January 31, 2011
January 29, 2011
the ipad.
how were we before it came along?
i really don't remember now.
all i really know is this: i love this thing! and i'm using it way more than i imagined i would. in fact, the most-asked question in our house has become, "where's the ipad?" grant and i have to take turns:) and it goes wherever we go now.
we bring it up to our room with us at night so that we can look up all the random things that hit us while we're trying to fall asleep. in the morning, we use it to check for school closings due to the snow that never stops. on the couch, we use it to browse for baby things, tweet, and watch netflix. at night/in the car/at the gym, i use it to read pride & prejudice and persuasion. which were both free in the ibookstore, by the way. i honestly think i read more because of this ipad. it's so nice to finally have the page-turning problem solved while i'm on the treadmill. it's so nice that you can read without a reading light. it's so nice that you can look up those fancy jane austen words with one touch to the screen. a dictionary, at my finger tips. somebody was brilliant on that one.
it is just so nice.
January 27, 2011
remember that wake up in the morning and i wonder where my bump went thing?
yeah. that's over:) there's a tummy, all the time.
and people can tell. it's official. while we were eating breakfast at our hotel, a man with an irish accent said something to us about "when that little one comes along..." after he left, grant turned to me and said, "that was the first time someone has assumed you are pregnant!" it was really fun. i also had my first experience with the special treatment that comes with being pregnant. a nice guy on the epcot bus gave up his seat for me. a few people let me go first. the flight attendants had extra smiles. and the lady at the counter gave me the fruit i wanted, instead of the chocolate cake that came with my meal. because it's good for the baby.
it was like a teeny tiny taste of royalty.
{favorite afternoon snack}
January 26, 2011
and we had a marvelous time!! the whole family was together. we hit all the good rides. there were palm trees and other green, living things. we got a perfect spot for the electric light parade. caught the finale of the fireworks. and the sun was out each day. and there was no snow! it felt incredible.
surprisingly, we still needed several jackets (read: every layer we brought with us) and gloves to keep us warm, and i was even wishing for my winter hat on our first night there... come on, florida! but i was determined to break out my flip flops at some point, and on the last day, i went for it. and it ended up being the most beautiful day ever!! it must've been 75 degrees all afternoon.
while we were there, grant discovered expedition everest and the awesomeness of the single riders line. everyone except for mom and me discovered rockin' roller coaster. i discovered the signs that say "expectant mothers should not ride", the best beauty and the beast show, the blueberry muffins at our resort, and... my hamstrings. hello, pregnant legs. and pregnant feet. i didn't know you could ache like that.. in all those spots.. for all this time. wow. i definitely needed the 12 hours of sleep i unashamedly took last night. can't wait to go to sleep again tonight!
to tell you the sad truth, i didn't take many photos. i was too busy trying to soak up every last sparkle of sunshine. but we did get video!! and i promise to show you when grant is done putting it together:)
written with my glasses on. hair up. suitcase unpacked, but laundry un-started.
January 25, 2011
are you a side-dish kind of cook? i've realized that i am completely not. in fact, if i'm making a salad of some kind, you can usually depend on the fact that that is the main dish. when i'm making dinner, i typically end up throwing some sliced fruit or sauteed vegetables alongside the main dish and calling it good. it's better that way. too many side dishes and i get all spun up trying to make sure everything is done in order, gets hot at the same time, etc. i've never been much of a multi-tasker.
anyway.
all that to say, the other day i decided i was going to make a dinner with sides. just to change things up. the thing that i loved about this cornbread was that it got made and baked without any fuss whatsoever. i had stirred the dry ingredients together in the early afternoon and left it on the counter until i was ready to add the liquids, then finished it off before i roasted some potatoes. by the time we were sitting down to eat, i had almost forgotten i had done it. what more could i ask for?! oh, and it tastes yummy too. perfect with chili, soup, barbecue chicken, or butter & honey.
this recipe is so simple. forget buying the little blue box of jiffy- you probably have all the ingredients in your cupboard. this will seriously take you 5 minutes to throw together!!
homemade cornbread
2/3 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 T. honey
2 T. oil
2 T. milk or cream
4 T. sour cream
1 egg
sift together dry ingredients. add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. pour into muffin pan or baking dish and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. makes 6 to 8 servings. when i made mine, i cut this recipe in half and baked it for 10-12 minutes. we still had leftovers:)
anyway.
