Work it, work it, work it out...

Awhile ago, I told my sister that I would write a blog post about exercise and everything that I do that I believe works or at least works for me.  So it's about time that I followed through on this. 

First and foremost (not that I'm a doctor or anything, so take this as is and by this, I mean this entire post) drink plenty of the water throughout the day and always stretch before and after workouts. 

One of my favorite people to work out with is Jillian Michaels.  I love her and hate her, all at the same time.  She kicks your ass during every workout, which I love, but at the same time she annoys the crap out of me.  I have two of her DVD's, 30 Day Shred and Yoga Meltdown:




For the most part, I switch between these on a regular basis.  The 30 Day Shred incorporates weights, cardio and abs (3 levels of workouts) while Yoga Meltdown uses your own body weight with cardio to get you into shape (2 levels of workouts). 

When I want a typical, traditional yoga workout, I choose Body By Bethenny.  I always feel more relaxed and completely stretched from head to toe after this workout.  Plus, she offers a weights portion and a "Booty Blast" bonus.  Also, yoga is great for women who are expecting - gets your muscles in shape for birthing.


I use the strength training portion of the workout on days when I don't want to do a full workout.  It's split into 2 circuits, containing 3 exercises each, performed for 12-15 repetitions each and then the full circuit is repeated.  Once you go through the first circuit 2x, then you can move to the second circuit.

First Circuit:
Side lateral raises
Bicep curls
Bent over rows

Second Circuit:
Front raises
Tri-cep kickbacks
Overhead shoulder press
Happy Workout,


P.S.  I love Sobe Lifewater.  I haven't tried a flavor that I didn't like and there are a lot of flavors.  Plus there are zero calories in each bottle.  You can get these at any fine grocery store.  I just bought a bunch from Target for $10/10.

21 Weeks - And the winner is...

A GIRL!  That's right folks, we're expecting a girl.  Those of you who guessed girl, way to go!  You win yourself a big package of pride! 

The ultrasound tech, as she was fumbling around my midsection, whispered "I think you're having a girl."  She said it so quietly that she didn't sound confident and I was hoping B didn't hear her (he did).  She kept going for what seemed like forever and finally said "I'm not 100% sure, but I'd plan for a girl."  What kind of answer is that?  I thought if they didn't know for sure, they wouldn't tell you. 

Next we saw the nurse & doctor.  From the ultrasound, they changed my due date back two days.  Originally it was July 17th, then the 12 week ultrasound moved it up to July 4th and now with all the measuring from the 20 week US, it's July 6th.  It's creeping closer to July 8th (my birthday).  The hubs said, "if I can't have a boy, then you're going to have the baby on your birthday.  It's only fair". 

I also received the infamous blood sugar fluid to test for gestational diabetes at my next appointment.  She gave me Fruit Punch instead of Orange because she heard that Orange was terrible (I have heard that as well).  We heard baby's heart beat again.  It's at 138.

After the appointment, we spread the news to our families and friends.  I sent to one of my besties, who happens to be an ultrasound tech, a picture of the crotch area of the baby and she confirmed for me (along with a few of her co-workers) that it's a girl.  So there you have it.  Not one, but multiple ultrasound professionals think it's a girl, so it shall be a girl. 

Surprisingly, my husband did remarkably well with the news.  He wanted a boy.  You could tell he was a litte disappointed but he's coming around.  He even pulled out the baby names book to look for more girl names when we got home.  

The hubs also lost a bet to his grandpa about the gender of the baby.  His grandpa said girl and the bet was a six-pack.  The man is in his mid-eighties but still enjoys himself a drink every now and then (but who doesn't).

For the longest time, my intuition told me it was a boy.  But this past week, I kept thinking it was going to be a girl (in this post there are a couple of confirmations of old wives tale that prove it's a girl).  I even prepped the hubs all week so that he wouldn't be completely crushed.  I'm excited.  There are so many cute clothes out there for a girl and what woman wouldn't want a mini-me. 



