My Quest for a Fashionable One Piece...ha.

As announced here yesterday, I am pregnant.  12 weeks to be exact.  This means I do not look pregnant; I just look bloated.  Honestly, since this is my second pregnancy, I have NO idea how my body is going to change or how quickly it's going to happen.  So, how does a gal look presentable for nine months, three seasons and an ever expanding mid section?!  I feel it's impossible.  

Then vacation was a week away.  I didn't want to wear a bikini because, though bikinis may be cute on a 23 week bump, they don't look attractive on an otherwise thin chick with a pooch.  So, I started looking for a one piece that would hopefully get me through week 20, having NO IDEA what my body may look like at week 20.  Sounds like an intelligent plan, right?  No.  Not at all.  I acknowledge this.  After a couple of weeks of searching, I kept coming back to this suit, but was so reluctant because of the price.  Is it worth it to spend this much money on something that may not even fit me a month from now?  Eventually, I decided it was and that I would get a cheap suit in August if needed.  Maybe not the most frugal decision, but, sheesh, I'm going to be very large...throw me a fashionable bone.  And, as I explained it to my conscience my husband, I can't be expected to predict the future of my pregnant body, I'll wear it next summer as I try to lose the baby weight and who makes it a whole summer with only one bathing suit anyway?  It's just not hygienic.  

So, this is what I will be wearing for at least the next four weeks and hopefully the next 8...

Jersey Lomellina asymmetrical blouson tank

^^^but in navy

So, my review...

I LOVE it.  It's very chic for a one piece and the blouson is so flattering on my short waisted frame.  The strap hits a great spot on my shoulder.  If it were any closer, it'd make my shoulders look broad.  Instead, it accentuates my collar bone and makes my upper body look thin.  I was worried about where the blouson portion would hit and if it would just cut into my little bump instead of hiding it, but it hits just under it.  My ONLY complaint is that you can't take a picture facing the wind because it blows the blousy part back against your stomach and completely defeats the purpose.  And, the tan lines stink, but I guess they would with any one piece that has straps.

Overall, I still felt cute, which caught me by surprise when it first came in.  I thought maybe I'd feel like it was a second best option to a bikini.  But, honestly, I think I like myself better newly pregnant in this suit than a bikini not pregnant.  It feels sophisticated, yet trendy and youthful.

I would highly recommend this suit for anyone who wants a fashion forward alternative to a two piece or hip hugging one piece.

A Fresh Start

I've been wanting to freshen up my blog design for quite some time now, and, though I'm not a pro, I'm pretty happy with the way it turned out!!  My style is ever evolving and my life is ever changing, but sometimes my wardrobe and my blog have a hard time keeping up due to two hot commodities...time and money!

Speaking of time and money, I've been seriously re-evaluating the value of each.  Pete and I both are baffled by the realization that we pretty much live to work.  We spend most of our time there and when we're not there, we're thinking about what's left there.  It doesn't make any sense.  Life is right in front of us and our little family is more important than anything.  We've been trying to find ways to make sure that we live life to the fullest, give our kids the best balance of nurture and independence and generally, just live in a state of contentment.  We'll see how that goes!!  There are a lot of changes to be made. But, in the mean time, we have a LOT of changes coming up, the biggest one being that we're having another baby!!!  Little Baby N is due in January 2014!  We are so beyond thrilled and now, more than ever, we're considering what we want our lives to look like as we expand our family, for the sake of their little minds and self esteems and for our sanity and quality of life.  I can't wait for the changes to come!!  I've always believed that life is what you make it.  The decision to make changes is tough.  But in the end, no one else will do it for you.  Your life is yours to create.

^^^our little facebook announcement

Weekend Review

I kind of consider my weekend to have started on Thursday.  Pete and I took half a day off work to take Jacob to get his passport photo taken.  He was so cute! While he was a bit shy at first, he mustered a little smile for the second photo.  I think it's so exciting to know that we could pick up and move to Europe if we really wanted to (thought we won't...AHEM. Mommom!).  I think it's really important for kids to have an appreciation for culture, history and the adventure of traveling.  Hearing stories of my grandfather's travels in the mission field always made me eager to see the world.  I think it's a bug that may just be in the blood.  And, though some may argue that kids are too young to really appreciate the experience, I think that engraining a mindset of cultural appreciation from a young age helps them become inquisitive adolescents and intelligent adults.  So, we are now free to take Jacob to see the world!  I can't wait to share those experiences with him.

