Scenes From Our Weekend

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. I decided to take a few days off from blogging to hang with the fam and relax. It was just what I needed!  My rents were in town too so I got to spend time with them as well. 

I finally reached the halfway point in my pregnancy.  I feel like I have been pregnant a mighty long time but alas I am just halfway there.  Good news is I remember the second half with Sterling going by much faster.  Sorry if y'all are bored with the belly pics, I seriously took zero pictures while pregnant with Sterling so I have been trying to document this pregnancy a little better.  So you got 20 more weeks of pics to come:)  Wish I had more pics from when I was pregnant with Sterling so I could compare my belly size and shape- so curious what this baby is!

I have been living in the Tibi dress in the top picture.  I made it my goal this pregnancy to buy no maternity clothes (besides my one pair of maternity shorts).  They are so expensive to wear for only a short time, better to invest in something you can wear before and after baby.  The Tibi dress fit before I was pregnant and still does at 5 months pregnant.  It is a loose flattering fit and I get compliments everytime I wear it.

Lucky for you gals, the dress is on sale now, I highly recommend it.  I also recommend going down a size or two,  it runs on the large side. I got a 2 and I am normally a 4 in Tibi.

{Tibi Kaleidoscope Dress}

 A few pics from our 4th of July- sad to say we didn't even make it up for the fireworks:(  I am so tired these days and Sterling missed his nap so we were all in bed early but had fun at the Yacht Club earlier in the day.

We cooked up some amazing food this weekend.  I finally made the Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad that has been all over Pinterest and we also made some ridic Chicken Gyros and Greek Salad.  Can you tell this preggo is loving her Greek food?

I got Sterling the cutest shoes for the beach and boat.  They are called Native shoes and way cuter than crocs in my opinion.  They are plastic so they can get wet and dirty and are so easy to clean.  They carry them locally here at Sugar Snap Pea (where we got ours) but you can also order them from Nordstrom.  I love the bright neon yellow/green color Sterling picked out.  My man loves some neon.  They also come in blue and pink and purple, olive or black.  The olive was our second favorite.

{Native Shoes}

I picked up the most glorious veggies from the Farmers Market.  I had not been in two weeks so I stocked up.  We will be eating some fresh meals this week.

While Sterling stayed with my parents last week I finally painted our den and hallway, Benjamin Moore's  Revere Pewter.  Let me tell you I underestimated what a task taping and painting such a big area by myself at 5 months pregnant would be.  Not fun, but I accomplished it in two days and it made such a big difference.  Plus I saved money by doing it myself!   Revere Pewter is the best neutral ever!  It really brightened up our family room and gave it such a fresh clean look.

Next up I need some curtains and small ottomans for the den.

  

  Happy Monday- I know I am happy because Sterling has camp all this week at his school and he is so excited to see all his friends and play!  I need to take advantage of the few hours to myself and tackle some more house projects before bebe arrives.

Blueberry Bread

I think everyone loves a good piece of Blueberry Bread, if you don't you are crazy!  With all my trips to the Farmers Market I have had an abundance of fresh blueberries and knew I needed to whip together some bread. I love the fact that this bread is made with yogurt and the lemon zest gives it such a bright flavor. This bread is not super sweet which I like,  it mainly gets it sweetness from the berries.  If you want it sweeter I suggest adding more sugar or use vanilla yogurt- I used plain Greek yogurt.  The best way to eat this bread is warm smeared with butter and drizzled with honey- pure heaven I tell you! 

Enjoy! 

:: B L U E B E R R Y  B R E A D ::

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups blueberries (12 oz)
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• ½ cup plain yogurt, regular or lowfat

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder and salt. Add the blueberries and lemon zest and toss to combine.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the yogurt then the dry ingredients, mixing only until incorporated and being careful not to crush the blueberries.
4. Scoop batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting gently onto a plate.

Yield: makes 1 loaf

Obsessions

{TINLEY ROAD SHIFT DRESS}

 There is nothing I love more than a shift dress, probably my favorite style of dress easily.   This dress is such a steal at $59.  It comes in black and royal blue too, for the price you should buy two!

{JCREW HOUNDSTOOTH TUNIC}

I looked at this tunic in the store over the weekend and loved it.  The colors are so vibrant, glad I didn't buy it because now all JCREW Swim is 40% off, so I can get an even better deal!  This tunic is beach perfection.

