Summer Essential: Maxi Dresses

I am obsessed with maxi dresses in the spring and summertime, especially living in HOT Houston.  They are easy, breezy, yet feel more put together than shorts and a tee or tank.  Since I'm having a baby in May, I feel like Maxi dresses will be my new uniform since my body won't exactly be ready for short dresses and tiny shorts. 

I've actually been stocking up on some maternity maxi dresses that I can wear now, but will also still look good on me postpartum...can't believe it's already time to think about wearing clothes after baby comes!

Sidenote for all of the Motherhood Maternity Dresses: They are currently offering Buy One, Get One 50% Off on all dresses and sweaters (as of 3-28-13) in stores and online

Here are a few of my faves!



Short Sleeve Jersey Knit Stripe Max, $34.98

Chevron Striped Maxi from Motherhood Maternity, not available online.  In stores only



Spaghetti Strap Babydoll Maxi, $44.98


 

Liz Lange for Target Maternity Woven Maxi in Plum, $34.99



Liz Lange for Target Maternity Sleeveless Maxi, $34.99
Target's website says this dress is only available online, but my store had a ton!  Very figure flattering and will be great for nursing.  Will definitely work as a non-maternity dress.

Old Navy Variegated-Stripe Maxi Tank Dress, $34.00, available in 2 colors



Gap Striped Max Tank Dress, $74.95, available in 3 colors
(Offering 30% off entire purchase right now online only).  Makes it $52.95 before tax. 


 

 Do you have a favorite place to buy Maxi Dresses, maternity or regular? 



Jack's Nursery Reveal

I'm so excited to share Jack's Nursery with you today.  We aren't quite finished (are you ever), but it is certainly coming together! 

The inspiration for the room came once we chose the "Brooks" bedding by Pottery Barn Kids.  Our inspiration picture is below:

Inspiration Pic via Pottery Barn Kids

 

Jason and I wanted something soothing, but not feminine; modern, but still feel like a baby's room.  We knew that we wanted dark wood furniture and the rest grew from there!

 

 

Large stuffed giraffe & elephant:  Melissa & Doug

Bedding:  Pottery Barn Kids

Elephant Chair:  Pottery Barn Kids

"Jack" Letters above crib:  Custom Order by The Nest of Mama D on Etsy

 

 

I can't say enough wonderful things about these custom letters I purchased on Etsy from The Nest of Mama D.  They match the bedding PERFECTLY!  I sent the seller a picture and the bedding name and within days, she had created these.  Highly recommend to anyone!

 

 

 

Chevron Rug:  Pottery Barn Kids

 

 

Chevron window panels:  Designer Pillow Shop on Etsy

 

 

Chair/Glider:  Babies R Us

Green side table:  Homegoods

Table Lamp:  Kirklands

Gray throw:  Target

 

Star Clock:  Aden + Anais Serenity Star Electronic Sleep and Feeding System

 

Elephant Stool:  Homegoods

 

 

 

Elephant Trio Picture:  Rizzle and Rugee via Etsy (Matted and Framed at Hobby Lobby)

Gray Diaper Pail:  Ubbi Steel Diaper Pail (I just learned that Pottery Barn Kids is now carrying Ubbi Pails)

 

Chevron Wall Clock:  Doodles (Houston - Rice Village)

Chevron Wall Hanger:  Swish Productions

Green diaper caddy:  JJ Cole

 

Baby boy's clothes...and we still have 2 showers coming up!

Yes, I labeled all of his clothes by month!

Also, happy birthday to my sweet husband!  He was very involved in getting the nursery finished.  I won't say how old you are today, but I love you and hope you are having the best day! 



Stella & Dot Online Trunk Show Reminder

Happy Thursday!  It's almost the weekend...you can make it!  I'm hosting a group of ladies from my neighborhood over at my house tonight.  This is my second hosting event at my house THIS week...at 33 weeks pregnant - what was I thinking?  I'm done after tonight! Luckily Jason has been super helpful. 

If you are feeling like you need a little treat, I wanted to remind you about my Stella & Dot ONLINE Trunk Show going on now until April 19 HERE.  Once you click on the link, click on the orange message that reads "Shop online for this event." 

If you need a little inspiration, I've been wearing this necklace a TON lately. 



Maya Pendant in turquoise, $39.00

So much so that I recently purchased these earrings through another dear blogger's online show. 

Delphie Stone Stud Earrings in turquoise, $24.00

And I just love this scarf so, so much!

 

Bryant Park Scarf - Green, $59.00

Hope you have a great day!  Be sure and stop by tomorrow when I reveal Baby Jack's nursery!!!

Coffee Talk: The Great Mom Debate

Has anyone read Sheryl Sandberg's book Lean In: Women, Work & The Will to Lead?  Sandberg is the COO of Facebook and has received a lot of flack for some of her statements written in the book about working moms, stay at home moms, etc. 

I haven't read it yet so I can't speak about my thoughts on her book yet, but I can't wait to.  While many are criticizing her, other are defending her.  Read Stop Attacking Sheryl Sandberg: 10 Things I Love About Lean In. 

