Saturday, March 16, 2013

Blog Sale Part 2

So I found a few more things to add to the Blog Sale and I reduced the price on others.   Shipping is $5, I will combine if you buy more than one item.  Email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com if interested.

{JOIE FLORAL BLOUSE}
Size= XS but runs on the large side
Worn once, mint condition
Retailed for $230
$90
SOLD




{JOIE TUNIC/DRESS}
Size XS- again this runs on the large side more like a small
This was more of a tunic on me but on someone shorter it could be a dress.  It comes with a black cotton slip
Worn once, mint condition
Retailed for $325
$100



{JOIE PEACH SILK TANK}
Size= XS- again more like a small very loose fitting
Retailed for $198
Worn once, mint condition
$70




{TIBI BEADED BLACK SILK TANK}
Size= 0 but more like a size 2/4
New With Tags
Retailed for $218
$75



{ELIE TAHARI SILK TANK}
Size= Small
Worn a few times mint condition
Retailed for $200
$60



{JOIE CASHMERE SWEATER}
Size= Small
Material: 40% Nylon, 35% Rayon, 20% Wool, 5% Cashmere
Worn Once, Mint Condition
Retailed for $250
$65
SOLD
 


{MARSHALLS  BLOUSE}
The brand on this blouse is just 4 Colored Squares?
New Without Tags
Size= Medium
Back buttons at top and then is open so you need a tank underneath
$30
SOLD




{BCBG SHIFT DRESS}
Size= Small
Worn twice, mint condition
Retailed for $200
$50



{BANANA REPUBLIC GRAY SKINNY JEANS}
Size= 27
New With Tags
Retailed for $89.50
$25
SOLD


{REBECCA TAYLOR SNAKESKIN/FLORAL BLOUSE}
SIZE=0 (but this runs on the large size fits more like a 2/4)
Mint Condition
Retailed for $250
$55


{T-BAGS DOLMAIN TOP}
Size= Medium
Worn Once, Mint Condition
Retailed for $165
$35


{RACHEL PALLY HOT PINK TUNIC}
Size= Small, very loose fitting
92% Modal, 8% Spandex- it is so soft
Worn Once, Mint Condition
Retailed for $200
$65
SOLD




Friday, March 15, 2013

5 Wines You Should Buy: Baby Mama Juice

Today I am so excited to have my real life friend Amy, from Baby Mama Juice guest posting about my favorite topic, wine.  When I met Amy we instantly bonded.  She is pretty, sweet, fun, a mama to a precious baby girl (aka Sterling's future wife), and freaking hilarious.  I am always laughing with Amy.  She keeps it real, a trait that I love and admire in a friend.  If you don't already read her blog, trust me you should.  We both share a crazy love for good wine so I knew that was what I wanted her to write about.  Trust me I will be buying every bottle on here, Amy has great taste in wine.
Without further adieu, I present my girl Amy:)

...............................................................


Hi friends, I'm Amy from Baby Mama Juice and I'm on Cloud 9 to be here today.  As you all know, Natalie is one stylish, sweet, smart mama who can cook up a mean meal.  She's also, lucky for me, a friend.  When she asked me to write a guest post, I squealed and did cartwheels suggested the subject of wine.  We bonded over wine the first time we met in person and love to try new wines when we get together for girls' nights.  

