Spring Cleaning

Morning y'all! Did everyone have a good weekend? We ended up taking a real "weekend" day on Saturday. We relaxed, didn't make plans, went out to lunch, {some of us napped, not me} and just plain took it easy. We all need those days and I can tell you ours are few and far between. We squeeze in projects and work all weekend and save the relaxing for after dinner. It's the way we function and we love it {for the most part!} so it works. I love being busy! 

Sunday however, I woke up and was straight to work. I knew the house was due to be cleaned, which could have waited, but I also wanted to tidy up each room in the house. We usually splurge on the house being thoroughly cleaned about every three weeks, but since I wanted to work on each room it just made sense that I cleaned instead this time around. I'm so glad I did, because I really spent a lot of time making sure things got cleaned that I had noticed had been forgotten about with the cleaning service. No matter how good they are, things get forgotten. I ended up rearranging the living room, did a good bit of rearranging in the dining room, purged toys, scrubbed the bathrooms and totally cleaned up the kitchen and mud room counters. Feels SO good. I love some Spring cleaning! We also had a cold snap this weekend, which sort of forced us into one last weekend of being indoors before we march towards Spring. Really, it was needed, and I feel better about starting new projects with having the house tidied and freshened up. 

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We have a super busy month ahead {can you believe it's almost April!?} so we really needed this weekend at home. Hope you had a great weekend! 

Saturday Steals

Dip-Dyed Stools

I've always loved these stools and I think one would be really cute in our hall bath next to the tub! 

Brasserie Chair -See update below-

Ok, so this chair is priced at $24 y'all!! I am frantically trying to figure out where I can place it in our house! All the other colors are 10 times as much. Seriously, what is going on?!

**Update: Thanks to some updates from my readers, unfortunately, they have changed the price of the chair. I ordered one when I made this post at the cost of $24, we will see if they honor their price on the website listed at the time!

Jaipur Wallpaper

I love this wallpaper! It comes in three other colors too. It's a steal 50% off.

Bare Minerals Flawless Definition Volumizing Mascara

Ulta is having a sale today on Bare Minerals Mascara- they are all 50% off online! That makes them $9 plus you get a free gift. They are also having a sale on Mario Badescu, everything is 25% off. I started using this eye cream several months ago and love it. It is the perfect moisturizer. It feels light and healthy on my skin, and less chemically-ish if that makes sense?

Crop Illusion Dress

Everything is 40% off at Loft right now and they have some really cute Spring Dresses. Make sure to check the back out on this one- adorable.

Happy Shopping and Happy Weekend! 

Five Favorite Breakfasts!

Happy Friday everyone! Today I thought I would share what has been happening in our kitchen lately for breakfast. I have basically banned my easy routine of grabbing a breakfast bar and I'm leaning towards things that are freshly prepared. Go figure...as if I need to add something else into my morning routine! But, I have to say, I really enjoy a healthy breakfast. I think its the easiest meal of the day to eat healthy. Here is what I have been making lately, all on rotation according to what is in the fridge. 

ONE:

Scrambled Egg Tortilla 

Beat two egg whites {or use liquid egg whites} with a fork, pour in a non-stick pan that is already warm over med-low heat. Once they begin to set, I sprinkle with mexican shredded cheese. Scramble with a spatula until they are fluffy. Cut one high fiber/low carb tortilla in half and add to skillet. Move the eggs into the tortilla shell. Lightly toast on both sides. Enjoy!

TWO:

Omelet Style Egg White Tortilla 

This is essentially the same thing as the Scrambled Egg Tortilla, except I let the eggs set and then fold over in half, and over again like an omelet. Place inside one half of a high fiber/low carb tortilla, add american cheese slice and toast on both sides in skillet until cheese is melted. So, so good. Enjoy!

THREE:

Avocado Toast

Such a delicious, healthy breakfast that I have mentioned before. Mash ripe avocado and spread on piece of toast {I love sourdough!} Sprinkle with pepper {salt is optional} and enjoy! 

FOUR:

Sunrise Smoothie

Another breakfast I have enjoyed and mentioned last week. I can't get enough of it y'all. It is so refreshing. The full post is here, but this is the rundown:

SUNRISE SMOOTHIE

1/2 ripe banana

1 heaping tbsp honey vanilla greek yogurt

1/2 cup frozen pineapple pieces

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup water

6 small ice cubes (or 3-4 regular size cubes)

Place in blender or smoothie maker...blend. You can add ice, water or oj according to taste. Enjoy!

