Purple Sweater

True story:  I wore this almost a month ago but didn't blog it because my pregnant belly was extra pronounced that day and I hadn't spilled the beans yet.  

This is a scarf from Letote.  I'm still sort of on the fence about scarves at the moment, but they are a good option to add some interest since I can't wear necklaces.  Plus scarves come in handy when playing peekaboo, which is currently one of Mr. Baby's favorite things.    

Sweater: Old Navy

Scarf: Letote

Jeans: Old Navy maternity (similar)
Boots: Madden (exact)

Currently February

File this one under "felt cute in it until I saw pictures."  I do think I'd like it better if my hair was down.  There's just too much torso going on!  I wore this on Saturday to get a pedicure and have lunch with friends.  Full disclosure: I wore flip flops most of the day so my toenails could dry.  It was about 50 degrees, so not too bad.  

Anyway, February is here, so it's time to link up with In Residence and Dearest Love to talk about what I'm currently up to.  

sending my last LeTote back this week.  It's been fun, but just doesn't make a whole lot of sense in my current life.

eating candy **hangs head in shame** Target got me with a sale.  Bad Andi.  

dreaming about summer.  It's been snowing for the last 24 hours or so, and while it is very pretty, I'm just ready for warmer weather so we can get out of the house more easily.  

smelling dinner.  As I write this on Tuesday evening, Mr. Baby is napping, Mr. Husband is shoveling the driveway, and dinner is in the crock-pot.    

hearting this stage of Mr. Baby's development.  He's so funny right now.  Babbling nonstop, always making silly faces, mimicking the things that we do.  He's so close to crawling, which I am excited for and also nervous about!  We need to get serious about baby proofing our house.

Sweater:  LeTote
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Shoes: Target (exact without captoe)

Zoo Jacket

Friday was a pretty warm day, so Mr. Baby and I took the opportunity to go to the zoo.  I'm so glad we got an annual pass.  We've gone 4 times since October, and I love it!  There are enough indoor areas that we don't get too cold, but on the days where it is 40 or above, we can walk around a little bit and get some fresh air and sunshine, and I can stretch my legs.  Mr. Baby doesn't stretch his legs because he is so lazy and makes me push him around in a stroller.  Also he doesn't know how to walk yet.  Typical baby.

Highlights of this zoo trip:

• The tapirs are usually just laying in the mud, but they were swimming!
• We saw 2 giraffes sit down. I don't think I've ever seen that before.  Their legs go all wonky! 
• Baby orangutan!
• The big male lion was pacing back and forth.  I call him Aslan for obvious reasons.  Anyway, he winked at me.  I wish lions were for snuggling.    
• We sat in the aquarium tunnel for quite awhile.  I think that is Mr. Baby's favorite place because he can see all the different fish swimming around.  

Disappointments:

• the bears are all hiding in their caves.  It's almost like they hibernate or something.
• The gorilla building was significantly colder than outside.  We walked all the way through and saw exactly zero gorillas.  
• Mr. Baby lost his mind in the rain forest.  I guess he's scared of humidity or bats or something.  I had to carry him and hurry through.  We will have to try again.  

shout out to the random stranger who took our picture

Outfit note: this jacket is from LeTote.  I don't remember seeing it on my list when I approved the tote, so I was surprised to find it, but I really liked it.  The buttons are a little weird.  At first I thought one of them was broken, but then I realized they were all different for FASHUN reasons.  It was a perfect jacket for a moderately nice January zoo trip.  

Jacket: LeTote (exact)
Sweater: Gap (ridiculously priced option, tunic option)
Jeans: Old Navy (similar)
Boots: Madden (exact)

Bird Sweater

So 2016, huh?  That's crazy.  I just realized that this will be the year I go from having lived most of my life in the 20th century to living most in the 21st century.  If you are good at math, you know how old I am now!

Anyway, this sweater was from my recent LeTote.  Again, I really liked it, but it's so short!  Is there a clothing rental service for tall ladies??  I intended to cancel, but I missed sending my tote back because we were out of town, so I guess I'm in it for another month.  I'm trying to pick more casual options for my SAHM lifestyle!

Sweater: LeTote
Jeans: Old Navy
Flats: Target

Copycat Orange and Green

This outfit was 100% inspired by this pin.  I think the original version looks a little bit better with a mostly white top that has orange dots on it.  My mostly orange top with the green sweater just made me feel a little bit too much like a Miami fan.  Isn't that annoying how perfectly good color combinations are ruined by team colors?

Cardigan: Gap outlet
Blouse: Gap Outlet
Necklace: Old Navy
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Madden

Green Stripes

After recently discovering that I had actually NEVER blogged this green striped blouse, I figured I should make sure to wear it again soon.  I was playing around on Polyvore and thought it would look pretty cute layered under this lace-front sweater, and and outfit idea was born.  I quite like how it came together - and a random woman that I walked past at the mall agreed, so I think it was a winner!
Here are some of the other outfit ideas I came up with.  I'm hoping to think of even more!

