Nursery Planning

Since we found out we are having a girl, all I can think about is the nursery. I was trying so hard to get inspiration for a gender neutral nursery, but couldn't. Now that I can focus on a girl theme, it only took a few minutes for it all to come together.

It all started with a chandelier I got while at Ikea. I thought this would be the perfect way to get the ball rolling. Since we already had a dark dresser in the room, we knew we wanted a dark crib to match. With those in place, all that is left is paint and décor.

We want to paint the room a real nice pale green and accessorize with pink. That way it's not so overpowering. Here are some color ideas.

My mom is making a quilt out of Lilly Pulitzer fabric that I absolutely can't wait for! With Lilly in mind, I decided I wanted to make a ruffle crib skirt out of Lilly fabric.

As far as sheets go, I'm going to stick with solid colors to balance out all the Lilly.

My last idea is to get her name in wooden letters and use spare Lilly fabric to decorate the letters in a collage fashion.

That's all I have for now, but I think it's a pretty good start. Now if only it all turns out as nice as it looks in my head! What do you think? I'm open to suggestions!

Week 17 Update

I can't believe another week has come and gone! I'm getting so close to the halfway point that I can almost smell it. Overall it was a good week with little to know pregnancy symptoms so I can't complain.

 

This weekend was nice and relaxing and gave me a chance to catch up on grocery shopping so we can start eating at home! We are the worst at eating out, especially during the week, so I meal planned and bought groceries to make some quick and easy crock pot meals. If all goes well, I will share those recipes!

 

How far along?: 17 weeks, 2 days
Baby is the size of an: Onion
Total weight gain/loss: 13lbs and holding.
The Bump: I'm starting to notice a subtle change, but I think it will still be another few weeks before I will look pregnant
Symptoms: Feeling pretty good!
Food Cravings: No cravings, just a bigger appetite.
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Been sleeping pretty good these last few weeks. I'm going to enjoy it while it lasts.
What I miss: For the first time this week, I really missed having a glass (or two) of wine after work.
Weddings Rings On or Off: On
Any Names Picked Out Yet: YES! Still need to settle on a middle name, but I think we will be announcing it in the next few weeks.
Gender Prediction: Girl!
Movement: Nothing obvious yet. I think I'll know when I feel it.
Maternity Clothes: Probably 50/50. I just really feel more comfortable in maternity clothes and that is key right now.
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Starting to feel a bit more pregnant and a bit less fat.
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: My next appointment where we will get to see our little girl again.

High Five for Friday!

I really enjoyed my uneventful week. So much in fact, that I can't believe it's already Friday! I had nothing planned during the week after work, so it was nice to come home and just enjoy being lazy (my weeks are numbered so I plan to take advantage of them while I can).

I've been having a hard time finding inspiration for this blog over the past few weeks (I think it has to do with the above mentioned laziness, ooops), so next week I'm going to make every effort to blog everyday! (Monday-Friday) Think I can do it?!

Some pretty fun events happened this week that will make it one to remember. Without further ado, here they are: my high fives for the week!

1. How can you not get a warm fuzzy feeling when the weather is this beautiful? After a week of scorching temperatures, the chill in the air is just the relief we all needed.
2. In case you missed it, we announced Baby Bolt's gender on Monday! I was so excited to put the crib together and make my first girly purchase: a chandelier! I am already in love with how this room is turning out and I've only just begun!
3. My youngest niece was baptized this weekend and look how happy she is! Thanks to Aimee from Aimee Keller Photography for snapping this great shot of her at her party!
4. This has been such a treat this week! My husband brought these home for me and I don't think they are going to make it much longer.
5. One of Milo's favorite spots; an old computer chair at the top of the stairs that is only there because he sleeps so sweetly in it.

What are YOUR high fives from the week? Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F.

Birchbox - July 2013

Last week I shared with you my July Ipsy bag, so this week we will be talking about my July Birchbox. People seem to debate these two monthly subscription beauty bags nonstop on the Internet, so what better way to make a decision than to try it out for yourself? That's what I decided to do, sign up for them both and give them an equal chance. After one month, whichever one I liked the best will be the one I keep (I'm trying to tell myself there is no need for two of these monthly subscriptions).

Enough talk about the two, let's open the Birchbox and see what it has to offer!

My overall first impression was good! I like the clean and simple look of how the box is packaged and felt like it was a special gift because of the tissue paper.

One of the best features is the card you get that describes each product that is in your box. Based off an online profile, they choose products especially for you from the variety of options for that month. Below are the products I received based from my profile.

1. I find this funny, I received this Coola Sunscreen in my July Ipsy bag! You would think they would know what their competitors are putting out every month.
2. Benefit's Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow foundation feels super soft and I was quite pleased that it was a color I could definitely use.
3. Number 4 Super Comb Prep and Protect was a bit of a disappointment. I saw some people got hairspray, which I would have much rather preferred. This particular product is a leave in conditioner for color treated hair (which I don't have). I'll give it a try of course.
4. I have heard so much about the Tan Towel and am so happy to finally get to try one! If you know me, you know I'm all about sunless tanning, so this is right up my ally!
5. 100% Pure Nourishing Body Cream was a bit of a let down. It was just 3 sample sized packages. It would have been nice if it was in a bottle like everything else. Good to throw in the purse for when you need some lotion on the go.

I would have to say this is a huge toss up. The foundation and tan towel were my favorites and are making this decision between Ipsy and Birchbox a tough one. I have some time to think it over. What do you guys think, based off my bags or your own from this month, would you keep one over the other?

