Home For the Holidays (Bloghop)

 

 

Happy Monday friends! Today is day one of the Home For the Holidays Blog Hop! Make sure to link up with us each day and also to tweet, pin, and share on Facebook! The more the merrier

 

 

Today's topic is Gifts! So link up and share your wish list, gift ideas, etc... you get my drift! I am going to share with you great gifts for the friends in your life (best friend, momma friends, your family... everyone!)

 

1. For Him - The Man Crate. I know I have shared this before, but again, they have awesome gifts for any man in your life. From husband, to boyfriend, dad to brother (or brother in law). They have one for any man in your life.

 

 

Personalized Crates



 

Whiskey Appreciation

 

For the Buckeye (or other college man of your choice)

 

2. For the Mama friend - Love Little Arrow. I have this sweatshirt and well I think all Mamas need one or two.... 

 

 

3.  For the non-mama or any other woman in your life... Kendra Scott for the win! I got my BOFF hooked on her bauables last year and well can you blame me! And its 15% today.

 

These pretties are on my list.

4. For those wonderful teachers, caregivers, babysitters.... well they love your child and I know I love them for it! My go-to for these lovely woman... gift cards to the places they love. I know E's teachers love Starbucks and Chick Fil-a. I know I could be way creative and come up with some basket, but give the ladies what they want!

Do not forget to link up with Neely and the other hostesses!

 

 



What's Hap-pinning Wednesday

It's Thanksgiving Eve and I'm linking up with Jenn and Jessi for the Thankful edition of What's Hap-Pinning Wednesday.

I am thankful for....

My wonderful family! Husband who loves me, most loving brother/Uncle Bubby Ever, brother and sister in law who adore E, V & D who continue to love and dote on E... you get my drift.....

Friends... They are my village. I could not do life with out them.

And ya know the other things like my job, house, puppy girls, car, etc... but I am just so thankful for this life I get to live each day and for all of you for being a small part of it.

Longest Week & A recipe

Does anyone else agree that the week of Thanksgiving tends to well drag on... I mean half the people are out of the office and those of us that are here are struggling to find something to do because well opposing counsel tends to be out of the office. So, if you  need a lawyer between now and Thursday let me know... I've got some time.

But... that is not why you came on over today, to hear me whine about my long week... you came for something exciting, or new or intriguing perhaps.... so I bring you food!

My family does Thanksgiving right. We let someone else do the cooking. Yes, we head to the country club for Thanksgiving lunch with the whole brood.

But that night we do cook a small meal when its just the small group. And, I am in charge of the vegetables. We are a fan of root vegetables, so I am always looking for new things to try. Root vegetables you say, yes! Think carrots, parsnips, rutabaga, potatoes... They just scream Thanksgiving.

However, I have one tried and true dish I love.  Cider Vinaigrette Roasted Root Vegetables.

Ingredients

1/2 cup cider vinegar

1/2 cup olive oil
3 Tbsp dark brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
Freshly grated black pepper to taste
4 medium potatoes, thickly sliced (you could use beets, but I detest beets)
4 medium carrots, peeled, sliced lengthwise into 1 to 2 inch long pieces
3 medium garnet yams (sweet potatoes work too), sliced lengthwise into 1 to 2 inch long pieces
4 medium parsnips (could sub in rutabaga) peeled, sliced lengthwise into 1 to 2 inch long pieces, any tough woody core removed
1 large red onion, thickly sliced
1-2 teaspoons minced garlic (if you like garlic, you can totally leave out)
3/4 teaspoon thyme, dry or fresh

 Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 450°F.

2. In a large bowl (enough room for all the vegetables) mix together the cider vinegar, olive oil, brown sugar, salt and pepper. Add the vegetables—the beets, carrots, yams, parsnips, onion—to the bowl and toss to combine.

3. Line two large roasting pans or sturdy rimmed baking sheets with aluminum foil. Spread the root vegetables out over the pans in a single layer, with some space in between so that the vegetables don't crowd each other too much and the hot oven air can circulate around the vegetables. (You'll get better browning that way.) Pour the remaining vinaigrette over the root vegetables in the pans.

4. Place vegetables in the oven and roast for 35 to 40 minutes, turning the pans (and swapping bottom and top rack positions), half-way through the cooking. I sprinkle the garlic on at the half-way point. Cook until the vegetables are well browned and caramelized around the edges.

