Friday Pick-Six: 7/28/17

Here's what we're loving and living for this week!

1.  If you follow us on Instagram (and you should), you might have seen me enjoying an Aperol Spritz at brunch earlier this week.  Apparently, they're all the rage in Rome and it was the perfect summer cocktail.  Here's a recipe you can try to make them at home.

2.  You know how much we love the Duchess of Cambridge!  The awesome gals at Go Fug Yourself had a great compilation post of all the amazing outfits she wore on a recent trip to Poland and Germany.  Love this gal!

3.  If you're looking for something to do with overripe bananas, then you have to try this banana bread recipe from Smitten Kitchen.  My tip is to freeze bananas in a Ziploc bag as they start to go bad (peel them first!), then when you have enough, just defrost and use them in the recipe.  You can also supplement with a little applesauce if you're short. --J

4.  During the Nordstrom Sale, I decided to splurge on the Beachwaver Rotating Curling Iron and can't wait to give it a try!  Look for a review post sometime soon! --R

5.  In other royal news, there are several TV specials about the late Diana, Princess of Wales in honor of the 20th anniversary of her death.  Entertainment Weekly has a list of all of them, our favorite of which was the HBO special (which you can watch on HBO Go).  It featured in-depth interviews with the Princes and personal photographs.

6.  If you're looking for a great, quick workout, try this Body by Simone for Sweaty Betty 35 minute whole body workout!

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below.  Also, we might be a little lighter on content next week with our vacation coming up.  Be sure to follow us on Instagram for vacay pics!

Nordstrom Anniversary Sale: The Best of What's Left!

As you might already know, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale has opened to everyone!  There are still a lot of great items left.  We decided to round up our favorites that are still in stock.  This is always changing, so if you see something you like, snap it up now!

1.  Zella High Waist Leggings ($35.90 Sale--After Sale $54)
2.  Beach Waver Professional Rotating Curling Iron ($167 Sale--After Sale $250)
3.  Sam Edelman Camellia Tall Boot ($149.90 Sale--After Sale $224.95)
4.  Gibson Tie Front Cozy Fleece Pullover ($39.90 Sale--After Sale $59)
5.  Spanx Faux Leather Leggings ($64.90 Sale--After Sale $98)
6.  Madewell Paint Stripe Leather Tote ($129.90 Sale--After Sale $198)

Did you purchase anything from the Nordstrom sale?  Let us know what you've got your eye on in the comments below and don't forget--prices go up on August 7th!!

Rainy Day Funfetti Cookies

Hey there, it's Jess.  I know summer isn't exactly a typical time for baking, but on a recent rainy day, I was looking for an activity to do with the kiddo that would not involve watching Moana for the 50th time.  I checked back through my Pinterest page and found these Funfetti Sugar Cookies from the always great Cupcakes and Cashmere blog.  The original recipe is from the fantastic Gaby at What's Gaby Cooking (Seriously, you guys, her blog is straight up beautiful!)  I knew this would be just the project for a gloomy day AND I already had all the ingredients in our pantry.  Win, win!

You probably have all this stuff already!  

These cookies follow a traditional cookie method.  After creaming butter and sugar together, you'll mix in the eggs and vanilla.  My tip is that I always crack the eggs into a separate bowl (in case I get any shells) and whisk them with a fork a little before combining.  I find this helps incorporate them more quickly.  

Mix it up!

Then mix in the dry ingredients.  Again, I always mix them together first, to speed up the process.  This is especially helpful if you (like me) are baking with a somewhat impatient toddler who keeps demanding to "add the sprinkles, now!"  Also, don't over mix at this stage, you don't want to develop the gluten too much or you'll get harder cookies.  Now, it's time for the sprinkles!

Sprinkle City, here we come!

Mix them in and then chill your dough.  This was kind of annoying, but it will help the cookies keep their shape while baking.  The recipe recommends at least two hours of chilling time.  We stuck with "the length of a toddler nap", which as just shy of that amount. (Yes, my three year old still naps everyday!  #blessed!)

Just chillax!

After chilling, you'll scoop and roll the dough into balls.  My kid was totally into this part, until I told her that she couldn't eat it just yet.  Anyway, once you're here, you'll need to chill them again for about 15 minutes.  Although these are going to be those spread out bakery-style sugar cookies, you don't want them to spread out too much.  I tried to speed this up by chilling in the freezer, but I'd say my later batches were more successful.  

