Farm Fresh

July 14, 2016July 13, 2016 | Megan

One of our favorite things to do each week during the summer is visit the local Farmer’s Market. Our market is held on Thursdays and there is always a live band, local vendor tents, and lots of delicious food and drink. The kids always beg to go to the bounce houses and the park is adjacent to the pavilion so there are plenty of friends to play and mingle with.

A friend of mine who recently moved to town did point out that there are not any fresh produce stands at our Farmer’s Market this year. There are two or three stands that stay open around town all summer, but I don’t know what kept the actual farmer’s from coming to our market. I’m content to sit on a picnic blanket and enjoy the music while munching on the delicious fare from Lola’s Street Kitchen.

If you do chance to hit our Market you’ll probably find me wearing something casual. Something sort of farmer, meets hippie, meets hipster, meets… I don’t know food truck partaker! Have a fabulous Thursday, friends, whatever your plans.

XX, Megan

DSC_0130 - Version 2

Shortalls: Old Navy, Top: Madewell (similar), Shoes: Birkenstock, Bag: Madewell, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Earrings: J.Crew, Lips: NARS Cruising

Farro with Pan-roasted Brussels Sprouts and Pistachios

July 13, 2016July 13, 2016 | Megan

A mouthful of delicious, that’s what this meal was. Even little Chicken Nugget, my picky eater, took a sniff, took a bite, and declared, “Mom, this is so good!”

I wanted to make this as a main course (which I did), and have Watermelon and Feta Salad with Mint and Lime (which I did not) for a side but I ran out of time so we settled for watermelon and cherries straight up.

I should not that this salad is meant to be served warm, so if you are experiencing a heat wave, you might do well to wait until temps cool off a bit.

I hope your Wednesday is full of watermelon and other deliciousness!!

XX, Megan

For the Farro
6 cups spring water
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
2 large garlic cloves – skinned and left whole
1 fresh bay leaf
1 cup farro (semi-pearled or pearled barley is a good substitute)
For the Brussels Sprouts
1 tablespoon butter
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon maple syrup (or honey)
12 oz (340 g) Brussels sprouts – trimmed, halved and cut lengthwise in 1/8″ slices
1 shallot – skinned, halved lengthwise and cut in 1/8″ slices
2 garlic cloves – skinned and finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon sea salt
freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/3 cup salted shelled pistachios
1/4 cup reserved cooking liquid from the farro

Place the water in a medium heavy-bottomed pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt, garlic, bay leaf and grains. Reduce heat to medium and simmer uncovered for 30 minutes, until tender but still al dente. Drain well, remove the garlic and bay leaf and reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid.

Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter. As soon as the butter has melted, add the olive oil and syrup. Stir well and add the Brussels sprouts. Sauté for 6 to 7 minutes until golden-brown, stirring only from time to time.

Add the shallots and sauté for 2 more minutes until softened. Add the garlic, salt and pepper and sauté for an additional 30 seconds until the garlic has released its flavor, but don’t let it brown. Add the pistachios, farro and reserved cooking liquid. Toss well and sauté for a few seconds only. Transfer to a serving bowl and serve immediately.

This recipe was originally posted on Food and Style.

Minimal

July 12, 2016July 7, 2016 | Megan

This dress is quite a dream. Totally minimal, it has great lines, can be dressed up or down, and has that perfectly crisp poplin feel that makes everything fresh! I accessorized with an oversized belt and clutch, but you could just as easily opt for Birkenstocks and a bikini underneath 🙂

It is these type of easy dresses that make summer dressing a breeze. We are driving and driving today, hoping to make it to California this evening, so wish us luck! What are your Tuesday plans? A dip in the pool? Some light reading? Barbecuing in the backyard with friends? Working on an upcoming work project? Wherever this day takes you, I hope you have a good one.

XX, Megan

Dress: J.Crew, Sweater: J.Crew, Bag: J.Crew (similar), Sandals: J.Crew (similar, similar), Belt: Banana Republic, Sunglasses: Karen Walker Super Duper, Necklace: Gorjana, Watch: Invicta, Earrings: Madewell, Lips: NARS Cruising

Packing (for the Beach): 5 Real Life Tips

July 11, 2016July 11, 2016 | Megan

Packing has never been something I look forward to, per se. But I have to admit that the chance to project forward a few days and style up what I’ll be wearing has become more enjoyable for me as I have traveled more in general.

However, if you’re not keen on packing here are some of my tips for keeping it easy and stress-free! Beach, mountains, plains, metropolitan area, or small town– your trip could be long or short. If you stick these 5 easy tips I think it takes some of the pain out of packing.

Pack in advance.
Make real outfits.
Choose a neutral color palate.
Don’t forget your non-clothing items.
Always go light on the shoes.

