Man o man, the past couple of weeks have been a doozy. I’ve been getting a little too stressed out from work, house renovations, and so much more going on over here. I had to step back and take a breath. Looking forward to starting the final big project for the house this weekend before we can move into that space, the FLOORS. And to not be stuck in a car all Sunday and attend my much needed yoga class. Seriously yoga is my life saver. Hope you all have a relaxing weekend and remember to take a step back when things become to much. We can’t do it all, right?! Here’s some laid back links for the week. Happy Friday loves.

Sight: We may not be able to wake up and take a swim everyday, but maybe this visual can act as a calming and refreshing start to the day.

Smell: Did you know sage will not only add a nice smell to your campfire but also keep the mosquitos away.

Sound: We went to the Grizzly Bear concert this week, it was so good. This is one of my favorite videos of them, really shows you how vocally talented they are.

Taste: My lemon and citrus craving during this pregnancy has not declined. So while sitting out by that fire, roast up some of these Lemon Meringue Pie S’mores, seriously.

Touch: Check out the awesome crib blanket we got for little man. So excited to get that nursery started!

Let me introduce you to our new sponsor, Reservoir & Wood. Owned by Erin Murphy, designer of one of my favorite brands {EM} Reservoir and my wedding dress. Now you can buy {EM} Reservoir pieces and more at her Beacon, NY location or online. My favorite part is that she makes a big effort to carry things created by independent and local designers and has curated a great selection. Go check ‘em out! And until Sunday you can grab your last minute Father’s Day gift at 20% off with the code FATHER20. This chambray tie would be perfect for all those summer weddings coming up.

November 14, 2013. H&M + Isabel Marant. Oh. My. God. If this doesn’t come to an H&M by me, I am seriously going on a roadtrip. So excited. I would love to see some fringe, pumps, ankle pants, prints, a good dress, maybe a belt… but who am I kidding, I’m sure it will all be quite desirable. Any specific pieces you are hoping for?

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So many names… how does one decide? We had it narrowed down to a couple options, but then I found out that Nick hates the name I love. Arg. So now we are back at the drawing board with a plethora of options and more added all the time. I’m pretty sure that I don’t want to name this little man before I meet him, hopefully his birth and first impression will guide us to the right one. To me it seems like a name holds a lot of weight, I can’t imagine not being a Natalie. Do you think you would be a different person if your parents picked a different name?

Well hello third trimester. I can’t believe we’re in the final stretch. It still seems surreal. This little guy moves so much, I can sit and watch little limbs drag across my stomach and jab at my sides. We still have a ways to go, and I know these last few months are going to drag on forever. But so far I’ve felt great, just a bit of a cold and some leg cramps, but magnesium and water do wonders.

Our house is still under renovation, but we* made big progress over the weekend and started hanging drywall. I have some major pent up nesting that needs to get out soon. I’m over doing the major stuff, I want to wash and fold tiny clothes and put them into place.  *We = my devoted dad and hardworking husband. They are seriously champions and have been going at this house everyday. I’m so proud and thankful and can’t wait to share the results with you guys.

What I’m Wearing: Jacket : Gap (similar) / Dress & Belt: Thrifted / Shoes: Target

Photos by Lovella. I love The Billings.

What do you think about some funky wallpaper for a tiny powder room? I’m fullin’ it. Everything else I gravitate towards interior design wise is white. White paint, white tile, white everything. Seriously, just look at my Pinterest boards. So I thought I would take this tiny space and spice it up. OK, I know the chair one is white and could be taking my chair obsession too far, but how fun would it be to keep markers in the bathroom and allow guests to color a chair!

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I’m not going to make this about how Spring is STILL not here in Michigan and tell you about how it snowed yesterday… seriously. We’re going to ignore all that and pretend it’s a beautiful spring day. Ok? Go.

Doesn’t beautiful Spring weather make you want to put on a pretty dress, some cute shoes, and get a new hairstyle? Shed off those winter layers, get a pedicure, and frolic in a field. Here is my dream Spring outfit. I just love a crisp white dress.

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Can you believe it? When you first find out you’re pregnant time goes so slow (oh and don’t even get me started on the prepregnancy waiting). I was aways waiting, waiting for the first trimester to end & make it to the “safe zone,” waiting for test results, waiting to show so I looked pregnant, not just oddly bloated. Then all of a sudden HELLO, I’m over half way there. In just a few (well, 4) months we will be meeting our littlest, sweetest, baby… BOY. Yes a boy!

Many of you guessed right. We also thought from the beginning that this bundle would be a boy and are beyond thrilled. Of course we would have been happy either way, but there was something almost relieving about the first one being a boy. That kind of sounds bad, but I promise it’s not. I’ll end up spending way less on baby clothes, I hope. Now to pick a name…

What I’m Wearing: Jacket : Forever21 / Jean Vest: Thrifted / Top: American Apparel / Bag: c/o Ellington / Pants: Similar / Shoes: Target

Photos by Lovella. I love The Billings. Thanks to Brandon for fixing the blog. Woo hoo! The header is back!

Oh hey everyone! Soooo, moving sucks, huh? Who knew we had so much junk. Really makes you analyze the things you don’t need. I feel a garage sale coming soon. Just wanted to let you know the move went well thanks to some amazing friends and family who are true life savers, so I’m going to be posting a little slow while we get settled in. And apparently the header decided to disappear and everything wanted to center on here, so it looks like the blog is going to need some fixin as well. Hope everyone had a nice Easter weekend and is excited about spring! I can feel it coming, my allergies told me so! xo

photograph: The Colorful Living Project

Welp. It actually happened, we officially bought a house. Or as Nick likes to say, the bank bought us a house and is letting us live in it forever provided we pay them monthly for the next 30 yrs. He’s no fun. WE BOUGHT A HOUSE! Which means we are also in the midst of packing and moving. We planned on having a buffer to do some renovations before we move, but that didn’t work out, so watch out 50+ yr old carpet. Here we come!

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