Friday, November 30, 2012

Friday Favorites - The Four Gift Rule

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY or 3. they introduce me to a new product.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.


This week's favorite is a pin that I found on Pinterest months ago and felt like it was just what I was looking for.  A little backstory --- every year around this time, I find myself finishing up my Christmas shopping and doing everything I can to find the perfect present for everyone on my list.  And I will be the first to admit that I live to spoil my loved ones with everything they want/need!  However, in a time where money is a little tighter and people don't always need more "stuff", my gift giving direction has shifted a little from the past and this year I am giving The Four Gift Rule a try.


Easy right?  In a world where consumerism is at an all time high, the simplicity of this list is what really attracted the idea in the first place.  And while the intention is for kids, I think it can really be a guide for anyone on your list.  It can be big or small, but instead of stressing over tracking down a pile of gifts that someone may or may not truly enjoy or just buying whatever is on their wish list this year, The Four Gift Rule allows expectations to remain in check and opens the doors to a little creativity on the buyer's part.

Here are a couple posts from other bloggers I follow on their Christmas plans:
Elm Street Life - Christmas Giving
Where My Heart Resides - A Simple Christmas


What are you doing for Christmas gifts this year?

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

37 Weeks!



How Far Along: 37 Weeks!

Size of Baby: a watermelon {19 to 22 in, 6.5 lbs} according to What To Expect.

Maternity Clothes: *insert similar response to the last several weeks*  But if you follow me on Twitter, you might have heard that I'm down a pair of maternity jeans...

Gender: a sweet baby GIRL!

Movement: The movement is still there and she's still hanging out on the right side, but I've noticed it's not as often as I believe she's got to be running out of room in there.


Sleep: Much less than before, but still able to function from day to day.  I read somewhere this week that maybe it's baby's way of preparing you for what's to come.

What I miss: Back to being painless --- this last stretch feels like it might go on forever...

Cravings: Citrus & chips.


Other crazy symptoms: In the last week, my feet have become more swollen and after trying everything Dr. Google says to do, I think I'm going to pick up a pair of compression hose on my way home tonight and pray for some comfort in these last two weeks.

Best Moment this week: Spending time with family and reflecting on what I am most thankful for!

Monday, November 26, 2012

#fmsphotoaday November Week 4


Last week was busy --- between going up to Portland for a baby appointment, having family in town, celebrating Thanksgiving, and helping the economy (a.k.a. Black Friday shopping), the week flew by!  Even though we have Charlotte's birthday on the books (12.12.12) and some say time will slow down, I'm not so convinced.  I'm afraid things won't slow down and things won't get done.  I hope I can remember to enjoy the small things in life before our small little one arrives.

How was your Thanksgiving?


+ Day 19 - something awesome {seeing our little girl in 4D and scheduling when we will get to meet her}
+ Day 20 - work/play {while I was working, my mom was playing/shopping for Thanksgiving}
+ Day 21 - what I wore {a favorite pair of Toms & hello baby bump :)}
+ Day 22 - grateful {to host family at our house for Thanksgiving}


+ Day 23 - black {Friday movie date with Sam, my mom, and brother}
+ Day 24 - a sound you heard {Saturday college football games all day}
+ Day 25 - sky {clouds as far as the eye can see}

If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!

Friday, November 23, 2012

Friday Favorites - Jonathan David Photography

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY or 3. they introduce me to a new product.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.

Ever since I can remember, pictures have held an important place in my life.  When I was younger, my walls were covered in pictures of friends and family.  Then when it came to what areas to spend our money on when we got married, photography was something that I was willing to splurge on to get something that will help us remember that day for years to come.  Unfortunately, taking pictures has become more obsolete over the last couple years {unless you count your iPhone pictures}, so I have tried my best to get at least one set of annual pictures of Sam + I to remember where we're through different life stages.  And our unofficial photographers seem to continue to be the husband-wife duo that make up Jonathan David Photography.


You might recall me writing about them last year when they took our pictures with Sam's side of the family, but our love for these two have not gone away one bit.  And they have knocked it out of the park once again with our maternity shoot.  To see what I'm talking about, head over to their blog now!

In a time when I know a lot people who are doing photo shoots, some remain at the top of my lists of favorites and that's where Jon & Rachel currently reside.  Not only do I appreciate their attention to details, but I love that whenever we get together with them, we pick up just like old friends.  Plus, they have pulled out some of our best, most genuine smiles throughout the years, and for that I'm so grateful!  And with Sam working on his own photography business, they have been not only been supportive, but willing to give him tips they have learned over the years.

Some of our past photo shoots:
Us + the pups
The Grable Family


Do you try new photographers each year or do you like to go back to the same one year after year?

