Happy New Year (and no baby yet...)

Hi guys, just checking in! No baby yet, we are on Day 3 of BabyWatch since she had the official EDD of January 2nd.

Went to the midwife, body is not really showing signs of being ready; tomorrow I am going for an NST and biophysical workup to ensure the baby is doing well and I am providing a good home for her for now. But I am not too worried. An EDD is an estimated due date, and I can feel my body adjusting and changing every day so I don't think it will be much longer.

Yesterday I ventured out and got a pedicure (OPI, will have to report back with the color but it's a hot pink very similar to the accent color for the nursery) and a brow wax. Amazing how little things like that can totally change your outlook. I feel much more positive! Also on New Year's Eve I took a very long bath, gave my hair a deep conditioning treatment (some sample from Ojion) and a face mask (good old Milk of Magnesia - never tried it before) and that helped a lot too.

My hair seems really happy from being air dried - yesterday I took a bath after washing my hair like normal. Think the steam and having it piled on my head did wonders for I had these silky shiny curls all day long. My hair is getting really long and I think in the New Year I will let it get long and a bit wild/kinky. My hair always is more manageable and curlier when longer and think by summer it could look pretty cool and be around my shoulder blades. As for product, I am still fiercely loyal to Pureology hydrate shampoo and conditioner (the ones in the purple bottles) and Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk (very small amount scrunched and let to air dry). I just bought refills yesterday since there was a salon next to the nail salon that carried both brands.

I was getting some weird breakouts but switched from my Body Shop Moisture White face cleansing powder to Avalon Organics Vitamin C Refreshing Cleansing Gel and my skin seems far happier. Usually in the winter I have sensitive and very dry skin but with the pregnancy I have been oilier and I think a bit more... durable. I still only wash at night and just use rosewater witch hazel to cleanse in the morning. For moisture, at night I am using Body Shop's Vitamin E Night Cream, daytime is Keihl's SPF 15 moisturizer, and eyes it is the Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift, which is a gel for the upper eye and a cream for the lower eye. Relatively happy with all of them, though both the day and night moisturizers are just from using what is on hand and trying to clean out the linen closet and medicine cabinet before I purchase anything new. So if any of you have moisturizers that you think are the Holy Grail, I would love to hear about them!

As for the Avon ANEW Clinical Eye Lift... I do like it. I love the gel/cream combo because nothing is left to be greasy, or cause puffiness. A little goes a long way, my eyes never feel irritated, and makeup goes on easily without fading or slipping later in the day. I don't think it has transformed my eye area, but I do notice that when I don't use it for a day or two my eye area is a bit more sensitive, red, and dry (which makes my bagginess and beginning of lines more pronounced). I have a friend who started selling Avon this summer; if she hadn't I wouldn't have tried any of their products because I just have a negative opinion of the brand from childhood. However everything OI have tried thus far has been at least as good as a drug store brand, if not better. The prices are fantastic, and they usually have some deal with free shipping so Avon has become relatively appealing to me in the past few months. :)

As for the New Year, I didn't really decide to make a ton of resolutions because I never keep them and then just end up with guilt. However through this pregnancy I have learned a lot about myself and other people and hope to adjust myself a bit in the New Year based on these observations.

I will be a more giving friend. I think I am a pretty good friend, but I am a cautious/shy one. With the pregnancy, my father in law's death, the house remodel, I have seen many people we know just step up to the situation. The day we found out about my husband's dad a couple we are close with showed up at 4pm with two frozen lasagnas, two loaves of garlic bread, a few bags of chips and bottles of soda and some DVDs. They didn't call, they didn't ask what we needed, they just came. They brought what they would appreciate if in the same situation and it was so sweet of a gesture. It was also nice to not have to think about what to make for dinner. the wife just preheated my oven and got to work, the husband immediately started the DVD player trying to get my husband into conversation and laughter.

We had similar experiences from others the past few months that make us so grateful and feel so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing souls. In 2009, I would like to be even more like one of those souls - to stop waiting to find out where I am needed and find the need. To not hesitate, thinking I may do the wrong thing. For when one is in need, it's not as much about what is given as that something is given. And I desire to be a more openly giving person.

I will be more active. A little over a year ago, I was going kigong twice a week and yoga 2-4 times a week. I was trying to live a more simple life, often walking to the market with my rolling cart instead of driving the half mile. My husband and I would go on hikes or rides on our tandem bike on Sundays. I got down to where I could occasionally wear a size 10, I felt great in my body, had good energy and spirit.

Somehow, I lost a lot of that. Yoga dropped to 1-2 times a week and a couple half-hearted sun salutations each morning. The couch somehow became more comfortable and the tandem bike is covered with dust. It didn't help that I had serious RLP from walking starting my second trimester and then was forced on bed rest.

Actually, I see bed rest as a blessing because it showed how desperately my figure needs movement and exercise. Diet is fine, but I have a body that responds more so to exercise - when I move, I feel better, I lose weight faster, I crave different foods and feel more myself and less punished. I am antsy, day dreaming about hikes in the woods, swimming laps at the indoor pool in town, riding the tandem on back roads in the country, even my work commute and the walk in the city. As I have always felt, I don't care about what size I wear or what the scale says. It's about having a body that works well - that can get me around town, can help me enjoy outdoor vacations, that will let me keep up with this daughter that will arrive any day, and keep me strong enough to see her grow up and become an adult.

I know exercise will have to come slow after the baby arrives - but even 10 minute daily walks around the block will be seen as a decadent treat after bed rest. I am okay with taking it slow - no major goals to fit into certain things by certain dates. Just about regaining the strength of me two years ago and continuing down such a path.

I will be more mindful of my health. In the same vein as the previous goal, but more about what I consume. I think I eat far more healthy than most people I know but I know I can do better. I love to cook - I need to do it more often. Eating more seasonally, getting further from the cheeses and pastas and trying new grains and vegetables. When I consume alcohol, to have it be worthy of my time - quality wine that is savored not gulped, etc. To be more mindful of what I put in my mouth and make each sip or bite deserving and worth it.

Well I should take my afternoon nap so I can keep this BP nice and low for tomorrow's NST! :)

No Baby Yet...

Tomorrow morning I have my weekly appointment and will find out how dilated I am.

No real stuff going on that makes me think labor is happening soon - none of the symptoms, not even any Braxton Hicks. Just tired and achy and antsy. Hip joints, back and knees are getting a bit sick of this state of pregnancy, but mentally I am okay if she sticks around a few more days or so.

House is almost complete. Supposedly the kitchen sink and counters will be installed tomorrow - this is the third date they have given us and it sucks to have a kitchen almost complete except for open drawers and exposed dishwasher and no water. Sigh.

They have completed one coat of paint in the nursery, just need a second coat, chair rail, install the fan light and clean up the wood floors and it will be complete.

Once it's finished I will take pictures; I just feel like right now it doesn't look great because there's pantry and kitchen stuff in the living room, a dozen cans of paint and our old fridge in the dining room, stacks of stuff awaiting furniture in the office, etc.

