Is Ignorance Bliss?

At what lengths do you go to protect yourself and your family?
In today's face-paced world, it's easy to drive yourself crazy,

trying to stay away from everything that is bad for you.

My husband and I try our best to live a healthy life,

but it can be hard!

Since I found out I was pregnant, I have tried to stay calm and yet aware

of all the possible harmful things I could be doing.

Obvious ones that are easy to tackle are no drinking/smoking.

Duh.

No sushi, not too much caffeine, no soft cheeses, hot dogs, deli meats, bla bla.

Easy.

No tanning beds, no spray tans, Botox {hehe} or doing anything super crazy sports wise.

No worries.

But I am borderline ready to throw away my microwave, cell phone, and start fights with my neighbors over them spraying their yard using harsh chemicals and pesticides!!

Not to mention, I've stopped using my beloved Bath and Body Works Lotion,

and traded in for no parabens.

via

I am petrified of eating veggies and fruits without the ORGANIC label.

I only want Organic meats.

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 My laptop never sits on my belly or my lap.

 Why do we continue to create things that may very well be harmful to us and our unborn child?

I draw the line some places, like I won't stop wearing deodorant.

However, last night when I helped a friend out with her Mary Kay,

I was a crazy person reading all of the ingredients checking for Parabens.

I didn't purchase the lip mask because it contained some.

I just know there is so much out of my control, but I feel as though if I know something,

 I cannot pretend that I don't.

Ignorance may be bliss,

but if you're aware, and choose to continue to do possible harmful things?
Is that stupidity?

So can I not eat fruit of it's not pesticide free?
Should I not order a Chai Latte with whole milk from the 'bux because it probably has hormones & antibiotics?

You still eat regular beef, chicken, pork etc?
Have you ever made grass fed burgers?
You can actually smell a difference when it's cooking.

Or an organic chicken breast; it's far more juicier than your cheap regular brand...

Oh, you think I'm overreacting?
Take an hour or so from your life, and watch:

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AHhhhhhhhhhh.

I literally can drive myself insane.

And my friends, as the more I talk to them, 

the more they become aware and want to make better choices too.

Maybe my paranoia is getting a tad worse {thank you Maria, my MIL whom I adore!}

but so is my husband's so, it's not just me.

Don't even get me started on organic bedding for baby.

$1,000 for a mattress.

Cloth diapers vs regular?

Make my own wipes vs. regular?

Glass bottles vs. regular?

BPA free plastic toys only!!

Do I get the flu shot?
I have always been against it.
I really don't want it now that I'm pregnant.

How about all those vaccinations baby will need??

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If I'm not supposed to eat large amounts of fish,

especially seafood like lobster because of high mercury content,

why and how is it ok to give a newborn baby such high doses of it in their vaccinations??

Is there really a link between that and autism?
I don't want to find out on my kid!!

What's a parent to do?
The lists go on and on and on...

I do feel strongly about wanting to get a house phone.

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 Hubs and I have our Iphones, but it will be nice to get a phone that has its own number,

and I actually found out you can connect to your AT&T account and use your minutes.

I read you should not sleep near your cell.

You should not carry it on you in pockets.

Women who carry them in their bras, may be more likely to develop breast cancer.

Seriously!?!

So, as for now, I have not thrown away our 1980's microwave.

I just run outside or upstairs if I have to use it.

Am I the only one who feels a little nutty when it comes to all the new technology vs. 

all the way things used to be?
I love the internet.

I also love the simplicity of sitting outside, on a hot summer night, sans phones, Ipads, etc.

and having a long and loving conversation with my husband.

All of these new conveniences may help us do more in a day,

but at what price are we paying?
We just may not know for a few more years.

Ok, I'm off my soapbox for now.

How do you deal with these ideas?
I'm curious what people believe.

Phew. I'm ready to go for a walk.

Can I bring my Iphone or should I leave it here..

:/

It never ends.

Meal Ideas via Pinterest

Staying cool?
I don't know round your parts, but up here in NY it has been HOT HOT HOT!

I just walked the dogs a lame 15 minutes and just couldn't deal with it any more.

