Tuesday, March 31, 2015

Bumpdate: Week 28 Q&A

Bumpdate: Week 28

Baby's Size: An Eggplant

Gender: A girl. Her initials are KC!

How I'm Feeling: Pretty good overall, although the exhaustion of first trimester seems to be returning with full force now that I am into my third trimester. My mom also was sweet enough to buy me a belly bandit this week to help with the cramping I was experiencing when I walked too fast. My belly is really going through another growth spurt this week and I am looking forward to some relief!

Showing?: Oh yeah! With this most recent growth spurt I am really starting to feel bigger each day. My belly definitely leads the way these days.

Big Developments: My baby girl is a mover and a shaker. She moves non stop and I can really enjoy just watching what looks like waves go across my belly when she flips. It really looks like I have an alien in there.

Loving: Cake. My godmother made the most amazing chocolate cake for my shower and I have been eating a slice every night since. Oh so yummy.

Hating: Heartburn. Ugh heartburn has really become my worst nightmare. I am struggling with it daily.

Dreaming Of: Spending the summer with my little lady. I am realizing that I am really getting close to maternity leave and I am getting so excited. Can't wait to welcome my little nugget!

Favorite Wardrobe Pieces: I am totally obsessed with the dress I snagged for shower this past weekend. I got it at A Pea in the Pod after I couldn't get excited about anything I had to wear. I had wanted to try it on in the past but kept thinking it wouldn't fit. Well I was wrong! It had just the right amount of stretch, felt like a soft tshirt and could potentially be a great fit post baby as well!

Baby Finds: I had my first of two baby showers on Sunday and we were spoiled rotten! I got so many wonderful gifts for baby girl that I cannot wait to try out. I also packed up some clothes and books from my childhood to bring home for my little girl. My mom saved my vintage nike high tops. Can't wait for baby girl to rock them herself!

Sunday, March 29, 2015

Instagram Round Up























March took me from Central California for a SWE conference, to the beach, to St. Patrick's Day fun, to girl's night when our guys were away, to softball games to NYC for my first baby shower. April looks to be just as crazy, but bring it on!

Wednesday, March 25, 2015

Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Tuesday #Shoesday: Pop of Color

Tuesday #Shoesday


Sometimes all you need to punch up an outfit is a great pop of color. I love wearing bright shoes. Some of my favorites are my hot pink pointy toe flats from Kate Spade last year and my bright red flats Kiki flats from J.Crew.

Monday, March 23, 2015

Girls Night

This post was sponsored by Brandbacker and Pure & Essential Minerals. Samples given in return for honest feedback and review. All opinions are my own. Thank you for sponsoring the brands that make Headbands & Bagels possible.



As I said yesterday, we had a little girls night get together this past Saturday night complete with Girl talk and face masks. Luckily I had just received this amazing clay mask from Pure & Essential Minerals in time for us all to try out.

I have to say I will be a regular user of this mask. It is light and easy to apply, smells like peppermint, has just the right amount of tingle and really helped to reduce redness in my face. A bunch of us were talking about how much we liked the mask Sunday morning at brunch and how it was such an improvement to the mud masks we used to use growing up.

Since I have been pregnant, I've noticed my more breakouts in my chin area and increased redness but after using this mask, the redness was almost gone! It really calmed down my skin and since it only takes 10 minutes from application to removal it's something so easy to institute into your routine.

If you want to try it out for yourself, you can grab your own jar at Amazon!

Style Inspo: SJP

Can we talk about how SJP is not only a style inspiration herself, but her most famous character, Carrie Bradshaw, is one in her own right as well? I also have to admit that Sarah Jessica's twin girls are quickly becoming style inspo's for my own baby girl. They are adorable.

Sunday, March 22, 2015

Top 10 Playlist

Top 10 March Playlist


This month's playlist is all about 90's throwback hits. This past weekend I had an amazing girls weekend with some of my best friends since a few of our significant others were away in Vegas for the weekend. We celebrated with a Sushi night out on Saturday followed by a middle school slumber party themed get together at my place complete with face masks and girl talk. Then on Sunday we headed to brunch at Rockefeller. While hanging out on Saturday night we started playing some Spice Girls and on Sunday I got to rocking out to some 90s hits.

