Tuesday, June 11, 2013

This Week's Blue and White Wish List

How darling are these salt and pepper shakers?
I am currently the highest bidder, fingers crossed please!
I just love Royal Crown Derby!

This was too cute to pass up on eBay for a steal at $19.99 - should arrive any day now!

 Thursday evening I picked up four Peace Lily's at Ikea (FYI - they are only $7.99 or a 5"!) - this would be perfectly suitable for one of them with some nice moss around the base
The Enchanted Home - HERE

Sunday, June 9, 2013

Nesting Take II

So last time I we left off we were stuck between four house paint colours, we thought we didn't quite have it right, but it turns out we did!

I am SO thrilled with the results of...

D. HC-77 Alexandria Beige!

After

Before 

After

Before 

Now I wanted to hold off and wait until everything was installed (shutters and window planter boxes) to share but just couldn't resist!
Our mailbox still isn't up (next week) and the boxes and shutters on are on order
It's tough to tell but the front door is a stunning navy blue - stop by and see! 
And while you're stopping by for a coffee or glass of wine, come to our back yard and check out my new tree!

My one year anniversary gift from Brad

Next steps on our to do list for the exterior of our home are:
1. Remove above orange tree and replace with either a green Japanese Maple or a Cherry Blossom tree
2. Fix brick pathway up to house (city tree roots are destroying it - boring)
3. Replace all the edging along grass (again, boring)
4. Plant shrubbery and flowers along fence in backyard (to the left and right of my new tree) and re-mulch the entire property - WHEW!
5. Plant another Japanese Maple in the left corner of our front yard
6. Hang our hammock!
8. And Final: Reconstruct a dog run - Yikes!

Now I am sure this all sounds ca-razy - but this will all of course be done in "baby-steps" as I call them, or as Brad would correct me in saying - "you don't know baby steps"
But really, I'm thinking of adding shrub by shrub, project by project - no need to go nuts!
I am completely obsessed with planting some trees, and would love another one in the right hand corner of the yard next to the area we already have fenced off for a dog run
It must be hormones because I am in a get.it.done.down mood - poor Brad!
So, hopefully this summer I'll have "baby-step" updates for your viewing pleasure but for now, that's it!

xo,
Tori

38 and 39 Week Update

I found myself a tad behind to we'll just double up the last two weeks...

38 Week Baby Bump

I don't see much of a difference, but maybe that's because I'm tired of looking at myself!

39 Week Baby Bump


Baby's Size?: Let's just say... A BABY (duh?)
Due Date?: June 16th. So Brad is still saying June 14th, while I was saying June 20th still. However... I am perfectly a-ok with Tate making his grand entrance this Monday the 10th as my doctor is back in town!
Total weight gained/lost: 25lbs
Exercise this Week?: Week 38 I have to be honest and same NONE... but today (39 weeks) I waled the pups 2 miles - YES!
Maternity Clothes?: Check out my cute neon pink shorts from Old Navy Maternity! Cute, right?
Stretch Marks?: Still none!
Belly Button?: Barely in
Wedding Rings On/Off?: On - and apparently a great thing according to my Doctor. I swear he flatters me weekly, this last appointment he said I am one of the most graceful pregnant women ever. Sure made my day!
Sleep?: Still crappy, but am getting 2-4 hours at a time. Naps have been glorious.
Best Moment of the Week: Catching my sweet husband in a moment of happiness - he's so stinkin' cute I love him so much
Movement?: Yes, lots!
Food Craving?: Back to turkey and cream cheese sandwiches on raisin bread AND sweet apricots
Food aversions?: I almost wish!
Morning Sickness?: None still! SO fantastic!
Gender?: Boy - Baby Tate Reynold
What I Miss?: Long restful sleep - yeah yeah I know that's no going to happen for another 18 years, heard it before!
What I am Looking Forward to?: Gee, I don't know... MEETING TATE!!!