It's hard because I see so much I want to do and cannot do it because I am on bed rest. Each time I go downstairs I take a handful of plates and kitchen stuff; when I come upstairs I bring some laundry or books. But that's all I can do and I wake at 3am making lists of what needs to be accomplished before the baby arrives. :)

On the fashion front, it's pretty sad. I am down to very few items that fit me and are comfortable - my Old Navy ponte trousers are still a staple; I usually match them with some jersey or tee shirt style top from Gap or Old Navy. Though my blood pressure is under control, I still have swollen ankles and feet so I am living in slippers, Crocs or bare feet around the house and am... *GASP* leaving the house in the Crocs. I know! I hate myself for doing it, but I just don't have anything else left that still fits and I just can't stomach purchasing shoes now that may be the wrong size in a couple of weeks.

Hair is air dry except for the bangs to encourage the curl. Makeup is Philosophy's The Supernatural mineral foundation in Beige, The Clinique shadow duo in Like Mink, Cover Girl LashBlast mascara in Rich Black and either Clinique Long Wear lipstick in Beauty or Bare Escentuals Buxom lip gloss in Dolly. I keep these pieces in my purse because my dressing table is not put together and I keep my purse next to my bed for easy access.

Hope everyone is well and enjoying the holiday season!

Merry Christmas!

To those that celebrate this holiday, I wish you a Merry Christmas!

Not much is new here... still on bedrest, still no baby. The house is going well - yesterday they installed the kitchen cabinets and appliances. No sink or counters, but the fridge, range and microwave are working! We should have the rest within a week. It's really coming together which is exciting.

Christmas had me cheat on bedrest - we went to my mom's for breakfast and to open presents. We then came home so I could take a long nap, and we went back for dinner and hanging out. We kept the crowd small this year since we didn't know what state I would be in (and if we would have an additional family member). Just immediate family.

Got some fun things - two surprisingly stylish nursing clothing (a tank and a dress), a ton of knee high socks from my sister (I ADORE knee socks under trousers and tall boots and she got me the coolest patterns), I got the Nars Monoi Body Glow II which is so decadent and smells like elegant summer. Five years ago we only received seven place settings of our wedding flatware from Crate & Barrel and I received three more sets which was wonderful. Got some other lovely things, and was glad to see people happy with what I bought them. :)

Ruckus got a rope twisted frisbee of sorts from my mom and was gnawing on it earlier and is now napping on the floor with his face and paw protectively over it. I ordered him an LL Bean dog bed to celebrate the new house but it hasn't yet arrived. We're listening to some new CDs my husband got (NIN, Kings of Leon, Legendary Pink Dots, PJ Harvey, TV on the Radio).

Yesterday our new mattress arrived. Embarrassed to admit it, but we have been sleeping on a mattress that we inherited from my husband's mom... and she passed away a bit over a decade ago. I have been waking up in pain, and he has been having back and neck issues. We figured a new mattress was a better investment than regular massages and chiropractor appointments so we researched, price compared and finally got one. This morning was the first time in MONTHS that I woke up and was able to walk instead of hobble to the bathroom. We decided this was a better purchase than new living room furniture, so we will be enjoying our "new" home with our old furniture for a while longer. No worries... today as I waited for my husband to finish letting the dog out/play with him outside before we returned to my mom's house, I sat at my dining table facing my new kitchen, marveling at all the light, the angles, the colors, the beauty of it. And really, I love it even with my old just-out-of-college IKEA furniture that hardly fills the space. Just having all the room and conveniences of a modern home is so wonderful.

I think they will finish the baby's room before Monday so we can bring the crib, clothes and all the baby stuff from my mom's and settle in. Pretty exciting!

I don't know how much I will be online this holiday week, but I will try to at least post (or have my sister post for me) when the baby arrives! :) If I don't speak to you beforehand, happy new year everyone! Have fun, be safe and be well!

Online Addictions

One thing with being pregnant and then being on bed rest... your laptop becomes your dearest friend.

Yes, it is great to IM with friends, visit Facebook and see what is up with old classmates, chat on message boards and check email... but the shopping it totally heavenly.

I started Christmas shopping in July because I knew as I got closer to the holidays I wouldn't have the mind or the time to shop. At least 80% of my shopping was done online- better prices, better variety and usually I could get free shipping, or at least a kick-back from Ebates to balance the shipping fee.

Well it expanded - the only maternity clothes I purchased in an actual brick and mortar store were a pair of pants from Target. Everything else was online. For the baby - we decided to cloth diaper and each paycheck I would scour the 'net for some fabulous sale or gently used stock to add to my collection.

And then Drugstore.com... oh how I love you so. First, you are partnered with Ebates so I get money back for each purchase. Second, your prices are usually cheaper than Target or CVS. Third, you always give me money towards a purchase or free shipping to lure me back. Fourth, you are partnered with Beauty.com so I can get witch hazel, designer cologne for my husband, red raspberry leaf teabags, prenatal vitamins, foundation primer and bubble bath all in one shipment to my house. Oh, and FAST shipping too!

Then there are sites like Etsy that are worse than meth - so terribly addictive. Not just for adorable baby things, but holiday gifts, eco-friendly home products, and one of a kind jewelry and fashions.

Now that I am bed-ridden and we do not have a TV in our bedroom (and due to the remodel we currently do not have channels/cable available on our only TV which resides in the living room), I am a huge fan of sites like Hulu.com, instant watch films on Netflix, and other sites that let me catch up with what is going on with my favorite series (today my husband and I snuggled in bed and caught the season finale of Dexter).

Yesterday after my weekly maternity appointment, my Mom and I went to the mall down the street to grab dinner at California Pizza Kitchen. She dropped me off at the curb because even at 8:30 on a Thursday, the parking lot was insane. The wait was 15 minutes for a table (far less than Cheesecake Factory or Macaroni Grill), and the mall was PACKED with people carrying bags and bags and bags. Everyone looked exhausted, stressed, and over the holiday spirit. I thought about my presents that arrived via USPS and UPS that I wrapped earlier in the day. The only stress was worrying that the delivery guy would still drop off the package at my torn up construction site of a yard.

It is a sad world we live in where so many people are recluses, hiding in their homes and living out their social lives via places like SecondLife. However I don't think that modern technology is all bad. I worked retail for a very long time and spent almost a decade of my life experiencing the holiday season from the insides of a mall. I thought it would feel amazing to be on the other side of that cash wrap once I left the field. Not so much... in fact once I left retail I almost completely left the mall. I think I visit a classic mall less than five times a year. This year I went three times - once before I was pregnant, once with my friend to help her find new trousers and update her wardrobe, and once on Black Friday where I stayed for less than two hours and didn't purchase a single thing. Social interaction is not at its best in the shopping arena and I feel that the time and stress I save from shopping online gives me more opportunity to have proper quality time with quality people.

I type this as my husband takes his shower; I have a Netflix movie queued up in another tab and have just lotioned up my face, hands and feet for bed with creams from Body Shop online and Drugstore.com. The sheets and comforter on my bed, the curtains on my windows, the yoga pants I wear and even the laptop I am using all came from online shopping. It's a pretty grand existence - one that is far less stressful, frazzled or full thanks to my scary online addictions. :)

Holding On To The Past

I become emotionally attached to clothing. I think many of us do - I surely see it when I do closet clean-outs and wardrobe makeovers. People who cling to dresses three sizes too small, jeans with zipper ankles, Doc Martens, concert tee shirts because they remind the owner of a happy occasion.

