Maternity Photos

At first, I wasn't sure I wanted to take maternity photos.  I guess I always thought I wouldn't want to document how huge I got. I also figured I could save the money and use it towards other purchases for the baby.  It wasn't until one of my good friends told me she regretted not getting photos taken. After all this is my FIRST pregnancy, I didn't want to have regrets, and I really wanted to be able to look back and relive those days. 

So I found a photographer who is local and inexpensive, and shoots beautiful photos! I am so glad I ended up getting them!

Here they are!

Photography: Kristyn Dodge (Southern California) 

Dresses: Pink Blush Maternity

Work Baby Shower Surprise!

The ladies at my work are seriously the cutest! They all got together to throw me a work baby shower when I walked into work Monday morning! My desk was decorated so cute, and then the girls brought me up front to show me a cute little decorated table with some fun treats and gifts.

We even played the -Don't say "Lisa."- game.

Everyone is so thoughtful and creative and I am very thankful and appreciative!
Everything turned out so cute! And we are ready more than ever for Baby Girls debut!

How to Score Your FREE Amazon Welcome Box

I wasn't originally planning on signing up for the Amazon Registry, but once 
I did, I realized how easy it was and how great and convenient it is for guests. I mean, who doesn't love to shop online? Easy and convenient! But did you know you can get a FREE welcome box filled with $35 worth of goodies?! The welcome box contains generous Full-Sized Products & Samples. I LOVED my Welcome box and highly suggest you get yours! 

Here's how: So first off IF you are a PRIME Member, (If you are not a Prime member, you can get your free 30 day trial-- just cancel before the 30 days is over) 
 
Click HERE to get started on your registry.

• Click on “Get Started” – and  Sign In with your PRIME account
• On the left side of this page under “Your Free Welcome Box”, it details a list of steps required to receive the box. Complete each item listed.
• At the top of your baby registry, click on “Get Started” to use Jumpstart
• Click thru each category in Jumpstart, and then sub-categories under that. Add at least one item to your registry from each sub-category (TIP: If you already have the item from a sub-category, you can click on “Mark Items Complete” link.)
  
   
  
  
  
• Keep doing this until the Jumpstart status bar checks off each item and says 100% Complete
• If there’s something you wanted to get anyways, add it to your baby registry and buy it from the registry. Once $10 or more worth item items have been purchased and shipped from your registry then the claim now button will show up. (I purchase these baby wipes for a little over $10 and it counted towards the Welcome Box. I know I'll be needing a lot of wipes so this is a win win!) *Remember the item you purchase MUST be on your registry to count.
• Once the steps are completed (and your product has shipped, go here, on the left side, there will be a button that says “Claim Now” under “Your Free Welcome Box. Click on it and check out normally. It will be Free at checkout.

This is for PRIME members only, if you do not already have PRIME, you can sign up here for Amazon Family and get even more discounts.  If you are anything like me, you'll use Amazon more often than you think! Free two day shipping is kind of AMAZING.

Some benefits of the Registry include:

• FREE 90-Day Returns on most items
• Extra 15% Off completion discount for Prime members (10% off for non prime members)
• Universal Registry.  Easily add items from any site (even off amazon)
• Baby Registry Sweepstakes
• Over 270,000 baby items. 

Plus if you are part of Amazon Family, you also get 20% off your diaper purchases.  You can't beat that! We all know those diapers are going to come in handy and get their use!

Here's what I got in my box: (Items may vary)

• FREE Full-Size Pack of Huggies Sensitive Baby Wipes
• FREE Avent Baby Bottle
• FREE Full-Size Muslin Swaddler
• FREE Pampers Diaper
• FREE Pampers Wipes & Holder
• FREE Avent Nursing Pads (So helpful for nursing moms)
• Two FREE munchkin latch nursing pads
• FREE Aveeno Daily Moisture Lotion
• FREE Dove Baby Wash
• FREE Sample packet of La Roche posay healing balm
• FREE Sample tube of bliss energizing mask
• FREE Seventh Generation diapers
• FREE Aquaphor Baby Healing Ointment

Have you signed up for the Free Baby Welcome box yet? I'd love to see what goodies you received!

