Obsessions

I thought I would give my guest bloggers a break this week and share my Obsessions again. It's been awhile since I shared mine and I have a whole new slew of things I am loving right now!

1) TRACY ANDERSON MAT WORKOUT DVD


I finally ordered this video and it did not disappoint. I have been doing it several times a week and it is such a fab workout. You will be sore in places you didn't think you could be sore. The video is an hour and such a killer workout. I highly recommend it! Heres to hoping I look like Gwyneth Paltrow when its all said and done.

2) GREEK SALADS


I have been loving Greek Salads lately. I make a chopped Greek Salad probably 4-5 days a week for lunch. Just ordered one today for my girls lunch out with Caycee and Julia:) There is something about the combo of feta, olives, tomatoes and cucumbers that I can't resist. This salad is pure heaven to me.

3) BRIGHT DRESSES


Madison Marcus via

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent via

Shoshanna Via

Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent via

Now that the weather is warm here, I am so ready to wear some brightly colored frocks. A good tan is probably in order first, but you will see me in bright colors all Summer long!

4) MOROCCAN OIL SHAMPOO AND CONDITIONER


Thanks to my girl Lisa's guest blog, I have been hooked on this stuff ever since. I don't want to even use my other shampoo or conditioners anymore. This stuff makes my hair so silky and smooth minus the frizz- which is saying alot with all the humidity down here! And it smells delightful.

5) WALL STENCILS





I have been wanting to stencil my bathroom walls for awhile now. Problem is finding the time to do it with a very active one year and narrowing down what pattern I want. I just found out about Olive Leaf Stencils and they have some of the best wall stencils I have seen. I adore the Ikat one.

6) ZAC EFRON

Last but certainly not least Zac Efron. He has been looking so mature and handsome lately. The hubs calls me a cougar for liking him but I don't care. Look at those eyes, he is gorgeous.


I hope you all are having a fabulous Tuesday. What are you loving these days?

Wine You Can Feel Good About Drinking

The people at Flipflop Wines were gracious enough to send me a few bottles to sample. This is a brand new wine that just was released in January. Flipflop wines has partnered with Soles4Souls and for every bottle of flipflop wine purchased, Soles4Souls will distribute a pair of shoes to someone in need. This is enough reason for me to drink this wine! I can enjoy my wine and feel good about drinking it, knowing I helped someone in need at the same time! The best part is this wine retails for about $7.99 so it won't break your bank either.

I served this wine to the ladies at playgroup and our favorite was the Pinot Grigio.

The gals enjoying their Flipflop Wine.

The Pinot Grigio was crisp and light without being too sweet. The wine was so delicious and we all agreed we would be drinking it again. I am anxious to try the Cabernet and Chardonnay next. So go on and enjoy your wine and help some people that desperately need shoes at the same time!

You learn more at the Flipflop Website Here

Mommy Talk

One of my dearest friends Melissa has started a group for new mothers in Charlotte. It is called Baby on Board and it is a group where you can go and discuss all the affects being a new mom has on your life! If you live in the Charlotte area and are a new Mommy you should def check out her group. Here are all the details:



Baby On Board

A Processing Group for New Mothers

Have you recently traded in your designer handbag for a diaper bag?
Your stilettos for some comfy socks? Your glass of Pinot for a bottle of milk?

This group addresses the ups and downs of being a new mom
Topics include:

- Sleep Deprivation
- Stress Relaxation Techniques
- How to Juggle Being a Mom and Having a Career
- Effects on Marriages/Partnerships
- Effects on Friendships
- Changes in Body and Self-Esteem
- New Emotions


This group is offered Every Tuesday from 10:00-11:30am
Uptown Psychology
1818 Euclid Avenue
Charlotte, NC 28203


Please contact Melissa Guarnaccia for group details and how to sign-up
(704) 904-4950
melissa@uptown-psychology.com

Chanel Beauties

I just came across this gorgeous Vintage Chanel Jewelry for sale on ShopBop. What girl doesn't love Chanel? A Chanel Quilted Handbag is on the top of my lust list, but now I think I will be adding one (or all) of these pieces to my list! How fabulous are these necklaces and bracelets?? If I owned one of these beauties I would wear it everyday. I can hear Rachel Zoe swooning. I think Matt needs to start saving now for Mama's next push gift:)
Happy Friday! xoxo








