Photo Challenge Day 2: Words and Brain Banter

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!!  

The World of Pregnancy...The Books, The Gear, and The Truths

A post on a weekend...I cannot believe it!

Ok, let me go ahead and preface this by saying upfront that so I am by NO means a professional when it comes to this whole world of pregnancy, however, I think I have been able to find out what's legit, what's helpful, what to avoid, and helpful resources that are now on my favorites...yes, I know, when did I become so old?
{By the way, for those completely uninterested in this kind of mindless chatter, feel free to go ahead and skip this post...I promise, it won't hurt my feelings}

As soon as I discovered we were expecting, I dove head first into reading anything and everything I could baby-related...afterall, this is an important time, and as someone with only a handful of girlfriends with babies, I needed all the help I could get. Here is my list of what I've read so far:

1. The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy: Hands down, my favorite book! It's in your face, a little crude into the details, but it's honest and it's written by a mother of four--I think this woman knows what she is talking about. And P.S. my BFF bought this book for me when I proclaimed to her the good news...fantastic gift for any mommy-in-training.

2. What to Expect When You're Expecting: This is the only book I was familiar with, so of course I bought it. To be honest, everything in this book is something you can find online via Google...however, the weekly updates of how the baby is developing and what's going on with your body were interesting to read. Unless you need an actual resource copy of this to have on-hand, I'd say your money is best spent on something else.
3. Belly Laughs: If you're in need of a good laugh, and a lighthearted, but truthful look at what goes on throughout pregnancy, this is the book for you...very much entertaining.
4. Pregnancy and Birth--Your Questions Answered: Similar to a one-stop resource for any question you may be having, this is a helpful tool to have when my mind starts to wander.
5. Becoming Babywise: Everyone, {and yes I mean everyone} from my friends to Jeff's boss to our doctor told us to buy this book...I just finished reading and I absolutely loved the advice..especially how they mention to focus on your marriage for a healthy family dynamic. However, one thing to note is that there is SO many details they mention that I am going to get Jeff or my Mom to read this, too--it's a little overwhelming and I am already telling myself that every baby is different, so Caroline may or may not take to this specific method.
6. Dude! You're Going to be a Dad: We all know the boys need reading material, too and I helped Jeff pick this one up to help him understand my crazy emotions and raging hormones, how the baby is changing each week, and to help prepare him to be a Daddy. He's reading it and learning quite a bit about this "new life".

Now, moving on to the other stuff--the gear I needed/used for the first/second trimesters, and items I am still using today:

1. Bella Band--sent from the Good Lord above I am telling you. These handy dandy contraptions are spanx-like in that they help you wear your normal clothes a wee bit longer...after the rubberband trick no longer works. I bought 3 of these--white, nude, and black and they are WONDERFUL!
2. Palmer's Tummy Cocoa Butter: the perfect lotion to help keep stretch marks away. Yes, I am well aware a lot of it comes down to genetics, however, I am doing anything and everything I can to prevent these bad boys.
3. Palmer's Skin Therapy Oil: Improves skin all over and aids in preventing marks...the oil formula is slightly greasy, though, so make sure you put this on before bed only.
4. Gingerale and Crackers: Yes, I was one of the lucky ones that didn't have terrible bouts of morning sickness through the first trimester, however, if I ever had an empty tummy, I would start getting nauseous so I always had these items with me--I kept crackers in the car and kept cans of gingerale at work, too.  
5. The Boppy Body Pillow: I think I was earlier than most to go out and invest in one of these, but I am so glad I did...I believe I got much better rest because of my "other" sleeping partner. Absolutely helped me sleep more comfortably at night as I had to transition to non-tummy time. I nicknamed mine "Benny" and he has been a not-so-welcome addition to our bed..sorry Jeff.
6. Victoria's Secret T-Shirt Bras: When I walked in telling an associate I needed to be remeasured as I was expecting, she smiled her little smile and went to work...up 2 cup sizes and an expanded number, I went right past my normal cute/sexy bras straight to the momma bras, and wow, what a difference it makes. This is when it's all about comfort, and not about the fun, bright colors and prints.
7. Maternity Leggings: I have bought a few pair of these from Motherhood, Old Navy,and Gap and they are fantastic...they have a built-in secret pouch as you get bigger and loads of elastic. What could be better? Right now, I feel fortunate that tunics and leggings are in style and so many of my former clothes are working to get me through the "transition".
8. Maternity Wear: I have been asked over and over again where I get my clothes that I've worn throughout my pregancy. Funny enough, a lot of the garments came from my closet pre-baby, which include my favorite local boutique, Blush, as well as other retailers like Francesca's, Dillards, Target, Old Navy, and Gap. But, I've basically bought out the maternity secion of Gap's website and have found that everything runs pretty true to size. I am normally an XS in their clothes and I am with their maternity fashions, too. I've been able to accessorize with jewelry and scarves to stay as fashionable as possible, though I have to admit getting ready takes a lot longer these days.

