FRIDAY FINDS: Great Transition Dresses

I live in dresses or yoga pants most days.  Both are comfortable and it just depends on how comfortable I want to be or what I have going on.  If I'm in yoga pants, Allen always asks if I worked out.  If I'm sporting a dress he says "wow were'd you go today?"  Never fails.  Anyways, I found some great dresses that will work for now and if you throw on a denim or leather jackets they'll work for fall too. They were perfect for Asheville because though it was super hot outside every restaurant had the air conditioning blasting so the jackets were great to have.  All these dresses are also 20% off this weekend!  Check them out!

Dress | Jacket | Bag

Dress | Shoes | Sunglasses

Dress | Jacket | Shoes | Sunglasses

Dress | Sunglasses

Dress | Jacket (similar)| Jacket (similar) | Sunglasses

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

So, as I'm sure you've heard (a million times!) but the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is here.  It's when Nordstrom marks down great, NEW fall items before fall has even arrived.  If you have a Nordstrom card, you can shop starting today.  If not, you can shop next week.  I haven't always had the greatest luck with the clothes available during the sale.  Shoes, coats and accessories are more of my focus during the sale. This is the time to stock up on new fall boots and heels when the temperatures drop!

UGG Waterproof Boots

Over-the-Knee Boots

Thigh High Boots

Rain Boots

Hunter Rain Boots

Sneakers

Velvet Sneakers

Tassel Loafers

Velvet Pumps

Pointy Toe Pumps

Studded Heels

Clutch

Satchel

Tote

Trench Coat

Military Coat

Let me know some of your favorite & least favorite pieces from the sale!

What We Wore on the Fourth

I hope everyone had a terrific week and a great 4th of July.  It was a fun, action-packed day (minus the rain part).  The morning was spent at the pool with swimming, boat races, games, popsicles and more.  That night was spent riding rides (that almost made me sick!), eating cotton candy, playing with friends and watching fireworks.  We got in lots of good family time which is the most important thing!

Here's what we wore and many on the items are on sale so if you think like me you could stock up for next year!

2-Piece Bathing Suit 

Boys Swimsuits | Other Boys Swimsuits (similar)

Boys Swimsuits | Hollins 2-piece

Cardboard boat racing at it's best 😀

T-Shirt 

  Shorts

Dress

T-Shirt

POSED FOR MOM

REAL LIFE 😏

Dress

Bandana

Necklace

Dress | My Dress | Necklace | Bandana

Salted Brown Butter Rice Krispie Treats

I got this delicious recipe from Smitten Kitchen.  At first when you bite into them, they taste just like regular Rice Krispie Treats.  Then the salt and the caramel hints from the browned butter come out.  Heavenly!  

4 oz. Irish butter

10oz bag of marshmallows

6 cups crispy rice cereal

1/4 tsp pink Himalayan salt

In a large heavy pot or dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.  Unlike normal rice krispie treats, you let the butter keep cooking until it becomes light brown.  You have to watch it very carefully and stir frequently so that it doesn't burn.  As soon it becomes light brown turn off heat and add the marshmallows, stirring continuously.  When marshmallows are melted completely move pot to counter and add cereal and salt, stirring until everything is equally distributed. Pour mixture into lightly greased 8-inch pan and it smooth out evenly in pan.  I usually used waxed paper and my hands to do so because it gives me the most control.  Let cool completely before cutting into squares.

When life gives you LEMONS.... make these delicious recipes!

One of my favorite ways to add flavor to many dishes is citrus and more specifically, lemon.  It's great is sweet and savory dishes and cocktails.  Here are a few delicious recipes that use lemon.

HONEYSUCKLE LEMON DROP MARTINI
This recipe is from my cousin Susannah. She always makes the most amazing cocktails but this is my personal favorite.

2 oz. Cathead Honeysuckle Vodka

juice from one large lemon

large splash of Simple Syrup
Put all ingredients in cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.  Serve in a martini glass with a lightly sugared rim.

This makes one drink.

LEMON RISOTTO

This is absolute comfort food for me.  I got this recipe years ago (altered it, of course) from Nigella.  She had the first cooking show I ever watched back when Allen and I got married. I always enjoying cooking just like my mom and grandfather but watching Nigella and trying her recipes really helped me to develop my love of cooking.

1 tbsp olive oil

2 chopped shallots
1 1/2 cups arborio rice
4 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tbsp Irish butter
1 1/2 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
fresh lemon juice from 2 lemons
1 egg yolk
4 tbsp heavy cream
4 tbsp grated parmesan (plus extra for serving)

In one pot bring broth to a low boil.  In another pot heat olive oil over medium heat.  Add shallots.  Cook until softened.  Add rice, stirring constantly to light toast the rice- about 2-3 minutes.  Start adding broth to rice one ladle at a time.  Stir until broth has been absorbed.   Continue this process until there is no broth left and rice is cooked through and not crunchy.  It can take up to 30 minutes. Turn heat to low.  Stir in lemon zest and rosemary. Then add butter stirring carefully. When butter has melted add egg yolk, cream, lemon juice, parmesan, salt and pepper.  Heat stirring continuously for 2-3 minutes.  Remove from heat and serve in individual bowls topped with extra parmesan.

LEMON SYLLABUB
My mom used to make Lemon Syllabub for a special dessert when I was a child.  It was always one of my favorites.  It's great for a dinner party because you can serve it in pretty individual bowls or glasses and you can make it in advance since it need to chill in the refrigerator. 

Place mixing bowl in freezer 1-2 hours before starting recipe.

1 cup cold heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup dry white wine
1/8 cup lemon juice
lemon zest
In cold mixing bowl, whip cream and sugar on medium until it thickens.  Slowly add wine, lemon juice and zest.  Whip until thick soft peaks.  Refrigerate for 1-2 hours in mixing bowl covered with plastic wrap.  Serve in individual bowls and garnish with mint leaves or strawberries or both!