tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48961955958670626132024-02-19T08:29:31.507-08:00Anna GraceAnnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.comBlogger50125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-23805270199745410332015-10-24T11:59:00.001-07:002015-10-24T11:59:45.119-07:00Healthy Snacks For Breastfeeding Moms<div style="text-align: center;">
Breastfeeding is one of the things that has been hardest for me lately. For the first two and a half months of Mary's life, I had a huge oversupply. Then one day without warning it plummeted, and I haven't been able to get it quite back up to par. </div>
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Besides pumping after feedings and taking a lactation support supplement, I have been trying to eat more healthfully. We are healthy eaters to begin with. Our diet consists almost exclusively of whole foods, largely fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and organic lean poultry and fish. What dairy products we consume are organic, and we try to avoid white sugar and flour like the plague.</div>
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But I have learned that I have a bad habit of not eating enough during the day.</div>
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It is not at all unusual for me to skip breakfast and lunch and only eat dinner. This has never been because I'm trying to lose weight, but just because I often don't feel hungry, and so forget to eat. Of course this is not healthy under any circumstances, but especially not when I am also nursing my baby.</div>
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So over the last two months, I have been on a mission to find some easy and nutritious snacks to keep me going throughout the day. </div>
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Here are a few of my favorites:</div>
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These <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/no-bake-energy-bites/" target="_blank">No Bake Energy Bites</a> are not only delicious, but are packed with healthy fats and ingredients that help to boost lactation. These are so easy and quick to make that I try to always have some in our fridge. Made with peanut butter, honey, oats, flax, coconut and dark chocolate, these balls are so rich that I can only manage one or two at a time. They are delicious with a cold glass of almond milk!<br />
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This trail mix is probably my all time favorite snack. We used to buy it already packaged, but I realized that the ingredients are so simple it was just as easy, and cheaper, to make my own. This mix would be so easy to alter for any one's taste. I like to use: raw almonds, raw cashews, raw peanuts, dried cranberries, dried cherries, and dark chocolate. (We love the Lindt 80% Cacao bars)</div>
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Greek yogurt is another incredibly easy and tasty snack. We like to buy the Greek God's Plain Yogurt (not the low fat one, I'm needing those healthy fats in a major way to keep my milk supply up) We love to slice up a banana, add a handful of granola, and sweeten with a little drizzle of raw honey or agave. Some other favorite ingredients are blueberries, raspberries, or pomegranates. So yummy!</div>
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When I'm needing a little protein, I love to make up some chicken salad and top it with an avocado and some goat or feta cheese. (healthy fats again) You could easily add this to a bed of lettuce and spinach, a sandwich, or a wrap for a more substantial meal.</div>
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I also drink a lot of smoothies. There are tons of "Lactation Smoothie" recipes all over the internet. My favorite ones usually include peanut butter and cacao, of course. :)</div>
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All of these snacks are also things I put in my husband's lunchbox all the time, these are not just good for the nursing mama!</div>
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I would love any other ideas for some fast, easy, and healthy snacks. Leave a comment below!</div>
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Blessings, </div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-63355849788650247332015-10-08T08:00:00.000-07:002015-10-08T08:00:01.360-07:00First Weeks of Motherhood~ Being a New Mom is Hard<div style="text-align: center;">
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Being a mom is hard. </div>
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I knew a lot about babies before Mary was born.</div>
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I have seven younger siblings, I worked as a nanny for years, </div>
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and have spent countless hours babysitting throughout my lifetime.</div>
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I had pretty realistic expectations going into this.</div>
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So the sleepless nights, and the endless demand on my time and my body were no surprise to me.</div>
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What was surprising to me was that I am not as strong or as tough as I thought. </div>
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Being a mom is <i>hard.</i></div>
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Not sleeping is<i> hard.</i></div>
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Breastfeeding is <i>hard</i>.</div>
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Learning to live with your post-baby body is <i>hard.</i></div>
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Trying to get everything done is <i>hard.</i></div>
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Pretending that you've got it all together is <i>hard.</i></div>
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<i>(Notice the unfolded laundry.....)</i><br />
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But you know what?</div>
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Being a mom is beautiful.</div>
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Quiet stillness in the middle of the night when you are soothing your child back to sleep is beautiful.</div>
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The special bond of nursing your baby is beautiful.</div>
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Learning to reject the world's standard of beauty and<br />
learning to accept the amazing things your body has done is beautiful.</div>
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Sometimes, choosing to give your little one a little extra time and letting the laundry and dishes pile</div>
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up<i> just for a little while</i> is beautiful.</div>
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And sometimes in accepting that you don't have it all together you learn that Christ is beautiful.<br />
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This time is far too short. Already I regret the times I haven't cherished each moment enough.<br />
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Being a mom is beautiful.<br />
It makes me more beautiful:<br />
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It forces me to be selfless.<br />
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It forces me to be humble; when my daughter fusses endlessly through Sunday's sermon.<br />
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It forces me to let things go occasionally; I tend to stress when the house isn't clean, the laundry and dishes aren't done, dinner isn't ready, or whatever. Of course those things are my responsibility to keep up, but the earth keeps turning if the dishes don't get done one day.<br />
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It makes me evaluate myself; our children are our mirrors. Little reflections of our strengths and flaws. That terrifies me.<br />
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Yes, being a mom is hard.<br />
But it is more than worth it.<br />
It is a high and lovely calling.<br />
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So if you are a new mom, be encouraged. What are you struggling with most?<br />
If you are a much wiser and more experienced mom,<br />
please feel free to offer us your words of wisdom!<br />
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Leave your comments below.<br />
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Thank you for reading!!<br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-79469872389850817782015-10-06T14:10:00.001-07:002015-10-06T15:18:30.810-07:00Three Month Baby Updates and Happenings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's so hard to believe that the three month mark has already come and gone. </div>
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My little girl is growing up too fast. </div>
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Does anyone know how to slow it down?</div>
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Please tell me!</div>
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As of today, Mary Joy weighs 14.4 lbs.</div>
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She sleeps well at night, usually only waking up once around 2:00 am.</div>
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She doesn't nap very well during the day, unless someone is holding her. </div>
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She learned how to roll over just a few days ago, and is now a pro.</div>
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Once she has rolled over, she usually pulls her knees up underneath her and sticks her little bottom up in the air.... this girl is going to be crawling before we know it!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-IGWCqSA7t401ORx261Gcntuzrr8oC9awi19YTNxT9bhpbFHsWOcA_I5lBRBrlPqGJdaBgTqSA6ursEVdSaPII6u4OVFX57FX9OKQzvwvb2mqAyi3K56muqu_3Z56isVBX3Zt_EKYurG/s1600/2015-10-03+17.41.13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-IGWCqSA7t401ORx261Gcntuzrr8oC9awi19YTNxT9bhpbFHsWOcA_I5lBRBrlPqGJdaBgTqSA6ursEVdSaPII6u4OVFX57FX9OKQzvwvb2mqAyi3K56muqu_3Z56isVBX3Zt_EKYurG/s640/2015-10-03+17.41.13.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She is growing more and more interested in her toys, especially one bright pink rattle.</div>
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She loves to look at everything....</div>
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Sometimes when she is fussy, Scott will carry her around the house stopping for a few minutes in front of every piece of artwork, this will keep her happy for as long as he is willing to keep it up.</div>
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Along the same lines, she loves to look at books, photos, magazines, toys, peoples clothing, </div>
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anything and everything.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS_lIUsHBdXGMk8a7SZ4HSe7-Hn84ta3MO4ZNA2nNB1NRGU2aYKmvapsc0zRZSnUJa4haeALGxm7lsjNe1SnvHJX3_VWkn89etLX_uzvtFud5IXNUmIQ7L0GDWZxYJYcF3d7ajvL0gw29/s1600/2015-10-03+17.42.40.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKS_lIUsHBdXGMk8a7SZ4HSe7-Hn84ta3MO4ZNA2nNB1NRGU2aYKmvapsc0zRZSnUJa4haeALGxm7lsjNe1SnvHJX3_VWkn89etLX_uzvtFud5IXNUmIQ7L0GDWZxYJYcF3d7ajvL0gw29/s640/2015-10-03+17.42.40.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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She loves to make spit bubbles, </div>
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and put anything she can get her hands on into her mouth.</div>
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She hates her car seat and cries as soon as we set her inside it, and cries until we take her out.</div>
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This is by far our biggest challenge with her yet. </div>
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It makes running errands a nightmare, and going out miserable.</div>
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I am hoping that in the next few weeks as she gets better at using her hands, I can keep her happy by passing her new toys as we go.</div>
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We have tried a number of things, but haven't found anything that has helped yet.</div>
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Cloth diapering is going so well. We love it. </div>
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We use a combination of bumGenius 4.0's and Thirsties Duo Wraps with organic cotton flats.</div>
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I am working on a post about our system and how we like the products we use.</div>
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Breastfeeding has gotten a lot harder lately.</div>
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But we are still going strong.</div>
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I'll try to do a post about that too.</div>
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Finally, and our most exciting update, is about Elimination Communication.</div>
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Mary is doing so well, and I can't help but be proud of her.</div>
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Before she was born I read the book <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Free-Baby-Natural-Training-Alternative/dp/0061229709/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1444164660&sr=1-1&keywords=diaper+free+baby" target="_blank">The Diaper Free Baby</a> and decided we'd give it a go.</div>
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At first I was too overwhelmed with being a mom to try it, but as we got into a routine, I worked on it every now and then. But one day it just clicked. </div>
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She used her little potty for the first time and was so visibly happy about it that from then on, I was pretty hooked. </div>
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Another post coming in the future with more details on that too.</div>
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For now, she uses the toilet several times every day, and is getting better at it all the time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfpEOU4i-Ly8Qk2xGlj5EO4_yn7O8l0WOKfHEglOOYfug1ldTAFYE0WY-bJlj75G4nNJSX6FVIvVIyhPg2gDM0P3IiNNh2TpBGxSscTzVW1IsPKEYIs0JmiRbb3Vy0a0MBFDaV5Ggl0ou/s1600/20150915_135757.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLfpEOU4i-Ly8Qk2xGlj5EO4_yn7O8l0WOKfHEglOOYfug1ldTAFYE0WY-bJlj75G4nNJSX6FVIvVIyhPg2gDM0P3IiNNh2TpBGxSscTzVW1IsPKEYIs0JmiRbb3Vy0a0MBFDaV5Ggl0ou/s640/20150915_135757.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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And it's just adorable to see such a tiny little thing on the potty! :)<br />
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All in all, she is such a good, happy little baby. She brings us so much joy and laughter.<br />
