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Random Things I’m Lovin’ this Month

1. Flow Space Fitness’ Blog & Embracing moments of FLOW

Some friends of ours have opened a pop-up fitness studio and through the process they have both been sharing incredible posts on the blog.

Earlier this month, Zach shared about the state of FLOW. This can often be a buzz word, but if you dig into the science it is so neat.

Photo credit: Flow Space Fitness

I also loved this post from Erica about how she lost weight.

2. These 5 ways to stop comparing yourself to others

I recently set up a Flipboard account (which I totally recommend – it’s like Pinterest for news/blogs). A post called How I Finally Stopped Comparing Myself to Others – And 5 Ways You Can Do It Too came up on my feed and I immediately clicked over.

My favorite quote from the post:

Be more of who you are, rather than trying to be more of someone else. The former is exhilarating; the latter, impossible.

3. A Mediocre Life

I am really feeling Libra season approaching – seeking balance and harmony. I ran across this article shared by becoming minimalist on Facebook and it was just what I needed to hear.

4. Hearing how others incorporate self-care into their lives

I love hearing how others are incorporating self-care into their lives. Not only is it refreshing to hear others talk about prioritizing their own happiness (you can’t pour from an empty vessel), but it sparks new ideas for my own life!

Sharnice from The Garden of She recently posted some ideas for Self-Care September.

PS: If you’re interested, you can read about how I balance creativity, self-care, & motherhood in this post.

5. Reading

I’ve been doing a lot of reading lately. Right now I’m reading Rising Strong by Brene Brown – I’m also on my library’s waiting list for Daring Greatly and The Gifts of Imperfection (I think I’m mistakenly reading these out-of-order, but hopefully that won’t matter). I’ve heard really great things about her books and am excited to dig into these.

I’m also reading and implementing the activities from The Curated Closet. This book is incredible if you are craving a simpler wardrobe and/or honing in on what “your style” really is.

Andy helping me read.

If you have any book recommendations, I’d love to hear them!

Motherhood

6. Public Restrooms with a Coat Hanger Beside the Changing Table

RANDOM I KNOW, but any parent who has held their dirty-diaper-wearing-baby while debating on a clean spot to set the diaper bag that will be within reach once the wiggly baby is naked on the changing table is clapping right now.

When Hurricane Florence looked like a monster barreling in to eat the Carolina coast, we debated using it as an excuse to visit the in-laws in Atlanta. Finally, we decided to go. The Hubs had to work and was going to bring the dogs so Andy & I were on our own for the 4-ish hour drive.

We stopped often and not once did any of the bathrooms have a hook beside the changing table (if they had one at all) and I kept thinking how great that would be. The next day we were at Zoe’s Kitchen for lunch and guess what I found beside the changing table?! So handy. And such an easy, cheap solution.

7. Reminders to soak up the littleness while I can

Andy is changing so fast. The cliche saying that “babies don’t keep” is totally true. What’s also true: time moves at lightning speed once you have a baby. From the beginning I have tried so hard to soak in the little moments and not wish any of this time away. But I’m human. And I find myself wondering and wishing for future milestones. Reading this beautiful post about soaking in the littleness was a real perspective-changer.

Share the article with your mama-friends. It might be just what they needed to hear.

Sewing / Creativity

8. Love to Sew Podcast

I saw a spike in blog traffic at the end of last month and realized Helen’s Closet was to credit (thank you, Helen!). Then I fell down the rabbit hole of the podcast she hosts with Caroline of Blackbird Fabrics called Love to Sew.

So far I have loved every episode I have listened to! My very favorite so far was Episode 34: Intentional Making with Aidan Owen.

9. Jess’ honesty about sewing & body positivity

I really appreciated Jess’ honesty in this post. She admits that sewing your own garments does not equate to high body-positivity which I think is a really good point.

