Building the Perfect Maternity Wardrobe

What a crazy transition - moving from the regular sized clothes that you're used to and love, to needing new ones because nothing seems to fit anymore! While it's definitely exciting to build a new wardrobe, it can be a little overwhelming when you start to realize that literally nothing fits you anymore. Also not to mention, the sticker shock of how expensive maternity clothes can be! Thankfully, I've been able to build a wardrobe of maternity clothes with pieces I continuously use over and over again - without breaking the bank and am excited to share my tips/tricks/advice with you for those of you soon-to-be or future mommas out there that will find themselves in this position :) I'll also try to share links where I can, so that you can easily find them too or so that you can take a look at what I'm talking about to compare!

Here's my closet currently - all maternity clothes. Nesting is no joke. I quickly became tired of pulling maternity clothes from different piles in our guest room, or digging for a different shirt out of a tub. I was ready to have everything easily accessible and easy to see so that I could quickly grab and go! One day - I took on the task of emptying my entire closet (and figuring out which regular clothes I'd still be able to use while pregnant, and others that I could put away until after Bennett arrives and I'm ready for them). I packed up all of the clothes I didn't need while pregnant and organized them neatly into tubs in the top of my closet and the guest room closet. What a difference it makes being able to see and easily browse through all of the clothes that you can actually wear and that fit! 

I was told by many friends when we announced that we were pregnant to be careful with continuing to wear your favorite regular-sized pieces. They shared their experiences with doing that. Of course, with your baby bump continuing to grow - so did your regular clothes. After they had their babies and were able to fit back into non-maternity clothes again, the ones that they continued to wear (for a little while) were stretched and didn't fit nicely anymore. I was thankful for that piece of advice - no need to spend money on maternity clothes so that you actually have some clothes that fit AND needing to spend money replacing old ones that you stretched out throughout your pregnancy.

I'm extremely thankful for hand-me-downs! A few friends and sister-in-laws graciously passed down and offered tons of clothes to choose from and take advantage of, which was and has been a huge help! Especially, while working in an office setting and needing nicer clothes to wear every day to work. (As mentioned above, it's shocking how expensive maternity dress clothes can be!) A huge shout out to Susana! She sent me home one weekend with 2 huge tubs of maternity clothes - I counted them while unpacking them at home, and there were over 100 pieces! :) So definitely take advantage of those hand-me-downs that are offered to you from your amazing friends and family - they are wonderful to have!

While shopping for maternity clothes is extremely exciting, I promised myself early on that I wouldn't go crazy picking out and spending a lot of money on maternity clothes, that let's face it - I wouldn't even be wearing for that long. (Another side note - it's shocking how fast you can grow out of certain items! And amazing how you love certain things in your early months of pregnancy, and as you approach the latter-end of your pregnancy, you have a completely different preference). You don't need much! It's crazy how long certain pieces last you. With a few exceptions of bathing suits and a few shorts, I've been able to make pieces last throughout my entire pregnancy! (Let's hope that this blog post doesn't jinx me...)  I'm happy to say that I've stuck to my promise and I've been so happy with those purchases I've made along the way to add to those amazing hand-me-downs that I received!

So - what have been some of my favorite pieces so far?

Full panel bottoms! While in my first and going into my second trimester, I tried to avoid full panel bottoms. I was shocked in how quickly my regular sized pants became so much tighter - so I definitely needed something! I had a couple of pair of shorts that were low-panel, along with a pair of hand-me-down jeans and capris that were low panel (which I loved in the beginning!)  I was also able to continue to wear a few capris and work pants with a belly-band (by leaving my pants un-zipped and wearing the belly band-over top) - so that was definitely helpful in the first trimester! After a certain point, the belly-band becomes uncomfortable, as do the low panel bottoms - especially if you're sitting and standing constantly throughout the day (lots of adjusting!) And as your precious little bump starts getting bigger and bigger, the low panel waists are definitely not comfortable anymore. The first time I tried on full panel pants I thought to myself, 'why in the heck did I wait so long?!' They are amazing! 

> Bottoms for work - I purchased one pair of black full panel capris and one pair of black full panel dress pants. No need for more than that - you can constantly change up your tops to make different outfits for each week. These capris and dress pants have been some of my favorite purchases because they are not only so comfortable but they look great too! [Tip: My favorite work capris and dress pants came from the Gap - they're constantly having 40% off sales with free shipping - definitely don't try to purchase these items at full price!]

> Bottoms for lounging - My favorite have been from Target! The brand is Be Maternity by Ingrid & Isabel. They not only can be dressed up with certain tops, but they make the perfect lounging around leggings - they're so, so comfortable. And they're not made out of cheap material that you can see through. They also come in low panel and high panel. (Of course, I got the high panel - I never have have to worry about my circulation cutting off or my belly hanging out! They're just so comfortable!) I could live in these pants! Also - constantly check for Cartwheel coupons before buying (there's usually always a 20% off maternity coupon). Even better, they come in capri cut and full-legging cut.

