Meg O. on the Go: November 2011

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Special Occasion Egg Casserole

Do you have a special recipe you like to prepare for special occasions? Greg's family is very into making this lovely egg casserole for holidays, special get-togethers, and any other reason to make it! Typically the men in the family are in charge of making the casserole. I wanted to post the recipe in case you have a special occasion coming up where you will want to prepare this for breakfast! We made it this past Thanksgiving morning and I'm sure we'll be having it on Christmas morning!

The O. Family Special Occasion Egg Casserole

Ingredients:
6 eggs, slightly beaten
8 slices bread, cubed
1 lb. or 12 oz. package of breakfast sausage, cooked
1 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
8 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups milk

Preparation Instructions:
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and let sit for 12 hours or overnight in the refrigerator. Bake in a shallow casserole dish at 350 degrees for 45-50 minutes.

Notes:
You can make a healthy version of this by using turkey/light breakfast sausage, 3 eggs plus 3 egg beaters, and low fat cheese. We do this a lot of the time.

Do you have a special breakfast you always eat on special occasions?

Monday, November 28, 2011

2011 Christmas Tree Hunt

Greg and I have started a little Christmas tradition last year - we go to the Christmas Tree Farm the day after Thanksgiving to pick out our tree! We both love having real trees in the house. They smell so pretty and this year we're planning on recycling ours so that we are "green"!

The Christmas Tree Farm is about 30 minutes from where we live, so it's a pretty short drive for a whole lot of fun. You can take a little hay ride out to where the trees are growing and cut your own tree down yourself! Those trees are local pine trees. If you do not care to do that, you can also look through their lovely selection of pre-cut fir trees. Last year, we cut down our own pine tree. This year, since it would have been a bit uncomfortable for me to cut down a tree being this pregnant, we opted for a fir tree. Here's some photos from our adventure...

This is the farm! Such a fun place

The hayride on their way back

And what's a Christmas tree farm without some mini horses?! Totally thought of Tara when I saw these precious little guys!

Greg inspecting the trees

That's the one! He looks so enthusiastic (he just hates when I take pictures of him)

Us in front of the actual farm where the pines grow. It amazes me we're wearing short-sleeved shirts (and I was wearing flip flops). Last year we were in coats and gloves! That's Texas weather for ya...

The tree made it home nicely and Dexter, of course, has to inspect it.

All decorated! And the Christmas gifts are already underneath (we finished our shopping really early this year)!

And here's our mantle, just for giggles!

I love this tradition we've started as a family and I can't wait to go back next year with little Baby O!

Do you have any Christmas Tree traditions?

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Preggo Meg O. - 37 Weeks

My precious little baby is officially FULL TERM.

That means she can come at any moment now. Whoa.

Oh, lookie! There's a bassinet in the background! That was actually my bassinet I slept in as a newborn. Greg refinished it and painted it white. And lookie, a kitty tail made it into the picture, too.

Random Preggo Thoughts for the Week:

I thought I would feel more ridiculously uncomfortable and unable to function. I can say that yes, there are times I feel really uncomfortable, but as a whole, I still feel pretty good!
Being full on Thanksgiving is a million times worse while pregnant. It was crazy.
We hosted Thanksgiving at our house this year and I think I did pretty well getting everything together!
The nursery is almost finished! I'm waiting on a few things and I've got to get a rocking chair in there, but for the most part it's pretty much done. Expect a reveal on the blog soon (provided that I don't go into labor).
I really want her to hold on until her due date (December 16). That day is the last day before our Christmas break and a half day, so if she held on until the afternoon, that would be great. Are you listening, Baby O?? Ha.
And now a TMI bullet. I lost my mucus plug on Thanksgiving. That doesn't necessarily mean labor will start right away. I guess it just means my cervix is ripening. Some women lose it the day of delivery, others lose it weeks before. Let's hope I'm one of the latter.
Another TMI bullet point. I tested negative for Group B Strep, so that is really good news! I don't have to be constantly hooked up during antibiotics during labor and delivery. Savanah, Heather, and I had a lovely twitter conversation about this.... the words "chi chi infection" were definitely used...
I'm starting to get really nervous. Can I actually do this? Not only will I be able to birth a human but can I be a mother? Eeeeeeeeeee......

Thank you all for being so supportive and encouraging during my pregnancy! I hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving holiday! Thanks for being patient with me for this update. I know I usually post these on Fridays, but, well, I was recovering from hosting Thanksgiving. Enjoy your weekends, everyone!

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful in 2011

I have so much to be thankful for this year. It's amazing how much God has blessed me, and it's amazing how things can change in your life so quickly. All of the changes in my life have been changes to celebrate. I am SO THANKFUL for so many things!

Those things include....

My husband. He is the love of my life. He understands me and supports me.

My little Baby O. I had no idea I would even become pregnant this year. It wasn't even a thought. But now that she's about to grace us with her presence, things couldn't be more perfect. I am also thankful that this has been such an easy pregnancy!

