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    Fashion Friday: Casual Maternity Style

    October 12th, 2012
    Since Fridays are so low key I decided to try something new. I am not quite sure if I am going to be consistent with it but it has been inspiring to be a bit fashionable with this pregnancy.
    I feel like I was frumpy pregnant wife with my first even though I probably wasn’t. Going through pregnancy the first time and the changes your body goes through mess with your mind. If body image was not an issue before then it can be and if it was an issue before pregnancy, it just gets worse.

    I feel a lot more comfortable with my body right now even though I did not reach my ideal body weight before getting pregnant a 2nd time but things happen and I have been trying to go with the flow

    Since getting pregnant this time around I feel I LOOK pregnant quicker than I did with the first. I took my maternity clothes out but realized most of them were too big and just too frumpy-looking. I have been going to consignment shops and looking for deals online. I really do not like shopping online because I usually have to return things due to them not fitting or being small.

    The last few weeks I have found great deals on Old Navy, Gap, and many more places. The hubby has been asking where I have been getting my look. He says he likes it and if it means looking the way I ave chosen to dress, to continue looking for deals. How about that?

    Here is an example of something I wore recently:

    Maternity casual for fall

    Maternity casual for fall by singerinkitchen featuring ballerina flats


    While I like Stella & Dot, I do not currently own any jewelry. I would like to some day. It is really nice! I own the skirt and jacket so it made for a quick assemble for going out to dinner during the middle of the week.

    Last week for my Bible study, I dressed nice and casual. My hubby asked me where I was going, since he promptly forgot. He said I should dress like this every day! LOL
    I know it is just a casual church event during the morning, but it makes my day SO much better if I go out looking great. I am making such an effort because aside from having God being my daily strength, he gives me strength to look presentable and to show that I love myself.

    Simple Maternity casual

    Simple Maternity casual by singerinkitchen featuring sterling silver jewelry



    While I do not own this set I wore something similar to it. The top was an Old Navy Maternity top. The black ankle boots were my grandmother’s suede boots she gave me a few years back and the Gap maternity jeans I bought NEW at a consignment store for $10 bucks.


    Thanks ladies for letting me part of this day!



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    22 weeks and 11 months

    October 10th, 2012


    So I realized I have not written any updates for my second pregnancy. There is a lot going on and embracing a new life is amazing.

    Here is my 21 week ultrasound. It was VERY thorough and it was pretty amazing seeing our little girl. She has been moving in my tummy a lot more since having the ultrasound. Whew. Hi there!


    I have been trying to communicate to Julianne about her sister but she smiles and laughs and pokes her finger in my belly button. Hahahaha.

    She loves lifting up my shirt and poking at my tummy. I feel sad that she yet does not know but I know it is going to come sooner than later.

    Julianne has been standing up on her own and climbing up on the couches and standing up strong. I am feeling so strong that she will be standing on her own soon.


    Since I stay at home a lot I make an effort to dress as stylish as I can as this tummy grows. The last thing I want to feel is frumpy. I also have been trying to be dressed and made up at home. It makes the world of a difference how the day goes.


    Feeding solids has been quite a task. We are still alternating with Julianne feeding herself and feeding her purees. As she was eating peaches one day I turned around and Julianne had placed a peach on her head. She is quite the funny girl!


    It has been a week and a half and weaning is going strong in our home. I cannot tell if the lack of the evenings naps has anything to do with weaning but it is not consistent. We take a lot of walks and now that the leaves have been falling, Julianne has been really happy checking out the different kinds of leaves.


    My little girl is growing up fast and as her one year approaches next month I am cherishing every moment. I see Julianne’s eyes glow and lighten up when she sees something she recognizes from books we read I am amazed at how God creates life. A little human growing before my eyes. Sigh…


    Here is to the petting zoo and the goats we saw 2 weeks ago. Look at that smile!


    What amazes you about life in general?

