Really?!??!

Why it's hard to work at an advertising agency when pregnant (part two):

A Different Kind of Halloween

I've gotten a few emails from various sites advertising last minute Halloween costumes. Most of them range from scandalous to slutty... nothing much for the flat-stomach-impaired. This is totally fine with me and J (well, I think Jason's ok with it) as we will be taking it easy this year and not dressing up... Though I did think of a pretty awesome costume idea: Beer Belly Trucker!!!

Saturday will be a ton of house stuff and then taking my cutie-pie parents out to eat to celebrate their 35th anniversary (and to thank them for taking our psycho-cat Lewis). We've decided to go to Forepaugh's which is said to be haunted... I'll let you know if anything spooky happens!

For Sunday: The plan is to lay-low and watch a movie (Killer Movie) that was filmed around Forest Lake, including on J's parent's street. I don't think it ever made it to the theaters but we're going to rent it and check it out.

I hope all of you have an awesome Halloween no matter what's in store for you.

If you're in the Grove, stop on by... we'll have plenty of goodies for children and adults... Cute babies get extra goodies (*cough* Nora and Hannah *cough*)!

Leaving you with some past, not so low-key, Halloween pictures - Enjoy!

2006: (J and me) Dog the Bounty Hunter and Beth (his wife)

2007: (me and Britta) Desperate Housewife and Betty Crocker (I think)

2008: (Andy, J and me) Jason, Frank the Tank and a Hockey Mom

2009: (me and Jason) Kat Von D and John Jameson

Bohemian Wedding Cake

A couple of weekends ago my baking adventure was to make Bohemian Wedding Cake (aka Spiced Pumpkin Cake) and I never followed up on here about it...

It was made.

It was eaten.

It was yummy.

Here's the recipe for you all. It's SUPER easy and so perfect for the season!

2 cups whole wheat flour

15-ounce can pumpkin

1 1/2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp pumpkin pie spice

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 cup (big handful) raisins

1 1/2 cups packed brown sugar

1 cup canola oil

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup molasses

Preheat your oven to 350 and butter a 9” inch cake pan.

In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients (flours, pumpkin pie spice, salt and baking soda). Mix well.

In another bowl, whisk together the canola oil, eggs, pumpkin, molasses, brown sugar and vanilla. Add the dry ingredients and stir to combine.

Fold in the raisins (walnuts if you’re feeling sassy) and then pour batter into prepared cake pan. Bake for about fifty minutes, or until the cake starts to pull away from sides of pan.

Let cool for ten minutes and then invert on a plate and let cool all the way.

Wait until fully cooled before frosting it!

For the frosting I made a basic cream cheese frosting but added Maple Extract (added until it had a slight maple taste - maybe about a tsp??). I recommend it! Added a great "warmness" to it!

Mmmmm... Enjoy!

United Way

So I've mentioned my involvement with the United Way in passing a few times on here but I thought I would take a minute to fill you all in (and solicit your help of course).

Ever since I started at CM (over 5 years ago) I've helped out with our fundraising efforts for the United Way. Every year my involvement has varied from making cookies to running committees... This year I took a giant leap and am overseeing the entire Fall fundraising effort: CM Cares Week. It's a week of fun events for employees, family, friends, other industry people... and all proceeds go to the United Way!

This year we have some amazing new and old events that I couldn't be more excited for. Here's the calendar (and yes, overseeing creative is another thing I had to do):

So how can you help? Glad you asked!

The online auction is open to anyone... there are some cool items in there so take a look... shop around... and bid! Not only do YOU get something cool but you're also donating to a great cause! That's pretty damn sweet!

Copy and paste www.cmithun.dojiggy.com into your browser - it's open until noon this Friday!

Weekend Madness

It was one of the more crazier weekends for me but it was AMAZING!

It all started Thursday at our doc appointment. Lil’ Los is doing great and is, get this, AVERAGE SIZE! Right!?!? Who knew! For his bone and head measurements he’s in the 55 percentile. I’m baffled but excited… I know everyone says you want a big baby but I was getting a little nervous. Obviously we have two more months of growth ahead of us but I think the automatic c-section discussion is off the table. Yeah!

