Baby This Week | 33 Weeks

We are durian fruit (whatever that is?!) status folks! I think I’ve seen this fruit in person a few times and I always have to touch it, lol.  I’ve never had it before though.  Maybe one day I’ll actually try it out.

Freebie Friday | Happy Halloween Printable

Its Freebie Friday again!  Fitting with the impending Fall that is coming upon us, I’ve created these fun Happy Halloween printables.  You can use these to add to goodie bags, décor for party planning, or even affix to objects to make more festive.

Apps You Should Have! Pt. 1

Apps you should have Pt 1:

I decided to put together a list of my favorite/most frequently used useful apps. Many of you may already have these and use them on a daily basis, but I’ve taken it a step further and broken them down by use.

Tattler Thursday Blog Hop

Hey everyone! This week I am co-hosting Tattler Thursday Blog Hop.  Come link up with me and my fellow hosts and co-hosts!  We look forward to connecting and sharing with you all this week!

Hiya Snappers! Welcome back to the 16th week of the Tattler Thursday Blog and Social Network Hop!

It's time to tattle and hop!

It's a share your crazy, gross, hilarious, in-the-trenches parenthood stories, kind of blog hop! We love funny kid stories and we want to hear yours!

Baby Bootcamp…we got suited & booted, baby style!

Baby Bootcamp

About two Fridays ago Hubs & I attended Baby Bootcamp, a prenatal class offered through our New Parent Support Program here on base.

Etsy Shop Feature | Zipper Charm Earrings

These super cute and fun earrings are unique and trendy. They are in fact one of a kind and have a Western/cowgirl feel to them.  I think they’d be an awesome addition to a costume for say, Halloween that’s coming up or just a cute Western-inspired or every day outfit.

BOGO! Back To School With Zoya Nail Polish

Anyone who knows me, knows I love nail polish.  Prior to joining the military I use to paint my nails all the time.  I’m talking like every other day here people!  It was so fun for me to try out different colors, textures, and brands of polish.  Now, its mostly clear on my hands (occasionally I’ll paint them on the weekends or if we have a long break for a holiday.) .  I only paint my toes about once a month, especially while pregnant, because its not very comfortable. 

Baby This Week | 32 Weeks

We are squash status this week people! Again, I am still trying to wrap my head around the fact that I have something that big inside of me. Nonetheless, let's get to it:

Pregnancy Belly | Beef & Cheese Italian Stuffed Shells

I love Italian food or rather Italian-inspired food.  I was prompted to make these shells after seeing a few recipes around the ‘net and Pinterest.  I also saw someone making them in a Youtube video I was watching recently, and thought they’d be a good entrée to try out.  I honestly was just smitten with the giant version shells that you make them with.  It wasn’t until recent years that I actually learned of these large shells that you could stuff. 

Pins of the Moment ~ Current Faves & Finds

I don’t know one person in my circle (or at least my blogging circle) who doesn’t Pinterest.  Lately I’ve been pinning like its nobody’s business and thought to share with you my most recent pins.

I love Pinterest for the sheer fact that it is a one stop shop for nearly any and every thing you can think of.  My pins range from crafts, to jewelry, to blogging tips, to just plain pretty things.  That’s the beauty of the website and why I can spend countless minutes (…okay hours) on there.

Take a look at what I’ve pinned lately!

Wordless Wednesday

I got nothing for you, but no words. ;-)

Credit:  Jane Sweeney/JAI/Corbis via MSN.com

Happy hump day, bump day!  One day closer to the weekend, yay!

xxoo,

Fall TV, what’s returning, what’s new.

The Walking Dead – Returns to AMC October 31 @ 9 P.M. This is the 4th season of the series and its debuting just in time for Halloween. Previous seasons are available Netflix if you want to catch or just refresh yourself. It’ll be more ghouly, milky-eyed, predatoral zombies on your tv to last you all Fall.

Etsy Shop Feature | Chocolate Cupcake Earrings

Who doesn't love a cupcake, its everyone's favorite pastry. These are cute, fun and trendy!
I made these a few months back and they are totally fitting with my love of cupcakes and baking.  They are available now my Etsy shop, even though I’d love to sport them myself.  I also have a cute donut pendant necklace that I’ll be listing soon, because I just can’t get enough of my food jewelry.

Baby This Week | 31 Weeks

Man oh man, with every week that passes it feels more and more real, yet still surreal.  We are at week 31, yep 8 months...its official we are rounding out the last two months.  Beats me why they say pregnancy is 9 months when it's really 10.  I guess they don't want women to feel like they are pregnant even longer than it already seems they are.

