Long Beach Livin'

1. Getting to take a nap on dad on his days off are always a treat!

2. Just a proud papa and his son.

3. Easy peasy banana oat muffin snacks.

4. Our Valentine dinner date spot was so cute!

5. The look he gave me when I asked if he wanted to go whale watching.

6. Crab wontons courtesy of our chef man.

7. Always twinning with their expressions.

8. He made a new puppy friend named Buster!

9. My february flea market finds.

10. Showing off his new seven month trick for mama.

11. Being Joe Cool in his baby bans.

12. A little bubbly for the bachelor with my favorite new rug.

13. Lots of growth spurt naps lately. Look at those hands!

14. A rare rainy but sunny day in the LBC.

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via iPhone photos:

1. Perfectly imperfect contrasting rust on an old VW

2. The best modern chair ever from my favorite Retro Row store

3. Plants so perfect they look fake + make me feel like I'm in Oompa Loompa land

4 & 6. Feet kicked up enjoying a fruit smoothie in newly cleaned house

5. Yummy panini bites from TJ's with mozzarella, pesto + red pepper spread 

7. Long Beach apts have so much color and character

8. Sundays are for eating the biggest brunch of the week

9. Showing off our couples maternity photos to his work friends

10. Bought a cute cup of lemonade from some kids in the park on my walk

11. Mother in Law came and went leaving us with full bellies and baby goodies

12. My chefman looking so sharp in his new work attire

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Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via iPhone photos:

1. Catching rays at the Marriott pool with family

2. G surprised me with classic Little Golden books for baby on Mother's Day

3. Dinner on sunset at sunset after going to Jimmy Kimmel Live

4. I've got me an origami swan making husband

5. Jalapeno, tomato, cilantro + cheese omelet with avocado and homemade biscuits & gravy - my favorite! Thanks to my chefman as usual

6. These two were wiped out after an afternoon at the dog beach

7. Practicing!

8. In love with these hanging planter displays at Free People right now

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Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Babyshower Cookout Day

Last Sunday we had our second babyshower/cookout party (G's work family threw him a surprise one earlier) and it turned out great. Although the weather was a bit more gloomy than we had hoped for with a sharp chill in the air, it didn't stop us from following our plans. Our friend Nicole gave us her big yard for the day and everyone brought their pups, including our Bentleys of course, to celebrate their human brother coming soon and to run around and mingle together all afternoon. G cooked fajitas on the grill, along with spanish rice + beans, and his famous homemade salsa and guacamole that was gone in an hour. There were beers, babies and babes and even though I couldn't drink I had a good time. Plus someone had to drive my over-enthusiastic husband home who may have celebrated the babe just a little too hard. It's one of his last chances to do it for awhile though, so I'm not mad about that. We got lots more clothes, cards, diapers (both cloth and disposable), and even a baby food processor! G is so excited about that one, being a chef. He's been talking about making the baby his own homemade food since before there was even a baby in question. I loved seeing so many of our friends from different groups, ages and even states come together to celebrate this little boy in my belly, and I can't wait until he's here in just 3 short weeks to meet them all. Plus all of these new things have me so much more anxious and excited for him to come so I can dress him in his adorable clothes and read to him with his new books and watch his face light up when he rattles his toys. I am so thankful for our friends!

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via iPhone photos:

 

  1. We did our couples maternity photoshoot and this guy looked so handsome

2. I want all of these yummy scrumptious soy candles from Target

3. Got my car baby ready: cleaned, carseat in, mirror + baby on board sign hung

4. A 34 week ikea run / Does this bag make my belly look big?

5. Pistachio, orange + coffee macarons are our faves

6. Obsessed with all of the purple trees

7. Went to Jimmy Kimmel live featuring Ed Helm + Jewel

8. I'm addicted to planting succulents lately

9. We decided Trader Joe's Pizza over all pizza chains

10. Pure America

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Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

