Snack Attack Smoothie

February 3, 2015

6 weeks post baby and I have learned that the day slips away from you. One moment you are feeding your baby at 5:30 am, then you blink and you are rocking your baby after multiple diaper changes, additional feedings and cooing sessions and the clock reads 3:30 pm. It is easy to not eat at all or eat really badly. I will admit… I am a sucker for Oreo’s and will sneak to the cupboard for one here and there throughout the day and then suddenly I realize, I have eaten half a sleeve.

So, eating healthy is essential for loosing the baby weight, maintaining energy and just overall feeling good about yourself. For me, smoothies are my healthy snack go-to. They are easy to make, they pack a lot of punch (since you can combine a bunch of nutrients into one drink) and the possibilities are really endless (so, no boredom here!)

When the snack monster attacks, well I enjoy fighting back with a smoothie creation. Here are two I recently created. Enjoy!

Banana Berry Smoothie:
Serves 2

1 Cup of Frozen Blueberries
6 Large Strawberries
1 Banana
1 Cup of Almond Milk – Original

Combine the blueberries, strawberries, banana and almond milk in a blender and mix until well blended. Serve up!

Pineapple Banana Smoothie:
Serves 2

1 Cup of Frozen Pineapple
1 Banana
1 Yoplait Strawberry Banana Yogurt
1 Cup of 2% Milk

Combine the pineapple, banana, yogurt and milk in a blender and mix until well blended. Serve up!

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Welcome To The World

January 31, 2015

I was 35 weeks the night I made my way to Labor and Delivery. I was scared. You were my first pregnancy and you were providing all the symptoms associated with early labor. All day at work I tried to hide the discomfort I felt, as lower back pain radiated to my belly and numbed my legs. In fact, twice that day I found myself in the bathroom, pacing, thinking “this baby is coming. I am not ready.”

I mustered the energy and composure to host a property tour of 14+ people. Walking the resort hoping my water did not break in front of a group of complete strangers. When it ended that afternoon I made my way, waddling, I completely agree with the description of a pregnant woman’s walk in her late trimester, and called my Doctor. “You need to go to Labor and Delivery.”

At 35 weeks the nurse thought I was just dehydrated but after some water and monitoring I was informed I was indeed having contractions as close as two to six minutes apart. You did not make your appearance though that night. Instead two more weeks passed. Some days the pain stayed the same; other days the pain intensified. Every day was different. One thing that remained the same… I knew you were ready to enter this world.

And, into the world you came, still early at 37 weeks.

It all happened so fast. My water broke just like the movies, which now makes me laugh, because in reading, only about 14% of women’s water breaks naturally. After a few for hours of labor, we found out a C-section was necessary. Looking back, I already find myself foggy on certain aspects of the night. Although, two moments are clearly embedded in my mind. Like looking through a blurry lens and watching everything come into perspective. The moment I first laid eyes on you as they revealed you to us from behind the curtain. Let me tell you now, it does exist… love at first sight. I also never knew tears like that existed. Tears that come from a portion of your heart that is tucked away, reserved for bliss. The second moment occurred when I first held you. Through the grogginess of surgery and medicines, my world stood still when I looked into your eyes. It was the first moment they locked, yet I felt like I had known you forever.

These first few weeks have been filled with so much emotion. Pure love, moments of frustration, immense joy and overwhelming exhaustion. As you experience your firsts in this world, so too am I.

Who knew you could hold a conversation with another human being without saying a word? Or develop this superhuman power of reading someone’s mind and mannerisms to know just what they need. Speaking of needs… it is the first time I have ever felt what it is like to truly be needed and the pride of meeting those needs.

Your milestones while small in scale to this big ol’ world are huge to me. The first time I realized you knew my or your daddy’s voice, watching you search for one of us speaking in a room and that smile, oh that sweet smile.

I have cried right alongside you. Rocking you. Praying for us both. Even muttering – “It is me and you, learning as we go. You have never been a baby before and I never a mother.” We always seem to get through though.

As a person who has always been on-the-go, you little one have allowed me to let go. It is the first time I have been okay with the piles of laundry at the foot of the bed and growing dishes in the sink. I don’t quite care as I allow you to sleep on my chest because being close to you is all that matters in this world.

I never understood living in the moment until you. It is the first time, the clock does not really matter. Time is just time. My day is based on you and your needs. No one else’s. It is also the first time I have felt selflessness win over selfishness.

We have accomplished a lot together these past weeks. Together we are learning and growing.

I prepared my whole pregnancy to welcome you into the world but what I did not prepare for was that it would actually be you welcoming me into the world. A world I did not know existed before you. A world full of so much more happiness and emotion. A world with fulfillment and purpose. A much, much, much better world.

