How to Remove the Plastic Discs from Your Earring Backs

This is totally random, but it's one of those ridiculously simple discoveries that you make that you just can't help sharing. I thought about saving this post for next week, but I just couldn't wait. This trick is too good to keep to myself!

So I bought a pair of these earrings yesterday and was annoyed that they came with those bullet backs with the pesky plastic discs around them. Annoyed enough that for the first time in eight years (I didn't get my ears pierced until I was in my mid-twenties) I decided to do something about it. Namely, cut off the plastic backs. I always assumed the plastic was glued onto the back, but was shocked when it popped right off after a couple of snips from my scissors. Then I realized I didn't even need to cut the plastic - if you press your thumb firmly against the end of the bullet it will pop right out of the disc, no cutting required.

Pregnancy: Week 17

Week 17:

Baby: The size of a white onion or turnip, about 5.1 inches and 5 ounces.

Weight: No change.

Maternity Clothes: I finally caved toward the end of this week and wore a few maternity items. I didn't technically need to, but they're soooo much more comfortable. Plus, I bought a couple of tops at Kohl's last week and I wanted to give them a try.

Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Pork and Potatoes

I can't imagine any dinner being much easier to make than this Slow Cooker Sauerkraut Pork and Potatoes. Whenever I break out my slow cooker, I'm reminded of how awesome it is to throw ingredients into it in the morning and come home in the evening to a warm, delicious, home-cooked meal! This particular recipe is perfect for this time of year, when the air starts to get crisper and you crave something warm and filling to eat. The pork gets so tender it practically shreds itself. The potatoes add hearty texture. And the sauerkraut provides tons of flavor and keeps everything juicy and moist.

Pregnancy: Weeks 14-16

Since I didn't get my First Trimester Recap up until this past week, I have a few weeks to catch up on! So far the second trimester is tending to be easier than the first, although not all of my symptoms have gone away. Let's get to the recap of the past three weeks!

Lovely Links 09.08.15

Did you have a nice three-day weekend? My father-in-law and aunt-in-law spent the weekend with us, and in addition to having a really nice time visiting, they also helped us get our crib purchased and put together. We've also purchased and put together a dresser already, so I feel like we've made a pretty good start on the nursery already.

Anyways, here are some interesting links to start of this week. (I didn't realize it at the time, but there are quite a few Star Wars-related links...guess I'm getting excited for the new movie!)

First Trimester Recap

I'm at week 16 of this pregnancy, almost through my fourth month. Just within the last week, I can see a major change in the way I feel. My appetite is returning, my energy is slowly increasing, and my first trimester symptoms are fading. On the other hand, I'm definitely starting to feel pregnant in other ways. My belly seemed to pop overnight and I'm starting to think about wearing maternity pants and jeans.

I really appreciated reading about other women's symptoms and how they coped with them while I was in my first trimester, so I thought I'd share some of what I experienced. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to comment below or contact me using the form in the sidebar!

Lovely Links 09.01.2015

A diy tinted lip balm made from all-natural ingredients. (sarahscoop.com)

A delicious summer recipe: One Bowl Almond Peach Cake. (shaunasever.com)

Some handy tips for dressing with confidence postpartum. (twistmepretty.com)