34 Week Bumpdate & A Nursery Sneak Peek!

This "five and a half - pounder" is the size of a large cantaloupe or a butternut squash.  Some people like to tell me she has "dropped", and others comment on how she is still so high.  I just can't figure it out! 

I feel pretty good but moving around is really tough.  If I sit too long I need to get up, and if I am standing too long I need to sit.  At work I've been sitting and staring at the computer while working on scheduling all day for the past 2 weeks now.  I've been trying to get up to stretch and move around as much as possible.  The discomfort factor is pretty high but I'm pretty used to it at this point.  Staying as active as I can has been helping a bit.  In yesterday's post I talked about my workouts...so click HERE if you haven't read it yet!  So far I've gained 29 pounds, this is pretty much where I wanted to be at this point.  Tomorrow I will be meeting with my Doctor, I wonder if he will be as pleased as I am.  During the day I'm starving, and grazing all day long...at night I'm really not that hungry.  Luckily, I haven't really experienced any nausea this past week!  When the peanut moves around in there and makes these funny shapes I get the tiniest bit queasy.  It's nothing I can't handle, and feels weird more than anything. Last night I captured a picture of one of her favorite new positions!

This is the first week that I am starting to think about the actual possibility that it can happen at any time!  Yes I know that it's still early and there is only a very small chance I'd go into labor now, but my sister-in-law had her son at EXACTLY this point (and it was her first).  I'm on very high alert.  My hospital bag is semi-packed...Baby Girl's is basically ready to go though!  Car seats are installed, all of the laundry we would possibly need within the first month is neatly folded, we have what seems like a years supply of diapers (I'm sure they will be gone within 3 weeks), and the bottles are ready for sterilization!  They say you are never completely "ready", but we are close and getting closer every day!  

Who wants to see a little sneak peek of the nursery?!?  This past weekend Hubs and I were in there moving things around (again), and trying to get organized.  They say it gets worse before it gets better!  Here are some photos of the "during" process.  It's still very much a work in progress, but now you can at least get an idea of what's going on in there!

 

You get the picture!  Our lucky little lady sure has a LOT of stuff!  We are trying to find a home for everything...it's coming along!  Can't wait to show you all the finished product!  

Happy "Bump" Day!!!!
3 days left to enter to win a custom address stamp for the Storefront Deals *Grand Opening* Giveaway! 

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#NOtivation: Finding What Works

Instead of sharing the contents of my non-existent gym bag with you all (I literally grab my key card, a bottle of water, and my iPod, then walk over to the gym)...I thought it would be nice to just check in with you all and give you the scoop on where I'm at "NOtivation-wise".  Originally I was going to share this in my next bumpdate (tomorrow), but this seems like a better idea.
 
So here is the deal...at 34 weeks pregnant, I've realized that I need to tone it down a few notches. Running is almost impossible because the minute I get going, Baby shifts onto my bladder!   Let's just say, I need to stop and walk at that point! I completely stopped running about a week ago. Walking is the way to go, so I've been making sure I get it in any chance I can.   My feet are the tiniest bit swollen, and I can't go all out. It's better than nothing, but I still want more!
 
After a bunch of research on different methods of exercise this late in the game, I've tried a few different things. I discovered these Pregnancy Yoga videos, and have been doing a lot of different stretches and poses at night. It's been great because I finally feel like I'm getting stronger.  My arm muscles seem to be coming back....a pregnant version of them, but I'll take it!

Out of everything I've been trying, my absolute favorite has been swimming!  My Doctor recommended it for me about a month ago.  Duh!  Considering I could throw a rock at our beautiful community pool (but I won't), why didn't I think of it myself?  It is the perfect workout, just a little bit goes a LONG way.  I tire out fairly quickly, so I just do a few laps and take a break before I'm ready to do a few more.  Besides the fact that I'm getting in a great workout while staying cool and refreshed, I'm also getting some relaxation time in by lounging in between workouts.  There really isn't a better scenario!  It's pretty ideal! 
 

The only hard part has been finding times where the pool is not too crowded.  Luckily, I've gotten over my fear of swimming by myself when there are strangers in the pool.  There is this very tan guy with bleach-blonde hair that lives in our complex.  We always see him in the morning doing laps.  The other day, he and I did laps together.  We didn't speak, but it was a total bonding moment...he felt it too, I'm sure of it! 

