High Five for Friday!

The past few weeks have been dragging by but this week is the first in a while that has flown by! I'm definitely not complaining because the sooner we can get to mid August, the better (that's when we find out our baby's gender)!

As always, here are my highlights from the week!

1. I had the opportunity to work from home one day this week. Nothing like having multiple computers going to feel productive!
2. Milo either lays on the floor or on your face. I got a rare moment of him curling up next to me like a real cat!
3. "Saving Mr. Banks" combines so many of my loves: Disney, Tom Hanks and Mary Poppins. This movie is coming out this Christmas and I couldn't be more excited! Check out the trailer!
4. I can't remember the last time I got Cold Stone! I feel like now that frozen yogurt is the craze, everyone forgets about the real thing! I decided it was up to me to give ice cream the love it deserves.
5. Lastly, I decided to try some new makeup techniques when bored one night. You can't see much here, but I am applying my eyeliner differently as well as using new foundation. Sometimes it's good to change up your look every now and again. I still kept with the same colors, but just went a little more dramatic. 

Now if only this rain would go away and leave us a nice weekend, I would be happy! I hope everyone has a fun weekend!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

Week 14 - Update

I really want to do these posts every Monday, but Sunday just completely got away from me, so I'm posting just a day late.

How far along?: 14 weeks, 3 days
Baby is the size of a: Lemon
Total weight gain/loss: 10lbs
The Bump: Looks like I've put on some extra weight - not a real bump just yet
Symptoms: Headaches! Sometimes they are really intense where I need to lay down and other times they are just annoying and linger. They never completely go away.
Food Cravings: I'm more into salty foods and carbs right now (that probably explains how I've already gained 10lbs)
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nothing that I can put my finger on
Sleep: Still just tossing and turning, but I think I'm getting used to it.
What I miss: Running (never thought I would say that). I wish I weren't so tired when I get home from work because I think going for a run would really make me feel better.
Weddings Rings On or Off: On
Any Names Picked Out Yet: We've started a list of names, but nothing speaks to us yet.
Gender Prediction: I still think it's a boy. I had a dream I had a boy the other night.
Movement: None yet
Maternity Clothes: I wear a few pieces (mainly on the weekends) just to be more comfortable since me normal clothes are super tight.
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Having the energy to get some much needed cleaning done around the house!
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Still really excited to find out the sex. But I'm also really looking forward to feeling some movements!

High Five for Independence!

I hope everyone enjoyed their 4th of July! I don't think my husband and I have ever seen fireworks on the 4th together. He grew up going to events that had big fireworks but his family never bought them and did them on their own. And ever since we've been married, we haven't' done anything or gone anywhere, so I was excited to have some plans! My sister invited us over and we lit a ton of good fireworks. It reminded me of my childhood when the neighbors would get together and put on a fireworks show. I hope everyone had a good 4th of July and got to see fireworks from wherever you were.

Now onto my high fives!

1. In case you missed yesterday's post, this is Milo with the wreath I made. He really likes when I craft because he thinks everything is for him. He is probably trying to get a pipe cleaner and eat it here.
2. Rocking the patriotic nails this week. I went and had gel nails done because I love how long they last and don't chip so I can keep with cleaning and crafting no problem.
3. No 4th of July post is complete without a fireworks picture. This was my view last night: Spectacular.
4. We went out to dinner for a friends' birthday and his 7 year old daughter was hell bent on getting lobster. I may or may not have encouraged it and begged that he let her get it mainly because I wanted to see her eat it. You should have seen the waiters face when they dropped the lobster off to the little girl!
5. We had my parents over for dinner during the week, and I made baked ziti. It's a recipe you can't mess up and always tastes perfect!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

4th of July Deco Mesh Wreath - DIY

I decided I needed a new wreath on my door for the 4th of July. At first, I thought about making yet another ribbon wreath, but then decided to try something new and switch it up. Don't get me wrong, I love my ribbon wreaths, but these deco mesh wreaths have become quite the trend. I looked through Pinterest to find a good tutorial and give it a try!

I went to Michael's and was able to get everything I needed. I spent $27 but that was because I got 2 colors of deco mesh and a roll of burlap. You can make this wreath with just one roll of deco mesh and probably only spend $15.

Supplies:

Scissors

Deco Mesh (one roll is enough, but I wanted multiple colors)

Burlap (optional)

Pipe cleaners

Wire wreath form

The first step is to take your pipe cleaners and twist them all over the wire wreath. Alternate between inner and outer circles to create multiple rows when adding your deco mesh.

Now, take your first color of deco mesh (or burlap in my case) and secure one end to the pipe cleaner. Then create a loop by securing it about 12 inches down to the next pipe cleaner.

This is after one layer around the wreath. I ended up doing two layers of burlap around the wreath.

