7 Day Vegan Challenge + a Recipe

First, I have no desire to be completely vegan.  Me and cheese are bff's.  Andy and I have been discussing "eating healthier" for a really long time.  Our lives have gotten so busy lately that we both find ourselves starving and having no patience to cook by the end of the day.  I can commit to cutting specific things out of my diet, but Andy is an all or nothing guy.  So because I'm such a fantastical wifey, I told him I'd commit to veganism with him for 7 days to jump start our healthy kick.  (I definitely pulled the "you know I'm pregnant and have no control over what this baby wants card"), but in all reality, I actually do have control and I can force myself to do anything for 7 days. 

First stop, farm stand.  Second stop, Trader Joes.  If you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, honestly, my heart kinda hurts for you.  If we ever move, whether or not a Trader Joe's is nearby will influence our decision.   

The first dinner I made was Red Thai Curry, something I make often, I just replaced the chicken  that I usually use with Tofu. 

This is a really easy recipe (assuming you have a Trader Joe's nearby and can buy their Thai Red Curry Sauce.  I'm sure you can find another brand if you don't have a TJ's though).  What I love about this recipe is that you don't need exact measurements, and you can toss in anything you want really...so please excuse my lack of exactness.  Serves about 4.

INGREDIENTS:

1 Package of firm tofu

Chopped veggies (I had peas, onions, celery and potatoes on hand)  Also great with broccoli, cauliflower, and mushrooms.  

1 handful of raisins

1 lime

1 jar of Trader Joes Thai Red Curry sauce (or other store brand).  

Directions:

Chop potatoes and boil until soften.  While potatoes are boiling, cube and fry tofu until browned on each side.  Add other veggies, cover pan, turn stove on medium heat and let sit for a few minutes.  

Drain potatoes, add to veggie/tofu mixture and stir.  Pour curry sauce over and stir.  Add raisins and 1/2 the juice of a lime.  (In my opinion, the raisins and lime juice are what makes this recipe super delicious...don't leave out!)  

Serve over hot rice and add lime wedge.  

 

If tofu freaks you out, you can use chicken or beef instead.  So day one went well...I'll keep you posted on the other 6 days.  Wish me luck!

Bloglovin', Buttons, and Icons

I've considered numerous times paying a blog designer to "fancify" my blog.  I really love beautiful blog designs; however, I'm cheap frugal and I've tried to learn how to update many items myself by researching online. You can see I updated my social media icons on the top right, now including an instagram icon!  Yay! The easiest DIY website I found for blog icons was here. 

I saw many of my fellow blog friends using bloglovin' so I checked it out and I really like how you can categorize and read blogs--the layout is a lot cleaner than many RSS feeds.  If you're not using it, I recommend you do, it's also a great way to come across great blogs (and have others come across yours!).

The other thing I've wanted to do is create a blog button...after a couple of hours of researching it and playing around with HTML code, I created one! 

I'd love to exchange buttons with you if you have one!  You can see I already uploaded some buttons from bloggers I follow who have them--you can see them on the right hand side of my blog.  If you'd like to know how to create a button, the easiest how to instructions I found were here. 

So, go follow me on bloglovin', take my button (you can find the code under the identical image on the right side of my blog, and send me yours!

Overnighter

We had planned a camping trip with some friends over the holiday weekend...unfortunately Andy and I had to cut it short because he was guest preaching at two different churches.  Andy went up with the boys on Thursday, and on Friday, Kelly, Carlee and I joined.  We arrived late at night, so I didn't get to see the gorgeousness of where we were staying until the next morning. 

I think this may have been one of my favorite campsites of all time--it was called Rock Island, just outside of Leavenworth.  It was a bummer we had to pack up and leave just a few hours after waking up, but it was still definitely worth it.  On the drive back to Tacoma, we stopped in Leavenworth to grab a little snack--this town's theme is based on the nutcracker, and everything is super quaint. 

It was a quick overnight camping trip, but so, so worth it!

