Kale + Shaved Brussels Sprouts Salad

So we ended up hosting Thanksgiving this year the day after I got home from the hospital. Crazy, right?  I was all good until about 9:00pm when I had a full on breakdown and started crying- these pregnancy hormones ain't no joke!  It is overwhelming being a new mom.  I was promptly sent to bed to rest.   Before my meltdown I managed to make my favorite salad for our dinner. Truth be told I am not a huge fan of Thanksgiving food, so I always make this salad every year because I know I will love it- Matt he won't touch it but that just means more leftovers for me!  It is such a light and fresh salad and is even better the next day as it sits.  Toasting the almonds in oil really adds extra flavor and crunch to the salad and I always add extra cheese!  I use our mandolin slice the Brussels sprouts really thinly but you could totally use a knife if you don't have a mandolin!
Enjoy!

:: K A L E  +  B R U S S E L S   S P R O U T S   S A L A D ::

adapted from Bon Appetit

                                                            

INGREDIENTS

• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon minced shallot
• 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
• 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt plus more for seasoning
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 2 large bunches of Tuscan kale (about 1 1/2 lb. total), center stem discarded, leaves thinly sliced
• 12 ounces brussels sprouts, trimmed, finely grated or shredded with a knife
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 1/3 cup almonds with skins, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup finely grated Pecorino

Combine lemon juice, Dijon mustard, shallot, garlic, 1/2 tsp. salt, and a pinch of pepper in a small bowl. Stir to blend; set aside to let flavors meld. Mix thinly sliced kale and shredded brussels sprouts in a large bowl.

Measure 1/2 cup oil into a cup. Spoon 1 Tbsp. oil from cup into a small skillet; heat oil over medium-high heat. Add almonds to skillet and stir frequently until golden brown in spots, about 2 minutes. Transfer nuts to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle almonds lightly with salt.

Slowly whisk remaining olive oil in cup into lemon-juice mixture. Season dressing to taste with salt and pepper.

DO AHEAD: Dressing, kale mixture, and toasted almonds can be prepared 8 hours ahead. Cover dressing and kale mixture separately and chill. Cover almonds and let stand at room temperature.

Add dressing and cheese to kale mixture; toss to coat. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Garnish with almonds.

Obsessions- My Christmas Wishlist

Each year we make a Christmas list for my parents. They like to know what we want so they can buy us something we will actually use and enjoy. Here is my actual list from this year. I never know what I will get off the list and that is part of the fun.  Anything else fab I should add to my wishlist?

:: BEAUTY AT HOME AERIN LAUDER::

I am huge lover of coffee table books and this is top on my list to add to my growing collection.

::RAG AND BONE HIGH RISE SKINNY JEANS::

I can not wait to fit back in regular clothes again.  High waisted jeans are essential post baby. I like to treat myself to one new pair a year and hoping I see these under the tree.  I swear by Rag and Bone jeans they are so flattering.

:: NEST BAMBOO CANDLE AND HAND SOAP::

This bamboo scent is pure heaven.  Best smelling hand soap and candle!

:: DVF SNAKE PRINT BLOUSE::

So I actually already know I am getting this blouse for Christmas.  Mom and I did some online shopping for Black Friday and I chose this- ladies it is still on sale, a great deal for DVF!

 :: GOLD DOT CHAMPAGNE GLASSES::

I only own 6 stemless champagne glasses and I really would like a few more for entertaining.  I adore these gold ones and they are not a bad price for the set of four.  This would make a great gift for any one who loves champagne and entertaining!

::CLAIRE VIVIER HAIRCALF CLUTCH::

I have wanted a Claire Vivier Clutch forever and this leopard one is my favorite!

::TIEKS FLATS::

I love my Tieks snakeskin flats so much I really want another pair.  They are the most comfortable flats ever.  I swear I like them better than my Tory Burch flats.  I want the camel color next it would go with everything!

 :: MICHEAL KORS SLIM DOUBLE WRAP WATCH::

Had to add this to my list after seeing it on my sister in laws list.  Love it, the perfect everyday watch!