Photo credit: Jess Sews Clothes

10. Kicking Libra Season off with a Destash

Libra Season has me feeling motivated so I purged my sewing stash! Starting on Monday (10/1), I’ll be posting sewing books, patterns, fabric, supplies and other sewing-related goodies that are looking for a new home on my destash account on Instagram: @jordans.destash.

Follow along for some stellar deals!

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PS: Thank you from the very bottom of our hearts for your warm embrace and responses to my last post. Sharing my family’s story was scary, but I am so very glad we did. I can’t thank everyone enough for all of your heartfelt comments, messages, and thoughts – you are amazing.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

Does August always feel like summer’s Sunday? It’s still summer-level-hot where I’m at, but that doesn’t mean I’m not giddy that fall is just around the corner!

Ch-ch-ch-chaaaannnnggeess

Did that make you start singing?! 

I realized while constructing this month’s post that most all of “what I’m lovin’” fall into one of two buckets: Sewing/Creativity or Motherhood. In true Type A fashion, I’ve decided to start organizing my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts into sections. Because some things I’m lovin’ may not fit into either of those 2 categories, I’ll start the list with my un-categorized loves (aka: the random things I’m lovin’). After I share those, I’ll separate the things into 2 sections: Sewing/Creativity & Motherhood.

As a follower of many blogs (and many blogs whose content evolves along with the blogger…like this one), I was hoping this would help you – as the reader. Whether you are following this blog for sewing content or my ramblings about parenthood, now you can hop-skip-jump right to the section you’re interested in when it comes to reading all about what I’ve been lovin’ that month.

This will be the first post organized into the sections so please share your feedback!

Random Things I’m Lovin’ this Month

1. Adopting Zero Waste Habits

Photo Credit: Jess With Less

I ran across these 10 Zero Waste Habits that will save you money a few weeks ago and found them really helpful! There are several I’m working to adopt – like storing my leftovers in glass jars (and reusing glass jars more often instead of tossing them carelessly into the recycling bin) and using a safety blade razor.

2. This friend and all the work he is doing around body positivity

Kelvin {aka Notoriously Dapper} and I attended the same high school. Following his blog over the past few years and watching his status in the male-modeling-world grow has been really refreshing. He is doing some really incredible work around body positivity and I love reading the messages he shares on Instagram.

{Click the image to read an article from The State about his latest work}

3. This diffuser

I’ve had this diffuser for three years (still love it!), but I have found myself recommending it a lot recently so I thought I’d share it here 🙂

Dare I say: I like it better than the super expensive version that came with my oil subscription. I admit that I haven’t been using essential oils as much as I used to, but I have a ton and reach for them often. Diffusing is definitely my preferred use.

If you are looking for diffuser-blend-inspiration, my sister & I have some idea saved on our Pinterest board. My favorite is lavender – plain and simple. It’s my very favorite oil for everything.

Motherhood

4. No longer saying or listening to someone say “oh, you just wait”

Earlier this month I shared a post (rant?) about why I will not be saying “you just wait” to anyone. Shortly after, a friend shared this article with me – apparently I’m not the only one who finds this saying annoying.

And whether you are running a marathon, doing yoga or taking a walk down the street – I can assure you you’ll have zero regrets you ignored the nay-sayers of the world and did your thing.

Live in the moment… in YOUR experience (don’t let someone else’s experience cloud your view).

{Click the image if you want to read my post 😉 }

5. These reasons why no mother should ever feel guilty about having a Cesarean Birth

This was my favorite quote from the article:

C-section mothers should be extra proud of themselves. When offered the choice between risk to their unborn baby and risk to themselves, they chose taking on the risk in an effort to protect the baby. If that isn’t the essence of motherhood, I don’t know what is.

Photo Credit {because I did not look anywhere close to this poised after birth}

I do not feel guilt about how Andy was born. The shame and stigma around C-sections / Cesarean births / Belly births needs to go.the.fluff.away.

No matter how I got there, I’d made it to the finish line of my pregnancy, and won the real prize: A healthy baby.

