Weekend recap (I know, we are almost to the next one!)

So honestly, there isn't much going on in my life right now that isn't either baby related or Wheaton & Whaley related. I don't want to bombard you all too much with that stuff, because I want to keep you intrigued...so posts might be a little sparse until something exciting comes...like a baby! :)

This past weekend, my friend Laura & I did a craft fair in Greer. It was called The Vintage Market, and it was VERY impressive. This is the first fair I've done, so I had no idea what to expect. Since my line is more custom items, sometimes it's hard to sell them on the spot. The day was definitely not a waste. I learned so much about how I want to handle things in the future: what makes a tent successful, what things catch the eye and drawn people in. I hope to be doing another fair before the baby comes, but I don't want to over commit too much. We will see!

Here are some pictures from this weekend. Laura is a great photographer & grabbed some images for me. Her pictures put my iPhone pics to shame. 

Laura's entire family is creative. Her mom & sister have started a bonnet line on Etsy & I swear, they are the cutest thing. What little girl wouldn't look precious in a Scottie bonnet??? I think I see one of those in Abby's future...or several.

On the Wheaton & Whaley front, our pillows are now in a shop in Easley called Peace, Love, & Junebug. If you haven't been in the store, definitely stop by. June is the owner & she has some amazing, vintage items. 

Also, my Etsy shop has some new items...and I think they are great! Go check them out!

That's it for now! Much love!

Five on Friday: Current loves for fall!

This fall, so far, has been very different than any other fall...and for obvious reasons. Generally by this point I've attended at least 1 Clemson tailgate & game, sat around a fire pit & drank wine, and eaten WAY to much candy corn. Ok, so I've definitely done one of those things...

What hasn't changed is my love of the season & clothes. At this point in my pregnancy (32 weeks!!!), I'm not buying anything new because it would ultimately be a waste of money. But that doesn't mean I can't help you all spend your money! :)

So here's what you need to get your wardrobe Fall Ready!

Something Cape-like!

Vince Camuto Cape

First up, this amazing cape! I mean, it brings together everything that is "in" right now. Want to try the Aztec craze? Check. Want to try the cape trend? Check. Need something that you can wear with anything? Check. See, told ya! 

I actually did purchase this cape (during the anniversary sale) because it is great now & will be awesome once Abigail gets here.

It's also a great length! On me the fringe area hangs about mid-calf.

Something with a tassel!

Sole Society bag

Tassels are on everything right now...which is totally fine with me because I love tassels. This bag is a great grey color & incorporates that popular tassel trend. It's also a great price point so you won't feel bad if next year the tassel trend is no more!

Something animal print!

Nine West flat

So you are the one person still living under that far away rock and you don't have anything animal print? That's ok...we will all forgive you. But only because you are going out to buy something right now. 

To me, one of the easiest ways to bring in this trend is in a shoe. It makes a statement, but not too much of one. I am a shoe connoisseur. It's a genetic problem thing really. My mom loves shoes so I love shoes. I have bitty feet too, so that makes it difficult. Nine West always has the BEST options for under $100 & they hold up well. These shoes are no different. I purchased a pair from them last year & wore them all year and I'm on year 2. They are starting to look worn, but still have LOTS of life.

Something flared!

Gap flared jeans

So this is one of those trends that never actually left for me. I love the 70's and think just about everything from that era is still wearable (except that super short dress & white go-go boots...those are out). For me, the more flare the better, but I realize that is probably just me. These jeans are the perfect way to bring in some flare to your wardrobe without going all in on the budget scene. They are also higher waisted which is currently on trend as well. #twobirdsonestone #iftheyonlycameinmaternity

Something that makes a statement!

BaubleBar earrings

I would like to think the only addiction I got from mom was her love of shoes, but I also inherited her love of jewels. Statement necklaces are still big for fall, but what's making a comeback? Statement earrings! And I am NOT sad about it. I think earrings are SO fun & essential. Many of my friends wear the same earrings everyday, which is fine. But when they wear different earrings...I notice! They are a small thing that makes a big impact. And no, I didn't pick these just because of the name! :)

The thing I like about all of these items is that they are wearable. You can incorporate each of these things into your everyday wardrobe. And if you're like me, that's what is SO important. 

I have a cost per wear theory. It is how I decide what to spend more money on & where to save. For me, it's different for each type of item. Example, for tops, it's $2 or less. Say you are looking at a sweater that's $50. I will need to be able to wear it at least 25 times to get my cost per wear right. Well, there are 52 weeks in a year...so do I see myself wearing this sweater 25 times this year (if it's trendy)? If it's classic I'll just estimate how many years I think it might survive. This is an excellent way to make purchases that you might be on the fence about. In a typical day, I try to keep my "cost" at about $12-15. Try it out...you'll be surprised.

