BH Week 12 Update

Okayyy I am finally getting my first baby update on here! I kept putting it off because I was completely swamped these past few weeks and I just couldn't find the time to get it up here.  So here we go, my first official baby post! I got a nifty little updater for each week (few weeks) from a fellow friend/blogger, Haleigh.  If your into DIY you should totally check out her blog because she has some great stuff on there! (http://www.diydavisstyle.com) 

Hopefully I'll be able to keep up with posting (ha ha...we'll see).  But so far everything has been going sooo smoothly with my pregnancy that if I wasn't showing and hadn't actually seen little Fefe (the nickname my brother and his girlfriend gave to the baby and SOMEHOW it has stuck and everyone calls BH Fefe now) I wouldn't believe that I was actually pregnant.  Honestly the only problems I've had so far have all involved my doctors visits! Besides getting to see the baby twice, every visit I've been too has been hell.  From having to be at the OBGYN from 1:45-5:45 due to them being behind to Dracula taking my blood work too carelessly and busting a vein I have come to dread my check ups. And to top it off I have to get my blood taken at EVERY appointment because of my Thyroid problem, which I hate. Hopefully things will start to turn around by my next appointment or this is going to be a long ride. Well on a good note here's my first update and a picture of Fefe and my belly growth!!

Our little one! I'm already in love!

 

12 week bump

How far along? 12 Weeks 6 days
Countdown: 27 weeks 1 day
Size: The size of a peach
Total weight gain: +10 lbs
Maternity clothes? Only my work pants, other than that no (though I have bought a couple shirts that are still too big I found at a bargain ;))
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Sleeping great besides having to get up and pee all through the night.  And my dreams are so crazy and random!
Best moment this week: Leaving the first trimester behind!
Miss Anything? HOT DOGS! I don''t know why I have been craving them so badly but I always want to eat them, and I've given in a couple of times after burning it to a crisp.
Movement: We were able to see the little peanut moving during the ultrasound but I don't feel anything yet
Food cravings: pizza, pizza, oh and pizza.  Smoothies, Spaghetti, and all things cheesy. (great healthy cravings, I know) 
Anything making you queasy or sick: If I don't eat, and the smell of onions whether with food or solo
Gender: Not sure yet!
Labor Signs: None
Symptoms: Peeing like crazy, hungry ALL THE TIME, and dreadful headaches
Belly Button in or out? in
Wedding rings on or off? On 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Mostly happy, but I have had a few moody outbreaks....Sorry Colt!! ;)
Looking forward to: Knowing the gender! I'm ready to call the baby a he or she not Fefe!
Next Appointment: January 3rd

Well, there ya go folks! Until next time..

Stay well, 

Meg

One Plus One Equals.....Three?

Hi all!!! After a long break from blogging (Don't worry there's a reason) Colt and I are over the moon and even further beyond that excited to announce that our family will be growing by two little feet. Baby Hepner: coming June 2013!! 

I basically had to completely cut any and all social media out of my life from the day I took the pregnancy test. I've been bursting at the seams to share our amazing news but Colt and I wanted to wait until we went to the doctor before announcing just to make sure that everything was on track, and as you can tell since I am posting this, EVERYTHING IS GREAT!

I honestly did not even have an idea that I was pregnant until one day while I was babysitting, I was trying to put the 7mo I watch down for a nap and I could barely even hold him because my chest was so sore and my lower back was in a lot of pain (first clue).  I had been having on and off cramping for about a week and I associated everything with my period. So thinking nothing of it, I had to stop at CVS on my way home to pick up some food for my kitties and the thought crossed my mind to get a pregnancy test.  I bought the cheapest one in the store because I really doubted it was even possible.  Colt and I had been trying for a while, and when nothing was happening we decided that we were going to put everything in God's hands because we knew that his time would be the right time, and that if we relied on him then when it finally happened it would be that much more special and amazing.

While I was driving home from the store, I just started crying in my car (second clue; I hardly ever cry) and I thanked God for everything that was in my life.  I told myself that no matter what the outcome was, that I would thank God for it because if it wasn't meant to be then it wasn't meant to be and that he would never give us more than we could handle. When I got home and finally got around to even taking the test I glanced at the results and threw the test away.  Then I realized, WAIT A SECOND....that was a plus sign....that was a PLUS SIGN.  

I instantly broke down and cried.  Then I got on my face and prayed to God and thanked him for everything and for this child that he had blessed Colt and I with.  Then I realized...Colt wouldn't be home for another agonizing 40 minutes! I had to sit and wait, not able to call anyone and it basically killed me.  

To make a long story short, by the time Colton got home and saw that there was no dinner ready (No way was I going to be able to focus to cook a meal, let alone stop crying lol) we'll just say that he was not pleased.  But his mood made a complete 180 when I lifted my shirt and had written "Baby Hepner Coming Soon" on my stomach.  At first he couldn't even read what I had written because I couldn't stop jumping up and down and giggling long enough for him to make out the words.  But once it sunk in what I was telling him  we both cried (so sappy I know...) and hugged seriously for about 20 minutes. 

