Vegas Outfit

My sister is going to Vegas in a couple of weeks and recently asked me to put an outfit together for her to wear for a snazzy dinner with her girlfriends. She actually picked out this Tibi dress while on a recent trip Saint Simon's Island. It's hard to tell in the picture, but the v is sheer in the front and the back is sheer, too. Stunning, in my opinion. The black heels from Zara were a steal. They are classy looking, but have the right amount of sparkle for some Vegas flair. She still hasn't decided on a clutch, but I like the idea of something with a little color. The earrings she is wearing are vintage and out of my jewelry box, but they are similar to the top left pair. I think she is going to look smashing sipping on a glass of wine in this outfit!

 

Come On Fall

This hot, southern summer is no bueno. There was a small break in the dying heat for a week because of rain, but now it's right back up to the 100s. Don't bother eating a popsicle or ice cream outside, because it will be melted by the time you take your second bite. Although the thought of putting on sweltering layers right now makes me immediately start sweating, I'm ready for the cool air that comes with the fall. And boots. I'm ready to be wearing boots.

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Last year I would have said, "no way," but now I'm all about some booties. You know this camel/whiskey color is my favorite color for boots, and I am on the search for the perfect ones in ankle boots for this fall. Call me crazy {I don't know who I am becoming}, but I think I just might really like these Boutique 9 Elijah boots.

Yesterday I went ahead and ordered these little babies. They are Report "Marks" in sand. I found them on sale in my size on 6pm.com, and I knew that I would later regret not ordering them since they were the last in my size. I think they'll be cute with shorts, leggings, jeans and dresses.

I debated between the sand and the cognac--tough decision. 

What do you think? Bryan is a huge fan of this look, which makes it completely ok for me to have to spend a little extra cash to pull it off, right? ;) Have a great Wednesday!

What's Caught My Eye

Color Combo

I'm not sure what it is about this picture, but something about it caught my eye and keeps drawing me back. The leopard throw and gold bamboo table get me excited about decorating.

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Hair

Can someone please make my hair look like this when I put it in a bun? The back of it is pure perfection and I'm willing to be the front is just as lovely. I'll take the beach and a blanket, too.

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Jewelry Storage 

The idea hanging jewelry on the corner of a mirror or frame is appealing to me. This would be ideal on a dresser or vanity, somewhere out of the way but functional, too.

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Baby Girl

We are far from having a little one in our lives, yet when I saw this fabric I had to repin it because I just fell in love with the prints. Adorable.

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Bedroom Colors

You know how much I've been dying to have a coral/salmon and gray room? Well, here is another version that is going in a folder to use as inspiration. Rug, night stand, sheets, throw and walls? Yes, please.

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Leopard Shoes
these would be fantastic shoes for the fall--comfy and with some flair!

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I hope you are having a good week so far!

Copy Cat

If I were a designer I don't know if I would be flattered or outraged when someone copied one of my designs and re-made it. I know there have to be some sort of copyright laws, but I don't know them. We see things on the runway and then all sorts of versions of them later in boutiques or department stores. Later they trickle down into outlets and discount stores. I am not one to always notice these things, but on a recent shopping trip I spotted a copy cat. In the mornings I like to visit Target very early, right after it opens. I had about 15 minutes to kill before TJMaxx opened, so I went into Kohl's to kill some time. Bam, there was the copy cat.

Let's be honest, it's a cute dress. Enter the original dress:

This one is the exact same dress, except that it is a different color and doesn't have a belt. {And it cost an arm and a leg in NYC last spring.}

If you want a Tibi look-alike, head to Kohl's and pick up LC's version. It's great for the summer and cost a whole lot less. {Just don't judge me when you still see me wearing mine in a few years since I'll still be wearing it to get my money's worth.}



Easy Breakfast

This is seriously one of the easiest, healthiest breakfasts that can be thrown together. Why is it so easy? Make it the night before and forget about it. Eat it or grab it on the way out of the house the next morning. Why is it healthy? Well, it just is.

{Overnight} Oatmeal in a Jar

Ingredients:

1/2 cup quick-cooking rolled oats

1 Tbsp. chia seeds

agave syrup

fresh fruit

milk

{a mason jar}

Directions:

1. Add the oats and chia seeds to the mason jar.

2. Add any type of fresh fruit your heart desires. {peaches, strawberries, bananas}

3. Drizzle on a little agave syrup.

4. Top it off with fresh milk and then shake.

5. Let it sit overnight in the fridge and enjoy it the next morning. Voila! No reason you can't have a healthy easy breakfast!



Friday Five in IG

Here are a few of the things I'm loving this week.

1. These crazy cats, who are going to both kill me when they see that I posted this picture for my whole blog world to view. I am so blessed to have a sister and husband who love each other like they were "real" siblings.

2. Friends. Oh, what would I do without them? Good girlfriends are truly something special.

3. This dress. You remember how I said I absolutely had to have this print in my closet? Well folks, it is in it now. I just need a chance to wear it...

