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Monday, July 27, 2015

Menu Monday :: What We're Eating This Week



Sorry this post is a little late!  Our nanny had a loss in her family and had to unexpectedly take the week off last minute so we've been scrambling to figure out work and appointments this week.  With that said, life goes on and we've still gotta eat dinner!

And as I was pulling my recipes for the week, I realized that all but one came from some of my favorite bloggers.  You can clearly see how I get my meal ideas!  

Sunday :: Bow Tie Fiesta Casserole {Blue Eyed Bride}

This is a repeater from just a few weeks ago, but we had company over on Sunday and I knew we'd be hanging out by the pool all day so I wanted something so easy that I could prep ahead of time and throw in the oven at the end of the day!  I served with fruit and salad.  

Also, be sure and check out the recipe for Sweet Corn & Zucchini Fritters with Avocado Crema {Designer Bags and Dirty Diapers}.  Such a yummy lunch/snack when hanging out by the pool all afternoon. 

Monday :: Asian Turkey Lettuce Wraps {Mama & Mou}

This is one of my favorite weeknight recipes.  Easy to throw together, crowd-pleaser (even Jack) and it makes excellent leftovers for the week.   Since I was excited to watch the season finale of The Bachelorette Monday night, I dubbed these the "Wrap It Up" Lettuce Wraps. 

Tuesday :: Sweet & Tangy Meatballs, Asian Salad

I'm almost embarrassed at how easy these are AND how gross the ingredients actually sound together, but it's surprisingly good.  ...and easy!  Being a working mom/SAHM this week, easy is needed!  I serve these over brown rice with sugar snap peas and an Asian salad.  Jack will eat these with the rice and orange slices.  

Wednesday ::  Crunchy BBQ Brisket Tacos {Mix & Match Mama}

Another yummy and easy dinner since it's done in the crockpot.  These are delicious and give you something a little different than traditional tacos or BBQ. 


Thursday :: Turkey Taco Casserole {Honey We're Healthy}

This meal reminds me of the lettuce wraps above in terms of making them.  Super easy and throwing a mix of ingredients in a skillet.  We eat these like a little "burrito bowl" with some cheese, sliced avocado and jalapenos (except for Jack, ha). 


Have a great week!  I'm linking up with Colleen of Meet the Sullivans for Menu Monday today.  Be sure and check out the other great meal ideas. 

Friday, July 24, 2015

Five on Friday :: Coffee Bean Has a Name!


Happy Friday!  It's been a week with some emotional ups and downs, but let's move on to some happy news! 

ONE

Coffee Bean has a name and it will be...


Colin Everett!  

Neither Jason nor I "won" the name game, but this feels like the right fit for our second son.  I posted a thread on Facebook last week asking for name ideas.  While Colin was not one of the names suggested, all of the ideas drove me away from certain names due to popularity and to this one after a long brainstorm.  I love it and think it feels different enough to meet my requirements of not being the "hot" name of the year, but not crazy and weird, meeting Jason's requirement.

Joke is on me when everyone I know having a boy this fall (which seems like a EVERYONE) names their kid Colin, but oh well.  That's what happened with my Jack. 

Everett is Jason's grandfather's name (also the person who married us) and seemed to fit just perfect!  We love that we are able to honor him.    

TWO



The nursery plans are coming along.  We haven't actually put anything into it since we haven't moved Jack yet, but my dining room has become a great staging area to make plans!  I keep buying stuff and one of these days, the items will make their way into the room. 

THREE

At 25 weeks, I'm still feeling great.  My lower back kills me towards the end of the day, but feels much better after a good night's rest using my Bump Nest.


Another favorite pregnancy product I'm loving lately is Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter.  I'm already feeling like my skin is being stretched like crazy, but this helps if I apply both morning and night. It feels so good without being greasy.  Love that is doesn't have a strong scent too!

FOUR

Does anyone else have {or had} jitters about sending your kiddo to preschool for the first time?  I know it's just preschool a couple times a week, but I'm already stressing over Jack having all the right "stuff" and becoming accustomed to his new schedule.  We've been trying to follow the preschool schedule as much as we can so it isn't a huge shock next month.

