price street

dainty toadstools : Mae Collection

just cute.  fabric wall decals.

but not overly.  

find them here and see the rest of her collection.

32 weeks & 2 days|3rd trimester|54 days to go

the baby shower.  it was wonderful.  we are blessed.

photo by cousin Katee 

where I am and a love affair with tumblr

Since I am so scarce around here these days, you can find me here and here more often.

happy living Design at tumblr

and happy living with Baby at tumblr (a little baby-centered scrapbook)  

Hope you're all well.  As my cousin says: peace and love.  peace and love.

my new favorite bag

I love my orla kiely bag but sometimes it gets a bit heavy.

this is my new favorite.

baby hampton by baggallini : my bag is olive with an orange interior, which makes finding stuff much easier.

i found the best price at ebags 

I need a red chandelier

When my dad is done tearing apart his basement (for the third time) this winter I am going to beg him to come paint our grotesque brass chandelier.  I think red will work.  But black would be nice too.

via the style files (no credit available)

22 weeks & 6 days|2nd trimester|120 days to go

It's a baby.  No it's an alien.  No it's a girl.

There's really someone in there.  She's waving hello.

(from two weeks ago)

last weekend

T to B:

morning light (this time of year is best),

9th Street, Italian Market, Philadelphia

The Spice Corner, 9th Street, near Christian

getting ready for the first day of hunting season (and looking forward to some venison chili)

mulled cider

Considering I don't drink very often anymore, I've been surprised at how much I have missed being able to have an alcoholic beverage every once in awhile since being pregnant and while trying.  And instead of the typical pickle pregnancy cravings, I consume apple cider (and apples) like it's going out of style.  I saw the perfect Thanksgiving beverage that has a bit of red wine in it (supposedly ok to consume in small amounts at this point) to make mulled cider.  It also has apples, oranges, maple syrup and of course apple cider in it.

picture and recipe from Martha Stewart

20 weeks & giving thanks

I don't know why but it seems fitting that two days before Thanksgiving we'd feel the baby move.  I've been feeling the flutters and bubbles for weeks now, but last evening was the first time that I felt the baby with my hand.  It does make it just a bit more real.

And it reminds of me of everything we have to be thankful for.

On another note, in preparation for Thanksgiving cooking (and eating) I spent $30 on cheese (fontina & gruyere) yesterday.  I got into a bit of trouble for that at home.  On Friday I become a hunting widow until Wednesday (day of our ultrasound) so I'll have some time to myself this weekend.  I see more purging in my future.  And rest.  And a trip to Terrain with a friend to take in some Christmasy inspiration.

natural birdhouse ornaments

red stripe tablecloth

star anise wreath 

 

19 weeks & 4 days|2nd trimester|143 days to go (and the weekend)

Saturday was the last official grower's market here in town so while the boy was having his back cracked I picked up a few things for the goodies I am making for Thanksgiving.

Bourbon and Orange Pecan Pie

Bread Pudding with Ham, Leeks, and Cheese (from Martha Stewart)

For some reason the recipe isn't on the website.

Serves 6-8

Using both Gruyere and fontina gives this savory dish complex flavor-and they melt beautifully. If you use only Gruyere, just double the amount. You can assemble most of this dish up to one day ahead and refrigerate, covered; then add the batter, and bake.

2 tbsp unsalted butter, plus more for dish
1 bunch leeks (4-6), white and pale-green parts only, halved lengthwise, cut into 1/4 inch thick half-moons, and rinsed well (about 3 heaping cups)
1 tsp course salt, plus more for seasoning
8 large eggs
1 quart milk
8 slices challah or brioche (1/2 inch thick)
6 ounces thinly sliced ham
2 tbsp thyme leaves
1 cup grated gruyere cheese (4 oz)
1 cup grated fontina cheese (4 oz)

1. Preheat oven to 325. Butter a 9x13 inch casserole dish. Heat the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook leeks, covered, until softened, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, and transfer to a small bowl.
2. Whisk together eggs and milk. Whisk in the salt and pepper. Set batter aside.
3. Layer the bread, ham, reserved leeks, thyme, and cheeses shingle-style in the buttered dish. Pour batter over top; press gently so bread absorbs liquid.

4. Bake until puffed and golden brown (tent with foil if edges brown too much before center is set), about 1 hour.

and Cornbread Stuffing with Sweet Potato and Squash

I've never made any of the above recipes, but in my family we don't worry about trying out new recipes on them.  I think that's a cardinal sin in Martha's book.

And since I must be nesting, I cleaned out our attic.  My back was killing me but after 4 bags of trash and a truck load of donations ready to be given away, I was happy.  Next is the basement.

The bump is not so small anymore.