If Alex and I were to divide up household duties, I would always cook and he would always wash dishes. I do about 90% of the cooking, but occasionally Alex will surprise me with a delicious meal (usually on the grill). Alex grew up eating artichokes often and even claimed it as his favorite food in Kindergarten. I wasn’t as wild about them, but after trying grilled artichokes I was sold. I loved Alex’s grilled artichokes so much, that I asked him to be a guest “chef” for today’s blog post! Enjoy! xoxo
Fill a large bowl with cold water and add juice from one lemon wedge. Trim the tops and stems of artichokes, then cut in half lengthways. Place artichokes in cold lemon water to prevent them from turning brown. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add artichokes for about 15 minutes. In a small bowl mix the remaining lemon, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Drain artichokes and bush olive oil mixture on both sides. Add artichokes to a preheated grill at medium/high, and use foil for easier cleanup. Grill for about 8 minutes while frequently turning and brushing on the olive oil mixture. Serve immediately.
I saw a meme on Facebook with a photo of an NSYNC album and the caption read: If you owned this CD, it is time to buy anti-aging products. Well, the NSYNC No Strings Attached CD was one of my all time favorites and I apparently need to go to Sephora! This past Memorial Day Weekend, I decided to swap my tanning oil for a visor and SPF 50. To help you protect your skin from the sun and heat, I am sharing some my favorite summer skincare products! xoxo
Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen – Despite what the bottle claims, I feel like traditional sunscreen always clogged my pores. I gave Supergoop! a try and fell in love with their extensive line of sun protection. This Everyday Sunscreen protects against UVA, UVB and IRA rays without leaving my skin greasy or selling like sunscreen (it smells so good). It is also very moisturizing and full of hyaluronic acid to keep skin from dehydrating in the sun.
Summer Fridays Jet Lag Face Mask – Summer Fridays products are now a part of my skincare routine year round! This mask was also a part of my Winter Skincare post and has worked just as well in the summer heat. This ultra-hydrating mask is unique because you can either wipe it off with a warm washcloth or leave the product on all day. I use the Jet Lag Mask like a moisturizer during winter months and for recovery after a day in the summer sun.
Summer Fridays Overtime Mask – Another Summer Fridays year round staple is the Overtime Mask. Made of pumpkin, apricot seed and oat kernels, this mask/scrub easily removes dry and dull skin. If you did leave the pool with a sunburn (the horror!) this mask would be great to remove peeling dead skin. I use this mask once or twice a week and always follow with the Jet Lag Mask to moisturize.
Tan-Luxe The Face – Just because I want to avoid fine lines, doesn’t mean I have to sacrifice my summer tan! I add a few drops of Tan-Luxe The Face to my Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow oil for an even glow. Unlike many tanning lotions I have tried in the past, this oil blends perfectly with my moisturizer, face oil or night cream for a streak-free tan. I can also control how much oil is added to prevent an oompa loompa effect. Tan-Luxe adds raspberry seed oil, aloe vera and vitamin E to the skin for extra moisture and softness.
Sunday Riley C.E.O Glow – I use this face oil every evening with a few drops of Tan-Luxe The Face. Active ingredients like THD Ascorbate (Vitamin C), turmeric and ginger root help fight the signs of aging, even skin tone and hydrate. Sunday Riley also makes a serum version of C.E.O Glow, but I prefer the face oil because it absorbs into the skin so well.
A few years ago I discovered Vital Proteins while at a conference. I went home with a few samples and was pretty skeptical about edible collagen. I started adding Vital Proteins to my coffee every morning and was surprised as how well it dissolved. It didn’t even leave/have a weird taste. After a few weeks, I noticed a difference in my skin and decided to give collagen a real try. I have been adding a scoop of Vital Proteins to my coffee almost every morning since and have loved the benefits of collagen.
I already have naturally thick hair and strong nails, but I did notice the biggest difference in my skin. Growing up I heard the term collagen used in commercial about anti aging creams, but I didn’t know all of its benefits. Some of the benefits of collagen include firming and clarity of skin, hair and nail growth, and support of healthy cartilage, tendons and ligaments. If you are always on the go, Vital Proteins also makes individual serving packets that you can mix in your coffee at work or in the car. They also offer different flavors, and while I have not tried them all, I prefer the original non-flavored powder, so you can add it to any beverage. Shop my favorite Vital Proteins products below! xoxo
It is no surprise that I have a big heart for the city of Dallas, after all I have lived here my whole life! I love exploring the city and especially love a day exploring a local museum. Whether you are visiting or live in the metroplex I am sharing my favorite museums in Dallas that everyone should visit. If you have not been following along my guide to Dallas, be sure to check out my Favorite Restaurants in Dallas, Favorite Places to Shop in Dallas and Favorite Hotels in Dallas! xoxo
Dallas Museum of Art – The DMA is a personal favorite and I make Alex go see so many exhibits, that we have become members! There are 17 permanent collections at the DMA and exhibitions are always rotating. The DMA also offers Late Nights and Second Thursdays with a Twist as unique ways to visit and enjoy the museum. Be sure to stop by the DMA before September 2019 to see the Dior: From Paris to the World exhibit. General admission includes all collections and most exhibitions (some are extra) adult admission is $16, seniors and Military are $14, students are $12, and members and children are free.