5. Remove from oven and gently loosen the root vegetables from the foil with a wooden spoon. Sprinkle with thyme. Add more salt and pepper to taste.

I tend to serve them in a casserole dish then I then put fresh thyme or rosemary sprigs on top.

What are your go-to dishes for Turkey Day?

Happy Tuesday all!

Merry Christmas Before Thanksgiving

Yes, its the Monday before Thanksgiving and I have marked two Christmas items off our list.

Saturday morning we woke up , went to Little Gym and then headed back for a nap, well E napped and J and I sat mesmerized watching the tree trimmer hack down some trees in our backyard.

Don't let this tree fool you, it was 16 feet talk and had notched into our fence.

And then there was none....

This was just half of the remnants.... We took our three trees and trimmed all the front trees. We literally had 4 trees in a our tiny backyard.

After our nap, we headed up to Grapevine to see Santa. Ya'll it was the bets experience.  We arrived, parked, saw the man, got our photos and were seated at Fireside Pies in 30 minutes.

E was not quite sure about Santa. I mean he told her that he knows where she lives and if she has been bad or good... I'd be a tad freaked out too. But he was so sweet to her.

And then we had a family pizza trip. She was a tad happier.

Sunday was pretty low key as normal.  It finally dipped a little low in temps here, so we snuggled up and played inside. We J got home from work, we bundled out and headed downtown for the Parade of Lights. Normally the parade is the Friday after Thanksgiving, but they moved it this year so yes, we celebrated Christmas before Thanksgiving.

This little deer was asleep before the first float came by.  She woke up when the firetruck blew it horn and we lasted about half way through the floats.  All in all, it was a good experience and we are enjoying making family memories.

Now we have a short week and then Turkey Day!  E will be ecstatic  because it feature her favorite food... sweet potatoes!

Today I express my gratitude and Thanks for three wonderful friends I have made in this blogosphere.

Jess, Jenn and my BOFF Pinky.  You ladies are phenomenal!  You have been there for me through thick and thin, good and bad, ups and downs.  We have celebrated marriages, a divorce, babies, football, and everyday life struggles.  I know that I can depend on you three for anything.  I am so glad you all started reading my blog way back when and continued to.  I am still amazed how three people I do not see everyday have come to be three of my closest friends. Love you three to the moon and back!

Friday Fri-Yay

Woot woot, its Friday! I admit I am a tad jealous of those of you with all next week off. But I am looking forward to two days off and some yummy food and family time! And without further ado, here is what's up this Friday!

1. Thank you all for your love on my body after baby. Like I said, this is what worked for me. For all you new mamas out there.... it takes time and remember give yourself grace!

2. I arrived at Starbuck's this morning for a treat and BAM! Free coffee. A local bank in town pays for your coffee on the third Friday of every month. It was all Oprah up there.

 

 

3. Christmas shopping, traditions, etc... - What do you do about gift in your family when littles come around? Do you still exchange gifts with the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc... Evie is the first grandbaby on J's side of the family so I am curious to what families do.

 

4. Solid Foods.  I have been giving E some pick up foods this week and she seems to be digging them. I admit its a tad more messy, but its fun to watch her explore new tastes and textures.

 

Happy Friday all!

My Workout Turn Around

So way back when I blogged over here, I used to talk more about my workouts and even did a Workout Wednesday. Well, insert one baby girl into the mix and well priorities have changed my friends.  However, when I got pregnant, I told myself I would work out until my body told me not to anymore and I would enjoy food but not get carried away and I would give myself grace to get my pre baby body back. So, here we are 7 months later and I owe you an update.

Let's recap.  Here is me in July 2014 pre-preggo at 127 pounds:

And here I am a 37 weeks ( I was 145 lbs when I gave birth).

And then hurricane baby. I admit the weight dropped quickly.  I blame the constant rocking, swaying and carrying E. We also lived in the townhouse with three sets of stairs that I climbed constantly.  But my body yearned for the gym.

So about a month in, my brother began coming twice a week and I went to the gym. I admit I did not do much because I was frustrated.  My body could not do what it used to.  I was angry. I wanted to run 5 miles, curl 30 lbs and squat, well anything!

