I must have pregnancy brain because yesterday, I spent the entire day telling people I was three weeks from my due date.  40 weeks minus 36 weeks is 4 weeks, not 3.  Meh.  Well, regardless, Happy 36 Weeks, BabyHTP!

I’m feeling pretty good this week.  I have really bad carpal tunnel in both of my hands, but it seems that BabyHTP is dropping, so my heartburn has disappeared.  I’ll take it.  I’m sleeping well and exercising regularly.

Okay – onto the good stuff.   The nursery tour!  I have been dying to show you guys the nursery.

I am married to a man that really cares about design and decorating.  He is not the type of man to say, “Oh, honey, I don’t care what the rug in the living room looks like… You can choose whatever.”  Fun fact: he actually chose our wedding colors and the bridesmaid dresses. Anyway, I really care about design and decorating, too, which means that neither one of us have ever decorated a room entirely by ourselves as adults.  When we moved into the new house, we decided that we’d each get free reign over one room:  he did the man cave, and I did the nursery. 

Of course, we don’t know if BabyHTP is a boy or a girl, so when browsing for nursery ideas, I had to wade through a lot designs that seemed boy- or girl-specific (i.e. pretty, pretty princess).  I finally found an inspiration nursery that I loved – this nursery from Modg.  I loved concept of gray paint (we used this color by Sherwin Williams) and the white trees and ran with it from there. 

Let’s start with my favorite part of the room, though – the dresser/changing table.

One of the great things about our nursery is how our friends and family really pitched in to make it special and unique.  My mom, for example, painted this dresser, which actually is the dresser that I grew up with – I got it when I was 7 or 8 years old and used it until I left for college.  She painted it a lovely white and got a plastic sheet cut to fit the top.  We’re both a little concerned about the safety factor of the star handles (they are pointy), which are the original handles to the dresser, so I may swap them out before BabyHTP becomes mobile.

I ordered a changing pad for the top of the table – it should be here any day now – and in one of the drawers are all the diaper supplies.

Baby clothes are so tiny.  It kills me.

Above the dresser are two prints that I found on Etsy (here and here).  My friend Kath bought them for me as a gift and framed them herself. 

And above the prints is an awesome mobile.  I contacted a shopkeeper on Etsy who specialized in paper lantern mobiles and asked if she could create a custom one.  I have to say – Janie Girl Crafts is incredible.  I am pretty bad at describing concepts aloud to others (“Um, I want a horizontal mobile… with blue… and it should be big… and pretty…”) but she seemed to know exactly what I meant.  There are about twenty lanterns in the mobile.

I hope BabyHTP likes to look up at all the colors and shapes while I’m wrestling a dirty diaper off his or her butt.

Swinging to the left, I’ve got the window and my seating area.  My mom generously gave me a glider for my shower – I selected this one from Stork Craft.

Choosing a glider really stressed me out – this concept seems laughable if you’ve never shopped for a glider, but they range from cheap (with mixed reviews) to outrageously expensive (with mixed reviews).  Not everyone uses a glider, but I know I will, and it was hard to select one.  All in all, I am thrilled with the glider and would highly recommend it – I think people just get really picky in their reviews.  It’s comfy, glides nicely, and the back is tall enough so I can rest my head back.  Win, win, win.

Maggie likes to sit in it.

Next to the glider, my dachshund night light.  Nicole gave me this for my shower – she remarked on the card that it was the weirdest gift she’d ever given.  But I love it.  First of all, it’s exactly the same size as Maggie.  It gives off a really nice glow, which will be perfect for middle-of-the-night feedings.  Plus, it’s totally silly. 

(I’ll move to the dresser when the baby becomes mobile to get the cords out of his or her reach.)

Swinging to the left again – the pièce de résistance!  The mural.

