DIY Curling Wand

First and foremost, I have to credit this ingenious idea to the one and only Whitney Yoga Pants. I don't know why I feel the need to always combine her name with that of her blog, but it fits together so smoothly. Anyhoo, she once posted a vlog (video blog) about her current hair extensions, and furthermore styled them with her homemade curling wand. Homemade? You get what I mean. Basically, she took a curling iron, and rigged it into a curling WAND. Mind blown. How did I not figure this out before? Immediately, I pulled out my curling iron and began going to work.

Here are the THREE INCREDIBLY SIMPLE steps:

Step 1: Grab your basic curling iron (preferably one willing to be disassembled; not expensive), and a flathead screwdriver.

Step 2: In this case, I was able to simply pop the "resting bar" right out of the sides, and then unscrew each side with the screwdriver; leaving only the spring where the clamp used to set.

Step 3: Using needle nose pliers, I was able to wiggle out the spring from its placement.

And there ya have it! A new curling wand.

Here you can see the beach waves I was able to accomplish with my new and improved tool. Loooooooving it. Oh but please disregard my face; one of those awkward selfie expressions.

The Calm Within The Storm

"God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; the courage to change the things I can; and the wisdom to know the difference." - Reinhold Niebuhr

Just a little reminder on those days we seem to be surrounded by nonsense. No I'm not talking about the government. Although I'd agree it's chaos, politics will not find its place here in my bloggity world. I'm just simply talking about life in general. Sometimes when it hands you lemons, they're sour... really sour. The common thing to do, as we are told, is to just make lemonade - which in my mind means "go with what you got, and deal with it. " Easier said than done; especially with something so sour you can't imagine formulating that into something attainable.

That's why I'm always drawn to this particular quote. It makes all the sense in the world. We certainly cannot change everything, so we pray for the ability to find peace in that. When we do, it's uplifting. There's no point in dwelling on something we aren't able to change ourselves.

The things we can change, however requires courage. If we know we have the ability to make a difference, then we pray for the courage and strength to see it through. 

But the most difficult challenge to most of us, is seeing the difference in what we can change and what we cannot. We often push ourselves, believing a false reality that "if we only do this, then that will come!" We must pray for the knowledge and wisdom to know the difference of the two; only putting our efforts towards what we are actually able to change. Otherwise, it's a lost battle. 

So today, remember that the opportunity for peace and serenity is there. That He is there, to help guide us through whatever challenges we face. 

Style Me Maternity

When I was pregnant with Audriana, it was through the months of November-August. Granted, I didn't really start showing until the fifth or sixth month, so I guess you could say my physical pregnancy stage wasn't happening until around spring and summer. With that said, it's easy to get away non-maternity apparel during that time; long or short maxi dresses, flowing tank tops, or in my case a bathing suit by the pool everyday - then indoors for a nice few hour nap. My what a life...

This time around I don't have that kind of luxury. 1) my house does not come with a pool and 2) I'd look a bit ridiculous in a bathing outdoors in 60 degree weather. Not to mention those things called naps? I remember Audriana took one when she was a toddler, but then quickly decided she'd outgrown them. Therefore, no nap for child = no nap for mommy. Pity.

Annnyyyhhooo. With fall now arriving, and the weather being consistently kind and cool, I've discovered that I may no longer be able to get away with half zipped, unbuttoned jeans these last 4 months. Yes, I was indeed able to rock them out for awhile, given my legs rarely fluctuate with my weight gain. So the other day I searched for some inspiration on the helpful little web, and found a few maternity styles I'd be happy to flaunt this fall/winter.

I'm a real sucker for any outfit accompanied with a blazer. That's always been my go-to style. This time, though I have to be mindful of my little growing abdomen, and find things that compliment one another as well. 

You can never go wrong with light stripes, especially when paired with bold all around. I found these two styles, and immediately gravitated to them given they both offer the same look; except one being more casual, while the other a bit more sophisticated. I wouldn't mind adding these to my maternity Fall/Winter selection. Too cute!!

