Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Polenta Veggie Bowls



I am switching things up a bit this week, you get a recipe today and Obsessions tomorrow!
For a meatless dish this was so good.  It is kind of like Shrimp and Grits but minus the Shrimp.  If you wanted meat you could totally add some Shrimps and it would be fantastic.  I prepped all the veggies at nap time and then just reheated them in the same skillet again before dinner.  Grits/Polenta do not reheat well so make this right before you are ready to eat!  I used bagged grits from Earthfare that said White Grits/Polenta so not sure which they actually were but you could use grits or polenta for this recipe.  We drizzled ours with sriracha sauce right before eating. The leftover veggies are great to add in scrambled eggs!
Enjoy!



|| P O L E N T A  V E G G I E   B O W L S ||
1 cob of corn, shucked
1 cup of cherry tomatoes + drizzle of olive oil
1 cup of cream
2 cups of water
1 tsp salt
3/4 cup of grits
1/2 cup white cheddar, shredded
hot sauce to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, chopped
1/2 cup broth
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 bunch of kale, chopped thinly
1 bunch rainbow swiss chard
1 package sliced mushrooms
parmesan cheese
1 serrano chili pepper, thinly sliced



Preheat the oven to 425ºF. Place the cherry tomatoes onto a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil.  Wrap corn in foil and place on same sheet.  Bake until they turn golden brown and begin to burst. Remove from the oven and set to the side.

Bring 1 cup of heavy cream, 2 cups of water, and salt to a boil in a medium saucepan on med-high heat. Once boiling, slowly add the grits while stirring with a whisk to prevent lumps. Reduce the heat to med-low and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove from the stove and stir in the white cheddar and hot sauce. Cover and set to the side.

As soon as you place the water and cream on the stove for the grits, add the olive oil, garlic clove, broth, and kale,  swiss chard, and mushrooms to a large frying pan on med-high heat. Sautée until the greens are wilted.  Add in red pepper flakes- you can use more or less depending how spicy you like it.

You may need to whisk in a bit of cream or water to the grits to thin them out, depending on your preferences. Plate the grits, then a generous serving of kale/chard/mushroom mixture, followed by the corn, and roasted tomatoes. Drizzle the liquid from the sautéed kale on top, and garnish with parmesan cheese, and thinly sliced peppers. 





Monday, February 10, 2014

Scenes From Our Weekend

Happy Monday!  Hope everyone had a fabulous weekend.   I spent our weekend finally addressing Frances Moon's announcements.  They turned out fantastic can't wait to show y'all later this week!

 A nasty cold hit Matt and I this weekend but we powered thru and feel so much better.  I swear we both recuperated quickly thanks to Gwyneth's Lemon Ginger Tea.  We drank this for two days straight.  We both actually loved it so much we decided we are going to drink it on our detox nights.  It is so easy to make all you do is fill a pot with water, add a sliced lemon, sliced fresh ginger, and bring to a boil.  Pour in mug and drizzle in honey.


My sister was in town for two short days we had a quick but fun visit.  I finally got to take her to my favorite lunch spot Xiao Bao Biscuit.  We are ladies who like to have cocktail while we lunch, so we sampled two of their specialty drinks.  Since I have been pregnant every time I have eaten there in the past I never got to try the cocktails and they were so good.   One was tequila and ginger beer and the other was vodka, pear and ginger beer.


We shared a few dishes.  The black bean encrusted chicken with the spicy papya salad is one of my favorites on the menu.  So of course we had to have it!


We attempted to get a picture of all three of the kids which was kind of hilarious.  Not the best idea to let a three year old hold both babies!

Sunday our nephew Drew was baptized. Such a special day- Frances is next weekend!  It was a miracle we all were dressed and out the door in time for early service!
And thanks to my father in law we were able to get a really good family picture that I am going to blow up for our hallway gallery wall.



My mom saved alot of our old baby clothes and I was able to dress Frances in my old dress.  How sweet is that??



The kids and I are off to Charlotte this week, we are planning Valentines, Sterling's Party and Frances Moon's Baptism.  Lots to be done with my moms help!
xoxo





Saturday, February 8, 2014

Saturdays Steals and Splurges

Happy Saturday Friends.  My sister has been in town visiting and it has been so nice having her here in town!  
Here is this Saturdays round-up:

I am always on the hunt for the perfect tee shirt.  I recently found this Rag and Bone tee and love it.  It is currently on sale at Saks.  Yes it is a bit on the pricey side for a tee shirt but such a great fit and the material is so soft too.  I am wearing a tank under mine but I don't think you would need one under the navy or olive colors which are on sale.  I love, love this heathered gray tee as well.

These Rag and Bone Jean Shorts are on super sale too, only $57!!  Love the rust color.  They would look so good with navy, white or pink!



