NEVER Again!

Will I buy something from ebay without insurance. A few weeks ago I won this pair of Seven For All Mankind maternity jeans.

I was so excited when I won them because I got them for 59.99! SCORE! But, not so fast. After waiting for 2 weeks, I received an email from the seller saying that the jeans had been returned to her. The bag that she had shipped them in was basically drug behind a truck, because it was ripped open and the jeans were ruined. She sent them Canadian post, which is obviously even worse than the USPS, and they havent given her any money back for them. She was nice and refunded the 59.99 for the jeans, but not the 15 bucks that I shelled out for shipping something from Canada I NEVER received. Then had the nerve to be rude to me about it. Think I have a case with paypal if I file a claim? Ive never had success with paypal claims. Experts... please help!

Instead of dealing with ebay again, I decided to go with the ever reliable Gap. We have tax free holiday here this weekend, and I also got a 30% off coupon code. I chose these because they had the cutest butt....or pockets. Hopefully theyre cute when the come in, or Im back to the ebay drawing board!

Oh happy day

Yesterday was my mom's birthday. Sorry I didnt give you a birthday shout out yesterday on the blog mom. Since you are my most loyal commenter! We celebrated with a fondue dinner and the most amazing caramel cake. I might make my way to their house this afternoon to devour a few more pieces! MMMMmmm!!!

This weekend I have absolutely no plans. None. Zilch. And I'm super excited about it. I plan to sleep in and just hang out. Its also tax free weekend here. I may try to brave some of the stores (Complete with screaming kids, Im sure!) for a few bargains.

Anyone have anything exciting going on?!

10 Weeks!

* How far along?: 10 Weeks
* Total weight gain: None? I think? I have skipped the gym all week so I havent weighed myself! =)
* How big is baby?: The size of a prune (what a nasty comparison!)
* Maternity clothes?: nope. Although Im in hot pursuit of another pair of maternity jeans on ebay!
* Stretch marks?: nope!
* Sleep?: like a rock, except my 2-3 bathroom visits per night
* Best moment this week?: finding out that soon I will be able to feel the baby. Now what Im looking for I dont exactly know.
* Movement?: I dont think so
* Food cravings?: no cravings, but aversions keep on going. Chicken is not good right now
* Labor signs?: Way too early for that!
* Belly button in or out?: In
* What I miss: Red wine
* What I'm looking forward to: Feeling the baby move soon!
* Milestone: Finally coming up with a possible girl name.

The BEST chocolate chip cookies EVER!

Sometimes blogging is a good influence on me, sometimes its just plain bad. For example, there are times when I see girls posting their cute purchases on their blog, and I think "I need to go shopping"- thats bad! Or my friend Deals, Steals, and Heels telling me there is a great coupon or a good sale on something that I dont need.... yet I THINK I need. Thats really bad! But I also follow blogs talking about God or recycling or making low calorie meals, and those are a good influence on me. Well, what I'm about to share with you, I guess is somewhere in between. Its a great recipe that I know I will use all the time now, yet... Should I REALLY be baking cookies all the time? I think not! So amazingly delish that I could shove them in my mouth by the handful...


One of my favorite food related blogs is Bake at 350. The author is a seriously talented cookie baker who makes my Christmas cookies look like a 4 year old baked them. On her blog I found the recipe for the best chocolate chip cookies that my mouth has ever bitten into. Seriously, they're so good when they hit your lips! Everyone who has tried them, has said so. They're out of this world. Fantastic.

These cookies are delicious for the following reasons...
1. They're chewy. I love chewy cookies
2. They're amazing fresh out of the oven with a big glass of milk
3. The chocolate in them is REAL chocolate, not milk chocolate
4. There is a perfect balance of sweet and salty
5. The recipe makes a lot of cookies, so I can have a few, or all of them...
... I could go on, but you should just see for yourself!

Here is the recipe!

Chocolate Chip Cookies
Adapted from The New York Times, David Leite, and Jacques Torres



2 cups minus 2 Tbsp. (8 ½ oz.) cake flour
1 2/3 cups (8 ½ oz.) bread flour
1 ¼ tsp. baking soda
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
1 ½ tsp. coarse salt, such as kosher
2 ½ sticks (1 ¼ cups; 10 oz.) unsalted butter, softened
1 ¼ cups (10 oz.) light brown sugar
1 cup plus 2 Tbsp. (8 oz.) granulated sugar
2 large eggs
2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 ¼ pounds bittersweet chocolate chips or chunks, preferably about 60% cacao content, such as ghirardelli
Sea salt

Combine flours, baking soda, baking powder, and salt in a bowl. Whisk well; then set aside.

Using a mixer fitted with paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until very light and fluffy, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add the eggs, one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Mix in the vanilla. Scrape down the sides of the bowl with a rubber spatula as needed. Reduce the mixer speed to low; then add dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Add the chocolate chips, and mix briefly to incorporate. Press plastic wrap against the dough, and refrigerate for 24 to 36 hours. The dough may be used in batches, and can be refrigerated for up to 72 hours.

When you’re ready to bake, preheat oven to 350°F. Remove the bowl of dough from the refrigerator, and allow it to soften slightly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a nonstick baking mat.

