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Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Pregnancy Essentials + Believing in God's plan


Happy Hump Day! 

I am excited it is half way through the week! Wednesdays feel so far away sometimes, but it's finally here. I am officially 19 weeks preggo, and if you have been reading you know that we are finding out the sex in two days! :) I told my family that we would have a revealing party on Sunday (If I can hold it in!)... We are going to have it either way, for me it's just a reason to get together and EAT. Since that's one of my many pleasures nowadays. 

I thought today I would share a few must haves that are especially important for me, this week at least..


Pregnancy Essentials


1. Comfy, loose clothing. I seriously feel like dresses are the best way to go, they are light which is great for our current weather and they help you feel free *in all the right places* Ha!
2. Sunglasses. Of course with 97 degree weather and counting the sun is shining down. On top of SPF you must have some stylish shades. Also to hide the fact that you don't really want to wear makeup, you know what I mean!
3. SNACKS! I keep a few different snacks in my bag at all time. Because the little one is taking up space in my tummy, I can't even those big meals I love. I must nibble all day. White cheddar popcorn is my all-time fave. 
4. Cocoa Butter/Belly Cream. Smells so good and helps with those marks on the bod. Gotta take care of the bod. 
5. Water. Gotta stay hydrated, and its important to make sure you have a cute water bottle with you for it. You can always count on VS to get the job done. 
6. A fan. I often feel extremely exhausted and overworked after doing absolutely nothing. Like for example, after I eat. I feel like I've just run a mile. Fan is a must to keep cool as it's still smoltering hot here in MN. 
7. Last but certainly not least, cute comfy shoes. My feet are starting to look chubby.. And although I haven't packed on many pregnancy LB's yet, I know their coming so I gotta get comfortable. 

Exciting News!

So, I don't think I told you guys, but I have been looking into an opportunity to work in the marketing/interactive area at my job. Jesus actually led me to this position. Well, I got it! Got a raise! And start next week! AHHH! I'm super excited to get going, but I am obviously going to miss my girls in my current area! 

Jeremiah 29:11 
"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end."

What I wanted to point out is the importance of following God's plan for you. Jesus told me back in January that sometimes we are not given things that we want, when we want them. This is because we are not always ready for them. Taking God's lead in everything will always lead us into the right direction, right on time. You see, He doesn't need any help. In fact His plan is so perfect, it already has a beautiful ending. We have to trust in God's plan, not our own, and know that He has the best plan for our lives. 

Have a great day!

Monday, August 26, 2013

Steamy Weather + OOTD + Our True Work

Happy Monday!

Hope you all had a great weekend! 

It has been ridiculously hot here in Minnesota. I mean 95 degrees plus, which is not normal for us this time of the year. So on Sunday for church, I opted out of my favorite maxi skirt and decided this cute number from H&M would do the trick. 


Dress H&M. Necklace Thrifted. Black Sandals Heartbreaker. Smile Priceless ;).

On top of beating the heat, I met up with some girlfriends from work as my friend was giving away bags of clothes she no longer wears! SCORE! I found so many cute tops and dresses I can wear as my belly grows, so I'm very greatful and super pumped to share some of them with you. 

Also a hot weekend, doesn't end without some type of ice cream in the mix! Yum.

Over the weekend, I also learned some very important keys to life during the sermon yesterday. It involves our true work on this earth. 

Our work and purpose is not about making nice, going to church on the weekends, getting in a routine and serving Christ so that we "feel better" about ourselves. 

Our work and purpose is not about working a good job, having a close family, creating good memories with great people. Sounds good, but that's not what it is about. 

Our true work on this earth is about sharing Jesus with the world. Although, everyone is not going to accept Him (as the bible even states this); our work is to show others how great our lives can be with Him. Showing them how He is the great I am. He is the one true living God, and I am a living testament to his greatness. 

In fact, we all are. 

I have never lived better, and more accomplished life until I had Jesus on my side; and through out it all I have no worries. If any of you knew how I was, I was always a worry wart - couldn't sleep at night at one point I was so depressed from the worries and thoughts that consumed my mind. Now when I began to worry, I give it to Jesus and it always works out. 

 He is my peace in the time of a storm, He is my rock when no one is there, When I have no one to talk to - He is there and He understands exactly how I feel. I don't know where I would be without Him. I am so grateful that He chose little old me to share His word and to live for Him. 
I am excited and filled with true joy!

