Yep it’s true. In just a few weeks me and my husband will be off on a very long flight to the beautiful island of Hawaii!!
It’s a dream come true really. I’ve never even been to a tropical place, but I’ve always daydreamed about it. And since my husband was going there for business, we thought it was the perfect opportunity for me to tag along and have one last hoorah before the new little one arrives.
We will be on the island of Oahu in Honolulu for a few days, and then the rest of our trip will be spent in Maui!! Oh my gosh I have heard SO many great things about Maui. It’s supposed to be the island that has everything pretty much. If you want adventure it has that, and if you just want to chill on a quiet beach, it has that too. And it is whale-watching season right now, so it will be awesome if we see some humpback whales! I’m especially excited to go snorkeling and see some beautiful waterfalls. Ahhhh the life.
This trip has been booked for several months now, and before I knew I was pregnant! I can’t say for sure I would have even booked me anything knowing I was pregnant. I don’t know why…I guess because it just doesn’t sound too exotic frolicking on a beach with a big belly. But I will still have my fancy drink in a coconut with an umbrella, but virgin of course. :) Anyway, now that it’s getting closer I’m very excited.
So what’s this baby mama going to wear in Hawaii and still try and look good? Well last week I went shopping and had a bit of a lucky day and found some cute things that all fit! And I’m actually going to show you me in my new dresses!! I will probably regret showing them though one day, especially since I didn’t do my hair or put on any makeup. But oh well. I haven’t done my hair since Christmas and probably my makeup, so how’s that for keepin’ it real?
I love long flowy dresses (even when not pregnant), and I thought those would be great for the trip.
And yes I have to stand on our tub for a full length shot because we don’t have 1 full length mirror in the house! And that second pic is a little blurry sorry. It’s hard taking pictures of yourself!
But anyway, I love all of the dresses, especially the black one. It’s a cotton-knit and sooo comfy and casual. I bought all of the dresses at Nordstrom Rack, a new store that opened up. I was in love when I went there and the prices are AMAZING. Seriously great designer clothing for great prices. I also bought a few more casual summery things at Old Navy–they had a crazy sale and a good coupon to use! And I already have sandals that go with all of these dresses too so I don’t need to buy shoes.
And if you are wondering like I would be about what kind of bra I have to wear with all of those dresses since none of them are regular bra friendly, now enters this little contraption.
This thing is awesome. My sister told me about it a while back and I finally bought one. You get it at Target and it’s $25. I got the silicone/gel-like version (it also comes in fabric but I don’t know if it works as good), and all it does is each cup has built-in adhesive sticky stuff on the inside and sticks on the front, then you connect the 2 cups with the little snap closure in front. It’s very comfortable and still offers a little support. One reason I don’t wear strapless clothing is because I hate strapless bras. But this is nothing like a strapless bra. Try it, you’ll like it! :) P.S.–on the Pin It button at the end of this post, it will be this picture so people can remember what the best strapless bra is.
I also bought 2 swimsuits at Target that are super cute. But I definitely won’t be showing you those photos. They are the bathing suits with a long top and the skirt-type bottoms. But still stylish I think!
Oh, and if the dresses fooled you that I’m not showing yet, here’s a little side action.
Told you! :)
So I’m dying to know if any of you have been to Hawaii? Been to Maui? Did you love it? What would you recommend as must-see things to do (besides bringing a lot of spending money because it’s crazy expensive?)? There are so many wonderful things to do there, it’s going to be hard to decide. Although, I think I’d be happy just laying at the beach staring at the beautiful blue ocean.
xxoo,
Decorchick!
Aren’t you the cutest little mama??? Great finds! You’ll be stylin’ with your toes in the sand. :)
Oh wow, how exciting!! I just went to Hawaii for the first time this past November and I loved it. The weather is perfect all the time. The beaches and ocean were so nice. We stayed on Oahu the whole time. Some of the best (and affordable) food was at Cinnamon’s in Kailua – the red velvet pancakes with white chocolate syrup were amazing!
Oh goodness that sounds DELICIOUS!!!!
OM G! You are going to have soooooo much fun! My hubby and I went to Hawaii for our honeymoon and it was one of the best trips of my life. You know, you see those types of places on TV and on calendars and post cards and stuff, but you don’t ever think it exists in real life. Then you get there and that beauty is literally everywhere you look! It’s amazing. We did the same thing and went to Oahu for a few days then hopped over to Maui. Maui was by far my favorite. It is GORGEOUS!!! I would suggest the helicopter tour, but not sure if you should since you’re pregnant. You might want to try the road to Hana. There are some amazing waterfalls along that road. We spent a lot of time just driving around and checking everything out. We went to this local flea market that was pretty cool and we snagged some neat gifts there. I hope you have a blast and I have total vacation envy now! Hahaha. xoxo
I know right?! When I showed my husband the dresses I bought for the trip, he said “wow, it feels like we are going on the Bachelor or something!” hahaha. I really want to do the road to Hana too–but I am scared that it’s just a big cliff that drops off and no road barrier! But I’m sure we will if my husband promises to drive 5mph.
