Wednesday, October 2, 2013

Hearty Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup


It is still not quite cold enough here to warrant soup, but dang its officially fall and I have been craving soup.  Especially last week since we all were hit hard with a nasty cold.  Nothing better than soup to cure a cold.  This soup was ridiculously easy to make.  I googled  a few recipes and then just created my own version.  The sausage and white beans are a must in the soup, they give it great flavor.  We added in a couple drizzles of our homemade hot sauce to give the soup even more heat and spice.  You must serve this with crusty bread toasted with butter, I promise it is necessary.  You will want to dip the bread in the soup.  It makes alot we had leftovers for three days, so you could totally freeze the extra.

:: I T A L I A N   S A U S A G E   A N D  W H I T E   B E A N  S O U P ::
Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf
Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

1 pound hot italian sausage
1/2 white onion diced
3 carrots peeled and chopped
2 stalks celery chopped
3 garlic cloves
6 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)
1 can diced tomatoes with juice
1 can cannelini beans, drained
2 cups fresh spinach
 1 12 oz box shell pasta
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
salt and pepper
fresh grated parmesan cheese
hot sauce

Cook sausage until browned, drain and set aside.  In a large pot or dutch oven sautee onions, carrot, celery, and garlic about 5 minutes or until softened.   Add in sausage, tomatoes, beans, pasta, basil, red pepper flakes,  and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.  Cover pot and continue cooking until pasta is tender.  I actually let ours simmer about an hour but it is ready way quicker than that if you are in a rush.  Stir in spinach and add salt and pepper to taste.  Add in a few drizzles of your favorite hot sauce and fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!
Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired) - See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf
Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Obsessions

What is not to love about this top?  Love the color and style.  It would be great with leggings or jeans.  I think it would be great post baby as well because it is loose to hide all my loose parts:)

You might remember my crib sheet from yesterday in the nursery, well I love it so much I am going to order another one in a different pattern.  The biscuit home crib sheets are the softest cutest things around.  I am debating between the Amber or Jamie.  My two favorites!  I highly recommend these crib sheets to any of you moms to be.



|| Rag and Bone Ripped Skinny Jeans ||
Shopbop just added a bunch of new items to their sale and these Rag and Bone jeans are on there!  They are my favorite and I am digging the distressed look.  Thinking these will be ordered for post baby.  Rag and Bone rarely goes on sale so snag them while you can.  These Rag and Bone Jeans are also on sale, love them too for an edgier look.
You can shop Shopbop sale here.


|| West Elm Gold Glasses ||
How gorgeous are these gold glasses from West Elm?  They are such a steal at $34 and free shipping!  Would make a great gift or a treat to keep for yourself and set out on a bar cart.


|| Rebecca Taylor Stripped Dress ||
I have been lusting after this dress for awhile now.  It is finally on major sale.  Neiman Marcus is having additional 25% off all sale items.  That brings this dress to only $112.  I think it would be great well into fall with booties and a leather jacket. Shop the Neimans sale here.  Sale ends tonight so get your shop on!




I am a huge fan of infinity scarfs.  They are easy to throw on with any outfit and you don't have to worry about looping them the right way, they always lay perfectly.  I love this one from Club Monaco, all the neutral colors are fab and would go with anything.


I am still loving a statement necklace.  I love the royal blue and emerald green in this one, the perfect colors for fall.  I bet you won't believe me when I tell you it is only $34.  I think it would look great over a plain gray or ivory sweater !


|| Elan Ombre Pullover ||
This sweater looks so cozy and comfy.  The perfect sweater to throw on with leggings.  I am loving all things ombre this fall.  It is a great price only $64 for a super cute sweater.


Monday, September 30, 2013

Blog Sale: Dresses + Clutches + Shoes

Alright ladies, blog sale time. Trying to make room for baby girl. Shipping is $5 each or I am happy to combine if you buy more than one item. Email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com, first come first serve!  Everything is in excellent condition unless otherwise noted.

BANANA REPUBLIC IVORY CLUTCH WITH SQUARE RHINESTONE
$20


 BANANA REPUBLIC METALLIC PYTHON CLUTCH
$20
SOLD

BCBG GREEN LEATHER CLUTCH
$35
SOLD


BLACK CROCODILE ANTONIO MELANI CLUTCH
$25


BLACK VELVET MAXX CLUTCH
$25


THEORY DRESS
SIZE= SMALL
$60
SOLD

THEORY DRESS
SIZE= SMALL
$60


JCREW TUNIC/ COVER-UP 
NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SIZE= SMALL
$35
SOLD

FOREVER 21 DRESS COMES WITH MATCHING RIBBON BELT
SIZE= MEDIUM
$25
SOLD


ANNA SUI FOR TARGET METALLIC DRESS
COMES WITH MATCHING RIBBON BELT 
THIS WOULD BE GREAT FOR ANY OF YOU PREGGOS OR FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
NEW WITH TAGS, RETAILED FOR $59
SIZE= SMALL
$49
SOLD


