Weekend Happenings

Good Monday Morning Friends.  Or not really in our house,  you see my sweet baby is sick and we are off to the doctor this AM.  Hoping for some meds and a quick recovery for him- and of course I am praying we all don't catch it! 

This weekend I was pretty much a single mom since Matt was gone all day at the game Saturday (he left at 10 and rolled home at 4am)  and then pretty much incapacitated Sunday due to all the fun he had at the game- if you know what I mean!  It was not a bad weekend just didn't feel like a true weekend since I was solo most of the time.

A few highlights:

Two beauties that I have been eyeing arrived on my doorsteps this weekend.  The Tom Ford Coffee Table book which I have been wanting forever.  This is a seriously gorgeous coffee table book.  I am so darn happy to add it to my collection.

And for my cookbook collection: The Sprouted Kitchen. I have really been trying to eat healthier and I can tell such a difference. I have more energy and just feel better about myself. This cookbook came highly recommended. It is filled with some amazing looking healthy recipes I can't wait to try.

This recipe from the cookbook was featured in Bon Appetit.  How delish does this Ranchero Tostada look?  It is top on my list of must make dishes out of the cookbook.

I finally busted out some fall colored jeans.

{J Brand Mid Rise Skinny Jeans in Bourbon}

Saturday I did manage to get a few solo hours thanks to my in-laws.  I met up with my sister in law and a good friend for some afternoon wine and tasty chaurcuterie at BIN152.  All you locals and peeps visiting Charleston,  this wine bar is my favorite.  The owner is so knowledgeable and they have the best selection of cheeses and meats.  Check out our platter.

Here is what I wore for our ladies afternoon:

{Joie Marlo Blouse, Pleasure Doing Business Bandage Skirt}

I have to admit I never thought I would be a bandage skirt type of girl.   I ordered this skirt while I was pregnant with Sterling- stupid idea,  I could not fit my fat ass in it while pregnant, but now I love it.  It really sucks you in (like spanx) and looks so cute with looser blouses.  Get on the bandage bandwagon for realz.  I have the Charcoal color but it comes in several different options.

{Pleasure Doing Business 5 Band Skirt}

And I will say it again the Joie Marlo Blouse is perfection.  I want one in every color.  I wear mine all the time.

Sunday Matt rallied long enough to hit up the Pumpkin Patch.  Sterling was so excited.  We came home with 4 pumpkins!  I think we may do a painting project with a few of the smaller ones.

We tried to get a family picture and of course this is how it turned out. Typical.

Hope you all had a great weekend!

xoxo

What to Know My Make-Up Secrets?

Today I am over at Katie's lovely blog Everyday Southernista (Beauty Made Easy) sharing all my beauty secrets from Cheapie Drug Store finds to my favorite splurges.   If you have never read Katie's blog you are missing out, my friends.  She interviews some fabulous people and gets them to spill all their beauty secrets.  I spent a long time reading past interviews and making my next Make-up Shopping list based on others tried and true favorites.  Please check out my interview HERE, I promise you be glad you visited Katie's blog!

And for fun here is a sneak peek of some everyday favorites of mine.  Head HERE to see the rest and read all my juicy make-up and beauty secrets!

Thoughts For Friday

Hurray for the weekend, for realz.   Matt is going to the USC game tomorrow with his work buddies so I am flying solo for the whole day.  But good news is I have a fabulous wine date planned with some friends!  If the hubs gets to party all day I deserve some time out too!

I think I might be the last person in the world to start watching Revenge.  I tuned in Sunday night and loved it.  I didn't watch any of the first season- wish I had now.  But I am so excited to find a new show for Sunday nights.  I also tuned into to 666 Park Ave but it was way to scary/creepy for me.  Made me sad because I really liked the cast of actors but probably won't tune again.

Alot of you have asked me about the Apple Cider Vinegar and how it is working.  I am still drinking it daily.  I usually drink it twice a day mixed with 6-8oz of water.  I always seem to forget the evening dose (probably because I am preoccupied with my wine).  I have been drinking it for 2 weeks now.  I have lost 3lbs.  I am not attributing this all to the vinegar but I do think it has helped.  My weight was not budging prior to the apple cider so I have to believe it helped some.  I drink it prior to meals which I think suppresses my appetite some.  I think it has also helped with bloating issues as well. Plus it makes me drink more water which is always a good thing.

