Thursday, August 15, 2013

New Foodie Things you Need to Buy


I consider myself a real foodie.   I dream about food and a good meal makes me insanely happy.  I take eating very seriously.   After one meal I am already planning what I want to eat for the next meal.  I have been trying alot of new food items lately and wanted to share a few of my favorites.  What is your favorite new food find?

Harry and Sons Green Tea with Thai Flavors
In keeping with my Thai obsession, I found this tea at Target and I am smitten with it.  I love the light coconut flavor.  I have yet to have it warm I have just been making pitchers of it iced and it is so refreshing.


 Sour Cream and Wasabi Rice Crackers
These crackers are insanely good.  Like so good I almost ate an entire box, in my defense the boxes are small.  If you like wasabi you will be addicted to these.  I found them at Whole Foods.


Creme Brulee Dessert Truffles
I love a small bite of dessert after a meal.  These truffles are individually wrapped and the perfect size for a sweet bite.  They are so creamy and good.  Problem is it is hard to eat just one.


Earthfare Maple Creme Cookies
The nice man at Earthfare opened a box of these to help me entertain Sterling while I shopped, I sampled his and promptly bought a box.  They are so good, just don't look at the calories.


Aidells Spicy Jalapeno Mango Sausage
This is some of the best chicken sausage I have ever had.  I actually tasted all the Aidells Sausages and they are all amazing, but this was my favorite flavor.  I always love something with a spicy bite.


Hunter Snack Mix
This snack mix is some of the best I have had.  I have no joke eaten a whole bag by myself, it is addictive.  It is perfect to put out in a little dish while you are having happy hour.  If you are lucky you can sometimes find this at TJMaxx and Homegoods.  I scarf it up there.


Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blend
This the new favorite cereal in the Mason Household.  We go thru a box a week.  It has real coconut flakes and mango in it.  It tastes like the tropics plus it it not too high in sugar or calories.


 
G.H. Cretors Popcorn Chicago Mix
My parents had this popcorn at their house and I could not stop eating it.  It was the perfect savory sweet combo with the cheddar and caramel popcorn.  You can buy a bag of each flavor but I kind of prefer it mixed, the best of both worlds.
Palermos Roasted Veggie Flatbread
I am not a huge frozen pizza fan but it is a necessary evil sometimes.  As far as frozen pizzas go Palermos is my favorite brand.  I had never tried their flatbreads before and decided to give them a go while they were on sale at Harris Teeter.  I was pleasantly surprised,  it was pretty darn good.  It actually had a lot of veggies on it, which was nice.  I added extra mozzarella, feta, and red pepper flakes because frozen pizzas never have enough cheese or flavor,  and that helped.  I would definitely buy these flatbreads again.


Sabra Cucumber Dill Veggie Dip
I have mentioned this before but this yogurt dip is my new favorite snack.  Only 35 calories a serving and it is so good with veggies or pita chips dipped in it.


Are you hungry now??
xoxo

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Thai Green Curry Chicken


I don't know what it is about this pregnancy but I have been craving Thai Food, like I want to eat it everyday!  I seriously crave it.   I decided to take a gamble and try my hand at making my own Thai food.  This was totally out of my comfort zone, but the risk paid off.  This curry was amazing.  Matt kept raving it was better than the curry we get at our local Thai Take-Out place.  I will be making this again and again.  The flavors were so rich and complex.  If you don't like chicken I am sure you could sub beef or shrimp (I just would not cook the shrimp as long).  You could also serve this over noodles instead of rice, but rice is how they usually serve the curries in restaurants.  I recommend using the full fat coconut milk it gives the dish great depth and flavor.  Glad to know I can tackle Thai Food, and you can too!

:: T H A I   G R E E N  C U R R Y  C H I C K E N ::
- 1 Pound boneless skinless Chicken Breasts or Tenders (cut into small pieces)
- 1 Zucchini sliced
- 1 head of bok choy sliced
- 1 can bamboo shoots (drained)
- 3 green onions sliced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- 2 cups coconut milk
- 1-2 tablespoons flour
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoons fish sauce
- 2 tablespoons cooking oil
- 2 tablespoons green curry paste
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- white rice

Sautee Zucchini, bok choy, and bamboo shoots in olive oil until tender and set aside.

