Black + Gold Style by In Honor of Design

Posted 12.30.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in In Style :: 7 comments

Tags: , , ,

Is anyone else super excited for Sandy to become a mama? Its such an incredible experience and I can’t wait for her to be able to him!

There were so many fun trends in 2011! Its always fun to see a trend cross over fashion and interiors:) My personal favorite was the black and gold frenzy that has hit the styling scene everywhere! Its a great color palate to bring in the new year!

Sources: 1.2.3.4. 5.

What were your favorite color schemes this year?

- Anna of In Honor of Design

Embracing My Scars by Casey Wiegand

Posted 12.28.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in Baby :: 11 comments

Tags: , , ,

Photobucket
My name is Casey Wiegand, I am a freelance artist, wife and mama. 
I love painting and sharing our life through my blog…where you can expect pieces of my perspective on life, faith, kids, marriage, with touches of art, creative inspiration, projects and things I love along the way. I have two little ones with the hopes of lots more and am married to the love of my life!

Any C-section mamas out there? Any of you look at/see/ notice your scars everytime you are getting ready/ showering, etc?

Well, I do.
I love my scar. I love what it represents.
Photobucket
I love that long after my children are grown, I will still have my scar from my 2 previous c-sections (and however many more). I love that it is a daily reminder to me of the 2 little lives I have to take care of & think about.
Scars represent beautiful things. They make us who we are.
What about our emotional scars? We all have them. Some run deeper than others…some change us for better and some create walls in us.
Our scars make us who we are, don’t they?
When I started blogging it was because I found this quote:

“I find beauty in not only the beautiful things in life, but the bittersweet and sad as well. To me, there is something poignantly lovely about the human experience from its splendor to its grief. God created all our emotions, not just the happy ones, and for His good purposes. That’s why a good cry can feel so good. And hitting our limits forces us to look outside ourselves for a Savior. It is in the plea, when we’re at our end, that we can find that which is truly life-giving. Personally, my moments of deepest grief, deepest pain, have resulted in the most beautiful seasons in my heart. I’ve met God more intimately in those moments than in all the other pleasant ones combined. What isn’t completely lovely about that?” 
Leslie.
Photobucket
I was going through a hard time and something about this quote gave me hope. And peace. And then the entire blogging experience and community pulled me out. Into a better place. 

Now…just months later, here I am embracing the scars… letting my hurt make me lovely.

I realized something along the way. I am better off with my hurt. My past. Embracing all that has happened and allowing it to make me a better me :)
Photobucket

Outfit + Recipe by Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique

Posted 12.27.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in In Style, The Dish :: 6 comments

Tags: , , , ,

Bonjour
Sandy à la Mode readers, I’m Shea from
Bon Chic Bon Gastronomique. I’m so
excited to be able to guest post for Sandy while she’s enjoying her time as a new
mommy (or while she’s enjoying her last few weeks of pregnancy…depending on
just how cozy baby à la mode is)!


I thought I’d share with you all a favorite go-to outfit and dinner idea for a chilly day. I
don’t know about you, but for me, having a few easy ideas at my fingertips is essential this
time of year. Adding holiday parties, gift shopping, and family get-togethers
to an already busy schedule leaves little time to spend on outfit coordinating
and meal planning. 

Sweater: Isaac Mizrahi for Target (old); camisole: Old Navy; jeans: Express; scarf: Loft; shoes: Merona, Target

One of my favorite cold-weather combinations is a bold colored sweater, a contrasting
scarf, jeans, and a fun pair of flats or low heels. I always stock up on
solid-colored sweaters, especially during sales, so that I can do several
different versions of this combination. A scarf keeps me warm and toasty, but
it can easily be removed if someone has her heater working overtime.

When it comes to weeknight meals, my philosophy is the simpler the better this time of
year. When it starts getting dark at five, I’d much rather spend my evening
sipping hot cocoa than working in a hot kitchen. That’s why stir-fries are a Godsend.
This version, Spicy Tangerine Beef from Guy Fieri, is quick and easy, but
elegant enough to impress your friends. And it’s easy to swap out the
ingredients to make this meal fit what’s on sale or what you’re in the mood
for. 


So, what go-to recipes, for style or for food, are you relying on this time of year?
-Shea
***
P.S. The winner of the $50 ShopKempt giveaway is Leah from Leahmariev!  Congrats girl!  Please send me an email at sandyalamode(at)gmail(dot)com to claim your prize and I’ll get you in touch with ShopKempt!

 

Taking His Sweet Little Time

Posted 12.26.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in In Style :: 32 comments

Tags: , , , ,

Dress: Tea & Tulips | Cardigan Sweater c/o Maple Boutique | Belt: Forever 21 | Tights: TJMaxx | Shoes: Blowfish

As my belly gets bigger and bigger (40 weeks, 3 days today), I can’t help but to live in big comfy sweaters (like the one I’m wearing from Maple Boutique) and tights.  Oh, and sweat pants too.  It’s kind of funny that this past weekend whenever anyone would ask me when my due date was… I’d say I’m past due haha.  I’ve also gotten plenty of comments about how I look like I’m ready to pop, yes, I sure am.  We actually were able to get in A LOT of sleep this Christmas weekend, we finally got a glider for me and baby to use, and I just keep adding more things to that hospital bag (which I’ll probably not end up using half of it).

Hubby and I exchanged gifts on Christmas Eve… we just couldn’t wait until Christmas Day!  He seriously showered me with gifts, as usual.  I got a new pair of earrings, a new point and shoot camera (Canon S95), Lightroom, and pink earbuds!  I’m seriously such a lucky one.  I just can’t wait to see how he will be with our little A, he’s going to be the best Daddy ever.  :)   We got showered with gifts throughout the past few weeks from hubby’s family in package form (LOVE getting packages at our doorstep) too.  And then on Christmas Day, my parents came into town and they are staying for awhile to help take care of little A once he decides to arrive.  They brought us a ton of gifts from my brother’s family and it was fun to have a gift opening session on Christmas night!  We’re so blessed to have our family here to help us through this exciting and sure to be trying time as new parents!

What was your favorite Christmas gift that you received this year?

Merry Christmas from our family to yours!

Posted 12.24.2011 by Sandy a la Mode in Nest Designs :: 13 comments

Tags: ,

Wishing you all a safe and Merry Christmas!! :)

And yes, that is a Jedi bride you see there.  We’re random like that. Let’s see if our baby decides to  be a Christmas one!  ;)