Thursday, November 22, 2012

Thankful

This year has been one for the books and when I think back on what I'm most thankful for, one thing instantly comes to mind --- our baby girl, Charlotte.


When we first decided to expand our family, it was fun to dream of the future.
When we were told we were pregnant, excitement was one of our top emotions.
When we first heard our baby's heartbeat, everything felt more real.
When we first saw our baby via ultrasound, we began to imagine the life ahead of us.
And, unfortunately, in an instant, our life changed with news of complications and nothing we ever envisioned was now becoming our reality. 

Back then {around 19-20 weeks}, it felt like all the odds were against her and even now, 3 weeks out from her debut, there are still concerns they won't have answers for until she's here, but I feel like I can sit here today and tell you all how thankful I am that I got to carry her this long & provide the safest place for her to grow regardless of what her future holds.  And that is what I am holding on to this Thanksgiving.

I have to also throw out a quick, but heartfelt, 'thank you' to our family + friends who have cried, rejoiced, and prayed with us this year and who I know will keep doing the same as long as we need them to.  We love you!


What are you thankful for this year?


Check out our past thankful posts: 2011, 2010, 2009


Wednesday, November 21, 2012

36 Weeks!


How Far Along: 36 Weeks!

Size of Baby: a watermelon {19 to 22 in, 6.5 lbs} according to What To Expect.

Maternity Clothes: If you see me on a daily basis, you might feel like you're seeing the same thing every week (I know I am starting to feel like that...), but I am trying to just use what I have and hopefully it will carry me through.

Gender: a sweet baby GIRL!

Movement: I love the little kicks & jabs I feel throughout the day and at our last ultrasound, there were many comments about how active she is in there, so there may be some I don't even notice :)

Sleep: Some nights are better than others, but trying to find a comfortable position is getting pretty difficult, so any sleep I get I am thankful for.

What I miss: Being comfortable.

Cravings: Still loving the Cuties!


Other crazy symptoms: I feel like I can't possibly get any bigger than I am, so the skin stretching is getting kind of itchy.  I keep putting on lotion as much as possible and hope that it can cure some of the itch.

Best Moment this week: Scheduling a date to meet our little girl - 12.12.12 via c-section!  With only 3 weeks to go, I am amazed at how fast most of this pregnancy has seemed. 



Any last minute tips for this mom-to-be?

Monday, November 19, 2012

#fmsphotoaday November Week 3


If I thought the weeks previous were flying by, I think I'm about to feel like we're in warp speed.  We have our first baby appointment up in Portland today and they might be telling us when we're going to meet our little girl {how surreal!}... Then we've got family coming to town for the holiday weekend full of eating + shopping :)

What are your plans for Thanksgiving?


+ Day 12 - drink {Burgerville pumpkin shake after our maternity photo shoot}
+ Day 13 - where I slept {deja vu from day 10...}
+ Day 14 - man-made {my lopsided belly}


+ Day 15 - in my bag {the usual - wallet, sunglasses, receipts, and an ultrasound pic from today's appointment}
+ Day 16 - the view from my window {our rainy backyard}
+ Day 17 - last thing I bought {something for the nursery from Kesha}
+ Day 18 - happened this weekend {decorated our Christmas tree}

If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!

Friday, November 16, 2012

Friday Favorites - I Love You More Than Carrots

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY or 3. they introduce me to a new product.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.


If you took a look through my Google Reader, I believe that you'd find that at least 50% of the blogs I read are "mommy bloggers" or mom's who blog about the ups & downs of parenthood through their eyes.  And while, I've only just begun to wrap my head around my upcoming role as a mother to someone, I have starred a number of posts throughout the years from these type of bloggers, in hope that their advice will aide me some day.




One of these blogs that has recently caught my eye is I Love You More Than Carrots, written by AP, a mom of two little boys who shares life's little moments in a honest and hilarious way.  Sometime in the last year, I was directed over to ILYMTC through a couple other blogs and, as usual, found myself diving into her archives to read more of her posts that I've missed over the years {this happens with almost any blog I start following}.

As someone who has no idea what life is going to look like in a month, I appreciate the reassurance that life isn't always "perfect", but that other moms are facing struggles and living through it to tell about it.  And that's one of the main reasons I look forward to AP's posts because even if I'm not going to through it at the time, it's nice to know that someone has possibly navigated through it in the past.

So if you like honest and funny stories about being a mom and juggling life, check out ILYMTC and fall in love with AP & her adorable family!

A few of my favorite {recent} posts include:
Flying By The Seat Of Our Pants And Telling Our Own Stories
You Worry Too Much
On Blogging, Judgement, The Un-Blogger And Why I Blog


Any mommy/family blogs you'd recommend? 

