Lilly's on Rue!

How did everyone do with the Lilly Pulitzer sale on Rue this morning?  The two items I was interested in were sold out in my size.  I took it as a sign they weren't meant to be.  But the selection was pretty good so if you haven't yet taken a peek, go for it.

But Tory Burch is on Rue, too!

Cute little white dress.

But I'm really on here to give you a head's up that there are a few more Lilly Pulitzer dresses, as well as a lovely selection of other designers such as Vineyard Vines, Anne Klein, and Tory Burch dresses on sale in The Do-It-All Dress Sale section.  So if you are in the market for a new dress (I am always in the market for a new dress!), do go check it out.

Little black dress.

Holiday festive.

Happy Halloween!

This is an old photo but in the event I don't capture a cute, new photo this year, we're posting this one just in case.  She is so cute, I can't stand it!

Is there anything more delicious than a happy, chubby baby?

I think not!




I can't get enough of Prince George and his doting parents.  What a charmed life this littlest prince leads already!

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Last Wednesday, I had a fun mid-week movie night to see an advanced screening of About Time.  And sweet friends, I am telling you to GO SEE THIS MOVIE when it hits theaters in November!

What a fantastic film!

The story is really about a father and son and learning to live in the moment.  But oh it is so beautifully done.  Really incredible writing, directing and acting.  I was impressed tip to tail!  It's emotional at the end {for everyone...male, female, heart of coal....you will cry}, but the bulk of the movie is really very funny.  Lots of hilarious moments left the audience doubled over in laughter.

The total surprise {for me} in the movie was the lead actor, Domhnall Gleeson.  I couldn't figure out where I knew him from, if at all.  But he was fantastic.  I am in love with his character- so charming and believable.  And for those of you not sure where you know him from too, he played Bill Weasley!

I honestly loved every last drop of this movie.  I didn't want it to end.

Have you seen any good movies lately?  Any suggestions for my next movie night?

With holiday cocktails and parties coming up and a body that just doesn't seem to fit into much of my existing clothing, I've been cruising the internet for outfit ideas.  And while reading up on the Royal Christening, I noticed this snap shot of Jenna Dewan Tatum.  {Confession: I still don't know who she is.  I assume a British actress or singer as I found the photo on a British website.}  I just think the red dress is a nice alternative to a basic little black dress.

Vintage Lilly Pulitzer Fabric Bead Necklace

I've been itching to share this with y'all but had to wait until I was able to give them to District and Super Nice as their birthday treats.  Because of all of my friends who know about my blog, they are among the small contention who actually read it.  Or at the very least follow along via Facebook.  Darn them for being sweet enough to read my daily rambles!

Anyway, enough about them.  Ha.  More about me.  And my necklaces.

I certainly didn't invent the fabric bead necklace concept.  I've seen them all over the place over the last few years.  In fact, I bought the beads to make them years ago.  But they just sat in my bead box {normal people don't have bead boxes...but I embrace not being normal so it's all good}.  My point is that I've thought about making these necklaces for a long time.  And this was my first time actually getting around to making them.




I broke out my secret hoard stash of vintage Lilly Pulitzer fabric for this project.  And made sure that the Lilly signature was visible on more than one bead on each necklace.

So OK...I didn't create fire or and i-anything here.  But I'm pleased as punch with how they turned out.  I've been on repeat lately and it felt great to step outside of my box for a skinny minute to do something creative and different.

Below are similar pieces.  I think the navy is beautiful and might have to make something more in that vein this weekend.




Would anyone be interested in a tutorial on how to make their own necklace?  It does require a bit of machine sewing, so know that in advance.  If there's interest, I'm happy to work that up for next week.  I also had a friend ask me for a price to purchase one in a different Lilly Pulitzer {or non Lilly, too} fabric.  So if that's something you are in the market for, $40 is the answer to that question.

Remember when I mentioned this morning that I liked the J.Crew embellished sweatshirt but I felt like I could DIY it for a fraction of the price?

Well it seems Old Navy beat me to the punch.  Same look: neckline of sweatshirt embellished with beads.  But an enormous price difference.

