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.

Preggo Style: Dress & A Jean Jacket

We are wrapping up Day 2 of a Snow Day. And guess what? We've got another one tomorrow. Now, I'm not ecstatic about snow days, but not for the reasons you might think. We're actually having a good time. Baking cookies, playing games and reading books while my kids enjoy the dusting of snow on the ground. I'm also happy that our school district is thinking about the safety of our kids. I mean, the roads have been incredibly slick and icy and us Floridians don't know what to do with that! What I dislike about snow days is that I had my week all planned out at school and now I have to rearrange those plans. I'm supposed to test third graders on fractions when they get back to school, but after having three days off right in the middle of the week, how can I do that? If they're anything like me when I was in third grade, all thoughts of numerators and denominators and fractions greater than one have flown right out of their sweet little heads.  So, although I've had a good time with my kids this week, I'd love it if we didn't have any more unplanned days off.

And now that I've rattled on and on about our snow days, let's get down to business. You know, the business of how I'm dressing this bump that is growing by leaps and bounds.

Just a mere two days before the temperature dipped into the 20's and Florida got attacked with ice and snow, we had a beautiful day with highs in the 60's. That is my kind of winter. The kind of winter that allows for bare knees and light denim jackets.

Dress: Target (clearance! You might still be able to get your own for only $13.98)

Denim Jacket: Thrifted

Boots: Shoedazzle

Socks & Belt: Target

Jewelry: Premier Designs & Target

Funny story about this dress. I actually bought it for my mom. Then it hung in my closet for a day or two and I couldn't stop looking at it and thinking how pretty the colors were and how my mint polish would match the stripes so perfectly… So, then I tried it on and well, it kind of fit. So, um, I'm keeping it...  And I bought my mom something else. 

Here's my 22-week belly.

And here are a few of me with my crazy kids.

I hope you're all staying warm wherever you are! I'm linking up today with Three-fer Thursday, Passion for Fashion and Watch What I'm Wearing.

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.

Girl Style: Who Said It?

The school that my kids attend have a gymnasium, and the younger kids have recess in there when it's raining or too cold outside.
I went to the zoo at school today.
Me: You did? Did you see a bunch of animals?
No, just some cazy kids pwaying.
Me: And you were at the zoo?
Yeah, that's what I call the gym.

You SAID, momma, after I finish my burger, you would give me some more ketchup. Now do it.

You want to pway the mehwied game?
Son: What's the married game?
You know! Where you the dad and I the mom and we hug and kiss and are mehwied.
Son: Eww, no!

When I go up, I gonna eat lots of food and get a baby in my belly and den I be a mom, too!

When I saw her parading through the house in my little black booties…
Me: Oh, are you a mommy?
No, I a gwandma.
Me: Um, ok. So my shoes are grandma shoes. Thanks, thanks a lot.

While getting her dressed for church…
Me: You call this kind of a sweater a cardigan.
Cowdigan? Dat a weeuhd word!

Yep, you guessed it. Those little jewels were all spoken by this girl right here.

Rocking the sweet smile

Jacket, Shirt, Socks & Shoes: Target

Skirt: Kohls

Leggings: Zulily (part of an outfit)

And rocking the sock bun

And rocking the death glare

Cardigan, Tights & Skirt: Target

Boots: Zulily

Headband: Somebody's shop on Etsy, but I can't remember which.

I hope you're all having a great week! We're headed to an ultra marathon this weekend to watch the husband and daddy run 31 miles of trails!

I'm linking up today with Passion for Fashion.

Preggo Style: Belt It

Look who's back! (For the moment, at least…)

Sweater: Thrifted

Shirt: maurices (right now they have an extra 75% off sale!)

Skirt: Gift (Maternity)

Belt, Boots & Socks: Target

It's been a few weeks, I know. But I was busy with the holidays and traveling to Alabama and back to Florida and then to New Orleans. Then school started back up and I've been trying to continue training for a 15k in sub-freezing temperatures. That's probably been the toughest part of all of this!

If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I had big plans to run a 10k Saturday morning. Well, it was really windy and rainy. It wasn't incredibly cold, but it was cold enough with the rain to give a person a chill. I chose not to run (Ha! Anyone notice the slight Seinfeld reference there?) because I didn't want to risk wearing myself out in the rain and potentially catching something.  I've heard of so many heartbreaking scenarios where healthy people are catching this vicious flu and actually dying. I mean, young, healthy people! It's crazy and I'm terrified of getting it. Being a teacher, I'm in constant contact with all kinds of germy-ness. I'm hoping that a healthy diet (minus the almost daily occasional sugary treat), combined with exercise, my prenatals and an immune booster that I got from the health food store will keep me healthy until D-Day . . . which is exactly 20 weeks away, folks!

That's right, I'm halfway there!

