Friday, July 31, 2015

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 16

My in-laws are in the process of building a home on some land they purchased. With the size of the lot, there will likely be a lot of outdoor activities and exploration. All the kids are contributing to the project via Pinterest. Of course we all have an opinion, so the suggestions for design, decor, pool options, etc. are on overload. That's when I ran across over-sized backyard games! More precise, an over-sized Scrabble game.

How To from Better Homes and Gardens

So this got me thinking. What other games could be made in giant form? Most of you have probably seen over-sized Jenga pieces and the chess and checker boards. Perfect timing, Etsy sent me an email which just so happened to feature giant dice.

Giant Dice from BigBloxGames

Then there are dominoes...

Giant Dominoes from CraftsbyMimi1

Seriously, Google it, the options are pretty expansive. Time to gather friends and family and take the party to the yard. Have a great weekend everyone! Until next post...xoxoBecca

Monday, July 27, 2015

#NSale - Shoes and Accessories

Happy Monday! If you didn't see Friday's post which included my picks for women's clothing from the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, you can read it here. Here are some shoes and accessories that caught my eye.






Don't forget, the sale ends August 3 and there is FREE shipping. Favorite Pin Friday will be returning this week. End your week with some creativity and check back then.

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Friday, July 24, 2015

#NSale - Women's Clothing

Favorite Pin Friday has been replaced this week, but will return next week. If you've been following Lexi & Lady for awhile you know I love to shop. There is something about new clothes, well fitting clothes, and statement pieces that can bring a girl some confidence. When I shop I look for items that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. I want to get the most bang for my buck. We aren't all millionaires! I keep my eyes open for sales.

That being said, who has shopped the Nordstrom sale? I avoided the store at all costs. It's also really hard to think about fall and winter clothing with it's hot and humid (thank you Texas)! Here are some of the clothing items I ran across that I think would be good staples in anyone's closet. A lot of the items come in different colors, but the shape and style is what I think makes them key pieces to add to your wardrobe. This cape jacket screams Olivia Pope to me. P.S. When is Scandal coming back!?



Yes I skipped shoes and accessories; coming Monday so check back. Don't forget, the sale ends August 3 and there is FREE shipping.

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Monday, July 20, 2015

Serve Them in Style

Wrapped up a fun weekend which included a girl's wine night at my house and a superhero party for a very special 3 year old. Both events were fun, but Sunday was a lazy day for me and I highly enjoyed the down time. As many of you have probably gathered by now, I love to entertain. There's something about having a house full of people and hearing conversation and laughter that gives me joy. The details that go into planning are what get me excited; the theme, menu, décor, etc.

When it comes to food, display means a lot. A good server or platter is where it's at. When Austin and I got married I had lot of serving pieces on the registry because I knew one day we would entertain. Of course there are always a million more I'd like to own, but that comes with time. Here are some I've discovered while "window shopping" online. P.S. beautiful platters make great gifts...especially if you fill them with cookies ;)

Don't forget to label your food too. There are a number of ways to make sure people know what they're piling on their plate. Maybe that will be a post for next week...

Pier 1  |  Z Gallerie  |  Sur la table  |  Pottery Barn


Crate & Barrel  |  Pier1  |  Pier1  |  Pottery Barn


Sur la table  |  Z Gallerie

I purchased the Sur la table ombre beverage dispenser and it's everything I wanted it to be! Holds 3 gallons and the beautiful hand blown elements make it one of a kind. What event(s) are you planning next? Until next post...xoxo Becca

Friday, July 17, 2015

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 15

Last Sunday my friend and I went to brunch at a new restaurant in The Woodlands, Del Frisco's Grille. It's located in the new Hughes Landing area on restaurant row. This was our first time visiting the Hughes Landing area and we had a lot of fun exploring. There are a few other recently opened restaurants there I want to visit. Del Frisco's brunch was really good, the restaurant had a great modern vibe, and the staff was friendly. We shared a carafe of mimosas (approx. 6 glasses for $12) and ordered a different meal so we could try each others. I had my eye on the Red Velvet Belgian Waffles and she got the Southern Fried Chicken and Waffles. Both really good! Only criticism is I wish the red velvet waffles had more cream cheese icing, the little "taste" they give you isn't enough to enjoy with each bite. The fried chicken was really crispy and had great flavor. My friend wasn't a fan of the spicy maple syrup served with her dish though. Overall our experience was positive and I will be returning. Below are links to some red velvet waffle recipes I found on Pinterest, including one that claims to be THE Del Frisco recipe. Change it up....make a red velvet waffle :)



Now to the Pinterest recipes...

Not Your Momma's Cookie
The Daily Meal
Until next post...xoxo Becca

Monday, July 13, 2015

So this is it...

In 2011 the hubs and I stumbled upon an amazing house and purchased it on the spot. By "on the spot" I mean made an offer that day and a month and a half later signed for it ;) Moved in right before Christmas and started making memories. The things that drew us to the house were the beautiful neighborhood, spacious backyard with mature trees, and the dark hardwood floors. I remember waking up the first morning in the house thinking how surreal it was to be 24 years old and the owner of a new gorgeous home. We watched the houses along our street be built and new neighbors move in.
 

Blessed with fantastic neighbors, we've celebrate holidays, birthdays, and life moments together. It's been a heck of a ride and I'm going to miss having them so close. Now, it's time to close this chapter and move onto the next adventure. Our first home is for sale and although it's bittersweet to think about saying goodbye I am looking forward to what's next for us. A glimpse at what we've created in the last (almost) 4 years.












