Saw it. Pinned it. Did it: Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark

I've been wanting to join in on the saw it, pinned it, did it fun with Beautiful Mess and Keep Calm & Carry On for a few weeks and finally had some time to complete a Pinterest project last week!

I have been dying to try this Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark and it seemed like the perfect Thanksgiving "pickie" for family to snack on. It was super easy to make and is really tasty!!

I apologize in advance for the iphone pictures. I was at my parents house without my camera!

What you will need:

bag of mini pretzel twists

2 sticks of butter

1 cup of brown sugar

1 bag of chocolate chips

Sea salt or table salt

Steps:

Line a jellyroll  pan with tin foil and arrange pretzels on pan

Make caramel by combining butter and brown sugar. Be sure to stir constantly (aka don't ruin any pots)until caramel begins to thicken and stick. Preheat your oven to 350 while caramel is forming.

Next, pour caramel onto pretzels and bake for 5 minutes.

Next, spread chocolate chips evenly over the caramel

Put the pan back in the oven for 1-2 minutes or until the chips melt.

When you pull the pan out, cover with "chunky" sea salt. 

(thanks Ma for the assistance!)

Finally, put the pans in the freezer so the bark "hardens". I actually put the pans on our porch because it was cold enough outside and the freezer was stocked with Turkey Day goodies.

After the bark hardens, break the bark apart and arrange in a cookie tin!

Next time I make this recipe, I will not use salted pretzels and sea salt. I will use unsalted pretzels next time. It turned out a little too salty (yes, even for this preggo).

Enjoy!!

P.S. I'll be back tonight for the weekly bumpdate! I was freaking out the begining of this week with thesis writing but I'm finally done!! I took the picture Monday, just didn't have time to update. Can't wait until school is done in two weeks (FOREVER) and I can have time to do *my own things*, seeing friends more, dates with hubs, blogging and pinterest crafting!

Home

There is nothing quite like being "home for the holidays".

Hubs and I came "home" to my parents house last Friday night. I took off work the begining of this week to work on my thesis and knew that I would be more productive and feel more relaxed at my parents. (Ahem, cleaning distractions, wanting to hang with the hubs, cooking, etc.) At Mom and Dad's I have home cooked meals and am distraction free during the day. Plus, who doesn't love a little extra parent lovin' when your preggo around the holidays.

We spent the weekend doing "homey" things and it was just what the doctor ordered.

Friday night we got in from our drive and had a home cooked meal from Mom. The kitchen is the gathering place in our house. We sit around the table, eat, drink (we'll not me anymore) and be merry. It's lovely. We caught up on the recent happenings and enjoyed our time together.

Saturday Mom and I got up and went to Zumba bright and early. I love getting the chance to work out with my ma. :) Afterwards we met my best, Julie, at the best day spa ever (aka the place I got pampered for my wedding) for pedis. I got Jules a spa pedicure and facial for her birthday gift and we cashed in! We followed the spa with lunch at locally sustained restaurant. SO FREAKIN' YUMMY! Such an awesome morning.

Saturday night the fam, hubs and I went to my cousin Kay's for a family get together. Several of my cousins recently went to upstate Pennsylvania where my grandma and her brother and sisters were born to explore. It prompted everyone to want to get together to look at old pictures/organize/divy up based on "family". It was so neat hearing stories and seeing all of the old photos. My grandma and her sisters were so close so there are a TON of pictures of everyone together. We got to eat good food and spend time with family, which is always amazing.

Following dinner hubs and I met up with another one of my bests, Kelly and her boyfriend Steve at their new house to meet their newest puppy addition! We then headed out to a local bar where Steve's band was playing. It was so nice to catch up and see her new house!

I love being home and seeing all my favorite people. Just what I needed to get in the holiday spirit.

Sunday we had a big family breakfast before Hubs headed home for a few days to work. Mom and I went grocery shopping with a HUGE list for Thanksgiving then I worked on my thesis for the afternoon (in front of the fireplace<3).

