ModCloth's Revel in Rewards Sale!

The ModCloth Revel in Rewards Sale begins today and there are THREE fabulous ways to save while you shop and treat yourself!

1. Enjoy FREE US shipping on orders $50+
2. Spend $100+ for free EXPRESS shipping
3. Spend $125+ & get $25 back to spend on yourself in January!

Check out all of ModCloth's adorable dresses, fun graphic tees, shoes, cardigans and even apartment and home accessories. And, don't forget to check out the ModCloth Gift Guide, you can shop for Him, for Her and there is a even a fun selection of gifts under $20, you are sure to find something for everyone on your list!

mama style - 3.1 phillip lim for target

i wanted to start doing some "mama style" posts- posts that will show you that becoming a mom doesn't mean you get to just wear yoga pants and a tshirt forever.  i won't front- i do wear yoga pants and a tshirt- at home.  moms- get cute, and get out of yo house! 

so, like most people in the world- i love designer collaborations.  the chance to own designer goods for a minimal amount of money is something that i think anyone can get behind.  i believe target started it all with their go international collection- which i owned a few pieces from long ago, but now they're everywhere it seems.

everyone on the interwebs seemed to be freaking out over the 3.1 phillip lim collection- me, not being able to pass up a good bargain went down to check it out.  let's say i no longer share that enthusiasm.  maybe it's because i just had a baby, and i've still got a little bit of baby weight.  maybe it's because i'm short- and i can't afford to carry extra weight.  i don't know- but i'm beginning to think these collections are made for skinny people only.  this one was certainly a punch in the proverbial crotch of my self-esteem.  i don't know what it is, but the sizing is ALL OVER THE PLACE for these collections- at least on me.  i tried on nearly everything my store had - my thoughts follow!

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Sweater...

Price: 39.99

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Silky Skirt -Animal Print

Price: 29.99

thoughts:  the sweater was super-thick and would be perfect for winters up here, but i felt like it just hung on me and made me look dumpy.  plus, you can tell the sleeves have extra length on my arms, but i wish the sweater itself had more length.  maybe the sleeves are supposed to be scrunched up though?  this sweater was a medium and i felt fit me just fine.  the skirt- i really liked, although i don't wear a lot of skirts b\c i never know how to style them and i don't like how they sit on my waist- i would go back and buy this skirt on clearance.  i needed a 14 in this skirt (yes) which is 2-3 sizes bigger than the jeans i am currently wearing.  i like the skirt though, so i wouldn't let the number sway my decision.  i really wanted to try on the leopard print dress- but they didn't have it in the store on opening day- however, they did have it when i went to target yesterday, but i didn't get the chance to try it!

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Tank -Grey

Price: 24.99

 thoughts:  this tank was probably my favorite thing that i tried on, but i'm not paying $25 for one.  i'd definitely pick this up on clearance though! a medium worked for me in this style

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sparkle Dress - Blue

Price: 49.99

 thoughts:  this dress obviously didn't work for me.  on the left is a large, which hung on me like a potato sack.  on the right a medium- which was snug all over.  oh well.  a definite no.

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Sweater Dress

Price: 44.99

thoughts:  this is the worst picture of me of all time to go on the interwebs.  the dress on me screamed "hey everyone, i just had a baby..."  ugh.  this was a medium.

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Pullover -Navy/Emerald

Price: 34.99

thoughts:  i really liked this top, but i tried on a medium and a large and couldn't lift my arms up.  if anyone knows what that means- tell me, b\c even in my pre-baby days when i was much smaller i had the same issue with tops/jackets.  target had an xl when i was there yesterday, i might try that b\c this was my favorite thing from the look book. 

3.1 Phillip Lim for Target Silky Skirt -Navy

Price: 29.99

thoughts:  this fit well.  was the same as the animal print skirt. 

thoughts:  cute floral shirt dress, but i tried a large AND an xl and couldn't lift my arms up over my head- seriously.  wtf.  i don't have broad shoulders... what is up?

so overall, this collection was unfortunately a bust for me.  did you give it a try?  buy anything?  maybe i'll have better luck next time- and by next time i mean- today!  catherine malandrino for kohls!

wishlist friday: green with envy

all week i've been thinking about what to wear to celebrate st. patrick's day- there are a lot of irish people in the area- so there are always parades and all kinds of fun.  i think tomorrow we're going to go down to our favorite neighborhood irish pub for a kegs n eggs breakfast, then watch the local parade & an adult big wheel race.  i discovered that i really don't have a lot green in my wardrobe- no idea why- green is a perfectly nice color.  i had a roommate in college who once had nothing but green clothes- she finally branched out (not sure if you read this, but you know who you are).  ;)

here are a few green pieces that i'd love to give a permanent home to!