Freebie Friday! | Rustic Chalkboard Inspired Pantry Label Printables

I’m starting a new series on my blog called Freebie Friday.  I will be posting at least once or twice a month printable freebies on Friday’s going forward.  I love creating printables and sharing them, and this gives me an opportunity to get them to you consistently.  This Friday its rustic, chalkboard inspired pantry label printables.

Decreasing clutter in your home...and in your life and staying organized

Decreasing clutter in your home...and in your life and staying organized

Georgia Aquarium

When I was back home in Ga for my shower, Hubs & I decided to take a trip to the GA Aquarium the day after.  We didn't have much on the agenda for Sunday, so it was the perfect opportunity to go.  We also love any excuse to go in the city and just take it in.  Hubs had actually been to the Aquarium before, but I had never been there.  It was built after I left Atlanta and since returning for short periods of time since it was built, I never took the time to go to it.  Needless to say I was really excited to go.  I have always loved wildlife, especially marine life.  Hubs is an even bigger buff for animals than me, so of course he was stoked.  I took a ton of pics, as I always do when I visit somewhere fun and interesting.

Hey Guess What?! I’m Featured! | YummyRecipesWorld.com

I just wanted to let you all know that my Red Velvet White Chocolate Chip Cookies are being featured over at YummyRecipesWorld.com.  They have a ton of featured recipes over on their site, so be sure check them out!

Happy bumping!

xxoo,

Dinner Tonight ~ What We Ate | Creamy Whisked Red Potatoes Recipe

I decided to do a “What We Ate” post.  We haven’t cooked in a while, due to being out of town, so it was nice to have a cooked meal finally.  I was the brains behind this operation, and Hubs was the brawn. – meaning I thought up what we were having and he cooked it, lol!  The featured recipe is actually Hubs’ spin on creamy red potatoes, and I must give credit where its due and let you all know that the recipe is courtesy of him.

Baby Shower Version 2.0 {Recap}

 We are officially baby shower-complete!  I had my second baby shower this past weekend back home in Ga.  I must say it was so to get away, and back down South.  My mom hosted my shower, and along with the help of my dad and brothers, the event with off with out a hitch.  Hubs & I made the 10 hour, 600 mile drive down on Thursday and even though it was long, it was fun and well worth it.  I didn't even get sick, nope, not once!  I have so many pics, and I honestly don't even have all of them, because every other person who came took pics too!

Bloglovin or Feedly

Or

So I know this topic has been long discussed with the extinction of Google Reader on July 1st, but I wanted to get a little bit more insight into what readers you all are currently using to keep up with your blogs.  I use both Bloglovin and Feedly, and I have to admit that of the two I like Feedly better for actually reading posts.  While I like Bloglovin better for  building a community and keeping track of followers which you can't do with Feedly, or at least I haven't figured out how to.  When I go through to read my blogs, whether it be on my phone, iPad, or laptop I can easily scroll through and click on posts with Feedly.  It opens up in a new tab or window to the full blog post, without the frame that Bloglovin has.   I hate the fact that you cannot connect from a social media standpoint with Feedly, so I often end up following blogs on both. 

Baby This Week | 30 Weeks

30 Weeks Pregnant

Folks we are officially in the 30s!  The 8th month is right around the corner and I have roughly anywhere between 7-10 weeks left until baby is here!
The Facts - Baby is measuring close to 15 1/2 inches long and weighs about 2 1/2 - 3 lbs. He or she now almost fills up my entire uterine cavity, and baby’s arms and legs have grown much plumper, thanks to the continued growth of subcutaneous fat!  By 30 weeks, little one’s eyelids open and close. However, he or she will keep his eyes closed for most of the day though. When baby’s eyes are open, they will be able to track light inside of my womb, though baby’s vision isn’t “perfect” or 20/20. Lanugo, or fine hair that once covered little one’s body, will start falling off this week.  In the coming weeks, the volume of amniotic fluid in my belly will decrease as your baby continues to gain weight and take up more space.  Baby’s brain continues to develop at a rapid pace this week as well.  Another interesting fact: baby’s grip is now strong enough to grasp a finger.
Baby - I can tell little one is running out of room.  I feel this kid from right under my boobs to way down low and all in my ribs, even going around to my back.  The movements this week, while stronger, have changed since last week.  I feel really strong kicks, but they appear to be slightly more infrequent than last week.  This week its more all over movement and rolls.  This kid is getting settled in and I'm pretty sure is head down.  The stronger movements are definitely higher up, and lighter movements down low, but definitely still noticeable.  Baby is more active at night as well lately and early in the morning.  This is different from previous weeks when baby tended to be more active only when I was hungry or in the evenings.  Little one seems to like salty foods versus sweets, which is so funny since I have such a big sweet tooth.  Baby seems to respond to savory dishes, rather than sweet ones.  I'm okay with that, hopefully this kid won't get my picky appetite.  Little one is still very interactive, so if I poke or mash my belly he or she will usually jab or kick back.   The same thing happens if I lay on my side, baby will start jucking and jiving in there.  It's so cute!
Me - I really think my appetite is picking up this week.  I feel like I have been all day every day this week.  Unfortunately the portions are still child-size, but at least I'm feeling inclined to eat more instead of having to make myself.  Sleepiness is in full effect for sure, which is why I think I have started to eat more.  The more I eat, the less sleepy I feel and I'd rather stuff my face than feel sleepy.  I am really liking Reese's Peanut Buttercups this week.  I didn't know those bad boys had 5g of protein in them!  I did know that they are one of the most fattening candy bars out there.  I haven’t been into candy very much at all while pregnant, and I'm really only eating like one a day so far.  I'm not concerned, just surprised that my affinity for candy has returned all of a sudden.  Weight is up 1 lb from last week, so that puts me at 140 lbs pushing 141 lbs. I have gained slowly, but surely and I'm very happy with that.  Still no sign of stretch marks, thank goodness!  However, my belly is itchy again this week, so I have been slathering on the moisturizers.  Hair, skin, and nails are looking good...not major or drastic changes. No signs or swelling and I'm still wearing my rings and such. 
Hubs -  As usual Hubs likes to talk to the baby and provoke it by shaking my belly (lightly).  However, baby is starting to fight back at the most funniest times like bedtime.  One night baby was literally kickboxing on hubs' back.  The other night I turned over and was the little spoon and Hubs put his hand on my belly and the baby was going wild in there.  I love that he can feel the baby and interact with it.  Its so nice to see him bonding with our child already. 
The excites builds!  See ya back next week for 31 weeks – eekk! 8 months pregnant, can’t believe it, but I love it!