all that to say, the other day i decided i was going to make a dinner with sides. just to change things up. the thing that i loved about this cornbread was that it got made and baked without any fuss whatsoever. i had stirred the dry ingredients together in the early afternoon and left it on the counter until i was ready to add the liquids, then finished it off before i roasted some potatoes. by the time we were sitting down to eat, i had almost forgotten i had done it. what more could i ask for?! oh, and it tastes yummy too. perfect with chili, soup, barbecue chicken, or butter & honey.
this recipe is so simple. forget buying the little blue box of jiffy- you probably have all the ingredients in your cupboard. this will seriously take you 5 minutes to throw together!!
homemade cornbread
2/3 cup unbleached flour
1/2 cup corn meal
1 T. baking powder
1/2 tsp. salt
3 T. honey
2 T. oil
2 T. milk or cream
4 T. sour cream
1 egg
sift together dry ingredients. add remaining ingredients and mix until well combined. pour into muffin pan or baking dish and bake at 400 for 15-20 minutes. makes 6 to 8 servings. when i made mine, i cut this recipe in half and baked it for 10-12 minutes. we still had leftovers:)
January 24, 2011
sometimes on the most normal, routine days i think to myself, "someone is at disneyworld today."
i think about them riding roller coasters and watching the parades and the fact that the most devastating thing that could happen to them is having to wait in a long line. probably for ice cream or peter pan's flight. for someone, that is what this day holds. and it always makes me feel really happy. i can't believe today, an ordinary cold day in january, i am that person. thanks, mom and dad!
wish you were here.
we're having a ball.
be back soon!
ps. i have a post planned for tomorrow, so be sure to stop in! it's a recipe i tried the other day.... :)
January 21, 2011
hey everyone, thanks for all the comments yesterday! i'm all set now:) i want to do everything. i can't wait to ask mom if she'll split one of those famous rice krispie bars with me! and to be outside without boots and gloves! and no, this was not a last-minute decision. my parents planned this little getaway for our family a few months ago.. before we even knew about the little harmsie inside of me:)
i hope florida is sunny because we could really use it right now. it's been freeeezing here this week! like, the radio tells you don't go outside unless you have to. like frostbite is for reals. like -20... -30.. and other crazy numbers.
well, off we go! i might be tweeting as we travel, so you can follow me there! happy friday, friends. here's a little song from ingrid that i can't stop singing this week. it's perfect for what we're doing today:)
January 20, 2011
dear baby
you won't believe it. and i guarantee you won't remember it. but you're going to disneyworld this weekend!! yay. your mom is over the moon about this place. i'll be sure to see all the best sights and smell all the wonderful smells for the both of us. you don't know this yet, but disneyworld has a smell. and it's magical. oh, and you're going to love the music there. the space mountain soundtrack is my favorite! but don't worry, i won't be going on any of the scary rides. (which are all my favorites, but it's okay. i'd much rather have you safe in my tummy than dropping 13 floors at the tower of terror.)
your dad and i have both been to disneyworld before, but this will be our very first time to go together. so i'm extra excited! it will be even more fun to take you with us next time. your dad's favorite things at disney are the buzz lightyear ride -which we will ride as much as we can- and the pineapple whip you can buy next to the indiana jones hats. i'm guessing he'll get one for you someday.
you're going to love the airport, i think. it's one of my favorite places! apparently there's a red mango at o'hare, so we'll be sure to get you some of that good stuff. i'll try to take lots of pictures and video so you can see your dad and me being kids before you were born. and i'll bring you back something good!
loves.
your mom
_________________________________________________________________________
dear friends, please tell me your favorites about disneyworld in the comments! i'd love to hear. places to go, things to see, treats to eat, etc. i love disney secrets:)
dear friends in florida, what should i pack?! are you wearing short sleeves these days?
January 19, 2011
hmm, let's see. how to describe this dish. i'm going to go with... insanely good.
yes, there are a few steps and some weird smells along the way. yes, it should probably be a side dish but we ate it as the main thing. yes, there's a lot of cheese. and yes, i ate double the portion that i should have eaten and felt sort of guilty later...
but we've got a lot of living to do. let's start right here.
cauliflower and caramelized onion gratin
heavily adapted from this recipe on smitten kitchen. my simplified version doesn't involve tart dough:)
1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
3 1/2 T. olive oil
1 large sweet onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 small eggs or 1 large
6 oz. sour cream or ricotta cheese (i've used both and liked them both)
2 tsp. mustard (optional)
1/3 cup milk
3/4 cup of grated cheese (i did a bit of mozz and some cheddar)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or any bread crumbs)
for the cauliflower: heat oven to 425 and spread cauliflower on rimmed baking sheet. drizzle with 2 T. olive oil, sprinkle with s & p, and roast for 15 min. turn florets over and continue roasting until brown and tender, about 15 min more. set aside. reduce oven temp to 350.
for the onion: heat 1 1/2 T. olive oil in a heavy skillet over med-low heat. add onion, sprinkle with s & p and cook until onion is a deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. set aside
for the creaminess: whisk together eggs, sour cream, mustard, milk, and grated cheese.
to finish: add cauliflower to onion pan and toss together a bit, then scoop into a baking dish or pie pan. pour creamy mixture over vegetables and jiggle the dish to even it out. sprinkle top with parmesan and panko and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and center is set. cool 15 minutes before serving.
notes: yes, it really is better if you let it cool and set up a bit before you try to eat it. and yes, it's totally worth the 30 minute prep steps and the 40 minute baking time. and yes, you can roast the florets and cook the onions the day before, if you want to be really on top of things. i roasted my cauliflower the day before this time, and that really helped things come together quickly when i was ready to assemble and bake.
yes, there are a few steps and some weird smells along the way. yes, it should probably be a side dish but we ate it as the main thing. yes, there's a lot of cheese. and yes, i ate double the portion that i should have eaten and felt sort of guilty later...
but we've got a lot of living to do. let's start right here.
cauliflower and caramelized onion gratin
heavily adapted from this recipe on smitten kitchen. my simplified version doesn't involve tart dough:)
1 head of cauliflower, cut into 1-inch florets
3 1/2 T. olive oil
1 large sweet onion, halved lengthwise and thinly sliced
2 small eggs or 1 large
6 oz. sour cream or ricotta cheese (i've used both and liked them both)
2 tsp. mustard (optional)
1/3 cup milk
3/4 cup of grated cheese (i did a bit of mozz and some cheddar)
1/3 cup parmesan cheese
1/4 cup panko bread crumbs (or any bread crumbs)
for the cauliflower: heat oven to 425 and spread cauliflower on rimmed baking sheet. drizzle with 2 T. olive oil, sprinkle with s & p, and roast for 15 min. turn florets over and continue roasting until brown and tender, about 15 min more. set aside. reduce oven temp to 350.
for the onion: heat 1 1/2 T. olive oil in a heavy skillet over med-low heat. add onion, sprinkle with s & p and cook until onion is a deep golden brown, 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. set aside
for the creaminess: whisk together eggs, sour cream, mustard, milk, and grated cheese.
to finish: add cauliflower to onion pan and toss together a bit, then scoop into a baking dish or pie pan. pour creamy mixture over vegetables and jiggle the dish to even it out. sprinkle top with parmesan and panko and bake for 40 minutes, or until golden and center is set. cool 15 minutes before serving.
notes: yes, it really is better if you let it cool and set up a bit before you try to eat it. and yes, it's totally worth the 30 minute prep steps and the 40 minute baking time. and yes, you can roast the florets and cook the onions the day before, if you want to be really on top of things. i roasted my cauliflower the day before this time, and that really helped things come together quickly when i was ready to assemble and bake.
January 18, 2011
i'm picking new things to look into in 2011. i can't wait! i did this last year and it was so much fun to have a goal in mind. i always knew i had the next book to borrow or another movie to catch.
am also reading pride & prejudice right now, but that one doesn't count because it's my third time.
am also reading pride & prejudice right now, but that one doesn't count because it's my third time.
