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** Memorial Day Sales are known for great deals on furniture!! There are GREAT sales on the Restoration Hardware Dupes right now…. check them all out on this post, HERE. **
While we are all spending time at home, it’s great to switch it up every now and again and celebrate the small things!
I’m a sucker for a theme night and it makes it feel special for the kids as well! This year we are doing a fun taco platter and a spicy margarita (simple/skinny version) for mom and dad!
Cinco De Mayo is a fun time to have a Mexican inspired evening as a family. The kids love being able to build the tacos themselves and choose their toppings.
Moms, you deserve this margarita now more than ever!
TACO PLATTER
You can choose items you have on hand or whatever you normally use as taco toppings.
If you’d like to keep it vegetarian, Trader Joe’s has a great “soy chorizo.” Cook with a chopped yellow onion as a great meat substitute!
Toppings:
Shredded Cheese
Olives
Tomatoes
Green Onion
Red Onion
Avocado
Limes
Salsa
Guacamole
Pico De Gallo
Sour Cream
I used cilantro and Chile Lime seasoning as garnish throughout the taco platter.
Serve with your favorite type of taco shell or over a bed of butter lettuce.
Skinny Spicy Margarita
1. Wet the rim of your glass and roll in choice of salt. We like to do Trader Joe’s Chili Lime Seasoning mixed with course sea salt. Tajin mixed with coarse sea salt is great as well.
2. Remove seeds from your jalapeños and muddle. We like to do half of a large jalapeño to muddle and the other half sliced inside or as garnish on the rim.
3. Combine 4 ounces of silver tequila with 4 tablespoons of blue agave and mix well until the agave dissolves into the tequila.
4. In a cocktail shaker filled with ice pour the tequila/agave mixture and add in 1/2 cup of fresh squeezed lime juice. (I’ve done the concentrate before and it was a fail…) Shake well.
5. Pour your mixture into the glasses with the salted rims. Garnish with limes, jalapeños and a bit of cilantro.
Enjoy!
** If you are looking for more entertainment inspiration for staying at home, be sure to check out this post HERE with backyard entertainment ideas. There’s also a spring inspired charcuterie board that you can check out HERE.
It’s that time of year for the Sephora Beauty Insider Sale You can save anywhere from 10%-20% off of beauty must haves.
I’ve rounded my tried and true beauty favorites that are all a part of the sale. While we are all home it’s a great time to give yourself a little TLC with your skincare routine!
Best Beauty Finds On Sephora Sale-
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Mask- This has been my favorite mask lately. Leaves my skin feeling SO soft. I loved this one so much I purchased the rest of their line of products!
Summer Fridays Lip Balm– Absolute best lip balm for extra dry lips. It is a small sized bottle for the price, it’s just so good.
Coco Rose Body Polish- This will leave your skin feeling insanely soft and feels luxurious. It’s an excellent exfoliator.
Coconut Milk Bath Soak– One of my favorite ways to “self-care”. This makes a great gift as well.
Water Drench Eye Patches– These are the BEST to help with puffy and tired eyes. This combined with an ice roller is the dream team combination. They were the first thing I added to cart because they sell out frequently.
Charlotte Tilbury Lip Liner– My everyday “nude lip” go to. I typically just wear this with the summer friday’s mentioned above lip balm. “Iconic nude” is my go to shade. When I want a little something extra I’ll add the lipgloss in shade “pillowtalk.”
Kerastase Purple Shampoo– Blondes.. you need this. It keeps the brassiness out and REALLY works.
Laniege Lip Mask- You sleep in this lip mask for super soft lips. It’s $20 so I love giving this as a little gift to friends.
Getting outside (even if it’s in your own backyard) is so good for the soul. Soaking in some sunshine and enjoying quality family time has been the best way for us to stay happy and sane during this crazy time.
We have had a few things that make for fun nights at home and wanted to share.
Patio Cocktail Hour-
Here is a little bar for two that is under $200. You can check it out HERE. I also LOVE this wine chiller that holds the whole bottle of wine. It is currently on sale for 40% off.
Outdoor Movie Nights-
This is such a fun idea! You’ll need a giant screen and a projector to bring the theater feeling for this backyard entertainment.
This always makes a great gift idea too! The picnic cooler elevates any backyard picnic.
Toddler Lounging-
This toddler sized lounger is on sale for $89 and the perfect place for kids to relax outside. (So cute too!)
