Matchy-Matchy

Who would’ve thought that matching sets would be appropriate for adults? Well thankfully for us this trend is hot hot hot for summer. Love this trend depending on the cut and the way you pull it off. I love that there are 2 piece outfits that are super casual and perfect for festivals or formal and dressy.

This two piece set that I got off of Shopbop is sold out, but I found some other options that show the whole spectrum of what you can do with a matching set.

Don’t mind the scraped elbows and knees- I’m a klutz and if anyone’s done Kayla’s BBG and have conquered commandos- you know why my elbows are raw.

Lush Floral | Lust Off the Shoulder | Selina Lilly Pulitzer (think I need this just because of the name) | Electra | Desert Dreaming | Gettin’ Wavy | Free People

But heres to the weekend! Hope you all have a fun and safe Fourth of July long weekend!

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Wedding Season

So one of my best friends is getting married THIS WEEKEND! T-Minus 3 DAYS! Can’t believe the big day is coming up so soon. I’m fortunate enough to be standing up in her wedding and don’t have to buy a dress to attend, but I’ve had several friends ask me what to wear to this event. I’ve been offering my humble advise and have been trying to help, because I understand the struggle with finding the perfect wedding attendee dress.

For me it’s all about finding something that’s appropriate for the wedding venue/theme along with something that’s versatile enough to wear to other occasions and doesn’t break the bank. I figured if my friends are asking, that there might be more of you out there that are on the same struggle bus so here are some of my top picks for this wedding season.

Short Dresses for a Semi-Formal Wedding

Trixxi Floral Print High Neck Skater Dress | Topshop Off the Shoulder Lace Dress | BCBG AMII STRAPLESS A-LINE DRESS | Akira  PRINT CUPCAKE DRESS | BCBG CAILYN BURNOUT FLORAL PRINT DRESS | Anthropologie Emma Dress | Chelsea28‘Peek-A-Boo’ Cold Shoulder Shift Dress

For the semi-formal wedding, I love a short hemline with bright colors and fun prints. Key to keeping it semi-formal is sticking with a silhouette that’s a little looser and more conservative. Love a good fit and flare for these events! PLUS most of the dresses I found for this are on MAJOR sale!

Long Dresses for a Semi-Formal Wedding

Adelyn Rae Strapless Print Chiffon Maxi Dress | Way-In Floral Print Popover Maxi Dress | Keepsake the Label ‘Mercy’ V-Neck Maxi Dress | June & Hudson Floral Print High/Low Wrap Dress |Ten Sixty Sherman Button Front Maxi Dress | AUGUSTE BOHEME GODDESS MAXI DRESS | BCBG CRESSIDA LACE-TRIM HIGH-LOW DRESS

Maxi’s are perfect for dressing up or down and are a great alternative for a semi-formal wedding. Love Maxi’s in floral prints or with a unique hemline.

Short Dresses for a Formal Wedding

Adrianna Papell Sequin Mesh Blouson Dress | J.O.A. Lattice Trim Fit & Flare Dress | LACE & BEADS ‘Texas’ Embellished Slipdress | J.O.A. Lace Sweetheart Off the Shoulder Dress | Revolve LACE FEATHER PEPLUM DRESS | Revolve OFF THE SHOULDER RUFFLE DRESS | Akira THE GARDEN OF DELIGHT DRESS | BCBG TEENA LACE INSERTS HALTER DRESS

Formal weddings call for some bling, bodycon, and some skin- but not necessarily all three. Remember it’s still a wedding and therefore a sacred event. Don’t want to upset the bride by coming in with a scandalous dress that has everyone talking (not in a good way). Keep it classy and fun!

Long Dresses for a Formal Wedding

Morgan & Co. Lace Bodice Gown | Ali & Jay Cutout Back Crepe Maxi Dress | MISSGUIDED Side Split Maxi Dress | Akira GRACIA I’M TAKING YOU WITH ME DRESS | Akira FLOWY MAXI DRESS| Nasty Gal Great Lengths Plunging Dress | Nasty Gal Lavish Alice Float On Flare Jumpsuit – Navy

With a maxi dress for a formal wedding, you can experiment with a lot of different styles and textures. Dress maxi’s up with a great pair of heels and statement jewelry. Great opportunity to try a chic jumpsuit!

