Mom Jeans?

I'm baaaaaack!

It's been two weeks and three days since my little Bean was born and it's been busy to say the least! Sorry I've been MIA, but juggling the visitors, nursing, sleepless nights, two sweet little girls, and reminding myself to eat somewhere in between has proven too much for blogging! But... I'm here and I plan to keep going forward! Hopefully I can keep up, but I probably won't be updating at my normal rate for a while. Expect to see 2-3 posts a week until I get my bearings on this new life!

 on S- dress: Cracker Barrel, shoes: Kohl's, bow: Local Artist
on Bean- jumper: Baby Gap (consigned)
me- top: Oh Baby, jeans: Charlotte Russe, flip flops (GAH, these are NOT shoes): Old Navy, shades: NY&Co.


I got out of the house yesterday. FINALLY. I feel like I'm on lock-down and it's horrible. I like to go out and be moving and sitting around the house, waiting to heal up from my c-section and being on the baby's schedule has been challenging for me. Now, I realize I'm going to be on the baby's schedule for a long time. Hopefully I can figure out how to nurse outside of the house better! I've tried a few times and neither Bean or I can get comfortable. It's just a mess! I have to have my boppy with me and I forgot to take it around when I got to doctor's appointments or Babies R Us. Man, my life sounds like a ton of fun, doesn't it? IT IS. I swear. I'm so happy with these little girls. Bean has been such a total blessing and S is a wonderful, loving big sister. She hasn't shown any jealousy at all and I'm pretty shocked, to be honest. I'm sure once all the hype dies down and we don't have family coming and going, she'll realize she's not the center of the universe and it'll hit home. I pray for strength on that day.
In more exciting news... I'm wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans already! It took 6 months after I had S and 2 weeks and 2 days after I had Bean! I guess that's the difference between gaining 27 pounds and 50 pounds during a pregnancy. Granted, the jeans weren't comfortable, per se, they were on. Jeans are no bueno for post-cesarean incision pains. Just a tidbit of helpful information if you're ever in my shoes.

 Someday, I'll wear real shoes and dresses again, but for right now, all I can manage is to get dressed in something that's not a nursing tank and yoga pants. Everything has to be nursing friendly, even when I leave the house. I like the little list Kimmie put together about mom attire, here. Check it out!
Glad to be back! I've missed you guys!

Baby Bean Update: 21 Weeks

I'm convinced that after 20 weeks, I will grow 5 inches per week. Luckily, I'm probably overreacting. I've still only gained a total of four pounds and my clothes are fitting the same (mostly maternity, barring two pairs of Charlotte Russe jeans that are low enough to handle the growing belly) and I don't feel much different as far as size goes. Nights are getting MUCH more difficult. Finding a comfortable way to sleep and falling back to sleep after the hourly potty breaks are posing exhaustion problems come morning. From what I remember, I was thinking the second trimester would be a breeze. More energy, less moodiness, infrequent aches and pains. Hah. Silly me! I did enjoy a prenatal massage yesterday evening and it was amaaaaaaazing. I only wish that I still felt the benefits after sleeping. I think I slept all the knots right back into my shoulders!

top: Oh Baby Maternity

cardigan: New York & Company

jeans: Motherhood

flats: Target

necklace: Charlotte Russe

shades: New York & Company

I'm really not digging outfit photos today, friends. I feel so... mediocre. We just went to breakfast and ran some quick errands around town, so it wasn't cause for anything fancy. I just miss dressing in the clothes that I love and am not looking forward to having to "make do" for the next handful of months. But I will, and everything's going to be just fine. In the meantime, I'll focus on any photos of myself to be Bean updates and scrapbook-necessary. And we'll have fun starting to decorate her room in the coming weeks!

Side note?

My daughter just brought me tons of change and said she found "her" money for her piggy bank. I said, "Oh, really? Where did you find all of that money?" She said, "In your drawer." 

