maternity wear basics

I remember the days when I longed to be pregnant, gleaming at every pregnant woman I saw and imagining myself in cute, stylish maternity clothes.  And then I became pregnant, and was stuck in this in-between stage for quite a while.  You look like you just ate a big burrito, your pants are starting to feel snug but they still zip, but wearing a fitted top didn't feel quite right.  Fortunately for me, this in-between stage was during the summer time where I lived in dresses, maxi skirts, and workout clothes.  I knew that I would have to break down and buy maternity clothes, especially with the beginning of the school year right around the corner.  

So, at 23 weeks I embarked on the maternity clothes journey....

We had a budget, and I had to plan on buying clothes within that budget that would carry me through fall and the beginning of winter when it was still 100 degrees out.  I was pretty saddened at everything I saw.  Lots of items seemed either over priced or not my style.  Then I walked into H&M and just started grabbing everything I liked and waltzed into the dressing room.  About half of the items I found worked, and I was very pleased with all of the prices.  

H&M Finds:  

sweater// jeans// leggings// top

Motherhood Maternity was the next stop and I was definitely pretty stingy.  This lace top is one of my favorites!  It has been perfect for this time of year when it is boiling hot outside still.  Paired with a pair of slacks and heels and I'm done!  Layer with cardigans and blazers when it starts cooling off!  And these henley tops are ridiculously comfortable!  

Motherhood Finds: 

solids// stripes// lace top// tunic

With the beginning of the school year I'm definitely tried to stretch many of my pre-pregnancy dresses.  Let me just say that empire waists are my saving grace!  I spotted this adorable blazer at Target for on sale for $30 and knew I had to get it!  It is definitely my go-to piece in my closet.  Layered with the Liz Lange tanks from Target (most amazing things ever) and I'm done!  

dress// maxi skirt// tank// blazer 

Now I know that you're seeing a pattern with all of these clothes...there's lots of gray and there's lots of black.  I didn't want to buy anything patterned so that I could mix and match more often, and my plan is to use pops of color in the form of scarves, shoes, and necklaces.  

Currently I'm on the lookout for a pair of red skinny jeans without breaking to bank, so any suggestions would be great!  

And just for fun here are some outfits as of late...

{virtual} coffee date

via

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I truly and deeply miss coffee.  There's just a way that warm mug fills my soul with warm fuzzies, and the tea lattes lately haven't been cutting it.  On the bright side, I have been in love with some half-caf lattes, but I just miss waking up to a steaming mug of rich coffee.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would be brutally honest and tell you that I've only worked out once this week.  Once!  Yikes, I'm pretty embarrassed to put that out there.  Hopefully that number will increase to three as long as I actually get my weekend workouts in.  Lately, the afternoons have been brutal on me and my motivation wears thin once I come home.  I'm really trying to give myself grace and not buy into the lies that fill my head, and celebrate each workout as a success not a number. 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I hate printers!  Being in escrow means having to print so many documents, and our printer all of a sudden has no explanation for not wanting to work.  It seems like every time we get one step closer to closing, there's one more thing to print and I just want to throw my hands up! 

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that this weekend we have no big plans, and I'm pretty ecstatic because all I want to do is clean my house.  And not because I enjoy it-because it is a mess and I just want some cleanliness up in this joint.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that God has been teaching us a big lesson.  This past Sunday our pastor reminded us how to treat those that hurt us, want harm against us, or just rub us the wrong way- we have to pray for blessings upon them.  That same day, one of Daniel's co-workers decided to use Facebook to vent their frustration about a work situation and used some pretty inexplicable words towards him.  Thankfully, they didn't say his name, but we knew exactly who it was pointed at.  And instead of getting angry we were reminded of God's calling to pray for blessings upon her, and that's what we did.  

If we were having coffee this morning I would tell you that I just scheduled my first chiropractor appointment ever...ever..and I'm pregnant.  I've been having some sciatica pain and my doctor is just so amazing.  She recommended her chiropractor that specializes in prenatal care, making me feel a bit better about going to one.  I'm really hoping that it helps this girl out! 

I thoroughly enjoyed this beautiful coffee date with you and hope you have the most splendid weekend! 

september favorites

I just love that October is right around the corner and little glimpses of fall are around every corner.  Now if only San Diego would get with the program and cool off a bit!  Tonight as we were driving to dinner with some couples from our bible study, the clouds were dark and gloomy and there was a little crisp in the air, and I loved every moment of it.  Sadly, this weekend is shorts weather again.  All I want to do is wear boots and scarves all day, curl up with a homemade tea latte and a blanket, and burn pumpkin candles.  

Here is what I was loving on this month: 

This book by Ann Voskamp is just challenging me in new ways-holy moly!  I love the raw voice in her book, the way that the words have to be read over and over for me to fully grasp every piece of what she is saying, and whenever I put the book down my view point has changed for the better.  This book has forced me to look at the blessings in my life, even the tiny minute ones- like steam rising from a kettle in the mornings.  Each of these beautiful little moments add up to an amazing life! 

Raven + Lily is an amazing company.  My mom's spirit for empowering other women has driven me to seek out companies that help with this cause as well.  They help employ women in Ethiopia, Cambodia, India and the United States.  I've been swooning over the scarf for the past week, just waiting for the right moment to finally but it.  

All I want to do is burn this candle all day long!  I've been dying for some good fall/winter candles from Bath & Body Works, but have also been waiting for them to go on sale.  When I finally broke down and was ready to pay full price, they were actually on sale!  It was meant to be.  Typically I don't like sweet candles, but this one is the perfect mixture of pumpkin, spice, and sweetness.  

Firmoo to the rescue for cute, new glasses!  I love the fact that your first pair is free and you only pay for shipping and handling.  I was super nervous that they weren't going to fit right or look funny, and I'm so glad my fears did not come true.  I'm smitten! 

Trader Joe's has done it again!  This tea is amazing!  I search high and low for Twining's Winter Spice tea this time of year, and am lucky to find two boxes anywhere.  It is so delicious.  When I saw this tea for only $1.99 I had to give it a try.  The first cup completely won me over, and the smell is just wonderful. 

I've never been a leggings person, and then I got pregnant.  Oh, mama.  These H&M leggings are all I want to come home to after work! 

You know when you just need that one new item to make you feel a little bit better?  For me it was a new curling iron, and this one was perfect for a low budget and good quality.  This is Jilbere brand and I picked it up at Sally's Beauty for $32!