Every Day Denim

July 19, 2016July 17, 2016 | Megan

We have had such a busy summer that I am still left looking forward to every weekend. Whether it is Tuesday or Saturday this denim look is a summer uniform I repeat over and over throughout the season. Denim on denim, there really is nothing easier. Plus, denim can take wear and tear, sweat and dirty kid-hands, and somehow usually look presentable even at the bitter-end of a long day.

This particular day was spent at Trailside Bike Park with my hubby, boys, sister, and her little girl, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. Trailside has the perfect beginner pump track for little mountain bikers, as well as what they call a “skills development area” that looks similar to a skate park for bikers. They also boast intermediate and advanced level tracks so everyone can get their ride on and come away satisfied!

Watching everyone cruise the track and trail, the heavenly smell of sage, the vermillion blooms of the paintbrush flowers, the perfect breezes, and smiles all around made this the perfect family activity. What lies ahead for you this week? I hope you’re all having a beautiful day so far!!

XX, Megan

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Shirt: Madewell, Shorts: Target, Shoes: Vans, Bag: Old Navy, Sunglasses: Ray-ban, Ring: Madewell, Earrings: Jax Kelly, Lips: MAC Pure Zen

My Beach Bag Essentials

July 15, 2016July 15, 2016 | Megan

Beach Bag Essentials 2016 Pouch, Hat, Aloe, Body Oil, Spritz, Lip Balm, Sunscreen, Water Bottle, Sunglasses, Bronzer

When headed to the beach, especially with kids, it’s important to keep your stuff to a minimum. Well, mostly to a minimum, because it is also important that you carry the all the essentials with you so that you won’t have to pack up and leave the moment your people get thirsty, hungry, or have some extended time in the sunshine.

So the first tip I can offer you when it comes to beach days is to bring an oversized bag. Let’s be honest, this bag can also double as an everyday adventure keeper if you’re headed to the mountains, lake, skate park, etc.

But I’m getting ahead of myself. Above is a collection of some of the actual items in my beach bag. We are all fair-skinned in this family, so sunscreen is a must. I always bring a hat and sunglasses to beat the rays, and I always carry plenty of water. A bottle for each of us, if we’re keeping tabs.

I’ve also found that packing cards, money, or your entire wallet and other valuables in a pouch or a clutch is very practical. That way you can pull them out of the never-ending recesses of your bag more easily, and hit up that street vendor for an icee!

My all-time favorite day bag is this weekender from Baggu. Yes, it’s true, it’s takes a weekender to hold our daytime activity gear, but this particular canvas beauty is sturdy, wicks sand, and can hold everything. WKB2_BLCK_0000_01_PROD_0000_ce4fe2a0-d8fa-4541-953e-8feafa7b8afe_1024x1024 Then you are going to need to remember towels. You can shop a variety HERE in my post from my trip Scottsdale, AZ. These are still some of my very favorites.

Beach Towel 2016

Whether you are hitting the beach this fine Friday, settling in for some good family time, headed out on a date with your love, or exploring another piece of this beautiful globe, I hope you have a glorious weekend!!!

XX, Megan

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

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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