With a max of four possible weeks left in this pregnancy, I have started packing up some of my maternity clothes. I know a few pieces will still be worn a couple weeks after the baby, but I packed up the items from the warmer months, or the pieces that just won't be likely to be worn any time soon (hello skirt suit and tankini).

My plan was to sell that which I didn't really love, and carefully pack that which I did in the attic. I try to inventory that which goes in the attic - I make a list which goes at the top of the container for easy reference, and label the outside of the container so I don't have to yank open everything to find last summer's shorts.

Well a friend found out recently that she is pregnant and due in June. I just can't let these nice clothes sit in an attic until whenever, if ever I get pregnant again. So I re-invetorized my maternity wardrobe, not separating for sale. I figure I will let her use whatever works for her, and then afterwards decide what to sell.

As my husband slept, I put my pregnancy insomnia to good use and locked myself in my closet (oh yeah baby, I so need to take a picture of my new closet for you guys - I can sit in it!) and re-went through all my maternity clothes that will not be in current rotation. Some I hardly realized I even owned, some I won't miss (hello white jeans from Ann Taylor Loft that seemed to grow a size with every washing), and some... well some almost made me tear up.

As with regular wardrobes, there are just some pieces you purchase without much of a thought that become a major part of your life. For me, it was my pink print matte jersey dress from Motherhood.

It was August, I went to Rehoboth Beach with my mom and sister for our annual girls' getaway. We stopped at the Motherhood Maternity outlet. I have despised maternity clothing stores my entire pregnancy and just looked at the over crowded racks of acrylic sweaters and wanted to run as fast as I could. My sister however started digging through racks, trying to find great style at a great bargain. She came across this dress. It was my size, and it was only $9.99. I am not one for loud prints, but I decided to try it.

It fit, and it was cute.

Two months later, it still fit and still was cute.

If it weren't 40 degrees outside, it would most likely still be worn, still fit and still be cute.

This dress was an easy go-to piece for me. It flattered my pregnant figure, it was cheery colors, it didn't itch or bind but made me look appropriate for baby showers, nights out, work, and anything where yoga pants weren't allowed. Every time I wore it, I received compliments from strangers. People told me I was a cute pregnant person, and my skin was glowing. Each time I put it on, my husband would smile and tell me how beautiful I was pregnant.

It's so tempting to keep it in the closet... maybe I can still carry it off with a cardigan and leggings? Maybe it would still fit post-baby? Should I really lend it to a friend - what if it gets damaged?

Then I think of those tapered jeans, sequined tanks and fuzzy snowflake sweaters in the closets of my clients and friends. Those pieces that people hang on to from when they were smaller, younger, more daring, more sociable. They hardly ever see the light of day, and if the owner does get down to that size or back to that lifestyle - the item no longer is flattering or stylish. This dress, which got me through so much of my pregnancy may be something I find utterly repulsive in a couple of years. This dress, which brought me confidence and happiness could provide joy for another mother-to-be instead of collecting dust in my closet or attic.

Some times I think about clothes I no longer own and wish I still had them. Why did I get rid of my The Smiths tee shirt? Those perfectly worn vintage jeans from Moondoggies in College Park, that ivory Victorian lace blouse I used to wear with just a simple bra (oh yeah, the early '90s - but I could sport it now with a camisole!)? Then I remember - I got rid of them because it was time. I know I don't donate and toss willy-nilly, so there must have been a good reason. Maybe they were damaged, maybe they went out of fashion, maybe my memories of the garment are better than the actual thing.

Maybe we all are holding onto the past in our closets. Last night I took everything from my old closet and moved it into my new one, switching our dry cleaning hangers for proper ones, having everything hang in the right direction, and re-examining that which I felt deserved precious closet real estate. I ended up removing about five items that just were not proper style or quality. The year is ending, just a couple of weeks and we will be in 2009. What in your closet is not worthy of your new year self?

Green IS the New Black

Hey guys, bed-ridden Allie here going a bit out of her mind. :) I miss blogging, so I decided to write about something I have gotten more passionate about over the years - finding ways to be green and frugal while still maintaining style and fun in life.

Yes, it really is possible to marry the two. One does not have to grow out her armpit hair and cover B.O. with patchouli to be eco-friendly and wallet-friendly. In fact, many green efforts can be quite beautiful.

1. Crunchy Clean. This stuff is AWESOME. It is a laundry detergent sold on Etsy and Hyena Cart. You need very little (1-2 tablespoons per large load) and it smells utterly divine. There are so many fragrances to choose from – I had Baby Bee and it smelled like baby clothes but was nice for adult garments too. Got a… rosemary and bergamot that I didn’t like because it was too masculine but now have Crisp & Candied for the holiday season and it is delish. The line also has a special detergent for cloth diapers that cleans without soap buildup (causes cloth diapers to repel moisture). The cost ends up being like 35 cents per load – far cheaper than any decent detergent at the grocery store. Also it is shipped with little packaging – less waste (the seller even will give you 50 cents off your next order if you return the bag from the previous order). I currently keep it in the plastic bag, but once the laundry room is finished will go to Goodwill to get some old glass candy jars to store the product nicely.

2. Dryer Balls. Fabric softener makes fabric less absorbent and sometimes irritates the skin (and are extra bottles and shipping costs). Dryer sheets are just extra waste. What to do to prevent static cling but be eco friendly? Dryer balls.

Dryer balls can come in various forms - nubby rubber, vented plastic, tightly wound wool yarn, etc. When they go in the dryer with your clothes, they help fabrics move, prevent static ling and creasing. Once can also use tennis balls but they make quite a racket (har har, I said RACKET). Dryer balls are a gentler version.

Another option is if your washer offers a rinse cycle – a tiny bit of vinegar will prevent most static cling and keep your fabrics nice and soft!

3. Dr. Bronner's Castile Soap. One bottle can wash your body, your hands, your husband’s hair, your sink, your tub, your baby’s bum, your makeup brushes, your dog, and more. It’s a soap made from essential oils so it doesn’t strip and isn’t full of scary chemicals.

My husband likes the peppermint for his body, I prefer the citrus or almond scents for me. I use the peppermint with baking soda to clean the bathroom, the unfragranced to wash Ruckus. 10% Dr. Bronner’s and 90% water mixed in a foaming hand soap container will replace your Softsoap, Method or Dial. One drop will remove all oils and product from the most expensive of makeup brushes. My husband uses this stuff to wash his hair (he’s low maintenance) and it cleans it without drying it out. You need very very little to get the job done.

I personally love being able to take the bottle of body wash, squeeze some on the tub, sprinkle down some baking soda, push around a sponge, rinse and immediately be able to take a bath. No worries that I am soaking in weird chemicals or tub filth. I also like that if I wash Ruckus, I don’t worry that he will wash himself and end up lapping up leftover soap.

4. Make Your Own Stock. How awesome does your house smell on Thanksgiving? Well you can have that great smell on a more regular basis while getting rid of random vegetable scraps, turkey and chicken carcasses and leftovers AND fill your freezer with lovely homemade stock (which will make food taste great AND make your freezer work less hard to keep everything else cold).

