Pinterest Made me Do It

Hello, my name is Natalie, and I am addicted to Pinterest.   Any time I have a spare minute I am scrolling thru on my phone or ipad pinning stuff.  Cooking, home decor, DIY projects, you name it and I pin it.   It is such great inspiration!  Lets face it Pinterest makes me way more creative than I used to be but it also makes me feel bad like I am not doing enough sometimes.  I have yet to do one Easter Craft with Sterling or even buy stuff for his Easter Basket and that is all I have seen on there lately.  I know Matt likes it because I have found so many great recipes on there.  My credit card probably doesn't like it because it makes me want to shop more.  Either way I love me some Pinterest and I am sticking with it.

 I wanted to share a few things that were a result of my Pinterest addiction.

:: L E M O N  R O S E M A R Y  S U G A R  S C R U B::

I pinned this awhile back and finally got around to making it this week.  It works great.  I made two batches one with kosher salt and one with sugar to see if I liked one better.  Honestly I loved them both, only thing I will say is the Kosher Salt one seems to exfoliate more.  The original recipe called for Thyme but we have a big Rosemary bush out back so I subbed Rosemary.  I think the Rosemary pairs perfectly with the lemon.  This was so easy to make and the almond oil really moisturizes well.

 

:: B A K E D  T A C O   C A S S E R O L E::

This casserole is the bomb.com.  Seriously Matt and I devoured it.  Highly recommend you make this asap, a great recipe.  I am making it again tonight!

:: G A P  S T R A P P Y  S A N D A L S::

I saw these and promptly clicked on them, saw they were from the Gap for $39 and thought no brainer, these need to be mine.  They look so much expensive they are! 

:: B L O O D  O R A N G E  I C E  C U B E S::

I have been on a real Blood Orange kick lately.  Juicing them primarily til I came across this ice cube idea.  I made them and use them in my water.  Makes drinking water that much more fun.  I think they would be killer with champagne poured over them.  I have yet to try that but obviously need to.

:: R O R Y  B E C C A  G E M M A  M A X I   I N   M I N T::

When I saw Sarah from Social Dress Shop had pinned this lovely number, I  knew she had to be mine.  The perfect easy breezy summer dress.  It is sold out pretty much everywhere in the Mint color,   but it is now back in stock in a few sizes at Social Dress Shop.

::  P A I N T E D  F R O N T  D O O R ::

I love my new black front door and this is the Tutorial I used when painting, thanks to Pinterest.

:: F R E N C H   L E N T I L S  W I T H  S H R I M P  A N D  K A L E ::

This is one of my favorite recipes I have found on Pinterest.  We eat it at least once a month.  It is healthy but full of flavor.  We add Sriracha when we marinate the Shrimp and omit the Herbs of Provence.

:: C L E A N I N G  C H A R T ::

I have been trying to follow this cleaning chart I saw on Pinterest from Jenny at Little Green Notebook.  It really makes cleaning simpler knowing what you have to do that day and dividing things up.

:: N E O N  S I L H O U E T T E ::

As soon as I saw these on Pinterest I saved the image and knew I needed one of my little man.  I knew WayWay was just the person to recreate this look for me.  I love looking at the silhouette of Sterling hanging in our house.  Makes me so happy.  If you need a silhouette email WayWay!

:: C O F F E E   T A B L E ::

I spied this coffee table on Pinterest and thought wow that is perfect for our den.  And now she proudly sits in our den and I love her.  And the table is now on sale for $129 such a steal if you need a new coffee table!

Ok so what has Pinterest inspired you to do??  Tell me I am not the only one addicted!

You can follow me and my gazillion pins on Pinterest HERE.

Best Stir Fry Chicken + Fried Brown Rice with Kale

Confession- I can't remember the last time I cooked a stir fry.  I actually love Asian inspired meals but for some reason I never cook them.  This week Matt and I both wanted stir fry, random, but we did,  so I set out to find the best recipe.  Enter my girl Gwyneth Paltrow.  I remembered seeing this recipe in her Cookbook and thinking I should make it.  I also knew GP would not disappoint, love her, love her cookbook and can't wait for her new Cookbook next month!

The prep work took a little bit of time but all the stuff for the chicken can be cut up ahead of time and then you can just toss it together when ready to cook.  This chicken knocked my socks off.  The flavors were incredible.  You can really taste the fresh ginger and garlic and the brown sugar helps caramelize the chicken.  It was so amazing.  It really tasted like Chinese chicken but without all the MSG and weird additives.  It was fresh tasting.

