Have a Great Weekend!

It is almost here, just get to the end of the day. Tomorrow I have a big wedding to attend in the city celebrating one fabulous Diva. Looking forward to some girl time and catching up with out of towners. I am wearing this dress with some vintage finds I got last week. I will share on Instagram tomorrow. I am going to attempt to wear heels, but I can tell you now that I could barely get my puffy hooves in them, so we will see how that goes. 

BTW, I found out this week that baby girl is still breech (ugh), so if you have any tips on how to get her to turn I would love to hear! Mostly been trying to hang out upside down, which is weird and not seeming to work out too well. 

I hope you have a great weekend! 

xo
Erin 

Classic Stripes

I always feel myself gravitating towards blue stripes in the summer. There is something so "I am headed to the Hamptons" about anything that is printed this way. Note: Never been to the Hamptons. But I bet a lot of these girls have or may be headed there right now. 

Fresh and classic, right? I know you may be afraid of horizontal stripes, but I swear if worn the right way they are actually super flattering. Take it from me, who is wearing a lot of them and has a basketball under her dress. 

1. Gap slouchy sweater $44

2. Flattering dress from Anthropologie $78

3. Silky chevron dress by Tbags $171

4. Love this breezy Joie dress $268

5. Cute one piece from Kushcush $165

6. Polished striped skirt by Zara $59

7. Easy dress from Heidi Merrick $437

8. Beachy tunic from J. Crew $78

9. Bold striped button down from Anthropologie $198

10. Comfy espadrilles from Kirna Zabete $78

11. Soft shirt from Gap $37

12. Madewell skirt to wear with anything $49

xo

Erin 

Coming Home to Fresh Paint

We are back from our trip to see the grandparents and falling back into line is taking a few days. How nice is it to have your parents around to help with your kids? I am so grateful that they want to be so involved and allow me to take a nap. 

While we were away the painters did a few jobs around the house, the first being our family room/kitchen. Previously it was a buttery off white that normally would be fine, but it bugged because the kitchen cabinets were also off white. The fact they matched has bothered me since we moved in. 

Here is what the room was like before...

I chose a cool, calming icy gray (Sherwin Williams Ice Cube). Something much lighter that gives me more options for decorating down the road. This new color has made me like the kitchen cabinets more and just has a fresher look than before. Don't mind my little model...

I am a little annoyed that the painters forgot to paint the ceiling in between the beams. Those are always the things that happen when you are away when the job is getting done. But even Matt says that this new color makes all the other rooms (all that buttery white) need new paint too, so they will be coming for a visit again soon. We also had our room painted, which I will share once a couple more pieces

 come in.

What do you think? Not a huge change and hard to tell in photos, but I love it. 

PS: Need some new throw pillows, any suggestions???? 

xo

Erin 

Clearing My Head, Headed to CO

I apologize for the spuratic posts, pregnancy has kind of kicked my ass the last week. Feeling tired with a cloudy brain (so forgetful!) while still running after a one year old has thrown me off my game. I leave for CO on Monday for a week long trip to visit my family. I am very excited and think I need the break.

While I am away they are doing some painting at the house. Beyond excited to come home to fresh new colors and to share with you when I get back. The nursery will be painted so I can kick that project into gear and start showing you what I am up to.

Until then, taking a breather and I wish for you a great week filled with all your summer faves and plenty of laughter.

xo
Erin

Orecchiette with Sausage, Corn, and Chilies

There are not a ton of pasta recipes that make since in the summer that you serve warm, but this one has al fresco night dinner written all over it. The recipe is an interesting mix of Mexican and Italian flavored that really turned out lovely. I wish I could take credit for this creativity, but Martha strikes again. This is also delicious as leftovers for lunch the next day. The market did not have orecchiette that day, but bow tie was just as good. 

Orecchiette with Sausage, Corn, and Chilies

Martha Stewart Living, June 2013

serves 4 to 6

Salt and Pepper

1 lb orecchiette pasta

8 oz sweet Italian sausage, casings removed

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 to 3 jalapeño or Fresno chilies, deseeded, very thinly sliced (keep some seeds if you like more heat)

4 1/2 cups fresh yellow corn kernels (from about 6 ears)

sour cream, for serving

fresh chopped cilantro, for serving

1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, and then drain pasta. 

2. Meanwhile, cook sausage in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to break up into bite size pieces, until golden brown and cooked through, 5 to 7 minutes. Transfer sausage to a plate; drain fat from skillet. Add butter to skillet, scraping up brown bits with a wooden spoon. Add chills and cook, stirring occasionally, 1 minute. Add corn and continue to cook until corn turns a deeper yellow and chilies are softened, about 2 minutes. Return sausage to pan along with pasta and toss to combine, adding enough pasta water to form a smooth sauce that coats the pasta. Season with salt and pepper, and serve with sour cream and cilantro. 

Enjoy! 

Erin 

Bringing the Outside In

The spaces that end up most inspiring to me are those that actually look like they can be lived in. They are more casual and have an eclectic mix of patterns and textures that is easier to recreate than something that looks formal and totally "done." One material that I love in spaces is rattan and bamboo. It almost feels like these pieces are meant for the patio, but look fantastic in a living room or kitchen. Plus, it gives off that whole beach-y, relaxed vibe that makes your space look inviting and comfortable. 