Scott and I both love parenthood. It feels like we were made for it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHjGNOgIk-LPu9sq2QMeTr1SwOH1HteUWt8W5tKwHCg9QT8Xz3J_-thudPio16zOO4Gc6HXZo8-f9yzGcFZJDVgOcsr_-0ijt4H6_lOEPT_upo7lh1roQhTfGSmguBEpRPvnJ4noDUkcz/s1600/2015-10-03+17.42.14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbHjGNOgIk-LPu9sq2QMeTr1SwOH1HteUWt8W5tKwHCg9QT8Xz3J_-thudPio16zOO4Gc6HXZo8-f9yzGcFZJDVgOcsr_-0ijt4H6_lOEPT_upo7lh1roQhTfGSmguBEpRPvnJ4noDUkcz/s640/2015-10-03+17.42.14.jpg" width="574" /></a></div>
<br />
I have to brag on my sweet husband a little bit here.<br />
Scott is a fantastic daddy.<br />
This was such a smooth transition for him that he seems like a pro.<br />
He handles diapers, spit up, swaddling,<br />
and crying so well you'd think he's been doing this every day for years.<br />
Mary is always more cheerful when he comes home from work,<br />
and of course mama is too!<br />
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That's all from our family today.<br />
<br />
If you have children, what was your favorite stage?<br />
And if you hope for children in the future, what do you look forward to the most?\<br />
Leave a comment below.<br />
<br />
Thank you for stopping by!<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" /></a></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-70026976987001149052015-08-21T10:00:00.000-07:002015-08-21T10:00:00.842-07:00Lunchbox Ideas<div style="text-align: center;">
Today I didn't manage to wake up in time to pack a lunch for Scott, so I am taking one to him.</div>
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I like to eat lunch with him at his squadron at least once a week, anyway.</div>
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One benefit of this is being able to take him a hot lunch, which is nice every once in a while.</div>
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Today I baked some cute little potatoes and loaded them up with all the goodies. </div>
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Butter, salt and pepper, cheese, bacon, sour cream, and green onions.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5eQ8Ni2fD_L4RHRVdC-eC-9VCRloWKE_kmzFy3Mz2044i_JqEsal4LNolnAgG6TnaFfuQDj3FnrFt399dnwk6GJFHQqvFaTZlviyoRMqTRt8OY5j72f51S3ZYPhcjdVDTuPjBl7lqH_p/s1600/IMG_20150820_103335_555+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ5eQ8Ni2fD_L4RHRVdC-eC-9VCRloWKE_kmzFy3Mz2044i_JqEsal4LNolnAgG6TnaFfuQDj3FnrFt399dnwk6GJFHQqvFaTZlviyoRMqTRt8OY5j72f51S3ZYPhcjdVDTuPjBl7lqH_p/s640/IMG_20150820_103335_555+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJW_F0rFfincPDAzJuJbiCwuExpaWJmAoc2ZEUvatly5p5Cf2nEEfMMaxLQ8qZXwlhgCyCFv_5PnfsINgFyldql-JsLiYUn8Q0MeZiwWG9p0HJmHMLwVpH9QIH-_Q7BWHdm-HgLNeoSM3/s1600/IMG_20150820_103845_718+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvJW_F0rFfincPDAzJuJbiCwuExpaWJmAoc2ZEUvatly5p5Cf2nEEfMMaxLQ8qZXwlhgCyCFv_5PnfsINgFyldql-JsLiYUn8Q0MeZiwWG9p0HJmHMLwVpH9QIH-_Q7BWHdm-HgLNeoSM3/s640/IMG_20150820_103845_718+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our garden harvest has been surprisingly bountiful, considering that we have NOT been excellent gardeners this year. But, nevertheless, we are enjoying lots of fresh produce, so I also made a little cucumber and tomato salad with a balsamic dressing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqJmhuVDpv0YES2FsylNimwnA4f3JN_cGT2myx5UjPuYAlPFxbpSJUJs4o5BEF-khwk3f4S2hrkbQeLXjwvSJQXWyzxbK8feUKxZkIMpy8D8b9Xd3_Q9kWblCZA59E-n3wZjQi5TlKXeA/s1600/IMG_20150820_103349_403+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIqJmhuVDpv0YES2FsylNimwnA4f3JN_cGT2myx5UjPuYAlPFxbpSJUJs4o5BEF-khwk3f4S2hrkbQeLXjwvSJQXWyzxbK8feUKxZkIMpy8D8b9Xd3_Q9kWblCZA59E-n3wZjQi5TlKXeA/s640/IMG_20150820_103349_403+-+Copy.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A sliced apple and a little cup of <a href="http://www.practicalpaleo.blogspot.com/2011/06/primal-fudge.html" target="_blank">Primal Fudge</a> completed his lunch.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACHW1WZkdv8csOOeFR3jgeboZuOun7MFymG_ztaxB3DNY7aApmRZU8tVDdEVXj82wEpCOxoPt3SX9JNxVKWrDSYl9fI3Re91KnXyRmivIYJTDvhL7vus9glkcki6JWMnR6JlSMnZzw4fq/s1600/IMG_20150820_104101_969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhACHW1WZkdv8csOOeFR3jgeboZuOun7MFymG_ztaxB3DNY7aApmRZU8tVDdEVXj82wEpCOxoPt3SX9JNxVKWrDSYl9fI3Re91KnXyRmivIYJTDvhL7vus9glkcki6JWMnR6JlSMnZzw4fq/s640/IMG_20150820_104101_969.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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And there you go. </div>
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I don't usually make anything too fancy. </div>
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But I like for him to have something tasty, filling, and healthy to eat.</div>
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I would love to hear any meals you pack for lunch, </div>
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whether it's for yourself, your children, or your husband.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Do you have a favorite lunch idea?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" /></a></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-60354635734587282192015-08-20T09:29:00.003-07:002015-08-20T09:29:36.615-07:00Outfit of the Day, August 19th<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPce-THP0HkROMp4BMuVxzW46BdcPb1FMmC2Dv1pAbqAj_93_wY5YEDi5rTD_bqWpiEVg48MVxLBwhtOW-0eWbRPLDDmyoUGXThZCdHGhJvvk43ln8ul7-UiP96yKTXXxjfVdj_mEfy3gu/s1600/IMG_20150819_113705_842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPce-THP0HkROMp4BMuVxzW46BdcPb1FMmC2Dv1pAbqAj_93_wY5YEDi5rTD_bqWpiEVg48MVxLBwhtOW-0eWbRPLDDmyoUGXThZCdHGhJvvk43ln8ul7-UiP96yKTXXxjfVdj_mEfy3gu/s640/IMG_20150819_113705_842.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Today we ran errands, had lunch with Scott at his squadron,<br />
cleaned and organized, and went to Bible Study.<br />
It was windy enough that I wanted to wear a sweater, I tend to get cold easily.<br />
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Jeans: Express (Altered)<br />
Blouse: Shopko<br />
Nursing Tank: Target<br />
Cardigan: Macy's<br />
Sandals: Payless<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYazctISN9isjmLgWsECgxA_9F4w1XyXb1hN-Bu3oQ09CaZ7bHeAMFBVBVQBLUn1Ihp-kaybMwrhvNHeDFIP1L6rdUP8dM3yjXqtFmmDmY3uV3DcrjrWUGpj_pwdRGexqKG_zBnM27katU/s1600/IMG_20150819_112108_565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYazctISN9isjmLgWsECgxA_9F4w1XyXb1hN-Bu3oQ09CaZ7bHeAMFBVBVQBLUn1Ihp-kaybMwrhvNHeDFIP1L6rdUP8dM3yjXqtFmmDmY3uV3DcrjrWUGpj_pwdRGexqKG_zBnM27katU/s640/IMG_20150819_112108_565.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Earrings: Shopko<br />
Locket: Local jewelry shop</div>
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I NEVER wear lipstick, lip gloss, lip liner, or anything on my lips, but today I felt like trying something new, so I wore this nude lipstick, which I ended up loving.<br />
It might even become a daily thing! :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-qvoC-QYAWORZuEje7gLkXXUehRddzqCoyckEiJSXyFyE06Yx2rDscbpcEQyTnnwr-cXBe-z6D0S87h9reh7xoDq7n3mpmD410HmS8NhRMbe0F8YhCRvkdSdetdWPPL_ByE5BClrU35/s1600/IMG_20150820_102112_170.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicm-qvoC-QYAWORZuEje7gLkXXUehRddzqCoyckEiJSXyFyE06Yx2rDscbpcEQyTnnwr-cXBe-z6D0S87h9reh7xoDq7n3mpmD410HmS8NhRMbe0F8YhCRvkdSdetdWPPL_ByE5BClrU35/s640/IMG_20150820_102112_170.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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Lipstick: Covergirl 235 Champagne<br />
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I want to make a disclaimer here:<br />
I do not by any means claim to be knowledgeable about fashion,<br />
makeup, hairstyles or anything like that.<br />
I am only sharing what works for me, and what I enjoy. :)<br />
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Thank you so much for stopping by.<br />
Have a lovely day.<br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-23463079801348351112015-08-18T15:00:00.000-07:002015-08-20T14:04:09.596-07:00Outfit of the Day, August 18th<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmQeQLBa6hmXTh9pznHSaZ97aQw2FANxjDiugHj81wSyskhqU6PWaa1hRfDsPZaLDNkBdTN16lx2Zz3V-1qgGmCAFKuecEwB-KC6rxckRh0I1B2ah6kKA4ZJ9ahb-tf3apq-l_FJoxtWw/s1600/0818151129b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKmQeQLBa6hmXTh9pznHSaZ97aQw2FANxjDiugHj81wSyskhqU6PWaa1hRfDsPZaLDNkBdTN16lx2Zz3V-1qgGmCAFKuecEwB-KC6rxckRh0I1B2ah6kKA4ZJ9ahb-tf3apq-l_FJoxtWw/s640/0818151129b.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Today we stayed at home all day, I didn't even run errands;</div>
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but I still like to look nice when Scott comes home from work; </div>
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so this simple outfit is easy and pretty. </div>
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Both the skirt and the blouse are from JC Penney. </div>
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I am also wearing a nursing camisole from target underneath.</div>
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When I'm wearing a loose fitting blouse with a long skirt, it's easy to end up looking shapeless, so I just tucked the front of the top into the skirt band to give my waist at least a little definition. </div>
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I love wearing flowing blouses over a nursing tank because it's easy to pull my shirt up and still be covered and it's not as obvious as a shirt made specifically to have nursing access.</div>
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Most days I wear this simple silver locket, if I wear any jewelry at all.</div>
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I love simplicity in clothing, I always feel uncomfortable when I try to wear too many layers or accessories, so this look suits me very well.</div>
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I hope your day is lovely.</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-74317500696980493932015-08-18T14:34:00.000-07:002015-10-06T16:45:52.135-07:00Stay At Home Mom Capsule/Minimalist Wardrobe, For Summer<div style="text-align: center;">
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I'm a little late to this party. </div>
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Creating a capsule wardrobe is something I have really been wanting to do for quite a while.</div>
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Having a baby gave me the perfect opportunity to do so. Even though I have lost the weight I gained during pregnancy, my body has changed in so many ways.</div>
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The most significant of these changes being my transition from a shy B cup to a full on D cup. </div>
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Yikes!</div>
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Almost none of my pre-pregnancy tops could fit over this new and challenging shape. </div>
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And now that my tummy is definitely squishier than it was before, </div>
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many of my bottom pieces had to go as well.</div>
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Another wardrobe challenge I am suddenly facing is the absolute necessity of having easy access for nursing. Every top I own needs to be able to unbutton or pull up easily.</div>
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So, between those three new requirements for my wardrobe, I easily got rid of at least three quarters of the clothes in my closet. </div>
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.........</div>
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I didn't have a ton of clothes to begin with, but there were very few items in my closet that I absolutely loved and felt amazing in. </div>
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The bottom half of the closet is mine. Not bad, right? </div>
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But I really felt like I had tons of clothes that I never wore. </div>
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Nothing went together, </div>
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and there were many tearful mornings spent trying to find something I could feel good in.</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">I had, maybe 80 pieces of clothing before, compare that to my closet now. </span></div>
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That's it. That is all of my clothes (excepting underthings, pj's, and workout clothes). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8dCfbzrcxdIMdraAqTbJFuaRxrhFQ0HmOEVk3fgPvOxXgEarazW9qedPo8O25JQd03TbgVw-2IvmsbjQ20hyphenhyphenwpImk-a0Y2i78Ab69Frq1Ag6Iroblh2zjYnWVfVdEyrA1gENt5-w9eet/s1600/IMG_20150818_134313_873.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip8dCfbzrcxdIMdraAqTbJFuaRxrhFQ0HmOEVk3fgPvOxXgEarazW9qedPo8O25JQd03TbgVw-2IvmsbjQ20hyphenhyphenwpImk-a0Y2i78Ab69Frq1Ag6Iroblh2zjYnWVfVdEyrA1gENt5-w9eet/s640/IMG_20150818_134313_873.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
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I have been wearing only these items for almost a month now, and I love it!</div>
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I am a person who loves to dress simply. </div>
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I feel like I have too much going on when I wear a necklace AND earrings. :)</div>
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So this idea of a capsule wardrobe is perfect for me. </div>
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Getting dressed is so easy now. Everything in my closet goes together. </div>
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I didn't really follow any rules in creating my minimalist collection of clothing. </div>
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Here are the things I did do:</div>
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I thought about what style I wanted to go for, </div>
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what looks I love, and what makes me happy in an outfit.</div>
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I know that I love things to be simple, clean, and classy. </div>
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I am also a brand new stay at home mom, </div>
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so I needed clothing that is durable, easy to care for, and effortless to put together.</div>
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Then I thought about a color pallet I wanted to stick with. </div>
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This is what I decided:</div>
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If you looked at my closet before I cleaned it out, you would have noticed a lot of grays, creams, and blues. I love soft pinks, and I needed to add a non-neutral color, so that was an easy decision to make.</div>
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After I had paired down the items in my closet to the things that I loved and still worked for me, I thought very carefully about what I needed/wanted to add.</div>
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I made a secret board on Pinterest of clothes that were practical and lovely pieces.</div>
