Thursday, October 17, 2013

Blog Sale: Shirts and Blouses

I can't stop nesting and cleaning out every corner of our house!  I finally tackled cleaning and organizing our other closet last weekend while Matt was off fishing. So here is round two of blog sale, it is all shirts and blouses. Everything is in excellent condition unless otherwise noted.  Shipping is $5,  email me at nataliemason24@yahoo.com if you are interested first come first serve! 


JUICY COUTURE TURTLENECK TUNIC
SIZE= SMALL
50% MERINO WOOL/50% CASHMERE
$50
SOLD

JCREW FLORAL BLOUSE
Size= 4
$65
SOLD

BANANA REPUBLIC ORANGE SILK BLOUSE
Size= Small
 $25
SOLD

BANANA REPUBLIC BLUE SILK BLOUSE
Size=4
$25
SOLD

TRACEY REESE BEADED TUNIC/DRESS
Size=6, would easily fit a size 4
$80, retailed for $400
Shipping is more for this item because it is heavier with the beading- $8
I wore this with jeans one New Years Eve and it is super cute, on someone shorter you could probably pull this off as a dress.  It is lined with a slip.




 MISS DAVENPORTE SILK BLOUSE
scalloped edges and buttons up back.  I wore a camisole under this because it is a bit short but would be perfect with all the high waisted jeans.
Size= 4
$50


REBECCA TAYLOR CROCODILE PRINTED LONG SLEEVE TEE
Size= Small
$40
SOLD

REBECCA TAYLOR BEADED BLOUSE
Size= 4
$70
SOLD

FRENCH CONNECTION NAVY/WHITE STRIPED TANK TOP
SIZE= SMALL
never worn
$25

FOREVER 21 PETER PAN COLLAR BLOUSE
SIZE= SMALL
$20
SOLD

REBECCA TAYLOR PURPLE ROSETTE SILK TANK
SIZE= 4
$65
SOLD

TAHARI LEOPARD DRAPE CARDIGAN
SIZE= SMALL
$50
SOLD

GEMMA SILK BLOUSE 
SIZE= SMALL
$45


SPLENDID LACE DETAIL LONG SLEEVE TEE
SIZE= SMALL
Great with leggings because it is longer
$25
SOLD


VELVET TUNIC
bubble hem bottom.  knit top, silk bottom half

SIZE=SMALL
$40


REBECCA TAYLOR LACE/SNAKESKIN BLOUSE
Size= 0 fits more like a 2/4 loose fit
$65

Dressing The Bump: Stripes + Poncho

I am almost nine months pregnant and lets be real it is getting very hard to find outfits that fit and still look cute when I am this large.  I was pretty proud of myself this week when I put this outfit together.  It was cute and comfortable plus I think it would be adorable not pregnant too, I know I would wear it not pregnant.


My dress is from Old Navy last year and the sweater poncho is Vince.  I decided to round up a few options for you to recreate this look on your own!

My same dress is no longer available but there are some awesome similar stripped options out there that are reasonably priced too.  
||Striped Dresses|| 

My Poncho is by Vince and I am obsessed with it.  It is equally as cute with jeans and leggings.  I am loving a poncho this Fall.   It is currently onsale at Nordstrom for 40% off.  I have a size small for those curious it runs big.  It is also available in black on Neiman Marcus Last Call for an even better price HERE
VINCE SWEATER PONCHO



I rounded up a few other options for you.  Vince has a new Poncho version out for Fall, it is pricey but it is part of the Saks Friend and Family Sale so you can get 25% off.  Still loving the Gap cape version as well and the Rachel Pally is part of ShopBop Friends and Family so you can get 25% off with code INFAMILY25.
|| Ponchos ||

And in case you are curious what shoes I wore with my outfit.  I paired it with my Madewell D'Orsay flats which I adore.  They are so versatile and so cute!  I own the gray pair but love the black/tan as well!  They run pretty true to size as I have a 9.
|| Madewell D'Orsay Flats ||



xoxo


Wednesday, October 16, 2013

NapTime = Shopbop Friends and Family Time

Dear Shopbop, stop running sales because I spend way too much time browsing your site. If you don't have time to browse I did the looking for you, I rounded up a few of my lust list items from the Shopbop site. I own the BB Dakota Dress and the House of Harlow Necklaces and love them- they are a steal at 25% off. I may or may not have ordered the coated leggings finally!   I heard David Lerner leggings are the shiz.  There are so many great deals. Happy shopping!
Just scroll thru to see my picks below.  Such a good time to buy those big ticket items you have been eyeing!