I LOVE this living room. Totally eclectic and fun. 

These chairs make a fun statement and bring warmth to the room. 

Again, eclectic. Makes you feel like you can put it together with some things you already have. 

I have been eyeing these Ikea chairs for awhile. Look how great they look with a cushion and colorful pillow. 

Chairs are so insanely expensive, so the rattan options can give you some seating options that do not feel like they will break you. 

1. Pier One $299

2. Byholma from Ikea $94

3. Serena & Lilly $450 (Just for fun, but I kind of want one)

4. Stella from Home Decorators $299

5. Pottery Barn $179

6. Storsele from Ikea $119

7. Pier One $159

8. Almsta from Ikea $99

9. Furbish $795 (pricey, but look comfy)

xo

Erin 

Asos

I have written and posted a lot of looks from Asos and people are always loving them, but are wary of ordering from the site. It can be hard ordering from a new store online, so let me assure you that it is awesome. The quality of the pieces that were as little as forty dollars was actually pretty amazing. There is free expedited shipping with your order and returns are as easy as putting the box back in the mail with a card filled out. I have been so impressed with what they have and the price point that I have gone a bit mad. 

Yesterday the baby slept way in, so I used the time to burn through some molla and get a ton of great stuff for a surprising little amount. I needed some more casual dresses and a couple of pieces for upcoming weddings. I hate spending money on maternity clothes, and while a couple of these are, most are not and I can wear afterwards as well. 

1. Striped Maternity Dress $47

2. Cami Maxi Dress (also in magenta) $58

3. Striped Swing Dress $25

4. Maternity Swim Suit in navy $42 (had to do it, the bikini is just kind of offensive at this point in public)

5. Animal Print Maternity Dress $59

6. Waterfall Cardigan $47

I had ordered this dress before and I am obsessed with it. Great print, colors and easily dressed up for a night out or down for running errands. 

China Print Swing Dress $58

Here is to a great weekend and maybe you will fall in love with Asos as well. 

xo

Erin 

Losing the Leggings

While I try to not wear leggings ALL winter long, it pretty much happens. An every day look of soft leggings or your favorite skinnies with a blousey long top is just so easy to put together. And really it can be pulled together so chicly, even if your leggings are form Target. When it gets warmer, it is easy to just lose the leggings and throw on a shirt dress. Something that looks good enough to wear to work, dinner out, or running errands by just switching your accessories. These cool girls seem to get it. 

These are some cute options for this summer. Throw on with tights and a leather jacket come Fall and you will get so much wear out of it. 

From left: Asos  / Topshop / Equipment / DKNY

I am obsessed with the pink Equipment. Too bad it has a waist. Don't these all look comfy for a hot summer day? 

xo

Erin 

Sarah + Abraham

I came across the cutest site for kids stuff last week. Am thinking of ordering everything....

Sarah + Abraham has the cutest personalized graphics for kids and adults. And after further review, I found out that Sarah is local and started the business on her own. Love that. There are tons of options for graphics and colors for each item. The plate and bowls are just adorable, how cute is Charlotte? That little book with Emma on the front is a journal, perfect for summer story writing. She has a lot of options for art prints and note cards that you can personalize with how many kids you have and their names. There are also some cute gifts for teachers. 

Glad I found this gem. The place mat and plates are going on order as soon as I can get Tommy to stop throwing food on the floor. Thinking it will happen in the next ten years. 

xo

Erin 

For the Father Who Bikes

If the Dad in your life likes to bike and has a little one, this is such a great Father's Day gift. Check out how much my guys are enjoying the iBert front mounted bike seat. 

I am not much of a biker, but from the feedback Matt has told me this is much easier to handle than the back mounted seats. Plus, the little one gets a great view. Tommy was screaming for joy down all the hills. Such a boy. 

Installation was pretty easy, as was taking it off for solo trips. I think these guys are going to have fun cruising the neighborhood this summer. 

xo

Erin 

Tuna & White Bean Salad

Every Monday I feel (am) a bit heavier from the indulgent nature of the weekend. No matter what, my good work during the week is undone by the mere presence of Friday. So at the start of each week it is nice to lighten up our meals and go fresh and healthy. 

I made this salad for my parents when they were in town and forgot how delicious it is. I started making this many moons ago when my roommate was on Atkins and I scrambled for dinner ideas without carbs. It comes together in less than ten minutes and is the perfect summer dinner that fills you up but not out. 

Tuna & White Bean Salad

serves 4

1- 12oz can of tuna 

1 - 15oz can of cannelini beans

handful of chopped flat leaf parsley

1/4 cup of onion or scallion, minced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 

salt & pepper

2 hearts of romaine lettuce, chopped

lemon

Toss the first six ingredients in a bowl and combine well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, add more vinegar and oil if needed. 

Place a large handful of romaine on each plate. Dress with the juice of the lemon and some salt and pepper. Scoop portions of the tuna salad on top. Serve immediately. 

You can make the tuna salad in advance and it keeps in the fridge well for a couple of days. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin