The Messy Project Reveal.......

I am beyond thrilled and excited to once again be a part of this amazing and super fun project!!  I cannot say it enough, this project  really speaks volumes in allowing each individual involved  to truly express themselves style wise and also lets you put your own artistic touch on how you would normally dress!  Again, I do not follow every trend out there and when I discovered Kelly's blog I just knew I had to be a part of this project!!!   I also want to give her a huge shout out to by saying Happy Anniversary Messy Project, this project is 1 year old!!!!  Congrats Kelly, you are an inspiration to me and so many others!

I know from my personal styling experience that a lot of people have trouble styling certain items. They may look at a top and instantly think "I can't wear that...what would I do with that"?  So I wanted to find a fun way to interact with other bloggers incorporating fashion help. Something to convey who we are and show our style. To put our creative minds to work. To challenge us to step outside the box.  To express our inner fashionista. To show people the different ways to style an item depending on your body type and you.

-Kelly @Messydirtyhair

The Deal:

1 Item

5 Girls

5 Different Looks

1 Major Blog Post Day

My husband as always did a fantastic job taking shots of my piece and what I chose to pair it with,  As many of you know, I am 17+ weeks pregnant so I definitely wanted to make sure I dressed this piece up to look great on my ever changing figure lately! 

I chose to pair my tunic with:

Hot pink heels from H&M

Necklace from Baublebar

Earrings from Baublebar

Dark Grey Camisole from Forever 21

Wayfarers from Rayban

Would love to hear your thoughts, let me know what you think!!!

I am so honored to be a part of this project again, especially since its a special edition marking its 1 year anniversary.   I am stoked and feel so fortunate to have been joined with the other fabulous ladies who are dressing up this piece in their own way, everyone's individual take on styling  just gives me such a great feeling of happiness! 

Be sure to check out the other fantastic ladies's on how they chose to style up this piece and what accessories they chose to express themselves. 

Haley @ Lincoln Street Boutique the blog

Amy @ Trials & Triumphs of My Loving Sailor

Morgan @ Stars, Stripes & A Military Life

And last but NOT least  Kelly @ MessyDirtyHair

I really hope you all enjoyed!!!!  Again, if you are ever interested in joining the Messy Project, please reach out and put yourself out there!!!  Don't be shy ;-)  I am so glad I did!!!  I look forward to hopefully being a part of it again in the future!  

We can all express ourselves in our own way and be absolutely gorgeous!  This is such a great example that we are all different and have a cool sense of style!

Peace,

Dinah xo

Tag post: 13 personal questions....

I am so excited to share this tag that the awesome Shannon from The Creation of Beauty is Art posted on her blog a couple days ago!!!!  So please check out her page and what she answered on these questions as well!!!  This tag is for everyone, so definitely re post and I would love to know what your answers are too!!!

1. What do you order at Starbucks?
I am not a coffee drinker really and now that I am pregnant I am definitely not, but I love their protein packs that are offered there.  It comes with Cheese, crackers, fruit and an egg...a great healthy mini lunch or snack!!!  

2. What's one thing in your closet that you can't live without?
Well....usually its my skinny jeans!!!!  I am a jean and vintage t-shirt girl and when I am not at work that is what I love to live in....and now since I am gaining weight I live in my maternity skinny jeans and any top that that I feel great in right now!!!

3. What's one thing that most people do not know about you?
I am kind of an open book....but this is something I usually never reveal since its embarrassing.  I often talk to myself when I am either home cleaning, or driving in my car running errands.  I find that I have an internal check list and when I talk it out loud I find it comforting and able to get stuff done! 

4. What is one thing you want to do before you die?
Would love to travel to New Zealand with my husband and children someday.  That is a trip of a lifetime in my opinion.

5. What's one food you cannot live without?
Mexican food....hands down!

6. What is one quote that you live your life by?
I don't really live by a specific quote per say, but this quote always brings me so much joy and happiness.... "Today you are you, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is youer than you". -Dr. Seuss.   This quote reminds me that we are all different and have so much to offer, so wanting to be like someone else just holds you back from what you truly have to offer.

