Another Great Rue La La Boutique

Tomorrow's Rue La La boutique will feature both men's and women's fashions from Ted Baker. I had never heard of this designer till their Rue La La boutique last year where I got this fabulous dress.

I looked at the preview of what will be featured and I have my eyes on this super cute orange, short sleeve dress. Can't wait till tomorrow at 11am!

Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

Menu Monday

This week's menu is a little boring because it's a short week for us. I am trying a new recipe and hopefully it will turn out well and I have something else to add to the rotation of meals.

Monday - Chicken Slenders (see below for recipe), Side Salad, Corn on the Cob
Tuesday - Grilled Cheese, Side Salad
Wednesday - Dinner with my friend
Thursday - Homemade Spaghetti
Friday - Subway (on our way to PA)
Saturday - Yummy picnic food at my MIL's Labor Day Picnic

Chicken Slenders (from Fitness Magazine)
Serves 4 (I cut the recipe in half for me an Hubby)

12 ounces skinlesss, boneless, chicken breast halves
1 egg slightly beaten
1 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon prepared mustard
2 cups cornflakes, finely crushed
Dash of black pepper

1. Preheat oven to 450F. Cut chicken into 3 by 3/4 inch strips. In a shallow dish combine egg, honey, and mustard. In another dish, stir together cornflake crumbs and pepper.

2. Dip chicken strips into the egg mixture. roll in crumb mixture to coat. Arrange chicken strips on an ungreased baking sheet.

3. Bake about 12 minutes or until outsides are golden and chicken is no longer pink.


UPDATE - Chicken Slenders was a successful new recipe. Definitely recommend.

Weekend Recap

This weekend Hubby and I went to Rockville's Uncorked Wine Fest. We had so much fun. The festival had local Maryland wineries set up in the Town Center. I ended up buying 4 bottles of wine. Three from Boordy Vineyards and one from Solomon's Island Winery.

From Boordy I bought the Seyval-Vidal-Chardonnay, Shiraz, and Riesling. And from Solomon's Island I bought the White Merlot. I had never had White Merlot before and this one was so tastey! I also sampled Terrapin Station's Sangria and OMG it was sooo delicious. I wanted to buy their Rose' that they made it with but they were all out. :( I'm going to see where I can buy it around here so I can make this delicious drink. I've included the Sangria recipe below.

Ingredients:
1 box of TSW Five Rivers Rose'
1 can (11.5 oz) of San Pellegrino limonata or aranciata (sparkling lemon or orange soda) OR substitute 1 cup club soda/sparkling water and 1/3 cup orange or lemon juice
1/2 cup sugar

1/4 cup Rose's Sweetened Lime JuiceFRUIT - use any combination or all to your taste & liking
2-3 slices each of lemon, lime, orange
about 1/2 cup each of berries (blackberries, raspberries, & strawberries)NOTE: (Optionally - mascerate berries in sugar/orange juice (or liquer such as Grand Marnier/ Cointreau / Brandy) for an hour or more or overnight

about 1/2 cup each of diced apples & pears NOTE: use firm, tart cooking apples such as Braeburn, Pink Lady or Granny Smith

In a large pitcher:
Mix the soda, sugar, & lime juice to melt the sugar
Add fruit
Add box of Rose' wine
Add a cup or two of ice

I didn't take a lot of pictures this weekend but here are a few -

Need Your Help!

I need your help again. I'm in need of a pair of tall brown boots to wear over my skinny jeans. I don't want to spend too much (definitely not over $200). Please leave comments with your suggestions or email me at christinasfavoritethings AT gmail DOT com. Thanks!!!!

Favorite Thing #178 - NARS Bronzer

I owe Favorite Thing #178 to all of you! When I asked for your help on a good bronzer, I got an overwhelming response with the recommendation of NARS' bronzer in Laguna. I took your advice and I couldn't be happier with this choice. It's the perfect bronze color and there are barely any sparkles (which my old one had and I hated). The description at Sephora says that this bronzer has a golden shimmer but I really don't think it does. I've also found that this product doesn't wear off as easily. My old one would get all over my clothes and hands (which then got on my papers at work). The bronzer is $30 at Sephora and I think it's going to last me a long time. I'm two for two now with NARS products (see Favorite Thing #123). Anyone have any other NARS products they love?

Still LOVE Favorite Thing #178. I can't wait for fall weather and dark finger nails!! OPI's We'll Always Have Paris is top of my list of fall finger nail colors! What are some of your favorites?

Amazing Deal!!!!

Thank you to Fantabulously Frugal for sharing this amazing deal. Restaurant.com is a site that offers gift certificates to various restaurants in your area at a discounted rate. For example you can get a $25 gift certificate for $10. Great deal right! Well this deal just got better. With coupon code TASTE you can get these $25 certificates for $2. AMAZING!!! I just ordered three - Baci (an Italian restaurant in Rockville I've wanted to try), and two other restaurants in Bethesda.

It's super easy to order. Just sign up, fill out the usual forms (name, address, credit card, etc.). There is no tax or shipping. After your payment goes through, then you will need to print each of the certificates. The only caution of this deal is beware of the fine print such as not good on alcohol, must have a minimum purchase of $35, etc.