All Jewelry can be found HERE on ShopBop

Obsessions- Look Linger Love

Today I am thrilled to have the gorgeous Chassity from Look Linger Love sharing her current Obsessions! I have had the pleasure of hanging out with Chassity (Don't you love, when you find a fellow blogger in your same city) and trust me she is even more stylish in person. I am sure most of you have read her Blog, but if not check it out. It is full of fabulous fashion, style and home decor inspirations! Thanks for guest posting today, Chassity! I sure am glad to have you!! xoxo




Hi Everyone! Chassity here, and I'm so happy to be visiting my friend Natalie's blog today.  I don't have to tell you all how great she is, I think you know.  But I'm so happy to have connected with her in this big blogging world.  Better yet, we only live 20 minutes from eachother :)
So today I'm sharing some of my obsessions.  We all have them.  Here are a few of my current ones...

HANDBAGS

{no surprise here}

{Lanvin, Perrin Paris, and Jimmy Choo}

CHEESE

{Brie, Gruyere, and Gouda topping the list for me}

{via Chindeep}

EVENING SPARKLE

{Okay, day sparkle too!}

{The Glamourai}

SIMPLE YET FANCIFUL UPDO'S

{Definitely going to try this one!}

{See the tutorial at A Cup of Jo}

BLOGS

{Again, no surprise here...}

{Above print available for purchase at Made By Girl's Shop}

Thanks for inviting me over today, Natalie.  And to the rest of you, hugs and kisses forever and ever.
xoxo,

Baked Manicotti With Sausage and Peas

After watching Giada make this on Saturday, I knew I had to make it asap. This was incredible. Matt is usually not a huge fan of Italian food, but he loved this. It is so rich and flavorful and easily makes enough to eat again the next night. This dish is so not healthy but trust me, its amazing! Everything in moderation, right?










BAKED MANICOTTI WITH SAUSAGE AND PEAS

INGREDIENTS
3/4 cup milk
1/2 cup heavy cream
6 ounces (about 3 cups) grated Pecorino Romano
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons olive oil, plus extra for drizzling
1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
1 large or 2 small shallots, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus 1/2 teaspoon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus 1/4 teaspoon
1/4 cup white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
3/4 cup (4 ounces) frozen petite peas, thawed
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
12 manicotti shells
1 (26-ounce) jar marinara sauce
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded mozzarella
Directions
Place an oven rack in the center of the oven. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a 9-by-13-by-2-inch glass baking dish with vegetable oil cooking spray. Set aside.

For the fonduta sauce: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, bring the milk and cream to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low. Add the Pecorino Romano and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the basil. Set aside.

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, shallots, garlic, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Cook until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables have softened, 8 to 10 minutes. Using a wooden spoon, break the sausage into 1/2-inch pieces. Increase the heat to high. Add the wine and scrape up the brown bits that cling to the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Cook until the wine has evaporated, about 2 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and set aside to cool slightly. Add the peas, ricotta, and 1 cup of the fonduta sauce. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until just tender, 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Spread half of the marinara sauce over the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Using a small spoon, fill the manicotti shells with the sausage filling and arrange in a single layer in the baking dish. Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top of the filled shells. Spoon the remaining fonduta sauce on top and sprinkle with the mozzarella. Drizzle with olive oil and bake until bubbly and golden brown, 30 to 35 minutes.

Print Recipe HERE

Blue Streak

Harper's Bazaar says this summer is going to be filled with lots of "blue". I for one love blue, it is one of my favorite colors. How can you not be smitten with the gorgeous color of the ocean or sky? Blue is so soothing to me! I am hoping to incorporate some more blue into my life since Bazaar says to. Here are my ideas:

PILLOWS:



Fabricadabra via

WALL COLOR:


Benjamin Moore Shenendoah Via

Benjamin Moore Van Deusen Blue via

Dunn Edwards Coldwater via

Glidden Island View via

JEWELRY:


Kenneth Jay Lane Satin Gold/Turquoise Oval Ring via

Emilio Pucci Cuff: Sadly I can't find the link to this bracelet anymore, so it may be sold out.

CLOTHES:


Shoshanna Dress via

Parker Dress via

Gryphon Dress via

ARTWORK:

By my dear friend and talented artist, Katie Stevenson


And Most importantly SHOES. I die for these Gucci shoes!



Do you love blue? I think everyone needs a touch of Blue of their life (in a good way)!