Image via

I've already ordered a backpack and lunch bag from Two Magnolia Lane {you have until August 1 to place an order} and also ordered this Bento Box from Pottery Barn Kids after a friend recommended it when her son started preschool last year.

Any other items or tips I need to consider?  If I'm this worked up over preschool, how will I be when he starts Elementary???  The life of a worrier! 

FIVE

We've been trying to make the most out of the unbearable Houston heat lately.  It's almost even too hot to swim in the pool since it's not that cooling but more like sitting in bath water in the afternoons.  It's been water hoses, popsicles and pool time as much as we can!


Have a great {and cool} weekend!

We are doing some "Watermelon Mini Session" pictures with Mommas Gonna Snap Photography and Jason and I are both getting haircuts.  Maybe some pool time on Sunday too and nursery chair shopping.

 --

Linking up:



Momfessionals

Thursday, July 23, 2015

Pregnancy #2 Update :: 22, 23 & 24 Weeks

22 Weeks
24 Weeks, 6 Days
...And yes I realize I look 30+ weeks pregnant!  I almost didn't post these pics, but it is what it is ) I want to document this pregnancy: the good, the bad, the all.  My doctor assures me everything is normal and I think my posture is just sucking and making me stick out my stomach more than I should.  Probably why I have lower back pain these days too.  It's not gonna be pretty come 35+ weeks people.  I'm thankful for my growing baby boy {and not so thankful for my short frame and extra 10 pounds I never lost}! 

How far along: 22, 23 & 24 Weeks
Size of Coffee Bean: 8.5 inches, 1.5 lbs (at 24 weeks)
Fruit/vegetable comparison:  Papaya (22), Grapefruit (23), Ear of Corn (24)

Gender:  Another Baby Boy!
Showing: Oh yes!
Maternity clothes:  100% Maternity pants and 80/20 in tops and dresses  
Unglamorous body changes:  Nothing new
Sleep:  Decent...just not enough of it!
Movement:  LotsJason even felt the kicks starting in week 22!  I tried to get Jack to feel his little brother kick, but when I asked him if he wanted to feel his brother's kicks he proceeded to kick me.  Gotta work on that one!
Food cravings: Nothing new, but I am loving the strawberry pie pops I just discovered this week!
Anything making you queasy or sick:  No
Wedding rings on or off: Engagement ring is on, but my stack of other two rings is too tight when worn together.  
Mood: Pretty darn emotional the past few weeks...let's just say I've cried at work which is something I HATE doing for many reasons.  
Best moment this week: We celebrated the fourth of July at 22 weeks which was fun, but the best moment from the three weeks is deciding on a name...halleluiah!  It seems like this one is finally going to stick and I've even ordered his name on a few items so now it's really official!  I'm making the announcement this Friday (tomorrow) on the blog!
Strange experiences:  People are really starting to touch my belly especially if I'm wearing more form fitting outfits.  I can't stand this, especially in this Houston heat.  How do you tell someone to stop touching you once they have started?  I'm pretty good about keeping my personal space and giving off body language so this doesn't happen, but there is always those few who don't get it!
Milestones: Finally coffee bean has a name and has become much more active.  
Looking forward to: Getting the glucose test over with next week and making more nursery progress.  And more monogramming of course!

Love my little photo bomber!

Name announcement on Friday!!!

Read about my 22 week, 23 week and 24 week update from my first pregnancy!


--  

 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


Thoughts for Thursday

Monday, July 20, 2015

Menu Monday :: What We're Eating This Week

Happy Monday!  I'm beat from the weekend sadly.  Between my neighborhood closet sale which was a big success to just getting ready for the week, I'm sitting here asking myself when my weekend will arrive?  I never got that pedicure I wanted to do yesterday so I may try and do it after work just so I have a little ME time.  I guess that's the life of a mom.  