Week 16 Update

Last week, was not one a good week for me for a few reasons, so I convinced my husband that there was only one way to make it all better; to find out the gender before the 20 week appointment! For those of you who don't know me personally, patience is not one of my best qualities (yes, I know I need to work on this before the baby comes), so I decided we weren't going to wait any longer to answer the most anticipated question....boy or girl?

That's right, my dreams and intuition were COMPLETELY wrong! I was so shocked and excited to learn that we were going to have a precious little girl! I guess it's time to pass down my bows and Lilly!

How far along?: 16 weeks, 2 days
Baby is the size of an: Avocado
Total weight gain/loss: 13lbs according to my last doctor's appointment.
The Bump: Nothing too obvious just yet, but I'm sure that will change in a few weeks.
Symptoms: Nothing too bad. Feeling pretty good these days!
Food Cravings: Just always hungry. My stomach growls as if I haven't eaten in days every 3 hours.
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Got my Snoogle last week so I'm thankful for that! I don't think I move at all during the night with it so in turn, I'm sleeping sounder.
What I miss: My Lilly Pulitzer dresses. I love wearing Lilly all summer, and now none of it fits.
Weddings Rings On or Off: On
Any Names Picked Out Yet: We are pretty certain about what we are going to name our little girl, but not ready to tell everyone just yet. Still haven't decided if we are going to make it public knowledge before she's born.
Gender Prediction: I said boy all along, but was completely WRONG! We are so excited to be having a little girl!
Movement: Last week I mentioned I might have felt some flutters. Starting to think I was wrong. Should be feeling something in the coming weeks.
Maternity Clothes: I'm definitely more comfortable in maternity clothes, but can still wear some of my normal clothes, so I mix it up.
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Finding out we are having a baby girl!
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Now that we know the gender, I'm really looking forward to planning the nursery!

High Five for Friday!

It's Friday again! I wish it weren't so hot here (99 for a high but it will feel like 110!) but I guess I can't complain because at least it's sunny out! I think I will be spending most of my time indoors, maybe I will start some fun craft projects!

Enough of that, time for my high fives!

1. I haven't really been sleeping well and I read that this snoogle pillow really helps. I was so excited to have a gift card from my birthday to Babies R Us so I could get one! I didn't think it would work that well, but it really does! It keeps me from tossing and turning all night. 
2. I broke down and got this shirt over the weekend. I had seen it on a few of my pregnant friends and decided it belonged in my closet. I could wear it everyday! 
3. I'm not one to get overly excited about nature, but for some reason when driving through my small town I saw this and HAD to take a picture. I love all the colors!
4. I make to do lists every weekend and it never fails that at least 3 things don't get done (I'm overly ambitious I suppose). But not this weekend! I don't remember the last time I completed my huge list by Sunday night. Probably the best feeling of the week.
5. Milo loves this spot at the foot of our bed. Mostly I like that he uses Duffy, the Disney Bear's foot as a pillow (Yes, those are Mickey and Minnie house slippers, don't judge).

Stay cool everyone and I hope you enjoy your weekend. Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

Ipsy Beauty Bag - July 2013

I have been seeing these monthly beauty subscriptions all over the Internet lately and decided to give it a try. I decided to try both Ipsy and Birchbox. Whichever has the better bag this month, will be the one I decide to keep. I'm sure I could talk myself into keep them both, but I need to stick to one for now since we have a little one on the way.

My July Ipsy Beauty Bag came first, so that will be the one I share with you today (stay tuned for my Birchbox next week). I have heard mixed reviews on Ipsy, so I didn't have high expectations, but my overall first impression was good! Maybe it's because I'm a noob at this and my standards are low for these, but I think I got some great stuff that I can't wait to try out!

 

1. I can't wait to try the Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Renewal Beach Spray! At first I was disappointed with it being a beach spray (since I have short hair, I'm not one to rock the just got out of the ocean look very well), but the directions also say you can use it as a root lifter! Winning! You all know I love my big hair, so this will definitely be put to good use.
2. The Pouty Pop Lip Crayon is super soft and moisturizing! I'm used to lip crayons being dry and brittle, but this felt like a high end lipstick when going on. The color is a little neutral for me, but I think it will look great with a more muted, dressed down look.
3. Who doesn't need sunscreen? This Coola Mineral Face SPF Moisturizer will definitely come in handy. Toss it in your purse to have just in case you find yourself out in the sun for longer than you thought.
4. We've all heard of Benefit, but Benetint? This product looks scary at first glance (reminds me of food coloring), but it actually is very easy to use and not as harsh as it seems. In fact you can use it very sparingly. I used it as a blush and loved it! Just the right amount of rosy. And if you want more color, just swipe a little bit more on and blend!
5. Lastly was this great pallet from BH Cosmetics. It is a sample from 3 of their newest color pallets. I think I will get the most use out of the Hollywood purple and the San Francisco brown. The Malibu gold might be a little too warm for me (I usually wear an off white).

All in all I think it was a very successful bag! I even enjoyed the pink cosmetic bag it all came in. What I find most beneficial of Ipsy, is getting to sample products you've heard of but never broken down and bought for yourself. Now if you like it, you can buy it. And even better? Ipsy will offer coupons on the products you got to get the full size of. Win win!

If you've ever thought about signing up for a monthly subscription beauty bag, so far my experience with Ipsy has been positive. Which ever one you choose, I'm sure you will have good months and bad months, but at least you got to step out of your everyday product bubble and try something new!