Get some heavy-duty freezer bags. It’s worth it to splurge on the good ones because you can reuse these bags a couple times. Put the date on the front with a sharpie, grease pencil, etc. Then as you cook, fill these bags with scraps. Cut up celery? Dump the soggy pieces, the rough edges, the base into the bag. Same with carrots, the leftover pieces of an onion, the ends of peppers. Those mushrooms that are no longer firm but not yet icky? Don’t toss them, put them in the freezer bag. Also add the leftover baby carrots that got rubbery or white, stems from fresh herbs, fresh spinach that started to wilt, edges of tomatoes that weren’t pretty enough for the salad and most any produce that would otherwise be tossed. Before you toss anything in the bag, be sure it’s clean, and it’s cut up into at least 1” chunks (makes it easier when you get around to actually making the stock).

When you have filled two gallon bags, you’re pretty much ready to start making stock (you may only need one bag if you are making a meat-based stock).

For vegetarian stock:
1. In a heavy stock pot, add a tablespoon or so of olive oil and heat.
2. Sauté the harder veggies (carrots, celery, onions, peppers), garlic and any herbs. If you don’t have all this stuff collected in your bags, you may wish to add a couple cloves of garlic, 2 bay leaves, some fresh thyme and parsley for base flavor.
3. When everything is soft, add a couple quarts of water and a teaspoon of salt. Then add any soft vegetables (spinach leaves, tomatoes).
4. Bring to a boil, then simmer at least 30 minutes (I sometimes let it go almost an hour)
5. Strain through cheesecloth and discard vegetables.

I then store it in Ziploc freezer bags, writing on the front the date and how many cups are in each bag. I usually store 2-3 cups per bag because that is how much I use in a recipe. And yes, those Ziploc baggies get washed and reused for the next go-round.

Before I became a vegetarian, I would make chicken stock every time I had roasted a chicken for a meal. Nothing better to fully get your money’s worth from a bird!

Ingredients:
• 2 1/2 pounds bony chicken pieces (usually worked to just have the chicken carcass that still had some meat and stuff still on it)
• 2 celery ribs with leaves, cut into chunks, 2 medium carrots, cut into chunks, 2 medium onions, quartered (again easily collected in the freezer with previous recipes)
• 2 bay leaves
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary, crushed
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 8 whole peppercorns
• 2 quarts cold water

Directions:
1. Place all ingredients in a large stock pot.
2. Slowly bring to a boil; reduce heat.
3. Skim foam.
4. Cover and simmer for 2 hours.
5. Strain broth.
6. Refrigerate overnight so you can skim the fat from the surface.
7. Store in freezer bags just like the veggie stock.

5. Make Your Own Dish Rags. What do you do with old tee shirts? Do you donate them to Goodwill? Throw them in the trash? Lots of time really ratty clothing that is donated is tossed in the trash. Keep stuff from the landfill and reduce your use of paper towels by making those old tees into dish and cleaning rags.

I cut off the side seams, the hem, and right across the sleeves so I end up with two squares/triangles. Then depending on if it is my husband’s XXL tee or my fitted female tee, I may cut it smaller. I usually end up with a couple of pieces a bit larger than the size of a standard paper towel. I don’t serge or hem the edges and never have trouble with fraying. I fold them up and stick them in a pail under the sink, in a drawer, a few in the linen closet upstairs. Then when I need to dust, clean up a spill, wash the dog bowl I grab one. I know some people who keep them always moist in a cleaning solution, but that seems messy and gross to me.

These rags are super handy. They are soft enough to work on delicate surfaces, they pick up dust really well, hold onto cleansers and suds nicely, help polish silver, are awesome at getting rid of the icky dust that accumulates on mini blinds and fan blades, and they can be tossed in the wash and dry super fast (I usually don’t put them in the dryer, just hang them over the dishtowel rack or a shower curtain rod and they are dry soon after). I even use them as napkins when we have messy and casual food like pizza or subs. The only thing I find they suck at is cleaning glass – even after several washes they are prone to dropping lint.

This really can be done with many other garments, but I find tees to be those that are the easiest to cut up, the fastest to go bad in the wardrobe, and the least likely to be resalable at the local thrift store and the sturdiest after many washes.

6. Bring Your Own Bag to Stores. Yes, we all know we are supposed to bring bags to the grocery store. But what about Target? Sephora? Bed, Bath and Beyond?

Nine times out of ten, I find that whatever I buy can usually fit in my purse. A lot of times things that are too big for my purse are really no easier carried with a bag (hello toilet paper, six pack of beer, small electronic already in a box). For all other times, I carry a bag IN my bag.

One year for Christmas I got one of these nylon totes that scrunches up into its own little carrying bag so it’s as small as a compact umbrella. I hardly ever used this bag except for travel – always nice to have an extra carry-on if vacation shopping got out of hand. Well now I tuck it in my purse and whip it out at any store. It’s not really a good size for groceries, but it’s perfect when purchasing one sweater, a few cosmetics, new light switch covers at Home Depot, etc. I bet already in your home you have some little tote that can fold up to almost nothing and fit in your purse!

Another great idea is to make a few produce bags. Hopefully by now you are carrying your own bags to the grocery store, but you are probably still bagging up your produce in those flimsy plastic bags that usually go straight into the trash. You don’t need to be crafty to make up some bags out of mesh, tulle, etc. to use for your apples and oranges. The bags don’t even need a drawstring – if you place them correctly in the cart and in your bag for the way home, your veggies and fruit will be protected just fine. Really, just need to sew three sides like a pillowcase – you can even have one side a print and the other a mesh (just enough for the cashier to see what you are buying).

I also found Reuseable Produce Bags at Amazon.

And really, stop and think about it. If you are purchasing just two grapefruit, no bag is needed at all. You will wash your produce when you get home, after having people manhandle it in the store, a trip on the conveyor belt and then in your bag heading home is not going to cause any worse of contamination. Most times we don’t use a produce bag at all – we save the reusable ones for things like grapes, tomatoes, leafy greens and other things that can get bruised or fall apart if not properly bagged.

7. Frequent your Local Farmers Market. For the most gorgeous produce, the most savory coffee, the freshest eggs and meats, the prettiest flowers, the coolest crafts and the tastiest breads don’t head to your local Whole Foods – find your nearby farmers market! Farmers markets are no longer just tomatoes and corn – they have such an amazing variety of everything imaginable. Heirloom versions of produce you only see on the Food Network, rare varieties of unexpected fruit, super yum bakery goods, mine even has coffee and ice cream!

Everything is very fresh, nothing is covered in wax, and you are buying that which is in season and grown on the vine. Many celebs this day are doing diets where they only eat what is grown locally and in season – this isn’t to be pretentious. It has been shown that the body is healthier and happier when eating what is correct for your specific region and season. This is also good because you are cutting down on fuel costs to refrigerate and transport food across the country (or countries), and packing materials.

Don’t forget to bring your chic shopping bag with you!

8. Carry Your Own Cup. Every coffee shop these days seems to give you some sort of deal for bringing your own cup – then why the heck don’t you do it? Even if they don’t, your own insulated travel mug is going to keep that java warm and lovely far longer than the paper one from the retailer.

