End of the Year Deals!

All the deals going on as we close up 2020, here's a roundup of some of my favorites:

Nordstrom Half Yearly Sale:

Save up to 40% off through January 3 + Free shipping.  Some pricier finds but definitely discounted!

Nordstrom Rack:

 Clear the Rack Sale, get an extra 25% off clearance through January 3.  Blanknyc jackets and more!

Alex & Ani:

  Extra 40% off clearance + Free shipping!  Quality pieces at an awesome price!  Would also be great to stock up on gifts for the year.

Coach Outlet:

  75% off clearance event + Free shipping!  Still a high price point but the discounts are great!  If you are looking to treat yourself or someone else these are great buys!

Forever21:

  Extra 50% off sale with code: EXTRA50.  I love browsing the clearance section here, great deals, plus an extra 50% off!

Let me know your deal finds below!

Instagram Roundup

Here we are playing instagram catch-up again:

Some of my favorite tops I picked up from Walmart, I think they will also work for maternity with the cute peplum. 

This was taken on a fun hike we took near our house.  I am actually wearing the MAMA necklace but blurred it out as I hadn't announce anything yet ;).

These pretty canvases were a recent Dollar Tree find.  You never know what you might find!  Make sure you check out my post here to see what else I found.

Apple cider and Our State magazine, match made in heaven.

This pic was taken after my brother came home from his deployment.  We were so blessed to be able to meet up and welcome him home.  This was also the day we told our family we were expecting.

My new favorite cozy boots that I will be wearing on repeat this winter!  I love them paired with a pair of cozy socks.

Feeling oh so chic in this draped jacket with faux leather sleeves...even if it was just to run errands.

This jacket from Peach is definitely a new favorite!

That's a wrap on the catch-up, hope y'all are doing well.  Still can't believe that Thanksgiving is this week!!

Pregnancy Favorites

Here we are in the second trimester and I wanted to share a few favorites with you.  Just a small list of some things that I have found helpful in this time.

Pregnancy Pillow: Even though my belly isn't that big yet this has been really nice to sleep comfortably.  Once I get in the third trimester I'm not really supposed to sleep on my back as it can cause restriction to the blood flow.  This helps keep me blocked in to sleep on my side.  It also provides support for my legs so they aren't pressing on each other.  Bonus this one is pretty affordable.

Nursing Bras: So things are definitely growing and changing and new bras are definitely in my future.  I read a tip to just go ahead and buy nursing bras since you will need those anyway.  I picked up this pack of 5 from Amazon for a great deal.  They are comfy and have a back extender to get the right size.

Simple Addiction Black Pocket Solid Leggings: I have pretty much been living in leggings for months (even before pregnancy).  As I mentioned I'm not showing too much yet but I am at that stage where my pants are tight and not really comfortable.  I have always been a fan of Simple Addiction leggings and they recently came out with the black pocket solid leggings!  These leggings are my favorite, so soft and stretchy and the fact that they added pockets is great!  I have some leggings that have irritated my belly a little bit (pregnancy has definitely made me more sensory sensitive) and these are the softest ever!  They are non-maternity so I can wear now and later.

Slippers: As I said I was living in leggings well I've also been living in cozy slippers.  You can't go wrong with a comfy pair of slippers.  These are super soft and are sturdy.  No risk of slipping or falling.

Water Bottle: It's really important to stay hydrated during pregnancy, also I'm just super thirsty.  This water bottle is super cute and also has little messages to make sure you are drinking your water throughout the day.  I carry a water bottle with me all the time so this one is great!  

Mama Necklace: I bought this as soon as I found out I was pregnant and It is so cute!  It is super dainty and great quality.  This would make a great gift for an expectant or new mom.

I'm only a little ways into my second trimester so these are just a few things that I have found useful.  Be sure to let me know your favorites, tips and more below!

Oh Baby! First Trimester Recap

 

I've been keeping a pretty big secret but it's finally out...I'm pregnant!  

How I found out:

A few days before my period was supposed to start my body just felt different, cramping, tired and hungry (similar to my regular period symptoms but different enough for me to wonder).  I took a test a week after my missed period and sure enough there were two pink lines.   The second line was faint but no mistaking it was there.  Even though I had symptoms and my body felt different I was still pretty shocked.  I have never had a positive pregnancy test so seeing that for the first time was pretty crazy, exciting and a little overwhelming.  Also y'all I totally used a Dollar Tree test...so those work. 

How I told my husband:

I have seen all the cute ways to tell your husband you are pregnant and I always figured I might do something like that.  When it came down to it I just put the test on the bathroom counter and just led him in to see it.  I didn't say anything and being a boy he wasn't sure what the lines meant, at first he was like two lines so we aren't?  I was like nope two lines means we ARE!  He was really excited and it was a sweet moment to share together.  

