Friday, June 28, 2013

High Five For Friday - Baby K edition

If you follow me on instagram, you already know, but for those of you who don’t – our sweet baby girl is here! I’d like to introduce everyone to Kendall Virelai - who will be known as Baby K. Tolar and I are over the moon crazy about our sweet little 5 lb, 15 oz baby. We may be sleep deprived, but we don’t care. We can’t stare at this little cutie enough. So I have decided to dedicate today’s High Five For Friday post to the new love in my life.

1.) Here she is! Kendall Virelai. She's a redhead - we love that!!!


2.) Daddy is in love!


3.) Cousins


4.) My man laying beside me, my Mom holding my baby. Life is good.


5.) Happy Family of three! Heading home from the hospital.

We are all doing great, adjusting to life as a family of three. I’ll update everyone with more details later, but I hope you enjoyed the pictures.


I’m linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for this High Five For Friday post.

Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Wore: Yellow and Blue

Ok, you are all going to think I’m crazy, but I started typing this post in the midst of contractions. We didn’t know exactly what would happen as my contractions were very sporadic, but I figured I better use the idle time to blog since nothing good is on tv at 4 a.m.!

So forgive me for the brevity of today’s post, but I did want to show you all this outfit.


I love yellow and blue together and not just because I went to UNCG and those are the school colors, just something about the different hues really pops for me! And of course I love a good maxi dress or skirt, even when I’m not pregnant.

So enjoy the below pictures. I hope to be able to introduce you to our little one VERY soon.



Dress: Marshall's
Cardigan: LOFT.
Shoes: DSW.
Necklace: Caroline G.

Linking up with Style Elixir for Style Sessions, Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday and The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Guess Where I Am?!?!?!

If you are reading this post, it means only one thing – I am at the hospital delivering our sweet baby girl!!!!

I can’t believe the time has finally come!!!!

Tolar and I cannot wait to show off our little bundle of joy to everyone; we so appreciate all of the encouragement, prayers and support that have been offered to us. You guys have been awesome with sharing your thoughts/experiences and I am so grateful to have this forum to connect with everyone.

While we are busy getting acquainted with our sweet baby girl, I thought I would go ahead and give you a sneak peek of her first name. Enjoy the photos from our maternity photo shoot below. Full details about baby girl will be up on the blog as soon as we are able to connect to the blog world once again.

In the meantime, we would love your prayers for a smooth transition to a family of three!


Talk to you soon!





Monday, June 24, 2013

Who Is This Lindsay Girl?

Hey everyone! Since there are a lot of new people hanging out around these parts (so happy to have you all!!!), I thought now was the perfect time to do another Girl Behind the Blog type of post. You know, just giving me another chance to talk about myself. Kidding. Well, maybe.

Before I kick things off, there are already a few places to find out some random info about me. Just check out my About Me page or click here or here. And if that stuff isn’t enough, I’ve got you covered below!



1.) I grew up in Southern Virginia, went to college in North Carolina and now I live in Northern Virginia. So I haven’t strayed too far, however Northern Virginia is an entirely different state from Southern Virginia. Tolar and I would really like to end up in North Carolina (the people are just so nice down there and the mortgages are a whole lot cheaper!), but for now we feel really called to this area and to serve in our incredible church.

2.) Forgive me while I get a tiny bit sentimental, but my sister is one of the closest people in my life. We were lucky to grow up so close in age (she probably hated having her little sister around all the time), but now that we are older I am over the moon that we get to go through the same things in life at the same time. She has been a HUGE support system for me during my pregnancy.
(This is one of my favorite pictures of us from my wedding day.)

3.) Which brings me to my next point – if you didn’t know, I’m pregnant!!! Ha! Well, I’m sure you all know, but if not now you do. I’m due July 12 which is just under 3 weeks from now. Oh my gosh, when did I become a grownup and stuff?


