When I Find Things That Are Perfect For Me...

...but I can't afford them.

It makes my heart hurt.

Maybe you can...if you can, lucky you...and you're welcome for sharing this find with you. Also, if you live in the Charleston area, consider letting me borrow it from time to time. Muchos gracias.

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Isn't this goddis Linsey Sweater just gorgeous? I died when I saw this on Andee...it is so "SoCal", the style I like to think resonates with me most. I pretty much actually died when I saw the price tag was far too out of my budget for a sweater...$215.00.

I quickly went looking for cheaper alternatives...if you remember, I found Emily Maynard's Aztec sweater for around $55.00 and I haven't regretted it. Wearing it today! It's similar in style to the sweater above, but they both have their own special something.

HATE my blonde hair btw...totally going back to dark soon. I can't deal. LOL.

Anyway, onto those cheaper alternatives...

This Volcom wrap sweater retails for $69.95. Not really my color, but the style is very similar...

This Rip Curl Driftwood Sweater {I actually had to order this one, it's on sale for $47.56 and if you use the code GET15, you get 15% more off of that.}

So while I didn't get that dream sweater, I suppose this will do!

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Pregnancy Pros & Cons

Well, I'm now about 8 weeks into this pregnancy...and I've definitely come to realize in the three pregnancies I've had...many of the pros and cons to this little season of life {for me personally}.

Let's start with the cons, shall we? That way I can end this on a good note with the pros.

1. No Diet Rockstars.
2. No alcohol.
3. Watching the body you worked hard for just grow and grow, in places where the baby doesn't even go - WTF??
4. Sick when I'm hungry; sick when I overeat after ravenous starvation mode. #damnedifidodamnedifidont
5. Getting dressed completely sucks...every morning. It gets depressing when you wonder if you will in fact ever fit into your old jeans again.

PROS
1. Pregnancy forces me to quit my Diet Rockstar addiction cold turkey...something I'm always saying I need to do.
2. The Hubby has to do what I ask him to {mostly}.
3. Although I still watch what I eat so I don't gain too much, it is nice that I can indulge on some sweet things and not worry about it right now.
4. My borderline alcoholic tendencies come to a screeching halt and I get to start with a clean slate afterward.
5. A cute baby to love at the end of it all.

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Monday Musings

Here we are...another Monday...

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Charleston is experiencing some nice fall temps and they are much welcomed if I do say so myself! 70s breezes? Yes, please! I was able to relax out in the backyard catching up on 50 Shades of Grey on my Kindle...I started the books a year ago, but put it down midway through the second book and didn't get the itch to pick it back up again until they announced Charlie Hunnam would be playing Christian Grey in the movie adaptation. So I'm racing to finish the series before the movie comes out!

Speaking of fall weather, I can finally pull out the boots and scarves! Here is my outfit today:

Top: Banana Republic {old} // Scarf: Target {old} // Jeans: Levis {old} // Boots: Target {old}

I'm almost 8 weeks preggers and this being my 3rd, I am definitely rounding out in the middle quicker. I am still able to slide into my skinny jeans, but only because they are a tad on the stretchy side.

Another thing I'm excited for - October. Tomorrow is the first day of my new favorite month of the year. Being here in the Lowcountry, it is the most ideal month weather-wise and I just love all the fall activities I get to do with my kids - pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating, watching them play in leaf piles, S'mores around the firepit...it's just such a sweet time of year.

Have a great week, y'all!

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Five on Friday

Hey y'all - happy Friday! I definitely need a weekend...but somehow I don't think I'll get much rest...two rambunctious boys makes that a wee bit difficult. This week has been the hardest thus far in this pregnancy....ultra-exhausted, starting to get nauseous on an empty or too full stomach and I really felt "hormonally-charged" when it came to my mood. Plus, getting a flat tire on the way to dropping the boys off to school on Wednesday really sucked...I was also due for rear brakes. It all got taken care of, but you know those things are never fun. 7 weeks down, 33 to go...

