Friday Fancies::New Mom Chic

Hello, friends! It's {av} from {long distance loving}, standing in for Natasha as she enjoys her first few days with her new little man :) She's been a member of the Friday's Fancies family since the early days, so it is an honor to be posting in her place today! Throwing themes aside, I decided to craft a comfy little ensemble for a chic new mom like Natasha...

This easy, breezy Splendid Sleeveless Collared Shirt looks polished--without being too tight or constricting. The lively yellow would also play up the new mom glow ;)

While on the hunt for some chic lounge pants, these Enza Costa Linen Wide Leg Pants caught my eye. They look like wide-leg jeans, but they're cozy like sweatpants. Sign me up!

Perfect for her new little guy's initials, this BaubleBar Large Monogram Pendant would be a fun way to keep him close--for many years to come.

We all know Kate Spade for her clever designs, but this Bon Shopper Baby Bag may take the cake--it's a mobile changing table pad and tote all in one. Hello, genius!

For a little more jazz than plain jane flip flops, these KORS Michael Kors Zanna Chain Sandals fit the bill. 

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Want to join the Friday's Fancies family? I'd love to have you--click here to get all the info in your inbox! Thanks again to Natasha for having me today--enjoy every minute with your little family! 

Have a great weekend, everyone! xoxo {av} | {long distance loving}

Baby Schue has arrived!

Ethan Grant Schue

Born on June 26th

7:19 pm

6 pounds 3 ounces

19.5 inches

He is the love of our lives...just pure perfection.

More to come soon!

xo natasha

Life of a Scott: Mama Kit

Hey its Kit from Life of a Scott.

  I am married to my best friend that just happens to be 10 years older than me and taught at my high school...

  on April 12th our world changed

our son Ellison was born.  

His birth did not go as planned...you can read more "here"

From the moment we heard his cry our lives changed for the better

Today I thought I would tell you why I love being a boy mom

Growing up I always envisioned  myself with a little girl that I would get to dress up, take to gymnastics, play house, and take shopping 

but life doesn't really work like that...

I love that I am going to be 2 guys number one girl (Andre and Ellison)

I love that I will not feel the pressure to dress him up in a matching outfit everyday...little boys are much easier in that aspect

I love that I will get to be a soccer mom

I love that I get to teach him how to treat girls

I love that I will have 2 hungry boys to eat everything in sight

I love that Andre will have someone to watch sports with and actually enjoy it :)

I am so happy to be a boy mom and really would not want it any other way.

Natasha I know you are going to just love being a boy mom too!!

xoxo kit

World's BEST Frozen Banana!

I thought I'd leave you with one last treat before I sign off for a little bit!  ;)

I have always had an affinity for frozen bananas...I grew up in Newport Beach where they make the most amazing frozen bananas down on Balboa Island at "Dad's".  I love the option with all the fixings on top and decided it would be the perfect summer treat to recreate!

They're actually quite easy to make too, which is a plus!  First, you need to prepare the bananas.  I cut mine in half and skewered with a straw {a popsicle stick would work too}.  Then set out your toppings.  Dad's uses crushed peanuts, almonds, oreos, sprinkles and toffee {I did not use the toffee}.  Combine on a dinner plate so it's set to cover the bananas.  Melt 4 oz chocolate chips in the microwave and then add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil and stir.  This gives the chocolate a nice consistency for dipping the banana.  Carefully dip one banana at a time and cover in the topping.  Repeat for each banana.  Allow to freeze for about 4-5 hours.

This is honestly one of my FAVORITE desserts and just perfect for the summer.  

Hope you enjoy!!  Bon Appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

40 Weeks: Oy vey!

Can I just say....that I never thought we would get to the 40 week post, but here I am!  My patience has definitely been tested these last few weeks, but I am excited there is an end in sight and that we get to meet our son so SO soon!  

How far along? 40 weeks...5 days!  Oy vey!

Baby Size: A small pumpkin or a jackfruit.

Total weight gain: 29 pounds, but let's just call it 30 for getting back in shape post-baby!

Maternity clothes? Lately, I've been wearing workout/yoga clothes.  All of which are non-maternity.  I'm officially over it!  ;)

Stretch marks? I think I can safely say I got through this pregnancy sans stretch marks, BUT I am super worried that this will change once my milk comes in!

Sleep: Sleeping well...I am definitely lucky. 

Best moment this week: Hmmm...probably my foot massage!  But in reality, I'm just waiting waiting waiting!

Miss Anything? I miss my due date!  Haha, does that count??

Movement: Still movin' and groovin'!

