Shop Updates

Hello, hello!! I hope you all don't mind a bit of shameless promotion today :). I wanted to share a few items that are new this month over in the shop!

First up, we have baby shower invitations galore. I obviously have babies on the brain :).

And a bridal shower invitation (I'm hoping to get more of these up in March)....

And a lingerie shower invitation (these too)...

And something that I'm really excited about! If you have ever wanted buttons for your blog (like what's on my sidebar), I am now selling them! Up to 12 buttons for $6.00 in any color that your heart desires :).

Don't forget to "like" my Facebook page if you haven't already!!

OH--I meant to say this on Monday but forgot (of course)--THANK YOU for all of the compliments and comments on my weekly bump posts. Seriously--they mean so much to me and really make my day! I always feel a lot better about all of the crazy hormonal rages/body changes that I'm going through after I read them, so I wanted to let you all know how much I appreciate it! Just wanted to throw that out there.... :).

Have a great day!

Oscar Fashion

Who all watched the Oscars last night?? This is the only awards show that I will sit through (and that Bryan will tolerate) and 99% of it is due to the fashion! I think it's completely awesome that I can be a fashion critic for a few hours each year....anyone else agree?

I thought I'd share  my top 10 Oscar dresses for the year. I changed this list about 50 times before I just decided to leave it alone. There were so many great dresses, but these were the ones that stood out the most (to me, at least)!

10. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

So classic and simple. Only Gwyn could pull off a cape!

 

9.  Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

This dress was definitely unique and went perfectly with her skin tone and hair color!

 

8.  Ellie Kemper in Armani Prive

I LOVE sparkly dresses. Love them. And this one matches her hair....it is all so perfect.

7. Michelle Williams in Louis Vuitton

The cut of this dress and the whimsy frills are just to die for.

 

 

6. Viola Davis in Vera Wang

Could this green be any more perfect on her?? I think not. And the chiffon (or organza?) ruffles at the bottom add just the right touch.

 

 

5. Cameron Diaz in Gucci

Ah! This picture does not do this dress justice. When she walked, it was perfection. I love the sparkles going down the skirt.

 

 

4. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji
I totally got choked up during her acceptance speech. And this dress was absolutley stunning on her. Such a great silloute!

3. Giuliana Rancic in Tony Ward

I love this lady! I can't believe that she looks so great after all of her hardships this past year. The sleeves, the bodice....I am obsessed with this gown...it's something I would want to wear if I ever went to the Oscar's.

 

2.  Milla Jovovich in Elie Saab
Another photo that doesn't do the dress justice. I'm obviously in love with bling. I literally gasped when I saw her on the red carpet. SO classic!

 

 

1. Stacy Keibler in Marchesa 

There is no one better than George Clooney's girlfriend to wear this gown. It is seriously a work of art. And that gathered rose at her hip? Ah....I die.

 

I just noticed that my top 5 are all neutrals. Bah, oh well...I'm a sucker for neutrals. :)

What were you favorites??? Happy Monday!

30 Weeks

Gasp! I am looking at the camera! Ho-ly crap. I know. I gathered up my courage and posed for the tri-pod. You're welcome. :)

How Far Along: THIRTY weeks. See ya later twenties!  

Baby Size: 15.7 inches long, 3 pounds. Getting chunky....ahhhhh can't wait!

Total Weight Gain: Ahem, 22 pounds. :)

Maternity Clothes? Yes, although I'm still squeezing into normal pants as well. See those jeggings? Yeah, they aren't buttoned or zipped. Thank you, spandex.

Stretch Marks? Nope.

Sleep: Sleeping like a baby!

Best moment this week: Well...I finished a really good childbirth book called "A Guide to Childbirth" by Ina May Gaskins. A little extreme for me, but still had some great thoughts! Hearing his strong heartbeat at our last appointment. 145!!

