You guys know I love a midi dress. I love them in the spring + summer with sneakers or sandals, and then I love them in the fall with booties, sneakers and a cardigan or blazer/moto jacket. So cute, so flattering and versatile.
I wanted to round up some of my favorite midi dresses right now that are super cute on their own or great layering foundation pieces. And yes… I realize that this jumpsuit isn’t a dress. But it was so cute that I had to include it!
I also threw in some accessories I’m loving right now, including all things hoop and chain earrings. And this bag has been on my wish list for over a year. Love the size and structure!
I’ve included more midi dress picks under $100 in the sliding thumbnails below. If you have a theme you’d like to see in these weekly wish lists. I love putting them together, and it’s even better when I know it’s for things you guys are looking for. Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
I remember reading an article that suggested having a food delivery service lined up to make your life easier once your baby is born. I thought this was so smart and something I probably wouldn’t have thought much about otherwise.
We certainly live closer to friends & family than we used to, but we’re still many hours away. Being so new to town, we are still making friends and trying different churches, so I don’t expect or anticipate some running list of meals being brought over. BUT now that there are so many amazing services out there, there’s no need to worry about that!
I’ve shared many times on Instagram that we love HomeChef. But I wanted to make things even easier post-baby. No prep, no clean-up. Below are some of the best suggestions I received from CBL girls for both national companies as well as some that are local to Georgia!
National:
Freshly – my dad has actually used this before. Although he said the menu didn’t have as much variation as he would have liked, he still said the meals were good.
Tovala – I think this looks really good. A top contender!
Nourish Foods – I have tried this company before when we lived in OC and they were good! At the time most of the options were meat but it appears they have more vegetarian dishes in the rotation now.
JB’s Fresh to Go | There is no website but you can get on their weekly email menu mailing. If interested, leave a comment and I will share the email address there!
I hope this might be helpful to some of you looking for the same service! I think we’ll try to start locally, but Tovala is looking pretty delicious if I do say so myself.
Another week has breezed by which brings me closer to this baby’s due date. I feel both ready and totally unprepared. That’s probably normal, right?
At 34 weeks, I kicked it into gear getting my hospital bag organized, figuring out what I want to bring for the baby to the hospital, buying diapers, washing crib and bassinet sheets, etc. I think doing some of these motions are helping me feel a little more calm about the major life pace change ahead. My mantra has always been “outer order, inner calm,” so going through these motions is calming for me.
I do plan on sharing what we packed for the hospital after I have this baby. I want to make sure to share only what we actually needed, so I think it will be more informative after our experience!
The temperature seriously dropped this week so I’ve been drinking all the tea in my sweatpants. It reminds me of almost every day in San Francisco, and I can’t help but continue to be completely overwhelmed with gratitude at the difference in our life from this time last year.
Even with a major cross-country move, the workload of buying our first home and decorating it/working on the exterior, experiencing the third trimester and preparing for our first baby, Christian starting his first job… I still feel calmer every day and more like myself. Of course it comes with its own stressful moments, but I still feel like we’re working toward life goals and things we want for our future. It’s rewarding and feels like an investment rather than a chore. Even with bumps along the road!
If anything, that year of struggle has really made me appreciate so much. So, so much.
What are you grateful for right now? If you don’t keep a gratitude journal or share a few things each night at dinner with your partner – I’d highly recommend it. I am always happier on the days when I do!
I was somehow able to get away with not purchasing maternity clothes much until my third trimester. That’s when things changed and this belly took the lead! I knew that if I didn’t get some maternity exercise leggings, there was no chance I’d stay active. Finding the energy to move your body in the third trimester is challenging enough, but if you’re going to be uncomfortable in your clothes, forget it.
So I grabbed two pairs of Zella leggings from Nordstrom, the Mamasana (photographed here) and the 7/8 legging with pockets. They’re definitely the only two pair of fitness leggings I currently fit into. Bonus points that they are such a great price point.
