The Gabe Fix

Throwback Thursday - The Jacket

2013-05-09T12:03:00.001-05:00

Hey Peeps! Normally I don't participate in "Throwback Thursday" but I figured this outfit would be perfect considering that these pictures were taken in March, lol. Oh and if you're unfamiliar with the term, it's basically the day of the week when you post old pictures to your social media sites.

Jeans : Walmart ~ Top : Ross ~ Tank : H&M

Jacket : Dillard's ~ Hair : Freetress Creta Girl

Scarf : Walmart ~ Boots : ShoeDazzle ~ Necklace : Forever 21

I know we're in the middle of spring but I couldn't let these pictures go to waste! I had to show off my awesome new jacket that I only got to wear that once before the weather warmed up. Guess I'll have to wait until fall to bring it back out.

Do you participate in Throwback Thursdays on Instagram? Let me know so I can look you up!

Later Gators,

Manicure Monday - Pumped Up Pink

2013-05-06T12:01:00.002-05:00

Well hello there, Happy Monday!! As I was looking through my blog the other day and I couldn't believe that my last Manicure Monday was in December! Like seriously...where are they doing that?!?!?! I mean let's be real here, it's not like I stopped polishing my nails. I even grew them out super long and tried my hand at the stiletto trend. What happened? Honestly, I think I just got lazy. So without further ado, it's time for a new No-Chip Manicure ;-)

Sally Hansen Insta-Dri 125 Pumped Up Pink

Last week, I made the decision to chop my nails down and start all over. For whatever reason they were chipping and breaking off like crazy. Instead of holding on to the 4 long nails I still had left, I just had to let them go. Hopefully they'll grow back stronger over the next month.

This is a new color and I think I like it...I definitely hated it after I first put it on but it's starting to grow on me. My camera wasn't doing a very good job of picking up the true color so I had to take a picture with the flash (which isn't my favorite thing to do) ;-\ I guess it's alright. What do you think??

Well that's it for now. Hope you have a wonderful day and I'll see you on Wednesday with a new post!

XOXO,

I'm Back!!

2013-04-02T10:51:00.001-05:00

Well hello there!! Long time, no see...right?? I can't believe it's been two months since my last post. Motherhood is awesome and I've been having so much fun getting to know my little man. He is quite the character already ;-) I hope that all is well with each and every one of you. I've been so detached from the blogging world that not only have I not been posting, I haven't been reading either. I definitely have some catching up to do!

It's time to get back to our regularly scheduled program, so be on the lookout for more posts! In the meantime, you can check out my latest YouTube video to find out how me and the little one are feeling 2 months postpartum.

Have you had any changes happen in your life lately? I'd love to hear about them!

XOXO,

Chad Ryan Jr. Is Here!!

2013-01-30T08:00:00.000-06:00

Finally...my little one decided to show up!!! If you follow me on YouTube, Twitter and/or Instagram then I'm sure this isn't news to you but I had to stop by and let my blog family know. Motherhood has been a huge adjustment to say the least but I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!! Amazing how this little guy has stolen my heart ;-)

Introducing Chad Ryan Jr. born January 17, 2013 at 6:39p weighing in at 9lbs 2oz and 20 inches...yep, he's a big boy!! This picture is from his newborn photo session last week. Our photographer was wonderful and I can't wait to see the rest of them. If you're interested in seeing how this little one made his appearance (well not the actual birth but the labor leading up to it), make sure you check out the video below!

I'll be taking a little bit of a break from blogging to enjoy these precious moments but I promise I'll be back shortly. If you'd like to keep up with what's going on in my world, feel free to ~~stalk~~ follow me on all my other social media platforms (links found at the top right).

Enjoy your day ;-)

41 Weeks Pregnant

2013-01-15T20:38:00.000-06:00

Hey there! It's me again...still no baby but I'm pretty sure he'll be coming out within the next day or so. I went to my doc appointment today and got a foley bulb inserted to help speed up the process. If nothing happens tonight then I'll be going back in the morning to get this party started...say a prayer for me!! Anyway, I figured I would take this time to get in one more prego update in before he makes his appearance ;-)

How Far Along? 41 weeks and 4 days

Total Weight Gain/Measurements: I've never actually mentioned this before but in total I've gained about 55lbs. Wow, just saying that makes me go crazy!!

Maternity Clothes: No thanks, I'm over those. Even went in Motherhood Maternity last week and walked back out. I'm ready to buy some normal clothes.

