My Super Bowl Sunday

I've spent the last few days in a gown...

No, not a ball gown, a hospital one.

It was like a vacation having one baby, lying in bed and eating meals,

but it was also a little like being in prison (since I couldn't leave the 3rd floor).

SHEARLING VEST - Bernardo (via Loehmanns)
BLUE MATERNITY SHIRT - Pea in the Pod
BLACK DENIM LEGGINGS - Hue
BLACK BOOTS - BCBGeneration

Here's the "Inspiration Monday" outfit I wore on Saturday (my last "maternity" one maybe ever!). We went to Target, I cleaned up the spare bedroom, then ate a huge bowl of frozen yogurt. Afterwards I felt a little guilty so I did some push-ups, light weights and squats. Camouflage teased me that I was going to make the baby come out.  Oops...

It's a BOY!!!

Baby "Bucket" (nickname c/o Princess Sparkles)

Born at 5:22am on February 5, 2012

(sorry Frannie, he didn't quite make it to your birthday)

I'm going to be a little busy but I promise I'll be back soon to check out what everyone else is up to!  Hope you all had an exciting Super Bowl Sunday too!!!

Patterned Leggings and a Junk Bed

Princess Sparkles loves her new bunk bed.

She now goes to sleep at night willingly.  Yay!

She likes to "protect" her bed with lots of dolls and animals.

It actually looks more like a junk bed than a bunk bed :)

Monday's Inspiration - Taylor Swift

PATTERNED LEGGINGS - Mix It (JC Penney), $5
BLACK TOP - Gap Maternity (hand-me-down)
CREAM CARDIGAN - Old Navy
BRACELETS - Forever 21, Cynde Daniels
PURSE, CUFF - Heavenly Treasures
HAT - Made by my mom
BOOTS - Frye (gifted)



I'm back in leggings, boots and a sweater thanks to "Inspiration Monday" from Two Birds.  I went with a cardigan because it's warm here.  This 20's style hat a favorite my mom, Fair Isle, knitted for me.  And these Frye boots are so comfy.  I'm so thankful my sister-in-law, Argyle, gifted me with them!  The Heavenly Treasures purse is from Thailand, and it's been so versatile for me since so many of my maternity outfits have been neutrals!

The new bunk bed (after limiting Sparkles to 10 "friends" to slumber with)



Both girls were born on Saturdays so Camouflage and I thought it was possible the baby might come over the weekend. But baby stayed put for now.  It could be any day now which is good since even my maternity clothes are starting to NOT fit.  Once the third arrives Camo and I too are going to need to limit the number of guests in our bed, otherwise no one's going to get good sleep!!!

Shearling Moto Vest, Liz Lange Maternity Dress and...It's Too Quiet!

SILENCE.  Usually a good thing...unless you have kids.

Today I was getting a lot done around the house when suddenly I realized...it was awfully quiet.  I walked by the girls' bedroom and heard giggling and whispering.  I went in and found Pigtails' crib full of toys, pillows and clothes with the strong scent of diaper rash cream waffling through the air.  They had been playing with it and there were greasy hand and footprints everywhere. 

But I have to admit, this time I got lucky.  Usually it's worse...

Here's what I found today.  Not too bad.

One of Pigtails' favorite "quiet" activities.

Today's silent "oops" by Princess Sparkles.

On a good day, this is what I'll find.

The dress I'm wearing is Liz Lange maternity thrifted by my sister, Polka Dots, in Hawaii.  I love the print and will probably keep it even after I'm no longer pregnant.  The shearling vest is from Loehmanns, an early Christmas gift from Polka Dots.  Loehmanns is the only place my sister and I went shopping on Black Friday and we got some really great buys!

SHEARLING VEST - Bernardo via Loehmanns (thanks, Polka Dots!)
MATERNITY DRESS - Liz Lange for Target (thrifted)
BRACELET - Downtown LA Fashion District
BOOTIES - Old Navy (on clearance for $6!)

My Thanksgiving Manicure:
OPI - Live From NY, It's OPI!
SALLY HANSEN - Strobe Light

Now that I'm a grown up, opening Christmas gifts is definitely not as big of a deal.  In fact, I think it's almost better to go shopping with the other person and buy you/them whatever you/they want.  It's fun and that way everyone is happy (no returns, no hassles, just no surprises). 