January 17, 2011
{we're doing the tummy series in the same outfit each week. i have high hopes this shirt will go the whole 9 months.}
i guess i am more amazed at what it hasn't felt like.
it hasn't felt freaky.
it hasn't felt like a harry potterish sinewy sensation of growing new organs/bones. (i.e. "skele-grow")
it hasn't felt like i need to be reading stacks and stacks of pregnancy books.
it hasn't felt like throwing up.
it hasn't felt like a half-life. like i'm limited in any way.
it hasn't felt like i need to knit something for the baby. yet.
it hasn't felt like i want to eat dirt and laundry soap and pickles with peanut butter.
it hasn't felt like tossing and turning and never getting good sleep anymore.
it hasn't felt like i have everything figured out.
it hasn't felt like i need to have everything figured out.
it hasn't felt like all of a sudden i love going to the doctor. and that's okay.
it hasn't felt like we need a "nursery" with every inch planned. and the perfect mobile.
(although i can see myself hunting for a mobile sometime in the future.)
it hasn't felt like going to the bathroom 20 times a day.
it hasn't felt like i must be a grown-up now.
and it certainly hasn't felt like i can't wait for this to be over.
in fact, except for that little part at the beginning when i wasn't myself and didn't want to eat peanut butter, everything about this pregnancy has felt shockingly natural.
which leads me to remember, oh yeah.. this is natural! as my friend anneliese reminded me the other day.. it is not a crazy medical emergency. isn't that great? it is not me against the most unthinkable, impossible job in history. it's normal. it's how we all got here, for goodness sake. this is what i want to keep with me through the next 20 weeks. some perspective.
so, we're halfway there. unbelievable. seems like we've only just begun. and i'm loving this!! i want this. this is the best thing in my life. i'm feeling peachy keen and a bit rounder by the day. feeling like splurging on a good doughnut. feeling like reading stories and making enchiladas. feeling a whole lot closer to buying loads of baby stuff. i have no clue what all we'll need, but that's part of the fun. and i'm still feeling like this whole thing is very surreal. feels like i need a reality pinch every day. i'm having a baby? really? wow.
ps. as seen in picture.. my best black shirt (long, lean, and warm) is a sexy basic vee from express. my superthin supersoft gray cover up is from charlotte russe, and so is my favorite gingham scarf.
ps. as seen in picture.. my best black shirt (long, lean, and warm) is a sexy basic vee from express. my superthin supersoft gray cover up is from charlotte russe, and so is my favorite gingham scarf.
January 14, 2011
thank you so much for the tried-and-true advice on maternity clothes, i love it!! your tips are all appreciated and duly noted:)
grant showed me this video last night. so cool!!! he has a bunch of other great medleys too.
you guys have a happy friday now.
come back next week, ready for cauliflower that will blow your mind.
and more baby, of course:)
think i'm going to spend sometime this weekend making a very baby ikea shopping list and watching p.s. i love you. i must already be in a valentiney mood.
grant showed me this video last night. so cool!!! he has a bunch of other great medleys too.
you guys have a happy friday now.
come back next week, ready for cauliflower that will blow your mind.
and more baby, of course:)
think i'm going to spend sometime this weekend making a very baby ikea shopping list and watching p.s. i love you. i must already be in a valentiney mood.
these days, the people who see me in the morning see a different girl than those who see me at night. which is basically only grant as far as nighttime goes. because really, is there any reason a pregnant lady- or anyone, for that matter- should want to be out on a bitterly cold night in the dead of winter? not to my mind. once i get into a nice, warm house i don't leave until it's absolutely necessary. (namely, to go to the gym.) and that, in a nut shell, is how i survive minnesota winters.
anyway, the story i'm trying to tell here is the phenomenon of my two different tummies.
when i wake up in the morning, i still feel quite little. if i have a t-shirt on, standing in front of the mirror to brush my teeth feels like oh, hello old self. you really had everyone fooled with that baby thing, right? and as i get ready for school, i might be barely showing in my winter layers. i've heard a couple people say "oh, look how little she is!" (you are so kind!) but they have no idea what lurks ahead for this torso. after i eat lunch, you can watch me grow. just like alice in wonderland! and as the day goes on, as glasses of water are downed (read: retained) and meals taken in, i swell. big time. by the time i'm ready to go to bed at night, i feel downright plump. tummy tight as a drum.