Chill again! (I know...)

Finally, you're ready to bake these babies for 9-11 minutes (or 12 if you're using the convection setting).  Cool them on the tray for a couple of minutes before removing them to cool on a wire rack. At last, it's cookie time!

At last--cookie success!

They were crispy, sugary and a hit with everyone in our household!  Give them a try the next time you're stuck inside on a rainy day and let us know how you like them in the comments below!

The TTO Summer Reading List: Non-Fiction

A while back, our mom, the TTO resident book expert, gave you her picks for fiction reading this summer.  Well, we teamed up with her today with her picks for non-fiction reading.  Here's what you need to download/put on hold at your local library right now!

When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi:  We first heard about this book from one of our favorite bloggers, Joanna Goddard at Cup of Jo.  It was written by her late brother-in-law and chronicles his battle with lung cancer from the unique perspective of being a neurosurgeon himself.

Wedding Toasts I'll Never Give by Ada Calhoun: This memoir about the ups and downs of marriage is based on the author's popular Modern Love essay (and subsequent podcast, read by the fantastic Kathryn Hahn).

Stories I'd Tell in Bars by Jen Lancaster:  Jen is one of our favorite authors and her memoirs are always hilarious!  This one gets released tomorrow, so we plan to read it on the beach on our vacation!

A Low Country Heart by Pat Conroy:  We've always been fans of the late, great Pat Conroy and this memoir gives some insight into his life as a writer.

The Wonder of Birds by Jim Robbins: This was one of Mom's picks for the summer.  "Everything you've ever wanted to know about our feathered friends."

Astrophysics in a Hurry by Neil deGrasse Tyson: Another one of Mom's picks--read this one on the beach if you want to look and feel smart!

The Bright Hour by Nina Riggs: A memoir from a mom struggling with cancer.  Get the Kleenex, gang.

The Rainbow Comes and Goes by Anderson Cooper and Gloria Vanderbilt:  Journalist Anderson Cooper and his famous socialite mother share their life stories in an interesting and compelling way.  Each chapter shares a conversation between the two that depicts both their shared experiences and complicated pasts.  Very compelling!

Are you planning on reading any non-fiction this summer?  Let us know your favorites in the comments below!

Friday Pick-Six: 7/21/17

Here's what we are loving and living for this week!

1.  As you know, we love podcasts with a little suspense and intrigue.  Our latest favorite is the Up and Vanished podcast.  Filmmaker Payne Lindsey investigated the disappearance of a Georgia teacher and former beauty queen.  We aren't caught up yet, but we are totally hooked at the mystery and investigation.  If you're caught up--no spoilers yet!

2.  If you're a regular reader, you know we love pretty much everything Deb from Smitten Kitchen does.  Recently, Jess's husband made Deb's Easiest Fridge Dill Pickles and they're amazing!  These pickles are crispy and delicious and avoid the headache of canning from traditional pickle recipes.  For a great twist, add a few cloves of garlic or a sliced spicy pepper!

Love these pickles (but hate that chipped manicure!)

3.  One of the best nail polish bloggers out there, Kindra at Essie Envy had a great round-up of the best blue polishes for summer.  Her swatches are always super accurate, so check her out if you're looking for a great blue for your manicure or pedicure this week!

How great is this Essie color, Perfect Posture!

4.  Folks are talking about the movie we're heading to this weekend, The Big Sick.  It's based on the real-life relationship between the movie's star (and one of our faves from the HBO show Silicon Valley) Kumail Nanjani and his wife.  We've heard that it's moving and funny, so we'll be checking it out this weekend!

5.  We all get busy and fitting in workouts can be a challenge when you're busy with work, family or whatever.  This article from The Everygirl this week had some great tips on how to make sure you make it work!

6.  Earlier this week, I noticed that my boss was wearing a great scent.  She told me it was this Almond Oil from L'Occitan.  It's a little pricey, but I'm considering splurging on it because it smelled so amazing! --R

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!

Sandals Round-Up: Under $50!

Even though we still have plenty of time left in Sandal Season, many stores are marking down their summer shoes to make room for boots.  Here's a few of our favorite sandals at less than $50!  Just shop fast while supplies last!

