A Few Fun Finds

Hi everyone! Just popping in real quick to say hi and that I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas! I'm heading up (or down??) to Houston today for TEN whole days.  Brett comes on Saturday and until then I shall mees him and my puppies so much :(  I'm going early to spend some time with my fam and my grandma, AND to help them out with some last minute Christmas shopping.  Houston malls > San Antonio malls.  I'm seriously just going to go sit in the Galleria with some waffle fries and stare at the huge tree. So in preparation for this vacation, as I like to call it, I have spent the last month writing down restaurants in Houston that I've been craving.  That way we will be sure to hit every.single.one. when we're in town.  Can you tell what's on my mind most of the time these days?? Breakfast: The Bagel Shop, Bellaire Coffee Shop, Buffalo Grille Lunch/Dinner: LOS TIOS, Mi Luna, Barrys Pizza, Niko Nikos, Hubcap Grill, Killen's, Brenner's on the Bay

A real good day.  And no, not just because I heard Michael Jackson Black or White on the way to get coffee.  But because today I woke up and something happened that has NEVER happened to me before....I WON A GIVEAWAY!!!!  I have never won anything before in my life (minus $2 scratch off lotto tickets) so this is like a really big deal.  I won some majorly cute gifts from Biscuit Home in a holiday giveaway Bailey hosted on her blog Peppermint Bliss . AND the best part? My friend Lauren  won too!! Not only did she win, but she won the big giveaway of the series.  Super excited for her! I laughed so hard when I saw both of our names listed on there. I'm definitely paying Biscuit a visit over the Christmas holiday for a couple of crib sheets (mentioned on yesterdays post).  And you know what else I woke up to? An e-mail from Birch Box saying my momma had gifted me a subscription! It's an early but very welcomed Christmas present that I've been dying for the past couple o

Ponder this masterpiece:     This room by Jamie Meares of Furbish inspired me to start a new series, ROOM ON A BUDGET .  I take rooms me spectacles are particulary attracted to and try to recreate them in a more $$$ friendly way.  Or at least try my bestest.  My first attempt:     Paint ze walls red.  Any dark shade by Sherwin Williams will do. Curtains: from IKEA for $50 paired with roman shades from Overstock for $30. White Upholstered Headboard : $270 Custom pillows by MISS BLUEBONNET: inquire for pricing. Nightstand: again from IKEA for... TEN DOLLARS . Yes your eyes read that right. Furbish lamp : this is a splurge for the room & can definitely be replaced. But I just love this lamp. Ginger jar: MISS BLUEBONNET Moroccan pouf: on eBay ranging from $30 to $100 Rug: Home Decorators for $399-- STEAL for a rug. That is an amazing price and apparently is really soft/sturdy. Cow rug: These are usually around $200 and up but try Craigslist and

My anxiety level has gone down tremendously from yesterday.  Thanks everyone for your reassurance and suggestions! Especially those who told me about the no fume paint! That alone (paired with Chik-fil-A waffle fries) calmed me nerves a whole bunch.  On another note, the top baby names of 2012 came out recently.  Here are the top ones: Girls 1. Sophia 2. Emma 3. Olivia 4. Isabella 5. Ava 6. Lily 7. Zoe 8. Chloe 9. Mia 10. Madison Boys 1. Aiden 2. Jackson 3. Ethan 4. Liam 5. Mason 6. Noah 7. Lucas 8. Jacob 9. Jayden 10. Jack   I do have to admit I kind of love that we picked a name that didn't make the list.  I've always said I want a unique name that not a lot of people have & Brett wanted something unusual and different too.  That doesn't mean I don't love the names that did make the list.  In fact, if we were having a girl, the name we had picked out rests comfy in that top 10 girls list up above (my great grandmother's name).  I

...redo our living room right now (which we all know I can't), then it would look something like this: Ahh, neutral heaven.  Can someone make this come happen, along with our nursery & master bedroom? xoxo, ryann

HELLO EVERYONE. Today I'm 27 weeks-- that's like one week away from the LAST trimester.  Woohoo!  March 13th is our official due date, but at our last ultrasound they said they think he will come before then at the rate he is growing.  Before??? I mentally need to prepare myself for going into labor any day in March.  March is like less than 3 months away.  Errmerrgerrd. This is what my current state looks like: (PS thanks everyone for all your nice comments on FB!! You know how to make a girl feel loved.) I promise to be better about pics over these last few months :) Now everyone has been telling me to get as much done as possible before the last trimester because it flies by.  And I believe them.  We have all of our baby classes scheduled and ready to go.  We have a general plan for labor and delivery.  But...again....the nursery hasn't even BEGUN.  And here comes the huge wave of anxiety I get just thinking about it.  Are we way behind on this?  Is this nor

