Fashion for the Economically Challenged

Spring 2012 picks!

2012-02-12T15:47:00.001-06:00

I am finding myself excited for Spring fashion for the first time this year. I guess I have been so busy designing the nursery and finding cute things for the little guy in my stomach, I haven't really thought much about Spring purchases for myself. Plus, we've been saving for things like hospital bills and a video camera that haven't really allowed me to think about shopping. Well, with an hour to kill in between appointments, one quick trip to Kohls had me inspired.
I know a shirtdress would be flattering on a 6 week post-baby body, so I'm on the lookout for a navy dress to go with the Easter/"1st family picture" outfits I have planned for the baby and Hubbs. I'm also digging a navy polka dot cardigan and know I would get a ton of use out of it this spring/summer and beyond.

Spring 2012 by shoediva2009 featuring old navy scarves

I'm also loving bright jeggings and fun flats for casual attire. I plan on pretty much being a shut-in for the first month or so, but after that, I will probably get bored out of my mind and, therefore, bold enough to leave the house with a baby. I think some cute errand outfits would make me feel like a person. Plus, I may take a long-term sub job for 3 weeks in May that would force me to dress up a bit more than usual, and I think colored jeggings would pass as dress pants.
What are your Spring 2012 picks, dearest readers? Are you as excited as I am about all the bright colors and bold prints?

37 weeks! Full term, baby!

2012-02-08T17:31:00.001-06:00

Sweater dress, JCP 2010 $17

Leggings, JCP 2010 $10

Boots, c/o TJMaxx gift card

Faux "pearl" necklace, Gma J's closet :)

Chain necklace, F21 2010 $5

Broom, c/o my closet Haha. Just kidding.

Bump Watch:

Cravings of the Week: Tortillas with cheese, ranch, and salsa in microwave for 30 secs...YUM! Good for snacks, lunch, or sometimes even breakfast!

Weight gain: Ugh, 25.5 lbs. I'm pretty sure my doc will yell at me for gaining 2 lbs this week. I'm not too happy about it either, but I guess such is life.

Pregnancy Symptoms: Slightly dilated & effaced, cramps at night along with some true Braxton Hicks tummy tightening cramps, peeing 5 x's a night, lower back and hip discomfort. Yep, I'm nearing the finish line! I've enjoyed my pregnancy, but I'm ready for some sleepless nights with a newborn as opposed to the ones I've been experiencing alone. Let's just get on with this baby business, shall we?

Size of baby: Big! He's considered full term now and probably around 6.5-7 lbs and full length (19+ inches), preparing to meet us in the next few weeks! My estimated due date is February 27th, and most 1st time mommies go a few days longer than their EDD, but I'm hoping that he will be on time or even a little early since I've kept up my daily exercise routine. I'm also getting acupuncture treatments to make sure things move along naturally, since I do NOT want induction drugs like Pitocin within 10 feet of me!

Boredom...

2012-02-07T21:51:00.000-06:00

Top, Old Navy Maternity 2011 $7

DIY Maternity pants

Brown herringbone shoes, Xmas gift from parents!

Bauble necklace, ebay 2009 $9.99

Sweater, JCP 2010 $7

Bella band, ebay 2011 $9

Maternity jeans, JCP 2011 $4

Boots, c/o TJMaxx

I'm getting SO BORED and restless with everything the past few days. It seems like I wear the same clothes and just sit around and wait for something to happen now that the baby is full term. I swore I would enjoy my last few weeks with my hubby, but he's just as bad as I am! Our bags are packed for the hospital, and we are ready to go, but Baby Boy isn't done cooking yet. Our due date is less than 20 days away now, so the countdown is on. In the mean time, I'm trying to think of something fun we can do that a) doesn't cost a lot of money (we have a BABY coming with spendy L&D bills, afterall!); b)something that doesn't require a large time commitment (yeah, I'm 9+ months pregnant so long excursions are out); and c) gets us out of this house! It's definitely been worse since my mom's been so busy and unable to walk with me. Awwww, well, things are actually quite good, so I know some boredom/restlessness are nothing to complain about! Hope you are all doing well!

