Preggo Style: Stretching Your Wardrobe

A lovely lady commented on my last post and made me realize... this is what I should have said.

Moms, we all have HUGE, major, big deal jobs taking care of our kids. Raising them to the best of our abilities. Taking care of the little things like runny noses and scraped knees and taking care of the big things like surgeries and first days of school. 

Not only is our job as a mom a big deal. It can be tough.  It's hard to be sleep deprived, whether you stay home with the kids or not. It's hard being pleasant with whiny children, whether you stay home with them or come home to them after a day at work.  It's hard work, raising these children.

We're all doing our very best for our children, day in and day out.  And yes, it is incredibly rewarding to feel their little arms wrap around our necks. It's incredibly rewarding to hear them whisper, "I love you so much, momma." It's incredibly rewarding to feel so much love towards those little people that your heart feels like it could burst.

But it's tough. No matter what your job is, no matter what your title is.  It's a tough job being a mom. It's a busy job being a mom.  It's exhausting being a mom.  

And without a doubt, we all rock.

That's what I should have said.

Dress: Merona - Target

Boots: Shoedazzle

Blazer: maurices

And now I'll tell you how you can stretch your wardrobe to fit your growing bump. Basically, it's a simple formula. 

Stretchy dresses + blazers or cardigans = regular clothes that work on the preggo body.

26 weeks and 3 days... not that I'm counting.

I am loving my Jamberry nail wraps! They last on your fingers for at least two weeks, but I've been changing them out every 7 to 10 days because I want a new look. They're just so much fun! Have you heard of them?!?

Nail Wraps: Mint & Gold Stripe, Raspberry & Creme Dot & Vintage Chic

Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, I Feel Pretty, What I Wore to Work and Passion for Fashion.

Showers of Blessings

Everywhere you turn, bloggers, Facebook friends, and people all over America are doing their annual thankful posts. And it's time for me to get sucked in.

See, here's the thing. I know I'm blessed. I have two amazing children. Sure, they drive me batty occasionally, but they are so full of spark and personality that even when I want to throw my hands up in the air cry "Surrender," I still know that they're special.

My Little Miss is stubborn and sassy, but she is so full of life and wonder. I love that she skips nearly everywhere she goes. I love that she can literally sing one song after another for hours while she plays by herself. I love that in the midst of her wiggling and squirming and whispering in church, she'll suddenly look up at me, smile and sign "I love you" with her hand. Then she'll press her little hand up against mine until I give her the sign back. I love that about her.

My Little Guy is competitive and inquisitive to the point of nearly driving me insane with questions, but he is brilliant and sensitive and so very sweet. I love the way he ponders things. This morning, on the way home from church, he very solemnly said, "Mom and Dad, I have something I want to say. I'm so thankful that Jesus died for us and that he came into my heart and saved me. And I'm so thankful for my family and that you take me to church… Because I just love learning about God." I love that he asks me to sing him a song every single night before bed. I love that he still wants to cuddle with me and that he grudgingly says, "Good game" after his daddy or I beat him at Uno. I just love so many things about him.

Then there's this little unexpected bean growing inside of me. This one that was such a surprise. It's funny how you have your life planned out and then "Wham!" It changes just like that. I haven't even met this one yet and I don't know whether it will be like its big sister or big brother, but I can't imagine our life without this one in it. Having only two children just doesn't seem complete anymore. Crazy as it is, we're even considering adding a fourth down the road!

And all of that up there just covers my kids. I've got a job that I'm passionate about teaching a class of students that I simply love. I have a husband that deserves an entire post of his own. He words hard, helps me with the kids, helps me to clean the house, and treats me like a queen. I'm still in love him 8 1/2 years after saying, "I do." I've got an amazing church that is led by a pastor who follows Christ and truly loves his congregation.

So, yeah, I'm blessed.  And I'm so incredibly thankful to God for his blessings. This morning at church, our pastor urged us to remember those blessings and to thank God for his goodness. So, I thought I'd devote a post to do just that.

And… because I know you're dying to know, here's what I wore to church where I was inspired to wax on about my blessings. Oh, I'm also blessed with closet full of clothes. Even if some of them are getting tight, at least I still have something to wear.

