Build-A-Library Baby Shower

My sister and I recently threw a baby shower for our other sister who is due in July. It was a blast coming up with ideas! Here's what it looked like:

The food was set on a oooooooooold library circulation desk. We decked it out with a library page bunting banner, flowers, and lots of yummy food!

The food all coordinated with books that mentioned that item.

Cookies for "Cookie's Week"

Veggies, from the book "Eating the Alphabet", on top of a big dollop of hummus!

Donuts are a MUST of course! ;) So we used the book "If You Give a Dog a Donut". We chose three kinds: cinnamon sugar, powdered, and cherry.

"One Fish, Two Fish" seemed the obvious choice for this one, so we wrangled up "A Fish Out of Water" instead! Paired with Swedish Fish Sushi, it was a HIT!

Who else's favorite children's book was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"?? Super easy to make these "caterpillars"!

Last, but not least, we bought Moon Pies (a retro candy) to go with "Goodnight Moon". Fun Fact: This book is my 8 month old's personal favorite bedtime story! He loves to turn the pages :)

The food wasn't the only thing that was Library themed though!

We used 4 different book quotes to make bookmarks. These were set on the tables as favors.

The coolest banner with quote "Richer than I you can never be; I had a mother who read to me."

An umbrella and raindrops filled the ceiling over the guest and gift tables.

We put drinks and games on a separate long table under clouds and book page rain drops.

Burlap runners were also used on all the tables.

Because the baby's gender is going to be a surprise, we set up a chalkboard for people to guess what they think it will be. 

Complete with adorable pink and blue rock-candy-filled rain boots.

The last thing we did for the shower was make a baby alphabet book! 

There you have it! An amazing baby shower for an amazing lady (and baby)! 

My sister and I recently threw a baby shower for our other sister who is due in July. It was a blast coming up with ideas! Here's what it looked like:

The food was set on a oooooooooold library circulation desk. We decked it out with a library page bunting banner, flowers, and lots of yummy food!

The food all coordinated with books that mentioned that item.

Cookies for "Cookie's Week"

Veggies, from the book "Eating the Alphabet", on top of a big dollop of hummus!

Donuts are a MUST of course! ;) So we used the book "If You Give a Dog a Donut". We chose three kinds: cinnamon sugar, powdered, and cherry.

"One Fish, Two Fish" seemed the obvious choice for this one, so we wrangled up "A Fish Out of Water" instead! Paired with Swedish Fish Sushi, it was a HIT!

Who else's favorite children's book was "The Very Hungry Caterpillar"?? Super easy to make these "caterpillars"!

Last, but not least, we bought Moon Pies (a retro candy) to go with "Goodnight Moon". Fun Fact: This book is my 8 month old's personal favorite bedtime story! He loves to turn the pages :)

The food wasn't the only thing that was Library themed though!

We used 4 different book quotes to make bookmarks. These were set on the tables as favors.

The coolest banner with quote "Richer than I you can never be; I had a mother who read to me."

An umbrella and raindrops filled the ceiling over the guest and gift tables.

We put drinks and games on a separate long table under clouds and book page rain drops.

Burlap runners were also used on all the tables.

Because the baby's gender is going to be a surprise, we set up a chalkboard for people to guess what they think it will be. 

Complete with adorable pink and blue rock-candy-filled rain boots.

The last thing we did for the shower was make a baby alphabet book! 

There you have it! An amazing baby shower for an amazing lady (and baby)! 

Where to Find Affordable Maternity Clothes

You're Pregnant. Your Clothes Barely Fit. Now What? Where do you find cute pregnancy clothes that don't cost more than that designer crib in your nursery?

I've shared some of my favorite places to find good deals on maternity clothes that fit any style:



Striped Scoop Neck

Destinaton Maternity & Motherhood Maternity offer everything from tees and leggings to lingerie and swimwear.


Denim Jacket

With lines designed by Heidi Klum & Jessica Simpson, you're sure to dress your bump in style. They also carry nursing bras and tops! Bonus: Every mail order comes with lots of great coupons for Carter's, BuyBuyBaby and more!





StorQ Maternity  A unique concept to basic maternity clothes. They offer 4 basic pieces that offer the most versatility to your wardrobe: A t-shirt dress, leggings, a long tank, and a knee-length skirt. You can buy them separately or


Buy them in a bundle! Mix and match with all of your non-maternity clothing to keep things fresh at minimal cost!



Maxi With V-Neck

Going to a wedding or fancy soiree with your bump? Asos Maternity offers tons of great dresses


Lacy V-Neck

As well as gorgeous feminine tops.



Jersey T Dress

Old Navy also offers some great clothes at a good price. I wish I was pregnant again just so I could rock this adorable dress!

