blog – Page 17 – The Blonde Giraffe

baby, blogging, life

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We had planned to attend two Halloween parties over the weekend. As usual, I waited until the last minute to put together outfits. I was determined not to spend much money and use what we had at home. We normally take Logan out in the stroller but for the Halloween parties I figured it would be easier to carry him in the K’tan. I am really happy with the K’tan. You don’t have to tie the fabric like a lot of other cloth carriers. It comes with an instruction pamphlet that breaks down step by step how to wear it. Logan still can’t hold up his head so we can’t carry him in many of the options yet. I decided to plan our outfits around the fact I would be wearing him in the black K’tan.

Friday night, we attended the Halloween party in our building. Since there are not many kids in our building, Logan got lots of attention from his cuteness. Saturday morning, we ventured to Americana to meet a group of friends for brunch. As our days become numbered living in Capitol Hill, I am realizing how much I am going to miss walking just outside or across the street for a great restaurant. After brunch, Ryan left for work and Courtney came over to hang out. Courtney is so good with Logan so I let her spend most of the day holding him. When Ryan got home, we made dinner. Then Logan’s fussiness was taken to a new level. He would not stop crying. He cried and cried. Nothing worked to calm him. At some point, I knew he had to cry himself to sleep but that didn’t happen for a few more hours. We were supposed to go to Helena’s annual Halloween party but with Logan’s nonstop meltdown, we decided to stay here. Finally, he cried himself to sleep about 9pm and was out until 2am.

Sunday was uneventful. I got my usual vanilla latte from Cafe Solstice and spent the day decluttering our tiny living space. Ryan worked at the tennis club that afternoon. We ended the weekend with the new Walking Dead episode. Such a boring episode! I need to know what is going to happen with Rick now?!

It’s another gloomy and rainy day in Seattle. Trying to drink some hot tea to get me motivated for the week!

blogging, fashion

Casual Weekend Wear: Jogger Pants

theblondegiraffe

October 30, 2015

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Mossimo Jogger Pants (similar styles below) // BP Scoop Tee // Isaac Mizrahi flats (similar)// MK Watch // Tory Burch bag

Friday! I have been spending a lot of time in these Target jogger pants I bought over the summer. Sadly, they don’t have them anymore. I love that they are stretchy and super comfy for recovering after a baby. When I am wearing them, I feel the success of making it out of my pajamas for the day while not sacrificing the comfort of my pjs. These days, getting makeup on and dressed with a newborn is a big accomplishment. Linking some jogger pants below but I can’t seem to find any that have the faux leather detail like mine.

We plan to have a low-key weekend with a few Halloween parties to attend. Tuesday is my six week appointment. I am hoping I will get that clearance to start working out again.

Off to work on some Halloween costumes for the family!

Shop Jogger Pants

blogging, life

Thursday Thoughts

theblondegiraffe

October 29, 2015

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“Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so get on your way!” – Dr. Seuss

I am getting more out of reading books to Logan than he is right now. He has yet to make eye contact with me or the book I am reading. Most of the time, he has a meltdown and cries before the end of the book. Below is one of my favorite photos having sunset hot tea with Helena on our backpacking trip in Enchantments this summer. I am excited to start planning a few hikes with Logan in the near future.

I can’t believe it’s already Thursday! Logan and I have had a busy social week. I have cooked this week but it has been last minute meals. Sunday meal prepping never happened. Maybe next week. Tuesday, we had our mom’s group meet-up at the hospital. I really look forward to this each week. This week we had a speaker come to talk about signing with your baby. It was really interesting and I plan to teach Logan some signing in the next few months. I will be sure to share our experience.

Wednesday, we had a date with Amy & her daughter Pepper. I met Amy in our childbirth prep class and look forward to having more baby playdates in the future. Of course, we ended our date at Cafe Solstice. with a Vanilla Latte. I am already sad we will not be living near Cafe Solstice in the near future. I spent the rest of the afternoon catching up and organizing between Logan’s crying and naps.

When Ryan got off work, we ventured out again. We went to the end of my tennis practice so all the ladies could meet Logan. It was so great to see everyone and I can’t wait to be back to practicing. The night ended with some drinks and food with the tennis ladies at Heyday. If I get the clearance at the doctor next week, I plan to be back at tennis practice next Wednesday night. I am excited!

blogging, fashion, life, seattle

Weekend Recap: Early Bird Dinners

theblondegiraffe

October 26, 2015

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Piko Top // Scarf // 7FAM Skinny Jeans // Sam Edelman Booties // Coach Sunglasses (similar) // Tory Burch Bag