4. Chocolate. Nothing is better when you've had a rough day.

5. Actually, you are only going to get four because for some reason my IG has decided to be difficult and not allow me to email myself other IG pictures right now. Anyone have fun weekend plans? My muscles are going to be stronger after this weekend of moving...

Bangin' Shrimp Tacos + Asian Slaw

Good morning, friends! This past weekend my sister came home for a visit and stayed through Monday. Bryan took the day off from work, making my days thrown off and this whole week go by quickly. The lease on our place is up at the end up the month, so I've spent the past two days packing boxes and sorting through everything. We are both very excited about our next phase of life, but it is bittersweet at the same time. 

Moving means using up everything that is frozen or fresh in our refrigerator, so there is no telling what we may be eating for the next two weeks. Last week I took a few recipes from Skinnytaste.com and combined them to make Bangin' Shrimp Tacos with Asian Cabbage Mango Slaw. Freshly steamed edamame made a wonderful side dish.

{For those of you who have asked, my Instagram name is sweetteabelle.}

I suggest making the slaw and letting it sit while you prepare the shrimp skewers for grilling. This meal is perfect for when you want something light and refreshing, with lots of yummy flavor for dinner.

Asian Cabbage Mango Slaw

Ingredients:

2 cups shredded cabbage

1/2 cup shredded carrots

1 mango, not fully ripe

3 medium scallions, chopped

3 Tbsp. rice vinegar

1/2 lime, juiced 

1 Tbsp. low sodium soy sauce {or tamari for gluten free}

1 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 tsp. black and white sesame seeds

Directions:

1. Cut the mango into thin strips {julienne}, and combine with the cabbage, carrots and scallions. Toss together in a bowl.

2. Combine the vinegar, lime juice, soy sauce and sesame oil in a small bowl and whisk together.

3. Pour the dressing over the cabbage mixture, toss, and then let sit 15-20 minutes before serving. {Sprinkle sesame seeds on right before you serve.}

Bangin' Grilled Shrimp Skewers

Ingredients:

40 large raw shrimp, shelled and deveined

freshly ground pepper

olive oil

corn tortillas

Sauce:

2 1/2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise

2 Tbsp. scallions, chopped fine

1 1/2 Tbsp. Thai Sweet Chili Sauce

1 1/2 tsp. Sriracha {or to taste}

Directions:

1. Mix together sauce in a small bowl and set aside.

2. Thread shrimp onto skewers, then drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with pepper. {Add any other seasonings you might enjoy}

3. Grill the shrimp over medium heat for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until opaque and cooked through. {Add the tortillas to the grill and heat on each side for a couple of minutes.}

4. Serve the shrimp in tacos, with slaw and sauce on top.

These two recipes are also wonderful to eat on their own, not in taco form. Gina's original recipe says to coat the shrimp with the sauce mixture before grilling, but I used it as a side to drizzle over the top of the tacos. Enjoy!

Weekend + Sale

Hip Hip Hooray for the weekend!!

I just listed new Blog Sale items. XO



Asparagus + Corn Salad

Nothing is better in the summer than a chilled salad or vegetable toss. Green bean salad is one of my favorites, but using asparagus in this dish adds a little variety to your typical salads. It is a wonderful summer side dish.

Ingredients:

3 ears corn, shucked

2 bunches asparagus, ends trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

1/2 cup chopped fresh herbs {cilantro, basil, parsley}

1/4 cup olive oil

1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. rice wine vinegar

1 tsp. agave nectar

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

Directions:

1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Shuck the corn and trim the asparagus.

2. Add the shucked corn to the boiling water and boil for about 5 minutes, until it starts to turn bright yellow. Remove the corn and set aside to cool. In the same water, add the cut asparagus and boil for about 2 minutes. Remove the asparagus and set aside to cool. {Place both in a colander and run with cold water to stop the cooking process.}

3. While the veggies are cooling, whisk together in a small bowl the herbs, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, agave, salt and pepper.

4. Once the corn is cooled, cut the kernels with a sharp knife.

5. Add the asparagus and dressing, then toss to thoroughly coat the veggies. Chill until ready to serve. This can be made up to two days ahead of time.

*When the pictures were taken I only make half of the normal recipe.



Push Through The Heat

Let's talk exercise and health. I haven't done one of these posts in a while, but you, as my readers, always tell me how much you enjoy them. The weather has been miserably hot here. My run at 7:30 the other night started when it was 99 degrees. One of the worst things to have happen is to become dehydrated. Say it with me, drink more water, drink more water, drink more water. Add lemon to it if it is too boring and plain or squeeze in some orange and mint. You have got to be hydrating yourself before, during and after your work out.

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It seems to be a lot harder to exercise in the summer because nobody wants to get out in the heat and sweat even more than normal. If you are used to going to a gym, somehow that seems hard, too. Quit looking at the scale and just get out and be active. Your body will thank you for doing cardio for thirty minutes 3-5 times a week.

