Fall Maternity Must Haves & Outfit Post

Happy Saturday Loves!

Today, was a pretty wet day out and it was definitely chilly fall weather. Although I hate the winter cold, I get kind of excited when it gets sorta chilly out because I can layer up, drink something warm, and put on a cute pair of boots. Who doesn't like those things? 

So here's my list of my maternity must haves for fall:

one. cute pair of boots. I love the military boot look, comfy and looks like even though I have this belly I could kick your butt :) I've been eyeing this pair from Aldo for a little while now...

two. I love all fall smelling candles - pumpkin, spice, cinnamon, apple, vanilla.. Keep these babies burning in the house.Yum... 

three. At this phase in my pregnancy I am realizing that a skater dress is a great staple especially for fall. You can dress it up and dress it down, throw tights under it and with the waist line it helps to accentuate the bump.

four. A normal fall must have, scarves. Scarves are the best accessory as it helps you look put together even with a t-shirt and jeans on.

five. Warm drinks. These make me feel comfy and cozy, and since I have to stay away from caffeine - apple cider, hot cocoa, and pumpkin flavored drinks are a great alternative this season.

Stripes, Layers, Twists

Striped ruffled top. H&M. Coffee vest. Forever 21. 'Tuesday Baby Boot' Denim Jeans. Silver Jeans. Flats. DSW. Necklace. Etsy.

New hair, and loving the twists! On top of that I absolutely adore this outfit. I love the layers with the vest, and I like to embrace the bump right now so stripes help to do just that. 

I am also in love with these new jeans that Silver Jeans gifted me - Thank you! Anyone that knows me, knows I used to sell denim back in my retail days and Silver Jeans was one of the brands I would always put my guests into. It has been quite awhile since I have worn a pair of their jeans and I will say that was a huge mistake. I love the fit and quality of the denim and am definitely happy to be back in them again. 

Well that's all for now! 

Happy Saturday!

*I received Silver Jeans free of charge for the above product review, and I was not further compensated for my opinion. The reviews that I write are based solely on my personal opinion and remain unbiased. 

A Lesson on Love: Pt 1

Hey, Lovelies! 

Today I wanted to start a series on love, in it I will dive into definitions, experiences, and my journey in showing true love in this time. This world has definitely gotten away from true love and it is filled with so much hate and ugliness. 

Jesus came to change it all, and it is up to each one of us to apply His teachings to our lives to bring His kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. 

In 26 years, I believed I had become an expert on relationships and love. 
Well, not technically an expert but I have been through my share of good, bad, and the in between. Recently at church our pastor has been teaching about human love vs. divine love. God's is love and He is the truth - so only God could show us what true divine love is. 

See there are a lot of differences between human love and divine love. Many of us have never been taught about divine love. We are only used to using human love - which was birthed in disobedience through Adam in the beginning. God had to send His love to the earth, Jesus, who was the truth to show us what true love is.

Before true love was sent we couldn't have known what true love was.
Sure we know the word love, but our version of love vs. God's is very different. We must be willing to turn in our human love for divine love.

Human Love:

It can be good and evil. It is sensitive, and dependent on emotion. Human love has its own opinions and ideas about things. It is unpredictable. It is selfish. It can be jealous, it can be angry, it gives up when its time to endure. It is bitter sweet. 

Human love is revengeful, its a "as long as you do me right" type of love, it's a "as long as I feel good today". There are many examples of human love in the bible - one example is Cain and Abel. Cain loved his brother Abel and murdered him through anger and jealousy. Today we see many stories of relationships gone awry. Every night when we turn on the news we hear of a death, war, destruction, jealousy, hatred, betrayal, all stemming from a concept of love. 

My college years were filled with a lot of dating, after being betrayed by someone who I thought I loved. My heart longed for revenge and my way of getting through it was not taking anyone seriously. In fact, I hoped that bad things would happen to all the men that had ever done wrong to me. Even in some friendships, I did not show true love - I talked about their faults, instead of just doing them right. With my family, I said I loved them but I only went to them when I needed something, I used them when it was convenient to me - I showed selfish love. 

To me Love, was an emotion. It was something that could be turned on or turned off. If someone crossed you, you turned it off and acted out of feelings. Even with strangers I did not show love, when I saw someone needed help I continued on my way - never looking back.   

Divine Love:

God's divine love is built on his principals and truth. It is unconditional, it does not waver. It is always true and does not fail.  Paul breaks it down in 1 Corinthians 13:

Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. 2 And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. 3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.

He explains that love is above all, even for a believer of Jesus, if you don't have love you have nothing. This is because God is love, but not our concept of love He is truth and therefore our true example of divine love. 1 John 4:7-10 explains:

7 Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.8 He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.9 In this was manifested the love of God toward us, because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world, that we might live through him.10 Herein is love, not that we loved God, but that he loved us, and sent his Son to be the propitiation for our sins.