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All in all, just remember that you’re there to attend someone else’s wedding. The bride and groom have worked so hard to plan a special event and have chosen to share it with you. Help to make all their wedding dreams come true by dressing accordingly. Be respectful of the venue, time and theme that they’re trying to go for. And when in doubt with what to wear, reach out!

Hope this helped! Happy wedding season!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Oh boy, Father’s Day is right around the corner and my father is the HARDEST person to shop for. He really doesn’t need anything and never says what he wants, so leaving me scrambling at the last minute to figure out what to get. Well I’ve made it easy for you and gathered a few gift ideas for every budget and every type of dad to make this Father’s Day a breeze.

For the Sporty Dad 

1. Personalized Golf Balls: These make for a great personal gift for the golfer in your family. That way they’ll feel like you’re with them on the course.
2. Fitbit Blaze: The newest FitBit in the line and this one won’t disappoint, the smooth look and functionality will keep your dad fit and fashionable.
3. Nike Hat: This Nike Dri-Fit hat will allow you to FINALLY get rid of that sweat stained hat your dad’s always wearing. Time for an upgrade? I think so!

For the Grill Master

1. Monogrammed: This monogrammed set from William Sonoma will stand the test of time. Perfect for the grill master that wants to mark their territory. Super chic but manly, this set will be on display every time he’s on the grill.
2. Apron: An apron is a must for any dad willing to take on the grill. The funnier the better!
3. Grill Master Crate: Love the gifts from Man Crates. Think of it like a Birchbox for men. These crates are so thoughtfully put together and the packaging is incredible. Love the fun seasonings and specialty items this one comes with.

For the Dad on the Go

1. Bose Headphones: Every dad that’s on the go for work or for pleasure should get a pair of these Bose Noise Cancelling Headphones. These will help mute out the noise and enjoy the journey. Plus the new styles and colors adds a luxe element to their look.
2. iPhone Wallet Case: This iPhone case makes everything so much easier. No need to carry a wallet, the case will hold everything your dad needs when he’s on the road. Love the leathered look and it’ll make it easier for him to pull out his cc when he pays for dinner 😉
3. Travel Bag: No more ziplock baggies- PLEASE. Your dad is a grown man and should keep his belongs in a bag that shows it. Perfect to throw in their duffle, this bag will keep all his toiletries in one place, nice and neat.

If I haven’t covered your dad in this round up, let me know! I have plenty more ideas, trust me… shopping is a bad habit to break.

Anyways if your dad’s more into adventures, check out my iFly post for a great time for the whole family!

iFly Chicago

Happy Monday ya’ll! If you’re anything like me, this day couldn’t go by any slower. Why are Mondays seriously the worst? Even with the best mindset going in, I always feel like Mondays like to take a sh*t on you and your life. The only thing you can really do to overcome it is a big glass of wine and reminisce about the weekend.

I had the opportunity to go check out iFly this weekend with the babe and his family. I had gotten us these tickets for Christmas and just now redeemed them- woops. But regardless of that, we had a BLAST. Seriously some of the most exciting and adventurous thing I’ve done in awhile and everyone had fun. This is something really for the whole family.

iFly takes you through a instruction video and your instructor will teach you the basics. The staff was amazing, extremely patient and had a good sense of humor. After the instructions were given, they got you suited up in a suit, goggles and helmets (talk about a sexy look…). From there you formed a line and got into the tunnel. One by one you were taken into the wind chamber and experienced 1 min of “flying”. This was such a cool feeling, being able to fly and feeling weightless. After your first turn, you can opt to go up high with the instructor ($10.00 additional charge) or just fly low again for a minute. We opted to go up and it was so exciting. That experience felt more free and liberating, I can see why it becomes addicting.

All in all, we had such a great time at iFly and I highly recommend it to anyone that’s looking for a little adventure in their lives. We’ll definitely be back for more!

Easy Weekday Dinner

The struggle is real when it comes to prepping a weekday meal. Time’s limited and the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of time in the kitchen after work- I don’t know about you but I get HANGRY when I’m I have to wait to eat.

This meal is super easy to make and requires few ingredients for each portion and bonus, it’s healthy and tasty! You could also serve these items up separately and add it to your daily routine.

