Friday Favesies + Birthday Recap

I had a fabulous laid back birthday.  It was perfect.  I woke up to a hot cup of coffee and presents brought to me in bed, followed by a homemade pancake breakfast by the hubs.  In between work appointments I treated myself to a relaxing mani/pedi and Andy took me out to an amazing dinner.  My birthdays are usually spent with a bunch of friends over a BBQ, but I really wanted a day to myself.  Life has been so busy lately that I just wanted some time on my own to be reflective of the past year.  I have so much to be thankful for and my heart is just overflowing with gratitude and joy.  Thank you so much for all your birthday wishes!

I didn't get the chance to put together a list of faves...but I do have to share a blog that has me rolling laughing lately.  Seriously, this gal is flipping hilarious.  Check her out and tell her I sent ya!

Did you come across some amazing links this week, or have a fave post you'd like to share?  Link up!  Please just link back to me!

Thrifting Thursdays // Nursery Finds

Sometimes I go thrifting with specific items in my mind that I want; other times I just browse and find little gems that I know I can use sometime in the future.  On a recent trip to Value Village I spotted 3 items that would be perfect for Parker Penny's nursery.

If I have to choose a "theme" for her nursery, I would label it as vintage with muted colors of pink, blue, green, yellow and gray.  I couldn't believe I found this globe in these colors...seriously, when was the last time you saw a globe that wasn't blue?  And then this hand made blanket--LOVE.

I wouldn't say that this vintage alarm clock was a score in the price department, but I couldn't resist it's perfect pale pink color...so I scooped it up.  I wasn't on the hunt for these particular items, but they all screamed out to me when I saw them and I think they'll add fun little touches to baby girls nursery once it's complete!

Linking up to Harpers Happenings &  Hello Hue

34 > 33

***Free 30 day small ad, today only.  Promo code: DISCOVERY.  Click here***

33 has been a really phenomenal age; it was a year of constant change and challenges but has been so wonderful.  I'm guessing 34 is only going to get better with the biggest game changer of all; the arrival of little Parker Penny.  You guys, this is why having a blog is so awesome, because you can look back and reflect on all that has happened!  I have a horrible memory, so it was fun to walk down memory lane via old blog posts.  Here are my favorite highlights. 

One of the biggest things that happened this year was buying and remodeling our home.  Almost everything was thrifted or hand made and done by us.  It's still a work in progress but it's been so much fun to transform our little space.

Holidays, celebrations and quick trips.  So fun.

And the biggest most awesome part of year 33, was our additions to the family.  We welcomed Augustus; the sweetest, best pup ever, and hosted a Japanese foreign exchange student for a quarter.  And of course, we found out we were having a baby girl, and are so, so excited to welcome her into the world.  I can tell, 34 is going to be an amazing year.  

**And because it's my birthday, my gift to you is a 30 day FREE small ad on Discovery Street and half off medium and large ads.  Click here and use the promo code: DISCOVERY for your FREE small add, or the promo code: BIRTHDAY for half off medium and large ads!** 

Linking up with The Paper Mama and Jenni from the blog

30 Weeks

Top: Cabi // Cardigan: Cabi // Jeans: Motherhood Maternity

And the countdown begins!  This last trimester is going by so slow and so fast at the same time.  Andy and I are slowly whittling down our to-do list week by week, but there is still so much to complete before Parker Penny arrives. 

I had my 30 week check up today and baby girl is measuring perfectly.  She is about 15.7 inches and 2.75 pounds.  So she is only a very small portion of the 30 pounds I've put on.  Yep. 30.  I'm going to be OK with that.  (deep breaths). 

The not so good news is I have pregnancy induced anemia and I'm developing carpel tunnel.  Both which are fairly common, so I'm not freaked out by it...just adding iron pills to my pre-natals, fiber pills, and Tums.  

What's awesome?  Watching my belly dance--she's a squirmy lil thing.
What's not awesome?  Dropping anything. I had no idea how often I drop stuff...bending over is no bueno. 

At what stage did you take off your wedding ring?  I'm nervous about it getting stuck....any advice for the last 10 weeks? 

**Half off ads until June 27th.  Enter promo code: BIRTHDAY**

Birthday Week // Sponsor Discovery Street!

