In the Details

When looking for new clothing, I always gravitate toward similar items. What can I say? I know what I like! The one thing that I'm always searching for is different details - the little things that set an item apart. These little details can really make an item of clothing (or an outfit) stand out. 

For example, I love the crossed + ruffled back of this Lilly Pulitzer top, the eyelet detailing of these J. Crew Factory shorts, and the crochet down the front and back of this dress from Red Dress Boutique.

What are your favorite details?

From My Kitchen to Yours {Sweet and Sour Chicken}

I am always pinning recipes on Pinterest that look delicious, but mine never seem to turn out as well! This was definitely an exception. This recipe was both easy to make and so yummy. I'm linking up with Charlotte and Whitney for From Our Kitchen to Yours today to share!

 

Easy Sweet and Sour Chicken

Here's what you'll need:

 

Breading

3-5 chicken breasts (I used 3)

salt

pepper

cornstarch

2 eggs

1/3 cup vegetable oil

 

Sauce

3/4 cup white sugar

4 Tbsp ketchup

1/2 cup white vinegar

1 Tbsp soy sauce

1 tsp garlic salt

 

1. Cut the chicken into 1" cubes and season with salt and pepper.
 

2. Dip each cube into the cornstarch until it is coated and then dip it into the egg.

 

3. Heat the oil in a skillet and cook the chicken until it is brown. Place the chicken into a baking dish. (For 3 chicken breasts, a 9x9 dish is large enough. For more than that, use a 9x13.)

 

4. Preheat the oven to 350.
 

5. Add all sauce ingredients together and whisk until smooth. Pour over the chicken in the baking dish. Make sure to stir the chicken so it is fully covered with the sauce.

 

6. Put in the oven for 15 minutes, turn the chicken, and then cook for 15 more.

 
 

I paired it with rice and broccoli and it was the perfect meal! It tasted so much better (and was so much lighter) than sweet and sour chicken from a Chinese restaurant.

 

Try it out and let me know what you think!!

Adapted from Made It. Ate It. Loved It.

 

Five on Friday

Even though I'm running a little late, I'm linking up with some lovely ladies to share my Five on Friday.

one

In keeping with The Closet Challenge, today's OOTD included a shirt that I hadn't worn before. I got this shirt from Loft for about $12. I absolutely love the flowy sleeves!

two

How cute are these prints from Graphics and Love on Etsy? I'm searching for a few more decorations to add to my bedroom and think one of these would be perfect.

three

If you haven't already, make sure to go here and enter to win a monogrammed clutch from Carolina Clover!

four

My hair is getting super long (for me at least) and I'm struggling to keep it out of my face! I came across this twist braid tutorial over at Hair and Make-up by Steph and think it is a great way to get my bangs out of my face without pulling my hair back into a ponytail.

five 

I received my first Ipsy Glam Bag this week and, to be honest, I can't decide if I'm impressed or not. Here is a picture of what was included. I promise I'll talk more about it and each product sometime next week!

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!

The Closet Challenge

I have a confession to make - I'm a shopaholic. I'm pretty sure that at least a few of you reading can relate. I just really enjoy going shopping, hunting for deals, and planning new outfits to wear. I almost never buy anything that is full price, but I still buy clothing a lot.

The craziest part about my shopping addiction? I don't wear a lot of the things I buy! I'll buy pieces that I love, stick them in my closet, and then will continue to wear the same old things over and over again. I'm not sure if I forget about the great outfit ideas I had planned with the new items or if I'm afraid that I'll ruin something I just bought (I'm a frequent spiller and tend to attract stains), but there are plenty of things in my closet that have never been worn or that I've only worn once or twice.

From this, The Closet Challenge was born. My plan for the summer is to wear everything in my closet that I haven't worn yet before I buy anything new.

In all honesty, it will probably be difficult for me, but I plan to stick with it. I'm hoping to mix and match different pieces I wear a lot with things I never wear and to try outfits that are a little out of the box for me. I'm going to use The Closet Challenge to make the most of the clothes hanging in my closet instead of continuously spending money on new ones.

How do you make the most of the clothing you already own?

P.S. Have you seen the new Lilly Pulitzer agendas? A lot of people are crushing on Tusk in the Sun, but I also love Get Nauti, Lets Cha Cha, and Lulu. Pre-order yours now at Lifeguard Press!

Carolina Clover {Giveaway}

I'm teaming up with Carolina Clover today for an awesome giveaway! I absolutely love anything monogrammed (as well as a good crossbody bag), so I was extremely excited when Carolina Clover contacted me offering to give a monogrammed clutch/crossbody away to one Turtles and Pearls reader.

Let's be honest - I would absolutely love to win this bag! It would add a perfect pop of color to any ensemble this summer. You can pick from six different colored bags, and the thread and monogram style options are basically limitless. This bag can be carried as a clutch or crossbody, which makes it super versatile. 

Enter below to win this monogrammed bag in the color of your choice! You must follow Turtles and Pearls via GFC or Bloglovin' to be eligible to win. The giveaway will end on Friday, June 21 at 12:00 AM and the winner will be announced soon after.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Don't forget to check out Carolina Clover for all things monogrammed! They have adorable jewelry, gifts, and many other accessories. Check them out on Twitter, Facebook, and Pinterest.