I carry a Camelbak sippy water bottle with me everywhere – it’s water tight, holds 32 ounces, is a pretty teal color and keeps my pregnant self hydrated without spending dough and filling landfills with buying bottled water. At the beginning of the day I fill it with ice and a bit of water – it melts through the day giving me cold water when I need it. I carry it in a part of my bag where condensation is not a problem.

At work, I have my own coffee mug and choose to save dough by using the Starbucks-brand coffee that they have for the kitchen machines. Nothing lovelier than walking through the wintry streets of DC with a steaming cup of coffee from my favorite coffee place, but I can save several bucks (and lots of waste) by waiting until I get to work.

9. Bring Your Lunch. So easy to head to the nearby Au Bon Pain or Burger King for a quick lunch… but it’s not always the most healthy and not always the cheapest option. On top of it, you’re always ending up with tons of paper products going into the trash – from receipt to sandwich wrapper to salt packet to extra napkins.

When you bring your own lunch, you know you won’t find some stranger’s hair in your soup, you won’t have hidden oils and fats, you have more portion control, and it’s better for the planet. Bag lunches don’t have to be bologna sandwiches in paper bags – one can get quite elegant or fun with lunch preparation.

I have seen blogs just about bento lunches, vegan bag lunches, and elegant Mediterranean meals. I know I have the most joy from my lunch when I vary up what I bring. A microwavable container of minestrone soup, a piece of sourdough bread, a slice of cheese, a small square of dark chocolate, a couple olives. Leftovers seem so much nicer when in nice containers and with a cloth napkin. At my job, we have all sorts of fab condiments in the communal kitchen and fridge – from wasabi mayonnaise to pickled ginger to balsamic vinegar. If your office doesn’t do this – ask if your fellow brown-baggers if they would be interested. Saves money, saves waste, makes brown bagging better!

10. Think Before You... do most anything! When you go out to eat, how many napkins do you grab? After reading your paper (or drink your beverage or remove your meal from cardboard), do you put it in a recycling bin or the regular trash? Do you really need to buy cases of bottled water, or would your lifestyle work with a water filtration pitcher or sink attachment? Why throw all those socks and small items in the dryer - hang them over the shower curtain rod and they will be dry by next morning. Unplug those cell and iPod chargers when not in use. Buy in bulk when it makes sense (I have elegant stainless canisters for bulk-purchased brown rice, oatmeal, polenta, flour and beans). Turn down the thermostat just one degree - you won't feel it but your utility bill will. Give your hair a vacation - one day a week let it air dry instead of hitting it with the tools. Visit your local thrift store before Target - amazing the things you can find there (hello Williams Sonoma stainless measuring cups, Crate & Barrel plates, quirky pint glasses from local pubs, etc.). Do a fashion swap day with friends - everyone bring that which they no longer wear and shop from one another's wardrobes. Hit up eBay before you hit up the mall. Amazing what you can do that is so easy, but makes so much sense!

There are so so SO many other ideas - I would love to hear what some of you guys do! :)

Thursday

Ah the glamorous fashion of a woman who lounges in bed all day... (and you KNEW I just couldn't stay away!!!)

It really sucks to work from one's bed. Try to lie on your back, raise your feet, have a giant belly and type on a laptop. Yeah, not too successful. My mom is coming over today with a tray table so we can see if that may help a bit with the situation.

So wearing my gray jersey summer maternity dress from Old Navy and my oyster colored pashmina from Pashmina International.

Hair is wash and wear - I am hoping with this time I can train it to be curly again.

No makeup - my skin has really freaked out the past couple of days so I am also taking this time to let it breathe. As for shoes, to get around the construction I am sporting my sister's pair of Crocs (so glam).

Here's a picture of where I am spending my time - my new bedroom. Obviously haven't had the time to properly decorate it (it was just finished Saturday), Ruckus and I hide out here all day (that's what the sleeping bag is for - he has multiple beds of sorts all over the house so he doesn't lie down in sawdust).

You can see how I am tied to my ethernet cable because I didn't expect to be working from home consistently at this point and my work laptop is not configured to use any wireless except that of my company. Today a good friend is coming to put a cable plug into the wall near the nightstand so I won't have a trip hazard in the middle of the room.

But it's a very nice room... will be even nicer when the closet is complete, it has curtains and a new duvet, and no construction workers coming through to finish the bathroom. :)

As for the rest of the remodel - it is going very well and should be finished before Christmas. My friend and her boyfriend came over last night to bring me food and hang out and she was amazed at the change. Living here each day I see change, but I forgot how tiny and off-kilter our old house used to be. One reader asked about the age of our house - it was built in 1948, but is part of a co-op so they have forced strict standards on these houses so no issues with lead paint, asbestos, that weird old insulation that looks like dust, etc. All been taken care of before we ended up being the homeowners.

Right now there is a guy in the new master bath grouting the tile he laid yesterday, another guy in what was our old bedroom (now office) painting the second coat of leaf green to the walls. Two guys downstairs laying the remainder of the bamboo flooring that will span from front door, through dining room to living room at end of house. They have the box for the half bath's sink out so that may be installed today as well.

What is left:
- Trim for the new living room
- Install the kitchen floor
- Install new kitchen cabinets and appliances (arriving Monday)
- Finish the half bath/laundry closet combo (can't wait to have a washer and dryer again!)
- Paint nursery, add trim, wall socket and put fan light in ceiling (room currently only has a wall light and only one electric socket in the whole room)
- Finish concrete steps to front door and install exterior lights

To do if time before Christmas, if not on hold until after baby is here and Spring comes:
- Reattach old deck
- New floor for original bathroom

Our house was purchased almost a decade ago at a time that was truly a buyer's market. This seems like a large remodel and it is... but it is cheaper than purchasing a new home and will be a far sounder investment for us. I am so happy to be able to continue our memories and life experiences in this house we already loved - now just having it large enough to fully enjoy it as a family!

On a Break...

Went to the midwife yesterday and my blood pressure is very high.

I am on partial bedrest and now have to work from home.

Right now I am in an old black scoop tee and gray cropped yoga pants - both from Old Navy. I'm not feeling all that chic or stylish right about now. My house is a mess since it is all under construction (except my bedroom where I am camping out) so everything is covered with dust, my bathroom looks worse than truck stop from contractors tromping through there... point is I am not sure when I will be posting my looks again.

My due date had changed to January 2, 2009. I hope she stays in there as long as she needs - if it's until after Christmas all the better because the house will be complete by Christmas. Also... I got her a onesie that says "Capricorn" on it so I hope she doesn't arrive until after the 22nd. :)

I will post on occasion - catch up on some product reviews, let you know how the baby and I are doing, etc.

If I don't get the chance, I hope everyone has a happy and healthy holiday season!!!

Much love to all you fab folks,
Allie

This Weekend and Monday

Saturday we ran a few errands, my husband taught yoga, did some laundry at my mom's and then we went to my dear friend's house. She and her fiancé just bought a house together and it is awesome. It's an older house in a really lovely older neighborhood and in great condition.

