Slight Food Fustration

So here we are, Hubby and I are ending week 18 of our pregnancy. Not gonna lie, I have had it pretty easy compared to others. I know of others who can't get out of bed due to morning sickness, bad cramps, and then those who have two year olds. Those people just look at me and ask if I am ready, and I figure if I can get the Diva of Diva's to say please and thank you and become America's Sweetheart in one short summer, I can handle my own kid, stay tuned.

My one complaint, is that I have become a slightly picky eater. I HATE that feeling. Trust me, I want to try it, I really really do, but I have had limitations. I love salads, and now I have to take them slow because they sound good but not always taste good. Cheese, certain cheeses just throw me off my game, luckily on valentine's day Hubby was all to kind to switch dishes with me when I made that mistake. (After working in restaurants for so long, I hate sending food back if it's not the waiter or the establishment's fault. I chose it, I need to suck it up.) What is even worse is coffee. My stomach does back flips when I smell it, which doesn't help with my new super power, Super Keen Smell. That's right, I can smell you from a mile away, so forget trying to attack or surprise me, I know you are coming. There was a magical week when I could drink it again, but then something happened over the weekend or the baby took the week off. One or the other.

So poor Hubby has been so patient with my limitations and super supportive. He worries, but don't worry I am not starving and my belly proves the baby is getting enough nutrients. But last night I just really wanted something with vegetables and I had to trick my belly/baby to accept these with out me suffering. So I thought, why not a chicken and broccoli casserole. Now my casserole has way more than those two things.

So for picky eaters, young and old a like, I hope you love this simple, quick and very yummy recipe.

Start off with:

• A cup of uncooked rice (go ahead and make to hearts desire)
• 2-3 three heads of fresh broccoli. Frozen is fine, but they come out to the same most of the times, so I usually go fresh.
• a handful of fresh spinach, again canned or frozen is fine, we try to eat as fresh as possible.
• 6 small mushrooms/4 large
• 2 yellow squash (optional, I just happened to have them)
• Chicken, we made some the night before but use 1-2 chicken breasts)
• 1 can of cream of mushroom

Ok so go ahead and start slicing and sauteing your chicken if it's not already cooked.  Then start on the rice. Remember 1 cup ends up being 3 cups, so you will have left overs.

Now with your chicken cooked, start adding your chopped veggies, I usually leave mushrooms and spinach last, because those cook so quickly in a pan. Broccoli & squash and as those soften then add the rest. You might want to pick a bigger pan than I did, because mine got full pretty quick. Baby needs those veggies!

When your rice is close to done, more than al dente but in that creamy stage, transfer it to your pan. Then add your can of cream of mushroom and a little water. Now mix all together. Your cream of mushroom is the glue to the casserole. Once it's all mixed thoroughly, you are done! If it's a little stiff, just a little water bit by bit.

No serve in a bowl and enjoy! I sure did!!!

As always, Live, Laugh, Love.

Quinoa, or "Keen-Wah" if you want to be specific

So I know I know I have promised I am posting on how to make quinoa. Now I will tell you it is pronounced "Keen-wah" or "qin-wah" but sometimes mispronunciations of words drive people nuts. I am usually not one of those people and there is a woman in my office who is one of those people, so I purposely do it to drive her nuts. I know it could be considered childish but until you have dealt with her yourself (which will make you go nuts), any little victory is nice especially to keep you sanity.

So back to quinoa. So what is the deal with this quinoa stuff? Well quinoa was domesticated about 3,000 years ago for human consumption. It was used first by the Inca's. It comes from a plant where the pods that stem are edible. But why all of the sudden in this health craze day of age are they are full of essential amino acids like lysine and good quantities of calcium, phosphorus, and iron. Why am I getting into it, well I wanted something that was a healthy rice supplement since Wee Baby is on his/her way. Not saying rice is bad, but I wanted to introduce more calcium and iron in my diet.

Quinoa is a lot like rice in it's preparation even though it can remind you a little of couscous in it's shape/texture. My hidden little trick to give it a little bit more flavor, prepare it in broth. I don't care what kind, I usually use what ever to compliment the protein I am using. Now here is a very easy recipe, one of my own pot recipes. Just because it has a weird name and is uber healthy, don't be afraid. Just become one with the quinoa.

So let's start with my version of Stir-fry Quinoa

First I cut up some cooked rib meat Hubby had made the other night and let it sautee a little in the pot with a little bit of olive oil. This would be good with any kind pork, beef, or chicken product.

