Thursday, August 16, 2012

Pawleys Island Posh: Design For Sterling's Big Boy Room


To finish off Sterling's big boy room series I have my real life friend and blogging bestie,  Julia from Pawleys Island Posh.



 I seriously adore Julia and I am so sad she no longer lives right around the corner from me.   She is a sweet Southern girl with two of the cutest kids around.  I am already scheming ways to get Sterling set up with her gorgeous daughter Wells.   Julia can do pretty much anything and she does it all well.  She cooks, she paints amazing art, she is always working on some fabulous DIY projects,  she has great taste in fashion, and she puts together a mean mood board.  Girl can really decorate.   I am so happy to have her here today sharing her vision for my sweet boy's room.   I can already tell you I need a piece of her artwork in his room!  Thanks for an amazing design Julia!
 xoxo
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Hey friends!  I'm Julia from Pawleys Island Posh and I'm so thrilled to be here filling in for Nat while she's in Pawleys.  I actually live in Richmond now so I'm super jealous of her sandy beach trip!
She's asked me to design a little board for Sterling's Big Boy Room to share with all of y'all.
For those of you that don't know our girl Natalie in real life, let me tell you she's every bit as pretty and nice as she seems on her blog.  And Sterling is even cuter in person.  Let's chat about that.
His big eyes and longer than life eyelashes, curly hair, cute clothes, and that smile.  
He immediately made it onto Wells' very short approved dating list!

It's a very masculine little man room.  I'm not into children's rooms that are dumbed down with "kids themes" just because they're young.  I think this promotes adventure and imagination.  And it's full of pieces with good bones that can grow with him.  Pretty much all of this can be used in his first apartment in college so your investment is well spent.
It's very similar to how I plan to design my baby boy Tagg's room when he upgrades from his crib and changing table in a few years.

But without further ado, here's my interpretation of Sterling's new room!

Wednesday, August 15, 2012

Sadie+Stella Sterling's Big Boy Room Design

Today I am pretty pumped to have Lindsay from Sadie + Stella sharing her ideas for Sterling's big boy room.  


Lindsay has quickly become one of my favorite reads everyday.  She is not only hilarious but has a great eye for design as well.  And in case you are wondering Sadie and Stella are her two adorable fur babies!  Of course I am loving her entire board, girl has serious talent.  Take it away Lindsay!
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Hi DBDD lovelies! I am Lindsay from Sadie + Stella and I am totally loving Natalie's digs over here. The irony is that while I am guesting for Natalie today because she is on vacay, I am actually doing the same! Sunning myself out on the seas on a serious cruise. Natalie and I are vacationing together remotely. I am sure you are all FULLY aware and knowing of Natalie's perfect son, Sterling. I mean let's be honest here. He is baby model worthy! Just want to put him on a freaking Gerber jar. Well, Sterling is becoming quite a young little man and he needs to the room to match his new found maturity. Don't all men? I have compiled what I find to be the perfect room for a classy yet adventurous young little man. 

If I had a son, I would totally be implementing this design ASAP. Since I do not, I will fashion this room for Stella. She likes all types of style...

Thank you so much for having me today while Natalie and I are both off frolicking and working on our burn, I mean tan. Loves!

Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Things That Sparkle: Sterling's Big Boy Room Design

Today I am so excited to have Alex from Things That Sparkle sharing a design for Sterling's big boy room.  

As you all know I am in the process of starting to work on his room and thought why not get some inspiration from my favorite bloggers.  Alex is insanely talented, gorgeous, and sweet.   Everytime I see one of her designs I am blown away- including her house it is design perfection   So I knew she would have some killer ideas for Sterling's room.  I love the masculine rustic feel of the room.  Thanks for a fabulous design Alex!
xoxo
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Hi DB&DD readers! I am Alex from Things That Sparkle and I am so excited to be here today filling in for Natalie and offering some inspiration for Sterling's Big Boy Room!
My idea came from the idea of rustic elements mixed with geometric, more modern patterns.
The grey, taupe and blue is masculine but still perfectly fitting for a growing young man.
paint: dolphin fin by behr
 Cannot wait to see what you end up doing Natalie. I know it will be adorable!

 

Monday, August 13, 2012

Scenes From Pawleys + She's Got Style

Happy Monday Friends.  First off I am over at Eileen's blog A Creative Day

 today participating in her She's Got Style series.  I am sharing one of my favorite outfits and how to transition it to fall.  And get excited I learned how to do a clothes mood board, you should be impressed because I am pretty proud of myself.  Here is a sneak peak.  You can read my whole post here and show Eileen some blog love!


As most of you know I am on vacation this week.  I have a few posts lined up for the next few days but thought I would pop in today and share some pictures from our weekend here at Pawleys Island.  We are having the best time.  This is our beach house, my parents did an awesome job picking out our house this year.   We are beach front and then have the marsh with a dock behind us- and yes Matt towed the boat here, of course.


We have spent alot of time on the dock fishing.


This is me repulsed that Sterling actually touched these fish and picked them up.  I am trying not to freak out.   Typical boy.



I have enjoyed many glasses of wine on our back deck.


