Holiday Gift Guide For Her 2015

Here it is! A Charm City Mrs Gift Guide for Her! Let’s get to the good stuff....

What They Don’t Tell You Before and After The Baby is Born

The hospital waiting game...

I wanted to hopefully help someone by listing some things that I felt I didn’t know, or didn’t know enough about, before having my baby...

Don’t bring a lot of things to the hospital - We’ve all done it. Go onto Pinterest, see dozens of pins about what people brought with them to the hospital. From cute nursing gowns, the perfect nursing pillow and personal hygiene products. I’m here to tell you the hospital will have 90% of the things you’ll need. I won’t lie, I brought the cute nursing gown. Didn’t wear it (I had my reasons). I wouldn’t bring a boppy (you’ll have a plethora of hospital pillows at your disposal). And as far as personal hygiene products, I bought a small bag that had travel essentials already in it. From deodorant, to shampoo and conditioner...even tissue! Bring your personal items (wallet etc.), laptop and/or iPad and a change of clothes to go home in. For the baby? Just a going home outfit and pacifier--see later point on this one. The carseat can stay in the car until it’s time to go home. The worst is when you bring too much and have to have your family or significant other make multiple trips to the car to bring things out before wheeling you out. If your significant other is staying overnight, they will need a change of clothes and minimal personal items. My husband went for a few runs so workout gear was essential for him.

A Charm City Mrs. (short) Birth Story

Because I’m pretty sure I read through dozens of blogs describing birth stories...here’s another one for you expectant mothers or curious creatures...(don’t worry, I’ll keep it short)

Ok first, a backstory. I was told during my entire pregnancy that Charlotte was basically going to be toddler size at birth. It made sense. My husband and I were close to 10lbs each and large babies run in both of our families. So I was induced a week after my due date. The doctors at the hospital warned me of potential shoulder dystocia or even a broken clavicle. Two weeks before I gave birth I had an ultrasound that placed her at about the 8lb 14oz mark. At this point, my doctor and midwife were concerned about her size and needed to get her out. I wanted to wait it out to see if she would come on her own...she didn’t.

....fast forward two weeks later and 21 hours of labor...and I have a beautiful baby girl. Who only weighed 8lb 1 oz!! Needless to say we were very surprised. So lesson #1... never trust the ultrasound!

I started induction at 8am on a Friday. I was put on cytotec (to soften the cervix) first, then pitocin. I knew going the ‘natural way’ just wasn’t for me (no hate). Note: it is true, pitocin contractions are more intense than without. And then it was epidural time. I still wasn’t dilated enough so the waiting game began (tip: bring things to keep you occupied). All I can say is thank goodness I have an amazing husband who kept me entertained...and also that there was a Harry Potter marathon on ABC Family. 

At one point, the epidural was just not cutting it, so I had the anesthesiologist whack it up a bit more --- do not be afraid to be honest with them about your level of pain! I could still feel the contractions, but they were just dulled down. You want to be able to feel the contraction so you know when to push.

 It wasn’t time to push until 5am Saturday morning. I had zero sleep...because who can sleep with all of that anticipation? Also because I developed an infection so was on oxygen and having my blood pressure taken every 10 minutes, who can sleep? So after 21 hours...I pushed for 10 minutes. And thank goodness. Of course the nurses tell me some women push for hours! ...hours? Really? Anyway, cue the waterworks. Without a doubt, it is the most amazing moment you will ever experience. To see this beautiful being for the first time and holding her in your arms. It is absolute heaven. 

Stay tuned for my list of things they don’t tell you about at the hospital or when you get home with your new bundle of joy!

Where Have I Been?

I had a baby!

Welcome Charlotte Grace Elizabeth...

As of the end of October she is 5 months old! 

Needless to say the last year has been a whirlwind of life changes with our big move back to Charm City and quickly finding out we were expecting!

Thank you for bearing with me as I start to, let’s say, re-launch CharmCityMrs. I’m so excited to get back into my blog...but with one change. I’d like to shift it’s focus to more of a lifestyle blog. Instead of focusing (almost) solely on beauty products...I’m going to start writing a lot more about things going on in my life at the moment ... such as building our new house and raising my precious babe.

 Look out for new and interesting posts to give you insight into the life of a new mom trying to do it all! (hint: caffeine is a big part of this success story...)

Target Does it Again With Their Casual Wear...

Target is my go-to for everyday basics. I think I have about 7 of their long and lean tanks. And don’t get me started on their boat neck tops (so Jackie O). Now, there’s a new staple I’m loving...

The Merona Swingy 3/4 Sleeve Tee comes in a variety of solids and 2 stripes, and at $14.99, I say stock up! My personal fav is the black and white stripe...

Charm City Mrs. Moving Back to Charm City

It’s official!! Charm City Mr. and I are moving back to Charm City! A mere 4 weeks ago, he interviewed for a position as an Engineering Manager for a leading Aerospace company in the Baltimore area...and less than 24 hours later...they were presenting an offer. I am so immensely proud of him!

We are very thrilled, but it has progressed extremely quickly. So please excuse my absence. Today, I’m writing this as 4 very nice movers are packing away our lives into boxes. In less than 48 hours we will be on the road and closing the chapter on the Midwestern portion of our lives. I have been in West Lafayette, IN since coming to Purdue in 2005...the same for my husband in 2002.

Luckily, we still have friends and family in the area so we will be back a couple of times a year. But we are both very excited for what this new adventure will bring. And being closer to both of our immediate families (my in-laws live in Boston) is a huge bonus.

