BBQ Chicken Quinoa Salad

Lately, I've been feeling like I rotate the same 10 dinners, and needed to find some new recipes...ever feel like that? I came across a recipe for BBQ chicken quinoa salad, and had to give it a try. It was a hit with my husband, and it was very easy + fast (I used the crock pot for the chicken). 

this is the only (terrible) photo I have - it tastes MUCH better than this photo looks ;) 

Ingredients: 
chicken
bbq sauce
quinoa
1 can black beans
1 can corn
cheddar/jack cheese
avocado
salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:
1. Cook chicken in crock pot for 7 hours on low (salt and pepper to taste), add BBQ sauce and shred chicken to mix with sauce, continue cooking on low for 1 more hour
2. Cook quinoa according to directions on package
3. Combine quinoa, chicken, black beans, and corn - mix well
4. Top with cheese, and avocado, and anything else you'd like
5. Serve, and enjoy!

Sara Milk Glass Chandelier

Have you seen this chandy? I can't get it off my mind - it is SO gorgeous, and compliments any style of home (in my opinion).  It comes in a variety of colors, but I have to say my favorite is the turquoise for sure! Check it out...

my personal favorite via amber

It's too big for any room in my current home (I'm lusting after the big daddy, not the smaller version), but it's definitely on my list when we move to a larger home in a few years. It's pretty pricey, but if you're interested in purchasing, you can find it here. (please do, then send me a photo!) 

top images via 

My Birthday Weekend in Photos

Just when I thought 'great birthdays' were a thing of the past (especially after canceling any and all plans last year due to morning sickness), my husband pulled out all the stops for one of the best birthdays to date. He surprised me with a trip to Scottsdale, where my friends AND family were. On Friday, he and I headed to the Montelucia Resort for a spa day and our first night away from Sophia (she stayed with my parents). This was such a fun day, the spa is gorgeous! 

this is the room where we had all of our spa treatments - the decor was amazing

cozy dinner by the fire

poolside lunch at the spa 

Saturday night we had dinner at Sushi Roku with a few of my girlfriends, my brother, and sister-in-law. It was honestly some of the BEST food I've ever had. Everything was delish, but my favorites were the tuna sashimi carpaccio and the popcorn shrimp tempura...seriously to die for! 

After dinner, we went to a fancy club, and sipped on some bubbly for a few (too many) hours. I could have easily gone home after dinner, but had so much fun dancing and spending time with friends I don't get to see very often. At least I opted for the champagne instead of the vodka - knowing we had an early flight the next morning ;). 

When we arrived home there was a cake waiting at our doorstep from my parents - too cute! 

and one last (pretty great) surprise from my husband...someone must have been reading my blog ;) 

Hope you had a wonderful weekend! xo 

You'll Never Guess...

...where this furniture is from. Or, maybe you will - but I had no idea. 

Drum roll please...IKEA! Can you believe it?! A company called Bemz creates custom slipcovers for IKEA furniture to make it look (much) nicer than it normally does. This is their newest collection, isn't it fabuloso? The slipcovers aren't cheap (some of them cost more than the actual IKEA product), but they are gorgeous.

I was looking at a slipcovered chair yesterday (Serena & Lily), but now I'm seriously considering purchasing one of these and heading on over to IKEA for 1/2 the price of a normal slipcovered piece. The one I want (of course) seems a bit ridiculous at $369 just for the slipcover, but it is 100% linen. Would that be crazy - to spend $369 on a slipcover for a piece of IKEA furniture?! I know my husband will think so (he hates IKEA). Please, tell me what you think. Here is the one I am considering...

I'd love to throw a vintage suzani over the back - something like this...

So please, let me know...would this be crazy? 

images via Bemz

Birthday Wishlist

My birthday is coming up this weekend, and if I had a 'wishlist,' it might look something like this...

cuff - kelly wearstler / sunnies - karen walker / pillow - kelly wearstler / napkins - john robshaw / wedges - steve madden / bag - 3.1 phillip lim / candle - nars 

My New Entryway Rug & Inspiration

I've been looking for a great runner for our entry since we moved in, and wasn't having any luck. I visited some great rug galleries, but knew I could find such a better deal online, and finally found the perfect antique Persian from ESALERUGS! Here she is...isn't she a beauty?! I love antique rugs, and it's pretty difficult to find any with pinks mixed in, so I jumped on this one as soon as I saw it. 

My husband really wants to add a bench, but I'm debating using a console table I already have. I'll keep you updated on our entry progress. Here are a few beautiful 'Persian rug' spaces inspiring me...

via

all other images via

Have a lovely day! 

5 things you (probably) didn't know about me

Happy Monday! Can you believe it's February?! The year is already flying by...I'm wishing time would just slow down, how about you? Today, I'm sharing a bit about myself...read more to get to know me.

1. I was born and raised in the same area, but have moved 11 times in the past seven years...wowza! I attended THREE universities (Arizona State, IOWA, and DePaul) during my four years of college. You would think I enjoy it...but I actually despise the entire process, ha! 

2. While I do my best to 'eat clean,' I have an enormous SWEET tooth. I especially love candy and Coca Cola. I probably will never completely give up either of these things...and I'm not sure I want to. Everything in moderation, right? 

3. My husband and I met in Miami (& got engaged there, too), but we were both living in Chicago at the time and had mutual friends...fate! 

4. I have two older brothers, and am VERY close with my family. I talk to my mom every day, and I always wish we all lived closer. 

my brothers speaking at my wedding

5. I love to dance.

 

not like, ballroom....like, get down. 

Hope you all had a great weekend!