4.) I love a good list. Especially a to do list. I make one every. single. week. It just helps me get everything done and I always feel a slight sense of accomplishment when I can check something off. (I may or may not add extra items just to check them off because I know I can easily complete them)

5.) I watch every dance show that comes on tv. My favorite is always So You Think You Can Dance because those kids are so freaking amazing and I’m totally jealous of what they can do!!! Back in the day I used to dance and all of these dance shows just help me relive my past. Props to my friend Suzanne who even took me a So You Think You Can Dance tour several years ago – we had the absolute best time!
(Anyone remember this awesome Paso from Sabra and Neil in Season 3?)

6.) I don’t really know how to write in cursive. In fact, you can read every single letter in my signature because the majority of the letters are in print. Any time I try to write in cursive if looks exactly like it looked when I was taught in the third grade!

7.) If I start a book, I must finish it. That doesn’t mean I still have to read the entire thing (just ask my book club how I skipped large portions of The Blind Assassin), but I must make it to the end. Very rarely do I skim a book, but I just have a problem not finishing a book no matter how boring.

8.) I could spend all day on social media. In fact, I spend a large portion of my day doing just that (thank goodness its part of my job!). Which reminds me, let’s stay connected: follow me on instagram and twitter, like me on facebook and check out my pins on pinterest (is that what you say?).

9.) I love to laugh. Especially laugh until you cry and your mascara runs down you face. It just isn’t worth it unless you ruin your makeup right? And Tolar does a pretty darn good job of making me laugh all the time.
(That's me and my girl Jessy from several years ago, before we were both married and mamas - but still hot mamas then!)

10.) I’m obsessed with eating peanut butter. I seriously could eat an entire jar in one sitting if people didn’t think it was weird or that I might have an eating disorder. But I just love peanut butter! With my ice cream, on a banana, in a Reese’s cup, on vanilla wafers, as a sandwich, however. Just give me the peanut butter. Which reminds me, Tolar and I went to the Cheesecake Factory and I got a Peanut Butter Cheesecake to go which is calling my name from the refrigerator.


So with that, I’m wrapping this list up! And there you have it – even more random facts about me. I look forward to getting to know you all, thanks for hanging out around Pursuit of Pink.

Friday, June 21, 2013

High Five For Friday

Oh Friday, we meet again! And how lovely you are looking today.

Here are my top five moments from the week – hope everyone had a great week too!

1.) Tolar ran the Color Me Rad race on Sunday and then got to rock out at the finish line. I love that my husband brings the fun WHEREVER he goes! So proud of him for everything.



2.) Um, what’s that in my backseat? Even with everything that I have dealt with during my pregnancy (hello protruding/expanding belly, getting the nursery ready, taking birth classes) nothing feels more real than looking in my rearview mirror and seeing a baby car seat in MY car. Um, hello world – I’m going to be a Mom!


3.) And just before Tolar and I have to sacrifice everything in our budget to spoil our precious baby girl, our washer decided to up and quit on us! Ouch to the price tag. But oh well, now we have a really fancy set that I am in love with. I just hope my Mom can figure out how to use it when she comes to stay with us and help me with the baby. Not that I would put her to work doing household chores or anything…


4.) When Tolar found out that Kim Kardashian was due with her baby around the same time as me (her due date was the day before mine) he was extremely hopeful that our babies would NOT be born on the same day. My good friend Marcy (and reliable updater on all things pop culture) came to the rescue to let Tolar know that he didn’t have to worry anymore. Phew!


5.) Thank you Kate Spade for my last spoil me purchase before Mommyhood begins. I snagged this BEAUTY in their flash sale on Monday with a seamless and easy transaction. And the bag was at my door step by Wednesday night! Um, can we say amazing customer service? Kate Spade, yet another reason why I heart you hard core.


Thanks for following along as always for all of these High Five For Friday posts. I love remembering the little things in life that make me smile.
To read even more awesome High Five For Friday posts, head over to Lauren Elizabeth right now!

Oh and have a fracking fantastic weekend!!!

Thursday, June 20, 2013

Group Giveaway Time - Winner Gets It All!