So stay tuned for new and exciting adventures for Charm City Mrs. in Charm City!

Stay beautiful!

xoxo 

Photo Courtesy of GregPeasePhoto

JCrew Panama Hat -- Summer Looks

Filter vs No Filter 

Such a great summer staple! Not to mention a JCrew summer staple for a number of years. This year, they’ve offered brighter contrast ribbon choices. Which as of now, are on sale! 

JCrew Contrast Ribbon Panama Hat

Weekend Snaps...

Target is getting it done with their shoes! I picked up these little beauties for $35...and oh so comfy! Perfect for autumn as well! PS please don’t mind the fur tumbleweed. When you’re a crazy dog lady, tumbleweeds will tumble. Even if you sweep 15 times a day! (polish is Color Club’s Pardon My French)

Picked up this little beauty as well! Gold AND fuchsia? Yes please, Starbucks! I’m on a mission to drink 100 oz of water per day. So 4 of these babies and I’m well on my way to super hydration!

And my recent breakfast favorite! Eggs, dash of milk, red onion, tomatoes, green onions and chives all scrambled together with an avocado on the side. So delish!

This hilarious video was the highlight of my morning!!

We all know how mysterious and seemingly unattainable people find contouring and highlighting to be. This short video courtesy of Buzzfeed demonstrates what it can really do for your face if you have the patience and time for the ‘blend, blend, blending’!

New Online Boutique

The last few years,  I have had the pleasure of working with and for one of the sweetest, most amazing women I have ever met. I have been lucky enough to work with her on different retail opportunities. From working at her first boutique storefront, to working with her as a buyer for a boutique I previously managed. I can not say enough good things about her. A woman, and a business, like none other!

Now she has done it again and opened a new fabulous online boutique!! Gilt + Gossamer offers the latest styles at affordable prices...without compromising quality. I am absolutely obsessed with their selections, and although it isn’t much at the moment, because a) they’ve literally only been opened weeks and b) inventory is leaving very quickly, she is constantly adding new styles! So my best advice would be to act quickly and add a unique flair to your wardrobe!

                                           Shop Gilt+Gossamer

Follow them on Pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/giltandgossamer/

Follow them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Gilt-Gossamer

Happy 4th of July!! Independence FTW

ULTA 40% Off Sale This Week

40% Off NYX, L’Oreal, Neutrogena and Physician’s Formula

This Week at Ulta…through 7/5/14 

Ulta has really been catching my attention with their sales and promotions. For instance, getting an awesome value Bare Minerals deluxe sample pack (including blush, eyeshadow duo, pressed powder and Lash Domination mascara) for FREE with my purchase of the Lorac Pro 2 and other skin care essential stock ups. Be sure to sign up for their emails to receive sales and promotions daily. Today, for example, they are giving away a free full size Cargo eye palette with $50 purchases (while supplies last). Insane!

Happy Shopping!

Garden of Your Mind

Where I've Been...

Well hello there all! 

It has been a hot minute since I’ve posted…but for good reason!

I have been in Italy!

My husband along with my immediate family had an amazing two and a half week adventure. We started in Rome, then Florence and Venice with little day trips to San Gimignano and Murano.

It was so wonderful, I brushed up on some Italian — being a Spanish speaker, it was an easier transition than I thought — and really did not want to come home! We’re already thinking about our next visit!

So here are some photos of our adventures...

Best Oatmeal Combo Ever!

McCann's Irish Oatmeal

Splenda Brown Sugar Blend

Dried Plums (aka prunes, yes prunes. But they're delicious...and full of fiber!)

A History of Britain on Youtube

Amazing news. The entire History of Britain series is available on YouTube. For history nerds like me, this is fabulous news! So make some tea, hunker down and learn something new <3

Mother's Day Wknd/Early Week

Firstly, I apologize for my absence. It has been a wonderful few days with my beautiful Mommy in Chicago for Mother's Day. She was in town on business and the plan was to spend mother's day with her. (We also were able to spend Mother's Day with my bestie and her amazing Mommy). It was all around wonderful and far too short.

Well, Sunday turned into Sunday, Monday and Tuesday! Unplanned but such nice quality time as I hardly ever see my lovely Mommy! But not to worry, I found an Ulta and have a haul coming. Stay tuned!

The Palmer House Empire Room

Peacocks at The Palmer House

Amazing shower head. I need you!

OOTD -- Had to Share

Quick iPhone quality photo of one of my outfits this week. I went a bit overboard at JCrew/JCrew Factory/Madewell last week and this outfit is a part of the plunder...

I'm quite obsessed with the selections at all three stores right now...and I'm very grateful for their 40-50% off sales. I am going on holiday in a couple of weeks and of course, needed more clothes for said holiday. Because obviously, one never has everything you need for a foreign country! In preparation, I decided on a number of chinos/comfortable walking pants and modest but cute/feminine tops. I also popped in a new pair of sneakers--because cute chinos need cute sneakers, right?

Top - JCrew Factory Peter Pan Eyelet Tee 

Bottoms - JCrew Factory Gigi Pant with Pockets in navy

Shoes - Vans for JCrew Canvas Authentic Sneakers in white

Bag - Zara winter 2013

Sunnies - Ray-Ban Clubmaster Oversized 4175

...and of course my trusty Camelbak -- stay hydrated, my friends!

The New Couches Are Here!

Hooray!

Pink Garden Roses -- How I Love Thee