Thoughts For Thursday

You might have noticed my blog got a little makeover.  I have to give Sara at A Dose of Pretty big props.  I am so thrilled with what she did.  You might remember awhile back I blogged about my "Me" page she helped me create.  I loved it so much I knew she would give my blog a fabulous facelift.  I could not be happier with the look.  I wanted a more streamlined and simple look and that is just what she gave me.  Sara was wonderful to work with!! If you need any tweaks big or small on your blog you must email Sara at adoseofprettyblog@gmail.com.

Lately I have become obsessed with finding this Tibi dress from last year.  Is it not the most perfect maternity dress?  I have scoured ebay and online and can't find it.  Anyone have one they want to sell me or let me borrow??  I have two weddings this Summer it would be perfect for.

If you have not tried these glazed nuts you must.  It saves so much time from making your own.  My mom bought some while I was home and we had them on a roasted beet salad it was so good.  Beware they are addictive though!

I recently devoured the new Vogue.  I really enjoyed the article on Kate Upton. She is so gorgeous and yep she says her boobs are real- lucky girl.

While I was home last weekend I finally bit the bullet and bought some maternity jean shorts.  My regular ones were just getting too snug and uncomfortable.  Is it just me or do maternity stores suck?  I hate them almost as Babies R Us.  I will say Destination Maternity/Pea in a Pod in Charlotte had a great selection of designer shorts and jeans- the only maternity items I like to splurge on.  I tried on every single brand of shorts and chose JBrand.  They are awesome.  I liked them better than the other brands because they had side panels and not the huge thing that goes over your belly.  I might even want to wear these not preggo they are so comfy.

{J BRAND MATERNITY SHORTS}

I wrote about the JCrew sale yesterday and last week I ordered this fab dress (already on sale) that just came in the mail.  I see myself living in this all Summer.  Very accommodating for a belly.  Also comes in white which I love too.  It is a bit sheer, so I would wear a slip underneath.  I am not wearing a slip in picture just to give you an idea of sheerness.

{SHEER COTTON BACK DRESS}

I picture styling it similar to this and rocking it all summer.

How amazing is this hot pink lacquered bar area.  I am swooning.

I hope everyone has a great Memorial Weekend.  We are off to Charlotte again to spend time with my parents while Matt has a Bachelor Party at our house- 6 guys in our house.  I am scared of what I will come home to Monday!  I keep telling myself they are grown men not fraternity guys but you just never know with guys!

Damn you JCrew

JCrew has been killing it with their Summer line and now they are having a great sale.  Just what I don't need to see when I am on a budget and have a preggo belly that won't fit in everything I want to wear.  But seriously I am scheming ways to buy a few of these things.  Please buy these things so I can viciously live thru you guys!
Use code SHOPNOW at checkout to save!

Roasted Salmon with Tomato Basil Relish

I am a Salmon lover, I know many people are not fans, but I love it.  Sadly Matt doesn't like it so I don't cook it too often.  I just discovered Sterling is like his Mama and loves it too.  If you have kids give it and try and serve them some.  I was shocked when Sterling ate it, he is such a picky eater always.  He called it pink fish and gobbled it up.  What makes this dish so good is the relish on top.  So if you hate Salmon by all means use Grilled Chicken or a different fish.  I think it would be great over Flounder or Mahi.  If you do use Salmon, buy the Wild Caught kind.  That is the only kind we buy, it is so much better for you and I think it is not as fishy as the regular or farm raised kind.  This recipe came from one of my mom's dear friends and it is down right delicious.  So fresh and healthy, plus it looks gorgeous.  Perfect for a dinner party!

Bon Appetit!

:: R O A S T E D   S A L M O N  W I T H   T O M A T O  B A S I L  R E L I S H ::

-2 lbs Wild Caught Salmon (this will serve 4 people)

- 1 lb Roma Tomatoes diced

- 2 tablespoon capers drained

- 1 shallot diced

- 1/2 cup Basil finely chopped

- 1.5 tablespoons lemon juice

- 1/4 cup olive oil

- salt and pepper to taste

Mix together Tomatoes and next 6 ingredients.  Let sit at room temperature for 30min- 1 hour before serving ( I actually let ours sit 2 hours +, I think it tastes better the longer it sits).  Do not refrigerate.  Lay Salmon on a foil lined baking sheet.  Drizzle with olive oil and a generous amount of salt and pepper.  Bake the Salmon at 400 degrees 20-25 mins. Do not overcook, you can test with a fork to see if it is done.  If the fish flakes easily with a fork it is done. Serve the Salmon with the relish and enjoy!

Obsessions

:: R E B E C C A  T A Y L O R  S N A K E  P R I N T  M A X I ::

Rebecca Taylor is one of my all time favorite brands.  She always makes the most feminine pieces that fit really well.  This skirt is no exception.  Best part is it has an elastic waistband so I am sure any of you preggos like me could rock thiis while pregnant and after!

