The Thrill of the Hunt

Normally I am not a Goodwill shopper, which is funny because I enjoy scouring consignment and antique stores for great home finds. After reading Emily A Clark's blog and learning about all the great goodies she has found at Goodwill, I was inspired! My mother-in-law is also a big Goodwill shopper, so when she was in town last week I suggested we check it out. Now trust me when I say most of it is junk. You have to be lucky or have a good eye. Right when we walked in there was a fur coat on a mannequin that had literally been brought in that day. It was in mint condition for $30! I quickly scarfed that up, as I adore faux and real fur (sorry to any PETA lovers). I mean where can you find a real fur coat for that cheap? How fabulous is this jacket going to look with a turtleneck, skinny jeans and boots this fall!



Lately, I had been looking for something to hang Sterling's outfits on above his changing table. I came across this and thought, perfect! Best part it was only $2.95!

Hideous colors, but nothing a can of white gloss spray paint couldn't fix!
This is what it looked like after! Pretty cute I think!


While I won't be shopping at Goodwill everyday, I am now alot more open to the idea of looking for some treasures here! So, next time I go on one of my cleaning sprees and drop my old junk off, I might just pop in and check out other people's old junk!

Our Staycation

As many of you know my hubby was laid off a few weeks ago. The good news is he quickly found a new job, but still had a few weeks of downtime before he started back to work. So we have been having a staycation right here in Charleston. We have been trying to do all local things that we never seem to have the time to do!

First on our list was a visit to Charlestown Landing. The oldest spot in town where the first low country settlers landed in 1670. It was neat, they had a zoo filled with bison, bears, deer, bobcats, and turkeys. Sterling was very intrigued by all the animals. They also had a re-creation of the original settlement and a trading vessel from the era. It was fun minus the swarms of mosquitoes and 105 heat index. I stupidly tried to dress cute in my Rebecca Taylor blouse that was later covered in bug spray and sweat.


This was a cool monument at Charlestown Landing

Matt and Sterling (Matt has clearly sweated through his shirt at this point.)

Me in my cute sweat soaked blouse and sweet baby boy

Next we went to a local Mexican restaurant, La Carreta, to celebrate a friend getting into nursing school. On Friday nights they do free tequila shots, so we all had a very good time!

Sterling loved the mariachi band!

Sterling putting the moves on an older baby, Maggie. We have a flirt on our hands!


Our next local spot was Folly Beach. We live literally 10 minutes from the beach but we never go to just relax! We have never taken Sterling to the beach before and he absolutely loved it!




Finally we ended up on Matt's dad's sailboat at the Ashley Marina downtown. We enjoyed a few beers with a spectacular view. Overall our staycation a success.

Seafood Lasagna

This is another family recipe I am sharing this week. I remember when I was growing up my mother and grandmother would get together, drink wine and make this lasagna. We ate it alot when I was younger but it had been years since I had this lasagna again until Sterling was born. After he was born my mom made us this lasagna and I was like why I have not been making this all these years!! It is so rich and creamy and amazing! We made it a few weeks ago for dinner club and it was a huge hit. Like any lasagna it takes a little time to assemble but it is so worth it. It makes a huge batch so you could make one huge lasagna or two smaller ones and freeze one to save.

Confession- this picture is not the actual lasagna I made (although I am sure you already knew that since the quality of the picture is way better than what my camera produces). It is a random seafood lasagna picture but you get the idea of what it should look like. I forgot to take a picture when I made this for dinner club. But picture or not I promise you are going to love this lasagna! It is filled with seafood and so tasty!
PHOTO: timeinc.net

SEAFOOD LASAGNA
-1 CUP CHOPPED ONION
-2TBSP BUTTER
-1 8OZ PACKAGE CREAM CHEESE
-1.5 CUPS COTTAGE CHEESE
-1 EGG
-2 TSP DRIED BASIL
-1/2 TSP SALT
-1/8 TSP PEPPER
-2 10 3/4 OZ CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP
-1/3 CUP MILK
-1/3 CUP WHITE WINE
-1.5 POUNDS SHRIMP COOKED
-8 OZ LUMP CRAB MEAT
-8 LASAGNA NOODLES COOKED
-1/4 CUP GRATED PARMESAN
-1 CUP GRATED SHARP CHEDDAR CHEESE

PREHEAT OVEN TO 350 DEGREES. GREASE A 13X9 OVEN PROOF DISH. SAUTE ONION IN BUTTER UNTIL BROWN. BLEND IN CREAM CHEESE. ADD COTTAGE CHEESE, EGG, BASIL, SALT AND PEPPER. IN ANOTHER BOWL COMBINE SOUP, MILK, WINE AND STIR. ADD IN SHRIMP AND CRAB MEAT. PLACE 4 LASAGNA NOODLES IN THE BOTTOM OF THE DISH. SPREAD 1/2 THE CHEESE MIXTURE AND THEN 1/2 THE SHRIMP MIXTURE. REPEAT LAYERS. SPRINKLE WITH PARMESAN CHEESE AND CHEDDAR CHEESE. BAKE UNCOVERED FOR 45-55 MINS.
THIS DISH CAN BE FROZEN AFTER COOKING.

