Friday Favorites.

Here are a few things that have been at the top of my list lately! Have a GREAT and safe Labor Day weekend, friends!

This Lululemon Festival Hat has been on constant rotation in my closet this summer, along with my beloved Panama hat. (see proof below) Easy to wear & stylish at the same time! 

You can get away with wearing this hat with many different outfits… from workout clothes to jeans and tank for a casual lunch! And we all know how much I love hats, as evidenced in this blog post. 

My Panama hat obsession in a nutshell. 

Bite Beauty's Agave Lip Mask has been a LIFE-SAVER for me this summer! Remember this post when I said my skin/face has been so dry this summer? Well, that includes my lips, too. It's important they stay hydrated, too, because I wear lots of bold and bright lipsticks. This lip mask has really helped keep my lips moisturized, when worn at night before bed. LOVE!

One of my favorite beauty buys OF.ALL.TIME… Frank Coffee Scrub. 

I got the original and cannot imagine how any of the others would be better than this one! It smells divine and leaves your skin soft and glowing!! I don't even have to use lotion after using this miracle scrub! Warning: it does get your shower SO messy… might want to have an empty water glass in the shower with you so you can splash the walls clean! I've been wondering how I could make it myself, and I stumbled upon this recipe, which I plan on trying soon! 

Don't forget to check out the giveaway I am doing with my friend Tiffany at Just Another Shopaholic blog. Click here to enter to win a $25 gift certificate! Thanks!

Summer Series Five.

Just when you thought I had come to my senses. Just when you thought I was done posting salads. 

Just when you thought "She wouldn't do it AGAIN… would she….?" 

Yep. I did. 

But listen… You will be glad I did! This salad is so simple, and that's what makes it amazing! I wish I had discovered this earlier in the summer, but that won't stop me from making it every night several more times before fall officially hits. Make it this week! 

BLUEBERRY WATERMELON AND FETA SALAD

Recipe via The Chic Wife

Ingredients

4 cups of diced watermelon

2 cups of fresh blueberries (not frozen)

1/4 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice

1 tbsp of honey

1 cup of feta cheese or goat cheese

2 tbsp of chopped mint leaves

Pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

1. In a large bowl toss together the watermelon and blueberries, set aside.

1. In a smaller bowl whisk together the lime juice and honey.

1. Pour the dressing overtop of the watermelon and blueberries.

1. Toss the feta into the watermelon mix.

1. Top with mint leaves and a dash of salt and pepper.

1. Allow to sit covered in the fridge for an hour before serving.
2. *Can easily be halved, which is what I did for this picture. 

Also, check out my friend Tiffany's blog, Just Another Shopaholic! Sidney Clark Designs partnered with her to give away a $25 gift certificate, so head on over to her blog for a chance to win. Thank you Tiffany for the great blog post and for partnering with me! You're the BEST! I truly appreciate you!

Friday Favorites.

Sidney Clark Designs, the business I started with my mom and aunt, has launched our Fall 2014 Collection on our website/Facebook page! I am so excited to share some of my favorites with you guys on the blog today!  This is only a few of my faves, as I couldn't put the whole collection on here! I am loving every single piece we have and hope you guys will, too! You can order by emailing us at sidneyclarkdesigns@gmail.com or go to our Facebook page and comment on what you would like to order! Thanks for your support!

I am LOVING this black moto jacket! Amazing quality, and the cotton sleeves make this jacket one of the most comfortable I've ever worn! No joke. Wear now with denim shorts, then later over any dress. Comes in S, M, and L. $120.

Wearing this open is a look I love, too! Go all black with a long black tunic or t-shirt and nice black leggings! #winning 

This happens to be THE most flattering jumpsuit I've ever worn. You can't really tell in this picture, but the shape is so flattering! The waist cinches in, and the pockets drape and flare out a bit, creating a beautiful silhouette. Rock this with some killer booties this fall/winter! Comes in S, M, and L. $65.

These faux-leather jogging pants are to.die.for. 

Extremely comfortable…check! Easy to wear…check! 

Did I say how comfortable these are??? Here are two looks I love: 

Basic white or black tank + sneakers for a casual/cool look. Or add heels for a sexy, sporty vibe.

Also looks fab with an over sized top (like our Piko tops in wine or olive green!) + heels.

