Things are getting so exciting out at the new house! I mean, it has been exciting from the beginning but now it's looking much more like a home instead of a construction project.
The exterior is done with a couple little touch ups needed, the interior has cabinetry, moldings, doors, paint, hardware, fireplace, fireplace surround, mantle, vanities, and as of last Thursday it was being prepped for the tile in the master bathroom.
I'm sure that countertops and plumbing fixtures are not far behind! Although, the kitchen countertops will be ripped back out shortly after we move in, to make way for my pretty new granite!
We will be out of town this coming weekend (can't wait for that!! our first official vacation as a family of 3?!) but I'm hoping to visit the granite yard in a couple of weeks so that we can finalize that selection and get it scheduled.
Also next up on the to-do list:
1. Pick a hardwood for the floor and finalize that with the contractor.
2. Finalize granite selection.
3. Start buying stuff! It's been a lot of window shopping thus far and now we are finally at the point where we can make the purchases of some of the new items we want for the house. Of course, it will be a process over time but mainly in the living room, we are getting a few new items. I'm excited because this house, aside from the obvious differences, is going to look a lot different from our hold house. It makes things fun for this interior designer :)
On the more boring side, we have our interest rate locked in and the paperwork side of things is moving along smoothly!
Monday, August 24, 2015
Monday, August 17, 2015
18 Months of Change
On August 14th, my girl turned 18 months old. Wow has time flown. She has been walking for 7 months already. That seems like a minute and an eternity all at once. Her language and skill development in these last six months have grown tenfold. She makes us laugh and makes us proud every day. I'm sure every parent says that so it seems cliche, but it really is incredible to see something that *we created* change and grow every day.
Weight: 24.9 lbs
Height: 33"?? Not sure because she hates the doctor's office and was screaming & wiggling the hole time.
EATING
Ryleigh still gets a mid-morning/lunchtime milk and a bedtime milk. She will take the lunchtime one from a sippy cup but she still prefers the nighttime one in a bottle.
Breakfasts--some variety of the Eggo kind, along with puffs and sometimes peanut butter crackers or a fruit squeeze pouch.
Lunches--grilled chicken, pulled pork, pizza, hotdog, burger patty...She's not big on ham or sausage but will eat most other meat that we have given her. She refuses to even taste pasta. Still to this day she has never eaten it. I suppose that is a good thing, especially for later in life, but right now it drives me bonkers. She also always eats a veggie squeeze pouch and/or Greek Yogurt pouch, cut up fruit, and some other snack-type food like peanut butter crackers or Lil'Crunchies. She may be a skinny mini but she can throw back some food!
Dinner--Depending on what we are eating (if it doesn't involve pasta or anything containing annatto) she will get some of that, or she will get some mixture of the lunch items listed above.
TEETHING
12?14? She's pretty much got everything possible for her age, although she doesn't let me get my finger in there to count. Everything is either in, or already broken through and coming in.
SLEEPING
Thankfully this is back to normal with the exception of a few days where she's woken up earlier than usual. She still naps for about 2 hours once a day around noon.
ACTIVITY
Still obsessed with coloring and stickers! She will request her "colors" almost every morning before going to daycare. She loves trying to say new words and some of her favorite things to do are counting and singing the ABC's. If she is getting fussy, especially in the car, all we have to do is sing ABC's and she will calm down then start to sing along.
She counted on her own from 1-10 at dinner the other night! Usually if we say the number she repeats them and will sometimes beat us to the next number so we knew that she was learning the pattern of it. But, while we were waiting on food at a restaurant the other night I said "one" and when she repeated it she kept going all the way to 10!! Extremely proud momma moment!
Her language skills continue to grow and she will regularly speak in small sentences to us. She will ask the dogs "Kona, wanna play?" while tossing handfuls of chalk or hairbows to him, will say "I want my daddy" or "me ride in daddy truck". She's also singing along to more and more country songs in the car :) haha!