These next thoughts have nothing to do with Lean In (since I haven't read it yet) but on the topic about working moms vs. stay at home moms, I hate that there has to be a divide.  I've found in my short time of being a mom-to-be that women feel the urge to quickly defend their situation, whatever it may be, as if the other person is immediately judging them. 

If you are a working mom, it's common to give arguments that daycare helps socialize children, that you want to be independent and have a life outside of the home or make your own money, that you want to contribute financially to the family, blah, blah, blah. 

If you are a stay at home mom, it's common to give arguments that it's the best decision for your baby, that you don't want others to raise your child, that if you can make it work financially then it's ideal, blah, blah, blah. 

Bottom line - there are pros and cons to BOTH decisions and one woman is not any better than the other.  A child of a stay at home mom is no better off than a working mom and vice versa, in my opinion.  I just wish women would support each other and realize that both choices are good and bad and not jump to that defensive place. 

I've had women go on and on to me about how lucky they are to stay at home and that their children are better off for it, knowing damn well that I will be a working mom.  I've also had women try to "bond" with me over the fact that we are both working women and say things like "how can those other women do it...what do they do all day and how are they fulfilled." 

I choose not to take sides and accept the fact that both choices are great and both choices suck.  I also choose not to defend my choice to anyone, but to state what it is plain and simple. 

Can't wait to hear your thoughts and perspectives.  I'm stepping off my soapbox now!

Sara's Wedding Shower

Last weekend I co-hosted a wedding shower for Sara!  She is getting married on June 1, 2013.  All of her Houston bridesmaids hosted the shower and it was so fun getting to know these ladies.  I am an "honorary" bridesmaid...she asked me to be a bridesmaid before we knew I was pregnant.  I bowed out since the wedding is so close to my due date...who knows what state I will be in on June 1; I didn't want to cause any last minute drama for Sara.  She has been great and I've basically been acting like a bridesmaid...dress shopping, showers, luncheons...

I'm so excited for Sara & Patrick!  I hope she enjoyed her shower.  We all had the best time planning it.  I think it turned out beautiful, fun and special for her. 

We held the shower at Shannon's beautiful home (she also designed all of our signs and labels).  Allison of Swish Productions did the flowers and took these amazing pictures.  We did a brunch-themed menu complete with coffee and mimosa bar. 

All of the shower hostesses and Sara

"Junior League Waitresses" with Sara

Shower game with video message from Patrick

For favors we gave away lavender sachets

Coffee and Tea Bar

Mimosa Bar

 

Me & Shannon

 

With the beautiful bride-to-be!
 

I Just Want To Pee Alone

I want to share this hilarious book with you today called I Just Want To Pee Alone which is a collection of blogger essays about motherhood. 

Such a quick, easy read since they are all short essays.  These bloggers will leave you laughing out loud and hopefully feeling better about your own life.  I'm not a mom just yet, but I know this will help when sh*t hits the fan one day soon...I mean this literally and figuratively, by the way.  Don't miss this great read available through your eReaders and in paperwork on Amazon.com.  If you are in the Houston area, I know that the Blue Willow Bookshop is selling it. 

This would make a great Mother's Day gift!

Paperback available on Amazon.com for $9.99

I also have to mention that one of the bloggers featured in the book is my neighbor!  Check out her hilarious blog over at RachRiot.com.  Being published in a real book is something that I'm sure most bloggers, including myself, aspire to.  I will definitely be picking her brain at the next neighborhood get-together.  Way to go Rachael! 

32 Weeks

How far along: 32 weeks
Size of Baby P: 16.69 inches, 3.75 pounds (according to Pregnancy App)
Fruit/vegetable comparison: Squash (for weeks 29-32)
Gender: Boy
Showing: Yes
Maternity clothes: Yes...and even these are starting to get tighter!
Unglamorous body changes:  Nothing new except I feel like a waddling whale (yes whales can waddle in my pregnant brain)
Sleep: Not great.  It's getting harder to get comfortable these days. 
Movement: TONS

Food cravings: Still lots of ice water, rainbow sherbet, cookies and grilled cheese...healthy!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No

Wedding rings on or off: On, but getting tighter. I'm currently only wearing my engagement ring. My "stack" of bands is a little too uncomfortable.

Mood:   Good...just a little "testy" at times
Best moment this week:   Taking maternity pictures with Jason.  We had a ton of fun and loved working with Studio Ainsley!!!  Another great moment this week was finding Jack's pediatrician.  I feel great about our decision and (you know me) love checking things off the maternity to-do list.

Strange experiences:   All of the weird movements that Jack makes throughout the day.  Sometimes it's not just a little kick, but a full on roundhouse kick that you can see sliding across my belly.  I love it, but it is strange. 

Milestones:   Baby can now use all five senses and is busy looking about, practicing breathing, grabbing whatever he can reach, tasting amniotic fluid and listening to the sound of his parents.

Looking forward to:   Upcoming showers, especially Ashley's shower to celebrate her and Junebug!  Installing Jack's car seat...why am I looking forward to this?  I have no idea, but I am.  Celebrating Jason's birthday this week and seeing his side of the fam this weekend.  