Kid Sized Adirondack Chairs are always a hit for around a fire. These can be personalized with their names and come in other colors as well.
Backyard Activities-
Tree Swing- The boys have been loving this! Be sure to check the dimensions and make sure you have a tree that will work for this one.
We liked that this trampoline was fully enclosed and lower to the ground. A bit safer for younger ones.
Water Activities-
This oversized blow up water slide has provided non stop entertainment for our boys for the last two seasons. There is a climb up, two slides, a bucket dump and the bottom is a little pool. It is currently on sale and ships quick! It is super easy to blow up as well. You do need to be careful when storing this. It needs to be dried completely each time before storing.
Dino Sprinkler– There are also several other giant sprinkler options. Rainbows, unicorns, etc.
If you love these backyard entertainment ideas, be sure to check out this charcuterie picnic blog post HERE!
While most of us may be celebrating Easter a bit differently this year, we can still make it feel extra special!
This easy to throw together Easter charcuterie board is sure to impress your family and tastes delicious. We took ours outdoors for a little picnic.
Typically when I do a board I have several cheese options. This time I didn’t want to make an extra trip to the grocery store so I used lots of pantry items that I had on hand. These are all great because they have a long shelf life.
* Salami & Pepporoni
* Various Cheese Wedges & Slices
* Honey
* Marinated Olives
* Granola
* Dried Apricots
* Chocolate Covered Almonds
* Toasted Almonds
* Cheese Sticks
* Various Crackers
* A Boursin Cheese Dip Topped With Peach Jam
* Grapes
* Pears
* Macaroons
* Mint for Garnish
* Baby Breath Florals For Decoration
You can really just have fun with it and use fruits, cheeses, meats, etc. that you have on hand.
Tips For Building An Easter Charcuterie Board
* Start with your bowls. Follow that with the cheese wedges and items that pair with your cheeses directly around those. (Think meats and crackers.)
* Add in any other large items. (Example, for this board it was pear slices and the honey jar.)
* Fill in with varying remaining items and you can layer them on top of each other to fill the entire board.
Shop The Charcuterie Board
If you love this board I have some for other seasons/holidays too. You can find a hot chocolate dessert version HERE and a Valentine’s themed one HERE.
After trying product after product over the last few years, I have found a morning skincare routine that is PERFECT. I went to Skinpharm and did their skin consult to bring in the big guns for this morning skincare routine. You bring in all of your current skincare needs and a nurse practitioner evaluates your skin with the ingredients in each particular product. After mine she let me know which were working and which I should switch out.
I’ve broken it down to the essentials to provide even skin tone, texture, brightening and age defying agents.
*Many people don’t think they need to cleanse in the morning, but you want to make sure and start your day/ morning skincare routine with a fresh face. It’s important to cleanse any skincare product left over from the night before.
STEP 2: TONE
Since I have dry skin, I typically only do this three times a week. Kim Kardashian’s esthetician mentioned she loved Sanitas Brightening Peel Pads and they are as good as the hype lets on! It’s like getting yourself a mini facial at home. Great exfoliation that leads to an even skin tone and smaller pores. If you have oily skin, you can use more frequently.
STEP 3: PROTECT YOUR EYES
Since your eyes are the most delicate area of your face they need a little extra TLC. I prefer a thicker eye cream at night, but during the day something lighter that can go under makeup or not feel as thick is preferred. I’m loving this Colorescience 3 In 1 Eye Therapy . It helps with dark eye circles, under eye, puffiness, fine lines/wrinkles and has SPF. It is tinted and comes in a few shades. It is very easy to blend in.
STEP 4: SERUMS
This is truly the products that have been the “hero” skincare items that have transformed my skin. When adding in serums make sure that each layer is completely dry before applying another layer. I start with Skinpharm’s Glow Factor serum. This one is packed with antioxidants—and 0.5% ferulic acid. It has pure vitamins C and E. It brightens skin, fights fine lines and wrinkles, and really helps with firmness and tone.
I follow that with my number one favorite product, Skinpharm’s Youth Serum. I would bathe in this if I could. It’s giving your face a big drink of water. It’s packed full of hyaluronic acid and peptides that are the ultimate hydration to your face.
