Dough-Free Eggplant Pizzas

So I have a confession. Besides wanting Fruit Loops for every meal, I've also had a strong craving for pizza. While sometimes I've just given into it and indulged, last week, I knew I had to put it to a stop.

While my heart told me to shut up and eat more pizza, my head told me that it was going straight to my tush and thighs, therefore contributing to more cellulite and more unpretty sites for the bottom half of my body so I told myself "Fine. I won't eat the stupid pizza. But I will eat those Eggplant Pizza things I've seen all over Pinterest."

While I was at the grocery store, I was a little hesitant to ask Beau if he'd be willing to try them but to my surprise, he texted me back and said "Sounds gross. But ok."

Wife translation for that was "Eggplant pizza it is!" so I immediately raced around the store for the ingredients. Mind you...there are only 4 main ingredients so thy're are super inexpensive!

Here's what you'll need:

• 1 eggplant, cut in about 1/2 inch slices
• Pizza sauce
• Mozzarella cheese
• Pepperoni slices
• Salt
• Pepper
• Olive oil

Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. While the oven is preheating, brush both sides of each eggplant slice with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper on top. Bake for 6-8 minutes, until the edges of the eggplant begin to brown.
3. Once your eggplant begins to brown a little around the edges, remove them from oven, top with pizza sauce, cheese and pepperoni (and any other toppings you're interested in) and bake for another 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted and VOILA!

Yes-it's THAT quick and easy and they're just as delicious as they sound! Plus-though they're slathered in cheese, I didn't feel guilty for eating them because I was getting in my veggies without any bread. My heart told me "You go Steph Coco!" while my health-junkie head stood there in disappointment. Meh-whatevs.

Beau's final verdict was "They're good. But it's not something I could eat every week." Wife translation for that is "Ok so every other week?!"

Guess what ingredients I picked up at the store last night? ;)

Hump Day | Bump Day - 25 Weeks

Dress

How far along:  25 weeks!

Baby size: Cauliflower

Baby's progress: Baby girl is about 14 inches long (WHOA!) and weighs about 1.5 pounds. I don't know why but this blows my mind! (Also see: I'm still in shock that there is a precious little baby bean in this belly of mine!) Oh-and apparently her hair color has developed and she now knows which was is up and which way is down. We'll see how good she is with her sense of direction when we get to the final weeks... ;)

Weight gain: 16 pounds. Yaaa buddy.

Stretch marks: Still coating myself in Mama Bee every morning and inspecting every ounce of skin between my chest and my knees. 

Sleep: Falling asleep..yes. Staying asleep? No...thanks to extra dry lips that need to be caked in Aquaphor every hour on the hour, and a baby girl who fully enjoys bouncing around on my bladder. Touche, Pais. Touche...

Gender: Baby girl Paisleyl! 

Movement: Yes! And now that I know how much she can move, I've become uber selfish and want to feel her squirming around in there all the time. Then again I know she needs her rest too, so I'll just wait for every kick and jab she wants to give me! Also-it's SO fun when other people feel her move! My mom got to feel her squirming around for the first time last week. Also, little did she know but Oakley felt her moving too when she had her head resting on my belly the other night. Paisley was kicking the crap out of her poor head! HA!

Best moment this week: Picking out nursery paint and (impatiently) waiting for everyone to come over this weekend to help paint baby girl's nursery! I'm so dang excited about the colors we decided to go with and if it weren't harmful to the baby for me to paint, you can bet your sweet tush I'd be in that room painting it every waking moment!

Ok because you asked nicely...here's a sneak...

Looking forward to: Our 3D/4D ultrasound at the end of June! My sweet friend, Brooke, gave me a gift certificate for my birthday and I literally cannot WAIT to see what Miss Paisley girl looks like!! I'm so nervous and excited at the same time. Did any of you do the 3D/4D ultrasound?! 