6. This article about rebranding motherhood

I found so.much.truth. in this article! Like the author, I have found myself in quiet moments confessing to myself that I am enjoying this journey. Parenthood is so different than what I expected (and different in the best way).

Sewing / Creativity

7. This post about doing something [sew / knit / quilt / eat eggs] for the joy of it

Without space and time and joyous freedom, my work as a human, not just as a mother, is substandard.

I felt like I could really relate to Felicia’s message in this post. We are so often stretched thin with tasks we “must” do.

Over the past few weeks I have felt a little shift. One Sunday I found myself sewing into the evening finishing a quick little project to be gifted to a coworker. I should’ve been getting Andy ready for her nightly routine, but instead she was rolling around under her baby gym – having a great time entertaining herself. My husband was upstairs cooking dinner. My dogs were taking their thirtieth nap of the day somewhere in the house. And I was downstairs lost in the process of sewing – feeling pure joy in the process.

I had to stay up a little late to get my things ready for the week, but it was worth it.

Sometimes we need a little reminder that being lost in our own moments of joy is worth the sacrifice of all the “shoulds.”

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

July’s saving grace (because #WayTooHot) is that it’s my sister’s birthday month – in fact, TODAY is my sister’s birthday!! Happy Birthday to my very best friend and favorite person in the whole world.

My sister during our trip to DC this month – enjoying the hotel jacuzzi to its fullest.

This year we took a trip to Washington, DC together! It wasn’t specifically for her birthday, but it was close enough that it was the perfect excuse 🙂

1. These 10 Asheville Airbnbs worthy of a getaway from Cola Today

Asheville is one of my favorite places to visit! It’s not too far of a drive and the weather is always a little cooler which is a nice escape from the relentlessness heat of Columbia. It’s also a vegetarian foodie’s dream destination 😉

The Hubs is going to Asheville this month for a lacrosse tournament, but unfortunately I didn’t see this list until after we’d already booked his Airbnb. Hopefully next year Andy & I can tag along (or else we’ll have to make an excuse to visit soon!).

How gorgeous is the inside of this BUS?! Click on the image to go to the Airbnb listing – this one’s really neat!

2. This Weekender bag pattern

I’ve been following Trish Stitched for a long time now and absolutely love her blog! I really like her style and rely a lot on her garment sewing posts to see what kind of alterations she made to the patterns she shares (she’s also petite!). She’s really talented and I was excited to see her Weekender Bag Tutorial on fabric.com! I wish I had found time to make one of these bags before my trip to DC this month – it would’ve been perfect!

I’m definitely adding it to my queue – I’m trying to work on traveling light & this bag would be the perfect motivation 😉

3. This Peach Pie Scone recipe

Earlier this month, a friend brought me a bag of beautiful, fresh peaches!

I wanted to do more than just cut-and-freeze (my usual go-to for fresh fruit so I can toss it into smoothies). I jumped on Pinterest and searched for peach recipes and ran across this recipe for Peach Pie Scones with Vanilla Glaze. It sounded easy enough so I gave it a shot!

They were delicious! I will definitely whip up a batch of these again.

4. Sewing Baby Bows

I’m on a baby-bow-sewing kick lately. They are super easy to whip up with scrap fabric and of course Andy always needs more bows. This quick fabric bow tutorial is our favorite lately. It’s the perfect scrap buster.

Andy is wearing the 4-inch bow from this tutorial. I made hers from a Lilly Pulitzer dress I found while thrifting!

She seems fascinated with the sewing machine lately so she helped me sew a few bows for one of her friends!

Andy helping me sew a bow for her friend.

5. Our Local Library

I renewed my library card earlier this month and Andy and I have been loving visiting our local library!

Andy dressed festively for our first library visit 😉 This was during our stop in the Parent Lounge.

They recently renovated and the interior is so great. There is a lovely play area for kids and a Parent Lounge with a big, comfy chair for feeding, a changing table and a sink. I love that addition – it makes it so easy for parents to come and explore with little ones without the worry of where to feed or change them. Being that Andy is not a huge fan of the heat & humidity (who is?!), we may be spending many summer days at the library.

