Recent Purchases

Sorry for my lack of posting yesterday!

These Mondays seem to creep up so fast!

This weekend was spent celebrating my soon to be sister-in-law! We had her shower and bachelorette party on Saturday. This preggo actually stayed out past midnight!

Their wedding is Sept 6 and I can't wait!

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Bill and I have been pretty good about budgeting recently. We have goals in mind each month about what we need to pay off and what we can spend. We are starting to really get to a point where we feel comfortable with our finances and it feels really freeing! With that said, I may have gone on a little spending spree over the past few weeks... oops! #sorryimnotsorry...

Here are my recent purchases:

1 | This adorable onesie was picked up last week from Old Navy... I mean, I couldn't resist!

2 | We finally purchased the console table I have been wanting for our dining room! This may not be exciting for everyone, but it is very exciting for me! This means I can finish the decor in the dining room and hang stuff on the walls so it feel like a real home!

3 | I heard through the grape vine that they sell non-alcoholic wine on line. I have been craving a good glass of wine here and there with dinner and when I heard this, I decided to do some research. I found this website that has several different kinds of non-alcoholic wine! I ordered 3 bottles that are supposed to arrive today! I'm pretty pumped to try them. I'll let you know how they taste!

4 | I decided it was time to invest in a good foundation/powder and when I read this recommendation from katie, I decided to give Tarte Amazonian Clay Airbrush foundation a try. I also ordered a new Origins Age Defense Treatment Lotion from Sephora. I can't wait to try them out!

5 | A trip to Hobby Lobby was in store yesterday.. Why you ask? To cheer myself up after a hectic work day. That's a legit reason, right? Come to find they were having a 50% off frames and wall art sale! Momma went a litte crazy, but it is time to hang some art and photos on these walls! I will share the results soon!

Have you purchased anythng recently that you love?

Our Wedding Album

Just stopping by quickly today to share our wedding album!

It only took me 9 months to complete :)

Better late than never I guess!

I can't wait to see it in person!

Click here to view this photo book larger

Bumpdate | 20 weeks!

{top: ily couture | necklace: francesca's | skirt: pink blush maternity}

We are over half way there folks! 

I can't believe it!

I actually took a quality photo with my fancy camera outside like I normally do for this week's bumpdate, but it turned out horrible. I just could not publicise it, so this insta pic from yesterday will have to do!

Here's a quick recap of how I'm feeling these days:

How far along: 20 weeks (and 4 days today!)

Baby size: Banana or small cantaloupe depending on what app you go by... I like the small cantaloupe idea... can't picture a baby the shape of a banana!

Baby's progress: Baby is about 6.5 inches long and weighs about 10.6 ounces. Baby has working taste buds! (source: The Bump)

Weight gain: Ummm... no comment! We have our next Dr.'s appt on Friday, so I will find out...

Stretch marks: Nothing yet! Using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter everyday!

Sleep: Sleep is getting a little more restless with the growing belly. I am starting to have to sleep on my side and I normally sleep on my back, so that's an adjustment. Of course, getting up multiple times to go to the bathroom is still annoying as heck!

Gender: BOY!!! :) 

Movement: Definitely have felt some movement! I have felt a few "pops" that I'm pretty sure were kicks!! Can't wait to see this little guy squirm around on the ultrasound machine this Friday!

Looking forward to: Starting to decorate the nursery! We have the room cleared out and I'm ready to start painting the stripes on the back wall. Hopefully, this will happen soon?? AND our BABYMOON!! We just bought our plane tickets to Clearwater, FL over labor day weekend. We will be staying at the Hilton Clearwater Beach. I told Bill I just want to go somewhere warm with a nice pool right by the beach... I think this will do! I can't wait!

Food cravings: Ice cream just about every night now :/ Trying to stay away form the sweets as much as possible because I feel as though it is bad for baby. I have been sneaking York peppermint patties in the freezer... omg, it is so good!

Weirdest food I ate this week: Nothing crazy? Just eating a lot! 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Brushing my teeth still makes me a little queasy.  Some floral scents and cleaning products make me feel queasy too. 

