Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Picks

The Nordstrom anniversary sale is going on now!  Well, actually its going on now for  Nordstrom cardholders, who get early access {July 9-16}, then it opens up to the public after.  Since I've been cooped up indoors due to the typhoon I've had lots of time to browse online and fill up my cart to an astronomical amount!  I love Nordstrom and I love their sales.  They offer great products and have impeccable customer service.  I live an ocean away, I get my orders shipped for free, I get my returns shipped for free and they usually arrive less then a week after I place my order.  What's not to love?!  The anniversary sale happens to be my favorite sale, I usually stock up for fall during this sale.  Annnnnnnd I love fall clothing.  It doesn't cool down in Okinawa until about November, so I'll be saving these items for awhile but the sales are just too good to pass up!  I've got my top 12 picks for the sale, all cute, great additions to a fall wardrobe, and nothing over $80

Going from Left to Right, Top then Bottom

M.A.C Look in a box in "Fashion Lover":: $29.50 originally $47
Lip liner, lipstick, and lip gloss in a fabulous color all for under $30 that is a steal!  This color is gorgeous for fall and will go great with any fall outfit!

Street Level Bucket Bag:: $31.90 originally $38
Vegan leather bucket bag.  Comes in brown or black.  I opted for the brown one this time but I could really have both of them!  Every gal needs a 'go to' bucket bag in their wardrobe, not just for fall, for always!  So easy breezy and cute, it adds a lil boho!  This one looks big enough to carry my own stuff and a few onsie, twosies that the kids hand me to hold for them.

Emperia "Maiken" Satchel:: $33.90 originally $52
Another vegan leather bag.  This one more structured and edgy.  I love the details of this bag.  The gold, the perforated sides, the handles, and the strap.  This bag reminds me of a Rebecca Minkoff but at only a fraction of the cost.

BP "Trott" Bootie:: $79.90 originally $119.95
This is the most expensive item on my list.  These booties are perfection.  You can wear them with shorts, a dress, jeans, a maxi skirt, you can wear them with anything.  I love the worn look and I love this color.  Its very versatile and can go with most color combos easily.

Sam Edelman "Alaine" Scalloped Topline Flat:: $64.90 originally $99.95
These are so pretty!!! I scalloped detail is everything, that will set them apart from the plain Jane ballet flats.  These come in array of colors, but how could you not get them in gold glitter?!  They are a must, easily wearable for daytime and night time festivities.

Halogen "Olson" Pointy Toe Studded T-strap Fats:: $59.90 originally $89.95
These flats come in a number of colors also.  I pick the black and gunmetal studs.  They look edgy but have a classic touch.  These flats are my spirit animal.  Love them!

Vigoss "Tomboy" distressed skinny jeans:: $44.90 originally $68
I'm obsessed with distressed skinnies!  These are no exception.  Buuuuuut I'm not a fan of the distressed denim that is too distress, like hanging on by a tread {pun intended}! I just like a lil bit here and there.  This pair has a great wash and has a good amount of distress.

BP long textured open cardigan:: $31.90 originally $48
I love a good chunky knit cardigan in the fall.  They are a perfect layer for those summer tanks you were living in recently over the summer.  This one looks so comfy and cozy and can turn any outfit to  instant fall, especially in this olive green color.  Put it over a summer tank, a plane white tee, or even a floral dress, comfy and cute...perfect for the brisk fall weather.

Lush "Karly" shift dress:: $31.90 originally $48
Love this crimson color and love this dress.  Wear this to the office, to church, to a coffee date with your girlfriends....its so wearable.  The shape is simple and chic.  I could go to a buffet and be fine, no need to suck it in! Hahaha  OMG, perfect for Thanksgiving dinner!!! To wear this in the winter, I would throw on some black tights, ridding boots, and a cute scarf, done and done!

Socialite High Neck Dress:: $24.90 originally $38
The LBD for my fall wardrobe

Treasure&Bond High Rise Flare Jeans:: $64.90 originally $98
I love me some skinnies, but I love big flared jeans even more.  Unfortunately I have short legs, but big flared jeans elongate my stubs and I love them for that.  Plus the fit is so flattering, to any size woman.  Add a great chunky wedge shoe and you are golden with these babes!