25 Weeks

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I can't believe I have 15 weeks to go??!! (gulp) Moving is getting a lot more challenging these days...getting in and out of the car, out of bed, bending over...yeah, I feel like a cross between an elderly person and a walrus.  The leg cramps are starting up a bit, but overall, I'm still feel pretty great in comparison to the first 19 weeks. 

Parker Penny is a wiggly little bean.  I can now physically see my stomach being punched (or kicked).  She is about 1 1/2 lbs and 13.5 inches.  I'm eager to meet this little girl who has already stolen my heart.

Andy and I are going camping this weekend...I'm a little nervous about (1) sleeping comfortably and (2) having to pee every 10 minutes.  I can't be the first pregnant lady to go camping right?  (Un)fortunately we're only joining our friends for a single night because Andy is guest preaching at 2 churches this weekend, I think one night away for me shouldn't be too bad. 

Have a wonderful Memorial day weekend folks!

Maternity Thrifting

Today I'm linking up with my friend Mandy at Harper's Happenings with her High on Thrifting Thursday series!

Week after week my "normal" wardrobe has gotten more and more uncomfortable.  I'm expanding, and I needed to find a few basics to help accommodate. 

I did pretty decent at my local Value Village.  I got a pair of Motherhood Maternity cargo pants, two Gap Maternity t-shirts (that appear brand new), and and a Liz Lange Maternity tank for a mere $21.  That super cute Liz Lange maternity dress on the right I found at a local children/maternity consignment shop called Blooming Kids (For those of you in the Tacoma area).  Thrifting for maternity clothes is not as easy as regular thrifting; there are much few items out there, but I was totally encouraged by my finds this week and look forward to scouring more racks.  Plus, my good friend Kyah from Nashville just sent me a box of some of her old maternity clothes. Yay!  Find any good thrifted items lately?

Confession

This might come as a surprise, but I don't really like kids.  When Andy and I first moved to Tacoma, we would be super bummed out if we met a cool couple with young kids.  Andy is actually great with children, but me, I don't know what the heck to do with them.  Now that we have our own little nugget on the way, I look at kids differently; I'm constantly in observation mode and mentally taking notes.  What I've realized is that I don't mind babies so much, it's the toddler through early elementary school age that I watch with fear and trembling. 

This week Andy and I had lunch with two couples...both had 3 kids between the ages of 1 and 5.  (Thank God kid's don't pop out at the age of 3...scary).  The pre-pregnant me would have been super annoyed at the chaos and constant interruptions; the pregnant me has a lot more grace and respect for parents with young kids.  I guess parents eventually get used to eating their food cold because they've fed and/or chased their kids around, while they simultaneously clean up after and/or reprimand their children during meal times.  I was eating my dessert when both parents started taking their first bites of their meals. 

The amount of energy that children have is just beyond me--I now see the benefits of having children while you're young.  I'm going to be 34 when baby girl arrives...Lord help me.  Seriously, all you parents out there, I have mucho respect and admiration for what you do.  But no, I still won't babysit. 

Three Things

If any of you follow me on instagram, (follow me @ruthyanntaylor), you'll notice that my life pretty much revolves around three things.  My pregnancy, food, and my dog. 

 I rarely use my digital camera anymore.  What is your life revolved around currently?  Are you on instagram...leave your handle!

24 Weeks

I just got home from my 24 week appointment.  Apparently Parker is a big girl; she's measuring at 26 weeks.  (Or maybe I've just eaten too much ice cream over the past couple of weeks?).  I can't believe I'm at the 6 month mark!  I truly felt like the first trimester would never end, and the second trimester seems to be flying by (but I'm oh so thankful...it can keep on flying for that matter...I want to be done being pregnant!). 

Things have been super hectic at home.  Andy and I have been busy little bees preparing for this little lady's arrival.  The warm sunny days have put a spring in my step and I'm grateful every day that I'm no longer nauseous, that I'm still pretty mobile without too many aches and pains, and that I haven't gained 300 pounds...although, the way I'm eating ice cream....

Nursery Inspiration

I have an affinity for bright airy rooms with muted colors, and splashes of bold colors.  Pintrest is overflowing with inspiration...it's hard to choose how I want to set up my baby girls room, but time is running out and I have to make decisions soon.  Here's what has been inspiring me as of late:

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In reality I'm working with a really small space without much light...but a girl can dream right?