Thoughts:    I really don't have any new thoughts this week.  Every week we get closer and closer to meeting our baby boy and that makes me so happy.  People ask me if I'm getting nervous about the delivery and I'm really not.  I have faith that it will happen as it's supposed to happen and feel very confident with our doctor and hospital.  Until then I just use any anxiety I may feel and channel it to preparing for baby boy to be here!

I am reading a great book right now called "I Just Want to Pee Alone" which is made up of short stories from hilarious mommy bloggers.  A full review is coming tomorrow, but it's definitely making me realize that life will be changing soon! 

Jack's First Photoshoot

Jason and I recently took maternity pictures with Studio Ainsley.  I can not recommend Maca (photographer) and her team enough.  They are so professional, creative and attentive to each client.  We have only seen a sneak peek of the images, but based on this I am confident that the entire shoot was a success. 

I guess technically Jack's first photoshoot will be his newborn photos, but he (my belly) was the star of the show for the maternity session!

Thank you Studio Ainsley for this little sneak peek! 

They even went above and beyond and created a Facebook cover image for me complete with gray chevron and green to match Jack's nursery!  Now that is personalized service.  I'm so impressed and thankful we found them. 

New Look!

The Perfect Catch Blog received a face lift!  If you are viewing this on a Reader or feed, jump on over to the site and see for yourself.  Let me know what you think.  I love, love, love it!  Nothing like a fresh, new look for Spring.  I'm still working on some of the new content.  Stay tuned...

 

Designed by Kelly over at Fabulous K!

 

Grab a button too for your blog!  Found on the sidebar.

P.S.  Pi Phis...see my nod to the wine and silver blue...that wasn't an accident!

Blissdom Blues

So many of you are checking in as we speak to the Gaylord Texan for what will be an amazing few days of the Blissdom conference.  I purchased my ticket and booked by room back in September and was all set to attend, roomie lined up and all. 

I didn't know I was pregnant when I signed up for the conference, but even once I did learn I didn't think much of it...until about a month ago I started getting nervous about attending at 33 weeks pregnant. 

Could I do it?

Sure, but how miserable would I be and would it even be worth it if I'm miserable the entire time.  It hurts me right now to drive 15 minutes home from work, much less 4.5 hours to Dallas.  My work conference to San Antonio was almost too much last week...I was DONE by 5pm each night and the long drive was exhausting.  It's hard to sit for a long period of time.  It's hard to stand for a long period of time and I can barely sleep in my own bed, much less a new bed.  I'm huge and starting to get miserable so being social, cute, charming, funny and networking isn't high on my list of things I want to do these days. 

Regardless of all these reasons, I made the very hard decision not to attend this year (kiss that non-refundable $300 ticket goodbye).  I feel even more guilty that Ashley, my roomie for Blissdom decided not to attend either once I pulled out. 

The blogosphere (and my inbox) is filled with Blissdom notices...plus a few days off of work would have been so nice...so I'm feeling a little blue that I'm not there, even though I know I made the best decision for myself. 

I hope everyone who is in Dallas has the best time!  Hopefully I will see you all there next year!  Learn lots and I look forward to reading your conference recaps on the blogs. 

Love,
Chelsea

It's Not Negativity, It's Critical Thinking

Did anyone else watch the Girls, Season 2 Finale?  I was slightly disappointed in the second season of Girls as compared to the first, but that's probably just because the first season was so incredible, new and fresh. 

Spolier Alert:  Don't keep reading if you haven't watched the episode yet!

I was a little shocked at the direction of the show this last episode.  I know Lena Dunham knows what she is doing and likely has a very poetic reason for this, but pretty much each "broken" character was left being saved by a man.  Not exactly female empowerment. 

Marnie was saved by Charlie (although I loved their conversation outside of brunch).  Even though Shosh broke up with Ray, she made it all better with the blonde dude at the bar.  And our most broken OCD'er Hannah was finally saved by Adam, after seeking help from her dad and male neighbor.  Interesting. 

My favorite part of the whole episode was the conversation between Ray and Shoshanna in her apartment. 

Shoshanna says:   "I can't be surrounded by your negativity while I'm trying to grow into a fully formed woman. You hate everything!"

To which Ray responds:  "Maybe it's not negativity, but critical thinking!"

Being the negative one in my relationship (and having been this way my whole life) I got a major kick out of this...and so did Jason.

Here's to an even better third season and Lena Dunham's cute pixie cut.  Also did anyone else catch the Fun song in the episode? (Lena Dunham's bf in real life is the guitarist of Fun)

Perfect Pairing

Stella & Dot On the Mark Necklace and Bellissimo Angelo Necklace

I had to post this Stella & Dot necklace combo for all of you Pi Phi sisters!  How perfect...angel wings AND an arrow!  Obviously you don't have to be a Pi Phi to rock this look, but how perfect if you are. 

Shop both of these necklaces through my Online Trunk Show (open until April 19) HERE!