GILT TASTE

Im so excited for the new TASTE category on GILT GROUPE'S website.  If you aren't a member you absolutely must join it's the best! Sign up here

Here are a few things that I would love to try!

Chef's blend Mushroom Mix

Bourbon Barrel Matured Maple Syrup

Anywhere Champagne Flutes

Olive Oil Cake with Orange

Assorted Cheese Spread

Truffle Honey, Yum

Dried Sausage Assortment

WEEKEND PROJECTS

Project #1 is to make these Slow-Cooker Pork Tacos, the perfect Sunday dinner with the family.  This recipe received the highest reviews! Recipe found here

Project #2 is a bit more challenging!
There are so many inspiring blogs out there and I recently came across this one http://gorgeousshinythings.blogspot.com/.  I liked this particular DIY because I am currently waiting for my West Elm Zig Zag rug that is on back order until August, posted previously here.
Danika bought 6 striped IKEA rugs for $4.99 each and sewed them together to create this bold striped rug for her kids playroom.  For a total of $30 I think it might be worth the effort and the savings of $470!!  Check out her final product here

CRYSTAL CLEAR

Last week I bought 2 of these glass bottles, fill them with sparkling & flat water & leave on the dining table when entertaining... 

From Crate & Barrel $3.95 ea.

Purchase here

Photo credit: http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/

BARGAIN FINDS

Ikea Sea-saw table $39.99 Found here

I want to put this behind our sofa with frames & a lamp

Pottery Barn Kids Depot Light can be used in any room $89

Found here

Target's set of 2 Black & Tan outdoor pillows $29.99

These are similar to Pottery Barn's but 1/2 the cost Found here

CB2's Weekender Bench Indoor/Outdoor on SALE $149

I would like as a coffee table

Purchase here

SUMMER LOVE BRAIDS

Seen here

Seen here

Seen here

Seen here 

PASTA TRICK

With summer comes... less clothing! To prepare myself & the hubby I try and choose healthier yet satisfying dinners.  A trick I picked up from http://www.andeelayne.blogspot.com/ suggested that you lightly saute spinach in a skillet with olive oil and a pinch of sea salt...then fill the bottom of your bowl with it therefore needing less pasta to fill up! 

LAYER 1

Starting from the bottom I had organic spinach, whole grain pasta, Trader Joe's marinara, chopped spinach/fontina chicken sausages also from Trader Joe's, and lastly sprinkled with fresh basil and parmesan.  Served with lemon Perrier instead of wine YUMMY! 

              

            LAYER 2

                                   LAYER 3

LAYER 4

LAYER 5

LAYER 6

DINNER SERVED

X MARKS THE SPOT

1. Tried on these wedges by Halogen, they are on my wish list & they are on sale now. Click here

2. White tanks are a staple for summer and I like the criss crossing detail in the back, Click here

 

3. This Tavik Palm Beach bikini is perfect for your next pool party or beach vacation, love the colors and the cut of the top, Click here

Phote credit: Nordstrom.com, Songofstyle.com, RevolveClothing.com, & Nastygal.com