Signed,
Slowly. Going. Crazy. :)

The Amazing, Growing Belly...

2012-02-01T13:12:00.000-06:00

Striped top, Walmart 2010 $5 (NOT maternity)

Pants, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Red cardigan, JCP 2011 $15

Black flats, Walking Cradles via Amazon 2010 $56

Bump Watch:

I feel like I'm getting bigger by the DAY! I remember when I went in for an 8 week ultrasound to see the baby's heartbeat (and ensure this wasn't just an ectopic pregnancy), the tech said "I hear you got a little gummy bear in there!" And, in truth, he really was just a few hundred cells, just the size of a gummy bear. Well, at more than 6 lbs, he's certainly not a little gummy bear any more! It really is amazing to think about how our bodies can grow an actual human being with a brain and a heart and little fingers/toes, isn't it?

36 Weeks!

2012-01-30T21:03:00.002-06:00

I can't believe I'm actually posting on time, haha. It seems like the last few weeks have FLOWN by in the blink of an eye. We have so much going on right now with the baby coming very soon, an upcoming test for enrollment in a teaching certification program, and some issues going on with my cousin's 11 year old with leukemia.
I know you guys don't know her, but if you could say a prayer that she makes it through the next few weeks, we would all really appreciate it. She has some fluid in her lungs, and the doctors are hoping it is not a fungal pneumonia. Right now, she and her immediate family need all the prayers they can get.

But on to the happy news. I am 36 weeks pregnant, and the baby is only one week away from being considered full term! What a relief! I did have to go to the doctor last week for some contractions/surges that resulted in slight dilation, so I was a bit nervous, but now that we are entering that 37th week, I am feeling good about things. Hubbs and I plan on trying some hypnobirthing techniques to manage pain in labor, so I am also feeling less scared about the "big day" and more excited to meet our little one. I think our preparation is helping Hubbs feel less nervous about his upcoming big role, too, both as labor coach and new Dad! I'm so lucky that I have a husband as supportive as he is!

Bump Watch:

Cravings of the week: Popcorn

Weight gain: 23.5 lbs

Gender: Baby Boy!

Size: 6 lbs+ and full length (pry 18+ inches)

Nursery Progress: It's pretty much done! Hubbs finished and hung the book shelves (which look AWESOME!), and all we have to do is some finishing decorative touches. Of course, since I see this as an evolving room, I'll probably finish some things in the next year. I plan on taking/posting pictures of what we have done thus far some time next weekend.

Pregnancy Symptoms: The baby is definitely lower in my pelvis, and I'm having a lot of back pressure (especially at night), but I am still feeling pretty good. In fact, today I had a major burst of energy and did my weekly cleaning.
So that's my 36th week in a nutshell! Thanks for reading, dearests!

Hugging the Bump!

2012-01-26T13:37:00.000-06:00

Top, Marshalls 2009 $20

DIY Maternity pants, thanks to MIL's mad sewing skills, $4

Flats, Amazon 2010 $56

Comfort has been key the last few days when dressing for work, and although this outfit is simple, it does the job. I love how this non-maternity shirt now hugs the bump. Since I know I will pry hate my post-baby belly flab for a while after delivery, I figured I might as well take advantage of my current "bump" and show off the tummy!

35 weeks

2012-01-25T22:52:00.000-06:00

Sweater, Motherhood Maternity 2011 $22

Tank, ??

Ponte pants, JCP 2010 $20

Necklace, gift from MIL

Shoes, Amazon 2010 $56

Cravings: Still chocolate...wish that craving would go away, haha.
Weight gain: 23 lbs
Gender: Little Boy! (Still no name, though...)
Pregnancy symptoms: This week was tough. I felt like an old lady with arthritis in my entire pelvis/lower back. I had slipped on some stairs, and although I (luckily) didn't fall, I tweaked my back/hip. I really couldn't exercise all week, and it was a struggle to make it through the work day. I feel good today, though, and was finally able to go on my regular walk with my mom. Thank goodness it got better!
Size of baby: Over 5 lbs! And probably 18-19ish inches long!