And for the not-so-pretty things...the truths that they "forget" to tell you--well, I don't mind putting myself {and my two cents} out there and spilling the beans:
1. You're going to need to eat TONS of fiber--I think you get my drift here? I've been consuming more than my fair share lately...oh vey.  
2. Pregnancy does a number on your skin and acne/breakouts. It was as if I was a teenager all over again. Thankfully, that only lasted a few weeks and I got my normal complexion back.
3. You simply cannot control your flatulence--there, I said it--Jeff finds this quite comical.
4. This is the one time in your life it's OK to not suck in your stomach...when I was starting to show, I tried to push my belly out so it didn't look as though I had just scarfed down one too many beers. Obviously we no longer have that issue, it's known I'm growing a wee one.
5. I signed up for the pregnany apps on my iPhone {Baby Bump and My Pregnancy}, though some updates and videos are scary--watching a live birth with everything shown turned out to be much more than this lady could handle.
6. Your hormones will make you a crazy person. Yes, I turned into one too. I can be happy me one minute, but then the next, it's as though I am possessed and you better watch out.
7. Your boobs will grow an ungodly amount...for the first time in life, I don't need a little "extra help" in that region, but I can't help but miss my petite ladies.
8. Pregnant dreams are some of the most realistic I've ever had, and they occur all the time...weird crazy ones I tell you, like total never-in-a-million-years-would-this-ever-happen kind of dreams.

And finally, on a personal note--standing on my soapbox here, be aware that anyone and everyone will be more than happy to voice their opinions on your pregnancy, your childcare choice, whether or not you decide to breastfeed, when you plan to introduce the baby to the crib, etc. Maybe this is my brutal honesty coming through, but if I ask for your guidance, it means I am genuinely interested in what you have to say and trust you from your own experiences and such.  However, if you find it necessary to tell me how you feel, be prepared that I may just tell you politely that Jeff and I are are learning all of these things for the first time and I'm hopeful we can figure it out as we go...in other words, thanks but no thanks ;)

Tuesday Goodies...and Ebates!

Today's post is a smorgasboard {can't believe I just used that word} of goodness! Random one might say, but oh well, so be it.

1. First things first, from a few tweets and emails, it's as though there are people out there who are unaware of the holy grail of online shopping that is Ebates. Ebates is a website that you sign up to get cash back when you shop online. There are TONS of different stores that participate like Gap, Land's End, Dell, Ulta--the list goes on and on. Basically, you venture to the Ebates site and then use their link to follow to the other websites to shop. Ebates tracks your purchases and you earn cash back...free money people. I am guilty of forgetting to use it, so there is no telling how much money I could've seen by now. Oh well, I've now put a post-it on my computer as not to forget! Very helpful for all my Cyber Monday expenditures...yay for discounts. P.S. They also show you all the online coupon codes and such, too!

2. Tonight is the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show...is it pathetic that I am so excited for it I could squeal? I just love to see what's coming into the stores {minus the $2 million dollar bra} and if those ladies don't give us all the motivation to eat normally through the holidays, what will. It's OK though, I'm sure I'll be having my nightly bowl of ice cream ;)

3. I've got 1/2 of our Christmas cards addressed and stuffed--only about 40 more to go! I had no idea how many more cards we'd be sending out now that we're married...my hand hurts from all that writing. I've found some cute ways to show off the cards we receive this year though!

4. The smell of mistletoe is now everywhere in our house...Yankee candles, Glade plug-ins, and anything else I can get my hands on that smells like Christmas trees and such--I can never get enough of that smell--it is my absolute favorite!

5. To escape from the scariness of baby books and let my mind relax a bit, this past weekend I picked up "Chelsea Chelsea Bang Bang" at one of the airport bookstores and I am so happy I did...it is absolutely hilarious and a fun read--I love me some Chelsea Handler!

What I'm Loving Wednesday

It's already hump day, and I think this week is flying by at a rapid pace, but it's my version of Friday...yippee!! This week, lots to love:

We're leaving for the beach tomorrow morning--ahhh, a fun-filled vacation no doubt is calling my name! We're spending the first half with friends celebrating Andy's 30th birthday AKA old-man status, and then meeting up with my parents for a few more days in the Florida sun...bring it on please!!

