to… PORTLAND, OREGON!

annnnnd… we’re moving in 15 days.

This is when I could really go for a glass of wine. However, we’re thrilled about this move because we’ll be closer to family <3 hr drive>, which was important to us now that we’re having a baby.

The past three years, we’ve gone from Seattle where we were both born and raised to San Diego <North County> for my job, then SF <South Bay> for Ben’s job and now Portland, again for my husband’s job. I’m so proud of him. This will likely not be the last move and we’re okay with that. We love the adventure.

If you have any must see/try, live here, meet xyz, recommends, please share!

Image source

If this blog doesn’t scream pregnancy, I don’t know what does.

One of these days, salads and vegetables will look good again and we’ll all be back to normal. Until then, hope you don’t mind some mildly healthy gluten-free comfort.

So… I had my first peanut butter and banana sandwich last week when I was visiting my friends and her BRAND NEW BABY! I’m still giddy just thinking about that trip. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it made me even more excited to meet my little one!

Back to the sandwich. It changed my life.

One of my facebook fans suggested grilling it like a grilled cheese <thanks, Shirley!>. Then I decided to add chocolate and a dash of cinnamon. Oooooh boy. It’s perfection.

Smile because you’re about to consume a very tasty treat.

You see the smile, right?  I honestly just noticed it when I was reviewing the photos.  Almost like it’s winkin’ at you. Or is that creepy? Okay, forget it.

This sandwich can be made to your liking – maybe it’s nutella, almond butter, more banana, etc. It’s really up to you, that’s the beauty of it. For me, this is more like dessert or an afternoon treat.

Grilled Peanut Butter, Chocolate & Banana Sandwich

Ingredients

• Gluten-free bread – or bread of choice
• 1/4 cup chocolate chips, melted – or use nutella
• Peanut butter, almond butter or “butter” of choice
• 1/2 banana, thinly sliced
• pinch of cinnamon
• butter for grilling

Directions

Heat griddle pan over low/medium heat.

Butter one side of your bread, flip over and spread melted chocolate. Place butter side down on the heated griddle pan. Add sliced banana on top of the chocolate. Sprinkle a little cinnamon over banana slices.

Butter the other slice of bread, flip over and spread peanut butter on the other side. Peanut butter side down, place on top of the banana slices. Flip sandwich over and cook for another 1-2 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

*gluten-free

My husband has <recently> declared that weekends are for waffles.

That is why I love him, especially now when all I want is waffles. every. single. day.

However, since he’s the one making them, we’ll see how long that lasts…

The other morning I decided to combine my obsession with banana bread and waffles. Oh helloooo there lover! The bananas are just enough to sweeten the waffles, then the walnuts add a nice nuttiness to them. I’ll take banana bread in waffle form, any day.

So guys, mothers day is on Sunday <that’s a reminder for any forgetful’s reading this…> Although we’ve got a bun in the oven, we’re actually not really celebrating Mother’s day this year, except for waffles <obviously> and a trip to the Farmers Market. Done, I’m happy.

ps. I’m currently up in Vancouver, BC visiting my girlfriend who just had a baby 6 days ago. Now, how’s that for a perfect Mother’s Day gift?! I’m so in love and smitten over this baby I can’t even imagine how it’s going to be when we have our own. Although, my friend has made this whole motherhood thing look pretty easy so she’s setting the bar pretty high.

All you mothers, soon-to-be and current, you ladies are superstars and deserve the absolute royal treatment! or perhaps a pedicure will do.

Happy weekend to all! Now hurry and go make some waffles.

Banana Bread Waffles, Gluten-free

PRINT Recipe

Ingredients

• 1 cup brown rice flour
• 1/2 cup sweet rice flour – if you don’t have this, you can sub for brown rice flour
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• pinch of nutmeg
• pinch of salt
• 2 egg, separated – 2 whites + 1 yolk
• 1 1/2 cup almond milk – or milk or choice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 2 bananas, mashed
• 1/3 cup walnuts, chopped

Topping options – banana slices, syrup, butter or peanut butter

Directions

Turn on Waffle iron. With a hand or stand mixer, beat 2 egg whites until stiff.

In a separate bowl, mix together brown rice flour, sweet rice flour, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt. Then add in egg yolk, milk, vanilla, mashed bananas and walnuts. Fold in stiff egg whites until gently combined. Pour batter directly onto the preheated waffle iron. Cook for recommended time – dependent on waffle iron.

Serve immediately and enjoy!

Makes about 7-8 waffles

*gluten-free *dairy-free

Oh hello there swimsuit season, you’ve come again and yet, I’m stilllll not ready for you.

Sound familiar? You’re not alone. Not even close to being alone.

Good news & timing, Lacy and I can help with that! Our next Group Health Coaching session begins on May 15, one week from today and we’re offering $50 off to anyone who signs up between NOW and this FRIDAY!! Seriously, this is a great deal that you won’t want to miss out on.

This is for anyone who. . .

• is a woman
• wants to lose weight
• overwhelmed by all the contradictory diets out there
• tired all the time or doesn’t like the way they look
• ready to change their relationship with food

How it works

In 3 months you will learn the Foundations of Food and receive the tools and support to change your relationship with food.  The process is gentle and supportive.  We help you to find what foods work best to achieve your goals and support your body. The groups are small and you can share as much or as little as you’d like, but the hour is mainly lacy & I leading the course.

In addition, you’ll also receive a 1:1 coaching from Lacy or Lisa.

NEW: Virtual cooking classes with Lisa <—me!!

