Maternity wardrobe basics: Skinny Black Denim & Sneakers

Skinny jeans: Gap

Grey tee: Gap

Hoodie: Urban Outfitters

Denim Jacket: Gap

Scarf: Clothed in Grace

Sneakers: New Balance from DSW

This is my go to outfit in my second trimester! Distressed skinny 

jeans (maternity), fitted, grey, long sleeve tee (maternity) a hoodie or jacket, scarf and sneakers. I feel comfortable, yet put together with all these great basics. 

I have been doing a majority of my maternity wear shopping at the Gap the last few months. They seriously have sales (40 or 50% off) just about every week! I have yet to pay full price or more than $20 on any of my maternity jeans. 

I also love the cut and feel of their Body by gap maternity tee's, long sleeves and tanks. They layer well, are flattering and go with just about everything in my closet. I have stocked up on several different colors of each! 

A fun trend my feet are especially loving right now is the retro sneaker! They are super comfortable and look chic with any outfit. I have been wearing some style of sneaker, high top, low top, slip-on's, chuck Taylor's, almost daily! I got these New Blance few weeks ago at DSW online and have been very happy with my purchase. Maroon or "Marsala" (the color of red wine) is picked to be the hottest color trend for 2015, according to fashion experts. I like the pop of color it brings to my outfits when I wear them! 

Here was the inspiration photo I used for this easy, casual outfit:

It's a great look for a busy day of running errands, going to the park with your kiddo, or meeting up with friends for coffee. So mom's out there, here is an easy go-to, casual style you can put together in minutes, that is cute and comfortable! Give it a try and give your yoga pants a little break :)

Blessings,

Sarah

Boho chic for Sunday church

I had fun getting dressed for church this morning! This boho blouse is super comfy and cute. I like the fun, bold pattern. I love topping off an outfit with a fun hat, it really can elevate a look. 

I distressed my maternity skinny's jeans myself (which is super easy) to make them look slightly more edgy. I watched a few DIY distressing denim tutorials on YouTube which were really helpful. Give it a try! 

Blouse: Clothed in Grace

Hat: American Eagle

Skinny jeans: Gap maternity 

Booties: Anthropologie 

Happy Sunday!

Blessings,

Sarah

Getting more organized

With the start of the new year I have been inspired to work on my organization throughout the house. It just makes life easier when my things are neat, sorted, and easily accessible. 

We made a trip to IKEA last week to get inspiration for decorating our house and look for a few organization items. I love that place, but a trip there is an event for us! Three hours later we emerged with a few random items: a play tent for our son (he lives that thing) only $20, a few small baskets to organize all my bathroom toiletries, and a scarf, hanger/organizer. 

This was what I was most excited about! I wasn't specifically looking for it but, when I saw it I knew I needed it! I have about 50 scarfs and I currently have them stored in bins and hanging from clothing hangers in my closet. It takes me a while sometimes to find that one I am looking for. But this hanger organizer allows we to keep them all together, hung in my closet, and displays them nicey to find the one I am looking for. The best part about this item; it was only $6.99! Sometimes it's the cheaper, simpler things in life that get me excited!! 

I love to share great finds with my friends. So check it out, and happy organizing!! :)

Blessings,

Sarah

Pregnancy Update: 21 weeks

Baby Kelly has been cooking in the oven for 21 weeks already, we are halfway there!! 

Here is an update of how my pregnancy is going thus far...

21 weeks

Weight gain: 9lbs 

Cravings: Mainly sweet things. Fruit, chocolate, smoothies. Over the holidays all I wanted were cookies, or baked goods, which is so unlike me! I am usually a salty/savory person. But we had so many yummy treats in our house it was hard to resist. I've been trying not to

over indulge on sweets the last few weeks or pick a healthier alternative, like fruit. 

Baby's Gender: It's a Girl!! We found out last week and are thrilled. I must say though, I was convinced for a long time it was another boy since I have been feeling the same and look the same as my last pregnancy.

I can't wait to start shopping for little girl clothes, and add a few girly touches to the nursery. We will see if she will become a fashion lover like her mama some day!

Workouts: I feel great! I have lots of energy and my baby bump still isn't too big to do most exercises I normally do. I am definitely taking full advantage of my high energy levels in the second trimester,  because I know that will change late in my third trimester.