This is what I've found works for me at this point.  Chances are good that my workout could be something entirely different in another week or two.  I guess all that matters is I've been attempting to be active, when all I really want to do is curl up in bed and watch Giuliana and Bill!   Linking up with these ladies...

Stop by tomorrow for the 34 week bumpdate, and don't forget to click HERE to enter to win a custom address stamp courtesy of Storefront Deals and Whitney Rae Paper!

Happy #NOtivation Tuesday!
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Chelsea @ Our Little Nest {Guest Post}

Hi guys! I’m Chelsea from Our Little Nest, where I share my favorite recipes and meal plans, diy 

projects, style, and all the things I love! I love working with Stephanie any chance I can get, and 

today I have a Chicken Milanese recipe to share with you that I hope you’ll enjoy!

 

This Chicken Milanese is not only extremely quick and easy to make but it’s also equally 

delicious. I love making this for a quick weeknight meal. The cutlets even make a tasty sandwich 

the next day! 

These cutlets are traditionally made with veal or pork, but I like using chicken to lighten them 

up a bit. The breading is loaded with parmesan cheese and the cutlets cook up nice and golden 

brown. 

Ingredients: 

1/3 cup all-purpose flour, for dredging

2 large eggs, beaten

1 ¼ cups Italian bread crumbs

2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 chicken cutlets (boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced crosswise and pounded thin)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon pepper

2 tablespoons butter

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 lemon, cut into wedges

Directions:

Place the flour in a shallow dish or bowl. Place the eggs in another. Mix the bread crumbs 

and Parmesan cheese in a third. Set them up in this order so that you have a little breading 

assembly line. 

Sprinkle each chicken cutlet with salt and pepper. Working with one cutlet at a time, dredge the 

chops in flour to lightly coat, then dip into the beaten eggs, allowing the excess egg to drip off. 

Then coat each cutlet with the bread crumb mixture, press gently to adhere the crumbs. Gently 

set the cutlets in a single layer on a baking sheet. 

Preheat the oven to 150 degrees. Meanwhile, in a large sauté pan, melt the butter and the oil 

over medium high heat. Place 2 chicken cutlets into the oil mixture and cook until light golden 

brown, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer the cutlets to a clean baking sheet. You can keep 

these warm in the oven while you cook the remaining cutlets. 

Serve each cutlet with a lemon wedge and a simple side salad (peppery arugula works perfectly 

with the Parmesan flavors in the dish). 

I hope you’ll give these cutlets a try and stop by my blog to say hello!

Blog // Bloglovin’ // Twitter // Facebook

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"Oh Baby, What a Weekend!"

This weekend was somewhat uneventful, but I figured it was worth sharing what my version of an uneventful weekend looks like.  

Friday I had off!  This was my last Friday off, we are now back to normal five day work weeks. Boooooo!  I was sure to make the most of it and spent the majority of the day out by the pool reading up on what this whole birth process entails. Honestly, I stopped shortly after "mucus plus".   I'll have to pick up where I left off at some point.  I caught up on some "blog things" poolside before coming in and watching a 3 hour marathon of "Pot Cops".   Day off...very well spent indeed!

Saturday was spent running errands for Baby Girl in Wesley Chapel!  We had another pile of things that needed to go back to Babies R' Us and be swapped out.  We also used a "15% off the remainder of our registry coupon"and burned through a few more gift cards.  For lunch, we had Tijuana Flats - a favorite of mine!  Next stop was Target where I stocked up on nursing bras and tanks (exciting).  We got home nice and early, and made it a movie night.  Has anyone seen "Savages"?  Weird...I still don't know if I liked it or not. 
Sunday was devoted to clearing out the MESS of a nursery.  Every time we organize things in there, we get a whole new haul of goodies...and it becomes a disaster all over again.  That is definitely not a complaint, believe me!  After another load of laundry I discovered that Baby Girl has 18 bibs, 16 receiving blankets, and more pairs of socks than Stephen and I combined!  We rearranged the furniture a little bit again, Hubs put together the stroller, and I even gathered everything together that will go into Baby Girl's hospital bag.  It was a good day!  Nothing like a cozy/productive day home! 
That was my weekend, now back to work!  Hopefully I'm well rested, it is going to be a busy week. The students are coming on Friday for Open House already! 

