Friday Favorites

Happy weekend, friends! I can hardly believe its the last one in January... we're having a baby next month!! And by next month, I mean I'm still predicting it'll be next week, but we'll see :)

I was so excited for TGIT last night, and then super disappointed with Scandal. Is anyone else with me? It was so dramatic (total Shonda Rimes style) I just wasn't into it. Anyway, onward to my favorites from the week!

Per usual I'm linking up with Christina and the Five on Friday crew!

Favorite Valentine's Day DIY

I didn't have time this year to come up with any new, festive DIY projects for Valentine's Day but I'm still loving our decor from last year. If you're feeling crafty this weekend, check out my (super easy) DIY paper heart garland! If you don't have a sewing machine, you can just string the hearts together with baker's twine.

Favorite Recent Baby Purchase

So excited about this Solly Wrap! I knew I wanted a wrap for our little man, especially since I work from home and I'm thinking it will be great to wear him while typing away at my computer. I can't really practice tying it with this big 'ol belly in the way so if anyone has one, please share some tips!

Favorite Wish List Item

Gigi New York just came out with a new Teddie Tote and I love it. The Green is gorgeous but I think the Navy is definitely more practical. I'll likely be filing this away on my wish list of "things I'll probably never buy but obsess over anyway." Anyone else have one of those?!

Favorite Super Bowl Snacks

Restaurant Style Salsa recipe (Someday I'll take a better photo.. eek!)

We're laying low for the game this weekend but that won't stop me from making at least one ridiculously unhealthy but delicious snack. My go-to when we've got a crowd are these bacon-wrapped hotdogs (my husband is constantly requesting them!), restaurant-style salsa, or this baked brie appetizer. What are you go-to recipes for the game?

Sweet N Swag Giveaway

Don't forget to enter the Sweet N Swag bow tie giveaway for your little man, nephew, baby shower gift, etc! And if you're in the market for really adorable $20 moccasins, go ahead and order some of Sweet N Swag' moccs now... you will love them!

I hope you all have great weekend!

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38 Weeks

Whoa belly!

How far along: 38 weeks! Also known as 5338 weeks pregnant.

Size of Baby:  My app says a swiss chard (whatever that is) but lets just tell it like it is, he's fully cooked!

Gender: baby boy

Best/Worst moment this week:  Finishing the nursery! And not going into labor while my husband was out of town...

This week was a tough one because we lost my husband's Grandfather, one of Rowan's two namesakes, and I couldn't be there with my husband and his family at the funeral. We are so sad that he didn't get to meet Rowan but we know he is watching over his great-grandson from above.

Weight gain: +36lbs. Just keeping it real here folks.

Maternity clothes: Even maternity shirts are starting to get tight. See above.

Stretch marks: Happy to say my belly is free from stretch marks (just some broken capillaries near the old belly button piercing, which according to my OB will go away). On the other hand, the ladies have matching stretch marks (and their own zip code these days) so take it from me and apply that lotion to other places besides your belly!

Belly button in or out: Still half in, half out

Wedding Rings on or off: Can't wait to wear these again!

Sleep: Actually slightly better, I think out of sheer exhaustion I just sleep through my need to pee five thousand times.

Miss anything: Being in the "cute" stage of pregnancy as opposed to the "feeling like a whale" stage

Movement: Still lots of shifting, stretches, and hiccups. He's really active between 11 PM and 1 AM so clearly we have a night owl on our hands!

Cravings: This kid may or may not be made out of chocolate.

Symptoms: Exhaustion, sore swollen feet, round ligament pains. And my face is officially chubby

Labor Signs: Some cramping but no contractions yet. I wasn't dilated at all last week but I think he has dropped since then so lets hope for some progress at today's appointment!

Nursery: Full reveal coming MONDAY! 

Looking forward to: That moment when I can tell Steve to grab our bags because the babe is on the way :) Who knows, maybe this will be my last bumpdate?!

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Obsessed :: Sweet N Swag Moccs and Bow Ties + Giveaway {Closed}

Its no secret I love sharing my favorite small businesses and Etsy shops on the blog, but Sweet N Swag may just take the cake. Affordable moccs. Tiny bow ties. Miniature suspenders. Be still my heart!