STEP 5: MOISTURIZER
Awhile back I did a 6 month review of a ton of different moisturizers. You can find that full post HERE. The type of moisturizer I use does change frequently depending on how dry my skin is. Also, when in a hurry in the morning it’s good to pick one that can soak in to your skin completely and be a primer if you are wearing makeup. The most used moisturizers I wear (typically dry skin) are Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Cream (there’s a reason it has so many 5 star reviews) and La Mer’s Moisturizing Cream. La Mer’s is pricy, but it is so thick and hydrating if you have dry skin.
STEP 6: SPF!!!
If you make one change to your skincare routine let it be wearing your SPF every day. My New Year resolution this day was to make sure I wear my SPF every single day. (Cloudy day, sunny day, days when you stay at home….all of them.)
Skinpharm’s Skin Pharm 100% Mineral Tinted SPF. Now that my skin is more radiant and even, I use this to replace my foundation most mornings. (I rarely wear much makeup these days..) This is a protectant, but also works like a BB cream. Light and even coverage.
I know this sounds like a lot, but it’s really quick to do and will totally transform your skin. Having glowing skin really gives you a boost of confidence.
HIGHLY recommend getting a skin consult to evaluate the products you are currently using and see what could be eliminated or added for your particular skin type. Skinpharm offers virtual consults if you are not local to Nashville or Atlanta.
We are devastated to see the destruction and loss our beloved city has incurred. The death toll is rising and the devastation is unfathomable. One of the things that makes Nashville so amazing is the community. Neighbors help neighbors. People here are strong and generous, but it’s going to take help from all around to rebuild. A State Of Emergency has been declared for Tennessee and it’s time to step in and help.
** The Disaster Distress Helpline 1-800-985-5990 can also provide immediate counseling to anyone in need of help coping with the mental or emotional effects of the storms. The Helpline is a 24-hour-a-day, seven-day-a-week and free resource. **
HOW YOU CAN HELP NASHVILLE TORNADO RELIEF
* If you are someone you know needs help moving their salvageable items to a safe place, Black Tie Moving has their fleet of trucks and workers out helping free of charge.
* Hands On Nashville– They are working with the city and have a volunteer list. They will begin with volunteer clean up as soon as it’s safe to do so.
* You can donate to the Middle Tennessee Disaster Relief Fund, HERE.
* They need bleach, gloves, box cutters, etc. for clean up efforts. They also need personal hygiene items. The nonprofit Community Resource Center (www.crcnashville.org/) is the official agency for product donation.
*The Belonging Co. Church- you can text “TBCORELIEF” to 97000 if you need any type of help at all.Church teams are standing by ready to help.
* Home Street Home TN – This organization helps Nashville’s homeless community. This tornado hit a large homeless camp. They lost everything of the little they had. You can go to their site to donate or volunteer. You can also text LUV2020 to 44321 to donate.
* Supply Drop Locations:
Meet + Greet Nashville
1910 21st Avenue
WNDC Dream Streets Food Truck- Back Door Open
Parked in front of St. Luke Missionary Baptist Church
2704 Torbet St. Nashville, TN 37209
Cross Point Church Bellevue
(Water bottles, non perishable snacks, bread, peanut butter, flash lights, garbage bags, work gloves, hand sanitizer, old towels, coloring books/crayons)
We refer to Vail as our “happy place.” You just can’t beat breathing in the fresh mountain air, the stunning views, hot tubbing with snow falling around you, the freeing feeling of skiing down the mountain…I could go on and on.
Strolling through the village feels as if you are walking through an Austrian village without having to cross the ocean. The Bavarian culture is evident in the food and architecture.
Each year we take a trip in either the summer or fall and then a ski trip in the winter season. You can check out our guide for summer months HERE.
This year was extra special because we brought the boys along to try their hand at skiing for the first time!
My husband had a brief stint where he lived out here and was a ski instructor for young ones. It just made it all the more special to be able to watch them with our own little guys.
HOW TO GET THERE
There is a local airport, Eagle County Regional Airport. However, there are limited flight options. We fly into Denver International Airport and rent a car. It’s a very scenic drive.
This time we stopped at the Ice Castles in Dillon along the way. HIGHLY RECOMMEND. It’s a bucket list type of experience and the kids absolutely loved it!
You can also take the Colorado Mountain Express ride shuttle.
Once you arrive in Vail everything is easily walkable. They also offer a free bus transportation service which can take you between Lionshead and Vail Village.
If you are staying at the Four Seasons (where we always chose to stay) they will give you rides anywhere throughout Vail, at your request. You can even take out one of their Mercedes Benz to cruise around Vail in style.
