Week 36 (9 months!): For all the world to see…..

First let me apologize for the skin-baring photos this week.  I never thought I’d show the belly in all it’s glory, but something about being at 9 months makes me want to document every little thing from here on out.  So please overlook the nasty appendectomy scar, belly button piercing hole, newly outie belly button, and overall hilariousness of my lop-sided gut and realize—THERE’S A BABY IN THERE!  I can’t wait to show my little girl these photos someday and say “That’s you!!” 

By the end of this week, little Baby C will be considered “full term” at which point I will be eating all the spicy foods I can find, to coax this girl out of my swollen belly!  Truly the anticipation is already driving me nuts.  Every little backache and contraction (which I’m guessing are just Braxton Hicks) has me imagining calling the hubby and saying those sacred words [like in the movies], “It’s time.”  My other reaction [to the aches and pains that could mean labor]?  Panic.  At this point I’m exhausted more often than not, so the idea of giving birth just sounds completely impossible to me.  But you know what?  I think I have plenty of incentive to get me through—I mean, like I said before:  THERE’S A BABY IN THERE!

 In these photos:  vintage tshirt (cut into a tank top by moi), vintage bracelets and rings, Hard Tails yoga pants (every pregnant woman should own these!!  they also do wonders at flattening a tummy on non-pregos)

xo

Jayme

P.S. Soo....now that I've shown you my belly, will you please take a quick second and vote for us on Top Baby Blogs?  Just CLICK HERE and then click again.  Thank you muchly!  

Aurora's (and Mommy's) Etsy Wish List

Aurora is going to be 10 months at Christmas this year, and I can hardly wait to watch her experience all the sights and sounds of the holidays.  Q and I decided not to go overboard on gifts this year 1) because she won't remember as much this year and 2) she's going to be spoiled by the rest of our family.  But I've be perusing Etsy pretty regularly and have some things I'd love to get for Aurora (and me!). And everything just happens to be under $25 because you know I love a good bargain.

Hello friends and family, if you're reading this, consider this a wishlist of sorts! ha.

Things to Play With

1.  neely bug boutique (pink apron with 'Aurora' in yellow stitching), $12  Such a great personalized gift to go along with the kitchen grandma and grandpa are getting her.

2.  Gallivanting Girls, $24   No kitchen is complete without kitchenware!

3. Bells and Whistles Shop,$15  I love the crayon storage and can't wait to fill this thing with paper and coloring books for little trips we take together!

     Pretty Things to Wear

1. Frog Princess Designs, $25  It's a teething ring AND jewelry.  Awesome!
2. Ms Tips, $8.40  Must have for my little bohemian babe.
3. Handmade Baby Love, $17.99  Something to keep her feet warm around the house and on our hardwoods and she starts (gulp) walking!

Snack Time Things

1.  Kitchen Stitchen, $6.60   I love the blender print! So unique.
2. Our Simple Life, $9.50  No more crumbs in mama's purse!
3. My Eco Baby, $20.00  This will go under her highchair so I don't have to mop the floor daily.

Things for the Nursery

1. Ida Done That Vintage, $12.99  So sweet and perfect for her growing library.
2. Matty Handmade Crafts, $18  Princess Aurora 1920s print on a poster
(which I'd frame in a vintage frame of some sort).
3. Teruki's Treasures, $9.99  No matter what anyone says, i still love the Shabby Chic vintage look, and I plan on redoing Aurora's room for her upcoming 1st birthday...vintage-styled, of course.

Something For Mama

1.  A Lovelly Design (with the lighter green 'pea' and an A initial, of course), $19.50
This necklace is so simple and pretty, but also meaningful.  You can also purchase versions that have more than one pea/leaf!  For now, I just need my one little sweetpea.