Dexter. He is such an integral part of our family. He is the best kitty I've ever had. So much personality, so many shenanigans, so much smarts. What a cat that little fella is.

My immediate family. This year was a particularly rough year for my mother, as her divorce was finalized in August. I'm thankful that our relationship has gotten stronger.

My in-laws. I am so blessed that I was able to marry into a family that is so incredibly loving, accepting, and inviting. We are lucky, too, that a lot of them are in Texas now!

My BFFs. It's amazing how if we don't talk for a little while, we can just pick right back up where we left off.

My blogger BFFs. I have been so blessed to meet such an amazing group of women this year through blogging! It has been such a blessing to me, since I don't have that big of a group of friends here where I live.These girls are my IRL friends. Fo shizzle.

My job. It amazes me how blessed I am to be teaching in the high school with my favorite teacher and directing plays. I have an incredible, talented, dedicated bunch of students in a supportive atmosphere. How did I deserve this?

Our home. We bought this house with such perfect timing. Everything fell into place. I have enjoyed living here and getting this place all ready to raise a family in.

What are you thankful for this year?

Monday, November 21, 2011

Rally to 1000 for Tara!

So what are you waiting for! Go and follow Tara!

Want to spread the love? Grab the code below!

My First Swap Scores

I did my first blog swap! I participated in the nail polish and swap scarf hosted by Jessica and Ashlee. And... how did I go this long without swapping? It's so fun!

I was paired up with Bri... and she really sent some perfect items!

I got a super soft nude zebra striped scarf and Essie polish in Angora Coral. The scarf fits perfectly in my wardrobe, since I love neutral accessories, and the nail polish is such a gorgeous fall mauve-ish color I will definitely wear. For some reason, I am really loving mauve/rose shades right now.

How adorable!

Thank you, Bri!

And thank you, Jessica and Ashlee, for organizing the swap!

Friday, November 18, 2011

Preggo Meg O. - 36 Weeks!

This week officially marks me being in my nine month of my pregnancy!

28 days left!!

Random Preggo Thoughts for the Week:

Childbirth class was awesome. We took the course at the hospital where I'll be delivering. We also got to take a hospital tour, which was great! It answered a lot of our questions and it gave us a better idea of what would go on while we were there.
The other night, Greg and I messed around with one of our car seats and got it installed. It is now sitting in my car. So it's ready to go. Eeeeeeeeee!
Yesterday was a big doctor's appointment for me. My cervix got checked. Apparently not much has happened down there (dilating or effacing). The doctor gave me a C- in progress. LOL. Apparently I should be more dilated/effaced at this point. The good news is Baby O is head down and is sitting relatively low in my pelvis. I haven't really ever felt her high, so that's not news to me.
My face looks huge. I feel like I have a double chin half the time.
My feet aren't too swollen, but some of my shoes are a bit tight.
Prenatal yoga is still making my life happy.
I also have a prenatal workout DVD that I really love. It's THIS ONE to be exact. I love how it's separated by trimester and the workouts are customized to the needs of each trimester.
I have one more baby shower to go. My mom is hosting one tomorrow morning! How fun, right? I love the fact I am being showered with love (and lots of baby clothes, I might add)!
I do still need a lot of baby gear. I will be buying it over Thanksgiving break.
Speaking of which, I am SO EXCITED to have a week off next week for Thanksgiving! Hallelujer!! I am going to get so much done, specifically finishing the nursery.

Happy Friday, everyone!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Baby Shower #2

This past weekend, my students threw me a shower up at school! Actually, the Drama Booster Club (aka the Drama Mamas and Papas) organized it. I have such an awesome group of students and parents. I am so blessed!

Here are some photo highlights...

And they know me too well...

Me and my coworker

Cutting the cake! Wow, my face looks huge. Pregnancy can do that to ya, ladies.

Opening gifts

I got such cute stuff!

Since my students are theatre kids, they are creative. Since they are creative, they like to wrap presents in 30 feet of bubble wrap.

Students, parents, coworkers, and me!

Monday, November 14, 2011

Sigma Beauty Makeup Brushes

I briefly mentioned before that I lost quite a few of my MAC makeup brushes recently when I brought them to school for a rehearsal, and I was in a pickle. I needed to replace them... STAT.

I had heard wonderful things about Sigma Makeup Brushes. A lot of beauty gurus use them and sing their praises, and they are affordably priced! In fact, when Sigma started, they actually numbered their brushes exactly the same way that MAC does, as they were considered exact dupes. Sigma has since then used their own numbering system and have developed a few more brushes that are different than MAC, but all of their classic brushes are still dupes for the MAC brushes.

This is why I needed them ASAP. I ordered the Complete Kit Without Brush Roll. It is normally $89 and includes 12 full-size brushes. They were running a special and I got them for $79, plus I was able to find a coupon code online somewhere and got 10% off (which ended up covering shipping costs). They also threw in a travel sized brush as a free gift, which reminds me of my lost MAC 217 (a brush I LOVE).