BUT, enough about that, going to try and turn it around.

In other news, here are five things I am happy about this Friday...

{one}

Yesterday, baseball practice got cancelled, but I found out a little late - on the way to practice. I was actually sort of glad because it's such a rush getting the boys a quick dinner and then racing to practice to get there on time. I love walking the bridge during practice, but my body definitely needed to not feel rushed yesterday...it had taken enough. So, we took a detour and headed here instead:

{via my Instagram}

{two}

I love having a Kohl's charge card. They send their monthly mailings where you either get a 15%, 20% or 30% off coupon and I hit the jackpot this time with a 30% off coupon. Plus, they sent me a $10 coupon in my email just for switching to paperless statements. I knew I was going to score big. I left with a couple books for the kids {a buy one get one half off deal} and this Simply Vera Wang bag to take with me on my NYC trip in December {I had been looking for a good big bag to be able to carry my DSLR in while I walk the streets of NYC}:

I was so lucky because it was originally $99.00 and they had it displayed on their 60% off rack for SVW handbags {it wasn't alone, there were a few of the same bag}, but when I went to the register, it rang for $64.99. I told the lady it was with plenty of the same bag, not looking misplaced, the employees definitely messed up when they set it there, and she ended up giving me the entire 60% off. Score. I left with those two books and that bag for under $40.00 total after my coupon discounts. Gotta love Kohl's. I felt kinda bad that she had to give me the extra off, but it was definitely a misleading advertisement, and technically they are supposed to offer the advertised price, even if it's their mistake. I learned this tactic from my mom.

{three}

Experienced yet again a nice bridge walk with Breckin on Tuesday during Tanner's baseball practice...it was a gorgeous sunset. I even had some extra time to take him the the play park under the bridge afterward.

{via my Instagram}

{four}

As a writer for Skinny Mom, they are having me do a product review on Hilaria Baldwin's new prenatal yoga DVD that comes out on Oct. 1st. It's actually really nice, I think it will help me maintain my flexibility throughout, and it definitely relieves back pain. If you're preggers, be sure to check it out!

{five}
We've had some great fall temps here in Charleston lately...I'm hoping I can pull out the scarves and boots really soon...this 3rd baby is showing a lot faster than my 1st and 2nd, so I'd like to be able to be comfy in some leggings and sweater dresses really soon!

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Links I Love

As a former competitive dancer, I can appreciate this...and I think it's pretty much true.

This post about the 13 Worst Fitness Instructors had me laughing...and inevitably picturing some past instructors whose classes I've taken and whom I've worked with.

This video about how we use social media is great. #laughs

Do you hashtag too much? Are we as a society hashtag-addicted? Check out this #funnyvideo with Jimmy Fallon and Justin Timberlake.

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Wanted Wednesday

Here are some items I've been lusting over lately...

Phillip Lim for Target - Mini Satchel w/Gusset in Yellow

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Old Navy Waffle-Knit NFL Team Henley

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With football season now in full swing, I may need yet another Packers shirt for Sunday wear...especially with the weather getting a bit chillier, my current tee just won't do. This waffle-knit henley looks so cozy. I love that Old Navy stocks these NFL items; I can even find the Packers gear at my local store in Charleston, SC. These are always a great price in comparison to an NFL store or website. Always a great gift for Hubby. And plus, won't this go well with above-mentioned yellow satchel? I think so.

Jessica Alba is a new editor for Piperlime. I have always loved her style and her picks are swoon-worthy. I most adore the:

Tinley Road Notch Neck A-Line Mini Dress

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 and the:

House of Harlow Dynamic Necklace

{via}

What have you been lusting over lately?

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Monday Musings

Funny thing about pregnancy...

It makes your weekends A LOT less interesting than they were previously. So unless you want to hear about my longing for a glass of Merlot, my midday naps or my little moments of nausea and fatigue, I'm going to just talk about something else entirely if that's OK.....mmmmmmmm-K.