6. Ideas sparked from #plasticfreejuly

I recently discovered #plasticfreejuly and enjoyed browsing the hashtag for inspiration. I really love the plastic storage alternatives @ecowithem_ shared in this graphic!

Other awesome #plasticfreejuly posts:

• How to go plastic free at the supermarket.
• This stand that can help you never forget a reusable ever again 😉
• This idea about how to use coconut oil to preserve half an avocado.
• Silly me didn’t realize you could just toss your banana in the freezer with the peel intact rather than slicing & freezing. This post caused an epiphany.
• Infographics: 9 tips for living with less plastic & 10 easy ways to use less plastic & a tiny guide to create less waste
• This pantry has me convinced that buying in bulk can be so pretty!
• Have you ever considered lining your trash can with anything other than plastic? Me neither, but these ideas are interesting.

7. Plants

I went to a Plant Swap last month {read my friend Shanika’s recap of the event here}. Andy & I were way late so we missed some of the fun, but it worked out so Andy could get lots of cuddles from one of our favorite friends (you can see pictures here).

Before | After – the plants & seeds I adopted at the Plant Swap

I took some leaves from our office succulents and propagated them a few weeks before the event. I planted them in teacups from the thrift store and gave them names and backstories (yes, I’m THAT nerdy).

Before | After – my succulent trimmings propagating in the teacups I thrifted for the Plant Swap.

If you’re a plant lover, check out these neat DIY planters from upcycled items!

8. The idea of Zero Waste Grocery Shopping

Ok, so this is not something that I am actually doing, but I am really intrigued by the idea! These Practical Tips and Ideas for Zero Waste Grocery Shopping from Green Indy are really great.

Click the image for 7 Ways to Make Zero-Waste Shopping Second Nature

In addition to the obvious (bringing reusable bags to the grocery store which I already do because they hold so much!), I plan to start attempting to shop in bulk. There are a few stores nearby that have bulk sections. I’m planning to take my own jars too! Wish me luck.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

June feels like the official start to summer (despite the temperature telling me otherwise for months now…). I’m so excited to share with you some of the things I’ve been lovin’ this month!

1. Smoked Cheddar Mac & Cheese with Baked BBQ Tofu

Image source: Oh My Veggies

This recipe is so yummy!! As someone who hasn’t tasted bacon in 6+ years, the smoked cheddar hit.the.spot.! To me, it had just the right bacon-ish taste to satisfy my cravings. I was able to find a block of smoked cheddar pretty easy at my local grocery store in the “fancy cheese” area – worth it!

If you make it, double the tofu (1 block isn’t quite enough to go with all the noodles).

The mix of the flavors in the recipe is the perfect vegetarian comfort dish!

2. These 4 ways to make your closet more earth friendly from tonlé.

I really loved this post! The tips are really great! While I love making my own clothes, sometimes that’s not always the most eco-friendly method (see hierarchy below 🙂 ). A few years ago I hosted a swap meet and it was tons of fun! I may have to host another soon…

Photo credit: tonlé

Check out the post for more tips!

3. This perspective on a “We love well-behaved children” sign

I don’t remember exactly how I discovered her, but I’ve been following Becky Vieira (@wittyotter) on Instagram for a few months now. As a new parent, my perspective on many things has really shifted. There are so many things I thought I understood before that I see now I really did not. Living the experience is a lot different – though being empathetic goes a LONG way.

Photo credit: BabyCenter blog

I’m sure I have seen a “We love well-behaved children” sign before and not given it much thought. BUT I really appreciated hearing how the sign so deeply impacted Becky’s experience at this restaurant.

4. Carving out a few minutes here & there for creativity & self-care

As you all are quite aware, I haven’t had as much time for sewing as I used to (babies have a way of stealing all of our free time, right?!). I recently saw Meg’s post on Instagram and appreciated her reminder – taking a little time here and a little time there to pinch out time for what you love (i.e. sewing!) is worth doing.

