Top 10 in 2014: January

I can’t believe the first month of the year is already coming to an end. January was quite the whirlwind for me, especially since I wrote an entire book in just 5 weeks. Holy cow. I’m exhausted. (I’ll fill you guys in next week!)

I love writing these monthly recap posts, but keeping with my “Top XX in 20XX” format was getting a little out of control as the years progressed. Top 14 in 2014? That’d be like half of my blog posts for the month. Ok, well, not half, but you know what I mean, right? So I’m cutting down my top posts to ten, which, of course, will be my absolute favorites from the month. That said, here they are for January!

Lightened-Up Mac & Cheese

Love mac & cheese? Me too! But, of course, I don’t love how it’s loaded with calories and fat and usually falling short on nutrients. You know what I’m talking about, right? Pasta, cheese, butter, more cheese”¦ not the healthiest ingredients.

Second Trimester Recap: Weeks 16-17

Good morning and happy New Year! Time for a pregnancy update! And, whoa, I’m already 18 weeks along. Where does the time go? Ok, first up”¦ BELLY PICS There’s actually not too much difference between weeks 16 and 17, and I actually think the longer shirt (or maybe my better posture?) in the 17-week photo makes me look smaller.

It’s a”¦

There’s no hiding my baby bump this week! I think I’ve finally popped? Popped-ish? CRAVINGS Egg sandwiches, toasted English muffins with nut butter, smoothies, green juice, fresh fruit (especially clementines and pineapple), yogurt, ketchup on everything, white wine.

Our Attempt at Containing the Pug Fur

Ever since we bought our new couch, Mal and I have been losing a never-ending battle against pug fur. (It still amazes me, for such a little dog, Murphy can shed SO MUCH fur. It’s insane. I know the pug people feel my pain.) We recently bought a Dust Buster thing, and we vacuum the couch.

Creamy, No-Cook Chocolate Chip Balls

Remember those Creamy Chocolate Chip Balls that I mentioned yesterday? Well, here’s the recipe! And, oh my goodness, they are incredible. Definitely make them! These little bite-size treats literally melt in your mouth thanks to some smooth cinnamon cream cheese, but they’re not all mush either.

Protein-Packed Creamy Chipotle Cheddar Veggies

I had lunch with the cutest baby ever yesterday afternoon! Matthew is getting so big! And he’s standing up! And crawling”¦ sort of. He can go from sitting onto his stomach and then he squirms on the ground and reaches for his toys. I still can’t get over how much he can do.

Second Trimester: My Maternity Wardrobe

Hi, friends! Now that my body has officially taken a new shape, I’ve started to purchase key pieces to update my wardrobe. Since I know my body will continue to change over the next 4 months and beyond, I’m trying to resist buying too much stuff.

Gluten-Free Almond Brownies

I am so excited to share these almond recipes with you! As you might remember, I have teamed up with the Almond Board of California to create a number of new recipes that integrate different almond forms around the theme of skinny-ing up your comfort food.

Second Trimester Recap: Weeks 19-20

I’m halfway there! I can’t believe I just finished my 20th week of pregnancy. It’s crazy how quickly time is flying by! CRAVINGS Egg sandwiches (ALL THE TIME – seriously, it’s ridiculous), smoothies, green juice, fresh fruit (I’ve been into apples lately), yogurt with granola, ketchup on everything.

22-Week Ultrasound & Lunch at Otto Pizza

Hey, hey! How are things? Yesterday morning started with a delicious breakfast of toasted waffles with almond butter, marmalade, and banana slices on top. I am really digging this combo lately. I knew I wouldn’t be eating lunch for awhile, so I made a blueberry-basil smoothie to hold me over.