For some really comfortable pregnancy clothing items click here

And for some advice on how to pack maternity clothes for traveling click here

You're Pregnant. Your Clothes Barely Fit. Now What? Where do you find cute pregnancy clothes that don't cost more than that designer crib in your nursery?

I've shared some of my favorite places to find good deals on maternity clothes that fit any style:



Striped Scoop Neck

Destinaton Maternity & Motherhood Maternity offer everything from tees and leggings to lingerie and swimwear.


Denim Jacket

With lines designed by Heidi Klum & Jessica Simpson, you're sure to dress your bump in style. They also carry nursing bras and tops! Bonus: Every mail order comes with lots of great coupons for Carter's, BuyBuyBaby and more!





StorQ Maternity  A unique concept to basic maternity clothes. They offer 4 basic pieces that offer the most versatility to your wardrobe: A t-shirt dress, leggings, a long tank, and a knee-length skirt. You can buy them separately or


Buy them in a bundle! Mix and match with all of your non-maternity clothing to keep things fresh at minimal cost!



Maxi With V-Neck

Going to a wedding or fancy soiree with your bump? Asos Maternity offers tons of great dresses


Lacy V-Neck

As well as gorgeous feminine tops.



Jersey T Dress

Old Navy also offers some great clothes at a good price. I wish I was pregnant again just so I could rock this adorable dress!

For some really comfortable pregnancy clothing items click here

And for some advice on how to pack maternity clothes for traveling click here

It Is Officially Baby Week!

Today is the day! 

It's time to GET EXCITED!

Here is the line up for the week:

• March 3: (Today!) Where to Find Affordable Maternity Clothes
• March 4: 10 Must-Have Items for New Parents
• March 5: Traveling With Baby: 8 Essentials
• March 6: Colicky Babies
• March 7: Gender Neutral Baby Clothes that are Anything but Boring!
• March 8: 8 Things Your Baby Registry Can Do Without
• March 9: Some Out-of-the-Ordinary Baby Shower Gifts

Today is the day! 

It's time to GET EXCITED!

Here is the line up for the week:

• March 3: (Today!) Where to Find Affordable Maternity Clothes
• March 4: 10 Must-Have Items for New Parents
• March 5: Traveling With Baby: 8 Essentials
• March 6: Colicky Babies
• March 7: Gender Neutral Baby Clothes that are Anything but Boring!
• March 8: 8 Things Your Baby Registry Can Do Without
• March 9: Some Out-of-the-Ordinary Baby Shower Gifts

Baby Week is 4 Days away! :)

Are you ready!?

http://nonchalant-living.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-week.html

Are you ready!?

http://nonchalant-living.blogspot.com/2014/02/baby-week.html

Baby Week!!!

Mark your calendars! Baby Week is March 3-9!

A time for all things relating to pregnancy and babies.

I have a fun-filled week of posts planned, featuring:

• Etsy lists of the MOST adorable products out there
• Amazing gender neutral threads 
• Lots of first-hand advice from our first 4 months as parents

Just 2 weeks to wait! :) 

Mark your calendars! Baby Week is March 3-9!

A time for all things relating to pregnancy and babies.

I have a fun-filled week of posts planned, featuring:

• Etsy lists of the MOST adorable products out there
• Amazing gender neutral threads 
• Lots of first-hand advice from our first 4 months as parents

Just 2 weeks to wait! :) 

BabyList Giveaway!

For those of you who do not know who BabyList is, check it out! (http://babyli.st/) Seriously.

They are a website that allows you to make a Baby Registry from products you find anywhere on the internet. Add things from Amazon, Land of Nod, Target, seriously anywhere.

Now that you know how amazing they are, they are giving away a fantastic bundle of prizes! If you are pregnant (or know someone who is) you should really sign up! (Only those in the US are eligible)


Here is the link:
http://is.gd/w4Ut2a

I promise it's legit!

Good luck!

For those of you who do not know who BabyList is, check it out! (http://babyli.st/) Seriously.

They are a website that allows you to make a Baby Registry from products you find anywhere on the internet. Add things from Amazon, Land of Nod, Target, seriously anywhere.

Now that you know how amazing they are, they are giving away a fantastic bundle of prizes! If you are pregnant (or know someone who is) you should really sign up! (Only those in the US are eligible)


Here is the link:
http://is.gd/w4Ut2a

I promise it's legit!

Good luck!

Baby's Finished (Budget) Nursery

My husband and I have been working on the finishing touches for the nursery.

Here is the big "reveal" and a little advice on putting together a nursery without spending a bundle!

We have a really small house, so Baby's room is a little compact.

One side of the room is all of the changing supplies.

 Along with the growth chart made by my sister. 

She did such a great job with it! I love that hedgehog on top! 

The changing table was a fun little project to do. It was my dresser when I was a little girl. I will tell you how to repaint laminate furniture soon!