My hopes of having a weekend filled with all things Fall didn’t exactly happen. Ryan ended up picking up some more lessons this weekend. He was at the club teaching Saturday and Sunday afternoons. Not only was Ryan gone more than expected this weekend, the weather was quite dreary and gloomy. I didn’t want to be outside. The weather did clear up a little late Saturday afternoon when Ryan got off work. We decided to take take a long walk and grab dinner on 15th Ave in Capitol Hill. Times sure have changed now we have a baby. We were off to dinner at 5:00PM and home not much after 7:00PM. We had dinner at Palermo. My best friend Sara got us Palermo delivered a few days after we got home from the hospital with Logan. It was so good we wanted to go try out the restaurant in person. It is now my favorite little restaurant near our house. We had to wait a while on our food and they ended up giving a free tiramisu. They got 5 stars in service from me! After dinner, we had to some friends over to our place. I was in bed by 11:00PM. Sunday was also pretty uneventful. Excited the Carolina Panthers are now 6-0!!

blogging, fashion, fitness fashion

Mara Hoffman Activewear

theblondegiraffe

October 24, 2015

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Mara Hoffman Activewear on sale!!

I have been a fan of designer Mara Hoffman’s bright colors and beautiful prints in her bathing suits and sportswear lines for a while. When she launched her activewear line this summer, I added almost each piece to my wish list. Currently, I only own one bathing suit I got a major deal on at a sample sale. I hope to keep adding more Mara Hoffman to my closet.

The downside to her line is the price point. I can justify spending more on activewear if it’s high quality and fits well. Since I don’t own anything yet, I can’t confirm either. I do know I love each style and they can go from gym to post gym drinks. Her line definitely inspires me to get my sweat on!

blogging, life

Pumpkin Patch Adventures

theblondegiraffe

October 24, 2015

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I mentioned the other day we had not ventured out of the city this Fall. Fall is my favorite season and I love to see the changing colors of the leaves. Yesterday, we took a drive 45 minutes east. Our destination was Two Brothers pumpkin patch. The drive out to the pumpkin patch was beautiful and much needed for my sanity. I haven’t been able to hike or get out in nature since Logan arrived. This one didn’t have activities like hayrides going on during the week but that was fine by me. I enjoyed having the pumpkin patch all to ourselves. Logan either cried or slept through his first experience.

We found Logan’s first pumpkin! I tried out the baby ktan for the first time. In my weekly mom’s group, a few of the girls helped me figure out how to properly use it. You can tell from the picture, I didn’t have Logan in there correctly. Once we were leaving I figured out what I had done wrong. Next time — I’m ready!

As I mentioned Logan either cried or slept the whole time. Once the crying began, you can see below my attempted bouncing to calm him.

Shop My Look (similar styles)

blogging, food, health

Meal Prepping After Surviving the First Month

theblondegiraffe

October 23, 2015

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We survived the first month. Logan turned one month today! Crazy how fast time flies. I attempted to get some photos of him in some of the handmade gifts friends and relatives gave us. He cooperated a little for the tennis outfit but by the time I got to the blue booties, he had had enough. I think he also realized they are Carolina blue and already hates all things Carolina Tarheels. I have to teach him while he is young.

Planning and cooking healthy meals with an infant is a struggle. Some days, it is 2:00 when I realize I’m still in my PJs with no makeup and I haven’t had lunch. My goal over the next few weeks is to get my meal planning under control so I don’t scramble to throw something together at the last minute for every meal. For breakfast I seem to get in the routine of having the same thing everyday. I will go a few weeks eating the same thing each morning and then switch it up. Right now I have been eating a version of my “energy balls”. I haven’t been measuring but mixing up oats, almond butter, flax meal, honey and few chocolate chips. I added brewers yeast a few days in hopes to keep building up my milk supply. It made Logan really gassy so I have taken that out of my go-to breakfast bowl for a few days. My daily smoothie making is also not happening right now. I am on a mission to get back into making smoothies because it’s such an easy way to get in the fruits and vegetables I need daily.

I am also making a goal to start setting aside time every Sunday to plan meals for the next week. Next week, I will share my planned meals for the week.

Tonight, I am taking one of my mom’s chicken casserole recipes and changing it up a bit. I like to call it “healthfying.” Many casserole dishes call for a can of cream of chicken soup. These soups are loaded with sodium so I have made an effort to make my own substitute. My casserole dish below substitutes out the store bought can. To complete the meal, I served with brown rice and a side spinach salad.

Chicken Broccoli Casserole

by Sarah Johnson

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Keywords: entree

Ingredients (serves 4-6)

Casserole

3 cups broccoli
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon curry powder
dash of worcestershire sauce
1 cup of parmesan cheese
1-2 cups of cooked shredded chicken

Cream of Chicken Soup Can Substitute

2 tablespoons flour
3 tablespoons butter
1/2 cup of chicken broth (make your own or use try and use organic low sodium)
1/2 cup milk
dash of onion powder
dash of basil
dash of thyme
salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Cream of Chicken Soup Can Substitute

Melt butter in pan on medium heat. Once melted, add in flour and whisk until smooth. Add in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a boil and whisky until thickened. Now your ready to use as a substitute for that can of cream of chicken soup loaded with sodium.