What are you getting your little ones this year?  Consider going vintage/handmade...you'll save money, save the earth, AND support some wonderful curators and artists.

xo
Amanda
(&Aurora)

WINNER: Little Buttercup Baby Giveaway

Thanks to all who checked out the adorable etsy shop we featured this past week:  Little Buttercup Baby.  If you're in the market for CUTE handmade baby goodies, be sure to check it out!
The lucky winner of the Bumble Bee Bib set is:

Shannon said... 

twitter follower(kayleebucket)and my favorite is the dinosaur striped bib

snaugle81@gmail.com

November 27, 2010 1:49 PM

Soo....Shannon wins a gift from another Shannon (the lovely shop owner/designer of Little Buttercup Baby)!  It was meant to be. :)

(We'll email you shortly with details on how to get your prize!)

Hope you all had a fabulous Thanksgiving!

xo

Manda & Jayme

Week 35: Old School

Well well well….look at this girl here.  She has finally gotten “big”. 

Andrew keeps giggling at me and my round belly. “I think the baby had a growth spurt!” he says.  When I lay on my side I can feel the weight of the baby pulling at my stomach.  And I’m walking a bit more slowly (and cautiously!) these days.   I’m one step away from the pregnant-lady-waddle.

All this strain on my body makes for an increase in anxiousness about d-day getting here sooner rather than later.  I certainly wouldn’t consider my current state completely uncomfortable….but I’m a  little nervous to get to that point.  I don’t want my hubby to have to deal with me if and when I get to that point.

But you know what?  The aforementioned “d-day” brings a whole other list of anxieties.  The thought of going into labor is SCA-RY.  Truly my one and only expectation for giving birth is to deliver a healthy baby.  I’m not ashamed to use pain medication.  I won’t be upset if the doctor tells me I need a c-section (though obviously I’d prefer NOT to have surgery).  Yes, I said doctor.  Like at a hospital.  No mid-wife or at-home birth for me.  I’m going old-school (well, I guess an at home would really be OLD school…I’m talking….past 100 years old-school).  The anticipation of labor and facing the unknown is enough for me.  If it takes a whole team of nurses, doctors, IVs, epidurals and the likes to get my baby out safe and sound, then so be it (but please cross your fingers that by some miracle of God it is naturally pain free and sets the record for the quickest labor EVER!).

In these photos:  Levi’s jeans, Steve Madden clogs, vintage red button up blouse

xo

Jayme

CLOSED--Handmade Feature/Giveaway: Little Buttercup Baby

With a shop name as cute as "Little Buttercup Baby" you know it must be filled with equally adorable goodies for your little one--homemade bibs, burp cloths, baby shoes and more, to be exact!  Shannon, the owner/creator behind this etsy shop has a great eye for all things baby.  We love the layers she uses in her designs-- quilted patterns, overlapping fabrics, rick rack accents and contrast stitching.  

Let's get to know Shannon:
--What does your life outside of Etsy/blogging look like?

Outside of Etsy I am a wife and a stay at home mommy of two wonderful children. I have a three year old daughter and a three month old son. I used to work full time outside of my home but when we moved two years ago, I was able to quit my job and do the job I have always wanted, a mom. My husband is amazing and works extra so that I am able to stay home and raise our children. We have been together for eight years and married for four. He is my best friend and our family means everything to us and I enjoy every day with them.

--Describe yourself (or ask someone else to do it!) in three words.

Creative, quiet, intelligent (those words come from my mother)

--Fall piece you can’t live without:

I am a big fan of the puffy vests with the hood and fur! I think they are still “in” but even if they aren’t, I still love them : )

--Most recent fashion-related purchase:

I bought a red hooded vest from Old Navy. I love red and it just stuck out on the rack to me and had to have it. I am not the most fashionable person so I never buy anything too crazy. Since I no longer work outside the home my wardrobe consists mostly of jeans and sweatshirts, comfy clothes I can wear while playing with my kids.

 --Do you craft/make anything else outside of what’s in your shop?

I make a lot of different things. I sew, knit, crochet, scrapbook….the list goes on. I am always trying new things when it comes to crafting. I make my children clothes and blankets, things for my husband. I am focusing most of my time right now on items for babies as I have a newborn and have a “guinea pig” to try my new items on!!