After the doc appt is was off to Blooma for the start of my prenatal yoga training weekend extravaganza. It would take PAGES to describe what an amazing training it was… I’ll spare you but I will say this:

• I had some kick ass women in the training with me who totally owned it all. Their confidence, fear, sexuality, accomplishments, failures, opinions… everything! It was very empowering
• I never thought I would see so many vaginas in one weekend. We probably watched 7 different labor videos. I can officially cross-off doula and midwife from the “potential careers” list
• Prenatal yoga is tough – Saturday morning’s practice was one of the hardest yoga practices I’ve ever had! This is NOT a cute picture of me but you can tell by my bright red face that I’m working it!

• Mindful listening is one of the best and most challenging things to do. To actually listen to someone for 5 minutes and then repeat back what you heard (in your own words)… Powerful and very therapeutic
• I’m going to try for a natural birth… no drugs! I want to be able to apply what I’ve learned this weekend which means being able to move.

On top of this amazing 4-day training I got to shake my butt and spin around a pole for Kim’s Bachlorette party! It was SO great to see all my old college roomies and giggle like never before. Again, I’ll spare you all the details but having a big belly definitely helps swing you around a stripper pole! Might not look too sexy but damnit, I could do it!

So there it was… Doesn’t look too busy written out but it was… and I loved it!

I hope everyone else had a great weekend!

How is it Wednesday Already???

Sorry no posts… It has been a CRAZY week and it’s only half done!

Quick Thoughts from a spastic person:

Great [past] weekend filled with giggles, apples, cake, family and “words of advice” (good job J)

Stressful week filled with too much work, teaching yoga, preparing for next week’s United Way drive that I’m overseeing, doctor appointment with ultrasound, finishing prenatal yoga training, bachelorette party and finally saying good-bye to my Lewis (well, not good-bye, just see you later)

I vow to write a longer post with pictures and wittiness on Sunday!

P.S. Jason, who is in Washington DC for a nerd conference, says “Happy World Statistics Day” to all!

Mmmmmm

As you all are WELL aware, I've turned into a little baker recently. Most people automatically throw-out the "nesting" theory... I tend to disagree and say I need something to do when J is watching football on Sunday's but I think I've finally just realized how much I love to cook.

Mom, I know you are rolling your eyes and throwing your hands up in frustration right now. Sorry I'm just realizing this now and not during the 18 years that I lived with you. Also sorry that you'll have some competition in the dessert arena this Christmas!

So here are a few items that are on the horizon. I'd love to add your recipes to the list if you want to send them my way!

Bohemian Wedding Cake and Baked Apples: from Eat, Live, Run

Rustic Apple Tart: from... well... I'm combining a few different recipes so I'll let you know what I end up doing. Unless it's horrible then I'll probably lie and say I didn't have a chance to make it yet.

p.s. The S'More High Hats are J's new favorite... Beat out my Monster Cookies which were his #1

p.p.s. I realize that all of this baking will change once 'Los comes. Not only due to lack of time but also because there will be an extreme crackdown on all things delicious. This baby weight is coming off ASAP and that won't be possible with cupcakes around the house (sorry J)!

10 In One Hand :: 70 In The Other

How big is baby? This kid is definitely still on the hefty-track. According to Dr. Gosen he’s still about two weeks ahead which puts him at about 3 ½ lbs and 17 inches long. My doc appointments are now every other week so they’ll be keeping a close eye on how big he gets. Next week I’ll be having another ultrasound to measure his shoulder width/tummy size to make sure he’s going to “fit” – if not, then good bye six pack!

Maternity Clothes? I’m getting a little sick of my wardrobe at this point. I’m used to a much deeper rotation and right now it’s limited to about 5 dresses, one pair of jeans (one pair of my maternity jeans makes my legs feel like squished sausages so I’ve retired those) and yoga pants. Since it’s somewhat frowned upon to rock lululemon’s at work I’m getting a bit tired of my dresses.

Sleep: Not too shabby! It helps that I’m usually falling asleep on the couch by 9:45 but I’m sleeping through the night. Now, with sleeping through the night comes the 6:25am wake-up. Every morning. No fail. That part is not as much fun on Saturday mornings BUT, I shouldn’t complain since I’m getting a solid 9 hours every night.

