27 Weeks | Diana Putnam Photography

I recently met up with Diana of Diana Putnam Photography for a photo shoot in downtown Salt Lake City. The morning had not gone my way. I was running late, I had a hard time finding parking for our meet up, and to top it off it was absolutely frigid and I mean freezing that day... so much so that I think the cold was messing with my head. I felt disoriented and less than capable of standing, let alone trying to pose for pictures. It was difficult to say the least. I was a slightly worried that the photos wouldn't turn out. And, with most photographers... they probably wouldn't have. Yet with Diana, it was easy. She is such a warm and kind person. She's the type that you don't feel embarrassed posing in front of. Instead, it's easy and comfortable. She offers plenty of feedback and positive reinforcement to make you feel comfortable, even when you're frazzled like I was. 

Diana Putnam Photography

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Diana is a professional in every sense of the word, and I think the quality of her photography speaks for itself. If you're looking to have any kind of photos done--family portraits, wedding, newborns, maternity--whatever type of photography, she has plenty of experience and an impressive portfolio! 

And speaking of wedding photography, she is giving away free wedding photography package to one lucky bride and groom! 

How incredible would this be for a couple of lovebirds who are about to tie the knot? If you are getting married soon or know of someone who is, make sure to check out this amazing opportunity!

Also, on a completely different note, I am now 27 weeks pregnant! This is the last week of my second trimester. I'm hardly every nauseous anymore, but definitely starting to feel huge and uncomfortable. I don't remember feeling this awkward until I was at least 32 weeks or so last time... a fact that terrifies me a little. I mean, I still have 13 weeks to go... and I don't feel like my stomach can take much more stretching. If my belly continues growing at this rate even walking might be hard to do by the time I'm full term. 

I was actually talking with my friend the other day who is just a couple of weeks behind me in pregnancy (she has a blog called Les Dedrickson which you should definitely check out). She texted me to tell me how uncomfortable she feels already. We're both on our second pregnancy and I have to admit that it was such a relief to hear that she's feeling the same as me. It wasn't so much that "misery loves company" as it was the fact that I was worried it was abnormal for me to feel so awkward. It was good to know I'm not the only one... so, I guess "misery loves company" after all haha. I have a sneaking suspicion that this boy of mine is going to follow in his older sister's footsteps and be a big newborn... and, if the size of my bump is any indicator, likely an even bigger newborn than she was. Heaven help me... I'm going to need it. 

Thank goodness I'm so excited to meet him! Whenever I get nervous or anxious about pregnancy and everything to come, I try to focus on the idea of holding him for the first time. It was such a beautiful and surreal experience with Klair, and I am completely ecstatic to do it again. I love going in his nursery, sitting in his chair, and simply imagining what he'll feel like in my arms. This will all be worth it.

Gold Diaper Bag | Floral Dress | Leather Jacket | Scarf | Brown Booties | Black Skinny Yoga Pants 

Sage Boutique by Olivia Wares

A few months back I was invited to an event at Sage Boutique by Olivia Wares. I went with some fellow blogger friends, and I instantly fell in love with the chic little store in Sugarhouse, Utah. I loved everything in the place! They had plenty of merchandise to keep me busy, while still maintaining that quaint, local charm that makes a boutique so lovable. The owner was extremely kind, and after talking I discovered we had a lot in common--enough that I now consider her a good friend. 

At the event that night I snagged this fun little dress and crystal necklace. Although it is not a maternity dress, I was elated to discover that it would work with a growing belly. I waited awhile to style it because I knew it would look cuter with a fuller bump--something I most certainly have now. Ha! :) I will be doing some future collaborations with this amazing boutique, including an awesome giveaway in the next few days--so stay tuned for that! 

If you live in Utah be sure to stop in and strike up a friendship with the owner, and a love affair with her collection of apparel. And no worries if you don't live in the area--they have a website! 

Olivia Wares Boutique 

1950 S 1100 E Salt Lake City, UT 

Website | Instagram | Facebook 

Also, this post wouldn't be complete without mentioning the lovely watch my husband gave me for Christmas. When he asked me what I wanted this year I really didn't know to tell him, so I gave him some vague answer about wanting a tan leather watch with a big face. I expected some cute but generic one from Target, but he went above and beyond and bought me this beautiful little piece by Skagen. I absolutely adore it, and I'm extremely impressed with him. He really does know me so well... I'm the luckiest :)

Lily Jade

I'm nearing the end of my second trimester. And, while I still have 14 weeks to go until his due date, the reality of what will take place in a couple of months is starting to set in. Now is my time to prepare, to address all of those nesting urges, and to make sure I have all my ducks in a row before I'm too big and too tired to want to do much of anything.

One thing I needed was a new diaper bag. My old one is literally falling apart at the seams. Last time I settled for a bag that was practical. This time around I wanted something that was both functional and stylish. That's were Lily Jade came in. I've loved their bags for awhile now, so I was pretty over the moon with excitement to have this opportunity to collaborate with them. They sent me this gorgeous Sarah Grace bag in Gold, and I couldn't be happier. First of all, it doesn't even look like a diaper bag. It simply looks like a pretty little gold tote with blue detail--and a high quality one at that. But, fortunately for us mamas, the style doesn't sacrifice convenience. Inside the bag is lined with wipeable fabric, it has a detachable cross body strap, and it even comes with removable inserts that have all of the compartments, pockets, and organizers a mom-on-the-go could possibly need (complete with a changing pad). I love that these are removable, because I can use the bag as a simple purse once we get through these baby years.

