High Five for Black Friday!

I know I'm a little late posting, but it has been quite a busy day! I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed much deserved time with friends and family. I know I did! The reason I'm not getting to my high fives until now is because I've been Black Friday shopping! I wasn't really on the hunt for any crazy deals, but I did use the time to get the rest of Charlotte's stuff.

1. Sometimes Milo thinks he's the sous-chef. He likes to supervise and watch me cook.
2. We went to a fun Irish Pub to see a family friend's son play in his band. The music and company were great. Not to mention it was a nice change from our normal routine.
3. Here is my Black Friday stash. It started at 1am and then we took a nap and started again at 11:30am-5pm. It definitely feels a lot more tiring when you're 8 months pregnant!
4. We spent Thanksgiving down at my in-laws river house and even though it was cold, it was nice to be down there. Here is my newphew, Jacob and I taking selfies. He's already a pro!
5. As you may have seen, I got some super cute Disney Christmas ribbon in and went right to work on making some Christmas bows. You can get these in my Etsy shop for 20% off with code: LITTLEBOLT20.

I love that my weekend is just beginning even though it feels like it's already over! As always, linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

Week 34 Update

I almost didn't do a post this week because I couldn't get it together. I have just been dragging lately. I still think I can do it all, and after I do one task I realize I am too tired to do anything else. So this week, I have been working on cooking dinner every night after work and cleaning the house which has left little time for this here blog. But after not missing a week since I started, I realized I couldn't miss this week. We are so close! I can't stop now!

How far along?: 34 weeks, 3 days
Baby is the size of a: Butternut Squash
Total weight gain/loss: 40lbs
The Bump: Feeling like it's going to pop!
Symptoms: Typical third trimester woes...back aches, swelling and numbness in my hands (most annoying of them all)
Food Cravings: Still eating the same. I have yet to crave something where I have to have it right then.
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Restless. My numbness in my hands and arms is the worst at night when I try to sleep. Any tips or tricks with this?
What I miss: Same things - my old body, being able to breath and having energy. But all that will be back eventually!
Weddings Rings On or Off: Off
Any Names Picked Out Yet: Charlotte Noel
Gender Prediction: Girl
Movement: Lots of strong kicks and rolls. Feels extremely weird sometimes.
Maternity Clothes: Ready to pack them up!
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Getting lots accomplished around the house. It has felt like forever since I deep cleaned. Glad I did it, but I'm definitely paying for it as far as aches and pains.
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: I have an appointment next week and I'm super curious to see what position she's in. Hopefully she has flipped.

High Five for Friday - FINALLY!

Did anyone else feel like this week just dragged by? It was one of those weeks where nothing super exciting happened and everyday seemed to be the same, like the movie "Groundhog Day". I'm so glad it's over and next week is a short work week then Thanksgiving! I'm going to be off for 5 consecutive days and I couldn't be happier!

It was a struggle to come up with my high fives for the week because all I did was go to work, come home, make dinner and fulfill Etsy orders until bed. So exciting, I know. At least we did some fun stuff over the weekend!

1. There is nothing better than coming to work and finding a colossal sprinkled donut sitting on your desk! Made. My. Day.
2. Obligatory Milo picture. What's funny about this picture is, my snoogle (pregnancy pillow) is under the covers and he decided to use it as a bed. Per usual, he's annoyed that I interrupted his nap to take a picture. Sorry that I'm not sorry!
3. This is one of my nieces, Hadleigh. I can't get over how big she is getting. On Saturday my whole side of the family went to a tree lighting ceremony in our little town and it was so much fun. They had carriage rides, hot chocolate and even Santa and Mrs. Clause made a visit!
4. Here is a picture of the tree from the lighting. It never gets old, still takes my breath away.
5. As I mentioned before, I've been busy fulfilling Etsy orders. In fact, if you were thinking about getting a head start on some Christmas shopping, I'm offering 20% off everything in my shop with the code: LITTLEBOLT20. Here is my latest wreath that I made for someone over the weekend. I was so happy with how it turned out that if I get any time, I just might have to make one for myself.

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

WIWW - Outtake Edition

This week I decided to switch it up and introduce you to the not so glamorous side of blogging. I got this idea from my fellow blogging friend, Clare over at Clarabelle. She always has the best outfit pictures (girlfriend should be a model), but recently she started sharing her hilarious outtakes and I decided to dig up some old pictures and see what ridiculousness I could find (not a .

