December Favorites

Beauty

1 | Diorshow Iconic Overcurl Mascara is a new discovery that I've quickly become obsessed with. It's the most comfortable mascara to wear (feels like nothing) and provides great volume and definition. I got this mascara at least 6 months ago and totally forgot about - it seems like it's drying out quickly or it's just old.

2 | MAC Eye Shadow Palette (Orb, Wedge, Espresso, All That Glitters, Woodwinked, Satin Taupe) is my custom-made palette that I've been wearing every. single. day. I try a different combination each day, but always fill in my brows with Wedge and line my eyes with Espresso. Seriously, every color is a winner.

3 | Sugar Fresh Lip Balm is pricey, but so worth it. It's a little luxury every time I reapply throughout the day. This makes a great gift - I actually bought one last month then my sister and sister-in-law got me a gift set for Christmas so I'm stocked up and loving it.

4 | Belif True Cream Aqua Bomb is the most hydrating moisturizer - perfect for this time of year. It works so well on my oily skin - hydration, but no break-outs. It sinks into the skin so quickly and makes my skin feel amazing. I had never heard of this brand, but I definitely want to try their other products now.

5 | Formula X Sheer Strength Polish has been on my nails nonstop for the past month. My nails are growing so quickly thanks for pregnancy/prenatal vitamins, but I'm also so tempted to bite them - easily my worst habit. This adds a subtle tint and prevents me from biting my nails. Win, win.

Fashion

1 | Lauren Ralph Lauren Cutaway Wool Blend Coat is non-maternity, but bump friendly. I really wanted the All Saints City Monument Coat, but couldn't bring myself to spend the money. This coat is a great alternative. I really like that I'll be able to wear it next winter too.

2 | U|R Alexis Tech Gloves work so well. I can't believe this is my first pair of tech gloves - where have I been?? I was really annoyed with constantly taking off my gloves when we were in Victoria. These have been a game-changer, especially when we were in Leavenworth.

3 | Burberry Canvas Check Crossbody (currently on sale) is the perfect size. It's small and lightweight, but holds all the essentials. I don't think I'll ever be able to wear any other style of handbag. Hands-free is the way to go... probably more so with a baby.

4 | Wilfred Triangle Scarf was a Christmas gift from my mom a couple years ago. I love when the weather gets cooler and I can start wearing it again. It's warm and stylish. I the triangle shape is the best part - it drapes so well and looks good with everything. Definitely a wardrobe staple for me.

5 | Superga Cotu Sneakers are my favorite! I had a white pair a few years ago, but they got so dirty. This time around I went for an olive green color and I love them. They're cute and comfortable and a great price-point. These sneakers with a pair of skinny jeans is the best casual look.

Miscellaneous

1 | Verb Volume Shampoo was purchased on a whim during the Sephora VIB sale. I'm always on the hunt for new shampoo/conditioner, but this one is a winner. It's hydrating, volumizing, and smells amazing. My hair has been dull and lifeless during my pregnancy - isn't it supposed to get thick and full of body? I'm missing out, but this shampoo is helping.

2 | SmartWool No-Show Socks is another pricey one... $13/pair seems ridiculous, but the reviews convinced me and I can confirm they are the best no-show socks. They're comfortable and most importantly - don't slide down! Perfect with the Superga sneakers.

3 | The Laundress Sweater Comb has my cashmere sweaters looking much better! It was a bit scary to use the first time - it feels too harsh (like you'll end up with a big hole), but it removes pills so well. I'm quite please with the results.  

4 | Heckedy Peg by Audrey Wood was my favorite book when I was little. My mom got the baby our old favorite books - such a great idea for any new parents! Brady reads to the baby and I every night. The baby's library is filling up and we are enjoying each new (and old) story.

5 | Apple Music is new to me - I'm still in the 3-month trial phase, but I'm loving it so far. I've found so many new artists and songs. I really like the curated playlists. I would definitely recommend the free trial.

The faves of the faves

Leavenworth, WA

We went to Leavenworth for Christmas this year! 

We went to Leavenworth in 2014 (posted here) and we were excited to go back. It's the most festive Bavarian-themed town. We got extra lucky with the weather this year - lots of snow on the ground with sunny, blue skies. 

We were initially planning on going back to Whistler, B.C. - where we spent Christmas 2015 (posted here), but we decided to hold off until I can ski again. However, we did try cross-country skiing this weekend and it was much more fun than I expected. I still prefer downhill, but this was perfect for pregnancy or anyone with a new babe - we saw lots of babies in carriers.

