4.29.2013

Mother's Day Wish List

If anyone out there was dying to give me a gift for Mother's Day, this is what I am currently coveting. A few things that would  make my day and fill some holes in my closet, walls and kitchen. What are you getting your Mom? Or more importantly for you Mom's out there, what do you want? 


1. Obsessed with this silk maxi from J. Crew $398
2. New flips for the summer by Joie $113
3. Pretty paintings by Caroline Wright $35-$650
4. delicate gold ring by Jacquie Aiche $99
5. My coral obsession continues with this PS1 by Proenza Schouler $1695
6. Stripey gold iphone case from Rifle Paper Co. $30
7. Dying to try this new beauty subscription, Glossy Box  $30
8. Would love to finally have some cast iron in the kitchen. William Sonoma $19

Might have to just get some of these for myself. As a Mom and mom to be, it is deserved, right? 

xo
Erin 

4.26.2013

Sunday Supper: Slow Cooker Short Ribs

What are you doing this weekend? Going to make my own take out tonight using a similar recipe to this, and watch a movie. It is finally going to be nice out, so a date to hit golf balls is on the agenda, then maybe a park visit with the little guy on Sunday. Pizza and baked goods are also high on the priority list to satisfy my cravings. 

Wishing for a day I do not need to wear a jacket, the end. 

If you are looking for an easy dinner for Sunday night at home, this recipe is perfect. Just short ribs, plus five ingredients that you probably already have on hand. The sauce is rich and full of flavor and perfect with a big mound of creamy polenta, mashed potatoes, or noodles to sop it up with. 

Plus, the author that posted it on Epicurious happens to be one of my favorite guys on the planet, so props for a stellar recipe G. Craig. 


Slow Cooker Short Rib Stew
by Craig Christensen via Epicurious.com
serves 8

3lbs boneless short ribs, cut in 1" chunks
2 large onions, cut in half, then sliced into 1/4" rings
28oz can crushed tomatoes
3 tbs hoisin sauce (Asian food section in market)
2 tsp garlic powder
1 package baby carrots
salt and pepper, to taste

Separate the rings from one onion and place in the bottom of a slow cooker. Salt and pepper the meat and place it on the onions. Separate the rings from the second onion and layer on top of the meat. Mix the tomatoes and hoisin sauce together and pour over the meat and onions. Sprinkle with the garlic powder and salt and pepper generously. Put the carrots on top (as much as will fit). Cook on low for 8-10 hours. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 



4.25.2013

Packing for the Desert

Not to worry, I am still alive. Was just not in a groove this week to write and I figured no post was better than something lame. My mind is on my now toddler who cannot decide how many naps he wants to take a day, nursery decorating (endless internet searching that needs to end), and wanderlusting to the desert. 

A week from today I will be on my way to the heat of Scottsdale with girls that I honestly can call family. Excited does not even come close to describing the anticipation. Laying by the pool, maybe a hike (maybe), Cinco de Mayo Fiesta, and watching my friends wine is on the agenda. I am the only one preggo, but I plan on getting pretty hopped up on sugar so it will be fine. 

My current state of plumpness is putting a damper on the usual fun shopping that I would be doing before a warm weather trip. I found a few things that I wouldn't mind packing and have in my cart currently...

1. Swing dress with lace sleeve from Asos $53
2. Pale pink and sweet bikini by Melissa Odabash $180
3. Flattering vertical stripes on this maxi dress by Flynn Skye $162
4. Striped and sequins are the perfect combo on this weekender from Deux Lux $145
5. Metallic and raffia flat sandals by Loeffler Randall $175 

Just seven days. Hopefully it goes quickly. 
xo
Erin 

4.19.2013

Peonies to Palm Trees

Positano 
The fantastic blog, Peonies to Palm Trees, featured my honeymoon this week. It feels like ever so long ago, but it was fun to rehash the details and remember what a beautiful trip it was. The site is such a great resource for anyone planning a vacation, honeymoon or not. It featuraes real couples on their honeymoons and lists how they picked their destination, what they favorite part was, what they would have done differently, etc. 

This pretty accurately sums up the trip. Wine, pasta, empty plates. 

Check out Ilana's blog and get swept away a bit for the weekend. Might give you some ideas for your next trip. 

Our balcony at sunset in Capri 
Here's to wishing for lots more getaways. 

xo
Erin 

4.18.2013

Kale Caesar Salad

Kale is by far the hottest green in the organic produce section right now. Any minute now it will have its own reality show and Katy Perry will be dating it. I hate to jump on the bandwagon, but it is pretty freaking great. Super healthy, great in that green smoothie in the morning (yes, still doing that), sauteed with garlic, and now raw with a lemon-y Caesar dressing. I would not put this salad in the total "clean" living category, but I lightened up the usual heavy Caesar and my husband even gave the seal of approval. 


