Monthly Archives

May 2017

Nashville Themed Baby Goods with Gugu Guru

Posted on May 31, 2017

Nashville Themed Baby Goods with Gugu Guru!

The countdown to baby 2 is creeping up on us, and I’m so fortunate that some family and friends have asked if we are registered or what we need this go around. One of the good things about having two boys in 14 months, is that we have most of what we “need.” There were some things with Georgie that I wish I would have had and then some things that we need to adjust to two babies instead of one.

I registered at Gugu Guru this time around. It’s completely customizable, so you can add things from any site. When you first sign up you complete a quick survey that gets a good sense of your style and what type of parent you are. (They are images/mood board style so it’s extremely easy). They then match you to items that fit your lifestyle needs and aesthetic. You can pick from those items, and also add items from any website. I found things that truly fit my style perfectly!!

You can also choose to have a Gugu Guru team member review your product choices before publishing your registry. All of the items they have on their site have gone through safety testings and various other protocols to make the cut! If you are completely overwhelmed with all of the products on the market, you can use their concierge service. You tell them your lifestyle, budget, and personal style and they match you with a professional baby planner that will curate a registry just for you. (Wish I would have known about that for G!)

Being a Nashville, music traveling family we thought it would be fun to partner to bring ya’ll a themed registry guide with a Nashville themed baby goods! All of the products are produced here in Tennessee or the Nashville area or are centered around music.

Rowdy Sprout:
These vintage looking band tees and pajamas are the absolute cutest! This company keeps a mom and pop shop vibe, and sells in small batches. All fabric is made & cut in the USA. All products are printed in the USA. Each product is licensed which means we pay royalty to all your favorite bands. (As a music business family this is so important!)

Milkbarn Kids :
This is a Tennessse based company where the products are well made and not mass produced. I love the creative and fun fabrics. It’s a mother-daughter duo and the daughters designs appear on many of the prints! I just love their pajamas, rompers, hooded towels and even little baby robes.

Rockabye Baby! Music :
These are so fun! They are lullaby renditions of your favorite bands. In their words, “Rockabye Baby makes rock music baby-friendly and kids music adult-friendly.” How cool is that?! We played these over my belly when I was pregnant with Georgie, and I contribute this to his love for music now. It’s so fun to watch him react to music and dance along, or a ballad soothe him. We are playing these for baby #2 as well!

Little Bits Nashville :
I love their “love you always” memory box. It makes a great gift, but it makes it easier to write little notes about special memories and milestones that you can share one day with your little one. They also have cute little baby onesies, like this guitar one.

Shop Sugar Babies :
Ok, so this one breaks the Nashville theme, but this Modern Burlap “hello world” swaddle was just too cute not to include. We used swaddles like crazy with Georgie, and not only is it perfect to use to swaddle baby #2, but it will make such a cute background for pictures of him when he is a newborn. This is from the Shop Sugar Babies website, they have such cute brands and baby products!

Even if you aren’t a music city dweller, these Nashville themed baby goods make great gifts for any music lover in your life!

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32 Weeks Pregnancy Update

Posted on May 26, 2017

This pregnancy has truly flown by, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect and give a little 32 weeks pregnancy update!

Band Tee | Necklace Layer Set | Snakeskin Booties | Hat | Sunglasses

This pregnancy has truly flown by, but I wanted to take a moment to reflect and give a little 32 weeks pregnancy update!

With Georgie, I had some complications along the way so I was always thinking about being pregnant and I really noticed all of the little aches and pains along the way. This time around I’ve been so busy chasing G around, trying to keep up with the house, blog, travel, and everything else that happens on any given day, that I haven’t tuned in to my body. I wanted to take a minute and reflect.

At the beginning of this pregnancy I truly felt great! Other than the first trimester tiredness, I was feeling really “normal.” I felt like I could accomplish so much in a day during the second trimester. My energy levels were up, my aches and pains were minimal and that chronic sleepiness had worn off. BUT THEN….. the third trimester hit. Day after day I feel like I push myself to the complete limit, and then when my head hits the pillow at night all of the pregnancy pains hit like a ton of bricks. Sleeping is next to impossible, which is all I want to do!

