Hannah's Nursery

Things are finally complete in Hannah's Nursery, so I thought I'd share with you all today.  We didn't paint the walls, and we did a lot of bargain shopping, and I'm really happy with the results!  Now, just a few shorts weeks and she'll be here!

I'm crazy about the monogrammed letters for above Hannah's crib! I got them from Jane.com, but they came from Whimsy Timber. I painted them white, and hung them by a bow...the bow was a lot more work than I thought it would be. #notabowboss.

I found the mobile and blanket at Target and this time we opted for a simple crib sheet and bed skirt. Last time we went all out on bedding, and the comforter was basically never used and the bumpers were up for like a month.  We'e learned our lesson this time around.

We also found the bed set on Craigslist for a steal.  It's solid wood and converts into a toddler bed and full-sized bed too!

Getting Ready for Christmas with Famous Footwear

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is tomorrow and Christmas is just a month away.  We have even more urgency this year with our Christmas shopping, since Hannah is due the week before Christmas.  I recently has the chance to go visit my sister in K.C. and we did a bunch of Christmas shopping too. One thing was was on my list was a pair of Sperry Top-Sider Gosling Waterproof Rainboots from Famous Footwear.  The feel great, the quality is amazing, and the classic styling will keep me wearing them for many years.  Don't worry, I'm going to wrap them up under the tree and act surprised. ;)

While shopping at Famous Footwear, mom mom picked out these Asics "from my dad." I also have a pair of Asics I love, and Famous Footwear has so many affordable options to choose from.  Grant also added these Batman shoes to his wish list.  What can I say, Superhero shoes are where it's at!

When it comes to holiday shopping, shoes always seem to be on our list, and with Famous Footwear, we can find everything we need in one place!

Famous Footwear has also added the #ohsofamous style gallery. It's a fun place to get style inspiration, see how others have styled Famous Footwear shoes, and to show your #ohsofamous moments.  Make sure to stop over there and check it out!

Thankful

With Thanksgiving being this, it's reminded me I have a lot to be thankful for, today I thought I'd share a few things.

1. I'm thankful for such a loving and supportive family and a mom and dad that live so close.  
2. I'm thankful that this pregnancy is coming to an end, I just can't wait to meet Hannah!
3. I'm thankful for Christmas decorations, getting them out is so much fun, and I love how the house feels during Christmas time.
4. I'm thankful for the Elf on the Shelf. Mr. Jingles was a huge hit last year and it's so fun to see the joy in Grant's eyes when Mr. Jingles show up in the morning with a small treat or surprise.  Mr. Jingles also does some pretty funny things that Grant gets a good laugh over too!
5. I'm also thankful for all the collaborations and "perks" that come with being a blogger.  I've gotten to work with some great brands and gotten to try a lot great products too. It can be easy to take all the good stuff for granted, and I don't want to do that! 

Ponchos are definitely one of my favorite trends right now.  The are great for my growing belly and super cozy too. It's even better when I can score the pieces I love at a great price- You all know I'm all about a deal and Brandzaffiar is a great places to find the best deals for all your favorite stores, all in one place. I'm a big fan of Nordstroms and with Brandzaffiar I was able to scope all the best deals. I found this poncho (this one is similar), at a great price, and was able to save money due to Brandzaffiar.  Before doing any online shopping, I'd definitely check out Brandzaffiar  to get the best deals on you can, at the stores you love!

Pink Blush + A Giveaway

I am very thankful that my pregnancy is coming to an end, but am also thankful for Pink Blush Maternity, whose clothes have helped me be stylish during this time in my life. Up to this point, my favorite maternity pieces were the ones I featured here, also from Pink Blush Maternity, so I was super excited when they asked to team up again, as well as have me host a Black Friday Giveaway with a $75 store credit to Pink Blush or Pink Blush Maternity.

I love how stylish and affordable Pink Blush's clothes are, and the quality is phenomenal too! This time around I chose some pieces that will make me feel great during this final month, but I'll be able to wear them afterwards too. First I chose this cardigan. I adore the colors and tribal pattern.  It's super soft and cozy and I know I'll wear it like crazy!

KEEP Collective

This last weekend Grant, my mom, and I went to visit my sister in Kansas City while our husbands went hunting.  It was a great time and my sister was nice enough to take my pictures too.  Outfits like this have become my new uniform, but my favorite part has to be my new bracelet from KEEP Collective designer, Nichole.

 KEEP Collective was new to me before Nichole contacted me, but I'm so glad she did, because it's pretty much my new favorite thing.  It's totally customized and affordable jewelry, and it's pretty amazing.

My Story

The Song My Story by Big Daddy Weave has been running through my constantly.  If you do anything today, please take a few minutes to listen to this song and watch the video.