BLANKNYC quilted faux leather moto jacket:: $63.90 originally $98
Another staple piece for any closet would be a great leather jacket. But not some brown leather jacket, black is where its at when it comes to leather jackets.  Its classic and edgy {there I go again}. This piece is not just for fall, but also for winter.  This jacket is a steal and is super cute.  I mean, the model is literally wearing a tshirt dress and it still looks hot!

Hopefully you found somethings that you liked.  I try to pick items that have longevity for my closet, fashion forward, and affordable.   I really love them all but will probably edit my cart again. I gotta look for my kiddos too, there are great deals for kids!  Hello school shopping!

What's in My Bag {beach bag edition}

We are spending our long 4th of July weekend at the cabins at white beach this year.  We actually go to the beach annually for 4th of July with our Oki Fam.

Here are my essentials in our beach bag::

Bag// Thirty-one Large Utility Tote

I love using this bag because it's a great size for all the stuff we need.  It's water proof and easy to clean.

Towels// I always bring a bunch of towels to the beach.  Something always happens to one and one always ends up super sandy.  Extras are a MUST!!

Sunscreen// Another MUST when spending anytime in the sun. I like to use at least a SPF 50.  We always lather up while putting our suits on and I bring the bottles to reapply while we are at the beach.  For the 4th we usually spend the whole day at the beach and I reapply a couple times throughout the day.  Can't have too much sunscreen on, especially the little ones!

Water Bottles// I like using these water bottles because they keep the water cold for 8-12 hours.  We also bring a cooler of drinks but having the water bottle handy keeps us from using so many plastic water bottles and keeps the kids from constantly getting in the cooler. 

Aloe Gel// This stuff feels the best after long sun exposure.  When leaving he beach we usually rinse off all the salt water and lather the aloe gel on to cool our skin.  After we get home and take real showers I put this on again. It's very soothing and cooling.

Baby Powder// I actually saw this trick on YouTube taking off the sand with baby powder.  When at the beach sand gets everywhere!  No matter how many times you wash off it always finds its way back on you.   Baby powder works like a charm!  

Chapstick// I like to get Chapstick with spf in it to help protect our lips.  I apply this regularly because I hate chapped lips.

Camera// To capture memories, duh!

Snacks// You gotta bring snacks to the beach!  We usually BBQ at the beach and for the 4th we have a big BBQ potluck with our friends.  But the potluck will likely be at our cabins and not down at the sand.  So I like to pack a few snacks in my bag.

Grilled Salmon with Mango Salsa

                 

This recipe is PERFECT for the summer! No cooking inside required! It's already hot enough in the summer,  I don't like to turn on the oven or make a big mess over making a meal.  This requires just firing up the grill and a lil knife work.  Not to mention how light and refreshing this is.... this won't leave you feeling sluggish or heavy.

Fire up the grill.  Prep the salsa first, it will need some time to chill in the fridge.

Mango Salsa//

1 Mango; peeled, seeded and chopped

1 Red Bell pepper chopped

1/2 large Red Onion

2 tablespoons Cilantro chopped

1 Jalapeno chopped 

2 tablespoons Lime juice

1 tablespoon Lemon juice

salt to taste

In a bowl, mix mango, red bell pepper, red onion, cilantro, jalapeno, lime juice, and lemon juice.  Lastly add salt to taste. Cover, and chill in the fridge at least 30 minutes before serving.

Salmon//

2 salmon fillets {buy wild caught for flavor}

2 tablespoons Coconut oil

2 tablespoons Lemon juice 

Salt & Pepper to taste

 Drizzle coconut oil on fillets, front and back.  Add salt and pepper to taste and drizzle lemon juice.  When the grill is hot and ready cook the salmon.  Put them down skinless side first. The salmon will release itself from the grill when it's ready to flip. It will not be long,

It cooks pretty quickly.

Plate salmon first, then add salsa on top!  Super easy, flavorful, and a great summer dinner!

Summer Time Fun

Summer is well underway here in Okinawa!  We decided to make a list of fun stuff we wanted to do in the next 2 months.  Summer days can get long here and the intense heat can make them longer. Making this list with the kids keeps us from sitting on the couch all day and gets us doing fun activities. These are all really easy to do and don't cost a lot.  A lot of these remind me of my summers as a child.  Now I'm making the same memories with my kids!  Hoping to check these all off by the time school starts in late August!  

Schools out for the Summer!

I cannot believe the school year is over!  It really feels like I was JUST school shopping for the new year.  This year was the first year both of the kiddos were in school. Amelia in kindergarten and Nolan in preschool.  

