Extended Vacay...

I promised I would try to post over my girls' trip to Punta Cana. Anddd that clearly didn't happen. I had grand plans to post this week, but I'm not sure that's in the cards either. I'm taking a little a hiatus to get my ducks in a row, bags unpacked, and life back in order. (Did I mention our dishwasher, and mower are broken? #howdoyoulivewithout) So once I can dig myself out of the sand, I'll see ya back here!

Here is one of my favorites from this past week...

Vacay!

I know I've been a slacker blogger this week - but I've got a stellar reason. Tomorrow I am joining my college besties in PUNTA CANA! I'm so excited. I will try to give you some mini posts while I'm there but I'll definitely give you the full rundown when I return!

Oh, Hey Friday!

Hey Kids, It's FRIDAY! I've been counting down the days as of late with my impending vacay to Punta Cana! In case you're wondering, 3 days until I leave for Miami, and in 4 days, I'll be there! I'm linking up again today with The Farmers Wife, and September Farm!

So here are my five things for this Friday:

-ONE-

Chrissy Teigen.

 Prior to this year and her SI swimsuit issue cover, I honestly didn't know much about Chrissy Teigen. I knew she was a model, and I knew she was married to John Legend (I learned that on a Bethenny episode. Man I miss that show.) What I did NOT know, is that she is an unabashedly honest and silly girl. Sure, she's a supermodel, but she is the most normal celebrity I've come across in awhile (I know, I know, I don't actually know her). But, after spending some time following her on Instagram, and reading her blog So Delushious, I feel like I do! Check out her blog and IG, its highly entertaining. (I love the 'resting bitch face' jokes). This skinny model LOVES food, and has some great recipes and tutorials. Like how to make scallops, which is my personal favorite post so far.

-TWO-

New Hair!

This week I finally bit the bullet and actually changed my hair. I did minor subtle highlights, and got a nice new cut as well.  Right now it's not terribly noticeable, but I wanted to take baby steps, and its supposed to lighten naturally over time. We will see!Mine is not quite this light yet, but this is the 'look':

Here is me in the Four Seasons Resort bathroom sneaking a selfie #waytoclassitupmal 

I promise I'm not selfie obsessed, but I still can't seem to figure out where my professional photographer is. I thought when you started a blog they just started following you and snapping photos. No? Not so?

-THREE-

Garden and Gun

Yesterday, the latest issue of Garden and Gun arrived at my house. I am so excited to read it, and even more excited to try the Green Tomato Pie recipe! This magazine is my new favorite thing, it has great articles that both me, and my husband can enjoy. I highly recommend it!

-FOUR-

Protein Smoothies.

This week I got back on to the smoothie trend for breakfast now that summer is back in full swing. I often get really hungry after having one, so I started trying to add more protein. I typically did a peanut butter and banana smoothie (with spinach and sometimes coco or a chocolate flavor instant breakfast) but over time I got tired of it. Also, there's  a TON of fat in Peanut Butter. I saw an article in SHAPE that gave the best protien powders on the market, and came across Jay Rob's Egg White Protein Powder. It's all natural and made from eggs, and is not as processed as some of the other powders. I've been using it daily, and its been great! I don't taste it at all, and it dissolves really easily. Check it out!

-FIVE-

Be Thankful in Prayer.

I think today its really important that we all take a moment to be very thankful for what we have. It's been an awful week around the world, from Gaza, to Ukraine there has been a lot death and violence.  Political leaders around the world have sacrificed many innocent victims in the name of egos and hate. Keep all of those hurt and grieving families in your thoughts and prayers. 

And, for the love of God, can someone please drop a house on Putin. (sorry, I know that's not very Christian-like, but somehow he's been avoiding the lightening bolts.) #wheresdorothywhenyouneedher

That's it for me, see y'all later!

xoxo

M

Basil Pesto - Recipe Swap Link Up

I'm a little tardy on this link-up, but hey, the more the merrier, right?! Or, I guess it would be 'better late than never'? Whatever, you get what I mean. Join me with Martinis & Bikinis the Green Fashionista for a Recipe Swap!

I am a self proclaimed foodie. I. love. food. I also love to cook, but it's hard cooking for just two people. This is why I adore this particular recipe - as it allows me to prepare, freeze it, and make a gourmet meal later on (in minutes!). Pesto is a great way to 1) use up the absurd amounts of basil your monster genetically altered plant is producing and 2) jazz up plain old boring pasta. Also, pesto is freakin' expensive.

