Happy Shivering Halloween!

If you live or have lived in the Midwest, you know that almost inevitably the weather will be terrible for Halloween. It is so cruel given that every kid I knew growing up had to endure many a Halloween with their adorable costume covered up with a giant puffy coat and their chosen identity for the night unrecognizable. Somehow our parents still braved the weather so we could collect all those Reese's cups and Starburst, thank God for them. 

But now I am one of them. Though my kids are still too young to know if they even missed trick or treating, I know they cannot. Even when the high today is 45 and snow is in the forecast. 

So bundle up super Mom and Dad. It is our turn to endure the weather. Our parents did it for us. 

As my Dad always says, "There is nothing like sleet on Halloween." 

xoxo

Erin 

photo via: the city spot

Farro Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan

I had forgotten about this side until I came across it in the archives over at Forks & Amusement. If you are into brown rice and quinoa, farro is another grain you should try. It has a nutty taste and heartiness while having the consistency of pasta. You could swap out the farro for any grain or even pasta, but look for farro where the rice is in your market (if not there, check the Italian food section). It is delicious and this salad is filled with so many yummy ingredients. Make it as a side for dinner and enjoy for lunch the next day. It is even better. 

Farro Salad with Walnuts and Parmesan 
Forks & Amusement 2011
serves 6-8

1 lb farro
2 quarts chicken stock or water
salt and pepper
2 tablespoons dijon mustard
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon minced garlic, about 2 cloves
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper, more if you like it spicy
1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 red or yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
3/4 cup chopped toasted walnuts (to toast, just place in a hot pan on the stove until toasted, flipping over the nuts every once in awhile)
1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese

Cover the farro with cold water and soak up to 25 minutes. Drain and place in a pot. Cover with the stock, add some salt. Bring to a boil. Turn down the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered about 25 minutes, of until tender. Drain and set aside to cool in the fridge or spread on a baking sheet first to cool faster. (can be done the day before)

Meanwhile, combine the mustard, vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper in a small bowl. Whisk in the oil to make the dressing.

In a large serving bowl, add in the cooled farro. Add the onions, bell pepper, and walnuts. Pour the dressing over that and add the parmesan. Toss everything to coat evenly. Taste and adjust for seasoning. Serve at room temperature or cold. can be made 1 day in advance.

Enjoy!
xo
Erin

Ultimate Wish List: Bags

So I know that Christmas is far away (kind of) and for those that have been extra, extra nice this year and are thinking Santa will be bringing them the bag of their dreams, I thought I would put some together. Investment pieces tend to take a little more time to shop for. 

Any of these classic bags from the most beloved designers are investment pieces that will stand the test of time. In neutrals, blush, and navy, you cannot go wrong. 

And if it is Santa that is reading this and needs some advice for his lucky lady, you can always email me for advice about these bags and any gifts for that matter. Feel free to forward on, ladies. He needs the help! ha 

1. This Valentino rock stud is roomy and swoon worthy. $2345

2. Every cool Parisian girl is carrying one of these is seems. Saint Laurent $2750

3. I am a sucker for the throwback Gucci G logo. This bag feels so 70s in the best way possible. $1950

4. This Proenza Schouler PS1 is one of my favorites. I have it in coral, but this navy is amazing. $1695

5. A cream bag is so chic and this Chloe satchel makes it even more so . $1950

6. The Saint Laurent logo bag is on every must have list right now. $2265

7. The peek a boo Fendi  is a new classic with that gorgeous fold. $5750

8. This Valentino rock stud cross body is perfect. It had to be ripped from my body when I saw it recently. $2395

9. This bright navy Prada is a great size and shape. $1630

10. The dusty pink of this classic Balenciaga is so pretty. $1635

11. The 3.1 Phillip Lim Pashli satchel in this jade color always sells out quick. $895

12. This lady like Givenchy is extra roomy and stunning. $2435

Are you drooling? 

xo

Erin 

Glossier

If you are a fan of Into the Gloss (which if you love beauty products, add to your daily reads), then you probably saw that the founder of the site launched her own skin care line called Glossier. The girl literally writes about all things beauty and interviews everyone from Karlie Kloss to Kate Bosworth on what products they use for those flawless faces. So you have got to think that when developing her own line she really had done her homework. 