Comes in XS, S, M, and L. $60.

Who doesn't love a fashionable, casual sweatshirt? This could be your new weekend favorite!

Comes in S/M and M/L. $68.

This is a show-stopper! You won't believe how easy this piece is to incorporate into your fall wardrobe! How I see it…? White tank, skinny jeans, and some boots or booties.  Done!

One size. $85.

One of the stand-out pieces in our fall collection is this leather-trimmed leopard maxi dress!

I adore this with sandals before it gets cool, then add heels or sexy booties to take this piece into fall.

Comes in S, M, and L. $125. 

A jacket you can wear TWO ways?? We got it! This wool jacket is a beautiful, classic way to keep warm this winter! Zip off the bottom part to reveal a whole new jacket! (shown below)

Picture of the above jacket with the bottom zipped off. Comes in S, M, and L. $165.

This crop top is on trend, with it's boxy shape and leather trim! Super cute and well-priced!

Comes in S, M, L, and XL. $48. 

I love a good cardigan! Always have. I've worn this (seen below) with both denim shorts and jeans and love it! Comes in S/M and M/L. $50.

This khaki hoodie is perfect for those crisp fall days running errands, wine tasting at a local winery, enjoying a football game, or just hanging with friends and family at a cookout! One size. $52.

When the weather gets cooler, I am guilty of lounging around the house in over sized sweats. 

I plan taking my "lounging game" to the next level with this slouchy hooded sweatshirt! The material isn't too thick, which is perfect for wearing indoors. Comes in S, M, and L. $55.

These two necklaces are my FAVORITES! They are both made from vintage Monies-like pieces that we found on our travels. We added horn/antler and beads to create these gorgeous statement pieces.

See the whole collection here, in the album "Fall 2014 Clothes." 

Stay tuned for future blog posts where I will style some of our pieces and also show you "Looks for Less" with our clothes vs some majorly $$$ pieces on sale now!

Love this :)

Summer Series Four.

Here is another summer salad I've been loving………. KIDDING! No more salads! I am sharing an actual meal today! I made this delicious and easy meal last night, and we almost ate the whole thing! (And by "we" I mean my husband!) This is the perfect, light meal for a summer evening on the patio. We paired it with a small green salad and roasted broccoli. Hurry and make it, as we don't have too much of summer left! Enjoy!

{via}

SPAGHETTI SQUASH CAPRESE BAKE

Adapted from Pink Troll Kitchen

Ingredients

1 lb. ground turkey (optional)

1 large spaghetti squash

3 cloves garlic

1 can of petite diced tomatoes, drained really well

3-4 tbs of fresh basil

1 overflowing handful fresh baby spinach (optional)

2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (optional) 

3/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese + 3-4 slices of fresh mozzarella for the top

salt & pepper & red pepper flakes to taste

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375. Cook the spaghetti squash one of two ways:

1. Slice spaghetti squash in half, scoop out seeds, and put olive oil, salt, and pepper on the cut halves. Place in 375 degree oven for 45-55 mins, until strands of squash can easily be pulled away with a fork.

2. Pierce squash several times with sharp knife. Heat in microwave on a plate for 10-12 minutes.

If you cooked the squash in the microwave, slice off the very end with the stem. Then, halve the squash lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and gooey parts and throw those away. Scrape the remaining flesh of the squash with a fork to get out all of the spaghetti noodles. Place noodles in a large bowl and set aside. If you cooked it in the oven, which I always do, all you have to do is wait for it to cool a bit then scrape flesh of squash into a big bowl.

While squash is cooking, cook the turkey and set aside. We always add protein to our meals, but this recipe originally didn't have any. Feel free to omit the turkey. I'm sure it's great that way, as well!

To the big bowl, add turkey, garlic, drained tomatoes, 3/4 cup of mozzarella cheese, basil and spinach leaves. Add a little bit of olive oil to the mixture, if using. (I didn't use any olive oil, and it turned out great!) Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Add the mixture to a pie plate or 1-quart baking dish and smooth the top. Bake at 375 for 25-35 mins, then add the fresh mozzarella on top, and put back in the oven for 10-15 mins to melt the cheese. Top with additional fresh basil & serve! Enjoy with a great bottle glass of red or white wine on the patio!