Maternity Clothes ~ My fabulous sister-in-law bought me a pair of maternity jeans and a pair of capris.  I bought another pair of cargo pants from Old Navy.  They have an elastic band and are the most comfortable pants ever.  I picked them up in the woman's section in case anyone is interested (who is or isn't pregnant) and I'm also wearing them in the picture from Week 20.

Sleep ~ Sleeping is great.  I think working out during the week helps me get to bed earlier and sleep without waking during the night.

Best Moment This Week ~  Finding out gender of the baby.

Cravings ~ fruits & cookies

Gender ~ It's a girl!

What I look forward to ~ Planning and shopping for a girl!

Milestones ~ Baby is the size of a banana.  She is approximately 9 to 10 inches long and growing fast.  She is starting to look like a doll, complete with eyelashes.  As her senses develop, she's becoming increasingly aware of my eating and sleeping habits and of light and noise levels outside my body.


Have a fabulous weekend!

Awkward and Awesome - Vol. Dos


Linking up with Sydney from The Daybook today for another rendition of awkward and awesomeness.

Awkward: 
  • "Having fun yet?" - who else absolutely hates it when someone asks this question (especially at work)?
  • Dropping off a file at someones desk and having that someones conversation with another someone go silent...guess these ears weren't meant for that convo.
  •  How much I'm willing to talk about pregnancy here but not in real life convos.
  • Wanting to stab my husband's hand when he stole the bacon chunk out of my baked beans.
  • My hair in the a.m. when I go to bed with it wet.  Lyle Lovett called and he would like his hair back.
  • Missing the Real Housewives of MIA premiere on Tuesday...I didn't even DVR it.  This is so unlike me.
  • Spilling water down the front of my shirt and pants because apparently it's too hard to actually hit the mouth.

Awesome:

  • The hubs being super, duper excited/nervous for his interview.  It's really cute actually.
  • The hubs asking every day if I'm excited for our baby appointment.  My answer is always yes...I'm stoked to find out what's inside me! (Duh, it's a baby).
  • Cream cheese and ham sandwich for lunch (like pickle wraps on bread minus the pickles).  I'm almost certain, I invented this.
  • Rocking out in my car to all the "new" songs I put my IPOD.
  •  Finding out I actually get paid 100% for 6 weeks of my maternity leave.  Yea Buddy!

Peace out,

Shoe McLovin'

I absolutely adore shoes.  I can't get enough.

I fantasize and dream in shoes.

Ask my husband or family...I might be addicted.

My shoe obsession started the year after I graduated from college when I got a "big girl" job.

I love a good shoe sale.
I love boots but love wedges and pumps even more.

I feel sexy when I slip into a pair of heels...even if it's to walk around my house.

I'm a tad short, ringing in at about 5'1 without shoes, so heels are almost a necessity.

My warm weather shoe collection has been lonely, hidden away in storage, and I cannot wait to take them all out when warm weather arrives.

One of my favorite collections is by Jessica Simpson (among others).

Look at this beauty....

Her name is Massi and I love her in all her colors.  I want her and her friend Grear.


Now it's your turn.  Show me your shoe love...


Happy shoe hunting,

20 Weeks

This week, I can't help but sing repeatedly, "whooah, we're half way there..."  Yes, I am in fact, half way through this pregnancy (thank god). 

Aside from the 3-month puke and rally and the occasional breakdowns here and there, it hasn't been that bad of a first half.  My self three months ago would have told my self now, that I'm high.  I still don't enjoy pregnancy as much as I should but as the bump continues to grow, I'm getting there. 

One thing I have noticed is that I am more chill than I was before.  I don't let things get to me as much or I've become an expert at tuning people/things out.  I guess I've realized what is or isn't worth getting my panties in a bunch about.  Maybe it's my old age of 25 and I'm just making things up or it really is, in fact pregnancy that has subdued me. 

