Tagged: postaday2012

31 Week Bump

Strength shows, not only in the ability to persist, but the ability to start over.

UNKNOWN

It’s official. Barak Obama will lead the country for another four years. Let’s all hope that the next four years will bring about more positive change than the last four. I know my life will be drastically evolving for the better. The proof is in my growing belly.

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 28 pounds

Food Cravings: I know that Christmas is still weeks away, but I just couldn’t resist buying some peppermint chocolate chip ice cream. Seasonal treats are the best!

What I Miss: I miss only having to make one trip to the bathroom in the middle of the night. It is more like two or three times these days.

Symptoms: Now that I am popping Tums like candy, heartburn is a thing of the past. Just dealing with the round ligament pain now.

Baby Movement: We had some major movement going on this week. On Halloween night, Chris finally got to feel the baby move! I guess candy makes this little guy dance.

Maternity Attire: My maternity attire has drastically changed from rather tight work dresses to a more comfortable look of jeans and leggings, and I love it!

Hurl Factor: My dogs seem extra needy these days, which means they are trying to get in as much lap time as possible. The close proximity to their breath makes me a little queasy. Must buy more denti bones.

Annoyances: Now that I have the opportunity to tune into daytime TV, The Oprah Show is no longer on. I am pretty disappointed. There just are not any shows that can compare.

Weekly Highlight: Hands down it had to be Chris feeling the baby move. His expression was priceless.

Did you have any drastic hair changes while pregnant?

Jalapeno Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

We can’t solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them.

ALBERT EINSTEIN

Election day is finally here, and as Effie Trinket would say, “may the odds be ever in your favour.” If you plan on watching every minute of coverage tonight, it is the perfect opportunity to throw an election themed party. Food choices can be as simple as honoring your favorite candidate’s home state. Barack Obama’s city of Chicago is famous for their pizza and hot dogs, while if you are a Mitt Romney fan, lobster rolls and clam chowder are right in line for Massachusetts. Patriotic cocktails are a nice touch, as long as you aren’t celebrating in South Carolina and Kentucky, where alcohol is banned for the day. Boo! I would like to keep things neutral on the blog today, since family members are at political odds, and go with safe choice of chicken.

Jalapeno Cheddar Stuffed Chicken

Ingredients:

2 chicken breasts, halved

4 ounces cream cheese

¼ cup cheddar cheese, shredded

2 jalapenos, diced

¾ cup breadcrumbs

1 egg

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together cheddar and cream cheese.

2. Stir jalapenos in cheese mixture.

3. Dollop evenly on chicken breasts and roll up.

4. Roll chicken in egg.

5. Cover with breadcrumbs.

6. Place seam side down on baking sheet and cook for 1 hour.

7. Enjoy!

I love biting into a juicy surprise, especially when it brings a powerful kick!

When slicing into this chicken, the cheese literally oozes out. Now that is some chicken I could get used to.

I wouldn’t dare call this chicken a safe choice with the heat it packs…just a politically neutral one. I hope everyone honors their right to vote today.

Are you doing anything special for Election Day?

Sally’s Pins

Everyone you will ever meet knows something you don’t.

BILL NYE

Can time just slow down please? Is it really time for another election? Am I really 28 years old? AAaaaahhhh!!! I am starting to feel a little overwhelmed looking at my do to list. My goal is try to be as productive as possible in the next few weeks, while I am living on my own time. As much as I love scouring the net for inspirations, this soon-to-be mamma has things to do. Here is what I did have time to find for this week’s edition of Sally’s Pins.

Pumpkin Pie Bites: Besides being adorable, these Pumpkin Pie Bites are the perfect size for those wanting to indulge but not over do it on Thanksgiving.

Garage Plans: I am officially in full nesting mode, which means that I am getting this house organized. With this plan, I might even tackle the garage.

Cinnamon Roll Waffles with Cream Cheese Glaze: For the weekends when you crave both waffles and cinnamon rolls, these look super easy.

Pretty Thanksgiving Centerpieces: Halloween might be my favorite time of the year because it kicks off the start of holiday season. Thanksgiving is next on the list, and it’s time to start planning and crafting with these great inspirations.

Cheesy Bacon Oven Chips with Chipotle Ranch Sauce: I have always had a soft spot for potato skins, but I think these oven chips might be a new winner. Thinly sliced potatoes can only lead to a crispier outer shell.

Carved Orange Decorations: For those that didn’t get enough pumpkin carving in this season, try your skills out on some oranges. Their bright color and design will surely dress up any seasonal table.

Salted Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Bark: You know I can’t get enough pretzels in my desserts, so the this bark is right up my ally! This would be a really easy addition to a Christmas cookie plate.

