Marks and Spencer Steals

My poor husband has been subjected to a lot of baby purchases the last 5 months. All of my girlfriends shared with me that this industry is kind of like the wedding industry. People know that mothers will give an arm and a leg for their child to have the best of everything. But the secret is, you can have great quality products at lower prices if you're willing to be patient, hunt around and purchase things even gently used. It's so hard to bite the bullet on 100-200 dollar items knowing your child will not be able to use it after X period of time.

One of my friend's tips was to try to find some all white coveralls, as babies tend to get things VERY dirty and printed outfits will fade and be more difficult to get stains out of.

I had checked out Old Navy, but they were out of the sizes I needed and they didn't have a cover for their zipper, leading to the zipper poking babies in their necks - the last thing we need while trying to eventually sleep train! This leads to my latest and greatest find - Marks & Spencer. I know you're thinking, aren't they in England? They have a US ecommerce site, and it did NOT disappoint. I like their outfits are all cotton. Some of Gerber's and Carter's are made of fleece and other materials, and let's face it, we live in the south. Bonus, the entire site was 20% off through midnight last night, so of course had to snag these deals before they went back to regular price today. K, if you're reading this, they DID go back to regular pricing, so early bird gets the worm!

Plan is to have her initials monogrammed on these all white coveralls. A 3 pack was 10.00! Can't beat that, so picked up a few 0-3 months, 3-6 months and 6-9 months. I realize they aren't zip up, but at these prices, I can always put her in these before bed or first thing in the morning and save her zip ups for middle of the night changes when I am half asleep.

These 3 pack pink onesies were too adorable (and inexpensive) to pass up! Love the simplicity of them. For some reason all the American manufacturers print cats, stars and other "loud" prints on their coveralls. I like the simple stripe, polka dots and bunnies on these.

Same for these adorable yellow coveralls! Another 3 pack in wide stripe, thin stripe and yellow bunnies! I  also like these for a boy, as well!

How ADORABLE is this cardigan jacket? Scored this baby for 13.00! Again, love that it's made with all cotton and the double breasted style is adorable!

These little bloomers were too good to pass up! A 3 pack for $7.00? Don't mind if I do. I purchased a 9-12 month size since she will probably be wearing dresses mostly June-September.

I am SUPER excited about this adorable pale pink knit. I searched high and low for something similar in France, and everything seemed to be made out of stuffy fleece or wool. This all cotton knit was $20.00 (versus 100's of euros in France). AND today, it SOLD OUT! So glad I snagged it when I did. Can't wait to bring our bundle of joy home in this!

Babymoon

What a month it has been! I am seriously looking forward to a few months at home with no travel plans! My sweet husband shared a wonderful babymoon with me in Cannes, France, on the back end of his business trip.

It was exactly what I  needed after my own business trip out in Vegas the week before. We had the most beautiful weather, food, drinks, ambiance and company! I think our little Charlotte enjoyed it just as much as her mama! Get ready for serious photo overload. I will be impressed if you make it through all of them, unless you're my mother.

First view from the cab ride into Cannes. Gorgeous!

Thank goodness one of my favorite coworkers of K's was on the trip. Jen is seriously the best shopping partner, laying out companion and fashion advice giver. I love all our European adventures together!

Beautiful Cannes sunset

On our way to THE venue where the Cannes Film Festival is held!

I couldn't believe Lenovo was going to take photos on the red carpet where some of my celebrity idols have walked!

Gorgeous view from the Film Festival

Business and Pleasure!

Walking the red carpet!

Awe struck!

Checking into the Carlton for our extended weekend!

At train station on the way to the French Perfume factory, Fragonard in Grasse! We are hydrated and ready to spend some $$$ on French perfume

Love my mother dearly, but she literally had me walking up HILLS to get her French perfume

Getting our shop on!

Outside Fragonard!

With our Mother's Day purchases! We love you, Grammy!

Before happy hour at the Carlton

My handsome Daddy to-be on the Carlton's veranda.

The most delicious meal at the Grandmother's Wheelbarrow.  Seriously the best meal we had all week. No menu at all - you get there, sit down, eat and choose from a couple of entrees they are cooking that night.

Khaner ordered the quail!

Leisurely breakfast before beach

My own version of heaven on earth.

The French know how to do everything better! They took ice cubes and swirled them around in these wine glasses before serving white wine in them. You don't even have to specify what kind of wine in France, it's all delicious.

Beautiful view of the Mediterranean.

View of our hotel from the beach. It really is an iconic fixture in Cannes.

My hard working husband relaxing in between his two business trips!

I actually got surprisingly burned that day - I didn't expect the Mediterranean sun to be quite so strong!

K approves of the snacks and beverages. 

Delicious club sandwiches, served with mesculine salad rather than fries! Delicious!

Jen and I getting our shop on in the market stalls near the harbor.

My poor child was walked up so many hills and stairs - I would not recommend this babymoon destination later in your pregnancy when you are getting bigger and more uncomfortable!

Bump and I at the top of the hill

We had gorgeous weather for a walk and hike.

So happy to be together here!

The Barefoot Contessa in me had to swing by a fromage shop!

Khaner was a fairly good sport, but I definitely picked up my little princess some French clothes at some of the boutiques.

I found these sweet elephant and carriage pajamas while in Grasse and instantly snatched them off the rack. They are thin, airy and will be perfect for summer time when she is older.

Selfie at the Croissette 72 Brasserie

Dinner with my favorite travel and shopping partner!

Escargot skills.

Arrival in Monaco!

I wasn't feeling the walk or the rain. As usual.

It was hard to remember being here 11 years ago and my mother having a fit the palace was closed. 

Beautiful view of Monaco

We joked that Jen was going to find a new French husband on a yacht because her fiance couldn't make the trip.

Waiting for the changing of the guard!

My good sport. He was so happy to have found the Monaco Grand Prix while we there. He even got to see firsthand the infamous "hairpin" turn.

Panoramic shot of  Prince's Palace of Monaco.

Outside St. Nicholas Cathedral where Princess Grace was married and later buried with her husband.

Delicious Italian lunch by the harbor. We figured we were now officially "neighboring" Italy so the food had to be good, and boy, was it!

Jen and I outside the Hotel de Paris near the Monte Carlos Casino. Sun was finally out!

Babymoonerrs in Monaco.

Back at Croissette 72 for a non alcoholic beer!

And of course, what's a babymoon without a cheeseburger, coke, and chocolate cake your last night for room service?

When I finally arrived home, my little girl felt all the more real when I got my sweet invitation to her baby shower. I have the sweetest friends for rallying together and hosting this for us.

And my two training wheel babies were happy their Mama was finally home.

I told Khaner while we were away that I know we are about to embark on a fun and also scary adventure. I am so grateful and blessed to have had this time, just us, before we make room for an even bigger family! We will always look back and fondly remember these trips and time in our lives.