I find it's just harder to breathe in this heat now that I'm carrying something the size of an avocado!

I am very grateful for our air conditioning...

Now if I could only convince hubby on getting us a treadmill so I can work out in the cool air!

I am needing some motivation in the kitchen...
So today I'm linking up with Michelle
 LINKUP

and sharing some of the food pins I still have yet to try out!

Source: theculinarycouple.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: thewaytohisheart.wordpress.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: southernplate.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: skinnytaste.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: livinglaughingandloving.com via Jenn on Pinterest

And of course, I need my sweets...

Source: theaprongal.com via Jenn on Pinterest

I believe these are what caused a lot of the weight gain for JSimps...

Source: thelondoner.me via Jenn on Pinterest

Source: hallelujahsbyholly.blogspot.com via Jenn on Pinterest

Is your mouth watering yet? Mine sure is!!

 Any easy summer recipes to share?

 Please let me know your lazy recipes!!

411 on Moi

1. How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging? Has your blog changed?

I started blogging in September 2011.  

I had always wanted to venture into the world of "blogging" because it sounded cool, 

and once I made the choice to stay home and be a full time housewife, and not teach any more,

I couldn't think of a better timing. I loved reading food blogs, and then I quickly became interested in fashion, and then even more intrigued by real life, every day women who are just doing the best they can do, whatever it is they're doing.  I love seeing how other women juggle kids, a husband, a home, cooking healthy meals for their families, and still find the time for themselves, stay in shape & be happy. Even my husband has told me that since blogging, I have become a better person. I attribute it to, connecting with amazing women who are positive and truly lift each other up when we're down, and cheer us on when we're doing well.

I love my bloggy friends!!

I think my blog continues to evolve, as I as a person change. Being pregnant with my first child, I am venturing into the 'mommy blogs' and just appreciate all the support and wisdom from other women (moms or not!).
2. Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?

I went to SUNY Fredonia for four years, graduated in 2003 with my degree in Secondary Education in English. I am certified grades 7-12.

I then went to SUNY Brockport and received my masters in Education.

I taught for 8 years, loved it for the most part, and was ready to stay home and take care of my family.
3. Where have you traveled?

We LOVE to travel!!

Everywhere from Toronto, LA, Vegas, Paris, Rome, Amsterdam, Caribbean islands...
Check out our travel tab HERE for more!
4. If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?

A vacation home to rent out while we are not there.

A big plot of land in the middle of the country, so hubs can hunt,

and we can live in the middle of no where!

More rental properties to make more money.

5. What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?

Drama

Negativity

Ungrateful people
6. What is your favorite movie?

Pretty Woman, The Notebook
7. What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?

Pre-pregnancy {and post} Pinot Grigio for sure!!
For now? Water and once a day I have some black tea of sorts.
8. What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?

Zumba, reading, scrapbooking, blogging
9. If you could have a $10,000 shopping spree to one store, which store would it be?

4 months ago, I would have said:
Guess by Marciano

But, as of right now, we have so much to buy for our little one by January, so, as lame as it may sound,
JC Penny or Target?! Crib, carseat, high chair, books, toys, clothes...oy!! :)
10. Share with us an embarrassing moment of your past? Or present.

I embarrass myself all the time. I've just learned to laugh it off?!

Just the other day I sneezed in front my hubs and his friend.

I'm pregnant.

I'll leave it at that. 

hehe
11. What day would you love to relive again?

For now? Our wedding day. 7.10.10

12. If your life was turned into a movie... what actor would play you?

Scar-Jo--I love her & her curves.
13. What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years?

HS-babysitting, worked at my dad's hardware store, I also bussed tables for a summer.

College-Summers I worked for my dad.

A coffee shop.

Express--couldn't stand working with all stuck up bishy women!! Discount great--but it was awful!

A payroll company, made good money but all I did was file papers...tres boring.

I held a brief job at a day care during my Junior year, but I kept getting so sick, I had to quit. My health was a priority next to my education.
14. Show us a picture from high school or college.

I was just with my friend Alison making jam, and we pulled an old scrapbook out...

I went through a Britney Spears phase and pretended to be her loved her.

My hair was super short.