Chicken and Kale Casserole


I can't believe I have not posted this recipe yet! I made it almost two months ago and had totally forgotten about it.  I am a hug fan of casseroles or any dish that can be prepared ahead of time.  That way I can cook at nap-time then at dinner all I have to do is pop it in the oven.  This dish makes alot, I separated it into two dishes and brought half to my sister in law who had just had a baby.  If you buy a rotisserie chicken this is super easy to make.  Not many ingredients but they all pair together really well.  I love the addition of the lemon in it, it adds such a nice unexpected flavor.  Plus since there is kale in it you are getting a serving of leafy green veggies for the day.   I of course had to tweak the recipe by adding more cheese- everything tastes better with extra cheese!
This is such a great weekend night meal! 
Enjoy!



|| C H I C K E N   A N D  K A L E  C A S S E R O L E ||
Recipe adapted via Martha Stewart
INGREDIENTS
  • Coarse salt and ground pepper
  • 3/4 pound large pasta shells
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced medium
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 bunches kale (1 1/2 pounds), tough stems and ribs removed, leaves coarsely chopped
  • 2 cups shredded or chopped cooked chicken (I used rotisserie chicken)
  • 1 container (28 ounces) part-skim ricotta
  • 3 tablespoons finely grated lemon zest (from 2 lemons)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan, grated 
  •  1 Container Cottage Cheese
  • 1 cup grated mozzarella
  • salt and pepper to taste

  1. Step 1

    Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain; return to pot. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is beginning to soften, 4 minutes. Add kale, cover, and cook until almost tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer to pot with pasta.
  2. Step 2

    Stir in chicken, ricotta, cottage cheese, lemon zest, and 1/2 cup Parmesan, and mozzarella; season with salt and pepper. Transfer mixture to a 9-by-13-inch baking dish; top with 1/4 cup Parmesan. Bake until top is golden, 30 minutes.

 



Tuesday, October 15, 2013

Obsessions + A Note on Yesterdays Post

Before I start into my favorite topic of Obsessions, I want to address something from my post yesterday.  Several of you left comments not liking my post, saying it rubbed you the wrong way, and that really bothered me.  I was not trying to make anyone feel bad. 

I was not bad mouthing working mothers at all or saying your life is easier,  in fact I said I am often envious of them and understand why many have to/choose to go back to work.    When Sterling starts school more full time I plan to go back to work and for the past year I have worked part time in addition to my blog which is also like a job for me.  I understand that it is equally as hard to be a working mom.   Being a mom working or not comes with challenges.  I was merely writing about a personal decision I made to be a stay at home mom and how hard of a job it was and the sacrifices made.  I know working moms make sacrifices too, but I was writing purely about my own personal experience.
 
All of us moms need to stick together working or not.  It is ridiculous to pit working moms against stay at home moms.  We are all just doing the best we can to provide for our families and be the best moms we can.  We each face different hardships each day.  I was not trying to compare the two at all.   I admire you working moms and meant no harm in my post and I am sorry if you took it the wrong way.   My blog is like my personal diary where I choose to share certain aspects of my life, I never set out to offend people but I guess some read into things more than others.  I respect all mothers working or not,  it is damn hard job and we need to stop judging each other and support each other.  Moms need to stick together. 
 Love to all you moms out there. ...............................................................................................................
 First of all I need to mention Shopbop is having their Friends and Family Sale, use code INTHEFAMILY to get 25% off all orders.  Several items from my list today are from Shopbop so don't forget to use the code at checkout!  Now is the time to buy Rag and Bone Newbury Booties if you don't already have a pair they rarely get put on sale.  I love mine, best boots ever and worth the splurge.  Pretty sure I am going to go ahead and order my MOTHER jeans for post baby as well!



|| TOPSHOP CAMERA CHECK TUNIC DRESS || 
I am so glad Topshop finally ships to the US.  They have some fabulous pieces for amazing prices.  Loving this dress, the colors are awesome.

also love it in this Floral Pattern as well.

I am loving plaid for Fall.  This is such a cute jacket for everyday wear.


These pants are amazing!! I am dying for a pair of skinny velvet pants and you know the fit on these will be amazing.



|| DV DOLCE VITA JAXEN BOOTIES ||

Loving these booties and the price. They look really similar to the Rag and Bone booties.  They have gotten rave reviews on every website I have looked at.



This dress is so awesome and the price tag is even better.  It would be so cute layered with a fun vest, blazer or leather jacket.


|| AMANDA UPRICHARD HIGHLINER SILK BLOUSE ||
I am totally obsessed with this blouse.  Perfect pattern and fit.  Would look amazing with the leggings below.


|| DAVID LERNER CLASSIC COATED LEGGINGS ||
These leggings are a must.  David Lerner makes the best leggings around.  I have been on the hunt for a pair that looked like leather and these are perfection.


|| BAUBLEBAR PAVE LINKS BRACELET ||
Love both these pave links bracelets.  They would look so good layered with other bracelets or solo.
Gold || Black


Monday, October 14, 2013

Being a Stay at Home Mom


Over the weekend, I read the most incredible and on point article about being a stay at home mom, written by, gasp, a man. It was spot on and I found my self nodding and agreeing with everything he said. You must check out the article HERE, it is appropriately called Being a Stay at Home Mom, What do you do all day?  Matt Walsh's wife is one lucky lady, for the fact that he realizes how hard it is being a stay at home mom.  Sometimes I think men don't quite get it.

