Preggo Style: Riding Boots with Everything

What can you do with a pair of black riding boots?

Anything really! I love my black Sam & Libby riding boots that I got from Target before Christmas. I'm pretty sure I wear them at least three days a week. In fact, check it out. I wore them three times this past week.

These are all at about 21-ish weeks pregnant. I made a countdown today. We officially have 124 days left until we meet our little miracle surprise. My doctor doesn't know this yet, but I've already scheduled my c-section. I mean, I've scheduled it by putting it on my calendar. It happens to coincide with my dad's birthday, so . . . he better just go with it. ;) (And for inquiring minds, it' a c-section because my first was breech via c-section and my second was a c-section, so the doctor won't do anything else.)

With a dress and bright tights and trying out the sleek pixie that Ginnifer Goodwin often sports...

Dress & Boots: Target

Vest: Monroe & Main

Belt: Aldo

Jewelry: Origami Owl, Kohls & Premier Designs

With colored skinny pants and a denim jacket and the wild pixie that Ginnifer Goodwin also sports...

Pants: Old Navy Maternity

Tee: H&M Maternity

Denim Jacket: Thrifted

And whaddayaknow, I'm wearing the same jewelry as the day before. Oops.

With jeans and brights…

Jeans & Vest: Kohls

Scarf: Gift

Jacket: Rue 21

The outfit above was worn yesterday when it was FREEZING in Florida. Literally. We actually had snow flurries that lasted all of 3 minutes and then we had what my weather app referred to as "light ice pellets" the rest of the day. Yep, welcome to an unusually frigid winter in Florida.  I was yearning for spring, so I threw on my springy scarf and bright vest to accompany stripes, jeans and boots.

Did it work, you ask. Did it turn my winter blues into a love for all things cold? No, not really. All day long, I couldn't wait to run home, throw my flannel pajama pants on and crawl onto the couch.  This girl is 100% OVER this winter. I long for March and warmer temps and the sand between my toes. Seriously, winter, I'd be thrilled if you leave and don't come back until November. I pinkie swear that you won't hear a single "It's too hot" complaint from me this summer.

Are you over winter, too?  How are you making it through this loooong and colllld winter?

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, The Pleated Poppy and I Feel Pretty.

Running Pregnant . . . Is it Possible?

Obviously, it's possible. I mean, there are a multitude of websites out their that offer support for pregnant runners. And then there are the professional and semiprofessional runners who complete all kinds of marathons and other races while pregnant.  But the question is this: Is it possible for the average girl who doesn't even quite think of herself as a runner because she's only done a few races and isn't nearly fast enough to win a race, much less place in her age group?  Is it possible for the mom who likes to "enjoy" pregnancy by eating whatever she wants and putting her feet up as often as possible? Wow, that's quite the question there, isn't it?  I guess it's actually two questions. Well, here's my opinion on the matter. I think it is. I think it's entirely possible, as long as you enjoy it.

See, I'm not one of those girls who has been running my whole life. I actually only started running about two years ago, but it quickly became something I loved.  I had no intention of ever being a pregnant runner. Mostly because my husband had "the surgery" and we had no intention of having any more children.

Then this happened and I was - surprise! - pregnant. At the time I found out I was pregnant, I had plans to start increasing my distance again so that I could run the Centerpoint Half Marathon in April. I ran it last year and thoroughly enjoyed it. But since I'm due endish of May, I had to scratch that off the list. Running 13.1 miles at 8 months pregnant just wouldn't be very practical for me.

When I first got pregnant, I said that I'd run as long as I enjoyed it. I tentatively set myself a lofty goal of running a 15k over two bridges in February. Well, I've come to realize that's not going to happen. 

Running while pregnant is different. Very, very different. The first thing I noticed about running while pregnant is that my pace is much slower. Actually, about 2 minutes slower per mile than it was pre-pregnancy. And, from my research, I've discovered this is fairly normal. So, I had to readjust my goals. Instead of running every single run to achieve a PR, I had to run simply to finish a distance. 

I finally worked my way up to 6 miles and was ready to attempt my first pregnant 10k. I was so excited . . . and then it rained and rained and didn't stop. I didn't want to run in the rain and risk getting sick, so I skipped it. But at that time, I still had plans to increase my distance by a mile each week until the 15k on February 1st.

