On My Radar

Wearing

What I wish I was wearing for fall, courtesy of Chloe's newest campaign.

What I'll really be wearing this fall, courtesy of J. Crew. (hint order a size up in the sweater for an oversized boyfriend look)

sweater // jeans

Reading 

I just finished Who Do You Love and found it to be a wonderfully endearing love story. I highly recommend it (although admittedly I would have wished the ending wasn't so rushed.) I just started All The Light We Cannot See and cannot put it down. 

Watching

The other night while searching for a movie, we stumbled upon People, Places, Things and it ended up being one of the best movies I've seen all year! It's so witty and absolutely adorable... even my husband really liked it. The only downside is that it will make you wish you had twin girls... badly. This week we also started watching the show Mr. Robot on USA and have pretty much burned through the entire season. At first I had my doubts but after the first episode I was hooked!

Plotting

After about a decade I think we are ready to upgrade to a new dining table and chairs. Right now I'm loving the combination of an oval marble tulip table with these awesome wishbone chairs. I've used them in two different projects for clients recently, and I think I'm going to need to take the plunge and get for our home. Like yesterday.

Loving 

Every single room in this house designed by Amber, of Amber Interiors. If there was ever a case for white + wood, this is most certainly it. You can bet I pinned every single image for our someday California home. 

Living In

My girlfriend Jaimie turned me on to this amazing intimate line Les Coquines a few years back, and during our shoot was raving about this triangle mesh bra. I picked one up for myself and haven't taken it off since (which says a lot when you are talking about a bra!) It's so incredibly comfortable, but also supportive. I've already decided that I need another since I absolutely can't imagine wearing another bra again!

I want to wish you all a wonderful weekend! I can't thank you enough for how supportive you've been in regards to my new fashion content! What you saw this week was just the tip of the iceberg, and I can't wait to share more over the coming weeks and months!

The Best Of Robin M. Anderson

 

Right now the boys and I are some 10,000 miles in the air, heading to California for our annual trip. Thursday, my husband had another surgery to help with his ongoing pain situation and while he's healing we figured it would be the perfect time to leave a quiet house. He is now happily at home, being doted on by his parents, while the boys and I are gearing up for a marathon two weeks at LegoLand California. I have to wonder if we can beat our 14 day streak from last year? It's good to have goals, right???

Given that I'm going to be flying solo for the next few weeks, I knew there was no way that I could devote the time needed to keep the blog running, so unfortunately I'm going to be on hiatus until August 20th. Rather than leave you all empty-handed I pulled together what I like it think of as my "best of."

These a few of my favorite posts from over the years.  I hope you enjoy reading through some of the archives!!!  If you'd like to follow our Cali trip, you can follow me on Instagram where I will still be posting.  See you all in a two weeks!!! xoxo

Our Home, Before & Afters

The boys' room
The Kitchen
The Master Bedroom
The Living Room
The Guest Room
The Bathrooms

Home & Design

Favorite wood consoles: a roundup

Affordable brass lighting: a roundup

Best marble accessories: a Roundup

Favorite gallery walls: a roundup

A hint of mint
Home lust: black exterior
Forever obsessed: palm leaf print
Barn light inspired pendants
Green with envy
A painted door
Bohemian inspired home decor
Surf inspired home decor
Banquette seating
On patterned tile
Flower Power

Wardrobe Essentials 

The trench
The fisherman sweater
The denim shirt
Striped tee
The blazer
The boyfriend jean
Army jacket
The silk blouse

Fashion & Style

The capsule wardrobe
Giving them the shoulder 
8 easy summer looks
Look I'mlLoving: monochromatic sunglasses and hair
Red + White+ Blue
The denim skirt
Jumpsuits for the win
Rainy day chic
Summer swimwear picks
Black, white and neutral all over
The turtleneck
Stacked
Summer whites

Hair & Beauty

Pink hair: really don't care
4 short hair style tips
Summer hair care
The easy trick for platinum blonde hair
Do or dont? Nail art
On mascara
Winter Beauty
Skin part I
Skin part II
Genius trick for thin eyebrows
My favorite beauty products 
What's in my makeup bag


My Sister's Wedding

The cake
The linens
The bridesmaid dress
The invitations
The venue
The flowers
My little sister got married
Save the date cards