Summer Series 3.

My beauty routine has been so simple this summer! I've relied on a few old favorites and found several new ones that have become a staple part of my everyday routine. I wanted to share a few things that I've been LOVING this summer...

{L to R: Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream; CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion; MAC blush in Modern Mandarin; MAC Pigment in Tan; Peter Thomas Roth Cucmber Gel Mask; Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray; Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer; Scott Barnes Body Bling}

Jane Iredale Glow Time BB Cream: I've been LOVING this gorgeous BB Cream this summer! It's a little heavier than most BB creams, which I like because sometimes I want more coverage than the average BB cream offers. It buffs out beautifully, when I use the Real Techniques Brush I listed below. I stays put, too, which is a huge plus in this Tennessee heat! Highly recommend this!

CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion: I just started using this product in the Spring, and I think I've found my go-to AM moisturizer! I wanted to find something at a lower price point since this was a product I use every single day. I already use and swear by this face wash from them, so I wanted to see if their daily moisturizer with SPF was any good. I break out soooo easily, so it's hard for me to find something that works and doesn't break me out. So far, so good! Makeup goes on very easily over this, too! You can find it anywhere...Wal-Mart, Target, CVS, Walgreens, etc.

Peter Thomas Roth Cucumer Gel Mask: Even with all this humidity, my skin has been so dry this summer! Odd. I know. Between my skin being dry and spending some time in the sun, this cooling and moisturizing mask has been a life saver! I love how my skin looks and feels after using it. Very refreshing after a day at the pool/beach/lake!

Urban Decay Chill Makeup Setting Spray: My makeup lasts so much longer when I spray this hydrating spray over my face once I am done with my morning routine. I also take this with me and spray it on my face throughout the day for a little pick-me-up! It has a cooling time release that lasts for up to 12 hours and temperature control technology that chills the surface of your makeup to keep it looking just-applied for 12 hours, too!

Laura Mercier Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer: My go-to makeup during the summer! It's extremely easy to apply...I usually use my fingers or a Beauty Blender. Add concealer, Bobbi Brown Shimmer Brick in Bronze, and so mascara...and GO! Easy as that! It is sheer and offers the perfect amount of coverage for a day outside, or a day you are running errands and don't want to get fully made up. I love this easy-to-use product so much!

Scott Barnes Body Bling: I get the original color. Your legs will look 100x better in shorts if you put this on them. End of story. It's a bronzing lotion with a bit of shimmer in it, giving the legs a beautiful, bronzed glow!

{Close up pictures of MAC's Modern Mandarin blush & Tan Pigment}

I am absolutely obsessed with these two makeup products for summer! This blush might look scary in this picture, but it goes on sheer and can be built up for a more intense look. It looks AMAZING with a tan and a nude color (like the tan pigment or MAC's "All That Glitters" eye shadow) on the eyes! This Tan pigment is gorgeous! I use it all over the lid and put a mixture of Bobbi Brown shadows in Toast and Caramel in the crease. Talk about a summer makeup look! It's gorgeous!

{L to R: Boscia Tsubaki Deep Hydration Sleeping Mask; Kiehl's Creamy Eye Treatment w/Avocado; Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster; Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush} 

A couple of other products I couldn't leave out of the list...

The Boscia mask was a purchase at Sephora during the middle of the summer. I was so dry and flakey, I was desperate for something that was going to be intensely hydrating. The sweet girl at Sephora suggested I try this sleeping mask, and it's been my night-time moisturizer almost every night since! I wake up and my skin is so soft and dewy! I would have never gotten it on my own, but I am so glad I asked a professional. She saved my skin (and my sanity) this summer!

I love Kiehl's products, but I've never used any of them until this summer. (I got this serum a couple of months ago and use it at night right after I wash my face and before moisturizer.) My under eye area has always been dry, so imagine it was even worse this summer when my skin decided to revolt on me. I had heard great things about their Avocado Eye Cream, so I tried it and LOVE it almost as much as I love my husband. Or wine. Or both. It's very hydrating, leaving the under eye area almost dewy and fresh once applied. My concealer goes on perfectly when I use this eye cream... which is daily.

