Dear Santa...

Midi Sweater Dress | Round Sunglasses | Pearl Headband | Lace Up Boots | Tory Burch Mini Leather Bag | Cluster Stud Earrings | Turtleneck Sweater | Fair Isle Infinity Snood | Cable Knit Beanie | Velvet Bow Hair Tie | Fur Hood Coat | Knee High Boots | Fringe Knit Scarf | Bow ‘Cassiopeia’ Earrings | Bow Mules

This year’s Christmas list has looked a little different since 90% of the items we’ve asked our families for have been related to baby. But, that doesn’t mean I still haven’t had my eye on some pretty new things! There are some new closet staples I need for this upcoming winter, especially with my growing belly, like a stretchy dress I can dress up or down and some larger sized cozy sweaters & coats. The other items I’ve had my eye on are mostly cute new accessories that would be great gift options for yourself or any gal in your life this Christmas - like this cozy hat, this beautiful infinity scarf, a on-trend headband, or some fun new earrings.

If you’re still doing your holiday shopping - like me - and want to avoid shopping in-stores, some online ones are still offering shipping by Christmas Eve!

Our Special Announcement!

Our big little secret is out and we couldn’t be more excited!!

Taking you back to the beginning, we found out I was pregnant in early August. We had always talked about wanting a family but it took me a while to feel “ready”. Spoiler alert: I don’t think anyone ever feels completely ready for something so life changing!! We decided to start trying last November and when 6 months went by and nothing had happened, it definitely shifted my perspective. I stopped caring so much about timing and feeling unsure of being ready and started to get concerned that this might be a longer and more difficult road for us than I had thought. Patrick and I, since we were dating, had always talked about our future family- how we were both open to IVF and both 100% open to adoption so it was nice when the time came for further discussions about our options to know that we were already on the same page. I spoke with my doctor in April who encouraged me to try to give it closer to a full year and if we still weren’t pregnant by the fall, she’d refer us to a fertility doctor. So, that was our plan. She also recommended I buy some ovulation sticks which would be the most accurate in helping us with the timing of everything and increase our chances. I started using the sticks in April and by August had a positive pregnancy test! I can’t say 100% that the sticks were the reason, but I did learn that I was ovulating much earlier than I had thought. So, to any readers who have been thinking about buying them it’s definitely worth it even to just learn more about your own body!

I was already over a week and a half late so I ordered a pregnancy test on Amazon and a “Big Sister” bandana for Chloe, just in case. I waited until late Friday afternoon to take the test so that Patrick and I would have the evening and entire weekend to celebrate the news, if it was positive. I had ordered the tests that show one or two lines and I had no idea what the results were after taking both tests because the second lines were so faint. I texted my friend who is a nurse to ask what she thought and she ended up bringing me another test that said ‘pregnant’ or ‘not pregnant’ (I highly recommend using these for peace of mind & to not waste money!). So, the rest is history! Patrick came home from work on Friday evening and Chloe ran to meet him at the front door, as she always does, with her ‘Big Sister’ bandana on and our lives instantly changed for the better.

We always talked about waiting to share the news with anyone and I’m so glad we stuck to it. It was so special those first few months being the only ones who knew about our little blessing. Both of our families visited us at different points in October and since we were already past 12 weeks we were so excited to finally surprise them with the good news! Our baby boy will be the first grandchild on both sides of our families so to say our parents were thrilled would be an understatement. We ended up waiting until 20 weeks to share the news with all of our extended families because the timing lined up perfectly with Thanksgiving and we were able to tell them all in person which was just way more fun.

My First Trimester:

I wanted to share my first trimester recap and start off by saying everyone’s body and experience is so different! The second I found out I was pregnant I couldn’t help but ask all my mom-friends about their experiences and I got all types of feedback, from “I didn’t feel different at all, just a little tired” to friends who got sick everyday. It turned out that I became part of that latter group. The nausea and dizziness everyday was pretty brutal. The best way I could explain the feeling was like the world’s worst hangover, throbbing headaches and feeling like you were about to throw up constantly but you couldn’t sleep it off and feel better in the morning. I didn’t get sick every single day but definitely multiple times per week. I kept reminding myself that so many women have it so much worse with unrelenting hyperemesis that lasts their entire pregnancies plus all the women who would gladly embrace feeling sick to be able to be pregnant in the first place.