What’s the time involved?

We talk every other week <6 weeks total> from 6pm-7pm PST. That’s one hour, that’s it!

All calls are recorded so if you miss, you can catch up at your convenience.

Special Offer!

Again, sign up between NOW and Friday 11th <12pm PST>, you’ll get $50 OFF the total price of $299! Paypal link below.

PLUS —>  Discount price for You + a friend, just $530 <$68 savings> for two! If interested, email me and we’ll get you all set up!

Testimonials

Thank you for walking with me and the rest of this group down this path. I have learned more from you and Lisa in the last few weeks than in all my previous years. I feel like I have a whole new world of food- primary and secondary – to explore and I am enjoying it. I do not feel a sense of deprivation, only education. I believe whole heartedly that coaching is a better investment of my time, money and efforts than anything I’ve done previously (and you name it, I’ve thrown money at it in the name of losing weight!) – Summer

I’m reminded that even the smallest achievement should be celebrated. I have lost 13 pounds since I started the coaching and my boyfriend has lost over 20! I’m feeling healthy and it hasn’t been too much of a sacrifice for either of us. Thank you for all your support and guidance. I finally feel like I’m starting to figure this thing out! – Amanda

When I began working with Lacy and Lisa six months ago, I didn’t know exactly what I needed, I just knew what I was doing wasn’t working anymore. I felt stuck, stagnant, dependent on my old patterns and habits that were doing me more harm than good. We started our group experience making small, accessible dietary adjustments, always with the understanding of why we were making them, and gradually took on greater challenges together. – Anne

You can read more about Group Coaching here.

Special offer END FRIDAY @ 12pm PST!

SIGN UP TODAY!!

Feel free to email with any questions - with.style.grace @ gmail [dot] com

I’m a little behind. This is what I looked like at 12 weeks. Hot, uncomfortable, and finally starting to show.

I’m now 14 weeks I believe my belly is almost starting to catch up with my gigantic boobs. I’ll be happy once that day comes.

This whole pregnancy thing is quite the experience. To be honest, from everything I do to how I think, it’s just about the complete opposite of how I use to be. I’m hardly on my computer, I’m present when watching movies, and I eat the foods my body is asking for, which are foods I would never have eaten. All that, I feel more at peace that I ever have. It seems this baby is already changing my life.

What am I eating?

• Chicken nuggets. Organic, gluten-free, & white meat. Thank you Whole Foods.
• GF Bagels and [laughing cow] cream cheese
• Quesadillas. Nothing fancy.
• Greek yogurt + fresh peaches
• Peanut or almond butter
• and drinking iced tea, but has to be iced. It’s my new coffee.

Sweets?

• Gummi Bears
• So Delicious <dairy-free> Ice cream and froyo, still.
• Chocolate chip cookies

note: all my cravings seem to change weekly.

Energy level

It’s getting there. Finally able to go for walks without losing all the color in my face. Major progress.

Struggling with

• Morning sickness, still.
• To a stranger, I look more fat vs. pregnant.
• I got a breast reduction when I was 21 so having them back is mentally challenging.
• Not sleeping through the night.

Kinda diggin’

• Daily naps
• My husband being so awesome and making me waffles on the weekend.
• Watching my belly grow. It’s so fascinating.
• Eating food I would never eat. We’re talking NEVER.

Previous: 10 week baby bump update

More pregnancy updates to come!!

Thanks to Gem Photo for the beautiful documentation!

It’s Friday, it’s the day before Cinco de Mayo [also my grandma's 81st birthday] and it’s time for a big ol’ Margarita.  Okay, I wish.

Now I just eat since I can’t drink.

Today, it’s popcorn.  CINCO DE MAYO inspired popcorn.

I love popcorn.  Any flavor.  Any time of day.

Usually I make it a meal and the serving size of ten, becomes one.

Sure it’s a problem, but it would be worse.

Since my appetite hasn’t “matured” just yet, I decided to make popcorn and season it cinco de mayo-like spices. I kinda made that up. My interpretation at least is a combination of cumin, chili powder and fresh lime juice. It did the trick.

My husband added a little tequila to the butter mixture for an extra kick, while I cried ate my virgin popcorn.

Watch out, this might turn into a 3 day weekend popcorn party. We’re sooo WILD!

Other easy Cinco de Mayo recipes…

• Black Bean, Corn and Avocado Salsa
• Guacamole and Fresh Tomato Salsa
• Sangria
• Refried Beans – great for dip(s) too
• Blood Orange Margaritas – via How Sweet It Is

Happy Cinco de Mayo!!

Chili lime Popcorn – Tequila optional

PRINT Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 cups of popcorn, popped
• 3 tablespoon olive oil OR 3 tablespoon melted butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
• pinch of ground pepper
• juice from a fresh lime, about 1/2 teaspoon
• 1 teaspoon lime zest

Optional – 1/2 teaspoon tequila. Or just drink the tequila.

Directions

I use this air popper, but you can also make on the stove with oil.

While the popcorn is still warm, 1/2 the drizzle olive oil or butter over the popcorn.

In a small bowl, mix together salt, cumin, chili powder, and pepper. Spoon seasoning over the popcorn. With a knife or wooden spoon, carefully toss.

Add the rest of the olive oil or butter and the rest of the seasoning – mix to coat.

Squeeze a little lime juice and then sprinkle lime zest over the popcorn. Enjoy!

note: if you want to add tequila – mix 1/2 teaspoon with butter

*gluten-free *dairy-free – if you don’t use butter