Lately I’ve been very slowly working on projects. I’ve been taking my time to enjoy the process rather than rushing through because I “need” whatever piece of clothing I’m working on. I’m trying to let the process feed what I need right now rather than fulfill a want.

Read more about how I’m balancing new motherhood, creativity & self care in this post.

5. This article about how home sewing has shifted from being a way to opt IN to the consumer fashion scene and more about opting OUT.

My favorite quote from the article:

…sewing is no longer a necessary point of access to consumer fashion but a means of changing the way they consume fashion through increased mindfulness, often with an eye toward greater authenticity and self-expression.

I also appreciated how Cayley defined the term “sewist” at the end of the post. Really a great read!

6. This quote

Someone posted this earlier in month and with all the news lately, it was so timely. When I started struggling with depression a few years ago, I realized that withdrawing socially was a pretty consistent symptom. Since then, I’ve tried to be mindful of this. Rather than feeling sorry for myself because so-and-so hasn’t reached out to me, I reach out to them. More often than not, I hear back that they have been dealing with their own issues (aren’t we all?). It’s so important to be there for those you love and sometimes it’s the ones who don’t tell you they’re struggling who are having the hardest time.

7. Plant Swap

Photo Credit: Shanika

One of my friends is hosting a Plant Swap this weekend and I am so excited! I even ordered Andy & I matching t-shirts (hers, mine), but I’m pretty sure I ordered them too late for the event 😦 so I guess we’ll have to rethink our outfits.

If you’re local, join us this weekend! Get all the event details here.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

It’s been quite a while since I’ve posted for my What I’m Lovin’ “monthly” series (my apologies.. babies are quite time consuming 😉 ). Nonetheless, I hope this one leaves you feeling inspired (or at least maybe fulfilled?). I’d love to hear what you’ve been lovin’ this month too – leave me a comment!

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Without further adieu, here is a list of what I’ve been lovin’ in May!

1. Me-Made-May

As y’all may remember, I participated last year (read my recap here) and loved it! I declined to commit to participating this year because I wasn’t sure what my status of new motherhood would be and certainly didn’t want to get overwhelmed (because I’d likely have to sew quite a bit for myself considering most of my handmade clothes don’t fit right now 😦 ).

Even though I’m not participating, I’ve been following the hashtag closely for new wardrobe ideas. Here are a few of my favorites:

• I absolutely LOVE LOVE LOVE Jasika’s post about how she’s able to participate in Me-Made-May and why it’s okay for those of us who can’t.
• I really love this vest by @sewliberated – I just keep thinking about how great those big pockets would be for holding little things when I’m carrying the baby around the house/trying not to lose the paci/see something I need and forgot I left it wherever I just found it.
• This ruffle sleeve adds the perfect feminine flare.
• I really like the simplicity of this linen Ruby Dress.
• I think I might need the Trapeze Dress pattern – this one is a favorite.. and this one!

2. These sandals

Image credit: Jane.com

I have been living in these sandals since I bought them from jane.com a few weeks ago. In fact, after I received the pink pair I ordered, I ordered 2 more pair (brown and black). I love these because they are SO comfortable and are a great alternative to heals for work (I learned very quickly that heals + carrying Andy in her car seat across the daycare parking lot was not a good idea!).

I’ve been asked where I got them several times – Jane is a “beautiful boutique marketplace” – kind of like Zulily – they run “deals” that change regularly.

The deal on these sandals has expired, BUT you can view other shoe deals from the same shop here to see what they’re currently offering OR you can request that they notify you when they’re back in stock (here!). I did the latter after ordering the pink pair and realizing I needed more colors!

*Don’t worry – I don’t get any credit if you decide to order from Jane (they should totally consider referral links though!).