Hmm...

Do I have a bandit on my hands?

One Man's Trash

Sometimes your friends buy clothes and they don't fit. Then you inherit the clothes. Enter this beautiful and colorful Charlotte Russe top that my bff, Jackie, passed down to me over the weekend. Although I was sad that things didn't work out for her, I was elated that they turned into good fortune on my part. This baby had a tie waist, which I just cut off so I could add belts for shape wherever I wanted (lower or higher). The weather was warm enough to not have to wear a sweater or jacket last night, so I got dressed for bible study and knew I could pull this shirt off without having to cover the pretty sleeves with a cardigan (although, that would work too!)

Husband was playing with indoor lighting and the flash since it's so dark outside when he gets home these days. Although the flash washes me out, I think it's probably the best indoor option. The rest are grainy and I really can't dig that.

top: Charlotte Russe, via Jackie

cami: Old Navy

jeans: Old Navy

belt: Old Navy

wedges: Lower East Side

The lesson today is: If you find something beautiful in your closet that no longer fits, pass it on to someone you know could get some good mileage out of it! That's pretty much what I'm doing with my Lulu's dress giveaway! Got it. Tried it. Doesn't work! That means one of YOU can win it!

Enter to win my brand new Lulu's dress!

Broke Out the Boots

You know it's fall when you're hitting up the pumpkin patch in your boots. I was so excited to take Little S. and my brother, his girlfriend, and her daughter to one of the local farms right outside of town to have a little family outing and get pumpkins for Harvest and Halloween! I can't wait to carve and roast those yummy seeds!

 sweater: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

cami: Rue 21

skinnies: Charlotte Russe

boots: Silhouettes

necklace: The Word Jewelry

There's nothing like the changing of seasons. Smells, memories, family time, the best part of my wardrobe... I'm already loving it all and fall has really just kissed us. Speaking of changing... are YOU changing something in your wardrobe this week? Remember, Thursday is Old to New in October with Required 2 Be Inspired and me! Hopefully you'll be here to link up with your project so you can be entered to win some fabulous prizes from Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique!

And remember I have a Scentsy Blog Party going on right now! Check it out to place your orders and enter to win some AMAZING gift certificates that will set you right up for the cool weather and/or holiday season!

Mustard Yellow & Necklace Giveaway!

** Really quickly, if you haven't voted yet and don't mind doing so, could you weigh in with your sweet opinion right here to the left?
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I've been on the hunt for something mustard yellow to add to my fall wardrobe forEVer. I'm so thankful to have finally found this top at Old Navy. It comes in a variety of colors, but for some reason, this one felt very warm and J.Crew to me. I can totally see myself drinking a salted caramel hot chocolate on the patio of Starbucks with my girlfriends in this top. And isn't that the epitome of the upcoming cooler months? Quality time, delicious smells and flavors, and the best clothes of the year? I think so!

button-up: Old Navy

cami: Rue 21

jeans: Charlotte Russe

flats: Old Navy

necklace: The Word Jewelry

I'm so in love with lipstick right now! I used to be completely afraid of it and dubbed myself an ever-after chapstick gal, but the change in weather has changed my desire to wear color on my lips! This berry hue by Revlon (I can't remember the exact name. Shameful.) is so buildable. The color I've got in the photos is after WIPING and chapsticking on top. It was dark and husband did not like it. I think the dark, dark berry lips aged me, but this raspberry hue makes me very happy! Have you started to wear more color on your lips as the weather has let up a little?

I ordered this gorgeous and simple initial necklace from The Word Jewelry just a few weeks ago and waited a mere 3 days to receive it in the mail! Stacey, the shop owner, is extremely customer-oriented and extra sweet! She even sends a photo of the finished product before mailing it out to make sure you love it! After I started wearing my necklace, I bought another for my friend and she loves hers as well! I feel so strong and beautiful sporting the initial of my last name. It's not just about me. It's for Husband and Little S, too, and that feels amazing. I've also stacked this with my solitaire diamond which is on a shorter chain and the simplicity of the two make the combination very timeless.

