Crisp Air, Soft Ruffles + A First Trimester Update

I can't even begin to say how happy I am that our news is finally out in the open. This little one has been hoped and prayed and begged for and to be able to share our joy with the world makes it even more special. For a long time I've felt so sure there was someone missing from our family, and yet I was still surprised and shocked and overcome when I saw those two pink lines after trying for so long.

I'll share more about our journey to this precious babe soon, I promise. But, for now just know we are so grateful for every kind word of congratulations for our family! 

I feel like I've began "showing" so much sooner this time around. At six weeks I felt like I looked almost double that. But, I'm trying not to play any comparison games or put myself on a "chart". I want to be healthy for my babe and myself but, I'm not going to stress about every pound either. I've been loving all the fruits and veggies lately but, also If I want some ice cream, I'm gonna eat some ice cream. I really believe it's all about balance, no matter what stage or season of life you're in. 

This pretty dress showcased the bump perfectly this past Sunday. Even though it was a chilly morning, I knew I wanted to wear it so I just added some cozy boots and I was all set. I found this dress at a local boutique and instantly loved it. It was a size or so too big but, with the way it's made you can't even really tell. I think, if anything, the extra fabric just makes it a little flowier and there's extra space for the bump to grow so, that's a plus. My earrings are also from the same local boutique (though a few months ago) but I've seen tons of similar styles around lately so I'll link some of them below.

The first trimester seemed to creep by until we reached that ten week mark and were finally able to hear our sweet babe's heartbeat. I tend to carry my babies pretty low in my pelvis in early pregnancy and it makes it a bit difficult to find that heartbeat early on. Once we heard it though, it seems to be racing by. We're fourteen weeks and two days right now and I've already felt those first little kicks! With Tyler, I felt him move for the first time around 13 weeks so I couldn't believe it when I was sure I felt this little one at just past 12! It's truly the most incredible feeling in the world, there's just nothing else like it.

I felt really well aside from a little nausea here and there the first eleven weeks or so. Since then though, it's been a little more intense. If I can muster the energy (and courage) to get through breakfast (and make sure I have a little chocolate milk with it), I seem to feel much better throughout the rest of the day. Just as long as I eat a few light snacks and drink plenty of water. The thing I've been experiencing the most this time around have been aversions to things I normally love and cravings for alllll the sweet things. Namely, chocolate. It's definitely been different than my other pregnancies in that regard so, who knows, maybe we'll get a sweet girl?! All in all, I've felt so so good and can't really complain about much. Aside from some crazy skin stuff happening, and trying to quench those sweet cravings without indulging in a bowl of ice cream nightly, I've been able to take it pretty easy and just go at the pace I need to. One other symptom I've noticed this time though that I never had with any of my boys are the insane emotional ups and downs. Seriously, like, I feel so irritated at times and don't really know why. I can be totally fine one minute and then suddenly get a lump in my throat and feel as though I could just cry for no reason. It's definitely taking some time to get used to and I'm trying not to be too hard on myself as I know this is all completely normal, even if I didn't experience these specific things with my boys. My house full of boys probably think I'm crazy at the moment though.. LOL

We're finally in our second trimester and I am just so so thankful for a healthy, precious babe and I can't wait to see my bump grow and dress it for my favorite season, fall! Happy Thursday friends! I hope it's been a great one for you!

 

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

dress | Perennial (couldn't find it anywhere online but here are some other pretty styles 1, 2, 3)
earrings | Perennial (similar styles here and here)
boots | Charlotte Russe (old) (similar styles here and here)

Contrasting Basics

Hey friends! I hope you all had a wonderful and blessed Christmas season! It seems like it always takes so long to get here and then, bam, it's over. I guess that's true with most things we get excited about though, huh? Was it everything you hoped it would be? Or even more than you imagined? For our family, Christmastime is always so busy. We have many celebrations with different family and lots of traditions we like to continue. So, I try extra hard to be super intentional about the things we do leading up to Christmas Day and making sure we remember to slow down during the craziness. There are so many things I love about this time of year and I want to be sure I'm enjoying it, not just trying to get through it. It turned out to be pretty great though, as always!

Something I struggle with in the post Christmas season is getting sucked into that after holiday let down. Like, the excitement and celebrations are over and now it's just a cold and yucky mess outside (and sometimes inside) and there's nothing to really look forward to until Spring. It kinda stinks. But, there are a few things I've come to find that help me enjoy the rest of winter so much more. 

Using free time off from schoolwork to organize and purge is a huge part of it. I find I can think more clearly and feel like I'm beginning the new year with a fresh slate when I'm not surrounded by clutter. So, while the boys enjoy endless hours of free play, I clean and purge and sort and bag things to donate or sell. It's soooo refreshing.