While I wouldn’t say that I’m necessarily workin’ up a sweat these days, I am trying to get my legs moving or stretch with Pilates. Not to mention that just wearing these leggings with a denim jacket and baseball hat is sometimes the easiest outfit I can grab to feel both comfortable and put together in these final weeks pre-baby.
Do any of you have tips for staying motivated to keep it moving while pregnant? I welcome any advice from the seasoned mamas out there! We are most definitely winging it over here, but every time I feel this little guy moving around I think about how much I’m going to love strolling him in our new neighborhood.
You can see some of my favorite at-home workouts here, a Q&A on my Mirror device here and my January fitness challenge here (WOW that pre-baby body is… different than what we’re looking at these days!).
At 33 weeks pregnant, getting in bed is now one of my most exciting activities of the day. In fact, Christian and I share three great things about our day each night over dinner, and one of mine has often been, “working from the bed until 9AM” whenever I get the chance.
Two weeks ago we changed things up and got the Mattress Firm 900 Adjustable Base and it offers some features that have been a pregnant woman’s dream. This base offers lumbar support, can elevate your upper body as well as your feet, has massage settings and under-the-bed LED lighting if you like having a night light (for those middle of night bathroom runs). The remote also offers three built-in positions or you can customize your own to fit your personal needs.
We paired this base with the Serta iSeries Hybrid 100 13.5″ firm mattress. This is our second mattress that is a combination of both foam and springs, which I find very cool. You get the best of both worlds!
Christian is a stomach sleeper and I’m a back sleeper, so it can be difficult for us to find a mattress that meets both of our needs. He prefers a firmer mattress so if you are also someone who likes a really firm mattress, this would be your best option at Mattress Firm. And if you prefer something a little softer but still supportive, the Serta iSeries Hybrid 500 14″ Cushion would be a great pick for you! It does take up to 120 days to break in your mattress, so they recommend walking or jumping on your bed as often as you can to help loosen up the foam and springs.
I have been really lucky to still be sleeping pretty well. I usually wake up at least once, but that’s about it. My tips for getting better sleep, especially while pregnant, would be:
Research Your Mattress Options
Some people love a foam mattress, for others a hybrid foam/spring combo might be your best choice. Go to the store and try out some different mattresses for yourself to see what’s going to be the best for you. Ask about the firmness, warranty and if it will loosen up over time or if what you feel is what you get off the bat. Be informed!
Consider an Adjustable Base
This base has exceeded all of my expectations. I will crank up that lumbar support, elevate my head and feet, and I’m not kidding – I don’ want to move for hours. It really is amazing. AMAZING.
Sound Machine
We bought this sound machine in San Francisco and now we are addicts. Baby Barnes also has one of his own waiting for him. It’s the best!
Pregnancy Pillow
I didn’t feel like I needed this pillow until about 29 weeks and boy, has it saved me. I sleep with it every night without question.
Silk Pillowcase
I’ve been committed to a silk pillowcase for years and really do prefer not only how it feels, but also the hair and skin benefits. I’d recommend investing in two nice ones and rotating them out!
Other recommendations would be to activate your cell phone night mode + do not disturb, wake up at the same time everyday and really think about the fabric of your pajamas.
Have you ever experienced an adjustable base or tried one of the mattresses from Mattress Firm? And do you have any pregnancy sleeping tips? I would really love to hear! Thanks so much for reading and sharing – XO –
Several of you brought it to my attention that finding nursing-friendly clothes can be a challenge. So when I saw this green midi dress that is both maternity and nursing friendly, I thought it might come in handy throughout the upcoming months!
I am linking several similar style dresses below that are not maternity/nursing specific for those of you not in this wheelhouse. Know that I haven’t forgotten about all my girls who are not rocking a bump this fall and winter. I got you.