So 32 weeks seems like an accomplishment! From here on out I’m pledging to be a little easier on my body and on myself in general. Some things will just have to wait. I’ve been getting asked a lot how I do it all, and I don’t want to fool anyone. I don’t! At the end of every day there are still things that haven’t been done on the to do list. I do believe that keeping active as long as you can really will help you feel your best during pregnancy!

When people ask me how I’m doing, I always respond “great!” One because I don’t think anyone truly wants to hear about how bad my back hurts, that I can’t sleep or that I’m constantly tired and two because I truly believe keeping a positive attitude is key! If I keep telling myself I’m doing just fine, maybe just maybe I’ll trick my body into believing it. Worth a shot!

I want to really embrace these last couple weeks, and prep for the arrival of baby #2! I’m so excited to meet him. We had an ultrasound done the other day and he was looking a lot like G. I’m curious to see if they will look alike, or if this one will favor Trey more.

As the timer till his arrival ticks away my main goal is to soak up my time with just G too!!

Anyone out there with babies very close in age? I need all the advice I can get!

Also, I’m really not into buying many maternity clothes. I look for things that will accommodate the bump and also work after. The lowest rise jeans are key for this! I live in graphic tees, as you have probably noticed. Starstruck vintage in Nashville is a gold mine!!! She hand distressed them and I’m completely obsessed! It’s a vintage shop and there are always amazing finds in there. If you aren’t local to Nashville you can find her HERE. You can thank me later… 😉

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Weekend Outfits – Distressed Tees and White Jeans

Posted on May 21, 2017

My weekend outfits can always be a little more dressy than weekdays. I still stick to graphic tees and white jeans, but add some heels and a different bag to spice it up!

Weekends have changed so much since little G has joined our family. Trey and I love our sleep, and we were “chronic weekend sleep iners.” It that’s a thing. I’m talking noon-ish. Needless to say Georgie does not share this love, and times have changed drastically! Now we spend our weekends running errands where both of us can help with him, taking him to do different activities, and waking up early. I’ve learned to really love feeling productive on the weekends too. (We use to do the complete opposite.)

This weekend we went and met a friend of ours new baby and had dinner. G was able to play with their puppy and 3 year old and LOVED it. We also home shopped, I did a collaboration deal, we both answered tons of emails, I squeezed in a shoot, we went to lunch with some other friends, looked at houses to buy, and now heading out to a Sunday wedding. I’m still determined to squeeze in painting my Mother’s Day present mirror in there as well.

When Trey is home on the weekends, it’s a little easier for me to get ready. Let’s just say my weekend appearance and weekend outfits are drastically different than weekdays. I’m loving this distressed eagle tee, but brightened it up with some white jeans for summer. I paired it with my favorite designer buy nude heels and Celine bag. I typically can’t carry this when it’s just G and I since it’s hard to get it over my shoulder. It’s fun to whip it out when Trey is around on weekends to help.

You can completely complete a look with the accessories. This Daniel Wellington watch is such a classic! It literally goes with everything and can be dressed up or down. You can use promo code “BEAUANDARROW” for 15% off yours!

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Woodland Animal Themed First Birthday

Posted on May 18, 2017

I still can’t believe my baby is one, but we had a great time planning and throwing this woodland animal themed first birthday party!

G really loves animals, so the woodland animal theme seemed perfect and fit great with our venue. We had it at The Old School Nashville. If you are a Nashville resident or visiting you must check this place out. It’s a fully restored historic schoolhouse, that also has a barn space (where we had the party), a speakeasy style music venue space, and indoor and outdoor dining. The Old School gives back to the community and employs adults with intellectual disabilities. Everything is farm to table, and uses products from a 10 mile radius of the farm. It’s just a really special place.

We were able to find adorable woodland animal themed invites… you can see find them HERE. Minted has been my go to for all paper products lately. This was actually a baby shower invite, but they were able to tweak the design to make it for a birthday party. We got the matching thank you notes as well. They save your addresses and you can easily click the ones you want and add them on the envelopes for free! (This saves sooo much time!!)

The food for the event was provided by Milk and Honey Food Company. Alex, the owner, is a dear friend of mine. She is also charity driven, and with each order she provides meals to local families in need. Her food is (almost) as amazing as her sweet heart!

