We have officially crossed the halfway point! At 21 weeks, I must say that I’m really enjoying being pregnant. Aside from 3-hour naps during the first trimester (really, we could all use an occasional 3-hour nap) and minor migraines during the second trimester (which I’ve cured by snacking throughout the day), I have been blessed thus far with an easy pregnancy.

{17 weeks; 21 weeks}

My cravings have been simple to satisfy — from strawberries to guacamole to spaghetti and meatballs to …

You know what I love best about small children?  How well they know themselves. They are completely uncensored… the expectations and the thought of potential judgment from others doesn’t tether them down or give them pause.  When you’re six, you know exactly what you like… what you don’t… what you want… who you are.

My favorite color is red.

My favorite food is Velveeta shells and cheese with broccoli.

I am good at drawing.

Santa Claus is most definitely real.

I want a pony at …

This was our second married Christmas and our second year splitting the holiday between the east coast and the west coast — my parents live in central Pennsylvania, and Nick’s parents live in southern California. I’m not sure that I’ll ever get used to palm trees and sunshine and sandals in December, but I’ll admit that it was nice to escape the bitter cold winter of the east coast.

We visited La Jolla and Oceanside. We walked along the water …

When my husband and I first moved in together, we were both working full time, and evenings were a time to relax. After dinner we’d curl up on the couch to watch some TV or I’d write blog posts while he played video games. Boring tasks like cleaning the house, doing laundry and going to the supermarket, were relegated to the weekend. We didn’t have a schedule for these recurring responsibilities; we just did them when we felt like them …

I am so excited to be a contributor to EAD Living.  Now that the holiday rush has passed us by, I combat with winter blues with lots of projects and cooking, all of which I am dying to share with you!  So, to introduce myself-

I’m Samma (also known by my full name, Samma Faye, after both my grandmothers).   Pictured with me is my new rescue golden retriever, Buddy (also known by his full name, Buddy Bear).  I’m a relatively newlywed.  My husband …

Earlier this month, my husband surprised me with a Kindle for Chanukah. When I opened the box I was at a loss of words for two reasons:

I didn’t realize we were exchanging Chanukah gifts.
I didn’t really want a Kindle.

You might be asking yourself, “Well, why wouldn’t they exchange gifts for Chanukah?” First, Chanukah is not really as a big a deal as Christmas. That’s just the honest truth. Yes, as children we were slightly spoiled with presents, but, as I’m …

I have always known that someday I would have a family and that family would include kids.  When I picture myself at sixty-something that picture includes Dan and I helping our kids plan their weddings, having large family holidays, and doing lots of traveling (of course).  That said, I haven’t exactly felt a sense of urgency to start that family.  While I am sure that my internal clock will get triggered soon enough, right now I am finding myself wanting …

Regardless about how you feel about the term date night, quality couple time is so important as a part of the married lifestyle.  It can be too easy to get caught up in all of the to do lists and work pressures and social gatherings of summer to find that it has been way to long since you have gone out on a just-the-two-of-us date.  While dinner and movie is a nice standby, why not get out and enjoy the great weather …

Occasionally my husband has work obligations that take him out of town overnight. Sure I miss him when he’s gone, but I also savor the quiet time. Sometimes I take a leisurely stroll through the farmers market. Other times I run along my favorite trail. And often times I curl up on the couch with a book.

Last time Nick left for the night, I picked up a basket of heirloom tomatoes — likely some of the last of the season. …

This Tuesday morning in August begins at 6:30am. I’m up and out of bed before my husband and ease into my day with a hot shower. While I dry my hair and apply my make-up, Nick shaves and showers.

We rendezvous in the kitchen to make our morning smoothies — which have recently replaced unnecessarily large mugs of coffee. (Is anyone else trying to cut back on caffeine?) Our current favorite smoothie includes berries, bananas, Greek yogurt, soy milk, wheat germ, …