--Any pet peeves?

When things aren’t organized. I tend to be a perfectionist with some things and if they aren’t how I want them it makes me crazy. But don’t look at my sewing room…at least right now, still working on it. lol

--Bad habits?

Buying too much fabric! I love fabric and every time I go to the fabric store I find myself leaving with at least one piece of it. I always find a cute pattern that I want to make a bib or baby shoes out of and I have so much! Luckily I have a dresser in my sewing room and it is the perfect storage for all of it.

--Desert-island food?

Chips and hot salsa…mmmm

--Three bands/singers you can’t get enough of:

I can’t think of three at the moment but I know one of my favorite singers is Carrie Underwood.

--What made you decide to start a shop?

When my husband told me that our house didn’t need anymore quilts in it! I loved making quilts and baby things but I could only give so many away as gifts and my sewing room was getting taken over by finished projects. I thought Etsy would be a great way to sell my things and make enough money to support my hobby.

--Significance of your shop name?

My shop name was inspired by my children. When my son was born I kept calling him my little buttercup and then my three year old daughter started calling him her little buttercup so that is how Little Buttercup Baby came to be.

--Favorite item in your shop right now?

Infant Set of 3 Bibs – Candy, Sweets, Donuts & Ice Cream themed

http://www.etsy.com/listing/60148726/infant-bibs-set-of-three-sweets-candy

Shannon also has a lovely blog where she shares shop updates, yummy recipes and little bits and pieces of what's going on in her day to day life:

http://littlebuttercupbaby.blogspot.com/

You should check it out!

Some goodies from Little Buttercup Baby could be YOURS!  Shannon is giving one of our readers a set of two signature bibs in a fun bumble bee print--suited for you little boy OR girl!

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow our blog! Once you become a follower, just leave a comment below, telling what your favorite item from Little Buttercup Baby is.
2. Follow Miskabelly (@miskabelly) on twitter…and again, just a quick comment to let us know you did (with your twitter user name) and share what your favorite item from Little Buttercup Baby is.

3. If you’re already following the blog and our twitter—simply leave a comment, telling us what your favorite item from Little Buttercup Baby is!

4. Once we tweet about the giveaway, you can re-tweet to gain an extra entry!

Multiple entries are allowed (if you want to follow the blog, AND our twitter AND re-tweet  go for it!).  This contest will run through next Sunday, November 28th.  The winner will be chosen through a random number generator. 


Good Luck!!

Manda & Jayme 

WINNER: A Wild Tonic Giveaway

Thanks to all who entered the giveaway from A Wild Tonic.  And thanks to Lauren for sharing her lovely shop with us!  If you haven't checked it out yet click HERE.

The lucky winner of a $20 gift certificate to spend as you please at A Wild Tonic is.....
 
Marlowe said...

Im in love with the blue everyday cotton dress!
marloweopat at gmail dot com
November 20, 2010 7:34 PM

Congrats Marlowe!  We'll be emailing you soon with details on how to claim your prize. : )

xo
Manda & Jayme

A date with the hubby...

This past weekend Andrew took me on a little day-date.  It was a gorgeous afternoon.  We stopped at Starbucks (we are kind of adddicts...) and made our way to the Penn State Arboretum to soak up the sunshine.  Most of the plants are done for the year, but we got to seem some really cool partially-dried foliage that was almost as pretty as plants in full bloom.

The arboretum (which is just a fancy word for garden...) has walking paths and various seating areas.  We found these brightly colored adironack chairs to sit in while we sipped our drinks (decaf caramel macchiato for me, peppermint mocha for Andrew).

It was a low-key date...but these days that's what I crave.  Relaxation.  Alone time with the hubby.  Baby chit-chat.  We talked about how fun it would be to come back in the spring when all the plants were full of flowers....with baby in tow.