Broccoli

Bring water to a boil and add broccoli. Cook on stove for 2 1/2 mins. Drain broccoli.

Casserole

Add cooked broccoli to 8×8 glass pan. Combine cream of chicken soup can substitute, cooked chicken, lemon juice, curry powder, worcestershire sauce and 1/2 cup of parmesan cheese. Pour over broccoli. Add 1/2 of parmesan cheese to top of casserole. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

blogging, fashion, life

Loving Fall & Blanket Scarves

theblondegiraffe

October 20, 2015

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BP Sweater (similar) // Scoop Neck Sweater // American Apparel Leggings // Hinge Scarf // Dolce Vita Boots (similar) // Graco Stroller

My favorite season has always been Fall. Who doesn’t love the leaves changing, cooler temperatures, scarves, sweaters and warm comfort food? The leaves here in Washington started turning over a month ago. With the arrival of Logan, we haven’t had a chance to take a drive outside the city to enjoy the Fall color changes. Growing up in North Carolina, taking a drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway was always a must. Ryan and I made an effort to get to Asheville at least once each Fall. I would then insist on taking the long scenic route home. Most of my Fall & Winter clothing is still packed away in our storage unit but I made sure I have my scarf collection accessible and ready to wear.

I didn’t own any blanket scarves but this post on my friend Jen’s blog inspired me to pull the trigger on the trend. Not only do I love bundling up in the oversized scarf but I justified the purchase as being necessary for feeding Logan. It will be great for those times Logan needs to feed in public and can’t seem to contain his “hanger”. Living in Seattle, I am sure no one here would care if I didn’t cover myself at all but I like having the scarf as a cover option.

Shop Blanket Scarves:

Jen’s Blanket Scarf Inspiration Post

blogging, life, seattle

Panthers Win

theblondegiraffe

October 19, 2015

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Not really sure if living for the weekends is how my life is these days with a newborn. Each day seems to be a struggle of getting adequate sleep, eating healthy and trying to change out of my pajamas before nightfall.

Ryan has been picking up a shift at the tennis club one day each weekend so it has made the weekends seem even less of a weekend.

Sunset from Seattle Tennis Club

Friday night, some college friends who were in town for the Panthers game stopped by for some rooftop drinks. I love getting to show our building off to out of town guests. I am going to miss this view when we leave in a few months.

Sunset from our rooftop

Rooftop drinks by the fire pit

Saturday was a day that I didn’t make it out of my pajamas before nightfall. Logan cried all day when he wasn’t napping. Ryan taught some lessons that afternoon. When he returned home, we decided it was in the best interest of our sanity that I needed to get out of the apartment. The weather was dreary so a neighborhood walk wasn’t happening. Instead, we loaded Logan up in his stroller and went down to Cafe Solstice for a glass of wine.

Sunday was game day! The Carolina Panthers were in town to play the Seahawks. Since my life is revolving around Logan’s feeding schedule right now, we opted out of going to the game. We did have friends over to pre-game that morning before they left for the game. We started with coffee at our go to Cafe Solstice. After coffee we headed back to our apartment for my chili and the game. PANTHERS did not disappoint!

Sarah: Panthers Jersey (similar) // American Apparel Leggings

Ryan: Panthers Jersey

Logan: Panthers Onsies // aden + anais swaddling blankets // Fleece Jacket

Sunday evening we caught up on Walking Dead. Good thing we have a baby whisperer as a friend. I mentioned Logan has spent most of the past week crying when he isn’t feeding or sleeping. When Courtney is holding him he stops. I guess he is already a ladies man and knows what he wants.

This week I have a long to-do list that seems to keep growing. Many thank you notes still to be written, studying for my personal training license and healthy meal planning are some of what I plan to tackle this week.

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blogging, fashion, fitness

Postpartem Fitness Plan

theblondegiraffe

October 14, 2015

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Logan is three weeks old today! Crazy how quickly time is flying by. I should get clearance from my doctor at my six week appointment to start back with my workouts. I am anxiously and impatiently waiting for that time to come.

My plan is to start back with only Pilates at first. I will see how much time I have between taking care of Logan and Pilates before I start adding any additional workouts to my schedule. I have missed all my friends at Pilates on 10th and can’t wait to get back! While I wait for the six week mark, I will continue to walk everyday. I also plan to add in some stretching after walking to get my body feeling better.

SPLITS59 Ashby Tank // SPLITS59 Pullover (similar) // Lululemon Wunder Under Pant // Nike Free shoes // Graco Stroller

As I wait for my return to working out, I will spend some time planning some new outfits. Everything from clothing to decorating this Fall has been about grey for me. I am loving all the grey looks from SPLITS59 this Fall.