Then I added all my lovely veggies (with me it was tomatoes, mushrooms, and spinach.)Let those saute some until the veggies get soft.

 Next you need to add your broth/water and quinoa. Since I let the meat and veggies meld together I just added water. The quinoa cooks just like rice, so I knew those veggies and meat were going to become a broth of it's own since they will cook in the water for about 15 minutes. So add quinoa and then double the amount of water. For us, I used 1 cup of quinoa and three cups of water. Again treat it just like it's rice.

With quinoa you should stir a few times in the cooking process so nothing gets scorched. The top picture is about five to eight minutes in, the bottom is how it looks when you get close to done. You want most of the water to be gone.

What quinoa looks like up close when cooked. Yummy little balls of deliciousness.

And then once done, you serve! Enjoy a delicious and healthy bowl full or if you are like me then a bowl and a half, but I have a wee little baby inside.

Ollie loves quinoa and was sad he didn't get a bowl

So as always live, laugh, love! I will post pics soon of our growing little baby bump. Only three more weeks and I get to find out if it's a little girl or boy! What do you think it's going to be? Commence bets I mean comments below.

A Funny Tale

 This is the story of how I was compared to a shot gun and how my parents and my husband makes fun of me to this day about it. Yes I know you might have reread that sentence, this is the story of how I was compared to a shot gun. Let me explain, before my husband or my mom try to tell you. You can thank my husband for reminding me of this tale, which I will also explain later.

You see back when I was bright eyed in college I started taking dating seriously about my Junior year and I have nothing to hide, I started online dating. That is exactly how I met Hubby, and yes we have looked into telling E Harmony about us and getting us on a commercial, just waiting for my agent to negotiate (just kidding). Well right before I met Hubby I met a man we shall call Joe. It was nothing serious, according to my grandfather, "a girl should do what she does best, shop around". So The first date with Joe went fine, just a chat and a cup of coffee. The second date was alright, I do admit, I was possibly grumpy because we had to have a later dinner due to his schedule. Half way through that date he asked me out for a third. So I agreed, there was nothing wrong, until I realized... he was a control freak. I shared with him my dreams of owning a restaurant and he was already telling me how to run the show! Also telling me I wasn't eating enough (and trust me I can eat, when I am not irritated.). So after I got home I thought to myself, "Just be polite, go on one more date since you are obligated and then that is that. You never have to see him again."

A week later I realized how big  of a mistake that was. First we went to a very nice outdoor mall to find a restaurant and with his picky taste (I should have seen it before) we ended up eating in a small cafe inside a Nordstroms. I am sorry, this is a place you grab a bite with your mom while you are shopping, not for a date! So the food was tiny, not what you call Italian, and Joe could not let a joke go. Finally we escaped, after suggesting we go into Victoria Secret and abandoning me in a Sony store so he could look at Televisions (personal shopping for me when you first start shopping is a big no no). Finally we went to the movie theater and I was thinking (at least I can get him to shut up for two hours), but alas I was wrong. We went to go see a Bruce Willis Movie on opening night (no offense, I like Bruce Willis, but guess whose bright idea that was?) and the tickets were sold out for the show at 8:15. He then PROCEEDED TO BUY TICKETS FOR THE 9:30 SHOWING!!  I was about to scream "NOT ANOTHER HOUR, NOOOOOOOOOO"

But I didn't want to alarm the small children nor look like a maniac while I was trying to devise my escape. So Joe gets then gets this idea to "show me more about himself" and take me next door to Bass Pro Sop. Now before I continue, I do not dislike Bass Pro Shop, I like it depending on what we are getting. I don't hate hunting or the outdoors, it's actually a hobby Hubby and I enjoy very much.

So Joe takes me over there, shows me this boat he is going to buy with his first million (gag), then takes me to the safari room and tells me how everyone wants to take down the lion (double gag), and then he DOES PERSONAL SHOPPING FOR BULLETS FOR HIS GUN. Broke the rule again! And then this is where he peaks and it all goes down hill faster than you know what. He sees this case and I am pretty sure in his eye it was shining like a beacon. It is a glass case that holds all the high end guns. He then finds this one and says, word for word, "Oh my, This gun is beautiful. It's a work of art. It's like looking at the Mona Lisa. You see Stephanie, a gun like this is like a beautiful woman (points at me) you gotta treat her right and take her out every once in a while". I shit you not, that is exactly what he said, it is embedded in my brain for the rest of my life.

