Hello! Happiness

The Life List

2012-02-10T13:15:00.000-06:00

Do any of you friends out there have a “bucket/life list” of things you hope to accomplish? I started my so-called list a few years ago and have just now recently finished it…yes, it took me that long to decide my top 50 things. ;)

But, I wanted these things to be attainable, things I can actually achieve in time! Some are lighthearted, some personal, and some for just plain fun. As you can see, some of these I’ve already completed, or are in progress, so we’ll mark those as complete ;)

Here they are:

1. Go on a zipline tour

2. Travel to Italy with Jeff and my parents

~~3. Start a family~~

4. Learn to bake my Grandmother’s divinity from scratch

5. Sign up for calligraphy classes

6. Rent a convertible and drive up the California coast

7. Start my own business

8. Visit all 50 states

9. Design my next home

~~10. See Lady Gaga in concert~~

11. Plan {someone else’s} wedding from start to finish

12. Host Thanksgiving for both our families at our home

13. Tour the Smithsonian as an adult

14. Take Jeff to Disney World because he’s never been

~~15. Visit NYC during Christmas with my friends~~

16. Go to a Super Bowl Game

17. Plan a surprise weekend getaway for Jeff

~~18. Switch to an iPhone~~

19. Complete a marathon

~~20. Start a girl’s book club~~ {well now we do bunko, but you get the jist}

21. Cook a 5-course gourmet meal for a small dinner party

22. Read the Harry Potter book series

~~23. Buy a Digital SLR camera~~

24. Plant a garden in our backyard complete with my favorite veggies and herbs

~~25. Pay off all my debt~~

26. Read Wuthering Heights

27. Go to the symphony

28. Publish an article in a magazine

29. Read the Bible from beginning to end

30. Go to a movie at a drive-in theater

31. Attend Bonnaroo music festival

~~32. See the Lion King on Broadway~~

33. Collect postcards from all my traveling adventures

34. Buy all the classic Disney movies on DVD

35. Go to the winter Olympics {summer games are a check: Atlanta in 1996}

36. Design/plan a party for a complete stranger

37. Go on a shopping spree

38. Take the stairs to the top of the Eiffel Tower

39. Learn to sew

40. Attend a formal black tie event with Jeff

41. Take an all girls trip to Napa or a spa resort in Arizona

42. Buy a pair of classic Christian Louboutins

43. Take a cake decorating class

44. Become a wine connoisseur

45. Go to the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

~~46. Get married!~~

47. Master Photoshop

48. Reconnect with an old friend from my past

49. Rent a beach house for the whole summer

50. Design/print a custom cookbook with friends and family favorite recipes

What are some of the items on your list of things you hope to achieve/accomplish?

Fashionable Friday...Weekend Casual

2012-02-10T10:45:00.001-06:00

It may be chilly yet again here in the southern states, but that doesn't mean we can't dream of the fun spring weather that is destined to come back soon! I love mixing long sleeve tops with fun colorful shorts...the contrast is so fun! Check out this weekend casual look ;)

boatneck top // shorts // necklace // tote // sunglasses // ballet flats

34 Week Baby Update...Still Chugging Along!

2012-02-09T09:16:00.001-06:00

How Far Along? 34 weeks, 5 days...ahhhh!! 37 days to go
Size of Baby Caroline? another week of contrasting site views...one says canteloupe, and one says durian fruit-these people need to get it together. wee one measures right at 4.75 pounds and is about 18 inches in length.
Maternity Clothes? i'm sporting anything and everything these days...it doesn't matter if it's "maternity" or not...it's all about comfort, so we're talking long tunics, dresses, and leggings.
Weight Gain? 26 pounds-my doctor said i need to gain more weight these last few weeks, oi vey. i'm trying, but i get full so much more easily now.
Stretch Marks? the Good Lord is treating me well in this department
Gender? GIRL!
Sleep? i'm really trying to be a tough cookie {oh a cookie sounds good} but i am over the non-sleeping component of pregnancy. tossing and turning, hot/cold, and the endless potty breaks...nighttime isn't my favorite, however, my doc approved me taking tylenol to help me sleep and i am already seeing a major difference.
Food Cravings? any kind of ice cream i can get my hands on! loving my fruit, and any type of breakfast food
What I Miss? my energy...this lady is slowing down dear friends and i am not happy about it. jeff tells me to rest, yet all i want to do is go, go, go. feeling kinda helpless and I hate having to ask for help.
Symptoms? picture this-we're in the grocery store last weekend and i start getting this lower back pain...i think i have a fairly high pain tolerance, but this had me bent over in the middle of the aisle with jeff massaging my back-i wanted to cry it hurt so bad. apparently it was my sciatic nerve acting up, which is normal during this stage. other symptoms: bloatedness, leg cramps, emotional, and just plain uncomfortable.
Belly Button? out...at least i can still wear my wedding ring though!
Best Moment of the Week? i was at target the other day checking out when an older gentleman comes up to me and asks "when is the blessed event?" to which i told him next month. he then asks me if i know if it's a little boy or girl and then i tell him a little girl and he says "oh, those are the best!". you could tell he was a grandfather and the sweetest little thing i've seen in awhile. just makes my heart happy when people go out of their way to say kind things about babies and such.

i am getting SO excited for this weekend...it's my 2nd baby shower with all my friends and i cannot wait to see everyone! i know my best friends have gone above and beyond to make this a special event and i am ecstatic to enjoy some much needed girl time-yay!

Scatterbrained...and Photo Challenge Updates!

2012-02-08T09:16:00.000-06:00

It's Wednesday, which is the perfect time to do a scatterbrained post including anything and everything that seems to be crossing my mind these days...

1. I seriously do not think there is anything cuter than baby bathing suits...I'm clearly obsessed. Little Bit already has 3 to take with her to the beach this summer, and I am finding it hard to contain my excitement over "baby beachwear". Seriously, how can anyone say no to these?
{P.S. I am secretly hoping Caroline is a chubby little monkey because there simply is nothing sweeter than a bambino with little rolls in a swimsuit-ha!}

2. I finished buying Jeff's Valentine's Day presents yesterday-we wanted to get creative, so we set a $20 budget and I used every penny-savvy shopper! I know he is going to be pumped for his little goody basket filled with fun surprises.

3. I'm wrapping these photo-a-day challenges into a few at a time...

February 6: dinner...yes, this is a bowl of ice cream because that is what I had for dinner. Edy's Fudge Tracks to be specific, so sweetly brought home to me from the hubs

February 7-button. I desperately want to make this button letter art for Caroline's nursery at some point. Maybe this will give me the inspiration I need to make it happen.

February 8: sun. I'm including a pic of the weather here in Nashville on my way to work this morning...dreary and foggy=no sun {and yes, before anyone judges, I am listening to Lil Wayne-I needed some "get up and go" and I promise, Caroline likes it, too!}

4. Since I've been a slacker recently and haven't been cooking as much, I thought I'd whip up something last night...it was AMAZING and oh so easy! Pizza grilled cheeses: take turkey pepperoni slices + 2 slices of provolone + 2 slices of whole grain bread + pizza sauce + a dash of italian seasoning...then spread margarine on both outside slices of the bread and use a griddle/cast iron skillet to melt just until a crispy crust appears-easy, semi-healthy, and yall, the hubby loved it!

5. The Real Housewives have taken over my TV this week so far...Reunion Part II of Beverly Hills and the premiere of the new season of OC-yes, this is my weakness and I tune in every week to see these women go nuts and get crazy...I have to admit, I missed Vicki's notorious "woohoo!" moments, so I am happy to see her back in action.

6. I am so excited for today! Jeff is coming to take me out to lunch and we're going to get a tour of the preschool where we've enrolled Little Bit starting in June...fingers crossed everything goes well and I dont break down like the emotional trainwreck I am these days.

P.S. thanks to so many of you who left encouraging and insightful tips adn advice regarding the baby registry post yesterday...makes me feel a lot better knowing I am on the right track and have made some {what I hope will be} wise decisions-it's so good to know I have successful mommy blogger friends out there who are always willing to jump in and help!
Happy Hump Day friends!

Our Baby Registry...Part II: Feeding/Diapering/Bathing/Well-Being

2012-02-07T09:27:00.000-06:00

Hello friends!! Back for round 2 of operation “let’s get prepared for everything baby!” It’s just crazy how much these little wee ones need {well I say need, some are just wants}, but you get the idea. Let’s get on with the important stuff:

Feeding

Medela Pump in StyleDouble Electric Pump. To put it nicely, I’m just not certain how I am going to feel about breastfeeding. To me, it’s an extremely personal decision for a mother and so I’ve decided to try it out and see how it goes. If it is something that works for both Caroline and I, we’ll try to stick with it for a bit. If it proves to be too much/she doesn’t latch/etc, then we will seek alternative methods to ensure that baby gets the proper nutrition she needs. From every mother I know, they have raved on and on about the Medela brand, so we’re sticking with that!

{Update: we learned a lot more about breastfeeding from the class we took at the hospital…to be honest, it made the whole process a lot less confusing and I highly recommend taking a class like this for any expectant mother considering the possibility-they showed us holds, informed us on what a proper latch should look and feel like, gave us pointers on bottles/pacifiers/pumping/etc, too!}

We also registered for a few necessities to complement the pump: Quick Clean Micro Steam Bags, Disposable Nursing Bra Pads, Soft Fit Breastshields, Lanolin Cream, Hydro Gel Soothing Pads, and Pump + Save Bags.

Dr. Brown’s BPA Free Bottles. Bottles…another area of experimentation as I see it. We were informed Dr. Brown bottles are great in that they comfort the little one with a “vent system”, and is the most similar to breastfeeding. Air never mixes with the milk/formula, which helps prevent colic, spit-up, burping, and gas {we shall see about that friends, we shall see}. We registered for the infant set that has a variety of sizes of bottles and nipples to see what works best for us.

Medela Breast Milk Bottles. We also registered for Medela’s bottles, both in the 5 oz and 8 oz sizes, since they are compatible with Medela pumps—you can pump, store, and feed with 1 bottle, which is a big plus in my book! The less to clean, the better.

Aden + Anais Burpy Bibs. Another hot item that seems to be on everyone’s wish list is anything and everything from Aden + Anais. They are 100% cotton muslin, and serve 2 purposes as a bib and a burp cloth—genius! The fun prints are cute, too!

Skip Hop Splash Drying Rack in White. Space saving design (because our kitchen isn’t tremendously large), plus an attached brush, as well as the perfect shelf to hold all the feeding essentials, and you have a winner in my book.

Mamas and Papas Baby Snug. This is basically the newest version of the Bumbo and I read a lot about it to compare the two. It adjusts as your baby grows, comes with the tray for easy feeding, is lightweight, and easy to clean. Personally, I think it’s a lot prettier to the eye rather than the Bumbo—but that is totally just my preference.

