falling...

for fall. I love the smell of fall. Fall in Utah smells like Christmas in Texas. A fact that makes me feel a little more justified in listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving.

I love the colors, the clothes, snow, warm fires, and the food, oh the food. Soups, ciders, peppermint, pumpkin, cookies, and PIE!

So here's to you November. We're happy to see you.

compound problems...

Dress: Soel Boutique / Earrings: F21 / Watch: Lucien Picard via eBay $75 / Shoes: Frye via eBay

the view from up here.

Pregnancy =
lower immune system =
higher prevalence for sickness and infection =
infections =
unpleasant doctor visit =
antibiotics =
weird reaction to antibiotics & lower immune systems =
yeast infection =
yet to be solved problems=

words cannot adequately express.

silk & chiffon.

Top: Thrifted / Skirt: asos.com / Shoes: Steve Madden via eBay

There seems to have been a bit of a belly explosion in these last few weeks of pregnancy, especially obvious when wearing fluffy tutus. Justin loved this skirt because it made me look suuuper preggers. And he loves that.

I on the other hand love grandma-esque clothing. When thrifting, I often find myself warring over finds with 70 year old women. This shirt: exhibit A - the long lace collar, and silky fabric make this top A+ grandma thrift material. And, after removing the two inch thick shoulder pads and unpicking an awkward tuck, it was perfect Heather material.

the library.

Top: F21, $20 / Pants: Thrifted, $6 / Bag: Carla Mancini via eBay / 
Watch:   Lucien Picard via eBay $75 / Wedges: Frye via 6pm.com $35

I love the library. Isn't it just crazy that they let you walk out of their doors with armfuls of books! It is like walking out carrying knowledge or something. I always feel so rich when I leave. The only down side is there is always a due date, and sometimes, we forget when that is. And when you walk out of the library with armfuls of books, that can be an unfortunate date to forget.

Ps. these pants have seriously saved my life. I don't think I ever posted them on the blog before I got pregnant, but thanks to their super stretchy waist, they are one of the only pair that can still get past my hips.

More Frye...

I like me.

Shoes: Seychelles via eBay / Leggings: F21 $4 / Dress:  Thrifted $7 / Cardigan: Thrifted $5
Bag: via eBay $5 / Watch: Lucien Picard via eBay $75 / Ring: Nordstroms

Anyone who has followed my blog for a while knows how much I believe that every man, woman and child should be able to feel comfortable in their own skin. During my studies, I came across article after article that talked about how damaging our culture's unrealistic expectations can be on an individual's perception of themselves. We need to change the way we think about ourselves. They way we think about our beauty, value and place in the world.

So it is a little hard for me to admit that one of the hardest things about this pregnancy for me to deal has been the physical changes I've been experiencing.

My boobs look like a war zone. I can't do any of my pants up, let alone get them over my hips (which will never again be quite like they were before pregnancy). My legs have been permanently burned red, my ankles are starting to swell, and I don't really remember what is was like to not have a bloated belly.

But, instead of being grateful for all these changes and what they represent, I've been frustrated by them.

So, I needed a reminder that I like me. Swollen belly, ankles, boobs and all. Beauty isn't and shouldn't be defined by what you look like, but how you allow your experiences to shape and define you.

 Regardless of weight, skin tone, age, or pay grade, you should love yourself for who you are, as you are.

So, I'm renewing my commitment to like myself, just as I am, right this moment.

If you want to commit with me, you can join this list. Commit to celebrating yourself, your uniqueness, your difference,  your talents; you. Commit to really appreciating yourself as you are and trying to avoid comparing yourself to anyone else.

I like you, and you should too.

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More BDG...

let's hear it for the boy

Top: Asos / Skirt: Soel Boutique / Belt: F21 / Watch: Lucien Picard via eBay / Earrings: Soel

It is weeks like this that make me realize how very very lucky I am to have such a wonderful husbad. For the last few months, I've been working on a team to restructure our entire training program at work. And it is a lot of work. Meaning a lot of long hours that extend late into the night, even once I've made it home.

It's times like these that I am so grateful for everything Justin does for me. I'm not sure what I'd do without him.

Actually maybe I am: the dishes wouldn't get done, the floor would never get vacuumed, I would forget my prenatal vitamin, and I would forget to eat. And drink. And I'd have to make my own popcorn. Which would be a total tragedy, because mine is never as good.