Labor signs: too early!

What I miss: Sleeping on my back, a strong cup off coffee, a hearty glass of wine after a long day at the office. Being able to wear cute non-maternity clothes... and bikinis... 

Symptoms: Boobs are getting out of control. I've had to buy all new bras (hello D cups!). They are so sore all the time. And hello heartburn! I have to take tums nearly everyday.

Workouts: Went on a few long walks with Charlie. Still using my 5 lb weights to help tone my arms. I've been doing the Tone it Up Bikini Arms workout! I love it! Also found some great yoga videos on YouTube here. 

That's gonna do it for this week's bumpdate!

I think I may stick to the every other week update until I get up to 30 weeks or so...

That's when things get really exciting!

I'm linking up with Morgan and Ann for Mid Week Muse.

Cobalt Love | Nord's Anniversary Sale

It's that time again! Nordstrom Anniversary Sale time! 

The most wonderful time of the year!

While scrolling through all the lovely sale items, I noticed a trend...
Everything I want is Cobalt!

I absolutely love the bright color!
I am in need of a large handbag for fall and I'm really contimplating the Michael Kors tote...

Bill and I are trying to save for our Babymoon (details to come!) and the nursery decor / furniture, so I'm trying to be good...

Have you purchased anything from the sale?
What's on your wishlist?
Are you loving the cobalt trend?

Weekend Recap

We helped celebrate 2 birthdays over the weekend.

My brother-in-law turned 30 and my niece (Bill's sister's daughter) turned 2!

The festivities began on Saturday with a boat trip to Indian Lake with Bill, his brother Scott and a few other friends. 

The weather was a little over cast, but the temperature was not too bad. It was in the high 70s and low 80s during the day. We did get a few minutes of sun here and there.

Of course, being the DD I had to learn how to drive the boat, which was fun!

We were successful at getting a boat "selfie" with everyone in the photo! Now that's talent!

My cocktail for the day... It actually tasted good and made me feel like I was drinking with everyone. 

Sunday was my niece, Evelyn's 2nd birthday party. 

The theme was ladybugs and everything was so cute!

I especially loved the ladybug cupcake cake!

Evie also had on a very stylish ladybug dress for the occasion.

Evelyn and her Grandma Rumple

Isn't she the cutest?!

On Friday, my fur baby Charlie got his first haircut!

I was a nervous mama and I don't know how I'm going to be with my baby boy when it comes to this point! But, he desperately needed one. We could hardly see his eyes before and I can tell now he feels better.

All photos via my instagram

I'm linking up with Biana and Leeann!

How was your weekend?

Friday Five

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1 | We are going boating at Indian Lake tomorrow for Bill's brother's 30th birthday! Granted, it will not be as luxurious as the photo above, but I am just looking forward to a day on the water and in the sun! 

2 | I purchased this tankini from Target, which I like, but I may go searching for another one tonight. I would try to rock the bikini, but just feel more comfortable in a tankini these days with the growing parts!

3 | Charlie is getting groomed today! It is about time... We can hardly see his eyes anymore. He looks like a little shaggy dog. Mama is nervous for him though :/ I can't imagine what it will be like when our baby boy gets his first hair cut!

my instagram

4 | I'm loving my new iPhone case from this etsy shop! I have been wanting a new one for a while and was so happy when I found this one. I mean, pink, gold and pineapple? What's not to love! 

my instagram

5 | How beautiful is this table design to celebrate the Glitter Guide turning 3?! If you do not follow Glitter Guide or Taylor Sterling on instagram, do your self a favor and click follow! You will not be disappointed! 

@taylorsterling

I'm linking up with Amanda for Friday Favorites!

What do you have planned for the weekend?

Wednesday Wishlist | Baby Edition 1

Sorry for all the baby/pregnancy related posts, but this is where my brain goes these days!

