Today I wanted to answer some questions that I am frequently asked:) If you guys like the idea of this we can make this a week or bi weekly series where I answer questions! Feel free to send me questions anytime!
How do you make your Greek Chicken?
This is so easy and one of my weekly go to recipes.
Take chicken tenderloins and trim them of extra fat or you can take chicken breasts and cut them into smaller pieces. Layer in a baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper generously. Pour 1/4-1/2 bottle of Tessamae’s Green Goddess Dressing (this can be found at Whole Foods, Earthfare and Amazon) over the top. Bake about 25-30 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove from oven and sprinkle with grated Parmesan and bake another 5 minutes.
How do you make your Mexican Bean Dish and is it a side or dip?
You can serve this as a side or dip. I usually serve it as a side for Taco Night.
You need one can black beans drained, one can refried beans, I can rotel drained (you can also sub salsa for the rotel, about 1 cup of salsa). Mix the black beans, refried beans and rotel. Spread in a baking dish. Cover with a layer of taco sauce (any kind will do but I am partial to the Taco Bell one). Then cover with grated sharp cheddar cheese. I always grate my own and use either Cabot or Cracker Barrel. Bake at 350 degrees about 25 minutes until cheese is bubbly.
Skincare Products I can’t live without?
I am working on a post to highlight my current skincare routine but two products I swear by and use all the time are M61 Powerglow Peel and CE Ferulic Serum. These are 2 products that I can really tell a difference when I use them. I also swear by using Retinol at night, my dermatologist really recommended this and it so helps prevent wrinkles and is great for anti-aging. I use this Retinol probably 3-4 times a week.
Favorite Moisturizer?
I frequently change moisturizers but currently I am loving Drunk Elephant Lala Retro Whipped Cream and Colleen Rothschild Extreme Recovery Cream. I have really dry skin so I like a super moisturizing and thicker face cream.
Where is my leopard blanket from?
It is Barefoot Dreams and currently out of stock but I love all BD Blankets, they are so soft. You can shop them HERE.
Will I ever change the name of my blog since my kids are no longer in diapers?
Yes I think we have probably out grown this name as both kids are no longer in diapers but I am a little scared to change names and loose traffic. However it is a goal of mine to revamp the blog this year and change the name- any clever ideas?? I will keep my instagram the same most likely and just change my blog name.
Favorite Charleston Restaurants?
I have a tab at the top of the blog called Charleston Recs with all my favorites. Current favorites are : The Grocery, Butcher and Bee, Indacco, Sorghum and Salt, Leon’s, Melfi’s, Bon Bahi Mi (for lunch on the go), 5 Loaves (lunch), Xao Bao Biscuit (get the cabbage pancake), The Daily (for smoothies or lunch on the go), and Harbinger Cafe (get the Tumeric Latte and Grasshopper Toast).
How tall am I?
5’9. I used to hate being tall but now love it.
Is blogging my only job?
Yes it is my only job, I am truly lucky to do this for a living. However I keep thinking when Frances starts kindergarten in the Fall I may pick up a part time job as well. Plus I need to work on my cookbook, that is my main goal this year. I like to stay busy.
Favorite Jeans?
I love the JBrand Maria High Rise for blue jeans and the Rag and Bone 10 inch skinny Black Jeans. Trust me both are amazing.
Where is Frances Moon’s leotard from?
Amazon of course! you can shop it HERE. She just started gymnastics yesterday and I had so many questions about her suit.
Where are the acrylic containers from on my dresser where I store my jewelry and skincare products?
Amazon again! I have 4 of these in varying sizes and love them. This is one of the exact ones I have, my other two are from Homegoods.
How often are the kids with me?
The kids are with me the majority of the time. Matt has them Wednesday night and every other weekend.
What eyebrow pencil do I use?
Currently I am loving the Dior Brow Styler in color 01 Universal Brown. It is one of my favorite ones I have tried.
Great idea to do Q/As weekly! What temp do you bake your Greek Chicken please?
What about Designer Bags and Long Days as a blog name? That way you sort of keep the old name but update it. Days are long for everyone. LOL or Notably (means striking or remarkable) Natalie or Natalie’s News? Alliteration anyone? Just some thoughts to stir your creativity.
Designer Bags and Dirty Dishes?
It’s close to your original blog name and makes a nod to real life and your love of cooking. Just a thought!
Designer Bags and Dirty Dishes?
It’s so close to the original blog name and makes a nod to real life and your love cooking!
Love this and the recipes
Could you please share the temp for baking the Greek Chicken? Thank you so much – I get all of my be recipes from your blog!
Those recipes look sooo good — going to need to try them!
Call it designer bags and no more diapers
I love this idea! Keep doing it!!! I just ordered the Powerglow Peel.
Designer Bags and Dirty Martinis
I vote ‘Natalie Mason’ for your blog name. Simple and your name is chic, so you should use it! xx
I agree with brooke!
‘Natalie Mason’ is a great blog name. You could even use “formerly DBDD” underneath your name for a short while (6 months or so) before dropping it. Check out how others made the switch (Cristin Cooper made a name change recently)—if done well, you shouldn’t lose much traffic plus a more sophisticated name will be more attractive to readers and sponsors moving forward.
Love this! I don’t necessarily think a blog change is needed but would love more honest talk on the change!
I am so excited that you’re doing a cookbook this year! Your recipes are amazing… and you are so talented at plating the food in a beautiful way and taking pictures that make the dishes come to life. Can’t wait to pre-order a copy!