:: A S O S  M A X I   I N   M E X I C A N A   P R I N T ::

Another fabulous find from ASOS.  I am becoming addicted to that site.  This maxi has my name written all over it.

 :: G A P  L I N E N   T- S H I R T   D R E S S ::

I spied this dress in a fashion mag over the weekend and became obsessed with it.  It is online only so no trying on in store, but Gap stuff usually runs true to size.  It looks like the perfect casual Summer Dress- looks really similar to Lem Lem.  Thru today you can get 25% off your order with code GAPSUMMER.

:: M A D E W E L L   S I L K  C A R G O  T A N K ::

This is such a great versatile tank for Summer.  It even looks loose enough to wear while pregnant.  I am drawn to the black and white because they would go with everything but equally love the coral and yellow. How great would they look paired with white skinny jeans? 

:: B A U B L E B A R   M E L ON  A R T   D E C O  N E C K L A C E ::

I have been stalking Baublebar waiting for this beauty to get back in stock and it finally is!  Such an awesome necklace for only $38.

 :: G A P   P E R F O R A T E D   S T R A P P Y  S A N D A L S ::
I bought these sandals in the calf hair version earlier this year and love them, I get compliments everytime I wear them.  I love this new version with the perforated leather.  Thinking for the price I need a pair of these too!  You can get 25% off these as well with code GAPSUMMER.

:: J O I E  P E R I  T A N K   D R E S S ::

This dress is so simple but so perfect.  Love both colors it comes it.  I love that you could wear it during the day with flip flops and then out at night dressed up.  Joie dresses are my favorite,  they hold up so well and always fit nicely.

   It would look so cute paired with the Gap Sandals above for running errands.

Hiding the Bump Fashions + My Grandfather

First I want to thank each and everyone of you for the kind emails and responses to my big announcement Thursday.  They all brought a smile to my face.  I feel so blessed to have so many encourages and supporters in our corner.  We thank God everyday for this miracle of life that he has given us and pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy.  

Alot of you asked how I kept the bump hidden for so long.  Truth is a few things.  I was so sick in the beginning and could hardly eat so it took awhile to show.  Around 10.5-11 weeks I really popped.   I have yet to buy or wear any maternity clothes but I do have a few favorite non-maternity dresses that are perfect for hiding your little bump.  For those of you not pregnant these are great for days you just eat or drink too much too and don't we all have some of those days!  Here is what I have been living in!

:: A S O S  T I E  D Y E  D R E S S ::

This dress rocks pregnant or not.  It is so comfortable and I love the colors, plus you can't beat ASOS pricing!  For those of you curious it runs true to size, I ordered a size 4.

:: J C R E W  T U N I C  D R E S S  W I T H  M A R L E D T R I M ::

This dress is so comfortable and easy to wear just tossed on with a pair of flip flops.  I liked my white one so much I ordered the Navy too.  Right now thru the 21st you can get 20% off all womens apparel orders with code LOOK20

:: V E L V E T  G Y P S Y  D R E S S ::

I bought this dress long before I was pregnant with Sterling and then after I had him I liked it so much I bought it in another color. I own it in navy and grey and it is such a versatile maxi dress.  You can dress it up or down and it is strecthy so super bump friendly!

:: T A R G E T   C H A M B R AY  S K I R T::

I just picked this skirt up last week and I have been living in it.   Such a cute skirt for Summer. I paired it with a Liz Lange Maternity tank and ladies I swear by these tanks pregnant or not.  They fit so well and are longer which I love because I am tall.

:: T I B I  K A L E D I S C O P E   D R E S S ::

This dress was an investment even on sale- my last big purchase pre-budget but worth it.  I adore Tibi and still love their pieces years later.  This dress is no exception.  I get compliments every time I wear it.  I know it is something I wear will years from now and the fact that I can wear it pregnant is an added  bonus.  It runs on the large size so order down a size if you are considering.  I got a 2 and seriously think I might could have even fit in a 0 but wanted a little extra room for the bump.

On another note, thank you for all the prayers for my grandfather, he passed away Tuesday and we had his funeral Saturday and just celebrated his life.  We will all miss him like crazy but know without a doubt he is reunited my grandmother in heaven.  He was such an incredible grandfather and man.  He served in the army and at his graveside they did a military tribute and presented our family with an American flag,  that was just so special.  It was one of the most amazing things I have witnessed, it made me so proud of my grandfather and to be an American.   I just wanted to share a few pictures of him in memory of his life.

Have a great Monday!