::WEST ELM LAQUERED ICE BUCKET ::
I love the sleek and modern look of this ice bucket.  I don't own a great ice bucket, only a few small crystal ones so this one would definitely get put to good use!  Plus I just checked and it is 50% off!  Such a steal for a great little gift!  Pair this with a bottle of wine or champagne and you have a great hostess gift.

Frances Moon's Arrival!

Thank you all for your well wishes and prayers. You know what they worked. I had a fast and relatively easy delivery. I am just so thankful and happy to announce the birth of our sweet daughter Frances Moon Mason on November 25th. She is such a blessing and we just can't get enough of her.

This time around I decided to go the induction route.   With another child at home an induction definitely makes planning easier.  Plus I had been dilated and effaced for the past month with still no baby.  My doctor really recommended it and said I was a favorable candidate.  I decided I wanted to go to my due date to try and allow her to come on her own but alas she never did.  We scheduled the induction for Monday morning the 25th, a day after my due date.  I was nervous about being induced mainly because I was scared of having a c-section.  But let me tell you my induction was wonderful and I would do it again in a heartbeat. 

Monday we checked in the hospital around 6:30am.    Picture is kind of blurry we were both tired at this point but excited.

We filled out paperwork, got admitted to our room and then around 7:30 they started a bag of fluids for me.   After the fluids around 8:15 they started the pitocin to get my contractions going.  At first the contractions were not bad but then they quickly got unbearable.  I am still smiling in this picture so it is obviously pre-contractions

At this point the anesthesiologist was busy so I had to wait 30 more minutes for my epidural.  I had honestly forgotten how bad the pain from the contractions were- wowza.  I could not talk and alternated between feeling like I was going to pass out and vomit for about an hour or so. More power to all the women who don't get epidurals.  About thirty minutes after I got the epidural around 11:10 I called the nurse in and said I really felt like I needed to push.  She checked me and I was indeed ready (I knew I was).   My parents had just gotten to the hospital so they quickly left the room and we rushed Matt back in.   I had to hold off pushing and wait for my doctor to arrive- let me tell you not pushing when you need to is hard!  My doctor arrived and I pushed about 4 times and Miss Frances was out!  I was in labor with Sterling 30 hours so this 4 hour labor felt like a breeze.

 Frances Moon weighed in at 8lbs, 1 oz, and was 20 3/4 inches long.  I think she looks alot like Sterling when he was born.  She is such a sweet baby and very chill.  It blows my mind I have a daughter and I am now a mom to two kids.

Frances Moon is named after my maternal grandmother.  I was very close with her and still miss her everyday.  She died right before Matt and I started dating, we had our first date a week after she died, so sadly she never got to meet Matt.  I found out I was pregnant this year right before my grandfather died and I knew in my heart it was a girl.  I hate I never got to tell him it was a girl and we named her Frances after his wife.  I do know they are both looking out over us though.  I have felt a certain peace this whole pregnancy and delivery and I know without a doubt it is their presence.

We were so excited for Sterling to finally meet Frances.  He is so darn sweet with her always blowing her kisses and petting her head.  He is going go be such a great big brother.

That first night in the hospital we celebrated with some wine my parents brought- this stuff is amazingly delicious I highly recommend.

With the induction being scheduled my whole family (minus my brother and his wife) were able to be in town which was awesome!  Matt's family was there too of course since they live here!

I love that Frances will be so close in age to both her cousins, Finley and Drew!

Two of my favorite friends Julia and Caycee stopped by too to meet Miss Frances.

I am totally emotionally and physically exhausted and my hormones are crazy out of whack- I will cry at the drop of a hat but I am deliriously happy.  The last month of my pregnancy was crazy hard and I already feel so much better.  I so blessed to have sweet Frances in my life and love having a family of 4!

Black Friday Deals

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving. We got home the day before Thanksgiving with our bundle of joy- details to come on Monday!

 Since I spent almost three days in the hospital I had time to browse all the Black Friday deals and come up with my top picks:) There are some amazing deals to be had! 

::NORDSTROM::

Nordstrom has up to 50% off and their selection is pretty darn good.

::JCREW::

JCrew is offering 30% off your entire purchase with code HOLIDAY.  I so want these few things below.

::SAKS::
Saks has up to 60% off.  I always find good deals here post Thanksgiving.  Free shipping and returns with code HOLIDAY.