it's a good thing i pulled out my fat jeans from the bottom of the shelf this fall. i didn't even realize they were fat jeans before. who knew they'd be so perfect for my maternity days?! not me. i can't believe all the room i must've had pre-pregnancy. have you read the story of marta's fat jeans? you totally should. and i couldn't agree with her more: do yourself a favor, and get yourself a pair. anyway, i still fit without much strain into my normal jeans (unbuttoned of course), but the fat jeans.. they're my hero. they are 2% spandex, and i am realizing how wonderful that is. fat jeans to the rescue.
the other thing that has saved me from days of discomfort and having to buy any maternity clothes yet is the be band. i love this little piece of fabric with all my heart! the most swelling-friendly item on the market. what a life-saver. and money-saver. thanks to this, there haven't been any buttoned jeans around here since thanksgiving. what did girls do before these came on the scene?! my sister in law says overalls. i am hugely thankful to be spared that fate. we were going to pay bigger bucks online for a bella band, so i'm really happy we stumbled onto these cheaper bands while browsing at target. our checkout girl for that shopping trip was the first one to find out we were pregnant. :) i wonder how often this happens? she probably doesn't remember it as much as i do.
so far i'm not a big fan of any of the maternity jeans i've seen/tried.. anyone have any brands they'd like to recommend?! or any other fabulous clothing for a growing tummy? yoga pants that you love? what should i look for when i start to shop maternity for reals? all of you moms out there are the experts, and i'd love to hear your wisdom on the subject!!
anyway, the story i'm trying to tell here is the phenomenon of my two different tummies.
when i wake up in the morning, i still feel quite little. if i have a t-shirt on, standing in front of the mirror to brush my teeth feels like oh, hello old self. you really had everyone fooled with that baby thing, right? and as i get ready for school, i might be barely showing in my winter layers. i've heard a couple people say "oh, look how little she is!" (you are so kind!) but they have no idea what lurks ahead for this torso. after i eat lunch, you can watch me grow. just like alice in wonderland! and as the day goes on, as glasses of water are downed (read: retained) and meals taken in, i swell. big time. by the time i'm ready to go to bed at night, i feel downright plump. tummy tight as a drum.
it's a good thing i pulled out my fat jeans from the bottom of the shelf this fall. i didn't even realize they were fat jeans before. who knew they'd be so perfect for my maternity days?! not me. i can't believe all the room i must've had pre-pregnancy. have you read the story of marta's fat jeans? you totally should. and i couldn't agree with her more: do yourself a favor, and get yourself a pair. anyway, i still fit without much strain into my normal jeans (unbuttoned of course), but the fat jeans.. they're my hero. they are 2% spandex, and i am realizing how wonderful that is. fat jeans to the rescue.
the other thing that has saved me from days of discomfort and having to buy any maternity clothes yet is the be band. i love this little piece of fabric with all my heart! the most swelling-friendly item on the market. what a life-saver. and money-saver. thanks to this, there haven't been any buttoned jeans around here since thanksgiving. what did girls do before these came on the scene?! my sister in law says overalls. i am hugely thankful to be spared that fate. we were going to pay bigger bucks online for a bella band, so i'm really happy we stumbled onto these cheaper bands while browsing at target. our checkout girl for that shopping trip was the first one to find out we were pregnant. :) i wonder how often this happens? she probably doesn't remember it as much as i do.
so far i'm not a big fan of any of the maternity jeans i've seen/tried.. anyone have any brands they'd like to recommend?! or any other fabulous clothing for a growing tummy? yoga pants that you love? what should i look for when i start to shop maternity for reals? all of you moms out there are the experts, and i'd love to hear your wisdom on the subject!!
January 12, 2011
the snowstorm essentials.
these things are probably gone in a lot of grocery stores today.
these things are probably gone in a lot of grocery stores today.
and tonight, i am craving them all together.
what do you call this dish at your house? an egg casserole? baked eggs? in this region of the country i've learned it's called egg bake. cute. whatever you call it, i am in love with it. (i secretly hope it's at every bridal/baby shower/brunch i go to.)
well tonight i'm having egg bake. i just decided. it will be egg bake minus the milk, because we're out. we also don't have any meat fitting for an egg dish, but that's alright. we don't need it. it's also going to be egg bake by myself, because grant is at class. so... i really didn't need to make dinner tonight. but i needed egg bake. tonight. so who wants to humor a pregnant lady and eat milkless egg bake with me?! it will be fun. we can watch the 4 episodes of top chef i have recorded after we do the dishes. or maybe sit and wait for new recipes to pop up on tastespotting. have you ever been to that place? it's dangerous.
i need it right now egg bake
1 cup croutons (homemade if you can, please!!)