My mother-in-law is an incredible artist and has been painting the baby’s mural on-and-off for a few weeks.  She did it completely freehand, and it’s absolutely wonderful.  She still has a bit to go – some shadowing and details – but I’m not sure when she’s going to be able to finish it up because of work travel.  Hopefully, it will be complete before the baby arrives, but if not – no big deal. 

The neatest part is that the trees kind of glow when you turn off the lights at night.

Crib was a gift from my best friend Lauren (see what I mean? Everywhere I look in the nursery, I am reminded of our sweet family and friends – it’s wonderful).  Believe it or not, but the crib is actually from Wal-Mart.  It’s really beautiful and sturdy.

I bought these sheets and this skirt.  And the blanket is a hand-knitted one that I bought from Etsy.

I splurged on that blanket because it perfectly matched the boxes that I bought from Land of Nod.  I’m keeping toys and breastfeeding supplies in these.

Speaking of toys and things for BabyHTP to do…

Love the non-traditional bookcase!

I bought three photo frame shelves from IKEA and used them to prop up the books – I thought it was more fun that having the pretty covers hidden in a normal bookshelf. 

We have SO many great books for BabyHTP because everyone who came to my shower brought their favorite kids book – each book is inscribed with a message from the guest, too.  I’m looking forward to torturing BabyHTP with the saddest but best story ever, The Velveteen Rabbit.

Book overflow:

So – that’s the nursery!  I hope BabyHTP has loads of fun sleeping, playing, and eating in the room – so much love went into it from so many people. 

And if you’re wondering what the closet looks like… well, it’s a disaster.  I need to put in some shelving and do some organizing, but I still have three four weeks left, right?  I sure hope so!

Plot summary from Amazon: “Stranded in the frozen Antarctic sea for nearly two years, Sir Ernest Shackleton and his team of 27 polar explorers endured extreme temperatures, hazardous ice, dwindling food, and complete isolation. Despite these seemingly insurmountable obstacles, the group remained cohesive, congenial, and mercifully alive – a fact that speaks not just to luck but to an unparalleled feat of leadership. Drawing on this amazing story, "Leading at The Edge" demonstrates the importance of a strong leader in times of adversity, uncertainty, and change. The book reveals 10 timeless leadership lessons that show readers how to: instill optimism while staying grounded in reality; have the courage to step up to risks worth taking; consistently reinforce the team message; set a personal example; find something to celebrate and something to laugh about; and, never give up.”

It’s very different than most of the books that I’ve been reading lately (thank God, I need a break from boobie talk) but very interesting!  It’s definitely a great book for anyone in a leadership position.  I’m attempting to enact some of the philosophies on the dogs. They still aren’t listening to me.  Either I’m a crap leader or they’re horrible listeners…

Lead me to breakfast!

This was one of those OMG-this-is-so-tasty-that-I’m-going-to-eat-it-in-one-breath breakfasts.  Instead of plain old French toast, I sprinkled some sunflower seeds on the wet side while the first side was cookin’ on the griddle.  The result? Amazing.

Especially with strawberries and syrup.

So – what are you reading right now?

I need a lounge chair, STAT.  I’ve outgrown the bench every which way!

Maggie already has her lounge chair. Me.

James is a real dog that actually sits in the grass (well, the lone ‘flower’ bed – and I use that term loosely that didn’t get destroyed in the nuclear garden war over the weekend).

Time to come off the porch for dinner!

I made a very simple fried rice scramble.  In the mix: brown rice, broccoli, carrots, pre-cooked lentils, and two eggs.  I cooked the broccoli and carrots in a wok with a little oil, and once they were soft, I added the cooked rice and lentils.  After a bit longer, I added in the eggs – it’s always hard to decide if fried rice tastes better with the eggs mixed in raw or scrambled separately and tossed in.  Both options are tasty!

On top: some nutritional yeast.  It added a little something-something.

And for dessert…

A watermelon wheel.  Saw Kath slice a melon this way the other day and I thought – “GENIUS!”  So easy to slice and so easy to eat.