I was a little bummed at first that I wouldn't be able to partake in all the fun, frilly, girly stuff since I found out we are having a boy. Then, I started surfing the net for boy stuff and realized that they can be little mini men in preppy clothes... I mean, check out this cuteness!

little peanut onesie on sale! | white button onesie on sale! | grey cardigan on sale! | bear sweatshirt | navy polo on sale! | pull on jeans | striped shorts | yay! footie pajamas | cable knit onesie | navy loafers on sale! | headphone bib

Baby Gap is having a great sale going on right now. You can get up to 75% off items!

I had so many little boy items saved that I had to break them out by store.
I will probably do several baby wishlist editions!

I'm linking up with Annie and Morgan for Mid Week Muse!

Where do you find cute baby clothes?

Maternity Must Haves

If there's one thing I've learned about being pregnant, it's be prepared! 

Whether you are new to pregnancy or you're well on your way to having baby, these items have helped me tremendously!

| WATER | and lots of it! I drink ice water with lemon all day long... The lemon will help with nausea too if you are feeling sick. It also has some vitamin C from the lemon so why not throw a few slices in. You can also add other flavorful fruits in your water to mix it up like berries, watermelon, orange slices and some mint! I would invest in a tall plastic tumbler and just prepare for that thing to be your best friend for a while. 

 | FRUIT | speaking of fruit, be prepared by stocking your fridge with lots of varieties. I craved fruit and fruit juices almost immediately when I became pregnant. I don't know it it's our bodies telling us we need all that vitamin C or the sugars from the fruit, but I have to have some sort of fruity goodness at least once a day. 

| Maternity Bra | This one came as a surprise to me. I had heard that you may get some soreness in that area, but I did not expect them to be this bad! I can hardly bare to wear an underwire bra for a few hours anymore. I bought a wireless bra from Target, but have started to out grow that one. I'm thinking of investing in this one or any of these. Sure they aren't so sexy, but they will bring relief! That's all that matters these days!

| Tums | In the beginning it was nausea, now it has turned into heartburn. Many pregnant women complain of heartburn near the middle to the end of their pregnancy. Mostly because the digestion process slows down and a lot of acid that is produced in the stomach moves up to the esophagus. Having some tums on hand will be beneficial at some point in your pregnancy I'm sure. And tums are safe to take during pregnancy.

| Bella Band | This one was a life saver in the first trimester when I was feeling a little bloated and still wanted to wear my shorts and jeans. It will help you continue to wear your normal clothes until later in your pregnancy when you may need maternity pants. 

| Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter | I started using this stuff all over my belly and boobs pretty much from the beginning of my pregnancy and I have seen no signs of stretch marks as of yet (fingers crossed!). I will put it on after I shower all over my middle section. I do my sides and butt area too just in case! 

| Fold over band yoga pants | These will come in handy on those days you just want to lounge around, run errands, go for a walk or a jog, etc. They are great because they will continue to stretch with your growing belly. I am planning on investing in some maternity workout gear soon, but these have got me through a few workouts since I became pregnant. If you are buying a pair when you are pregnant, I would suggest sizing up in order for them to grow with you. 

| Dry shampoo | Let's just say you may not be up for a shower every morning anymore. It could be morning sickness (which lasted all day and night for me) or lack of energy, but odds are you will be stretching out those shower times during the week. Dry shampoo will be your best friend.

| Maxi skirts and maxi dresses | These items have been a life saver for me. I wasn't ready to buy maternity stuff in the first few months and I didn't want to invest too much money in maternity wear. Luckily I am pregnant during the summer which means skirts and dresses are a staple in my wardrobe. You can go non-maternity with these until you really start showing which is great because you can wear them postpartum. Old Navy, Gap, Pink Blush Maternity and Target have great options on maternity wear when you are ready to take the plunge :)

These are a few staples that have got me through the first half of my pregnancy.

There may be volume 2 of coming soon as well! 

What helped you through pregnancy?

Weekend Recap

Just another relaxing summer weekend that flew by!

Friday night Bill and I went to the Movie Tavern for dinner and saw Dawn of the Planet of the Apes. It was a little more action packed than I expected! But, the story line was pretty good.

I met up with a few friends at one of my favorite places for breakfast/brunch called La Chatelaine Saturday morning. It was so nice to have some girl time and catch up over my favorite spinach and swiss quiche. 