Friday was crazy busy with meetings.  And after rushing out the door of work to go pick up Jacob, I had to take the long way because the roads were so bad.  But, after we all got home we all cuddled up on the couch and watched Finding Nemo.  We promised Jacob a "sleepover" so he got to stay up late,  watch TV and cuddle in our bed with us.  This VERY rarely happens since Pete's a pretty light sleeper and we don't want Jacob to get used to co-sleeping, but "sleepovers" are perfect for cold, snowy nights!  It was perfect.  Those are the nights I try to soak in, taking mental pictures and willing him not to grow up.

Saturday was pretty lazy.  Coffee, pjs well into the afternoon, a trip to the grocery store for some slow cooked goodness, and then a trip to Target for some St. John bathing suit shopping.  I was pretty happy with my selections, no matter how disappointed I was at how much my size ballooned when I wandered into the Juniors section of bikinis!!! how embarrassing. UGH.

AND, here's the yummy dinner we had... (about that ballooning size.....)

You can find the slow cooked goulash recipe we tried here.  It was pretty good!  I'd suggest playing around a little bit with some extra tomato sauce (not too watery) and a pinch more salt.  We'll try it again at some point and play with the recipe.  I'll probably try adding splenda as well- Pete says I'm crazy because I add splenda to everything, but seriously- just try it.  It makes everything taste better.  Nonetheless, it was perfect for a lazy night in.  

Sunday, of course we had church and then had Mom, Jack, Jenna and Presley over for some left over goulash!  yes...we had it two meals in a row...  The kids had a blast and then it was nap time!

Which brings me to a VERY EXCITING point.  As incentive to keep going with school, Pete promised me my first pair of non-secondhand Louboutins when I graduated with my B.S.  I've had them picked out for a while- black pigalle 100 leather pumps- classic and sensible, but with a Louboutin heel that is just the right amount of sexy .  Of course, when I FINALLY graduated they were no where to be found.  Seriously, we've been on the look out for months.  BUT, after daily perusing of Bergdorfs, Saks and Neiman's, Saks finally had a 37.5 on pre-order!!!! It was like heaven opened and my Loubi dreams came true.  They won't be here until April, but these babies are totally worth it!!!

Also, it should be noted that I just went to go find the link from Saks and POOF- they're gone already (the pic above is of the patent leather version)!!! This whole process reminded me of Samantha from SATC in that episode where she used Lucy Liu's name to get on the list for the new Birkin bag.  But, that was BIRKIN.  I didn't think classic Loubies would be so difficult to get ahold of.  Anyway, they will be on their way shortly and I can't wait to be walking on red shadows.  Who needs sunshine anyway?  I have loubies.

Birds of a Feather

Perusing the J.Crew site this evening led me to a GORGEOUS mix of two of my favorite things: sequins and feathers. What's not to love? They're the perfect embodiment of glitz and glam. Feeling inspired, I went on a hunt for other feather fashions that I'll go to sleep craving.  I'm trying to narrow it down to my top feather choice and I honestly can't choose.  Can I just have them all?!

Cocktail Dress Clutch Jacket Peplum Top Heels Earrings Blush Cocktail Dress Skirt Stationery

Have any of you tried this daring trend?  While I love it for cocktails, I'm kind of dying to try it for everyday wear!  What should I pair it with for some cazsh glitz?

Are We There Yet?! The St. John Countdown

In just over a month, we'll be leaving for St. John with Pete's side of the family.  We'll be staying in a house with gorgeous views, such as this...

Actually, that IS our view!!! From EVERY room!!! I'm still kind of pinching myself to be sure that that's actually where we'll be for a week.  The house has a ton of indoor/outdoor space, an amazing pool and even a little bridge (for some reason that's one of the most exciting things to me?).