So – who worked out today?  Please brag!  I worked out!  Whoo hoo.  I did a 0.5-mile swim this morning in an empty pool (well, DadHTP was with me).  A virtually empty pool is a highly unusual occurrence at our gym.  It was so nice!  I felt pretty slow and choppy this morning, and although I don’t normally mind lane sharing in the slightest, it was nice not to have to worry about bumpin’ into someone else as I fumbled around. 

Streak the Cove 5K – Kissimmee, Florida

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The Streak the Cover 5K is a “clothing optional” 5K held on the Cypress Cove Resort in Kissimmee, Florida.  Runners are encouraged to wear “as little or as much as they want…” although sunscreen is highly recommended.  All I can think is, “No clothes… Does that mean no chafing?!”  And, “Man, my boobies would hurt.”  Anyway, proper nudist etiquette must be followed at all times (put a towel down before sitting and no camera or cell phones allowed on the property).  And yes… runners still get a free T-shirt for entering.

Cross Bay Half Marathon – United Kingdom

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This Half Marathon is a trail race that crosses beautiful scenery, a tidal bay, and two rivers.  The quickest route between the counties of Cumbria to Lancashire, the crossing dates back as far as the 13th century, when monks would guide travelers across the bay on foot.  This is believed to be the only race in the world that crosses a tidal bay – pretty neat!  But expect a few blisters – you are running through several water challenges and wet sand, after all.

The Urban Dare – Cities Throughout America

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The Urban Dare is a race where teams of two solve a set of twelve clues, including trivia, photo hunt games, and mental and physical challenges.  To move onto the next challenge, teams must take photographs or complete dares, which may include climbing a wall, solving or puzzle, or other activities.  Teams can run, walk, or use public transportation – but not cars – to move between checkpoints. The events usually take two to four hours and cover a total of 5 – 7 miles.

The Runyon 5K – Bronx, New York

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I’ve done a race that finished inside a stadium – but the Runyon 5K is unique in that it occurs entirely within the Yankee Stadium.  Runners traverse concourses, ramps, and nearly 268 stairs to travel 3.1 miles through the stadium, finishing up with a victory lap around the warning track (near, but not on, the actual field). To prevent bottlenecking, start times are staggered.

Skirt Chaser 5K – Tempe, Arizona and Denver, Colorado

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The Skirt Chaser 5K mixes “flirting and racing.”  Most participants sign up as a couple, and the women get a 3-minute head start on their partners, who try to ‘catch them’ on the course.  If you’re single and looking for a love who appreciates racing as much as you do, you wear a special sticker – who knows, maybe you’ll meet someone nice on the course!

Crystal City Cave Run – Crystal City, Missouri

This race is definitely in the wackiest location – it’s an underground 5K!  The race goes through the Crystal City sand mine, taking runners past underground lakes, over wet sand, under air shafts, and on top of sand dunes.  It’s a two-loop course and, save for a small portion at the start, takes place entirely underground. 

Night of the Living Dead 5K – Salty Lake City, Utah

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Like the Skirt Chaser, this Halloween-themed race features a slight head start for some participants… but it’s humans v. zombies.  Runners register as ‘humans’ or ‘zombies’ (and zombies are, of course, encouraged to dress up and play the part), and humans get the first whistle.  Two minutes later, the zombies take off.  Race rules specifically state that zombies are not allowed to be aggressive or harass humans.  Eck!  Run for your life!

Napa to Sonoma Wine County Half Marathon – Wine Country, California

I would LOVE to do this race one day.  It’s definitely on my bucket list.  First of all, it’s a scenic half marathon through beautiful wine country, and there’s an awesome wine and music festival following the race.  But more importantly, they serve wine on the course.  Who needs a water stop when you have a wine stop?  Bottoms up!  Oh, and the prizes include over 20 cases of wine in addition to the traditional cash.

