Your'e Gonna Miss This

Do you ever feel like time is flying by?  I swear it feels like just yesterday I was in college, but here I am 11 years later,  married and a mom of soon to be two kids.   When did I turn into a "mam"?  I mean I am only 33 does that warrant being called "mam", it makes me feel old.  I refuse to believe 33 is old. 

Sometimes I look at all the young college kids here with a bit of envy.  College is such a carefree time in your life, no real responsibility yet, you can come and go as you please.  I remember being in college thinking I can't wait to graduate and get my own house and work!  Now I realize I should have savored those moments, I had it good then when my parents footed the bill and all I had to do was attend a few classes and fraternity parties.  Life was good.

I think being a parent the same thing happens.  We keep saying I can't wait til my baby sleeps thru the night, or my child is potty trained, or til they go to school;  always trying to rush things.  Same with my pregnancy I am always counting down the days until I have this baby.  But you know what these are some good times probably the best in our lives when our children are young and innocent.  They are so sweet and pure hearted right now.  I know one day soon Sterling will not want to sit in my lap or have me kiss him in public anymore and that makes me sad.  I know after I have this baby, I will miss feeling her kick me and move inside me.  There is something so amazing about feeling your baby move and grow inside of you.

While some days it feels like this pregnancy has crept by for the most part I swear it has flown by.  Your second pregnancy goes by in the blink of an eye.  I can't believe my due date is 49 days away.  The end of pregnancy is brutal indeed and not gonna lie I am ready for this baby,  but I am trying to enjoy and make special these last few days while Sterling is my only child.

I am so guilty of spending way too much time on my phone and the computer not really savoring these moments with Sterling.  I tell him to go play or watch a tv show not really taking the time to sit and play with him with no distractions.  I am always trying to fold clothes, clean house, work on my blog, always something, not giving him my full attention.   As moms we have to multi-task and we are constantly on the go and so busy.  But I am really trying to slow down and take advantage of  these moments with Sterling as my only child and the last few weeks of my pregnancy.  If my house is kind of dirty or the clothes don't get folded til tomorrow that is ok.  Truly listening to my son and putting him first is most important.   I  am trying to be grateful for this crazy and busy time in our lives.

Sterling turns 4 in February and I swear the last 4 years have gone by in the blink of eye.  Who ever said the days are long and the years are short was right on about parenting.  So many people are fighting such big battles from illness to poverty that if my biggest worry of the day is Sterling pitched a tantrum or peed on the floor my day is pretty darn good.   Sterling asked me the other night if I would still rock him when the baby came and my heart about melted.  My sweet almost 4 year old still wants me to rock him and love on him, doesn't get much better than that.

Today, I challenge all you moms, soon to be moms,  and even those without kids to just be grateful and take some time away from your phone and computer to really appreciate the spot in your life you are in right now.  For one day you may look back and realize this was the best time in your life.

I know I have mentioned this song before it, but I think of it often, it says its perfectly.

"You're Gonna Miss This"

She was staring out that window, of that SUV
Complaining, saying I can't wait to turn 18
She said I'll make my own money, and I'll make my own rules
Mamma put the car in park out there in front of the school
Then she kissed her head and said I was just like you

[Chorus]
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby, just slow down

[Chorus]
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this

Five years later there's a plumber workin' on the water heater
Dog's barkin', phone's ringin'
One kid's cryin', one kid's screamin'
She keeps apologizin'
He says They don't bother me.
I've got 2 babies of my own.
One's 36, one's 23.
Huh, it's hard to believe, but ...

[Chorus]
You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These Are Some Good Times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this
You're gonna miss this
Yeah, you're gonna miss this 

I think Fridays are my deep thought days:)  Have a great weekend friends!

xoxo

Hattan Home Where You Need to be Shopping

I am always on the lookout for cool new online shops, so when I came across Hattan Home I was instantly smitten.  The online store is full of so many cool things for your home at really affordable prices.

They have everything from pillows, poufs, jewelry, to small decorative items.

Lindsay, the owner and creator of the site was sweet enough to send me a blanket for baby girl and her nursery.  When the blanket arrived I was so impressed with the quality.  A Pom-Pom blanket like this would normally cost like $150-200 at other stores but at Hattan Home it is only $55.  I am so in love with it. It looks just perfect hanging over the side of our crib.  Plus who doesn't love a little pom-pom action!

 

I rounded up a few of my favorites from the Hattan Home site.  I am obviously a huge fan of the Pom-Pom blanket and it comes in so many other great colors.  I love the white animal head bottle stoppers, I am going to stock up on several of these to save as gifts.  It would be so cute tied around a bottle of wine for a hostess or birthday gift.  The poufs are such a steal at $175,  normally they are $400 elsewhere.  and Loren Hope Jewelry is always on my wishlist.

