Popsugar Must Have Box | September Review

Hello Fall! 

If you've been following along, you may recall me mentioning these Popsugar Must Have box subscriptions that I've been receiving lately. Well, I'm officially hooked! I think the boxes have gotten better and better each time I've received one. One of my favorite parts about the box is the mixture of items you receive. I love that it's not full of all of one type of product. 

Here's a peak at what was inside the September box!

Inside the box:

Jack & Lucy Bicoastal Wide Brim Hat | Similar style here. 
I am a huge fan of hats for the Fall, especially if it means covering up a bad hair day. I was thrilled to find this when I opened my box. 


NCLA MANI-ER Tool Kit | Similar kits here and here. 
I rarely make it to the nail salon and norally end up doing my own mani pedi's at home. Tools kits like these make things easier. 

Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask
I had never tried this particular conditioning mask before but I'm so glad I've discovered it. Someone like me who gets highlights regularly needs to deep condition once in a while. I try to do so at least once a month to keep my hair healthy. This is great for people with color treated hair. 

FLINT™ Lint Roller
Sorry but you can never have enough lint rollers, especially if you're a pet owner like me. 

Smith & Cult Lip Lacquer in The Warning
Love this shade of lip color. You can't go wrong with red. I thought this might be too powerful when I first saw it, but it one adds just the slightest amount of color, leaving a glossy finish. 


The Gluten Free Bites Dark Chocolate Coconut Bites
I'm going to be honest here. I opened these and saw the word coconut and was immediately disappointed, but only because I don't like coconut. However I always try something at least once, so I gave them a chance and I actually liked them. I could do without the coconut, but the dark chocolate filling won be over. 

I'm excited to share a special coupon code for $5 off your first must have box, using code  SHOP5!

POPSUGAR sent me this Must Have Box to try. All opinions are my own. 

Apple Pie Rolls

Have you ever flipped through a foodie magazine and come across a page you want to take a bite out of?! Maybe it's just me or maybe I was just hungry. I sometimes find a few extra minutes in the mornings to pick up a magazine while I eat my breakfast before work, which is how I came across this recipe I'm going to share with you today. I was looking through the September/October issue of Eating Well and these apple pie rolls caught my eye. I don't post very many dessert recipes on here, but this one looked to good not to.

A warm, sugar coated, crispy outer shell filled with sweet apple cinnamon filling — who can say no to that?

The good news is that by using these egg roll wrappers instead of a pie shell, cuts the calories in half. That's a win in my book. 

The only thing I was missing was something to dip them in. But then again I thought they were good enough on their own. However, if you put a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top I wouldn't complain. In fact, I'm going to make sure I have some handy the next time I make this recipe. 

Apple Pie Rolls

Ingredients (serves 8: 1 roll each)

Recipe adapted from Eating Well Magazine

2 tablespoons of butter

5 cups diced peeled Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium)

5 tablespoons sugar, divided

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, divided

Pinch of ground nutmeg

Pink of salt

1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons lemon juice

8 egg roll wrappers

4 teaspoons coconut oil

*Vanilla ice cream or whipped cream optional for topping or dipping

Instructions

1.     Heat butter in a large skillet over medium high heat until it starts to brown slightly.

2.     Add diced apples, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, nutmeg & salt. Cook stirring occasionally until apples soften. Add flour and cook for 1 more minute.

3.     Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.

4.     Place an egg roll wrapper on a clean surface with once corner facing you. Lightly   brush the edges with water. Place about 1/3 cup of the filling towards the edge of the wrapper. Fold the corner face you over the filling, then fold both sides of the wrapper over the filling and roll. Repeat with the remaining wrappers and filling.

5.     Combine the remaining cinnamon and sugar in a shallow bowl.

6.     Add coconut oil to a skillet over medium high heat until simmering.

7.     Add the rolls, turning frequently until browned on all sides.

8.     Once the rolls are browned, immediately dredge the warm rolls in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.

*Add more cinnamon and sugar to coat the rolls if needed. Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top.

Pretty Little Things

Happy Monday! I have lots of pretty things to share with you today. I came across most of these last night as I was browsing online. There were too many cute things not to share. 

Row One:

-How great is this t-shirt!

-I could see these pillows in the center of a big white fluffy bed.

-This delicate and sexy bra would be perfect peaking out of a blouse. 

-The perfect grey tennis shoes.

Row Two:

-I love the simplicity of this backpack. 

-This white bell sleeve top would be great for Fall. 

-I'm obsessing over cutout booties.

-Still loving the tassel trend, especially on this bracelet. 

Row Three:

-Making a to do lists isn't so bad when you have a pretty floral agenda.

- I would love to have a few of these pillows on my couch. 

-The perfect hat for Fall. 

-Who doesn't love a good candle. 

Row Four:

-I've been eyeing this clutch for far too long now. 

-Trying to find a good reason to purchase this dress. 

-This tote would make a great gift. 

-The choker trend continues. 

