Actually a Dress

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As this belly grows bigger and bigger, it’s getting hard to find shirts that are long enough.  This top is actually a dress technically, but I’m loving wearing it as a top with leggings. These leggings have been my best friend these last few months.  I dare you try and take them from me! It’s not happening 🙂 I am loving this blue floral dress, which I'm actually wearing as a top with leggings. Perfect maternity look especially with the weather beginning to warm up.

I have been so grateful that it has been warming up lately.  Considering it hailed most of the day today, though, I’d say the weather is still feeling a bit moody.  I try and keep a jacket with me for those swings that sneak up on you.  This jacket is fun and a little edgy!

Blue floral maternity dress with comfy black leggings and an edgy leather jacket. I paired this outfit with chunky black booties. Perfect for fall.

For my makeup I decided to keep everything pretty neutral except my lip color.  I like to add a little pop sometimes! I’m wearing Desert Sunset blush, IIID foundation, honey illuminator, eyeshadows sabrina, mama, oak, and trust all from HERE

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Hope you are doing well! Have a beautiful week and be kind 🙂 XO

First Trimester Recap

Hi! I just realized I haven’t posted to my site yet that I’m expecting. So, if you don’t follow along on Instagram or Facebook, surprise! I’m due in April, and couldn’t be more excited 🙂

I thought I would just fill you in on how the first trimester went, since I kept the pregnancy a secret through it.  I know everyone has unique experiences, and I always love hearing about them!  For me personally, the first trimester is always a bit rough.  This time was not as bad as my first, but tougher than my second.  I had a hard time keeping food down, and it was almost impossible to find foods that sounded appealing.  I was super tired, and very emotional haha.  Basically, a dream to be around! My poor family 🙂 I couldn’t make it through the day without at least a little nap.  That part hasn’t gone away, but I’m feeling much better now!  My favorite part of the first trimester is the excitement of finding out, and having your first ultrasound.  It’s such a miracle!  I am now feeling the babe kick, definitely showing, and I can finally eat again.  We will find out the gender in a few weeks.  I can’t wait! Fall style black and white outfit with thigh high black boots! Maternity friendly fashion. Dressing the bump. 1st trimester clothes!

For the next few months I will be sharing some maternity friendly looks, including this one from PinkBlush.  This top can be worn without a bump too!  It is the perfect length to pair with comfy leggings and boots this winter.
Maternity friendly outfit! Casual blouse with leggings and a sweater!

This is my first time being pregnant during winter, so I have been on the hunt for cute maternity clothes.  There are SO many on PinkBlush, I have been shopping them a lot!

I’d love to hear your pregnancy experiences, and any recommendations you might have for maternity clothes! Thanks for all your love and support so far XO

 

Girl Maker

Being a “girl maker,” or mom of girls, is one of my favorite parts of my life.  No doubt, I would love boys too, but so far I’ve been dealt the girl card, and I’m pretty happy about it!  View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullife

There are SO many things I have learned from raising my babes so far, and it’s clear to me everyday that I have so much more to learn.  I’m ok with that, though!  There are some important things I want my girls to glean. Being kind and compassionate, including to yourself, is a big one!  View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullife

I loved this GIRL MAKER tee from Revol Roots because it connected to my heart.  It is made of the most comfortable material and I love how simple it is!  I wear it all the time!

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I’m going to get real here.  I’ve had to learn a few things the hard way, and as a result, my parenting style has changed quite a bit these last couple years.  I used to parent a lot out of fear.  Mainly fear that I wouldn’t teach them something they needed to know, or that they would grow up lacking some major component of life I hadn’t given them. I put so much unnecessary stress into my life everyday, even though my intentions were pure.  My stress, of course, was not helping my children to be carefree, happy, and confident like I wanted them to be.  Haha like I had been stressing to teach them to be! Thankfully, I hit my knees in prayer and was guided to some books that helped me come to a pretty clear realization…The only way for me to truly teach them, is for me to be what I want them to be.  It was daunting and overwhelming at first.  I was in a place where I knew I had a lot to work on, in many ways.  Being kind to myself was not even something I was comfortable with.  Looking back on it now, it’s hard to wrap my head around the daily thoughts and conversations I allowed to roll around in my brain, and even vocalize to myself.  No wonder I was feeling inadequate as a wife, mother, homemaker, daughter, sister, friend, etc.  Sadly, I was telling myself I was inadequate in almost every way with the hope that it would somehow motivate me to do better.  Hence the fear of not raising my girls “right.”View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullife

It has taken daily prayer, and intentional action every single day for the last couple years, but I’m finally in a place where I am kind to myself.  I’m not perfect by any means, and I catch myself slipping all the time.  All it takes, though, is one look in my daughter’s eyes to bring me back. (Or my sweet husband not letting us leave until I appologize to myslef for the self-depreciating comment I made 🙂 )  The best and most effective way to teach, in my opinion, is by example.  I feel like one of the greatest gifts I, as a mother, can give my daughters is to embody the things I am trying to teach them.  At first it seemed selfish to me to put so much effort in my improvement, but it has made such a difference!

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Our home has become so much more relaxed and encouraging, the more confident I become in my imperfection.  I want my girls to know how beautiful and special they are, be confident, and the rest will come! I love being a GIRL MAKER!Girl maker t shirt- gray v neck! Girl mom shirt!

Have a wonderful week! XO

Photos by Stayc Smart

Extend Your Summer Nights

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I’m still in denial a bit that school is starting in a couple weeks and that summer is coming to an end 😦 My summer loving heart never wants it to leave! We have been trying to make the most of every day.  If you are like us, you may also be clinging to summer, and wanting a way to extend your summer nights!

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The girls and I have spent a lot of nights this summer watching their dad play lacrosse on his summer league.  We are usually using my phone to take pictures, dance to music, chat with grandparents, etc while we “watch” 🙂 By some crazy miracle (they lost most of the games this season) they actually make it to the playoffs and clawed their way to a victory last night! If you hurry, you can catch my cute husband’s championship victory dance on my Instagram story haha (@savanahpoulsen)

Since we use my phone all day (mainly for our dance parties) and now we also use it all night, my battery just cant keep up! I’m so grateful for my portable charger from MOXYO 🙂 It carries a full charge on it and has saved us many times! By saved us, I mean made it possible for Myla to take more selfies because you know those are GOLD haha

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Documenting our fun times together is something that is super important to me.  It’s nice to know I have my MOXYO charger to help! This cute case is also from MOXYO and I love it.  It is sleek and since my phone is gigantic, it’s great to have a case that doesn’t add any bulk!

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View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullifeThank you to MOXYO for the awesome case and charger! Thank you to Stayc Smart for the photos! My scalloped top is the same one from the Scalloped Details post 🙂

Hope you are enjoying your summer! I’d love to hear your favorite activities and how you extend your summer nights! XO

 

Scalloped Details

There is nothing better than hanging with my girls! I love their cute little personalities and getting to spend every day with them.  I also love wearing things that make it easy to be comfortable to play around with them! Enter, this top!Scalloped top from Brick and Main! Lovely short sleeved shirt with feminine detail!

Nothing beats a top that is functional and darling! Little details really make a big difference in my opinion. The scallops on this top from Brick + Main are my favorite! The sleeves and length are also perfection.  View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullife

My sweet Myla has so much energy and her silliness is contagious! I just love joking around with her.  If only I could bottle her up haha!View More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullifeView More: http://staycsmartphotography.pass.us/boldbeautifullife

I learn all my crazy faces from her!  Give them a shot, a good silly face can totally brighten your day 🙂

Photos by Stayc Smart Photography follow her HERE she is the best!

Hope you have an amazing week! Head to Brick + Main for the cutest clothes.  I seriously love them all!  XO

Flybird Tees on Repeat

An amazing tee is hard to beat!  I have had my eye on a few at Flybird for a long time, and I finally got my hands on this one and this one!  They are just as great as I imagined they would be.  The designs are so unique, and easily dressed  up or down.  I have been wearing mine on repeat since I got them!

Flybird T-shirt! Women's stripped tee with floral sleeves. Comfy casual mom life style!

This “Alive” tee is so soft! It is light and easy to wear.  Not to mention the detail on the sleeve is my favorite!

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The “In the Clouds” tee is definitely my go-to! I can’t resist anything black, white, or grey.  I love how simple it is, yet still completely original!

Flybird t shirt with contrasting sleeves! Super cute t shirt for spring. Mom style, casual comfy clothes

I love the detail on the bottom, as well as the contrast of the fabric on the sleeves.

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These tees from Flybird are my new favorites. They are perfect for everyday! Hope you enjoyed your Memorial Day! We had a wonderful time celebrating with family XO

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