1.  Jack Rogers Ali
2.  Target dv Bailey Slides
3.  Steve Madden Diora
4.  Target Maeve Gladiator Sandals
5.  JCrew Factory Morgan Ikat Peep-Toe Sandals
6.  Sam Edelman Boyden Sandals

Have you scooped up any stylish sandals on sale?  Let us know where in the comments below and happy shopping!

Homemade Raspberry Gelato

It's Jess, friends!  A couple of years ago, my husband planted a raspberry bush in our backyard near the garden.  We didn't know how it would do and if it would produce many berries.  Even in its first year, it produced more raspberries than we could even eat!  Now each summer, I'm looking for easy recipes that use up these tasty berries before they get too mushy.  A quick Pinterest search turned up this super easy recipe from a blog called Apple a Day.  The only challenge is that you have to let the mixture set for at least 4 hours, so you'll want to plan ahead if you're planning to serve this.

In terms of special equipment--you'll need a blender or food processor to start and an ice cream maker to finish this off.  We have an older model which was a wedding present, but this one looks great, too. You always want to chill the base before use. (We just keep it in our freezer all the time so we can have ice cream whenever we want.)

The kiddo and I decided to tackle this on a particularly hot day last week.  We assembled our ingredients and got to work.

To start, we blended the berries, milk and sugar in our blender.  We then poured it into a glass bowl (the recipe recommends a "non-reactive" bowl) then mixed in the heavy cream until combined.  You don't want to whip the cream too much!

We folded in our lime juice (thought that would be a great combo with the raspberry) and covered the bowl and refrigerated the mixture for a few hours.

After a nap, workout and walk around the block, I got out the ice cream maker.  Here's where you want to follow the directions for your specific model of ice cream maker.  Every model will be a little different.  Also, check your machine's capacity.  Our model was too small to accommodate this entire recipe, so we had to do it in two batches.  After I did a little math to figure that out, we started the machine.  With ours, it ran for about 25 minutes until it thickened and turned off the machine.  Looks a lot like gelato to me!

Then I put it back into the freezer for a few hours to harden up while the second batch churned.  Then we dug into it post-dinner!

It was delicious and super fresh tasting.  The hint of lime was perfectly summery!  I loved that we could use our raspberries, but you could sub in any berries or fresh fruit.  Once the Red Haven Peaches are out, we plan to try those!

Would you try making gelato at home?  If you give it a try, let us know in the comments how it turned out!

Five Fave Face Masks

Our latest beauty obsession has been face masks.  There are so many affordable options on the market to address a plethora of skin concerns.  Your skin concerns might be varied (like ours) but for reference, Jess has some combination skin with some redness concerns and Ryan is looking for anti-aging benefits.  We've tried out quite a few but wanted to bring you five of our current favorites.  There are lots of designer brands, but we decided to stick with masks you could grab at Target, Ulta or a regular drug store.

1.  Yes to Miracle Oil Calm and Soothe PrimRose Oil Mask: This clay-based mud mask features a natural soothing agent (PrimRose oil) to tame redness and purify your skin.  I tried this after a run, which makes my redness flare up.  There was a noticeable difference afterwards.  My skin looked less red and felt smooth.  The results only stayed until my next workout, but they were nice while they lasted! --J

2.  Miss Spa Restore and Brighten 24k Gold Radiance Mask: Gold-based masks have been a celebrity trend for quite a while.  They are supposed to soothe skin and anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties.  I recently tried this version, and I found it did make my skin look a little brighter and feel much softer. Twin Tip:  the package says you can just pat your skin dry after use- I found that left (way!) too much sparkle on my face for my liking.  I did a quick rinse with cool water and that was much better for me. --R

3.  Yes to Grapefruit Brightening Vitamin C Paper Mask:  Paper masks are a big trend right now so I checked this one out.  I didn't notice a big difference on the few darker spots I have around my eyes, but I did think my skin looked a little brighter and pores looked good.  I did find the application a little tricky though.  I always find paper masks a little challenging to get into just the right spot for coverage but you might have an easier time than I did. --J

4.  L'Oreal Pure Clay Masks:  I am a sucker for cool looking packaging, and I was drawn into a display of these masks while at my local Target.  I ended up buying the red Exfoliate and Refine mask and the black Detox and Brighten versions.  The red one really did make my skin feel smoother and the black helped clean my pores.  Both versions left my skin feeling refreshed and looking brighter.   Lately, I've been using both of these at the same time- the black in my T-zone (just like the boys of Friends!) and the red on the rest of my face.  --R

5. Yes to Miracle Oil Brighten and Condition Argan Oil Mud Mask: This mask has both clay for drawing out toxins and argan oil to brighten your skin.  I was hesitant because I have found that clay-based masks tend to dry out my skin.  However, I found this one to be a little more moisturizing than I was expecting.  Also, my skin really was glowing for a day or two after I used it.  Worth it! --J

Are you a fan of face masks?  What is your favorite drug store face mask find?  Let us know in the comments below!