They have launched the brand with four products and an affordable price point and so far I love them. the packaging on its own is so simple and pretty, and the products themselves are very simple and make you feel pretty. So basically a huge win. The priming moisturizer of a thin, but powerful product that really plumps the skin. You are supposed to layer so someone with dry skin can really lay in on thick, while an oily skinned person can start with just a dab. Emily is all about the dewy skin look, which really does make you look younger in my opinion, so I like that "glossier" look. 

The face tint comes in three shades (I got medium) and it is just a hint of color to even out skin tone while still maintaining that "I woke up like this" natural look that I so covet right now. 

The rose water spray is refreshing and great to start your day, refresh yourself for an afternoon pick me up, or even at the end of the day to relax a bit. It would be perfect on a plane flight. And speaking of plane flights, the products are delivered in the cutest pink bubble wrapped quart sized bags to really up your travel game. 

And rounding the pack out is the Balm Dotcom. It plumps lips, moisturizes dry cuticles and fingers, and can be used on anything that needs some love. At $80 for the full suite, I would say your money is being well spent (you can buy products a la carte as well) and these products will be in your rotation in no time. 

Have you tried any of the products? Let me know what you think. 

xo

Erin 

Getting in the Spirit

I know it is crazy to think about Christmas before Halloween even comes, but honestly it the only thing that can get me in a creative state of mind. Burnout happens to me probably a few times a year and over the last couple of weeks, it is in full swing. Sometimes it is hard to feel creative enough to put content together for you that is actually worth reading. And my thought is always that quality is better than quantity and I would never want to disappoint you with some ho-hum post (although I am sure it still happens!). So that is the reason for the lack of posts lately. But when I started thinking about all the upcoming holiday parties that you might have coming up, a light bulb went off. And honestly, holiday party dress shopping is probably one of my favorite posts of the year. Dresses with a little something extra that puts you in the mode of the season are always fun to find. Here are a few that stand out from the crowd of the usual suspects that are so fun. 

1. It is rare to be able to wear white if you are not a bride. Take advantage. For Love & Lemons $255

2. This dress is actually embroidered. So so pretty and love the colors. Asos $180

3. This is the second time I posted this dress. I love it that much Alice + Olivia $396

4. The front is covered up and cute, but the sassy back and jacquard makes it a fave. Alice + Olivia $395

5. This hunter green knit is screaming for a statement necklace. Alice + Olivia $396

6. A floral digital print feels surprisingly festive. Asos $165

7. Such a sucker for a black and white dress and the draping on this is so pretty. Shoshanna $295

8. A lot of beading, but in an understated way. These silhouettes are always flattering too. Asos $181

Hopefully this is a kick for me to get my mojo back and if there is anything you are looking for specifically please let me know. Would love ideas! 

xo

Erin 

Pumpkin Bread Muffins

This last weekend was just one of those that you hope to have each week. The weather was crisp, but lovely. Plenty of play time with the kids and excursions as a family. Plus, date night with the hubs. And to top it off a prefect visit with my brother capped with fireside smores. Luckily,  I still have some of these pumpkin bread muffins I made with Tommy yesterday to keep me happy on this Monday morning and to make it feel like the weekend is still alive. 

This is truly just The Best Pumpkin bread Bread Ever, poured into a muffin tin. But I like that they are portioned out a bit as the loaf seems to go way too fast given my one-more-thin-slice mentality that magically makes the entire thing disappear. The recipe gives you the option of muffins or loaves. You could always top these guys with some cream cheese frosting. Just saying...

My Mom's Pumpkin Bread or Muffins
Imperfect Polish 2014
makes 2 loaves or 2 dozen muffins

2 1/2 cups of sifted flour
1 cup brown sugar
2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp salt

2 tsp baking soda

1 tsp each nutmeg, cinnamon, ground clove
1 lb canned pumpkin

4 eggs

1 cup vegetable oil

2/3 cup cold water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

Sift all of the dry ingredients (first 6 listed) together in a large bowl. 

In a standing mixer bowl (if using) or another large mixing bowl (if using a hand mixer), beat the remaining ingredients together until smooth. 

Add the dry ingredients in thirds combining well each time until smooth again. 

Fill two well greased loaf pans 3/4 full if baking loves. And bake for 1 1/4 hour or until a toothpick comes out clean from the center. 

Or fill two muffin tins lined with paper cups with the batter to about 3/4 full in each cup. Bake for 20-30 minutes until set and toothpick comes out clean. 

