Date Night

John's birthday was a couple weeks ago, and we finally had a kid-free date night!  It's been a few months, since before Baby2 showed up, so it was nice to have some time away from the babies.  I was slightly nervous leaving them, but once we got to dinner, I wasn't too distracted.  We had a fun, low-key evening.  Just ate dinner, hung out at Barnes and Noble for a bit, and then went to a movie.  Bookstores were one of our favorite places to go on dates before we had kids, so it was fun to just wander around and look at things.  We found this book and basically read the whole thing.  It's funny, I promise.  And the author has a blog, which you should probably read, too.  

Anyway, I also learned an important and difficult lesson.  Maltesers might look like Whoppers, but are actually gross.  That's $4 I won't get back.  

If we look a little tired, it's because I forgot to take pictures until after the movie.  So it was past midnight, which is way past my bedtime.  

Top: Old Navy

Cardi and Jeans: Gap factory

Shoes: JCF

Just a Little News

This might be one of my favorite casual fall/winter outfits.  It's just easy but I still felt stylish!  And normally I wouldn't post a picture with my belly protruding, but I'm making an exception, since there's a baby growing in there.

Wait... What?

You read that right.  I'm pregnant!  Exactly halfway done, actually.  As you might guess, John and I are pretty excited about the whole thing.  Baby Smith is supposed to arrive in early May, which seems really far away, but then also really close, because I have so many things to accomplish before then.

I don't intend for this to turn into a pregnancy blog, but as my belly grows, it is going to be sort of hard to avoid mentioning it in my outfit posts.  I figured I should come clean before it got awkward.

Speaking of awkward, I've learned in the last couple months that John and I are the absolute worst at sharing the news.  It's basically like:  wait for an awkward silence in the conversation, blurt out "So...  I'm pregnant!" and then everyone is confused and doesn't know if I'm serious, because why didn't we say something right away??  

Oh, and it's Tuesday, so go link up with Laura!  I'll try to be confident with my ever-expanding belly.

Cardigan: JCF (similar)
Tee: Gap (similar)
Necklace: F21 (similar, similar)
Jeans: Gap Factory  (similar)
Boots: Madden (exact)

Blazer Week - Tweedy

Next up is my most expensive and neglected blazer.  This one came with my "grown-up" suit that I bought in a panic in May and I've worn it exactly once since then.  Not cool, Andi.  I specifically bought a suit that I thought could work as separates, but I haven't followed my plan at all.  Blazer Week was a good excuse to wear this one.

Since it's my fanciest blazer, I wanted to dress it down with jeans.  Then I stole this entire outfit from my list of ideas to wear with my black moto jacket and paired it with my ladylike blazer instead.  I think it works.  It seemed like something a 30 year old should wear.  Which I apparently am now.

I also think these shoes work perfectly for Royal Blue day with Marisa and Heidi.

Link up with your blazer looks below!

Blazer: Le Suit (similar)
Scarf: H&M (similar)
Top: Gap (exact)
Jeans: Gap Factory (similar)
Shoes: Old Navy (similar, similar)

Nautical Week - SAIL

It's the last day of Nautical Week, and I saved this Sailboat top for the grand finale.  The funny thing is that Laura also has this top, and used it for the first day of the week!  I think there are a few other bloggers who have it, and also one of my co-workers.  So it's either a really cool top, or was on the Target clearance rack for $6.  I'm going with both.  

I also went for the DOUBLE NAUTICAL look by adding the anchor bracelet.  I bought it as a consolation prize for myself after I bought and lost the ship's wheel necklace from F21.  

Also, while wearing this shirt, I had this song stuck in my head all day.  Hint - if you actually want to wake up in the morning, set it as your alarm song.  It's quite jarring first thing in the morning.  (or alarming, ha ha).

Anyway, happy Friday and thanks to everyone who joined in on Nautical Week, and especially my co-host, Laura!  You still have time to link up until Monday.  Linky info is after the jump!

