Charm City Ciemny's: July 2014

Thursday, July 31, 2014

Thursday Thoughts, Nordstrom Anniversary Sale

In case you haven't heard, the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is going on and that's all I have on my mind. Hurry because this sale only happens once a year and prices go up August 4th!!! So many items are currently on sale and if you shop online, you will receive free shipping and free returns no matter the size of your order. Don't forget to go through Ebates first so that you can earn cash back on your purchase :) Here's what I have my eye on...

For the home:

Letter Accent Pillow (This would be perfect in my living room)

White Tea Potpourri (I need more for the vases in my dining room and bedroom)

Counter Easel (Would be cute in my kitchen)

Voluspa Candle Trio (LOVE these candles and this set is perfect for gift giving!)

Beauty:

Philosophy Rasberry Sorbet (Multiple uses for this and I should stock up while it's on sale)

Michael Kors Set (I received this for Christmas and I love, love, love it!)

For me:

Burberry Tee (It's not very often Burberry goes on sale, might as well indulge)

Ugg Cambridge Boot (Because my dog chewed my old Uggs last year)

Kate Spade Initial Necklace (Love how it says "one in a million" on the back)

Cover Up (I NEED this for my honeymoon)

For Jon:

Burberry Polo (he can indulge too!)

Polo Boxer Briefs (3 for $24.90? You can't beat that!)

Tommy Bahama Lounge Shorts (I can see him wearing these on morning beach walks in Jamaica)

Under Armour T-shirt (He needs more of these but prefers crew neck)

I am joining this link up to share my thoughts for Thursday!

XoXo

Wednesday, July 30, 2014

The Rustic J.A.R Primitive Crafts

Today's post is dedicated to my best friend's business, The Rustic J.A.R Primitive Crafts. If you are local to the Baltimore area, her business is in Bel Air (just a hop, skip, and a jump away!). And if you aren't local to the Baltimore area, she offers shipping on most items (not furniture)- just shoot her an inquiry :)

You might remember the beautiful sign she made me for my bridal shower, see posts here and here. She can make one for you too! Just send her your information so she can personalize it for you.

Are you a Ravens or Orioles fan? Check out this standing star with lights. Just $25!

Some Fall items are already in. This hanging pumpkin is just $14.99!

I've had my eye on one of her ladders for a while- she has lots to choose from! This one is just $25.

She also shares some decorating ideas. Here is a piece from her front porch. Be sure to check out The Rustic J.A.R Primitive Crafts to see all of the amazing products they offer!

XoXo

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

Recipe, Rotini with Cannellini Beans and Spinach

I found my inspiration recipe here. As you can see, they use escarole and I chose to use spinach. Why? Well because I love spinach and I thought it would have a better flavor!

What you'll need:
1. Rotini pasta
2. Olive oil
3. Parmesan cheese
4. Spinach
5. Garlic
6. Can of cannellini beans
7. Crushed red pepper

What to do:
1. Cook your pasta and drain.
2. On medium heat add about 2 tablespoons of EVOO (olive oil), about 6 chopped garlic cloves, and 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper to your skillet. Cook until brown.

3. Add spinach and cook until it begins to wilt. Reduce to low heat.

4. Combine cooked pasta, spinach mix, and can of beans (drained).
5. Top with shaved Parmesan cheese!

XoXo

Friday, July 25, 2014

MissionCute July 2014

Early this week my first MissionCute Box arrived at my house and I can't even describe how happy I was. This is a monthly subscription box and it's just $29! The best part about it? Each month, MissionCute gives 50% of net proceeds to a non profit organization. What was this months charity, you may ask? LoveGrows!

Here's a little background: "In late 2009, we were just 12 strangers assembled to bring a medical mission to the Royal School & Orphanage in Mityana, Uganda. We had no idea how our lives would be altered forever. During our 14 days abroad, we befriended 700 orphaned victims of an AIDs-ravaged, war-torn country. Our experience made it impossible to return home and do nothing to help, so we simply decided to act. LoveGrows was born on May 22, 2010. LoveGrows is now a conglomeration of churches, businesses, families and individuals who share a common vision of helping orphans in need. Through this network of support, we find the resources necessary to make a positive, sustainable impact on those we serve. Our Mission is to sustain and empower orphans in need through the giving of monetary, intellectual and relational resources. Everything we do centers around our primary objective: how can we increase the health, education and self-sufficiency of the orphans we are helping? While the support of American and other donors is a viable short-term solution, it is only a stepping stone to future independence. From agriculture to education to clean water, we always "feed the man while teaching him to fish.” Long term sustainability is always at the forefront of our projects. We work to establish connections between those who are willing to give and those who need to receive. Through financial giving, our partner organizations and individuals supply basic needs to orphans who would otherwise go without. In addition to finances, our Project Partners also give their time, expertise and networks, allowing us to channel intellectual and material resources to our sustainability projects."

Now on to the box! To say it arrived beautifully packaged is an understatement. I felt like I was opening a gift... and I was! A gift from myself :) And I have to say it feels good to know that I'm giving back as well.

Love Monogram Necklace

Bee Happy Print

You Are Beautiful Sticker

Anchor Canvas Tote

If you are interested in joining MissionCute, please follow my personal invite :)

XoXo

Thursday, July 24, 2014

Random Thursday Thoughts

1. You can really learn a lot about Jon and I just from our nightstands!
Jon's nightstand includes: *A vase of flowers and tissues on a silver platter (If you can't tell, I put that there) *A lighter *Gatorade *Alarm clock *Money *Gun under his side of the bed (not pictured)
My nightstand includes: *Bible and other books *Lamp *Buddha statue *Fiji water *Vase with potpourri

2. I am loving this bubble bath nail color by OPI and I think it's perfect for the wedding!

(Mirrored tray from HomeGoods but similar here, throw blanket)

3. Obsessed with this necklace that came in my MissionCute box this month. I will do a full post on that tomorrow so stay tuned!!!

I am joining this link up today...

XoXo

Wednesday, July 23, 2014

Wedding Wednesday, New Fall Registry Items at Pottery Barn

It was just about a month or two ago that I did a post about all the gorgeous summer items Pottery Barn has. It is now July 23rd and can you believe they already have their Fall items!!!??? I LOVE Fall- it is by far my favorite season. And if I had it my way, all of these items would be in my house like now ;)