You look beautiful and those dresses will be perfect. And while on Maui, if you take the Road to Hana trip to see waterfalls (which are gorgeous!) don’t take the unpaved road!!! You’ll understand if you do it. Just listen to what they say and turn around! We went there on our honeymoon and let’s just say the unpaved road return solidified our marriage in a huge way! LOL!! Have so much fun and drink a virgin lava flow for all of us stuck in Winter!
Ha, I’ve heard about those roads! I guess there’s a reason the rental car places make you sign something that you won’t drive that road while there, eh? haha.
And thank you so much!
Super cute dresses!! Love the second one especially! Have fun on your trip!
Those dresses are cute! Hawaii will be great! I agree with the others – the Road to Hana and the waterfalls along the way are really cool. Have fun!
I wanna go!! i wanna go! lol the dresses are cute, I love Nordstrom Rack, Im always finding great stuff there.
i was married on oahu and it was incredible! i never went to maui, so i am unfamiliar with that island.
your dresses look beautiful, have an amazing time!
Thank you Jenni!!
Cute cute cute!!! You are going to adore Hawaii! We spent 3 days in Honolulu and then the rest of our time (a week left) in Kauai. Honolulu is a bit crowded and touristy for my taste but you will still love it and Kauai was just perfect. It has small towns, uncrowded beaches and plenty to see and do. It’s known as the ‘garden island’. I’ve never been to Maui but hear it’s beautiful. You are going to love it!
yay for you, this will be an amazing trip! went to hawaii 2 years ago, and spent 6 days in maui and 4 in kauai. maui was my favorite-you can see the ocean from everywhere you drive, and you just really feeeel like you’re in hawaii. i would suggest the road to hana, but it’s a hairy drive. beware. i would go to a luau-we went to the old lahaina luau, and it was a fabulous show and great food. what else? ooh, the winery, although you couldn’t sip. but bring home some pineapple wine-deelish! the best beach we thought was the kapalua bay beach. it’s quieter and has good snorkeling. enjoy! we just planned a vacation to aruba, so this post is getting me in the tropical mood, for sure!
Oh good, that was the Luau I was going to book for us! We are staying right by near there. A lot of my books say that is one of the best Luaus.
Mmmm pineapple wine sounds fabulous!
You look so cute!! And the dresses are cute too! I really like the first two! Have fun on your trip!!
I’m loving your new dresses! We went to Kauai for our honeymoon, and found the “Hawaii Revealed” guidebook by Andrew Doughty invaluable. There’s one for each island. They’re bright blue & supposedly have all the local’s tips on what to do/eat/etc while you’re on each island.
Oh, what fun! I’ve never been, but its definitely on my bucket list. Super cute dresses and little baby bump! I’m sure whatever you do there will be amazing. Have fun!
Thanks so much Gloria!
You will love it there! I can see some new inspirations /project coming when you get back!:) LOve the dresses!
Im not sure what part of maui you will be in but if you are ever by lahaina, you HAVE to go to the Gazebo restaurant. I could go on and on about it. People line up quick for this place so you have to go early but TRUST me its a MUST DO!!!! I would fly to Maui just to go to Gazebo. Its amazing, the food is unbeatable as well as the view– banana pancakes while listening to the ocean!
http://www.tripadvisor.com/Restaurant_Review-g60634-d404362-Reviews-Gazebo_Restaurant_at_Napili_Shores-Lahaina_Maui_Hawaii.html
Oh awesome because we will be RIGHT by Laihaina!! Thanks so much and oh goodness I can’t wait for some banana pancakes!
I LOVE the second dress down – great colours and beautiful shape – especially the sideways one with the bump :o) Have a great holiday! Love reading your blog by the way – very inspirational!
Those are cute dresses! I’ve seen that bra thing, but I didn’t think it would work for me.
I’ve been to the Big Island and Kauai twice and loved it! It’s absolutely gorgeous. I’ve never been to Oahu and Maui though. I’m sure you’ll love them!
Aren’t you the styling little mama! Too cute! Hawaii is on the bucket list…just crossed off Key West! Have fun with your ‘toes in the water…”
I did this same trip five years ago. The polynesian cultural center (www.polynesianculturalcenter.com) on Oahu is AMAZING! Go see it if you can. And Maui was so beautiful. If you get carsick at all, you will hate the highway to Hana. It was awful. 30 + miles of hairpin turns every 100 yards. But, it was also gorgeous, the waterfalls and views were stunning. The garden of Eden arboretum about 7 miles in was beautiful. And Bubba Gumps Fish Factory… yummmm…. I’m so jealous. I would LOVE to go back!
