The Boys Behind the Blog {Link Up}

We know that many of you have incredibly supportive men behind you and your blog. They are our consultants, guinea pigs, and biggest fans. They are essential to your blog and we want to give them a chance to have their voice heard too.

 The Boys Behind the Blog is a new link-up featuring your husbands, fiances, and boyfriends! On the first Thursday of the month, Mallory and I will post 5 questions for the 'boys' to answer that go along with a theme. On the third Thursday of the month, we will host a link up to share their answers.

This month's theme is blogging.

1. Does your wife/girlfriend/fiance use your real name or a nickname on her blog?

2. If you had a blog, what would the title be?

3. Do you ever feel ignored by her because of the blog?

4. How has her blog changed or evolved throughout your relationship?

5. What is your favorite post on her blog?

Mallory and I think this is be a great way to get the 'boys' more involved and let them share the spotlight! Grab your guy, grab our button, and link up with us on Thursday, June 20th!

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26 Week Bumpdate

My little girly is the length of a cucumber, and weighs 2.2 lbs!

Changes I've noticed:  My total weight gain is somewhere between 19 and 20 lbs.  I've been noticing all of the fluctuations because I have been weighing myself more often since my last doctors visit.  Obviously my tummy is getting giant, and my toes are starting to disappear.  I had to have Stephen check under my stomach for stretch marks the other night...so far there are none, I do have plenty on my hips though!  About a week ago, I started using the coconut oil and I LOVE it!  It's probably less greasy than the Palmer's oil I was using!  My belly button is still an "innie" but it is getting shallow, and looks like it's starting to turn inside out.  That's weird, I know.

How I've been feeling:  It takes a ton of effort to do the simplest things, like get up from the couch...and especially to roll over when I'm laying down.  As my tummy grows, it's not easy to breath...such an uncomfortable feeling!  It seems like I'm always stretching my back out and taking deep breaths.  I'm not too concerned about this, from what I've read it's normal.

How I've been sleeping:  Lately I've been sleeping fine,  besides waking up 4-5 times per night...usually it is because my arm is asleep and I need to roll over.  Like I said before, rolling over is quite the task and of course the 9 pillows don't help matters!  Even though I wake up often, I'm able to fall right back asleep so I guess it's not too bad. 

Food and exercise:  It's nice to be a regular at the gym again!  It's also nice to have a little extra energy during the day!  Yesterday, in my post about my summer plans I mentioned that I've been very conscious about snacking healthy between meals!  I'm really trying to stick to that!  I'll let you know how it goes!

Stuck my butt out so I can see my shoes...I must have looked real crazy if anyone caught this moment!

Maternity clothes:  Nothing new this week.

Movement:  Yes, I have a while to go still, but I'm starting to feel like she is running out of room in there.  It definitely doesn't seem as spacious as when she was flipping and rolling all over the place about a month ago!  She has been poking out a lot!  Yesterday morning I was laying in bed and all of a sudden my tummy shifted up at to the right...it was the strangest thing.  I think she was sticking her little booty out!  She stayed that way for about 3 minutes and then she started to slowly come back down.  I've been feeling these pokes for about 5 days now...but yesterday morning was definitely the most noticeable!
   

Best moment this past week:  Hmmm...I can't think of anything specific.  I've just been appreciating the time I've had home just me and my girl!  We've been catching up on some reading, it's been nice!  :)

Well, I'm off to go for blood work and the dreaded glucose test in a bit!  Wish me luck with the yucky drink!!!
Happy "Bump" Day!!!!

What's coming up in my world?

Looks like it is semi-safe to say that summer vacation has started for me!  I have a few more days that I will be going into work to do some scheduling and look at test scores, but for the most part I am in "summer-mode" until the 3rd week of July!  

Ok you got me....this is an old picture...I mean I'm not positive, but I wouldn't imagine I still look like this from behind...

What will I do with all of this free time you ask?!?  Besides the commitment I have made to getting in as much rest as possible, I have a few things in mind!

1.  Enjoy rest of my pregnancy:  Since I am on the brink of beginning my 3rd trimester (27 weeks/28 weeks?)...I know things are about to get super uncomfortable around here.  The Florida heat can be downright unbearable, and I do live on the 3rd floor - so it will be ROUGH!  My goal is to enjoy every single second as much as possible regardless of the discomfort.  I want to appreciate these moments that I get to be alone just Baby Girl and I...taking in every bump, nudge, roll, and kick!  Of course hubby and I are beyond anxious for September, but there is something very special about all of this anticipation!  It's just been the two of us for so long, I want to remember this time we have left until we become a family of THREE!  

