Sterling's Big Boy Room Reveal

Instead of my normal Obsessions Post today I thought I would switch gears and go ahead and show you Sterling's Big Boy Room.  I have hyped it up so much now you are all probably sick of hearing about it.  I knew I wanted to create a space that was not babyish and had no theme (ugh I hate themed rooms).  I wanted it to be a space he grow into for many years.

I am pretty darn proud of the space and how I transformed it.  I had more fun designing this space than his nursery.  Best part is I really didn't spend too much money on anything.  I worked with alot of pieces we already had and just moved things around in our house.  One thing that is still not complete is the overhead light.  I am saving to get a Sputnik and when I do I will post pictures (so just use your imagination its gonna look fab) but it may be awhile what with the holidays right around the corner, mama needs to be saving for gifts. 

  Photographing a small room is hard as heck.  It was impossible to get good angles, but here we go!

The bed was Matt's grandparents and worked perfect because it was low to the ground. I was originally going to paint it decided I loved all the dark wood for a little boy room and he can totally grow into it and use this furniture for years. The frog was a gift from my mom before Sterling was born and he insists on sleeping with it everynight!

The ottoman was my parents and I just had the top recovered.  It is awesome because the top comes off and I can store toys inside.  Sterling also uses it as kind of a step stool to climb into his bed!

This is the view directly across from Sterling's bed.  His room is super small but the space works perfect for him.

The wood cabinet was a piece that was in our guest room.  I decided to move it because I liked the wood paired with his bed.

I have come to realize that bookcases are impossible to arrange or maybe I just suck at it.  I will never be totally happy with how these look but for now this works.

Sterling is still not potty trained so I decided to leave his changing table in his room for now.  I removed the top pad and just change him on the bed now but I still use the inside for diaper and health care storage. I moved the snakeskin mirror from our foyer because I loved the idea of it in a little boys room.   Eventually I would like a small Campaign dresser for this space or a Lucite desk that he could use as he gets older and has homework.

So there you have it, a masculine yet playful room that hopefully Sterling can grow into for years to come! 

SOURCES:

Paint Color:  Benjamin Moore:  Toasted Walnut

Rug: HomeGoods (Similar Here)

Bed: Antique

Whale Sheets: Pottery Barn Kids (no longer available)

White Coverlet and Shams: Homegoods

Monogrammed Pillow: Monogram done at O'Connor Monogramming

Ottoman: Hand me Down

Abstract Art:  Sally King Benedict

Animal Art Prints:  Estate Sale Score, Frames from Micheals

White Lamp:  Homegoods

3 Sprouts Elephant Storage Bin:  Sugar Snap Pea or Diapers.com

Eames Rocker: Consignment

Love You Pillow: Purchased in Pawleys Island at store called Breathe

Bookcase: My dad made

Curtains:  Restoration Hardware Baby and Child

Changing Table: My dad made

3 Sprouts Seal Diaper Caddy: Sugar Snap Pea or Diapers.com

Scenes From Our Weekend

I met my Mom Thursday in Columbia so she could take Sterling for the weekend.  Let me tell you it was a long weekend without my little nugget and I missed him like crazy.  Mom and I did a little shopping in Columbia because that is what we do best.  I found this great silver pumpkin for our front porch.  Nothing wrong with a fake pumpkin:)

I made the Compost Cookies featured on Glitter Guide last week.  Wowza, they were good.  I loved the potato chips in them but next time I may leave out the caramel rice cakes I didn't like the consistency they made the cookies.  But I loved the salty sweet combo.

Friday I worked on cleaning and organizing Sterling's Room.  And I finally took pictures so I will reveal his big boy room this week:)  It is much easier to photgraph a room without a two year old throwing toys everywhere!  Here is one more teaser- how adorable are the whale sheets from PB?

Friday Night we went to the best Halloween Party at my girl Caycee's house. We had so much fun. I went as a Hippie and Matt went as a Hot Dog.  My dress was true vintage,  it was my mom's from when she was in college, I love that I have so many of her old clothes.

 Here are a few shots from the party....

We had such a fun time, Caycee always throws the best parties.  Saturday we slept in and enjoyed a leisure kid free lunch.  We tried out a new spot on James Island called the Sloppy Cow.  I loved my Black Bean burger, but Matt had mixed feelings about his stuffed Spicy Burger.  I would still eat there again.

After lunch Matt and I went a long boat ride for the rest of the afternoon.  It was the perfect weather for a boat ride and since we had no baby with us we could take our time and enjoy ourselves.  I caught up on a stack of magazines I had been wanting to read and enjoyed some delicious vino!

Sunday I was thrilled to be reunited with my little man.  It was crazy how much I missed that sweet face!

Happy Monday Dolls!

xoxo

Blog Sale Time!

