Watch me Whip...

Ok,  so our family basically listens to Christian radio or Sports Radio (when Brian chooses), so I was a bit surprised when Grant starting to randomly sing "Watch Me Whip, Watch Me Nae, Nae." I do know of this song because it's a current favorite amongst my 7th graders.  Come to find out, Grant's class dances each day and recently they started dancing to this song, and the actions are on the video they watch through their Smart Board too. Oh, to be a fly on the wall while 17 Kindergarteners "Whip and Nae, Nae." Sometimes a song comes out that you just have to embrace.  The song is silly, but totally appropriate, and you just need to go with it. Oh, and whip and nae, nae.

First off, I'm loving this cardigan from Shein.  I really wanted it when I started seeing it pop up in boutiques last year, but the price point was higher, I'm so glad Shein came out with their version, and it's less than $25!

I'm also super crazy about these boots (similar) I just got from thredUp! (Use this link to get $20 off your first purchase.) There were only $40, and I had $30 in credits, so $10 boots? Yes, please.  There are Borns, all leather and in like-new condition. I've already worn them a handful of times and know they'll definitely be a go-to this winter.

#thestruggleisreal

Now that it's my third trimester I've entered the home stretch and I couldn't be more excited. I am however really beginning to realize all the things I took for granted before I was carrying a watermelon around with me all the time. Here are some #thestruggleisreal moments I've been experiencing lately:

• Trying to put on shoes- zippers, buckles, and pull on boots are a lot of work. I love the boots I have on today, and they are great once on.....it's just the "putting them on" part this is hard.
• Trying to get into my truck when another car is parked right next to it.  Squeezing isn't a possibility.
• Huffing it into school each day.  What is normally an easy trip from the parking lot has be huffing after the 20 steps I need to climb. No bueno.
• Dropping something on the ground and having to pick it up. Need I elaborate????
• Taking a bunch of pills to help ease the side-effects of pregnancy such as my still persistent morning sickness and my awesome acid-reflux
• Sleeping and ALWAYS having my left arm fall asleep and constantly feel like pins and needles

Seriously, I am going to really remember the little things I take for granted once Hannah is here.  All these crazy side-effects are worth it, but I sure won't miss then!

I'm really excited about this poncho from Shein.  It's sure soft and comfortable.  Is you can see it is definitely room, it's perfect for my growing belly and I'm hoping I like it just as much once Hannah gets here. I love the idea of it with my white jeans, but think it'll be great with leggings or normal denim too.

Maternity Essentials

Now that I'm nearing the end of my pregnancy, I've been reflecting on what I really needed to purchase, vs. things I could do without. My hope is that this can help you from making some of the mistakes I made.  Back in June I posted about my Maternity Capsule wardrobe. I really thought I was being smart with my purchases, but I did make a few mistakes.  

Grant

This. Kid.  We have been having so much fun together. He picked this outfit out on his own, by the way.  Dad got the shirt and sweater last year on sale, and with the temps dropping, it's time to break out the fall clothes.

My remote for my camera has been on the fritz...it's the second one I've bought from Amazon, and I really don't want to by a third.  Instead Grant has been helping me take pictures. I still stick the camera on the tri-pod, but he's been standing on a stool and taking the pictures. As long as he's game, I think I'll put of getting a new remote.

Thankful

Sometimes I feel like I forget to take the time and think about all the good I have in my life.  Today I thought I'd share some things I'm thankful for.  I think taking the time to write it down, helps us recognize all the good we have.

• I'm thankful for Grant's teacher.  He is having such a great year and is really learning a ton.  The kids is practicing writing sentences and words and reading at the top of his class right now. Although we did work some this summer, he teacher is really moving him forward!
• I'm thankful for a handy husband. He's had a big list of things he wants to get done around the house, like re-staining the deck. Sometimes his timeline and mine don't line up, but I'm so thankful he can do so much.  BTW the deck is done, and it looks great!
• I'm thankful for my mom.  She's such a great grandma to Grant and I love that they can spend the day together when he doesn't have school and Brian and I have to work.
• I'm thankful for a healthy pregnancy. I feel huge, but at this point have only gained 15 pounds and Hannah is measuring right where she should be. I feel like I'm at the point where I am no longer walking-I'm waddling, but that's ok. Just 7 more weeks to go!
• I'm thankful for my job and co-workers.  I really work with some great people and feel appreciated on pretty much a daily basis.
• I'm thankful for a loving God, even though I mess up more than I'd like.  He's always there with me, and that's pretty cool!

