White Bean Chicken Chili

This is one of the easiest, least expensive, quickest, yummiest meals I love to make in the fall/winter.  

If you love Mexican food, but you try to behave...make this soup!

So yummy.

Ingredients:

2 cans of white Northern beans

2 large cans of white chicken (drained)

1 can chicken broth

16 oz. salsa

5 slices pepperjack cheese (or more if you like it real spicy)

sour cream

corn chips

To make it:

1. Empty all the canned ingredients into a big pot over a warm burner.
2. Add the 16 oz. of salsa and stir.
3. Once everything is warm, add the slices of pepperjack cheese.  Stir until melted.
4. Serve with corn chips and sour cream as a garnish.

I know it sounds super easy...because it is!

Seriously, make this for a potluck or a small group meeting.

Everyone will love it.

September's Favorite Things

24 Weeks

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 24 weeks

Size of Baby: 1.7 pounds  Holy cow!

Weight Gain: 18 lbs

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Maternity Clothes:  Twice last week I wore entire outfits that didn't consist of a single piece of maternity clothing (including the one in this picture) - I have to admit, I was proud of myself.  Other than that, I'm loving my maternity clothes.  Particularly this dress from PinkBlush Maternity; click here to win a $25 credit to their shop!

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

Movement:  I feel him more and more.  Especially when I just get done eating or while I'm exercising.

Sleep: This week has been a good week for sleep.  I think the cooler weather helps. 

Missing:  Sweating.  I know it sounds funny to those who hate exercising, but I'm really missing lifting weights, doing squats, and holding planks.  I'm still doing quite a bit of cardio each day, but I am missing my strength training.  I know some people strength train throughout pregnancy, but I'm just not comfortable doing that.  I don't feel like I was as advanced before getting pregnant as I should have been to keep up with it.

Loving:    Fall.  My supportive husband; the other day he took care of dinner/dishes while I tended to some housework I had let slip due to my grad school work.  

Craving:   Apples.  Now that they are in season, I'm itching to go picking!

Feeling: Fantastic.  I'm starting to have some back pain once in a while, but I think that is just from doing too much.  I need to learn to listen to my body and when I'm sore I can't push myself to run 3 miles.  It's okay to take it easy; I can stop considering myself lazy if I work all day and walk the dogs 2 miles without going for a run.

Looking Forward: This weekend we are going to an ECU football game.  It's the first and probably only one we will attend this season so I'm really excited.  I think I might whip up a special scarf just for the occasion.    Also, hubby emailed me (after a minor freakout in the bed at 9:00 one night) that we should have a nursery work day in a few weeks!  I'm SO looking forward to that.

Best Moment(s):   I've been stressed about getting the nursery done with all the other things I have going on in my life and hubby emailed me the other day to say that October 12th was wholly reserved for nursery work.  That simple email lifted a heavy weight off my shoulders.

That face...it was mine after I walked into the bank and paid off my car.

#likeaboss

Stopped to capture my bump's shadow while out on a run this week.

Total miles: 35

A happy customer sent me a picture of her using my first ever carseat canopy!

She had contacted me asking if I could make one; I just love it when people ask me to step outside my comfort zone and make something I've never made before.  I realize new potential!

I'm currently selling these with mink for $30 and without mink for $25. 

(Mink is fleece and very warm for those colder months)

I have completed every. single. homework and reading assignment for the month of September.

Boom!

H54F

A pop of Sunshine

The beautiful Manda nominated me for the Sunshine Award so I thought I'd spread some sunshine today.  These are the rules in case you get tagged:

1. Include award logo in a post or on your blog.

2. Link to the person who nominated you.
3. Answer 10 questions about yourself. 
4. Nominate 10 bloggers to receive the award. 
5. Link your nominees to the post and comment on their blogs letting them know they’ve been nominated

Now for Manda's questions...

Scarf: gift, Top: Liz Lange Maternity, Jeans: Liz Lange Maternity

1. What made you start blogging?

I was reading several other blogs.  Particularly ones about sewing and sharing different tutorials.  After really connecting with some of those bloggers I decided I wanted in on the community that blogging provides.  So, I started my own space and haven't looked back since!

2. If you could live anywhere, where would it be and why?

I think if I could live anywhere it would be somewhere all of my friends and family lived.  There are certain places I would love to live, but it would put me far away from my loved ones so as long as I could take them with me I'd be good.

