Things I Find Pinteresting Vol. 29
Happy Friday everyone!
So let me tell you about my nursery dilemma! I had the whole look set in my mind for months but it was shattered yesterday once I realized how hard it is to find pretty coral fabric!! I was so frustrated and stressed at the fabric store, oh my goodness. Anyway, I’m now rethinking the nursery color scheme and have been on Pinterest looking for some new inspiration. I was going to go with either gray and white with pink or purple accents but how about both? Pink and purple are SO much easier (and cheaper) to find for nursery items.
I love this little tent – perfect for reading with my sweet daughter <3
Sweet tooth going out of control at nights…
I used to love italian sodas but forgot about it once I fell in love with coffee.
A couple weeks ago I had one and YUM! Still love it!
I found a recipe to try at home!
Some quotes I’m loving…
Now off to research more nursery ideas… and go get my italian soda ingredients, muhaha.
Wishing you a beautyfull weekend!
Week 23 Bumpdate
Hey hey everyone!
I know I’m posting much later than usual but I was having issues and momentarily lost this post! Hubs came to the rescue and recovered it but then we got preoccupied with painting the little one’s nursery! YAY! Hubs is upstairs painting now while I stay away from the fumes and rest, hehe.
Ever since I’ve gotten home from our Babymoon I’ve been busy busy organizing our house and trying to take care of projects that I’ve been meaning to finish for the past 1-2 years. It feels SO GOOD to finally be able to check these things off my things-t0-do list! Also, I’ve been trying to find an official place for everything in our house so that once Baby girl comes we’re a lot more prepared for the chaos, haha. Hubs has been working on preparing the nursery and he’s determined to get that room painted by tonight- exciting! I’ve made my final decision for the paint color so I’m praying that I’ll love it once it’s done! It’s really hard to decide on paint colors especially since the colors change depending on lighting! And seriously, how many types of gray can there possibly be???
Anyway, let’s move on to this week’s Bumpdate!
I love this photo idea!
How far along?
23 weeks
Size of baby?
11.5 inches – the size of a large mango- yum!
Total Weight Gain/Loss?
Hopefully still on track… Maybe I should start weighing myself again. I’m just afraid I’ll faint once I see the number, haha. But I guess that’s a good way to make sure that I don’t gain any excess weight during this pregnancy.
Maternity Clothes?
100% maternity bottoms and maybe 50% maternity tops. I hate feeling constricted so today I’m lounging in my maternity leggings and a stretchy top!
Stretch Marks?
It’s becoming more apparent that my pregnancy body type is more like Kim Kardashian- big boobs and big hips on a short body. I might have developed some more stretch marks in those two areas over the last week or so. Still none on my belly.
Best Moments?
Being in Kauai with my love and now being back home and ramping up into nesting mode!
Movement?
Baby girl was moving around SO much last night! Hubs could totally feel her crazy moves through my belly. Fortunately after he told her to go to sleep she calmed down and we were all able to get a good nights rest. 
Food Cravings?
I’m loving salads these days. I think it’s because I felt so deprived while we were in Kauai, haha. Hubs and I are trying to keep each other accountable to eat pretty healthy going forward. It’ll be a challenge when I’m going through my cravings but it’s what’s best for our little girl.
Anything making you queasy or sick?
Nope and loving it!!
What I miss?
Same as always- Sushi and unlimited coffee
Symptoms?
I’ve been pretty symptom-free for the past couple weeks and it’s GLORIOUS! I’m also starting to feel more spurts of energy throughout the day although I still need my breaks, of course. I’m taking advantage of this time to work hard at prepping the house and nursery!
Labor signs?
Nope!
In!
Off!
I’m sleeping really well now that I’m finally back in my own comfortable bed! And my middle-of-the-night bathroom runs are becoming less consistent, woohoo!
My mama and I will probably be going fabric shopping this week to start some of the projects I have in mind for the nursery. I already can’t wait for the nursery to be finished (when it has barely begun, hahaha).
Babymooning in Kauai – Photo Roundup
Hey everyone!
Boy is it great to be back home! I know some people dread leaving a vacation but Hubs and I love our home and always look forward to coming back to our own comfortable bed, haha. We did have a wonderful and relaxing time on Kauai and feel so blessed to have been able to go on an official babymoon before Baby Girl arrives. I’ll definitely miss the ease of traveling with just me and Hubs… but I’m sure once I have my little one in my arms those little things won’t matter anymore. Plus, there’s always the perk of living so close to grandparents that are willing to babysit, hehehe.