I used the gym as an excuse to get out of the house and feel "me" again.  Sure my clothes fit, but they did not really "fit" and I hated what I saw in the mirror.

But, going to the gym only made me feel worse. I continued to go, but just gave up.

And when it was time to go back to work, well the workouts stopped.  There was no way to manage it.  I was driving an hour plus each way and so I resigned that I would never be back again.

And then the new job came. I was no longer driving a million miles a day, could see my baby more and decided I wanted (no needed) my body back.

I decided to join a new boot camp. Way back in the M day I went to bootcamp 3 days a week and loved it. So I just told J I had to make this work. So, now I get my butt out of bed 2 times a week at 5am to workout from 5:30-6:30 am.  I was sad it was only 2 days a week, but I said it was better than nothing.

It has changed my life!  Sure there are mornings I do not want to go because I did not sleep or E was up at night, but its my time.

I started the classes with 23% body fat and 120 pounds. Yes, I know I had lost all the baby fat plus more, but my body was not "tight."

I admit the classes are great but it was hard to be one of the youngest people and not be able to smoke these ladies that I would have pre-baby. I just had to realize that this was a new normal.  I had to turn my thoughts around and just give myself that grace.

Now, I am still at 120 pounds, but I am down to 14% body fat. What?!? I lost almost 10% body fat in just 7 weeks.

I am sure I have lost tons of inches, I know my muscle tone is much better and well, I am starting to see some ab definition.

I know this is not great proof, but this dress is a size 2 form fitting gown that I was totally comfortable wearing without any spanks!

So, yes gone are the days of 5 days a week working out. I know just do what I can.  I  have not gone on any crash diets, and I still eat something sweet at least once a day, but I try to limit the bad stuff.

I realized that my priorities are no longer meal planning, counting macros, cutting carbs and the like.  It's eat something, limit snacking, one soda a day, and just be happy.

So, new moms, it can be done! You do  not need to adhere to some crazy diet, just get moving.  Next week I promise to post photos of the actual body, well because I am proud!  I am 33 and weigh less than I did at 23.

What's Happening Wednesday

Link up with Jenn and Jessi and check out what's happening with people around the blogosphere today.

Here is what's happening with me.

1. I work some passive aggressive personalities, go figure. Seriously, just tell me what has gotten your panties all in a wad and the world will be ok. Do not expect me to read you mind, do things how you would or prepare a summary of over 3000 medical records in less than a week when you also want me to do x, y, and z! End rant.

2. We are getting photos with Santa this weekend ( I know early.) And J and I are in a fight ok more like a disagreement about what E should wear. I choose cute santa smocked dress.

J told me it looked too "summery" and choose simple red sweater dress with white long sleeve shirt... Why do men not get smocked? And why do they not understand its her first photo with Santa! I would like to put her in full on Christmas dress, but I showed restraint. Thoughts?

3. While we are on E... girl refuses to even attempt to stand up, pull up, or put weight on her feet really. She will jump in the exersaucer, and jump in the walker, but will not walk in it. Also, no interest in crawling. Rolls for days. Anyone? Worry? Not worry? When do I worry?

4. The Man Crate. Seriously, check it out. If you have a guy to buy for, brother, husband, father, brother in law... you can find a crate that he will love. I was shown this by a friend and I am on board. Shhh don't tell the men in my life this is Christmas!

Happy Wednesday, and don't forget to link up!

What Has the World Come To

I try to stay away from polarizing topics and politics. But today, today I cannot.

In the wake of the attack on Paris, it seems the world has lost it. Are we no longer safe in our streets? Can we no longer attend a concert without fear of being apart of a mass killing? Are we so paranoid that we close our borders?

I do not have the answers, and I am not sure how I feel about most of what is facing our world at the moment, but what I do know is that this world is so full of hate.

We hate others who look, sound, act and worship different. We fear cultures, religions, and races we do not understand. We judge others who do not share our same sentiments. We engage in hate talk with those whose opinions we do not share. We hate.

So, however you choose to react to these awful events last week, I would ask that you not react with hate.

Whether the US closes its borders to refugees or not, whether the people responsible for the attacks belong to one race, religion, creed or culture or not, whether you are Christian or not

Please stop the hate.

Oh Monday

It's quite the dreary, blustery day here in the Fort. The skies are grey, its misting and well its also Monday. But, its the week before Thanksgiving so we are powering through!