GP recommends you serve the chicken with her Fried Rice with Kale and Scallions.  So I followed her lead.  I added some edamame to the rice and it was excellent.  Both reheated really well the next day as well.  A really healthy spin on a Stir Fry and Fried Rice.

 B O T H  R E C I P E S  F R O M  M Y  F A T H E R S  D A U G H T E R  C O O K B O O K

::B E S T  S T I R  F R Y  C H I C K E N::

• 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts, cut into small cubes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch  ( I used flour)
•  Coarse salt
•  freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup peeled and minced garlic
• 1/4 cup peeled and minced ginger
• 1/2 cup minced scallions (white and green parts)
• Pinch red chile flakes
• 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
•  2 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh cilantro, for serving

Toss the chicken with the cornstarch, a large pinch of salt, and quite a bit of pepper. 

Heat the oil in a large nonstick wok over medium-high heat (this is a gentle stir-fry). 

Add the garlic, ginger, scallions, and chile flakes if using them and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. 

Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 minutes. Add the vinegar, sugar and 6 grinds of black pepper. 

Boil on high for 3 minutes, or until the sugar has really caramelized, the vinegar has mellowed a bit, and the whole mixture is dark brown and sticky and lovely. 

Add the soy sauce, cook for another 30 seconds and serve immediately, served with cilantro.

:: F R I E D  R I C E  W I T H  K A L E  A N D  S C A L L I O N S::

• 1/2 lb kale, stems discarded
• 1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and very finely minced
• 3 large scallions, cut into 1/8 inch diagonal slices
• 2 1/2 cups cooked brown rice
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce ( I used 2-3 tablespoons, I love soy sauce)

Cut the kale leaves in half lengthwise and then cut crosswise into very thin ribbons (chiffonade). Steam the kale for 7 minutes. Meanwhile, heat the vegetable oil in a large saucepan over medium-low heat. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes, being careful not to brown the garlic. Raise the heat to medium and add the steamed kale and scallions. Cook for 2 minutes and then add the rice and cook for another 2 minutes, stirring. Add the soy sauce and cook for 30 seconds more.

Obsessions

:: ZINKE ZOE COVER-UP DRESS::

AND

::STARBOARD ONE PIECE::

I am obsessed with this swimwear line. Love the print on this dress and bathing suit.  I would rock this dress not as a cover-up but for everyday wear!   Love the colors and pattern.

:: GAP PRINTED LEGGING SKIMMER JEANS::

It is no secret I am obsessed with Floral Prints for Spring.  I picked up these at the Friend and Family event last weekend.  They are so cute on and perfect for Summer.  I picture them with a white tee or loose white blouse.

 ::TKEES FLIP FLOPS::

I heard these are the best flip flops.  I love a simple nude flip flop for the Summer.  You can wear them with everything!

::CALVIN KLEIN TIE DYE STRIPE MAXI::

I tried this dress on and love it.  It is so soft and comfortable.  Order a size up than you normally wear as it is a little clingy.  I got a 6 so it wasn't skin tight.

  

::SUMMER TIME CHOPPED SALAD::

How amazing does this salad look? I am obsessed with chopped salads.  This one is full of so many tasty ingredients.   It is on my list to recreate asap.

 

::HODSELL MCKENZIE FABRIC:: 

I need this fabric for my wingback chairs.  I tried to google it but can't find it or pricing anywhere online.  I am assuming that means it is crazy expensive and out of my price range!  Any designers know the price range?

::BAUBLEBAR GALATIC GEM BIB::
I wanted this necklace a few months ago and it was sold out when I went to buy, it is finally back in stock now!  Hardest choice is deciding which color to buy!   If you want one you better snatch it up before they sell out again!
Pink, Green, or  Silver?

::LEATHER ENVELOPE CLUTCH::
Ladies this clutch is only $39.99.  I swear it looks just like ones I have seen that cost $200+.  It comes in 4 great colors but the Mint is my favorite for Summer!  You can get 10% off today with code TUESDAYS.

Scenes From Our Weekend

We had picture perfect weather this weekend.  It was so nice after all the cold weather we have had lately!  We definitely enjoyed alot of time outdoors.

Friday I hit up an Estate Sale. I have not been to one in weeks and this was a good one.  I scored all sorts of great stuff for cheap.  The necklace was $1.00.  I mean seriously you can't beat Estate Sales.