collared green top - modcloth

blossom day soon dress - modcloth

ain't over until it's clover dress - modcloth

the swan i love dress - modcloth

you look migrate dress - modcloth

how are you going green for st. patty's day?  or would you rather be pinched?!

my first consignment sale

after some nudging from my friend kristen last week, i decided i would join her for a consignment sale adventure.  this was one of those serious sales that started at the ungodly hour of 7:30 and had a limited time frame.  i somehow managed to pull myself out of bed at a quarter to 6 and get myself looking halfway decent for kristen's arrival at 6:30.  we're both not morning people- but get a little starbucks in us and we're not so bad.  the sale was crazy when we arrived- it's at the dupage county fairgrounds- and they have several sales going on all at once spread out through the buildings.  we tried to hit up one sale to start with, but could barely squeeze in the door- so we moved on to the big sale.

right away we wanted to grab a couple big items- a new baby gate (that isn't made of wood and barely holding on) for both of us- then we quickly perused the toys (i found a goody on the way to the toys).  i found this cute little combo baseball/football/basketball toy- and i dropped that off with my gate to be held.  then it was on to the big show- clothes.  i decided to skip over most of the 2t (maybe foolish) and head straight for the 24 month stuff to procure more summer clothing (we got started at his birthday, and i just wanted to flesh the wardrobe out a bit).  basically you find a clear spot to nudge in, put your laundry basket on the floor by your foot and start flipping through clothes- you find something you like, you toss it at your feet. when you finish with that pile, you scoot your basket and keep moving.  once you've grabbed what you can (doesn't take long for boys- there just aren't as many options)- you head to a sorting area and sort- where you can get the opinions of other moms and maybe pass long what you don't want to them!  after sorting, we stood in line for 30-40 minutes, but i found myself something else + it didn't seem like the line took so long- they're pretty efficient.  fun times.

here's my haul:

 - plastic swing baby gate (sadly not wide enough for where i want it)

- sports toy

- 7 pairs of summer pjs

- 1 swimsuit/t-shirt combo (looked brand new)

- 1 l/s shirt (cookie monster)!

- 4 pairs of shorts

- 9 outfits (8 rompers b\c i love rompers on little boys and this is the last summer for them & 1 dress outfit)

- this dress

yeah, you saw that.  someone put a forever 21 dress in the girls size 16 dress section- you'd be crazy to think i wasn't going to be all over that action.  it's loose and comfy and perfect for 80 degree days (like TODAY)!!! 

so i got all that goodness for only $60!!!  so awesome!  but that's not all.  i got one additional "big ticket" item.  it's something i had been wanting for a while, but definitely couldn't afford!  

i got this bag, which normally retails for almost $200 for only $60!!  yippee!!  it holds stuff more comfortably than my old diaper bag, plus you can wear it as a backpack.  it's a super cute bag!  

the consignment sale was definitely a success- i spent a little more than i was expecting to, but got a lot of great steals, plus ian is outfitted for the summer (minus sandals)!  i'd definitely do it again.  

have you shopped or sold at a consignment sale?  successes?  horror stories?

wish list friday: modcloth duds

1.  look on the bright cider tunic - i have a weakness for bright red, holiday themed sweaters, and this one does it without being ugly sweater party material.  looks warm too, and i need it- it's 26 today!

2.  lieutenant lovely cardigan - love the colors and button detail.  would be cute alone or over anything.

3.  new hire and higher dress - this dress looks slimming and classy.  can't go wrong with that.

4.  what's the peter plan top - adorable top.  i know i'd feel just like madeline!

5.  strawberry waffles dress - adorable dress that could be styled so many ways

6.  freedom of the dress - lovely dress- and it has sleeves!

7.  streetcar tour dress - a classy dress that comes in a variety of colors that's appropriate year-round!  yes!

8.  london collar-ing dress - love this sweet dress.  the color is a winner

9.  loving care dress - another sweet dress.  i think it could be hit or miss on me though!