Some things that helped me get through those months were A LOT of sleep to pass the time, these natural peppermint lozenges I ordered on Amazon, and staying away from my phone and computer (the light would give me migraines). Also, it was so early - I kept feeling nervous that I was jinxing myself - but I started working on our baby registry. Pinning little baby socks and onesies and picking out nursery furniture kept my mind focused on the positive and exciting aspects of growing this tiny human. Also, so so much water with freshly squeezed lemon and freshly grated ginger. The lemon & ginger helped the nausea a bit and staying extra hydrated definitely helped me not feel any worse. Lastly, CARBS. Carbs were my absolute best friend. I experienced extreme food aversions and could only stomach bananas, toast, saltines and some mild cheddar cheese on multi-grain crackers. Being someone who loves all food, I was so surprised how this hit me like a train around 8 weeks. Even smelling the food Patrick was cooking, anything potent (especially garlic), would make me immediately sick. The smells and even the idea of any food besides bread was so disgusting, it was crazy! Luckily, this passed around 14 weeks and I started being able to eat more meats and veggies.

Most of what I experienced was pretty standard, according to my doctor, and looking back those 3 months went by very fast but while I was in them I remember feeling like they would never end. I was so happy around 14 weeks when the headaches and the nausea started to dissipate too. My energy came back and I started to finally feel like my old self. My second trimester so far has brought on a whole new set of challenges but I’ll post that update in a few weeks along with a post about how I’ve been (trying to) manage my anxiety while pregnant. Anxiety is something I’ve struggled with my entire life, and it has definitely been a journey managing it while growing this baby - so if anyone has any questions feel free to send them my way!

Target Holiday Haul

Pre-Lit Artificial Wreath | Christmas Tree Collar | Metallic Ornament Set | Sugar Paper ‘Falala’ Gift Wrap | Sugar Paper ‘From Santa’ Gift Wrap | Sugar Paper Ribbon Set | Red PomPom Knit Stocking | Ivory Cable Knit Stocking | Plaid Ceramic Mug Set | ‘MERRY’ Christmas Stocking Holder | Magnolia ‘Letters to Santa’ Box | Sugar Paper ‘From Santa’ Gift Tags | Sugar Paper Round Gift Box | Pre-Lit Faux Garland | Red Truck Ornament | Pre-Lit Gold Star Tree Topper | Farm House Lit Decorative Figurine | Reindeer Stocking Holder | Faux Mini Tree in Basket

My favorite time of the year is finally here!! I usually hold out until after Thanksgiving to decorate for Christmas but the past few months have been flying by and I know December will too so we opted for an early start! I also know that I have to hit up my favorite store for holiday decor, Target, early before everything sells out. Last year, I waited until the first week in December and everything was gone!

So, here’s a round up of everything we actually bought this year to add to our home. Since I actually purchased all of these items, I can speak to both the quality and prices being amazing. Our home has a modern farmhouse vibe so we tend to stick to cozy neutrals and add in some pops of red and green here and there. Typically, I drive to Target for this fun holiday haul but this year I stuck to online shopping to stay focused and not wander down every aisle, thinking about redecorating our bathroom or master bedroom. Online shopping was definitely the safer choice in terms of staying on task and on budget and the free shipping sealed the deal! I don’t ever want to push products on you guys but I do want to say that most of these items WILL sell out by Black Friday.

Happy holiday season everyone! If you scroll through the items below, I also added some extra ones that we already own that Target brought back again this year!