2.  Get baby ready:  Obviously there is still a lot to do to prepare for our little one.  The nursery furniture is put together, and the registry is set (I may have peeked at it, shhhh)!  There are still some finishing touches, and last minute things that I need to purchase online.  We are a pretty organized couple, and our apartment is pretty big...but it still will be a challenge fitting all of her STUFF in here.  I plan to get into "nesting mode" especially after my baby shower!

3.  Stay healthy:  When I am home "relaxing", that usually means I am salivating over The Food Network, or Cooking Channel!  This is dangerous!  Yesterday I stocked up on some healthy snacks (carrots, hummus, sweet potato chips, & tons of fruit).   I'm not usually a huge "snacker" but like the rest of the human race...idle time, and pregnancy hormones are not a good mix for me.  I've also started going to the gym.  It feels so good to get moving, I'm definitely going to keep at it!  

4.  Going to NY:  We are taking a road trip in little over 2 weeks to NY!  Why on earth are we driving?  Well, since my shower will be on the 22nd...we imagine there will be some baby goodies that need to come back with us.  PLUS, there are still wedding things at my parents house that need to come home as well! It's not ideal to be road tripping when I'm 7 months pregnant, but we are going to take lots of breaks...we are even making a stop in Richmond to visit Mallory (Mal Smiles) & DLW!  Can't wait!  It is going to be such a great trip, we have a LOT planned as we always do!  We are BEYOND excited to see everyone!

5.  Get super involved in "Blogland":  Not that I don't think I already am....but there are so many things that I have wanted to do, just not enough time to do it!!!  This summer is the perfect opportunity to get more involved (I signed up for my first Cara Box Exchange), meet new bloggers, branch out a little more, and get inspired!  I have a lot of recipes already planned, and I'm even thinking it is a good idea to have a few on "reserve" for when Baby Girl gets here.  I definitely still plan on blogging when I am a Mommy, but likely it will be difficult to adjust to a new routine.  It's probably best I plan ahead...and what better time to do it?  

***Check out my sponsor options (*use the code "SPICEUPJUNE" for 30% off of all ads), and know that as I am growing my blog this summer...that means growth for you too!  

It's going to be a great summer, I can already tell!  Can't wait to share it with all of you! XO

Shrimp over Lemony Ricotta Linguini

This recipe is extra fancy because of the lemon pepper linguini that I happen to have from the market we went to a few weeks back.  Of course you can make this with regular linguini, and I'm sure it will be JUST as fabulous!

Ingredients:
*Double this recipe if you are making it for more than 2-3 people

1/2 lb. of lemon pepper linguini (or regular) - *preserve 3-4 tbsp. of pasta water before straining

2 tbsp. of extra-virgin olive oil

1 tbsp. of butter

8-12. oz of small shrimp

4 oz. of mushrooms
1 clove of garlic - minced

4 tbsp. of lemon juice

1 tbsp. of lemon zest

salt, pepper, red pepper flakes (to taste)

2 cups of part-skim ricotta

1/2 cup of half and half
2 tbsp. of chopped fresh parsley 

Directions:

1.  In a saucepan over medium heat, heat extra-virgin olive oil & melt butter - cook mushrooms until they soften (about 4-5 minutes).  Add garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and shrimp, cook until shrimp are pink (about  another 7-8 minutes...may need to crank the head up a bit).  Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste.  

2.  Boil water, cook pasta according to directions.  Save a few tablespoons of pasta water before straining.  

3.  In a seperate bowl, mix together ricotta, half and half, and parmesan cheese.
4.  Turn the heat off of the shrimp sauce mixture and let cool for a few minutes before slowly adding the ricotta/half and half, and parmesan mixture into the pan, keep stirring until mixed evenly.  Add a little pasta water if it is too thick.
5.  In a large bowl, Pour shrimp sauce over the linguini....toss evenly so pasta is coated.
6.  Sprinkle with fresh parsley, serve & enjoy!!! 

What's cooking this week?

Good morning sunshines!  

I'm posting my weekly meal plans real quick because the hubs and I are off to Disney for the day!  Our season passes are about to go into blackout dates so we have to squeeze another trip in (fineeeee...I'll go if I have to)!  We should be Epcot bound in about an hour or so.  Stephen and I sure do spend a lot of time in Orlando!  This is my Orlando face from last weekend...I'll be making it again shortly!  

  

WAIT...fist thing's first though...

Monday:  Balsamic Basil Chicken over an arugula salad

Tuesday:  Pressed Chicken Fajita Burgers

Wednesday:  Roasted "Tomesto" Pasta

Thursday:  Shrimp with veggies over brown rice

All set...have an awesome Sunday AND week ahead!  (I think I will be on summer vacay for at least the next 3 days...psyched!)