And if you don’t have a pair of python booties for this season – girl. Get onboard! I snagged these last year as well as a knee-high version from Zara that I had taken in at the calf in San Francisco. I had no idea that python boots and booties would be all over the interwebs this year! I’m so glad to see it. Along with leopard, they really act as such a neutral yet amp up any simple outfit. Chic!
It’s Friday!! This Friday feels extra fabulous because the weather is amazing, and we accomplished a huge to-do! The exterior of our house was finished being painted. This included the shutters, windows, replacing several gutters – the whole kit and caboodle. I knew when we bought this house I had a revamped vision for the exterior. However I never thought we would be able to make things happen so quickly! I really love that we’ll bring our baby boy home to this fresh house that really feels like our own.
And on that note, I wanted to make some cookies for the painters on their last day of working on the house because they’ve just been the nicest guys. When you move somewhere new that you’ve never lived before and you hire help for different projects, you just have to hope you have chosen the right people to come into your home. I have no doubt these guys were the best choice for us. They’ve been such a delight to work with.
SO, about those cookies. This is my favorite cookie recipe by a landslide. In my opinion, they’re the best chocolate chip cookies out there. I don’t want to admit how many times I’ve made them… but let’s just say I’m close to having the recipe memorized.
Christian’s parents are getting in town this afternoon! It will be not only their first time to see our home, but also their first visit to the area! I know he is excited to show them around, and they’ve kindly expressed their willingness to help with any home projects… so we might have a basement touch-up painting journey on our hands.
Thats about it on our end. UGA plays South Carolina in town this weekend so it should be a fun one! Thank you so much for reading and checking in – XO –
With wedding season upon us, I wanted to share some dress and accessory picks for those with a full calendar of fall weddings ahead!
I’ve shared a few seasonal posts surrounding what to wear to weddings (winter option one, winter option two, fall wedding option), but there are so many cute dresses out there right now that I wanted to round up some fresh pieces.
One thing I would recommend looking for when buying something new to wear to an upcoming wedding: versatility. Can you wear it with a blazer or moto jacket and booties to work? Would it also work for a baby shower or wedding shower? Could it be worn in spring? Dresses like this one, this one and this one totally fit that bill.
Let me know if this post is helpful to you guys. Next week I was thinking about rounding up some midi dress favorites for fall. And be sure to check out more dress picks in the rotating thumbnails below. Thank you so much for reading! XO –
A year or two ago I was introduced to two Korean skincare and beauty brands I was unfamiliar with – Sulwhasoo and AmorePacific. Since then, I’ve been using both brands regularly and have been floored with how late to the party I was. You can see their reviews online are amazing!
There are a few products from each brand I particularly love, and all of these items are available at Bloomingdale’s. And, it’s worth mentioning that they are currently celebrating the launch of “Window into Seoul,” which is a rotating pop-up shop online and in select cities that promotes several South Korean brands at Bloomingdale’s. So many fun items like this classic trench and chic red bag!
Two of my favorite brands featured are AmorePacific and Sulwhasoo, so let’s dig into some of my top items –
AmorePacific
Color Illuminating Compact | I use this as a bronzer and it’s subtle with a little shimmer that adds a dewy glow.
Botanical Radiance Oil | I truly can’t live without a facial oil. I use one night and day. I will add a few drops to my moisturizer and gently press onto my face.
Essential Creme Fluid | I love this lightweight moisturizer in the mornings. Each bottle contains 150 baby green tea leaves, handpicked from AmorePacific’s garden… which is incredible!
Radiance Blusher | This is a really soft blush that is perfect daytime addition before running out the door. The brush it comes with is fab too (which isn’t usually the case with compact brushes)!
First Care Activating Serum | I apply a serum morning and night and this is a great one! If you read about this particular serum you’ll see the extreme process that went into creating this formula. No small feat!
Have you ever tried AmorePacific or Sulwhasoo? I’d love to hear any products of theirs you are a fan of!
