Tuesday, September 27, 2016

So Easy Posole



This very simple recipe is a family favorite! It is fast and requires minimal prep or cleanup. Even my daughter Ryann loves to help! Shredding the chicken is her favorite part:)

INGREDIENTS 
*5 to 6 cups roasted chicken, shredded (or 2 rotisserie chickens, shredded)
*2 large cans white hominy, rinsed
*Large white onion, coarsely diced
*1-2 jalapeƱos finely diced
*4-6 garlic cloves diced
*10 cups chicken broth
*Fresh squeezed lime juice from four limes
*2 limes cut into wedges for garnish
*Fresh diced cilantro
*Chipotle pepper seasoning (I use 2 teaspoons or more so season to taste)
*2 avocados

*Everything gets cooked in a single stock pot

STEPS
1: Sweat garlic, jalapeƱo, and onion in olive oil until onion is translucent
2: Add hominy and shredded chicken
3: Add chicken broth and chipotle seasoning
4: Toss in 3/4 of chopped cilantro
5: Bring to simmer then turn to low until ready to serve
6: Add fresh lime juice prior to serving. (If you add it to soon, it cooks off and you can't taste it.)
7: Throw avocado, a pinch of cilantro, and a pinch of chipotle seasoning on top once bowled. Squeeze some lime on top and you're ready to go!

Monday, September 26, 2016

Pregnancy Update: 18+3 Weeks


HOW FAR ALONG: 18+3 weeks.

HIS SIZE: 7 inches, 5.5 inches long; the size of a sweet potato

WEIGHT GAIN: 10 lbs. Lost a pound this week.

SLEEP: Not too bad. I feel like I am sleeping better the week than last.

SYPMTOMS: I have been extra emotional this past week. In addition to some unexpected personal stuff going on this, I can definitely feel the impact of the pregnancy hormones. The "fun" rollercoaster of growing a baby! In all honesty though, I do really enjoy being pregnant.

STRETCH MARKS: Zero.

MOVEMENT: Off and on. Wish it was more consistent because feeling him move sure is reassuring!

THREE THINGS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW: 
1: Milestone Blankets by BATZkids ($33) - This super cute blanket is gong to be such a fun way to track this pregnancy! And it is perfect that there is already a loop sewed in at the top for easy hanging. Follow them on Instagram @batzkidshttps://www.instagram.com/batzkids/.

2Zoe's Kitchen - I cannot get enough of this place right now. My current fav is the greek salad with chicken. I am ok with eating here a few times a week since it is on the healthier side. Anything has to be better than when I was pregnant with Ryann and eating two Chick-fil-a sandwiches three times a week.

3The Voice - So pumped this show is back on! I am loving me some Alicia Keys and Miley Cyrus.

BOOKS I AM READING [OR LISTENING TO]:
          

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Pregnancy Update: 17+2 Weeks

HOW FAR ALONG: 17+2 weeks. I feel like it has taken FOREVER to get this far! I would by no means consider myself a patient person so watching the weeks tick by has been a bit of a struggle. I have had to consciously tell my self to relax and enjoy the process several times a day. I am hoping my increased focus on medication and prayer will continue to curb my anxiety.

HIS SIZE: 5 inches; the size of a pomegranate

WEIGHT GAIN: 11 lbs. The dreaded weight gain. I was much more aware of gaining weight the first time I was pregnant with Ryann because I was not sure what to expect. Knowing that I gained 35 pounds with her has helped me come to terms with the fact that I will likely gain about the same this time. The good new is, if all thing remain equal to the last time, I lost all the weight by about 3 weeks postpartum. Thank you genetics and breastfeeding!

SLEEP: Aside from the peeing, rolling around, headaches and overactive mind, just OK. I have been trying to go to bed earlier (8:30-9ish) because I am finding that I am waking up much earlier (4 AM) regardless of when I go to sleep. And I am the kind of person that NEEDS 7-8 hours of sleep or I struggle all day long. I am considering investing in a maternity pillow but am still not 100% sold.