Other items we registered for on the feeding front are Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Feeding Bibs, Dr Browns Bottle Brushes, Bumkins Waterproof Super Bib, Munchkins Dishwasher Baskets, as well as OXO Tot spoons, feeding set, and snack catchers.

Diapering

Diaper Dekor Plus. In the world of champs, genies, and such, we decided on a slightly different option. With a hands-free step disposal, that had me sold! It’s also odor-free, larger capacity than a few others on the market, and isn’t a complete eye sore. Only downside is that you have to buy specific refill bags, which we registered for as well.

Huggies Pure and Natural Diapers. The diaper aisle…now this is a topic that could have its own post, but I wanted to make it as simple as possible. When I was little, I was a Huggies baby and so was Jeff {yes, we absolutely asked our moms to verify}. So, we’re going to give these a shot and hope for the best. My grandparents have done their own independent research and have stocked me up. Remember, this is a team effort my friends, and everyone is involved.

Huggies Extra Sensitive Baby Wipes. These contain aloe as well as Vitamin E, are hypoallergenic and fragrance free. Here again, personal preference as I assume there are tons of great options, but our family loves the Huggies brand.

Prince Lionheart Premium Wipes Warmer. I’ve been told this isn’t a necessity, but more of a little luxury to make diaper changes a tad bit more pleasant. The warmer helps keep wipes fresh, and the pop-up lid makes it easy to use when your hands could be occupied with other “exciting” things ;).

A+D Ointment. This is why it pays off to have mom friends, so they can be the testers for everything before me…if I’ve heard one thing more than any other, it’s to stock up on A+D ointment and never leave home without a travel tube. Helps to relieve minor irritation, and the nurses at Baptist recommend using it with each and every diaper change to prevent diaper rash.

Mustela Stelactiv Severe Cream. In cases where you can’t prevent diaper rash, mom friends have told me that Mustela’s cream is one of the best. It works quickly to treat the area the FIRST time without having to reapply over and over again.

Bathing

Primo Eurobath Kit in White. I know, the giant blue whale is a top registry item for most, yet this was a top contender for us—5-star reviews from multiple sites, and transitions easily from birth to 24+ months so you only have to buy 1 infant tub. It supports babies by “cradling” their arms and legs, and the plug is easy to drain, too, which I’ve been told is VERY helpful. Even better, it’s white so it goes with everything. {can you tell I don’t like it when everything screams “baby”?}

Swaddle Designs Hooded Towels and Washcloths. Bathing essentials that every little one needs, and I think they should be cute, too—I’ve been told this is one of the best in how they hold up after use, softness of the materials (cotton and terrycloth), and they are really absorbent to keep Caroline warm straight out of the tub.

RH Baby and Child Hooded Towels. I also registered for these (and these) adorable hooded towels from my favorite baby décor store. They are simple, personalized, and are large, so they can transition to use when Caroline is a toddler, too!

Mustela Newborn Gift Set. I was told that the starter set is perfect because you get to try out multiple items and Mustela is supposedly great for a newborns’ sensitive skin. This comes with foam shampoo, barrier cream, gentle cleanser, and body cream.

We also registered for the traditional Johnson & Johnson line of baby products (baby shampoo, moisture wash, and lotion) because we all know nothing smells better than a clean and fresh wee one.

Well-Being

Crane Drop Shape Humidifier. When I was little, I couldn’t survive without a humidifier in my room—granted, I had really bad asthma so it was a necessity, but I’ve been told that it’s always a good idea to invest in one of these gadgets to allow the little one to breathe easier. It also helps with congestion, and cold/flu symptoms and increases air moisture. This one is energy efficient, too-yay for the environment!

Other must-haves we registered for: Nasal Aspirator, Medicine Syringe, Little Tummys Gas Relief Drops, Rectal Thermometer {yes, I’ve asked numerous times, this is the best way to get the proper temperature reading}, Summer Infant Brush and Comb Set/Nail Clipper Set, and Orajel Day/Night Pain Reliever.

So there you have it--round two of everything baby! Exciting stuff, isn't it? ;)
The final registry roundup featuring all the fun goodies and toys will come soon, so stay tuned!

I'm Not Behind...I'm Taking My Time

2012-02-06T09:05:00.000-06:00

Post failure this weekend, but I didn't forget my photo-a-day challenge by any means!

February 4-Stranger: in the produce section...strangers everywhere

February 5-10AM: we were at church, singing our little hearts out

So, happy Super Bowl win to the Giants-I love it when the underdogs win! I couldn't be happier for one of the Mannings to get another ring, especially against the Patriots...we laid low this year, grilling hot dogs and eating ice cream-my how life has changed! I have to admit, I normally watch for the commercials, and except for a few, I was disapppinted. So thanks to M&M, the VW workout dog, David Beckham, and Clint Eastwood for entertaining me-otherwise, I thought the majority were fairly unoriginal and boring.

It was the perfect ending to our weekend, relaxing on the couch, knowing I needed to savor some 'down time'. We were productive around the house, however-cleaning out the refrigerator/kitchen pantry {nesting has commenced in other areas now apparently}, purging through my closet, Jeff assembling the pack 'n play, working on our taxes, and finding the perfect hardware for the nursery window treatments.

We even managed to sneak in brunch at Tavern, which is worth raving about-the ham and brie omelet was amazing! And we rented "How Does She Do It?" with SJP which surprisingly was a really cute movie.

So now, we're back to Monday, and I am chomping at the bit to get going and be productive...coffee time and GO! Have a great week dear friends ;)

Photo Challenge-Day 3: Hands

2012-02-03T13:59:00.000-06:00

*My hands are indeed swollen...blame it on the bambino ;)
*I'm sporting pink nails for the month of love-Essie's In Stitches to be exact
*I love jean days at work
*I know, I have old lady hands-unlike my hubby who claims he could be a "hand model"-totally just sold you out my darling-hehe

Yall have a GREAT weekend!!

Fashionable Friday..Transition Time

2012-02-03T08:59:00.000-06:00

If where you live is like the rest of the country, it's as though we've bypassed a good majority of the typical winter temperatures for less frigidness, and days resembling something like early spring. I've always thought this in-between season is such a difficult time to dress-one day it's cold, the next day it's warm, and so on.
Not to mention stores are bombarded with hoards of new spring styles and it's hard to say no! Here are some perfect transition pieces you can wear now and well into the spring:

Open Arms Dress via Anthropologie

Scallop Sateen Skirt via JCrew

Ladder Stitch Cardigan via Anthropologie

Cotton Trench Coat via Loft

Viennese Cafe Pleated Dress via Shop Ruche

Cadence Striped Jacket via Lulus

On the Wharf Striped Top via Shop Ruche

Bennett Chino via JCrew

Rugby Stripe Sweater Dress via Loft

Photo Challenge Day 2: Words and Brain Banter

2012-02-02T09:19:00.000-06:00

1. Yesterday I started the February Photo-A-Day Challenge--today's category is "words". it is one of my favorite quotes that I wrote out this morning. Oh what fun!

2. The Superbowl is fast approaching on Sunday...shout out to Eli and the NY Giants, for I am cheering for a Manning boy of course! I can't lie, I always get more excited about the food and commercials than the actual game-this year, I found some great Superbowl posts from fellow bloggers for food ideas...check them out here, here, and here.

3. I got the best package delivered on Monday-another Etsy find! I stumbled across Dilly Baby a few months ago and bookmarked it so I could purchase a Change N Go system-a way to conveniently transport diapers, wipes, and a changing pad all in one! I absolutely love it and the Ppoppies Amy Butler pattern is perfect.

4. Tuesday night, I finished reading my first book of 2012-Sarah's Key by Tatiana de Rosnay. Fantastic read, and it's quite the pageturner. Hops from present day in Paris back to 1942 during WWII. Ready to get started on #2 this year...any ideas you can send my way would be wonderful!

5. I have been on a shopping spree lately for Little Miss-with such cute spring stuff out on the racks, how can I say no? Here are some new additions to Caroline's closet: {P.S. is it obvious I heart stripes and patterns?}

6. Opry Mills is FINALLY set to reopen in 54 days! I cannot wait for my favorite outlet mall to reopen with some new stores {Michael Kors and Ralph Lauren among a few others}...perfect indoor place to take the little one for shopping adventures during maternity leave.

I know the groundhog technically saw his shadow this morning, but if we're in for 6 more weeks of temperatures like we've been having in Music City, winter can stay around and I won't be complaining one bit! Mid 60s today with loads of sunshine-happy day!!

A Photo A Day Challenge..Day One: Your View

2012-02-01T13:11:00.001-06:00

a photo a day? this is totally doable! such a fun idea from fat mum slim and kayln and i are trying to keep each other accountable ;)

my view for february 1... nothing glamorous, but i heart my workspace-surrounded with some of my favorite pictures of friends and family, important processes/things to remember for work, fake flowers so it's always springtime, and my planner.

happy little things, happy little things ;)

February is Here! 33 Weeks and a Bedding Sneak Peak!

2012-02-01T09:48:00.000-06:00

How Far Along? 33 weeks, 4 days…45 days to go! It's February 1st meaning we will have a baby in our arms NEXT month!!
Size of Baby Caroline? One website says pineapple, one says honeydew—either way, that baby is getting big! She is over 17 inches and weighs more than 4 pounds
Maternity Clothes? Leggings, yoga pants, long sleeve shirts, and cardigans are my BFF! The weather this week in Nashville is in the 60s so I am busting out non-winter attire and it feels great.
Weight Gain? Still at 25 pounds-I think that scale is going to start creeping up as Caroline starts to gain more weight these next few weeks.
Stretch Marks? None that I can see! Let’s face it, that big bulge is making it hard to see below the waist these days.
Gender? Baby Girl…I’ve officially gone overboard on the wardrobe. Everyone says I am going to have to change her outfits every3-4 hours because she has so many clothes. You know what they say “like mother, like daughter” ;)
Sleep? This changes daily…one night is great, and the next not so much. Keeping the house colder definitely helps keep me comfortable, though little bit loves to kick all night long.
Food Cravings? Still with the powdered doughnuts {thanks Shell and Pattie for stocking me up!} as well as cereal and ice cream.
What I Miss? I am perfectly content—I know that sounds cliché, but I am happy with peanut growing inside me and wouldn’t change it for the world.
Symptoms? I get tired by mid-afternoon now…wishing my company approved of a little siesta break every now and then; also with the achiness, occasional leg cramps, and swelling, and now I know what people are talking about when they mention heartburn-WHOA painful!
Belly Button? 3/4 of the way outie
Best Moment of the Week? Jeff has been in California spending time with his family, so what does that mean? Slumber party time with Mom. She has been staying with me the past few days and I am so thankful she came to the rescue. We've been hard at work each night, stocking up on necessities, working on craft painting projects for the walls, and then we put the crib bedding on Caroline's crib last night. And yes, I promised a sneak peak {because I can't contain my excitement} so here you go: I am in LOVE with the way it's all coming together! Jeff will be home this afternoon and I cannot wait to show him our progress.

putting on the new changing pad cover

Practice makes perfect...Pinky the Pig is one of
my favorite new nursery friends

Tag...You're It!