Brunch on Sunday with the Girls

Saturday, March 21, 2015

Red Eye Survival Guide

The Red Eye is one of our go-to flights when traveling back East to see my family. Living on the West Coast means that a midday flight takes all day, rather than a red eye meaning that you will just wake up in the morning at your destination. I realize that our flying patterns may change with a new baby (everyone hates babies on the red eye), I am sure there will be times when the red eye is still our best option for our schedules and lives. But how to make the most of the red eye and not feel like you are dragging the next day? Here are a few tips I have picked up over the years.

Moisturize. Your skin gets dry on flights, moisturizing before, during and after the flight will keep your skin feeling refreshed. Pay attention to your face, hands and lips in particular.

Bring hydration on the flight. Yes you can get water on the flight, but since you will most likely be dozing off here and there, its so much easier to have your own water to sip at whenever you stir.

Eat before hand. Eat before your flight and pack a snack for when you wake up in the morning. You don't know how long it will be before you can eat breakfast.

Bring headphones, earplugs, an eye mask and a book. You don't want to overstimulate yourself when you are trying to grab some shut eye, but you do want to have stuff that will make sleeping easier. If you like listening to music to drown out the airplane noises, put on a classical playlist. If you prefer silence, grab some earplugs (because its not the baby's fault it's crying). If you need it to be darker, pack an eye mask. And always, always have a book. If you are having a hard time sleeping watching tv or playing on your ipad will just continue to stimulate. Read a book or count some sheep.

Comfy socks and a blanket scarf should be your best friend. I get it. It's a long flight and you want to take off your shoes, but if you are gonna do that, bring slippers or thick socks so that people don't need to smell your feet. Also always wear a blanket scarf no matter the season. It doubles as the perfect blanket for the flight since airlines will almost never have blankets.

What are your tips for a red eye?

Thursday, March 19, 2015

What Shoe Goes with This?

via
I few months ago WhoWhatWear had a great post on when to wear flats and when to wear heels. I think its a great little graphic that makes it super easy to grab your shoes in the morning. Since I've been pregnant I've reverted to flats almost exclusively, but there are days that I grab those heels. Here are a few of my favorite flats and heels for this spring!

Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Pinterest Hairstyle - Criss Cross Half Updo

via
I love half-updos. I know people think they are so middle school, but I think they look elegant and are perfect for work. Being able to keep my hair out of my eyes without always needing a ponytail is a must for the office. This one is soooo easy and so beautiful when done. I feel a little like Princess Kate.

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Bumpdate: Week 26 Q&A

Bumpdate: Week 26

Baby's Size: A Cauliflower or a Head of Lettuce

Gender: A girl. Her initials are KC!

How I'm Feeling: Overall really good. I had a little bit of a scare 2 weeks ago when my blood pressure reading was a little high (and way out of the ordinary for me). I got to take an impromptu visit to Labor & Delivery at UCLA and get an early tour of where we will be heading when it's time for our girl to make her debut. Luckily everything checked out normal, but I have the added bonus of monitoring my blood pressure now every morning and evening. But it's better to be safe than sorry!

Showing?: I all of a sudden feel like I am getting bigger everyday! My belly is really firm now and I can feel that she is really running out of room in there, so as she grows, so does my belly. It's been pretty great though that I really have only seen weight gain in my belly. All my friends have commented that from behind they can't even tell I'm pregnant!

Big Developments: I can see my belly moving now when she kicks and moves. It's officially really looks like there is an alien in there. Her kicks are also getting stronger everyday, especially between breakfast and lunch when she is most active. I've laughed out loud at work a few times now when she gets going.

Loving: The beach! It's been so warm lately that I keep flocking to the beach. I know it's going to be hard to get as much beach time as we usually do this summer with the little lady so I am taking advantage of all the spring beach time I can get.

Hating: Having to get up out of bed in the middle of the night! I am having a harder time getting in and out of the car and in and out of bed these days. And to be half asleep makes it so much worse! I keep trying to roll around and use momentum to get myself up but sometimes I have Dan give me a push.

