Friday's Favorites

Happy Friday!

Another weekend is here and I'm definitely ready for it. Temps in the low 70's (people are definitely diving head first into pumpkin related everything over here)...a glider about to be ordered...a Buckeyes game to watch...and a country concert...yep, I'm ready!

Here's what's going on this week // what I'm loving: 

+I've officially hit 23 weeks! I've heard this week is big in terms of growing (for both the little guy and myself) which is funny because I thought I had a pretty big week in terms of growing last week, so we'll see?! I won't lie...I feel pretty big right now (just that heavy stomach feeling?) and it takes a lot of getting ready to feel even remotely pretty. 

{shirt-Forever21 last year, similar}

+Did anyone wake up this morning, or stay up late last night, to pre order the iPhone 6?! I have been waiting a long time to get a new phone because I really needed to upgrade my storage, but I wanted to wait until the 6 came out! So naturally this morning I jumped all over it and it's set to be delivered next week! I'm SO excited about this phone and that I will have more space (you know, for the important things like pictures...)

+Found one of my absolute favorite booties so far from TJ Maxx the other day...and guess what? They were less than $40! This was the last pair in my size and I quickly headed to check these bad boys out. I love the cut out detail, straps, and the quality seems much better than what I paid for them!

+Personalized jewelry from Stamped On My Heart.

You guys, Nicole has the best personalized hand stamped jewelry out there and her prices are extremely affordable. All it takes is one look through her shop to know that I want one of everything. That's just how it is! Here's just two examples of items you can find in her shop...

Mama bear necklace // Initial necklace 

She made me this awesome sterling silver bar necklace with Camden's name on it and features a dandelion...seriously, check out her shop! You'll love it like I do.

 {pearl earrings are from here}

+I made my first batch of homemade soup last night for this season! Went with this recipe that's a favorite in our house. I wonder how many times I'll make it this fall/winter...so yummy!

+I'm going to the Jason Aldean // Florida Georgia Line concert on Sunday night with my best friend! Jason Aldean is my favorite country artist out there and I'm so excited to see him again, especially with FGL which is another one of my favorites. Time to bust out the cowboy boots!

Tonight we are actually planning on ordering our glider, if all goes according to plans, and to go out to dinner at one of our favorites restaurants, Cooper's Hawk, afterwards. Ahh! Crossing my fingers we make the right decision about a glider.

Make it a great weekend, everyone! See you next week!

Running While Pregnant

 via

I've had some reader questions about running during pregnancy, so I thought I would touch on it briefly! I'm obviously not a doctor, but I can tell you what I've learned and my thoughts about it.

The general rule of thumb regarding exercising during pregnancy is that you don't want to take up any new activities that you didn't do prior. So, if you run now (and there are no other complications) you're perfectly fine to continue running throughout your pregnancy. My doctor has encouraged me from the beginning to keep a good exercise routine to stay fit, and I'm so thankful that at 23 weeks I'm still making it a priority during the week. It truly keeps me sane (is that weird to admit?), just like before, and I feel wonderful afterwards.

There are just a few things you want to do differently and to remember, though...

1. Know Your Limits: On the days you feel too tired or sick, don't push it by going for a run. Just skip a day or two. It's important during pregnancy to rest when you need to rest. Go by the cues that your body gives you.

2. Take Your Time: Pregnancy isn't the time to try to break a new personal record or to increase your speed or mileage (if you have never ran a half marathon before-this wouldn't be the best time to start training for one, for example..) Chances are you'll need to slow down your speed. In my first trimester, I was still able to run at the same speed that I ran before but I didn't run as far. Then when I got into my second trimester, my body showed me that I needed to slow down and that's when I incorporated walk-jog-run intervals, which really helped me exercise longer but at a less intense pace.

3. Take Breaks: You'll notice that you can't run nearly as long as you used to before having to stop and take a break. It's completely normal since your body is pumping twice the amount of blood! I take breaks often every time I go for a run and only continue my run if I'm still feeling good.

4. Don't Run To The Point Of Exhaustion: This is a serious no no and the one thing my doctor did mention to me. You don't want to run (or exercise in general) to where you can't catch your breath. Don't over do it. 

5. Stay Hydrated: This might be the most important one! Always keep a full water bottle next to you and drink often, even if you don't feel thirsty. Drink water before, during (don't forget!), and after your run.