How we told our family:

We actually waited until we were past the 12 week mark just to be safe.  We met up with my family to pick up my brother after he got home from overseas with the military.  We wanted him to be a part of the reveal with the baby being due on his birthday.  After eating lunch we gave him a card with the ultrasound inside and he then showed it to everyone else.  My little sister freaked out and started hopping up and down in the booth and my mom was so surprised.  Everyone was so excited and it will definitely be a fun memory.  We told Kyle's family about a week later.  We went to hang out at his grandparents house with his parents and told them that we had new pictures for them to update and handed them a stack with some pictures of us but also the ultrasound inside.  They started to flip through them and some found it a little sooner than others so they waited to say anything.  Once everyone had found the picture they were all so excited and we started talking about due dates and names and everything.

Prenatal Appointements:

I had my first appointment at 8 weeks to check and see if I actually was pregnant.  After a few tests they did an ultrasound and showed the baby.  It was so crazy to get actual visual confirmation that I was pregnant!  Due to COVID Kyle wasn't allowed to go to my appointment with me but we did video chat to he was able to see the ultrasound.  We were both amazed at how the baby actually looked like a baby (sounds silly but it was still so early!).  My favorite part was getting to hear the heartbeat.  Both Kyle and I agreed that seeing the baby made things real but hearing the heartbeat just brought it so much closer. 

Symptoms:

Throughout the first trimester I was so tired all the time!  I felt like I had no energy and always needed a nap.  I was also extremely hungry ALL the time!  Some days I wanted to eat everything and then others absolutely nothing sounded good yet I was still hungry.  I definitely had some nausea, luckily I never threw up but I sure felt like I could.  I would also have some days where I felt so bloated and full.  Oh and I'm pretty much peeing all the time.  I was also crazy bloated.     

Things I miss:

Man I miss eating a turkey sandwich, it might come as a surprise to hear that you aren't supposed to eat lunchmeat during pregnancy due to risk of listeria.  I really wanted Jimmy Johns so I compromised with a veggie sub from there, not the same but pretty close.  I also miss drinking all the coffee!  Y'all know I love my coffee, after getting pregnant I switched to decaf and it is just not the same.  

Exercise:

 My exercise routine was completely wrecked when COVID came around so I didn't really have a normal routine.  I have been trying to go for walks regularly, super helpful with bloat.  I also found a YouTube channel Pregnancy and Postpartum TV that has pregnancy friendly workouts.  I have been doing those as regularly as I can. 

Must-Haves:

I haven't gotten too many things yet, still pretty early but I did pick up a pregnancy pillow just to get prepared.  It definitely takes some getting used to but I think it will be really helpful when my belly gets bigger.  Some other must-haves are snacks, gatorade, and a good water bottle.   I pretty much carry crackers or dry cereal and a water bottle everywhere.

We are so excited for this adventure and can't wait to meet our little baby!  I'm definitely open to all the tips you guys have, leave them below! 

Walmart Finds

Walmart coming through with all the fashion finds!  They have so many good finds, here are some of my favorites:  

Camo Denim Distressed Jacket: This jacket is less than $20 and comes in a black, dark denim and a light denim as well.  It is a perfect oversized fit and features some distressing.  I picked up the camp one in store and love the fit.  I got an XS and there is still plenty of room.  

Retro Sneakers: Vans looks for so much less!  I found these in store and loved the look.  They have black and white versions and they really look like Vans.

Swing dress: You really can't go wrong with a classic swing dress.  Perfect for pairing with a vest or jacket.  They are also super soft and comfy.

Camo leggings: These look so much like the Spanx version but for way less!  

Hiker boots: I love these boots!  If I didn't already have about 5 pairs of winter boots they would totally be in my closet.  I love the neutral olive color and the little touch of fur.

Leopard boots: If you want to go a little more wild with your boot choice these leopard print combat boots are so cute!!

Quilted bag: Designer inspired if I have ever seen it!  I LOVE this quilted bag!  It is such a great size and the details and gorgeous!

Faux fur sneakers: These look just like a Steve Madden version!  So cozy and cute.  Perfect for winter.

Camo top: I love the relaxed fit of this camp top, perfect for pairing with leggings.

Logo tote: Another designer dupe coming at you.  This logo tote is perfect for carrying everything!

So many cute finds from Wal-Mart!  Let me know if you have picked up any of these or if you have any awesome Wal-Mart finds!

Instagram Roundup

Trying to get back into that blogging groove, here's my instagram roundup.  I've been slacking on instagram as well but here's what's going on.

Have you tried out the overall trend yet?  They are super comfy and I'm into them.  I just recently thrifted a Carhartt pair and can't wait to try them out!

New go-to necklace from one of my favorite brands Starfish Project!  Proceeds benefit women involved in sex trafficking.  

I found the cutest stickers from Snail Mail Sticker Co on etsy.  She even made a custom sticker.  I have been collecting some to decorate my computer and love how they are turning out!