3. These high-waisted leggings

I don’t have a photo of these because the image on Amazon doesn’t do them justice and I haven’t taken any of me wearing them. However, do know that I wear them at least once a week! They fit a lot like my Blanqi postpartum leggings but are a little more snug (in a good way – they feel like they’re holding you in and giving you a hug at the same time). They’re great for wearing under loose tunics (which seem to be my mom-uniform right now) or to work out.

They are probably the best investment for a postpartum wardrobe (and they’re super affordable!).

4. Fashion Revolution Week

{image source}

I always love seeing people’s posts about Fashion Revolution Week. Since I follow a lot of sewists on Instagram, most of the posts I see are about how the person makes their own clothes…which is always super cool! BUT this year I really enjoyed my friend Addie‘s posts (1, 2, 3) where she shared about some really neat companies leading the way in ethical fashion. Sometimes sewing your own clothes isn’t an option for you – whether you don’t have enough time (I can relate!), don’t have the skills, or just don’t have the desire. It’s nice to know about companies that are worth investing in.

5. ANDY!

She’s what I’m lovin’ each and everyday! Being her Mom is such a blessing. Here’s a recent picture for your enjoyment 🙂

And if you missed it, check out her birth story posted last month.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

I hope you had an oh-so-fulfilling Thanksgiving!

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The cool weather has finally reached us in the South and it is fabulous! I love wearing cozy clothes and staying warm by the hum of my sewing machine inside 😉

Read on to hear all about what I’ve been lovin’ this month!

1. Hot Cocoa + Sewing Quilt Blocks

This one is a double whammy! 😉

While I still love the smell of fresh coffee, this pregnancy has totally thwarted my taste for it. As you know from my Pregnancy Tips & Tricks post, I have been enjoying ginger turmeric tea, but sometimes you want something a little…creamier. I’ve been lovin’ this hot-cocoa-for-one recipe. I make it with almond milk and it is totally delightful – particularly when paired with sewing!

Speaking of sewing: I took a skills building class a few weekends ago with one of the quilt guilds I’m a part of locally and learned how to construct the Hanging Gardens quilt pattern. I think it’s the perfectionist in me, but I am so methodical with how I do things that I never even unpacked my machine during class – I spent the whole time cutting (despite having my strips meticulously cut weeks ahead in preparation for class…). One of my fellow class-goers pointed out that at least by the time I get home I have the least fun part out of the way and can actually start sewing.

Honestly, I learned so much in this class! Lots of tips and tricks that will save me time {which in my case is invaluable since everything takes me forever!}.

The blocks are coming together quickly now and I’m lovin’ constructing them! I’m using fabric from Rifle Paper Company‘s Les Fleurs collection with Cotton + Steel for my quilt and I can’t wait to see how it all comes together! I’m kind of ashamed to admit that I had more than enough fabric in my stash for a queen size quilt… “Hiiiii! My name is Jordan and I have a fabric hoarding problem.”

2. All the handmade baby goodies

Baby M is so spoiled. She has received so many handmade gifts already! My boss has knit her several hats {see 2 of them here!} and TWO blankets. The mother-in-law of a friend I’ve worked out with for years at our local YMCA made the most beautiful pink blanket for her {see it under the taggie below!}. And my dear friend Kristy made her the perfect quilt and the most perfect taggie! Fingers crossed this is an accurate representation of Baby M in a few years #FutureSewist

3. Knitting Progress

As I admitted in last month’s post, I made myself a knit project bag in hopes it would inspire me to work on the shawl I’ve been trying to knit since last year…

Well, I’m happy to report I’ve been making progress!

Since the photo above was taken, I’ve added the FOURTH ball of yarn and am plugging along. It’s far from perfect, but maybe one day it’ll be done and I can proudly wear my flawed shawl everywhere!

4. Nurture by Erica Chidi Cohen

I saw Laura Miller’s shout-out about this book and immediately jumped onto Amazon to order my copy.

