Secret Obsession

After a recent business trip to Chicago, Mr. Evans picked up some of my favorite caramel and cheese popcorn. Be it from Garrett's or Nuts on Clark, I love it! You just cannot get this stuff in Wisconsin, but anytime we go over the border it's a must buy. :)

Just thought I'd share.

Tagliarelle with Truffle Butter and Basil Green Goddess and Bibb Salad

On Friday night, we made some our favorite Ina recipes for dinner. This pasta looks deceivingly simple, but is packed with flavor and luxury. We can only find truffle butter at one gourmet market and the price is a bit steep, but it's worth every penny! Click here for the recipe.

The salad is another staple in our house. Click here for the recipe. In the photo below, do you see how my lovely pill organizer peeked in? I am taking so many vitamins I need it to keep everything straight. Hehe.

After dinner, we watched The King's Speech with Colin Firth. Mr. Evans will tell you I fell asleep during the last 5-10 minutes, but it truly is a worthwhile movie to watch.

Saturday night we went to see Les Miserables! It was epic, but beautifully performed. :)

Also, I hope everyone had a great Easter with family and friends.

April Showers and Snow

Last weekend, Mr. Evans ran a half-marathon in cold (35 degrees), wind and rain/snow. He did great despite the elements! And, he never complained once! We would've gotten a photo together, but I ran to the car as soon as the shotgun sounded.

It's a Girl

To our pleasant surprise, we are going to be proud parents of a baby girl. (Do you see a smile below?)

Bonita Beach

90 degrees and sunny is perfect for me! The beach in Bonita is full of shells and provides a nice shoreline for a walk to Doc's Beach House for lunch and cocktail (minus the blisters on the 2 mile walk). 

Hello beach baby bump! I cannot believe I am actually posting a picture of myself in a swimsuit while pregnant, so don't judge. ;)

Get it, ha ha. Mr. Evans just HAD to take this photo for his sister Katie! Apparently when they were younger and travelling in the Naples/Bonita area this was a common stop. :)

One afternoon we rented a pontoon and drove around the back bay. We saw many dolphins, kept watch for manatees and stopped at Lover's Key. It was gorgeous.

My mom and I prior to dinner in Naples. This our third year vacationing with my parents (Napa Valley, Las Vegas and now Bonita). We always have a great time!

I love this photo (and my husband).

My Dad took this photo on his iPhone while we were watching the sunset at a beach bar in Bonita. Isn't it amazing? I wish I were there now.

The Bump has Arrived!

It's here! Well, this photo was from two weeks ago (we were headed to this amazing fundraiser), but the bump has not grown much since. What do you think? I am pretty psyched about it. The bump makes me actually feel preggers, as I have been lucky not to have experienced any major morning sickness and yucky first/early second trimester things it didn't really set in right away. I know that sounds silly, but I'm sure others can relate.

Also, FYI, in four days we find out the sex of Baby Evans. Mr. Evans and I are still deciding how to announce to everyone the sex of the baby, but it will surely be something somewhat creative. Stay tuned!

It's starting to set in that I'll be a mommy in a few months. For real. We pray every day and night that we'll be blessed with a happy and healthy baby. :)

Mama needs a Mocktail!

Well, this Izze will suffice for now. At least at the Florida beach bars I could order lime and mango daiquiri's to my little hearts content. Any good suggestions for mocktails? I found a cute mocktail cookbook here. How fun! Ginger Ale and Cranberry juice has been good to me. Or, what about this once watermelon is in season? I think I'll have to try it. I'm game for any suggestions.

Also, doesn't this salsa look yummy? I love to chop up a few tomatoes, white onion and cilantro, and add some white wine vinegar, fresh lime juice and salt. Perfect! Mr. Evans and I eat a ton of this salsa variation all year long. You can add corn, black beans, red/yellow peppers, etc. Love it!

Take me out to the Ballgame

Yes, it was a pre-season game and the stadium was only a third or so full... so what?! :) It was fun to sing the National Anthem with my co-workers for our company picnic a few weekends ago. This was one of the only semi-decent photos (that's me on the far left).

Go Brewers!

Warmer Weather

And, we're off... to warmer weather!! Tomorrow, we'll be heading to Bonita Springs, FL where the forecast is 90 degrees and sunshine for the next five days. Thanks be to God! :)

(When I return I'll be sure to post photos of our trip and recent happenings including signing the national anthem at Miller Park and an awesome benefit with a culinary twist for Japan last weekend.)

The photo below is a little glimmer of hope from Wisconsin. These flowers are from the grocery store, but it appears that our tulips and other bulbed flowers will be opening any day now. Then, I can make a real arrangement. :)

P.S. Pam, have a wonderful bridal shower and bachelorette party this weekend. I'm sad I can't make it, but I know you'll have a blast!

P.P.S. Nursery plans and baby bump have both sprouted. I'll be sure to post some ideas and photos (respectively).

First Trimester Must-Haves

I'm currently over 1/3 (almost 1/2!!) of the way to the arrival of little baby Evans, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite items so far. SNC girls, one day, I totally recommend these to you! Google the items for more information.