While in the mode, I began searching for sites that offered specific maternity apparel. I knew they existed, but I never needed them in the past so I had no idea what there would be to offer. Clearly, I was in the dark. I came across - my new absolute favorite - website A Pea In The Pod. First thing I began searching for were jeans. I knew I needed them, so that was where my mouse began clicking away. All styles of jeans you can think of; skinny, bootleg, denim, colored, you name it. I was excited! But not so excited about the price. Wowsers. Yes, I need a pair of jeans, and I know they are made specifically and comfortably to fit my extending body, but I only need them for 4 more months! I've paid a substantial amount of money on a pair of jeans before, but they have also lasted me a couple years. I just could not bring myself to even consider purchasing these for that price, for only a few months wear. Hmm. Now I was sad... 

I immediately exited the site, not to linger on my saddness of over-priced maternity denim, and began searching sites I knew would surely have as much to offer - for much much less. Sure enough, Old Navy came through. I found a similar pair of jeans, for less than almost triple the price. Chaaaching!!!!! Here's a comparison view of my discoveries.

On the left: 

Skinny jean dark wash denim. 

Old Navy, $30.

On the right:

Skinny jean dark wash denim.

A Pea In the Pod, $180.

My bargain discoveries didn't stop there. I was also in search for a cropped jean jacket, suitable for fall. I stumbled upon the same jacket, from both sites and was again astounded by the similarities, yet price difference. I know that's everywhere, but for it to happen to me twice in the same day was a miracle!! Here's the two jackets in comparison to one another.

On the left:

A Pea In The Pod, $128

On the right:

Old Navy, $35

Not only did I luck out having found both items I needed along with the exceptional price cut, but Old Navy was also offering a 25% online promo code for it being their birthday. It was like the retail angel was shining down on me that day. Needless to say, a few clicks later they were on their way to my house!!! My husband was pretty proud of me... trust me, bargaining does not come easy for this girl. My usual bad habit is, I see it, I buy it. But I've gotten better. ;)

Now, let's keep the good vibes rolling with one of my all time favorite classics:

Plum's The Word

Short post today, but continuing with all things FALL. Anyone who knows me would agree that I'm about as obsessed with the upkeep of my nails than anything else. It's one of my most favorite accessory staples of any season. Rolling into fall/winter, I'm excited to dig out all of my favorite polish shades! I'm open to any and all brands, yet I seem to always gravitate towards Sally Hansen. My second favorite would most likely be Essie. Although with my experience, the color in the bottle doesn't hold true to the color on the actual nail. Nonetheless, I've purchased a few shades that I'm very pleased with, so ... to each their own.

For now, the color I've chosen for this week - yes, it often changes weekly - is Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure Plum's The Word 280. Fingers and toes acceptable! I'm absolutely loving it. I say I'm a weekly changer, but this color may find it's stay a little longer.

Now, if you're a third-nail-color advocate, I'd pair my current color with Raisin The Bar 270. It's just enough difference in shade, but close enough to be very complimentary to one another. I've yet converted to the third nail fad, but believe me I've still eyeballed combining shades if I ever came down to it.

More lovable fall colors I'm eager to display this season are Mudslide 250 and Earl Gray 320; both from Sally Hansen's Complete Salon Manicure line. But if you're looking for other simple purples or plums, I know someone who can vouch for yet another great color! Check out Ms. Katie's fall selection over at BlueDaisy In The BlueGrass.

Halloween costumes: Clever or Creepy?

Well, it's here! OCTOBER! Officially FALL, meaning everything under that category applies: boots, scarves, pumpkin flavored everything, Harvest Homecoming, pumpkin patch, and a whole lot of PSL from Starbucks. Oh yea, and Halloween. How can I forget that? Not that I'm an avid Halloween fanatic, but it's certainly the main staple of October.

I've never been a big participant in dressing up. Sure the cutesy outfit here or there, but never detailed get-ups like most. Don't judge me, it's not for everyone; aka me. Regardless, given the festive aroma this month brings, I couldn't help but research some ideas for maternity costumes. The discoveries were quite interesting, and I wound up with images I may never be able to erase. To name a few, but not limited to...