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I made lists and edited them, until I knew exactly what I was looking for. </div>
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Then shopping was easy and fast.</div>
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So here it is. My stay-at-home, post-pregnancy-nursing friendly, capsule wardrobe:</div>
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I have 4 skirts. (I'm a HUGE fan of maxi's)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECyepTNbwjhVQ6GzyTjYOUXx_yXywQ_WHjt1LPGyHQqwPltAF1dKl8sbhlbRnkkT3SOOEhW96NVj7mvVr82aXv1UZzVxpt_zM6hGBJFgNrCehDw0lZ18TUxc5Zk6_aVj1aq4nOPx7Ys7Y/s1600/0818151050-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgECyepTNbwjhVQ6GzyTjYOUXx_yXywQ_WHjt1LPGyHQqwPltAF1dKl8sbhlbRnkkT3SOOEhW96NVj7mvVr82aXv1UZzVxpt_zM6hGBJFgNrCehDw0lZ18TUxc5Zk6_aVj1aq4nOPx7Ys7Y/s640/0818151050-1.jpg" width="506" /></a></div>
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Large print navy blue maxi skirt.</div>
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From: Cato</div>
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Gray maxi skirt.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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Lace maxi skirt.</div>
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From: Cato.</div>
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Gray pencil skirt.</div>
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From: H&M</div>
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1 Pair Straight leg dark wash jeans.</div>
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From: Express</div>
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(These jeans are their "Barely Bootcut" which I bought and altered after looking high and low for a pair of straight leg jeans and coming up empty handed.)</div>
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I have 6 tops:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4MIck2QB5AdHQmiBgZt_yFKgIPaVWlE2CKZzX1Fti3pc9g39x2Be2fIBW7lLz2IC_-_4GWBn-zfRyFb5Y0nvkaa50tGCptl_MB8wqtFAZqWppmmwPu-aH3W0OlBycwYW7zKHMTe3JY3E/s1600/0818151100.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA4MIck2QB5AdHQmiBgZt_yFKgIPaVWlE2CKZzX1Fti3pc9g39x2Be2fIBW7lLz2IC_-_4GWBn-zfRyFb5Y0nvkaa50tGCptl_MB8wqtFAZqWppmmwPu-aH3W0OlBycwYW7zKHMTe3JY3E/s640/0818151100.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Pale pink tunic.</div>
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From: Maurices</div>
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(I am not really satisfied with this top. I would like to replace it with <a href="http://www.modcloth.com/shop/blouses/shirt-and-sweet-tunic-in-buttercream" target="_blank">this</a> blouse.)</div>
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Navy blue tunic.</div>
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From: Maurices</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugFCJx34YFYoSSV6ix6ApJ0xpWm0-IVXPDFNDSky_MQ4dMEgf2cPW2qERm7lQ3t0LGvFZLKaZytU6WVsGTq8y0UovX66BKTTWSP6pGglxj_gikL5aZzdLiVlsi2K5fmQPkBLNuV5GHXQn/s1600/0818151104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugFCJx34YFYoSSV6ix6ApJ0xpWm0-IVXPDFNDSky_MQ4dMEgf2cPW2qERm7lQ3t0LGvFZLKaZytU6WVsGTq8y0UovX66BKTTWSP6pGglxj_gikL5aZzdLiVlsi2K5fmQPkBLNuV5GHXQn/s640/0818151104.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Lace blouse.</div>
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From: Shopko, about five years ago.</div>
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White tank with lace detail.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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Cobalt blue blouse.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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Black tank top.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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3 Cardigans:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytf3t52HTY1BGgLM0w8k-DENGroXbrD4aLykHxZUfqtolRltvupWpQEqEIdfPCZihWRWeCq5-aSJnTus2PdmSv2c4iWBAtDVsoOKOHXFwTJectgFMH2vvk8BcqRJic6NntqCVns7LT-Wx/s1600/0818151113.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytf3t52HTY1BGgLM0w8k-DENGroXbrD4aLykHxZUfqtolRltvupWpQEqEIdfPCZihWRWeCq5-aSJnTus2PdmSv2c4iWBAtDVsoOKOHXFwTJectgFMH2vvk8BcqRJic6NntqCVns7LT-Wx/s640/0818151113.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Navy Blue Cardigan</div>
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From: Macy's</div>
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Cream cardigan.</div>
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From: Maurices</div>
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Beige crocheted lace cardigan.</div>
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From: A gift from a friend.</div>
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Two Dresses:</div>
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Navy blue and white maxi dress.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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Bonus, cute baby. Best accessory ever!</div>
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Navy blue knee length dress.</div>
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From: JC Penney</div>
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And for accessories, I have 2 scarves:</div>
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Both from Walmart. (Don't judge!)</div>
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These are very lightweight infinity scarves, which I LOVE for nursing. </div>
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If I'm wearing one of these, I just unravel it and use it a a nursing cover. </div>
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And 2 Pairs of shoes:</div>
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Canvas cork wedge heels.</div>
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From: The Shoe Dept.</div>
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Nude Sandals.</div>
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From: Payless</div>
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.........</div>
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That is a grand total of twenty-one items. </div>
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Keeping them all within the same color scheme, and all solids means that putting an outfit together takes about ten seconds. And with so little time spent on clothing, that usually means that I have a few minutes to spare for hair and makeup.</div>
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I remember my mom saying something like </div>
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"If you have great hair, you can basically wear anything and still look nice."</div>
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So for me, having time to style my hair every day is an absolute must. </div>
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Then if I don't have extra time to do makeup, nails, jewelry, or accessories, </div>
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I still feel like I look great.</div>
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I have really been loving this change in my life. </div>
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It's not my ideal capsule yet, but it's close.</div>
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I would like to replace a few of the tops with more flattering items, </div>
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and I would like to replace one of my maxi's with a navy blue jersey pencil skirt. </div>
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But until I find exactly what I want, this is working well enough.</div>
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Have you ever tried a minimalist wardrobe? </div>
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Any tips or thoughts?</div>
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I would love to read your comments, </div>
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Thanks for stopping by! </div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-51578293744650059902015-08-11T11:00:00.001-07:002015-08-11T11:06:23.507-07:00A Birth Story: Welcome To The World, Mary Joy<div style="text-align: center;">
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On June 22nd at 2:30 am, I woke up to use the bathroom,</div>
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a nightly ritual during the last months of pregnancy. </div>
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While I was in the bathroom, I was hit with such a forceful contraction that I nearly fell off the toilet. </div>
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At the same instant, my water broke.</div>
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For the past two months I had nearly constant prodromal labor, and because of this I was already partially dilated and completely thinned and effaced. </div>
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So I expected that when real labor started, it would advance quickly.</div>
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And I was right.</div>
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After that first contraction, they came every three or four minutes for the next several hours.</div>
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I was too uncomfortable to sleep,and Scott was too excited, so we decided to get up and keep ourselves busy until I progressed further.</div>
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I wanted to labor at home for a while, so we puttered around the house. I made tacos, Scott worked on a few small projects; I did my hair (I know it's a little ridiculous, but hey, I had time!) and packed a few last-minute items in our hospital bag.</div>
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At about 5:00 am, I called my doula, Lisa, a close family friend, and told her I was in labor so that she could get a shower and some breakfast before we headed to the hospital.</div>
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Around 6:00 am, my doula arrived at our home. By that time, the contractions were uncomfortable enough that I didn't want to talk or walk anymore, so I laid on the couch with a hot water bottle on my lower back.</div>
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At 6:45, my contractions were still 2-4 minutes apart, and getting more intense all the time, so we decided to head to the hospital so we could get through triage before I was truly miserable. </div>
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Once we were admitted to triage and I was laying in bed being monitored, my contractions slowed WAY down. But I was clearly in active labor and still progressing, so they admitted me after just a few minutes.</div>
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As soon as I got out of that triage bed, my contractions sped back up again. It was obvious to me that labor would move much faster if I kept moving; so for the next hour we walked up and down the hallway, but it wasn't long before standing through contractions became difficult, so we headed back to our room, and I spent the rest of my labor mostly on the birthing ball; only getting into bed to be monitored for fifteen minutes once every hour.</div>
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Lisa and Scott were both wonderful throughout the whole day. I highly recommend having a doula, especially if you are planning on having an unmedicated birth.</div>
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Lisa was so helpful with pain management and helping me to relax into the contraction rather than tense up against them. There is something so encouraging about having another woman in the room who is there for only you, and who has herself experienced what you are experiencing.<br />
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After only twelve hours of labor and thirty minutes of pushing with no medication,<br />
Mary Joy was came into the world at 2:08 pm, weighing 8lbs 2oz, and 19 inches long.<br />
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What an amazing day.<br />
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The labor and delivery went very well for me, and was everything I wanted; thanks to Scott, my doula, and my midwife; and recovery has been fairly easy.<br />
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We are so thrilled with our baby girl, who turned seven weeks old yesterday.<br />
It is hard to believe it has been that long already!<br />
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I can hear her waking up from her nap in the other room now, so I will say goodbye for now.<br />
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Thank you for reading, if you have any questions about any details I have left out, feel free to ask. :)<br />
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Blessings,<br />
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-44806295709937980152015-06-02T08:00:00.000-07:002015-05-30T18:58:58.732-07:00Deliciously Moist Banana Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBZ_oOYpSG1wB2fCDYFjs-jFHc0kRR4eTlBXh1qtQuRJ8kKaPL7GC9kCM21eoqJSZtkSd-qA4xAnTf2i8UKcP_yw5NshQC4GJXTd5Yi4Pwpm83qOy8CiZ-miei97viiEuslwqw4YjXsQa/s1600/IMG_20150530_170044_765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBZ_oOYpSG1wB2fCDYFjs-jFHc0kRR4eTlBXh1qtQuRJ8kKaPL7GC9kCM21eoqJSZtkSd-qA4xAnTf2i8UKcP_yw5NshQC4GJXTd5Yi4Pwpm83qOy8CiZ-miei97viiEuslwqw4YjXsQa/s640/IMG_20150530_170044_765.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I LOVE banana bread. </div>
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I can't think of many things more wonderful than a slice of piping hot banana bread, </div>
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with butter melting into it's delicious center.</div>
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I can easily eat a whole loaf all on my own. </div>
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It just seems to happen!</div>
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Before I know it, I turn around and it's all disappeared. </div>
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I love my banana bread to be as moist and soft as possible. </div>
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As long as I can remember, my mother has always added a cup of yogurt to her banana bread recipe to achieve that perfect soft and oh-so-tasty texture.</div>
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Here is my favorite recipe:</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">Banana Bread</span></div>
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Ingredients:</div>
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2 C. Flour</div>
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1 teaspoon Baking Soda</div>
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1/4 teaspoon Salt</div>
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1/2 Cup softened Butter</div>
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3/4 Cup Brown Sugar</div>
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2 Eggs</div>