Weddings

An elopement to remember
Do or don't non-traditional wedding dresses

Food & Drink

The perfect drink for summer

6 favorite side dishes

8 favorite kale recipes

6 favorite fish recipes

6 favorite vegetarian pasta recipes

7 asian inspired dinners

8 favorite one pot meals

9 favorite breakfast (for dinner, or lunch, or desert) recipe

7 favorite summer recipes

7 popsicle Recipes 

Vegetarian Bolognese 

The weekly dinner drag

Motherhood & Family

In the picture
The end of and era
It was bound to happen
Free
Lucky
Toned Down Christmases 
Pretty in pink
Little Man, not so little
The time my kid went to overnight camp

Fertility

Here's the thing
It's going to happen
A faker
2 week wait
Back to the drawing board
The little embryo that could
Taking a month off
Back to the drawing board
It's going to happen
Chicken
Cautiously optimistic 
Pregnancy update
Maternity portraits part 2

Travel

New Orleans; the time of my life
Costa Rica travel advice
Costa Rica Summer 2015 here, here, and here
Costa Rica Summer 2014
A week in NYC
My favorite Boston and NYC restaurants
The paris itinerary 
Northern California coast
Big Sur
Fiji here, here, here, here, here
Maui

What I'm Reading

July 2015
March 2015
April 2014

7 Popsicle Recipes for Little (and Big) Kids

FIG, VANILLA & SOUR CREAM POPSICLES

Are any of you big fans of the Popsicle?

I'm usually more of a baked goods girl myself, and pretty much only bought them for the kids in the past, but after my husband and I got hooked on these store bought ones I'm starting to realize that Popsicles aren't just for the kiddos. I recently began looking at recipes and I was surprised to find that some of the most delicious looking ones required very little effort. I bought these molds last year and was super boring and just filled them with lemon-aide, but this year I'm inspired to step up my Popsicle game and you can bet I'll be trying out the one with the vodka in it first! (In related news how is it possible that the kids have only been out of school a week... surely it's been at least 5? ;))

For those of you looking to make a sweet treat of your own, here are 7 Popsicle recipes for little (and big) kids that I'm dying to try out this summer!

Found: The Perfect Drink For Summer!

The other night I went to a "girl's night in" with a few of the 1st grade moms to celebrate the end of the year and along with the sushi and wine which was flowing aplenty, one of the other mothers made a cocktail that was pretty much the best thing I've ever tasted. Strike that, it was the best thing I've ever tasted and I haven't stopped thinking about it since!

Our 7 Favorite Summer Recipes

GRILLED CORN WITH QUESO FRESCO, LIME & CHILI

It is 90 degrees outside and I for one could not be more excited about the sudden uptick in temperatures! After the winter we've just had I am more than happy to spend the next 4 months sweating all day and every day, and for everyone already complaining about the heat just remember one word; snow!!!

My Favorite Boston and NYC Restaurants + Honorable Mention

We are back after an incredible weekend in the city and other than a sore liver I am happy to report that the weekend was just as amazing as I anticipated! The fact that Summer decided to show its face a few months early was just the icing on the cake, and even though the service at our hotel was less than desirable, the rooms and amenities were pretty fabulous. This view from our balcony certainly made waking up just a little bit easier after a late night. A few A list celebrities were also staying at the hotel and one of the highlights of the trip was watching the paparazzi get in a tizzy every time we walked out the door. Nope, sorry... not her! Man, that is one crazy circus, I can't imagine what that must be like day in and day out!

Without question my favorite thing to do while in NYC is eat, and certainly there are unlimited options. While plotting another trip this Summer trip I began listing off all the restaurants I want to visit and it came as a surprise to no one that they were the same ones that I always want to patron. Turns out that I am one of those people who when I find something that works is very hesitant to change it up! Given that we don't go out very much, I think I just want each time to be as good as it possibly can be. I'm not eager to risk a night when I know there could have been a better option! 

When in New York my tried and true favorite places to eat are the following. Most of these recommendations came courtesy of my sister-in-law (the all knowing New Yorker) so I really can't take credit for them, but I can say I live for dining at them. 

Our 9 Favorite Breakfast (for dinner, or lunch, or desert) Recipes

SANDWICH WITH RICOTTA CHEESE, HONEY, ROSEMARY AND FIGS

The line between breakfast and dinner is one that is more often than not blurred in the Anderson household.