Guess what?  My birthday is on Wednesday, and because I know you're all wondering what you can get me...I made it easy for ya, I created a sponsorship page so you can sponsor Discovery Street--and you can do it for half off until June 27th, my actual birthday--just use the promo code BIRTHDAY at checkout!  That means you can get a large ad for only $10, medium ad for $6, and small for $2.50!

Questions?  Hit me up. discoverystreetblog@gmail.com
BTW...if you need help creating a button, let me know, I'm happy to help!

Friday Favesies Week 3

Do you find yourself reading the same blogs week to week?  I was on a mission to mix up my blog rotations and find some fresh new voices to follow; there are SO MANY great blogs out there!  I'm going to add my favorite blog of the week to my Friday Favesies series to introduce you to some lovely ladies I've come across.  Starting with Makaila of Distinctly M. I found her blog a couple of weeks ago, and the first post I read was this one; it had me in stitches, and I've been following her cute, spunky self ever since.  You should too.

Another fave?  This color combo, isn't it just delicious?  

I'm totally in love with pistachio, coral and muted pastels. 

{Image credits can be found here and here.  The last two images I could not find links}

As summer approaches and my belly, arms, thighs, and face continue to grow, I can't help but start to feel a little self conscious.  The timing of Amy's Summer of Self Love Series is perfect.  

My favorite instagram this week was this image:

A lot of you asked what app I used.  For the sparkly dots I used Filter Mania 2 and the specific filter is called "PartyLight."  For the text I used an app called Phonto.  Happy Instagraming! 

Have a favesies list?  Or just have a fave image or post your wrote this week?  Link up!

Thrifting Thursdays

I get uber excited when I find good things while thrifting.  In the last couple of weeks I was on the hunt for old picture frames, but found a few other goodies. 

 I love old apothecary jars...I think these will look great with single stemmed daisies, no?

I didn't really need a hanging plant basket, but I bet I could paint this and hang it in the nursery and stuff toys in it.

 I also didn't need new lamps....but I came across these beauties and couldn't resist.  

How cute are these owls?  Apparently they are old Avon jars that held perfume...I googled them and they sell for about $10 each on ebay, so I felt like I scored.  Now the challenge--doing something with my finds!  What have you scored thrifting lately?

Linking up with Mandy at Harpers Happenings. 

29 Weeks

Dress-Old Navy Maternity // Cardigan-Banana Republic

I waffle between really wanting this baby to be here now and "omg, I only have 11 more weeks to get 7.2 million things done!".  So far things are going pretty well in the third trimester.  There are the typical not so lovely things--still struggling with heartburn, and sleeping is getting a bit more difficult.  Some new issues are numbness and lack of strength in my hands; I'm having a hard time gripping anything.  Also, my face is getting fat. I already have a round face with chubby cheeks...so in 11 weeks I'm sure I'll look like a few bees attacked my noggin.  Also, spider veins--um, perfect timing for summer.  And, my wedding ring is getting tight--when should I take it off? 

As far as sweet lil Parker Penny goes, shes about 15.25 inches and 2.5 pounds.  It would make me feel better if she was around 7 pounds by now....that would explain my 9 pound weight gain in one month. But no...I think those extra pounds went to my face last month, (I blame a 2 men...you may know them, Ben and Jerry). I wasn't at all concerned about my weight until I heard how much I had gained...so this lady is going to try to back off the ice cream.  (I said TRY people...please don't get on my case if I instagram more ice cream). 

Linking up with The paper mama, Hello Hue &  Jenni from the blog.

Vegan Taco Salad

It's really pretty easy to transform regular meals into vegan meals.  Although I'm done with the 7 day vegan challenge, I'm still incorporating many of the recipes I made into my diet.  This vegan taco salad was so good I think I prefer it over regular taco salad--the quinoa and black beans are an excellent protein substitute and really filling.  I didn't miss the meat or cheese, and surprisingly, neither did Andy!

INGREDIENTS:
1 cup of quinoa
1 can of black beans
1 cup of frozen or fresh corn
2 cups vegetable broth
shredded lettuce
tortilla chips
2 avocados
1 lime

(For the Pico De Gallo)
3-4 tomatoes, chopped
1/4 onion, chopped
bunch of cilantro
clove of garlic or tbsp of prechopped garlic
splash of distilled white vinegar
small can of diced green chiles (optional)
salt to taste

Cook quinoa in 2 cups of vegetable broth.  You can find quinoa at most grocery stores now or any health food store.  (Make sure to rinse before use!).  Once finished cooking, add can of black beans and corn and mix. 

