Thanksgiving on My Mind

With Thanksgiving being only 5 weeks away from this Thursday (or 36 days away!), I started thinking about how excited I am about all of my favorite dishes that will be coming my way!! These are some of my FAV things about Thanksgiving day..

1) gotta love sweet potatoes.. especially with marshmallows!!

2) the one time of the year that I will actually eat something pumpkin is on Thanksgiving... and only Thanksgiving! I'm not big on everything pumpkin like most girls around this time of the year, but on Thanksgiving I will eat me a slice.. or two!

3) deviled eggs are one of my favorite things to eat no matter what time of the year it is! I love that someone decided to make these a side dish on Thanksgiving!

4) bread.... do I need to explain this one?? Everyone loves bread... no matter what kind it is!

5) creamed corn casserole is a dish that I actually like to make myself. Super easy to make and tastes so good! My family used to have one regular casserole and one with tiny pieces of jalapeños in them! YUM!

6) green bean casserole is probably my favorite thing about all of the Thanksgiving side dishes out there. I like to make this side myself as well, very easy and makes your house smell great!

Thanksgiving Food by aschleif on Polyvore

What to take to the Hospital

So the big task of packing my hospital bag has been on my mind lately. I am thinking of doing it sooner rather than later just in case, because you really never know when babies decided to come into the world!! I did some research on what in the world would be a great idea to pack and here are my for-sure items that I will have!! 

1) My Columbia sweater. You know hospitals can get cold and it will be either December or January so it will definitely be cold outside! Plus, it is just comfy to wear around!

2) Pair of flip flops! Easy to take on and off!

3) Robe. This one explains itself!

4)Yoga pants/leggings! These are already the most comfortable thing to wear pregnant or not pregnant! These would be easy and comfy to wear around (which I will probably be wearing most of the time I have off of work as well!)

5) A good nursing bra! You know this is a smart idea with all of the feedings that will be taking place!

6) My pillow! I am picky about pillows as it is! (I normally take one whenever we travel and stay at hotels too!) Bringing my own will make me more comfortable!

7) Toiletry bag!! This is a MUST have! Toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, q-tips, travel shampoo/conditioner, some minimal makeup, etc.!!! 

8) A good towel from home! You never know what type of quality the hospital towels will be!

9) My camera! This is self explanatory! I will be taking tons of pictures for Blaze and I forever so why not start there! :) 

Maternity Bag by aschleif featuring turkish cotton bath towels

Maternity Photos

So trying to find cute outfits for our family photos/maternity photos has been so hard!! Of course I feel like nothing looks good on me when I try it on, so there is that struggle. Then there is Pinterest and TOO many cute outfit ideas to choose from!! I absolutely love fall photos (fall is definitely my favorite time of the year) and I love the outfits that fall brings!! Here are a few of my favorite ones that I have found so far! Luckily our photos are still about 5 weeks away so I have time still to find some outfits!!

maternity shoot by aschleif on Polyvore

Diaper Bags

Finding the right diaper bag has been a challenge. I have gone back and forth on what brand to look at and what size, type etc. I have found the top ones that are both affordable, being under $200, and seem to be the best fit for whatever your needs may be!

1) Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F Diaper Bag in the Duchess- This has always been my favorite diaper bag style. This one comes in many different styles and patterns, whether you want solid or a pattern. This bag is pretty big as well with lots of room and pouches to organize your items! This bag is normally $180, but if you can find it at a Bed Bath & Beyond, they offer the 20% off coupon, and sometimes Buy Buy Baby & Babys R Us have coupons that you could use on this too!

2) John Hart Diaper Bag- If you know John Hart, you know he makes great quality products!! 100% leather and you can personalize it!! I didn't even know he made diaper bags until Blaze showed me and then I fell in love!! (this is the one we are getting) These are a good size and have plenty of room inside and outside! These retail for $197 without the personalization and $205 if you want it personalized!

3) Columbia Summit Rush Backpack Diaper Bag- This is definitely a favorite for the dad's out there. It's a great brand and it doesn't look too much like a diaper bag at all! I know this is the first one Blaze picked out that he wanted! Has plenty of room and is very affordable at $49!! I originally saw this at Babys R Us!!

4) John Hart Backpack- I LOVE this as a diaper bag or even just as an overnight bag to grandma & grandpa's house! This is another great option for the guys to want to carry because it doesn't look too girly! This backpack is $141 without personalizing and $149 if you want their initials/name on there! 100% leather and these are very durable!!

Diaper Bags by aschleif on Polyvore

Ju-Ju-Be B.F.F. Diaper Bag in The Duchess

bedbathandbeyond.com

Md Backpack 45.jpg (290×290)

jonhartdesign.com

Navy-Diaper-Bag-505.jpg (720×720)

jonhartdesign.com

Columbia-Summit-Rush-Backpack-Diaper--pTRU1-18217662dt.jpg (500×500)

toysrus.com

What to Wear??