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    Secret Recipe Club: Pumpkin Fritters

    October 8th, 2012
    Pumkpin Fritters

    AM I the only one that thinks it is pretty wild that it is October? I somehow want Thanksgiving to be here but not yet. We are finally getting some cooler temperatures and the leaves are definitely finally falling!


    It is that time again for Secret Recipe Club where we are randomly assigned to bloggers. We are then to choose one of their recipes from their blog and make it. If you are interested in joining, check out how it all works.

    This month I was assigned to the gorgeous blog called Delishh. While the site is beautifully designed the writer is also a beautiful person. She is originally from Sweden was raised in Asia and is currently living in Seattle. What a way to travel eh?

    She has a lovely button for site if you are interested in finding out more about her here:


    Fresh fried fritters

    When I was perusing her recipes it was VERY hard to choose. I became very indecisive and almost made 3 recipes but my time flew away and I only had time to try these pumpkin fritters. What a sad excuse eh?

    I have been hankering for doughnuts for a while but I thought that the process would be time consuming. This recipe took all but 10 minutes to prepare and 20 minutes to fry. WOW!!


    Yet again, this is a PERFECT recipe for a busy mom.

    Powdered goodness

    The recipe was like a cross between doughnut holes, beignets and fritters. I actually fried them longer than they specified and the recipe only made 12 fritters instead of the stated 24. I mean if they made 24 they would be small and that does not work.

    I made this recipe vegan by making an egg substitute with a flax seed meal egg. One tablespoon flax seed meal = warm water equals one egg. I think this is why they required to fry a little longer.

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    We actually had these as a midnight snack. HA! My husband was so impressed that they fried so quickly. I enjoyed them with a glass of coconut milk but then in the morning I had some with a cup o’ joe. So delicious. 

    Tasty Pumpkin Fritters

    You too can quickly satisfy your doughnut craving by making this. It is a one bowl recipe and a quick fry up. If you have not started your pumpkin baking or cooking, you GOT TO MAKE THESE!

    Thanks for posting such a delishhhh recipe Ewa!

    Pumpkin Fritters

    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 4 minutes a fritter


    Ingredients (12 fritters)
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree
    • 1 flax seed “egg” (1 Tbsp flax seed meal + 3 Tbsp warm water)
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/4 cup sugar
    • 1 teaspoon baking powder
    • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
    • 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice (see below)
    • 1 teaspoon salt
    • 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
    • powdered sugar for sprinkling

    (I used 1 tsp of Trader Joe’s Pumpkin Spice mix) but you can use original recipe for own mix

      Pumpkin Pie Spice (makes 2 teaspoons) (from original recipe on Delishhh.com)
      • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
      • 1/2 tsp ground ginger
      • 1/4 tsp allspice
      • 1/4 tsp nutmeg

      Instructions
      In a medium bowl using a mixer, combine pumpkin, flax “egg” mixture, flour, sugar, baking powder, cinnamon, pumpkin spice and salt. Mix until smooth.

      Heat oil in a deep saucepan to 325 degrees. Drop batter by spoonfuls into hot oil. Fry until golden brown, about 4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon, and serve immediately with sifted powdered sugar on top.
      Powered by Recipage


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      Gone Pie Vegan Bakery Review

      October 7th, 2012
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      This past week I received a box full of delicious vegan and gluten-free goodies from a New York-based bakery. Even though you might not have heard about this bakery it has been in business for 25 years. It is primarily been a wholesale / online business focusing on catering to those with dietary issues.

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      I just stood looking at all the goodies deciding if I should rip into all of them at once or slowly choose the best looking 

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      Gone Pie has recently had a new label created for their brownies. I simply love the colors on each brownie flavor. Each vegan and gluten-free brownie was a sizable portion, enough to share with a friend if one chose to. 😉 If you are interested in the specific ingredients, check Gone Pie’s blog newest post about these brownies.

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      The chai brownie had the perfect amount of spice. It was very dense, moist and perfect amount of nuts. I still have half of it because I am still savoring each piece. I am going to make a chai black tea to add even more flavor. YUM!

