Wish me luck... I'm off to my new digs this morning!
Stumbled upon these amazing prints by Unraveled Design on Etsy. Very fun and whimsical - I hope you have a fabulous day.
1.12.2015
1.09.2015
5 on Friday | Favorite Gifties
Oops! Forgot to publish today.... maybe it's Five on Friday night. We were both truly spoiled this Christmas, but also came home with lots of practical gifts too... like a new blender, measuring spoons, running socks, makeup, a microplane grater and a drill. But, joining the gals for five on friday today, I thought it would be fun to share some of my fun Christmas gifts. However, it was hard to pick just five.
{one} Fitbit Flex. Getting my booty off the sofa and walking. I have been loving my fitbit and finally hit 10,000 steps a day, but it was much harder than I thought. Now I just need to find more friends with a fitbit to take advantage of the challenges.
{two} My Kate Spade Planner is already filling up with lots of exciting trips and events. Yay for 2015 planning. It's going to be a great year!
{four} Our Stemware. Registering for our wedding we looked at dozens of crystal - and after awhile, they all started looking the same. Then we came across this one, Richmond by Reed & Barton. The design reminded us of a pineapple top and the name was where we met - it was love at first sight! Now, we finally have a couple glasses to toast with!
{five}....and since the Baby Lyons got spoiled a little too, I thought I would share some of my favorites for the little cub.
Happy Friday. Today is my last day at O∆K, and while I'm going to miss some really wonderful co-workers, I'm so excited for my new adventure!
Cheers to the weekend!
{one} Fitbit Flex. Getting my booty off the sofa and walking. I have been loving my fitbit and finally hit 10,000 steps a day, but it was much harder than I thought. Now I just need to find more friends with a fitbit to take advantage of the challenges.
Thanks Mom and Pop!
{two} My Kate Spade Planner is already filling up with lots of exciting trips and events. Yay for 2015 planning. It's going to be a great year!
Thanks Lyons!
{three} My new yoga mat has already been put to use this week - and I was so happy to finally have my own squishy mat.... that even has it's own little carrying strap.
Thanks Mom and Pops!
Thanks Hubs!
The Virginia Alphabet
Thanks Aunt Karen!
Bloomers and Bow-tie {made from one of my BM dresses}
Thanks Auntie Meg!
Brown Bear {It's also a book}
Thanks Auntie Lyns!
Baby Lion Bath Wrap
Thanks Auntie Dot!
Cheers to the weekend!
1.08.2015
New Office Inspiration Decor
In t-minus four days I start my new J-O-B. So pumped! Excited to jump in and get started on some new ideas, new projects, and most importantly in a brand new office space. I think 2015 is going to be a really great year.
I packed up my old office last weekend and brought it all over to the new one... but when I starting unpacking, I thought - this doesn't feel right. I needed some new inspiration. Something fresh and exciting! Simple and classy. Clean and crisp. So I started searching for some inspiration and wanted to share my ideas on the blog today. A few of my favorites.
And even a little inspiration for the conference room....
via The Wood Grain Cottage
Do you have a favorite item that you love, or that makes life easier at our office?
Please do share!
I packed up my old office last weekend and brought it all over to the new one... but when I starting unpacking, I thought - this doesn't feel right. I needed some new inspiration. Something fresh and exciting! Simple and classy. Clean and crisp. So I started searching for some inspiration and wanted to share my ideas on the blog today. A few of my favorites.
And even a little inspiration for the conference room....
Do you have a favorite item that you love, or that makes life easier at our office?
Please do share!
1.07.2015
Baby Lyons | Week 17
How Far Along? 17 weeks
Size of Baby: An onion or a turnip (5 inches long, 5 oz)
Gender: It's going to be a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 6 pounds at my 15 week check-up. Sticking to the monthly weigh-in's for now. I've never really been much of a "step on the scale daily" kinda person, so it's easier for me. Don't get me wrong - come week 19, I'm going to be dying to know, but it's just easier not to worry myself silly over gaining too much. Overall, I feel pretty good and am staying active - which is most important.
Maternity Clothes: Loving my new maternity jeans from motherhood maternity and lots of leggings. Still able to wear my basic old navy and banana republic ones for now - think I may need to graduate to a preggo pair soon.
