Baby Bean Update: 19 Weeks

19 weeks is such a strange number. 18 weeks is when you generally find out the sex of your baby. 20 weeks is halfway there. 19 is just... lack luster, I suppose. But we won't let it be that way, will we Bean?

dress: Self Made

cardigan: Old Navy

belt: New York & Company

tights: c/o We Love Colors

boots: Silhouettes

I spent this morning at Pursue the Passion, a women's conference at our church. I wasn't going to be able to attend at all because of the expense, but as blessed as I am, a friend from bible study sat next to someone who couldn't make it today and offered her ticket. My friend thought of me and got in touch with me immediately. I'm so thankful and very glad I got to go. Spreading God's word through strong, passionate women is such a wonderful way to spend a weekend. And I got to spend time with my dear friends, too. Win-win? I think so.

This week with the Bean: Little girl has been MOVING and shaking for about two weeks straight. I'm not kidding. The second I'm still, she's dancing like Party Rock is in the house. I don't know if I can feel her much earlier or if she really does move a lot more than S, but I have a feeling that Bean is going to be an active character when she graces us with her tiny presence. This week, I've felt pretty wonderful. All except I've been so exhausted that I want to fall over by 4:00 in the afternoon. Nights have been fairly sleepless because Miss Smarty over here (that'd be me) drinks 1-2 bottles of water in the hour before bed. I'm sorry. I cannot help it. I am THIRSTY. Also, Bean is the size of a large heirloom tomato this week. So please explain why I look like I have a large honeydew inside of my belly instead. I guess a large heirloom tomato can get pretty sizable, so... I don't know. I just think I grew exponentially over the last week. And I'm HUNGRY. I haven't been hungry almost this whole time and now I'm so scared that my on-track 2.5 lb. weight gain is about to go out the window.

Let's talk nursery. Husband and I had this awesome plan for a baby boy room. NOT because we were hoping for a boy, but because designing the room naturally fell around the idea of Husband's 1971 Chevelle. Now that we used a sweet nursery design on Little S AND just redid her room to big girl style, frankly, our brains are mush from decorating for a girl and I need some ideas! I was thinking of doing something really striking and different like hot pink with white polka dots on one wall and chocolate brown accents. I don't know, though... Weigh in!

I made this dress from an old stained t-shirt and a cheap curtain we used to cover our laundry room in our old apartment! My mom called me Scarlett O'Hara since I was "tearing down the drapes" to make a dress! I'll be featuring the other two maternity dresses I created over the course of the week!

You Look Like You Should Be on National Geographic

Husband and I joked that this dress + Baby Bean make me look like a tribal egg, and therefore I should be featured in one of those National Geographic other-wordly child birthing specials. It's funny when one of your most tried and true, favorite wardrobe pieces becomes the centerpiece for a good laugh.

dress: Ross

tights: c/o We Love Colors

boots: Silhouettes

earrings: Target

I wore this out last Saturday night to my friend's Annual Girls' Night. The dress is sort of awesome, because it's so lightweight that it feels like absolutely nothing. Coincidentally, tights do NOT feel like absolutely nothing, so I felt naked on top and restricted on the bottom. It was interesting, to say the least. I had a great time meeting some new ladies and hanging out with old friends, but I think it's safe to say that being the pregnant chick amongst a group of wine-induced hilarity and jokery (jokes weren't on me, don't worry) is not my forte. I might have to stick to sober nights in (or out) from now on. Lame? Maybe. I just had more trouble opening up than usual. Sadly, I'm becoming the mommy who misses her girl when she's out and longs for bed past 10:30. That's okay, right?

Don't forget to enter the Darling Sparrow apron giveaway! 

Bigger Elf Legs

On Sunday, we went out to lunch with my MIL and our cousins that live across town. Little S. insisted on wearing a dress and tights, so I decided to follow suit. Kid's a genius. I mean, it was only 40 degrees and dresses are much more comfortable than anything else. And this dress is a big stretchy knit thing with no seams that hit anywhere! Perfect for a casual, but comfy Sunday, of course.

dress: Ross, birthday gifted from Rochelle

scarf: Old Navy

tights: c/o We Love Colors

booties: Payless

Looking back, I wish I'd tied my scarf differently/shorter. But you know, hindsight's 20/20. I'm *SO* excited that we're leaving today to go to my uncle's to spend Christmas with family! Can't wait to hug my momma and my nanny (that is flying in from CO tomorrow!).

Little Elf Legs

Little S. has been nothing but a beacon of Christmas spirit, so over the weekend, we both donned elf legs. Today, she'll showcase hers!

dress: Target

chambray top: Thrifted by Rochelle

tights: c/o We Love Colors

bow belt: from one of my dresses

shoes: Nike Air Force, gifted from Uncle Ryan

There's really nothing those baby blues can't convince me.

Hint of Kelly

I've been hanging on to these kelly green knee highs from We Love Colors for.ev.er. I saw them, loved them, ordered them, and received them. And then I sat, staring at them for weeks before deciding I just couldn't figure them out. All of my tights and bright socks are displayed in my closet so that I see them every day. And every day that I looked at these knee high socks, I thought, "I'm too short. The color doesn't go with anything I have. HOW do I wear these?"

