Wednesday

Attire:
Proenza Schouler for Target: Teal jersey dress
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Diamond Nexus Labs: White gold and diamond solitaire necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Day 3

Beauty:
Laura Mercier: Flawless Face kit in Sand (review coming)
Bare Escentuals: Buxom lip gloss in Dolly
Clinique: Shadow quad in Like Mink
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Shu Eumura: Lash Curler
Maybelline: Brow powder in dark Brown
Body Shop: Brow & Lash Gel in Clear

Tuesday

Attire:
Josephine Chaus (From Marshall's): Black jersey tank
Ann Taylor Loft: White maternity bootcut jeans
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
H&M: Silver necklace
Target: Silver and bead necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day
Straightened with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Eye colors in Amethyst on lid, Soft Black in crease and long lash line
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Bare Escentuals: Buxom Lips in Dolly

Ann Taylor 25% Off!

25% off as many purchases as you like, and as many items as you like at Ann Taylor, Ann Taylor Loft and both of the stores' Web sites!


Promotion Code: 10701098
Valid: Thursday, August 21 - Sunday, August 24


If you desire the printable version to visit one of the Ann Taylor or ATL stores (does not work at Factory stores), send me an email and I will send it along your way! :) Enjoy!

Monday

Another picture from once at work since I left the house with wet hair...

Attire:
Liz Lange for Target (awesome score from eBay): Black matte jersey polo-neck dress (removed self-belt)
Gap: Black leather belt
Report: Black leather wedges
Cheeky Jewelery: Silver "Twig" Earrings
Silver cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Matrix Curl.Life Contouring Milk
Dried bangs with round brush and dryer, rest air dry

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Revlon: ColorStay Lipcolor in Rich Raisin
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown, UltraLiner in Black
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Shu Eumura: Lash Curler (forget to mention this all the time - use it DAILY)
Burberry London

Friday I left work early and met my sister at the West Falls Church Metro and took the shuttle to Wolf Trap, where we met my husband and some of our friends. We got there early and scored a great spot right at the very front of the lawn. We had dinner of Lebenese Taverna take-out, chocolate chip cookies and pineapple and red wine for the non-pregnant folks. :) The show was pretty fab - it rained for a short while but it wasn't hard enough for us to need to duck for cover. I went mainly for John Butler Trio and they were utterly fabulous. G. Love and Tristan Prettyman were also good. My sister was able to meet John Butler and got his autograph! Yum!

Saturday started with cleaning - it was my husband's cousin's baby shower so while us ladies lunched and ooohed over cute baby things, a few of the menfolks hung out at my house to drink beer and watch The Olympics. So the morning was buffing up the casa. The shower was really nice - his cousin is having a boy and is due at the beginning of October. I wore the dress I wore to work on Monday and my hair... looked the same then as it does today since I was so late from cleaning that I let it dry on the ride to the shower.

The shower was lovely - his cousin was positively glowing, the food was awesome, they made her the cutest cake echoing the theme of the nursery and the weather was perfect.

I didn't get home until after 5pm so the rest of the night was pretty chill. We watched some Netflix, had a light dinner and chilled.

Sunday we did our routine of yoga at the lake, hit up the Farmer's Market, the grocery, and then home for a sunny lunch on the back deck with our fresh produce. We enjoyed having no plans and spent the day just together. I wore my gray Old Navy dress and some flip flops and no makeup and enjoyed this amazing weather we are having.

Many of you may also be experiencing zucchini overload - it's in your garden, your neighbor's garden and at every farmer's market and produce section of a grocery. I grew up with a vegetable garden and dreaded zucchini season - it seemed to be in every meal and it just got boring. Well now as an adult I have made some really cool dishes with zucchini and thought I'd share a few with you. Also don't forget about zucchini bread - always a winner and freezes well!
*Zucchini Crabcakes AND Chocolate Chip Cookies (both tested and both delish! I don't fry the cakes, but just use no-stick and make some cocktail sauce with horseradish and ketchup)

*Last night's side dish (and today's lunch) - Disappearing Zucchini Orzo

*Zucchini Pasta - I do a variation of this with whatever herbs are on hand, and usually only add the tomatoes at the last minute so they stay firm. I am also a garlic-aholic so I add plenty, and make the zucchini into very thin quarter-moons and sautee until transparent. Whole wheat pasta is a great texture with this dish, and feel free to add some red pepper flakes if you like kick!

*Plus my favorite pantry cleaner - zucchini boats! Slice the zucchini in half, scoop out seeds so there is a reservoir, and make a mixture with what you have on hand - a quarter of an onion chopped, leftover rice from Chinese take-out, some shredded chicken, chopped bell pepper, mushrooms, leftover angel hair chopped, some feta or mozzarella, chopped olives... whatever you have mixed with some herbs and bread crumbs you can add to the zucchini boats and then bake until golden brown. Serve alone or with a bit of marinara!

Friday

Attire:
Announcements (via major eBay score): Red jersey dress
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Next day, just brushed out

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3, Infalliable lip gloss in Coral Sands
Victoria's Secret: Eye shadow in Invitation (also added to cheeks as highlighter)
Body Shop: Eye color in Chocolate, Brow & Lash Gel in Clear
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Cargo: Matte Beach Blush in Tenerife

After work, heading to Wolf Trap to see Tristan Prettyman, John Butler Trio and G. Love and Special Sauce in concert with a bunch of friends. Can't wait! Tomorrow I have a baby shower for my husband's cousin and the rest of the weekend is pretty open! Hope everyone has a good one!