Enjoy! 
xo
Erin 

Shopbop Sale: My Favorites

There is a Shopbop sale for the next 3 Days! Everything gets 25% off at checkout when you use the code FAMILY25. There is so much greatness on the site right now, but here are a few of my favorites to get you started. Click pictures for links and hover for info. 

Happy Shopping! 

xo

Erin 

Jail Birdies

Sooo having a moment with black and white stripes right now. In a top, a dress, coat, all of it. Classic, yet fun, and surprisingly flattering. Here are some cute options to sport them.  

1. This Topshop dress is great year round. $45 (on sale)

2. This top would look great over skinnies. PPLA $35

3. This comfy shift has an exposed zipper in the back. Painted Threads $35

4. This sweater dress looks comfy for the cold weather. Would look great with brown boots.  Asos $47

5. This knit sweater dress would be cute belted too.  Old Navy $34

6. Love the soft stripes and slinky knit of this A.L.C dress. $475

And though not stripes, I just picked up some black and white pieces that I am pumped to wear tomorrow night for a night out. Black, white, leopard, and gold. Can't go wrong, right? 

1. Honestly, these Hudson jeans are the most flattering I have ever worn and so comfortable. 

2. I got this French Connection top at Bevello on sale. You can also get it here. 

3. I have black cap toe pumps like these from Club Monaco that I love so much. 

4. This Bauble Bar hassle necklace is a lot like one of my vintage costume pieces. $36

5. This Claire V. clutch is currently sold out everywhere. It has become my go to. Which is funny since I used to loathe leopard. 

I hope your weekend is black, white, and chic all over. 

xo

Erin 

Secret Lives of Moms: Change of Opinion

Things can add up pretty quickly in our lives. Moms or not. You tell yourself that you won't get so stressed or frustrated or fed up or all of the above that you will change the way you promised yourself you would parent. But, oops there it is. We all believed that we would not do those things we always judged others for doing (other mothers or our own. ha) and then we went ahead and did it, and life went on and our kids are turning out pretty great. 

This week I asked Moms: 

What thing do you do now that you swore you never would when it comes to parenting? 

"There was no way that I would let my kids eat or drink more than water in the car. Those sticky, crumby cars always grossed me out as a kid. But alas, after the first whines from the back I am handing out crackers and lollipops like Santa. Bottom line, sometimes a drive in the car is the only peace I get while sitting down in the day." 

"I am guilty of saying those things I swore I never would. Like, "If you won't brush your hair, maybe we should just cut it all off."  I might now say this once a week, at least, to my daughter!  My girls are, of course, just as picky in regards to eating as I use to be.  I say to them, "Don't say 'I don't like it' say 'I don't care for it'!" My parents always said that one day I would have a kiddo that would do just the same annoying things that I did to them...they were right.  My husband is in SHOCK that he now is living with 2 of me. "

"I swore that I would never put my kid on one of those kid leashes! But with the second one on the way, I'm seriously contemplating it."

"Talk about peeing and pooping like it is a perfectly normal topic of conversation."

"Coming from a family of all girls, I swore my children would never wear hand me downs.  They would always wear brand new spanking clothing. Two children later realizing that children grow like weeds, and some outfits don't even get worn, I'm saving everything for the future third child. It's new to them!"

"I was never going to let my kids watch or play with our iPhones/tablets while eating out at a restaurant. They need to learn to sit through a meal, right?!? But after all else fails and I'm trying to enjoy a nice meal and glass of wine, I'll do anything to keep the peace. Gotta love the Disney Jr. App!"

"As I grew up and would think about how I wanted to be a mother, I told myself I would never let my kids watch TV. However, as the first one came and then the next I have found myself using TV to help distract the oldest to actually accomplish tasks with my younger one. Whether it be nurse the younger one or change a diaper. My hope is that

 TV keeps the oldest distracted enough to not break, tear, or flush something down the toilet when I am unable to watch."

"I swore I'd never breast feed this long. She's 10 months and I'm still doing it. It's hard to just stop and since I've come this far I might as well keep going. I don't want to start dealing with formula now even if it is for just 2 months. I also said I'd never have baby crap all over the common areas in the house. Yeah right. Like I'm going to put everything away in the baby's room every time. That would be even more exhausting :)"

" Saying "bc I said so!" I've found myself saying this all of  a sudden over the past few weeks my toddler literally says "why?" 15 times minimum after everything I say... Usually I'm patient for the first say 10  but by 15 I'm like just "because I said so" and he usually replies with "oh, ok"

"Giving in to the whining when at the store. I swore I'd never be the mom that tries to buy her Child's silence by giving in to whines and screams for cookies! Lollypops and ice-cream while grocery shopping. Pretty much always end up grabbing a box of junk and handing it over so I can get my shopping done! Eek!"