Lucky for YOU, Stacey agreed to give one lucky a little bit of this... reader their very own hand-stamped, single initial necklace. I'm kind of jealous because I'd love to get one for each of my closest girlfriends and one for Little S. to wear when she gets a tiny bit older. But it's not in the cards for me to win! You, however, have many chances to get one of these babies of your very own!

Mandatory (1 total):

- Follow a little bit of this... via GFC or Blogger and let me know.

- Go to The Word Jewelry and comment here with your favorite item from the shop.

Extra entries (+1 each):

- Favorite The Word Jewelry on Etsy.

- Display the giveaway button (below) on your sidebar and leave the link!

- Follow me on twitter.

- Tweet "I just entered to win an initial necklace at @the_littlebit! http://bit.ly/pbG0M2"

- "Like" ALBOT on facebook.

- Go check out my brand new Etsy shop and tell me your favorite item!

<center><a href="http://www.fashionmommaintraining.com/2011/09/mustard-yellow-necklace-giveaway.html"><img border="0" src="http://i1115.photobucket.com/albums/k550/thelittlebit/TheWordGiveaway.jpg"/></a></center>

Giveaway ends Sunday, September 25 at 11:59 ET and the winner will be chosen at random! That means the more entries you do, the more chances you have to win! Please be sure to leave a valid email address or make sure I can contact you via your account! Sorry to my international readers, but this one's open to US only.

The winner of the Fabuless Fashions pink hoop earrings is Bekah! Email me, girl!

Graphic

I have never been one for graphic art on t-shirts, but when I found this beauty on my maurices shopping trip last week, I couldn't leave it behind. The burnout lace fabric is so unique and I love that I can layer black or white underneath or get a little sassier with bright colors. I also dig the rhinestone details on the top that makes it just a bit more feminine while the design is edgier than my "usual." I decided to play up the cobalt cami with some bright blue bow flats and heavier eye make-up.

top: c/o maurices

cami: Wal-Mart

skinnies: Charlotte Russe

flats: Gap via Whitney

earrings: New York & Company

eyeshadows: all 3 from e.l.f. studio palette from Vanessa 

white kohl liner on inner corners: jemma kidd

upper lash liner: milani

mascara: blinc and l'oreal million lashes

lipstick: revlon in barely there

lipgloss: e.l.f. Goddess

on cheeks: bareMinerals Rose Radiance

I feel like I've been living in my Charlotte Russe skinny jeans over the weekends. They're so comfortable and go with just about everything I own. I was a little skeptical to pair them with a fitted top, but I think it worked out better than expected. And the more I look at the outfit, the more I like the graphic tee, which is just so strange! I've never been drawn to them before.

Have you ever tried something completely out of your comfort zone and ended up really loving it?

Shopping is My Drug

Guess what? My name is Kimberly and I'm addicted to shopping.

Hello, Kimberly.

No, seriously, my friends I have a problem. I've been to Old Navy three times in the last week and a half and I won't tell you how much I've spent. And on Tuesday night, I had a wonderful experience shopping at Greenville's new maurices in the mall! More on that- including lots of exciting news, later. Let's just say I have a lot more clothes than necessary for wearing during my off-work time. And if I hear you tell my husband that, we aren't friends anymore. The last thing he needs to hear is that I have too many clothes that I probably won't get the chance to wear more than once every other month. (Hey, babe.)

