25 Goals for My 25th Year

1. Experience natural birth.

2. Stick to a budget.

3. Improve my photography skills.

4. Improve my business.

5. Start a veggie garden.

6. Travel somewhere new.

7. Get back into handstand shape.

8. Train for a new race.

9. Catch a fish.

10. Reread through my favorite Roald Dahl classics.

11. Take a calligraphy class.

12. Hike a new trail.

13. Brush up on basic Spanish.

14. Fix up our backyard.

15. Go camping.

16. Set a new 5K personal record.

17. Master breastfeeding.

18. Find a cocktail I like and learn how to make it.

19. Host a backyard barbecue/party.

20. Write lots of letters.

21. Paddle a canoe.

22. Find a new way to volunteer.

23. Write something down every day.

24. Minimize my wardrobe.

25. Continue learning new ways to relax.

It's going to be a happy year!

-J

White Chocolate Pumpkin Latte

I will be honest with you, friends--I don't like Starbucks pumpkin spice lattes.  I tried them a couple of times in college and didn't understand what the hype was about. Maybe it's because I prefer pumpkin pie flavored things to pumpkin spice--more pumpkin and less spice, please.  So this weekend I set out to whip up a fall latte I'd actually drink.  It turned out pretty yummy--the white chocolate definitely helped make it sweeter--but next time I think I'll use even less of the spices. But I'm sharing it as I made it because the whole pumpkin spice thing seems to do pretty well with the general public. :)

Ingredients:

-1 cup milk, divided in half

- 1/4 cup espresso

- 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

-1/4 tsp cinnamon

-1/4 tsp nutmeg

-1/4 tsp allspice

-1/2 tsp vanilla

-white chocolate chips/bark

-whipped cream, cinnamon sticks, etc. for garnish

Instructions:

Whisk together 1/2 cup milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice and vanilla on low in small saucepan.  Let simmer for five minutes while preparing your espresso. Stir in white chocolate chips and whisk until melted.  Whisk in 1/2 cup milk.  Add espresso and whisk until frothy, about one minute.  Pour into cup, add whipped cream and cinnamon stick, and enjoy! :)

-J

38 Weeks Bumpdate

We had a few "could this be the beginning of labor?" moments this week, but nothing serious and overall I'm happy to still be pregnant. I've been thinking a lot about this time being the last little bit where it's just my husband and me and it's making me feel like soaking it up rather than wishing it away. We're now less than a month from our first anniversary, and it's been the most beautiful, crazy year! I'm trying to take a step back now, before the babe comes, and remember to continue learning to love him while we're learning to take care of her.

38 WEEKS:

Baby Size: At our 37 week appointment last Monday our midwife estimated baby girl to be about 6.5 pounds already, so she should be around 7 now!

Weight Gain: 17 pounds.

Symptoms: More contractions and a LOT of intense sharp pinching pain up in my business this week.  Also, I made it to week 38 before I woke up with my first stretch marks.  Just a few on the bottom of my belly, which I assume happened now that babe has dropped and is pulling my tummy down. I'm not bothered by them, though, they're proof that I grew a human! I'm also in full-out nesting mode--cleaning and recleaning constantly.

Exercise: Still running 2-3 miles every morning plus weights, squats, yoga, dancing. I've added a mile onto my lunchtime walk and a couple miles onto our evening walks, so now I'm getting in about 10 to 11 miles a day total.  Trying to walk this baby down into position! Also no longer sitting in chairs or on the couch--bouncing on my yoga ball instead.

Cravings:  Mexican food.

Have the happiest week!

-J

Pumpkin Pancakes

Back with another pumpkin recipe! This one's perfect for your chilly Sunday morning breakfast or brunch.

Ingredients:

-Your favorite pancake batter--homemade or storebought

-3 tbsp pumpkin puree

-1 tsp cinnamon

-1/2 tsp cloves

-1/2 tsp allspice

-1 extra egg

-1/2 cup extra milk

Instructions:

Whip up your favorite pancake batter. Stir in pumpkin, then spices. If batter isn't runny enough, add egg and milk. Make your pancakes on the stovetop or griddle as normal, add syrup, whipped cream, white chocolate chips or whatever you like, and enjoy!

-J

Bryant & Charli Are Engaged!

Love love love these two :)

-J

Pumpkin Pie Rice Krispie Treats

I ate a lot of homemade rice krispie treats growing up--my mom made them for every birthday party, holiday, girl scout event, etc.  I decided to whip up a batch last week after a sudden pregnancy craving hit me, but I thought it'd be fun to try something new.  These are sweet, sticky, and have just the right amount of pumpkin pie flavor (and the color is pretty, too!).

Ingredients:

1/4 cup butter

4 cups marshmallows

4 cups rice krispie cereal

3 tbsp canned or fresh pumpkin puree

1/2 tsp cinnamon

1/2 tsp cloves

1/2 tsp allspice

Instructions:

Heat butter on low in large sauce pan until melted.  Add in marshmallows and stir occasionally, until combined into a buttery marshmallowy goo.  Stir in pumpkin until combined, then sprinkle in spices and stir.  Add cereal and stir until fully coated.

Pour into buttered 9 by 13 baking dish and even out any clumps with fork or spoon. Allow to cool for several hours before cutting. :)

Enjoy!

-J

Jake & Erin Are Married!

This wedding was a stunner all around--from the happiest bride, to the sweetest look on the groom's face when he saw her, to the perfect fall weather at the loveliest little venue. What a day!

Congratulations, Jake and Erin!

-J