With the help of my friend Chelsea (check out Chelsea Rochelle Photography) on the florals, and my parents, all the decor was a labor of DIY love. (Besides the adorable highchair banner… that was provided by Pretty Little Clippie. Her designs are just adorable.

My dad built the frame for behind the food table. To make moss letter, I purchased each individual letter, sprayed adhesive on them and then covered them with bag moss. We used fishing line to hang the letters from the frame.

I was overwhelmed with all the love we felt for G on his birthday. We are SO thankful to have friends and family that love him so much. I’m a true believer that it takes a tribe to raise a child, and we have some of the best out there guiding us and pitching in.

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Bomber Jackets – Life Updates

Posted on May 17, 2017

While love from Mother’s Day and our Anniversary is on my mind, I had to show ya’ll this bomber jacket and some of my other favorite bomber jackets.

Love Me Bomber Jacket | Stripe T-Shirt | Faux Leather Pant | Nude Pump

While love from Mother’s Day and our Anniversary is on my mind, I had to show ya’ll this bomber jacket and some of my other favorite bomber jackets. How cute is this lightweight bomber ?! It’s on sale for $60, and is such a fun item to add to the closet. I paired it with these leather pants only because I was wearing it for a date night and dressing it up a bit. I think it would look adorable with some black denim cut offs and this stripe tee OR over an all white look (white t-shirt and white shorts) with some sneakers. Bomber jackets are still hot and it’s great to carry them into the spring/summer seasons!

Life has been completely hectic lately. It just hit me the other day that we do not have a single free weekend until baby #2 arrives! We have a lot of upcoming travel and A TON of weddings. With this baby I have been a lot more easy going as far as prep work. We have everything we need (mostly) from G. BUT I still think it’s important that we get him some of his own belongings and make sure to have everything for him out and ready. It’s more of a mental thing, but I want his arrival to be just as special as Georgie’s was!

Also, we finally have a name for the second babe. We decided to keep it a secret (even to our parents.) I think it’s fun for Trey and I, and will leave a little element of surprise for his arrival.

P.S. I’ve linked some of my favorite bomber jackets that are fitting for spring/summer! Most are under $100 and all are lightweight! You can also head to the “shop” tab under the home screen and see them all there as well.

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Anniversary Gift Ideas with Framebridge

Posted on May 16, 2017

I’m always looking for meaningful anniversary gift ideas and I think framing a special moment in time is the perfect one!

I’m always looking for meaningful anniversary gift ideas and I think framing a special moment in time is the perfect one! I’m so happy with how this shadowbox of these concert tickets turned out from Framebridge.

One of the best parts about Framebridge is that they have designers that can help you frame your project based on your design style. I knew I wanted to “float mount” these tickets to give a shadowbox effect. After letting them know that and my style, they helped me through the process and kept me involved the entire time. It truly couldn’t be easier!

Trey and I met at a concert. One of his bands was playing, and I was a concert “goer”. We truly have been inseparable since. I went to that concert with my best friend, and on my bachelorette party she gave me the tickets from that night. It was amazing that she still had them, and I treasure them so much. This was the perfect way to save that moment in time that has become one of my all time favorite nights. It has been one of my best anniversary gift ideas to date!

Since I have become a wife and mom I’ve become more sentimental. I love the idea of capturing a picture of a special place, tickets from an important event, invites, etc. Be sure to use promo “beauarrow15” and receive 15% off your first order!!!

It’s hard to believe it’s already been two years since we tied the knot. We (almost) have two babies in that time and every day I am thankful for our marriage. Nothing is more important to me. Trey is easy to love and life is just fun with him. I remember thinking on our wedding day that I couldn’t love anyone more, but somehow watching him with Georgie, I absolutely do! He has embraced being a husband and father whole heartedly and we sure love him something fierce.

Ok, enough sappy stuff, I’m off to our anniversary dinner! Hope everyone has a great week, make sure to let the ones you love know how much they mean to you, and not just on the “important days.”

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Balancing a Healthy Lifestyle

Posted on May 12, 2017

It’s so hard balancing a healthy lifestyle in the hustle and bustle of everyday life, but I’ve made it a priority to do so and have a few tips on how to make it manageable.