2012-01-31T08:37:00.000-06:00

Rarely do I ever give in and participate in a tagged post {why, I don't really know} but Ashley over at Places to Go, Things to Buy tagged me and I thought why not! The rules are as follows:
**You must post the rules

**Post 11 Fun Facts about yourself

**Answer the 11 questions that the tagger posted for you & then create 11 questions to ask the people you've tagged

**Tag 11 people and link them in your post

**Let them know you have tagged them

Eleven Fun Facts About Moi
1. I'm an only child who does not like to share...things are about to change, right?
2. I have visited 38 of the states and hope to visit all someday...still to tackle: Alaska, Hawaii, Idaho, Maine, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Washington, and Wisconsin
3. I love to make lists, just so I can cross things off when I complete them
4. I love to cook, but baking is my favorite thing to do...gotta satisfy that sweet tooth
5. I am horrible about returning phone calls-I'd much rather email or text. Sad but true
6. I color code the appointments/meetings/dates/etc I have in my planner-OCD at its best
7. I used to be an adventureous one...skydiving for my 23rd birthday was my fav thing ever
8. I hate my legs-it's the one area I always focus on because I know I'll never have Carrie Underwood gams-oh well.
9. Pet peeves: chipped nails, rude drivers, people that don't say please/thank you, and those who cannot process the difference between they're/their/there
10. My biggest fear is failure
11. Only regret in life: tattoo on my senior trip in HS...now that is a story for another day ;)

Here are the questions Ashley posted:

1. What is your profession? I'm a marketing coordinator for a consulting/engineering firm. Mostly, I lead proposals for business development. Other responsibilities include planning national conferences and hosting client events, and developing advertising/arketing collateral for industry trade magazines. Does that even make sense to anyone other than me?
2. How would you describe your style? Classic, with a bit of trendy. The older I get, the more I learn it's all about buying staple pieces I can use over and over again, yet incorporating fun trendy pieces for that particular season. I am extremely budget savvy when it comes to shopping, and I am obsessed with dresses. It's more like an addiction. I think it's time to do another blog sale soon.
3. What one make-up product can you not live without? Just one? That is hard. But if I could only pick one, I'd say mascara. I have blonde eyelashes so applying a bit makes my eyes look brighter and bigger. My favorite hands down is Clinique's Lash Doubling Mascara.
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? Reese Witherspoon..us southern gals need to stick together, and just because she seems to have a very balanced life.
5. What is your dream vacation? I've never been to Italy and it is something we talk about all the time. Jeff studied abroad there and fell in love with everything about it. It's my parent's favorite vacation spot, too, so I know it would be incredible to see. Funny enough, we were planning a trip there until we found out we were pregnant. Italy can wait for a bit ;).
6. What magazines do you subscribe to? Southern Living, and thanks to the BFF, Bon Appetite. Others I want to add to my monthly reads are House Beautiful, Self, and Shape.
7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? To play the piano. My Mom tried to get me to take lessons, yet I had zero interest, but now it's something I wish I could do because I think it would help me to relax when I have a rough day.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food? I'm a cereal addict, but when I have time, there is nothing better than a belgium waffle with strawberries and whipped cream!
9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job? Opening my own business. I've divulged a little of that and plans are in the works, but this is something I am putting a lot of thought into because it's overwhelming with so many moving bits and pieces, and it is an undertaking that is going to occupy much of my time. I promise to give more details when I can!
10. What is your guilty pleasure? Any type of dessert I can get my hands on and reality TV.
11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? I don't think I can think of one single piece of advice that stands above any others. My family and friends teach me things all the time-to always try my best, to be kind to others, and to live my life for me and no one else. I think that is all any of us can ask for.

With that, the 11 ladies I am tagging are...and yes, I am using the same 11 questions ;)
Kate at Every Mile a Memory
April at A. Liz Adventures
Shari at The Daily Dish
Melissa at For the Love
CMae at Happiness Is...
Jayme at Kentucky Blonde
Candace at Mrs. Southern Belle
Natasha at Schue Love
Tess at Tea Time with Tess
Darci at The Good Life
Tracy at Then I Got to Thinking

Holiday Lovelies...Valentine's Edition

2012-01-30T09:57:00.000-06:00

The ever-so-sweet Christina over at Carolina Charm requested this post, so I have to thank her for giving me the idea! I posted some fun gift ideas during the holidays, and she asked if I would devote a post to finding perfect presents for that sweetie-whether it be a friend, a beau, or your life partner {that's how I'm lovingly referring to Jeff these days}.
Seeing as though I think Valentine's Day is a mushy gushy all out Hallmark holiday, I wanted to show some exciting ideas that don't require a lot of cash to execute-I think the majority of us out there are trying to cut out unecessary spending so I am attempting to make this budget-friendly for everyone!

Breakfast in Bed

I did this for my sweetie last year and he raved for weeks about it. I picked up some heart shaped muffin tins from the dollar aisle at Target and then made his favorite poppyseed muffins for breakfast-easy peesy and I got to eat, too!

Coffee Talk

If your Valentine is a lover of caffeine, buy a coffee mug that lets you profess your love everyday! Write a sweet message on the cup in celebration of V-Day and then you can always add a little something fun inside like a Starbucks gift card or a chocolate dipped pretzel covered in pink and red candy.

Movie Date Night

Instead of the traditional movie night out, buy some of the fun popcorn holders (I've seen them at World Market and Target recently), and stuff them with bags of popcorn
and movie size candy and then tie a little note saying it's time to cuddle on
the couch and you're letting him pick the movie!

Other non-traditional dates/gifts could include a trip to a comedy club, venturing to see his favorite sports team play, a couple's massage, an afternoon adventure to a winery, or a fun cooking class...Jeff knows I am all about "doing" rather than "receiving" on Valentine's Day, so I'm interested to see what he comes up with this year!
On the other hand however, if he decides he just has to get me something, any of the following will make me a very happy wife ;)

via Anthropologie

via Gap

via Pottery Barn

{yes, I'm a nerd and need a new set of hand weights}

via Amazon

Thank the Lord

2012-01-27T11:41:00.000-06:00

It is Friday...that is the only thing getting me through this crazy monstrosity of a workday-sometimes I want to close my office door and scream because it's legitimately true...I work with absolute lunatics. In a world of fast-paced deadlines, short turnaround proposals and such, I am normally capable to accomodate a hefty amount of stress. Yet these days, I know I need to be more kind to my body and I had to politely tell someone "no" today. My that felt good.

In wrapping up this week, I don't have much to contribute just due to lack of time, so my apologies. I am so excited for a fun weekend in the works though!

Mom is coming over tonight to help me decide on nursery curtains so I can order them. It's funny that I am that ecstatic over fabric these days, but I assure you, the end result is going to be pretty!
Tomorrow, I am going to spend the afternoon with my favorite photographer for maternity pictures...outfits are planned and props are ready, so bring on the fun!
Saturday night, we're all celebrating the BFF's hubby's birthday...yippee for baked goods and loads of quality time with friends
On Sunday, it's back to our normal routine at church and then Jeff and I are planning to have a day date he is planning...fun no doubt!

Hope you all have a fantabulous weekend, too!! OXOX

Hodge Podge

2012-01-26T09:12:00.000-06:00

1. It's official, after this week's episode, I simply can't tolerate The Bachelor anymore...these poor darlings don't know how stupid they look on national TV, and Ben's personality is just boring. However, I'm ready for the summer to roll around when we can watch Emily Maynard as The Bachelorette...that girl is just too cute for words. And her fashion savvy...even better!

2. When is it suitable to buy stationery for a baby/child? I was browsing through my favorite paper store the other day talking with my go-to gal that works there and she is already sending me ideas for custom paper goods for Miss Caroline...proper etiquette from an early age my friends is essential ;)

3. In celeb-worthy news, I am just devastated by the demise of Heidi Klum and Seal's marriage...breaks my heart because they always seemed SO in love. And then there is the fact that Kristin Cavallari and Jay Cutler have got a bun in the oven--this ensures if they can tackle this parenthood thing, Jeff and I could potentially win parents of the year!

4. Hubby was featured in a local newspaper the other day talking about a big business acquisition he worked on, and I couldn't have been happier to see him all giddy...he loves his career and I was so proud. I might be displaying the article on the fridge. ;)

5. The holidays are over, but I may or may not still be burning all my Mistletoe/Balsam Fir/Christmas Tree candles...I just can't get enough of that favorite smell!

6. Valentine's Day treats and sweets are taking over at the stores, and I have to admit, those chocolate covered marshmallows are calling my name-maybe Jeff will take that as a hint? Who needs flowers when you can have chocolate?

7. Speaking of V-day, the movie I have been DYING to see is finally approaching...The Vow, with Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams-I almost cry everytime the trailer comes on, so I'm assuming this is going to be a real tearjerker...perfect date night!

Could I have jumped all over anymore with this post? I warned you though-hodge podge at its finest. Wish us luck...we have our breastfeeding class tonight so I am sure I am going to have some entertaining stories once that is complete. Can't lie-the thought of talking about this type of stuff with complete strangers in a classroom makes me giggle, and Jeff is just SUPER excited, too ;).

Little Miss...32 Week Bumpdate!

2012-01-25T14:35:00.000-06:00

How Far Along? 32 weeks, 4 days...52 days to go--check out this fav pregnancy website that shows you days and such and how baby progresses each week!
Size of Baby Caroline? A large jicama-can someone explain to me what in the world a jicama is? She is 16.7 inches long and weighs about 3.75 pounds
Maternity Clothes? I'm tired of maternity clothes...there is nothing else to say. I've been lucky in that the majority of items I've purchased aren't maternity (just one size up), but I am ready to be sporting cute outfits again. I bought my first post-baby top last week in the hopes that shopping incentives will make me lose that weight FAST!
Weight Gain? 25 pounds...I look like I totally have a basketball in my belly these days.
Stretch Marks? No, and I am thanking the Good Lord.
Gender? If you could see the nursery, you'd know there is no denying a little princess is coming to our house VERY soon!
Sleep? Oi vey. It's getting worse, yet I know I'm only going to get more uncomfortable as the final few weeks come my way. The pillow helps, yet I toss and turn because I can't get my mind to stop thinking about the whats/ifs/buts, get up to potty, and then the vicious cycle starts all over again.
Food Cravings? Fruit, cereal, and powdered doughnuts...thank gosh Krispy Kreme isn't too close to my house or we'd be in trouble.
What I Miss? Blatant honesty here-I want a gin and tonic more than you can imagine.
Symptoms? Restless leg syndrome, tiredness/lack of energy, bloating of the hands/feet
Belly Button? It's now half in, half out
Best Moment of the Week? The nursery progress...I am in love with it. I came home last night to find the painters had finished and the soft, pale pink color is just perfect. Our contractor is finishing the new lighting and bookcase this week, the rocker/glider was delivered, and pretty soon I can finish everything else-assembling the crib bedding, hanging art on the walls, and then Caroline's room will be all ready!