So I've got this workout top and I love it....

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It comes in a few other colors, so I'm thinking about getting a few more because it will be perfect for working out once my belly starts really popping out. I recommend this shirt to everyone because it's nice on days at the gym when you feel a little bloated...completely covers that for you! I personally have to wear an additional sports bra underneath this, or I feel like the ladies are spilling out a little much, but that may not be the case for everyone.

I've been feeling the need to start stocking up on sweater dresses...I love pairing them with leggings, boots and a scarf in the fall and winter. Also, particularly, this look will be my go-to maternity look! As I've said, I want to be as maternity-wear less as possible. Old Navy has a few cute options right now:

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This cute dress also comes in red, black and camel tan.

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The polka dots on this dress are too cute. Don't you agree?

And I had to peek over at their scarf collection...isn't this infinity scarf great?

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Happy Monday, y'all and have a great week!

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Five on Friday

Ahhhh...this week has been super busy. As you can tell, other than today, I've only posted here once! I hope to get back in the swing of it next week. But you know what, today is FRIDAY and I'm going to just revel in that fact. It's time for...

 

{one}
Tanner started baseball this week! If you don't already know, my sons are polar opposites, and Tanner is my more introverted, less into sports one. It started off great, the first night, one of his classmates came up to him and was so excited that Tanner was playing baseball with him this year. I was so glad he immediately found someone he knew. We are hoping to get him to branch out and like more "active" activities rather than just Legos, drawing and video games. He is who he is, but I feel it's my duty as a mom to expose him to as many healthy activities as I can and provide opportunities for him to be social. Here's a picture of my little man looking handsome in his uniform:

The socks are blue because they didn't provide uniform socks, so we are using baseball socks from another year! LOL. We will be doing baseball every Tuesday and Thursday evening from 6:15 to 8:00 for the next five weeks. It's a big rush to get them picked up from daycare all the way at the other end of town and make it back in time for practice, plus they need to be fed, so we've found that grabbing fast food and heading to the baseball field to have a pre-practice picnic is the way to go.

{two}
Thanks to baseball, and I know I've mentioned this before, I now get a good excuse to walk the Cooper River Bridge two nights a week. With the practice field being right next to it, and trying to entertain his three year old brother for almost two hours being nearly impossible, it's nice to be able to pop Breckin in the stroller and take a long stroll on the bridge. It's great exercise too of course! Hubby came with us the first night, but couldn't make it last night. Hopefully he will be there for the rest of the baseball practices though.

Gorgeous view, isn't it? And we get to enjoy the sunset each time too. Breckin loves watching for boats in the water.

{three}
I hit my six-weeks-along pregnancy mark yesterday. I still haven't had morning {all day} sickness...I'm surprised with the very few symptoms I'm having this time around. I wasn't ever very sick with my boys, but I definitely had nausea...I think it hit about week 6 or 7 with them...so maybe it's coming. I'm doing well with my weight...with Breckin I think I gained like 7 or 8 lbs in the first trimester, which is considered a lot! I was eating to avoid feeling sick. This one, I'm making sure to keep up the exercise with morning cardio, and now the bridge walks are definitely a plus. I've heard exercise helps fight sickness during pregnancy. Right now, I'm about 1 lb gained...and good Lord, it's probably in "my girls". Not wearing maternity clothes yet, but my pants do get a little tight by the evening time and I jump into PJs right when I get home. Sorry if you're squeamish, but these pictures always amaze me about the woman's body and what we are made to do:

{Week 6 Pregnancy}

{four}
Speaking of exercise during pregnancy, I just came across this article about a woman who does CrossFit during her pregnancies and the backlash she received even though her doctor assured her since she was already that active prior, that it was OK. She even gained a healthy pregnancy weight. I don't lift like this right now, but I've not done CrossFit, so of course pregnancy isn't the time for me to start...but I do keep up my regular strength training and cardio, and like her, believe it's a much better alternative than being sedentary and not getting that blood flowing for baby. What are your thoughts?

