CHOPPED MARGHERITA SALAD

I first had this salad at our friend’s lake house. She had adapted it from their favorite local Italian restaurant. I have adapted it to our tastes, which basically is just omitting the Kalamata olives, as we don’t do olives, but you could totally keep those in. If you like caprese salad, I think you will really love this!




What you'll need

Chopped Margherita Salad
INGREDIENTS 
Mixed Salad Greens 
1 tomato
1 8 oz package of sliced fresh mozzarella
Balsamic vinegar or reduction
Garlic salad dressing of Olive Oil
One small jar of artichoke hearts
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup pinenuts

DIRECTIONS
Mix your salad greens with the desired amount of the garlic dressing and spread on platter. Top with sliced tomato and mozzarella, alternating them. Drizzle with some balsamic. Place some artichoke hearts around the edges. In a small skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter and toast your pinenuts until just browned. Spread those on top salad and serve!






SUPERHEROS AND THE FAB 40'S

Today I am joining the fabulous ladies of the Fab 40s for their monthly Stylings with a theme! The theme selected for the month was by my precious and amazing friend Suzy from the Suzy Turner blog! The second I read the theme was female Superhero’s, I knew my intent would not be to emulate any particular superhero but to cast a light on the fact that all of us women are superheroes in our own way! AND Suzy pointed out Yesterday was National Superhero Day!


 
I had seen this cape blazer with the varsity stripe down the side on SheIn the week before and it was a no brainer that this would be the focus of my outfit. You see, I have always felt that A cape or cape blazer makes you feel extra invincible and is so superhero like! You could maybe even call me “Bun Girl” as my superhero name because you know I love to wear my high bun!

 A few weeks before the Fabulous Suzy asked me to join the Fab 40s, we went to see the movie Captain Marvel. It was the first time in a DC Marvel movie, that a female superhero was cast as the lead. Talk about empowering. Brie Larson Who played Captain Marvel stated about her character “I love that she’s flawed. I love the fact that because she’s a risk taker, you watch someone who also then falls on her face because they’re swinging big, that feels very relatable to me. I love that you see someone who doesn’t always make the right judgement call.”

 I think that sums us all up. We are not perfect, and we are flawed but when we take risks and go out on a limb, we can often make such a difference in the world. I think we all possess superhero like characteristics that make us all very unique and different yet the same at heart!

 Tap in to the things that make you powerful and always use those talents and powers for good! Do your part to make this world a 
better place with the gifts you’ve been given!
And who knows, I may just wear this cape when we go to see the Avengers movie this weekend!

CAPE BLAZER HERE // EARRINGS HERE // SOCK BOOTIES HERE // LEGGINGS HERE // LACE CHOKER HERE 

In case you didn’t know, The Fab 40’s is a group of six fashion bloggers from around the globe. Each month they choose a different theme and invite a guest blogger who is also in their 40’s to join them. This group’s goal is to take on style trends and show how they each interpret and incorporate them into their own lives. With six widely varied views, you are certain to find something that speaks to you each month and encourages you to continue to have fun with fashion after the age of 40.

Here are the SUPERHERO woman who comprise the Fab 40’s and how they interpreted the theme! Honored to be a part of this group!


Suzy from Suzy Turner
Red Dress: eBay
Tan Boots: Massimo Dutti
Blue Scarf: Primark
Gold Clutch: Massimo Dutti
Tan belt: Primark

Shelbee from Shelbee on the Edge
Jacket: c/o Rosegal
Shirt: Old Navy
Corset: Adore Me
Boots: Just Fab
Stockings and Gloves: Target
Hat: Kohl’s
Earrings: Claire’s 


Superman Tank - Old
Striped Top - Old Navy

Jeans - Lee

Shoes - Converse All Stars

Glasses - c/o Firmoo

Earrings - NY&Co.
Bracelet - c/o Wind Passion


Suit and White Shirt: Target
Tie: Husband's Closet
Shoes:Evine

Go BE Your own Kind Of SUPERHERO today and in my eyes, you're all HEROS!!!