This pregnancy is going by so fast! I cannot wait to meet the little guy, but I'm trying my best not to get bogged down by the third trimester symptoms and enjoy the rest of this pregnancy. How many times in my life will I get to be pregnant? I might as well appreciate this experience while I am!

Seeing red...

2012-01-24T15:57:00.000-06:00

Tank, ?? too old to know

Red sweater, JCP 2011 $15

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Boots, c/o TJMaxx gift card

Necklaces, Forever 21 2010 $5 & $7

Although this outfit is simple, I really liked it for a casual outfit! I was pumped to have good hair day, too. :) That's a nice boost for a waddling pregnant lady!

34 Weeks!

2012-01-22T18:18:00.000-06:00

Wow, I am almost a week behind in posts! Tomorrow, I am actually 35 weeks, but I figure I better catch up on this week's outfits first. :)

34 Weeks:

Top, nursing top from Motherhood Maternity

Bella band, ebay 2011 $9

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Scarf, San Francisco Street vendor 2010 $7

Boots, c/o TJMaxx gift card

Bump watch:

Cravings of the week: Chocolate...gotta have me a little every day!
Weight gain: 21.5 lbs
Gender: Boy!
Movement: Punches/kicks have become less intense and more rolling this week.
Nursery progress: Hubbs made the floating book shelves! Now he is painting them. I can't wait to reveal our super-budget-friendly nursery to everyone in the next few weeks!

For Work:

Tank, Destination Maternity 2011 $10

Sweater, JCP 2011 $11

Brown maternity pants, gift from Mom!

Scarf, San Fran street vendor $7

Shoes, Xmas gift from Mom and Dad!

Socks and Slippers

2012-01-17T08:23:00.000-06:00

Jewel top, Macys 2009 $15

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Black tank, ??

Flats, Walking Clouds via Amazon 2010 $56 (worn with striped socks)

I'm not sure I love the idea of socks with ballet slippers/flats, but it's so necessary when the weather drops! I tried to make it look more purposeful by wearing some fun metallic stripe socks with my flats. Do you just wear boots or do you wear socks with your flats?

We Are Nesting...

2012-01-16T05:56:00.001-06:00

Catching up on some outfits:

Turtleneck, Anna 2010 $7

Bella band, Ebay 2011 $9

Sweater, JCP 2011 $10

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Boots, c/o TJMaxx gift card

Sweater (new!) Motherhood Maternity 2011 $22

Long black tank, ??

Leggings, JCP Maternity 2011 $10

Silver circle necklace, gift from mother-in-law

Shoes, Walking Cradles via Amazon 2010 $56

Right now, life is moving at warp speed. Everything has gone by so quickly ever since Thanksgiving, and we are now only 6 weeks from my due date! We just had my second (and final) baby shower, and we are pretty much ready for the baby to come. Here is a picture of all the gifts we got from the latest one as well as a sneak peak of the baby's room!

There are still some DIY projects to finish in the nursery, but they are mainly non-essential or decorative, and if we didn't get to them before the baby came, the world wouldn't end. Despite me being sick the last few weeks with a cold and then a bad sinus infection, the main tasks left include some floating bookshelves, buying the play yard we want (which does triple duty as the bassinet and changing table), and getting some more sheets, all of which I am taking care of online. So all and all, the closets are clean and organized; the cupboards and cabinets around the house are tidy with room with room to spare; we have ample baby bath supplies, medicine, diapers, and clothes; and the nursery room requires half a dozen small projects but is otherwise completed.
The reason we are so far ahead from two weeks ago is because Hubbs is also in full fledge nesting mode. He has been a trooper about doing our DIY projects and several loads of baby laundry. The past week it has definitely hit him hard, and he has been busy downloading baby related apps to his Iphone, including a contraction timer for labor and WebMD baby care app. :)