Then came the excitement of telling those closest to us.  After telling our parents, we slowly began telling others.  We wanted to make sure that we didn't broadcast our exciting news to everyone too soon just in case (cue in social media hiatus).  But now that we have seen the doctor and she said everything looks great (we got to see little Hepner and the heartbeat (which was 164 might I add ;D) EEK!)we decided we would go ahead and make it officially (facebook) official.

So there it is folks, there's going to be a little Hepner running around (hope the worlds ready for this one ;)) and Colton and I are truly so blessed and thankful for everyone and all the support we've gotten thus far.  From here on out expect lots and lots of updates because now that I can actually openly talk about being pregnant I don't know if I'll be able to stop =o)

Stay Well,

Meg

Almond Crusted Chicken Delight

Wow. I suck at this whole blogging thing.  I have been so busy between 2 part-time jobs, school, church, trying to find time for family, and getting back into a routine and the whole "I have to actually go to bed at a decent hour" thing. Some days I seriously feel like I might drowned in it all.  But at the same time I need to remember that at least I have a job...or 2 and that school will only benefit me in the end.  I'll get my break soon enough though, because our big one year anniversary is coming up (crazy I know!) and Colt and I are planning to go away for a lonnggg relaxing weekend. (Feel free to pitch in some ideas of where we could go!)  ;o)


Any who, now for the real reason why i'm here.. I have been dying to get this recipe that my hubby makes all the time that is really good (and if he's making it, healthy) on here because it's too good to miss out on. It's an Almond Crusted Chicken recipe and it is simply genius.

Now for the good stuff!

INGREDIENTS: (For 3 large chicken breasts)

Chicken Breasts
1/4 cup Egg Whites
3/4 cup chopped Almonds
1/2 cup Mozzarella Cheese

DIRECTIONS:
1. Chop almonds in a food processor or blender.
2. Take raw chicken breasts and pat dry with a paper towel or napkin.  Dip into egg whites.
3. Cover chicken with chopped almonds.
4. Put chicken breasts into greased, uncovered baking dish.
5. Cook for 35 to 40 minutes (depending on the thickness of each breast) at 375F.
6. With 5 minutes left, sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.
7. Enjoy!

Well, there ya go folks.  Hope you all enjoy the recipe! We usually serve green beans or asparagus and quinoa with our almond chicken, it really would be good with anything though.  Here's a photo of the chicken before being put into the oven. Eat on! :o)

Stay Well,

Meg

Mama's (Not So Secret Anymore) Chicken Casserole Recipe

Okay ladies and gents I'm about to give you something amazing (you can thank me later) and I am so excited about this post! This will probably be one of my favorite posts I will ever write, simply because I am obsessed with this recipe.  Ever since I was a little girl I have requested this meal for family dinners, birthdays, and any other possible occasion.  My grandmother found/created this recipe when I was young and my Mama picked up on it and now neither one of them can escape the request for this dish whenever I'm around. So I thought I would put this out there for everyone else to enjoy...annnddd give away one of my families best recipes.  (If this was supposed to be a "secret" recipe I'll never know, but if it was...SORRY GRAMMY!)

Ingredients:

1 lb Cubed chicken
4 cups spaghetti noodles
1 can Cream of Chicken
1/2 tsp Onion Powder or half of one onion
1/2 cup Sour Cream
1/2 tsp Nature's Seasons
1/2 cup water
Salt and Pepper
1 1/2 cups shredded Colby cheese
handful of Durke's Onion Toppers






Directions:

Brown Chicken in pan, and cube as it cooks.  Cook noodles until they are soft, drain. 

Mix Cream of Chicken, Sour Cream, Onion, Salt and Pepper, Water, and Nature's Seasons into large bowl and stir until mixed.

Add chicken and noodles

Once all ingredients are well mixed, pour them into an ungreased 9 x 11 baking dish. Add shredded cheese.

Preheat oven to 350F and once heated put dish in for 25 minutes.  When timer goes off add Durke's Onions and put back in for 5 minutes.

Ta-da! Doesn't it look delicious? Trust me it is...I usually serve this dish with 2 vegetable sides and a bread. Enjoy! (I know I will ;))  

Stay well,

--Meg

One Fish, Two Fish

So two nights ago when I was in a hurry to get ready for church, I decided to resort to yet again, another bun (I mean, are you surprised?).  But I wasn't feeling like just the plain ole throw-my-hair-up-at-the-last-second kind of do, and I wanted it to be simple but classy, so I went with the fishtail bun.  It's super easy (if you can fishtail or you know someone who can) and it only took 10 minutes.  You don't know how to fishtail, you say? Big deal, a regular braid will create the same look.  I typically prefer a fishtail over the traditional because it's something fresh and my hair is so long that it's easy enough to do it on myself. This is a great casual look, or you can add an accessory to dress it up.  I paired mine with a flowy maxi skirt, a crewneck t-shirt, and a jean jacket. Okay, so to get to the point...