::Amelia::

Amelia had an end of year performance celebrating what they learned in kindergarten and being ready for first grade.  It was super cute! Each class had a song and in the end all classes sang "first grade" to the tune of New York, New York.  Amelia also received an award for most bubbly,  of course my daughter has a bubbly personality!I have to admit,  I cried!  I'm seriously so emotional when it comes to the kids.  I just can't believe how much she has grown and learned in just the first year of kindergarten.  My girl is doing math and reading! In my day of school I don't remember doing that stuff in Kindergarten,  I remember colors and numbers!  Kids these days are so smart and learning so fast.  

::Nolan::

Nolan started preschool this year.  He was in the toddlers class {2-3 year olds} going in on MWF.  The end of year performance was for the whole school.  It was also the graduation for the adventures class {4-5 year olds} moving on to kindergarten.  Nolan's class is pretty young so they just did one dance and got awards.  I was really proud of Nolan!  He kept dancing and didn't cry.  A lot better from his Christmas performance! Lol He also got most improved award.  So awesome because I've seen so much improvement from him.  At the beginning of the year he was shy and quiet and now he is talkative and has lots of friends.  I was worried about putting him in preschool so young, but it's helped his speech and confidence so much that I know it was the right choice. 

They have grown so much! My babies aren't babies anymore!  Just looking at these pictures and writing this post makes me tear up.  

On a happy note, summer is here in full swing!!! We are slowly but surely working on our summer bucket list!  Much more fun to come!

Malasada Doughnuts

I have a MAJOR sweet tooth! I've said it before and I'll say it again,  I would totally eat sweets 3 times a day for my meals.  Buuuuut diabetes runs in my family and I have to set and example for my kids.  Hahaha

The first time I had malasada doughnuts was while I was on vacation in Hawaii at Leonard's .  They were amazing!! After my first one I went back almost everyday after.  Unfortunately I haven't been back to Hawaii since 2004!  

Fast forward to 2013 when we moved to our new neighborhood {Yomitan},  I was driving down the main road and I saw a yellow signed that said malasada Doughnuts....I had to to try them!  They were as deliscious as I remember and right down the street!  When I first discovered them I went weekly!! It was bad.  My all time fave is the beni imo flavor.  Nolan and I love it! Amelia prefers the cinnamon sugar ones and Morgan usually eats whatever is left.  They have the core menu but they usually have specials with different flavors and toppings.  I love trying all the new ones, its a must when I go. Lol Now I've toned it down and get them maybe once every two months.  Its really hard since I drive by almost everyday!  

Directions// 

Go N on the 58

Turn Left onto the 6
It will be on your Left hand side, has yellow banners flying when open and almost directly across the street is a Hotto Motto

Yen only

Date Night {Military Life Style}

Everyone says it, every book, every article, every talk show, radio show, blog, etc. etc......

Everyone says you gotta have date night!

Sooooo easy to say, way harder to get done!  

Morgan and I have been married for 12 years, the first 6 years were childless. Easy peasy, every night out is date night! Lol  The last 6 years with child we have lived away from family and 5 of the six have been overseas. So date nights have been few and far between!

Just last week Morgan and I went on a date!  It was even last minute!  Something that never happens!  Most of our date nights are planned like a month in advance!  Come to think of it, I don't even remember when we had a date before that?! It's not that we don't have time it's that we can't really find a babysitter.  

For instance if we were in our hometown we would have an abundance of babysitters! Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and family friends.  But when you live far from your family that just isn't the case.  Sure we have friends that have offered,  but I feel kinda bad.  All our friends over here are in the same boat, away from family and husband is in the military.  Our husbands work a lot, some are deployed, some are TDY, and some are on duty.  So when they get home lots of the time spent is family time, I feel bad dropping off my kids on THEIR family time.    Sure they assure me it's not big deal,  but I just don't want to be a burden.  Amelia is no problem, but Nolan he is younger and needs more watching plus diaper changing! Sooooo he needs some supervision lol