What I Wore: Week 29

October 27, 2014

Week 29! Eek! Actually, tomorrow is Week 30. I remember early on with the pregnancy thinking about the weeks that I am experiencing now just seeming so far away and now when I look back, I feel like then was such a long time ago. Overall, I am just surprised how quickly time is flying by. It is amazing how you look at time when you put it into perspective. If someone said, “You leave for your tropical vacation in 10 weeks,” you would think, “That is forever away!” However, when you think, “I have 10 weeks to go with my pregnancy.” The excitement of nearing the single digits and being so close to meeting this baby, you can’t help but think, “I got this!”

One thing though that I am trying really hard to say “I got,” is dressing my new body. I have very few maternity items. I am trying so very hard to not spend a lot of money on such clothes, but there are some key pieces, or must haves in my opinion. I am saving some money by trying to work with what I got. Sometimes I pair it with a maternity item, and other times I can rely on pre-pregnancy items to work. Here is what i wore during week 29.

Pants: Leggings (Lauren Conrad – Kohls)
Top: Button-up (GAP)
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats (Payless)
Scarf: Gift
Jewelry: Watch (Michael Kors) and Bracelet (TJ MAXX)

Dress: Maternity Long-Sleeve (Liz Lange – Target)
Hose: Previous Owned (Vera Bradley – Kohls)
Shoes: Mary Janes (Kohls)
Belt: Black Belt (Mossimo Supply Co – Target)
Jewelry: Bracelet (Gift) and Necklace (Owned for so long, I forget where I purchased)

What I Wore: Week 27

October 13, 2014

So, I am really putting it out there with today’s post. When I first found out we were expecting, I threw myself into reading and researching. I remember the very early weeks becoming quite overwhelmed. The more I read, the more I felt like I should have been preparing for baby long before I knew there was a baby. I remember thinking… “how am I going to have enough time to accomplish all I need to do?”

Slowly, as time went by and the weeks past I learned that you just have to take it day by day. You will feel overwhelmed some days and other days you will simply enjoy the process of being pregnant. One thing I focus on is the things I can control, which is taking care of myself. From trying to eat healthy, getting rest and quite frankly making myself feel good. Your body changes and I will be the first to admit that it has not been easy. Aches and pains that accompany pregnancy and then the selfish thoughts of “will I ever go back to my pre-pregnancy self?” enter my mind as I stand in the mirror. Again, taking everything day by day seems to really help. Some days I am tired and miserable and other days I feel such an inner glow and truly enjoy this time. I think it is natural for most women.

I bring all of this up because superficially, making yourself feel good, really can have an impact on your pregnancy. I feel better when I get up and do my hair, put on make-up and dress my best than I do on days when I lounge in sweatpants with a messy bun on my head. Maybe it is just me? But I feel more myself put together. Now don’t get me wrong… there are days when sweatpants are the answer and believe after a long day at work, the first thing I do is go home and change into lounge wear.

Dressing a pregnant body can be hard. Especially when you work in a field where professional attire is required. It is also hard when you are stubborn like me and are trying to watch your every dollar by making your current clothing work and not spending a fortune on maternity. I did break down and buy Maternity Jeans and oh my goodness… heaven! Do yourself a favor ladies… accept it and enjoy the pure bliss of comfortableness.

As I mentioned before I have thrown myself into reading and searching the internet. I LOVE the many week by week pregnancy blogs out there. It is super helpful to hear what other women are going through especially during the week you are in. I even found myself in those early stages excited at the thought of dressing myself as my body changed. Now here I am! So, here are a few outfits I wore during week 27:

Dress: Black Summer Maxi from Target
Sweater: Cardigan from Target
Belt: Target
Shoes: Black, Open-Toe Flats from Payless
Jewelry: Silver Bracelet (Cannot remember where I bought. I have owned for awhile)

None of the items in this outfit are maternity, so you really can work with what you have to make an outfit work. I love summer dresses! They are great paired with tights or leggings or a sweater to push them through the Fall and Winter seasons.

Jeans: Motherhood Maternity
Tank Top: Gap
Sweater: Cardigan from Gap
Shoes: Steve Madden Boots
Scarf: Purchased for me as a Christmas Gift. Not sure the brand.
Jewelry: Watch from Michael Kors and Necklace from the Jennifer Lopez Collection at Kohl’s

With this outfit, the only thing maternity is the jeans. Everything is items I wore before I was pregnant. Tops that you own that were once flowy are now perfect when your pregnant. That is what i did with the Tank Top in this this outfit.