Saturday afternoon was spent running errands, cleaning the house, grocery shopping and meal planning for the week. I knew I was going to be busy on Sunday, (we had plans to go to Bill's parents' house for the day) so I wanted to get everything done on Saturday.

My plan is to start planning our meals every week. I have been really lazy with cooking and this pregnancy brain just goes straight to bad-for-you cravings around dinner time. I figure if I have a plan in place, I will be better with my eating habits. 

I made grilled apple chicken sausage and veggies for dinner on Saturday and it was delish! I just love grilled squash, zucchini, peppers and onions! I could eat them everyday!

Sunday we drove to Rockford (little town in west Ohio where Bill grew up) to Bill's parents house for a little Summer get together. The weather was sunny and hot!

I got to see and play with my little niece, Evelyn. She is turning 2 this weekend! I can't believe how time flies!

Also, finished the book Belly Laughs by Jenny McCarthy. It is hilarious! For those of you that are preggers, it is a must read and a great distraction from all the dry, how-to books you may be reading.

I'm linking up with Biana and Leeann!

How was your weekend?

Bump-Date // Weeks 17 & 18

It's been a few weeks since I've posted a good Bump-Date!
I usually post these on Wed, but yesterday got away from me!
Better late than never I guess...

To be honest, taking those bump pics is getting a little exhausting...

Having to put on a cute outfit, do your hair and make up and have your 

hubby snap a photo is a lot of work for a pregnant lady!

This week, I took a selfie on the day I was officially 18 weeks.

{maxi dress: Forever21, old (similar)}

Mind you, this was taken after dinner... So, I felt a little more bloated than usual.

But, the bump is definitely there! 

I have decided to start embracing the bump. I am excited to actually look 

pregnant and not just bloated :) 

How far along: 18 weeks! (I will be 19 weeks on Sat! Time is flying!)

Baby size: Sweet potato! 

Baby's progress: Baby is about 5.6 inches long and weighs about 6.7 ounces. He is growing rapidly and hopefully this is the reason I am so hungry all of the time! (source: The Bump)

Weight gain: Last appt was up 11 lbs :/ yikes!

Stretch marks: Nothing yet! Using Burt's Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter everyday!

Sleep: Sleep is getting a little more restless with the growing belly. I am starting to have to sleep on my side and I normally sleep on my back, so that's an adjustment. Of course, getting up multiple times to go to the bathroom is still annoying as heck!

Gender: BOY!!! :) 

Movement: I have felt some flutters here and there and hoping that is baby boy moving?! I can't wait to really feel a definite kick!

Looking forward to: Starting to decorate the nursery! We have the room cleared out and I'm ready to start painting the stripes on the back wall. Hopefully, this will happen this weekend. Also, started a registry for baby boy Rumple! And buying really cute preppy clothes for him :) 

Food cravings: Still really craving sweets a lot! I had to buy Pop Tarts and Lucky Charms after seeing commercials for both... I feel like I have the taste buds of a 5 year old?!

Weirdest food I ate this week: Probably Pop Tarts for dessert after dinner. 

Anything making you queasy or sick: Brushing my teeth still makes me a little queasy.  Some floral scents and cleaning products make me feel queasy too. 

Labor signs: too early!

What I miss: Sleeping on my back, a strong cup off coffee, a hearty glass of wine after a long day at the office. I have been craving a good Happy Hour! 

Symptoms: Just a touch of nausea still right before bed. Boobs are getting out of control. I've had to buy all new bras (hello D cups!). They are so sore all the time. I hear this only gets worse...

Workouts: Went on a few long walks with Charlie. Still using my 5 lb weights to help tone my arms. I try to do about 10 - 20 minutes of arm exercises at night while I'm watching TV. Also, doing lunges. 

That's all for this week! 

I'm linking up with East Coast Chic and Home of Malones for Thoughts for Thursday!

My Favorite Faux Tanning Products

I don't have much time these days to lie out in the sun

and to be honest, I'm at the age where I worry more about my skin.

