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How IS Alfie doing, you ask?

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I think I worried a few people with some minor changes I made to my social media profile accounts. I switched up my Instagram photo for the first time in 2 years, and my Facebook photo was “only” 6 months out of date with me gazing out of some window. Switching it up caused some alarm to a few friends who love Alfie as much as we do — so sweet!

A few days ago he went in for another bout of treatment. He’s doing great, and he’s still adventuring out with me as these days become numbered when it’s just the two of us. Soon he’ll have a little broski tourin’ around with him, that or my husband joked and told me that he’ll look after baby while Alfie and I adventure about in the funzo vehicles, ha!!! I mean, alright!

Alfie’s been a bit of a picky eater these last 2 weeks or so, which is definitely concerning for us. But I’m trying to keep positive and thinking the 3 walks a day, plus 5 meals a day is filling up his belly pretty good. He definitely needs a bit of stimulation throughout the day and although he loves his routine (he loves the couch, and grunts at me when I’m making my own breakfast, to come sit with him lol), adventures are totally his thing.

A few years ago I was loaned the Lexus NX200t, which I’ve now classified as my favourite vehicle of all time. Easy to drive, easy to park/judge and for me, no blind spots. Well this past week I had the joy of taking the Lexus NX300h out, and it toally reminds me of the previous one we had. I didn’t want to give it back, and that’s kinda rare! I mean, obviously a lot of the vehicles I take out for the week are great, but there’s far and few that I’d actually buy (even if I had the dollars for it).

The first day that I got the NX300h out, I mentioned that it would probably be the vehicle we’ll be driving to the hospital while in labour. And a few people mentioned I should probably protect all-the-cars I sit in, in case……. that water breaks. So, yep, I was sittin’ on garbage bags, Alfie’s potty-pads that we had left over (new obviously lol), and towels. Cause lord jumpin’s I don’t want to be ruining a brand new $50k vehicle! Oof!

No baby yet. But I’ve had a few people reach out to me and ask if our baby was here – I’m just MIA due to a head/sinus cold. And today (yes today Monday January 29) I’m forcing myself to nest. I haven’t gotten to the nesting phase yet, but we have no freezer foods made. I’m quite miserable (lol) if we’re being honest, with the whole cold-thing knocking me out. Though I needed to take charge before baby comes, so we have a few meals packed away in the freezer.

So far on the agenda:

  • two dozen egg muffins
  • chicken taco’s in the slow cooker (I usually serve on top of spinach, or cauliflower rice and lately I’ve not been making the avocado dressing)

I plan on making more food today while I can. Up next, I might go for a mac’n cheese to freeze. Then, pre-chopping some veggies, and storing them in the freezer for easy access for when we want quick meals, and make some cooked meat to freeze as well. Man oh man, I hope this cold subsides before baby arrives, let me tellya that much.

Many thanks for the fun times, Lexus. Alfie always enjoys these adventures, and I’m so glad you guys love him too.

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spiffykermsbaby

Minimal Hospital Bag

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I’ve been told many times by many people that I don’t need to bring much to the hospital here in California. A lot (if not all) of it is provided for you. I thought I was a good planner when it comes to packing. But since a few things are still up in the air, even this late in the game, I’m only now finally sorted all out with the hospital bag at close to 38 weeks pregnant. I want to preface this by saying that I know many new mom-to-be’s bring a lot of unnecessary stuff. I know that everything I bring I may not use. Just be supportive of other’s going through this for the first time.

Let’s get to the real deal. I’m glad I have a few extras (like toothbrushes, and hairbrushes) so I can keep it stowed away for when the time comes to grab the bag and deliver a baby (lol). I always have a drawer in our bathroom dedicated to travel-sized items, and travel bags for organizing it all.

So, this is what I’ve packed. Is it sufficient? I’ll let you know after the delivery!

  • Snacks:
    • Trader Joe’s “Nothing But”: a variety of fig & walnut, and date & cocoa disks
    • A pack of gum
    • Trader Joe’s fruit leather
    • Crackers & nuts
    • Bottle of drink (this one’s a free “vitamin water” dupe from Costco lol)
  • Toiletries:
  • Clothing:
    • 1 pair of H&M maternity leggings
    • 2 long sleeved tees from Target (the “A New Day” collection is ALL I have been wearing this entire pregnancy. They’re non-maternity. I just sized up)
    • 1 sweater
    • 1 tank top
    • 1 pair of fuzzy socks (couldn’t find the non-slip one’s. Hoping the hospital has some!)
    • HUGE undies (lol)
    • maternity bra (it’s this one I had on my Gift Guide for Mama’s!)
  • Sleepwear:
    • Mahabis slippers (I got 2 sizes bigger than my regular slipper size those wondering!)
    • These soft PJs from Target in a bigger size. I also bought them in red but they’re staying home.
  • For Baby:
    • 2 baby outfits (newborn sized + 0-3month)
    • baby undershirt/onesie whatever they’re called
    • baby blanket for car seat (this bicycle one!)
  • Other
    • IDs
    • Phone charger

I’ve labeled everything in plastic baggies for easier access and less thinking. Plus if/when my husband goes through the bag he doesn’t have to search hard to find what I’m looking for, for instance.

