To try sometime....

I want to bake these sometime....soon too....

Bagels

( I have the cream cheese already....)

Soft Pretzels

(And I have parmesan cheese....)

English Muffins

(Now all I need is the time)

Week 18...

I had the first ultrasound last week. That was nice, but not as cool as hearing the heartbeat the first time. :) The kiddo is still pretty relaxed in there, and I haven't felt alot of movement yet.

Things from this week....

• Rice Bags are wonderful for head colds
• Colds are not so fun to have at this time of year
• Mint Ice Cream is certainly delicious
• Sun sensitivity is in high gear
• Part time hours are wonderful
• That keeping active is definitely something I almost have to "schedule"
• That resting is also something I have to practice (as in, not writing, reading, but actually sleeping)
• That there really is something to this "emotional hormone" thing, though I'm still skeptical
• I realize that in order to use this season and enjoy it to it's full extent, I really need to be purposeful! And that's harder done than said.
• That I have a new "to-read" book list
• That it's nice to have vaccuumed floors and a clean table :)

And for some reason, the description of "How big is baby" for this week just struck me as funny: "Your baby's ears are now sticking out from the head."

hahaha :) Sure paints a funny picture doesn't it? (I know what they mean, but STILL! ha)

When Company Comes : A peek in the past

I've told you before about the old book my sister gave me, "Betty Crocker's Easy Guide to Entertaining."

Everytime I read it, I have such fun. There really are some great ideas in it, but some of it is so classic. Here is an excerpt for your reading pleasure:

"One of the best cooks I know skips appetizers and serves her first course in the living room before small dinners.  'It really is a time saver. It keeps my guests occupied with something to eat while I am in the kitchen dishing up my main course and getting it to the table. I join my guests with a small serving of the first course for myself, and slip out before they have finished to heat rolls and attend to other last minute duties.' "

"Her first course is always something that can be assembled in advance on separate plates, such as an avocado half filled with mayonnaise and capers, or small aspics, or a crab ravigotte."

"She hands a fork and dinner napkin with each plate. When her main course is on the table, she moves guests to the dining room by saying, 'Shall we go in? Just leave plates, but will you bring your napkin?"

"Later, when she leaves the dining room briefly to get dessert or start coffee, she takes a minute or two to pile the first-course dishes on a tray and take them to the kitchen. This takes only an instant, but leaves the living room cleared as if by magic."

Happy Entertaining!

Here are some interesting recipes from this book that you might like to try (but not me!)

• Hearts of Palm Salad
• Vichyssoise
• Chilled Tomato and Cucumber Soup
• Avocado Mousse
• Olive Creamed Potatoes
• Stuffed Leg of Lamb

When Company Comes: A Schedule

One idea I read once, was posting a "schedule" for the day (for long term guests), either using a blackboard, posterboard, or white board.

Keep it simple, but you could include things like:

• The weather forecast for the day (you know, sunny, cloudy, raining, etc)
• 2-3 Timed events (i.e. Breakfast @ 8, Bike ride at 4pm, Ice cream at 7:30pm)
• A good morning quote

Happenings this week...

At 15 weeks (3 months) I....

• Have caught up on a lot of sleep
• Am not taking evening naps anymore
• Am slowly getting hungrier and hungrier
• Still haven't gained any weight
• Have grown out about an inch or two I suppose (just looks like I'm "pouchy" now)
• Still haven't heard the heartbeat
• But I think I can start to feel it move
• Haven't read any books this week
• But have bookmarked a couple helpful blog posts
• Sometimes get anxious
• Need to drink more water
• Have started making more lists
• Went for a bike ride and didn't fall off

So there you have it. :)

My one dissapointment is I still can't find a heartbeat. My co-worker lent me her stethascope, and we were all excited to hear the heartbeat at home. But, it's been a week now and I still can't find it. I guess it's about as big as an apple now, you'd think I'd be able to locate it! Ah well....I guess I'm still too well "padded." :)

The other kind of fun thing is I think I felt it move today for the first time. Well, I just feel a bit funny while sitting at work, with like burbles & water bubbles doing weird things. Whatever it is, I decided that's what I'll pretend it is at least :)

Blueberries

Blueberry season is here. I am trying my best to get out when I can and pick "gallons."

The only thing is, I might be a fast picker, but I'm a slow cleaner, so I have to pace myself a bit :)

Blueberry Pie.....here we come!

Tasty Treat

• Chocolate pudding
• Whipped Topping (mixed in the above)
• Grahm cracker crust (grahm crackers, butter, sugar, mixed)
• Fresh Strawberries
• Cupcake liners