This week is NOT a great example of what we're eating.  Not a lot of great recipes to link to and I almost didn't post, however I wanted to show that not every week is made up of delicious, healthy, home-cooked meals....at least not in our house.  You may think this is terrible, but if that's the case, we can't be friends.  Some weeks you are just in survival mode!

Sunday :: Hamburgers and Salad 

This isn't an exciting meal, but it was perfect for last night since we were hanging out by the pool.   Jack ate his with a side of Mac & Cheese and avocado and Jason and I opted for a salad since we'd eaten pretty bad the entire weekend. 

Monday :: Slow Cooker BBQ Spareribs {Slow Cooker Meal}, Mashed Potatoes & Salad

This freezer meal did not get made last week due to Jason's crazy work schedule.  He was hosting a huge group of event planners, promoting the city and was out past 2am three nights in a row!  Jack and I did smaller meals since it was just the two of us like "breakfast for dinner" one night and grilled cheese sandwiches. 




Tuesday :: Hamburger Mac

Don't judge, but as a working mom sometimes we need a quick meal idea that Jack is guaranteed to eat.  Ours may or not be coming from a box labeled "Hamburger Helper."  This is a late night for Jason so I take the easy route when I'm on my own! 

Wednesday :: Cilantro Lime Chicken {Slow Cooker Meal}

This recipe is one of my favorites.  It's easy to prep, easy to serve and everyone likes it!  I serve with fresh corn tortillas.  Great leftovers on this one too! 



Thursday :: Lasagna

Again, no judgment!  This will be coming from kitchen de Stouffer's for same reason as Tuesday. 

Friday :: Pickup

By Friday I will be done or we may just eat leftovers.  We'll see how the week goes!



Underwhelmed by this post?  I'll try to do better in the coming weeks!  
Hope you have a wonderful week!

--

Linking up today with Colleen of Meet the Sullivans!

Friday, July 17, 2015

Five on Friday

Happy Friday everyone!  Last weekend my mom and I worked tirelessly to clean out both of my guest rooms {and totally emptying one out} to make room for Jack's new room.  It was truly exhausting, but I ended up with a huge stash of clothing that needs to find a new home - I'd love to sell the nicer pieces to make a little extra change for Coffee Bean's nursery.  Long story short - I'm hosting a "pop-up shop" in my home tomorrow for neighborhood ladies.  We aren't allowed to have garage sales plus it's far too hot.  Wish me luck - I think I'm crazy, but it's over 100 pieces so hopefully it will be worth it!

Between moving rooms and having to move offices at work I'm beat!  Therefore my Five on Friday will have to be short and sweet...

...and it's actually on Houston Moms Blog today about my top FIVE picks of the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!


Hope you have a great weekend and make a little time for yourself.  I'm going to try and sneak away for a pedicure on Sunday!

P.S.  For all of you blardigan lovers out there, I've got news for you on this year's Anniversary Sale picks!  I just received mine in the mail and was rather disappointed!  I have more info on my Instagram @ChelseaPurifoy, but I promise to come back later today and add more pictures here on the blog.  Just out of time at the moment!   I also think I've used up my allotted number of times I'm allowed to say "blardigan" in one day. 

 --

Linking up:



Momfessionals

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Thoughts for Thursday :: Beautycounter Products and Why I Keep Ordering

I've mentioned Beautycounter products before, but haven't done a big review since using them for a few months now.  I was introduced to the products by a friend from church, but didn't give it much thought until my mom attended a party for it and learned more about the kids product line "Kids Counter".

Jack has had skin issues since he was a baby.  We've visited with a dermatologist, switched him to prescription lotions and creams and upgraded his body wash and shampoo to extra-sensitive, more high end brands.  The best one we found for him was the California Baby Eczema Shampoo and Body Wash.  It wasn't perfect (and very expensive) but it worked the best.

...until I tried the Beautycounter Kids line and fell in love!  My top five reasons for using it:

1.  No more skin issues for Jack
2.  Smells great
3.  A little goes a long way
4.  Easy ordering and fast shipping
5.  No harmful chemicals.  It even rated good on the "Think Dirty" app that rates products in terms of their ingredients.