Thursday, November 15, 2012

35 Weeks!


How Far Along: 35 Weeks!

Size of Baby: a large cantaloupe {19 to 22 in, 6 lbs} according to What To Expect.

Maternity Clothes: Lots of basic tees & maternity jeans, with a few dresses mixed in if I'm feeling a little more fancy :)

Gender: a sweet baby GIRL!

Movement: Still moving, although I'm not sure for how much longer considering I thought she was out of room a couple weeks ago...

Sleep: Good sleep - what's that?  Yeah, sleep is not as good as it was for the previous 30+ weeks.  However, I am still getting a few consecutive hours of sleep, so I can't complain too much.

What I miss: Being painless... {see below}

Cravings: This week, I've been eating as many Cuties as I can get my hands on.


Other crazy symptoms: Still a lot of back & rib pain {due to her, I believe, sitting as far on my right side as she possible can}.  I'm seeing my doctor today so I'm going to make sure it's "normal" pain, but boy is it hard to find any position that doesn't leave me in pain.

Best Moment this week: Getting the chance to rest as much as possible.

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

#fmsphotoaday November Week 2



As I mentioned on Twitter yesterday, I think you could find me lying down almost all weekend {the third trimester tiredness is no joke!} and I'm thankful for the lack of plans we had so I could rest without the guilt.  But alas, I'm back at work and by the looks of my calendar, I'm almost afraid to blink in fear that all the time I thought I had is going to fly by...

Can you believe we're almost halfway through November?




+ Day 5 - 5 o'clock {heating my aching back}
+ Day 6 - a favorite thing {trying new samples from Influenster}
+ Day 7 - reflection {@ 34 weeks!}


+ Day 8 - something I do everyday {drive}
+ Day 9 - small {-est diaper I've ever seen}
+ Day 10 - can't live without {my body pillow right now}
+ Day 11 - night {by candle light}


If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!

Friday, November 9, 2012

Friday Favorites - Influenster

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY or 3. they introduce me to a new product.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.


This week's 'Friday Favorites' isn't a blog that I currently follow per se, but a program that I was introduced to through social media that has introduced me to some new-to-me products that I might not have checked out on my own.


Influenster is a "free-to-join community of invited trendsetters who live to give opinions of products and experiences" where they send out different boxes of samples based on your interests for you to try & give your thoughts on.

I've only been a member for a few months, but I have already received my second box* of samples to try and let me tell you, they don't hold back.  I've been given some of the nicest samples or some cases, normal sized products to try and give my opinion on.


For example, this box contained the following:
  • Bath & Body Works® Fall Mini Candle
  • NYC New York Color IndividualEyes
  • Kiss® Ever PRO Lashes
  • Not Your Mother's® haircare products
  • Goody Simple Styles Spin Pin 
  • Vitabath® Fragrance Mist
  • Boots No7 Beautiful Skin
I am really looking forward to trying these out because in some cases, I have seen them at the store and wondered how they worked and now I get to try them out myself!

If you'd like to try this out for yourself, let me know in the comment section & I will send you an invitation to get signed up.  Easy, right?


*Besides receiving a box full of products, my thoughts & opinions are all my own.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

Book Club - Reflected in You {& The Crossfire Series}

Have you ever crossed paths with someone you didn’t know and felt like there was a bigger reason for your meeting?  Maybe something brought you together for a reason that wasn’t obvious in the beginning?  That’s how I felt like the meeting between Gideon & Eva went in the first book of The Crossfire Series {Bared to You} by Sylvia Day.  And while it might not have been as clear in the beginning, reasons began unveiling themselves to them throughout the second book in the series, Reflected in You.


After a surprise encounter with each other, both Gideon & Eva had a hard time thinking about anything except the other person.  And upon discovering more about each other, the two’s immediate physical and emotional connection was more powerful than either could believe.  Like most new relationships, Gideon & Eva have their own struggles to overcome, but when it comes down to it, neither can think of being without the other.

Like Fifty Shades of Grey & Diary of a Submissive, this book had somewhat of a dominant/submissive vibe to it, yet I felt like The Crossfire Series focused more on the relationship between Gideon & Eva and their past, rather than their time in the bedroom, which I really enjoyed.  And while I read through both books in the series, I kept thinking of the phrase, “love conquers all” and found myself rooting for their relationship to last.

To see what others thought about Reflected in You {and The Crossfire Series}, head over to BlogHer’s Book Club page and check out the discussions.


While I was compensated for this BlogHer Book Club review, all opinions expressed above are my own.

Wednesday, November 7, 2012

34 Weeks!



How Far Along: 34 Weeks!