So, to start off, I scoured all my favorite cookbooks. Of course, old faithful was the only one I could find a recipe in.  This cookbook, given as a wedding shower gift by my sister-in-law Kelly, is the best thing ever. (If you need a gift idea for someone who likes to cook, or wants to learn to cook BUY THIS BOOK). I was  skeptical at first because it doesn't have pictures. ( I know, right?) What cookbook doesn't have pictures? I select 99% of the recipes I cook by the amazing pictures. This cookbook is all business. However, you quickly get over that because it literally holds every recipe known to man. It is called (get this) "How to Cook Everything." They really aren't kidding.Want to make homemade syrup? We got it. Need the perfect white sauce? We got that too. Genius.

Aside from the 'everything' cookbook, here are some of my favorite books to cook from:

   (P.S. - if you love Cuban cooking, you need "Memories of  a Cuban Kitchen". My cousin (from Cuba) gave this to me as a wedding gift, and it has the best, most authentic recipes. In fact, it even has THE recipe for the original daquiri made famous by Earnest Hemingway at La Floridita in Havana.)

See what I mean? No pictures, all food. I'm pretty sure you have to memorize this to be on Chopped. #howdotheyknowallthoserecipesbyheart

Here is the recipe that I used ( When I made it, I left a few things out, and added a few...I do this. I can't follow a recipe)

Basil Pesto

2 Cups loosely packed Basil (I also added oregano, and parsley)

1/2 Clove garlic

Salt

2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts (i left this out - didnt have nuts..)

1/2 cup of Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1/2 Cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, Pecorino, or other hard cheese

So first I went out to my monster plant and harvested some herbs. I also had some oregano which has somehow survived from last summer. It looks rough, but I actually had a lot of leaves left on the plant - so I grabbed some!

giant leaves...

My harvest...

I'm an EXTREMELY messy cook, so I have no prep pictures. I was afraid oil + camera + granite = disaster. So I'll just give you the run down. Use your imagination. 

First, I washed all my herbs and put them into the ninja. Next, I added the garlic, salt, (and pepper, again I add stuff) and the oil. If you plan on serving the pesto right away, go ahead and add the cheese. If you are freezing it, leave the cheese out. Next puree the crap out of it. One note  - I accidentally added too much oil so I had to add more basil and garlic and by then end I felt like it was a little too pureed. I would recommend stopping when its on the thicker side - it will become more liquidy the more you puree it. 

If you are freezing it - which I did - take the Parmesan and chop it up in the trusty ninja, and fold into the pesto. (I now have walnuts, so i'll probably add those as well...)

Anddd Voila! Friends, we have Pesto. Now, don't you think you can do this? And doesn't sound impressive? Oh the pesto, oh yeah, I made that. You're welcome. 

#Trending Tuesday

Hola! Tonight I'm blogging about hardware. Girl hardware. These days, if its blinging or has a chain on it, I want it -- which brings me to my latest steal from Bloomingdales. The best part of this purchase (drumrollllll...) I HAD A GIFT CARD! #ilovefreemoney

I recently became a HUGE fan of Rebecca Minkoff handbags after I saw my bestie's M.A.C handbag in Boston this past winter. I spent hours pouring over every color and style and settled on an amazing hot pink mini M.A.C -- only discover upon opening it that it was damaged. Long story short, I couldnt find the bag in perfect condition and let it go (to read more check out last week's post here). With an awesome gift card and coupon code I got courtesy of Bloomingdale's Customer Service Department, I took advantage of Bloomingdale's glorious 4th of July sale (God Bless America.) and acquired these little pretties...

I love this chunky necklace as a classic statement piece to dress up an outfit. It has traditional pearl beads, but a bright gold blingin' chain. Amazing. And this bag. Oh, this bag. Seeing as I won't be purchasing a Chanel handbag anytime soon (however if you'd like to help me achieve this goal please click feel free to send cash. :) ) I settled for this beauty. It has the signature black quilted leather and chain handle.  I adore the white leather trim and the very best part of this bag - the studs. I am not an adventurous girl, but if I'm going to do studs --- this is the way for me. I like to think its an accurate representation of my style - its classic, timeless, but it has a little sass. What trends are you loving these days??

-xoxo-

M

Classic Florals

Floral patterns aren't just for Easter Sunday anymore. There are few things that are more 'classic' than a beautiful floral pattern. Sure, sometimes floral can be a little dowdy, or old fashioned, but done right this print can look chic and modern.  This flirty and feminine print can dress up a common striped shirt or dress or a plain solid dress.  I became completely hooked on florals when Ted Baker came out with the Luceey Pump (#5), and it has only gotten worse over the last few weeks! As of late, my favorite new floral piece is the zip printed leather floral clutch by K. Slademade (#3). You can dress it up with an adorable leather tassel as well. So cute!