10.  three square teals dress - knit retro-looking dress.  very cute
11. double your output top - stripes and lace.  i think so
12.  presidio pose dress - cute, but way out of my price range
13.  snow news is good news dress - perfect sweater dress for illinois weather
14.  radiant ruby dress - i'm in love with everything about this gorgeous red dress
15.  evergreen and gorgeous dress - love the color of this pretty maxi dress
16.  brunch date top - i really love this top, can't figure out why it was only available for about a month!

like anything you see?

wish list friday: shooooes

shoes, shoes and more shoes.  i am a lady after all.  i don't wear heels much anymore- i'm a flats girl.  i call that embracing my height.  here are the cute heels & flats on my wish list.  

1.  spotlight heels- modcloth.  adorable cut-out oxford heels
2.  naughty monkey combat heels- piper lime.  i could use some new black pumps- they're always classic.
3.  all tide up flat- modcloth.  these canvas rope-trimmed flats are so cute.  summer, where are you?!
4.  room to bloom flats- modcloth.  another easy way to wear mustard this fall/winter
5.  kiltie conscience flat- modcloth.  adorable loafers.  i could use more shoes like these.
6.  how do you dewey heel- modcloth.  oxfords in a fun color.
7.  can't hardly slate wedge- modcloth.  adorable perforated wedges- and they're vegan. 
8.  the to-toes heels- modcloth.  these are seriously too cute.
9.  seychelles- ampersand.  love these.
10.  naughty monkey untamed heels- piper lime.  cute heels.

do you prefer heels or flats?

wish list friday, er, monday: winter boots/shoes

i skipped last week b\c we were at the movies late...  and i took this past friday off for thanksgiving... this is off to a poor start, but no worries, i'm back

what girl doesn't love shoes?  a crazy girl that is.  i'm always looking for new shoes- unfortunately you don't really get to wear pretty shoes in the midwest.  i spent most of last winter wearing my sweater boots- which are comfy and warm, but not necessarily the cutest.  most heels are basically out- so i need cute, flat shoes that are warm.  oh, and they most likely can't be suede or anything like that b\c the snow will ruin them.  it's a shame.  a real shame.

 here are the boots on my love list. i'll be back later this week with heels & flats!!  ;)  maybe...

1.  undercover studs boot- modcloth.  cute, flat and under $50.  yes, yes, yes.  

2.  jersy boots- blowfish.  the partially hidden zipper is a cool look.

3.  sueded desert wedges- old navy.  my old navy shoes have lasted for years.

4.  write now bootie- modcloth.  out of mama's range, but cute.

5.  riley tall slouch boot- payless.  extended calf.  sometimes i think i need this.

6.  xhilaration kainda boot- target.  i bet i can't navigate ice & a toddler in these...

7.  coconuts dylan boot- piper lime.  flat boots, yes.  ended up getting boots similar to this at target for $10!!

8.  merona kasia boot- target.  most wanted: tall, flat, black boots, but sorry target- $50?!  ha.
9.  xhilaration sadella heeled booties- target.  cute, except that i am scared of heels b\c of all the ice & snow!
10.  naughty monkey misfit- piper lime.  not a wedge, not a heel.  manageable!
11.  elzinga boots- aldo.  my fave on the list- love the hidden wedge!
12.  b.o.c by born martina boot- dsw.  these look like they have a super safe sole + look super comfortable!
13.  naughty monkey detective boots- endless.com.  again with the not-heel, not wedge thing.
14.  clooney by coconuts- piper lime.  these look identical to another pair listed... but with a wedge
15.  faux leather riding boots- old navy.  i've been happy with all my inexpensive old navy shoes- they always hold up well.

i ended up going with a pair of flat motorcycle boots from target that didn't even make my most loved list, yet were only $10- and that always makes my list! 

wish list friday: winter coats

i'm starting something new here called wish list friday in hopes that i will reinvigorate my blogging and blog reading.  and because i want a lot of things, and we're broke so i get no things.  it's like a collection of dreams.


first up, in honor of it SNOWING today.  grrrrrr brrrrr.... winter coats!

1.  candy cane cutie coat in frost by jack/bbdakota- modcloth (could replace my old white coat)

2.  duffle coat- delias (i love toggles)

3.  philanthropy chair charmer jacket by tulle- modcloth (cute short jacket)

4.  the icing on the coat in red velvet by knitted dove- modcloth (mmm, red velvet)

5.  calvin klein double breasted stand-up collar coat - lord & taylor (could use a new black coat)

6.  the perfect piccadilly coat by tulle- modcloth (cute retro plaid)

7.  ojai coat- jack by bbdakota (unique + love my current jack coat)

8.  polka dot margie coat by tulle- fred flare (sweet.  plus the dots are stitched, not printed)

9.  regimentary my dear coat by tulle- modcloth (love the zipper!)

