Putting a positive spin on things...

This week was one of those weeks where life just got a bit too overwhelming. Work was insane, I got home too late to cook or be productive, my to do list was endless, and I felt like no matter how hard I tried I just couldn't do it all- a feeling I am just not accustomed to. I had had it by Thursday evening. 

I was standing at the train stop in the pouring rain, no umbrella, no jacket just soaked. Two trains had come and gone while I stood there on the platform due to overcrowding and a very aggressive pack of tween girls just let out of soccer practice who shoved me out of the way to get on both passing trains only to be left in the rain right next to me (mental note: teach my daughter to always be gracious, kind, polite and most importantly patient). 

Then as I'm waiting for the third train to arrive this lovely older woman comes over and offers to share her umbrella with me. I politely decline telling her I'm already drenched but she insists and stands with me until the next train arrives making small talk about work, the train and my large & in charge belly. She assures we both get on the next train together. No sooner are we on another woman promptly stood up and gave me her seat. I usually decline to move someone out of their seat but in this case I politely accepted and began to tear up. 

It had been a hard, long, stressful week and the kindness of two strangers made me realize how lucky I am and how little I have to complain about. 

So instead of complaining, or posting about things I want or think I need I want to take a minute to acknowledge all of the positive things that happened this week an the many blessings I already have. 

1. My sweet girl kicking, and moving around. It's reassurance she is safe, happy and well looked after (& that not drinking bottles of wine & bubbly after this week are worth it... I already knew this but you know!;) ) 

2. My husband who picked me up at the train, listened to every annoying detail of my day over an amazing dinner out! (seriously, check out Farmstead Table in Newton!)

3. Clovis who was so happy to see his Mum & Dad when they got home from dinner and promptly snuggled up next to me for the remainder of the evening. 

4. A job, that although challenging is rewarding, and makes a real difference to people. 

5. This blog, although sometimes I feel I can't or don't give it 100% I appreciate having a space to write about my passions, project or just reflect on life. 

As always- thank you for reading, for your support, comments & emails! It really is what keeps me going & this space what is it!

Fashion Wish List

When I think about fall I get super excited about planning my activities, wardrobe, and prepping for the holidays (remember my 1023043 million posts for my first Thanksgiving?).

This year I am a little sad to be missing out on a lot of the shopping. If there is one thing I miss about pre-pregnancy life it is buying cute clothes from my favorite stores (JCrew, BR, Nordstrom). I am finding it hard to justify splurging on fall trends which I know (more likely-hope) won't fit me next year. So instead here are the things I think YOU should buy so you can look cute, feel great & make this lady super jealous! :)

This beauty comes in 8 colors- I highly recommend checking it out!

I actually think I do need to purchase this for myself! I absolutely love the style! 

Adult Popsicles

Last weekend our friends had us over for dinner on Saturday for a Mexican themed dinner. They did an incredible job with the food- everything was seriously amazing!

I was at a loss as to what to make, I ended up making a totally off themed dessert of Chocolate Cream Pie. I thought about making a Chocolate Chile Cake but decided against it because it wasn't something I was excited about eating- super selfish!

At the last minute I decided to make some Margarita Popsicles- I figured even though I can't enjoy them there is no reason everyone else can't! They were super easy and fun to make, I highly recommend with the long weekend coming up you make these for your BBQ or weekend plans!

Recipe:

1 cup of Corona
1/3 cup of fresh lime juice
1/3 cup of sugar
1 shot of tequila


Mix in a bowl and pour into your trays. Mine are from Ikea but if you don't have your own trays you can always use paper cups & Popsicle sticks. I also thinly sliced limes and put them inside for decoration, they looked great but meant everyone had to pull them out when eating- not pretty on that end but a good idea! I'm thinking of using berries next time- at least they would be edible!

Miniature Style

I have been slowly collecting a (somewhat) small collection of clothes for our little one. This weekend I finally cleaned out the closet in her room and made plenty of space for her clothes. I also hung up a few pieces I have purchased or been given. So far one of my most favorite stores to shop for her in is Janie and Jack, mainly because I would actually wear a good amount of the things in the store myself!

Here are few pieces I love from their fall lineup!

I love this little shirt paired with these adorable plaid pants! 

Love the texture on this little shift dress with a cute bow & tights!

This little jacket is the perfect pairing with this grey dress & little plaid bow!

If this came in my size you can bet your bottom I would own it!

What are your favorite stores to shop in for your little ones?