Also-this may seem so simple but because we are required to wear suits at work (except for when you're pregnant and you've grown out of them), I've been wearing these maternity slacks from The Gap for the past few weeks and while I've LOVED them (and HIGHLY recommend them!), I recently invested in this dress and this dress and cannot WAIT to wear them to work instead of pants, especially considering the Texas heat we're bound to have any day now.

Food cravings: Y'all...fruit loops. Since last week, many lunches and dinners have consisted of these sweet little circles of decadent fruit and I just can't. get. enough. My inner health-junkie is so mad at myself, but the pregnant chick inside me says EAT YOUR HEART OUT, SISTER. Let's just say I haven't been listening to the health junkie sitting on my shoulder.

Weirdest food I ate this week: Ummm...nothing too weird this week. That I can remember, anyway...

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Perhaps this is TMI but I've said it before and I'll say it again...I really miss sneezing withOUT peeing. Allergies + sneeze attacks = multiple wardrobe changes and seeing that my allergies have been cray cray for a week now, you can imagine my current laundry situation...

Symptoms: Tailbone pain. Apparently it's being caused by the stretching and pulling of all the tendons/ligaments in my pelvis and it is no joke. It's not the worst pain the world, but sitting or standing for too long is definitely something I'm trying to avoid. Oh-and yesterday I was having random cramps around my lower belly. Not like menstrual cramps, more like, I just ate Fruit Loops and drank a gallon of water and ran a mile kind of cramps. I don't think it was Braxton Hicks but what do I know? After reading and asking a couple of girls at work (have I mentioned it PAYS to work with not only a ton of medical professionals, but with 80 something other women who have all given birth before!?), I've determined it's just all my organs and everything in my belly being stretched, too, causing the random cramping. At least I hope that's all it is. 

Workouts: I snuck in a workout on Monday...first time in 2 1/2 weeks...and lets just say my legs and booty are paying for it. Severely.

Things that suck: The tailbone pain. It's the real deal and though I am trying to embrace the fact that it's part of this beautiful little journey, I could really do without it. (Did you hear that, tailbone??)

Things that don't suck: Baby kicks. I really love them and can't get enough of it. I can easily see why some women would miss having their pregnant belly. It's just so neat. I really hope and pray that any woman reading this gets to experience it at least once in her life.

Also-coming home to our very first gift off of our registry sitting on our doorstep...our Pack-n-Play!! That definitely doesn't suck! If only Babies 'R Us were efficient enough to put the gift giver's name somewhere...anywhere...on the box so that I could send them a thank you note. (If you sent us our Pack-n-Play and are reading this, please let me know!!)

It's getting real, y'all. 

So real.

And so crazy terrifying and exciting all at the same time! 

Happy Hump Day, pretty people! 

Memorial Day Weekend - Hill Country Style

Mornin' friends! I hope you all had a nice long weekend! And for anyone who had to work yesterday, you should probably consider getting a new job. Just kidding. (Maybe?) But I am very thankful for the three-day weekend and for the service men and women and their families for not only the long weekend, but of course, our freedom.

Ours was spent at none other than the beautiful Texas Hill Country! Besides the Bahamas, Beau and I are 100% in agreement that this is our favorite place on earth. Mark my word...I will...one day...own a home here in this beautiful Hill Country of ours!

Oakley, for once, pretended to actually like water. And in all honesty...she LOVED it! She's been to the river before but was pretty skeptical the first time. Also see: (most) Ridgebacks HATE water.

This time, she was a full on river dog!

This face...

And because it rained the entire weekend...and by rain I mean torrential downpours, storms, tornado warnings and floods, we had to document the one and only time we actually got dressed, got out of the house and had a little bit of sunlight.

Marsha (my mother-in-law) & Aunt France (Beau's aunt) - aren't they dolls?!

Scott (Beau's cousin) & his baby boy, Kainan. Those thighs, y'all. I could squish him ALL day long! And the strawberry blonde hairs...gimme gimme gimme!

My in-laws! Love them!