Toss the chicken cubes in a Ziploc bag with one tablespoon soy sauce and two tablespoons flour.  Shake up until they are evenly coated.  Heat olive oil in a large skillet pan and add the chicken.  Cook about 7 minutes flipping the pieces some.  The chicken does not need to be cooked all the way at this point it will keep cooking later.  Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside. 

 In the same pan add a little more oil.  Then add green curry paste, green onions, garlic, and ginger and cook about 1-2 minutes til fragrant.  Then add chicken back in and make sure it is evenly coated in curry mixture.   Add in coconut milk, fish sauce,  1 tablespoon soy sauce, and sugar.  Then add in sauteed veggies.  Let this simmer on medium low about 30 minutes or longer.

Cook white rice according to box.  Spoon white rice on a plate or bowl and top with green curry chicken mixture.  Top with thinly sliced green onions.

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Obsessions

If you didn't know Serena and Lily is having their huge 50% off sale right now.  There are some amazing deals so check it out HERE.  These baskets are headed our way for baby girls room.  I also snagged this white bumper and white changing pad cover
The Mercado Baskets I blogged about last week are also on sale and so is our shower curtain in Sterling's bathroom (the shower curtain rocks, I get so many compliments on it!
 All the Hannah Anderson PJS are marked half off too (love these for baby girl and Sterling) Don't forget to use code BIGDEAL for free shipping on all orders.  Sale ends Wednesday so go get your shop on!

I have loved this maxi for a long time and it is finally on sale.  It is the perfect maxi to carry you into Fall with its geometric pattern.  Just pair it with a leather jacket for cooler temps.
I about died when I found this Leopard dress like the skirt I blogged about last week.  It is perfection.  It is stretchy material so I can wear pregnant too.


I can't stop swooning over this beautiful blouse and the price tag is even better, $49!!  I love the red so much but the navy is so classic!



I was recently gifted this amazing water jug from Erie Drive.  If you are not familiar with Erie Drive you must check out their website, they have such cool products.  I have been using this Carafe for lemon water, iced tea, and wine.  It fits perfectly in my fridge and looks gorgeous for entertaining.

I bought this blouse last year in a nude color and it is one of my favorite blouses.  I feel like it is hard to find cute short sleeve blouses.  This one fits great and looks so good with skinny jeans and heels.  I love the new colors for fall: black, olive, and navy.  They are on sale right now for $59, a great price for such a versatile blouse that could work for work or play!


{BB DAKOTA JASPER DRAPE FRONT JACKET}
This jacket is such a steal.  It looks just like the Vince and Theory leather jackets I have lusted over that are $900+.  The beauty is only $88.  A great way to get the draped leather jacket look without breaking the bank!

{FREE PEOPLE STRIPE COLUMN SKIRT}
I have been wanting a Maxi for Fall to wear with booties and a cute jacket.  This one won't break the bank and I love it!  It also come is burgundy and cream.  It reminds me alot of a Marc Jacobs version I wanted last year but never bought.



Monday, August 12, 2013

Back to School With Carters + Giveaway

I have to start off this post by saying that Carter's contacted me about writing this post. I get contacted by quite a few companies to do sponsored posts and I take this very seriously.   I never write about products or lines we don't use and love in our house. I have been smitten with Carters since Sterling was a baby.  Their clothes are super cute and affordable, always key when your kids grow up so fast. 

Carters is working on a Back to School Campaign right now (all their current Fall stuff is 50% off!) and I have to say they have some really awesome items for older kids as well as the babies.     Sterling lives in his Carters pj's.  Like he must nap in a pair and then have a different pair to sleep in at night- he's crazy particular like that.

I found several cute everyday wear items for Sterling while shopping at Carters that looked to me like CrewCuts or Mini Boden but for a fraction of the cost. 
Case and Point this adorable Dinosaur Tee Shirt.  Tell me it does not look like the more expensive kids brands, but it only cost $7!  My little man loves it.



We also picked out this adorable outfit for Fall.  It is too darn hot here to sport it now, but it is going to look so cute once we get some cooler temps.  I love boys in fleece vests.  This vest is comparable to Patagonia and its only $18 right now!  It comes in navy as well, I was tempted to buy both!