We celebrated Matt and my Sister-in-law Katie's Birthdays with the most amazing cupcakes.  If you live Charlotte please do yourself a favor and pick up cupcakes from Gigi's- in Sharon Corners Shopping Center.  These cupcakes were off the hook amazing.  everyone loved the Banana Pudding ones and the Cookie Dough ones.


Had some alone time with my man, so nice having so many babysitters around:)

Sterling is having the best time getting spoiled by everybody.  


 Best of all we keep having the most amazing sunsets every night.  Look at this view.


I hope you all have a great week.  I am off to sit on the beach and read and relax- BTW I am reading Gone Girl Thanks for the recommendations!  Check back tomorrow for a great guest post from Alex at Things That Sparkle!  xoxo

Friday, August 10, 2012

Thoughts For Friday

I have to admit I have not been glued to the Olympics like most people- don't judge I just have a short attention span for sports and they make me so anxious.   I used to get so anxious at my little brother's basketball games.  Competitive sports bring out crazy anxiety in me!   I have tuned in for a few events mainly the swimming for one reason: Ryan Lochte.  Ok, is he not incredibly sexy?  I can't take my eyes off him and that body.


My little man has decided he now wants to dress himself.  He pitches a fit if I put him in something he doesn't like.  Makes me a little sad that our days of smocked outfits and jons-jons are coming to an end.  This is what he picked out this week.  Jeans and a sweater hat for 90 degree day + a t-shirt.  Ugh.


Went to an event for Fringe Boutique last and scored this adorable Maxi dress.  You can order one here.  Super affordable and super cute!


We are headed to the beach tomorrow for a week long vacay with my whole family!  I seriously live for this week every year.  We always have so much fun.  To spice things up a bit I am making infused Strawberry Vodka.  To use for Strawberry Basil Martinis.  I will report back if it is as good as it looks!


The Gap Friends and Family Event started yesterday and lasts thru Sunday, if you enter the code GAPFRIENDS, you get 30% off your entire purchase.  I think I am going to get a pair of these ankle zip jeans for fall.  Also loving the stripe cardigan.   They look so cute together and I feel like they would pieces I would wear often.

I also really want these for my little man.  They are skinny and kind of trendy but I think paired with a button up or classic sweater they would be so darn cute.  and with 30% they are pretty good deal!


I am smitten with this new Zucchini recipe I found on WayWay's blog.  It is so delish.  I had it for dinner and then again for lunch the next day.  Lately I can't get enough zucchini!
It is so simple all you do is slice Zucchini and roast with olive and oil and salt pepper at 400 degrees for about 20 mins.  Take out of oven and while warm toss with dressing of lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic and S&P.  Then add fresh basil and Parmesan cheese!


In case you are wondering my big "detox" lasted one day.  I am pathetic.  Oh well,  I ran today to combat the booze and food.  I am just not a summer dieter.  I have some great guest posts lined up for next week while I am vacationing,  involving designs for Sterling Big Boy Room, trust me you are going to want to see these!  Hopefully I will be back with a few pics from vacay to share as well.   Have a great weekend and stay cool!
  

Thursday, August 9, 2012

Trader Joes What You Should Buy Part 2

After my first Trader Joe's post, I got such great feedback.  So many friends told me they bought everything off my list.   They said they loved it because they were always too were overwhelmed and didn't know what to shop for at Trader Joe's.  So,  I decided to do a little more research ( and alot of eating) and bring you round two of things you should buy at Trader Joe's.  I keep finding great new things at TJ's that I had to share!  Trust me you are going to want to stock up on everything on this list!

REDUCED GUILT SPINACH & KALE GREEK YOGURT DIP
This is a creamy dip you don't have to feel bad about eating.  It is made with Greek Yogurt instead of Sour Cream or Mayo plus it is filled with two leafy greens,  spinach and kale.  Serve with some pita chips and you have the perfect no fuss tasty appetizer for your next happy hour get together.



PASTRY BITES WITH FETA AND CARAMELIZED ONIONS
These puff pastry bites are so good.  They are always a hit at parties.  Best part is all you have to do is pop them in the oven for a few minutes and you have a kick ass appetizer. 

COLUMBUS PEPPERED SALAMI
I think most of you know I love to have all the makings on hand for a killer cheese tray.  This salami always makes it way to my cheese tray.  It is all natural,  meaning no nitrates and the pork is raised without anti-biotics.  It is hand rolled in cracked black peppercorns which give it the perfect bite. 


STEMMED AND PEELED BABY BEETS
Beets are one of my favorite foods and bonus they help detoxify and cleanse your liver which makes me love them even more after a night of too much vino.  If you have ever cooked beets you know it is messy, your hands turn pink and the beets stain anything they touch.  They are tricky to peel as well.  That is the great thing about these beets,  the hard work is already done for you.  They are cooked, peeled and ready to eat.  Toss in a salad and you have a fab easy meal.


MINI HEIRLOOM TOMATOES
I love heirloom tomatoes.  They have a much better flavor than regular tomatoes but usually they are way more expensive.  Not at Trader Joe's,  you can get this pint for $2.79.  At other grocery stores it is about $5.  I use my  mini heriloom tomatoes in an arugula salad or thinly slice on mini pizzas.

SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS
I have this Brussels Sprouts salad I am obsessed with but never want to make it because it is such a pain in the arse to shred all the Brussels Sprouts.  It is hard with a knife and my mandolin scares me.  Holding tiny Brussels Sprouts puts my fingers way too close to that razor sharp blade.    I was so happy when I found this bag of pre-shredded Brussels Sprouts at TJs.  Great for salads.


and if you need inspiration here is the recipe for my favorite Brussels Sprouts Salad.  It is mouth wateringly good!


ORGANIC KALE
I have really been into Kale salads lately but I hate the prep work of washing the kale, and chopping off the stems.  This bag of Kale is already chopped and ready to use.  You can eat raw in salads or sautee with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar for a tasty side dish.


This is my go-to Kale Salad.  Make it with the TJ chopped kale, I promise you won't be disappointed!


DARK CHOCOLATE ALMOND BITS
These are hands down the tastiest sweet treat ever.  But be warned they are addictive.  I could almost eat the entire container.  The almonds have a touch of sea salt on them which makes the flavor pop with the dark chocolate.


MINI MILK CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER CUPS
If you love Reeses Cups as much as I do then you must try these.  They are tiny,  so you can eat several without feeling too guilty about it!


BARBERA D'ALBA WINE
I first tasted this wine at my parents house.  I loved it so of course I went back to buy more and was shocked to see it was only $6.99 a bottle.  Go buy a case of this wine.  It is amazing for the price.


Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Shrimp Enchiladas with Jalapeno Cream Sauce


I made these Enchiladas for dinner last night,  and ladies it was off the hizzy good.  Like for real.   I will be making these beautiful babies many more times.  As type I am contemplating eating one for breakfast, they were that good.

I will be honest though, it was not a quick meal to make.  It took me awhile to cook and assemble the enchiladas because there are 4 steps: roasting the shrimp, cutting and cooking the veggies, making the jalapeno sauce, and then assembling the enchiladas.   But it is so worth the time.   Best part is it is packed full of fresh veggies and shrimp,  so I like to think it is the healthy Enchilada version, minus the jalapeno cream sauce- which by the way is the best part.  I was literally licking the pan and spoon after I made the sauce it is so tasty. 

While these do take awhile to make, you can totally make them ahead of time and then just pop in the oven when ready to serve.  I made them during Sterling's nap time, then at dinner I had nothing to do but enjoy my glass of wine and toss the dish in the oven.  I of course added lots of extra cheese (I am a cheese freak and always add way more than any recipe calls for).  If you don't eat Shrimp I think this would be killer with shredded chicken, beef , or even black beans.  Bon Appetit!

{Roasted Shrimp}


{Sauteed Cabbage, Spinach, Carrots, Onions, Garlic, and Spices}


{Serve with Guacamole, Hot Sauce, and Black Beans}




Roasted Shrimp Enchiladas with Jalapeño Cream Sauce (adapted from Damn Delicious):
Yields 3-4 servings

INGREDIENTS:

•1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined

•2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

•Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

•2 cloves garlic, minced

•1 small onion, diced

•2 cups shredded green cabbage

•1 carrot, peeled and grated

•3 cups baby spinach

•2 tablespoons chipotle pepper, in adobo sauce

•1/4 teaspoon oregano

•1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

•12 (6-inch) corn tortillas, warmed

•2 cups Monterey Jack cheese


For the jalapeño cream sauce:

•2 tablespoons unsalted butter

•2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

•1 1/2 cups chicken broth

•3/4 cup sour cream

•2 jalapeños, seeded and minced

•1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

•Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

•1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
I added in about 1 cup of shredded Mexican Cheese

DIRECTIONS:

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place the shrimp onto the prepared baking sheet. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil, salt and pepper, to taste, and gently toss to combine.

Place into oven and roast just until pink, firm and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool before dicing into bite-size pieces.

Reduce the oven temperature to 375 degrees F. Lightly oil a 9x13 baking dish or coat with nonstick spray.

Heat remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet. Add the garlic and onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the cabbage, carrot, spinach, chipotle pepper, oregano and cayenne. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the spinach just begins to wilt, about 1-2 minutes. Add the shrimp and gently toss to combine.

To make the sauce, melt the butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in the flour until lightly browned, about 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the chicken stock and cook, whisking constantly, until incorporated, about 1-2 minutes. Stir in the sour cream. Add the jalapeños and garlic powder and simmer until the sauce has thickened, about 2 minutes; season with salt and pepper, to taste. Remove from heat and stir in the cilantro.

To assemble the enchiladas, lay the tortilla on a flat surface and spoon 1/3 cup of the shrimp mixture in the center; sprinkle with cheese. Roll the tortilla and place seam side down onto prepared baking dish. Repeat with remaining tortillas and shrimp mixture.

Pour half of the jalapeño cream sauce evenly over the top. Place into oven and bake, covered, until lightly golden and bubbly, about 20 minutes.
(I poured all the sauce over mine since I made them in advance and it worked out perfectly)

Serve immediately with remaining jalapeño cream sauce, garnished with cilantro.