Baby Bean Update: 32 Week Update

I'm wondering exactly how much bigger I can get.

That's really all that's on my mind. That, pain, and watermelon.

Apparently, I'm also neighborly and Husband catches me waving.

 hi-lo ruffle top: c/o Anika Burke, tank: Maurices, jeans: Motherhood, sandals: Target, necklace: family heirloom, bracelets: c/o Anika Burke, "wedding ring:" fakeout while mine don't fit from Kohl's ($9, yeah!)

 Bean is moving non-stop, which is awesome because I had some time where she didn't move about a week ago and again on Thursday. It was kind of scary, but I drank a ton of ice water (60 oz!), laid on my left side, and she started up again. Phew! I'm not exactly sure if there's any more growing room in there, but I'm feeling pretty healthy other than the back pain and Braxton Hicks contractions. Those babies used to feel like pressure and now they're pretty painful. Yuck! And it's practice for what? My c-section. Nice.

 

 In other news, I don't hate my hair anymore. I was having such a hair color identity crisis over the past few weeks and I'm really over worrying about it all... It's not so bad. Husband and my friend, Mell, really like it with a little bit of roots showing. I think I do, too. I was quick to think it needed to be touched up, but I think it looks less harsh against my skin with the darker roots. What do you think? You know, since my hair is the topic of conversation as of late.

In other, other news, I am so excited about my new bracelets and Light as a Feather top from Anika Burke! I received these items in the mail last week and couldn't wait to wear them! I also received a beautiful ivory bow belt with a sweet note that suggested I wait until Bean is born for comfort. If you haven't had the chance to pop over to Anika Burke, check them out on Facebook and Twitter, too! If you haven't noticed (ahem), if you check out the little ad on my sidebar, YOU can receive 30% off of your Anika Burke order by using the code LITTLE-BIT. Go 'head. Treat yourself!

* Anika Burke Junior Clothing * Anika Burke * Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique * 

In the otherest of newses (I'm so making up words, here), I have some exciting giveaways starting this Monday, May 14 for those of you interested in my new shop, Bitty Bug Designs! I'm so excited to be spreading the word and sharing products that I'm passionate about! I've worked so hard on starting up my stock and I'm excited to begin custom orders as I build fabric inventory. Please stay tuned to find out where you can enter to win some Bitty Bug swag! Special thank yous go out for all of the support I've had and if you haven't, yet, follow Bitty Bug Designs on Facebook and Twitter!

Little Yellow Sunshine

The sun was quite literally shining very brightly, so S had a hard time looking at the camera. I was getting frustrated at first, and then I remembered how when it's really bright, I make my husband count to three while I keep my eyes closed and open them at the last second. Because she's so adorable and looks like a little tye-dye ray of light, I let it slide.

dress: Faded Glory (gift from Granny), bunny: Easter gift from Grandma, barrette: from Granny, shoes: Kohl's

 This bunny has become an extension of our family. When you pet him, he makes little bunny sounds and walks a few steps. Last week, his name was Brobee, after S' favorite Yo Gabba Gabba character. I think it's changed since then. I'll update you when she says it out loud.

Purple Princess

Little S loves getting dressed up for church and this is what she wore last Sunday. I always feel so blessed to have a child as interested in style as me. But I feel even more blessed to have a child who doesn't take herself too seriously. 

dress & cardigan: Children's Place, sandals: Kohl's, bow: Local Artist

Always hamming it up and dancing around... I hope she never changes!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win these beautiful pearl earrings from Scarlet Samples!

She Matched Her Hair to Her Sweater

I dyed my hair. From a box. Christina is going to kill me.

And of course, because I used neutral beige instead of ash, it turned reddish. My hair *always* turns red if I don't use ash blonde. Also, my hair *always* turns red when I do illegal things like dye it from a box. I'm a firm believer in hair color, but I also know that blondes should never use box dye because... well, just because. I also should have thought my outfit through a bit more before hopping to church on Sunday. Perhaps my first day in public with my newly strawberry blonded locks should have included clothing that wasn't the same shade as my hair color. Oops!

 top: Motherhood, tank: Kohl's, pants: Motherhood, sweater: Agar, shoes: Ross, necklace: Gift from Husband

Here's hoping that my bright, bright hair will calm with a few washes.

And heck, if it doesn't, here's to not pulling out the mustard hues again for a while!