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      Simply Fudge Brownies are for those brownie purists. It is very chocolatey, decadent, moist, and perfect for those who have not been able to enjoy brownies in a while. Imagine a whole pan to share with your family!

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      I leave the Coconut Brownie last because it was by far my favorite. I am not always a chocolate purist and enjoy having flavor when the chocolate can handle it. This brownie can handle it. It has flakes of toasted coconut on top and not even an overwhelming amount in the brownie. Add some coconut coffee to the mix and you can call it a night. Scrumptious.

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      This is another treat included in the box. I had seen it advertised on Gone Pie’s Facebook page and knew I was going to enjoy it. A Sesame Peanut cookie. It was almost a mix of a nutter butter cookie with added sesame flavor. It was a soft cookie with a sweet and salty flavor.I want more. Soft cookies are my favorite. 

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      Now hold onto your hats cause Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups has nothing on Gone Pie’s version. Of course, the bakery has come out with several versions in the past. I reviewed their vegan Peanut Butter cups back in August 2011. What is funny is that I was pregnant with Julianne then. I love being fed whilst being pregnant AGAIN! Hee hee.

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      This time around I had a chance to try the Caramel Peanut Butter Cups. These are HUGE and at least 3 times the size of a Reese’s PB Cup. Look at the amount of chocolate! The caramel is vegan and is mixed with organic peanut butter to make for the most pure sweet and salty flavor. I actually shared this with my hubby. I so did not  want to but he sure agreed that half a piece was plenty.

      Do I have you drooling yet?

      If you are suffering from celiac or are sensitive to gluten for other reasons these baked goods are for YOU! Are you vegan and gluten-free and tired of not being able to find great tasting treats to eat or to share with your loved ones? 

      Gone Pie Bakery has the best treats. They will not disappoint! If you are intrigued, there is an awesome deal for you to try.

      There is a company called Vegan Cuts that is like Living Social or Groupon that has a great deal on Gone Pie Goodies.


      Each sampler includes 2 Caramel Peanut Butter Cups, 2 Coconut Brownies and 2 Chocolate Chip Cookies for $14.40

      If you tweet the offer, you get $1 off the order. This gives anyone the chance to sample the delicious vegan and gluten-free treats this bakery creates.

      This deal is on until supplies last so go and order NOW and you too can enjoy these as much as I have.

      Disclaimer: These are all entirely my own opinions

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      Simply Bags – Custom Tote Bag Review

      October 3rd, 2012


      I can never give up having too many bags.

      My husband calls me the bag lady and constantly has me getting rid of them. “Why do we need so many?” Yes, you know those recyclable bags from Whole Foods or any grocery store? I like those a lot. 

      These are perfect for travel and for toting things especially when you have a small child.

      When I was asked if I would like to review one of these custom tote bags I definitely said yes. Since our move from Michigan I realized I had gotten rid of too many bags. Ha ha, such an excuse right? Well, my real excuse was to have another tote for Julianne, our baby girl. 🙂

      We currently use this Carter’s diaper bag in a giraffe design.


      While it is great, I have started noticing that I would like an overnight bag to go with her diaper bag. This would include space for more toys, clothes, and towel.

      I was happy to see that Simply-Bags carried a tote in the same green shade as 
      the diaper bag I owned. I was given the opportunity to have it embroidered too! I then decided to have Julianne’s initials embroidered. How great!

      When I received the tote I was so surprised by lightness of the bag. I did not doubt that it would serve its purpose. I have been using it for the last 3 weeks to carry the Ergo, along with her food for the day and some toys. It is not a burden to carry that bag along with the diaper bag. It is truly light and it matches the diaper bag.


      The bag is lined, with an inside zip pocket and snap closure. This particular tote is available in green, turquoise and autumn orange.

      While I am not using this bag as a diaper bag, the company does carry their own line of diaper bags, which can be embroidered. What a nice gift this would make!

      Check out their website to see the VARIETY of totes they offer. Here are a few more to choose from:

      How cool are those? I hope you get to check them out. Christmas is coming up soon and these would be great gifts. 🙂

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