The Enduroman Arch to Arc – London to Paris

Billed as the “world’s ultimate triathlon,” the Enduroman requires participants to run 87 miles from London to Dover, swim the entire English channel, and then cycle 181 miles from Calais to Paris.  Yes.  Seriously.  Alternatively, you can run from London to Dover, kayak the English Channel, and then bike from Calais to Paris.  Your decision.  Only nine people have ever completed the entire race by themselves.  Four relay teams have completed the event.  To qualify to participate in the 300-mile race, you must have completed a six-hour sea swim in 16 degrees or colder water within the last year.  Oh, and the race costs around $8,000 for a single entry.

The Krispy Kreme Challenge – Raleigh, North Carolina and Tallahassee, Florida

Does running 2.5 miles or so, wolfing down a dozen donuts, and running back to the start line sound like your idea of a good time?   Yeah.  Me neither.  But loads of people love to participate in the annual Krispy Kreme Challenge, which raises money for charity.  Part of the challenge is that the running and donut-eating (which, by the way, clocks in around 2,400 calories and 144 grams of fat) must be completed in under an hour.  And yes, there are actually ‘designated puke areas,’ including a puke tent.  Gross!

Would you run nude?  Would you rather be a zombie or a human?  Would you barf if you had to eat 12 donuts in the middle of a 5-mile race?  Would you feel compelled to drink wine at the Napa Half Marathon just to say you did?  I would not run nude ever, I would be a zombie, I would definitely barf after eating a dozen donuts under any circumstances, and I would partake in the booze!

I am so quiet this morning because I am attempting an early(ish) swim workout with DadHTP.  I only have energy for one thing – i.e. not to drown in the pool because I fall back asleep mid-stroke.  Wish me well.

On the stovetop:

1/2 cup oats

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup soymilk

1/2 banana

Toppings: sunflower seeds, cranberries, blueberries

Quote of the Day:

“Almost everything–all external expectations, all pride, all fear of embarrassment or failure–these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important. Remembering that you are going to die is the best way I know to avoid the trap of thinking you have something to lose. You are already naked. There is no reason not to follow your heart.” – Steve Jobs

The Husband remarked that I’m going to burn myself out on balsamic dressing as a sauce, much like I burned myself out on Mmmm Sauce (still tasty, just burnt out), Panda Puffs cereal (cannot stand the thought of consuming Panda Puffs ever again), and the Dave Matthews Band song Satellite.

Seriously – am I the only one who can’t listen to Satellite without cringing?

#2 – My latest attempt at pregnancy fitness is beating the dogs up the stairs.  James is hard to beat – he’s a big boy.  But Maggie?  She has little dachshund arms and legs. She’s two inches off the ground.  I should easily be able to beat her up the stairs.  But she beats me EVERY SINGLE TIME.  Toughest personal trainer ever.

#3 – Delicious snack.  That’s all.

#4 – Does anyone else feel like all they ever do is load and unload the dishwasher?  I’ve written a million of times that my least-liked chore is the dishes (I know, I know – if I didn’t have a dishwasher, it would be a million times worse… and this is a total first-world problem.  Indulge me….).  But I feel like ALL I DO is load and unload the dishes.  And then we get stuck in this crazy vicious cycle in which dishes pile up in the sink, so by the time we load the washer, there’s a full load, which we avoid unloading for a day… only creating more dishes in the sink.  Help.  I’m stuck in a dishwasher cycle of doom and can’t escape.

#5 – I have discovered the secret to making excellent boxed macaroni and cheese.  You know how it gets too runny if you add the recommended amount of milk to the powdered cheese mix?  Then it’s all watery and the cheese isn’t covering the pasta equally. Very disappointing!  Solution – drain the pasta and then just mix the cheese in dry.  No milk.  The little bit of water on the pasta creates the perfect, thick cheese sauce.  Tada!