FIVE:

French Toast from Leftovers

I have been making this French Toast for Weeks and finally tried more than a bite this past weekend. Oh my gosh- seriously, amazing. Don't be scared that the bread comes from hot dog and hamburger buns- I will probably buy them from now on just to make French Toast! That good.

FRENCH TOAST {slightly adapted}

-3 Eggs

-Leftover Hamburger or Hotdog Buns {I've used both, I used slider buns in the pictures below}
-1/4 cup milk
-1 tsp cinnamon sugar

Beat together eggs, milk and cinnamon sugar with a fork until well blended. Dip each side of bun in mixture. Spray skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat.  Place buns in skillet and cook each side a few minutes. Serve warm with powdered sugar and syrup!

The best part about this recipe is that it freezes wonderfully!! 

I usually make as much as my mixture will allow/as many buns that we have leftover. I place them on a cookie sheet, lined with parchment paper and pop in the freezer for about 30 minutes until they are no longer "sticky". Then I wrap two or three at a time in the paper and put in a freezer bag. 

To reheat, we put in the toaster on a low setting a few times and then microwave a few seconds to make sure they are hot! Perfect for a little toddler meal! 

What are your favorite breakfasts?

Linking up with the ladies of Five on Friday!

Enjoy your weekend!!

White Jeans...It's Time

Slim Boot Cut Jean {25% off with code FRIENDS} / Instasculpt Skinny Jeans {25% off with code FRIENDS} / Stretch Matchstick Jean / Sateen High Rise Bootcut {on sale and use code FRIENDS for 25% off!} / Becca Mid Rise Bootcut  {25% off with code FRIENDS} 

I know I have professed my love for a great fitting white pair of jeans before. They are an absolute staple in my wardrobe for Spring and Summer! I might add, I do not follow the white before Easter rule here...I already have worn mine once :) In the heat of the summer, you can find me in a dress, shorts and occasionally a skirt during the daytime. However, when it comes to night- I really, really love to put on white jeans! Especially if you are headed out to dinner and need some sucking in! 

I have found my new favorite brand of denim...probably most favorite ever! I got two pairs of DL1961 jeans on major sale at Piperlime earlier this year and have barely wanted to wear anything else since. They are amazingly comfortable, but extremely flattering. They stay up on your waist great...no tugging. Major. So I am most definitely looking to them for my white pair this season, I am due for some. Best part is now, they are on sale at Bloomingdales 25% off!! That is awesome. These bootcut jeans look super flattering and these instasculpt are the same fit that I own and love in darker  denim. For a little less, J.Crew makes a great pair that are a straight fit. I also love the bootcut versions by J.Brand {tried and true fave} and these are cute by True Religion.

Who is ready for white jean season!?

Weekly Meal Planning

We are trying something new this week and attempting a meal plan for the week. I know everyone says it's so much better on your budget to map out your meals for the week instead of going to the grocery store every day. I am still trying to wrap my head around exactly where you save by buying it ahead of time. I am guessing you aren't picking up those pesky things that somehow get added to your cart, which really can take a toll on your final bill. Here is what I came up with for this week! 

Monday:

Chicken Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches from my new Skinnytaste Cookbook. I will report back on how they turn out. So far, I have not been disappointed by anything from Gina! For a similar recipe, see here.

Tuesday:

We usually eat with my in-laws, and if not then we grab take out. 

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Wednesday:

Flat Out Pizzas. Such an easy weeknight meal that leaves you satisfied while keeping it healthy.

Thursday:

BLT Chopped Salad. Found this while searching through my recipe archives. Can't wait to make it again! 

Friday:

To be decided! :) Depending on the weather, we like to cook on the grill on the weekends, so we will see what that is like later on in the week. 

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I am also adding to the grocery list the ingredients for these Make Ahead Lunch Wraps. I haven't done a batch in a long time and they are so nice to have for a quick, healthy lunch option. Something I need more of in my life! 

What are you planning this week?

Spring Planting So Far...

I wanted to give you all an update on our Spring planting. It's too early for most things but I am chomping at the bit to get some greenery around our patio and yard. Last weekend, herbs were 5 for $10 at Lowes, so I scooped up fernleaf dill, parsley, rosemary, basil and one tomato plant.

I used popsicle sticks and a sharpie to label the herbs and I put some simple directions on the back as a reminder in case I forget! 

It seems way too early for a tomato plant {and it probably is!} but I couldn't help myself. This one is an "early girl" and is supposed to yield  tomatoes quicker than any other. Worth a shot! 

