22 and a Half Weeks

So I'm past the half way point of pregnancy and so excited to meet my baby girl, Zoe Mackenzie. Before, I just felt a little bloated, but now it's starting to feel real. I'm up to 136 pounds, my belly bump is in full effect. I even wear maternity pants! All that and she's pretty active in there. I can't wait for John to be able to feel her little kicks.

I'm going to be a mother. The thought is pretty scary, but I've never been more excited for anything in my entire life. My routine is even starting to get pretty "mom-ish". After working 40 hours a week and tending to the house, I'm ready for bed by 9. After she's here, I don't see myself having the energy to do anything besides cook, clean, work and spend time with my family.

I haven't gained too much weight, but I am starting to be concerned with this latest jump. 126 to 136 in 2 and a half weeks? Everyone says I'm overreacting, but I know it's due to the massive amount of Chick-fil-a and ramen I've been eating. I was hoping to stay under 140 the whole pregnancy, but I have to accept that that's no longer going to happen. Adding mile and a half power walls (can't jog anymore. Too much moving around), squats and planks along with cutting out fast food will hopefully help maintain the weight for the rest of my pregnancy. I'm not one that believes in using my baby as an excuse to eat whatever I want and become a fat ass. Not only is it not good for me or the baby, all that weight gain is not sexy and will make getting my 21 year old body back more difficult (I'm going for 21. I looked better then than I ever had)

The stress is starting to get to me also. There's so many things I have to get in order before she comes. Four months is plenty of time, but I'm still feeling so overwhelmed. There's just not enough time in my day for my to do list. It all may be my natural coping mechanism of freaking out at big life changes, but the important thing to remember this time is it's not about me, it's about Zoe and once she's here, It'll be worth all the stress in the world.

All and all, I can say pregnancy has been good to me. No morning sickness, I have an awesome new rack, not too much added weight and I've never felt so loved, blessed and happy in my whole life. December 29th can't come soon enough.

Let's Get Crafty: Repurposed Candles

Welcome! I actually have a tutorial today. Yay, me! Aren't you proud? Now I don't know about you, but I hate throwing candles away. Especially the good, $20 candles from Yankee Candle and such. Such a waste of so much left over wax. So I keep all of my candle stubs in hope to put them I use. Today, I actually did! I used old wax to make brand new candles. Here's how to do it.

What you'll need:
Old candles
Pot
Pyrex or can
Jar or paper form
Wick
Essential oil (optional)

1) Pick old candle scent combos that go well with each other. I went a vanilla, lemon and a tropical mango.

2) Pop out the old wick base. You may need a knife, ice pick or something similar. PLEASE DON'T STAB YOURSELF.

3) Bring a pot of water to a boil. You should probably use an old can, but I used a pyrex dish. You want something that can withstand heat.

4) Turn stove down to medium low. And place Pyrex or can in the pot of low boiling water. Break up one of the old candle and place in dish. I decide to add a little of lemon essential oil to the melted wax to refresh the scent.

5) Once candle is melted, pour in new candle form with wick sitting straight up. For the form, I actually got a jar and wick set on sale at Yankee Candle for $1.75.

6) Repeat 4 & 5 with the second and then third scent. Let each layer cool before pouring the next layer. You want to leave about half an inch of wax on top.

There ya go! Inexpensive candles of scents you already love!