The tiger postcard and elephant painting were found by my mom, and the vintage grocery wire rack was found at a garage sale for $8. Perfect for a little nursery shelf!

In the two top dresser drawers are cloth diapers. The covers and burp clothes on one side,

And the diaper inserts and doublers on the other side! 

The other side of the room is storage, the rocker, and the crib. 

The wall hanging was made by my husband's mother and the quilt on the crib was made by my mom.

It was so fun that ALL of our family members really helped out in making and finding stuff for our baby! What a blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives!!

I love this rocker! My mom found it for $5 at a garage sale and remade the cushions out of a queen-sized Herringbone patterned blanket. She did such a fantastic job!! I can't wait to rock my baby boy in it :)

The last part of the nursery is the bookcase. Which is one of the only things we have for storage. 

* FUN FACT: Our little rental home only has one closet in the whole house. That's right, ONE. So we have to get a little creative with storage sometimes :)

Our bookcase contains 6 of these covered baskets from Target. They are perfect for keeping small things like hats and socks contained and organized! I also added little tags with baker's twine so I know what is where!!

Now the only thing left to do is wait for baby to come!! :)

Budget Breakdown:

- Changing table: Table = Free (Already had it)
             Spray Paint = $24
             Knobs = $35

- Wire Rack = $8 (Found at a Garage Sale)

- Crib = $4 (My mom found this gem at a Garage Sale!)

- Rocker = $5 for the rocker + $60 for the Target blanket

- Bookcase = FREE (My sister was getting rid of it!)

- Wall Art = FREE (for family gifts) + $35 for a matted 5x7 frame for the Tiger and 3 4x6 frames
              + $9 for post cards

- Other accessories were mostly gifts from the baby shower!

My husband and I have been working on the finishing touches for the nursery.

Here is the big "reveal" and a little advice on putting together a nursery without spending a bundle!

We have a really small house, so Baby's room is a little compact.

One side of the room is all of the changing supplies.

 Along with the growth chart made by my sister. 

She did such a great job with it! I love that hedgehog on top! 

The changing table was a fun little project to do. It was my dresser when I was a little girl. I will tell you how to repaint laminate furniture soon!

The tiger postcard and elephant painting were found by my mom, and the vintage grocery wire rack was found at a garage sale for $8. Perfect for a little nursery shelf!

In the two top dresser drawers are cloth diapers. The covers and burp clothes on one side,

And the diaper inserts and doublers on the other side! 

The other side of the room is storage, the rocker, and the crib. 

The wall hanging was made by my husband's mother and the quilt on the crib was made by my mom.

It was so fun that ALL of our family members really helped out in making and finding stuff for our baby! What a blessing to have such wonderful people in our lives!!

I love this rocker! My mom found it for $5 at a garage sale and remade the cushions out of a queen-sized Herringbone patterned blanket. She did such a fantastic job!! I can't wait to rock my baby boy in it :)

The last part of the nursery is the bookcase. Which is one of the only things we have for storage. 

* FUN FACT: Our little rental home only has one closet in the whole house. That's right, ONE. So we have to get a little creative with storage sometimes :)

Our bookcase contains 6 of these covered baskets from Target. They are perfect for keeping small things like hats and socks contained and organized! I also added little tags with baker's twine so I know what is where!!

Now the only thing left to do is wait for baby to come!! :)

Budget Breakdown:

- Changing table: Table = Free (Already had it)
             Spray Paint = $24
             Knobs = $35

- Wire Rack = $8 (Found at a Garage Sale)

- Crib = $4 (My mom found this gem at a Garage Sale!)

- Rocker = $5 for the rocker + $60 for the Target blanket

- Bookcase = FREE (My sister was getting rid of it!)

- Wall Art = FREE (for family gifts) + $35 for a matted 5x7 frame for the Tiger and 3 4x6 frames
              + $9 for post cards

- Other accessories were mostly gifts from the baby shower!

Baby's Nursery So Far!

The last few weeks my husband and I have been hard at work on the nursery. Here is our progress:

We still have a few things to buy, add, and hang on the walls, but it IS getting there!

I definitely used some of the ideas I posted previously, like the mixture of furniture, birdcage and woodland elements, and a large bookcase for added storage. 

I purchased the covered baskets from Target for additional organization. 

Next up is curtains, rocking chair (currently being recovered by my Mom!), and finishing off the changing table/dresser!

The last few weeks my husband and I have been hard at work on the nursery. Here is our progress:

We still have a few things to buy, add, and hang on the walls, but it IS getting there!

I definitely used some of the ideas I posted previously, like the mixture of furniture, birdcage and woodland elements, and a large bookcase for added storage. 

I purchased the covered baskets from Target for additional organization. 