When I do get to sun bathe, I typically wear a pretty high spf on my face 

and about 30 all over my body.

I do, however, love that bronzed "glow" in the Summer time.

It makes you look leaner, and more active and just makes every outfit look better!

I found found a list of products over the years that have helped me 

achieve this glow without the harmful effects of UV rays.

Jergens Natural Glow Daily Moisturizer | This one I use almost everyday and after I get out of the shower. It leaves a great tint of color and helps me feel not so "transparent" looking. 

They have a new formula that has a not-so-strong scent. I like that this one is safe to use daily.

Sally Hansen Salon Airbrush Legs | This one I have used a few times and is great for tanning your legs if you need to wear a dress or skirt. The trick is to coat your legs evenly and not to get any on your ankles or the bottom of your feet bc it will stain darker than the rest of your legs. I would spray all over my thighs, knee area, calves and just the top of my feet for a more natural look.

L'Oreal Paris Sublime Bronze Tanning Towelettes | These I use if I need a more significant tan

in a short amount of time and I don't have the time or $$ to get a spray tan. The trick is to apply the towelette all over your body after you have showered and moisturized. Let your moisturizer dry before you apply the towelette. I have tried more expensive tan towels, and this one is just as good. One towelette goes a long way! 

Face Bronzer | The only tanning product I use on my face is bronzer. I apply my Covergirl BB Cream first that has spf. Then, I follow with loose powder and bronzer. I actually use a bronzer from H&M that I've had for a while, but wouldn't mind branching out to try a few different ones. For me, it's all about the tint. This Physicians Formula Bronze Booster has a nice pinkish/tan tint that would match my skin tone better than most bronzers. I apply my bronzer with a large facial brush on my forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. 

If I have a special occasion, I typically opt for the spray tan.

For those of you that have not had a good spray tan, it does wonders!

The trick is to find a salon or someone that really knows what they are doing. 

It's great because they last up to a week (at least for me).

I'm linking up with Zelle, Katie, Kristina and Amanda for Trending Tuesday.

What are your favorite faux tanning products?

Baby Boy Rumple Nursery Part 1

My 4th of July weekend was not very exciting to say the least. 

Bill had to catch up on school work (he is working on his MBA on-line) 

and I was feeling extra lazy most of the weekend.

We had plans to go to a friend's house on the 4th to watch some fireworks, 

but I woke up on Friday with a horrible headache that lasted all day. 

It was nice to just spend some time at home with each other because the rest of our 

July weekends are pretty full with plans. 

We did get to clear out our 'guest room' to get ready to start decorating the nursery!

I posted this before pic on instagram. Can't wait to post the 'after'!

It will be a while of course, but I've got some ideas brewing :)

We are planning to keep the walls grey for now.

I would like to paint large, white horizontal stripes on the back wall where 

the crib is going to go to add some depth to the room.

I found some inspiration on Pinterest (of course).

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Here are a few more inspirational photos I have pinned...

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from one of my favorite blogs, Home of Malones!

We have also started our registry! Boy, is it overwhelming!

I found a really cool app/website where you can add items from anywhere.

I will share on the blog this week!

How was your holiday weekend?

Thoughts for Thursday

What I've learned so far about being pregnant

Keeping a secret | Keeping your pregnancy a secret for almost 2 months is horrible. You just want to shout it from a roof top, but only you, your spouse and your doctor know about it. 

Everybody and every BODY is different | You may or may not experience the same symptoms as your friends or people you know that may be pregnant. During my first trimester, I had horrible nausea (thankfully, never got sick) all day and night. I felt tired all the time. Had some food and smell aversions (and still do). Some women experience no symptoms at all besides a growing belly. 

Don't freak out | It's ok if you are or are not experiencing symptoms. That doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong. It is just your body's way of reacting to the changes that are occurring and the increased levels of hormones. 

Embrace the bump! | In the beginning, I felt as though I was just gaining weight and felt bloated all the time. As time went on, I could actually feel a little bump that I could not suck in. I knew that it was my little baby growing! It is a great feeling to know your baby is growing. 