We are working on the itinerary for our couples' NYC trip coming up in December and it is making me so excited...places to go, people to see, restaurants to try, and tons of shopping to be done! It's going to be a blast, and getting to go the weekend before Christmas is just icing on the cake.

New reading material for vacation...I bought Sara Gruen's Ape House {same author of "Water for Elephants"} and I cannot wait to catch up on some entertaining reading! I'm hoping to get through that one and then start on Sarah's Key.

Outlet malls--yes indeed, this lady will be hitting up the outlets in Destin while we're at the beach. Mom and I already said the boys can have "their time" while we have a conduct a little retail therapy for ourselves.

New fall line-up of shows is FINALLY starting! I'm already addicted to the new season of Rachel Zoe, but a few more shows I'll be tuning in for include Up All Night, Revenge, Modern Family, The Playboy Club, Whitney, Pan Am, and of course--the 2nd season of my favorite show Boardwalk Empire!! There goes productivity while at home ;)

I hope you all have a fantastic week...I am hoping for hoards of endlessly entertaining pictures showcasing vacation upon my return next week!

Days 6 and 7...Five Foods and Four Books

Five Foods
As a lover of all different types of yummy eats and treats, this will come as no surprise that this list is an easy one to complete:
1. Watermelon--I crave watermelon all the time, most especially during the summer...my absolute favorite fruit!!
2. Steak...this girl loves her protein and we are constantly grilling steak at home, or ordering when we go out to dinner
3. Strawberry Cake--if I had to eat one sweet, it would be my grandmother's homemade strawberry cake with strawberry icing...it's what she always makes for me when I come to visit and I can never get enough!
4. Guacamole...a recent new love, but whenever I get it into my head that I want it, I have to have it. Lucky for us Nashville has great places to order the REAL stuff
5. Cinnamon Toast Crunch...not my daily cereal, but when I want a special bowl in the mornings, this is what I go for--not to mention it's the perfect topping for vanilla ice cream too ;)

Four Books

This girl has come to love reading a lot more now than when I was in school...quite possibly because reading about "Who Moved My Cheese?" or the War of 1812 isn't as juicy as some of what I consider to be "entertaining":

1. Bergdorf Blondes...will forever and always be my favorite book--hilariously funny and a perfect girly read

2. The Help--I'm sure this will top a lot of other ladies' lists as well--great book about the south to see just how far we've come in dealing with segregation

3. The Five People You Meet in Heaven...want a quick read that will grab you at page 1 and holds your attention the entire time? This is the book for you--really makes you stop and think about life and the people surrounding you

4. 30 Days to Live...Jeff and I started reading this book when we started dating and couldn't put it down--it's all about the "what if" scenario of what you would do with your life if you found out you only had 30 days to live...very thought provoking and makes you take nothing for granted

What I Love This Wednesday

In the attempts to post about something non-wedding related, and yes, this is going to be a hard one for a bit, I wanted to hop on the train and join in Jamie's weekly blogging fun to discuss what I'm loving today...here goes nothing:

I am loving that my boss is kind enough to let me work from home today--with all the traveling and airport hopping, a day to get back in the swing of things was MUCH needed. Not to mention I am dressed to the nines in comfy pajamas which screams professional, right?

I am loving that after a diet-free week on honeymooning {and trust me there was lots of giving into temptations of food and drink}, I have finally got Jeff back on the train of eating heathier and not wanting to stock up on processed foods...yay for grilling fish, chicken, and shrimp this week. Not to mention my morning run at the gym this AM felt AMAZING!

I am loving that I get to see friends tonight and tomorrow night to play catch-up and have some major fun time. Our neighborhood bar--interestingly enough called Neighbors--tonight with Lauren and Andy and then Taco Mamacita on Thursday for ladies' night with fabulous friends. Uber pumped!

I'm loving that in the past week, I have finished 3 books--reading on vacation is the absolute best way to sit in the sun and soak up some rays while keeping myself mildly entertained.

• Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin was a great girly read. Loved how the story brought up old characters from the Something Borrowed series, and was a quick read.
• Heaven is For Real by Todd Burpo--both Jeff and I read this on our trip and absolutely couldn't put it down...a true story of a boy that travelled to heaven and what all he saw, who he met, and how he relayed details back to his mom and dad...this is a definite must read!!
• Same Kind of Different as Me by Ron Hall and Denver Moore--finally finished our latest book club read and this was another tale of a true story between a millionire art dealer and a homeless man, and how their lives are changed by the art dealer's wife--heartwarming and really makes you think how we could all do a little more to help others.