10.  double cloth metro coat- jcrew (love the cobalt blue)

11.  very vermont jacket by jack/bbdakota- modcloth (looks warm!)

12.  candy apple chic coat- modcloth (belted & ruffled)

i doubt i'll be getting a new coat this year, but these are just so pretty to look at!

my biggest wish-  a safe & happy veterans day.  thankful for all those who served & who continue to serve- esp my family & friends.  praying for a safe return to the states this holiday season for my cousin carla's husband, austin. 

just bragging on myself, that's all

guys, i can be, well, a bit of a cheapskate.  it's not that i don't spend money, b\c believe me, i do.  but unfortunately, we're not made of money, and our never ending hospital bills due to our horrible medical insurance are cramping my style- so i gotta save where i can!  so when i get a good bargain, i just wanna shout it out to everyone!  and i've gotten a couple really good bargains lately!!

after our car accident, we had to get a new seat- the accident wasn't that serious, but i called the seat manufacturer and they recommend that seats be replaced regardless of crash severity.  we decided to go w\ the sunshine kids radian car seat.  i've heard nothing but incredible things about it- but the price was always a bit steep...  then a friend from my mom's group tipped us off on a sale that buy buy baby was having on the seats- 20% all sunshine kids seats- taken off immediately at register!

seat- $299 (regular price)
         -20%   (that's almost $60!!)
_________
$239

then, i always make sure that i hang on to my buy buy baby & bed bath & beyond coupons- the ones for bed bath can be used @ buy buy.  that's another 20% off!!

$239
-20%  (that's almost another $50!!)
________
$191.36

add in 10% for tax and that makes my grand total... $210!!  whoo hoo!!

my next great deal was something i've been pondering over for months- the ergo carrier.  highly touted and does something that my beloved bjorn doesn't do- allows me to carry ian on my back or hip!  baby steals has offered this carrier a few times before and i didn't bite- but this time it seemed too good to pass up- so i stole it!

 

ERGObaby sport carrier $115 regular price.  baby steals price- $57!!  with shipping/tax $69!!

if someone had told me i could get a new convertible car seat & an ergo carrier for less than $280, i probably would've laughed in their face... but i did it!!

boo ya!

i want to know about your great bargains!  i'm always looking for new deals!

straight from the heart

valentine's day is in a week!  i love valentine's day a little too much.  it's safe to say that it's my favorite holiday- while for most people it's a day they wish just didn't exist.  i used to always go overboard for the big day- i've changed that a little since being married, but i still want sometime cute to wear for my dinner date with the husband.  modcloth's newest look book straight from the heart pretty much belongs in my closet- and confirms that my taste is a little twee...  oh well.  here are my faves!

all items from modcloth

1.  heart act to follow cardigan

2.  to the patisserie sweater

3.  traveling translator tote

4.  lace embrace top

5.  on the ball-et dress

6.  tweet on you dress

7.  flowers of romance dress

8.  seafoam of affection dress

9.  moments to remember dress

10.  eye in the sky heel

11.  flurry up top

12.  constellation rising top

your thoughts on valentine's day?  love it or hate it? 

fall wish list- coats/outerwear

because as my husband says, "you only have 7 coats, do you really need another?"  what do you think?

i could only fit into 3 of those coats while pregnant, and i'm guessing the same outcome for this winter.  so it may be time to part ways with some of those coats, and make way for some new ones... and it's now really appropriate for me to have so many coats seeing that illinois is like the arctic.  i may have made it through my pregnancy last winter with only wearing gloves and a hat most days- but i had body heat for 2.  not so much this time around.  i'm going to be cold.

here's what made my wish list!

clifton coat - bbdakota

romaine coat - jack bbdakota

tuileries garden coat - modcloth

first brass coat - modcloth

big city blues coat - modcloth

wear the heart is jacket - modcloth

women's wool-blend peacoat in golden gate - old navy

cute as a button coat - ruche

evelyn military dress coat - delias

i have to say i have really been looking for coats in gray or navy because i pretty much have them in all the other colors that i've spotted online, but didn't find a gray or navy that i just have to have.  the delias coat is closest to gray, but i'm not sure i love it.  the clifton coat is close to navy, but maybe not as deep of a blue as i desire.  i also just realized that the clifton coat and the big city blues coat are the same coat...  the orange old navy coat- i just love the color- it just makes me dream of pumpkin bars and pumpkin spice lattes and changing leaves- and i got my first peacoat from old navy over 10 years ago- and it is still going strong!  the wear the heart is jacket is more cute than warmth.  (btw, modcloth has a coat warmth scale- how awesome is that)?!  the white coats are probably my favorite- i just see them with a peek of skirt and colorful tights sticking out.