Food cravings: Still love anything refreshing...lemonade, fruit, ice cold water...

Anything making you queasy or sick: No...I even had raw onions on a sandwich the other night and they weren't so bad!

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: Still no labor signs at my 40 week appointment, and I definitely cried!  It's very frustrating feeling like everything is in order but he's just not budging!  Definitely a stubborn little stinker!  And believe me, I've tried everything under the moon to help induce things naturally...going in for acupuncture this morning!

Symptoms: Lower cramping, swollen feet, having to pee every 5 minutes...the usual!

Belly Button in or out? Still at a halfie status...practically an outie now!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: Definitely frustrated!  But I'm still relatively comfortable and can't complain about how I feel.  Just SOO ready to meet our little guy!

Looking forward to: Meeting our son!  We will be induced on Wednesday night if he doesn't decide to come between now and then.  Have any of you been induced?  How did it go?!?

In closing this chapter, I want to thank all of you for your love, support, and advice along this journey.  Being able to connect with so many mamas and friends here has made my pregnancy a truly amazing experience.  You've all kept me in check and I'm so pleased that I have a weekly recap of our pregnancy to look back on.  So THANK YOU!!!

In the coming days, I will be introducing you to some inspiring mamas and letting them share their motherhood experiences.  I'm so grateful that they've agreed to step in, while I'm spending quality time with baby and recovering...hope you enjoy!

xo natasha

Friday Fancies::Summer Sizzle

Bracelets 1:2:3:4 // Tote // Dress // Necklace // Hat // Polish // Sandals

Summer is officially here!  And it makes me want to jump into something bright and cheery!  I would never think to match red, hot pink and neon yellow together, but somehow I think it works!  I would love to stroll the boardwalk or grab a bite to eat in this look.  Sometimes it's fun to step a little bit outside your comfort zone...what do you think?

Do you have any plans for this first weekend of summer?  I will be doing anything and everything to induce this baby...think long walks, eating pineapple and spicy food, and lots of foot rubs!  ;)

Hope you have a great weekend!

xo natasha

Baby Schue's Nursery

Thank you all so much for your sweet words yesterday...you all made ME cry with your well wishes!  I am truly blessed to have a group of readers who are so kind and supportive!  :)

Our doctor's appointment did not show any progress yesterday, so it looks like Baby Boy is set on staying put for another week or so!  In the meantime, I thought this would be a great opportunity to share his nursery {maybe it will coax him out!}. 

I am so proud of this space and truly light up every time I pass by.  It's everything we were hoping for as we put it together...fresh, modern, and whimsical!  There's not a specific theme, though we stuck with a aqua, orange and gray color scheme.  I hope you all enjoy!

I'll attempt to give you a tour around...the space is actually only 10x10 so while it's not huge, it's packed with some punch!

The map was the one thing that Ryan really wanted in the space and it was a bit challenging {to say the least!} to find the right one.  Some were too boring while others were not big enough.  This one ties in our color scheme well while also being durable.  We used industrial paper clips to hold it in place, which should be safe for baby but also functional. 

I love the industrial look of the shelves, along with the fun ampersand!   It's got a masculine touch for a little boy's room.

The basket is full of all sorts of stuffed animals and toys and the little wiener dog tray serves a a great spot for baby's binkies.

I can't quite get over how much I love his rocking chair and cute pillow.  The deer head and "That's What Boys are Made of" sign are  some of my favorite touches in the nursery.

I'm in LOVE with the gallery wall...there is a fun mix of animals, quotes and a special bow tie to tie it all together.

The dresser also serves as his changing table.  The basket his full of newborn diapers...all ready to go!

We special ordered the bedding on Etsy and I still love how it turned out!  The little blanket is made with love from his great-grandmother. 

The striped curtains were a fun DIY project {read more about it here} and the rug really helps to tie in the room.

So there you have it!  I hope you enjoy this space as much as we do...can't wait for Baby Schue to fall in love as well!

**Click here for the nursery sources!**

xo natasha

Dear Baby

Dear Baby,

Today is your due date!  Can you believe it?  You have been busy growing, developing, and chunking up for the last 40 weeks!  And you must be very comfortable in there because you are showing no signs of wanting to make your debut any time soon.  But that's ok.  I know I will get to meet you so very soon and in the meantime, we get to share secrets, like when you decide to stretch and kick or when I want to sing you a little song.  Only the two of us know...and that makes me smile.  

