Monday, May 20, 2013

On vacation!


We are soaking up the sun and loving every minute of it.

See you next week, friends!

Thursday, May 16, 2013

My least favorite thing to do...

Well ladies I have to tell you that finding a maternity bathing suit is truly the bane of my existence. I mean we all know how fun bathing suit shopping is in general so imagine how fun it is with a huge middle and not a lot of options.

I was thrilled to find ASOS swimwear and was loving this number.
Sadly they were sold out of my size.

Ordered this one...
and it's decent but certainly nothing to rave about.

Tried this bad boy from Old Navy,

and it was a disaster.

Hopeful with this number from Target,
but no such luck.

So, we are headed to the beach in three days, and I'm thinking I might be sporting a tank top in the water.  Here's hoping I find something soon!

Pregger mamas, where did you score your big girl swimsuit??
Thinking I might just go for a regular suit and size up.
Fingers crossed!

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Crazy about Cucumbers

Now that I'm home during the day I'm faced with the temptation of what to eat for lunch.  When I was working, I tried to bring my lunch {healthy ones} but usually opted for a fun lunch out with co-workers {which translated into something not so healthy}.  While I miss the gabbing with the gals {and the pommes frites}, I have found I'm eating so much better at home and enjoying it.  My latest kick is cucumbers!  I have been eating them almost every day.  Check out some of my favorite ways to eat these cool cucs.

Just mix lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and cayenne pepper and toss in cucumbers.  So tasty!  
I enjoyed with an apple cheddar melt {and La Croix of course!}.

Adding cucumbers to a traditional Caprese salad gives it that little crunch that makes it so delish!
Chop tomatoes, cucumbers, mozzarella and basil and mix with olive oil, salt and pepper.

The other day B and I were eating at our favorite little spot, and I ordered this tasty salad.
Cucumbers, honey and goat cheese!
Recreated it at home and cannot get enough of it.
The flavor combo is amazing and so light and refreshing!

So, what's your favorite lunch these days?

Monday, May 13, 2013

Scenes from the weekend...

What's that old saying about "best laid plans?" I think it would apply to this Mother's Day weekend.  Oh how I had high hopes and was so looking forward to sleeping in, family day at the zoo, church, brunch and a nap.  Not too much to ask for, right?  Wrong.  Didn't happen.  Any of it, sadly.

A nasty stomach bug hit G's school last week, and I was oh so thankful G managed to get out unscathed.  Wish I could say the same for B.  It hit him hard on Saturday, and he was out for the count. Needless to say, so was the fun family day he had planned {mama did manage to get out and grab a much needed pedi with a friend}.  He managed to rally Sunday, and we attempted church. Sadly our teething toddler was not having it.  So we left in the middle so mama could get her much anticipated brunch on.  After waiting for thirty minutes to get our table, as soon as we sat down, G had a meltdown.  I mean full blown meltdown {you know something is wrong when he won't eat!}.  I am so thankful that this really never happens but oh so tickled that of all days, Mother's Day.  As bummed as I was to miss out on my French toast, I knew I had to get my little man home.  He passed out as soon as we got in the car.  That's the thing about being a mom.  You have to do what's best for your kids.  Your needs {carb cravings included} get put aside and all you know is to do whatever it takes to make it better for your little ones.  Being a mom is tough, but gosh I would not trade it for anything.  The fact that the Lord has blessed me with the incredible opportunity to raise this little man is truly the greatest gift I could ever imagine.  Oh and my fabulous weekender G and B got me!

The day was salvaged with a family picnic at the park with dear friends and fellow moms who I feel forever grateful to know and learn from their example.  Even though it was not the weekend we had planned, the fact I was with my two favorite guys {sick and all!} made all its imperfections perfect in my eyes.











Friday, May 10, 2013

Five for Friday

Happy Friday friends!
Here's what five things I'm loving this week...

Oh I forgot how amazing this stuff is!  
A sweet friend got me hooked on this when I was pregnant with G, and I'm happy to report, no stretch marks!  
Now that the belly is in full force these days I'm using it again.  Fingers crossed for the same results.
 It's so smooth and smells so good.  All you moms-to-be out there need to get this immediately!