Thursday

Attire:
Banana Republic Outlet: Black ponte jacket
Gap: White ribbed maternity tank, maternity bootcut jeans
J. Crew: Black flops (feet hurt and good thing - issue on the train and I had to stand in a crazy crowd for most of the trip)
H&M: Silver necklace
Target: Silver and bead necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned night before
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Let air dry
Used curling iron to smooth bangs and tame bedhead

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown, shadow quad in Mocha Motion, Shine Seduction lip gloss in blushed Bass
Body Shop: Eye color in Soft Black
Cover Girl: LashBlash mascara in Rich Black
Avon: Luxury eye liner in Black

By the way had our sonogram last night and found out we're having a girl! We couldn't be more excited! Sonographer also said based on everything, it looks as though she should be due December 28th!

Wednesday

Attire:
Old Navy: Olive linen shift dress
Victoria's Secret: White linen drawstring pants
Forever 21: Green and white scarf
J. Crew: Gold necklace
Ralph Lauren: Four gold smooth bangles
Ann Taylor: Three gold "twig" bangles, gold hoops
Lands End: Gold sandals

Hair:
Second day, lightly brushed

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Smashbox: Soft Lights in Tint on cheekbones
Revlon: ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - Olive on lid and wetted and used along lash lines
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Maybeliine: Shine Seduction gloss in blushed Bass, brow powder in Dark Brown

Tuesday

Attire:
Old Navy: Gray knit maternity dress
Calliso: Tan heeled sandals
H&M: Silver necklace
Silver hoops and cuffs

Hair:
A total dramatic experience. So I adore my Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk and I ran out. A couple days ago I dashed into Target to grab some more, got the green tube and headed home. Not until the next day (and receipt is MIA) did I realize that I didn't get the milk but instead got the deep conditioner. Ack!

So Friday I headed back to Target and they didn't have the milk (hence why I picked up the wrong tube). I was leaving for the beach and desperate so I grabbed the Garnier Fructis gel/lotion combo for curly hair. Later in the day I ended up in a grocery store and checked to see if they carried Matrix... sure enough they did and I got my Conditioning Milk. Now I have spent near $30 for this tube, but was glad to have it because it works better than anything else I have found in so long.

Well last night I took a shower, and hadn't unpacked yet so I dug in my bag from the beach, grabbed a green tube, squirted out some product and added it to my hair and let it air dry. Woke up to the most utterly hideous hair!

My hair was like a greasy, gummy giant dreadlock, the whole top was sticking straight up and matted, the rest seemed as though it had nothing on it and was frizzy and full of flyaways. I tried brushing it out and it was so gummy, the brush had trouble getting through the hair. I ended up washing just the top of my head and smoothing/drying the whole head with my dryer and a round brush. Ugh. So this is the final product (that plus being 15 minutes late for work).

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Cargo: Matte BEachBlush in Tenerife
Nars: Lipstick in Dolce Vita
Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
Maybelline: Shadow quad in Mocha Motion, brow powder in Dark Brown
Body Shop: Eye Color in Soft Black in crease and along lash lines

Friday Through Monday

Hello everyone! Back and slightly rested from my beach getaway with my mom and sister!

Friday we left around 11am and made really good time. For the trip down, I didn't really focus on my look - I hadn't showered and spent the morning packing and getting the house ready for my departure so I only really cared about comfort.

When we got to the hotel and settled in, we decided trekking to the beach with chairs and all was too much so we took advantage of the hotel's pool and sundeck. Took a nice nap and then we headed out for dinner, drinks (water please!) and roaming around town.

Attire:
Old Navy: Gray jersey maternity dress
H&M: Silver necklace
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned with Pureology Volumizing
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Dried hair with hotel dryer (no diffuser) so it wasn't super curly
Straightened bangs a bit with curling iron

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Clinique: Shadow Duo in Mink
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
L'Oreal: Infallible lip gloss in Coral Sands

We had dinner at a really nice Italian spot, and then went to one of our favorite bars where we had some cocktails (I had water), and we got to see the Olympics opening ceremony with a crowd of patriotic folks (and a few making it into a drinking game). It was a cool experience when the US came out, the whole bar stood up and cheered and clapped.


Saturday, we had breakfast and got an early start at the beach. The weather was gorgeous - a cool breeze, few clouds, and the water wasn't freezing. We left the beach for lunch, but otherwise stayed out there all day thanks to an umbrella and SPF 30 sunscreen.

No picture, but I wore my black Liz Lange for Target tankini, my orange "Kate Dress" by J. Crew as a coverup, and my Reef flip flops.

Saturday night, we went to dinner at a really eclectic restaurant where I had fabulous tomato artichoke bisque and zucchini fritte and a "Nojito" alcohol-free cocktail that was utterly delicious! Oh yes, I took a picture of it - it tasted as good as it looked!! :)

We did a bit of shopping, lots of walking and People Watching, ice cream for dessert and back by midnight (we were all exhausted). The weather was so lovely, we really enjoyed walking around town seeing all the pretty homes.


Attire:
New York and Company: Red jersey dress
Reef: "Sandy" Flip Fops
Vintage Red Stone Necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned with Pureology
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Let hair air dry and left as-is

Beauty:
Same as Friday night


Sunday was horrific weather - rain off an on, cold, and even some hail!

