First Trimester Recap!

I’m officially 21 weeks pregnant so there’s no better time than now to start blogging about this pregnancy, right? I thought I’d start this out with a first trimester recap!

In all honesty, this pregnancy has been such a breeze. I hate to say that and rub it into anyone’s face who hasn’t experienced this same kind of pregnancy, but I have been uber blessed above and beyond to have such a smooth pregnancy thus far. It hasn’t come with out emotional bumps and bruises but that’s another post for another time. Overall, myself and baby have been super healthy and right on track!

The first trimester I had a little bit of nausea and food aversions, but it was so minimal compared to some. I spent most of the first trimester just trying to convince myself that I was pregnant. Though I’ve heard that I’ll probably do that for the entire pregnancy! Now that I’m in the second trimester and I’ve seen my little guy several times through ultrasounds, things feel very real. But this is a first trimester recap, so we’ll save that for the next post ;)

First trimester highlights

  • announcing the pregnancy to our families on Christmas
  • no real morning sickness!
  • seeing our baby on an ultrasound for the first time

 

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    The Current Reading List: Autumn

    what to read this fall, what to read in autumn

    Ok I know it’s not officially Autumn yet but we’re heading in that direction quickly so I thought you might want to start preparing that cozy, Autumn list of books to read! I’ve done various posts on books through out my years blogging, but I usually share those reads after I’ve made my way through the entirety of the book. I wanted to change things up a bit and share with you what I’m currently reading, so maybe you can join in while I’m still knee-deep in the books as well.

    I’ve always been the type of reader to be 10 chapters deep in 4-5 books at a time. I love mixing up my daily reads just to keep things interesting and challenge my mind with different topics. So below you’ll see the wide range of stories I’m currently working through.

    Currently on the Night-Stand

    Chasing Slow: This is a memoir/coffee table book that I saw fly through social media about 4 or 5 months ago. I knew that I’d eventually pick it up because I’m usually “in” to the trendy books that everyone likes to read. Sorry not sorry. I was excited to see what truth bombs this book had for me because lately I feel like I can’t ever fully “shut-off,” and surely Chasing Slow would have a tip or two on doing so. Sure enough, I’ve found myself highlighting my way through most chapters and making notes along the margins. This is a good’un to pick up to clear your brain.

    Caraval: The older I get, the harder I am to please in the fiction genre. It takes a lot for me to get sucked into fictional stories and it’s not because I don’t like reading fiction, I actually love it. But apparently I’m exceptionally picky. It’s been almost a year since I finished my all-time favorite fiction series, Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and I’ve struggled to find anything that lives up to that ever since. Enter Caraval. I picked this book up on a whim because I really liked the cover since it reminded me of my favorite stand-alone book, The Night Circus. And now it’s turning into one of my all-time favorite reads. It’s nothing like I’d imagined it would be, but it’s magical, seductive, mysterious, and a really adventurous read!

    You are a Badass at Making Money: Okay, are you done laughing yet? I know, what a weird title. Stay with me though. I really like to challenge myself by always keeping some sort of business related book in my stack of current reads and this so happens to be on my nightstand right now. Since money is so taboo and never talked about, I thought I’d challenge myself to read about such an uncomfortable topic. This book covers a lot about our mindset and road blocks when it comes to money. Jen Sincero, the author, went from being really poor to crazy rich once she shifted her mindset about money in her daily life. I’ve learned so much about perspective and how to navigate the negative thoughts we have about money through this book. Would highly recommend!

    Up Next

    Ready Player One & Present Over Perfect 

    Shop Some of my Favorites Below:

    *disclaimer* This post contains affiliate links

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      The 7 Best Podcast Episodes for Beginners

      I first came across podcasts about 2 years ago and it was a world I knew nothing about. Since then I’ve subscribed to 20 podcasts and listened to thousands of episodes. They are the first thing I pop on when I do chores around the house or when I drive somewhere in the car. There’s something really comforting to me about listening to conversation happening while I go about my task at hand. It takes my mind off the present and allows me to drift into their conversation for the length of whatever I’m working on.

      If you’re new to podcasts like I was, you probably have no clue where to start. So today I’m listing my 7 favorite episodes from various channels that I listen to. I tend to listen to podcasts that focus on lifestyle and business so you’ll notice somewhat of a theme in the episodes below. Podcasts are my absolute favorite way to pass the time and maybe you’ll find they do the same for you!

      Awesome With Alison, Ep. 8: “Ok, ok! I’ll finally talk about my weight loss!

      Young House Love Has a Podcast, Ep. 20: “White Walls: Overrated? Overdone? Or Still Totally Awesome?

      The Chris Loves Julia Podcast, Ep. 40: “Real talk on Being Professional Bloggers

      Style Matters Podcast: “DIY Minimalist Home

      Ctrl Alt Delete, Ep. 2: “Zoella – Talking Internet Fame & Being Your Own Boss

      The Goal Digger Podcast, Ep. 18: “Finding a Job You LOVE with Alaina Kaczmarski of The Everygirl

      A Well-Designed Business, Ep. 184: “Amber Lewis – Important Business Tips to Run Your Interior Design Firm

       

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        Travel Essentials with Lo & Sons

        I’ll be heading to Seattle for work next week and since we’re entering in to one of the most traveled times of the year, I thought it was the perfect time to share a few of my Spring/Summer travel essentials.

