Thursday, January 29, 2015

{weekly favorites}


Do you friends have a fun weekend planned? I am looking forward to some relaxation with a little fun mixed in ;-) Here's what I loved this week!

We just signed up for our first week of Blue Apron. I must say I am really excited. One of the biggest struggles for us during the week is "what do you want for dinner?" and after a long day...can we all agree we hate that question? I can't wait to try our first few recipes!

I will be the first to admit that I enjoy cleaning. I know, weird. Tidy room tidy mind is my motto. Anyway...some cleansers can feel super harsh to me and leave the room "smelling clean" but borderline headache in my opinion. I have always loved Caldrea products and recently started using their Rosewater and Driftwood line of scents. It is fantastic. It's clean but almost smells like you're burning a yummy candle. I started with the counter spray and think I need to get this candle and this linen spray, too!

I have avocado toast with tomato and salt and pepper every.single. morning. Sometimes I mix up the toast with an english muffin, but overall I love how it keeps me full until at least mid-day. I love this, this and this other option for mixing up my go-to!


How cute are these heels at Anthropologie? I picture them with white denim and a blouse for the perfect summer date night. Yes, please!

I've become addicted to various types of Olive Oils and Vinegars thanks to a little shop my mom introduced me to at home in Wilmington. We have an 18 year old aged balsamic vinegar that will knock the socks off any bruschetta recipe. Yep, that good. I read about these vinegars in Garden & Gun and must give them a try. Right now they only look to be in DC, VA and a single location in NC, but maybe with some coaxing Katuah Market in Asheville could ship us a couple bottles! ;-) 

This top. Need. 

Feel free to follow along our weekend adventures on Instagram, here.

Main image via

Happy Weekending! 

-K
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Wednesday, January 28, 2015

{raleigh restaurant week}

Raleigh friends, it's restaurant week here in the Oak City! It's one of my favorite times to discover new restaurants and enjoy some of our favorites as well. We will be attending other activities this weekend, but I am looking forward to getting out tomorrow night to partake in the yum that is going down this week. 

It's tough to choose (especially when you are hungry) where to make your first reservation. The Restaurant Week webpage helps navigate your palette based on whether you are in Raleigh, Durham or Chapel Hill. Here you can find all types of options broken out by genre of food type. If you're anything like me, it all appeals to you! 

Tomorrow night, we are looking to give Sitti another go. My husband is a very "steak and potatoes" type of guy, so getting him to try "different foods" can always be an interesting experience ;-)  We last tried Sitti a few years ago and I loved it -- the Mr...not so much. He's decided to be open minded and give it another go. It's just $20 a head and the menu looks great.

Choose One
 Appetizer

Carolina Crab Rolls
Coastal lump crab, halloumi
spinach and spicy garlic whip 
Avocado Hummus 
Puree of chick peas, avocado lemon, tahini
garlic and roasted red peppers  

Entree
Choose one

Mixed Grill
Chicken kabob & filet kabob served with Sitti rice,
sumac onion, grilled roma tomato & garlic whip

Blackened Salmon
Basmati rice, sautéed kale and blood orange tahini

Stuffed Bell Pepper 
Chick pea confit, baby okra, tomato
cilantro, onion and yogurt drizzle  

Dessert
Choose one

Strawberry Ashta
Local strawberries, ashta milk pudding
Hargett Street Honey and pistachio

Iced Duo
Pomegranate and mixed berry sorbet

A couple other favorites of ours being featured this week are Bida Manda, Coquette and Oro. Great time to give them all a try at a fantastic price!

-K
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Tuesday, January 27, 2015

{steal alert}

I too was shocked when I read over the weekend that Piperlime is shutting their online doors for good. They always had such a great selection and the free shipping was an added bonus. That said, I knew it would be a time to scoop up some killer deals. Code STOCKUP gives you additional 60% off sale items (some are excluded -- denim, etc but overall some amazing deals!)