Be sure to check out some of the brands highlighted in Bloomingdale’s “Window into Seoul” selection. There are some really cool items included. If you live in New York, Los Angeles or San Francisco there are events happening in your city. In SF there is an event with Minya Oh on 10/24 from 6-8PM to paint the Seoul skyline, how fun is that!?
A while back, I shared on Instagram that I made nachos on bell peppers – delish! I’ve been meaning to also share the recipe here because it’s so easy and still feels like a fun weeknight treat. Also – the colors! So pretty, right?
Ingredients:
6-8 bell peppers or 15-20 mini bell peppers
can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1/4 onion, chopped
1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Optional: diced jalapeños, avocado/guacamole, limes, Greek yogurt or sour cream, salsa, hot sauce, cilantro, green onions…
Also optional: if you want meat you can also try adding seasoned ground beef, turkey or shredded chicken
Directions:
Rinse and cut bell peppers into “chip sized” pieces. Put in the oven at 400 on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil to allow the peppers to start getting soft (about 5-7 minutes, then flip the peppers and bake 5-7 minutes).
Chop your veggies and sauté the beans and onions in a dash of olive oil. I added some chili powder and salt, you can also add taco seasoning. This would also be the time to cook any ground beef or turkey if you wanted to add that to your nachos!
Pull your peppers out of the oven, fill with the bean + onion mixture (and jalapenõs if you’re adding them) and top with cheese. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 3-5 minutes.
Top with any toppings of your choice – we went with green onions, Greek yogurt, guacamole, cilantro and hot sauce.
And there you have it – some healthy nachos! To be completely honest, we usually have some chips on the side OR you can do the same recipe, half on chips and half on bell peppers just to reduce the amount of carbs.
If you try this, I’d love to hear what you think! You can see all CBL food and drink recipes in the “food & drink” category of this site.
– the coolest pieces of snake jewelry from Miranda Frye –
– trying new skincare from Tata Harper for the first time –
– hanging a gallery wall in the (currently) incomplete living room –
Another week has breezed by and here we are. Thanks to my parents the house was a little more put together for Nikki, Jenn and Krystal who came to town for some girl time before baby Barnes arrives. We went a little pumpkin patch (had to buy kettle corn, obviously), strolled downtown, ate plenty of queso and had some late night chats, which is honestly what girl time is all about.
This weekend will hopefully be a productive one at home. We have lots of projects to work on that have been put off while we’ve been enjoying hosting. We also have some fun plans with new friends in town! I still don’t feel like I’ve had much time to “nest” before this little guy arrives, and at 32 weeks… he’ll be coming regardless. I think it comes down to everything just seems to take longer than you think it will. It’s hard for me to not want things to feel “in place” before the baby comes, but I keep telling myself that we will get there. Eventually!
I received the pieces I snagged in the Shopbop sale last week, and I’m shocked that I love everything and intend to keep all of it. An always-fun surprise! I ordered these pajamas for the hospital, this maternity underwear (am just now realizing I needed that) along with this pair in a few colors, some leopard sandals, blue light glasses and a maternity tee. I’d love to hear if you guys scored anything!
I’m off to my 32 week OB appointment today. We are now visiting every other week which feels like… things are happening! Hope you have a beautiful weekend planned, thank you so much for reading – XO –
Is it still 90 degrees here? Yes. Am I still going through all of my sweaters and organizing them for the upcoming season? Absolutely.
I’ve seen so many cute chunky sweaters online so I wanted to round up a few of my favorites. I tend to lean toward camel and cream sweaters but I love the occasional black, red or pink. And you can’t beat stripes!
Some of my favorite blog posts styling sweaters can be found here, here and here. The weather is looking like we still have one more week of heat and then the temperatures should drop by 10-15 degrees… which I’ll be crossing my fingers for. I haven’t brought myself to buy any pumpkins or mums yet just because when it’s this hot – I can’t wrap my mind around it!
Thanks so much for reading and here’s to AC and pumpkin spiced coffee. I’m loving these Nespresso pods! XO –
