Casually Speaking *Inspirational*

Lately, all I've wanted to do is look cute and casual. I don't have time for frills and clothing that pulls or gathers or is pinned with brooch. I run errands, clean house, go to the park, and am huge. I've found it really difficult to dress my growing body over the past two months or so and although all of the beautiful bloggers I'm featuring today are fit and fabulous, I still gain inspiration through their classically casual outfits.

Maegan of ... Love Maegan

Megan of The Frugalista Diaries

Tara of Mix & Match Fashion

Lindsey of Ruby Girl

Sydney of The Daybook

If these ladies can pass on any advice to me via these photos (and the linked blog posts), it's that casual doesn't have to be frumpy, lazy, or thoughtless. The attention to detail in each outfit is just enough that an onlooker knows you made an effort and that the outfit is well thought out. But all of these bloggers (included in my daily reads) tend to look amazing whether in a little black dress or in jeans and a tee. That's the inspiration I'm looking for.

Homecoming Gifts

There's nothing like coming home from a week away and having tons of packages waiting! The first gift was one from myself and the last is one I can't show you quite yet! But S and I had a smorgasbord of fun things to open upon our return from Virginia and I wanted to share them with you.

I bought myself a clearance apron from Plow & Hearth while visiting my mom. It's so me- bright yellow, ruffle, and a pocket for when I need to carry my spatula around the house. Convenience is key.

 My sweet, sweet friend, Megan, sent me a package full of fun goodies! I was so excited and am still very, very thankful for such a wonderful friend!

 In my package, I received pacis, chocolate, and itty bitty little onesies! These are actually 3-6 month size. I think I forgot how little babies are. Bean is going to be sooo wittle!

My husband thought these Soothing Breast Wipes were a funny gift, but I don't think anyone knows how much I've talked to Megan about my fear of nursing! I'm not afraid to do it. I'm afraid it won't work out! These just showed me that she's listening and is here to help when I need it. And I think these little wipes just might come in handy! 

 I also got these awesome commuter flats from Megan! She's not much of a flats girl. Check out her blog and you'll see what I mean. I, on the other hand, am rarely caught in heels (especially in my current state of enormity). 

 My lovely friend, Aline, of the Polkadot Sweater, sent me this pattern that I won in a giveaway of hers a few weeks ago! I *really* hope that I can manage the sewing project, because the purse is absolutely gorgeous. We'll see if I can fight the zipper!

 Some of you might remember me begging and pleading for your help on facebook about two weeks ago. Because you're awesome, Mikarose sent this dress for Little S! Isn't it so pretty? I'll definitely post photos as soon as she wears it (likely to church this Sunday).

 My Granny sent S an awesome Easter package, complete with two outfits, headbands, barrettes, a book, and a little chicky! Thanks, Granny!

There's something so awesome about receiving fun things in the mail, isn't there? I wish I had more money so I could send presents all the time!

17 Weeks with Bean & a Tag!

Hi, friends! I didn't get to do a Bean update yesterday because we tore our house up! I had no idea that in the process of redoing Little S' bedroom, we would literally have to take everything in our house apart. The crib was in our bedroom, the changing table was in what will be the nursery, the dresser was still in the middle of S' room, our bedroom entertainment center become S' new dresser, the shelves in our makeshift pantry become shelving in S' room, the shelving in what will be the baby's closet moved to the pantry, the bookshelf was in the hallway... A SHAMBLES. I cried a lot yesterday. A lot. Anyway, this is going to be a long post because I'm going to do an outfit post, belly shot, baby update, and a blog buddy tag that Maggie of Finding Myself tagged me in last week! Thanks, girl! This was really fun.

And for the record, I tag Bekah, Melissa (welcome back to the blog world!), and Heather!

cami: Rue 21

gingham shirt: Old Navy

I think it's safe to say this shirt won't button in one more week...

cardigan: Agar Fashion, won from a TFD giveaway

jeans: Old Navy

shoes: Ross

necklace: Barberry & Lace

sunglasses: Talbots 

(but I found them on the floor of an empty auditorium)

I feel like my belly looks smaller than last week. Weird. Over the last week, I endured an insane sinus infection that I'm still trying to get over. It seriously kicked my butt. The only pregnancy discomforts I've experienced recently are lower back pain, a bit of round ligament pain, and unfortunately, brushing my teeth makes me throw up. I'm not gagging myself. It's the smell and taste of toothpaste. I've tried three kinds and think I'll have to go get some of the Crest Whitening Expressions that are flavored differently. I think they have herbal, tropical, cinnamon, and vanilla. The mint stuff is NOT working with me. And let me tell you how inconvenient it is to throw up after you brush your teeth. It's LAME. Because then, you have to brush them again and the whole game starts over.