Our 8 Favorite One Pot Meals

Since we've been back from Spring Break I've been more motivated than usual to break out the old cookbooks err pinboards and try out some new recipes. As much as I love traveling, I have to say that while we are away I am constantly dreaming of my first trip back to Whole Foods to stock up on what I consider our "basics." I don't know about you all, but we eat so many of the same types of food each week that any deviation from the norm usually leaves me feeling a little "yuck". Getting our hands on kale where we stay in Costa Rica is something like a navy seal mission, with quite a bit of planning, timing, luck, and lots of walking involved.  Truthfully, it just reminds me to be grateful that every day back home that I am able to walk into a grocery and stock up on healthy food with very little effort. 

Happy Easter (Bunny)

Do most of you celebrate Easter? We don't really recognize the day beyond the egg hiding, egg dying, and candy eating part, but I must admit it's always one of my favorite holidays of the year because it means that Spring is on its way. I always forget to get something for the boys, and today I did my annual mad dash to CVS and the bookstore to stock up on some goodies, lest Sunday morning arrive and the Easter Bunny skipped our house. Even though we don't really decorate, there is one tradition I've kept going for about 20 years, since my sister was little, which is putting these bunny footprints around the house to signal that the man with the big ears was here. We always forget to put them out, until late Saturday night and then we have to frantically place them all around the house. I'm pretty sure this weekend will be no different since we are finally starting this show!

For those of you who celebrate the day, or have kiddos I've rounded up a few fun Easter themed links from around the web. xx

How beautiful are these DIY marbled easter eggs? As someone who is excited when I can get two different shades on each side of the egg, color me impressed!

I'm absolutely make this bunny shaped ice cream cone for the boys Sunday night. I'll probably just stick some cut marshmallows on the top of some pink ice cream, but for those of you who are super crafty, here is the tutorial for the sweetness above.

Tomorrow I'm upping the pink factor in my hair, and I'm using this as my inspiration. Pastel pink, just in time for Easter!

I love this idea for an Easter themed school snack! You could always substitute baby carrots, or cheese crackers for a healthier alternative. 

This Robin's egg themed cake is way beyond my skill set, but I just think it is so beautiful. For you bakers out there is actually a tutorial if you are up for the challenge!

15 of the best brunch recipes for Easter.

These pom pom chicks are adorable! I'm filing this away for next year!

Lastly, did you all know that the best way to make hard boiled eggs is actually to bake them? Seriously! I tried it a few years back and not only does it make the egg taste better but it also makes you house and freezer smell free. 

6 Favorite Side Dishes

I've mentioned here before that I typically do a big grocery shop on Sunday or Monday of each week so I can avoid the daily "what's for dinner question" that always pops into my head around 4:00pm.  Lately, because of the snow and school holidays I've been meal shopping a lot more frequently and because the kids have been home so much I've been selecting dinners based on how little prep time is needed.  At least four times a week now, I run into Whole Foods and make a bee line to the seafood section.  Typically they have fish marinating,  and if not they will do it for you in the spot.  You meat eaters have it even better, and I am constantly blown away by all the different options they always have in the case... chicken marinating or breaded, meatballs galore, even meatloaf!

Gone are the days of making big pots of soup around here so after I square away our protein, I will then hit the prepared soup section and grab a quart or two for the week.  Sometimes I pair it with a salad, but more and more it's the sides that I've really been focusing on.  By mixing those up daily,  I don't even seem to mind that I'm having salmon 4x a week, because depending on the side it takes on a whole different feeling.  I've found myself repeating the same six, which are all easy and delicious, and I figured there are more than a few out there in the same boat.  Most of these are great in the warmer months, and lately we've had so many leftovers I been happily eating them for lunch the next day or two.

A good side is hard to find.  Here are six that I just can't get enough of.

Roasted Broccoli with Almonds, Lemon and Pecorino Cheese

Panzanella

Curried Cauliflower Soup

Parmesan Lemon Zucchini 

Roasted Cauliflower and Chickpeas With Lemon Dijon Dressing

French Lentil and Vegetable Salad

For when you are really in a pinch or need some variety there are two easy sides that I LIVE by.  The first is so simple, you just take a bag of frozen corn and spread it out on a baking sheet in a single later, coat with olive oil and bake at 350 for about 15-20 minutes.  Sprinkle a generous helping of salt and pepper and let me tell you this is the BEST way to have corn.  It's so easy and so inexpensive. Sometimes I add a little feta cheese or cilantro, but even on its own you will be amazed at how good it is!

The second simple side is made by taking a pack of baby kale (found by the fresh bagged spinach) and simply putting it in a skillet over medium heat.  First you sauté a little chopped garlic and red pepper flakes, and as soon as the garlic is fragrant add in the kale.  After a few minutes the kale will be wilted and you are good to go after a sprinkle of salt.  You can also throw in some mushrooms while the kale is sautéing or add a squeeze of lemon at the end.  From start to finish this takes about 3 minutes and you are left with a healthy and elegant side.

