Happy Wednesday, Everybody! It’s time for everybody to join up today with Shay and myself to let everybody know WHAT’S UP this fine Wednesday!
Let’s get right to it!
*WHAT WE ARE EATING*
Instead of sharing meals with y’all today, I thought it would be fun to share my latest Trader Joe’s haul. I only make it over to the Trader Joe’s side of town like once a month, so when I go, I definitely have favorites that I pick up every time. I also always grab new items to try. Some end up being one time purchases, and others end up being new favorites. So here’s what I got this month…
Trader Joe’s almost always gets me with their sample stand, which is how I was introduced to the Cream Corn and Roasted Pepper Soup. I always grab 2 boxes of the soup. It’s creamy, delicious, and I get 2 full meals out of 1 box. And just like the lady at the sample stand did, I just sprinkle a little dusting of the taco seasoning on top for a little spice. And it’s surprisingly low in fat and calories (2 grams of fat and 110 calories in a cup – I typically eat 2 cups at a time). / You are probably going to think I’m crazy, but I’m here to tell you that the Trader Joe’s canned corn is some sort of magical corn. It’s the best canned corn I’ve ever eaten. How is this corn superior to other canned corn? I have no idea. BUT IT IS. / Everything But The Bagel Seasoning. #becauseobviously / croutons / a house plant (I always come home with flowers or a plant of some sort.) / a fresh baguette
The baguette was for the Campfire Caprese Brie appetizer I posted last week! If you like Brie, you have to go check it out.
Butter Lettuce (They have the best bagged butter lettuce around.) / baby beets (Slice ’em up and put them in salads.) / Creamy Tomato Basil Pasta Sauce and Spinach Tortellini (These two are great together, and since Chris doesn’t like pasta, I love eating this when Chris is out of town!) / Reduced Fat Mac and Cheese (It’s freaking awesome.) / Chicken Burgers (I eat these when I’m trying to be good and my family is eating burgers at home.) / Atlantic Salmon (I bake this with just a little EVOO and some Everything But The Bagel Seasoning sprinkled on top.) / I always grab this little bags of avocados.
In addition to the Mac and Cheese above, these are the other items I grabbed from the frozen food section this time around.
Argentinian Red Shrimp (When making these for family dinner, I like to saute them up and serve them with 2 veggies on the side.) / Outside-In Stuffed Gnocchi (This is a new item at Trader Joe’s, and I was intrigued. I MEAN, they are gnocchi stuffed with tomato sauce and mozzarella. Sadly, I did not like how these cooked up. I tried to saute them in a bit of olive oil, but they didn’t get brown or crispy at all. They were very mushy, and I’m big on texture. Somebody please give me some tips for how to cook these so I will love them. I want to love them. / Rice Cauliflower Stir Fry and Stir Fry Vegetables (One of my favorite things to do for lunch is to cook both of these up, add the Argentinian Red Shrimp, and then throw a fried egg on top. I obviously have tons left over, and I’m able to eat off of it for several days.)
I grabbed 3 sweet treats this time around!
Just like the canned corn, these yogurt pretzels are extra good. Carter is loving them too. / The Just Mango Slices are one of my Top 3 favorite items that Trader Joe’s offers. They are sweet, chewy, delicious, and the only ingredient is mango. I LOVE THEM. I buy at least 3 bags every single time I go. And listen, I would buy 10 bags at a time, but I actually have a hard time putting the bags down, so I limit myself to 3. / This last visit was the first time I’ve purchased the Dark Chocolate Covered Honey Grahams with Sea Salt. OMG. They are other worldly.
I hope you enjoyed a peak into my Trader Joe’s obsession!
Now what else are we eating? Steak is Chris’s and Carter’s favorite, so almost every single week we have steak and potatoes one night. I shared our PERFECT STEAK RECIPE last week (it’s so easy and totally fool proof), and as mentioned before, I also shared a recipe for Campfire Caprese Brie that we made on the grill with a cast iron skillet.