The other day I talked about how hard it is balancing the many hats we wear and maintaining your sanity doing so. One of the main points from that posts is finding what your priorities are and really just focusing on those. If that requires reaching out for help to cross them off the to-do list, then by all means, check the pride at the door and get the help!

Balancing a healthy lifestyle is one of the more important things to me. Don’t get me wrong, I fail at it frequently, but it is something that I try to put high on the priority list. With how busy the day to day craziness is, it’s one of the things I have had to allocate extra help with. There is a meal delivery service in Nashville called Eat Well Nashville, that prepares healthy, ready to eat, meals and delivers them to your door. No grocery shopping, no meal prep, no having to think of recipe ideas. It makes eating healthy so much more achievable. This week we tried the turkey meatloaf, and the no noodle, veggie lasagna. Both were SO good. It was so nice to be able to sit down with Trey when he got home from work at the table and eat a great meal, without all the time and hassle that would typically go into that. I HIGHLY recommend doing this for yourself!

Another part of that being healthy that I really want to be a priority, but I’m not afraid to admit I fail at regularly is working out. It’s not often I have someone to help watch G for me to go to they gym or a workout class. It really takes extra motivation, scheduling, etc. to make that happen. I’ve learned to take the do what you can, when you can approach. BUT, let’ be real having super cute workout clothes does give you that extra bit of motivation. Ellie fitness subscription box. It’s 5 items of workout clothes or gear for $49.95 delivered to your door in an adorable metallic box. For me, it gives me that extra little nudge I need to get myself together and make that a priority. It’s more realistic in my life, to take Georgie for a walk, and do some lunges with the stroller, some calf raises doing my hair, and some planks and a couple of arm weights before bed. I believe just that little bit is much better than nothing at all!

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Blanqi Maternity Wear and Mom Guilt

Posted on May 10, 2017

If you happen to have followed me during my first pregnancy, you know that I didn’t invest in many “maternity” clothes, this go around Blanqi maternity leggings and the tank top have been the exception!

Support Leggings | Support Tank | Leather Diaper Bag | Mama & Mini Bandana Set

At 30 weeks pregnant today these are still the only maternity type item I’ve worn. This go around my back has really been bothering me. I’m not sure if it’s pregnancy related or Georgie related. (He weighs 23 pounds, and wants held A LOT..) Either way, the support from these leggings and tank have helped. The other reason that I can validate purchasing something “maternity” is that these are great for after.

I was not prepared for anything after birthing Georgie. I had no clue what to expect. Any mamas out there know you feel just a little strange, and having support over the belly is needed!

Blanqi maternity leggings/tanks are completely seamless. They can be worn on their own (this is how I have them pictured), but you can also treat them as a “base”. Meaning, you can put a t-shirt over the tank, or a kimono on over the set. (Ya’ll know I’m kimono obsessed, so I wear them like that a lot.)

Since, I have been loving them so much I’ve partnered with the brand to do a giveaway. Head over to my Instagram for all of the details. (@beauandarrownashville)

Side note, the mom guilt has been real lately. With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve really been doing a lot of reflecting. I’m so excited for G to have a built in best friend in just a few short weeks, but I’m so worried he will feel left out or like he’s not getting enough attention. He’s still so young, and he’s used to having my full attention all day every day. (Well besides the once a week we have a nanny come, and he still gets all of her attention…)

Mom guilt is just one of the things that you never think about before you have a baby. I need time away to have a few moments to myself, but then feel guilty being away. I have mom guilt over staying home with him. Am I doing him a dis service not having him in a program with other kids?! Then I have mom guilt over thinking about sending him to a mom’s day out program, when I could have one on one time with him those two days.

I know we are all out there doing are best, and at the end of the day that’s all that matters! One thing is for sure, and that’s G will always know he is loved by me!!! (Maybe, too much. Mom guilt.. am I smothering him?!) HA! Hope everyone has a great Mother’s Day week!

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Quick Makeup and Hair Tutorial with Tarte and T3

Posted on May 8, 2017

As much as I would like to put a full face of makeup on everyday and do new things with my hair, the quick makeup and hair is the go to these days.

With Mother’s Day right around the corner I wanted to show some of my favorite beauty products that would make an AMAZING gift for any mamas out there. It’s not your typical gift, and can actually get a ton of use. (Or you can treat yourself… 😉 ) As a busy mom, I really don’t have time for a full face makeup and hair routine everyday. As much as I would like to, it’s just not in the cards for me. I typically rely on my quick makeup and hair look that’s under 20 minutes.