Bean moves a lot at night when I wind down and it's the coolest feeling. Still just little flutters and swimming movements, but I know it's the baby and it's really special. Sometimes I just can't wait to get in bed so I can enjoy the few minutes I get to feel him/her before I drift off. I've been drinking a lot of chamomile and peppermint tea to keep myself calm and relaxed. It works SO well. If you're pregnant, try it! And the tea has such a wonderful flavor that you don't need any sugar or sweetener at all. 

OUR ULTRASOUND IS ON TUESDAY (and so is Little S' third birthday!!!)... 

We can't wait.

Blog Buddy Tag

Rules:

1. You must post these rules.

2. Each person must post 11 things about themselves on their blog.

3. Answer the questions the tagger set for you in their post and create 11 new questions for the people you tag to answer.

11 Things About Me:

1. I used to be extremely OCD about cleaning house until I became a mother. Now, I just let it drive me crazy and no longer take anxiety meds because of it.

2. I can't wait to dye my hair this summer. It's getting really dark and it's making me sad!

3. The prospect (err... reality) of becoming a mother of two freaks me out. I hope I'm good at it and I have mini breakdowns twice weekly in fear of failure.

4. I've lived a life I cannot afford for quite some time. Regularly going to church since last summer, meeting new friends, and relishing in my walk with Jesus has taught me what's really important in life. Hint: It' ain't in the clothes, sista.

5. I used to be afraid of what people would think of me if I openly discussed my love for being a Christian. I don't care what people think, anymore. It's awesome.

6. I floss every day.

7. Turquoise is my new favorite color and I'm extremely jealous of my daughter's new bedroom. I wish I could have it.

8. If we have a boy, we have no clothes for him, but a whole bedroom scheme planned out. If we have a girl, we have tons of clothes for her, but no idea how to decorate a bedroom.

9. I try to eat a high fiber, high protein breakfast every morning and drink at least 96 oz. of water a day.

10. I hate exercising. HATE IT WITH A PASSION. But if you can make me think I'm not exercising, I'm game. ie: Taking my daughter for bike rides while I walk the neighborhood makes me really happy!

11. I tell everyone I'm 4'11", but I'm really 4'10ish".

Maggie's Questions:

1. What are you most scared of? 

Losing a parent

2. How do you feel about bugs? 

I scream bloody murder pretty much every time I see a bug that's not an ant or fly.

3. How adventurous are your eating habits?

Not very. I've gotten a lot better since before college, but I'm still not up for trying a whole lot of new things. I'll eat some deer meat, but usually only if I know my uncle shot and prepared it. I don't eat sushi. Ever.

4. Dream Job?

Stay at Home Mom + Personal Stylist (for pregnant women and mothers)

5. Ever used the bathroom that’s designated for the opposite sex?

Absolutely! You've gotta go when you've gotta go!

6. Lady Gaga – gifted or just weird?

Both? Her voice is unmatched, she writes most of her own music, is a killer performer, and is super captivating. I just wish she'd rethink some of her wardrobe choices. :)

7. What is the most inappropriate thing you’ve ever done or said to someone?

I don't think it's appropriate for me to say that here.

But once, I did call someone stupid at Subway for asking the cashier if he could use a coupon that he left in the paper at home.

8. Congratulations! You just won the lottery!  What’cha gonna do with that money?

Pay off ours and our family's debt, buy a huge lot of land, and build a family compound.

9. Favorite dessert?

CHEESECAKE

10. Do you believe in aliens?

I wonder if they believe in us... Really, we're the ones who are going to do the invasion, take over, and use their resources.

11. Best date ever.

They day my boyfriend took me to the beach for a day trip and proposed with an airplane flying a banner across the sound. We went to a fancy dinner and enjoyed our newfound engaged-ness. Still remains the best date... and it was almost 7 years ago!