***Don't forget to enter to win a custom address stamp courtesy of Storefront Deals and Whitney Rae Paper!!!

Linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!

Happy Monday! 

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What's cooking this week?

Good morning / almost afternoon!  It may be a little late for this post, but I've had a semi-productive morning - I swear!  My workout for the day is complete.  It turns out that swimming laps is my new "thing".  I'll talk more about my partially swollen feet in my next Bumpdate (I know you all can't wait to hear about it).  Hubs and I have had the pool ALL to ourselves which has been great.  I've also caught up on some blog posts for the week, AND most importantly...planned my meals.  How nice would it be to get every day going just like this?  

Tonight: Sunday Sauce - Baked Ziti (*part of "Operation Cook & Freeze") Monday: Apricot Chicken w/ Roasted Asparagus Tuesday: Veggie Subs Wednesday: Honey Lime Chicken Thursday: Bro Sco's Black Bean Burgers Hanging out poolside, is definitely the priority on the agenda for today.  I hope you are all have relaxing weekends as well!  XO

***Don't forget to enter to win a custom address stamp courtesy of Storefront Deals and Whitney Rae Paper!!!

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Storefront Deals *Grand Opening* Giveaway!

I've got fabulous news!!!  In honor of the grand opening of Storefront Deals on August 1st, you have the chance to win an adorable custom address stamp!

Storefront Deals is a brand new daily deal site.  They team up with top notch sellers to bring their customers quality items at a low price.  They feature handmade and small businesses.  Deals only last 2-3 days on the site - so you have to get it before it's gone! There are lots of awesome companies already lined up for their opening. By following on social media you will be able to stay in the know.  Check it out...there are plenty of sneak peeks, free stuff and giveaways.  Speaking of giveaways...

The custom address stamp has been donated by Whitney Rae Paper.  It's perfect for adding a special something to your outgoing mail.  These also make great gifts - especially for a newly engaged couple, for a housewarming gift, and they even make great bridesmaid and hostess gifts. 

Winner will be able to select one of the following options: 

Simple
Handwritten Banner

Circle Leaf

Script

Handwritten Arrow 
You have a week to enter, good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



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A "Bloggy" Friday

Although I am back to work, these past two weeks have been four day work weeks.  It's pretty nice, but this is my last Friday off.  I'm making the most of it, and getting caught up in "Blog-World".  We don't have anything too crazy planned this weekend, just another trip to Babies R' Us...and some more organizing of the nursery.  Honestly, there is nothing else I'd rather be doing.  This girl is in total nesting mode!  

As the week comes to an end, I'm usually paranoid that I don't have enough pictures to share.  Once again, I was wrong! 1.  Normally we sit on the floor and eat dinner at the coffee table.  Getting up and down has just more trouble than it is worth these days.  We have started sitting at the table, and it's actually been pretty nice! 2.  Looking at this drawing makes me smile!  Our nephew Jake is going into 2nd grade, and I can not get over how artistic he is!  He wasn't even looking at Goofy when he drew it!   3.  We finally broke down at work and treated ourselves to some comfy office chairs!  The entire experience was pretty fun...especially testing them out in the store! 4.  I'm happy to be a part of the BzzAgent Special K Nourish Campaign...loving all of these! 5.  The fact that Baby Girl will be here so soon just boggles my mind!  OMG, my due date is exactly SIX weeks from today!!!!!!!!!!!   Linking up...

High Five for Friday
&
Five on Friday

Happiest Friday Friends! XO

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Shredded Chicken Chili

When I started creating this recipe, I originally set out to make white bean chicken chili.  As you can see, I somehow strayed away from the original plan!  It started when I realized I couldn't add tomatoes because then it obviously wouldn't be white.  You know I don't enjoy having limitations, so I just decided to go with it (and then got carried away).  The result was this delicious chili dish that both Stephen and I LOVED!  The plan is to make this again sometime in the next few weeks so I can stockpile a bunch in the freezer for when Baby Girl gets here...thinking ahead!