---

In other good news, my friend Deana and her husband Brian just gave birth to her sweet baby Kate yesterday!
Deana and I met through our online due date club back in October and instantly hit it off, we have a ton in common, and not just our shared due dates!
I can't wait to share pictures of Tate's future girlfriend!
Check out Deana's blog HERE!

Congratulations Deana!
xo,
Tori

Tuesday, May 28, 2013

37 Week Update

37 Week Baby Bump!
Full Term!
Baby's Size?: A wintermelon - aka a watermelon? Weird...
Due Date?: June 16th. My guess still stands at 6/20, Brad is placing his bets on June 14th. I wouldn't mind him making his grand entrance on June 1st now since that's my Tata's birthday or even June 11th since that's the date Brad proposed in 2011:)
Total weight gained/lost: 25lbs I think
Exercise this Week?: Mostly walking, but almost every day since my last post! I did swim laps yesterday at the club for the first time in my pregnancy at I felt GREAT! May go again today or tomorrow
Maternity Clothes?: Yes, ma'am! Not buying anything new that's for sure, but was sliiightly tempted to buy some shorts the other day when it was 85 degrees out
Stretch Marks?: None, yay!
Belly Button?: Barely in
Wedding Rings On/Off?: On 
Sleep?: Eh, better since sleeping in my parents bed! It's so soft making it easier to sleep on my sides!
Best Moment of the Week: I would say it has to be when I had Brad, Logan, Shelby, Maddie and Tate all in bed together snuggling
Movement?: Yes, lots!
Food Craving?: Chocolate ice cream, this has been happening far more than I care to admit!
Food aversions?: Absolutely none this week!
Morning Sickness?: None! SO fantastic!
Gender?: Boy - Baby Tate Reynold
What I Miss?: My energy!
What I am Looking Forward to?: Spending Brad's next days off together and moving back into our freshly painted house!

Monday, May 27, 2013

One Year!

My has one year flown by!
A year ago I made the best decision ever and married the love of my life, cliche as it sounds, it's down right the truth
I am so lucky to be where I am now, with my great and fun-loving husband and a little boy on the way
Hormones are high, but even if I weren't nine months pregnant, I know my eyes would still be welling typing this
I have found the one whom my soul loves
Song of Soloman 3:4



Tuesday, May 21, 2013

Ugly Baby

You didn't really think I'd post something about ugly babies did you?

We all know there are millions of uber cute baby things out there in the world, but have you stopped to think about the hideous ones?
Sit back and enjoy the following!

Who on Earth thought this was a good idea?
BTW it's a pacifier
Want one? Order HERE

Yes, let's dress baby like she's meant to be walking down San Pablo Ave...
Please don't, but if you must - HERE

Maybe not a "baby" product per say, but this was under the search under baby products on Overstock.com, you know because every baby wants to wake up from their nap to a terrifying wall decal of birds looking like they are about to attack!
Want one - sure go ahead! HERE

Maybe it's not just for me? I bet Snooky has the entire line!
Where to place your order? - HERE!

Yes, this is a cow utter baby bottle!
Indulge - HERE


Monday, May 20, 2013

House Paint: Update

Brad and I drove around town for an hour or so, coffees in hand and perused the neighborhoods on sunny Sunday
We finally settled on a colour scheme, check it out!
The painter should be done in about two weeks, in the meantime stay tuned for the final stretch:
3 Weeks, 6 Days until our due date!
xo,
Tori

And yes, that is D!
My first choice:)

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

All Our Bags Are Packed...

...We're ready to go?
Hmm... quite but not quite!
Let's make it to "full term" first (1.5 more weeks11)
Countdown to June 16th: 
31 Days!