I made the Brie in my new cast iron skillet, so I thought I would share some other cast iron recipes! Click HERE for Shay’s Blackberry Oatmeal Crumble. OH MY WORD does it look delicious. Other cast iron recipes from Shay are these Honey Pecan Chicken Thighs and this Dutch Baby Pancake! She actually has tons of cast iron recipes to choose from HERE.
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*WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT*
I found a collage of 1st-4th grade on my phone, so I popped 5th grade on the end.
To see how he’s grown, pay special attention to his shoulder placement on the door. He’d look even taller in the last picture if he’d been standing with his feet together. And look at that little 1st grade face!
Earlier this week, this adorable shot popped up on my Facebook Timehop. This was taken about a year before Scout got sick. We sure miss this precious boy.
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*WHAT I’M LOVING*
These two. Oh my goodness, they are the absolute sweetest. They were in the kitchen when we were cooking dinner, and they couldn’t understand why we hadn’t given them a sample yet. They were waiting “patiently” with the cutest confused faces you ever did see.
Brody turned 6 right before school started, so my mom grabbed both boys and took them to Urban Air. The boys played dodge ball for hours and had a wonderful time! I love it when they get to spend time together.
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*WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO*
We’ve been living the soccer life over here…
The last two weeks Carter’s team has had 4 practices and 7 games! That’s a lot of soccer, but the little guy is loving it.
Loo at those red cheeks. It’s been so dang hot!
This was a sweet moment I caught after a disappointing game. I sure do love these boys of mine.
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*WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND*
Another soccer tournament. Seriously.
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*WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT – A FANTASTIC DEAL ON MY FAVORITE CLEANSER *
LADIES! I’m not just kind of excited about what I’m about to tell you, I’m CRAZY EXCITED about it!
I’ve teamed up with Colleen Rothschild to bring y’all an AMAZING deal on my very favorite Colleen product.
Can you guess what it is? It’s the JUMBO size of the famous cleansing balm!!! With the code BALMBARGAIN, you can get the jumbo balm for only $69 (a $130 value). This size of the balm is regularly priced at $95, so $69 is an absolutely incredible deal.
Out of all of the products in the Colleen Rothschild line, the cleansing balm is my favorite product BY FAR. It totally changes the taking off your make up game, and I’m telling you, you won’t even dread washing your face at night. I KNOW. That’s a big claim, but I stand behind it.
In fact, whenever I go on overnight trips with girlfriends, I always INSIST that they try it. And you know what, they always love it, and they almost always start using it themselves. I know this happens to y’all too because this BALMBARGAIN deal is a result of the following e-mail I received from a reader:
Hi, Sheaffer! After years of hearing you talk about your love for the CR cleansing balm, I finally bought some for myself when the jumbo tub was on serious sale. I cannot believe this product. You are right in that I actually look forward to washing my face, and it’s never felt cleaner or softer. And it looks so supple and hydrated! My husband’s family came to visit, and I made my mother in law and sister in law try it. They are going to buy it now too, but I wanted to see if you knew when they are going to have another sale. Let me know if you have any insight! Anyway, thanks for the recommendation, and I’ll definitely be trying other CR products as well. – Meredith
Yay, Meredith! I’m so glad to hear that you love the balm just as much as I do! This balm truly has a cult following. For those of you that haven’t tried it yet, it’s different than any other cleanser I’ve ever used. First of all, I apply it to a dry face. I scoop out a small amount of the balm with dry hands and slather it on to my dry face. And as I rub it on my face, the heat from my hands changes the balm into more of an oily texture and it just feels incredibly luxurious. It melts my makeup away, leaves my skin feeling amazing and hydrated, and the light citrus smell is PERFECT.
Not only do I use it to cleanse my face morning and night, I also use it as a type of leave on mask when I’m battling dry skin. If my skin is dry, normal moisturizer tends to just sit on the surface, and my skin won’t absorb it enough to be properly moisturized. But when used as a mask, the cleansing balm hydrates my skin like nothing else can, and I cannot recommend it enough.