E has been coughing and congested again... seriously I am so over baby cough! I feel so bad for her and well I know she is tired of it too. So, I have hopped on the essential oil train and my started kit is in the mail! Hoping to get some relief and get everyone in better spirits. So, tell me mamas... what is your go-to essential oils for congestion, stuffy nose, cough relief?

We took E to her last TCU game of the season. We bundled up as it was chilly and super windy. Everyone who sits near us is so sweet and loves having E at the games. We are blessed with great season ticket holders who sit around us. They offer to help us, hold E, they talk to  her and well always tell us how cute she is! Love TCU and the Horned Frog fans.

Other than that, it was a pretty low key weekend. Sunday E and I ventured out to Old Navy in search of shoes and tights for her. Then we made a trip to Target for some grocery shopping. She was exhausted and conked out in the cart about half way through.

I also finally made the great closet swap out last night. Away went the shorts, cotton tanks, and linen and in came the sweaters, scarves and  ponchos. I also decided that I needed to come up with new outfits so that I could wear some of my skirts, and such to work despite our really casual dresscode. So, I'm sporting a flannel shirt with a cute pleated orange skirt and ankle boots today. I tried to snap a photo, but that clearly failed.

Hope you all have a great week!

It's Friday... So Just Breathe

Ever have one of those weeks where it seemed to drag on and on and on and, well you get my point. This was that week. I was "busy" at work, but it was all blah. I have been knee deep in medical records and the outlook for next week is well more medical records. As thrilling as looking at someone's  stuff is... I am yearning for a good brief to write or Motion to draft... Le sigh. But, its Friday so the count down has begun. Here's the Friday Five:

1. This is E's first Christmas. We are trying to make it special/start traditions of our own for her. So, this week I researched the best Santa photo options. I have learned that 1. there are lots of Santa photos ops around town and 2. Everyone thinks their Santa is the best. I opted for the one in Grapevine, Texas and guess what.. .you can make an appointment! Yes you heard, no line, no wait, sign up, be there, undivided Santa attention time. This mama is happy. Yes I'll take a 2:30 appointment on a Saturday please.

2. I also purchased tickets for Fort Worth's annual Parade of Lights. Tickets you say..... to a parade... why yes. They have seating along the parade route that include an actual seat for your bum.... with premium viewing. So much better than getting there hours early to camp out for a spot. And... we snagged seats at the beginning of the route so we can make a safe exit when E is ready to go.

3. Cupgate: Red cup, white cup... jazzed up cup... who cares! It's coffee people. I have never, nor will I ever need to rely on a coffee conglomerate to define how I worship the Lord or celebrate his birth.

4. Bows! Yes my little cherub is sporting a bow at school today... Insert picture of said cuteness here....  (mom fail)

5. Well I don't have one, but thanks to everyone for your bootie wearing advice yesterday!

Thoughts For Thursday

 1. Bravo announced "The Real Housewives of Dallas" is coming. My instant reaction, oh lord here we go, they will feature wives who do not actually live in Dallas and will all ride horses and wear hats... But now I am intrigued mostly so that when my friends who do not live here ask I can say what is real and what is not.

2. Daylight savings or not Daylight savings, I mean I cannot tell which one we are actually in at the moment... sucks. I hate getting home at 6pm to pitch blackness. Means who stroll with the pups, no walk with the baby... just means sit around and feel like its midnight.

3. The proper way to wear booties with pants. Anyone know? Do I roll the pants up so show ankle? Do I let the pant go over the booty? Do I tuck it in? And what do I wear with say a grey pant? Black? Taupe? I am just so confused as to what to do with my skinnies that seem to just bunch up around the booty. And I do not mean an ankle booty, I mean a comes over the ankle kind... Seriously I need some help here! I did take a look at Amanda's post on this, but what do you think?

via

4. Paper planners?

I have tried Erin Condren, I have gone the plane black cover route too and I have done the only on my computer/phone route? What do you think?

5. Scarves.... yeah this is another one I suck at. I love them... but when I try to wear them other than with coat I look dumb... I do not know how to tie them or style them and well I end up just taking off so its doesn't choke me.


And thus completes another Thursday in my head... Good news? Tomorrow is Friday!