So my first baby shower is two weekends from now and I have NO clue what to wear.  It's being thrown by my sister in law and step mom with all my friends/family lady friends! I figured I needed to find a dress that I could wear that would look somewhat flattering on me. ( I feel as though no dress looks good on me at this point HA! ) I found a few that I really liked but am not sure which one I favor the most! They are all flowy so they seem like they would be comfy to wear!! The second baby shower will be more laid back so I'll dress differently but what do yall think!?

Have a GREAT Monday!! :) 

baby shower by aschleif featuring a maxi dress

The Glam Series: Summer Favorites

Here are some of my favorite go-to summer beauty products!!

All of these are under $10!!

Loreal Sunscreen $9.99-awesome spray on sunscreen with 50 spf!! Love this stuff at the pool

Chapstick $1.02- we all get dry lips in the summer due to the sun! It is always a great idea to have some chapstick lying around!!

5 Minute Plus White $13.99- I have grown to LOVE this teeth whitener. It is super cheap and works as great as those expensive ones!! I order mine off of Amazon but you can find this at Walgreens or Walmart as well!!

Waterproof Mascara $5.99- I love Great Lash mascara! This mascara is perfect for the pool because it IS waterproof and goes on easy!

Gillette Fusion $8.99- Not sure about you ladies, but I would WAY rather use a guys razor than the girl ones!! I think they work better!! But Gillette Fusion makes great razors!!

Batiste Dry Shampoo $5.99- Love this when I dont have time (or feel like) washing my hair! Definitely does the trick!! And this comes in different bottles for different hair colors!

glam by aschleif featuring a dry shampoo

Wedding Wednesday

I had my first bridal shower a couple weeks ago!! Here are a few of the big gifts that we were hoping for that we got!! :) 

We have another shower next saturday but instead of just girls, it is a couples shower! I'm super excited for that one!! More gifts to come!!

Bridal Shower Gifts by aschleif featuring a vegetable drinks blender

Wedding Wednesday

WEDDING WEDNESDAY: EMERGENCY KIT

Here are some of the items that I plan on having in my wedding emergency kit!! We only have 51 days left!! WOOHOO!

wedding emergency kit by aschleif featuring champagne glasses

+Hairspray
+Mascara
+Tissues (of course)
+Sewing Kit (just in case someone gets a snag)
+Nail Polish (in case there is a chip)
+Extra Bobby Pins
+Lipstick (for touchups)
+Fun Drinks for Getting Ready w/ the Girls
+A Small Shot (to settle the nerves)

GLAM SERIES: HAIR

GLAM SERIES: HAIR

So one of the most important details about the wedding... HAIR!! I have NO clue what I want to do with my hair yet!! I have to do a test run when I go in town next (Which will be in June for my shower!) My hair hasnt grown that fast so it isnt as long as I was hoping it would be! :( I want to have it down I think!! But then I see certain updos (like the ones below) and then I think those look super cute!! What to do, what to do!?? Any opinions??

Wedding Hair by aschleif featuring wedding hair accessories

Summer Time

Summer is RIGHT around the corner!! I need to spice up my summer wardrobe with all of the fun things that will be happening soon!! Here are some of my favorites all under $50!

Summer Time by aschleif featuring strappy sandals

Summer Beauty Favorites

Im SO ready for summer and the pool and our secret honeymoon destination!! Here are some of my summer beauty favorites!!

summer beauty favorites by aschleif featuring black hair care

Summer Beauty Favorites

1. Simple Cleansing Facial Wipes-LOVE these wipes. They contain no perfumes and are great for sensitive skin! They take off all of your makeup including waterproof mascara!! They are super cheap and come in a 25-count pack!! 

2.Essie Boom Boom Boom Nail Polish- I can't go without nail polish in the summer! It always has to be a shade of pink! I LOVE Boom Boom Boom's color!! So fun and summer-y! (And everyone loves Essie!!)

3. Not Your Mothers Beach Babe- This stuff is amazing! Just spray, let it dry a little and go!! Gives you that great beach hair look!! It has salt in it so it helps give the beachy, curly look for me!!

4. L'Oreal Paris Sublime Self Tanning Lotion- I absolutely love this stuff!! It gradually tans you (faster than most) and gives you a great glow!! Super affordable and makes your skin feel super soft!!

5.L'Oreal Quick Dry Sunscreen- I just really like L'Oreal's products!! They make a great sunscreen that I would recommend!! Doesn't feel gross after you spray it on at all!

6. Waterproof Mascara- Everyone needs a good waterproof mascara for the summertime! I really like sephora's waterproof mascara. Makes my lashes look great and stays on all day!

7. Makeup Setting Spray- This stuff is awesome for after you apply your makeup. It gets super hot down here in the south, so we tend to sweat off our makeup sometimes! This just helps keep everything settled!

Summer Dresses

Ive got summer on my mind!! These are some super cute dresses that I love and they are bright colored and look like so much fun!!