It arrived just in time for my 29-week appointment where I had the pleasure (ha) of indulging in the most sugary of drinks for my glucose test and traffic court the day before. So, it was good company that week 😉

I’ve been really enjoying the message Erica shares. She takes a very non-judgmental approach to pregnancy, birth, and motherhood in a way that encourages you (as the reader) to practice more self-love and to open yourself up to the reality that nothing will likely go as planned {a hard pill to swallow for a Type A like myself!}. The book is so informative and [as a public health grad with a soft spot for nutrition] I really love how she has woven recipes into the book that incorporate foods your body will benefit from most during the differing months of your pregnancy.

If you have a preggo on your holiday list, get her a copy of the Nurture book!

PS: As is obvious in the photo – I’m lovin’ my new Birkenstock’s. Slip-on shoes that can loosen as needed when/if your feet swell during pregnancy = win!

5. I planned a Bake Off!

Staff in our building have been hosting monthly events for employee morale and this month was our turn! I was on the planning committee so I took the lead for my department. I kind of love planning events like this because I get to nerd out on organizing everything (and I got to see all the sweet treats being submitted – yum!).

One of the best parts about the Bake Off was that even our Superintendent participated! I had heard he’s a great baker so when he walked in with his cake, I was over the moon!

It says a lot when someone as busy as the man leading a district of 4,000+ employees & 24,000 students takes the time to bake a cake for the employee Bake Off…he’s great!

6. Chili

This weather is perfect for chili and I think there is nothing better than coming home to chili in the crockpot after a long, cold day! I was getting bored with the chili recipes I’ve relied on in past years so I found a new one to try – this vegetarian chili recipe is a winner! It’s smoky sweet and pairs perfectly with a spicy cornbread (try tossing 1/4 cup of jarred diced jalapenos into your usual cornbread recipe).

{Photo credit: Genius Kitchen}

7. The Nursery is coming together

If Baby M sticks to her due date, we’ve got 8 weeks left which I know will fly by! The Hubs and I are huge planners so he had the crib assembled months ago, but we only recently finished some of the final touches.

During our trip to Canada, I was 9-ish weeks pregnant. She was still our little secret since we hadn’t told family and friends yet. At the time we weren’t sure of the gender, but we both love animals so we were sure she would too. While in Ottawa, we stumbled upon Maker House Co.’s Craft Fest and picked up the bear and beaver prints for the nursery. They’re finally hung and I love all the memories they stir up from our way early #babymoon.

PS: If you ever visit Ottawa, you must stop by the Maker House Co. It is such a neat shop – filled with goods from local makers. You’re sure to find the perfect, unique souvenirs there.

8. my sister!

This month she threw a shower for Baby M and it was absolutely perfect. She spent a ton of time, money, and energy on this and I really appreciated it! We had a small group which was perfect – I had time to mingle with all of our guests.

After the party, my sister declared “Now Baby M’s closet has more than just blue in it!”

She has been my biggest supporter – constantly hand-me-down’ing clothes and baby equipment from Little Guy, sharing her maternity wardrobe, and calming all my fears. Without her, I don’t know what I’d do.

PS: My adorable sister greeted me at her door wearing a Canny tunic I made! She’s the cutest.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}

October is one of my favorite months! My birthday falls on the 11th and it [usually] brings more fall-like weather which I love.

Read on to hear all about what I’ve been lovin’ this month!

1. These tips on decluttering from Motherly

I love to declutter. Maybe it’s the “nesting” everyone talks about with pregnancy but lately I’ve been feeling a little extra overwhelmed with the stuff in my house. I feel like I’m always decluttering and purging, but sometimes I go through bigger spells where I make a more conscious effort to organize and let go of some excess stuff. I found the tips from this post really helpful and plan to put them to use very soon as I prepare for all the baby clutter coming our way.

The best part about the post is how it breaks your decluttering down by space and gives you sample items in each room/space that are an easy place to start with tossing/donating.