Miss Anything? Being able to wear normal clothes. I still shop like I'm skinny. I keep picking up cute little pencil skirts and then realizing....oh wait. I'm pregnant. It's totally worth it though!

Movement: So. Much. Movement. I absolutely love it. He has been determined to stretch his little body out all day today, and although it's a little painful, I still can't get enough!

Food Cravings: Hmmm, nothing in particular. Although I am pretty pumped to head to the NEW Panda Express (it just opened yesterday) with a friend here in about 30 minutes. STARVING.

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope!

Gender: He's ALL boy :)

Labor Signs: No, but I think I've had a few Braxton Hicks contractions....very strange feeling.

Belly button in or out? Getting flatter as each day passes. Bryan is actually kind of obsessed with commenting on it. :)

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Very happy. Getting a little overwhelmed with how much there is left to do before the big arrival!

Looking forward to: Finishing the nursery, childbirth classes, making a trip to CO in a few weeks to see the padres, and my showers!!!!! So much fun ahead!

Excuse the amount of smiley faces and exclaimation marks in this post. I have no clue how else to express my excitement haha. Have a wonderful weekend!!

Tuesday Loves: UN-Boring Beige

Source: thepaintedhive.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Katy on Pinterest

Source: emilyaclark.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: thepaintedhive.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: theletteredcottage.net via Katy on Pinterest

Source: apartmenttherapy.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: purestylehome.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

 

 

 

I'll admit it, I LOVE beige. But not boring beige. I like "un-boring beige". It's a real thing! You can add so much to a nuetral color scheme with textures and small pops of color. Makes my heart happy!

 

 

Have a great Tuesday!

29 Weeks

(Excuse my crazy hair and the different angle. It was raining so I had to put the tri-pod somewhere dry!)

Baby Boy,

You have been in my tummy for 29 weeks today. There are only 11 more weeks until I get to meet you! While this whole experience is flying by, I'm starting to get very impatient at the thought of getting to see you for the first time. You've developed a little personality in my belly and I now have this mental image of not only what you look like, but what you are thinking when you do certain kicks and punches throughout the day. I always announce when you start having a kick party and your daddy always attributes it to what I have been eating, watching, or doing. We have learned that you love really sweet things (like the raspberry cookies I made last night) and when I lay on my side to talk to you. Your dad's hands seem to have a calming effect on you since you can be kicking up a storm until he touches my stomach. You just go still, like you know he's there and you want to be on your best behavior.

We have come to the decision this week that we are going to name you once you are born. It needs to be perfect for you so we want to wait and see what name you look like. I have finally reached the point in my pregnancy that I get to go to the doctor's office and listen to your heartbeat every two weeks instead of every month! I feel so cool; like I'm in a "Third Trimester Club" (You will learn that I am a huge nerd). Your nursery is coming along quite nicely, and I always sit and imagine you playing on the floor with all of the fun things that we have started getting for you. Sometimes your dad and I will lean over the crib rails and talk about how exciting it is that you will be laying there in just a couple of months.

The day you arrive will be the most life-changing day in either of our lives. I hope that you realize as you grow up just how blessed we are to have you, no matter what happens. I know that God already knew who you were even when I was a little girl who was just starting to daydream about having babies of my own one day. He had you planned for me before I ever even knew it, and I am SO thankful that he chose me to be your momma. I hope and pray every day that I can be the type of mother that God wants me to be for you. There is so much fun to come in the future!

Love,

Your momma

Registering for the Babe.

Hello, hello! Bryan and I spent much of last weekend registering for baby boy. Before I was pregnant, I knew that babies and kids had a lot of gear that went along with them from babysitting and working at a daycare and whatnot, but man....I had NO idea that it was this much! I spent 4 hours in Target last Saturday. FOUR. I was alone, tired, hungry, and eventually had to sit down for an icee and popcorn break just to get my mind off of breast pumps. I dreamt about strollers all weekend! Insanity people....and I'm not even sure I got to everything that we need.