My Missoni Wish List

I love M Missoni. I own three dresses and a skirt and they are some of my favorite pieces in my closet. I think they are classic and I always love them even years after I have bought them. Their clothing is definitely an investment but it is worth it. I always watch and wait til it goes on sale and scarf it up! Neiman Marcus runs great sales on M Missoni frequently, so keep an eye out for great deals there. These are two pieces I am lusting after for my fall wardrobe. I can so see Rachel Zoe sporting the cardigan which makes me love it even more!


PHOTOS: NEIMAN MARCUS

They also have some fabulous home accessories like pillows, throws and blankets.
I adore this pillow, in one of their signature zigzag prints.

I love this outdoor seat cushion. It is so cute in the black and white pattern!

I am dying to have this fabulous pouf in my den!

Normally I am a fan of an all white bed, but I love the idea of this zigzag blanket as a throw on a chair or foot of a bed.

Best of all, all of this Missoni home collection is on sale at Unica Home right now through September!
PHOTOS: UNICA HOME

I love Target

I love Target for many reasons. The clothes, home decor, beauty, and baby sections are awesome. How sad is it that I actually look forward to my weekly Target trips to buy diapers and formula? I could walk around that store for hours! No matter how often I go, I swear I end up spending a $100 easily each time. Toiletries, Baby stuff and food really add up fast (especially with the occasional bottle of wine and clothing purchase added in)!

I now have a new reason to love Target even more. Caldrea, one of my absolute favorite lines of soaps and candles has partnered with Target to create a line just for their stores. It is called the Caldrea Essential Collection and prices range from $5.99 to $19.99. If you have ever purchased Caldrea products before you know this is a steal! The three scents they offer are Citron Ginger, Olive Oil and Herbs de Provence. They all smell fabulous but I am especially loving the Olive Oil scent. It is such a fresh, light and clean smell, not over powering at all. I bought the three pack set which includes; hand soap, counter top spray, and dish soap all in a stainless steel caddy, for only $19.99!

I am kind of obsessed with this new line. My counters are definitely cleaner because I love smelling my new spray! And an added bonus the bottles are packaged beautifully and look great sitting out on my kitchen counter. I highly suggest you pick up some of the Caldrea products next time you are at Target, you won't be disappointed!

I've Been Tagged

My beautiful friend Erin at HuddyP tagged me for this questionnaire. If you have never read her blog, check it out, she is hilarious! We have been friends for 10 plus years and even though we are in different cities now we still remain besties!

1)What is your signature color?
My first instinct is white. It is so fresh, modern and truly me. I love all white decor, especially an all white fluffy bed! If I didn't have a baby and a dog I would most definitely have a white couch. For as long as I am can remember I have always loved an all white room. I almost did Sterling's nursery all white and my mom talked me out of it. While I love his chocolate brown walls, I am still thinking my next baby is getting an all white nursery. I adore white and how clean it is!


PHOTOS: HOUSE BEAUTIFUL

2)What is your most embarrassing moment?
Probably when I was about 10 years old I fell in the big fountain in the middle of SouthPark Mall. All you native Charlotteans, I know you remember this fountain. I was a chubby kid too busy eating my Baskin and Robins ice cream cone and I tripped and fell in. Humiliating considering I had to walk through the whole mall dripping wet to get back to my parents car.

PHOTO:FLICKR BY YAHOO

3)Would you get anything pierced other than your ears? If so what?
Definitely not. However, I will admit that in high school I pierced the top part of my ear (so tacky, I know that now). It lasted all of two weeks before I got annoyed with it and took it out.

4)Are you a social butterfly or homebody?
I fall right in the middle. More often than not I prefer a relaxing evening at home with my hubs, baby boy and a bottle of wine. The Bravo TV shows have more than entertained me this summer- thank you Mrs. Zoe, Bethenny and the Housewives. But I really do enjoyed getting gussied up and going on a date night or out with the girls!


PHOTO:BRAVO


5)Are you done having babies or do you want more?
Definitely more!