Movement: ‘Los definitely has his key exercise times. Typically first thing in the morning (I’m guessing Sun Salutations to start the day), while I have my morning [decaf] coffee at work, a little jog after lunch (to work off those calories), and then some nighttime stretching before bed.

Food cravings: Still no cravings but boy have I been baking (re: the past four posts)

What I miss: Being able to get off the couch without help (I’m a turtle stuck on my back) :: being able to tell the difference between my dreams and reality :: red wine :: touching my toes :: seeing my toes

What I am looking forward to: Having a baby! Since my last doc appointment I’ve had to think a little more about labor and the fact that it’s pretty much all out of my control – I’ve realized that I’m totally fine with that and that no matter what happens I’ll get to leave with my lil’ guy. Now, I’d like to go out walking on my own without (A) stitches in my tummy or (B) stitches down below… but I have a feeling one of the two is going to happen so I should just stop worrying about it.

Milestones: We got the crib put together and in the nursery. We finished registering (Target). We start birthing classes this week. I’ll be certified to teach prenatal yoga soon. Only 10 weeks left!

Say What?: I finally started getting random stranger comments. I’m not a fan but I know these weirdoes mean well.

Lady at Great Harvest: Congrats!

Me: On What?

Lady: The baby…. (said very cautiously)

Me: Oh! That’s right. Thanks!

Guy at convenience store: No peanut butter and pickles?

[Apparently my Root Beer, Doritos and Fruit Mentos was not an odd enough combination for him]

Manager at Caribou and some yoga students: Every time I see you that stomach gets bigger and bigger!

Me: No shit!

[Ok, I didn't say that but I wanted to…. ]

High Hats

This weekend I decided to tackle a full-on cupcake extravaganza! I found two recipes that I wanted to make so decided to hybrid them together.... COMPLETELY FROM SCRATCH!

Here is the journey of my S'more High Hat Cupcakes (well, the end part since I forgot to take pictures of the beginning):

First: I made the chocolate cupcake mixture (very easy and very yummy) and the graham cracker/butter mixture. I filled cupcake cups with the graham first and then topped it off with the chocolate goo... Baked for 17 minutes and then let that cool.

Next: The marshmallow topping. This was actually pretty cool. You start with two egg whites and salt - start beating it (with a mixer of course - no one has enough arm strength to do this part by hand). Next you add in sugar and mix for about 2 minutes. Then the corn syrup. Then you proceed to wonder what you've done wrong because nothing happens for about 5 minutes. All of a sudden: Baking magic! The bowl fills up with this mallow mixture that looks like the inside of a perfectly toasted s'more. Add in some vanilla and you're set.

Putting it all together: Take the topping and put it in a plastic bag. Cut a small hole is the corner and start piping the topping on the cupcakes... nice and high like an ice cream cone. Then start strutting around the kitchen like a true cake decorator (well, that's what I did at least).

So pretty!

Then let your mallow-topped cake sit in the freezer for about 10 minutes as you make-up the choco mix (semi-sweet chocolate chips and oil). Here is where you have to find the patience that I didn't have.

LET THE CHOCOLATE COOL DOWN BEFORE DIPPING! Yep, I just went full steam and started dipping the cakes...

What this picture doesn't show are the clumps of mallow in the chocolate sauce! My high hats weren't too high after that!

None the less, they tasted amazing and looked really cool when you cut them in half. This one is missing the graham center but it was still yummy!

So let the "nesting" comments start... They don't bother me anymore because I have delicious cupcakes in my fridge and you don't!

Oh, last but not least: One of the "I'm sick of dipping these damn things" cupcakes - not as pretty but taste just as good!

Weekend Baking Preview

Excited?

Book Club

Who wants to start a book club?

I can hear you laughing but I'm totally serious! I've even looked online to join one with random people... that's how serious I am!

Let me take a step back: I have a laundry list of books to read but I can't make myself start any of them (I blame Gossip Girl, Fringe, Vampire Diaries and every other TV show we have on our TiVo). All of the books are well reviewed and should be really wonderful... I just need to start them! Soooo, I figure if I join a book club it will make me read them because you can't show up to a meeting if you haven't read the book! And if you don't show up you get kicked out and I refuse to get booted from a book club (that's just sad).

