or can be used as a cover-up! Plus, the shade of blue is absolutely perfect! 

 

Two// Tervis Tumbler – Set of 4

These tumblers have been a favorite of mine for a few years now. I just love the blue and white summer theme that runs throughout the set

 

Three// Blue Packable Wide Bow Sunhat

I think sunhats are my new favorite summer accessories, and they serve a purpose! This is so perfect for the beach; it was made to be packable and the bow is beautiful

 

Four// Souliers Martinez

I am completely loving the woven sandal look so far, and this pair has added the perfect pop of color

 

Five// Ray-Ban Erika Sunglasses

Is there such a thing as owning too many Ray-Ban sunglasses? I like to think not… I love the shape of these; they are such a classic

 

Six// Besame Exotic Pink Lipstick

Besame is one of my favorite lipstick brands. Their colors are so vibrant and they were made to be worn for hours one end

 

Seven// Ganni Light Cotton Scarf

I know scarves during the summer time are not near as popular as they used to be, but this one is too beautiful to turn away from. The shade of yellow and floral print is just perfection!

 

Eight// Summer Cocktails, by Nick Mautone

Fact, summer just isn’t summer without a delicious cocktail and hand and this one is chalk full of great recipes

 

Nine// Bamboo Elisabetta Slouch Handbag

The light pink color of this tote set off by the bamboo handles just makes for a stunning combination

 

Ten// Eugenia Kim Mirable Hat

Another hat that would be perfect for the beach or day spent by the pool, only this time it has a pink bow

 

Eleven// Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

Hands down, my most favorite sunscreen, in existence 

 

Twelve// J. Crew Knot Headband in Satin

Who could resist the soft pink shade of this headband. Could be worn with so many things and acts as such a wonderful neutral color

 

Thirteen// Muzen Audi Bluetooth Speaker & Radio

I always love items that have a little vintage flair to them. This Bluetooth radio would be so cut for a porch party or day spent at the pool, beach, or lake!

 

Fourteen// Veja Sneakers

Love the fact that these sneakers can be worn with so many things and they always look super cute with a sundress!

 

Fifteen// Tory Burch Lipsi Printed One-Piece Swimsuit

The print on this Tory Burch suit is just so beautiful and the fit is super flattering!  

Monday, April 19, 2021

Chicken Pot Pie Recipe

 Remember the popular book series from the nineties, Chicken Soup for the Soul? Well, I am here to tell you that Chicken Pot Pie is good, and maybe even better for the soul… this past week the weather in Nashville was so unusually cold in Nashville to the point where all I really wanted to do was curl up under a blanket at night, a fire going in the background, and the smell of comfort food wafting through the house.

I feel like chicken pot pie has to be on a top ten comfort food list somewhere, because it really is so soothing to not only eat, but also make. I used to make this version of gluten free chicken pot pie all the time, which is fabulous version if you are someone with celiac disease or just choose not to include gluten in your diet, but I was really set on making a traditional one complete with a nice flakey crust. You would think finding a traditional chicken pot pie would be super easy, but it surprisingly was not… I actually ended up making up my own recipe, using the gluten free pot pie recipe as a blueprint and a little research, and it actually turned out super well and was so tasty, so I thought 








Ingredients:

3 Chicken breasts 

2 Tablespoons of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

2 Tablespoons butter

3 Celery stalks {finely diced}

1 Medium/Large Onion {finely diced}

5 Red Potatoes {diced}

2 teaspoons fresh garlic {minced}

¼ Cup all purpose flour

2 Cups Chicken Broth

1 Chicken bouillon cube

1 8oz block of cream cheese

6oz frozen peas

6oz frozen corn

6oz frozen crinkle cut carrots 

2 Tablespoons fresh parsley {finely minced}

¼ Teaspoon dried thyme

Salt

Pepper

1 Sheet frozen puff pastry sheet {thawed}

1 egg

1 Tablespoon water

 

Instructions:

1.      Preheat over to 350 degrees F

 

2. Set out frozen puff pastry sheet to thaw {takes about 40mins when sat out at room temp}

 

3.    Cut/chop chicken breasts into bite size pieces. Heat 2 tbs. extra virgin olive oil in a pan, add chicken and cook till chicken is white on the outside and cooked through. As chicken cooks, be sure to season with salt and pepper. Once chicken is finished cooking, transfer to a paper towel lined plate to drain and set aside. 

 

4.    Melt 2 tbs. butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat 

 

5.    Add diced onion, celery, and potatoes to large sauce pan. Saute 8 – 12 minutes {or until vegetable are softened}, with lid on, stirring occasionally. Add garlic when vegetables are almost finished cooking

 

6.    Mix in ¼ cup flour, 2 cups chicken broth, 1 chicken bouillon cube, and 8oz block of cream cheese {cut block of cream cheese into smaller pieces before adding to large sauce pan}. Cook until cream cheese is melted and sauce is thickened and smooth

 

7.      Fold in 6oz frozen peas, 6oz frozen corn, 6oz frozen carrots, and cooked chicken 

 

8.    Add in 2 Tbs. of finely minced fresh parsley and ¼ tsp. dried thyme. Season with salt and pepper

 

9.    Pour mixture into a 12-inch over safe skillet

 