I've also heard that during the second and third trimesters it's better to run inside on a treadmill so you're at a lesser risk for falls. Luckily for me, this worked out perfectly because during the summer I was still in my first trimester and was able to run outside when I wanted to get fresh air/be outside, and now that I'm in my second trimester the weather is cooling down and I don't mind running on the treadmill.

Another thing I would recommend is to make stretching a priority before and after a run. Pregnancy loosens up your joints, so your ankles are at more of a risk. Make sure you have some good cushioning in your shoes, too! (I love my Brooks!) 

Lastly... if running is something you love it might be difficult to call it quits, but you should always listen to your body. You and your baby's safety is what's most important! And just remember you'll be able to get back into your normal routine in no time! 

Hope this helps some of you out there, or you'll remember these tips for the future! Have a great Thursday!

*Don't forget to enter my Baby Age Blocks Giveaway! It ends soon!

10 Current Product Favorites // I Confess

I confess...that I'm loving {these} ten things right now:

+Kate Spade Planner (the best!)

+iPhone Case & Card Holder

+Bathtub Wine Glass Holder (how genius is this?)

+Picture Frame

+Baby Converse (obsessed-I admit I can't wait to match wearing mine with Cam's!)

+Women's Converse

+Stripe Blanket

+Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser  (this dark circle treatment will come in handy in Jan. as well...)

+Maybelline Pumped Up Mascara

+Camo Scarf (love love love this camo print // also on sale)

I confess...that I made these cookies the other day and right after saying I wouldn't go crazy eating them I had 3 right as I was heading to bed one night. They got me.

I confess...that I wish me, Princess Kate, and Carrie could be pregnant besties. I'd gladly pass them my phone number anyday. (Seriously-my two favorite girl celebs out there pregnant at the same time as me?! I mean, I just think this friendship should happen ;))

I confess...Purl Lamb has the cutest baby leggings/sweats. It's only open 2 times per month and one of those days is TODAY, so head on over to shop! I got Camden these adorable baby cub ones!

I confess...these leather ankle booties didn't make this list, but I am lusting over them.

I confess...that I tried to go to Ohio State's campus to watch the OSU game last Saturday night because Billy's family was in town, and shortly after being down there I realized nope, not cut out for this! I tried to stay as long as I could handle, but ended up leaving at halftime to head home. Half because I was tired and the other half because the game was just that.bad.

I confess...we found our glider. Finally. And it feels oh so good. More on that later!

I confess...it's my mom's birthday tomorrow and I have been down in the dumps the past few days. Always happens around this time. This year I'm a little more sad because I wish she were still alive to be here for Camden's birth and to see him (and our other kiddos) grow up.

What are your current favorites right now?
Confess something to me!

*Don't forget to check out my post about The Timeline Project, where you can keep all your goals and dreams in one place. 

Baby Age Blocks {Giveaway}

{small peek in our little boy's closet}

Happy Monday!

It's a special day over here because I've got a great giveaway for you today! When we announced the gender of our baby, I knew I wanted to use these personalized name blocks from Pretty In Polka Dots to also reveal his name. I wanted something that would look cute in photos, but that could also be used later on in his nursery. Bingo!

Korie, the sweet owner behind Pretty In Polka Dots, also makes these awesome baby age blocks that are completely customizable. You can select your own colors (to match your nursery?), font outlines, block finishes, and more...

What makes these blocks stand out from others is that they print directly on the blocks with a flatbed printer, which means you don't have to worry about peeling stickers or chipped paint! Korie and her husband (with the help of her 3 little kiddos!) do ALL the printing themselves in their home. They also gift wrap every set of blocks that goes out!

Here's all the different color combinations you can chose from for the blocks...

{I got Little Sailor!}

I plan to use these blocks in Camden's newborn photos and also for my weekly/monthly updates, which is absolutely crazy to think about! Soon I will have a baby boy to take countless iPhone pictures of?! Sounds good to me! :) and hey, at least these blocks make me feel a little bit more prepared for when that time rolls around.

The fun doesn't stop with the baby age and name blocks either...if you're looking for a unique way to announce your pregnancy Pretty In Polka Dots also has baby announcement blocks that are adorable!

OK, enough rambling from me, now for the really good stuff....

**Korie is offering a 15% off coupon code for all KC%CO readers that is valid on anything on her website which will be good for 1 month: use the code KEEPCALM. Also, for the giveaway today one reader will win 1 set of baby age blocks in the color of your choice! All you have to do is enter below-Good luck! This giveaway will be open until Friday, 9/12**

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