Time for Spring Breaking

Are you off somewhere warm? Hope so. 

I am a little late on my Spring Break packing post as I know that some of you might already be on yours or headed out of town, but my packing does not start until next week so here I am. Since the kids stuff takes up at least half of our packing space, I like to keep things light and coordinated. Makes it easy to not only pack, but to pick what to wear once you are there.  Here is what I am going to bring (either the exact or close match to) this year...

1. A straw bag that doesn't mind a little sand, but fits everything. Hat Attack $95

2. My fave mineral sunscreen powder now comes in spf 50. It is waterproof and gives you a nice even coverage. Sunscience $64 (lasts forever)

3. Worship these frames from Warby Parker $95

4. A actual packable hat that can get squished in your bag. J. Crew $34

5. Soft PJs that wash well, look nice, and are ok for your in laws to see you in. J. Crew $58

6. This suit looks great with cut off shorts and flips. Total 90s throwback. J. Crew $88 (many colors)

7. A breezy and sweet cover up. J. Crew $69

(Think I have enough J. Crew going on? Geez. But kind of obsessed with everything there lately and there seems to be a sale every day.)

These tops...

From Left: 

A gauzey, boho blouse with tassels that goes with everything. BB Dakota $85

Remember when tanks had shelf bras in them in the early 00s? Yea, J. Crew is making them again. $24

My love for Cloth & Stone runs deep, and this coral button down is so soft and perfect. $88

A forgiving, but sweet ruffle top for big dinners out. d.Ra $84

All the tops can be worn with each of these shorts...

1. Easily the best pair of lace shorts I have bought. Loft $59 (other colors available)

2. A sweet pair of floral drawstring shorts. Minkpink $59

3. My go to J. Crew cut offs. $79

4. Who doesn't love a skort? And I love the print/woven material. Cupcakes & Cashmere $100

Dresses for different occasions...

I am a sucker for Parker and I love this silhouette. $265

This dress could go from the beach straight to dinner. Loft $79 + 25% off today

A little ballet nod in a super flattering cut. Susana Monaco $170 (yellow also, $119)

I swear by the three pairs of shoes rule. All you need...

1. A wedge that matches everything when you want a lift. Loeffler Randall $275

2. A flip flop that can hang by the pool or be paired with a dress later. J. Crew $50 (also in back)

3. A white sneaker for everywhere else. Adidas $74 (check out the sizing notes when ordering)

Anything you cannot leave behind? Would love to hear. 

Happy Travels! 

xo

Erin 

A Rug to Live With

Searching for rugs is a deep, dark, endless hole that can literally drive you mad. Rugs are such a large investment and the options are endless online. I have been searching for a new rug for our main living space for awhile. I have the used to be ever popular PB zig zag rug currently...

And while it is not terrible, I am just really over chevron. It would not bother me as much if we had a large ottoman or coffee table in this space, but this location is still used for major dance party action (one of my favorite parts of the day) and I want to keep it that way as long as possible. (note: the day my kids stop wanting to dance party will literally kill me) 

I have had my eye on a custom beauty with a price tag that makes you lose your breath. But even if I was in a position to make that investment, there are too many sticky hands and rogue snacks in my house right now for anything that precious. So I have been searching the retail sites and have found some great options. Because of the dark floors I would like to keep the color light and am debating whether to go with a pattern or simply a texture. 

Prices based off 8x10, but most come in many sizes. 

Pretty patterns...

1. Spendy, but beautiful from One Kings Lane $2999 

2. Even though it is dark, I love this Serena & Lily $1699

3. A little boho/tribal, looks lighter in pics Suzanne Kasler $1399

4. Don't love "fake" vintage usually, but this is pretty sweet  Pottery Barn $899

5. Love the subtle pattern Pottery Barn $999

6. Think this is my favorite of all the patterns Astoria Grand $1399

 And texture...