Congrats on your trip! Sounds amazing…. We kind of had the same thing happen with my third. Planned a big 10th anniversary cruise and then bout 2 months before the trip I found out I was preggo! :)
Have fun!
YOU are adorable! I love the dresses…especially the second one, but of course, all of them are lovely. :) And girl, your bump! I just want to squeal! :) xoxo
was married in Maui 25 years ago and go back every year. since this is your first trip be sure to check out the Iao Needle (worth the drive) and cowboy country in the mountains. Dont forget to drive up to the Ritz Carlton for a cocktail and if at all possible, take a whale watching cruise. After that, just sit and relax and be sure not to miss a sunset sitting on the wall at Whaler’s village every night. Enjoy and Aloha!
We were in Maui last January. LOVED it! Our first trip there. Do the bamboo jungle trail, off the Hana Highway. There’s a waterfall at the end. Anything you do will be glorious. It’s paradise!
Love the dresses, you look so cute. They will be perfect for Hawaii. I went to Maui on my honeymoon 23 years ago and have been back a few times since. It is a paradise, you are going to have a great time.
My fav restaurant is Longhis in Lahaina. Also Mama’s Fish House in Kihei- you can watch the windsurfers while you eat. Check out Trip Advisor for their restaurant recommendations. The drive to Hana takes all day, and if you are the least bit quesy, I would skip it. Make sure and check out the lobbies of all the resorts (Four Seasons, Hyatt, Ritz)…the flowers and birds are beautiful.
Have a great trip!
I read this right after I left the earlier comment. She just returned from Maui and writes about fav restaurants.
http://www.greatthoughts.com/2012/01/fairmont-kea-lani/.html/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+GreatThoughtscom+%28GreatThoughts.com%29
Where did you get the first two dresses??? Gorg!! I am leaving for Maui in 11 days tomorrow! I am so excited. Hope you have a wonderful time!
We actually lived in Hawaii when we first got married, my husband was stationed there with the Navy.
We would take a drive around the island on days we got bored. :) It only took about 4 hours to do the whole island.
Places we really enjoyed were Diamond Head & Diamond Head lighthouse, the aquarium, the Polynesian Cultural Center that use to put on an amazing show, the Arizona memorial, shopping downtown, Barbers point lighthouse, great museums downtown, botanical gardens of Oahu, Hanauma Bay.
I can’t wait to hear what you picked to see. Have a great time!
I’ve been to Hawaii a few times since my grandmother lives there.. my favorite thing every time is definitely the Polynesian Cultural Center. It’s SUCH a fun day, but lots of walking for sure. I would definitely recommend you check it out online and see if it’s something you’d be interested in :) I also love hiking on the volcanoes (not sure if that’s feasible with the little peanut growing inside of you:) There are several hotels that offer real Hawaiian luaus on the beach and that is SO fun – highly recommended! :)
I went to Maui a couple of years ago for the first time. My husband was attending a conference there so I tagged along. We were there at the end of January/beginning of february and the whales were everywhere! We could see them from our balcony…is was so neat. I really wanted to go out on about to see them even closer but it just did not work out. We did the crater thing(cannot remember the name)….its like another world. It truly is cold up there so if you go take a jacket!! Tried to do the drive to the black sand beaches and all the waterfalls but that too took so much time from where we were staying it didn’t work out to see it all. It is a very curvy road and with you being pregnant it may not be the best thing if you’re the least bit queasy not to mention bathrooms are not plentiful. We had awesome dinners every night! I want to go back!!
Have fun!!
Wow – the dresses are fab! Maui is amazing – try to go to the luau on the beach in Wailea. It’s a few hotels down from the Four Seasons – much better than Lahaina since you’ll be right on the beach.
Have an fab time!
Kelly
The dresses are gorgeous! They’ll be perfect! And you’re little bump is so cute! I’m just a couple of weeks behind you, but my belly is already starting to get rather large! :)
We went to Hawaii on our honeymoon–spent time in Kauai and Oahu. While in Honolulu, make sure you go to Pearl Harbor. We also hiked Diamond Head, which really wasn’t too bad of a hike and would still be doable pregnant. The views are GREAT from up there! And, definitely do a whale-watching trip if you can. So cool!
