TGI-FLIPPIN-F!!!

Seriously guys, could this week have gone by anyyyyy sloooowerrrrr?! It was probably due to my anxiety being through the roof, and getting all sorts of horrible sleep. I can't stand waiting for anything like:

• My baby shower (finally tomorrow!)
• a much needed 3 day weekend
• This little bun I've been baking in my belly for 8 months now

And let's talk about this little bun for a few, shall we? I get uncomfortable quite often. The weather is disgustingly hot in this sticky place I call home, the very tip of Florida, so swollen feet and ankles happen. I deal. I complain, but I deal. I can't bend over anymore, it's more like I squat, after I curse out whatever is too low or fell out of my clumsy hands. And sure sometimes she crushes my lungs to the point where I can't breathe in or out, I just gasp waiting for her to give me a break. I can handle it all. Not a problem.   Until I got this really low cramp, like a period cramp, about where her head is at right now, down in position. And my belly got rock hard. Then it spread out to my hips and into my lower back. That wasn't so fun. It wasn't incredibley painful, which is why I didn't freak and run for the hospital. I just calmy texted my mom, who told me it sounded like a contraction, and to start timing them. OH HOORAY! 33 weeks along and I'm going into labor?! Or at least that's what was going through my head. So I checked the time, and waited, and waited, and watched Four Weddings, and waited some more. Until I got another so far after the 1st one I forgot how long it had been, which eased my mind a bit since the contractions weren't being consistant. So I got as comfortable as I could and passed out on top of the covers, to be woken up by alarm, as if I slept for 5 horrible minutes.   I'm still having them randomly this morning as I sit here, at work, trying to get stuff done. I might've had 3 in the last 4 hours, so I'm not too worried I'll be having my baby shower in the hospital tomorrow. But with my luck, who the hell knows what could happen.   She'd be a nice little gift though. :)   But some more baking in that oven would do her good.   And now to get sidetracked, and to speak of more buns baking in the oven, or maybe how Honey Boo Boo heard it, "Bacon? Bacon?!" Her sister Chickadee had her baby, Kaitlyn, and so far she has no horrible nickname to speak of...BUT she does have 3 thumbs!!!!!!!!!!!! Look at it, there's proof, and also proof that they really are gross and dip newborn baby's pacifers in Mountain Dew. I don't know why I keep watching the show, and the reruns, and google it during work...but that's our society for y'all, obsessed with the strange.   Have a good weekend everybody, I'll keep you posted if anything exciting happens!  

OH, how Pinteresting?!

Time for another link up with the lovely Michelle at The Vintage Apple for:        And this week my pins will all be junk food I should probably get to baking/cooking/eating while I can still wear maternity pants and listen to people call me humongous...    

Buffalo Chicken Bread.

Cheese, ranch mix, bacon, sour cream dip.

 

Butterfinger Pie.

PB + banana dogs.

 

Cookies n Cream Cake Batter Blondies with Golden Oreos.



Garlic Knots.

Meatball Sub Casserole

 

Banana Bread Bars with Brown Butter Frosting.

 And just so y'all know, I have ate NOTHING even close to this type of food during my pregnancy. The worst thing I made was 2 loaves of banana bread, without frosting, and both times I gave chunks to my parents to eat. I'm so boring. I need to enjoy these last few weeks as a fatty!! :P   PS: Now I'm starving, so it's BANANA TIME!  

You look like a chicken, a BIG chicken!

