Friday, March 30, 2018

5 on Friday

My 5 Favorite Moments from this week:

1.
The Most Beautiful Tulips

2.
Closet Demo and Build in the Baby's Room!

3.
Filling the Nursery Up
I cannot wait to get everything organized and put away. 
#bigweekendplans


4.
Snuggle Bug
This nugget is just like his mama :)  He needs to hug a pillow when he sleeps.

5.
And most important




  

Thursday, March 29, 2018

Easter Basket

 #wiggydiggy's Easter Basket has been going strong since 2015.

I found the basket at a thrift store for 50 cents and bought the liner from Pottery Barn Kids.

Since we haven't gone to a proper Easter Egg hung yet, the basket may make it another year ;)
Between the weather always being crappy and him getting the flu one year, we have high hopes we'll get to go this year!

Without Further Ado:

Plastic Eggs (filled with change or jelly beans)
Dove Chocolate Bunny
Easter Books
Not pictured - Swim Trunks (GapKids from last year)



The Easter Bunny dropped off a Tricycle last Easter, so this year we are hoping that the swim trunks and being signed up for swim classes in April are a great trade off ;)

Wednesday, March 28, 2018

33 Weeks

  
How far along:  33 weeks

Baby size:  Size of celery - close to 5 pounds

Baby's progress:  Bones in the skull are formed

Weight gain:   hanging out at 15 pounds

Stretch marks:  God Bless my Burts Bees Mama Bee Belly Butter (say that 5 times fast!)  Fingers crossed we make it a few more weeks.

Sleep: Up at least twice every night for a potty break.  Hips are sore from staying on my left side all the time.

Gender: Coming to a hospital near us this May!

Movement:  Have you seen Alien?  This baby looks like they are trying to climb out all the time!

Best moment this week: Having Baby items returned to us!  We gave everything away to some friends last summer and they brought back BAGS of items their lil munchkin has outgrown and duplicate toys/gear/etc.  So grateful!!

Looking forward to:  Easter Weekend!

Food cravings:  I'm running out of room for food.  I'm starting to loose my appetite.  Thankfully the Sunny D craving is subsiding.

Belly Button - In or Out:  mostly out.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Eating too much

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On....but the countdown is on.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks

What I miss:  Working out, sleeping on my back

Symptoms: Sore hips, waddling when I walk, big ole belly.

Workouts: Just some arms right now.

Things that suck:  Not being able to cuddle with #wiggydiggy as much.  Hard to get out of a sitting position.

Things that don't suck:  Feeling this precious baby move.  Hearing #wiggydiggy talk about "his baby".

33 Weeks with #wiggydiggy

Friday, March 23, 2018

5 on Friday - Spring Edition!

 The snow is melting and the sun is shining!
Hallelujah!

With spring rapidly approaching our mountains, I rounded up my 5 favorite spring products.

1.
Trench Coat


I found my on clearance at Banana Republic in the off season last year.
I love the cut, fabric, and length.
Added bonus is all of our recent rain showers!

2.
Slip on Sneakers


I scoured the web for deals and scored $20 off the tan pair at DSW and 15% off the gray pair at Famous Footwear

They are SO comfortable and I can already see me wearing them every day this summer.
Especially because I'll be chasing a 3 year old while carrying an infant.

I have a feeling I'll be dressing like this every day on maternity leave!  Haha.
Sneakers, jeans, tee, and cardigan

3.
Eye Makeup Remover

I just recently switched from Neutrogena's most famous eye makeup remover (which was awesome and also great at taking my long lasting lipstick off) to their lotion.

It is so gentle on my eyes and I love the extra hydration.  I'm much more aware of how often I touch my face, especially my eyes.

4.
Girl Scout Cookies
They were delivered this week......
and I've already eaten 2 1/2 boxes.

5.
New Skinny Jeans
Granted, I'm a few months away from actually fitting back into my skinny jeans.
However, I've had my eye on the new J Crew 9 Inch High Rise Skinny Jeans.
Have you tried them on?  Thoughts?
I like my jeans to be a bit thicker and hold their shape all day.
I'm not a fan of this super thin/lightweight denim trend that's been hanging around.  Give me jeans with substance!


