10 Things Not to Say to a Pregnant Woman

One might think that refraining from uttering these statements might be common sense. However, if that's true, I must know a lot of ignorant people. You would be surprised at the number of people who say some of these things. The question is WHY? Do they feel awkward? Not know what to say? Are they happy you're gaining weight and uncomfortable? Who knows? Either way it's RUDE! Although I know weight gain is an unavoidable part of pregnancy, it doesn't make it any easier when people point it out. You already feel disgusted with your body. You can't fit your cute clothes, and let's face it, cute maternity clothes are either nonexistent or overly priced. It only adds to the stress when you hear someone make an ignorant statement pretty much calling you fat in so many words. Instead of using one of the following, try "You look great!" "You're such a cute pregnant woman!" "You're glowing!" "You look so happy!" or "The baby is growing!". Refrain from stating the obvious. Of course we're gaining weight! Of course we're dreading delivery! Under no circumstance (unless asked) is it okay to over-share about your child's delivery. It's like telling someone the horrors of surgery right before their operation. Just don't do it! Common sense, people! I've always heard that people make ignorant comments to pregnant women. I guess it's just time I experienced them for myself. I'll take it as my initiation into motherhood. Now, please, stop it! 

My Happy Place

Many of you may have been shopping at World Market stores for years. However, they are a fairly recent discovery for me, and I must say I'm a bit obsessed with their products not to mention the general eye candy of simply walking into the store. Simply put, it is always an inspirational experience, which is what I love about stores like this. Anthropologie is another store that I feel inspired just by walking through the doors. However, this Ohio girl doesn't have it in her budget to spend $300 on a candlestick. Don't get me wrong, I have splurged on my fair share of Anthro goodies. However, it's not a regular habit. They have decent sales if you can snag the item in time and don't mind a fair wait. World Market stores offer many unique items along the line of an Anthropologie-esque store, but at a fraction of the price tag (score!). Unfortunately for me, the closest World Market store is about an hour or so away. Fortunately for me, I don't mind making the trip every once in awhile to peruse their new merchandise and pick up a few "must haves".  My most recent World Market purchase was the long-awaited Mason Jar Measuring Cups. It feels as though they have been sold out since they arrived. I finally ordered my set when they were restocked last month. They were backordered for a couple of weeks, but they finally arrived yesterday! Just as adorable as pictured!

Here are a few things I'm currently loving and lusting over from World Market...

Orange Monochrome Throw $29.99

<>

Mason Jar Cookie Cutter $0.99

<>

Wood Crate Wine Rack $49.99

<>

Baltic Blue Cadiz Metal Chair, Set of 2 $119.98

<> 

The Republic of Tea Strawberry Basil Iced Tea $6.99

<>

Erin Cute as a Button Bed $399-$499 (depending on size)

<>

The 4 of Us

How many people can say they were pregnant at the same time as all 3 of their sister-in-laws? It just so happens that this is the case in my family. My husband, Travis, has 2 older sisters and a brother who are all expecting at the same time. His oldest sister, Miriah, shared last fall that they were expecting their second child. We were all so excited for them but had no clue what was to come. In October we found out that his sister, Tara, and his brother's wife, Amanda, were both expecting unexpectedly 2 days apart in June. Little did we know we would be next. I found out December 11th and was shocked. I waited until Christmas Eve to share it with Travis. He was a bit stunned to say the least. However, we couldn't be more excited. We found out we're having a boy! My sister-in-laws are all having girls. Poor little boy will be very outnumbered from the start. These photos were taken when I was 16 weeks (I'm now 24 weeks) by my sister, Carrie (Carrie Whalin Photography). I'm so thankful to have a photographer in the family to capture this journey. 

Where to start....

Well apparently I've sort of fallen off the face of the planet when it comes to blogging. Or maybe this is my summer hobby that I keep coming back to? Either way, a lot has changed since I've been away, as I hope it would in practically a year. But, less time apologizing for my hiatus and more about the fun stuff. It's time to refresh. It's spring. Spring cleaning, new life, new growth, blooms, and fresh air. It's time to start again...and that I plan to do. This blog has been updated and is. from this day forth, to be known as The Saturday Life. Why? Because who doesn't enjoy one day that allows them the freedom to get creative, accomplish tasks, get spontaneous, and try something new? I realize that not everyone works a 9-5, Monday thru Friday. However, everyone gets at least one day off to themselves. Now, you may have to share it with children, a partner, or maybe a needy pet. But let's face it, the day is yours for the taking. You have the power to schedule it as you please. So, with that being said, this blog is devoted to that day. Now kick back, grab a cup of coffee, and let's get inspired...