 That title right there was said to me at 6:54am as I waddled up the hall to my desk. I bumped into a doctor here at work and that comment came spitting out of his mouth when he greeted me this morning. Not even 7:00am and I already got a fat comment. So then I guess yellow isn't my color anymore?   This pregnancy hasn't been the easiest time in my life, to say the least, and most of the people I encounter on a day-to-day basis do not make it any easier. I get a lot of invasive questions like "How much weight have you gained?" "Do you have any stretch marks?" or just rude comments like "WOW! You're looking big and pregnant today!" "You should really be watching your sodium intake because you look really swollen."   Really people?! I didn't notice how big I've gotten when I look into mirrors everyday getting ready for work, or trying not to glimpse at myself before hopping in the shower at night. I actually need to hear all of that from you just reassure me that those kicks and punches in my belly are actually my soon-to-be daughter, and not just hunger pangs.   I was never "tiny", for my height at 5'2" I'd say I was curvy. I have a plump booty, thicker legs, a nice stomach, and I'll say "strong" arms, just because that makes them sound nicer than they are. (I've always hated my arms) But right before I got pregnant I felt the best I had ever felt about my body before in my life, and I think that has a lot to do with this uncomfortable feeling I have in this baby body now. And sometimes I get nervous and think I won't get that body back.   I have no issue with telling you guys how much I've gained because I feel like you'd all use your best judgement and not say something hurtful, rude, mean, cruel, or that would make me cry. So here it goes, I've gained 50lbs. That's a lot, I know. I feel like it's due to the fact that I never once got sick during this pregnancy. I literally started off gaining weight right away, and poked out pretty fast. It's been gradual and my doctor has no concerns, so neither do I. Except when it comes to losing it. I know that will be a mighty battle, but I'll overcome it, and be fit again. I'm young, thankfully, so I'm thinking that'll help me win this fight.   I'm just sick of the negativity behind my body right now. How can I feel good about carrying my baby when I have these comments thrown at me everyday? My husband is amazing and says I look even more beautiful now. And he's still slapping my big, but now dimpled, booty as I walk by him, and I always take that as a real compliment over words.   I guess I'm just annoyed with how freely people talk down to me, as if I should be ashamed to be big and pregnant, when this is exactly what should be happening! And to be honest, I might have some dimples now where I never did before, but I still have no stretch marks, which to me are worse since they can't be erased. So HA PEOPLE! There's always a silver lining, I guess?   And there's my rant and rage for the day...I hope I didn't bore you, but sometimes a girl's gotta get it all off her enormous, and still growing, chest.      

Weekend Update!

      My weekend consisted of sleeeeeeeeep and this guy:
 

Hurricane Isaac

He was way cooler looking there than in real life. It was just a thunderstorm with heavy winds, not even any lightning. Oh well, I guess I shouldn't complain too much since there was no major damage to any of my property or anyone else's close to me...although a 3-day weekend would've been lovely. ;)

Link it up with Sami over at Sami's Shenanigans to update eveyrone on your weekend!! :)

 

Swap it!

Interested in doing a button swap?

Just email me:

amkerman@verizon.net

So since this is my first month opening up sponsor spots,
I decided to make it 100% free with my discount code:
sweeetswap


<div align="center"><a href="http://thisisthesweeetlife.blogspot.com/" title="this is the SWEEET life"><img src="http://i1264.photobucket.com/albums/jj500/lifeasayoungmom/Alicia%20Marie/15a41916.png" alt="this is the SWEEET life" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

All Hail the Creator!

   

Well, as you can all see...I HAVE A NEW BLOG DESIGN!!! 

 

How gorgeous is this?! I'm so excited! I feel so professional now! HAH

 

And it's all thanks to the creative mind of Jazmine at Life As A Young Mom! She's so sweet, and quite patient to deal with me and my millions of questions, so if you're in the market for a new layout, totally check out her page for her pricing and latest works of art! Thanks again Jazmine, you're the best! :)

 

And now back to my regularly scheduled weekend, full of last minute baby shower stuff, laundry, and waiting for this hurricane to go awayyyyy!

 

Friday letters...

Dear leg cramps/calf lumps, I've only got a few more weeks to go, please don't make the end to my pregnancy so super horrible I never want to have another baby again, sheeeeesh!

Dear pretty maxi dress I'm supposed to wear to my baby shower, you were slightly oversized before I was pregnant, and now you're awkwardly short and show every dimple on my ass, you're obviously not the right choice for the party.

Dear baby shower, you're only 8 more days away, and I can't wait to see all the goodies you bring my sweeet little girl, I hope there's a lot of ruffles and bows on everything!

Dear little drama queen, thank you for showing me and daddy your beautiful face clearly for the first time yesterday during our ultrasound. We both think you're going to come out with some of my cute little features, like my button nose and heart-shaped lips, and we can't wait!!!