Of course, I can't wait to actually "meet" you.  We gotten to know each other so well over the past 10 months, but I have no idea what you look like.  What color will your eyes be?  Will you have lots of hair?  Will you get your dad's ears?  Also, what kind of boy will you be?  Your dad jokes that you'll be a quiet little bookworm, but if you're anything like your dad, you will be outgoing, energetic and I'm guessing pretty hyper!  ;)  

I wonder what sports you'll love to play and how you'll do in school.  Will you love to build legos like your dad or will you like to read and draw like me?  Who will be your favorite super hero and will you wear a cape like your dad did when he was little?

I hope I can be the mom that you like to hang out with and share secrets with.  The kind of mom who lets you play in the mud and catch frogs.  And maybe scuff a knee or two after you've learned to ride your bike.  The kind of mom that makes good school lunches and lets you stay up late every now and then!  The kind of mom you still like to cuddle with at the end of the day and share your adventures with while you're young and old.

I can't wait to share your first Christmas and first birthday and create traditions over the years that make you excited about passing them along to your children one day.  I can't wait to pin your boutonniere for your first dance, cheer for you in the stands as you make your first goal/homerun/touchdown {whatever your sport of choice may be}, and hear about your first crush!  There's so much I can't wait to learn about you and I hope I'm the kind of mom that you allows you to explore, discover, and learn along the way.  

One thing I know for sure is that you'll have the kindest heart, just like your dad.  You have so many people around you that love you to pieces already and you'll get to grow up in one of the most beautiful areas in the world...Lake Tahoe!  How lucky are you?

So even though you must be super comfy in there...and even though you might want to stay put for a little while longer, we really can't wait for the moment you decide to make your first appearance so we can hold you in our arms and give you your first kiss.  I honestly cannot believe your dad and I made you and that we get to keep you once you get here.  And we vow to be the very best parents you can have and love you to no end.  So get ready for the ride ahead little guy...we're going to have a lot of fun together!  Now we just need you to show up!

All my Love,

Mom

Raspberry Apple Salad

  When I was in college....there was this awesome restaurant called Nucci's Pizza that had the best veggie pesto pizza and amazing raspberry salad.

The thing that made the salad SO delicious was their homemade raspberry dressing.  It's creamy...unlike the thinner vinaigrette versions on the market.  I miss that salad so much that I attempted to make my own version.  It's quite simple...lettuce, sliced apples, glazed walnuts, feta cheese {theirs actually uses bleu cheese, but we always preferred the feta} and of course the raspberry dressing.  I bought a store-bought version which was ok {Annie's Naturals} but it still left me craving the real deal!  Guess we need to make a road trip back to San Luis Obispo!!

In the meantime, this is a great alternative...super light and refreshing for the summer!

Hope you enjoy...bon appetit!


xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

39 Weeks...still cookin!

How far along? 39 Weeks...literally 2 days away from his due date!  Ahhhh!!!

Baby Size: The size of a watermelon...as big as he's going to get!

Total weight gain: 28 pounds...though oddly enough my doc had me at 25 pounds this past Thursday.  Weird!

Maternity clothes? Quickly running out of options...just wearing lots of sundresses.  This was a Forever 21 find.

Stretch marks? No stretch marks, but starting to get heat rash on my belly...it is HOT here!

Sleep: Still sleeping surprisingly well. 

Best moment this week: Nesting!  Got lots done around the house...plus got my hair and toes done.  I'm ready to meet this little guy!!

Miss Anything? Now, I just miss not feeling like a swollen blob.  It's gotten pretty hot here and it's definitely taking a toll!

Movement: Yes, not as often but he shifts around.

Food cravings: Anything cold!  Ice cold water, popsicles, ice cream...fruit too!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just raw red onions.  I really wonder if I'll ever like them again.

Gender: BOY!!

Labor Signs: No, and it's starting to get frustrating.  I again, showed no progress at my last doc appointment which is disappointing.  If I've felt Braxton Hicks, they've been very mild.  I know women go into labor all the time without any signs leading up to it, but it's just so crazy not knowing!  And yes, I'm starting to look towards all the things I can that help induce labor naturally.  Got any tips?

Symptoms: Lower cramping, swollen feet, having to pee every 5 minutes...the usual!

Belly Button in or out? Still at a halfie status.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Mood: SOOO ready to meet our son...so excited and anxious all in one.  I am such a control freak, so the "not knowing" has been pretty tough.  I know he'll come when he's ready, but I just hope it's not much longer!

Looking forward to: OMG, the first pangs of labor!  Finally getting to meet our little guy!  Finishing his nursery {there has been some major "map" drama!}.  And if nothing else, our next doctor appointment which is this Wednesday...his DUE DATE!  Come on baby, let's do this thing!

