Princess Style

I have always thought that Kate Middleton was gorgeous. But it wasn't until just recently I started noticing how impeccable her style is. Probably because she is on every news show, magazine cover and gossip site as of lately, she has permeated my brain. I think she always wears outfits that are classic yet not stuffy. She always looks so polished and put together. I can't wait to see what wedding dress she chooses! I think she will make the perfect Princess, especially since she already has the style icon part down! Here are just a few of my many favorite Kate looks! I adore that Pink Gown, if only I had somewhere to wear it!







I had to include a picture of her gorgeous ring! How special to have Diana's old ring. It is truly amazing. Maybe for my 10 year anniversary I can talk Matt into getting me one of these babies!

photos via: people, just jared, daily news, google images

Love Affair

My love affair with spray paint continues. I had been on a white gloss kick but for this particular project, I went with black gloss. About a year ago my in-laws gave us this wine rack. They had it in their house, but then got an island that had built ins for wine, so they no longer needed the rack. This is not something I would pick out myself but I was more than happy to take this off their hands. I was super excited to have a large rack to store all my beloved wine. I have been wanting to paint this rack for awhile but couldn't commit to a color. I was really leaning towards white gloss (my obsession) again but thought it might not really go with my dining room color and decor, so I ultimately decided on the black gloss. I love it, it makes the wine rack feel like a new piece. Our dining room kind of opens up to our kitchen, so I really like how the black wine rack now matches our black granite countertops. The color ties the two rooms together. I really think the white would have been too light against my gray walls. This project only took two cans of black spray paint and about 2.5 coats. Spray paint is such a quick and cheap way to update your old furniture.

THE BEFORE:


THE AFTER:





We finally bought our Christmas tree this weekend, so I have been in full force decorating mode, hence the tree on the wine rack!

Gratitude

We had a wonderful Thanksgiving. We hosted Matt's family at our house this year. Everything went well except we really didn't account for how small our oven was. We could only fit the turkey in it, so we had to cook it and then take it out and cook all our sides. Needless to say we didn't eat until almost 9:00 but everything was delicious. I tried my hand at Paula Deen's oyster dressing and it was amazing.
Since Thanksgiving is a time to count your blessings, I wanted to take a minute to reflect on all the many things I am thankful for:

-My Baby Boy. He has changed my life, enriched it, and made me a better person. His smiles and laughs are the highlight of my day. I can't imgaine my life without him!
-My Husband. He tirelessly works to provide for Sterling and I and he always makes me laugh! He has a huge heart and is honestly one of the nicest people I know. 9 years after meeting him, he is still my best friend and love of my life.
-My Family. I love them to pieces and I really wish we lived in the same city! Thank god for phones I talk to my mom and sister at least 10 times a day!
-Our Health. We are so fortunate to all be healthy, something we sometimes forgot about and take for granted.
-Wine. After 9 (really 10) long months of no alcohol it is so nice to be able to indulge in a few glasses after a long day with a fussy baby.
-My Purses. Sad but true, I love my purses. Just looking at them in my closet makes me happy. They were an investment but worth every penny because I will love them for years to come.
-Starbucks. The perfect treat for this time of the year. I love the pumpkin spice latte, peppermint mocha, carmel macchiato and the green tea latte is my newest obsession. Yes, gourmet coffee does bring me a bit of happiness!
-Fashion and Home Decor Magazines (and lets not forget US WEEKLY). It makes my day anytime I get one of my many magazines that I subscribe to in the mail. They provide me with alot of inspiration and ideas for my life.
-TJMAXX, Marshalls and HomeGoods. I love these stores, you can find the best deals and I love a bargain! While I was home my mom found some gorgeous Calvin Klein wine glasses that retailed for $30 and were at HomeGoods for $2.99. You can't beat that!
-Good Food. I love cooking and trying new recipes. I also love dining out but those days are few and far between with our baby boy. A good meal home cooked or from a restaurant makes me very happy.
-Cheese. Had to give this its own category. Love cheese and nothing goes better with a glass of wine than cheese. My newest favorite is manchego. I strongly feel that cheese makes everything taste better.
-Cookbooks. I have quite the collection of cookbooks. I will never get around to making all the recipes but I love browsing through them getting ideas for meals.
-Our Dog Nelson. She is the sweetest dog I could ask for. She is wonderful with Sterling . And even though this baby has come into her life and taken her parents attention away from her, she still just wants to love us.
-Good Jeans. I am beyond obsessed with my 7 for All Mankind "The Skinny" Jeans. They suck you in all the right places are so flattering. They are a little bit higher waisted than other jeans, preventing the dreaded muffintop. I wear them almost everyday.
-My House. I love our house and where we live.

