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!