Best Of...

Since I haven't gotten "dressed" in about 6 weeks, I decided to go through my old outfits to get some inspiration and see what pieces I should pull to the front of the closet to be the first things I wear when I'm done losing this baby weight (6 pounds to go!). Here are several of my most favorite outfits from the past two-ish years.

It's mostly weird to see how my style has evolved and how my weight has fluctuated. And I see so many things that I can't wait to wear again, soon. Any other new mommas miss their wardrobes?

A Glimpse into Gingham Wonderland

There was once a shirt that I loved so dearly...

... that I based the design of a whole entire nursery on its gingham glory.

And although the finishing touches have yet to be made (artwork hung, crib skirt completed, clothes put away...), I wanted to show you a few glimpses into Bean's room. It's probably tied with S' room for my most favorite in the house. Eventually, I plan to love our room just as much, but we've really concentrated on the designs of our girls' rooms and we're really proud!

Every part of the room is "my favorite," because I put a lot of thought into the design, but topping it all has to be the gingham wall that Husband painted. It was taped off 5 different times to get the three shades (ultra white, daisy, and yukon gold - Valspar). I'm so pleased with how it turned out!

mobile: from Target (was Little S'), lantern: Target, rocking horse: my Nanny made it (it was mine), books: gifts from friends (Mell, Angie, Gabi, Joe), Eiffel Tower bank: gift from Mell, bitty gold toe shoes: Old Navy

My *second* favorite part of the room (and first favorite item) has to be our glider/ottoman, which was gifted to us by my MIL. We helped some, but she really went out with a bang on this. I fell in love with it at Babies 'R Us and it was ours. I got the lumbar pillow in gold ikat print on Etsy. 

 After Hubs was done with each shade of paint, I covered S' old pink baskets to match the gingham wall. These house burp cloths, receiving blankets, and bath linens and are on the bottom shelf of the changing table.

 And we heart cloth! Our cloth diapering endeavor has gone wonderfully so far and I'm so glad my best friend, Jackie, got me on the bandwagon. She's cloth diapering her third girl and it's her first go-round with it, too, so we're bouncing off of each other and it's going so well. I really love it and can't imagine going back to disposables! Here's half of our newborn stash all clean and fluffy, ready for a sweet little bum!

As I complete the room, I'll be doing a video tour of both of the girls' bedrooms so you can see how much work we've put into them and where our bitties live!

Don't forget to enter the Party Works giveaway!

Party Works Giveaway!

Hey, friends! I was recently contacted by Party Works and asked if I wanted to host a giveaway from their site! I was so excited because Little S is seriously planning her fourth birthday party already and I couldn't find her theme in stores. She really wants a My Little Ponies birthday party and I didn't even know they still existed until we found them on Netflix, recently. Party Works has graciously offered to give away an 8-piece party pack of the winner's choice! 

The Party Works is your one stop source for party supplies and favors for childrens, teen, and family birthday parties. Cake decorating supplies, pinatas, bridal and baby shower supplies, holiday party supplies, and party decorations and ideas for special occasions. We would like to offer the winner any party pack for 8 which includes an assortment of party supplies for any occasion.
Check out some of my other favorites below and pick your own from here!

 

If you would like a chance to win your own party pack, leave a comment below letting me know your favorite pack. Giveaway will end on Thursday, August 2nd at 11:59 pm and I'll announce the winner on Friday morning!

Giveaway open to US residents only

Goings On

I don't know how long my posts will be sporadic. I think I had more faith in myself as a good blogger when Bean was first born. Now, as a first time FULL TIME breastfeeding mom (I supplemented and pumped for S), I realize how velcro my child is. Husband finally got to see, yesterday, how much time I do NOT have to get things done because Bean likes to nurse pretty much all day long. Her nights are getting better, with waking up every three-ish hours, but day time is nuts. In the meantime, I'll share a few things that have made me smile over the last few weeks.

Apparently Boppy pillows aren't just for babies. Bella thinks it's the perfect shape to curl up in for an afternoon snooze.

 I always knew my girls would be my everything, but my heart still feels like it's jumping out of my chest. I've never felt more complete in my life. I'm exhausted, but so, so happy.

Seeing them play together already is the best. 

Bean and S have so much hair! Look at S' long, platinum prettiness. I'm so jealous of that hair color! And Bean's brown hair is still stumping us all, but I almost hope it stays dark so she can be different! If she turns blonde like the rest of us, though, she'll come by it honestly. I can't believe how big she is!

Bean Stats:

5 weeks, 1 day old

(at 4 week appointment) - 21.5" and 9lbs, 3 oz.

That's two inches longer and two pounds, two ounces up from birth!

This is what consumes my life right now, so it's what I'll be sharing. My best friend is heading down with her youngest right now and is spending the week with us. I'm so excited! Bean will finally meet her best friend and get her "newborn" photos taken. And Jackie promised to cook for me. Of course, I'm really looking forward to that. Don't tell her, but I'm praying for another batch of her awesome pasta salad!

When I start wearing clothes again, I'll post them. Promise.

Outfit Fail

I think I'll be having quite a few of these outfit fails while I'm trying to fit my between baby and normal body. Should be fun. This dress is a go-to for me whether pregnant or not. It's just been an awesome tent that I can belt or wear a cardigan with. I even want to get a slouchy sweater to wear over it in the fall for a completely shapeless look. Sounds sexy, right? I think I lost my style over the last year. I've got some work to do. Anyway, I wanted to wear my dress, but it's strapless and I'm nursing... I really need a good, supportive nursing bra and can't go strapless right now. I thought if I threw a top over and belted it, I'd still get the boho vibe I love from the dress and cover my straps. In looking at this, though, I remember how much I really dislike short sleeves and man, I look matronly. I tried.

 dress: F21, top: Old Navy (it's going to Goodwill), shoes: Fergie, belt: Old Navy

awesome lioness hair: c/o Summertime

I need to do myself a favor and not wear a belt until the belly is all the way gone. And while I'm at it, I'll do myself another favor and not wear sleeves this length, ever. Win some/lose some!

Baby, You're a Firework - A Week Late

Everyone shares their holidays a week late, right? Our first "big event" after Bean was born was July 4th. We didn't travel to visit family, but we had our own little cookout at home and ventured out to the local Town Commons for a beautiful fireworks display. There was a ton of walking involved between the car and the lawn and back. Add a massive stroller system and a toddler and I was super tired and sore by the end of the night. S loved the fireworks with remarks like, "Wow, beautiful!" and "Super cool!" after almost each one was set off. Bean slept the whole time. I'd forgotten how loud fireworks were and freaked out, putting my hands over her ears after the first one, but she was none the wiser.

Bean- dress: Faded Glory (consigned)

Me- dress/flip flops: Old Navy

S- dress: Old Navy, sandals: Target (gift from Aunt Whitney), bow: Local Artist

So I hope everyone had a very happy Fourth of July with friends and family. Better late than never, right?