Five on Friday

Happy Friday!  Before we jump into my Five today, I wanted to make a note that I'm thinking about doing a No-Spend month in August.  As you can see below, I've been spending a good amount of $ on material things that are luxuries.  While I appreciate them and work hard for my spending money I realize that this isn't what's important.  Perhaps doing a no-spend month will allow me to focus on other things.  This also means I have 7 days to buy everything I want...kidding!

ONE 

Is anyone else getting tired of hearing about the Nordstrom Anniversary sale yet?  You're not...okay good because I'm about to talk about it!  Instead of posting all of the things I love, I will just show you what I've actually purchased. 

Kate Spade Initial Necklace: Reg: $58/Sale Price: $37.90

Zella Capris: Reg: $48/Sale Price: $31.90

 

I'm officially a Zella convert!  I was skeptical that they would be that much better than Lululemon as I've heard.  I LOVE my Lulu Wunder Unders, but do agree that the quality of the material used has changed in the past couple of years.  Lululemon Wunder Unders are $72-$82 depending on the style.  Zella Live In Capri's are regularly almost half the cost of Lulu - and during the Anniversary sale are a fraction of the cost (which is why I had to give them a try).

They are almost identical in features - compressive, wide waistband, key holder in band, but they feel so much higher in quality.  They hold me in better, stay in place and are thicker so they don't show everyone the color of your panties!

There are still great Zella pieces on sale at Nordstrom until August 4 when prices go back up!  The tops look great too and are also half the price of Lulu!


TWO

Kendra Scott launched her new Fall 2014 line last week - GlamRocks - and I am in love with every single piece.  Damn.  It's just as good in person. Double Damn {says my wallet}.  Although I want every piece I have controlled myself and only purchased one item.  It was a good one though!  

I love all of the filigree and mixed metals in the Sadie Spear earrings, Sienna Pendant Necklaces and Hadley Bangles, but I'm also dying over the Ellie and Skylette studs and tons of glittery sparkles. 

What pieces do you have your eyes on?  I think my next purchase (in September or the next 7 days) will have to be the Skylette studs, but this ring also looked great on too!

THREE

My friend Ashley hosted a girls dinner last week for all of us "Junior League Tearoom Waitresses" to catchup.  Ashley just moved into a new home which is stunning!  She also made Ina Garten's Weeknight Bolognese which was O.M.G good.  We all inhaled it and it was the perfect casual, girls night dinner. So happy I wore a loose-fitting dress!  I think I'm going to make it next week for our church's dinner group. 

FOUR

This picture was quite the hit on Instagram earlier last week.  Gotta love those supportive husbands...laying in bed eating cookies while I workout!  By the way, I'm loving Piyo and just realized a week in that Piyo stands for Pilates/Yoga...what a dummy I am!

 
FIVE

I am considering taking the plunge and signing up for StitchFix {thanks Adrienne}.  Move over Birchbox!  Has anyone else tried Stitch Fix?  Let me know your thoughts and share you link if you wrote a post about it!

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Thoughts on Thursday: J. Crew Factory Finds

If you are among the minority of people who missed out on the J. Crew Herringbone Puffer Vest last 2 years, it is back!  Like every other time it's been restocked, it hasn't lasted long so I would hurry and grab one up fast!  After just 24 hours they are already on BACKORDER until NOVEMBER!!!  It is final sale, but only $75.  Crazy that these were going for over $300 on Ebay last year!

If you want something a little different, the vest also comes in Camo, which according to J. Crew is going to be huge this fall.  Love, love, love and like Jen said...with this Camo Vest we can match our littles in their Carter's Camo out now!

Speaking of Camo, I think I need these Camo Loafers in my life - currently backordered until August 5. 

And finally, I just love this shirt and feel like it would get a lot of wear this fall and winter!

 

 

 

Thank you Annie and Natalie for hosting this link-up today!

Mid Week Muse: Stella & Dot Launch

Stella & Dot just launched a new line that I'm LOVING!  Even though it's still H-O-T outside I'm starting to think about transitioning into fall.  I love to invest in quality pieces that can be worn year-round and work for multiple events - work, fun, weekend.  I tend to wears lots of dark, solid colors in the fall and winter and love to play with accessories for fun little pops!

Here are just a few of my favorite pieces on my wishlist!

Pave Spear Earrings, Rose Gold

 

 

 

Melanie Chandeliers, Mint/Gold - I love these earrings because you can wear them 3 ways!!!

 

 

 

Pyramid Stud Cuff

 

 

 

Pave Spear Pendant Necklace, Rose Gold

 

 

Pop Geo Pendant Necklace, Pink/Orange/Gold

 

 

 

La Totale Large, Espresso Ikat

 

 

Madison Tech Bag, Black/Crème Breton Stripe - My current laptop bag is on it's last leg and I LOVE this one!

 

 

 

Chelsea Tech Wallet - Glow Pink Perf - I love that this wallet has room for an iPhone, plus I love the laser cuts!

I'm hosting an online trunk show this week!  Just click here and go shopping!  There are some trunk show exclusive deals for you AND by joining my Facebook Trunk Show you have access to win some great prizes throughout the week!  First person to make a purchase through the link gets an extra sparkly in their order!

Thanks to Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls for hosting this weekly linkup!

 

 

Summer Concerts!

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today talking about hot summer shows and venues in Houston. 

 

I'm super excited to see Counting Crows later this month when they roll into town. 