7. What do you like and dislike about the blogging community?
I really like all the individual creativity that I see on a daily basis while blogging. It's refreshing!  What I truly dislike?  I think some bloggers are only concerned about having a huge following and only do posts about giveaways to gain followers when they aren't really revealing content that is worth reading.  No offense to anyone who does that, it's just not my thing and I choose to read blogs for the content that it offers.  I also get annoyed when you are showing a blogger love by truly responding to their posts because you really love to read their content and they never, EVER respond to yours!!! Don't be a blog snob...we are not celebrities, we are normal, every day people who love to blog just like everyone else!   (sorry, I am off my soapbox now)

8. What's your number one song on your ipod/itunes?
Right now....it's "Feel So Close to you" By Calvin Harris

9. What kind of style would you describe yourself as having?
I am a true vintage/edgy girl.  Anything with a little rock and some pizzaz...that's my style calling.

10. Favorite number?
25

11. What are two of your hobbies?
Definitely watching movies, and hanging out with my hubster/friends/family!!!!

12. What are two of your pet peeves?
I dislike people who are rude and inconsiderate for no reason,  and backseat drivers.

13. What is your guilty pleasure?
Any real housewives show on Bravo TV....


Hope you enjoyed reading, and again PLEASE feel free to tag this on your post and have fun!!!!  Tomorrow is the BIG REVEAL for The Messy Project, and cannot wait to share with you all what I did with my piece!!!!  If you are unfamiliar, please visit my friend Kelly @ Messydirtyhair.com and learn more!!!!  She is fantastic!!!

Peace,

Dinah xo

Weekly prego newsletter...LOL

Good morning and happy Monday peeps!!!

I figured I would begin sharing the little changes that have been going on with my pregnancy since pretty soon I will be at the 18-20 week mark and I know its going to seriously fly by so I would like to share some of the exciting tidbits that I am learning along the way!!!

Where am I at now?  
I am currently 17 weeks and one day exactly!!!  Feeling okay so far....experiencing some back pain mainly due to sleep but thank goodness I purchased this gem.....hehe  It really helps support my back and belly, and now I am having an easier time getting comfortable and staying that way through out the night.  I find these images pretty funny to look at.  The lady looks like she is having a party in her pj's with that pillow....LOL   Do I own those type of pj's?  NOPE....

Our little peanut is the size of an "Onion" currently.  Weighing at about 5 ounces and measuring at about 5 inches long from head to bottom!!  Exciting stuff for sure!!!

I really thought that I would be exercising just like I would pre pregnancy....that just didn't happen for me since I was so sick during those first 12 weeks.  I went on a 3 mile walk with my hubby and doggy yesterday and it felt good, although the heat kinda makes it less enjoyable.  I try and stretch every night before bed and after walking and it helps.  The hubster is very encouraging when it comes to staying active...

Countdown is getting much closer to find out if we have a little girl or boy to come!!!  Almost 2 weeks away!   I am still feeling girl.....but of course I could be completely wrong!  I have no preference at all as long as we have a healthy little sweetie, I could care less!!!  I actually had someone ask me if I would be disappointed in whether or not I was hoping for a certain sex, and maybe its just the hormones raging in me but I kinda got annoyed and was like "why would I care"... LOL  Some people....

Stay tuned for some more sunshine this week,  OH and I am part of another fabulous "Messy Dirty Hair" project being revealed on Wednesday!  I love being part of this and if you are unfamiliar please go check out one of my favorite bloggy friends  Kelly @ messydirtyhair.com

Peace,

Dinah xo

Another reason why I LOVE Michelle Williams

Happy Friday friends!!!

Long time no see I know....I have not been blogging as much but I feel great not feeling so much pressure to post every day.

Has anyone caught their eye on the new ad Michelle Williams posed for Louis Vuitton?  I die over this.  This is now the billionth reason why I adore her so much.  She looks absolutely stunning and flawless in these photographs. Swooooon...... and her hair?!!!  Shut the front door, its incredible.   I have to admit I was kinda worried when she started growing out her hair, but wow I am so loving the direction her hair is going to now!   Michelle....you are my hero!    So can you tell yet how much I love this lady?  HAHA!!!!

And...I love the new bag she is holding too....not a typical Louis Vuitton that I am used to seeing...its a little more modern and maybe even a little edgy in my opinion!!