Tuesday, May 14, 2013

Nesting Take I

Of course Tate has to come home to a freshly painted house, doesn't everyone get their house painted when they are nine months pregnant?
Brad and I drove by this house in Long Beach of all places back in 2008 and he fell in love with it's curb appeal
Fortunately but unfortunately I snapped a photo of it at the time and he still references it when we discuss painting our house
So wooden shutters and planter boxes are being ordered we have that planned, but the exact paint colour we absolutely do not have selected yet
I took the liberty of picking out four shades of "grey-ish, beige-ish, tan-nish, taupe-ish" for Brad to pick from and his response to them was: "I don't see it" - so we are stuck, officially stuck
The trim around the windows is going to be painted white, as are the fascia and column
The window boxes, shutters, garage and doors are being painted black
That we do know! The rest, the main part - is TBD

The house in Long Beach, CA


Here's a peek at what our house looks like now, yes that little house you see is purple 
Okay, maybe not purple, but for all intensive purposes we live in a purple house that is fading to pink from the sun, thank you previous owner for using cheap paint!

Our house, at the end of the street, our house...

Here's our front entry, the screen door is going, new oil rubbed bronze house numbers and door knocker, bronze mailbox and and new fabulous door hardware will all go up!
Also window boxes under these two windows and shutters on the small window with the wreath

Shutters will go on all three front windows as well as planter boxes under all four of these windows

Brad's options to choose from!

Benjamin Moore Paint Options:
A. AC-36 Shenandoah Taupe
B. AC-3 Texas Leather
C. 235 Oak Ridge
D. HC-77 Alexandria Beige

Options painted by our back door
Excited to have the new door with doggie door installed!
*Note the neighbor's house in the background... we don't want a colour too close to theirs, which has major green undertones

Another wall in the courtyard

My favorite is D. HC-77 Alexandria Beige - thoughts?

Brad hasn't seen these yet, so stay tuned!

xo,
Tori

35 Week Update

35 Week Baby Bump!
Baby's Size?: A coconut - this confuses me because don't you think a butternut squash is bigger than a coconut? Hmmm...
Due Date?: June 16th. My guess still stands at 6/20
Total weight gained/lost: 18lbs
Exercise this Week?: Yes! Go me! Walked the dogs for almost an hour yesterday and I have every intention of going to Pilates at noon tomorrow!
Maternity Clothes?: Yes, mixed in with regular clothes - wearing a medium shirt and dress now
Stretch Marks?: None still, but lots of scratches! Apparently I itch my belly and sides in my sleep?
Belly Button?: Barely in
Wedding Rings On/Off?: On 
Sleep?: Same as last week, quite uncomfortable. I noticed that if I have an early commitment or something planned the next day I have a terrible time falling and staying asleep. Would do anything for a sleeping pill!
Best Moment of the Week: Probably yesterday morning being able to sleep in until 11am with not a worry in the world! However did immensely enjoy my lovely baby shower!
Movement?: Tons and tons still
Food Craving?: Turkey and cream cheese sandwiches on raisin bread still
Food aversions?: None
Morning Sickness?: None, yay!
Gender?: Boy - Baby Tate Reynold
What I Miss?: I would do anything for a mai tai right now! Extra stiff!
What I am Looking Forward to?:  Lunch Friday with two great friends then Saturday fireworks baseball game with the hubs

Considering all the terrifying stories from friends and family members and all the horrific e-mails from The Bump, What to Expect, and all those other pregnancy websites - I've managed to stay calm and collected this week!
There are so many horror stories and symptoms they list that I have thankfully not experienced
 I find myself truly blessed to be just experiencing lower belly pressure, leg cramps and sleepiness!
Who would think?!
Like last week, I am still in full nesting mode, perhaps it's because of hormones but it also could be because I am home now and notice every itty bitty darned detail and flaw in everything
How do people do this? I am feeling totally neurotic about my home and surroundings - good grief!
I do not envy my poor husband, I am almost tired of myself, haha

I am off to go try and figure out what colour to paint our house, painter comes Monday - SOS!