Keep your toes and fingers crossed and say a little prayer that he makes his debut this week.  We are SO ready!!

xo natasha

Happy Dad's Day!

Dedicating this post to my wonderful dad...soon to be grandpa!  He's such a solid and consistent force in my life and I am so grateful for his wisdom, support and love.  His birthday was just this past Thursday and today is Ryan's dad's birthday!  Lots of Geminis in our family...come on little Schue...time to make your debut!!

Happy Father's Day!

xo natasha

Dad's Day Gift Guide

Watch // Sunglasses // Shirt // Briefcase // Cologne // Sandals // Wallet // iPhone Case // Shorts

Unfortunately, it’s too late for ordering these great fathers day gifts in time for Dad’s day.  But for those of you who have saved your Father's Day shopping to the last minute {promise I won't tell!}, I put together a gift guide as inspiration!

My husband actually owns these Havaianas sandals and loves them.  I own couple pairs as well and can attest to how comfortable they are.  And I recently bought the Spicebomb cologne for Ryan's birthday...it smells SOOO good!  Definitely a winner!  You might not want to buy it for your dad...but your hubby will become irresistible...trust me!

I am also constantly drawn to Jack Spade...he has such a preppy and modern collection, I couldn't help put include a couple of this things.

Are you ahead of the game this year?  If so, what did you get your dad/grandpa/father-in-law/husband?

Hope you all have a great weekend!

xo natasha

P.S. I'm guest posting on who I would like to marry, make-out & muzzle over at Hi Sugarplum! and our love story over at It's a Powell Life!  Be sure to check them out!  ;)

Bar Cart Vignette

Last week, I had the pleasure of guest posting over at Michaela's sweet blog, where she asked me to share fashion or decor that was "my style".  For me, it wasn't hard to pick our bar cart, as it is one of my favorite little corners in our house {well...except for the nursery!}.

We found this little gem over on Craiglist several months ago.  It was a steal of a deal and really "completed" our dining room. 

It's been fun to decorate during the holidays and now to get ready for the summer.  I can even picture rolling it out on our deck if when we are entertaining!

 I recently bought the striped straws and can't wait to use them with fresh squeezed lemonade this summer...how refreshing, right?  I am also loving this little succulent...my favorite!

Of course I love my urchin {buy it here} and Baies candle...they constantly rotate around the house...finding new homes on a regular basis.  :)

And just to give you an idea on how you can style your own bar cart...here's some inspiration!

{click on set for more details}

Do you have a favorite vignette around the house?

xo natasha

A Week Away & Father's Day

Our due date is a week away...we have been waiting for this moment for 39 weeks!  What a amazing, surreal and rewarding experience it has been.  

I think about how our lives are about to change forever and how I will discover new things about myself and my husband every day from here on out.  But, I have never felt more sure of anything in my life.  Having our son, and watching him grow alongside my husband, is something I've looked forward to since the day I met Ryan.  He will be such an incredible father...there's no question in my mind.  So I dedicate this post to him...you didn't get to hear too much about Ryan through my whole pregnancy, but he's very much a part of all of it.

Ryan is someone that lights up the room when he walks in.  His smile is one-of-a-kind and his laugh is contagious...you can't help but just like him.  In many ways, he is just a big kid at heart and I know he and our son will have an incredibly special bond.  He has already taught me so much about how to live life and I can't wait to see that passion passed along to our son.  The picture above is of Ryan and his dad, mowing the lawn...it makes my heart melt to know that soon Ryan will have a little tyke trailing behind him!  :)

And if this pregnancy has been any indicator of the type of parent he will be, then this baby boy is in for a real treat.  Ryan has not missed one doctor appointment....he's gone to every single check up and ultrasound, and thank goodness--because a lot of what the doctor says goes right over my head!  He reads to baby at night...while baby kicks away to his voice.  He loves laying his head on my bump and having little conversations with him.  He's been so amazing about giving me foot rubs, cooking and helping around the house.  He's helped set up the nursery, install the carseat, test drive the stroller...and even make sure the breast pump works!  I'm telling you, he's very thorough!  ;)  We've had seven parenting classes, which he takes notes at and he even watched "The Business of Giving Birth" with me, just so we could be as prepared as possible.  He never complains and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have someone who is just as excited and prepared about this baby's arrival as I am.   I honestly could not ask for a better partner and it explains so much of why I've enjoyed being pregnant.  