 We hit up the beach near our house Friday afternoon for some afternoon fun.  Sterling insists on wearing his cowboy boots everywhere.  Will this phase ever pass??

Saturday, we have started a new family tradition where we go out to breakfast.  Matt usually has to work on Saturdays so it is a nice way to get in some family time with him before he is gone for the day.  Matt and I both got the Corned Beef Hash with Fried Eggs at SweetWater Grill and it was amazing!  It really makes me want to learn to make my own corned beef.

 Saturday night we went to dinner with a few other couples for an early Birthday Celebration.   We had predrinks with Caycee and Todd.  I am such a giant next to her for real.  But how great does she look? She has me so impressed with her dedication to losing weight, she is 3 lbs from her goal weight and I am so proud of her.

I wore my Equipment Dress, so in love with it.  Similar one available HERE.

 

How cute is Caycee's Dress??  After she told me it was $15 from Forever 21 I promptly ordered one (or two).  It comes in 4 fab colors.  It is online only.

{F21 Maxi Slip Dress}

 All us girls at dinner.   So blessed to have such wonderful friends.  I count my lucky stars everyday to have these great women in my life.

Sunday was a church + boat day.  Church Outfit was Vince Dress.  Plus I added my Vintage Necklace I found at the Estate Sale Friday.

I love our walk to church downtown.  The streets are just gorgeous this time of the year with all the azaleas in bloom.  Great photo op with my little man.

Sunday afternoon was boat ride time.  I packed my favorite champ and new favorite chips.  Seriously go buy the Pringles Jalapeno chips.  We demolished the whole container.

This was me trying to channel Bridgett Bardot for the boat ride.  It so windy once we actually got on the water I had to ditch my hat, bummer because it was really keeping the sun out of my face.

There is nothing I love more than seeing my two boys together.  Melts my heart seriously.

Our boat ride turned out to be very cold.  The forecast said the high 75 but it felt more like 50 on the water.  Had to warm up at the Yacht Club Afterwards with a stiff drink.

I really loved this quote.  I still have Hope and hope you all do too.

I added a few new items to my Blog Sale yesterday and reduced some prices you can check it out Here,  there are some great deals!

Here is to a fabulous Monday!

Blog Sale Part 2

So I found a few more things to add to the Blog Sale and I reduced the price on others.   Shipping is $5, I will combine if you buy more than one item.  Email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com if interested.

{JOIE FLORAL BLOUSE}

Size= XS but runs on the large side

Worn once, mint condition

Retailed for $230

$90

SOLD

{JOIE TUNIC/DRESS}

Size XS- again this runs on the large side more like a small

This was more of a tunic on me but on someone shorter it could be a dress.  It comes with a black cotton slip

Worn once, mint condition

Retailed for $325

$100

{JOIE PEACH SILK TANK}

Size= XS- again more like a small very loose fitting

Retailed for $198

Worn once, mint condition

$70

{TIBI BEADED BLACK SILK TANK}

Size= 0 but more like a size 2/4

New With Tags

Retailed for $218

$75

{ELIE TAHARI SILK TANK}

Size= Small

Worn a few times mint condition

Retailed for $200

$60

{JOIE CASHMERE SWEATER}

Size= Small

Material: 40% Nylon, 35% Rayon, 20% Wool, 5% Cashmere

Worn Once, Mint Condition

Retailed for $250

$65

SOLD
 

{MARSHALLS  BLOUSE}

The brand on this blouse is just 4 Colored Squares?

New Without Tags

Size= Medium

Back buttons at top and then is open so you need a tank underneath

$30

SOLD

{BCBG SHIFT DRESS}

Size= Small

Worn twice, mint condition

Retailed for $200

$50

{BANANA REPUBLIC GRAY SKINNY JEANS}

Size= 27

New With Tags

Retailed for $89.50

$25
SOLD

{REBECCA TAYLOR SNAKESKIN/FLORAL BLOUSE}

SIZE=0 (but this runs on the large size fits more like a 2/4)

Mint Condition

Retailed for $250

$55

{T-BAGS DOLMAIN TOP}

Size= Medium

Worn Once, Mint Condition

Retailed for $165

$35

{RACHEL PALLY HOT PINK TUNIC}

Size= Small, very loose fitting

92% Modal, 8% Spandex- it is so soft

Worn Once, Mint Condition

Retailed for $200

$65

SOLD