One Last Time

skirt: Tibi (similar)
top: Joie (similar)
clutch: Target
shoes: similar (under $50)
watch: Fossil

Before I pop and start showing, I decided to wear this gorgeous skirt one  more time. I love how pretty and royal it looks, plus it makes me feel like a million bucks. I think next week is going to be it for my tiny waist skirts. Tear. Maternity leggings here I come. Do you ladies have favorite brands? I didn't buy good maternity clothes last time and hated all my bottoms. I think I need to get a few good maternity bottoms this time around. Do share ladies!

xo, Anna

P.S. Linking up with Friday Fab Five

Pregnancy Update {13 Weeks}

We are officially over the 12 weeks and I'm excited to get the first trimester behind me. This pregnancy is very similar to my first one but more exhausting. I do not have morning sickness (thank you Lord) but I do have daily fatigue. I'm extremely tired all of the time. While I try to rest and take a nap during the day, my body seems to being drained by a tiny baby who's taking every bit of my energy. I'm hoping it will pass soon. 

Jonathan is a very active toddler and to keep up with him takes a lot of energy. He constantly wants me to play with him, read to him and share in every kind of activity. He does play by himself when I need to get something done, but most of the time he's by my side. Between early wake up calls and day-to-day chores, I'm definitely more busy and active.

My day looks something like this.

Wake up

Eat breakfast/blog

Pass out on the couch.

Do chores.

Eat lunch.

Pass out again.

Do chores/start dinner

Eat dinner

Pass out for the Nth time

Put Jonathan to sleep

Enjoy alone time

Bed time (promise myself to go to bed earlier the next day - never happens)

Cravings: Grapefruit, smoked salmon, Russian foods like braised red cabbage and this herring dish

Fatigue: severe tiredness every day with small burst of energy which usually end with me passing out on the couch. I literally can fall asleep standing. 

Weight gain: I actually lost 5 pounds somehow - I guess all that eating and laying around does wonders for ya. Just kidding. I have been very conscious and careful of what I eat, limiting the carb intake and increasing protein as well as fruit and veggie. Of course, I still have my favorite foods but in very limited quantities.

Exercise: although I've been feeling terribly tired, exercise is still my priority. I've been hitting the treadmill couple times a week and jogging for 2 miles. Every bit helps.

Brother-bear: Jonathan doesn't realize that change is coming and still climes into my lap to drink his milk before nap. He loves when hubby or I spend alone time with him and cannot live without his daddy putting him to sleep. I love that we still have this time together but wonder how is he going to take it when the baby arrives. He's pretty possessive when it comes to his mama and I must say I have a few worries. If I mention a baby, he says 'I'm baby' so obviously, we are not ready for a baby of any kind to replace him yet. I hope when the belly starts growing and I will show more, that we will be able to prepare him for the new baby.  

Must-Haves: water, healthy snack, body oil.

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Monochromatic

dress: Talbots (similar) also love  this one
booties: Liz Clairborne (similar)
belt: Gap
clutch: DIY (similar)
watch: Fossil

I love simple black dresses because a) they are easy to style b) they go with everything. I love this wool stretchy version because after five years in  my closet I still wear it multiple times every winter. It's soft, warm and feels like you are wearing a cozy blanket while looking polished. I wore this outfit to church and decided to play around with my hair. This new rope braid seems easy at first but the secret is to keep all the hair super tight while braiding.  I loved this video tutorial but probably need to practice a bit more to make it look more polished and less messy. Today I love the messy braid look and hope you do too.

xo, Anna

My Pregnancy Essentials

For comfort: I loved sleeping on my body nest pillow the last trimester. It's a MUST for all expecting mothers but there is no room for cuddling with hubs. It allowed me to get some sleep (between going to tinkle and trying to get comfortable there goes the night)

For skin care: I cannot live without this oil. I slather it on after every shower and even during the day when my hand feel dry. It goes on smoothly, doesn't have any smell that would get annoying after a while and is very thin in consistency. I also bought coconut oil but didn't use it as much as this. I go through 3 bottles during my pregnancy and swear it helps with getting rid of stretchmarks afterwards.

For health: it's so important to keep up on vitamins to have a healthy pregnancy. These vitamins are natural, food-based with no additives or colors. My husband did quite a bit of research before buying them for me. They are gentle on stomach and awesome for the baby.

For clothes: I bought myself maternity jeans/ that fit me like a glove. I love the new J.Crew line and bought myself a pair of shorts on sale for summer. We shall see how they work out but the Pea In The Pod maternity jeans worked great for me.  I know they might seem expensive at first but if it's your only pair you will wear them all the time. 

For shape: Whenever I start feeling like everything is just out of proportion and too big, SPANX are there to save my butt. Honestly, they support the belly, shape your body and allow you wear those pretty dresses and such. It's the dirty little secret no one talks about. 

For snack: When craving chocolate or something sweet, I eat a handful of these snacks. They are delicious, nutty and healthy, plus not too sweet. I love them and could eat the whole bag in one sitting but carry in  my purse for desperate times. 

Thank you for stopping by!

xo, Anna

Casual Done Right

tee: Corilynn
jeans: Target (similar)
jacket: Target
bag: Ralph Lauren
booties: Old Navy (similar)
scarf: similar
watch: Fossil

When it comes to outfit pictures, I started this blog very self consciousness. I didn't feel very confident and still didn't know who I am in many different ways. I wanted to be like this or that blogger, simply because I liked their style. Over the years, I have discovered more of myself and became confident in my own skin. It's really fun to do photo shoots now-a-days and although people  are still gawking, I really don't care anymore. They usually don't ask, but even if, I just tell the truth. Most of my family still doesn't understand why and what exactly I do but it's fun. And I like it. I'm also so very grateful for my faithful photographers who constantly oblige with my demands. This blog would not exist without the people behind the lens. 

Thanks for stopping by!

xo, Anna