Dreaming Of: Sunday night I had a really weird dream where my Mom worked at Marvel and getting in to see her with KC as baby was like an exercise in espionage. I was like a mommy and baby spy duo that needed to get up the elevator bank to see her in her office. So strange.

Favorite Wardrobe Pieces: Maternity shorts and dresses. I wore this dress for St. Patrick's Day and was so comfortable all day! Anything that lets the bump breathe essentially. And my bikinis. I am loving rocking my regular bikinis with my bump.

Baby Finds: Didn't really splurge on anything for baby since the last update. Instead I have been looking at possible decorations for her nursery. I ordered this wood monogram in pink and am considering a few of these Disney watercolor prints (here, here and here).

Monday, March 16, 2015

Color Therapy: Lavender

On the color block for this month's Color Therapy is my good friend Lavender. I love this shade of purple, as it is delicate, feminine and not overly girly. Our daughter's nursery is actually a mix of lavender and grey depending on the light and I adore it. I find that I personally have mixed lavender in most in accessories, but would love to branch out to a great pair of shoes or shades. I also would love to find a great bikini in this color palette. I think it would really compliment a summer tan. Does anyone have any suggestions for me?

Sunday, March 15, 2015

Game Night

Game Night



I love Game Night. It's one of my favorite Friday night activities, especially since after a long week at work, game night is right up my alley in terms of speed. It may be a sign of getting older, but I like a more relaxed Friday, whether it's dinner and a movie or games with friends.  Here are just a few of my favorite games.

Cranium One of my favorite family games. It is great to play with a range of ages since you can play on a team and it really allows for creativity. My husband's family loves this game and we played a ton over Christmas.

Settlers of Catan Nerdy yes, but so much fun. Settlers could easily be the love child of Monopoly and Risk. We play this constantly with my dad and sister. We have converted them. It takes a game or two at first to like it, but then you can't get enough. Also it has a ton of expansion packs so you can continually create new ways to play.

Apples to Apples/Cards Against Humanity A great party game for a large group, Apples to Apples is more family friendly than the more politically incorrect Cards Against Humanity, but both have some pretty inappropriate cards. Apples to Apples has more variety than Cards does. It also has less trump cards than Cards does. Still both are really fun and guarantee laughter.

Game of Things This is like a more personalized version of Apples or Cards. You can write in the answers for Game of Things, which results in advantages if you know your competitors better than the others. This is a much harder game to play with strangers, so I recommend this more with a good group of friends or family.

Friday, March 13, 2015

When You Do and Don't Have Time

Let's face it. We don't always have the time to accomplish everything in our day. And there are times where we are running late and don't have the time to do our hair or makeup perfectly or grab that cup of coffee. I am learning to be more flexible, which is a good thing considering we are going to be first time parents in about three months! While the Don't cases are not always ideal, they can do the trick in a pinch.

When You Do Have Time: Clairsonic Face Brush & Face Wash
& When You Don't: Makeup Remover Cloths
I use my Clairsonic each morning when I am in the shower as I feel that I can rinse off while I wash my face. But to be honest, getting me to commit each night is a much more difficult endeavor. At least I know that when I am sleep deprived with baby girl that I can at least reach for a makeup remover cloth to get a clean base for bedtime.

When You Do Have Time: Blow-dryer & Product
& When You Don't: Dry Shampoo & Updo
Luckily I have the kind of hair that can dry pretty straight with some nice waves. If not I would not be able to skip the hair dryer as often as I do, but in the mornings when I am choosing between 10 more minutes of sleep or blowing my hair out, sleep wins every time. I also try to not wash my hair daily, which means dry shampoo and an updo to the rescue both for those days and days where I am just short on time. Braided  updos are a favorite of mine because they look intricate with minimal time effort.

When You Do Have Time: Barista Made Coffee Drink
& When You Don't: Starbuck Via Instant Coffee
I love my morning coffee, but you don't always have time to make a stop each morning. On those days I revert to either a cup of coffee with a Starbucks via packet or grabbing a cup from the office coffee pot.