In the beginning, I would set up my tripod and put my camera on a timer and attempt to take my own pictures. Let me tell you, that is not for the faint of heart. It takes FOREVER to get a decent shot and usually there is something wrong because you didn't have someone telling you that your hair is sticking straight up, so you have to set the shot up all over again.

After a few weeks of doing this on my own, I decided I couldn't take it anymore and needed to enlist my husband for help. A standard outfit shoot with him goes something like this: I strike the typical girl pose, he snaps a million pictures in hopes that I'll be satisfied with one and we can be done. I usually try out different poses and continue to move around while he snaps away and we either strike gold or end up with one of the following pictures. Enjoy!

I think this was my husband's attempt at an artsy shot. Clearly I'm not amused.

 

 Even the bump pictures can get wild. I'm pretty sure this face was made because my cheeks hurt from smiling for so long (I could never be s celebrity).

 

I think I'm about to snatch the camera right out of his hands.

 

 I feel so awkward sometimes and don't know what to do with my hands (insert Ricky Bobby's quote from Talladega Nights here)

 

 Thank you for just jumping the gun and snapping pictures when I'm not ready. NOT!

 

 One of the most unattractive faces I've made. Apparently when I'm done taking pictures, I'm done.

 

 Just your typical bossy picture. It wouldn't be an outfit post if I wasn't yelling at him for something.

I'm going to leave you with this little gem. There are no words.

 

Hope you enjoyed a little laugh at my expense! I know I did. I must give a special thanks to the man behind the camera who has the patience of a saint when taking my picture week after week. I give him a hard time, but he really does a great job photographing my outfits, but an even better job at capturing these candid moments!

 

Linking up with Lindsey @ The Pleated Poppy for WIWW



Get Rid of Those Stinky Towels

When you least expect it, it hits you; that awful, stinky, mildew smell. Sure we've all done it (left the clothes in the washer a little too long before switching to the dryer). A quick rewash, or even just a couple of extra dryer sheets, and it's like it never happened. Right? Wrong!

 

I used to get away with this reckless behavior, until that fateful day when my mother-in-law called me out on this problem. I always want my house guests to feel like they are in a hotel, so I lay out fresh towels and even provide them with travel sized toiletries when they stay the night . To hear that my fresh towels were far from fresh, I was so embarrassed. The good news is she didn't leave me without a solution. So I'm here today to pass her little trick along to you, so as to save you from my embarrassing stinky mildew towels!
 

What you'll need:

Stinky towels

Vinegar

Baking soda (optional)

1. Gather all those smelly towels and throw them in the wash.
2. Instead of putting detergent in, pour a cup of vinegar in the detergent spot (for front loaders) or straight into the machine for top loaders.
3. Run the washing machine using hot water and sit back while the magic happens.
4. Before throwing them into the dryer, throw about 1/2 cup of baking soda in with those towels (for both front and top loading machines, put directly in the machine).
5. Run the washer with hot water again
6. Switch to dryer

You might not notice at first, but let me tell you, as soon as you use that towel after a shower, you will. I didn't do the baking soda step when I did mine, but I hear it makes your towels extra fluffy. Who doesn't love a good fluffy towel?

I hope this helps and will save you the embarrassment of a house guest telling you that your towels smell. I can't wait to do this to ALL my linens: towels, washcloths, sheets, etc. The possibilities are endless!

Week 33 Update

I can't believe I got my act together this weekend to get this post out today! Go me (its the little things)! I'm finally starting to feel like my old self now that I've shaken this cold. Who would have thought a simple cold would be so debilitating to a pregnant woman?! Glad that's over.

Without further ado, this week's bumpdate!

How far along?: 33 weeks, 2 days
Baby is the size of a: Durian fruit (no idea what that is)
Total weight gain/loss: 38lbs
The Bump: Getting rounder, looks like I stuffed a basketball under my shirt!
Symptoms: Just exhausted this week from the cold. I think I was so distracted by being congested that the rest of the everyday aches and pains of being pregnant didn't seem to bother me.
Food Cravings: Nothing in particular
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Partway through the week I started sleeping much better because I could breath!
What I miss: Energy. It seems like the littlest things take so much out of me. Grocery shopping has now become exhausting!
Weddings Rings On or Off: Off
Any Names Picked Out Yet: Charlotte Noel
Gender Prediction: Girl
Movement: TONS! I think she really had a growth spurt this week.
Maternity Clothes: Making do with what I have, although my clothes seem to be shrinking.
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: I know I sound like a broken record, but my best moment this week was getting rid of this cold and getting a good night sleep.
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: To finally get to meet her! I know I've said that before, but we are getting soooo close! I can't wait to hold her in my arms!

