Currently Loving

This past weekend we attended the most beautiful wedding for college friends. It was a 6 pm wedding, and I have not bought a cocktail dress in a long time. After lots of searching, I decided on this one. Make sure you check the back, it's really cute! I also was blowing up instagram (@missdixie30) this weekend. I have been trying not to be an oversharer on there lately but I couldn't resist fun things that happened over the weekend! 

Sequined Cocktail Dress

My little man got his first haircut by Momma. He was such a trooper, I was so proud of him! His smile melts me, every time, over and over, hundreds of times a day. 

I mentioned these leggings as part of the Anniversary sale. They are so amazing, my favorite legging ever. They are comfortable and fit to your skin but aren't spandex. They are priced incredibly great right now. 

Live In Reversible Legging

I loved them so much I also snagged the capri version to wear right now on hotter days. I wore them to the gym this morning and loved the fit and wear. Also on sale right now.

Live In Reversible Capri

Did you know Forever 21 has athletic wear? As you know, I am always on the hunt for active wear bargains. I picked up a racerback tank over the weekend and also wore it this morning to the gym. It feels much nicer than $12. I am loving this pullover though too. I love a sweatshirt with a kangaroo pocket! 

Kangaroo Pocket Top

I have decided there will be a greek key design on some window treatment, somewhere, in my home. I love the look and it's timeless. I'm thinking I will attempt a DIY version with lots of fabric glue and ironing. 

Greek Key Detail

I made this pesto last week and oh my gracious, it was delicious. I made it for a chickpea salad that was so-so, but the homemade pesto was amazing. I will definitely be making more with my fresh basil growing in the garden. By the way, Stephen hates basil but loves this pesto. We've even just been dipping crackers in it! You can also make this and store in the freezer for the winter months- such a great idea.

Spinach Basil Pesto

This is so true. 

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My Sale Faves!

I know I already posted today, but I wanted to add in my two cents

in case you want to know whats on my radar for the best sale of the year- the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale! This really is the best sale because it is amazing deals on new items to get you ready for Fall. I use this sale as a way to get a bigger ticket item that I would normally buy, something that I need. I don't just throw things in my cart for the fun of it. These are things that get me into fall. Last year I got a great Tory Burch bag, J Brand jeans and a pair of booties as well. Loved them all fall. 

Collette Skinny Jeans

Does anyone wear anything but skinny jeans anymore? I really try to find a pair other than skinnies but I always go back to them. I think these look awesome! I would love to have them for fall and football games.

Zip Detail Skinny Jeans

I fell in love with Rag and Bone last year, but they are pricey. Now is your one chance to score them on sale. They are so flattering on, its incredible.

Lace Sheath Dress 

I have several friends who have this dress in different colors and it is so pretty. This one will get you through fall weddings and parties looking perfectly put together.

Cape Jacket

I threw this one in because it's a great way to be trendy at a low price. The buttons make it look high end in my opinion.

Live In Reversible Legging

If you haven't tried Zella workout wear, you need to! I am loving these leggings. Let's face it too, you must rejuvenate your workout wardrobe to keep you motivated and those things don't last forever. Leggings wear and stretch over time. I love these.

Hobo

Hello beautiful bag! You are my favorite handbag of the sale. I am restraining myself. This leather color is gorgeous! 

Expandable Tote 

This deal comes in at a total of $35.90! I think it would be a fabulous diaper bag for all the Mommys out there. You don't have to worry about keeping it nice but you could throw in your essentials instead of carrying around two bags! 

Foldable Ballet Flat

I love a leopard flat. I have this old pair from Target from years ago and I get complements on them all the time. Leopard flat + Skinny Jeans + Black Top is a go-to outfit for me in the fall when I can't find anything else to wear. I've heard these are so comfortable!

Moto Rain Boot

I love my Hunter boots- these you could really step it up a knotch with that moto detail. I think they would look perfectly chic on a rainy day with skinnies and a cute jacket!

Molly Gore Leather Boot

Fryes really are the best. They last forever and are just beautiful boots. I love, love these. I bet they are even better in person. They will last forever too. So worth the investment.

Eloise Ballet Flat

On a more expensive note, these are pretty leopard flats as well. A little dressier and very chic.

What are your faves from the sale? Spill! 

My Fitbit + Tory

Last Christmas, Stephen and I bought each other Fitbits for stocking stuffers. I was the one who was really keen on this idea, and Stephen sort of got persuaded into it just because of my enthusiasm towards the product. Eight months later, I am still wearing my Fitbit daily, and he is not. I am sort of obsessed with mine, like I continuously am checking how active I am throughout the day. It's like a personal test against myself. Most importantly, it really motivates me to move. If I have had a relaxed weekend and I double tap my Fitbit and see I am barely peeking around 3 dots, I am so motivated to go for a walk, if nothing else. If you are not familiar with the product, this bracelet tracks your daily steps, sleep, food, water and so much more. You can track as much or as little as you like. You can link it to apps on your phone and computer to keep you informed on your goals.

I know a lot of people think they can be inaccurate due to the types of activity you are doing. Obviously this thing is not a genius and cannot tell exactly what you are doing, but it gives you an idea of your activity level, which is what I am going for. If I take a barre class, I am not racking major points on my Fitbit scale. But, I was toning for an hour, so I keep that in mind at the end of the day when I look at my daily steps.

