Home Obsessions

This year I am inspired to finish up some rooms in our house,  mainly our master bedroom and Sterling's room.  I also have a few things I want to switch up in our dining room, mainly our dining room chairs.  I am also planning to tear down the bead board in our dining room and do some sheet rock and either paint or wallpaper it.  Our kitchen is in the middle of being updated right now. We had the built-ins done last month and this week the cabinets are being painted so that is exciting.  I think the bright white will help brighten up the space!   

I feel good like we are making some progress.  We have still not decided if eventually we will move or add on but for now these changes are keeping me happy and only adding value to our house if we do sell. Although more and more we discuss going the addition route.  We love our neighborhood and have a big lot with space to add on.

 Charleston readers- any recommendations of architects who do home additions/updates?  I would love to meet with someone and get their thoughts and plans drawn for a possible addition.

Below are a few things I love and a few I actually bought for our house.

|| Halifax Bed

Pretty sure I am going to order this for our bedroom.  I am debating between the talc and gray color.

Since I can't seem to keep any plants alive, I am leaning towards investing in some gorgeous fake ones.  Love these two orchids.

|| Orchid + Succulent

 || Large Orchid

|| Stemless Champagne Glasses

I just love these stemless champagne glasses. So chic, love the gold accents.

|| Root Party Platter

I had to share this because this is the same wooden platter I have, and I always get asked where it is from.  It is back in stock and on sale!

|| Link Sheets

Serena and Lily is offering 20% off all their bedding.  I would love some fresh new bedding for our king bed.  I love the classic look of these link sheets.  Use code FRESH to get 20% off.

|| Bohan Mirror

This mirror is so gorgeous!!  Would look great in an entryway, over a vanity, or in a bathroom.

|| Blue Garden Reed Diffuser 

+ Candle

After the New Year I always treat myself to fresh new candles and a diffuser.  This is my new favorite Nest scent, it is so good!

|| Tufted Bench

I was so excited when I saw Target had these benches in stock again, I promptly ordered 2 for our bedroom.  I wanted two to look like a longer bench, my sister had done this in her house and they looked so good. They are such great quality!

|| Set of Two Mirrored Trays

I have been trying to style my coffee table and love the idea of a tray filled with books or small objects.  

|| Pair of Petrified Wood Book Ends

Now that our tv is hanging, I am looking for ways to style the top of the piece of furniture it used to sit on.  These book ends are so cool and unique.

|| Jennifer Moreman Art

I am looking for a new piece or pieces of art to hang over Sterling's bed and I think Jennifer Moreman's art is so cool.  I love the bear and the bull.

|| Hobstar Glasses

I have a weakness for cute glasses.  I love small glasses like these for juice or wine.  Been wanting some pink ones to add to my collection!

|| Jay Street Pom Pom Pillows

I am digging these Pom Pom pillows if I could find somewhere to put them.  

also love the gray and blue colors.

|| Agate Frames

I just love these agate frames.  My mom has a few and they just look so cool sitting out.

In a larger size and more neutral color below.

Blog Sale || Everything Under $70!

As I mentioned before I always get inspired to clean out in the New Year.  Since I like to buy new clothes that means cleaning out some old clothes.  I am happy to combine shipping.   Email me nataliemason24@yahoo.com with any questions or to purchase!  $5 shipping.

|| Stripe Silk Blouse 

size 2 (fits like a 4)

$40

SOLD

|| Zara Dress 

size 4

$50

SOLD

I wore this while pregnant, so it will fit a bump too if you need a bump friendly dress.

|| Rebecca Taylor Dress 

size 2

$44

SOLD

I bought this while pregnant and it just doesn't fit my body right, such a great dress.  I am selling it for what I paid for it on clearance.

|| Vince Poncho

size small

$65

SOLD

I lived in this baby while I was pregnant so cute over dresses or with jeans.

|| Vince Cashmere Tee 

size small

$50

SOLD

|| Rebecca Taylor Silk Tee

size 6

This is silk front, tee shirt sleeves and back

$40

SOLD

|| Rebecca Taylor Ruffle Front Blouse

size 2

$65

|| JCREW Sweater Dress 

Size XS (runs large)

$40

SOLD

|| Rebecca Taylor Hot Pink Blouse

Size 2 (runs way large)

$50

this is another great maternity blouse because it is so loose.