Yes, the fact that I have developed a mac and cheese ‘method’ is definitely a sign that I have been eating way too much of the cheesy stuff (the Trader Joe’s gluten free type is amazing).

That’s a wrap.  What random things are bouncing around your brain this Monday?

I thought it would be most helpful to share my thoughts in response to some FAQs that I’ve received…

What is Bradley Method? The Bradley Method is a 12-week course that teaches natural childbirth techniques and specifically focuses on the ‘husband-coached’ childbirth philosophy.  Just an FYI, ‘husband’ can also be interchanged for boyfriend, girlfriend, same-sex partner, mother, father, and friend. One of the women in our class was coached by her mother, for example.  Bradley Method was developed in 1947 so some of the terminology is a little old-fashioned; personally, I think the term should be updated to be inclusive.  Anyway, the classes teach nutrition, relaxation techniques, pain management techniques, and post-birth baby care (with an emphasis on breastfeeding).  The bulk of the courses is focused on learning about the stages of labor, what the mother can do to manage pain, and what the partner can do to successfully coach her through the pain. 

What does a typical Bradley Method labor look like?  If you’re going to the hospital or a birthing center, you’re taught to labor at home for as long as you feel comfortable doing so; the very general guideline that we were taught is to labor until your contractions are one minute long and three minutes apart, but if you show certain other emotional or physical signposts earlier, you may go in earlier.  Laboring at home is a huge part of Bradley because this greatly reduces your odds of medical interventions.  You learn a variety of active techniques to assist in calming yourself and having a healthy labor and delivery.  Some of these techniques include:  laboring in certain positions, moving around during labor, staying hydrated and fueled during labor, etc.   (Side note:  Gina from Fitnessista.com had a hospital Bradley Birth – here is her birth story: part I and part II.)

Why did we choose it? The Husband and I are hoping for a natural, drug-free childbirth.  If it doesn’t happen for medical reasons, that is totally okay because, of course, the safety of BabyHTP comes first.  But I recognize that in order to have a relatively intervention-free childbirth at a hospital, I need to specifically plan and prepare for one; most hospital births include a variety of interventions. Hoping for a drug-free childbirth may not be enough.  I imagine childbirth to be quite the feat and didn’t really think I could just wing it – I wanted to feel equipped and prepared.  The Bradley Method boasts a 86 – 90% ‘success’ rate of non-medicated vaginal births.  I liked the emphasis on understanding the physical and psychological changes a laboring mother goes through; I think of myself as a very practical person – if I can say, “This is hurting now because my cervix is doing X, Y, Z,” it may help me deal with the sensations.  I looked into Hypnobabies but didn’t think it was for me; I think you really need to completely buy into it for it to work and didn’t think I could go there (I’ve had friends use it with much success, though).

This ‘Husband-coached’ childbirth thing sounds a little weird. Shouldn’t you be in charge?  I’ve gotten this question a lot!  It’s not that the laboring mother isn’t in charge or has the ultimate say; it’s that the partner is trained to respond to her emotional and physical needs.   He is also educated in common interventions so he can intelligently discuss non-emergency interventions with the birth team.  In Bradley world, when the partner has this knowledge, he can support the mother through labor and help reduce the risk of interventions (the need for interventions can – but not always, of course – be triggered by fear and anxiety).  Delivery isn’t just about me and the baby; to me, Kristien is just as involved, especially emotionally. I know it helps him to feel like he has a clearly defined roll.

What were classes like?  Every Monday for 12 weeks, we attended a two-hour class with nine other couples.  Classes were held at a local birth center.  Most of the couples were delivering at the birth center; only three of us were having hospital births. Each class focused on a particular topic and were led by a Bradley Method-certified instructor (who was also a doula that has had a medicated hospital childbirth, a c-section, and a vaginal home birth – pretty neat); we held discussions, shared information, practiced laboring techniques and breathing methods, and watched movies. Not surprisingly, everyone at my Bradley class was ‘crunchy’ – alternative views about birth, vaccinations, and/or parenting – and that made discussions quite interesting.  People were pretty open and non-judgmental. I voiced a few times that we were making more ‘traditional’ choices and never felt like I was being judged or shunned for it. 