Only about 5 people at work know for certain that I'm pregnant.  This has led to numerous people staring at my belly in the past few days (or maybe it's my boobs, but it's definitely not my face).  I can tell they're trying to figure it out while trying to hide the fact that they are staring.  I laugh on the inside and smile.  It's a fun, little game for me.  I have to look forward to something each day, it might as well be "how many people will gawk at the belly today?" game.

In other news, we have a new roomie living upstairs.  His name is Mr. Squirrel.  He took it upon himself to pack his bags, come over, uninvited, and stay awhile in our attic.  We kicked him out this morning and if he comes back there are going to be major repercussions (i.e. his life will be no more).  I know, too much excitement to handle this Friday.



Maternity Clothes ~ I bought a really cute shirt from the maternity section of Target (I caved a tiny bit).  It still doesn't fit but come summer, I think I'll fill it out just fine.  I tried on maternity pants in my normal size and they are terrible.   I was swimming every where in them.  I couldn't go down a size because there were none available.  I also tried on a dress from the actual women's section (not maternity) and that was horrendous.  I hope this isn't how clothes shopping is going to go from here until July.

Sleep ~ This week I'm back to normal in my sleeping patterns.  I go to sleep the minute my head hits the pillow and am dead to the world until the morning.  I love this.  Sometimes I wonder if I'll actually hear the baby once it's here or if I'll just sleep through.  Good thing Barney is a light sleeper.

Best Moment This Week ~  Getting told that I'm all baby and cute.

Cravings ~ nothing specific.  I just love food in general.

Gender ~ Girl is winning in the poll.  We find out in a week!

What I look forward to ~ seeing alot of family this weekend!  Also, we finally got the new guest bedroom carpet cleaned and are going to start moving furniture downstairs so we can finally start on baby's room. 

Milestones ~ Halfway there!.  Baby is the size of a cantaloupe.  Baby's happy as a clam in there, as his/her well-developed limbs continue to explore the womb by curling, flexing, and kicking. Baby's hair, nails, and eyebrows continue to sprout, and is looking remarkably more and more like Mom and Dad every day.

Happy clams,

25 Things

US Magazine does this feature every week where they get celebs to provide 25 things we don't know about them.  Much like a celeb, I will enlighten you with 25 things I think you should know about moi:
  1. I really don't care what gender our baby is as long as it's healthy.  But for the hubby's sake, I hope it's a boy.
  2. I should have been a lawyer even though I'm not a very good writer and don't want to go through law school.  My dad once told me if I didn't become a lawyer, I missed my calling but that was back in my bad attitude high school days.  I'm perfectly happy now, being an auditor. 
  3. I can't help watching the needle being inserted into my vein when giving blood.
  4. I would consider leaving my husband for two people: David Wright & Evan Longoria.  Meow.  (Is this wrong?!  The hubs "girlfriend" is Jenny Finch).  This list is always subject to change.
  5. I really, really, really want a semi-professional (or professional) camera and am trying to convince the hubby he wants it too. 
  6. I'm addicted to Wheat Thins and I miss Bacon crackers from Nabisco.
  7. I'm an Advocare Distributor and love Spark.  Please contact me if you would like more information on all the products Advocare has to offer! 
  8. I secretly want to throw the remote at the television. every time I work out with Jillian. 
  9. I am addicted to watching anything Real Housewive's.  Favorites are Orange County and New York.
  10. I feel prettiest when I wear the color blue.
  11. I will see the New York Yankees play in Yankee Stadium before I die.
  12. I hope to one day be able to afford a pair of Jimmy Choo's or Louboutin's.  For now, I can only dream.
  13. This will be the first summer since I was about 5 that I won't be able to play softball.  This is uber depressing to me.
  14. I am starting to love tan/cognac belts/shoes with black clothing.
  15. I love the look of belts and think they add to an outfit much like jewelry does.  I plan to do more thrifting for belts.  
  16. I wish the Dixie Chicks would make a come back and soon.
  17. I started running hurdles in high school, more specifically my Junior and Senior years and went to the State track meet both of those years (P.S. I'm only 5'1).
  18. Modern Family is hil-arious!!
  19. I use to hate my name when I was younger.  I don't know why, it's awesome!
  20. I love Audrey Hepburn and Marilyn Monroe.
  21. I love to read! I just finished Angels & Demons by Dan Brown (fantastic author - loved The Da Vinci Code as well) and started The Girl With The Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson (recommendation from a friend).
  22. My favorite song is "Can't Get Next To You" by The Temptations.  Download and love it!
  23. I wish Monday was part of the weekend.
  24. Blogging has opened my eyes to a whole new world.  I also appreciate things more than I did before.
  25. I cannot wait for July and to become a mommy.
By the way, coming up with 25 things is a bit harder than it seems.  Now it's your turn...let me see your 25!