Stretch Marks: Yeah and I swear they multiply every other day...not a good look!

Sleep: Very uncomfortable.

Best Moment This Week: I'm hoping his birth will be the highlight ;-)

Miss Anything? At 41+ weeks prego, I miss it all.

Movement: He is still very active, even though I know he has to be out of space in there.

Food Cravings: Not really, I have noticed more of a sweet tooth lately though.

Symptoms: Nothing new that I haven't already experienced. Lately tired and crabby are at the top the list, over it!

Labor Signs: Well I think I lost my mucus plug this afternoon (sorry TMI) and I've been cramping/contracting since I left the doc office earlier.

Looking Forward To: Finally holding baby boy in my arms...I cannot wait!!!!!

Be sure to check out the video for more info ;-)

XOXO,

One Month Ago

2013-01-11T07:57:00.000-06:00

Happy Friday!! I swear it's been the longest week of my life but I'm so glad it's over. These pictures were taken exactly one month ago. If someone would have told me then that I'd still be pregnant at 41 weeks, I wouldn't have believed them. What can I say?! Here I am, still pregnant and going crazy in the meantime...

Sweater : Gap

Skirt : Motherhood Maternity ~ Boots: Ross

This will probably be the last time you see a pregnant outfit post because lately I haven't really been feeling the prettiest. My daily wardrobe consists of leggings with Uggs and my everything seems to be swollen. You should be thankful that I don't want to subject you to all that...it's not a good look!

Anywho, enjoy your weekend ;-)

Happy New Year!!

2013-01-02T09:01:00.001-06:00

Hey there! Long time no see right?! I hope you had a wonderful holiday and are ready to get back into the swing of things. Still no baby. He's technically not due until Friday but I thought maybe he would grace us with his presence a little earlier...not so much, he's taking his sweet little time.

Dress : Seraphine Maternity ~ Booties : Bakers ~ Earrings : H&M ~ Bracelets : Forever 21

Oh course I didn't go anywhere for New Years Eve but if I did, I would have worn this. These pictures are actually from our company Christmas party last month (at 36 weeks prego). I had completely forgotten about them until the other day when I realized they were never posted...oops. Better late than never I guess ;-)

What do you think?

XOXO,

37 Weeks Pregnant

2012-12-18T22:50:00.003-06:00

Hey Peeps! It's crunch time right about now. I can't believe my due date is in 2 weeks and 3 days. Ahhhhhh, I just wish he would come out already ;-) Anyway, it's time for another prego update.

How Far Along? 37 weeks and 4 days.

Total Weight Gain/Measurements: I'm measuring about 46.5 around my belly button.

Maternity Clothes: How about I just bought a maternity coat!! Although I will probably only get a good 2 weeks out of it, I'm okay with that fact that I no longer have to walk around with the too small jacket and scarf look. Not cute or effective!

Stretch Marks: Ugh, unfortunately they showed up a couple weeks ago. It's only like 6 of them but it still makes me sad...not happy about that :-(

Sleep: Uncomfortable but at least I'm still getting it.

Best Moment This Week: We had our "BabyMoon" in Nashville this past weekend...it was pretty awesome!!

Miss Anything? Generally everything, but my nose is currently at the top of the list. Does anybody know what causes it to get so big??

Movement: All the time...poor thing has got to be getting cramped up in there.

Food Cravings: Umm orange juice which I've NEVER been a fan of so that's kind of strange.

Symptoms: I can't get comfortable, ever. I have some sort of cold situation that I can't get rid of because I can't take any good medicine for it. Swelling in my fingers, ankles and toes (I've even stopped wearing my wedding ring O_o) Oh and my husband told me last night that I waddle like a penguin...cute right?!

Labor Signs: Not a single thing!! I'm getting nervous about that too. I sure hope he doesn't decide to stay in longer.

Looking Forward To: Birthing this baby, like yesterday!!!!!

Be sure to check out the video for more info ;-)

XOXO,

Sunday Stripes

2012-12-17T10:38:00.001-06:00

Happy Monday!! Can you believe Christmas will be here next week?? I cannot. I can't even believe that my little one will be here shortly there after (hopefully). Where does the time go?? Anyway, this look is from a Sunday, probably a whole month ago though...my belly is much bigger now ;-)

Sweater : Gap ~ Slacks : Motherhood Maternity ~ Boots : Ross

Enjoy your Monday!! See you back Wednesday for a Maternity Update!

