Thursday, December 20, 2018

Last-Minute Amazon Prime Gifts $15 + Under

It's December 20th and if you haven't finished your Christmas shopping yet, AMAZON IS YOUR BEST FRIEND.  Below is my gift guide for gifts under $20 (that DON'T SUCK) and you will get just in the nick of time!




1. For the foodie: Sushi making Kit



This is such a cool gift for the ones who likes to experiment in the kitchen.  How much more fun can you have in the kitchen.. think Samantha Jones in the Sex and the City movie!


2. For the pregnant chick: Multi-color Motion Sensor Toilet Lights


Seriously this is one of the best Amazon purchases my husband/amazon addict has ever gotten.  I was getting up 5-6 times per night while pregnant and the motion censored lights in the dark are perfect so you can find the toilet haha.  Now we have them in every bathroom!

These are a game-changer especially for the master bathroom and for children too!


3. For your #BOSSBABE co-worker: Rose Gold Diamond Pens



Have a co-worker BFF?  Brighten her day with these adorable pens that will make note-taking in boring meeting so much more fun!  At under $15, these are the perfect small way to tell your office friends you appreciate them!


4. For the Instagram addict: Knitted Texting Gloves

Adorable gloves that will not knowing keep them warm, but they do not have to take off every time they use their phone.  Perfect for the ones whose always cold!

5. For the DIY-er: Pink Tool Set


How cute is this tool set.  No need to ask someone to hang pictures or to fix things around the house, this adorable tool box if perfect for the self-sufficient lady in your life!

6. For the Hostess: Wine Glass Markers



I received these as a hostess gift a couple years ago and love them!  No more, "Is this my wine or yours?"  Can have fun with them with silly phrases and nicknames as well.  The perfect gift for anyone who hosts a lot!


Ever After,
Jamie

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

Flourless Chocolate Chip Cookies


The holidays are the toughest time to avoid sugar!  Luckily, a ton of my family members are pretty health-concious and try to come up with healthy alternatives for sweets.  I've made these chocolate chip cookies several times and they never fail to please!  Only 5g of sugar per large cookie so nothing to feel guilty about! 


Ingredient

  • 1 cup creamy almond butter
  • 2/3 cup coconut sugar 
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper.
  2. In a large bowl, add the almond butter, coconut sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and baking soda and mix together until smooth. Add in the chocolate chips and continue mixing until fully stirred.
  3. Measure out two tablespoon sized balls of cookie dough onto the prepared baking sheets. Bake in two separate batches at 350°F for 8-11 minutes or until the cookies are set. Remove from the oven and allow the cookies to cool completely on the baking sheet.
Ever After,
Jamie

Monday, November 26, 2018

Crock Pot Asian Spinach Noodle Soup


One of the perks of maternity leave is having so much time to cook. I truly enjoy making soups, especially in the crockpot since its easy and makes the house smell amazing!  I wanted to try some new recipes while I was home and I'll try to share my "winning" recipes that are easy and tasty.  Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
  • 1 6 oz package sliced mushrooms of choice
  • 1 bag of fresh spinach
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 2 Jalepeno peppers, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons grated fresh ginger or use 1 tablespoon ground ginger
  • 6 cups chicken stock or broth (vegetable broth for vegetatian)
  • 2 cups water
  • 5-6 oz dried rice noodles found in the aisan section
  • Top with cilantro, scallions
INSTRUCTIONS
  1. Place spinach, mushrooms, garlic, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, jalapenos, stock and water into a 6 quart crockpot. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
  2. Add the dried noodles and cook on high for 10 minutes or until noodles are tender.  Garnish with cilantro and scallions.

Ever After,
Jamie

Tuesday, September 4, 2018

Opposite of "Second-child Syndrome?"





    Everyone keeps telling me that the second child will be so much easier because, "you'll know what you're doing.." and you won't be so nervous/worries.  I am waiting for my mind to just chill out because every time I look at Gavin, I think.. "Will I really be lucky enough to have another child as smart and perfect as you?" 

    I know it's such a weird way of thinking and could be a mix of lack of sleep and pregnancy hormones but I still worry a lot about labor + delivery and just the health and well-being of my baby once she's born.  I also feel a ton of pressure to make sure that this baby gets the same amount and love and attention as my first and feel a tad guilty because I have way less done for this baby in terms of the nursery and just an overall "plan".

Any of you mamas feel this way when it came to your second child?  I'd love to know that I am not the only one that is not feeling like Super Mom even after having a child already.

