From Pooch and I

As you may have noticed, I haven't posted many outfit pictures as of lately. That is not because I lounge in my PJs all day long or don't even want to look at my heels. I get dressed up every day (except Friday), do my hair and make up, and go to work. I teach two times a week and the other days I tutor at the community college. There are plenty of heels in those outfits.

So what's the deal you say? 

I'm starting to feel fat. Yep. That dreaded word, when you waistline is starting to expand and you actually starting to notice it. This would be the time when I pick up 3 mile jogging exercise but not now. 

I'm told to take it easy. To do some walking everyday for 30 minutes, absolutely no dieting and, of course, getting some bigger clothes. 

Easy to say.

Yes, I am happy that the baby growing inside of me is healthy and developing normal. 

Yes, I'm glad to be pregnant with our first child. 

Only at this stage in the game, I don't really have a belly - it's just some fat bulging out.

I don't look particularly slim with a little pooch sticking out but not yet very pregnant, with a nice full belly.

There is nothing more precious then a baby and I know (in mind) that it's all going to be worth it. 

Only right now I can't help but feel hungry half the time and then a little angry at my clothes that are getting a bit snug on me. 

I guess, I haven't thought about the process of growing a baby. You always see these women with bellies sticking out but it doesn't come to mind how much that woman has to go through to get there.

In 20 weeks I will be the one walking like a duck with belly in front of me. 

But until then it's lil poochie and me.

P.S. Currently at 17 weeks pregnant and hormones are running wild. 

You can pretty much never mind all of the above.

When It Rains, It Pours

Matthew 5:45

That ye may be the children of your father which is in heaven

For he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good

And sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust

Sometimes you feel like giving up. Moving away. Far away, into a different country where no one knows who you are and there are no heartaches. That's called heaven and we aren't there yet.

Well, where we are is Earth. With its people, unstable economies, unknown future, and unbearable heartache. I really cannot go into much detail, but life here hasn't been easy the past year. It has been completely opposite of easy - struggles.
It isn't pretty and it isn't fair, but it is what it is.

Life is hard kids. It doesn't warn you, there is no sign "bumps ahead"  - it just strikes against all odd, against all understanding and we are left standing alone. Alone in cold pouring rain. 

But I am not alone. I know God. I do not understand any of it. I feel like I'm buried in trials and there is no end, but somewhere in the mess that my life is now - God has an answer. He has a plan.

It's hard to go through pain knowing that God in His foreknowledge planned it. Why would He? I know why, just don't want to admit it.

God knew what to put into my path for one reason - to soften my heart. To make me better.

So after it's all set and done, even if I don't see His plan, even if I won't ever understand,
God has me in His hands.

Live and Learn

blouse: Banana Republic, skirt: Talbots, shoes, clutch: H&M

I bet you guys thought I'm going to talk about some profound statement that I found, judging by the title of this post. Well, there are other ways to learn stuff, like by experience. And there are two things that I can tell you:

1. Taking pictures in the broad daylight won't give good results. All the shades of pink are going to look exactly the same or almost white. Yes, this outfit was supposed to be pretty pink 
2. Sometimes it's good to listen to your hubby when he says that the light is too direct and it's going to ruin my picture. {Don't tell him I said that}

Take it from someone who's stubborn and determined to prove herself. Learning lessons the hard way (a.k.a by experience) is not fun. Be that how/when to take pictures or when just learn to shut up - learning by banging your head against something hard isn't fun. So next time, just go ahead and listen to that advice your grandma/hubby/mother/pastor is giving to ya. It may save you lots of frustration.

 And camera footage in my case.

Have yourself a great week!

Lady in Black {polka dot}

dress: Vintage, flats: J.Crew Factory, cardigan: Loft, jewelry: gift from hubby

What should I tell you? 

Should I tell you that I was nervous and yet so excited to start teaching this week? Or that this vintage thrifted dress was a great find? Or maybe that life is so busy, that I haven't even gotten a chance to look at anything baby related yet? Well, that's all part of my life right now.

At sixteen weeks, I still can't believe that it's true. Haha. I know, you better believe it lady! There is just so much to think about! So many parenting books to read and so many decorating ideas to brainstorm. Yet, with my new job, I'm completely immersed into everything that has to do with Math and teaching. I hope, as the semester will go on and things settle down, I will be able to go to Babies R Us and maybe check out the J.Crew Baby section.

 Until then, it's house hunting and trying to stay above the water with all the papers I need to grade

Enjoy these last days of summer!

Have a wonderful weekend!

{Shrimp Fried Rice}

Mine came out picture-perfect

Once in a while I find this recipe that's easy and delicious. Well, this is it! This is easy to make and with all the right ingredients, it will taste better then take-out. Trust me!

I love Shrimp Fried Rice and with my constant craving for salt, I can satisfy hunger 

with some very nutritious stuff. 

I followed the recipe to a T and did not change anything!

(Well, except I like cilantro and parsley so I added some of that in)

**Recipe and all pictures below are courtesy of natashaskitchen.com**

Ingredients for Shrimp Fried Rice: Link

1 lb (26-30 count) uncooked shrimp, shelled and deveined

1 tsp cornstarch

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper

3 tbsp canola or other cooking oil

4 eggs, beaten

1/4 cup green onion, finely chopped

5 cups left-over, cold rice (Make sure to rinse the rice before cooking so it’s not sticky – sticky fried rice doesnt’ work)1 and 1/2 cups (12 oz)  frozen carrots and peas, defrosted according to package instructions and well-drained

2 1/2 to 3 tbsp soy sauce

1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

How to Make the BEST shrimp fried rice:

1. In a medium bowl, mix the shrimp, cornstarch, salt and pepper. Let marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes.

2. Heat a large skillet on high heat. When a bead of water sizzles and evaporates, swirl in 2 tablespoons of cooking oil.

3. Add shrimp to the hot skillet and spread them out in a single layer. Cook about 1 minute each side, or until cooked through and no longer opaque. Remove to a bowl.

4. Over medium heat, add eggs to the same skillet. Break up the eggs with a spatula and cook until no longer runny. Remove to a bowl.

5. Wipe down the skillet with a paper towel and return to high heat. Add 1 tbsp oil and onions and cook green onion until fragrant (if using regular onion, cook until soft).

6. Add rice and mix well. Spread rice evenly over the pan and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stir and saute another 1 to 2 minutes. Rice should sizzle.

7. Drizzle 2 tbsp soy sauce over rice and stir well.

8. Add sesame oil and vegetables and mix well.

9. Add cooked shrimp and cooked eggs to the pan and mix well. Continue to cook until the rice is hot and sizzles, stirring frequently. Add another tablespoon of soy sauce to taste, if desired.