3. What's your favorite vacation spot or dream vacation?

I love our honeymoon; we did things on that trip that we knew we might never be able to afford to do again.  However, we would both really like to go to the west coast and rent a car to drive up and down and I would love to visit Italy and France.

4. If you could meet a blogger you haven't had a chance to meet in person, who would it be?

There are a few!  I would love to meet Manda because we text back and forth so much, I feel like we have been friends since childhood.  I would also really love to meet Merrick and Leanne.  They are 2 I originally started reading and they are SO talented.

5. What's your dream job?

I would love to be a stay at home mom.  I know I've been in school for many years, still paying debt on my loans, and that I just completed my National Boards, but I really want to just stay home with my babes.

6. What's your perfect date consist of?

I think the perfect date would be a walk on the beach with the dogs and a quiet dinner with live music.

7. What's your favorite bible passage or saying and why?

Psalm 46:5 God is within her; she will not fall.

8. If you were stuck on a desert island what would you bring?

Sunscreen, a filtered water bottle, and bug spray.  Bare essentials. 

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a free day?
I love free days.  Waking up early, enjoying a cup of coffee or cocoa, lighting some candles, and just easing in to my day.  Then I love sewing, making a Target run, or just being home.  I'm a huge homebody.

10. What would be your favorite gift you've ever received or given?
I have to admit my husband is the best gift giver, but I must say the priceless gift of being a mommy is the BEST gift I've ever received.

My questions:
1. Who is your blogger inspiration?
2. What is your biggest dream?
3.  How do you gain inspiration for your writing?
4.  What is your favorite holiday tradition?
5.  If money were no object, what would your perfect weekend entail?
6.  What is your favorite fall activity?
7.  What is one passion you may or may not share on your blog?
8.  What is your exercise routine?
9.  What was the last book you read?  How would you rate it?
10.  Share one thing about yourself.

My nominations:
Fitness Blondie
Mal Smiles
Because Shanna Said So
Still Being Molly
Head to Toe Chic
Mia Maree
Camp Patton
For Lauren and Lauren
Bliss to Bean
This is Happiness

Linking up for the Trend of the Month

PinkBlush Maternity

When you are pregnant and you find an article of maternity clothing that makes you feel beautiful;  something special that makes your body feel like it still belongs to you and even though you are sharing it with a miracle, it is gorgeous.  When it is swollen, heavy, and tired... you get it.

I am not complaining about pregnancy - honestly, I've felt more beautiful with a bump than I did without one the months leading up to my pregnancy.  Something about a pregnant woman has always been gorgeous to me.  

When I found PinkBlush Maternity and realized that they provide trendy maternity clothes for great prices, I was so excited.  They have the cutest dresses, skirts, tops, and bottoms.  Knowing I had several weddings in the fall, I purchased this navy blue lace dress thinking I could style it differently so that I could wear it to each event and no one would know the difference!  

I will go ahead and say, most maternity clothes are very comfortable and this dress is no exception.  I felt beautiful all night long and I was even able to dance to Ice Ice Baby!  Can't wait to share that with Baby G when he gets here!

Link up your own celebrations below then scroll down to sign up to win a gift from PinkBlush!

Lucky for you, PinkBlush is offering one of my readers a $25 shop credit!  Just enter below to win:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

life after december 13

Psssst!  Tomorrow is September's CelebrateEVERYTHING link-up!

Make sure you stop back by and link up your celebrations.

Top: Motherhood (given to me), Jeans: Liz Lange Maternity, Shoes: Sanuk

last monday I sat down at my desk at work and suddenly i felt very overwhelmed; like i couldn't stand to teach that day, wanted to sit there and cry it out.  it was like all my grad school work and all my school responsibilities and everything just got piled on me all at once.  i wanted to give up.

i emailed my husband telling him i didn't know if i could do it all - that i was feeling so overwhelmed.  he reminded me that i was very far ahead in my program (i'm NOT a procrastinator so i'm literally 2 weeks ahead on assignments/readings just in case anything happens) and that i could just make a list of what needed to get done each day and cross things off as i went.  he also assured me that things that weren't crossed off could be done the next day.  

boy, do i love him.

then i started thinking about what life will be like after december 13th.  i graduate that day.  that means no more reading 15+ articles/chapters from textbooks each week on top of grading, planning, and school paperwork.  no more conducting research within my classroom; instead, focusing on what i want to do with my students and what we decide to do together.

the best part: graduating on december 13 leaves me with one whole month to be a wife to my husband before i become a mom, too.  a month for us to have as many date nights as we want, to share our last christmas just "us," and to really prepare for the beginning of our next journey.

i'm not wishing away time, but i'm looking forward to life after december 13th.

