Hello, and happy post 4th of July! I hope you had a wonderful holiday!
It was SCORCHING hot here but we still managed to have a great time waving at floats and collecting candy at our neighborhood parade (lots of water trickles on heads plus suckers seemed to do the trick) then attending a friend’s BBQ later that night. There was some miscommunication earlier this week when I thought we were hosting dinner, so it was a nice surprise to be able to walk out the door and hang out at someone else’s home for the night!
These are the same friends whose 2011 4th of July party I made 66 Jello shots for. My, times have changed. ;)
I spent yesterday recovering from the heat – 9 months pregnant + 100+ heat index = taking several days to fully cool down – and continuing to prep for baby girl. Just a couple weeks left, you guys – insanity!!
These past two weeks I’ve felt like doing nothing yet everything at the same time. Although my energy levels are way down and the amount of appointments, meetings, and last minute projects I’m trying to fit in are taking up a huge amount of time, the urge to nest is a very real thing. That said, I’ve been trying to tackle one major thing each night. While Ben is in charge of putting together furniture/painting baby’s bedroom, I’m tackling the washing/prepping of bottles, laundering gobs of newborn clothes (thank goodness for one of my besties who had twin girls with very good taste last year. So funny to see pink in the dryer lint trap!) cleaning bouncers and swings, etc. I think we’ll be totally ready for her when the time comes – if only by the skin of our teeth.
All this hard work means I can spend the next two weeks focusing on these two sweet, sweet souls.
My boys of summer!
Plus prepping 101 meals for the freezer. Wish me luck.
Anyway, wanted to catch up on all things new food products / musicals / Netflix specials in today’s edition of Currently! I hope you have a WONDERFUL summer weekend – catch you on the other side!
Drizzling: Here Michigan Apple Balsamic Salad Dressing. Since my GD diagnosis I’ve been eating at least one giant salad a day, and my favorite Tessemae’s Creamy Ranch dressing started to get a little heavy. That said, I picked up this bottle of dressing at the store a few weeks ago and it is SOOOO good! Tart, tangy, full of flavor, and I love the ingredient list too. Look for this in the refrigerated salad dressing section vs the aisle.
Attending: Hamilton. Ben and I saw Hamilton last week (it’s in town until mid-July) – we’d been DYING to see what all the fuss was about! Ben’s a mega hip hop enthusiast who also loves musical theater so he was actually bopping in his chair for 3 hours straight. I’m not a public bopper but was tapping my foot the whole time. Needless to say, we loved it and I can’t recall another show we’ve seen where every single song was one to remember. I’m so proud of my city for being able to host the touring crew. If you get the chance – do NOT skip Hamilton!
Watching: Ali Wong. I recently watched Ali Wong’s Baby Cobra special on Netflix at the recommendation of a friend and literally can’t remember the last time I laughed so hard. Like, years. Maybe my whole life? Ben thought I was off my rocker but once I started I couldn’t stop! Do not watch if you’re easily offended about, well, anything, but if you dare, I promise you a HIGH-larious show.
Playing. The little boys and I have been heading to the backyard for a dip in the blow up pool a couple afternoons each week and like to finish up with a good 10 minute hose blasting session (my water bill hates me.) I truly don’t know who has more fun – them or me, muwahaha. :)
Devouring: peaches. IT’S OFFICIALLY PEACH SEASON, PEOPLE! Sorry to shout, but the beeline I made to the peach portion of the produce section at the grocery store earlier this week after smelling them from afar was rather impressive, if I do say so myself. Since peaches are pretty high in carbs I’ve been slowly savoring one every afternoon this week. It’s the best part of my day. (Recipe for Peach Caprese Salad is on deck for this weekend. ↓)
Visiting: Iowa Distilling Company. I recently visited the Iowa Distilling Company for a fun project (will fill you in on the details later,) and I cannot WAIT to return when I can actually sample some of the products! Great people distilling uniquely Iowa spirits with a killer drink menu, and the neatest “tap room” vibe (think 1875 general store meets approachable hipster hangout.) If you’re ever in Cumming, IA be sure to stop by and try a few tasty beverages with Kyle (the owner) + his crew. The Lemon Honey Zone is calling my name…
Inhaling: Barnana Plantain Chips. I know I just recently mentioned these Barnana Plantain Chips but they’re worth another shout out – I.am.obsessed! They don’t taste sweet nor like bananas, which is a good thing in my opinion, plus they’re thick, crunchy, and full of flavor. They feel like healthy potato chips (shrugs shoulders.) I find them in my grocery store’s health market for about the same price as Amazon. Highly recommend the Brazilian BBQ flavor.