{FREE PEOPLE TUNIC}

I am all about loose flowy tops paired with jean shorts.  My favorite outfit combo this Summer.  Love this Free People version and the price is great!  It would also look cute with skinny white jeans.

{VINCE SPILT NECK DRESS}

I have lived in my Vince tunic these past few weeks so pretty sure I need this dress next to add to my collection.  I feel like I could wear this dress thru the Summer and then into Fall.  Such a versatile number.

{SABINE EMBROIDERED TANK}
I have really been loving this line, Sabine, on Piperlime.  The pieces are really cute and so affordable. This top is so cute, I love the detail at the bottom.  Just can't decide if I love the white or blue more!  It is only $49 ladies, doesn't it look like a $200 shirt?!

{HOUSE OF HARLOW EARTH METAL SUNBURST NECKLACE}
I have the larger version of this necklace and love it.  It is one of my favorite necklaces.  The small one is perfect for layering!

 {RORY BECCA MOUTON OPEN BACK V DRESS}
Shopbop just added a bunch of new arrivals to their sale and this dress is one I have had my eye on forever.  Such a classic dress and I love the detail in the back.

{MADEWELL LACE UP SANDALS}
These sandals are only $59!  A great Summer sandal paired with dresses or shorts.  I could even see them worn into fall with skinny jeans.  Since clothes don't really fit me anymore I am really into shoes and hoping to snag these!

Weekend Happenings

Happy Monday! I hope everyone had a fab weekend. We had a lovely time in Charlotte and I am headed back to Charleston solo. My parents offered to watch Sterling for a few days for me so I could finally paint our den and get some work done. I have not been by myself for three days in a row since before Sterling was born- I am seriously worried I am going to be lonely. I have attachment issues, but I know it is good for both of us to spend some time apart.  So wish me luck in my 3 solo days.

Now on to our weekend.  We spent alot of time with my sweet nephew Finley.  I honestly can't get enough of him.  He is just the sweetest baby ever- much more chill than Sterling ever was!  I got alot of practice in for juggling two kids and let me tell you this is going to be interesting!

I reached my 19th week of pregnancy this past week, this week marks my official halfway point. Crazy, I remember the second half of my pregnancy with Sterling flying by so I guess I need to get on some nursery decorating.

Did a little shopping with my mom and scored this fabulous jacket at JCrew.  It was originally $140 and I got it for $20 (I talked my mom into getting herself one too).  I love deals like that!

It is light weight and reminded a bit of a Chanel jacket.

Of course we could not forget my sweet little man.  I swear shopping for boys age 3 and up is nearly impossible, the pickings are slim. Crewcuts is honestly my favorite place to shop for him and really the only place we shop.  He was very proud of his picks:)

This is what was in Sterling's shopping bag, he wore his whole ensemble to church.

{Gingham Shirt, White Shorts, Leather Driving Mocs}

We also got him this Neon Sweatshirt which is bright orange and the cutest thing ever on! Can you tell orange is Sterling's new favorite color?

I got a much needed pedi and used Essie's Bachelorette Bash.  The perfect pink for Summer.  Still rocking my Enzo Snakeskin Sandals, I have certainly gotten my moneys worth out of them!

While I was getting my nails done I browsed Oprahs' magazine which if I am being honest was really boring.  Not much I wanted to read, but I did come across this amazing salad dressing recipe from her chef.  He said he uses it on Arugula salads and quinoa.  It sounded so delicious to me.

and because it is Monday and I have to admit I have really been missing my wine, this made me laugh so hard!

xoxo

Hampden Clothing Blogger Feature

If you are anything like me than you probably like to support local businesses.   Hampden Clothing is hands down my favorite boutique here in Charleston. They carry all my favorite brands (Rebecca Taylor, Equipment, Rag and Bone just to name a few), run some awesome sales, and I love all the girls that work there.   They are always so helpful and sweet.   They also have a fabulous website for all you out of towners.  To say I am honored that they asked to feature me and my blog this month is an understatement.   I was over the moon excited to participate. 

They did an interview with me and then I selected my 8 favorite pieces from their store.   You can check out my interview and selections here.  
If you live in Charleston currently they are having an awesome sale up to 60% off so if you are DT you should stop in Hampden!