We even saw a hot air balloon!  It was such a lovely day, I decided I needed a shot of us together to remember it.  Just me and Andrew.  Oh yeah...and that bulging belly of mine.

xo
Jayme

P.S.  I must mention--this outfit has pretty much been my go-to pregnancy wardrobe.  Leggings.  Boots.  Long, slim fitting knit top.  Topped off with a scarf and jacket.  (At least the bag and boots are vintage!)

Week 34: Are You Ready?

People, I am ready.  This past weekend I finally hit my ‘nesting’ stride and somehow finished the nursery (with Andrew’s help!).  I painted little flowers under each of the windows, finished putting together all the gadgets (pack and play, bouncy chair, etc.), had hubby hang the DIY pom pom flowers, rolled out the carpet…AND washed and folded all the little baby clothes and blankets.   The past couple of days, Andrew and I have been periodically standing in the doorway of the room and just staring.  It’s so bright and whimsical…and babyish.  We love it!  Now we just need the baby. 

Also on the agenda this week—our hospital tour.  Nothing that ground breaking… but it really makes things feel so real!  And so close. 

All these little things we’re crossing off our to-do list, in preparation for Baby C’s arrival…but I can’t help but feel unprepared.  Parenting seems like one of those things where you learn as you go.  No matter how many gadgets you buy, how many books you read, how many stories you hear, you never really know what you’re in store for until that little girl actually is HERE.  So I think it’s safe to say, we’re ready as we’ll ever be! 

Let’s talk a bit about these photos….

Yes, the black and white looks all artsy-ish and you might think it was intentional.  Really though…my outfit just didn’t match and I made the photo grayscale to hide that fact!  I’m trying to be a bit more adventurous with maternity fashion (I complained a bit about it here), but I’m not so sure it’s working.  I really miss my little high-waisted skirts.  But when you pull one over a baby bump, you kind of get that Pee Wee Herman effect where it’s just a litttttle too high on the waist.  Not to mention, the higher on the waist, the shorter the hem!  This one’s borderline over-exposure.  But hey, I’m 8+ months preggers.  I’m shocked that I still have the energy to even get these photos taken each week.  And luckily I have a super nice mom who took me shopping this past weekend for a new tunic (nice and roomy!) so I can keep comfy and fashionable in my last few weeks as a mama-to-be!

In these photos:  Vintage skirt (hemmed),  t-shirt by OP (Walmart! haha), vintage Givenchy scarf (for sale on Miskabelle), brown tights, vintage loafers (for sale on Miskabelle).

Don't forget to enter this weeks giveaway from A Wild Tonic!  OH...and you can vote for us daily on Top Baby Blogs (we're kinda at a stand still...) by clicking the brown box at the top of the sidebar.  Thanks loves!

xo

Jayme

--CLOSED--VINTAGE Feature/Giveaway: A Wild Tonic

So it's pretty obvious that both Amanda and I have got babies on the brain (her being a mama to an 8 month old and me being 8 months into my first pregnancy).   But let's not forget our other obsession...VINTAGE.  This week we're featuring a super lovely vintage shop: A Wild Tonic.

An artfully chosen selection of vintage clothes, accessories and housewares.  The curator/owner, Lauren, has a keen eye for detail--collecting vintage shoes with unique details, quirky vintage goods for your home, classic hats with oversized accents and much much more.  With my growing baby bump in mind, I went window shopping for my faves:

LAVENDER FIELDS Purple Floral Carpet Bag:  Love the oversized button and suede flap on this ultra-pretty bag.                         

CLASSIC GRUNGE Black and Orange Floral Dress :  Add some Doc Martens and you have grunge revival perfection.  (And roomy enough for a baby belly!)

FOXY LADY 1960s Brown Cut Out Wedges: I have never seen anything like these shoes!  The cut out wedge (lined in gold!) and chain detail speak for themselves.