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3 overly ripened Bananas</div>
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1 Cup Yogurt, plain, vanilla, lemon, or honey flavor</div>
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Preheat oven to 350. Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl or mixer.</div>
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Stir for a few minutes until everything is well mixed.</div>
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Grease two loaf sized pans. I usually use olive oil.</div>
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Pour half of the batter into each pan and bake at 350 for 45 minutes to 1 hour; until a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.</div>
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This bread is also scrumptious with a few blueberries, </div>
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or a handful of chocolate chips added to the batter.</div>
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Yum! Yum! Yum!</div>
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Do you have a favorite banana bread recipe? </div>
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Or a favorite extra ingredient you like to add?</div>
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Leave a comment! I would love to know.</div>
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Thank you for stopping by!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-88781108029134608312015-05-30T18:37:00.002-07:002015-05-30T18:38:12.184-07:00Preparing For Baby: Stocking the Freezer<div style="text-align: center;">
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As my due date creeps closer, there are a few projects I have been wanting to finish. </div>
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One of which was stocking up on just a few things in the freezer. </div>
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Our church family is wonderful about providing meals for couples with new additions, and my family is also coming for a week soon after my due date; so I am not preparing too many meals in advance. </div>
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I did want to have a few things in the freezer though, some things for Scott to heat up and eat during those first few days before a meal schedule from our church is organized.</div>
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I have been pretty low on energy lately, but MOTIVATION is not lacking. </div>
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(I think that maybe somewhere in the back of my mind I think this baby will be more inclined to come early if I am well prepared. Of course, Murphy's law will probably prevail.)</div>
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So today I made a list and a grocery trip and set about whipping up a few meals and goodies to stash away. I am especially looking forward to eating this banana bread. It is my absolute favorite.</div>
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My list of things to prepare in advance was:</div>
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Breakfast Casserole</div>
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Lasagna</div>
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Double Chocolate Bread</div>
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Banana Bread</div>
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Primal Fudge</div>
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Earlier this week I also made up some good old fashion mac and cheese too.</div>
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That is quite the list of comfort foods, isn't it?</div>
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I will post all of the recipes for these delicious dishes over the next few days.</div>
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I'm thankful to have some things put away. </div>
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I know I will be even more thankful when the time comes to use them.</div>
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I would love to have some more good ideas for meals that freeze well. </div>
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Any thoughts?</div>
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I can't seem to think of anything but pasta dishes.</div>
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Please leave a comment and tell me what has worked well for you!</div>
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Have a wonderful day! </div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-18644167656984393862015-05-10T15:13:00.002-07:002015-05-10T15:13:48.913-07:0034 Week Pregnancy Update<div style="text-align: center;">
The days and weeks have been flying by. </div>
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Here I find myself 34 weeks pregnant and trying to grasp the idea that our daughter will likely make her appearance next month. </div>
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Life is becoming a little more predictable lately. </div>
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We finally received news about Scott's orders, </div>
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and we will be staying here in New Mexico for a while longer.</div>
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I'm thankful to be able to plan a little further ahead.</div>
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Specifically, to start thinking about a nursery. :)</div>
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More on that later......</div>
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As far as pregnancy goes, </div>
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the third trimester has been much pleasanter than my second trimester was.</div>
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Maybe my body is just getting accustomed to accommodating this little girl, or maybe I'm just getting better at ignoring all the little discomforts that come with pregnancy. </div>
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In the second trimester I was constantly miserable, </div>
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my body was always in pain, and I had a constant headache. </div>
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Over the last several weeks however, </div>
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my only major complaints have been swollen feet, heartburn, and tiredness. </div>
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I am so grateful for this time of reprieve!</div>
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Some of my very favorite pregnancy related things recently have been:</div>
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<a href="http://www.target.com/p/maternity-spring-brittany-top-liz-lange-for-target/-/A-16936997#prodSlot=_1_6" target="_blank">This</a> maternity shirt from Target. I'm not sure why, but this one specifically is incredibly comfy. </div>
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It's been my number one go-to since I picked it up a couple of weeks ago.</div>
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I have several other maternity t-shirts, but this one is by far my favorite. </div>
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Cereal, yogurt, and fruit are always favorites when I've got the munchies, but <a href="http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Foundational-Nutrition/RAW-Protein.aspx" target="_blank">this</a> protein powder has been a must to help me get the amount of protein I need.</div>
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Loose flowing sweaters and tops have become a real necessity as a few unattractive lumps and bumps have made an appearance on my back. Darn chocolate cravings!</div>
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My feet have been pretty consistently swollen which means that when I do have something on my feet, its usually flip flops. :)</div>
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Mary is moving constantly. I'm a little worried that she might still wiggle this much after she is born, and if the way my belly jerks around is any indication, we will have a hard time keeping up! </div>
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I love feeling her kicks and wiggles, and I am looking forward to seeing those little toes kicking something other than my rib cage!</div>
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I really am enjoying this season of our lives.</div>
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It is quickly becoming a reality that we only have a few short days left before our lives are drastically changed forever. I am looking forward to that change, although I do feel a little reluctant to leave behind the sweet life we have shared together, just Scott and I. </div>
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In closing, here are a few snapshots of this baby belly:</div>
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Love, </div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-8678436144655289302015-03-17T14:00:00.001-07:002015-03-17T14:06:35.977-07:00Current Favorites<div style="text-align: center;">
Lately I have hesitated to blog because I don't really have anything new to say.</div>
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Life continues on, and Scott and I find ourselves in a season of waiting. </div>
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Waiting for our sweet daughter's arrival, waiting for orders, </div>
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waiting to see what course our lives will take next.</div>
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Scott is due for another assignment, </div>
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but he is hoping to separate from the Air Force and join the Air National Guard. </div>
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The application is in, and we have been waiting for a reply for a little over two months. </div>
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I have never liked waiting.</div>
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I am always impatient for answers, but the Lord is ever faithful.</div>
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He is always so good to us. </div>
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This morning I thought it might be fun to share a few the products and items that I have been loving lately. I have always enjoyed seeing other bloggers and vloggers share their favorite items, so I'll give it a try. </div>
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First of all, I have been trying to branch out and find some new recipes to add to our staple meals.</div>
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Here are a few recipes that have quickly become favorites:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMKD71p5ESSaBs0L2BCJjfvlk-UsT7uCvu6y2_lg0Ro4mDxKVrLmKVthWolCEik8WiN8IxJ0ib4CPPGv9rYWqFBr57IyBxKecYOnVFBd12s2fhxU_GcMQN-Hkyh-N7-oBzq6XBIc1jb6j/s1600/IMG_0422-copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMMKD71p5ESSaBs0L2BCJjfvlk-UsT7uCvu6y2_lg0Ro4mDxKVrLmKVthWolCEik8WiN8IxJ0ib4CPPGv9rYWqFBr57IyBxKecYOnVFBd12s2fhxU_GcMQN-Hkyh-N7-oBzq6XBIc1jb6j/s1600/IMG_0422-copy.jpg" height="456" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://damndelicious.net/2012/05/24/jalapeno-popper-pizza/" target="_blank">Jalapeno Popper Pizza</a></div>
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We typically have pizza every Friday night, and it's always fun to find new ideas to try. </div>
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So I gave this recipe a try a few weeks ago and it was a huge hit. </div>
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So yummy! Scott is definitely a big fan.</div>
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<a href="http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/02/korean-beef-and-rice.html" target="_blank">Korean Beef and Rice</a></div>
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This meal has absolutely become one of our go-tos. </div>
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It is so easy, quick, cost effective, and tasty.</div>
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Scott always gets excited when I tell him this is on the menu for dinner.</div>
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We have also added pineapple, onions, and bell peppers to make it a little different.</div>
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I know that this one will continue to be a favorite in our home.</div>
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<a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2013/1/30/simple-black-bean-dip.html" target="_blank">Simple Black Bean Dip</a></div>
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This bean dip is so easy to make in our VitaMix. </div>
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The first time I made it was in the beginning of my pregnancy when I was really having a lot of major food aversions. I made this to put in Scott's lunchbox, but after tasting it I threatened to keep it home and eat it all myself. For some reason it tasted amazing to me right then.</div>
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We still love this dip, and it is a staple lunchbox item for Scott.</div>
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I am a tea addict. </div>
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I'm confessing right here and now. </div>
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I probably drink somewhere between two and four cups of tea every day.</div>
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Recently I have been enjoying this Irish Breakfast tea.</div>
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Usually my all time favorite is Tazo English Breakfast, but one day my grocery store was out so I picked this up and I have really been enjoying it. </div>
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I'm just going to include this here because it speaks to my heart:</div>
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Thank you for indulging me.</div>
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Okay, moving on! </div>
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As far as reading material goes, I cannot keep myself from browsing longingly through this Cottage Gardens magazine over and over. </div>
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How I would love to have a beautiful little English garden behind our little house!</div>
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But.... we live in New Mexico, so that dream is impossible. Maybe someday, somewhere else.</div>
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But for now, I love to admire the gorgeous gardens of others.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Diaper-Free-Baby-Natural-Training-Alternative/dp/0061229709/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426626268&sr=8-1&keywords=the+diaper+free+baby" target="_blank">The Diaper Free Baby</a>.<br />