The Wonderland of Etsy

2012-01-25T07:55:00.001-06:00

For as much as I buy from the world of Etsy, I wanted to blog about some of my absolute favorite vendors and shops I have stumbled across {and bought from} the past few years...here they are, in no particular order:

Sugar Fresh

Fresh & Modern Artwork for Children and Home

Blackberry Graphics

Customized Wedding and Event Stationery

Baby Mae Boutique

Blankets, Bibs, and Burp Cloths

Studio SloMo

Design + Letterpress

Lucy Sue

Gifts and Stationery

A Box for my Treasure

Chic and Whimsical Handmade Jewelry

Not going to lie, Etsy is a site I routinely get sucked into...browsing through stores for anything and everything. Plus, I just love supporting small businesses!

What are some of your favorite Etsy shops?

Our Baby Registry...Part I: The Gear

2012-01-24T09:18:00.000-06:00

Finally, right? I have received all sorts of questions asking about our baby registry so I hope this helps! I decided to break these registry posts down into smaller, more manageable details because too much of this stuff is completely overwhelming. First up, the necessary baby gear.

Of course I must insert a caveat before you read any further: these are only MY recommendations/opinions, based on hours of research online, tips and tricks from other mommies, Lucie’s List, Consumer’s Reports, and countless other blog posts I have read from pregnant gals. Also, I am already betting some of these essentials will be replaced once Caroline comes…this is going to be an ongoing "experiment" in surviving the daily life of a newborn, and I’m lucky that there is a Target a mere 2.5 miles from my house.

The Britax B-Ready Stroller. I was up in the air between the B-Ready and the UppaBaby Vista, and this was the chosen winner. I wanted a stroller that was easy to disassemble, had a "click-and-go" system with carseat, offered adequate storage {hello shopping adventures!}, and could accomodate another child {if and when friends, if and when}. Let's be honest, I also wanted a stroller that was pleasing to the eye-I'm going to use this everyday and I didn't want something I couldn't stand to look at. We ended up getting the silver color and I love it!

The Britax B-Safe Carseat. Not only was it a top safety pick, but it easily pops into the B-Ready stroller. It's also gender neutral, and smaller than other carseats we looked at. We also registered for the additional car seat base so Jeff can pimp one in his ride, too. ;)

Britax B-Ready Bassinet. This was one of those items that isn't a necessity, but I really, really wanted it. This bassinet is going to be perfect for afternoon strolls in the park, little naps when we are out and about, and a perfect companion for our beach trip in May.

ERGObaby Carrier. I’ve been told this is the Cadillac of baby carriers out there, due to it’s ease of use, comfort level when wearing for long periods of time, it adapts to both mom and dad’s sizes, and how practical it is—you can do normal activities while having the little one attached to you. Friends assured me this one was the winner in their book. A little pricier than others, but something we're bound to get a lot of use out of. Check!

Moby Wrap Carrier. For something a little less bulky, we opted for the moby wrap. It keeps the baby warm while my hands remain free, has wide straps for comfort, protects baby skin with SPF 50 material, is easily adjustable with no buckles/snaps, and looks to be fairly simple to use when running errands. This is going to be ~~fun~~ entertaining to learn the proper way to wrap our little bambino up.

Summer Infant BabyTouch Color Video Monitor. We splurged on this item and registered for one of the nicer monitors. It's has color display, touch screen monitor, a pan/scan/zoom feature so when little miss moves around the crib we can still see her, a 2-way talk back feature {for when she gets older}, as well as a handy dandy docking station. Let's just hope I don't get crazy and have to stare at the thing constantly "just in case".

The Nap Nanny. A friend and fellow mommy recommeded the Nap Nanny to me, and said she couldn't live without it--the perfect reclining infant sleeper. It "cradles" the baby, weighs only 3 pounds so you can take it anywhere in the house, is ideal for babies who don't like to lay flat, and is perfect for playtime and lounging. I've also been told this helps with reflux and helps preventscongestion, too!

Boppy Pillow and Slipcovers. I'm not sure this needs any explanation as practically everyone knows about this lifesaver. Helpful for feeding, can be used for tummy time, and a way to "prop" up the little one. I also registered for a few extra slipcovers since I'm assuming these get dirty frequently. Some other cute slipcovers I found: here, here, and here.

Fisher Price My Little Snug-A-Bunny Bouncer. Another tried and true absolute from everyone I have talked to. A bouncer, something to keep them in motion when they get fussy or refuse to sleep, and acts as entertainment, too. This one is lightweight with 8 different songs and sounds, portable and sturdy and has a mobile attachment for stimulation. To be honest, I also loved the fact this doesn't take up a huge amount of space.

Chicco Playard/Pack-n-Play-Romantic. This is one item I am up in the air about and may rethink and go with something else. I love the design of this, yet it's bulky and I've read it's not the easiest to travel with. I do love the built-in bassinet and changing table as we plan to keep this in our family room for sleep/play time, and it will make it easy to change little miss' diapers without having to walk up and down the stairs. It also has storage compartments, a mobile, sounds, and a night light. If we decide this one is just too much to deal with, I've got my eyes on the Quicksmart or the Aprica Haven OpenAir.

We're also planning to get a jogging stoller (here or here), a highchair (this or this), an exersaucer/jumper, but we're waiting on those items for a bit to figure out what Caroline likes/dislikes and what we actually need.

I hope you enjoyed the first installment of the fascinating world of a baby registry...next up, the feeding/diapering/bathing/cleaning essentials...and yes, I guess this is where I have to talk about breastpumping and dirty diaper disposal...the not so glamorous part of motherhood ;).

Relax...Just Do It!

2012-01-23T08:45:00.000-06:00

Rest and relaxation was the major theme of this weekend's fun...I've been told by a good number of people that I need to soak in every ounce of free time I have these next few weeks, so I stuck to it and I am so glad we laid low with just the two of us!

Friday night, we finally took advantage of Nashville Original's Restaurant Week by dining out at Holland House. I had been really wanting to try this new local hotspot out, and it was the perfect opportunity! Hands down, best meal I've had in awhile in this wonderful city. A+ for atmosphere, very hip and ecclectic, A+ for service as our server made sure she staged our courses perfectly, and the food was incredible. My stand-out favorites were the baked cheesy crab dip + wontons as an appetizer and the carmelized cranberry and raisin bread pudding for dessert...Jeff said the fun drink concoctions were amazing, as well!
Saturday, we got up early so each of us could check off items of our "honey-do list"...gym, grocery store, laundry, and Target, followed by stroller + carseat assembly=successful day in my book! To reward ourselves, we napped on the couches the rest of the afternoon and rented Moneyball with Brad Pitt--great sports movie, and I can see what all the fuss is about...he was fantastic! That afternoon, my friend Brittany stopped by with her sweet darling Will to give Caroline some much needed necessities and to catch-up before her family moves to Idaho very soon-though we'll miss them, we're hoping they'll be back in the south again soon!

Daddy's assembly line...let's just say he's not the "engineer type"

Yay!! Ready to have our little bambino here for stroller/walk time

Saturday night, Jeff and I made it out to dinner with our friends to celebrate Jules' and Leigh J's birthdays!! We all went to Cantina Laredo and most certainly took over the restaurant...us and the table next to us proved to be too much for everyone to handle, as they had to close the doors to pur private room and tell us to quiet down--haha! After the girls' downed their b-day shots and we all serenaded them with LMFAO's "Shots", they all headed downtown while the Mr. and I went home--it was after midnight at this point and momma needed her rest.

I do have to mention though, I received one funny voicemail late that night...something along the lines of my best friends singing along to "Sweet Caroline" ;).

Me and Bev-best friend time is the greatest!

Us with the birthday girl...love you Jules!!

Tequila shots for the birthday ladies

Love these two SO much

Sunday, we got up early to greet the Pottery Barn Kids delivery men who brought out chair! {and yes, it's all REALLY starting to come together!}. Then we spent the majority of our day ~~resting~~ sleeping and watching Midnight in Paris, which I was a little let down by...mediocre at best. The rest of our night was spent cooking dinner, catching up on weekly shows, and then sleeping on the couches since our crazy weather here in TN just won't end--tornado warnings in January have got to stop.

To say this was a relaxing weekend would be an understatement, but I was so glad to get some items knocked off our list and spend loads of quality time, just the two of us and with some of our dearest friends. Cheers to a great week!

Fashionable Friday...Block It Out!

2012-01-20T09:21:00.000-06:00

Color blocking seems to be all the rage as of late, and what's not to love? It is flattering on so many body types and a look that everyone can pull off... plus, it's a way to mix in bright, bold colors with traditional wardorbe staples. Even better, I managed to find some fun looks at great price points--check these lovelies out:

The Bottom Line Dress via Lulus

Coney Island Bag via Francescas

Time to Split Sweater via Modcloth

Blue Cloudburst Dress via Lulus

Teal and Mustard Top via La Posh Style

Lakeside View Dress via Shop Ruche

Caslon Tee via Nordstrom

Banana Ballet Flat via Francescas

Colorblock Tote via Gap

TGIF friends! I am so happy the weekend is here...dinner at the popular Holland House tonight, major home organization and baby gear assembly tomorrow, celebrating Julie's birthday Saturday night with our fantastic group of friends, and then spending Sunday with the hubby running errands around town. Hope you all have a fantastic few days off ;)

When Life Gets You Down...Remember the Good

2012-01-19T09:01:00.000-06:00

lengthy post on the horizon so watch out-and don't say i didn't forewarn you ahead of time :)

in this world wide web of blogging, it is so easy to get overwhelmed, sad, and confused as to why some people say the things they do. i've seen countless bloggers get upset over a rude comment some negative nancy just had to post on their site or say about them behind their back...i can't help but find it fascinating that there are so many individuals out there who intentionally seek to harm others-but why? to make themselves feel better? to hurt others? for a good laugh? that is one thing i don't understand, and i doubt i ever will.
luckily, {and i should totaly be knocking on wood here} i haven't had much of those types of experiences in the past 3.5 years since i began blogging.