On another note, I am in love with these maternity overalls from Motherhood Maternity.  They do not even feel like jeans- they are so stretchy and comfy!  I have a feeling that I'll be able to wear them post-partum a lot since they are perfect for fall.  So stay tuned for basic Instagram posts of me in overalls doing the following: visiting pumpkin patches, apple-picking, attending local fairs, and eating apple crisp along with a PSL.  😜😛


Ever After,
Jamie

Monday, August 6, 2018

Getting Real with Pregnancy #2 + Fave Pink Blush Maternity Top!





     Some days I feel like super mom.  I have donated 16 bags of clothing over the last month and let me tell you that is the most freeing feeling in the world.  I envy minimalists and follow many social minimalist groups to try to even be 1/100th as minimal as they are and it is so inspiring.  Making space for a tiny little person is a lot harder than it looks.
     Other days, I find myself exhausted and barely able to do thing I normally love to do.  I love cooking dinner and lately it's become such a chore.  I find myself guilty of letting Gavin watch YouTube while I cook a half-assed dinner just so we don't starve :)  Luckily, my hubby is there to help (he's a great griller) and of course, there is always take-out.  I'd be lying if I said the savings in our wine bill was not replaced by our takeout and dining spending!
    Another struggle is getting dressed everyday!  I have to be honest- my last pregnancy was more difficult in several ways because I was so sick and that resulting in very little weight gain.  I was able to fit in almost everything until month 9.  This time is another story.. every day it's like I've outgrown the last.  As mentioned in my last post, I really am tried to be minimalist with clothing for this pregnancy so the pieces I am investing in are pieces I can wear after the baby comes.  This Pink Blush Floral Peplum top is such a cute one and it will be adorable post-baby as well.  It's soft, comfortable, and feminine which makes it one of my favorite tops to wear this pregnancy.
For more of their amazing selections: Shop Pink Blush

Ever After,
Jamie

Friday, July 13, 2018

How to Wear Non-Maternity Clothes While Pregnant









     Once I found out I was having a girl, I knew I'd have to give up a lot of closet space.  The room we have set aside for baby girl's nursery is currently a spare bedroom with a closet full of MY clothes.  So the thought of buying two season's worth of maternity clothes gave me anxiety because I have to MAKE space not USE more space.

     So I did what any expecting Mom would do in need, called all my friends and begged for maternity clothes I could borrow.  This helped a TON knowing I can give them back after I deliver the baby.  Of course, I also had some pieces from being pregnant with Gavin, however it was different seasons and summer has left me with a challenge.

     I decided to make it my little mission to give in and buy SOME maternity clothes but mostly invest in pieces that I could wear after I have the baby as well without looking too "maternity."  Shopping pregnant in the "regular departments" had it's challenges but here are some tips for you if the thought of buying a whole new wardobe for 40 weeks makes you cringe:

1.  Create a Waist.  

By adding a belt right above your baby bump, it instantly takes a regular dress to accentuate your baby bump a little more.  Plus, it adds a fun way to accessorize while pregnant.

2.  Wrap dresses are your best friend.

There is something so forgiving about wrap dresses.  The ability to tie the fabric a little tighter for those "lighter" days and let out for some of the bumpin' days, is a great way to transition a dress from maternity, to post-partum to post-baby bod!  plus, wrap dresses are super-in right now.. I just bought this one from Nordstrom that actually looks adorable with a baby bum (or not).

3. Invest in elastic-waist shorts/pants.

Luckily, I already had a few pairs since I love the comfort of these slouchy pants/shorts.  The elastic waists makes it easy to pull up over your belly or even mid-belly and is super comfortable.  I have also been LOVING jogger pants while pregnant with fun prints since they are breezy, loose and so chic.  I have had a lot of luck at Target finding some cute patterns like these. 

4.  Do not shy from form fitting or Bodycon.

One of the best feeling of being pregnant is not having to worry about your pooch or sucking in.  Let it go, baby!  The bigger the better :)  Those dresses I shy away from when I don't want my belly having too much attention,  actually look adorable while pregnant.   Embrace the belly and rock it!

5.  Midi and Maxi Dresses are forgiving.

Some of your knee-length and above dresses, even if they are looser, will not work during pregnant because your belly will be taking up a lot more fabric, making the dress a lot shorter than it's original form.  Maxis are generally flowy and long and work perfectly with a baby bump as well as some of the midi-dresses.

Hope this helps you if you are expecting or plan to be!  Any other tips from moms who felt the same way as me and avoided a lot of maternity attire?

| The dress I am wearing pictures is also from Nordstrom's and is so comfortable and versatile for pre and post maternity.  It's part of the B.P. section and under $60!  |



Ever After,
Jamie

Wednesday, June 13, 2018

Gender Reveal | It's a .......







Thank you for all the support! At my 20 week anatomy scan, baby is healthy and right on track with size and a perfect little angel so far.
xxo

It's a GIRL!!


\
xxo

Ever After,
Jamie

Friday, June 8, 2018

Hidden Gem in Connecticut + Bumpdate!









