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Hi Mom and Grandma-
This was about a week ago,
and the bottom picture is frames I made for her nursery of all her animal friends.
Love you.
About a week ago 
Garden After Month One
It was almost a month ago that I began my garden endeavor and I had no idea how it would go. After all, things were just beginning to heat up in Vegas and I was, actually still am, clueless about gardening.
I’m happy to report that every plant in my garden has survived. This alone is unbelievably satisfying, especially because I had one hubby and two baby-bulls who weren’t betting on it.
However, there are some plants that are doing better than others.
The strawberries have flowers on them now and have produced a single strawberry. I was hoping they’d being doing better, but turns out that I may have picked a crappy variety; I planted Quinault by the way. That didn’t mean much a month ago, but from what I’ve learned they’re sluggish growers that taste tougher than others.
I’ve also learned, “if you get blooms the first year while the plants are getting established pinch the blooms off to ensure a large fruit crop the next year.” So much for a little summer-time strawberry-short cake, but I guess good things come to those who wait.
"The first day I noticed."
The other plant that worried me was the Italian Parsley. It was looking really sad, but this was because it needs to be harvested about once a week to promote new growth. The pros suggest cutting it down to three inches and all I know is that it’s worked for me.
The Serrano and Bell Peppers are growing like weeds. If you’re at all impatient or you’re trying to prove to someone that you DO have a green thumb, these are the plants for you. Everyday they grow a bit bigger and I can’t imagine them looking any healthier. Plus, the Bell Peppers already have flowers and I’m hoping for some produce soon.
Serrano (right) Bell (left)
The mint and basil plants, which are also growing well, smell amazing. I’m sure my hubby will appreciate the fresh mojitos I can’t have til Lizzy arrives and I’m sure Lizzy will appreciate all the pasta carbs I’ll be devouring in the months to come. Plus, I’m thinking when Lizzy FINALLY gets here we’ll have to release some ladybugs in the garden and ladybugs love mint.
The sunflowers, my most favorite
Sure-thing Sunflowers!
Day One:Last night, my sister-in-law and I decided that we were going to kick our caffeine addictions to the curb. We’re lovers of all things carbonated. She prefers Mt. Dew or Dr. Pepper, with its 23-bubbly-flavors, and I can’t get enough of Diet Coke with an icy-cold splash of Barq’s Root Beer on the top.
Image taken from Fun140.com
We both have different reasons for saying, “Sayonara” to soda. My main reason is that I’m seven-months pregnant and I have an overwhelming sense of guilt every time I consume one. Smeagol’s back and forth bantering in “Lord of the Rings” perfectly illustrates my inner battle. Soda is “my precious.”
My second, more selfish reason, is because yesterday I saw “Twilight Eclipse” with my hubby and a couple of close friends, one of which is 6-months pregnant, and she didn’t even look pregnant! She wants to do prenatal yoga with me and I don’t even think they’ll let her in the class.
So there we were, sitting in the theater with our buckets of buttery popcorn and she leans over and offers me a water. I declined and pointed to my 50 million oz soda. My friend, who full disclosure is the sweetest girl, says, “Oh, you drink soda? I only drink water, juice and milk.”
And that was it. I texted my sister-in-law as soon as I got home so we could start our soda cleanse.
According to the Center of Science in the Public Interest:
As of now, my favorite substitution is Crystal Light’s new Pure Fitness drink mix. I’ve tried the Grape and Kiwi Strawberry flavors and they’re both good. It’s also naturally sweetened, which is important because pregnant women are advised to consume limited amounts of artificial sweetener.
Here’s the ingredients broken down:
(One packet is 2 servings so these are the real totals)
I’m looking for other alternatives too, so leave a comment below and tell me what your favorite non-soda drink is…
I have a prego-bucket list that is set to expire in 13 weeks, give or take a little. There’s still a lot to accomplish, but yesterday I was able to cross off prenatal yoga.
I haven’t been to the gym since I hit the 6-month mark because of a combination of cramping and bleeding that scared the bejesus outa me (by the way, bejesus is a word in the dictionary-how cool is that). The doctor said not to worry unless it persists and to start drinking the ten glasses of water he’s been asking me to drink all along.
I’ve enjoyed saying “sayonara” to the stair-master and “hello” to Whopper Jr., however, I know staying fit is important for both myself and Lizzy so I was thrilled to find a studio close to my house that offered a prenatal class.
Northwest Yoga Studio is, you guessed it, located in the Northwest. It’s a bit of a hole in the wall, but still everything you’d expect a yoga studio to be: dim, with a soothing aroma and boutique-like.
While I was registering for my class I was excited to see an old friend. I hadn’t seen her for almost 9 years and now we’re both pregnant and due at almost the same time. Plus, every pregnant woman knows that having pregnant friends is invaluable. They are the only ones that find your swollen feet and prego progress consistently interesting.
Northwest Yoga Studio
The class was taught by an instructor named Alicia. She was knowledgeable and sympathetic. She introduced herself and informed the six participating that we were in good hands because she’s a mother of five.
The class was tailored for pregnant women. It was reasonably scheduled for 11:45 a.m., the air conditioning was turned cooler and restroom-breaks weren’t frowned upon. I learned some great poses for leg cramps, lower-back aches and even one that supposedly helps quicken labor. Plus, I left feeling really positive, like nothing could ruin my day.