Grab this button from my sidebar and put it in tomorrow's post to link up your celebrations tomorrow!

6 months!

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 23 weeks; according to What to Expect When You're Expecting 6 months is weeks 23-27 so here we are!

Size of Baby: > 1 pound, 11 inches, large mango

Weight Gain: 16 lbs

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Maternity Clothes:  My favorites are cotton shirts and knit skirts/dresses.

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

Movement:  Sunday night I couldn't fall asleep.  I couldn't figure it out because I was so tired, but now I know why...  Had I been sleeping I would have missed feeling my baby boy kick from the outside for the first time.  I was so excited I woke up my husband! 

Sleep: Sleep comes and goes in spurts.  Mostly going at this point. 

Missing:  I have to admit with the feeling of fall moving in, I'd really like a pumpkin ale or some of the new caramel apple ale from Blue Moon.  But, if I'm being honest, I'd rather have a healthy baby boy than another beer in my whole entire life.  Easy choice.

Loving:    Consignment sales!  Why don't they have these for adults?  Or maybe they do and I just didn't know about them until I got pregnant.  Seriously, I spent $37 (well, my MIL did) at the consignment sale we went to Tuesday and came home with 2 bags full of clothes/toys!  We're talking Baby Gap loafers for $3 and Osh Kosh overalls for $5.  Awesome!

Craving:   Crunchy stuff.  Is that weird?  I think it's weird.

Feeling: Great!  Fall is so refreshing to me.  I just love everything about it; the air, the leaves, the colors...

Looking Forward: This weekend we are spending with some of our very best friends in Virginia Beach and I'm really excited to walk on the beach Saturday and do some thrifting while the boys play golf.  Then we will grill out Saturday night and head home Sunday.  

Best Moment(s):   Feeling baby boy from the outside was by far the best moment of the week.  I also loved going to a consignment sale with my mother in-law to purchase some cute clothes for our lil guy.  We had a doctor appoint Tuesday and it's always so wonderful to hear his heartbeat, nice and steady.

I decorated the house for fall.  It's my favorite.

We took the dogs for a hike at a new (to us) park nearby.

The trails were awesome and the weather was perfect.

I made a girlfriend a carseat canopy similar to this one.

I love the fabric she picked out (and I sell them for less than the ones I've seen online).

Also working on another diaper clutch for an upcoming baby shower!

Last, but definitely not least: I racked up some more miles for Manda's 30 in 30 challenge

for a total of 23 right now.  My goal is to get 50 this month.

H54F

Hope you had a good week!

The Pregnant Exercise Checklist

So many women have said to me, "I had no idea there was maternity workout wear!"

In all honesty, I didn't either until I became pregnant.  It's one of those things you don't go looking for unless you need it, I suppose.  However, I've said it before and I'll say it again: maternity is expensive!  Seriously, puts a hurting on the wallet.  So, I thought I would come up with some items maternity and otherwise that would help a pregnant woman throughout pregnancy.  After all, why spend all that money if it really isn't necessary?

pregnancy exercise checklist by coachgaines featuring blue running shoes

1. Water Bottle: This is essential throughout pregnancy whether you are exercising or not.  You must drink tons of water.  I love this one because it keeps cold longer and has a convenient hook on top for carrying in and out of the gym.  
2. Dry-fit, loose fitting tops: Now, more than ever, is a great time to throw away the old tee-shirts and invest in some loose, dry-fit material.  You sweat so much more carrying around an extra 15-30 pounds and you need fabric that is going to allow you to breath.  Not to mention if they are loose-fitting, they might last your whole pregnancy.  I'm still wearing my favorite (non-maternity) Under Armour shirts at 6 months.
3. High Impact sports bra: If I'm being honest, you're going to want high impact even if you're just walking.  Also, don't be afraid to invest in a size bigger - after baby, you'll thank me.
4. Maternity running capris: I didn't believe these were necessary until I got this pair from For Two Fitness.  Trust me when I say, they are worth every single penny!  The band helps to support your belly so that it isn't a big ball of weight bouncing up and down as you run.  And I think I could wear them after by folding down the band like yoga pants.
5. Cushioned running socks: The extra support these socks provide my feet is heavenly after a day's work.  
6. Good shoes: Whether you are walking, running, or doing aerobics, make sure you have the right shoe.  Get fitted.  Try them on and wear them around the store.  Do not settle.  You should never be wearing worn out shoes to work out in, but especially not now that you are pregnant.  If need be, invest in a nice pair of insoles.  I love Dr. Scholl's new active series insoles.  