Ok, so let's talk about the sleep monitor- I do not do this. We actually have a hilarious story from when Stephen and I both got our Fitbits and checked in and out for our sleep that night. Stephen swore he had tossed and turned all night, even claiming he slept horrible. After logging in to our app, it showed Stephen sawed logs, literally, for eight hours straight with out moving a muscle. I, on the other hand, thought I had a pretty normal night of sleep tossing and turning a few times. I think it quoted me being restless 29 minutes and waking up 16 times. Are you kidding me!!? I am really not all that surprised, mostly just about Stephen's recollection of his sleep pattern that night. So anyway, I lost interest in seeing how bad of a sleeper I was after about a week (how do you change that??).

One minor complaint: the black bracelet. I have torn mine up and it is stained with paint and who knows what. It's not looking too hot but I still wear it. Never been a favorite look next to a pretty bracelet but I deal with it. Tory Burch is here to change that. Thanks Tory!

Navy Silicone Bracelet

Pink Silicone Bracelet

All in all, I am a major Fitbit fan. And it couldn't be better news than to see that Tory Burch has now teamed up with Fitbit to make these bracelets so much cuter, dare I say really fashionable with that gold bangle.

Gold Bangle

Everything is available for pre-order and I am really weighing my options here. Are you a Fitbit fan and are you pre-ordering?

*all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for my Fitbit- just a big fan.

Recent Foodie Faves II

Today I'm sharing a few recent foodie faves that I will most definitely be making again. For a while, it seemed like every new recipe went down in the book as mediocre and I had no desire to make them again. I hate that! Lots of big let downs, nothing too bad, just nothing exciting. Not these however.

SPINACH FETA AND MUSHROOM QUICHE
I love a good piece of quiche, don't you? I loved the feta mixed in this one. I decided to make mine with a crust (store bought) because I really like the bottom of the quiche to have a little crust.

SWEET POTATO CHILI CHEESE FRIES

So I saw a recipe on pinterest that inspired my recipe, and I just broke it down to make it very, very simple and very, very good. We took a boat cruise for Stephen's 30th and brought dinner on board. This was one of my apps that I brought. I didn't expect it to be a big hit but everyone raved about it. Since we had bought extra ingredients, we had them again on Sunday night. (chili cheese fries two days in a row! our taste buds were shocked when we had kale for lunch on monday!)

SWEET POTATO CHILI CHEESE FRIES

-1 Bag Frozen Sweet Potato Fries

-1 Can Hormel Chili (no beans)

-Shredded Cheddar Cheese

-Salt and Pepper to taste

Season fries with salt and pepper and cook according to package directions. I like mine on the crunchier side, so don't undercook if you are like me. Heat up your chili in a saucepan while the fries cook. Transfer cooked fries to a casserole pan and spoon chili over the top (you won't need the whole can, just add as much to your liking), and add cheddar cheese. Turn your oven off and pop the dish back in the oven until the cheese is melted.

Another recipe I made this week...these black bean quesadillas. We had not had them in forever and they are so, so good. The recipe is for 2 and does not make a lot so double it if anyone plans on eating more than one. Also tried this kale salad and it was amazing!

What are your faves lately?

Magnolia Homes: HGTV fave

Have you seen HGTV's Fixer Upper by Magnolia Homes? It is our new favorite. I am quite behind on TV these days and my Mom actually told me about the show. Love it. This is a really cute couple, Chip and Joanna, that renovate homes for a living. He does a lot of the muscle work and figuring out the logistics...and she does the design. Perfect combo if you ask me! 

One of our favorite (past times) things to do is watch these type of shows on weekend mornings while we drink coffee/tea and have breakfast. Well, I realized this past Sunday that hasn't happened in a long, long time because we have been so busy. It was so nice to watch some lazy tv on Sunday morning. And we both loved the style of the Fixer Upper homes we saw done. Sometimes I can't watch these design shows because things are so modern and impersonal it makes my skin crawl. But I love, love Magnolia's style. It's actually quite different than mine but I really appreciate it. Everything has a purpose and character. What I want! 

(all images via Magnolia Homes)

And in case you wondered (like me) Joanna sells some of her items online. 

Some of my favorites below....

Gold Light Fixture

Chartreuse Heirloom Vase

Magnolia Wreath

Design Idea: Shades of Blue for the Walls

One thing is for sure right now, my house needs some c-o-l-o-r. Almost everything has some shade of white right now and it is looking really flat. After really thinking about what direction I want to go in, I am very much considering painting the den or living room a shade of blue. These rooms have energy but they are not loud. They are not nautical (which I want to be very careful of), I do not want a beach house. And they seem very current and young, but not too young. I'm looking for a room for a young family...refined and current. So what are your thoughts? The second photo is my absolute fave and I want to replicate it in every single way! 

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Mason Jar Margaritas

So that's exciting to see on a Monday, right? I'm excited to share this super easy margarita recipe that is not only so light, but also so easy (which doesn't always pair well together!) I have adapted it slightly from this recipe here. I prefer mine in a mason jar, iced down by those re-freezable cubes so your drink doesn't get diluted after 2.2 seconds in the summer sun. We carried these (with the lids on) down to the dock and were ice cold when we got there. Perfect!

MASON JAR MARGARITAS (ONE SERVING)

1.5 oz white tequila

1 oz lime juice

1 oz orange juice

1 teaspoon agave nectar

Shake your contents and add some lime juice and salt to your rim if you like (always good). It won't make a huge drink, so double if you want a little more to sip on. Enjoy!

This really is such a fresh summer drink, I can't imagine using a mix ever again. It's that good!

Hope you all had a very Happy 4th of July! :)