Series: Can't Live Without

Have a Happy Halloween everyone! I have a little princess and ninja turtle to escort tomorrow, let's hope that the weather complies. Wishing you many treats and cozy mornings. 

Here are the next ladies who can tell us what they currently Can't Live Without…

Beach babe and mom of two adorable boys, who loves a breakfast burrito and to boogie... 

1. BOB stroller 

2. Iced tea with milk and sugar

3. Chanel Blush in Malice

4. Chocolate chip scones 

5. Nordstrom light-medium down pillow 

Mom of two boys and two vizslas, who gives great advice, can beat you in tennis and golf in the same day, and kills it in the kitchen...

1.  Skinceuticals Sport UV Defense SPF 50 every day

2.  Instagram

3.  Caudalie Divine Oil after a shower

4.  Cetaphil Cleansing Wipes

5.  Amazon Prime

6.  Trish McEvoy Precision Brow Shaper

Mom of three and Realtor, who is a California girl through and through. She loves a surf sesh with the family and splitting a bottle of wine with the hubs after...

1. My Trina Turk pool pants

2.Yogi Toes Yoga towel for hot yoga

3.Issa De Mar Sao Paulo one piece bathing suit 

4. Bob jogging stroller "Escalade of strollers"

5. Rose hip oil for moisturizing

Teacher and Mom to the sweetest baby boy, who also happens to be a hilarious and a ton of fun...

California Baby Everyday Lotion 
Starbucks Venti Non-Fat Chai Tea Latte 

La Croix (grapefruit is my fave)

La Mercier Tinted Moisturizer 

Anthropologie Volcano Candles 

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Custom Holiday Gifts

I know, I know. Christmas is a dirty word when we are still not even to Halloween. But, when you consider how long some gifts take to get, it is not a bad time to get going on your orders. Who doesn't love a monogram or something special with the thought of those you love incorporated? Hint to men, the ladies love it! Feel free to just forward to your hubs, ladies.

First, something that you can wear forever...

1. Thea makes things rings as custom as you would like. Starting at $600

2. Your name and a diamond necklace. Perfect. $148

3. Real diamonds and the ring comes in yellow gold and silver too. $330

4. This bracelet comes in other metals and has a great shape.  $179

5. Incorporate an initial, monogram, and a name in one necklace. $390

6. Gold initial earrings. So cool. $196

7. I worship the asymmetry of this three initial necklace. $360

8. A bracelet to remind you of a special place. Your home, your wedding venue, your childhood home $149

9. Your three names, your kids' names, family names, lots of options for this. $150

10.  This ring would be a great little stacker or delicate all on its own. $89

11. An elegant little rose gold number. $98

12. I have one of these with my two kids' names on it. $100

13. Love this sweet little love gesture with a couples' initials. $135

Put a stamp on your bag game...

1. The original Claire V. oversized clutch looks amaze with a monogram. $339

2. A big tote that comes in other colors. I have long loved this one. $139

3. This Cambridge satchel can be a crossbody too. $310

4. A slouchy tote that comes in a ton of colors. $398

5. A zip wallet that could almost be a clutch. $245

6. You can completely customize this weekend bag. Even comes in a cute buffalo check. $298

For the home and beyond...

1. Custom pillows in a classic greek key. Love $45

2. A turkish towel for beach or bath. $34

3. This copper ice bucket doubles as a beautiful vase. $129

4. A jewelry roll is a travel essential. Love the seersucker $49

5. A monogram can be added to this nightshirt. Total classic. $68

6. Love a catch all. $154

7. Custom dinner napkins make any dinner party extra special. $54

8. This glass bowl can be customized with any monogram style. $49

9. This scarf can be made for adults or kids in many different colors. 

10. Your favorite yogi will swoon for this mat. $45

And for the kiddies...

1. Obsessed with these custom family watercolors that you can have framed, then use for products like stationary and iPhone cases. 

