Perfect Printed Maxi

Dress:Sister Kate's   Necklace: Premier (not online) Bracelet: Stella and Dot
Shoes:Sole Society (sold out in nude) Bag: here-restocked

Sean texted me yesterday after I got home from work, and told me to get ready for a date night. This was a treat as we spend most of our free time working on the house or gymming. He didn't have to ask me twice...I look for any reason to dress up. We had a nice dinner at J Alexander's (pork tenderloin=deliciousness). He was also very cooperative and didn't mind taking a few pics of me for my blog (thanks love!)

I found this dress at Sister Kate's and thought it was so elegant especially for a maxi. Some maxis seem to be so heavy and bulky. This one is light and breathable and also has two slits in the front that make it very easy to walk. It is perfect to wear during the fall, and can also be worn with a jacket or one can switch up the belt on it and completely change the look. If you get a chance, like Sister Kate's on facebook! They always have unique, and gorgeous clothes so you will definitely be one of a kind (OG)!! 
Thanks for reading!
Kayla

Don't forget to follow me on instagram!! @kaylahargrove

A Little Date Night: Coffee Cured Steak

Coffee Cured Steak:

I am beginning to think I should have named my blog Pearls, Pinstripes, and Peppers because I really like to share my food recipes with you. I thought it would be a good idea to make Sean something he really likes for dinner. One of our top five places to eat in Cool Springs is Stoney River, and Sean loves the coffee-cured steak (which is around $32.00) so I took it upon myself to search for a recipe, and made it at home for a fraction of the price. Now, I'm sure mine isn't up to Stoney Standards, but it is very close! I searched on the internet and found this recipe:

4 beef tenderloin, filet

2 1/2 cups strong espresso or 2 1/2 cups darkest roast non-flavored coffee

1/4 cup olive oil

1/4 cup molasses (Regular Strength)

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 1/2 tablespoons kosher salt (or Sea Salt)

1 teaspoon cumin                            

1/2 cup ice                     

Directions:

1. Place all the liquid and dry ingredients into a large bowl or zip-lock bag and mix until dissolved.
2. (HINT: Measure the olive oil first and then the molasses, it will slide right out of the measuring cup if you do the oil first).
3. Add ice to cool the mixture.
4. Add the filets and marinate at least 6 hours for best results. I like to mix them up and flip the meat every couple of hours, but not required.
5. When ready to cook the steaks, heat an iron skillet or griddle as hot as you can get it and sear the outside of the steaks for a minute or two until dark and crisp on the outside, then place on the grill to cook to your wellness liking the rest of the time
6. (HINT: I recommend searing the steaks outside on a grill side burner if possible. It makes a mess of your cooktop inside otherwise.).

 

Easy enough, right? I must mention, I am not a steak person so I am only telling you what Sean told me...and he is honest when it comes to telling me if something I cook tastes good or not (lol). While I was letting the steaks marinate, Sean texted me and told me to get ready for a date night because he also had something special planned for me. It's always good to remember to surprise your "significant other" from time-to-time no matter how long you have been together! So I had to post-pone the steak for the next day. (The longer it marinates the better) So that worked out well for me!

Ingredients

Marinade:

Apron shot: find It here

Dining room table: I keep my table set at all times. You never know who may show up!

 For the sides I cooked parmesan asparagus and a sweet potato! 

I told Sean to pose and this is what he did lol.  This turned out to be a wonderful date night at the house! Simple and easy :-) 

Thanks for stopping by!! 

Kayla 

What I'm wearing #wiw

Here are a few of my fav #wiw outfits I have on my phone! I was scrolling through deleting photos and wanted to share.

First photo: I must just say, I love my floral blazer. It is light and breezy and can be worn with multiple things underneath. I wore a cropped blush colored top (also from Elysian) but a button down would also look adorbs under this. Shoes are here (in persimmon), pants old-MEK Jeggings (oddly they still have them in store.. and on sale!)

Second photo: I wore this to our local SMTMGMA meeting (medical group management association) and got so many compliments on the dots! This outfit came from JCrew Factory(shirt, pants sold out but they have a pencil in the same print!). I feel like they have the perfect clothing for Business/Pleasure on the weekends which is nice to not have to buy different attire for work and weekend wear! I love my nude heels(sold out in nude..I want this color) from Sole Society. Also, another shoe that goes with many outfits.

 

Third photo: My olive green pants will definitely get their use. I can wear them with heels, boots, and flats. The colored pant from summer has made its way into fall! In this photo I'm wearing a dark wash chambray shirt (old, similar). shoes here

 

Fall clothing I feel is very easy to mix and match. I have a pair of black boots, brown boots, and grey boots that are a staple for fall clothing. These are three main colors that will match almost any outfit!

 

***Don't forget I am working on a giveaway for fall décor within the next week so keep watching :-)

 

Thanks for reading!