Then the flu struck our house. Just this weekend Avi got the flu. As of right now, the rest of us are still healthy, but I keep thinking that if I try to push my body to run 7 and then 8 and then 9 miles over the next few weeks that I might wear down my immune system enough to catch it. And as vicious as I've read this flu can be to pregnant women, I just can't risk it.  So, my goals have changed. 

Instead of attempting a 15k at 23 weeks pregnant, I'll be running the 5k.  Yep, I've decided to set my goals just a teeny bit lower so that I can actually achieve them. In the meantime, I'll keep running 2 to 3 miles several days a week with a "long" run of 4 to 5 miles on the weekends. I figure that should keep me "in shape" enough that the 5k will be a fun run, rather than a chore. And from what I've read, the longer I can stay active, the easier recovery will be.

So, here I am, in all my pregnant running glory. ;)

Shirt: Nike

Tank: TJMaxx

Running Tights: Kohls

Shoes: Running Wild (a local running store)

Hat: It's my lucky Ironman hat that my husband 

gave to me after he completed his Ironman.

My favorite pregnant running accessory? The Prenatal Cradle. For a while, I used a different support band, but it cannot hold a candle to the Cradle. Seriously, it's probably the only thing that has enabled me to keep running as my belly gets bigger.

21 weeks

I'm thrilled to be over halfway finished! We'll see how long I can keep this running thing up. ;)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, I Feel Pretty and Three-fer Thursday.

Missy Missy Says So

Whenever this little miss is being bossy, I call her Missy Missy. Well, that's kind of a lot.  Missy Missy is going to be a great big sister. I mean, great in such a way that she is going to loooovvve bossing her little sister around someday.

Sweater & Jeans: Secondhand

Shirt & Purse: Target

Boots: Zulily

When we were playing school yesterday…
MM: Blah, blah, blah, blah (about teachery stuff)
Me: (browsing the internet on my phone): Uh-huh…
MM: (walks right up to me) I SAID put youse phone DOWN.
Me: (sets phone down in my lap.)
MM: Grabs phone out of my lap and sets it on the table and looks me in the eye) If you 'bey, I will give you a book to wead. But if you disobedient (It's weird how well she can pronounce that word), I not give you a book!"

Shirt: Old Navy Maternity

Vest, Jeans & Bracelet: Kohls

Boots: Sam & Libby for Target

Necklace: Premier Designs Jewelry

At the movies, the other day…
MM (very loudly): Momma, I hungwy.
Me: (whispering): Wait, just a few minutes.
MM (five minutes later, loudly): I sooooo hungwy, momma.
Me: (I rummage around in my purse and find a jackpot of m&ms.) Here, have a few m&ms.
MM: (five minutes later, even louder): I steel so hungwy, momma. Pease can I have popcorn?
(Now it was her first time at the movies. How does she know about popcorn?!?)
Daddy (leans over and takes Avi): C'mon, baby. Let's go get you some popcorn.

At Target, yesterday looking at baby clothes.
MM: Momma, we HAVE to get this blanket for baby Daisy. She weel love it.
Me: But Avi, it won't match her room. Her room is going to be yellow and blue.
MM: But momma, babies don't yike buh-lue.

While singing her a bedtime song…
MM: (finished singing Jesus Loves Me with me and utters a big huge sigh) I sing so fetty, momma.

Whenever she sees a baby anywhere.
MM: *squeal* Dat a baby, momma! A baby yike baby Daisy! When baby Daisy come out, momma, she gonna be so coot!

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

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. =)

Making Plans

At church this morning, we heard a message about planning. Not just planning, as in plan ahead. But planning, as in make sure that your plans include God.

I'm a big planner. I like to know what's coming and prepare for it. Whether it's training for a race, planning lessons for school, or planning every minute of vacation, I like to know what's headed my way. The Lord reminded me this morning that I need to be more aware of Him when I'm planning. I'm not guaranteed tomorrow.  For many, this might make the future uncertain.  But for me, it just means that my well laid plans might change. Instead of running a race or teaching third graders how to multiply, I may be in Heaven. And that's perfectly okay.

The Lord also reminded me to enjoy each minute of my day.  Okay, I literally can't enjoy each and every minute. I mean, when my kids are clamoring around me and begging for my attention at the end of the day and I simply have no more attention to give?  Yeah, it's tough to enjoy that moment. But I can take a step back and look at the bigger picture. I'm not guaranteed a million tomorrows with the munchkins. So when I remember that, it makes it just a tiny bit easier to breathe through those unenjoyable moments.