I am loving that the weekend is quickly approaching and we have some fun things lined up...shopping for house stuff, catching up with the family, getting back to church finally, and cleaning out the house to drop off hoards of items to Goodwill to make room for fun new wedding gifts are all on the agenda--P.S. can you tell "relax" is not a word in my vocabulary when I'm home and things need to get done?

Happy Hump Day friends...back tomorrow with the first pre-wedding recap...The Bridal Brunch!!

Food for Thought

Last night, I tried my hardest to escape reality for a bit and watch The Bachelorette, yet low and behold, poor Ashley is just not winning my attention...is anyone else out there having a hard time watching this season? The Bentley "situation" seems too cheesy and staged, the guys aren't all that entertaining to watch, and I just don't think she fits the category of the other bachelorettes from prios seasons...bless her heart, I think I have to move on to more intellectual shows like The Real HW of New Jersey {haha} and Million Dollar Decorators.

I found an article this morning about the 10 Signs You Need a Rest Day from Runner's World and thought this way very much worth noting--we need to pay attention to our bodies and what they are telling us when we exercise and run a lot...

1. BODY MASS: You lost weight from yesterday

2. RESTING HEART RATE: Your resting heart rate is elevated

3. SLEEP: You didn't sleep well or enough

4. HYDRATION: Your pee is dark yellow

5. ENERGY LEVEL: You're run down

6. MOOD STATE: You're cranky

7. WELLNESS: You're sick

8. PAIN: You're sore or nursing an injury

9. PERFORMANCE: Your workout went poorly

10. OXYGEN SATURATION: Your oxygen level has dipped

So I recently went to the store to stock up on reading material for the honeymoon and can't wait to dive in to these new reads...and by all means, send me other recommendations for good and relaxing books--I love spending my days soaking up the sun AND reading!

Heart of the Matter by Emily Giffin

Heaven is for Real by Todd Burpo

Today is my last day at work before the big wedding and honeymoon vacation...as hard as I am trying to stay focused, sorry peeps at the office, I have officially checked out--mind, body, and spirit are now in crazy bride mode. I am happy to report that thanks to the lovely creators of Tylenol PM, I was able to sleep extremely well last night--ahhhhh! 

This afternoon, I'm heading to the salon to get my final hair cut and color and then it's to the house to finish packing and loading up my car for my last few single girl nights at my parent's house. Tonight, Jeff and I will spend our last night together cooking dinner and just hanging out--then it's off to meet up with Mom tomorrow morning and let the fun commence. Out of town friends start arriving on Thursday and I couldn't be more elated! Oh Happy Days

Hodge Podge

So much to talk about, so much to share...forgive me if this makes no sense:

1. Finally finished "The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo" last night...hands down, one of the best books I've read recently. However take note--it is very crude and sexual so I am warning you, but the story is intense and a mystery you can't wait to solve
What's next on my read-a-book-each-month agenda? "Water for Elephants" by Sara Gruen. The movie {that I am dying to see} comes out in a little over a month and I have to finish it before the big release...P.S. here's the sneak peak trailer-- LOVE!



2. Jeff got a birthday card from my grandparents last night and it totally made his week...I couldn't help but smile that my family has brought my beau into our inner circle and they love him just as much as I do--definitely made my heart happy

3. Why are stamps so non-attractive? In searching for stamps for our invitations, all I can find are stacks of wedding rings {so not my style} and even more random--flags of our nations, mother theresa, and the year of the rabbit...seriously, the USPS needs help!

4. I miss the spray tan...I did the skin-not-so-soft switch from the spray tan to the tanning bed so I will look a little more natural come wedding day, but feeling pasty white while I build up a tan isn't my best look

5. I am addicted to Panera's Fuji Apple Chicken Salad. I have eaten it 2 times this week and it's not even the weekend yet...this means trouble.

6. This week at work I am getting to plan a client event for the National Zoo in Washington and it couldn't be more fun...this is where I really enjoy my career and getting to put my creative thinking hat on for "wild" {get it?} ideas...yes, that was a lame joke, but it's still early 

7. I've noticed that all I watch on TV anymore are ALL reality shows... The Bachelor, Real World {new season premiered last night=train wreck}, Real Housewives, Holly's World, Million Dollar Listing, Say Yes to the Dress. Do I have a problem or is that all that is on these days?