Maybe one of these would work for my bridal shower and/or bachelorette party??

summer dresses by aschleif featuring a geometric print dress

Wedding Wednesday: Wedding Registry

Wedding Registry—this is something that every guy acts like they dread. Blaze was SO not excited about having to go register at BB&B awhile back. I felt like I had to drag him there, but once we were there, HE was the one that loved registering—I didn't like it! He went nuts with that scanning gun! I registered at Target later on by myself!! Here are some of my TOP choices that I am reaching when thinking that I will get some of them!! J

1. KitchenAid Mixer--I am DYING for one of these!! :) I could do so so much with one--and I love the green!! 

2. Nikon camera--(I cant remember which one I registered for). But this is a huge one I want. Not sure where we are going for the honeymoon but I love taking pictures! Then when babies come along, this would be great! :)

3. Dyson Vacuum-- We need a vacuum SO bad.. especially with two dogs. Luckily right now, we live in a house with no carpet, but sweeping gets old!

4. Knives-- We are in crucial need of a good set of knives. We only have steak knives right now, and let me tell you, it makes it super hard to cut anything OTHER than meat! 

5. Sheets-- our sheets are so old and worn out. I am SO looking forward to some great sheets! :)

6. Towels-- I love super soft, oversized towels. I bought us some about a year ago, but they are slowly getting worn out. 

Wedding Registry by aschleif featuring an egyptian cotton towel set

Thankfully, my WONDERFUL dad & stepmom bought us a super early wedding gift back in August. We seriously needed a good washer and dryer when we moved and they surprised us with a GREAT washer and dryer!! If you are in the market for a washer and dryer, look at these.. we LOVE them!! They are big enough to fit our comforter in them!! :) 

LG Washer & Dryer

Thought these were funny!! :)

Bachelorette On My Mind

So the bachelorette party is 108 days away and I am getting more and more excited about it!! My WONDERFUL MOH is planning everything and Im not sure of everything that will happen that weekend. We are going to Austin and staying in a cute house though, it will be neat to have all of us gals there in the same place for the weekend!! (There are a couple that can’t go that I really wish could come L but I understand!!) I have been trying to find cute dresses for that weekend—I am really wanting a cobalt blue dress! I have a few tank tops that color and I really love that color on me (I think because of the blonde hair/blue eyes thing I have going on haha). I REALLY like the sequin one… what do yall think??

Cobalt Blue Dresses by aschleif featuring a skater skirt

Blue dress / Influence skater skirt, $12 / Coast blue dress, $125 / Missguided blue dress, $38 / Missguided summer dress, $67 / Blue dress / Motel short skirt, $63 / Blue dress / Blue dress

Monday No-Funday

This weekend when I was just lounging around, I started looking for dresses for the bachelorette party in July! I can’t decide what color I want to do but as of now I'm thinking of trying to find a white dress! All of my ladies will be wearing black dresses!! I found some of my favorites online. 

happy birthday to me from my future hubs!!

The Glam Series

My hair care routine has been the same forever!! I LOVE John Frieda's hair products. He makes great, reasonably priced hair products for blondes (and for everyone else). His blode shampoos/conditioners help keep that brassy yellow out of my hair longer!! So if you haven't tried them, you should! Since I am trying to grow my hair out, I try to not blow dry & straighten my hair much, so I use the unwinding curls from John Frieda! It keeps my frizz down but lets me keep subtle curls instead of crazy ones!! I do LOVE quickly, lightly straightening with my Chi (will never use another straightener). Then I always finish with my Nexxus Finishing hold. This isn't hairspray, but comb through spray! AMAZING

hair by aschleif featuring Frieda

Beauty Favorites

Here are 7 of my FAVORITE beauty items that I would definitely recommend! (most of these are great and they aren't too expensive!)

Makeup by aschleif featuring Sephora Collection

1) Loreal Sublime Bronze I LOVE this self tanning lotion! It is a gradual tanner and works amazing!

2) Sephora Concealer This is my favorite concealer to use!! Not too expensive and blends very well when you have that day you need to cover something up!!

3) bareMinerals Starter kit If you are one of those that isnt sure about bareMinerals, I would highly recommend it!! Very light and it feels like you are wearing nothing!! Amazing!

4) Fit Me Blush This is a cheaper blush but it is the only that I will use! Very pretty shades of pink!!

5) e.l.f eyeshadow palette I love this eyeshadow palette! They have the prettiest eyeshadows for a very reasonable price!! There are different color combos available.  

6) Sephora Lasting Line Eyeliner is something that I always have handy!! Easy to use and doesn't smudge!

7) Sephora Mascara is waterproof and makes my eyelashes look great!! Makes them look very long and like they actually have volume!!

Pretty Dresses

So I have been looking for fun dresses for the bachelorette party! I think it would be fun to have all of the girls wear cute black dresses and then I could wear a fun-colored dress!! I have found a few that I LOVE!! What do yall think?? Which one would be the best 'Im getting married" dress?? I think they are all super cute and could work! I favor the yellow ones I think because you don't ever see yellow dresses that are cute!! 

Bachelorette Party Dresses by aschleif featuring an alice olivia dress

Outfit Ideas

So I was thinking about outfits for the bachelorette party weekend and the rehearsal dinner. I tried to put together an outfit that I think could work for both--even though Im sure I will end up finding a dress instead to make it look more dressy!

What do yall think that I should do?? Would an outfit like this work?

Bachelorette party outfit by aschleif featuring michael kors purses