Playing educational games at Bradley class

Did you have homework?  Yes. Couples were expected to do weekly homework, practice the techniques at home, and read a total of three books (linked to below).  I can’t say that I always did my homework… but I tried.  Another important part of my homework was following the Bradley Method nutrition plan, which emphasizes eating whole foods and a lot of protein (to make the bags of water stronger, among other things).  As a vegetarian, I struggled to eat the 75 – 100 grams of protein a day but really tried.  Good thing I like eggs.

Bradley Method sounds like a lot of work…. It was. Bradley Method is definitely a huge time commitment, especially compared to one-day crash courses at hospitals.  There were nights that I dreaded going to Bradley class and weeks that I skipped the homework.  However, I think it was worth the time.  It gives you a lot of time to ‘simmer’ on the concepts, get used to the philosophy, and talk it out with your partner.  It also carries you through nearly an entire trimester of you pregnancy, and it’s nice to have that support.  (FYI:  Most people ended the class at 34 – 38 weeks).

That also sounds pretty expensive… It was.  The course cost us $250 (roughly $20 a class), and we had to buy three books, which cost another $30 or so.  Ouch. 

Do you think it was worth it? Do you think it will work?  I definitely think it was worth it.  Regardless of how birth goes, we both feel so much more educated about childbirth.  For me, a large motivation for taking any birth class was simply to become more confident about labor.  I still have moments that I’m scared of labor, but more often than not, I now look forward to the experience <—a big change from how I felt at the beginning of class!  Thanks to Bradley, I think I have really realistic and flexible expectations about natural childbirth and delivering with midwives in a hospital setting.  Regarding whether it will ‘work,’ the 86 – 90% success rate makes me hopeful!  But who really knows what will happen in the next few weeks?  A lot of it depends on things that I have zero control over, but that’s how any birth is, really.

I’m interested in the Bradley philosophy but can’t afford the 12-week course / don’t have the time / there isn’t an instructor near me.  Thoughts?  I think the classes are helpful because it really encourages discussion between you and your spouse.  If you’re an auditory learner (like the Husband), the classroom setting may be helpful.  If you’re bad at keeping up with homework (like me), having someone else hold you accountable is helpful.  But if you can’t attend a real-life class, I think there are two really great books that you can pick up and read.  We were assigned three books, but the Husband was only responsible for reading the third – Husband-Coached Childbirth.  I don’t think he really loved it and found it was full of lots of extraneous information.  However, we both enjoyed the other two books.  If you can’t do classes, you really should pick up these two books and study them. 

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon

The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding by Diane Wiessinger

Although this isn’t a Bradley book, I also really liked Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth and would highly recommend it!

Did you take a childbirth class?  What kind?  Did you think it was helpful practically and emotionally? What was your biggest takeaway?

I don’t think two people have ever been so happy to collapse on a couch before (post-shower, obviously).  Now, we just give the backyard a week or so and pray that little grass seeds sprout up.  Here’s to hoping all the mud was worth it.

Rise and shine.  Just a bit sore from yesterday.

Toast, sunflower butter, banana, blueberries, coconut.

My big work endeavor of the day is radio for the Healthy Tipping Point book.  I did eight interviews last Monday, nine on Friday, and I’m up for another nine today. 

Good thing I really like to talk.   Especially when I can do it in my pajamas.

Oh, hey – it’s our man cave!  Remember our big debate over Where Should the TV Go?  In our new house, we had the option of making one room a dedicated ‘TV room’ instead of putting the TV in the main living area downstairs.  We really like the TV separation – we watch less, and it seems more ‘special’ when our shows are on. 