Nursery: We have our first piece of furniture in the nursery - my dresser {and my moms and nana's} from when I was a little girl - came back with us from the coast. It looks so cute in the soon-to-be nursery. On the long road trip I spent lots of time getting creative and trying to imagine what it's going to look like. For now our next steps are to just get everything cleared out... it's sorta a catch-all at the moment.
Movement: Still waiting on those flutters.
Symptoms: Well, week 17 started off with a terrible 24 hr stomach bug that was just down-right awful. I couldn't even keep water down. Not sure if I ate something bad or caught a small bug - but either way, I wouldn't wish it upon anyone. I was pitiful. I've really been watching what I eat ever since and trying to keep it simple. A lil round belly is really starting to show - and remind me often that it's growing. Everything just seems to be a little harder to do these days. Other random things, like lower back pain and under the rib cage pain showed up this week too!
Sleep: Sleeping on my side has been hard - my arms and shoulders have been falling asleep from laying on them and I am still trying to find a cozy spot that works. A few restless nights, but am thankful for a long weekend at home to catch up on sleep! Otherwise feeling pretty good during the day, as long as I have something to snack on.
Workouts: Ever since my lil stomach bug, I've haven't had enough energy to do much - but I did make it to yoga on Monday.
Cravings: White cheddar popcorn, Cheetos, peanut butter and bananas, Cheerios.
What I Miss: Maybe just a good nights' sleep.
Best Moment This Week: Unpacking some Christmas gifts for you in the nursery. You already have enough toys and stuffed animals to keep you busy for a little while. Also, seeing my old dresser in your room is pretty awesome.
Looking Forward To: Feeling you kick!
It's my last week at my job - J helped pack up my office and get most everything moved across town into my new one this past weekend. Still have a lot to do, but enjoying wrapping up lots of projects and looking forward to my new adventure ahead.
It's my last week at my job - J helped pack up my office and get most everything moved across town into my new one this past weekend. Still have a lot to do, but enjoying wrapping up lots of projects and looking forward to my new adventure ahead.
1.06.2015
Tasty Tuesday | Garden Baked Chicken
I'm back with Tasty Tuesday today to share a new dish we tried out on Saturday night. This Garden Baked Chicken, adapted from here was quite tasty! Just a few simple steps and you have a super flavorful and pretty healthy meal.
GARDEN BAKED CHICKEN
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
8 oz. fresh mushrooms, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, chopped
One package Zesty Italian Dressing mix (Good Seasons brand)
4 Roma tomatoes, chopped
1/2 cup chicken stock
8 oz. cream cheese, cubed
5 oz. fresh spinach
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon black pepper
8 oz. shredded mozzarella
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
Sauté onions and mushrooms in the butter and a drizzle of olive oil until tender. Remove from heat. Spoon the mushrooms and onions out and discard any juice.
Place chicken stock and cream cheese in a large bowl and microwave a minute or two to melt the cream cheese. Whisk the dressing mix, garlic powder, and black pepper into the cream cheese mixture until smooth. Stir in the tomatoes, mushrooms, onions, and spinach.
Place the chicken breasts into a casserole pan. Pour the cream cheese and veggie mixture over the chicken.
**next time I would use a large 9 x 13 baking dish.
The sauce is so darn tasty, and it makes enough to serve over pasta if you'd like. Enjoy!
1.05.2015
2014 | A year in Review
After a long holiday road trip down south, we made it home late on Friday night and spent the weekend unpacking, organizing, cleaning-out and relaxing. I finally had time to sit down and reflect a little on our adventures in 2014. We had an amazing year filled with lots of hard work, happy times, and memories that I know we'll remember forever. The blog sometimes took a back step to well, life, but it was still fun to keep up when I could.
In January we decided that a move was in our future. So we started prepping {and saving} for a big move in June. Work kept me super busy with our Centennial, but it was all worth it come June. We were even able to squeeze in a few small vacations or weekend trips to 30a in March, Charleston in May, Captiva and Charlotte in July, Nebraska and Mango in August, DC in September, the Gulf Coast in October and some great holiday fun in December.