It got me thinking alot about being a stay at home mom.  As soon as I got pregnant with Sterling I knew I wanted to be a stay at home mom.  We grew up with my mom home with us and I wanted that same experience.  I realize some people don't have the option or luxury to stay at home with their kids, wheter they choose to go back to work (trust me I can understand why you would choose the adult world over poop and baby talk all day) or the fact that finicially they need two incomes.  As luck would have it the company I worked for while I was pregnant with Sterling got hit hard by the down turn in the economy and I was laid off the weekend before I had Sterling.   They offered no maternity leave so this was just as good.  I knew I probably won't go back full time after I had Sterling, but had thought about part time.  I was never the bread winner anyways so by the time we added in daycare it wasn't financially worth it for me to work anyways.


You see I choose to be a stay at home mom.  Yes, things are tight around here and there have been times when we have had to rely on our families to help us out.  I am lucky in that aspect, that they will lend a helping hand.   I choose to have less, meaning we have not taken a vacation since our honeymoon (except for our beach trip which my family pays for)  because I want to be home with Sterling.  We desperately need more space but just can't afford to move to a bigger house right now, for the same reason.   It makes you realize yes, money is important but not the most important thing in life.  I would not change a thing, I am so grateful to stay home with Sterling.  I  love spending so much quality time with him while he is young and watching him grow and mature into such a sweet, loving and quirky little man.  I have witnessed all of his "firsts" and seen his personality develop and to me that is worth more than gold.  I will forever treasure these times and memories.


Being a stay at home is mom is a long ass day.  I don't understand the people who think our day is easy and that we sit around and watch tv all day.  In fact most days I rarely watch TV unless its cartoons for Sterling.  Sterling wakes up before the sun rises everyday single day (seriously 6:45 is a late start for us) and is non stop from the moment he wakes up.   At this age Sterling always needs something- food, juice, help building a puzzle, help getting dressed,  help using the bathroom (at what age can you stop wiping your kids bottom?), etc.    In between tending to his needs I also have to take care of our dog and all the household responsibilities.   Making sure the house is clean, sheets are changed, laundry is done, drycleaning dropped off, dinner is cooked,  you get the idea.   Then somewhere in between all that I try to take an hour for me and work on my blog, because that is what I enjoy plus it provides me with some spending money.  Until about a month ago I was also working at home part time at my old job but finally had to quit because I was just too over stretched, I don't know how some women juggle it all.

The days are incredibly long as a stay at home mom.  I am exhasuted by 7 most nights, just the time Matt is getting home from work.  I feel bad because by then I am done for the day and just want to get in bed but marriage is important too so I make an effort for us all to eat togther as a family and catch up with Matt.   You can't forget about your spouse even though your kids drain the life out of you. This clip from family guy pretty much sums it up, there is always someone yelling "mom".


I think being at stay at home mom is one of the most under-appreciated jobs around.  We always put our needs last and rarely get any down time.   Even on the weekends it is just me and Sterling because Matt works most weekends.   After becoming a mom myself it made me appreciate all that my mom sacrificed and gave to us even more. At times I am envious of people who go to work and have that adult time, I am sure it nice to have a break from your kids but I still wouldn't change a thing.  My heart broke for my sister and sister in law when they had to go back to work, I know hard it is to leave your baby when they are young, especially when you don't want to. 

I think the years when your kids are young are fleeting, they go by so fast and I feel so grateful to be able to spend all this time with Sterling.  I truly love being a stay at home mom.    I rarely get a thank you, but I know I am helping to mold my son into a good person and that is all that matters.  Bravo to all you stay at home moms, I know what tough but equally rewarding job it it.
Word to your Mother.  and yes I am terrified of being a SAHM to two kids- yikes!



Saturday, October 12, 2013

Weekend Style Files: Scarves The Perfect Fall Accessory




I am a huge fan of scarves. I have two bins filled with them in my closet. I feel like they can effortless complete an outfit and take it to the next level. My favorite scarf I own is my Missoni Infinity Scarf. I used to primarily buy cheap scarfs until my parents gifted me with this scarf last year for Christmas and I became obsessed with it. I wore it with everything from my lululemon workout gear to my everyday clothes. It is indeed the perfect scarf and worth the extra money.

  Gap and Banana Republic have really nice affordable options out- I am smitten with Banana Republic's Colorblock Cashmere version, it comes in 8 great versatile colors and the price is great. 

I rounded up a few of my favorites for Fall.  Use code GAPSAIL to get additional 35% off at Gap and code FALL to get 30% off at Piperlime.

and in case you get stumped like me wondering how to perfectly tie a scarf, I found this great guide.  Although not gonna lie I love an Infinity Scarf purely for the fact you can just slip it on, no messing involved!