If you are looking for a beautiful and practical diaper bag, be sure to check out Lily Jade. With tons of styles and colors, you're bound to find something to fall in love with.

Lily Jade 

Website | Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Twitter

Cowl Neck Poncho | Michael Kors Watch | Leggings | Gray Booties | Gold Necklace 

24 Weeks & Some Creative Bump Styling

Well I made it to a fairly important milestone. I'm 24 weeks along which means that it is possible for my baby to survive outside of the womb... not that I want him to come any time soon, but it is nice knowing that I've at least made it this far. I'm finally feeling better from the nauseousness that has plagued me, and I have a few weeks left before I enter the huge and uncomfortable third trimester. Oh! And the longest cold of my life is finally gone. Life is looking up, just in time for the new year. Hopefully this is a good omen for 2015? I'm going with yes, yes it is.

I've been getting more experimental with my wardrobe lately. As my belly grows I have to increase my creative efforts to make my normal, non-maternity clothes work. In this case I paired a striped shirt with a black maxi skirt and a skinny belt.  This combination of separate pieces creates the illusion of a flattering maternity dress. I'm all about comfort these days so the fact that this outfit is nice and stretchy is only icing on the cake. Also, am I the only one who thinks that a floppy hat makes everything better? I'm really loving this style, and I feel like it adds a lot to any ensemble.

What are some ways you have made non-maternity clothes work for pregnancy (whether now or in the past)? I'm definitely open to new ideas.

Michael Kors Watch | Black Maxi Skirt | Black and White Striped Tunic | Black Floppy Hat | Black Skinny Belt | Black Clutch 

Pink Blush $25 Giveaway

I recently posted about my experience with Pink Blush Maternity. They are an amazing company with so many options for us mamas-to-be. Their choices are constantly increasing--a breath of fresh air in an ever dwindling world of choice for pregnancy friendly clothing. Also, for those of you who are not with child and are looking for affordable, chic clothing--they also have a non-maternity line full of super cute clothing. Both are currently having a flash sale with items starting as low as $15--I got a super cute floral maternity dress for this much on one of these sales.

Pink Blush | Pink Blush Maternity

I'm thrilled to be teaming up with this awesome company today for a $25 giveaway--just in time for the holidays! This would make a great gift... to yourself... or to someone else if you're feeling extra generous. After all who couldn't use a little spruce up in their holiday wardrobe? Simply enter the giveaway with the Rafflecopter Giveaway link below. If you're reading this, you likely already follow me which means you have automatic entry with a few simple clicks!

This giveaway will go for one week, it is open to international reader, and it's awesome. Good luck!

A Rafflecopter Giveaway

Also, in case you're wondering, the tunic featured above is from Pink Blush. I fell in love with the lace detail (which is also found on the arms) and I love how easy it is to pair with just about anything.  Oh, and it's on sale! My necklace and earring combo is also from Pink Blush--did I mention that they have awesome accessories? Well, they do. I love these particular pieces I've already worn them way too much... and I will continue to because the color is perfect for the holidays.

Black and Lace Tunic | Coral Pink Statement Necklace and Earrings | 

White Blazer | Black Leggings | Tan Suede Booties (similar)

13 Weeks Pregnant | Fashion & Musings

I am officially out of the first trimester! Well, according to some sources. Others say it's 14 weeks, but I'll take the earlier milestone and just go with it. It feels like an accomplishment, or at least that I've conquered a significant portion of the incline on a very long uphill journey. I'm hopeful that in the next week or so this pregnancy will follow my first and I'll start feeling better soon. Keep your fingers crossed. If I end up being one of those women who keeps the morning sickness throughout pregnancy, then this blog is likely to become a very negative space for me to vent all my woes. I've never handled nauseousness very well. I need this to end soon.

Oh well, at least I can comfort myself with new clothes. I just got these black maternity jeans from Pink Blush in the mail and they certainly brightened my day. They are ridiculously soft. It's like wearing pajamas... only they are socially acceptable to wear outside the house. Expect more posts with them. My black and gold jewelry also came from Pink Blush, and the my blue tunic shirt was a thrift store steal. Here is a similar chiffon tunic for an awesome deal. 

All maternity fashion aside, what really propels me forward is this little girl. Daily. Multiple times a day. When I'm tempted to succumb to self pity, she smiles at me. Or kisses me. Or demands "Mama, Dance!" so we dance around the kitchen. She is my light, and my constant reminder that what I'm doing will bring me more joy into my life than I can currently fathom. That's what happened with her, and I couldn't be more excited to experience that same pure joy again... only better. Because it will have doubled, and this time I'll be able to see the excitement of a new baby through her eyes too. I'll have another child that I will love as much as her, and she will have the priceless gift of a sibling. Life is good. It's beautiful, like her.