Peace,

Dinah

"I don't wanna work...I wanna bang on the drum all day".....

Who really wants to work especially on a Friday when you are almost there....inches away from that weekend you have been waiting for since the dreaded Monday?!!  I haven't done a Friday playlist in a while, so here is my jam list for the week!!!   Again, if you are new to Sunshine Super Glam, I do not listen to a lot of current top 40 music...its just not my thing.  I am an old school/indie artist kinda lady, that is just how I roll!!!

Lil Kim feat. Lil Cease- Crush on You    (blast from the past for sure)

The Smashing Pumpkins- Cherub Rock

Pearl Jam- Corduroy

Incubus- Talk Shows On Mute

Jane's Addiction- Stop!

Alexander- Bad Bad Love

Blondie- The Tide is High

Chicago-Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is

Coldplay- Spies

Mason Williams-Classical Gas

Keep calm and let the music play,

Dinah xo

New products I am trying...and small review

Hey hey!!!

I have purchased a few products to pamper myself during my pregnancy.  First of all, I have only been using them for about 4 days now but OH MY GERRRRRD love them all!!!

First on the docket are Origins Checks and Balances Frothy face wash and United State Balancing Tonic

I have said this over and over again.  This girl has had a run with acne.  It was really bad in my first trimester, just awful...but now (knock on wood) my face has improved tremendously.   The acne cleansers I was using approved from my doctor were doing nothing but drying my face out and irritating it more....so I did some research on more natural products and I chatted with an Origins expert that suggested I use something that will balance my skin since my hormones are all over the place.  So glad I did, these products are amazing and smell awesome!  

Second is Clarins Huile Tonic body treatment oil.  I have heard from family and close friends how incredible this product is for the prevention and appearance of stretch marks.  I haven't had an issue as of yet, but I know later in my pregnancy I will definitely need to lube and lather up my body to prevent.  This oil smells like a high end day spa...I use it right after I shower when my body is still damp.  I focus on the areas that are prone to stretch marks such as breasts, belly, thighs, and lets not forget our booties girls!!!!   The oil is not greasy at all and it feels so luxurious!  A little goes a long way so I would not use a ton, plus its a waste to use more than needed anyhow am I right?!!!!  I tend to focus a lot on my breasts since I already have stretch marks from earlier in my 20's due to weight gain/loss.  But use your judgement on what you feel is best.

Well folks, I hope you enjoyed this review and if you have used these products in the past or currently, I would love to hear about your experiences.  Today is a great day,  I am feeling somewhat normal considering I have had a heck of a time in these past couple of months getting over nausea, vomiting, dizziness, headaches, you name it!!!   I woke up feeling the sunshine I have missed for a while.  

Love,

Dinah xo

My idea of our perfect nursery....

Good morning peeps!!!

So, my hubby and I scheduled our gender reveal ultrasound for AUGUST 14TH!!!!!!   So excited and cannot wait to know if we have a lil lady coming or a lil man....either way I would be over joyed!!!  I have no preference whatsoever!!!   So, with that in our minds we have definitely had some ideas (well I have had ideas) LOL on what would look awesome for the nursery.  I am just going to put this out there now,  I am not going to do a "themed" baby room...it's just not what I want.  The baby is going to have no clue what the heck is in their room.  I want it to be cute, but sort of minimal and color schemed.  Here are some ideas that I have found on pinterest, etc...that I am loving!!   And, I can totally find a lot of these items on consignment and spend half the money!!  BONUS!   Let's face the music....budgeting and saving as much money as you can is a win win when you are trying to get your lives ready for your bundle of joy coming!!!

I love the idea of having a bright dresser and adding little accessories along the way...too cute!!!

I am dying over this....anything vintage that can be spruced up with a little paint is an A+ in my book!

ADORABLE for a little baby boy....I love the old school vibe!!!

And for a little lady.....not too keen on the changing table fabric but that could be changed!

I think it is absolutely amazing what you can do with an old dresser and a little bit of paint!!!  If you are more of a themed person, I totally get it and that is cool if that is your thing.  I am a vintage girl for sure so I definitely want my baby's room to have a vintage feel....cannot wait to know the sex of our baby peanut, come on August 14th!!!!!