In early October we received the best news yet - that in 2015, we get to welcome to the world a new little baby boy or girl. Since early October we have been beaming and everything we do seems to bring on a whole new meaning. Four of my bridesmaids welcomed babies in 2014 and it has been such a blessing to watch them grow and learn. I can't wait to experience all 2015 has to hold!
I thought it would also be fun to re-cap my Top 10 Posts of 2014
In January we decided that a move was in our future. So we started prepping {and saving} for a big move in June. Work kept me super busy with our Centennial, but it was all worth it come June. We were even able to squeeze in a few small vacations or weekend trips to 30a in March, Charleston in May, Captiva and Charlotte in July, Nebraska and Mango in August, DC in September, the Gulf Coast in October and some great holiday fun in December.
In early October we received the best news yet - that in 2015, we get to welcome to the world a new little baby boy or girl. Since early October we have been beaming and everything we do seems to bring on a whole new meaning. Four of my bridesmaids welcomed babies in 2014 and it has been such a blessing to watch them grow and learn. I can't wait to experience all 2015 has to hold!
I thought it would also be fun to re-cap my Top 10 Posts of 2014
three. The Centennial Ball
seven. Sword & Plough
Many thanks to all of you that following along, comment, like and share. I love hearing from readers and sharing a little slice of our sweet lil life in Virginia. Wishing you all the best in 2015!
1.03.2015
Baby Lyons | Weeks 13 - 16
I didn't have a photographer, but had to capture this cute lil belly shot. I think it's the snug dress and angle, but how presh?
How Far Along? 13 weeksSize of Baby: A peach (2.9 inches long)
Gender: It's going to be a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 1.5 pounds.
Maternity Clothes: Not yet, but the pants skirts, tops and dresses are getting snug.
Nursery: Was able to do some pinning for the lil cubs' room this week. Decorating will have to wait a few more weeks, but it doesn't hurt to start planning, right?
Movement: None yet, but I can tell the lil peach is twisting and turning around in there.
Symptoms: This was a hard week... I jumped straight from a week of thanksgiving and fun, to three really long work days that left me exhausted, literally. I canceled a work trip to stay home and sleep. Literally. After a few days on the sofa, I finally got a little energy back. I realized just how much work it is making a baby!
Sleep: Sleeping pretty good.... a few late nights made for sleepy mornings, but my long day of rest on Thursday made up for the lack of rest.
Workouts: Had my last yoga class and made it to the gym once. Also made it out for one long run. I miss my daily workouts and am really looking forward to {hopefully} getting some energy back soon.
Cravings: Just food in general. ha! My appetite has been amazing. I'm eating every two hours, literally.
What I Miss: Maybe eggnog? Eggnog without Bourbon just isn't the same... but then again, this is so much better. :)
Best Moment This Week: Getting to share with a few co-workers this week was really fun!
Looking Forward To: A big week ahead.... lots of Christmas parties, sharing our baby news and ending the week with a getaway to the Greenbrier with some good friends to celebrate birthday's, babies and an engagement!
Nursery: Piled with Christmas presents and boxes at the moment.
Movement: Haven't felt anything yet.
Symptoms: Stil have a pretty stuffy nose. Really tired. Otherwise, feeling pretty good.
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Getting up a few times to potty of course. Also not getting to bed as early as I wish, so really exhausted in the mornings.
Workouts: Almost non-exisitant. :( We had parties almost every night this week (which was so much fun), but I also couldn't muster up any energy to get out for a single run. I think we may have made to the gym for a walk on the treadmill one night. To be honest - a lil disappointed in myself, but trying to focus on that energy that is supposed to return any day now. :)
Cravings: Lots of fruit! One late night I suddenly got an urge for cheese {melted, or course} and crackers and had to have them right away. That was sorta funny.
What I Miss: More energy for workouts maybe? What I certainly don't miss... a full week of hangovers after holiday parties.
Best Moment This Week: Sharing our news with friends and family via our Christmas cards! It's been so much fun getting phone calls, shrieks, texts and emails. Makes me so happy that everyone finally knows. I also got to share some exciting news about a new job I just accepted, and since good things come in 3's. We also celebrated my 31st birthday! Such a happy and wonderful week. I just feel so blessed right now.