        As a self-proclaimed homebody, traveling.. although incredibly fun, can also feel a bit daunting. Between packing, checking flights, arranging rides to the airport and everything in between, it gets a tad stressful! But if I know that I’ll be traveling with everything that I need, the whole traveling process seems to run a bit more smooth. I did some light traveling in 2016 and noticed there were several areas that lacked. So, I spent the last few weeks scouring the internet for the perfect travel essentials to add to my lineup and I think I’m all set to go!

        Travel Essentials

        Lo and Sons Catalina Deluxe in Small: One of the biggest areas that was lacking from my travel set-up was a carry-on tote that was big enough to pack all of the necessities, but small enough to bring on a flight. Enter the Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe in size small.

        I love this bag for so many reasons, but I’ll highlight just a few. It has a quality canvas material, it’s just the right size with the perfect amount of compartments, the customer service is amazing, it’s super versatile, and it’s the cutest tote that I own! And the BEST part? It comes with a secret compartment. The underside of the bag has a zipper compartment perfect for storing shoes, an extra outfit, toiletries, or basically anything you want to keep separate from the main part of the bag. Genius. Since this will be my in-flight bag while traveling to Seattle, I plan to store an extra pair of clothing in that downstairs compartment (you never know if your bags will get lost…always have to be prepared)!

        I am obsessed with this bag and I’m already envisioning all of the fun, Summer places I’ll take her too. The beach? The lake? SF? Tahoe? So many! If you’re looking for a cute, quality bag for this Summer definitely consider the Catalina Deluxe.

        Toiletry Bag (in black): I’ve been using my mom’s old toiletry bag for years and years, one of those hanging toiletry bags that rolls up and gets packed full of far too many unnecessary products just because I have the space. Well, I’ve found that not only has it become too bulky but it’s so old and dingy that I needed a new one. I found this one, which is a bit more compact with ample amount of storage because of all the compartments. Are you seeing a theme? Girlfriend luuuvs compartments.

        GoToob Travel Bottles: Meet the perfect shampoo, conditioner and soap bottles. These are virtually leak-proof with a large opening making it easy to fill with product. Also, the material of the bottles allow you to easily squeeze out every last drop of your product.

        Twisty Ties: Between my laptop charger, cell phone charger, kindle charger, and all of the miscellaneous wires that work their way into my suitcase, these twisty ties will be my saving grace.

        Ok friends, that sums up all of my new travel essentials that I can’t wait to use on my upcoming trip! Is there anything that I’m missing? What are your must-haves for travel? For more travel-related posts click on over to this space here!

        *I was sent the Catalina Deluxe in small from Lo & Sons at no cost in exchange for a blog post. All opinions are my own*

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          The Current Favorites, Spring 17

          I’m switching up my favorites feature here on the blog to a seasonal favorites rather than a monthly favorites. So here’s what I’ve been loving so far in the Spring of 2017.

          These oversized throw pillows from Target I recently picked up three of these oversized throw pillows from Target for our couch and they are everything I want in a reasonably priced, retail throw pillow. The price point was right where I needed it to be (and there are always coupons with the Target Cartwheel app), so I went for it. You know me and my white-on-white obsession. Well, I wanted throw pillows that were white with a bit of interest. So these were the perfect choice. They are just the right amount of cozy with a nice, minimal geometric pattern.

          Klean Kanteen Thermos This may or may not have been my all-time best purchase since….ever. If you’re still in the dark ages toting around a Starbucks thermos that keeps your coffee warm for exactly 12 minutes, then your morning on-the-go coffee experience is about to dramatically change. This thermos is on the pricier side but it’s worth every dang penny. My coffee stays hot for hours and hours in this thermos. Like, just poured out of the coffee pot kind of hot. I purchased the 12oz version which is just the right size for me. I really can’t say enough about how great this find was. Hurry and buy one, thank me later.

          Lo & Sons Catalina Deluxe Bag in Small I received this bag in the mail recently and I have a full post in the works to share about it’s greatness. But in the meantime, if you’re in the market for a weekend getaway bag, then this one is your best choice. Quality product, cute design and excellent amount of storage. Would recommend.

          The Little Book of Hygge I came across this cute little book through social media. I saw a few of my favorite bloggers were reading it, the cover drew me in and I’m so glad that I ended up reading this little gem. The term “Hygge” is all about how Danish people define being cozy and in your best state. It’s a guide to achieving your most cozy state of being and that’s something I can support 100%. This was a lovely read before climbing into bed as it was quite a calming read.

          Mini Backpacks Remember when mini backpacks were all the rage in 1995? Well, they’re back and better than ever. Hands free and cute? Loving this trend, and especially loving this one that I picked up at American Eagle.

          Denim Jackets I have been l.o.v.i.n.g denim jackets this season. Call me trendy but I don’t even give a heck. I loved my denim jacket in high school and I often mourn the loss of that one. So I recently purchased a new one and I’ve successfully worked it back into my wardrobe. I’ve even gone out on a limb and sported denim head to toe… I know, call me crazy.

          What are you currently loving? I’m always excited to find/try new things!

          Shop similar items below:

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            Welcome to the blog! You’ll find everything here from portfolio work and tips for new photographers, to personal posts related to motherhood and bits of my home! Stick around to see what’s new each week.

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