Showing posts with label it's me. Show all posts
Showing posts with label it's me. Show all posts

This Week {No. 44}


I snagged this sweater on sale and I l-o-v-e it. 
And it felt like Christmas when I buttoned these favorite pre-baby jeans (now on sale!)
Also, I wear these earrings almost every day.


Here are a few links for your weekend.

b u y
 these sweet patterned pants
these rad earrings
this perfect waffle sweater (great for this favorite DIY)
this fall-ready midi dress
these great flats (on sale)

c o v e t
m a k e

r e a d
this blog - it might be my favorite thing on the internet (and I'm so stoked about the latest project!)
this quick and heartfelt novel

t h i s  w e e k e n d
I am headed to a girls' night away from Simone for the first time on Friday(!!!)
Then we are going to have a birthday party for Simone on Saturday.
What are you up to?

Video Tutorial: Single Twist Gibson Tuck


A few months ago, I posted a tutorial for the double twist gibson tuck

The series of pictures could only explain so much about the mechanics of the hairstyle. So, I decided to make a short video tutorial of the slightly less complicated, but equally attractive, sister hairstyle - the single twist gibson tuck.


Click through to see the video.

Welcome Blowfish Shoes (Giveaway)

*Giveaway Closed*


I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Blowfish Shoes has a fabulous selection of stylish shoes at reasonable prices. They were kind enough to send me a pair of monica sandals.


charming charlie necklace - $20 (similar here | and here)
anthropologie shorts - gift (similar here)


(The face on the left is the special goober look I save for Tate who was lurking behind the camera. 
He had to get in at least on shot, and he was not amused.)

Today I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Blowfish is offering any pair of shoes to one lucky winner (open to US residents only).

Here are the rules:

Anyone can enter (including you, anonymous readers). Just comment below with your first name and a valid email address so we can contact you if you win.

Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.

• Like Blowfish Shoes on Facebook.

Bonus entries:
• Visit Blowfish Shoes and leave a comment listing your favorite shoes.
• Follow Blowfish Shoes on Twitter.
• Follow Blowfish on Pinterest

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, June 17, at 10 PM (Central Time).

Good luck.

Out Takes: Remote Stops Working


 I tried to put up a real post today, I swear. Instead, this happened:


I have been working with a remote shutter release over the last few weeks, and it's been awesome. I feel like each time I use it the pictures improve.

But lately I have been having a hard time getting it to take pictures, that is unless I am making this face and chanting work work work while walking towards the camera.

Let's hope a new battery remedies the situation because it's driving me completely crazy.

If you have any tips on getting a remote shutter release to work, I'd love to hear them.


Hair Inspiration: Double Braid Gibson Tuck Tutorial


I am growing out my bangs and it's getting awkward. No matter what I do with my hair, I have to work in a good way to sweep too-long bangs out of my face. After last week's hair inspiration post, I started playing around with a few styles. I came up with this look, which ingeniously pulls my bangs back while looking pretty fantastic, if I do say so myself.


Click through to see the full tutorial.

One Million Views



This morning my stomach did a little leap because Uber Chic for Cheap hit 1,000,000 all time page views. 

Whoa.

Thanks for being a part of it.

XOXO

Madeline

And We're Back


Long time no post! We are finally getting settled in Texas. I went an unspeakable amount of time without the internet, and three hellish days in a moving truck. I also suffered some SERIOUS set backs - mostly technological. Did you notice that the blog went missing?

The crazy thing is when my cousin emailed me to tell me it was down - I hadn't even noticed. Oh how neglectful I have been. Long story short, my gmail account was hacked and the hacker deleted this blog. Oh, my heart broke when I saw the damage. How quickly this place I have created over the past three years could be removed from existence.

Luckily, I was able to get everything restored. And I am finally in a place where I can tend to this blog the way I should, the way I used to.

This is my resolution. I will blog. I promise.

Thanks for always reading what I have to say, I am afraid I have been taking this whole blogging thing for granted.

XOXO

Babble Posts


I write daily for Babble's Babys First Year. Here are my recent posts:

Let's Talk About Sleep Deprivation.

Have you had Problems with Breastfeeding?

Read my tips to help you Feel Like Yourself After Having a Baby.