Kale Caesar Salad
serves 4

2 tablespoons light mayo
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove of garlic, minced finely
salt and pepper
1 tablespoons olive oil
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 bunches of kale, stems removed and chopped into ribbons
1/4 cup roasted red peppers, chopped
croutons

Whisk together the first 6 ingredients until well combined, then whisk in the cheese. Toss the kale, peppers and croutons with the dressing (it will be thick) until well coated. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 




4.17.2013

Keeping it in the Family

We have been lucky enough to receive some art from my grandmother who passed and Matt's grandfather who passed. It can be so hard to incorporate these pieces into your more contemporary space. I decided to give the framing a modern upgrade so I could hang them in many different spaces and rearrange easily later. Old frames can be great, but many of the ones I have received were in disrepair and really dated. 

Matt's grandfather liked to paint, so these are actually his works. Which makes them so special. Here is a future cowboy after nap time with this new cowboy. 


I went with a simple white frame since I can see this be part of a gallery wall later. 



The train replaced the Love poster I had and I think it works great with the more modern changing area. 



He is not into trains yet, but if he ever is I like to think that he will pumped to have this in his room. 



My grandmother had these Norman Rockwell prints hanging in her home for as long as I can remember. I love their fresh new look in white frames and matting. 


It worked great in this vignette by the mudroom entrance. 


And the larger one found a home in the dining room, above the buffet. 

I am lucky that I like these. What a nightmare it is when you receive something you just could not find a place for or hate. Reframing can be really pricey, especially for the prints. If you ind a gem of a painting at grandma's or at a flea market, bring it to a framer and just do a simple frame around the edge. The price tag is not that much and will be worth it. Unless of course it has an amazing frame, lucky you. 

xo
Erin 




4.15.2013

Decorating the Nursery...

Though it seems like a long way off that this baby girl will be here, in decorating terms it really is not that much time. I have already been obsessing over ideas and have come up with two concepts. Since it is fun to share and hear your feedback, it was time to post them and see what you think. I could change my mind any second on what I want this room to look like, but these two ideas are what is sticking in my head right now. Each room has one room of wallpaper, which I am super excited to try out in the house. 

A more modern nursery, with girlie touches....

And then a more traditional super-girlie room in pinks and mint...


Any thoughts? The items themselves are not the final products I would probably use, but a good starting point. I would love to know which you liked better or if you have any suggestions. 

xo
Erin 


4.12.2013

On My Mind

This week is up there as one of my favorites, although really only for one reason.  Been trying to keep my mind on other things (and off the baby online shopping madness) and focus on having a relaxing weekend. Date night tonight, baby shower tomorrow, but other than that just family time at home. 

Meanwhile, I am already obsessing over nursery design. How sweet is this wallpaper


Love the watercolor and the hint of mint with the pink peonies. 

I have a really odd shaped living room, so this set up is kind of interesting to me. No sofa. 


Not to mention the airy, simple design is gorgeous. 

Somehow I feel like my legs are never going to be tan again, so maxi anything is a good look for me. Love these two options


The green is very bump friendly, too. 

Once I break out this recipe for Orzo, Corn, & Avocado Salad it does start to feel like Spring, even though it is not. 



I finally tried the Beauty Blender


I will say it is kind of amazing. I use it to put on BB cream and foundation. It keeps everything even and as advertised, blends well. 

And to start this weekend with a laugh, or at least something totally disturbing, I stumbled on this gem. 


I have never done (nor plan to do) a body cast at nine months, but if you are interested there is a company that will not only send you the kit to make it, but the crafts to paint it in a nursery rhymes theme to decorate your child's nursery. Scary. 

Happy Weekend! 
xo
Erin 



4.11.2013

Ellen Goes Country

I want to thank everyone for the crazy love I got yesterday after telling you my big news. I am already diving into nursery decorating at an alarming pace. So I thought taking a break to look at some much more grown up design would be better. 

Ellen (yes, the one and only) recently moved to sprawling 26 acre ranch outside LA with her Aussie, Portia. This insane place includes horse barns, a barn just for art (#richpeopleproblems), and a half dozen guest houses. How sweet is that? You can always host the family reunion and holidays, but everyone gets their own pad. You just need to come up with a gazillion dollars to land that kind of luxury. No big deal. 

As someone who lives in horse country (sans horses, Ellen has them naturally), I love to see how the country look can be elevated into something modern. I am constantly trying to shy away from the traditional aesthetic of our house and make it more contemporary, but these make me feel like that is not really necessary. 