This is the last call for the Gigi New York Winter Clearance sale.  My clutch came and I adore it- super fast shipping and such great quality.  My purse is in the emerald color.


JCrew is having 25% off  Spring Merchandise with code BRINGSPRING only thru Sunday. I have my eye on this embroidered Tunic.


Thanks to one of my readers who alerted me to the 7 For All Mankind "The Skinny" Jeans on sale at Nordstrom! My favorite post baby jeans because they sit higher up and have stretch to suck you in!  They run true to size.


Target is running a sale on the Nate Berkus collection online.  His prices are already awesome so with the discount they are prectically giving them away.  
I love this basket so much,  great for storing toys, books or even for a small house plant.  Was $35 now $27.
also loving this gold Nate Berkus lamp on sale for $52.  I am thinking about getting a pair of these for Sterling's room.


I would pair the lamp with this gold lined shade on sale too!


Happy Saturday and Happy Shopping!


Friday, February 7, 2014

Valentines Day Pretties


Valentine's Day is a week from today.   In all honesty I am not a huge Valentines person.   We never go out to to dinner on Valentines Day (who wants to deal with all the crowds and teenagers out on dates)  we always prefer to stay home and cook a nice meal with champagne.  I am excited to make some Valentines Treats with Sterling and assemble Valentines for his class at school.

 The funny thing is Matt and I actually had our very first date on Valentines Day- so romantic right??  Not at all,  totally lame, but I was still excited to finally go on a date with Matt after having a crush on him for a long time!    Except he invited his sister to join us after dinner for drinks which was really totally sweet since her boyfriend was out of town, but probably not the right move on a first date.  However it obviously didn't deter me too much:)  We had a great time with his sister and 12 years later we can celebrate our first date + Valentines Day.  As cheezy of a holiday as Valentines Day is, all us girls love to be spoiled a little.  

While we don't need a holiday as a reminder to be thankful of our loved ones, it is nice when your significant other takes a moment to tell you that and sometimes for men they do indeed need a holiday to help with that!

I complied my Valentines wish list (hopefully Matt is reading and taking notes).  and if you have no  special someone in your life treat yourself!!




You all know I love Charriol, this bracelet is currently 40% off and I adore it.  The perfect addition to my bracelet stack.  It also come in all silver too.  I wouldn't mind one of these rings too.

I am just obsessed with the new Tory Burch fragrance.  It smells so fresh and delicious.


Also really loving these Tory Burch Heart make-up cases.  Tory Burch is offering free express shipping on all the Valentine gifts.  The matching jewelery case is super cute too.



Love this classic watch!  A timeless piece you would keep forever!


I am a sucker for a pretty nightgown.  I cant wait to get back in my old night gowns when I am done nursing.  Love this hot pink number and it is a great price!  It also comes in Raven, a dark gray color.

Ever since seeing this ring on Julia I have been obsessed with it.  Jane Pope jewelry is my absolute favorite, such awesome pieces!   Jane hand makes every piece and they are all so uniquely stunning. Jane was sweet enough to recently sent me the necklace below after I had Frances and I am smitten with it.  It is so special with Sterling and Frances' names engraved.  Her pieces are so delicate and feminine and I just love that!  You can't go wrong with any of her pieces for any occasion!



 I have this blouse in blue and adore it, but love this dusty pink nude color.  It would go with everything, on sale right now too!

I actually may have already snagged a few of these beauties for myself.  They are a steal at under $50 and perfect for layering, I love all the colors.  Hard to choose just one!

I just love my Plum Pretty Sugar Robe and would love another.  I love all the designs in this new collection.  The robes are so soft and comfortable!


I am in major need of a hot pink purse. Rebecca Minkoff always does it right.  Loving this version.  I like the size is big enough to carry for a night out or small enough to put in your everyday purse as well.


What is on your Valentine's wishlist?


Thursday, February 6, 2014

Thoughts For Thursday

Happy Thursday Friends. I keep meaning to mention how much I loved everyone's Mommy Confessions on Friday, they made my day. Not gonna lie I have gone back and read them several times and they all had me smiling and laughing. Us moms gotta stick together!! 

First off today I want to mention the amazing Kim Keller, she is a designer out of Charleston but has an online Etsy shop so anyone anywhere can shop her designs.  Her Etsy Shop is Keller Creative Designs and she designs everything from invitations, to birth announcements,  to wedding invitations.  She can really create anything you want her to.  Kim was sweet enough to design me some note cards after Frances Moon was born and I adore them.  She does custom work as well as premade items so definitely check her site out HERE.  She has graciously offered a 10% discount for you guys with code LOVE10 good for the month of February.
You can email Kim at kim@keller-creative.com for pricing and design questions.  I highly recommend her!
See how beautiful my note cards turned out- I just love them!!

  . 