2. Berry Good Smoothie
So now that I'm not working, mornings are way calmer {hallelujah!}.  Each day this week I've so enjoyed making breakfast for my boys.  I have to tell you though this smoothie is our new favorite.  Thanks to dear friend Lauren, I'm hooked!
1 cup frozen berries
1 cup spinach
1 cup kale
1 cup vanilla almond milk
Blend and enjoy!

So I'm in desperate need of more maternity clothes.  Can't exactly wear yoga pants and tees to a hot dinner date.
Was so excited to discover this online maternity boutique via one of my new favorite blogs.
Ordered some fun stuff that should arrive tomorrow.  Will keep you posted!

4. Teacher Appreciation Gifts
It has been Teacher Appreciation Week at G's school, and I have so loved showing these fine folks some love.  His teachers are amazing.  Seriously!  I volunteered on Tuesday so they could all enjoy lunch together.  After just an hour, I was pooped!  I don't know how they do it.
These "SODA-lighted" tags I found on Pinterest were my favorite treats this week.

And in honor of Mother's Day, I just have to share this again.  Have you seen this commercial?
I posted this shortly after G was born and had not seen again until the other day. 
I tear up every time.
So sweet!

Here's hoping everyone has a lovely weekend.  
And to all the moms out there, thank you for being the incredible women you are!

Thursday, May 9, 2013

What to take to new parents?

If you're anything like me, lots of people you know are having babies.  And with new babies come sleepless nights, crazy schedules and unpredictability {along with the most unimaginable amazing love!}.  The last thing any new parent wants to do is cook.  So, what better way to show the new parents some love than by taking them dinner.  I know when we had George I was overwhelmed by the hospitality our friends showed us bringing food each night.  Here are my tips for delivering meals to the proud {exhausted} parents.

1. Take something with simple ingredients that will please everyone. Always ask about allergies or food preferences.
2. Always pack dessert. As someone with a crazy sweet tooth, I can tell you this is such a treat that goes over so well. Plus, I love the idea of something sweet that can even translate into a breakfast treat the next morning.
3. Pack food in disposable containers. The last thing these parents need to worry about is returning dishes back to you.

So here is my go-to meal for new parents {delivered twice this week to two different families!}.
Build your own Taco Salad
Creamy Salsa Dip
Sopapilla Cheesecake Bites


You'll want to make the dip first so it can chill in the fridge.
I know it does not look like much, but trust me when I say this dip is hands down the easiest app ever and one of the tastiest.
Blend two 8oz blocks of softened cream cheese, 8oz of sour cream and 16oz of Pace Picante Medium Salsa.  Let chill in fridge until time to deliver.

The taco salad is SO easy.  Simply brown one pound of ground beef and add one packet of taco seasoning mix and 2/3 cup water.  While that simmers, chop lettuce and tomatoes.  Bag up cheese, Catalina dressing and Tostitos chips.

And the best part...
dessert!
1 {8oz} package cream cheese, softened
3/4 cup sugar
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 {8oz} package refrigerated crescent rolls
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350 degree.  Lightly grease cookie sheet.

Beat the cream cheese, 3/4 cup sugar and vanilla extract in a bowl.

Unroll the crescent roll dough and place a spoonful of cream cheese mixture toward the larger end of the triangle. Starting with the two corners closest to the cream cheese fold those over.  Then roll up the crescent roll, making sure to try and keep the cream cheese contained in the dough. Repeat with each triangle.

Combine 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon in a cup.  Dip roll-ups in melted butter and sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture.

Bake in the oven for 13-15 minutes or until dough is crisp and light brown.  Allow to cool 10 minutes before packing up.


So what do you take to friends when they have a new little one?
Moms out there, what was the best meal someone brought you?


Wednesday, May 8, 2013

Wedge Love

Does everyone love wedges as much as I do?  My absolute favorite shoes are summer wedges, and I am in desperate need of some new pairs.  I figure since my wardrobe may be lacking due to my ever growing belly, I can at least accessorize with shoes!


Wedge Love