1. Tease the hair at the crown of your head.  Then put hair into a low bun. (for more of a dressy summer look, take a curling iron to a couple of pieces of hair to add wave) 

2. Braid hair in desired style i.e fishtail or regular. Secure with clear elastic.

3. Starting from the top wrap the widest part of the braid around to form a bun look (Use large Pins to hold in place).  Continue wrapping until the skinniest part of the braid is around the bun. Secure the end with a bobby pin. (You can either tuck the elastic into the bun or cut it)

4. Pin any loose pieces, and use large bobby pins to make the bun feel secure.

5. Use hairspray if you feel you need extra hold

6. Add a bow, headband, flower, etc.

Here's a couple of pictures of my finished look. 

Again, this is an easy look to pull off and it's great for when your short on time! 

Stay well,

--Meg

Bubble My Pizza

Anyone out there who is in love with pizza as much as I am? Well, no probably not. But try this Weight Watchers recipe and I promise you that your taste buds will be thanking you. AND the best part is that according to WW points plus one serving is only 10 points! I don't follow the WW system but I do know 10 points is a banging deal! I discovered this recipe one day while moseying around on the computer and I decided I had to make it that night.  So I went to the store and picked up the ingredients needed and went to work putting together this bubbly masterpiece.  It was so easy to make and it was a big hit with my husband! I also made it for a couple of friends one night and they loved it! I don't have any pictures of what my final product looked like but I found one on the Weight Watchers site and it is true to reality. I've also included an image from another blogger of what their pizza turned out like. Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

1 pound 96% lean ground beef

2 teaspoons onion powder, or 1 onion, chopped

16 ounces tomato sauce

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

15 ounces refrigerated buttermilk biscuits, buttermilk

Whatever pizza toppings you prefer like turkey pepperoni, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.

1 1/4 cup fat free mozzarella cheese, shredded

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 350 F.  In skillet, brown meat over medium heat until browned, stirring to crumble.  Stir in onion powder, tomato sauce, basil, garlic, and Italian seasoning.

2. Add quartered biscuits; stir gently until biscuits are covered with sauce.  Mix in toppings of your choosing.  Spoon mixture into a 9x13 inch backing dish coated with cooking spray.  Bake for 25 minutes.  Sprinkle with cheese; bake an additional 10 minutes or until biscuits are done.  Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

(Source: recipe-diaries.com)

Again, this recipe is super easy, and by easy I mean that if I (being newly married and forced into learning how to cook without Mama's help) can make it that YOU can make it. Make sure if you try it to give me some feedback, and if you have any questions you can message me below or through any of my links! =)

Stay well,

--Meg

Sock in Your Hair, Say What?

If you know me at all then you know that I am obsessed with buns.  Having long hair makes it extremely difficult to pull off a lot of hairstyles. I was constantly scanning the hair and beauty category on Pinterest trying to find a manageable up-do, and that's when I found the sockbun. This is an incredibly easy bun, (it's actually more of a cheat bun).  This bun is all over Pinterest but it doesn't always tell you how to do it, and sometimes pictures are just not enough, so I thought I would help you all out by giving you the step by step with pictures (I suckered my lovely sister into being my model) So I hope this helps!

First, you will need a tube sock, hairband(s), bobby pins, and a ribbon or bow for an extra pop. Cut the toe off the end of the sock so you can roll it into the shape pictured below starting from the toe to the top. and FYI the thicker the sock, the bigger the bun. So if you have thin hair then your going to want a thicker sock to make your bun look fuller, and vice-versa.

Next, put your hair into a ponytail at desired height. Then, your going to want to pull your hair through the sock until there is enough hair that you can wrap it around the top.  Roll the sock down your hair, tucking pieces in as you go.  If you have thick hair, be patient because it can feel like you are never going to reach the bottom, but don't give up! If you're wanting a sleeker bun then your hair should be straight before rolling the bun, and for more of a messy bun then you will want your hair wavy (as seen below)

Once you have rolled the sock down to the bottom, use bobby pins to tuck fly aways and hold the bun in place.  If you have thick hair then you will want to use the long bobby pins because your bun is going to be very thick.  

Now comes the fun part! Accessorizing! Don't get me wrong the bun looks great by itself but what will really make it stand out is adding a ribbon or a bow for that extra oomph.  My favorite accessory is the ribbon headband. To get the twisted look, your going to want to start by wrapping the head band from behind and tying it as if you were tying your shoe.  Then take the ribbon and cross it so it makes two outwards V's. Finish by tying in a knot/bow at the nape of your neck.

I hope this was helpful and everyone should really try it because I promise you will love it! I get so many compliments every time I wear this look.  If you try it make sure to give me some feedback! 

Stay well,

--Meg