Capturing our blessings

Came upon this idea though another wonderful blog A bit of sunshine - it's the idea of capturing your blessings everyday and sharing them through the month of November.  In all the trials we encounter, our blessings far outshine any trouble.
My blessing - family.

Hello world we're back!

Baby brain is wearing off and we are starting back into a new kind of reality - so naturally I thought I should pay more attention to this little family blog project of ours that has been neglected for so long.

Baby girl turned 3 months old yesterday.  What a little joy she is!

5 days and counting...

It is official.  Baby girl will be here in the next five days or so!  It's really hard to believe that it's already been 9 whole months and that soon our lives that have already been changed will drastically change again.

Here we are at 37 weeks, this same time last year I believe our pics looked more like this.  Running around, not even thinking this is what God had planned for our next big adventure.

Feeling a mixture of nervous and excited all at the same time.  Going from can we really do this to ...  I absolutely cannot wait for baby girl to come out so we can meet her!  As of right now she is weighing in at about 5 lbs. 12 oz., just a little peanut.  We are hoping she will grow a bit more this week before she finally joins us to say hello.  So we wait in excitement to grow our little family from just us two to a wonderful three.

a field. a couch. a giveaway.

Our wonderful friend and incredible photographer is giving away a signed 11x14 print of a pic he took recently when photographing a couple in western NY.
http://jalexanderphotography.blogspot.com

He has documented some of the most important times of our lives and loves - our wedding, New Zealand travels, family weddings and our soon to be one and only pregnancy photo shoot.

Just to give you a taste.  Check out his work online, it's a treat for the eyes!

34 weeks and counting

Here we are, already at 34 weeks.  I keep asking myself where the time has gone and how we got here so quickly!  Baby bump and I are doing well.  She kicks more and more each day.  It's so fun to feel her moving and to see when she's awake and when she chooses to sleep.  It seems like she wants to wake up right when I'm ready to head into bed, or when I'm quiet and relaxing.  We can't wait to meet her and see what she's really like....and if she'll sleep at all!

dear bump

My dear baby bump,
You and I no longer fit into the dresses that reside in my closet together.  Your dad and I had date night last night and everything now only zips half way. 
When you are all done in there and come out to see us in August, can I have my waist back?
We love you.

And we're back.

We're back in action after a few weeks of change, chaos and moving.  To update all, we have officially moved back to the US and were home in time for Christmas.
It's been a bit of a whirlwind time leaving such great friends in New Zealand to pick up a life of farming again with Thomas' family and making new friends once again.  We left the loving embrace of friends that had become family to us to return to family that we so happy to have us back in the country.  It has been a bittersweet time full of a lot of joy and a lot of tears.
So, as a new resident of the wonderful state of Pennsylvania we have a lot to be thankful for.  God is faithful and is leading us on a new journey.  Even though the mountains and ocean are no longer right around the corner, we are on the look out for new things about Pa to fall in love with now.

Anyone have favorite things about Pa?  I would love to hear!

30-for-30 update:  For all of you who were wondering...Yes, I did finish the challenge successfully!  It was quite a challenge for me to really use the things I have in my closet more creatively.  I was starting to feel self conscious of taking picture of just me everyday, I mean really... who cares to see just me everyday wearing something different?  In conclusion, I look forward to taking this challenge again and would recommend it to anyone who is looking to stretch their style sense without having to break the bank buying new things all the time.  We have way more than we need let's use what we have to the best of our abilities!

Off to the races - Day 12

It was the big day of the Melbourne Cup, so friends decided to hold a cup day party in honor of the big occasion.  A great reason to have a BBQ picnic in the middle of the week!

Emma prepared a Kiwi delicacy - White bait patties as an entree followed by lamp chops and sausages.

This is a true Kiwi first for me so I thought I should share the experience.

 

The White Bait patties consist of little white baits (fish) cooked like an omelet seasoned with salt and pepper.  They were delish, but couldn't help but take pity on the little fish that was looking back at me while I was eating.  We all had a bit of a laugh over it.

 

L to R - Emma, Kayla, myself and Sally

Shirt: Undercurrent

Scarf: Marshalls

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Capris: GH Bass

Heels: Banana Republic

Since I was in my 30-for-30 I pulled the girls in with me for a shot.  They were very good sports! We were not dressed to the nines as they do here in NZ for the races, but we had fun anyway. 

PS - Thomas' horse won the cup!

