Week 30...

The countdown has begun! Only 10 weeks away from our precious little miracle.  We had a 3D sonogram the other day and it makes it harder to wait and meet this beautiful little girl.  It was so fun seeing who's features we think she has right now and of course she's the most beautiful little angel we've ever come across! 

The picture is yellow for some reason but it's okay. 

Cravings This Week-   Yoplait Yogurt- but the good flavors like: Boston Cream Pie, Red Velvet Cake. Basically, any flavor with the word pie or cake in the name and it ended up in my grocery cart. 

Sleeping Patterns-   See below.  After the massage I slept like a baby that night! Although, I did end up in the recliner one night. 

 Biggest Change-  I had one of my girlfriends, who is a massage therapist, come over and give me a prenatal massage.  WOW! The best thing ever when your leg is numb and your back hurts.  I felt like a completely different person afterwards.  I will be using her services weekly from now on.  Thanks to Jenny Mertz and her miraculous hands!

I have had a request for "more" baby bump pictures.  So, from now on I will be providing weekly pics of my bump as well.  No judging or comparing just because you can fit into size 4 jeans right now. 

To quote my LOVE, "She's huge!"  He really did say that to one of my girlfriends while I was standing there.  But, it's okay.  I told him that cost him a new handbag:)

Week 29...

Getting closer week by week and with the holidays these weeks are flying by! 

Cravings This Week-  COOKIES!!! I had a  cookie exchange this past weekend, so I've been eating all the yummy cookies I have leftover.  That's what the holidays are for right?

Sleeping Patterns-    What else can I say about this anymore except sleeping SUCKS!!! 

 Biggest Change-   Acid Reflux City!  I haven't had any heartburn/acid reflux since the beginning of the pregnancy and now it's hit me like a freight train! It's all the damn time.  Morning, noon, and night.  It doesn't matter what I eat either.  I could drink a sip of water and I get acid reflux from the water? If you've never had acid reflux you are really lucky.  Besides the crap coming up in your throat, the face you make when it happens isn't very pretty.  

Nursery Update -   We still have odds and ends to add to the nursery but at this point it's pretty complete. I even added a little Christmas tree to the room for festivity sake plus it gave me an excuse to put up my old purple ornaments which I love!

Diaper Bag Dilema...

The hunt has begun! For the ultimate diaper bag that is, and I have quite a dilema.  Which one to pick!  Now, you all know how crazy I am with handbags, so why would a diaper bag be any less important?  This is a tough decision.  I need it to be fashionable plus functionable.  There's a boatload of bags out there, but I've narrowed my decision down to three.  I just have to figure out which one is more practical, but still fabulous of course.  Also, I pay a lot for my handbags so don't expect anything different from a diaper bag.  Some of you might think I am crazy, but it's okay.  

Choice #1

The Olivia by storksak London -  This bag has tons of pockets! 5 on the outside and 7 on the inside.  Plus padded shoulder straps, an insulated bottle holder, and it's nylon so easy to clean.  This one seems the most practical and it's pretty cute.  Doesn't scream DIAPER BAG!  This bag comes in
at $198 and comes from London, which I have a thing for London.

 

Choice #2

Stacked Logo Billy Baby by Tory Burch- Classic Tory Burch in more of a tote form and could actually pass for a regular handbag.  It has 5 pockets on the outside, but 2 of them are so small I consider them more for looks because they aren't practical.  On the inside there's 5 pockets, but again 2 of them are pretty small.  This bag comes with a clip for stroller attachment and a strap which turns it into a cross body which sounds very appealing.   This bag is $350.

Choice #3

London Shopper Classic by Rosie Pope- This is probably the least practical out of the two and I only say that because the bag itself weights 5 pounds.  And, that's before there's anything in the bag.  It's so super chic though! This bag has a removable washable liner, shoulder straps, and changing pad. There's not quite as many pockets as the storksak, but again it's super chic.  This bag comes in at the most expensive at $365, but again it's okay. 

So, you can see how I might be in a pickle.  Which one? Which one?  If only I could find a reason to need all three!

HOLIDAY JEWELS...