When You Do Have Time: The Perfect Red Lip
& When You Don't: Dior Addict Lip Glow (or lip gloss)
The Perfect Red Lip takes effort. It takes layers between lining your lips with pencil before filling in with lipstick and or gloss, its a delicate process. I love a red lip for everyday, but don't always want to commit to the time of first getting it on and then the upkeep throughout the day. On those days I reach for my Dior Addict Lip Glow. It gives you the perfect pigmentation that matches the tones in your lips, so your lip color will always match you!

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Abigail Finck Art


I met Abby back when she was in college with my sister and subsequently as one of her senior year roommates. Abby has always been happy to share her artistic talents with my family, making posters for our annual square dances, sharing her photography skills with us all and creating beautiful art for us to hang on our walls. Abby launched her website AbigailFinck.com earlier this year to share and sell some of her artwork and I knew it was the perfect time to share her genius with my readers. I've always been a huge fan of Abby's and I hope you all will be as well after reading some more about her. I hope to hang one of her elephant watercolors in my daughter's nursery in fact.

Describe your personal style in three words.1. simple
2. natural
3. classic
I can’t leave home without:
idea journal ( & when it fits my camera!) & phone charger! 

If I were any accessory, I would be:
 a cozy scarf!

What are your three favorite places to shop?
1. Home Goods
2. BCBGeneration
3. the Gap! & Anthropologie

What is your favorite travel outfit? 
my elephant parachute pants & favorite jersey t-shirt with my favorite frye sandals ( when appropriate, of course)

What outfit to you go do when you want to feel strong and powerful?
hmm... Usually a black dress, tailored blazer, tights ( because it has been freezing here), and booties. 

What are you reading right now?
Goldfinch & Drunk Tank Pink

What is a guilty pleasure of yours?
peanut, avocado sushi roll & dancing to oldies in my slippers while I vacuum ( don't tell anyone) 
How do you find your inspiration for your art?
My favorite photographs and paintings tend to capture singular moments, or details, of a bigger picture. My main inspiration comes from little moments in my life- travel.. sure, but even day to day. 
Do you prefer photography or watercolor more?
They are really different, and depending on my mood serve as different ways to engage with my creative side. I love the challenge of accurately photographing a subject, meaning that I am able to translate what I am seeing or feeling into a still image. Also again, the idea of capturing a single moment. With watercolors, I love that the process changes and evolve as you paint. I start with my inspiration or my idea, and as I go, the water makes it more challenging to have control - you learn how to work with what it natural does and how that can fit into your piece. 

When do you find time to work on your art?
I usually work on it in the evenings or over the weekend. But that being said, when every creativity call (usually the most inconvenient times) you should always roll with it. ( see below for some other rules) I stared having dates with myself, time dedicated to intentionally letting myself get in an artist frame of mind, I work on my art work, explore and take photographs, journal, or reading. 
Inline image 2


What company milestone are you most proud of?
Well- learning the best way to ship my artwork was a process that I most recently am tackling, but over all it has been sharing my art with people. It has always been a very private, personal thing. I was given the opportunity to building my website through an awesome platform that allowed me to effectively communicate and show my work. That is a really empowering thing! The response has been so humbling, I can't wait to to see how this all evolves. Stay tuned!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Wednesday Wishes: Registry Favorites

These are just a few of my favorites still on my registry for baby girl. Can you tell I am really looking forward to bath time with adorable critter towels and this origami tub? Or to beach days under this SPF umbrella? Or just to toting her around in this Anchor themed Ergobaby carrier?  My first shower is just a few weeks away and I am so excited to celebrate with my East Coast family and friends!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Tuesday #Shoesday: Pregnancy Staples

Number one rule? FLATS! Anything flat and padded gets an extra bonus in my book. I am at the stage where being comfortable with my shoes rules supreme. But that doesn't mean I still can't look cute! What are some of your favorite, really comfortable flat styles that you can recommend a pregnant lady with sore feet? #preggoproblems

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Spring Forward


It's finally Daylight Savings Time again and with that time to Spring Forward. Did everyone remember to spring forward this morning? I hate losing that hour of sleep but I do love that its lighter out longer at night! Looking forward to Spring and Summer, especially since I'll have the summer off with my baby girl!