These are just a few of my picks, what do you think? Would you rock a floral print?

Ted Baker halter dress
neimanmarcus.com

Rebecca Taylor white crop top
rebeccataylor.com

Rebecca Minkoff floral sleeveless top
neimanmarcus.com

Alexander McQueen Floral Patchwork Slipper
couture.zappos.com

Ted Baker pink metallic shoes
nordstrom.com

Ted Baker orange high heel shoes
nordstrom.com

Ivanka Trump pink shoes
heels.com

Tory Burch handbag
toryburch.com

Rebecca Minkoff leather purse
nordstrom.com

Kate Spade sunglasses
amazon.com

Artist Series Floral Vale Pouch Pink
kslademade.com

Oh, Hey Friday!

Hey Friends! Today I’m linking up with Karlie from September Farm, and Amy from The Farmer’s Wife to bring you “Oh, Hey Friday!”.  While Five on Friday is on its little summer hiatus, these ladies are doing their own little link up, and today, we’re joining in the fun!

This week’s Five a little different for me…some are gripes, some are life hacks. Either way, I hope you enjoy.

1.       Bloomingdale’s Customer Service – A few months back I bought a bag for my birthday, and it showed up damaged – with wear on the corners. So, I sent it back, but it was the very last one so I couldn’t exchange it. I then bought it again, this time at Bloomingdales. It also showed up damaged – and shocker – it was again, the last one in stock. So after getting the bag from 2 different stores and it being damaged in the same way, I opted to let go of my dream of ever owning the bag. When I went to return the bag, I got terrible service, and subsequently filled out a survey.  Just in case you’re wondering, these surveys are magical. And they read them. The next day I got a personal phone call, a 15% coupon code (to be used WITH a sale) AND a $45 gift card.  This week I finally used my code and gift card with the annual Summer Sale and got THE most amazing bag. (I’ll blog about that later…) So, FYI, fill out surveys.

2.       Ray Ban’s Lack of Customer Service- If you ever use the Rayban warranty/repair service be prepared, it’s awful. I sent some broken glasses in to them about 2 weeks ago, and have not even gotten a confirmation (besides the USPS delivery confirmation) that they have my glasses. AND when you call you get the same message every day. “We are experiencing higher than normal call volume..yada yada yada”. I seem to remember this SAME message about 2 years ago when I bought a replacement part for my glasses. If everyday you are experiencing ‘higher than normal call volume’ then you need o change your expectations.  When you charge the upwards of $170+ for your glasses, I think you might be able to afford to HIRE MORE CALL OPERATORS! #dontthinkillhavenewglassesformytrip

3.       Highlights. This week, I finally bit the bullet and made an appointment to get my hair highlighted. (Baby steps, baby steps). I’ve never really done anything to my hair before –except that recently I began to get a gloss to cover some early onset gray hair (eeeek!!!). That was HUGE step for me, and I literally dye it the same exact color it is naturally. Most of my best friends don’t even know (they do now!).  I’ve never been adventurous with hair, I keep it pretty tame. But I decided about 6 months ago to highlight it…and then I sort of chickened out and just got it died brown again. So, this week I called and made the appointment, and have amassed a ton of pictures of Alessandra Ambrosio and Mila Kunis and their amazing hair. So, do me a favor, next week, when I update you on this, please tell me it looks good, even if it looks like this:

 (just kidding, if it looks like this, I’ll be buying a box of Nice ‘n’ Easy on the way home…)

4.       Two Weeks til Punta Cana! Get ready, you’re going to see me post about this again. Probably next week. And then when I come back, there will be more. I’m so unbelievably excited, I can’t even stand it. My best friends and I are going to go to Punta Cana to celebrate turning 30 – the 30 celebrations just don’t stop around here! And, I must admit, if you have to turn 30, you might as well have a whole bunch of parties surrounding it, to soften the blow.

5.       Zara Sale – This is more of a warning. If you get sucked into the Zara sale much like I did, avoid buying anything white. Even if its loose and flowy…its all see through. I ordered two amazing dresses that were worn by Kristin Taekman on RHONY, and they were totally see through. Like, I can see you nude panties, see through. So, stick to colors when it comes to Zara. (Unless you live in one of those cities that has a store, so you can try stuff on. )

That’s it for me – What are your Five??