Me & my favorite baby daddy ;)

And kisses from Aunt Frances to top it all off! We're still under a tornado and flash flood warning and all kinds of other crazy storm warnings so if anyone else in this neck of the woods is reading this, be safe today and the rest of the week! It's NASTAY out there!

Hump Day | Bump Day - 24 Weeks

How far along:  24 weeks! Hello 6 months!

Baby size: Canteloupe-whoa!

Baby's progress: Baby girl is accumulating fat, gaining about 6 ounces per week, and her face is just about fully formed-complete with eyelashes, eyebrows and she even has a little hair on her head (hopefully)!

Weight gain: 15 pounds. Oy vey...

Stretch marks: Nothing yet but I'm constantly inspecting myself every morning as I slather on the Burt's Bees Mama Bee.

Sleep: Yaaa buddy! And loving every second of it!

Gender: Girl! Hello?! Where have you been!? ;)

Movement: Oh ya! All day long! And she especially loves bouncing around on my bladder. Thanks, child!

Best moment this week: Finding out that my mom and all of her sisters went in together to purchase baby girl's crib and that Beau's parents went in and bought her dresser! AND that we don't have to wait 10 weeks for it to be delivered because they just so happened to have one of each in stock! Feeling incredibly loved and blessed to have such thoughtful family members! I know both of those pieces of furniture will be used and cherished for many, many years so it means a ton to us that they're coming from some of the most special people in our lives!

Oh-and passing the glucose test! Definitely a plus! That was my first time ever having my finger pricked so I was terrified (of course) but it was a breeze and I didn't even feel it! Not to mention...everyone makes that sugary drink sound like the most terrible thing on the planet. While I definitely couldn't drink it on the regular, it just tasted like extra-sugary orange Koolaid. Really-get over it people. I can think of way worse things they could have us drink...

Looking forward to: Picking out paint colors for the nursery and nailing down the design. We're about 95% sure how we want it painted, we just have to figure out logistics as to how a couple of amateurs like ourselves can actually paint it that way.

Food cravings: This week all of a sudden I had a STRONG craving for Fruit Loops. Like, I ate probably 1/5 of the box on my way home from the grocery store and then again the next day for lunch. Seriously-how did I forget about Fruit Loops?! And what on Earth? FRUIT LOOPS?! Meh-whatevs.

Weirdest food I ate this week: Though it was a little weird, it was definitely delicious...we had eggplant pizzas! The full recipe will be coming later this week but oh my word were they delicious!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Negative

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss: Being able to sit up easily in bed. I'm finding myself having to lean over to my side and slowly climb my way up to the sitting position. It's weird but I guess it's part of this little journey so it is what it is! Also to be noted: I still miss wine.

Symptoms: Nothing too terrible. Last week I started experiencing a little tailbone pain, which is a new pain to me. While it's not the most painful thing in the world, it's just very uncomfortable and it takes me a while to stand when I've been sitting for too long.

Workouts: Between vacation, work, busy around the house and just being flat out exhausted this week, all I can do is laugh at this one...

Things that suck: I don't know if I'll ever stop complaining about this one but FREQUENT URINATION really stinking SUCKS! Oh and my allergies are kicking my butt these past few days. They can see their way out any day now! 

Things that don't suck: Jenny McCarthy's Belly Laughs. Why I waited so long to read that book is beyond me...it's HYSTERICAL!!! I read the entire book in less than 3 hours total and wanted to cry at some points it was so funny! I highly recommend it to expecting mommies, especially those who are still in their first trimester! Also-finalizing our registries is a huge weight off my shoulders! Who knew it could be SO overwhelming?!

Also to know-I am in complete and utter SHOCK that the 3rd trimester is only 3 weeks away. Where oh where has the time gone??!! 

Pack Your Bags. You're Going to Staniel Cay.

Welcome to Staniel Cay, a small, remote island within The Exumas chain of islands located in The Bahamas. Population: 70...ish.