Attire:
Old Navy: Black Bermuda shorts, gray knit wrap tee
Reef: Black "Sandy" flops
H&M: Silver necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Day 2, bangs straightened with curling iron

Beauty:
Same as the rest of the weekend

We did a bit of shopping around Rehoboth and then headed to the outlets. We planned the outlets ahead of time marking which stores we actually cared about seeing so we could save time and not spend more than we desired. On my list was Motherhood and Children's Place (naturally), my mom wanted to see Coach, Jones New York and Chico's, my sister wanted Coach and Gap Outlet. We also wanted to hit J. Crew and Banana Republic, but passed due to weather and time.

We got some $1.99 and 99 cent goodies for the baby, I got a sweater and dress from Motherhood (both were $9.99 each!), got my hubby some socks and boxers, my sister got a gorgeous purse and a sweater. We had a light lunch, and then got on the road.

The trip home was insane - that morning a poultry truck fell off the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and all westbound lanes were shut down and there was over a 10 mile backup. We decided to head up Route 1 to Wilmington, DE and then take 95 South back home. Problem was everyone else was doing the same thing and it took almost seven hours to get back to the DC area (with a stop for dinner, gas and leg stretching). Through the whole trip, it rained off an on - often times very heavy and with hail. Insane! However I was in bed before 11:30 pm so I was good for today. :)

Monday:
Attire:
Motherhood: Matte jersey dress (my new $9.99 frock)
Silver hoops and cuff
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals

Hair:
Day 3

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Tinted Moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Maybelline: UltraLiner in Black, Shadow quad in Mocha Motion - light huds blended on lid
Revlon: Shiny Sheer in Sheer Plum Drop

Wednesday & Thursday

What a hectic day yesterday! Sorry for not posting, but there just wasn't any time.

Attire:
Banana Republic: Black knit tank
Ann Taylor: Teal linen jacket
Liz Lange for Target: Black trousers
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Limited: Silver and teal necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Jonathan Silky Dirt
Let air dry, used dryer to smooth bangs

Beauty:
One big honking zit! Ack! Hot compresses and some zit cream and I hope it's gone before the weekend
Philosophy: The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
L'Oreal: Infallible lip gloss in Coral Sands
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Eye color in Taupe
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Black
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown

The day started with my monthly pregnancy appointment. I changed medical practitioners, so this appointment was at a different office - a bit farther from my home. My husband couldn't get off so I went with my mom and we first had breakfast.

Since it was the first appointment at this new facility it went quite long. No worries, I was totally thrilled with my decision to change practitioners and had a great appointment. Found out that my due date is actually January 2nd, baby's heartbeat is upper 140s, I gained a little less than three pounds this month, the measurement from pelvic bone to belly is right in line with how many weeks I am, and had a lot of questions answered. I also got a referral to get a sonogram - should be scheduling it today once my husband gets his shoot schedule for next week.

Headed back toward DC and hopped on the Metro to find out that there was an electrical problem on one of the lines I have to take to get to work. Ended up sitting for 20 minutes at a station in a non-moving car (that luckily had A/C) and ended up at work a bit after noon. The plan was to move my office before I got in (yep, third office since here - we keep growing and growing!) but I arrived to my computers and equipment not yet set up. I know how to do it, but the IT guy was there and it makes him feel better to know that he did it so I roamed around for 30 minutes until my desk was usable. Here's a pic of how my office still looks this morning - plenty of boxes, unhung art, but at least the computer and phone are functioning! :)

No time to relax or organize, I have a major deliverable due before the end of the week and I am off on Friday, a different client wants some changes to his product, and then the normal projects of every day. I ended up staying at work until 10pm to catch up. I don't want it to, but this pregnancy has been affecting my work performance. I don't feel as fast, I get sleepy and I catch myself making silly mistakes and having to re-do things, costing time. Staying late with the office all silent did help me focus and get back on track.

Got home a bit after 11pm, washed my face, brushed my teeth and crashed. My husband had tried to stay up and wait for me, but I had to wake him from the couch and have him follow me upstairs. Around 2:45 am I get rustled awake by Ruckus. He is tugging at the comforter and whining and pacing. I get up and let him out and he is out there for at least 15 minutes. He comes in, rushes to get some to drink, and I hear his stomach gurgling and he asks to go back outside. He seems to take care of whatever is going on with his tummy and we go back upstairs to bed... only to have him wake me again 15 minutes later. I ended up going out on the deck with my husband's bathrobe and a throw blanket and slept out there for about 30 minutes while he paced and did whatever he needed to do to feel better. Anyone else's dog eat the most disgusting things? We have many cats in our neighborhood, they catch moles and such and leave the carcasses and Ruckus will find them, snack on them and the next day he's up all night with indigestion. Argh!

Anyway, he finally came and joined me on the deck so I knew he was good so we went back to bed to wake less than two hours later to the alarm. Le sigh.

So today needless to say I am not on my A-game. I hit snooze a thousand times, but then rushed when I realized I wanted to get in early to finish this deliverable and be able to do a load of laundry before heading out (heading to the beach tomorrow and I need some clean clothes!).

Attire:
Liz Lange for Target: Green, white and navy poly top
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity: White bootcut jeans
H&M: Silver necklace
Callisto: Tan heeled sandals
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day
Straightened with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Beauty:
Zit finally popped and is in the crusty nasty healing process...
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3
Philosophy: The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Eye Shimmers in Warmth
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Very Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow

I won't be posting until Monday because I am headed to Rehoboth beach with my mom and sister for our annual girl's getaway. Looking forward to some sun, no email, and plenty of relaxation. You KNOW I will be taking pictures and will return with a full recap. Hope all of you have a great weekend!