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Good gear really makes a difference, especially in the hotter weather. Find fabrics that breathe. I know that I've told you about these before, but I swear by CW-X's sports bras. They are fantastic. Have you heard of The Clymb? Similar to Hautelook, Gilt and Ruelala, it is designed for people who love the outdoors. Get on and check it out. This past weekend they had CW-X gear on it and I scooped up some new sports bras for less than half of their original price.

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Find something to get your heart rate going that you enjoy. Don't be afraid to try something new. If you like pilates, try yoga. Bryan and I go a local mountain bike trail together, but he rides and I usually run. It is something we can do together, yet also what we both like best. It is much easier to brave the heat if you are doing something that allows you to have fun while exercising. 

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Many people find it is easier to get motivated to exercise if they have a partner to go with to the park or gym. Whatever it takes to get yourself in shape, make it happen. It can be way too easy to convince yourself not to put on those tennis shoes, but when you have someone holding you accountable you don't have as many excuses. This morning I saw two college girls {like these in the picture} out bright and early running on a bike path through town. While they waited at a cross walk they were laughing and talking about something; you could tell they were having fun together. 

Enjoy something cool and refreshing after your work out. This Garden Fresh Mediterranean Bruschetta is perfect for a snack or appetizer that doesn't require cooking, but is healthy and light. My suggestion would be to use wheat or a multi-grain bread instead of white bread.

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Also, I'm all about enjoying healthy fruit popsicles. {Pinterest is full of great recipes.) Feel free to leave any tips or suggestions you have on how to embrace exercising in the heat. Have a great day!

Guest Post: Easy Cooking

Hi all. I'm Val from ValSoCal. I was honored when Hannah asked

me to do a guest post on her fabulous blog. Sometimes life gets hectic and we have very little time in the kitchen. I'm all about quick-easy meals and desserts. Here are a few of my favorites. I hope you Enjoy.

{Watermelon Margaritas}

{Cannoli Dip}

{Key Lime Cheesecakes with Pretzel Crust}

{California Club Grilled Cheese}

Thanks for sharing these yummy recipes with us, Val! Be sure to head over to her blog and check out all of the other wonderful recipes she has blogged about--she has great pictures!

Trend: Head Wraps

Head wraps: to embrace the trend or forgo the trend?

That is the question.

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Let's be honest here. Not everyone can pull off wearing these babies and not look down right silly. I recently acquired a few vintage scarves and tried to tie them into my hair, similar to the above looks. My mother will protest, but my head has a funky shape and nothing {headbands, head wraps, scarves, etc} will stay put on it. I desperately want to wear them because I think they would be perfect for the lake or a day at the pool. How cute are these with the mini cherry blossoms?

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See, this girl is just chillin and looking super cool in her head wrap. What do you think? Yes or no to the head wrap trend? Any tips to make one stay in place? Please share.

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Guest Post: Afternoon Wedding

Many thanks to Viv for this wonderful guest post that I had planned on posting last Friday. Amidst the throws of wedding preparation, I only opened my computer once in a two week period and just couldn't get this up in time. I know you will enjoy it just as much this Friday as you would have last Friday!

Hi Sweet Tea & Stilettos readers! It's Viv from the fashion and style blog, Fashion Truffles! Hannah asked me to stop by today and it's a true honor to be here with you talking about wedding attire. Wedding season is now in full force and I'm loving it. I always enjoy getting all prettied up with the hubby and heading out with friends and family for a special occasion. And what's more special than a wedding? Nothing! An afternoon wedding can be a bit tricky to get dressed for so today I give you my picks for a fabulous afternoon wedding look.

Nine West platform heels, $99, Valentino handbag, $995, Shoshanna Dress (similar), $395, Stella Dot pave jewelry, $34, Bobbi Brown Cosmetics lip treatment, $19, Fekkai styling product, $25, Las Vegas Blue Wedding Chapel Sign Romance Love Photo Art Print - 8 x..., $26

A big thanks to Hannah for having me over today! And don't forget to stop by Fashion Truffles for more daily fashion and style inspiration. xx

They're Married!

Happy Thursday, friends! Did you all enjoy being off work yesterday even if it was during the middle of the week? My holiday didn't amount to much. Bryan volunteered to be the one person to work in his office, so I went to my parents' house to play with their dogs and sit by the pool by myself. It is probably the first Independence Day in years that I have not thrown a party or been at the lake with friends. Though the day was spent alone, it was nice to enjoy the solitude after my crazy last two weeks.

We got Bryan's brother, Allan, and his fiance, Sydney, married and off on their honeymoon. The wedding decor turned out beautiful! We came home and have done nothing for the past couple of days. The above picture was snapped with Bryan's phone. It is the only picture that I have in my possession right now of us, but the photographer took quite a few that I hope turn out frameable. I have tons of pictures from all of the decorating I did for the rehearsal dinner, but I am going to save those for another post. {I also want to see if the photographer has really good ones of it.} The wedding was very rustic and had touches of outdoor flare incorporated. Here are a few of the pictures as a little sneak peek.

 Hopefully my life will settle back to normal now that most of our big summer plans have passed. The kiddos that I am keeping have been gone to Florida this week, which has let me get my house back in order and have a little down time. Hope all is well in your world! :)