Favorites from the NSale

Pajama Set | Tan Knee High Boots | Distressed Skinny Jeans | Turtleneck Tunic Sweater | Croc Circle Handbag | Leopard Sweater | Tory Burch Perfume Set | Blush Cardigan Sweater | Neulash Eyelash Serum | Coin Pendant Necklace | Black Ankle Boots | Long Duster Cardigan | Ugg Slippers | BeautyBio Retinol Set | Tortoise Sunglasses

I’m finally posting about the Nsale now that it’s open to the public! I wanted to share what I purchased during early access - a few staple pieces that I know I’ll live in during the fall and into spring. I really focus on classic and neutral items that I know won’t be going out of style anytime soon: a new pair of jeans, a new pair of boots or two and some good quality sweaters. There was a time I used the sale to stock up on fancy things like new blouses {for work} or dresses but I realized that these days I spend October through May only wearing leggings, jeans and cozy sweaters.

Everyone shops this sale differently depending on what they “need” so I’m sharing my favorites simply as inspiration. Most of us don’t need anything new, so this is not a post telling you to shop the sale or you’ll be missing out. Many of these items will go on sale again halfway through the fall season. I just like to shop in July because it ensures I get the most wear for my money when I start using them right away.

If you shop the sale this year, I hope my selections can spare your time clicking and scrolling through pages and pages of products {I went through all of the inventory and it took almost 2 hours!} Some of the items might be sold out already, but more sizes tend to pop back up when people cancel orders or return items so check back. And if you are not shopping the sale, 100% kudos - I wish I had your self-control girlfriend!

McGee & Co: Home Decor Sale

Marble Chain Sculpture | Coffee Table Book | Textured Scroll Spine Books | Porcelain Jar

One of my favorite interior designers is having a rare sale and I had to stock up on some items I had my eye on for a while. I wasn’t going to write a blog post about it but I felt so compelled to share these amazing pieces that are all 20% off with code “VIP” at checkout.

Basket {from left to right} 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 similar

Faux Potted Olive Tree | Basket | Chloe Stool

Wall Sconce | Wooden Bowl | Impressionist Landscape Art | Wooden Stepping Stool | Dipped White Decanter

Distressed Concrete Planter | Patterned Bone Box | White Side Table

Striped Throw Blanket | Patterned Pillows | Lumbar Pillow

Glass Rimmed Vase | Metal Knot Sculpture | Ceramic Hakan Vase

Linen Hand Towel | Hand Soap

Iron Handled Cutting Board | Mercer Canister | Cook Book 1 & 2

Rattan Wrapped Vase | Glossy Gray Vase | Plantation Large Lantern

Globe Pendant Light

White Dai Urn | Faux Birch Wood Frame | ‘Streets of New York’ Book

Hand Soap | Ceramic Greige Pot

Jute Rug | Bridge Arm Floor Lamp | Coffee Table

Volcano Vase | Rattan Wrapped Vase | Sphere White Vase

Here are more items I also loved at all different price points - some of the vases and bowls under $50 I had to grab! It was so hard to narrow down my favorites!

Top Picks from the Shopbop Sale

1. Ulla Johnson Eyelet Blouse / 2. Salamina Woven Tote / 3. Coin Drop Earrings / 4. Coin Ring / 5. Tortoise Sunglasses / 6. Loeffler Randall Delicate Strap Sandals / 7. Off The Shoulder Button Front Dress / 8. Fringe Ribbon Straw Bag / 9. Eyelet Coverup Dress / 10. Round Sunglasses / 11. Silk Wrap Headband / 12. Beige Infinity Sandals / 13. Statement Tassel Earrings / 14. Belted One Piece Bathing Suit / 15. Soludos Espradrille Flats / 16. Woven Straw Clutch / 17. Bow Scrunchie Set / 18. Gingham Midi Dress

My favorite sale of the year is here again! I’m late getting this post up - the sale ends tonight at midnight- but better late than never! I use this sale every year to grab items that I never see go on sale. For example, I love Tory Burch’s one pieces, but they’re never on sale until the end of the season so I use the Shopbop sale to add a new one to my closet each year. I also stock up on some new sandals (again, NEVER on sale until the end of the season!), and these in particular would be too much to afford at full price.