Brady looked like the Griswold's neighbor and it was hilarious 

Beautiful views everywhere

Too much fun

Christmas Eve

So much sunshine 

Ski selfie

I really like this candid of Brady for some reason

Baby's first ski session

Lots of powder

We spent some time wandering around town - eating, drinking, shopping, and admiring the Christmas lights. 

Downtown

Storefronts and restaurants aglow 

Icicle Brewing was Brady's favorite

Daytime views

Back to the brewery

Heaven for him 

Ate way too many pastries 

So bright 

Caroling in the gazebo 

We went for a walk along the Wenatchee River, which was the most picturesque winter scenery. This makes me want to move to a mountain town!

Wenatchee River

The sun felt so good

Merry Christmas!

We're off to Leavenworth for the holiday weekend! 

Photo from Leavenworth in 2014 - recap linked here

Merry Christmas🎄 

Bump Day

32 Weeks...

Weight gain: 

26 lbs. - I blame Mom and Dad's visit

Symptoms:
Honestly, I'm feeling pretty rough. I have rib and hip pain every. single. day. It feels like my ribs are bruised on my right side. It's forcing me to have better posture - every time I hunch over my ribs start burning. My hip pain is also limited to my right side - no surprise following my skiing accident. The congestion and swelling are also sticking around.

Cravings/Aversions:
Oatmeal with banana mashed in... I crave this breakfast every morning. I usually take a mix of fruit and veggies to work (strawberries, blueberries, cucumber, cherry tomatoes) along with a greek yogurt. It's the bowl of cereal and panini nearly every night that's killing me. 

Maternity Clothes:
My tops are getting too short. My belly pops out the bottom of all my Brady's tees. I've been wearing GAP maternity tees with a cardigan every day, but I only have 3 pairs of maternity pants that I actually like - DL1961, Paige, James Jeans. My GAP maternity pants that I loved early on are looking very worn these days. 

Exercise:
I'm still working out 3-4 days a week, but my running days are definitely over. I've been using the elliptical twice a week (usually 15-20 minutes), but it's just not the same as running. I've been doing more strength training - lunges, squats, hip trusts, hip opening exercises, arm exercises, etc. Still loving the physioball for support.

Sleep:

It's getting rare to have a full night of uninterrupted sleep. I have some good nights when I wake for couple minutes just to readjust and get comfortable, but there are also nights spent tossing and turning - usually due to congestion and discomfort.

Special Moments:
Seeing Mom and Dad! Brady commented a few weeks ago that no one in our family would see me pregnant (which I am more than ok with), but it was good to see my parents and spend time with them before the holidays. 

Past Bump Days: 14 Weeks, 16 Weeks, 18 Weeks, 20 Weeks, 22 Weeks, 24 Weeks, 26 Weeks, 28 Weeks, 30 Weeks

Weekend Update

Mom and Dad were in town this weekend!

They arrived Thursday night and spent Friday at the LeMay Car Museum with Brady. It was a request from my dad and he loved it - major car enthusiast. I met up with them on Friday night for a little Christmas shopping. 

We went to Biscuit Bitch on Saturday morning - filled up on biscuits and gravy before hopping on the ferry to spend the day on Bainbridge Island. 

Mom wasn't a fan of the name :)

But she couldn't deny the food was amazing 

Parentals

We wandered around Bainbridge just shopping, eating, and admiring the views. It was freezing cold - we actually saw snow flurries. We would walk for a bit before stopping into a shop or cafe to warm up. We ended the night back in Tacoma. We tried a new restaurants... Stack 571 - great burgers, but the wait time for a table (and our food) was horrendous. 

Dad loves to see all the sailboats 

Endless

Festive!

Pegasus Coffee for a spiced cider

The sun actually came out (it was still bitter cold)

Returned to Salt House 

Where we all bought soap

Sunset ferry ride back to Seattle

So peaceful 

New addition to Point Ruston

We went for brunch at Montamara Kitchen on Sunday morning - probably my favorite brunch spot in Tacoma. There was a 20 minute wait for our table so we went for a brisk walk along the Puget Sound. 

Sound views

Sunday morning stroll

Door turned chalkboard - so cute

Croque Madame was delicious 

We finally made it to the Museum of Glass on Sunday. This museum is a mile from our condo and we still hadn't been in the past two years. We had the opportunity to watch Nancy Callan make the most amazing glass sculpture. It was mesmerizing to watch - I would highly recommend. 

Early stages

Lots of heating and glassblowing 

Finished piece!

Glass sculpture outside the museum 

Mom and Dad 💛