I have lived in Connecticut my entire life and I was so surprised I hadn't discovered this little gem before!  Lavender Pond Farm, which is located near the shoreline in Killingworth, Connecticut, is such a breathtaking place to visit in the summer.  Since it's early June, the lavender was not in full bloom (they recommended I come back in July) but nevertheless it was such a gorgeous view.

Being 5 months pregnant, I have to creative on "things to do" since I am limited and cannot do the usual happy hour events or super intense activities since I tend to get tired so easily these days.  Visiting this lavender farm was the perfect day of relaxation + shopping.  The little shop on site is so eclectic and the smell of lavender exuding from all of the products is simply incredible!  From lavender oils to lavender flavored baking items, there were so many amazing homemade products that are derived right from the lavender grown on-site.  I decided to get a natural bug repellent so I can be confident Gavin has a healthy chemical-free bug spray.  Plus, bonus that it smells like lavender!

Now for the Bumpdate, I am halfway there at 20 weeks!  I find out the sex next Wednesday so stay tuned for a gender reveal next week.  It seems like forever this time because I found out the sex at 12 weeks with Gavin since I was high-risk and was referred to do genetic testing pretty early on.  This time around, morning sickness has been so much more moderate than with Gavin and I have far less food aversions than my last pregnancy.  This time around I am hungry all. the. time.  Like seriously, cannot get enough, haha!  Overall, it's been a pretty pleasant pregnancy and much easier than the first go-around!  Have a wonderful weekend! xx


Shop the look:
{Straw Cross-body handbag: Urban Outfitters | White tie front blouse: Target | Wide-leg floral pants: similar here}


Ever After,
Jamie

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

Birthday Goals - My "New Year" Aspirations









   Most people think of a new year on January 1st, make resolutions and feel a fresh start to the year.  For whatever reason, I've always felt my birthday was the beginning of my new year.  Maybe it's because it's in the spring and the weather starts to change, flowers start to bud and everything just seems to have more color in April.
   It's also a start to another year of being alive and it truly makes me reflect on all the blessings, the struggles, and the goals that I have accomplished so far.

A few of my "new year" goals for myself:

  • Have less.  I want to simplify my home and my life.  I need a really good spring cleaning.  I'd like to minimize my closet, minimize Gavin's toys, and downsize home items.
  • Be more grateful. It's so easy to get caught up in "I wish I had more," or "I wish I was further along with my career goals," and I feel like sometime I need to stop and just be grateful for what I have, where I have come and where I am going. Finding gratitude daily is something I want to do be more consistent with. 
  • Get Outside More. I've never been a "gym" person but always grew up playing outdoor sports and being super active.  I want to step up my game this spring and summer and do more outdoor activities with Gavin such as hiking, sightseeing, swimming, and just enjoying nature. 


 Thank you all for such amazing birthday wishes! Do you have any birthday goals this year?

Ever After,
Jamie

Monday, February 12, 2018

Mom Guilt + How to Make Slime


     As a working mom of a busy toddler, I have to make a conscience effort of putting aside time to do family activities with my son that do not involve eating, games, TV, and electronics.  At daycare, I see Gavin bring home the cutest little projects with glitter, paper plates, and glue.  I always have a little ping of pain that makes me feel guilty for not doing more creative "mom" things with him.
 
   When I get home from work, Gavin is usually ready to play and as I pretend to build a castle with blocks, I sometimes secretly dream of when he goes to bed so I can catch up on 'The Bachelor.'  That's where the guilt comes in.  And that's OK.  As parents, sometimes we truly don't want to play blocks, play-do, or be crushed in a little tent that makes your back hurt.
     But we do it anyway.  We love them and find joy in their happiness. Any of you ever feel guilty for not being present in the moment?

    My goal this year has been to truly soak up the moments in the back-aching tent and never wish another moment away.  Especially moments like that.  Work can wait. Laundry can wait.  These moments are worth a million dollars.

     My husband helped reel me in to enjoy some good old fashioned toddler time by suggesting we make slime with Gavin.  It was so fun, easy and less messy then the average toddler craft.  We made  fun mint green color for St. Patty's Day.  Enjoy your family and make some slime.  That's my PSA for the day!





What You'll Need:
- Saline contact solution
- Elmer's school glue
- Food coloring
- Baking soda

Directions:
1. Pour 12 ounces of glue into a large mixing bowl.
2. Mix in 1 and 1/2 tablespoons baking soda
3. Add 2 tablespoons of saline solution.
4.  Add in a few drops of desired food coloring (can add glitter or other "extras" if you want)
5.  Mix all together with a mixing spoon first then mold and pull to mix with your hands like you would do pizza dough :)



Ever After,
Jamie