Hey everyone! You should know the drill by now – it’s time for my monthly group giveaway! My awesome blog friends and sponsors have all donated some sweet prizes for ONE incredibly lucky winner. And all you have to do is click your mouse a few times! Easy as that!
I wish more things in life only took a few clicks of the old mouse.

Anyways, be sure to check out everything below, including all of the awesome ladies that are giving away the swag.

Best of luck, I hope you win.

Here is what's up for grabs:


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Wore: Wearing Fab Dresses Even While Pregnant


I have been super thankful for awesome maternity dresses during my pregnancy. As my belly expanded, pants became rather uncomfortable. Of course the pregnancy panel on my jeans did help (and I will be sad when I no longer get to wear the pregnancy panel), but there is something about putting on a dress especially when you feel large as a house.

But lucky for me, the maternity dresses that I have purchased during this pregnancy have been extremely comfortable and still super cute/stylish. I even wore this dress to an event at the British Ambassador’s residence. I just want to send a virtual high five to all of the maternity clothing designers for recognizing that you don’t have to be frumpy just because you are pregnant!!!

As I’ve said all over this blog, a pair of heels just makes me feel more confident, even when I’m eight months pregnant. I can’t wear my heels for long since foot swelling has begun, but if I have a chance to rock a pair of heels I will do it! I joke that I will probably wear heels to the hospital, especially when people say something about “someone in my condition” wearing heels.


So to all of my pregnant friends out there (and there are a TON of you – both blogger friends and friends I have in real life), be sure to check out Motherhood Maternity, A Pea in the Pod and even LOFT. You can find some terrific dresses and other maternity styles. 


Dress: Motherhood Maternity.
Shoes: DSW.
Necklace and Earrings: New York & Company.
Clutch: SakSaum (gift)
Bracelets: gift and Uncommon Goods.

(I’m linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday and Style Elixir for Style Sessions.)

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

Bumpdate!!!

This will probably be my last pregnancy/bump update for you because I am thisclose to my due date!!! I’m just over 3 weeks away and I cannot believe how fast everything has gone.

I’m trying to stay as ahead of the game as I can and I hope to have enough blog entries prepared to post for while we are at the hospital. But if for some reason you stop by Pursuit of Pink on a weekday and I don’t have a new post, you will know where I am and why I’m not posting! Sweet Tolar is going to try and publish as many posts as I have from the hospital’s wifi, so stay tuned!


How far along: 36 weeks, 5 days

Thoughts: I cannot believe I’m so close! I am extremely excited to meet our little one and incredibly anxious about the whole birthing process (as I’ve told you in the past). And I do think we are ready, not that we have a choice! I constantly think about holding my little girl – I wonder what she will look like; will she be as dramatic as her two parents are or will God grant us some grace in that department? All of my thoughts are centered around the baby.

Advice: My sister has been awesome with offering up thoughts of encouragement during these last few weeks. She even texted me yesterday that I can do it!!! And my Mom has been so helpful with encouragement as well and reminding me to take it easy. I have limited my plans on the weekends to allow myself some down time (and to prep any last minute things) and this past weekend was glorious. My entire Saturday was free to do whatever I wanted!

Baby: She now weighs almost 6 pounds and is more than 18 ½ inches long (according to my Baby Center app)! At the end of this week, my baby will be considered full term!!!  

Movement: She has taken up camp on the right side of my stomach, just under my ribs. I think she keeps pushing my side with her feet, there is constantly something there. And it is so cool to see my stomach move. Tolar and I could sit there and watch it all day if she would actually move all day. It’s such a neat thing to experience.

Sleep: Sleep has eluded me for about the past 4 months. And I just started having problems with my lower back/left hip so I really can’t get comfortable. I toss and turn all night and usually give up and move to the couch around 3:30/4 a.m. Tolar has got to be the sweetest husband ever – he refuses to let me sleep downstairs in the living room alone. In fact, he insisted that I wake him up whenever I decide to move down there. Not only does he join me in the living room, the man sleeps ON THE FLOOR to allow me to have the biggest couch and to try and get as comfortable as possible. I’m sure your question is “why don’t I just start out sleeping on the couch?” I tried that and couldn’t fall asleep. I seem to do better switching to the couch in the middle of the night. Strange I know, but it’s true.

