Predicting the Gender: Boy Or Girl

The time is almost here we find out the sex of our baby next Wednesday- don't worry I will most definitely announce it on here.  I am not doing a gender reveal party or anything, I like the idea of just Matt and I being alone and finding out together.  Something special about just the two of us sharing that moment.  I thought it would be fun to test out some of the old wives tales and see how accurate and true they are.  I don't honestly believe any of this stuff but it will be interesting to see what is accurate and what is not.

CHINESE CALENDAR:

The Chinese calendar determines the sex of your baby by entering your due date and age you were when you conceived.  I have no idea how this can be accurate and even the site says it is a 50/50 chance (duh).

The Chinese chart says you're having a GIRL!

RING TEST:

If you have never done the ring test, you take a strand of your hair and place your wedding band on it.  Have a friend hold it very still over your belly.  If it goes in circles it is a girl, if it goes back and forth it means boy.  It is kind of crazy how violent the ring moves one way or the other.  Oddly enough I tried this not pregnant and it did not do anything so it must have to do with hormones or something.

Test said GIRL

BAKING SODA TEST:
You put baking soda in a cup and pee in it.  Supposedly if the baking soda fizzles it is a boy, if it remains flat it is a girl.  I had never heard of this one before but tried it out, mine was pretty much completely flat, a white ring formed around it but no fizzing.
Test said GIRL

MORNING SICKNESS:
Supposedly the sicker you are the more likely it is a girl.  I don't believe this one at all because I have had several friends who have had boys that had bad morning sickness.  With Sterling I had no morning sickness, this pregnancy I was very nauseous the whole first trimester.  Never threw up but had a hard time eating, all food made me want to vomit.
If myth is true: GIRL

HOW YOU CARRY THE BABY:
If your belly hangs low (or in front), you're having a boy. If it's high (or wide in the middle), you're having a girl.
According this I am carrying like its a BOY

HEARTBEAT RATE:
If the baby's heart beats faster than 140 beats per minute, it's a girl. 
Heartbeat at last visit was 145, right near cut-off
Test says GIRL

CRAVINGS:
If you crave sweet things it is a girl, sour things a boy.  I don't really get this one.  I honestly have had few cravings this pregnancy.  Main difference between this pregnancy and with Sterling is I have wanted to eat healthier foods, I crave salads and fruit.  With Sterling I ate junk the whole time, salads made me want to vomit.  Also loved cheeseburgers while pregnant with Sterling and have not wanted one at all this time around.  Not loving red meat. 
BOY or GIRL who knows on this one 

I know there is no way these can actually predict the gender and it is fun to try but I take no stock in the answers.  I don't really believe in this kind of stuff, I mean how accurate can it really be?? Anyone tried these and have success with these? 
Humor me and take a vote boy or girl?  
I will reveal next week.

Oh and I am also over at Cassie's amazing blog Hi Sugarplum participating in her 20 questions series, while she is off on vacay!  Check out my answers HERE!

 

Have a great weekend! 
xoxo

 

Stuff You Should Know About

Have you guys heard of the site Lydali? Well I was introduced to this site thru a friend of my brothers. One of his dear friends started the site and it is pretty amazing. Lydali is a site where you can buy products made from artisans in remote areas of the world, and it is such awesome stuff!! So unique and made by such talented people in far corners of the world. A great way to globally shop and support these artists! 

I love their mission statement: "Lydali’s mission is to share beautiful, ethical products and the stories of the artisans and designers who make them. We envision a world where every consumer is empowered to change the way the global economy works, bringing opportunity to craftspeople all over the world. "

The girls at Lydali were sweet enough to send me this Taupe Diamante Clutch and I love it.   Currently I have been using it as a clutch but once the baby comes I am going to use it to store diapers and wipes in my purse.  Such a chic little pouch with so many possibilities.  Plus it is only, $32!

  Lucky for you girls for the next week with code DBDD15 you can get 15% off any purchases.  Trust me the stuff on Lydali is already great prices but with the code it is a real steal!!  Plus a great way to support these amazing artisans.  Any of these would make such thoughtful gifts for someone.  Visit Lydali and go get your shop on!

 A few other favorites from the site are:

Blue Kuta Clutch | Ofi Clutch | Wood and Gray Leather Bangles | Pink Agate Dusty Earrings 

Colorblocked Spatulas |

Pretty awesome stuff?  I promise their website is filled with all sorts of cool stuff!
You can shop HERE.
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Dark Chocolate Kit Kats.  Where have these been all my life??  They are so darn good, way better than the regular. I have been eating these like it is my job.  So far the only place I have found them at is Target.  I am embarrassed to admit how many grocery and drug stores I have stalked for these.

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Forever 21 Tribal Print Maxi.  I just picked up this dress and love it.  The print reminds me so much of Mara Hoffman.  Plus it is comfortable, any pregnant friends it is a looser fit and will totally fit your growing bellies.  Plus it is only $22!!

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Target C9 Champion Workout Tanks.  I still swear by Lululemon, my fave workout gear but lets be honest we all can't afford to wear that all the time.  I tried these tanks on at Target and they rock, such a great fit and not clingy in the belly area.  I picked up the purple color, our store had very limited sizes in stock so you may have more luck online.