I've Been Keeping a (Kinda Big) Secret

If you follow me on Instagram then you already saw my news yesterday.  For the past few months I have been keeping a big secret from you guys.  I am pregnant! Although you might have already guessed this when there was a lack of posts about wine and wine recs (I can tell you I sure do miss my wine and lets be real my vodka and tequila too).  I can't tell you how overjoyed we were to find out I was pregnant after our long journey and struggle for baby number two.  Maybe it was cathartic that I wrote about my struggles and that helped take the stress off me but I think most likely this was just God's grand plan.   I also think each and everyone of you that prayed for us helped.  Prayer makes a difference, I am firm believer in that.   I never in a million years thought it would take me 14 months to get pregnant again, but patience and trusting God's master plan paid off.  Everything happens for a reason and I strongly believe that.

It has been a long first trimester, after a miscarriage your head is messed up, you worry about everything. I tried to relax but the 12 weeks crept by as I waited to be out of the first trimester.   However I will say this time I did not have that weird feeling I had before when I had my miscarraige, I felt like this pregnancy would stick.   I have been sick this time around,  everything has made me nauseous and it has been hard to eat but in all honestly I welcomed the symptoms with open arms because I felt like it was reassuring that my baby was ok.  After struggling for so long you appreacite every aspect of your pregnancy, even feeling like ass.   One thing I will say, is it is true you show way early with baby number two.  By 11 weeks I had a full on baby pooch.  We just had our big ultrasound this week and everything looked normal.  This is me estactic afterwards (yes,  I totally made Matt snap my picture in a parking lot to document).

We are due in November and the timing could not be better.  I orignally wanted my kids close in age but now I am so happy for the spacing we will have. Sterling gets more independent each day and I know he will be a huge help when the baby comes.  Plus this sweet baby is going to have two cousins within 9 months of him or her.  We are thankful beyond belief.  God's timing is perfect.

Don't worry this won't turn into a baby blog,  but I will share some baby things I discover along the way and bump fashions of course.  I am pretty anti- maternity clothes so I will be working with my closet and buying a few regular pieces that can be worn while pregnant and post baby.  Get ready for some major bump styling.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued support.  I have no doubt all your prayers helped.  and for those of your still trying, stay strong and don't give up.  It takes alot of patience and it is hard but stay positive and trust in God.  He has a plan for all of us sometimes the timing is just different from what we imagined.

I am signing off til next week to spend some time with family as we celebrate my grandfather's life.  Have a fabulous weekend dolls!
xoxo

Pasta with Pesto and Peas

When I lived with my sister this used to be one of our favorite recipes.  We used to make it all the time.  I probably hadn't made it in over year when last week I decided I needed it my life again.  This is so easy to whip together and so delish.  It is the perfect Summer pasta.  The peas and pine nuts pair together so perfectly with the pesto and the shreds of Parmesan make this even better.  I used store bought pesto- if you shop at Costco they have great homemade pesto there for cheap but I am sure this would be even better if you made your own.  I only used one type of pasta, the spirals are my favorite because I feel like the sauce really sticks in the grooves.  I have made this with or without the mayo so if you hate mayo you can totally leave it out but it does help the pasta stay creamier.   Add more pesto if you leave the mayo out.   If you wanted to serve this for a dinner it would be killer with grilled chicken or shrimp over top!

Enjoy!

:: P A S T A  W I T H   P E S T O  A N D  P E A S ::
Adapted from Ina Garten

Ingredients  3/4 pound fusilli pasta
3/4 pound bow tie pasta
1/4 cup good olive oil
1 1/2 cups pesto (packaged or see recipe below)
1 (10-ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 1/4 cups good mayonnaise
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 1/2 cups frozen peas, defrosted
1/3 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions  

Cook the fusilli and bow ties separately in a large pot of boiling salted water for 10 to 12 minutes until each pasta is al dente. Drain and toss into a bowl with the olive oil. Cool to room temperature.

In the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and puree. Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta and then add the Parmesan, peas, pignoli, salt, and pepper. Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.

Pesto: 

1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup pignoli (pine nuts)
3 tablespoons chopped garlic (9 cloves)
5 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 cups good olive oil
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan

Place the walnuts, pignoli, and garlic in the bowl of a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Process for 15 seconds. Add the basil leaves, salt, and pepper. With the processor running, slowly pour the olive oil into the bowl through the feed tube and process until the pesto is thoroughly pureed. Add the Parmesan and puree for a minute. Use right away or store the pesto in the refrigerator or freezer with a thin film of olive oil on top.

Notes: Air is the enemy of pesto. For freezing, pack it in containers with a film of oil or plastic wrap directly on top with the air pressed out.

To clean basil, remove the leaves, swirl them in a bowl of water, and then spin them very dry in a salad spinner. Store them in a closed plastic bag with a slightly damp paper towel. As long as the leaves are dry they will stay green for several days.