Linking Up!


Wednesday, March 21, 2018

32 Weeks


How far along:  32 weeks
T-minus 2 months left!

Baby size:  About 4 pounds!

Baby's progress:  Fattening up :)  Bring on the baby rolls

Weight gain:   hanging out at 15 pounds
Baby is no longer measuring ahead.  I'm right on track again.

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear!  Hallelujah!

Sleep: Waking at least twice to go to the bathroom.

Gender: Coming to a hospital near us this May!

Movement:  BIG movements!  #wiggydiggy will see my tummy move and come over to feel the baby.
Hiccups at least three times a day.

Best moment this week: Mommy/Son date.  We spent the WHOLE day together and it was a blast.

Looking forward to:  Easter!

Food cravings:  That dang Sunny D.  The craving will hit at random times and you better watch out - I'm running for the fridge!
And donuts.
YUM.

Belly Button - In or Out:  mostly out.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I'm rapidly running out of room when I eat, so eating too much makes me feel ill.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks every day.  Mostly in the evening.

What I miss:  WARM WEATHER.
Oh...baby related?  My clothes.  I'm extremely limited on what I can fit into and it's getting boring quick.

Symptoms: Getting winded, running my bump into things. Ha!  I forget how big it is sometimes!

Workouts: Treadmill time is done.  I have contractions the entire time.  So just squats and some arms.  Lots of walking.

Things that suck:  Not being comfortable when I'm lying down.

Things that don't suck:  All this baby movement.  I can't wait to hold them!!

32 weeks with #wiggydiggy


Monday, March 19, 2018

What's in My Bag

We had a low-key weekend.  Justin is sick (after sailing through our flu, HFM, sinus infection mess of January, I'm shocked a cold hit him in March!) so #wiggydiggy and I had lots of quality time running errands.

While we were checking out at the grocery store, an employee one checkout line over yelled, "Hey, It's the Bag Lady!" while pointing at me.

Cue awkward laugh.

The gal checking me out starts laughing and tells me its because of the reusable bags I carry in my purse.  A few employees are interested in the brand and how I fold them up so small!

Best Christmas Present I got this year!

When we got home I decided to quick clean out my purse (and find my smallest Baggu Bag).
Only two more months before I change back to my diaper bag purse and add in the baby's bag.
WOAH.

Navy Michael Kors bag from TJMaxx.  I love it because it's easy to clean.
My view into my purse

Everything that was inside
Top Left to Bottom Right
Card Wallet (reward cards, gift cards, etc)
Blue Medicine Bag - holds everything from Tylenol to face wipes to cough drops
Baggu Bags
Work Lanyard
Pink Wallet
Pink Lipstick Bag
Sunnies - Rayban Wayfarer
Gum
Hand Sanatizer
Check Book
Nail Polish, Candy, Lip Gloss and Pens
Dental Floss
Charger cord
Wall Plug
Photo Booth Pictures
Ear Bugs

First, I put all of my tech back into the exterior pocket.

These items are all that needed to be removed!
Photo strip from a family day date
Nail polish  - Essie Mademoiselle
Dental floss for #wiggydiggy
Piece of Valentine's Candy

My lipstick bag

I have a problem.....

BAGGU BAGS!!!
Now they are all stored inside the largest bag for easy finding.

Wednesday, March 14, 2018

31 Weeks

This bump is large and in charge....and I have 9 weeks to go!

 How far along:  31 weeks

Baby size:  over 16 inches long and over 3 pounds

Baby's progress:  Major brain and nerve development happening this week!

Weight gain:   hanging out at 15 pounds

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear!  Hallelujah!

Sleep: Sleeping well.  Still ending up on my right side more than I should be.

Gender: Coming to a hospital near us this May!

Movement:  BIG movements!  #wiggydiggy will see my tummy move and come over to feel the baby.

Best moment this week: Surprise/impromptu family dinner date.  It was such a change of routine and so nice to have a surprise.

Looking forward to:  This weekend!  Lots of fun plans with my guys.

Food cravings:  Still want a glass of Sunny D every morning and every evening.
Also, I'm loving the sweets (cookies, brownies, ice cream) and carbs.