Here are a few of my other favorites form the Carters site. From babies to older kids Carters has some really great clothing options.  We picked up the Skeleton pajamas,  Sterling was not leaving the store without them- and they glow in the dark! A real steal at $10!  Plus baby girl is getting the onsies and white pants, so sweet!
To find your local store click HERE.

Carters Back to School



 

Per Carters 
"Whether they’re headed back to the classroom or taking their first steps across the living room, Count on Carter’s for the best Back to School or Back to Play looks.
·        Your little ones will be at the top of the class with their new school clothes! Carter’s has all the perfect fall looks for your class act including tunics & leggings, mix & match tees, everyday dresses, athletic pants and more.
·        Even your littlest ones will look great this fall with new baby clothes that make for easy outfitting.  Be sure to stock-up on must-have 2-piece sets or colorful separates that you can mix and match for baby.
·        Carter’s easy layering makes outfitting stress-free for kids of all ages. With new jewelry and matching sets, it’ll be easier than ever to get your little ones ready for whatever is on your plate that day."


For all you lucky readers, Carters is offering a $50 giftcard to one lucky winner.  Trust me $50 goes a long way there!  

Heres how to enter:
1) Be a Follower of DBDD
2) Leave a comment with your favorite Playground look from the Carters Site!

You have til Thursday at Midnight to enter and I will announce the winner Friday.  Be sure to leave your email address associated with your account so we can contact you if you win.


Don't forget to   “Like” Carter’s on Facebook, mention @Carters on Twitter and follow them on Pinterest  to discover the latest great deals, exclusive events and offers for your little ones! 

Happy Monday!
xoxo
............................................................................


 Carter’s Disclosure Statement
Carter’s partnered with bloggers such as me to help promote Back to School, Back to Play. As part of the program, I received product or gift cards.  Carter’s believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words, and therefore did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products I used. Carter’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations. The winner of any giveaway in this program will be randomly chosen and gift card fulfillment will be handled by a third party.

 




Saturday, August 10, 2013

Weekend Style Files: Chambray + Neon

I pinned this cute outfit awhile ago. I loved the combination of the simple Chambray Dress paired with a neon statement necklace and cross body bag. It seemed like such an effortlessly cool outfit.   Perfect for running errands during the day or to go grab drinks at night.

I included a few different Chambray dresses to take you into Fall.  The Hatch Dress for all you preggos is a new Maternity line that is made to wear before and after baby and does not look like Maternity wear.  I love their Chambray Boyfriend Dress in a major way.  The Rebecca Minkoff Shift and L'Agence dresses are on super sale right now.  All the statement necklaces are super affordable ($40 and under!) and would be cute paired with a white tee, blazer/leather jacket and jeans for Fall as well.  I will have a cross body bag soon, mark my words!

Chambray + Neon


Friday, August 9, 2013

Thoughts For Friday

Thank goodness for the weekend. I finally got my act together and we are entertaining tonight. Having some friends over for dinner- hopefully I can make it up past 8 (haha). I get so darn tired at night, I have been way more tired this pregnancy than my first! 

This week I had a craving for a fruit crumble and I immediately made Val's Strawberry Crisp.  This was so amazing I can't even put into words how good it was.  Even better served with vanilla ice cream over top!

I have turned into a coffee table book hoarder. Thanks to my sister this is my newest addition.  You can find one HERE.

Target has some of the cutest girl clothes for cheap.  How sweet is this stars dress?  It came with bloomers and a stripped cardigan as well.  I swear it looks like some of the expensive French Lines I have seen.  I could not find it online so check your store.





This dress is also adorable, not in my Target store but I found it online.  Way to go Target with cute affordable clothes!

Thank you to whoever recommended the book Island Girls to me.  I picked it up at the library this week and I am loving it.  Two days in and I am more than halfway through!  A great easy and entertaining read!


I am completely obsessed with this 10 Crosby Derek Lam Dress, but the price tag not so much.  Someone find me this on sale!    The jacket is equally as fabulous!


Our Rug for the nursery arrived last night and I am totally smitten with it, Sterling is too:)  Nursery is slowly starting to come together.


Please tell me y'all remember this game? My sister and I used play all the time and I just found it for Sterling.  He loves it.


Lastly, I leave you with these tips for a happy marriage, I thought they were spot on!
Have a great weekend!