Linking Up With Oh Hey Girl  // Visible Monday // Style Me Wednesday // THT  //Fashion Moda/Thoughts for Thursday  // Fashion Friday // Lizzie in Lace // Shoe and Tell // Trend Spin // Fab Favorites //A Labour of Life // Confident Twosday //I will wear what I like // Jersey Girl Texan Heart// Fancy Friday  // Fashion Frenzy // Straight A Style // Metamorphosis Monday

xoxo 

FRIDAY FAVORITES...VACATION EDITION

Happy Friday my sweet friends! Wow, this week has gone fast and has been packed full! Why is it that the week back from vacation is just a little bit crazier? So anyway, the plan is to maybe get a little rest in this weekend but there are still all those pots to be planted! And I spoke too soon about Spring being here to stay in Indiana, within 48 hours, Mother Nature has decided to forecast SNOW for tomorrow! What the???? Let’s just get to the favorites, lots of good ones.

1. Airport/Plane Craziness / IGUANA Story
You guys, we were blessed to of made it to the Cayman Islands, but we sure did have crazy airport shenanigans to and from. First of all, I got pat down because of the underwear I was wearing had a spanks like lining. And I was wearing a dress! Then, when we boarded our connecting flight, they had boarded the entire plane which half of them, mind you, had tried to get out on Saturday and couldn’t because of weather. After sitting on the tarmac for an hour, they announced that there was no Captain to fly the plane and were going to deplane us. American Airlines was even replying to my frustrated tweets. Luckily within about 15 or 20 minutes it was Captain Larry to the rescue who was on his way to save the day! And they gave me extra Bailey’s!


Flying out, I got pat down for the same issue. Thank you Chantelle underwear! But I was also chosen for the random security check, which meant they took everything out of my two carry-ons, did the wand search for bomb residue and I was the one who had to put everything back in. Then, they called my name and had to do a search of the checked bag. Must’ve been my high bun, it scared them! We almost missed our connecting flight but thank goodness made it home.



IGUANA
 Another favorite story was the Iguana story. The iguanas aren’t like the little gecko lizards, they are big. Mind you, we only saw two and they were kind of cool but this one scared a guy I have to death and I would have died! 

See this bag right here in the photo below? Well, about five minutes after I took this picture a young guy laid down on his stomach and went to sleep not knowing the iguana was close by. The iguana climbed up on the bag and onto the guy scaring the absolute crap out of him. I wish I would’ve got the whole thing on video as his mom did and should’ve asked her for a copy of it. Priceless! 

2. Pretty You London Slippers
I know many of you fell in love with my Pretty You London slippers A few weeks ago, so how excited was I to get a pair of their sandals to take on our trip. They have some of the cutest sandals I have ever seen, and these black tassel slides were the ultimate! The base is an espadrille and the tassels are so cute and full and I got so many compliments on these sandals! Hop over there and check out their adorable collection!

BUY Sandals HERE

3. Greenhouses with Mom  
So, as I’ve told you often before, my mom and I have a tradition of going to several greenhouses every spring and picking out all our flowers. You may have seen my Instagram story about how she is a master gardener with some of the most beautiful flowers in the county. I always love her advice and we pretty much have the same taste in flowers. Yes, it means lots of watering but it’s so worth it for all the beauty that the posies bring every year! And I always get super happy to drive Mr. Nine‘s Ford Raptor truck!



4. Paper Bag Shorts
I was not sure I would love the paper bag shorts and pants trend, but this outfit changed all that! It is so comfortable and so flattering. Both these pieces came from JCPenney and I absolutely love them. My mom loved the top so much, she got it in pink. What about you, do you like the paper bag trend?
BUY Top HERE // Shorts HERE // Sandals HERE // Earrings HERE

More Inspo 


And Just this week, My dear friend Amy Ann from Straight A Style modeled her paper bag shorts too.