I plan on continuing my yoga practice. It was just the right amount of exercise and I got to do it with “my people,” women that are pregnant too. I like the fact that I fit right in. It’s a feeling I haven’t had in a while with half my closet and summer-time activities being off limits.
The class also encouraged me to hit the gym today. I was able to walk a brisk mile on the treadmill, but it was hot as heck in there and afterward I drove straight to BK to get me a Whopper Jr. Mmmmmm!
Floyd Lamb State Park Farmer's Market
The farmer’s market may not be a staple in our community yet, but Vegas is heading in the right direction.
On Saturday morning, local vendors set up shop under the shade of Floyd Lamb Park’s Cottonwood trees and prepared to greet the masses.
The selection didn’t compare to markets in Los Angeles or San Francisco, but in some ways that’s better. The fruit and veggies that were available looked amazing and the food I got to sample was delicious, especially the corn. I was so excited to see that it was there and my hubby was probably relieved because that’s all I had been talking about the whole drive over. The ribs were also worth getting. They were cooked to order and had a smoky flavor.
www.vegasmomma.com
www.vegasmomma.com
www.vegasmomma.com
Floyd Lamb Park is the market’s newest location. It opens the third Thursday of each month. The park does have a $6 admission, so when you drive up to the gate make sure you mention the market and you’ll get in free.
There are two other weekly markets located in Summerlin, but this one is already my favorite. It has the best atmosphere and you can make an entire day out of going. Grab your family’s fishing poles, baseball mitts, pooch and picnic blanket and you’ll be set.
www.vegasmomma.com
www.vegasmomma.com
The park has several lakes stocked monthly, but remember a fishing license, and the kids will love the peacocks and geese that roam free. However, the geese are a little aggressive so don’t let your kids run around with a loaf of bread in their hands or tears are sure to follow.
For more information about the Farmer’s Market check out their website or Facebook page.
I had to repost this ridiculously cute video from the Bad Moms’ Club about a little girl and her tortoise companion. My hubby’s aunt has two dessert tortoises and we’ve been tossing around the idea of getting our own. I think this video sealed the deal for us. Enjoy!
Chloe Goes After the Strawberries
I’m happy to announce that my garden has survived week one of its first Vegas summer. I didn’t realize how much could happen in such a short period of time, but the excitement has been well received by the Page clan.
First, I knew my dogs would want to get involved. So I’ve been keeping an eye out and sure enough my precious Chloe Bear was the first to engage. I watched her for only enough time to get the above photo, but it seemed like her only interest was the strawberries. My girl obviously has good taste. Calvin on the other hand has kept his distance thus far, however, he’s always been much more strategic and clever than Chloe so this comes as no surprise.
Bustin' Out
In other news, I’ve been sleeping in til around 9 a.m. every morning and I’ve been receiving the sweetest wake-up calls from the Hubby announcing the arrival of the sunflowers.
Yesterday morning he said, “Don’t get too excited honey, but I saw something coming up. At first I thought it was a rock.”
And now it’s only a morning later and there is already three! Plus, I can see two more trying to push through the soil. You can see it too, if you look to the bottom right of the sprout. (No, that is not a rock) I wish baby Lizzy was here to see this and to give her papa a hard time about ever doubting us. Although, the heartburn she’s giving me lets me know she cares.
They Grow so Fast
As for the rest of the garden, things have been going good. My hubby and I have been watering about three times a day to give the plants relief from the sun, but we’ve also been blessed to have a mild summer so far. The only plant that may be struggling is the parsley. I’m just not sure yet. The rest of the plants have a lot of new growth, but no fruit and I’m not sure how long that is supposed to take anyway.
So Far So Good.
from www.aquaengineering.com
I love movies and I love the park, especially the Centennial Hills Park in Northwest Las Vegas.
This month the park will be hosting free movies.
Here’s the clip from the View, a Centennial-neighborhood newspaper:
“Families will have several chances to eat some popcorn and enjoy free movies in the park this summer.
“Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs” is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday at Centennial Hills Park Amphitheater, 7101 N. Buffalo Drive. Popcorn will be served while supplies last.
Another showing of “Where the Wild Things Are” is set for sundown Saturday in the amphitheater at Pop Squires Park in the Village of Centennial Springs, 7530 Nicklin St.
Guests under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Well-behaved pets on leashes are welcome. Alcohol, smoking and glass containers are prohibited.”
According to Oprah, “It’s not often that a documentary with no narration, subtitles or dialogue steals the hearts of millions of moviegoers.”
She was referring to the recently released “Babies” documentary that features four babies from very different parts of the world. The first year of their lives is captured on film, which gives the audience a unique opportunity to see just how different a typical American baby’s upbringing is from others.
I was so excited to see this film, especially after Oprah talked it up. So baby Lizzy and I went well equipped with our candy stash to Village Square, one of the only movie theaters showing it in town. But it didn’t live up to our expectations.
The trailer has almost all the best parts and the credits feature more funny moments than the movie itself. “Babies” is also definitely a movie that if you take your significant other you’re going have to owe him one, and soon you may find yourself sitting through “Piranha” or even better the new “Predators.”
I would suggest renting the movie instead or purchasing it as a great baby shower gift. I think I may even get it for Lizzy because babies always seem so fascinated by other babies. Also, for my sake it is a movie I could loop without going nuts!
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