Food: Not much of an overactive appetite lately. It’s so weird, throughout my entire pregnancy I have not had any cravings! I wish I did, it would sure make deciding on what I want for dinner easier. Three foods have been constant during this pregnancy: bananas, cereal and ice cream.

Preparing for baby: We were thrown three separate baby showers and received so many terrific gifts from such fabulous friends and family. Plus Tolar and I went to Buy Buy Baby over the weekend to purchase any remaining items on our registry, so we are finished and have everything we need! The nursery is basically complete. The only thing I am waiting on are the curtains that match the crib bedding. Everything else is ready to go. I hope the curtains arrive soon so I can show you guys the finished product!!!


Prayer request: The same as always – please pray for me to have strength and faith that I CAN DO THIS! I constantly pray for God’s strength to sustain me. Also, please pray for our beautiful girl to be healthy and happy. And while you are at it, please pray for Tolar. I KNOW without a shadow of a doubt that he will be the absolute best coach for me, pray for him to have strength throughout the entire labor and delivery as well.


Monday, June 17, 2013

June Birchbox

I am all about finding new beauty products, if you haven’t figured that out already, and I definitely look forward to opening my Birchbox each month.  And now that I have put myself on mandatory lazy weekends until Baby Girl arrives, I was able to actually test out the products that arrived in my Birchbox before I reveal everything to you!


First, let me say that I love Birchbox’s rebranding that they did. Yes, I’m in marketing/PR so I pay attention to brands and I really like their crisp new logo.



Here is what came in my box for the month of June:

1.) Oscar de la Renta Something Blue fragrance – I’m not usually one for the fragrance samples that come in my Birchbox, but I actually really liked this one. It had such a nice clean and not too overpowering scent. Definitely a scent I can keep in my purse to help freshen me up after I’ve been outside on a hot day.
2.) Color Club Nail Polish in London Calling – I’m super excited about this color, it’s more of a key lime green than my picture actually shows. This is a color that is definitely out of my normal red or pink selections and I can’t wait to try it out.  I appreciate the nice, light summer color.
3.) LAQA & Co Lil’ Lip – Ok, this is a really cool product, I just don’t like the color. This lip pencil goes on so smooth and with just one coat gives you a really nice wash of color. A second coat gives a serious pop. My color was just way too pink for my likes, I’m more a neutral lip kind of girl.
4.) Origins Clear Improvement Active Charcoal Mask – I love this product!!! I’ve wanted to try a mask and was so happy to receive one in my Birchbox. The mask got really tight while it was drying on my face, but it washed off so easily. Afterwards, my skin felt so smooth! Also, I already felt like my pores were cleared out after just one use! I will certainly be using this mask again and buying the full size version.
5.) GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer – I’m not sure if I felt like this moisturizer boosted the energy of my skin, but it definitely felt nice. Moisturizers are always great for your skin, even if you have oily skin like me.  Maybe if I had a larger sample and could use this product longer I would be able to see results over a period of time, especially since the description says that it “revitalizes lackluster-looking skin.”

Extra: I love that Birchbox included some super cute postcards in this box. On the back of each card is a tip for a perfect day in each city listed on the cards. So awesome!

Do you have a new product that you are interested in trying out, like I was looking for a mask? If you have a subscription to Birchbox, what did you get in your box this month? Tell me about everything in the comments section below.


And if you are interested in signing up to start your own Birchbox subscription, then click here to sign up!

(Linking up for Funday Monday and Monday Morning Gossip!)

Friday, June 14, 2013

High Five For Friday

Well Friday, you kind of snuck up on me this week! I love a week where it doesn’t feel like I can’t keep up and that Friday is my only saving grace all week. Thanks goodness for some breaks!

Here are some top moments from my week.

1.) Baby Girl got her very first piece of international mail! A postcard from our sweet friends in Germany. Miss you Summer, Ray and B!
2.) I just love a good pedicure! I’m going to keep getting them as long as my feet continue to swell. :) Swelling=Bad, Pedicure=Amazing!

