Maxed Out

dress: Pink Blush Maternity c/o, hat: J.Crew  (also similar), bag: TJMaxx (similar), glasses: Kate Spade, watch: Kate Spade

Welcome to another week, to our vacation week! I'm excited to relax and spend some time with family, doing nothing and eating lots of delicious food. Good thing I don't have to suck anything in at this point. Ha! I love this new dress that I received from Pink Blush Maternity because it's super comfortable and makes me feel so feminine. It's perfect for the time you need to get dressed and not think about it. Hope you have a great day and thank you for stopping by!

Link Up:Touch of Tartan

Paisley Print Bump

top: Sheinside c/o, jeans: Pink Blush Matenrity c/o, pumps: Nine West, satchel: Ralph Lauren, sunglasses: Kate Spade, watch: Kate Spade

There is always so much work to do before a vacation. Between errands, packing and cleaning the house (I hate coming back to a mess) it's been non stop here. And of course, my pregnant brain forgets half of what I need to do, as well as my to-do list after I leave home. Ha! At least it's gorgeous out and we are enjoying the sunshine while out and about. Hope you have a great weekend!

Floral Maternity Dress

dress: Pink Blush Maternity c/o (similar non maternity options here and here), jacket: Target (similar), flats: TJMaxx old (similar here and here), bag: Amazon (also love this one) 

Hello lovelies! This post is brought to you by tired and simply exhausted preggo. Between household chores, errands. my part time job and a toddler, I've been running around like a chicken with my head cut off. But it's all about to change as we are taking a family vacation next week - beach bum life here I come! Speaking of sunshine, doesn't this dress just scream summer and warmth? This print is my favorite and it has room for growth which is encouraging since I will need to wear something for the next two months. Thanks for stopping by!

Link Up: Living in Color

Shop Similar Items

Metallic

skirt: NY&Co (similar), tank: Pink Blush Matenity c/o, jacket: thrifted (similar here and here), pumps: Target, bag: Amazon

If you think about how many changes a woman's body goes through while she's pregnant, it's simply amazing. From the expanding abdomen that's capable of accommodating a baby of any size (or a few) to how her bones shift to give way for the baby. The baby is getting everything he or she needs through mother without mother's knowledge or help. It's so fascinating! Every time I feel the baby move I'm simply amazed at the fact that I'm carrying a life inside of me. A brand new life that was created and given to me to bring into this world. How amazing is that? It is truly a miracle and I cannot wait to see our little baby girl!

Current Sales

LOFT - extra 40% OFF sale items 

Ann Taylor - 40% OFF dresses and skirts 

J.Crew - 40% OFF all sale items

Nordstrom - up to 40% OFF handbags

Shopbop - up to 70% OFF designer sample sale

Neiman Marcus - spend $200 get $50 OFF, spend $400 get $100 OFF.

Piperlime - 50% OFF everything until 4/30 

Target - save 15% OFF $75 or more on all baby blankets, bedding and decor

up to 20% OFF carseats, strollers and travel systems

up to 25% OFF indoor and outdoor furniture 

Kate Spade NY - 50% OFF or more on select items

Link Ups: The Book of Leisure, The Pleated Poppy,
Thank you for stopping by and have a great day! 

Mother's Day Musings

Mother's Day is quickly approaching (it's next weekend!) and as always, you are scratching your head about the perfect gift. I mean, she has a million scarves and doesn't really need anything but what would make your mom feel special? 

If you are looking for unique and one-of-a-kind gifts, ETSY is your best bet, like the gardening caddy below. As well as real special treats - hello special order macaroons from a place I never knew existed. Please be delicious! I know that my mom appreciates useful gifts and would love a mixer or gardening stuff but at the same time, giving her a movie will make her look forward to relaxation and time alone. We also make is a point to spend some time with her, either taking her to dinner or making it from start to finish. It's nice to be treated, at least once a year. What does your mom like as a gift? Do you always buy flowers or skip those and go for real nice (i.e. expensive) gifts?

Aaaaand Piperlime will be closing its (virtual) doors by the end of April, so for the next three days you can score some sale up to 70% OFF everything with code GOODBYE (Ends 4/30)

click on any image to see the product details

White & Black

jeans: Liz Lange Maternity (non maternity), blouse: LOFT Maternity, loafers: Target (similar here and here), bag: Amazon, necklace: J.Crew, glasses: Kate Spade

Hi there. So I had a really good morning until Google decided to delete my post before I published it. So this is not how I wanted things to go. Do you think pregnancy is a good time to start wearing white skinny jeans? I think so, because before now I never even had a pair. Ha! Then I went to Target and saw these jeans which were much cheaper than this version, plus I had a coupon! A win win in my book.

P.S. Do you like that little feature with THEN and NOW? I love seeing how different items can be remixed on bloggers. Let me know what you think!

Shop My Look

Paleo Banana Almond Flour Muffins {Recipe}

When I was looking for a recipe that's gluten free and dairy free, it was hard to pick one. Pinterest is crawling with Paleo recipes raging from ingredients I've never heard of to cheating with butter. Although after reading a few of them and the comments, I think I found the best one. This recipe from Power Hungry blog is bomb dot com. I honestly did not expect them to rise and not to fall, or taste so fluffy.  By far, this the best paleo recipe yet and the only thing I changed, was adding almond extract. 

