Friday, July 22, 2011

Friday Friday

I think Fridays are going to be my day for random posts. I have a million different things going on in my head, so bear with the randomness of this post.

I am so glad it is the weekend. I feel like this week has crept by. Today I am meeting my friend Stacy for lunch, she just had triplets in April!! I can't wait to catch up. I honestly don't know how she does at all, as my one baby is alot to handle! We are going to eat at this new place here called Black Bean Company. They are supposed to use all local and organic ingredients. I can't wait to check it out.


I am thinking about cooking truffled mac and cheese with lobster for dinner this weekend. Lobster is usually not on the menu in the Mason household but the tails are on special right now at Harris Teeter for $5.99, a real steal. Problem is I have never made truffled mac and cheese. I am assuming you just add truffle oil to the mac and cheese. Any tips would be appreciated!




I just recently busted out my Pleasure Doing Business stripped mini skirt. I ordered this while I was pregnant after seeing a very pregnant Heidi Klum wear it. This is laughable for so many reasons, as while I was pregnant I couldn't even get it up past my hips. I came across it in my closet and have been wearing it alot lately. It is super comfortable and really sucks you in. I really suggest these if you are looking for a cute versatile skirt to dress up or down. I ordered mine online at Singer 22 but that was probably 2 years ago so not sure if they still have the same style.





I am really wanting to go see The Green Lantern. Normally superhero movies are not my cup of tea, but I seriously love Mr. Ryan Reynolds. Anyone seen it? I read that Ryan Reynolds and Charlize Theron are dating and that makes me happy. I really didn't like him and ScarJo together, always thought he could do better. Charlize is gorgeous and so is he, so they are a perfect match. BTW you are welcome for the shirtless pic of Ryan, the perfect eye candy for Friday.





I am devastated Tuesday was the last episode of Million Dollar Decorators. In the words of Martyn Lawrence Bullard the show was delicious. I just started watching the new season of Design Star but its not the same. I miss Mary and Ross.




Luckily Rachel Zoe is starting back in August, so I will have some other quality TV to watch and help me forget MDD.




I am loving the new fall 811 twill colored jeans J Brand just came out with. I never bought any colored jeans or jean shorts this summer. I like these more subdued colors even better than the summer brights. I am thinking the dark teal color is my favorite, thoughts?






via
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! xoxo

Thursday, July 21, 2011

DVF Rocks My World

It is no secret I am a huge fan of DVF's clothing line. I absolutely adore her dresses and blouses. They are staples in my closet that I never tire of and always want to wear. I am smitten with her fall line. Bloomingdales showed a sneak peek of all her fall clothes and they are simply gorgeous. The color palette is beautiful and the styles are so flattering. Here are a few I am lusting after!









All can found at Bloomingdales


For fun I thought I would share some of my favorite DVF pieces. These are three of my all time favorite DVF blouses that I wear all the time! I can't wait to add more to my growing collection!






Wednesday, July 20, 2011

7 Layer Greek Dip


So I went with the Greek dip last weekend for dinner with our friends. Are you surprised? I am a Greek food freak, can't get enough of it. This dip was amazing!! Even my hubby who usually doesn't love hummus or feta was scarfing it down. It was easy to prepare early in the day and then just let it sit in the fridge for a few hours. I think it gets even better as it sits and the flavors mold together. I think overall this is a pretty healthy dip that you don't have to feel guilty eating. I served ours with whole wheat pita chips.

My dip is not quite as pretty as Ourbestbite's photo up top but I assure you it tasted great. I really need to take a class in food photography 101!


7-Layer Greek Dip
Adapted by Our Best Bites from the Better Homes and Gardens New Cookbook

1 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened (I used low-fat)
1 tsp. dill weed or Greek seasoning (salt free–go for a mix that just has herbs)
3 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 tsp. lemon juice
1 1/2 c. hummus
1 c. seeded, diced cucumbers
1 c. seeded, diced tomatoes
1/2 c. chopped Kalamata olives
1/3 c. chopped green onions (about 3 green onions completely chopped)
1/2 c. crumbled Feta cheese
1/8-1/4 c. minced fresh parsley

With an electric mixer, combine the cream cheese, seasoning, garlic, and lemon juice until light and fluffy. Spread in the bottom of a pie plate or a small, shallow baking dish. Then spread a layer of hummus. In order, create layers by sprinkling the cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, onions, Feta cheese, and parsley. Cover with plastic wrap and chill for at least 2 hours. Serve with pita chips, fresh vegetables, and/or flatbread

check out Ourbestbites HERE to see some assembly pictures of the 7 layer dip and to view a really fabulous food blog.