I've tried and loved five products now from Beautycounter and will continue to use and order.

1.  Kids Counter Squeaky Clean Bodywash
2.  Kids Counter Nice Do Shampoo
3.  Protect All Over Sunscreen, SPF 30 :: awesome citrus smell and non-greasy
4.  Rosewater Uplifting Spray :: I use this daily and is so refreshing in the Houston heat
5.  Lip Sheer in Coral :: perfect mix of moisture and color.  Love that it's light for summer!


I don't personally sell these products, but I am hosting a "Facebook Social" to learn more about the products and win giveaway items.  The social is online now through Sunday.  If you are interested in learning more...no pressure to buy I promise...leave a comment and I can add you to the Facebook Group.

You can also use this link to browse the products

-- 
 I'm linking up today with Annie and Natalie today for Thoughts for Thursday. 


Thoughts for Thursday

Monday, July 13, 2015

Menu Monday :: What We're Eating This Week

Happy Monday!  I love to read what others eat in their house so I thought I'd share our menu this week.  As you can see below we aren't currently in "dieting" mode as I'm pregnant and just like easy, comfort food.  We do try to watch our portions, especially when eating meals with pasta and cheese.

I love slow cooker meals since I work during the day.  It's nice to have dinner made so I can enjoy a few hours with Jack when I get home rather than trying to find a distraction for him while mommy cooks.  My husband doesn't arrive home until dinnertime (or often after Jack and I have already eaten on some days) so dinner planning and prep all falls on momma...tired, pregnant momma!  


Sunday :: Bow Tie Fiesta, Chopped SW Salad
I made a few pans of this meal on Sunday for some friends so of course had to make one for us too.  Not exactly healthy, but something that everyone will love and makes great leftovers to eat on all week.   And yes, I linked you to a pre-made, bagged salad mix, but it's my favorite so I wanted to share with you!  You can easily replicate it if you don't like bagged salads. 


Monday :: Chicken Parmesan and salad
I don't have a recipe for this meal.  There is a chef in my neighborhood who does a service out of his home every Monday called "Souper Monday".  Each Monday he offers a new soup that you can purchase by the quart.  I am a regular customer because it makes my Mondays  little more bearable!  We haven't had a bad meal from him yet.  This week he also made Chicken Parmesan and I snatched up a pan...it sold out in minutes!  So this afternoon all I have to do is make some pasta and quick salad and dinner is served!

Tuesday :: Slow Cooker Taco Soup & Cornbread
I've made this recipe several times.  I know there are better taco soup recipes out there, but I love how easy this one is to prepare!  Plus Jack likes it so win-win.  I reviewed this recipe here.  

Wednesday :: Hamburger Patties and Egg Noodles
No recipe here and probably super boring for most, but this is my Czech comfort food: meat and buttered noodles.  I just make the hamburger patties in a skillet with a chopped onion and seasoning and serve with noodles and fruit. 

  

Thursday :: Slow Cooker BBQ Spareribs, Mashed Potatoes and Salad
I've made this recipe before and it was super easy and good.  I reviewed it here.

Friday :: Pickup/Out to Eat
Fridays are our traditional "mommas night off" night where we either pickup something on our way home, order Pizza or go out to eat (usually Mexican).  It's a great way to celebrate the end of the week!

Saturday :: Throw something on the grill.  Lots of options here


What are you eating this week?  If several of you like these posts, maybe we can organize a simple linkup...unless there is already one out there that I don't know about.  Then please share! 

Friday, July 10, 2015

Five on Friday :: Back-to-School, Birthdays, Tantrums and of course the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale!

ONE

Although we are right in the middle of summer, it's not too early to start thinking about backpacks, nap mats and lunch kits, oh my!  Especially if you want them monogrammed, which, duh?

Two Magnolia Lane is now taking orders for these items.  Place your order by August 1 in order to have them in hand (and monogrammed) by the first day of school! 