Size of Baby: a large cantaloupe {19 to 22 in, 5.5 lbs} according to What To Expect.

Maternity Clothes: Anything I can still fit into, I'm wearing.  And the more comfortable it is, the more it gets worn :)

Gender: a sweet baby GIRL!

Movement: As usual, Charlotte has been hanging out on my right side and occasionally pushing out over there.  This week, I've been noticing that I can actually see my stomach move when she's moving around in there and it's the craziest thing!

Sleep: I'm falling asleep just fine, but end up waking up between 3-4am and having a hard time falling back asleep...

What I miss: Finding a comfortable position, whether standing or sitting.

Cravings: With Halloween just passing, there was an abundance of candy around at work, so baby & I were enjoying leftover Smarties almost every day.

Other crazy symptoms: Back & rib pain... as I mentioned before, she likes to hang out on my right side and is still sitting pretty high, so there is a constant pain on my right side that I have been trying to dull for the last week or so.  Other than that, I'm just happy to feel her kicks and know she's still moving around in there as much as she can.

Best Moment this week: Once again, I was showered by family + friends and Charlotte was spoiled!  It was great to see some family we haven't seen in a while and always a blessing to know how many people love us {and her already!}.

Monday, November 5, 2012

#fmsphotoaday November Week 1


For being the first weekend in November, we really lucked out in the weather department!  I had sort of written off seeing any rainless weather until sometime next Spring and I'm happy to say I was wrong :)  Sam needed some nice weather this weekend because we had to squeeze in a senior portrait session for his cousin this weekend and the colors couldn't have been more beautiful up at McMenamins Edgefield.  I also attended my last baby shower this weekend and my SIL's threw a very memorable one for me & baby Charlotte.

How was your weekend?



+ Day 1 - something beginning with a 'C' {C is for Charlotte}
+ Day 2 - color {ful cookbooks}
+ Day 3 - breakfast
+ Day 4 - TV {our old-school second TV in the office} 


If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!

Friday, November 2, 2012

Friday Favorites - IHeart Organizing

As an avid and daily blog reader, I have quite the collection of starred posts in my Google Reader that fit into one of two categories: 1. they either speak to me or 2. they are make me want to {try to} DIY.  Sometimes I go back at reread these posts and other times I just forget I’ve starred them at all.  So instead of letting them pile up in my Google Reader, I thought it’d be best to share some of my favorites with my readers, especially since I know how much I enjoy being introduced to new {to me} blogs that peak my interest and keep me coming back for more.


Another blog that has earned a lot of stars in my Google Reader {as well as pins on my Pinterest boards} lately has been the IHeart Organizing blog.  Maybe it's the fact that I'm in, what most would call, the nesting stage of this pregnancy, but almost every post has me thinking to myself "why didn't I think of that?".  




From closets to kitchens to organizing your bills, this blog has it all!  As a mother of three boys, Jen shares her tips, as well as new products, that will help you "beautify and simplify" almost any zone in your home while also keeping it functional for everyone who uses it, which is key when you have a family actually living in your home :)

Another thing I love about this blog, is it has introduced me to other bloggers who love organizing as much as Jen.  Whether they're sharing their tips or their remodels, it's refreshing to see how other people keep their lives organized and pull out what is most useful to me.

So if you're a fan of organizing or you just like to look at homes that aesthetically pleasing, check out IHeart Organizing right away - you won't be disappointed!

And if you still need some convincing, check out a few of my favorite posts:
A Little Love for Laundry
Organizing Cords
A Simple DIY Jewelry Display
Great Gift Wrap Organization


Any must-read organizing/home blogs you have come across?

Thursday, November 1, 2012

#fmsphotoaday October Week 4+

Sorry for the later post this week - I wanted to squeeze everything into one weekly post, so I waited to finish out the month.



And just like that October is done.  Whoa!  We're at under 6 weeks until we meet our little girl and just two months left in this year - it's just crazy thinking back to January when I started this "photo a day" thing and now I've almost completed the whole year.  Sometimes it makes me feel a little crazy :)

How did October go for you?


+ Day 22 - in town {it's a rainy mess}
+ Day 23 - the view from here {at our 32 week appointment}
+ Day 24 - weather {looks like today might be nicest day for awhile...}


+ Day 25 - people {Sam + our baby girl are my people}
+ Day 26 - listening to {the TV while I catch up on shows from the week}
+ Day 27 - morning {snuggles + reading before running errands}
+ Day 28 - looking back {at a pre-married Sam + I}


+ Day 29 - moon {lit drive into work this morning}
+ Day 30 - clothes {tiny + pink for Charlotte}
+ Day 31 - whatever I please


If you'd like to follow along daily on Instagram, check out my feed here!