We have a Reader on our Hands

Ok, so I will admit I kind of laughed when people told me I should be reading to Sterling every night. I mean he is a baby does he really care to listen to a book much less understand it. However the other day I was bored and he was fussy so I decided why not, lets read a book and he loved it! He loves looking at the pictures and helping me turn the pages. So now I make reading a regular occurrence in the Mason household. He even likes to read my US Weekly with me, too bad I don't have pictures of that- we do it while Daddy's at work:) He will be one well versed baby on celebrity gossip when he is older

Debnam Family Beach Trip

Every year my family takes a week long vacation to the beach. Each year the beach varies but not the peeps! This year we are headed to Figure Eight and we leave Friday! It is honestly my favorite week of the year! Sun, booze, good food,relaxation and family you can't go wrong. I love spending time with my family, now that I don't live in Charlotte anymore I miss seeing them on a daily basis, so it is wonderful to have an entire week together!. Last year on our beach trip I was about 2 months pregnant and feeling rough in the first trimester, so I am happy to be back to myself this year and ready to booze with the rest of them! This year is extra special too because it is Sterling's first beach trip. I bought him a baby pool and swim trunks so we are ready to go! Here are a few pics from our trip last year and one of Sterling in his Uncle Logan's old speedo.

Time Flies

My sweet baby boy is 5 months old this week. I can't believe how fast the time is flying by, it feels like just yesterday I was at the hospital holding him for the first time. I feel so blessed to have him in my life and can't imagine life without him now. He is a true joy, such an easy going sweet baby. He is a typical man though not happy unless he is well fed and gets a good night of sleep and his dirty diapers all man if you know what I mean:)

Tasty Thursday- BLACKBERRY FARM COOKBOOK

My dear friend Alissa went to The Blackberry Farm in Tennessee last weekend. I was so jealous, I had recently read an incredible article about the farm and the cookbook in House Beautiful and have been obsessed ever since. Alissa was so sweet and thoughtful and brought me back the Blackberry Farm cookbook autographed by the chef! I was beyond excited! The cookbook is beautiful and is filled with gorgeous pictures and recipes made with fresh in season food. I have looked through the cookbook everyday now inspired by the recipes, and it is actually sitting on our coffee table now, it is just too pretty to put away!

The recipe I am going to share today came from the cookbook and is actually a dish Alissa brought to our 4th of July/engagement party last weekend. It is a delicious potato salad. Alot of potato salads are heavy to me with too much mayonnaise, but not this one! It is so light and fresh you will love it!

check out the Blackberry Farm website it looks like such a wonderful place to visit set in the gorgeous Tennessee mountains! An incredible get away filled with beautiful food and surroundings! I'm saving my money to visit, now if only I could talk Matt into going to the mountains!
www.blackberryfarm.com

GREEN GODDESS POTATO SALAD WITH GARDEN RADISHES

-6 CUPS NEW FINGERLING POTATOES, SCRUBBED AND QUARTERED
-1 TBLS KOSHER SALT
-3/4 CUP FRESH SPINACH LEAVES
-1/4 CUP FRESH TARRAGON LEAVES
-1/4 CUP FRESH BASIL LEAVES
-1/4 CUP FLAT PARSLEY LEAVES
-1/4 CUP CHAMPAGNE VINEGAR
-5 SCALLIONS WHITE AND GREEN PARTS CHOPPED
-1 CUP MAYONNAISE
-1.5 TSP FINE SALT, MORE TO TASTE
-8 SMALL RADISHES TRIMMED AND SLICED

1)PLACE THE POTATOES IN A MEDIUM SAUCEPAN AND ADD ENOUGH WATER TO COVER BY 1 INCH. ADD KOSHER SALT AND BRING TO A BOIL. TURN OFF HEAT AND COVER POT AND LET SIT UNTIL TENDER, ABOUT 10 MINUTES. DRAIN POTATOES AND TRANSFER TO A LARGE BOWL. PLACE IN FRIDGE UNTIL COOLED.

2)IN A FOOD PROCESSOR, COMBINE SPINACH, TARRAGON, BASIL, PARSLEY AND VINEGAR AND PUREE UNTIL SMOOTH. ADD THE SCALLIONS AND PROCESS UNTIL SMOOTH. SCRAP THE MIXTURE INTO A MEDIUM BOWL AND WHISK IN MAYONNAISE AND SALT. COVER AND REFRIGERATE UNTIL NEEDED.

3) TOSS THE COOLED POTATOES WITH THE DRESSING AND GARNISH WITH FRESH RADISHES

Welcome to the Family

I can't take full credit for this fabulous new Gucci purse I found. I spotted it a few weeks ago online at Neiman Marcus and tried to buy it but alas it was sold out. Then I ran into my wonderful friend Katie and she had the exact same purse I had been eyeing! She purchased it downtown in Charleston but said it was the last one, so it inspired me to search online again. Lo and behold there was one available back at Neimans and now on sale for half price! It was like me and this purse were meant to be! I still love my everyday Gucci purse but I am excited to use this one as a beach and travel tote for the summer! I love the rainbow print and large size, perfect for toting all my baby stuff around. I was practically drooling the day it arrived, I was so excited. So welcome to my purse family, Gucci Sunset Tote, I think you will like it here!

He Put a Ring On It

I am so excited this past weekend my brother Logan proposed to his girlfriend Katie. He did it down here in Charleston so I got to help with the proposal and surprise party with our families on the 4th. I think Katie was completely shocked and caught off guard and her ring is gorgeous!! I adore Katie and I am so happy she is going to be a part of our family! We had so much fun hanging out with her family and celebrating! The Debnams and Beavers really know how to party! Her family is wonderful and now I cant wait for all the wedding festivities to begin. Here are a few pictures from the party Sunday.

Tasty Thursday

Ok so I am still on my health kick trying to shed a few pounds before the annual Debnam beach trip, which I inevitably will gain back after a booze and food filled week! But for now I'm dieting:) I made up this recipe with stuff I had at home and it turned out pretty tasty! I love all salads especially any version of a pasta salad and this one is filled with healthy veggies!

LEMON ORZO SALAD
- 1 CUP UNCOOKED ORZO (BOIL 8-10 MINS)
- I CAN CHICKPEAS DRAINED AND RINSED
- I TOMATO DICED
- SMALL JAR MARINATED ARTICHOKE HEARTS (RESERVE THE LIQUID)
- 1-2 CUPS OF FRESH SPINACH SHREDDED
- FETA CHEESE
- 1/3 CUP OLIVE OIL
- 1 GARLIC CLOVE MINCED
- JUICE OF ONE LEMON

MIX TOGETHER OLIVE OIL, LEMON JUICE, GARLIC AND SALT AND PEPPER- THIS IS THE VINAIGRETTE. COOK ORZO AND DRAIN. ADD TOMATO, ARTICHOKES, AND SPINACH TO THE ORZO AND TOSS WITH DRESSING. ADD THE FETA LAST. I ALSO POURED SOME OF THE ARTICHOKE MARINATE OVER THE SALAD FOR EXTRA FLAVOR.