After that, we dashed home to get ready for another friend's birthday dinner. We went to Filomena in Georgetown, and it was my first time there. The decor was insane, my sister described it as though "Christmas threw up on it." But the food was great, the crowd was fun, and it was so nice to spend time with the Birthday Boy and other friends. It snowed that night and Georgetown was so pretty. Everyone went out after dinner, but preggo moi wasn't up for it so we were home before 11pm.

Attire:
Old Navy maternity - Black matte jersey polo collar dress
Limited - Two ivory and wood beaded necklaces (one broke that night when it got caught on the bathroom stall door)
H&M - Silver necklace
Silver cuff
Sofft - Brown suede mary janes

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Dried with round brush and diffuser

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural in Beige
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Body Shop - Shimmer Cubes in Warmth
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Avon - Glimmersticks in Black
Bare Escentuals - Buxom lip gloss in Dolly

Sunday, we ran around all day doing stuff for the house. We picked out bathroom tile, got a new vacuum because ours died, did a ton of cleaning and moved into our new bedroom. Hooray! So the day was spent in a pair of Old Navy ponte pants and a scoop tee.

Monday, I am back at the office.

Attire:
Old Navy maternity - Gray jersey top, black ponte trousers
H&M - Silver necklaces
Naturalizer - Creston flats in black

Hair:
Next day, bedhead tamed with curling iron

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural in Beige
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Benefit - Lipstick in Bouquet Dive
Clinique - Shadow duo in Like Mink (lighter color)
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Black

Friday

Again working from home (well my mom's home since my house is under full construction at this point).

Attire:
Gap Maternity - Gray silky jersey top
Old Navy Maternity - black ponte trousers
Silver cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned night before
Air dry
Straightened in AM with round brush and dryer

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural foundation in Beige
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Shadow duo in Like Mink, Long Wear lipstick in Beauty (eaten off by time this picture was taken)
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Wednesday and Thursday

Wednesday:
Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Black long sleeved wrap tee, black chinos
Naturalizer - Creston flats in Black
Unknown - Purple silk scarf
H&M - Silver necklaces
Silver cuff bracelet

Hair:
Washed and conditioned night before, air dry
Straightened with round brush and dryer in the morning
BioSilk to smooth

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural foundation in Beige
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Bare Escentuals - Buxom lip gloss in Dolly
Maybelline - Shadow quad in Mocha Motion
Body Shop - Eye Color in Soft Black
Avon - Luxury eye liner in Eggplant
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Thursday:
Today I am working from home again; left leg is in pretty bad shape so I can't walk on it and have to keep it up. I am in lovely yoga pants, a black ribbed tank and my berry colored hoodie. Glamour, pure glamour.

Thanks for the heads up regarding my blog loading weird - I hope it works correctly now! :)

Tuesday

Sorry, no pics from the rest of the weekend. The house is in full upheaval so it's hard to get near a mirror without a pile of crap or a construction worker...

The belly is getting big, as are the arms, the legs, the breasts, the chins... I was shocked to find out I only gained seven pounds this past month - it feels more (and looks more) like 20. Went to the midwife yesterday, all if fine and weight if fine, so I guess I shouldn't worry or stress about it. I just feel like a whale, and I now snore even if I drift off to sleep (happens when your breasts practically touch your chin). Barely anything fits - I have the two pairs of ponte pants from Old Navy and picked up another pair from Liz Lange for Target (not as thick or nice). At home I wear old pre-pregnancy yoga pants. A couple dresses fit but most are too short now to wear without leggings or tights. It's also too cold most days to walk around town in bare legs (I put on leggings with this outfit just to walk to work). Only a month left!

Attire:
Merona for Target - Gray ponte dress
Pashmina International - Oyster pashmina
H&M - Silver necklaces
Silver cuff
Naturalizer - Creston flats in Black

Hair:
Day Two
Brushed

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural foundation in Beige
Clinique - Like Mink shadow duo (the lighter color); Almost Lipstick in Black Honey (on lips and cheeks)
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Thanksgiving

I know the headshot is a bit funny, it was taken by my sister and we were being goofy and I was holding two bottles of wine and we didn't want me to look like a bad mom-to-be or a lush. :) I did have a sip of Zinfandel (yummmmmm!) but stuck to water the rest of the day to help with the swelling and the baby and all that good shtuff...

Attire:
Olian Maternity - Brown print jersey wrap dress
Sofft - Brown suede Mary Janes
Ann Taylor - Gold hoops, necklace and "twig" bangles

Hair:
Day Two
Smoothed with curling iron

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Eye Shadow duo in Like Mink
Bare Escentuals - Buxom Lip Gloss in Dolly
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Avon - Luxury Eye Liner in Black

Thanksgiving was nice. We were going to sleep in but were unexpectedly woken by the contractors. They decided to work a half day on Thanksgiving because they want the house complete before the baby arrives. Awww! So we got dressed, headed to Starbucks for a quick breakfast pick-up, then got my sister from the Metro and headed to my mom's house.

My mom had a full house: me, my sister, my husband, my mom's boyfriend, my friend Shelly and her fiance Mike, my cousin Leslie and her boyfriend David, and our friends Heather, Joe, and Jake. All kinds of fabu food - I usually make at least the classic Green Bean Casserole, but this year neither I nor my house was up for it. We brought a local bakery's blueberry pie, but everyone else brought so many delicious dishes. People always ask what my husband and I do for Thanksgiving considering we are vegetarians. When you think about it, the only things that are meat-related are the turkey, any stuffing that may have been in the turkey, and the gravy. My sister made vegetarian stuffing for us, and there was Green Bean Casserole, sweet potatoes with marshmallows, mashed potatoes, butternut squash, cranberry relish, rolls, pickles, olives, pearl onions and cranberry bread. For dinner we had some pumpkin-based dessert that was yum, pies of apple, pecan and blueberry; ice cream and fruit. Plenty for us vegetarians!!!

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays - gathering of friends and family, celebrating that which is good in life, and sharing good food with good souls. It was really lovely.

Casual Wednesday

I used to post how I looked every day - work and casual. I got lazy with it, not enough time, etc. Well this is a typical look for me when I work from home. Not gussied up, but I feel as though I am far more productive and comfortable if I wouldn't be utterly humiliated if I had to answer the door or run outside to do an errand.

Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Black tee
Old Navy - Wide leg yoga pants, raspberry hoodie
Crocs - Thanks to my sister who loaned me hers since I grew out of mine

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Drued with paddle brush and round brush at ends and bangs

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Tinted moisturizer
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Back Tomorrow...

Sorry I have been MIA, due to the house remodel a line was cut and we haven't had Internet or phone for about a week. We're trying to fix it; in the mean time I am typing from my mom's.

I was out of work on Wednesday due to severely swollen feet and hip pain. All is fine, blood pressure is good so the swelling is just gravity in full force. Gotta keep the feet up more (easier said than done when the house is in upheaval and I still am working...).

Thanksgiving was lovely - we had 11 people at my mom's house and it was a great time. I hope everyone else had as nice of a holiday.

