Pregnant | DIY maternity shorts & 24 weeks

I am so excited to share my latest DIY with you, even though if I were selling this pair of shorts, they would be listed as "slightly imperfect," or something like that. Nonetheless, I am seriously pleased with them, and they only cost me a bit of time and elastic, as I already had a few pair of Cody's old jeans lying around! If your husbands old jeans don't correspond as nicely as mine with your size (yes, last night I did tell Cody that his hips are just like my pregnant hips, except all the time! We got a good laugh as I'm sure you can imagine) you can go to the thrift store and find a pair that works.

As I didn't have any elastic wider than one inch, which as it turns out is less than ideal for keeping up a pair of maternity pants, this pair is going to be a playground, chase-Seb-around pair, and then I am going to make a couple more once I get some 3 inch elastic.

Here is the tutorial that I referenced. If this one isn't clear enough to you, just do a google search. There are so many tutorials out there on this subject. This one looks good.

P.S. If you don't have access to a sewing machine, but have some pants or shorts you'd like to turn into maternity, check out Belly Jeans, an Etsy store that will take your regular jeans and convert them into maternity jeans!

Oh and I should probably say that once again, this lady was my inspiration. And hello, skirts as tops? What a good idea.

Little One | Broken Tricycle & Leru Babies

I kind of hate Zulily because just this week they've introduced me to two of the most lovely baby clothing lines and I don't have money to buy some of their gorgeous pieces for my little men. So since I can't buy them, I thought I'd tempt you. So kind of me, I know. Also, in case you're wondering what's so special about the sea of solids that Leru Babies boasts, notice the incredible colors they have in their footed pants. Pants with feet are God's gift to mamas in my book and nearly impossible to find in any color apart from pastels or white. I don't think Broken Tricyle needs any introduction...

P.S.  Snag what's left of Leru Babies & Broken Tricycle on Zulily before I do, and consequently commit a terrible crime against our bank account.

Images via the Broken Tricycle Lookbook

Pregnant | American Apparel?

This post is a result of a thought I had last week about maternity clothes: "All I really need right now is a pack of men's undershirts that are cheap and I can wear to the playground. Surely someone makes a basic, cheap, comfy-casual tee for pregnant women!"

I then remembered the only two sorority tees that I kept and still wear, and both are from American Apparel. I keep going back to them every summer for their incredible fit, length, and their casual but flattering look. Today I am a day short of being 24 weeks pregnant and am wearing one of those tees, which happens to be a whole 2 sizes smaller than my normal size. It still covers my stomach, and although it is a little snug, it's still comfortable and works well in spite of my expanding waistline.

So maybe I've been looking in the wrong place for great basic maternity clothes? Gap has some cute things, but let me tell you, absolutely none of my Gap tees took me to the end of my pregnancy. They are just too short. Why invest in something that you can only wear for a few weeks or months, and not to mention are overpriced and get holes and what-have-you. I want longevity with my maternity clothes.

Here are my two reasons to try American Apparel: 1) You don't get the, "Hey, look at the ruching at my waistline. I'm so pregnant" look, and 2) They are going to help me transition into my postpartum days just beautifully. Who wants to wear maternity clothes after they have a baby? I know I felt sloppy for at least 4 months after having Seb.

In case you still have doubts as to the suitability of American Apparel for your maternity wear, check out this lady's series. American Apparel took her through her entire pregnancy, wearing these shorts at 35 weeks. I am impressed.

Also, in case you are lamenting that the HATCH Collection is so pricey, try these pieces instead: 1 / 2 / 3 / 4

So who wants to go to Charlotte with me for some American Apparel action?

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Little One | Fairytale

Don't you think that all little girls should look like they stepped out of a fairytale? But not in a fake, cutesy way, or in a "I'm trying to live in the past" kind of way, either.

I feel like we dress our little ones too much like teenagers. Our boys look too much like rockstars, and our girls look too much like ballerinas or prima donnas.

Which makes me wonder, how should little boys be dressed? I tend to stick with stripes and solids, and simple pants and shoes. But really, I love little wool sweaters, and anything made of natural fabrics with interesting textures and rich or soothing colors. Maybe I'm simply drawn to the timelessness and innocence of simple fabrics, textures and colors.

How will you, or do you, prefer to dress your children?

yellow pixie hat / cape photo
both via

taking the KCWC plunge.

So I've waited until the very last day to announce what I'm going to be about this week. And if you're into last minute stuff, you should join me!

It's called Kids Clothing Week Challenge (kcwc). And during this week I will be making as many clothes for my little man as I can, but don't be surprised if it's just one thing. This is fine with me, though. I figured one thing is better than none, as he is currently wearing several pair of pants that are size 3-6 months. Yes, they're a bit short, and by "bit," I mean ridiculously short.

Happy Monday, my friends! And if you're not a follower of A Cup of Joe (who isn't!?), you should check out this link she shared yesterday full of beautiful mother/child photos. There are some precious ones.

Flash Sales: Two sites for mom, little one and the incredible gift-giver

Have you ever visited Zulily or Eco Baby Buys? Even if you don't have a little one of your own, I highly recommend checking them out. They are the perfect sites to find great gifts at great prices! I've bought some Tiny Ducky brand blankets for friends and hats for Seb from Zulily, and remember those Finis swim diapers? Those are from Eco Baby Buys.

Happy shopping!

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Homemade sweater

Isn't this sweater beautiful? It looks so cozy and warm. Jenny at WikstenMade is amazing.

Sans dress

Last night I had a dream about an above-the-knee, red corduroy shift dress with elbow sleeves and a gorgeous cowl neck. Could someone design it, please? In my dream it was an Anthropologie dress, and of course came in wintry spruce green and butterscotch colors as well. Said dress would look phenomenal with black tights, boots and a belt.

But since this dress sadly does not exist, here are some things that do and are making my life awesome.

Indestructibles books. These are a serious lifesaver because babies love to eat paper.
Teacher stories
Caramel drizzle coffee 
Sense and Sensibility... the best version... the BBC version.

Oh, and this, too:

Home | Floral

Okay, I guess my blog isn't going to suffer too much. I wear socks like these every day, but don't have any pretty floral ones. This pair would make my toes feel like ten friends on a camping trip.

Spending the evening watching Road to Avonlea with my husband. I loved reading the books when I was little (I got two for Christmas!). Off to make some tea!