Do you have any fashion advice for dressing when pregnant? If so, share in the comments below!

Easy Weeknight Buffalo Chicken Pizza

October 7, 2014

Let’s face it… if you are anything like me, then you are hungry when you get home from work, yet there is no Chef waiting for you. I always tell my husband that if we ever won the lottery the first thing I would do would be hire a Chef. I know… you are probably thinking, “Your Blog is about cooking and your recipes?” I know! I know! I mean I do enjoy to cook, but I am also pretty tired after a long day and sometimes I wish dinner awaited me, ready to just eat when I walked through the door.

But so far, no lottery winner here and dinner must be made. So, if I can find a quick and easy weeknight recipe that is also delicious… I am sold forever. That is the case with my Buffalo Chicken Pizza.

I mean look at it. Isn’t it just delicious looking?

Well, it is! Such an easy recipe and in my opinion better than any Buffalo Chicken Pizza I have eaten out at a Restaurant.

BUFFALO CHICKEN PIZZA:

1 Pre-made Store Bought Pizza Dough
1 Cup of Franks Hot Sauce
1/3 Stick of Butter
1/2 Cup of Blue Cheese Dressing – I use Marzetti Chunky Blue Cheese
1 Package of Pre-Cooked Chicken
1 1/2 Cups of Mozzarella Cheese
Handful of Crumble Blue Cheese

Pre-heat the oven to 400 degrees. Start by spreading 1/2 a cup of Blue Cheese Dressing over the Pizza Dough. Then layer on 1 cup of the Mozzarella Cheese. In a microwave safe bowl, melt 1/3 stick of Butter. Add 1 cup of Franks Hot Sauce to the Butter and stir. Add the Pre-Cooked Chicken to the Butter and Hot Sauce and allow it to soak up the sauce for about a minute or two. Then using a fork, add the Chicken to the top of the Pizza, which was layered with Mozzarella Cheese. Be sure to spread evenly. Once the Chicken is added, using your fork, sprinkle or splatter some of the Butter and Hot Sauce mixture onto the Pizza. Please do not dump left over sauce. This will make for a soggy pizza. Add the remaining 1/2 a cup of Mozzarella Cheese to the top of the Chicken. This helps in making everything stick. Sprinkle a handful of Crumbled Blue Cheese to top. Place the Pizza directly on the top oven rack and place a baking sheet on the rack below to catch any food. Cook for about 15 minutes.

Loaded Baked Potato Soup

September 16, 2014

There is a nice crisp to the air these days and with it I have shut my once open all the time windows, contemplated turning on the heat (though I did not), broke out two pairs of boots and took to the stove to make soup. I think Fall has returned. Well not officially but in my home and heart it has.

There is just something about a bowl of homemade soup and being curled up in your favorite sweater that just screams excitement to me these days. I do love Fall so maybe that is the reason, but is am sporting a new accessory these days. A baby bump! So, I figure that too has a lot to do with it.

I have been a bit MIA from my Blog due to the sudden change in my status. We officially announced we are welcoming a little one the first part of January over our Vacation this summer. See announcement.

Now that a I well into my second trimester and things have started to settle, oh and the fact that I made a delicious bowl of soup the other night… I thought to myself, “I really need to get back to the blog.” And, how fitting the name I loved and chose for my Blog will now grow with my ever growing belly as I add motherhood to the daily juggle of life. My husband is actually the one to credit as he asked me, “Are you still doing your Blog? You should include this recipe.” Don’t be intimidated by the length of ingredients. It really is easy and whips up in no time. It is super thick though, so if you like a thinner soup, I would cut some of the flour and sour cream. So, here it goes…

LOADED BAKED POTATO SOUP

5-6 Russet Potatoes

4 Cups of Chicken Broth

1/2 Yellow Onion – Diced

2 Tbsp, plus 2/3 Cup of Butter

2/3 Cup of Flour

3 Cups of Milk

6 Slices of Bacon

8 oz. Of Sour Cream

1 1/2 Cups of Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese

4 Green Onion Stalks – Diced

Salt and Pepper to Taste

Peel and chop 5-6 potatoes and boil in 2-3 cups water and 2 cups of Chicken Broth. I also add a dash of salt. Drain and set aside. I bake my bacon. Funny huh? I learned this trick from my sister in-law. Place the slices of bacon on a baking sheet lined with foil and place in oven. No sprays, nothing needed. The bacon will cook in its own grease. Do not pre-heat the oven. The bacon should go in cold and heat with the oven. Once bacon is in, set bake to 400 degrees and bake for 10-15 minutes. Dice 1/2 of a Yellow Onion and cook until translucent in stock pot with about 2 Tbsp of Butter. Once cooked remove from pot and set aside. In same stock pot, over medium-high heat, add 2/3 cup of Butter and 2/3 cup of Flour, mix into roux. Once combined, add the remaining 2 cups of Chicken Broth and 3 cups of milk, whisk and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for about 5 minutes, while stirring. Add Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese and Sour Cream and whisk. Once combined, add cooked potatoes and onions. Chop up 4 of the Bacon slices and 3 of the Green Onions and mix in. Garnish your bowls of soup with the other 2 pieces of Bacon crumbled and the remaining Green Onion diced. Enjoy!