6)Are you loyal to your hairstylist or do you try every new salon in town?
Very loyal. so loyal that I drive three hours to Charlotte every month to get my roots done. Love you Pooran, at Poza Salon. Best hair color ever!


7)How many times have you moved in your life?
10 times! All have been in Chapel Hill (college years), Charlotte (post college) and Charleston (married life). My poor dad has been such a trooper helping me move my stuff every time! I am exhausted just thinking about all that moving but I am sure if and when our family expands we will move again. Our goal is to ultimately have a house on the water down here one day!


8)If you could take a vacation for just you and your love where would it be?
Anywhere tropical but I think I would pick Bora Bora after watching the last season of the Bachelorette. I want to stay in one of those huts in the middle of crystal blue waters!! That is my idea of paradise!! Now if only I could afford to get there!

PHOTOS: GOOGLE IMAGES

Now I am supposed to tag some people. I'm going to tag:

Caycee over at Hanging with the Hewitts

Melanie at Your Style Scout

Natalie at Everyday Sunshine

CA Wife at Life as a California Wife

Gigi at A Non-Desperate Housewife (unless you are busy having that new baby girl!)

Eggplant Casserole

Like any true Southerner, I love a casserole. All that ooey gooey goodness, whats not to love? And now that I have a baby and my time for cooking has dwindled, I love casseroles even more. They are super easy to make and can easily be made ahead of time and served later. This recipe is for a casserole that my mom and grandmother made all the time when I was growing up. I have tweaked it a bit and this is my adapted version. If you love eggplant you are going to love this casserole! So Paula Deen, eat your heart out (although I promise my casserole is healthier than what she would make)!

EGGPLANT CASSEROLE

-1 LARGE EGGPLANT- PEELED AND SLICED INTO THIN ROUNDS
-2-3 TOMATOES, SLICED
-1 WHITE ONION, SLICED
-1 BAG FRESH SPINACH
-1 BOTTLE OF ANNIES ROASTED RED PEPPER DRESSING
-SLICED CHEESE (I USE CRACKER BARREL WHITE CHEDDAR OR REGULAR CHEDDAR)

IN A CASSEROLE DISH (I USE THE 9X13 RECTANGLE SIZE)LAYER FIRST THE EGGPLANT, THEN TOMATO, ONIONS, AND SPINACH. POUR HALF THE BOTTLE OF DRESSING OVER THESE LAYERS. ADD A LAYER OF CHEESE. THEN REPEAT THE LAYERS ONCE MORE. POUR THE REMAINING DRESSING (SOMETIMES I DON'T USE THE WHOLE BOTTLE, DEPENDS HOW LIQUIDY YOU LIKE YOUR CASSEROLE). TOP WITH CHEESE. BAKE AT 350 DEGREES FOR ABOUT 45 MINUTES OR UNTIL BUBBLY.

**NOTE- YOU CAN REALLY USE ANY DRESSING YOU LOVE ON THIS CASSEROLE. I HAVE TRIED SEVERAL BUT PREFER THE ANNIES. IT IS ALSO GOOD WITH SUN DRIED TOMATO VINAIGRETTE OR ITALIAN. MY GRANDMOTHER USED TO MAKE HERS WITH CREAM OF MUSHROOM SOUP.

6 Months Ago

Exactly 6 months ago yesterday at 9:46 am I gave birth to my beautiful son, Sterling. I never knew how much I could love someone. His smiles melt my heart, and when he laughs I am putty in his hands. The last 6 months have been the best months of my life. I have learned to be completely selfless which was a good thing for me:)

When I was pregnant, I was convinced I was having a girl. I think mainly because I thought I wanted a girl. I know nothing about boy stuff. I am one of the most girly girls you will ever meet. When we found out it was going to be a boy, I thought I guess I better start to like sports, dinosaurs, dirt and action heroes. Now I can't even imagine having a girl. I love being the mom to a baby boy and I hope I have another boy one day because they are such a blessing. He truly is a mommas boy and I love it.

So happy half a year birthday to my beautiful son Sterling. You have enriched my life and made it so much better. I love you more than you will ever know!

All the Single Ladies

This past weekend we celebrated my sister-in-law Britton's bachelorette party. She is the most wonderful sister-in-law in the world, I feel so lucky to have her in my life. She is one of the sweetest, most caring people I know. Alot of people even say we look like sisters. She would be a dear friend even if I wasn't married to her brother.
A group of about 12 of us stayed at a beach house on Folly Beach for the weekend. Friday night we took it easy and drank wine, had girl talk and enjoyed the gorgeous views from our balcony. Saturday was a whole other story! We started off with the lingerie shower followed by jello shooters. Then we had a delicious dinner at a new restaurant here called Blu, followed by a night on the town. Our group got hit on so many times. We had to laugh that once the guys found out all of us were married they still persisted with us. But once they found out several of us were stay at home moms that definitely deterred their pursuits! We had such a great time, this momma stayed out until 2:30, something I have not done in a very long time. Now the countdown to the wedding is on.