Usually, while going through my closet, I find things that I've been holding onto for a long while but can't actually remember the last time I wore. I like to bag those things up and consign them so I can replace them later with things we need and will really wear and use. It also helps me get a fresh look on some of the things I own. Like a sweater that's been tucked away or a pair of shoes I had forgotten about. It's kind of fun for a clean-freak mama like myself. LOL 

I wanted to share this fun sale find with you guys. This sweater is so soft and cozy. It's the perfect length and fit and I love the contrasting colors. I found it for $7 at my local Rue 21 and instantly loved it. It also looks pretty great with white skinnies, a contrasting boot and this fun neutral (and SUPER warm) coat! I love the longer length on it, as opposed to most puffer coats you find, and the fur around the hood is a fun little touch. 

My grandmother gifted me this cuuuute MICHE bag for my birthday and I just love it!! It's so neat that they make shell coverings for them so you can switch out the look as often as you like! This pretty black leopard patterned shell came with it and, so far, I haven't had the slightest urge to change it. I'm basic, I know. LOL 

Anyway, I hope your week was a great one and that your weekend it even better! We're supposed to get a ton of snow so, we'll probably by hunkered down by the fire with some board games and chocolate. ha. Happy weekend!!

| outfit details |

sweater | Rue 21 (in-store only, other cute styles here & here)

white skinnies | Walmart

otk boots | Circus by Sam Edelman

earrings | Nickel & Suede (size medium)

Purse | Base Bag & (couldn't find shell online but, I also love this shell)

Cozy Neutrals

Anyone else have one specific go-to look you rely on when you're just not feeling up to the amount of energy (or creativity) it takes to put an outfit together? See mine above. I've been living in cozy sweater dresses and OTK boots lately. It's just too easy to toss on a soft dress and a scarf and grab some boots and bam. Done. I feel like I steer more towards neutrals also. It takes a little effort for me to feel brave enough to don color most of the time. And that's totally okay. Neutrals just get me, ya know? LOL And, I just have to say, my seven year old photog is getting better and better at helping his mama! Didn't Lucas do such a GREAT job on these photos?!

I hope you've all had a lovely weekend! It's been a crazy busy one for our family. We traveled nine hours (one way) to a friend's wedding in Wisconsin on Friday and then all the way home afterward yesterday to be back home for Christmas play preparation at our church today. phew... give mama some ice cream, I'm bushed!

I don't have much else to say, other than Christmas is a day closer and I've only just begun wrapping gifts! Eeeek! haha Happy week friends!! And God bless!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Sweater Dress | thrifted (similar here)

Scarf | Sole Society (old, love this one & this one)

OTK Boots | Charlotte Russe (old, similar style here)

Earrings | Nickel & Suede (size large)

Purse | thrifted (similar here)

Ladies Holiday Gift Guide

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

Lace Dress | June & Beyond (old, similar here)

Blanket Scarf | Aldi (similar here)

OTK Boots | Charlotte Russe (similar style here)

Earrings | Nickel & Suede (no longer available..)

Gorgeous Fresh Pine Wreath | Local Tree Farm

Only TWELVE DAYS til CHRISTMAS!! Can you believe it?!? If you haven't finished your shopping yet, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?! Just kidding, I've got a few small things left to pick up as well. As far as shopping for that special lady in your life, every girl knows how picky she can be about her wish list. Really, we know what we want and are careful to be very specific! This guide is for all the hubbys/significant others out there that just can't get the hint. Or, want to totally and completely surprise her without worrying about whether she'll love it or not. Here ya go! I found some really great gift ideas for the ladies and (as of now) they all have time to ship with Amazon or Prime and be here before Christmas! Come on now, get on it!

From the photog enthusiast to the fashionista, the gourmet chef to the farmhouse

style loving lady, here's a list of gifts she's sure to love!

Heart Pom Sweater

Camera Bag (looooove this bag!! hint hint hubby ;) )

Knit Pajamas

Canon IVY Mobile Portable Mini Photo Printer

Rose Quartz Facial Roller

HOT TOOLS Curling Iron

Faux Fur Lined Suede House Slippers

Distressed Three Tiered Serving Tray

Plaid Blanket Scarf

Stainless Steel Garlic Press

Pampered Chef Mini Serving Spatula

Pampered Chef Stoneware

Pampered Chef Mix & Chop

SheIn Long Sleeve Cardigan

Zerlar Trench Coat Cardigan

Southport Candelsticks

Brother Sewing Machine

Linen Textured Curtains

Vintage Rustic Wooden Nesting Trays

Jade Facial Roller

Norwex Fruit & Veggie Cloth

Electronic DSLR Flash

Vintage Restaurant Coffee Mugs

Chvity Womens Waffle Knit Tunic

Adidas Womens Sneaker

Fur + Plaid Holiday Style

Guys! It's been a bit since I last posted any fashion inspo around here..  #momlife. We've been busy bees getting Christmas ready and I just cannot wait! I have very few gifts left to buy and then it's wrapping city over here. We had our first Christmas celebration over the weekend and it gave me a chance to dress all festive and stuff! Let's be real, I'll take any excuse to wear faux fur and a full face of makeup. These days, that's pretty rare. And, while I love our slow-paced days at home, getting out and around people (well, bigger people) is a must for me. (Just not too often. lol)

I thrifted this fun plaid shirt dress a while back, new with tags, and it is so comfortable! It's multicolored with just the right amount of red to make it holiday approved. I loved how it looked with this faux fur vest layered over it too. The Christmas and winter season always brings out the most fun texture in my closet. Like, just gimme all the fur and sequins there is. I really love it!