Last week we had a Nursing Victory.

Do your babies Grunt?

See a slideshow of my husband, Steve, and our son for his First Father's Day.

How do you deal with a Fussy Baby?

Read about the Baby Blanket I Can't Live Without.

When did your Babymoon end?

Babble Posts


I write daily for Babble's Babys First Year. Here are my recent posts:

In case you missed it, Baby Tate: A Birth Story.

Has anyone ever told you, "Your Baby Doesnt Look Like You"?

Some of my Postpartum Feelings have really taken me off guard.

Our experience of having to take a jaundice baby to the ER | Part 1 + Part 2

Why I think women should find and share the Positive in Their Birth Story.

Have you ever felt like a Momma Bear?

Baby Tate: A Birth Story

It's hard to know where to begin the story of how baby Tate came into this world. No matter how much I remember and repeat it I can't possibly express the magnitude of the life-changing event. I guess I should start with our plan for Tate's arrival. My husband and I decided that we would like to try to have our son as naturally as possible. We signed up for Brio method birthing classes and started making our plans. The birthing classes were 2 hours long every week for 12 weeks. It was intense. We talked about things I had never even thought about. We learned so much. We were ready.


Our baby Tate's birth story starts after our doctor told us my blood pressure was too high on Friday morning. She told us to start considering induction because of the possibility of developing Preclampsia. We spent the weekend dealing with the fact that our rigid birth plan was being flipped upside down and inside out. We went to bed on Sunday night anxious about our Monday morning follow up.

Read the rest of the story here on Babble.

Welcome Tate Cameron

Tate was born on Tuesday morning after a short and intense delivery. We are completely in love with the little guy and are having a hard time on concentrating on anything but his little coos and yawns.


The hospital had a photographer come and take pictures of him in our room the day after he was born, which we then had the option to buy. Who could not buy a disc full of beautiful pictures of the most amazing creature you had ever laid eyes on? I am such a sucker for this kid already! I think the pictures turned out great, and I am so happy we have them.



Things here will be slow for a bit as I am adjusting to motherhood and snuggling with the babe.

Also, I have some good news! Starting on Wednesday, I will be blogging at baby's first year for babble, where I will be sharing the good, the bad, and the honest of mothering a newborn. I will make sure to share links to my posts, I hope you guys will check it out.

39 Weeks + a Baby


Steve took this picture yesterday. We decided we better take one because I am being induced.

Apparently doctors don't like it when mama's blood pressure gets too high. So, as of right now I am probably laboring away (this post was written yesterday, before I checked in at the hospital for an overnight induction).

Things will be quiet here for the next little while, but I will definitely post baby deets when I have them.

Week 36 + Life Plans


{picture by my husband, inspired by this maternity shoot}

I haven't spent too much time on this blog devoted to my pregnancy (or my personal life for that matter). But, I figured some of you may be curious about this baby and our life.

I am now almost full term! It completely boggles my mind. I went to the doctor this week and the baby is head down and things are progressing normally. I am measuring right on for my June 1 due date and am getting anxious to meet the little guy. He moves all the time, and it's so reassuring to feel his kicks, wiggles, and hiccups.

We still don't have a name! I wouldn't be announcing it on the blog if we did, because we decided to keep the whole process under wraps (much to everyone's chagrin). Unfortunately, we had a major naming blow this week. The name that my husband and I had all but agreed upon was making me nervous because it is used for both boys and girls, and I wanted a name firmly in masculine territory. Some of you may know that the Social Security Administration keeps tabs on the top 1000 baby names every year. They released their list this morning. I was so disappointed to see that the name we had all but decided on went from a 70/30 male to female ratio to the girls surpassing the boys. I don't know what we will name this little guy because those stats make me completely uncomfortable. So, wish us luck!

Other than that things on the baby front are pretty calm and collected.

If only the rest of our life were on a painless track like this baby. As some of you know, my husband hasn't been able to find a job since finishing his teaching certificate last spring. We have been living in this incredibly difficult waiting pattern for what has turned into years. I have a good job with insurance and stability, there's just one little problem, I am not happy there. It's been the hardest time on the both of us, because we wish we could switch places and the opportunity just hasn't presented itself to us. Over the last few months our hopes were high once again. My husband had made it into the inner circle of the history department at a local high school and even got to know the principal while subbing there. We thought it was a sure thing. It wasn't. We found out this week that the job he worked months to get, won't be offered to him.