My Questions:

1. At first sight, is it love or just lust?

2. If you had a week all to yourself, no work, no interruptions, what would you do?

3. Cats or dogs?

4. I prefer grey weather and most don't, but if you had to endure it, would you rather have rain or snow?

5. If you have kids, do you want more? If you don't have kids, do you want any?

6. When decorating, do you find yourself more contemporary or classic?

7. How would you describe your personal style in three words?

8. You're on a road trip and all there is to eat is fast food. Where do you go and what do you get?

9. Which do you hate more: dusting or folding laundry?

10. Guilty pleasure?

11. Have you ever colored your hair?

Don't forget to enter the Darling Sparrow giveaway!

Christmas Warmth

There's nothing like red plaid to ring in the holiday season. Lucky for me, HappyScarf.com not only has festive choices, but hundreds of others, too! This baby was in the New Arrivals section and HappyScarf is offering 20% off of all new arrivals through Christmas! Sweet deal! 

I knew that after a busy weekend and taking care of a sick baby for days, I needed a really laid back outfit to go to a quick dinner on Sunday night. I'm not usually one for the pre-ripped denim look, but I love how these fit, so I made do. With a simple black top, I knew I needed something to make the outfit special. This Classic Plaid Red scarf brought warmth to the chilly night and reminded me that Christmas is less than two short weeks away!

top: Old Navy

cami: Rue 21

jeans: Old Navy

oxfords: from Rochelle

bag: Dama Handbags, won from TFD giveaway

scarf: c/o HappyScarf.com

I don't think I'm going to be going anywhere without this red bag all winter. I dare say I'm in love with it. Is there one accessory you can't walk out of the house without this season?

Party, Party, Party!

I felt like Cinderella. In May, I gave up getting "dressed" for the office in order to live in sweats and yoga pants for a nanny position that is segueing me into the life I've always dreamed of - being a SAHM. But when I received an invitation to my boss' yearly Christmas cocktail party, I knew it was my chance to finally get glammed up after such a long time of losing my identity behind the bulk of too big t-shirts. I'd been on the search for the perfect long-sleeved black shift dress, preferably with lace detailing, and on Friday, I still hadn't found the perfect frock. Instead of giving up and wearing something I already owned, I bought a dress at Kohl's that was just okay. Then, it hit me. Hello... I never shop at department stores, so I should probably just try it this once. JCPenny was the jackpot! I found my perfect dress and was able to return the mediocre one. Getting dressed up in the cocktail dress of my dreams, doing my hair and make-up, and wearing ridiculous shoes that made me want to cry was SO.MUCH.FUN!

dress: R&K from JCPenny

shoes: Mossimo from Target

bag: Dama Handbags, won from TFD giveaway

 face make-up: Dinair Airbrush kit + Bare Minerals 

eyeshadow: e.l.f. Studio palette 

mascara: L'Oreal Million Lashes

lipstick: Jet Setter by Rimmel

My brother caught a picture of me telling the dog to back it up out of my photo sesh. Although I look like a bossy brat, this is the only good picture of my silver and black eyeshadow, so in place of fear that you'll think I'm a yeller, I'll spare myself and imagine you really just wanted to see my make-up.

And just like Cinderella, I had a wonderful time at the party, came home, and got back into my rags. Then I spent the entire glamorous night waking up with my itty bitty who is very, very sick with a cold/cough situation. Pray she gets it out of her system before the holiday!

Guest Post: Megan of The Frugalista Diaries

5 Things A Stylish Mom Should Have ...

Being a mom is no excuse for not being fashionable, because as a mom of 2 rambunctious boys I know that it's completely possible and practical. Now I'm not saying you have to wear heels and dress up every days to be stylish, because you don't. Here are 5 things every stylish mom needs in her life....

1. A Maxi Dress

One of the most versatile pieces in your closet next to the little black dress is the maxi, it can be dressed up, dressed down, worn as a skirt and is always in fashion. I can't go a week without wearing one. Plus they come in an array of colors and prints, and always add a little bit of bohemian elegance to your style, whether you're playing with the kids at the park or catching up with your girlfriends over lunch.

2. A Good Pair Of Jeans

Jeans are obviously the easiest piece to have in your wardrobe, you can wear them with just about anything depending on the wash and style, which is why mom's should own at least one pair of "Good Fitting Make You Feel Like a Million Bucks" Jeans. Shopping for jeans can either make or break one's day, we all hate that dreaded feeling that it's not going to look good or fit, remember what works for one person doesn't always work for you, and that's fine because clearly you're fabulous too. So try one different fits, you might be surprised how good it looks, and don't be discouraged if it doesn't, your 'fit' is out there, promise!

