about a bra...

After 6+ months of searching, I finally found a nursing bra that looks and feels like a REAL bra! Nursing mamas - you know what I mean! For most of my nursing experience, I have lived in these nursing tanks from Target... which I still swear by for the early months of seemingly non-stop nursing!

But there comes a time when you realize you're not nursing as often, and well, you really want to look like a woman again instead of just a mom. I recently reached that point and realized I had nowhere to turn for advice.

I looked for it - everywhere! But living in a small town with no real stores and finding that the real stores in the Big City don't have much more help, I started searching online and test-driving bras for myself.

The conclusion for me? This new Bravado Allure Underwire Nursing Bra that just came out.

Bravado is known for it's line of nursing-wear, but this bra definitely tops their charts as far as I'm concerned! It wears and feels like a 'normal' bra, but has the ease and functionality of a great nursing bra. I have one and am already looking forward to buying a second to wear while the first is in the wash! Love love love it!!!

By the way - I was going to add a picture to this post, and then realized what the picture would be (a woman - not me - wearing just a bra!) so decided not to add one for moral reasons. Sorry guys! ;o)

maui's makena grill

Because I'm hungry, and because I love food, my first Maui tidbit is about an amazing little gem of a restaurant that we stumbled across (and stumbled back to a few days later!)...

Chef Marisa Samuel's Makena Grill. Just across the street from Maui's famous Big Beach, Makena Grill is an often packed, tourist and local friendly spot, perfect to grab a bite before (or after!) hitting the beach!

You will find the most flavorful grilled teriyaki chicken and beef (among other things!), succulent fresh island fruits, and ice cold sodas and juices. The food is first come first served... But don't be disappointed if she's out of what you thought you wanted... order something else and you will be pleasantly surprised!

This is the chicken plate...

I forgot to take a picture of the beef plate, because I was too busy inhaling it. Yummmm.

Not much more than a taco stand with a few chairs and one picnic table, at first glance this place doesn't look like much but give it a few moments and the charm begins to show itself.

For those of you who know of Tony Hawk (I didn't - but my husband filled me in!)... apparently he loves this spot almost as much as I do! :o)

I loved the charm and attitude of this place...

And this is a not so great shot of the grill itself, and Chef Marisa chatting away with my family.

Thanks for such great meals Marisa! You definitely made our vacation's top 10 list of memories!

Hawaii - a photo teaser

I don't know where to start, and I haven't even unpacked our bags yet, let alone uploaded our pictures... so here's a photo teaser from my mom's camera! Thanks mom!

pumpkin whoopie pies with cinnamon cream cheese filling

These buttery, rich treats are like delicious personal little pumpkin cakes, and they are so comforting and Fall-ish! :o) Perfect with a big mug of hot black coffee, in front of a glowing fire!

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies with Cinnamon Cream Cheese Filling

Recipe

Cookie Ingredients:

3 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
4 tablespoons pumpkin pie spice
2 cups packed brown sugar
1 cup melted butter, slightly cooled
3 cups chilled pumpkin purée
2 large eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Filling Ingredients:

I/2 cup (1 stick) butter, softened

1 (8oz) package cream cheese, softened

3 cups powdered sugar

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 tablespoon cinnamon

Directions:

In a medium bowl, whisk together the first 5 ingredients. In a separate large bowl, whisk together the butter and sugar until well mixed. Whisk in the pumpkin puree until smooth. Whisk in the eggs and vanilla until well combined. Using a small scoop, drop dough about 1 inch apart on parchment lined baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes, until the top is slightly crackly and a toothpick inserted into the center of a cookie comes out clean. Let the cookies cool completely on the baking sheets while you prepare the filling.

Using your mixer, beat the butter until totally smooth. Beat in cream cheese until combined. Beat in powdered sugar, vanilla and cinnamon just until smooth (don't overbeat!).

Turn half of the cookies upside down and dollop with 1 teaspoon of the frosting. Sandwich with another cookie, and press gently to even out the filling. Store in the fridge!