Grilled Portobello’s

Ingredients

• Large Portobello’s (prepare as many as you’re going to serve)
• Olive Oil
• Salt & Pepper
• Balsamic Glaze (they have this available in at the grocery store)

Directions

1. Brush the portobello tops with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
2. Grill or cook on a grill pan for about 5 mins on each side or to your desired texture.
3. Drizzle with balsamic glaze and enjoy!

Feta Spinach Turkey Patties

Ingredients

• 2 pounds ground turkey
• 3 oz. Feta Cheese (or more if you’d like it cheesier)
• 1 small onion- diced
• 2 cups spinach roughly chopped
• Garlic powder, salt, pepper

Directions

1. Mix the top 4 ingredients together and season with the last 3 ingredients to your liking
2. Form the patties the way you’d like. With this recipe it can make 2 large patties or 3 medium sized.
3. Cook on the stove for about 8-10 mins each size and let the patties rest for about 5 mins. Make sure they’re fully cooked.
4. Serve with Portobello heads or buns

Roasted/Grilled Cauliflower with Chimichurri Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 Cauliflower head
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/4 red onion
• 1/2 bunch parsley
• Crushed red pepper, salt, pepper,
• Olive oil

Directions

1. Trim the base of the cauliflower (no leaves) and cut the cauliflower in thick pieces
2. Drizzle the cauliflower steaks with olive oil and season with salt and pepper
3. Cook on the grill or in a 400 degree oven until tender (approx. 20 mins, though the grill maybe faster)
4. Prepare the chimichurri sauce by adding the garlic, onion and parsley to a blender or food processor. Pulse those ingredients while drizzling in olive oil until you have a combined mixture. Pour the sauce into a serving dish and season with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper and stir.
5. Serve the cauliflower with this sauce and enjoy. Save the sauce up to 2 weeks, it goes great with just about any veggie or meat!

I hope these recipes add some variety to your weekday.

FYI: these recipes store really well and would be delicious for lunch the next day!

Bon Appetit- Selina

Brunching at Home

Hey ya’ll- Hope you had a great mdw! Was this Tuesday not the longest day ever? Please don’t let Tuesdays become the new Mondays <fingers crossed>.

So I’ve been on a brunch kick. Who doesn’t love mimosas and breakfast and lunch foods? I love the combination and the fact that pretty much anything goes. Plus brunch always feels super chic and classy. Definitely one of the easier meals to host and entertain.

I made this brunch meal for Mother’s Day a few weeks ago and repeated it again this past weekend. It’s been a hit every time so far with everybody!

I would keep your menu very basic and straight forward. I chose to do 1 sweet dish, and 2 savory mains (1 breakfast and 1 lunch item) along with a couple easy to prepare sides.

My sweet dish was from Chrissy Teigen’s cookbook Crave. If I haven’t said it enough already, this book is amazing. Her French Toast recipe was OUT OF THIS WORLD. So boozy and delicious it had everyone eating seconds and thirds. Best of all you could prepare everything the night before and all you had to do was pop it in the oven in the morning. Simple! So everyone- BUY HER BOOK.

Next item on the menu was breakfast hash brown cups. Perfect for meal prep actually and they hold very well. Plus they look adorable- presentation is everything.

Hash-Brown Cups 

Ingredients

• 1 bag frozen hash brown
• shredded cheese – I like spicy pepper-jack
• eggs
• non-stick spray
• cupcake tray
• Bacon
• green onion or chives
• 1/4 butter- melted
• salt & pepper

Directions:

1. Pre-heat the oven to 400F. Thaw hash-browns according to their directions. Spray the cupcake tray with non-stick spray (make sure to get every nook and cranny. Mix the hash browns with some salt, pepper and the melted butter. PACK the bottom of the cupcake trays with the mixture and pop it into the oven for 10-15 mins or until they start browning.
2. While the hash brown is baking, start to cook your bacon. Keep the strips nice and straight and cook until they’re about done, but not crispy. If they crisp up, it’ll be impossible to form the correct shape.
3. Take the hash browns out of the oven. Curl the cooked bacon inside the tin above the hash browns. Try to make sure they touch so that the egg won’t run out.
4. Sprinkle some cheese on top of the hash browns and then crack an egg on top. Be careful not to crack the yolk!
5. Sprinkle with salt, pepper and green onion and pop it back into the oven. Should take about 8-10 mins to cook. I like my yolk a little runny so it’s up to your preference!
6. Carefully take out the bites (I use a rubber spatula) and serve hot.