xo,
Tori

Thursday, May 9, 2013

34 Week Update


34 Week Baby Bump

Baby's Size?: A butternut squash - are you kidding me?
Due Date?: June 16th - June 23rd - Any bets? I am guessing 6/20 for some reason
Total weight gained/lost: 18lb
Exercise this Week?: Ummm... none. None at all. Eek!
Maternity Clothes?: Yes, but mainly non-maternity now. Love me some H&M!
Stretch Marks?: None still:)
Belly Button?: Still in, but barely!
Wedding Rings On/Off?: On just fine again
Sleep?: I am a bit of trouble falling asleep, but usually do end up falling asleep around 2am from pure exhaustion. I am up every 30 minutes rotating like a rotisserie chicken
Best Moment of the Week: Coming home from New Jersey and seeing the pups!
Movement?: Tons!
Food Craving?: Turkey and cream cheese sandwiches on raisin bread. Come over, I'll make you one and you shall see!
Food aversions?: None
Morning Sickness?: Not much this week, yay! But did have a bit in New Jersey first thing in the morning
Gender?: Boy - Baby Tate Reynold
What I Miss?: Sleep! Restful, sleep!
What I am Looking Forward to?: Our baby shower this Friday night with our friends and Brad's co-workers

The main difference I have noticed this week is how stinking tired I have been!
All tasks, big or small, seem to completely wipe me out and it doesn't help that I am in FULL nesting mode!
I've been trying to keep up, or more catch up, with client jobs and tasks around the house now that I am not working full-time anymore - but by 5pm it seems like I've lost the day
I need more time and energy to accomplish my to-do list before this little man arrives!

Some bad news, the crib we had picked out is on back order until 6/17/13 and the alternate is too - SO bummed! These were the contenders:

Cribs

Cribs by tearose412 
Top: Skylar Crib - Pottery Barn
Bottom: Io Crib by Kalon Studios


Pottery Barn Mini Dot Crib Sheets - HERE

So now I am torn and don't know what to do! I am totally stuck and really cannot find anything else!
We literally have everything else!
Mattress and sheets thanks to my awesome friends Lizzie and Megan - they are super cute, right?!
Not only has exhaustion completely set in, but it seems like the moon and stars are NOT aligning for me right now!
I am trying to pretend those things are not happening and let the happiness set in that Baby Tate will be here in nearly six weeks! SIX!

38 Days!!!

To get myself in the mood and excitement, I have packed Tate's coming home bag and started on my hospital bag - also suggested by literally every pregnancy Ap, website, blog, etc. that it be packed at 32 weeks...

Here's a peek!:

Bringing Home Tate!

Bringing Home Tate! by tearose412 

Of course I ordered all three of us new matching Boat and Tote's from LL Bean the other day for our hospital bags, always exciting:)
 Tate's just says "Tate", mine the classic monogram, and Brad's in a cool modern "masculine: monogram (he'll LOVE it! Riiight!)

Tate's Bag:
-A bunch of our own newborn sized Honest diapers
-A Natursutten pacifier
-Two monogrammed layettes: one a pants set and one gown with matching hat
-Three cotton onsesies
-Cotton socks
-Scratch mits just in case
-Two cotton swaddle blankets
-A couple burp cloths

Next up is my bag, which I find this tricky since one I wear all my leggings, etc. daily so that will have to be a last minute grab and I know I'll still probably need maternity shirts, so again last minute things
Other than that I think I am pretty set with these "fun" things

My Bag:
-2 nursing bras
-2 nursing tanks
-2 maternity t's
-Maternity leggings
-Yoga pants
-Flannel PJ's
-Flip flops and slippers
-Fleece socks
-5 pairs of cotton underwear, oh joy!
-Tucks witch hazel pads
-Nursing pads
-Mother's Birth & Baby Oil
-Handkerchiefs
-Toiletry bag with my own shampoo/conditioner/body wash, hair-ties/headband, make-up, etc.
-My own pillow
-"Hooter Hider"
-My magnetic blanket
-iPad