Tank tops from Target! These I started wearing early on when my tops starting to get too tight for comfort! I purchased the Long & Lean Tanks made by Mossimo Supply Co. - they come in so many different colors! I'm usually a size medium top, and one size up has worked perfectly! They're regularly about $9 each, but every so often, Target runs a sale where you can get either 2 for $16 or cheaper. (In addition to that - if you're a cartwheel user, there are constantly coupons for women's clothing that will land you even more money off of that!) After coupons and discounts, I probably spent about $5 for each tank, and I've been wearing them from the first trimester and am still continuing to comfortably wear them in my third trimester! Note: They are not maternity - they are found in the regular women's section. It's nice because not only are these tanks so cheap, but you can so easily dress them up or down with whatever you're wearing! Plus - they'll be great to have after you deliver too while you're body is adjusting to no longer carrying your precious baby anymore - they're extremely comfortable and don't look like your typical maternity top. Here are few samples of times I've worn different tanks of these in each trimester:

13 weeks here - navy blue tank!

Purple tank at 19 weeks while Big Brother Tucker is cuddling close!

20 weeks here - white tank, dressed up  by a cardigan for work!

Teal tank at 25 weeks (and hubs too!) :)

Same white tank at 27 (almost 28 weeks) 

paired with the Gap capris mentioned above!

Maternity underwear! First thoughts? No thanks. I thought they'd look like huge granny panties with tall panels in the front that go over your belly. Boy was I wrong about this too! These were actually recommended to me by my boss - she said don't wait to order yourself a pair and to try them out because they're that comfortable. That's exactly what I did! (I think by this time, I was definitely into my second trimester). My favorite brand? Gap wins again! (Again - keep in mind, they always have sales - most common is 40% off with free shipping, but in addition, they're constantly having sales on their maternity intimates - so take advantage!). Don't get me wrong - I'm still able to wear my regular sized underwear and did so more often in my first and second trimesters, but definitely now that I'm in my third trimester - they're not as comfortable as they were while not pregnant! Here are two of my favorites: Stretch Cotton Thong & Stretch Cotton Bikini. 

Other favorites:

> Dresses - Old Navy and Gap have wonderful collections of maternity dresses for all phases. I've loved their pieces but beware while ordering online - definitely read the reviews on sizing. I've found that I've needed much smaller sizes than the size I actually thought I'd be based on the size charts. They have a lot of affordable but high quality pieces that have also lasted! Also - easy to dress up for work, and to make more casual for other occasions.

> Tops - Target has been my go to place to many pieces, especially tops. I love the Liz Lange collection (again, always coupons!) but they are also made of nice quality material. I've been able to find a ton of options on clearance - especially now, lots of tops are on clearance as we're switching seasons. I've stuck with a lot of solid colors. It's easy to add different statement necklaces or scarves now that we're approaching cooler weather - to make more top options. 

> Bras - Don't spend a fortune.  Your bra size will change a million times. In this category especially, I'm thankful for my hand-me-downs, sports bras and gift certificates! :) It's definitely essential to have a nice-fitting bra - what a difference it makes! But egh, how annoying it is when you're one size one week and two weeks later, you're in need of something new. So don't spend a fortune on a great bra like you're use to doing that will last you for a while - you definitely won't be in the same size for long!

Some items that I continue to wear that I've had from my regular-sized wardrobe: Sweat pants, some yoga pants, t-shirts and tanks that were baggier on me pre-pregnancy, hoodies, cardigans. Also - thank goodness for Eric's wardrobe as well :) He's come home plenty of nights from work to find me in either his work out tees, sweat pants, or taking advantage of his zip up hoodies on cooler days. I'm warned by pregnant friends and family that his comfy gym shorts are next :) Also - I've found a lot of the not-so-form-fitting dresses that I had pre-pregnancy work great as you're growing.

Here's one that I actually wore last on our honeymoon - 14 weeks

And one from 15 weeks, a dress that I last wore while on vacation in Jamaica! (It's fun to be able to re-wear these items while your body is completely different from the last time you wore them!)

You can even dress the more flowy ones up with a cute belt or ribbon. Here's a flowy black dress that I had pre-pregnancy that I'm able to spruce up with a ribbon belt (to help make the once nice looking flowy shape of the dress, look not so frumpy now that there's actually a bump under it! :)

I could go on and on about tips/tricks but I think that these so far are my favorite ones! My best piece of advice - don't go crazy. Honestly, who cares how many different outfits and tops/bottoms/dresses you have? A) They'll only fit for so long B) They're so expensive C) Who cares? All you need to be is comfortable... who do you need to impress? :) If you feel comfortable and are happy - that's all that matters! 

