Bringing the 70's Back

I have developed a crush on all things 70's lately.  Blame Rachel Zoe and Nicole Richie with their fabulous 70's fashion but I cannot seem to get enough of the super wide legged, high waisted trousers, big sunglasses and fabulous printed blouses.  One of my favorite blogs, Mommy Chic (you should definitely check her out!) blogged about some high waisted Gap jeans that were currently on sale.  Lucky for me, I was able to track them down for just $10!  STEAL!  Here was my debut of the jeans.  What do you think?  Mind you people, I am not a fashion blogger, these photos were a quick snap from my hubby (BTW, how do they pose?  I felt SO silly!).  Please do not have high expectations....

Curious about everything else?

Sunglasses - Marc by Marc Jacobs

Tank - Tory Burch

Belt - Gap

Shoes - DV by Dolce Vita

Handbag - Marc Jacobs

We headed to the movies after this and saw Crazy, Stupid, Love.  I loved it!  Highly recommend!

Only two more days until the voting is over!  Thank you so much for the continued support!

A Day at the Beach

There are few things I enjoy more than spending a summer day at the beach.  Saturday was gorgeous so we decided to head down to Salt Creek Beach, one of our favorites (and not extremely touristy...HUGE plus).  The day did not disappoint.  We have not been taking advantage of the beach this year like we should be, and today reminded us that there is no reason to not sit in the sand, play with the kids and enjoy some sun (with a lot of SPF of course!).

Are you tired of me asking?  Don't worry, there are only a few days left.  I really appreciate you taking a second to vote today!

Looking for a deal?

To celebrate the start of the weekend (it is 5:00 somewhere right?), I thought I would share with you some online sales and codes to help kick up your (and perhaps your kids) wardrobe a notch and treat yourself to something nice at a great price.  Happy Shopping!  TGIF!

Women's Final Sale, Part 1 and 2 going on at Gilt Groupe
Part 1 is currently open and Part 2 opens Friday at 9am Pacific
Not a member? Click here

Tea Collection for girls and boys on Hautelook
Sale opens Friday at 8am Pacific
Not a member?  Click here

30% off at Gap until August 8th
Use code 30OFF at checkout

Rich and Skinny shorts now 20% off
Use code RICH20 at checkout

End of Season Sale at Yumi Kim

And if you have a couple seconds during your online shopping trip to click on over to "Circle of Moms" and kindly place a little vote for me, I would really appreciate it!  Only 6 more days left!

"Expose Your Toes!"

The other day I popped into my local beauty supply store to pick up some products I had run out of.  While checking out, the saleswoman handed me a gift bag, filled with a number of goodies.  They do this frequently and they usually only have a bunch of different shampoos and conditioners to try, which I throw into my travel cosmetic case for any upcoming trips.  Imagine my surprise when I opened it and found a bottle of Essie's "Expose Your Toes" nail polish!

I went and got a Mani/Pedi yesterday with my new color and LOVE it.  

Please excuse my long, witch-like fingers.  They photograph terribly!!

Unfortunately Essie has decided to discontinue it so it will not be available much longer (probably the reason why they gave it away), but if you are able to pick it up, it is a fabulous soft pink.  If you are unable to track it down, I highly recommend one of my all time favorite pink's from Essie, Mademoiselle.  It is a CLASSIC and almost the exact same shade.

The countdown is on!  Only 7 more days of voting!  Thank you for taking the time to do this!

Hi, Nice to Meet You....

I know I gave my hubby some crap for this post on his inability to schedule date nights for me (which is still sort of an issue for him by the way) but I have decided to man up and take some blame for this myself. We BOTH are terrible at making time for each other.  Anyone else have this problem?  As the month of August begins, we have decided to put an end to this.  We have now committed to going on a date night every week.  That is right, every week.  We have sat down with our babysitter (a.k.a my little sister), went through the calendar and scheduled a night each week for us.  Perhaps it will be dinner.  Or even a movie.  Whatever it is, we will be getting out of the house and "getting to know" each other again.  It is all about setting priorities right?  Well this is one of them.  Last night was the kick off night for this new plan and it was fantastic.  Cheers to some quiet time with just the hubby and fingers crossed we keep this going!

I know you are tired of me asking you to vote but there are only 9 more days until voting ends! Every vote counts so THANK YOU for taking the time to do this each day!  You guys are the best!

Spaghetti Squash Pasta

Italian food is amazing.  Amazing, but not necessarily the healthiest.  Using spaghetti squash for your noodles instead of regular pasta is one of the easiest ways to replace empty carbs with a nutrient dense meal.  It is not only easy but something that everyone in the family can enjoy (even my Baby Girl loves them!).  Here is what you need to do.

Spaghetti Squash Pasta

1 spaghetti squash

1 bag spinach

1 lb. lean ground beef

1 jar organic marinara sauce

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees 

2. Cut spaghetti squash in half and scoop out all the seeds.  Fill a shallow pan with 1/2" water.  Rub olive oil all over the inside of the squash and place face down in the pan (I usually need to use two pans for both halves).

3. Bake squash for 35-45 minutes, until the outside of the squash is extremely soft.

4. Remove from oven, and remove squash from the pan (be careful, they are HOT!).  Use a large tupperware to rest the squash inside and begin gently scraping the inside of the squash with a fork, creating your "noodles".

5. Brown ground meat in a saucepan.  Once brown, remove excess fat and then add the entire bag of spinach, cooking it down for a minute or two.

6. Add entire jar of sauce and continue to stir and allow the spinach to continue to cook down.

7. Once the sauce is done, toss over your "noodles", sprinkle with some parmesan cheese and serve!

Thank you for taking a second to vote!  Only a couple more days!  Voting ends August 11th!

One of My NEW Favorites: Penny Loafers

Yes, you read correctly.  I am actually stating that one of my new favorites for Fall is a Flat and not a Stiletto.  Crazy right?  Well, remember when I wrote this post about not being able to wear heels for a while?  This obviously meant I had a prescription for some new flats to get me through these trying times.  Designers must have known I needed something fashionable yet practical because penny loafers are now everywhere and I am loving it.  Menswear at its best.  They can work with my sundresses and skirts through the rest of summer and will play a fabulous part in my Fall wardrobe.  Here are two on my "must have" list .....

Sam Edelman "Etiene" Loafer
I was able to pick these up at the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

Tory Burch Penny Loafer
This red is amazing!

And, if you are not having back issues like I am, here are some heeled versions that are adorable and perfect for Fall!

Marc By Marc Jacobs Loafers

Adrienne Vittadini Porter

Don't worry, I have not given up heels forever.  Just a few more weeks.....

Also, I know I keep asking but there are only a few days left so if you have a second to vote, I would really appreciate it!