Cool Weather Options

Since I can't wear everything I want to be able to wear right now, I've had some fun on Polyvore creating looks that I would wear if were without 8 month bump.

I must say though...I love my bump and I'm so happy to have it to accessorize throughout the next 2 months.  2 months, people!  Just 2 more months and our little bundle of joy will be here!  So exciting and so crazy and so much to do still!

Anyway, here are some of my favorite looks I've created with things I would wear if I weren't a human incubator and things I plan to wear after my baby incubating is complete.

Perhaps they will give you some inspiration for future outfits, too.

Maternity Outfit #1 by coachgaines featuring plus size jeans

black casual outfit by coachgaines featuring bootie boots

plaid blazer by coachgaines featuring gold pointed toe flats

Which is your favorite?

3 Mineral Foundations for 3 Budgets

I don't claim this blog to be a beauty blog in the least.  In fact, I know very little about beauty.

I'm quite certain after looking at my pictures, you would not come here looking for beauty advice or product reviews.  Clearly, I don't wear much.

And as a creature of habit, when I find something I like, I tend not to stray too far from it.

However, you also know that I'm a pretty thrifty gal.  Pair that with living much closer to a Walmart than a Sephora or Ulta and you can bet the majority of my beauty bag is purchased in a drug store.

I don't know that most of you are that different so I thought I would share something I've learned over the last 3 years.  The fact that I've tried 3 different mineral foundations in 3 years is quite the accomplishment for me.  (I was the girl whose roommates painted up to go out at night in college because I didn't know how to do it myself...)

These are the 3 mineral foundations I've tried in the last 3 years.  Below you'll see what I thought about them based on price, quality, ease of use, etc.

**I will add that I only use mineral foundation because I have such sensitive skin and I am not a fan of the liquid foundations.  I feel like they make me look too pasty and pale.**

mineral foundation by coachgaines featuring a mineral make up

Bare Minerals ($27) 

When first introduced to loose powder mineral foundations, this is what I went with because it is so well known.  I loved it.  The only reason I switched was because of cost and the fact that I had to order or make a special trip to Ulta to get it.

Perks:

+ Quality product - company stands by their product
+ Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+ Lasts a long time (several months in my case)

Quirks:

+A tad pricey for my budget at $27
+Only available in specialty stores
+Messy; powder gets everywhere even inside makeup bag
+Purchase brush separately

American Beauty ($28)

I opted to try this mineral foundation while at Kohl's with a gift card.  Slightly more expensive than BareMinerals, but Kohl's sends out coupons all. the. time. so it's much cheaper at least 20-30% off.  I love this product.

Perks:

+ Quality product
+Available at all Kohl's
+Made in America
+Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+Lasts a long time (several months)
+No mess; product stays in case
+ Kohl's coupons bring the price down to $22-$19

Quirks:

+Sometimes difficult to get out of container to use (particularly toward the end)
+Takes more product for full coverage

Physician's Formula ($13.95)

This is what I am currently using because I ran out of American Beauty and wouldn't be around a Kohl's for a while.  I have used Physician's Formula products in the past and liked them so I felt confident I would like this as well.  I have not been disappointed.

Perks: 

+ Available in most drug stores/Walmart
+ Wallet friendly
+ Compact: the brush fits inside the case
+ Goes on smooth and has lasting coverage
+ Lasts a long time (several months)

Quirks:

+ Messier than I would like: the powder comes out easily into the cap
+ Not a fan of the brush it comes with - I use my foundation brush

29 Weeks

I didn't have a proper bump photo since it's been Spirit Week.

How Far Along: Last Saturday marked 29 weeks

Size of Baby: Approx 3 pounds

Weight Gain: 27 lbs 

Stretch Marks: Nope!

Maternity Clothes:  Appreciating the comfort of maternity still, but really looking forward to wearing normal clothes again.  I purchased a few items from Old Navy with my Super Cash rewards this week and ordered a size bigger than normal for after sweet boy comes along.  Hope they fit!  Question: one of the tops I ordered currently fits me (at 8  months pregnant) so I'm thinking I might need to get my normal size - what do you think?

Gender:  Sweet baby boy!

Movement:  Oh yes.  He loved the NASCAR race!

Sleep: Sleeping well, but not always feeling rested.  Even after a full night...

Missing:  Just family.  Excited to go home for Thanksgiving.

Loving:    That it's November!  I just realized our little boy will be here in approximately 2 months!  So exciting, yet so. much. to. do!

Craving:   Not too much now. Thank goodness - trying not to gain too much these last 10 weeks.

Feeling: Good.  Hoping to get some more exercise this week.  My legs are very tight as I didn't do much last week with being so busy.  Also trying to practice more yoga.

Looking Forward: To the showers we have in the near future!  

Best Moment(s):   This week was awesome!  I spent time with my family, my friends, and we got more done on the nursery!

Some of my amazing friends organized a surprise book shower for me in my master's class.

We got so many amazing titles and I am so excited to add them to our book shelf.

It was Spirit Week all week and every day I found a way to be extra comfy.

I think pajama day was my favorite.

I got home from school Tuesday and our crib was sitting on our doorstep!

3 days early!  It's now up in our nursery.

I completed 30 miles for October.

It wasn't my goal, but I'm really starting to feel the physical toll pregnancy is putting on my body.

So, I'm pleased with the fact that I got in 30. 

I will definitely work toward meeting my goal in November and walking more!