WHERE TO STAY
Hands down the best place to stay in Vail is the Four Seasons Vail The location is walkable to the gondola, bars, restaurants, streams, etc. We have tried out everywhere, but this is simply the best. The staff is so friendly and they make every possible accommodation for you. They greeted our boys with a bag of goodies and set them up a tent in the room. The bar, pool, Flame restaurant, etc. are impeccable. One of our favorite things to do is get the “haute chocolate.” They slow pour the most decadent hot chocolate over a chocolate grid on top of an oversized mug. It melts in and is then topped with a homemade marshmallow. Drooling thinking about it. If you are not a guest of the hotel… still go get that hot chocolate!
If you are choosing to ski the hotel makes it as convenient as possible to do so. You can rent your skis through Gorsuch located inside the hotel. It’s easy to get fitted right there at the hotel. They then send the correct skis, poles, helmets down to the ski concierge at the base of the mountain. Ski concierge will help you get your ski boots on and walk your skis right to the mountain for you. It truly couldn’t be a more stress free experience.
WHAT TO DO
Ski– The skiing in Vail is insanely good! The views are amazing and there are plenty of options of green trails up to double black diamonds depending on your skill set. There is simply nothing more freeing than being at the top of a mountain.
Vail mountain offers Ski School for children 3 years+ (and potty trained.) We highly recommend taking this route. They make skiing fun for kids, but more importantly they teach them proper technique, how to carry skis, how to put their skis on, etc. They take lots of breaks and play games, etc. Kids are never outside too long to get too cold.
Adventure Ridge-– At the top of the mountain they offer snow tubing, a coaster and other fun winter activities.
Shop- There are tons of local boutiques, art, jewelry shops and more. Everything is so walkable that you can pop in and out of each one. The boys loved the toy store and the candy shop. (Shocking, I know. HA!)
Spa- The Four Seasons Five-Star Spa can’t be beat.
Ride The Scenic Gondola- If you aren’t wanting to ski riding the gondola is a great way to explore the mountain and check out the views from the top!
WHERE TO EAT
Coffee:
Yeti Grind
Vintage
Lunch:
It’s always fun to ride the gondola up the mountain and have lunch at the top. You just can’t beat the view! (It’s very casual.) There is also the 10th Restaurant at the top of the mountain. It’s a fun experience because you can take your ski boots of and wear slippers while you dine. We love to get fries and champagne for lunch as a fun little break.
The Remedy Bar- Located Inside the Four Seasons. Think really upscale “bar food.” They just hired a new chef and the food did NOT disappoint.
Garfinkles- You can sit outside and have a great view of the gondola and mountain.
Dinner:
Mountain Standard- The Colorado River Trout is insanely good. A local favorite.
La Nonna- A locals favorite!
Sweet Basil- We first found this gem during Taste of Vail. It’s a farm to table place with really fresh ingredients. Ask to sit out on the patio.
Almresi- The owners started this in Germany and it’s very authentic and unique. There are authentic Austrian dishes on the menu and it truly makes you feel like you are in another country.
Matsuhisa- This place is incredible! It’s a great sushi spot, but the 72 hour marinated miso cod is where it’s at!! It’s owned by Chef Nobu so you know it’s top knotch.
Flame- Located inside the Four Seasons. SO. DANG. GOOD. The food is excellent, but they were still extremely accommodating to the kids. The new chef created some table side experiences that are next level. The “CACIO & PEPE” table side was one of the highlights of the trip for us! They bring a parmesan wheel to the table and rotate in fresh pasta. They then top it with freshly shaved truffle. It is just divine!
WHERE TO DRINK
Vail Brewing Co.- It’s always fun to find a local brewery and this one has a laid back casual vibe.
The George- Fun fact… Trey worked here 20 years ago checking ID’s. HA! It’s the local hang out.
Bully’s Ranch- We have made it a tradition to grab a mudslide at the bar here. It’s got the true mountain decor and is always festive.
Root & Flower- They offer over 50 by the glass pours of wine, an extensive bottle selection, and lots of fun craft cocktails.
WHAT TO PACK
I’ve rounded up a very detailed list of everything to pack for skiing, winter clothes for walking around the town, travel gear and winter beauty essentials. You can check all of that out HERE!
