Monograms and Martinis in Manhattan/Boston

Giveaway from Falk Jewelry Designs!

2013-04-25T09:07:00.006-04:00

Head on over to the Bridier Baubles Facebook Page

for a chance to win these gorgeous earrings!

Chicken Noodle Soup with Dill & Fennel

2013-03-20T15:14:00.005-04:00

Ingredients:
Chicken Pieces and Bones
2 Carrots
1 Large Spanish Onion
3 Cloves Garlic
2 Stalks Celery
1 Fennel Bulb
1 Bunch Dill
About 2 Tablespoons Chicken Base
Egg Noodles

Instructions:

1. Start the soup & prepare your ingredients. Place the chicken pieces, bones and 3 cups of water in a large pot; cover and and heat to boiling on high. Wash the veggies. Peel and medium dice the carrots and onion. Peel and roughly chop the garlic. Medium dice the celery. Remove the core and medium dice the fennel. Roughly chip the dill.

2. Boil the soup. Add all the veggies (just not the dill) and the chicken base to the pot and continue to heat to boiling, covered. Once the soup boils, uncover and reduce the heat to medium. Simmer about 20 mins, or until the chicken is cooked through.

3. Skim the soup. As the chicken cooks oil and foam will come to the surface of the pot. As the soup simmers, use a spoon to skim off any foam.

4. Chop the chicken. After about 20 mins, carefully take the chicken out of the pot. When it's just cool enough to handle, remove the meat from the bones and chop or shred it into bite-sized pieces, discarding the skin and bones.

5. Add the noodles. Whole you cup up the chicken, add the noodles to the pot.Simmer about 4 minutes, then add the chicken meat to the pot and cook 1 minute longer. Taste the broth for seasoning. Add some salt and pepper, little by little.

6. Serve and enjoy. Just before serving, add most of the dill to the pot. Garnish each bowl with the remaining dill. Enjoy!

Pantry List!

2013-03-01T16:48:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!

I get emails almost every day asking for a copy of my pantry list.

I posted about it a couple of years ago.

Since I don't have time to email everyone back with a copy, I decided to post it on the blog!

Enjoy!

PS!

Bridier Baubles is slowly relaunching!

Be sure to check it out, the Britta Bead is on SALE!

WW Update...

2013-02-25T17:34:00.000-05:00

I am down another pound which is okay, I'll take it because we had friends visiting this weekend and I did not diet at all.

Things I am still struggling with:

1. Working out...the weather is horrible here so I haven't really been taking walks outside. I am considering buying a treadmill but I am scared I will make the investment and not use it enough...do any of you own a treadmill?

2. Drinking water...I just can't seem to drink water and I really should be especially since I am nursing! How do you make sure you drink enough water?

Fruit Ice?!

I really want to make this fruit ice, I love chewing on ice

and I think these would make a delicious and refreshing treat, don't you?!

Tasty Thursday!

2013-02-21T19:03:00.000-05:00

Barbecue Pulled Chicken

INGREDIENTS

1 8-ounce can reduced-sodium tomato sauce
1 4-ounce can chopped green chiles, drained
3 tablespoons cider vinegar
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon sweet or smoked paprika
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons dry mustard
1 teaspoon ground chipotle chile
1/2 teaspoon salt
2 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed of fat
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, minced

PREPARATION

Stir tomato sauce, chiles, vinegar, honey, paprika, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, mustard, ground chipotle and salt in a 6-quart slow cooker until smooth. Add chicken, onion and garlic; stir to combine.
Put the lid on and cook on low until the chicken can be pulled apart, about 5 hours.
Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and shred with a fork. Return the chicken to the sauce, stir well and serve.

TIPS & NOTES

Make Ahead Tip: Cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 1 month.

NUTRITION

Per serving: 364 calories; 13 g fat ( 3 g sat , 5 g mono ); 93 mg cholesterol; 32 g carbohydrates; 4 g added sugars; 30 g protein; 4 g fiber; 477 mg sodium; 547 mg potassium.

**Recipe from Eating Well**

WW Update & Baby Photo Dump!

2013-02-20T11:36:00.001-05:00

Just wanted to give a quick WW update...I didn't get weighed in this past weekend as we were on Nantucket...however, I did weight myself at home and I didn't lose any weight but I didn't gain any...I'll take it because I didn't really diet while we were away!