This might be rather controversial, but I have really enjoyed reading this book, and we plan to try it with Mary Joy. </div>
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<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elimination_communication" target="_blank">Elimination Communication</a> (EC) makes a lot of sense to me.</div>
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When I first heard of the concept, I was intrigued enough to look into it a little further.</div>
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At first I was quite skeptical and resistant.</div>
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Potty training an infant who isn't even mobile? </div>
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It sounded like so much work.</div>
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But after reading this book, I'm pretty well sold.</div>
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I am looking forward to trying this once our little girl is here, and I will update you all then.</div>
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In the meantime, I HIGHLY recommend you read at least part of this book</div>
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if you are even slightly curious.</div>
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<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Being-So-Gentle-Frontier-Jackson/dp/0230609503/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1426626345&sr=8-1&keywords=a+being+so+gentle" target="_blank">A Being So Gentle</a>.<br />
I first became interested in the life of Rachel Jackson when we visited the Hermitage in Nashville Tennessee with Scott's mom in September.</div>
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When I read what Andrew Jackson wrote on her tombstone, </div>
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I knew immediate that I wanted to know more about this woman.</div>
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The Jacksons had a very sweet marriage, and when Rachel died this is what Andrew wrote:</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 14.8500003814697px; line-height: 20.7900009155273px; text-align: justify;"><i><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">"Here lie the remains of Mrs. Rachel Jackson, wife of President Jackson, who died December 22nd 1828, aged 61. Her face was fair, her person pleasing, her temper amiable, and her heart kind. She delighted in relieving the wants of her fellow-creatures,and cultivated that divine pleasure by the most liberal and unpretending methods. To the poor she was a benefactress; to the rich she was an example; to the wretched a comforter; to the prosperous an ornament. Her pity went hand in hand with her benevolence; and she thanked her Creator for being able to do good. A being so gentle and so virtuous, slander might wound but could not dishonor. Even death, when he tore her from the arms of her husband, could but transplant her to the bosom of her God."</span></i></span></div>
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This epitaph really drew me in, and I have really enjoyed learning about Rachel's life.</div>
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These are the two books I a planning to read next:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh9ayS0L5tNIvuA7nB__9gbaVLQgQDsKXC9CYNOe3K2araWpQXV8fSahZlc9oZQkfGYBBksyAQwXKD5s0lHWafQFW2VyCyrJ8XFLQAGueVdSRxVi0quQO-IjX0e4Cm0orBQbTFFbA8vvi/s1600/IMG_20150317_123804_147+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidh9ayS0L5tNIvuA7nB__9gbaVLQgQDsKXC9CYNOe3K2araWpQXV8fSahZlc9oZQkfGYBBksyAQwXKD5s0lHWafQFW2VyCyrJ8XFLQAGueVdSRxVi0quQO-IjX0e4Cm0orBQbTFFbA8vvi/s1600/IMG_20150317_123804_147+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am excited to get started!</div>
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Next are a few of my favorite products that I have been so thankful for the past few months. </div>
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We live in the desert, and our desert is also coming out of a drought.</div>
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It is always dry here, but during winter my skin really suffers more than ever.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTfonZ02zZ0PoK1nl5l848Bs37BtYQPyXGLPUt2RWROIIELiC8rn3S1R8McTg01vms67_rPBBxXJ2K6Slzd2-MBc5koSKoPt-E8M_E9uB145Is3y09QtNOk7JEtpv7l2QbmFiKwq6rHTJ/s1600/IMG_20150317_124135_728+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnTfonZ02zZ0PoK1nl5l848Bs37BtYQPyXGLPUt2RWROIIELiC8rn3S1R8McTg01vms67_rPBBxXJ2K6Slzd2-MBc5koSKoPt-E8M_E9uB145Is3y09QtNOk7JEtpv7l2QbmFiKwq6rHTJ/s1600/IMG_20150317_124135_728+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Mary Kay <a href="http://www.marykay.com/en-US/search/satin%20hands" target="_blank">Satin Hands</a> lotion and <a href="http://www.marykay.com/en-US/search/satin%20lips" target="_blank">Satin Lips</a> balm have been the two products I have reached for more than anything else this winter. I really feel like they have worked better than anything else to heal my cracked hands and lips. And the peach scented hand cream smells sooooooo lovely!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDH-qjrW-YIj_juzaVGTeP7jkpMhU-QaUE91M1LKPvdPQx8HC4NbD_ojTN_ja2ACOvrgOZp3gKgWuOE-OV0yGvwOMP3YkilxOcJHSokdYbNCfN67v4aP1OOqzlXTpa00XZN_QinGMkk_z/s1600/IMG_20150317_124159_646+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieDH-qjrW-YIj_juzaVGTeP7jkpMhU-QaUE91M1LKPvdPQx8HC4NbD_ojTN_ja2ACOvrgOZp3gKgWuOE-OV0yGvwOMP3YkilxOcJHSokdYbNCfN67v4aP1OOqzlXTpa00XZN_QinGMkk_z/s1600/IMG_20150317_124159_646+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have also been loving this Burt's Bees lip balm. I have had other Burt's Bees lip balms in the past that I wasn't so in love with, but for some reason this one is my absolute favorite.</div>
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I really enjoy the coconut and pear scent.</div>
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I usually take this with me everywhere I go, around the house ad out and about.</div>
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I love, love, love this lip balm. </div>
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I might even be the first person in the world to ever FINISH a tube of chapstick. </div>
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Honestly, if anyone ever manages that they should get a medal.</div>
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Next up. </div>
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I have the nesting/spring cleaning itch.</div>
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I have always enjoyed keeping a clean house, but right now the hormones have kicked in and I find myself taking my oven door apart to clean in between the glass windows. </div>
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This book by Real Simple makes me so very happy. Sometimes, I just like to look through the pages. All of those spotlessly clean rooms are so beautiful, and they make my heart sing,</div>
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Honestly, pregnancy hormones are a weird thing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMDV2cSyMCauIJi_g07RNFIBJLzvOIlgxhgQRRcoTWqSNHLmd55-Wv9EUuLT0tvU33hm6UA2tp4TfG8RG3trl-LJoKv9WxeIOR-ZO7yFdIIAITe4ECPd78AzZlUQgIS-4SP-QG9I46Y56/s1600/IMG_20150317_124815_248.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieMDV2cSyMCauIJi_g07RNFIBJLzvOIlgxhgQRRcoTWqSNHLmd55-Wv9EUuLT0tvU33hm6UA2tp4TfG8RG3trl-LJoKv9WxeIOR-ZO7yFdIIAITe4ECPd78AzZlUQgIS-4SP-QG9I46Y56/s1600/IMG_20150317_124815_248.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Norwex. </div>
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It has happened.</div>
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I drank the Kool-Aide and I'm never going back.</div>
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If you have talked to me recently, there is a good chance that I mentioned Norwex in the course of our conversation.</div>
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I was introduced to Norwex in January by my dear friend and kindred spirit Sarah.</div>
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I went to a Norwex party in her home and decided to try a couple of these cleaning cloths.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlhJUI2gPqlFkFaAvIxu7FBAtIUfru4zFr4LbRowmUKmlxcYF0Jlm7J9ecU60xM-IBpehyphenhyphenwsEmRMA5beZORwoSeQ2dxaTZxtFRF8pL18jVXo0BtCqCq4KM-RzdHIwV4KzATlYT9vxRTXX/s1600/IMG_20150317_125036_808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTlhJUI2gPqlFkFaAvIxu7FBAtIUfru4zFr4LbRowmUKmlxcYF0Jlm7J9ecU60xM-IBpehyphenhyphenwsEmRMA5beZORwoSeQ2dxaTZxtFRF8pL18jVXo0BtCqCq4KM-RzdHIwV4KzATlYT9vxRTXX/s1600/IMG_20150317_125036_808.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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Aren't they so beautiful?</div>
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If you have never heard of the brand <a href="http://www.norwex.biz/pws/home2999999/tabs/about-norwex.aspx" target="_blank">Norwex</a>, look them up. </div>
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Basically, they are a Norwegian company who makes high-quality microfiber cleaning cloths. </div>
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Most of their cloths are embedded with silver, which has antibacterial products. </div>
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Even if you are skeptical about there antibacterial qualities, they clean really, REALLY well.</div>
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I have the two basic cleaning cloths, the Enviro and the Window Cloth. And I also have a set of their kitchen/dish cloths. I really feel like that is all I need. </div>
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I love the simplicity of cleaning my whole house without using any chemical cleaning products.</div>
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I have really fallen in love with these cloths, and I absolutely recommend them.</div>
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Last on my list are a few of my favorite things for pregnancy.<br />
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As I have mentioned before, fruit has been my number one craving.<br />
I have been snacking on lots of fresh fruit, and applesauce pouches have been a favorite too.<br />
The fruit pouches are especially useful to stick in my purse or grab for midnight hunger strikes.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbdsLlRvuEchFBFSi94zVH7RT7ev9881x21A1Nfbows9y-weBDEM22gDdPCOi71V_BuyDtQvLvP6r7wApPKCtqG3unqmVvwncmlSy8FAhE-8BmqUCex7mxgasdnboc-Y4nKAMguewrILW/s1600/IMG_20150317_123526_037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbdsLlRvuEchFBFSi94zVH7RT7ev9881x21A1Nfbows9y-weBDEM22gDdPCOi71V_BuyDtQvLvP6r7wApPKCtqG3unqmVvwncmlSy8FAhE-8BmqUCex7mxgasdnboc-Y4nKAMguewrILW/s1600/IMG_20150317_123526_037.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have also really been enjoying slicing up fruit to put in my water.<br />
Nearly every night I fill a pitcher with water and some kind of sliced fruit, usually lemons or strawberries, or sometimes limes, kiwis, or grapefruit. This helps me to drink enough water every day because it becomes a treat rather than a chore.<br />
So yummy!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZBT2B9hRxPmCSVyNKYJLp9exVw1ee-qVRDyaCGi4DTaMiduUtQbcJ1gwvp3swK9Lq67lHEuOEi53P4AYiQOdHmmPMTA7_MrxuVAiKlAqIuaoQ1IjrKXSSUIgGZ7hRaVqw3QwiNrqod5G/s1600/IMG_20150317_124751_694.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyZBT2B9hRxPmCSVyNKYJLp9exVw1ee-qVRDyaCGi4DTaMiduUtQbcJ1gwvp3swK9Lq67lHEuOEi53P4AYiQOdHmmPMTA7_MrxuVAiKlAqIuaoQ1IjrKXSSUIgGZ7hRaVqw3QwiNrqod5G/s1600/IMG_20150317_124751_694.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here are a few of my favorite products for pregnancy:</div>
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First off, I love <a href="http://www.gardenoflife.com/Products-for-Life/Vitamin-Code/Multivitamin-Formulas/RAW-Prenatal.aspx" target="_blank">these</a> prenatal vitamins.</div>
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Like many women, the prenatal vitamins I was given at the hospital always made me feel nauseous and tired. One day I started reading the ingredients label on the back of the bottle and realized that the pills I was taking were full of food coloring and preservatives. </div>
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I went to our local health food store and asked them what they recommended and they gave me these.</div>
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These pills are made from whole foods.</div>
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I noticed a difference in how I was feeling right away.</div>
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These pills never made me queasy, and I had more energy than before.</div>
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These prenatals are on the pricey side, but I really feel like it's worth it. </div>
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Especially in the beginning of my pregnancy when I was having a hard time eating much, I was thankful to know that my vitamins were chock full of good things for my baby,</div>
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The only downside is that the capsules are quite large, and you take three of them daily. </div>
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I have never had trouble swallowing pills though, so it hasn't bothered me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2qpwlx5BAwlRuYbaYPCCV0H-YvJhcMrp8FkkZQCV4H6hnPcWCvuH8E7SfSLXGw2VGi68WucplyDgOtiwirUdJ6ViFotobGkqqyIKQHJUtPgYpn-xZpLlHdVrOSe9DAUHdgHkRgE0eT0a/s1600/IMG_20150317_124435_635+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR2qpwlx5BAwlRuYbaYPCCV0H-YvJhcMrp8FkkZQCV4H6hnPcWCvuH8E7SfSLXGw2VGi68WucplyDgOtiwirUdJ6ViFotobGkqqyIKQHJUtPgYpn-xZpLlHdVrOSe9DAUHdgHkRgE0eT0a/s1600/IMG_20150317_124435_635+-+Copy.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have been using <a href="http://earthmamaangelbaby.com/" target="_blank">Earth Mama Angel Baby</a> body butter for my belly.<br />
I know, that is quite the hippy name.<br />
Although the scent of the product isn't my favorite, I do feel like it's been keeping my skin really well moisturized. Stretch marks are mostly a genetic thing, but I like to help my skin out all I can to keep them to a minimum.<br />
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The very last product I will mention is this <a href="http://www.bulkherbstore.com/Double-E-Immune-Booster" target="_blank">Double E Immune Booster</a> tincture.<br />
Everyone knows that your immune system is weakened during pregnancy and you are more susceptible to catching any bugs going around.<br />
I managed to make it through the entire winter without getting sick and I do attribute that partly to this herbal mixture. You can buy it in bulk and use it as a tea or make a glycerin tincture like I did.<br />
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That's all folks.<br />
I know this turned out to be a really long post, but thank you for sticking with me.<br />
I would love for you to comment and recommend your favorite products to me.<br />