Here are some photos that we snapped along our 1 week journey!
This was at a little viewpoint in Princeville pretty close to our place.
Like I mentioned before, Hubs LOVED driving our convertible jeep rental!
It was definitely a fun rugged car perfect for Kauai.
A couple things to note though: The seats are pretty high up so it was a bit difficult for me to get in and out of the jeep especially when we were parked on a slope. Just something to think about if you’re preggers. Also, when you see rain clouds ahead, it’s safer to just put the roof back on instead of risking getting stuck on the road in the rain.
This was at Tunnels Beach on the North shore of Kauai!
We managed to get a nice shaded spot close to the water.
Hubs checking his emails while enjoying his beer.
Squinting in the bright sun! haha
Here we’re at the Smith’s Family Garden Luau!
We had a really good time there and loved the family run atmosphere.
I’d definitely recommend it if you’re looking for a fun luau to attend in Kauai!
The food was really yummy and endless plus they offered unlimited (alcoholic/non-alcoholic) drinks- a win in Hubs’ book!
The pineapples were SO good! Wish I could have some right now… 
We were trying to go hiking this day but it was just too rainy and parking was hard to find.
We ended up hanging out at the cave near Tunnels Beach.
It was probably better that we didn’t attempt the hike in my condition.
This is at the Lihue Marriott resort on the South side of the island.
The view was spectacular!
Now that I’m back home for good I have lots of things I want to knock out before Baby Girl arrives!
Next on my plate: the nursery!!
I’ll definitely document the process especially the DIY projects that we planned.
Wishing you a BEAUTYFULL day!
Yummy Taro Sweet Potato Chips – Taro Ko Factory Review
Aloha everyone!
I just wanted to stop by to tell you guys about the amazing experience I had yesterday at Taro Ko Factory. After reading all the reviews on Yelp I was expecting a rundown house with a grumpy old man selling delicious taro and sweet potato chips. What did we find? A rundown house (check) and two old unfriendly looking men (check) with small bags of taro/sweet potato chips for sale (check). What we didn’t expect was how incredible friendly the man who was selling the chips was! He was such a nice old grandpa!
We walked in anticipating grumpiness but the sweet old man started asking us questions about where we were from and if we were having a good time. He told us about how he grew up in the same area for 71 years and was now helping his friend (the actual owner of Taro Ko Factory)! Hubs encouraged me to take a photo with him and afterwards he gave us another bag of chips for free as he said “a gift from me to you”. How cute is that?
Maybe the “grumpy man” that the Yelpers were referring to was the owner who was more reserved. But still, it was such a difference experience than what we were expecting. We were so glad that we took the time to drive over after hanging out at Poipu Beach Park.
How the chips are set up
Hubs holding our bag of sweet potato chips with li hing mui seasoning.
Here’s me and the friendly grandpa!
We just finished snorkeling so I look a bit a mess… check out my preggers belly!
We’ve already killed the free bag of taro chips that the grandpa gave us and are now working on the sweet potato li hing mui chips. The chips are very thin, crispy and addicting! We should have picked up a couple more of the plain taro and sweet potato chips! So good!
Next time we visit Kauai we’ll definitely be visiting the Taro Ko Factory and hopefully see our grandpa friend again. If you’re on the south end of Kauai I’d definitely recommend that you check them out too!
Taro Ko Factory
3940 Hanapepe Rd
Hanapepe, HI 96716
$4.50/$5 per small bag – cash only
You can read the other Yelp reviews here!
Wishing you a BEAUTYFULL day!
Aloha!
22 Week Bumpdate – Babymooning in Kauai!
Aloha everyone!
Hubs and I have been basking in the beauty of Kauai for our Babymoon this week and we’re LOVING it! We’ve been eating good food and exploring different beaches around the island. Hubs is also having so much fun in our open-top Jeep rental, I think a part of him wants to buy one even though it’s super impractical in rainy Seattle.
Here are a few photos I’ve snapped on my phone so far. I’ll get some more off my camera later on perhaps once we’re home and I have my own laptop to work off of.
Kauai Waffle from Hanalei Coffee Roasters
It was yummy but we decided we probably wouldn’t go back for seconds
Hubs working on the beach!