#SeeSummerBetter styled with my in home trial

If you aren't familiar with Warby Parker you can read about them in my first #SeeSummerBetter post here! I got my in home trial (you seriously have to check out this program!!) and I have finally styled them with some of my favorite summer looks!

Here I put the Raglan frames in 'Jet Black' with some of my maternity favorites. I liked these frames because they were a staple everyday wear. They were a bit small for my face but I really liked the style!

Shorts: Old Navy (on sale!) Tank: Old Navy Watch (old): similar style Wrap bracelet (old): similar- Stella & Dot

I love these Piper frames, very retro chic! The slightly go up at the sides and were super flattering! I think this is perfect for a bridal shower or afternoon event!

 Skirt: Ted Baker (a pre-bump favorite!) Faux leather sleeved top (old): similar Bag: Kate Spade (old) Lip: NARS satinlip in Yu

The Reilly lenses are a dead tie for my favorite with the beach glass, which I will get to. I love the bigger frame, and the Marzipan Tortoise is perfection! I am a sucker for Tortoise shell, but these babies were something special- definitely on my wish list! :) I paired these with a typical work day outfit because I would likely wear them every.single.day! 

Pants: Destination Maternity Necklace (a must have!): Jcrew Factory Lipgloss: YSL 370 Top: Stitch Fix- more details coming in another post!

The Crossfield frames in 'Polished Gold' are the perfect cool, summer casual outfit. In fact I wore this last weekend and loved the way it looked together! 

Dress: Target Maternity Heels: Lucky Brand - super comfy! Necklace: Jcrew (old) 

Lastly, the Jennings sunnies in 'Beach Glass' could they be any more perfect for a beach day? I loved these lenses! They are great for many face shapes, not too over sized and the color is perfection! 

Swimsuit: Target Maternity

Overall I was SUPER happy with the quality & style of my Warby Parker in home try on! I would highly recommend it to anyone. It is totally free & hassle free as well!

Wedding style with Weddington Way

I think it is fair to say that I have been a part of a fair few weddings in my day- from planning my own to being a bridesmaid a time or ten, I have a good handle on the process! However with our family and loved ones spread across the globe it can really make planning and keeping people involved a challenge. I was recently inspired by a company called Weddington Way to showcase some of their beautiful bridesmaid & special occasion dresses in a virtual show room the idea resonated with me!

A little bit about the company from them: Weddington Way is a collaborative shopping experience for wedding parties. At Weddington Way, bridal parties can browse the largest assortment of bridal party fashion available online and share and discuss products in a virtual showroom. By offering a collaborative experience, personalization, and its namesake line of ready-to-wear dresses, Weddington Way is differentiated from anything else that exists in wedding, e-commerce or retail. Our aim is to have many pictures of millennial bridal parties dressed by us in our grand wedding album. 

You can find their great selection of bridesmaid dresses here and don't forget to check out their new tuxedo rentals

Weddington way just took it one step further, now you can use the Groom Shop to style your leading man as well! Here are a two looks I put together that I just loved!

I love this combination of a traditional 3 piece Michael Kors tux paired with a soft feminine dress by Dove & Dahlia. Bonus: it has pockets- perfect place to keep that perfect YSL nude lip stain for the whole day! 

P.S. I might actually need to order this dress in navy perfect wedding guest look!

Now picture a more casual affair, maybe a beach side wedding, on the Cape or MV. The dress is elegant with a preppy undertone and your groom & his men are casual, comfortable and still chic! 

Fighting the stretch mark battle

After finding out I was pregnant I did a little research on cremes that can help with stretch marks. As you can probably imagine there are hundreds out there, all claiming to be the answer- also coming at a hefty price tag!

I know realistically no one creme or lotion is going to prevent me from having any stretch marks at all but I wanted something that would help moisturize and would make me feel good about being proactive! :) 

I got a few recommendations and finally settled on the Basq NYC skincare line and I am thrilled so far!

I went with the Intensive treatment butter and Resilient body oil. I use the oil after getting out of the shower, I love the Lavender scent and I think the oil is perfect for hydrating summer skin. I use the butter nightly, I love the rich texture, it feels very luxurious! Both of these products fall into the "a little goes a long way category" so I foresee them lasting well into the pregnancy! 

Here's the best part, the price tag on both of these items are under $40 each and available on Amazon Prime with free next day shipping! (I'll admit I am a Prime snob, if the shipping isn't free I don't buy it!)

Also how cute is this Expecting Mama's kit? This would be a fabulous gift for those pregnant ladies in your life! I may just have to get one for myself :)