I'm not sure if the first two are clever, or seriously creepy???? I wouldn't have thought of that myself, so I can at least give them credit to a unique idea. As for the last photo, I'm not really sure what to make of it. But I'm not here to pass judgement. :)

Then my curiosity got the best of me, and I began searching ideas for family costumes. My oh my. Again, I'm not sure what category these fall under. I'll leave that up to you.

 Hmm.... nope. No words.

Although, I did stumble across a few VERY clever, and adorable family costumes that sure take the cake. If I had the ability, the sewing ability, I would definitely organize a cute family ensemble each year! Chris should thank his lucky stars; who knows what I'd think of! Check these out.

  I don't care who you are, the Napoleon Dynamite family wins HANDS DOWN!!!!!!! Kudos.

Well, that's all I have for today folks. Again, I'm not a big Halloween guru, but I'm always anxious to see the costumes each year. Thankfully, we don't have any parties to attend otherwise I'd probably end up with one of these.

Or go all Jessica Simpson on everyone, as a "mummy". Truthfully, it's cute. I have to admit.

Surprise! There's a kid at my door...

Where's this post title leading to? I'll get to that. First, I want to wish my bestest friend a:

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!! 

I have explained our years of friendship and have possibly overused this plug in on many many posts, but here it is once more for good measure... why she is indeed my best friend.

So, Saturday evening I decided to host a small dinner. Originally the idea was just a party of four - myself, Chris, Jess and her husband, Blake. But I wanted to make it a little more special, so I reached out to her sister's family and another best friend of ours. As luck would have it, a party of 8 was now in effect.

Trying to decide on that evening's dish was easy peesy, given Jess is never too difficult to please. I asked, Italian? She said YES. Sweet. I already had the menu set. Homemade bruschetta, Caesar salad, and miniature breadsticks for the apps, then dinner would consist of two different baked lasagnas; meat/cheese/mushrooms/peppers, and meat/cheese (for our plain Janes; or should I say Joes). Sadly, the only display shots I had of the evening were of the appetizer and salad.

After successfully prepping all the food, stress free I might add, the birthday girl had arrived. Originally, I had the other parties arriving beforehand, but I figured she would recognize the cars while driving up to the house. With that said, we had everyone else arrive afterwards; and it couldn't have been a more perfect surprise entrance. This is where my appropriate title comes into play.

Prior to their arrival, her sister and I thought it'd be hilarious to have Jess' nephew stand outside of the door and ring the door bell, just him standing there. From inside, I was going to stay busy where I'd need Jess to answer the door for me. It almost didn't work out as I found myself standing in the living room when the doorbell rang... I just stopped. Jess says, "Megan? Your door bell just rang..." and there I am just standing there as if I didn't hear a thing. Smooth, I know. Yet I dashed away as if I had something I needed to do and she offered to open the door. WHEW! From around the corner I begin filming, to capture her reaction. However, it didn't quite go as planned in the first few seconds. Instead of opening the door and recognizing her nephew, she just looks out the small window and replies confused, "...oh it's like a... it's a kid." She was stunned and waited about another few seconds, until she finally opened the door!

The look on her face said it all... it was a successful surprise!!!!

  With everyone arriving, it was now time to dig in. I tried snatching a few candids, but I was a bit sloppy with the timing. Regardless, everyone seemed to enjoy their meal thankfully. Gavin made have enjoyed his more than anyone else. ;) He's sooooo stinking cute!!

 And then there was the traditional surprise... the birthday cake! I've explained the meaning of the birthday cake in my previous plug-in above, so to say it's a surprise isn't quite accurate - however I switch it up every year, so she never knows what it's going to look like. :) This year I may have topped them all!

 Sweet Stuff Bakery, truly outdid themselves again; fourth year in a row. Our stomachs could certainly agree on that as well. We were stuffed to the bone! Not to mention leftovers for days. Score! 

Finishing off where we first began, I'm sending out lots of birthday love to my bestest friend, Jess!!!! I'm always grateful for our friendship, and can't wait to share many more memorable years!!! Love you!!!!