And, while I am SUPER excited for the sunshine and relaxation, I also welcome another excuse to shop!!  So, in my planning, I've come up with a few things I absolutely have to pack (things I already have)...

-Cuffed Denim Shorts
-Striped Terry Shorts (probably my favorite)
-White Linen Button Down
-Beach Bag (I have a go-to pink Lacoste bag that's pretty much become our official sand bucket bag)
-Easy Maxi Dresses (need a couple more of these)
-My Oversized Kate Spade Straw Hat
-Basic Tees (I have a few JCrew tees that I live in)

and of course I have a lot of other pieces I COULD bring....but I'd rather buy the following...

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11(already own) 12(J.Crew- old; was a Christmas gift from the hub!) 13

First of all, um HOW CUTE IS THAT BEACH TOWEL??!!  

In other news...

I've been trying to replace a yellow polka dot bikini I left at a hotel in Spain when I was 17 for about, well, since then.  I finally found one I liked from J.Crew.  I'll definitely be adding a floral print bikini to my list as well.  Those clear acrylic sandals are TA DIE for- I'm a total sucker for bows and studs.  And, I've been wanting to add some patterned silk and lace options into my shorts collection- denim and chinos can only get a gal so far.  I plan on pairing the lace ones with an easy graphic tee for travel and the patterned ones with a more fitted, tucked in tank and a fedora.  Add some bold colors into the lipstick, sarong and sunhat (bold lip + perfectly sunkissed skin = perfection) for beach going and I think I'll have a tropical win.

SO, now I have to go convince my husband I need to order all this stuff....HA.  Maybe the beach towel isn't a necessity?  

What are you bringing on your winter getaways?  Any good book suggestions?  Did I miss any island essentials?

Cheers {clink!} to the New Year!

I'm normally not for New Year's Resolutions.  The way I see it is that the new year will bring a new set of challenges that resolutions really won't do anything about.  And, if I'm honest with myself, the fact that working out more is on my Resolutions list won't make me any more likely to get up at 5am.  Pretty cynical, huh?  But, with that in mind, I've made resolutions that I think will help me to approach upcoming challenges with a positive manageability.  And, rather than focusing so much on self improvement for the sake of self improvement, I'm going to work on self improvement that will make me a better person for the people around me- my husband, my son, my colleagues.  So, here it goes...

1) Limit technology time.  I want to get off social media more and spend less time building my fake online shopping carts to spend better quality time with my family.

2) Be more productive.  This is a tough one because sometimes I feel like I can't breathe because I have so much to do!  But, I think #1 will help me with better time management.  I just feel better when I'm keeping up with housework and correspondence.  But,  I don't want my productivity to just reach chores- I want to do productive things with my family, like cooking together and doing fun projects.  For myself, I want to do more productive things that help me explore my interests- especially singing!!  It makes me feel alive.  And, to me- that's productive..therapeutic even!

3) Be more creative.  I really want to push my work to the next level this year.  I feel like my work has changed so much over the past year and I'm really coming into my own.  This year,  I want to really solidify who I am as a wedding stylist and what makes me "me" and not anyone else.  I want to draw inspiration from the world around me for fresh designs, rather than pinterest or blogs.  Why be a second rate version of someone else when you can be a first rate version of yourself?  This year, I'm going to focus on personal excellence so my clients get the best work I have to offer.

4) I want to be the most positive, friendliest person I can be!!  Sometimes I can easily fall into a pattern of meanness.  It's true.  I have some anger tendencies.  I've been making a conscious effort to be friendly to EVERYONE, no matter how much I feel like they may not like me.  This year- I'm just going to be a friendly person.  If people around me don't receive that or reciprocate- that's on them.  But, I'm going to be positive, encouraging and friendly.  I'm going to let me guard down and and just be me.

5) I want to be content.  I have a tendency to obsess over what I should be doing or how I should be doing.  I think I should be dressing better.  I think my house should be better decorated.  I think I should be coming up with more innovative designs.  I should be booking more business.  I should be making more money.  I should be spending less money.  I think my house should be cleaner, more organized.  I should be more fit, a better wife, a better mother.  And, sometimes these things are true.  But, sometimes I literally get myself so upset thinking about what I can't do or who I'm not that I don't live in the present and appreciate the things I have and the work that I've done.  This year, I'm done with perfectionism.