End of Summer | Hello Fall

There always seems to be a positive and negative attached to the change of seasons for me. Lately I've felt a little panicked at the thought of summer ending and I'm not really sure why. Maybe it's because I don't like cold weather, not that it gets too terribly cold here in Charleston, but nonetheless, I'm not a fan. However, I am looking forward to the fall and wearing my new booties and sipping on PSL's. Things like this top, these jeans and this hat get me excited as well. 

Because I've been trying to embrace the nice weather that the end of summer brings, I've felt the need to spend as much time outdoors as possible. We've been having dinner outside on our back porch, spending some time at the beach and having lunch on the deck at work. If you're still trying to soak up the lingering warmth of these beautiful days like me, you might enjoy some of these transitional recipes that still provide a taste of summer.

Speaking of dining outdoors, it must be complete with music. My husband is a fanatic when it comes to having musical ambiance during meals. We usually have a station on Pandora playing, particularly reggae music during the summer. I recommend Iration Radio or Boombox Radio if you're into that type of music. Our dinners will be around the table come winter time, followed by after dinner drinks by a fire, which I don't hate. 

Of course specific cocktails play another part in the whole summer vibe. I've been wanting to try out these boozy popsicles drinks for a while now. I'm hoping to make it to Crooked Crown before it gets cool out. Don't get me wrong I'm looking forward to cozying up to the fire with a glass of red wine but I'm also going to miss rose and fruity drinks on the water.  

Oh and then there's the football part. With the end of summer comes football season.  I enjoy watching the games, preferably after a few hours of tailgating. I'm fortunate that my husband's life doesn't revolve around the sport. The down side to that is hunting season, which always comes before football for my husband, which also means he spends most of his weekends away. The good news- our freezer gets stocked and I get to have lots of girls' weekends. 

In conclusion, I'm looking forward to a little football action, sitting around a fire, wearing new booties, sipping on warm beverages, indulging in some comfort food, and covering it all up with a comfy sweater- but, I sure am going to miss sweet summertime!

30 Things Before 30

In less than two months I will be celebrating my 29th birthday — for the second time. I was searching the internet one evening for blog post inspiration and came across several "30 Things Before I'm 30" posts that caught my attention. But seeing as how there's less than two months before the big day, I knew there wasn't enough time to make a list that I could actually complete. To be honest, I thought about making a list months ago, but in my usual procrastinating fashion, I pushed the thought to the side and now here we are. And while I'm being completely transparent, the idea of turning 30 has not been sitting well with me. Maybe that's why I put off making a list. Lately I've felt a roller coaster of emotions, which may sound silly, but it's the truth. If I hear someone say "age is just a number" one more time, I may scream. Decade birthdays make you stop and think. They make you stop and think about where you are in life, about where you've been and about where you still would like to go. 

Of course there is a long list of things in life that I've yet to do and hope to get to one day. 

Maybe I will write a post one day about a life list and continually add to and check things off. In the meantime, instead of throwing a pity party, I decided to take a different approach and celebrate what I've already done. Instead of creating another to-do list that will probably fall by the wayside, I wanted to take a minute and create a list that reflects on the things that have made me the person I am today. A list that abbreviates some of my accomplishments and milestones, both big and small that I cherish as a 29 year-old, and the memorable moments I will take with me into my thirties. Because after all, age is just a number and memories last a lifetime. 

30 I've done before 30 (not in chronological order):

1. Married my best friend
2. Traveled to Thailand
3. Joined a sorority
4. Bought my own car
5. Became a homeowner
6. Quit a job I hated
7. Got promoted to a job I've always wanted
8. Dipped my toes in the Pacific Ocean
9. Started a blog
10. Moved to Charleston 
11. Got baptized 
12. Committed to being fit
13. Graduated from college with a degree in Management
14. Rode elephants in the jungle
15. Performed in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
16. Hosted a few great theme parties
17. Swam with dolphins
18. Ended an undeserving friendship and began a few new ones
19. Opened a savings account for traveling
20. Made it to the top of the Eiffel Tower (I'm afraid of heights)
21. Went ice skating in Rockefeller Center
22. Sang the national anthem at a football game (No, I can't sing, and no I wasn't solo)
23. Climbed to the top of a mountain
24. Learned how to drive a stick shift
25. Was on a reality TV show (The Week the Women Went)
26. Sat in on a surgical procedure and watched without fainting (the first time I did this, I passed out)
27. Gave a speech at my best friends wedding (I'm terrified of public speaking)
28. Planned a dinner party for ten people
29. Caught a fish big enough to provide dinner for two
30. Planned the wedding of my dreams
31. Learned Spanish (but forgot most of it)

I'm so very thankful for the opportunities and blessings in my life, both past and present. I'm looking forward to the future and what my thirties will bring! 

Life Lately | August: Soaking up Summer

Two words, Fat Hen! If you are local to Charleston and haven’t checked this place out yet, you’re missing out. We started the month of August off with a nice dinner here with a dear friend of ours. I decided to try two things that I normally wouldn’t go for: Rose in a can for my cocktail and beef short ribs for dinner. The verdict, I was pleasantly surprised at how good the rose was. It would be really convenient to take on boat trips and to the beach. And for that reason, I’m on the mission to purchase some of my own. 