Tuesday

Yay for healthy, happy hair! I couldn't believe I went over three months without a haircut. This may not seem like a long time to many... but I used to go with a haircut maybe every other year with self-trims in between. When I committed to a real stylist and regular cuts, my life was so much easier. Hair was not an issue every morning, my getting ready time was slashed dramatically, and life just was simpler and less stressful. One of the best investments I have ever made was being consistent with proper hair cuts and care.

I did decide to hold off on any color for now - my highlights aren't looking too awful, and i would like to wait until the summer is over at least.

Attire:
J. Crew: Blue "Kate" dress
Target: Silver and bead necklace
H&M: Silver necklace
Silver hoops and cuff
Callisto: Nude heeled sandals

Hair:
Second day
Gently straightened (low temperature and some flipping) with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 as concealer, Infallible lip gloss in Coral Sands
Benefit: That Gal
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Shimmer Cubes in Warmth
Cover Girl: LashBlast mascara in Very Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown

Weekend and Monday

The Weekend
Friday was exhausting - work was busy, so many personal things to attend to... got home and had to deal with Verizon AND activate the husband's new Blackberry (I own the account) with a tech who had no clue what she was doing. Had a seat on the couch and next thing I knew it was midnight and I hadn't eaten dinner or anything.

Saturday started with yoga at home, then ran a few errands, and then we shot a wedding. It was an outdoor event - ceremony and reception so I wore a steel gray jersey dress from Old Navy (will see again soon), silver jewelery and my nude heeled sandals from Callisto. Hair was wash and go with two clips due to the humidity; makeup was thin line of liquid liner, mascara and Clinique's Black Honey so I could sweat and run around and still look semi-polished.

Sunday was also pretty busy. Started with breakfast out with family, then my husband had a photo shoot at a farmer's market. Did shopping there and then at the grocery. Headed home to clean and cook up some dishes for dinner that evening.

We then headed to Wolf Trap in Virginia for a concert - Black Crowes and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals.


We had a picnic dinner at Wolf Trap - my sister made chicken and corn bread, I made a Greek pasta salad and brownies, our friends made a couscous and veggie dish and cake, we had plenty of wine (and sparkling lemonade and water for me).


The concert was great - Grace Potter's set was too short to savor but the Black Crowes were phenomenal and Chris Robinson's voice was amazing. Grace Potter was signing autographs for over two hours after her set - we got to meet her (and take a pic with her where we both look like major goofballs). She loved my necklace and we chatted about good places to get jewelery and told me my husband was hot. :)

For the first half of Sunday I wore my black Bermudas from Old Navy Maternity (previously said they were Gap - incorrect), a black crew maternity tee from Gap, my Liberty scarf and black flops and an updo. Second half of the day, I wore my red dress from New York and Company with silver jewelry and black flops and air-dried hair.

Monday:
As I was switching a load of towels my husband tossed in the washer to the dryer, I saw a purple print cotton garment... the Kohl's top I was thinking of returning with the tag (now wet and shredded) still attached! I guess it got stuck in with the laundry... well I tossed it in the dryer and it came out pretty well - softer fabric and no grody smell. Guess I am keeping it! :(

Attire:
Oh Baby for Motherhood/Kohl's - Cotton babydoll top
Gap Maternity - Bootcut jeans
Callisto - Nude heeled sandals
J. Crew - Gold Necklace
Twisted Silver - Gold Bracelet
Ann Taylor - Gold Hoops

Hair:
Air Dry
Pulled back with two barrettes.

Beauty:
Philosophy - The Supernatural Color Correctors in Light
Cargo - Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Maybelline - Shine Seduction in Blushed Bass, brow powder in Dark Brown
Body Shop - Eye Shimmers in Warmth
Imju Fiberwig

I didn't get to bed until 1:30am and woke at 5:30 to get my morning routine finished... however it didn't go quite as planned and I was running a little late. Jiffy hair and makeup... but I guess it's good because I am getting my hair cut tonight so it will be properly cleaned and styled then!

Friday

Oh, I am so MacGyver! Yesterday was a tough day - got all the way to the Metro from my office and realized I left my cell phone. Did this by digging through my purse, having someone bump into me from behind and end up spilling the contents of my bag. By picking everything up I realized my phone was NOT in the mess. This sucks a LOT because my husband broke his Blackberry and is awaiting his replacement and our home phone is having war with Verizon (not working).

Get on the escalator for the Metro, get to the bottom and my heel gets stuck in a grate. I try to wiggle it out, hoping to not lose the heel cap; it was saved but the strap of my shoe broke. I tried to limp to the train but due to the construction of the shoe if wasn't happening. Arrrrgh! What can I do to tie this together? Hair elastic? Nah, that's too short. Safety pin? Don't have any on me. Aha... my camera strap!