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Obsessions

PINK DINING ROOM CHAIRS
I am currently lusting after pink dining room chairs. My dining room walls are a pale gray so I think pink could look really great in there. I love all these dining rooms with their gorgeous pink chairs!






AUGUSTA'S OLIVE PIMENTO CHEESE
This is a company based out of Charlotte that makes delish pimento cheese. I just tried their new white cheddar olive pimento cheese and it was off the hook. I adore cheese and olives so this was the perfect spread for me. They also make original and jalapeno flavors. The best part is you can read and understand all the ingredients on the label. There are no weird additives or flavors. Just pure delicious cheese. Another reason I love it, Augusta is my sister's middle name:) They are sold at Harris Teeter. I couldn't find a website for them but they do have a facebook page, so check them out!





MINT ICE CUBES
I frequently make lemon and lime ice cubes and love them. I had an abundance of mint in my garden and decided to make mint ice cubes. They are so refreshing and tasty. I use them in water and my green tea, they give the perfect touch of mint to your drink!





FIREFLY LANE BY KRISTIN HANNAH
I just started reading this book and I am already almost half way through it. Without sounding like too much of a nerd I look forward to reading it every night and don't want to put it down! It is the story of the friendship of two girls and it follows them over a 30 year time span. I highly recommend this!! Has anyone read any of Kristin's other novels? Just curious as this is the first book I have read by her and might want to check out her others.




MARA HOFFMAN MAXI DRESS
I am in love with this maxi dress. I love the twisted strap, the colors and everything! It is still out of my price range even though it is one sale, but maybe if it gets reduced again I can snag it!


via


I hope you all have a lovely Tuesday!

Monday, July 18, 2011

Party Time

I don't actually have plans to throw a party anytime soon, but all these amazing party ideas I keep coming across are giving me the itch to entertain. I am thinking maybe I need to throw an end of summer party, so I can put some of these fabulous ideas to use!



Individual champagnes, love this!!


Margarita jello shooters- this would be so cute for a cinco de mayo party. And yes I do still like jello shots:)



Popsicles in champagne= delicious



Tequila poured over lime sorbet. I am a true tequila lover so this is right up my alley.



Trix on stick, def using for Sterling's next party.



Veggies in tiny bread bowls, adorable.



Watermelon punch bowl, love this. Wish I had seen it to use for the 4th of July.


The most gorgeous veggie spread I have ever seen.



Pizza muffins, seriously get in my belly!
Any other great party ideas, send them my way!
All ideas via

Friday, July 15, 2011

Trip Home

I have been home this week visiting my parents and it has been lovely. I was able to get a mani/pedi which was a real luxury since I never really have time to get one these days. I did my nails in OPI Bubble Bath one of my all time favorite neutral colors.



I did my toe nails in OPI My Chiuaua Bites. A great reddish coral for the summer.




While I was home we enjoyed a delicious bottle of red wine, Midsummer Cellars Cabernet. It was one of the best bottles of red wine I have tried lately. My mom found it on special at Harris Teeter for $34.99 but it had originally been $50. I highly recommend this wine, if you find it somewhere you should def pick up a bottle.



My mom and I did some shopping and hit up Marshalls, one of our favorite bargain shopping spots. I am really regretting not buying this patterned blouse and yellow silk jacket. Don't you hate when you have buyers remorse? Now I am back in Charleston so I can't even go back and try to find them. Guess it wasn't meant to be!




When I got back home and was unpacking my little man got his hands on a pen and pretty much colored on everything white in our house. My pillows, my vanity stool, and white leather desk chair. I guess that now that I have a kid the white furniture needs to go. My poor vanity stool:(



I am thinking about making either this Loaded Baked Potato Dip or 7 Layer Greek Dip this weekend. Has anyone made either before? I found both recipes on Pinterest. They both make my mouth water so I am having a hard time deciding!




BTW does anyone think it is funny that Kate Hudson had a boy after the whole time she was pregnant she kept saying she was certain it was a girl. Goes to show you mother's intuition is not always right. Trust me I know because I too was convinced I was having a girl. What about the name they chose, The little guy's name is Bingham "Bing" Hawn Bellamy. It reminds me of Chandler Bing, but I think it is kind of cute and I love that she used her mom's last name. Congrats to them and Ryder for becoming a big brother!

Happy Friday! I hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! xoxo


I am also guest posting today over at Lisa's fabulous blog, Stilettos and Diaper Bags, doing what I do best and sharing my obsessions! Check out the post here!