8. I want tons of flowers in our yard this year for spring...lots and lots of color! If this stupid monsoon season of rain would stop  maybe we could actually plant some! I'm thinking tulips, daisies, pansies, hanging ferns, and lilies...anything that says "happy home"

9. Our March Madness brackets start next week at work and I couldn't be more excited... I won the tournament 2 out of the past 3 years so I am ready to take home some free money!!

That's it for now...so much to get ready for this weekend and time is running out!!! Happy Thursday friends =)

Home At Last...

What a whirlwind weekend…and yes, I am beyond tired, but running on fumes at this point in time. We were in 70 degree sunshine weather yesterday and now it’s back to miserable dreary blah. Not to mention I am flying to Denver on Wednesday for work and my boss said she “didn’t want to discuss the horrid weather”, but to bring “warm clothes”—sheesh! I think the groundhog told us a little white lie last week, dont you?

Back to the matter at hand, a perfectly fabulous weekend spent with my soon-to-be in laws in California. We arrived late Thursday night, and headed straight to Jeff’s aunt and uncle’s house in Placerita Canyon. They live about ½ a mile from the Disney Ranch and the set of Wipeout, which was filming so of course we had to do the typical “drive-by” like the tourists we were… so neat! That night, we caught up with Jeff's aunts who flew in from Sacramento and Idaho for the birthday fun and drank maybe just one too many hot toddies before calling it a night—we were exhausted come 2AM!

Friday morning, we all got ready and headed to Esther’s house to take her out for her birthday… she always loves to go to this one restaurant, those everyone despises the food, but it was her birthday and the “Queen Bee” or so she calls herself won that fight! Afterwards, we had a small birthday party at her house complete with cake, ice cream, and a big 95 candle—she loved every bit of it, too! That afternoon, we spent time with her in her outside garden and got to listen to her tell some funny stories from her childhood and throughout her life—isn’t it inspiring to see all of the things our elders have gone through and just how much the world has changed? We learn so much from them and I know I am so grateful for everything they have to share with us. That night, we took it easy back at Joan and Larry’s house, watching the movie The Secretariat, which was really good. If you’re in the mood for a lighthearted {and somewhat predictable, but feel good} Disney movie—this is the one to watch!

View from the car... definitely doesn't hurt the eyes, right?

Jeff relaxing and enjoying the gorgeous weather!

My turn

Us with the birthday girl and Jeff's Aunt Debbie and Aunt Diane

Saturday morning, we made breakfast for everyone and then spent time outside…Jeff’s family has a small farm on their land complete with a huge garden with tons of fruit trees and chickens so we got to taste freshly laid eggs—weird, yes, but tasty and then eat frshly picked oranges and grapefruits! That afternoon, I was lucky enough to get everyone to take me to the one place I had been dying to go for years… In ‘N Out Burger, and no, this place did not disappoint. Their menu is basic—hamburgers and fries complete with their “secret dressing” and it was incredible!! This was my happy day for sure =)

Pure Yummyness...and worth every single calorie!

That night, the whole family came over for a big dinner to round out the weekend festivities… BBQ ribs, homemade hashbrown potato bake, slow cooked green beans, bread, salad, chicken, and then more birthday cake {oh I had to have gained 3 pounds this weekend--haha}! We joked because we were all so loud you couldn’t hear anything—Jeff really does have an incredible family and I can’t wait to be a member of their “crazy clan" come June 11th.  

Esther and Rowena, her caretaker

Jeff and Esther... makes my heart happy that we got to
be there to celebrate such a big birthday for her

4 of her 5 grandchildren... such a fun night!

Joan with her 3 children and Esther--never a dull moment!

Me and Jeff with our Special Birthday Girl

Sunday morning, we headed to LAX bright and early for a whole day of traveling…the only good part about being on a plane for a total of 6 hours is that you can read to your heart’s desire, and I read one fantastic book {among many many magazines}—The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom… I’m telling you, read this! Really makes you stop and think about the people around you and just how we all are really connected in some small way.

So now I am back at work, playing catch-up and getting ready for more traveling. Lots to get done, but I promise to stay in touch! And P.S. yes I did get to watch some of the Superbowl last night... specifically the Darth Vader commercial was hilarious, and poor Christina messing up the lyrics--bless her heart. And though I know I should just skip over the halftime performance, I just can't... I love the Black Eyed Peas, but that was one horrid mess--I was praying for them to make it stop. Happy Monday--and yes, get excited The Bachelor is back on tonight...woo hoo!!