High beams and an industrial lantern


You will notice that natural wood, black, rich leather and white are really the only colors and textures. 

Beams again in this bedroom. Do they ever get old? Love the crispness of all the white. 


Gray brick fireplace, heaven. 


Wait, there is blue. Love the minimalist painting above the fireplace. Cozy chair, too. 


This room shows how to use some of that equestrian tack and art in a modern way. Pretty masculine room, actually. 


I love this room, although would do something besides that ring. Maybe a giant photo? Oh, and yes I would love to curl up next to that window with an Hermes blanket. Thanks, Ellen. 


This is a really fun and dare I say easy to build (I know nothing about building) gazebo. 


The idea of a giant picnic style table to have giant meals with friends and family at gets me so excited. I wish we did not have bugs in IL, because I swear I would entertain way more with this set up. 


Ellen likes to move around, but apparently Portia is in her dream house since she is a horse person. I love how they move from place to place making it so chic. but if this was my latest, I would think about staying here a bit longer. After I added a few pops of color. 

xo
Erin 

4.10.2013

Round Two

Yesterday was a big day. I have been anticipating it for weeks, anxious for the morning to come, and overjoyed with the results. 

Yesterday, I found out I am having a baby girl. 

I can still hardly write the words because my overwhelming happiness is still stirring madly inside me. 

So in other news, I am pregnant. Or did you figure that out already? My little guy is going to be a big brother to a little lady and the thoughts of it melt my heart. 

I wanted to wait to write about it until I knew the sex and saw the little hands and feet dancing around. There are twenty weeks left to go, which are going by at a much faster pace then the first time around. 

There was no doubt that the news of having a girl was what I wanted to hear at my appointment. It almost makes you feel guilty going in because if it was not, would I have reacted poorly? Probably not, although my technician said that some ladies leave in tears. I have to imagine those are women on their third, fourth, fifth of one sex. Right? 

My kids (wow, still hard to wrap my head around the 's') will be about nineteen months apart. That is six months more than my brother and I, who although younger became much bigger and stronger than me quite quickly. Luckily, I got at least one chance to show him who was boss. 



Tommy is at the most amazing age right now and I am soaking up all of it as I know in a few months my attention will be split. It may be a little already as my mind is dreaming of everything pink, bows, ballet slippers, and ruffles. When your first is a boy, full fledged girliness is necessary. 

It feels so great to share all of this with you. There will be more pregnancy, nursery decorating, sibling advice, and other related baby posts in the coming months. But do not worry, there will be plenty of non-child related writing as well. 

xo
Erin 

4.04.2013

In-Between Every Day


Not quite Spring, almost Summer, and before we know it Fall. The seasons run together so quickly and  new clothes need to last through it. I am really looking for pieces that I can wear now, incorporate into looks when it gets much warmer, last into the cooler nights and before we know it, days of Fall. I reach for leggings WAY too much, these looks would all be a huge improvement and are super versatile. 

A comfy maxi skirt (that doubles as a dress), soft leather jacket, and flat sandals (obsessed)


Splendid Skirt, PJK  Leather Jacket, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent Sandals

That jacket would look great with basically anything in your closet. I have a black one just like it that I wear to death. I kind of can't even talk about the sandals, they are on sale as well. 

The sandals would also look great with this look. 

 Soft Chambray Shirt, Coated Jeans, Gauzy Scarf, Comfy Moccasins

Madewell shirt, J Brand jeans, Theodora & Callum scarf, Minnetonka moccasins 

I own this entire outfit, minus the scarf that I love, and always feel like I got my sh*t together when I have it on for running around. The coasted jeans are fun for day, then are killer at night with heels and a floaty top. A great chambray shirt is probably the best investment I have made in awhile. 

The search for the perfect boyfriend jean is kind of my Achilles heel right now. I am not really into the "skinny" leg boyfriend, I mean what is the point? But you do want a pair that fit well enough that you do not look ten pounds heavier. These look perfect and I love the idea of prepping up the rest of the look. 

Boyfriend Jean, Striped Soft Blazer, Wedge Espadrille, Bright Duffel, Panama Hat

Joe's Jeans, J. Crew blazer, Tory Burch wedges, J. Crew hat, Alexander Wang bag

I worship the color of the A. Wang bag, which is obviously an investment piece, but is so versatile. A little height would be good with the slouchy jeans to elongate the leg and a fitted blazer helps keep you looking slim. I have this panama hat already and love the updated shape to a fedora. 

You can probably put together similar looks with items already in your closet, right? I need to tear through mine a bit, but I love everything here! 