That would be a little red baby bump in the bottom of the picture above!

The next few days leading up to Turkey Day I will be hitting the gym, working on my thesis and visiting with some more friends (Kristin and Chip). Hubs and my baby bro will be getting in on Wednesday, which I'm looking forward to! Can't wait to eat good food, watch football and be thankful on Thursday.

Seriously, this week is perfect: family, friends, Thanksgiving, productivity (thesis).

I love this week!

12 Week "bumpdate"

This week, I am not at home with my little erase board. We are 12 weeks along. Last week in the first trimester!! Baby is the size of a peach (3 inches long) and growing vocal chords.

Cravings: Goat Cheese. Thank goodness I found some pasteurized goat cheese meals at lunch on Saturday! That was all I wanted!
Any foods you don’t want: SHRIMP! Still so unappealing. 
Symptoms? Getting sleepy pretty early in the evenings. 9 pm bedtimes for this little mama lately. I also had a few days of headaches but they aren't too bad or too often. I am thinking (knock on wood) I will be feeling much better the second trimester. :)
Showing: I think there is a small little bump. People would probably say I look like I stopped working out or drank too many beers.
Boy or Girl? Not sure! We want a happy, healthy babe. I have been pinning some cute clothes either way!
Bought anything? Not yet. We will probably start shopping after we both finish this semester. I
Shopping for anything? Not at the moment. Soon enough! We will register after the holidays!
The Dad to be? So amazing. He was so cute at the latest appointment when he got to see baby moving all around. <3
Most recent appointment? This past Friday we went for our final sonogram to check over all three "sacks". I feel so spoiled because I've had three sonograms when most mamas only get one in the first trimester, if any! Below are the three "sacks" from the first sonogram. (Cannot for the life of me "flip" this picture). Sorry about that, it's a picture of the sono from my phone. Every time I upload to blogger it shows upside down!

Here is baby bean this past week! Getting so big!

Next appointment? November 29th we have our NT to check baby's health. I can't wait to see my little bean again.

HBD Hubs and 11 week "bumpdate"

Happy birthday to the best husband in the world! I know that 30 will be the BEST year yet! You really are the icing on my cake, the song in my heart, the light of my life and the peanut butter to my jelly. You make me the happiest wife in the world and I hope your special day was amazing.

HAPPY 30th BIRTHDAY HOTT STUFF!

We had a blast celebrating Hub's birthday this past weekend. My parents and I threw a "Frank Sinatra" themed cocktail party with all of Hub's family and friends. The night was a success! Hubs sure looked like he was enjoying himself along with everyone else! Below are a few shots from the night.

Now on to the "bumpdate"!

How far along?  11 weeks

Baby Size: Moving throughout the produce department- made it to the size of a plum!
Total weight gain/loss: I've had  a few gains and losses. Right now I'm -.5 from my "starting weight"

Maternity clothes? Still fitting in all my normal clothes- getting a tiny bit snug. ;) You can see the "bump" (aka serious bloat) in my dress from the party Saturday. Some days I "show" more than others.
Stretch marks? No way!! Planning on buying special cream this week to prevent that mess.
Sleep: Sleeping in is a thing of the past. Haven't slept past 6 am in weeks. I have been able to fall back asleep after an hour or so on the weekends.
Best moment this week:  Hub's birthday party! Seeing family and friends is always amazing, but it was nice to share in our joy with the people we love the most. My Sis in law gave me two books- Whinnie the Pooh and Goodnight Moon that our nieces read as babies and are now being passed down to baby bean. <3 Made my heart melt.  

Have you told family and friends: YES! Finally went public! So happy everyone knows now!
Miss Anything? Miss feeling "normal" a little bit this week. I have had days where I am back to myself but every few days (aka today) I get the "icks" again.

Movement:  Nothing yet! Can't wait! 
Food cravings:  Nothing in particular. I do crave "pastine" like my Mom-mom used to make it whenever I'm nauseous... tiny pasta stars,milk, salt and butter- yum! Good for what ales ya.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: It's getting better...I was able to be in the same room as shrimp at the party on Saturday! First time since becoming preggo! Eating more veggies as of last week, which is awesome.

