Delicious Homemade Creamer

The other evening my father-in-law came over for supper.  We had taco salad.  It was delicious and super easy to make.  It's a good week night supper for sure.  Afterward, I made some coffee.  Adam and his dad prefer to drink it black, but I remembered a little recipe I found on Pinterest, so I wanted to try it out in my coffee (decaf only for me!).  Yes, Pinterest again.  You can find everything on that site.  I found a recipe for homemade creamer on there and decided to give it a go.  You can seriously make this stuff in about 3 minutes.  It's easy!  It's also a money saver since flavored creamers can get expensive.  This is made with stuff that you probably already have on hand.

What you need: 6 ounces of milk (we drink skim), 6 ounces of sweetened condensed milk, and  1/2 tsp. vanilla extract. 

You will need a container to put the ingredients in.  I used a mason jar since it would be easy to screw the lid on and give the creamer a good shakin.  It also looks pretty. :)

To use all of the sweetened condensed milk without wasting any, just make 2 batches of the creamer.  (Sweetened condensed milk comes in 14 oz. cans.)  That's what I did.  Or, if you have a quart sized  mason jar, you can make one large batch instead of 2 smaller ones.  I only had the smaller sized mason jars.

First, I measured out the milk.  Mason jars are also convenient because they have the measurements right on the glass. 

Next, I added the sweetened condensed milk on top of the skim milk.  Lastly, I added the vanilla extract.

Then, I gave it a good shake!  I'm pretty sure Baby Hare got a good sloshin' around during this part. :)

The creamer turns out very sweet, so a little bit goes a loooooong way!  If you want to add a little more flavor to yours other than just sweetness, you could add cinnamon, almond extract, or anything else you can think of.  As far as expiration goes, this creamer is good for as long as the milk is good.  So it might be a good idea to stick a label on it with the date or write the date on the lid with an Expo marker. 

I hope you enjoy!



19 weeks pregnant! 12.5.11

This week has been a turning point!!!!!!!  Here are the highlights!

#1) POP GOES MY BELLY!!!!!!!!!!  That is the big news of the week.  My belly has OFFICIALLY popped!  Oh my cow.  It is so big!  There is a huge difference between this week and last week.  Check it out!

Ahhhhhhh!!!!  You mean it's going to get bigger than this?  Crazy!!!!!!

#2)  I SAW him kick!!!!!  I felt him moving from the inside, so I watched my stomach and SAW him kick!!!!!  Wow!!!  THEN.....I placed my hand on my stomach and waited a few minutes....and I FELT him with my HAND!!!!  Oh my goodness!!!!  So exciting!!! 

#3)  We finally got some baby clothes this week!  Today actually.  I will do a post on that later.  They are SO cute!  I can't wait to have a little guy to put in them! 

#4) Back pain and headaches have definitely set in.  Oh my goodness.  I really have to pace myself throughout the day, otherwise my body is SPENT.  Tennis shoes may now be a must. :(

#5)  I dunno....I was on a roll so it seemed like a good idea.  Anyway.

So yeah, big week!  And it's not over yet!  I just thought I would get this post up earlier rather than my usual later!  Here is what's going on with me this week!

Think you're big now? You'll start growing even faster in the weeks to come. As a result, you may notice some achiness in your lower abdomen or even an occasional brief, stabbing pain on one or both sides — especially when you shift position or at the end of an active day. Most likely, this is round ligament pain. The ligaments that support your uterus are stretching to accommodate its increasing weight. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but call your practitioner if the pain continues even when you're resting or becomes severe.  You may be noticing some skin changes, too. Are the palms of your hands red? Nothing to worry about — it's from the extra estrogen. You may also have patches of darkened skin caused by a temporary increase in pigment. When these darker patches appear on your upper lip, cheeks, and forehead, they're called chloasma, or the "mask of pregnancy." That darkened line running from your belly button to your pubic bone is called the linea nigra, or "dark line."  These darkened spots will probably fade shortly after delivery. In the meantime, protect yourself from the sun, which intensifies the pigment changes. Cover up, wear a brimmed hat, and use sunscreen when you're outdoors. And if you're self-conscious about your "mask," a little concealing makeup can work wonders.

Ya know what?  I totally edited a sentence out of that paragraph.  It made me blush.  Here is what the baby is up to!  (Besides kicking the stew out of me right now as I type!!!)