Enter the dress I refashioned last week. I wanted to wear it over the weekend and since I'd already showed three ways to style it, I figured I should do something different. Different? Ohhh, it was hammer time. And by hammer time, I mean kelly green knee high sock time. You'll have to excuse the grainy photos because we didn't get home from the playground/grocery excursion until 9:00 at night and, well, it was dark. My camera doesn't do so well in the dark, I guess.

dress: F21 via Rochelle, refashioned by me

socks: c/o We Love Colors

boots: Payless

Now, I LOVE my bright green knee-highs! They're so cute and add the perfect zing to a black and white outfit. I did, however, learn that dresses aren't a good idea when you're climbing playground equipment with your two-year-old. Just some personal experience and wisdom...

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!

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!

We Love Colors Wednesday: Separation

I have one more outfit in the series of ways to style Scout Green tights. 

And a little poem {?} I sort of wrote while taking a shower this evening.

Get your mind outta the gutter.

denim jacket: American Eagle

cream top: Charlotte Russe

floral skirt: Charlotte Russe

scarf: Old Navy

tights: c/o We Love Colors

wedges: Ross

Separation

Popular lyrics tell me it's a wonderland.

Mantra says it's my temple.

Coach made it run and jump, lift and yell, and run some more.

Words came out to a sweet tune and I was told it had huge pipes.

I hated it and loved it. Loved it and hated it more.

I hate it, again.

And then I'm thankful for it.

I stuff it full and then it's in pain.

It sits and lays but not much else.

It hugs and kisses and cooks delicious meals.

Husband says it's amazing. Beautiful. Tempting.

Fashionistas say it comes in all shapes and sizes.

Nothing fits.

Miracles show that it is miraculous.

Life was created and grown and birthed from it.

And I still don't understand why I separate myself

from my Body.

How Much is Too Much?

If you know me, you know the answer to the title question is that when it comes to color, I don't really think there is a "too much" zone. Okay, I guess I don't want to look like the product of rainbow vomit, but really, I like to mix it up. Kind of a lot. So, I featured these tights last week, on We Love Colors Wednesday, and then, I did a Ways to Wear Guest Post for Rochelle on Friday. This was one of the outfits I posted and I got quite a few compliments on it, via email. I decided to go ahead and give it a go. What do you all think? Too much for the work place? Remember that I don't have a strict dress code. And remember people have come to expect even more quirk from me than this little ol' outfit.

Really, when it comes to color, how much do you think is too much?

fuchsia blouse: Walmart, thrifted, from Rochelle!

grey dress shorts: New York & Company (tags still in.. can't decide)

scout green tights: c/o We Love Colors

shoes: Nine West, handed down from Whitney

necklace: The Body Shop

belt: New York & Company

p.s.- What do you think about the bangs to the side?

p.p.s.- Husband, I love you for making my legs look thin and my whole self look much, much taller than 4'11". Note to readers: These photos are total eye tricks. I have cottage cheese thighs. Even in tights.

Husband + Camera = visual miracles.

I hope everyone had a really nice Easter (and if you don't celebrate, I hope you had a great weekend)! We really enjoyed the time off of work and away from North Carolina. Friday, Husband worked on the car all day and Little S. and I rode around, looking at the tornado damage. It was devastating, but kind of awesome to see how neighbors were all rallying together to clean up the debris and make repairs. I cried. A lot. And then I prayed, thanking God that Husband's parents (a mere mile from where the tornado took down trees, houses and power lines) were safe and unscathed. Saturday, we took Little S. to the in-laws' church for an egg hunt. Because we weren't members, the munchkin didn't seem to get the same treatment as the rest of the kiddos. For instance, parents weren't allowed in the egg patch, so the church volunteers were leading the 1-4 year olds around to find eggs. No one knew S, so she was left in the dust. I hopped in to point some things out to her and was promptly yelled at. Don't worry, though. She found 14 goodies AND won a prize basket. Take that. Easter Sunday was the most fun. We woke up to amazing baskets from the Easter Bunny. Little S. got a beautiful wooden doll cradle, crafted by the Amish. She also got coloring books, reading books, the movie "Tangled," some adorable Spring outfits, and way too much candy. Husband and I shared a basket, mostly comprised of goodies from Harry & David (sesame garlic tortilla chips, pineapple salsa, moose munch, and Cold Stone flavored Jelly Bellies)! We each got a gift card, as well. Mine is to Kohl's, so I'm hoping to snag one of Lauren Conrad's new floral dresses before I make a surprise visit this weekend. After getting ready on Sunday, we headed to the Virginia zoo, where S was amazed by every single animal. She also only had ONE (count that, again) wet diaper ALL DAY. I was so proud. 

I was a good Momma and put sunscreen on Little S' sweet skin 4 times while at the zoo. I only put it on myself once. 

Sun: 1

Kimberly: 0

It's on.

Only two more days to enter the

Doe Run Jewelry Giveaway!

Guys, you get a CHOICE of which item you want to win.

Hello... DON'T miss out! Get your tushie over there, now!

*****

And don't forget to go enter the Biggest Giveaway EVER with Jackie Ranson Photography!

Today's the last day!

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One more! You have just 'til the end of this week to enter Heather's 100 Follower Giveaway over at Blonde... Undercover Blonde! DO IT!