Using an ice cream scoop – I used my Pampered Chef one – scoop six mounds of dough onto the baking sheet, making sure to space them evenly. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt, and bake until golden brown but still soft, 15 to 20 minutes. Transfer the baking sheet to a wire rack for 10 minutes, then transfer the cookies onto the rack to cool a bit more.

*I baked mine at about 12 minutes so that they wouldn't be over cooked*

Repeat with remaining dough.

Note:
Yield: About 24 (5-inch) cookies.

Weekend Recap!

Well, I can finally talk about my weekend. I couldn't even mention it last week because I was going out of town for a surprise party. My friend that we were surprising reads my blog, so I couldn't give away any hints!On Friday after lunch, B and I headed down to south georgia for my friend Janae's(far right) birthday. We met everyone at dinner and she was COMPLETELY surprised. I wish I would have thought to get photos of her reaction!

I had fun hanging out with my pregnant friend Katherine (middle). We enjoyed sipping our waters together and watching our friends enjoy cold margaritas. I got to finally meet my dear friend Laney's (right) BF. He is truly wonderful. The type of guy that you want all of your friends to be with. Im so happy for her!

We stayed up WAY TOO LATE that night. People in South Georgia are night owls. Let me tell ya! We were up until 1:30, which quite frankly, I havent seen in a very long time!

The next day we went to the lake and laid low. All of our husbands were there, but they were off doing manly things like playing cornhole and horse shoes. It was a very fun weekend! Im so glad we pulled off our surprise!! Janae when you read this, thanks for letting us stay at your awesome house!! We had a blast!

Wedding Dress Friday

Today over at Kelly's Korner, it is wedding dress friday. I havent done a wedding related post in awhile, so I decided to join in on the fun!
When I was trying on dresses in the store, I hadnt even seen this one. My mom pointed it out and said that I should try it on. As soon as I did, I had the cliche "this is the dress" feeling! I was in love with my dress, but I had no idea how heavy it would be. It started killing my back at the beginning of the reception, from holding it up. I had to find Tylenol so that I could get on with the party!

I would not change a thing about it though, it was perfect!

"Cha cha changes..." Opinions please!

Its that time, where my hair gets to this in between, driving me crazy length. A few months ago I had it cut like this. I loved it! But with taking crazy prenatal vitamins it has grown a lot.


It is now looking about like this. Excuse my obnoxious face Im making. =) I usually always wear it wavy, because I sleep on it wet because I like it like that. So my new style needs to be lazy girl wave friendly.

Here are some of my inspirations. Which do you like best??

1

2
3
45

Im leaning towards Leighton and LC. Thoughts?

9 weeks

I have seen other moms to be do a weekly quiz throughout their pregnancy to show the progression, so I have decided to do it too! I hope I dont bore yall with all the baby stuff over the next 9 months!

• How far along?: 9 Weeks
  
• Total weight gain: none. The scale at the Dr today was actually less that I expected! Woo hoo!
  
• How big is baby?: The size of an olive (See above)
  
• Maternity clothes?: not yet. Ive been wearing my looser clothing and am loving sundresses. Especially my cheap-o Chadwicks ones!
  
• Stretch marks?: nope! I just ordered a cream to help prevent them... more about that below
  
• Sleep?: like a rock
  
• Best moment this week?: unexpectedly getting to hear the heartbeat on the doppler today at 9 weeks 4 days (thats very early for the doppler)
  
• Movement?: Nope, the little jellybean wont be moving for awhile.
  
• Food cravings?: Ice cream always sounds like a good idea! Im trying to keep it healthy though, and sadly I havent been having cravings... well, unless you count the red wine that I drool over every time I see someone drinking a glass!
  
• Labor signs?: Way too early for that!
  
• Belly button in or out?: In. Until this question, I kind of forgot about that part of pregnancy!
  
• What I miss: Red wine
  
• What I'm looking forward to: Finding out the sex in September!
  
• Milestone: Hearing the heartbeat again. That little sound never gets old!

As for stretch marks... Im starting an experiment that I will probably blog a little bit about here and there. My biggest fear of pregnancy is horrible stretch marks, call me vain, whatever, I dont care! My mom was covered in stretch marks from my sister (not me, because Im the perfect child! haha only kidding!) and I always hear they are hereditary. My goal is to prevent them completely.

You're supposed to drink plenty of water and I drink about 6 - 20oz glasses per day. So I think I have the hydration part covered. But I also found this product that claims to prevent stretchmarks. It has amazing reviews from celebrities and magazines. (Im a sucker for an endorsement) Its called MamaMio. Apparently it has been available in Europe for years, and is now available in the US. Why do the Europeans always get the good stuff first? ANYWAYS, I am going to use it twice daily and HOPEFULLY prevent stretchmarks! If you're in the market for it, use coupon code coolmom and get 10 dollars off!

Blog Virus??

Is there such thing as a blog virus or blog spam? There is a blog that I follow called "A southern girl in the city" but when I go to click on the link, it is someone blogging about car insurance. Obviously, not a southern girl in the city! It pops up on my updates and its really starting to get on my nerves! I have went through every blog I follow to find the culprit, yet it never pops up when Im looking for it. Someone please help!!!