The Real Techniques by Samantha Chapman Stippling Brush is a no-brainer. You can get it at Wal-Mart, CVS, Walgreens, etc. for under $10. In a time where brushes can cost upwards of $40-$50, this one will rock your socks off and not break the bank! I use this to put on my foundation and BB cream, and the application is flawless! Change the way your makeup goes on by buying this budget-friendly brush!

Clarins Radiance-Plus Golden Glow Booster: A friend recommended this to me a few weeks ago, and I am so glad she did! I try to never tan my face, always slathering on 55 SPF and wearing a hat when I am outdoors. Because of that, my face is much lighter than my body. I love when my face is tan, but I do not want my face to look like a leather boot when I am older. The solution? Grab a bottle of this easy-to-use serum, mix it into your AM or PM moisturizer, and leave your face be bronzed naturally! I doesn't ever get dark, just a nice little glow. I'm a fan!

I would love to know what your summertime beauty favorites are! Share below in the comments! Thanks!

(P.S. Enter the giveaway that my business, Sidney Clark Designs, is doing today! You can enter on our Facebook page or on Instagram!)

Summer Series Two.

This has been the summer of salads for me. Once upon a time, that statement would have NEVER come out of my mouth. In my mid-20s, I competed in pageants. Due to the fact that I would be judged in a bikini, I ate a lot of salads. A-freaking-lot. After I finished competing, I boycotted salads for a long, long time. I thought they were boring and considered them "diet" food. I am glad I've changed my tune, because there are some incredible salad recipes out there now! I am sharing two of my faves with you now! Please share your favorites with me in the comments below. Thanks!

{Grilled Peach Salad with Buffalo Mozzarella & Arugula}

As promised, I want to share the recipe for that fabulous salad I showed in this post! Filled to the brim with crunchy lettuce and fresh fruit, this salad is a perfect accompaniment for any summer meal! My aunt and uncle also add strawberries and pomegranate seeds to this salad, making it even better, if that's possible!

Here are a couple of links to other favorite summer salads of mine:
Peach and Tomato Salad w/Red Onions & Avocado
Tomato, Peach, Goat Cheese, and Pecan Salad…. maybe my #1 fave summer salad!
Cucumber Avocado Caprese Salad
Strawberry Kale Salad with Nutty Granola Croutons
I also love throwing a bunch of fruit like watermelon, cherries, cantaloupe,  and raspberries in with some cucumber and avocado, and putting half a lemon over it all + a few shakes of red wine vinegar. So fresh and yummy!

FRIDAY FAVORITES.

Weekend is here, friends! WOO HOO! I wanted to share some of my favorite things with y'all! I've been LOVING these things lately! Check them out below, and please share with me anything you consider a favorite!

{Swell bottle in the color "Birds of Paradise" is the one I have!}

{Ray-Ban Mirrored Lens Aviators in Gold/Blue}

{Coobie Seamless Bras in black, blue, and pink tie dye}

1. Swell bottles are my new obsession! I was introduced to them on our last Napa trip, and it has become a staple in my life since then. Drinks stay cold for 24 hours and hot for 12 without any       condensation on the outside! Ice stays in your bottle and steam stays trapped with our cap that prevents leakage, and they can even hold carbonation. (or a full bottle of wine if you get the big one. Just sayin'.) It's made from the highest grade of stainless steel, which is non-leaching and non-toxic. It fits in most standard sized cup holders. They come in 3 sizes: 9oz, 17oz, and 25oz. Chris and I have the biggest one, and we keep it with us all day. Even in the dead of summer….left in a hot car… this bottle keeps liquids cold! That is impressive! With each bottle sold, they also give back to various causes they support. Check out their website for more info and color options!

2. These blue mirrored Ray-Ban aviators have been my #1 favorite purchase this summer! They add a pop of color to any outfit and scream "SUMMER!" They also come in green and orange mirrored lenses!

3. Coobie Seamless Bras have always been a favorite of mine, but these tie dye ones have been in heavy rotation for me this summer. They are great to wear under basic tanks, showing through just a little! I also wear them when I work out, so they work double-duty for me. They are SO comfy, that I find myself trying to plan outfits around them! Here are my favorite ones. There is a special on their website right now…take $20 off 3 or more bras, so it's basically buy 2, get 1 free! You're welcome ladies ;)