Five On Friday

Hi Friends!

I'm finally back in action. The last week or so has been pretty crazy, but I'm glad to be back on the blog again! Here are my Friday Fives...

ONE

Halloween Costume Contest

I'm not a huge Halloween lover, mostly because all the costume ideas overwhelm me. But this year, I got a great idea for the perfect 'preggo' costume.  Our office was having a contest, and the winner got 4 hours of incentive leave (read: 4 more hours of maternity leave) so I was determined to win. Here is a picture of the finished product and my first place certificate!

(Side Note: I shamelessly plugged myself by wearing a sign that read: "Vote for me and the little meatball, Mama needs more time off!")

TWO

Saying Goodbye to my Grandmother

Last Wednesday my grandmother passed away, which is what's thrown everything off kilter as of late.  I made an impromptu trip back to South Carolina on Saturday to say goodbye.  It was bitter sweet, saying goodbye is never easy, but we all had some great memories to share.  I got to see a lot of family that I haven't seen in years, which was really great!

THREE

Trip to the Mountains

While I was home my mom, dad, and I took a drive to the mountains to see the fall colors.  We drove up to Hendersonville, NC where we had lunch and did some shopping.  Later we drove up to the Blue Ridge Parkway, and enjoyed the scenery. We haven't been to the mountains together in an age, and it was so nice to see all the beautiful colors - a nice change from falls in South Florida! (More pictures to come)

We even brought our 12 year old Golden Retriever, Trigger. He loved getting out of the house for the day!

FOUR

Pregnancy Gifts from Co-Workers

I learned that when I eat Reese's, my baby boy flips out. (Literally). I shared this story with a co-worker, and these showed up on my desk. (Yes, they are now gone.)

FIVE

Fund Your Park Initiative

I entered my County Parks and Recreation Department in a crowd funding initiative via NRPA (the National Recreation and Park Association) to help us fund one of our park projects! What does this mean? If chosen, we will be setting up a crowd funding webpage embedded in the NRPA website to help us raise money for our project.

Our project is to restore the historical Pineapple Packing House located in DuBois Park in Jupiter, FL.  If you're familiar with the area, you've see this little run down 'shack' and have probably wondered what it was. It was historically an outbuilding used to house harvested Pineapples.  The DuBois family lived in this little structure while building was now stands as the DuBois Pioneer home. The Pineapple Packing House is one of the oldest wooden structures in Palm Beach County, and we are doing our best to preserve it for generations to come!

Stay Tuned for more information! (And keep your fingers crossed we are chosen!) To learn more about DuBois Park, click here.

That's all for this week...what are your five?

xoxo

M

I'll be back!

I know it's been while since my last post...a recent death in my family sent me back to South Carolina for a last minute trip and thus my blogging was pushed to the back burner. I will be back with a vengeance next week, as now that I'm back at home I need to dig myself out from piles of mail and emails....and I need to finish my Halloween Costume! I'll be posting pictures and tutorials on how I made my clever 'preggo' costume! Stay tuned, until then...

Wednesday Workout Reviews - Pregnancy Edition

I really do not enjoy working out, but I really do enjoy being in shape. That's the dilemma we all face, right? If you remember a few weeks ago, I posted about doing a Tracy Anderson webisode and then last week's Five on Friday I mentioned another Tracy Anderson workout. Clearly, I'm on a kick right now. I'm right around four months pregnant, and have had a really tough time making myself get to the gym as of late (FYI - they lie, the second trimester is not better). I bought two pregnancy workout videos and I'll be giving you my honest thoughts, reviews, and reactions - I hope it can be some help to all the other exhausted mommies to be out there.

*Disclaimer: Before starting ANY workout routine, consult your doctor. Mine gave me a range for my heart rate, as a guide as to how hard my workouts should be. Don't ever push yourself too hard!*

To start off - Tracy breaks down this workout into 9 separate DVDs - one for each month of your pregnancy. I really appreciate that she broke it down this way, because it makes me feel more comfortable about each of the exercise routines.  I feel like the things that you're doing during month one will be very different from month nine - and doing the same routine the entire time might either be too easy or too hard. It is really important to me to keep what muscle tone I can, and maintain my cardio strength as much as possible.

The Workout Routine

When you dive into your DVD, you'll quickly find the movements appear to be simple. The key word here is appear. I am not a dancer. I never have been, I will never be one. Tracy is. The movements are actually complicated, and require some real precision - so this might be a DVD you have to do a few times before you really feel confident in them. I would not think that some of the movements would do much in the way of toning - but somehow after a few reps, my arms were on fire. So clearly, it works. Tracy uses a muscle exhaustion technique, so she works the small ancillary muscle groups as well as the large groups, and she works them until you want to die. This apparently works.  