XOXO,

Manicure Monday - Cha Ching

2012-12-10T09:00:00.000-06:00

It's a Monday and you know what that means, time for another No-Chip Manicure. Last Friday my company had our annual Christmas party so I decided to be a little festive with my nails. Christmas time calls for bright red right?! This was the first time I used this shade of Gem Crush and I must say that I was fan.

Sally Hansen 02 Cha-Ching

Sally Hansen 01 Beaming

Although the plan was to use it for my full manicure, I decided that the accent nail was a better look for the evening. Maybe I'll try it that way next time. What do you think? Do you have a go to holiday color for your nails? If so, I'd love to hear about it.

Enjoy your day!

Our Story

2012-12-07T13:25:00.001-06:00

Hey there, Happy Friday!! I've been looking forward to this day for what seems like forever, lol. I live for the weekends (if you couldn't already tell). Plus our Company Christmas Party is tonight so that should be fun ;-)

So here's the thing, my husband & I make weekly vlogs on my YouTube channel (if you've been a reader for awhile you already knew that). We get lots of questions about everything so last year we decided to start something called "Couch Conversations" to address our FAQs.

How about it has taken us a whole year to do our first one...hot mess! We decided to start with the beginning and let everyone know how we made it to the Happiest Day of Our Lives. So if you're interested, check it out.

Enjoy your weekend ;-)

XOXO,

Green Pants

2012-12-05T09:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Hump Day!! I'm not one of many words today, so I think I'll let my pants do all the talking.

Cardigan : Target ~ Top : Old Navy ~ Pants : H&M Maternity ~ Boots : The Santee Alley (LA)

Enough said right?! Have a good one ;-)

Manicure Monday - Haze of Love

2012-12-03T10:02:00.000-06:00

Hey there now, Happy Monday!! It's about that time for a new No-Chip Manicure. I know it's been a minute but lately I've been over my nail polish collection. Do you ever go through that? I finally decided to check out CVS to see what I could find and fortunately I left with two new colors! Here's the first one...

Wet n Wild 215B Haze of Love

I wasn't sure how the color would come out but I was pleasantly surprised. The application was very smooth and the two coats gave me just the look I was going for. Oh and did I mention it was only $2...can we say completely sold?!

What do you think? Have you ever used the Wet n Wild Megalast line before? If so, let me know what you thought about it.

Later Gators,

33 Weeks Pregnant

2012-11-21T07:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Wednesday!! I'm so ready to get this holiday vacation started and eat me some good turkey ;-) We'll be getting on the road to Alabama in no time, YAY! Anyway, it's about that time for another pregnancy update so here goes...

How Far Along? 33 weeks and 5 days.

Total Weight Gain/Measurements: Still not ready to disclose this info but I am measuring at 44.5 around my belly button.

Maternity Clothes: Every single time I say I'm done buying maternity wear, I buy something else. Like the other weekend I went a little crazy in Old Navy but seeing as how I really don't have that much longer, I think it's time to stop...for real, for real.

Stretch Marks: Still nothing, fingers crossed!

Sleep: It's not the most comfortable, but I'm still able to sleep through the night.

Best Moment This Week: Hearing the little one's heartbeat at our appointment ;-)

Miss Anything? Always but these days it's sleeping on my stomach.

Movement: Very much so, he sometimes gets going and my belly takes on all kinds of shapes. It's pretty awesome!

Food Cravings: A couple weeks ago it was plantains, now I think it's back to pizza.

Symptoms: Out of breath still, stuffy nose, finding it hard to get up/roll over/sit up without assistance.

Labor Signs: Nope!

Looking Forward To: Finishing up the nursery, it's funny how this process is exciting but still kind of stressful at the same time.

Be sure to check out the video for more info and have a wonderful Thanksgiving ;-)

XOXO,

Favorite Fall Maxi

2012-11-19T12:14:00.001-06:00

Hello there good people!! Happy Monday and Happy 3 Day Work Week...YAY ;-) If you're not excited about the holiday then I don't know what to tell you.

Maxi : Old Navy Maternity ~ Sandals : Steve Madden

This look is from about a month ago. I fell in love with this dress as soon as I tried it on but could never figure out how to wear it because it just didn't look right with boots. So I waited until one of those fluke weekends where the weather was just warm enough for me to break out the sandals again. Once it finally came, I went for it and I'm oh so glad I did because this look came together perfectly! What do you think?

