On My Mind

1 | GAP is, once again, my favorite place to shop. I was obsessed in high school and college, but hadn't really shopped there in the past few years. Then, I got pregnant... and found their baby and maternity sections are so good! Here are few of my recent favorites...

Open-Front Batwing Cardigan, Ponte Pants, Pure Body Stripe Tee, Marled Bear Bubble Hoodie, Swaddle Blankets

2 | I started making photo books when Brady and I got married. My intention was to make yearbooks for each year of marriage, but I completely slacked off and now need to complete 2014, 2015, and 2016. My goal is to finish these before baby.

I use MyPublisher 

3 | I caved into all the hype and watched Stranger Things. I'm not usually a fan of sci-fi, but I got sucked into this show! I was worried it would be too scary (I hate scary movies), but it definitely wasn't. No nightmares her|e. Just sad that it's over. 

On My Mind

1 | I've been slacking in the reading department lately. I bought two new books, but haven't started them. My Audible credits were stacking up so I used them all up and cancelled my subscription. I've been dedicating 30 minutes each evening to reading or listening to a book. Here's the line-up...

What She Knew by Gilly Macmillan

The Little Paris Bookshop by Nina George

The Nightingale by Kristin Hannah

The People in the Trees by Hanya Yanagihara

A Little Life by Hanya Yanagihara

Along the Infinite Sea by Beatriz Williams

2 | So many new (to me) activewear brands. I love Lululemon and Sweaty Betty, but I'm eager to try Outdoor Voices, Koral, and Alo. I spend 90% of weekends in activewear/loungwear so I'm always searching for new additions. Carbon38 is a great site to find lots of different brands. My top picks... 

Aura Sleeveless Top by Koral Activewear

Spring Legging by Outdoor Voices

Stellar Jacket by Alo

3 | | We're going to Hawaii in October with Brent and Molly! I'm beyond excited. It will be our first big vacation since the Bahamas last May. Plus, I've never been to Hawaii... lots of exploring to do. Brent and Brady are in full research mode. Molly and I are eager to catch some sun :)

On My Mind

1 | There are so many good tunes for summer right now. I've had these three on repeat the past couple of weeks. I'm currently working on my summer playlist and nothing excites me more! You just can't beat a good playlist...

Roses by The Chainsmokers, Dangerous Woman by Ariana Grande, Middle by DJ Snake

2 | Have you used Amazon Prime Pantry yet? I just got my first delivery yesterday. I stocked up on everything... cleaning supplies, laundry detergent, toothpaste, peanut butter, Smartfood popcorn (our favorite). One less errand to run each week. I'm a convert. 

3 | I just finished season 2 of The Affair (after binge watching for 2 consecutive weeks) and I cannot wait for season 3. I have a newfound love for Joshua Jackson. I think I may rewatch Dawson's Creek just to get my fix until season 3 premieres :)

4 | Surgery is scheduled. I'm having a hip arthroscopy in three weeks. I have mixed feelings about this... I want to fix my hip asap and feel normal again, but I'm absolutely dreading surgery. This better be the last round of weekly doctor appointments, crutches, physical therapy.

Another day, another view from an ortho office

On My Mind

1 | The Lumineers new album is a must-have! A mix of fun, upbeat tunes with slow, melancholy songs. It's perfect for Spring/Summer. Sleep on the Floor and Ophelia are my current favorites. I would love to see them in concert!

2 | I actually started cooking. Nobody is more shocked than I. Exercise is currently off-limits, so I've been trying to work on my diet. So far it's been lots of salmon and salads, but I've started pinning again for inspiration...

First recipe on my list

3 | I've been on the hunt for nude heels to wear with my bridesmaid dress at Brie's wedding. I purchased this pair from Sam Edelman. I like them, but I don't love them. I've been looking at a couple different styles...

Chelsea Paris Knox, Charles David Onia, Sam Edelman Audrey 

4 | Slightly obsessed with skincare at the moment. Brie got me the Philosophy moisturizer, eye cream and night cream for Christmas and it has rocked my world. The products are great, but I especially love the routine. I grabbed a few new things to try during the Sephora sale...