In the last week I have also cut out major snacking (ie chips and crackers) so that could be it too.  Either way I am sticking with the apple cider vinegar even if it is only once or twice a day.  I will report back in two more weeks when it has been a month.

I hit up Target this week hoping to find this beauty in store so I could try her on. Of course there was not one at my Target store.  Has anyone bought this?  How does the sizing run?  I am figuring for $27 this needs to be added to my closet!   I do already own two leopard dresses- does it make me a leopard hoarder to own three?  They have all sizes online if your store is out!

{Merona Leopard Dress}

I think I may be the only person who does not like Mums for fall.   They are freaking everywhere and it kind of annoys me.   Sterling and I hit up our favorite local nursery here in town called Hyams to get a few fall plants yesterday.   I opted for Pansies and Spikes for my front porch pots.  My mom assures me pansies are easy to care for.  I need easy low maintenance plants or I will kill them!

 My little garden helper.  He loves looking at the plants.  Look at all the Mums in the background, they are everywhere!!

.In keeping with my getting ready for Fall week, I think I am going to make these Pumpkin Spice Rice Krispy Treats.  How good do they look?  Not part of my diet but I don't diet on the weekends.

Can we talk about how gorgeous Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is and how sick her body is?  I wish I looked like that when I worked out!

It does make me stand by the fact that I prefer all black workout clothes.  Look Gwennie does too.

So I have a mile long list of projects around my house I want to get done and have I tackled one thing yet?  Big Negative.  This quote sums it up.

For all my fellow Mamas.  This brought a tear to my eye, so true.

And just because I couldn't resist- my man is still loving his Spidey Costume.  That smile melts my heart.  You better believe I am off to buy him like 5 more costumes they make him so happy!

Cheers to the Freaking Weekend.

xoxo

A Day In My Life

Today I thought it would be fun to give you guys a sneak peek into my daily life.  I always love reading how others manage their time and days, so here you go.

6:30-7:00

Wake Up. I never set an alarm, I am usually always up by 7 thanks to my little man.  He is not a late sleeper.  This week he has been waking up around 6 every morning, ugh.

First priority is coffee for me.  Drink one mug every morning.  I take my coffee black- no sugar or creamer. 

While I fix my coffee, I also fix Sterling juice and a Nutragrain cereal bar.  He is a man of routine and likes his cereal bar and juice and every morning.   After his cereal bar he is immediately ready for his "second" breakfast which is usually cereal or oatmeal.  I fix this and then turn on the TV to Nick Jr for Sterling while I log in and post my blog entry for the day.  I also make a to-do list each day in my May book.  Keeps me organized.

 I usually leave the TV on for an hour or more (don't judge) while I do my morning routine.  I also let him eat on our couch- I know its a bad idea but it is a routine now- plus that couch is so nasty.  Breakfast is the meal he is allowed to eat in the den though.   One day I will have nice furniture!

7:30

This happens to be a day I run.  I only run every other day- so maybe 3 times a week on a good week.  I go while Matt is still home and can watch Sterling.  I have a 3 mile loop I usually do, which takes about 30 minutes.

8:00-9:30

I get back from my run and chug water.  Then I make a batch of my green juice.  I make juice every morning.  I swear it gives me more energy.  My juicer is my favorite kitchen appliance,  seriously.   I never knew how much I would love it or use it, but she is a true gem.  I usually juice: Kale, spinach, apple, lemon, ginger, and cucumber. 

After I drink this I quickly shower.  I only wash my hair every other day and I try to coincide this with the days I run.  It needs to be washed those days because it is sweaty.   I do however put on make-up everyday.  I am serious, even if I am not doing anything I put on make-up, makes me feel pulled together.  Plus my under eye circles and blonde eyelashes are tragic without make-up.

My daily make-up essentials (Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer, Nars Bronzer, Naked eyeshadow palette, Maybelline Mascara, Cle De Peau Concealor,  and Chanel Lipstick).

 Then I make our bed.  I am a freak about making our bed.  I hate leaving the house with an unmade bed.   I am also a freak about an all white bedding.  I love an all white bed.  The four poster bed was mine from when I was a child.  I don't love it and really want a fabric headboard but want to wait til we make the switch to a King Bed for a new headboard.  So for now she says.  It is very princessy.