The Hus decorated the man cave (hence, the name).  One very cool thing he did was buy black and white pictures of his favorite sports teams.  He’s got prints from England winning the 1966 World Cup, Manchester United winning their first European Cup in 1968, and University of Miami playing Florida in their first championship winning season in 1983.  Pretty neat.

The man cave also makes a good interview zone.  I don’t know about you, but my dogs love to bark whenever I’m on a really important call… and then they are perfect angels when I’m quietly working by myself.   Gotta lock myself away from their big old mouths.

Happy Monday!  How was your weekend?

Making progress on our jungle of a backyard!  We have bagged SO much vegetation (hah, I automatically typed “vegetarian” at first – no vegetarians were harmed in the making of this backyard).

Only four more (hopefully easy) steps to go:  tilling the dirt with the tilling machine (the Husband is handling that; I would probably till my foot off), dusting the ground with some magic grow juice, seeding, and covering it all with peat moss to lock in the moisture as the grass takes root.  I’m skeptical.  We’ll see.

More fuel!

Pre-made lentils from Trader Joe’s = AMAZING.  Why have I never tried these before? I’m always a little intimidated by lentils even though I know the cooking process isn’t that hard.  These pre-made ones (in the refrigerated produce section) were so tasty, so easy, and made an excellent salad topper.

Popsicle:

And Greek yogurt, coconut, almonds, blueberries, and raw oats.

Food for Thought:

Did you catch the ruckus about Secretary of State Hillary Clinton ‘forgetting’ her makeup (except the lipstick) while attending meetings in Bangladesh and India?  The uproar catch my attention mainly because of The Naked Face Project, but I wanted to link to this awesome opinion piece on Jezebel about how women – and men, too – view female politicians (basically, "If you’re smart and I disagree with you, you’re ugly! And if you’re pretty, you’re dumb!"):  What We’re Really Talking About When We Talk About Hillary Clinton Without Makeup.

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While the entire article is worth consideration, my favorite part was this quote from Hillary: "I feel so relieved to be at the stage I’m at in my life right now. Because, you know, if I want to wear my glasses, I’m wearing my glasses. If I want to wear my hair back, I’m pulling my hair back. You know at some point it’s just not something that deserves a lot of time and attention. And if others want to worry about it, I let them do the worrying for a change." 

Hells to the yeah.

We’re in the process of gutting our entire backyard (it’s not that big of a yard, thankfully) so we can hopefully grow grass.  Before, it was a tangled mess of old mulch, dead leaves, and tons of bushes and plants. 

When we closed on the house in the early spring, it wasn’t too bad.  But once the warmer temps began to hit, hundreds of plants popped up – lots of ivy and monkey grass.  We’re about 3/4 of the way through.  Today, we’re tackling the left side of the property.  

The entire yard looked like this before yesterday!

It’s hard work, and I’ll admit that I wasn’t too thrilled at the prospect of this project, but it actually isn’t too bad.  I get to sit outside in the sun, listen to music, and eat popsicles – three of my favorite things.

Fuel for gardening:

Alright – this recipe is amazing, if I do say so myself.  Get thee to the kitchen and make it, STAT. 

The secret ingredient? Dried pineapples.  Yup, pineapples in a tofu breakfast scramble.  Trust me on this one!

Pineapple Breakfast Scramble

Ingredients (for two servings):

• 2/3 block tofu, cubed and prepared per the cast iron tofu directions
• 4 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup packed raw spinach, shredded finely
• 1/4 cup chopped dried pineapple
• Pineapple salsa (you could also use regular mild salsa)
• Optional: shredded cheddar cheese

Directions:

• Prepare tofu per cast iron tofu directions
• Once tofu is cooked, add eggs, spinach, and pineapple to wok.  Use a spatula to fry all together.
• Plate scramble and top with salsa and cheese.
• Enjoy!

Gonna go be friendly with the worms.    Happy Sunday, and Happy Mother’s Day to all the mommas and mommas-to-be.