J.Crew jewel embellished Necklace Sweatshirt:  $98

Old Navy embellished Raglan Sweatshirt:  $17

At that price, I predict one of the Old Navy sweatshirts will definitely make their way into my comfie casual winter rotation {read: what I wear every other day}.  What are your thoughts on the jazzed up sweatshirt look?  Silly or a nice way to be comfortable but look slightly less sloppy?

Years ago, J.Crew and I broke up.

It was a long, knock-out, drag-out end to our relationship.  There were tears and hurt.  J.Crew told me they didn't love me and my size and said it only wanted to talk to girls who were smaller and prettier.  My life-long loyalty meant nothing to J.Crew.

I still think that Jenna girl is ridiculously obnoxious.  I do not understand her draw to everyone on social media.

But J.Crew has a few items that are slowing dragging me back in to the stores.  And wondering if perhaps some growth (on J.Crew's end) has happened and there is little more love for girls my size.

Before a movie last night, I popped into the store to see the Ruffle Collar Sweatshirt in person.  I've seen it all over online and really liked it but wanted to see this top in person.







The verdict: LOVE it!  Don't love the price (though I am sure it will go on sale any minute now), as it is truly just a sweatshirt with embellishment.  But as far as a cozy top goes, this is a total winner.  It's softy and comfortable, but also super cute.  Plus I'm having a fetish with gray lately.  Over the past year or two, it's become one of my favorite colors.  Weird, right?


Next came the navy jewel embellished Necklace Sweatshirt.




The verdict: Like it.  But I feel like I could DIY this for about $15 total.  It's clever.  But less clever than the ruffles.


And finally, this navy Classic Schoolboy Blazer.  Remember how much I love love blazers?  I love them!




The verdict: LOVE it!  Added it to my wish list.  I love the weight of the material and the brass tone buttons are such a classic touch.

Blue Blazer  /  Ruffle Sweatshirt  /  Necklace Sweatshirt

How do you feel about J.Crew?  I'm not entirely sure we've truly made up.  Let's just say, I'm not saying no to future discussions.  There are definitely some great pieces in their current line that have me excited.  Have you found any must have pieces in J.Crew lately?

This video is pretty much the most wonderful thing I've ever seen.  If I ever have kids (please...God...yes), I hope they are the kids who do this at their crazy long dance recital.  She just taps to the beat of her own drummer and I love it!

I love baptisms.  Such a sweet and special moment.  With the addition of not knowing what the baby will do in public and getting his head wet.  The gamble you take to put the little bundle of cuteness in your finest garb and crossing your fingers that this will not be the blessed moment for a puke-fest or a diaper blow-out.

Plus all the loveliness that goes along with a baptism.

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Congratulations Prince George on your Christening and on gaining seven God-parents.  You are sure to be showered with much love and guidance throughout your exciting lifetime.

While I'm not at all a fan of the insanely fancy Christening gown, which is a replica of the one originally made for the Royals in 1841, I adore Kate's Alexander McQueen dress.  Winter cream and white is a personal favorite and she does it so well.  The clean lines with the tone on tone ruffle embellishment is just stunning.  And of course, her matching fascinator.  I adore all things fascinator!

Here are a few Alexander McQueen dresses that are in the same vein as Duchess Catherine's stunning wool dress...

I've been a fan of loafers my entire life.

This is pretty much how every morning begins for me.

Picture it.

Me.  The human adult.  Laying diagonal in the bed.  Legs nearly hanging off the edge.  Head and body curved around.

Around what?

Around this.




This little bundle of cuddly goodness hops into bed with me around 3 or 4 AM every day now that the weather has officially turned cooler.  She starts out in the lower corner.  But maneuvers her way into the very center of the bed, pushing me off to the side in the process.

Look at her, though.  She's just beyond cute.  And covers me with kisses in the morning.  Her love is unending.

And so...the process continues.  I'm sure I would sleep much better without this furry situation happening nightly.  But I also know I will never regret a single snuggle moment with my baby girl.