Perot Museum of Nature and Science – In 2012 the Dallas Museum of Natural History, the Science Place and the Dallas Children’s Museum at Fair Park moved to Victory Park and became the Perot. There are 11 permanent exhibits as well as 6 learning labs and multiple rotating films. The Perot is a great museum for kids, because of all the things they can interact with. If you would like to visit the museum without thousands of kids running around, I recommend attending one of their Social Science nights. General admission for kids is $13, seniors are $18 and adults are $20.
Nasher Sculpture Center – The Nasher is next door to the DMA and houses Patsy and Raymond Nasher’s collection of modern and contemporary sculpture. The Nasher family also owns NorthPark Center and has some of their art on display throughout the mall. If you make a trip downtown to visit the Dallas Museum of Art, I recommend taking the extra time to go next door and see the Nasher. The Nasher is closed on Mondays and tickets are $10 for adults, $7 for seniors, $5 for students and educators, and free for children under 12, members and Military and First Responders.
Sixth Floor Museum at Dealey Plaza – In 1963 John F. Kennedy was assassinated in Dealey Plaza. In 1989 the very building where Lee Harvey Oswald shot JFK was turned into the Sixth Floor Museum. The museum has exhibits about JFK’s life, political legacy and all the conspiracy theories around his death. Considering the nature of the museum, there are some photos and videos that might not be appropriate for young children. Admission for adults is $18, seniors are $16, students age 6-18 are $14 and children under 5 are free.
George W. Bush Presidential Center – In 2013 Southern Methodist University opened the George W. Bush Presidential Center (also known as Presidential Library). The museum walks through Bush’s presidency including a moving 9/11 exhibit and an opportunity to take a photo in a mock Oval Office. Until October 2019 the Presidential Retreats: Away from the White House will be on exhibit. Adult admission is $16, seniors and students are $13, youth age 13-17 are $14, children age 5-12 are $10 and kids under 4 and active Military are free.
Museum of Biblical Art – A fire in 2005 destroyed the original 1967 museum, which was later rebuilt in 2010. The current Museum of Biblical Art has 11 galleries full of historical artwork and a large event space. Admission is $12 for adults, $10 for seniors and students, $8 for children and free for kids under 5.
Old Red Museum of Dallas County History & Culture – The Old Red Courthouse was built in 1892 and transitioned into a museum in 2007. This is the best place to learn the full history of Dallas and see a variety of historical artifacts. I recommend that all Dallas (or suburb) residents visit the Old Red Courthouse at least once. General admission is $10, seniors, students and Military are $8, children age 3-16 are $7 and kids under 3 are free. If you are downtown for jury duty you can receive reduced admission for $5.
Dallas World Aquarium – I know the aquarium is not technically a museum, but is is by far one of my favorite educational spots in Dallas. There are fish from all over the world in the 10 main tanks and a large tunnel that makes you feel right in the ocean. The Dallas World Aquarium opened in 1992 and has been a staple for Dallas children (and adults) since. Adult admission is $20, seniors are $16, children are $14, and kids under 2 are free.
As a kid, I never ate banana bread because my mom doesn’t like bananas. Of course, one of Alex’s favorite things his mom made growing up was banana bread. Not knowing much about baking bread or the flavors that mix best with bananas, there was a lot of trial and error. I started off with a basic Southern Living recipe and made multiple modifications as I went. I am sure my banana bread doesn’t compare to his mom’s, but Alex has requested it multiple times and that is a win to me! xoxo
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Sift flour, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Mash bananas with lemon juice in a small bowl. Beat butter, sugar, and vanilla on medium speed until light and fluffy. Add eggs until blended. Add flour mixture to butter, alternating with milk, beating on low until blended. Add banana mixture until blended (just a few seconds). Pour batter into a greased 8×4 inch loaf pan and bake for 55 to 60 minutes.
Looking for more breakfast recipes? Check out my posts here:
I originally planned to wear this white Gal Meets Glam dress for Easter, but if you follow me on Instagram, you saw there was a last minute change. While looking for a rehearsal dinner dress the weekend before, I saw this Something Navy dress at Nordstrom and changed my whole look for Easter. I was already second guessing my choice to wear white since I would be cooking and loved the opportunity to add a little black to my outfit.
This dress fits large (wearing XS), so I would recommend trying on a size smaller than usual. The sleeves have a stiff flap to make them puff, but I tucked that flap back under my bra strap (you could also cut them out) so they would not sick out as much. I love the look of a fuller sleeve, but I don’t think I am ready for shoulder pads. I paired the dress with my favorite white pumps from Marc Fisher and a black Rebecca Minkoff clutch. Since the pattern is busy and neckline is high I just added a strand of pearls and pearl stud earrings. Shop this entire look below! xoxo