Option 2, hire a babysitter.  Sure we can do that but first and foremost I'm scared to death leaving my kids with a stranger.  I wouldn't even know where to start with hiring a complete stranger. Well, we could hire a babysitter a friend recommends and uses.  Let's go with that scenario because it's more likely to happen.  The going rate on island is about $5 an hour per kid,  we have 2 so that is $10.  $10 an hour for date night can really get to be a pricey date night.  For example, Morgan and I get a sitter for dinner and a movie, movie starting at 8pm.  We have the sitter come  at 6pm.  We go to dinner before, let's says that's $60. Movie tickets, popcorn, and a drink, $30.  Get home 11pm, 5 hours of babysitting $50. So all together that's $140 for just dinner and a movie! If we want to go have some drinks and catch a cab home that could easily add another $100 { I also think I may be low balling the numbers a tad lol} We only have 1 paycheck for a family of 4 and $240 for one night on a regular basis is out of the question!  $140 would work maybe monthly....but then I just think of what a fun family date $140 could buy us.....or just putting that in our savings!  Hahaha it always comes down to that! 

Now a days we mostly do day dates!  That has been working for us.  We pick a day both kids are in school and Morgan takes a day of leave. He surely can't take a day off weekly or even monthly!  We try to fit it in when we can.  He's taken off our anniversary and a day here and there.   We go out to eat and do something,  it's nice and it gets the job done! Couples time during the day not a bad deal, no babysitter fee {not if you don't count the school tuition} , and way less crowded since it's daytime and most people are at work!

I know someone out there could totally refute me all day!  Give me a million ways to go on a date.  Give me a million reasons why we should go on dates.  The fact of the matter is, it's hard with young kids, being away from family, and being a military family.  So for now,  I'm happy with our day dates.  I'm happy with whatever night dates get get.  We will make it a regular thing when the kids are older and we live closer to family!  I can't wait for sleepovers at their grandparents house! Hahaha 

{on our date}

{some food pics from our date}

We tried Kami Sushi on our date.  We have heard a lot about it.  We weren't big fans of it.  We are so used to eating sashimi and nigiri that all the rolls here kinda seem "overdressed".  We have become sushi snobs! Actually Morgan was always like that,  he just pulled me over to the dark side! Haha

Christy Wears

My outfit for the tipsy painting party!  It was definitely a risk wearing white pants to a painting party with wine flowing!  Luckily my pants came out unscathed!  Phew 

Top// Nordstrom Rack• Jeans// Levi's jeans• Bag// Michael Kors• Necklace// forever 21• Sandals// Michael Kors

Lunch Life {4.25.15}

Amelia's lunch in the quad Lunchbots bento box

smoked turkey• carrots • cheese• ritz crackers• strawberries• grapes• Teddy Graham's 

Tipsy Painting Girls Night In

My dear friend Melliza turned 28 and for her birthday she wanted to have a tipsy painting party. Im the only one who has been to a party like this , Lol so I took it upon myself to make this party happen.   There are people and companies that do party set ups for these kind of parties,  but with the short notice and cost I thought I could do it myself. 

This was my set up!  Got everyone a canvas, brush set, and an apron.  I had Melliza to choose a painting, she choose a sunset reminiscent of an Okinawan sunset.  Something we can all have as a keepsake.  Almost all the items were found at Daiso!  Daiso even carried paint,  but I wasn't too sure how the quality would be so I ended up ordering from Amazon.  I got a couple packs of the Basics paint in the primary colors.  It was more then enough.  

We definitely had a good time!  It was a nice change from just going out for dinner and drinks!  I've never seen any of my friends' artistic sides so it was fun.  Some of us were more artistically inclined then others.  All in all it was lots of fun and memories for a lifetime.  I'm so glad that I took on this party.  Melliza was so happy and I know she enjoyed her birthday.  It was super simple and didn't break the bank!  I may even use the idea when Amelia's birthday rolls around!

My finished product.  I'm definitely not going to quit my day job! Lol

Lunch Life {4.23.15}

Amelia's lunch in her panino yumbox

Panda sammie:: Veggie straws:: Crackers:: Cheese:: Strawberries:: Cucumbers:: Carrots:: Tomatoes:: Macadamia nut Kisses

Christy Wears

The new mall opened here in Okinawa!  I had a mall date with my girlfriends, had to dress cute! Blue vibes today 💙

Top// Exchange • Shorts// bought in Thailand• Shoes// Tory Burch• Bag// Coach • Watch// Fossil

Christy Wears

Finally the weather in Okinawa decided to not be bi-polar! Busted out my cutoff a and kimono!

Kimono// Charlotte Russe• Top// Old Navy• Shorts// Levi's • Watch// Fossil• Bracelet// Forever 21• Bag// Coach • Sandals// Charlotte Russe 

The NEW mall is open!!!