A visit from the Parents

My parents came to Long Beach on their vacation last week to visit, and it was the best. We took them to some of our favorite local restaurants (Eggs Etc, MVP Burger & Belmont Brewing Company to name a few). We laid out every day at their hotel pool and I finally got a little bit of color that I've so desperately wanted, even if it was red color and not brown color. We got to watch a little bit of cable tv which is always a treat to me having basic tv. We walked to the shops of Retro Row and picked up a few goods, went to Hollywood and saw the sign, the famous farmer's market and the grove. There we stumbled upon a maternity fashion show/book signing party for Rosie Pope of the tv show "Pregnant in Heels." (More on that coming soon.) On our way out we caught Kree Harrison from American Idol taking photos and doing signings in the Extra circle. We went and saw a live taping of the Chelsea Lately show (which was better than Jimmy Kimmel in my opinion), and we saw our precious little in 3D, 4D &HD. He was awfully stubborn about showing himself so we had to make a day out of it, coming back and forth to the dr's office and killing time between appointments shopping and scarfing down reese's blasts to make him move. In the end we got a good glimpse and some adorable photos. (Again, coming soon!) My dad tried his very first Arnold Palmer drink which was hilarious to me, how curious and amused he was over it all. We shared lots of treats and time together in the hotel's concierge lounge laughing and making friends with the sweetest staffer, Lucielle. They finally got to try G's famous hotdog creations which was more exciting for me than anyone else, I think! I'm just a big proud sidekick. The week went too fast and I'm already bugging them about making the arrangements to come out in August for my dad's 50th birthday weekend. I just wish all of our family could move and be here all the time! Bittersweet. 

Drey $ Nicole

Chia Seed Pudding

Chia seed pudding has recently become one of my most favorite afternoon snacks. It's so very simple to make, too! Chia seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, protein, calcium, potassium, antioxidants and iron. They curb your appetite, increase energy, aid in digestion, diabetes, lower cholesterol and blood pressure. You can eat them whole in your yogurt, salad or cereal, or you can soak them in water causing them to form a gel, which can then be added to smoothies and pudding. Today I'm sharing the recipe for a pudding. It can be found on the back of Trader Joe's chia seeds package, but if you don't have a Trader Joe's near you, just go to any local health food store and follow the directions below!

In a small cereal bowl, combine the following:
> 1/4 cup chia seeds
> 1 cup coconut milk
> 1/4 cup (or less) agave syrup
> mix and refrigerate 3 hours, serve 4 tbsp and enjoy!

I personally use about half of the 1/4 cup agave or else it's just too sweet. You can also substitute it for organic honey or any other sweetener, but the agave is my favorite. Play with different flavors by adding cocao powder, vanilla, fruit or citrus juice. (Again, I've tried flavors and the three ingredient recipe above is still simply my favorite.)

How do you eat your chia seeds?

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via iPhone photos:

1. Bathroom mirror pic with the bump

2. Daily words of wisdom from street art found on Retro Row

3. LB Bentley's "Happy Cinco De Mayo" photo

4. G made grilled chicken stuffed with spinach, mozzarella & homemade pesto/cracked pepper cream sauce on salad

5. Multigrain pancakes from Trader Joes topped with sunflower seeds

6. An afternoon at Home Depot with my friend, Siera

7. I love how this ombre truck looks like it was watercolored

8. An adorable pocketed bib and bunny for baby

9. Planted an aloe, cactus & succulent arrangement

10. Too much food at our friend, Nikki's Cinco party

11. Chicken yellow curry, sticky rice & egg rolls at Long Beach Thai

12. Cinco De Mayo style. I love how he thinks I'm hilarious :)

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Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Afternoon Out

Someone was painting or spraying some kind of chemical in our building the other day, and it was cause for an unexpected afternoon out and about. I don't know what it is about spontaneity but those kinds of outing most often end up the best kinds. After gasping for air for five minutes, I grabbed my purse, leashed up the dogs and just started walking. I knew G was close to getting off work so I called him and let him know what was going on back at home, and we decided to meet in the middle at retro row and have an early dinner. We caught each other up on our day over the best guacamole cream sauce, bacon wrapped cheddar jalapeno peppers, and a yummy burrito. The pups got lots of attention from neighboring tables and spent half of the time begging as usual, and they were so happy to be out with us. By the time we mingled around on 4th street and made our way back home, the smell was gone and we could relax. It was a good excuse for a fun little afternoon out!