 All American Moccasins. Grey Chambray Bow Tie.

Still can't get over how cute these are... I'm counting down the days until I can put them on Rowan! (Anytime now kid!)

I stumbled across Sweet N Swag on Etsy while looking for some mini bow ties for Rowan. I love how these ones are adjustable so your babe can wear them from the newborn stage until 9 months. You can get larger sizes for both toddlers and adults, and there are about a million color and pattern options here! (Hello wedding parties!!)

Sweet N Swag also has the most affordable baby moccasins out there! I mean, $20 for hand made baby moccs?! Too good to be true, right?

Picking a color was so tough but I went with the All American moccs, which are a grey-ish denim, rather than leather. Y'all... these moccs are SO well made and even have a little liner inside so the baby's foot isn't directly on the leather or denim!
 

Did I mention these come in the cutest packaging ever?! I'm definitely going to be scooping up some of the other colors. I've got girl mama envy over here just from seeing the gold and peach moccs!

When I read that Shannon, the owner of Sweet N Swag, actually started her shop to help raise money for a friend who lost their son, I knew I had to reach out. Talk about a big heart! And she was sweet enough to send along a bow tie for today's giveaway!

This one is for the boy mamas, those of you with nephews, or friends with a little man that would no doubt look adorable in this brown chambray bow tie! Its adjustable so it will fit newborn through 9 months.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winner will be announced February 3rd! Good luck!

Disclosure: I received complimentary products from Sweet N Swag. As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own....
In fact, I am genuinely obsessed with this shop! Thanks for supporting the brands that make this blog possible!

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Life Lately

Life when you're 38 weeks pregnant looks like this...

Plan as many lady dates as you can before you pop.

Last weekend Ally, Jillian, Shelby and I hit up Candlefish in downtown Charleston for a candlemaking workshop. It was such a fun experience! Scent numbers 23 and 60 were my favorites! And I can't forget to mention the inside of Candlefish has such a fun, loft-ish vibe. Definitely worth a visit if you're a local or visiting the King Street area!

Aprons are so stylish on baby bumps.

Make sure that said lady dates revolve around shoving delicious food in your swollen prego face. 

This weekend I crossed off another restaurant on my Charleston to-do list, Butcher and Bee. I got the "Macmuffin" and it was so damn good, I highly recommend. Doesn't everyone have their brunch with a side of cookies?

Ignore swollen feet, continue to clean every inch of the house and finally finish the nursery.

This includes reorganizing the babe's clothes for the 14th time... and admiring his tiny shoe collection. (Note the ridiculousness of babies wearing shoes before they can walk but buy them anyway)

Get a haircut and cry on your way home because they cut too much off (thanks hormones!). Then get home and realize you kind of like it...

Focus so much on finishing the nursery that you become a bad blogger. Hoping to make this up to y'all tomorrow with a really fun giveaway! :) Don't miss it!

I hope you all had a great weekend! And if you're one of my Northern friends, hoping the snow is kind to you this week!

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Currently Craving :: Signs of Spring

I've been so focused on finishing the nursery and prepping for baby that I've barely noticed all of the new clothes and accessories coming out lately! It wasn't until Charleston gave us a few 70 degree January days that I have been able to get out of the winter funk, its dark colors, and my sweatpants.

I'm so looking forward to updating my wardrobe this Spring, but until I figure out how to make that work while nursing, I'm sticking to accessories.

Bag. Ring. Phone Case. PJs (On sale!) Tech Wallet. Flats. Lipstick.

I'm seriously craving a little more color in my wardrobe, even if its just a few small details like this gorgeous druzy ring that I've had my eye on or some new bright flats. 

I'm not normally one for lipstick but I'm thinking I may branch out a bit this Spring and try MAC's Saint Germain lip color. I've seen it on a lot of fashion bloggers with a similar my skin tone and hair color to mine so I'm thinking I may be able to pull it off. Stay tuned.

It hit me that other day that my go-to crossbody bag will be replaced very soon by a diaper bag. I'm loving this tech wallet which would make it so easy to grab all of mama's essentials and go!

And if you're an Eberjay pajama fan, you have to check out these lookalike pjs from Target. They are super soft and you can't beat the price tag. I think I may need to go get another pair since they are nursing friendly and on sale!

