Sale Must Haves - Spring 17

Though, half of the Northeast is covered in snow and dreaming of warmer days, the good news is, it's already March. Spring will be here before we know it. It's the perfect time to spend perfecting our wardrobes for when cocktails and brunch will move outdoors.

When it comes to my closet, I shop mostly sale. Except, for those few items I just have to have right now...and designer. When it comes to designer, I rely on the not often enough Netaporter.com sales (the best!). Eventually, everything (mostly everything) gets marked down. Before you go blasting your budget on the newest of new, hit the sale up first, even for the upcoming season. Sandals to layered jackets, my favorite sale items are all right here and waiting for you. Hopefully, along with some sunshine. xo RCN

 

Fat Tuesday With Avocado Roses

Just like a million, trillion, other people out there, I love avocado toast. I eat it many ways, but mainly with olive oil, sweet onion, red tomato, garlic salt, egg white and ground red pepper.

For Fat Tuesday I decided to theme it up a bit' different and make it a festive meal all green, purple, and gold. Rather than mash the avocados (like I normally do) I decided to teach myself how to create the oh, so, beautiful avocado rose. Follow tutorial below. Do NOT be intimidated, it is actually easier than you would imagine. The key is to move slowly, and do not be afraid to use olive oil on your cutting board and knife, to make it work. To finish off the Fat Tuesday look, add red cabbage, red onions, mini golden tomatoes, sunny side up eggs, dried parsley, garlic salt, and pepper.

Donuts would have been nice for breakfast and lunch, but I decided to go with another kind of fat for the day. Laissez les bons temps rouler! xo RCN

 

This Is 30 Gift Guide

My outlook on turning 30 is simple and good. 30 is the same as being 20, but maybe even better, right!? And after all, if it is just as good as my 20s, then I think I will be in pretty good shape.

I lived a full life in my 20s and had a wonderful time. Yet, there are a few things I did or dealt with then, that I am glad I no longer have to conquer or do in life, ever again. Nothing terrible, just things that I am happy to have accomplished, signed and sealed. College, for example, it was a blast, but at the end of the day I don't want to study for midterms or worry about getting my first "real" job, ever again. Zach and I were married at 25. It was the most beautiful day of my entire life and I wouldn't change a thing. That being said, I am so happy I am married and don't ever have to worry about finding the man of my dreams, ever again. I am blessed we nailed the forever thing down in our 20s.

Then, there are the things that I am glad will stay the same from my 20s to 30s. At 21, I was legal to drink champagne, mojitos, and all my favorite libations. The same will happen in my 30s, as I am glad there is not a law to revoke drinking at 31. I traveled around the world in my 20s and I for sure hope that fortune continues. I plan on it. I worked really hard at my career over the last decade, and I plan on doing the same for the next ten years, no matter what I end up doing each day. 

So, 30 for me is about continuing to live and love life and build dreams. I want to grow a bigger family with my husband, explore new places, and find a forever home that I can put as much wallpaper and hang as many plants from the ceiling as I desire. With all those additions to the things that continue from my 20s, I am projecting my 30s to be the best years yet. Cheers to 30! Here is my birthday gift guide for anyone that is turning 30, 20, or older! All are based on the thoughtful presents my loved ones gifted me this year. xo RCN