INGREDIENTS

• 2-1/2 c almond flour or almond meal

• 1/2  tsp baking soda

• 1/2 tsp fine sea salt

• 3 large eggs

• 2 very ripe bananas

• 2 tablespoons honey, agave nectar or maple syrup

• 2 tablespoons coconut oil (melted) or vegetable oil

• 1 teaspoon vinegar (white or cider)

• Optional Flavorings: 1 teaspoon almond extract 

• 
  

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350F. Line 12 cups in a standard 12-cup muffin tin with paper or foil liners.

In a large bowl whisk the almond flour, baking soda and salt (whisk in any dried spices or herbs at this point, if using).

In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, banana, honey, oil and vinegar (add any extracts or zest at this point, if using).

Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients, stirring until blended. Fold in any optional stir-ins, if using.

Divide batter evenly among prepared cups.

Bake in preheated oven for 18 to 20 minutes until set at the centers and golden brown at the edges. Move the tin to a cooling rack and let muffins cool in the tin 30 minutes. Remove muffins from tin.

#LillyForTarget Take One

top: Lilly For Target (sold out) /similar/, jeans: Pink Blush Maternity c/o, boots: Hunter, bag: Amazon (similar), watch: Kate Spade

I haven't been a Lilly Pulitzer fan for a long time but I have admired the bright prints and patterns whenever someone else worn them. In fact, I stopped by their boutique once and was smitten with a pretty pink dress, although would never pay $150+ for it. When Target announced their collaboration I was totally on board with getting designer apparel for Target prices.

The entire shopping experience was a bit hectic and overwhelming (read here). Considering I live in a small town with very few fashionistas I did not think I would have to fight for a dress. This top was one of my Lilly scores as well and I'm so happy about it. It has spring/summer season pattern and will match to almost anything. I can't wait to wear it with shorts and over dresses all summer long. Share your finds with #LillyForTarget and tag me because I would love to see how you styled the items.

Link Up: The Pleated Poppy, The Book of Leisure, Classy Yet Trendy, The Mummy Chronicles, Jersey Girl, Texan Heart, Because Shanna Said So, Pumps and Push Ups

Shop Similar Look

Make Up Primer Review {Beauty}

Revlon Photoready - here and here
Laura Mercier Foundation Primer (Hydrating) - here and here
CoverGirl & Olay Serum Primer - here and here

Before I go ahead and pour all my (limited) knowledge about primers on you, let me just say that I'm not a make up expert by any means, In fact, I mainly shop at drug stores or pick up my mascara during the grocery run, so no fancy names in my make up box. Except that one time I tried Laura Mercier primer, so let's talk about that.

COVERGIRL & OLAY Serum Primer - this primer was the very first one I tried a few years ago. It's the only primer CoverGirl carried at the time and wasn't very expensive. I don't know why I chose this one (it was probably on sale) but I never regretted it. In fact, it's a great value for the money. My skin tends to be on the dry side and I have to put on moisturizer in the morning and at night but this smooths and corrects my skin very well. I love this option for the summer when I know my skin will get to breathe more and isn't as dry as in the winter. It smooths pores, gives the skin a little glow and feels like silk. I do like this product very much and use it all the time.

REVLON PHOTOREADY Color Correcting Primer - one time when I ran out of the above, the drugstore was out of stock and I was faced with a choice to come back later in the week, go to another store (with baby in tow) or just buy a  different primer. New primer it was. After a quick look at the shelves I saw the new PhotoReady line and was intrigued. I was never a REVLON fan but this looked like something that could be worth it. Unfortunately, it wasn't. It had very limited coverage, didn't smooth my skin and went on like a thin film. I didn't like it at all and still had to go back for my trusted CoverGirl serum primer. Bummer.

LAURA MERCIER Foundation Primer (Hydrating) - I've been noticing my skin looking a little more dry during the winter months and decided to get a hydrating primer. Although, I think CoverGirl is still perfect for summer, during the harsh winter weather my skin needs more moisture. After checking out a few reviews about Laura Mercier cosmetics and hydrating primers, I decided to give it a try. Laura Mercier also has a primer with radiance which has raging reviews and the glow it gives the skin is gorgeous. I love how this primer acts as a moisturizer and leaves my skin feeling soft and fresh. It doesn't necessarily close all the pores but gives the skin a shine, while making it look and feel healthy. 

- Lastly, I've tried the Benefit Cosmetics The POREfessional and absolutely loved it but it's really expensive for everyday use. It corrects the imperfections, goes on smooth as silk and has a subtle tint. By far it's the best correcting primer which should be used for special occasions like weddings, or in really rough areas of the face. It is designed especially for the coverage of pores and does the job in the best way possible. If you are looking for a special occasion correcting serum and primer, this is your best bet, although it would be too much for everyday wear.

That is as all the knowledge that I have and hope this will help you in your choice of make up primers.  If you have any questions you can leave them in the comments below or ask on social media (my Instagram & Facebook)/ Thank you for reading!