Thursday, January 18, 2018

Thrifted Maternity Look

I have been trying to put together a thrift look for a few weeks, but just seemed like nothing was meshing in the hodgepodge of maternity wear I have while appropriate for these frigid Virginia winter days. But finally I found this adorable knitted sweater (for $2.50) with the sweetest little pom-pom details and pockets. Although not maternity, it had enough stretch that it fits over the bump. I also lucked out and found a fabulous Motherhood Maternity sweater jacket (for $5) and corduroy maternity pants ($3) .

So for the thrifted sweater, maternity jacket and pants the total cost was $10.50! I paired it with my favorite Jessica Simpson boots and a cute boho hat I found at Marshals. It was the perfect outfit for a freezing cold day in the country with friends. The 32 week bump was looking good!

If you haven’t checked out my full How to Create a Maternity Closet on a Budget post it is provides great resources on how to create a frugal maternity wardrobe. Looks for less are right at your fingertips!

Happy Thrift Thursday!

Monday, January 8, 2018

Fit Momma Giveaway

Mondays are always better with a GIVEAWAY! I’ve teamed up with some #girlboss champs to bring you this Fit Momma prize pack valued at $750!
Giveaway Details! 
  • Start date: January 8
  • End date: January 17 at 11:59 pm EST
  • Open worldwide to entrants 18+ year old
  • Prize includes:
    • Baby Jogger City Select LUX Stroller
    • Workout Outfit
    • Running Shoes
    • Water Bottle
    • All valued at $750
  • Winner drawn on January 18. Announced within 48 hours.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Sunday, December 31, 2017

Our Kitchen Renovation

New Year = New Kitchen! Happy 2018!

When we walked through our house, I thought ehhh not the huge dream kitchen I was hoping for BUT I can work with it and make it my own. And luckily no one had touched it, so I had no guilt about tearing up new renovations that weren’t my style. So after months of deliberation on colors, tiles, hardware, countertops, appliances, driving my husband absolutely insane…we are FINALLY done.

So this was my BIG Christmas 2017 gift. I told the hubby to put a big bow on the kitchen, but he just reminded me to look over and that was my gift.

BEFORE

DURING

AFTER

The kitchen is a complete reflection of my classic yet unique or ambitious style. I decided on classic quartz countertops for their durability and remarkable marble pattern. I matched the white/grey countertops with a stunning herringbone pattern marble backsplash with a unique gold schluter trim that matches great with the hints of golden champagne I brought in on the hardware (pulls and handles) and champagne bronze faucet. The cabinets were professionally painted, because after our small attempt, I knew that I would be super unhappy with a DIY result. And boy am I glad we didn’t go forward ourselves because the incredible finish we have now is stunning. The color is bold, yes it’s blue. It’s a little more blue than I wanted but everyday I am falling more in love with it and it truly is a happy kitchen and a reflection of my personality. The paint color we choose was Benjamin Moore Nimbus Gray. Willie did a fabulous job on the peninsula as he added a gorgeous white beadboard and trim that I love and glad it’s not the same color as the cabinets. And this DIY project is totally doable and very low cost (like under $30)! And finally my amazing appliances…the double oven is absolute heaven and my fridge is perfect, I just want to kiss it everyday haha.

Monday, December 18, 2017

Healthy Holiday Chocolate Bark

So if you know me at all, you know I never, and I mean never turn chocolate down. But with all the holiday treats and sweets, I wanted something that also provided some nutritional benefit and packed with tons of antioxidants. This healthy holiday bark is the perfect combination of flavors that indulges any sweet tooth.

Using the base of dark chocolate with a matcha tea white chocolate drizzle for layers of superfood deliciousness. This is an antioxidant power bomb in your mouth! To start, the interesting taste level (and awesome Grinch inspired green color) of the matcha tea brings tons of immune boosting, detoxifying, and antioxidants benefits. Chia seeds provide an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, iron, and calcium. Dried cranberries provide antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties packed with vitamins. Raw pumpkin seeds contain a wide variety of nutrients ranging from magnesium to zinc. All these delicious goodies provide the perfect nutritional pick-me-up while enjoying a holiday treat.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of dark chocolate chips
  • 1/2 cup of white chocolate chips
  • 2 teaspoon of coconut oil
  • 1 teaspoon of powered matcha green tea
  • 1 teaspoon chia seeds
  • 3/4 cup dried cranberries
  • 1/2 cup dried unsweetened flaked coconut
  • 1/4 cup raw pumpkin seeds (or pistachios)

Directions:

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper
  2. In two separate cups add the dark and white chocolate with 1 tsp. of coconut oil in each separate bowl of chocolates
  3. Slowly melt in intervals of microwaving and stirring the chocolate (the white will be done faster because there is less)
  4. Pour the melted dark chocolate on the lined baking pan and spread until thin
  5. Add the matcha tea to the white chocolate mixture and combine well
  6. Drizzle the green chocolate over the entire spread dark chocolate, you can have fun with big and small lines and really just use your creative freehand unless you want perfection
  7. Sprinkle all remaining superfood toppers evenly over the melted chocolates
  8. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before breaking into freeform pieces

I LOVE Christmas. It’s my absolute favorite and I’ve been enjoying spoiling Hartley with baking and treats WAY too much while being pregnant. Every day she asks to make “In-ge-di-ents”. She is such a good little kitchen helper, except when she sneaks about 20 chocolate chips. We have made about 200 cookies and treats for family and friends and packed them up in holiday boxes and trays. It’s such a nice gesture to give something made with love in your kitchen. OHHH and side track for a second…did I mention our kitchen renovation is finally complete…YESSS! I cannot wait to share photos. But anyways, you must try this healthy version of holiday bark. It is the perfect addition to your holiday baking repertoire. Everyone will enjoy this little superfood boost during the holidays. Oh and this recipe is totally kiddo approved!