Now I just realized...it's awfully quiet.  I better go see what the girls are up to. 

Cross your fingers, hopefully it's nothing too bad...

Thrifted Goods, Blog Wins and Stretch Marks

PATTERNED DRESS - Bisou Bisou (Thrifted)
OLIVE MILITARY JACKET - Nordstrom
WOODEN BRACELET - Heavenly Treasures
BROWN WEDGES - Steve Madden
BRONZE PURSE - B Makowsky

A funny picture of my belly modeling my thrifted purse!

"This is my baby.  Want to see?"  Princess Sparkles loves to show everyone the baby.  It would be fine except that she loves to lift my shirt up so they can literally see my belly - stretch marks, and all.  I wouldn't even want people checking out my belly if I had rock hard tanned abs!  And after having two kids already, it's like a balloon that keeps getting stretched!

This is the outfit I wore to Cardigan's tea party baby shower on Sunday. The dress is thrifted, thanks to my my mom, Fair Isle and I found the bronze B Makowsky purse at GW for $8!!! I couldn't believe it. It normally retails for $150. I couldn't believe what a steal it was! The military jacket is like a glorified sweatshirt. I got it at Nordstrom a few years ago, and it's very comfortable.

Princess Sparkles: "Want to see the baby?" 

I wanted to give a couple big THANK YOUs to a few blog friends who have recently (and randomly) chosen me as a winner of their giveaways!  I won a fun funky purple skull purse from Siren via the Cat Hag, a $50 gift card to the Limited from H&K Style Journey, and a scrapbooking kit from Unladylike.  Seriously, I never win anything, but I'm super lucky when it comes to some of these blog giveaways (and I'm extremely thankful too!).

Finding some great deals (either on the clearance racks of Target and Old Navy, or at the local thrift store) really makes my week enjoyable.  But still, nothing beats winning a blog giveaway (except winning 3!).  It almost makes me forget about all those stretch marks!  Almost...

***Would really appreciate it if you "like" my Spinning Threads facebook page. 
***Linking up to Pleated Poppy's "What I Wore Wednesday," Momma Go Round's "Real Momma, Real Style," Spunky Chateau's "Thursdays are for Thrifters"

Zoe Clothing Co and a Burgundy Floppy Hat

GRAPHIC TOP - Zoe Clothing Co (exact)
DENIM LEGGINGS - Macys
FLORAL CUFF - GS Lillian
EARRINGS - Jewelry Party
FLOPPY HAT - Forever 21
WEDGE BOOTS - Steve Madden

It's funny how kids ignore you when you ask them to do something (i.e. "pick up your toys,""go to bed") until you talk about something they want (i.e. chocolate chip cookies or watching TV).  Although many times I think Princess Sparkles is not paying attention to my conversation with Camouflage in the car until later when she asks me details about it.  I realize I really have to watch what I say around my kids because they hear EVERYTHING (at least what they're not supposed to)!!!

Minnie Mouse ears  help
Sparkles hear everything!

I recently received this awesome new shirt courtesy of Zoe Clothing Co.  Zoe makes super stylish, comfy Christian attire that anyone can wear.  I love this shirt because it's NOT maternity but works well with the belly.  It'll also be great after I give birth!  I decided to keep it simple (since it's just such a fab shirt) and pair it with my denim leggings (I know, so 2009, but they're extremely comfy for my pregnant self!), knee high boots and my burgundy floppy hat from Forever 21 (I'm obsessed with their hats!!!)

Anyway, the thing I love about Zoe's shirts is even though they have an encouraging message, they aren't in your face.  Like this shirt, the graphic is a subtle reminder to be "wise as serpents and innocent as doves."  Isn't that cool?!  It's the kind of message even Princess Sparkles might pay attention to!