2. A sweet custom book for your little one. $34

3. Already got my order in for these cute Christmas PJs. $19

4. My favorite custom store (check out the entire site) has lots of melamine plate options to make meal time more fun. $26

5. Love this modern update on the wooden puzzle. $30

6. A small family company that makes the best hats and sweaters. 

7. How cute are these custom dolls? 

8. Maybe if they hear their name in the book, they will go to bed right away? $34

I want everything. 

xo

Erin 

Bacon Roasted Butternut Squash

This picture does no justice to this easy dinner side you can make with minimal effort and excellent results. 

I make roasted veggies of some variety almost every night. In the Fall, butternut squash is my favorite. Sweet and hearty, it just feels right. The hardest part of butternut squash is peeling it. So give yourself some time to do that or if your market has it already diced go for it. You can swap out the squash for sweet potato as well, which I do all the time. The simple mantra of just add bacon really always runs true in our house. 

Bacon Roasted Butternut Squash

Imperfect Polish 2015

Makes 4 sides

1 large butternut squash, peeled and diced 

Olive Oil

3 slices bacon, diced 

salt and pepper

Preheat oven to 400 degrees

Place the squash in a large sheet pan, two if it feels crowded. Toss in enough oil to coat, add the bacon and generous salt and pepper (hands are best tools here). Make sure it is all mixed feel and in one layer on the pan. 

Roast in oven for 15 minutes, toss and flip. Bake another 15 minutes or until browned and bacon is crisp. 

Serve warm with dinner. works great with roasted chicken, grilled steaks, or pork tenderloin. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Series: Can't Live Without

This week totally flew by. And it is the best time of year here, so I want it in slow motion, please. Just a few things on the agenda this weekend, but most important is snuggles on the couch, homemade brownies, and maybe a leaf pile session in the yard. 

And for your weekend reading pleasure, what some great ladies just can't live without…

Teacher, newlywed, incredible friend, who loves an adventure as much as lounging and gabbing all day...

1. Nars Pure Radiant tinted moisturizer spf 30

2. Palmers Skin Therapy Oil 

3. DiorShow Art Pen eyeliner 

4. Tweezerman tweezers 

5. Sriracha sauce 

Small business owner, Mom of three, who also has a creative eye that everyone envies...

1. Vertu Vigilance C Clear Sunscreen 

2. Ray Bans matte army green wayfarer

3. CrossFit

4. Lulu legging

5. Macbook Air & Iphone

Mom of three boys (under three!), whose making it look really good and dare I say easy? 

1. Starbucks grande skinny vanilla latte + a venti iced water (yes I have to have the water too)

2) dapple wipes

3) Oberweis chocolate milk

4) US Weekly 😍

5) Giraffe at Home throw blanket 

Gorgeous Mom of one adorable baby boy, whose gluten free, hilarious, and so much fun...

1. ChocoHigos 

2. Leopard Onesie

3. Pumpkin Pie Larabars

4. Joie Suede Bootie

5. The Blissful Kitchen Recipes

Happy Weekend! 

xo

Erin 

Weekend in AZ

Last weekend in AZ was perfect. With great company you could really be anywhere, but the desert makes it even better. 

                    

We stayed at the Saguaro in Old Town Scottsdale, which had a modern southwest vibe. The pool was a bit tired, but the decor was bright and fun. The food was also delicious and the rooms were nice. It was nice to be in a place where you could walk and grab coffee and breakfast in the morning. Plus everything we did was just a short uber away. 

We went to Sumo Maya for dinner and it was insanely delicious. Lots of fun things to try with an Asian Mexican twist. We hung out with the college kids at El Hefe after. We had that crowd by a decade, but ruled the dance floor. The second night we went to Grazie for pizza and wine which was the perfect second night activity. Chill and lots of pies to sample. 

                    

48 hours with this crew is just not enough. 

ps: The dress I am wearing above is on super sale in white. Loved it. 