Saturday, March 7, 2015

10 Tips for Working From Home


We all want to find ways to be more productive at home. I have the great fortune of being able to have a flexible work schedule where I can work from home on Friday mornings after putting in longer hours Monday through Thursday at the office. I have tried a number of configurations and I believe have found some helpful tips and tricks to be my most productive self on Fridays.

1. Schedule Your Tasks To Your Environment - Friday mornings are my time to do charts and data updates. I try to knock out everything that needs to be done on my two screens when I am in the office and save Friday for updating charts, which are easiest to be productive with when you don't have anyone to distract you.

2. Have a Designated Workspace - I use my desk on Fridays and have a TV table that I can set up next to my desk for an additional work surface. Giving myself the routine of setting up the same way each week also keeps me focused.

3. Keep Neat. Try not to spread out all over the house just because you are home and comfortable. Keep your work space and your work materials controlled and in their proper place and put everything away when you are done for the day. It's great to be able to work from home, but I put my things away when I am done to make sure I am keeping to my hours and not giving away my free time either.

4. Take Breaks Just Like At The Office. Get up and walk around. Stretch get water. It's easy to get zoned in at home just like at work. Remember to take micro breaks.

5. Stay Flexible. If work needs to flex your time a little bit, be accommodating where you can. I usually do 8-12 on Fridays but have flexed to 10-2 or 12-4 even if that is what is best for my company that week.

6. Get Dressed. Don't work from home in your PJs. Just don't. Getting dressed will help get you in the mindset for work.

7. Get Outside. Get some sunlight. We all need vitamin D daily. So get outside for 10-15 minutes.

8. Keep A To-Do List. I live and die by my work planner which keeps my to-do list daily. I plan for Friday all week and then make sure I knock out my list.

9. Have Something to Munch On. Just like at the office, snacks are a must. Make sure you have healthy options stocked at home so you don't need to constantly be running out. I have breakfast and snacks at the ready every Friday and I know a PB sandwich is just a few minutes away.

10. Stay Connected. Check in with work throughout the day to see if anything is changing that needs your attention. Then you know quickly if you need to reprioritize your day or can keep chugging along on your to-do list.

Friday, March 6, 2015

Currently


My favorite post of the month is back. It's time for March's Currently edition.

Reading: Gone With The Wind by Margaret Mitchell. I am a huge fan of the movie and always wanted to read the book, so I decided what time is better than the present. The great thing about having it on my Kindle is that I never have to carry around a big book!

Eating: Wonderful FroYo. Soft serve has been my absolute favorite lately. Whether its frozen yogurt, ice cream or a Frosty from Wendy's. It's so satisfying.

Listening: Disney tunes. I drove 3.5 hours back and forth to a conference last weekend and I rocked out to Disney all the way. I am already looking forward to singing Disney music with my girl in the car.

Watching: House of Cards. Honestly, who isn't? I hope that they will decide to do a fourth season... Whose with me?

Craving: Of sleep! My best sleep has been in the AM when baby girl is finally asleep with me. I also think my energy is starting to ramp back down as I head into the tail end of my second trimester. No good!

Dreaming: Of my baby girl. Her nursery is coming together. We just still need to finish decorating. Right now the paint and furniture are all in place. I am also working on making her knit baby blocks and a chevron baby blanket. I love being crafty when it comes to her.

What makes your Currently list this month?

Thursday, March 5, 2015

Picking an Outfit


Is it just me or is trying to get an outfit selected each morning a challenge at times. Maybe it's partially because my closet is so diminished while I am in maternity wear or because I have pregnancy brain 24/7, but for the last few months I have gotten into the habit of selecting my outfit the night before.

While this has backfired on my a few times (once when I had an interview for a promotion at work and found out that I could no longer button up any of my non-maternity button ups), for the most part it's been a lifesaver. I wore a uniform growing up so its similar to my mornings as a kid, where I didn't need to worry about what I was wearing that day. I am also more of a night owl, so picking out my clothes each evening is so much easier.

Because I save time in getting dressed from the shower now, I also do better about remembering my accessories. I allow myself to choose my jewelry and jacket, if needed, each day once I am dressed and I am still out the door faster than ever before.

What's your biggest tip for picking your outfits everyday?
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