Top: Old Navy
Sweater: Loft outlet
Jeans: Old Navy maternity
Shoes: Old Navy

Neglected Plaid Popover Ideas

Well, it hasn't quite been a year since I blogged this shirt.  I'm sure I've worn it a handful of times, but I guess not as much as I should.  I bought it as a replacement for this one, which I loved, but then it got too tight.  The first one just had colors that played better with the rest of my closet.

As part of my plan to wear certain items more, I've been building Polyvore sets with outfit ideas.  Here are 4 of my ideas for this shirt.  Confession - I actually wore the navy cardigan option over Thanksgiving, but didn't take a picture.  Help me out - how else would you wear this top?  There have to be ideas other than jeans and white!

Cardigan: JCF
Shirt: JCF
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Madden

Hat Lady

I like hats, but I don't have very many, and I rarely wear the ones that I have.  I think this is because I wouldn't wear a hat to work, and the majority of my outfits are for work.  On this particular day, I went hatless to work, but took the afternoon off, put my hat on, and ran some errands.  And I think this hat might come in handy when I'm a brand new mom and can't wash my hair on a regular basis.  Or at least, that's what I hear will happen.  


Cardigan: Urban Outfitters
Hat: JCF
Scarf: Charming Charlie
Tee: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Gap

The Green Argyle Sweater Story

 

Once upon a time, way back in 2009, my sister asked my husband for some sweater recon a few weeks before Christmas time.  Then I was packing for our trip to Indy and was deciding which sweaters to bring.  I was thinking about bring this one.  John asked in a very accusatory manner "What is that?" while pointing at my sweater drawer.  "My sweater drawer?" I was confused.  "You have TWO sweater drawers??" "um, yeah... they don't all fit in one."  I had no idea what the issue was, but he was acting super weird.

On Christmas morning, I opened the present from my sister, and it was the sweater I am wearing in today's pictures.  And then they told me the whole story.  She had asked him if I had a "green argyle sweater" and he searched in my one sweater drawer, confirming that I did not.  And then at the very last minute, he saw my green argyle sweater in my sneaky second drawer, and was very worried.

The good news is that these 2 sweaters aren't really similar at all.  One is all green, one is mostly gray with a little bit of green.  One is lighter with 3/4 sleeves.  One is wool and long-sleeve.  So there was no great crisis.  And besides, I have since gotten rid of that other sweater, but I still have this one.

I realized that some of my favorite cozy sweaters never make it to the blog, because I tend to wear them on super cold snowy days with just jeans and boots, and I don't always get pictures on those days, of those kind of boring outfits.

Sweater: Gap
Necklace: gift
Top: JCF
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Madden

Starry Skies

This tee shirt makes me happy, because it's just a basic navy tee, but then it's covered in glitter.  It reminds me of a starry sky.  And more specifically of that line from the Incubus song where he says "the sky resembles a back-lit canopy with holes punched in it".  Which I thought was a super romantic and profound description when I was about 15.  And I still think it's a kind of cool line.

As a city girl, I don't get to see the stars as much as I wish I did, especially in the winter when it is too cold to be out at night.  I don't particularly like camping, but I do love getting out away from the city lights to see the stars.  I took an astronomy class in college, and I've forgotten most of the things we learned.  My professor was an old British guy with a terrible stutter who apparently was really into medieval instruments on the side.  He was a character for sure, but I wish I remembered more of what he tried to teach me.  As is, I can pick out just a few constellations.  My favorite is Cassiopeia, because it's just a big W and pretty easy to spot most of the time.

Cardigan: Gap
Tee: Gap Maternity
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Old Navy

Another Almost Repeat

Here's another outfit that felt very similar to one I wore last January.  What can I say?  This blazer just looks good with a pink top and skinny jeans!

I also feel like every day I'm wearing something for the last time I can get away with it.  This shirt is one of those things.  It was this close to being too tight, so it should probably be retired to the back of my closet until after baby arrives and my body starts getting smaller again.  That happens, right?

Blazer: Gap
Top: JCF
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Shoes: Old Navy

Weather Talk

So, fake spring is happening right now.  It's those few days in January where it gets up into the 50s and we all think there is hope that winter will be over soon.  And then it's gets terribly cold again for about 2 more months.  At least, that's usually how it happens.  But I'm still grateful for fake spring, because it means I can get away with not wearing a coat for a few days.   And it means I got to take some pictures outside!  So, spoiler alert - you will get to see my backyard again in upcoming posts.