Wasn't the most comfortable getup but it did get me through transferring trains and walking a few blocks to my car! Husband was also impressed with the on-the-spot ingenuity! :)

Anyway, today's look!
Attire:
Old Navy: Gray puff sleeves slub tee
Banana Republic Outlet: Black ponte collarless jacket
Gap Maternity: Black Bermuda shorts
Nordstrom: Silver and black stone necklace
Mossimo: Black leather heeled thongs (that DID lose a heel cap and was planning to toss but glad I havn't yet...)
Silver cuff and hoops, silver necklace from Renaissance Festival

Hair:
Washed and conditioned with Pureology
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Let air dry (70% dry in this picture, by time I got to the Metro it was fully dry and had more volume)

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 as concealer and spot coverage
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife as powder
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Revlon: Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Glossy Rose
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown, shadow quad in Mocha Motion - the darkest gray on lid
Body Shop: Eye Color in Soft Black in crease and along lash lines
Avon: Luxury eye liner in Black
Imju Fiberwig
Burberry London

This weekend we have a wedding to shoot on tomorrow and we are going to see the Black Crowes and Grace Potter & The Nocturnals at Wolf Trap on Sunday. Pretty excited because going with friends I haven't seen in a bit, and it's my first concert since Bonnaroo!

Thursday

Attire:
Banana Republic: Black wool shift dress
Gap Maternity: Bootcut lowrise jeans
Liberty: Silk Scarf
B.P. for Nordstrom: Black leather heeled sandals
Silver cuff and hoops

Hair:
Second day
Messy ponytail with black elastic and a few Bobby pins
Matrix Sleek.Look spray
Curling iron to smooth bangs

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife as spot powder
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Maybelline: Brow Powder in Dark Brown, Shadow quad in Mocha Motion - darkest gray on lid, Ultra Liner in Black on top lash line - very fine
Body Shop: Eye Color in Soft Black in crease and along lash lines
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
Imju Fiberwig
Victoria's Secret: Lipstick in V.I.P.
Burberry London

So I went out on a limb and ordered some maternity stuff at awesomely low prices from Kohl's. It didn't hurt that on top of the low prices, i had a coupon for 10% off and free shipping.

All so gross. Sorry, but I have NEVER had luck at Kohl's. I know many of you email me, swearing by this store but I find most clothing there in the same category as Kmart or Wal Mart - which in my opinion are steps below Target. It usually misses in sense of style (not quite on trend or a couple seasons behind) and the fabrication and construction is often quite cheap. I got a red simple crew-necked tee, a pair of denim Bermuda shorts, and a print cotton typical short-sleeved empire waist maternity top.

The tee is fine... but MAN it runs small! I couldn't believe it was a maternity AND a large. I will keep it because it came out to be about $3, but if it was over $6 I would probably return it for fear it won't fit me in a few weeks. Also it is really cheap construction - found far better quality knit and construction at Old NAvy and Target.

The shorts are hideous. Big buttons on the back pockets in a very feeble attempt to look hip/True Religion. Why do cheap brands do this? Keep it simple and don't try to mimic the designer brands. That is the failure of most department store and lower-end clothing. Keep it simple (hello Target and Old Navy_ and no one can tell if it's $600, $60, or $6. On top of the dorky back pockets, the shorts were that cheesy stonewashed color that was hot a decade ago, they tapered, and they had these little weird slits on the sides of the leg openings that made them look even MORE dorky. Not even worth the $8 - so heading to the nearest store this weekend to return them.

The top... well typical of a cheap brand (see left). The sleeves are slightly flutter, but short. The armholes are cut weird so you see a bit too much armpit from the front view (surely doesn't fit like the mannequin - maybe because I have Pregnant Woman Boobs), but the bra is covered. Surplice neckline, smocked band at the empire waist, straight midsection that ends with a ruffled band. Print is a plum/rust/olive combo that is sort of boho (why I considered it in the first place). In person, the print is not as watery/blendy but still not too extreme/gaudy like most maternity prints. However the fabric (100% cotton) is this weird slimy texture and it stinks like major chemicals. The print is through the fabric/not silkscreened so not really sure what is causing the icky texture and horrible smell. As with the tee, this runs pretty small in the tummy area (tiny bit loose now but should be as that I am only 18 weeks - not sure how it would work in a few weeks from now). Anyway, this top ended up costing me $12 and I am still torn as to whether I should attempt washing it to fix the texture and smell, or return it with the heinous shorts. It does look fab with gold jewelry, the color is fun and unique, it is comfortable and not a bad price and it looks nice with denim, with white, and would be appropriate for work even once the dress code is instituted when paired with tan, brown, or ivory trousers.

In other news... Time for a haircut! It has been... gosh three months! I am going through Kathleen (my brilliant and cool stylist) withdrawal! I'll see if I can fit in an appointment next week before my trip to Rehoboth Beach...

Wednesday

Today we are having clients in the office so we were asked to dressed "appropriately." With my current shape, I thought this was the most appropriate "slightly nicer than business casual but no need for a suit" look that I owned while being comfortable in the muggy DC heat.

Attire:
Kenar - Purple jersey woven top
Liz Lange for Target - Same pants I wore Monday
B.P. for Nordstrom - Black leather heeled sandals
Limited - Silver and purple necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Let hair air dry (photo of face/hair done just now at work to show final result)

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Black mascara, shadow duo in Mink
Stila - Lip Glaze in Berry (after drinking tea and eating a plum)
Avon - Luxury eye liner in Eggplant
Maybelline - Brow powder in Dark Brown

In my personal life - very excited because we are signing a contract to put an addition on our current house tonight. We have been flip-flopping between doing this or purchasing a new home. We adore the community we live in - the proximity to our families, the Metro and my husband's yoga studio. We also have lived here almost a decade and see our community as family. It seemed more sensible financially to add to a house we already know to be in good condition and in a great location than to purchase a new home, increase our monthly bills and not know if the roof, refrigerator, basement, etc. will need to be replaced as soon as we move in. We currently live in an historic rowhome that is the size of most traditional two-bedroom apartments, just on two floors. We will be adding a family room, a third bedroom (so one for us, one for Baby and one as my husband's home office) and a half bath on the main floor. Also will be remodeling the kitchen which excites me to no end!