The overnight bag is actually a workout bag that I bought online from the Tone It Up girls a few year ago. It’s actually my rock climbing bag, but I cleaned the chalk dust out of it and now it’s my hospital bag.

I’m taking the simple approach when it comes to packing the hospital bag. I questioned my pals on Instagram and Twitter of what they suggest I pack in the bag, and you’d think I’m going on a cross-country trip with some of the answers I received. Haha! I love it. But, I suppose you could say I’m only packing some necessities for myself to keep me comfortable, and nothing over the top. I understand that I could wear a hospital gown the entire time I’m in hospital. But what if I’m done with those gowns, yet don’t want to wear a normal long sleeved tee (which I’ve been living in) and I want to wear my new button-up PJ top from Target? I am darn sure gonna bring it with me. I’m also not bringing a robe, I only have one and I don’t want it ruined and I’m not going out to buy one just for the hospital.

I also don’t have a birth plan. That’s been quite controversial, but that’s okay with me!

Basically what’s going in the bag is what’s listed above, and some have suggested I bring some huuuuuge undies, and even depends diapers and dermoplast, hey I’ll consider it! From all the stories (all of them) I’ve heard, it’s not going to be a pretty process, I know that much.

Next and final steps? Getting a pedicure this weekend with my friend Nicole! I haven’t had my nails done since my birthday back in May. I simply want to spoil myself and cannot wait to do so! White nail polish forever.

What are some “must have’s” in your pregnancy hospital bag? Did I miss anything?

What did you bring and didn’t use? 

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Daily

Healthy egg white muffins | Paleo + Freezer friendly

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When I get a burst of energy (which is a rare occasion these days) I try to get as much done as possible before I feel completely exhausted again. Who knows if that nesting phase will full-on happen and I get everything done on my to-do list, but like I mentioned in my previous post I need it to hurry up and come along cause I definitely have a laundry list of “want-to-do’s” before my due date.

I wanted to prep some meals for when baby comes for my husband and I, and before my Mom comes down to Canada to help us out. As of right now I’ve prepped some egg white muffins using AllWhites® 100% Liquid Egg Whites, which are rich in protein (5g per serving), fat-free, cholesterol-free, and low in calories. It’ll pack a punch and keep you full if you grab two of these in the morning — an excellent source of lean protein. It’ll keep me going, that’s for sure, and not require much thought to re-heat when I’m super tired in those upcoming sleepless nights and mornings.

They’re SO simple to make, and freeze well too. Just watch:

D i r e c t i o n s:

  • Line a muffin pan with muffin-papers then grease them with cooking spray.
  • Whisk together egg whites, and your desired ingredients, then divide the mixture evenly to your cups.
  • Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, or until egg whites are fully cooked.

I ended up adding mushrooms, bell peppers, cheese (not paleo friendly), and dill spice. It’s like having a hand-held omelette in your hands! Once you’ve made these, they’re super easy to grab from the freezer, pop in the microwave and you have yourself a nice hot breakfast. Pair with some fruit, yogurt or avocado on the side and you’re golden.

They will keep in fridge for a few days, or you can freeze them up to a month. To reheat, pop the egg white muffins in the microwave for 45-60 seconds.

Obviously they’re completely customizable when it comes to fillings, so add your favourite ingredients, then whisk together with the AllWhites® 100% Liquid Egg Whites. If you’re a super-long time reader of Spiffykerms you may recall me making and posting about egg muffins when I was on Paleo for a 30 day challenge at my local CrossFit box, back in 2013. Time flies doesn’t it? I was definitely overdue for making them again.

You can also find tons of recipes using AllWhites® 100% Liquid Egg Whites, since they’re pasteurized for safety and is actually safer than traditional whole eggs – enjoy AllWhites® uncooked, in salad dressing recipes, shakes, and more, without fear of food borne illness.

What else do you suggest I pre-make in advance before baby arrives?

I will be giving away 3 free product coupons to one reader — if you give me some more suggestions on how you incorporate more protein into your daily diets! Comment below and get creative! :)

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