Let's get to know Lauren of A Wild Tonic:

What does your life outside of Etsy/blogging look like?
I live in central New Jersey with my folks and my sister. I sometimes feel like a freeloader but my family is awesome and it works out really well. My boyfriend and I have been together for about a year and a half. He’s really very supportive of my Etsy endeavors and is always encouraging me, helping with photography, taking trips with me to shop, and way more. I’m really thankful to have him around. I work full-time at a photography company, which is way more stressful that you’d think (seriously). I enjoy my job although it’s hectic—how could you not love looking at pictures of smiling kids all day? It’s impossible.

Describe yourself (or ask someone else to do it!) in three words.

Genial, spirited, hungry. First two from my boyfriend, last one from me. ;)

Fall piece you can’t live without: Leather boots, without a doubt! I’ve been searching for the perfect pair of tall riding boots for seemingly ever. Hopefully, I’ll find a pair soon.

Most recent fashion-related purchase: “The Handmade Marketplace” by Kari Chapin—an amazing read.

Any pet peeves?

I hate when people talk in superlatives. Like, “Oh, you ALWAYS say things like that,” or “He NEVER does that.” You are technically lying, if you think about it.

Bad habits?

Talking in superlatives. Haha!

Desert-island food?

Pizza, hands down.

Three bands/singers you can’t get enough of:

Neko Case, Nicki Minaj, and Creedence Clearwater Revival. I’m weird.

Another blog you follow regularly:

I love Huzzah Vintage’s blog because there’s always amazing content. http://huzzahvintage.blogspot.com/

What made you decide to start a shop?

After I graduated college, I realized that I had a lot of “things” that I didn’t necessarily use anymore. I started to sell some of it at yard sales and on eBay. One day it hit me that I should sell my thrift store finds on Etsy. I started shooting and listing, created a blog and a Twitter account, and before I knew it, some of my old favorites became new favorites to my buyers! It was a win-win!

Significance of your shop name?

A Wild Tonic comes from a line in “The Great Gatsby.” I thought it would make an interesting name for a vintage shop.

"
The exhilarating ripple of her voice was a wild tonic in the rain."

Favorite item in your shop right now?

Probably the Vintage GEOMETRIC Grey and Brown Heels (http://www.etsy.com/listing/61757017/vintage-geometric-grey-and-brown-heels). I love them but they are just a little bit too small on me.  : (

*To get to know more about Lauren, check out her blog:
http://www.awildtonic.blogspot.com

or to get quick links to her shop, blog, and twitter:

http://flavors.me/awildtonic

Loving what you're seeing?  Well readers, it's your lucky day!  Lauren is offering 15% off your purchase at her shop for all our readers!  Just use the code "MISKABELLY" and you will be refunded via paypal once you make your purchase.
AND  there is a $20 gift certificate to A Wild Tonic up for grabs, to one lucky Miskabelly reader!

Here's how to enter:

1. Follow our blog! Once you become a follower, just leave a comment below, telling what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is.
2. Follow Miskabelly (@miskabelly) on twitter…and again, just a quick comment to let us know you did (with your twitter user name) and share what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is.

3. If you’re already following the blog and our twitter—simply leave a comment, telling us what your favorite item from A Wild Tonic is!

4. Once we tweet about the giveaway, you can re-tweet to gain an extra entry!

Multiple entries are allowed (if you want to follow the blog, AND our twitter AND re-tweet  go for it!).  This contest will run through next Sunday, November 21st.  The winner will be chosen through a random number generator. 


Good Luck!!

Manda & Jayme 

WINNER: A.O.kay Designs Giveaway

Thanks for all the great comments we received in lieu of our interview/giveaway with Crystal of A.O.kay Designs!  If you did get a chance to check out her shop yet--click here! (cute cute cute!)
The lucky winner of crochet legwarmers, rosette AND gift card to A.O.kay Designs is:

myblueyez said... 

I'm following on Twitter..
@myblueyez2703
I like the football onesie..