Sweater: Thrifted

Shirt: maurices

Skirt: NY&Co

Boots: JCPenney

Look who got a much needed cut and color!

Necklaces: Poshlocket & Origami Owl

And of course, I leave you with the weekly belly shot. =)

I hope you all enjoy your week of Thanksgiving festivities. Try not to stress over the little things. Give thanks to God for your blessings and enjoy your family (even if they're doing whatever that thing is that drives you crazy). ;)

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Mingle and Still Being Molly.

Church Style: Floral Blazer

Who's going back to school already?  Pre-planning starts tomorrow! My room is about ready. I have a few things to print at Office Depot tomorrow, laminate and put on the walls... but then I can devote the rest of the week to planning. I'm so excited about coming into this year so much better prepared! I'm eager to meet my kids this year and get to know them.  Teaching must never get old because you get to start with a new group of kids every year!

I wore this little dress that I've worn quite a few times this summer with my new floral blazer to church this morning. You guys.  I'm so bored with this rambling. Seriously, how is it that I haven't even started teaching yet and my brain is already too dead to come up with anything worthwhile for you.  As my three-year old would say, "Too well." As in, Oh well. Too bad. You get what you get. 

Dress, Bag (new!) & Rings: Kohls

Blazer: maurices

Wedges: TJMaxx

Necklaces: Premier Designs Jewelry

Bracelets: Premier Designs Jewelry & Kohls

I love you, TJMaxx, I really do. But these wedges are a little bit hideous. I had no idea they were so clunky and unattractive until this very moment. Eesh. 

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Plane Pretty, Fine Linen and Purple, Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly and Monday Bloom.  Check 'em out. =)

Patterns Abound

Hey, do you see what's happened here?  It seems that I've fallen right back into my "mom uniform." T-shirt and shorts just do it for me during the summer. At least, I'm keeping it visually stimulating with my multiple patterns. I'm going minimal on the jewelry these days because I've been working in my classroom and setting up for the new school year!

T-shirt & Shoes: Target

Shorts: maurices

This morning, as I was stepping into the shower, my Little Miss and I had this conversation.

Little Miss: I gotta go, momma. Gimme kiss.
Me: Muah! Where are you going?
Little Miss: Towget... Bye!
Me: What are you going to buy at Target?
Little Miss: Ummm... dog food... <pause> And I'm not gonna tell you what else.

I swear that I haven't been teaching her that out Target purchases are secret purchases!  Honestly, I haven't!

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Wardrobe Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So, Mix & Match Fashion, Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance, Life of the Party, Passion for Fashion and Two Thirty-Five Designs. If you have a few minutes or hours to kill, check 'em out. =)

Myyyy Fedora!

In my head, I'm kind of singing that to the tune of Myyyy Sharona. Only don't go google that song because I did and then was a little bit disturbed by the lyrics. =/

I styled the heck out of my fedora this weekend. I don't really have the perfect hat head, but I'm going for it. You know how you see girls with tiny little pixie faces wearing gorgeous floppy hats or cute little fedoras and they just look amazing? That's not me. But I'm okay with that. =)

Shirt: maurices

Shorts, Fedora & Belt: Target

Sneakers: TJMaxx

Excuse the wrinkles... the photos were taken after 4 very long hours in the car!

Saturday night, we celebrated my husband's parents' 40th anniversary. Forty years is a long time, especially these days when it seems like couples young and old are getting divorces left and right. Nate's parents are such a great example of what a loving, godly couple should be. They have a strong marriage and have successfully raised three great children (one of them is really great and he's all mine!). We celebrated with them by going out to dinner at a cute little 50's style diner.

I decided to denim it up by wearing not only a pair of cut-off shorts, but also a denim shirt. Mixing denims is cool now, don't ya know?

Denim Shirt: maurices

Shorts, Fedora & Sandals: Target

Tank: TJMaxx

We had a great time in Alabama! My Little Guy caught his first fish, we met a few Egyptian Arabian show horses, played frisbee golf on my inlaws' land and I even drove a golf cart like a pro. My brother kindly reminded me that driving a golf cart isn't really "country," but there were no four-wheelers in sight, so that's as close to county as I was getting! You can see it all on Instagram!