Okay and now that I'm finished with my rambling, let's talk preggo style. I like to emphasize the growing bump with belts. I sometimes wear them under the bump, but more often than not, I wear skinny belts over the bump. I feel like it clarifies to the masses that I am, in fact, truly pregnant and not just growing in the abdominal region. I also like to wear skinny jeans/pants or leggings, as opposed to any other type of jean/pants. Here's why: I'm short. And even though my legs are not the skinny things they were this summer when I was getting ready for my itty bitty super sprint big triathlon, any other cut of jeans than skinny just makes me appear kind of squat. Especially when my belly is getting bigger by the moment and my boobs just won't stop growing.

So, the big question is, how do you dress your bump? Or you know, back in the day, how did you like to style your baby bump?

I'm linking up today with everyone because I probably won't get to post again until next weekend when I'm not teaching and I have a bit of brain power left over at the end of the day. You can find me and many, many others at Watch What I'm Wearing, Monday Mingle, Still Being Molly, The Pleated Poppy, I Feel Pretty, Mix & Match Fashion, Three-fer Thursday and Passion for Fashion.

Happy Thanksgiving! (With a dose of family fashion)

Happy Thanksgiving from my clan!!

This post is for those of you who are like me. You're finally sitting down after a busy day and you're relaxing a bit, browsing the internets while your kids build a fire outside. Wait, my kids aren't building the fire. The husband is while the kids play. Then we're all going to make s'mores. No better day to wrap up this thankful day, right?

It's fuh-reezing in Florida. Literally. It was 25 degrees this morning when I went running. So, the only thing we know to do is put on the layers. Which is why each and every family member is wearing a sweater and a shirt. But that seems like a reasonable thing to do when you're attempting to bundle up and still maintain a bit of style.

Shirt: American Eagle (Husband's)

Sweater & Leggings: Target

Boots: Shoedazzle

Belt: Aldo

Necklace: Rue 21

My key to a successful Thanksgiving? Leggings.  Yep, that band that just keeps on stretching as I eat is the way to go. Oh, and my husband's giant shirt. Trust me, this little belt you see here? It lasted about 30 minutes. Then I took it off and let the food fill my belly. I think baby was pretty happy with that.

Speaking of baby… there she is. Or he. I haven't a clue what this one is.  You know how some moms have an idea? I never do. I just feel pregnant.

I'm linking up today with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance for Three-fer Thursday and with The Pleated Poppy, and I Feel Pretty.

Summer Style: Bright Shorts & A Black Tank

One day last week, I kept it uber simple for a Norwex party by pairing my bright coral shorts with this little black tank.

Shorts:Target

Tank: My Sister's

Wedges: TJMaxx

Sunglasses: Wal-mart

Bag: Aldo

Have you ever heard of Norwex? It's a company that sells these special cloths with silver woven throughout them that allows them to clean surfaces without any cleaning products. Something about silver is antibacterial so you swipe your counter and voila! It's clean. I'd have bought a cloth or two, but you know how it is. I'm a teacher and it's the end of summer . . . so yeah, I'm broke. Hit me up in September and maybe I'll a little to spare. ;)

I'm linking up this evening with Passion for Fashion, Casual Friday, Long Distance Loving, Mix & Match Fashion & Three-fer Thursday with Perfectly Coutured and Everyday Fashion and Finance. 

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! =)

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.

Conversations Between Tots

The other day, we went to the pool with a group of friends. Everyone rode in my friend's minivan except for my Little Miss and her little friend.  Let me tell you, it made for a very interesting drive.

At one point, the two of them began to argue about something and it went like this:

Little Miss: Sully, top talkin'!
Sully: No, you top talkin'!
Little Miss: No, I not a baby!
Sully: Well, I not a baby eduh!
Me: Nobody's a baby, let's all play nicely. <smiley face into the rear view mirror>

Later, my little diva says, Sully, you yike Seet Fog (Sweet Frog)?
Sully: Yeah... but sometimes I 'cared dere.
Little Miss: Silent pause...
Sully: Dey hab ice cweam dere!
Little Miss: I yike ice keam.
Sully: I yike ice cweam, too. You wunna go?

I think my three-year old just got asked on her first date... I'm pretty sure her daddy will have something to say about that.

Well, I didn't wear this pretty little skirt to the pool, but I did wear it to meet a group of friends at Chick-fil-A where our kids proceeded to almost nearly tear down the play area... I've had three days of back-to-back play dates. I'm loving this summer thing.

Skirt & Tank: Target

Sandals: Jackie's eBoutique

Bracelets: Premier Designs Jewelry

Rings: Target & Alyssa's Antique Depot

I got this fedora at Target yesterday for only $6.48!

I'm linking up today with The Life of the Party, Passion for Fashion and Two Thirty Five Designs.  I hope you all have a beautiful weekend! We're heading to Alabama where internet connections are scarce, so I may not be seeing too much of you until I return on Monday.

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.