Thursday, April 28, 2011

Dining Room Chairs Makeover

I will be the first to admit, I can be quite the procrastinator sometimes. I have had the fabric for my dining room chairs sitting around for probably 2 months now. This past weekend I finally recovered them. And by I, I mean my dad. Yes, I like him to do all my handy work and he is an expert at recovering chairs. He gets the fabric perfectly tight and lined up everytime. Nothing was wrong with the fabric before, I actually like it, I just was ready for a change to brighten up our dining room.

BEFORE







THE FABRIC




AFTER





Here are a few other pics from the dining room.

My Beloved Wine Rack. My goal is for this baby to always be fully stocked. Above it you may notice the painting I did a few months back.






Last is Matt's favorite area and one of the reasons he was so set on buying this house, the Elusive Wet Bar. I am not allowed in this area. He says it is his personal space and I can't decorate it. Please notice his marathon medal hanging from the ice fridge and the giant cannon ball on the counter, drives me nuts but I leave it alone! The man needs his space!

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Warm Artichoke-Olive Dip



This recipe is a twist on the standard Spinach Artichoke Dip. I found the recipe my big folder of torn out recipes, that I have yet to make. It came from an old Bon Appetit magazine but I have no idea what month since I ripped the page out. It was so easy to make and very tasty. I served mine with pita chips instead of bread and it worked perfect. If you have an artichoke fetish like me you will love this dip!




WARM ARTICHOKE-OLIVE DIP

1 8 ounce package frozen artichoke hearts, thawed (I used canned)
3/4 packed fresh basil leaves, plus additional for garnish
1 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup green-olive tapenade
1 5.2 ounce garlic and herb cheese (such as Boursin)
Assorted sliced crusty breads

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Coarsely chop artichokes and basil in food processor. transfer mixture to a 4 cup baking dish; mix in Parmesan, tapenade, and herb cheese. Bake until hot, about 30 minutes. Garnish with Basil. Serve with breads.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Blog Sale

Hello Lovelies! So I am doing some Spring Cleaning and cleaning out my closet. I was going to list all this stuff on Ebay but thought I would list it here first! Email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com if you are interested in buying anything and I will invoice through paypal. Added bonus I will ship for free! xoxo

JUICY COUTURE SMOCKED MAXI DRESS
Retailed for $325, worn once
Built-in Bra, Dress is lined
Size= Small
$65




SHOSHANNA STRAPLESS COCKTAIL DRESS
Retailed for $380, worn once
100% Silk
please note this has a stain inside on the lining. It is not visible at all from the outside.
Size= 2
$90




BCBG WHITE SHIRT
Retails for $175, worn once
Size= XS
$45




JBRAND GRAY SKINNY JEGGINGS
Retailed for $158, New with tags
Size= 28
$75




JULIE BROWN MAXI DRESS
Retailed for $350, worn once
Size= Small
Zips on side, straps criss-cross in the back
$65





GYPSY 05 Maxi Dress
Retailed for $100, worn once
Size= Small
100% Organic Cotton
Color is sort of a deep purple/eggplant, its hard to tell in the pictures
$55





Christian Dior Logo HandBag
I purchased this at the Christian Dior Store in Las Vegas. It retailed for $350 (and that was about 10 years ago, so now its probably worth more now). I literally carried it like twice, mint condition.
Length from top of straps is 14 inches and 8.5 inches width. This purse is the size of a clutch.
$150





T-BAGS DRESS
Retailed for $190, worn once
Size= Small
This has straps that tie at the shuolders so it can be adjustable. Also has built in bra. The bottom of the dress is navy although it looks black in some pics.
$60






JAY GODFRY YELLOW COCKTAIL DRESS
Retailed for $450, worn once
Size= 4
100% silk, zips up back
Note the dress is a bright yellow, a little brighter than it appears in the pics. The last picture is most accurate.
$100



Obsessions

Happy Tuesday Loves. Here is what this Mama is obsessing over this week!

{Btw check back here tonight, I am going to do my first Blog Sale. I am cleaning out the closet and will be selling some beauties.}


CHARDONNAY
I have been on quite the Chardonnay kick lately. This is one of my new favorites. and for all you wine lovers they have it Costco right now!




JLO
I have honestly had a girl crush on her for a long time (like since Jenny from the Block Days). I am really loving her on Idol this season. Her outfits make me swoon and her make-up always looks flawless. I am also obsessed with her new song, its my jam.




SERGIO ROSSI BOOTIES
Ever since I saw my girl GP in these booties, I have been lusting after them. They literally look good with every outfit! Sadly, I will never be able to afford them unless they are like 90 percent off!




via




SECRETS OF A STYLIST


I loved Emily Henderson on Design Star, so it is no surprise I am obsessed with her new show on HGTV. The girl has serious style and a great eye for decorating. I always love the way she puts rooms together from the paint color to the accessories. Here are a few of my favorite rooms she designed this season.








POPCHIPS
I just read an article where Jillian Micheals said this was her guilty snack. Sadly, my guilty snacks are usually Reese's cups or Cheetos, but I thought I would give them a try. They are delicious! They are all natural and only have 120 calories and 4 grams of fat per serving. Sterling loves them too, so I feel like it is a healthier snack for both of us!




MIAMI
That's right, because I am headed there next week for my sister-in-law's Bachlorette party. I can't wait, I have never been! Any suggestions are welcome!

Monday, April 25, 2011

Rainbow Bright

Every magazine I have looked at recently has featured colored denim. Red, blue, green, yellow, you name it. I am kind of loving this look. I really want to jump on the colored jean band wagon but I am just not sure what color to go with.






Via

After seeing Bradley from Luella and June sporting these adorable red jeans. I am leaning towards red. Honestly I love her entire outfit. Yes, please!





Then I came across this great guide to wearing colored jeans on Sensational Color and I think they hit it right on the bulls eye. Both outfits are perfection. I really think with colored jeans you need to keep your top simple and neutral.





I love the second outfit so much it has me thinking maybe I need the yellow jeans.




I am also quite smitten with both of these Rag and Bone Jeans via.

So, tell me what are your thoughts colorted jeans?? What color should I go for? I just can't decide because I like them all!

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Count Your Blessings

Happy Easter! We just got back from a wonderful (but very crowded and hot) church service that reminded me of the true miracle of Easter.

(John 11:25-26) Jesus said to her, "I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die." Sometimes it is easy to get wrapped up in our day to day lives and worries and forget about what's really important. Today's church service was a nice reminder to me to be thankful and appreciative of all the blessings I have been given. I am one very lucky girl.

On a lighter note, I made the Asparagus Gruyere Tart and was amazeballs! Best thing I have eaten in a long time. I highly suggest you make this if you love asparagus and Gruyere. Might I add that Puff Pastry may be the best invention ever, it literally melts in your mouth. I seriously ate half the tart in one sitting.




You can print the Recipe HERE

Lastly, I thought I would share one pic of me and my sweet baby on Easter. He is the most wonderful blessing I have been given.