Craving: Fresh Mint Iced Tea. I know what I’m doing with the fresh mint that’s currently taking over my entire herb garden! How refreshing does this ice cold tea from Love and Olive Oil look? They’d make the best preggo popsicles…
Quitting: The Bachelorette. Mama didn’t raise no quitter except that I’m officially closing the door on this season of The Bachelorette. Snoozeville, horrible guys with even worse real world behavior and, I don’t know, Bachelorette – I just not that into you. Bring on Paradise! Fellow fans: am I alone?
Loving: Coconut oil face wash. Not a coconut oil-based face wash, rather, using coconut oil AS my face wash! I saw this method on a fellow blogger’s Instagram account a few weeks ago and have been loving the process and results ever since. At night I massage a dollop of coconut oil all over my face (I use unrefined organic from the grocery store – use refined for less of coconut smell) then place a steaming hot washcloth on top and let it sit until the cloth is cool before wiping everything away. Takes off ALL my makeup, including waterproof mascara and eyeliner, plus my skin feels so, so soft. I never have breakouts when I’m pregnant (thanks, hormones (for once not being sarcastic about hormones!)) so I’m anxious to see if this is still a good skin solution after baby is born. For now I’m loving the simplicity of washing away the day’s dirt and grime with simply coconut oil and a washcloth. It’s the little things.
Blending: Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothies. Since Lincoln is allergic to dairy and super super slim, I’m always looking for ways to fatten and fill him up. A few days ago I made him a Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie with this Silk Chocolate Protein Milk I’d recently found at the grocery store, which is high in both fat and protein (and yes, sugar, but seriously this high-fat and protein/no dairy thing is really tough) and he sucked it DOOWWWN. All I did was blend ~3/4 cup of the milk with 1/2 ripe banana and a big spoonful of peanut butter until smooth, then added ~1 cup ice and blended until thick and frosty. He and his brother each thoroughly enjoyed a glass – think we’ll make them into popsicles soon!
Pick a currently category and fill me in!
Heather 07.08.2018
Hamilton is THE BEST! My husband & I saw it last March. We then took the kids to NYC to see it in January as their christmas gift. Absolutely loved it! I have chocolate mint growing like crazy. I need to do something with it. Hang in there! I was only newly pregnant in the summer. I cannot even imagine. Best wishes!!!
Kristin 07.12.2018
I had chocolate mint at our old house – so yummy! Thank you so much for your well wishes!
Kelsie 07.08.2018
What freezer meals are you prepping? I’m always looking for new ones to try, especially because my go to’s are too much for the heat of summer!
Kristin 07.12.2018
I’m going to try and write a post for next week – stay tuned!!
Jami Little 07.07.2018
This season of the bachelorette—-painful! I have quit but this cast is just yuck.
Kristin 07.12.2018
Totally! Dislike!
Allison Frederick 07.07.2018
I’m sure that I will keep watching the Bachelorette, no matter how bad it gets. It’s definitely not my fave season, but I like to have it on when I’m doing paperwork, cleaning, etc. I wouldn’t be able to sit there and give it my undivided attention for two hours!
My face is so acne prone…. I wonder if coconut oil clogs pores. I’ll have to look into it!
Kristin 07.12.2018
Check out this article on the benefits of cleansing with oil! http://blog.primallypure.com/oil-cleansing-method-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-works/
Michelle B 07.07.2018
I’m in central Iowa too. The salad dressing sounds great and the ingredient list is wonderful – no msg or the ‘hidden’ msg ingredients. Where do you buy this?
Lydia 07.08.2018
My money is on hyVee. ?
Kristin 07.12.2018
Bingo. ?
Kristin 07.12.2018
I found the dressings at HyVee! I’m willing to bet Whole Foods will or already carries them too.
Danielle 07.06.2018
Craving: s’mores every night, so much so that even when we aren’t having a fire, my husband and I do them on the stove ? my 8 week postpartum body is not loving this..
Kristin 07.12.2018
YOLO ?
Susan 07.06.2018
I’ve been “washing” my fussy skin with oil for a couple of years now, and I love it. My skin stays hydrated and soft and is never dry. I’ve suffered with acne my whole life, so using oil seems crazy, but it works! I make a bottle with coconut and hazelnut oil and add a few drops of lavender and frankincense essential oil too- both are great for skin, and it smells fantastic!