The hardest part is deciding which color and style to order.  I think I'm going to do the Navy Seersucker {pictured directly below} for Jack...and not because I'm good at making decisions, but because he already has the navy seersucker nap mat and I like things to match!  Plus I clearly love me some red, white and blue!







TWO

On Wednesday night I met my girlfriends for dinner to celebrate me and Adrienne's {May} birthdays...yes, we celebrated May birthdays in July.  That just shows you not only how busy we all have been, but also how sweet my friends are for still celebrating us months later!


We went to Etoile in Uptown Park and it was delicious.  Definitely recommend for Houston area folks.  It also looked like our table was sponsored by Kendra Scott.  Adrienne and I were SPOILED to the max by everyone with lots of new jewelry.  

THREE

I wouldn't be a proper blogger if I didn't at least mention that the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is going on now for cardholders {open to everyone July 17}.  My blog feed was clogged yesterday with everyone's top picks.  I won't bore you with my entire wishlist (although I may next week, lol) but I did quickly snatch up the two items that I thought might sell out: Kate Spade Muli-Color Glitter Studs and a new "Blardigan" (in heathered berry pearl, although there are four color options on sale).

I'm highly considering the Gorjana Taner Small Bar necklace (also pictured below).  There are some great Kendra Scott pieces too, but I feel like I may have enough Kendra at the moment.  



I may or may not have purchased a little something for my mom for Christmas too, but she reads this blog so I can't divulge the details. 

FOUR

This week I made a dent in Coffee Bean's nursery.  I placed an order for bedding, purchased a book rack and started cleaning out items in my house (and listing them on my neighborhood garage sale site which is pure brilliance since you don't have to worry about shipping).  This all may be a small dent, but it still feels good to be moving in the right direction.



FIVE

And last but not least, I loved Annie's post yesterday about Toddler Tantrums since we are in the thick of it too.  Sometimes it's just nice to know you aren't alone.  And Annie is expecting too (with a two year old) just like me so I really related to this one!  Be sure and check out her blog, Home of Malones, if you aren't already a follower.  


Have an awesome weekend!  We don't plan on doing much and I am so happy about it.  

 --

Linking up:



Momfessionals

Tuesday, July 7, 2015

Taste of Summer with Red Gold Tomatoes :: Italian Turkey Burgers


To me the taste of summer = throwing something on the grill after a day of being at the pool.  I love to prep our meals and serve appetizers {like chips and queso which we ate lots of this 4th of July weekend} while Jason mans the grill and Jack gets to play outside in the backyard.


Last year, I featured some of Red Gold's delicious grilling recipes in honor of their annual "summer grilling giveaway" which they are doing again this year!

During the dates of June 24-July 22, Red Gold will be giving away a Large Big Green Egg every week, as well as 800 insulated tote bags on their Facebook Page.  Jason would love to win a Big Green Egg.

Last year we tried Red Gold's recipes for their Caribbean Chicken Burger and Spicy Tomato Burger.  Both were perfection and we continued to make them throughout the year.


This year I was anxious to try their Italian Turkey Burger.  We use turkey a ton in our household and I knew Jack would like the Italian flavors.

Italian Turkey Burger
  • 1 pound ground turkey (I used 99% lean)
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes with Basil, Garlic & Oregano, drained very well
  • 1 egg
  • 1/4 cup bread crumbs
  • Salt and pepper to taste 
1.  Combine ground turkey, tomatoes, egg and bread crumbs in a bowl.  Form into patties and season with salt and pepper.  (I ended up using more bread crumbs than it called for just to make the patties stick better).

2.  Grill the patties and you are done!

3.  I served with whole wheat hamburger buns.  You can add ketchup or thick pasta sauce to the burger and add a little mozzarella cheese too! 


Another success!  Both Jason and Jack gobbled them up and I loved it too.  It made great leftovers for lunch the next day.  Double score!  I just served the burgers with grilled veggies that were skewered so it was super easy to throw on the grill with the meat.  Can you tell I'm all about quick and easy?




For something off the grill, but still 100% summer, I'm anxious to try the Peach Chicken Chipotle Salad!  That just screams summer.