While the quinoa is cooking, prepare the pico de gallo and guacamole.

Mix the chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, garlic, chiles, vinegar and salt for the pico.  For guacamole, mash the avocados, toss in some cilantro and lime juice from a wedge.  Add garlic salt to taste. 

Layer tortilla chips, lettuce and quinoa mixture.

Then add the pico de gallo and guacamole.  

Ole'! 

Black Thumbs

I love beautifully landscaped lawns, flowers, and gardens; I however, know nothing about maintaining a yard or garden and have killed every plant ever given to me.  I used to want to live in Arizona so I could have a rock lawn and cactus.  Our house has a very small front and back yard and Andy has done most all of the maintenance.  I long for a garden with fresh vegetables and beautiful tulips, peonies and daisies, but have no desire to actually learn how to garden (especially being 7 months pregnant).  

 

We had a massive tree cut down awhile back and Andy has wanted to do a bit of landscaping ever since.  We finally took on the task this weekend. I got to weed.  I've never weeded in my life.  Weeding at 7 months pregnant sucks.

 

Turns out our back yard has a gazillion weeds (that's how little I know; I couldn't tell the difference between grass and weeds, Andy had to fill me in).  I weeded until my poor back couldn't take any more. 

This back corner which has just been a pile of dirt for months is what Andy wanted to pretty up.  We went to the nursery to pick out plants...unfortunately neither one of us know anything about shrubs and flowers and we ended up arguing over what to buy.  Instead, we came home with blueberry bushes to plant alongside a different area of the back yard.

(The blueberry bushes are not planted in this pic, we just placed them here to figure out spacing). 

  

Later that afternoon I went back to the nursery with measurements and a picture of the space and sat down with one of the gals who worked there.  I told her that I was a novice, knew nothing about plants, I wanted things that were super low maintenance, and would look pretty.  She picked out everything for me, I paid the nice lady and went home feeling pretty darn good about myself.  

I know it doesn't look like much, be we are immensely proud of ourselves!  I bought an evergreen, hydrangeas, and thyme. (She told me to plant bulps in the fall...ok lady, I don't know what bulbs are, but I'll come back in the fall and get some to plant).  I can't wait to see everything once it's grown and in bloom.  I'm totally inspired to learn more about gardening; there is really a satisfaction of planting something and watching it grow.   I'm just praying everything stays alive.   Oh, and my dog decided our blueberry bushes were the perfect thing in our back yard to pee on.  Lovely.  Do you garden?  Any tips for me?

Friday Favesies

There was so much good stuff in blogland this week; hope you find these links as useful/interesting/awesome as I did. 

• PLEASE READ THIS POST...if you're not dying laughing by the end of it, then we would never be friends in real life. 
• DOG LOVERS...you're gonna love this!!  No more worrying about travel and leaving your precious pup.  Seriously, I'm so glad I found this site.  
• Having a baby?  I came across this checklist and I'm totally doing everything on it before baby arrives. 
• Do you like to walk around naked at home? Do you walk around naked in front of your little ones?   This post got me thinking about the future and how I'm going to react as a mom-to-be regarding nakedness. 
• This post made me realize how boring my coffee table is.  Seriously, get to decorating.
•  Does your blog have a Facebook Fan Page...do you know if your fans are seeing your posts?  Here is something helpful to share with your fans. 

What were you favesies of the week?  Was it one of your own blog posts? Something you came across on the web?  Link up!  Please include a link back to me. 

<center><a href=”http://www.discoverystreet.blogspot.com/“> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkYwXjJGl0/T9FAIR690hI/AAAAAAAAHis/6QI8Mui5F5c/s1600/chevron_heart_C01306_195471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkYwXjJGl0/T9FAIR690hI/AAAAAAAAHis/6QI8Mui5F5c/s1600/chevron_heart_C01306_195471.jpg" /></a> <br /> </a></center>

Frame Happy // Thrifting Finds

I went on a little thrifting spree awhile back and found some awesome stuffs.  I've got lots of bare walls in my house that I've been meaning to decorate for awhile, but ya know, life gets in the way.  (So hopefully my finds won't sit in my garage for too long before I spiffy em up and use them!  Check it out.