Ladies I am knee deep cleaning out our closets while my little man is away.  Here are a few pieces for sale.  I may add more so be on the lookout!  Shipping is $5 and I will combine if you buy more than one item.  Email me with questions or if you want to buy: nataliemason24@yahoo.com

J CREW TIPPI HEARTS SWEATER

SIZE= SMALL

RETAILED FOR $89.50

NEW WITHOUT TAGS

$40
(SOLD)

REBECCA TAYLOR SNAKESKIN/FLORAL BLOUSE

SIZE=0 (PLEASE NOTE THIS RUNS BIG I WOULD SAY IT IS CLOSER TO A SIZE 2/4)

RETAILED FOR $295

$85

REBECCA TAYLOR HEARTS BLOUSE

SIZE=4

RETAILED FOR $325

$85
(SOLD)

REBECCA TAYLOR SEQUINED BLOUSE

SIZE=4

RETAILED FOR $350

$100

I OWN THIS BLOUSE IN THE WHITE VERSION AND IT IS FABULOUS!! PERFECT FOR THE HOLIDAYS!
(SOLD)

AMANDA UPRICHARD DRESS

SIZE= SMALL

RETAILED FOR $198

$65

PEARS AND BEARS GREEN JON-JON

SIZE 24 MONTHS

$20
(SOLD)

STRASBURG BEAR JON-JON

SIZE=18 MONTHS (RUNS ON THE LARGE SIDE MORE LIKE 24 MONTHS/2T)

$18

COLLECTION BEBE SMOCKED FIRETRUCK LONG JON

SIZE= 24 MONTHS

$25

(SOLD)

Thoughts For Friday

First all I loved each and every response I got from my post yesterday.  You girls rock, so glad I am not the only freak.  I loved it so much I am already working on Confession Part 2 so stayed tuned!

Here is one more confession.  My parents took Sterling for the entire weekend so Matt and I could have some alone time and hit up my girl Caycee's Halloween Party.  I was sad the minute I dropped him off and I keep missing him.  Our house is so quiet without him.  I know I should enjoy the alone time but I miss my little man like crazy.  However come Saturday morning when Matt and I are both hungover I know I will be glad to have some alone time!

Lets chat about Emily and Jef.  I saw this coming from a mile away.  Not shocked at all.  Not sure if it was her being a gold digger or him being shady, we shall see.   Side comment and this is going to be rude but poor Anne Hathway in her wedding dress.  What the heck is up with that head piece?  She does look really happy though.

I was so excited to see a feature on Josh Bowman in the new Instyle (November Issue).  I have a major crush on him since I started watching Revenge.  What does Emily VanCamp have on me - well besides the fact that she is not married and has no kids??  I love me some Josh.

It is like the universe is telling me to shop this week. Now it is the Friends and Family event at Saks with 20% everything.  If you missed out on Shopbop its not too late at Saks!  Use Code AFF12 to get the discount.

Here are my top picks from Saks!

 We are celebrating my sister-in-laws Birthday this Sunday and I am making these Pumpkin Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Icing.  Thanks to Martha this is a tried and true favorite.  They are so easy to make and amazing,  You can get the recipe HERE.

I know I have a closet full of blouses but this was one I could not resist.  I love the Hunter Green color and tunic style.  I can't wait to wear mine with leggings and booties.  Such a steal only $27.

{F21 Pleated Blouse}

 I came across this quote last night and it made me bust out laughing.

  So true!

I am including this for Matt, this morning he showed me this picture and said Gwyneth looked a grandma.  Those are fighting words around here.  She always looks great to me.

 A little Friday Inspiration.  I will be back Monday with some crazy pictures from our kid free weekend:)

These are My Confessions.....

Lets play a fun game today.  Want to get to know me even better?  Here are a few confessions.  Since I shared mine its only fair you share one of yours!

*When someone introduces themselves to me I almost always blank out and forget their name.  It is like my mind does something weird and I can never remember names the first time I meet someone.  So sorry if you recently met me, please reintroduce yourself!

* I have been dying my hair since I was 13 and I am bit of a blonderexic.  I never feel like my hair is blonde enough- its a real sickness people! 

* Speaking of hair sometimes I only wash it twice a week.  I usually just pull it back in a hair clip if it is not washed.   This makes Sterling mad.  Everyday he says "mama hair down please."  True story today at Starbucks the woman working there told me my hair looked nice (she sees me regularly) and I told her it was because I had actually washed and styled it that day.

* If I am drinking I prefer wine or straight liquor.  I hate sugary mixers. I like my tequila straight and my vodka mixed with only fresh lemon juice. 

* I am a major hypochondriac, like seriously.  I google every little pain I have and then convince myself I am dying. 

* Ever since having Sterling I have major anxiety driving on the highway.  I am always so worried something will happen while I am driving and his life is in my hands. I'm crazy I know.  I have even more anxiety when someone else is driving, I would rather be in control.

* I am sick of hearing about the election.  People need to keep their mouths shut and quietly vote for who they want to instead of judging everyone else about their choices.  Matt this means you- stop your posts on FB its annoying!!

* I have a slight obsession with gay men.  Anderson Cooper, Andy Cohen, Nate Berkus,  and Neil Patrick Harris are my gay dream team.  I need a night out with them!  Really I just need a gay bestie.

