Scenes From Our Weekend

Is it just me or do the weekends fly by way too fast??   

I am almost halfway thru my pregnancy which is hard to believe. I officially have a full on bump.  I am loving being pregnant so much more this time around but I still worry everyday about every little thing, just praying this baby is healthy and the rest of my pregnancy goes smoothly!

I am trying to enjoy and savour all these moments with Sterling while he is an only child.  He seriously melts my heart, he has such a big and sweet personality. I have spent many nights cuddling in bed with him and his "friends."

Friday night we cooked out at the Yacht Club with Matt's family to celebrate Father's Day belatedly.  I whipped together a salad with some Farmers Market goodies that was amazing.

Saturday we hit up the Farmers Market and this is what Sterling chose to wear- I can't make these outfits up.  He definitely got alot of attention.

That night we went on a family boat ride.  It was so nice, we are so incredibly lucky to live near the water!  I whipped together some mini BLT's for our boat ride- my newest obsession.  We (and I mean Matt and I)  demolished the entire tray of them.

We cruised around for several hours.  The water was so calm it was really nice and there are some gorgeous views right behind our house.

While we were cruising I discovered (gasp) a varicose vein on my leg- WTF.  I had previously thought it was just a bruise but it just never went away.  I never had these while I was pregnant with Sterling.  Do they go away post pregnancy?

I have really been trying not to shop alot and lets face it shopping is not as fun when you are extra round in the middle but I can't get this dress out of my head that Natalie blogged about last week.  It would look so cute preggo and after too.  Anyone own this dress is it as cute in person?

 ONE RESORT MAXI DRESS

Loved this quote, have a great Monday.

Stuff you Should Buy at Trader Joes- Part 3

Now that I am budgeting and trying to do better money wise, I have been doing more grocery shopping at Trader Joe's.  They seriously have some great prices.  It can be really overwhelming there so I always appreciate recommendations from others.  These are some new items that I have tried lately and love.  They all seem to make their way to my basket every time I am in there!

PARMESAN PASTRY PUPS

These are the best pigs in a blanket ever.  I love the puff pastry aspect it pairs so well with the hot dogs.  I seriously prefer them to regular pigs in a blanket.   Perfect easy app for entertaining or meal for your little one, Sterling gobbles these up.

SPICY BLACK BEAN DIP

This literally cost a $1.50 so I figured why not try it out.  It was way better than I expected it to be, even Matt loved it.  It has incredible flavor.  I served with sliced fresh veggies and lavash chips.  A great healthy snack to keep on hand.

WHOLE WHEAT LAVISH CHIPS

If you are getting tired of pita chips try these out.  They are thinner with great crunch and salty flavor.  I dip them in hummus or the black bean dip.

 CHILE RELLENOS
I have to admit I am not a big frozen meal person.  Most are disgusting and I can easily whip together something way tastier.  However enter pregnancy number two and I am just plain exhausted come dinner time, I just can't cook every night.  I decided to give these a try- I liked that they were vegetarian, frozen meat grosses me out (I have meat issues).  They were actually really good.  Filled with lots of cheese and the salsa on top was very flavorful.  I did have to add more salt and hot sauce.  But overall a great easy meal and only 350 calories.  I would make them again.

  MANGO LEMONADE

I got sucked into tasting this last time I was shopping and I loved it. I have been on a real lemonade kick and this hit the spot with pulps of fresh lemon and not too sweet.  Sterling loves it too, great for kids.

 SPINACH KALE BALLS

My mom and sister raved about these and for a long time our store didn't have them in stock but they are back in and so good!  A great meal served with a side salad or as an appetizer.  They are delicious served with marinara or roasted red pepper sauce.

MAC AND CHEESE BITES

I don't think I even need to describe these.  Mac and Cheese Balls enough said.

TEMPTING TRAIL MIX

Thanks to my sister I am addicted to this trail mix.  I keep a bag in my purse or car at all times.  It is the perfect combo of salty and sweet filled with nuts, dried cherries, chocolate chips, and pb chips.  Such a great snack.

SALSA AUTENTICA
I mentioned this the other day but wanted to add it to my list.  This salsa is only $1.99 and I buy several each time I am at Trader Joe's that is how much I am addicted to it.  I heard the Salsa Verde is great too so I need to try it next time.

 MARINATED FRESH MOZZARELLA BALLS
With cherry tomatoes in prime season right now, I have been really into caprese salads.  This small mozzarella balls cost a small fortune at other grocery stores but at Trader Joe's they are $4.99.  You really can't beat any of the cheese prices at Trader Joe's.   I love that they are already marinated with tasty spices.  I use them in pasta salads, to snack on, or caprese salads.

 What else should I add to my Trader Joe's shopping list?
xoxo

Buying Multiples aka Things I Swear By

When I find something I really love I frequently buy another.  I figure if I love it that much I need two of them.  Case and Point: 

Rag and Bone Jeans

I first bought the Midnight wash and loved them so much I promptly snagged the Kensington wash.  I swear by these jeans, best jeans ever.  They are so flattering and comfortable I will most likely buy another pair post baby.  I also own the white in the high rise- best fitting white jeans ever.