                        

It is no secret I love a good braid and I tried this milk maid look while I was there and loved it. Simple as can be, but looks extra special. Simple part hair into two sections and braid two pigtails and secure with clear elastics. Pin up one side with hair pins to secure. Then wrap over the second side hiding the others end and tucking in the seconds tail under the first braid. 

xo

Erin 

Series: Can't Live Without

Thank you for all the positive response to this new series. It is so fun to share what is making people's day/week/month go round. This weekend I am headed off to a weekend in Scottsdale with girls that I can't believe I live without so much! I hope your weekend is filled with Fall favorites and girlfriend time too. 

Five more great ladies up next… 

A Southern girl through and through, who loves a dance party and her sweet little girl...

1. Cloth & Stone Chambray Dress (similar here)

2. Tory Burch Caroline Flats

3. Rodan + Fields Reverse Regime

4. Starbucks Classic Oatmeal and Grande NonFat Vanilla Latte

5. Bumble & Bumble Curl Conscious Shampoo and Conditioner

A total girl's girl who loves the great outdoors, prank calls, and her two lab pups...

1. Chanel Brightening Moisturizer 

2. Starbucks Soy Latte

3. Dyson Vacuum

4. Hiking or Crossfit 

5. Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color 

A girl who has great wit and grace while being an attorney, Mom of the cutest toddler and newborn babe, and stellar friend...

1. Narcos

2. Clarins Bright Plus HP Repair Night Cream

3. Any novel by Dominick Dunne

4. Champagne

5. The color greige

The lady that kills it at work and with her family, then meets you for drinks and you could talk for days...

1. All Clad Slow Cooker

2. Soulcycle

3. Lord Huron iTunes Radio Station

4. Freeman Pinot Noir

5. DHC Lip Cream

A Mom of two gorgeous little babes who has a passion for family and friends that is contagious and oh so sweet...

1. My Babies!

2. YSL Voluminous Shocking Mascara

3. Little Giraffe Throw Blanket

4. Pumpkin Cupcake Candle 

5. Amazon Prime

xo

Erin 

Slow Cooker Brisket

In an effort to have something lazy and hearty on a Sunday without picking up take out, this recipe came about. While you have to sear the meat before you put it in the slow cooker, there is no other steps. Just serve alongside roasted veggies or a salad, and have rice, quinoa or noodles on the side to soak up the insanely delicious sauce. The meat is tender and juicy and you got to sit on the couch while it did its thing, the best part. 

                   

Slow Cooker Brisket

Imperfect Polish 2016

serves 4-6 

1 - 2.5-3lb beef brisket

salt and pepper

vegetable oil 

2 cloves of garlic, peeled and smashed

1 bottle of beer

1/4 cup Dijon mustard

1/4 cup red wine

1/4 cup soy sauce 

1/4 cup red wine vinegar

2 bay leaves

1 onion, sliced

3 stalks of celery cut in large chunks

2 carrots cut in large chunks (feel free to use baby carrots if you have on hand)

1/2 teaspoon paprika

In a large skillet or cast iron pot, heat a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium high heat. Season the brisket liberally with salt and pepper (be generous!) and carefully place in the pot to sear. Add in the garlic cloves. Sear meat on both sides for about 5 minutes each or until nicely browned. 

Meanwhile, whisk together the mustard, wine, soy sauce, and red wine vinegar in a bowl. Once the meat is seared on both sides, place in the slow cooker. Turn the heat on the stove down to medium and pour the beer in the pot to deglaze (stand back, it can sputter!), and let it bubble away for a minute or two. Then add everything in the pot to the slow cooker. 

Place the vegetables, bay and paprika in the slow cooker and pour over the sauce. Stir things up a bit, then set your cooker on 8 hours low heat. 

20 minutes before you are ready to eat, take the meat out and let it rest with foil loosely covering it. Slice against the grain (so perpendicular of where the lines are on the meat) and serve hot with lots of that lovely sauce from the slow cooker poured on top. (you can eat the veggies or strain them out, your call). 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Shopbop Sale!

Shopbop is having their friends & family sale! 25% off your entire order. (for the boys too) Yes, lots to get excited about. Use code INTHEFAM25 at checkout. Happy shopping!