So, yeah, everything has been about baby, baby baby lately! And we wouldn't have it any other way. We waited a while to get pregnant and were 100% on board with our choice. It's been over 4.5 years since we were married and 8.5 years since we first started dating. We had the FULL college experience (mostly together!), traveled to some awesome places, bought/fixed up a house, and have gone through some family losses and stressful career changes in that time. All in all, we have grown up together, and we are now SO READY to start this next chapter together. The 19 year old "me" that first met my husband would be shocked at my excitement to start a family, since that girl didn't even know if she wanted to get married let alone have kids; but, she didn't know how wonderful of a man Hubbs is or that he would be such an involved Daddy right from the start (reading to my tummy, attending all my first appointments, DIYing it up in the nursery, etc.). I certainly would have never guessed how close we would become over the past 8.5 years and, especially, over the past 9 months. While we expect this next adventure to be tough and exhausting in those first few months, we know we can do this, and our little Baby Boy will know he is so loved from his first few breaths.

33 Weeks!

2012-01-11T21:12:00.000-06:00

Striped top, Old Navy Maternity 2011 $15ish (purchased with gift card)

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Scarf, New York City street stand 2008 $5

Shoes, Amazon 2008 $26

Bump Watch:

Cravings: Spinach, almonds, cheese, and ranch salad! And fruit. And buttery popcorn. And chocolate. Yeah, I'm just eating anything and everything, LOL.
Weight gain: 20 lbs
Gender: Boy!
Produce/size of baby: Honeydew Melon (about 4.5 lbs, 17-18 inches long!)
Pregnancy Symptoms: The need to pee...all the time! I need to do yoga to keep my hip flexor injury in check before I walk the first time. Otherwise, I'm still feeling pretty good.
Nursery Progress: Quite a bit! But I still have a few DIY projects to finish. I can't wait to reveal the final shots to you all!

Loving the Leggings...

2012-01-06T23:58:00.002-06:00

After getting over a cold, the only thing I feel like wearing is ultracomfy, soft clothes. Luckily, my leggings do just that and still allow me to look presentable when I venture out into the real world. On a normal January day, I would have to wear boots, heavy sweaters, and would still be freezing my tail off. But this year I live in Bizarreo-World and have been experiencing 40-60 degree days in JANUARY. Normally, we are jumping for joy if the weather is above 0 degrees this time of year!

Ruffle pink top, JCP 2009 $14

Cardigan, Kohls 2011 $20
Leggings, JCP Maternity 2011 $10
Scarf, San Francisco Street vendor $5
Shoes, Me Too via Amazon 2008 $26

(Don't mind the hazy picture...the husband was pan frying burgers and filled the house with a bit of smoke, haha. But who can complain about a hubby that makes his wife supper when she's not feeling well?! Not this grateful gal.)

Top, Old Navy maternity

Jacket, Kohls 2009 $15

Scarf, Walmart 2010 $5

Shoes, Amazon 2011 $56

A Little Gift to Me...from Me

2012-01-05T19:57:00.002-06:00

I got myself a few things yesterday, including this cardigan (cute, no?!),

this nursing top,

and this nursing chemise for something comfortable to wear in the hospital after the baby. Hopefully, these items will allow me to still feel human for those few weeks after the baby.

32 weeks...

2012-01-04T09:37:00.000-06:00

Cardigan, Target 2011 $11

Cream top, JCP Maternity 2011 $3

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Necklace, ebay 2009 $10

Brown herringbone shoes, Xmas gift from parents!

Okay, technically, this was taken on New Years Eve when we went to a friend's party, which was 2 days before I was 32 weeks. I've been sick in bed with a cold the last few days (yep, even had to reschedule yesterday's doctor appointment!), though, so this is the closest picture I have to being 32 weeks pregnant.