Of course, if I join a book club they will have their own list of books to read and might not get to the ones I have stacked on my nightstand... Soooo (for a second time) if I start my own book club then we will eventually get to the ones I have! [note that I said eventually; I understand that other people may have the same "stack o' books" issue]

Here is my list. Let me know if you want in. Maybe if we get enough people I'll make us all matching bookmarks and friendship bracelets (only half-joking about the bookmarks).

• Never Let Me Go by Kazulo Ishiguro
• On the Road by Jack Kerouac
• The Passage by Justin Cronin
• In the Woods by Tana French
• Room by Emma Donoghue
• One Day by David Nicholls

Jason is Not Happy

I'm sure if Jason had the password to post on here, today would not be an uplifting entry. It was announced this morning that Randy Moss will be coming back to the Vikings... and then he had to go to the dentist.

To make him feel better I'm posting these two things:

The first, a picture of my favorite Packer, Clay Matthews. He's not so easy on the eyes but he's fun to watch!

The second, a link to his favorite youtube video. I challenge anyone to watch it and not laugh. Go ahead... try it!

Perception

Sorry for the multiple posts today but I can't help but include this. It doesn't jive with anything I've posted before... hell, I didn't even write it... but it just grabbed my attention so tightly I couldn't NOT share it:

Something to think about….

Washington, DC Metro Station on a cold January morning in 2007. The man with a violin played six Bach pieces for about 45 minutes. During that time approximately. 2 thousand people went through the station, most of them on their way to work. After 3 minutes a middle aged man noticed there was a musician playing. He slowed his pace and stopped for a few seconds and then hurried to meet his schedule.

4 minutes later:

The violinist received his first dollar: a woman threw the money in the hat and, without stopping, continued to walk.

6 minutes:

A young man leaned against the wall to listen to him, then looked at his watch and started to walk again.

10 minutes:

A 3-year old boy stopped but his mother tugged him along hurriedly. The kid stopped to look at the violinist again, but the mother pushed hard and the child continued to walk, turning his head all the time. This action was repeated by several other children. Every parent, without exception, forced their children to move on quickly.

45 minutes:

The musician played continuously. Only 6 people stopped and listened for a short while. About 20 gave money but continued to walk at their normal pace. The man collected a total of $32.

1 hour:

He finished playing and silence took over. No one noticed. No one applauded, nor was there any recognition.

No one knew this, but the violinist was Joshua Bell, one of the greatest musicians in the world. He played one of the most intricate pieces ever written, with a violin worth $3.5 million dollars. Two days before Joshua Bell sold out a theater in Boston where the seats averaged $100.

This is a true story. Joshua Bell playing incognito in the metro station was organized by the Washington Post as part of a social experiment about perception, taste and people’s priorities.

The questions raised:

*In a common place environment at an inappropriate hour, do we perceive beauty?

*Do we stop to appreciate it?

*Do we recognize talent in an unexpected context?

One possible conclusion reached from this experiment could be this:

If we do not have a moment to stop and listen to one of the best musicians in the world, playing some of the finest music ever written, with one of the most beautiful instruments ever made…

How many other things are we missing?

Source

Lots of Nothing

This weekend was full of lots of nothingness. It was amazing! Here is a quick picture/link update!

Friday included a nice long walk and then catching up on tivo (Fringe just keeps getting better and better).

Saturday morning I [unhappily] woke-up at 6:30am and couldn't fall back asleep. After attempting and failing to wake-up sleeping beauty (aka Jason) I headed to the gym and then home to make French Toast and Eggs. Then it was off to teach some yoga!

Saturday afternoon we fell in love with Costco once again and then headed to my cousin Maliq's soccer game. [insert MAJOR bragging] He just got Rally Star of the week (click here to watch video) and his team is still undefeated!

Saturday night we watched Get Him to the Greek (meh) and then being the crazy-twenty-somethings that we are, went to bed at 10:00pm!

Sunday: Got-up and tried to convince J to go to yoga with me... failed... so I went to teach by myself. Came home to a CLEAN house (floors and all) so I decided to bake... and bake... and bake!

Chocolate Chip Banana Bread (click title for recipe)

Apple Dumpling (recipe listed in previous post)

Sam, Nicole and Nora joined us for dinner and football... had to snap this picture of Nora sleeping - so cute!

Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend!!!!!

Happy Birthday(s) to Britta, Jordan and Amy!!!!