Dad's Bag:
-Change of clothes
-Camera
-iPad and Bose earphones
-"Man" Toiletries
-Apple chargers
-Pillow and blanket
-Snacks - more for me than anything:)

I am feeling so prepared but SO unprepared at the same time!
By June 1st I was totally convinced that I would have our nursery completely set and ready to go
Right now we are missing the Roman shades and the crib, two vital parts that I am dying to see
I did order a new lamp for the changing table I am excited to share next, stay tuned...
One cool things is that our friend Mary is installing our carseat this Friday since she is a certified carseat installer at the police department:)

Promise I'll be back soon for more details and maybe a 35 week bump post since there's only six left!

xo,
Tori


Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Products I Love Right NOW

Products I Love Right NOW

Products I Love Right NOW by tearose412 

For some reason I have been in this, let's get it done mood
I wake up and want like to just be easy and simple, not quite laziness, just the need for ease...
Hoodie - I just got this adorbs at Gap for $15.00 and LOVE it, it still fits my bump, is comfortable, cute and not too thick - Sale time, go now!
Shades - Tory Burch I love thee... makes me feel just that tiny bit more stylish and put together on mornings when I am feeling, blah!
Bronzer - Tried and true, my hands-down absolute fave ever, it highlights the good spots and brightens the tiredness - A MUST for all
Skirt - a whopping $5.95 has changed my life! This H&M skirt, which I now own two of and plan on purchasing a few more is my new staple! I wish I had it all my pregnancy, it fits under or over the bump and is thin enough to layer things pregnant or not, you again MUST own!
Bracelet - Just a little glam to go with the bright tops I've been pairing with my skirts. It's instant glitz to any outfit
Perfume - So random but I found an old bottle of Clinique Happy from my college days that I have fallen back in love with, honestly it's one of the only perfumes that doesn't overwhelm me or make me nauseous. It's great paired with most Jo Malone perfumes and is much more affordable

So, that's my little product rampage right now, I feel and look great (at least to me, haha) when these six things work together!

Enjoy like I do!

xo,
Tori

Monday, April 22, 2013

As Promised... My Baby Shower


 I hands-down THE best friends a girl could ask for, that's a given
My girlfriends, Carrie and Meghan combined threw Tate and I the BEST baby shower you can imagine
From the heavenly french baguette sandwiches, scrumptious treats, and perfect beverages for the warmest day of 2013... it was utter perfection!
I just pray that Tate has such amazing friends as I do, good grief I am just get teary-eyed typing this!
I am so blessed to have Carrie, my maid of honor as my best friend, she always ALWAYS goes above and beyond anyone's remote ideas to make YOU feel the most special 
Team her up with the creative Meghan and her culinary skills, the end result is a perfect baby shower
With the help of a couple of my other girlfriends and my Mother's backyard... you really get the best of everything (thanks again, Mom!)

Thank you ladies, you blow me away with your love, support, friendship and care
I can't thank you enough!

 The hostesses
Check out our new cool stroller and tartan stroller blankie!

Miss Lila and her newest addition, Gavin! Only a month young!

Beautiful centerpieces by La Flor as always (lucky us!)

The MOST incredible and generous gift from Auntie Carrie - BIG surprise!
Navy blue to match Mama's car!

For little man Tate!

 Fun to think we just celebrated this beautiful brides bridal shower just two weeks before in this same space, 2013 is turning out to be quite a remarkable year for this group of gals!
 (Stay tuned for her engagement picture shots come early May - can't wait to post them!!!)

Some of the gorgeous gals I call my friends (and their lovely Mama's) - sorry but it's a membership qualification ;)

Fun little guessing game... check out that stud muffin #5 - cross that with Baby #3 and you may have out Tater Tot! 
I got 14 out of 17!

Hostesses of the mostess-es? - EMH, MNS, CJN, (Tate) and I

The adorable pea favors!

Told ya, it's a membership requirement!...

The delicious luncheon for a warm day


Can't wait until the shower that this sweet lady is hosting come May 10th with Brad's department friends!