FINALLY made it to the new Aeon Mall Okinawa Rycom!

The mall boasts 5 glorious floors filled with shops and restaurants! It's the 2nd biggest mall in Japan, and of course the biggest mall in Okinawa.  It actually has the largest food court in the world and has 64 places to eat!  

It's so shiny and new!  I love it.  I was only able to go for a couple hours and I didn't even scratch the surface.   Some stores that I'm excited about are forever 21, Old Navy, Body Shop, and American Eagle.  It's so nice having American stores.  All these stores DO ship, but it's nice to go and see the clothes and try stuff on.  When ordering online it's always a guessing game.  Plus a mall is just so much fun.  In Japan their style malls are a one stop shop; there  is a cinema, stores,

restaurants, beer garden, arcade, and grocery store.  Literally everything you need in one place! 

The hasn't officially opened yet.   The soft opening was on the 22nd,  it has been open ever since.   The grand opening will be on the 25th, with a big ceremony and special prizes and sales for the shoppers that day.  I don't want to battle the crowds or lines, so I'll stay away from the mall this weekend.  I can't wait to go back!

Christy Wears

Another unpredictable day on this island. Dressed in easy layers to accommodate me throughout the day, however the weather changes!

Top// Nordstrom • Charmbray// Uniqlo • Jacket// Old Navy • Pants// Nordstrom • Shoes// Tory Burch • Bag// Gucci • Watch// Fossil• Sunnies// Michael Kors

Lunch Life {4.22.15}

Nolan's lunch in the tri Lunchbots bento

•pb&j sammie • veggie straws • carrots • grapes • honest juice 

Lunch Life {4.21.15}

Amelia's lunch in her Yumbox panino bento box

mini bagel with turkey & cream cheese • veggie straws • grapes • steamed broccoli • macadamia nut kisses• honest juice

Spring Break 2015

This year only Amelia had spring break since she goes to a DOD school.  Nolan goes to preschool out in town and they don't have a spring break.

It was really nice getting to spend alone days with Amelia. Must of the time it's me and Nolan or me and both of the kids.  It was a nice chance to get in some girl time with my favorite girl.  

Unfortunately most of the days were not great weather wise,  but we were still able to go out and do stuff.

Easter Sunday::

The kids woke up to overflowing Easter baskets and we had an egg hunt inside because it was drizzling outside.

Then we headed to church and enjoyed lunch there after service.

Okinawa Zoo & Wonder Museum::

We spent one day at the zoo and museum with our friends the Dimasaca family .  It was the perfect day since it was warm but not sunny.  I've never gone to the zoo with the kids without M.  Good think I had my friend with me!  It was a team effort. The zoo here is small and quaint.  Can easily be done in a couple hours.  However the wonder museum is where it's at!!  My kids could spend hours there.  They change the exhibits every so often so it's not the same stuff year after year.  There is stuff for kids of all ages there.  Our group of kids ranged from 2 to 9, all of them enjoyed thoroughly!

Starbucks::

There was definitely a Starbucks date or 2 that occurred this week! Amelia, a girl after my own heart, loves herself some Starbucks! After we dropped Nolan at school we headed there and got our drink fix!  Coffee for me and usually a hot chocolate and pastry for her.  It's our thang!

Beach::

Luckily we got one day at the beach!  It wasn't the sunniest of days, but it was nice!  Another thing I've never done without M.  I've always been scared to go with the kids to the beach alone, just cause they might not want to do the same things and I can't be two places.  But they were total Angels and listened really well.  We looked for sea glass, built sand castles and played in the waves!  

All in the spring break was great!  I was happy to do some sleeping in and spending one on one time with my baby girl!  Maybe next year we'll plan a trip!

Hale Noa Cafe

Went to the Hale Noa cafe for breakfast!  It's a Hawaiian inspired cafe, located in Chatan.  It's hours are from 8am to 4 pm

They accept card & yen

This lil cafe is so cute!  The decor is shabby chic beach cottage.  It's a small cafe only have about 7 tables.  They offer breakfast items and island favorites!! 

I wanted a classic breakfast of sweet and savory.  I got the #2 breakfast:: pancakes, eggs, bacon, sausage and your choice of coffe or tea, hot or cold.  It was delish and only 950¥!  I saw they had a poke platter,  I'm going to have to come back and try it!