2. Chocolate Covered Katie’s Gooey Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondie recipe

I have always had a pretty intense sweet tooth and I think pregnancy has definitely amplified that. Since I have been baking almost weekly (it’s become a productive creative outlet for me 😉 ), I’ve been searching for “healthy” [or at least “healthier“] recipes to enjoy.

October makes me crave all-things-pumpkin-flavored so I’ve been lusting over every pumpkin-inspired treat I’ve come across. The most recent success was Chocolate Covered Katie’s Gooey Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Blondie recipe.

I’ve tried many of Chocolate Covered Katie’s recipes over the years and am never disappointed. This one is a gem! The Hubs declared it “probably the best thing you’ve made lately” so I’ll say it’s pretty tasty!

I’ve found that when baking with beans (something I love to do 😀 ), using canned white beans [like these] creates a much smoother consistency – I don’t think you can even tell they’re there!

PS: My sister has gone dairy free which is pretty common during breastfeeding if your little one is having a tummy issues. Most chocolate chips have milk products in them, but not Trader Joe’s chocolate chips! (But their chocolate chunks do so beware.) If you are making sweet treats for a dairy-free friend, try TJ’s chocolate chips out!

3. Breakfast at College Grounds

Try the seasonal pumpkin butter with your biscuits!

Our Sundays lately have included a big walk around downtown and breakfast at College Grounds. The Hubs and I have been frequenting the place for the past 2+ years after we discovered how delicious their breakfast is. We mourn every summer when they close for the weekends (since they’re right on campus following the student schedule makes sense but it’s still so tragic).

If you live in or are planning a visit to Columbia, stop by College Grounds for breakfast and a stroll around USC.

4. Apartment Therapy’s advice to Stop Trying to Change Your Habits: Change Your Habitat Instead

I know, I know! I’m still on this decluttering/nesting kick. But I really liked the perspective of this post. There are tons of great organization ideas out there, but my take-away was if the placement of where the thing goes makes it less useful to you, it’s not the right place.

We have a place in our living room where the Hubs keeps his shoes that has worked quite well for us. Reading the perspective in the post felt like a little bit of relief mixed with forgiveness for keeping our things (in this case shoes) where they make sense and not just where they “should” go according to someone with a much neater house than mine 😉

Photo from the post – a lovely & practical space for your “stuff”

5. DIY Drawstring Bags

I found this free tutorial from Very Shannon on how to make a reversible knit project bag and knew I wanted to give it a shot. It was so easy – I actually assembly-line’d and made 3 at a time. I think they’ll make great gifts even for someone who doesn’t knit – who can’t use another bag?!

TBH, I really made the bag to hold the shawl I’ve been attempting to knit since last year in hopes it would inspire me pick the needles back up. I’ve made a lot of mistakes with the shawl which makes my perfectionist heart very sad, but I’m trying to let that go/worry less and finish it!

I used some upholstery-weight fabric scraps for the bags which made them really sturdy. However, it does make the drawstring top a little harder to “glide.” Maybe next time I’ll try a quilting cotton on the interior to lighten it up, make the casing a little larger or use cording for the drawstring which would definitely glide easy.

6. Getting my sewjo back

During the first trimester of this pregnancy my sewing room basically collected dust. As the 2nd trimester approached I started feeling much more energetic. Finally my sewjo has returned!

I’ve been slowly working on a few projects here and there. One of those is the Almada kimono from Seamwork. I’m making it from a beautiful, super soft vintage sheet. I thought it would be nice to have after the baby arrives to throw over whatever I’m wearing to feel a little fancier [without a lot of effort] if visitors stop by.

BUT…I’m an over-pinner (#perfectionistprobz) and one of the pins slid under my finger nail while I was working on the sleeve cuff last weekend. I didn’t even notice until there was blood all over my machine! Somehow it didn’t get on the fabric {YAY}.

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What have you been lovin’ this month? Let me know in the comments so I can jump on your bandwagon!

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{Catch up on all of my monthly What I’m Lovin’ posts here.}