We had lots of fun celebrating RPB's first "holiday"...Valentine's Day!

She has lots of festive outfits to wear, so we celebrated all week long.

We also captured Reagan's first smile on camera over the weekend,

my heart just melts when she smiles...it's really too cute!

A Little V-Day Love from RPB!

Loved this V-Day Outfit

We captured Reagan's first smile on camera
while we were on Nantucket this past weekend!

Anchor Bangles from Bridier Baubles are now on the website!

Shop them here!

Baby Gift Ideas!

2013-02-12T17:48:00.003-05:00

Reagan has received such beautiful and thoughtful gifts. She is one very loved baby!

We have especially loved all of the personalized gifts.

Everyone knows I have a thing for monogramming!

Two of my favorite shops sent fabulous gifts for Reagan! Monograms off Madison and Toggle Home.

Both shops are wonderful and I always use both to send fun personalized gifts to friends and new babies. Be sure to check them out!

Fabulous Gifts from Monograms off Madison

Awesome Gifts from Toggle Home

Where do you shop for personalized gifts?

Weight Watchers Update :: Week 1

2013-02-11T09:33:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday! I survived my first week on Weight Watchers. I am excited to report that I am down 3 lbs! It was pretty nice to get weighed in and see that number go DOWN!

I have to say it took a couple of days to get used to tracking every single item of food that I put into my mouth. And foods that I didn't even really think of as food added up. For example, I love popping in Lifesaver Mints throughout the day, who knew like 4 of those mints added up!

I think my biggest issue is planning my meals in advance. Having a newborn and dieting is a bit tricky, sometimes it would be way easier to just grab something to eat and not think about it. In the limited spare time that I do have throughout the day, I really don't want to spend it thinking about what to eat and then making it. I think I would be much more successful if I had my meals planned out and even semi prepared. I am planning on chopping up all of my veggies and fruits today and having them ready to go in the fridge.

I also need to drink MORE WATER. I hardly drink any water and it is bad....

How do you meal plan?!

Also, we have the Facebook WW group set up...use this link to join!

Be sure to follow along on on Instagram...@kgb27

Losing the Baby Weight!

2013-02-04T14:45:00.001-05:00

Well, this is a post to keep me accountable...

I gained a pretty good amount of weight during my pregnancy, definitely more that was "recommended". I am actually pretty bummed about it because going into my pregnancy I was in the best shape I had ever been in. During the first trimester I was pretty sick and when I was able to eat, I didn't make great choices and I also stopped exercising...
When I started to feel better, I had kinda gotten used to eating what I wanted and I still wasn't making great choices.

By the third trimester, I actually scared myself when I stepped on the scale and I started to eat better and made sure I was taking a long walk everyday. Too little to late, luckily I didn't gain much more weight but I knew I was going to have a heck of a time taking it off. I also was nervous because you see so many new Moms looking like themselves at right around 6 weeks, I guess I should be happy it is Winter, I can get away wearing black yoga pants for a while!

So here I am 5 weeks after having my precious daughter. She is the best. But now I am ready to start feeling my best also. I joined Weight Watchers yesterday and I am excited to get back on track. I know it's going to be a long road but I am hoping to document my progress on the blog every Monday. Maybe, when I lose all the weight I will tell you how much I actually gained, not ready to do that yet!

How did you lose your baby weight?

Happy 1 Month RPB!

2013-02-01T16:39:00.003-05:00

Happy 1 Month Reagan!

We celebrated Reagan's 1 Month Birthday on January 30th!

I can't can't believe it has already been a month, time is flying by...

She has brought us so much joy and somehow I feel like she has always been here!

We couldn't be happier! Love you RPB!

Welcome RPB!

2013-01-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

We welcomed Reagan on 12.30.12 at 7:27 am!

I have officially been a Mommy for almost a month! Time has flown by and we have been enjoying every minute! I can't say that I am not utterly exhausted but I think that is par for the course. I was hoping to have a "schedule" by now but I have realized that we probably won't have one for a while. That being said Reagan is a really good baby, she eats every 3 hours and at night we have been stretching her to 4 hours! I am breastfeeding and wow I think it's a lot of work but it is going well...I think it makes it a bit harder to make a schedule though, any nursing Mamas out there agree?

