Happy Birthday to My Sweet Baby Boy

I don't even know where to begin this post. I just went went back and read my post on Sterling's Birthday last year (Here) and it brought a tear to my eye. I can not believe my baby boy is turning two today. Two years ago at 9:46 am on this day I welcomed the most precious bundle of joy into my life.

Every day I am amazed that Matt and I created this perfect little boy. Being a mother to Sterling is such a blessing. I knew my life would change when I had a child but I never understood the extent of how much you can love something until Sterling came into my life. Being a mother is quite possibly the hardest yet most rewarding job ever. I have never laughed and cried so hard in the last two years. My days are filled with far more worry than before but I would not change it for a minute. I thank God everyday for gifting me with this bright, smart, and handsome baby boy. His laughter and smiles fill my heart with so much joy sometimes I feel like it might burst. My day is not complete until I walk in and check on my little man sleeping. There is something so special about seeing your child sleeping so peaceful. I walk in and look at him and feel like the luckiest mom alive.




This year has brought many changes since last year. My little man is a talking machine. He likes to repeat everything we say even bad words! And when he says "Frog" It does indeed sound like a bad word. He loves his Popsicles and Lollipops, they are his favorite "treats" as he calls them. He is quite the artist, loves to paint and color. He greets me every morning with a huge smile and "hi" when I come to get him out of bed. He loves to wear socks on his hands kind of weird but also kind of cute at the same time. His favorite foods are yogurt and oatmeal. I think he would eat breakfast for every meal if he could. He is beyond obsessed with the show "Little Bear" on Nick Jr. We watch an episode every morning when he gets up, it is our cuddle time. He loves to shop and wear my jewelry around, which secretly makes me smile because I know he is my child! He is the most loving little boy ever, always ready to give a hug, especially when you tell him "no."



Happy Birthday to my sweet son. Sterling, you are the light of my life and I am so proud to be your mom. You have infinitely made me a stronger and better person. I look forward to each and every day we spend together. You bring more love and happiness to my life than you will ever know! I love you to the moon and back again a million times over.

Quinoa Mac and Cheese

I have been wanting to make quinoa mac and cheese for awhile now. I finally went for it last weekend. This dish was super easy to make and so tasty. The recipe I found called for a few sauteed veggies added in but you could totally do it without veggies if you want. I used tomatoes, shallots and spinach and thought it was the perfect combo. Next time I plan to add in a few different types of cheese to spice things up. I think it would be killer with feta or goat cheese added in. I am actually eating the leftovers as I type this post, it reheats perfectly! I served my quinoa with an arugula salad and fresh toasted bread. I thought it was the perfect meal (side note- The hubs disagreed about this meal and said we needed some meat). Enjoy!




QUINOA MAC AND CHEESE
Ingredients
•2 tsp olive oil
•1 med. leek white and pale green parts halved and sliced (1 cup)- I used one shallot instead
•1/2 cup diced tomato (I also added in a few handfuls of fresh spinach)
•1 1/2 cups quinoa, rinsed and drained
•good pinch of salt
•2 cloves garlic, minced
•2 large eggs
•1 cup milk
•1 1/2 cups grated Cheddar cheese, more for sprinkling
•Optional- Panko Bread crumbs for topping (I used Panko Bread Crumbs)
•Toppings (optional)- salsa, hot sauce, sour cream, scallions (you get the picture)

Directions
1.Heat oil in med. saucepan over med. heat. Add leek and tomatoes (or any veggies you want really); cover and cook 5 mins or until tender. Stir in quinoa and garlic, and cook, uncovered, 3-4 mins, or until grains start to turn opaque. (They will not fully be cooked yet.)

2.Add 3 cups water ( I used two cups water and 1 cup chicken broth for added flavor) and season with salt and pepper. Cover and reduce heat to med-low and simmer 5-10 more, or until most liquid has been absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand 5 mins.

3.Preheat oven to 350 F. Coat 13x9 inch dish with cooking spray. Whisk together eggs and milk in large bowl. Fold in quinoa mixture and cheese. Stir very well and let some of the cheese melt. Transfer to prepared baking dish and if using Panko Crumbs or Bread crumbs add now and bake 30-35 mins, (or until browned around edges.)

Obsessions Valetines Style

Happy Valentine's Day!! The hubs and I are usually pretty low key on Valentine's Day. We like to cook a fabulous meal at home instead of going out. This year marks our 11year dating anniversary. Yep, we were lame and had our first real date on Valentine's Day 11 years ago in college. Now we celebrate our wedding anniversary instead of our dating anniversary. This year I plan to cook up some lobster tails and make some truffled mac and cheese to accompany it for our date night at home. We don't usually exchange gifts (I am pretty happy with champagne and flowers) but if we did here are a few things I love!

DAVID YURMAN WHEATON RING
I love all David Yurman jewelry but especially this ring! I really want this pink beauty on my hand! Maybe for our wedding anniversary:)

TIBI SLIT BACK SHIFT DRESS
If we were going on a date I would want to wear this hot number. I love the color and shift dresses are my favorite style of dresses. Tibi really knows how to rock out a killer dress!