I'm linking up today with Let the Light Shine, Funday Monday, Peacoats and Plaid, Plane Pretty, Monday Bloom and Monday Mingle.

Nesting

I think that teachers experience something similar to nesting as summer begins to wind down. This nesting sensation has hit me hard and I'm ready to get my classroom organized, my classroom management plan improved, my plans set up and start teaching third graders!

I spent a good bit of time this afternoon on pinterest (because how else do teacher's get ideas these days?!?) and stumbled across the most helpful blog. I think I downloaded and printed almost every one of her freebies this afternoon.

I have so many fantastic ideas running through my head... Now I just have to get in the classroom and hash them out.

Despite being ready to get back in the classroom, I'm trying to make the most of the last few weeks of summer with my kids. We've visited family in New Orleans, we're heading to Alabama to spend a few days in the country with more family.  And we've been spending every moment that isn't raining at the pool or the beach! If you hate that you're missing out on all that excitement, you can tag along via Instagram. ;)

Yesterday was one of those days where we managed to squeeze in an hour or so of rain-free beach time, then we got cleaned up and went to Sweet Frog for frozen yogurt. There's not a thing in the world that makes my kids happier than frozen yogurt, topped with an odd assortment of strawberries, gummy worms, m&ms and fluffy whip.

Dress: c/o Oasap

Denim Shirt: maurices

Sandals: Target

Bracelets: Gift

Ring: Alyssa's Antique Depot

How are you spending your summer?

I'm linking up today with Mix & Match Fashion and Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance.

Growing Up

Apparently, the thought of growing up can be painful, even to a three-year old.  Saturday morning, we read the story of Peter Pan to the kids.  I didn't think anything of it.  Then yesterday afternoon, out of the blue, my Little Miss began to ponder the growing up problem.

Momma, whenna Iuh gow up?
Oh, baby, you won't grow up for a long, long time.
But when?
Oh, not until you're 18 and that's a long, long time away.
But I might, momma! I might gow up soonuh.
No, sweetheart, you won't.
Then she began to cry, But I might, momma, I might!

Poor thing.  I have no idea why growing up is such a scary thought to my three-year old, but I thought it was just adorable.

I also thought these shorts from maurices were adorable... in a totally different way.

Shirt, Shorts & Necklace: maurices

Shoes & Bracelet: Target

Bag: Aldo

maurices is currently having their Final Clearance sale that they have about twice a year. I always look forward to this sale and go a little bit crazy in there.  Hence, the shorts and shirt... And dress and blazer and denim shirt that I'm sure you'll be seeing a lot of in the next few weeks. 

Here are just a few more photos for your viewing pleasure. ;)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde and Wardrobe Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So and Mix & Match Fashion.

If you haven't heard about my triathlon yet and you're eager to read all about it, you can check it out here! =)

Seven for Seven

As I finished my first 30 for 30, I thought to myself, "Aaah, this feels nice. I have no desire to get dressed and I don't have to!" So, I spent two whole days in my gym shorts, swimsuit and grubby clothes. Then I took a trip to New Orleans for my sister's shower.  Just before I began packing, I was reading one of my favorite style blogs and noticed that she was hosting a 7 for 7 link up.  Say what?  Make 7 different outfits out of 7 different pieces of clothing?  I mean, I know I just finished something similar, but this was the perfect solution to my packing dilemma!

coral shorts, black maxi skirt, coral hi-low skirt, striped shirt, turquoise shirt, red striped tank, bird print shirt

So, I threw these pieces into my bag, along with several pairs of shoes, lots of jewelry, and two tank tops, and called it finished.

These are my outfits in the order I wore them.

Outfit Number One: Coral Shorts & Striped Shirt

Worn while Cooking & Doing Crafty Stuff for the Shower (Friday)

Shorts: Target (Yeah, I'm stuck on these coral shorts.)

Top: Liz Claiborne (Thrifted)

The Little Miss is wearing a romper and leopard print ballet flats from Target, as well. I don't know how we'd manage to get dressed without Target.

