Monday, September 30, 2013

Castle In The Sky

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I'm not going to lie, it's been quite some time since I've put on makeup AND curled my hair.  I don't even want to admit when the last time I put lipstick on was.  I feel like laziness has gotten the best of me which I would never consider a good thing.  So I finally peeled myself off the couch and did myself up.  I don't know why I get into these ruts because it actually feels really nice!  Hopefully this will be my motivation to keep it up...

Thursday, September 26, 2013

Pregnancy: Week 24

Is it just me or is this pregnancy taking forever?  I'm six months in and I'm already feeling antsy.  Don't get me wrong, I still feel great, but I'm getting bigger which just makes me feel so uncomfortable.  Turning from one side to the other in bed is starting to get difficult and you don't want to see me try and get out of my car.  It's insane how much a few extra pounds can change your daily routine.

24weeks6

While I still haven't had many terrible pregnancy symptoms, there is a definite difference in my body.  Cellulite made it's debut over the last few weeks, as well as varicose veins.  Thankfully tights weather is around the corner!  This month has also given me the joy of lower back pain.  A friend of mine gave me a pregnancy support brace which really helps when I'm on my feet all day.  So far I don't see any stretch marks which makes me happy (for now)!  I feel like things could be so much worse but I like to remind myself that this is all for the greater good of my baby.

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BIANCA_24

Speaking of my baby, my little girl is doing great!  She's kind of a crazy one, moving around at all times of the day and night.  It's such a wonderful feeling to have her inside of me but sometimes she can kick me a little too hard.  My doctor finally confirmed she's a girl which makes me feel a million times better than last month.  Her heart looks great and we were able to see some 4D images of her.  So far she's looking a lot like Kevin with my nose and lips.  I just can't wait to see her in person!

24weeks

24weeks2

In exactly one month I'm having my "friend" baby shower.  We decided to split our showers between our friends and family, mostly because the friend shower is also a housewarming party.  Since the showers will be coed (it's not all about me!), Kevin and I went together to register for our gifts.  We decided to go to Buy Buy Baby, which if one doesn't exist in your area, it's a Bed Bath & Beyond for baby stuff.  No really, they're owned by the same company.  It was completely overwhelming at first!  We ended up forgetting about a hundred different things.  I feel lucky to have so many friends with newborns who have guided me through this process and I eventually finished the list.  You never realize how much you'll need (and how much it costs) until you're already pregnant!

Well, this is the last update of my second trimester!  While it feels like baking this baby is taking forever, I'm also amazed that the end of the year is right around the corner.  Hopefully it's nothing but smooth sailing from here!

xoxo

Ashley

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

Flock Together: Florals in Fall

I'm blogging over at Flock Together today, so make sure to check out my take on Elana's floral print dress.  It's actually quite easy to take spring and summer prints into fall and I'm excited it was cool enough to layer this dress!  Click HERE to see my take and how the other ladies styled it too :)

floraldress6

xoxo

Ashley

Sunday, September 22, 2013

Pregnancy: Maternity Staples

I've been meaning to do a post like this for quite some time.  I feel like most women go a little overboard when it comes to purchasing maternity clothing.  In my first trimester I bought three maternity dresses and at 25 weeks I've bought little else.  The reality is that most of my dresses still fit, and if you dress smart, you don't need to spend much for just a few months of wardrobe.  Here are a few of my maternity staples and all of them are for a woman on a budget!

Bodycon dresses:
maternitydress

Tight dresses was never a staple in my closet until after I was pregnant.  When your body changes so much you have a hard time feeling like yourself.  I realized that accentuating my new pregnant body actually made me feel much better than trying to hide my bump in drapes and layers.  This dress from ASOS is perfect for fall and it comes in many different lengths and colors.


Cute flat shoes:
flats

As much as I love heels (and I really, really, do) I've pretty much retired them all.  Not only do your feet get swollen, but having to shove them into a narrow pump hurts them about ten times more than it used to.  That doesn't mean you have to break out the horribly ugly flip flops and Uggs though.  Ruche has a wonderful selection of cute and comfortable flats.  I picked these ones because I love the ankle strap and the price (30 bucks!).


Maternity jeans:
maternityskinnies

I'll admit, I don't wear jeans or even pants on a regular basis.  Or ever.  But my style has changed with my growing belly and I'm actually looking into a great pair of maternity jeans.  Since I'm due in January I figured one pair wouldn't set me back too much.  These jeans from ASOS are my pick because they sit low on the waist and they're a great "skinny" cut.