Equipment

This workout requires minimal equipment - which makes it ideal for the living room. You will need decent space, as you will find yourself on all fours for a significant majority of the time kicking out in every direction. You will only need small 3 lb weights, a mat, a chair, and a towel (like a hand towel). That's it. I really liked that this didn't require one of those large balls that OBs like to recommend you use to avoid compressing your Vena Cava. (Who has a place in their house to store those things???)

Special Features

The DVD I did on Monday had special features from Tracy's clients. I didn't think at first that I would care about this but I actually really enjoyed listening to these women talk about their pregnancies. Its interesting to me how different the experience is for each person and how this whole process plays out. I'm intrigued to go back and watch all of the other special features on the first three DVDs...

The Day After

Maybe this is weird, but I usually judge a workout by the way I feel after it. After I finished this workout, I made some dinner. My legs and my rear shook the entire time. Not even kidding. The next day when I woke up, my rear was still a little shaky (Standing in certain positions)...almost 24 hours later, my rear just hurts. And my legs. And my shoulders. This total body workout has worked muscles that I didn't even know I had. I was pretty sure this would happen as I had a hard time even making it to 10  of some of the exercises (out of the 20 reps) and there was one I only could do 5 of. 

Conclusion

I work out a lot, and typically do pretty extensive workouts - so for me this workout didn't put my heart rate into the danger zone. However, I would still say that it was rather challenging.(Perhaps if I had started it at 1 month, and not month 4, I would have felt more comfortable with the moves and I wouldn't be as sore.)  If you are the occasional athlete, or the once a week aerobics gal -- this might not be for you.  If you are not a workout fiend, I would not recommend this at all. If you are not pregnant, I would still recommend this workout. In fact, I'd say save the money, don't buy metamorphosis series, and just get this workout - I think you'd get similar results. Over all, I think this is a great workout, and it's one you can feel safe doing as mommy-to-be. Tracy is about 5-6 months pregnant in the video, which also makes me feel better about doing the moves. For $30, this is a great buy, and I'd definitely recommend it. 

Obama Votes early, Doesn't Touch Man's Girlfriend #NewsdayTuesday

President Obama traveled back to Chicago this week to cast his early vote, and it proved to be quite an entertaining exercise -- for us at least.  While in the middle of voting, a young man, "Mike" walked past and told the President 'not to touch his girlfriend'.  What ever would possess a man to joke like this with the leader of the free world is beyond me, but lucky for him, it worked in his favor.  The President joked back, saying 'he wasn't planning on it' and continued the banter with the young woman beside him while they voted.  I suppose there was an uptight Type A Voting Precinct Clerk that was dying inside at the sight of three people talking while voting...You know the type. Enjoy this little clip for Newsday Tuesday!

Five On Friday

Hi Friends! Today I am linking up with April, Darci, Christina, and Natasha to bring you Five on Friday! 

ONE

Texts From Your Ex Instagram

Looking for a place to post those absurd texts from your ex? Just looking for some entertainment? Then Texts from Your Ex is the IG profile you need to follow.  I stumbled across this on the trending photos on Instagram, and instantly became hooked.  Within 24 hours, I saw Glamour had picked up on it as well - so I though I'd share with you! To follow along check out this profile!

TWO
The Pregnancy Project: Tracy Anderson

Tracy's back on the blog again this Friday! One of the most important things to me is that during my pregnancy I'm able to stay active. I have had a hard time continuing my previous workout (Kayla Itsines Bikini Body Workout) as I just haven't had the energy to do the HIIT workouts.  While perusing amazon for some other baby related products, I came across Tracy Anderson's The Pregnancy Project. It was only $30, which for Tracy's workout, is super cheap. The package came with 9 DVDs, one for each month of your pregnancy. It finally arrived yesterday, and I can't wait to crack it open!

THREE
Liz and Roo Baby Bedding

This past weekend I attended a Baby Shower Expo in West Palm with my mother-in-law.  Out of all the 'giveaways' and raffles, I was THRILLED to find out that I had won a 4 piece bedding set from Liza and Roo Fine Baby Bedding! So, now comes the hard part...narrowing down which set to pick out for Baby!

One of the giveaways (that everyone got) was a small pillow case with this elephant design on it - so I'm thinking I'd like to pick out some bedding that would coordinate with this pillowcase (since I already have it).

Stay tuned for another blog post about this...this is a huge. huge. decision. 

FOUR
Project Runway - The road to FASHION WEEK! 