I'm pretty easy to please when it comes to my beverage of choice.  There are so many wines I love, I could write a thesis on the subject.   I prefer white and rose over red, but I do like a nice pinot noir with a tasty steak dinner.  I've composed a list of my top 5 all-time favorite wines for you.  You know, the bottles you would desperately need want if you were stranded on a deserted island (along with, of course, your significant other and children/fur babies).  
{source}
Pink Champagne is my go-to for brunch, pre-dinner cocktails, and special occasions.  It's beautiful, light, and not too sweet/not too dry.  It's perfection in a glass.  This is a lovely bottle I picked up at our local Bottles store.  Look for very light pink hues and a price point from $15-$20.  This Gerard Bertrand Cremant De Limoux was $17.49.
wine.com
Speaking of pink, my dear friend Rose often gets confused with its sweet cousin White Zinfandel. Unlike White Zin, it is neither sweet nor limited to summertime drinking.  Go to any nice restaurant and ask for a dry Rose.  I promise you won't be disappointed.  We drink our favorite Rose, Whispering Angel, year-round and with anything and everything.  If I had to rank them, this would by my #1 wine of choice.  We tried it for the first time during a trip to Paris and fell madly in love. We order ours online, but I recently found it at Bottles for $17.99 and Total Wine for $19.99.
totalwine.com
I liked the name of this Chardonnay so I picked it up at the grocery store.  Boomtown is so good that they can't stock it fast enough and the shelf is often completely bare.  This wine goes with just about everything and is the perfect American Chardonnay.  It's $17.99 at Harris Teeter.
shopmerwins.com
Have you ever tried Albarino?  It's a Spanish white that makes your taste buds want to Tango! This Martin Codax Albarino is easy to find and affordable at $14.99.  
totalwine.com
Just in case there's red meat or lasagna on your deserted island, you'll need a red.  When I drink red wine, I like it to be good, real good.  Cheap red wines taste like vinegar and give me a horrible hang-over the next morning.  The Prisoner is a red blend that tastes like it costs a pretty penny...and it does ($39.99).  It's a great birthday, anniversary, holiday, promotion, or stranded on a deserted island wine.  
totalwine.com
Try them out and give me your thoughts!  Thanks for reading and come visit me over at Baby Mama Juice.  

p.s.  Why do I drink Baby Mama Juice?  Because it's delicious by itself and even better with food!  I guess you could call it one of my hobbies.  Is that bad?!  Well, if it's bad then I don't want to be good! 

Thursday, March 14, 2013

Thoughts For Thursday

Happy Thursday Friends.  This week is flying by, which is a good thing!  Means we are closer to my Birthday week where anything goes!  I plan on celebrating all week (much to Matt's dismay)

My Splendid Dress came and I am obsessed with it.  It is so flattering + comfortable.  I see myself living in it this Summer.  I highly recommend it and it was a good price as far as dresses go.



I picked up the most beautiful Orchid Stems yesterday.  If you are local you must stop by Lotus.   They have the best orchids.  I got all these for the price of flowers at Harris Teeter.  A real steal.


I made my moms Veggie Pizza for dinner last night.  We used to eat this all the time growing up and I still love it.  It is a sneaky way to get your kids to eat veggies- although disclaimer Sterling made me remove all the carrots before he would touch it but he did eat the broccoli and cauliflower.  It's base is crescent rolls- enough said right?  You will love this pizza.


Our Marshalls and TJMaxx here have been getting in the best stuff lately.  My mom took me early birthday shopping and I scored this awesome Equipment Dress. I also spied these Rebecca Minkoff Purses but neither came home with me.  Somebody please buy them!


Sterling really wanted me to get the purse.


As I mentioned before my parents were here for a few days this week and it was lovely.  My sweet dad spackled all the rough spots and holes in our kitchen and bathroom.  He even trained Sterling how to do it, added bonus!


We took a late afternoon boat ride that was awesome.  Makes me ready for summer and warm weather.



I have had a hard time getting into any books lately until I picked up Safe Haven.  So far I am loving it, it is an easy,  entertaining read.  Next up - any recs?


 I am completely obsessed with The Lot a local restaurant here.  I ate there Monday and I am headed back Saturday.  How gorgeous is this plate of veggies?   It was all locally farmed veggies with jalapeno aioli- so good!   Locals you must check this place it out it is such a hidden gem on James Island.


Lastly here is a sneak peek of some goodness going on in our bathroom.  Loving the Serena and Lily Shower Curtain!  
Everything is slowly coming together!



Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Shrimp + Grits With Kale and Cripsy Prosciutto


If you are Southerner then I am sure you love Shrimp and Grits.  It is the quintessential Southern meal for dinner or breakfast.   I am a freak for a tasty Shrimp and Grits Recipe.  Matt and I pretty much have our recipe down.  It is good,  real good.  This past time we made it we decided to toss in some sauteed kale and it was a game changer.  So great with the grits and shrimp.  We have tried many different kinds of cheese in the grits but love them with Smoked Gouda.  It is the perfect combo with the Shrimp.  This is truly one of our favorite meals.
Enjoy!



:: S H R I M P  A N D  G R I T S  W I T H  K A L E  A N D  C R I S P Y  P R O S C I U T T O::

- 1 Pound Peeled and Deveined Shrimp
- 1/2 white or red onion diced
- 1-2 garlic clove minced
- 1 bunch kale washed, stemmed, and chopped
- 1.5 Cups Shredded Smoked Gouda
- 2-3 Tablespoons Butter
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Cup Grits ( I use the slow cook kind not instant)
- 5-6 pieces Prosciutto

Arrange the Prosciutto slices in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake in oven at 400 degrees about 10 minutes until crispy.   Side aside and let cool.

Toss the peeled and deveined Shrimp in a bowl with olive oil and salt and pepper.  We add a little Sriracha for heat.  Let sit til ready to cook.

Cook girts according to package.  Once the grits are cooked, add in butter and shredded Gouda and let simmer while you cook the Shrimp.  Season with Salt and Pepper.  If the grits get too thick add in some milk.  

In another large pan, Sautee Kale in some olive oil with salt and pepper.  Just cook until slightly wilted,  you will throw it back in with shrimp at the end.  Remove kale and set aside- you can use the same pan for the Shrimp.

Sautee onion in about 2 tablespoons olive oil until translucent in that same pan..  Add in garlic- be careful not burn it.  Cook for one minute.  Add in Shrimp and cook about 5-6 minutes until pink and cooked thru.  Once Shrimp is cooked add in kale and heat up with Shrimp and onion mixture.  

To assemble, scoop grits in bowl and top with kale/shrimp mixture.  Crumble the Prosciutto over top.
Enjoy!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Cheap and Chic: Top 10 Buys Under $100

I love a good bargain.  Why pay lots of money when you can find just as cute stuff for cheap.  I rounded up a few of my favorite steals for Spring/Summer.  All are Under $100 and super cute!

I think dress is so cute.  I love the Floral print, it seems like florals are everywhere for the Spring.    A great dress for showers, church, parties,  you name it!



So I actually bought these last week.  At first I thought Leopard shorts- is that too Snooki to wear?  But then I tried them on and they were cute, really cute and flattering.  For the price you can't beat it.  I think paired with a fresh white tee and sandals this is a great summer outfit.  If you follow me on Instagram you probably saw the pic of me trying them on.

 

The perfect casual dress.  Great alone or pile on the statement necklaces + cute flat sandals.



I swear these look way more expensive than they are.  Love the nude/black combo.  Seriously considering ordering these.
I got this necklace for my birthday last year and love it.  Wear it all the time.  It goes with everything!



This skirt comes in 3 gorgeous colors and I love them all.  I picture this paired with a white tank top and a long necklace (like the House of Harlow one above).  



I am smitten with this shirt, pretty sure I am going to order it.  I think it looks so cute with shorts and would be killer with white jeans.  I always love a J Crew blouse.   I think the Indigo color is so fresh.




I want this maxi dress in every color it comes in.  It looks so comfy and easy to wear.


These are the best summer sandals, so comfortable and they go with everything.  I love the new version for this year with the neon and snake.  A real steal.  I want several colors I love them so much.


I am obsessed with these.  They are such a good price.  I think they would make a great shower gift- you could even slap a monogram in the middle.  I am thinking about getting my sister one to throw all her baby stuff in for the Summer.