Here is what is on my wish list…

xo
Erin

Paris Fashion Week Inspo

The last collections in Paris may have been for Spring 2016, but there is no reason we cannot take a nod from them right now. Plenty of fun inspiration that can be applied to your Fall shopping…

Bright fun prints and plaids from Chanel...

1. Love this with tights and boots Asos $125

2. Fun retro tunic, love the print Asos $63

3. I am a sucker for a printed pant, these are sweet Ella Moss $79 

4. Asos $72 obsessed

5. A flannel for every day Madewell $55

6. Love the soft large plaid of this See by Chloe $395

7. A great skirt for work or play Ronny Kobo $101

8. Love the orange of this plaid, just add your own leather belt Asos $85 

The pleats at Stella McCartney were so fun… 

1. The perfect pink midi Cupcakes & Cashmere $115

2. The metallic of this pleat is so clever Clover Canyon $66 (on sale)

3. This faux suede number would look killer with a blazer Asos 64

4. Easy and fun Blaque Label $81

5. Obsessed with this shirt dress Love Sadie $120

6. I want to wear this every day this Fall Clu $174

And intricate metallics at Alexander McQueen…

1. I worship this shift dress Alice + Olivia $297

2. Love me a skirt with tights and booties Topshop $75

3. Perfect for Holiday parties and winter weddings Alice + Olivia $495

4. These would look great with a silky blouse Alice + Olivia $367

5. Flattering and love the geometrics of this Vince Camuto $168

xo

Erin 

New Series: Can't Live Without

Only hearing about what I am loving/using/wearing/watching/eating can be so boring. So I am throwing it over to some of my favorite people to tell you what they Can't Live Without. Look for this series (hopefully) each week with rotating ladies and lots of new things that you might not be able to live without soon, too. 

Here are the first five ladies…

My partner in crime and reality show realness, who also wrangles two adorable kids and has style everyone envys...

1. Tretorn Sneakers

2. Trader Joe's Cold Brew Coffee Concentrate $8

3. Old Navy Striped Boat Neck Tee $14

4. NARS quito lip gloss $26

5. My Mom 

Super stylish Mom of one adorable son who loves her skin care as much as her wine...

1. Postmates.com 

2. Model Co. Replenishing Rose Mist $25

3. iS Clinical Active Serum $128 

4. Suja Juice Lemon Love

5. Hourglass Illusion Hyaluronic Skin Tint $55

Rock star teacher with two sweet little girls who always listens hard you when you need it...

1. Better Life Bags 

2. Ancient Grains Quinoa Pasta

3. Marc Anthony Strictly Curls 

4 . Olivaceto 

5. La Croix Curate

Mom of two girls, expecting her third (boy!) who you love because she doesn't hold anything back...

1. Treadmill 

2. My Alone Time 

3. Dunkin Donuts Coffee

4. Kindle $118

5. Spotify

A recently engaged medical sales exec who just bought a new home, got a promotion, and still has time for girl talk... 

1. iPhone

2. Pizza

3. Wet/Shine Brush $12

4. CorePower Yoga

5. Cabernet

6. Nashville 

Loving this series! And more to come! 

xo

Erin 

Let's Head West

Western influenced clothes always pop on on the Fall runways. Be it in the shape of a boot, the stitching on a jean, or the flop of a hat, everyone likes a little cowboy when the temperatures start to drop. Below are some great options to incorporate into your closet as well as your man's this Fall. 

And for those of you that need to go full blown outlaw for the upcoming Barn Dance benefiting Women's and Infant's Services at Advocate Good Shepard Hospital, I have put together full looks to get your two step on in style. The event is being held at The Barn next to Advocate Good Shepard Hospital in Barrington on Saturday, October 17th at 6:30pm. You can purchase tickets here, it is going to be a great time. 

Overalls can seem extra 1997, but the new styles like these from Madewell are cut so well and flattering. Would sport them anytime. This flannel by Paige would also go great with skinnies all Fall long. A rugged cross body bag is a fun alternative addition to errand running. 

A tucked in denim shirt looks so fun with this suede fringe skirt. I also love the touch of turquoise in these earrings. The Frye boots have just a touch of cowgirl to them, but could be worn with anything. 