Tami 07.10.2018
Does the oil eventually build up and/or stain the wash cloth even with washing? I have considered switching but this has been a concern. Thanks!
Kristin 07.12.2018
I haven’t noticed any staining – that said I use darker wash cloths so I can’t really tell. The amount of oil used is so small I can’t imagine it would.
Kristin 07.12.2018
Loooove the addition of lavender. I’m going to try that.
Kelly 07.06.2018
I love these “currently” posts! I am going to have to try the coconut oil face wash again….. I had tried it in the past but it made my face soooo greasy. Am I the only one? Hope these next few weeks go fast for you- can’t wait to “meet” baby girl! Baby girls are so sweet- I’ve had 4 of them :)
Kristin 07.12.2018
I’ve read that many people can experience a 1-2 week “adjustment” period. Here’s a great read about it! http://blog.primallypure.com/oil-cleansing-method-how-to-do-it-and-why-it-works/
Julie 07.06.2018
Definitely going to check out Ali Wong on Netflix! I remember the 100 to 110 degree weather in Georgia during July 1980. I was 2 weeks past my due date, ankles swollen, and wore a big house dress every day and would only go outside after 9 PM to sit on my front porch and eat Popsicles. I FEEL for you! You will make it!
Kristin 07.12.2018
Oh my goodness – yes to ALL of this. ? Thank you so much for your well wishes, Julie!
Heather 07.06.2018
I’m a long-time reader, so I remember that you and I share the same reason to enjoy the day after Independence Day–and I hope yesterday really was a splendid day for you, restful and everything else. ☺️
Kristin 07.12.2018
Thank you so much, Heather!! You too!! :D
Mari 07.06.2018
those”men” that are left on the Bachelorette, are ALL just waiting for their Instagram fame….free teeth whitening stuff, tanning oil, etc. They have lines to memorize? did u know that? unreal. I heard that on a podcast w/ ben Higgins and said the same as u: Im out. cannot. watch. anymore. Your sons are so big…the baby boy, I guess I haven’t seen a recent photo of him, but the one with the water/shower…that WILL be on his graduation announcement, for sure. :) M
Kristin 07.12.2018
100%. I can’t believe I’m about to say this, but it seems like none of them are there “for the right reasons”. ????
Nancy 07.06.2018
Those pictures of your boys in the water are priceless! They made my day :) So, so cute. I am going to see Hamilton tonight (!) and I absolutely cannot wait. I’m sure my only regret will not being able to go again as soon as possible. Oh and good luck with your last few weeks!
Kristin 07.12.2018
Thank you so much! They are my little sunshines. :) I hope you LOVED the show!!
Brianna 07.06.2018
Hamilton is definitely worth the hype! We saw it a couple of months ago when they were in Denver and it was worth all of the ticket drama. We are seeing Book of Mormon tomorrow and are so excited! I hope you have a great weekend Kristin!
Kristin 07.12.2018
Oh my gosh Book of Mormon is another one of my very favorites – I left the show with a headache from laughing so much!! ?
Liz 07.06.2018
I’m sure you are planning on watching Ali Wong’s Hard Knock Wife next if you haven’t already! I just watched it this past week and OMG dying. It is especially funny if you’ve been through a c-section recovery. I definitely was a little surprised at the level of raunchiness, but…worth it.
Kristin 07.12.2018
Yes!! I’m saving it for a quiet night when I’m in need of a laugh. ?
Wendy 07.06.2018
I’m with you! The last two seasons of the Bachelor or Bachelorette have been snooze worthy! The producers choices have been horrible! Thanks for all your other recommendations. Looking forward to trying them and watching for new photos of that sweet baby girl!
Kelli at Hungry Hobby 07.06.2018
Look at that sweet bump! I am all about that chocolate pb banana smoothie! YUM!
Madeline 07.06.2018
Would love to see your list of freezer meals you’re prepping before baby! I’m due in September and my husband has Celiac Disease so working on my GF prep list but always in need of inspiration.
Jess 07.06.2018
Is the salad dressing from HyVee? Looks good!
Kristin 07.12.2018
It sure is!
randnak 07.06.2018
Hang in there, Kristin. (Not like you got a choice)
Kristin 07.12.2018
Haha, thank you!
Melissa 07.06.2018
I’m definitely with you on The Bachelorette this season! It has not been one of my favorite seasons and I find it difficult to get through it. It ends up not holding my attention and when it ends, I have no idea what just happened. I’m hoping that the next season of The Bachelor will be better!
Kristin 07.12.2018
Me too! ??