Hattan Home is graciously offering  my readers a 20% discount on anything on the site thru Monday October 14th.   Now is a great time to start your Christmas shopping (I know I have) or just treat yourself to something special!  Use code DBDD20 at checkout.
Head on over to Hattan Home and check out all their wonderful offerings!

Cotton blanket / Gold Metallic Zebra Stenciled Cowhide Rug – Hattan Home / Sugar Paper Be You Print – Hattan Home / Mrs. Darcy Fretwork Pillow- Lilac – Hattan Home / Python Trays- 3 sizes – Hattan Home / Moroccan Pouf Gold / Christen Maxwell White/Gold Tassel Pillow – Hattan Home / Gold Flowers Thank You Cards – Hattan Home / Loren Hope Clara Earrings in Chartreuse – Hattan Home / Rhino Bottle Stopper – Hattan Home / Loren Hope Petra Tri-Color Necklace- Orchid/Tangerine – Hattan Home

Hearty Italian Sausage and White Bean Soup

It is still not quite cold enough here to warrant soup, but dang its officially fall and I have been craving soup.  Especially last week since we all were hit hard with a nasty cold.  Nothing better than soup to cure a cold.  This soup was ridiculously easy to make.  I googled  a few recipes and then just created my own version.  The sausage and white beans are a must in the soup, they give it great flavor.  We added in a couple drizzles of our homemade hot sauce to give the soup even more heat and spice.  You must serve this with crusty bread toasted with butter, I promise it is necessary.  You will want to dip the bread in the soup.  It makes alot we had leftovers for three days, so you could totally freeze the extra.

:: I T A L I A N   S A U S A G E   A N D  W H I T E   B E A N  S O U P ::

Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

1 pound hot italian sausage

1/2 white onion diced

3 carrots peeled and chopped

2 stalks celery chopped

3 garlic cloves

6 cups chicken broth (add more if needed)

1 can diced tomatoes with juice

1 can cannelini beans, drained

2 cups fresh spinach

 1 12 oz box shell pasta

1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

salt and pepper

fresh grated parmesan cheese

hot sauce

Cook sausage until browned, drain and set aside.  In a large pot or dutch oven sautee onions, carrot, celery, and garlic about 5 minutes or until softened.   Add in sausage, tomatoes, beans, pasta, basil, red pepper flakes,  and chicken broth.  Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer.  Cover pot and continue cooking until pasta is tender.  I actually let ours simmer about an hour but it is ready way quicker than that if you are in a rush.  Stir in spinach and add salt and pepper to taste.  Add in a few drizzles of your favorite hot sauce and fresh grated parmesan cheese.
Enjoy!

Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired) - See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

Ingredients:
2 lbs. sweet Italian sausage – $8.00
3 carrots, peeled and chopped – $1.39
1 sweet onion, chopped – $1.03
4 cloves garlic, chopped – stock
3 quarts chicken broth – stock
2 14.5-ounce cans diced tomatoes, with juice – $3.58
2 15-ounce cans cannellini beans, drained and rinsed – $1.78
1 tablespoon dried basil – stock
1-lb (16-oz) whole wheat shell pasta, uncooked – $2.29
8 ounces spinach leaves – $3.00
salt and pepper to taste – stock
Grated Parmesan cheese for topping (if desired)
Grand total assuming well-stocked kitchen: $21.07
Cost per serving: $1.75
Directions:
1. Remove sausage from casings and brown over med-high heat in the bottom of your largest stockpot. Crumble the sausage as you brown it.
2. Add the carrots, onion and garlic and saute until tender and starting to turn a bit golden, about 7 minutes.
3. Add the chicken broth, tomatoes, beans, pasta and basil. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and continue cooking until pasta becomes a bit tender, about 7 minutes.
4. Stir in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Taste and season with salt and pepper, according to your preference.
5. Serve hot garnished with grated parmesan, if desired.
- See more at: http://feastonthecheap.net/tuscan-sausage-soup/#sthash.bCLX3Pjy.dpuf

Obsessions

|| Rachel Pally Sissy Top || 

What is not to love about this top?  Love the color and style.  It would be great with leggings or jeans.  I think it would be great post baby as well because it is loose to hide all my loose parts:)

|| Biscuit Home Crib Sheets ||

You might remember my crib sheet from yesterday in the nursery, well I love it so much I am going to order another one in a different pattern.  The biscuit home crib sheets are the softest cutest things around.  I am debating between the Amber or Jamie.  My two favorites!  I highly recommend these crib sheets to any of you moms to be.