I answered some FAQ's when I first started blogging again so I thought I'd do another round since that was about 2 months ago :) How far along are you? 26 weeks and almost to the 3rd & FINAL (thank god) trimester.  I can't wait to meet him, but I also can't wait to be unpregnant. What are you craving? Everything.  But more recently: Chick-fil-A, sweet tea, spaghetti, cookies/brownies, and the occasional Taco C.  I swear I eat good things too.  Has it been hard to not drink? A lot of people have asked me this since I've been known to imbibe every once and a while.  Honestly, it's a no brainer since something so important is now a part of me and my life.  But besides that at the beginning- not at ALL.  Nothing really sounded good much less alcohol.  Now? Not really, but randomly I'll be like...man I could really go for a glass of vino with my 'sgetti.  But it's not ''hard.''  It just is what it is.  Brett's really excit

JUST BECAUSE I'M IN A GOOD MOOD.  And the dogs are not entertaining me. I want our console to look like this......   Please and thank you.

Let's get to the important issues here: At first I was all like I'm so glad I announced before her.  Then I was all like SHE BETTER NOT STEAL OUR BABY NAME. Then...duh, our taste and her taste might just be a leeeeetle different so I'm pretty sure we're safe there.  I'm not saying we have or don't have a name (sorry to be secretive) just that most likely the next heir (or heiress) of England will not likely steal our thunder. Ok moving on. Our baby girl broke her toe this week :(  I've been cooped in our house taking care of her so she doesn't play, run around, and most importantly chew up her cast.  I haven't showered in 3 days and have only left the house to get Chick-fil-A & spaghetti.  Embarassing I know.  I was telling Michelle earlier today that when the baby comes 3 days of not showering is bound to turn into a month.  Here is Fi Fi: Don't you just wanna hug her? To something design related.  I know I should really b

She still exists.  The website is ready, the products are sitting here, and I have no idea why I haven't launched.  Well I kinda do.  First, no pictures exist yet. Which is mui importante to have on the website.  Second, when we found out about the baby, everything just kind of stood still.  I stopped focusing on Miss BB & let her fall to the wayside.  But I think I am ready to revisit and launch her.  I'm scheduling for the pictures to be taken and then it's all in my court.  Every time I go to a home decor website and almost push "add to cart" on a cute throw pillow, I'm like WHAAAT is wrong with you? You have like 50 amazing pillows sitting in the next room just waiting to be fluffed.  Oh and did I mention the next room is also the nursery which HAS to be cleaned out as soon as possible??  Another motivator for launching. So that's that. I still want her to happen and from now until January I intend on making her a reality. xoxo, ryann

Did everyone have a good Thanksgiving? I've never been so happy to see dressing, cranberries (CANNED ONLY PLEASE), potatoes, and everything else I devoured.  I'm already counting down until Christmas so I can eat it all over again.  Or I could just go to Luby's. This week I've seen all the bloggers create "gift guides" which I do love looking at, but then I'm all like-- who actually buys this stuff? I need a $150 monogrammed scarf like I need a hole in my head.  Ok that's a little dramatic.  But you know what I'm saying?? That being said of course I decided to do one myself.  Mostly because I really felt like blogging today. But also because I am basing my list on things I actually own/swear by/have asked for myself for Christmas.  And that makes it ok right? birch box - monthly subscription for $10.  get the latest beauty samples. i so wish i would have thought of this. best candle ever - volcano from anthro. your house will ne

I have a confession:  I had my first pregancy freak out. Ok that was a lie. This is my second or third. But this time was a little different.  EVERYTHING is perfectly fine thank goodness. But over the past few days I think I had my first ''am I ready'' breakdown.  It all started yesterday afternoon with Finn.  She came into the house from outside with blood all over her paw. I started cleaning it but then it would gush all over again-- cue freak out.  Instinct kicked in and I immediately put the other two dogs away and started getting Finn ready to go to the vet.  Picture a pregnant woman trying to control a 92 pound dog on a leash by herself.  This might seem easy to some people but Brett ALWAYS takes care of this part.  We go to the vet together but he holds her, gets her in the car, gets her out, keeps her from other dogs at the vet, etc etc.  This part scares me.  But I had to manage so off we went.  I finally got her into the vet and immediately had no control ov