3.) No, that’s not a human that JoJo is cuddling next to, that’s my pregnancy pillow I use to sleep. When I got up in the middle of the night to switch to the couch, JoJo decided he wanted to snuggle with the pregnancy pillow in my absence.

4.) My parents came to visit and my
Dad helped us with some projects around the house. A very  much needed new floor in Tolar’s man cave was at the top of the list! Thanks Dad for all of your hard work! (He also helped do some yard work in some wretched humidity, my Dad is a champ!)

5.) My sweet sister sent Tolar the best gift ever! He can’t wait to wear this shirt to the hospital!


And I must add a little note that I had another baby shower thrown for me over the weekend – obviously my baby showers top my list of great moments. But I’m planning a post full of pictures. However, I just want to extend my thanks to my church family for the awesome baby shower two weeks ago and to some of my bridesmaids for the fab shower last weekend. Tolar, Baby Girl and I are so blessed; we love you all and appreciate the support!

I hope you had a great week! Make the most out of your weekend – I’m sure going to. I have grand plans of relaxing and doing whatever I want on Saturday, since I realize I won’t have a day like that for awhile once our little lady arrives.


As always, I’m linking up with Lauren Elizabeth for this High Five For Friday post.

And just for your listening pleasure I'm also linking up my current favorite jam over on I Wore Yoga Pants To Work. Because seriously, how can you not be ready for the weekend when you hear the sweet beats that Robin Thicke brings you? Just click the play button below to get your little dance on!


Thursday, June 13, 2013

Turn That Frown Upside Down

Let’s face it, as much as we don’t like them, bad days are inevitable. We have to endure a little rain every now and then so we know how good the sunshine can be. I’m a firm believer in rising above your situation and still finding the good. The second I start to give in to my bad mood, the worse I feel. Bad days and unhappy times are not fun for anyone, so I asked around seeking advice on how others turn a bad day into a good day. I hope the below suggestions give you plenty of ideas on how you can tell that bad day to take a one way trip out of town!

Or at the very least, I hope this picture makes you smile!


Amber suggested grabbing a coffee, taking a walk, taking kids to the park (if you don’t have kids, I suggest maybe just go watch kids having fun in the park – in a non creepy way that is), taking a shower, really anything that will clear your head.
The shower idea is definitely one I follow. Anytime I am sick, a shower or a bath instantly make me feel better. And who says that having a bad day doesn’t fall under the same category?

Candice likes to buy herself flowers, that always makes her day brighter. Amen sister! Flowers instantly put a smile on my face. And judging by the looks of my instagram feed, Trader Joe's is rocking it with some beautiful peonies this season. I might go buy myself some even though today is a great day!

Vicki suggested choosing to be thankful. I couldn’t agree more. Focus on the good in your life instead of letting one thing derail you completely. Missing the metro and having to walk in the rain even after you just curled your hair is not reason enough to be upset, especially when you are healthy, have a job, a roof over your head and clothes on your back!


[via]
Allie likes to take some me time (shopping, coffee, reading, taking a nap) whenever she has a bad day. Again, all great advice. A nap is definitely helpful because more often than not when I’m over emotional and think I’m having a bad day its usually because I’m sleepy more than anything else.

Kristine turns her bad day around by getting in some exerrrrrcise and playing some good music. Does anyone remember my favorite line from one of my favorite made just for me movies, Legally Blonde? “Exercise produces endorphins, endorphins make you happy. Happy people don’t kill their husbands, they just don’t.” Kristine knows where it’s at! Getting your body up and moving is a perfect way to release some tension and to forget about what made you upset in the first place. And yes, playing some sweet jams also helps. I heart Karmin and love to listen to their station on Pandora. So fun!

My real life friend Kim likes to send thank you notes or emails when she has a bad day. She said it best herself: gratefulness wins. I completely agree. When you turn your attention onto others, the blessings you get back are immeasurable.