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win these beautiful pearl earrings from Scarlet Samples!

Polka Dotted

Yesterday, I scrubbed my bathroom until my back hurt so badly that the whole place literally sparkled. After taking a shower, I didn't know what my plans were, but I knew I was going to get out of grungy clothes and my brand new Old Navy (sale!) sweater fit the bill, perfectly. Can't go wrong with some polka dots!

sweater: Old Navy ($10!)

cami: Kohl's

jeans: Old Navy

headband: Target

shoes: via Whitney

lipstick: Jet Setter by Rimmel

I ended up taking Little S. to pick up my friend, Melanie. We went to AC Moore and did some craft shopping, then by the time we got back to my place to hang out, Husband showed up early from work! I was terrified when I heard the door open because he was about an hour early. Needless to say, my evening was cut short, but it was much needed because I was exhausted! I'm looking forward to seeing my friend again, soon! And I can't wait to style this sweater, again. It's so cute!

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!

Denim & Khaki

I've had this denim jacket for over a year and I think I've worn it once or twice. I never know how to style it, but I just had to have it when I found it in the store. I had all of these hopes and dreams of wearing it with cute sundresses and thong sandals or skirts and boots. But when the moment arrives, my creativity always escapes me.

This outfit is a great example of that, because what's more streamlined than to pair a denim jacket with a t-shirt and chinos? You know what, though? Tried and true just works. I'm pleased with the outcome of the simple look and it was perfect for a morning at church and lunch with friends. I stayed warm in the crisp autumn weather and didn't fall into wearing black pants and a cardigan like I had laying out on my bed before getting dressed. Not that there's anything wrong with that combo- AT ALL. I just like to step out of the norm on weekends since I'm constantly losing my opportunity for creativity while wearing yoga pants and t-shirts during the week!

top: LOFT

chinos: Old Navy

denim jacket: American Eagle

heels: Mudd via Kohl's

necklace: The Word Jewelry

In other news, we met with some new friends for lunch on Sunday (when I wore this) and I'm so happy to have them in our lives! A & A are wonderful people and I look forward to spending more time with them and furnishing a long-lasting friendship!

What's your go-to look with a denim jacket?

Don't forget to enter the Initial Necklace giveaway by clicking the button below! 

Fabuless Fashions & a Giveaway!

When Melissa, owner of Fabuless Fashions, emailed me about working with her, I was so excited! Fabuless Fashions is a site where Melissa has been able to barter with new designers and bring fashion and accessories to customers for affordable prices. Most, if not all of the clothing suits her sense of style and it's always important that her clients look and feel their best. As soon as you visit, you'll find Fabuless Fashions' tagline: "Bringing FAB Fashions to "U" for LESS, which is FABULESS!"

Here's a sneak peak of the website:

Melissa is also hard at work building the Fabuless Fashions blog! For connecting with her more directly, finding out about giveaways or new items in the shop, and even finding out about Melissa's design company, Decorative Concepts Online, the Fabuless Fashions blog is the place to be!

My new friend and sponsor was so sweet to send a pair of earrings for me to review and a pair to give away to one of you lucky readers! I was excited to open the mail and see these rose beauties staring back at me! Rose for me and rose for you! Did you know that rose gold is absolutely coveted for this season? I've been at a loss for how to style the color because I've never really used it before, but then I remembered how much I love ballet pink and charcoal grey together and combined the three-wire pink hoops with my grey turtleneck sweater. 

sweater: APT. 9, Kohl's

earrings: c/o Fabuless Fashions

So go acquaint yourself with this new rising star of a designer clothing website and enter to win these beautiful rose hoops to go with your fall and winter wardrobes! Every person who enters will also be admitted "Special Access" to shop on Fabuless Fashions with added discounts on certain items!

To Enter:

- Follow a little bit of this... via Google Friend Connect, Reader, or Blogger and let me know!

- Follow the Fabuless Fashions blog 

Extra Entries!!!

- Check out Fabuless Fashions, take a look around, and tell me your favorite item!

- Leave your email on THIS POST so you will be entered for Special Access shopping!

- "Like" Fabuless Fashions on Facebook! While you're there, tell Melissa your favorite item from the store and why you love it!

- Tweet "I just entered the @fabulessfashion giveaway with @the_littlebit at http://bit.ly/nygq0I!"

Giveaway open from Tuesday, 9.13.11 until 11:59 ET on Sunday, 9.18.11.