I've got $$$ to spend...

My boss was very generous and gave us all $300 Visa gift cards. I want to use the money to update some of my fall/winter wardrobe. Here are some of the things I have my eye on. I can't get it all so tell me what do you think I should get? What other good fall clothes are out there?

J.Crew Ruffle Rose Dress ($78.00)

J.Crew Dressy jersey pleated Pilar dress ($78.00)

Anthropologie Somerset Cape ($158.00)

Anthropologie Puckered & Pleated Cardigan ($128.00)

Anthropologie Gentle Current Cardigan ($88.00)

Anthropologie Boucle Cape ($148.00)

Anthropologie Tie Front Cardigan ($78.00)

Great Deal!

This deal only pertains to those that live in the DC area (sorry). As I was riding to work this morning, I heard this week's HOT 99.5 half off deal - $50 Gift Certificate to a DC Jouvence Aveda Spa for $25 (plus $3.75 shipping)! I was sooo excited because Favorite Thing #176 is Rockville's Jouvence Aveda Spa. I get almost all of my beauty treatments from there! I jumped on this offer and bought one. I'm going to use it for a facial with Lucas (Sarah, one of the morning DJ's raved about his facial). This gift certificate can be used at the Jouvence Aveda's in Pentagon City and Reston. If you live near any of these three locations I would definitely take advantage of this offer to pamper yourself. Last time I checked there were 82 remaining. Your gift certificate will be mailed within 7-10 business days. Click here for the offer.

Menu Monday (a day late)

Sorry this week's Menu Monday is a day late. I ended up staying home sick from work yesterday with a crazy migraine.

Monday - Tuna Sandwiches and Macaroni and Cheese
Tuesday - Cheeseburgers on the Grill
Wednesday - Dinner at Cafe Deluxe with a friend
Thursday - Pizza (Hubby has his fantasy football draft at our house)
Friday - TBD
Saturday - Eating at the Rockville Town Square at the Wine Festival

Weekend Recap

This weekend we went back to Pennsylvania for my cousin's wedding. She got married at Downingtown Country Club. It's was a beautiful cermony and the reception was sooo much fun! My sister and I were bridesmaids and my brother was a groomsman. The wedding colors were deep purple and yellow. Everything looked soo nice. Here are some pictures from the weekend's events.

UPDATE - The dress I wore to the rehearsal dinner is by fabulous designer Molly! I discovered her through Pretty and Pink Megan. She has some amazing designs. Check her Ellen and Ollie line out here.

Me and the bride to be

Some of my family

The bridesmaids getting our gift - jewelry

Waiting to walk down the aisle

Saying I do

Me and Hubby

Me and my aunt

The first dance

Me and my Noni (grandmother)

Parents of the Bride (my aunt and uncle) - They are amazing dancers!

Me and the Bride (my cousin)

More of Hubby and I

Me and my little sister

My sister and I with our Mommy

Me and my siblings

Another Great Rue La La Boutique

Vera Bradley boutique is happening tomorrow at Rue La La! Make sure you check it out!

Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

Did you know...

...that if you have an iPhone you can shop at one my favorite sites - Rue La La! And for those of you that do have an iPhone if you shop at Rue La La this week using the mobile site you get an iPhone cover and a $25 iTunes gift card. I'm so jealous! The mobile site is m.ruelala.com.

Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

Favorite Thing #177 - The Time Traveler's Wife

I absolutely LOVE this book! Favorite Thing #177 - The Time Traveler's Wife is definitely on my list of the top 25 best books I've read. My friend Shannon told me I had to read it so I immediately got it from Amazon (thank you free two day shipping) and started reading it. I got it about three weeks before the movie came out so my goal was to have it done by then. I ended up reading it in about three pool visits. I couldn't put the book down. It's such an amazing love story that just so happens to involve time travel. One of the reasons I really enjoyed this book is the way they developed the love story and how you got to know their "courtship". Like any love story the book has its amazing, make you smile ear to ear moments and then others that make you cry so hard (during those moments Hubby would turn to me and say are you really crying over a book). It's a must read and I won't go into any details so I don't ruin it for you.

This weekend I went and say the movie, The Time Traveler's Wife. I was sooo excited to see one of my favorite books play out on film. I seriously think I watched the trailer 50 times. Unfortunately I can't say I super happy with the movie but I also think my expectations were way too high. Rachel McAdams was amazing in the role of Clare. She is just gorgeous and played the role exactly as I thought Clare's character would be. I wasn't impressed with Eric Bana, he never really "aged" like Henry was supposed to and I just didn't there was a deep love connection between him and Clare. The "courtship" that I loved in the book was very absent in the movie but what can you expect when there is only two hours to tell the story. All in all I enjoyed the movie, I loved seeing it play out on screen.

My friend did a great review of the Book v Movie on her blog Everyday I Write The Book (there are spoilers in her post so read at your own will). She elaborates on a lot of the same feelings I have on the movie.

In my Banana Republic/Old Navy Shopping Cart...