That's it for today lovelies! Happy weekend!

Much love!

Channeling my Inner PD!

That's Paula Deen, for those of you who don't know.

My personality is one that hates hates reading directions. I'd prefer to dump everything out and just go for it. Unfortunately, that has led to several IKEA mishaps (can I get an AMEN?!).

That bad personality trait filters over to cooking as well. I will look over a recipe and then decide I can make it better (I can't), and then I'm disappointed when it turns out poorly. I cannot count the times that I have "modified" a recipe and then wondered why Andrew didn't want to eat it.

So, Saturday night it was rainy & chilly here. I decided it was definitely a soup night. For me, a bowl of soup is a meal. For my husband, it's an appetizer. Soooo, if I was going to make soup, and not have to worry about having to cook an additional meal to go with it, I needed to make it substantial. Enter Paula Deen's Taco Soup.

Ya'll, it was SO good. My husband said when he saw the "we are having taco soup" text come through, he was not thrilled. But he loved it! Raved the entire time he was eating it about how good it was. 

Now, I am going to list all the ingredients, but I need to let you know....I did change some things. Old habits die HARD around here. Some of the changes were purely based on our specific dislikes (chunky tomatoes) and money (soup shouldn't cost $30 to make).

I am no photographer. This is what it looked like, just believe me.

Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 cups diced onions
2 cans pinto beans (I only did one can since Andrew isn't a bean fan)
1 can pink kidney beans (I did light red instead)
1 can whole kernel corn, drained
1 can Mexican-style stewed tomatoes (I did tomato puree b/c we don't like chunky tomatoes)
1 can diced tomatoes (left this out entirely)
1 can tomatoes with chiles (I just purchased Rotel)
1 can diced green chiles
1 can black olives, drained & sliced - optional (I did these as a garnish b/c I don't like black olives)
1/2 cup green olives, sliced - optional (left out entirely)
1 packet of Taco seasoning mix (we like spicy, so I used a mild mix)
1 packet ranch salad dressing mix
Tortilla chips, for dipping
Sour cream, cheese, pickled jalapenos - for garnish

Directions
1. Brown your meat with the onions. I personally made my meat on the chunky side. 
2. Mix everything else in your crockpot (pintos, kidneys, corn, all tomatoes, chiles, black olives, green olives).
3. Rinse meat & add to crockpot (I did not rinse my meat, rebel).
4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
5. Serve with garnishes.

EASY! This recipe is for 14-16 servings, so be ready to share with friends! :)

Happy Tuesday & much love!

5 on Friday and other happenings!

Hi friends & happy fall!

1. I have been traveling for work this week and the weather has been amazing. Boston is not known for it's nice weather, but thankfully I hit it just right this week. Yesterday when I left, it was sunny, breezy, & 75 degrees. So beautiful. I asked my cab driver on the way to airport how long they would have this gorgeous weather. His response "two weeks". EEK! Glad I was coming home to the same temps, but for more like 2 months. 

2. Well football started back, which means that the only nights of the week I might get the remote are now Tuesday & Wednesday. Between college & the NFL, there is a game 5 days out of 7. It's a good thing I like football so much. :) My husband got really lucky I tell ya! So far this year, all the teams we love are undefeated. I might have just jinxed us, but hopefully not. Go Tigers! Geaux Tigers! Go Falcons! 

3. My Etsy shop (www.wheatonwhaleydesigns.etsy.com) has been going great as well. I'm constantly adding new things, so be sure you check them out. I'm trying to update Instagram (@wheatonwhaleydesigns) as I make stuff, so be sure to follow me there! I'm going to be doing a Christmas in October sale where I offer one thing super cheap each day & will have a limited quantity of each thing at that price. Get excited! It's going to be fun! 

4. And in baby news, we are officially (plus some) in the 3rd trimester! 30wks! WOAH! She is definitely active & moves constantly. She loves Jeopardy! Every time the theme song plays, she goes crazy...like we can see her move from the outside. It's so neat & just amazing. God is such a creator. We can't wait for her to get here! We talk to Milly every night about her getting a new sister. I'm not sure she understands one word we're saying, but still. 

5. One of my friends mentioned to me earlier this week that this time last year we were preparing for my bachelorette weekend. If you told me then that I'd be very pregnant at this point, I would have laughed & told you that you needed some counseling. God had bigger plans that I could have ever imagined. 

Sorry I took such a hiatus! Gotta do better! 

Happy weekend pretty people!

Much love!

Wardrobe Wednesday: PinkBlush Maternity

Hi friends! Sorry it's been a few days. We were away for the Labor Day holiday to celebrate the marriage of one of Andrew's friends and just an overall sweet couple. It was a lot of fun, except for the rain...which it is doing here today by the boatloads.