Taking the little guy to the city today and will not have time to write tomorrow. Signing off for the weekend. My weekend wish is that these pieces make their way to my door on Monday so I can leave the LuLu Lemon's in the closet. 

xo
Erin 

4.03.2013

Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts

Brussel sprouts are still technically in season, just for a bit. Not that it means much to me since all the fresh produce we eat is generally trucked in except for those short summer months. But for all you lucky enough to have an actual year round growing season, they will probably still be at the farmer's market. 

The combo of bacon and brussel sprouts was absolutely thought up by a savvy mom trying to get these bitter greens in her kids. And she is a genius. I took the usual preparation up a notch by tossing in a balsamic vinaigrette. 


This only takes a few minutes to prep and can be kept warm in the oven. Grill up something yummy, make a salad, and you have a delicious dinner. With crispy bacon. bonus. 

My favorite part are the leaves that fall off and get super charred. They are like little salty crispy chips. 



Roasted Balsamic Brussel Sprouts
makes 4 side servings

3 lbs brussel sprouts, stem trimmed off and halved
2 slices of thick cut bacon, diced 
olive oil 
salt and pepper
1/2 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 

Place the brussel sprouts and bacon in a single layer on a baking sheet. Toss with some olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 40-45 minutes, tossing occasionally, until browned and crispy. 

Meanwhile, whisk together the mustard, vinegar, and salt and pepper to taste. Whisk in 3 tablespoons of olive oil until well combined. 

When brussel sprouts are done roasting, toss with vinaigrette over the vegetables in the hot pan and toss to coat. Serve warm. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 


4.02.2013

Executing the Pin

How many rooms have I pinned on Pinterest? Somewhere around 4,158? And while I exaggerate, it seems hard to hone in on those rooms that you could actually apply to your own space. 

So from time to time I will actually take some of those very popular rooms on Pinterest and put them together for all us non-designer, non-millionaires. 

Let's start with this cozy space. I pinned this because of the white walls, which I am hoping to incorporate more of in my house, and the use of neutrals with a few pops of color. 


image via BHG

Black, white, wood, blue, yellow, espresso. This room is actually a lot more eclectic than I thought at first glance because it does such a good job of only using neutrals plus two other colors. It also has a coastal feel, while also throwing in some tribal/ethnic influence. Which makes it even easier to execute with things you might already have on hand. 


Wouldn't it be cozy and fun? It also feels comfortable. Like you could have friends for drinks, but your three year old could run around and play as well. 

1. Lulu & Georgia $231 / 2. Ikea $199 / 3. Pottery Barn $199 each / 4. World Market $119 / 5. Ballard $1500 / 6. Lulu & Georgia $53 each / 7. West Elm $199 each / 8. West Elm price varies by size / 9. Ballard $799 each 10. Jonathan Adler $175

xo
Erin 





4.01.2013

Weekend Rewind

How was your weekend? There was a lot of family time over here, plus a date night, finally saw Zero Dark Thirty (kind of long, but good), and I topped the weekend off with a giant piece of cake that I had been craving. Here is a recap... 


I am trying out a new moisturizer, Clinque Moisture Surge. So far I love it. Light and oil free, but my skin drinks it up and does not get dry later in the day. Perfect for layering under make up.


Date night outfit: Equipment shirt, Gap skinny cropped trouser, Jimmy Choo booties, Marc Jacobs clutch, vintage necklace

I had taken a break from the no-chip manicure, but I had to go back. So amazing how long it lasts. 


My go-to pink is Shellac Romantique

My new bedding came from Crane & Canopy. I had originally told you that I was going to get the Serena & Lily set, but I found this set for half the price. 


It came beautifully wrapped with a handwritten note. Bonus is that they donate a set of bedding to charity with every person. The smell of lavender wafted from the box when you opened it. Great packaging. 

Going crazy over coral lips for Spring. 


Nars Satin Lip Pencil in Lodhi, Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment in Coral, MOR lip gloss

Candlelight at Easter Vigil 


I had not made this Herbed Cheese & Sun Dried Tomato Stuffed Chicken in awhile. Forgot how good it is. And easy. 


Some fancy shoes for Easter that I died over. Then when it came to putting them on him Easter morning, one foot would not fit. Literally threw them across the room. 


His sneaks worked fine though. He actually grabbed some eggs. 


Got a little saccharin with the colors on Easter, but I essentially wore the same outfit as date night, except... 


Added a Zara blazer and Banana top that is no less than ten years old. It was just not warm enough for a spring-y dress. Add to that I have two giant bruises on my legs that have not seen the sun for about two years. Not cute. 

Hope your weekend was fantastic. 
xo
Erin 


LinkWithin

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...