Top: F21
Sweater: Old Navy Maternity
Jeans: Old Navy Maternity
Boots: Madden

Scenic Overlook

I think I would love all of my outfit pictures better if I could take them in front of mountains all the time.  I mean, this is way better than the wall in my entryway, right??  Right. 

Anyway, this is what I wore one of the days in New Mexico.  John and I went to the science museum in Los Alamos, and just had to stop and take pictures at this overlook spot.  It was so gorgeous that day!  And my frequently worn camel cardigan totally coordinated with the mountains/mesas in the background!  

Cardigan: JCF (similar)
Top: JCF  (exact)
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Madden (exact)

Polka Dot Punk Rock

My nieces are getting older, and getting more and more opinions, especially about fashion.  Over Thanksgiving, one of the 10 year olds had some objections to my holey jeans.  I think her exact words were "Aunt Andi, you might want to lay off the punk rocker vibe now that you're going to be a mother."  She was shocked when I told her these are actually jeans specifically designed for pregnant women.  The next day, I wore normal jeans, and she approved.

For this outfit, I think the excessively preppy polka dots on top really help balance the rock and roll vibe of my maternity jeans.  It's all about balance, folks!

Cardigan: Target
Top: JCF  (exact)
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Old Navy (similar without captoe)

Ten Years

My high school reunion is this weekend.  I really can't believe it has been 10 years!  One of my best friends was Senior class president, and somehow I promised her that I would help her plan the reunions, so she and I have been busy gathering everyone's contact information and planning the event.  I'm really hoping everything goes well!  (If not, I will deny my involvement in the planning)

Honestly, I am super excited to see everyone!  I wasn't sure how many people would actually come, but most of my favorite people from high school will be there.  I had a dream the other night that we were at the reunion and I was so excited that John locked me in one of the classrooms to calm down.  I mean, I hope that doesn't happen.  I'm not THAT crazy, right?

Many things have changed in my life over the past 10 years, but 2 things have stayed the same:

1. My car - my parents bought a 1997 Honda Civic for me in 2002, thinking it would last me through college.  Well, I'm still driving it.  I'm way too sentimental about this car, and will likely drive it until it stops running. 
2. My Hairstyle - since my hair isn't every particularly trendy, I think it's okay that I have the same style 10 years later, right?  I even use the same mousse.  I've tried other products, but just don't like anything as much as Pantene! 

If you are interested in learning more about high school Andi, you should check out this post I did last year about my adventures at school dances. 

Do you have any exciting weekend plans?  Or any fun stories about high school class reunions?

I'm linking up for Casual Friday today!  

Top: Target
Cardigan & Shoes: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy

My Advice - BE NICE

Day 8, Wednesday: A piece of advice you have for others. 

Here's my #1 piece of advice to everyone in the world:  BE NICE!!!!

There are many reasons for this advice.  

1. It's nice to be nice!  If someone is being rude to you, and you are rude back to them, they will probably keep being rude.  If you are nice anyway, it might change the dynamic of the whole situation.  It might not, but being mean back wouldn't make it better anyway.
2. You never know what that person is going through.  On any given day, we all have a lot of stuff going on, with friends and family, and health issues, and job issues, etc.  Or maybe they have just been dealing with rude people all day and finally gave up on being friendly.  One of my favorite things is to actually ask a fast food worker or grocery store cashier how they are doing, and then wait for an answer.  Or I tell them to have a good day.  It's amazing to see how surprised they look, and I think they must deal with grumpy customers all day long.  You may never know how much a smile or kind word means to someone.    
3. You'll probably be happier if you are nice.  I'll be honest, sometimes I am a jerk to rude people, and I always feel worse about myself.  This doesn't mean you have to be a pushover, either.  If someone is being terrible to you, you can point it out without being terrible back to them.  It's difficult, but possible, and they will probably be more receptive to your comments if you are being nice, instead of like "HEY, STOP BEING A JERK FACE!"  If you nicely point it out to them, maybe they will actually stop being a jerk face.  

There's my two cents.  What advice would you share with others?


Shirt: Sunny Leigh
Scarf: H&M
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: Loft

March Budget Recap

Remember how I was going to avoid shopping in March to save up for my trip to Phoenix?  Yeah, me neither.  In my defense:

• J.Crew Factory is sneaky with their promo code emails, and I really needed some new denim shorts for this summer 
• Gap got me with Friends and Family days
• Grocery shopping at Target is dangerous  

Technically, a few of these items were purchased at the end of February (after I wrote that budget recap), but I didn't feel like updating that post, so I'm just going to detail it here.  I panicked a couple days before vacation and bought a few more summery pieces for the trip.