Anyway, deep thoughts for this beautiful Sunday, eh?

Getting back to what this little blog is all about... here's what I wore today.

Dress, Heels & Belt: Target

Blazer: Kohls

I saw this little blazer at Kohls yesterday when I was back to school shopping for the kids (and myself, obviously) and I had to have it. I mean, it was on the clearance rack and I got an additional 20% off. So, I got this little beauty for $8!

There are so many possibilities with this blazer, but the obvious pairing was a classic black sheath dress.

Necklace: I won it in a giveaway at Casual Chic Kiki, but I can't remember the shop...

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Plane Pretty and Fine Linen and Purple. If you want to see how other ladies are getting dressed for church, check 'em out! =)

Summer (Mom) Style: Two for One

I'm so eager to wrap up this 30 for 30 that I'm presenting both outfits that I wore yesterday, which brings us to Outfit Numbers 28 and 29!

Team Tank: F21

Skirt: Le Lapin D'or

Sandals: Target

I wore the incredibly mismatched outfit above for about an hour while I was cleaning the house. Then I changed into my swimsuit and went to the beach. This is the most I've stretched my creativity in the challenge. I typically wouldn't pair purple with blue gingham... and I'm not sure it actually works, per se. But I think it would pass if worn confidently. Now, if I had a cute coral printed tank or green printed tank, I think it would look much better with the gingham skirt!

Dress: Kohls

Blouse: NY&Co

Wedges: Zulily

Last night, we had another Family Conference meeting, so when I got home from the beach, I whipped up some dinner, grabbed a quick shower and changed for church.

Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Leather Wrap Bracelet: Premier Design Jewelry

Speaking of the beach, I swam for the first time in open water. You guys, I swam with the fishes. Literally. And I didn't freak out. Something even touched my nose at one point and that time, I actually did freak out, but I recovered and didn't drown. It probably helped that the water I was swimming in wasn't over my head. =)  I have to admit, it's going to be a tough swim on the 18th. But I've decided I'm just going to finish this triathlon, whether I have to back float, free style or side stroke my way through it.  When I train for my next triathlon, I'll really try to spend more time doing kicking drills, spend more time swimming laps, etc., so that I can really figure out the swim.

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

Summer (Mom) Style: Floral, Cobalt & Splashes of Yellow

How many of you live with a bossy three-year old?

I love my bossy three-year old, I really do. But I'm trying to get rid of some of this adorable attitude before it becomes a serious problem.  These are just a few of her favorite phrases:

But I don't want to.
NO! I said!
I alweady tole you!
Ackchally, I don't want to.

It's like they're on repeat . . . all day long.

Then she comes up to me and says, "Momma, I weally weally wuv you." And while that doesn't make her attitude okay, it does make it bearable.

Outfit Number 19... Worn to Church

Dress: Kohls

Shirt: New York & Company

Wedges: Zulily

Bracelet & Necklace: Target

Enjoy your day, friends. I don't believe I have a single thing on the agenda today. In fact, I may take a little breather from my 30 for 30 and not even get dressed at all... but shh!! Don't tell anyone. ;)

Summer (Mom) Style: Chambray, Shorts & A Tankini

Yesterday was a beach day and it was fabulous!

Outfit #5

Shorts: Kohls

Chambray Top: Thrifted

Tankini: JCPenney

Sandals: Avon

This top is light and airy and made for the perfect top to wear to and even at the beach!

I realize this isn't an incredibly creative outfit or spectacular in any way... but some days, that's just part of being a mom.  Occasionally, we have things to do that don't require accessories or belts or cute dresses, like a beach day with the kids. When I get a day like that, I try to put on something with a little more personality than a ratty old tank top and a pair of gym shorts

Leather Wrap Bracelet: Premier Designs Jewelry

Now, I have to admit, despite the airy chambray top, if I had taken a "After the Beach" photo, there would have been nothing even resembling classy about me!  A day at the beach in humid Florida can make anyone look like a hot mess! ;)

I'm liking up with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, and Rolled Up Pretty.

To see outfit numbers 1 through 4 of my 30 for 30, you can go here, here, here and here.