DIAPERING
Size 4
CLOTHES
Such a mixture. We have been introducing some 24month clothes for added length but she still fits into 18month clothes. She even has a couple of tank tops that she still wears that are only 12month size. We have been putting her in some 2T sleepers that fit her pretty well too, a little bit long through the middle but they are wearable.
Weight: 24.9 lbs
Height: 33"?? Not sure because she hates the doctor's office and was screaming & wiggling the hole time.
EATING
Ryleigh still gets a mid-morning/lunchtime milk and a bedtime milk. She will take the lunchtime one from a sippy cup but she still prefers the nighttime one in a bottle.
Breakfasts--some variety of the Eggo kind, along with puffs and sometimes peanut butter crackers or a fruit squeeze pouch.
Lunches--grilled chicken, pulled pork, pizza, hotdog, burger patty...She's not big on ham or sausage but will eat most other meat that we have given her. She refuses to even taste pasta. Still to this day she has never eaten it. I suppose that is a good thing, especially for later in life, but right now it drives me bonkers. She also always eats a veggie squeeze pouch and/or Greek Yogurt pouch, cut up fruit, and some other snack-type food like peanut butter crackers or Lil'Crunchies. She may be a skinny mini but she can throw back some food!
Dinner--Depending on what we are eating (if it doesn't involve pasta or anything containing annatto) she will get some of that, or she will get some mixture of the lunch items listed above.
TEETHING
12?14? She's pretty much got everything possible for her age, although she doesn't let me get my finger in there to count. Everything is either in, or already broken through and coming in.
SLEEPING
Thankfully this is back to normal with the exception of a few days where she's woken up earlier than usual. She still naps for about 2 hours once a day around noon.
ACTIVITY
Still obsessed with coloring and stickers! She will request her "colors" almost every morning before going to daycare. She loves trying to say new words and some of her favorite things to do are counting and singing the ABC's. If she is getting fussy, especially in the car, all we have to do is sing ABC's and she will calm down then start to sing along.
She counted on her own from 1-10 at dinner the other night! Usually if we say the number she repeats them and will sometimes beat us to the next number so we knew that she was learning the pattern of it. But, while we were waiting on food at a restaurant the other night I said "one" and when she repeated it she kept going all the way to 10!! Extremely proud momma moment!
Her language skills continue to grow and she will regularly speak in small sentences to us. She will ask the dogs "Kona, wanna play?" while tossing handfuls of chalk or hairbows to him, will say "I want my daddy" or "me ride in daddy truck". She's also singing along to more and more country songs in the car :) haha!
DIAPERING
Size 4
CLOTHES
Such a mixture. We have been introducing some 24month clothes for added length but she still fits into 18month clothes. She even has a couple of tank tops that she still wears that are only 12month size. We have been putting her in some 2T sleepers that fit her pretty well too, a little bit long through the middle but they are wearable.
SPECIAL FIRSTS
--Counting to 10 on her own!!
--Drinking from a straw cup.
--Visiting the zoo!
--Visit to GA
--Passport Photos
--1st ear infection :(
Thursday, August 13, 2015
F I T N E S S
Find more hours in the day. That is what I've told myself I need.
I like getting into a workout routine but with a very active toddler and working during the day, when do I have time to work out?? I already wake up around 6:30-6:45, and I'm not enough of a morning person to move that earlier to work out in the morning & shower, etc. I usually shower at night, and I prefer working out in the evenings. So, I've decided recently to get my lazy bootay moving in the right direction. Not working out over the past 6 months once I stopped breastfeeding (aka burning hundreds of calories a day) has had some effects that I'm not super happy with and if I'm being honest here I have double-digit pounds that I could lose.
So, I decided that I could do some things to move in the right direction...
1... I went out and bought some new workout clothes [hello motivation] from the Under Armour outlet on tax free wkend...see, totally justified! I actually did make out like a bandit! I got a sports bra, two pair of workout capris, two pair of athletic shorts, and package of 5 no-slip headbands (to hold back those lovely post-partem whispy hairs) all for under $95.