Kay


























 

Oh faux leather <3

 

Shirt: Rock & Republic  Pants: Hazel's Haven (similar here) Shoes: J Crew Factory

Bag: Phillip Lim Target (search online for stores near you.. sold out online)

Cup: here (thanks to The Sweetest Thing blog!!)

If you have read my previous blogs you will know I.am.obsessed with the faux leather trend. I love it. I found these pants online and had to have them. The front is faux leather and the back is stretch material and are so comfortable!  I also love the longer blouses/tunics paired with the pants. These pants will definitely be on repeat this fall/winter! 

The other day Sean and I were in kohls so I ventured over to my clothing area and I found this rock and republic shirt (on sale of course.. It's kohls!) and loved the tuxedo style cut on the back of it. 

I finally felt it was time to retire my LV for the season when I scored a Phillip Lim bag at target! I was excited about the find (thanks to my mom!) Our spring hill store sold out in thirty mins. Crazy, right? 

In other news, wedding planning is just crazy right now. My brother is getting married in Oct. And Sean and I finally decided to get married at the Wightman Chapel at Vanderbilt which is GORGEOUS. We are still debating on reception venues. So life has been really hectic! But good :-) 

Thanks for reading! 

****also, I am planning a fun little give a way soon so stay tuned!!! :-) 

Feeling Floral

 

 

 

      

 

                                    

                                                                       Me and my Mama

                                     

Pants:Forever 21 Shirt: Forever 21 Shoes: old, similar

Necklace: not online,want this one  Bracelet:J Crew Factory Sunglasses: Tory Burch

 

 

I found these floral pants at F21 and loved them from first sight. Not only are they a great price point but they are breezy, light, and fun! They also go with so many colors so you can wear several different tops with them.

 

I have been in a green clothing phase lately (army green, emerald green, teal...some of my favs) so I picked this green chiffon button up, which added a nice pop to the outfit, and is good for transitioning from summer to fall.

 

On a different note, this past Sunday we had Gage's FIRST birthday party which was a huge blowout. There were so many family, friends, and loved ones present and he was beyond excited. It's so fun seeing him grow into his different phases. The last two photos were taken at his party.

Thanks for reading!! 

Fall is in the air

 

Dress: Sister Kate's, Shoes: similar Necklace: similar

The weather this weekend has been nothing short of perfect. The air is cool and dry and it is finally starting to feel like fall! Fall is my favorite season especially for decorating and baking!
Today I had a bridal tea to attend. My brother and his fiancé will be getting married Oct. 5 so the wedding festivities/planning are in full-force and tomorrow my nephew Gage is having his first birthday party. It is so hard to believe he is already a year old and walking/talking. Oh how time flies.

With it starting to really feel like "fall", I decided to dig into my fall attire and wear this eggplant dress with laser cut-outs and faux leather on the shoulders. This is one of my favorite dresses I believe. It is very figure-flattering and also very comfortable. I purchased this at Sister Kate's- one of my FAVORITE boutiques. Not to mention, it is right next to my work so also very convenient to run over there on my lunch break ;-)

If you're looking for something for a party, special occasion, and even casual outfit, Sister Kate's will have something unique that no one else will have! Go check out their store!!

Clean(er) eating

Ok guys, I have had a request for tips on eating "healthier". As you may know Sean and I both like to eat pretty healthy which can be a very hard thing to do when first starting! (Trust me I am a Mac n cheese, mashed potatoes, fried chicken kinda girl) but once you get used to eating healthier it is actually very good! 

So I will just start with what I'm having for dinner tonight (thanks to my dear friend for the idea!)

Stuffed Turkey Peppers

All you need is:

ground turkey (we buy 99% lean) 

Bell peppers

Onion

Cheddar cheese (not the healthiest but use minimally)

Plain Greek yogurt

Spices of your choice pref with no sodium- (mrs dash has a great selection)

My spices are

Garlic and Herb

Chili powder 

Italian medley

Cumin

First, brown your turkey and add all spices and diced onion 

Then gut and cut your peppers. I cut mine in half... It's easier to eat 

Next, stuff the peppers and sprinkle a teensy amount of cheese on top! 

Cook on 350 for 20 mins.

Easy enough! 

After its finished, you can top with Greek Yogurt as a substitute for sour cream.  It tastes exactly the same. Delicious. 

A few more tips:

I'm sure you've heard this 1,000 times but drink water! I try to drink a gallon per day. 

Plan your meals out for the week and cook them ahead of time. When we are in a rush it is easy to grab something quick ie fast food so plan ahead

One staple I cook to take to lunch is crock pot Fajitas. Here is the link 

http://www.food.com/recipe/crock-pot-chick

en-fajitas-308987

It usually only takes half the time as directed 

And makes four lunches! 

Here are a few of my fav mrs dash seasonings 

Enjoy :-)