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Sabra, cucumber dill veggie dip.  This stuff is ridic,  Made with Greek yogurt so it is healthy.  Delicious with veggies or pita chips.  Such a great snack.

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Dish it any other fun new stuff I should know about?

xoxo

Summer Squash, Bacon, and Mozzarella Quiche

Either you are a quiche lover or hater and I am a lover.  It is such a versatile meal and so easy to whip together.  It is like a savory breakfast for dinner.  Eggs, cheese, veggies, and crispy flaky pie crust- count me in.  I have made many a quiche before but this one tops the charts.  It is officially my new favorite quiche.  The bacon and zucchini/squash go together perfectly with the eggs.   I found this recipe from Cooking Light but of course I had to fatten it up.  Flavor is in fat people- I wrote my changes in pink beside the regular recipe that way you can make the low fat version or my superior full fat version!  I had to add extra bacon and cheese.  I saved time and used a store bought pie shell, but if you are feeling ambitious go on and make the homemade one.  If you hate quiche give this one a try it just might change your mind. 

Enjoy!

:: S U M M E R   S Q U A S H, B A C O N,  A N D  M O Z Z A R E L L A  Q U I C H E ::

Adapted from Cooking Light

INGREDIENTS

• Crust: (I used store bought)
• 6.75 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 3 tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
• 2 tablespoons vegetable shortening, cut into small pieces
• 1/4 cup ice water

• Filling:
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 cups (1/8-inch-thick) slices yellow squash
• 2 cups (1/8-inch-thick) slices zucchini
• 1/4 cup chopped shallots (used 1/4 red onion instead)
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme (omitted this because I did not have any)
• 1 cup 2% reduced-fat milk (I used 1 cup heavy cream)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 4 slices center-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled (I used 12 slices of crumbled bacon)
• 3 large egg whites
• 3 large eggs
• 3/4 cup (3 ounces) shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (I used about 1.5 cups of mozzarella and Gruyere)

PREPARATION

**If you use a store bought pie shell skip steps one- three and just bake the pie shell for about 10 minutes at 400 degrees.  From there follow the rest of the instructions from step 4 on.**

1. To prepare crust, weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and 1/2 teaspoon salt in a food processor, and pulse 2 times or until combined. Add butter and shortening; pulse 4 times or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With food processor on, add ice water through food chute, processing just until the mixture is combined (do not form a ball). Press mixture into a 4-inch circle on plastic wrap, and cover. Refrigerate for 1 hour
2.   Preheat oven to 400°.
3. Slightly overlap 2 sheets of plastic wrap on a slightly damp flat surface. Unwrap and place chilled dough on plastic wrap. Cover dough with 2 additional sheets of overlapping plastic wrap. Roll dough, still covered, into a 12-inch circle. Place dough in freezer 5 minutes or until plastic wrap can easily be removed. Remove top sheets of plastic wrap, and fit dough, plastic wrap side up, into a 9 1/2-inch deep-dish pie plate coated with cooking spray. Remove remaining plastic wrap from dough. Fold edges under, and flute. Pierce bottom and sides of dough with fork. Bake at 400° for 15 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.
4.  Reduce oven temperature to 350°.
5.  To prepare the filling, heat a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil to pan; swirl to coat. Add squash, zucchini, shallots, and thyme; saute for 5 minutes or until squash and zucchini are tender, stirring frequently ( I sauteed mine for about 10-15 mins to get good and tender). Cool the squash mixture slightly.
6.  Combine 1 cup reduced-fat milk and the next 5 ingredients (through eggs) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk. Arrange squash mixture evenly over crust, and sprinkle with 3/4 cup mozzarella cheese. Pour the egg mixture over cheese. Bake at 350° for 45 minutes or until filling is set. Cool for 15 minutes on a wire rack.

Obsessions

{ASOS MIRROR T SHIRT DRESS} 

After Megan blogged about this dress I knew I needed it. Such a great light weight summer dress and the print is fantastic!   I have a feeling I will be rocking this all Summer (pending my belly can still squeeze in it).

{JENNY ANDREWS PRINTS AT FURBISH}

I was so excited when I saw Jenny and Furbish teamed up.  I love her artwork in a major way.  I so want one of these for the nursery, just need to wait to find out the sex because if it's a boy I don't want too much pink up in his room:)  These would look great in any room in your house.  Snag one fast, I am sure they will sell out quick!

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR

{EVERLY TROPICAL PRINT SHIFT DRESS}

How fab is this dress?  and it is only $59!!  I am so in love.  The colors and floral print are perfect for summer.  Would look great for running around town with some cute flat sandals.

{THML TRIBAL COVER-UP}

Holy crap this cover up is awesome, although I would wear it as a dress.  Would totally be cute on any of you preggos.  I have been into the tribal prints this Summer and love the embroidered neckline.  Plus it is under $100, go get you one.