I want to write her birth story and hoping to do that next week. What I can say is my labor was awesome, I only pushed for 22 minuets and everything went smoothly! Okay I am off to feed my little bumbalina but I am looking forward to getting back into blogging! You can also keep up with us on Instagram @kgb27!

The Bump :: 39 Weeks!

2012-12-28T10:43:00.003-05:00

Our Christmas Card Photo!
I was 39 Weeks on Christmas Day!

Total Weight Gained/Loss? Pretty much the same as I have been. Maybe up 2-3 lbs. I am already thinking about my plan to shed the baby weight!

Maternity Clothes: YES! The past 2 weeks, I have basically been living in black yoga pants, maternity tanks and open sweaters...I'm tired of the look but it works and I am not buying anymore maternity clothing. Oh yes, I have been living in Uggs.

Sleep? Sleep is not really happening. I can't get comfortable at all, and I get up a million times a night. It's weird this past week, I have actually taken a 1.5 hour nap during the day and that seems to be the best sleep I get.

Best Moment of the Week? Finding out that I was dilated and that we will be meeting our Baby Girl this weekend! I am getting induced on 12.30.12!!!

Movement? Her movements are slower and bigger now and much lower, I have so much pressure on my pelvis, ouch!

Food Craving? Anything ICED! I just can't get enough ice.

Food aversions: Not much...

Morning sickness? Gone, but the heartburn is here. Sometimes TUMS don't even work, Zantac seems to do the trick though.

Gender? GIRL!

Belly Button? Still in.

What I miss? SLEEP! But I know that won't really change even after the baby arrives!

What I'm looking forward to: MEETING OUR DAUGHTER!

Weekly Wisdom: Realizing how time flies, I feel like I just announced my pregnancy and now she is going to be here in just 2 days!

Milestones: Getting through my first pregnancy! I can't believe I am going to be a Mommy in 2 days, best feeling ever!

The Bump :: 36 Weeks!

2012-12-05T11:15:00.002-05:00

36 Weeks! 9 Months Down!

Total Weight Gained/Loss? Pretty much the same as I have been. But I have gained a ton of weight during the pregnancy so I am already thinking about the months after baby and how I am going to take off all of weight...yikes!

Maternity Clothes: YES! However, at this point I am refusing to buy anymore. With less than a month to go, I am making due with what I have. Pretty much living in tunics and leggings and my fav maternity skinny jeans and tanks with open sweaters. Only shoes that work for me are my TOMS.

Sleep? Sleep is hard. Can't really get comfortable, get up to use the bathroom a few times a night and mostly my mind just runs during the night...

Best Moment of the Week? Hearing the Hubs read the baby "Guess How Much I Love You", it really was one of the sweetest moments I have experienced. We learned in our baby class that you should read the baby the same book daily and then when they are born, continue to read the same book...they will recognize it! How cool! Our baby is going to be so loved and I can't wait for her to get here!

Movement? LOTS! Her movements are slower and bigger now and I can really feel her little butt when she sticks it out!

Food Craving? Carbs! I have to force myself to eat protein! And drink WATER, have been so bad about that!

Food aversions: Not much, still chicken, can only eat it if its grilled on a salad.

Morning sickness? Gone, but the heartburn is here. Sometimes TUMS don't even work, Zantac seems to do the trick though.

Gender? GIRL!

Belly Button? Still in.

What I miss? ENERGY and being able to get up off the floor! Wrapping presents has been interesting...going to have to start doing that on a table.

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery and hearing what the Doctor has to say at our 37 Week appt!

Weekly Wisdom: Just enjoying time with MMB as a party of 2 but we can't wait to become a family of 3!

Milestones: 9 Months down! I can't believe Baby B is due in less than a month! Baby Girl had a great checkup at her 35 week appointment. Already weighing in at around 7 lbs, she is one big baby! We can't wait to snuggle her!

Bridier Baubles Sip & Shop :: TONIGHT!

2012-11-15T15:47:00.000-05:00

If you live in the Boston area...

I hope you will join us for our Sip & Shop event tonight!!

The Bump :: 32 Weeks!

2012-11-06T16:57:00.000-05:00

Celebrating at my New York Baby Shower!