The most important thing to remember is to equip yourself with the necessary gear to keep yourself and baby safe.  Pregnancy is not a time to throw your routine out the window, but definitely adapt it, talk to your doctor, and protect your joints.

Why Women are STRONGER

Necklace: Groopdealz, Shirt: Liz Lange Maternity, Skirt: Banana Republic (non-maternity), Bracelets: random shop & Stella&Dot

Can I just take a minute to be a little feministic today?  I hate the way the word feminist sounds because it almost sounds like a derogatory thing rolling off the tongue and that's not what I associate with it.  I mean, I'm not trying to gather a group to go burning bras or anything.  I just really think women deserve some credit for ALL the things we do.  Amen?

A feminist is someone who supports the rights and equality of women.

I think I fall into that category.  When it comes down to it, I want everyone to have the same rights and equality as long as they haven't done anything to lose that privilege.  I just don't want people to think I'm going around being a man basher

But, women....
Women are special.
Women are powerful.
Women do things that no man can do.

Women are STRONGER because...

• They bring life into this world.  They endure hours (months really) of pain to breath new life into the world.  That's amazing.
• They multitask.  A woman can make dinner, feed the baby, answer the phone, and look good doing it.  Let's see a man do that without breaking a sweat. ;o)
• Nobody expects them to be.  Constantly, someone is expecting a woman to fail or become emotional or stress out.  I love it when that doesn't happen.
• They work all day and come home to take care of their husband, the house, and the kids.  
• They look good doing it!

I'm not discrediting all the work men do, but I am going out on a limb and saying that women don't just rock, they are rocks.

what i see

so many people have had an opinion about what they see day to day, week to week, month to month as i progress through my pregnancy.  seems like everyone has something to say these days about weight, body type, clothes...  i thought i would jot down some of the things i'm seeing these days:

my growing belly housing our precious baby boy, giving him a safe place to grow and develop until he is ready to join us in this great, big world

swollen feet from carrying him around for hours each day while tenderly loving, caring for, and teaching other people's children as though they were my own

tired eyes as i spend much of my night trying to get comfortable, making sure baby is comfortable first and foremost

dewy skin from the vitamins i take religiously to help him be as strong and healthy as possible

smiles because every ache, pain, flutter, and kick is a blessing that i'm humbled and thankful for

skin stretching beyond what i thought possible to make more room for baby to move

tears of joy, anxiety, and gratitude for the miracle growing inside me

physical strength i didn't realize i had as i run mile after mile maintaining my health and stamina preparing for labor and delivery

control as i nourish baby with healthy meals, fruits, and veggies

what do you see?

22 weeks

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 22 weeks

Size of Baby: 11 inches, 1 pound; a spaghetti squash

Weight Gain: 14 lbs; I made the mistake of weighing myself on Sunday when I woke up after a weekend of wedding festivities for my hubby's best friend.  Lesson learned: Do not weigh yourself after indulging in "rich" foods all weekend.  I got back on the scale Monday (I normally weigh myself Saturday because that is the exact day I turn weeks) and I hadn't gained nearly as much as I'd thought I had...almost 2 pounds less.  Made me feel a lot better because I was freaking out that I had gained over 2 pounds in 1 week.  I think all the sodium and sugar (and dancing that took place Saturday night) I consumed over the weekend made me retain a little more fluid than normal.  Feeling good about #14!

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Maternity Clothes:  Wearing maternity clothes, but still wearing non-maternity, too.  I purchased several dresses that are very forgiving over the summer and wear them regularly incorporating different accessories.

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

Movement:  Yes!  And it's starting to feel more like pressure and less like butterflies.  Can't wait for hubby to feel!  

Sleep: Sleeping great, but still waking up super early.  This could be, in part, because I'm going to bed so early. Running is definitely helping me to keep a steady schedule.  Super early on Tuesday meant 1:00 in the morning; rough day the next day.

