Friday Faves

A quick little edition of Friday faves to kick off the weekend and head into July! 

I need this Tequila Rose Spritz in my life ASAP. Rose is having a moment right now and I'm loving it more and more. Not going to lie though, the tequila is what sold me on this. Adding to my cocktail que! 

image via How Sweet Eats

These Buffalo Burgers from The Defined Dish were a great deviation from a basic grilled burger. I used lean ground beef and added some green onions to the meat as well. We ate them on top of arugula with caramelized onions and some roasted okra on the side! 

Image via The Defined Dish

I've never made it a secret that I love a good neutral nail color. I recently got this Orly color (Kiss the Bride) in a gel manicure for a wedding a few weekends ago and I'm in love! I grabbed a regular bottle of it immediately. This color is GOOD. 

Meet my afternoon dream team. This Starbucks iced coffee from the grocery store refrigerator section is all kinds of magic. I don't know what they put in it but I think it's a hundred times better than the iced coffee from an actual Starbucks store. I love it with a splash of half and half and lately have been adding a quick pour of the Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coconut for a little island flavor. Seriously the best.

These Beautycounter products have been game changers for my skin- especially the Cleansing Balm and Countermatch Sleep Recovery Cream. These are both SO GOOD. 

WE HAVE BLUEBERRIES! Our favorite neighbors moved and we transplanted their blueberry bush to our house. It's been moved twice now so I was a little worried about it but we've been getting a good handful of berries. It doesn't make up for all of the berries I buy at the store every week, but it's fun to have our own homegrown blueberries! 

Hope everyone enjoys another wonderful Summer weekend! 

Friday Faves

HAPPY FRI-YAY! It's been a fun filled busy week over here! We celebrated Mark's birthday last weekend with family and the two of us even got to sneak away on Sunday for a day date to the PGA golf tournament that was being held here in Charlotte. I'm a golf fan by marriage and we had the best day. 

I attended a special Mother's Day Brunch at Will's preschool yesterday and it was just about the sweetest thing ever. They walked us to our seats, sang a few sweet songs and served us our brunch! I wasn't prepared and totally forgot to bring kleenex. Such a fun little morning with my boy. 

Here are some of my favorite finds for the week:

Spindrift cocktails are my jam right now! I especially like that it's a "cleaner" cocktail option, especially during the week! So perfect for Summer and they have tons of ideas listed HERE on their site. My favorite is Tito's vodka, a splash of cucumber Spindrift and some lime. 

I love a good neutral nail color and I recently added this one to my collection! (Essie- Lighten the Mood!)

Currently reading: Girl, Wash Your Face by Rachel Hollis. I'm obsessed! So much goodness in these pages and I want to go back and reread it with a highlighter! #nerdalert

Not sure how this happened, but I've turned into a garden lover. I have big plans for our yard but I started out with outdoor planters and pots. Next up, Hydrangea bushes, maybe some peonies and hopefully a little herb garden situation that we can use this Summer! 

I used this Roasted Cauliflower, Tomato and Chick Pea Bowl as my dinner inspiration last night! I added some pesto to the roasted veggies and topped it all with some Italian sausage. So easy and good! 

I made a quick batch of pesto this week and have plenty leftover so this pesto stuffed flank steak is calling my name! Adding it to our weekend menu for sure. 

Vanilla Espresso Almond Butter Energy Bites- YES! 

If you've never made the New York Times Chocolate Chip Cookies...well, then I'll leave that right here. 

Friday Faves

A little Friday Faves to kick off the weekend here! It's been a great week here and I hope it has been at your homes, too. 

Beautycounter came out with some new products last week that I'm itching to try! I've been so happy with my Countermatch Adaptive Moisture Lotion and have high hopes for this Cleansing Milk. Also, if you aren't already familiar with Beautycounter products or want to try and don't know where to start, let's chat! I cannot say enough wonderful things about their skincare.

Are you a contact lens wearer? If you are, you know what an expense this is (especially if you wear dailies, like me!) Well, I have found the holy grail of contact ordering and cannot believe I've waited until now to share. Coastal.com is the best and will literally match the lowest price you can find from any online retailer, plus offer you and additional 10% off. Their customer service is outstanding to boot! If you are in need of placing a contact lens order, definitely give Coastal a try.

Giada's new cookbook is out and it has me craving all of the Italian foods. My copy is on its way to me now!

After ordering their collagen peptides, I started getting emails from Further Foods. As I've tried to unsubscribe from emails and declutter my inbox, I always keep the Further Foods emails because they are always full of tons of good and healthy recipes! You can sign up for their newsletter by going to their website. Definitely worth subscribing to.

