Baby Shower Trip

I got to go back to Utah this last week for a couple baby showers and to just have one last visit before having the baby. So can I just say I have the best family and friends ever?! It was wonderful to be able to see all these people I love so much. My mother-in-law and sister-in-law, threw one shower for me and then my mom and friends threw another one; both turned out so good! I really appreciate all those who planned and came, it meant a lot. It does, however, make me miss Utah even more so thanks for that (haha).

Besides the baby partays, I got to catch up and hang out with my friends and of course I got to spend some quality time with my fam. There was a lot of shopping and eating involved - nothing wrong with that! So here are some pictures from my little trip. The next time I take a trip to Utah...I'll have a baby!

Little sister and I

My Dad's birthday dinner at Cheesecake Factory. Yum!

Preggo sister-in-laws! This was taken after baby shower #1

Baby Shower #2

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Besties!

Baby belly buddies!

Love these girls to death!

Maternity Shopping

Shopping for maternity clothes has been a whole new thing for me. I searched online, asked friends, shopped around and have now decided to review the stores I've shopped at. Some places were a success whereas some were less than satisfactory. I hope this helps at least a little for those who are on the hunt for cute, affordable, maternity clothes.

1. Old Navy -  I was referred to Old Navy  by a few friends; I checked it out for myself and was very pleased! I especially like their tees and jeans. Their jeans (pants, capris, shorts) are very simple, but they fit nicely. For those of you who like to shop online, I haven't had a problem with their sizing but I have heard some say that their maternity pants run a little small. Just something to consider.

2. Ross - I was pleasantly surprised by Ross's maternity section. I went in not expecting anything special, but walked out one happy preggo lady! Since it'll mostly be warm/hot throughout my pregnancy, shorts are a must. I desperately searched and searched for shorts that were modest enough and was having no luck until I finally checked out Ross. I found shorts that were modest, stylish, AND freakin cheap. They also have a good variety of maternity tops.

3. Target - The tops I have found at Target have been really great. Not just t-shirts, but tunics and nicer shirts. They also have cute maternity dresses and skirts. When it comes to maternity swimwear, however, I would look elsewhere. They just look too old lady-ish to me.

4. Motherhood Maternity - Obviously, you won't have a hard time finding a good variety of maternity clothing at this maternity-specialized store. Since it does specialize in that one type of clothing, it's a bit pricier. If that's not a problem for you, then perfect! You're bound to find something you like there; they've got plenty of nice clothes.

5. Kohls - maybe I just didn't have good luck when I went, but they hardly had anything to choose from when I shopped there. All that was good were some v-necks that came in different colors and stripes. They do have a lot more available online so check that out!

6. H&M - I love H&M, I really do. But I don't love their maternity section...in the store at least. Again, another place where you'd have more luck finding maternity clothes online because they were seriously lacking in the store. They are inexpensive which is always fantastic. And...they have adorable baby clothes! Just wanted to add that.

I hope this was somewhat useful. Happy shopping!

Dutch Pancakes

Here's a peak into my Dutch heritage. My favorite mornings were when I would wake up to my dad making this crepe-like breakfast mmmmm! They are thicker than crepes and more buttery so...delicious, obviously. I finally got the recipe from my dad. He usually just makes it up, so it's a miracle I got ingredient measurements out of him. Tyler is a big fan of this recipe and I hope you will love it too!

Dutch Pancakes
1 cup flour
2 eggs
1 1/2 cup milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons melted butter
your favorite fillings

Mix together flour, eggs, milk, salt, and butter in a mixing bowl. Mix well. Heat up a medium skillet greased with butter. Pour some batter into skillet (almost a half cup) just enough to spread thinly over entire surface. Flip over when side down is cooked. Once both sides are cooked, slide it onto a plate and fill it with your favorite fillings (fruit, Nutella, peanut butter, jam, etc.). Make sure skillet is still greased well before cooking another pancake. Yields 6.