TTO the Workout: Our Favorite DVDs

We love to get in a great Pure Barre workout or go for a run (okay, well, Jess TOLERATES going for a run), but somedays, it's just too hard to get out of the house.  One of our favorite ways to work out is using DVDs at home.  We look for workouts that are simple to understand, use little equipment (Basics like hand weights or a mat are okay) and take 30-45 minutes to complete.  We've tried SO many of these, but we thought we would share some of our favorites.  (DISCLAIMER: We are decidedly not fitness professionals, so consult your doctor and proceed as she/he sees fit!)

Tracy Anderson Method: Express: Tracy Anderson is a popular celebrity trainer who has tons of DVD options.  You've seen Tracy's handiwork with celebs like Gwyneth or JLo.  Amazing, right?   Tracy's workouts combine dance cardio (more on this later) and a combination of small weights/movements and lots of reps.  This DVD is great because it contains 6 different 10-minute workouts that target different areas.  You can choose just one, combine them (Jess likes to do arms-upper body-abs together) or do them all for one 60 minute mega workout!

The Firm: Ignite Calorie Burn: As kids, our babysitter always used to workout with The Firm DVDs.  They have tons of DVDs and feature all kinds of workouts.  We like this one because of its HIIT-style circuits.  Try and do it without sweating...not possible.

Tracy Anderson Dance + Cardio: Here's Tracy's version of cardio, which features dancing in a mostly-easy to follow format.  It is a lot of jumping around, so if you want to keep it low impact, skip this one.  We like the calorie burn here, but the music is a little lacking.  We like to add our own playlist in the background once we get the choreography down pat.

Totally Fit by Mel B: Yep, Mel B from the Spice Girls (Scary Spice) has a workout DVD and it's pretty good.  It features several different small workouts that you can combine together, including two cardio options.  It's a lot of traditional squats, lunges and such, but it's efficient and Mel is pretty darn likable.

The Barre Method Super Sculpting Workout: Yes, we are sworn Pure Barre gals, but this workout is a great at-home option.   We don't have a barre, but just use the back of a dining room chair or kitchen counter to get the same effect.

Do you workout at home with DVDs?  If so, what are your personal favorites?  Let us know in the comments below!

Friday Pick-Six: 7/14/17

Here's what we're loving and living for this week!

1.  Is avocado toast still a thing?  Anyway, as much as I like that, I decided to switch it up and try zucchini toast, thanks to the overload of zucchini that our garden has started to kick out.  I adapted this recipe from Real Simple and served them alongside tomato soup on a rainy afternoon.  I added a little crushed red pepper flake onto mine and used aged white cheddar cheese (because that's what we had and it's the kiddo's favorite).   The results were so great, I decided to repeat the same with some soft scrambled eggs the next morning for breakfast.  Just look at this, gang!  Instagram-worthy if I do say so myself! --J

2.  Game of Thrones comes back on Sunday at 9:00 PM on HBO.  Each season features more crazy twists and surprising deaths so we can't wait to see what's in store!

3.  One of our favorite bloggers and Today Show correspondent, Siri Daly announced this week that she's working on a cook book!  Can you say pre-order?

4.  One of our favorite guilty pleasure shows is back!  Odd Mom Out premiered its new season on Bravo on Wednesday and we couldn't be more excited!  If you haven't watched, it follows Jill, a New York mom trying to have it all and fit into society and her husband's crazy family.  Our favorite character is Brooke!

5.  All of the sunscreen and time outside in the summer can dry out your skin.  That's why finding a great exfoliator can be important.  One of our favorite inexpensive options is Yes to Coconuts Polishing Body Scrub.  It smells great and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft.

6.  You probably read on literally every blog this week (including ours) that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started this week.  How great are these shoes that are in Ry's cart right now?

What are you loving and living for this week?  Let us know in the comments below and TGIF!