First up, lots of new things on my Etsy site! Go check it out! https://www.etsy.com/shop/wheatonwhaleydesigns

Finding maternity outfits to wear to a wedding can be tricky. You either are wearing black, which I didn't want to do, or you just seem under-dressed.

A while back I came across Pink Blush Maternity and was really surprised at all the trendy while classic options. And ya'll, their prices are wonderful. I had looked at several maternity dresses for the wedding and was this close to paying $150 for a dress I knew I wouldn't get my money out of...just because the options were so slim. Glad that was a quick moment of insanity.

So, what did I buy? Of course you know I'm going to share! :)

The dress I wore to the wedding is called the Mint Damask Maxi (faux wrap) dress & it is so comfy. I ordered a medium (my pre-maternity size) and it fit nicely. I'm right at 5ft tall and I had to wear it with heels.

And yes, I cropped my husband out of the picture. He specifically asked me NOT to post that picture of him looking tired. #toomuchfunthenightbefore

I also bought the same dress in another fabric that I plan to wear to a shower later! The color is much more neon in real life, so be warned!

I have worn this cardigan several times since I got it. I'm nice & long so you can wear leggings & a long tunic top with it. 

Cardigan

Also, since all of my orange attire for Clemson games has gotten a tad small, I decided a sweater was a better idea. I can definitely get more wear out of it, and it doesn't look so college like. I'm excited to wear it when it gets just a tad cooler.

Fall please hurry & come see us!!!

Much love,

5 on Friday!

Today I'm linking up with April, Christina, and Natasha for Five on Friday!

If you missed it on Monday, my Etsy shop Wheaton & Whaley Designs launched! Woohoo! It has been crazy since...but in the best way possible!

Since there have definitely been a few "standouts", I thought it would be cool to bring you my 5 most popular fabrics this week! 

All of these can be ordered through my Etsy shop and I take custom orders as well!

5. Orange & Taupe diamond print - I just love this print for fall & autumn. It's subtle enough of an orange to not take over a room, but it's still a statement.

4. Red Pagoda - Asian inspired fabrics & all things chinoiserie are very in right now & have been for a while, much to my husband's dismay. This is a great way to bring in just a hint of that Asian flare, and in a pretty color.

3. Palm Print - Even though summer is over, that doesn't mean that we quit making our porches look glamorous...and this pillow definitely does that! It is very Beverly Hills Hotel to me and will look great on any porch!

2. Floral Multi-color - Who doesn't love a good pop of color? I know I love color in decorating. This pillow went crazy this week, and it's obvious why. Isn't it the prettiest thing? I even have a bride using it during her reception to add color. Smart idea!

1. Asian Toile - I was shocked that this pillow cover did so well. I personally loved the fabric, but I wasn't sure everyone would agree with me. Boy was I wrong!!! I've had to order more fabric in this pattern because it has been SO popular.

I am so excited about this little business venture & am thankful for all the support that I have gotten so far. My sweet husband has been amazing, even though I've taken over our living room as a work station! :)

Have a great weekend & a happy and safe Labor Day!

Much love!

Wheaton & Whaley Designs is LIVE!

As if I didn't already have enough going on, I have started a new business venture with my sweet mama. 

A few years ago, a friend & I had a dress line. We were pretty successful (by small business standards), but people just didn't really understand that a dress is made for an overall size, not to fit perfectly. Because of this, we spent more time changes dresses than we did designing, so we called it quits.

Since then, I've missed sewing & creating things. Since home decor has been one of my favorite things for many years, I figured it would be best to incorporate that with sewing. Enter Wheaton & Whaley Designs (my married last name & my sweet Nana's maiden name)! 

If you visit the site right now, you will see there are only pillow covers available. There are over 5 fabrics as of yesterday, and all covers can be made in sizes 16x16, 18x18, and 20x20 (or smaller/larger if you wish). 

I will be adding more covers within the next few days. I also love custom orders, so if you are wanting a specific fabric, just message me through the Etsy site & we will set it up.

We also will be featuring monogrammed baby items such as custom burp clothes, bips, bloomers, and onesies. 

Since I am new to the monogram & embroidery scene, I am working on finding & creating new designs that are different, but still classic. Once I get that section ready to go, I'll let you know!

We are SO excited about this venture and hope you are too!

You can view the site by clicking here!

Much love & happy Monday!

26 Week Bump Update!

We are definitely on the downward slope of this pregnancy. It's kind of crazy to think that we could legitimately have a baby in 10 weeks. We are just SO excited. I know people say they are, but it's just SO true. I swear this is how Andrew feels:

True statement.

Jeans ~ Shoes ~ Necklace

Weeks: 26 

Gender: Girl!! The pink keeps piling up, especially with the nursery taking shape.

Name: Abigail something. 

Size: As big as a head of lettuce (which seems small to me...I guess maybe my grocery store is just not supplying the good stuff). She's 1.5-2.5 lbs and 13.6-14.8 inches long. 

