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.
3. 
   

Ever After,

Jamie

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

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