Sarah watches Christmas movies to lift her spirits.  What an awesome idea. Christmas is such a joyous time of year and people in the movies are always so happy and enjoying life. You just can’t help but smile. Good thought Sarah!!!

What do I do to turn a bad day around? Number one is that I call my mother. It doesn’t matter how old I get, when I’m feeling upset a quick call to Beckaroo instantly makes me feel better. Something about a mother’s love that just warms you up! I also allow myself to enjoy an indulgent treat, whether it be fro-yo, a cupcake or a donut, something sweet instantly helps.  And finally, I try to smile!!! A smile is your greatest accessory, so why not use it to its full advantage. Smile through the pain and eventually you will always choose to smile instead of focusing on a frown.

And if all else fails, use a personal day and lay in bed watching HGTV and awesome chick flicks. Mood lifted just thinking about it!

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Wore: Three Jackets

I just love a versatile closet. In fact, I live by the What Not To Wear mantra that “this shirt can go with this skirt and these pants and these jeans and then this jacket goes with this dress or these pants…” It’s a great way to really stretch your wardrobe. Do you remember my two posts awhile back where I styled the same shirt two different ways? If not, you can find those here and here. Well I’m back showing you how you can style a similar outfit using three different jackets (ok, one of those jackets is actually a cardigan, but you get the idea!).

I started with a neutral shell – a brown skirt (I have it in black too!), a cream top and some brown wedges. Then I decided to add my new favorite green military jacket. I love that the military jacket and the sheer portion of my cream top seem like opposites, but yet they go together so perfectly. I’m all about mixing textures!

Then I swapped out the military jacket for a denim jacket. You just can’t go wrong with denim. It’s like the best neutral around and goes with everything!

And finally, I decided to add a little color and paired my outfit with a red, flowy cardigan. I love that so many options can come from a few simple pieces.

This is a great trick to use when traveling because you don’t have to lug around a huge, heavy suitcase (not that I follow my own rule!). Do you have any items in your closet that seem versatile and you can wear with multiple outfits? I’d love to hear your tricks, so share them in the comments section below.

Skirt and Denim Jacket: Old Navy.
Top: New York & Company (old).
Military Jacket: Gap.
Red Cardigan: Macy's.
Wedges: Target (old).


And since its Wednesday, I’m linking up with The Pleated Poppy for What I Wore Wednesday, Because Shanna Said So for Random Wednesday and Style Elixir for Style Sessions.

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I have a fab girl to introduce you all to and I know you are just going to fall in love with her. Besides her incredible humor and down to earth sense of self, she is also one of the prettiest people out there in the blogging world. Everyone meet Sarah who blogs over at Venus Trapped in Mars. Her blog name says it all, she is fabulous and loves the Housewives and all things sparkly like every amazing woman does, but she also knows how to get down with the boys and chat about ESPN. She is definitely someone I want in my everyday life – and I’m sure you would agree so get to clicking this link and check out her awesome blog.


 Like I said, Sarah has quite the sense of humor and it shows in her writing. Take this post for example where she talks about bloggers getting sent items for free to showcase on their blog (that’s what the “c/o” means). But Sarah isn’t looking for free clothes (though she’ll take them if companies want to send them), no she’s looking for tickets to sporting events. See the girl is so cool. She wants to introduce the ladies to the awesome side of sports (the verdict is still out on if I agree with that phrase myself). Just check out her awesome illustrations in the post to prove her point. I was laughing the entire time.


 My laughter didn’t stop when I clicked on this post about what your workout clothes say about you. Seriously, don’t even continue reading what I write next until you click on the link and read the post – hilarious. Sarah nails the thoughts on every single combination. I have certainly had similar thoughts about people when I used to go to the gym (note to self: read over this post before going back!).  Venus Trapped in Mars will grab you from the moment you click on the page and keep you coming back for more every day. The girl is on fire! Cue the Alicia Keys song…. You must check Sarah out, I promise you will be thoroughly entertained and I know you will learn a thing or two as well. Oh and be sure to follow her on twitter where she continues the amazingness. You’re welcome!