dreaming of coats... but not the weather that would necessitate one...

borrrrrrrrrring

is what my blog design has been as of late.  i've exhausted just about all the blogger designs i like, and i can't really find any free backgrounds that i love.  do people pay to have a blog design created for them?  would it be worth it?  i'm definitely not enjoying anything i'm picking from blogger. 

my time in atlanta is going by fast, but has been enjoyable.  too bad we miss daddy like crazy!  i'm looking forward to being back & having a nice family weekend with him, but alas, our friend is getting married on friday, and 2 of my friends from college (dave's study abroad friends- ie: the ones who set us up) are flying in for the wedding.  it's looking to be a busy 4 days as we spend time with him, and leave ian overnight for the first time (aaahh). 

speaking of which, 3 dresses have arrived at my mom & dad's and i am 0 for 3.  as expected.  the last 2 dresses are arriving tomorrow- and one of them is a size small, so you can already count that out from the way the other dresses are going.  seriously, i need to stop eating because i see where this is headed...

hope everyone is enjoying their week!!

updating

a few updates on my recent posts

wedding guest dress - i couldn't decide.  plus, half the dresses went into "out of stock" or "size 2 available mode.  and since most forays into the dressing room for me have a 17% success rate i decided this:  purchase 7 dresses that i liked best ie: were most affordable, try them all on, and send back the 6 losers, hopefully keeping 1 very awesome winner.  my husband frowned upon this idea, wanting me to purchase 2  instead and choose from those.  next time, you can have the baby and jack your body up.


ditch the shampoo - this got worse before it got better.  not only are my grays sticking out and holding up little "look at me" signs; i was wanting to shave my head and vomit every time i saw my hair, which stayed perfectly placed in a ponytail every time i removed my hair band.  gag.  when i was begging for my shampoo, husband suggested i follow the baking soda wash- it made a major improvement to my hair from first wash, and my hair is gradually starting to look cleaner.  i'm hoping that holds up, because it's time to color it... AGAIN. 


shredding - ugh.  epic fail.  i got through 10 days, then hubby's gma died and we were out of town for the long weekend, and it was just so difficult to get back into it.  i may start up again, but for now husband has a big plan for us that i'm keeping to myself for a while.  good news is while i didn't lose any weight, i haven't gained any since then either...

ian and i are flying to the atl tomorrow.  i'm so excited.  i need some south in my life.  we are flying, and did i mention it's just going to be the two of us?  after we get to atlanta, we'll be driving to nashville for the weekend for a family reunion (a little counter-productive) and then it's loads of fun in c-town.  this will be the first time husband has been away from ian- and he's a little bummed (so are we).  thank God for skype.  i'll be sure to include a post on traveling with baby. 

i won't be posting much during my vacay, but i do have some guest posts lined up- so keep checking in!!

what to wear to the wedding

so the wedding we are attending is just 2 weeks away, and after spending the last month searching the internet high & low, i have narrowed it down to 14 lucky finalists.  yes, 14.  ugh.  i'm suffering from a case of abulia!

so excited about this weekend, but a little nervous too.  the wedding is on a friday in the late afternoon, so we will be dropping ian off with...?  and not picking him up until the next morning.  *i was just joking w\ my mil about how they need to consult with us before making plans- we were going to have them keep ian on our anniversary, but they were out of town.  now, we wanted them to keep ian this- and guess what- out of town.  we can't bring him to the wedding, so now we need to enlist an overnight babysitter.  aaaaaah!*

so excited-  1.  i get a pretty dress to wear, and it can be any kind of dress i'd like b\c it doesn't have to be made to allow for breastfeeding (!!), 2.  we get to go downtown to a beautiful church and a reception at the chicago history museum, 3.  we get to stay at a beautiful hotel downtown (i'm pretty sure we're splitting this hotel with at least 2, if not 3 of our single male friends- this should be interesting). 

so, onto the dresses.  i did a lot of searching on a LOT of sites.  so i hope i've picked some things that are cocktail wedding appropriate.  my goals are to keep the girls intact, keep my butt covered, look awesome, and not attract unnecessary attention.  duh.  without further ado...

photo cred:

Bright Young Things Dress- ModCloth

Ascending Pleats Dress- Ruche

Sleeveless Tulle Neckline Dress- Loft

When the Night Falls Dress- ModCloth (thanks, girls)

The Dress I've Been Telling You About- ModCloth

Berry Abstract Print Dress- Loft

and...

