It has been a wild few weeks here in the Creighton household. Between our various work and social commitments, my husband and I were only home together one night last week and that was the case again this week. Over the weekend I ended up at back-to-back events including two baby showers, a photo shoot, and a brand hosted dinner, which is more socializing in a weekend than I normally do in a month. This introvert is ready for a break. However, next week brings Thanksgiving, a trip to Montana (probably my last travel before baby), and some quality time on the couch. I’m so ready for it.
On a somewhat related note, I’m launching my Holiday Newsletter next week so if you aren’t already signed up for that mailing list, please join below! The whole point of this started with my sharing my Gifting Strategy last week which really helps me reduce/ remove the stress from holiday shopping. We put enough pressure on ourselves during this time of year and buying presents really shouldn’t add to that. So in this newsletter I’ll be sharing exclusive gift guides for my subscribers that won’t make it up on the blog as well as shopping strategies to reduce holiday shopping related stress.
Here is a little behind the scenes from life lately:
November always starts off strong for me since my birthday is on the 2nd #thisis28. This year I gave myself the gift of a three day weekend (I took a day off work) with nothing scheduled. It was the perfect way to start off the holiday season and what is turning into a wildly busy month. It’s been a revelation to me that self-care, just like everything else in my life, is just something I have to schedule into my calendar or else it won’t happen.
My parents came and took me out for lunch on my birthday and we had a fantastic meal at a restaurant north of Seattle called Salt & Iron. The food was delicious and the company was lovely. I had avocado toast with a side of soup, my mom had this amazing looking crab sandwich, and my dad made sure to finish lunch off right with this deconstructed pumpkin pie plate.
Andrew and I attended our first holiday party of the year in early November. It was my work holiday party and as I work in retail, it’s always scheduled really early in the year before the stores get too busy. Sorry for the terrible quality photo but we have so few photos where we are both dressed up that I love it regardless.
DRESS: Maggie London (this dress isn’t maternity but I sized up about four sizes larger than normal and it fit perfectly. Plus it’s perfect for work with the addition of a black blazer and heels) // SHOES: old Jessica Simpson heels (these ones are pretty similar and I also love these without an ankle strap)
Andrew got me this sweater blazer for my birthday (among other things) and I haven’t stopped wearing it since it came in the mail. I’ve been wearing it with everything and I’m already looking into getting it in another color.
SWEATER BLAZER; J.Crew (it runs very large. I sized down to an XS and it fits perfectly. It also comes in sizes XXS all they way up to 3x, which is new for J.Crew I think. The sleeves are a bit cropped which I love since I’m always rolling up the sleeves of my blazers anyways) // DRESS: Motherhood Maternity (this dress isn’t available online but this one looks practically identical. Here is a non-maternity version) // BOOTS: Sam Edelman (these are also old but there is an updated style out this year which look fab!)
One of the baby showers that I attended this weekend was for fellow blogger, McKenna of Style Her Lovely. I haven’t known her long but she’s been very kind introducing me to some other Seattle bloggers
COAT: Nordstrom (for only $40, this is a seriously great coat. It comes in a handful of colors too) // DRESS: old from Seattle’s Lika Love Boutique (very similar here in blush. This is another nice option for under $40. I also really like this cable knit version) // SHOES: Sam Edelman (this style is old but they’ve come out with a new version this year. They are the perfect heel height for all day wear.) // BAG: Old Navy (this bag has held up surprisingly well for the price. If you’re looking for another affordable option that is a little higher quality, try this reversible option) // SUNGLASSES: Amazon (these are amazing and only $10) // LIPS: Beauty Counter (this is a great little lipstick that gives just a wash of color but tons of hydration)
I had tickets to see Justin Timberlake in concert this week but sadly his show was cancelled. I shared this story on my Instagram but this is the third time that I’ve had tickets to his concert and not been able to go. They rescheduled the Seattle tour dates to…wait for it… my due date! I swear the universe is conspiring to keep us apart!
SWEATER BLAZER: J.Crew (again, I haven’t stopped wearing this sweater blazer since I received it because it’s so warm, comfortable, and goes with everything!) // BLOUSE: J.Crew (I have this shirt in several different colors and love that it still fits over my growing belly. It fits TTS but isn’t super fitted making it a little more casual than your standard silk blouse) // SHOES: Madewell (another birthday gift that I’ve been wearing on repeat. They are VERY comfortable and took less than a day to break in. I sized up from a 7 to a 7.5 for the perfect fit) // PANTS: Indigo Blue Maternity (I still haven’t found a single pair of maternity pants that I actually like) // TOPKNOT: priceless (I put my hair up so it won’t be a tangled mess during my commute into work and this day I forgot to take it down once I got to the office yet nobody said anything)
I hope you guys have a wonderful weekend coming up. Andrew and I are going to keep it low key at home this weekend before the holiday rush catches us next week
xo – Ana Luiza