Hanalei Bay
Our favorite lunch place so far!
Chicken in a Barrel – Sampler Plate
I was laying on the beach today when my phone alerted me that I’ve started week 22 of my pregnancy! I’ve been so preoccupied having fun that I completely forgot!
Here are my bumpdates for the week!
How far along?
22 weeks
Size of baby?
11 inches – the size of a spaghetti squash. I’m definitely starting to feel the extra weight in my protruding tummy especially when I’m walking too fast, haha
Total Weight Gain/Loss?
Let’s say I’m still on track! We’ve been eating a lot of good food but I feel like I’ve also been really active playing on the beaches and lugging around lots of heavy things in the sand.
Maternity Clothes?
I’m mostly wearing M-L sizes in regular beach wear (normally I’m a small) and I wear my maternity maxis in the evenings. It was hard finding a cute “maternity” swimsuit for this trip! All the ones that I saw were 1 piece or tankinis that weren’t very cute. I ended up buying regular bikinis in larger sizes and it’s been working out just fine.
Stretch Marks?
Still have them but I’ve been paying less and less attention to them. I’m still applying my lotions diligently but I think I’ve grown to accept these little marks of motherhood. Surprisingly, I don’t even feel self-conscious in my swimsuit on the beach!
Best Moments?
Being on our babymoon, of course! Our goal for this trip is to relax, relax and relax! We’re trying to actively enjoy everything that’ll change once our little girl arrives like focusing on each other, sleeping full nights and easily traveling around.
Movement?
Yup, Baby girl is still moving around a lot especially when I’m hungry/eating. Although I have to admit that I haven’t been paying as much attention this week since I’ve been so busy vacationing!
Food Cravings?
We’ve been eating such yummy food lately I guess I’m not really craving anything in particular.
Anything making you queasy or sick?
Nope!
What I miss?
Same as always- Sushi and unlimited coffee
Symptoms?
I’m so thankful that I’ve had absolutely NO symptoms on vacation! Well I guess I tire more easily and can’t be as active as pre-pregnancy but nothing that’s hindering our trip.
None
In!
Off now.
I usually don’t sleep well the first 1-2 days somewhere new but I’m hoping tonight I’ll have great sleep!
Let’s see- Hubs and I are heading out to our first Luau in a couple hours which will be super fun. Also, I can’t wait to get home and start working on Baby Girl’s nursery!
Finding a Fast and Easy Beauty Routine for New Moms (Or if you’re just in a rush!)
As I’ve been working on my baby preparation check list I realize that I could really benefit from coming up with a go-to, easy hair and makeup routine that I could do on the fly during those early sleep deprived months after Baby’s arrival. I know myself and I know that if I don’t have a habit ingrained in me I’ll most likely default to the no makeup, low ponytail look (which is my default look right now, haha). Maybe what I’m trying to achieve is unrealistic but can you blame a girl for wanting to look good as she enters motherhood? I don’t know if getting into the habit of a specific beauty routine is going to work once Baby arrives but I don’t see the harm in trying!
While I normally look to Pinterest for inspiration and tutorials, I think in this case Youtube is my best resource. Here are a few makeup tutorials that I’m liking right now. Most likely I’ll use these looks as inspiration and come up with something of my own.
This girl is so adorable and I love her look especially the pink lips!
This look is pretty similar as well – brown eyes, pink lips.
This girl is blessed with a full lash line so she doesn’t need any eyeliner for bold eyes! Lucky!
I still have yet to try out my new Too Faced Boudoir Eyes palette! This is a really good tutorial for when I’m ready to start playing with it. I’d definitely simplify the look since I don’t find it simple enough.
These makeup tutorials are just for some inspiration. There’s no way that I’d bother with things like highlighting and probably even bronzing when I’m sleep deprived and just trying to survive.
And onto hair! I’d love to learn how to french braid my own hair before Baby arrives! And I think it’s time to bust out my hot rollers again. I’m thinking I can place the rolls into my hair and then work on my makeup while the curls set. Yay for multi-tasking!
I found this good tutorial on 10 different french braid hairstyles for longer hair.
She makes it look so easy!
I’m loving the side french braid with low bun – the first combo she shows in the tutorial.
This look could also be potentially really fast and easy. Plus it doesn’t require french braiding!
So now onto the part of actually experimenting and trying these looks out! I’ll let you know how it goes!
