Posts by admin:
- Huge selection of bras and nursing apparel at A Mother’s Boutique
- Annee Matthew nursing apparel has some of the most stylish nursing clothing on this planet!
- One Creative Mama breastfeeding advocacy baby shirts speak for themselves and break the ice
- Moboleez nursing hats make nursing in public so much easier and more convenient, especially helpful when you’re new to breastfeeding and a nursing cover just makes things harder
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 3 Tablespoons arrowroot powder or cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 3 cups thinly sliced apples [about 3 medium Braeburn apples]
- 1 1/2 cups old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/3 cup butter, softened
- 1 -8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 Tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup soyrizo sausage, casing removed (You are welcome to chorizo)
- 1 tablespoon oil, if necessary
- 1/2 cup red onion, chopped
- 1/2 cup red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups small potatoes, sliced
- 2 eggs
- sliced tomatoes, for serving
- cotija cheese for serving
- your choice of tortillas, flour or corn, for serving
39 1/2 week Pregnancy Update
February 7th, 2013
Today I had my weekly midwife appointment and after much debate it was finally agreed by the group that I was NOT 38 weeks pregnant but 39 1/2 weeks. I had kept in mind that I could be due anywhere between February 9th and 20th since I continued to get conflicting info.
Let me back up a little. I left Michigan 3 month pregnant with ONE ultrasound under my belt. When I finally found a place to have the baby the midwives and staff kept telling me different dates based on the info I had given. I definitely know I feel ready. I feel like this pregnancy has been a little bit more uncomfortable.
I knew and know I am not that cute pregnant gal. I already had a friend say it looked like I was carrying a toddler. Well, I have already been told that this baby might just be bigger than Julianne at birth.
When I got pregnant this second time around I was 30 pounds lighter than I was with Julianne. I was kind of mad I was pregnant cause I needed another 25 pounds to get to goal, which would have been another 6 months. God is in control and I cannot wait to get back into the weight loss groove.
I know that I have not shared as much about this pregnancy as I did with Julianne but it has been different. My exercise routine has practically been non-existent and keeping up with a toddler whilst pregnant has been really challenging. It is totally doable but as the tummy has grown the stamina and energy has been crazy.
I have seen comments from different mothers having their second or third child while having other small children in their home and feeling bad for baby #1 not being #1 anymore. I have not felt guilty at all for Julianne even though I KNOW my attention will be divided. I know my girl is ready to have a friend.
Julianne is 15 months old now and she has SUCH a personality. She waves at everyone and says hi and goodbye. She accepts hugs and pats on the head and squeals when she sees other kids, big or small. She really is such a happy girl and seems ready to have a sister. I am looking forward seeing her reaction. I have been praying for her!
Have I done anything special for her? I do not think any day requires anything special since she is no longer going to be an only child. I only make sure she gets quality time. We have fun and tickle and the newest thing we did the other day was play with handkerchiefs. I have always worn one when I feel inspired to clean house, but I no longer do it. I did it now just to have fun and especially since Julianne is loving wearing hats. She thought it was funny!
We wear hats in the morning and say “Yo, yo.” It is our ghetto language and she knows how to say it too. Hee hee. Is she not a cutie?
I love how she knows how to play independently but then there have been days where she has been clingy. Julianne’s new thing is scowling and saying “no” to everything. It is hilarious! Is this LoveSac not amazing? Random, I know.
Something else we have been enjoying is eating out at least one week although I think I might be boycotting cooking from today and on. I actually have no desire for food even though I am hungry and then even though I eat, I get sick and lose all of it anyway.
I know this too shall pass, so I am taking one day at a time and even though I am not on maternity leave, I am trying to rest as much as possible. Stay tuned for any news! Thanks for bearing with me on my update. It has been a tough few weeks. Here’s hoping for some sleep.
Did you find that your subsequent pregnancies were harder, easier or just plain different?
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Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil Review / Giveaway
February 6th, 2013
I love coconut oil especially coconut oil that smells like coconut oil. There are others that do not prefer this but I enjoy it!