Italian Sausage and Provolone Flat Pie

Aren't you excited? Its time for my recipe of the week again! Last weekend we went to another dinner party and I was in charge of the appetizer. I have found that the appetizers that people love the most are inevitably the ones that are the worst for you. This recipe is no exception. It is basically puff pastry filled with sausage and cheese cut into bite squares. My mouth is watering just thinking about it again. It was so good every last piece got eaten and there were only 4 of us! This recipe is from one of my all time favorite cookbooks, Katie Lee Joel's (well technically since she is no longer married to Billy I guess that's not her last name anymore) The Comfort Table. She is a true southern girl who loves to make all the southern staples. This cookbook is amazing, I have made so many recipes from it and I am never disappointed. I had a picture of this pie that I made but my computer did something funk and won't upload it. But trust me, try this and you won't be sad you did!

ITALIAN SAUSAGE AND PROVOLONE FLAT PIE
-1 14/17OZ PACKAGE FROZEN PUFF PASTRY, THAWED ACCORDING TO DIRECTIONS
-1 TABLESPOON OLIVE OIL
-3/4 SWEET OR HOT ITALIAN SAUSAGE, CASING REMOVED
-1 1/2 CUPS GRATED PROVOLONE CHEESE
-1 EGG

LINE A BAKING SHEET WITH PARCHMENT PAPER. ON A LIGHTLY FLOURED SURFACE, UNFOLD PUFF PASTRY DOUGH, AND USE A FLOURED ROLLING PIN TO ROLL IT INTO A RECTANGLE ABOUT 15X10 INCHES. CUT RECTANGLE IN HALF SO YOU HAVE TWO 10 X 7.5 INCH RECTANGLES. TRANSFER TO BAKING SHEET AND REFRIGERATE FOR ABOUT 20 MINS.

MEANWHILE HEAT OLIVE OIL IN MEDIUM SKILLET OVER MEDIUM HEAT. ADD THE SAUSAGE, BREAKING IT UP WITH A WOODEN SPOON, AND BROWN FOR ABOUT 10 MINS. USING A SLOTTED SPOON TRANSFER THE SAUSAGE TO A PAPER TOWEL LINED PLATE.

SPOON THE SAUSAGE ONTO ONE OF THE PUFF PASTRY RECTANGLES LEAVING A ONE INCH BORDER. TOP WITH PROVOLONE CHEESE. USING A PASTRY BRUSH, BRUSH THE BORDER WITH EGG. LAY THE SECOND RECTANGLE OVER THE FILLING AND PRESS GENTLY TO SEAL. REFRIGERATE ANOTHER 20 MINUTES OR UP TO 2 HOURS.

USING A SMALL KNIFE, TRIM THE EDGES SO THEY ARE UNIFORM. USING A PASTRY BRUSH COAT THE ENTIRE TOP PASTRY WITH EGG. GENTLY CUT 3, 5 INCH VENTS IN THE TOP BEING CAREFUL NOT TO PIERCE THE BOTTOM LAYER. BAKE ROTATING ONCE FOR 35 OR 40 MINUTES, UNTIL CRUST IS A DEEP GOLDEN BROWN AND PASTRY HAS PUFFED. LET COOL 10 MINUTES THEN SLICE.
I USED A PIZZA CUTTER TO SLICE MINE WORKED GREAT!

Faux Fur Love it or Hate it?

As I mentioned before I am so ready for Fall, who wouldn't be with heat indexes in the hundreds! It is by far my favorite season. One trend that seems like it is going to be prominent this Fall is the Faux Fur Vest. I keep seeing it over and over again. I feel like Rachel Zoe would approve and I can so see my girl Nicole Richie sporting one of these! I am kind of loving it. Although the winters in Charleston are far from harsh, I think this is such a cute trend and a definite fall closet staple. I love the idea of the faux fur vest paired with a long fitted tee and jeggings. Here are a few of my favorites. The BB Dakota Vest is a steal at only $90! The perfect price to spend on a trendy item that might not be hot next year. However, I am kind of obsessed with the Rebecca Taylor white vest. It is a little more of an investment, but I have never met a Rebecca Taylor article of clothing I didn't absolutely love.


BB Dakota Faux Fur Vest $90

LaRok Shagadelic Long Vest $448

Rebecca Taylor Fab Faux Fur Vest $395
All vests featured on www.shopbop.com