2... I stopped buying foods that I don't want to eat. If it's not in the house, there is no temptation to eat it. Therefore, klondike bars have been replaced with extra Greek yogurt to snack on and there are no more oreos in the pantry. Thankfully, I do like the taste of healthy food and I have a Greek yogurt addiction so this is easy to do.
3... I bought some new fitness material. I love, love my Insanity dvd's but living in this apartment wouldn't allow me to do all of the running/jumping/etc that Insanity uses since we are on the 2nd floor. I didn't want to keep pushing off working out 'until we get into the new house' because that's almost two months away. I heard great things about Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide and also Tone It Up. I decided to go with Kayla's Bikini Body Guides booklet (a $69 digital download of her 12 week plan) and also ordered Tone It Up's dvd Bikini Series 1 for $19.99.
I like getting into a workout routine but with a very active toddler and working during the day, when do I have time to work out?? I already wake up around 6:30-6:45, and I'm not enough of a morning person to move that earlier to work out in the morning & shower, etc. I usually shower at night, and I prefer working out in the evenings. So, I've decided recently to get my lazy bootay moving in the right direction. Not working out over the past 6 months once I stopped breastfeeding (aka burning hundreds of calories a day) has had some effects that I'm not super happy with and if I'm being honest here I have double-digit pounds that I could lose.
So, I decided that I could do some things to move in the right direction...
1... I went out and bought some new workout clothes [hello motivation] from the Under Armour outlet on tax free wkend...see, totally justified! I actually did make out like a bandit! I got a sports bra, two pair of workout capris, two pair of athletic shorts, and package of 5 no-slip headbands (to hold back those lovely post-partem whispy hairs) all for under $95.
2... I stopped buying foods that I don't want to eat. If it's not in the house, there is no temptation to eat it. Therefore, klondike bars have been replaced with extra Greek yogurt to snack on and there are no more oreos in the pantry. Thankfully, I do like the taste of healthy food and I have a Greek yogurt addiction so this is easy to do.
3... I bought some new fitness material. I love, love my Insanity dvd's but living in this apartment wouldn't allow me to do all of the running/jumping/etc that Insanity uses since we are on the 2nd floor. I didn't want to keep pushing off working out 'until we get into the new house' because that's almost two months away. I heard great things about Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Guide and also Tone It Up. I decided to go with Kayla's Bikini Body Guides booklet (a $69 digital download of her 12 week plan) and also ordered Tone It Up's dvd Bikini Series 1 for $19.99.
4... I made an instagram fitness account [fit_momma_smw] and am connecting with the #tiu and #bbg community, especially #tiumoms and #bbgmoms. Such a great source of accountability and healthy recipe ideas!
5... I've used MyFitnessPal app before, and I'm trying to get back into it. It can be a little much to handle, but I do like seeing the calorie counter.
6... I've never really been a meal prepper on the weekends, but I think I'm going to start trying it. I feel like that will help to cut down on the "well let's just go out to eat tonight" moments because we have those at least once a week due to a hectic day or getting home late because we went to go check out the house. Meal prepping will make everything mostly-ready and there won't be a reason to pick up pizza! This will be especially good once we are in the new house and I have a much bigger kitchen than this tiny little apartment one I'm dealing with now.
So, here we go! Half-way through Week1 and I'm already feeling the burn and loving the changes :)
Thursday, August 6, 2015
Plates of Penrose: Brown Sugar Ham French Toast Roll-Ups
These were so good! Inspired by the French toast roll-ups that I saw swimming around Facebook, I changed it around a little.
We never buy bread in our house. Unless I know we are doing something where we are packing sandwiches (like a day on the lake) or specifically need bread for a recipe, we don't buy it. We never end up eating it or making it more than a couple slices through the loaf, and old, moldy bread grosses me out.
Therefore, in a pinch I decided to use some delicious Pilsbury crescent rolls for the bread (I even had Honey Butter flavor so I chose that!). I smooshed together the seams and made 4 rectangles, then baked them as directed for about 8 minutes.
I cubed a ham steak and simmered on the stove with some brown sugar for flavor.
