The world has gone crazy. What were we thinking??

But we've been praying for this child since before we started trying 2+ years ago, and the world shutting down because of Covid-19 12 weeks ago or the George Floyd protests yesterday that have rocked cities we love don't change that a baby is always something to celebrate. When we saw those two lines, our world shifted.

It was early - early for me at least - when I snuck out of bed. In the bathroom was the pregnancy test I'd hidden in my travel toothbrush holder the night before. My period was late, my BBT I'd been tracking religiously every morning was still elevated, and it was B's birthday; it seemed like the right time to take the test.

What could be worse than being in dire need of a new summer wardrobe but not knowing where to start? That's why I have outlined items you totally need in your closet this summer to freshen up your look! Limit your shopping -- & your spending -- by focusing on some key items.

We made it through the first trimester and now the whole world knows!

If you've followed my story, then you know the struggles B and I have faced in our journey to become parents.

But God is SO GOOD!

(Even when I've got to question his timing with all this COVID-19 craziness right now)

Feeling nervous about posing with your S/O for an upcoming photoshoot? Don't be! My go-to poses are sure to make you feel comfortable and look natural, and your photographer will swear by them, too!

The Dance

Traveling is exciting and fun but can be so hard on your body! And packing the right products when you only have so much space can be tricky. That's why I've interviewed Kansas City fashion model Darci Clark, the creator behind @mymmodelreality and mymodelreality.com, after her recent southwest road trip to find out what her favorite travel beauty products are that she recommends for any girl wanting to pack light and look her best.

I don't think anyone could have predicted 2020. The world right now is scary and uncertain and no one - not even the adultier adults you know - really have the answers. So even in the middle of coronavirus and self-quarantining, don't forget how important it is to stay positive. Even in scary times like these, there is peace and comfort and real relationships to turn to. Here are some positive phone backgrounds made by yours truly to brighten up your day just a little bit 😊

1. Create a bucket list
   Dream together without the stress of planning how you're actually going to make those dreams come true (yet!). 
2. Learn something together using YouTube
   This could be a new recipe, a painting technique, some creative couples yoga poses, or new dance moves!
3. Play strip poker (or strip anything!)
   Get creative! Chess, Twister, Go Fish -- plenty of options are probably on hand and ready to become way. more. interesting. than they were when you were kids.
4. Build a blanket fort
   Or sheet fort. Or towel fort. Use whatever you've got on hand and just go with it. Then camp out with your favorite snacks and the static-y hair. Get ready for the laughs and maybe even a pillow fight.
5. Hide notes to each other for the other to find throughout the day(s)
   B used to do this for me when he had to travel for extended periods of time for work. It was always so sweet to uncover a sweet or silly notecard tucked into a favorite book or in the DVD case of that one movie he knew I'd rewatch while he was gone.

Being a winter bride is basically the best! From planning my own December wedding (in SIX weeks!) to participating in themed styled shoots year-round, there's just something magical and unique about planning to say your I-Dos in the winter.

Anastacia McCarthy Bellagambii, Austin wedding photographer and owner of Wild Stag Photography  has this to say about winter weddings: "I feel that winter weddings and even bridal sessions have the added benefit of magic that the other seasons just can’t provide. Just like any other time of the year, the season has its own sense of unique magic and aesthetic it can create for the occasion."

I'm sure you'll warm up to a winter wedding yourself once you've considered these advantages!

Our engagement photos are in!

Wait... haven't y'all been married for a few years now, you ask?

Yes, we have - for 4 years last Friday to be exact! But when Gricelda's Photography asked me to model for her new style guide with my handsome hubby and our pup, I couldn't say no! So this is an engagement session for her style guide and a 4th anniversary photoshoot for us (and hello, Christmas cards 🎄). Plus, when you plan a wedding in 6 weeks (you can read more about that crazy process here), some things get knocked off the priority list.

And because I had to do some research while planning for our shoot -- assisted by our amazing photographer and her vision for her own style guide -- I thought it’d be helpful for you guys if I just rounded up some of my favorite outfits and shared some ideas about how to plan outfits for your engagement photoshoot to make the most out of the experience!

Halloween and Thanksgiving have been dubbed the "fallidays" by my holiday-loving husband. He loves seeing our apartment decked out and decorated for every holiday-- yes, every holiday -- and I'm glad he leaves that decorating for me.

I had an early go of it this year when we had out-of-town guests come to sight-see in Austin for the day at the beginning of October, so I hastily put together a no-fuss fall table setting and whipped up some easy hors 'oeuvres that would delight any palate.

Today I'm sharing some of my favorite home decor pieces from my favorite few budget-friendly decor stores and an easy napkin fold you can use to impress your Thanksgiving dinner guests! Between the two, I get most of my decor and materials for a lot of my DIY projects, like this DIY Blanket Ladder and this Apartment-friendly Curtain Rod.

Disclaimer:  Links in this post may be affiliate links. This means I make a little something to keep doing what I'm doing at no cost to you (y'know, unless you purchase something)!

Feeling a little crafty (but don't want to make a mess)? 

It Gets Even Easier

Need a cute way to display your throw blankets when they aren't in-use? Check out this DIY Blanket Ladder!
Et voila! Easy peasy fall decorations to last you from Halloween to Thanksgiving. If you give this easy lotus napkin fold a try let me know in the comments 👇🏼or save it to Pinterest for later!

We’ve all done it. Walked out of a presentation or a meeting or a group brainstorm and thought “I couldn’t have done that like she did.”

And before you say, “great, another blog post telling me to just. stop. comparing. myself.” Please hear me out because girl, I’ve been there, too! Seeking, searching, feeling constantly exhausted from trying, and wondering ‘is this what success is supposed to feel like?’