Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Sterling

It is hard to believe that this is what I was doing a year ago ago today.
Gettting ready to have my sweet baby boy. This picture is actually from the day before when we headed to the hospital. That is a seriosly forced smile as I had already been in labor for like 12 hours. Please excuse my jazzercise looking outfit. Leggings and that tank top were pretty much all I could fit in at this point.

31 hours later (yes I had an extremely long labor, but it was all worth it) we welcomed Sterling Holton Mason at 9:46 am. He was 8lbs, 4oz and 21.5 inches long.






My life forever changed on that day. I have experienced so many different types of love in my life, but none as strong as the love of my own child. I can't even put into words how incredible my love for Sterling is. He is the light of my life. I love how when I look at him I see a combination of Matt and I. His dark hair and brown eyes are all Matt, but I like to think his nose and mouth are mine. It is truly amazing to me that we created this perfect little baby. I can't imagine my life without Sterling in it.

Sterling, you have made me a stronger and more selfless person. I have learned to put others before my own needs and that has been a welcome change. You have enlightened my life this past year and brought me an immense amount of joy and love. Your laughter is like music to my ears and your smiles melt my heart. And now when I hear you say what sounds like "mom" it literally makes my whole day. You are the sweetest little boy with the most loving personality. You love to give hugs and just lay your head on my lap. You are not so interested in toys but boy do you love walking around and digging through our kitchen cabinets. You are a curious little boy who loves to eat! I know I am biased but you are the most beautiful baby I have ever laid eyes on. That face is going to break many a hearts in a few years! Thank you for making this the best year of my life. I love you to the moon and back again, a million times over. You are a true blessing that I thank God for everyday. I am so proud to be your mom. Happy Birthday sweet boy of mine.

Obsessions- Pawleys Island Posh

Happy Tuesday Loves! I am finally feeling back to normal! Thanks for all the well wishes! Today my gal pal Julia from Pawleys Island Posh is guest blogging to share her current Obsessions!

I had the pleasure of meeting Julia a few weeks ago and let me tell you, we were instantly friends. Julia is beautiful, sweet and incredibly funny. She has the most precious 6 month old baby girl named Wells (I love that name) and she is starting her own photography business. She is seriously talented. I love her blog, it is a must read! Thanks for sharing your obsessions today, Julia!! So happy to have you! xoxo

Hey friends!

I'm Julia from Pawleys Island Posh.

I am so thrilled to be here chatting this morning about my current faves.

Natalie has got some style and Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers is one of my daily must reads.

We met up at Starbucks a few weeks ago and I can assure you that this girl is just as polished and stylish in person.

And she's just as sweet as can be.

I can't wait for our next coffee date!

1.  The color grey

I'm finally getting on board with the grey walls train.

It's the perfect neutral and backdrop for bright colors like teal, yellow or pink.

I painted my front hall and kitchen Antique Sterling by Glidden.

I'm getting ready to paint my master bedroom this rich taupey-grey color I found in House Beautiful.

{Dutch Boy Cathedral Gray DT136}

2.  scarves

I'm a new mom of a six month baby girl and scarves are my daily staple.

Every morning I throw on my old jeans and a white shirt with a new colorful scarf thrown on top.

Add some Reva's and I'm out the door.

BabyGirl can grab and pull on my big earrings and she can tug and break my necklaces but scarves are safe.

(and they hide spit up and coffee spills beautifully)

3.  Pink Hunter Boots

Y'all I seriously find myself getting excited on rainy days because it means I can wear these pretties.

4.  Graphic Pattern Pillows

I'm completely obsessed with adding pops of color to a room with throw pillows.

Two of my favorite places to find modern patterns are  cococozy and kravet.

Etsy is also a mecca for inexpensive pillow covers

cococozy

kravet

5.  Gratitude and a positive attitude

Thanks again Natalie for having me over to talk about my current loves!

xoxox, Julia

Love.

Happy Valentine's Day! This post is going to be short and sweet as the Mason household has fallen under the dreaded stomach bug this weekend. That's right, all three of us. First Sterling got sick Friday, then Matt and I both caught the bug Saturday night. Remember the vows "through sickness and health?" Well, we got a strong dose of that this weekend. We have both never been sick at the same with a baby to tend to, it was BRUTAL. And let's just say Matt is the worst sick person ever. You would have thought he was on his deathbed the way he moaned. Men are such wussies when they are sick.

On a lighter note, I was excited about the Grammys all day. I loved Juilanne Hough's Dress. Gorgeous.

Heidi Klum was another of my favorites in her gold sparkly dress. She looks amazing after having 4 kids!



Loved the Cee-Lo Gwyneth duet! Girl can do no wrong. She looked and sounded amazing!


I was also was thrilled that my favorite band Mumford and Son's preformed!!

Who did ya'll love?