Linking up with Molly for Funday Monday!

High Five for the Weekend

1. Believe it or not this was the first time I've had Cold Stone my entire pregnancy. I was so excited that I forgot to take a picture of the actual ice cream. So all I have to show for it is....my empty cup.
2. As I mentioned last week, we decided to decorate for Christmas! Or as I like to call it: Decking the Halls. This is now my favorite room in our house. It's complete with the official Disney monorail!
3. Obligatory Milo picture. I found out what happens when I don't make the bed; Milo lays in it. If the bed is made, he never gets on it....I don't hate it.
4. Our sweet friends, Will and Marie just had their own baby girl last month, but were thoughtful enough to send our future baby girl a personalized piggy bank. It's never too early to start her Disney fund!
5. I finally got around to playing with some of my holiday Disney ribbon and made some pretty sweet bows. I have lots of different holidays so feel free to check out my Etsy shop to customize your own!

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!

Diaper Bag Dilemma

For months, I convinced myself that I did NOT need a diaper bag. I have a nice big purse, what more do you need, right?! WRONG! I have found post after post on diaper bag reviews and started thinking, am I missing something? Obviously I am. Everyone seems to have a very strong opinion on diaper bags and it's just not something I've even given a second thought.

So here is where you come in. I'm asking for all you experienced moms out there to show me the light.

1. Are diaper bags a necessity?

2. What do you even look for in a diaper bag?

3. Are the only ones worth buying the ones that cost a fortune?

4. What did you use?

Thanks for your help! :) 

Week 32 Update

Sorry for the lack of post yesterday, I have caught a little cold and since I can't really take anything, I've just been feeling run down. But I did manage to muster the energy and do a chalkboard update!

How far along?: 32 weeks, 3 days
Baby is the size of a: Jicama (Apparently it's a Mexican root)
Total weight gain/loss: 37lbs
The Bump: Feeling huge!
Symptoms: Heartburn still going strong and general comfortableness has set in.
Food Cravings: The usual, always wanting something sweet.
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Very restless at night. It doesn't help that I have a cold and can't breath through my nose, so sleep is the worst part of the day.
What I miss: Bending over without having to hold my breath.
Weddings Rings On or Off: Off
Any Names Picked Out Yet: Charlotte Noel
Gender Prediction: Girl
Movement: Lots of kicking and rolling this week. My stomach visibly twitches throughout the day. I can almost start to tell what body part is where.
Maternity Clothes: Always looking for a good piece on sale. The Target Cartwheel app has 25% off your entire Liz Lang purchase, so that has come in handy!
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: Had another doctor's appointment and my swelling had gone down and I got to hear her little heart beat again. There is something magical that I can't explain about listening to the heart beat. It makes everything seem so real.
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: I'm getting all ready for the holidays. I can't wait for Thanksgiving, a little Black Friday shopping, Christmas and then baby time!

High Five for Friday!

I know I was a little MIA this week, but the truth is, I've been in a bit of a blogging rut. Normally I'm running around working on various different projects and putting fun outfits together, but my energy and inspiration is lacking. I think I'm officially slowing down. With only a few weeks left and the holidays just around the corner, I'm going to focus on spending time with my family and relaxing. Let's get this weekend started right with some high fives, shall we?

1. If you follow me on Instagram, you probably caught a glimpse of this awesome quilt my mom made Charlotte. Yes, you're seeing that correctly, those dresses are made out of Lilly fabric. Isn't it amazing?!
2. The floor of our foyer has been a true pain in the rear. It all started when Milo ruined the carpet by peeing on it. We were forced to rip it up and replace it. We decided to make it all one type of flooring instead of carpet mixed with tile. Here is the before and after picture. I'm so thankful my father-in-law was able to help us with this project. Even though it took a few trips of him coming up, we finally got it done!
3. Milo doing what he does best, snuggling on my husband. Sometimes I just can't resist snapping pictures of these little moments. If I'm this bad about taking thousands of pictures of my cat doing the same thing, imagine what it's going to be like with a child!
4. We FINALLY got a movie theatre in our city! The grand opening was this week and they were offering $2 movies, soda and popcorn! We originally told ourselves we would go see a different movie every night, but I think that was a little too ambitious. At least we took advantage of it once! 
5. As you know, I had my baby shower over the weekend and I couldn't help but share these super cute cups my friend made. 

