Pinspiration for Photo Bump Sesh

Happy Halloween!

I want to say first how very fortunate we are that 

Sandy did not cause any damage to our house.

Our area got hit with some rough winds,

some power outtages and trees down.

We only have branches down, thank goodness!

I am so thankful nothing happened.

I was worried another tree limb would take out 

our freshly replaced window in the nursery.

Phew.

So,
this whole pregnancy thing is FLYING by!!

This Sunday is my baby shower

{and yayyyy I found an adorable dress!!}

2 weeks from today we'll be having our maternity photo-shoot.

I am hoping it will be a little snowy,

but either way I'm excited.

We decided that we're going to shoot at my dad's land.
It was my grandparents' and there are 100 acres.

I seriously loved going there as a little girl.
I would run around the fields,

pretending I was galloping on my own horse...

I'd walk the trails singing silly songs,
picking leaves with grams,

and we'd iron on wax paper.

I'd look for "Puff Balls" with my grandpa.

The woods are magical to me,

and I hope that Brooke experiences that with her grandparents there too!

So hopefully we'll get plenty of goregous shots,

out in nature.
Since it could be in the 70's or in the 20's...
I need lots of ideas!

Here is some pinspiration for that day!

Classic B&W

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenn on Pinterest

Lovin the bump.

Source: vickiknightsblog.com via Jenn on Pinterest

With her letter "B" of course

Source: ilariacorticelli.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Obviously if we are shooting outside, it may be a tad chilly for some of these,

but I think I'd like a few bare bump shots...

Source: ilariacorticelli.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Love the shadow idea!

Source: Uploaded by user via Jenn on Pinterest

I wonder how playful hubs will get hehe

{The bottom right can definitely happen in these woods!}

Source: susiemoorephoto.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Weather permitting...

Source: buzzle.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Look at these gorgeous snow shots...

Source: greylikesbaby.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: greylikesbaby.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Totally gonna rock some Uggs if I can!

Source: google.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Holiday Red

Source: loretablog.blogspot.com via Jenn on Pinterest

I adore the side ribbon-tie,

as well as the back to back headless shot.

Source: google.com via Jenn on Pinterest

How cute for Christmas?!

Source: photographybysondra.blogspot.ca via Jenn on Pinterest

Scarves & smiles

Source: blog.jeffreysimms.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Again that perfect side bow...

LOVE.

Source: scenesfromthewild.blogspot.ca via Jenn on Pinterest

So clearly I need to make a list of props

and outfits that I'd like to wear.

We are meeting at 3,
so it should give us plenty of time before the sun goes down,

maybe we'll even catch a gorgeous sunset!

Our photographer did our engagment photos

and our wedding photos.

 It was a perfectly sunny day in May,

and we got some great beach shots!

And one of our "little family"

http://loraannphotography.com/

That was before our little Holly! 

A bump sesh will be so fun though.

 Any other tips or ideas?

A Prego Halloween

 I'll be the first to admit, Halloween is never my favorite holiday.

Sure it's fun to dress up and all...

but I always have a hard time deciding what to wear.

This year we kept it soooo simple and cheap.

Our costumes didn't cost us a single penny!!

I'm sorry if our choices offend you,

they were all in good fun and not meant to cause any harm.

We decided Joe would be a priest:

 If you actually know my husband,

this is quite hysterical.

As for me?

Of course, a pregnant nun.

Oops.

My Costume consisted of: 

Black yoga pants

White Maternity T-shirt

Black Cardigan

I cut an old black short sleeve cardi that hung long 

& funny & put that on my head.

I cut the sleeve off an old white t-shirt for my headband.

Of course I needed to wear some jewels,

because, well, I'm me.

Joe's just wearing a black button down shirt & black pants.

I cut a piece of white cardboard and used a safety pin to secure it.

I think the costumes came out alright!
Most importantly,

I was sooooo comfy.

We tried to put miss Holly in a costume...

 Or as Joe called her,

Mother Consuela

But she wasn't very happy!

We went to my sister's party...

She loves Halloween as much as I love Christmas I think.

 Candy Corn Jello Shots!

 Yummy Festive cupcakes!

 Mummy weenies!

 I loved this!!

 I thought she did a great job with all the festive food/decor!

 My sis was complaining all night she had to be a princess..

Her husband wanted to be Robin Hood

So she got stuck as Maid Marian.

I thought she looked great!

 Notice the fog from the fog machine...

We had an Obama

and my step-brother was a middle finger!

 And of course, and 80's girl.

My husband got to enjoy some champagne...

and I was DD.

It was nice to get out off the couch on a Saturday night!

I will admit I'm far more excited for next Halloween,

when I can dress my little girl up!!

Did any of you dress up and go out?!

 I'm hurrying off to the mall before Frankenstorm really hits.

I'm not sure how much wind damage we will get,

but I hope it's nothing too bad.

I hope all of you stay safe!