With Father's Day being on Sunday, it's brought a whole new meaning to why we should honor our dads and celebrate them, not only on that day, but every day.  I am grateful that we both have dads that are wonderful father figures and will be even better "grandpa-figures" to our little one!  I saw a quote today that really made me think:

I'm so glad that our baby has that someone special to call Dad and I am so excited to see my husband hold his son in his arms for the first time.  I'm tearing up just thinking about it!

We can't wait to meet you little boy...and we love you so much already!

xo natasha

Simple Blackberry Cobbler

Nesting is in full force!  Yesterday I deep cleaned our freezer and fridge, organized our hall closet, did laundry, vacuumed...and baked!  Summer is abundant with great weather, farmer's markets and of course, fresh fruit.  So I thought it would be great to make a blackberry cobbler.

This particular recipe {from Pioneer Woman} is so easy and delicious, you can whip one up in no time.  The hardest part is the time...it takes about an hour to bake, but it's worth every second, I promise!  The crust really crisps up and the blackberries become ooey gooey on the inside...yum!

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup butter {1 stick}
• 1 cup sugar {+ 1/4 for the topping}
• 1 cup self-rising flour
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups blackberries, rinsed

It's hard to believe there are only 5 ingredients, right?  And it's even easier from here.  First, melt the butter.  While that is happening, combine the flour, sugar and milk.  Whisk well and then add the butter...whisk again until it's completely combined.  Set your oven at 350 and grease a baking dish.  Pour the batter into the dish and add the blackberries on top.  Sprinkle about 1/4 sugar on the top and pop it in the over for an hour.  

And that's all there is to it!  I added ice cream and fresh blackberries on top...it was a delicious treat out on the back deck today...would be ideal for any cook out or backyard soiree!  

Hope you enjoy...bon appetit!

xo natasha

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays

38 Weeks: Tick Tock...

How far along? 38 Weeks...Baby's due date, June 20th, is right around the corner!

Baby Size: The size of a pumpkin...and I believe it!

Total weight gain: 27 pounds
Maternity clothes? Yes and no...this dress is non-maternity, but clearly looks different on a preggo belly than what it was intended for!
Stretch marks? Still in the clear...keeping my fingers {and toes!} crossed!
Sleep: Other than shifting from side to side and getting up to use the loo, it's really not too bad.  
Best moment this week: Getting everything wrapped up at work.  It's such a relief to know that things are as squared away as they can be.  It's very surreal to be on maternity leave...it just means he'll be here any day now!
Miss Anything? There are many things, but now I'm starting to think about how I'll probably miss this belly of mine once he gets here.  I've really enjoyed being pregnant!
Movement: Yes in waves and rolls.  I keep thinking it's his way of saying "Mom, I love you, but I'm running out of room in here!"
Food cravings: Lots of sweets...fruit popsicles, pop tarts, Juicy Squeezes, cereal...and fruit!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really!
Gender: Sweet little bouncing boy! 
Labor Signs: Not really...I've had some lower cramping, and possible some Braxton Hicks at night...along with some other TMI things, but nothing consistent.
Symptoms: Lower belly and back pain...like nerve pain.  I'll be walking along and he'll hit a nerve on the inside right side of my leg and it's jolting!  Also, some acid reflux at night and I think I'm officially "waddling" now.  Lovely.
Belly Button in or out? Still at a halfie status.
Wedding rings on or off? On
Mood: Happy, excited, and anxious!  Just really trying to take it ALL in this last week or so!  
Looking forward to: His arrival of course!!  I'm hoping to get down to nesting this week...finish the nursery, buy last minute baby items, finish packing our bags, read, walk, pamper and relax.  

Also, I thought it would be fun to take a look back...it's funny to me how proud I was of my "big bump" at 18 and 28 weeks.  My how things have changed!  ;)

xo natasha

Friday Fancies::Short & Sweet

Hat // Gloss // Necklace // Sandals // Top // Shorts // Tote // Earrings // Bangles


I feel like it's the last day of school!  Today is my last day of work before going on maternity leave.  It's pretty surreal...I don't remember the last time I had this much planned time off.  And though I know it's not going to be anything like a vacation, it's the start of something new.  Just like the summer before going into high school...I've got butterflies and I'm so nervous, yet excited, for what's to come!

I'm also excited to get back into normal clothes...and this outfit embodies a lot of what I would love to wear this summer.  Hot pink shorts and scallop tops?  Yes please!  I also adore {more like LOVE} this initial necklace.  Wouldn't it be cute with our little guy's initial?  I think so!

I hope you all have a great weekend!

xo natasha