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I hope you all have a really lovely day!<br />
Blessings,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8qUkSZR83Kn00Ye9Vt4FCw98Ofjbp4dXI9lDdzJGXVg1lajjJ5RXSRmMEh6tiBz9Xa_D9LEomDc0uGwnq8YJ7l3rk7iwVBugsTSONL-26n3DI-uFBH_sE3v2jnsG8WXzmW71xo7OJkpA9/s1600/E7B7D4164E67B0415254C85FDD613A02.png" /></a></div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-34956881845405358992015-02-09T10:35:00.002-08:002015-02-09T10:35:20.427-08:00Maternity Style, Outfit of the Day, Sunday<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO6fgAk5ALifLCG89LvUTiUSEJuSrG35I3cGJ0VQKcgnS-Ry3MuOR4kVBuDmAwFMqFb-hw7plBehpdSxbolZUuy5yODNoZG5lAxquokiH9hoWc8WaRlEwzWrO2bH8Sd-Eefb8hLJVK5LA/s1600/Maternity+Fashion.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhO6fgAk5ALifLCG89LvUTiUSEJuSrG35I3cGJ0VQKcgnS-Ry3MuOR4kVBuDmAwFMqFb-hw7plBehpdSxbolZUuy5yODNoZG5lAxquokiH9hoWc8WaRlEwzWrO2bH8Sd-Eefb8hLJVK5LA/s1600/Maternity+Fashion.jpg" height="640" width="464" /></a></div>
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Yesterday was such a lovely sunny day. </div>
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Here in New Mexico it was bright and breezy and in the upper seventies.</div>
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It was so refreshing to not need to bundle up for church!</div>
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What I Wore:</div>
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Blouse: JC Penney</div>
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Skirt: Thrifted</div>
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This skirt of one of my favorite thrifting finds of all time.</div>
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Long skirts are one of the most figure flattering things I can wear. </div>
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No one can tell how short my legs really are! :)</div>
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This blouse, like to many in my closet,</div>
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is one that will serve me well during pregnancy because it is so roomy. </div>
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I am finding myself to be more and more thankful that I had a preference towards flowing blouses even before I was pregnant. </div>
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They make it so easy to keep my need to purchase maternity clothes to a minimum.</div>
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I hope you all had a lovely Sunday as well!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-85311465466715217942015-02-06T15:05:00.002-08:002015-02-06T15:06:01.312-08:00We Are Having A Little Girl!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukuopRPTO9LW5AJ1UkhX16bjTFizjhtoLDm1awz8AaIjuJo7YbXzYz2ClkI-jy_k-ySmpHiIIJpGXUjGrnV8TuGz5GBhDvrN6i-eL4lVDf6PKBzxJdVn6xIsv4tCIG4NNGAKJpOsGDQKM/s1600/680470115f5c249ad03fb6379c782200.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjukuopRPTO9LW5AJ1UkhX16bjTFizjhtoLDm1awz8AaIjuJo7YbXzYz2ClkI-jy_k-ySmpHiIIJpGXUjGrnV8TuGz5GBhDvrN6i-eL4lVDf6PKBzxJdVn6xIsv4tCIG4NNGAKJpOsGDQKM/s1600/680470115f5c249ad03fb6379c782200.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
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We had our twenty week ultrasound this week, </div>
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and the big news is finally out, we are having a little girl!</div>
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Scott and I are both so excited to have a daughter.</div>
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And I am thrilled to finally feel like I know our little baby.</div>
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I think it is easier to build a relationship with the child still inside your womb if you know the gender and name of your precious little one.</div>
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The name we have picked out is Mary Joy.</div>
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When we were choosing baby names we wanted to consider three things. First, we wanted to make a habit of naming our children the way people did in the Bible, naming them for the circumstances in our life at the time of their birth. Second, we wanted to consider family names. Third, we wanted to consider biblical characters that we want our children to emulate.</div>
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Mary means "Wished For Child" and this sweet little one certainly was wished for. </div>
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Also, Mary the mother of Jesus was a godly woman, blessed among women, </div>
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who found favor with God, and this is what we want for our daughter.</div>
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Joy is my mother's middle name, and it is also the name of a lovely woman here in New Mexico who has been a continuous vessel of blessing to our family. </div>
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Both of these ladies are women we want our daughter to imitate as she grows.</div>
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I know that s many of you will share our excitement in this announcement, </div>
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thank you for being part of our lives!</div>
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Blessings,</div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-27742666794889294662015-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-06T08:00:12.016-08:00Lunch Box, Day 5<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zujnL3RMB5mzvzcBNXhvnbwBXiUMasoJf7Xjatp5Sn6NhnJIQgdQnot2vDW7TxY1pBRk3X2t_DQ4pR5v3z-9j0bUR7545lXXeUaM-tcZ_QsL6cktzrvHrbKOXoD9dIErCeOyelS-rX5J/s1600/Healthy+Lunch+Ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0zujnL3RMB5mzvzcBNXhvnbwBXiUMasoJf7Xjatp5Sn6NhnJIQgdQnot2vDW7TxY1pBRk3X2t_DQ4pR5v3z-9j0bUR7545lXXeUaM-tcZ_QsL6cktzrvHrbKOXoD9dIErCeOyelS-rX5J/s1600/Healthy+Lunch+Ideas.jpg" height="640" width="508" /></a></div>
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Today's Lunch:</div>
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Tilapia with Brown Rice and Pico de Gallo</div>
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Tortilla Chips</div>
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Black Bean Dip</div>
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Banana</div>
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Applesauce</div>
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We had leftover rice in the refrigerator this morning.</div>
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I hadn't originally planned on adding it to the tilapia, </div>
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but the fillets were smaller than I expected once they were fully cooked,</div>
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so it worked out perfectly. </div>
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I found the recipe for the black bean dip <a href="http://www.edibleperspective.com/home/2013/1/30/simple-black-bean-dip.html" target="_blank">here.</a></div>
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I love making this for Scott's lunches because it is SO easy to throw all of the ingredients in our Vitamix and blast them for a few moments. </div>
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And this recipe makes enough that there is usually some left over for me too!</div>
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So yummy!</div>
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Well, we have come to the end of our week. </div>
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I hope you were inspired to change up your lunch routine as much as I was! </div>
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Thank you!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-475810337759241452015-02-05T08:54:00.001-08:002015-02-05T08:59:12.872-08:00Maternity Style, Outfit of The Day<div style="text-align: center;">
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This is what I wore Tuesday when we had our 20 week sonogram.<br />
I wanted to wear a blouse that would be easy and comfortable to pull up over my belly for the ultrasound, and these jeans have a fairly low rise in the front, also nice for the ultrasound.<br />
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Cardigan: Maurices </div>
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(I have had this cardigan for a few years now, and it's become one of my very favorites!)</div>
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Blouse: Shopko (This is a long time favorite too)</div>
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Jeans: JC Penney Petite Slim Straight Leg Dark Wash Jeans</div>
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Flats: Payless Shoe Store</div>
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Lately I have loved buttoning just the top few buttons on my cardigans and leaving the bottom open.</div>
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Not only does this make most necklines higher, but it is also flattering for my little baby belly. </div>
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This is something I had never tried before, but even for someone who is not pregnant, I think it's a fun way to make your outfit a little different than usual. </div>
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Thank you all you lovely readers, </div>
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and please let me know if you would like to see more posts like this!</div>
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Have a wonderful day!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-41270618423758459892015-02-05T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-05T08:00:02.027-08:00Lunch Box, Day 4<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcj8KYUFIwCArPRHS_RGZttOfEQf7J9Y0noXAeiJVGVzFlfXaAIWDgT8x8p0OiWZeYS5HUdE201plk5eh7-jWyonIyfivzl5L64uJYGC6eOoQ-TxBr4Ar5Xf5tjbA8rBuk8VIEabF9AFN/s1600/lunch+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCcj8KYUFIwCArPRHS_RGZttOfEQf7J9Y0noXAeiJVGVzFlfXaAIWDgT8x8p0OiWZeYS5HUdE201plk5eh7-jWyonIyfivzl5L64uJYGC6eOoQ-TxBr4Ar5Xf5tjbA8rBuk8VIEabF9AFN/s1600/lunch+ideas.jpg" height="640" width="486" /></a></div>
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Today's Lunch:</div>
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Pasta Salad</div>
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Cutie Oranges</div>
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Snap Peas</div>
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Pistachios</div>
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Fruit Bars</div>
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Today's lunch was so easy to throw together. I also stuck a small bottle of balsamic vinegar for Scott to add to the pasta salad if he wanted. </div>
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I really enjoy making meals that are easy, healthy, and pretty to look at!</div>
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Thank you so much for taking the time to visit!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-21815950424261873282015-02-04T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-04T08:00:04.845-08:00Lunch Box, Day 3<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58NJSGTadt1xCYsGlDRsbxKgeEbcwKPoShMdSZ1NvcFxCFsoJWHajllfLWyLpCxFpAr0FJG0e1eqAw4Go7W1G8xzBCtLZiQWub6AFQHpX8sINIoKCZodi4A8GBPFNAeBgtPSZlU9nc0DZ/s1600/lunch+ideas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh58NJSGTadt1xCYsGlDRsbxKgeEbcwKPoShMdSZ1NvcFxCFsoJWHajllfLWyLpCxFpAr0FJG0e1eqAw4Go7W1G8xzBCtLZiQWub6AFQHpX8sINIoKCZodi4A8GBPFNAeBgtPSZlU9nc0DZ/s1600/lunch+ideas.jpg" height="640" width="436" /></a></div>
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Today's Lunch:</div>
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Veggie Sandwich </div>
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Cottage Cheese</div>
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Cheese and Crackers</div>
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Trail Mix Olives</div>
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Granola Bars </div>
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Applesauce</div>
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Today was a little bit of an odd lunch, </div>
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but it was what we had on hand, and sometimes that's just the way it is.</div>
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I don't usually do a lot of sandwiches. We like to use homemade bread, and I don't make it very often. But we had some this week, so sandwiches were a big item!</div>
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I hope your day is fabulous!</div>
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<br />Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-83855078622198551722015-02-03T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-03T08:00:12.398-08:00Lunch Box, Day 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today's Lunch:</div>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Grilled Chicken</div>
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Sweet Peppers and Cherry Tomatoes</div>
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Tortilla Chips and Salsa</div>
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Apple Slices</div>
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I slept in this morning and packed Scott's lunch later after he had already left for work. </div>
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This is something I will do if I have a lot of trouble sleeping through the night,or if we get to bed too late for me to get all the rest I need to grow this baby!</div>
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Since we only live a few minutes off base it's kind of fun to pack enough food for two and meet him at the squadron for a lunch date.</div>
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We usually do this at least once a week,and I love it. </div>
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I ate up all of this poor guys apples, since fruit has been a MAJOR pregnancy craving for me, </div>
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but he loved the rest of his meal. :)</div>
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Thanks for reading!!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-19094494376325745222015-02-02T17:29:00.001-08:002015-02-05T08:54:50.362-08:00Maternity Style, Outfit of the Day<div style="text-align: center;">
I will be the first to admit that I am no fashionista.</div>
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I have never really considered myself stylish, I just wear clothes that I love, and usually that ends up being more classic conservative pieces.</div>
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Modesty and femininity are both very important to me, </div>
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and those are the values that I build my wardrobe around.</div>
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I have looked forward to dressing my baby bump for my whole life, </div>