What's on your wish list for Spring? Anything I need to add to mine?

Linking up with Annie and Natalie!

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Savannah

My husband and I are not spontaneous people. Not even in college when we had zero responsibilities. But something about the fact that: A) there were no signs in the labor department and B) we never managed to take a babymoon, got the ball rolling for a last minute trip to Savannah on Sunday.

I probably wouldn't advise others to attempt such a trip at 37 weeks pregnant, but I figured walking would only help get this babe moving in the right direction. You know, with gravity and everything. My giant, swollen feet are now paying the price but it was such a perfect day, I don't even mind.

True to form, our first stop was somewhere to eat. We had never been to Savannah so with Ruby in tow we walked down the riverfront and settled on Tubby's Seafood for its perfect 2nd floor outdoor terrace.

Ruby thoroughly enjoyed her view of the street and our food was delicious. Fried green tomato BLT with hush puppies? Yes, please.

How fun are these walkways to the front door?!

We wandered around the Bay Street, Broughton Street (passing up Leopold's Ice Cream on account of the absurdly long line), Forsyth Park and the City Market. We also stopped by the Old Pink House for a picture.

Savannah reminds me a lot of Charleston with its massive Southern homes, charming old buildings, and delicious food. Though with what seemed to be an open carry law I'm pretty sure it would be a great time with a margarita and sans a baby in my belly.

I wish we had more time to explore (and eat again) but it was the perfect day trip before we become a family of three + a pup!

I hope you all had a great long weekend!

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday, friends! It's been far too long since I had my butt in gear to do a favorites post! Honestly by the end of the week I'm exhausted and haven't done anything exciting other than wear sweats and eat Valentine's Day candy. (Yes, I went straight from Christmas cookies to Valentine's candy. Being prego this time of year is dangerous.)

Linking up with Christina and the Five on Friday crew today!
 
Favorite Shop :: Little Sapling Toys (+ discount!)

Y'all have to check out one of my favorite shops, Little Sapling Toys! I can't get over how adorable these personalized wooden blocks and truck are for the babe's nursery. I have them as decor for now, but they can also be used as teethers.

They are affordable, turnaround was super quick, and they offer tons of cute options like state teethers and animal shaped toys for both boys and girls. Such a great gift idea!

As a bonus for y'all, the sweet folks behind Little Sapling Toys have offered a Home Sweet Ruby readers a 10% discount! Use the code HSR10 when checking out!

Favorite Recent Purchase :: Veggie Spiralizer

Spiralizer

Thanks to several food aversions that are still sticking with me, I've consumed more carbs this pregnancy than anyone should have in a 9-month time span. I'm really looking forward to putting this to use and eating healthier... would love to hear your favorite spiralizer recipes if you have any!

Favorite Birthday Gift :: 50 mm lens

Photo taken with this 50 mm lens

Not only did my husband stock our bar with our favorite Northern Virginia wine, but he also spoiled me with the 50 mm lens I have been wanting for my DSLR! But, I notice I have a habit of getting blurry photos with this new lens (as in, nothing is really in focus) and it feels like I have to be really far away from the subject since its more zoomed in than my stock lens. If any of you have this lens, advice is definitely appreciated!

Favorite Item Checked Off the To-Do List :: Hospital Bag

Think I have enough stripes going on here?
Knot Hat. Sherpa Tracker hat.

Aside from the last minute additions like phone chargers, makeup, camera, etc. I think I'm all packed for the hospital! Such a surreal feeling! Mamas- Anything you forgot to pack and wished you had?

Favorite Recipe :: Slow Cooker Philly Cheese Steak Sandwiches

Recipe and photo via Six Sisters' Stuff

Mark this recipe down as one of my favorite slow cooker recipes ever! I threw some mayo on a french bread roll, added the steak, pepper and onion mix, topped it with some provolone cheese and broiled it on low for a couple minutes. SO easy and delicious!

This weekend I'm forcing myself to be more active, starting with brunch and a candle-making class tomorrow! Hopefully some talking around King Street too, since there was zero progress on the labor front at my OB appointment yesterday. Any and all advice on getting this babe moving is appreciated!

