Crock Pot Mexican Chicken

 

I wanted to start sharing some of my favorite simple dinners because honestly, who has time for complicated meals these days?  For me it's something about the heat of the summer, but these days I find myself making the same few things often.  It may also be lack of energy being pregnant, but this is one meal that tastes like it actually took more effort when really it's pretty effortless!

You will need:

one package of chicken tenders

one jar of salsa (at least 12 ounces)

one package of taco seasoning

one onion and one bell pepper if you would like

*Dice the pepper and the onion, and then toss all the ingredients in your slow cooker for 4-6 hours and shred with a fork when done cooking!  I paired it with rice and grilled zucchini but honestly the possibilities are endless!

 

27 Week Bumpdate!

So here we are, in the last week of my third trimester, not even a full week really since each trimester is technically 13.3... weeks etc.  This past thursday was my glucose test and thankfully I passed!  108!  I was pretty anxious about it and honestly did NOT enjoy that test.  I went in with an empty tummy and that drink did not go down easy.  Plus, they drew blood for another test and I almost passed out... Michael was pretty anxious that's for sure!  They also told me I was measuring at 28 weeks when I was 26 weeks 3 days.  This prompted me to get an ultrasound from my friend who is an MFM (maternal fetal medicine specialist, a specialized OB).  I am pretty darn lucky to know her, she's been taking really good care of William and I.  At this scan we discovered that we have a big baby on our hands (sometimes you could measure big due to fluid).  He measures 9 days ahead and is in the 68th percentile.  His feet however... are in the 90th... Already 5.38 centimeters!  Hilarious to Michael and I who both have petite feet!

How Far Along? 27 weeks

Size of Baby: A Rutabaga, measuring 14.8 inches and as of friday is officially 2.7 pounds

Gender: A little man!  William Baker Mazhari!

Weight Gain:  A whopping 25 pounds

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and the few non maternity items I was squeezing into just aren't comfortable.  I scored a few loose flowey tops at the gap and a pair of maternity athletic capris that I will be living in.  I already have boxed up some maternity items that I have outgrown...

Nursery: William's carseat arrived on friday and I love staring at it and imagining taking him home from the hospital.  We went with the Britax B-Safe for BOB.

Movement:  Oh yes... he is now waking me up during the night consistantly.  I also can look down at times and see my entire tummy move... Hoping he decides to turn soon since he is currently transverse.

Symptoms: Heartburn, occasional braxton hicks, occasionally I sleep funny and cut off circulation to one of my arms and it hurts all day.

Sleep: Not as great this week.  Waking often 2-3 times a night.  Some nights I can't seem to fall asleep or stay asleep.  It's safe to say the pregnancy insomnia has begun.

Cravings:  Orange Juice, Icecream, Pizza

What I Miss:  Getting up out of bed or off the couch easily.

Best Moment This Week:  Michael sent me for my first ever massage yesterday and it was amazing. He gets massages often to cope with sciatica and the masseuse was incredibly sweet and gushed about how adorable Michael is when she sees him, he is so excited for the arrival of his son.  Totally made me melt to hear that and I felt fantastic afterwards!!

Looking Forward To: This weekend we are headed to Wilmington, NC to visit Michael's family.  His youngest cousin is graduating from high school and so everyone is going to celebrate.  I can't wait to see them all and enjoy the beach!

26 week bumpdate

How Far Along? 26 weeks

Size of Baby: A head of lettuce!!  (13.6-14.8 inches and 1.5-2.5 pounds)

Gender: A little man!  William Baker Mazhari!

Weight Gain: Up one pound from last week.  A grand total of 23 pounds.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes, although the dress above is non-maternity.  My friend Lauren gave me a bag of maternity clothes now that her little one is here--hallelujah!  She greatly enhanced my casual dress and flowey top collection.  I tried on a great pair of white maternity jeans yesterday at Target but couldnt pull the trigger... I think it may be too hot for them now...

Nursery: Our changing table arrived thursday and Michael promptly set that up.  All it needs are a few cute baskets for storage!  My grandmother also generously sent a check for our car seat, so that should be arriving any day now!

Movement:  When is he not moving?!  Sunday evening at a young adult cookout for our new church (we love it!) Michael had to stop mid conversation with someone to point at my very lopsided belly and ask "Is that William right THERE?!" he was wiggling a bit in his favorite spot and I guess it was very obvious in my fitted t-shirt dress!

Symptoms: Heartburn, occasional braxton hicks, feeling hotter than everyone around me, feet that swell in my beloved jack rogers if I'm standing around outside in the heat.

Sleep: Sleeping very well, with a nightly tinkle break around 3am or so. 

Cravings:  Icecream, yogurt, pimento cheese and crackers.

