Our Summer

So until I can get my creative juices flowing again, or give you people something of substance, I'll finish updating you "quickly" on the rest of our summer.

Warning :: your about to get dumped on with pictures

The last half we had some fun visitors come to town...my sis-in-law/bro-in-law, friends from New Jersey,  and my Mom and sister.
It was fun!

We also took a day trip to the hubs 'ol college stumping grounds. It was a rainy day, so we took a drive and had a fun time showing the little one where her daddy went to school...

 The hubs and I were also able to scoot out of town for a MUCH...did I mention, MUCH needed break from home life. Thank goodness for my in-laws and their being able to come to town on short notice so that we could jaunt off to D.C for a fun getaway weekend over Labor Day. We had so much fun exploring the city (even though we've both been multiple times). We had adult conversations and just unplugged from the everyday craziness, and it was just what we both needed. However, as nice as it was, I sure was glad to get my hands back on my baby girl!

We also celebrated a certain someones 2nd birthday over here and took a trip to the Outer Banks. 

More to come on that next week! 

Happy Happy Friday!!

Baby Girl #2

It looks like for the time being our new little bean has been dubbed "baby girl #2", or at least until I can come up with a something a little more creative!

We always referred to Lills as "Baby Colt", but I feel like that was her name, so we'll have to move on. 

Things are moving along pretty well now! I've hit the 19 week mark (tomorrow) and forget sometimes that I am even pregnant. Guess that is a good thing! However, I always seem to be reminded at night with the already frequent bathroom trips and the awful attempts at rolling over. But hey, if that is the worst of it right now, I'm ALL about it! 

Just to recap a little bit...

We found out mid-June that I was indeed with child! This also now explains why when I ran a 10K the weekend before I literally thought I was going to die afterwards. I'm sure the baby brewing in there had quite a bit to do with that now. 

Let's put it this way, it could have been a lot worse during the 1st trimester, but at the time I also thought I was going to die. I remember with baby girl that I had little morning sickness and it was always in the evenings. But this time, not so much...it was ALL DAY LONG!!!! It hit me way sooner this time, from week 5 until week 12. I never physically got sick, but wish I would have to have some sort of relief. *Reason #1 why I initially thought "boy". But man, let me tell you, being pregnant with a toddler is a major game changer people. Major!

 But that is all in the past now! And if you read my post here, then you will see that we found out before we went on vacay what we were having. We fibbed a little to our family and friends telling them we wouldn't be finding out until this week, so it was fun to surprise everyone.

Baby Girl #2 is super healthy (THANK GOODNESS), so we are just keeping our fingers crossed that the last half of this pregnancy is smooth sailing. 

Between all the holidays, February is going to be here before we know it and I already can't wait to get my hands on her. Nothing quite like snugging with a newborn itty bitty baby. 

And I'll have TWO little girls to love on. Seriously, how lucky am I?!

Oh and one last thing, then I'll stop my rambles. 

I should just mention that the original baby girl is very excited about her sisters arrival. She already refers to her as "sissy" and loves rubbing my belly and saying "hi sissy". Melts my heart!

I'll get better about posting some stats, but for now, here are the bump pics from along the way...

Let the nesting begin!!

Pumpkin Obsession

There is no doubt I've talked a time or two about how much I love fall...

and anything PUMPKIN flavored! 

After being away at the beach this past week (update + pics to come soon), our house was in desperate need of a reload in the food department. 

So while stocking up, I couldn't help but pass up a few of my favorite fall treats!! 

Do me a favor, go out and indulge yourself

NOW! 

:: have heard fab things about this mix, so i plan on making homemade pancakes this weekend :: 

:: this is my go-to bread every fall- it's so delicious! ::

 :: so of course TJ would put these babies right at the check-out aisle. i mean, i could've devoured the whole box before i even got home. hungry pregnant lady at the grocery = bad news ::

:: while antibacterial soap is a MUST in our house, i almost always have a few bottles of my favorite 

mrs. meyers laying around ::

 :: duh- this is an obvious one! i made a pit-stop this morning post preschool drop off to get my fix :: 

:: i have yet to spot this at the store, however when i do, watch out because i will be buying in bulk :: 

:: something about pumpkin spice creamer just makes me smile. i love smelling that sweet scent in my coffee while waking up :: 

Any other pumpkin lovers out there have some other treats they think are worth sharing?

The Lavish Thread

Hi Friends! 

So today is kind of a big day over here!!

I have finally launched my new monogramming venture, THE LAVISH THREAD via Facebook!! 

It's still going to be a little bit before the website is fully up and running, but until then I will be keeping the fan page well up-to-date with all kinds of new information and monogramming goodies!!

I'm so excited about this new chapter in my life and can't wait to see what it brings!!

Here's a little peak of a few of the things being monogrammed for customers...

Be sure to head on over to Facebook and "like" The Lavish Thread!!!!

xo

we have a little secret

It's Friday...and who doesn't love fun news on a Friday??

So, you want in on a little secret I've been carrying around some time? 

I thought you might! 

*be sure to turn the volume up*

I'm currently 17 weeks and finally feeling great!!

Not to leave you hanging, but this mama is signing off for the week as we venture to the Outer Banks for one last summer vacation!! 

I will be back after with more life updates and the scoop on being preggo again with #2!!

Happy Weekend!!

xo

Fall on my mind

I've got to admit a little secret. 

I have got Fall on the brain! But I mean who wouldn't with this unbelievable weather we've been having.

Usually I am such a lover of the summer, however, I'm already over this year...for multiple reasons!

This week we've had a small dose of what those fall days upon us will be like and it has been heaven. Our air has been shut off since last week, windows are open and scarves, leggings and cardigans have all made appearances.
ahh, delightful! 

I'm so anxious for cozy scarves, comfy sweaters, boots, my PSL (daily!), sleeping with the windows open every night, going for long walks again and fall fashion.

So with that I will leave you with a couple items I'm currently coveting and hope magically appear in my closet + some of my favorite fall looks...

:: daniel rainn printed blouse ::

:: madewell perfect chambray ex-boyfriend shirt :: 

:: anthropologie pick-stitched striped pullover :: 

:: sam edelman lisle booties ::
*i must note these are a must-have for myself!*

:: j.crew printed scarf ::

:: all images via my pinterest ::


I mean, it really can't come soon enough!

Smokey Corn + Black Bean Pizza

I fixed this easy and quick meal last week and it was a hit!! Never would have thought the barbecue sauce would have mixed well with this combo, but it was tasty!! I served it with a side of yellow rice. 

Enjoy! 

Smokey Corn + Black Bean Pizza

Ingredients :

1 plum tomato, diced

1 cup canned black beans, rinsed

1 cup fresh corn kernels (about 2 ears)...I used canned corn

2 tablespoons cornmeal

1 pound prepared whole-wheat pizza dough...I bought pre-made 

1/3 cup barbecue sauce

1 cup shredded mozzarella, preferably smoked mozzarella

Directions : 

1) Preheat grill to medium (to save on time, we baked pizza in the oven)

2) Combine tomato, beans and corn in medium bowl. Sprinkle cornmeal onto large baking sheet. Stretch the dough into about a 12-inch circle and lay it on top of the cornmeal, coating the entire underside of the dough.

3) Transfer the crust from the baking sheet to the grill. Close the lid and cook until the crust is puffed and lightly browned on the bottom, 4-5 minutes. 

4) Using a large spatula, flip the crust. Spread barbecue sauce on it and quickly sprinkle with the tomato mixture and cheese. Close the lid; grill until the cheese is melted and the bottom of the crust is browned, 4-5 minutes.