Ingredients:
2 Shredded Chicken Breasts (follow link for easy instructions on how to shred chicken)

2 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil

1 large onion - chopped

1 red chili pepper - chopped

1 yellow pepper - diced

1/2 yellow zucchini squash - diced

2 stalks of celery - diced
2 cloves of garlic - minced

4 cups of chicken broth

4 cans of beans ( i used cannelini, red kidney, pinto and great northern) - drained and rinsed

1 can of diced tomatoes with green chilis

1 can of chopped green chilis

1 tbsp of cumin

1 tbsp of chili powder

Salt and pepper (to taste)

Fresh cilantro - 2 tbsp chopped

Cooked quinoa or rice (I used quinoa)

Avocado, sour cream, and shredded cheese (I used white cheddar) for topping!

Directions:

1.  Sautee onions, peppers, squash, and celery over medium to medium high heat until it starts to soften (about 5-6 minutes).  Add garlic, and cook for another 3-4 minutes (stirring often).  

2.  Add broth, beans, seasoning (cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper), tomatoes, green chilis, cilantro, and shredded chicken.  Bring to a boil.

3.  Lower the heat to a simmer, cook with lid on for 1-2 hours - stirring every 15 minutes.  

4.  Serve over quinoa, top with sour cream, sliced avocado, and cheese.

I hope you all enjoy this as much as we did!

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33 Week Bumpdate

At 33 weeks the little munchkin is the size of a pineapple or a durian fruit!  I just spent a few minutes researching the history of a durian fruit....fascinating!   

*Before I get started I would just like to point out that I am wearing actual pants in this photo, and not leggings.  

Summer officially feels like a thing of the past.  Reality has slapped me in the face, I'm beyond exhausted!  In a way I am glad that things are so busy.  Time is going fast, and at this point I am getting very anxious!  I'm just so ready to meet this little lady, and it seems like she is ready to come out and meet us too!  Seriously, it's like she is trying to bust out of there.  I've been describing her movements as "violent", but Stephen doesn't "like when I talk about his daughter that way"!  

Not only am I hoping these next 7 weeks go by quickly because I so badly want to meet my little girl, I am also getting more and more uncomfortable by the minute (dramatic)!  My hips are so sore, my feet hurt (no swelling yet), and my lower back is shot.  Not only do I feel like an old lady when I get up and down, but I look like one hobbling around!  Usually I am okay when I wake up in the morning, and then it is all downhill from there.  By 3:00 I am just so physically and mentally drained.  My goal has been leaving work as close to on time as I can, but it's so not happening.  There is too much going on as we try to kick off a new school year.  This is not an ideal time to relax...I'm trying to though believe me.  I'm also trying to take it one day at a time, and not get worked up over the insane amounts of phone calls I need to return, e-mails, and scheduling requests that are piling up.  Somehow it will all come together, I'm not stressing over it (yet).  

It's true what they say about everything coming full circle by the end of your pregnancy.  I am back to feeling queasy, losing my appetite at night, headaches, taking frequent trips to the bathroom, waking up every hour, and having unnecessary crying episodes almost daily!  It is like the first trimester all over again except I have gained 28 pounds, and I am getting beat up from within.  Regardless, I still feel like I'm walking on a cloud from all of the excitement!  It's so worth it!  

I love this picture of my cousin Jen trying to feel Baby Girl move, it didn't take long for her to experience it!  My cousin Kristen felt her too!  They kept saying "that is SO weird"!  It is pretty weird, I have to agree!

Another picture I have to share....can't get over this adorable ladybug "diaper mobile" that my Aunt Sherry, and cousin Nikki made for us!!!  I'm not sure I have the heart to take it apart, EVER!

Happy "Bump" Day!!!!

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Curing #NOtivation - Inspiration

This week I'm talking about what inspires me to kick #NOtivation's butt!  It's difficult impossible to choose just one source of inspiration, so I'll name a few.

{via} 

I'm inspired daily by my friends and family.  Their constant encouragement when I really started dropping the pounds three years ago, kept me motivated and let me know it was all worth the effort.  My close friends and I are on the same mission for a healthier lifestyle.  I love that we push each other to keep at it!  It could be something as simple as a "like" on a sweaty selfie, or a runkeeper update! There is a new little lady that will be making her arrival in about 7 weeks that has been one of my greatest sources of inspiration these days!