Lost Dog Found: How We Found Gus

For three days my world was focused on bringing my dog Augustus home.  He slipped out of my back gate last Wednesday (without his collar) and the three days that followed were full of heartbreak, tears, hope and encouragement.  After researching "how to find a lost dog," here's what we did to find ours. 

We made 100's of flyers and posted them in a 3 mile radius.  Initially, I just made black and white flyers with a hand written description of Gus.  I highly recommend creating color flyers with a full body picture of your pet.  Gus is multi-colored, his face is cream and white, but his body is gray.  People initially kept calling us about another dog roaming the streets--it wasn't Gus.  From my research, I also recommend creating at least 10 flyers that you put on neon poster board and post at major/busy intersections.  I spoke with the wonderful people of the Missing Pet Partnership who directed me on how to effectively flyer for your lost pet. 

After not finding him for two days I was at the end of my rope and actually decided to hire a K9 search and rescue team.  It was crazy, stupid expensive and I could only afford him for an hour after paying for their travel expenses, but the dogs did lead us to a part of town that we hadn't yet put flyers up.   Another thing the team told us to do was to pee in a spray bottle and spray urine around the house  so our dog could pick up our scent (loco right? ).  But Andy did. 

On Saturday we continued our search when I came across a woman taking down one of my signs.  I pulled up next to her and asked her if she had seen my dog.  She pointed down and there Gus was, with 3 other dogs she was walking.  I screamed and cried and jumped out of my car.  Here is the crazy part.  The woman who had him, happened to be the Vice-President of a dog rescue organization; her husband was the President.  They had Gus checked to see if he was microchipped; he was linked back to the original shelter who microchipped him--unfortunately I had not changed his information over to my name, so that's why we didn't get a call right away. 

We brought our baby home and I cannot begin to tell you the relief, joy and gratitude for everyone who helped in his search. From those who helped us on the ground, to the retweets and reposts on Twitter and Facebook, to the neighbors who said they'd keep an eye out for him, and of course to my Lord who gave me hope each morning.  I am eternally grateful.  I joyfully took down the 100's of flyers the next day.

Lesson learned.  If your pet is not microchipped, do it today.  If you rescued your dog like we did, make sure to get the pet's information transferred over to your name asap.  We are keeping an emergency stash of flyers  on hand (God forbid he ever gets loose again) just in case. 

Missing

(The first day we got Gus)

My sweet Augustus has been missing since Wednesday afternoon.  I'm heartsick and can't seem to do anything but stress and worry over this little guy.  For the sake of my pregnancy I'm trying to stay calm as I know stress isn't good for anyone.  We've spent the last days searching, posting flyers, tweeting and talking to people in the neighborhood.  For those of you who pray, can you pray Gus finds his way home today? 

Bathroom evolution

We haven't been in our house for an entire year yet, and our bathroom is now in its third coat of paint.  We updated the cabinets and the original yellowish paint color when we first moved in.

After moving in, I repainted it a sea foam greenish color and immediately hated it.  Not to mention we had some serious plumbing issues that needed to be addressed.

One thing I never updated that drove me crazy every day was this marbled green 80's looking counter top on the other side of the bathroom...you can't really tell how ugly it is from the pictures...but it was awful.  I was initially planning to tile it, but the left corner edge isn't a right angle and I didn't feel like going through the hassle, so I left it in all its ugly glory. 

Last weekend we finally started the re-painting project.  Here's Andy, slapping on a coat of primer.

There is a new beautiful light gray that now covers the walls.  It's "Twilight Gray" from Behr.  Now every room we've painted in our house is a different shade of gray, and I absolutely love how the shade turned out.  (If you look closely, you can see the super ugly counter top better in this pic).

I remembered I had a big roll of chalkboard contact paper left after this little project, and I love projects that cost me $0.  So I cut out the amount I needed and BAM!  A new counter top.