Can be refrigerated and reheated up to a week!

Next up is that something lunch oriented.

I follow Giada’s Salmon Cake recipe with some minor modifications. I use wheat saltines and add in some green onion into the combination. Make these the night before and refrigerate them over night. Then all you have to do in the morning is give it a quick pan fry.

For my sauce, I add in some Sriracha for a kick and more flavor.

Serve the cakes over a bed of arugula, fresh tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon.

Try these brunch tips and recipes and let me know what you think! Remember to make things easy for yourself so you can enjoy your company!

Grad in Lackland

Hey ya’ll- HAPPY HUMDAY. The week is almost over!

Sorry I’ve been away, life’s been rather crazy and I’ve been doing some mild jet setting. Nothing too glamorous, but still pretty awesome to get out and see the world (or the US).

So as you might know, my little brother joined the Air Force. And earlier this month he GRADUATED Basic (aka crazy bootcamp and getting whipped into shape). His graduation allowed for my family and the BF to go to Texas for the first time and see if Texas is really that big. In the short time that we were there I was amazed and fell in love with the cities that we experienced. But since this state is sooo big, there is soo much to talk about and my trip will be divided into several different posts- gotta cover it all!

I didn’t know what to expect for the graduation but apparently it’s kind of a big deal. Definitely blew away high school and college graduation- so you go Yanni! The ceremony was beyond anything I’ve ever experienced before and the entire grandeur of it all was impressive to say the least.

Not only did we get to experience graduation, we also got to see the Lackland Air Force base. It’s HUGE and very different from what I imagined. It’s similar to a college campus and it’s its own community/city within San Antonio.

Pictures of the graduation and Lackland doesn’t even do it justice.

Mother’s Day Gift Ideas

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and I don’t know about ya’ll, but I’m scrambling at the last minute to find the perfect gift for my mama. She’s the best lady in the world but also the pickiest.

Here are some great last minute gift ideas for your mama.

For the Sporty mom:

Nike Juvenate | S’Well Bottle | Lululemon Yoga Mat

Nikes are great for everyday wear along with pumping it up at the gym. Lucky for you Nordstrom is having it Triple Bonus Days this week- so get on it!

S’Well bottle will be perfect for your mom that needs to stay hydrated on the go. Not only will she look super stylish and all around awesome, her water will stay ice cold.

Lululemon Yoga Mat, I know the price tags scary- but I swear it’s worth every penny. With this mat and the cushion it provides you’ll be in sideways crow pose in no time.

For the Techie:

Apple TV | Kate Spade Battery Pack | Polaroid Printer

This 3rd Generation Apple TV is the ideal gift for the mom that’s hooked on her TV. Can’t blame her for getting hooked on OITNB or House of Cards. With this device it’ll be easier that ever for her to binge watch her favorite shows that you’ve recommended. Talk about quality time that you can spend with yo mama.

I don’t know about you but my mom is hooked on social media. This ultra thin battery pack is super chic and will allow my mom to do all the FB creeping that she wants.

Don’t you hate it when all your pictures are stuck on your camera? Well with this printer, you’re able to print your phone pics right away. No more complaining from your mom about not having a family photo.

For the Fashionable one:

Ralph Lauren Trench | Kate Spade Watch | Tom Ford Lipstick (Warm Sable) 

This trench is super chic and practical. Moms will love the look and quality of this jacket and you’re going to love the price. It’s price matched for $133 and it’s TRIPLE points at Nordstrom. Help your mom out and get her something she’s going to love to wear.

Kate Spade Watch- such a classic, but definitely young and fresh. You’re mom will be the coolest chick on the block and better yet always on time with this watch on her wrist. Also price matched to $125 and with another triple points available- how can you say no.

This lipstick is coveted by everyone and anyone. You might not be able to afford other Tom Ford items but you can definitely splurge on this for your mom. Not only is it super smooth and long lasting the colors are classic and beautiful just like your mom.