QUICK HAIR LOOK:

The most common question I get asked is about my hair. I mostly wear it curly, but lately discovered the T3 blowdryer (see previous post for more details) and it has saved me tons of time. If I blow dry my hair straight, I can run this new straightner through it in under 10 minutes. I start with spraying on a heat protectant. Then, section your hair in half. Use the clips to clip up the top half. Start at the root of your hair and straighten down. You only need to leave the tool on your hair for a few seconds. It works so fast. Then I do the second half, and spray with a gloss. It’s really that quick and easy!!!

Lately I’ve been more health conscious and Tarte cosmetics are all formulated without the use of parabens, mineral oil, phthalates, sodium lauryl sulfate, triclosan, synthetic fragrances and gluten, just to name a few. They are also cruelty-free and the packaging is so adorable. I like to give it as gifts, because of the packaging. All but two of my everyday products have been Tarte.

For some reason, my skin has been INSANELY dry this second pregnancy. I’m constantly working to combat the dry skin issue. So some of these products are geared towards that. Also, here are a couple things that I use before the make up starts. I constantly am changing up my skincare routine, and I plan to post soon about my full skincare go to’s.

I was wanting to switch to an aluminum and alcohol free deodorant for a long time, but was hesitant that a natural deodorant wouldn’t work. Several of my friends have stopped wearing deodorant all together because of the harsh chemicals in most brands. However, I spend my days chasing Georgie, and that’s not an option for me! If you are looking for one, I can tell you this natural one WORKS. I highly recommend.

Along with the extreme dry skin, my lips have also been so dry and chapped. So I’ve been conditioning them with this lip scrub and it’s really helped a ton.

To help the tired mom eyes look (not cute) I’ve been using an eye brightner. It mainly helps with the puffiness. I need all the help I can get in that department.

QUICK MAKEUP LOOK:

First, I start with this foundation it is lightweight, but still full coverage. Since I have this major dry skin going on this pregnancy, this hydrating formula really works for me.It’s made with 20% water that helps quench that dry skin. I always look for a foundation with some built in SPF, and this has SPF 15. Sponges have been the best way to apply foundation for me. The beauty blender works the best. Also, a makeup artist friend recently told me to get it slightly damp first and then use it. Life changing.

Then sweep some bronzer over your cheekbones and VERY lightly on forehead, nose, chin, and chest. A little really goes a long way. I then sweep a small amount of highlighter on the top of my cheekbones and nose. It gives it that little extra glow. (This is the shade “Stunner.”) Highlighter is basically a way to trick people into thinking you have it all together. 😉

Next, I do a SUPER quick eye. A girlfriend of mine and total makeup junky, Mallory Ervin, introduced me to the “one sweep” eye. It’s a cream shadow that you put over just the lid of your eye. I prefer the shade “Marie Antoinette.” This one really doesn’t crease, but if you are really looking for long wear, then you can use an eye primer over your lid prior to applying this cream shadow.

I run a quick swipe of eyeliner in my waterline. This was one of Allure’s best of beauty products this year. The other end is a liquid eyeliner, which I will use for a full face on days when I actually have time or for a night out. Then, I apply a light layer of mascara on both my upper and lower lashes. I do usually get lash extensions, so when I have those I don’t put much mascara on the top lashes at all.

After I’m done with this I brush off any excess powder and then apply concealer under my eye. (This is CRUCIAL for a mama like me that has some major dark circles.) Another celebrity makeup artist friend of mine recommended this concealer as the one must have to put in your beauty bag, and I couldn’t agree more. Apply this under your eye in a triangle shape. Blend well using the sponge.

You can really look so much more put together with some color on those lips! I line my lips with this lip liner in deep nude. Then apply this quick dry matte lip . This shade is deep nude. I’m a long time addict of this rosebud lip balm and I top the color with that.

I finish up the look by spraying on one of my absolute favorite products lately has been this radiant skin mist. It hydrates and works as a make up refresher, but the scent is sooo amazing. It’s like an instant re-boost. This is a traveling must have.

I know everyone is busy these days, so I hope this quick makeup and hair look saves you some time!