I have been organizing  our house like crazy, I always do this post New Year.
 I was working in Frances Moon's room yesterday and her swimsuit collection makes me very happy. Girl swimsuits are more fun than boy ones!

Per Amy's request (my girl always has great book recs) I have been reading Jodi Picoult's Keeping Faith.  It is so good and thought provoking.   I can't wait to see how it ends.  If you need a new book check this one out!

 We actually turned on the tv last night for a little while and watched Andy Sambergs show Brooklyn Nine-Nine.  It was actually really funny and I would totally watch it again.  Check it out if you have not yet!  Is it weird I have a crush on Andy?  I have a thing for funny guys....


I am so darn ready for Summer.  I have a real weakness for cover-ups.  I can't stop thinking about this one from Anthro.
|| Waverly Tunic ||

 If you need pants for your little guys, these colored skinny jeans from the Gap are my absolute favorite for Sterling.  They fit so well.  Nothing I hate more than baggy pants on little boys.  I just ordered him the terra coral color.  I think they are gonna look awesome with navy + white.  I also snagged this major cute dress for Frances.
We had our monthly girls Supper Club last night and I wore my Current/Elliot Dress.  I told ya'll it was the perfect tee shirt dress, shop it here and here


If you like to cook you must check out my friend Liz's blog.  She just started it and has the most amazing recipes.  It is called Beets and Bratwurst.  Not only is she an amazing cook but she is a wonderful writer and always gives me the best wine recs.  An all around stellar gal.
I can't wait to make this pork and black bean chili.  Check out her blog HERE and follow along her culinary adventures!


Lastly, a huge thank you to Sara at A Dose of Pretty who redid my blog design for me.  I have worked with her the last two re-dos and she does amazing work!!  Email her at adoseofprettyblog@gmail.com if you need blog help!




Wednesday, February 5, 2014

GP's Chicken Lettuce Wraps


We have still been eating pretty healthy in the Mason Household.  I have been making my way thru Gwyneth's Cookbook, It's All Good trying out lots of new recipes.  This one may just be my new favorite.  We loved these and they are so healthy and good for you!  Even Sterling ate one, although I had to roll his in a flour taco shell instead of lettuce.  He freaks about lettuce, kids and their veggies.

 The recipe calls for homemade Lee's Hoisin and Lee's Sriracha sauce.  I had good intentions to make the homemade Hoisin sauce but could not find the red miso paste,  so I used store bought Hoisin,  and you know what it worked out just fine.  So if you want to save time and money just buy a jar of the premade kind (I included the link at the bottom if you want to make GP's version).  I did not use lotus root either- I am honestly not even sure what it is.  Next time Matt and I both agreed we would add diced water chestnuts for some crunch.  This dish can be made ahead and then just reheated and assembled at dinner time.
Enjoy!


|| G P ' S    C H I C K E N  L E T T U C E  W R A P S ||

Serves 4Neutral oil (like canola, grapeseed, or safflower oil)
1 lb. ground chicken (preferably dark meat), at room temperature
Coarse sea salt
Freshly ground black pepper
1 yellow onion, peeled and finely diced
4 garlic cloves, finely minced
2 tbsp. finely minced fresh ginger
2 small carrots or 1 large carrot, peeled and finely diced (about ½ c.)
½ c. finely diced lotus root (optional)
Lee’s Hoisin Sauce, divided
1 head of bibb or iceberg lettuce, leaves separated
A handful of cilantro leaves
A few scallions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
Lee’s Sriracha, for serving


Heat a few tablespoonfuls of oil in a large, heavy skillet set over medium-high heat and add chicken, along with a pinch of salt and a few grinds of black pepper. Cook, stirring to break the chicken up, until browned, about 10 to15 minutes.

Meanwhile, heat few more spoonfuls of oil in a separate skillet over medium-high heat and add onion, garlic, and ginger. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture begins to soften, about 5 minutes. Add carrot, lotus root, and a pinch of salt. Cook until the carrot just begins to soften, about 10 minutes. 
Combine chicken and vegetables in 1 pan and add ½ c. of Lee’s Hoisin Sauce along with ½ cup of water; cook for a final minute or 2 to just bring everything together. Place spoonfuls of the mixture on the lettuce leaves until you’ve used it all up. (This recipe makes about a dozen wraps, but it depends how big your lettuce leaves are.)

Thin the remainder of the Lee’s Hoisin Sauce with ½ cup of water and drizzle a bit on top of each lettuce cup. Scatter the cilantro and scallions over the lettuce cups and serve with Lee’s Sriracha if anyone wants a little kick.

click here for recipe for Lee's Hoisin Sauce





Tuesday, February 4, 2014

Shopbop up to 70% Off!

Shopbop just reduced a bunch of merchandise and there are some really good deals on there. I rounded up my top sale picks. Shop the whole sale here.