Happy bumping!
xxoo,

Stop & Smell The Roses Vlog Linkup

Hey everyone, I’m linking up with Mandy from House of Rose for her monthly Stop & Smell The Roses link up.  It’s a great idea and the concept of the vlog about what you are currently thankful for.  On another note, it also gives me an opportunity to come to you all live and in action (I guess!)
Here’s what I’m thankful for right now:

I’d love to know what your thankful for! Be sure to check out the rest of the link up on Mandy’s blog. –She has a really awesome blog btw.
Happy bumping!
xxoo,

Thoughts From a Preggo... | Money, SAHM, and Working

Let's talk money!  Yep folks, money!  With a new baby coming into the picture soon, this is one topic at the forefront of my mind.  Right now I work full-time, however once baby gets I plan on being at home full time.  This will be the first time in my life that I will not be working.  I literally only took off a year as a Freshman in college, because I wanted to focus on adjusting to school.  I have worked since I was 16, will really 11, but that was under the table, haha.  When I turned the ripe age of 16, I started working my first paycheck job at Wet Seal.  I didn't make much, but I was making something, gaining experience, and got a discount on cute clothes.  I worked there for about a year and a half and went to Charlotte Russe, because they paid better, had better management, cuter clothes, and a bigger discount. I worked at Charlotte Russe until I started college and eventually left after my Freshman year.  The summer after my Freshman year of college I worked three jobs, and no not out of greed, but out of opportunity.  I worked as a Sales Associate at Charlotte Russe, a server at a steakhouse, and a Sales Associate at Bath & Body Works that summer.  I will tell you that I was so burnt out, but loved working.  When I returned to school for Sophomore year, I RA'd for that entire school year and the summer, in which I was paid on a stipend.  Once RA'ing was over, I got a job at the local Rec Dept, and although that was short-lived, due to the schedule and the fact that working with kids for 4 hours a day after a long day of classes just wasn't for me.  This brought me back to Bath & Body Works, in which I left the Rec Dept for.  I preferred a more flexible schedule and enjoyed working retail, since I already had experience in it.  I was brought on as a seasonal employee, because that was what the store was hiring for at the time.   Before the Season was even over I was already at a regular status Sales Associate.  Within 9 or so months I was already in a part-time management position, and worked that position until I graduated college. 

Once I graduated college, I got an HR internship with Pier 1 Imports and worked there for two years, before returning to Bath & Body Works (due to moving) and working as a Co-Manager (which was of course a full-time position) for roughly a year.  I did all this before commissioning as an officer in the Marine Corps, which I am now.  So, long story short, I have worked...for a long time, and earned my own money and keep.  Jump to present day me, married and pregnant, and wanting to be a SAHM.  I can't imagine putting my child in daycare, in part because I have zero concept of how daycare I, because I never went.  Its not strongly encouraged in my family to put your children in daycare, so a lot of it goes back to the way I was raised.  I was raised that you take care of your children yourself.  My grandmother had 11 children, so that didn't leave her much time to work.   