How long does it normally take you to do your makeup and hair? Let me know in the comments below!
Wishing you a beautyfull day!
21 Week Bumpdate
21 weeks!
10.5 inches – the size of a banana! I had to do a double take today since my app told me that our little girl was only 6.5 inches last week! It’s another one of those times where I wish I could just look into my tummy to see how big she really is!
And no, the Oreo McFlurry at McDonalds is not the same thing… not that I wouldn’t happily eat one of those too, haha!
This week’s Baby goals?
I feel like I’ve made a lot of decisions on what products I want on my registry/want to buy so I suppose my next goal will be to start looking into birthing/new baby classes. And also to start reading some parenting books.
Oh and another thing- I’ve been looking to really nail down a set makeup and hair routine so that it’ll become a fast/easy habit for me once my little girl gets here. I’ll tell you more about it tomorrow!
Wishing you a beautyfull day!
Are you on a Budget?
From an early age my parents instilled some financial rules into me that I carry to this day. For example, never spend beyond your financial means and also never ever have to pay interest on your credit card (always pay it off fully every month). Those rules worked out well for me and I feel like I’ve always been very responsible with my income versus spending. Not to say I didn’t make any mistakes along the way… I had to learn the hard way of recognizing when you’re paying for everything in a relationship and basically supporting another full human (that is not your spouse), haha.. But that’s another story.
After getting married, Hubs and I decided to create a joint account. It worked out well since I made sure that a small portion of my salary was being allocated to my personal account AKA my shopping account. But now it’s nearly been 1 year since I’ve left the corporate world and I have to admit I’ve been feeling a lot less financially independent. Let me clarify that it’s nothing that Hubs does to make me feel this way but I just naturally feel like I shouldn’t be buying this or that especially since Hubs doesn’t spend very much on himself and I’m not bringing in an income. But a girl has got to shop, right?? I’m a firm believer that the average girl just requires more $$ for upkeep than the average boy. I never realized that having some financial independence would be so important to me!
Cutest little piggy coin pouch!!
A while ago I was talking to another stay-at-home mama and she told me that she’s on a monthly allowance now that she’s no longer working. I really liked the idea of having a small portion of money to spend without feeling the guilt of spending away our family fortune. So I brought up the idea to Hubs and he was all for it.
So here’s my dilemma now. How much should I budget for a month’s worth of shopping, lunches out, coffee dates and etc? I figure it might take a month of evaluating how much I typically spend but now that I have the green light I’m a little nervous to implement the budget! haha!
Are you on a shopping budget? How much do you think I should budget for? Let me know in the comments below! Your input would be really helpful!
Wishing you a beautyfull day!
To the daddy of my daughter <3
Let me tell you a little something about Hubs. Before we fell in love he never wanted to get married or have children. He pictured himself living the life of a super successful entrepreneur driving around expensive sports cars and how I like to put it, live for himself.
4-5 years later he’s a completely changed man. He now works hard to support and provide for his family and dreams with me of having 2-3 wonderful kids. 2 weeks ago he traded in his 2 door/stick shift car for a 7-seater family SUV in an appropriate family car color too! haha
So proud of my little girl’s daddy!
I’ve watched my Hubs transform from a rough-and-tough single guy to a more gentle and loving husband and soon-to-be father. I love listening to him talk to our little girl through my belly at night. A lot of times I end up laughing at the silly things he says to her but it touches my heart and makes me love him in ways I never had before.
Hubs, I love watching you transform into a daddy and can’t wait for our little girl to meet you. I know you’ll fill her life with so much joy, laughter and love. I love you and can’t wait to see you in a couple hours!
<3
Things I Find Pinteresting Vol. 28
Happy Friday everyone!
Here are the pins for the week!
We’ve been looking for the perfect gliding chair for the nursery but I have yet to find one that’s just right! I saw this pin where someone took a chair from Ikea and turned it into a swivel/rocking chair. I like the look of the chair I just don’t know if I want to have to make the swivel/rocking part, haha.
This thank you Valentine’s card makes me laugh!
Kids are so funny!
Some makeup palettes that Sephora pinned as Mother’s Day gift ideas.
So tempting….
And supposedly the best banana bread recipe out there!
Can’t wait for my bananas to ripen so I can try this out.
Hope you all have a wonderful weekend!
See you on Monday!
Wishing you a beautyfull day!