10.  Roll out sheet of puff pastry on a floured surface and place on top of skillet. Use scissors or a sharp knife to cut off any excess dough hanging over the sides. Once puff pastry is placed over the top of the skillet and trimmed, use a sharp knife to cut a few slits in the center of the dough 

 

11.    In a small bowl, whisk 1 egg and 1 Tbs. of water together and brush over the top of the pot pie

 

12.  Cook 20-25 minutes, or until top of puff pastry is golden brown.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

Links I'm Loving

 Is it weird to anyone else that we are already in the month of April? I always love this time of year; the trees are bursting into full bloom, the flowers are springing out of the ground, and everything is just so bright and beautiful. I haven’t done one of these in awhile, and these are oddly my favorite posts to put together. So… here are a few fabulous links I have come across within the past week! 

One// How I Mental Health by Kristen Bell

Mental Health has become such an important topic over the years, and I love the fact that so much emphasis is being placed on the subject. Marie Claire just published an interview with Kristen Bell and it is such a fabulous read

 

Two// English Factory Ruffle Blouse

Shopbop is currently having a style event sale and you can receive up to 25% off your purchase with code STYLE at checkout! This white English Factory Ruffle Blouse with navy piping detail around the neckline and ruffle sleeves 

 

Three// Southern Living Chocolate Cobbler

I always associate fruit with the word cobbler with fruity, but a chocolate cobbler sounds pretty amazing to me… Southern Living has come out with a chocolate cobbler and it looks simply amazing!

 

Four// Sarah Flint Grear Sandal

I have been wearing these sandals on repeat lately. They are so comfortable, look great with anything, the fit is perfection, and I love how they tie

 

Five// Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Since the weather has been gradually warming up I have been spending a little more time outside go for walks and so on, and Supergoop is my favorite sun protective productive. This particular sunscreen is so light weight and can even be worn with makeup.  

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

Shopbop Style Event

A Shopbop style sale is just the thing to put a spring in anyone’s step. Shopbop is probably my most favorite website to shop just for the simple fact that they seem to have all my favorite designers, items ranging at every price point possible, with endless styles available. It’s basically a one-stop shop website {which is an amazing thing in my book}. Be sure to use code STYLE at checkout to receive 15% off orders $200 or more, 20% off orders of $500 or more, and 25% off orders of $800 or more! Below are just a few of my favorite items that are included in the style event! 

One// Saloni Ashley-B Dress

I can never resist a blue and white color combination any time of the year, but especially during the summer months! I love the style of this dress and the whimsical floral print


Two// Hunting Season Small Top Handle Bag

I feel like this handbag just calls to me with its classic structure, sleek contrasting materials and cross body strap. It honestly looks like a handbag that would be in a black and white movie {which I consider to be a high compliment}


Three// Ancient Greek Sandals Saita Sandals

These are the perfect shoes to slip with pretty much anything this spring and summer season. Plus, the gold straps make it extremely neutral where they can be paired with anything


Four// Tretorn Hayden Sneakers

I love the fact that Tretorn have become so popular over the past few summers, and let’s not forget to mention how great they look with a sundress.


Five// Olivia von Halle Alba Pajama Set

I know…I know… these pajamas are definitely a splurge but they are on sale and who can have a bad night’s sleep when they are wearing silk pajamas complete with an adorable print


Six// Shashi Katerine Pebble Earrings 

I normally gravitate towards post earrings, but I have really hopped on the huggie earrings bandwagon. The design of these makes them the perfect item for everyday wear 


Seven// Lele Sadoughi Seersucker Knotted Headband

Headbands have become one of my new go-to can’t go wrong gift items. Whether you decide to buy this one for yourself or for a friend or family member, you really can’t go wrong with the classic black and white seersucker print 


Eight// Loeffler Randall Rayne Pleated Frame Clutch with Bow

I have become such a fan of this company over the past couple of years. Their shoes, headbands, handbags are always so beautiful and have the most thoughtful detailing. The floral print with the gold chain and bow detail just make for a stunning clutch


Nine// Annie Bing Bar Silk Skirt

Maybe it is the 90s girl in me, but I have always had a soft spot for a silk skirt. I love the classic color and fit of this particular one


Ten// English Factory Colorblock Midi Dress

I absolutely love pretty much anything made by English Factory! All of their items are such great quality, always flattering, and priced so reasonable. I feel like this colorblock dress just screams summer, and really…is there ever such a thing as owning too many midi dresses? 


Eleven// Capittana Leticia Gold One Piece

I love the fact that one pieces have gained such popularity over the years and this one is just so cute with its metallic material and the ruffle details


Twelve // Kitsch Rose Quartz Roller

This is hands down my favorite beauty tool. I was strongly skeptical of facial rolling before I gave it a try, but it really does make such a difference in skin quality and appearance


Thirteen// Sea Hattie Ramie Flutter Sleeve Top

This top would look great tucked in or worn casually out with either a pair of pants or shorts. The color, famine details, and style just make for the perfect combination


Fourteen// Tizo Acrylic Picture Frame

In my honest opinion there is never such a thing as too many pictures on display in your personal area. The elegant style of this frame is so beautiful and the acrylic material will ensure that your picture is the focal point