Top: Target

Cardigan: Old Navy (dyed)

Jeans: Gap

Shoes: Old Navy

Watch: Fossil

Bracelet: F21

Ain't No Party like an Engineer Party

This outfit is from last week sometime.  It has nothing to do with the next paragraph, but I was excited to wear my floral shoes again!

Last night, I went with John to an engineering awards banquet.  I wore my floral dress, but managed to take zero pictures.  It was actually pretty fun, as far as engineering awards banquets go.  The keynote speaker was much livelier than previous engineering keynote speakers I have heard.  I met the former mayor, who complimented my smile, and then proceeded to be very politiciany.  And I couldn't remember if he was still the mayor, so I didn't really know what to say to him.  Part of the evening was a backstage tour of the fancy baseball stadium downtown, during which I embarrassed myself by choking on a sip of Pepsi when everyone was quietly looking around the locker room.  You can't take me anywhere.  The tour was pretty cool, but I should have worn more comfortable shoes for all the walking and stair-climbing.

Anyway, it's been a busy week and next week is even worse!  I have something going on every evening next week, so I need to have a productive weekend to get ahead of the game.  And then I need to stop committing to weeknight activities all the time!

Do you have any fun weekend plans?  Remember to get a nautical-inspired outfit ready to link up with Laura and me!

Top, Cardigan, Jeans: Gap (actually all 3 are from Gap Factory!)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory

Summer Book Challenge

This summer, I'm joining in on Megan's book challenge (details here).  These are the categories, along with my preliminary picks.  These might change, depending on what is available at the library.  

• 5 points: Freebie! Read any book that is at least 200 pages long.
• Three Wishes by Liane Moriarty  (356 Pages)
• 10 points: Read a book that was written before you were born.
• Travels with Charley: In Search of America by John Steinbeck (214 Pages)
• 10 points: Finish reading a book you couldn't finish the first time around. (You must have at least 150 pages left in the book to use it for this category.)  
• Some of My Best Friends Are Black: The Strange Story of Integration in America by Tanner Colby (320 Pages) I started reading this book a couple years ago, and it was interesting, but not "can't put it down" interesting.  I kept picking up novels instead, and then it was due back at the library before I could finish it.  I couldn't think of any other books that I haven't finished that I still want to read!    
• 10 points: Read a book from the children’s section of the library or bookstore.   
• Walk Two Moons by Sharon Creech (280 Pages)
• 15 points: Read a book that is on The New York Times' Best Sellers List when you begin reading it.
• Orphan Train by Christina Baker Kline   (278 Pages)
•  15 points: Read a historical fiction book that does not take place in Europe.  
• The Wives of Los Alamos by Tarashea Nesbit  (240 Pages) - Currently reading this one.
• 15 points: Read a book another blogger has already read for the challenge. (Yes, you will have to wait until the first check-in to choose this book! So no one will be able to finish this challenge in only one month; sorry!)
• TBD, after the first monthly check-in.  
• 20 points: Read a book with “son(s),” “daughter(s)” or “child(ren)” in the title. No other words will count—including kids, offspring, etc.—so please don’t ask. :)  
• Cinderella Ate My Daughter  (244 Pages) or The Memory Keeper's Daughter  (401 Pages) - These are the only 2 books on my to-read list with son, daughter, or child in the title, so I'll pick one of them. 
• 20 points: Read a book that was/will be adapted to film in 2014.  
• This is Where I Leave You by Jonathan Tropper  (352 Pages)
• 25 points: Read a book written by a blogger.
• Hyperbole and a Half: Unfortunate Situations, Flawed Coping Mechanisms, Mayhem, and Other Things That Happened (384 pages)- Currently reading this one. 
• 25 points: Read a biography, autobiography or memoir. 
• I Don't Know What You Know Me From: Confessions of a Co-Star by Judy Greer (256 Pages)
• 30 points: Read a pair of books with antonyms in the titles.
• Bad Monkey by Carl Hiaasen (317 pages)
• A Good American by Alex George (400 pages) - I might change my mind on these, but they were the first antonyms that jumped out at me from my to-read list.