What summer concerts are you looking forward to?

"Hot" Topic over at Houston Moms Blog

I'm over at Houston Moms Blog today discussing what I've been hearing way too much of in the news the last few weeks - kiddos, babies and animals being left in cars.  Warning - this is a heavy post, but such an important reminder for all of us. 

Thoughts on Thursday: The Dreaded Bathing Suit Shopping

 

Fourth of July Weekend Getaway with Family by chelseapurifoy featuring beach cover ups

 

Yesterday during my one-hour lunch break I ran to Macy's in desperate need of a bathing suit or two that I could actually wear in front of others.  I've been wearing two-pieces from my pre-Jack era and although (surprisingly) the bottoms fit pretty good all of the tops have been way too small - plus I'm still working on my mid-section since baby. 

 

I would probably just made due this summer, except that this weekend we are going to be in our swim gear in front of others.  Cover-ups are good for walking around, but sitting on a boat in the Houston heat you want to be in as little as possible. 

 

I ran into Macy's knowing one hour was pushing it to find the perfect suit - a must to try-on.  To make it even harder, all of the suits had been moved from their normal area to a teeny and crammed space thrown on a few racks and all mixed up.  I would have paid full price just to get some organization. 

 

Due to lack of time, I went through and only grabbed suits with a Ralph Lauren tag...old faithful!  I went into the dressing room with a mountain of options: two-pieces, one-pieces, tankinis and skirts. 

 

Good news: I found two suits that looks really good on and are super comfortable

Bad news: I just can't rock a two-piece these days

 

That's okay!  I'm working towards getting back to that one day.  In the meantime, I LOVE the one-pieces that I found.  They are both "tummy-control" but I love that the material isn't super thick so I'm hoping it won't be too hot. Very flattering and I will feel confident wearing these in public!

I have several great cover-ups to thrown on when walking around including this Pom-pom Tunic from J. Crew:

 

What do you wear when sporting a bathing suit in public?  Do you dread bathing suit shopping as much as I do?  

 

 

Thank you Annie and Natalie for hosting this link-up today!

Mid Week Muse: Patriotic Casual

 

Patriotic Casual by chelseapurifoy featuring Bobeau

 

 

I'm so excited for this (long) weekend!  We are going to be super casual this weekend, likely heading to Matagorda for some R&R, fishing, eating and boat rides.  I still plan to dress as festive as I can for those activities.  Usually after a long day in the sun I love to throw on an easy dress (bonus if it doesn't require a bra) and sandals for dinner.  I have everything pictured above and ready to go except for that precious Kendra Scott Rayne necklace in Bright Red. 

 

So if anyone...cough, cough Jason...would like to run by Kendra Scott on their way home from work and buy me this as a thank you present for being such a wonderful wife (or whatever I am to you) by Friday, then go right ahead!  Dream on Chelsea, dream on...

 

Outfit deets below!

  

Bobeau dress
nordstrom.com

Kendall & Kylie flip flop shoes
nordstrom.com

Kendra Scott tassel necklace
kendrascott.com

Kendra Scott bauble jewelry
kendrascott.com

Ray-Ban New Aviator Mirrored Sunglasses
bloomingdales.com

Opi Big Apple Red
$31 - nelly.com

Thanks to Ann Elliott and Pampers & Pearls for hosting this weekly linkup!

 

 

Taste of Tuesday: Red Gold Tomatoes Grilling Recipes

A few weeks ago I was contacted by Red Gold Tomatoes to see if I was interested in trying some of their new canned tomatoes and grilling recipes.  Some bloggers get jewelry and clothing.  I get canned tomatoes.  Go ahead and be jealous. 

I thought it would be fun to try some new recipes so I said sure, send me those tomatoes!

I was given 6 cans of different flavored tomatoes, a cute red apron and some recipes to try.  This past Sunday (our typical grill night) Jason and I made two of the recipes and oh my goodness they were yummy...and took all of 5 minutes to prepare!  These will become regular staples in our house. 

Spicy Tomato Burger

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes with Green Chiles, drained very well
• Salt and pepper to taste (we just used a pinch of salt, but a lot of pepper)

Mix all ingredients together, grill and cook to desired temperature! 

Garnish however you desire.  I used a medium cheddar cheese and Jason wanted some extra kick so he used jalapeno jack cheese. 

Jason's Masterpiece



My Masterpiece - I wanted to try both without blowing my diet

Caribbean Chicken Burger

• 1 pound ground chicken (this would work great with lean turkey too)
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes w/Lime Juice & Cilantro {so yummy} OR 1 (14.5 ounce) can Red Gold Petite Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle, drained very well. 
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1/4 cup bread crumbs (I used Saltine crackers)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Mix all ingredients together, grill and cook to desired temperature!  Serve with guacamole, avocado or roasted pineapple slice.  Top with mango chutney or fruit salsa. 

I garnished mine with a grilled pineapple slice and a scoop of mango pico de gallo from HEB and it was delish!  Jack gave his stamp of approval on this recipe too!

You can get more recipes here including a grilled tuna burger and Italian turkey burger that I want to try!  You can also enter to win Red Gold's Summer Grillin' Party Promotion for a Large Big Green Egg...which Jason is drooling over right now. 

I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the product and apron in order to try and review.  All opinions are my own. 

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I'm linking up today with Kate and Emily for Tuesday's Recipe Swap!