Friday, March 30, 2012

Some fashion for Friday

I love Spring and Summer fashion! There's just something so wonderful about slipping on a sundress and sandals. The colors make me just as happy. Here's a few things I have my eye on:



Love this color!

Source: tibi.com via Jennifer on Pinterest



Natalie pinned this dress forever ago and thought it was the perfect pregnant gal dress and I couldn't agree more. If you see it on sale please let me know ;)

Here's a few recent purchases:



Kendra Scott earrings!! Thanks Shasta for the recommending them!



Lastly, Paige Union Skyline Ankle Peg Leg Maternity Jeans. Get them here.

Everyone told me to invest in a good pair of maternity jeans my last pregnancy and I could not find any that fit and flattered. I HATE that band thing. I tried 7s and I tried cheaper versions but in order for them to be comfortable they would be so big they would give me the saggy butt. These jeans are perfect. They have elastic panels on the sides, yet a plain button and zipper in the front like normal jeans-LOVE!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Just another weekend...

It was a pretty boring weekend here besides the fact Carsyn spent her first night away from momma Friday night. I expected it to be epic, but it wasn't. I got a spray tan (I turn into a versa addict this time of year) and watched the cats play Friday night. I had a brunch at 10 the next morning so I was rushed getting out the door. I think being occupied helped keep my mind off the fact she was gone, but the house was eerily quiet. I woke up at 4 (to pee of course) and could not go back to sleep because I kept wondering what she was doing.

Brunch OOTD


I think March is the hardest month to dress. Its been fairly warm recently, but not warm enough to go full on sundress. This is a JCrew favorite from last summer. I paired it with my featherweight cashmere cardi and choos. I guess it worked? And yes, the bump is in full effect :)

Getting a picture of an 18 month old with an iphone is impossible, right? I tried to get a pig picture but she would not let go of my keys. I tried to get a picture of her watching the cats and she wouldn't cooperate. Sigh.






I started the Beth Moore James Bible study at church. I'd like to say its rocking my world, but honestly I'm my worst critic. I need to do better. I do love the fact that its forcing me to read my Bible every day.






I also did a menu plan this week for the first time..ummm....in a year? I used to cook at least 5 nights a week. Gourmet meals? No, but it was so much better than icky fast food. I'm attempting to cook 3-4 nights a week now with the hubby's help. If I don't do the grocery on Sunday that means I have to shop with baby girl. That's no fun y'all. She's fine unless the buggy gets too full and then she starts throwing stuff out. I know it sounds funny, but trust me, its not. Well, actually it is a little.



I also got a little obsessed with the April Southern Living strawberry spread.



I had the cats on my little tv in the kitchen and whipped up a few goodies. I love moments like this!

How was your weekend?

Friday, March 23, 2012

Team Blue!!

 


Can you see that little blue sign? Yep, that's right....WE'RE HAVING A BOY!!

We recently had a little gender party for the reveal with family.

 


 


 


 


 


As you can see from the votes most were right. Of course, I think my FIL might have marked out a few pink wagers ;)

 


 


Everyone lined up on the front porch and my nephew, Maddox ran out with a blue balloon to signify the little one was a boy. Thank goodness because the kid was completely unwilling to carry the pink one. To everyone's relief Maddox's guess that 47 boys were in my belly proved incorrect, but naming the kid "Hot Mater" is pretty creative of my nephew. What do you think?

 


 


 


 


I can't believe this girl will have a little brother in less than 4 months!

 


(Thanks again to Melissa at 5M Creations for the cute decor)

Monday, March 19, 2012

What I Have Learned From My Grandma




Heaven gained an angel recently as my beloved grandmother joined my grandfather. Ado was such a classy lady; An amazing cook and an even more amazing mother and grandmother. Words can't do her justice really. After I graduated college I returned home to work for my dad who lives next door to my grandma. My mornings would be spent over coffee and banana bread listening to her words of wisdom. Sound a little too idyllic? It was. Too bad I didn't realize what a gift I had.

Maybe you've heard some of these before, but maybe not. I'll even include a recipe for her cranberry salad.

* True friends don't care if your house is dirty or messy. They're there for your company. And if they do think or say something of it they're not your true friend anyway.
(Somehow she always told me this, but her house is always spotless and perfect..hmmm.)

* If you're a hound dog, be a hound dog all the time. I think she means no one likes someone two faced. I'd rather you be an evil witch all the time than have an alter ego.