We are popcorn obsessed in our house and I can confidently say we have found the superior popping kernels! My sister in law did mega research on this and when we were at her house visiting a few months ago, she made the most delicious popcorn I've ever had. Popped in coconut oil and topped with unsalted butter and salt- the pieces were almost soft, super fluffy and barely any kernels remained unpopped. I've now dubbed these the magical popping kernels. You can find them HERE on Amazon. For my stovetop popcorn method, visit my post here from 2012 Sub out the canola oil for coconut oil- it tastes SO MUCH BETTER. 

A few tasty eats that have caught my eye this week:

Garlic Butter White Wine Pasta with Fresh Herbs. YES. JUST YES.
Pesto and Burrata Bucatini. Are we sensing a theme here!?
Thai Turkey Burgers. When in doubt- PALEO BURGERS. 
Cilantro Lime Cauliflower Rice. A good base for all those Paleo/Whole30 friendly recipes.
Potato Avocado Toast with Perfectly Poached Eggs. BRUNCH GOALS.

Enjoy your weekends!

*post contains affiliate links but all opinions are my own. thank you for reading! 

Friday Faves (on a rainy Sunday afternoon)

Hoda came back this week from maternity leave, Cam Newton showed up at Coachella in floral romper (not really a romper) and everyone is losing their minds over Starbucks' Unicorn Frappucino. So many things breaking the internet this week! And can I just say, HODA! Gah, I love her. She radiates joy and happiness always, but even more so now than ever. Motherhood looks good on her. 

Those donuts up there are from Duck Donuts and they are the best! There are tons of donuts here in Charlotte, but these are my favorite. Duck's doesn't mess around and they don't ruin a good thing. Simple donuts are hard to beat. We enjoyed those the morning of Mark's half marathon a few weeks ago thanks to my sister. GIVE ME ALL THE SPRINKLES. 

I had a list of random errands to run on Friday morning and quickly abandoned ship when I got the urge to plant Spring flowers. I took my motivation and ran with it, re-doing all of my porch pots and the flowers around our mailbox. I may even head back to the store this weekend for more. Who am I!? I haven't always liked to plant and garden but I'm learning to appreciate it more- and already planning next weekend's plantings.

Here are a few of my favorites from the week:

Tomato and Roasted Lemon Salad- this has my name written all over it. So does this Roasted Garlic and Tomato Lentil Salad. 

Oberon season is here!! (well, it has been for almost a month) This is my most favorite beer and it's perfect for these warm sunny days ahead. Easy drinking and just delicious. 

Mark and I recently started using Harry's razors and I must say, I'm impressed! The subscription service makes it very convenient and the price is on point. And gone are my days of paying for overprices women's razors. 

Olive Tapenade- I always forget how easy this stuff is to make yourself. Serve it with pita chips or endive for a quick and easy app. 

Let's put Missing Richard Simmons on the list of strangest things I have ever been into. I can't explain why this podcast was so good- but it was. I think it was just so out there and weird and I couldn't stop listening. 

And while we're on the subject of podcasts, Katie Couric's interview with Ina Garten was so enjoyable! I didn't even know Katie had a podcast until this week. In the archives she also has an interview 

Essie Splash of Grenadine is my new favorite pink for spring! It looks nothing like the photo if you order on Amazon- search for it on Pinterest for an accurate depiction of the lilac-y color. 

Spring front door paint ideas that will give your exterior an instant refresh (via Southern Living). Our front door is red but I've had the urge recently to give it a facelift. Do I go with just a brighter red or change it up all together?  I love all these fun punchy colors! 

Hope you all are enjoying a relaxing Sunday! 

Friday Faves: Five on Friday

Linking up with April and the Five on Friday girls this week for my Friday faves! 

March 23 has come and gone and as it seems every year, each birthday is better than the last. I slept in a little and started my day with my family (and a giant cup of coffee). I enjoyed my favorite ever latte with a favorite friend and our little ones, a visit from the one who brought me into this world (my wonderful mom) and a nice long run in the gorgeous weather WITHOUT a stroller. My little family had dinner at Ilios Noche and we came home and celebrated with birthday cupcakes from Gigi's. Everyday should be a celebration but yesterday was extra special. And Will thinks we are going to Target so that he can buy me a new Paw Patrol pup...he said he's going to share with me! Ha! Oh little buddy, birthdays are way more fun with you and your sister.  