It's that time of year when holiday parties are a plenty! The easiest way to dress up your holiday outfit is with a fabulous piece of jewelry.  You can wear any of these pieces below with an LBD or skirt, top, and high boots.   Plus, you'll be extra sparkly and sure to stand out! Happy Holiday Party!!!

 

Week 28...

We've hit the 3rd trimester!!! Whoo Hoo!!!  Only 12 weeks until baby girl is here.  I know with the holiday time will fly and I can't wait!

Besides nesting and cleaning out every room and drawer in the house, I've also been baking up a storm! Pics to come soon on some of the incredible holiday recipes I've been whipping up. Here's the latest update:

Cravings This Week-  CUTIES( you know the little oranges/tangerines)

Sleeping Patterns-   I now dread nighttime.  I know when I get into bed that I will only sleep half the night and the other half will be spent starring at the wall, or at my LOVE, who is fast asleep in lala land. 

 Biggest Change-  I can no longer bend down to tie my show or put on my socks.  It's now a task to do either of these things.  I have to sit down first, then huff and puff for a second, then complete the task, another huff and puff, and try and stand back up.  Pregnancy is definitely a balancing act.

Nursery Update -    The nursery is complete!!! It is absolutely beautiful and exactly what I was imagining.  It's fit for a little princess:) 

Here's a sneak peek of how the stripes turned out.  I'll post more pics at another time. 

 

 

A New Life Planner...

I am very old fashioned about some things in my life.  Daily planners are one of them.  Now, I am trying to be better about putting my appointments and tasks into my phone, but there's just something about writing everything down.  I like to be able to go back and look at my planner and highlight items, take notes,  and just write things down.  I am always in search for the perfect planner and I think I've hit the jackpot!!!

One of my girlfriends had this incredible planner and I just had to get one!  They are Daily Life Planners from Erin Condren. 

The best thing about the planners is you can customize to your life! You can even design the front cover with pictures of your little ones, your initials, and even your name.  I choose to do one with my initials and name. 

The inside of the planner has everything you would want to keep your life organized:

Double page monthly spread

Weekly double page spread

Even pages to keep track of birthdays and anniversaries which I definitely need help with!

There's also room for notes, a handy plastic pocket to keep receipts or whatever you might lose, and the front and back covers are even laminated!  

There's plenty of designs to choose from:

 www.erincondren.com

The planners are a little pricey at $50 and there are options you can add which cost extra, but if it helps keep me on track then it's worth the little extra.  Plus, it's super cute!  I am counting on this planner to help me stay on top of my life for the next year.  Check back with me at the end of 2013 and I'll let you know how it goes!

Week 26...

                                           

                                                               

Cravings This Week- Cold drinks.  My love made this weird concotion of orange juice and sprite the other night for himself.  He ended up thinking it was disgusting but of course I thought it was great!  I just loved the coldness of the drink.  I have also been wanting cold glasses of milk which is very strange.

Sleeping Patterns-   I resorted to the reclincer several nights this week due to comfort. However, we just got a new bed and it felt like heaven last night.  I actually slept the whole night through!

 Biggest Change-  My belly is BIG! I put on one of my night shirts the other night and it rode halfway up my stomach! Even my love made the comment last night,"wow, you're belly is big"  "Thank you, I am aware of my stomach- now please give me a back rub," is what I said.

Nursery Update -   The room is finally painted!  Corbin-aka- decorator extraordinaire is coming back this weekend to do a little touch up and add some spectacular stripes! I am hoping we can also get some decorations done as well.  Her bedding came in this week so can't wait to see what it all looks like together!

P.S. I am going to see Twilight tonight- besides being super excited, I am excited for her first Twi-experience. I hope she loves it as much as I do!

Surprise visit from MOM...

Last week was an extra special week for me and I was so busy I didn't have time to blog to all of you! My mom came for an unexpected visit. My love was out of town for work so it was an all out girls' week! We both figured it would probably be one of the last times we would have together just the two of us and we definitely spent the time right.  Shopping & Eating! My two favorite hobbies. 

Mom started the week off with a new outfit she brought for baby girl from Janie and Jack.

A beautiful rose floral bodysuit with matching socks.  If you've ever been in that store then you know it's to die for!  Thanks mom/grandma

http://www.janieandjack.com/index.jsp

Next up we visited one of our favorite stores for everything- HomeGoods

I found this incredible stone cheeseboard that I needed.  Let's be honest, I don't need a cheeseboard- I have 4 of them already but I love to make cheese plates and I love anything French, so it only made sense to buy this one. 