Summer Style: Sheath Dress, Light Blazer & Wedge Sandals

Outfit #2 is brought to you by the sheath dress.

Dress: Kohls

Linen Blazer: New York & Company (Thrifted)

Wedge Sandals: Zulily

Or maybe it's brought to you by the linen blazer.

Or maybe it's brought to you by the wedges.

I'm not sure which of these pieces is the "star" of this outfit, but I can say this. It came together from my 30 pieces rather easily. It's nothing special really.  It's simply a dress, a blazer and wedges. Girls wear that every day.  So, we can say that so far, the 30 for 30 hasn't been too difficult or stretched my creativity much at all.  But hey, it's only Day 2. We'll see how it goes later in the challenge!

I'm linking up today with Watch What I'm Wearing, Fine Linen & Purple and Sunday Style.

p.s. I wore this to church. I wouldn't suggest you wear a sheath dress, a blazer and wedges on any given summer day if you're staying home (or out and about) with your kids. While it's perfectly practical for church, it isn't a bit practical for chasing the munchkins.

Why I Do This...

Recently, I was all flustered and embarrassed when talking to a friend about this little ole blog of mine and asked myself the question... Why do I blog? And not so much why do I blog? But why do I blog about my clothes?

Top: NY&Co

Pants: Kohls

Sandals: Shoedazzle

Note to self... Find another pose. This looking down thing is making your hair look rather poofy.

There are several reasons, I guess. Initially, I started blogging because I was bored at work. Yes, I did the majority of my blogging at work during my lunch break or when the workload was slow. Now, I can guarantee you there is never a dull moment in my line of work! Teaching third graders keeps me constantly on my toes... quite literally. It's incredibly fun, rewarding . . . and exhausting! So, yeah, no time for blogging on the clock.

I also first started blogging about my clothes because I needed something to pull me out of my wardrobe slump. I was about 9-ish months post-partum with my youngest daughter and was feeling like a frumpy mom of two. Knowing that I'd be snapping pics of my frumpyness helped me to see the clothes hanging in my closet (or more often than not, on the floor of my closet) in a new light. And it helped me to put a bit of effort into my outfits even though I was sleep deprived from one or the other of my kids getting up constantly throughout the night.

Then I really got into it. I mean, how much fun is it to meet people not just all over the country, but all over the world?!? And I liked sharing a little bit of my creativity with the world.

Necklace: Jackie's eBoutique

Bracelet & Ring: No idea...

But let me tell you... do I enjoy preening in front of the camera? Um, no. I'm especially uncomfortable when someone walks past right as I'm posing all prettily.  Can we say... AWKward! But it's fun to put my outfits out there on the world wide web and be critiqued.  I don't think it's vanity or being self absorbed... I certainly hope it isn't!  I tried blogging about a few things that are close to my heart, but that isn't my talent. Laughing at myself I can do. Talking about something serious and important... I just don't have the ability to make it sound as important as it really is.  So, instead of trying to talk about important things, I keep my posts about the superficial and hope that maybe some flustered mom out there will look at my blog and think... Well, if she can get dressed in an ensemble that is somewhat put together and stylish on 4.5 hours of sleep, then maybe I can too.

Okay, in reality, I'm getting more like 7-ish hours of sleep these days. But trust me, there are times when I get much less.  Ear infections, sore throats, nightmares, early morning runs... they all interfere with the perfect 8-hour night of sleep.  You know how it is!

Finally, my last reason for blogging is to ask for advice. There's often something that I wear over and over again . . . in the same way! So, I ask you how you would wear it and get all kinds of outfit inspiration.  Which brings me to my question of the day...

How else would you style these sandals? I'm stuck!

I'm linking up today with Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Sunday Style, Passion for Fashion and Watch What I'm Wearing.

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While you're here, don't forget to swing by and enter to win your own personalized Road ID bracelet! You only have until Wednesday!

Another Day, A Different Look with the Same Necklace & Shoes

Obviously, I'm a bit obsessed with my Siramara necklace and the shoes I scored from Zulily recently. It seems that in the past weeks, I've worn them over and over again. At least, I've moved on from my bright yellow shirt.

Dress: Kohls

Chambray Top: Thrifted

What I love about this necklace is that it's an edgy piece, but it goes with so many different looks!

Necklace: Siramara (It's sold out, but here is another cute option.)