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week (more like the last two!) via iPhone photos:

1. All stocked up with Trader Joe's goodies is the very best

2. Marrying into a family of Italians who own a restaurant means the best tiramisu at anytime

3. Tx Bentley still very much attached to the bump at all times + 27 week belly

4. Took the blood glucose test. The drink was not so bad but I almost blacked out within the hour

5. Busted out the Apple Cider Vinegar for a tiny cold/sinus spell

6. Finally ran all the government errands needed to get my last name changed after our wedding almost half a year ago

7. I've been sore from prenatal workouts so I walked it out on the beach

8. I decided my first request after giving birth will be in & out. I'll be starving, right?!

Follow along on Instagram for daily updates! Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life (mostly food!) this week via iPhone photos:

1. Thank God for nitrate free hotdogs from Trader Joe's so I could finally have some of husband's gourmet creations again.

2. An ombre OPI manicure

3. I made so much banana bread and my house never smelled better

4. The baby app told me to treat myself so, these happened

5. My daily fruit, yogurt, granola snack

6. Mr made egg + sharp cheddar quiche muffins with bell tomato, onion and bell pepper

Follow along on Instagram for daily updates!

Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via iPhone photos:

1. Hubby got his very first celebratory cigar in the mail this week from my Aunt

2. A cotton candy colored convertable bug? Yes, please

3. Like Papa, like Baby. A felt cooking set for our mini chef in training

4. We go to lunch after every Dr. apt - This month, Chipotle

5. Our second Ikea trip in a week for nursery furniture + the bump

6. Spicy BBQ tofu burger with grilled peppers, sliced tomato + cracked pepper mayo with olive oil

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Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole

Meal Monday: Lemon Crinkle Puffs

I don't know if my most recent sweets craving is from pregnancy or spring's arrival, but I was foaming at the mouth for something Lemon. Usually I go for any kind of hearty chocolatey, brownie sunday kind of treat, but this time I wanted something light and clean and tart. These are the easiest things to make, (isn't everything I share here that involves baking?!) and they take just 20 minutes from box to plate.

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 

In a large mixing bowl, combine cake mix, egg, and the whole container of thawed cool whip. If you don't have an electric mixer, you're in for a real workout. This is the thickest, stickiest, messiest batter known to woman. Once the batter is smooth, scoop a tablespoon of dough, and scrape it off into your bowl of powdered sugar. It is easiest to cover it in the sugar all over before you touch it fully with your fingers. Once it's covered it won't stick to you, and you can form little balls out of them. Place on a baking sheet and it's ready to go! Bake for 10 minutes and remove from oven. Let them cool for a few minutes and they'll puff up. Sprinkle a little more powdered sugar over the tops and eat!

Happy Spring!

Drey $ Nicole

Date Night

We went to one of our favorite spots this week for dinner to celebrate selling G's truck. It was the perfect light, fresh and clean meal for spring, and it's always good to visit once in a while. Cracking a fresh young coconut to drink right out of is one of my favorite parts, and so is a date with my handsome hubby of course!

Thanks for making our week, Number Nine!

Drey $ Nicole

Meal Monday: Mini Pistachio Pudding Pies

Over the weekend we celebrated the Irish spirit with these mini pistachio pudding pies. They are serious soo simple to make, and extremely yummy. They're green and they were perfect for St. Patrick's Day, but if you're a pistachio lover you can eat them year round! 

In a large mixing bowl, add 1 1/4 cup milk to the pudding mix and beat with whisk for 2 minutes. The pudding will begin to thicken, and will be fully set after about 5 minutes. 

If you want a more nutty texture to your pie, you can add finely chopped pistachios to the pudding, but it comes with a little hint of them already. 

Pour your pudding evenly into your ready pie crusts. This pudding recipe will fill your 6 mini pie crusts perfectly and evenly, with a bite or two leftover for the chef of course! 

Place your mini pistachio pies in the fridge for an hour to chill. When you're ready to serve, top it off with whipped cream and enjoy! Easy huh?

Drey $ Nicole

Long Beach Livin'

My life this week via Iphone photos:

1. Baby clothes shopping is my favorite. Everything is so sweet and teeny

2. Decided to stop for a patio brunch while out walking the pups = Begging

3. Tx Bentley is still very much attached to the bump. It makes him look even smaller

4. A yummy adult pb&j treat from Trader Joes

5. LB Bentley stared at me like this for 30 minutes and I wondered what he was thinking

6. Breakfast at our favorite local spot makes for the best starts of the day

Follow along on Instagram for daily updates!

Username: dreynicole

Drey $ Nicole