{via}

I've been thinking a lot about what it means to be a Mother; the things I want to teach her, the values I want to instill in her, and the role model that I want to be.  Of course I want to continue living a healthy lifestyle and taking care of myself so I can be here for Baby Girl for a LONGGGG time.  I'd also like to be sure I am setting a good example for her so she can learn the importance of being healthy (vs. being skinny) and taking pride in herself!  I'm talking WAY deeper than toned abs here...although that would be a nice bonus!   Speaking of a toned and fit bod (which I obviously would like to get back in the near future)...I do it for my husband!  He is super understanding of all the lower calorie meals I often make (and VERY appreciative when I make him his very own steak)!  It doesn't phase him at all when I hop up in the middle of the movie to do squats or calf raises against the wall.  When I officially made the decision to get healthy, he was definitely my biggest fan.  The fact that he was so supportive and encouraging when I started that journey...only strengthened my love for him even more! In a sense I also inspire myself.  Does that sound weird?  To me, there is nothing more inspirational than seeing yourself make progress, having more energy, being happy with the way your clothes fit, and just feeling more comfortable in your own skin.  If I ever need an extra inspirational boost, I hit the pinterest boards for a bit.  Eventually you come across something like this, and then it is time to get moving...   

{via}

Linking up with these awesome ladies again...

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Orlando Weekend

No, we didn't spend the weekend in Orlando again. This weekend, THE Orlando's came up to visit us. Just as I anticipated, it lived up to the hype.

On Friday night they came up with a load of presents that had been shipped down to their house for our shower. We knew about most of the gifts because people put pictures in cards. There were a few fun surprises thrown in there too. We have a whole new pile of goodies to assemble, sort through, wash and put away for her now! It's unbelievable how much stuff she has accumulated already! I know I haven't seen anything yet. After we were situated with all of the boxes in the nursery, we went out for dinner at TGIFridays.

Saturday we spent the day at the pool and had WAY too much fun taking pictures underwater. I NEED a waterproof iPhone case. Not want...NEED!

After pool time we had lunch at City Fire Bar & Grill where I ordered the Nutty Cheesy Salad. HERE is the recipe...it's so good I recreated it at home not long ago! We all headed back home to get cleaned up before going to the movies to see Pacific Rim. It was very action packed, I liked it a lot...but I wouldn't say it's for everyone. For dinner we headed over the RJ Gators right after literally outrunning a MAJOR storm. Good timing!

Me, Jen, Kristen, and Nikki at the new square minutes before the heavens opened up! 

Sunday was another easy going day. I made my Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, and Aunt Laura and Uncle John picked up the most delicious cinnamon bread from Panera! We spent some more time poolside until they had to head back home.

What a weekend, full of lots of fun and non-stop laughing! As you can see, I wasn't exaggerating when i said all of our plans revolved around our meals. It happens every time! Next time we see the Orlando crew again it will be "Baby Time"! Whoa!

Linking up with Sami for Weekend Shenanigans!

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What's cooking this week?

With the family in town, this weekend was full of lots of eating.  Just as I suspected!  Is it normal to completely plan your day around breakfast, lunch, and dinner?  It is for us, just wondering if this is how it works for everyone else.  Maybe it's part of my whole "plan ahead mentality".  I'm still full... it's hard to even think about food for the week, but of course I'm going to manage!      

Tonight:  White House Turkey Lasagna

Monday:  Buffalo Chicken Wraps Tuesday:  Blackened Baja Tacos - w/ shrimp this time Wednesday:  Mustard Chicken Packets over Brown Rice/Quinoa Thursday:  White Beans with Chicken Sausage & Kale  Tonight will officially kick off "Operation Cook & Freeze"!  It seems like this is my version of nesting!  My mission is to have as many meals ready to go as possible for when the Little Miss gets here!  I will be making the lasagna tonight in two 8x8 pans (one glass for tonight, and one aluminum to freeze).  Just thinking ahead.  Now I desperately need to make some room in the freezer...I say this all the time but it's still packed! Hopefully it's been a great weekend for you all!  I'll be back tomorrow with a recap of mine! XO Check out my lovely 'Savory' Sponsor:

La'Shawn @ March to December {Guest Post}

Hello! I am La'Shawn from March to December. I blog about being a third shift working, curvy, wife & mom. I will be 30 in about a month & a half. Married to my college sweet heart & we are parents to one spunky nearly 6 year old boy. 