1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
5 eggs
1 T. water
1 T. olive oil
1 tsp. mustard
1 or 2 green onions, finely chopped
2 dashes of salt and pepper
make croutons, if you don't have any on hand. lay croutons in a small baking dish or loaf pan and layer cheese on top. whisk together eggs, water, olive oil, mustard, green onion, and salt and pepper. pour egg mix over croutons and let sit 15 minutes. bake at 350 for 30 minutes. let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.
sorry no pictures... yet. :) it's dark outside, so maybe tomorrow?
have a lovely evening!
i ate this meatless, milkless egg bake. and it was goooooood.
January 11, 2011
dear baby
loves.
your mom
today we're in the middle of a blizzard and june feels like forever away. but i know it will come so fast. before i know it, you'll be here in my arms! i can't wait to meet you.
most days i can't get my head around the fact that you are actually (physically) going to be with us in a matter of months. but i'm so excited! i love having you inside of me, knowing that we are as close as can be, we two. you've been a wonderful little roommate to share this body with. i haven't felt any flips or flutters from you yet, but you are making your mom's skin feel awesome. and her hair is getting longer and thicker than ever! and apparently, i am as glowy as a pregnant lady should be. yay. pretty soon i hope you'll give me a nudge and let me know that you're enjoying your current digs.
no one at the gym knows about you yet. at least, i don't think they do. you still don't show very much with a t-shirt and zip-up hoodie. they are probably wondering why your mom's workouts are getting a little wimpy, but we know it's all good. i think you like the walks that i take you on when we get to the treadmill. i always feel amazing during them. i think about you with every step. i daydream about what it will be like to show you around camp this summer and i try to think up a name for you that i haven't thought of yet. your daddy and i love to brainstorm names for you.
we are listening to a lot of ingrid michaelson and natasha bedingfield (her newer stuff is great) lately. i hope you like it. we're also hitting pride & prejudice pretty hard. (the movie and the soundtrack. it's a phase your mom goes through every winter.) you'll probably have it memorized by the time you get here. we also do some michael jackson, of course. we want to introduce you to the good stuff as soon as we can.
so far i don't think you like it too much when i blowdry my hair.. i usually start feeling weak and dizzy while i'm trying to get ready for school. but that's okay, you're teaching me how to take it easy. which is why we like to sleep in, don't we? thanks for that! naps are so fun, right? just remember that.
i wonder if you like all the peanut butter i'm eating this week. and the homemade honey mustard. it sure tastes great to me. i'm trying not to eat too many sugary things, to keep us both healthy. it's a big responsibility to be eating for you! every day i pray for wisdom to eat the good things. i secretly hope that you won't get my weakness for sweets and will end up being like your dad. he doesn't need sugar, like ever. i think for lunch we're going to have this, because it's been sounding so good lately. you'll be an egg-lover like your mommy, won't you?
last night i got lost on amazon, browsing for things for us. some things that would be fun for me (like a prenatal pilates dvd), some that will be fun for you (like a really cool playpen, without any cheesy animal themes), and some that are fun for both of us (like fish oil supplements). i'm trying really hard to make sure there's enough omega-3 to go around. and that you get decent vitamin d during the long minnesota winter. there's so much to think of when it comes to you! lots of decisions to make, lots of things to buy. but you know, 95% of the time i'm not even thinking about all of that. i'm preoccupied with the awesomeness of you being in existence. God is so good. that's what i know. and He will give us wisdom for everything else.
loves.
your mom
January 10, 2011
that's what today is all about.
school was pushed back a lovely 2 hours (for sleeping-in) this morning.. thank you, Lord, for lots of snow! and i decided to make bread, because that's what i think should be done on a snowy morning in january, when you have no place to go and plenty of time to do dishes.