YAY FRIDAY! #bringiton

Summer Style Weekly Link Up

The key to beating the heat AND the AC in the South Florida summer is to layer! It's hard to dress for 100 degrees outdoors, and 60 degrees indoors. Today I chose slimming white cropped jeans, a gauzy high low sweater over a tissue tank. To dress it up for work I added nude patent heels and a big chunky necklace and cocktail ring.




Still don't have that professional photographer...so here we are again with the selfies.... :)

#Trending Tuesday - Mixing and Matching Dressy & Casual Pieces

Today I'm teaming up with some great bloggers to bring you #Trending Tuesday! Check out these ladies' blogs for some great new trends!

When it comes to shopping, my greatest weakness are those one of a kind ‘where am I going to wear this’ types of items. I am always drawn to things that are different, that stand out, and are unique. I will often avoid items that seem to be too ‘everyday’ or too over done. As a result, I am left with a closet full of fantastic pieces and no where to wear them. (Great plan, huh?) So, I’ve started looking for ways to incorporate these items into my every day life. The trend I'm bring to you today, is mixing dressy & casual pieces for a polished look!

This past spring, I purchased this sequin crop top and pencil skirt set in the spring, hoping for an amazing cocktail event that I could wear them.

So far, no event. But, I have found a way to work this darling statement piece into my wardrobe. I paired it with a J’adore graphic tee and a pair of plain black pumps, and work it to work. The first thing my husband said was, “Can you wear t-shirts to work??”. Well, this t-shirt look, you totally can.  If I were wearing this outfit out, I would probably jazz it up a little more by wearing my hot pink patent strappy sandals. But, since I am wearing this to work, I opted for some classic black pumps. Give you any ideas for things in your closet? Try pairing unconventional items together, you just might love your new look.

xoxo

M

Excuse the quality of my cell phone camera pics (and my unmade bed), unlike other fashion bloggers, I have not my own professional photographer to follow me around. J

Shirt: J.Crew Factory/ Skirt: Express sold out (love this)/ Necklace: Hautelook (see this post for more info)/ pumps: Kristin Cavallari for Chinese Laundry

Breaking down how I break a sweat...

Hello Friends!

One thing I have learned from living in South Florida is that people here take working out seriously. Very. Seriously. And these people definitely work out in STYLE. Within two weeks of joining my gym,  I realized my faded college t-shirts and sofie shorts were not cutting it. Thus began the hunt for new work out clothing...and holy crap the sticker shock! I quickly realized I was going to need to find quality pieces at a price point I could stomach ($30 or less).  Here are my favorite picks:

• The Green Apple Activewear can be a little pricey but I found all 4 pairs of my shorts/pants at Marshall's and TJ Maxx for rather inexpensive. I love the quality, and they hold up really well. 

•  Victoria's Secret recently has come out with a fantastic VSX workout line that includes some AMAZING sports bras. I have a lot of hard core work out friends that are devoted to LuluLemon, but I honestly feel like these items are a fraction of the price, with great quality and style! The best part is that they hook like a bra on the back so that they are easy to get on and off. (Major points with me...). 
• Nike Tank Tops - I chose these two tops from Dick's Sporting Goods because the fit is perfect and they are moisture wicking. And, I bought the Cheese Fries tank for pure comedic value. :)

• Finally, I have my Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Workout Guide. Ladies, I swear by this! 

 Prior to going to Miami and SC, I had been doing Kayla Itsines's bikini body workout (see my first mention of it here...) I had gotten all the way to week 4, and was becoming rather impressed with myself. I have always struggled with a lower stomach pooch, no matter what I do. But, with this exercise plan, I really began to see my stomach and abs change, and my legs tone without bulking (KEY!) I have a tendency to bulk up when I work my legs, but this workout is really different and is designed to give you a toned slim body. Since I'm sort of starting over after my 3 week hiatus, I'm going to snap a picture this week, and keep track of my progress! I'll keep you up to date....

If you're interested in learning more about Kayla's workout and transformations check out her blog here.

To buy her eBook, and get started today, click HERE!

Trend Watch -- Slouchy Pants

I have recently been looking at the slouch pant trend as something I'm interested in trying. I attempted it once before, but the fit was really off in the pants so I sent them back. One year later, I'm ready to try them again. Here are 3 pairs that I found on Piperlime that I absolutely adore. Which ones are your favorites? What do you think of this trend? Yay, or nay?


Hive and Honey Slouch Pant - $89

THML Clothing Printed Slouch Pants - $46 - On sale!

Blank Denim Vine-Agram Chambray Pants - $69.99

Fun Summer Cocktails Using Mint!