I LOVE to cook and being a vegetarian these past two years has made it even more fun. In our matchbox of a home (my husband calls it the Geico house- remember that ad they had where they mimicked a reality show in a shrunken house?) we have a smaller-than usual range (three small burners and one large and an oven that cannot hold a traditionally-sized cookie sheet or roasting pan), a very small sink, teensy dishwasher and a smaller-than-usual fridge (not dorm size, but small enough that it's a constant game of Tetris every time we go to market). Slight adjustments and a bit of a bump out means I will have a full-sized range and fridge (can live with the small dishwasher and sink) and more storage space (means I don't have to store the juicer and food processor in the laundry closet!). The addition of the family room means we will be able to upgrade to a full-sized dining table (currently making do with the IKEA round table and four chairs set I bought right out of college - you know the one they offer for like $199 at the back of every catalog). I don't care if this all happens two weeks before the Baby is due - I am sooo having some sort of dinner party. Even if it's pot luck or I have a loved one do the cooking - this new expanded space WILL be used and celebrated! :)

So next week is my next Baby appointment. I am not discussing baby details here because A) many of you have been reading for years and you aren't here for a baby blog, but a style blog. I know I would be annoyed if the theme of a blog suddenly changed on me; and B) pregnancy, childbirth and child rearing is a very personal and sensitive topic. I do not discuss most of my religious or political beliefs on here and I will not go into detail regarding Baby stuff because well... the beauty of the Internet and America is that we all can believe whatever we want to believe. My beliefs may be drastically different from yours, but that doesn't mean mine are necessarily better, or yours are wrong. So in general, mums about the Baby details except to loved ones. However...

After much consideration, we have decided to find out the sex of the Baby. I was going to have the sonogram next Wednesday at my appointment but my husband has a photo shoot that he just can't get out of. We want to be there together, so we will hopefully get a chance to go within a week of next Wednesday. When I find out, I will let you all know. :)

Tuesday

Here's a nice angle for you all who want to see some baby bump!

Attire:
Old Navy - Black matte jersey wrap dress (yes, my old faithful I have had for months)
BCBGirls - Leopard peeptoe heels (have to get my last few wears of my heels before my feet protest the added weight above)
Diamond Nexus Labs - Solitaire necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day
Large sections in curling iron. Let cool then fingercombed.

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Cargo - Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife as powder
Nars - Blush in Orgasm
Clinique - Black mascara, shadow duo in Mink, Different Lipstick in Raspberry Glace
Maybelline - Brow powder in Dark Brown, UltraLiner in Black
Burberry London

Friday Through Monday

Yet another Friday where I just didn't post - this time I had a reason. Catching up for taking off Thursday really made the workday crazy and as you know, i had an event after work so no time to post. I have also made a commitment to myself to limit Internet time outside of work so I can relax, get home things done and spend time with loved ones. :)

So Thursday night I stayed easy with blueberries from the local produce market, organic vanilla ice cream and I succumbed to the new ads and go the Cool Whip in the can (tastes like the original and is very easy to use). It was perfect since dinner was very summery and relaxed - while wheat pasta with pesto made from basil from their garden, sliced tomatoes, homemade sourdough, cucumber salad. It was a really nice time.

Friday:
Attire:
Josephine Chaus - Black jersey tank
Ann Taylor Loft Maternity - White bootcut jeans (nicely hemmed by my new dry cleaner)
H&M - Turquoise necklaces
B.P. for Nordstrom - Black heeled sandals
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Body Shop - Shimmer Cubes in Warmth - peach on lid, chocolate inc rease and along lash line
Cargo - Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Revlon - Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow
Imju Fiberwig
Maybelline - Brow Powder in dark brown

Migraine was gone by Thursday afternoon, back still a little funny but far better. As I previously mentioned, work was pretty busy but a good busy.

The women's circle was lovely, I made a dip and was going to make pita chips but last minute decided to switch it to carrot, celery and pepper sticks. It was good because it was different from what everyone else brought.

Saturday:
Saturday I did my yoga video while my husband went to teach his class. We then did a couple hours of chores and errands and then spent the rest of the day relaxing - reading, watching a movie, having a light dinner, long walk and off to bed early.

As for attire, I wore my turquoise New York & Company dress with flip flops. Nothing thrilling.

Sunday:
Sunday was a pretty great day. We woke up very early and headed out for breakfast at a local diner. We then came back and headed to the nearby lake for a yoga class my husband teaches, and then walked over to the town center to the farmer's market for the week's produce and bread. Came home to have iced tea and cantaloupe on the back deck while reading. We then did my prenatal yoga video together (which confirmed my husband's suspicions that he could never teach a class of that sort and be taken seriously). I said I needed a pedicure badly, so we headed to get ourselves one (the hubby gets them from time to time since his feet are on display with yoga - no polish though). We came home, took a quick nap before my husband had to leave (he went to a concert with a friend).