9 frames for $21--these are from 3 different thrift stores, but it was worth the hunt! I think I might do something like this with them:

{Via}

{Via}

{Via}

The last photo has beautiful vintage colors that I'm hoping to use in my nursery...it would be a little more work to get the frames to look like that, but I think they would look so cute. Hmmm, decisions, nursery walls or living room walls?  Do you have an empty frame wall in your house?

Linking up with Harper's Happenings. 

28 Weeks // Hello 3rd Trimester!

Holy smokes time flies.  I can't believe it.  I went in for a check up and looks like Parker decided to slow down a bit.  She's measuring at 27 weeks (which kinda makes me happy because she was measuring extra large at my last check up).  I however, am not slowing down; I apparently put on 9 pounds in one month. Yikes.  Oh well...I'm still feeling pretty good, except for the heartburn.  It's getting progressively worse, and it's especially bad at night.  I think I might have to start figuring out how to sleep sitting up.

I had my glucose test at my appointment and had to drink this nasty stuff.  I don't understand why we can't just eat a candy bar or drink a coke.  blech.

The nurse said no news is good news, so hopefully I don't hear from them.  Other semi-exciting news is that we've purchased all the furniture pieces for the nursery.  I found a glider, a dresser/changing table and a wardrobe for $280 on craigslist.  Currently the nursery (which is also my office and closet) looks like a storage shed that blew up.

Guess what I'm doing this weekend?

Linking up with The Paper Mama, And Then She Snapped and Jenni from the Blog. 

Boobs and Brassieres, For Serious

Someone please clue me in.  I recently noticed that my bras are well, old.  The underwire is starting to poke out and the materials have bunched and aren't laying flat anymore.  I actually googled how often you should buy new bras and the answer was about every 6 months.  What the what?  Every 6 months?  The last time I bought a new bra was for my honeymoon which was over 2 years ago (and I've probably only worn them once or twice because they are so uncomfortable and not designed to be worn under tshirts).  Besides that, I've probably been wearing my 4 favorite bras for the past 3+ years. I was about to go and buy some new bras when I realized that I probably won't be wearing cute Victoria's Secret bra's again until I'm done nursing--or will I?  I don't know?! 

So in all seriousness, how long do you wear nursing bras?  Should I just toss my raggedy bras and replace them with a few nursing bras?  Do your boobs fluctuate greatly in size from pregnancy to post pregnancy?  Do I need to buy different sizes?  Can you wear nursing bras with regular outfits and a cute date night dress?  When will I wear a regular bra again?  Any recommendations on nursing bras and where to buy them?  Heellllppp.

What We Ate

Our 7 day vegan challenge is over.  Andy lost 5 pounds in one week (men, pfft), I of course am not trying to lose weight while being pregnant, just trying to eat healthier.  What we both learned in the process is that it's not that difficult--what it takes is planning (but doesn't any healthy eating regimen?).  Although we are not going strictly vegan, we both definitely felt like new people after only 7 days and are committing to making it more a part of our lifestyle. 

A lot of you have asked about what we've eaten....

1.  Start with basics...fresh fruit and veggies
2.  Replacing milk...we tried almond, rice and coconut milk.  To drink on its own I preferred rice milk, and to add to cereal or coffee I preferred almond milk.
3.  Hummus is your friend...it makes a great spread on anything and helps add creaminess that you miss from cheese.
4. Yeah, I definitely needed to replace my ice cream fix...fortunately there are  lot of options from soy, to coconut to sorbets.
5. Grilled Portobello sanwiches....recipe here. 
6. Ambrosia salad...seriously so delish...add shredded coconut to slice up fruit.
7. Spinach berry smoothie.  Who knew you wouldn't be able to taste the spinach?!
8. Snack...peanut butter toast with jam
9. Vegan taco salad...recipe coming soon!
10.  Sandwich or veggie burger toppings...guacamole is the bomb!
11.  Vegan red thai curry, recipe here. 
12. Quinoa...this stuff is amazing.  Google it.
13.  Berries and granola for breakfast
14. Grilled veggie wraps
15.  Veggie burger with yummy toppings
16.  Corn and red pepper soup with sliced avocado. (I found this prepared at Trader Joes...just heat and serve).

Linking up with the Winthrop Chronicles.