               

                 

How cute is this stationery!? Check out Perfect Peanut Cards on Etsy. Ashley is one of my oldest and best friends and one of the most creative people I know. Her designs are one of a kind and just the cutest! 

This Everything Bagel seasoning from Trader Joe's is, well, everything. I cannot get enough and may need to start stock piling. It's great on eggs, avocado, roasted vegetables and most recently roasted chicken that we added to Mediterranean Kale Bowls the other night. The addiction is real. Will even loves it sprinkled on top of his hummus

I'm super late to the Podcast life but now I see what all the obsession is about. I just finished Making Oprah and loooooved it. The end of her show was the end of an era and I loved listening to how it all evolved. 

And closing out with a picture of my two little lovies because I'm so glad I snapped this before our gorgeous Azaleas died. The wonky weather totally ruined our bushes before they were in full bloom. Our neighborhood is gorgeous when all of the azaleas are in full bloom and it doesn't look like it is happening this year- womp womp. 

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!!

Friday Faves

Where the heck is Winter!? I love Spring and I loooove sunshine, but I wouldn't mind if it were just a tad bit colder. Usually we see some sort of Winter activity here in February so I'm still holding out for a few snowflakes. But with March less than a week away, I'm not sure it will even happen. With all of that said, make no mistake! I am LOVING these warm February runs, being outside with my tiny sweethearts and soaking in all the sunshine. 


These Carrot Cake Energy Bites taste just like their name! So so good. 

Meet my newest cold brew coffee obsession. It's slightly sweet and does have a little bit of sugar so it's a treat but seriously this stuff is SO GOOD. The XX Espresso is my favorite. 

This Paleo Chicken Pot Pie came highly recommended and was TO DIE FOR. A perfect meal for these balmy Winter days. Really, though. A guilt free comfort food is something I can always get on board with. 

I made a similar version to these Whole 30 Chicken Tenders on Tuesday night and both of my kids LOVED them! 

THIS TEA. I cannot get enough and I'm in love. I even have the decaf version as well to enjoy at night before bed. 

Ever wondered how to cook spaghetti squash? This method is by far the best and easiest and yields perfect squash "noodles" EVERY SINGLE TIME. 

The jury is still out for me on this rose hip oil but I've added it to my winter skin routine with hopes to reap its anti-aging benefits. 

Enjoy your weekend!

Friday Faves: Thanksgiving!

Thanksgiving is less than one week away. What!? It doesn't seem possible, but here we are. Will and Kate have been SO MUCH FUN lately. I can't help but think back to this time last year when I was seriously sleep deprived and just barely hanging on. Last year's holiday season, while special as a new family of four, was a total blur. I'm thankful to be able to spend my favorite time of year much more fresh and rested! 

The weekend before Thanksgiving always seems to kick off the holiday season for me- I just love it! I have my holiday magazines in front of me and am flipping through all of the recipes. SO MUCH FOOD. In case you're still in need of some inspiration, I rounded up some of my favorites and some things that I want to try! 

Give me ALL THE BAKED BRIE. This recipe is a favorite and a staple for the holidays with my family.

This cleaned up version of green bean casserole is SO GOOD. A little more time consuming, but totally worth it. The caramelized shallots on top are everything.

If mashed potatoes aren't your thing, these hasselback potatoes look delicious.

I like pumpkin pie but I LOVE pumpkin roll. I would choose it 100 times over pie. This original recipe from Libby's is the very best!

Apple Cider Margaritas. Another tried and true favorite here and because every holiday needs a festive signature drink.

Frisee salad with walnut, cranberries and blue cheese. A perfect bite to start with.

I could get excited about these biscuits. 

Here's a great Thanksgiving roundup on Cooking Light! Tons of recipes! My favorite go-to. 

And the mothership, Southern Living. There are literally hundreds of recipes for the holidays archived on their site! 

And, not food related, but here are some fun ways to decorate with pumpkins! I love the gold dipped mini pumpkins as place settings. It would be especially pretty with a white pumpkin! 

Enjoy the pre-holiday weekend! It's one of my favorites of the year!

Friday Faves

We went to the pumpkin patch two weeks ago. We saw the animals, played on the giant tractors and ran around with friends. I took no less than 100 pictures and when it was all said and done, out of allllll of the photos, these from our front porch are still my favorite. I think it captures their love for each other in all of the best ways. 

We didn't have to go to the pumpkin patch to get the perfect Fall photo but man, it was fun. I love Fall with these little ones.

These brownies are calling my name. 

Bonus points for pumpkin and double bonus for being paleo.

This All Meat and Veggie Chili was nothing short of delicious! 