My mother worked before and after I was born full-time, but when I was 3 we were hit by a drunk driver and she was unable to work for many years after that.  It wasn't until I was 14 or 15 that my mom was able to go back to work.  She went through several years of rehab and therapy due to the accident, but it afforded her the opportunity to be a SAHM full time.  During her time being a SAHM, she spent a lot of her time taking care of my grandmother, who had two strokes and a brain aneurysm.  My mother also volunteered and tutored at my elementary school, so she always kept busy.  Just dealing with my Dad was beyond a full-time job!  Okay, so back on subject, basically I want to be at home with my child and be as hand-on as possible, and my husband is perfectly fine with that.  Of course, me being the new-age, progressive and educated woman that I am, I struggle between making the decision to work or not to work.  I want to contribute to my family, and I think the only way I know how is with money.  I have only been a wife for a year and have up until now never been a mother, mind you the kid's still inside of me.   

So my question is for those of you who have made the transition, how did you do it?   
How did you feel then? Now?

xxoo,

100 Posts!

xxoo,

Back To School Bookmark Printables

I’m back with another free printable.  This time its bookmarks, because reading is fundamental. 
I used to read books all the time when I was younger, but have sense resorted to magazines and online reading.  I’d like to get back to actually reading books, and what better inspiration than a lovely bookmark.

I wanted to share a few that I put together with you, in hope that it will inspire you to read as well.  I’m sure most of your are much more disciplined and diligent than me, and read all the time.  Nonetheless, I hope these inspire you or that you find them useful in your reads.

Download the file here. - Please take note that these are for personal use only!  I would never charge for these, so please don’t take them and try to use them for commercial use.  This is why they are FREE for use. :-)

Happy Reading!

xxoo,

What's Up | August Update

August update:

I wanted to give you all a rundown of what to expect coming up in August.  I am coming up on 8 months pregnant and while I while I would love to promise you all a post every day, which I have been doing, I may not be able to keep that up with everything I have going on.  I will still be posting several times a week, but I'd rather bring you quality vs quantity.  I will tell you however, that I will be doing some things to allow my blog to be more interactive, such as hosting a blog hop, co-hosting link parties, and offering guest posts and accepting sponsors.  I want to continue to find ways to interact and reach out with my readers more. 

If you are interest in participating in any of the previously mentioned, please email, tweet, or message me on Facebook.  Also, coming up in October, which is when baby is due, I will most likely be taking some "maternity" leave.  I say that now and I'll probably be posting more than ever, haha!  Although, I will have a brand new baby that will be my priority, so most of my time will be spent taking care of little one.  I am extremely excited about the upcoming Fall and holiday season, so I will definitely not be slacking on posts related to those topics.  I will actually be starting Fall theme/related posts this month.  Before we know it, it will be Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and then New Year's, crazy huh?!  The year is nearly over, only 4 more months left and I can't believe it.

I will be headed out of town, back to Ga later this week for my second baby shower, so there could possibly be a lack of posts this weekend.  As always, I will available on social media, mainly twitter.  I will be keeping up with everyone via Twitter, Bloglovin, and my Feedly feed, so even though you may not see me, I'll still see and be able to connect with you.  The drive is 10 hours, so I will most likely be drafting up a lot of posts while on the drive.  I will also try my best to get posts written up and scheduled, even during my hiatus once baby arrives. 

I also wanted to let you all in on a new thing I'm starting up on my blog that you can participate in.  It's my weekly Top 10 post.  I will be making a button for it soon, so you all can participate in it and grab a button to spread the word.  I love to read about what people are loving right now and each week, I try to think of ten things that I'm really feeling and put together a short list of them.  Feel free to participate in today's post, and link back to me and let me know, so I can check out your post.  I will post a link tool, so that you can link your post and other readers can visit your Top 10 blog post.

I look forward to interacting with everyone!  Have a wonderful week!

xxoo,

Thing’s I’m Loving | The Top 10 [7.28 - 8.3]

<div align="center">
<a href="http://newmamadiaries.blogspot.com/" title="New Mama Diaries"><img src="http://i908.photobucket.com/albums/ac286/perfecttenn/TheTop10-1.png" alt="New Mama Diaries" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Grab my button and link in with your Top 10!

Here's what I'm loving lately! What about you??

1. Pineapples

2. Gumballs – yep these make the list again!

3. Frozen yogurt

4. Bath & Body Works Handsoaps – totally stocking up on these for when baby comes.

5. This recipe for Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Fudge – Drool!

Recipe & Picture Source: Nat’s Adventures in Baking

6. Devious Maids

7. True Blood

8. Sunflower Seeds

9. RAW Prenatal Vitamins

10. Tia & Tamera – they have the cutest show on Style Network

Until next week folks, see ya ‘round!

Happy bumping!

xxoo,