Favorite Maternity Wear: Tunic, Leggings, Boots

PLAID TUNIC - H&M Maternity
DENIM LEGGINGS - Macys
RING - Jewelry Party
WEDGE BOOTS - Steve Madden

I'd been dreading this day for a month now.  I had made a doctor's appointment for Princess Sparkles AND Pigtails.  Back then Princess Sparkles just overheard me mention the doctor and complained for days about seeing him.  But she had forgotten...until we pulled up to the office.  The two girls were asleep in the car and I was late.  I quickly woke them from their dreams and yanked them into my nightmare.  Princess Sparkles screamed, making a mad dash to the door for freedom.  I had to carry Pigtails who was freaked out by her sister while chasing Sparkles down. 

This was BEFORE they got shots...

Then they called us in and Princess Sparkles screamed even harder (it got even worse when she had to get her 4 shots!!!).  Pigtails was bawling too.  The nurses just looked at me with fear in their eyes (probably praying these weren't their patients) or maybe that was pity for the poor pregnant lady with the two hollering children.

This is my comfy "everyday" outfit, a maternity tunic I found at H&M for $15 on clearance, some jeggings and my favorite wedge booties.  Thank goodness for comfortable maternity wear!  Because when you're pregnant, carrying a screaming baby, chasing after an escaping toddler, and having to hold down your children as needles get poked into their bodies, you just hope you look cute doing it.  Haha, just kidding. That was the last thing on my mind. 

***Linking up to Silverstyle's "Trending Through The Decades: Boots"

A New Maternity Dress, Booties and an Award

COWL NECK MATERNITY DRESS - Liz Lange for Target
DENIM BELT - Style Xpress
BRACELETS - Cara, Jewelry Party
EARRINGS - Downtown LA Fashion District
WEDGE BOOTIES - Jeffrey Campbell

Today was Pigtails' first day at Moms Day Out without her sister.  It went smoothly.  Perhaps it's a 2nd child thing, though I think she didn't realize I was actually leaving her there.  We'll see what happens next week when she knows what to expect.  The only crying incident was when another Asian American mom came to pick up her daughter.  Pigtails also did this at another class with a different Asian American mom.  I'm not sure if Asian American moms remind Pigtails of me or she actually thinks these women are me (I'm hoping for the former).

I'm so glad I've finally shared with you all about my pregnancy because I can actually wear and post maternity clothes pictures.  I found this dress at Target a few weeks back in the clearance section.  I'm trying to be good about NOT buying maternity stuff (yeah, right) but this was only $7 so I couldn't help myself. 

I also wanted to thank a few bloggers who awarded me the "One Lovely Blog Award" a few weeks back.  Jess at Avant-Garde Living, Aki at 7% Solution and Florence from Fantail Flo have so kindly thought of me.  I decided I'd use the opportunity to finally give you all 7 FACTS ABOUT MY PREGNANCY...

1.  I'm in my 18th week of pregnancy. 
2.  The baby is due February 10, 2012 (The girls will be almost 2 and 4-1/2)
3.  I discovered I was pregnant because my clothes felt tight, food I liked grossed me out and I was so tired.
4.  I took 3 pregnancy tests.  The 1st was expired.  The 2nd seemed "light."  The 3rd was in the morning.
5.  I've always wanted 3 kids though this one wasn't exactly "planned."
6.  I'm carrying lower than I did with the other two (possibly because I've lost all muscles in my abs)
7.  I told Camouflage in June by saying, "Happy Father's Day.  You're gonna be a father...again."

Anyway, it's so nice to be recognized by other bloggers.  I really appreciate everyone for reading, commenting and encouraging me on my blog, especially about this new baby!  It makes me feel special, unlike when my daugher gets me confused with other moms :)

Aqua Colored Skinny Jeans, Purple Tank and a "Little" Secret

AQUA JEGGINGS - Flying Monkey (via Anonymous Venice)
GRAY CARDIGAN, PURPLE TANK - Target
COLORFUL RING NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423
MAKE-UP BAG/CLUTCH - Giveaway, Her Late Night Cravings
LAVENDAR MARY JANE PUMPS - Prada (via DSW)

"Mommy, where do babies come from?"  Princess Sparkles asked me this in the car the other day.  I've been dreading this question for a while now and debated whether to give a more "fluffy" answer.  I started out explaining that mommy and daddy loved each other and so they made a baby.  But she kept wanting more details so I finally gave her a simplified biology lesson.  I explained mommy had eggs, like a chicken or a fish, and needed daddy to fertilize them.  I prayed to God she wouldn't ask me details on the "fertilization" process.  Luckily I think I had talked so much that I bored her so she didn't ask for any more details.  Phew!