ZERO + MARIA CORNEJO SWIM SUIT
I really love a good one piece, especially since having a baby and my stomach ain't exactly the same if you know what I mean. The hot pink makes me swoon and how gorgeous is the back? A chic one-piece for sure.

VOSAGE CHOCOLATE
I am obsessed with this candy. Best chocolate ever. I would be a happy lady to have a box of these chocolates!


MUMM NAPA VALLEY BRUT ROSE
This is my favorite champagne. I could and would like to drink an entire bottle of it tonight!


On another note I am guest posting over at Gaby's blog, The Vault Files, sharing whats in my make-up bag.

If you don't already read Gaby's blog you should. It is filled to the brim with fabulous fashion and decor. Plus Gaby makes and sells her own line of gorgeous jewelry. Check out her Etsy shop HERE Here is one necklace I have my eye on:

Pretty gorgeous, right? It comes in different colors, but you know me and how much I love hot pink! So please go check out my guest post HERE and visit Gaby's amazing Blog!

Scenes From Our Weekend

I picked up my first batch of Valentine's candy. I had been trying to avoid it but I can't resist a Reese's Heart. So darn Good! I ate 5 right when I got home with the bag!

My sister and I made these Pimento Cheese Cookies from Southern Living. They are sweet and savory as they are filled with strawberry preserves. Kind of similar to a cheese straw. Delish, I highly recommend!

I also finally made this Quinoa Mac and Cheese I had been dying to make. It did not disappoint- recipe to come Wednesday.

Matt had a law seminar all weekend so I had alot of quality time with my little man. We enjoyed an afternoon at the beach near our house.

I watched two movies, Horrible Bosses and The Change-Up Plan. Really enjoyed them both but definitely liked the Change-Up Plan better. What's not to love about Ryan Reynolds and Jason Bateman in the same movie, and it was hilarious! Both movies reminded of how much I love Jason Bateman.

My patience paid off, guess what I found on sale finally? My JCrew dress! Happy Early Birthday to me!

I always love when I see celebrities in non-designer dresses. Makes me appreciate them for shopping at regular stores. Love that Drew Barrymore wore my dress on the Jay Leno Show.

In case you can't tell I am officially obsessed with the Instagram app! I swear I don't even use my camera anymore. If you are on instagram you can follow me @snoopnattynat. Yep I know the name is cheesy- long story but it was a nickname from College!
Happy Monday Dolls!

Brook Bertschy Photography

In honor of my little man turning two I wanted to get some pictures done of him. One of my good friends from High School's sister just moved down here and contacted me about her photography business. She has 4 year old twins of her own so I knew she would be a pro with photographing kids, because let me tell you it is hard to get my little man to sit still for 5 secs.

The name of her her photography business is Brook Bertschy Photography and she did an amazing job! I can't say enough wonderful things about Brook, I look forward to working with her again soon! She was so good with Sterling and the pictures turned out gorgeous. If you live in Charleston and need a photos done you must call Brook. She does parties and events as well as family photos! Check out her facebook page HERE for a peak at more of her incredible work! I wanted to share a few of my favorite photos from our photo shoot. I could not be happier with the results! Big thanks to Brooke!

If you want to contact Brooke to do photos (and trust me you should:) her info is:
BROOK BERTSCHY PHOTOGRAPHY
843.276.6276
BROOKBERTSCHYPHOTOGRAPHY@GMAIL.COM

Your Dose of Random Thoughts This Friday

I wore my Greylin Blouse this week and love it. Thanks to all who encouraged me that blondes look good in Hot Pink. I think this may be the perfect blouse. I am seriously considering ordering the Cobalt Blue version. You can order yours HERE. **It may look like a deer in the first picture behind me, but that is just our extra large boxer. Our girl likes to eat.**

I was so excited this week because the OC Housewives started back. Just as I was sad the Beverly Hills girls ended this new season starts. A few thoughts: so glad Vikki and Don got divorced their marriage seemed so awkward. But what is even more awkward is that they are still living together. Gretchen and Slade annoy the crap out of me. Are people really buying Alexis's clothing line? She acts like it is doing great but those clothes are ugly. I think I might like the new girl, always nice to have a fresh brunette amongst all the blondes.

I started my garden for the year. I went to Hyams, the best garden store in Charleston, and was ecstatic to find that they had swiss chard and kale. I potted them and they are doing great. I can't wait to use them in my juices and cook with them. Anyone know where I can find arugula? I want to grow it too but can't find it anywhere.

I also couldn't resist these gorgeous pink flowers. Hot pink flowers make me very happy!

I took my little man to the Outlets yesterday for a morning outing. He loved riding the race cars,

I loved the Jonathan Adler Goodies I found at 60 percent off.

I have a new lunch I am obsessed with. Cut-out Toasts with Hummus, Avocado, and Roasted Tomato. Make this asap it is the perfect combination! I found the recipe HERE. Trust me you will be addicted to these tasty treat!

This is my last weekend to hang out with my one year old. Sterling turns two on Thursday. A little bittersweet for me. I am excited to celebrate his birthday but I can't believe how fast my sweet baby is growing up.

And here is your quote for Friday. So True. Have a wonderful weekend friends.