With just a few short weeks of pregnancy left, I'm starting to feel the sluggishness creeping in. Prior to getting pregnant, and even through the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, I tried to work out with my normal schedule of roughly five or six workouts a week. Now, that's just not realistic anymore, especially since I'm on maternity leave from Jazzercise and thus not running to the gym all the time! 

If pregnancy has taught me anything, it's that you have to adjust your expectations and be willing to listen to your body. About a month ago, I had ankles the width of winter snow boots. It forced me to slow down a bit, and my body was thankful for it! But, last week, I only got in two or three workouts, and everything felt harder. Perhaps the two weren't related, but I couldn't help but wonder if my lack of moving led to a lack of energy. 

This week, I'm lowering my expectations a bit and shortening my workouts. Instead of my normal hour long sweat sessions, I'm aiming for half hour sessions roughly five days this week. I think it will help me have a better, more energetic, more productive week. 

Here's a sample of what my workouts will look like this week. 

Monday: Rest day (school is exhausting enough the first day of the week!)
Tuesday: 30 minutes on the elliptical, 5-minute arm workout
Wednesday: 60 minutes of Jazzercise (but only because we have our first two hour delay today, and I got the memo while I was still working out!) Jazzercise combines both cardio and strength. 
Thursday: Rest day OR prenatal yoga, if time allows
Friday: 30 minute body weight workout -- I love this one lately! 
Saturday: 60 minutes of modified barre
Sunday: Rest day OR prenatal yoga

Tips for working out late in pregnancy:

1. Adjust your expectations. I used to run at least once or twice a week, even throughout the winter. There's zero running in my regimen now. I'm just not able to do what I was in the beginning, but that doesn't mean I can't do anything! 

2. Try something new. Since I wasn't running, it gave me time to try a prenatal yoga DVD. I LOVE it! It's been a great addition to my routine, and I love the way I feel when I'm done with it. My back feels a LOT better since I've been doing it too! I'll take it! 

3. Switch up cardio and strength. I used to try to get both cardio and strength in to every workout. That doesn't always work for me now. So instead I try to rotate what I do each day. I feel like I can do more or push myself a little further if I haven't done the same thing back to back. 

4. Try a different time to workout. I used to rotate morning and afternoon workouts. But I've been so tired at night lately, the only way I've been getting in cardio workouts is in the morning. So, alas, I've been getting up early! It's not ideal, but it gets the workout in! Find the time of day that works best for you! 

5. Listen to your body. Some days, I just do NOT feel like working out. My swollen feet are often painful, or I would rather sleep for an hour instead of waking up early to workout. That's okay too! Your body and your baby know what's best. Listen to them! 

Find your happy space: Perfecting your blogging environment

As we've been spending time lately reorganizing our home, I've been perfecting my blogging area. I'm sure some bloggers prefer to work in a home office, but since our home office now doubles as a weight room, it's just not as cozy as it used to be. So lately I've been coming up with and writing my favorite posts from the couch in our sitting room. 

I adore this spot so much because I have everything I need - comfy couch, super cute decorative pillow (it reads "Happiness is a cup of coffee & a really good book), coffee table/foot rest for swollen feet, and our front window for natural light. I usually have a cup of coffee or tea nearby, and I can let the creative juices roll. 

But we're all different. So, when you're thinking about your blogging area, a few important points to consider. 

1. Find a spot where you feel totally comfortable. Consider what you want in a work space. Do you want a table to work on? A desk? Are you more of a lap person? Do you want to be able to sink in to a chair or couch? Think about what feels best to you. Try different areas to see where you do your best work. For me, having the window next to the couch makes me feel like I'm connected to the outside world even when I'm stuck inside. It's necessary for me. :) 

2. Make sure you have everything you need before you sit down. Keep your supplies on hand. I can't blog without a mug of something hot (bring on the hot chocolate tonight!), my water bottle, and my cell phone (because I need my WordSwag app to make all my cool word art!). If I don't have these things nearby, I'm more likely to get up, wander away, and get distracted by other things in our house. Keep those distractions at bay! 

3. Try to have an idea in mind before it's time to blog. Rarely do I just sit down at the computer and hope something comes to me. It just doesn't work that way for me. So I keep an ongoing file of ideas for days when my blogging brain just isn't working. It makes that time on the couch MUCH less frustrating! 

4. Surround yourself with things you love. Cozy pillows? Check! Bright colors? Check! Beautiful giant windows? Check and check. These are my must haves for successful blogging. Put items in your space that you love! For me, I sit directly across from our shelf covered with pictures, candles, friendship sayings, and happily ever after reminders. They make me happy, and when I'm happy, my posts are better! 

The hospital baby binder you will absolutely want to make!

Every once in a while, you find a kindred spirit. I have many, and one of them is my coworker Ashley. She is my organization inspiration! So, I was thrilled when Ashley gave me a baby binder as part of my baby shower gift! 