Have a fantastic Monday!!

XOXO,

Weird & Wonderful Wednesday

2012-11-14T09:42:00.002-06:00

Happy Wednesday!!

Weird:

* The recliner that I ordered vs the recliner that showed up at my house...not a good look.

* Starting to feel stressed the closer I get to the due date. Still need to clean my house to get it ready for guests, gotta finish the nursery decor, need to pack a hospital bag, etc etc etc. So much to do, so little time!!!

* 3rd trimester symptoms coming back - I can feel my energy slipping away from me daily.

* Giving away things that I never thought I would part ways with. Not sure what has come over me but I just want to get rid of all my junk and start over. No more clutter!!

Cardigan : Forever 21 ~ Tank : H&M ~ Jeans : Motherhood Maternity ~ Boots : ShoeDazzle

Wonderful:
* This Friday I'll be 33 weeks!!! Where did the time go??
* Having all nursery furniture (minus the new recliner) assembled & ready for decoration is exciting.
* Baby Shower #2 last week at the office was a success. We had tons of fun and my little man got even more gifts. He's so blessed already ;-)
* 3 day work week coming up...YAY!! We're spending Thanksgiving with the hubby's family in Alabama and I'm actually pretty excited about it. It's been months since we last seen them.
* Black Friday - oh yes, it's going down!!

So tell me everything that's been going on in your world these days. Can't wait to hear about it!!

Later Gators,

Manicure Monday - Glitz Gal

2012-11-12T09:51:00.001-06:00

Hello there, Happy Monday!! I'm back with another Manicure Monday. I took a break and actually wore my bare nails for a couple weeks during the last month which explains the absence of these posts. Last night I finally decided to get my life together and do a No-Chip Manicure to show off.

Wet N' Wild 237C Gray's Anatomy

Sally Hansen 08 Glitz Gal Gem Crush

The original plan was to just use the top color but after 3 coats and a still very sheer color, I decided to spice it up with some sparkle. Last year I created a similar look using different polish brands - here. I've also used this gem crush before with a blue base months ago - here.

Out of the three combinations, this one is the winner (at least in my eyes). What do you think?

Enjoy your day!

XOXO,

Hot Mama Style

2012-11-02T10:07:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday!! Aren't you glad it's time for the weekend? I am ;-) We've been getting nursery furniture delivered all week so we have plenty to keep us busy. This look is from my baby shower two weekends ago.

Dress : Liz Lange for Target Maternity

Pumps : Target

The color and fit of this dress was perfect...super impressed with Target Maternity!! I have to admit that I felt pretty amazing. Getting dolled up to spend time with my closest family and friends was so much fun!! We had a wonderful time. If you'd like to see the highlights from my big day, check out the video below.

Have a fantastic weekend and I'll see you back Monday for a new manicure ;-)

Chilly Sunday

2012-10-29T09:46:00.000-05:00

Good Morning! This was my Sunday look from a couple weeks ago...before the temperature completely dropped. Oh and of course I'm featuring the black pair of my Fall Favorite boots ;-)

Cardigan : Charlotte Russe ~ Tank : Ross

Skirt : CT Maternity via Zulily ~ Boots : Bakers

Enjoy this wonderful day!!

XOXO,

Fall Favorite

2012-10-25T09:20:00.001-05:00

Well hello there! This past week has been extremely busy with getting the nursery together, traveling, having my baby shower (which turned out perfect - I'll be sharing more later) and all that jazz. I'm back now though...I think. It's amazing how one week feels like an eternity in blogger land. At any rate, this will be a quick post to show off my favorite part of my not so favorite season...BOOTS!!! It's finally time to break these puppies out and I couldn't be happier.

Top : Forever 21 ~ Leggings : Ross

Cardigan : Target ~ Boots : Bakers

I love these boots so much that I also own them in black. No surprise there right?! For whatever reason, I have developed a special relationship with boots...ankle, calf, knee or thigh high. I love them all. Oh and don't let them have a wedge heel, I'm completely sold! In my opinion they are the best accessory you can have for the colder months. Don't you agree?

What are your favorite fall items?? Do tell!

Until Next Time,

28 Week Pregnancy Update

2012-10-16T07:53:00.002-05:00

Hey Friends!! It's been a minute but I'm back with another pregnancy update, YAY! I decided to blog & vlog this time around so let me know what you think ;-)

How Far Along? 28 weeks and 4 days. I've officially made it to the 3rd trimester...woo-hoo!! Time is passing by so quickly, I can't believe it.