Chocolate Souffle Dress- Lulu's

Lost In Your Eyes Dress- Lulu's

Andalusia Silk Dress- Lulu's

Mesh Insert Bandage Dress- asos

Folded Flower Dress- asos

Frill Front Slinky Dress- asos

aaand..

Celebrate Good Times Dress- ModCloth
Kirigami Craft Tube Dress- Ruche

so, how did i do?  did i pick anything out that's early fall cocktail wedding appropriate?  anything you love?  i have some definite faves, and some that i'm on the fence about, but would love to hear your opinions.  so opine away....  

change of a-dress

har.

husband and i have been invited to a fancy wedding in october.  it's an evening wedding with a cocktail hour and the reception is here ::swoon::  it's going to be all kinds of fancy, and i want to look really nice as it will be a night out without baby.  i've already started looking for dresses, and i'm searching high and low on the internet for the dress. 

so where are your favorite places online to shop for dresses?

son of a...

the shoes i am watching on ebay jumped from $1.25 to $10.50... with 4 days to go.  bah.  don't you people know to wait until the last minute to bid

water, baby!

want to make a woman depressed?  take her swimsuit shopping.

want to make a woman really depressed?  take her swimsuit shopping 6 months postpartum.

ugh.  what a week.  i spent 2 days and several hours shopping for a swimsuit this week for a company picnic on saturday.  it. sucked. 

first-  why don't places have more handicap-accessible dressing rooms?  old navy and land's end- shame on you.  i spent my time trying to wriggle my fat butt into a swimsuit while being pinned between the door and my son's ginormous stroller- no fun.

second-  i may or may not have started crying while looking at myself in the mirror after i'd tried on the 25th swimsuit (that is not an exaggeration, in fact, it may be lower than the actual number).

third-  it's only august, yet some stores i went into were already completely sold out of swimsuits... ::ahem:: old navy.  of course, this had its advantages because of clearance prices!!!

fourth-  if i was interested in a strapless swimsuit- i'd buy a two piece.  i can't tell you how many one pieces i got into the fitting room, only to pull them on and find they had no straps.  and while we're on one pieces- there's no need for them to have a v-neck down to my belly button.

after all this though, i found not one, but two swimsuits- bought them both.  i wanted to bring them home, try them on somewhere with mirrors and lighting that i could trust- but i wasn't crazy about either.  of course, i tried them on at home, loved them both, and then somehow managed to talk husband into letting me keep both.  love you, dear.


and here you have them...

suit #1

i feel like this woman looks ridiculous in these shorts- yet, i don't feel like i look ridiculous in them, i think i look cute in them.  i certainly hope that people didn't see me in them and think i look dumb.  i got my entire suit in the "south sea blue" color.  the suit fits really really well, and when i was wearing it, i didn't feel like i was falling out (this is the one that actually went to the party with me).  the only thing i may have a problem with- the sizing.  the size of my top is 6 sizes larger than the size of my bottoms (they are sized 2, 4, etc).  also, the bottoms in ssb are $19.99 online- i got hosed.  

suit #2

this is the suit i've had in mind all along- i love it!  it's got a very retro look to it, which, i love.  that also means it's modest, and sexy at the same time!  i unfortunately don't look like the model when i wear it, but it has tummy control and can be worn either as a maillot or a swim dress.  adore!

so my postpartum swimsuit tips:

1.  one pieces and tankinis are your friend.  tankinis are especially great if you're used to wearing a two piece.  it give you the feel without all the skin- or that postpartum belly jiggle showing.

2.  skirted or shorted bottoms are also your friend.  hello, they hide stretch marks.  

3.  make sure there's easy access for nursing- if it applies to you.  also, if you're like me and nursing, bear in mind that the v-neck may not be your friend.  

4.  wear what makes you feel comfortable and confident, and above all, sexy. 

maybe next summer i'll be back in my two pieces, but for now, i'm loving my new suits.  did you get a new suit for the summer?  one or two piece? what style?  any other tips for new moms or anyone who might be shopping for a suit?

best baby buys

man, i love registering for gifts.  there should really be more events that require a registry because i love picking things out that i want and then receiving them!  i need to get an ongoing life registry together.  remember on sex and the city where carrie gets her manolo's stolen, so she decides to get married to herself and register for just the shoes...  ahh

back to baby buys.  here are my favorite baby items.  just some things to keep in mind whether you are giving or receiving. along with some registry tips.

my top 10 12 faves.