30 Week Bumpdate

How Far Along:

30 weeks

 OOTD:

Nothing maternity!!

Tank: XL Target

Skirt: ON (few years back)

Cardi: Ann Taylor Loft

Scarf: Gift from a friend

Necklace: Kohls

Holy Guacamole--10 weeks to go?!

Baby is the size of a Head of Lettuce:

google images

 She's over 3 pounds!!

Weight Gain:

At the 28 week mark,

The Dr came in laughing and said,

"It says here you've gained 40 pounds. Does it feel like you've gained 40 lbs?"
Me: "YES! Is that too much?"
Dr: "No, no. I'll measure baby...just expect a 9 pounder."

Me: "Yup, that's what I'm figuring."

So yeah, I knew the "gaining 25 lbs" was for the birds!

Sure, I don't love the extra chunk in my butt, or thighs, or under my armpits

{I'm still trying to keep my muscle tone, but man my underarms are soft...}
I don't care how much I gain, as long as I'm eating healthy, and 

BABY IS HEALTHY!!

I'll get my body back-ish.

Clothes:

I've been rocking maternity for the majority of pregnancy.

Medium maternity shirts no longer fit, it's all large from now on.

My medium maternity shorts are too tight for my big ol' booty.

My medium maternity jeans are still fine though.

I can wear my normal cardigans/jackets/zip-ups but none of them close {obvi}

I am loving my PINK boyfriend sweatpants from VS in size Large.

Stretch Marks:

Still none!!

I use the Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter in the morning after a shower.

I slather on the Mama Bee oil at night before bed.

Symptoms:

I have been pretty good!
I just know what I can/cannot eat for the heartburn.

My back gets sore, so I use the heating pad.

I'm a tad more tired during the day--

Sleep:

I'm not sleeping great.
I'm up every 2 hours using the bathroom and my left bum cheek gets numb

from laying on it.

I just try and rest as much as I can and nap here and there if possible.

Best Moment of the Week:

She is a mover and a shaker!

I love love love feeling her swirl around and kick.

She loves her daddy's voice so much!!

I've been getting lots of "Fluff Mail" aka cloth diapers!

I have all of her bedding in place & was able to show it off to some close 

friends and family at my TS party.

I love just sitting in her nursery and daydreaming about meeting my little girl.

I also started buying/packing for my hospital bag!

Miss Anything:

I miss cuddling with my husband at night!

We are that couple that constantly is holding, touching, all night long.

Even if it's just our feet...

But we have that damn Snoogle between us and as much as I love it,

I miss curling up with just him.

Cravings:

Nothing crazy...

Just sweets.

I'm really trying to eat well balanced small meals all day long.
It seems to be working!
If anyone is interested, comment and let me know I'll a 

"What I eat" entry.

Belly Button:

Still stretched out--weirdo!!

I was such an innie, so I don't think it will ever pop out.

Wedding Rings:

On!!

Mood:

I'm happy and excited today.

Prego Monster rears its head once in awhile,

but I think my husband would say for the most part I've been pretty good!?

Looking Forward to:

 My baby shower next weekend!!

I hope to get a cute outfit this week...

if FrankenStorm doesn't keep me from the mall.

Giveaway Winner and a few Updates

TGIF!!
It's a gorgeous sunny day here in New York!

I cannot believe that I saw "81" degrees yesterday.

Isn't it late October??
Looks like we'll be getting an awful forecast for Halloween, 

so we'll take what we can get.

I wanted to first of all thank you for entering my little giveaway,

the winner of these tasty foods is:

Which happens to be the hottie mama,
Amber,
 

SO excited you can enjoy your yummies in your new home

{and fancy new kitchen}

Congrats Girlie!!!
I'll be in touch to get your new addy.

If any of you still want to order, my party will be open until Thursday November 1.

Feel free to order below:

Jenn's Tastefully Simple Party

If you want to know what I'll be ordering 

{aka what tasted ah-mazing and I need it in my mouth like now}

Feel free to leave your questions in the comments!

In other news,

I concocted an iron-friendly smoothie recipe:

  I just threw it in a blender and it came out looking like

{go ahead, admit it...baby poo}

It won't be my first smoothie choice in life,

but if I'm taking in the essentials,

and it's healthy for baby (and me.)
I'm in.

I also am trying out oatmeal again.

It seemed to have been a heartburn trigger around month 5,

but everyone keeps suggesting oatmeal & raisins, 

so here it goes...

I tossed the raisins in the last 2 minutes of the oatmeal cooking,

which makes them ooey gooey!

I then stirred a little maple syrup in with two sliced strawberries.
It was delish; I hope it doesn't bother me!!