This month is cra-zy.  No rest for the weary...or however the saying goes.

I just have so much going on.  I'm juggling obligations and plans and friends and about 4 million other things.  I'm having a ball for the most part but I'm exhausted.  In a good way, though.

* Saturday morning early, Sadie created a situation that required an emergency bath.  Emergency, as in there was no way she was going to sit all day in my home stinking up like that.  Good thing she's cute!  This also made me late for my first event of the day because of course it happened about two minutes before I was to walk out the door.

* Saturday morning I volunteered with my Junior League ladies at one of my favorite programs.  We helped give a birthday party to four homeless children.  It's precious and such a great cause!

But it's also overwhelming for me.

Secret...I do not like mass quantities of children.  And I don't actually enjoy myself at these parties.  But I so passionately believe in the cause.  So I continue to go.  But that many children makes me feel a little bit panicky.

* Saturday mid day I had my community garden work party.  Which was just as awkward as the spring work party that I attended.  But whatever.  At least now I know other gardeners so it was nice to see some sweet garden buddies.  We finished super early because my particular garden is small and there were lots of people there.  Many hands makes light work!

During the work party, we discovered that people {not gardeners}had cut a hole in the corner of the fence the size of a person.  It's in the corner of a garden plot that has had weed issues all summer.  Which only serves to frustrate me more.




What I haven't had time to mention is that many of us gardeners have had things missing and/or destroyed lately.  One of the sweetest gardeners and her hub had SEVEN of their nine giant butternut squash stolen.  SEVEN.  Another recently {like in the last few days} had half of her rhubarb plant stolen to the point that she isn't sure if it will grow back in the center next year.  My one and only pumpkin, that like everyone else, I started in Feb, was moved and the vine broken in half.  Thankfully they didn't steal it.  But it really frustrated me as that pumpkin could have had another month to grow much larger and there were several babies growing on that vine.

Many of us talked about the human pests that plagued us this year.  The seasoned gardeners who have been in this allotment for years and years said they have never ever had these problems before this year.  I'm crossing my fingers that next year goes back to what they tell me is normal.  Because honestly, this year has had me questioning if I should even live in a city at this point in my life.  As much as I love my town and all that a city has to offer, I love having space to grow and am not sure I could do another year in the garden with all the human pest frustrations.



* Saturday afternoon I stayed in the garden for a few more hours.  It was sunny and warm and so lovely.  I'm starting to wind things down.  The tomatoes came out a while ago and the tomatillos are all but out.  The peppers are 2/3 out, with just a few remaining until the last fruits ripen.  Within the next two weeks, everything other than the frost hardy plants {kale, chard, broccoli, cauliflower, and roots} will be pulled up and winterized.




* Saturday later afternoon I ran errands.  Because it had to be done.

* Saturday evening, I ate something for dinner and took my second shower of the day to get ready for my evening out.  I wanted to crawl in bed and veg out.  But a sweet JL friend is moving and this was her going away party.

I rallied.

* Saturday night I went to the party, that started at 9:30 PM in a ....wait for it....karaoke bar!  Me...out late...in a karaoke bar.

I know...I was surprised that I was there too.

The last time I was in a karaoke bar was at least a decade ago.  And I didn't sing.  I probably would have though if I wasn't so tired and feeling a bit out of my element.

But I have to say, it ended up being one of the most fun evenings I've had in a long time.  I am SO glad I didn't bail and pull on my pajama pants.  I am SO glad I got out of my very boxy box and did something different.  I met the sweetest people and honestly had a great time.

* Saturday I got home close to midnight and Super Nice and I were the first people to leave.

* Sunday morning I was exhausted.  I slept in.

* Sunday mid morning my neighbor called to tell me he hit my car.  Awesome.  The door on the passenger side is all scratched up.  I'll be dealing with it on Monday.  But neighbor was very upfront and apologetic and I know it was an honest accident.  He was appreciative of me being nice about it.

* Sunday afternoon I cleaned my house.  It needed it!  It needs more but it will do for now.