Old pic but I wanted to show off one of my favorite bags!  Sole Society recently moved to DSW and while this bag is an old style they have new styles that are super similar and less than $50!!  It is a great dupe for the Chloe bag that I am definitely a fan of, but not that price tag.

Working from home gotta snap a pic when I'm dressed in actual clothes besides leggings and an oversized tee.  

So...Dollar Tree now has Christmas decor out so this pic is a little outdated but how cute are these little wooden decor pieces from Dollar Tree?

Alright that's a roundup on my instagram catchup, hope y'all are all doing well!  Let me know what's been going on with you lately.

Dollar Tree Haul

It's been a while since I have done a Dollar Tree haul and I thought I would share my recent finds.  I love Dollar Tree, you never know what kind of goodies you are going to find!

I saw this sweet little ceramic colander and knew it had to come home with me!  How pretty is this? 

I wish I had picked up a couple more!  That's the thing about Dollar Tree finds if you find a good one you better snatch it up as it will not be there for long.

So many good finds!

I picked up one of these silicone beauty blenders to try (side note I hated it)

Two chalk pens- These are pretty awesome!  They have a brand new revamped craft section so be sure to check it out!

I count this adorable wooden love sign, so rustic and cute!

I also picked up two more of the shelf stands.  I highly recommend these for adding a little more storage to your cabinets.  Other stores have them for $5 or more!

My last find were these GORGEOUS canvas pieces!

I couldn't believe these were at the Dollar Tree!  Even the lady at the checkout commented on how pretty they were.  Always check out the frame section for art pieces!

Look at the detail on these!

I have these hanging in our bathroom and I love them!

So good to be back at the Dollar Tree.  Let me know if you have found anything good lately!

Recent Purchases

Time for a little virtual shopping haul!  I love seeing things that people have bought, hope y'all feel the same ;)

Here are a few things I have picked up over the past month or so:

Gingham Dress

I love gingham for summer and this one was green which you know is my favorite color to wear!  I was sold!  Now it is definitely a little sheer (but I solve that with another purchase below).  It is so cute with a denim jacket and sneakers.  I got an XS for reference and it is still super roomy.

Drawstring Hoodie

I have been wearing this hoodie pretty much non-stop since I got it.  It is so soft and lightweight, perfect for summer nights or freezing in the air conditioning.  It is perfectly slouchy and the pattern is so cute with little suns all over it.  These are on sale right now for $9! 

Cactus Embroidered Sweatshirt 

Belk was having a really good sale and I managed to pick up my favorite sweatshirt in a different style.  My mom got one of these sweatshirts for me for Christmas and I love it!  I knew I wanted another one so I picked up this cactus embroidered one for $9.  So crazy soft and relaxed.  I get mine in a medium and they are perfect for leggings.  I seriously live in mine in the fall and winter.

Nude Heels

Would you believe that I didn't have a classic pair of closed toe nude heels?  I have a few open toe options and of course the fabulous studded heels but not the classic standby.  DSW has been having the craziest sales for months and this one was AWESOME!  They had 60% off a select collection of shoes and accessories.  These shoes were already on sale and the discount brought them to $4.80!?!  I also had a reward for $5 plus you get free shipping if you are a rewards member so I picked up these for FREE!

Side note if you aren't a rewards member sign up here!  It's totally free and you are then able to earn points, I get coupons in the mail pretty often plus you get free shipping.

The heels are so pretty, I love the side cutout detail and they have some cushion on the inside so they are going to be comfy.

Office Chair

Since moving I have also started working from home (actually not due to COVID) I figured I needed to get a little more serious with my workspace and first up was a chair.  I wanted one that was pretty but also comfy and this one fit the bill.  It is simple and also not bulky so it actually fits under my desk.  It is also really comfy and less than $100! 

Nude Slip

Alright here is my answer for the sheer dress.  I have a few other slips but they all were too long or just not right for the outfit.  I decided to go ahead and pick this one up as I know it will be helpful with other outfits as well.  Just a good basic everyone should have in their wardrobe.  

Raffia Sneakers

Yet another crazy DSW sale find!  I had actually been eying these shoes a few months ago and thought they were so cute but I didn't want to pay the $50+ price tag.  They had a sale were a selection of shoes were marked at $14.99 and under...y'all these were marked at $9.99!  I couldn't believe it!  They are so cute and will be perfect for finishing up the summer and heading into fall.  I'm telling y'all don't pay full price at DSW they are ALWAYS having some kind of sale!

Peplum Thermal Top

I FINALLY got my hands on these tops!  Walmart had them last year and I missed out.  They brought them back this year and I jumped on them!  They are such a good Free People dupe and they are only $13!  I picked up the white and this charcoal gray color and got them in a size small.   I can't wait for the weather to cool down a little bit to get the chance to style them! 

Let me know what things you have picked up lately!