Bon appétit!

P.S. If you want more, here are some other great recipe posts from this series.
6 favorite fish recipes
8 favorite kale recipes
6 favorite vegetarian pasta recipes
7 asian inspired dinners

Let's Talk Valentine's Day

Do you all have any big Valentine's Day plans?  My husband and I tend to treat this holiday the same as NYE (pretty much ignoring it) but I have to say getting handmade valentines from the kids always makes me think that this is one holiday we shouldn't do away with so quickly.  We actually made dinner plans for Sunday since my MIL is in town but I'm pretty sure that will get scrapped since ANOTHER blizzard is making its way towards us now.  Have I mentioned how much I hate snow?  I hope whatever your plans are that you get some special time with the ones you love.  If you are feeling like you are lovey mood, here are a few fun V-day links to kick off the weekend. xoxo

To fall in love with anyone do this

DIY Conversation heart balloons

My absolute favorite lipstick for kissable lips 

(that actually stays on all day)

A perfect Valentine's Day salad

The cutest heart shaped s'mores

10 things conversation hearts should say

What I'm getting for Valentine's Day

 (I'm convinced all my recent illnesses are coming from the yoga mats at the gym)

 What I really want.
(but can't justify)

14 Awesome Candy Free Valentines
(file this one away for next year)

Good News! My favorite bathing suit/ cover up designer now has an online shop!

Finally, Why you should stay home on Valentine's Day.
(Can I get an Amen?)

(I like you a latte via Oh Happy Day!)

Recipe Of The Week: Vegetarian Bolognese

Finding a meal that both my kids and my husband like is hitting every green light on our afternoon ride home.  Finding a meal that both my kids and my husband like that also 1) requires only 15 minutes of prep, 2) is healthy, 3) is inexpensive, and 4) leaves leftovers for days, well that is like finding the golden ticket and considering that this is the 8th week in a row that my family has requested that I make this, I figured it's about time to share it all with you. The golden ticket, people!!!

Now, I know I'm not Italian, and I'm also not a food photographer as you will see below, but everyone who has ever eaten this sauce raves about it, and it is sure to please even the meat lovers in your family (shhhh you won't even have to tell you it's vegetarian.) The best part is that your house will smell delicious and it actually tastes better the next day.  Often I will make a pot of this the day before I have an event or a school function, and we won't even eat it fresh because it's just that much better as a leftover.  Certainly you can double the recipe and freeze some as well... that is if you don't eat it all first!

Monday Links

Okay, so it's not technically the weekend but around here everyday is a weekend because, well, SNOW.  So much snow.  Gray's school is already cancelled for tomorrow and I'm sure the LM's will soon follow suit.  For those of you keeping track that means the kids haven't had a full week of school since December 15th.  I wish I could be one of those mom's who is like, "yay... now we have more time to craft!!!" but if you could picture the exact opposite of what she looks like, that's me.  Right now my kitchen is covered in play dough, there has already been multiple temper tantrums over the removal of the iPads, the boys are in the tub and it's my job to keep bringing them snowballs... which has been going on for about 45 minutes, and I'm pretty much just counting down to my first glass of wine which is exactly 4 hours and 27 minutes away.  My husband the hero somehow always gets to cover for his coworkers who can't get in to the city, and I have to say I can't blame him... if I could break out until 7pm I would too!!!

For those of you stuck inside here are a few fun links to help you save your sanity.

Weekend Links

Happy snowy Friday!  I can't even believe it after the week we've had, but it's again snowing outside and guess what's in the forecast... more snow!  The LM and I aren't complaining because we have a hot ski date tomorrow and let me tell you, chasing my kid down the mountain on my snowboard in the soft, newly fallen snow is MUCH more desirable than chasing him down the mountain on ice that feel like concrete when you wipe out.  Which I do.  A lot.  Other than that we are going to try to stay as cozy as possible.  I've stocked up on tea, hot chocolate and wine... lots and lots of wine. I'm most looking forward to starting this show tonight with my love.  I've heard so many good things and ever since we finished binge watching The Killing (amazing) we've been kind of in a funk at night.  Whatever your plans are, I hope you stay warm and safe!  Here are a few links from around the web that caught me eye this week. xoxo

Speaking of being lost since something ended, Thursdays just aren't the same without Serial.  This completely unsubstantiated theory explains everything!!!