::NEIMAN MARCUS::

Neiman Marcus is offering additional 20% off sale prices.  There are so many designer things for under $100!! For some reason my pictures won't link from Neimans but click HERE to shop.

::SERENA AND LILY::

Take 20% off all order with code Thanks20.  Great time to stock up on these cute Hannah Anderson PJS.

:: PIPERLIME::

Piperlime is offering 25% off everything and 40% all sale!  The final sale is where its at HERE with 40% off sale prices the deals are incredible!  A few of my favorite sale items below.  Use code GIFT.

Happy Black Friday Shopping!!

xoxo

Off to Have a Baby + Lulu and Georgia Winner

 This is my game face.  Getting mentally prepared to push a baby out.  Not gonna lie I am scared but more than ready to meet this little girl who has been growing in me the past almost 10 months.  We are all set to meet her tomorrow.

Thank you all for all your well wishes and prayers for me during my struggle to get pregnant and this pregnancy.  I appreciate every email and comment I have gotten.  This has been a wild ride and its hard to believe its almost over!  I am so incredibly grateful for all the support and love sent my way.  I feel very blessed.

I am going to take a few days off to have this sweet baby and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family. Wish me luck as I become a mom of two! I will be back at some point this week with baby pictures and my top picks for Black Friday Shopping!! 

xoxo

 ............................................................................................
Lulu and Georgia Winner is:
Melissa Sullivan! 
We will contact you about your giftcard!  Congrats!
 

Weekend Style Files: Mad For Plaid

I just recently became a big fan of plaid.  I used to think it was too edgy or grungy for me (think early 1990's) but done right it can be so good.
 I especially love it for the Winter/Holiday season.
It is so cozy and chic to me.

There are so may great options for plaid out right now.  I received the Burberry scarf below for a gift a few years ago and it is a staple in my closet.  An investment piece but such a classic that goes with everything (and its currently on sale here).  This season I added the plaid Rag and Bone Blouse to my collection I love the print so much.  I rounded up a few of my current favorites that would be a great addition to any closet.  A little plaid is always a good idea!

and a few options for the littles too because what is cuter than a little kid in plaid??  I am ordering the first plaid dress to save for baby girl for next Christmas, love it!

xoxo
Have a great weekend!

Must Make Thanksgiving Appetizer : Roasted Brussels Sprouts Dip

I can hardly believe Thanksgiving is next week.  I mean I swear this year has flown by. I look back and think we have so much to be thankful for this year most importantly our health, Sterling, a soon to be new baby, the husbands new law firm, our families, and so much more.

We are still hosting Thanksgiving at our house this year- I am crazy I know!   I will most likely have a few days old newborn but I am not really cooking.  So I can just relax and maybe have a big ole glass of wine.  If I was cooking I would so be making this dip.  I made it a few weeks ago and it is off the charts good.  Perfect for Thanksgiving or any occasion! 
Funny thing is I used to hate Brussels Sprouts like they were my least favorite veggie, but now I love them.  Roasting them changed my life, they are so incredible roasted.  So just imagine this creamy dip filled with bacon, Brussels Sprouts, and lots of cheese- its a real winner I promise you!

What is on your Thanksgiving menu? Any favorite appetizers or side dishes?  We are always looking for new recipes to try! I am lucky because Matt likes to cook almost as much as me!

 || R O A S T E D  B R U S S E L S  S P R O U T S  D I P ||

 

ingredients

• 1 pound brussels sprouts, trimmed and quartered
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cloves garlic, unpeeled
• 1/2 teaspoon thyme, chopped
• 4 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 3/4 cup mozzarella, shredded
• 1/4 cup parmigiano-reggiano (parmesan), grated
• 8 slices bacon cooked and crumbled
• salt and pepper to taste
• pita chips or crackers to serve with

directions

1. Toss the brussels sprouts in the olive oil, salt and pepper, spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet along with the cloves of garlic and roast in a preheated 400F oven until golden brown, about 20-30 minutes, flipping half way through.
2. Squeeze the roasted garlic from the skins, mix everything, place in a baking dish and bake in a preheated 350F oven until lightly golden brown on top and bubbling on the sides, about 15-20 minutes.