"I was going to be a mom whose baby adapted to my schedule and not vice versa.  YEAH RIGHT!  My life revolves around my son's nap time.  Period."

""Let the baby cry it out" Swore I'd do it... never did! Got up every time."

"Wipe baby snot on my clothes!! Now its toddler snot and I still do it!"

"When my son was born, I swore I would make all of his food from scratch.  I would say to people, why make boxed macaroni and cheese when making it from scratch is just as easily.  Fast forward two years to this past weekend, I fed him hot dogs two days in a row. At least they were organic."

What is your answer? Would love to hear. 

xo

Erin 

Statement Sofa

Some of the spaces that I have been most inspired by lately have been full of white walls and brightly colored sofas. White walls can be kind of boring, but really it helps anchor anything you want to do to the room over time. And a sofa that makes a color statement is so fun and surprising. 

I have a bright navy sofa in my basement that I love so so much. There are so many great options out there now as home decorators are taking more risks to lovely rewards. 

1. I was floored when I saw this green number at Ikea. It is magic. $999

 2. Not quite pink, not quite red, this is such a beautiful shape and color. Deepa Gurnani $1998

3. This hot pink love seat would be fun in an entry or bedroom. Pottery Barn Teen $799

4. I love modern sofas mixed into traditional design. This yellow one would be fantastic. Hayneedle $919

5. Somehow this sofa has a clean modern feel, while also being feminine. This soft mint is so great. West Elm $899

6. A velvet chesterfield is kind of a dream of mine. Rowan Reed $2495

xo

Erin 

Baked Rigatoni with Chicken Sausage & Spinach

This is one of those perfect pasta dishes that is comforting, but not too heavy. It is now in my top ten. I love how easy it is to make and that the recipe makes two, so you can make one and freeze one for later. It came in really handy when I brought dinner to friends that had a new baby since dinner was made for both of us that night. The sauce is simple, but has so much flavor with a hint of richness. And the hearty bites of chicken sausage pairs so well with the tomato and spinach. Writing this makes me want to run to the store and grab all of the ingredients again.   

Baked Rigatoni with Chicken Sausage & Spinach 

Imperfect Polish 2014

Makes two dishes that serve 3-4 or 

Makes one dish that serves 6-8

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 1/2 lb chicken sausage 

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves of garlic, minced

1/3 cup of white wine (optional)

28oz can of whole tomatoes, with the juice and crush them with your hands

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 lb rigatoni

10 oz baby spinach

8 oz fontina cheese, 6 oz cubed, 2 oz grated

1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil on the stove. 

Meanwhile, add one tablespoon of the oil to a skillet and heat to medium high heat. Cook the chicken sausage all the way through, turning to brown all sides. Turn off heat and place sausage on a cutting board to cool. 

Add the other tablespoon of oil to the skillet and turn the heat back on to medium high. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, then pour in the wine. Let cook until wine has reduced by half. Then pour in the tomatoes and oregano. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for 15 minutes. Add the cream, stir to combine, and season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 400 degrees, slice the chicken sausage. And cook rigatoni according to the package instructions and add in the spinach to the pot for the last minute or so. Drain. 

Add the pasta, sausage, spinach, and cubed fontina to the skillet and mix well. Pour everything into either one large casserole dish or two smaller ones. Top with the grated fontina and parmesan. 

Bake for 20-30 minutes until bubbly and browned on top. 

If you are freezing one, wrap tightly with plastic wrap and place in the freezer. Then when ready to serve, thaw and bake for 30 minutes at 400 degrees. Or frozen for 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Family Photo: What To Wear

Family photo taking season is upon us. While fun to set up and get the proofs from, it can be a little tough to put together a look for the entire family. I think these groups just nailed it. 

While I do not have anything against matching outfits (I have actually seen it done well. Rarely though), it is better to stick to a cohesion as opposed to straight up uniformity. I put together some groupings so you could see what I mean. 

Other rules of thumb are be careful with your prints, stick with clothes that fit really well to your frame, and wear body smoothing undergarments (aka spanx and smoothing tanks). That way you are comfortable moving around and wrangling the kids while they take the pictures. 