And I’m so glad that Meredith’s e-mail prompted me to ask for a code!
Let’s reviews: the JUMBO Cleansing Balm is an INCREDIBLE VALUE right now (ONLY $69!) with the code BALMBARGAIN. The normal size version is 3.3 fl. ounces and $65. The jumbo version (pictured below) is 6.8 fl oz, a little more than twice the size, and with our code it’s only $4 more right now than the regular size!!! And with that price, free shipping is included for U.S. orders. WOW! Treat yourself. You will not regret it.
And it’s not just me that loves it, I encourage you to read all of the feedback from STMT readers below. Recurring words and themes include: gentle, hydrating, heavenly, glowing, moisturizing, soft, and CLEAN.
#weareALLtellingyoutoo #notjustme
And make sure you head over to instastories today because I’m going to load some videos I took when washing my face yesterday. I’ve had so many of you ask me if it removes eye makeup well, so I want to show you how it absolutely melts the mascara away! You’ll also see how I just put it on a dry face and use a damp washcloth to wipe it off! I LOVE IT. And you will too. Especially at this price!
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*WHAT I’M WATCHING*
I’m just sitting over here looking forward to THIS IS US and A MILLION LITTLE THINGS.
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*WHAT I’M LISTENING TO*
It’s Monday night, the rest of the family is asleep, and I’m watching This is 40 and working.
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*WHAT I’M WORKING ON*
I’ve got lots of great content on the blog coming up in September, and I’m already working behind the scenes on several posts. I’m also really excited about this Friday’s post because Mama’s got a new pair of shoes (in the Tiger print!) and I’m styling them 2 ways.
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*WHAT I’M WEARING and WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT WEARING (once the temperature drops below 80 degrees)*
I’ve had quite a few requests for church attire recently, so I ordered a handful of dresses to try. Actually, I ordered 5. Four were terrible on me, but this one was a real winner! Its flowy, its romantic, and the colors are gorgeous. I love the understated ruffle sleeves and the sash at the waist. I’m wearing a medium, which is pretty true to size for me in dresses.
dress / my favorite earrings / must have wedges
And I’m all about preparing for Fall over here, which of course includes trying to find some super cute and super cozy items. I’ve ordered several sweatshirts lately, and I’m sharing the best of the best today.
First of all, this is the tunic sweatshirt that y’all told me about! It’s supposed to be MADE FOR LEGGINGS, which is what initially sold me, but it’s cute with shorts too. I’m wearing a medium here, but I’ve ordered the small. I want relaxed and slouchy, but I think the small will still provide that for me.
The camo pattern seems to be sold out, but there are plenty of others to choose from. And right now they are 30% OFF! The leopard option is cute, and I love the pink “ladylike” color as well.
Click HERE to see a close up of the sneakers on a previous post. I cannot recommend them enough and everybody that has already received theirs are freaking out because they are sooooooooooo good.
camo tunic sweatshirt / my favorite earrings / denim shorts no longer available / mesh sneakers
I love the side slits on the sweatshirt, and this view shows you how it is plenty long for leggings.
camo tunic sweatshirt / my favorite earrings / denim shorts no longer available / mesh sneakers
This sweatshirt caught my eye because of the bold stripes. This one is not long enough for leggings, but I’m not going to hold that against it. BECAUSE IT IS SO DANG SOFT INSIDE. I’m wearing a small, and it’s plenty roomy.
striped fleece lined sweatshirt / my favorite earrings / denim shorts no longer available / mesh sneakers
I ordered this zip pullover off of Amazon earlier this week. This brand seems to be using blogger’s pictures WHICH IS NOT OKAY, but dang if the pullover isn’t CRAZY CUTE. I’m wearing the grey in a medium. It’s really soft, the inside is fleecy, it has pockets, and I LOVE the stand up collar. The collar is everything.
v neck tunic tee / denim shorts no longer available / mesh sneakers
That’s all for today, ladies!
OH WAIT! UPDATE WEDNESDAY MORNING! Tons of items from the Hi Sugarplum collections are NOW ON SALE!