While still warm (and easier to roll) I took the "bread", put some ham on it near the edge, and carefully rolled them up. Then, I rolled them in a raw egg & cinnamon mixture before putting them in a pan on the stove to toast.
Simple, easy, and ready in about 12-15 minutes. If you are a lover of breakfast for dinner like we are, this is a great weeknight meal! (or anytime meal. They were good!)
You could also modify by stuffing some breakfast sausage or fruit into the middle, but we had a ham steak left-over from another meal so decided to use it!
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| Brown Sugar Ham French Toast Roll-ups |
Therefore, in a pinch I decided to use some delicious Pilsbury crescent rolls for the bread (I even had Honey Butter flavor so I chose that!). I smooshed together the seams and made 4 rectangles, then baked them as directed for about 8 minutes.
I cubed a ham steak and simmered on the stove with some brown sugar for flavor.
While still warm (and easier to roll) I took the "bread", put some ham on it near the edge, and carefully rolled them up. Then, I rolled them in a raw egg & cinnamon mixture before putting them in a pan on the stove to toast.
Simple, easy, and ready in about 12-15 minutes. If you are a lover of breakfast for dinner like we are, this is a great weeknight meal! (or anytime meal. They were good!)
You could also modify by stuffing some breakfast sausage or fruit into the middle, but we had a ham steak left-over from another meal so decided to use it!
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Plates of Penrose: Momfessionals Recipe Club
Today I'm linking up with Momfessionals for the Recipe Club exchange.
I'm sharing my Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, and I can't wait to see some great recipes from all of the other ladies!
My original post on this recipe a few weeks ago can be found here.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients:
--Chicken (I used tenderloins but you could also use breasts)
--Hot sauce
--Dry Ranch seasoning
--Chili Powder
--Onion Powder
--Macaroni noodles
--Velveeta Cheese package
Directions:
*If you are able, marinate your chicken in some chili powder & dry ranch seasoning overnight. No worries if you don't have time for that though!
On your stovetop, put cut-up chicken in a pan and season with chili powder, onion powder, and dry ranch seasoning. A light dusting of all three is enough, just to cover the tops :) Mix together with some hot sauce and continue cooking. Boil your water in a separate pan and then add in macaroni noodles. Once macaroni is cooked, drain water then put back on the stovetop over medium heat with half of a Velveeta cheese package, some more hot sauce (to taste) and a little bit more dry ranch. Combine your chicken in and mix all together, once cheese is melted into a nice sauce, lower heat. Enjoy! Serve with some carrot or celery sticks, or throw a steamer bag of veggies in your microwave for a nice, balanced meal!
Of course, if you like onion and celery you could also sauté them with the chicken then throw them into the mac & cheese, or get fancy and top it off with some bleu cheese crumbles.
Follow me on Pinterest if you want more of my recipes and some great ones that I've tried from others!
I'm sharing my Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese, and I can't wait to see some great recipes from all of the other ladies!
My original post on this recipe a few weeks ago can be found here.
Buffalo Chicken Macaroni & Cheese
Ingredients:
--Chicken (I used tenderloins but you could also use breasts)
--Hot sauce
--Dry Ranch seasoning
--Chili Powder
--Onion Powder
--Macaroni noodles
--Velveeta Cheese package
Directions:
*If you are able, marinate your chicken in some chili powder & dry ranch seasoning overnight. No worries if you don't have time for that though!
On your stovetop, put cut-up chicken in a pan and season with chili powder, onion powder, and dry ranch seasoning. A light dusting of all three is enough, just to cover the tops :) Mix together with some hot sauce and continue cooking. Boil your water in a separate pan and then add in macaroni noodles. Once macaroni is cooked, drain water then put back on the stovetop over medium heat with half of a Velveeta cheese package, some more hot sauce (to taste) and a little bit more dry ranch. Combine your chicken in and mix all together, once cheese is melted into a nice sauce, lower heat. Enjoy! Serve with some carrot or celery sticks, or throw a steamer bag of veggies in your microwave for a nice, balanced meal!