The previous owners had A TON of bulbs scattered all throughout the yard. I love some bulbs but it was seriously annoying how cluttered it made the yard look! I'm pretty sure there are hundreds throughout and more are popping up as we speak. Last year we dug a bunch of them up and threw them in a big pile leaves and debris in the back corner of the yard that we don't see....well now, those bulbs are all blooming in that big trash pile! I kind of feel bad for abandoning them! 

I also picked up two Kimberley Queen ferns and two new planters for them.

The planters were around $18 at Wal-Mart which I thought wasn't a bad deal. They aren't planted yet but I love how they look already. They are a foam pot but say they are resistant to flaking and fading. Once they are filled with dirt I don't think anyone will be able to tell they aren't stone!

Planted some ranunculus...

and hyacinths...

This is pot is too funny...I thought this Autumn Fern died last summer but it is coming back now, along with some succulents that I never planted! Have no clue where it has come from.

My pansies and dusty miller are hanging on...and hanging out with the Spring plants! 

Have you started planting yet?

Design Idea: Add Some Green!

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I know I'm not reinventing the wheel here, but in honor of Spring I wanted to feature some rooms that do a beautiful job adding a touch of nature. I looked back at all of the photos, and each room would really be missing something with out that natural element. Don't you think? I mentioned last week I feel like a crazy plant lady with all my house plants, but maybe not so much anymore. You wouldn't know the time of year these photos were taken, but they feel just as fresh as Spring. Am I right? Go get yourself a houseplant!

My Favorite Sunrise Smoothie

Now that the weather is beginning to warm up a bit, I am much more likely to make a smoothie for my breakfast after a good work out. I don't know about y'all but I love a good smoothie. I can drink one down and feel full and satisfied {if I am having one for lunch I usually grab a handful of crackers to satisfy the crunch}! I tend to make one favorite over and over again until I am tired of it. {My old favorite was the Chocolate Peanut Butter Protein Shake}. Lately, I am much more into cramming it full of fruits. This is my latest....and y'all, it is amazing!! I made one for Stephen yesterday and asked him what came to mind as he tried it. He said tropical drink. So, if you want a really refreshing treat and want to pretend you are beaching it for the day, mix one of these up. There is something so refreshing about the combination of pineapple, orange and banana. Feel free to mix up the proportions as well according to your tastes. If you prefer more banana, use a whole one instead {I usually stick the other half in the freezer for another smoothie} and use less of the pineapple. If you think it is too thick, add a little more water. I love that about smoothies- SO easy to tweak to your liking!

 I use my Magic Bullet to make all my smoothies. I've had mine over a year, use it all the time. It's held up great. I have also used it for grinding oatmeal, chopping spinach etc. If you are looking for an entry into the smoothie appliance world, I think it's a great one to start with!

SUNRISE SMOOTHIE

1/2 ripe banana

1 heaping tbsp honey vanilla greek yogurt

1/2 cup frozen pineapple pieces

1/3 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup water

6 small ice cubes (or 3-4 regular size cubes)

Place in blender or smoothie maker...blend. You can add ice, water or oj according to taste. Enjoy!

Two, Dresses and Easter Eggs

My big boy turned two!!! I really cannot believe it. 

We had the best time celebrating him last weekend and he loved it too. He especially loved digging into his chocolate cake. We got him his own big cupcake to demolish, and then a separate cake for cutting. Before dinner, I placed the big cake on the dining room table and at some point soon after, my sister noticed that half of the truck was missing off the top of the cake. My little puggle...DIXIE....had gotten on the table and snatched part of the truck and the back of the cake. What a bad girl!!

Weeks, you have made me a better person. You light up my day each morning with your sweet smile and giggles. You are so determined, so sweet and the most lovable thing on this planet. I cherish our Mommy and Weeksie cuddles {and selfies} even if we are the only ones that ever see them. I am so proud of you munchkin! 

{last summer}

Megan mentioned this adorable dress last week and I was so intrigued. Available here for full price, or available here for a fraction of the price...as in $22. I love the print and love the price even more, so it is on it's way to me! Fingers crossed its truly the good deal it seems like.

I saw these adorable Easter eggs and I really might have to make a big bowl of them for the kitchen table. So cheery and fun, and a little different! I especially love the little pineapples! 

We had a GLORIOUS Spring day yesterday and barely came inside. It was awesome. Hope you all had a great weekend!!