Christmas Card Display: Wooden clothes pins to attach cards to garlands and wreaths. Sold! This is how I will be displaying my holiday cards this season.

Apple Streusel Coffee Cake: The only time we get this fancy for breakfast is when the whole family is gathered. Depending on how much we want to over do it, this may or may not be the breakfast of choice for Thanksgiving morning.

Glitter Reindeer: It is time to get crafty for the upcoming holidays. I think this reindeer inspiration would look so nice on our entry way table.

Crescent Cinnamon Rolls: Crescent Rolls are such an easy swap for the lazy bakers like me. Keeping this recipe in mind for the perfect Saturday brunch.

Cinnamon Stick Candles: Dress up your candles by tying cinnamon sticks around them. Once heated, your house will smell amazing.

Peppermint Popcorn Bark: Why do salty snacks make the best desserts? This is another wonderful idea for the perfect Christmas cookie plate.

Hair Inspirations: All the pregnancy books say to avoid cutting your hair off, but clearly I have a problem following directions because this is my new do.

Caramel-Apple Jello Shots: Since vodka’s off the table, and I don’t know if I can wait until January to try these, I might have to make non-alcoholic version.

What is the craziest shot you have ever taken?

Caramel Popcorn Balls

The difference between who you are and who you want to be is what you do.

UNKNOWN

The day kind of got away with me, which is strange since it was my first official day that I didn’t have to report in to work. I tried to cram in as much as possible with a doctor’s appointment, lunch with mom, appliance shopping, and getting my hair colored. Somehow blogging got put on the back burner? I have no idea why, especially with so many Halloween treats enjoyed yesterday. For my retirement party last day at work, we indulged in pizza and an adorable “Boo-Hoo, we’re going to miss you” cake.

I decided to bring in Monster Cookies with Reese’s Pieces swapped in for M&Ms for a peanut butter overload.

Then when a last minute craving for popcorn balls hit, I also made…

Caramel Popcorn Balls

Ingredients:

3 Tablespoons butter

½ cup caramels (I used Kraft Premium Caramel Bits)

4 cups marshmallows

1 bag popcorn (about 6 cups popped)

Directions:

1. Place butter in a large saucepan. Cook on medium-low heat until melted. Stir in caramels and continue cooking until thoroughly melted.

2. Pop popcorn as directed on package. Slowly begin to mix in marshmallows.

3. Once everything has melted together, remove from heat and stir in popcorn.

4. Allow a few minutes for popcorn to cool. Grease hands and then form mixture into balls. Place on greased wax paper.

5. Enjoy!

I like to call these beauts Rice Krispies on crack because of their salty, caramel goodness.

Warning! They are so delicious you might be tempted to just inhale, but try to resist in caution of potential kernels.

What Halloween goodies did you indulge in?

30 Week Bump

I see my face in the mirror and go, ‘I’m a Halloween costume? That’s what they think of me?’

DREW CAREY

Happy Halloween! I have been counting down the days until this glorious event. Not because I am going to get wild and crazy tonight…yeah still pregnant, but today is my last day in the banking world. I am moving on into a much more domestic role, and I couldn’t be more excited. Plus, I get to see all the adorable trick-or-treaters tonight. Here is my best attempt at a Halloween costume this morning…pregnant gangster.

How Far Along: 30 Weeks

Total Weight Gain: 27 pounds

Food Cravings: I couldn’t get enough Chex Mix at the tailgate this weekend. I even stole back a bag of cheddar mix I brought, so I could continue stuffing my face the whole drive back to Oklahoma.

What I Miss: Strangely I didn’t miss drinking at the game this weekend. Maybe it was because I was so happy to see my Kansas peeps. Being around such dear friends is what I really miss.

Symptoms: Sometimes I am a little irrational. I have been battling heartburn throughout my entire pregnancy. Wanting to avoid any unnecessary medication, I resisted Tums. Geez, that was stupid!

Baby Movement: There seems to be a dance party going on in my stomach every night. I wake up thinking we’re having an earthquake, but it is all baby.

Maternity Attire: I live in my demi-panel skinny pants, but the downfall is that I constantly have to pull them up. I might try ordering a full-panel pair just to see if they stay in place.

Hurl Factor: After pinning a recipe for pineapple chicken, I attempted to make it in the crock pot, but it was so dry it almost made me dry heave. It’s touch and go with meat these days.

Annoyances: Round Ligament Pain is super annoying, mainly for the fact that it is really painful. Kind of feels like my bones are splitting apart. If that’s not gruesome enough for you, I don’t know what is. Happy Halloween!

Weekly Highlight: Today is my last day of work! I feel so lucky to have such an amazing husband and a few weeks to really get ready for the baby. I have lots of reading, cleaning, and organizing on my to-do list.

How did you prepare for your first baby?

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...