1.  baby bjorn.  i love the crap out of this thing.  i know it's not the typical sling carrier, but it's sturdy, it's great for walks, and i feel oh-so-swedish when i'm out and about carrying the baby!

2.  fisher-price whale of a tub.  it's a baby tub that's shaped like a whale.  do you really need more?  favorite accessory to use with the tub?  the aquatopia deluxe bath thermometer because men have no concept of temperature.

3.  diaper genie ii.  this thing is b.a.  we started out using disposables and we still use this thing from time to time for trash.  this is not like a regular diaper genie.  i have yet to smell anything foul coming from this thing, and thank goodness, because i have a gag reflex.  if you're going disposable- you need this.

4.  soothie's pacifiers.  this is the pacifier that most hospital's give.  these are adorable, and ian won't take anything else.  plus they look like a smiley face!

5.  swaddleme pod, or the "swad pod" as it was referred to in our house.  try and get out of this thing, baby.  i dare you. baby will fall asleep and stay asleep in this warm cozy pod!  plus they look like a little bean while inside of it!

6.   grobag egg.  did you know the ideal temperature for baby's room is between 61-67?  you probably didn't- i didn't.  so stop putting your baby in a sweater in the middle of summer.  seriously.  overheating baby can cause sids.  the egg is a digital thermometer which displays the temp in the room with a :) for ideal and a :( when it's too hot or cold.  it also has coordinating colors for the temperature range.  you dress baby according to the temperature.  the egg doesn't like summer in our house.  he's always angry.  ian doesn't wear pj's often now!  we love our wise all-knowing egg.

7.  books.  i love to read, therefore i force my baby to love to read.  i probably read to ian 5x a day.  he hasn't complained yet.

8.  medela pump in style-  if you're going to breastfeed, you need a pump.  don't let the price tag scare you- this baby is worth every penny.  save your gift cards and any registry completion certificates- trust me.

9.  bumbo.  because it's funny to see baby sitting in a little chair!  plus, this really does help with their sitting skills.

10.  so easy baby food kit.  this is a really good kit to get started with.

11.  baby einstein gym.  this is ian's favorite thing hands down.  he could play on this all day if i let him.  it was the first thing i started using with him (when he was a few weeks old) and for the longest time he would just lay there and do nothing, but soon he started to play, and now he loves it!

12.  our hippo chair.  great for pictures, and i know ian is going to love sitting in it one day!!

things you probably don't need to register for because you're going to get them regardless (unless there's something you really want) - (these are all things you need):  hooded towels, washcloths, clothes, onesies, receiving blankets, burp cloths, bath sets, blankets, grooming kit, bibs, toys, diaper cream

things you should register for that will really come in handy:  baby hangers, changing pad cover, window shades, humidifier, car bottle warmer, nursing cover (any nursing accessories if you go this route: cream, milk bags, nursing pads), bowls/spoons, car seat cover (super handy in the midwest- or anywhere else where winter is a real b), formula dispenser (i use it for cereal), boppy. sleep sack, swaddler, shopping cart cover, baby monitor

things you need that you can/should be specific about:  car seat, high chair, stroller, pack n play, crib/bedding, convertible car seat, bottles, pacifiers, diapers, wipes, swing, bouncy seat.

things you should get yourself or have your family get you:  diaper bag, crib (any furniture), crib bedding, rocker, car seat, high chair, pack n play, swing, room decor.  

places to register:  target.  everyone should register here because it's convenient, and most people are probably going to just ignore your registry and get you whatever the heck they want to get you anyway- but chances are, they're going to target to get it. (yes, their return policy can stink, and most people forget or refuse to give gift receipts, but there are ways around this- and that's why i say target), babies r us and/or buy buy baby (both don't have a lot of convenient locations for most- here in illinois there are 9 local bru's and only 3 bbb's statewide, in atlanta there are only 5 convenient bru's and only 1 bbb in the entire state).  i love bbb- it's bed, bath and beyond, but with baby stuff.  insanity.  local boutique, or an online boutique.  this is great because small boutiques can have cutesy things that the big box stores don't have, plus online shops allow people to know something is in stock w\o making a trip.  plus, if you do cloth diapering, it's a great place to register!   another great place- pottery barn kids (outrageous prices where i'm concerned, but their stuff is adorable).

did i forget anything, wheeew.  