At this point, we are planning for my husband to go back to get his masters in history in the fall. It's a hard choice to make, but the one that seems right for us at this time. This, of course, is made more difficult because the program my husband is pursuing is out of state. Our families are heart broken at the possibility of us moving away with our new little one. And of course, that just makes the tough time we are having even harder. I am sure things will work out for the best, it's just been a wee bit stressful to plan these huge life changes with a new baby in the mix!

I think I just spilled more of my guts in one post than I have in the previous 2+ years of blogging. But, it feels so good to get it off my chest.

I hope you all have a fabulous weekend! We will be picking up a few more things for this baby and spending the weekend together - just the way we like it.

Meet Ellie Cutler {Maternity Shoot}


I am so excited to introduce you guys to my latest sponsor, Ellie Cutler Photography. I had the opportunity to do a maternity photo shoot with her a few weeks ago (on the one pleasant Saturday we have had in quite some time, thank goodness). We went to Liberty Park to shoot and even though the carnival section wasn't completely up and running, we were able to get some really fun shots.

{See this dress I am wearing? My momma made it for me. Isn't it awesome? This was one of those instances where I invented a piece of clothing in my mind and couldn't rest until I had it for my very own. She and I went shopping for fabric and scored this white pin stripe on sale + she basically just invented the pattern.}

Without further ado, here are my favorite maternity shots:









See? She's awesome, right? If you want someone with a fun personality and an eye for composition + color, Ellie is your girl.

She specializes in engagements, weddings, family, children + babies, as well as maternity shoots. If you are looking to have photos done, make sure to check Ellie's portfolio out.

{website | blog}

Blanqi Bodystyler Review


The ladies at Blanqi were kind enough to send me one of their maternity under bust support tanks. I am head over heels for it. And this is my very first video review:




Can you tell my husband did the filming? The extended zoom into my bust should be your first clue. ;)

Here are a few highlights:


This really is my favorite maternity product - ever.

Make sure to check out their product:
blanqi.com
nordstrom.com/maternity

PS - I have to give a shout out to my brother in law, Mike, who let me borrow his video camera, imported the video, and sent me the embeddable link. I honestly couldn't have done this post without him.

Meet Jem Apparel + Review


I am so excited to introduce you all to my newest sponsor. Jem Apparel is new online boutique that focuses on good quality, classic styles and low price points. The founder and owner, Jenny, has this to say about her company:
"If you're a woman who considers yourself young but not immature, fashionable but not a slave to the trends, and you're always on the hunt for the best deal that doesn't look like a bargain, then you've found not only your go-to shopping destination but a friend in me! I'm here to help you find exactly what you're looking for, recommend which jacket would look best with that skirt, and answer any other questions you may have."
Working with Jenny, has been a dream. She gave me wonderful advice on the pieces that would work best with my pregnant body, and even checked with me on the size I chose because she wanted to make sure it would fit correctly. Jenny’s friendly, approachable personality welcomes customers to ask her opinion about anything from style to sizing. She loves discussing fashion and the items she carries, so she’s happy to do it!

One of my favorite things about Jem Apparel is the fantastic packaging:


All orders come wrapped like a gift and have a flat rate $7 shipping fee. They also offer free returns and exchanges and a loyalty program to returning customers.

On to my review. Jenny suggested this M.Rena long cardi coat as a perfect fit for my pregnant body, and she was totally right.


{long cardi coat - c/o jem apparel
tee - down east basics - $3
belt - charlotte russe - free with pants
maternity jeggings - old navy - $20 | similar
floral peeptoes - kohls - $18}


{long cardi coat - $35.00}

This sweater is fantastic. It's a great off white color and the perfect weight for a crisp spring day. And I am especially excited that I will be able to wear it through the entire pregnancy.