Today, I thought I would share just a few of the items that we registered for. Many may find this boring (or enlightening), but I'm hoping that the moms and mommas-to-be out there will appreciate it. :)

1.  Aden and Anais Swaddle Cloths - I've heard SO many great things about these things. Apparently they keep babies all bundled up without getting them too hot. They are pricey, but I hear that it's worth it.

2. Baby Balboa Shopping Cart Cover - I love the print on this one! My sister-in-law (who I could have not registered without - thanks Alisha!) was very adamant that I register for one of these since she uses hers all the time.

3. Love You Forever - How could I not register for this? I remember my mom reading it to me when I was little and I would love to do the same for our son. Of course, I can't even think about opening it now because I would probably start sobbing. Oh, the hormones.

4. Boon Grass Countertop Drying Rack - I'm kind of obsessed with this thing. I'm not really loving the thought of having bright colored, plastic baby toys and and supplies all over my house (just being honest), but I think that this will look really cute right next to the kitchen sink! Perfect for the many bottles I am sure to wash and dry in the next few years :).

5. Phil & Teds Dash Buggy Stroller - Holy crap this is by far the most expensive thing on my registry...which I feel terrible about, but I'm just so in love with this thing it's not even funny. :) I've heard SO many great things about Phil & Teds strollers, and since I wanted one that I could run with once baby boy is big enough, this stroller just seemed to be the perfect fit. It also converts into a double stroller for when more kiddos come along AND I'm justifying the price even more since I plan on using it for all of our babies. I'm crossing my fingers that we can get it on Zulily or Amazon though, since the price is about $200 less. Here's hoping!

6. Maxi-Cosi Mico Infant Car Seat - Another great brand that I've done quite a bit of research on. I've read that they are super light, safe, AND celebrities use them. Well, that obviously means that I needed to register for one, right? I also really loved the Peg Perego and Chicco brands, but decided to go with this one for now since it looks really clean and has great quality fabric.

7. Aveeno Baby Bath Products - I'm pretty sure a ton of moms use this brand for their babies. Can't wait to try them on my little one! I also can't wait for that baby smell that no shampoo or soap can give :).

8. Aden and Anais Burpy Bibs - Yet another Aden & Anais product, but I really don't think I could have registered for too much from this brand. Can't wait to use them!

9. Moby Wrap Baby Carrier - I'm actually really excited to use this (if baby boy likes it). I figure that it will be great if we are just running errands or taking a walk. It seems pretty easy to put on (I watched the video tutorial, of course) and very safe for baby boy no matter how big he gets! (Well, there's obviously a weight limit, but it should work for the first year!)

So tell me, what are some of your favorite baby brands and must-haves when it comes to gear for your little one? I love hearing about all of this, especially since I was so clueless before!

Tuesday (Valentine) Loves: Think Pink

Source: houzz.com via Amanda on Pinterest

Source: semidesignedlife.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: semidesignedlife.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: conspicuousstyle.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: fantasticdecor.blogspot.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: havenandhome.blogspot.com via Julia on Pinterest

Source: houseandhome.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: bhg.com via Katy on Pinterest

 

 

 

I've never been one to decorate with pink, but Love Day has forced this idea in my mind. I think it would be fun to go out grab a few fun pink accessories to brighten up my nuetral house! So tempted....

Have a wonderful Valentine's Day!

The Date Jar

Bryan and I love to go on dates, the problem is, we are absolutely horrible at making the time for them! We are also extremely boring with our date choices....basically it always ends up being dinner and a movie (which is still one of my favorites even though it's overdone).

To remedy this problem, I decided to make a "Date Jar" with pre-made dates already thought out and planned for us to go on. This month, we have blocked off every Saturday night for a date, so each Saturday, we just draw one of the little cards out of the jar and head off for a fun evening together. I'm hoping that scheduling and planning these things ahead of time will help us continue to make Date Night a priority for the rest of our marriage.