Total Weight Gained/Loss? I actually did not gain any weight this month! Wahoo!

Maternity Clothes: YES! I bought some staple pieces for the Fall and I am hoping they carry me through until the end. I did buy a fall coat and I am going to hold out a little longer and buy a really warm coat for the next 8 weeks!

Sleep? Sleep has been okay but it's getting harder. I am up more during the night and Baby B LOVES to move around when I am trying to sleep.

Best Moment of the Week? My NY Baby Shower, it was such a nice time and I felt so loved!

Movement? LOTS! She moves all the time and you can really see my tummy move from the outside now. I think she is getting a little cramped in there.

Food Craving? Cravings have seemed to gone away...I have been eating a lot of leftover Halloween candy though!

Food aversions: Not much, maybe chicken, I can't stand to cook it these days.

Morning sickness? Gone, but the heartburn has arrived and TUMS are my new best friend.

Gender? GIRL!

Belly Button? Still in.

What I miss? ENERGY! I am so tired in the afternoons, also my skinny feet - none of my TB flats fit anymore, my feet better go back to normal!

What I'm looking forward to: Finishing up the nursery!

Weekly Wisdom: Just enjoying time with MMB as a party of 2 but we can't wait to become a family of 3!

Milestones: 8 Months down! I can't believe we are already 32 weeks along :) Baby B had a great check up last week and is already weighing in at 4 lbs 8 oz! Can't wait to meet our little girl!

New York Baby Shower Recap!

2012-11-05T16:30:00.003-05:00

My New York Baby Shower was this past Saturday on Long Island, it was a bit stressful leading up to it because of Sandy. We decided to still have the shower and everyone was thrilled to come to a happy event after a dreadful week, most were happy to enjoy a few hours of electricity as well! My Mom did such a beautiful job with the shower and handled all the last minute changes so well, she really pulled it off :) I felt so emotional after the shower, I realized how good life is and how lucky I am to have so many people who love and care for me and how lucky Baby B is to be born into such a loving network of friends and family. I really can't wait to meet our Baby Girl!

Beautiful Tables!

I loved the diaper cakes as centerpieces

The Daddy To Be didn't love the JETS centerpiece :)

Little Details

Baby B was showered with lots of beautiful gifts

She is one lucky baby!

'Nova Girls, we missed those who Sandy kept from us!

NY Girlies

Loved the favors ~ OPI It's A Girl Polish!

Baby B's Beautiful Cake

Lunch was delish!

Heart my Mommy!

Baby B's future boyfriend :)

Heart my sisters

Halloween Treat from Bridier Baubles!

2012-10-31T16:37:00.002-04:00

Happy Halloween!

Blink...

2012-10-25T15:54:00.001-04:00

I was listening to a favorite song today and it just made me realize how fast time is flying by...

I can't believe Baby Girl B will be here in 10 weeks or less, I feel like MMB and I were just planning our wedding! Just taking time to enjoy the moments now because they really do go by so fast. These Trace Adkins lyrics brought some tears to my eyes!

Before she knows it she's a brand new bride
In a one-bedroom apartment, and her daddy stops by
He tells her It's a nice place
She says It'll do for now
Starts talking about babies and buying a house
Daddy shakes his head and says Baby just slow down

'Cause You're gonna miss this
You're gonna want this back
You're gonna wish these days hadn't gone by so fast
These are some good times
So take a good look around
You may not know it now
But you're gonna miss this...

Our first picture together!

He said, will you? She said, YES!

Our Wedding Day!

Telling everyone Baby was on board from Paris!

We bought our first home!

T- 10 Weeks to welcoming our precious baby girl into the world!

Trying not to blink!

The Perfect Match: How to Wear it...BB Edition

2012-10-24T17:02:00.003-04:00

We have added more looks to "The Perfect Match: How to Wear It" album

on our Bridier Baubles Facebook Page !

What looks would you like to see?

You can shop the baubles here!

All Dogs Go To Heaven...

2012-10-16T18:38:00.003-04:00

My little Winnie---a heartbeat at my feet.

We will miss you very much, you brought so much joy to our family.

RIP.

The Bump: 29 Weeks!

2012-10-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

Working away at the new office!