Dear supposed "hurricane", come and do your damage, we'll be bunking in at my parent's house playing cards and eating junk, and also hoping for no work on Monday, just keep our apartment complex in one piece so we have a place to go back to, pleaseandthankyou.

Dear hair, after this pregnancy let's get our act together again, like in the old days. I'm talking volume, shine, bounce, and style...the stuff we used to make everyone jealous over!

Alright! Another week gone...hopefully this weekend turns out nice. I know for sure I need to do laundry just in case the power goes out after this storms passes by and we're stranded with no clean undies, that would be no bueno.

Normally, I'd say link up with Ashley over at Adventures of Newlyweds, but her blog is currently under construction, so tune in next Friday!

Have a lovely weekend hunnies!

<3 Alicia Marie

#1 Glam Bag!



YAY! I finally got off the waiting list, and received my very first Glam Bag in the mail over the weekend. It's basically like Birchbox, in the sense that it's $10 a month for a subscription to beauty samples and full sized items, but each month they come in a little makeup bag instead of a box.

Here's what I got for the month of August in the "Endless Summer" bag:

The makeup bag was tiny, cute, orange and pink mesh, zippered full of my samples...
I think I could get away with using it in the future, it's not too flimsy.

Both of these are from Eclos, and both for reguvinating the face...
Not like I need anything like them, still something to try, or give to my Mom.

This full sized lipgloss must be by the Glam Bag's own brand...
It's a pretty hottttt pink gloss, nothing spectacular, but nothing yucky either.

A full-sized nail polish by Andrea's Choice called Circus...
Look at that color people! I'll be blinding y'all with my toes!

Demeter roll-on perfume oil in Clean Skin and Salty Glama-zoid eyeshadow...
The oil smells exactly like it's names, clean, which isn't too bad, and the eyeshadow is an iridescent pink and great for highlighting.

Overall, I'm not too disappointed with what I got for the price, and I'm excited to see what the next few months will bring me!

And maybe one day I'll make it off of Birchbox's never-ending waiting list, and I'll be able to share one of those with you guys too. -________-

<3 Alicia Marie

OH, how Pinteresting?!

YAY! I'm in a goofy mood today peoples, so let's get to laughing:

I send all the naughty-er ecards to my hubby. See below... ;)

Laz's favorite. HAH



Totally everyone from my high school, except me.

:)

I love me some ecards! They're always so sarcastic and funny, and I always seem to find one that perfectly suits whatever mood I'm in.

Link it up ladies with Michelle at The Vintage Apple to share some of your favorite pins too! :)

<3 Alicia Marie

Laaate, again.

Sorry for being MIA these last few days. This weekend was super boring, consisitng of many movies watched from my couch while my poor husband helped some "dumb" people move. Sometimes he's too nice for his own good...but then again, this can just be my hormones talking, or not.

Then yesterday when I got to work I noticed a tightening feeling in my calves anytime I walked, then noticed a lump on each calf. I try not to get too freaked out about things since I'm pregnant, but then again this is probably when I should worry about every little pain and mark I find. So my mom and the ladies I work with urged me to call my doctor and I rushed over there to get checked out. His exact words were "Well that's in your leg, not your belly, so it has nothing to do with your pregnancy"...I almost laughed in his face, but decided to just get my next appointment and leave. I don't really enjoy my doctor's bed-side-manner, or lack there of it, but I only have a few weeks to go and then I'll never see him again. I know it's important to like your doctor, but I had no choice with him being my primary right now, and I'll explain that later on before the baby comes. (that'll be a long and very personal post, I'll have to be completely ready to share it before posting it.)

So I went back to work and took it easy just filing at my desk. Then after work, making dinner and cleaning up, my calves were killllllllling me. I was permanently glued to the couch for the rest of the night, thank god for reruns of the Kardashians I missed Sunday night. I do feel better today, but I've only been awake for 2 hours, so we'll see how the day works out for me.