I think I'm 19 in this picture?!

15. If you could travel anywhere in the world, all expenses paid, where would you go?

That is tough. I really loved Rome and want to go back to Italy...

but I want to travel to Venice, Florence, Tuscany.

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16. Show us the most current picture of you or you, or your family, or anything of meaning to you. 

I just can't help but pick this one of our little baby waving!!

4 more weeks we find out boy or girl!!!

And the love of my life-

17. Where do you see your life 5 years from now?

Most likely chasing a few kids around, working on or living in our dream home, and being even happier than I am today!

Ya know, rolling hills, big yard, beautiful home, filled with lots of love...

Perhaps something like this...

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Come link up with the fabulous and also preggars, Becky!!

Happy Funday Monday!!

Oh hey, there!
If you need me,
 you can find me here...

Source: whowhatwear.com via Sarah on Pinterest

Doing this...

Source: google.com via Justine on Pinterest

Well, there will be three 3 1/2 year olds,
but it will still be super fun and I cannot wait to swim!!

Source: google.com via Mrs. AA on Pinterest

Source: 123freegiftscardsforu.com via Everett on Pinterest

Happy Monday Indeed!!!

15 Week Bumpdate!

12 weeks vs 14 weeks 3 days

Size: 

Baby is the size of an avocado.

Weight:

I am still hovering around the 10 pound range...

The bump is clearly growing, but I feel like the layer of

"protective fat" can turn harder please!!

Cravings:

Mexican. I have had it twice this last week!!

Still loving my sweets {Cinnamon bread french toast--I die.}

and anything hubs grills for me.

Cherries, blueberries, bananas, strawberries.

I am also obsessed with the colored Goldfish Crackers.

Miss anything?

I am trying to create better "mocktails"

They quench the thirst, for now...

Symptoms:

Hiccups- after I eat anything!!

Headaches--this heat is not making me feel great!

Baby and I are looking forward to swimming at Nana & Papa's house next week!!

Belly/chest = very itchy. I'm bathing in my cocoa butter and oils...

And I'm not gonna lie, my emotions have been crazy, like over the top crying over everything.

I'm not sure why {hormones?} but everything has been bothering me.

I've had to shut my phone off and just nap a few days, because I'm so cranky!

I hope that streak is over...no.fun.

Oh, and these books say by the second trimester, I shouldn't have to run to the bathroom as much,

LIE.

I feel like I am peeing way more than ever before! {tmi, sorry.}

The books also said mood swings would settle, but I was way better 1st tri than now... yikes!

Clothes:

I need more tanks and tops...and maternity sports bras.

All of a sudden my ta-tas started growing again and my normal sports bras aren't fitting!

It's so hot, I am wearing as little as possible.

I think a few more larger mesh shorts will be nice.

I'm thankful for extra large t-shirts and flowy dresses. 

Next Appointment:

Friday July 20th for a checkup.

Can't wait to hear our little one's heartbeat once again!

Best moment this week:

We celebrated 2 years of marriage.

Hubs gave me some gorgeous flowers, much like our wedding ones,

and I gave him this:

I wrote a note saying I couldn't think of a better gift to give,

than to showcase the greatest gift we could give each other;

a life we created together.

He may or may not have shed a tear--don't tell him I told you!

Baby Buys:

My sweet husband gave me an early birthday gift...

as he likes to get me a new Coach purse for Christmas and birthdays,

this year he bought us this:

A Coach Diaper Bag!!

 Look at this adorable tag!

All the useful scrunched up pockets:

And the changing pad...

It's the first thing for 'baby' he has bought and I absolutely love it!

He decided on the neutral, since we don't know gender, and he thought of this all by himself!

He is just too much sometimes! I am a lucky, lucky girl.

A 'normal tank' that I'm so nicely filling out,

& maternity shorts.

Sometimes the stretchy part annoys me, but I just fold it over.

 I love this shirt!!

"Carrying precious cargo"

I finally felt like I was filling it out enough to proudly wear it.

5 more weeks and we find out boy or girl!!

I still go back and forth.

I have no idea!!
But I'm so excited either way.

I love watching this baby grow!!