Time out for some hiking!

One of the very best things about living in New Zealand is that EVERYTHING is so close.  We live 1/2 hour from mountains, 15 min from the ocean and it is the capitol of all outdoor activities.  

One Saturday morning we woke up and my dear husband announced we were going hiking today and we were leaving in 20 min.  Something you should know about me is that I like to be spontaneous, but I need a bit of notice - like more than 20 min, also I do not function very well without my coffee in the morning.  Needless to say I was in a state of shock for the first 5 min, then pouting as we girls do sometimes, and finally compromise as long as we stopped for a long black(aka the closest think to black brewed coffee in NZ) on the way.  So off we went to Mt. Somers in our hiking clothes, coffee in hand, happy couple, all was good in the world.

 At the beginning of the bus stop overhang route

 Still waking up and eternally walking uphill.  Thomas' legs are way longer, so he goes on ahead. 

Thomas' trademark pose.  Walking across a tussock plateau pointing at the Southern Alps.

 Mom- we found a heart rock!

 

Swinging bridge, almost to the Woolshed creek hut half way through.  

 We made it! 

On the way back out.  Amazing hike on a beautiful NZ summer day.  Although I was hesitant at first, I am so glad we did this.  It took us about 5 hours in total and we loved every minute!

In the words of a very famous friend http://jalexanderphotography.blogspot.com/: Get Outside!

Day 11: In love with my tiered skirt.

Day 11 -  This is my J.Crew tiered skirt and it has become my new favorite thing out of my 30 day clothing combination.  My 2nd new favorite thing is finding all kids of new fashion blogs through this challenge - like wearing it on my sleeve and lizziepunch just to name a few. 

 My darling little sister Carolyn gave me the skirt and the shoes.  She kindly reminded me today that she has supplied over half of my 30-for-30 wardrobe (thanks dear).  She is happy to pass on styling tips - trying to get her to do a guest post as well to share her fashion with the world. I wish I could share her with everyone, but I can't she's mine.

Skirt: J.Crew - gift

Shirt: American collection from JcPenney

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors - gift

Earrings: Thrifted

Belting the shirt makes me feel better about having the shirt tucked into the skirt.  Sometimes I don't love where it hits my stomach and the belt helps to hide that.  I am working on my 6 pack, but it's taking longer than I thought ;)

Happy Friday from New Zealand!  Summer is here and we are loving it.

Day 10

Really starting to love my 30 day challenge.  It's forcing me to be creative with the clothing I have instead of always running out to buy the latest and greatest.  A friend of mine said it's a way of teaching yourself self discipline.  Since that isn't one of my strong suits I say bring it on, I'm ready!

Cardi: JCrew

Shirt: Merona for Target

Skirt: Kenzie

Shoes: Gift from my sister :)

Sorry the pics are a bit blurry, we have been a bit rushed moving out of one house and into another.  Add to that daily picture taking and life gets a bit hectic.  Thanks for taking me for who I am and what life's throwing at me for the moment.  I am really enjoying this skirt.  It never used to be my favorite piece in the wardrobe, but I am realizing it's more versatile than I first thought.

Kudos to my fantastic photographer whose passion is not fashion, but he is still helping anyways!

Looking fine # 9

Cardi: Staple from Depeche Mode

Shirt: Charisma boutique in Indianapolis, IN

Skirt: J.Crew gift from my sis

Belt: Marshalls

Shoes: Michael Kors

It was a beautiful day for a spring skirt.  I have really loved this skirt belted and am excited about the combinations I have been able to make with this challenge.  Thanks Kendi!  If anyone else wants to try it out check out www.kendieveryday.blogspot.com  to sign up for the 30 for 30 challenge!  I would love to see what everyone else can do with their wardrobe :)

the most important thing...

Hi guys it's Ali... Jenna and I were chatting about blogging and she said I could do a guest post! I've never blogged before so I was very nervous. It took me all night to think about what I should post. It came to me that I should just talk about the thing that is most important to me...my family and specifically for this post, my sisters!

Since we have been far apart for so long, we have little things we like to do to keep us together at heart. Of course we talk on the phone and email and skype and text and send pictures but we also have special things that remind us of each other. I tried taking a picture of the necklace I am wearing today with my blackberry so bear with the blurriness. All of the charms have a meaning and they all relate back to my sisters. One is from Carolyn's first mission trip to Mexico, one is to commemorate me getting married, one was the original charm that we all have that started the sister necklace and another marks the weekend that Jenna came to visit me in Indy. I could keep going but I'm sure that you understand. A bonus is that this necklace is part of my 30:30 ...16 more days to go!