Nursery - Stage 1 (Prepping & Painting)

Stage one of getting the nursery together has been clearing it out! Pre-baby, we were using the room as a second guest bedroom and it also housed a desk that we rarely ever used. The closet is huge (thankfully, because Bennett already has a lot of stuff!) but it was full of storage stuff for things like holiday decorations, craft supplies, office supplies, anything that needed a storage spot that didn't have a home elsewhere, you could usually find it there! Also, all of Eric's work certificates and awards were hung in this guest bedroom. It's so weird to see this space now empty, but it makes me even more excited to see what it'll look like when it's completely finished!

Here's what it currently looks like - empty and ready for fresh paint [and of course Big Brother Tucker had to make at least one photo]! :)

We've had a few set backs with time and plans, but thankfully this week the nursery will finally get painted! Within the next few weeks, Dad and Eric will be building the closet and assembling all of the furniture! I can't wait for everything to be set up so that I can finally start putting things away. (As an obsesser of organization and cleanliness - I can't wait to empty the tubs and random boxes of supplies and clothes that we've received already that are ready to have their official home, neatly put away!)

Such an exciting time! I can't wait to post updates of the progress we make over the next few weeks, and the projects for wall decor and other ideas that I'm so excited to start! Stay tuned! :)

Crab & Corn Chowder

While I love Summer and the warm weather and vacations that it brings, I'm ready for my favorite season, Fall! One type of food that I have loved while pregnant this summer has been soups! (Weird I know! I'm well aware that it's been 95 degrees outside; however - I'm not fighting it! I love my soups!) I love the crab and corn chowder from Bonefish, and have been looking for a homemade recipe to try. I came across this recipe a few weeks ago and planned to save it for when it gets a little cooler outside, but I thought to myself, why not try it now? Of the soups I've made in the past, this one was my first chowder and I was extremely impressed!

Ingredients:

• 4-6 potatoes, chopped (2 cups)
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 1/3 cup flour
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups half and half
• 2 tsp Old Bay
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• 16 oz frozen sweet corn
• 16 oz lump crab meat

Note: One great thing about making this recipe during summer/early fall is that you can substitute fresh corn on the cob for the bag of frozen corn! :)

Directions:

• Parboil the potatoes - Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the diced potatoes, letting boil for about 5 minutes. Immediately rinse in cold water to cool and set aside until ready to use. 
• Melt butter on the stove top and add chopped onion to saute for approximately 5 minutes.
• Stir in flour and slowly add the chicken broth, whisking.
• Stir in the half and half (tip: to keep the half and half from curdling, let it set on the counter to warm to room temperature, or at least slightly so that it isn't refrigerator cold when added to the chowder).
• Season with salt, pepper, Old Bay, cayenne and thyme.
• Add parboiled potatoes, frozen corn and crab meat. Simmer on low heat, stirring occasionally for 30-45 minutes.
• Serve and add scallions and shredded cheddar cheese if desired for additional garnish! This would also be delicious served with warm bread.

Hope that you enjoy! :)

Purging & De-Cluttering - Saving Only What You Need, Use and Love!

I feel like this topic should become part of a series! This has been something that's been keeping me busy over the past few months when I've had some free time! Especially now, prepping for Bennett's arrival - I've been more motivated than ever to get rid of things that we no longer use, need or love - clothes, shoes, dishes, decor, furniture, etc. It's crazy to think about how much we've accumulated (and held on to) since moving into our house just three short years ago.

The easiest things to purge have been clothes and shoes! I came up with a rule for myself that anything that hasn't been worn in the past year would no longer need to stay! Additionally, clothing that fits but maybe isn't the most comfortable - I did away with as well! No need to keep clothing or shoes that I'm not comfortable wearing. Additionally, after going through all of my clothes and shoes, and getting rid of the more worn pieces, I made a list of items that I plan to keep my eyes open for when upcoming sales take place, so that I'm not purchasing these items at full price (yuck!). Also, it serves as a reminder of all of the things that I don't need to purchase while seeing something that I like in stores or online while shopping.

I always make two piles while sorting through items - a donation pile and a yard sale pile. Usually those items that make it to the yard sale pile are the more expensive items or furniture pieces; however to be honest, lately I've been more in the mood to donate so that I can just get rid of the piles and items that need to go.