Friday Favesies

Every week I come across super duper cool posts, tutorials, videos, photos and random stuff that I save, pin on Pinterest, or store away in the back of my brain.  I thought, how selfish of me not to share the awesomeness I've come across with my fellow readers.  SO, I decided to start Friday Favesies, which is a collection of things I've found and loved on the interweb over the week and wanted to share, PLUS, it's a great way to introduce you to some awesome bloggers.  Feel free to link up any posts that have anything to do with things that you are lovin this week!  Lets spread the love!

So without further ado, here are my Friday Favesies of the week:

This is a video I found on IROCKSOWHAT'S blog. I've seriously worn my hair in this easy top knot 3-4 days a week since.

I read this intriguing article on A Cup of Jo that really made me think about how I'm going to feed my future kiddo.

I've been obsessed with terrariums lately.  Weird right?  That Mama Gretchen has a DIY tutorial to make one at home!

There is a custom blog design giveaway by 17th Avenue Design Studio happening right now at The Paper Mama.  I hope I win, but if I don't, their custom blog designs look absolutely beautiful...I think I'm going to ask my hubby for a blog makeover for my birthday! 

Have you seen this amazing and adorable video of these two sisters?  They have more videos on youtube...talk about talented!  

Link up!  Share anything of your favorites, whether it's a blog post you wrote, or blog posts others wrote, share the link.  Please use my button or link back to my blog. 



<center><a href=”http://www.discoverystreet.blogspot.com/“><img border=”0″ src=”<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkYwXjJGl0/T9FAIR690hI/AAAAAAAAHis/6QI8Mui5F5c/s1600/chevron_heart_C01306_195471.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NYkYwXjJGl0/T9FAIR690hI/AAAAAAAAHis/6QI8Mui5F5c/s1600/chevron_heart_C01306_195471.jpg" /></a></div> <br /> </a></center>

27 Weeks

I had another really good week, and I think my diet helped out a lot.  The only super annoying thing I'm dealing with now is constant heartburn...I've still had heartburn this week, but just a lot less.  So perhaps cutting out the meat and dairy helped with that? Who knows.

The belly keeps growing...my belly button is pretty much flush with the rest of my belly right now, and I find it hilarious.  I'm surprisingly OK with how my body is changing and growing (this was my biggest fear of pregnancy besides the actual labor).  We'll see how I feel in another 10 weeks.

All the projects left to finish in the nursery are overwhelming me now.  I've been scouring craigslist daily for a dresser  and a wardrobe but haven't come up with anything yet.  The loft doesn't have an actual closet, so I'm trying to figure out how I'll organize all this child's clothing.  Any good organizational tips?  I'm also debating a glider/rocker or just a regular chair--any recommendations moms?

Kind & Generous

I'm slowly building up my baby registry.  It's a time consuming/overwhelming task.  There is sooooooooo much I don't know, products I've never heard of or new existed, things people tell me I need and don't need, and of course conflicting reviews on almost everything.

One thing I don't need to put on the registry is baby clothes.  I've already collected a decent amount of new and used clothing from excited grandparents and friends.  This box arrived in the mail last week from one of my bff's,  Kyah,  in Nashville--she was so excited to find out I was having a girl so she could send me a ton of her baby girls outgrown things.  

I could not believe the amount of stuff she fit in this box!

This picture isn't even all of it.  There was also a good amount of maternity clothing, and non clothes items.  I've also received baby/maternity items from my friends Lindsy, Rachelle, and Kaela. And then out of the blue, the woman who found Augustus when he went missing called me to let me know that she wanted me to have her crib and other baby items that had been sitting in her basement for a bit. (acribareyouforrealz?)  And it's a beautiful crib (pics to come). 

Thank you friends for your generosity in forms of stuff, encouragement, advice, future babysitting offers, support and prayers.  I'm one lucky mama to be.

Linking up with Hello Hue,  The Paper Mama & And Then She Snapped

DIY iphone Case

My plain pink iphone case was starting to get boring.  It's functional however, and there is no reason for me to spend money on a prettier case.  So I decided to spruce mine up with spray paint and painters tape.

You can see where the paint seeped through a bit...so make sure your edges of tape are sealed tightly.  But overall I'm thrilled with the new look and because I had the materials on hand the upgrade cost me $0.  My fave price.

Linking up to The Winthrop Chronicles.