Day of Love & Weekend Roundup

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Today is the day of love.  I am not a huge fan of expressing love, feelings and emotion normally but then again I'm prego and that's a whole new ball game.  I really love this holiday.  I don't think it should be the only day out of the year we express love towards each other - we should be doing this on the daily.  I also don't believe this holiday is just for couples.  Look at the enjoyment children get out of this day - enough said.  Everyone should celebrate this day.  Everyone has someone in their life that they love and if you don't, you need to reassess your whole situation (frigid asshole!).  I love my hubby, my family and all my friends.  I don't know what I would do without all of these people in my life and today I want to let you all know, I love you long time!

A little something about my marriage/our love:  My hubs is usually the one who initiates the "I love you".  Don't get me wrong, I initiate it about 5% of the time.  We don't say "I love you" to each other everyday - not because we don't love each other (we really do) - it just goes without saying and we're both completely comfortable with that.  Plus, when we do actually say it, we feel it means more and it's not part of a routine.  We say it when we mean it.

The weekend:

Friday
  • Dinner out with a group of friends and then met up with another group at a local watering hole.  Hubs told me he was ready to go home whenever I was ready - he can drink, I cannot.  We went home at 11.
Saturday
  • Haircut in the morning.  I definitely needed it!
  • Day long shopping excursion.  Spent less than $30 at the mall and went to 3 stores - that is amazing in itself!  Grocery shopping was another story.
  • Hubs also went on a day long excursion with 3 friends to take his deer meat to the locker for processing.  Yes, it takes 4 people and a good 12 hours or so to get the job done (and it always involves stopping at every bar on the way back because that is necessary).  He was home a little after 9 p.m. and mostly sober - I was a happy wife.
Sunday
  • Woke up at 11 a.m. - I may as well get all the sleep I need now.
  • Made Salted Nut Rolls.  Recipe came from this here blog.
  • Caught up on Glee from the last week.
  • Did loads and loads of laundry.
  • Hubs made steaks for dinner.
  • Watched the Grammy's.

Grammy Wrap-Up:
  • Lady A came out as the leader of the pack with I believe 5 awards.  They rock expect for  Hillary's hair and makeup.  She cannot get away with those bangs.
  • My favorite performances were the tribute to Aretha Franklin by Christina Aguilera, Jennifer Hudson, Florence, Yolanda Adams and Martina as well as the Eminem & Rihanna performance of "Love the Way You Lie Part 2" and Eminem, Dr. Dre & Skylar Grey performance of "I Need A Doctor". 
  • I have a love/hate relationship with Justin Beiber.  In no way do I have the fever but I respect him a little more after last night.  Sure he can be a douche at times but he looked very mature last night - more mature than his age calls for.
  • John Mayer is ugly and a giant douche.  It didn't take the Grammy's to figure that one out but it helped.
  • Christina Aguilera's trip - poor thing.  Hasn't she had enough this past week.
  •   Lady Gaga - I'm over her weirdo-ness.  We get it.  You like to express yourself.  Coming in, in an egg - I mean really?!  What's up with the shoulder implants?  Are they real or not?  You look like an alien which was probably the look you're going for.  On another note, I kindof, really like your new song. 