best of buying!

mcfatty monday 3 (better late than never)

it's mcfatty tuesday monday!

well, i am one week away from my weigh in ob appointment next week, so still no idea how i'm doing on the weight front.  last week was crazy.  i went with my mother and sister in law to indiana on wednesday, so i feel like i had a 4 day weekend.  i did walk on monday, and i'm still trying to make healthier eating choices.  i can't say i felt good about eating in indiana- husband's gma can cook.  plus, like most gma's, she forces you to eat everything in her house because "she doesn't want leftovers."  so my weekend consisted of things such as sour cream meat pie (sounds gross- but isn't), baked ham with party potatoes and pineapple casserole, jewish coffee cake, zucchini bread, a fudge party (heaven) and starbucks.

i did a lot of walking at the vera sale, but i still wasn't feeling good about all the yumminess i was consuming.  i did notice something on saturday though- the jeans i had bought in april for easter weekend were looking a little loose.  so i went to the loft and picked up another pair in the same size, but they were tight- wth?  i realized that the tight jeans were "modern" fit (slim through the thighs- and i've got thighs like what, what, what), and the loose jeans were "curvy" fit.  so that got me thinking...

so after we got home, i went to my closet and looked through my pre-pregnancy jeans.  sure enough there was a size 6 "curvy" fit.  i yanked them off the hanger, slipped them on, buttoned them, and, OMG!!!  there i was, standing in the middle of my room wearing my pre-pregnancy jeans!!!!  i must have stared at my butt in the mirror for 5 minutes...  i now officially have 3 pairs of jeans- size 10, size 8 and size 6.  note to women's jeans makers:  for crying out loud, can't i just go in and buy my size and know they'll fit?!  i have a baby, i don't have time to try 800 things on in a dressing room. 

now i'm not getting too ahead of myself.  this is one of those "you may have won the battle, but you haven't won the war" moments.  small victories.  because the next day i tried on the rest of my pre-pregnancy pants, and none of them fit, and ::sigh::  i still can't get my wedding band on.  but i'm getting there!!

we also received a gift while we were in ft. wayne.  dave's cousin now has 2 adorable children and they no longer have use for a 1-child jogging stroller.  they were kind enough to give us their old stroller!!!  this now means i must jog!!  so this week i'll be "learning" how to jog... and hopefully liking it!

remember, small victories!!

week 13

here are the events from week 12-13 in ian's life (april 14-21).

this week has pretty much been a lot of the same from last week. still working on new introductions into ian's life. we're still working with getting him to sleep in the crib- he's taking pretty much every nap in the crib now! we'll be in there full time before we know it! this is pretty darn sad- he won't be right next to me anymore- also, when he fusses for his pacifier at 5 AM, we now have to leave the room!

ian is still doing well with tummy time- sometimes he's interesting in pushing himself up, and sometimes he just likes to do nothing! he also looks like he's trying to roll himself over sometimes- but i still think it's going to be little longer.

we're also still using the bumbo- not too much progress yet.

friday, ian and i took a trip to old navy for stuff and save. we were with the first 50 in line- so we got 50% off! i got some really cute stuff for ian (and for me too, duh) to wear later this summer- i can't wait! old navy definitely doesn't have the greatest stuff, but for 50% off, i think i can make it work! plus, if it tears up after a few washes, i'm not out a lot of cash!

saturday, we went to chuck's house for dave to start beer making. i got him a beer making kit for valentine's day 2008, and he finally got around to using it! ian wasn't too interested in the beer making process, he just wanted to sleep and eat!

ian has been pretty fussy this week, so i've been very frustrated. it seems everything i do causes him to cry- putting him in his crib, his swing, the car seat, etc. and now instead of sleeping in the car seat, he prefers to just cry for an entire 30 minute trip, and then as soon as we get to where we're going stop. i think he just wants me to look like a fool... oh, i hope this is a phase.

we went to the pediatrician on monday. ian is 11 lbs, 8 oz and 24". still in the 25th% for weight, but she didn't tell me about height. we got a rx for a stronger ointment for ian's eczema- everything he touched was breaking him out this week. after laying on the wax paper in the office his entire back broke out! the pediatrician didn't seem worried, which made me a little frustrated, but i'm starting to learn that this seems to be what doctors do... the doctor says we will start cereal next month, but i've heard a lot of conflicting views. my lactation consultant says i should wait because of the eczema... oh, what to do!?

i will again have to post pictures later because husband's computer has all our photos on it, and it refuses to connect to the internet...