a lot of what i post on my blog is personal, and summarizes what is going on in my life, and i think it helps deal with some of the emotions i encounter throughout this crazy roller coaster... having an outlet to air these feelings really helps cope with the ups and downs and i think communicating the good as well as the bad is all a part in showing that we are all human, we all make mistakes, we all have bad days, and we all struggle.
last weekend, i posted a tweet and i had some friends/fellow bloggers email me saying that they really appreciated what i wrote because they needed some positivity...i assure you, it's nothing prolific by any stretch of the imagination, but this is what it said:
"it's time for people to grow up and move on. sad to see you're dwelling in the past while we're living in the present and looking to the future."

i have had obstacles i've had to overcome...people saying untrue things about me and my husband-acting like they know who we are at this stage in our life, and trying to belittle and say rude things about us, our family, our future-but it's just like our moms taught us throughout our adolescent years-"that which does not kill you only makes you stronger". it's almost as though we've ventured back to middle school for some unknown reason.

to those individuals, i find it strange that they read my blog in order to find out about our lives...to me, that says a lot more about what they find entertaining and how they occupy their free time and it baffles me. i certainly don't seek out information on those i don't care for to find out what is going on in their lives, for that seems to me like taking a step back and honestly, people like that simply aren't worth anyone's time.

however, on the contrary, there are countless people out there that are thoughtful and take time to offer a kind word or a thank you...it's fun for others to be able to take a small peak into a blogger's life and some have told me they have been positively affected by my optimism, or the advice i offer, or my attitude towards life. to me, that makes this whole thing worth it. to read your comments and emails, it's like i've gained a whole new outlook and i have found that i can maybe help someone who is going through a difficult time, or offer my opinion on how to deal with setbacks we all face. in this world of so much negativity, i'm glad i can offer a glass-half-full kind of perspective. if i am able to put a smile on just one person's face at the end of the day, then i have succeeded and opening up a brief snapshot of me is most certainly worth the small bit of negativity that others try to project.

just remember to be strong, be kind, and always be you...

thanks for listening to me babble...i hope each and every one of you have a WONDERFUL day!!

What I'm Loving Wednesday...Back to Basics

2012-01-18T09:16:00.000-06:00

I have yet to participate in one of my favorite weeklies for quite some time, so I thought I'd take a chance to talk randomness to get me (and hopefully some of you) through hump day this week! Isn't it funny how the slightest difference can make a big change?To jumpstart my workouts, I downloaded some new(ish) tunes and they are making it much easier to hit the gym in the morning. Some new additions I am loving lately are:

LMFAO: Sexy and I Know It
Free Sol: Fascinated (features JT/Timbaland and it's AWESOME!)
Chris Brown: My Last
New Boyz: Better with the Lights Off
Flo Rida: Good Feeling
Rihanna: We Found Love

Speaking of LOVEly fun, I was contacted by a producer from TLC's "Say Yes to the Dress" calling all brides in and around the Nashville area for a chance to be featured on a new television series called Randy to the Rescue. Randy-the infamous icon from NYC's Kleinfeld-is going to be jumping around from town to town to help brides find their dream wedding gown, and he's headed to Nashville on March 11th!! If you want to participate, or know someone who would be fabulous to feature, email randytotherescue@gmail.com with your name, age, location, and wedding date. P.S. they are also making stops in San Diego, Las Vegas, New Orleans, Cincinnati, Boston, and Minneapolis so be on the lookout!

I got my new laptop this weekend and absolutely love it! So nice having an actual "home computer" that isn't Jeff's work laptop so now I can keep up with personal communications and more business planning...I have a feeling this is going to get lots of use in March when I'm confined to the house a bit more ;).

I think everyone else has commented on the red carpet fashions from the Golden Globes this past weekend, so I'll save the separate obligatory post...however, my favorite looks from the night were Elle McPherson, Jessica Alba, and Chalize Theron who would absolutely win best dressed if I was involved in Fashion Police. That woman can do NO wrong!

Other things I am loving this week...
Bright and bold spring fashions jumping out on the world wide web-hello color!

Another new episode of Revenge tonight

Sweet and crafty Valentine's Day gift ideas

And, our church started a new daily reading plan, Project 3:45, to help our members read the Bible...3 minutes and 45 seconds is the average time it takes to read one chapter. I started the program yesterday and am so excited to make this a worthy addition to my goals!

31 Weeks and Our Family Baby Shower

2012-01-17T12:15:00.001-06:00

How Far Along? 31 weeks, 4 days...60 days to go, and what's even more exciting is my due date is 2 months from today!!

Size of Baby Caroline? 3.3 pounds and 16.25 inches, or four navel oranges-random, dont you think?

Maternity Clothes? I scored a few things on sale from Old Navy yesterday, and I can tell I am slowly but surely thinking my comfort level outranks style these days. I can't lie, I am getting SO excited seeing all the gorgeous spring colors out in stores-soon enough, I'll be buying "normal" clothes again!
Weight Gain? 24 pounds...it is ALL belly my friends. When I saw my doctor last week, she said "wow my dear, your have grown." My "fundal height" is measuring right on track at 31.5 centimeters
Stretch Marks? Not that I can see, yet...
Gender? Sweet Little CC ;)
Sleep? I'm sleeping a lot better at night than I originally expected to at this stage-sure, there are routine bathroom breaks, but once my head hits the pillow, I am out for the count all over again
Food Cravings? Anything sweet, cereal, tangerines, and Diet Coke
What I Miss? Being able to get up off the couch by myself...it's either a "roll out" or a hoist where Jeff picks me up-lovely I tell you
Symptoms? Achy muscles, irritability, tiredness/lack of energy, odd cravings, and NESTING!!
Belly Button: Now I know how people with normal "outies" feel...I miss my cute little belly button
Best Moment of the Week? As if this is hard to guess-our first baby shower for Miss Caroline was this Sunday...full recap below!

On Sunday afternoon, we headed to my parent's house for our first baby shower...this one for family! We arrived and when we walked in, I knew Mom, Aunt Denise, and Cousin Lauren had outdone themselves-pink, pink, and pink everywhere! We immediately went in for all the desserts they had baked the past few days...mini cheesecakes, baby brownies, chocolate dipped pretzels, mini cupcakes, champagne salad cups, strawberry cake balls, cream puffs, and white chocolate covered strawberries-am I making you hungry yet?
Then we all played games, yes I said baby games, even with the boys there! We did a customized baby word search and then played Baby Bingo, complete with gift cards for prizes...so much fun.
Next came present time! {The best part, right?} To say we racked up would be an understatement, but we just couldn't have felt more loved and blessed...Caroline is so lucky to have a family who cannot wait to meet her and are counting down the days until they can spoil her silly.
We received so many incredible gifts... our stroller and bassinet attachment, our car seat and extra car seat base, hooded bath towels and washcloths, diapers, blankets and lovies, bibs, socks, adorable outfits, pacifiers, onesies, infant toys, gowns, layette sets, bathing/grooming necessities, a silver piggy bank, plenty of wipes, and money for little miss! {specific items from our registries to come in another post}
All in all, it was a fantastic afternoon spent with the people we love most. Jeff and I just couldn't stop grinning thinking about how close we are to the home stretch and life changing for the better forever. To our families, thank you for loving us, supporting us, and being there to welcome our baby into this world...we love you all and know we are incredibly lucky to have you!

the adorable banner

mom's first attempt at a diaper cake--grogeous! i told her she needs to sell these!

mom and jeff...so sweet!

all of the yummy treats-they know the way to my heart ;)

mini tissue pom poms and the perfect "it's a girl" sign for us to use soon!

me and my handsome hubby

mimi and pappy

jeff and i with the shower hostesses

mom, gran, and i...soon-to-be four generations of us girls

jeff and kaye

present time!

adorable pink socks from rh baby and child

a gorgeous monogrammed blanket perfect for outside walks

jeff's favorite...daddy's girl bib and sweet outfits!

a basket full of goodies for feeding/diapering/grooming/play time

he's such a good helper

one of my favorites...the bassinet for our stroller!

another bag stuffed with fun treats!

jeff was saying "it's my turn to open something" ;)

we love our VOLS

a new blanket to match our glider!

see my enthusiam? it was our stroller! thanks mom and dad

yummy royal icing cookies for shower favors

Up in the Clouds

2012-01-16T08:25:00.001-06:00

It's Monday, and my head is in the clouds...but today is a day where that is totally acceptable because I'm on work holiday. Yes, thank you to the big bosses that give us MLK day off-I'm headed a little north to visit Jenna and her sweet boy Ian! So excited to play with them and catch-up with one of my great frends, since we don't get to nearly enough.

With so many people talking about the Clarisonic skin care system as of late, I wanted to give something similar a shot just to see if this was something worth investing in-as I can sometimes be ~~cheap~~ savvy when it comes to beauty trends and I'm eerie of what actually works. I spent some time researching online and then bought the Neutrogena Microdermabrasion System. In the past 2 weeks, I have used it about 5 times and can already tell a difference in my skin...it feels softer, firmer, and much more clean than my normal nightly rinse routine. Even better, it's under $20 and then you buy replacement puffs so very cost friendly, too! Anyways, just wanted to mention this to you as I have been really impressed with just how well this treatment system works, for a fraction of the price of similar items on the market.

Remember last week when I said I was having a difficult time thinking about what to blog about? It's as though one of my favorite bloggers, Centsational Girl, heard my struggle when she posted "50 Things to Write About When You Have Writer's Block"...genius I tell you! Read the post here. And yes, I'll be taking advantage of some of these fantastic ideas soon.

I also had some blogging friends ask me what planner I am using this year so I thought I'd share. As much as I love some of the hot retailers out there {here, here, and here} I just couldn't bear to spend that much...who is this person I am turning into? ;)
So, instead I found a line Target is carrying, Egg Press by Blue Sky, and bought that instead. If you can't find it in your local store, you can purchase from Blue Sky's website as well.
Pros: compact design, tabbed monthly pages, weekly lined pages, clear covers, and it's $8
Cons: my name isn't on it, no "custom" design.

That's all I've got for this Monday my lovelies. I know you're all just dying to hear about the shower, aren't you? Come back tomorrow for a full recap of just some of the gorgeousness that Little Caroline was showered with...let's just say the family went a tad bit overboard ;)

it happened on this day..