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F

Week 31 Update

Only two months left! I'm still feeling pretty good and can't complain too much, but I will say I am definitely ready to be done with this little chapter in my life. Now that the nursery is complete and we have everything she needs, I'm ready to get on with the show and meet our little girl!

How far along?: 31 weeks, 3 days
Baby is the size of a: Pineapple
Total weight gain/loss: 35lbs
The Bump: Feeling huge!
Symptoms: Heartburn has really set in. The good news is it's primarily at night and nothing a few tums can't cure.
Food Cravings: Nothing that stands out.
Anything Making Me Queasy or Sick: Nope
Sleep: Less and less sleep. I know it's just my body preparing me for what is ahead but it's definitely annoying to wake up at 2am and not be able to fall back asleep until 3:30.
What I miss: I miss the same few things. It depends on the week which I miss more. I miss mobility and my old body, alcohol and my old clothes.
Weddings Rings On or Off: Off and will be off until she's born
Any Names Picked Out Yet: Charlotte Noel
Gender Prediction: Girl!
Movement: Getting bigger every week. My entire stomach will move when she moves around which can definitely become a bit annoying when you're trying to sleep. She's getting so strong!
Maternity Clothes: Got a maternity coat and I love it!
Labor Signs: None.
Best Moment of the Week: My baby shower! In case you missed yesterday's post, you can read about it here.
What I’m excited about/looking forward to: Decorating the house for Christmas! I know everyone has their own traditions and beliefs on this, but we decorate early and we love it. The decking of the halls will commence this weekend. :)

Showered with Love

I have started writing this post at least 5 times now. I can't seem to find the write words to write just how grateful I am to have the people I have in my life. Friends and family from all chapters of my life came out this weekend to celebrate the anticipated arrival of our little girl. The love and support we received was more than I could have ever imagined.

My sister asked a long time ago if she could host my shower and of course I said yes! She did such a wonderful job making sure everything went off without a hitch. All she needed from me was my house, she would take care of the rest. She even wanted me out of the house while she set-up! I of course took advantage of that and got myself a much needed pedicure and my hair fluffed for the occasion.

Doesn't everything look great? The theme was Disney of course!

 One of my friends made this awesome diaper wreath! I couldn't resist hanging it up!

 

 My mom made Charlotte this quilt. The dresses are made out of Lilly Pulitzer fabric and is the perfect addition to the nursery!

Those were just some of the gifts we received. We were very fortunate to have received all the necessities for Charlotte and can safely say we are prepared and ready for her arrival! We were so overwhelmed by the generosity of everyone and can't thank each and every one of you enough. Sorry for the mushy post today, but tomorrow I promise to return you to your regularly scheduled programming!

High Fives

It's November! These next two months are my most absolute favorite months of the year. The holidays are finally here! I hope everyone had a great Halloween. It was a little disappointing for us as we did not get a single trick-or-treater. I was so ready to pass out candy, but I guess now it's just all for me!

1. I was so excited to get to pick out some stuff from Girls Crochet Headbands! They have the best stuff for little girls at an even better price! All of this was just $50! I can't wait for Charlotte to get here and she can model everything.
2. If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen me post that I was doing a project with some Lilly fabric scraps. Here it is! I made pillow cases and appliqued Minnie heads out of Lilly fabric. I love how they turned out and I think they work perfect in the nursery!
3. In honor of National Cat Day this week, here is my Milo. He used to only lay and snuggle with my husband, but lately he has been wanting to be close to me. I absolutely love it!
4. As mentioned last week, we drove up Skyline drive on Saturday to see the leaves changing. It was absolutely beautiful!
5. Even though there were no trick-or-treaters, we had to show we were ready! Here I am modeling the pumpkin shirt I made with some of my favorite decorations.

Linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for H54F!