Mommy Dear

June 24, 2014

I titled my blog post today “Mommy Dear,” because as the story goes as a child I without any prompting referred to my Mom as just that. After time, “Mommy Dear” must have wore off because my memory has always been of calling her “Mom.”

Although, I think back to that name and smile because she is so very dear. And, just like most little kids go through the stage of calling their mother, “Mommy,” then graduating to “Mom” when it no longer becomes cool, my mom however, for the most part (except those weird pre-teen years) has always been cool to me.

My mom has always been my best friend and confidant. Through the awful middle school and high school years with the petty girl drama, when one week you had a best friend and then the next an enemy, my Mom was always there. When someone broke my heart, it was my Mom who always came to the rescue to boost my broken confidence. For the not so proud moments, Mom showcased her disappointment but never missed the opportunity to show her love. And, for every proud moment I had, my Mom was my biggest fan.

Being the oldest of five, she not only gets to be called the title of “Mom” from four other kids, but she also gets the stress and worry that comes with being a Mom of five kids. And, as much as I praise her now, she doesn’t always get all the credit, but bares a lot of the brunt from grumpy kids. They say you hurt the ones you love the most and my Mom has had to endure many of our bad days.

But she is resilient and the most selfless person I know. Always giving up her time and energy towards her kids and to her loved ones. One of my favorite stories that showcases my Mom’s act of kindness was right after I accepted a promotion at the company I currently work for. I was heading in for my first day in the new role and had a big meeting. As I was walking into work I noticed blue streaks all over my light tan slacks. It wasn’t until I got in the door and a co-worker gasped that I realized my husband who is notorious for having pens in his pockets must have washed my slacks with his jeans and a busted pen. Blue ink all across my pants stood between me and my 10 am meeting. I called my Mom, because of course that is the first thing you do with a Mom like mine and she said, “what do you need me to do?” I knew I was pushing it when I responded, “go to my house and grab a new pair of slacks and drive them to me?” I work an hour away, but guess what without a sigh or complaint, to the rescue she came!

So, today, I celebrate you on your Birthday and say – thank you and mean it, for years and years of love. You truly are a dear Mommy to me and my siblings. We are blessed and lucky! Love you.

The Perfect Beach Cover Ups

June 20, 2014

On the eve of the first official day of summer, let’s get our excitement levels up as we swoon over the return of a great season. Life is better in the summer. I always feel healthier, have a little more pep in my step and enjoy the carefreeness that comes with the season. Who is with me?

With vacations in the near future, I find myself more concerned and excited over the perfect beach cover-up than the swimsuit itself. Think about it – you are showing off your cover-up more than your actual suit in most cases. I mean we choose this assemble for that very reason – to cover us up from our itsy bitsy teeny bikinis.

I get more excited over cover-up fashions than swimwear and this season there are some great cover-up finds.

1 – ASOS Cold Shoulder Beach Cover Up | $38.11
First, this one looks like an adorable dress. Paired with some wedge heels, this cover-up can take you from day to night as to hit the local hot spots or beach bars. Plus, the color is perfect for the season! Remember my Pantone Spring Fashion Report round-up? It is that Dazzling Blue.

2 – Forever 21 Floral Swim Cover Up | $15.80
Can you beat this price? I think not! Plus, bold colors and bold prints are very much in trend this season.

3 – Anthropolgie Offshore Caftan | $120
This would be my summer splurge! I adore everything about this cover-up. It is distinctly feminine, un-restrictive and reminds me of the perfect go-to as you walk the beach at night.

4 – Victoria’s Secret Relaxed Linen Pant | Orig. $49.50 – Sale $39.50
I love everything about this look. Particularly the word “relaxed.” That is just what a beach vacation or day at the pool should be… relaxing. With this outfit, you don’t have to care, but you look good doing it!

Happy Summer!

Let’s Talk… Stromboli

June 10, 2014

It has been awhile… I know! I am ashamed to say that I have neglected you and I am here to make things right. You know the saying, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach?” Well, let’s just say I am playing that card right now.