* Sunday afternoon I roasted three full sheet pans of tomatillos, plus peppers and garlic.  All in prep to make and can salsa verde on Monday evening.

* Sunday evening I had dinner with District and friends.  Mr. District cooked an amazing supper that included my first tasting of Italian gravy.  That I only realized a few years ago was a red sauce, not the gelatinous gloppy gunk with which people ruin top Thanksgiving turkey.  The Districts even picked up gluten free gnocchi for me.  Isn't that just beyond considerate?!  Plus I got to love on my bestie Baby H.

* Sunday night I crawled into bed tired but happy.  I had a busy and great weekend that was full of great friendships.

* The next two weeks are going to be even busier for me.  But I am going to try to remind myself that I need to enjoy all of the great {and sometimes silly} opportunities in front of me.

How was your weekend?  Did you do anything fun?  Have you ever been to a karaoke bar?  If so...did you sing?

Y'all know I love me some Ted Talks.  Love them!!  And this one is one of the best.  So many important takeaways are in this short and wonderful talk.

Watch it.  Enjoy it.  And please share it.

Long time readers know that I love to find deals for FREE magazine subscriptions.  Magazines are {one of} my {many} guilty pleasures.  They're nice to have as a little escape from the gloomy grey North Pole days {not that we have any of those} {except that we have so dang many}.

I just spotted a deal for a free year-long subscription to Ladies Home Journal.  I actually am not sure if I've ever read LHJ before, so I believe this is even new to me.  Fun!  No credit card is required.  It's totally free.  So go forth and get your magazine on...

Ladies Home Journal for FREE!

Have y'all looked at Shopbop lately?  It's been a while since I last visited the site but I'm falling in love again.  Lots of fun finds and to make it better, they are having a Friends and Family Sale right now.  Apparently everyone is a either a friend or family member, because it's extended to all.  Ha.  Use the code "INTHEFAMILY25" at checkout to take an extra 25% off your order!  Woot woot!!

I'm in the market for new glasses {must order this week...I'm still using my back-up pair and they're driving me batty} and Hunter Wellies {I wear wellies all fall, winter and spring...they are by far the most useful footwear up here}.  But window shopping never hurt anyone.  Just a few of my latest cute finds...

I had a glut of peppers this summer.  Many have been sliced and frozen for use later in the winter.  But I wanted to enjoy my big red peppers to the fullest this week.  I planned to make stuffed peppers, one of my favorite meals. {You should note that I've never actually had or seen a stuffed pepper before I randomly decided to make them last year.  So I do not profess this to in any way be authentic Italian food.  But I do promise it is GOOD!}

But as I was seeding the peppers, I realized that most of them had spots or little issues on the sides and bottoms {it happens...no chemicals and organic means food is more susceptible}.  I realized I wouldn't be able to stuff them without the stuffing falling out the bottom.

But fear not, friends!  I'm quick on my feet.  Were you worried?  Don't be.  I solved the problem AND made it better.

You're impressed...I can feel it.

But seriously, this recipe is so easy and delicious.  You can easily make it large to feed a crowd and would freeze well, too.

Stuffed Pepper Casserole

Ingredients:
* Bell peppers, chopped.  Any color.  Lots.
* A few cups of cooked rice. I used about 3.
* Jar of tomato sauce.
* Cheese.  I used about 1.5 cups.
* Sausage, cooked and chopped.  I used about 4 chicken Italian but anything would work.
* Salt and pepper to taste.

Directions:
* In a bowl, half the jar of tomato sauce (reserve the rest for later) with all of the rice.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

* Spread 1/3 of the rice mixture on the bottom of a baking dish.




* Layer on top half of your peppers and half of your sausage.




* Add a little layer of cheese.  Maybe 25%.




* Add a few spoons of remaining tomato sauce.




* Add another 1/3 of rice mixture.




* Add the rest of your peppers.  {Are you falling over at how pretty mine are?  I grew every last one of them!}




* Add remaining sausage and then remaining rice mixture.




* Top with remaining sauce and then remaining cheese.




* Bake at 350 for 45 minutes.  That's it...so easy!