I have been using Tropical Traditions for a while. Their large bottles last a long time and they serve for multiple uses. Besides cooking with the oil, I have been using it for my extremely itchy pregnant skin. It smells so delicious and afterwards I feel like I am on a beach. 🙂
I believe the best way to use the coconut oil is making soups. I like the flavor especially if the soups are more like Indian, vegetarian or Asian. Here is an example of a soup called Red-Split Lentil Stew with Fried Onions.
I have made this several times and it is perfect for this time of year. Speaking of it, I must make this again. Excuse the old picture.
How about some pumpkin scones or tropical persimmon muffins? Yes, they are both super amazingly delicious with coconut oil. Make them!
Win 1 quart of Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil!
Tropical Traditions is America’s source for coconut oil. Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their website:
Tropical Traditions also carries other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the advantages of buying coconut oil online. Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.
If you cannot wait to get your hands on this product, here is a special deal.
If you order by clicking on any of my links and have never ordered from Tropical Traditions in the past, you will receive a free book on Virgin Coconut Oil, and I will receive a discount coupon for referring you
This giveaway is open to US and Canadian Readers
Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.
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Mama Baby Love Giveaway Event
February 5th, 2013
There is something really special about that moment a mother first puts her newborn baby to her breast. A priceless moment filled with love. Though that moment really doesn’t need anything extra, we’re hosting a Mama Baby Love giveaway to make it even more special! We will outfit two mamas and their babies for their breastfeeding journey.
Thanks to our generous sponsors, you can win some gift certificates from Annee Matthew ($100 ea) and A Mother’s Boutique ($50 ea) to use toward nursing apparel as well as a nursing hat from Moboleez and breastfeeding baby apparel for your little one from One Creative Mama.
Our Favorite Things About the Prizes:
Purchase: You can shop Annee Matthew and A Mother’s Boutique for a great selection of nursing bras and nursing apparel. They carry some of our favorite brands like Cake Lingerie, Bamboobies, and Bella Materna. You may also acquire a Moboleez hat and check out the adorable baby apparel from One Creative Mama (pictured below).
Win The Package! Our sponsors are blessing two of you with the entire package as outlined above.
Special thanks to AnaB Social for hosting this giveaway. Huge thanks to all participating bloggers as well! Giveaway ends February 27th at 12:01 am, open to US residents, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Thank you!
Disclaimer: AnaB Social, Eco-Babyz, and all participating event bloggers are not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.
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{Secret Recipe Club} Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars & Vegan Chorizo, Potato, and Egg Tacos
February 4th, 2013
It is Secret Recipe Club time and I have some yummy delicious recipes to share with you.
I had a HARD time deciding what to make from my assigned blogger’s site but I finally came down to 2 recipes. Who did I get? The Pajama Chef! Sarah has a wonderful blog filled with delicious recipes. In addition to cooking and baking, Sarah is busy finishing her grad studies in African studies and Library Science. Wow!
I think it is amazing that there are fellow cooks that are keeping busy outside the kitchen and working on amazing aspirations. Sarah is a fellow believer and is very passionate about he relationship with Christ. Yay! Many blessings on your journey with your husband and I thank you for sharing your recipes with the online community!
Here are the two recipes I decided to make. These bars were a bit intimidating at first. Who needs three steps? Not this busy and tired momma. Ha! I decided I could make these and quick they were. The original recipe is for 24 bars made in a 9×13 pan but I modified it and made it for a 9×9 pan because we do not have any parties to go to to share these with anyone and we certainly do not need that many bars. 🙂
The recipe was technically halved and they came out GREAT! The crust is crunchy while the second layer has a perfect cream cheese sweetness. The apple layer with the streusel topping was my favorite layer. YUM! I had a piece at room temperature and then a small piece that had been refrigerated. I definitely like the refrigerated version. So GOOD!!
Make them!
Apple Streusel Cheesecake Bars
by Noelle Kelly / adapted from The Pajama Chef
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Ingredients (9 bars)
Apple Layer
Cookie Layer
Cheesecake Layer
Instructions
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9×9 baking dish and line bottom and side with parchment paper.