This site is going to be an amazing resource for fashionistas on a budget (and who isn't one of those?)! Send some love to Melissa and be sure to enter to win these sweet earrings!

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!

Interruption...

I hereby interrupt this week's installment of "Intense Adoration" to catch you up on outfits for the week! 

Thursday:

The kids' mom told me that she was impressed with my keeping up my style. It was only day 4, so I didn't feel like I'd been trying too hard (and I took my pictures BEFORE mascara this particular morning, btw). This is the closest outfit version I had to the winner of the Nanny Style Contest, so I guess I didn't get to cropping the pants. Now that I wore them, I'm not sure if I want to chop 'em up. They're nice pants, right? I also tried the Heidi braids for the first time. 

 top: LC Lauren Conrad for Kohl's

chinos: Old Navy

flip flops: Old Navy

Friday:

I allowed myself a more casual day with a t-shirt and jeans, but really wished for a sundress while we walked to the park. It was really sunny and warm and jeans + heat and humidity = lots of discomfort. Boy 4 told me how much he liked spending time with me, yesterday, and I just about melted. Before I left, I was reassured by The Mom (I guess that can be her blog name?) that she was very happy and comfortable with me... I'll rest easy this weekend.

 top: Charlotte Russe

jeans: Charlotte Russe

sandals: Target

 hair: slept in braids

eyes: a purplish brown from my e.l.f. 100 pallet

mascara: Maybelline Falsies

I miss you guys so much!!! I hope to spend some time, tomorrow, catching up on blogs and commenting. You all have been so supportive of me in my new endeavor and I'm SO thankful for all of you! Now, I'm off to make pancakes for a crying toddler, a husband who won't listen to me about not bringing juice into the house, and then I'll be doing housework all day, until Boy 4's birthday party this evening!

100% Cotton

The first thing my boss (err... the mom?) said to me when I walked in this morning was, "That's a really pretty dress, but you might regret wearing it!" I looked down and immediately thought, "Ah, yes, the wretched white." But I'm a firm believer that 100% cotton (no blend) + a little bit of OxiClean can be magical. Stain on my dress? Shame on me. No big deal because this is my life now, right?

And what a wonderful life, it is!

I had the morning with Baby Girl (BG), yesterday, and met the boys this morning. Boy 2 and Boy 4 will be the names for all intensive and privacy purposes. They were a bit shy at first... and by "at first," I mean the first 8 seconds I was in the house. Their mom took them to school and I spent the morning with BG, again. We played, I made a delicious (ahem, blech) mush concoction, we sang and danced, we practiced almost crawling, talked about colors and numbers, she took a nap and a half, I got some things done around the house, and then the boys came home at 1:00. I was nervous. I'm not going to lie. I've been quite literally prepared for holy terrors. I think it's standard procedure to prepare a nanny/caregiver/babysitter for the worst, though, right? Because sure, the boys were boys, but MAN I want one, now! They are so much fun. Boy 2 reminds me so much of Little S. because they're really communicating at a similar level right now. They're interested in the same sorts of things and their attention span is about identical. Boy 4 is very helpful and sweet. He's definitely a cheerleader for his younger siblings. It was a crazy and loud afternoon and I'm exhausted. And it feels great. I'm so thankful for this opportunity and really can't wait for Little S. to join us in a week and a half! So, what's the dress in question, you ask?

dress: SONOMA, Kohl's

cardigan: Express

sandals (which don't really count because I don't wear shoes in the house): Cabrizi

I learned on my first day to keep jewelry to a minimum (ie: studs in the ears, only) and my hair pulled back. BG really likes to put everything in her mouth right now! Plus, a woman can work up a serious sweat when she's not sitting at a desk all day (HALLELUJAH!).

I have to thank you all for your immense amounts of support on the blog and on twitter the past few weeks. You've been really awesome about my changing jobs and having to swap a bit of style for comfort with my new gig. I'm so happy and feel so rewarded at the end of my day (and all day long!), so I know this was the right move. I hope to take some time this weekend to catch up on blog reading, because I'm spending my late evenings after Little S. goes to bed working on online personal style portfolios. So, if you're waiting on one, thanks for your patience! It's coming soon.

Lesson learned: One portfolio client at a time. Not five. 

Ahem, anyone interested in a personal styling "sesh" with me?

email: kimberly.s.parham{at}gmail{dot}com