Here are some items I think should be added to my closet ;-) 



Also, don't forget Ebates! 7% Cash Back right now through Piperlime ;-) 

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Friday, January 23, 2015

weekly favorites


We made it! For being a short week, it certainly felt long. Looking very much forward to a low key weekend with nothing on the books. Aren't those the greatest?

How cute are these? I came across these zebra pajamas on Natalie's blog and had to add them to my ever growing pajama collection. I love that they are lightweight too so they don't make you hot.

Thinking of giving these a try tonight when friends arrive before we head to dinner.

I first smelled this perfume during my hair appointment last week and haven't been able to get it out of my mind. Like all Oribe products, it smells heavenly. Now you can smell like it all day long. Need.

Have you ever shopped the featured deals each week on Domino Magazine? I am new to this and as a flash sale junkie, I think its so much fun! This week they have adorable turkish towels that would be such a fun pop of color in any kitchen.

I mean, can you even?!


Are you familiar with Urban Grace Interiors? I came across Erika's work a couple years ago and have been obsessed ever since. This Florida based design group is everything I ever want in any room in my house. Crisp, clean and fresh yet home-y and welcoming. Got that? Anyway, check them out.

Happy Weekending!
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Thursday, January 22, 2015

product spotlight: {tata harper}


I talked about this resurfacing mask on the blog earlier this week. Y'all. It's incredible. I used it for the first time  the other night and am not being dramatic when I say I saw instant results. It's hard for me to get overly excited about some products, but it's just that good.

I have moderately sensitive skin so I started my first time with it on about 15 minutes. Normal skin can go up to 30 minutes. I may gradually work my way up. It goes on clear (less terrifying for the husbands) and dries pretty quickly. After rinsing away, my skin had never felt so soft!

It's pricey.  However, with moderate/weekly use it think it should at least last me six months. Can't wait to try other products in this line. Don't forget, if you sign up with Ebates, you'll get an extra 8% cash back today!

One day till Friday!

-K
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Wednesday, January 21, 2015

Joss & Main Favorites

It's no secret I do love Joss & Main. It's my go to when I begin browsing for a new piece. The past few items I have ordered I have loved, especially this console table for our entry & the bedside table I mentioned in my last post.



I wanted to round up some of my other current favorites they have right now. But act fast, the good stuff doesn't usually last long!



1. I love our bar cart. I tell everyone searching for that "one last piece" for a room to "just add a bar cart! This bar cart is adorable and would match most any motif.
2. This may just be the perfect headboard for our master. I've been on the hunt for something soft, but not too feminine. Love this.
3. How cute is this? I also love that its indoor/outdoor. Perfect for summer and having our pooch join us on the porch for lazy afternoons!
4. I ordered these the other day and they should be arriving soon. In the south, we love our rocking chairs and I think a few of these will be perfect around our fire pit out back.
5. Great hostess gift! I love the natural slate finish and picture it piled high with cheese and fruit.
6. Can you ever really have too many throws? I keep a drawer full to pull out at a moments notice ;-) I love the lightweight feel to this one, perfect for keeping out year round, even in the summer when you get a chill from too much sun ;-)
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Tuesday, January 20, 2015

Master Bedroom Paint Progress

When we first moved into our house last year I knew I wanted to refresh the paint in our master. It's not that the paint was terrible (I'm actually keeping it for Austin's office) I just didnt love it for a master retreat. Enter the struggle that is paint selection. I must have gotten too excited and didn't take any before pictures of our bedroom, but here is a picture of our neighboring (currently empty) office that has the same wall color.



I previously mentioned on here we were going to go with Benjamin Moore Grey Owl. Well, I began with the first wall and knew it just wasn't right. Our walls felt like concrete slabs. Not the warm yet crisp (if that makes any sense) feeling I was hoping for.

Enter three trips to Sherwin Williams later, and we found a winner. I settled with their Zurich White shade after seeing these photos online that feel crisp and clean but still have warmth to them. I cannot say how pleased I am with the transformation it has given our space. And perfect timing, the new end tables arrived yesterday right as I finished the last coat!