What are you thankful for this year? My life is filled with so many blessings I thank God everyday (although I could stand to make it to church more often:)
Here are a few pictures from our Thanksgiving. You gotta love that everyone but Matt dressed up. He was rocking what I like to call his Bon Jovi jeans and Mountain Man top, but he looks handsome:0

Two Potato Gratin

If you are still tweaking your Thanksgiving menu and need another recipe, this is it! I am at home visiting my parents right now and we made this dish this weekend and it was AMAZING! The combination of the sweet potatoes and russet potatoes mixed with two different cheeses is perfection. This dish is creamy and rich and ohh so good. I highly recommend you try this recipe even if you don't make it for Thanksgiving it would be great for a dinner party or just a family dinner! I can't take credit for the picture at the top, it is compliments of Williams Sonoma. I forgot my camera cord to upload the pictures I took of our gratin. I will add them next week. I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving tomorrow!! There are so many things I am thankful for this year, including my lovely readers.

TWO POTATO GRATIN WITH CHEESE

-2 TBS unsalted unsalted butter, cut into small pieces.
-1 Cup half and half
-1 Cup heavy double cream
-Salt and pepper to taste
-2 ½ lb. Russet potatoes, peeled and sliced
-2 ½ lb. Sweet potatoes, peeled and sliced into rounds
-½ lb. Shredded Gruyere or aged Swiss or French Comte.
-¼ lb. Parmesan or Manchego cheese, grated.

Preheat oven to 325. Grease 9 x 13 baking dish.

In a large bowl, stir together the half-and0half and cream, salt and pepper. Add all the potatoes and toss. Layer abut ¼ of the potato slices in the dish. Scatter ¼ of the cheeses over the potato layer. Repeat to make three layers and reserving a final sprinkling of cheese. Pour any cream mixture remaining in the bowl over the potatoes. Sprinkle remaining cheese evenly over all. Scatter butter pieces evenly over the cheese.

Transfer to the oven and bake until the top is browned, the cream has thickened and bubbling, and a knife inserted into the center meets little resistance, about 1 hour and 20 minutes.

Transfer to rack and let rest for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Serves 8-10. Recipe from Williams-Sonoma, Thanksgiving.

Why I Need a Huge Purse

To fit my sweet baby in of course! Matt put Sterling in my Gucci Purse/Diaper Bag this weekend and I could not stop laughing. Sterling actually liked being inside my purse. He sat in there for awhile and enjoyed his crackers. And no, I don't treat him like a dog and carry him around in my purse but these pics were too cute not to post. I knew I had a big purse for something other than diapers, formula, and baby toys:) Anything that will keep my baby occupied for a few minutes makes Momma very happy. For once Matt said my purse was money well spent!

The Ultimate Peanut Butter Cookie

With the holidays right around the corner (where did the past year go?) I am in full force cooking mode. I had to share this recipe because these are the best peanut butter cookies ever! I have made this recipe many times and it never disappoints. I think these are the perfect holiday gift and would be so cute sprinkled with red or green sugar if you wanted a more festive look. Sadly, I just made this batch for Matt and I, and I can't stop eating them! We store them in the freezer and if you have never put candy or cookies in the freezer you are missing out. Something about the freezer brings out and intensifies the flavor.

I added crushed Reese's cups to my cookies because I had leftovers from Halloween, but I have made these cookies with Reese's pieces, m&m's and peanut butter chips and they are all good. Add what ever sweet treat you like or keep it plain and simple with just the PB! Here is my adaptation of Miss Katie Lee's Peanut Butter Cookie recipe. Enjoy!
**Please excuse my Madonna man hand in the top picture**




PEANUT BUTTER COOKIES

- 1 CUP ALL PURPOSE FLOUR
- 1/2 TEASPOON BAKING SODA
- 1/4 TEASPOON KOSHER SALT
- 8 TABLESPOONS (1 STICK) UNSALTED BUTTER)
- 1/2 CUP LIGHT BROWN SUGAR
- 1/2 CUP GRANULATED SUGAR
- 1 LARGE EGG
- 1/2 TEASPOON PURE VANILLA EXTRACT
- 1/2 ALL NATURAL PEANUT BUTTER (I USE THE JIF ALL NATURAL)
- CRUSHED UP REESES CUPS, AS MUCH OR AS LITTLE AS YOU LIKE

PREHEAT OVEN TO 325 DEGREES.
IN A SMALL BOWL MIX TOGETHER FLOUR, BAKING SODA AND SALT.
IN A MEDIUM BOWL, USE A HANDHELD ELECTRIC MIXER TO CREAM THE BUTTER AND SUGARS UNTIL LIGHT AND FLUFFY, ABOUT 4 MINUTES. ADD THE EGG AND BEAT UNTIL FULLY INCORPORATED. ADD THE VANILLA AND PEANUT BUTTER AND BEAT UNTIL FULLY INCORPORATED. ADD THE FLOUR MIXTURE AND BEAT UNTIL WELL MIXED. STIR IN REESES CUPS LIGHTLY TO THE BATTER.