All you have to do is keep adding layers however you choose. You can attach new layers to already used pipe cleaners. In fact, some of mine had 3 layers of deco mesh to one pipe cleaner. You can't mess this up.

After the burlap, I did a layer of red then blue and found it still needed one more layer, so I went back around with another layer of red. This project is super easy and not time consuming at all. I think it took me less than an hour to make.

When it was done, I decided it needed a little more decoration. You can add letters, American flags, garland, or anything you want! I chose to make a bow out of some leftover patriotic ribbon I had to add some dimension. If I had more of it, I probably would have made 3 more, but I think one is fine. I can always add to it next year!

This truly is an easy project that anyone can do it, whether you are a seasoned crafter or never done a project in your life. The more advanced you are the more you can add to it. If you're a beginner, keep it simple. I hope you give this a try! Email me your photos if you end up making one for yourself. I would love to see all your creations!

 

Have a happy and safe 4th of July!

Wardrobe Essentials - First Trimester

For this week's WIWW (What I Wore Wednesday) I am going to tell you about a few wardrobe staples that have helped me through my first trimester. Not a true outfit post, but hopefully it will help you if you are just finding out you are expecting and don't quite know what to do with your new body.

Thank goodness for me, I have friends and relatives who have all recently had babies so they have given me great wardrobe advice. Many things vary by individual but I'm sure you will find something that will work for you!

1. Pants no longer fit right. Not only were they tight in the waist, but they were just so uncomfortable. I know one of the cardinal rules of pregnancy is to not wear maternity clothes until you absolutely have to, but when I found a pair of maternity jeans for $10 at Target (similar here), I had to get them. They have a small panel that basically just feels like I'm wearing sweatpants (who wouldn't love that?). I highly suggest something like this early on as it makes you feel much more comfortable without being in your pajamas.
2. The Belly Band. I had heard so much about this product and how it really extends the length of your wardrobe because it allows you to wear all your bottoms unbuttoned and no one knows! (I'm thinking this will be a great addition to any one's wardrobe for those big family meals like Thanksgiving!) I got my Belly Band from Target and love wearing it not only for the unbuttoned pants aspect but for the way it holds everything together. Its like Spanx just for your stomach!
3. Speaking of Spanx, this is another must have. Since I wear dresses to work and throughout the summer, I needed something to hold my new growing stomach all together. Not to mention most people didn't know I was pregnant, so it helped keep me looking my normal weight. Target carries Assets brand (similar to Spanx) and they come in maternity! They fit like normal Spanx only with a much higher front panel to go over your soon to be baby bump. I have been told these will come in handy throughout my entire pregnancy.

I'm sure as I go through these next 6 months, I will find more essential pieces to add to my maternity wardrobe, but for the first trimester, this is what got me through.

After all, it is WIWW and I can't leave you without an outfit picture! So here you go!

A little 4th of July inspiration!

Linking up with Lindsey @ The Pleated Poppy for WIWW

Spray Tanning - FAQ's

Summertime is the perfect time to trade those pasty white legs for a more bronze glow. But if you are like me (fair-skinned, freckled red head) than you cannot spend more than 5 minutes outside unprotected for fear of the dreaded sunburn! Why should we suffer? After all, tan fat looks better than pale fat. Am I right? So what's a fair-skinned girl to do? Get a spray tan!

I have been getting spray tans since high school, so I like to consider myself quite the aficionado. In fact, at one point I had a spray tan membership. That meant I could go get a spray tan as many times as I wanted and paid a flat monthly fee. It was glorious. Then the reality of buying a house (and now starting a family) led me to cancel those unnecessary things in life. However, you will still find me getting sprayed every now and again.

Below are some FAQ's on the two types of spray tanning that I do, Mystic Tan and custom spray tan, *WARNING: Super long post

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Q: Where do you go and what kind of spray tan are you getting?
A: It depends on if I'm doing the spray tan booth or getting sprayed by a human (yes, you stand in front of a professional naked and they hand spray you with an airbrush). For the booths, I go to my local tanning salon and do the Mystic Tan. For the individual tan, you have to do a little research but you will find some salons offer hand done airbrush tans.

Q: For a special event like my wedding, what do you recommend for first timers?
A: If you have never done a Mystic tan or any other booth tan, do NOT do it for an important event such as your wedding. No matter how well you follow instructions, you are at a huge risk for a streaky orange-ish color. For these events, I cannot stress enough to go to someone who will airbrush your tan for you. Not only does this minimize streaking, but they also custom create a color just for you based on how dark you want to be and the coloring you currently have.