Let me know if you have read any of these books, and if you'd recommend them or not, or if you have other suggestions for what books I should read for each category.

Cardigan: Limited
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Payless

Hemlock & Local Love & Third Thursday

There's a lot going on today!  For starters, this is my 700th post.  I don't even know what to say about that.  When I started this blog, I wasn't sure how long I'd stick with it, but apparently the answer is "a long time." 

It's day 4 of the Pantone challenge with Heidi and Marissa, which means HEMLOCK.  Which means POISON!  I mean, mint colored.  It was a good excuse to debut my mint polka dot popover from my shopping spree last week.  Gap Outlet knows my weaknesses!

It's also the Third Thursday of the month, so I'm linking up with Bri for the Pinspired theme.  I knew I wanted to wear this top, so I perused my Pinterest board for mint and polka dot inspiration.  and I found the perfect thing:  Laura's mint & polka dot & cobalt outfit! 

And finally, I'm still working my way through Sarah's April Looking Lucky Style Challenge, so I added this necklace from a local boutique (that I can't remember the name of - terrible!) for the LOCAL LOVE entry.  I was admiring it several years ago, and then my sneaky mother-in-law bought it without me noticing and surprised me on my birthday that year.  So tricky. 

Necklace: Gift
Cardigan: Old Navy
Top & Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Payless

Dazzling Blue Geometric

Meet my new geometric print blouse!  It's from the Gap Outlet, and I love it!  Plus, it works perfectly for the Geometric entry in Sarah's April Looking Lucky Style Challenge and the Dazzling Blue day of the Pantone Challenge with Heidi and Marissa.  

I'm really hoping this is my last outfit featuring boots for awhile.  My sandals want to come out and play!     

Cardigan: J.Crew Factory
Top & Jeans: Gap
Boots: Madden

Titled

As you can tell, I've been super inspired with blog post titles lately.  Like yesterday, when I completely forgot to even put a title on it.  Oops!  That has been fixed now, and it is cleverly named "Untitled." Someone should really pay me for being so awesome!

Anyway, this outfit is from last Friday, when I took pictures in the mall parking lot (who am I?) before meeting up with John to see Divergent.  My blogger bun is quite nice when it's so windy.  I don't have to fight with my hair at all!  I did, however, have to dive to save my camera a couple times as the tripod started to blow over.  I don't remember this being an issue last spring.  What's the deal, Nebraska??  (Sorry - I promise to stop talking about the wind just as soon as it stops being such a big part of my daily life).

Scarf, Jacket, Shoes: Target
Tee & Jeans: Gap

Crazy Weekend

This weekend was crazy!  Don't worry, I was mostly busy watching things.  Friday after work, John and I went to see Divergent.  You can read my thoughts about it here.  Saturday is kind of fuzzy for me.  I was just getting caught up on some things around the house.  Then John and I headed out in the evening to see The Grand Budapest Hotel, which was really wonderful.  It's only showing at the artsy theatre downtown, and we were not expecting the long line for tickets, so we had to buy tickets for the next showing.  No worries, we just grabbed some dinner while we waited! 

On Sunday, I headed back downtown right after church to meet up with Nicole and Becca for the Sister Act musical.  It was pretty cute.  Then I got home just in time to change and head back out to evening services. 

All this was happening while I kept an eye on the basketball games, which shall now be known as March Sadness.  All my friends lost.  Nebraska on Friday, and then Kansas and Wichita State on Sunday.  I was really hoping WSU would win the whole thing!  I was just glad Creighton also lost, so I don't have to listen to their fans bragging anymore this season!  I don't really know who to vote for now.  I should probably just hope Kentucky crushes everyone else they play, but I'm a little bit mad at them.  Anyway, I don't actually pay that much attention, so this paragraph is already too long.

