Good morning friends!
It’s been a couple of weeks since I’ve been able to check in on the blog, and I’m not sure I like that. How have y’all been? I sure do miss you.
We’ve been staying pretty busy around our neck of the woods. We traveled to Houston last weekend to see some of Scott’s family! We had originally planned on going to Arkansas and Missouri, but his mom fell sick and ended up going to Houston to recover at his sister’s house. So, we changed our flights and ended up in Texas for a few days!
His mom is doing much better, but we’re still waiting to hear what the future will actually hold for us. Until then, our baby on the way is serving as motivation to push through and fight for years of love to come. God has been really good to us lately, and we are continuing to pray for comfort, healing, and guidance. (Thank you to those who have send prayers our way! We appreciate them and you so much.)
I went right back to work after returning from our trip, and we’ve been trying to squeeze as much baby prep and nesting in as we can during whatever downtime we find. This little boy or girl will be here in less than 50 days! Crazy, right?
Today I wanted to check in and catch up with a new edition of Friday Favorites. Below you will find what I have been loving lately, and I always invite you to share your latest faves in the blogger link-up and comment sections below.
Happy Friday!
Friday Favorites #198: Week of 2/9
• Pink Blush Maternity clothing
I’ve been a sucker for a lot of the ads that pop up on my Instagram and Facebook feeds during this pregnancy. The more I click on them, the more that pop up, right? I know, I know. I did it to myself.
That said, I’m so glad that I found Pink Blush Maternity because I instantly fell for this delivery/nursing robe when I saw it.
I’ve noticed that they run out of sizes quickly, but they also add a lot of new inventory on the regular. There are pages of other nursing robes that I would love to select, too. (I probably could have sized up, but I wanted to feel comfortable wearing this robe post-baby as well, so I stuck with my usual Small size.)
I was delighted when I found out that Pink Blush Maternity has an ambassador program, and I spent a considerable amount of time browsing their site for items to feature here. I was in need of a dress to wear to my baby shower, and I adored this ivory lace maternity dress that went with the gender neutral decorations.
(also wearing this iridescent tassel necklace c/o Arlo & Arrows)
The site has so many different options, it’s almost overwhelming. If you’re in the market for cute maternity or nursing wear, definitely check out Pink Blush for tops, bottoms, dresses, skirts, kimonos, robes, and more!
Psst! There’s a sale for 25% off all dresses with free shipping right now using the code DRESSUP.
• burt’s bees body wash and facial cleanser
Due to sensitive skin issues, I’ve been using (legit) baby body wash for years. I turned to the standard Johnson & Johnson brand, and it did me well. After I found out I was pregnant, however, I was looking for a body wash that was a little more natural.
I’d love to hear your recommendations in this department, but for now, I’m using Burt’s Bees extra energizing and I’m digging it. I’ve been on it for months and love how soft my skin feels after using it. I also enjoy the smell.
I just started using the in the shower, too. I’ve been on and off of a few other brands throughout this pregnancy, but the truth of the matter is that I need something that I can easily pick up when I run out of it. You can find the Burt’s Bees brand at most drugstore and pharmacies along with grocery retailers and superstores.
Again, I’d love to hear more of your suggestions for natural face and body washes below!
• family weekend in Houston
I mentioned that Scott and I went to Houston over the weekend, and our time to unwind with family was just what we all needed.
(Scott with his sister and Mom)
After a few flight delays, we arrived Friday night, grabbed a late dinner at the original Carrabba’s (yum!) and went home to catch up until the early morning hours. They showered us with baby clothes, books, and gifts, and it was amazing to finally be able to share the miracle of this pregnancy with them in person.
We didn’t have much on the agenda throughout the stay besides spending quality time with his mom and sister’s family, so that’s exactly what we did. We slept in, ate great food, and truly enjoyed our time together. It was wonderful.
Scott’s best friends from college also happen to live in the Houston area, so we made a stop by their home to see them during the Super Bowl.