Friday I got a prenatal massage (present to myself) which really has helped with the back spasms, hip pain and all over wellbeing. If anyone lives in the Columbia/Baltimore, MD area and is looking for a great masseuse, send me an email. Very impressed! Afterwards I met up with my mom and sister at Columbia Mall where I did about 30 minutes of window shopping (all Christmas shopping is being done on the Internet), and then we went to Cheesecake Factory where I had my very favorite dish - the roasted artichoke! After my sister and I went to a few shops looking at lighting fixtures for the house and crashed early.

Saturday, I can hardly remember it. Oh yes, the contractors were there and we just needed a break from drywall dust and hammering. We spent the day at my mom's - kept my feet up, drank lots of water, watched some TV, took a nap and got much needed R&R.

Sunday, the contractors took the day off (these guys are hard working - they even worked on Thanksgiving!) so my husband and I got a day to examine paint chips in the rooms, take a nap, watch TV, do a bit of cleaning and chilling.

Today I took PTO because my midwife appointment was at 11am and an hour away from work. Just got back - all is well and I am healthy as a horse, measuring right, yadda yadda. I will now be having weekly appointments! I am at my mom's checking in with work email and paying bills but plan on going to home to lift up these poor swollen feet and getting some other stuff done. Tomorrow I am back to work so will be posting pictures from the past week or so.

See you then! :)

Product Review - Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit

Laura Mercier Flawless Face Kit - I bought this kit completely on a whim. I had used the Laura Mercier tinted foundation a couple of years ago and didn't like it. I found it to be a bit greasy and not really do much to change my skintone or complexion. The thing is, for years I have looked for products that would give me a truly flawless face - hide the circles, the bags, the zits, the redness, and pretty much give me a mask of perfection.

Funny how the older I have gotten the less I want to cover. Maybe it's the pregnancy, maybe it's taking better care of my skin, but I now find the heavy foundations to be fake and uncomfortable. I wanted instead to get a natural, healthy look. Laura Mercier always receives rave reviews so I figured I might as well try the kit...

The kit includes:
1.0 oz Foundation Primer (Step 1)
1.0 oz Tinted Moisturizer (Step 2)
Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Step 3 and 4)
0.21 oz Undercover Pot Shade #3
Secret Camouflage Brush
Camouflage Powder Brush
Velour Puff
Egg-shaped Sponge

This seemed super fancy to me, who usually works with foundation, one concealer and her ring finger. However I was in need of a change, and was loving the small sizes and good deal ($159 value, for $65).

The kit comes with instructions, telling you how to apply each product, in what order, when to use the tools. The first few times I used the kit I followed the instructions to the letter. Once I got the hang of the line, I modified the routine to fit my time and needs. I have occasionally switched out products with non-Laura Mercier ones (L'Oreal foundation, Make Up Forever powder) and have had success.

So I guess you guys can tell by me wearing this kit almost every single day exclusively that I LOVE IT!!! No, I do not get a flawless face from this kit, but my goal (and I think the kit's goal) is to give healthy, natural skin.

The Foundation Primer is not drying, gummy or greasy. I currently apply it with my fingers all over the face. It does seem to help the rest of the products lay better, and last a bit longer through the day. The Tinted Moisturizer has grown on me - it does give more color and coverage than the Cover Girl tinted moisturizer I used this summer, and doesn't feel greasy when combined with the primer.

The concealers are great colors for me - the darker one is a bit more yellow than my skin and almost the same tone I am (L'Oreal C3, Bare Escentuals Fairly Light). It is creamy, but not oily or too thin - blends great with a brush or finger (yes, I have returned to using the ring finger to dab on concealer). The darker concealer is used under the nose to hide redness, and around the mouth where I get occasional acne and have a bit of discoloration. The lighter color is perfect for the eye area - it's a bit more dry than the darker one, but still quite easy to blend without tugging the skin. It's a shade lighter than my skin, provides a very matte finish and can go on sheer or layer nicely for true coverage.

The powder is quite nice. I usually hate powders and find loose powders a mess. This one has a shaker container (just like Bare Escentuals); I tap it once on the included powder puff and it's enough to set the concealers and mattify half my face. Second tap, the rest of the face is set. I am not matte, powdery or ashy looking - the powder just makes it all seem satiny and finished.

No shock, the brushes are nice quality. I just am far better with my hands than with brushes. The sponge is egg shaped but flat, which helps with getting around eyes and noses. Other than that, it's nothing to write home about. The puff is soft and fluffy and gets the job done; I actually prefer the puff to a powder brush (my usual tool for applying loose powder).

I have been using this kit almost daily for a couple of months and I am not even halfway through any of the containers. I am tempted to order another one to have on hand for travel, but it doesn't seem as though this kit is a Limited Edition. All the products are small enough to be able to go on your airplane carry on bag, which I LOVE. The bag it comes with is big enough to hold the whole kit, plus your lipstick, shadows, mascara and pencils. It's also a well-made bag with a sturdy zipper and constructed of heavy plastic (no cheesy just-for-show bag here!).

The only con? It's not cheap. However I think the finish, the look, and the quantity makes it worth the price tag. I chose the kit in Sand and found it perfect for my skin (though almost getting a touch dark since I have almost completely lost the bit of tan I picked up this summer). But really, this kit is pretty fab. It makes makeup application understandable, the products have not caused any irritation or breakouts, it's travel friendly and gives my face a healthy look for many hours.

Tuesday

Attire:
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity - Black and green print matte jersey dress
Liz Lange for Target - Black leggings
Naturalizer - Creston flats in Black
Pashmina International - Oyster Pashmina
Silver Cuff

Hair:
Washed and Conditioned (Pureology)
Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk
Air dry

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter shade)
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Benefit - Her Glossiness in Next Question Please


Pashmina International - I just received this oyster colored pashmina from Pashmina International yesterday and HAD to wear it today! You all know how much I love scarves, especially pashminas. This is 70% cashmere and 30% silk; it is lighter weight than the 100% cashmere pashminas I have from Nordstrom, yet still has good weight.

The pashmina drapes really nicely (as you can see from the pictures), and has a flat weave that catches the light, showing the beauty of the fabric. The color is called oyster, it looks to me like a light version of French Vanilla ice cream (a pale crisp ivory). The price is really great, and regularly (like today) the site offers free shipping. They also have 100% cashmere pashmina shawls that are cheaper than I usually see in department stores and luxe merino wool shawls.

Pashmina International also supports the Pink Ribbon Breast Cancer fund, and donates 5% of every sale that includes a pink pashmina to the International Breast Cancer Research Foundation. How cool is that?

Monday

Attire:
Gap Maternity - Gray silky jersey tunic
Old Navy Maternity - Black ponte trousers
Ann Taylor Loft - Silver and crystal necklace
Naturalizer - Black "Creston" flats
Silver cuff

Hair:
Day 3 (Had it recolored Saturday afternoon and waiting to wash it)
Bangs smoothed with curling iron, a few waves put in with curling iron, finger comb

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black, Shine Seduction lip gloss in Blushed Bass
Benefit - That Gal
Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter shade)
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black

Saturday I went and got my hair recolored - the purple and red had faded and the blonde was just not me. My stylist Kathleen added dark browns and a touch of red and when i saw the final product I breathed a sigh of relief - now I look like myself!!!