|| Rag and Bone Ripped Skinny Jeans ||
Shopbop just added a bunch of new items to their sale and these Rag and Bone jeans are on there!  They are my favorite and I am digging the distressed look.  Thinking these will be ordered for post baby.  Rag and Bone rarely goes on sale so snag them while you can.  These Rag and Bone Jeans are also on sale, love them too for an edgier look.
You can shop Shopbop sale here.

|| West Elm Gold Glasses ||
How gorgeous are these gold glasses from West Elm?  They are such a steal at $34 and free shipping!  Would make a great gift or a treat to keep for yourself and set out on a bar cart.

|| Rebecca Taylor Stripped Dress ||
I have been lusting after this dress for awhile now.  It is finally on major sale.  Neiman Marcus is having additional 25% off all sale items.  That brings this dress to only $112.  I think it would be great well into fall with booties and a leather jacket. Shop the Neimans sale here.  Sale ends tonight so get your shop on!

|| Club Monaco Infinity Scarf ||

I am a huge fan of infinity scarfs.  They are easy to throw on with any outfit and you don't have to worry about looping them the right way, they always lay perfectly.  I love this one from Club Monaco, all the neutral colors are fab and would go with anything.

|| Mystic Topaz Gem Bib ||

I am still loving a statement necklace.  I love the royal blue and emerald green in this one, the perfect colors for fall.  I bet you won't believe me when I tell you it is only $34.  I think it would look great over a plain gray or ivory sweater !

|| Elan Ombre Pullover ||
This sweater looks so cozy and comfy.  The perfect sweater to throw on with leggings.  I am loving all things ombre this fall.  It is a great price only $64 for a super cute sweater.

Blog Sale: Dresses + Clutches + Shoes

Alright ladies, blog sale time. Trying to make room for baby girl. Shipping is $5 each or I am happy to combine if you buy more than one item. Email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com, first come first serve!  Everything is in excellent condition unless otherwise noted.

BANANA REPUBLIC IVORY CLUTCH WITH SQUARE RHINESTONE

$20

 BANANA REPUBLIC METALLIC PYTHON CLUTCH

$20

SOLD

BCBG GREEN LEATHER CLUTCH

$35

SOLD

BLACK CROCODILE ANTONIO MELANI CLUTCH

$25

BLACK VELVET MAXX CLUTCH

$25

THEORY DRESS

SIZE= SMALL

$60

SOLD

THEORY DRESS

SIZE= SMALL

$60

JCREW TUNIC/ COVER-UP 

NEW WITHOUT TAGS

SIZE= SMALL

$35

SOLD

FOREVER 21 DRESS COMES WITH MATCHING RIBBON BELT

SIZE= MEDIUM

$25

SOLD

ANNA SUI FOR TARGET METALLIC DRESS

COMES WITH MATCHING RIBBON BELT 

THIS WOULD BE GREAT FOR ANY OF YOU PREGGOS OR FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

NEW WITH TAGS, RETAILED FOR $59

SIZE= SMALL

$49

SOLD

JUICY COUTURE CASHMERE SWEATER DRESS

SIZE= MEDIUM

$50

SOLD

TWELFTH STREET BY CYNTHIA VINCENT DRESS

SIZE= SMALL

WORN ONCE, RETAILED FOR $275

$85

SOLD

BANANA REPUBLIC STRIPE DRESS 

100% RAYON

SIZE= SMALL

WORN ONCE, MINT CONDITION

$45

SOLD

YUMI KIM IKAT DRESS

SIZE= SMALL

$65

FOREVER 21 ROMPER

NEW WITH TAGS

SIZE= MEDIUM

$14.50

FRENCH CONNECTION STRIPE DRESS

NEW WITHOUT TAGS

SIZE= 10 BUT PLEASE NOTE FITS MORE LIKE A 6

$35

 SOLD

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG ROSE PRINT SHIFT DRESS

SIZE= 6

$70

 SOLD

GRAHAM AND SPENCER BLACK STRAPLESS DRESS

SIZE= PETITE BUT FITS LIKE A SMALL

THE BACK IS SUPER CUTE BC IT HAS A SMALL OPENING

REALLY VERSATILE BLACK DRESS

$40

SOLD

SAM EDLEMAN LOUIE FRINGE BOOTIES

NEVER WORN, RETAIL FOR $160

SIZE= 9

$100

SOLD

TORY BURCH GOLD GLADIATORS

BUCKLE AROUND ANKLE

WORN ONLY A HANDFUL OF TIME EXCELLENT CONDITION

SIZE = 9.5

$65

 SOLD

URBAN OUTFITTERS PULL ON SUEDE KNEE BOOTS

SIZE= 9

$40

TORY BURCH BRIGHT ORANGE FLATS

ONLY WORN HANDFUL OF TIMES, IN GOOD CONDITION NO WEAR OR TEAR

SIZE= 9.5

$65

SOLD