I'm pretty much in love with this dress, in fact I bought it in three colors. It's currently $8 and there are a few sizes and colors left, you should definitely check it out! I love the ease of it here with my denim jacket and wedges. It's now about time to put my wedges away for the season...but my heels aren't fitting, so it's probably going to be boots from here on out.

How to Wear: A Boyfriend Cardigan

I've pulled today's post from my archives and decided to update some of my tips for you all day. I want to keep it fresh for you all around here, but honestly, I haven't been shopping and I've been wearing a lot of the same maternity outfits over and over again. I love a good boyfriend cardigan, but if you aren't sure of how to wear it, it can overwhelm your shape and make you look bigger than you are.

• First, when trying a boyfriend cardigan on in the store, try on your "normal" size and then one size smaller.  You might find that the small works better than the medium, etc.  Also, check the length.  For me, having a boyfriend cardigan hit right below the hips is most flattering.  

• One great way to style a boyfriend cardigan once you've gotten a well fitting one is with a jersey dress like this one I'm wearing in the first picture below.  Boyfriend cardigans are more casual in nature, so wearing it with a jersey dress works great.  If you buy a merino wool boyfriend cardigan, these can be nice with a dress that isn't cotton as well. A belt also helps to accentuate your waist with this combo and keep the cardigan from looking overwhelming too.

• The second ways to wear a boyfriend cardigan is with skinny jeans.  This is a great combo for casual Friday or for a weekend look.  I think skinny jeans are best because you don't want to create more volume with the outfit by adding a wider leg jean; this outfit can have a tendency to look overwhelming and make you look bigger than you are.  I styled mine below with booties, but you could also easily wear ballet flats or tall boots too. I also feel that tucking in your shirt or wearing a more form fitting shirt is the most flattering with a boyfriend cardigan too, just like with the jeans, an over-sized shirt can make you look bigger than you are.

• The third way to style a boyfriend cardigan is with a mini-skirt.  Now pencil skirts can be ok with boyfriend cardigans too, just keep in mind the casual nature of this piece, so a cotton skirt is probably best.  Once again tucking your shirt in will be the most flattering for this look and I think booties, boots, or flats look best.  I don't recommend wearing an a-line skirt with a boyfriend cardigan, just like I stated above with over-sized shirts or wider leg jeans, adding more volume is not very flattering.

• The last way I'm going to show is to wear a boyfriend cardigan with leggings.  I love this with a longer tunic and boots or booties.  You also want to make sure your rear is covered by the tunic and cardigan and that the legging are nice and thick.  Depending on where you work leggings might not be appropriate, if that's the case a nice skinny ankle pant and ballet flats are a great option too.

Things We Know By Heart

This last week I picked up Things We Know By Heart, by Jessi Kirby. It's our book club book for this next month, and it happens to be YA, which was a nice break from my other reads lately. Although it is YA, is does deal with a heavy topic, losing a loved one.  We are introduced to Quinn, a teenage girl, whose life is changed after her boyfriend, Trent, is suddenly killed in a car crash.  

Trent's parents decide to donate his organs to five thankful recipients.  To help Quinn with the healing process, she writes to all the recipients and hears back from four. But she still can't move on.  She needs to know about the fifth. She scours the internet and comes across the story of Colten, who is her age and was in desperate need of a heart transplant.  His life is saved because Trent has died. Quinn decided to go and try to catch a glimpse of Colton and his life, hoping this will help her move on. 

However, what happens next is not what she expected. They meet and their is some unexplainable connection between them, with each of them holding close to the secret of how one heart changed both of their lives.  Will their secrets be revealed?  Can a real love be built while keeping secrets? Read Things We Know By Heart to find out!