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Balance and Easy Spring Fashion

Posted on May 6, 2017

Balance. How can we have it all, do it all, be it all, see it all?

The Creative Souls Tribe reached out to me to write a piece about balance for their May blog series, and I was so happy they did! First off, if you’ve never heard of them you MUST check them out. “Creative Souls is a community that inspires and equips females to take action in their creative endeavors. Our mission is to connect and empower women to get in touch with their true creativity.” I mean how amazing is that?! They also have meet ups and community outreach. Check them out HERE.

I wanted to share with ya’ll my thoughts from that…

Balance. How can we have it all, do it all, be it all, see it all? In today’s society it is normal for us to wear so many hats. For me, it’s mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend, blogger, traveler, chef, house cleaner, traveler, believer, decorator, teacher, wannabe fitness junky, and the list goes on and on. How is it even possible to balance all of these things each and everyday? It seems overwhelming just typing it out. Well, I’m here to tell you it’s not possible. More importantly, THAT’S OK.

Since having my son, Georgie, I feel some days are just a whirlwind. I’m not sure there has ever been a day where everything has gotten crossed off the to do list. You may start the day with the best of intentions, but then he crawls in your lap and needs attention, misses a nap or spills his lunch on top of his head (yes this happens) and needs a daytime bath. From there the whole day is thrown off, and the productivity goes on a downward spiral. Before you know it, I’m on the couch eating Halo ice cream and bing watching ‘Teen Mom.’ (Hey, don’t judge.)

I’m constantly seeking that perfect balance. Being a great wife, keeping a clean house, having healthy home cooked meals on the table, teaching my son as much as possible, taking him to as many activities as possible, working out, spending time with my friends, creating great content for my blog, and who even knows what else. It’s easy to get anxiety attempting to balance it all.

I was once told you always have time for the things you make time. Simple, but true. I’ve tried to use this as my key to keeping balance in my life. Think of it as a scale, some items are heavier than others on some days. For me, I never want to compromise being a mother, wife or friend. Those are my “heavy weights.” So to keep the scale balanced, I always put those on the one side, every day. Then I can add a few of the extras to the other side to balance it out. If you were to add every single other thing, the scale wouldn’t be balanced.

Being stubborn at heart, it’s always been hard for me to ask for help. You want to wear that superwoman badge, and be able to tackle everything without reaching out for any assistance.
Good luck to ya. I’ve learned to allocate outside help whenever I can. It’s like being able to wear all the hats, but having help putting them on. There’s nothing wrong with that, right?

If you want to eat healthy, but don’t have time to cook that day, then get a delivery meal service that offers homemade healthy meals delivered. If you want to get your workout class in, but don’t have a babysitter that day during the class (ahemmm my everyday scenario), then take a quick jog, do some squats while you do your hair, some calf raises while you make dinner, and a few planks before bed and call it a day. If you want a clean house, but just can’t seem to have time, splurge on a house cleaner that week. You get the picture. Leave your pride at the door, there is no shame in the help game!

Somedays, Georgie may not get learning time, park time, and a bath in during the course of the day. I might have to do a little more work for the blog, or help a friend with some errands. That’s ok, I try again the next day.

For me, that key to balance in life has been a two-parter. First, prioritizing what is truly important to me and gives my life purpose and meaning. Concentrating on those things, and feeling fulfilled with those things alone. The second, learning not to compare my life to others, and losing the need to compete with others to keep up. Can we all make a pledge not to judge one another? You really never know what someone is going through. It may seem like they have it all together, but if you take a closer look they could be falling apart. Find what works for you and be happy with that. And if your day ends on the couch with a tub of Halo, hey, that’s ok too.

Now that we’ve agreed not to judge one another, I can let ya’ll know I have literally worn this every day for the last 5-6 days now. My obsession with longhorn everything is strong, and I couldn’t resist the back detailing. It’s also made with a loose knit so it’s cool and perfect for spring and summer. The white on white trend is as strong as ever, and easy to do. I’ve probably mentioned my favorite v-neck pocket tee a million times, but it’s the easiest go to piece. Of course I paired it with my white cut off denim shorts. These are a great low rise fit so I’m able to continue wearing them preggo because they hit under the bump. Hallelujah!

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