I didn't grow up eating casseroles.  So they are still sort of novel to me.  But this one is a keeper for sure!  Make it...you'll thank me.  Simple and delicious.

Did you grow up eating casseroles?  My theory is that they are a regional food.  And South Florida isn't that region.  If they were common practice in your childhood...where did you grow up.  I'm so curious!

I posted this on Facebook on Sunday but I had to share here too!

I've loved the idea of growing food for as long as I can remember.  I used to be my Dad to let me plant a vegetable garden as a kid.  Every.  Year.

But Dad is a professional landscape architect and designer.  He's traveled the globe to work on some incredibly notable projects.  And while we both love plants and design and can even appreciate each other's eye for design, our interests are opposite.

Dad loves ornamentals.  Flowers and grasses and non-fruiting trees.  And the more formal, the better.  The man seriously loves formal European gardens.  Loves.  Them.

I love food.  Fruits and veggies and berries and roots and fruiting trees.  I could care less about grass.  Grow food, not lawns!

As an adult, I've been able to grow a few veggies here and there, increasing little by little as the years (and homes) go by.  But this year was my first year gardening in a HUGE space (said with a side of snark...because even though it feels huge to me, my garden space is no more than 24' x 9' which is tiny by suburban standards) via my local community garden program.

I've had super successes and total failures and everything in between.  I've gained so much knowledge.  I got a tan for the first time in my life!  (A shameful but true statement by a Florida girl.)  I've had pests...of both the critter and human varieties.  And I've had lots and lots of food!

In the spring, I planted four cauliflower starts.  I picked them up for free from my community garden program on a lark.  In two days, they were eaten to stubs.  But a critter!  Up went my fence and I moved on to non cauliflower dreams.

And then a month or more ago, I noticed that one of the cauliflower plants was in fact alive and well.  I didn't realize it was cauliflower for all those months but sure enough, I could see a tiny (about the size of a dime) head forming.  I put exactly zero energy into this plant.  But just look at her today...




She's just the prettiest little head of cauliflower ever!

I read that you should cover the white head (though mine is more of a pale lime green, so perhaps I didn't do this soon enough) with the inner leaves to keep pure white.  Like they do with white asparagus.  It's all a matter of science, really.




So that's my joyful moment from the weekend.  It's small.  And perhaps baffling that I wouldn't just go buy a head of cauliflower from the grocery store.  But to me, it's huge.  I didn't think I could get that to grow.  But I did!  I can't wait for next year...

In what little ways have you found joy lately?  I never imagined I would get so excited (think: I text photos of vegetables...that's weird...ha) over a single head of cauliflower.  Have small joys surprised or delighted you lately?

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It's that time of year.  Like it or not, fall has arrived and winter is looming large.  Or as I think of it, time to wear pants for a solid six but probably eight months.  

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But every woman knows that finding jeans is a struggle and a half.  One size most certainly does NOT fit all.  And what works for you, might not work for me.  Heck, what worked for me last year, might not work for me this year.

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This fall, though, I am determined to find the perfect pair of jeans for my current body shape.  I promise to take y'all along for the journey because I know that so many of my girlfriends have the same struggles.

As far as losing weight, I thought I should give an honest update.  I've had good days and days when I don't exercise.  So far I've lost a few pounds but nothing significant.  I have half a month to go though.  And I know that I am my biggest enemy is this battle.  But I am doing something, which is more than the nothing I was doing before.

What's your biggest clothing challenge?  Is is jeans, like me?  Tops are a close second, if it makes you feel any better.  Do you have any tips (knowing that I am limited by local stores)?  Any favorite brands I should seek out first?  Or avoid altogether?

When I was young, one of the most popular activities in the fall was Cotillion.  And while I understand that many people today think the practice is outdated and pointless, I'd argue the opposite.

Picture it...