Peace,

Dinah xo

Just dealing today.....

Hi friends,

I have had what seems like the worst headache of my life lately....never used to experience migraines only sinus headaches, but now...this is day 3 of constant/awful headaches.  Just trying to deal with the pain and try to focus on the positive.  I have been reading in all my pregnancy books that its normal for some woman to start to get migraines or just bad headaches during their pregnancies.  I am going in for my 15 week check up with my doctor today and hopefully she might have some insight as to what I should do.   I know I am hydrated and properly nourished...all I do all day long is drink and eat, LOL!!!  Not that I am wishing summer to be gone, but I am ready for fall....these hot temps make me feel worse.

I know that so many women experience pregnancy different.  Somehow I thought I would be running half marathons and kicking butt like I normally would.  That is just not the case for me.  I am either too tired or moody to even function some days.  I just wish I had a little more sunshine to spread.  Wish my hubby and I had our families up north closer to us so we could spend time together and I could lean on them like I wish I could right now.    I know in the end it will all be worth it.  I just haven't had the greatest of experiences thus far....

Thanks for listening peeps....

Dinah xo

Maternity fashion...yay or nay?

So, I have a love/hate relationship with the thought of wearing certain maternity clothing.  I think everyone has a right to their own sense of style and should be able to express themselves however they choose, and I think us pregnant ladies also need to be able to express ourselves too.  I just hate half of the maternity fashion out there today...sorry!   I like to dress with an edge and some spunk and do not want to look like a person who is being drowned in a mumu.  Not going to lie,  Motherhood, pea in a pod, and destination maternity is barfville for me.  I hate it and refuse to shop there.   I think a lot of women look great in what ever they want to wear while they are expecting.  We are all individuals with completely different tastes and I think that is what makes us all interesting and great.    I like vintage, rock n roll and edgy....so my mission to keep that in my wardrobe will happen!!!   I do not mind shopping at certain places for basic stuff like leggings, and dress pants maybe throw in a tank top or two!

I have found that these two websites are probably my savior when it comes to variety and a little spunk....
Top Shop Maternity  and Asos Maternity

These outfits are just adorbs!!!!

I wanted to include some Top Shop items but their website doesn't show models wearing them!!!

I am holding out and making the most out of my normal size clothes as long as I can...and I think I will definitely be investing in a few awesome items from these fantastic sites!

Anyone who has worn maternity in the past, did you have a specific place or shop that you loved?  

Peace,

Dinah xo

Some postcards from paradise....

Excuse the t-shirts...this fashion sense was the hubster's idea...promise!!!!  

See...can you tell this was my hubby's idea?  ;-)

Merica!!!!!  God bless our country!!!!  I giggle when I look at my man's face in this pic...LOL!

Currently family of two..but soon a lil' fam of "three" :-)

Cause' were cool like that!!!

Nothing better than family, fun and a little sun in paradise....and not to mention celebrating our nations freedom too!

Peace,

Dinah xo

I'm BAAAACK!

Hey friends!!!

I am definitely feeling a bit melancholy today.  I am back at work after a wonderful vacation and time away from reality.  I do love having a routine and being back in my own bed again, but I think it's normal to naturally want to continue on your vacation where you sleep in everyday and not worry about time constraints or having a schedule to keep track of.  Anywho, I will have some pics of our trip up very soon so stay tuned!!!

I am officially in my second trimester of my pregnancy!!!  14 weeks and 1 day to be exact!  I am feeling a huge difference.  The nausea and queasiness has dropped significantly and I don't feel so much like a walking dead zombie at work.   I still get super tired through out the day and I still feel the moodiness, but I can take that compared to having to barf every chance I get.

I am encountering horrible acne right now....like really bad in my opinion.  It is not coming out so much on my face but all over my chin, neck, chest and back.  One will go away and then another pops up.  I try not to pick and obsess but I have battled acne since I was 13 years old and this is just ridiculous!!!  Why can't I just have normal skin for a change....?!!!!!  For now I am just sucking it up and wearing clothes that cover the acne and I do my best to keep it clean and moisturized.

That's all I have for now peeps....pictures of our trip to Key West coming soon and I have missed you all!!!

xo

Dinah