One of the things I know best is how to balance working 3rd shift (nights) while still being wife & mom. 

A part of doing that is doing what I call, "flipping my schedule". 

I have no desire to live on a 3rd shift schedule on the weekend. I do not want to sleep during the day while the world (my guys!) are awake and living around me. So, it took quite a few years to get a good scheduled down. However, I got it. 

I think this would work for any person that can get by with 4-5 hours asleep. Most people can.  (I am not a dr! In fact working 3rd shift isn't healthy. I am only sharing how I flip my scheduled from 3rd to 1st) I get home between 06:30 & 07:00. I am asleep by 08:00. Up by 11:00 - 12:00. Depending what I am doing that day.  Then it is running around until the hubby comes home. Then I pass out until the morning.  or I get home the same time. Stay awake. Run around like mad until around 2pm and then nap from then until 6pm. When the hubby gets off work. Then I have the whole night with them.  It all depends on what I have going on that day. However, flipping my scheduled is a must! This is a first shift world.  There are big key points to also help stay awake and flipping your scheduled.  - work out during the week & eat healthy. You will be less tired on your flip day.  
- don't over-do the caffeine on your flip day. You will crash hard & possibly earlier than you want.
- Get outside if you can! You spent too much time without sun anyway. It actually does things to your body and mind when you go without sun. So get some on the weekend. Especially on your flip day.

- drink a lot of water. Being hydrated really helps in every day. However, it helps you not eat junk. Which keeps you from getting that junk food tired.    - have a reason to do it! Be goal, fun activity, or people!

- and stick too it! A pattern will make it less of a shock each time.  So there you go. 7 years of working 3rd shift had taught me all of this. Again, this is just what has worked for me. I am no expert or doctor. Just know how to make it work on 3rd shift being a wife & mom. Going 1st on weekends is where it is for me!  Have a great day...or night. Depending on when you are awake. ;-)  Hugs,  La'Shawn
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Four Years & A Weekend Full of Crazy

Can you even believe that it has been FOUR years since we have made that huge leap of faith?!?  In yesterday's post I was talking about how these weeks have been flying by.  Forget weeks!  I said it has been four YEARS!  Look at these two wacky kids - who decided to pack up a U-Haul and make a move down to Florida without jobs.  We had no idea what we were in store for!  Four years later...and we don't regret a single thing!  This life we have created down here has been amazing!

Stephen and I are so incredibly lucky that we have some family down here in Florida!  In fact, the risky move we made wouldn't have even been possible if it weren't for them!  Turns out we only had to live with them for two days, because once we got down here things escalated VERY quickly.  By the second week in August, we were settled in our new apartment, I had started my job as a Guidance Counselor, and Stephen was in the interview process for the job that he ended up getting two weeks later!  It was a whirlwind!   My Aunt, Uncle, and cousins live over three hours away from where we happened to end up, but we get to see them often.  I thank my lucky stars every day.  We love it down here, but it makes it even better to have them so close (close enough).  It is always a great time whether they are coming up her to visit us, or if we are taking a ride down to see them!  I'm excited about spending this weekend with this particular group of crazies.  This print cracks me up, because it is very fitting.  I need something like this to hang up fo' sho'!  

{via}

I always hear people describe their family as "crazy"...I definitely believe this is true of mine! Obviously I mean it in the most loving way!  There is a very high entertainment factor when we are all together.  I love it!  That is what family is all about isn't it?!  I'm not really sure what is on the agenda, but I'm sure it will all revolve around food! Hopefully you all have a fun weekend as well with your own set of crazies!  I'll be back later tomorrow with the weekly meal plan! XO Check out my lovely 'Savory' Sponsor:

High Fives & A Promo!

Up until this point so far it just seems like the weeks are just FLYING by!  I can't believe it is Friday again already.  It feels like every time I turn around, it is time to make another one of these weekly collages!  At this point I am not complaining!  I'm so ready for these next seven weeks to go by in the blink of an eye, and then once Baby Girl makes her arrival I would like time to stand still.  Unfortunately I know it will probably be just the opposite!

Let's recap this week, shall we?