Attire:
Old Navy Maternity - Green puff sleeved tee
Ingrid & Isabel - Black Bella Band
Gap Outlet - Black city shorts
J. Crew - Black flops
Black coral necklace my husband got me from Mexico
Hardware Handbags tote - worked as purse and carryall for goodies from the farmer's market

Hair:
Second day and not even brushed - knew I would get very sweaty

Beauty:
Imju Fiberwig mascara
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Revlon: Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow

Monday:
Attire:
Ann Taylor - White cotton wrap shirt
Liz Lange for Target - Black trousers (that are the right length AND were on sale!) B.P. for Nordstrom - Black leather heeled sandals
Diamond Nexus Labs - Solitaire necklace
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Air Dry (dry by time I got to the train)

Beauty:
L'Oreal - True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Smashbox - Soft Lights in Tint
Cargo - Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Clinique - Shadow duo in Like Mink, mascara
Victoria's Secret - Lip Gloss in French Kiss
Avon - Luxury Eye Liner in Eggplant
Maybelline - Brow powder in Dark Brown

Thursday

Out sick - back spasms and migraine. Got up, showered, dressed and then sent an email to my supervisors. Stripped and got myself back in bed. Slept for more hours than I thought I would, got up soaked in sweat. However I feel far better now (back still acting weird). Off to take the second shower of the day.

No point in going to work this late with the commute and all, so I am doing some cleaning and stuff and off to the market - having dinner at a friend's house tonight and I am to bring dessert. Any fabulous suggestions that take little time (my current idea is just the go-to of berries and very good vanilla ice cream).

While you foodies are at it, how about a nice easy, low-prep snack for my women's group tomorrow night? I can bring most anything, as long as it is vegetarian (or even vegan!). Last time we had plenty of fresh fruit, some people brought salsa, hummus, pita chips, tortilla chips. I was chosen to bring beverage so I brought sparkling water and a bottle of wine. However I wouldn't mind bringing something a bit more... festive. Currently the way I am feeling I would give up and snag a bag of Doritos from the gas station on the way there so any advice would be greatly appreciated! :)

Hope to be back to my normal self by tomorrow!

Wednesday

Attire:
Old Navy: "The Flirt" bootcut jeans, maternity puff sleeved tee
Bella Band in black
B.P. for Nordstrom: Black leather heeled sandals
New York & Company: Scarf
Ann Taylor: Gold hoops
Twisted Silver: Bracelet

Hair:
Second day
Straightened with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Maybelline: Brow Powder in Dark Brown, UltraLiner in Black
Revlon: Colorstay Sheer Lipcolor in Sheer Plum, Super Lustrous Lip Gloss in Pink Afterglow
Cover Girl: LashBlast waterproof mascara in Rich Black

Today I just got up on the wrong side of the bed. I did my yoga video (the prenatal one by Shiva Rea for those looking for a good prenatal yoga video) but I still felt out of sorts. Not a day of work I can miss (and have to watch all that PTO) so I really threw on the first things I could find. I dunno, back is starting to act up again (used to have really bad back problems before yoga), feel a bit as though I have PMS - just sort of achy and icky and unlovely. I also have been having very very vivid dreams that leave me more exhausted than I was before I fell asleep. Just need to make sure I do yoga each morning to keep my back okay, and my mind a bit more clear! :)

Friday through Tuesday

I am such a blog slacker! Sorry, work has been pretty busy and next thing I know I am on the Metro and I never uploaded my daily pictures! Well here's a recap since Friday...

Friday's Look:
Attire:
Liz Lange for Target: Green and navy print top
Old Navy: "The Flirt" bootcut jeans
J. Crew: Navy bead necklace
Isabel & Oliver: Black Bella Band
Callisto: Beige leather heeled sandals

Hair:
Day 3, just brushed out
Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast waterproof mascara in Very Black
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Revlon: Super Lustrous lip gloss in Pink Afterglow
Maybelline: Shadow quad in Mocha Motion - the gray light on lid, brow powder in Dark Brown, UltraLiner in Black

Saturday:
I hardly remember Saturday. We ran a ton of errands, did some home improvements, and treated ourselves to an early dinner at Hard Times Cafe (where they have pretty darn good veggie burgers and chili!). I wore my olive linen shift from Old Navy (which has another week or two before it is too small), brown stacked flops from J. Crew and my silver hoops and cuff.

Sunday:
Sunday my husband taught yoga, we then hit the town's Farmers Market and then we went to visit my husband's grandparents. We hadn't seen them since Easter and though they knew we were pregnant, we wanted to spend time with them in person. It was a lovely time and good to see them again.

For the visit, wore my bright purple woven knit top from Kenar with my black Ann Taylor trousers held up with safety pins (too hot to wear the Bella Band), black sandals, silver necklace from The Limited. Essentially the same look as this previous Wednesday.

Monday's Look:
Attire:
Ashley B: Coral gauze babydoll top (have had it for 2-3 years, from Nordstrom)
Gap Maternity: Lowrise Jeans
Callisto: Beige heeled sandals
H&M: Turquoise necklaces
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Second day, straightened with Croc wet-to-dry flat iron

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 as concealer
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Benefit: That Gal, Pink to Please the Woman, Gold to Get the Guy palette - the shadows blended over lid, the two darker glosses blended on the lips
Imju Fiberwig
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown

Monday was pretty cool because I had lunch with an old friend. This woman and I went to kindergarten through 8th grade together, grew up just a couple of blocks from one another, were even in an after-school playgroup together (one of those fabulous setups where one mom would watch all of us after kindergarten so the other moms could run errands or have a lovely kid-free afternoon). We went to different high schools and lost touch, but she found me on Facebook. It was so cool to see her again, hear show she and her family has been doing and to renew our friendship!