Kensington Wash | Legging Jean in Midnight Wash

Rag and Bone Newbury Booties

Are you starting to think I am obsessed with Rag and Bone?  I kind of am.  So you all know I bought the Gray Newbury Booties, then a few weeks ago I won a gift card to Hampden Clothing and what did I use it for but another pair of the Rag and Bone Booties.  They are the best!  The Newbury Boots in Petrol are currently onsale at Hampden for 40% off, a real steal- the price does not show up online so if you want to order just call the store and they will honor the sale price for online orders-
Hamden Clothing 843-724-6373 located at 314 King Street for locals.
The Petrol color is a dark green but very neutral it almost looks black.

Newbury Bootie in Gray | Newbury Bootie in Petrol 

Velvet Gypsy Maxi

I love this Maxi Dress.  I bought my first one right after I had Sterling and I lived in it that Summer.  It is such an easy maxi dress.  It can be casual with flip flips or easily dressed up with a statement necklace and other jewelry.  I own black and gray.

JBrand Cut-Offs

Confession I actually own four pairs of these- blue, white, coral, and royal blue.  That shows you how much I love them.  I even went so far as to buy the Maternity version.  These are my favorite shorts.

Blue | White | Black |

JCrew Vintage Cotton V- Neck Tee

These are my favorite tee shirts.  I probably own about 5-6 of them.  They are great for casual wear with jean shorts or jeans.  I think they have a really flattering fit.  They are long and not too tight which I like.

Tracy Anderson DVDS

So this is obviously not a clothing item, but I am hooked on these DVDs.  It started with Tracy's Mat workout DVD which lead me to the Metamorphosis DVDs which now has lead me to the Pregnancy Project.  I love them and swear they are such a good workout.  I have really been into the Pregnancy one it is not too hard of a workout and I always feel sore afterwards.

Pregnancy Project | Mat DVD | Metamorphosis

What about you?  When you find something you love do you buy another one or two?  What else should I add to my multiples list?
xoxo

The Best Sloppy Joes

We used to eat Sloppy Joe's all the time while growing up. It was seriously one of my favorite meals and my mom always served it with Velveeta Mac and Cheese. The two just seemed to go together perfectly. Now I have nothing against Manwich Sloppy Joe Mix, I don't hate it all but it is pretty processed.  I got to thinking maybe I could make a healthier version. 

My sister recommended this recipe and it blew my mind.  So much better than the canned kind.  It tasted so fresh and full of flavor.  I won't ever go back to the Manwich kind.  This honestly took no time to toss together and you could even save time by dicing the vegetables earlier in the day.  And in case you are wondering yep I served ours with Velveeta Mac and Cheese just like Mom did because somethings are meant to be together.  This is a meal that will definitely be on regular rotation in the Mason Household!

**If you don't like red meat you could easily sub ground turkey or ground chicken for this recipe**

:: S L O P P Y  J O E S ::

Recipe adapted from The Neely's 

Ingredients  

• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 
• 1/2 white onion diced
• 1-2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 2 garlic cloves, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 cup barbecue sauce (we used Stubb's Spicy BBQ Sauce)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (we used Texas Pete)
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 4 hamburger buns, split

Directions

Heat oil in a large skillet with straight sides. Add the bell peppers, onion, and garlic. Saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add the ground beef to the vegetables. Stir and cook about 8 minutes, until the meat is no longer pink and fully cooked. I added a little salt and pepper at this point.

Add tomato sauce, tomato paste, barbecue sauce, Worcestershire, ketchup and hot sauce into the skillet. Stir. Simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Serve on hamburger bun with extra sauce.

Obsessions

{OLD NAVY ONE PIECES}

Ok, who knew Old Navy had such cute one pieces and all are under $40! My four favorites.  I ordered one to try out while preggo, guess which one?

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR

{JOIE BROCK MAXI DRESS}

 I actually own this dress and love it. I have been living in it. It is so lightweight and the color is just gorgeous.   Seriously it feels like you are wearing pajamas it is that comfy!

{SPLENDID RESEDA PERF BOOTIES}

Loving these Splendid Booties.  I have been on a real bootie kick lately and I need these to add to my collection.

{EQUIPMENT LUCIDA DRESS}

This dress is even prettier in person. I looked at it last week and I am regretting not buying it.  The colors are fantastic and who doesn't need more leopard in their life?

{PLANTER COVER}

How freaking cool is this Planter cover from Furbish?   It would look so good with a Fiddle Fig Tree in.  I also think it could be cool in a nursery for toy storage.

{WAREHOUSE TOTEM PRINT MAXI}

Tell me this dress does not look just like Mara Hoffman, in fact I thought it was until I clicked on it.  It looks just like MH but for a fraction of the price, this maxi is only $76!!  Get it while its hot!

{GOMAX CALANTHA 06 HEELS}
This weekend while trying to put together outfits for our wedding weekend I realized I am majorly lacking in the heels department.  I could really use a few new pairs of heels for special occassions. I came across these and then saw the price and it made me love them even more.  I think they would be great for special events or even paired with skinny jeans for a night out.

{BEN AND JERRY COFFEE HEATHBAR CRUNCH}
I am not a big ice cream person but every now and then I like a couple bites.  This is hands down the best ice cream flavor ever.  Matt and I are addicted.  It has huge chunks of Heath Bars in it, my favorite part.