"Inspiration" for my outfit

Everybody, Everywear is doing "colored pants" so I wore my aqua jeggings, and copying the color combo on a make-up bag I won from Her Late Night Cravings, I chose a purple tank, gray cardigan and lavender pumps I bought just after I got my first real job.  They're Prada and I got them from DSW.  I remember being so excited to buy them.  They were only $100 then but they seemed so expensive at the time.

As you can see, I'm finally revealing my little secret.  Actually, it's not all that little.  So the reason Princess Sparkles and Pigtails have been wondering about babies and pretending they're pregnant (stuffing their animals inside their shirts) is because their mommy is carrying #3!!!  I've been meaning to share with you all for a while now (because it was getting mighty hard NOT to wear maternity clothes and also not reveal the belly) but I just didn't know how to do it.  So this isn't all that creative but at least I can finally tell you all... I'm pregnant...AGAIN!

Anyway, I'm excited to participate in Everybody, Everywear.  But I'm even more excited that I could still fit in my skinny little jeggings!  Even though my body will be changing a lot during these next few months, I hope I can still participate in challenges like this and also keep stylish (because I know how much I'll feel like throwing on sweats and a t-shirt sans bra!).  This is an exciting new experience for our family and I'm so glad I can finally share it with you all!

Daytime Sparkle - Sequin Dress, Denim Jacket and Booties

SEQUIN DRESS - MM Couture
DENIM JACKET - Gap
BOOTIES - Charlotte Russe
PINK CUFF - Made by my mom
PINK TURQUOISE NECKLACE - Jaclyn1423

Sequin detail on my dress

Since Pigtails now goes to Moms Day Out, today I actually had some alone time.  Okay, not really alone, but I didn't have to drag the kids around with me.  And I got to do something I rarely have the opportunity to do... get a haircut!  Afterwards I made a quick stop by the mall and then went off to pick up the girls.  I will say seeing their little faces after a morning away is always so nice.  They light up when I walk in and run to give me a hug.  It's so sweet!

Today I'm doing "Sparkle for Day," another Summer Trends Challenge from the lovely ladies at Megan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  I haven't worn this sequin dress in forever but I do kinda love it because despite it's bling it's actually pretty casual.  I decided to dress it down with a denim jacket and some booties.  For color I went with pink, and the gorgeous necklace Jaclyn sent me from her etsy shop, Jaclyn1423 (don't forget you can get a 15% off discount with code 14spinningthreads23!).

Anyway, tomorrow is our big trip.  We had a bunch of drama with the airline (basically our assigned seat mysteriously went to other people).  So I'm a tad stressed since we're traveling with the girls.  But I know it'll workout somehow and I'll get through it...I hope.  I definitely needed a little sparkle in my life today, not only from my dress but from those cute little faces that come running to me when I pick them up!

***Please enter my giveaway here.  Thanks!

70's Inspired - High Waist Bell Bottom Jeans and a Purple Polyester Tie Top

HIGH WAIST BELL BOTTOM JEANS - iT Jeans
PURPLE POLYESTER TIE TOP - Hot and Delicious (hee hee)
RED SKINNY BELT - Thrifted (Thanks, Mom!)
RED/BLUE/PINK PLATFORM HEELS - Charlotte Russe

Pigtails is a voracious eater.  When she likes something she will shove the entire thing in her mouth so she can immediately ask for more via sign language (since she can't talk with her mouth that full).  She also likes to double fist.  One is never enough for her.  She needs to have one in each hand.  Pigtails also is a very messy eater.  Things tend to fall out of her mouth and into her hair, her lap, the floor, her face, my shirt.  I don't know how she does it but she can make a mess out of anything and everything.

"After this I'm gonna touch my

mommy and stain her clothes"

I decided to wear a 70's inspired, berry-colored outfit to church today in honor of "berry" day (which technically was yesterday) to culminate fruit week from the ladies at Meagan Mae Daily and Casual Chic Kiki.  These high-waist jeans are sort of awesome because they're basically Spanx in pant form.  The great thing about the top is that despite the belly having to spill out somewhere, the top bubbles just in the right place to obscure all of that.  It's perfect.  I can see why everyone looked so tall and thin in the 70's!!!