5. Causebox from Chrissy &
Pineapple Love from Nadine
My Awesome and dear friend Chrissy from Granola and Grace gifted me with the most amazing gift this week! It was my first causebox and boy is it a good one! Not sure if you’re familiar with CauseBox but all the products inside are so well-made, developed and created by women! They are environmentally friendly, often with proceeds towards a cause and many made with women’s bare hands. I’m all about women’s empowerment and I was tickled pink to get this box for my precious precious friend! If you have not checked out her blog, it is a must! Chrissy and I share a passion for our environment and lifting up other women!

Make sure to follow her Instagram too!!


I have been so blessed to know Nadine of Life By Nadine Lynn for about the entire time I’ve been blogging. She is funny, she is sassy, she is smart and such a great writer! She has the most darling little girl who was born on our oldest son’s birthday and I just love all the Zoe shenanigans! Make sure you check her out. Nadine decided we are just going to go ahead and celebrate my birthday all month and sent me all this goodness that I received in the mail yesterday! Talk about a sweetheart!
Follow Nadine's Instagram HERE

Look how cute mom and her babe, Zoe look. The sunglasses are because Miss Zoe has a better sunglasses collection than me, lol!
 

And in case you missed em'.......
Posts of the Week
Wednesday~ Back-Up Jumpsuit and WUW

Happy Weekend LOVELIES!!!

xoxo

BACK UP JUMPSUIT & WUW

Back up jumpsuit in the house! After being on vacation last week, I wasn’t sure I would have an outfit post from our beautiful trip ready yet so I had this gorgeous American Eagle jumpsuit in my back pocket. You may remember the one in a burgundy color a few weeks ago (HERE)? Well I loved it so much I had to get a lighter version. The flare hem legs are so feminine and girly and fun for spring! I like the top of this one better as it has a little overly material. I think it looks much cuter by itself but of course when the weather is chilly, then Jean jacket is again the perfect solution and I really liked the lighter color Jean jacket with this one as there are some light blue hues in the print. 




I do want to know your thoughts on the flare legs. Do you think the style is left for little girls and Matilda Jane lovers? I think it is so cute but I don’t know if I should be pulling it off? Heck what am I saying you know me, I will wear what I love and I love it!


Similar Jumpsuits HERE & HERE // Jean Jacket HERE // Wedges HERE // KS Necklace HERE


Now, time for some What's Up in the Nine neck of the woods

1. WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:Breakfast food recreations from our vacay goodness, drinking the Premier Protein/Starbucks yumminess and possibly making The Bow Tie Lasagna this week:


RECIPE HERE

2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:Our Amazing Trip to the Cayman Islands last week

3. WHAT I’M LOVING: Looking at our Cayman Island photos. And the Pool got opened Monday.
Hope to be doing this soon!

4. WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:Getting back in the swing of things. 

5. WHAT I’M DREADING:Nada

6. WHAT I’M WORKING ON: Getting all my flowers bought and planted for the season. Mom and I went to 5 greenhouses yesterday! 

7. WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT: Our boys heading home for the Summer. One in a week and one in 2 weeks. 

8. WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING: Back to the regular shows and back to binging Game of Thrones. Also contemplating starting the series Killing Eve. 

9. WHAT I’M LISTENING TO: Country, 80’s, birds chirping

10. WHAT I’M WEARING: Comfy clothes 


11. WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND: Yard work, planting flowers

12. WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH: Soooo much! Our Anniversary, the big Garage Sale, Memorial Day 

13. WHAT ELSE IS NEW: Smelling the Easter Lily my sweet mom left us upon our return.


I hope you have aIl hope you have a wonderful Wednesday and I hope to share more cute trip outfits soon!

Linking Up With Oh Hey Girl  // Visible Monday // Style Me Wednesday // THT  //Fashion Moda/Thoughts for Thursday  // Fashion Friday // Lizzie in Lace // Shoe and Tell // Trend Spin // Fab Favorites //A Labour of Life // Confident Twosday //I will wear what I like // Jersey Girl Texan Heart// Fancy Friday  // Fashion Frenzy // Straight A Style // Metamorphosis Monday // On the Edge

xoxo

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