Summer Projects

With a lack of cash and a lot of time on my hands, I was able to accomplish a few of the projects on my Pinterest boards during my summer vacation.

First things first, I bought a new latte maker (you know how I love my lattes). And since, have learned how to make a mean white chocolate mocha using this recipe for white chocolate syrup! It pairs well with some honey almond toast topped with cinnamon.

Speaking of food, I also learned how to make French Macarons, which is something I've been wanting to try for quite some time. I must say that I am pretty proud to have mastered such a difficult recipe and am slightly addicted to these little cream-filled creations. I will post the recipe/method later!

As far as DIY projects go, these are my top 2 favorite ones that I complete this summer.

Anthro inspired floral chain necklace

The lyrics to I'll Look After You, which is the song I walked down the aisle to at my wedding. I struggled with finding a place for this new piece of art. I ended up using it to spice up my fireplace.

Here is an update I did to my hallway earlier this summer. It just needed to be brightened up a bit...

Summering

Lately I've been wishing that our society spent summers like those in the past. Remember Dirty Dancing, where the family takes off to a resort for the summer? Unfortunately these days it would probably be less expensive to buy a car than to take your family on vacation for a month. Unfortunately my summer is quickly coming to an end, and I attended no such vacation. It's safe to say my summer was more of a "Staycation". I start back to work a week from today, and I'm reminded of my high school days when summer vacation was ending. Don't get me wrong, I do love my job. However, I'm not sure if I'm completely ready for the hustle and bustle of the fall, not to mention the early mornings. Weeks fly by during this busy time, coffee is consumed by the gallon, the work day stretches longer and longer to accommodate my ever-growing to-do list, and before I know it, it will be Christmas and snow will be falling (ugh!). With that being said, I am determined to enjoy my last week of summer freedom. So far I have filled my week with plans to do lunch with friends, crafts, a girls night, a garage sale, a sleepover with my nieces, and possibly a trip to King's Island with  my sisters.

Since my summer is coming to an end I feel it is appropriate to highlight some of my favorite memories that were created during this summer break.

I started my summer by road-tripping to Pittsburgh, PA to help my sister prepare for her wedding. As with any good road trip, it began with a lot of over-packing. You can never be too prepared, especially when it comes to clothing! 4 1/2 hours and a 17ft U-haul later, we arrived in Pittsburgh!

The week started off with a bang, but we still found time for this nice picnic in Abbie's backyard under the pergola. My poor mom was exhausted but still beautiful as ever! Abbie was glowing all week! 

We met up with my mom's sister, Kathy, who I haven't seen since my wedding 3 years ago. Aren't they practically identical? Driving Miss Daisies....

We also got to see this little southern charmer! This is my 4 year old cousin, Chandler, who I haven't seen since he was 1! He calls us "His girls". How cute is he?

Although the week was hectic, we still managed to have lots of fun together amidst the stress!

Here are a few of my favorite candids from the wedding...

Travis got my Great Aunt Betty on the dance floor :)

They danced to "My Little Girl" by Tim McGraw

My beautiful sister :)

Also this summer, I found a used bookstore called 2nd & Charles that had a book I've been looking for, The Perfectly Imperfect Home by Deborah Needleman. Anthropologie sells it for around $25, and I paid less than $10. Great find :) We had a bonfire for Carrie's birthday. Abbie made Shish-kabobs! My dad loved his Father's Day gift bag! We watched fireworks for the 4th at Riverscape. Travis and I met up with some friends for our friend, Kevin's, going away party. I laid out, laid around, and even went putt-putting! It was a pretty successful/ semi-uneventful summer. 

Thanks for taking a peak into my summer. I'll be posting some of the DIY projects I completed soon! 

Monday Night

How I spent my Monday night... How do you get through the Monday Blues?

//

A few glasses of Rodeo Red Wine

//

Burgers on the grill

//

A new coral rosette necklace from Groopdealz! 

= Great Night!