  • Who is Esperanza Spalding? 

All in all, it was a fantastic weekend!  Hope yours was too!

19 Weeks

~ Weight gain ~
 I know how much I weighed at my interview and we'll see how much I weigh at the end.  It's too depressing to think about on a weekly basis (or actually comes to term with the reality of it).  I know you're supposed to gain weight to support baby and such but this is really, really hard for me to deal with. 

~ Maternity clothes ~
 Barney took me shopping last weekend and we got a shirt that will stretch as I get bigger from Maurices (hence, not maternity!) and a pair of Silver jeans one size up from my normal size that will last me until the warmer weather comes around.

~ Sleep ~
 Love it!  I've been having some weird, weird dreams lately and have been screaming out in my sleep a bit more than normal.  Also, the creepy mid-sleep laugh that freaks Barney out has gotten even creepier.  It's evil and awesome. 

~ Best moment this week ~
  Getting my raise for 2011, STI (short term incentive - i.e. bonus) and review for 2010 for worky-work.  Nothing makes a person happier than knowing their work is appreciated. 

~Cravings ~
  Glazed doughnuts.  Candy - any and all.

 ~Gender ~
 Boy is winning in the pole and we find out in 2 weeks which means you have less than 2 weeks to vote.  If you vote correctly, you win...

~ What I look forward to ~
 Checking out a daycare tomorrow - I really hope we both love it and can trust them with our little one. 

~ Milestones ~ 
Baby is the size of a mango.  Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid.  The motor neurons in baby's brain -- the nerves that control muscle movement -- continue to develop,



18 Weeks

Weight gain ~ 8 lbs.

Maternity clothes ~ I can't button at least two pairs of my jeans and am boycotting maternity clothing.  I'll just get clothes in a bigger size and call that good or I'll wear my jeggings, leggings and tights every day until July. 

Sleep ~ getting enough but not as much as I would like.  Damn you, Angels & Demons by Dan Brown for keeping me from turning out the lights and calling it a night.  I suggest you read.

Best moment this week ~  Working half of the week from home because of the weather.

Cravings ~  brown sugar cinnamon Pop-Tarts.

Gender ~ 3 weeks away from finding out.  Girl is winning in our poll.  Don't forget to vote on what you think we're having! (P.S. it's at the top right hand corner of the page).

What I look forward to ~ Summer!  It's all I've been thinking about for weeks.

Milestones ~  fingerprints are forming and baby can suck their thumb.  Baby is able to use ears and may startle if he/she hears a loud noise.  Baby has approximately 200 bones and will have about 300 at birth. 

 Until next time,

Awkward and Awesome

See this cool chick's blog here.

Awesome:
  • Me
  • My fabulous Intyce Cognac boots by the one and only Steve Madden.  They are divine and go with everything.  I'm wearing them today.
  • Conning the hubby (who hates shopping) into taking me shopping this weekend.  Baby needs somewhere to sleep and mama needs new pants and shoes!
  •  Due date being July 4th!  You can't plan these things people!
  • Nieces
  • Massages of any kind - back, arm, leg, face...I could go on and on.
  • Bare Minerals makeup.
  • Having the hubs look all cute (I mean sexy) in his nice, new clothes I've bought when we go out for a date night.
  • The beach, fruity cocktails and a setting sun.
  • "Finding" the flash drive with all my pictures I thought I had lost.  See below.
  • This band:


Awkward:
  • Me
  • Reaching the point in pregnancy where your pants no longer button and they fall half way down your booty when you get out of your car (and you're wearing a belly band).  Fail.
  • The 15,000 feet of snow and freezing ass cold weather we've been having. 
  • Co-workers who cry, get into arguments or talk about highly inappropriate things on their work phones.  TMI.
  • People who talk about religion and politics on Facebook or Twitter...uncomfortable much?!
  • Picking my nose in public and getting caught.
  • Accidentally saying another word instead of the word you meant to say (really bad when you want to say organs/organisms and you really say orgasm).
  • Sending your flash drive to Victoria Secret along with your unwanted merchandise only to get it back with an embarrassing note saying they can't accept it for return because you didn't purchase it from them.  Major fail.


