Five on Friday :: Books, Blardigans, Bargains & Bumps

We are back from Colorado and had a great time.  I plan to do a full recap complete with picture overload next week.  Until then, just as soon as we unpacked our bags from the mountains, we are packing back up for a long weekend in Matagorda - our 4th of July family tradition.  Although I'm super tired and would love to be lazy at home, it will be nice to be on the water and get some beach time in with Jack before he has a sibling in the mix!

ONE 

Speaking of being at the beach, I'm reading a great beach read right now - Jane Green's newest book Summer Secrets.  Love it!  I also just finished The Girl on the Train which I really liked too and can recommend.

Next up I'm considering reading Primates of Park Avenue, Family Pictures and Finding Audrey.

What are you currently reading?

TWO

Has everyone started gearing up for Nordstrom's Anniversary Sale?  I did some major damage last year purchasing a few of Sheaffer's "Must-Have's" like a Blardigan, Black Must-Have Shirt, leggings, and a few other tops.

This year I'm not as interested in the clothing sine I can't wear it for a while being pregnant and my sizes are all over the place but I'm VERY interested in grabbing another Blardigan since I have a feeling it will be my go-to piece this winter when I'm rocking a post-baby bod, nursing and on maternity leave.  I think that justifies grabbing another one, yes?  A new striped version is available this year!  For reference, normal blardigan price is $92, Anniversary Sale price is $60.90.  

If you are a Nordstrom cardholder, the early access sale is July 9-16!

THREE

While in Colorado, I discovered a new shampoo/conditioner that I love...and even better, it's super cheap!  Suave Professionals Almond + Shea Butter smells so good and so far has been giving me lots of good hair days even back in the Houston humidity. 


FOUR

Last Five on Friday I mentioned my search for a great maternity workout pant.  Not that I do that much "working out" these days.  We'll call them my "walking out" pants since walking is pretty much my preferred form of exercise.

Anyway, I ordered these from Nordstrom by Ingrid & Isabel out of desperation - so not wanting to spend $68. The longer "capri" version can be found here and is $78.

Thanks to a sweet blog commenter, I learned that Target sells a VERY similar product for a fraction of the cost called BeMaternity by Ingrid & Isabel.  Same brand, same style, similar material, much smaller price tag - currently on sale for $23.99 (or the knee length is $21.59!  Lucky for me, my Target had it in stock before my trip so I was able to grab a pair!

I ended up keeping both pair - the knee length Nordstrom version and the capri length Target version, both in black.  You can tell a difference in them just that the Nordstrom version material is a little thicker, but overall I'm 100% happy with the Target pair.  Both were comfortable, held me in, cool with the crossover panel in the back, and looked great even in my size L thighs! 

If you are in the market for a pair of maternity workout pants, I say go the Target route and use the extra money you saved on an entire outfit!  You can do the pants + this top + this top + a Starbucks treat for yourself for LESS than the price of just the Nordstrom pants!

Also note that the Nordstrom version only goes up to a Large.  No XL is available.  I'm a size 10/12 or standard Large these days, even at 22 weeks pregnant.  While the Large fits me great now, I probably would be more comfortable in my third trimester in the XL.  The material is very thick and compressive.  It's nice that Target comes in a variety of sizes from XS-XXL! 

FIVE

I'm loving my Bump Nest pillow!  So much so that it traveled with me to Colorado!  This pregnancy pillow is definitely NOT a bargain at $99 (currently on sale for $79 which irritates me since I spent $20 more a week ago), however I will say that it is worth the higher price tag than some of it's competition like the Boppy Total Body Pillow or Leachco Snoogle. The shape, stuffing and material make it different.  It's so silky, cool and soft while still being firm and supportive. 

I hope you have a wonderful Friday and happy and safe 4th of July! 

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