USING A TABLESPOON, DROP THE COOKIE DOUGH ONTO COOKIE SHEETS, LINED WITH PARCHMENT PAPER. PRESS EACH COOKIE WITH A LIGHTLY FLOURED FORK. BAKE ABOUT 15 MINUTES AND LET COOL.
MAKES ABOUT 30-36 COOKIES

**KATIE LEE'S ORIGINAL RECIPE CALLS FOR CRUNCHY PEANUT BUTTER INSTEAD OF ALL NATURAL IF YOU PREFER. HONESTLY ANY PEANUT BUTTER WOULD WORK FOR THESE COOKIES, SO USE WHAT YOU GOT!**

Eat Your Heart Out

I was super excited to get my PEOPLE Sexiest Man Alive Issue in the mail yesterday with Ryan Reynolds on the cover! Matt took one look at it and said "Wow, he has come a long way since Alanis Morrisette." I could not stop laughing, I had totally forgotten that they dated and I actually think they were engaged. What a random couple! Now he has definitely upgraded with Scarlett Johanason. I think People made a great choice for their cover, he is funny, handsome and have you seen that body??? I thought I would leave you ladies with some eye candy of Mr. Reynolds to enjoy! Have a wonderful weekend!





IMAGES: GOOGLE

Bananas! A Zoe Baby is on the Way!

Rachel Zoe, finally confirmed what we have all known for awhile that she is pregnant. I am happy for her and Rodger. What I am most happy about is watching her maternity style and taking notes for the next time I am pregnant! You know she is going to look fabulous this whole pregnancy and probably stay tiny too! I on the other was as big as a house at the end of my pregnancy. At the hospital while I was walking around before being admitted to a room, someone had the nerve to ask me if I was expecting twins. That will never happen to Mrs. Zoe I am sure. I heard a rumor that she is expecting a boy, not confirmed. I am sure she is wanting a girl to pass all those clothes and jewelry on to. If it is a son maybe his future wife will get all that loot! Congrats to her and Rodger!

A first sneak at her tiny baby bump. She looks great.

**btw Matt said "I didn't know skeletons could get pregnant." He then asked me to post the picture of Rachel Zoe in her bikini beside this statement.

Thanksgiving Delight

As soon as I saw this recipe on Smitten Kitchen, one of my favorite food blogs, I knew I had to make it. Sweet Potatoes and Goat Cheese are two of my favorite things so I knew this recipe would be the bomb. Trust me it did not disappoint. This is one of the most delicious things I have cooked in a long time. It would be perfect for Thanksgiving. Not only does it look gorgeous with all the fall colors but it will literally melt in your mouth. The combo of roasted sweet potatoes, goat cheese, and dried cranberry/celery relish is divine! The picture at the top is from Smitten Kitchen, I had to include a great picture at the top, but the 4 below represent my cooking skills:) I am still dreaming about this dish and I ate it for dinner last night and lunch today, it's that good!





SWEET POTATOES WITH GOAT CHEESE AND CELERY
1 1/2 pounds sweet potato, scrubbed, unpeeled, in 3/4- to 1-inch coins
4 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1/4 cup toasted and cooled pecan halves
2 tiny or 1 small shallot
2 stalks celery
2 tablespoons flat-leaf parsley
1 tablespoon dried cranberries or cherries (optional)
2 ounces firmish goat cheese
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1/2 teaspoon smooth Dijon mustard

Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Coat a large baking sheet generously with olive oil, about 1 to 2 tablespoons. Lay sweet potatoes in one layer on the oiled sheet. Sprinkle with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Roast, without disturbing, for 15 to 20 minutes. Carefully flip each piece: the undersides should be blistery, dark and a bit puffy and should release from the pan with no effort. If they’re not, let it cook longer. Sprinkle them with additional salt and freshly ground black pepper and return the pan to the oven for another 10 minutes or so, until the undersides match the tops.

Meanwhile, prepare your salad. Chop your pecans well, mince your shallot, chop your celery and parsley, mince cranberries if using them. Crumble your goat cheese. If you, like me, got too soft of a goat cheese for mixing, set it aside and sprinkle it on top. If it’s firmer, stir it into the mixture. In a small dish, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar and 1/2 teaspoon dijon. Pour half over salad.

When the potatoes are done, lay them on a serving platter. Scoop a spoonful of the salsa over each round. Pour remaining salad dressing over top, to taste. Eat immediately.