Since it appeared I was on a French kick(when am I not) we also purchased these insanely gorgeous chocolates from Maxim's Paris.  Now, my love wanted to know why I would spend money on a box of chocolates when I don't even like chocolate, but these are not just any chocolate I told him.  These are Parisian chocolates all the way from Paris just for HomeGoods and meant to be eaten by moi! 

http://www.maxims-de-paris.com/

Next up was Nell Hill's in Briarcliff. Of course the store is always beautifully decorated but this time of year it's at its most magnificent with all of the holiday decorations!  We could have spent days in there envisioning our houses looking like the rooms in the store.  Here we are having a little fun after wandering around and around.

Mom & a giant sock cow

http://nellhills.com/locations/kansas_city.html

Last but not least to cure our aching feet from all of the walking around and shopping, we had a pedicure! I had been wanting to try out the new shop HOOPLA in Fairway so that's where we headed!  The one thing I love about HOOPLA  

and what makes them so different from other nail salons is how clean and fresh the atmosphere makes you feel.  There's no other salon like it in Kansas City.  HOOPLA prides themselves on being super hygienic and much safer all around.  They don't do acrylics here so no yucky smell which I loved! 

Another perk is with your mani or pedi you get to take home your color of nail polish for touch-ups! It's a little more expensive than those other places out there- $40 for a pedicure, but this will definitely be my go to from now on!  

                                                                 The pedicure station

                                                                       The mani bar

http://www.hooplastudio.com

All in all it was a wonderful week spent with a wonderful lady.  Come back anytime mom!

Best Chocolate Chippers...

One of my cravings this week is still homemade chocolate chip cookies.  There's nothing like a fresh hot cookie right out of the oven with a glass of milk(almond milk in my case).  I like to consider myself a pro chocolate chip baker as this has always been my go to dessert when I need to make cookies.  I've made them for my family growing up and now I make them for my love and my pregnant self.  I've searched the internet for that perfect recipe but always come back to the most simple yet delicious one out there.  

Chocolate Chippers

from: Better Homes & Gardens New Cook Book

1/2 cup shortening

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla

...

1 cup sifted flour

3/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon soda

1 6-ounce package chocolate chips( I prefer Nestle milk chocolate chips)

...

Cream shortening, sugars, egg, and vanilla till light and fluffy. Sift together dry ingredients; stir into creamed mixture; blend well. Add chocolate chips.

Drop from teaspoon 2 inches apart on a cookie sheet. Bake at 375 for 10-12 minutes. 

ENJOY

Two of my absolute favorite baking tools are:

1. A cookie scoop- will give you the perfect shape of cookie and makes it easier that using a spoon.

Oxo Good Grips Cookie Scoop from Bed, Bath, & Beyond $13.99


2. A small flat spatula- This small design makes it easier to take cookies off the cookie sheet and helps to prevent them from breaking apart. 

Oxo Good Grips Flat Spatula from Bed, Bath, & Beyond $6.99

What are your favorite cookies???

Week 24...

We've hit the 6th month mark! Hard to believe.  The month actually runs from the 23rd-27th week- I'll never get used to this week thing they use in pregnancy. 

It's Halloween night and we are getting ready to see all the tiny ghosts and goblins that show up at our doorstep.  Being we are in a new neighborhood this year, wasn't quite sure how much candy to buy. But, I am sure we can make do with whatever is left over:)

Cravings This Week- Chocolate chip cookies made by moi

Sleeping Patterns-  Now my arm is falling asleep and is numb besides my leg.

 Biggest Change- We can see you kicking! My stomach moves up and down at night with the pitter patter of your little feet and hands.

Nursery Update -  Nothing again this week... Maybe it's time to call professional painters, although I have been promised this next weekend will be the time to paint!!! We'll see about that.

This time next year we will have our own little "boo" to celebrate with! But until then.....

Happy Halloween Everyone!

Halloween Pumpkin

Our little pumpkin

Week 23...

This week has flown by! I almost forgot to update the week.  We are now ending week 23, not a lot of changes this week but some things to note.