Movement: Still active! At our last appointment her heart rate was faster than it had ever been, 152. Glad it's variable! They have been doing heavy construction near my office & let me tell you, she is NOT a fan. It's almost instant...when they start drilling & jack hammering, she starts kicking. The minute they stop, she stops. Guessing she is going to like a more calm environment. 

Cravings: The last 2 weeks it's been egg salad sandwiches. I've probably had 20, no joke. Still loving popsicles and have rekindled my affair with the Skittles in the purple bag.

Mama thoughts & feelings: I am still feeling great. Such a blessing to feel so good during pregnancy. I am starting to get uncomfortable at the end of the day from sitting so long, but that's probably expected. We probably all should get up & move more often. 

Now that her nursery is almost complete, it feels even more real. I walk through that room several times during the day & every time by heart just skips a beat. 

This week I am just especially grateful that God has given me this precious soul to love & take care of here on earth. I see so many women around me who are struggling with infertility, loss, and grief. I want to wrap my arms around each one of them & let them know that I am praying fervently for them. I prayed before, but of course, I pray even more now. God please grant them their wish. 

Ok, drying my eyes now. The jeans I'm wearing above are a great maternity flare jean for fall. Since that trend is coming back (YAY), I figured we probably all could stand a good pair!

So excited that it's almost the weekend!

Much love!

Football Fashion: Because it's really about what you wear!

If you live in, have visited, or even have heard of The South (yes it's a proper noun), you know that football is king. Not just for the men folk either. Ladies here either love the sport, love the food, or love the fashion.

Today I've put together some options for several teams. The good thing about these outfits is that these pieces can be worn during football games but don't scream football. It's all about versatility! 

Since some colors transition to many colleges, I'm going to do this more by color than school. Crimson & Garnet are 2 very popular school colors. A quick search shows over 30 schools with one of those as their primary color option. For this outfit, it's probably best that you are a USC Gamecocks, Alabama, or Oklahoma University fan.

Necklace ~ Earrings ~ Booties ~ Bag ~ Dress     

Another popular color is orange. Clemson, Auburn, Tennessee, & Texas all have some variation of the color. Since it can be hard to find orange anyway, people generally clump this color together, no matter the shade. 

Jeans ~ Blouse ~ Cardigan ~ Flats ~ Necklace     

Yellow or gold is not the most primary color on the college scene, but you do tend to see if come up a lot as a secondary. Colleges like LSU, GA Tech, Wake Forest, & U of Michigan are just a few. Since the corresponding colors for these places are little easier to find (purple, black, royal), I thought it might be nice to showcase a gold/mustard option, especially since this is a great color for fall in general.

Skirt ~ Boots ~ Striped top ~ Bangles ~ Necklace     

And just in case you need a really cute LBD for game day or just to have, this one is amazing! Love it paired with booties & gold jewels!

Tassel dress ~ Booties ~ Necklace ~ Earrings            

Need help finding something to wear to a game & I didn't list your college colors? Leave a comment and I'll get to it! 

Happy Wednesday lovelies!

Much love!

Weekend Recap: Golf trip to Connestee Falls, plus a nursery sneak peek!

If you've ever met my husband (or looked at my instagram, @ehwheaton), you know that he loves golf. I honestly think that if he could, he'd play everyday. He might get frustrated & say it's the worst game ever on hole 14, but deep down, I know it makes him happy.

He plays in a "league" of sorts of Monday nights, and this weekend they did a road trip to Connestee Falls in Brevard, NC. Even though it was overcast & rainy for the most part of the day, the temp was amazing. When we got there it was only about 70 degrees. I cannot even explain the happy that I was experiencing. It was SO nice. 

The website says that it offers abundant wildlife and they were right. I have never seen so many deer in my life. And they were not afraid of people. We got to get pretty close to them several times.

   

The baby deer would just plop down wherever they felt like. I was scared that someone was going to hit them with a ball, but thankfully that never happened.

Also, the views were amazing. We are so lucky that we live only an hour from the mountains. Even still, it's a real treat to get to see these incredible views. I'm hoping that we can get back in the fall when all the leaves are changing & the chilly weather rolls in. I'm trying to convince Andrew that a weekend babymoon trip is definitely in order! :)

On Saturday, it was nursery transformation day. Since Abigail's room was once our dining room, it has to be completely changed. Thankfully I had picked a neutral paint color when it was originally the dining room so we didn't have to paint...but that's about the only thing that hasn't been changed. 

We are SO close to being done with this room. There's a few finishing touches that I hope to get done in the next few weeks, so be on the lookout for the full reveal very soon.

Other than that, we just did lots of resting, Milly's favorite activity.

Here's to a stellar week lovelies!

Much love!