How do you change up your style during the holidays? Do you still don faux fur or is that so last year in your mind? Have a lovely week friends! Only TWO Saturdays left til Christmas!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

plaid shirt dress | Lucky Brand (on Poshmark here)
faux fur vest | Dani Collection ( also on Poshmark here)
OTK boots | Charlotte Russe (similar here)

Elevated Basics

Guys, I want to say thank you for taking the time to read the mumbo jumbo in my last post..(insert monkey covering face emoji here). Sometimes I really think we get so overloaded with all the junk that it inhibits our abilities for REAL. Mental or not, good grief, I needed to vent it. Somehow, typing it out and then leaving it here really REALLY helped me process it all better. So, thanks for listening.

I've felt like this weight was lifted off my shoulders the past couple of days and I just know part of it was prayer. Prayers from you guys, prayers from myself. Prayers from people I don't even realize are taking the time to pray for me daily. I'm so grateful. 

My boys and I had a really good morning (and afternoon) on Wednesday. Like, the best we've had in a long time. And while they were exceptionally well behaved. I know that my mood and the "vibes" I'm giving off really play a vital role in all of that. Just as babies pick up on our nervousness, anxiety and when we're feeling calm, so do our older kids. So, anyway, I say all that to say, keep that in mind when your day just seems "off". It could very well be you're stressing over things that really don't deserve your attention and that's rubbing off on those around you. Not always but, sometimes. 

On a lighter note, I wanted to share this outfit that I just loooove. It's so basic and yet not, all at the same time. Elevated basics are something I've become a bit of an expert at, especially when it comes to mama-ing. It helps so much to be able to go to my closet and just know that something will work together. Shaving off getting ready time in the morning can do SO MUCH for getting us out the door on time and without meltdowns. 

That's why I truly love this look. A basic striped dress with the perfect fit, a soft and cozy cardigan with puffy sleeves to add a little something different, a somewhat "trendy" take on the basic black boot and the perfect bag to round it all out. This look is me, to a T. Seriously, if I could wear this everyday I would. 

I also wanted to share with you guys my new FAVE lip gloss! It's Neutrogena HydroBoost in True Nude and it's the perrrrfect shade! I don't wear a ton of color on my lips, I just have a hard time committing to a bold lip color. But, this is def going to be on heavy rotation! I'm not wearing anything except the lip gloss. No need for primer or anything like that. It's that good.

Anyway, thanks again for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend! And maybe get yourself some new lip gloss ;)

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

STRIPED DRESS | Charlotte Russe (old, super cute version here)

OVERSIZED CARDIGAN | Rue 21 (sold out, very similar style here)

OTK BOOTS | Circus by Sam Edelman (found the exact style on Ebay here)

BAG | Steve Madden (thrifted, LOVE this one and similar style here)

NECKLACE | Lisa Leonard Designs (old, so  many gorgeous designs here)

Black Monochrome + Emerald

I hope everyone had a fantastic weekend! We were hit with a nasty snow storm yesterday afternoon so, although we don't have a lot of interest in the Superbowl (I know, I know..), we decided to have a lazy afternoon and then hunker down to watch it. And we really had a great time!

We didn't cheer for either team specifically. My brother in law is from the New England States so, he is obviously a HUGE Pats fan, unlucky for him. The boys chose their team right before it began with Glen and Blake cheering on the Eagles and the other two rooting for the Pats. You can imagine how surprised Blake was when they started doing so well and then, eventually, won! It was also a bit ironic that my outfit post for today features these pretty Nickel and Suede Earrings that would also suggest I was rooting for Philly. LOL 

Like I said, we aren't serious about it so no one was offended or hurt by the outcome. We just had a good time snacking and enjoying it together. 

These earrings though?! Yea, I'm pretty serious in my addiction with them.. They're probably my most worn accessory these days as they're so easy to throw on with nearly any outfit. So, even for a monochrome outfit like this one, a colorful classic leather works perfectly. I thrifted this sweater dress a few weeks ago and, just can't quite make up my mind about it. I've worn it with jeans under it and then like this with some OTK boots. Both ways work, I'm just not completely sold on the fit and style of it. Who knows, I may end up taking it in with the last of my winter consignment stuff, we'll see. 

These boots, however, have been on  h e a v y  rotation lately. They're such a staple and can be worn SO many ways! Seriously, one of my very favorite Christmas gifts I received last year. You can find mine at the link below (and on MAJOR SALE!) or another version here. Both are really great. 

I pray you have a wonderful week friends!! We've got some exciting things happening over here and I can't wait for it all to begin! God bless!!

| OUTFIT DETAILS |

OTK BOOTS | Circus by Sam Edelman

SWEATER DRESS | thrifted (similar style here + love this turtleneck one)

EARRINGS | Nickel & Suede

(Also, apparently third day hair is dirty enough to be nearly 100% immune to the wind?? I'll take it!)