Old Navy Women's Pintuck 3/4-Sleeve Tunics

Old Navy Women's Low-Rise Roll-Up Cargos

Banana Republic Dolman Sweater Top

Banana Republic Heritage Beaded Yolk Top

Banana Republic Heritage Drape Top

Banana Republic Silk Graphic Blouse

Review of some recent purchases

I've been really good about my shopping and not going too crazy. I've bought a few things recently so I thought I would review them. I can say that each purchase was under $10.
First up is this beautiful lavender shirt from BCBG. Cost - FREE. I bought this last week when BCBG had their RueLaLa boutique. Retails for $158, RueLaLa price $49, my cost $0. I had referral credit in my account so I didn't have to pay a single penny for this shirt. It's a great knit sleeveless shirt with ruffles. I love it!

Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

Next up is a an onyx ring from Farafield Jewelry. Hubby got my a pearl ring from her Etsy store for my birthday so I was looking at what else she had and I found this ring on clearance for $9. The price was too good to be true. I wear a lot of black so I knew I would get a lot of use out of it. The Farafield Etsy shop is currently closed while she is on vacation.

And last I got this cute Mariposa silver cocktail napkin holder via One Kings Lane. We entertain so much and this is going to be a perfect addition to my serving pieces. Retail price $44, One Kings Lane cost $22, my cost $9.95. I had a $20 credit from them for recently signing up so I really only paid for shipping and taxes.

One Kings Lane is by invitation (like Rue La La) so either leave me a comment with your email address or email me at christinasfavoritethings@gmail.com and I will send you an invite.

Loving This!

Last week The Thrifty Stylist blogged about this Heirloom necklace and I LOVE IT! It's such a unique way of capturing a"family" in jewelry. There are five different charms of varying shapes and metals to represent you and your family.

1) itty bitty copper disc (3/8") - design stamp or letter

2) sterling silver raised edge disc (17mm) - 1/4" letter of last name or monogram of your initials

3) heavy gauge sterling silver bar (1") - 4 sided with 1/16" letters. I did my children on two sides and two other words (FAMILY and LOVE) on the other two

4) brass rectangle (16x12mm) - Wedding year, when you were "established"

5) sterling silver heart - with husband's name

I want one and I'm adding it to my Christmas list. The necklace is by Amy Cornwell Designs and she has some really amazing pieces. Definitely check her stuff out.

Favorite Thing #176 - Jovence Aveda in Rockville

Since moving to Rockville last year I've been on the hunt for a one stop beauty shop and I finally found it - Jouvence Aveda is Favorite Thing #176. There are three Jouvence salons in the DC area and I go to the one in Rockville. It is located in the Rockville Town Square (about a mile from my house). I've been going there for a few months now and I am really happy with the quality of their services, the customer service, and the prices aren't that bad. My favorite technicians to see are Lucas (eye brow wax), Elena (bikini wax), and Yan (hair). I also love that I can book my appointments online...so convenient. And when you do this you will also get email promotions. I've gotten several of my waxes 15-20% off!


It's no secret that I still love love love Favorite Thing #76 - Rue La La! It's the best shopping site. I've gotten soo many great deals. Rue La La is probably one of my top ten favorite things. Rue La La is a By-Invitation-Only Sample Sale site. Click Here to sign up using my personal invitation link. This link will grant you immediate access to the site after you sign up. (FYI - If you just sign up the regular way you will just be put on the waiting list.)

I'm sad to say that Favorite Thing #145 has died. My blackberry bit the dust yesterday. I had been having problems with it last week and yesterday it just died on me. Thankfully I had the phone for longer than 16 months so I was eligible for an AT&T rebate. I ended up upgrading mt phone to the Blackberry Bold.
So far I really like it and hopefully it will be a future favorite thing. It's a little bit bigger and heavier than my other phone but it's also faster. Stay tuned for a review in a few weeks.

Weekend Recap and Menu Monday

It was another laid back weekend for Hubby and I. Friday night I went and saw The Time Traveler's Wife (review to come this week). Saturday was spent at the pool and then dinner with friends for Hubby's birthday. Sunday we got a bunch of stuff done around the house (inside and out). Here's a pic of Hubby and I at dinner.


Menu Monday isn't very exciting this week because we are only home a few nights so we are eating whatever we have in the house.

Monday - French's Crunchy Onion Chicken and side salad
Tuesday - Homemade Spaghetti and Meatballs
Wednesday - Something on the grill
Thursday - Subway (on our way back to Allentown for my cousin's wedding)
Friday - Cousin's Rehearsal Dinner
Saturday - Cousin's Wedding Dinner (steak and lobster...yum!)

Favorite Thing #175 - Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Sink Organizer

I got Favorite Thing #175 because of an email I got from Amazon (one of those something you might like emails) and I'm so happy I did because I love this! The Oxo Good Grips Stainless Steel Sink Organizer is such an amazing little contraption. It keeps Favorite Thing#132 organized and out of the way. I put it right by the sink with the soap. It's the little things that keep my life happy and organized!

Still love Favorite Thing #75! Filigree earrings are definitely a staple in my accessories wardrobe. I have all different sizes and shapes that pretty much go with any outfit for work or play. They are a must have!