As any new parent will tell you, you're going to be exhausted in the beginning. The hospital stay will be a blur. The first few months will be extreme sleep deprivation. And, you're arguably going to be gathering a ton of important paperwork and information that you'll need organized (for the doctor) or want organized (for the baby book). But rarely is any new parent capable of doing this right away. 

Enter the baby binder! Ashley put together this AWESOME accordion baby binder so that we can keep it all straight in the days and weeks after Baby P is born.  

Each section is clearly labeled, and now, I share those sections with you!

• Birth certificate and Social Security card
• Pediatrician visits
• Immunization records
• Other health records
• Insurance paperwork
• Parenting articles/pamphlets
• Keepsakes
• Milestones
• Receipts/Warranties
• Manuals
• Nursing/Feeding information
• Miscellaneous 

I feel like this binder is absolutely genius, because I know there are going to be so many things to organize and that I would probably end up shoving it all in my purse or a pocket or anywhere I can stuff it, and later I would be hard pressed to locate it. This way, I can organize all of our necessary items for our baby and then I can place them where they need to be later down the line. 

Are you expecting, or do you know someone who is? Make this binder right now! It's an amazing gift to yourself or to give to others, and I honestly plan to prepare them for everyone I know who's having a baby (hint hint, expecting friends!)! Thanks, Ashley! I already know this is going to come in SO handy! 

Why I kinda hate online comments, in general

As a journalism teacher, one topic that always ignites a spirited debate in my journalism class is the idea of online commenting. We look at comments written on news articles, and we decide whether or not online commenting should be allowed. The resounding answer is always yes, but most students agree that many times, comments are ignorant, hurtful, or entirely out of line. We tend to see these terrible comments, especially when people can write anonymously. But lately, I've been seeing more and more hurtful, rude, or unkind comments everywhere -- Facebook, Twitter, you name it. People seem more than willing to start attacks for no great reason. 

So, imagine my surprise yesterday when I learned someone had made a negative comment about me on Facebook! 

Now, granted, as a teacher who assigns a lot of homework, I'm sure people make negative comments about me all the time (hi, kids! do your research! write your Franklin Planner proposals!). :) BUT, this one was different because I'd never interacted with this person before. 

The back story: One of my awesome former students writes for LaPorte County Life, a great online site that promotes great things going on in our county. She's a talented writer and a great kid, so when we asked to feature me in a Teacher Shout Out article, I was more than honored! She asked me questions, and I sent her back my answers and a few photos that could be used for headshots, and that was that. She wrote a beautiful article, and I loved what she said (thanks for the honor, kiddo!)! 

So imagine my surprise yesterday when a coworker asked if I'd seen the comment on Facebook about me. I told her no, and although the comment had been removed, she reiterated the content to me: "While she might be a "good teacher," that outfit is totally inappropriate to wear to school." 

I started wracking my brain as to what photos I had sent. I knew I had sent a photo of Dan and I on our honeymoon in front of The Acropolis in Greece, but I couldn't remember the other photo I had sent. I knew it had to be something on my phone, because I'd sent it off quickly so my student wouldn't be waiting on me.

When I looked on the website, I instantly remembered. Are you ready to see the scandalous outfit I was wearing?

Yep, that's the one! This is the outfit that makes me a "good teacher" and also totally inappropriate.

Sigh. 

First, I'm clearly in my home, as I don't tend to go to school barefoot. Or in shorts. In the winter. While I'm nine months pregnant. 

Second, I truly intended the photo to be a headshot, not a full body shot. But regardless, the last time I checked, teachers ARE allowed to wear shorts (look, they're even finger tip length!). Rumor has it they can even wear bathing suits sometimes too! 

Luckily, my skin is much thicker than it was years ago, because if it weren't, this comment by a woman I've never even met may have hurt my feelings. But it didn't. It just made me question, yet again, why people feel they have the right to say absolutely anything and everything online. 

I understand that everyone has freedom of speech in America, and I'm grateful for that. I also understand that people can and will post whatever they want online (just like this blog... that I'm now posting online). 

But I don't understand why people say unkind, hurtful, or inappropriate things online. Is it just because they can? Is it just because they're unhappy with their own lives? Is it just because they have a lot of free time on their hands? Is it just because they can hide behind a computer screen as they do it? Because I suppose my motto is that I wouldn't say anything online that I wouldn't say out loud to someone's face. 

I don't have the answers. What I do have is a takeaway lesson that I learned from one of my favorite people, Kid President. 

Be More Kind. 

Seriously, just do it. Bite your tongue just once, and see what happens. Did the world stop turning because a snarky comment died in your throat? No. Good! Keep stifling those little guys, and make the world a better place. 

And the Jamberry winner is...!

I'm SUPER excited to announce the winner of the Jamberry giveaway! If you haven't already liked Lindsay's Jamberry page, you're definitely going to want to so that you can keep updated on all the awesome Jamberry styles and news happening! 