this recipe has always turned out so great in my kitchen, so i'm guessing it would in yours, too. the loaf gets nice and tall every time, i just love it!! it makes a girl feel like a bona fide bread baker. it also feels like i can't wait to make sandwiches.
on a different note, there's a baby post to come soon.. which leads me to wonder, how interested are you guys in my baby ramblings? hmmm. i'm sure i could talk about it everyday, but i'll hold back:)
happy monday, my friends!!
thanks so much for the feedback, everyone!! you are wonderful! and you can count on me talking:)
January 7, 2011
stepping away from baby things today and giving you guys a simple salad that's been tasting really good to me lately. if you're looking for a way to eat more raw broccoli (yes) and don't typically like to bite into it plain (yes), and don't want to cover it up with a bunch of not-good-for-you stuff (yes), this might be for you! (it's for me! and for you too, maybe?) my sister in law gave me the idea to throw this together and mentioned using grapes, instead of apples, which also sounds really yummy!
happy friday! what are you doing this weekend? i really want to watch a movie under a blanket tonight, go thrifting tomorrow, and take a nap on sunday. i think we can make that happen. grant came home early from school today because of snow, so we're already off to a fantastic start!!
simple broccoli salad
1 pound broccoli, chopped into small florets
1 braeburn apple, chopped
1 green onion, finely chopped (add more if you like!)
1/4 cup sunflower seeds
shaved parmesan
raisins are optional
2 T. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup olive oil
salt and pepper to taste
throw broccoli, apple, onion, sunflower seeds, and parmesan together in a bowl and toss to mix.
in a small jar, add red wine vinegar, olive oil, s & p, and shake to mix well.
pour dressing over salad and toss. serve immediately. mmm!
i love finding new ways to eat vegetables!
(my other favorite way to eat broccoli is sauteed in a little olive oil, with s&p. stir over med heat until crisp-tender, or softened. add minced garlic in last 3 min of cooking. simple! and really good.)
January 6, 2011
the puj tub! (pronounced:"pudge" i just learned) now our baby will be so hip when taking a bath. this was the one baby thing i knew i really wanted. while other girls are dreaming up nursery layouts or picking out an awesome quilt... i just want a bathtub. weird. (but i wouldn't mind the quilt, either.)
January 5, 2011
now you all know. yay!! my friends, it has been so hard trying to blog around this gigantic change in my life. but the fun of keeping a secret with grant outweighed any impulses to let it out. :) well. can you believe it? a new little harmsie, living inside of me. i am so happy!! most days i can hardly grasp the amazingness. yesterday it hit me in a big way.. all the congrats from you guys. wow. going public made it come to life in a new way. thank you!! i got more excited with every comment that came.
oh, where to begin? there's just loads to say. i'm so fascinated with all things pregnant, which was true even before i joined the party, so i hope you don't mind some baby talk for the next several months! i've already had some happy questions sent my way, and because i can think of a few more that could come up soon, i thought i'd do a little q&a session today. thanks for being excited/fascinated/indulging me/caring about me! this is too fun. and you all are my favorites.
1. when is the due date? with how far along are you? i'm 18 (and a half) weeks now, and the due date is june 8th. and i've already confessed that i think this date sounds really dreamy. but i won't hold anybody to it :)
2. how long have you been keeping the secret? grant and i have known since october, and we just told our families at christmastime/new years. i was really thankful that scarf season came just in time for me to go into hiding! scarves are really too perfect for blocking the target area. i've also been snuggling into vests and hoodies every time i go out in public. it's such a relief that those days are over!
3. are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl? we could have found out at the doctor today, but we're going to let it be a surprise! i've always thought that i wouldn't be able to wait, but somehow it's the only thing that feels right now. so we'll all be surprised together!
4. any cravings? i'm loving oranges right now, and kiwi, and chipotle, and a cold glass of milk with something peanut buttery to eat, and any meal that someone else is making:) at the beginning i really really wanted some sesame chicken, but there are no chinese restaurants in our tiny town and i still haven't had any yet! i need to get on that. thank goodness my appetite for broccoli has come back, along with everything else.