Missing:  Being able to really get a good sweat on.  Doctors orders were to keep working out, but be able to maintain a conversation throughout which means no real hard workouts for another 4 months.

Loving:    Feeling him move more and more, cooler air, layering my maternity clothes, and the smell of fall spices everywhere.

Craving:   White chocolate peppermint mochas.  It's almost time!

Feeling: Fantastic!  Except when people make comments like, "Are you sure there aren't twins in there?!"  Seriously, pregnancy does not give everyone the right to make any comment they like.  It's a sensitive time and comments like that can really bring a girl down.  I've heard it from 3 different people.  Everyone carries differently and all of it is beautiful so let a girl be!  Then there were 2 people in the same day that told me I looked a lot wider and possibly I was having a girl instead.  PEOPLE: IT IS NOT OKAY TO SAY WHATEVER YOU WANT TO A PREGNANT WOMAN!  IN FACT, IT IS PROBABLY WORSE TO SAY IT TO A HORMONAL, SENSITIVE PREGNANT WOMAN THAN THE EVERYDAY WOMAN!!!

Looking Forward: Getting things done in the nursery this month!  Every weekend this month is free so we are going to aim to get the room painted and purchase a rug (possibly even one for the living room).  I'm so excited to start working on some nursery projects.  Also, this coming Saturday marks the 6 month mark!

Best Moment(s):   One of my coworkers telling me how I just looked like I had a basketball under my dress - after the negative comments, I needed to hear that.  Getting a pedicure with my best friend down here.  She has recently experienced such trauma in her life and it was really nice to get together, relax, and just talk for 2 hours.  Two men in the Food Lion parking lot redeemed all of the negative comments I've heard over the past week when they asked me how far along I was and told me I was a beautiful pregnant lady.  Big smiles for them!

I ordered these sweet shoes about a month ago and they arrived on our doorstep last night!

Finally got some sushi with my man - no worries, it was all cooked people!

I've gotten back into running and walking the dogs and I'm feeling great!

So far I've completed 14 our of Manda's 30 in 30 challenge

My goal is to get 50 this month!

Linking up with H54F

Fall Bucket List

I've seen these floating around blogland and I figured I better go ahead and make one because this is our last fall as a couple.  Next fall, we will be a threesome with lil Baby G in tow at almost 1 year old.  So, I decided to put together a list of things I would like to do with hubby as our last fall just "us."

There are so many things on my "to do" list for baby and although hubby and I are both very excited for him to be coming soon, I don't want us to forget about spending some quality time together this fall.  

What's on your list this fall?

Spruce up your bump (2)

Pregnancy is no excuse to fall victim to the yoga pants blues.  You know, that point where you decide there isn't anything that is ever going to fit over that big bulge in your front or the newly defined hump on your backside?  Tell me, I'm not the only one.

But really though, maternity clothes are expensive, limited, and very basic, I get it.  Last week I shared some accessories that can be used to spruce up your bump and this week I'm sharing regular pieces of clothing you can use to spruce it up. The luxury of these pieces is that you may already own them or if you add them to your closet, you will be able to wear them after baby as well.

spruce up your bump2 by coachgaines featuring a v neck vest

I am a lover of layers and luckily, the majority of my pregnancy, or at least the big months, are going to take place in September through January which means I can use layers to stretch my pregnancy wardrobe.  I think putting effort into my outfits will help to make me feel like "me" and more beautiful as I continue to blossom.

Loose sweaters are a great way to keep the bump cozy and warm and also hide a post-bump belly once baby comes.  They will also look great paired with boots and skinny jeans once body by baby is gone and mommas got her groove back.

Button up shirts and vests are perfect to wear in lieu of cardigans to spruce up an outfit.  I especially love the army green fad going on right now.  I'm on the hunt for a vest to add to my own wardrobe.

I'm also a huge fan of the open cardigan all the time, but I especially like ones without buttons right now because they make it appear like the cardigan was never meant to be buttoned in the first place.  Let's be honest, it ain't buttoning right now!

Last, but not least, I have vowed I will not purchase a winter maternity coat.  Mainly because I know they will be expensive and I know I won't wear it for long because winter's in NC are so mild.  I live in down vests in the fall/winter here because that's really all we need.  So, I'm planning on layering a down vest over my belly with scarves and mittens and hoping to stay warm enough with those layers.

What pieces do you incorporate to your maternity wardrobe?