So, before we get to the winner, these were my nails on the last day of the challenge: 

My actual nails were a total mess by the end of the 7th day (it seriously took everything in me to not take the polish off early!), but the Jamberry nails were still going strong (if not just slightly outgrown, thanks to a hefty dose of prenatal vitamins!). I really love the Jamberry nails, and there's no comparison -- they just work (and look!) better! 

Now on to the winner! 

I took all entries and wrote them on a piece of paper (sparkly paper, naturally). 

Then, I went to the website random.org and entered the terms 1-8. And the winner is... 

Tabitha, you're the winner of the First Frost Jamberry nails! I will be in touch soon to take care of mailing these pretty little things to you! 

If you didn't win, take heart, there's still a chance to order! Check out all the amazing spring Jams, and get yours today! Major special thanks to Lindsay for sponsoring this awesome contest! If you have any questions (or want to score one of the samples!), please reach out to me or Lindsay! 

Stuff I'm loving Saturday #9: The Blacklist, finger puppets, Tazo tea, and more!

Greetings, all! I hope you've stayed warm and dry this week. The weather in the Midwest has been brutal this week! But, the weather seems to be breaking a bit, and for that, I'm grateful! 

I'm loving all sorts of things this week, and couldn't wait any longer to share them with you! 

The Blacklist

Are you watching this show? Because if you're not, you really need to be. Dan and I stumbled upon this series via Netflix, and I'm completely addicted (it's been the perfect Scandal replacement for now!)! The show focuses on FBI agent Elizabeth Keen (Megan Boone) and her working relationship with big-time criminal Raymond Reddington. There's so much action and drama and I literally can't wait to see what happens next! It's mildly gory, so be prepared for that. 

Finger Puppets

I am completely obsessed with these finger puppets my friend Krissi made us for Baby P! They are so incredibly adorable that I can't wait to play with them with the baby (and/or play with them myself, whatever). Krissi swears her skills are nothing to write home about, but I told her I think she could easily sell these! I know these will be a favorite in our household for a long time to come!

Tazo Passion tea

This tea was a major Godsend while I was fighting a nasty cold over winter break! I steeped one bag and mixed it with a healthy dose of honey and a squeeze or three of lemon. Warm, sweet, and delicious! And the pretty purple color is just an added bonus! 

#TheNewJazzercise
Jazzercise is going through a major rebranding right now! The reason? Our program is amazing, and we want to make sure everyone knows it! As an instructor, this is the program that has kept me happily working on my fitness for the past nine years, and I'm thrilled that we're going to be able to share it with more people! Check out the revamped website, and start right now for $0! You can't beat starting for free! 

The BOB Revolution stroller! 

Ermagosh! I am so totally in love with this stroller! Our incredible LaPorte Jazzercise family got this for us, and I'm so thrilled! I can't wait to spend mornings and afternoons running Baby P all over! I practiced in the kitchen once it arrived (since it's snowpacalypse 2015, no running around outside), and I already know this is the right stroller for us! 

Friday Foodie: Pumpkin chocolate chip bread on snow day #3!

Okay, I'll be real with you. I love a good snow day as much a s the next teacher. Or student. But by snow day three... I'm kind of over it. I've gotten in some great workouts! I've cleaned the house! I've finished laundry! I've made hearty meals! I've prepared the baby's room! I've been reading for fun! I've baked!

Holy wow, it's getting boring. 

Perhaps it would be less boring if we didn't just have two weeks off to do all of these awesome activities. Alas, I'm making the most of it today, and I'm trying out a new recipe to share with you! 

I'm a total sucker for anything containing pumpkin and chocolate chips. And to me, it's not just a fall thing. Pumpkin baked goods are happily accepted any time of year in my home! 

For multiple reasons, I love this recipe. The smell is amazing -- love the way those spices make the whole house smell sweet! 

Here's what you'll need! 

Ingredients:

• 1  and 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 2 eggs
• 3/4 cup of white sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 and 1/2 cups of pumpkin puree
• 1/2 cup vegetable oil
• 2/3 cups (or more!) semi-sweet chocolate chips

Directions: 

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 9-inch loaf pan with non-stick spray. 

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. In a medium bowl, whisk together the eggs and white and brown sugars until combined. Next, add pumpkin and oil. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and gently mix together (it's okay if there are a few lumps). Then, gently fold in chocolate chips. 

Pour the batter into the loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 60-65 minutes (you may choose to loosely cover the bread with aluminum foil after 30 minutes to prevent the top from getting too brown). You'll know the bread is done when you can insert a toothpick and have it come out clean. 

Allow bread to cool completely before removing and slicing. Keep bread in an airtight container at room temperature for up to ten days (umm, it definitely won't make it ten days in our house!). 

Note: If you don't have a loaf pan or want to make individual portions, you could make muffins instead! Follow the same instructions, but bake for only 17-18 minutes.