I will leave you with this picture of me from last Valentine's Day hours before I went into labor. We've come along way this year. I was literally about to pop. I did wear tights with dress when we went to dinner, I realize it looks especially short for a preggo lady to wear!


Here's to hoping we can keep our meal down tonight! I hope you all get spoiled rotten today and have a fabulous Valentine's Day! xoxo

images: google images

Man Pleaser = Beef Stew

I am really not a beef stew lover, I like it fine, but it is probably not what I would choose to eat. Matt on the otherhand loves it, it is one of his favorite meals. The last time we had this stew was the week Sterling was born. My mom made it for us and it was delicious, perfect for this time of year. I decided since it had been almost a year, it was time for me to bust out the recipe and surprise the hubs with one of his favorite meals last night. The stew did not disappoint! It is so rich and tasty, the meat literally falls apart when you bite into it. We served ours with toasted French Bread slathered in butter, pure heaven. The best part is since this recipe calls for wine, you can finish drinking the bottle you opened while it cooks! I used a tasty Malbec in mine, delish!
Ingredients

Meat with Onion Soup Mixture

Meat and Veggies covered with Cream of Celery and Wine Mixture, ready to bake

5 hours later....

Dinner is Served

This beef stew really did not photograph well, I promise it tastes better than it looks!

BEEF STEW
- 2LBS BEEF STEW MEAT
- 6-8 SMALL POTATOES QUARTERED
- 2-3 LARGE ONIONS QUARTERED
- 7-8 CARROTS SLICED
- 1 PACKAGE DRY ONION SOUP MIX
- 1 CAN CREAM OF CELERY SOUP
- 1/2 CUP RED OR ROSE WINE
- 1/2 CUP WATER

SPREAD MEAT IN BOTTOM OF BAKING DISH. SPRINKLE WITH SALT AND PEPPER AND ONION SOUP DRY MIX. ADD IN SLICED CARROTS, POTATOES, AND ONIONS. IN A BOWL MIX SOUP WITH WATER AND WINE. POUR OVER MEAT AND VEGGIES. COVER WITH FOIL. BAKE AT 250 DEGREES FOR 5 HOURS.

What I'm Drinking + Eating

Happy Friday Loves. I just had to share with you three of my favorite new wines and a fabulous pimento cheese to go with. It's the weekend (finally!) so it is time to indulge! I highly suggest you check these babies out.

St. Francis Chardonnay
This wine is amazing! So smooth and creamy. Retails for about $14.


Dynamite Cabernet
I was pleasantly surprised when I tried this wine, I bought it at a wine sidewalk sale and the vendor really talked me into trying it. It is awesome! A perfect Cab. It retails for about $21 but right now for some reason at the grocery stores (at least here in Charleston) it is on sale for $10.99.


Alamos Malbec
I have been having a love affair with Malbec's lately. This one is very tasty for only $8.99.



Lilly Farms Pimento Cheese



Who doesn't love pimento cheese, well at least what Southerner doesn't love it? This cheese is made nearby in Chester, SC and it is divine. I hate when pimento cheese is too mayonnaisey, it makes the cheese super greasy. This is not. It is the perfect blend of cheese with light sauce. I have been enjoying the "It's a Gouda Day" filled with Gouda, sweet pimentos and hickory smoked bacon. Trust me this pairs perfectly with the wines I mentioned! They also offer two other flavors "The Original" and "South by Southwest." Most of the Piggly Wigglys here are Charleston are carrying this spread so try it asap!

Go stock up and get your wine and cheese on this weekend:)
BTW Check back tomorrow I have a recipe to share!

Pillow Drama

Ok, faithful readers, I need your help deciding which pillow combination to go with on my sofa in the den. I have desperately been wanting to add some pink accents in my house. Well, I found some pink pillows at Tuesday Mornings of all places. I mean that place is seriously creepy and I did feel like I needed to take a shower after I left there, but they did have some decent rugs and pillows. I think this pink might be too bright in my den. I was looking for more of a peony/honeysuckle pink but for the price ($19.99) I thought I had to try these out (and they are returnable). I have taken pictures of the 4 different combos of pillows for my den. Take a look and vote for your favorite or please give me a suggestion for a different pillow to add to the mix! Thanks girls! xoxo

COMBO ONE: LEOPARD NEEDLEPOINT + HOT PINK



COMBO TWO: LEOPARD NEEDLEPOINT + SOLID GREEN



COMBO THREE: CHOCOLATE BROWN GEOMETRIC + MONOGRAM "M"



COMBO FOUR: LEOPARD NEEDLEPOINT + MONOGRAM "M"



Thoughts? After looking at these pictures I am not sure I love the pink. Curious what ya'll think.

Mommy Style Envy

I came across these pictures of Claudia Schiffer picking her kids up from school and was impressed. This is how I hope to look after 3 kids. Her outfit is put together but not too much. Loves. I am loving the purple, gray and cognac color combo too. If anyone knows where I can find some fab over the knee boots like this, please share.