After that I quickly make my breakfast.  Today it is Wheat toast with Peanut Butter, Bananas and Honey.

 I scarf that down and then make Sterling's lunch.   I usually send him a PB&J or PB& honey most days.  Kids lunches are hard! 

Then we leave the house at 9:30 and it is off to school for Sterling.

10-12:45

Today while Sterling is in school, I have a doctors appointment, then I hit up Target, the Grocery Store, and pick up dry cleaning.  It is so nice to shop without a child whining,  I take my time and browse.  Run the groceries home and then it is pick up time.  3 hours flies by.

 1:00-3:00

We are back home and I put Sterling down for a nap. He now insists on napping in his PJ's everyday.  How cute is he?

 This is when I have quiet time and sit down and eat lunch.  Today for lunch it is sauteed kale, veggies and hummus.  I am really trying to lose my extra 5lbs I put on this summer.  Nothing is working so it is diet time during the week.  I try to eat healthy for lunch and breakfast and then indulge a little at dinner with Matt.

I also allow myself to watch one show I recorded.  I usually watch the Housewives or the Kardashians because Matt can't stand it when I watch them while he is home.  Today it is NYC Housewives and the train wreck that is Aviva.

 

After my lunch and trashy TV session I do a few chores around the house like laundry and emptying the dishwasher.  Then I sit down and work on my blog/pinterest/respond to emails until Sterling wakes up.  Some days he naps two hours some days only one so I never know how much time I have.

4:00

When he wakes up we usually go an afternoon walk to the park or beach near our house.

This is the typical reaction I get when I tell him to get in the stroller.  Even if I have bribed him with a Popsicle.  To me this time of the day is so hard.  I never know how to fill the "witching hour."

He cheers up once we get to the park

 5:00-6:00

I turn on the TV again for Sterling to watch a cartoon and I start cooking his dinner and get Matt and my dinner going as well.  Matt doesn't get home til 7:30 most nights so I fed Sterling alone around 6 and then eat with Matt when he gets home.  Tonight it is Spanakopita, fruit,  and cheese for Sterling. 

Tonight he insists on wearing his glasses while he eats.  Too cool already.

6:00-7:30

Ladies,  this is my happy time when I finally pour a glass of wine and go sit and read a magazine while Sterling plays in the bath.  I have a glass or two every.single.night pretty much.  Keeps me sane.  I take no drugs just wine.

Then Matt gets home and we each read Sterling a story and say his prayers and it is off to bed for him.  He is in bed by 8.

Since it is Wednesday night that means it is Taco Night at the Mason House.  We cook tacos every Wednesday night.  It is our hump day tradition.  In honor of it being Wednesday night we each get a shot of Tequila.  We normally don't drink liquor during the week but this is our exception.  Tequila goes so well with tacos and I am a true tequila lover.  We each get one shot- and we don't shoot it we sip it while we chat about our days.

8:30

We sit down to eat and watch our TV shows (Modern Family etc).  Yes we eat on the couch and watch TV while we eat.  It works people!  Notice the difference in our plates.  If only I could eat like that and not gain weight.  Men are lucky.

9:30-10

Get ready for bed.  This includes washing my face, contacts, and brushing/flossing my teeth.  Then I get in bed and read my Daily Devotional,  Jesus Calling.   I highly recommend this book it has gotten me thru some hard times and provided great inspiration.   If I am not too exhausted I will also read a few pages in whatever book I am currently reading.  Tonight I decide to flip thru my new Bazaar with Kate Hudson because I am in between books.  We almost always have the lights out by 10.

Well, I am exhausted are you?  This post was for my hubs who sometimes thinks I have easy days.  He jokes that being a stay at home mom means I sit around and eat bonbons and watch TV all day.  Could not be further from the truth.   I know he doesn't really believe I do that but it was fun to document my day.   My day is non-stop!  So there you go, a day in my life.  Nothing exciting but I sure do love being a stay at home mom.  I feel so lucky that I am able to take care of Sterling and be home with him, I know not everyone has that luxury.  

Happy Thursday.  T-minus one day til the weekend!