I first wore it with a sheath dress and denim jacket. On Sunday, I wore it with another sheath dress and a chic black blazer.

And here I am wearing it with a maxi dress that gives off a very hippie-ish vibe.  Do you like to do that? Wear your clothing and accessories in different ways to show off a range of styles? (Or am I just weird like that?)

Shoes: Zulily

While you're here, don't forget to enter my giveaway from Oasap! Hurry... get on over there so that you can win yourself a pretty little something! =)

I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, Rolled Up Pretty, Wardrobe Wednesday and Dear Abby Leigh.  Swing by their pretty little blogs to see how other ladies across the world are getting dressed these days.

Making a Statement with Siramara

Before beginning, I'd like to say that I'm praying for all of those affected by the tragedy in Boston. Being a new runner and being married to an experienced runner, I can only imagine how they are coping after such violence. I am thrilled to see how the running community and the entire country is coming together to offer help and encouragement to those affected.

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On Monday, we began state testing in our county. State testing is brutal. At least, it feels that way. A solid 70 minutes of children poring over reading passages, underlining and circling and going back in the text over and over again to make sure that they have their answers correct. All while I'm pacing around the room, not looking at any of the tests, but faithfully observing the students to ensure that they are focused and alert.

Dress: Kohls

Belt: Target

Shoes: Zulily

You might be thinking that I was crazy to wear such a cute (and high) pair of wedges on a day when I would certainly be wearing them out, but actually they were quite comfortable.

Jacket: Thrifted

Okay, really, they were comfortable! But even they were the most comfortable pair of wedges I've worn in a while, I did slip out of them and into a pair of flats for my pacing exercises. You know how some strappy wedges or heels make a slight squishing noise when your heel meets the sole of your shoe as you walk? Well, that's what these wedges do.

Now, I'm not complaining, because its nothing to complain about! It's just that when your classroom is as silent as a tomb, every single swish is heard like a herd of buffalo stampeding the room. So, yeah, the flats reigned during that 70 minutes of the day.

After that, however, I proudly slipped back into my wedges and wore them not only throughout the entire day of teaching, but also to the grocery store, to pick up the kidlets and back to the house. Then I kicked them off and relaxed for the rest of the evening!

Any by "relaxed," I mean that I cooked dinner, gave baths, cleaned up the house... you know, all the typical mom stuff. =)

Necklace: Sira & Mara

Now, for the part of this outfit I was most excited to discuss. I can't believe I went on and on about these amazing wedges when the statement in this outfit is clearly coming from this fabulous necklace! I won this necklace in a giveaway ages ago at Mix and Match Fashion. Since winning it, I've only worn it a few times. Mostly because I'm stuck in a rut of wearing long simple necklaces. I simply haven't been a statement necklace kind of girl. I think I might be warming up to them, though. I love how this look turned out and I'm envisioning this necklace with so many other outfits!

I hope you're all having a beautiful week and enjoying whatever spring-ish weather you've been having. I'm linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh, Rolled Up Pretty and Wardrobe Wednesday.  Check out these lovely blogs to get inspired about all sorts of pretty things!

Orange Crush

Someone told me recently that I pair colors in unexpected ways. Is that a kind way of telling me that I don't match? ;)

Denim Jacket - Thrifted

Dress - mark. (Jackie's Eboutique)

Tights - Target

Wedges - Kohls (Don't forget to use the code TENFORBLOG for 10% off your purchase until March 9th!)

Scarf - Charming Charlie's (Gift)

If you look closely at these photos, you'll clearly see that there are pops of bright orange in this mostly pink scarf.

Jewelry: Various stores around town and the internet =)

Whether I match or not, I have fun wearing bright colors and pairing colors that people might not usually wear. It helps me to feel like I'm spreading a bit of sunshine everywhere I go. =)

Monday was a very rainy, dreary day and these bright orange, highlighter hued tights helped to cheer me up every time I happened to look down.

I hope you're all having a beautiful week! I appreciate each and every one of you that reads my little ole' blog and I'm trying to make time to get by your little piece of the blogosphere soon!

Linking up today with The Pleated Poppy, Transatlantic Blonde, Dear Abby Leigh Wardrobe Wednesday and Rolled Up Pretty. Pretty much, I'm all over the place today. =) Drop by their pretty little blogs to see how other ladies all across the world (Yep, you heard me!) are getting dressed up these days.