I have three denim dresses on heavy rotation right now. The perfect Fall staple and this option from the Gap is a nice color. Pairing it with a pretty scarf and turquoise belt Obsessed with these suede boots. The color and shape are perfect. 

You can do denim on denim, ladies. A dark wash denim shirt tucked into this medium wash mini skirt is so fun. A fringed cashmere poncho (comes in other colors) is now at the top of my wish list. And these short suede boots are easy on, easy off for running out the door. 

Can't forget the boys… 

When you add cowboy boots to a classic flannel and his favorite jeans, suddenly you swoon a bit more. Just add this belt buckle to go full cowboy. 

Loving this dark wash denim shirt with some worn in thin cords. These boots are just a nod to Western and could be worn all season. And a classic white cowboy hat, hellloooo. 

xo

Erin 

Cheesy Zucchini Tots

We had monster zucchini from the garden and coming up with all the ways to eat the mountains of it was a challenge. We grilled and drizzled it with balsamic, attempted to make healthier versions of bread with it, cubed and roasted it with olive oil, and most successfully these cheesy zucchini tots. This recipe is all over Pinterest and this recipe is my version after trying a few. It is simple and the only "bad" ingredient being breadcrumbs, you could use a gluten free variety if that is what you are into. Also, you could sub in any cheese that you love that melts well, but sharp cheddar really is the best. These are great as a side or as an appetizer. 

Cheesy Zucchini Tots

Imperfect Polish 2015

makes 4 sides 

1 packed cup of shredded zucchini (you can do this with a box grater or in a food processor with the grater attachment)

1 egg

1/4 cup breadcrumbs, any variety

1/2 teaspoon salt

few cracks of fresh pepper

heaping 1/4 cup of shredded sharp cheddar

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

Spray a cookie sheet with oil liberally. Set aside. 

Place the zucchini in a couple paper towels and pat out the excess water. Set aside. 

In a large bowl, combine the rest of the ingredients well. Then add the zucchini and combine using a fork or your hands. Place tablespoon sized round mounds of the mixture on the cookie sheet. Bake for 20 minutes, turning once after 10 minutes. Tots should be golden brown. Serve warm or at room temperature. 

To make in advance: Follow all of the recipe to the end. Then just reheat in the oven later. You can also freeze them and reheat in the oven at 350 until heated through, about 20 minutes. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

Current Essentials

High five for the weekend. It was a busy week with cooler weather that broke out the sweaters, work madness with a closing and a contract, an overdue book club (see what I did there? ha), lots of home cooked meals that warmed us up, and a much needed girls night tomorrow. 

And in the meantime, here are 

just a few things making my world go round right now….

1. Randomly wandered in H&M for the first time in awhile. Picked up a few things, including this super soft hoodie with a fun gold zipper. Perfect for lounging. $35

2. I just started drinking coffee this year. Yes, it is true. And only a shot of espresso here and there at that. I love adding one shot to my chai in the morning. This Nespresso Vertuoline makes it easy and this one is on major sale! Nespresso $199

3. Love stacking this ring with my wedding/engagement rings or all alone. Gorjana $27 (on sale)

4. I have been using a lot of drug store brands for shampoo lately, but this brightening shampoo for blondes is worth the extra mo-la. DryBar $27

5. I have professed my love sleep masks before and this one has anti-aging copper in the fabric and has pads for under your eyes. Ilumiage $35

6. I use this Honest Multi Surface Cleaner everywhere. Perfect for messy kitchens, sticky floors under the table, and greasy stoves. Honest $5

7. I bought these inflatable/packable bumpers for Tommy's bed for Spain and decided to use at home instead of a bed rail. Couldn't love them more and they totally work. Skrunks $34

8. These make wearing slippers outside acceptable. Minnetonka $42

9. This S'mores Slow Churned ice cream is the death of me. There is a swirl of graham cracker bits in it that are to die. I have been eating it straight from the carton nightly. 

I hope you have the best weekend. 

xo

Erin