2012-01-14T08:00:00.001-06:00

a mere two years ago, it was january 14, 2010, and my boyfriend and i were galivanting through the streets of charleston, south carolina, on a romantic getaway for just the two of us. little did i know that i was going to get asked the question every girl dreams of hearing from the time she is a little girl...

two years ago on this day, jeff asked me to be his wife, and i screamed with delight and answered a giddy little yes.

after crying tears of joy and screaming with excitement, my beau whisked me back to the b&b where we were staying so the fun calling of family and friends could commence...but, this southern gentleman had plans of his own when he had plotted for months to have my parents, his mom, and my best friend and her fiance join in on the fun festivities.

i can't help but look back on that day with joy and a smile that just won't fade away-that was the day of the start of so many exciting things in my life...it was the beginning of something more than i could ever imagine, just 22 days before we moved in together and 514 days until we said "i do".

things haven't always been easy, things haven't always been perfect, but nothing in life comes free, and i wouldn't change one single decision i made about marrying you, jeff. i love you more and more each and every day and i pray that god continues to bless our marriage, our future, and most of all the little angel coming into our world soon.

thank you for being the man i always dreamed of, my absolute best friend. thank you for being you.

i love you now, and i'll love you always. OXOX

Fashionable Friday...Love Sweet Love!

2012-01-13T07:47:00.009-06:00

As soon as the aisles of Christmas decor are taken down at retail stores, it's as though anything and everything devoted to the most romantic day of the year pops up...oh yes, Valentine's Day is approaching my dear friends.

I'm thinking our date night this year might consist of takeout and a movie rented at home, complete with popcorn and contraband candy of course.
But, for those of you who will be whisked away by your favorite beau or your group of fabulous single ladies to take on the town, be on the lookout for some of these gorgeous holiday frocks in all shades of pink and red:

Parasol Chiffon Dress via ShopRuche

Hearthstone Chiffon Blouse via ShopRuche

Colorblocked Strands Necklace via Anthropologie

Dot to Trot Coral Dress via Lulus

Silk Taffeta Strapless Knot Dress via Banana Republic

Seamed Mini Skirt via Gap

Stitched Asymmetrical Shell via Gap

Cute and Kissable One Shoulder Dress via Lulus

The 30 Week Bumpdate!

2012-01-12T08:35:00.000-06:00

**All dressed up for our night out on Wednesday...dinner with Jeff' and his sales
team to celebrate his big win--such a fun time!! {Dress via Francesca's}

How Far Along? 30 weeks, 6 days...only 65 days to go!

Size of Baby Caroline? She is a head of cabbage...15.7 inches long and 2.75 pounds

Maternity Clothes? Yes and no. I've started wearing a lot of leggings because my belly starts to itch when I wear full-panel jeans for a long period of time...getting tighter in there I suppose.
Weight Gain? 23 pounds...emails say I am going to gain between .5 and 1 pound each week-yikes! All of that better be going to ensuring Caroline is a chunky little monkey.
Stretch Marks? None yet my dear friends...I thank my lucky stars each and every day.
Gender? Girl.
Sleep? I rediscovered the power of a little "help" this week. I have rarely medicated myself throughout pregnancy, so I took 1 regular Tylenol the other night and slept for 8 hours, only having to get up once to head to the bathroom...I felt like a new woman!
Food Cravings? Tangerines, peanut butter, cereal, and sugar free ice cream bars.
What I Miss? My normal energy. Jeff is helping with chores because I am getting tired {although I think he is enjoying my more "laid back view" of housework}. Normally I am OCD about putting things away and everything being in it's proper place, but I just can't seem to keep it up like the "old me".
Symptoms? Sleepiness, leg cramps in the middle of the night, ever-growing belly, food aversions {the thought of red meat makes me sick lately}, and itchiness.
Belly Button: Still hanging there...it's not out, but it's definitely not in either.

Best Moment of the Week? As cliche as this sounds, getting daily deliveries from the UPS man have made me so happy! The bedding is here, the glider will be delivered next week, more fun decor has been purchased to hang on the walls, and we selected a paint color. This weekend is our family baby shower and I cannot wait for Sunday!

Tell It Like It Is

2012-01-11T10:05:00.000-06:00

Thoughts occupying my mind these days...

I'm having a terrible lack of creative ideas for fun posts...any ideas from my loyal blogging friends out there? Based on feedback, I am working on a baby registry post {which could take months at this rate}, a return to Fashionable Friday featuring absolutely nothing related to babies, my favorite blogs/sites, and how to find your "happy place" when it comes to how you look {tips on what I do for workouts/eating/etc}. I am open to any and all suggestions I promise so come one come all!

One of my favorite local happenings returns here in town...it's our own version of Restaurant Week from January 16-22! Sounds like the perfect excuse for a random date night to me--some of my most favorite places are on here that you must try if you've never ventured before--Boundry, Cafe Nonna, Germantown Cafe, and Red Pony just to name a few. We made reservations for Holland House and I am excited to finally try it out.

I'm starting to slow down a bit these days--my planner is booked with all sorts of fun events and happenings, yet I am finding myself having to say "no" because of my tiredness and general lack of energy. Sitting at a desk for 8 hours a day isn't the best way to deal with lower back pains, leg cramps, and constant potty breaks...a little more than 9 weeks to go, so there is light at the end of the tunnel!

Whoever created Etsy should be given a standing ovation..if I am ever needing to find a hostess gift, baby shower present, random art prints/quotes for frames, jewelry, or any combination of fun items, I know just where to turn! I can't get enough and my PayPal account knows how much I frequent some of my fav sellers' shops, too ;)

As much as I loathe Target's ~~revamped~~ poorly uodated website, I cannot help but love this new collection of home decor goodies, cleverly entitled "Golden Days". A few of these goodies just might be taking up residence in Caroline's nursery.

This past week, I received two very important cards from two of my bestest friends asking me to be bridesmaids in their weddings...can't say I didn't get a little emotional at the thought that I get to be there to celebrate their special days, just as they did mine. Not to mention this gives me wonderful excuses to plan parties again-yay Candice and Lauren!!

And because we all need life mottos, I think this is superbly fitting:

Girl for All Seasons

2012-01-10T08:57:00.000-06:00

Do any of you remember that song, "Girl for All Seasons" from Grease 2? For some reason, it got into my head when I started working on this post so I apologize if you suffer because of it.

My friend Brooke asked if I would devote a post to showcasing some of my favorite nail polish colors, so I thought it would be fun to look through shades to get you through any and all seasons...some are worthy year-round, yet others should only be brought out during a certain time of the year.

Yes, I am a nail polish junkie and I am somewhat of a snob when it comes to certain brands--I used to be a "generic" user, until I gave in and forked over the money for OPI and Essie, but you get what you pay for and these beauties do last a great deal longer than other brands.

Winter Time Fancies

You Don't Know Jacques by OPI

Mink Muffs by Essie

Suzi Skis in the Pyrenees by OPI

In Stitches by Essie

Spring Forward

Big Hair, Big Nails by OPI

Chocolate Moose by OPI

Mimosas for Mr and Mrs by OPI

{great wedding day color, too!}

Geranium by Essie

In the Summertime

Elephantastic Pink by OPI

Ballet Slippers by Essie

{the color I used on my wedding day}

Dutch Tulips by OPI

Sand Tropez by Essie

Watermelon by Essie

Fall into Fun

Lincoln Park at Midnight by OPI

Chinchilly by Essie

Chick Flick Cherry by OPI

Carry On by Essie

What are some of your go-to/favorite shades of nail polish?

Well Hello Monday!

2012-01-09T09:00:00.000-06:00

Is it just me, or did this weekend just fly by at warp speed? I think my body was getting quite used to the 3 or 4 day holiday work week, and now that it's back to the normal daily grind, I guess I better get my booty in gear, too.
This weekend should be labeled "Jeff + Natasha Time". Friday night, we went to dinner to detox from the week's craziness and then settled in early...when I say early, I mean we were home by 7:15--our former selves wouldn't have had reservations until at least 8PM on Friday nights ;).

Saturday morning, we got up and headed to Baptist Hospital to begin our childbirth/infant care classes that we had registered for...yippee!! See below for more details. That night, we had Meg and Aaron over for a relaxing evening at home...treating ourselves to pizza, watching countless episodes of Shameless {which is hilarious!}, and catching up with great friends.

Sunday, it was back to baby class to finish up... As a recap, we had no idea what to expect, but after 2 days of nonstop "baby talk", we walked away feeling excited, a little less overwhelmed, and a lot more knowledgeable about what to expect during labor, childbirth, postpartum, and everything associated with taking care of a newborn. We took a tour the labor and delivery floor where we'll be staying which made the whole process seem all the more real. For anyone pregnant, absolutely sign up for these classes--they were extremely helpful and a lot more fun than Jeff and I expected, too.

So now it's Monday, and we're back in the swing of things. I have to forego meeting up with friends tonight to watch the BCS National Championship game in exchange of an afternoon dentist appointment and Junior League meeting, but I have to admit that I'll be cheering for Alabama today...any reason to root against Les Miles is enough reason for me-- Roll Tide!

Lots of fun activities this week, too--bunco with the girls tomorrow night, dinner with Jeff and his work colleagues to celebrate his big sales win Wednesday, my 30-week appointment on Thursday, and then my first baby shower on Sunday...happy week indeed! ;)

Product Review...Hana Hair Dryer!

2012-01-06T14:06:00.005-06:00

I was contacted a few weeks ago by Misikko asking if I was interested in doing a review of their famous HANAair Professional Hair Dryer--ummm hello, sign me up please!

Within a week, I had the gorgeously wrapped box delivered to my house and couldn't wait to use it. They were even kind enough to spoil me with some extra goodies, too--shampoo and conditioner and Shine Shield protectant just to name a few. To be honest, I washed my hair that night and did a deep conditioning treatment just so I could do a test run. Holy bananas!

To be honest, I was unsure as to how much better a really nice hair dryer would work on my dry/damaged/thick/color-treated hair considering I had always used the brands found on the shelves at my local Target, but WOWZA this thing is amazing...not only is my already hair noticeably shinier and healthier , but it cuts my drying time in half, saving precious moments in the morning for other "grooming activities" or added time to hit the snooze button perhaps?

To say this is the best dryer I've used would be a major understatement, but for ladies out there that want to splurge a bit and invest in a beauty tool that really works, this is something to try. I was majorly impressed with the cord length, the multiple heat/power settings, and the cool shot button that you don't have to constantly hold to use.

*Note: This dryer was sent to me to review and post my honest feedback and opinions. I was not paid to promote this item in any way, and only want to share positive experiences with my blogging friends to help others who have beauty difficulties just like me!

The Nursery Chronicles...Part 2

2012-01-06T09:21:00.000-06:00

I kept my word!! It's been quite awhile since I have updated about the nursery progress...don't fret, just because I took a sabbatical doesn't mean we've halted in any sense of the word--little miss will be here in just over 2 months so I am diligently trying to get things knocked out little by little as not to overwhelm myself near the end. You can take a look at our initial "nursery inspiration" post here.

Our contractor completed the home improvements and I am so pleased with the end result...gorgeous 4' high white painted beadboard coupled with built-in closet shelving for the utmost of baby organization, and of course, the furniture.