Tuesday's Look:
Attire:
J. Crew: Orange "Kate" dress, gold necklace
Lands End: Gold sandals
Ann Taylor: Gold hoops and twig bangles

Hair:
Washed and conditioned with Pureology
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Let air dry (picture taken as soon as I arrived in my office since it was wet when I left my house - that explains the sweat/glistening look!)

Beauty:
L'Oreal: True Match foundation in C3 is concealer
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Body Shop: Eye Color in Golden Khaki on lid, Taupe in crease; Clear Brow & Lash Gel
Imju Fiberwig
Avon: Luxury Eye Liner in Black
Victoria's Secret: Lip gloss in French Kiss
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown

Splendid Reads for This Weekend...

From the Splendicity community, comes this week best in beauty, fashion and shopping.

FASHION
Tops 2 Bottoms gets some styling inspiration from Military-inspired waistcoats.

Style Manila invites readers to say hi to makers of fabulous dresses.

Style...a work in progress asks what four words you'd use to describe your style?

Lucy of the chic tee-shirt line Rose La Biche answers some questions about her design life for Indie Style File.

Her Accessories has been scoping out the Fall handbag previews and like what she sees!

Vote for your favorite celebrity look of the week over at CelebLOOK.

Just A Formality loves this silk and satin champagne gown from Tadashi.


SHOPPING
Bullitt (the cat) over at NY Spender has found a great deal: skinny jeans for only $39.00!

Shopalicious is tickled pink by a cute chemise for $23.90, and invites you try your chance to win a $25 certificate from Oh Cheri!

ShopDiary is craving for Eairth, an edgy yet sustainable clothing line.

Check out this Chloe suede ankle boot with an open back at Shoe Blitz.

Glamour Gift Guide adores this L.A.M.B. ombre patent tote in glossy red.


BEAUTY
Beauty and Fashion Tech tells you how to kill calluses and soften your feet with AB Skin Care Happy Feet.

Beauty Secrets Revealed is giving away 6 Bestselling Skin Care e-books.

Viva Woman finds out if your sunscreens can double up as moisturizers.

Beauty Bento Box experiments on a couple of Dove hair care products formulated for coloured or treated hair.

Looking for a eco-friendly way to dry your hair? All That & a tries the new Barbar eco 800 hair dryer and loves it!

Krizia from Beauty Match talks to Dr. Paul Cohen about Skincare cosmetic rejuvenation treatments for men over 35.

The Mineral Makeup Blog features a review about the newly reformulated, talc and paraben free Alison Raffaele Mineral Concealer

Cinnamon Kitten checks out the colourful and popular Danish cosmetics line - Gosh Cosmetics - now available in Canada!

Thursday

Attire:
Jones New York Sport: Black tee shirt dress
Gap: Black leather belt
B.P. for Nordstrom: Black heeled sandals
Silver cuff and hoops

Hair:
Second day
Brushed out, pulled back bangs with two "contour clips" (those tension clamp-like barettes)
Matrix Sleek.Look hairspray used while fluffing out hair for volume and control

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast mascara in Rich Black
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Philosophy: The Supernatural color correctors in Light
Benefit: That Gal, Her Glossiness in Next Question Please
Maybelline: Shadow quad in Mocha Motion - the silver gray in inner corners, brow powder in Dark Brown
Body Shop: Eye Color in Soft Black - in crease and along lash lines
Burberry London EDT


By the way, I was recently interviewed by The Fashion Time Magazine.
Check it out here!

Wednesday

Attack of the baby brain yesterday! Left my keys at work when I left to grab lunch and needed the receptionist to let me into the office. Then I got 3/4 of the way home on the Metro and realized I again left my keys in my office. Problem is this time I then didn't have keys to get into the office the next day, key to get into my HOUSE, or a key to get in my car and get home!

Luckily I called my husband and he got out of work earlier than expected and was able to meet me at the Metro and pick me up. Gee wilickers!

Attire:
Kenar: Purple jersey top
Ann Taylor: Triacetate suiting trousers
Ingrid & Isabel: Bella Band
Limited: Purple and silver necklace
B.P. for Nordstrom: Black leather heeled sandals
Silver hoops and cuff

Hair:
Washed and conditioned
Matrix Curl.Life Conditioning Milk
Air Dry on commute to work

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast waterproof mascara in Rich Black
Cargo: Matte BeachBlush in Tenerife
Maybelline: Shadow quad in Mocha Motion - silvery gray and mauve blended and on lid and long lash lines; brow powder in Dark Brown
Avon: Luxury eye liner in Eggplant
Benefit: Her Glossiness in Next Question Please

Tuesday

Attire:
Gap Maternity: Jeans (yes, these are a 12 Ankle)
H&M: Purple print cotton top, silver necklaces
B.P. for Nordstrom: Black leather heeled sandals
Silver cuff and hoops

Hair:
Second day
Jonathan Silky Dirt to smooth and separate

Beauty:
Cover Girl: Smoothers tinted moisturizer in Light/Medium, LashBlast waterproof mascara in Very Black
Maybelline: Brow powder in Dark Brown
Revlon: ColorStay shadow quad in Neutral Khakis - ivory in inner corners and along brow bone
Body Shop: eye color in Taupe
Benefit: Her Glossiness in Next Question Please
Nars: Blush in Orgasm
Avon: Luxury eye liner in Eggplant

Dress code doesn't change until September 1st so I will be rocking the jeans and sandals until then! :)