I broke the options down by their theme/dress code with a little boy and girl option to go with the parents. 

If you are doing a more formal sitting, then a cocktail dress you can sport to parties/weddings one the season is perfect. I kept the rest of the family in the same color story of navy, gray/silver, and white. 

 1. Alice + Olivia $396 / 2. J. Crew $405  / 3. J. Crew $128 / 4. Gap $60 / 5. Gap $9 / 6. Gap $26 / 7. Gap $24

We have all seen the families with the white shirts and black pants photo. This is a different take. Again, staying with the theme but breaking it up so it is not too matchy. Pair the girls tunic with leggings and boys sweater with jeans. 

1. J. Crew $98 / 2. Koral $159 / 3. J. Crew $128 / 4. J. Crew $155 / 5. Gap $44 / 6. Gap $39

Choosing a color to work around is not a bad idea. Just pick several hues and mix in at least one pattern. 

1. BB Dakota $65 / 2. J. Crew $88 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Old Navy $12 / 5. J. Crew $39

Another example, this time in green and gray. 

1. Bailey 44 $174 / 2. J. Crew $118 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Zara $35 / 5. Boden $30 

This is what I call "Everyone is dressed for Fall." Chunky knits, warm colors, and denim. 

1. Etienne Marcel $209 (wear with tights) / 2. J. Crew $98 / 3. J. Crew $155 / 4. J. Crew $48 (wear with leggings) / 5. Gap $44

Most likely you will base everyone's pieces off of yours. Right? So this for example shows you that by just adding in a color from your dress to the group and adding one more with pop, everything sort of mixes perfectly. 

1. Maison Scotch $120 / 2. J. Crew $98 / 3. J. Crew $69 / 4. Gap $44 / 5. Zara $19

And if you are headed outside in the cold to take your photos, try and coordinate your outwear. Yours should have a belt of fit as close to the body as possible. It is more flattering. I love this black and gray set so much. 

1. BB Dakota $144 / 2. J. Crew $520 / 3. Patagonia $114  / 4. Gap $44

I hope this helps you with some inspiration for your family photos. Really just work around a color or set of colors and you should be set. The most important piece of advice I have is to wear things you would wear normally. Everyone wants their pictures to be as natural as they possibly can be, they always turn out better. 

xo

Erin 

A Few Great Things

Just some random goodness for your weekend...

This shot from House Beautiful really struck me this week. Such statements and eclectic touch. Anyone doubting that a collection of things you love can never go together, should remember that it always will.  With the right styling of course. 

Say what you will about Lena Dunham, she is quite the character. And pretty hilarious. Check out this collection of short videos she did as promotion for her new book that came out this week. Her advice is funny but also poignant. 

My usual moisturizer ran out this week and I could not make it over to Sephora to get. So I picked up this cream at Target from Simple and I have to say my skin is looking pretty darn great. Considering it is 1/10 of the price of my usual brand, I might have to substitute this in more often. 

I came across this great company this week doing amazing things for girls like these above while also coming up with engineering genius for us. Meet Thinx. 

Check out their mission here. And check out their cute and ridiculously functional underwear for us. 

Again, why did no one think of this sooner? Your "period underwear" just got so much better. You know you have them in your drawer. Here is how these are better. 

My order is in. Happy helping out weekend. 

xoxo

Erin 

Best of the Booties

The bootie has become a Fall staple that makes it easy to elevate an outfit from "I am just wearing my skinnies and a tee" to "Look at how pulled together and cool I am."

They look great with jeans tucked over or cuffed above them, with leggings or tights with a tunic or dress, and bare legged for you lucky ladies in the warmer states. Though there are some fancier versions like Reese's above, I rounded up my favorite casual pairs that can be dressed up or down and perfect for running through your day. 

1. The shorter heel height is nice on this pair. Splendid $195

2. I love the contrast of the gray with the light colored heel. Loeffler Randall $319

3.  This is slightly chunkier style where your jeans could fit over the top easily. Jeffrey Campbell $154

4. This is a really classic style with a pointier toe. Madewell $218

5. This black pair is more refined and sleek than the others. Madewell $258

6. This is my favorite pair. Love the shape and the hint of Western. Arrici $259

7. These are more of an investment, but they really started this entire trend. Rag & Bone $525

8. Kind of obsessed with an open toe. Coach $298

9. This suede open toe is also so chic. Vince $395

xo

Erin