Tomato Dill Soup + Truffled Grilled Cheese

Looking for the perfect comfort dish?  Well look no further.  This is a fabulous spin on the standard grilled cheese and tomato soup combo.  This tomato soup is knock your socks off good and so easy to make!  We ate it three days in a row and I am so not a leftovers person.  We even used some of the leftover soup to make sauce for our Ravioli- pure genius I tell you.   You will never want to eat canned soup again.

  And if you have never had a truffled grilled cheese you are missing out my friends.  The truffle oil is an amazing addition to any grilled cheese.   Truffle Oil can be expensive, but want to know my secret?  I look for it at TjMaxx and Homegoods.  You can find it there in the foods section for way cheaper than the grocery store.  It is usually made with white or black Truffles.  Matt and I both prefer the White Truffle Oil.

 I would like to introduce you to the new vamped up Tomato Soup and Grilled Cheese:)

{TOMATO DILL SOUP}

 Adapted from Sara Foster's Everyday Food

Serves 8 to 10 / makes about 3 quarts

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 onion, diced

2 carrots, diced (I used three carrots since I had no celery)

2 celery stalks, diced (I didn't have celery so I omitted this)

1 28-ounce can chopped tomatoes

1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes

6 cups chicken or vegetable broth

2 teaspoons sea salt

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (I didn't have this so I omitted it)

1 cup heavy cream

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook and stir about 10 minutes. Add the carrots and celery and cook and stir another 10 minutes.

2. Stir in the chopped and crushed tomatoes, broth, salt, pepper and crushed red pepper and bring to a low boil. reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

3.  Use an immersion blender or transfer in batches into regular blender and puree. I like mine to still have some texture so don't puree until it turns to liquid.  Just pulse a few times.

3. Remove the soup from the heat and stir in the dill, parsley and cream. Taste for seasoning and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Serve warm or store refrigerated until ready to serve.

{Truffled Grilled Cheese}

-2 Slices Wheat Bread

-2 slices American Cheese

-Mayo

-Truffle Oil

We have tested this sandwich several times but this combo seems to work best.  Matt and I both swear by good old American Cheese on grilled cheese sandwiches, but if you don't like it I am sure any cheese would work.  I always use wheat bread because that is all I buy but I am sure it would be off the hook with white bread. 
Take the two slices of cheese and place between bread.  Spread a thin layer of mayo on the outsides of the bread.  The mayo is what helps the bread brown nicely.  You can also spread on inside if you love mayo.   You can use butter if you don't like mayo but mayo works so much better and gets the bread slightly crispy.   After assembled place mayo side down in a pan drizzled with truffle oil.  Also drizzle truffle oil over top side of bread as well.  Use a decent amount of oil so you can taste it but not too much as to make bread soggy.  I would guess I used about a teaspoon per side.  Cook until cheese is melted and bread browned.  I just use a regular old skillet pan to cook ours in on medium heat.  Do not use high heat or it will burn.  Cook it slow and on medium heat.  Slice and dig in!  This grilled cheese will change your life. 

Obsessions

{Jeffery Campbell Solitaire Heels}

This is the perfect shoe in my opinion.  I love the black and camel combo, it would go with everything!!   Pretty sure these are coming home with me.

{Joie Snakeskin Blouse}

My sweet mom surprised me with this blouse when she came to visit last weekend.  She knows me well and knew I had been wanting a snakeskin blouse.  I love this one!  Fits perfectly and I know I will rock it all Fall.

{GAP FLUID SHIRTDRESS}

How cute is this dress from Gap?  Love both colors.  A great transitional dress.  It is only $59 but you can get an extra 30% off thru tonight with code THANKYOU.

{Sarah Foster Fresh Everyday Cookbook}

I bought this cookbook awhile ago but I just recently busted it out and I am obsessed.  I have been making so many delicious recipes from it the past week.  For my Chapel Hill friends, Sarah Foster is the one who started Fosters Market which was one of my favorite places to eat while I was in college.  If you love to cook with fresh seasonal ingredients this cookbook is a must!

{Agate Bookends}

Another surprise from my mom.  They look perfect in Sterling's big boy room!

{Quote}

I love October and all that Fall has to offer.  It is my favorite season.  Bring on the cooler temps, fires, red wine, boots and sweaters, tailgating, and Pumpkin Spice Lattes!

One more thing.  I am also guest posting at Anna's beautiful blog A NewFound Treasure sharing my nexts!  Here is a sneak peek.  Check it out HERE!