How was your weekend?  

Cardigan & Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Jeans: Gap
Shoes: Old Navy

Announcing GREEN Week

Hi there!  I don't have a whole lot to say about this week or about this outfit, but I do have a fun announcement for you all!  Theme weeks are my new favorite thing, and with St. Patrick's Day coming up, it made sense to focus on all things emerald/kelly/lime/olive.  I even planned ahead this time, to give you all plenty of days to prepare!  

The week of March 17th, I'll be blogging green outfits!  I have 2 lovely co-hosts this time:  Heather and Ashley, so be sure to follow along with them as well.  You can link up with us any day that whole week to share your posts about anything green (outfit, home decor, food).  You have 10 days to prepare!  Well, really more than that, because the link will be live until the 24th, but you know what I mean!  

  

I hope you all have a great weekend!

I'm linking up with Casual Friday and Favorite Fashion Friday with Penniless Socialite & Delusions of Grandeur

Sweater: Old Navy
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: Limited
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Madden

Moto Jacket Copycat

When I saw Inge rocking this outfit, I knew I would be copying it before too long.  I was going to just wear my gray sweater, but then it was a kind of warmer day, and I like any excuse to mix some prints, so I went with this striped tee instead.  And I decided it would be a good time to try the "regular scarf as an infinity scarf" trick.  I think it worked pretty well!  And I was having a good hair day.  So, I'll call this outfit a win!    
Thanks for all the well wishes yesterday.  I think I'm on the upswing, so hopefully I can rest this weekend and be back to normal soon!
   
I'm linking up here:  
Pinned It & Did It
Style Swap with Ginny and Jenn
Casual Friday
Favorite Fashion Friday with Penniless Socialite & Delusions of Grandeur

Scarf & Jacket: Target
Tee & Shoes: Old Navy
Jeans: Gap

Valentine's Week - Pink & Red Layers

Valentine's Week continues with a red sweater and a pink button-up shirt.  I think the lighter pink is an easy way to try red & pink together.  I even tried Fran's trick of layering a tank top over the shirt to prevent bulkiness and awkward bumps!  Remember you can link up all week with your red or pink posts!           

These might be my favorite outfit photos ever!  Saturday evening, it started snowing when we were at dinner.  When we got home, we thought it would be fun to give outside snowy pictures a try.  I think they turned out really fun!  I was freezing, but it was totally worth it! 

Top, Sweater, Jeans: Gap
Boots: Steve Madden

#20 - Weather Roller Coaster

Happy Saturday!  Are you ready for more weather talk?  This week has been ridiculous!  Sunday was a January record high of 66, and then Polar Vortex 2.0 rolled through and we had zero degree (feels like -20) temps on Tuesday-Thursday.  It's supposed to be nice-ish this weekend (with highs in the 40s), and then plummet again to the single (and maybe negative) digits.  I'm trying to just be grateful for the warmer days when they happen, but these extreme changes are driving me crazy!  I'm hoping February will be more moderate! 


Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Cardigan & Jeans: Gap
Boots: Steve Madden

#19 - Who Am I?

Back in the olden days, teenager magazines would have quizzes to tell you all sorts of useless (and unreliable) things about yourself - like what perfume to wear to prom, or which Backstreet Boy is your perfect boyfriend.  I wasn't really allowed to have those magazines (17, YM, etc), but my friends had them, so we did the quizzes when I was at their houses.  The results were always stupid.    

Then the magical internet showed up in everyone's home, and we could take silly quizzes all day long (and don't even have to calculate our own scores)!  Well, silly quizzes are making a comeback this week, and my Facebook newsfeed is blowing up with them.  I roll my eyes and think "that's so stupid!", but then I click on the quiz to find out which Disney Princess/Tolkien creature/Harry Potter/Star Wars/Downton Abbey/Hunger Games character I am most like.  Since you are dying to know, I am Jasmine/Hobbit/Luna/Leia/Branson/Effie.  Which is weird, because I don't really sense a theme other than 2-syllable names.