Shoes: Target (Old)

My shoes were hidden in the grass, so I wanted to give you a close-up. =)

Outfit Number Two: Coral Shorts & Bird Print Shirt

Worn to Target & Baskin Robbins (Saturday)

Bird Print Shirt: H&M (Thrifted)

Sandals: Jackie's eBoutique

Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

Outfit Number Three: Coral Hi-Low Skirt & Bird Print Shirt

Worn to my Sister's Shower (Saturday Evening)

Hi-Low Skirt: Target

Wedges: Zulily

Outfit Number Four: Black Maxi Skirt & Red Striped Tank

Worn to Church (Sunday)

Skirt: Target

Tank: TJMaxx

Necklace: Rue 21

Neon Bangle: Target

Outfit Number Five: Coral Shorts & Turquoise Shirt

Worn Playing Outside & Visiting Family (Sunday Afternoon)

Shirt: Banana Republic (Thrifted)

Flip Flops: JCPenney (My Sister)

Silver Ring & Belt: Target

Stacked Ring: Premier Designs Jewelry

Outfit Number Six: Hi-Low Skirt & Turquoise Shirt

Worn Traveling Home (Monday)

Rings: Target

Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

Stacked Bracelets: Gift

Nail Polish: Maybelline Color Show, Polka Dots

Outfit Number Seven: Black Maxi Skirt & Turquoise Shirt

Worn to Church (Wednesday Night)

Wedges: Zulily

Belt: maurices

Bracelets: Gift, Premier Designs Jewelry, Bealls

Turquoise Ring: Ellis and Wiles

I think we can safely say that coral and turquoise dominated this challenge. The coral skirt, coral shorts, the turquoise top... During this challenge, it felt a bit like I was wearing the same thing over and over again.  To keep my outfits feeling fresh, I rotated between gold and silver jewelry.  But that only helped a little bit.  If I were to do something like this again, I think I'd include seven very different pieces, so that I felt like I was wearing very different outfits every time I got dressed.

I'm linking up all over the place today. If you want to see pretty little outfits all over the blogosphere, click on these links: I Feel Pretty, The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh, Wardrobe Wednesday, Monday Mingle, Funday Monday and Monday Bloom. 

Happy Memorial Day!

Ameyica!!

That is what Avi says every time she sees an American flag.

In the spirit of patriotism, I  went red, white and blue on Friday and wore a very American dress and tee.

Dress: Target ($8)

Tee: c/o Halftee

Belt: maurice's

Sandals: 6pm.com

Necklace & Wrap Bracelet: Premier Design Jewelry

I love teaching my five-year old about the holidays.  I had the chance to explain the importance of Memorial Day to Gabe this weekend.

Then he asked me, "What are we doing on Monday?"

"Well", I said, as I tried to think of a way to justify our plans. "We're going to remember all of the soldiers who fought for our country while we visit the beach."

I just couldn't think of anything better than that.

So, whether we're enjoying time at the beach or grilling out with friends, remember to be thankful for our soldiers who have given their lives for our freedom!

I'm linking today with Monday Mingle and Still Being Molly.

Mom Style Isn't Mom Style Anymore

Not all that long ago, you could spot a mom trying to relish a few moments of shopping alone just from her clothing.  I mean, we've all heard of the term "mom jeans!" In the not so distant past, moms were known for their lack of style. It's like we had children and suddenly, we were no longer allowed to wear frilly skirts or cute shoes. We had to trade in our heels for scuffed up running shoes because, well, let's face it. We'd be doing a lot, I repeat A LOT, of running after that toddler on a daily basis.

 Flats: Target ($5, on clearance)

And if you're like me and you're a working mom, then it's easy enough to find excuses for wearing that same ole pair of black slacks or khaki pants to work each day. I mean, when it takes everything you've got just to get out of bed in the morning, putting together a stylish ensemble can be too much. Not to mention, that in the past, moms have fallen into the "I can't wear that because I'm a mom" trap.

Top: maurices ($7)

Pants: NY&Co ($15)

You know, we've been able to find cute and stylin' moms, but they've always been the ones that are wayyy up there. You know, the adorable Jessica Albas and Isla Fishers of the world. Basically, they're in Hollywood or NYC, and yes, I guess they give moms hope that there is stylish life after the bump.  But still. When I see those moms, I just think, "Well, of course, they look good. That's what they get paid to do. They have hundreds of thousands of dollars to spend on cute clothes and they have nannies and all that jazz." So, yeah, while they are totally stylin' with their cute babies and toddlers, I still want to sit back and say, "But I'm just a normal person. I can't do that."