Busy week nights are the worse, aren’t they? I mean you are busy all day only to get home to more to-do’s that need done. Dinner shouldn’t be stressful, but it can be, so, I try my very best to plan ahead and schedule “easy” meals on weeknights.

Let’s talk… Stromboli! This is an all-time, go-to favorite for when I have had enough but still want a nice meal. I must point out too that this is one of my little sister, Liv’s favorite, so it is kid-approved.

EVERYTHING PUT THE KITCHEN SINK STROMBOLI:
Serves 2-4

1 – Pizza Crust Dough
1 Cup of Mozzarella Cheese
6 Slices of Sandwich Pepperoni or you could substitute Regular Pepperoni’s
3-4 Slices Deli Ham – Diced
Handful – Hormel Real Bacon Bits
1/2 Green Pepper – Sliced
1/2 Yellow Pepper – Sliced
1/2 Small Red Pepper – Diced
Oregano to Taste
Basil to Taste
Garlic Salt to Taste
Pepper to Taste

Start by pre-heating the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a baking sheet with Pam and unroll the Pizza Dough Crust. Spread out the dough to make a large rectangle shape. You will want to add all you ingredients down the center of the dough, leaving about three inches of dough per side free to fold at the end. Add 1/2 cup of mozzarella down the center of the dough, lengthwise. Then add your filling. I usually fill by layering Sandwich Pepperoni Slices, diced Deli Ham, sliced Green and Yellow Peppers, Bacon Bits, diced Red Onion and the other 1/2 cup of cheese. Then season the filling to taste with Oregano, Basil, Garlic Salt and Pepper. Fold one side over filling and then fold the second side over and pinch the dough so it sticks. Fold both ends, width-wise back so that the filling is covered by the dough. Carefully flip so that the seams are down on the baking sheet. With a knife cut four slits in the top of the dough and then sprinkle to dough with Oregano, Basil, Garlic Salt and Pepper to taste. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and cook through. I cut mine into sliced width-wise and serve with a side of Marinara.

This is such a fun and easy recipe! Plus, you can change it up. Try Ham and Cheddar Cheese filling or Philly Cheese Steak with beef sirloin, mozzarella, onion and peppers. Share your variations in the comment section below!

Clean Eating And Healthy Snacks

May 20, 2014

I am a snacker. There I said it. I like to snack pretty much… well, a lot of the time. Especially in that 10 am and 2 pm time frame. It is like clockwork. My body is yelling – “feed me!” And, I usually oblige. The key however, to snacking is choosing the right foods.

If you have been joining me on my Blog journey you may have read my post – Belly And Food – Love/Hate Relationship. There I introduced you to my quest to adopted a healthy lifestyle through Clean Eating. A lot of times I get asked – “Well, what can you snack on?” I will admit, when I first started this journey I asked myself that question too. My biggest struggle was my work week. Having an office job, you get stuck behind your desk all day and with the crazy hours and deadlines came skipped meals or really poor meals on the fly. I felt like crap.

However, once I invested the time to learn more about Clean Eating, I realized that it was foods I already loved but needed to look at differently. I always tell people my biggest struggle was with my sweet tooth. I always crave chocolate at the end of the day. But guess what? It was all mental. My body was hungry but it really didn’t have to have chocolate. I found the sweetness in fruit, well, it did just the same thing as a candy bar except this time my hips were yelling – “Yeah, take that chocolate!” and “You go girl!”

Snacking has actually become easy! I find now I am in a routine during the work week and my biggest struggle is maintaining through the weekend. I decided to round up some of my favorites to share with you.

1 – Bananas! They are my top favorite. I love fruit, so this was very easy, but I chose bananas because they are easy to transport. You just throw in your lunchbox or even purse and go!

2 – String Cheese – I love me some String Cheese. It is portable and offers a great source of calcium.

3 – Clementines. Oh my darlin’, oh my darlin’, oh my darlin’ Clementine. I pack just for the song! Nah, again a super easy fruit on the go. These are my perfect mid-afternoon snack when the sweet tooth kicks in.

4 – Hard Boiled Eggs – Yes. It is true. Hard Boiled Eggs are low in calories and high in nutrition, containing a great source of protein.

5 – Hummus. Yum! Pair with some Pretzels or Pita Chips and let’s have a party! Hummus is made with chickpeas which are a great source of complex carbohydrates and protein.

6 – Edamame – Cook ahead of time and sprinkle with some sea salt. It is a wonderfully addictive treat.

7 – KIND Bars! These are my go-to! The Oats and Honey tastes like a Rice Krispie treat too!

Please comment below on your favorite Clean Eating Snacks!