As far as progress on the nursery goes, there hasn't been much...at all...which really freaks me out! I wanted to get everything done over school break, but we had so many Christmas parties between our two families and I felt so bad the last few days, not much has been accomplished. I still don't have the bedding picked out, I still don't have my map roller shades up, and I still don't have my DIY mobile finished!
I *did* start packing my bag and the baby's bag for the hospital. I also ordered two Target nursing tanks when they had their buy-one-get-one-half-off sale. THIS is the box they came in, lol. NICE. Luckily, nothing was damaged, including my pump accessories that I ordered, but we had a good laugh over how fast the postman took off after dropping this bad boy off.

Our goals for the week are to install the car seat, hang some of the nursery artwork, and get my thank you notes finished and mailed from my first shower. Shower #2 is coming up in a few weeks! And our baby boy will be here just a few weeks after that! Um, yeah, have I mentioned we still haven't settled on a name?! Ugh, no wonder I can't sleep at night!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T18:58:00.000-06:00

Tie neck top, Old Navy maternity 2011 $7

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Flats, Payless 2011 $12

I'm getting so bored with my clothes lately. My growing belly, refusal to buy any more maternity clothes, and the fact that I'm on Christmas vacation (and therefore not dressing for work) has left me a bit uninspired. I tried to spice up this outfit by wearing teal with leopard and red, but that's about all that is exciting about it. What do you do when you are bored with your wardrobe, dearest readers?

Oh, P.S., Hope your last night of 2011 is great!

Friday

2011-12-30T20:10:00.000-06:00

It's ironic, because this tunic/leggings/flat combo is the quintessential pregnancy outfit, but not one piece is actually maternity wear!

Dress/tunic, Target 2009 $14

Leggings, JCP 2009 $10

Necklaces, F21 2010 $7 & $5

Cardigan, NYandCo 2008 $20

Shoes, Me Too via Amazon 2008 $26

Bump Watch:

Hope your Holidays have been great and that your weather has been as awesome as ours, lately! Thanks for reading, all!

Christmas Eve Outfit

2011-12-28T22:40:00.001-06:00

Ivory lace top, Macys 2010 $20

Brown pants, Motherhood Maternity 2011, gift from Mom!

Shoes, Xmas gift from parents!

Gold earrings, gift from Dad!

Scarf, Forever21 2009 $5

Closeup of new shoes:

Casual Lunch Date

2011-12-28T09:58:00.000-06:00

Holister tee, from husband's closet

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Cardigan, Ann Taylor Loft 2009 $11

Scarf, San Francisco Street vendor 2010 $5

Shoes, Target 2007 $10ish

I wore this last week to meet my hubby for a casual lunch date and then to my parents' Christmas party. When the husband was purging his clothes last month, I saw he was going to donate this tshirt. It was a good length, and I knew the material would hug the bump, so I gladly grabbed it for myself. Yay for the husband's closet!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas!!!

2011-12-23T22:02:00.000-06:00

Denim jacket, Old Navy 2011 $25

Red top, JCP 2011 $14

Ponte pants, JCP 2011 $20

Silver circle necklace, gift from Mother-in-law

Leopard flats, Payless 2011 $12

Merry Christmas to all of you, dearest readers! I pray you all have safe road trips and a lovely time with your families and friends!

Prego vs. Pre-prego...

2011-12-22T21:56:00.002-06:00

Top, Marshall 2009 $20

Vest, Ann Taylor 2010 $11

Ponte pants, JCP 2011 $20

Shoes, Walking Cloud via Amazon 2010 $56

Hair, headband

I am not wearing any maternity clothes in this post. Actually, I have worn this top/vest combo many times when not pregnant. I think it goes to show you that it isn't necessary to buy a whole new maternity wardrobe. Yes, some things are necessary (especially in the third trimester), but I would rather spend my money on items for after the baby, when I'm waiting for my stomach to slowly deflate and adjusting to a new body shape.

Feb 2010...at a zoo, LOL:

30 weeks...