The downside to this sitewide sale, you could say, is that it’s a “Spend More, Save More” - which is just encouraging you to buy more things BUT if you use it as a way to stock up on missing items from your closet, necessities, new dresses for upcoming events and items you know you’ll use all through spring and summer, it is saving you money in the long-run. Personally, I don’t use a sale like this to purchase “basics” because I don’t wear/need designer basics; I buy my t-shirts/jeans/pajamas from stores like Old Navy & Target because they’ll always be cheaper. So, I focus on long-term items like new dresses I can wear to parties or going out to eat, bathing suits I’ll use year after year, and accessories like shoes, sandals, sunglasses and some jewelry I know I’ll get almost daily use out of.

Use code ‘GOBIG19’ for:

15% off orders of $200

20% off orders of $500

25% off orders of $800

Anthropologie Home Picks

Winter Wish List

Fuzzy Drape Front Sweater | Tan Knee High Suede Boots | Balloon Sleeve Turtleneck | Velvet Bow Hair Tie | Pink Crossbody Bag | Baublebar Statement Hoop Earrings | Ray-ban Round Frame Sunglasses | Bow Flats {on sale here!}| White Teddy Coat | Baublebar Circle Earrings | Jo Malone Perfume | Round Crossbody Bag | Brown Suede Booties

It’s been SO long since my last post but I figure there’s no better time to jump back into blogging than the holiday season! This year, I finished all my holiday shopping early and it feels so nice to be done! The sales and deals have been too good to not power through and save some money. Not that the money actually gets “saved”, I like to treat myself to an item or two that I’ve had my eye on for a while- like these gorgeous brown suede booties and this fun teddy coat. For the rest of the pieces I love, I send links to my husband and family. I know, I know, my friends always ask ‘wouldn’t you like to be surprised”? The answer is a hard “no” haha. I’m not big on surprises to begin with but working in fashion, I see so many items that I fall in love with and can’t afford to buy myself. I’d much rather receive those things than something I wouldn’t truly love or use! Of course, I’m grateful for any gift anyone would ever give me but opening a gift that’s a sweater I had been wanting to buy myself for months - brings me just as much excitement.

I rounded up my ultimate wish list here to share - all pieces I know I can use through spring and for years to come!

Spring Picks from the Shopbop Sale!

Button Front Dress | Gingham Bikini Top {similar and fav one here!} | Ball Drop Earrings | Pom Pom Woven Bag | Straw Hat | Round Tortoise Sunglasses | Greece Sandals | Gemstone Bracelet | Gold Bracelet | Ivory Wedge Espadrilles | Gold Statement Earrings {similar here!} |  Macrame Basket Tote | Ruffle Off-The-Shoulder One Piece  | Scalloped Cut-Out One Piece | Kate Spade Botanical iPhone Case | Striped Loose-Fit Sweater | Statement Tassel Earrings | Striped Peplum Top | Block Heel Sandals 

This Shopbop sale is one of my absolute favorites every year! Shopbop is one of my favorite online stores because of the variety of designers and price points. It's also rare that spring items are on sale before the season even begins which means it's the perfect time to stock up. I'm heading to Palm Bach next month so my mind is totally set to vacation-mode. I want to purchase items for my trip that I can continue to wear through the end of this summer and use for years to come. I always stick to new staples: new sundresses, bathing suits {I am a one-piece girl!}, a new pair of sandals and wedges and some fun accessories I can get use out of every single day like sunglasses, bags, hats and jewelry. 

I'm adding a few more items into the stoppable area below that I found this morning and know I'll use a lot like denim shorts and some cute tops that transition from day to night!

The sale is "Spend more, Save more" so the more items you purchase, the higher your savings will be! Enter code 'GOBIG18' at checkout.

Workwear Blouses for Spring

When I booked a few new clients this year, I realized I needed to invest in more workwear pieces for my meetings. Since I work from home, I literally live in loungewear,  leggings and t-shirts, and on the weekends I pair a few blouses with jeans but most of them aren't office-appropriate {i.e. lower necklines, lace details, off the shoulder, etc.}. So, lately I've been searching for some cute new blouses that I can wear to meetings and also use for casual events, date nights, family dinners and basically anything else! There's a variety of price points I've rounded up but they're each really versatile and great quality!