Begin by preparing the apple layer. In a medium pot set over medium heat, stir together water, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and nutmeg and add apples. Bring to a boil then reduce heat to a simmer and cook for 7-8 minutes, or until apples are tender. Set aside.
While apples are simmering, prepare cookie layer. In a mediumbowl, stir together oats, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, cinnamon, and baking powder. Using a pastry blender cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Set aside 1/2 cup and press rest of mixture into prepared pan. Bake for 10 minutes.
In a small bowl, beat together cream cheese, sugar, flour, vanilla, and egg.
Then assemble bars. Spread cheesecake filling over partially baked crust, then spoon apple filling over top. Sprinkle on reserved crumbs, then bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the bars and then refrigerate to chill before cutting. Refrigerate after every serving.
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How about these tacos? Yeah, quick and easy too. Instead of using chorizo (made form pork), I decided to use soyrizo, which is a vegan version made from soy. It is practically like chorizo. I know. It has the same flavors but no pork. I bought my link at Trader Joe’s but I know there are other companies that make different versions.
The original recipe is a Rick Bayless recipe that Sarah prepared. I added eggs for additional protein as well. Go check out the original recipe cause it has cilantro and made with whole wheat tortillas.
These made for a delicious and filling breakfast. You have to make them.
Vegan Chorizo, Potato, and Egg Tacos
by Noelle Kelly/ adapted from The Pajama Chef
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minnutes
Ingredients (4 tacos)
Instructions
Boil potatoes in a small pot for 10 minutes, drain.
In a large skillet over medium heat heat oil. Add onions and peppers and cook, stirring constantly until softened, about three minutes. Add soyrizo and potatoes and continue cooking for 10 minutes.
Add 2 whole eggs to the mixture and cook until done.
Transfer mixture to a serving bowl and gently fold in cotija cheese or queso fresco. Serve with tomatoes.
Serves 2
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{Product Review} Nuby Fun Feeding™ Set
February 1st, 2013
Here is another set of goodies I received for my toddler. You will definitely be seeing more of these reviews as I get to test them on our baby girl. Some will simply have to wait until the new baby has arrived.
It is a known fact that my child loves to eat. She started feeding herself and really will not let me feed her unless there is an exception, which you will see later in this post.
Although these products are NOT non-skid plates or bowls, they are deep bowl and nicely sized plates. They come in various fun colors and yet again are perfect for cold or warm meals. They are BPA-free so that is always a plus!
Julianne loves to stab at her food lately but the plate stays in tact. Can you tell we like pink around this house? I was never a pink person but after I found out I was having a girl, I simply had to have pink everything! Well not everything but you know.
Feeding spoons. Why would I need them now that my child is feeding herself? Well, if it was a day like yesterday when she refused to eat anything and everything I prepared for her then out comes the baby food in jars and containers. Thanks Gerber. I always keep some in storage because there are days where my child just wants a puree.
Don’t get me wrong. I do make purees like hummus and applesauce but she even was refusing those. We are dealing with a little cold and maybe a little teething so this spoon came in handy for our Gerber purees.
I loved the handles on these spoons and I really cannot wait to have our 2nd baby try these out. I always found myself with food all over my fingers when using a smaller baby spoon but this has a longer handle to prevent from any messes. Love!
Okay, so the only thing in this set that was not really successful were Grip N’ Sip cups. We tried multiple days and Julianne only chewed on the spout. Even though she JUST started using a traditional sippy cup she got used to that one and began doing what she was doing with the first cup with this new cup.
We will try it again but this cup is supposed to help transition a child from self-feeding and drinking. Julianne is somehow already passed that so we will have to use these for baby #2. It is a no-spill cup so that was plus especially since Julianne would chew on the spout and throw it on the floor. Okay. Thanks baby.
You can buy the items on Amazon or BuyBabyDirect, Target, Wal-mart,and Kohls.