Total Weight Gain/Measurements: Yeah let's just say more than enough, lol. Although, I did measure around my belly button sometime last week and it was about 44 inches!

Maternity Clothes: Of course! I just went shopping last week for more dress pants and shirts. I find that getting dressed for church is becoming quite difficult. Since it's fall, maxi dresses aren't cutting it.

Stretch Marks: No, thank God. Let's hope it stays that way.

Sleep: It's not the best but I guess it could be worse. I have a huge body pillow that helps.

Best Moment This Week: Seeing the nursery come together. Babe is almost finished with the painting!

Miss Anything? Let's see...wine, dirty martinis, my clothes and heels :-(

Movement: Oh yes, this baby is active these days. It's still sporadic but I notice it the most after I eat. He did move after hearing his grandmommy talk to him on speaker phone last night...that was pretty special!!

Food Cravings: Hmm, not so much. Well here lately I've been ordering sweet tea when we go out to eat. I normally get water so that's pretty random.

Symptoms: Out of breath still, stuffy nose, finding it hard to get up/roll over/sit up without assistance.

Labor Signs: Not yet!

Looking Forward To: Going home for my baby shower this weekend, I can't wait!!

Be sure to check out the video for more details ;-)

XOXO,

Snakeskin & Lace

2012-10-10T09:00:00.000-05:00

Hey Peeps!!

Lace Top & Tank : H&M

Jeans : Motherhood Maternity

Earrings & Necklace : Thrifted ~ Bracelet : Forever 21

Sunnies & Snakeskin Pumps : Target

Have a fantastic Wednesday ;-)

XOXO,

Manicure Monday - Tightrope

2012-10-08T11:29:00.001-05:00

Happy Monday!! This week I had the pleasure of trying yet another Circus nail polish shade that was sent in my September Ipsy Glam Bag (formally MyGlam). I'm sure you remember the white polish I ranted and raved about here, which is also from the same line.

Circus Tightrope

For whatever reason, my camera wasn't picking up the true color so I had to resort to taking a pic with my iPhone. Don't mind the less than desirable image below!

I love this color because it has the whole jewel tone fall trend going on but what I don't like is how I did this No-Chip Manicure on Friday and as of today, I have 3 + chipped nails. Not a good look at all!! I didn't have this problem with the other shade so I'm not exactly sure what happened here.

Guess I'll be doing my nails again tonight. Have you ever tried this brand? If so, what did you think of it?

Enjoy your Monday ;-)

Greek Pita Pizzas

2012-10-04T09:00:00.000-05:00

For the past month, the hubby & I have been trying out eMeals and let me say that we are super impressed. It's a weekly meal planning service that has eight different menu options to choose from, such as low-fat, clean eating and vegetarian to name a few. The service is pretty inexpensive and has proven to be the best thing that's ever happened to our dinnertime! So far we haven't had a meal that we didn't enjoy. This particular recipe is one our favorites...please try it out and let me know what you think!

Ingredients

1 tbsp olive oil

1⁄2 tsp oregano

8 oz can tomato sauce

2 tsp Greek seasoning

12 oz pkg pita bread

1⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese

3⁄4 lb extra-lean ground beef

2 oz can sliced black olives, drained

2 plum or roma tomatoes, thinly sliced

4 oz pkg shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Directions

*Preheat oven to 400 degrees

*Cook beef until browned in a large skillet

*Add tomato sauce and greek seasoning

*Cook for 5 minutes over medium

*Mix olive oil & oregano together - brush over pitas

*Bake pitas for 5 minutes

*Remove pitas and top with shredded cheese, meat, tomato, olives & feta

*Bake an additional 10-12 minutes until heated throughout

Enjoy ;-)

City Stripes

2012-10-02T09:02:00.000-05:00

Hey there! Can you believe it's October already?? I promise it was just June! Anyway, this look is from a couple weeks ago. I finally got the chance to wear one of my purchases from NYC. Shopping there wasn't as fun because it was hard finding pieces that would work now and still fit cute after the baby, but I was able to find a few things. After falling in love with the flow of this blouse and the detail on the back, I was sold!

Blouse : NYC Boutique ~ Pants : Motherhood Maternity

Bag : ShoeDazzle ~ Shoes : Madden Girl

Have a fantastic day and be sure to stop by tomorrow for a new recipe ;-)

Lots of Love,