I will admit though, this outfit is not the most comfortable (surprised?  How we suffer for fashion...) and I had to come home and immediately change back into my pajamas.  And another thing I've found?  Polyester, despite looking cute and not wrinkling, has it's downfalls.  Not only does it not breathe (just don't sweat and you might be okay), but it stains really really easily.  So of course at snack time following church, I tried to push Pigtails and her foody hands away from me, but she still managed to get me good.  Sigh.  Guess that's motherhood. 

A Mother's Day Without Kids

STRIPE DRESS - Libertine for Target
DENIM JACKET - GAP (similar)
STRAW CLOCHE - Eugenia Kim for Target
GLADIATOR WEDGES - Dolce Vida for Target (exact)
RED HANDBAG - B Makowsky



"Mommy, I love you this much!"  Princess Sparkles says as she reaches behind her back.  I think this means she loves me "circular," you know, sort of like infinity? 

I love Princess Sparkles and Pigtails too, but I have to admit that this Mother's Day was extra special because I was able to have a little break from the girls.  Saturday night Camouflage took me to dinner (I had the yummiest slab of prime rib!), then today I went to a Tea Party Fashion Show at Heavenly Treasures with my mom, Fair Isle, and grandmother, Socks.  It was so much fun and I did a lot of shopping (can't wait to show you all what I got!).

Here is an outfit I wore to a 1st Birthday party on Saturday.  It was a "Hat Party," so I wore a Eugenia Kim for Target cloche.  I'm also wearing my Libertine for Target dress and Dolce Vida for Target gladiator wedges that I'd been coveting, thanks to Daphne and Gretch.  Okay, I have to admit, lately I've been feeling a bit like a walking billboard for Target.  But I'm a mom and where else can you throw your two kids into one cart, feed them a $3 Mac n Cheese meal for lunch, and pick up a toy to entertain them, while shopping for groceries, clothes and shoes? 

Sometimes I really miss those days when all I had to do was spend my money on me, and I could buy whatever, whenever, wherever, eat out all the time without worrying about someone screaming and sleep through the night without interruption (those of you sans kiddos, ENJOY!).  But just when I think motherhood sucks, someone gives me a hug, lights up when I walk into the room, or tells me they love me infinity and my heart melts.  Maybe it's the hormones, but whatever it is, it feels good.  Real good.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you!

Red Jeans and a Fly Girl

STRIPED TOP - Truelight

RED SKINNY JEANS - LTB

STRAPPY WEDGES - Colin Stuart

BRACELETS - My Mom's (Indian town)

SUNGLASSES - Betsey Johnson

EARRINGS - My Mom's (vintage)

Today I made a trip to the Thrift store with an entire generational entourage.  I went to GW and SA with my grandma, my mom and my two little ones!  Princess Sparkles and Pigtails were actually well behaved (guess they're used to shopping).  It probably helped that my mom, Fair Isle, tootled around with Sparkles and let her pick out toys and $1 clothes.  Fair Isle would hold up various pieces and Sparkles would let her know which ones were pretty and which ones were not.  As for Pigtails, I just fed her A LOT of graham crackers.  My grandmother, Socks, didn't buy anything but enjoyed pushing around her cart and taking a nap on one of the sale couches in the middle of the store. 

I was inspired to wear my new red jeans (yet another birthday gift from Fierce, Fedora and Fancy) after seeing Jenn from the Suburb Experiment and her cute laid back outfit.  I started out with something similar then sorta morphed it into...not sure what style it is...kinda JLo in her fly girl days?  I was excited about these jeans because I know they're super versatile, in fact, I think I'll do a 3 Ways to Wear it post on it later!  I paired it with this striped top that I bought from a local boutique that was closing down.  I got it for $3.50!!!

Anyway, it was a long but fun day.  I always enjoy visiting Fair Isle and Henley, and it was nice to spend some time with Socks!  (For Mother's Day I'm going with Fair Isle and Socks to a Tea Party/Fashion Show, can't wait!).  We may all enjoy thrifting, but something we're not thrifty on is spending time together as a family!