You see, God is love and was true love first. He sent His only son that we might live, not because we loved Him but because He loved us first. 

1 Corinthians 13:4-8 teaches us how true love acts:

4 Love suffereth long, and is kind; Love envieth not; Love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth;7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 8 Love never faileth: but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away.

Love is one of God's principals. It is His law. In fact God is love. And since God is love and truth, he is the only way you can have true love. Love can go through trying times and still be kind, it does not envy others or envy things, it doesn't show pride in itself. It doesn't snap off or go crazy when someone does you wrong or doesn't agree with you, it is not easily provoked, it does not even think of evil. It doesn't rejoice in other people falling or failing, but it rejoiceth in the truth, which is Jesus.

It bears all things, believes all things, hopeth all things, and endureth all things. It never fails. Jesus is our perfect example of what true love is and He never fails. Through Him and only Him can we have true love, because He is love. If you don't have Jesus you can't have true love.

I hope that was a good foundation for what true love is. I will continue to write on this topic and about my own experiences with human love, and how God is teaching me to show and have his true divine love. 

Hope you enjoyed and can use this to really think and apply it to your life!

Happy Wednesday!

[w]eekend [r]ecap v.4

Happy Monday!

Hope all is well!

Here's a few photos to recap my weekend:

one] I attended a Women's Luncheon on Saturday, which was really fun. There was a poetry reading, a fashion show, and even a comedy skit. It was very encouraging for women following Christ!

two] enjoyed a little mexican eatery down on eat street in South Mpls at Little Tijuana's for my Big Sis, Tenisha's B-day! This little hidden gem is a mix of all things eclectic and mexican food, Yum!

three] My new obsession for the week was Sanpellegrino's Limonata. Since I can't have my fix of cherry coke, I need something with carbonation and no caffeine. Oh and if you hadn't noticed new hair. ;)

four] Found myself rummaging Target shelves looking to spruce things about around the house after doing some cleaning. Just getting a few ideas..

five] My big sis at dinner for her birthday! She is a very encouraging woman, who can always put a smile on my face. I am so grateful to call her my sister! I love you woman!

six] We need a new area rug, I was checking out Target's assortment. I want something plush that I can lay on and sleep on, any ideas on places to look?

seven] Dinner at Little Tijuana's - Yum, enchiladas and tacos. 

eight] Quick Bump Update - My baby is now the size of a papaya :) Haha

nine] A little Patrick Swayze love and art on the walls at Little Tijuana's

Overall, the weekend was great. Enjoyed spending time with friends and family. It's getting a bit colder out here in MN (although this week its supposed to be in the 70's). So I will have an outfit post or two for you this week to showcase cute maternity fall wear! Also, a cool post discussing what true love is.. So stay tuned this week for those. 

Have a good week!

Thursday Update

Hi Lovelies!

It's been about a full week since I posted last. 

Whew, what can I say about my life right now - other than busy. Over the weekend, we did the Lupus walk for the 3rd year. It was a lot of fun to see my family and friends all get together to support the cause. 

Everyday I am feeling more and more exhausted!

I feel like there are not enough hours in the day to get things done. My baby girl has been really draining the energy out of me most recently, and I also feel like although I've been super tired, I've gotta find something to jumpstart me getting back on top of things. 

Organization is a fundamental key to success. I have realized as I've gotten older, if I don't make a to-do list or put a reminder in my calendar, I am bound to forget. I have a planner, that I have not been using to it's fullness, and I also want to find a nice organizational space in my office area that I can use to put things.

What advice and tips can you give on staying organized?

[T]ransitions.

Happy Sunday! 

I am up late posting, because I feel like I have neglected you all for the past week.. My apologies. I had a great week starting in my new position, met up with some old and new coworkers, and hung out with family for my Mom's birthday! I will update you with photos shortly.

In other news, while it's still fairly nice out I find it hard to not fantasize about the fall in Minnesota. I mean don't get me wrong, we dream of the summer when we are stuck here in a foot of snow... But the fall months are absolutely gorgeous here. Not to mention, I just love throwing on a pair of flats or boots, jeans, t-shirt and scarf and feeling cute with no effort. Outfits that generate that type of success are usually a must, although at a minimum sometimes. 

Here's a few pieces that will help anyone transition into the fall season...