Here is where the nursery currently stands:

daddy jeff taping to prime the walls--see, he does love pink

as you walk into the space...the walls are now primed and ready to paint!

a shot of the crib...more detailed shots to come once we have the bedding

the dresser/changing table

the side nook...we've got our contractor coming back to
install a built-in bookcase very soon!

someone's brand new hamper

a sampling of some of the pieces to adorn the walls

my favorite part...caroline's closet!

this child is going to be dressed to impressed...
Mimi and I may have gone a little overboard already ;)

custom clothing dividers were a must

I am in LOVE with the crib and the dresser--classicly chic with a hint of glamour. I am still waiting for the bedding to arrive and then painting the walls will commence--Jeff is ecstatic about a blush pink room for his little princess ;).

After that, we'll be decorating with all sorts of fun new decor and I'll be assembling a gallery wall with frames, printed quotes, art, mirrors, and such to "cozy up" the room. Other odds and ends on my plate:

Buy window treatments--maybe a pattern if I find the right one!
Install floor rug
Insert upholstered chair--just waiting on the custom piece to be delivered
Buy a moveable ottoman/pouf for the floor
Find and install a mobile for the crib
Organize all of the little one's necessities {oh how I heart organizing!}

So there you have it. Progress made indeed, yet still so much to accomplish in a short amount of time so we'll be adding little details here and there until I can reveal the final nursery, hopefully by mid-to-late February. Hope you all enjoyed this little peak into Caroline's boudoir.

29 Weeks...Are We There Yet?

2012-01-05T08:17:00.014-06:00

How Far Along? 29 weeks, 6 days...72 days to go!
Size of Caroline? The bambino is a squash this week, which makes me want squash casserole for some reason. She measures 15.25 inches and 2.5 pounds.
Maternity Clothes? Still rocking non-maternity dresses, but pants and tops are pretty much all maternity these days. Not to mention I had to break down and buy new "loungewear" so I could be comfortable when I sleep at night.
Weight Gain? 22 pounds...the scale stayed the same this week and I was thankful. I passed the glucose test with flying colors, but I'm now having to take iron supplements since I was getting low and having spells of lightheadedness.
Stretch Marks? No!! Hallejuah...amen.
Gender? Girl! And she's got the wardrobe to prove it ;)
Sleep? Tossing and turning a lot more each night, and definitely having bouts of restless leg syndrome, not to mention my mind wanders into the world of what all needs to be done.
Food Cravings? Peanut butter sandwiches, tangerines {seriously I eat at least 2 each day}, and Lucky Charms. Not to mention my sweet tooth has grown exponentially.
What I Miss? Not going to lie...all I wanted on New Year's Day was to sip on a mimosa .
Symptoms? Puffy ankles by the end of the day, heartburn, punches/kicks in my ribs all throughout the night, and skin blotchiness--my freckles are back which is funny.
Belly Button: Though I swore this wouldn't happen, I feel as though within a week or two my innie is going to "pop" out--not the most attractive sight to see.
Best Moment of the Week? Jeff has started taking a much more proactive role...he can tell when I need help but don't want to ask, and he is always asking what he can get for me and how he can help take on more at the house since I am tired most nights. I know he is going to be such a great dad and I feel very lucky that he still tells me I look pretty when I know he secretly knows I am a walking timebomb and could lose it at any moment ;).
This weekend, we have our childbirth/infant care classes at the hospital...a room packed with a bunch of pregnant ladies and their guys, oh wow, who knows what pleasures we are in for. I am so thankful Jeff is willing and actually wants to learn all we can in preparation for Caroline, yet I can't help but get totally weirded out at the fact that our weekends have transformed from travelling on romantic getaways to learning the various ways to swaddle a baby and what to expect during labor--my how life can change SO quickly.

And since I promised, come back tomorrow because I'll finally be posting the nursery progress...what we've done and what's to come--yay!!

Ruffled Black Sweater and Demi-Panel Corduroy Maternity Jeans: Gap

New Goals for a Brand New Year!

2012-01-04T08:31:00.000-06:00

I, like practically every other American, tend to make a list of "resolutions/goals" to keep myself on target and track--and of course I am jumping on the blogging bandwagon so you can keep me accountable! My last year's post looked something like this:
So, how did I do?
1. Master Copperplate Calligraphy. I mastered my own "style", yet my side business took a backseat to other events. For those asking, yes, I will pick this up again--perhaps a side job on maternity leave?
2. Complete Another 1/2 Marathon...fail. I didn't do it, though I did workout beyond belief for our wedding and am still keeping up with exercising to help cope with pregnancy weight.
3. Save More Money..success! This initiative is one that I couldn't do without my financially-savvy husband. That man loves his Excel spreadsheet I tell you.
4. Learn to Use my SLR Camera. Semi-pass. I use my Nikon a lot more, yet when I am out and about, my little point-and-shoot seems to do its job. I have a feeling with Caroline coming, this little gadget is going to get used a bit more often.
5. Read More Books. I did it!! I read 1 book each month. This is the most I have ever read {without having to like I did during college} and I am so happy--I feel like I turned off the television a bit more and spent quality time with entertaining books instead.

As for 2012, my list of potential achievements to abide by look something like this:

1. Volunteer more. With joining Junior League, I want to do more in the community and I am excited to get my placement this spring...doing for others feels so good!

2. Lose the baby weight. I know I'm still pregnant, but I'm already promising myself I will lose it all--positive thinking I tell you! I was in the best shape of my life when we got married and I want to get back to that place...not to mention with vacations and parties already in the works for my girlfriends tying the knot, I do not want to look like the "mom" ;)

3. Get back in the kitchen. Nothing makes Jeff happier than a home-cooked meal. He loves it when I get excited about cooking, and I seemed to have lost a little bit of that this past year. I want to try out new recipes, bake more, and use my KitchenAid mixer.

4. Don't over plan/schedule my time. I am constantly on-the-go and I desperately need to learn how to say no. I wish I didn't care so much about people pleasing. I need to not feel guilty, for I know I need some downtime, too.

5. Start my own business. This is something we have talked about the past few years, yet it's never seemed like the "right" time. Well, they say there is no time like the present...so 2012 will be when we hit the go button. More details to come, but I'm so excited to get the ideas set in stone and dive in head first on another life adventure.

So, are you like the rest of us and make resolutions? What is motivating you this year? I'd love to hear what you're planning to accomplish in 2012...

Auld Lang Syne...Happy 2012!!

2012-01-03T10:33:00.000-06:00

It's the first post of the new year! I cannot believe it's 2012--I swear last year moved at warp speed, but I can't help get excited at so many things coming up in twenty twelve.
We had the most fantastic 3-day weekend and it was a blessing to be at home celebrating the new year. Friday night, we went to Zanie's to see John Caparulo's comedy show. I had never been before, but we had so much fun...an adult evening for sure and he was hilarious, just like when he's on Chelsea Lately.
Saturday, we had my parents and Jeff's cousin Eddie over--we grilled for lunch and enjoyed the gorgeous 60 degree weather and ate ourselves into a coma before doing it all over again for dinner that night. Jeff wanted to try something new so he made BBQ which was great...I feel lucky I have a guy who can cook so well {when he wants to!}. We played games and watched the ball drop and talked all about our new year's resolutions, and I successfully made it until 1:45AM so I felt like a sober rockstar.

celebrating the last NYE of just being the two of us

smoking their NYE cigars...haha

our tasty dinner...BBQ, ribs, asian coleslaw, and cheesy corn on the cob

evening attire ;)

jeff playing with chloe and bella

watching the ball drop

Sunday morning, I got up to make monkey bread and a sausage and egg casserole for brunch. Then we said our goodbyes and hubby and I worked to get our Christmas decorations down. That night, we met up with Lauren and Andy for dinner and to see The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which was one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. The story followed the book really closely and I cannot wait to dive into the 2nd installment of the trilogy.
For my last day off, I went to the gym to get my first 2012 workout in and then did some shopping for the nursery...I PROMISE a progress post is coming this week! We spent the night watching mindless television and catching up on RHOBH and my other junk shows including The Bachelor--I gave it an entire hour before saying hasta la vista to Ben...I just can't handle him.
Happy New Year friends--may this be your best year yet!! OXOX

2011...A Hello Happiness Year in Review

2011-12-30T08:20:00.004-06:00

At the end of every year, I like to look back at all of the exciting events that have taken place over the past 12 months just as a little highlight of monumentous occasions and such...some may have little to no relevance to others, yet played a big role in my life.
Here we go:

Rang in the New Year with friends in the mountains

Played in loads of snow in and around Nashville...it was a gorgeous winter!

Flew to Los Angeles to celebrate Jeff's grandmother's 95th birthday!

Traveled to ATL to stock up for the wedding and spend a little r&r together!

Canoe...my fav restaurant in ATL

Had a fun family night on the town to toast
my Uncle Robert as he turned the big 50!

Threw my birthday boy a big "gourmet hot dog" theme party for his 27th year

Oh my March birthdays...the next week, we had another
fun birthday celebration for Lauren--love that woman!

Spent time with the family for Easter

Celebrated our upcoming wedding with fun showers thrown by family and friends

Welcomed another UT graduate into the family when my cousin Lauren graduated

Attended one big party of a wedding for Joanna and Rhett

Ventured to the Windy City with my best friends to
celebrate my last days as a single lady!!

Hosted all my favorite ladies to a bridal
luncheon to kick-off wedding weekend festivities

Practiced saying our vows in preparation for our big day

Celebrated with fun, food, and drink with our
dearest at our rehearsal dinner

Spent the happiest day of my life--June 11, 2011--surrounded by family,
friends, and finally getting to marry my prince charming

Hopped on a plane the next morning en route to
Antigua to spend a week with just the two of us

Said goodbye to my former ride and hello to Annie the Acura!

Spent the 4th of July relaxing by the pool

Then found out the very next week that we were in for a
big {and yes I mean BIG!} change

But our little secret didn't last too long...we just had to tell
Mimi and Pappy they were going to be grandparents!

Sipped on a few virgin margaritas to celebrate my 28th birthday!

Made our little announcement official

Travelled to Seaside to help ring in Andy's 30th birthday

Then met up with Mom and Dad to have a few relaxing days in Destin

Ventured to Knoxville for a few football games with our wondeful friends!

Did our annual Bell Buckle craft fair visit

Hosted a Gender Reveal Party to FINALLY spill the beans on Little Miss

Attended a fabulous fall engagement party for Jules and Jon

Spent time at my Aunt Michele's house for their Fall Fest/Chili Party

Hopped on a plane to spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's family in Hilton Head

Decorated the house for my favorite time of the year!

Sent out our very first Christmas cards as Mr. and Mrs. Stoneking

Bombarded the Big Apple right before Christmas

Got to paint the town in celebration of Lauren and Andy FINALLY getting engaged!