Now, don't get me wrong here ladies, I'm beyond excited to be a mommy. I can't wait to get this little girl into my arms to hug and kiss on her all day long. But I really don't enjoy being pregnant. I hope this doesn't make me sound harsh or un-womanly, but this is the most uncomfortable I've ever felt in my body. I know the end result will make this all worth it, and all her little kicks and punches, plus my fridge being covered in her ultrasounds really does help me day by day. But all I keep chanting to myself is: 6 more weeks, 6 more weeks, 6 more weeks!!!

I promise tomorrow will be a more upbeat post. ;)

<3 Alicia Marie

Friday's letters from a grumpy girl.

Here it is ladies...

Dear hands, stop dropping valuable items please, I could've ate that 1 yogurt covered raisin thankyouverymuch!

Dear Walmart, you still suck...but now more than ever.

Dear feet, cut the crap! stop acting like your annoying cousins my ankles and quit getting swollen. I'm drinking a ton of water to prevent this but you still have a way to ruin my night.

Dear calves, who said you can make those horrible knots yesterday? I have to be on my feet at some point during the week to file, so you punsihing me for that isn't cool, ok?!

Dear sleepiness, what's your deal? I give you exactly what you need to be happy and go away, and yet you still greeted me this morning. Don't you know this is the calm before the storm and soon you'll never ever be happy again?! So deal with these 7 hours you get and leave me be!

Dear hubba bubba, thank you for that great feet/calf massage last night. You can be really nice sometimes, which reminds me of how much I love you. MUAH!

Dear complaining, where did you come from, huh? You should really stop showing up because this should be a happy time for me. I guess you're just another lovely symptom of this miracle growing in my belly, like my new way to get around, waddling!


This didn't sound too grumpy did it? Hope not. I guess I'm just starting to settle into that "umcomfortable stage" now. HOORAY!

You guys should link up and be a bit more peppy for Ashley over at Adventures of Newlyweds.

Have a great weekend everyone! :)


<3 Alicia Marie

Random love of mine...

Excuse this random post, but I wasn't feeling a link-up today...

So, when I first got pregnant, I had to stop eating yogurt. The consistancy, the smell, the taste...nothing agreed with me anymore. One day it took me 2 hours to eat half a tiny container of it, so I figured that it should be considered a no-go from then on. And then I decided to give it a try again. But no, this wasn't your ordinary yogurt, it was the Greek kind, the children's Greek kind, cause I'm a sucker for yummy flavors and cute packaging. As so this yogurt is now a random love of mine:

It's a healthy orange creamsicle...soooo good, and the babe goes crazy in my belly when I eat it too. :)

 And speaking of little one, another random love of mine is this ultrasound picture of her. It's my favorite picture to date, for sure. She's completely smushed and doesn't look too thrilled about it, but look at those lips and little nose!! I still can't get over that pouty face, and I'm sure I'll be seeing it a lot in the future. This is the first glimpse of her face we've gotten because she's never in a good position for a profile shot, or is playing with her hands and hides behind them. I just love it, and love her, and hope these next 7 weeks fly by so I can give those lips millions of kisses already!!

Hope y'all can see what I'm explaining, these things are still puzzles to me too!

<3 Alicia Marie

OH, how Pintersting?!

It's that time of the week ladies, so let's get to it...I'm giving you a glimpse into my accessory obsessions:

Mint scalloped clutch, 'nuff said.

MMM, Kate Spade flats.

Sweeet little stack.

I doubt this bag could be anymore perfect.

AHH, all so pretty, I reeeally want that "SWEET" bracelet, but am clueless where to get it from! GRRRR.

Chevron totes, useful and cute.

YES please.

Chunky but girly.

Love a good bow sandal!

Fun right?! Ok, now you guys head over to The Vintage Apple and link up with Michelle too! :)


<3 Alicia Marie

Where have I been?!

Whoa. So I figured out that a 3 day weekend doesn't last any longer than a normal 2 day weekend...soooo sad. But it was a nice weekend at least. There was a lot of sleeping in and eating, which this pregnant 'lil lady likes to do lately. The one exciting event happened Friday morning, which was the real reason behind our 3 day weekend...