You all have the right to live a great, wonderful, mysterious, ever changing, beautiful life with Christ. He is the way, the truth, and the life. He is everlasting, he is a living God. AND He has a special plan for each and everyone of you if you seek Him. 

Happy Monday! 




Monday, August 19, 2013

[W]eekend [R]ecap

Happy M.O.N.D.A.Y!

How was your weekend? Mine was pretty eventful. I had a lot going on and seemed to accomplish it all, which is great because I normally find myself lounging around the house being a couch potato. There was nice weather in the cities and I definitely enjoyed it. 

Take a look at my weekend below in photos:


[one] We caught ourselves in the baby stores this weekend, I couldn't get enough of the little footies on all the sleepers and sets. I'm in love.. 
[two] Beautiful Saturday at the outlet mall, after an hour I was tired of walking. I'm blaming it on pregnancy. Yes, you can do that. 
[three] My sis threw a candle party, and I am in love with all the scents. A was not happy about the purchase, but its for our home, right? That's what I've been trying to convince him - NOT WORKING.
[four] We met up with A's best friend and fiance, my sis and some friends to celebrate LEO birthdays this weekend. Of course, I had to get "sushi." If you consider shrimp tempura/crunchy rolls as sushi, I'm in. Had to get my fix somehow, YUM.
[five] Me and A snapping shots at the Sushi bar. It was a fun night. 
[six] My head is so big. I have been wanting one of these hats for awhile, so here I am trying it on for the world in this mirror. I cannot even show you the pic with the hat on my head. Literally on top of my head. For all you ladies out there that have a head small enough to rock something like this, power to you. I was blessed with a five head. Tyra Banks status.. 
[seven] being goofy - classic. 
[eight] It's official! We finally booked the ceremony site for next year. I feel like the wedding is actually official now.. :)
[nine] "sushi" gone.


Overall the weekend was nice, but I do enjoy my peaceful nights and uneventful days. (I'm getting old LOL)
Which do you prefer, quiet weekend or fun and eventful? 

Hope you have a great start to the week!


Sami's Shenanigans

Friday, August 16, 2013

Happy Friday!

Hello :) 

So excited for the weekend. I have a few fun things planned, a wedding reception, a friend's birthday, a candle party and all in 2 days! Talk about busy weekend. Luckily, it is supposed to be blue skies and nice weather so it should be fun. 

Whatever it ends up being, I will likely be wearing something similar to the pic below (I wish -_-).

Weekend Wear

My favorites are the sandals.. and love the Marc Jacobs bag. You also can't really go wrong with a belly and a maxi skirt/dress. Ha!

Have a good weekend!

That Friday Blog Hop

Tuesday, August 13, 2013

Perfect?


The old saying 'practice makes perfect' was always a mainstay for me throughout the years. I was taught that if you work hard at something, you will get better at it. But that 'perfect' part of the saying, what was that all about? 

All my life I saw people strive to be 'perfect.' Perfect by Webster's defintion means : being entirely without fault or defect. We have been told we cannot possibly be perfect. In a recent teaching at church, my pastor discussed what perfection is to Jesus.

It was amazing to get a true understanding.

He explained that only through God are we perfect, and that it is not something he expects around the clock. Instead, he expects our perfect obedience when he asks of us, calls us, beckons for us. We are to obey and do His will and in that we must do exactly as He says, perfectly as asked or called to do. Naturally, this goes against most things we have been taught - how can you be perfect sometimes and still consider yourself a perfect being to God?

As our heavenly father, he treats us as His loving children. Think back to when you were a young child, or even if you have children now; in our parents eyes we were good kids when we listened to what they told us to do, came when they called us, and obeyed their instructions. We were only punished for not being perfect, if we did not obey. When our parents were not calling us or asking anything of us - they could find no fault in our actions. Being without fault, made us perfect to them in those times where we did not have to be accountable to anything. 

Same goes with God. 


Thoughts?


Saturday, August 10, 2013

Oh Baby...

Happy Saturday, Loves!
Thank you to all the kind words and congratulations, me and A really appreciate the love! We are beyond excited for this next step in our lives. And I am planning a wedding for next July, talk about busy!

But, since the baby is coming first. He/She gets top priority. I better start changing my priorities as I know the baby will become the first priority from now on come January.

This week my boss reminded me that I get to enjoy all the fall/winter holidays preggers.. I don't know if that's a good or bad thing. Starting with all the candy on Halloween and dressing the baby bump, then feasting on turkey/chicken, stuffing, and gravy at Thanksgiving, and finally following up with holiday parties and Christmas dinner and goodies! 