Image via

What is your favorite summer grilling meal?  Favorite burger?  

Don't forget to like Red Gold's Facebook Page to try and win a Big Green Egg now through July 22!

I was not compensated for this post.  I was given the product and cooler bag in order to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

Friday, July 3, 2015

Five on Friday :: Books, Blardigans, Bargains & Bumps


We are back from Colorado and had a great time.  I plan to do a full recap complete with picture overload next week.  Until then, just as soon as we unpacked our bags from the mountains, we are packing back up for a long weekend in Matagorda - our 4th of July family tradition.  Although I'm super tired and would love to be lazy at home, it will be nice to be on the water and get some beach time in with Jack before he has a sibling in the mix!

ONE 


Speaking of being at the beach, I'm reading a great beach read right now - Jane Green's newest book Summer Secrets.  Love it!  I also just finished The Girl on the Train which I really liked too and can recommend.

Next up I'm considering reading Primates of Park Avenue, Family Pictures and Finding Audrey.

What are you currently reading?

TWO


Has everyone started gearing up for Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale?  I did some major damage last year purchasing a few of Sheaffer's "Must-Have's" like a Blardigan, Black Must-Have Shirt, leggings, and a few other tops.

This year I'm not as interested in the clothing sine I can't wear it for a while being pregnant and my sizes are all over the place but I'm VERY interested in grabbing another Blardigan since I have a feeling it will be my go-to piece this winter when I'm rocking a post-baby bod, nursing and on maternity leave.  I think that justifies grabbing another one, yes?  A new striped version is available this year!  For reference, normal blardigan price is $92, Anniversary Sale price is $60.90.  

If you are a Nordstrom cardholder, the early access sale is July 9-16!

THREE


While in Colorado, I discovered a new shampoo/conditioner that I love...and even better, it's super cheap!  Suave Professionals Almond + Shea Butter smells so good and so far has been giving me lots of good hair days even back in the Houston humidity. 


FOUR

Last Five on Friday I mentioned my search for a great maternity workout pant.  Not that I do that much "working out" these days.  We'll call them my "walking out" pants since walking is pretty much my preferred form of exercise.



Anyway, I ordered these from Nordstrom by Ingrid & Isabel out of desperation - so not wanting to spend $68. The longer "capri" version can be found here and is $78.

Thanks to a sweet blog commenter, I learned that Target sells a VERY similar product for a fraction of the cost called BeMaternity by Ingrid & Isabel.  Same brand, same style, similar material, much smaller price tag - currently on sale for $23.99 (or the knee length is $21.59!  Lucky for me, my Target had it in stock before my trip so I was able to grab a pair!


I ended up keeping both pair - the knee length Nordstrom version and the capri length Target version, both in black.  You can tell a difference in them just that the Nordstrom version material is a little thicker, but overall I'm 100% happy with the Target pair.  Both were comfortable, held me in, cool with the crossover panel in the back, and looked great even in my size L thighs! 

If you are in the market for a pair of maternity workout pants, I say go the Target route and use the extra money you saved on an entire outfit!  You can do the pants + this top + this top + a Starbucks treat for yourself for LESS than the price of just the Nordstrom pants!

Also note that the Nordstrom version only goes up to a Large.  No XL is available.  I'm a size 10/12 or standard Large these days, even at 22 weeks pregnant.  While the Large fits me great now, I probably would be more comfortable in my third trimester in the XL.  The material is very thick and compressive.  It's nice that Target comes in a variety of sizes from XS-XXL! 

FIVE




I'm loving my Bump Nest pillow!  So much so that it traveled with me to Colorado!  This pregnancy pillow is definitely NOT a bargain at $99 (currently on sale for $79 which irritates me since I spent $20 more a week ago), however I will say that it is worth the higher price tag than some of it's competition like the Boppy Total Body Pillow or Leachco Snoogle. The shape, stuffing and material make it different.  It's so silky, cool and soft while still being firm and supportive. 

I hope you have a wonderful Friday and happy and safe 4th of July! 

 --

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