Thanks Jennie for letting me post today!

"The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend." - Cali Rae Turner

Eight Eight a little bit late!

Shirt: Wish from Depeche Mode

Skirt: gift from my sister

Shoes: Nine West

We got a bit carried away with these photos.  Didn't realize most were out of focus till the very end, but I think you can still get the feel for the outfit.  I love the shirt because it has such a luxurious feel with the subtle detail of the puffy sleeves.  The skirt also carries a bit of a surprise with an exposed zip at the back (hard to see in the picture).  

Just another Monday in New Zealand.

Day 7

Wanaka weekend came to a close with a BBQ at the Lamborn house, so I decided that Hannah - owner of the Depeche Mode would have to model outfit #7 with me.  Seemed fitting as she is quite stylish herself and has been helping to hold me accountable for my 30 days.

 Hannah-

Featuring clothing from Depeche Mode, Ashburton

Me - 

Shirt: Forever 21

Jeans: Rugby

Belt: J. Crew

 The boys watching their latest hunting expedition in the mountains :)

Ross = Thomas' hunting buddy

Hannah = my shopping buddy

All in all a very good match!

Side Note: Somehow in the midst of my 30 days of fashion we decided to move house, throw a Halloween party and have a garage sale all in the same weekend.  While it seemed like a good idea at the time... I have to be honest... I strayed from the path of fashion and broke the 30-for-30 rules for my Halloween costume! (pictures will soon follow)

Time out-

Sorry for not posting the last few days.  Thomas and I just finished shifting house this weekend.   With the help of our sweet Ashvegas friends Sally, Mark and the Robinson family we were able to get everything sold, cleaned and shifted in two days!  Thanks to all who helped :)

More posts to come, just be patient.  It took me 20 min this morning to find out where one pair of shoes for my 30-for-30 collection were, but I stayed true to the challenge!

30 for 30: pieces

Some have asked to see a pic of the pieces I'm working with.

4 sets of shoes, 2 jeans, cardis, shirts, skirts and pants.  Let the fun begin!

We're going on a leopard hunt

Thought this was an appropriate title... since my leopard cardi is making so many appearances this weekend!

Cardi: Banana Republic

Jeans: Rugby

Shirt: Wish from Depeche Mode

Purse: Fossil

We stopped off at the Peregrine Winery in Otago, NZ.  It's just the right distance between Wanaka and Queenstown when you are ready to stretch you legs and do a little wine tasting.  Apparently they are known for their Sauvignon Blancs, but I opted for the heavenly gewurztraminer and Pinot Noir that will peak in 3 years.
Leopard cardis are also good for...

Bungy Jumping!

Eating Fergburgers!

Life is a joy ride

- Day 6 -
Does this feel like it's going on forever for anyone else?  I love my 30 items, but I feel like the month should be over already.  I guess that's why they call it a challenge.
Anyway, back to day six, or Day one of the wonderful Wanaka holiday!

I like how those three tell a little story.  Off we went to Morgan's grandparents for morning tea and Thomas was wonderfully documenting the trip with his IPhone - biking and taking pictures is serious coordination!  

Me (eating sushi):

Cardi: Banana Republic

Shirt: Undercurrent Board Store

Necklace: Anthropologie

Jeans: J.Crew

Hayley: 

Cardi: Witchery

Shirt: Country Road

Jeans:  very cute!

We spent the whole day outdoors, biking, walking along the lake and then just relaxing on the lawn back at the batch.  We love Wanaka!

Fabulous day 5

Today I was super lucky to:
1. Not have to work.
2. Hang out with my awesome friends Pam, Lucas (2 yrs.) and newly born Jacob for the day.
3. Road Trip to Wanaka with our other awesome friends Morgan and Hayley.

Lets just say fashion day 5 had to cover all bases of running around at gymbugs, playing in the sandbox, cooking tea, holding babies, riding in the car and still looking awesome 12 hours later!  I think we may have a winner here folks.

Cardi: Depeche Mode - Staple

Shirt: Boutique in Indiana

Jeans: J.Crew

Sandals: hand-me-down from my sister

Shot in the living room of the Easton family holiday house :)  I love the red chairs!