Y'ALL.  It's semi cold outside.  The Texans won.  I had the best bagel for breakfast.  I got Anthro candles burning all up in this house.  And taco chili is on the menu tonight.  If that doesn't make a pregnant woman happy, I don't know what would.  This is the recipe I'm trying. * minus the broth to make it more like chili * I just wanted to pop in and let everyone know that vital piece of information. You see, I'm trying to nest.  Not really sure what that means, but lately I've been determined to be a "dinner's ready" kind of gal.  Last week it lasted until Tuesday when the baby demanded fajitas.  We'll see how this week goes.' Have a lovely, chilly evening. xoxo, ryann (baby momma)

Over the last 5 months, I've been SCOURING the internet for the best advice on mom and baby essentials. Thanks to helpful websites, blogs, and most of all the advice of family and friends, I think we've finally decided on what we want to get for our little man. I know every baby is different and likes different things, but I want to be as prepared and educated as possible! SO I decided to put together some essentials that I'm planning on getting slash already have-- of course the title of this post has a big "?" because he isn't here just yet. But hopefully this helps someone else out there with so many overwhelming choices!   THE BOB  / Baby Bjorn Travel Crib / aiden + anais blankets / Marc Jacobs diaper bag / MamaRoo / Kimono style onesie / Wubbanub / Snap N Go stroller / Baby Bjorn Sitter / Toy attachment for BB Sitter     Obviously there is more but just wanted to start out with a few that I definitely plan on stocking up on!

I have discovered the mothership.  babyGAP, I love you too, but Nordstrom stole my heart this weekend.  I'm not sure this is a good thing, but I'm officially addicted & there's no turning back. My momma-in-law was in town this weekend (miss you!) and got us the CUTEST things from there.  See below. Can you guess who picked this one out? Hint: baby daddy.  It's so little and cute and perfect and I'm in love.  Then my FAVORITE:   Zeeeeeebras!! So insanely cute. Thanks again Cindy! Here are some other things that caught my eye in the store and online!  They shall be added to my Christmas list immediately. A lil prep & a lil bit rock n roll. xoxo, ryann (baby momma)

I went back and forth on whether or not to do this post since everybody (rightly so) has their own opinion re: what people share on FB and other social media sites.  I decided to do it mostly voicing my own opinion on it and how my views have changed in different stages of my life.  Warning: If this bores you, you should probs stop reading now because a) this post is going to be lengthy & b) you might not agree with me.  Sorry, I'm not sorry. I will be the first to admit that I used to be one of those people who scoffed at certain things people posted on FB.  For example, just this year (before the bun) I recall posting a kind of rude status that went something like this: "really excited you are pregnant, but we don't care if your baby is the size of a blueberry, apple, banana, or avocado." Granted this was after a few margaritas, but I can't find the post because I woke up and immediately deleted it feeling pretty bad and mean.  Given where we are in ou

If you haven't seen FB, Twitter, or every other social media site I've blasted the news on...then I am BEYOND excited to tell you we are expecting a baby BOY  in March! We are so blessed and happy for such an amazing gift. And the most important part is that he is super healthy, perfect, and apparently an active little man :)  Thanks to everyone who has shared in our excitement these past few weeks!   I'm pretty sure that this blog is now shifting towards baby geared stuff since that is what our lives revolve around now.  There will still be some decor but mostly my experiences and little man of course :)  These are some thangs that have gotten me through pregnancy so far. Dear TOM thank the lawd for you or else my feet would have died.  I think I've worn TOMS every day since we found out I was pregnant.  Ok and maybe every day before that. I've also lived/slept/breathed in Target v-necks in every color.  For dresses, I love Old Navy maternity dress

Thank you everyone who sent me their recs so far!! They are helping more than you know and feel free to send me as much or as little info as you wish :) A lot of people have asked me about decorating the nursery and if I'm excited to put together a fun room for the bebe.  To be honest, nursery decor has kind of majorly fallen into the background so far! I've been more consumed with reading books, picking out the right stroller, and researching how long to give sponge baths (along with many many many other thangs). But of course I'm threeeelled to pick out decor for the room.  I do need to tell you sumfin though.  Most of the big decorations won't happen until we move back to Houston.  OF COURSE there will still be a nursery with all the major things, but since we are moving back so soon after the baby, most of the fun decor will happen later.  We do have one thing for the nursery though.  My awesome sister-in-law, Stephanie, sent the baby their first gift the other