As for the veal broth and red wine braised short ribs, they were amazing. I don’t typically order heavy stuff like that but I had a craving for it that evening. Served with a side of mashed potatoes, garlic spinach and bone marrow, this dish did not disappoint. 

I had a quick visit with my adorable little nephew, Watson. I can’t handle the cuteness!

My husband is a member of our local QDMA, which hosted their annual banquet last month. This meant volunteer time for myself and my girlfriends. We worked the raffle table, in between cocktails and snacking. 

                           

We planned a boat trip from John’s Island to Georgetown, but made a last minute decision to end our travels at Isle of Palms. 

We could have continued on, but the weather was questionable. I’m hoping we try to make the trip again soon.  Thankfully we avoided the bad weather and had a great day on the water. 

I started a new monthly series on the blog, where I will be choosing a recipe to make out of a different cook book each month. First up, was this delicious recipe for Brussels sprouts with Dijon Vinaigrette. 

I’ve had take-out from CO several times in the office, but have never stepped foot in the Charleston location until a few weeks ago. I ordered a ramen noodle bowl which was good, but I was definitely envious of some the other dishes that others at the table ordered. 

Bonefish Grill hosted a fun event complete with food, cocktails, shopping and socializing with some of my favorite companies including Rewined Candles and Bourbon and Boweties. Read the full recap here. 

We enjoyed an afternoon on the water with our friends Megan and Brandon. It was so great to spend the day with them. We were long overdue for some catching up. 

My parents had a cookout for our family friends that were in town visiting for the weekend, so Whit and I made the trip from Charleston to see everyone. 

We had a fun BBQ at the office one evening after work. You can't be this view. We are very fortune to have this to look at everyday.

My favorite part...the appetizers! Chips and salsa and pork rinds and pimento cheese for the win!

                       

 

I'm so proud of myself for dragging my but out of bed earlier enough on a Saturday to make it to an outdoor barre class hosted by Athleta and Purre Barre Charleston. 

I rewarded myself later that afternoon with a cocktail at The Watch. It's beautiful on the inside with great outdoor rooftop views as well.  

This pretty bouquet of flowers was delivered to my office thanks to my husband. Unexpected, sweet gestures are the best. 

Whit and I spent some time visiting with his parents in Myrtle Beach. We enjoyed the perfect boat day on the Waccamaw River.

We had a delicious lunch at  Captain Seaweeds at a nearby marina. 

There's nothing better than a day on the water, fried food and an ice cold beverage to wash it down with.

We ended our time in Mrytle with a trip down memory lane. The boardwalk sure has changed a lot over the years. 

Lots of exciting things to look forward to in the months ahead!

Thursday Thoughts

Hello, it's me. Que in Adele... 

I'm sorry that I haven't been posting much lately. I'm a little ashamed to admit that the past few evenings I've been getting caught up in the "trash tv" world, catching up on Bachelor in Paradise and the Real Housewives of Orange County. It's hard to avoid spoiler recaps on the radio in the mornings on the way to work, so I've been trying to get up to speed. But sadly, by the time I've watched an episode or two, my eyes are fighting to stay open and then there goes the blog post.  

So here are a few random thoughts and fun links for you on this fine Thursday, and a fall inspiration photo from last year. 

I know that Rosé and summer go hand-in-hand, but there are still a few days of the season left and I recommend getting a bottle of this while you can! Plus, who doesn't love an excuse to go to Trader Joe's?

I'm still loving the tote I'm holding in the above photo. I carry it to work just about every day of the week.

I hopped on the Stranger Things bandwagon. I never in a million years thought I would like this show because I'm not into anything supernatural, but it hooked me and I can't wait for season two!

I've had apple desserts on the brain lately and I found this little tip to be interesting. I made something yummy with a few granny smith apples the other day, so stay tuned for a blog post next week. 

Don't ask me why, but I've been eyeballing these shoes for a while now. I love these in particular because of the perforated leather,  but sadly they don't come in my size. I'm on a mission to find some similar ones to wear while traveling. 

I'm pretty excited about this bathing suite top I ordered for my upcoming trip. 

I think I need to download this desktop wallpaper as a constant reminder to myself. 

I can't wait to try this recipe by Chrissy Teigen! Sound like a perfect meal for Fall.

I'm so glad that this was a short work week. Now if we can just make it through Friday!

Vacation Planning | St. Thomas and The BVI's

If you've been reading along, you may have caught wind of our upcoming vacation plans. I'm so excited that Whit and I have booked our trip! This fall we will be heading to both the U.S. and British Virgin Islands, staying in St. Thomas as well as Scrub Island. As with any trip there comes a lot of planning. Last week I shared a post about what to pack for a tropical vacation. I've ordered one too many outfits and it's safe to say, that part of the planning is covered. Now my focus is on places to eat and things to do while we are there. I thought I would reach out to the blog world for any advice, tips, suggestions, etc. from those of you who have made the trip to either or both of these destinations. I love hearing first hand experiences and reading reviews from other travelers. So, if you're reading this and you have anything at all helpful to share, it would be much appreciated. Feel free to comment, send me and email, or social media message. I love hearing from you all!