Josie Maran Argan Oil Light, Origins Good Day Good Night, Philosophy Amazing Grace Firming Body Emulsion, Lancome Advanced Youth Activating Serum (100-point size) 

On My Mind

1 | I didn't watch the Golden Globes, but I did check out the red carpet. I can never make it all the way through an award show (but I was excited to see Leo win Best Actor!). The fashion is definitely my favorite part! Here are my top three of the night...

Alicia Vikander in Louis Vuitton, Jenna Dewan Tatum in Zuhair Murad, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Atelier Versace

2 | I finally finished Making a Murderer and I can't stop obsessing over it. I realize the series is biased, but I still think Steve Avery is innocent. I've been going on and on about the series to Brady (who hasn't watched it lol). My favorite Netflix series by far! Highly recommended!

3 | In addition to binge-watching Netflix, I've been listening to a new audio book, The Girl on the Train. I just got into audio books when we made the long drive to Whistler for Christmas and now I need one at all times... especially while driving. This is a great read/listen!

4 | I need to get well quickly. We're off to Portland this weekend for birthday celebrations with Brent and Molly. I am always excited for Portland, especially when it includes these friends! I want to try some new restaurants (like Pok Pok) and do a brewery tour. 

A throwback to the first weekend with Brent and Molly

On My Mind

1 | November was a good month for me with the release of One Direction's new album. There was a lot of hype about Justin Beiber's album dropping the same day, but being a true Directioner I didn't really think twice about Beiber... until I heard "Sorry" and "Love Yourself." Now I get to enjoy twice the pop music! 

2 | I took advantage of Black Friday to try a new (to me) brand. Sweaty Betty has been on my wish list for a few months. It's a similar price range to Lululemon, but I've been excited to test it out. I haven't received my order yet, but I've been eagerly checking the mail everyday. 

3 | I realize my late to this one, but I just finished The Husband's Secret by Liane Moriarty. After a string of disappointing books, it was nice to finally read something that kept my attention. I think this is the quickest I've read a book since Euphoria (which is still my all-time favorite). Next will be The Hypnotist's Love Story- this is Molly's favorite.

4 | Brie's coming to Washington this weekend! I'm stoked! It's been nearly a year since her last visit (recap here). We only have about 36 hours so we'll have to make the most of it. Cue the eating, drinking, shopping, gossiping :) I imagine it will look something like this... matchy matchy circa 2007

On My Mind

1 | Booties! I've been searching for ankle boots for weeks. I'm finding so many good options, it's difficult to choose. My first priority is comfort and these three get excellent reviews...

Vince Camuto, Free People, Dune

2 | I need a new Netflix show. I finished re-watching Scandal and now I'm going back and forth between That 70's Show and Friends, but I've already seen every episode. I want to get hooked on something new. 

Parenthood has been recommended to me multiple times, but I've never gotten into it... think I'll give it another chance

3 | Just as we feared, the new song from The 1975, Love Me, is no good. It pains me to admit that, but I don't like it at all. It's very 80's and it doesn't even sound like Matty Healy :(

4 | I saw somewhere that it's only 10 weeks until Christmas! I've already started watching Christmas films... The Holiday and The Family Stone :) I'll try to hold off on holiday music until November 1st.

On My Mind

1 | Scandal! I'm beyond excited for a new season. It feels like it's been ages since we've had new episodes. Netflix has been on nonstop for the past few weeks while I re-watched seasons 1-4. I'm praying for Jake's return to season 5...

2 | I'm in the midst of creating my A/W playlist :) I've found lots of good stuff in the alternative section of iTunes and the Ryan Adams version of 1989 is a real standout- the songs all feel new again!

My autumn playlist is coming together. I've had RIP 2 My Youth and 2 Heads on repeat

I actually like his version of Welcome to New York better (and Shake It Off)

3 | I'm a big fan of at-home gel polish, but the LED lamps are too much effort. I tried the Sally Hansen Miracle Gel and liked it, but I recently picked up the Essie Gel Topcoat and love it. Best $10 you'll spend this month!

4 | YouTube Beauty Channels have become a hobby for me (sad, I know). My absolute favorite videos are "What's In My Bag" videos, especially when the featured handbags are this good! Givenchy, Mulberry, Prada... well done Tanya.

On My Mind

1 | I'm incredibly bummed I missed the Taylor Swift concert last weekend. I love her music, but I've become obsessed with Vance Joy's new song and would have loved to see him perform! 

My mom actually found this gem!

