Get In My Stocking - Version 3.0

Judge me if you must, but the success of my virtual Christmas list over the past two years (2011 and 2012) has been so great, that I must push forward with this new 'tradition' of mine, and broadcast my greatest desires for the upcoming Holiday for all of the world to see. New this year, you will find an abbreviated version of a list for our son, Henryk, who will be making his big debut in January! Because whats more fun than making a list of adorably necessary baby boy things? Nothing, that's right, nothing is more fun than virtually shopping for a baby. If you follow me on Pinterest, you  may have seen a few of these pop up in my pins. I use Pinterest for its original creation, to remember things I find on the internet! Brilliant!
Conveniently for my hubs, choosing to write this during the Black Friday weekend means most everything is on sale! Get on it babe! 

Without further ado...

This Sombrio hoodie, size XL (I like 'em big... name that movie) is a MUST in my life! Purple, Canadian company... I love everything about it! I can't get the image to transfer over... click through to enhance your virtual shopping experience!

Continuing on the cozy clothing train, this gorgeous cashmere sweater needs to be in my life, NOW! I'll take Black or Classic Smoke Heather, in large. If you wanted to order more than one, great! I plan on snuggling our baby for hours lounging in this piece of heaven!

 

Next up, I'd of course love some new jewelry, honoring the most precious men in my life! This Initial necklace belongs on my body. They are backed up in orders for a while, so maybe this could be my 'push' gift? Hint hint... I'll take the Sterling Silver, 18" long, with a J and H of course.

Now lets move into the kitchen. I would love this Pitbull tea towel, it definitely needs to be in my life! The Etsy shop, Dog Park Publishing,  that this is from has some other cute doggie stuff too, so feel free to browse hubs, and choose anything else I might like. Cookie cutters make great stocking stuffers!

I'm ashamed to admit it, but ever since I moved away from home oh... 8 years ago, I've been boiling water for tea or oatmeal in a pot, and I would LOVE a beautiful Le Creuset tea pot! Preferably in Flame, Marseille, or Caribbean.

 

I've started a tradition, I guess you could call it that, of wanting something silly but awesome from Anthropologie every year. These graphic bear candles definitely fill that spot on the list this year. I like both sizes...

 And finally... Boots. Since I'm going to be having this baby in the heart of Central Oregon winter, I think some warm, cute and non slip boots are definitely in order, and these Sorels are just what my heart desires! Size 9 please, in curry/herringbone.

And lets finish up with a little more cozy, in the form of this blanket from Threshold at Target. I really want this teal one, but its a in store only deal, so if you can't suffer through a trip to Target during the holidays, I'd take the tan or orange one and be just as happy.

 

And I think that's it for larger gifts! In my stocking I would love to see some tongs for the kitchen, maybe a new tote bag for the farmers market and grocery store, either those tiny ones from Whole Foods (they sell them near the register), or this hilariously awesome one from West Elm. I'd also love some new wool biking socks, ankle length please. Oh yeah, and a new sewing machine would be awesome too... Just saying. Look for a coupon before you order it though!

So do you love getting a sneak peek at other peoples wish lists during the holidays? I just love the feeling of indulgence from listing every single thing that I'm wanting! Any major gifts you're desiring? Leave a note in the comments! Happy holidays!

{Tuesday Truths} Marrying a Chef

A couple days ago, I came across yet another list of life facts on Facebook. This one was from the always clever Huffington Post, titled, '5 Things No One Tells You About Marrying a Chef'. Obviously I couldn't resist clicking through, marrying a chef is definitely not for the faint of heart, nor is it what you'd expect, so I was interested in their take on it.
Sometimes internet articles are grossly disappointing, I was pleasantly surprised to find that this one was spot on. However, some areas deserve a little expansion, so today I will tell you the truth about my experience being married to a Chef.

The truth is, their mind is never truly away from work. Its 5am and you're both sound asleep and brrrrriiiinnggggg! Phone rings, and its a prep cook wanting to discuss some assinine problem that probably could have waited until Chef rolled in around 8am.
Or you're on vacation, and restaurant choices are based solely on menu items Chef is intrigued by. He might even start a list on his phone of new ideas he could work into specials at his own restaurant. Or perhaps he will forget his phone, and you'll wind up with photos of recipes or menu items on yours, so he can recall them later.

I'm terribly sorry but I can't recall what magazine this recipe was in. Maybe Coastal Living? If someone knows the original source, please email me or leave a comment and let me know!