Weekend recap/ Travel advice?

This weekend was pretty low key and laid back. Thankfully! Friday I went out and ate sushi with the fam. I longingly eyed their spicy tuna rolls and sashimi. My cooked sushi was good, but not that good!
Saturday we went on a haunted ghost tour in our home town. We have lived in the same place for the last 22 years, but sometimes its fun to see things as a tourist in your city. The tour itself was rather hokey, but it was interesting to learn the histories of the buildings and their "ghosts." Instead of seeing anything truly ghostly, we watched the mocking faces of people passing by. Our tour guide was decked out in a black top hat, duster coat and cane. He definitely drew attention to the group!
Sunday we went to church and heard an amazing sermon from a guest speaker. Then ate lunch and went bowling.

All around it was pretty nice.

Today I booked a trip for Boston in the fall. Does anyone have any suggestions on things to do or see? B has been, but I havent. I want to see everything! All suggestions are appreciated!

Fall things excite me!

Its getting to be the time of year when I start getting hints of fall. I say "hints" because, well, its still 90 degrees here on a cool day, and its JULY. But there are the mornings when the air is a bit crisp and those evenings where its a little cooler and you just want to sit on a porch and drink a little vino (oh how I miss it so!) The stores are also beginning to sneak in their fall decor (this REALLY excites me!) Hobby Lobby is FULL of fall decor. This time last year I was on a first name basis with the workers at hobby lobby. I was there probably 4 days a week buying things for my wedding.

Since I got married last fall, I feel like I kind of missed out on the season. I was too hyped up gluing leaves to branches, searching for enough mason jars for my guests to drink out of, and tying raffia on silverware... and thanks to Missy in Pink, I NEVER would have gotten them all done without her. So, this fall, I am going to soak it all in! Sorry if you get sick of my fall related posts!

Check out these beauties that Pottery Barn has listed! Oh how I covet!
What a cozy dining room with a fire place!

New Stuff!

In my etsy shop! I have put in some of my favorite photos I have taken over the past few years. Please take a look!! 8"x10" prints are 12 dollars. Larger and smaller prints are also available!

LBD - (Little Black Dress)

Too bad Im not buying normal clothes, because how cute are these!? They appeared in my Shop it to me today. Both are from Ann Taylor loft. I fully believe that a girl can NEVER have too many black dresses in her closet. Or too much black for that matter. The majority of my clothes are black. I think it is timeless and looks great on everyone!

49.99 Original Price 129.00

59.99 Original Price 149.00

Leave your email address in the comments if you would like an invite to shop it to me, ruelala, gilt groupe, one kings lane, or any of the other groups and I will send you an invite.

8 weeks

This week I am 8 weeks pregnant, which in the long pregnancy time line, that is like a minute. But I still find it so amazing to see whats going on in there. Baby Jelly Bean looks something like this in there. With tiny fingers and toes, even though this pic looks a little alien like! He/she is about the size of a raspberry.

SALE in my Etsy Shop!

I hope everyone had a FABULOUS weekend! Just wanted to point out that I am having a sale in my etsy shop. Please head on over for good deals! I need to make room for baby stuff!!

Please take some of these little beauties off of my hands!

Dear Nordstrom

Why must you send me your sale catalog to tempt me? These beautiful Frye boots NEED to be mine! I see them on my feet in the chilly months to come. I picture them going wonderfully with fall sweaters and winter coats. That is, IF I can find sweaters and coats to fit my growing belly! (That's besides the point) I could wear them with dresses or with my jeans tucked in (a look that B just adores! Not really, he tells me I look ridiculous, while I think it is quite cute) $199 on sale isnt a bad deal, right?? RIIIIGHHHT??
Okay, I really dont need them, but I sure do want them! Oh Nordstrom, why must you tempt me??

"Sushi" tonight

I use quotes, because I sadly cant eat the good stuff for a very long time. I'm going to have to make due with the cooked stuff, some edamame, and a little fried rice.

I also just realized I never shared the photo of how I told my parents that I am pregnant.
I had the camera out at the beach and I was taking pictures of people like normal. I told my parents "Say we're going to be grandparents!!!" This was their reaction! Pretty priceless I think!

Late weekend recap

On Friday we went to see a neighboring towns fireworks. It was awesome people watching... lots of jean shorts, or Jorts... sorry florida fans! Ü The fireworks were great and I got a chance to try out my new camera lense.
On the 4th we got up and went to check out the local festival going on. It was really hot and Lola needed a break in the shade. B was hot too!
I made this yummy pasta salad to bring to my friend Missy's cookout, where they had tons of delicious food. Missy made her famous corn dip, that I ate my weight in. There was also homemade peach ice cream. You know how us Georgians love our peaches!

Playing a little corn hole! (I hope I look as cute as her pregnant!)
On the square for the concert
My sister's friend, my sister, and my sisters bf
And another one!

I'm running about a day behind in posts. So for tomorrow I cant wait to tell about our dinner that a friend cooked for us last night!