What I Miss:  Not much at this point honestly.  Ive begun to feel comfortable allowing myself a small splash of wine here and there with a meal and its amazing how much I savor the few sips I allow myself.  When I can actually have a glass or two of wine I don't know what I will do!

Best Moment This Week:  Saturday I enjoyed a good chunk of time at our pool and thoroughly enjoyed meeting and chatting with some new neighbors.  It just felt so good to be in the water!  Too bad I got a bit burnt... #palepeopleproblems

Looking Forward To: My glucose test is thursday... I'm more dreading it but also want to just get it over with!  At the cookout Sunday, a girl who was 38 weeks revealed she did indeed have gestational diabetes.  She failed so miserably at the first test that she wasn't even allowed to try the three hour.  Talking with her about it prepared me more in case I do end up having it.  Also, our baby shower invite came in the mail and I absolutely cannot wait to celebrate little William on July 18th!!

A couple of cute moments... here is my little guardian puppy.  She is so in tune with me these days it just melts me.  She won't leave my side and is so protective!  Here she is waiting for me to finish my shower...

And friday night (date night) at our fave little italian spot the waiter was adorable and brought two forks for me.  We were just so tickled!

25 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along? 25 weeks

Size of Baby: A cauliflower (13.6-14.8 inches and 1.5-2.5 pounds!)

Gender: A little man!  William Baker Mazhari!

Weight Gain: Up two pounds from last week, so 22 pounds as of now.

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much exclusively now.  I'm thrilled that I found a light weight maternity jacket at old navy for 14 bucks!  This weekend in the mountains trying to squeeze into some outerwear in the mornings looked ridiculous.  It's adorable and light blue!

Nursery: Since last week I painted the dresser that was in my nursery AND my moms.  How cool is that?  I also replaced the knobs with glass ones to make it look extra nice.  Finally had a spot to put Williams ever growing collection of clothes!

Movement: Constantly!  Today he seems to have settled into his favorite spot and rather than kicking is pushing out constantly.  I'm wondering if it's his little tush!  My tummy actually looks a little uneven due to it!

Symptoms: Heart burn... sometimes it wakes me up.  This weekend my mom commented that the over-all tightening sensation I was describing was most likely braxton hicks.  So I suppose those happen every now and then, mostly in the evening.  Not painful just a unique sensation!

Sleep: Sleeping very well, with a nightly tinkle break around 3am or so. 

Cravings:  Breakfast pastries, coffee (half caf), chocolate covered strawberries

What I Miss:  Michael and I checked out the new Sierra Nevada brewery in mills river over the weekend, not going to lie, I would of loved to have a few beers there.  I did indulge in a little half pint but it just wasn't the same. 

Best Moment This Week:  Enjoying a long weekend with the hubby!  He barely had to log on for work (so rare) and we had lots of quality time just the two of us.

Looking Forward To: My glucose test is next week, I'm not sure if I'm looking forward to it per se but I am anxious for it to be over with!  Other than that, a fun weekend ahead!

Oh hey there... A 24 week Bumpdate!

So, I haven't blogged in over six months and honestly didn't think I would any time soon.  But something has inspired me to document the next few months as best I can.  2014 got very busy for me, and on the very last day of the year Michael and I received an exciting and world changing surprise--We are Pregnant!  Shock was an understatement, as I was CONVINCED it would take a year or more... I had always thought it would yet here we were, new years eve morning staring at the test and wondering how our lives were about to change.

Piper decided it was time to share the news with the world right at 14 weeks when we had just found out the gender--a little man! And somehow time has flown by at warp speed and we are six months pregnant.  I can't quite believe it!

How Far Along? 24 weeks

Size of Baby: An ear of corn (12.5 inches & 1.5 pounds).

Gender: A little man!  William Baker Mazhari!

Weight Gain: 20 pounds so far.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes.  I have a few non maternity items that will fit (lululemon shorts and a dress or two) but everything else is maternity for sure.

Nursery: So far the room has been painted a lovely soothing shade of gray, the crib is assembled, and I am working on my own nursery dresser to get it all fresh for him!  We ordered our rocker/glider chair and it should be done in 5-6 weeks.

Movement: All. The. Time.  Wow, what an awesome feeling it is!  I first felt Wills around 16 weeks and by 18 weeks I felt my first pop outside my tummy too.  Michael felt him a few days after.  Now it's all day every day and sometimes his kicks are so hard he startles me!

Symptoms: I am hungry all the time!  Often I need a bowl of cereal before bed to ensure I don't wake up starving at 3am.  Heartburn is also a fun and frequent occurrence.  My belly button is so shallow I'm certain it will flatten out very soon.

Sleep: Sleeping very well, with a nightly tinkle break around 3am or so. 

Cravings:  Icecream, pimento cheese, egg and cheese sandwiches.

What I Miss:  Nothing too much.  This memorial day weekend I'm sure I'll miss having adult beverages but it's definitely worth the wait!