The truth is, when they cook at home, it is a masterpiece. My family now really looks forward to James cooking because they know it will be gourmet, starting with homemade demiglace and ending with profiteroles, fresh out of the oven drizzled with homemade chocolate ganache. The truth that comes hand in hand with this is that, they cook like they have a paid dishwasher on staff at home. This is by no means a complaint like it sounds, but when James cooks dinner, I have to be in the kitchen at every gap in cooking to wash any dishes I can get my hands on. He will use almost all the pots and pans we have, numerous bowls and utensils, and pile ingredients on the counter even after he is done with them. Again, I am not complaining, because when I cook, he cleans up. Its kind of our unspoken agreement.

Beef Bourguignon... Epic

The truth is, get ready for an unusual schedule. Restaurants are busiest on weekends and holidays, so that's of course when Chef will be working. Lucky for us, I also work at a restaurant, so this has been a benefit rather than inconvenience for us. We typically have Monday and Tuesday off as our weekends, which is actually a blessing. We can get to the doctor or other weekday only businesses without a problem or schedule interference. The hardest part is passing up on holiday trips and family events due to work, but once baby gets here, hopefully that can become more a priority. Hand in hand with this, is the truth about taking vacations in the off season. It may sound like a pain, but travel is so much more affordable and painless when the standard vacation season crowds are back at work or school. September is our big travel month, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

The truth is, being married to a chef will show you  a new level of passion that you didn't imagine possible until you got roped into this lifestyle. I am so proud of my husband and the hard work he puts in for his restaurant and staff, the love he has for what he does, and the fact that it shows in the product you receive when you visit his place of employment.

So spill... whats mealtime and lifestyle like for your family? Have you ever dreamed of having a personal Chef? Me too... Oh wait.

30 Week Bumpdate

Hey there people! We have finally crossed the 3/4's of the way line, 30 weeks!!! Woot! On with the sharing and bump date!

Yep... Look at that damn thing! I am huge! I am also slouching, so that makes it look like an extra large bump, instead of the pretty average one that it is in reality. I am still in shock that we only have 10 weeks to go, but I am so excited to meet our little man!

How far along: 30 weeks + 4 days

Total weight gain/loss: Gaining steadily at the 1lb a week since 14 weeks, so I am up 16 lbs. In my Doctors words, "right on track" and "I wish all my patients were as healthy as you". Thanks Dr. Clark.

Maternity clothes: Oh yes... I am reaching the point where I want to burn all my maternity clothes, but most of them are borrowed. Having a limited wardrobe really starts to grate on the nerves. Also, I am anxious to buy a new pair of fall/winter boots, but I don't want to for fear my feet will swell and change sizes and my new boots won't fit! Irrational much?

Stretch Marks: Still the same ones on my boobs, one new one on the side of one boob, and I have this tight, pulling feeling right below my belly button that I worry might stretch into one. I've been massaging lotion into the spot religiously but... like I said before, you can't fight growth spurts!

Sleep: I feel like just as I head into this final stretch of pregnancy, I am figuring out how to sleep comfortably. I build a little fortress of pillows, nestle inside, and pretty much don't move until Cash wakes up to go outside around 2am. I've learned that propping up my belly with a little pillow works wonders for easing the pain I was feeling in my hip joints!

Best moment this week: Had a steller round of interviews for a new job within my company that I really want! Also, gifts have started pouring in from our shower registry, so thats been really fun to open and get excited about!

Miss anything: A good nights sleep, wine, beer, etc etc... Minor things in the grand scheme of pregnancy. I also miss my family, even though they are close, it still seems so far away!

Movement: Non-stop! This baby is a busy boy, just like his parents!

Food cravings: No new cravings, but I have been STARVING constantly. I feel like there is no way I can consume enough calories to meet this boy's demands without making myself literally sick. A few nights now, I've woken up around 3am with my stomach growling, and had to eat a bowl of oatmeal or a banana, just so I can fall back asleep! This is not boding well for 14 years from now and my grocery bill...

Anything making you queasy or sick?: Not too bad, I am definitely thinking the worst of those symptoms are over.

Have you started to show yet?: The new game is... how big can she get? Strangers love to talk about my belly... Its actually pretty annoying.

Gender: Henryk, our baby BOY!

Labor signs: Nope! Braxton Hicks every now and then, but we are doing well!

Belly button in or out: Innie, but it is going through some major changes, and I am starting to think it might just pop out!

Wedding ring on or off: On! Always!

Mood: Overall... pretty dang good! Its a little shocking. 

Looking forward to: Two things...
One - Our baby shower is next weekend! I can't believe it! So I am really looking forward to spending time with friends and family celebrating our little man.
Two - Finishing up this nursery! We've got paint on the walls, trim and chair rail and the new light fixture will go up this weekend, then we can assemble the furniture and start decorating! I can't wait! It already looks so great in there with the new paint.. I'll update with photos soon!!!