Spiderwebs

Recently, a rather large spider decided that his web should span the doorway to our backyard.  Of all the prime web building spots, this guy just has to live in my way. He builds his web every night and if we forget about it when going outside the next day, we get a face full of spiderwebs.  Not cool, Mr. Spider.  I've been plotting to kill him, but can never find him when I think of it.  Anyway, yesterday I wore this outfit and was going to go outside to take pictures, but the spider swooped down when I opened the door.  I panicked and we had a brief altercation.  I wasn't sure if he was dead or alive, but I was too freaked out to continue my mission, so indoor pictures it is!

Update: I saw the spider later.  He's unfortunately alive and building his web again.  I just may never go into my backyard again!

Top: Loft

shorts: Loft Maternity

Shoes: JCF

Easter

Easter Recap!  So, normally we spend Easter with John's family, but this year his parents were out of town and his sister was with her fiance and his family, so we were on our own.  It was actually really nice to have a super relaxing day (as our last holiday before baby arrives).

We went to church, and then came home and made ourselves a little Easter feast.  I think it turned out pretty good!  It was also a completely gorgeous day, so we sat out on the deck for a little bit and just enjoyed the afternoon.  For me, in my current state of hugeness and exhaustion, it was the perfect holiday!

And I wish I would have belted the dress, because I just really think that would have looked better.

Jacket: JCF (top 10 item)
Dress: Loft Maternity
Shoes: JCF
Necklace (not that you can see it): Limited

Skirt Week - Black Pencil

There aren't many items of clothing that I'd say every women should own, but I do think a basic black skirt is one of them.  I almost said a black pencil skirt, but I know some people really don't like the style.  So whatever style you like best, but you should probably have a black skirt.  I had one from Old Navy for about 8 years, and it finally got too tight, so I was happy to find a replacement from Dillard's.  And this one is a stretchy fabric, so it's much more forgiving!

One thing probably no one needs is a pair of floral print ballet flats.  But look how cute they are!!  I wish I had worn them more over the summer, because I don't see them transitioning into cold weather very well.

In other news, it's officially one month until my birthday!  I never made one of those 30 before 30 lists, but now I have 30 days before I turn 30.  I don't think it's going to happen.  BUT I think I've had a pretty great life so far.  No bucket list needed.

Link up below for SKIRT WEEK!

Cardigan: Gap Factory (similar)
Top: Gap Factory (similar)
Belt: Chinese Laundry (similar)
Skirt: Gibson & Latimer (similar, similar)
Shoes: J.Crew Factory (similar)

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

Paloma Gray (and Books!)

Two link ups in one day!  I'm continuing the Pantone challenge with Heidi and Marissa, AND it's Literary Junkies day.

First, the outfit.  It's pretty much all new.  I bought these shorts in Minnesota last Sunday.  I wanted a pair of gray (I mean, PALOMA gray) shorts last summer, but never found a pair that I liked, so I figured I should grab these.  The top is from Loft outlet, and the shoes are from J.Crew factory.  I wanted to wear the shoes on Friday, and then I realized the weather was perfect for shorts and a light sweater, and my new purchases were visible (in their bags, on the floor, in front of my closet), so this outfit happened.  It's a little plain for me, but the shoes helped!

Now for the book nerd stuff...  

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

I'm currently between books.  I just finished The Alchemist.  It's about a shepherd boy who goes on a journey looking for treasure and ends up on a different type of journey than he expected. 
 

2. Divergent, Hunger Games, or Twilight. Which do you prefer and why? (If you've never read them which do you think you'd prefer?)

I haven't read the Twilight books (and don't think I ever will), so I'm just picking between the 2 others.  I like the Hunger Games books better.  It's possible that is just because I read them first, and then Divergent was so similar in some ways.  I couldn't stop picturing Katniss!  But I think as a trilogy, the Hunger Games was much better. 

3. TV Series Based on Books they start out very close to the book to draw in the fans but then will start to separate themselves by changing things and adding characters. What are you thoughts on this?

I'm not sure I've watched many TV shows based on books.  I can see why this happens, because the TV folks want to keep the stories going longer than the book.  

4. You've just been recruited to help a movie studio bring your favorite book to the big screen. What's the movie and who are you choosing to play the main characters?

It's impossible to pick a favorite book, so I'm limiting it to my favorite book of 2014 - Ready Player One.  Since I listened to the audio book, I was totally imagining Wade Watts as Wil Wheaton, but Wade is supposed to be a teenager, so I have no idea who would be good!  Probably some unknown actor!  Aech would be Amber Riley, if she can still pass for a teenager.  Art#mis would be somebody like Alia Shawkat or Chloe Moretz.  Sorrento would be Timothy Olyphant.  For Halliday and Ogden Morrow, I can't decide, but I think it would be fun to have actors that are kind of "nerd favorites."       

5. Going back to the above question, do you keep it word for word the same or do you use this chance to change little things you thought would make the book better?

I would keep things as true to the book as possible.  For this particular book, I think the movie will have some difficulty, because it's 80% virtual reality.  I suspect they'll end up doing CGI, but I'd rather have it be like the Matrix, where it is real people on both sides.  It will also be tricky to figure out all the pop culture references and how to deal with the royalties from other movies/tv shows/video games.  

6. After you finish a physical copy of a book do you keep it for a reread, put it on a shelf to collect dust, donate it to Goodwill, or do you just not purchase physical copies of books?

I love the library, so I don't buy many books anymore.  If I buy a book and like it, I'll probably keep it to loan it to friends that might like it.  I very rarely re-read anything.  The last few books I've purchased have been at book signings!    

Fun questions this month!  Let me know what you are reading, and how you'd answer some of these questions. 

Sweater: Loft
Tank: Gap
Shorts: Old Navy
Shoes: J.Crew Factory