Summer Happenings in OC

Its hard to believe summer is half way over.  There are still so much we want to do!  Here are some fun things happening in Orange County the next couple of weeks...even some kid-friendly stuff too!

1. 2014 Orange County Fair
If you're looking for fun rides and fried EVERYTHING, the OC Fair is the place to be!  They even have special events like concerts and wine tasting!  Last day of the fair is August 10th.  

2. 2014 Vans US Open of Surfing
Spend a warm day in Huntington Beach with the family and dozens of the world's most talented surfers.  Starts July 26th through August 3rd.  

3. Movies in the Park
I've always wanted to bring a picnic and watch a old class like Wizard of Oz.  Such as great way to spend a night with the entire family!  Check your nearest park for showtimes and availability.

4. 6th Annual Lobsterfest at Newport Beach
If you're a seafood lover, can't miss this event.  Maine Lobster is flown in and celebrated with various accompaniments and topped off with live entertainment.  Event takes place on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2014 from 3-8 p.m. at Newport Beach Back Bay.

5. Basic Beach day with a good book
What's not to love about a good beach day. Even if the Pacific Ocean is a bit too cold for your taste, the warm summer breeze and sunshine is bound to put anybody in a good mood.  Add a good summer read, and you're golden...

Happy summer!

Lemon & basil hummus

Hope you are enjoying your summer!  We have some great post coming soon. 

I love using seasonal ingredients and what screams summer more then fresh lemons and basil. I am not sure why I did not make this recipe earlier, maybe I just needed to perfect it.   It only takes 15 minutes to whip up! Enjoy it with snap peas, carrots or pita chips. 

1-15oz can organic garbanzo beans (drained)

5 Tbs lemon juice (about 2 medium lemons)

¼ Cup organic EVOO 

1 Tbs Tahini (sesame seed paste)

4 cloves of garlic 

3- springs of fresh parsley

3- springs of fresh basil

Pinch of sea salt

*Pinch of Cheyenne pepper (optional adds a little kick)

Rinse and drain garbanzo beans, juice 2 lemons and slice garlic.  Add all ingredients to food processer (garbanzo beans, lemon juice, EVOO, tahini, garlic, parsley, basil, salt and Cheyenne.) Pulse in good processer for about 3 minutes.  If it is a little chunky add more lemon juice or a small amount of EVOO. Dish out garnish and enjoy! 

XoXo

ML

Baby Bump Update: 22 Weeks

Last weekend marks 22 weeks and the first days of summer!  Although here in SoCal,  it seems like summer has been here since…well, since always!!  I really can’t remember the last time I saw rain.

The officially summer kickoff calls for a bright outfit.  This ensemble is not maternity so I was happy it somewhat fits, with the help of a belly band of course.   And I'm totally in love with my fuchsia clutch! Feels slightly too dressy for this outfit, but....I don’t care!  I figure I better get my fill of clutches now since I’ll be exchanging them for accessories more fitting for diaper changes and toddler entertainment once Baby W arrives. :)

Sweater: J Crew | Assymetrical Shorts: Express | Shoes: Tory Burch | Clutch: YSL | Necklace: J Crew {Old}

I have this Merino Tippi Sweater in like every color.  It’s perfect for everything!   It’s actually 30% off during J. Crew’s Summer Sale going on NOW – Use code HISUMMER at jcrew.com.  Happy shopping!

Scroll down for my 22 weeks update!

How far along? 22 Weeks

Baby Size: A spaghetti squash!  He's about 11 inches long and weighs approximately 1 pound!!  His lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and he's even developing tiny tooth buds beneath his gums.

Total weight gain/loss: 10 pounds

Maternity clothes? Just jeans.  But keeping tops and dresses to stretchy or flowy pieces.

Stretch marks? Nope.  

Symptoms:  Leg cramps at night…ouch!

Sleep: Still pretty good.  I make sure to empty my bladder TWICE each night 30 mins before I go to bed.  It seems to be working so far…

Best moment this week: Getting our stroller and crib bedding!

Worst moment of the week: Can’t really think of any at the moment. 

Have you told family and friends: Yes!

Miss Anything? A really intense workout, like Orange Theory.

Movement: YES, tons!  

Food cravings: Lots of fruit since the weather has been so warm.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Have you started to show yet:  Yes definitely!

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!  But so busy prepping for our long vacation! 

Looking forward to: Still…completing the nursery and house organization!  

Till next time!

 XOXO,
Lydia

Summer Holiday

The hubbs and I have been married for 4 years now, and we have done a pretty good job of cramming as much travel in as we could during these years before baby, visiting over 22 countries together!  We traveled {internationally} at least twice a year, sprinkled with weekend getaways domestically - fully taking advantage of all vacation days and every holiday, guilt-free!!  We figured once the kids come, we'll be home bound for countless holidays, and we're blessed to have family nearby and get to see them as often as we'd like.  Obviously a blessing and a curse.  ha!  {Totally kidding, family :)}

Earlier this year, we planned a summer anniversary trip to Portugal.  And in God's perfect timing, it also worked out so perfectly that this trip will double as our BABYMOON!  

My criteria for traveling while pregnant are 3 things: 1) European destination {non developing or 3rd-world}, 2) timed during my second trimester {when the health risks are few, and I'm not yet big as a house} and 3) culture along the coast! Again, even though we planned this trip pre-pregnancy, it falls seamlessly on all 3 things.  So perfect!

So here we go - less than a week from today - we're off to Portugal, Croatia and Germany for 15 days.  It sounds like a lot but I think its just enough time.

Here are just a few places of the beautiful places on our itinerary:

Hvar Island, Croatia

Dubrovnik, Croatia 

{We're definitely taking the Game of Thrones Tour!!!}

Munich, Germany

Algarve, Portugal

Lisbon, Portugal

Porto, Portugal

{All images from Pinterest}

Now, the only problem is....WHAT TO PACK?!?!?  Check back next week; hopefully I will have figured it out by then. 

XOXO!

Banana peanut butter ice cream {paleo & gluten free}

Ready for a awesome low fat low cal summer dessert??? Me too!! I posted the photo below on Instagram and realized I needed to post the recipe ASAP.  Let's use the word "recipe" lightly because it is seriously so easy!!!!

2- Ripe semi frozen bananas (defrost for 60sec. If they have been in the freezer more then a day) 

2- Tbs Almond butter (or your favorite peanut butter)

2- Tbs almond milk 

Place everything in the blender and blend on high for 1-2 mins. Until well mixed. Scoop into bowl, cover with plastic wrap and place in freezer for 10min or until ready to serve. Top with fruit or nuts enjoy!! 

ML 

Xoxox