Spring is on the horizon! This is a curated list of intentional pieces, fashion and home. All these are meant to be worn with each other or styled with other neutral home items. I’ve been making a big effort to only purchase items that can get a lot of use! I’ve also started to include art pieces. I love the idea of slowly filling your space with art that speaks to you. Creativity is fostered in spaces filled with special art pieces.
** Click Any Item To Shop!**
Dainty Gold Cross Necklace– Gold accessories are still all the rage for spring! This piece is dainty and can be easily layered with other pieces or worn alone.
Dove Doodle Art– Just purchased this new art piece for my living room. Doves are a symbol of peace which makes a great statement in your home. The texture is so great on this one as well!
Horse Graphic Tee- Anine Bing are by far my favorite graphic tees. They are a bit on the pricey side, but hold up super well.
Straw Hat- An absolute March must haves staple! Shield yourself from the upcoming sun with this large brim hat. It is selling out fast (it’s that good!) so if you are loving it go ahead and “add to cart!”
Grey Wine Glasses- These smokey grey wine glasses are neutral, but with such a fun twist. A total steal at $6 a piece!!!
Snakeskin Loafer- I ordered these in cognac and now I’m eyeing the snakeskin. They are super comfortable and perfect for spring. (I have a discount code on these! BEAUSANDASHLEY20 will get you 20% off.)
Trench Coat- This might just be the find of the season. This lightweight trench coat is $50 and looks nearly identical to the Burberry one. (That one will cost you around $2k!) Hurry, this one is selling out fast.
Cream Clutch- Can you believe this is an Amazon find!? At $35 this clutch is such a steal. It looks much more high end in person. The cream colored is perfect for spring.
Ruffled Marble Bowl- This decorative bowl has been one of my absolute favorite purchases lately. It comes in 3 sizes. I ordered the large as a decorative bowl in our dining room and just went back and ordered the small to hold rings on my nightstand. They add so much texture and interest to any space. Would also make a really pretty gift or add eggs inside for Easter!
Short Sleeve Sweatshirt- This is the perfect spring transition piece and a perfect March must haves item. It is a bit on the pricey side, but made really well. It’s one of those items you will always be grabbing towards. Love it paired with denim shorts for a casual look or a bit dressed up with a white pants, layered necklaces and a wedge sandal.
All of these recent purchases have added so much to my wardrobe/home. Highly recommend them all!
You can find more neutral home decor pieces HERE and more closet staples HERE.
There is nothing more relaxing than sitting on the side of a mountain for a little après ski after a long day on the slopes. If you have never taken a ski trip before… add it to your bucket list! There’s nothing like breathing in the fresh mountain air, sitting in a hot tub with snow falling all around your or strolling a perfect little mountain town all bundled up.
We take at least one ski trip a year and this year we added in the boys so that they could experience our “happy place” with us.
Knowing what to pack for a ski trip (especially if it’s your first time) can seem a bit intimidating so I’m breaking it down for you so all you’ll have to worry about is which mountainside patio you need to sip your champagne. Also, you can check out my Vail Travel Guide HERE for that info too. I really have ya’ll covered on this one!
** YOU CAN CLICK ON ANY ITEM TO SHOP. **
For You:
On The Slopes-
First, you can rent your skis, poles and helmet at the mountain. This way you do not have to travel with such heavy items.
You will somewhat have to play this by ear based on the weather of your trip. Most of the time I am fine in just a base layer, ski jacket, pants and gloves. When we go during the colder months I add a ski sweater on top. In extremely cold weather you will also need to add a face warmer or a neck scarf.
Off The Slopes- Winter Wear-
Hotel Hangs & Hot Tub-
There is nothing more revitalizing and relaxing than sitting in the hot tub with snow falling around you looking up at the mountain. It’s simply magic! Don’t forget to pack a suit and pool slides.
In The Room-
I always like to have a warm pair of flannel pajamas to have in the room. I Have THESE and love them. They run a tad big/long.
Winter Beauty Must Haves-
Between the flight, altitude, cold and dry air you will need to take extra good care of yourself and your skin on a ski trip. These electrolyte drops are a great way to fight against getting altitude sickness. (Don’t forget to also drink lots of water!!) SPF if a MUST on the mountain, along with on your lips to protect from chapped/burnt lips. I’ve also included my must have beauty mask, eye masks, and hydrators.
** Please note the Youth Serum can not be tagged, but you can find it HERE. It provides incredible hydration and I’ll never travel without mine again. (I actually use it everyday.)