Definitely going to be making it again soon.

If you don't get Cooking Light, I HIGHLY recommend picking up their Thanksgiving issue! I looked through it last night and it's so good- tons of great recipes for the upcoming holidays.

Another chili in my recipe que that I need to try! This time, white chicken!

When the weather cools down, I really get into drinking tea at night. 

Excited to try these detox concoctions!

Not food related, but totally necessary for busy mom life on those days you just want to throw a hat on. CLT for life. 

Lastly, how CUTE are these Halloween tees!? Too later to order now but you better believe I'm getting one for next year. 

Wishing you all a great weekend!!

Friday Faves {on Sunday}

I had the opportunity to go to the Zac Brown Band concert here in Charlotte on Thursday night and it was AMAAAAZING!!! It was such a spontaneous and spur of the moment thing and I'm so glad I went with my friends. Live music is one of my favorite things in life and ZBB was nothing short of fantastic. I've heard nothing but rave reviews about his live shows and he definitely lived up to it! The entire night was so much fun, and was topped off by running into my favorite person on TV- HODA KOTB! Seriously. Hoda!! I gave her a giant hug like we were best friends (but really, we are!) A chance meeting for sure and I still can't believe it. She's just the best!

I'm still riding the concert high and let ZBB be the soundtrack for my Sunday run. I don't think I have been on a real run in probably all of 2016 and man, it felt GOOD. Kickboxing at our gym has become my routine workout and I really think those hour long classes have given me more power to push through any workout I do. Combined with long walks with my kids in the stroller and my Kayla BBG, I'm excited to add running back into my routine now that the weather is cooler. 

Keeping it short and sweet today...and mostly football related. GO PANTHERS!!

On Self Confidence in Your 30s. By far the best thing I've read all week.

Football Party Food! 190 Recipes You need for Football Season

I ordered these little Penguin Ice Packs for Will's lunch box and they are the perfect size and keep his lunches nice and cool. 

For all of my Panther fans...this Etsy shop has tons of cute designs for the whole fam! I ordered from them last season and will definitely be placing another soon. They are local and the service and quality is excellent!

A little feel good video from... SUPER CAM! 

Friday Faves

 

I can't believe the Olympics are coming to an end this weekend. That was a fast two weeks! We really have been watching around the clock and I might go into a little funk when they're over. The stories and the athletes have been so inspiring and Michael Phelps's last interview totally made me tear up. 

I'm totally not into casseroles but this Pizza Spaghetti Pie has been highly recommended and is on our menu for next week! 

So is this Loaded Greek Quinoa Salad. (and I'm totally into quinoa salads)

Smoothies and Protein Shakes have been my go to breakfast all Summer and this Brownie Batter Protein Shake is next.

More playroom dreams. I can't wait to make this space a reality!

This desk space is dreamy. 

Thinking of checking out a brewery or two this weekend! Free Range is on my list and supposedly super kid friendly! 

Only a few weekends left of Sweet Summertime. Enjoy them! 

Friday Faves (on Saturday)

Who has been watching the Olympics this week!? I just cannot get enough. Swimming, gymnastics, track...I love it all! And can we all agree that Nicole Johnson has the best hair in Rio? #hairgoals. Boomer is pretty cute, too. 

10 Back to School School Books for Toddlers + Preschoolers.

Chicken Tinga Tacos with Grilled Corn Guac. STOP IT. 

LOVING how Kate's baby book is turning out! I chose the Emily Ley Baby Book for its simple, clean and classic design. 

This Office/Playroom design is really inspiring me as I try to reconfigure some of the spaces in our house! 

Baby purees with meat used to gross me out but my little girlfriend needs her protein and she's been loving chicken with veggies lately! Baby Foodie has been my go to for recipes! 

In case you don't think it's too early for pumpkin beer, and if you're local to Charlotte, Noda now has Gordgeous on tap and it's pretty much my favorite pumpkin beer EVER. 

Chocolate- Tahini Butter. A rare bite I need to try! 

Friday Faves

I'm SO PUMPED about the Olympics starting this weekend. I love everything about them and it's nice to see the world coming together for something fun and good! 

Speaking of the Olympics...you can find the full schedule here. 

Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Sweet Potatoes. Such a good weeknight meal! (I topped ours with chopped cilantro and green onions)

Athleisure 101. I can totally get on board with this! 

Totally obsessed with these grey bathroom cabinets. Loving this entire look really! 

Malted Milk Stracciatella Gelato Pops. Ummmm I need one of these now. 