Note: Local online yard-saling has been my go-to for the past couple of years when selling larger items. I've been able to sell so much stuff using the online yard sale groups through Facebook, however; lately, I just don't have the free time during the week after work, or on weekends to post items on yard sale sites or to arrange for times to meet with buyers. Time is precious! For the more expensive items that I'd rather not donate, I usually take to my parent's house to store in their huge attic for our family's annual yard sale that's hosted each summer at my grandmother's house in Ocean Pines (and yes, crazy enough - there's a section of the attic dedicated to the annual yard sale that the whole family will fill throughout the year). We recently just had the big yard sale a few weekends ago, and everyone was able to get rid of so much stuff, while making a little bit of money in the process! :) I was definitely happy to see it all go! Usually, at the end of these yard sales, if there are items left - they are donated!

In addition to purging items like clothing and shoes, holiday decor was huge for me to purge this round. I'm all about simplicity and in order to de-clutter, I wanted to get rid of all of the small (and larger) decor items and knick-knacks for each of the holidays that honestly, just take up space and make my furniture and tabletops look more cluttered. (Plus - with a baby arriving soon that will too quickly be into touching and grabbing everything - this is one less thing I'll have to worry about removing and getting rid of when he's mobile and interested in these things). Don't get me wrong - I still kept a few items for each of the holidays that I love and aren't holiday decor overkills (because who doesn't love extra holiday decor to get you in the holiday spirit?) - but I was happy to part with probably 75% of my holiday decor.

Organizing and sorting through my craft supplies was also a huge task that I took on. I love crafting! You can imagine the different items that you can quickly accumulate after tons of different projects over the years (in addition to an already pretty great stockpile of items). Once I sorted through my craft tubs and separated all of the items that I know I'll be able to use in the future, and ones that I no longer felt the need to hang on to, I was able to consolidate all of my craft supplies to one organized bin, while making a pile of all of the items I no longer wanted to keep.

Other items that made their way to my purge list - extra tupperware (really, how many containers are needed?), older picture frames, knick-knacks, dog items that we just don't need or won't use, throw pillows (these I've found that I love to hoard over the years), garage items... the list keeps going and going! While I always say that I'll never be done purging (I honestly feel like I'm doing it constantly... especially lately while wanting make space in our home for all the new additions coming to it) - it feels so good to get rid of so much stuff that we simply just no longer need or find use for.

Time for someone else to enjoy those items! Lets hope that this motivation and energy stays! :)

Creating a Plan for Organization and Cleaning (with a busy schedule)

I have always enjoyed organizing and (as embarrassing enough as it is to admit), cleaning too! I take pride in our home and all of the projects we've done to make it "ours". Being able to sit down and relax, knowing that the house is clean and that I don't have a long To Do list to tend to eventually that night or throughout the week, is a great feeling!

While finding time to organize and clean is already a struggle between my already insanely busy schedule, I know that it will only get more difficult to make time for these things once Bennett arrives in December. While I'm ready to give up my free time for a handsome little boy and all of the duties and time attentive things that come along with taking care of a newborn (and that having an extremely clean home will no longer be one of my goals), I'd still like to think and am hoping that the upkeep and cleanliness of my home won't need to suffer during this new and exciting (even busier) time.

To help myself come up with a better, more effective plan for my busy schedule, I've been jotting down the normal chores and activities that I do weekly around the house, and have been pinning different ideas and checklists for cleaning. While identifying all of the things I'm already doing, it'll give me the chance to better organize/set time frames for those items to help me stay on top of little things that can be done daily here and there while avoiding letting it all build up to have to tackle everything at once, with a very lengthy To Do List (when that small window of "free time" presents itself again from the last). I can easily identify those things that should be done nightly, every other night, weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc. (which makes it so easy to pick an item or two from the list to tackle when free time presents itself).

One awesome thing that I'm thankful for that makes juggling all of these duties and responsibilities now easier, and planning for the upcoming even busier time that we are looking forward to, is that thankfully I married a man who is a huge help around the house, and has a clean thumb of his own (so props to you Eric!).

My point for this post is not to make it seem like it'll be an easy job to balance keeping a clean home while adjusting to life with a new baby, or that I'll even want to spend time on these things like I do now (I know it'll be difficult and that I'll want to spend all of my "free" time - if you can call it that - catching up on sleep while not with my little man), this post is encourage myself to easily help me stay on top of the chores around the house and prioritizing tasks that I'm already doing now, to better fit the schedule of a busy, working mom. It's also important to note, that while I enjoy cleaning, I easily become stressed with the house is a mess - so I know that on top of all of the mommy duties that I'll be adjusting to - it will actually be less stressful for me to have a plan/list in place to stay on top of a semi-clean/decent looking home :)

Here a few examples from each of my lists that I've created so far (it's a work in progress!) From these lists, I'm able to sit down on the weekends to look over our schedules and easily come up with a rough plan for the week while ensuring we leave plenty of relax time as well!

Again, hopefully this will keep me motivated and will  better assist me in planning out the small tasks I can tackle when those "free moment" opportunities present themselves [or when your loving spouse is asking what they can help you with during the week] :)