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and now my belly is finally showing.</div>
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I am so excited for the next five months of pregnancy, </div>
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and the next five months of dressing this beautiful tummy. :)</div>
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I have only purchased a very few maternity items because my wardrobe mostly consists of blouses and cardigans, both of which are easy to wear throughout pregnancy, with some creativity.</div>
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Here is what I wore today:</div>
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Camisole: Dillards</div>
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Blouse: JC Penney</div>
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Cardigan: Target</div>
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Jeans: JC Penney (These are the <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/women/jcp/jcp-slim-straight-jeans/prod.jump?ppId=pp5001631292&catId=cat100250096&deptId=dept20000013&extDim=true&topDim=Categories&topDimvalue=straight&dimCombo=Categories%7CBrand%7C&dimComboVal=straight%7Cjcp%7C&currentDim=Brand&currentDimVal=jcp&_dyncharset=UTF-8&colorizedImg=DP0312201318555100C.tif&urlState=/women/shop-clothing/jeans/straight/jcp/_/N-glmx1kZ1g7/cat.jump" target="_blank">Slim Straight Jeans, Petite, Dark Wash</a>)</div>
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Flats: Payless Shoe Store</div>
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I thought maybe I would pull my hair back in this first photo so that you could see my earrings, but it was still pointless...... too much hair. Oh well.</div>
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Today was nothing special, I ran a few errands, and went to a farewell party for some friends who are PCSing, then I came home and cleaned a bit. </div>
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I love wearing jeans and flats to run around in, especially if both are comfy. :)</div>
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These are my all-time favorite jeans! I usually order them online because I know that they fit me just right, and when I wear out one pair I just order another.</div>
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These jeans are not maternity jeans, but they are still fitting me well, </div>
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even though my stomach is quite prominent now.</div>
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I do have two belly bands that I can use if I need to, but I haven't really needed them yet.</div>
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I bought this blouse on clearance when I was just a few weeks pregnant. It is not maternity, but I just went up a size because I loved the colors and print. </div>
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I still have lots of room to grow in future weeks and months, so I am very pleased with it,</div>
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I think I only paid maybe five dollars for it. Gotta love the clearance rack!!!</div>
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That's all folks! Thanks for reading, I hope you have a wonderful day.</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-9545936485677497962015-02-02T08:00:00.000-08:002015-02-02T08:00:01.668-08:00What to Pack for Lunch<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is so easy to get into a rut when meal planning, </div>
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and I find this true when I am packing Scott's lunch each day.</div>
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I am especially guilty of getting into a wrap rut. </div>
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Wraps of one sort or another seem to be my go-to lunch item,</div>
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but we recently ran out of raw tortillas,</div>
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and I haven't been able to make the two hour drive to pick up another bulk package from Costco. </div>
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So, in the meantime, I needed to get creative.</div>
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So I made this chart:</div>
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This list has been so helpful over the past few weeks. </div>
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I started by writing down everything I have made in the past for the main portion of Scott's lunch (and browsing Pinterest for more ideas!)</div>
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then listing fruits and vegetables to add to that, </div>
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and then at least one more item for him to snack on later if he's hungry.</div>
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Every Monday morning I try to sit down and do the meal planning and grocery list for the week,</div>
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so lately I have been pulling out this list and making up a lunch menu</div>
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before I head off to the grocery store.</div>
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I try to consider two things when I am making up the list:</div>
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1. Is he working out?</div>
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2. Is he flying?</div>
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On days that Scott is working out after work, </div>
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I try to pack a lunch that will sit well with his stomach and give him good energy. </div>
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And on days that he's flying, I try to give him snacks that are easy to eat in a tiny cockpit. :)</div>
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I am always looking for new lunch ideas that are both healthy and easy to prepare, and various blogs and Pinterest have been a huge help.<br />
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So after doing this for a couple of weeks, I thought I might share it with you.</div>
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I think I will post the lunches I pack for Scott every day this week, here is day one:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoCnFNPhdf0mVyu4yTMKeZVLA23zoUgxBUgbRa9uBrH1p9qoDPsW124VeKdU-yAtMy8KFReS8MS0reZsCexVbpmeZWr-rL3xx_xM2S3NRclWZTZytEXX_2FGZN4axuezNkc2CC760yU3d/s1600/Lunch+Box+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpoCnFNPhdf0mVyu4yTMKeZVLA23zoUgxBUgbRa9uBrH1p9qoDPsW124VeKdU-yAtMy8KFReS8MS0reZsCexVbpmeZWr-rL3xx_xM2S3NRclWZTZytEXX_2FGZN4axuezNkc2CC760yU3d/s1600/Lunch+Box+1.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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This is a bigger lunch than I usually pack because Scott had a long day at work and he was going to be gone for both lunch and dinner. </div>
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In the Lunch Box:</div>
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BLT sandwich</div>
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Tomato, cucumber and feta salad</div>
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Pears and cottage cheese</div>
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Summer sausage, pepper jack cheese, and crackers</div>
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Cashews</div>
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Snap peas</div>
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Mustard (he likes it with the sausage)</div>
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Please don't think that I am boasting about packing lunches for my husband.</div>
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This is what works well for our family, but it might not work best for yours, and I am certainly not passing judgment on you.</div>
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But if you are packing lunches for yourself, your spouse, or your children, I hope that it is helpful to see a few ideas that might be new to you.</div>
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Thanks so much for reading!</div>
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Have a great day!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-34864525252299778462015-01-28T10:03:00.001-08:002015-01-28T16:17:04.820-08:00Pregnancy Update, 20 Weeks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It is hard to believe that I am already twenty weeks into this pregnancy.</div>
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It is going by so fast!</div>
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Now that my baby bump is more noticeable, </div>
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I am thinking about our sweet little one all the time now.</div>
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In the beginning I sometimes didn't feel pregnant,</div>
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but now that my belly proceeds me everywhere I go, </div>
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it makes it all even more real! </div>
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Pregnancy has not been comfortable, but I LOVE it. </div>
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Some of the typical pregnancy side effects I have been experiencing are back and hip pain, round ligament pain, headaches, side aches, and difficulty sleeping.</div>
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The second trimester has been harder than the first trimester, but over all, I am so thankful to be carrying this child that I truly don't mind enduring this discomfort for a few months.</div>
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Our twenty week ultrasound is on February third, and I am so excited.</div>
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This is the ultrasound where we will find out the gender of our baby.</div>
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If we could pick, Scott and I would both love to have a son first, </div>
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but we won't be any less thrilled if our baby is a little girl.</div>
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I promise to post again and tell you what we find out!</div>
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As far as cravings go, I cannot seem to satisfy my hunger for fruit!<br />
That has really been my main craving.<br />
The only other thing I can think of is ice cream.<br />
Every time I go to the grocery store, I can hear the ice cream isle calling my name,<br />
but I am trying to be really disciplined about what I eat.<br />
If I am craving something unhealthy, there is no good reason to give into that temptation.<br />
Just being pregnant doesn't justify it, and it certainly isn't helpful to me or my baby! :)<br />
So I'll just stick to my fruit! Haha!<br />
I have taken to carrying little fruit pouches around in my purse with me because I am hungry<br />
ALL THE TIME, and they are perfect to satisfy my growling tummy. :)</div>
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I don't think I have any more to tell just now,</div>
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but keep an eye out for future posts if you are interested.</div>
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I plan on posting my hopes for cloth diapering, nursing, and co-sleeping. </div>
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And there will be more pregnancy updates as well!</div>
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Thank you all for your prayers for this baby, </div>
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we are so blessed!</div>
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I hope you have a lovely day!</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-36496716068678687882014-12-15T17:09:00.002-08:002015-01-06T19:14:17.217-08:00Hello Baby!!! <div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">"The LORD has done great things,</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"> and we are filled with joy. " </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;">Psalm 126:3</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Who could have imagined that less than one week after I wrote that last post, the Lord would grant my requests and allow me to become pregnant?</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Scott and I are <i><span style="font-size: large;">over-the-moon</span></i> thrilled.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">We are so thankful for this child.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> I had my first ultrasound today.</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How amazing to see that our tiny baby is already so perfectly formed!</span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; line-height: 19.3199996948242px; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot even begin to express the joy that I felt as I watched this precious little one squirm and wiggle, always holding it's little hands up in front of it's face, and moving so much that the technician had a hard time getting clear pictures.</span></span></div>
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For those of you wanting more details..... :)</div>
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I am thirteen weeks, four days pregnant, and just beginning my second trimester.</div>
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Our little baby is about the size of a kiwi. (Still so tiny!!)</div>
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My due date is June 18th 2015! I can't wait!</div>
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We are going to find out the gender in the beginning of February, </div>
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and I will be sure to update you all once that happens!</div>
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I have been experiencing most of the usual symptoms of pregnancy, and even though it is uncomfortable, I am so thrilled to be feeling everything I have been longing to feel! </div>
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...</div>
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Once again, we are so thankful for our child, and even for the past two years of waiting. </div>