Don't compare the bump | I am guilty of this! I know everybody is different. So why do I compare my bump to other pregnant women? I think it is natural to wonder how other's are looking, growing, etc. But, do not get caught up in "who's bigger or smaller." Just be happy you have a healthy growing baby!

Take advice with a grain of salt; don't get overwhelmed | It seems as soon as people know you are pregnant, they want to give you advice. Don't get me wrong, I will take all the advice I can get in this matter. However, like I've said above, every BODY is different and every pregnancy is different so don't expect yours to be the same. I have absorbed a lot of information that people have provided as well as researched on my own. Your best resource? Your Doctor!! Write down all your questions and concerns and bring them to your doctors appointments. He/She will have a wealth of knowledge for you.

Enjoy your pregnancy! | I have finally gotten to the point where I feel as though I am enjoying being pregnant. The 1st trimester symptoms are gone. I have an appetite again and more energy. I am loving this time before I get too huge! 

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And now... The winner of the Pink Blush Maternity Giveaway is.....

Jenny Ayers!!

I will be emailing you shortly to receive your e-gift card! Congrats!

Thank you to everyone who entered!

I'm linking up with Home of Malones and East Coast Chic for Thoughts for Thursday!

Wednesday Wishlist

I am interrupting our normally scheduled 'Bump-Date' to bring you my Wednesday Wishlist. The Bump-Dates are not completely going away. I just feel as though it is getting a little repetitive now that I'm in my 2nd trimester and things are starting to stabilize. 

I'm starting to realize that I need to start watching what I eat. During the first trimester it was all about eat whatever my body is telling me to eat and what I could tolerate, which was usually not the healthiest options. Now that my appetite is almost back to normal, I really want to focus on eating better. I've already gained 11 lbs which is more than what should be the average weight gain at this point ("The Bump" app says between 5 - 10 lbs by now). I am going to focus on trying to get some exercise everyday as well. Whether it's a long walk with Charlie, yoga, stretching or light weights, I think it will be beneficial to me in the long run if I stay active. 

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With that said, I have a lot of items on my ever growing wishlist right now! 

The GiGi New York Indigo Python clutch is on sale right now. I have been wanting one forever! And I love that you can get them monogrammed for free!

I have jumped on the pineapple trend bandwagon and purchased this cute iphone case from this etsy shop. Can't wait for it to arrive!

What have you been wishing for recently?

*PS - You have one more day to enter in the Pink Blush Maternity Giveaway!!

I will announce the winner in tomorrow's post!

I'm linking up with Ann Elliot and Pampers & Pearls!

It's a BOY!!!

Sorry for not posting yesterday, but I was recovering Sunday after a long weekend!

Saturday we spent most of the day hosting a garage sale. Last weekend, we spent all day Sunday cleaning out our basement and gathered items to sell. We got new shelves and plastic bins to organize everything. It was so nice to get rid of all the cardboard boxes!

We sold a lot of stuff, but there is still a lot we need to either sell or donate. That is the next to-do this week. 

After the garage sale, we had both sets of parents and Bill's brother and fiance over for dinner. My plan was to have dinner and cut a gender reveal cake (cake is pink or blue inside) for dessert!

Our gender appointment was on Friday and we received an envelope from our doctor which was sealed so we could not peek!

I brought the envelope over to my friend's house who was planning on making the cake for us. It was so hard to wait over 24 hours knowing that the sex of our child was determined and someone knew what it was other than me! But, it was completely worth the wait and seeing everyone's reaction when we cut into the cake.

{our little man's 17 week ultra sound! I love that his little mouth is slightly open :) }

{the amazing and delicious gender reveal cake that my talented friend made!}

See the short video clip of us cutting into the cake here.

On Sunday, Bill and I grabbed some brunch down in the Short North and stopped by a store called Homage that sells vintage style t shirts and tanks. I just had to buy little baby boy's first Ohio themed outfit!

Don't worry... Bill bought the matching t shirt!

{Follow me on instagram here}

*Have you entered in the Pink Blush Maternity Giveaway? You have a few more days!