SOLD

|| Amanda Uprichard Cobalt Dress

size small

$65

|| Theory Tee Shirt Dress 

size medium

$40

SOLD

|| Rebecca Taylor Floral Blouse

size 2

$65

SOLD

|| Rebecca Taylor Tunic Blouse

size 2

$65

another great pregnancy top because it is loose.

|| Rebecca Taylor Eyelet Dress 

size 4

$50

|| JCREW Navy Silk Blouse

size 4

$35

SOLD

|| JCREW side Split Tunic

size XS

$35

SOLD

|| JCREW Swing Sweater

size small

$35

SOLD

|| Joie Silk Blouse 

size small

$50

My Favorite Cookbooks + Mediterranean Lentil Salad

At the beginning of a New Year I am always inspired to cook more and try new recipes.  One of my goals this year is to use my cookbooks more and make more fresh meals for my family. 

I often get requests about my favorite cookbooks, so here are my all time favorites. Now keep in mind I am a cookbook hoarder, I love to read them and collect them.   I probably own 50+.  These however are the most used cookbooks, the recipes never disappoint.  So if you are looking to add some new cookbooks to your collection or to start a collection these are all wonderful!

I just ordered this cookbook right before Christmas and it is quickly becoming a favorite.  We made the Coconut Oatmeal for breakfast this week and it was so good.  If you are looking to detox or clean up your diet it is a great book.  It has two different detox options 3 days or 21 days and it is filled with healthy recipes that are delicious.

 Clean Slate Cookbook

Our overnight coconut oatmeal, so good!

It is no secret I am a huge Ina Garten fan.  Like I am kind of obsessed with her, I should start a fan club. She knows how to entertain and do it right.   Her recipes never disappoint ever.   I own every single one of her cookbooks and love them all, but these 3 are my favorites.  

Good starting points: the kale chips, warm butternut squash salad, tomato tarts, quinoa tabbouleh,  Parmesan roasted broccoli, confetti corn, I could go on and on!

Back to Basics | Foolproof |  Make It Ahead

I also have a major crush on Gwyneth Paltrow- she can do no wrong in my eyes and trust me her food is good.  I have loved every recipe I have made from her books.

If you need ideas of where to start : The Lettuce Wraps, Stir Fry Chicken,  Roasted Cauliflower are favorites.

GP Its All Good | GP My Fathers Daughter

These two cookbooks have such beautiful pictures and recipes.  I get so inspired just flipping through them.  The Williams Sonoma Salad book is filled with salads for each season.  I am a huge fan of salads and this one has 365 salad recipes.  The Sprouted Kitchen has so many healthy delish recipes.

WS Salad of the Day | The Sprouted Kitchen

.....................................................................................

 I wanted to share a new recipe too.  I posted this lentil salad recipe on instagram and so many of you wanted to know about it!  This is a new recipe from my mom's friend that I made for lunch this week and it was so good and filling.  It is a great healthy salad full of flavor.  I recommend you use the Trader Joes precooked lentils, available in the fridge section.  They are perfect for this salad.  I think it would be delicious with feta added in as well.  You can easily make this ahead but I think it is best served at room temperature.
Enjoy!

|| M E D I T E R R A N E A N   L E N T I L   S A L A D ||

- 2 cups lentils rinsed (I highly recommend the Trader Joes precooked lentils in the fridge section)

- 1 pint cherry tomatoes quartered

- 1 green bell pepper diced

- 1/2 cup red onion sliced thinly

1/2 kalamata olives sliced

1/2 English cucumber diced

Dressing \\

- 3 tablespoons olive oil

-3 tablespoons lemon juice (juice from one lemon)

-1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 teaspoons honey

- 1 teaspoons dijon

- 1 clove garlic minced

- 1/2 teaspoon oregano

-1/2 teaspoon salt and pepper

Mix lentils and all ingredients then pour dressing over the top.  This can be stored in the fridge for several days but it is best served room temperature.