2011-12-22T12:51:00.000-06:00

I am falling behind on my posts, but here is me on Monday at 30 weeks pregnant.

Top, Kohls 2011 $12

Tank, Destination Maternity 2011 $10

Cardigan, JCP 2011 $15

Leggings, JCP 2011 $10

Pewter flats, Me Too via Amazon 2008 $26

I am exhausted in this picture from working a lot at the elementary schools. Those 1st graders and kindergartners wore me out! But they were soooooo cute and excited for Christmas. They also love rubbing my belly. I had a little kindergarten boy rub my belly and tell me "Teacher, you are so beautiful." Isn't that just nice to hear at 30 weeks pregnant? And another little girl patted my belly and said "That's a big belly so your baby can get big." :) Too cute. I am glad Christmas break is here, though, so I can get some rest and let my hip heal.

Bump Watch:

Current cravings: Nothing specific this week, but I did seem to make a lot of Mexican based meals.
Weight gain: 19 lbs
Gender: Boy!
How big is baby? Head of cabbage.
Fetal movement: Everywhere, all the time! I have had some trouble sleeping lately, because my little guy is SO ACTIVE. In fact, I am exhausted in this picture after working a lot and feeling sleep deprived. 10 kicks in an hour? Hahahaha. I can usually count my 10 kicks in less than a minute once he gets going. No kidding! Unfortunately, his most active time of the day is probably around 4:30 AM...which is now usually my 4th trip to the bathroom for the night. Overall, though I am lucky, because I have no stretch marks, no fluid retention, no preterm labor scares, and my feet haven't gotten any bigger! Thank goodness, because I have a lot of cute shoes! Some hip pain and a super active baby that bounces on my bladder is really not so bad in the scheme of things and will be sooooo worth it when we get to finally see his little face!

My first gift to baby:
If I Could Keep You Little by Marianne Richmond

I plan on writing a message in it for our baby boy and giving it to him when he is older...maybe when he graduates high school or something. My favorite passage is "If I could keep you little, I'd hold you close to me. But then I'd miss you growing up into who you're meant to be." Isn't that just precious? As a soon-to-be mamma who will probably have many crying spouts over my baby growing up, it's probably just perfect. I think my husband might buy him a few stocks in something as his first gift, which is the perfect gift from him as he is an accountant!

Speaking of gifts, we got some AMAZING gifts at my shower, including a snug-a-bunny bouncer, tons of clothes and blankets, and a monitor that alerts you if baby stops moving/breathing at night. Score! I put the crib matress pad and sheets on today, so we are one more step closer to getting the baby's room ready!
Thanks for reading, and I'll try to stay more on top of my posts over the break. :)

Family Gathering Fun...

2011-12-19T12:03:00.000-06:00

Dot/ruffle top, gift from Mom

Cream top, Destination maternity 2011 $10

Cardigan, JCP 2007ish $10ish

Jeans, JCP 2011 $4

Pearls, gift from Hubbs

Shoes, Me Too via Amazon 2008 $26

Close up of pattern on top and pearl necklace:

Floral Fun..

2011-12-18T09:26:00.000-06:00

Cardigan, JCP 2007ish $10ish

Floral top, Destination Maternity 2011 $20

Tank, Destination Maternity 2011 $10

Jeans, JCP Maternity 2011 $4

Shoes, Me Too via Amazon 2008 $26

Bump Watch:

It might be December, but the temps have been above freezing with no snow on the ground, so I'm feeling a little bit springy. I haven't made the time to update you guys on my 1st baby shower, but it's coming. We got some really great things, and we are slowly putting the baby room together! Hopefully, in a few weeks we will be ready to go.

Thursday

2011-12-15T20:59:00.001-06:00

Gray top, Forever21 2010 $14

Black turtleneck, JCP 2009 $7

Black ponte pants, JCP 2010 $20

Leopard shoes, Payless 2011 $12

I heart my Payless leopard shoes. They make me smile when I look down at them...at least the part of my feet that I can still see beyond my growing belly. :)