What I am Packing

To say that I am pysched on a vacation is a huge understatement. I need some sunshine, quiet, and endless chips and salsa. The quiet will be attainable since the kids are staying home. Which as anyone that travels with kids knows makes it an actual vacation, not just a trip. I love my kids, but mama needs a break from doing all the things. 

I am bringing a mix of new finds and my tried and true staples. 

1. Just got this Le Specs and I LOVE them. Oversized, seriously mirrored, and I love the neutral tone. 

2. These pool slides are an investment, but I wear them everywhere. And you cannot go wrong with these. 

3. This Sunscreen Oil is approved by my dermo and apparently amazing. Cannot wait to try it out. 

4. Hands down my favorite bikini and it is on sale in so many colors. 

5. A new sun hat with an extra parge brim and perfect shape. 

6. My favorite high waisted jeans shorts to pair with tees. 

7. A pretty cover up in a style I buy over and over again. This too. 

8. Just got this cloud paint from Glossier and I love the sweet hue it gived my cheeks. 

9. A wild new one piece swimsuit

10. I have this dress in red and love it. You feel instantly chic and the fit is so flattering. 

11. I love tan towels to bronze up my face since I cover it from the sun most of the time. 

12. And I use this magic powder for face sunscreen. If you do not own this, GET IT. It works so well, is super waterproof/sweatproof, and worth every penny. This size lasts a long time. 

13. These rubber Valentinos are perfect for packing. They can easily be worn to the beach and then later again for dinner. Loving these too. 

Make sure to follow me on Instagram and I will post from my trip! 

xo

Erin 

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 

Balsamic Caprese Chicken

This is a super easy way to dress up those chicken breasts sitting in your fridge. Just a few steps to wonderful and the flavors are perfect for the coming summer months.   











Balsamic Caprese Chicken
Forks & Amusement 2012
serves 4


four good sized chicken breasts
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
couple good glugs of olive oil
salt and pepper
eight slices of fresh mozzarella
one tomato sliced
four large basil leaves
more balsamic to drizzle


Place chicken breasts in plastic bag with vinegar and olive oil. Close bag and massage into the chicken. Marinate for 30 minutes or up to overnight. 


Heat grill or grill pan. Remove chicken from marinade, season generously with salt and pepper. Place on grill and cook, turning once until cooked through. About 10-15 minutes. 


Place a couple of slices of mozzarella on each chicken breast for the last five minutes of grilling. 


Place cooked chicken on serving plate, top with slices of fresh tomato, a basil leaf, and drizzle with more balsamic. 


Serve warm or room temperature (great to make ahead for a party). 


xo
Erin