I hope you all have a FABULOUS year and achieve PROGRESS, not perfection.

(Photo Credit: Inspired by This)

A Sappy Public Love Letter

Alright...here's a really sappy, sentimental, hopelessly romantic post.  You may barf of sweetness overdose, but I don't care.  You should stop reading here if you aren't into cheesy love letters or if you think that PDA is inappropriate.  I think PDA is completely appropriate when you've found a love like mine.  And, I'm about to tell you exactly why.

Tomorrow is Pete and my 3rd anniversary.  It's been four years since we met and I have loved him basically since that day (maybe not THE day, but really soon after!).  But, those of you who know Pete know that that's not hard to believe.  He is one of the kindest, most understanding people you'll ever meet.  And, I'm writing this post as a very public "Thank You!".  See, I never thought that it was possible to have a relationship like ours.  I had seen my grandparents, who were always completely at peace with each other (even when they had their "disagreements").  But, every relationship I had and almost every relationship I had ever witnessed had elements of insecurities, jealousies, and volatile fighting (not physically, but definitely emotionally).  I honestly thought that with passionate attraction came passionate fighting too.  It was a "take the good with the bad" mentality- also known as settling.  I never thought that a relationship of peace and contentment was a reality for me- maybe not even for anyone in my generation.  Chivalry is dead, right?

{Sidebar: I'm not saying my exes were horrible, emotionally abusive people.  A few of them were really good guys.  But, it was kind of like trying to put puzzle pieces together that just didn't fit.  I wasn't right for them just as much as they weren't right for me.  I hope they all find/have found the puzzle piece that fits them perfectly because I found mine!}

Needless to say, I stumbled upon an absolute jewel.  My jealousies that had been evident in past relationships disappeared (maybe not completely! but they were definitely more under control).  Fighting never escalated to tears, walking out or name calling.  And, while my insecurities are still there, I am secure in the fact that he's not walking away and that he really does put Jacob and I first.  And, maybe this relationship is different because I'm an adult now and with maturity comes more mature relationships.  And while I do think that has something to do with it, I've seen enough adult relationships to know that what I have is really special.


So, I've said all of this to say 2 things:

1) Peter:  Thank you for being my fairy tale.  As cheesy as that is, I never thought men like you existed for girls like me and you proved that my dreams of having a happy, content, comfortable, but completely exciting relationship were completely possible.  I also always thought that I'd have to give up a part of who I was in order to make it work with someone else.  You know and accept every part of who I REALLY am and I never thought that was possible.  I can't tell you how lucky I feel to have found you because I know there are very few men out there as patient, understanding, and kind as you are.  And they definitely don't come with your good looks and humor!!  I'll love you forever.  Thank you for choosing me.

2) I wish I could've known what I know now from the ages of 14-19.  It would've saved me a lot of heartache, a lot of boy chasing and a lot of settling.  And, I would've spent a lot more time with girlfriends and a lot less time fighting with boys who weren't right for me.  So, girls- one day you really will have a fulfilling relationship that you are secure and at peace with.  You can either go through the hard stuff like I did and hope you get lucky (which I did) or you can wait patiently and be open to loving him when he comes.

I'm not saying our relationship is perfect.  It's definitely not.  We argue over housework (I am by no means a domestic goddess).  I still get insecure and sometimes he still gets annoyed with giving me the reassurance I stupidly crave (I'm sounding crazy, aren't I?!).  We have communication issues.  I'm sensitive.  He struggles with telling me what he's feeling. BUT, something about us just works.  Somehow, we know how to handle each other when we disagree, how to be comfortable with each other and how to keep each other interested.  I am not only in love with him, but I have FUN with him!  He makes me laugh and he's my best friend.

I feel like I hit the relationship lottery.

You're amazing, Petey.  I love you, admire you and am so incredibly thankful to have you as my partner in life.

Happy Anniversary, sweet thang!