Vero Moda button front shirt, $36 / H&M top, $62 / H&M skinny fit jeans, $31 / Joie navy blue flat shoes / The Leather Satchel Co. brown satchel / Forever 21 ring / J.Crew tortoise glasses / 

[1.] Sweater Cardigan. Nice and warm, in fall tone can be thrown over a T-shirt and you feel fab. I am going to live in these this fall because they don't have to close and my belly won't allow for it anyways ;)
[2.] Neutral Blouse. I am all about mid sleeve blouses, these can be worn alone or with a cute cardigan over. It's good to dress in layers due to the ever changing weather here in MN.
[3.] Skinny Denim. Classic staple, I lean toward skinnies because they are easier to tuck into your knee high boots if needed and always look great with a pair of flats.
[4.] Cute but classic sunnies. I tend to go with round frames because of the shape of my head, remember I have a BIG head... I think a more cateye frame would also be a perfect match.
[5.] Satchel. Everyone needs a good over the shoulder bag. Invest if you haven't already, they are so much more friendly to carry than my huge bag (200 lb LV neverfull) and soo much cute to look at. Once the baby is here I'll be sporting a diaper bag, so I'm taking full advantage of the small bag this fall.
[6.] Couldn't say no to the cat ring. No words needed for this cutie.
[7.] Top it all off with a pair of fun flats. Plaids are definitely in this fall, with accessories such as scarves, shoes, and even jackets. Go for it.

Have a good day!

Weekend [r]ecap.. Baby [u]pdate..

Happy Tuesday! 

I hope you had a nice long weekend and enjoyed your Labor Day! It was nice to get an extra day to relax and some time to spend with my family before getting back into the grind. Here's how my weekend panned out:

[1] Me and A snapping photos on the bus to the state fair. 

[2] Blooming onion. Yum. If you love onions, this is the treat for you. 

[3] My Bro & his GF :)

[4] Have you ever had a deep fried Snickers bar? Wasn't too fond of it, but if you love chocolate you might enjoy. 

[5] My mom, my sis, and my nephew - outside of the haunted house. 

[6] The BEST fry stand at the fair. A must have. Do you see that line?

[7] A enjoying his porkchop on a stick. Can't really go wrong here, its sooo good.

[8] Went comparison shopping for TVs this weekend. We are in the market for a new one, any suggestions on TVs? I am thinking a Smart TV, LED or LCD 47"- 55" is what we are looking for. 

[9] Finished off the weekend with a visit to Famous Dave's with the family to celebrate the announcement of our baby's sex!

Which reminds me... 

Yay! 

I am so excited to meet her, I cannot wait. I think about her at all times, and wonder what she will look like everyday :) So any of you who thought it would be a girl, go ahead pat yourselves on the back. You really got this baby thing down! ;)

Hope you have a great day!

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..

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!

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 -_-).

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!

Perfect?

source

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?

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!

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Enjoy your weekend!

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!

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:

My Week in Photos

Hi World!

It has been awhile, but I thought I'd catch you all up on a few things that are going on with me! Things have been good at work and home. This past week was exciting. First of all me and my family all went to the Beyonce concert on Thursday! That was a blast :) I love her!! 

This weekend was nice and chill, Me and A went out on the lake with a couple of friends and had a chill Saturday. Sunday ended my weekend at church with the family :) Overall great weekend. And even more exciting week coming up, as our family is taking a trip to Chicago. It will be fun, can't wait. 

Here's my week in a few photos...

BEYONCE 

Lake Time

How was your week/weekend?

I'm Linking up at:

Letting GO...

Happy Saturday!

I am learning to let go. 

Of my concerns, worries, thoughts, wants, desires. AND truly letting Jesus handle everything. Why does it feel difficult, when I know it really isn't?

I know that Jesus has all control, and I can't handle anything by myself (trust me, I've tried). 

Taking a deep breath, and letting go....

What are your tips or experiences with dealing with this?

Quite Amazing

Happy Monday!

*Taking time to remember those who served this country and are no longer with us*

It's funny, lately I've been feeling a sense of peace. 

My nights went from - busy nights working late and jumping into school work; to rushing home from work to get dinner started and appreciating the moments I have to put my feet up on the table and watch Dancing With The Stars. (Old news - but so glad Kelly won, BTW!) 

I made a promise to Jesus that with my extra free time, now that I've graduated, I'd give Him more of my time. My nights are often spent diving into the book of John and picking up on things I missed the last time I read it. It's quite amazing to me that there could be so much within each scripture. In fact the more understanding Jesus gives me, it's like a part of my spirit is awakened and I am becoming more alive. 

For the first time in my life, I am living. 

It's all quite amazing actually...

The peace I have when my house is clean, laundry is done, and I have a plan for taking care of my finances.

The confidence I feel in the choices I make; that I am in full authority and control of my life. 

The understanding that when things do not go as planned or chaos is around me, I can focus on Jesus and  escape my worries. In fact, I can always do this and He will keep me. 

The appreciation I have for those around me; family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, and even those I do not know. The beauty of everyone in their own being, 

The fascination I have for being swift to hear but slow to speak. Oh, how much more do I grasp!

The gratitude I have for God's plan for me. 

Knowing that He is in control and because I understand that, I too am in control. It's funny. I would have never thought these would be my thoughts, but I am so thankful that He has changed my mind. I am being continually transformed and I love every moment of it. 

I have also been quite transformed in the kitchen as well. 

Haha! Adrian sure appreciates it. 

Tonight I'm making sausage and onion flat-bread pizzas. 

Yum. 

Have a great week! :)