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The Lord has changed and sanctified me so much in the midst of all of it.</div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">If you are struggling with infertility, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I only wish I could say something to comfort your hurting heart.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I cannot tell you that your desires will be fulfilled, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">but I can tell you that the Lord is <i><span style="font-size: large;">good</span></i>, and <i><span style="font-size: large;">faithful</span></i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Throughout the time that I was waiting and pleading for a child, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">I was constantly questioning if that was really true.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"> Is He really good? Is He really faithful?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">But the Lord</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> always humbled me and made me to see the truth of who He is.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Even if today I wasn't pregnant, and still waiting for a child, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He is good and right and just and faithful.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">He always will be, in every circumstance.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Thank you for your prayers, and thank you for rejoicing with us!</span></div>
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Love and blessings, </div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-82779727285506841712014-10-02T17:03:00.001-07:002014-10-02T17:03:18.043-07:00Infertility~ Surgery, Endometriosis, and Bitterness<div style="text-align: center;">
Today has been one of those days..... </div>
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the kind of day that leaves me empty and discouraged and hopeless-</div>
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Today I have difficulty believing that I will ever be a mother.</div>
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A month ago, I underwent a hysteroscopic/laporoscopic surgery to diagnose and fix some of the issues we are facing in trying to conceive a child.</div>
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The surgery went well and the outcome was good, but it wasn't what I was hoping for. </div>
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I hoped to hear that the issues had been resolved and we would soon be expecting our first child.</div>
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The problem we were hoping to fix was nonexistent,<br />
but what they did find were endometrial adhesions,<br />
windows in the lining of my uterus,<br />
and a cyst on one of my ovaries. <br />
They cleaned everything out, and made my uterus look absolutely lovely. :)</div>
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But still, I am discouraged.</div>
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Yesterday, my doctor smilingly instructed me to keep trying to conceive for the next six months.</div>
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Hopefully, in that time I will become pregnant and all will be right with the world.</div>
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But what if it doesn't happen?</div>
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My wounded heart is so afraid of being hopeful.</div>
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Dare I hope?</div>
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Dare I make myself vulnerable again?</div>
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Deferred hope makes the heart sick.</div>
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My heart is so sick.</div>
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I can relate to Jacob. </div>
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Sometimes I feel like I'm trying to wrestle a blessing out of God. </div>
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Only, unlike Jacob, I don't come away with a blessing, just a limp. </div>
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{Genesis 32:22-32}</div>
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I am angry-</div>
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Clenched fists and hot tears angry.</div>
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When my prayers and pleadings continue unanswered,</div>
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I slip into believing that the Lord has forgotten me, that he is unjust.</div>
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Over the summer months, when my husband was deployed, the Lord showed me how angry and bitter I have been against him.</div>
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Although I will always know without a shadow of a doubt that God is good, in the secret corners of my heart I am overwhelmed with fear and doubt.</div>
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What if he isn't?</div>
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What if he never gives me what I have pleaded and wept for?</div>
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My heart fails me.</div>
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I am overcome with fear.</div>
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Does he really love me?</div>
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How can he be good when he withholds what is good and right from his children?</div>
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Like the disciples in the boat on a raging sea, </div>
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my heart tossed two and fro and filled with fear, screams-</div>
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"Do you not care that I am perishing?!"</h4>
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"Peace! Be still!"</div>
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He commands my stormy heart.</div>
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"Why are you so afraid? Have you still no faith?"</div>
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Because I, like the disciples, doubt that he really loves me, doubt that he even cares, doubt that he is really good.<br />
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But he does. And he is.</div>
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In her book Hannah's Hope, Jennifer Saak wrote:</div>
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"To look at my current circumstances and accuse God of making a mistake would be like trying to see the finished picture in a single piece of a complex puzzle. The blurs of color are senseless on their own, but when my piece is placed with all the rest, the entire beautiful masterpiece is pulled together. God sees the big picture from beginning to end. I can only see my little piece right now."</div>
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He never fails me.<br />
He never abandons me.<br />
In fact, Psalm 56:8 says,</div>
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<i>"You have recorded my troubles.</i></div>
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<i>You have kept a list of my tears.</i></div>
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<i>Aren't they in your records?"</i></div>
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Once again my soul is at rest. My spirit is quiet. </div>
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And I trust in his goodness and his love.</div>
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When will I stop fighting?<br />
When will I stop doubting?</div>
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The Lord is good and just and righteous.<br />
Amen</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4896195595867062613.post-4168548371806543472014-06-13T11:34:00.000-07:002014-06-13T11:51:02.985-07:00Master Bathroom Makeover<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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When we first moved into our home, </div>
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we knew we would be doing some work on the master bathroom.</div>
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The walls were painted a strange pink-periwinkle color that neither of us liked.</div>
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There was exposed piping beside the toilet from a bidet that had previously occupied the space.</div>
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I had tried various things to cover up the piping, </div>
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but we really just needed a complete bathroom makeover. </div>
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Are you ready for some before and after photos?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf83iMzjiKXdMG0pVTwVWHAeesAPM4r9lJKTFi6FrpcrXS0JGHx5jrXCG5xswsZSgv168oTOxAIqWDVqWvidY3jPBI4l_V0lRnlgOufFWRPLG_O7Z-ICOWLnjsgQKWOxN42dU8cJ6T1doO/s1600/IMG_20140501_144244_577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf83iMzjiKXdMG0pVTwVWHAeesAPM4r9lJKTFi6FrpcrXS0JGHx5jrXCG5xswsZSgv168oTOxAIqWDVqWvidY3jPBI4l_V0lRnlgOufFWRPLG_O7Z-ICOWLnjsgQKWOxN42dU8cJ6T1doO/s1600/IMG_20140501_144244_577.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Gotta love this tile back splash, right?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM63hNJ42ZOTn8fP1EbBK63rube6HJpYSllCykD9e1Bg2cN9hpttaE1s6v8z47W4VfNxr45pV3Un5AVnRcU9v9EvHvfiX9obG5fouJNFKD_QbcRzo53g5t3WQlpB2qlzs-vtI05LLqooto/s1600/IMG_20140501_144258_372+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjM63hNJ42ZOTn8fP1EbBK63rube6HJpYSllCykD9e1Bg2cN9hpttaE1s6v8z47W4VfNxr45pV3Un5AVnRcU9v9EvHvfiX9obG5fouJNFKD_QbcRzo53g5t3WQlpB2qlzs-vtI05LLqooto/s1600/IMG_20140501_144258_372+%25281%2529.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I began by removing and staining all the cabinets and the trim. </div>
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Then, while those dried I painted the walls a creamy ivory.</div>
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It was a lot of work, but SO worth it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcUZleXAbgbZnT4y3lEvxP99xqRehSSRgt56Nx77B8Y7eqj8DISQnyLdInLTTjda-KDGRutqmsEAreX4IU-9Ke6QgNhqFzJMMbnUCTs5d9vkQCbrTEuknfljDxbyEMxjn6HHICY0yG_KQ/s1600/IMG_20140613_114138_223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivcUZleXAbgbZnT4y3lEvxP99xqRehSSRgt56Nx77B8Y7eqj8DISQnyLdInLTTjda-KDGRutqmsEAreX4IU-9Ke6QgNhqFzJMMbnUCTs5d9vkQCbrTEuknfljDxbyEMxjn6HHICY0yG_KQ/s1600/IMG_20140613_114138_223.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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As far as color scheme goes, I went completely neutral. </div>
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I wanted to give us some wiggle room in the future </div>
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when we replace the toilet, sink and counter top.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMUUTz9X5fVnG6ZLOzJ10NIT-F35ww_taja8RWJasaM3Fw0y52KZkjH4jvHha4ayb2bJo9aDpCWZWfnkEPaX2VrPlmQArF6SUIIOJbDtq36z_h4ypRzaQfXqpTTgzcNotbgEjQY2pfn2L/s1600/IMG_20140613_113202_881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIMUUTz9X5fVnG6ZLOzJ10NIT-F35ww_taja8RWJasaM3Fw0y52KZkjH4jvHha4ayb2bJo9aDpCWZWfnkEPaX2VrPlmQArF6SUIIOJbDtq36z_h4ypRzaQfXqpTTgzcNotbgEjQY2pfn2L/s1600/IMG_20140613_113202_881.jpg" height="640" width="348" /></a></div>
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Adding handles to the cupboards made a huge difference.</div>
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Hobby Lobby has so much to choose from, it took me a few weeks before I could even decide.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-H74VqWTlqg3Xl7J-rcRtMTkjE_PGg83WyO5gy3iY1Ri7YUFNEby42xxb0tcSs5TLom6CvLNspFR8wGmSkcTcTpe1Uk0NhAhZVEy9Q0eHZb9mImdJhtZiXVyjrbriisnC1ktE6Of-bPCe/s1600/IMG_20140613_111357_872.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-H74VqWTlqg3Xl7J-rcRtMTkjE_PGg83WyO5gy3iY1Ri7YUFNEby42xxb0tcSs5TLom6CvLNspFR8wGmSkcTcTpe1Uk0NhAhZVEy9Q0eHZb9mImdJhtZiXVyjrbriisnC1ktE6Of-bPCe/s1600/IMG_20140613_111357_872.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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I was really nervous about painting the tile around the sink area, </div>
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but I am in love with the way it turned out.</div>
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I couldn't be more pleased.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRm1ZrXeLd5xHF9wyUYpy1Tm06v4zxtL48KVhUSDxUvfioJbbiqf1XYTFFtLrW8FjHZ_98xis95rBZQm5J6eD5kZ3YjiIShH4nRVLWqpJ4eVpGdNhPyMLnQ1NZFGzzCfSjDD4PHRvntkI/s1600/IMG_20140613_113300_186.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRm1ZrXeLd5xHF9wyUYpy1Tm06v4zxtL48KVhUSDxUvfioJbbiqf1XYTFFtLrW8FjHZ_98xis95rBZQm5J6eD5kZ3YjiIShH4nRVLWqpJ4eVpGdNhPyMLnQ1NZFGzzCfSjDD4PHRvntkI/s1600/IMG_20140613_113300_186.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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Since everything was so neutral, </div>
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I built a little planter to fit in the windowsill for a pop of color.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMpYNeJOwauUP-l8hXjtXG34Vpub5i3WKClAMGammAoAFwcFZWknAkEZhOi5luo83ujHmy0btxn0gEb92_ZmOZtQZzLVFp_bbypE0AQ6CG32uco8sPey9W6eEP9ejy5-6FEgO-xm1yFf5/s1600/IMG_20140613_112334_327.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMpYNeJOwauUP-l8hXjtXG34Vpub5i3WKClAMGammAoAFwcFZWknAkEZhOi5luo83ujHmy0btxn0gEb92_ZmOZtQZzLVFp_bbypE0AQ6CG32uco8sPey9W6eEP9ejy5-6FEgO-xm1yFf5/s1600/IMG_20140613_112334_327.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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A basket of good reading beside the toilet. :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI9IV-FovNO14ljZg62sFRLqPDL_t_O5xhGGcHyNItgxjkrSWC4BuLpgvycgxc88NH2mYkVNPHiblUHuhIzUjNMDRkwSQVza-tR8iC5fDR6J1ZS-wNZHoJ_4YrbVb8LyI6bVPqIRozYIC/s1600/IMG_20140613_112436_537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI9IV-FovNO14ljZg62sFRLqPDL_t_O5xhGGcHyNItgxjkrSWC4BuLpgvycgxc88NH2mYkVNPHiblUHuhIzUjNMDRkwSQVza-tR8iC5fDR6J1ZS-wNZHoJ_4YrbVb8LyI6bVPqIRozYIC/s1600/IMG_20140613_112436_537.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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I am a candle fanatic. </div>
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I know my mother is laughing as she reads this.</div>
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When I was a teenager, </div>
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my bedroom looked like a shrine there were so many candles everywhere. :)</div>
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So I had to include just a cluster of candles in our bathroom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiQKW5UCTiVeudKLincL-qWTBvCdYPvJEmkqnSCcnB1Qw2JRMWUBzn0L-0R3x8RsgtopSk5Y2sdgXBrO5dETxzgqR3k8__PSLZmHZeUzg8y0aEjQIZaXGtvCqp_o8heqzkg_16gRmKcAt/s1600/IMG_20140613_112721_255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBiQKW5UCTiVeudKLincL-qWTBvCdYPvJEmkqnSCcnB1Qw2JRMWUBzn0L-0R3x8RsgtopSk5Y2sdgXBrO5dETxzgqR3k8__PSLZmHZeUzg8y0aEjQIZaXGtvCqp_o8heqzkg_16gRmKcAt/s1600/IMG_20140613_112721_255.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
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So there you have it. </div>
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I will write another post in the near future with details about how I built the table next to the toilet, and how I painted the counter top.</div>
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I hope you all have a wonderful day.</div>
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Annahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10727328796503310079noreply@blogger.com3