Fiona got relocated and is loving all of the natural light already. Here's to hoping it helps her brown spots! I'm still on the hunt for a fun rug for the foot of the bed as well as some neutral/sheer draperies in addition to a darker headboard. Baby steps, people.

Up next on our painting adventure, the kitchen!
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Friday, January 16, 2015

{weekly favorites}


Happy Friday, Friends! We made it. Is it just me or have these past two weeks following the holidays been suuuper long? Anyway, I am very much looking forward to the long weekend approaching!

One of the items on our list this weekend is painting our master bedroom. Finally. Committing to paint colors is no joke. The struggle is real. We are going with Benjamin Moore Grey Owl half tint. We shall see. I picked up these nightstands at Joss & Main. The hunt continues for the perfect upholstered headboard, but they have a lot of great options right now!

Made this recipe this week. It was a hit in our house and will definitely be pulled out again!

Read so many great reviews on this mask I had to give it a try. I will report back soon!

My motto right now. Spring cleaning to the max at our place right now!

I have a hair appointment tomorrow and am loving everything about this style. Now just to gather the nerve to not say "I'll just have the usual!"

TGIF!
-K
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Wednesday, January 14, 2015

{wednesday words}


I love this for so many reasons. Mostly as of late, I've really started taking a new perspective on life. I've always been very appreciative of all that I have been blessed with, but lately more and more (call it "growing up" I guess!) I've really started to appreciate the little things in life. I am so blessed by so many things, and once you really truly take the time to take a step back and take it all in, its pretty amazing. 

Happy Wednesday.

-K

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Monday, January 12, 2015

these are a few of my favorite things...


Okay, I know the holidays have been over for awhile now, but the title just popped into my mind! I wanted to share a few products that I literally probably couldn't make it a day without. Now, that may sound a touch dramatic....However, when a girl finds a good beauty product, it needs to be shared. The world of beauty products is a lot of fun...but can be super intimidating if you're anything like myself. Here are a few things on my beauty counter each and every morning.

I love to carry this Oribe Hair Refresher in my purse. Its travel sized and great for a little mid-day spritz to feel refreshed. If you've ever smelled any of the Oribe products, you will know how great they smell! 

You know when people ask you,  "if you could bring just a few essentials on a desert island what would they be?" Yep, the above are my three. I have been addicted to the Smith's Rosebud Salve for years now. I've tried the tube, and I just don't think the texture is the same as the stuff from the pot. Plus, its super cheap! $6 at Anthropologie.

The other two products I have begun using more recently. The Bare Minerals Lash Domination Mascara is literally exactly that. I don't wear terribly much eye makeup, but I really feel like this mascara makes my eyes pop. I always felt Mascara was one of those beauty essentials you could "skimp" on..until now. It's definitely a must buy!

I am a recent Bobbi Brown convert and I cannot get enough. This Foundation stick I apply daily with their full cover face brush and the coverage is seamless. I wear the shade "Alabaster" which is the lightest shade, but works great on a skin tone like mine in the winter. I especially tend to have oily skin and can notice my makeup is completely gone by 5pm, this has great staying power!

Blonde friends know, washing our hair can really be a love/hate relationship. I love nothing more than fresh blonde locks, but washing everyday can really dull your color. Enter: Batiste. Ya'll, I have probably been through 6 bottles in 6 months. It's that good. And the best part? You can score it for like $6 at TJ Maxx most times. When it's not in stock there, its about $8 at Nordstrom and free shipping. My mom put the scent above in my stocking and I think its my favorite so far! I will however say, the "blonde" version did not work well for my hair color.


Along with being a blonde, damage can always be an outcome. I began using this Bumble & Bumble quenching complex and really noticed a difference in my hair after continued use. It isn't a mask, so it isn't as drastic right off the bat, but more of a hair re-constructor overall. I have been using for roughly 3 years and can really tell how much softer it feels.


Last but certainly not least, is Kiehl's Creme de Corps body lotion. This stuff is GOOD. The body butter is amazing too and the scent is great. It reminds me of a summer vacation. I have super sensitive skin and along with winter it can get really dry. I use this stuff morning and night and swear by it!