November 9, 2010 3:39 PM 

Congratulations!  We'll email you soon with details on how to claim your prize!

xo

Manda & Jayme

Baby Bump Fashion Frustrations

I have always loved clothes.  Getting dressed in the morning is usually something I enjoy.  A creative outlet.   In the beginning of my pregnancy I promised myself that I would be a "cute pregnant lady".  No slacking on the clothes/hair/make up.  
But admittedly, perusing all my favorite style blogs and reading the monthly fashion mags has become a bit depressing.  My wardrobe right now....sucks.  I love showing off the baby bump, but my fashion sense has definitely fallen by the wayside as the months have passed. 
Funny thing is, I'm technically in the "maternity fashion" business via Miskabelly.  In fact, we have some AMAZING pieces in our shop right now for mamas-to-be.  And all are totally on-trend.  Here a two of my faves:

This vintage red ethnic print maxi dress is super similar to one that Liv Tyler was spotted wearing this summer.  Empire waist, whimsical print and ruffled hem.  I may just have to test drive it before it sells!

Vintage Red Ethnic Print Maxi Dress, $30

(Liv Tyler pic found on www.osoblog.tv)

I really do love the cut of a empire waist maxi dress for a pregnant body.  Slim on the top and full at the bottom.  I guess that's why we've been keeping them stocked in our shop.  Here's my other favorite in this style (also seen in my week 33 photo op!)

Ok...so it's a bit sick of me to use a pic of the teeny tiny teeny bopper, Vanessa Hudgens for my comparison dress--but she definitely has a "boho" style that I think works well for pregnancy fashion.  Our version of the dress is a bit more modest on top--and perfect for this cooler weather!

Vintage Boho Long Sleeve Maxi Dress, $30

(Vanessa Hudgens pic found on www.seventeen.com)

I think from here on out, I'm going to be a little more brave with my fashion choices.  It's kind of fun to think of dressing up your "bump" in bright ethnic prints and exaggerated silhouettes.  And of course, VINTAGE!  

Stay tuned for some additional weekly photos to see how my fashion choices evolve....now that I'm in the home stretch!

Have a lovely weekend!

xo

Jayme

Jayme's Shower!

This post has been a long time comin', since my mom and I threw Jayme's shower over Halloween weekend, but I was a little overwhelmed by life in the meantime and am just sitting down to edit pictures  and share with you about the day!

It was (of course) a gorgeous fall day.  But windy.  In fact, it was so windy that all but one balloon that I purchased for the party blew away before anyone even arrived! The party was very small--just a few friends and family--so we had it at our parents' house. Mom did a heck of a lot of cooking while I helped set up the decorations.  I had been collecting vintage baby stuff and ideas for a month or two.  I didn't go crazy, but the house was sprinkled with special little details:

 

It was a pretty standard shower--we ate lunch, played a couple games, had dessert and watched Jayme open her presents.

gluten-free carrot cupcakes with cream cheese icing and 

pink marshmallow rice krispy treats

Jayme is a bit introverted, so the party was very relaxed and low key--it really turned out perfect (except I was busy running around doing other stuff and didn't take enough pictures!)

 mom, prepping the salad (in a vintage blouse, thrifted skirt, and cowboy boots)

 Jayme and friends

 lunch time--boys were allowed to eat.

 soon-to-be mama and daddy!

 great grandma and cousin Addison

great grandma and Aurora (who loved munching on the beads we handed out for a game)

Of course, no blog would be complete without some outfit shots from the day...

I'm wearing:  vintage dress and necklace, brown tights (Ross-DKNY) and Fossil heels

Jayme's wearing:  vintage top, belt, and boots, leggings (random) 

 

 

you can already tell she's going to be an awesome mom--

look at the smile on Aurora's face!

There are lots more pictures, but I can't share them all here, so I just shared a few of my favorites. Baby day is approaching (can you believe Thanksgiving is almost here?!) and we can't wait to meet this sweet little girl!

Thanks for all your love and good wishes, friends!

xo

Manda