For the Cook:

Le Creuset Dutch Oven | Cravings by Chrissy Teigen | Crockpot

Le Creuset is definitely a splurge item, but it’s going to be totally worth it when your mom cooks the most amazing meals using this pot. It’s a classic to have in the kitchen and should be a staple in any home. Plus she might pass it down to you one day and with it’s lifetime warranty- you’re going to want it.

Chrissy Teigen, can I love you anymore? Guys- she LIKED my Instagram picture last night, I cried and laughed and I didn’t know what to do. Anyways this cookbook would be an amazing gift for your mom. Chrissy and her mom have the most amazing relationship and this book is going to make you want to share some more memories with your mom in the kitchen. Plus the recipes are bomb- it’s a win-win situation.

Every single person needs a crockpot. If your mom doesn’t have one or has one from the ’70s it’s time to get her an upgrade. Crockpots save your mom time in the kitchen which means that you have more time to hang out with her. Woo!

Alright you guys- it’s time to get shopping! GO GO GO

Chrissy T + Lemon Chicken

Alright in case ya’ll didn’t know, I’m OBSESSED with Chrissy Teigen and John Legend- like please adopt me/can we be best friends.

I’ve been DYING to get my hands on her new cookbook since she started writing it forever ago. Her Insta makes me drool-major- and I just knew this was going to be a slam dunk, after all Chrissy can do no wrong (yes, I think we’re on first name basis).

When I finally got my copy, I didn’t know what to make or where to start. Everything just looked so amazing, that it was sort of daunting. Lo and behold I just so happened to have everything I needed at home to make her Roasted Cauliflower, Feta and Orzo Salad (because what Asian doesn’t have orzo and feta at home- jk, but I’m an exception).

I made this salad and paired it with one of my favorite Lemon Chicken recipes and OH MUH GAWD– I had an orgasm in muh mouth. Her “salad” is BEYOND this world. It should be unholy- but it’s so damn good. So delicious in fact that I’ve made 2 batches in 2 weeks and have eaten it all by myself. This is one of those meals that it’s like too good to share…. But I’m going to do you a solid and share the recipe with you. Chrissy- no mean to offend or copyright infringe, but I can’t hoard all this goodness to myself. Please forgive me.

In case you don’t think that salad alone isn’t enough, here’s my recipe for yummy Lemon Chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 Chicken Breasts- fileted in half
• 1 Lemon- Sliced
• 1 cup Flour
• Salt
• Pepper
• Lemon Pepper
• Olive Oil
• Butter or Margarine or Ghee

Directions:

1. Filet your chicken breasts in half, this helps ensure that everything cooks equally.
2. Salt, pepper and lemon pepper your chicken breasts. (be generous)
3. Coat your breasts in flour- brush off any excess flour
4. Heat up some butter and olive oil in a pan and get that hot.
5. Cook your chicken in that oily goodness for about 5 minutes each side. You should get a nice golden brown crust.
6. Remove the chicken from the pan and add in your lemon slices, feel free to add more butter as this will be your sauce. Season with salt and pepper. Cook the lemons until they’re slightly browned- not for too long as it’ll bring out a bitter taste.
7. Place lemon slices on top of the chicken and pour the sauce on top.

Serve with Chrissy’s AMAZING salad and enjoy. Seriously one of the best meals ever- I promise.

Hello Again

It’s been a quite awhile since I’ve written. I had set out to write this blog for myself, because it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I didn’t want to do this to get famous or for the likes, but more of a way to express myself.

But the more I wrote and the more I posted, I started caring more about what others thought and the likes I was receiving. I felt uninspired and scared to post- worrying about what others might think or not generating enough likes. It’s definitely been an interesting journey thus far.

People that I thought would be excited for me or supportive have been silent, offering little to no support. What has surprised me the most is the community of bloggers out there and people that I had only considered acquaintances. So many people that I never expected to even read my blog have come out to show support. It’s definitely made me rethink my friends and people that I might have written off too soon.

This is a learning journey for me and I’m definitely just fumbling my way through this. But this is something that I want to do and continue to do and I’m going to get back on the wagon and start writing again. I’m making a promise to myself to stick to this and to do this for myself- so here we go again.

Xo-Selina