After coming home from vacation last week, we realized that our herbs LOVE summers in Florida! Those afternoon rain storms have turned our tiny mint and basil plants into absolute monstrosities! So, last Saturday night we decided to use some of our mint to make some fun summer cocktails! I am on the hunt for some good basil recipes (I found a strawberry basil drink I want to try...) and as we have successes, we'll be sharing them on the blog!

While on vacation in Pawleys Island last week, my husband and I stopped in at Nosh to have a cocktail at the bar.  We had two of some of the best cocktails we have ever had - all of which were simple to re-create at home! Many times when you get high end craft drinks at nice restaurants, they are full of ingredients that are rare, expensive ingredients that you never have lying around the house. Here is one of the ones we tried, Dr. C's Lemonade.

I used a 'jigger' as a measurement, which is approximately 1 shot. You can use any measurement cup you want, just use the same one for each ingredient, and keep the proportions the same.

 Dr. C's Lemonade

2 parts of Ketel One Citron Vodka

1 part simple syrup
1 part sour mix (I used Rose's)

1 part lemon-lime sode/Sprite

3/4 part of fresh lemon juice

muddle mint (use as much as you like)

Add each of these ingredients and ice into a cocktail shaker (trust me, its essential) along with the lemons you squeezed for the juice. Hold the lid on tight (the carbonation can push the top off!) and shake it well.

I tend to like my drinks a little more tart, but you can lower the amount lemon juice and increase simple syrup or Sprite if you want a sweeter cocktail. If you want to weaken it, or water it down a little, add a little seltzer water.

Rim your glass with sugar, and pour the drink over ice. Garnish with a lemon.

Newsday Tuesday

     

Today I’ve got a couple stories that I think are worth reading…so here goes!

1.       ISIS

Over the weekend the militant Islamist group, ISIS has declared that they have created a caliphate (or an Islamic State) made up a predominantly Sunni populated area spanning from Aleppo province in Syria, to the Diyala province in eastern Iraq.  ISIS, an extremist Islamic organization has wreaked havoc over the countryside of Iraq and Syria, capitalizing on weaknesses from internal conflicts (or in the case of Syria, civil war) and void left by US troops.  An offshoot of Al Qaeda, this group rebranded itself in 2006, and has slowly been growing. Without American expertise in the field, the Iraqi forces have been unable to contain the growth and spread of this group. Further, the Shia dominated government has consistently alienated the Sunni minority within the nation – further fueling the cause of ISIS.  In the areas that it has overtaken, ISIS has imposed a strict Sharia law, requiring boys and girls to be separated and women to wear the full veil in public.  In the wake of the growing movement, the US has deployed 300 troops, in addition to the already 300 advisers on the ground, to protect the embassy, airport, and American personnel on the ground. 

To learn more about this issue check out these articles:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/12/world/meast/who-is-the-isis/

http://www.cnn.com/2014/07/01/world/meast/iraq-crisis/index.html?hpt=wo_c2

2.       The Hobby Lobby Ruling

So as if your Newsfeed isn’t already clogged with people arguing over reproductive rights, how about we add it to the blog feeds as well, eh? Don’t worry. I’m not about to argue the case one way or the other here, but I do think its important that everyone understand what this ruling can mean.

Regardless of how you might feel on this issue, there are two main points that this decision makes, and that I think everyone should consider.

1.       Corporations have religious rights, and therefore

2.       Corporations can exempt themselves from federal statute if it believes the law to be incongruent to its belief system.

*The ruling actually was written as a ‘closely held corporations’ – meaning that the majority of the stock is owned by no more than 5 people. However, with this distinction in definition, the decision would apply to a very large percentage of businesses throughout the nation.

The idea that corporations have religious rights seems to further complicate (or support) the Citizens United ruling, making corporations even more like people, and less like an entity.  Ruth Bader Ginsberg, in her 35 page dissenting opinion, stated that this ruling has opened Pandora’s Box to allow for more suits against federal laws with the argument that the statute violates a religious belief.   

"In a decision of startling breadth, the Court holds that commercial enterprises, including corporations, along with partnerships and sole proprietorships, can opt out of any law (saving only tax laws) they judge incompatible with their sincerely held religious beliefs," Ginsburg wrote. She said she feared that with its decision, the court had "ventured into a minefield."  -- Excerpt from Huffington Post

To learn more check out these articles:

http://www.cnn.com/2014/06/30/politics/scotus-obamacare-analysis/

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/30/ruth-bader-ginsburg-write_n_5544111.html