Just discovered this brand (KiddoFeedo) of silicone baby food storage/freezer trays and I must say...I am loving them! I actually think I prefer them to my beloved Beaba brand as the bendable silicone is so easy to remove when the food is frozen. (I purchased mine on Amazon)

Little Will starts preschool NEXT MONTH! What is he most excited about!? Picking out a "packpack!"

Enjoy the weekend and GO TEAM USA!

Friday Faves (on Saturday)

If you are local and have little ones, the Mr. Potato Head exhibit at Imaginon is super cute! The library has story time every day at 10:30am. Free Summer fun!

And while you're there, stop in 7th Street Public Market for an Iced Vanilla Sugar Latte at Not Just Coffee.

19 photos to take of your kids this summer. 

Currently dying over the Bloggers Backyard Patio Tour over on Z Design at Home. I want to move in. 

I need this giant unicorn in my life. 

11 ways to satisfy your iced coffee addiction. (thanks for this gem, Allie. it was written for us)

Vegan Corn and Chive Drop Biscuits! I taste tested these straight from the source and they are DELICIOUS. 

I've heard excellent things about this Mario Badescu facial spray. I popped some into my Prime cart and I can't wait to try it! 

Lavender Honey Iced Latte. YES! 

Friday Faves

Why women need a tribe. Find yours and love them hard. 

This Street Corn Salad is calling my name.  

So is this Buttermilk-Hot Sauce Brined Chicken. Perfect for Fourth of July grilling! 

Peanut Butter Banana Chia pudding. Do it. 

Arrange grocery store flowers like a pro.

This Patriotic breakfast nook is everything. 

Momming isn't easy and there isn't a perfect way to do it. Let's just all love and support one another. 

Craving these Markaritas like whoa. Our signature Illinois drink! 

We are headed to our favorite fireworks tonight. Will has been counting down practically all week.

Have a Happy Holiday Weekend! 

Friday Faves

Summer days are my favorite. As each season rolls around I say "oh this is my favorite!", but I really mean it about Summer. Summer, I love you.

The great salad debate of Charlotte seems to be Chopt vs. Crisp. I had my first Crisp salad this week and I have to say, they have the superior salad.  I'm officially on their side. SO FREAKING GOOD. 

My favorite beach wrap towels from Pottery Barn Kids are on sale right now! I just scooped up this flamingo print for Kate.

La Croix's newest flavor, Tangerine, tastes like Summer in a can. 

Snapchat! I have embraced it fully and I LOVE it. Also, I want the flower crown filter in real life. 

This is the sweetest little children's book- one of my favorites that was given to Kate as a gift before she was born. 

Charlotte locals- if you ever see Wooden Robot's Good Morning Vietnam on tap, GET IT. It's a Coffee Vanilla Blonde Ale and it's one of the best beers I've ever had.

Enjoy the weekend, everyone! 

Friday Faves

These Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins were so tasty and made for easy breakfasts and snacks this week! 

Spiked Seltzer. This stuff is light and refreshing...and really sneaks up on you. Obsessed. (grapefruit is my fave)

My Saturday Happy Hour is going to include this Strawberry Gin Smash. 

I finally found a great pair of white skinny jeans and bonus points because they are still on promo this weekend! I recommend sizing down at least one or two. 

I love a good milky pink mani and Essie's Romper Room fits the bill! I'll be adding this to my collection. 

JT, I love you. You never let me down. 

Friday Faves

I hope that everyone had the best week! We have a relaxing Spring weekend ahead and I can't wait. Here are some favorites from around the web lately...

These Whole Grain Peanut Butter and Honey Banana Muffins are a new favorite. We went through two batches this week and I'm about to make another. They are the perfect snack or a quick breakfast to grab on the go. Bonus- Will LOVES them. 



{ via }

I'm really into quinoa salads lately. I don't even add a ton of quinoa- only about a half cup and load the rest up with veggies and bright citrus vinaigrettes. This week's was Greek inspired with tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, cannellini beans and kale. Ina's Quinoa Tabbouleh with Feta is one of my all time favorites.



{ via }

I'm addicted to baby bows and have found so many cute sites to order from and add to Kate's collection. I recently found Zozu Baby and ordered their swiss dot Zoe bow. This lavender one might have to arrive in my mailbox next!

Clean Mama's 15 minute bathroom cleaning routine. This has been a game changer.

 

How to ripen an Avocado in 15 Minutes. Say what!? This is a trick worth trying.

 



 

Have a great weekend! And grab a Spiked Seltzer for your next Happy Hour while you're at it. You won't regret it.