Click HERE for the original post to see all my thoughts and sizing information. THIS DRESS IS NOW 50% OFF AND ONLY $27!!!
must have denim jacket / round pink tassel earrings / striped dress (plus size here!) / tassel necklace / yellow slide sandals / colorful clutch
And here I am wearing it! I love it here with my must have denim jacket and must have wedges, but it would even be cute thrown over a swimsuit as a cover up! I’m wearing my regular size small here, but I’m actually going to order the medium petite to compare the fit on that. I wouldn’t mind it being a little looser on me. Later in the week I’ll be showing it dressed up with wedges, but I’ll also be wearing this really casually with my beloved shoreline converse.
must have denim jacket / wooden hoop earrings / striped dress / tassel necklace / yellow slide sandals/ colorful clutch
LOOK! HOW! DARLING! And 40% OFF!
This is one of my favorite tops EVER. I have it in all of the colors, some are mediums for a relaxed fit, some are smalls for a closer fit.
embroidered top / pink earrings / bracelets / distressed denim shorts/ yellow slide sandals / rattan bag with tassel
Here it is on me! The blue is no longer available, but I wanted you to see how it fits.
embroidered top (plus size HERE!) / beaded tassel earrings / bracelets / slide sandals / frayed hem denim shorts / circle straw bag with raffia tassels
LOVE. THESE. SHORTS. And now they are 40% OFF!
Click HERE for the original post to see all my thoughts and sizing information. The tie is precious, but it’s the little tiny pleats at the top of the waist that make me swoon.
white tee / denim jacket / sunglasses / earrings / necklace / paper bag shorts (in plus size) / must have wedges / clutch / pink bracelets / gold bracelet set
Now it’s time to link up to let us know what you are up to this fine Wednesday!
Lauren Lane | sunwashedlinen.com says
That camo sweatshirt may need to find it’s way into my cart…so cute!
Narci says
Oh they sweatshirt is darling! So cute with the black leggings!
Erika Slaughter says
So many cute finds!! That sweatshirt with the stripes is so cute! And Carter looks so happy but extremely hot in that picture! Love to hear he’s loving this soccer season!
Jeni says
I need that Camo tunic!!! And the pics of Carter’s first day through the years GUTS me. WHYYYYYYY does it go so fast?!?!
Amy says
Great post today! So much fantastic content! Quick question about the Amazon 90 degree leggings. Would you describe them as a magnet to dog fur? This is a huge factor in my household and probably yours too with those two adorable doggos! Thank you!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Amy! They do pick up dog fur, but not anymore than any of my other black leggings. I did order the cropped grey! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Amy says
Thanks for that quick reply! I’ve been recovering from hip surgery and passing the time with lots of online shopping thanks in no small part to your blog posts ? and will need some go-to leggings that won’t attract fur for the physical therapy that is in my future.
Sheaffer says
Oh no, Amy! All sorts of positive thoughts for a fast recovery! xoxo
Amy says
Well, I ordered those leggings yesterday and they came today! High-five! Is there a prize for ordering the most things from your Amazon haul suggestions? Put me down for 5. Retail therapy is real.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Amy! This made me laugh out loud! You win! 🙂
Amy says
So those leggings are straight up just awesome as you said they were. I wore them to PT today and felt fabulous. I got the ones with the pocket on the sides and they fit my stupid big phone. They are a nice thick, but not too thick material and I love the high waist. Oh, and you were 100% right about the dog fur- they attract a little they don’t totally grab it. It wipes right off with a bit of a damp palm. Thanks for this!
Monica says
You almost lost me when you said that Chris doesn’t like pasta. I won’t hold that against him though because you are so awesome!
Sheaffer says
RIGHT? It’s confusing. 🙂
kylen says
Hey, what size did you get in leggins?
Kylen
Sheaffer says
Oh, sorry! SMALL! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Mother of 3 says
Lots of cute Amazon finds! I really must make a trip to Trader Joes soon; we have one that’s about an hour maybe an hour and a half away so I never think to take the trip out there but I always loved their hummus and specialty foods.