Have a great weekend!
xoxo

Thoughts For Thursday

Happy Thursday, I can't even believe this is the last weekend in June. This Summer is flying by. I know alot of people don't like Summer because their kids are out of school but I honestly love it. I love hitting up the pool and spending time with my little man with no real schedule.   Today we are off to Charlotte to celebrate my Dad's Birthday.

Yesterday while browsing at TJMaxx I dropped my IPhone, now I have dropped my IPhone a million times but this time the screen shattered- ugh what do I do?  Can the screen be replaced?  It actually still works so currently I am just living with it as is but if it gets worse it may be a problem. 

 If you live in Charleston you really need to hit up the TJMaxx in Mount Pleasant they had some great stuff- like this Pucci Cover-up.

Two things that I didn't snag but someone else should are this DVF Dress and Nanette Leopore Maxi.
You are welcome ladies, some great finds at TJMaxx.

Speaking of other fabulous deals today is the last day to take advantage of ShopBop's extra 25 % off all sale items.  There are some amazing deals to be had.

This Tibi Blouse was my pick,  but wishing I had snagged these Rag and Bone Boots and JBrand Jeans as well.

Checkout the sale HERE and use code EXTRA25 when you check out!

Ok and one last deal, how great is this Maxi Dress?  Caycee keeps raving about the juniors department at Nordstroms for Maxi dresses and I have to say they have some really cute dresses for great prices.   Most are around $50.   Love this one so much, hoping to check it out in the store this weekend while I am home.

{Fire Print Maxi}

Yesterday I ate lunch at The Butcher and Bee,  it is really one of my favorite lunch spots in Charleston.  Their menu is so innovative and tasty.  I had the fried eggplant sandwich with hummus and it was out of this world good.  I also had a side of Kale Slaw that I demolished before the photo, highly recommend!  They change their menu frequently which I love, there is always something new to try!

We finally got our couch back after having it recovered and to say I am excited is an understatement.   It was this horrible gold color before that did not match anything plus it was covered in stains from Sterling.   I picked out a light neutral and I am really loving it, it made such a big difference in our den.

 We have implemented a new no eating on the couch rule to try and keep it clean this time- wish us luck!

Kim Zolick is pregnant again.  I swear she must be the most fertile woman alive- and maybe she really is only 30,  I still have a hard time believing that.  I am a little ashamed to admit I actually like her spin off Reality Show.

I am so ordering Sterling these Glow in the dark pajamas.  How cool is that for a kid?  Sterling is all about bringing flashlights to bed so I know he will love these PJ's!

{Glow in Dark PJS}

Speaking of my little man for as crazy as the age three is he has been a real sweetheart lately.  So cuddly and needy.  He always wants me to hold him and snuggle.  I swear he knows his days of being an only child are numbered.  I couldn't help but capture this sweet moment.

Have a great Thursday!
xoxo

White Cheddar Chive Pimento Cheese

I almost dubbed this the best pimento cheese ever, because that is how much I loved it.  I am addicted to Pimento Cheese, feels better just admitting it. I know it is not huge up North but us Southerners love it. Even sweet Sterling gobbles up Pimento Cheese sandwiches, he loves the creamy cheesy goodness too.  I have tried every pimento cheese out there, promise I have.  If I am buying I prefer Palmetto or My 3 Sons but when I have time I really prefer homemade.  

I stumbled upon this recipe in the new issue of Southern Living (which by the way has quickly become one of my favorite magazines). This month's issue is particularly amazing, all the recipes had my mouth watering.   I whipped up this pimento cheese this past weekend and it did not disappoint.  Even Matt said "As far as pimento cheese goes this is the best I have ever had." It is that good,  trust me folks. We ate it with crackers and smeared on thin white bread for sandwiches,  so amazingly good. The flavors just work together perfectly.  This is going to be my go-to pimento cheese recipe.

Enjoy!

:: W H I T E  C H E D D A R  C H I V E  P I M E N T O  C H E E S E ::

Featured in Southern Living July 2013 Issue

-1 12 oz block of white cheddar cheese shredded

-1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons mayonaise

- 1 4 oz jar pimentos rinsed and drained

- 1/3 cup freshly diced chives

- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard

- 1/2 teaspoon worschestire sauce

- 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper.

Grate half the cheese using the large holes in a box grater and the remaining half with the small holes.  Stir together Mayo and next 6 ingredients.  Stir in cheese until blended.  Let sit 15 minutes.  Serve immediately or chill up to 3 days.