Bump Style Fashion

Being pregnant is a whole different ballgame when it comes to fashion. Things just don't fit like they used to.  I know redoing my wardrobe while pregnant isn't the best idea, but I can't help myself by adding items that I can use after the baby too. Plus, I want to be comfortable enough to do what are now more "difficult tasks," such as bending over to tie my shoes, shaving my legs, and painting my toe nails. Of course finding the right fashion at an affordable cost is somewhat difficult. There's those hideous old school maternity clothes that just don't cut it. (and I would never be caught dead in) And then there's the super cute options that are just outrageously priced. I just can't get myself to buy something that expensive when I'm not sure how I will fit into it after baby. (Especially jeans)  I found that dresses are a safe option and can be worn while pregnant as well as after baby girl makes her debut.

Here are a few of my absolute favorites and must haves I've found so far that don't break the bank:

1. This beautiful floral baby doll is flattering for every body type. Plus they come in different colors for your liking.

Jane.com

2. This pretty navy floral from Beachcoco is one of my favorites! It's flowy and airy enough in the summer months, but you can also throw a cute cardigan over it and dress it up or down.

Beachcoco on Amazon

 3. These stripes make the perfect casual outfit for day and night. Pair it with some flats or some cute tennis shoes and you are set for the day!

PinkBlush

4. I've been really into form fitting dresses this pregnancy. I haven't felt like I could wear them (or feel confident enough in them) until I became pregnant. I love the idea of showing off the bump rather than covering it up. I mean, you're only pregnant about 9 months so might as well take advantage of the opportunity! Right?

Motherhood Maternity

5.  Kimonos are a lifesaver when pregnant. When you just don't have the energy to muster up an outfit, just throwing a kimono over a simple shirt is the easiest grab and go option! Especially in the third trimester when your energy starts to dwindle. I can't tell you how many times I just try to find something quick and easy to throw on for the day to run errands or meet up with a friend. Kimonos make it appear as if you've got it together and the best part is you don't need a lot of effort to achieve that look!

Pink Blush

Pink Blush

 
 6.  Sweaters and Cardigans- another versatile and needed closet piece. Perfect for every body type. Sweaters and Cardigans are flattering and simple. They can dress up any outfit.

Pink Blush

 

Pink Blush

 6.  Loose blouses are always a good idea. When you are just wanting something comfortable that doesn't hug your body. In my case, when I want to eat more without feeling self conscious or that I need to "suck it in." (Luckily I haven't had to do that for a while!) But I am also loving this pretty piece, because I can still wear it after baby, when I'm just not ready to show off my body yet.

Amazon- Ruffle Floral Blouse

Also loving this simple flowy top that can be worn with literally anything! You can throw a cardigan over it, or leave as is. It's simple, but still equally as beautiful.

Pink Blush

7. On those days where you need to dress it up, but shaving your legs just isn't happening.
Trust me, I get it. The struggle to bend over to even reach your legs is one thing, and then you have to balance to shave? Not happening. That's where this pretty long dress comes in handy. Plus it doubles as a nursing dress, which is a huge bonus in my book. If it makes my life easier, I am so in!

Pink Blush

8.  Last but not least, shoes. I have been keeping it super simple this pregnancy by sticking with shoes that are easy for me to get on myself, without having to ask hubby to help me. (Which yes, has happened more times than I can count). 
I have been living in sandals and slip ons, but I do love a fancier shoe when we go out to dinner. These are the most comfortable shoes I think I have ever owned. They are cute, fashionable, inexpensive and they don;t even feel like you're walking in heels. (Which can be scary when pregnant with the risk of falling or tripping).  They also come in black, and I really think I need to get them in that color too! PLUS, now they are 50% off, and I wish I got them for that good of a deal when I bought them!

Nordstrom - now $29.96!

As you can tell, I am totally crushing on the florals lately.  Florals are just so fresh and feminine. If you saw my Baby Shower post, then you know I chose a floral dress to wear. Something about it just makes me smile! Plus it was super comfortable especially in the hot summer months. Not only do I love revamping my closet, but I also love sprucing up the house with fresh flowers.  A beautifully selected floral arrangement of a dozen roses in different colors complimented with a pretty vase is guaranteed to make anyone feel fantastic. My favorite color is the mauve roses from Roses Only. It would be the perfect compliment to any room decor and freshen up the space.

What are some of your favorite wardrobe staples?

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