Carly says
I definitely recommend normal sizing on those AE sweatshirts! I LOVE my sweatshirts big and cozy and my normal small provides that just fine! I somehow managed to snag both the leopard and the camo in my size (after ordering a size up originally) and it made me happy dance ?.
V says
Ordering that sweatshirt now. And the fleece half zip. So cute!!! And that soccer picture of Carter – could he smile any bigger? Precious!
Brandi Tooker says
100% yes on the 90 degree leggings! I found these a year ago and am obsessed. I’ll never buy expensive ones again. They have the high waist “suck you in band” and have so many fun colors! They feel softer too, somehow.
Johannah says
What size did you get in the tunic tee?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Jonannah! The grey tee is a small! But what size you decide on depends on how you are going to wear it. Size down if you just want to wear it as a regular t-shirt. Stick with your regular size if you want to wear with leggings…and consider sizing up if you want it as a night shirt! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kimberly Clayton says
The link is broken on the sweatshirt–can you fix?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kimberly? Which sweatshirt? The links I just clicked are working for me! Let me know! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kimberly Clayton says
The camo one.
Sheaffer says
The link is functioning properly, the camo pattern just happens to be sold out. So sorry, Kimbery! xoxo
Kimberly Clayton says
Well I ended up with the brown and pink leopard print after finding it for $13 at my AE store in the mall! they said since someone returned it and they don’t stock Aerie they put it on clearance. Love it! It was meant to be mine.
Suzanne says
Awesome post today! Just an FYI since you cook steak once a week, if you haven’t tried Trader Joe’s filet mignon – OMG!!!!! It’s to die for! It’s a little pricey for 2 filets on a regular dinner night but cooked on the stove then resting on a plate with a pat of butter on each covered by foil for about 10 minutes – literally melts in your mouth! You can also bbq it but stove top is just as delicious! Try it you’ll love it! And love Traders too! Keep up the awesome posts Sheaffer! I so enjoy them!
Sheaffer says
Oooh! Great tip, Suzanne! I’ll have to try this for Carter and me when Chris is out of town! High heat and then low heat?
Jennifer Davis says
The striped fleece link doesn’t work for me either. I have tried two different computers:-(
Sheaffer says
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm….I don’t know how to fix it because it’s working on my end. Just go to http://www.aerie.com and type in AE DROP SHOULDER CREW NECK SWEATSHIRT in the search bar. xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Amy Benson says
Not working for me, either. It says “this product not available in the US.” it doesn’t mention anything about being sold out.
Sheaffer says
Hmmmm. I have no idea how to fix it. It’s working for me. Go to http://www.aerie.com and search “desert sweatshirt”. Hope this helps! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kim says
What size did you order in the zip pullover from Amazon?
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kim! So sorry I left that off! I got a medium! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Kim says
Thanks so much!
Megan says
I love Trader Joe’s and can’t wait to try some of your favorites! What size are you wearing in the V-neck tunic tee? It looks cozy and it needs to be in my closet!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Megan! I’m wearing a small, but size down if you want to wear it just like a regular tee. Regular size if you want to wear it with leggings…and maybe consider size up if you want to wear it as a night shirt! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Jill Harrington says
Don’t give of on the gnocchis! I haven’t had the stuffed ones yet but I eat the cauliflower gnocchi all the time and They. Are. Amazing.
1) pull them out the freezer and let them defrost on a paper towel for about an hour.
2) heat a little oil in a medium-high pan Andy let it get hot enough to to shimmer
3) Add the gnocchis and cook for about 3-4 minutes until they brown on that side, then rotate and cook for another 3-4 minutes on that side. i rotate about 3 times.
4) i just add a little garlic, spinach, pre-cooked crumbled chicken sausage, and sauce.
It is so good. I hope you try it again!
Sheaffer says
Great tip, Jill! I’ll try defrosting them first!!!! Thanks!