And the very next week we got to celebrate as another BFF Candice and
Adam got engaged...it's officially the season of love!

Then spent a relaxing Christmas holiday with my family here in Nashville

What's on our plate for the big New Year's Eve celebration this weekend? An evening at our house with my parents...this year, we decided we wanted to take it easy and spend time in our "yummies", cooking dinner, playing games, and watching the ball drop. Hope you all have a fantastic time ringing in 2012 and to celebrate everything new that's to come.

As bittersweet as it is to say goodbye to a year that I consider to be the best thus far, I know 2012 can only top these past 12 months, and I can't wait to savor each and every moment in anticipation of the arrival of the biggest blessing of all.

From the bottom of my heart, I am so thankful for my blogging friends and this opportunity--your genuineness and thoughtful comments make life even better and I only hope to be able to continue to share a little bit of my life with you in 2012.

Cheers to you with all my love!! OXOX

28 Weeks...Hello Third Trimester!!

2011-12-29T12:16:00.000-06:00

How Far Along? 28 weeks, 5 days...79 days to go!
Size of Caroline? She is 14.8 inches long and weighs about 2.25 pounds- this week's produce is a chinese cabbage.
Maternity Clothes? The dress I wore for Christmas Eve festivities was maternity and I have to admit, I loved it...flowy and simple, yet still fun for the holidays. I think I am finally figuring out the proper way to dress for the bump! And P.S. Old Navy has adorable maternity PJ pants that I sported Christmas morning, too--way comfy!
Weight Gain? 22 pounds...my 28-week doctor's appointment was today, complete with my glucose test. And for all the other pregnant ladies out there that are soon to take this test, don't sweat it--it's not nearly as bad as everyone claims
Stretch Marks? Still rubbing that lotion on morning, noon, and night--I should become an investor in the Palmer's brand.
Gender? Girl!
Sleep? I officially hate having to sleep on my side each and every night. If I could have one wish granted, it would be for someone to cut out a hole in our bed so I could find a way to sleep on my tummy again.
Food Cravings? Fruits, more with the apple cider, and salty snacks like chips. Sometimes the thought of protein makes me nauseous though I am having to try my best to get it down because I know I need it.
What I Miss? Running on the treadmill at a fast pace--someday soon!
Symptoms? Puffy face syndrome, restless nights where all I can think about is what all needs to be done, crazy hormones, and I have officially started nesting...be gone with all the junk in my house! I can't stand anything out that is not in its "proper place".
Best Moment of the Week? Reaching the third trimester and my thoughtful family thinking of Caroline and showering her with gifts for Christmas...she got a baby handprint ornament kit for next year, Classical Baby dvds to soothe her to sleep and teach her fun art and dance once she makes her debut, a Precious Moments bible, and some adorable embroidered burp cloths!

Shirt from Forever 21 and Jersey Floor Length Skirt from Motherhood Maternity

Christmas Gifts Galore

2011-12-28T09:26:00.000-06:00

This little elf must have been very good this year as I think I was a bit spoiled by my family with fun holiday presents and gifts...or maybe they were just saying farewell to "my" holiday since I have a feeling next year all the attention will be focused on our new little one--and no, I don't mind one bit. My dad always jokes that it'll be sweater time and that will be the only gift I get, but I think I am getting the best gift of all come March ;). Here are some of the fabulous gifts Santa delivered under our tree this year:

David Yurman Buckle Bangle

Michael Kors Hamilton Purse

Sperry Leopard Flats

Gold Initial Love Necklace

Jane Marvel Carry-On and Cosmetic Bags in Python

Tory Burch Logo Ella Tote

Now can you see why Mom appropriately named my Christmas presents "the year of the bag"? I couldn't ask for clothes and bags are the very next best thing...yes I am a bag lady! I also received some new moccasin houseshoes, a new robe perfect for lounging, new shades of Essie nail polish, a personalized LL Bean canvas beach bag, the 21 album from Adele, a gorgeous crystal beaded necklace, and money to put towards a new laptop, which I cannot wait to get!

Since we came home with some fabulous new goodies, I took the rest of my holiday to get my booty in gear and spend the afternoon clearing out the clutter. I think I have officially started the "nesting" phase of pregnancy and I wanted all the unnecessary gone...I went through each and every drawer in our bedroom and closet, then tackled the upstairs storage, and managed to come up with another 4 bags for the hubby to cart off to Goodwill. Afterall, now is the time when people less fortunate really need those extra coats and winter necessities so many of us have lying around not being used. It feels so good to give back and I hope you'll do the same!

What were some of your favorite gifts this year??

Oh Joy! A Wonderful Christmas

2011-12-27T12:42:00.000-06:00

I might still be in a food coma from all the incredible holiday tasty treats I consumed the past 4 days, but at least I can say it's giving me the necessary "energy" to get back into the swing of things. Is it just me, or does anyone else go through withdrawals immediately following Christmas? No more holiday tunes on the radio, no more shopping for friends and family, and neighbors taking down their trees and outside lights... oh I can't help but get a little saddened at the thought that it is all over and I have to wait until next year...winter blues, perhaps?
This year, stayed at home and spent Christmas in Nashville with my family since we had travelled to Hilton Head to spend Thanksgiving with Jeff's side. I have to admit, it was so much fun being able to spend the night at my parents' house and wake up with them on Christmas morning to open presents...a very happy heart indeed. Here's the recap of our festive family fun: {I am forewarning you, too, picture overload!}
Christmas Eve, Jeff and I ran around town, having one last pre-holiday workout, picking up a few last minute things, and then packing the car to head to Mom and Dad's...that afternoon, Mom and I got our dishes ready for my grandmother's house, baked sugar cookies, and then got ready for the evening's festivities...church and dinner at Ruth's Chris.

Mom and Dad's house all decked out for Christmas

My banana coconut upside down cake...see here for recipe--yummy!

Slaving away in the kitchen ;)

Mom looking gorgeous on Christmas Eve!

All dressed up!!
{before anyone asks, the dress is from Asos Maternity}

My hubby and I celebrating our first married Christmas!!

After dinner, we drove around downtown checking out some of the fun, festive lights adorning the neighborhoods and then went home to call it a night...we were stuffed and exhausted and wanted a good night's sleep since Santa was coming!

Dad on Christmas morning

Our fun hats, courtesy of Mom...oh he is such a good sport ;)

Mom and me anxious to open presents!!

Stocking time!!

Mom's new Wayfarers!!

My favorite present this year...hubby did good!

Matching LL Bean Beach Bags...great minds think alike!

Dad's gorgeous new watch!

And finally, I was able to surprise Jeff with new Ray Bans, too!

After we finished playing Santa, we got ready and headed to Gran and Papa's house to meet up with the rest of the family for an afternoon full of fun...first on the agenda was taking in Gran's holiday lunch followed by present time--woo hoo!! Then we all gathered around the table for a new game--Farkle! If you haven't played, it's a new must...so much fun and of course our competitive natures were out in full effect. After eating leftovers for dinner, we called it a night and headed back to the parent's house to watch The Hangover 2.

Let's be honest, I look absolutely humongous pregnant, but by this point,
I was going for comfort, not for style...haha!

Lauren and I all festive in our red!

The adorable basket Lauren made us for Christmas filled with homemade sweets

I dont ever think I have seen my Gran so happy before...she said it was the best Christmas having her whole family at their house and she beamed all day ;)

Gran and Papa

Such an amazing Christmas filled with the best family... God is just SO good! We must have been extra nice this year since Santa was very giving this season, too...fun present recap to come, and we all agreed this was the best holiday yet. Even Caroline racked up some adorable presents from our family, which made my heart melt. Hope you all had a wonderful time celebrating with the special people in your life!! OXOX

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

2011-12-23T08:45:00.002-06:00

I'm "disengaging" from blogging land for a few days friends...cannot wait to spend quality time with my family these next 4 days! I know we're all in need of major rest and relaxation and I wanted to wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas.

Our holiday will be spent scurrying around to finish up last minute errands, baking away for my grandmother's Christmas lunch, spending the night with Mom and Dad on Christmas Eve after we head to candlelight church service and Ruth's Chris for our traditional dinner, and just soaking in every last moment of this special time.

It's our first married Christmas, yet our last Christmas where it will be just the two of us...crazy to think how much can change in a year!

Happy wishes to everyone--may you get everything you want, but remember most of all what CHRISTmas is all about ;)

Christmas Time...27 Week Bumpdate!!

2011-12-22T09:06:00.000-06:00

How Far Along? 27 weeks, 5 days...86 days to go!
Size of Sweet Caroline? She is 14.5 inches long and weighs between 2 and 2.5 pounds- they compare her to a cauliflower this week...ok, now little one isn't so little anymore.
Maternity Clothes? I feel very fortunate in that I have been able to wear so many of my pre-maternity tops and dresses...I live in tunics and leggings these days and when I play dress up, it's all about fun A-line/empire style dresses for this lady. Jeans and pants are ALL maternity!
Weight Gain? 20 pounds...I think all that walking we did in NYC helped to combat some of that food I ate.
Stretch Marks? I look everyday just to be sure, but not any yet...that I can see ;)
Gender? Caroline Cate--I could say that name over and over again and never get tired of hearing it.
Sleep? I was a walking zombie upon our return home from NYC, but I think I am back in my groove now...I'm managing to get my workouts in too, which really help!
Food Cravings? Peppermint, fruit, and I am loving cereal again now- finally!
What I Miss? This week, I feel as though I'm not missing out on much...with Christmas, I am getting to enjoy the holidays with family and friends and feel fortunate to have a miracle of our very own.
Symptoms? Someone plays gymnastics in my belly at all hours of the night, achy muscles, and the occasional leg cramp.
Best Moment of the Week? Receiving my first baby shower invitation in the mail! My mom, aunt, and cousin are throwing a family shower with a dessert theme--do they know me or what? Here is what the invite looks like, though I "borrowed" this one from Tinyprints as I can't give away all the details ;)

To Do List: I am starting to think that to hold myself accountable for all the things I need to accomplish with the nursery before March, I need to write it down so that friends {ahem, you know who you are} can be sure to keep me on track! Here are the outstanding items to tackle:

Paint the nursery {once I finally get my bedding delivered, this should be a fairly quick process--I have 4 tentative colors already picked out}
Order a side table to accompany the chair
Purchase a fun patterned ottoman/pouf
Install curtains and hardware on the windows
Find the perfect mobile
Hang all wall decor--we're doing a gallery wall over the dresser/changing table and then ledges for frames, pictures, and any other decor we find!

And last, but certainly not least, I just wanted to say a little thank you to so many of you who have sent kind comments, emails, and said such sweet words about this absolutely exciting time in my life. You all make it so much fun to share each and every little thing with you about being pregnant and your compliments brighten my day more than you can imagine!