1. I love the texture of this from PB Teen, and with that price tag I would be ok with the clean up $499

2. This has a great braided texture RH Teen $750

3. Love this sweet honeycomb in blue by Dash & Albert $1180

4. I am a sucker for braided rope like this. Love the grey and white Dash & Albert $1417

5. A rug woven like tile is genius West Elm $629

6. Cozy cotton by Suzanne Kasler $679

As much as I love a pattern, I think I am leaning towards a solid texture instead. I torture myself with decisions like this and a solid color seems so much easier to choose. I can mix in more color and pattern with new pillows (Been eyeing this one with this one). Which are your favorites? What should I choose? Would love your opinions. 

xo

Erin 

Kale & Brown Rice Salad with Almonds

Oh Kale. How I wanted to be over you because everyone else was into you, but hopped knowingly and lovingly on the band wagon and haven't looked back since I made you into chips. And how you continue to nourish my pizza loving family one smoothie and salad at a time. Thank you for that. This salad might be my favorite version of you yet, I have eaten it pretty much every day for lunch that I could. Thank you for not wilting in the fridge like other lame lettuces. And for going so perfectly with lemon and Parmesan. Love, Erin 

             

Kale & Brown Rice Salad with Almonds

Imperfect Polish 2016

Makes enough for two heaping entrees, or four sides

Leftovers are good for a couple days

for dressing: 

juice of one lemon

salt & pepper

1 tablespoon minced shallot or 1 minced garlic clove

1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

2 tablespoons light mayo (leave out if you are not into it)

2 tablespoons olive oil (4 if not using the mayo)

Whisk all the ingredients except the oil together, then stream the oil in and whisk to combine well. Taste and adjust for seasoning. If you have a really juicy lemon, you may need more oil/mayo. Set aside. 

for salad: 

6 cups chopped kale, I like to slice thin, but anyway is fine

2 cups cooked brown rice, cooled (I cheat and buy the pouches of it, perfect every time)

handful of chopped almonds, Marcona are the best, but any are fine

Good sprinkling of grated Parmesan cheese (feta and goat cheese would work too)

Combine all four ingredients in a large bowl. Dress with the vinaigrette to desired taste and toss until well combined and enjoy. 

This is such a winner. I love it for lunch or with roasted/grilled chicken at night. A fried runny egg wouldn't suck on it either. 

Enjoy! 

xo

Erin 

         

Your Own Capsule Closet

The idea of your own capsule collection with pieces already hanging in your closet is blowing up on so many blogs and magazines. And while shopping in your own closet is not a new concept, somehow it feels fresh and all of the sudden genius. My closet feels muddled and with the depth of winter still upon us, getting involved in the hype seems like perfect timing. 

So I cleared a section of my closet and pulled ten looks that cover mostly daytime (including comfy ones) with a couple elevated looks for a dinner or date night. 

                                 

This took all of twenty minutes and made my closet look really cool. ha 

Now don't get it twisted, I am in work out clothes a lot like the best of them. And I am sure it will continue to be that way. But when I know the gym is not happening (or post workout) I have something to grab quickly in the morning and feel put together. Even if my day mostly includes returning emails/phone calls, epic stamp sessions at the kitchen table, and a fancy outing to Target. 

I highly recommend this little exercise. Plus, it makes you feel like you really have things together. ha  Here is what I have hanging up right now (either exact or close match to what I have). 

1. Cool girl LA Made leather block sweater $60 (on sale)

2. A classic J. Crew white cable sweater $79 (on sale)

3. The softest sweater/tee from Drifter  $225

4. A slightly heavy H&M striped tunic $17

5. The perfect plaid shirt by Rails $148 

6. A great tucked or untucked Joie Tank $82 (on sale)

Julie Billiard dolman sleeve tee $42 (forgot the pic, but a total staple for comfy days and travel!)

From Left: 

Spanx Leggings $68 really the best

Love a printed pant like these Joie Silk pants $166 (on sale)

These  Hudson suck it all in $165

Comfy J Brand cropped skinnies $218

I always feel so chic in high waisted flare jeans Frame $225

 1. A fun Adelyn Rae navy romper $98

2. Always a good idea, Lumiere stripe tee dress $38

3. Soft and almost pajama-ish Cloth & Stone chambray dress $138

Just add tights or leggings and you are set. Well at least for us super lucky cold weather girls. 

This will be my first "capsule" so we will see how it goes and how long it lasts. I plan to put these pieces away as I wear them then refill when everything has been worn. What do you think, into it? Would love to know if you would do it or if you have how it went. 

xo

Erin