Have you started to show yet: I think there's a little something showing. I think it's a combo of smallllllll bump and bloat.

Gender prediction: I honestly have NO idea! My Dad is swearing it’s a GIRL! My Mama in law and sis in law say it's a boy! Dad and Ma in law made a bet this weekend- whoever loses takes the other to dinner!
Labor Signs: No way!
Belly Button in or out? Inny 

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy and excited!
Looking forward to: seeing baby bean again on Friday at our last "follow up" sonogram appointment. Last check to ensure babies "a" and "c" are absorbing. Also looking forward to a nice relaxing week at Mom and Dad's starting Friday! Can't wait to wear my comfy clothes, cuddle up and finish this master's thesis! Three more weeks and I'm home free! Can't wait to defend my thesis and enjoy the holidays!

Have a great week!!!

First comes love, then comes marriage!

Then comes a baby in a baby carriage!!! Hubs and I are expecting our first little bundle of joy on June 3rd, 2012. We could not be more excited! For the past several weeks I have been feeling all the "joys" of the first trimester. I wish I could say it's been all rainbows and sunshine but unfortunately I have had a major bout of morning sickness. I am finally starting to feel a little bit more like myself as of this past Saturday.  I have been documenting (but not publishing!) the first few weeks. I will do a baby post once per week and will hopefully be able to do other posts now that I am feeling a little more like myself. Enjoy the posts below!

Love,
Mama Cait

Six weeks: (October 1, 2012)
We are expecting!!! We are so so excited and can't wait to share the news. I wanted to start documenting my feelings and the happenings of our little baby bean right away.  Right now, I'm so over the moon I cannot even stand it!

How far along are you? 6 weeks
Total weight gain: nothing yet!
How big is the baby? : Baby R is the size of a sweet pea. Aww I love this <3
Maternity clothes: No way- too early
Stretch marks?: Not yet...and hopefully not at all!
Sleep: Sleep has been well. I have been waking up due to "calls of nature" a few times, but otherwise I'm sleeping well.
Best moment this week: Seeing hubs read "Dude, you're going to be a Dad!". So cute.
Movement: Not yet
Food cravings: I've been eating my typical diet. Lots of fruit, veggies, salad, yogurt, egg whites.
Food aversions: The thought of shrimp makes my stomach turn- strange, I used to love them
Labor signs: No way Jose
Belly button in or out: In
What I miss:  Iced tea and wine
Pregnancy Symptoms: Nausea- started about Thursday and has gotten progressively worse over the past few days. Sore breasts as well.
What I'm looking forward to: My first pre-natal appointment next Monday!

Baby R-
Mommy and Daddy are feeling so blessed. We found out on 9/21/12 that we are going to be welcoming you into our life. We are saying our prayers that you are a happy and healthy little baby  and that we have healthy pregnancy. We love you so much already and it's only been a few short weeks! We have so many hopes and wishes for you and can't wait to watch you grow up. For now, we hope you enjoy your time growing strong and healthy over the next 8 1/2 months.

We love you to the moon and back.
Mama and Daddy

8 Weeks: (October 15, 2012)

Cravings: Anything plane and carb-y. I am SO nauseated and any "overly exciting" food is less appetizing.
Any foods you don’t want: SHRIMP! The thought of them makes me so queasy.
Symptoms? I am a nauseas and tired mama at this point
Showing: not yet! Feeling a little “puffy” but no baby bump yet.
Boy or Girl? Not sure! We want a happy, healthy babe
Bought anything? Not for myself. My friend Gina bout baby bean some adorable onesies and burp clots and my friend Kristin sent me a “first trimester survival package” including ginger gum, Sea Bands, “The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy” (which I LOVE!) and some Preggie Pops. So thoughtful of both of them! We’ve been so overwhelmed with love and support, it’s amazing!

