32 Week Bumpdate

This 32-weeker is the size of a honeydew and I definitely believe it!  According to this nifty little chart that Kaitlyn from Wifessional's created (the Daddy edition)...she is the size of a loaf of bread!

My last week of summer vacation has been fantastic.  I was true to my word, took FULL advantage of being home and I squeezed in as much rest as I possibly could.  Today is going to be a major reality check.  Back to work!  These last 8 weeks of pregnancy just so happen to coincide with one of the busiest times of the school year.  Yes, I am grateful to have had the time off but now is the time where I am really starting to get uncomfortable and I can feel my body slowing down.  It should be interesting.  I really hope to kick this school year off right, and be as ready as I possibly can to take some time off (about 6 weeks).  It seems like I am at least mentally prepared to take on the challenge, but please send some good vibes my way.  It's going to be ROUGH!

Can you believe I haven't gained any weight this past week?  I'm pretty sure this is the first time that I am able to say that.  So far, I am still at 27 total pounds gained.  I've been walking a lot, and jogging a tiny bit when she isn't sitting on my bladder.  Swimming has been a great workout too and I hope to work more of it into my routine.  I also plan to continue eating well even though I am back at work.

Today I'm starting the day off with a yummy breakfast...

Ezekiel toast and almond butter, then I've got some some Greek yogurt with blueberries for when I start to get hungry again about an hour and a half later.  This is a typical breakfast for me, and it's quick and easy.  I'm stocking my office with 100 calorie packs so that when I start to graze I'm not running off to raid someone's candy bowl!  I read that at this point I should be gaining a pound per week, and half of that is going to chubbing up Baby Girl.  She sure is getting big and strong!

Sleeping has been just okay.  It takes me a while to fall asleep, I just cannot get comfortable.  Once my head hits the pillow is when Baby Girl decides to go super bananas in my belly.  It seems like it gets harder and harder every week to fall asleep as her movements get stronger.  Sometimes it helps if I switch sides, but that requires so much effort...it is almost easier to just leave well enough alone, stay where I am and take the beating.  This video is from last night, it is much more mellow than what I normally experience when it's time for bed!

Thank god for Tums!  I agree with my friend Laura...I'm probably getting heartburn because of how she is positioned (and kicking), not because of anything specific I am eating.  Just as a precaution though I have the Tums ready to go.  They honestly don't help THAT much, but it takes the edge off!

That's it for me...I am heading to the doctors, then straight to work.  Here goes nothing!

Happy "Bump" Day!!!!

***Tomorrow is the big day!!!  Link up with Mallory and I for the 2nd round of The Boys Behind The Blog.  Click here for the questions!

Curing #NOtivation - "Treat Yo Self"

I am a firm believer that in order to successfully meet your fitness goals, you need to reward yourself.  Just like when we were back in elementary school, and you got to proudly stick your gold star up on a chart for the whole class to see...a little incentive goes a long way!

I feel like we are all on a constant quest to figure out what works for us in terms of staying fit.  I've accepted the fact long ago that just because Jessica Alba does it one way, that may not work for me (along with the fact that I'll never look like Jessica Alba).  I've also accepted the fact that as things change, and I get older...I have to adjust my fitness routines, as well as the way I eat.  One thing however that has always remained consistent is the fact that I allow myself a break, an incentive, or some kind of reward.  

Isn't being healthy, and fit enough of a reward?  I would like to say it is...but unfortunately, I need more to keep myself motivated.  Since a ton of pressure is not something I have ever responded well to, here are a few tips...

1.  Set smaller, more realistic goals.  I feel defeated if my end goal is too far out of sight.  Baby steps!

2.  Allow yourself a break every so often.  Listen to your body.  This is something I REALLY have to do now that I am pregnant.  I'm not a fan of the term "cheat" day, but call it whatever you would like.  Your body needs rest, so either set a "rest" day in advance...or decide on taking one if your not feeling so hot.  

3.  Be accountable.  For me, I started noticing I was making the best progress when I really started tracking it.  There IS an app for that...there are a bajillion apps for that!  I use Runkeeper when I am doing cardio.  When I am doing intervals at home, I use the Seconds Pro app.  Both of these link directly to my social media, which for ME helps maintain accountability.  If you aren't a "display my gold stars for the whole class to see" kind of person...then you could always turn that feature off.  It's whatever works for you.  

4.  Treat yo self!!!  This one is my FAVORITE!  I completely agree with Mallory, "You're not a dog"...so rewarding yourself with food isn't the best plan.  It just doesn't make sense to indulge every day JUST because you burned some calories.  There is nothing worse to me than undoing a workout!  However, I do allow myself a treat every once in a while if I've been on a good streak!  Even better than food though, is buying yourself a new workout outfit, running shoes, maybe that fitness watch you have been eyeballing...whatever it may be...Treat Yo Self, you deserve it!

I hope these few tips help!  Linking up with these lovely ladies again this week to help cure #NOtivation!  It's my LAST day off of work, I'm planning on making it a good one!  I'll be treating myself to a pedicure, because I deserve it AND I can't reach my toes!  Happy Tuesday!  

Baked Mediterranean Chicken

This is the "insane chicken creation" that I was referring to last week...and man it is good!  I absolutely LOVE artichoke hearts, and sun-dried tomatoes, and olives, and feta cheese!  It's okay to have more than one favorite, right?!  To me this is an easy dish, that seems like you put A LOT more effort into it than you actually did.  Impress someone with this one!