* Sometimes (ok alot of times) I just throw away plastic grocery bags instead of saving and recycling them.  I get sick of seeing the used ones pile up.

* I am a neat freak but not a clean freak.  I like no clutter out and about in my house, so I am always picking up things so it looks and appears clean, but I never do a deep clean.  The last time my parents stayed here to babysit Sterling my dad mopped all my floors to show me the proper way to clean- that's how bad it was.

* I hate to fly,  it gives me anxiety thinking about.  In order to fly I need several alcoholic beverages to calm myself down, then I am a decent flier.  Everyone in my family argues over who has to sit with me when we fly because when I get nervous I turn into Chatty Cathy.  I think talking alot is my coping mechanism to forget I am on a plane.  Matt hates to fly too so God Bless Sterling I pray he doesn't get that gene.  I will put on a strong face for him when we do a family flight. (Unlike Aviva I do not expect a welcome party when I get on plane and fly somewhere).

* I never take pills.  I never did any drugs in college and I still rarely even take medicine.  I have to be really, really sick to result to medicine.  I mean I never even take Tylenol.  Alcohol is my only indulgence. 

* I majored in journalism at UNC and always had big dreams of working at a fashion magazine (Vogue or Instyle) in NYC after college. That obviously never happened but sometimes I still dream about that life.

* I am a total book worm I love reading.  There is no set genre I prefer to read,  I love to read anything and everything that moves me.  Matt often makes fun of me for getting so engrossed in a book.

* When I first found out I was having a boy I was a touch sad.  I had always envisioned myself with a girl, in fact I was convinced I was having a girl.  My mom, my sister and I have such a tight relationship I just always envisioned myself with a girl.    Of course after actually birthing and having a baby you realize any healthy baby is such a blessing.  Now I adore having a boy, Sterling is such a Mama's boy, and the light of my life!  I would be happy with a house full of boys!   My one concern is when I am older,  boys always take off with their wives and start a new life, and girls usually take care of their parents and stay in touch more.  I fear Sterling will never call or visit me when he is older.

* During the day all I drink is water or unsweet green tea.  I never have juice (only my green juice I make) or soft drinks.

* Halloween is my least favorite holiday and of course it is Sterling's favorite.  I am so not into decorating with ghosts, witches, and vampires but he loves it so I do it (Dollar Store Style of course, I am not spending lots of money on goblins etc).

* I am addicted to Reality TV, really nowadays it is the only TV I care to watch.  There are so many negative things going on in the world I like to zone out and watch mindless TV- where the peeps are crazier than me!

* I have a closet filled with only dresses and purses.  I have taken over two of the biggest closets in our house.  My other closet is filled with blouses and jackets.  Poor Matt and Sterling!

* I am terrified of sharks and only ever get in the water up to my knees.  Matt finds this hilarious since he is a surfer and always out deep. 

* One of my favorite places to shop is TJMaxx and Marshalls.  I love the thrill of finding a good bargain.  I don't understand people who never shop there! You have to put in a little time looking but some great deals can be found there.  I stop in ours about once a week.

* My favorite type of food is Mexican.  I could eat it everyday.

Ok, so I have been brutally honest and now you probably think I am crazy but I promise I am not.  We all have our issues!   Please dish some secrets to make me feel better:)

Chicken Salad Crescent Rolls

I hope you brought your appetites today because this recipe is mouth wateringly good. Crisp chicken salad, lots of melted cheese,  all rolled up into a buttery crescent roll- tell me that doesn't sound amazing?  Well these rolls are pure perfection.  We had a birthday brunch for my mom a few weeks ago and made these and they were a huge hit!  The original recipe calls for the crescent triangles to be sliced in half to make bite size appetizer rolls.  We didn't cut them since this was more of a lunch than an appetizer but you could make them either way!  We served them with pasta salad, broccoli salad, cucumber sandwiches and mimosas of course!  It was the most delish Birthday brunch ever.   You must make these, I promise you will love them.  They would be a great weeknight meal too because they are easy and kids will gobble them up!
Enjoy!

{Chicken Salad Crescent Rolls}

Adapted from Plain Chicken

::Ingredients::

2 cups chopped chicken

1 cup celery

1 tsp worcestershire sauce

1 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

3/4 cup mayo

3 cans crescent rolls

8 slices cheddar cheese (I used Cracker Barrel extra sharp cheddar)

poppy seeds

::Directions::

Mix together first six ingredients and set aside (or chill if making crescents later).

Preheat oven to 375. Separate crescent rolls into triangles. Cut each triangle in half to form two triangles. (This is the step I omitted)  Place 1/3 slice of cheddar cheese on top of crescent roll, top with a tablespoon scoop of chicken salad (I used a small cookie scoop) and roll up the crescent roll. Place on cookie sheet. Sprinkle with poppy seeds. Repeat with remaining crescent rolls. Bake at 375 for 18-20 minutes, or until golden brown.