JUICY COUTURE CASHMERE SWEATER DRESS
SIZE= MEDIUM
$50
SOLD

TWELFTH STREET BY CYNTHIA VINCENT DRESS
SIZE= SMALL
WORN ONCE, RETAILED FOR $275
$85
SOLD


BANANA REPUBLIC STRIPE DRESS 
100% RAYON
SIZE= SMALL
WORN ONCE, MINT CONDITION
$45
SOLD


YUMI KIM IKAT DRESS
SIZE= SMALL
$65



FOREVER 21 ROMPER
NEW WITH TAGS
SIZE= MEDIUM
$14.50


FRENCH CONNECTION STRIPE DRESS
NEW WITHOUT TAGS
SIZE= 10 BUT PLEASE NOTE FITS MORE LIKE A 6
$35
 SOLD

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ROSE PRINT SHIFT DRESS
SIZE= 6
$70
 SOLD


GRAHAM AND SPENCER BLACK STRAPLESS DRESS
SIZE= PETITE BUT FITS LIKE A SMALL
THE BACK IS SUPER CUTE BC IT HAS A SMALL OPENING
REALLY VERSATILE BLACK DRESS
$40
SOLD



SAM EDLEMAN LOUIE FRINGE BOOTIES
NEVER WORN, RETAIL FOR $160
SIZE= 9
$100
SOLD


TORY BURCH GOLD GLADIATORS
BUCKLE AROUND ANKLE
WORN ONLY A HANDFUL OF TIME EXCELLENT CONDITION
SIZE = 9.5
$65
 SOLD


URBAN OUTFITTERS PULL ON SUEDE KNEE BOOTS
SIZE= 9
$40



TORY BURCH BRIGHT ORANGE FLATS
ONLY WORN HANDFUL OF TIMES, IN GOOD CONDITION NO WEAR OR TEAR
SIZE= 9.5
$65
SOLD


Scenes From Our Weekend + Winner

Whew, we had a busy weekend. Matt has a trial coming up so he basically slaved away at the office all weekend and my parents and I worked super hard organizing and getting the nursery ready. I'm exhausted. 
 A few sneak peaks, don't want to give too much away before the big reveal.  All I have left to do is hang curtains, switch out knobs on our white dresser, and install overhead light fixture.  We are in business.

My Dad assembled Sterling's old crib in like 20 minutes.  I swear it would have taken me all day to do it.  He really is such a good handy man.  He also installed new shelves in two of our closets and hung numerous pictures for me!


I hung up a few of baby girl's clothes in her closet.  Tiny velvet hangers make me very happy, so do her clothes I wish some came in the adult version.


Charleston peeps, I have an old tufted chair that used to be in the nursery that I am getting ready to put on Craigslist but thought I would mention it on here first.   I adore this chair we just have no where to put it now in our tiny house with our expanding family.   I actually thought about turning into a rocker for the nursery but I have my great grandmothers rocking chair I really wanted to use.  The fabric would need to be recovered it has some ink marks and stains but it is a great chair for a bedroom, kids room or nursery.  It is from Mecklenberg furniture so it is solid nice piece of furniture.  I'm asking $75 if any locals are interested email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com.


While we were out picking up organizational stuff I found the most awesome dragon painting at Goodwill for, a grand total of $3.  We hung it in Sterling's room under the silhouette by WayWay and I am kind of loving it.  I am going to eventually get a new layered mat but for now it works.


Sterling also got a new chest from my grandfathers house.  I love the vintage look and feel of it and how special it was his great grandfathers.  And yep that is a light up spider-web you see in his window and pumpkin on his chest. Sterling is obsessed with Halloween so we let him put some decorations in his room:)  The clutter drives me crazy but it makes him happy!


Went to JCrew to try and buy another swing sweater because I love mine so much.  Side note the swing sweater in back in stock online in smaller sizes in the pink color if anyone missed out. They did not have any in stock in store of course but I found a fab alternative, the Boyfriend Sweater.  It is made of the same material and loose fitting as well it just has a v-neck instead of crew-neck.

I got the tan color and I am really loving it.


Sterling has been obsessed with dressing his monster Rufus in the baby's clothes.  Is this what kids do before they have a sibling?  He wants to change his outfit everyday, at least he will be helpful dressing the baby, right?


This weekend, I discovered Clint Eastwood's son, can we discuss how good looking he is?  I mean really?  He is giving Zac Efron a run for his money.

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


Lastly winner of the Biscuit Home giveaway is:
Becca at Low Country Couture!
Congrats Becca!
Shoot me an email at nataliemason24@yahoo.com and let me know which color boudoir sham you choose!
XOXO