Flamingo Air is the airline you'll take to get there. Your husband's truck may or may not be larger than the plane itself, but rest assured your captain, who enters and exits the aircraft through the front window (yes, I said window) will be sure you and the other 8 people on board make it safely to the island.

Though you are only 5 foot 5, you will almost be as tall as the aircraft. But no worries...

...because you'll get to ride shotgun for the quick 30-minute flight from Nassau over there!

Upon arrival to the island, you'll take a quick 2-minute golf cart ride from the airport over to the check-in counter. Yes-I said 'golf cart' as there are fewer cars there than the amount of fingers on my left hand. (Ask for Elizabeth...she's the sweetest!)

You'll get the keys and head straight for your cottage. Yep-the little cute one in the middle!

And this will be your beautiful place of residence for the next couple of days.

Not bad, right?

And this is your view from your room. To the left...

...and to the right.

Staniel Cay Yacht Club will be the only bar/restaurant/anything you go to or eat at while you're here. There's a "supposed" grocery store but we didn't care to look for it because the Yacht Club is really all you need. But don't you worry...the food is excellent (no really), the drinks are cheap and the people are the friendliest you'll ever meet.

Not to mention, this is also where Pit Bull filmed part of his "Timber" music video. No big deal.

Make yourself at home. Place your lunch order with the bartender. She'll make you a delicious sack lunch (PB&J for me, tuna on toast for Beau) to take with you on your boat for the day. And don't forget to put in your dinner order with her before 5:30pm. The dinner bell rings at 7pm sharp and if your order's not in, guess what? You're not eating!

If you're a beer drinker, Kalik is the beer of The Bahamas. Why would you drink anything less?

If you're knocked up, a virgin peach daiquiri will wet your whistle just fine.

Here's your ride for the weekend...if you're Jay Z.

For the rest of us "regular folk", this will be your ride and your token to travel all over this beautiful island! Plus-it comes with a pink noodle. #winning

These are your new friends. But don't worry...they're about 15 feet deep here and won't bother much.

These are also your friends. 

And if you're nice enough (and explain to them that you're a paparazzi-like blogger) they'll come out of the water long enough to let you snap a photo. 

Oh those guys? They're just hungry for scraps...

And these guys...they're just hungry, too.

Very hungry, actually...

As are their piglets!

And if you're nice enough (and have enough food) they'll let you swim and take pictures with them, too! 

Your next stop is at Thunderball Grotto. Also seen in the James Bond movie "Thunderball".

You'll snorkel your way in at low tide and swim in to breathtaking views that resemble that of a life-size fish aquarium.

{the view looking up from inside the grotto}

These will be your views from all around the island. Whether you're on plane, golf cart, bike, boat or foot...they definitely don't suck. 

This is where you'll enjoy your morning cup-a-joe.

...and another because why not?

And then you'll hop back in your boat for the day and hit up a few private beaches.

You'll also get as tan as Snooki and J-Wow combined.

You'll be entertained by your husband who prefers to snorkel for sand dollars and conch shells in less than 6 inches of water.

You'll swim in water that resembles that of a pool but don't worry...you're still in the ocean.

You'll ask yourself throughout the day "IS THIS REAL-FREAKING-LIFE?"

And then you'll be reminded...yes. Yes it is.

And if you're lucky, you may even try to tame a few sharks...

But just in time for dinner.

The bell rings at 7pm sharp. Remember?

You'll kiss your husband a bazillion and one times for surprising you with the most wonderful anniversary/birthday/Mother's Day gift you could have ever dreamed of.

And then you'll head to the airport. Yes. The airport, people.

Samantha will walk on over in her flip flops holding a very official clipboard. She'll check your bags, ask you how much you weigh and seat you on the plane according to 'said' weight.

And as you wipe the tears from your eyes wishing you never ever ever had to ever leaver, these will be your views from the air on your way out.

And before the wheels hit the ground, you'll have already planned your trip back next year.

It's been lovely being your tour guide, today, but really...I must go.