2 | My online shopping spree is over. However, there are still a few things I need and #1 on my list is leopard flats. Much more difficult to find than I would have imagined. I'm really regretting donating my last pair.

Loeffler Randall, Sam Edelman, Dolce Vita

3 | My niece is the cutest thing! She's growing up so fast... 16-months-old and no longer a baby. I need to get back to Iowa ASAP to witness this cuteness in person. I have seriously watched this video hundreds of times. 

On My Mind

1 | The One Direction concert TONIGHT! I'm beyond excited! I've been listen to their past three albums for weeks. I convinced Kara to go with me :) We'll be the only (non-parent) adults, but the beer lines should be short. 

P.S. I can't believe Louis Tomlinson is going to be a dad! Shocking. 

2 | These sales are killing me. Of course Nordstrom and Shopbop have to start their sales after I've already spent too much money. However, I haven't bought any accessories in awhile :)

Clare V. Supreme Flat Clutch

Loeffler Randall Mara Woven Espadrilles 

Burberry Round Leather Strap Watch

Burberry Brushstroke Cashmere & Silk Scarf

3 | The Chris Pratt obsession grows with each passing episode of Parks & Rec. I came across this YouTube clip of him on the Graham Norton show and it's hilarious. Also, he's from Lake Stevens, Washington so that is pretty awesome. 

On My Mind

1 | The 1975 are returning to the US! I've been stalking their webpage for months to see when they will be touring again. They're coming to Seattle in December :) I hope this means a new album will be out soon!

2 | 50 Shades of Grey is back! I picked up the latest book (from Christian's point of view) and I've been reading it nonstop. It's surprising still interesting even though you know how it ends. No shame- I love this series. 

3 | The wallet search continues... and it's consuming my life. I don't remember the last time I contemplated a purchase for this long. I'm really torn between a wristlet and a french wallet. Decisions, decisions.

Longchamp, Mulberry, Shinola

4 | We will have company this weekend and I'm beyond excited! I haven't seen Amanda (or Sean) in ages. They'll only be here for a few days, but I'm been brainstorming fun activities for the 3 weeks :)

Our last photo together... get ready for photo overload on Monday

On My Mind

1 | The new Mumford & Sons album is on repeat. I love the first few weeks with new music- it's so exciting! My favorite songs so far are Just Smoke, Monster and Ditmas.

2 | I'm watching Brothers & Sisters again. I completed the entire series last Spring so now it makes me nostalgic for warm weather and our little townhouse in Iowa. 

3 | I've been incessantly online shopping. I'm too excited for the Bahamas. I just want to buy loads of bikinis, sandals, and dresses. At this rate I won't even be able to fit all of it in my suitcase. 

(Seea Bikini, Independent Reign Tote, Dolce Vita Sandals)

4 | I finished Euphoria yesterday and I'm so sad it's over. All the Light We Cannot See is on many Powell's Staff Top 5 Lists (my new go-to for book lists) and will hopefully be my Bahamas book this year. 

On My Mind

1 | Aloha! I need to see this movie. I've watched the trailer way too many times, which inspired a little iTunes purchase for the soundtrack. I've had it on repeat for the past hour :)

2 | The Shopbop sale is tempting me... 25% off is no joke. These Westward Leaning sunglasses are priority #1. This denim vest and these sandals are also on the list. 

3 | I just ordered this new Replica Beach Walk perfume from Sephora. I'm anxiously awaiting its arrival. I've never even smelled it. The description and packaging sold me. 

4 | Brady and I are constantly talking about vacation. We're itching to take a big trip, but struggling to agree on a location... Canada, Hawaii, Alaska, Florida (to go diving) are the top contenders. 

On My Mind

1 | It's been cold and rainy here. I'm ready for Spring! In the meantime, I've been snuggled on the couch for a Harry Potter marathon. I don't know why I'm so obsessed, but HP marathons seem to be annual tradition. 

2 | Two new makeup items added to my regimen. I've been starting with La Roche-Posay moisturizer and ending with the L'Oreal Infalliable setting spray. My makeup lasts all day without any touch-ups. 

3 | I'm trying to become more domesticated. I made a new rule for myself- every time I go grocery shopping I have to cook dinner that night. Last night was pasta with chicken and pesto. Brady was shocked, but he enjoyed it.