SYMPTOMS: H-E-A-D-A-C-H-E-S!!! And they are unpleasant and nearly debilitating at their worst. I had similar issues when I pregnant with Ryann but these seem to be more intense and tend to last longer. I did talk to my doctor and she prescribed me a prescription migraine medicine (apparently safe for pregnancy). Considering that is the number one ingredient in migraine medicine is caffeine, I decided to self-medicate by increasing my coffee intake. The side effects from the prescription were just a bit to scary for me to risk. While not enjoyable at this time, I am so thankful that I do not experience migraines or headaches when I am not pregnant and am so much more emphatic for this that do.

STRETCH MARKS: Zero. I was lucky enough not to get stretch marks with Ryann and I am hoping that trend continues. Again, than you genetics!

MOVEMENT: Off and on. Sometimes I feel like a hand mixer is churning in abdomen and other time he seems pretty still (or I am just to preoccupied to notice).

THREE THINGS I AM LOVING RIGHT NOW: 
1Mario Badescu Glycolic Acid Toner ($18) - This stuff is the best! I really struggled with pesky breakouts on my chin during the first trimester and this cleared them right up. It also combats fine lines. Some may see "glycolic acid" and freak. Don't worry, I did my homework. Both my dermatologist and OB said that it is safe as long as there is less than 10% concentration. This product only contains 2% gycolic acid concentration so it is well within that margin. If you need more info, check out this medical journal article. That being said, I am not a medical professional so always touch base with your doctor, as I did, if you have concerns.

2: Sephora Super Supreme Body Butter ($26) - The super creamy, super awesome lotion is formulated WITHOUT parabens, sulfates and phthalates. These are No No's for me and I am so thankful my sister recommended this product.

3Amazing Grass Green Superfood Chocolate ($54 for 100 Servings) - My girls who have been pregnant before know why this made the list. And if this is your first pregnancy, buy this fast! This is part of my morning routine and I do not miss a serving. Most greens products are unbearable and taste like grass. The chocolate flavoring in this makes it easy to get down.

BOOKS I AM READING [OR LISTENING TO]:
          

Saturday, September 17, 2016

Halloween: Alice in Wonderland


I was looking back through my Instagram yesterday and reflecting on how much Ryann had grown up in the past few month. As I scrolled, I stumbled upon our Halloween pictures from last year. Those who know us well are very familiar with our love for all things Disney. Last year during this time, Ryann was obsessed with Alice in Wonderland. Slightly strange for a 3 year old to have such a deep interest in one of Disney's darkest and most bizarre films but that is her, always marching to the beat of her own drummer. Anyway, these pics got me thinking about what in the world we would dress up as this year. Jeremiah and I really do love to dress up with her and partake in the storytelling process of becoming someone new for a night. Since I am not feeling inspired with any costume ideas, I think I will just sit and enjoy last years memories:) 
MAD HATTER COSTUME: Amazon // QUEEN OF HEARTS COSTUME: Amazon // QUEEN OF HEARTS WIG: Amazon  //  ACE OF SPAIDS COSTUME: Amazon  // ALICE COSTUME: Amazon // CHESHIRE CAT COSTUME: Amazon
(Can you tell we love Amazon?)



Wednesday, September 7, 2016

Free Download - Believe in Your Selfie

Who doesn't love a selfie? I did a custom set of these a few years ago for my co-workers to hang in their office. Why not share! Get the free jpg and pdf download HERE.


Monday, September 5, 2016

It's A...

Pregnancy Announcement

This past weekend, Jeremiah and I were finally ready to share our BIG news. We are pregnant and having a BOY! After having only shared this pregnancy with family and close friends, it feels so good to be able to acknowledge our joy publicly. Like most anxious pregnant ladies, I wanted to hold off with announcing until after the first trimester. I am happy to say I am 14 weeks and half weeks and all is going well.

While there are so many Pinterest ideas on how to announce a pregnancy, we decided to capitalize on our daughters obsession with balloons and go all out with baby blue. We also decided to use the book, Little Miss, Big Sis. We bought this for Ryann when we found out I was pregnant and have loved reading it over and over as a family.

We are excited to embark on this journey of growing our sweet family!