So then on out, I did everything I could stay sane. I had a friend I was texting and calling to make sure I wasn't going to be chopped into thirty pieces and spread around San Antonio. She almost came and kidnapped me with her boyfriend because she was afraid of my safety after that comment. But no, I am a lady, I suffered through, kicked his butt at air hockey, refused candy at the movies, and was thanking God that he put the arm rest down between us. After the movie, I politely asked if he could speed a little since my friend was really sick. I texted her all the way home. Finally we pull up to my dorm, I see her and her boyfriend and jumped out of the car in kitten heels before he came to a full stop. Yelled "BYE" and ran like a bat out of hell. Let's just say I never saw or talked to him again. I am sure if he didn't get the message before, he should when I girl runs out of a moving vehicle.

So now why do you ask, Why am I sharing with you this horrid tale? Well you can thank Hubby for that. Well the other day Hubby sent me an email with this picture in it:

 

 Well my mom started this joke of getting me a pink shot gun after and hubby remembered that. So I asked him if he wanted to invest in another gun, since we currently have two hand guns and a rifle. What did my lovely husband say to me:
2:18 PM Chris: I get their emails all the time because they have good rates on ammo and concealed license classes

  but I just saw the pink camo gun and figured you would find it interesting

  after all, it is a very beautiful gun

  and one has to appreciate beautiful guns just like beautiful women

  you're beautiful JUST like that gun...

12:19 PM me: Oh dear lord u are so lucky u put a ring on it

12:20 PM Chris: or put a baby in it?

 me: Lol that to
So even though I got compared to a shot gun and my Hubby likes to remind me from time to time, I secretly thank Joe. If it hadn't been for awful Joe, I would have not have gone on a date with Hubby and I would never have fallen in love. If it wasn't for Joe, I would not be married to the love of my life and 13 weeks with our first child. I have never gotten regrets, frog or not. So Joe, I thank you even though you thought I was as beautiful as a shot gun. Live, Laugh and Love and look forward to a recipe with Quinoa!!! 

Questions, questions, questions

Excuse me as I sneeze...achoo, sorry darn allergies.

So I have told my family and a few close friends before posting it here, and since posting and telling friends I get the usual congrats and usually followed up with a question or two. Of course I am excited about the little baby growing inside and so is hubby, but every now and then I get a question, where I want to answer sarcastically sooooooo bad. So I figured why not share some of the questions and my thoughts and answers here.

1. How far along are you? Currently 11 weeks, the baby is the size of a lime. So remember that when you order your margarita.

2. How are you feeling? I am feeling ok? Excited? In my head I really want to say, "I am excited and enjoy every moment of silent burps and flatulence that happens. Oh and the morning sickness, out of this world!"

3. Are you having morning sickness? Not really, a little nauseous here and there, but nothing major. (In all honestly, this is true, but why would someone want to know if they are having an exorcism or not? So they can help and get a priest? I had what I call an exorcism once one crazy girl's weekend, and I hated it. So why is morning sickness exciting news?)

4. Do you know what you are having yet? I really say, "Oh no, not yet. In just a few months" In reality I am thinking, I am 11 weeks! The baby is barely over an inch, so if you can see through my baby's soul and find out, go right on ahead, this should be fun. It's more fun to predict via wives tales.

5. How did your parents react? "They are ecstatic, very excited to be grand parents." All I will say about this is that my mom nearly knocked my dad out of his recliner to tackle me out of pure happiness.

6. How does it feel?  It feels fine...the baby just stopped looking like a tad pole, so there is no kick yet if that is what you mean.

7. How are you feeling? Again, I get this a lot.

8. Is Hubby excited? What was his reaction? Hubby is very excited. I don't think people want to hear how even though guys get over the moon and can't wait, 85% of men freak out but the girl never knows. Did Hubby freak out, you will never know...

9. Is Ollie excited about being a big brother? Ollie just thinks Mom is getting a little bigger. Seriously? Yes my puppy is doing back flips that a little human will soon be riding him like a horse. Ollie does back flips just to get a jerky bite. I do predict him to be very protective.

10. What are your cravings? What do you want it to be?It's different week to week and they are not crazy. Just fruit here, beans here, and cheese and I are in an off and on again relationship. Does everyone think we crave pickles and ice cream?

I was just reflecting on how the past couple of weeks I get all these questions, both from people that have been or have never been pregnant. And it just gets me how some of them don't make sense to me to ask when things are to early or what not. I am probably going to be that pregnant woman that makes people feel awkward if they just rub my belly with out my permission. Just because I am that sarcastically mean. So just a heads up, if you rub my belly with out clearing it with me, I will rub your belly too. It would be my luck if you are a hot model with rock hard abs.