Also, apparently I should live in London.  Or Rivendell.  And be in Gryffindor (which makes zero sense, because I am not very brave!)  

So, uh, which Disney Princess are you?

Sweater: Limited
Jeans: Gap
Boots: Wanted

#17 - Texas Tuxedo

This is my first "real outfit" attempt at the denim on denim look.  (Because the last time I wore this shirt with jeans, it was a Halloween costume!).  I think I like it.  I was going to skip the cardigan, but it was too cold!

I apologize for the iPhone mirror photos.  I didn't take pictures at work, because I was so excited that the sun was still out, and I'd be able to set up my tripod.  Then I walked outside and learned that there were crazy winds and it probably wouldn't be wise for me or my camera to attempt such a feat.  Normally, I'd just skip pictures, but I have to document every 30X30 outfit!  So I waited for a lull in the locker room and snapped a few quick shots.

Cardigan & Jeans: Gap
Shirt: J.Crew Factory
Shoes: Target
Long Necklace: Forever21

#16 - Book Nerds

Literary Junkies Day!  Here are this month's questions:

1. What are you reading right now? Tell us about it.

I just started David and Goliath by Malcolm Gladwell.  Not very far in yet, but I've really enjoyed his other books.  

2. Out of the 16 books that will be turned into a movie adaptation, which one are you most looking forward to seeing this year? (Article Link)

Can I pick three?  I think I'm most excited about A Long Way Down, because it is my favorite Nick Hornby book.  I didn't even know they were making a movie until I saw this list, so I'm pretty excited.  Plus, it has Jesse Pinkman in it!  I'm also excited/nervous about TFIOS and Divergent.  I loved both books and hope the movies are worth seeing.

3. What was the worst book you've ever read?

Worst book I've ever finished reading: The Casual Vacancy
BUT I've stopped reading a few that were just terrible:  Atonement and Eat,Pray,Love

4. What foods or beverages have you spilled on a book while reading? Anything good?

Ummm, I don't think I've ever spilled anything noteworthy.  I don't usually eat while reading (except Cheerios which don't really matter when spilled).  

5. Do you pictures characters as popular film or tv actors? Or do you create a whole new person in your head?

I don't really make a picture in my head when I'm reading.  But sometimes I am surprised when the movie comes out at what the characters look like, and I can't always explain why or what is different than I expected.  So I guess I subconsciously picture the characters, I just can't articulate it. 

6. Out of all the authors you've read books by, who's brain would you want to pick the most?

This is a tough one, too.  I'm going with Malcolm Gladwell, and I don't think it's just because I'm reading one of his books right now.  He's been able to interview and research really cool people and ideas.  I think it would be interesting to talk to him about how his brain works and where his ideas come from.  

Cardigan: Old Navy
Tee & Jeans: Gap
Scarf: Target 
Boots: Steve Madden

 

#13 - Emergency Substitutions

Meet item #30!  The gray/white striped blazer.  I realized I have been neglecting it so far this winter and I love it, so I should be wearing it more.  

I've made some other changes to the 30 items.  I went shopping and decided to switch out some of my as yet un-worn items out for some new pieces.  So I'm making the following substitutions:

• Black wedges out - Leopard pumps in
• Black dress out - black/white striped dress in
• Polka dot cardigan out - pink popover blouse in

So, at the almost halfway point, I feel pretty great about my items.  I have a feeling I could remix well over 30 outfits with these items.  This is much easier than I though it would be.  Hopefully I still feel that way in 3 more weeks!  Here's the visual of my final 30 items!

Final 30X30 items by andi-smith 

Blazer & Jeans: Gap
Top and Shoes: Old Navy