If you know anyone looking to buy in The Woodlands area let them know about this house! Until next post...xoxo Becca

Friday, July 10, 2015

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 14

Hi lovely readers! I'm so glad you're still following me and if you're new to Lexi & Lady, welcome! Today's post is pretty long so sit down, relax, and enjoy the topic of wellness.

As women I feel we sometimes get bogged down in the daily grind. Not saying men don't have similar circumstances, but hey most of my reader are women so today is about you! I categorize wellness into 3 pieces; food/nutrition, physical fitness, and mental wellness.

Let's start with food. Ever eat a cookie, piece of cake, bowl of ice cream and then think WHYYYYYY did I just do that!? I'm guilty, but every now and then you deserve a treat. I'm always perusing Pinterest for meal ideas and often times I'm searching for healthy options because I'm beginning to see food as fuel for my body. Having a positive relationship with food is key. Emotional and/or boredom eaters often eat dessert, snack endlessly, indulge in an extra helping of pasta, and lick the plate clean pretty often. Emotional eaters turn to food for comfort or as a stress reliever, but the truth is, it doesn't fix anything. In fact, afterwards emotional eaters feel guilty. Boredom eaters...well good luck. My suggestion is to find more stimulating activities! Here are a few "healthy" recipes I ran across this week.

Earth Bowl Salad w/ Smokey Candied Walnuts and Basil Vinaigrette | Iowa Girl Eats
Roasted Butternut Squash Sweet Potato Noodles w/ Bacon, Crushed Pecans, & Spinach | Inspiralized
Sweet & Sour Thai Carrot and Cucumber Noodle Salad | peas & crayons

Physical fitness...now I'm not talking about being a body builder or a marathon runner. If you want to do that, more power to you and I salute you because I do not aspire to be either. What I mean by physical fitness in association to wellness is get up and move. Take a walk around the office to clear your mind and get some blood flowing. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours has been proven to be unhealthy. Take the dog for a walk, play with your kids at the park rather than watching them play, go to a yoga or pilates class, stretch at home. There are a million and one ways to stay active. Pinterest can help with this too! Tons of links to workout routines, YouTube videos, and fitness gurus with great websites full of information. Here's a few beginner ideas.


Quick-Start Morning Workout



Lastly, mental wellness. This is where I refer back to the "bogged down" feeling. Endless to-do lists, responsibilities, expectations, etc. They all eat away at your soul! Take a minute for you! Especially the moms who are reading today, I know you really need this one. There are several ways I focus on mental wellness for myself. Take time to be alone with your thoughts without distractions. Why not have a lunch date with a good friend who makes you laugh. There is nothing more relaxing than laughter. Have an area near you with antique stores, little boutique shops, why not go explore by yourself. Get a massage or a pedicure. Identify what makes you calm, gives you clarity and a chance to reboot. Do it!

I know this post was long today, but I felt like it was needed. Many of my friends have expressed the overworked and "I'm too busy" feeling to me lately and it made me think taking care of yourself should be priority.

Until next post...xoxo Becca

Monday, July 6, 2015

July 4th Weekend Recap

Another 3-day weekend in the books! My long weekend started off with a bittersweet "goodbye" to a close friend who has been given the opportunity to do amazing things in a new position at TCU. So excited for her.

Saturday was the 4th Annual 4th of July party at our house and we had a great turn out again this year (even though we were competing for Garth Brooks' concert in Houston!).

"The look" haha I'm sure the hubs said something silly.
TOP: Michael Kors (bought at TJMaxx) similar, similar, similar | SHORTS: American Eagle (old) similar, similar, similar | WEDGES: Guess (old) similar, similar, similar | SUNGLASSES: Maui Jim | EARRINGS: Kendra Scott | LIPS: Signature Scarlet
We got lucky with awesome neighbors. These women are so beautiful!
 
 
 


Sunday we celebrated Father's Day for the hubs' dad since he was out of the country for the real Father's Day. Fajitas and sangria...that's what I'm talking about.

Hope everyone had a great weekend. Until next post...xoxo Becca

Friday, July 3, 2015

Favorite Pin Friday | Volume 13

July...you guys, it's July! Where did January-June go?! Makes me sad how time goes by so fast. As a kid you thought school would never be out for summer and then summer flew by. Now the entire year is a blur. Are we all just too busy to enjoy each day? Who knows. Maybe that's too deep of a topic for a Friday. May revisit that in the future. Luckily, my university is observing today as a holiday so I get to enjoy a 3-day weekend with the hubs (and family and friends). I plan on soaking in every minute of it.

I find Favorite Pin Fridays inspirational, because it gives me time to share things with you I think are cool or something I want to try/do. Today is about the unorthodox idea of painting half a wall...why not use paint to create a unique element in a room? It's cheap, it's relatively easy, heck...make a party out of it! Who says you have to have chair railing in order to do a two-toned paint job? Move passed the traditional and dive into something more contemporary.

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Clearly I also have an obsession with gray. I didn't realize until I dropped these photos in that 4 out of the 6 are gray tones haha Anyway...take away the idea, not the color examples. Get crazy and do fun colors, especially in children's rooms or playrooms.

Enjoy the 4th. Eat too much and don't feel guilty. You have until Labor Day to work it off ;)

Until next post...xoxo Becca