In all honesty, I am very excited. Hormonal, but excited. Being sick with sinus issues is not helping a whole lot with the nausea, but God Bless Hubby. He has been so patient and spoils me rotten. I thank God every day for sending me this man, preggo or not. Hopefully once I finish my first trimester the hormones and the weather will clear up for me to have a normal pregnancy. Thanks for all the well wishes and love, we appreciate it. As always, Live, Laugh and Love.

Announcement

So I have been leaving little notes here and there suggesting this big announcement and Hubby and I are very excited about it.

We are officially pregnant and our healthy, bouncy, and still-growing-very-rapidly baby is due July 30th! Even though we are a little over ten weeks now, this was Baby's first picture at 8 weeks. Isn't Baby just so cute!

So being the very organized and planner that I am, I am reading like crazy and following doctor's orders like I should. This way I don't end up like this.

 Thanks you all who are always there and just look forward to more posts about our journey into parenthood, more crafts (now that I have baby to craft for), recipes, and now frugal shopping.

And as always Live, Laugh, and Love!

Reflecting and Appreciating the little things

Five years ago if you had asked me where I would be in five years, I would have told you that I was probably going to work for a small or medium size business firm while writing out my business plan. Possibly dating or in a serious relationship. Never would I have thought that I would be six months married and be so happy to love and care for another individual so unconditionally. Clearly I mean Ollie, just kidding, even though the pup is pretty freaking adorable. Why have I suddenly thought of this question?

With the new year coming to an end, I have been blessed to have spent a lot of time with my husband for the past few days ( with his current work schedule that is a true blessing). Spending this quality time with him and our friends has made me feel like we are truly newly weds and "dating" per say. It makes me realize even more than I usually do how much he cares about me and makes me feel special in so many little ways.

 When it comes to life for me, it's always the little things. Nothing has to be over the top or extravagant, just plain and simple. It's the little kisses, the light tickles, and even the face licks.(It's why Hubby says I am a cheap date). It's the small ways he also makes me feel special. Such as every now and then, he makes me choose what we are going to share when we eat and refuses to put in any input and he will eat it whether he doesn't like veggies on his pizza or not. Or when I am not looking in the grocery store he will get me a small bouquet of flowers because he knows how those make me smile. Even when he forces me to sit down and watch my Real Housewives of Whatever town is currently making me laugh while he does the dishes or laundry. ( Yes I have admitted my trashy television to you, but everyone needs a trashy show or mindless television, so you have no room to judge.)

It's these things I have reflected on that makes me so grateful and blessed for my husband, family, friends, and the new blessing God has given us on this journey. What are the things you are grateful for?

A family the Crafts Together, Stays Together!

I believe everyone should have some kind of hobby to keep them busy and not become a complete couch potato. Chris loves to brew beer and wood working, plus some other things. I love to bake/cook and sew here and there. So this past month we have been busy little bees getting our own projects done. I can't show mine yet because they are also Christmas gifts, but I can show you the decorating!

So I promised to show you the progress we have been making with our house with the holidays. I have always wanted to decorate our home for the holidays and I am so excited that I get to do it as our first Christmas as a married couple.

Our Wreath

 We found a plain wreath in our Christmas stuff, so I went to Hobby Lobby got a little ribbon, some shiny things, and Ta-Da!!! Our Wreath, pretty cute I do say so myself!

Center Piece 1

Center Piece 2

We got these Silver Basket and Tray for our wedding and I have had no clue how to use them until now! Filler here and there and BAM, super cute! Sticking close to our red and gold theme.

Mantle Piece

This is just simple but elegant, just like us!

Our tree

This is our tree before our tree skirt.

Now the big project is kind of both of ours but Chris is the one with major technical skills. We are building our dream dresser. I have had dreamed of drawers so deep you could never see the bottom and nice cherry finish. I have never felt like I have had a decent set of drawers, so Chris and I designed our own. And here are some pictures of the top.

Before Stain

After Stain.

 I will add more pictures later, but so far it's sooo beautiful! Chris has already told me that I get most of the drawers! Man, does the love of my life know how to spoil me or what! The drawers are deep and long! I have a sweater problem, so they need proper storage.

Well that's all for now! Is anyone getting excited about Christmas!? Live, Laugh, Love!