Needless to say, when we go shopping, we like to look pretty and feel good about ourselves, right? Who wants to go try on clothes when they feel like a schlup? NOT me. So, I came home at 5:20, hopped in the shower, shaved my legs, dried and straightened (yes, again) my hair, did my make-up, and put on one of my new favorite outfits (note: only the top is actually *new*). And man, I must have felt good in this outfit, because I set myself up for some serious spending damage! And for the record, maurices provided me with the perfect pair of new jeans. And they are capris. Except not on me! HAH!

cami: Old Navy

blouse: Old Navy

jeans: Charlotte Russe

shoes: Lower East Side

necklace: Old Navy

Ooo, I may or may not have (definitely did) gotten the best little black skirt that would look absolutely fab with this top. I love scheming outfits in my head. But I'm still thinking wavy/curly hair might be more becoming. Or not... 

I'm DEFINITELY going to have to do that side-by-side photo thing to get your opinion. I'm lost without you!

** Photos of my new guest bathroom will be up tonight, so come back!

For the Love of a T-Shirt

Guys, I totally skipped Project Self yesterday! I got home from work, did some laundry and cleaning, went to dinner with my family, got home late, and completely forgot. Just so you know, I weigh the same as last week! Exactly the same! But... my clothes are fitting me better and I totally *see* a difference in the mirror. So maybe now that I'm really on this Jillian Michaels bandwagon, this week will show a shift in numbers!

Like I said, we went to dinner last night... and as much as I love dressing up and putting on some heels, I had a LONG work week and was completely exhausted by 6:00 last night. Little S. and I made a pit stop at Old Navy on our way home from work and I picked up this super comfy grey t-shirt (how did I not have one of these in my life?). My jeans fit perfectly (no muffin top!) and I had another opportunity to wear my fake-out Keds. Hello, comfy night!

*I had my camera with me, but when I whipped it out for photos, the battery was dunzo. These are the best we could catch with our phone!

shirt: Old Navy

scarf: Old Navy

jeans: Charlotte Russe

shoes: Target

bag: Bath & Body Works (on of those free gift things)

And now, my MIL is on her way over, Husband is vacuuming, the dog is running away from the vacuum, Little S. is napping, and I'm about to go scrub some carpet stains, finish folding laundry, and change the bed. Happy Saturday to you and yours!

Once Upon a Friday Night

... a sweaty chick threw some clothes on and pulled her frizzed out hair into the ever-famous "blogger bun," ate Thai food for dinner and frozen yogurt for dessert, and lived happily ever after.

And then she spent the rest of the weekend recuperating from difficult workouts, shopping for Jillian Michaels' Ripped in 30 meal plan, and recovering from a week of fussy children. Is it sad that I look forward to "getting dressed" even for the quickest errands?

shirt: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

jeans: Charlotte Russe

wedges: Sbicca via Ross

earrings: Cat Moore Design via Ariana's giveaway!

For you busy moms, do you enjoy getting a little bit dolled up just to grab take-out or go to the store? I'm curious to know if I'm one of the rare ones who looks forward to these little opportunities to put on something other than yoga pants and a sports bra!

Get the Green

Yesterday was singlehandedly one of the busiest days I've had in months. Little S. and I left the houseat 11 in the morning and didn't come home 'til after 4:30 in the afternoon. We got shoes for my BIL and future SIL's wedding this weekend (I'm a bridesmaid), ruffly socks for Little S. (she's the flower girl), dresses for us to wear to the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner, had lunch (at Target, because we roll like that), dropped some items off at the post office (I feel like I live there), went to my dentist to get a release and send stuff to a *new* dentist... I feel like there were more errands, but I'm scatterbrained and don't remember anything past those. 

I took the erranding opportunity to get dressed for real, which I haven't done almost the entire time I've been off work this month! I was glad to find that my skinny jeans fit me, again! And I haven't had the chance to wear this shirt since I bought it last year. I purchased it online from New York & Company and when it arrived, it was the ugliest shade of mint green and made me look completely sick. My skin got all yellow and it was really not becoming, so I pushed it to the back of my closet. When I pulled it out in April, it didn't zip on the side, so I slapped it in the yard sale pile. Ugly color + too small? Forget about it. Well, I decided to give it a new life with some RIT dye and overdyed it to a darker green. Then I kept it in my "we'll see if I can wear these clothes in a few months" pile. Voila. 