Made me laugh out loud.

A look behind the scenes of red carpet award shows.

Moss graffiti is INSANE, and I want to do it somewhere... immediately.

People who became successful after age 40... there is still time!

Just another reason why I love penning this blog.  While I'm not exactly rewriting history, keeping this online journal is so therapeutic for me, and by focusing on and writing about the positive aspects of our lives, I am really able to find so much more joy in my life.

Can we seriously start doing something about maternity leave policies in the US?  I have a feeling if we could get more women in power things would stop moving at a snails pace.

Skip the gym and have a glass of wine instead? Um, okay! Haha, I prefer to do both, but still this is good news!

I use to live and breathe core fusion at Exhale, but after some of my favorite instructors left and I got burned by their crazy cancellation policy I cancelled my membership.  I often think about going back, but things like this definitely turn me off!  Turns out you might need boxing gloves for you next barre class!

27 diagrams that make cooking so much easier.

I really related to this article, having suffered a 10 week miscarriage and not really knowing how to tell people.  During my third pregnancy, being open about our fertility struggle and sharing the early complications was a lifeline for me, and having the support of those around us made all the difference in the world

Finally, 19 healthy crockpot recipes.  I tell you what, I've been using mine more than ever this winter and it really is game changer.  Coming home to a fully prepared and WARM meal at the end of a cold day is gold!!!

Let's Talk Turkey.

Let's talk turkey!  I always find it so strange that so much excitement and planning goes in to one little meal, but as someone who loves to eat anything with a carb in it, I have definitely changed my tune over the last decade, from "really?" to "game on!"  For most of my marriage, we have spent the big day in a very Norman Rockwell(ish) setting, and I have to say it was absolutely wonderful.  We would pack up and fly to my husband's grandmother's house on the Eastern Shore of Maryland, and would spend the week eating, drinking, and eating some more.  After a few years of that, it became hard to imagine Thanksgiving any other way.  

Well, airline tickets started to dramatically rise, the weather this time of year was got more and more unpredictable, and we kept having kids (there's always that) so about a year or two ago, after seeing just how expensive it would be for a one hour flight, we just decided to stay home.  No, it is absolutely not the same, but I have to say sitting here today, getting ready for a big storm to hit the entire East Coast, I sure am glad that the four of us won't be spending tomorrow sitting in a airport, praying that we get out.  That we've done one too many times.

 Since we don't really eat meat, you may think that we don't get in to the spirit of the holiday, but let me assure you, this is the one day a year that all our dietary restrictions go out the window.  Since it seems silly to cook a giant a meal for just the four of us (considering the kids eat like birds) our new tradition includes picking up our dinner from Whole Foods the day before, and me popping it all in the oven after getting back from this fun race.  In theory, I kind of miss the idea of cooking over a hot stove all day, but in reality... well, nope. 

For those of you who do things a little more traditional, here are a few Thanksgiving themed links to help you prepare for the big event. 

Sure, turkey gets all the credit, but c'mon, the sides are the best part.  Here is what I would be making if I were cooking for a big group.  These are also great for those of you who don't have the hassle of hosting but like to bring something easy!

My absolute favorite brussels sprout recipe. 

The most perfect Fall soup that's just a touch out of the ordinary.

A gratin that will have everyone begging for the recipe. 

The one thing that I absolutely cannot seem to master is the setting of the table.  Flowers are so far beyond me, and I find that every time I try, it looks more like something the boys did than a grown adult.  That's why I am all about simplicity.  These two beautiful table settings seem like something anyone can do... even me!

Of course, you can't forget the kids table. I love this little crayon cup. and for kids who aren't big pie fans (mine) these cupcakes would definitely make for an awesome desert!

Booze.  Isn't that the best part of the day?  Now, if this were a perfect world, we would have some of our Uncle's infamous egg nog, which has been known to make ladies pass out on the table (don't ask me how I know that ;))  but since we can't have it all, these Fall themed cocktails would most definitely be a welcome substitution. 

Oh and leftovers, aka the best part of the meal.  I love this easy, updated version of the traditional turkey sandwich!

Last but not least, 5 tips for making your Thanksgiving dinner ahead of time, and a modern guide to Thanksgiving etiquette, because well, even with Family you should try to be polite. 

I hope you all have a fantastic Thanksgiving!  My boys are home the rest of the week, and I made quite a few promises so I'm not sure if I will be back this week, but stay tuned... next week it's gift guide time!!!