Q: Do you have to be naked?
A: For the spray booths, being naked works the best, however if you are apprehensive you can wear a bathing suit or bra and underwear you don't care about. Just be aware that it will most likely be ruined and you will have some crazy tan lines. As far as the custom spraying goes, I definitely understand the fear of just being naked in front of a complete stranger while they spray you so you have a few choices. Most places will at least give you paper underwear to wear so it's just like being topless. Again, if you want to be more covered, as long as you are prepared to ruin your undergarments then feel free.

 Q: How do you keep from getting orange and streaky like Ross on Friends?
A: I think this is every one's biggest fear (especially when doing a booth for the first time) Everyone seems to have seen that episode and whenever they find out I spray tan that's the first question. First, the technology has gotten so much better just in the past 10 years that I've been doing it. Second, it's all about following the directions. The booths have detailed instructions on how to protect your nails, palms and hair...follow them! Also, most of the booths talk to you while you are in there. They tell you where to place your feet, how to stand and when to turn. It's really not rocket science. Something they don't really stress is to let yourself air dry as much as possible before using a towel and scrapping your skin.

Q: How long before my event should I get a spray tan?
A: I recommend 24-36 hours before your event to get sprayed. This allows for a shower and for your coloring to develop and be at it's peak.

Q: How long before I shower?
A: This is my favorite question. Both types of spray tan will say 4-6 hours before being wet. Here's what I say. Wait at least 12 hours, if not more (I try to go 36 hours). The longer you can wait for the color to develop and sink in, the better. Sure you might not smell good and feel a bit grimy, but if you can stand it, wait. I usually recommend going at night right after a shower so you can at least sleep in it.

Q: Do you shower/shave before going?
A: Absolutely. You want to have the cleanest and freshest skin possible. It is recommended that you exfoliate before going as well. I am pretty lazy and don't do all that. I figure using a loofah and shaving your legs is exfoliating enough. Don't put on lotion.

Q: Do I need all the products they sell?
A: No. I do nothing to prep my skin but exfoliate and after I will use regular lotion to help keep my tan. The only thing I will buy is a scent to put in the spray tan to help with that icky smell. It usually costs a dollar more and definitely worth it if for some reason you are going somewhere right after you get sprayed.

Q: What do you wear after you've been sprayed?
A: Loose and light. If at all possible, have no makeup on and the loosest clothes you can find. I even try to wear minimum undergarments as they are tight and can create lines. Typically I will wear a t-shirt, sweat pants and flip flops because as soon as I'm done, I'm going home and going to bed to marinade.

Q: How do I make sure my face doesn't turn out orange or splotchy?
A: I am never concerned about this because isn't that what make up is for? I keep to my face routine as normal for fear of breaking out and just go one shade darker in my foundation to match the rest of skin. Nothing weirder than a super tan body and a snow white face.

Q: How long until I am noticeably tan?
A: Again, they say the color will develop in 4-6 hours. This DOES NOT mean you get it done 4 hours before you want to be tan. You will notice a gradual color change that will reach its darkest between 12-24 hours (hence why you wait as long as possible to shower)

Q: How long does your tan last?
A: I can usually get a good week before I start to notice it getting splotchy. In order to make it last the longest, I use lotion (the drugstore gradual tan stuff) everyday and use a soft cloth when I shower so I'm not scrapping my tan off every time I bathe. Also, when you are drying off, pat dry, don't rub.

I hope you find these tips helpful and inspires you to stay out of the tanning bed and get that perfect color safely! It may seem like a lot of work, but once you do it a few times, it all becomes second nature. If you have any additional questions, feel free to ask! I'm sure there are things I've left out.

Happy tanning!

Bump Update - Week 13

I'm going to start documenting my weekly progress using the chalkboard I made a few weeks back. I wanted to start earlier, but never got around to it until now. So we shall start with week 13!

How far along?: 13 weeks, 2 days
Baby is the size of a: Georgia Peach!
Total weight gain/loss: 10lbs (It's time to start jogging a little now that I'm in the 2nd trimester)
The Bump: Looks like I've put on some extra weight - not a real bump just yet
Symptoms: Had a few bad days with some morning all day sickness
Food Cravings: I'm not really craving things, just need to eat a lot to keep from getting sick
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nothing that I can put my finger on
Sleep: I fall asleep just fine, but am hot and constantly tossing and turning. Not to mention the middle of the night bathroom trips. (This is new to me considering I used to sleep like a rock)
What I miss: Having the energy to work around the house and exercise
Weddings Rings On or Off: On
Any Names Picked Out Yet: Not really talking about names until we find out the gender.
Gender Prediction: I'm going with boy since my whole side of the family is girls.
Movement: Too early
Maternity Clothes: I pick up pieces I see on clearance at Target. I also got some gift cards for my birthday from Motherhood, so I went ahead and picked up some basics. I have a few maternity pants that I wear on the weekends because they are super comfy.
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Getting an ultrasound and seeing our baby for the first time looking human!
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Finding out if it's a boy or a girl!