Check out Smitten Kitchen for a full run down on this recipe and some gorgeous pictures. Way better than the crappy ones my camera takes!

I Love Her

Is there anything this woman can't do?? Dance, sing, act, cook, dress incredibly and raise two sweet kids. I have loved Gwyneth for a long time. Anyone remember a little movie called, Sliding Doors? Yep, that's how loyal I am. Loved her in that movie, loved her with her short pixie haircut while she dated Brad Pitt and I love her even more now. She and Olivia Palermo are my two girl crushes.

Gwyneth was amazing on Glee tonight. Hilarious and her voice was great. I thought she was spot on acting and on top of all that she looked gorgeous. I am so jealous of her svelte figure. Her dance moves were ridiculous, proof I guess that those Tracey Anderson videos do work. I loved every number she sang. Between this and the episode with Britney Spears, Glee has been killing it this year!
Anyone else watch Glee and love Gwyneth as much as I do?

photos: google

9 Months

Today my sweet baby boy is 9 months old! I can't believe in 3 short months he will be turning a 1 year old! Where have the past nine months gone? They have literally flown by, but have been filled with so much joy. I feel so lucky to have such a sweet, beautiful, healthy baby boy.

A few things our 9 month old baby boy is doing now:
- Trying to crawl, more like moving like an inch worm, pretty hilarious
- Loving to eat, just like his daddy. Put some puffs or Baby Mum Mums in front of him and he is pretty darn happy
- Talking, well not really saying anything we can understand but he loves to babble. Especially when I am on the phone or we are in the car.
- Discovering his privates. Yes, much to my dismay he tries to grab his man parts everytime I change his diaper. This poses a real problem when its a number 2 diaper.
- Squirming everywhere! As soon as he is on the changing table he flips over! Its hard to get a diaper on this guy!

- Teething- he has six teeth, 3 on top and 3 on the bottom, with 2 more poking thru his gums. His outfits are constantly covered in drool.
- Cuddling, he loves giving hugs and resting his head on my shoulder- nothing sweeter!
- Trying to walk. He loves to hold your hands and have you walk around with him. He also stiffens his legs whenever I try to sit him down, this baby wants to stand up all the time!
- Loving Bath Time. He loves splashing in the water and playing with all his toys.

- Learning to pull himself up in his crib, already had to lower it once, looks like we might need to lower it again.

Sterling is such a blessing. Being a mother is by far the best thing I have ever done. With all this crawling, squirming and pulling up you can see things are just starting to get crazy in the Mason household.
Happy 9 month birthday Sterling, I love you so much!

Closet Space

Matt said the dreaded words to me this week, "I need more closet space." He continued to tell me that his dry cleaned shirts and suits were staying wrinkled because they were crammed into the hall closet. Yes that is right, I gave my husband the smallest closet in the house, the one in the hall while I occupied the other 2 (used to be 3 before Sterling came along and I had to consolidate). This made me feel pretty bad that he had no space and I was hogging it. I will be the first to admit, I have a shopping problem and own way too many clothes, shoes and purses. Problem is, I love them all and have a hard time getting rid of them. So for 3 days I diligently worked and rearranged and cleaned out all three of our closets. I took 5bags of stuff to goodwill and it felt liberating. Matt ended up with a bigger closet, although I still snuck a few of my coats in there:)

Below are a few pictures of my closets, my camera really doesn't do them justice they look so much better in person. Santa if you are reading I really want that Nikon for Christmas! And yes, I am sure you are thinking our closests are small and they are, we live in an old house with tiny, tiny closets!

The small hall closet now houses my dresses, clutches and boots. All of my favorite things! I switched out all my hangers to the velvet ones awhile ago and it made such a big difference. I was going to organize my closet by color, but decided to organize by occasion and material. Like all silk dresses together, all long sleeve dresses together, all dressy dresses etc.



My happy place, my purse shelf.

I stacked all the boots at the bottom and stuffed them with magazines rolled up so they would stand straight. I have a few pairs still under my bed but for the most part these are the boots I wear the most.

I had to use an over the door shoe rack because there was no other way or space to store my shoes. Definitely not my first choice but it works.

The closet in our bedroom consists of my shirts, sweaters, jeans, jackets and maxi dresses.


I bought these cute bins at Target to store my bikinis, scarfs, hats and gloves. I bought 4 and stacked them on the shelf in the closet. I love the fresh look of the ivory.

One day I am going to have a closet like Megan's at Honey Were Home. It is my dream closet, she did an amazing job with it (and her whole house too)! It is truly gorgeous and kind of makes my closets look sad, but you gotta work with what you got!

How do you organize your closets? Any tips for organizing in small spaces?