Zucchini Bread

Jess here, with another recipe!  If you have a summer garden, then you are probably looking for recipes to use with your zucchini around this time of year.  One of our favorite ways to use zucchini is to make our Aunt Margaret's famous zucchini bread.  We're not sure where she got the original recipe, but this is a crowd pleaser that we make all summer long!  Lucky for you, the recipe makes two loaves, so you can have one for yourself and one to share!  Or you can do what I often do and slice and freeze the extra loaf.  Then you can reheat it in the microwave or toaster.  Easy, fast AND it has vegetables!  Need I say more?

On to the recipe:

Aunt Maggie's Zucchini (makes 2 loaves)

• 3 1/2 cups flour **see note**
• 1 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1 tsp salt
• 3/4 tsp baking powder
• 1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice **see note**
• 4 eggs
• 2 cups sugar
• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil
• 1 tsp vanilla 
• 2 cups grated zucchini
• 1 cup walnuts, chopped

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees (or 325 convection) and spray 2 loaf pans with non-stick spray (you can skip this step with a non-stick pan). Grate the zucchini.  You can do this by hand with a box grater or with a Cuisinart or food processor using the grating attachment.  (I do this and it saves SO much time!) Combine the dry ingredients in a medium bowl.

In a large bowl, whisk the eggs until foamy.  Gradually add the sugar, oil and vanilla then whisk to combine.

Hopefully your sous chef won't lose interest as early as mine did!

Alternately add the dry ingredients and zucchini and combine.  I like to start with flour and then zucchini and do no more than 3 additions, to avoid over-mixing.  So, it goes something like 1/3 flour mixture, 1/2 zucchini (stir), 1/3 flour mixture, 1/2 zucchini (stir) 1/3 flour mixture (stir).  I like to use a folding motion and mix just until combined.  Finally, fold in the walnuts.

In the middle of mixing

Separate your batter between the two loaf pans.  If you're fancy, you can measure or weigh your loaves to make sure they're exactly even.  I just eye-ball this, as I've done it lots of times.

Ready for the oven!

Bake for 55-65 minutes (My convection oven takes longer to bake, but makes a crunchier crust).  You can tell they're done when a tester toothpick comes out clean.  Cool on a rack (I like to cool them for just a bit before removing them from the pans) and enjoy!  If you plan to freeze a loaf, let it cool and then slice it.  I place the slices on a sheet pan or tray in the freezer first, to keep them from freezing to one another.  I suppose you could freeze it as a loaf, but for us, this makes grabbing a slice on the way out the door much easier.

**Notes**

• I often use 2 1/2 cups regular flour and 1 cup of whole wheat flour.  I'm sure Aunt Maggie wouldn't do this, but I find it doesn't impact the flour or texture but adds a little fiber.
• The original recipe calls for a teaspoon of cinnamon, but I like to substitute pumpkin pie spice.  People always ask if there's a special something added and I think it's this twist that makes it unique.

So there you have it!   Delicious bread AND you don't have to worry about all those zucchini in your garden going to waste!

Do you like zucchini bread?  Try it out and let us know how it goes in the comments below!

Twins Take on the Sale: Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Preview!

The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale happens every August. Tons of great brands go on sale and you can preview the fall selection, too.  Luckily, the sale opens to Nordstrom cardholders TOMORROW, July 13th (and to everyone on the 21st)!  The sale prices are good until August 6th, but great stuff often goes out of stock sooner rather than later.  Our best advice is if you see something you like, check out quickly and take advantage of free shipping and free returns!

Nordstrom recently released its Anniversary catalog which previews all the sale styles you'll be grabbing!  This catalog is also an excellent way to predict fall trends, too.  Here are some of our favorites from the catalog!

Halogen Tie Hem Sweater (sale price $49.90)

Kendra Scott Rae necklace (sale price $49.90)

lulu dk Love Letters Spinning Initial Necklace (sale price $44.90)

Frye Melissa Whipstitch Leather Hobo (sale price $284.90)

Sperry Saltwater Spray Wedge Rain Book (sale price $84.90)

Zella Turning Point High Waist Crop Leggings (sale price $42.90)

Nike Free Focus Flyknit 2 Training Shoe (sale price $89.90)

Philosophy Purity Made Simple Trio (sale price $55)

JCrew Graphic Shirt (sale price $25)

Check out the catalog and get ready to shop!  Are you planning to shop the Anniversary Sale?  Let us know what you're looking for in the comments below!  Happy Shopping!