Saturday night, we went to the 9:30 Club to see Umphrey's McGee. My husband's friend is friends with the band, so we got VIP access (which meant pregnant lady was not shoved around and had a bar stool to sit on all evening!). The show was phenomenal. I wore my black wrap long-sleeved tee from Gap with my black Old Navy ponte trousers and black Naturalizer flats. I kept my green pashmina around my neck and wore my silver cuff. Smokey eyes and lip gloss for face.

Sunday, my husband woke up ill and had some sort of stomach bug attack him all day long. The plan was to go to his aunt's house to celebrate his grandfather's birthday but he couldn't make it. I saw it as a blessing - I adore his family but we have been rushing rushing for weeks and never have a chance to chill out. Granted, he spent most of his time on the bathroom floor or in bed, but I got to hit the grocery store, organize some of our stuff (the remodel is pretty much moving our belongings from place to place so they are out of the way of construction), scrub the bathroom once he was sleeping, and catch up on some TV and doggy-bonding time. Last night was the first time in so long that I slept more than four hours uninterrupted. Not sure what caused my husband to get sick, we even wonder if it may have been psychological. The past month has been so stressful and sad and exhausting; possibly his body is smarter than his brain and forced him to stop and stay home and get some sleep.

By the way, took some clothes on Saturday to my mom's to get them washed (since still without washer and dryer) and got the two pairs of these black pants cleaned. Expect to see quite a lot of them the next few weeks - they are pretty much the only thing that is warm enough for the weather and don't itch, hurt or fall down! :)

Picture-Free Friday

And it's too bad because I think I look cute AND it took forever and a day to get dressed.

I forgot my camera at work.

I am wearing my fuzzy gray shrug-like cardigan from Kenzie, my black scoop tee from Gap, Old Navy maternity jeans that reader Martha hooked me up with, my long ivory and wood bead necklaces from Limited, my black Chucks and silver cuff.

Hair is second day, sorta messy/shaggy/cute.

Makeup is pretty much exactly what I did yesterday.

Well on to the pregnant woman fashion drama...

Nothing fits you in the last month or so. These jeans are the type with the egg-shaped jersey part in front for the belly, plus stretchiness all the way around the waistband. Well the stretchy parts are not the same shape as my belly, so the seam digs in about an inch above my pubic area... where my very tender stretch marks are located. If I pull down the jeans to have the seam in the right place, the navy stretchy part peeks out under my shirt. I go to pull it back up... and tear out the side of the stretchy stuff. Excellent. This is the best pair I own right now. Secret Fit Belly jeans slide right down just from walking to the front door, Low-rise Belly is more painful than this seam on my stretch marks, Roll Panel is pretty useless without a Bella Band over it to hold it up (and wearing that much crap is just not comfortable), and Below Belly is NOT below belly on a petite woman.

So I have on clothing. Now I need to put on shoes.

The Creston flats from Naturalizer are comfortable, except that I have very thick ankles and no curvature near the Achilles' tendon so they slide right off with socks or else rub and cause blisters with bare feet. Murphy's Law - the brown Mary Janes from Sofft - I lost a heel cap yesterday. So it's either gold Crocs with Jibbitz or Chucks. Neither are work-appropriate, but at least it's Casual Friday. So I put on a pair of my thinnest trouser socks and try the Chucks.

For those who have not been pregnant, let me tell you what it's like to put on shoes when you are just a few weeks from your due date...

Take the shoes, and knot the laces right at the very end where the plastic ends are. This makes it easier so you don't have to try to tie your own shoes, and they are already sent to maximum width.

Sit down on the toilet (seat Closed). This is a good seat because you can sit with your legs wide apart, and it's not too high for petite legs. Breathe, because just getting to the bathroom with the shoes was a bit exhausting. Look down at the shoes, and will them to be cooperative.

Pick up one shoe and rest it on the side of the sink. Then grab the inside of your right pant leg and use it to hoist up your right leg. Rest your right ankle on your left knee and marvel at how puffy and enormous it is. Stretch out the shoe and try to wiggle it on your foot without having your foot slip from your knee and fall back to the floor (those never pregnant, image doing this if your leg had fallen asleep). When the foot does fall, pick up shoe, catch your breath, pick up foot and try again. When shoe is 95% on the foot, then stand up, put foot on top of toilet and bend down, trying to reach foot to get the last of the heel in and the shoe tongue straight. When finished, stand up, feel proud of yourself, catch your breath, take a sip of water and prepare to do the second foot.

Total time to put on two shoes - 17 minutes. Tears shed in frustration - several (thank you Maybelline UltraLiner for being waterproof!). Lady on Metro saying I am the cutest pregnant woman she has ever seen?

Priceless!

Thursday

Attire:
Proenza Schouler for Target - Teal jersey dress
Nordstrom - Green pashmina
Sofft - Brown suede Mary Janes

Hair:
Washed and conditioned the night before; air dry
Hit bedhead with curling iron
Jonathan Dirt to smooth and separate

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in orgasm
Victoria's Secret - Lipstick in V.I.P.
Clinique - Shadow in Like Mink (lighter color)
Maybelline - UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl - LashBlast mascara in Rich Black (new tube)

Yesterday I worked from home which meant I rocked out in a black tank, black hoodie and black yoga pants and my sister's Crocs. Gorgeous. We did go out for Chinese for dinner and I switched to my trusty Old Navy maternity ponte pants, a red v-neck maternity sweater from Gap and my Chucks (can't find my flats - darn house remodel has everything topsy-turvy).

We had to disconnect our washer and dryer for the remodel so I am glad it is nearing the end of the week. I have already packed up laundry to take to my mom's this weekend so I have clean clothes. The house is covered in a fine layer of dust from drywall, plaster and wood. The whole living/dining room is smooshed into about 6' and covered with dropcloths and sheets. We pretty much hide out in our bedroom and the junk room where I take my pictures (future nursery) while the house is under attack below us. It's cold, it's dirty, it's frustrating but gosh is it going to be beautiful when it's finished!!!

Tuesday

Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Olive wrap tee, black ponte trousers
Naturalizer - Creston flats in black
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Next day
Brushed, bangs parted on opposite side

Beauty:
Laura Mercier - Flawless Face Kit in Sand
Nars - Blush in Orgasm, lipstick in Dolce Vita
Pop Beauty - Shadow palette for brown eyes - The greenish brown on lids and along lash line, the chocolate wetted and applied along top lash line
Avon - Luxury eye liner in Eggplant
Cover Girl - Lash Blast mascara in Rich Black

Down to two pairs of shoes that fit - these old flats (not on in picture, they were downstairs so you get to see my Christmas socks), and the brown pumps from yesterday. The flats are a bit too low for proper comfort or a good line with my trousers, but afraid to do any hemming because my belly may use up this extra pant length in the next couple of weeks. I will admit, I have been wearing Crocs around the house - I grew out of the pair I got for Bonnaroo, but my sister has larger feet and loaned me hers. My Chucks kinda work if I barely tie them and wear them with trouser socks, but the super flat bottom and lack of arch support does a number on my if worn for too long. I found my brown suede mary jane pumps on sale in black leather online, they should arrive this week and I am hoping that they will be equally as comfortable...