                                                              Yes-things I want to eat

                                            No-things that make me want to throw-up.

The camera and I got into a disagreement when I was taking this picture so the colors didn't come out as they should but again I am not a photographer or an artist so this is what came out. 

Cravings This Week- Honeycrisp Apples with peanut butter

Sleeping Patterns- I am told you are supposed to sleep on your left side although I wake up in the middle of the night because my left side has fallen asleep and is all numb feeling. 

Biggest Change- Heartburn City!!! Now, anything I eat is giving me heartburn. ughh....

Nursery Update - Well, no painting yet.  I keep waiting, but nothing has happened.  I am at the mercy of others since I can't paint(I cant' stand not being in control).  On a side note, my love surprised me with a shabby chic chandelier for baby girls room.  He came home last weekend after picking up the crib and had bought the chandelier because I've been talking about it nonstop.  I can't wait to see how it looks! Will post a picture once it's up! 

Holiday Mart Strikes Again...

This past weekend was the 25th annual Junior League of Kansas City's Holiday Mart.  Each year Holiday Mart features more than 220 specialty vendors and more than 22,000 shoppers come from all over.  I attend each year and always come away with something fun and exciting and this year was no exception.  On my list this year were bows for baby girl, some kind of Christmas decor, and maybe a special present or two.  

First stop- I found these adorable socks for baby girl.  Of course, I couldn't buy just one color so I bought two.  I figured you can always use more socks.  I found these from pizzazzingyou.

 

www.pizzazzingyou.com 

Next up was some sort of Christmas decor.  I've been trying to think of something unique to put on my porch for Christmas and Nell Hills had just what I was looking for. These incredible white lanterns with garland and bows. I think they'll look beautiful with candles inside of them for the holiday. 

www.nellhills.com

I thought maybe I was finished after finding these lanterns except for one problem.  In order to put the garland and bows on top of the lanterns it would take about an hour.  This meant more walking around and more shopping.  So, I wandered back around again and ended up at my very first stop. 

I was back at pizzazzingyou and looking at the baby clothes this time.  I have what you would call the - I am a first time mother and I buy anything that's cute syndrome.  I know she'll probably wear this outfit once or not at all but I couldn't leave without it.  I blame the hour long wait:)  

Isn't this to die for! 

Anyways, another successful year at Holiday Mart and I always feel good about helping out a great cause.  Since it began in 1988, Holiday Mart has helped to raise more than $8 million for Kansas City community projects.   So, thanks Holiday Mart and see you next year!

                                                 

Minted...

While searching the internet the other day for pictures to put in a nursery- I came across a website I am in love with!! 

http://www.minted.com

It's basically handmade art from all over the world.  Different artists submit their work and the minted community votes to determine which pieces are sold! It's genius.  There are so many talented people all over and it's wonderful to be able to enjoy their art.  The website sells anything from holiday cards, to announcements to custom nursery art. Here's a few of my favorites...

For the holiday card

http://www.minted.com/product/holiday-photo-cards/MIN-1L7-HYC/peace-love-and-joy-branches

by alethea and ruth from seattle, wa

A baby announcement

 http://www.minted.com/product/birth-announcements/MIN-K92-BYA/meadow-monogram

by penelope poppy from pittsuburg, pa

and a few nursery custom art photos which could be just what I am looking for

                   http://www.minted.com/product/custom-art-prints/MIN-0EI-NCA/bonjour-bebe 
                                                      by emily ranneby from stockholm, sweden             

http://www.minted.com/product/custom-art-prints/MIN-0I1-NCA/dream-big

by guess what? from honolulu, hi

Week 22...

Things are certainly in full baby mode around here! We are officially in the middle of Week 22 now. 

                                                      

She is  currently a whole pound and a half!  We had another sonogram and it appears she has my nose(thank goodness:).  Baby girl is as healthy as can be and that makes me one happy mama to be!  Here are this week's changes:

Cravings This Week- Naked Juice Green Smoothie

Sleeping Patterns- I made my love switch sides of the bed with me but hasn't really helped

Biggest Change-I can feel you kicking like crazy! It's almost like there's a dance party going on in there! Of course it's always at night as I am getting ready to sleep.  Is this a sign of what's to come?