But here's the thing, ladies. Times are a changin'.  We can do that!  There are all kinds of adorable bloggers popping up to help us with our style.  We've got gorgeous Jill at Glamamom, the stylin' ladies at BonBon Rose Girls, the adorable mom and daughter pair at Style Journey and the incredibly cute and witty Tricia at The Domestic Fringe. The truth is, I can go on and on, listing bloggers that are putting themselves out there and showing the real world that not only do we know how to get dressed, but we can actually be fashionable about it, too! These are real ladies, not movie stars, who are showing the rest of us that we can still be fashionable and stylish, even with tots and babies on our hips.

Ladies everywhere are breaking free of the Mom Style rut! They're tossing out their boring mom jeans and hopping into colored skinnies.  They're trading their scuffed up running shoes for cute flats and sparkly sandals.

So, here's to me and you, not running away from "mom style", but embracing it! Because I'm learning that "mom style" doesn't have to mean frumpy. It doesn't have to mean boring. It simply means that I can do my thing, while chasing kids and cooking dinner and teaching third graders (that one's just mine). And you know what? We can pass for cute and stylish while doing it all!

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Wardrobe Wednesday, Dear Abby Leigh, Transatlantic Blonde and Rolled Up Pretty.  

Scandalous

Have you ever brought your two-year old to the office with you? It does not make for a very productive day, let me tell ya!

A very nasty bacterial infection is going around the daycare and my Little Miss started showing some symptoms Saturday. She still has a few symptoms and we're waiting for the tests to come back from the doctor.  In the meantime, she can't go to daycare, but she's not really acting sick, so she's joining me at the office. 

Lucky me. ;)

Shirt: Thrifted

Shorts: maurices

Shoes: Calvin Klein Jeans, Zulily

While bringing your child to work might not be ideal, it certainly isn't scandalous. But you know what is scandalous? These shorts! 

Necklace & Watch: Target

Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

I've worn these shorts before with flat sandals and they didn't seem so ridiculously short. Then I put them on with heels and I felt like I was showing miles and miles of leg! (Ha! As if my legs go on for miles. lol) If I had not been going on a date with the Hubs, I probably wouldn't have worn them.  But they didn't seem to scream, "Look at me! I want attention!" when I was with him. Because we're such little lovebirds that it's obvious I'm taken. ;)

What do you like to wear on dates with your guy?

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy and Rolled Up Pretty.

~~~~~~~

Finally, do you want to know who won the Castellammare Designs giveaway???  I had 76 entries when I added them all up and Number 11 was chosen via www.random.org... which turned out to be Sharon from The Tiny Heart! I'll be emailing you shortly!

A Patriotic Family

Happy 4th of July, y'all!! 

T-shirt: Express 

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Belt: www.maurices.com

Shoes: Boutique in New Orleans

Necklace: Castellammara Designs

This skirt, you guys!! I love it.  100% love and adore it!  I won a $25 gift card to Le Lapin D'or in a giveaway at Coming Unstitched. I know, I really have been all kinds of lucky lately. I keep joking that I need to buy a lottery ticket and see if my luck holds out. ;)  Anyways, I got this skirt and a cute little tunic that I'll show off some other time.  If you have heard of Le Lapin D'or, y'all have to go check out their site! They have some incredibly cute and reasonably priced pieces!

I also won this adorable necklace in a giveaway at Tinfoil Tiaras.  I love the turquoise color, of course! The ribbon is so pretty and feminine and I love how I can wear it as a necklace, or even wrap it around my wrist and wear it as a bracelet.

I love dressing for holidays! Christmas, 4th of July, Valentine's Day... any holiday that has a theme and designated colors, I am all over it!  I even got my kids in on the action this year. 

We were a patriotic little family yesterday, minus the Hubs.  1) He had already left for work when I had this little photo shoot. And 2) He's not all about color coordinating with the rest of us. =)

Today, we're packing some snacks and heading out to the beach with some family! What are y'all up to on this glorious day?

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, The Pleated Poppy and Still Being Molly!