Belly Button - In or Out:  mostly out.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On.

Labor signs: Braxton Hicks have started.  Thankfully they are painless right now.

What I miss:  Cooking normal meals, wine, more of my clothes.

Symptoms: Having a harder time getting up from a sitting position.  I get winded quickly.

Workouts: Still squeezing in treadmill time when I can.  Squats and Arms at least 3 times a week.

Things that suck:  Less mobility and having to tell #wiggydiggy no "because mommy's growing a baby honey and I just can't do that right now."  Breaks my heart :(

Things that don't suck:  Having strangers open door, offer to carry groceries, etc.  I'm far enough along to take advantage of a bit of generosity and I truly, truly, appreciate it.

31 Weeks with #Wiggydiggy

Thursday, March 8, 2018

Dry Shampoo Roundup

 God Bless Dry Shampoo.

I wasn't able to rock the 'second day hair' until after I had #wiggydiggy.
My body chemistry changed and I noticed that I was less 'oily'.  This caused me to change my skin care routine as well as start venturing into the world of dry shampoo.

I started with the usual drugstore options:

After about 6 months of learning what to do and what NOT to do, I ventured into Ulta (and Ipsy) and picked up a variety of brand names to try.


I followed the same routine with each dry shampoo.
1. Put on at night on clean hair.
2. Used at least three times consecutively before moving on.
Most times I would use the entire bottle before trying something new.


First up:
The failures

Not Your Mothers
Image result for not your mother's dry shampoo

I thought I loved this one for quite a while.  It smells good, left me oil free, and was reasonably priced.  However, after visiting my hairstylist for a trim, she told me my head was all broken out.
YUCK.
I was exclusively using this for almost two months so I super bummed.  I had noticed I was breaking out around my hairline, but I was chalking that up to hormones post nursing.  After two weeks of not using any dry shampoo my skin and scalp cleared up.
I have not had this happen with any other brand.

Suave


This came out wet vs a powder.   I put my dry shampoo on before bed so I was hopeful that it would dry overnight.

No such luck.  It dried, but it didn't take any oil with it.  I tried it a few times before tossing the bottle. For less than $5, I didn't feel bad throwing 1/2 the product away.

Amika
I am bummed this fell so flat!
I LOVED the smell.
But it did nothing to absorb oil :(

I did keep it, but now it's in my drawer at work to use as a quick boost of hair fragrance if I need/want it.

And Now
The WINNERS

Drugstore brand:
Batiste

I like to buy them at TJ Maxx for about $4 a bottle :)
Killer price for a stand up product.
The powder does take a bit more work to blend into my dark hair if I use to much.
I'm still learning how to have a lighter hand with spraying ;)

Brand Name
Runner up:
DryBar
First up, I love the scent.
That can be a deal breaker for some, but not me!
Also, I LOVE the Dry Conditioner!  I haven't looked for other Dry Conditioner's yet, but this one is a staple in my bathroom.

It did a great job keeping my hair clean and voluminous.
My hair smelled fresh and clean all day.
I love buying this in the gift set with their Triple Sec texture spray.  It's perfect for traveling.

Best of the Best 
Klorane


I prefer the version with Oat milk.

Oh holy moly.
If I was a millionaire, this is all I would use.
I'd probably be able to go three or four days between washing!
My hair looked like I had just washed it when I woke up after using this.  The following morning, my hair STILL looked oil free and amazing.

I was so doubtful it was as amazing as I thought it was, I took a break and went back to Oribe (it's ok.  Not the best, not worth the price tag) for a week.  Then I came back to Klorane and BOOM.  Back to AMAZING hair.
Bonus - it's a few $$ cheaper than DryBar!


Other results:
Psssst - just eh.  Left behind a residue I could feel all day.  Absorbed the oil, but not worth the sticky feeling in my hair.
Living Proof - I had to reapply in the morning and again in the afternoon.  That's using too much product for the price tag.
I love the Volume Spray they sell and use it all the time.  I think it absorbs oil better than the dry shampoo!
Rockaholic - it's ok.  Didn't wow me, but wasn't horrible.  I'd buy it again if I needed too.