Of course, if you like onion and celery you could also sauté them with the chicken then throw them into the mac & cheese, or get fancy and top it off with some bleu cheese crumbles.
Follow me on Pinterest if you want more of my recipes and some great ones that I've tried from others!
Plates of Penrose: Quick, Easy & Filling Breakfasts
I'm someone who definitely needs to eat breakfast in the mornings, but typically never sit down to eat it. It has to be something "on the go" or something I bring to work and eat at my desk while checking morning emails.
About a month ago my cousin, who is a Beachbody coach, sent me a sample of chocolate Shakeology. I have been wanting to try it for a while, but haven't made the splurge. Which in reality, it comes out to about $4/shake which isn't that bad but the $129 lump purchase made me want to try a free sample first to make sure (1) it actually tasted good and (2) was as magical as it claims to be.
Well, I was really impressed with Shakeology. My usual breakfast (granola bar, greek yogurt, or bag of cookies) would only sustain me until around 11 when I wanted a snack to hold me over until my 1pm lunch. I mixed the chocolate Shakeology sample with my iced coffee and it was pretty darn good. I wish that I had my blender at the apartment so that I could've made a smoothie but that is packed away so I made due. What I was most impressed with is that I drank it on my way to work and did not get hungry at all --like, did not even think about food--until lunchtime.
Another great breakfast option that I came across recently is Refrigerator Granola--perfect because it is made in advance and is a good grab & go solution for busy weekday mornings while I'm more focused on packing Ryleigh's lunch for the day. #workingmom #needmorehoursintheday
About a month ago my cousin, who is a Beachbody coach, sent me a sample of chocolate Shakeology. I have been wanting to try it for a while, but haven't made the splurge. Which in reality, it comes out to about $4/shake which isn't that bad but the $129 lump purchase made me want to try a free sample first to make sure (1) it actually tasted good and (2) was as magical as it claims to be.
Well, I was really impressed with Shakeology. My usual breakfast (granola bar, greek yogurt, or bag of cookies) would only sustain me until around 11 when I wanted a snack to hold me over until my 1pm lunch. I mixed the chocolate Shakeology sample with my iced coffee and it was pretty darn good. I wish that I had my blender at the apartment so that I could've made a smoothie but that is packed away so I made due. What I was most impressed with is that I drank it on my way to work and did not get hungry at all --like, did not even think about food--until lunchtime.
Another great breakfast option that I came across recently is Refrigerator Granola--perfect because it is made in advance and is a good grab & go solution for busy weekday mornings while I'm more focused on packing Ryleigh's lunch for the day. #workingmom #needmorehoursintheday
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| The Yummy Life blog |
There are so many great flavors that she gives recipes for: Mocha, Cherry Chocolate Chunk, Peach Raspberry, and one that I think will be a favorite this fall--Pumpkin Pie.
I'm a chocolate lover and if I get to incorporate some dark chocolate into a healthy breakfast, it will give me my fix for the day so that I don't find myself with candy for a mid-morning snack. #sweettooth4life #moderation
If you try any of these, or have other ideas to share, I'd love to hear them!
Thursday, July 23, 2015
Leaving our Mark.
If you follow me on Instagram, you probably saw me post these last night.
I got the idea a few weeks back from a blog that I follow, Grace and Love. She's currently building a house and I instantly loved the idea of writing Bible verses in the house before drywall goes up...adding a little of our foundation to the foundation, so to speak. Her family also buried a Bible under their concrete slab the day it was poured, which I thought was a fun idea!
We decided to write two verses, one near the middle of the downstairs and one near the middle of the upstairs. We chose this one for the first floor, which is on the dining room column...
And this one, which we had read during our wedding ceremony, for the heart of the upstairs...
Forgive the messy handwriting, that's what happens when you're holding a toddler that's trying to wrestle the marker out of your hand....
....we also ended up with a lot of this, because well...Ryleigh wanted to participate too.
Excited that they will be starting drywall soon! I can't wait for it to start looking more and more like home.
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