         

Here's a look at the lyrics:

If I told you my story
You would hear Hope that wouldn't let go
And if I told you my story
You would hear Love that never gave up
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life, but it wasn't mine

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

If I told you my story
You would hear victory over the enemy
And if I told you my story
You would hear freedom that was won for me
And if I told you my story
You would hear Life overcome the grave

If I should speak then let it be
Of the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell
For the grace that is greater than all my sin
Of when justice was served and where mercy wins
Of the kindness of Jesus that draws me in
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him
Oh to tell you my story is to tell of Him

This is my story, this is my song
Praising my savior all the day long

I find so much power in these words, and it's also very humbling to me as well. I spend a lot of time talking each day, often times about things that really have no value. But how often do I tell my story? I don't think this necessarily means I need to tell my story of how Jesus redeemed me everyday, but my life should be an example of how he's redeemed me. I was once lost, but now am found.

Before I was saved my Jesus' grace I thought I had it all figured out. I believed in the idea of God, but there was no relationship, and I didn't really see a need to make room in my life for Him, things were going pretty well with me in the driver's seat. I thought I had it all figured out, little did I know how much I was missing out on. Once it became clear to me that I did in fact have a hole in my life that couldn't be filled by friends, family, clothes, Starbucks, or entertainment, and that what I really needed was Jesus, my life changed for the better.

Then: I went it alone without hope or guidance.

Now: I know God has me covered and that his plans are better than anything I could come up with one my own.

Then: I tried to find fulfillment in things of this world.

Now: I know that I can't take it with me, and although I still enjoy the things of this world, I know true fulfillment will not come from those things.

Then: I was all about me and what others could do for me.

Now: I know this world is not about me, but what I can do to make it better.

I don't know what your story is, but I'd love to hear it. Maybe you don't have a story yet, but have a hunger for one. Turn to Jesus, because with His help, your story will be better than you ever imagined.  Invite him into your life and watch yourself be changed. 

Buffalo check with my herringbone vest is one of my favorite combinations. I'm also loving the open button-down trend....it's not like I could button it if I wanted to though. ; ) I've been wearing a lot of outfits like this lately and these Born boots I scored from thredUp are seriously one of my favorite finds! Use this link to get $20 off your first purchase.

Justice for Sarah

Last week I finished reading Justice for Sara by Erica Spindler. This page-turning mystery is the perfect book to curl up with. 

It starts in present where Katherine McCall has decided to move back to her hometown, a town where was a acquitted for the murder of her sister, Sara, a decade earlier. Sara, a young teacher, became Katherine's guardian after their parents died in a car crash. Teenage Katherine is rebellious and constantly battles with Sarah, so when Sara is murdered all eyes turn to Katherine.

In this chilling novel, Spindler gives us a look into the lives of each of the potential suspects, letting us decide who has really committed this heinous crime. In a book that won't disappoint, Justice for Sara, should be added to your reading list today.

Diaper Bag Essentials

As I've been getting ready for Hannah's appearance, one thing I've gotten ready is her diaper bag.  Last time around with Grant I started by carrying way to much stuff, so this time around it's all about the essentials.  I found a new (to me) diaper bag at Big Wheels to Butterflies; I'd planned on using Grant's, but when I got it out it had all these mysterious stains inside I don't remember being there five years ago.  I totally lucked out too, because this bag is still selling for $40 at Toys R Us! When picking a bag, I think it's important that it has a lot of pockets inside and out, to help with organization.  The purse I'm currently carrying is one big bag, and I can never find what I need.. When it comes to a baby, you need to be able to get to things quickly and with one hand. 

Quick to Listen, Slow to Speak

Just when I think I can't get any bigger, I do. I don't ever feel that huge until I see a picture. I'm at the point where I know I look like I should deliver tomorrow, but I still have a month to go. If you've ever been pregnant, you know that strangers think it's always a good idea to comment and ask questions.  

Just this last week I had an inservice at work with about 200 of my co-workers.  We were being trained on a new way of being evaluated. The trainer asked everyone who was wearing black to stand up and potentially be called on to answer a question about what we'd been learning. Soon after I stood she turned to me and in front of a room of 200 asked when I was due, then commented on how bad it stunk that I was having a "Christmas" baby, as it would be so "unfair" to my child. Yes, she did. I kept my mouth shut, but was very surprised that she felt it was appropriate and necessary to call me out, not to answer an academic question, but simply because I was pregnant.

Later on, I thought back on it, and had numerous co-workers come up to me afterwards with surprise about what that lady had said, and how I'd taken it well. In my head I was thinking, like we planned to have a "Christmas" baby? Do you know how many people would do nearly anything to just have a baby in the first place? What if we'd battled infertility?  This lady had no idea, and although there was no ill will on her part, she really didn't think before she spoke.

This really had me reflecting on what I have to say too. Our words have power, and once we put something out there, we really can't take it back. If we're lucky we can realize our mistake, apologize, and be forgiven...but not always. James 1:19 says, "Know this my dear brothers, let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."  I'd love to say that this verse can always be true about me, but who am I kidding. I make mistakes just like anyone.

I hold no negative feelings towards the lady at the inservice, but I sure want to do a better job of keeping James 1:19 as a focus, so I don't do the same to someone else. Our words have power, let's use them to build others up, and leave it at that.