1.  Last weekend we visited friends in St. Pete and had an incredible time!  Just as I had hoped, the sun was shining.  It was a perfect beach day, and a great time catching up with everyone!  Love this crew!  I also had my first Jimmy John's experience.  The veggie sandwich with extra avocado definitely gets my seal of approval!  YUM!

2.  My order from Sassy Baby Essentials arrived.  Check out this shop...GORG!  It took a lot of willpower not to order one of everything!  Mandy is such a sweetie to work with!  This was my first order from her shop and certainly not my last!

3. On Tuesday I posted about how important it is to "Treat Yo Self" especially when it comes to conquering #NOtivation.  I wasn't kidding when I said I was planning to do just that!

4.  Back to work, you know I wasn't thrilled about that.  Honestly it feels good to get back into a normal routine.  My other half (the other guidance counselor) and I didn't waste any time getting back to our old ways.  That means getting involved in a TON of work, *while* taking tons of pics!  

5.  Our second round of The Boys Behind The Blog link-up was a big success yesterday.  It is just once a month, but Mallory and I really look forward to it.  I was super busy at work and basically crashed when I got home.  Today I plan to read through all of the posts and I can't wait!  It isn't to late to join in.  The link up is still open throughout the next week.  We also thought it would be fun to do a promo code in honor of the link up AND the fact that we both just added a new In-Post feature ad spot to our pages....

*Use the code "BOYS" for 30% off ALL ads and snag a spot! 

Linking up...

Enjoy your Friday!!!

Check out my lovely 'Savory' Sponsor:

The Boys Behind The Blog {Link up #2}

It's the third Thursday of the month again already!
Welcome to the 2nd round of The Boys Behind The Blog link-up featuring your husbands, fiances, and boyfriends!  Mallory and I know that many of you have incredibly supportive men behind you and your blog and we want to give them a chance to have their voice heard too.  

Before I let my man take over...just wanted to share some news!  Since Mallory and I are super psyched about todays link up AND the fact that we both added a new In-Post Ad option to our blogs...we are having a very special promo!!!

Check it out! :)

And now it's time to hear from my stud muffin Stephen...

1. What celebrity would play you in a movie about your life?
This is hard to say. I’ve been told I look like a lot of different people; Joel McHale, Ewan MacGregor, Cillian Murphy, Jude Law, Leonardo DiCaprio (back in the day). Few of these I seriously buy into. If people will take that route, I’ll go just one further. I may look nothing like him, but I would prefer Benedict Cumberbatch to play me in a movie about my life. That would be awesome.

(*Who?  I had NO idea who this guy was...so i decided you all needed a visual!  We both just agreed that he does resemble him a little bit in this pic!)

2. What is your dream car?
In my teens and early twenties I had plenty of answers for this kind of question. Expensive exotic cars, zippy little imports a la the Fast and the Furious, big mean off-road vehicles, etc. These days, I’d settle for any one that’s paid off. I guess that’s not the question though.
If money were no object I think I’d like to see myself in something a little older and classy. Something to cruise around in. Not necessarily flashy, but clean and tasteful. Something like a 1964 Aston Martin DB5. Yes; that would do nicely. ::hums James Bond theme song::

3. Do you have any tattoos? What, where, why?
I do not. It’s not that I’m against them or anything; I just haven’t found a good reason for one personally.

4. Boxers or briefs?
This is an awfully personal question. However, since you asked; boxer-briefs.

5. List 3 random facts about yourself...
-I would love to drive cross-country again at some point. Last time, we saw much of the southwest and it was incredible. I think that if I were able to make it happen again, I would love to aim for the northwest; see some of the great national parks and such.
-I am a self-professed geek, and my current favorite (not-so-secret) geeky shows are Doctor Who and
Sherlock on BBC. 

-I am super psyched about being a soon-to-be dad. Stephanie is concerned because I generally do not show it outwardly, but inside, I can’t wait to meet our little girl.

(*What a sweetie...I do ask him AT LEAST once a day if he is excited.  I know he is, it just melts my heart to hear him say it!)

Thanks so much for reading! Don't forget about the special 30% off promo with the code "BOYS" here at Never The Same Spice Twice and also at Mal Smiles!!!

Now grab a button, and link up with us!

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