February Additions (this takes February from $18 to $46):

• Walmart Tank Tops: $5
• Walmart Shorts: $3
• Merona Swim Coverup:  $20

March Purchases

• J.Crew Denim Shorts: $31 (originally $58.50)
• J.Crew Corsage Tee: $9 (originally 39.50)
• Gap Cardigan (similar): $16 (originally $45)
• Xhileration Ruffle Dress (different colors):  $7.50 (originally $25)
• Merona Floral Tank:  $10 (originally $15)
• Prabal Gurung Sandals: $15 (originally $30) - still deciding whether or not to keep these!  What do you all think? (UPDATE: I returned these)
• Merona Cardigan:  $11.50 (originally $23)

March total: $100 (originally $236)  
(Updated Total: $85 (originally $206)

So I basically hit my exact monthly budget in January and March, and only spent about half in February.  This means I have about $50 extra rolling into April.  I also cashed out at the consignment shop recently, which gets added into the clothing fund.

Did you stick to your clothing budget in March?  Link up and check out the other Budgeting Bloggers!

Outfit details:
Sweater: Target
Chambray: J.Crew Factory
Necklace: Bass Outlet
Jeans: Old Navy
Shoes: BCBGeneration

5 Days, 5 Ways - Leopard Top

 

This weekend, I did some closet cleaning, which resulted in a trip to the consignment shop.  I also found some old favorites in the back of my closet that have been neglected.  So, I am late to the "no longer neglected" party, but I'm jumping in here in the last week.  This leopard tank top is the only clothing item I have sewn from scratch.  I wore it a few times last winter/spring, and then apparently forgot about it.  Time to bring it back!  The above outfit was perfect for an impromptu dinner date on Saturday evening.

This is also Day 1 of the 5 Days, 5 Ways link up challenge with Whitney and Fran.  These are 2 of my favorite bloggers, so I'm excited to play along, and see what everyone else puts together.
 

Here are 4 ways I have previously worn this shirt, along with today's look (get it, 5 ways!).

1/2/3/4/5

Goal for sometime this summer: wear this top without a cardigan!  It can stand on its own, I just tend to wear it on cooler days, like a Saturday in late March, when it is snowing.  All of my summery tops are now at the front of my closet, so I hope the weather cooperates soon and I can stop wearing giant sweaters one of these days!

Outfit details
Cardigan: Gap
Shirt: handmade
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Target

February Check-In

Take One, Pass It On Item:  striped tee from Tuesday's post
*this is my last TOPIO outfit!  I will be posting a summary about the challenge next week!


Is it just me, or is February shorter than the other months!?  (if you don't understand jokes:  Yes, February is shorter).  I feel like I just did my January update and here we are again.  For all my new readers (welcome!), I am doing monthly posts on my annual goals, in the hopes that accountability will help me stay motivated! 

1. Do a project, mostly sewing -  it's a small project, but it counts.  I have a dress that I bought on clearance at Ann Taylor about a year ago.  I love it, but it had a halter top, which is not ideal for my  body type.  When I bought it, I thought I could modify it pretty easily, but I just never did it.  I've worn it a few times, but just as a skirt, with a sweater on top.  I finally got around to sewing the ties into normal straps.  YAY!  It's still not an "every day" dress, but I am excited that I can now wear it for some fancier occasions.   
2. Work out - this will sound familiar.  I met my goal of 3x a week for the first 2 weeks, and then I got sick.  Several people have told me it sounds like the other strain of flu, but I am in denial and saying it was just a cold.  I have gotten back on track this week, so here's hoping I can stay healthy in March. 
3. Tackle a project around the house - John and I got the hallway bathroom all painted, and I set it up with the yellow and gray decor!  I am pretty excited with the finished product.  I will try to take pictures and post about it soon. 
4. Cook a "real" meal at least 3 days each week.  I think I did this.  I wasn't keeping track as well.  I did try some new recipes, so that is good! 
5. Stick to a clothing budget - success! 
6. Read 50 books in the year - I read 3 books in February.  If I keep this up, I will only get 36 in the year.  I guess I need to start reading more! 

Overall, I feel pretty good about February.  If I can just stay healthy, I think I will be on track!   

How are you doing on your goals for the year?  

Tee: Gap
Cardigan: Marisa Kristina via Marshall's
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: Wanted via Piperlime

Victorious

After working from home on Thursday and Friday, due to the foot of snow we got, I was ready for the weekend!  I did a little shopping on Saturday, and then met up in the afternoon with a friend/co-worker who is in town for the weekend.  John and I met up with his parents for dinner, and then they came over to play Settlers of Catan.  That makes the third Saturday in a row that we have played this game.  I am either a brilliant strategist, or just extremely lucky, because we played 2 games and I won both of them.  Let's go ahead and assume I'm brilliant.

Scarf & Sweater: Gap
Jeans: Old Navy
Boots: BareTraps via DSW