I recently got this cardigan from Shein. I know it's way more spring/summer appropriate, but I love the embroidered trend and couldn't help myself.  The quality is phenomenal and I definitely think it looks like it cost way more than it's price tag say.  Wearing it with a simple top, skinny jeans, and my booties worked really well to transition it to fall, but I know I'll wear it like crazy once spring roles around again.

How to Wear: A Blanket Scarf

Now that the temps are cooling down, I've pulled this from the archives and updated it to share with you all today.  Blanket scarves are such a fun trend, but knowing how to style them can be tricky. Today I'm going to show a few ways.

Style Inspiration: Classic Black

Recently one of my favorite combos has been a black top and bottom, with a colored layer and boots. Today I thought I'd share some of my favorite looks to give you some fall inspiration.

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Nesting

Honestly, clothes have have been about the furthest thing from my mind lately. I have been in serious nesting mode! I still get dressed everyday, I promise, but a lot of my outfits are similar to this one: All black with a colored layer has seriously been my jam lately....that and I have about four shirts that fit....

Neiman Marcus with Shop at Home

This post was created in sponsorship with Shop at Home, although all thoughts and opinions are my own.

I'm not going to lie, I miss having a waist, normal dresses, skirts, and being able to button shirts. My due date is about a month away, and it has me dreaming about post-baby clothes, as well as our first outing we'll have as a family of four to Christmas Eve Service.

Today I thought it would be fun to come up with some outfit inspiration from Neiman Marcus, while saving some money with Shop at Home, where you can earn cash back for all your purchases!

Neiman Marcus has a ton of sales going on right now.  You can get up to 60% off in the better departments and 40% off in all other departments, as well as an extra 30% off clearance prices. It was fun to think about how we'll dress this season and save money in the process.

For myself I picked out this beautiful blue dress, which if you look close have very flattering pleats, this fun cardigan with leather elbow patches, a great heel, and my favorite: a Kendra Scott necklace.

For Brian I found a great jean, which is more his style than dress pants, a sharp sweater, shirt, and tie combo, with a great brown dress shoe.

As much as Grant loves his super hero clothes, he's a fan of dressing up for church, so I found him a great jean, sweater and chambray, and a nice boot too.

I'm so excited to get to dress Hannah! I adore this dress and these shoes. I'm not sure if she'll need a cardigan or not, as she'll be in a carrier while we're outside.

What about you? Do you dress up for Christmas? Even if you don't be sure to check out Neiman Marcus, while saving some money with Shop at Home!

Me: Dress /  Sam Edelman d'orsay pumps / Kendra Scott necklace / Cardigan 
Brian: Jeans /  Tie /  Sweater 
Grant: Shirt / Jeans /  Boot / Sweater 
Hannah:  Shoes / Dress

White Plum

I am definitely all about cozy clothes right now, so I'm loving this tunic White Plum sent over. The length is great and I love the color. It will be great as my belly continues to grow, as well as after Hannah gets here. It comes in about a million colors, so I'm thinking I might need to get another one soon. : )

I have a number of things from White Plum and love them all, the quality and price always has be going back for more. If you haven't tried them yet, I'd definitely recommend it!

34 Week Bumpdate

Weeks along: 34 weeks Thursday

Size of the baby: 18" long and 4 3/4 pounds, about the size of a cataloupe

Must haves: I still have not really been having any crazings

Sleep: I'm still sleeping ok, I probably turn from one side to the other a few times each night.

Baby Movement: We are are the point where my whole stomach moves when she moves, it's so crazy!

Gender: It's a girl!

Name: Hannah Elizabeth

Weight Gain: 18 pounds

Challenges: It's an effort to do quite a bit at this point and I haven't been to the gym in a few weeks. I feel like an old lady when I get out of bed in the morning, but five more weeks to go! I also have started to swell in my legs. I kept my compression hose from last time around and am hoping they help. I have a pretty good feeling my three recent pound of weight are currently the water I'm retaining. Also, on an important note, Hannah hasn't turned yet and this has me a bit anxious.  I have an appointment on Friday and my doctor is going to do another ultrasound to see if there's anything interfering with Hannah turning, and if not she's going to try to turn her externally.  Prayers Hannah can figure it out and get turned are greatly appreciated. I know having a c-section will be ok, but I'd really like to avoid it if possible.

 Best moment of the week: We are are the point where if Hannah were to come early, she's pretty much developed, she'd just be a peanut. I'm thankful for that, but hoping she stays until I'm due, just to make it easier for her.

Life Lately

Here are some pictures from Instagram I thought I'd share to give you an update on life lately.

I'm getting pretty antsy for Hannah to get here and have been having so much fun picking out clothes for here!  This outfit is from thredUP, originally Gymboree, and I found the shoes on Jane. I don't plan on decking her out each day, but I'll love fun, comfy outfits like this!

I've been really excited about my thredUP finds for Hannah, you should totally check out their kids' department and use this link to get $20 off your first purchase.