-K
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Friday, January 9, 2015

{etsy obsessions}

Do ya'll love Etsy as much as I do? I'm working on my love/hate relationship because sometimes it can just be so overwhelming. Unless you really know what you want, there are so many great options that can be really hard to come across!

I love to save sellers that I've purchased from in the past, but love hearing about other great sellers others have worked with! Here are some Etsy items I am loving lately!

I'm currently on a couch pillow overhaul and loved the grosgrain and embroidered monogram detail on this pillow. I ordered recently and can't wait to see how it turns out! The seller, Jennifer is so sweet and easy to work with!


I love the simplicity of this print, which means " I have no regrets." I'm always a fan of simple and think it would look great layered with another print on our bedside.


This 22x18 frame would be so cute as a mirror or holding an over-sized print in a gallery wall.


This custom coordinates gold bar necklace could be such a sentimental gift. I would love it with my hometown of Wilmington's coordinates on it. Its where I grew up and where Austin and I got married. I love it.


I love the colors and pop of gold here in this original painting. Would be great in our kitchen or entry way!

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Thursday, January 8, 2015

one pot lasagna soup


A few people were interested in a lasagna soup recipe I have been making lately (twice in a month!) so I wanted to share! It couldn't be simpler and is a one pot meal. Anything I can just throw in my dutch oven is perfect for me. 

Lasagna Soup

2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil, divided
1 lb lean ground beef
1 large yellow onion, diced (2 cups)
3 - 5 garlic cloves, to taste, minced
4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can crushed tomatoes
2 1/2 Tbsp tomato paste
1 3/4 tsp dried basil
3/4 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp dried rosemary, crushed
1/2 tsp fennel seeds, crushed
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp granulated sugar
1 1/2 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley, plus more for garnish
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
8 lasagna noodles, broken into bite size pieces (6.5 oz)
1 1/4 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (5 oz)
1/2 cup finely shredded parmesan cheese (2 oz)
8 oz ricotta cheese

Heat one tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Once hot, crumble beef into pot, season with salt and pepper to taste and cook, stirring occasionally until browned. Drain majority of fat from beef and set aside (you can drain it all if you want it to be healthier I just like the little bit of flavor a small amount of the fat gives). 

Heat remaining 1 Tbsp olive oil in pot, add chopped yellow onion and saute until it begins to soften, about 3 minutes. Add in garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Add in chicken broth, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, basil, oregano, rosemary, fennel seeds, thyme, sugar, parsley, the cooked ground beef and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring just to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover and simmer 20 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare lasagna noodles according to directions listed on package, reserving 1 cup pasta water before draining pasta. Add cooked pasta to soup along with 1/2 cup - 1 cup pasta water as desired. In a mixing bowl, using a fork, stir together mozzarella, Parmesan and ricotta.


I will say, one time I made this I didn't have ricotta on hand and skipped the cheese mixture and just doused with mozzarella instead on top. The second time I did the cheese mixture and I actually preferred the mozzarella only way. But, that's just me!

Enjoy!

-K


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Friday, January 2, 2015

new year : new you : sales edition

Happy New Year, friends! I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and hopefully some time off! I can't believe it is 2015! I am the same way every year, and once the holidays are over and the decorations are put up, I am ready for Spring!

Lucky for any of you that are like me and cannot wait for warmer weather, there are some sales right now that have great transitional pieces you can wear now with a cardigan and later once the weather warms up.

Right now, J Crew is offering extra 40% off already reduced sale styles. This is the perfect time to stock up on basics! Here are some pieces I picked up this morning!

1. Leather  Trim Tee  would pair perfectly with white jeans!
2. RayBan ClubMaster - okay they weren't part of the sale but I love them for Spring/Summer!
3. I loved this tassle trim top when it wasn't on sale, and now that its on sale its a no brainer!
4. Love this chiffon back tank to wear now and into the summer!
5. Their linen v neck tees are a favorite of mine!

Happy Shopping!

-K

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