* If you REALLY want something you'll find a way to get it. Life's about choices..choose wisely and you'll get everything you wish for.

* Never, ever try out a new recipe on guests.

* Also, never tweak a recipe until you've made it once.

* Glasses make just dandy biscuit cutters. (And rolling pins if necessary)

* Marshmallow creme is the secret to a good meringue.

* Store bought eggs will never make a fluffy cake like farm fresh ones. (Yes, I was spoiled and had fresh eggs up until a few years ago)

* Get up, get showered, and get dressed for the day. It doesn't hurt to put in a full days of house work, or whatever "dolled" up. And you're ready for unexpected guests too!

* Even a barn looks better painted. Ha-I think she might have stole this from someone else.

* Though she never said it I don't think I ever saw her wear pants to church. I still can't. Sundays if I'm in church I"m in a dress or skirt.

* Everyone should put out their own garden, even if its a little one or a tomato plant in a bucket.

* Always overcook and overdress. You never want to be under dressed for an occasion or even worse, run out of food.

* Always ask anyone who enters your home if they'd like anything to drink.

* Cook for your friends! Or the plumber who came and rescued your kitchen sink.

* Good chicken and dumplings start with a fresh hen. (Sorry, but gag-can't do this one)

* A new outfit is the best confidence booster!

* It doesn't take a whole lot of time to pick up everyday, but it will take FOREVER if you let things pile up for a week. Funny, I always think of her when I throw my clothes on the floor.


Ado's Cranberry Salad

Prepare 2 small boxes of raspberry jello according to box directions. Place in refrigerator to begin setting.

Place in a food grinder- 1 bag cranberries, 1 orange (unpeeled and sliced), 1 lemon (unpeeled and sliced). Set aside.

Mix together 3 cups of sugar and 1 large can crushed pineapple (undrained). Stir in 2 cups of chopped pecans.

Once jello begins setting mix all together. Refrigerate overnight.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Oh JCrew, you did it again

I'd say 80% of my wardrobe hails from JCrew. It fits my lifestyle and they sucker me in with their glossy catalog and personal shoppers. Oh, and superior quality and design too.

When I was pregnant with Carsyn I literally had about 5 JCrew sundresses that I lived in.

Thank goodness this spring I see a few growing belly friendly pieces also.



I love that they brought back the Amie dress. I had it last summer and its so versatile. I think you could wear this now with a denim jacket and sperrys.



The Villa dress also look like a wardrobe staple for me. The kelly green color is so vibrant!



I think I could live in this cute little tiered number!




I see this raglan dress with a leather jacket and boots for March and simple ballet flats for Spring.



JCrew features this little shell in their catalog with terry shorts and a cardigan-perfect for the beach!

I purchased a few maternity bathing suits with Carsyn and they were awful. They bunched in the water and never fit correctly. My favorite swim suit was my tankini from JCrew. I think its the perfect amount of coverage without making you feel like a cow. My pick this season is the rosette swing top.



So, do you love their Spring stuff as much as I do?

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Calling All Tuna Lovers!

Its no secret I LOVE tuna...could live on spicy tuna roll and Subway tuna salad. I started making this tuna dip back in high school after a friend's mom and dad loaned me the recipe. I still think of her every time I make it.

Ingredients needed:



(of course any white wine will work...pregnant momma just didn't want to uncork a bottle for a few tablespoons)

The finished product:





(just wanted you to see the consistency)

Tuna Pate'
(5) slices of bacon
(2) 8 oz cream cheese
(2)7 oz canned tuna, drained (I prefer chunk light in water)
(2) tablespoon white wine
(1) tablespoon soy sauce
(2) tablespoon lemon juice
(1) tsp chopped dill
(2) tablespoon chopped parsley

Prepare bacon and crumble

Beat together next 6 ingredients.

Stir in parsley and bacon reserving some bacon to sprinkle on top

Serve with crackers of your choice

Friday, March 2, 2012

Its Baaack!



Back in the fall when I posted this a few of you commented on the dress I was wearing and the fact it was slenderizing...especially for stripes!
Thanks JCrew (and mom) for bringing it back into my life. I'm sure it won't be that flattering this go round, but I couldn't pass it up.

Its the JCrew Maritime Dress (and if KY blue isn't your thing it comes in black stripe too).


Click here to buy.