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend, stay warm!

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36 Weeks

It's been so miserable outside lately so today's bumpdate was forced inside. And yes, I totally copied that pregnancy silhouette photo floating around Pinterest. Ignore the double chin, will ya?

How far along: 36 Weeks (aka 9 months! Whoa!)

Size of Baby:  A large cataloupe (19-22 in., 6 lbs)

Gender: sweet little baby boy

Best moment this week: Taking a breastfeeding class, installing the car seat, and seeing some of the crazy positions this big babe gets himself into. When I get up from laying on my side, my stomach is completely shifted to the left and it looks so wild!

Weight gain: +34lbs. Doc says this will slow down a bit so lets hope!

Maternity clothes: Living in leggings, big sweaters, and my husband's t-shirts. I basically feel like a sausage stuffed into all my maternity clothes these days.

Stretch marks: Sadly I think two small stretch marks just appeared yesterday above my old belly button piercing. Ugh!

Belly button in or out: Half in, half out

Wedding Rings on or off: Keeping both rings off just to be safe

Sleep: Sleep has been minimal because of the constant shifting from side to side, which requires so much effort. I don't know how my husband sleeps through it!

Miss anything: Not having water and/or snacks spilled on my shirt, wearing normal clothes, the gym

Movement: Shifting. Punches to the hip bone. Long stretches in all directions. Some movements can be pretty uncomfortable.

Cravings: Cold water, bananas, and just about any sweet I can get my hands on

Symptoms: Still the usual suspects: exhaustion, sore back, and aching feet. The heating pad has been my friend lately!

Labor Signs: Still nothing! My OB says its okay not to have Braxton Hicks so that made me feel better. I start my weekly appointments tomorrow so we'll see how long this babe decides to stay put!

Nursery: Hoping to have the full reveal in the next week or two... until then you get this little sneak peek!

The drapes and pillow still need to be ironed... don't judge.

Looking forward to: Holding my baby boy in my arms, followed closely by an over-sized glass of Pinot Noir.

Thoughts at 9 months:

- At the end of this week we'll officially be full term! I'm excited to hear any news of progress in the labor department (though I seriously doubt there will be any yet).

- We've officially finished all childbirth and breastfeeding classes so we're as prepared as we're going to be in that department. I definitely suggest taking classes if you're prego, they are free at the hospital and the breastfeeding class was really informative.

- Initially I predicted Rowan would be a January baby, despite his February 11th due date. But now I'm thinking he is going to stay put until February 7th and Steve says February 2nd... so we'll see! Anyone have any bets?

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Our Foodie Weekend :: Charleston Culinary Tour

Disclosure: I received a complimentary pass from Charleston Culinary Tours in exchange for writing this review. 

As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

I hope you all had a great weekend! We basically spent ours eating. Our first stop was Magnolia's for my birthday dinner on Friday and it was one of the best meals we've had in a while. And super Southern... I'm talking boiled peanut hummus, fried mac and cheese, pulled pork and grilled cornbread. Yeah, so good!

Add to that a culinary tour in downtown Charleston at almost 9 months pregnant? Sign me up. I'll take any excuse I can to stuff my face with deliciousness before the after-baby diet starts.

Ally, Shelby and I decided to make a day of it with our husbands, so we booked the Upper King Street tour through Charleston Culinary Tours which included stops at HoM, Prohibition, 39 Rue de Jean, and Paolo's Gelato. Despite the cold and my sore prego feet, it was so worth it!
 

Our group met our fun tour guide, Charlie, at HoM for the first of our 4 stops. We had three tapas-style courses there which included fried Calamari with parmesan and goat cheese; the Dixie Flatbread (easily my favorite of the day) with pimento cheese, pork confit, carmelized onions, and maple bacon greens; and the Green Gobble'n turkey burger with leeks, spinach and brie.

Also I have to warn you, I used my new 50 mm lens (sweet birthday gift from the hubs!) for the first time and sadly there was a bit of a learning curve for me. Thankfully they got better as the day went on!

This was my first venture into turkey burger territory and it was so good! I mean... slap some brie on anything and I think I'd be a fan! I would definitely go back to try HoM's other burgers, the Green Hornet with jalapeno-blue pimento cheese sounds delish.