Julie says
I will also pop mine in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes after cooking and that gets the sweet potato gnocchi crispy. We haven’t tried the stuffed ones yet but they are in my freezer!
Shay Shull says
Awe!! You shared my recipes!!! Thank you so much sweet friend!!! xoxoxo
Julie Bradford says
ok I bought the cleanser a few weeks ago when the jumbo size went on sale.. I also bought the travel size to take on trips!!!! 🙂 thanks so much for this code b/c I am going to stock up!!!! I LOVE IT.. I can’t wait to wash my face every night!!!!! I am buying several for friends for birthday presents and hope they love it as much as I do!!!!! it’s the bomb!!!! THANKS AGAIN!!!!
Sheaffer says
I love hearing this, Julie! People that haven’t tried it wonder what in the heck all the hype is about, BUT THEN THEY TRY IT AND THEY UNDERSTAND!!!! You’ve got some very lucky friends! xoxo
Robin says
The frozen sweet potato fries from Trader Joes are delicious. I live an hour and a half away from the nearest location, so I tried some from the grocery store. They aren’t nearly as good as the TJ ones.. A few months back I picked up a snack bag of dark chocolate toffee almonds at the checkout. They were so good I made myself ration them to make them last. I couldn’t find them the last time I went and nearly cried. Also, would you say the mesh sneakers you are wearing in the photos lean more pink or tan? I have some very cute pink sneaks (from Walmart,no less!) and I want a pair of tan ones, although I am crushing on the red. I am from Missouri and a big KC Chiefs fan and think the red mesh sneaker would look awesome with the new Chiefs shirt I want.
Sheaffer says
I would say they are taupe and they have a hint of blush in them? I’m so bad at describing colors!!!! Hope this helps a little, Robin! xoxo
Katherine Zenus says
Love your blog! If you like Trader Joe’s, check out my new handle on IG – @traderjoes_a_to_z. I post about a different TJ’s product every day and love to try their new products!
Emily says
I just wanted to say how refreshing it is to read a non sponsored post from you. No judgment as I understand this is a source of income, but I find myself just skipping over everything lately when I see it’s sponsored. I like reading about things you like to post about on your own volition, not something you picked bc there is a sponsor. I could be in the minority, but just letting you know. Thanks for today!
Sheaffer says
Hi, Emily! I appreciate your feedback and the kind way you presented it. For the future, it is my hope that you don’t automatically assume that sponsored content is inauthentic. For example, I have a Nordstrom sponsored post tomorrow, and it is FULL of pieces that I love and HIGHLY recommend. If you skip over tomorrow’s post just because it’s sponsored, you are going to miss an awesome pair of jeans, a dolman sleeve cardi that I love, and some DARLING flats. Give sponsored posts a chance! I work very hard on the content that appears in sponsored posts, and I hope you and others don’t automatically assume that I’m talking about an item “just because it’s sponsored”. But again, I do truly appreciate your feedback and the kind way that you shared it. xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Beth Wilson says
Ordered the cleanser today and can’t wait to try it. I also order the acne treatment for my daughter.
Sheaffer says
Y’all will love it, Beth!!!
Kelly Lane Nation says
I love that stripped sweatshirt. I ordered the other sweatshirt from AE in black and I love it. What color are those mesh sneakers? Sorry if it says that somewhere above… they look so cute on you and make your legs look longer.
Sheaffer says
Hi, Kelly! They are called “apricot”! They are like a great neutral taupe with a hint of blush! I love them! xoxo, Sheaffer 🙂
Debbie Robinson says
Hi Shaeffer.
This comment is totally off the subject but I have to thank you for the recommendation for the Revlon hair dryer!!!! It has changed my life…No joke. I have struggled for years with slightly curly unmanageable hair. Now , it has never been better My friends can’t believe the difference so I know I’m not making this up. Seriously, I will never be to thank you enough,
Debbie Robinson
Sheaffer says
I love this, Debbie!!!!!!! Thanks for taking the time to leave this comment! xoxo
Bethany says
The red dress is a amazing find! It will be great for Sundays this fall – thank you (again!)!