Oh. My. Goodness.
Look, prenatal massages are where it is AT. If you are trying to think of a creative gift for a momma-to-be, I highly recommend a prenatal massage gift card (or a gift card for a house cleaning service – that would be pretty sweet, too). If you’re in Charlotte, I can’t say enough nice things about Bellies and Babies. This was my second appointment with Angie and positively amazing.
Only disappointment: I thought I would get to lay down on a table with a bump shape cut out – I was really looking forward to that (oddly enough). I just thought it would be too silly. But Angie says that being on your side is better for the bump as gravity isn’t pulling it forward. Makes sense. Just not as fun. 
So – my day was filled with a little work and a little relaxation. A very nice combo, indeed. I put it some hours at the clinic (I know, I know – I’m supposed to be on maternity leave but I just can’t stay away from the family business, no matter how hard I try…). I took a break for my massage and for a lunch date with my buddy Nicole.
She cooked!
Nicole actually planned a menu of ‘labor inducing foods’ – reason #10953 why I love her. The eggplant and balsamic vinegar are thought to be labor inducing; no idea if this is true or not! Also on the menu: blue cheese salad and mashed potatoes.
Times two.
I was STILL hungry afterwards and had this for lunch #2 (eggs with aioli sauce – leftover from takeout the night before – and a pear). Oh, and a banana.
The Husband ran way over at the clinic, so I walked about a mile round trip and got myself some froyo.
Dessert before dinner – again!
And for dinner, we raided the freezer and pulled out these two frozen Amy’s dishes – Black-eyed Peas and Veggies Brown Rice Bowl and Asian Noodle Stir-fry.
We split ‘em and pumped them up with some steamed broccoli and corn.
Our consensus? Both were pretty gross. I liked the Black-Eyed Peas more; the Husband favored the Stir-Fry, but neither of us were pretty wild about either. Too bad – Amy’s is usually so great.
Did you squeeze in some relaxation today, too? Or was it all work? At least tomorrow is FRIDAY!
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{ 26 comments… read them below or add one }
yes! my relaxation was unintentional nap…the best kind!
Awww your mom is so sweet!
What a great gift – and a great way to spend a little time today. My relaxation was having my husband put dinner together while just having time to visit together. It was definitely a blessing.
Days where dessert comes before dinner are the best. I left work a little early and squeezed in an hour walk outside before dinner- was super relaxing. Hope the labor inducing foods work!
Haha I love that she looked up labor inducing foods! What a good friend!
Girl, that baby is gonna come sooner than you know! Your mom is so thoughtful. I can’t wait to read that post announcing that you’re in labor/BabyHTP’s arrival. I just smiled to myself because I think you might be planning something as cute as the ‘bun in the oven’ post.
Have a great night Caitlin! Hug your hubby extra tight tonight!
I’ve been relaxing a lot, it’s kind of my goal for the summer. But I did jump off a bridge and rope swing today… neither were relaxing. Luckily I balanced that with lots of reading!
Lovely lunch! Good to know about the Amy’s bowls, you should give the teriyaki tofu and veggies bowl a try I think it’s pretty awesome
I bought this awesome Ikea patio set back in July last year in hopes of countless evening dinners and chats on our deck at the barn (blog explains). We never used it for anything but an ashtray holder when we had people over for parties. Since we have now moved to South Dakota I’m proud to say we have used it multiple times for sunny breakfasts and tonight to relax, catch up, and sip on a few bourbon drinks before dinner. It was lovely!
Ooooh thanks for the reminder, I totally have a Groupon deal for a massage that’s a reward for mysel for finishing my first half
Thanks for the warning about those dishes…I too typically love Amy’s meals. Lately, I cannot get enough of the bean & cheese burritos – so simple, yet SO delicious! I think I am addicted.
yeah for pregnancy massages! they are the absolute best. while on our babymoon in maui, i got a pregnancy massage that actually did have a belly shaped hole in the cushions! i remember loving it & being so happy to “lay on my stomach”.
What a good day! Lots of food, friends, and a massage.
I was thinking about getting a prenatal massage with this pregnancy…I have never had one and didn’t know if it would be comfortable/relaxing?
It is amazing. Do it.
I’m sad to report that between me and Isaac, no lunch leftovers remain. So glad you came over!
Great gift idea! We bought a colleague who was going on maternity leave a mommy spa day which included a massage and pedicure since she couldn’t reach her feet and complained that she hadn’t painted her toenails in weeks! I’m glad to hear the massage (at least) was a good choice!
I love the pregnancy massages at my chiropractors office. They use the pad with the belly hole. I don’t see how it can be bad. Dr. Bradley talks in his book about how thats the way our ligaments are supposed to work, doesn’t he?
I’m glad it was relaxing!
This post just reminded me that Adam bought me a gift certificate for a massage for Valentine’s Day. I am calling today for an appointment. I NEED IT!
I have friend that is a mom to be and I was looking for an idea for her Birthday. Perfect idea!
I always hit the gym at lunch but yesterday I went out to lunch with two co workers instead. Sitting outside in the sun was very relaxing!
Also, I read in US magazine last night that a celebrity (I forget who!) was spotted eating at Cowfish in Charlotte. is it strange that I immediately thought of you?!?
Oh man! I wish I knew who it was. Cowfish rocks!
“or a gift card for a house cleaning service – that would be pretty sweet, too.” (I thought this would be a great gift too!)
Have you tried the Amy’s GF mac & cheese? I am in love with it. Reminds me of the days before I had to be GF. I don’t buy the vegan one but I hear it’s good too.
I had a prenatal massage last weekend with the pillow that had the hole for belly and boobs. Amazing! I want one for home somi can sleep on my stomach.
I am having the opposite problem at my meals. After a small meal I am uncomfortably full for hours! I sometimes worry I am not able to eat enough. Hopefully baby will drop a bit soon and give my tummy a little more room.
Amy’s frozen dinners are pretty hit and miss with me. I thought the cheesy tortilla thing they have tasted like I just poured salt into my mouth. But I really love their gluten-free dairy-free bean burritos. Sooo good! Oh and the gluten-free roasted veggie pizza.
The massage places in my city have tables with holes cut out for the bumps