.Importance.

Some days, life just gets away from us. Sometimes we get caught up in the moment and forget about what is really important. The stress of bills, schedules, and petty needs all make it difficult to appreciate what we have.

Then there are days like Saturday. Beautiful afternoons filled with sunshine, fresh air, and truly good people. Days when you are reminded that Family above all, is the most important thing in the world.
We played some bocce, took a couple practice swings, relaxed in the sun, gave some love to the horses and had a heated game of Domino Train game.

I love you Family and can't wait to share you with my wee little babe.

A glimpse into our special saturday.

[also a happy birthday to my dear old Dad, who we helped celebrate on saturday]

.Man Style.

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While I'm not here to take credit for Mr. T's incredible fashion sense [he really does have that "certain something"], I would like to think that I influence him a little in that department.
I tend to 'yeah or nay' most of his items and to be honest, I actually buy almost all of his clothes [he, like most men, hates shopping. While I....well, we'll just say I have no problem with it.....].
The man, however, is 100% responsible for putting his looks together.
And I think those looks are damn Fine.

dammmn fiiiiine.

Above are my picks for updating his summer wardrobe.

On another note....only 2 more days of room service and till I get to go home [I've been out of town working for the week] so I promise a few better posts next week, with more pictures and less "shopping picks". xoxo

.Roasted Chicken with Tomatoes + Olives.

I was craving a little something with a mediterranean flair, and this was what I came up with.

It was fresh and tasty [but then again, I seriously love olives and tomatoes]. And super easy. Which are really the best kind of recipes.

And while this picture that I took with my old beat up blackberry doesn't do it justice, I promise a light-tasting refreshing meal.

Roasted Chicken with Tomatoes + Olives
[original recipe found here]

Ingredients:

1 lemon

2 pints grape tomatoes

1 head garlic, cloves separated

1 cup kalamata olives

8 sprigs fresh Thyme

2 tbsp Olive oil

Chicken Breasts, Thighs, or Drumsticks [or mix a little of each!]

Salt and Black pepper

1/2 cup Dry White Wine

1 Small loaf of Bread, warmed [optional]

Directions:

1] Heat oven to 425F. using a vegetable peeler, remove strips of zest from the lemon [reserve the lemon].

2] In a large roasting pan, toss the tomatoes, garlic, olives, thyme, and lemon zest with 1 tbsp of the oil.

3] Nestle the chicken, skin-side up [if applicable], among the vegetables and drizzle with the remaining tablespoon of oil. Season the chicken and vegetables with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Roast until the chicken in cooked through, 35 to 40 minutes.

4] Remove the chicken from the hot roasting pan. Squeeze the juice from the lemon into the roasting pan and add the wine. Gently stir, scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Serve the chicken and vegetables with the pan juices and bread [if using].

.Currently.

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I am utterly in love with all of the above recent purchases.

Collected over the last little while, I seriously don't know how I lived without each of these items.

They each are a perfect way to help a new baby brewer feel lovely [especially when the tired eyes and bloated belly are at their worst].

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1 | YSL Volupte Sheer Candy Balm: The most perfect moisturizing lipstick. And I actually see that it's titled sheer balm, but it gives me the perfect amount of color in the most perfect coral shade, so therefor it's a lipstick to me. 

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2 | Melanie Auld Layla Earrings: Edgy and Classy are the way I'd describe these beauties. I actually seem to be throwing them on with everything these days and they seem to work brilliantly with each style! I am also just as in love with them as the first time I saw them and now that I think of it, I seem to be growing quite the collection of this talented ladies jewels. Sadly, I don't think the lovely Mel is selling the Layla's anymore, but check out her other baubles [I personally am eyeing up the Holly studs and the Bythe danglers next]. Whatever you choose, you will not me disappointed.

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3 | Madewell Farmland Pendant: My everyday necklace. The perfect length [30"] and in gold, what's not to love? And the little piggy just steals my heart. A beautiful unexpected piece that you can virtually wear with anything, but I especially love it with a deep v-neck t-shirt. It also made my radar board this week, so you know I really, really love this.

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4 | Stella & Dot Lindsey Bangle in Orange: In the hottest shade this season and the perfect size to wear alone or with a full stacked arm party. It's also quickly become my go to piece for a pop of color. While this shade is a summer exclusive and only available for a limited time, you can check out the other brilliant shades this little gem comes in too. 

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5 | Madewell Patternplay Sweater in Electric Canary: Don't you just die when looking at this sweater? I did the first time I saw it. Now, I know I am growing a baby, but this is one of those pieces I just couldn't let go....belly or not it had to be in my hands. In the most awesome neon yellow color and the softest material, I don't regret the purchase one bit. Nor do I regret mentioning this twice in one week as well.

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6 | Melanie Auld Artemis Ring in White Quartz: I know, again with this lady. But she's just that good. And so is this ring. It's the perfect everyday ring to throw on and go. It instantly dresses up anything I have on but isn't too overwhelming that people constantly stare at my hands [I have a weird thing about that issue with cocktail rings]. I really do love the simplicity of the white quartz and....get excited people, this little beauty is on sale and comes in 3 colors!

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7 | Joe Fresh Duo Concealer in Medium: I've mentioned this before in my march favorites video, and I have to mention it again because this stuff is AH-MAZING! This concealer lasts all day, is super creamy and covers flawlessy. And bonus: cheap as dirt! I seriously love this stuff and have tried my fair share of other concealers, cheap and expensive. Try it out, I think it's the real deal.

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8 | S2 Recycled Glass Oil and Vinegar Set: I know these really aren't something that I can wear and feel good in, but aren't they just the cutest and most stylish oil and vinegar set you've ever seen? I get a little smile on my face every time I see them on my table so they have made my obsession list. Enough said.

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9 | Stella & Dot Palamino Necklace: All this summers trends molded together into one necklace: 

Chunky- yes! | Statement piece - yes! | Coral color - yes!

You really can't go wrong with this necklace this summer. It looks stunning in almost anything and dresses up a dull outfit in no time flat. I wear mine with little dainty studs and I'm ready to go. I'm just so happy that I got mine early so that it can accompany me to Europe. 

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10 | Lush Dreamtime Bath melt: The most perfect way to relax after work or just before bed. The soothing lavender smell really does wash away any sore muscles or a tired head. It also leaves your skin silky soft and because of this my husband can't seem to keep his hands off of me. I am seriously addicted to this stuff.

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11 | Anthropologie Homegrown monogram mugs in "e" and "p": These little beauties have been around for a while, but I am still so in love with them and feel it such a treat to sip my tea in these sweet little cups. Just something about the dainty handle and tiny initial pulls at my heartstrings. Also how cute is drinking from your lovers initial? [and fyi...i always choose the "p" mug :)]

.Happy Six.

Simple things make life worth living.

A bowl of classic [and delicious] Honey Nut Cheerios.

A glass of cold chocolate milk.

Stockpiling some 'mini' things.

Breakfast at home.

Spending a couple hours in a bookstore.

Planning a baby and Sipping a London Fog.