My husband became an official US Citizen! :) He was born and raised in Cuba until he came to Miami when he was 11 years old and has been a resident every since. He decided this year to apply, study, and earn his citizenship, and I was super proud of him for doing that! The ceremony was very nice and we got some pictures of my new proud-to-be-an-American hubby!

Our little American family!

Out for dinner to celebrate!

As for the rest of our weekend, it was pretty low key. We slept in both mornings til 10:30am, which was amazing! We watched a bunch of tv, including the 2nd Diary of a Wimpy Kid since I wanted to see the 3rd one Sunday, but unfortunately never got to see...and yes we love those little kid movies, I think they're hilarious. I got a long overdue pedicure, leaving me with pretty red toenails. We ate a huge tray of nachos Saturday night, and went over my grandparent's house for a delicious beef stew Sunday night. I'd say it was a relaxing weekend we both needed.

And after all this ignoring being away from my blog, I come back to a sweeet nomination for a Liebster Award by Selena over at her blog The Heights Life!! I'm shocked and thankful that I've been seen as a "up-and-coming" blogger for someone with 200 and under followers! So YAY and THANK YOU SELENA!!! :)

RULES!

Each person must post 11 facts about themselves.

Answer the 11 questions that are tagged for them.

And make up 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate.

11 FACTS ABOUT ME:

1. My name was originally going to be Annalicia, but my mom decided to drop the Ann, thank goodness.

2. I have 1 sibling, a brother named Garrett, who is 18 months younger than me...and I call Stinky-lu, nice nickname huh?

3. I'm seriously afraid of the ocean and all that inhabits it, but I will go in up to my shoulders to cool off on a hot day.

4. I always rather be freezing wrapped up in 4 blankets, than be hot and sticky.

5. I always answered the question "What do you want to be when you grow up?" with homemaker.

6. I love to bake and wish I had more time, and energy, to do it.

7. I'm petrified to think I might not lose this baby weight.

8. But I'm not nervous or scared at all about being a young mama.

9. I was held down and tickled by all my older cousins until I would fart when I was a little girl...they were cruel, and still bring that up to torment me.

10. I'm very close to my mom, she's always been and always will be my best friend.

11. I look a lot like my dad, and when he was 17 years old he dressed up as a blond girl for Halloween (he's pretty weird) and everyone said that was a glimpse for him to see me, his future daughter.

MY TAGGED QUESTIONS:

1. What let you to start blogging? an easy, creative outlet during a busy time in my life.

2. Any pets? 1 cat named Bella and 1 Morkie named Ross

3. What is your favorite holiday and why? Christmas because it's such a special time of year, the music, the movies, the stories, the family time, it's all perfect. I can't wait to have my little girl around for this Christmas!

4. Favorite type of music? Country.

5. Facebook or Twitter? Neither. I never really got into them, so I deactivated them a long time ago.

6. What are some of your hobbies? Baking, I really love cupcakes and sharing them with people.

7. What is your favorite thing about the summer? The crazy thunderstorms.

8. What do you love most about where you live? The weather, Miami is perfect during the Fall, Winter, and Spring...then unbearable in the Summer.

9. If you could jump on a plane today where would you go? New Jersey to visit my brother and best friend, and to show Laz around my old stomping grounds.

10. What is your dream job? Owning my own bakery.

11. Who do you look up to and why? My mom. She's a tough lady, and can pretty much deal with anything.

MY NOMINEES:

Kat @ The Road Goes On Forever

Ali @ All Things Pink & Sparkly

Amanda @ This IS My Real Hair

Yesi @ Anything But a Boring Life

The Management @A Prince and Prozac 

Becky @ This Is Happiness

MY QUESTIONS: 

1. What's your favorite meal?

2. What's your favorite song to sing/dance to in the car?

3. Ice cream or Frozen yogurt?

4. What's been your best birthday so far?

5. Who is your favorite family member?

6. Who was your first celebrity crush?

7. What was your favorite toy as a kid?

8. Dream vacation spot?

9. What's your favorite movie?

10. Biggest accomplishment so far?

11. What kind of life do you wish to have in 10 years? 

I hope you girls love being nominated like I do!! :)

<3 Alicia Marie