Sigma Complete Kit without Brush Roll

The brushes are very sturdy, came packed very well in pretty packaging, and it even included this really helpful pamphlet with how to use each brush. If you're pretty clueless what to do with some makeup brushes, this pamphlet is really helpful!

Since I've been using these for a few weeks now, I can definitely say that they are a good replacement for my lost MAC makeup brushes. I eventually plan to build my MAC brush collection back up... SLOWLY... but, I really do believe that Sigma has a wonderful product. None have shed too much and they really feel like the MAC brushes that I'm missing. The only thing is I wish I had a semi-fluffy eyeshadow brush that balances out all of the other eyeshadow brushes. My favorite brushes in this collection has got to be the Duo Fibre brush (which is exactly like my MAC 187, although I'm not missing that brush) and the Large Angled Contour Brush (which is identical to my MAC 168).

My next purchase is definitely going to be the Synthetic Kabuki Kit. I have read so many awesome things about these brushes.

I highly recommend this brand of brushes if you are looking for quality for a fantastic price. If you have never owned any "big girl" makeup brushes, you really ought to give some of these a try. When it comes down to it, they are the same price as some drugstore brushes with the quality of MAC.

Give this banner a click (or the one on my sidebar) to head on over and browse for yourself!

WAIT! BEFORE YOU LEAVE!
While we're on the subject of beauty, I'm guest posting for Jenn about some of my favorite blushes while she's on her honeymoon! CLICK HERE to go to my guest post!

Sunday, November 13, 2011

Our 2011 Christmas Card (plus address labels)!

Hey, I know it's still November. Don't hate. I gotta get these out right at the beginning of December. That's what having a December baby does to you. I also might add that my Christmas shopping is finished. I kind of didn't have a choice. Ha.

So... without further adieu, I'd like to present to you our 2011 Christmas card! I am so thrilled with Tiny Prints and how gorgeous they look!

Visit here to shop and customize your own holiday cards!

While we're at it, I can't help but get giddy over the matching return address labels I got to match them. My envelopes are going to look amazing. Just sayin'.

I'm definitely going to go back to Tiny Prints and order some everyday return address labels. They have such an amazing selection! Check it out HERE. I am really liking the Bold Lattice: Sea Blue, We Love Stripes: Moonstruck, and the Refined Graduate: Black designs. Saying I'm a bit obsessed with Tiny Prints right now might be a bit of an understatement.

I can't wait to mail these out!

Let's just hope Baby O cooperates and doesn't make her grand entrance too early!

Finally, the winner of my Tiny Prints Christmas Card giveaway is:

CAITLIN!

Caitlin also just happens to be a BFF of mine, and I swear this wasn't rigged.

Congratulations, Caitlin! Love ya!!!!

Disclosure: For writing this post, Tiny Prints is offering me another 24 address labels in addition to my 50 Christmas cards and 24 address labels.

Friday, November 11, 2011

Preggo Meg O. - 35 Weeks!

Here we are with only five weeks left!

Today, the baby is the size of a honeydew melon! Yum.

35 days until my due date. Can I just say that this is getting really crazy to me because it still doesn't feel super real? I am definitely excited but my pregnancy has been so easy, there are still some times that I don't feel pregnant - just bigger with something moving around in there. Okay, maybe that is feeling pregnant. My outfit was super cute yesterday (if I might say so myself), so I had to snap a pic instead of the lazy lounge clothes of last week.

Random Preggo Thoughts for the Week:

As evidenced by the last post, my baby shower went really well! It was so much for to have some out of town guests. Also, a lot of my close friends are pregnant now and it makes me so happy!!
I finished all of my baby shower thank you notes and had them mailed out two days after the shower. I'm a beast like that.
Belly is bigger. Definitely bigger.
A stranger at the grocery store said "You're having a boy, huh?" I politely said that no, I am having a girl. She said "Are you sure?" NO LADY, I'M NOT SURE. I DEFINITELY DON'T HAVE A CROTCH SHOT OF MY BABY.
Greg and I went to an Infant Safety / CPR class last night at the hospital where I'm delivering and we really enjoyed it. It's getting me super excited.
Tomorrow we have an all-day childbirth class. Can I just say how I love all of the education opportunities my hospital offers?
My students and the drama booster club is throwing me a baby shower on Sunday afternoon. Aren't they sweet?
I have to start thinking about having a bag packed for the hospital and putting the car seat in the car. This is nuts.

Happy Friday, everyone! Hope your day is as sweet as honeydew melon!

Thursday, November 10, 2011

Baby Shower #1

This past weekend, my amazing friends hosted an incredible baby shower for me! We had it at my house, which was so fun to show off to my friends and family (even though I still think it needs some more decorating).

Here are some of the photo highlights. All of them were taken by my amazing friend, Anne, who is also a photographer in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Her and her hubby do some great work so check out their website!