WOW. I haven't blogged since July 13th.  Three days before we found out we were pregnant. It's been so hard keeping this secret & I'm so happy to finally share the news with everyone!  I'm really not sure what direction this blog is going to go now, but I do know that I miss it TONS and plan to start writing again :) For my first come-back post I thought I'd answer some FAQ's I been gettin: How are you feeling? Now? Glorious.  The first 3 1/2 months? AWFUL.  I mean like not being able to get off the couch awful.  Morning sickness, nausea, headaches, exhaustion. You name it, I experienced it.  I think I'm finally finding my glow now....phew. Any cravings? TUUUUUUUNA. All day, every day.  Too bad I can't have any of it.  After the baby is born someone bring me 3 Subway tuna footlongs and all the spicy tuna rolls you can find.  Besides that, fruit and bbq...bbq baked potato...mmmmmmmmm. Gimme. What hasn't sounded good? GRILLED MEAT. Disgu

IT'S THE FREAKIN' WEEKEND! almost. things are finally wrapping up at the house and this weekend we can finally begin to put our lives back together. here is a gander at the kitch/sink situation: that backsplash is delicious. don't ya think? and i've always wanted a farmer's sink. we found this online for HALF off! PLUS a coupon code. seriously y'all. eBay and the internet are your bff's when you need stuff like this. never ever pay full price at a showroom. that's just my opionion though. also one thing i've learned- always google coupon codes for the store. 6 out of 10 times i find one and it's usually 20 to 25 percent off! GUHD stuff right there. rilll guhd. let's move on to my friday finds. i love me some anthro as much as the next girl, but sometimes their prices are just ridic right? for example this new pillow: ...is 300 bones. and i'm 99.9% sure that it's the exact same as this pillow: ...just turned sid

1 / 2 / 3 / 4 /5: MISS BLUEBONNET PILLOW

my cabin fever is exponentially worse. thank goodness we have upcoming getaways to the river & my beloved ATX.  a week full of friends, family, and floaties. i have a new crush: gray subway tile.  oui oui. #teamjoey i actually love the name penelope scotland. miss bluebonnet is wheelin & dealin. almost time!!!! that's all for now. toodles. xoxo, ryann

This post makes me extremely happy. xoxo, ryann

ESSIE / shirt / necklace / clutch / glasses / shorts

happy happy monday! i'm not too happy because once again, i am confined to the walls of our house morning until night  afternoon, while they do more installations. the nice thing about our weekend was mainly that no one was here. i actually got to breathe fresh air more than an hour at a time.  we got to drink chispas (our new fav SA drink) and live a normal life for a couple of days.  'twas nice. vewy nice. let's take a gander at a the bath & kitch: new cabinets! new vanity!!!!! ignore the mirror etc. that is all goin bye bye. subway tile DONE! there is also white glossy tile hiding under the brown paper, but she will be revealed soon. GLOBES!!!! word to tha wise: not everything exactly works out as you imagine in your head. esp with an older house.  we weren't able to center the globes right over the "bar island" due to beams/electrical wiring. something you just have to get over and make on the spot decisions about.  i

HELLO FRIDAY!  It's always so nice to see you.  Let's discuss some life updates: We joined a gym.  I still suck at working out.  I painted an abstract.  It's sort of really cute.  One Direction is totally the new 'NSYNC.  The Wanted are totally the new BSB (that's Backstreet Boys for you non-tweens).  Oh and Team Ann Curry. I have no pictures of the reno to show.  For one, I have NO phone #dontwannatalkaboutit.  And second, it looks like a tornado swept through our house followed by a hurricane earthquake combo. So instead I'll round up my Friday finds for your viewing pleasure. CHIC FASHION: Two Penny Blue Two Penny Blue My blogger pal Erin (disclaimer: she doesn't know we're friends yet but she did this & I just knew) announced her new store and fashion brand TWO PENNY BLUE which focuses on chic, affordable blazers in fun colors.  My personal fav is the Cambridge (in mint obv). AND get this- not only is it made here in Amu