Ingredients:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (I used the thin ones)
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1 leek - white & light green part sliced (rinse well)
1 clove of garlic - minced
1/3 cup of sliced sun-dried tomatoes
1 can of quartered artichoke hearts - drained
a handful of kalamata olives - halved
1/3 cup of white wine
1 cup of chicken stock
salt & pepper
1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese
*Serve over brown rice, quinoa, or polenta

Directions:
*Preheat oven to 350 degrees
1. Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat, add leeks and cook for 4-5 minutes until they start to soften. Add garlic, cook for 1 minute - careful not to burn. Put heat up to medium high, add white wine, cook for another 3-4 minutes so alcohol can burn off.
2. Add sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, olives, and chicken stock. Stirring constantly, cook for 5 minutes until liquid is reduced by half. Turn heat off.
3. Sprinkle both sides of chicken with salt and pepper - place in large casserole dish. Pour the leek/sun-dried tomato/artichoke mixture on top of chicken. Make sure it is all coated.
4. Cover with aluminum foil, and bake for 25-30 minutes.
5. Uncover, and top chicken with feta cheese. Cook for another 5 minutes.

This time, I served it over brown rice...but next time I may go for some creamy polenta.  YUM!

What's cooking this week?

Morning!  Look at me, all prepared for the week ahead!  I didn't want to let you all down without a weekly plan.  Truth is, right now (as long as the sun is shining in St. Pete) I should be getting ready to hit the beach with our good friends Jen and Will.  All week the weather has looked a little iffy, so my fingers are crossed that whatever is brewing in the tropics leaves us alone.  Regardless of the weather, I'm sure it will be a good time!

I took this pic last summer at one of my favorite beaches...Cupsogue Beach in Westhampton, NY.

I'm not getting very experimental this week with trying brand new recipes and creations.  We are trying to clear out the freezer, to make room for the meals I have intentions of making and freezing for when the baby gets here.  We will see how that goes.  On Friday my Aunt Laura and Uncle John are coming for the weekend...they usually come with about ten packages of sausage (seems random - but not for them).  It is probably a wise choice to start digging out in there just in case, and making a few NTSST favorites throughout the process!  Here is what's planned...

Monday:  Grilled Chicken Avocado Salad
Tuesday:  Sausage Veggie Subs
Wednesday:  Wheat Pasta with Pesto Sauce and salad
Thursday:  Easy Ranch Chicken and Rice

Hopefully wherever you live, the sun is shining and you are having a beautiful weekend!  XO

A Sleepover on the Second Blate & A Frittata

The title of this post cracks me up!  This relationship is moving fast, huh!?!  Mallory and I decided we are okay with it!  Ha!!!  Remember our first blate back in April?  Well let me tell you all about our second!

A few weeks ago, as Stephen and I were road trippin' our way to NY, we made a stop in Richmond VA to pay Mallory and DLW a visit.  Wait, let me rewind.  The day BEFORE we left, we stopped by Mal's parents house to pick up all of her crap.  They live only five minutes from us, how convenient is that?!  We packed the car out and drove up all of their random stuff - dolls, artwork, a wedding dress, a puffy vest DLW does not approve of, and a Top Gun poster.  Obviously I wasn't leaving without a picture with Mal's parents.  They are just so cute, they would be BFF's with my parents - I'm 100% sure of it.  

When we got there, Mal gave me this adorable gift for Baby Girl!  Not only is it beyond perfect because of my love of ladybugs, but she made it.  It doesn't get more special than that!  Baby Girl's name is even on the ladypigs booty (not ready to make that completely known just yet).  It looks so cute sitting on her dresser!

We went out to dinner at Chuy's, which was delicious!  Mal had been torturing me with pictures of the yummy food they serve there for weeks, I was happy to finally try it for myself.  Mallory looked so nice, I raided her closet to find a dress that would fit my pregnant belly!  

We had a great night talking about blog things, laughing, and planning for future Boys Behind the Blog link up questions.  Stephen and I also made friends with the puppydogs!  They were on their best behavior too.  Sadie loved Stephen, I captured a bunch of blurry pictures...that pup does not stop moving for a second!

The next morning we didn't have too much time to stick around before getting back on the road.  Before we left though, we made this delicious and easy frittata.  You didn't think we would hold out on you, did you?  Here is the yummy recipe...

Ingredients:
1 tbsp of extra virgin olive oil
1/4 red onion - chopped
1 clove of garlic - minced
1/2 red bell pepper - chopped
3-4 handfuls of baby spinach
6 oz. of crumbled feta cheese (reduced fat)
12 eggs (we used 8 eggs, and 4 egg whites)
salt & pepper

Directions:
*Preheat the oven to 400 degrees
1. Heat olive oil in a large oven safe skillet over medium heat.  Sauté onions, garlic, and red bell pepper until they begin to soften (about 5-6 minutes).  Wilt spinach - cook down for an additional 2-3 minutes.
2. In a bowl, beat the eggs, add salt and pepper to taste, then add feta cheese.
3. Reduce heat to low, and distribute spinach/veggie mixture around the pan...slowly pour in the eggs and cheese.
4. Cook until the edges start to slightly separate from the pan, then put it into a 400 degree oven for 10-12 minutes until it puffs up and sets
5. Slide the frittata onto a large plate, and enjoy!

It was a short but very sweet visit.  We hope to see them again right around when Baby Girl arrives.  It's a shame they don't live closer because these two are the best..I mean FOUR...can't forget about Layla and Sadie!

You can read Mallory's Second Blate Sleepover Recap here.

***On Thursday 7/18, Mal and I are having our 2nd Boys Behind The Blog link up!  Click HERE for the questions, have your hunny answer them.... and be sure to share your post with us!