I'm still not sold on the color, though. What do you think?

blouse: New York & Company

jeans: Charlotte Russe

flats: Gap (handed down from Whitney)

Wow. My boobs look really good in this top.

Did I just say that?

NEEEXT!

I won these beautiful earrings by Cat Moore Design from a celebratory giveaway on Fatale Fashion! I love them so much and can't wait to wear them all.the.time! Thank you to Cat and Ariana! These babies are so lightweight, I don't even know I'm wearing them!

Here's to a busy rest of the week! We're heading to VA tonight, getting new tires on the car in the morning (not by choice, but out of necessity... ughhhh), driving from Husband's parents' place to mine, staying the night there, then traveling to the DC area on Thursday to start celebrating wedding festivities! Hopefully I'll have some posts pre-written, but rest assured there will be LOTS of pictures upon our return! Husband is the best man, I'm a bridesmaid, and Little S. is the flower girl. We'll be dressed to impress all weekend long! Then it's back to work on Monday! 

Over the Weekend

I didn't dress up over the weekend like I usually do. With strep throat, Saturday was kind of hellacious and I pretty much had to be dragged out of bed. But I did manage to put on something other than yoga pants for our "quick" errands to pick up veggies from our local CSA and return a few items from Old Navy.

Little did I know how BIG Saturday was going to become.

We ended up being out all day long and made a huge family decision. More to come on that this weekend, though. If you don't follow me on twitter, you'll just have to hold your breath for the surprise!

shirt: Old Navy

jeans: Charlotte Russe

shoes: Target

puka necklace: Some beach shop 9 years ago (beach week)

I also use the weekends for Little S. to wear her prettiest things, since she gets just as dirty and sweaty as I do on weekdays! Adore. Adore. Adore this little princess!

On Little S.

shirt: Old Navy

shorts: Target

bow: Target

shoes: Once Upon a Child, Consignment

I'd also really like to draw your attention to my friend, ML's most recent post over at Twenty York Street. She discussed blogger topics and how blogs change with the writer over time. I really enjoyed the post because I can definitely relate to morphing and changing the style and thesis of my blog while I'm going through a lot of my own life changes.

Check it out!

Thanks for such a great post, ML!

Purple People Eater

If I could eat people, I would have eaten three toddlers, today.

That's all I have to say about that.

Also, did anyone catch my awesome lack of knowledge about what day of the week it is? Yesterday, I posted that I'd be back with We Love Colors Wednesday, today.

Um. Yep. We Love Colors... Thursday version.

yellow tank: Target

purple tank: Walmart

skirt: Charlotte Russe (I know, I'm appalled that I didn't just make it.)

shoes: Sbicca via Ross

fishnets: c/o We Love Colors

tan: c/o outdoor summer nannying

Now, let's be honest. It's 100 degrees, easily, with a heat index of up to 110. 

Humidity is 100%.

I run around with three toddlers, carrying an infant all day.

Did I wear fishnets and wedged sandals to work today?

Hell. No. 

For the record, I can't wait to have somewhere to wear these puppies for real. SO comfy!

But I did wear the rest! With purple flip-flops for easy removal. 

I'm on my monthly Miss P, which is totally wreaking havoc on my general comfort levels, personal body thermometer, and skin. It's really awesome.

Bella's fur is growing back just a bit and her face is getting fuzzy, again.

The poor thing lost about three pounds of fur in the Great Hair Cut of 2011.

I got her an "I love my human" tee to keep her warm in our house.

Another bit-o-random for the day?

Little S. is walking around with my blush brush, talking about putting on her make-up.

I'm in trouble.

Please don't forget to stop by and LINK UP for tomorrow's (second edition) Project Self post! I can't wait to see how you're bettering yourself!