I am actually pretty pumped to stuff my face.. I'm so bad. But hey, I've got this new excuse I can use.. "I'm Pregnant." Apparently, you are supposed to milk it. 

I'm milking it 100%.

In the spirit of baby news, I decided to post photos of all things baby. 
(I can't help it, I'm obsessed with this little 'turnip' inside of me - i'll explain the reference later)

Enjoy!



Super pretty!  #pink #parenting #girl #kids #baby #ebook #humor www.totlandiatheseries.com

Baby boy beard knit beanie... Hahaha. Which one of you can make this?!? @Brittany Horton Horton McGowan or @Angela Gray Gray Nichols ?!?!

I love this, especially since we're not allowed to paint our walls in our apartment...light and airy nursery


Beautiful baby girl.

How adorable is this stylish gold-accented pacifier? Plus this looks like a baby Meghann! So adorable in every aspect!

If i ever have a son he will definatley have a lot of bowtie outfits i love bowties and i think they're adorable on lil kids lol

2H Handknits Gray Knit Puff Hat

Baby Talk~Research has shown hints of the remarkable ability of newborns to communicate their needs as shown in this video clip...
source

Enjoy your weekend!

Thursday, August 8, 2013

Major Life Update.

So, there is something I have been waiting to share with you... 

We are 17 weeks pregnant!!


What an overwhelming excitement me and Adrian have been experiencing since we found out! Above are photos from my 8wk appointment. We are beyond happy and I can't wait to share all my crazy pregnant experiences with you all. 

I decided to kick off the baby news with an outfit post! 
It's been so long! 

I have a small bump right now... 
And someone photobombing my shoots.. 
Striped top. Nordstrom's Rack. Black Maxi Skirt. Windsor. Teal Necklace. Charlotte Russe. 
We find out in 3 weeks whether it will be a boy or a girl!
I will be happy with a healthy baby either way!

Cheers!



Sunday, August 4, 2013

Twins Game.:Weekend Fun:.Making Adjustments

Happy Sunday!

This week was filled with a few fun events, got to enjoy my love, friends, and the good summer weather, while it's here :)

On Thursday, me and Adrian got last minute (FREE) tickets to the Twin's game from one of his co-workers. We decided to have a spontaneous night out DT. Started with food of course :), then headed to the game. 

Saturday started with a morning brunch at Loring Kitchen & Bar.
(credit: Loring Kitchen and Bar Facebook Page)
The Loring Kitchen and Bar
1359 Willow St.
Minneapolis, MN 55403
(612) 843-0400
http://www.loringkitchen.com/
Celebrating two of my dear girlfriend's 26th birthdays! Wow, time has flown :) 

Later, Me and Adrian went to see the new Denzel Washington/Mark Wahlberg film - 2Guns. I had higher expectations but it was still pretty good. Very action packed, with some humor from both of the great actors. Paula Patton is also in this, she's gorg.. But I didn't like her character as much.

On a different note.. 

This year has been an eye opening year and experience for me. From finding salvation, to marriage, to finding true happiness, and becoming responsible/accountable, I have learned an awful lot.

Writing this post makes me smile. There was a sermon this a few weekends back at church and while there were a lot of great topics discussed, there was one that me and my sister dove a little deeper into and thought was so interesting.

We will make adjustments for the world, but not for Jesus. 

On a daily basis we are held to standards in the world. For example - On a new job, our new employer requires us to prove our worth to them and work for 90 days until we are given benefits. We do it with a smile. We kick and scream when we feel we are following the will of Jesus for a week, and don't get what we think we deserve.

We abstain from alcohol for various reasons when we are required to, but when it comes to Jesus, we just can't limit our intake or give it up for Him.

We are required to work 5 days a week, sometimes even more than that. But when it comes to taking 1 or 2 days out to go to church to spend time with God, its like pulling teeth.

We always want Jesus to move when we need Him, but we are not willing to do what He asks of us when He needs us. We take our time and want Him to jump as soon as we call Him.

How sad to think that a God that can give us everything, can only get so little from His people. I would like to use this post as a motivation to all of us to think of how we would feel if someone treated us that way. When you are working on a relationship, there is give and take. Often times when there is an imbalance things seem to not work out. In our relationships with Christ, the more you give the more He will give back to you. He is true and perfect and will always hold up His end of the bargain.


So I am challenging myself to do the same. 
Will you take the challenge with me?

linking up:
Our-Weekends-Titled




Sami's Shenanigans