Total Weight Gained/Loss? still gaining! I have been much more active and try to make sure I get in a good walk everyday, it's getting a bit harder as the bump continues to grow! I am also looking to start a pregnancy yoga class.

Maternity Clothes: YES! I went shopping for some fall maternity clothes and am pretty happy with my purchases. Next on my list, a coat! It is getting chilly here in New England. I also bought 2 pair of TOMS, they are really comfortable but don't have the best support.

Sleep? Sleep has been okay. I still can't get used to the body pillow, so I thinking about trying a tummy wedge, we'll see. I wake up a little sore from sleeping on my left side :( I also have been waking up at 3 am for sometimes as long as an hour, no fun...hope that passes.

Best Moment of the Week? MMB seeing my tummy move from the outside! It was so cool, and we love the little show Baby Girl B puts on every night around 10 pm!

Movement? LOTS! I love feeling her wiggle around and it is such a special and sweet reminder to know she is right there in my tummy!

Food Craving? Still everything salty, and this needs to stop because I feel like I am retaining water!

Food aversions: Not much, maybe veggies. Need to eat more of those!

Morning sickness? Gone, but now I am starting to get full more easily, so I have been trying to eat smaller meals throughout the day.

Gender? GIRL!

Belly Button? Still in.

What I miss? My energy and my waist hahah!

What I'm looking forward to: My New York baby shower on November 3rd! Can't wait to celebrate Baby B with family and friends!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the moments, and finding the joys in slowing down and embracing this special time! Baby B will be here so soon!

Milestones: 7 Months down, entering the 3rd trimester, passing my glucose test (wahoo!) and having a wonderful time at my Nantucket Baby shower which was two weeks ago! Also, so excited with the progress on the nursery - pics coming soon!

Sail to Sable

2012-10-04T15:33:00.001-04:00

Have you all heard of the line Sail to Sable?

I was first introduced to the line by my friend Kate who owns Toggle Home,

she sells their fabulous tunics!

Sail to Sable is a gorgeous new line out of NYC.

The collection includes tunics, dresses, placemats, napkins and pillows,

in fabulous colors and prints!

LOVE the tunics!

I love this line, it's just so very Coastal and Jackie O!

Unfortunately, being 7 months preggers,

I am thinking I will have to wait until next summer to purchase a tunic...

Until then, I have spruced up the daybed in the office with two lovely pillows!

I love the the pillows in Chic Coral!

The navy trim is right up my alley!

Be sure to head over to the Sail to Sable website,

what is your favorite item?

Deal of the Day!

2012-09-26T15:23:00.002-04:00

Get our Pink Boca Grande for $20!

The Perfect Match: How to Wear it...BB Edition

2012-09-14T15:47:00.000-04:00

We created "The Perfect Match: How to Wear It" album on our Bridier Baubles Facebook Page!

What looks would you like to see?

Shop the baubles here!

The Bump :: 24 Weeks

2012-09-13T12:33:00.000-04:00

24 Weeks :: 6 Months Down!

Total Weight Gained/Loss? ...hehe gaining :)

Maternity Clothes: YES! I am excited to go shopping for some cute Fall clothes. I need to get some maternity jeans, what were your favorite brand?

Sleep? Okay. Really not loving sleeping on my side and I am still NOT embracing the body pillow, need to get on that. Also have started getting up once a night to use the bathroom :(

Best Moment of the Week? Attending my Besties wedding with Baby Girl B! We had an awesome time on the dance floor but my feet were swollen for the next 2 days. Also, MMB felt the baby kick for the first time, such a special moment!

Movement? YES! Lots, she is my wild one. I love feeling her, such a miracle. Sometimes she kicks really hard and catches me off guard!

Food Craving? All things chocolate!

Food aversions: Um nothing...maybe veggies!

Morning sickness? GONE! Thank goodness! However, if I over overeat, my stomach feels really full and uncomfortable.

Gender? IT'S A GIRL!!!

Belly Button? Still in.

What I miss? Skinny feet, my feet have not swelled that much but I can't wear my Jack Rogers...too tight :(

What I'm looking forward to: Moving into the new house next week! September 20th is the big day!

Weekly Wisdom: Enjoy the moments, Baby Girl will be here soon!

Milestones: 24 weeks down! Can't believe she has been in my belly for 6 months!