Throughout the day Charlie shared information on each of the restaurants, historical information on the culinary influences of Charleston, and mentioned a few of her other favorite places as we walked King Street. We picked up some really interesting info from her that I'll probably pass off as my own knowledge the next time we have visitors.

Really looking 9 months pregnant here! Whoa/ew.

You have the option of doing the Upper King Street, historic downtown, mixology, or Farmer's Market tour. Each includes a variety of restaurants but luckily we hadn't been to any of them besides Paolo's so it was the perfect afternoon of food and friends.

Thank you Paolo's for helping out a pregnant girl and her sweet tooth!

Charleston Culinary Tours are a fun way to try a few new restaurants or dishes you may not have had before, even if you're a local. And since Charleston is such a foodie town, these would be a great way for visitors to get to know the city without taking a full-fledged tour... where I might add, they probably won't even feed you :)

Make sure you check out Ally's recap on one of my favorite stops from the day, Prohibition, and Shelby's recap of the delicious and super charming 39 Rue de Jean!

Interested in taking a culinary tour? 

Head on over to Charleston Culinary Tours to find out more!

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28 Years: My Unrealistic Pregnant Birthday Wishlist

Today I turn 28. Considering I thought I was already 28 for most of this year, it doesn't seem that new to me. All I can think about right now is how I'd really like to go get my free Starbucks drink but its a bitter 19 degrees outside.

{Photo via}

To be honest 2015 has been a bit of a blur so far. At 35 weeks, I'm lacking energy and whatever I do have I put towards crossing things off of the massive pre-baby to-do list. I had big plans for the blog this week but haven't been able to get to any of them, so today I give you a pregnant girl's birthday wish list.

1. Someone to make decisions for you

I'm terrible at making decisions. Not the big decisions, like who to marry... that one was easy. Even naming the baby... not that hard.

It's the little things, like what to put on the registry, colors for the nursery, etc. that I can't handle. Example: I am currently debating which swing to keep. 

We picked up the Mamaroo because the other swing was already making an obnoxious clicking sound, but really I think all swings make their own sounds. I'm leaning towards the Mamaroo though, just hoping the babe likes it! Any mamas have a preference?

2. Warning signs for when the hormone hurricane is about to come through

If you didn't experience the inconsistent waves of crazy-woman hormones during your pregnancy, then congratulations are in order. They come out of nowhere, usually provoked by something truly mundane like an eye roll from your husband or the fact that you ran out of toilet paper. There's no warning, you just erupt in a fit of anger and tears.

3. Unlimited pedicures and foot massages

I didn't truly understand this until I hit about 33 weeks and it started to feel like I had been walking around a theme park for days. Something about those 20+ pounds you pack on wreck havoc on your feet, so unlimited spa pedicures whenever you deem necessary would be ideal.

4. A free pass to slap a hoe for insulting prego comments 

Remember when I told y'all about the woman who asked if I was checked for twins? Yeah I would have slapped her if it were socially acceptable. She's just lucky the hormone hurricane wasn't rearing her ugly head at that very moment!

5. Slip on shoes and leggings all day, every day 

Who am I kidding, I already live by this rule.

6. A promise that your water won't break in public

I may or may not become a hermit in the last few weeks of this pregnancy. I know most women's water doesn't even break until you're at the hospital, but that doesn't mean I'm not terrified of having that gush of water while I'm drinking my Icee, shoving my face with popcorn, and buying diapers at Target.

7. Pain-free recovery

I secretly despise the women who tell me their recovery wasn't that bad. Either you're lying or you're one of the lucky few and are giving me false hope. I'll be the one preparing for carnage with my 5 jumbo packs of overnight super pads, Tucks, and granny panties.

8. Someone to pick up everything you drop

At some point you will get to the point where it is easier to leave things on the ground than bother picking them up. I've recruited my husband for pickup duties, he's doing great so far.

9. A stash of wine and Starbucks gift cards waiting for you after delivery

Because 9 months without caffeine and alcohol was torture.

And there you have it my friends, the unrealistic guide to birthday gifts for the knocked up ladies. Anyone have anything else to add?

Linking up with Natalie and Annie for Thoughts on Thursday! 

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