Nursery Update- This past weekend we purchased her bedroom furniture- crib, dresser, and rocker. The store we bought everything from was actually having a floor model sale so we were able to get some great deals!  They didn't have the color of crib I had originally wanted so we went with Lavender since her room is going to be Lavender, Gray, and White- I am just not sure what shades yet.   Here's what the crib looks like:

The crib is from Young America- The Build To Grow Gala Crib   http://www.youngamerica.com/built-to-grow-gala-crib.html.  My love was very specific that we got furniture made in America and that it had gone through rigorous safety standards.  

Anyways, I am hoping this weekend we can get some painting started- I won't be painting of course but it's on the agenda!

A NARS world...

The only makeup I've worn for the past 10 years or so has been MAC.  I have always been very happy with it and have seen no reason to switch until recently.   My skin is changing and I started to feel like my foundation was too heavy and the wrong color.  I was in need of something new and fresh.  Several people had recommended NARS to me but I knew nothing about the line.  So, one Saturday I scheduled a consultation at the NARS counter at Nordstrom to see what everyone was talking about.  

 

Well, they weren't wrong.  I was immediately impressed with the way my skin felt and looked!  I couldn't even tell I had any foundation on my face- it was so light and creamy, yet gave me the coverage I was looking for.  I've been using the Tinted Moisturizer( that's what they call foundation) for about a month now and absolutely LUV!

I also picked up one of their sheer lip colors- Dolce Vita- the name alone made me a fan!

Lastly, I purchased the Monoi Tahiti Body Glow Oil for my stomach.  I had mentioned to the makeup artist that I was pregnant and she told me this was a must have to help prevent stretch marks! I was sold immediately.   The Tahiti oil is the result of macerating the tiare flower (Tahitian gardenia) in refined coconut extract for at least 10 days, slowly infusing the oil with nutrients as well as a delicate, natural fragrance. It has been used for centuries in French Polynesia for its medicinal, soothing, moisturizing, protecting and beautifying benefits.  I'll let you know how it works for stretch marks!

Just a little background on NARS- It was created by a Frenchmen-Francois NARS - who was first a photographer and makeup artist before starting the NARS makeup line.  The line started with just 12 lipsticks at Barneys in New York and became an instant hit.  To this day NARS is synonymous with artistry, exquisite design, and bold colors. 

 

Week 21...

We've hit the halfway mark! Hard to believe.  My love bought me this chalkboard after I showed him something similar that I'd seen on the internet.  It's a great way for me to capture weekly updates of how baby girl is doing.  She's growing like crazy and her movements tell me she's having a major dance party inside!

I do not claim to be an artist. 

Cravings This Week- Cheese pizza made at Costco

Sleeping Patterns-  I am more uncomfortable this week and am having to use a body pillow. 

Biggest Change- I can't seem to touch my toes anymore when working out. 

Nursery Update- Corbin-aka- designer extraordinaire, came over yesterday and we have a plan in place, color theme picked out, and even bought a few decorations yesterday. 

The BIG reveal...

It's been nearly 2 1/2 weeks since my last post and I don't exactly know why.  Well, I have an idea but I'll leave that for another time... So, let's catch up.... Since we last chatted we have found out some very exciting news....  We are...

                                                          

WE or let's be honest- I - couldn't be more excited.  I can sit here and say I didn't care what I was having (that's what you're supposed to say), but I really, really, really wanted a little girl. My love, however, had no preference (like a good father should say).   We had this massive plan as to how we were going to find out too.  Our 3rd anniversary was September 23rd, so we thought it would be perfect to go to the doctor, have them put our pictures in an envelope and then open the envelope on our anniversary.  

That's not what went down.  We did go to the doctor a week ahead of our anniversary as planned but we caved the minute we left the building.  We immediately ditched all anniversary plans and headed right to Hy-Vee to have them make a gender baby cake for us.  We still wanted some element of surprise! So, the plan was to make a good dinner and then celebrate by cutting our cake.  

                                          It says, Congratulations Mom & Dad- that's us!

                                        

 Lilo, anxiously awaiting to see if she's having a brother or a sister- or waiting for a piece of cake to fall on the floor.

                                           

The BIG reveal... 

Excited mother!

So, let the shopping and decorating begin!