I have never been SO excited for Thursday to come. I love Project Runway. It's an obsession. Perhaps I missed my calling (not really because I'm not quite creative enough) but I adore this show. Its getting so close to fashion week, and I can't wait to see what everyone has to show!! #teamamanda #butilovekiniandseantoo

FIVE
Weekend Plans: Gone Girl, Double Date, and a little Junior League action!

This weekend, I've got another great weekend planned.  The hubster and I are going to kick off Friday night by going to see Gone Girl and then finishing the night at one of my favorite Japanese restaurants.  On Saturday night, we're going on a double date to Kitchen - a restaurant opened by Tiger Woods' former personal chef (cannot wait to try it!). And finally, I'll be rounding out the weekend by volunteering with my Junior League at a fall festival!

Newsday...Thursday?

Sorry Kids, I saw this video and I just had to. So its Thursday, and I'm posting news. So what.  I'm a dyed-in-the-wool Romney FAN. I mean, really, a HUGE fan. And its not just because I was photographed with him by the AP (and consequently in national newspapers...if only I'd gotten one on MY camera like I did with McCain) I loved the Romney that ran Massachusetts. I loved the Romney that was pre-2012 campaign. I think the Republican party tried to make him something he wasn't, and made him run away from his successes in healthcare. He was known for being personally conservative, but being able to set aside his personal beliefs to govern the way the populace wanted. I've never seen Obama do this. Obama governs the way that he thinks is best for the country. He doesn't care about polls, or all constituencies. He doesn't build relationships with his party, let alone the other party - which is why he will never be remembered or beloved the way that other presidents like Bill Clinton are.

Bottom line. I saw this video from MSNBC's Morning Joe and I just DIED. It's totally correct, we shouldn't be voting for 'Mr. Personality', we should be voting for 'Mr. Get The Job Done'. (Or Ms. Get The Job Done)...

Lily Aldridge's Fall Refresh On Gilt.com

Teaming up with Lily Aldridge, Gilt.com is bringing us a sale with her hand picked fall favorites.   In an interview with Glamour, Lily tells us what she thinks are THE essential pieces this fall: leather pants (stretchy of course), classic jeans, OTK (over the knee) boots, and a fitted blazer. To shop these looks, you'll need a Gilt account (to join, click here)! The sale debuted yesterday, so you'll have to be quick to get in on the action before it ends! Here are my favorite pieces from her sale..what are yours?

Five on Friday - Big News!

Hi Friends! Today I am linking up with April, Darci, Christina, and Natasha to bring you Five on Friday!  I've got big news today in my five AND some big news about a giveaway! Join in with us, and be entered to win some AMAZING prizes (see the bottom of the post)! Good Luck :)

ONE: Regenerating my Monster Basil Plant

I don't if any of you remember my basil 'tree' that grew this past spring (if not check it out here) but after a few months, it went to bloom, and began to die. However, I tried a little something different this year. I cut all of tops of the branches (where the blooms were) and placed them all in another large pot. I literally tossed them in the pot all haphazardly, and with no real regard for them. After about a month or so, I had some small plants sprouting, and now, it appears as though I will soon have another bumper crop. So there you have it kids, basil is literally fool proof. Black thumbs and all, you can grow it.

You can clearly see how I just dropped the old blooms from the other plant into this pot, and left them. Now they are decomposing, and helping the plants to grow!

TWO: Tracy Anderson's 'Butt and Thighs' Webisode

I am a believer of the Tracy Anderson method...albeit, I refuse to pay for her series of workout DVDs, Metamorphosis.  Instead, I opt for her free webisodes that can be found on YouTube. As of late, I've been too busy to hit the gym, so I've opted for easy at home workouts (I use the word 'easy' lightly here).  This video will have you completely sore for 3 days, but it really does work you out in only 15 minutes. It engages your core, your abs, your rear, and your thighs. You may curse Tracy while you're doing it, but you can thank her later.

And Baby Makes Three!

That's right, we are finally joining the club and adding a little bundle of joy to our home! Baby #1 is due in April, and it's a boy! We're so thrilled, and looking forward to what's ahead!

Proof that I really am that pregnant girl. The hubster and I went out for Sunday Funday last week. He ordered a beer, I ordered nachos and fried pickles.

FOUR: Malala Yousafzai wins the Nobel Peace Prize at 17 years old

“We realize the importance of our voices only when we are silenced.” 