Happy awkward and awesome Thursday,

Just Call Me Rachael Ray...

Since my parents were MIA this past week, B & I had a dinner party for my youngest brother's birthday.  It was a success - as in no one left hungry.  Here is the recipes for the menu as promised...

*** Note: pictures are unprofessional so don't hate on them.  Donations will be accepted toward a purchase of a new professional camera to capture the pure awesomeness of my food.

Homemade Tenderloins
There isn't a recipe documented in my family for this so I'm giving you my best description on what to do. 

You'll need:
Pork sandwich chops or boneless butterfly pork chops
Saltine crackers
Eggs
Hamburger buns
Olive oil

Cut pork sandwich chop into two (can be kept as one if you want a thicker, bigger, meatier sandwich).  Tenderize your meat as desired (I use the meat tenderizer from Pampered Chef - it's divine - you need it).  Set aside.  Separate egg yolks from egg whites (p.s. it's healthier when you don't use the yolks!), add a bit of water and whisk.  You only need 2-3 egg whites - this is your glue.  Set aside.  Crush as many saltines as needed using a rolling pin and a gallon Ziploc bag - this is your breading so make sure they're pretty fine.  Take tenderized pork, coat in egg white/water mixture and cover in crushed crackers.  Place olive oil in skillet pan (enough to cover the bottom) and heat over low setting.  Add prepared tenderloin and fry until golden brown or desired color.  While tenderloin is frying, put butter on hamburger buns and toast on a griddle until golden brown.  Remove tenderloin from frying pan ensuring any excess oil has dripped off.  Place cooked tenderloin on toasted hamburger bun, add condiments and enjoy.



Sour Cream Hash Browns
Can be cooked one of two ways: 3 1/2 - 4 1/2 hours on low in 4- to 6-qt crock pot or at 350 degrees for 1 hour in oven or until golden brown on top and potatoes are cooked through (I usually choose the latter).

Ingredients:
10 3/4 oz. can cream of mushroom soup or cream of chicken
1 cup sour cream, fat-free or regular
1 1/2 - 3 cups shredded cheddar or Monterrey Jack, cheese
30-oz. pkg. frozen cubed or shredded hash brown potatoes

1.  Spray slow cooker or casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
2.  Combine soup, sour cream, and cheese in medium bowl.  Mix well.
3.  Add 1/2 hash browns into soup, SC and cheese mixture.  Mix well.  Add other half of potatoes and mix until all ingredients are mixed well.
4.  Put mixture into casserole dish or crock pot. 
5.  Cook as directed above.



Funny Cake
This is a family recipe...as in I've never had this cake made by anyone else than my mother or myself.  I've never even heard of anyone who knows of this cake.  It's extremely moist and muy delicioso.

Sift into ungreased cake pan (or mixer bowl as I do):
3 cups flour
2 cups sugar
1/2 cup cocoa
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt

Make 3 holes in mixture:  in the first hole put 2 tsp. vinegar, 2nd hole put 2 tsp. vanilla, and 3rd hole put 2/3 cup vegetable oil.  Blend with fork or spoon.  Over all mixture pour 2 cups cold water and mix well (I use my mixer which btw is a Kitchen Aid Artisan compliments of my parents as a wedding gift - you NEED one).  Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes.  Do not try to take the cake out of the pan.

French Silk Frosting
2 2/3 C. conf sugar
2/3 C. soft butter (10 2/3 T.)
2 oz. unsweetened chocolate
3/4 tsp. vanilla
2 T. milk

In small mixer bowl, blend sugar, butter, chocolate and vanilla on low speed.  Slowly add milk; beat until smooth.




Happy Cooking!
(Ann - not Ray - although it may be confusing)