{JOIE KEANNATE BLOUSE}

Joie is hands down my go to brand for blouses.  I love the ruffle detail at the bottom of this blouse.  So great with shorts or jeans into fall.   It also comes in a fabulous blush/nude color.

{SERENA AND LILY WOVEN BOWL}

Loving these woven bowls.  They would look great as decoration with moss or glass balls in them or they would make a killer fruit bowl.  On major sale sale right now, 50% off.  They also would make a cute hostess gift.

{GAP PATENT FLATS}

The other day while I was shopping I spotted a woman wearing jeans, a black tee shirt, and hot pink flats.  Seems like a simple outfit right?  But she looked so pulled together and chic and I realized it was the pop of pink from the shoes.  Now I have been on a mission for a pair of pink flats.  I didn't want to spend alot of money on hot pink shoes so enter these Gap flats.  They are so cute on and a great shade of pink!

Scenes From Our Weekend

I hope everyone had a great 4th of July weekend. I decided to take a few days off from blogging to hang with the fam and relax. It was just what I needed!  My rents were in town too so I got to spend time with them as well. 

I finally reached the halfway point in my pregnancy.  I feel like I have been pregnant a mighty long time but alas I am just halfway there.  Good news is I remember the second half with Sterling going by much faster.  Sorry if y'all are bored with the belly pics, I seriously took zero pictures while pregnant with Sterling so I have been trying to document this pregnancy a little better.  So you got 20 more weeks of pics to come:)  Wish I had more pics from when I was pregnant with Sterling so I could compare my belly size and shape- so curious what this baby is!

I have been living in the Tibi dress in the top picture.  I made it my goal this pregnancy to buy no maternity clothes (besides my one pair of maternity shorts).  They are so expensive to wear for only a short time, better to invest in something you can wear before and after baby.  The Tibi dress fit before I was pregnant and still does at 5 months pregnant.  It is a loose flattering fit and I get compliments everytime I wear it.

Lucky for you gals, the dress is on sale now, I highly recommend it.  I also recommend going down a size or two,  it runs on the large side. I got a 2 and I am normally a 4 in Tibi.

{Tibi Kaleidoscope Dress}

 A few pics from our 4th of July- sad to say we didn't even make it up for the fireworks:(  I am so tired these days and Sterling missed his nap so we were all in bed early but had fun at the Yacht Club earlier in the day.

We cooked up some amazing food this weekend.  I finally made the Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad that has been all over Pinterest and we also made some ridic Chicken Gyros and Greek Salad.  Can you tell this preggo is loving her Greek food?

I got Sterling the cutest shoes for the beach and boat.  They are called Native shoes and way cuter than crocs in my opinion.  They are plastic so they can get wet and dirty and are so easy to clean.  They carry them locally here at Sugar Snap Pea (where we got ours) but you can also order them from Nordstrom.  I love the bright neon yellow/green color Sterling picked out.  My man loves some neon.  They also come in blue and pink and purple, olive or black.  The olive was our second favorite.

{Native Shoes}

I picked up the most glorious veggies from the Farmers Market.  I had not been in two weeks so I stocked up.  We will be eating some fresh meals this week.

While Sterling stayed with my parents last week I finally painted our den and hallway, Benjamin Moore's  Revere Pewter.  Let me tell you I underestimated what a task taping and painting such a big area by myself at 5 months pregnant would be.  Not fun, but I accomplished it in two days and it made such a big difference.  Plus I saved money by doing it myself!   Revere Pewter is the best neutral ever!  It really brightened up our family room and gave it such a fresh clean look.

Next up I need some curtains and small ottomans for the den.

  

  Happy Monday- I know I am happy because Sterling has camp all this week at his school and he is so excited to see all his friends and play!  I need to take advantage of the few hours to myself and tackle some more house projects before bebe arrives.

Blueberry Bread

I think everyone loves a good piece of Blueberry Bread, if you don't you are crazy!  With all my trips to the Farmers Market I have had an abundance of fresh blueberries and knew I needed to whip together some bread. I love the fact that this bread is made with yogurt and the lemon zest gives it such a bright flavor. This bread is not super sweet which I like,  it mainly gets it sweetness from the berries.  If you want it sweeter I suggest adding more sugar or use vanilla yogurt- I used plain Greek yogurt.  The best way to eat this bread is warm smeared with butter and drizzled with honey- pure heaven I tell you! 

Enjoy! 

:: B L U E B E R R Y  B R E A D ::

Ingredients

• 2 cups all purpose flour
• 1 ½ tsp baking powder
• ½ tsp salt
• 1 stick unsalted butter, room temperature
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 2 cups blueberries (12 oz)
• 2 tsp lemon zest
• ½ cup plain yogurt, regular or lowfat

Directions

1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a loaf pan with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
2. In a medium sized bowl, whisk together your flour, baking powder and salt. Add the blueberries and lemon zest and toss to combine.
3. Cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the yogurt then the dry ingredients, mixing only until incorporated and being careful not to crush the blueberries.
4. Scoop batter into your prepared loaf pan and bake for 1 hour 10 minutes, until golden brown. Let cool in the pan for 10 minutes before inverting gently onto a plate.

Yield: makes 1 loaf