Let’s break some of these tips and tricks down a little further.

Pack in Advance

Sometimes I pack up to a week in advance if I already know what I am going to wear. I understand that you packing this far ahead can lead to clothing wrinkle, so you do have to think about that. But I have found that if I pack in advance then I tend not to forget things.

It is on those trips where I have tried to throw everything into my carry-on late the night before that I wind up forgetting my pajamas, swimsuit, underwear, or my toothbrush! Life is busy, at the very least, pack the day before!

Make Real Outfits

This one is relatively new to me, but it has probably been the biggest packing game-changer for me personally. Have you ever shown up to a business trip and somehow ended up packing casual wear rather than the needed business attire? I have.

Have you ever gone on vacation and realized that all those pretty dresses you brought are simply WAY. TOO. DRESSY for the beach house you rented or the resort you’re staying at? I have. Have you gotten to your parent’s house with a HUGE BAG and somehow the random collection of crap that you shoved into that enormous duffle just doesn’t seem to go together?!? I have.

Solution: make real outfits when you pack. This top with this bottom, etc. This dress with these flats. Mix and match to save space all you want, but really try to image the actual outfit you’ll be wearing.

Choose a Neutral Color Palate

Now my tip here is the choose a neutral color palate because neutrals are so easy to mix and match. I really am going to pack black and white and denim for my trip to California, but if you don’t love neutrals you can CHOOSE ANY COLOR PALATE!!!

Do you love blues and greens? Then pack in primarily those colors. Do you favor red or have an abundance of green in your wardrobe? Pack those colors. Choosing a color palate simply helps you to narrow down your choices beforehand. Check and check!

Don’t Forget Non-clothing Items

I no so very guilty of this, but I have a very close friend who happens to be the wife of a dentist who perpetually forgets her toothbrush! The irony is real. However, I have gotten somewhere and realized that if I had done a little prior planning I would have brought my own sunscreen, or I would have made sure to have facial cleansing wipes.

It is these items you would do well to think about in advance. Plus, don’t forget sunglasses, a good book, jewelry (if you wear any), electronic devices and their chargers, and any bags you might need to have when you arrive at your destination. For example, I am heading to the beach, I am going to bring a beach bag with me because I don’t need to buy one once I get there.

Always Go Light on the Shoes

I love shoes. I have many pairs, but when it comes to packing- EVEN IF YOU ARE ROAD TRIPPING- leave the majority of your shoe closet where it is. The main reason being that shoes are bulky, they take up a lot of space, and really how many shoes do you REALLY wear during a weeks’ time?

Ditch the stilettos, sub in your favorite espadrilles, and don’t forget to bring your running shoes!

There you have it. Five friendly packing tips that have made my experiences packing a lot easier and a lot more enjoyable. Wishing you safe travels and happy trails wherever your suitcase, carry-on, duffle, or weekender takes you!

XX, Megan

Links: Sweaters Summerstich Pullover, Black and White Boatneck, Summer Beach Sweater; Leopard Crossbody; Shoes Lace-up Sandals, Espadrilles, Birkenstocks (not pictured); Blouses 1, 2, 3, 4; Tees 1, 2, 3; Shorts 1, 2, 3, 4; Pants 1, 2; Swimsuits 1, 2; Hat 1, 2 (not pictured); Dress 1 (not pictured);

Beach Scene: Everything You Need for a Vacation in the Sand

July 8, 2016July 11, 2016 | Megan

Beach Scene 2016

One of the best parts of packing for a beach trip is that you can keep your wardrobe elements SUPER simple. Tee shirt, shorts, dress that doubles as a coverup, a classic one-piece, your favorite sunnies, and you are ready to set up your umbrella and relax! I like to choose a color palate, in this case black and white with any denim you like.

I also need to give a shout out to this $20.00 maxi dress from Old Navy. This puppy is a wardrobe ROCK STAR!! I have this dress in blue, and wore it HERE in Palm Springs last year. I also love how Sally from A Piece of Toast styled this same maxi dress, HERE. You might note that her post dates circa 2014, so it’s not as if this style is on the outs as I’ve linked this year’s black version from Old Navy below!

Cheers to Friday, impending weekend, and hanging out with family! Sending all you lovely blog readers good karma and good vibes. (Links below.)

XX, Megan

Maxi Dress, White Tee, Silk Sundress, Lace-up Sandals, Short-sleeve Jean Jacket, Ray-ban Wayfarers, White Cropped Wide-leg Jeans, Black One-piece

P.S. I might throw in this adorable silk one-shoulder dress in for good measure! Never hurts to have something to throw on for an outdoor dinner after your day around the cabana, does it 😉 Have a great day!