__________________________
Our "family portrait" at the Greenbrier.
...and the only picture I took solo. Sorry no bump pic this week.
How Far Along? 14 weeks
Size of Baby: A lemon (3.4 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Still going off my 12 week check-up at 1.5 pounds up, but I am certainly feeling the weight of the holidays.
Maternity Clothes: Broke down and did my first shopping this week for some essentials, including new workout tights. I figured a lil inspiration couldn't help get me motivated again.Nursery: Piled with Christmas presents and boxes at the moment.
Movement: Haven't felt anything yet.
Symptoms: Stil have a pretty stuffy nose. Really tired. Otherwise, feeling pretty good.
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Getting up a few times to potty of course. Also not getting to bed as early as I wish, so really exhausted in the mornings.
Workouts: Almost non-exisitant. :( We had parties almost every night this week (which was so much fun), but I also couldn't muster up any energy to get out for a single run. I think we may have made to the gym for a walk on the treadmill one night. To be honest - a lil disappointed in myself, but trying to focus on that energy that is supposed to return any day now. :)
Cravings: Lots of fruit! One late night I suddenly got an urge for cheese {melted, or course} and crackers and had to have them right away. That was sorta funny.
What I Miss: More energy for workouts maybe? What I certainly don't miss... a full week of hangovers after holiday parties.
Best Moment This Week: Sharing our news with friends and family via our Christmas cards! It's been so much fun getting phone calls, shrieks, texts and emails. Makes me so happy that everyone finally knows. I also got to share some exciting news about a new job I just accepted, and since good things come in 3's. We also celebrated my 31st birthday! Such a happy and wonderful week. I just feel so blessed right now.
Looking Forward To: Christmas!! Finally getting to wrap some presents and also... getting back to blogging!
How Far Along? 15 weeks
Size of Baby: An orange (4.2 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 4 pounds at my 15 week check-up. Up 6 pounds total.
Maternity Clothes: Still trying to stretch my clothes as long as possible, but the selection is getting limited. Loving leggings and tunics, but the supply is limited.
Nursery: Still our craft/office/christmas wrapping room. Once the holidays are over we thought we would get started on cleaning out and decorating.
Movement: Doc says I should be feeling something soon... looking forward to it!
Symptoms: Missing my energy and peppiness, but overall feeling ok. Still a lil queasy here and there, but overall just tired.
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Stuffy head in the mornings. Getting up a few times to potty of course.
Workouts: It's been nice to get back into the swing of working out. Made it to the gym a couple times and got in two nice long runs. Shooting for every other day for now. Hoping to have some more free time over the holidays to get out for walking and long runs!
Cravings: Still loving fruit, cheese and crackers, salads, french fries, pizza. More salty than sweets.
What I Miss: Nothing as of lately!
Best Moment This Week: Starting to pick out stuff for the lil babe! Traveling gave me lots of time in the car to get started on the registry. We decided to go with Baby List to keep it all in one place - so far, I really like it!
__________________________
Size of Baby: An orange (4.2 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise!
Weight Gain: Up 4 pounds at my 15 week check-up. Up 6 pounds total.
Maternity Clothes: Still trying to stretch my clothes as long as possible, but the selection is getting limited. Loving leggings and tunics, but the supply is limited.
Nursery: Still our craft/office/christmas wrapping room. Once the holidays are over we thought we would get started on cleaning out and decorating.
Movement: Doc says I should be feeling something soon... looking forward to it!
Symptoms: Missing my energy and peppiness, but overall feeling ok. Still a lil queasy here and there, but overall just tired.
Sleep: Sleeping ok. Stuffy head in the mornings. Getting up a few times to potty of course.
Workouts: It's been nice to get back into the swing of working out. Made it to the gym a couple times and got in two nice long runs. Shooting for every other day for now. Hoping to have some more free time over the holidays to get out for walking and long runs!
Cravings: Still loving fruit, cheese and crackers, salads, french fries, pizza. More salty than sweets.
What I Miss: Nothing as of lately!