Food is on my mind 24/7.
I am happy to report that I did enjoy 3 soft Barbacoa tacos from Chipotle
last night.
I had a little reflux issue around midnight,
popped a few tums, and added one more pillow to my stack.
It was soooo worth it.
Oh yeah!
Tuesday we went out to the restaurant where
my sweet husband proposed in the parking lot.
{Our story here}
We had our first kiss under a lamplight there January 18th, 2008
and 3 years ago we went back there.
He got down on one knee,
asked me to make him the happiest man in the world,
and I said yes.
We enjoyed an Italian meal,
and although his knee did not get rain-soaked
from kneeling,
we still shared a lamplight kiss
with baby bump between us.

My sister is having a Halloween Party this weekend,
Joe and I will be dressing up and attending...
My costume is most likely inappropriate and quite funny, if I may add.
 I'll be trying to do a 30 week bumpdate (soon) as that's where I am at today!!
Have a great day & enjoy the warmth if you're getting it like meeee!

Iron Levels

Tastefully Simple Giveaway Here-
Winner will be announced Friday. 
So, after I talked with my Dr's office on Tuesday,

 I received a letter from them on Saturday saying my hemoglobin levels are low,

thus resulting in an iron deficiency, which could cause potential anemia.
I spoke with them on Monday and they said my levels are at 35,
which is right on the border.
They just want me to be all pumped up for delivery.
{whoa, this is really happening soon folks!!}
So what do low levels mean?

 google images

This is not good for anyone, but especially not for pregnant women!

I've been feeling a bit tired,

but what pregnant woman doesn't feel tired 7+ months in??

I really don't want to take more pills,

so I naturally turned towards foods.
Plus I heard the pills make it harder to poo, 
which is already an issue for most pregos! 

My first response is to always talk to my acupuncturist.

She said these are best:

• Spinach every day
• Egg yolk {organic obvi}
• lentils
• artichokes
• raisins
  

I found this list to be helpful:

In Rich Foods 

 and

google images

**Anyone else see that turkey above and begin dreaming about Thanksgiving?
No?
Just me?
Okay...
 I'm currently sipping on a glass of organic prune juice.

It's not the best thing I've ever had,

but certainly not the worst either.

I'm going to be adding spinach to a daily smoothie

[I think I'll use the prune juice that way too, I don't think I can drink this plain daily!]

According to www.whattoexpect.com

Iron Absorption Enhancers

• Meat, fish, or poultry
• Fruits: Orange, Orange Juice, cantaloupe, strawberries, grapefruit and other Vitamin-C rich fruits
• Vegetables: Broccoli, brussels sprouts, tomato, tomato juice, potato, green & red peppers
• White wine

Well, that makes a lot of sense, since most of those are horrible 

heartburn triggers and I've been avoiding them like crazy!!

I need to eat more meat too.

I cut back with cooking it so much, as I felt it bothered Joe's crohn's.
Well, I guess I have to amp it up a little more.

Besides, we have a fresh supply of venison in our freezer just waiting to be cooked.

Sorry, but my man's a hunter and I love to cook his game!
Of course, I also turned to Dr. Oz and his opinions,
which can be found here...
Dr. Oz Daily Dose: Iron

Have any of you experienced low iron levels?
Any good spinach smoothie recipes I must try?

I know I eat fairly healthy,

but, it's just one more thing to be mindful of,

as I carry this sweet baby girl.
I also find it interesting, if perhaps even non-preggars people
find themselves feeling any of those symptoms, do you take a look at your diet first?
Or do you just pop a pill to alleviate...
Thoughts to ponder on this
 Happy Hump Day!

A Party & a Giveaway!!

I'm having a party!

I tried Tastefully Simple a few years ago and I must admit,

I have tried most of their products and have never had a bad thing to say.

The breads are always a hit; good luck keeping them around!

Look how easy.

1 can of beer & mix.

3 tbs melted butter.

Bake.

Quick dips makes bringing an appetizer a breeze.

The desserts are fabulous to have on hand for quick and easy serving.

In fact, it's soooo good, I strongly suggest, that if you haven't

tried the beer bread, you spend the $5.99 and get some!

Or, since I have won a few giveaways lately, I am feeling like it's time to 

share the love.

It's been awhile, my friends,

and I'd like to offer you a little bit of Tastefully Simple goodness.

I'm going to purchase these 3 items and share them with ONE lucky reader!!

What could you win??

1 package of

Bountiful Beer Bread

Something to sip on while prepping your beer bread:

  Oh My! Itty Bitty Chai

And a little something to snack on, while your bread is baking.

Sweet S'more Snack Mix 

This is a $17 value!!
As soon as the order comes in, I'll ship it directly to you.
I love my readers!
I wish you could come over Wednesday night and taste all the yummies!

If you feel like checking out TS products & purchasing from my party,

feel free to do so here:

Jenn's Tastefully Simple Party

RULES:
{leave a comment for each entry}
1. Please be a reader of my blog {leave your GFC name & E-mail}
2. Leave me a comment telling me which TS product is your favorite. Haven't tried?
Which product do you wish to try most??
3. "Like" Bliss to Bean on Facebook & comment there.
**I'll announce the winner Friday October 26**
That's all.
Nothing fancy.
Good luck and eat well!