Your baby's sensory development is exploding! Her brain is designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. Some research suggests that she may be able to hear your voice now, so don't be shy about reading aloud, talking to her, or singing a happy tune if the mood strikes you.  Your baby weighs about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Her arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of her body now. Her kidneys continue to make urine and the hair on her scalp is sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid.

Thanks Baby Center

He looks awfully crammed in that picture!  I'm sure there's a lot more room in my belly....it's huge.  I mean, it has to fit a baby and about 8 cheese pizzas.  I so wish I was kidding.  I have cheese pizza pictures, but at this point, it's just plain embarrassing. :)

Before I run, I want to give a shout out to my daddy!!!!!!!  HAPPY 51st 30th BIRTHDAY, DAD!  I love you!!!!  I am proud for my son to call you Grandpa!  I hope you had a wonderful birthday! 

Have a wonderful week, y'all! :)

18 weeks pregnant 11.28.11

Time for my 18 week post since I'll be 19 weeks tomorrow!  Can you believe it?  Time is flying by!  I can't believe I will be at the halfway point next week.  I always thought 9 months was a long time, but it flies by so quickly. 

This week I can definitely say I feel 100% pregnant all the time.  I now have a pregnant belly that doesn't go away when I wake up.  It used to start out small in the morning and get bigger as the day goes on.  It probably still does that a little bit, but now when I wake up, I am shocked when I look in the mirror and see that it's still there...and huge!  I have also noticed that my belly button has gotten more shallow.  I have always had a deep belly button (which in my opinion, is kind of gross), but now it is very shallow.  I am thinking it will end up popping!  That just shows how much it is growing! 

The first few days of 18 weeks, I didn't feel the baby much which worried me.  I kept meaning to check him with the dopplar, but I stayed so busy.  Then, starting Friday, he started moving a lot more.  One thing I did notice, he responded to the intercom at school!  I was tutoring a student after school when an announcement was made, and he started squirming in response.  It was really cool.  By Saturday, he was moving like crazy!  Saturday night I felt him for 2-3 hours straight.  Non-stop movement.  I could not believe how much he was moving!  He has continued to move a good amount today as well.  I LOVE feeling him move.  I can't wait for the movements to get big enough to where Adam can feel them.   He still hasn't felt them yet.  Last night, I woke up because I had my hand on my belly and I felt him with it.  It actually woke me up!  I kept trying to figure out if it was a dream or not, but I don't think it was since I woke up all of a sudden. 

I have started thinking about the birth more and more lately.  I am wondering if I should switch over to a midwife.  A midwife kind of goes along more with a natural birth, which is what I would like to do.  Yes, I realize I don't know what kind of pain I'm talking about, yes I realize it will be the worst pain I've ever felt, and yes, I realize I may end up changing my mind when I'm actually going through it.  But I really would like to try it.  If I don't have to have any interventions, then I won't really have a recovery time or anything like that.  I will be able to get up during and after labor without restriction too.  I would really just like to experience it.  A midwife would be great because she will stay with me the whole time.  From what I have heard, you see very little of your doctor.  They just come in to check you, deliver the baby, and that's about it.  If I am going to do a natural birth, I feel like I am going to need some moral support from someone who understands what is going on, and someone who can constantly monitor me to let me know how I'm doing.  So we will see.  If you have any suggestions of a good midwife, please leave your suggestion in the comments section.  I haven't really looked into it that much, so I don't know much about the midwives in the area.

Well, here is my picture taken at 18 weeks! 

Starting to look pretty pregnant!  I feel HUGE!  I just really can't believe I will be getting bigger. 

Here is what my body was up to over the past week:

Hungry? An increase in appetite is pretty common about now. Make it count by choosing meals and snacks that are rich in nutrients instead of empty calories (chips, French fries, candy, and other sweets). Bigger, more comfortable clothes are a must now as your appetite and waistline grow.

Your cardiovascular system is undergoing dramatic changes, and during this trimester your blood pressure will probably be lower than usual. Don't spring up too fast from a lying or sitting position or you might feel a little dizzy. From now on, when you do lie down, it's best to lie on your side — or at least partly tilted to one side. (When you lie flat on your back, your uterus can compress a major vein, leading to decreased blood return to your heart.) Try placing a pillow behind you or under your hip or upper leg for comfort.  If you haven't already had a second-trimester ultrasound, you'll probably have one soon. This painless procedure helps your practitioner check how your baby's growing, screen for certain birth defects, check the placenta and umbilical cord, determine whether the due date you're working with is accurate, and see how many babies you're carrying. During the exam, you might see your baby moving around or sucking his thumb. Bring your partner along, and be sure to ask for a printout for your baby's first photo album!