-Malala Yousafzai

For those of you who do not know who Malala Yousafzai is, check out my posts from May and June (I touch on her story briefly, to learn more I suggest reading her book!). To summarize, Malala is known internationally because she and her father stood up to the Taliban to fight for the rights of young Pakistani girls to attend school. As a result, Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban - and miraculously survived.  Since then, she has become an acolyte to the world in the crusade to end domestic violence and the oppression of women. In her book, I am Malala, Malala tells a story of pre-Taliban Pakistan, and how the oppressive fundamentalist group eased its way across the border of Afghanistan and into her homeland. As the youngest recipient of a Nobel Peace Prize, she will continue her fight for young women around the world. Congratulations, Malala!!

To read more, check out this article.

FIVE: Weekend Plans!

This weekend my in-laws are flying into Palm Beach to visit us! We are so excited to have visitors, and to see family! We are so far from home, and don't get to go home often, so it's nice change! Two things I am VERY excited about (says the pregnant girl) are the restaurants we will be frequenting. These are two of the very best places to eat in town (take note, if you ever visit on vacay!)

Cafe Boulud - 

Owned by Daniel Boulud, a nationally reknowned chef that has restaurants in NYC, Boston and Palm Beach.  This restaurant is mostly French cuisine, but they occasionally mix in some international flair! I particularly love the hotel its connected to, The Brazilian Court Hotel, and its gorgeous dining patio.

La Sirena

La Sirena is perhaps the most authentic Italian food you can find in South Florida. A hole in the wall kind of place, it's cozy and quaint, and yet very high end.  The owners are a family of Italians that have owned the institution for generations.  Each summer the family travels back to Italy, leaving us craving their delicious dishes for months on end.  After re-opening in September, it's a mad dash to get a reservation.

That's all for me this week, have a happy weekend!!

XO

M

Enter to win all of these great items with today's Five on Friday! Simple add your link to any of the linked blogs above!

Thoughts for Thursday - My new favorite blog!

My good friend Kerry texted me last night about a blog that she has recently become obsessed with. I immediately checked it out, and must admit, I immediately became hooked! This blog, America's Table, is written by President Bush's former Social Secretary.  Now, don't be fooled by this part - it's not a political blog. In fact, it seems to be just the opposite.  Lea Berman describes her blog as one that celebrates 'the pleasures of entertaining with a dash of White House tradition thrown in'.  So if you're like me, and love to cook and entertain, hop on over and check this blog out.

I'd have to say that so far, one of my favorite posts can be found under "Tales of the White House".  She tells a story of a conniving man begging President Johnson's Social Secretary, Bess Abell, to allow he and his wife to join a state house dinner.  His tactics were comical at best, and however quite duplicitous. Check it out, to get the full story! Mixed in with this story is the recipe for this zucchini soup, that I am dying to try.

And oh, by the way, I know for many of you summer is over...but down here my tomatoes are still only $0.49 a lb. So I think I might try to make this little number as well.

You can find the recipe, here.

Happy Reading!

Linking up with:

If We Couldn't Laugh at Politics, We'd All Go Insane...

Hello Friends!

Happy Newsday Tuesday! Today's news is another "If We Couldn't Laugh at Politics" post.  Today, I'm bringing you this video from the Politico Playbook.  This montage of awful, horrible, but absolutely hysterical political ads made my Tuesday morning, and hopefully it makes yours too. :)

2014's Most Viral Ads

I'm ashamed to say the "Say Yes To The Dress" Spoof ad is for my own state's governor, Rick Scott. But I'd have to say my favorite is Ernst's "Hog Castrating" video...you really can't make this stuff up.

2014's Most Bizarre Ads

Morning Joe (also feeling a little silly today) did an interview with Politico's Mike Allen regarding these videos. However, prior to the interview, decided that this viral video of Kangaroos fighting in an Austrailian neighborhood would add to the segment. These Kangaroos are hilarious, and I could watch them all day.

A quick shout out to my favorite little 'fox' Barley, on his 9th Birthday today!

Making way for baby: Nursery decor (and I need your help!)

You may recall about a month ago that I won a 4 piece bumperless baby bedding set (say that 5 times fast!)  from Liz and Roo Fine Baby Bedding. While I SO excited to pick out my bedding set, I must admit that I am totally overwhelmed by all the adorable options! This is where you come in. I have managed to narrow down my favorite fabric, and now I just need to determine which ones will use for the rail cover, crib skirt, and crib blanket. I know that I will not use the crib blanket in the very beginning, so I am leaning towards using on of the more 'coordinating' patterns for the blanket.

Here are the swatches I love the most:

(L to R) easton geometric print, houndstooth, and suzani

The easton print does have the seafoam/blue color on it, and its on the very edge of this swatch (which I'm trying to show here...)

Here are a few stock photos so you can see how Liz and Roo have styled these patterns.

monogrammed houndstooth pillow on top of the suzani blanket

Crib skirt in houndstooth

rail cover in suzani, blanket in suzani, and skirt in houndstooth

blanket in suzani

rail cover and skirt in houndstooth, and blanket in suzani

Easton print blanket 

A few thoughts about each of these...