Best Moment This Week:  Meeting the sweetest little baby girl, Madison!  Our best pals Lauren and Evan's daughter was born on the 15th and getting to see her and hold her this past Monday was incredible.  It was so fun getting to be pregnant at the same time as Lauren and now, seeing their little one made me realize how much we have to look forward to.  Madison I'm sure will show William how to do many things being a few months older!  I think meeting her really made it real for Michael as well.

Looking Forward To: Visiting my parents and grandmother in the mountains this weekend.  We've got a lot of fun things planned and I can't wait.  Side note: maternity clothes sure do make it easier to pack.  Options are rather limited!

Christmas and Birthday Wish List!

Linking up with A Liz Adventures for these are a few of my favorite things!

My Wish List:

This year as I was thinking about my wish list I realized that most everything I want is pretty practical!  I've also got my birthday to think of (on the 12th).  Mostly I've just told my family I'm a big fan of lululemon for work... pretty easy!

1.) The adorable Fluffy Vest from lululemon would be great for chilly morning walks layered over a longsleeve shirt or top.  I've always wanted a puffy vest but with a short torso I haven't found one that didn't look silly on me.  Perhaps this one will be better?
2.)  Think Fast Pullover I think this looks adorable in both pink and gray and would be a great light weight layer!  

3.) Radiance Top I think the radiance top is super cute and unique and a great layering piece.  It would even look good with jeans!!

4.) Stacey Wallet I've had this wallet (in gold) for over two years and it has seen better days!  I love the style though!  I'm thinking a fun bold color would be great!

5.) Vinyasa Scarf I LOVE this and recently picked it up for a friend.  You can style it 10 different ways!  Santa,  can I have one too?!

6.) iPhone Case Since getting my latest iphone I have had such a boring case (just what they had at the time).  I miss having a cute kate spade case!!

What's on your list?

Five on Friday: Daily Essentials Edition!

Goodness gracious this week has absolutely flown by.  I have no idea where the day goes lately!  It must be the days getting dark so early... I cannot believe it's friday already!  Luckily, this week I have been feel MUCH better than I have been lately.  I honestly think it's due to the fish oil and vitamin C I've begun to take in addition to my multivitamin.  I know it's such a pain to remember to take yet another thing but I'm seriously noticing a major difference in how I feel!  Anywho, I thought I'd share some of my favorite every day essentials this week!

{ONE} Lululemon Forme Jacket

So first off, I love me some lulu.  I am obsessed with their leggings and wear them most of the time... either to work, around the house, or to work out.  They are perfect for both yoga as well as amazing to run in.  You don't even feel them!!  All I've gotten from lulu previously has been a few pairs of the wunder under leggings but decided due to cold temps this week I would look into other items.  I grabbed this jacket and haven't wanted to take it off.  The snug fit keeps me warm and cozy and it easily layers underneath a puffy vest.  Seriously perfect!  Yesterday I ran in it and was super pleased with how comfortable I felt.

{TWO} Run With Me Gloves

Another awesome lulu find were these perfect gloves.  My hands are always cold, however, all I own are ski gloves which are bulky and not practical for the every day.  I wanted a pair of gloves to keep me warm when I'm driving to work, walking, running, or just outside!  These babies fit the bill, plus they snap together (awesome) and take up hardly any room in my purse.  Perfection!!

{THREE} New Earrings!!

I was a bit sad to see that a cute local jewelry store was having a going out of business sale until I saw that these solid 14k gold earrings were a measly 25 bucks!  What?!  I quickly snatched them up as I've wanted some for ages but gold is not cheap!  I can't even wear sterling silver earrings anymore (most sensitive ears in the world) and am so happy to have an alternative to my pearls or diamond studs.  Sometimes you just want a different look and I miss being able to switch out my earrings more!  If you're local definitely stop by Karat Patch on providence road.  They've got all their jewelry marked down 50% or more, you could get some major bargains on diamonds and gemstones!

{FOUR} Life Factory Water Bottle

Lately I am all about drinking as much water as I can, but prefer it out of a water bottle.  Recently I've read that it's great to avoid constantly drinking out of plastic water bottles so I splurged and got this guy at earthfare.  I was a little worried about the glass, but so far so good!  I swear water tastes better out of it and I find myself drinking way more water because of that.  Win win?

{FIVE} New Mirror!

While not an essential (although I could argue that) I'm obsessing over this gorgeous mirror that a friend generously gave us.  Michael and I have never had a nice full length mirror and we are really appreciating it (and wondering how we dressed without one).  I think it will look especially amazing in our room once our remodeling projects are completed.

Any daily essentials that you just cannot live without?  Let me know!  I love hearing about new things I should try out!  Otherwise, have a fabulous weekend.  The hubs and I are headed to the mountains...the high is apparently only a measly 40 degrees...hey there winter!