3. A Great Big Fabulous Bag

You know to hold all that mom stuff inside, whether it's snacks, toys, diapers and wipes, we all have a load to carry for our little ones, why not look stylish while doing so.  Totes, satchels and carry alls now come in amazing shapes, prints and prices, making it easier to add a little pop of style.

4. When In Doubt Wear Red

When you're having one of those blah days going through your closet and feel like you  have "nothing to wear", look for the first splash of red to brighten your day, whether it's a pair or ballet flats, a colorful clutch or even a red top or dress. I guarantee you'll leave the house in a better, more confident mood.

5. A Sturdy Yet Chic Pair of Wedges (or Heels)

Sometimes heels aren't the most practical of shoe choices for chasing kids around, but it doesn't mean they should exist in your closet.  Wedges are the easiest to wear, and can be found in a number of heights from 1'' to 5'', plus they can be worn with just about everything. 

I hope you liked my 5 Things Every Stylish Mom should have and I hope you visit me over at The Frugalista Diaries for Outfit Ideas, Designer Looks For Less,  Recipes, DIYS and more!

xo Megan

A big thanks to my IRL friend, Megan, for popping in to guest post for me! Isn't she amazing? And don't forget to enter for your chance to win my Lulu's dress. The giveaway ends tomorrow!

October Sponsor Lovin'

It's already mid-October, but I want to share these awesome companies and blogs with you! I hope you take a few minutes to check everyone out and take advantage of some of the awesome things you'll find within each site!

Poshlocket is a brand new, fashion-forward online jewelry boutique, stationed in New York. With simple but edgy, and elegant but modern choices, you'll be able to meet all of your fashion jewelry needs at this one-stop shop! Poshlocket also boasts free shipping on all orders and returns, which is a luxury that's so difficult to find when online ordering! Some of my favorite pieces from the boutique include the following beauties that mix metal and fabric!

(left to right)

Jenny Fabric Weave Cuff

Stacey Three Chain Fabric Bracelet

Katie Fabric Weave Bracelet

(left to right)

Lacey Fabric Long Necklace

Shelly Fabric Choker

These fabric pieces are not only chic and unique, but if you order them during the month of October and/or until supplies last, you will get a FREE pair of matching metal & chain earrings! Hello! Great deal, beautiful jewelry, free shipping, free gift? Yes, please!

To learn more about Poshlocket, check their About page!

If you weren't lucky enough to meet Andi of The Hollie Rogue last month, now's your chance! This sweet, skilled, and very busy SAHM is running a successful blog, being an awesome parent, living with so much faith, and sprinkling joy into our lives every day with her talents! Some of the wonderful things you can look forward to when reading The Hollie Rogue are:

Delicious meals

handmade crafts and tutorials

Andi is also a burgeoning photographer and has tons of tips and tricks to share each Friday! Be sure to stop by, follow, and leave some love from a little bit of this... readers!

Megan, the writer behind The Frugalista Diaries, is not only a frugal fashionista, but she's also a dear friend and I'm so glad we've been able to work together this month! With her blog, Megan is able to take a serious budget and show us how to create high fashion looks, sharing them in her personal street style posts. A recent favorite of mine is her gorgeous Asos dress toughened up with a vintage belt.

You'll also find DIYs, up to date fashion news, looks for less/spot the steals, tutorials, and even the surprise delicious recipe about once a week! My mouth was drooling over her cherry coffee cake a few weekends ago!

Stop by The Frugalista Diaries and give Megan some love!

Oh, hey! It's tights weather, again! Have you stopped by We Love Colors to order your stock for the cool weather? I have! I'm looking forward to rocking colors with my wardrobe in sweet, chic, and of course, unexpected ways this season. With 51 colors plus splash and fishnet choices, you can't go wrong! I even styled some kelly green knee socks that you'll see on Saturday!

That's it for October, my friends! I hope you get a chance to stop by and check everyone out. Take advantage of these awesome shops and bloggeristas. You won't be sorry! Happy October!

Hopefully, you crafties are working on your project for this Thursday's Old to New October! We've GOT THE PRIZES and our sponsor, Anika Burke Eclectic Boutique to share with you! Stay tuned!