Although it does not really appear to match - all three fabrics have the same blue/green in them. (Some lighting makes the suzani look really blue). I don't think I want my rail cover and blanket to match. While in Greenville a few weeks ago I put together the fabrics in one ensemble that I'm not sure I love any more, but here it is:

Excuse how messy it looks, we were using a blanket as a skirt and a skirt as a 'blanket' in our staging...

I feel like the suzani print is what ties the 3 prints together the most, which makes me think if the blanket were not with the set, it might look awkward. This led me to making the rail cover in the suzani instead of the blanket, the houndstooth as the skirt, and the easton as the blanket. What do you think? I'm open to suggestions!!

XO,
M

Five on Friday is BACK!

    

ONE      

Winning a 3 pack of Palmetto Cheese

Last week, my husband saw a post by Palmetto Cheese, asking its fans which type of Palmetto Cheese they would like to use to make biscuits (how very southern).  My witty husband replied with the below:

It came in a small Styrofoam cooler..

Complete with "Soul Spreader"

And now we are the proud owners of 3 jalepeno Palmetto Cheese tubs.  Complete with a branded spreader.  Thanks Palmetto Cheese!

TWO  
Tony Bennett & Lady Gaga’s Duets Album went to #1

I’m not a Lady Gaga fan.  But after hearing her new album with Tony Bennett, I changed my mind. In fact, I share Tony Bennett’s sentiments when he said, “Wow, I didn’t know she could sing so well”.

Here's a little sample... (The Lady is a Tramp is my fave)

And one more...

THREE
George Clooney in 2016

As if his recent marriage wasn't enough for headlines, now there are rumors swirling around Clooney's prospects for a 2016 run. Now, I don't really believe he is a viable option, but boy is this fun to talk about!

Time Magazine posted an article 2 days ago saying that Clooney's recent marriage to a Human Rights Lawyer DOUBLED his odds of running for president (no idea where they get his from). There have been some hints dropped by those close to Clooney that he might have political aspirations, and his involvement in politics has significantly increased in recent years.

“George Clooney is not just one of the most recognisable faces in the USA, but in the world, and if he did decide to run for President he ticks a lot of boxes,” William Hill spokesman Rupert Adams said.

Now, despite the fact that George's odds of running (now at 100/1) are much higher, he would still have to win....and Hill has those odds at 500/1.  2016 is bound to be an interesting year.

FOUR
Barbie has an Instagram

Looking for some new IG entertainment? Check out Barbie, she has a better closet than all of us put together, and is jetsetting across the world.

FIVE
Whistle - Dog GPS & Activity Tracker

Ever wonder what your favorite furry friend is doing at home? Or better yet, where the heck they wander off to? Bravo's Andy Cohen posted on IG this week that his dog Wacha (therealwacha) was now wearing a new product called "Whistle". This device affixes to your dog's collar, and interacts with an app on your phone to let you know how often your dog plays, sleeps and gets general exercise.  My favorite feature is the GPS function, that shows you where your little rascal has escaped to (Spoken like a true Shiba owner). It's a little pricey at $125, but for $5 a month you can get hte GPS tracking...which if you have an escape artist, could be worth it. Check it out!

My new style icon: Mrs. Clooney

It is a sad day when George Clooney goes off the market. (Yes, I realize I am already married.) I will say, however, out of all of the many (many) Clooney ladies, Amal Alamuddin has GOT to be my favorite. She's brilliant and accomplished - which are the main qualities that separate her significantly from the rest of the pretty faces of George's yesteryear.

Amal, largely unknown to the public until recently, has quickly taken the stage on the style scene as well.  I love her cool and sophisticated look - she's like Jennifer Anniston &  Kate Middleton all wrapped up into one. Chic and sophisticated one minute, and cool and casual the next.

Here are some of my favorite Amal looks...

Her dress fitting

The finished look

I never thought it was possible for George to look like a goober...next to her, he kinda does. 

Man, she can rock a hat and jumpsuit.

Casual at the airport. I love a pair of ripped jeans.

Rocking her inner Jackie. Do you SEE those SHOES?! It's like my childhood dream shoe. Pink, and purple.

Classic.

Much to some of my friends' chagrin, I'm a fan of the mullet dress. I also love floral and lace. It's as if my three favorite things got married and had a baby. #needit

Today I'm linking up with:

 White Coat Wardrobe and Perfectly Coutured for Three-fer Thursday

AND

East Coast Chic & Home of Malones for Thoughts for Thursday!