Cheese pizza has nutrients...right?  I only had it....twice...this past week.

Dominos!

Some frozen brand that was only $2.99 for a large at Walgreen's.  Still good!



Here is what is going on with our baby boy while he eats all this pizza!

Head to rump, your baby is about 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and he weighs almost 7 ounces. He's busy flexing his arms and legs — movements that you'll start noticing more and more in the weeks ahead. His blood vessels are visible through his thin skin, and his ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around his nerves, a process that will continue for a year after he's born. If you're having a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If you're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now, but he may hide them from you during an ultrasound.

Thanks Baby Center!

 I just wanted to give y'all a quick thank you for all of the encouragement I have received lately about the blog!  I am so glad that you enjoy reading it.  I really enjoying writing it.  Don't forget to leave your comments and let me know your experience with a midwife if you have had one.  If you had a doctor, please feel free to share your experience with a doctor.  Let me know what you liked, what you didn't, and anything else.  Happy 19 weeks to our baby boy tomorrow!  I hope y'all have a great week!

Christmas Decor Inspiration

This morning our church ladies had a brunch at my parents' house.  It was such an enjoyable time together getting to sit and talk and share what the Lord is doing in our church.  It is so nice to have a group of ladies I can talk to and lean on who will always point me in the direction of Christ.  It was a fun and relaxing, but was also definitely an emotional day. 

I got up this morning to make the the Hawaiian Sweet Roll Ham Sandwiches that I made for Thanksgiving (found HERE).  After I chopped the onion (and tears streamed down my face from all of the stinging), I went to slice the bread.  Well, the bread crumbled and fell apart.  All of it.  It was dry.  I had to make 48 of these sandwiches.  I also wanted to get to my parents' house early to help my mom set things up.  I started bawling my eyes out. (Oh, pregnancy.) My mom called (good timing) and told me that my dad would run out to the store to get to get fresh rolls.  I finished up the sauce at my house and got everything else ready to take over there.  My sweet husband cleaned up the kitchen and was very helpful.  Then I had breakdown #2.  I went to find something to wear.  I haven't been liking my maternity pants.  They are comfortable in the waist, but the crotch is very baggy.  I'm just saying.  It is.  I could hang out with Puff Daddy....or P Diddy.....or Puffy Doughnut...whatever his name is.  My jeans that I can wear with the Be Band are getting tighter and tighter by the day.  If they are freshly washed, it's almost a lost cause squeezing into them.  So I cried about that.  A lot.  When I finally put something on, my sweet husband was very complimentary.  Bless his heart.  He is so encouraging and helpful.  I love him so much.  So I eventually made it over to help my mom out.  I walked in the door and started crying again.  I have figured out that once "pregnant me" starts crying, she doesn't stop.  Then of course our ladies had such a sweet sharing time, and it was all I could do to fight back the tears.  I started cleaning up plates and glasses to distract myself.  I wasn't going through this crying thing again!  But as soon as everyone left, the tears came again.  Then they came again when I got home because I was so tired.  Oh pregnancy.  You are so exhausting.  Women should just be locked up for 9 months.  We should.  

So anyway, I wasn't planning on going into all that, but I guess it was on the brain!  Anyway, enough pregnancy woes.  Let's talk about some fun stuff!  My mom and her friends did an AMAZING job decorating the house for the brunch!!!  The whole house was gorgeous!  So when I needed to chill out, I snapped some pictures.  I think these are great inspiration for me to finally get our house decorated!  So get yourself all cozy, grab a cup of peppermint hot chocolate and feast your eyes on their beautiful work.  I hope you enjoy!

Front Porch

This garland was free, compliments of the juniper that lines the driveway.  They just cut long strips of the juniper and pieced it together.  I love free decor made with what you have in the yard!

Speaking of free. The evergreen used in this lamp post decoration was free! If you go to Home Depot and ask for their Christmas tree clippings, they will give them to you for FREE! DIY FREE fresh decor! That may be the best deal I've heard yet!