Belly band:
maternityband

To those ladies who don't want to invest in maternity jeans and can still fit into their regular ones, a belly band is the perfect solution.  It allows you to keep your jeans unbuttoned and unzipped without exposing any unwanted areas.  I bought this exact belly band from Target, but I use it at work.  I had to up a size on my scrub bottoms but they're still much too large on my waist.  I put the belly band over my scrub pants and they fit perfectly!  Plus, it offers some support which is great when I'm standing all day.


Maternity tights:
maternitytights

I'm a huge tights person but I realize that all my tights won't be fitting me comfortably once I'm in the later stages of pregnancy.  These pregnancy tights from Old Navy are wonderful because they have an extra stretchy waistband and tummy area for that growing belly.


Every item that I've mentioned here is under fifty dollars and perfect small additions to your already fabulous pre pregnancy wardrobe.  You can still look gorgeous and feel comfortable as a pregnant woman on a budget!  Have any maternity staples that I haven't shared?  I'd love to know :)

xoxo

Ashley


Tuesday, September 17, 2013

Sail to the Moon

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This has to be one of my favorite dresses, ever.  It's one of the only pre-pregnancy dresses that still feels completely comfortable with my baby bump.  I have it in both black and pink and I'm showing off Jessica's version in blue.  For a piece that's under fifty dollars, I'm surprised that the fabric is so heavy.  It works just fine in summer but it's nice and thick for the cooler months.  I just wish it came in even more colors, I would probably buy them all!

Friday, September 13, 2013

Because I Want You

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There's only about eight days left of summer and I plan on enjoying every single one of them.  While I'm sure everyone can't wait to wear tights, scarves, and boots, I'm sure they'll be missing the days of bare legs in a few weeks.  I won't be sporting any of the above items until at least late October but I'm pretty sure the flower crown will be retired sooner than that.

Tuesday, September 10, 2013

Flock Together: Come on Home

Hi there!  I'm blogging over at Flock Together today showing off a gorgeous skirt from Marisa.  I'm also giving you a little peek into my very own kitchen in my new home.  Make sure to click HERE to see the post and my new home :)

Blog photos 001

xoxo

Ashley

Sunday, September 8, 2013

What's on my Radar: Current Loves

I feel like it's been forever since I've done one of these posts!  I've been pretty absent from the online shopping scene only because it's a little too tempting.  Unless I'm getting it on clearance, I won't buy it.  But I'm constantly peeking at great Etsy finds (especially for home and baby) and here are the top five items on my favorite list:

skirt

This handmade skirt is gorgeous.  I love the print and the pockets are always a wonderful touch.  I think I'll put in an order for one of these next year, when I can actually wear a skirt!


slip

I know this is probably supposed to be a nightgown, but I would just put on a slip and wear this out.  This color is so beautiful and the lace detail on the neckline is really unique.


necklace

Okay, so I may have bought this one already.  I've been dying to get a necklace with the initial of my baby's first name.  While I haven't received it yet, I can't wait to get my "b" necklace ;)


cardigan

I think this would be the perfect addition to my cardigan collection.  The soft pink color is perfect and I love anything with a great print or beading.  This piece has both!


dress

This rainbow dress is an absolute dream!  Another handmade piece with pockets, have you noticed a bit of a trend here?  The cut is just beautiful and sure to turn a few heads.


Do you have a favorite Etsy store?  I'd love to hear your picks, I'm always looking for a new store to follow :)

xoxo

Ashley

Friday, September 6, 2013

Stranger to Myself

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These days I rarely have time to catch up on blogs (let alone update my own) but I get quite envious of those bloggers who are actually experiencing colder climates.  Here in California I'm dealing with triple digit temps and it's killing me!  Carrying all this extra weight is hard enough as it is but being hot all the time is making it so much worse.  I look forward to the day when I can order my pumpkin spiced latte hot!

Sunday, September 1, 2013

Bright Lights

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Happy Sunday!  I hope you're enjoying your weekend.  Most people in the states get to enjoy a three day weekend thanks to Labor Day.  While I have Monday off, I worked yesterday so it kind of feels like a regular old weekend.  I'm just thankful to have a few days to relax and be off my feet as much as possible.

On Friday night I went to my first ever quinceanera.  A friend at work had one for his daughter and I couldn't believe how much work is put into this occasion.  It pretty much has the same aspects to a wedding.  The dresses, the venue, the band, the father/daughter dance, it was all very sweet and reminded me of the many weddings I went to over the summer.  It's interesting to experience an event of a different culture.  I'm always in awe how different things can be depending on where your family is from.  I was just honored and happy to be invited to such a momentous occasion.

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