Shopping for anything? Not yet- too soon! I have been scoping out some crib and dresser sets online and of course, pinteresting nursery ideas like crazy!
The Dad to be? So amazing. He has been so sweet through this rough patch of morning sickness. One minute I’m fine and we are planning dinner and the next I’m doubled over on the couch unable to move. He has been so understanding and gets me ginger ale, gives me back rubs and loves on me and baby bean. He’s going to be an amazing Daddy!
Most recent appointment? 10/15! First baby appointment thus far! They took blood, went over our family histories and gave us the “run down” of what to expect. They also gave us our first guestimated due date of June 3^rd! <3 We asked a few questions such as “what can I do for the morning sickness?!” and then scheduled our next appointment for our first ultrasound.
Next appointment? TOMORROW! We can’t wait to see baby bean

Baby Bean-
Mama and Daddy love you so much and can’t wait to see you tomorrow! Keep on growing big and strong!
We love you!

8W1D: October 16, 2012-

We had our first sonogram and discovered three gestational sacs!! Holy cow…cannot believe that we conceived spontaneous triplets. We have one small sac- didn’t see a fetal pole, one baby measuring six weeks and one perfect baby measuring right on schedule. The doctor stated that baby “B” will be perfect- heartbeat was strong and baby is looking great. Baby A (no fetal pole) will most likely absorb and baby C needs a second look. We go back on Friday 11/2 to double check baby C. Either way- I get a second picture!! <3

10 Weeks:

Update: we will only be having one perfect little baby. We went for our second sonogram on Friday and baby bean was moving all over the place! What a difference 10 days makes! Hubs is saving his time for the next few appointments (12 week and 14 week sonograms) so Mom and Dad (Gram and Granddad) got to come with me to see baby bean. What an amazing moment for all of us!! There were plenty of tears of joy!! We saw little arms and legs kicking and moving! Baby was doing a little dance! <3 Baby A and C are looking smaller and the doctor said they should absorb, however, we need to keep this in mind for future pregnancies as multiples are usually genetic without IVF (ours were natural).

How far along?  10 weeks

Baby Size: A Lime!
Total weight gain/loss: maintaining for now!

Maternity clothes?  Still fitting in all my normal clothes- getting a tiny bit snug. ;)
Stretch marks?  No...wearing all the creams that I can! 
Sleep:  Sleeping well until about 6 am (except for the occasional call of nature). Can’t seem to sleep in anymore! :-/
Best moment this week:  Seeing baby bean dance was by far the most amazing thing I have ever seen. I felt so much love for the baby before- it tripled after! <3 Also…the fact that I'm feeling a little better. Started to feel like myself again on Saturday.

Have you told family and friends:  YES! Finally went public! So happy everyone knows now! 
Miss Anything?  Wine, but this is so much better ;)

Movement:  Saw it on the sonogram! Can’t feel anything yet.  Food cravings:  Carbs carbs and carbs!  Now that I am feeling better I will be getting back on the healthy food kick. I’ve been able to exercise 3-4 times per week but the food has been a problem.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  It's getting better...still not super hot on veggies- hate shrimp.

 Have you started to show yet:  I think there's a little something showing. A tiny bump is coming in that hubs and I can see- I doubt anyone else would notice! ;)

 Gender prediction:  I honestly have NO idea!  My Dad is swearing it’s a GIRL! He told the sonogram tech on Friday he knows it’s a girl. I am not sure yet!
Labor Signs: No
Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time:  Happier now that I feel better! So happy to share our news! Loving baby and hubs more than ever.
Looking forward to: Really looking forward to going home for Thanksgiving in a few weeks. Can’t wait to relax with my family and soak in the baby lovin’! Also looking forward to seeing our friends on Saturday for hub’s birthday party! First time seeing many of them since sharing the baby news.

Baby bean-

You took my breath away on Friday. You are so loved already! The tech even stated that she can tell you will be the most loved little baby in the world! <3 Mama and Daddy can’t wait to meet you in June- for now keep growing strong and healthy!

Love,
Mama and Daddy