I remembered I had a silver tray I had thrifted awhile back, and put some little do-hickeys on it, along with a message to give it some flair.  (I think I'm going to spray paint the wicker baskets below as well to go better with the color of the room.)  But I just love how the walls turned out...my bathroom feels bigger and brighter and I'm liking being in my bathroom again. Plus, I get to leave love notes on the counter...howcoolisthat?

I still need to get some things on the walls, but overall...I'm stoked about my new bathroom!

You are my sunshine, my only sunshine

I can't even begin to explain what three sunny, warm days in a row does for my soul and spirit.  I'm a military brat and spent most of my life between Hawaii, Texas and San Diego; I get cold if it's below 75 degrees.  Adjusting to the Pacific Northwest weather has been hard over the past 2 years, and I was just about to lose it because of the cold, wet conditions.  

I went from months and months of forecasts on the left, to this wonderful surprise of a forecast on the right!  My mood was instantly lifted and the feeling of sun on my shoulders is something I savor.  The local farmers markets have started and I can just taste glimpses of summer (which I have to admit, are unbelievably glorious in Washington compared to anywhere else in the US).  Time to pull out the flip flops and sun screen.  Sunny days I'm coming for you!

The dog days are NOT over...

For the first time in a long time the PNW has a pretty outstanding weather forecast...SUN!!  (It still might only get into the 50's and 60's but the sun will be shining which means we all head outdoors.  We have a pretty awesome off leash dog park near by that Augustus just LOVES.  I think the first time I brought him there I understood what it must feel like to take your children to Disneyland for the first time.  I was so excited to see my dog running freely having the time of his life. (If  you're not a dog person I know this sounds looney tunes).  We try to make it there at least once a week and I seriously have so much fun watching him play.  All I know is if I take this many photos of my dog, Lord help this child that's soon to be arriving!

22 Weeks

This was a really great week in pregnancy.  I'm over my cold, over morning sickness, I have a normal  appetite and all I'm really dealing with is heartburn and typical aches that come with pregnancy.  Parker Penny has been kicking away--Andy finally felt her kick, it was awesome to share that little experience with him.  As I look at my growing belly I can't imagine it getting bigger, but clearly that will be the case.  It's still weird, yet awesome to see how your body transforms to grow a little one.

According to my baby bump app, Parker is a full pound now and about the size of a spaghetti squash (doesn't that seem huge?).  I'm getting excited (and still slightly overwhelmed) about setting up the nursery and putting the registry together.  There are SO many items out there....what were some of your favorite/must have registry items?

Discussions Lately

It's no surprise that Andy and I's conversations revolve around little Parker Penny's arrival.  We seriously considered renting out our house so we could rent a more suitable house for a baby; ie., one that isn't 3 stories and has more than one bathroom (for all the arriving guests).  After lots and lots of discussion, we decided to stay put.  What that means is there is now a huge checklist of things we need to update/upgrade on our current place.  The list seems a bit overwhelming, fortunately my job consists of updating the cosmetic things...like re-painting our bathroom.  When we first moved in I painted our bathroom a sea-foam green color...the color swatch was actually called "zen."  But my bathroom is anything but...I hate the color and I've been dying to re-paint it.

(It actually doesn't look terrible in the photos, but it does in person).

I bought some paint at Home Depot in a light grayish-blue color and I think I'm going to attempt to go for vertical stripes above the white panel...something like this, but not yellow.

(Found on Pinterest...but no link)

I might forgo the stripes depending on how lazy I feel...but I'm praying the new color is actually more "zen."  What did you update for the arrival of your kiddos?

Her Name

When thinking through baby names, Andy and I could only come up with girl names we liked.  Early on in the pregnancy Andy starting calling little nugget by the girl name we had picked out.  We were both getting attached to the name and I told him we needed to stop in case it was a boy.  Ironically the name we chose is a unisex name, and more popular for boys, but I only wanted the name for a little girl.  Her first name is my Dad's middle name, and her middle name was my mom's American nick name when she lived in Korea.  Needless to say, we were stoked to find out little nugget was a girl so we could keep calling her by the chosen name!  Ready?

Was it difficult to chose your children's names?  Are they named after anyone?