I designed these cute little cards to write our dates on. After printing and cutting them out, Bryan and I sat down and wrote out creative date ideas to fold and place in our Date Jar. 

I made the cards in two colors so that we could differentiate between "spending dates" and "free dates", since we only budget so much money to spend going out each month. Although this was our method, you could use the two colors to designate dates that he planned or she planned, dates that are at home or out on the town, or dates that are during the day or at night. 

(Our Date Jar isn't see-through, so I put a few of our folded date cards in a bowl for blog pictures....just so you know!)

We got many of our date ideas from these great sites:

Love Actually

30 Ideas for Date Nights at Home

The Dating Divas

And in honor of Valentine's Day being this week, I am posting these fun printables for my sweet blog readers to download HERE (You can also click on the image below). This is my first printable to ever post, so if it doesn't work, please let me know!

Now go off and enjoy a date with your hubby or boyfriend! Happy early Valentine's Day friends! See you all tomorrow :).



28 Weeks.

How Far Along: 28 WEEKS! Officially in the third trimester!!!! I feel so cool.

Baby Size: 15 inches long, about 2.5 pounds

Total Weight Gain: I'm going to guess around 20 pounds.... :)

Maternity Clothes? Yep! I am living in my Gap maternity "always skinny" jeans and my collection of maternity tops is steadily growing as well. I can still wear my normal flowy shirts and jeans with a bella band though :).

Stretch Marks? Not yet....

Sleep: Still sleeping wonderfully. I'm starting to feel tired during the day again....which I'm not a fan of.

Best moment this week: Getting my shower dates set!! I'm so excited! Bryan and I are going on a "registry date" tonight as well. I also booked a newborn photographer today!! Can't wait to see little man's first pictures. :)

Miss Anything? This week the whole "missing being skinny" thing hit. I saw a picture of myself from last summer and was like "Dang! Why did I ever think I had fat days?" haha! OH, and I miss having a normal brain. I "dried" a load of laundry a few days ago and opened the dryer when it was done to find it empty. I never moved the clothes over from the washer. OMG.

Movement: Of course! He is very active all the time, and LOVES to stick his little feet underneath my rib cage. It is the most bizarre feeling on the planet!

Food Cravings: I've wanted donuts all day today. Why can't I be one of those preggos that craves fruit?

Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope! Hallelujah.

Gender: Sweet little boy!!!

Labor Signs: No thank goodness!

Belly button in or out? Barely an innie. I guess I could start calling it a "flattie".

Wedding rings on or off? On.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy happy happy.

Looking forward to: Registering, showers, finishing the nursery, maternity pictures, starting childbirth classes in a few weeks, getting to go to the doctor every two weeks instead of every month (!), and of course....meeting our little boy. :)

Have a fun and happy weekend! Hopefully I will have some fun V-day and nursery update posts next week!

My Maternity Style

Sources: Boots, Blouse, Blazer (similar), Jeans (similar), Necklace, Watch, Bag

If you see me around anytime soon, chances are that I will be wearing something similar to this. Skinny maternity jeans (my favorites are from the Gap), a flowy blouse ( I saw this little birdie blouse at Old Navy last week and just about died), riding boots (or flats), and some fun accessories.

What more could a pregnant girl ask for? For all the preggos out there, do you have any favorite pieces of maternity/ flowy clothing that make life easier?

Tuesday Loves: Aqua and Seafoam

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: inspirationfordecoration.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: 6thstreetdesignschool.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: poppytalk.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: designismine.blogspot.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Katy on Pinterest

Source: houseofturquoise.com via Katy on Pinterest

When I looked through my Interior Design board on Pinterest, I noticed a trend: My pins mainly consist of three colors (as does my house)--beige, gray, and this wonderful aqua color. Apparently I just can't get enough of it!

What colors do you find yourself drawn to time and time again?

Happy Tuesday!