 Right now I am jogging/walking on my treadmill 45 mins, 3 days a week, and lifting weights and doing my Tracy Anderson pregnancy video 3 days a week. Making my workouts a priority each morning in order to maintain some of my fitness will greatly help with labor and delivery. The better shape your in, the easier it is to push baby out! 

Our birth plan: I had a natural birth (no pain medication or intervention) in the hospital with my son.  It went very smoothly, and I am so thankful for that! We are planning on doing the same with our daughter. 

We will have our Doula, Mary, who assisted in our first birth, with us again. She is amazing and helped facilitate a wonderful birth experience for my husband and I. I can't imagine giving birth without her help and guidance!! 

If you are planning a natural birth I highly recommend hiring a doula. Your husband will thank you for it! A doula is there is be your advocate with nurses/doctors, to help you achieve your birth plan, whatever that may be, and to assist your spouse with coaching/supporting you through your labor. My husband and I felt more confidant going into delivery at the hospital, as first time parents, because we had our Doula there with us. Helping us navigate through the whole process of labor and delivery.

My favorite maternity outfit: probably my yoga or workout pants. They are comfy, fit my bump nicely, and I can wear them out of the house while running errands. However, I am making a conscious effort to get dressed most days in something other than workout clothes! It's 

easy to fall into a rut and just throw on sweats each day cause they are comfy, easy, and in the winter time, are warm. But mama don't want to look frumpy! I always feel better when I have something cute on or have made an effort to get dressed for the day. Also, I know my husband appreciates my efforts :) 

An easy go-to maternity outfit: leggings, boots, and a long sweater (for the really cold days). Or distressed, skinny maternity jeans (I DIY'd a pair) a long sleeve top, (I love the Body by Gap tops) a scarf, with booties, or sneakers. 

 This time of year is when you find some great bargains on winter clothing, including maternity. I love the Gap, H&M and Target. 

Thanks for following me on this amazing journey of motherhood and pregnancy!

Blessings,

Sarah

Egg Muffins: A grab and go breakfast!

I am trying to be more organized with my cooking and prepare several meals at once. Breakfast is usually an easy meal to prepare each day for myself and my family but, I thought why not have something already made so we could just grab and go on those busy mornings. 

Eggs make a great, filling, protein rich meal for pregnancy and also for my growing toddler. So, I decided to make a large batch of egg muffins since I had a ton of eggs in my refrigerator. These freeze well and keep for several days. 

Here is my simple recipe for egg muffins:

(Makes 18 large muffins)

16 eggs

2 Tbs milk

green pepper

1lb ground breakfast sausage (chicken or pork)

I cup Cheddar cheese

Dash of salt and pepper for taste 

Spray muffins tins with olive oil,

brown breakfast sausage, whisk eggs, add half a green pepper(chopped), add milk, then salt and pepper. Pour into muffin tray, add a bit cheese on top of each muffin. Bake at 350 for 18-20 mins.

Egg muffins are yummy and very filling. You can also add any other veggies you have or even salsa for a different flavor.

These muffins are a hit in our house and make my busy mornings seem a lot less hectic. Just reheat and enjoy! 

Here is to the New Year and cooking more family friendly, easy, healthy, budget friendly meals! 

Blessings,

Sarah

January Fitness Challenge

A new month means a new fitness challenge! I decided for January I am going to do another squat challenge. It's easy to do in my own home gym, and takes no more than 5 mins each day to complete. So really I have no excuses!

I am just about 20 weeks pregnant and my fitness goals for the second half of my  pregnancy are to maintain my cardio fitness ( at least 45 mins of cardio 5 days a week) as well as focus on my leg, glutes, arm and back strength. By maintaining my fitness it will be much easier to get back to my pre-pregnancy shape, as well as make labor and delivery, and post pardom recovery that much easier! Plus, I just feel better all around when I am active and exercising. 

So I encourage all you mom's out there, pregnant or not to make 2015 the year you get active and make a fitness goal! Whether it's to run a race (5k or 10k) improve your strength, or try a new fitness activity, yoga, spinning, P90X. You and your family will be better for it!! 

So here is the squat challenge I will be completing this month. Feel free to join me and see your results come January 31!

 

Happy January!!

Blessings,

Sarah