It was so fun to see them after a few years. Thank you for the hospitality, Joe and Amanda!
• seeing the Manhattan skyline from the plane
While living in New York City can be completely exhausting at times, it’s equally as surreal for us. There are times where we still think “wow, we live here” on a train ride into the City for a date night or outing.
That said, it’s really nice to get away for a weekend and fly back to see the skyline that takes my breath away every time I see it.
I don’t know about you, but I tend to do a lot of thinking and reflecting on plane rides. I read, listen to music, and watch movies, but sometimes I just sit in silence and look out the window. Our trip back was one of those rides, and it was really therapeutic for me. There’s so much going on in our lives right now, and I’m just trying to navigate through it all. The next several months will certainly rock our worlds, but I’m ready for it!
• giant smoothies
You didn’t hear from me last week because I was sick riiiight before we traveled. (Great timing, right?) I’m still not sure if I had the flu, food poisoning, or a combination of both, but it was pretty awful.
After feeling somewhat human again, I went right back to work and have been hooked on giant smoothies ever since. I remember getting the biggest smoothies in high school and sipped them all day long to keep me fueled during long dance practices. I had the ridiculously large tumbler cups with a discount on refills and everything. Anybody else?
While working long hours, I’ve been trying the get my fruits and veggies in the form of smoothies lately. If I don’t always have time to break away from the studio and eat a good meal, at least I know that my body is getting what it really needs!
I laugh every time I order “the big one” as I like to call it from a local smoothie and juice cafe called Brooklyn Crepe & Juice. A 32 ounce smoothie costs more than what I feel comfortable paying, but I guess you’ve got to do what you’ve got to do.
My last visit to the doctor really made me take a step back and look at what I was fueling my body with. Work has been nuts during the first few months of 2018 (as predicted), so I’ve been grabbing more bagels, breakfast sandwiches, and wraps than I’d like to admit. They’re easy to access, are quick to eat, and are cheaper than most of the other options around.
My goal for the last month and a half of this pregnancy, however, is to keep baby’s needs first. Bagels (and pizza!) are totally fine – don’t get me wrong – but I’m doing my best to balance those indulgences out with good ‘ol nutrients from fresh produce.
Giant smoothies, I adore you.
• favorite LIL posts
Try this short circuit of exercises to break up the miles on your next run outside!
» Chicken and Mixed Vegetable Soup
Check out this light (and extremely easy) homemade version of the traditional chicken noodle soup!
Your Turn
What have you been loving this week? Link up your faves!
Have a great weekend!
Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Friday Favorites is a series of posts that features items I genuinely want to share with you, and affiliate links may appear from time to time. As always, any support is much appreciated!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West
Hi Heather! I’m so glad to hear you’re feeling better. And I’m sending lots of good healthy vibes to Scott’s mom. That’s great you guys were able to make the trip. As far as Pink Blush – yesss I ordered a few things for my maternity time, and one of the dresses I wore to my Florida bridal shower. They do have cute stuff, but I didn’t like that you had to pay to return! Darn heheh! I guess it was all too good to be true with those low prices. Have you bought enough nursing tanks? I LIVED in those for the first few weeks. Make sure you get all your stuff done early, because our little miracle arrived two weeks early and I still had two bags of donations and packages to mail in the car hahaha! 🙂 Soak up you QUIET time too, my friend! Happy Friday!
Ashley @ A Lady Goes West recently posted…My favorite things you actually need when you have a baby
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups
You look so beautiful! I’m glad to hear that Scott’s mom is doing better, hope she makes a full recovery soon!!
Emily @ Pizza & Pull-ups recently posted…Friday Favorites – 2/9/18
patrick@looneyforfood.com
Wow it sounds like you have a lot going on! So exciting that your baby will be here in less than 50 days though!
patrick@looneyforfood.com recently posted…Eat Healthy When You’re Busy
Kayla
OMG that giant smoothie is both comical and looks delicious. Glad to hear you are feeling better
Kayla recently posted…15 Things You May Not Know About Me
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