Best Moment This Week: Starting to pick out stuff for the lil babe! Traveling gave me lots of time in the car to get started on the registry. We decided to go with Baby List to keep it all in one place - so far, I really like it!
Looking Forward To: Celebrating Christmas with both our families and lots of friends!
How Far Along? 16 weeks
Size of Baby: An avocado ( 4.6 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise.
Weight Gain: Going off my 15 week doc check-up: Up 6 pounds since my starting weight.
Maternity Clothes: Well, my jeans are officially on the shelf for now. They finally got to the point where they are just so un-comfy by themselves. Mom bought me a BellaBand and my first pair of maternity jeans. {They are pretty funny, but so cozy!}
Nursery: Starting to pin away and add nursery items to the registry! We pulled down my crib while at home and are going to do some research on using it. We also have my dresser from when I was a baby, and my mom was a baby, and my Nana was a baby that is coming back to VA with us. :)
Movement: Nothing yet, but getting excited to start feeling something soon.
Symptoms: Been really tired this week and very hungry. Headaches when I don't eat and weird pains in the tummy. Besides my growing belly, feeling pretty good.
Sleep: Sleeping great - up a few times to potty, but soaking up a solid 9 hours each night.
Workouts: Got in several great runs and walks each day this week. Feels great to be back up and moving! I can defiantly tell it wears me out more, but I can also tell that I am feeling better overall with being able to get workouts in. Being at the beach doesn't hurt... since it's flat and beautiful for long runs!
Cravings: Just real foods... enjoying all the snacks and holidays goodies. Cheese and crackers, pigs in a blanket, chez mix, sausage balls, you name it.
What I Miss: Eating extra healthy! Looking forward to getting back to a regular routine and lots of fruits and veggies.
Best Moment This Week: Visiting with all our families and friends. We have had the chance to visit and soak up lots of family time, which I have loved! Everyone is so excited about your arrival and can't wait until June to meet baby Lyons.
________________________
Check out that baby bump... I think that was after a big Christmas dinner, but I love it!
How Far Along? 16 weeks
Size of Baby: An avocado ( 4.6 inches long)
Gender: Keeping it a surprise.
Weight Gain: Going off my 15 week doc check-up: Up 6 pounds since my starting weight.
Maternity Clothes: Well, my jeans are officially on the shelf for now. They finally got to the point where they are just so un-comfy by themselves. Mom bought me a BellaBand and my first pair of maternity jeans. {They are pretty funny, but so cozy!}
Nursery: Starting to pin away and add nursery items to the registry! We pulled down my crib while at home and are going to do some research on using it. We also have my dresser from when I was a baby, and my mom was a baby, and my Nana was a baby that is coming back to VA with us. :)
Movement: Nothing yet, but getting excited to start feeling something soon.
Symptoms: Been really tired this week and very hungry. Headaches when I don't eat and weird pains in the tummy. Besides my growing belly, feeling pretty good.
Sleep: Sleeping great - up a few times to potty, but soaking up a solid 9 hours each night.
Workouts: Got in several great runs and walks each day this week. Feels great to be back up and moving! I can defiantly tell it wears me out more, but I can also tell that I am feeling better overall with being able to get workouts in. Being at the beach doesn't hurt... since it's flat and beautiful for long runs!
Cravings: Just real foods... enjoying all the snacks and holidays goodies. Cheese and crackers, pigs in a blanket, chez mix, sausage balls, you name it.
What I Miss: Eating extra healthy! Looking forward to getting back to a regular routine and lots of fruits and veggies.
Best Moment This Week: Visiting with all our families and friends. We have had the chance to visit and soak up lots of family time, which I have loved! Everyone is so excited about your arrival and can't wait until June to meet baby Lyons.
Looking Forward To: Getting to work on the Nursery when we get back to Virginia!
Happy to have reached the 17 week mark. Will try to keep the bump-dates coming weekly from now on, just wanted to get caught up for the lil cub. Cheers to enjoying the rest of our long break and safe travels home!
Happy to have reached the 17 week mark. Will try to keep the bump-dates coming weekly from now on, just wanted to get caught up for the lil cub. Cheers to enjoying the rest of our long break and safe travels home!
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