Little girls in sweet dresses and shoes and little white gloves.  Little boys in coats and ties.  Little girls sitting politely with their ankles crossed.  Little boys asking little girls for dances.  Proper dances.  Slow, quick, quick...  Little boys going to get two cups of punch, one for him and one for the little girl he is sitting next to.  Little girls taking off their gloves and holding them by the fingers (to this day, I still take of my gloves this way).  Polite conversation.  Learning to dance and converse with every single person in the room, including those you are less than fond of.  Learning how to properly eat soup and pass the salt (and pepper...to this day it's a huge pet peeve when people don't pass them together).

We all loved it!  It was such a fun experience and I have the best memories from those classes!




Is that all outdated?  Or are they life skills?

I'd rather see women and men acting politely any day of the week instead of this....




Or this treasure...





Did you take cotillion classes as a kid?  Would you sign your child up to take classes now?  Or do you think it's all too silly and outdated?  

Hyannis Port Structured Bag

Isn't this bag adorable?  I think it's a very classic, luxe look.  Something timeless.

But guess what?  It's a total bargain!  Just $52.99.

Affordable fashion never goes out of style.

Last week when I was in Vermont for the day with Super Nice (who is celebrating her birthday today!) and District (who celebrated her birthday yesterday!), we popped into Yankee Candle.  Because scented things aren't really my favorite, I meandered around while Super Nice picked up some treats.

When was the last time you shopped in a candle store?  Other than briefly popping in with Super Nice again a year ago and then sitting outside to take a phone call, I'd say the last time I visited a candle store was a solid decade ago.  Or more.  I'm saying this to make it clear that I am not up on the latest candle scents and trends.

But when-o-when did bacon become a candle scent?  I mean, I've long professed that I truly believe that bacon (and butter) makes it better.  But even I have limits.




They had other weird and I assume catered to men flavors like leather and pigskin, but this one took the cake.  Turkey and Stuffing!  It smelled like turkey and wax.  Gross!




That said, they had row after row of these large and expensive candles in the store.  So perhaps I am in the minority.  Maybe these really are the next big thing in the candle world...who knows?  They are definitely not on my must have list!

Are you a big candle fan?  Do you love the fun scents warming up your home?  Or are they not your thing, like me?  And do you think anyone really wants a turkey scented candle?  

I know this is completely ridiculous and anal but it drives me batty when I go to get my Starbucks coffee order and the cup looks like this.  It's the first thing I notice and the first thing I fix.




There we go!  So much better.  The lid and the logo need to line up or the world just fails to make sense.




Please tell me I am not the only one with this (or other equally ridiculous) quirks!  This is normal...right?

Last year I made tomato powder with the leftover skins from making and canning salsa.  I did it sort of on a whim, but I ended up really loving having a jar on hand all year long.  I added it to all sorts of things from soups and casseroles to tomato jam.  Tomato powder just adds an extra tomato flavor burst.  It's sort of amazing stuff.

DIY Tomato Powder (flakes)

While picking up a few things last night from Vitacost (Do others love that site too?  I place a big order a few times a year to stock up on foods that I can't find easily.  I also swear by their brand of coconut oil and use it for way more than just cooking- dry skin- on me or the dog- has met it's match with a little coconut oil!) I noticed that they actually sell tomato powder!  I found that so interesting.  I had no idea it was being mass produced.

Tomato Flakes (Powder) from Vitacost

So if you aren't in the mood to make your own (it does require a LOT of tomato skins), you are able to pick up a bag from Vitacost.  And it's on sale this weekend.  Fancy that!

I might have to add some to my next order because even tough I made enough tomato products to fill an entire shelf in my pantry closet, I didn't make salsa this year (I have a lot leftover from last year).  Everything else I made, I kept the skins on (I'm all about less work when possible).  I know, I know ... #firstworldproblems!

**UPDATE**

$10 worth of free products!

I didn't realize that Vitacost was still doing this deal.  But if you sign up through my links, you will get a coupon for $10 off your first order of $30 or more.  Free food!  How fun!!  They have lots of great products that cater to everyone, not just gluten free girls like myself.  For example, if you are thinking it might be fun to attempt making a batch of French Macarons this holiday season, Vitacost has a great price on almond flour, which is what you need to make them.  I may or may not be attempting them soon for the first time myself!