Next up is curtains, rocking chair (currently being recovered by my Mom!), and finishing off the changing table/dresser!

Nursery Inspiration

Now that my husband and I are back from vacation, it is time to start thinking more about the little bundle of joy we will be receiving in October. :)

These are some of the rooms and items that have been inspiring me lately:

Overall Feel:



This was my very first inspiration for a nursery. It is the epitome of a woodland-themed baby sanctuary. I just love that canvas! And the pillows are perfect.

http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/2011/08/gender-neutral-nurseries.html

Now that my husband and I are back from vacation, it is time to start thinking more about the little bundle of joy we will be receiving in October. :)

These are some of the rooms and items that have been inspiring me lately:

Overall Feel:



This was my very first inspiration for a nursery. It is the epitome of a woodland-themed baby sanctuary. I just love that canvas! And the pillows are perfect.

http://www.thebooandtheboy.com/2011/08/gender-neutral-nurseries.html

Travel Clothes for a Pregnant Lady

My husband and I are going on an 18 day road trip soon. Eighteen days! YAY!!! The rough part is we don't have much room for clothing and the temps are going to range from 60 - 85 degrees! That means I had to get creative...

I picked out a few tops that go with 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of skinny jeans, and a maxi dress. They all use the same color scheme so it is easy to pair shoes and accessories. Let me show you how I mixed the tops and bottoms to make more than enough outfits for the trip!

I chose just 1 t-shirt that was long enough to cover my belly(!), 

that paired well with the shorts I'm bringing, 

My husband and I are going on an 18 day road trip soon. Eighteen days! YAY!!! The rough part is we don't have much room for clothing and the temps are going to range from 60 - 85 degrees! That means I had to get creative...

I picked out a few tops that go with 1 pair of shorts, 1 pair of skinny jeans, and a maxi dress. They all use the same color scheme so it is easy to pair shoes and accessories. Let me show you how I mixed the tops and bottoms to make more than enough outfits for the trip!

I chose just 1 t-shirt that was long enough to cover my belly(!), 

that paired well with the shorts I'm bringing, 

Comfy Pregnancy Wear

When I first got pregnant, I definitely wanted to stay in my pre-pregnancy jeans and clothes as long as possible. I thought for sure with a little exercise it would be no big deal.

HA! Was I ever wrong!

I am currently at 23 weeks, only a little over halfway through and I do not want to wear my pre-pregnancy jeans for more than 4 hours at a time. Even though they still "fit" (with a BeBand -- the most important addition to my wardrobe!) when baby starts to move or when I am feeling especially tight in my belly, they just are not comfortable anymore.

There have definitely been some major changes to my wardrobe lately. These are some of the staples that I could not live without right now:



The BeBand. Only $17, this has helped me stay in my pants for much longer than i would have otherwise!
BeBand -- Target




I love the V-Front yoga pants from Victoria's Secret. The V fits perfectly under my belly and is SO comfy, especially when baby is moving around!
V Front Yoga Pants




I don't like the feel of an elastic band right now (it feels too tight around the belly) so these are a great option for shorts!
Yoga Shorts



These Asos maxis are only $15 and FANTASTIC! A large fits my growing body really well. I recommend one in EVERY COLOR.
Khaki Only Maxi Tank Dress




Long tees are a must-have and these Essential V-Neck Tees are long enough that your belly doesn't stick out at the bottom, no matter how BIG you get!
PINK V-Neck Tee


Tell me what your pregnancy wear must-haves are!

When I first got pregnant, I definitely wanted to stay in my pre-pregnancy jeans and clothes as long as possible. I thought for sure with a little exercise it would be no big deal.

HA! Was I ever wrong!

I am currently at 23 weeks, only a little over halfway through and I do not want to wear my pre-pregnancy jeans for more than 4 hours at a time. Even though they still "fit" (with a BeBand -- the most important addition to my wardrobe!) when baby starts to move or when I am feeling especially tight in my belly, they just are not comfortable anymore.

There have definitely been some major changes to my wardrobe lately. These are some of the staples that I could not live without right now:



The BeBand. Only $17, this has helped me stay in my pants for much longer than i would have otherwise!
BeBand -- Target




I love the V-Front yoga pants from Victoria's Secret. The V fits perfectly under my belly and is SO comfy, especially when baby is moving around!
V Front Yoga Pants




I don't like the feel of an elastic band right now (it feels too tight around the belly) so these are a great option for shorts!
Yoga Shorts



These Asos maxis are only $15 and FANTASTIC! A large fits my growing body really well. I recommend one in EVERY COLOR.
Khaki Only Maxi Tank Dress




Long tees are a must-have and these Essential V-Neck Tees are long enough that your belly doesn't stick out at the bottom, no matter how BIG you get!
PINK V-Neck Tee


Tell me what your pregnancy wear must-haves are!