5. how have you been feeling? i feel awesome! but during the first trimester i definitely didn't feel like myself. everything that i had been eating before suddenly seemed awful! i had what i think is the usual: i dreaded opening up the fridge, everything smelled nasty, and making dinner was on par with a full day's work. none of my normal activities seemed appealing, either. i just didn't feel like anything. but, that was it! i didn't throw up ever! it was really just a matter of finding food that sounded good/i could stand to make, and if i ate it often enough, i felt good. but now that i'm into the 2nd trimester, that has all faded away. the morning sickness is gone, and i can eat everything again now, although i still get queasy if you mention squash.
6. how do you like being pregnant? it's fantastic! i am so happy! i can't imagine not being pregnant right now. am loving every minute of it. most of the time i'm completely myself and really calm (except during blood draws, i tremble at that). i think the Lord is giving me extra peace. i would've pictured me being sort of a frantic pregnant person, but it's turned out to be the opposite so far! i don't know what i would do if i didn't have this little baby to daydream about. i mean, what would i think about while i'm on the treadmill if i didn't have a thousand names to choose from?
____________________________________________________________________________
a few of you mentioned yesterday that you would be praying for us. thank you, thank you!! wow, that is the best gift you could give me. i wish i could send each of you some of the chocolate chip cookies i'm making today. lots more soon!
oh, where to begin? there's just loads to say. i'm so fascinated with all things pregnant, which was true even before i joined the party, so i hope you don't mind some baby talk for the next several months! i've already had some happy questions sent my way, and because i can think of a few more that could come up soon, i thought i'd do a little q&a session today. thanks for being excited/fascinated/indulging me/caring about me! this is too fun. and you all are my favorites.
1. when is the due date? with how far along are you? i'm 18 (and a half) weeks now, and the due date is june 8th. and i've already confessed that i think this date sounds really dreamy. but i won't hold anybody to it :)
2. how long have you been keeping the secret? grant and i have known since october, and we just told our families at christmastime/new years. i was really thankful that scarf season came just in time for me to go into hiding! scarves are really too perfect for blocking the target area. i've also been snuggling into vests and hoodies every time i go out in public. it's such a relief that those days are over!
3. are you going to find out if it's a boy or a girl? we could have found out at the doctor today, but we're going to let it be a surprise! i've always thought that i wouldn't be able to wait, but somehow it's the only thing that feels right now. so we'll all be surprised together!
4. any cravings? i'm loving oranges right now, and kiwi, and chipotle, and a cold glass of milk with something peanut buttery to eat, and any meal that someone else is making:) at the beginning i really really wanted some sesame chicken, but there are no chinese restaurants in our tiny town and i still haven't had any yet! i need to get on that. thank goodness my appetite for broccoli has come back, along with everything else.
5. how have you been feeling? i feel awesome! but during the first trimester i definitely didn't feel like myself. everything that i had been eating before suddenly seemed awful! i had what i think is the usual: i dreaded opening up the fridge, everything smelled nasty, and making dinner was on par with a full day's work. none of my normal activities seemed appealing, either. i just didn't feel like anything. but, that was it! i didn't throw up ever! it was really just a matter of finding food that sounded good/i could stand to make, and if i ate it often enough, i felt good. but now that i'm into the 2nd trimester, that has all faded away. the morning sickness is gone, and i can eat everything again now, although i still get queasy if you mention squash.
6. how do you like being pregnant? it's fantastic! i am so happy! i can't imagine not being pregnant right now. am loving every minute of it. most of the time i'm completely myself and really calm (except during blood draws, i tremble at that). i think the Lord is giving me extra peace. i would've pictured me being sort of a frantic pregnant person, but it's turned out to be the opposite so far! i don't know what i would do if i didn't have this little baby to daydream about. i mean, what would i think about while i'm on the treadmill if i didn't have a thousand names to choose from?
____________________________________________________________________________
a few of you mentioned yesterday that you would be praying for us. thank you, thank you!! wow, that is the best gift you could give me. i wish i could send each of you some of the chocolate chip cookies i'm making today. lots more soon!
January 4, 2011
hey guys! today i'll be sharing what i love about this first stretch of the year, plus my favorite chili recipe, on the smithfield blog. come on over and see me!
January 3, 2011
i'm glad to take real-life over blog-life when it counts, but i've missed you. we've been apart long enough.
i am officially reporting back for blogging2011.
ps. tomorrow i start tweeting!
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