Front Entrance

My mom has had her eye on this table for a while.  She just got it this week.  It is gorgeous!!  I absolutely love it.

Fresh, free greenery compliments of Home Depot!

Another tip: Buy some inexpensive Christmas ribbon (Michael's had their ribbon on sale a couple weeks ago), and then take it to your local Ace Hardware, and they will turn your ribbon into gorgeous bows!  Just make sure it's an Ace with a Christmas shop.  This bow was made at Ace Hardware.  Want to do it yourself and save even more?  Watch Katie Bower's video on how to make a big fluffy bow! 

Formal Living Room (aka Piano Room)

Casual Living Room (aka Den)

What a GORGEOUS tree!  My mom's friend Paula did a wonderful job!

I love the sign in the tree.  I wouldn't have thought to do that.

Simple and cute decor: ornaments in a bowl

These large glass candle holders are great to have.  You can fill the base with anything for any season!

Kitchen



I love this cabinet with the large clock.  The sparkly trees give it a festive look.

 

Fun and bright Christmas decor for the table.



This is an easy way to dress up the area on top of the fridge. 

Dining Room

I can't believe I only got 1 picture of the dining room.  At least I got this buffet.  This is where we had self serve water and tea complete with orange slices.  If you have never tried sweet tea with orange slices, you definitely should!  Orange is the new lemon.  Haha.

Hall Bathroom

That picture is a close up of my wedding dress, flowers, shoes, and engagement ring.

The base of this candle holder has a couple Christmas ornaments.

Please excuse the different wall color; it's my camera setting.  Apparently I changed it in the middle of taking pictures of this room.  I love how just a few Christmas ornamnets makes this bathroom cabinet look festive.

Guest Bedroom

My mom hung this white tin above the guest bed and filled it with faux greenery and festive flowers from Ace Hardware.

Everything was so beautiful!  My mom and her friends did an amazing job creating such a warm, welcoming, and "Christmasy" home.  It was a very memorable day.  Thank you mom for letting us take a peek into your home!  I love you, and I appreciate all of your hard work!

Hanger Tip

I found this idea on Pinterest, and I was so excited I got to use it!  We NEVER have chip bag clips around here.  Whenever I think to get some clips, I am at the grocery store where you can buy 2 large clips for like 3 or 4 bucks.  No thanks.  So I used this idea!

Take a hanger like this that holds skirts or pants. 

Find a very strong guy or something strong to break/cut the clip ends off of the hanger. 

Source: craftster.org via Amanda on Pinterest

Now you have a clip for your chip bag or whatever kind of bag!  I love it when I find ideas I can use!

Nursery Inspiration

Lately I have been browsing Pinterest for some nursery inspiration.  I have found a few cute ideas that I may try to incorporate for our nursery.  I will probably pull bits and pieces from all of my favorite pictures.  I definitely like the nautical look.  Not literally nautical with sailboats and water, but more like stripes, navy, red, wood, etc.  I also like vintage.  I love old toys, wire baskets, and things with character.  I guess that makes my nursery style "Vintage Nautical" haha. Here is what I have found so far!

Source: lafactoriaplastica.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I have a Coca Cola crate that I bought last year at a yard sale.  I have just been trying to figure out what to do with it.  I'll definitely be doing this!

Source: houzz.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I like the use of wood and the navy stripes.  Very cute.

Source: projectnursery.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I love the neutral colors.  This nursery looks very relaxing.

Source: ohdeedoh.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I know this is a girl's nursery, but I really like the color of the crib.  Grayish blue.  Cute.  I will either keep the crib white or do a color like this.

Source: blueprintbliss.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I like the vintage look of this with the wire basket.  Not sure that I'll hang wire baskets on the wall, but I have already bought one to at least keep diapers, wipes, and stuff on the dresser.

Source: aimee-weaver.blogspot.com via Amanda on Pinterest

I love this.  What a great verse for a boy's room.  Such a great reminder of how a man of God should be.

So these inspiration pictures will hopefully help me get in the right direction!  I am excited to start working on it!  I have already been browsing craigslist and some other sites for a study and sound but inexpensive dresser that I won't mind making my own.  I will be using a dresser in place of a changing table.  It makes more sense in the long run, plus I think it will be a better use of space.  I will keep you updated with our progress!