{five}
Flared jeans...do you think they'll be the new craze and edge out skinny jeans for popularity? A few of my friends have been pinning images like this lately:

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I've always been a fan of the flares or bootcuts....they flatter my shape better. I don't have the ultra-thin legs that look bomb in skinnies, though I do love to wear them. But flares make my thighs appear thinner...and that's a magic trick I can't resist.

Have a great weekend!

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Of Hair Tragedies & Triumps

I made a big change to my hair...remember how I said I wanted to go blonde again {it's been so many years}? Well, I started the transition...trying to get a natural blonde...so I didn't want to do anything too light or abrupt right away...to get away from a dyed dark brown, you have to be careful. I started this weekend with Feria Hi-Lift Brown...it was a very caramel light blondish brown with some shimmer to it, so I thought it would be a good base. It was meant for dark brown to black hair.

It did not turn out good. Basically, my roots were dyed the color and the rest of my hair stayed dark brown. Extreme lightening, hi-lift - my ass. Disaster. I put my hair up in a pony tail and ran to Walgreen's to get a color removal system. I read online about this one:

It was nerve-racking to try it, but I went for it. It lifted a lot of the brown and I ended up with an orange-y strawberry blonde shade {expected}. I had also picked up this hair dye knowing I would have to dye it again after {my poor hair}:

And well, not much better...my roots were still very light in comparison to the rest of my hair, though at least my dark brown had lifted to a more light brown. To everyone's disappointment, I did not take a picture of any of these stages...I do not want the record. However, if you are going to learn something from this post, just remember, it was BAD, very bad.

At this point, I didn't want to do anything more for fear my poor hair might retaliate from all the chemicals and just fall out. So I gave 'er a rest for the night and let myself stew think about what route I wanted to go - either just give up and buy a box of dark brown, or continue to try to achieve the blonde I was going for.

The next day, I threw it up in a pony tail {that was the only way to somewhat disguise the hell that was my hair}...and I went to work. My bosses are in town this week, and surprisingly, neither of them said anything about it {I guess they know when not to say anything}.

Anyway, I had a box of highlights in my linen closet, so I decided I'd go ahead and give it a try. I figured the highlights would help break up the line between my blonde roots and my brown shaft...help it blend a little better. So, here's the result:

So yeah, a little better...and able to wear it down in public. It's not what I want exactly, I definitely have some work to do. I want to achieve a more natural blonde, not so yellowish-toned. More like this:

I'm still a pretty far cry from that...so I'm going to work on it {slowly but surely}...this little beauty endeavor is to be continued...

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Five on Friday

Boy, has this seemed like a long week! {I guess coming off a short work week for Labor Day makes a difference!} It's finally that time again -

I'm linking up with the 5 on Friday ladies again...

{one}
Well, first and foremost, I made a special announcement on the blog this week, in case you missed it:

Yup. We're at it again. Not planned...not expected...but very exciting! Please blow some *pink* dust my way because I'm dying for a girl...and this is definitely our last try!

{two}
All this baby business has got me thinking about maternity fashion. I really want to wear a lot of non-maternity stuff that will work with the belly. Fall and winter make it easy with leggings, boots, scarves and sweaters or dresses. Here's some looks I've pinned lately:

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Except I would pair this with some brown boots.

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Gotta love the slimming effects of all black!

{three}
I haven't tried these yet, but I saw them at Target yesterday. Wondering if I should pick up a bag and give them a try? Have you tried them?

{via}

{four}
I need recommendations for maternity skinny jeans! I am looking at these from ASOS, and the price is great, but hoping the fit is right. Do you have any recommendations for {affordable} maternity skinny jeans?

{five}
I must say I'm really struggling to fill this list today. There, that's my #5.

Have a great weekend!

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