Jem Apparel also has many styles for the most reasonable price including these options:

ruffled tunic  - $52.00 at jem apparel ($59.99 at Modcloth)
ruffle waist coat - $52.99 at jem apparel ($79.99 at Modcloth)
military coat - $52.99 at jem apparel ($79.99 at Modcloth)

Make sure to check out all the goodies at Jem Apparel!

Happy Shopping.

William Riera Review + Giveaway


I was recently contacted by William Riera, a dress company, asking me to review a dress. I was excited to get a new dress that might work with the bump. I ordered this Camilla Dress:


{Camilla Dress - $69.00}

I am quite sure I will be able to wear this dress until nearly full term.

(Look, I found the light! My ANTM lessons are paying off.)


Now I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! William Riera has kindly offered to give the winning reader any item of their choice {up to a $60 value}.

You can enter in the 4 ways listed below. Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.
  • Visit William Riera + check out their selection, then leave a comment telling me what your favorite item is.
  • Follow William Riera USA on facebook then leave a comment here, telling me about it.
  • Follow William Riera USA on twitter then leave a comment here, telling me about it
  • Subscribe to the William Riera USA Newsletter (bottom right-hand corner on website) then leave a comment here, telling me about it.
Make sure to include your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number. (US Residents only.)

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, January 16, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

Good luck.

Legxicon Review + Giveaway


I was recently contacted by Legxicon, a hosiery company, asking me to review a few pairs of tights. I love patterned tights and was so excited to receive them. I ordered these three varieties:


I have had a chance to try out all three pairs and love them. I have gotten compliments on each pair! They have a wonderful texture and a soft, comfortable waist band.

{Dress - Banana Republic - $11, Thandie tights - courtesy of Legxicon, Boots - Steve Madden - $49}

Legxicon is offering a few great promotions right now.
  • Enter | SANTA10 at check out to receive 30% off any order over $20.
  • Enter their referral programs here.
  1. For each referral that makes a purchase of at least $20, the referrer gets $10 off of next purchase
  2. For each refferal that opens an account and signs up for a newsletter, the refferer gets 1% off of next purchase
  3. The referral discount can be combined with coupons
Now I get to do one of my favorite things, offer all of you a giveaway! Legxicon has kindly offered to give the winning reader a 2 items of their choice {1 from 2 categories: tights, stockings, leggings + socks}
You can enter in either (or both) of the 2 ways listed below. Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.
  • Visit Legxicon + check out their selection, then leave a comment telling me what your favorite is and where you would wear them.
  • For an extra entry, "like" Legxicon's facebook page then leave a comment here, telling me about it.
Make sure to include your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number. (US Residents only.)

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, December 12, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

Good luck.

DownEast Basics Review + Giveaway

 ***Giveaway Closed***

Today I am stoked to offer a giveaway from DownEast Basics. They also asked me to review a piece from their new arrivals.

They sent me this cardigan, which I have had my eye on for quite awhile:





DownEast Basics is being generous enough to let the winner pick their favorite thing from their new arrivals to take home (This is one of my favs).

Here are the rules:

You can enter in either (or both) of the 2 ways listed below. Each entry must be notified in the form of a comment on the blog.
  • Leave a comment telling me your favorite new arrival at DownEast Basics.
  • Post about the giveaway on your blog, Facebook, or Twitter and leave a comment telling me about it (please include @uberchiccheap + a link to the giveaway in your tweets).
Make sure your first name and a valid email address so I can contact you if you win. The winner will be determined by giving each entry a number and using random.org to select the winning number.

The Giveaway ends on Sunday, November 21, at 10 PM (Mountain Standard Time).

Good luck.

A Little Announcement

I'm pregnant.



{cardi - courtesy of DEB, tee - J.Crew - $19, LEI jeggings - $12, boots - thrifted - $10}


Some of you may have noticed my recent lack of presence on the blog. My belief is that the most common side effects of pregnancy are fatigue, morning sickness, and a lack of motivation to blog.

I am currently 15 weeks along, with a tentative due date of May 11.

I am over my first trimester symptoms, which mainly consisted of being extremely tired and not wanting to get dressed. I was actually 9 weeks along when I figured it out, so I went most of my first trimester without knowing it.

It's been a long hard road to get here, and we couldn't be happier.

I will definitely try to post more often now that I am feeling human again.
Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...