*I linked everything to Amazon for easy access.  I buy Batiste at TJ Maxx, everything else at Ulta or Target.*

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

30 Weeks

   

How far along:  30 weeks

Baby size:  over 3 pounds (baby app says that's equal to a platypus!)

Baby's progress:  Baby is opening their eyes and plumping up

Weight gain:   right around 15!

Stretch marks:  Still in the clear!  Hallelujah!

Sleep: Still doing pretty good.  I'm going to bed early but having a hard time staying on my left side.  I often wake up on my right side.

Gender: Coming to a hospital near us this May!

Movement:  All kinds :)  I love it!


Best moment this week: 40 degree weather.  THANK GOD.  This winter has been so L.O.N.G.  I'm over the snow.

Looking forward to:  #wiggydiggy's playdate this weekend.  I get to snuggle a new baby :)

Food cravings:  A glass (or two) of Sunny D every day.  Ugh, I don't even like the taste!  But baby just loves that tartness.
I'm still preferring sweets over anything else.

Belly Button - In or Out:  mostly out.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not anymore.

Wedding Rings - On or Off:  On.

Labor signs: Nope

What I miss:  SALADS!  Haha.  Also, spring clothes.

Symptoms: Getting winded.  Big ole' belly.  I'm down to the one new bra and I caved and ordered another pair of work pants and a casual maternity dress from Old Navy.
I'm so tired of wearing the same things on repeat for months now, I needed a bit of spring flavor to add into my wardrobe.

Workouts: Still squeezing in treadmill time when I can.  Squats and Arms at least 3 times a week.

Things that suck:  lower back pain.  Not being able to hold #wiggydiggy as long as I'd like.

Things that don't suck:  Spontaneous back massage in the middle of the night because I was tossing and turning so much.  #wiggydiggy giving the belly kisses every day when I pick him up at school.

30 weeks with #wiggydiggy

Friday, March 2, 2018

Five on Friday - Crock Pot Favorites

 With the countdown on to #babywigs I have been testing out a few freezer meals.
These have been huge hits by both big and little's alike.
You can find all of my crock pot freezer meals here.

1.

OH.
EM.
GEE.

SO GOOD!!!  I want to try this with chicken too.
Pro Tip - I don't put in the cream cheese when I freeze it.  I make sure to leave a note on the bag that I need to add cream cheese when I put it in the crock pot.

2.

I've never seen my husband or son clean their plates so fast.
Next time, I'm going to add in some frozen veggies about a hour before it's ready to eat.
Pro Tip - I don't freeze the sour cream.  I add that in once I put it in the crock pot.
(Dairy just doesn't freeze/thaw very well)

3.

I love to serve this over rice with steamed broccoli on the side.

4.
Salsa Chicken

No picture - but this one is two ingredients. 
1. Chicken
2. Salsa

That's it!
It's delicious in tacos, burritos, burrito bowls, etc, etc, etc.
Serve with some shredded cheese, sour cream, quac, and beans for a full (and YUMMY!) meal.

5.
This one I modified from Christina at North Carolina Charm.  She had the best crock pot hack 

Chicken and Potatoes

I freeze two or three chicken breasts with whatever marinade sounds good.  I put the frozen chicken on one size and (not frozen) potatoes on the other.


And of course I have to give a shout out to my favorite crock pot:

I'll never go back to 'non programmable' crock pots again!







Thursday, March 1, 2018

Big Boy Room Part 2


#wiggydiggy LOVES his big boy room!

The curtains are more 'cream' than I'd like, but they are so soft and block the light so well, I'm keeping them.
We still need some shelving above his bookshelf for his special keepsake items.  They are currently still on a shelf in the nursery.


I love how the closet turned out!  I'm still shopping for some baskets to fit the space better.  Also, I need to figure out what to do with his shoes.




I hung those pictures above his bed two minutes before nap time and without a measuring tape or level!  Pretty pleased with how they turned out.


This is the wall that needs his keepsake shelf.

I really wish Pottery Barn made their Madras Quilt as a duvet cover.
I'm keeping an eye on the price and I'll snag it once they have a great sale.

We hung the same curtains in the nursery and will be updating the closet the same way as well.
I need to plan a trip to Hobby Lobby soon so decorate the bare walls in there!  Haha.