You’re going to have a fantastic time! :)
Love the long flowy dresses! I’m usually not a commenter, but I fell in love with Maui last year (honeymoon) and couldn’t remain quiet. Here’s a brief roundup of some of the activities we did and that I’d recommend (no ziplining or helicopter tours for you): The luau in Lahaina (short drive) is spectacular (Feast at LeLe), Mama’s Fish House in Paia is not only delicious but provides fabulous photo opps, and a chartered dinner cruise in Kannapali. Apparently I name all the food choices first! The Road to Hana is worth doing but is LONG! I’d stop and get the CD that guides you through it, and tells you what to look for. My husband really enjoyed the sunrise over the Volcano, for me it was way too early in the morning and super cold. Also, if you head to Lahaina there are some super quaint stores for shopping. And lastly, if you find yourself needing a photographer (I did a honeymoon session on the beach and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent) email me, and I’ll send over who I used.
Sorry to be so long winded! Have an amazing time!!!!!
Thank you so much for commenting I really appreciate it! I totally wanted to zipline, but that was before I knew I was pregnant. :-/ I’d love for my husband to get to though! Thanks for the great tips too–I’m keeping notes. :)
My hubby and I spent a few days on Oahu in December then flew over to Maui. Be sure to visit Pearl Harbor on Oahu and the Road to Hana is a must do! Not scary at all. Just breath-taking. May I also suggest Mama’s Fish House on Maui. Pricey but worth every penny. You will need reservations and you can book on line. Aloooooooha!
I went to Oahu last Summer. LOVE, LOVED it! My husband and I talk about going back all the time. When you are in Honolulu try to take a trip to Kailua/Lanikai or the North Shore. Both are gorgeous. Try to go to Leonard’s Bakery for malasadas too (too die for Portugese donuts)! http://www.yelp.com/biz/leonards-bakery-honolulu And if you go to Kailua check out Boots & Kimo for macadamia nut pancakes – we ate there like three times in a week! http://www.yelp.com/biz/boots-and-kimos-homestyle-kitchen-kailua Let me know if you have any more questions!
Be careful on that tub!
We went to Hawaii about 4 years ago for my friend’s wedding. It was amazingly wonderful. We had a blast. We did Waikiki and Pearl Harbor first then Kaui.
Have an amazing time.
Oh, I’m jumping up and down!!!!! My Hubs has won (earned) many (8) trips to Hawaii but two since I’ve known him since he is sales and is very good at what he does. The first for he and I will be three years ago this June. We were married on South Makena beach at sunset on June 9th of that year. We had a traditional Hawaiian wedding with a wonderful Hawaiian minister. He played the eukelele and blew the conch. It was a beautiful Christian ceremony that is so treasured to us both. When we went to sign the marriage certificate, we looked over the mountains and there was a rainbow! Yikes, it still brings tears to my eyes! The next year, my hubs took me back for our anniversary. We again stayed again at the Hyatt in west Maui and they treated us like royalty. The trip was a dream-AGAIN. Hubs is a huge golfer so we spent a lot of time at some of the most gorgeous places in Maui We live in Texas and because Hubs is with a new start up company now we probably won’t be back until our 5 year anniversary-to renew our
vows. I pray that you too will have a trip of a lifetime. We love Hawaii!!!
You look great! I really like the first dress. Hope you have a fun/safe trip. take lots of pics. to show us. :)
Emily, I’m so excited for you to take this trip! I actually went to Maui a few years ago when I was pregnant, but only about 7 weeks along :) We went in February and it was whale watching season… I’m not sure if will line up with the time you are there, but if so, you should definitely do one of the whale watching boat rides. We saw several babies and mothers and a few came right up to the side of our boat. It was amazing! We also enjoyed the shopping and dining in Lahaina. Have SO much fun!!
Went there with my husbands work which also happened to be our first wedding anniversary….. Go to dinner at Roy’s on Maui….(although I think there is one on Oahu too)Fabulous restaurant! You have to see the Pearl Harbor monument. On Maui we drove up Haleakala….kind of scary road up but real pretty once your up there but bring a sweater its chilly!!
Check out Aloha Kayaks Maui. http://www.alohakayaksmaui.com/ They may be able to help out a cutie like yourself:) Have fun!
SO cute!!!!! Your little bump is adorable!!
Have SO much fun on your vacation :)
We had our destination wedding at Wailea, Maui. We spent two wonderful weeks touring the island with friends and families. Tops of our list were the road to Hana, horseback riding down into the Mt. Haleakala crater, the luau in Lahaina along the water, driving along the narrow roads around Kaanapali, and searching for hidden waterfalls and snorkeling spots. The fishbowl is a great snorkeling spot, but the trek is over long and dangerous lava field. You shouldn’t do the horseback riding, but the sun rising on top of the mountain is breathtaking nor should you trek over lava fields, but you should snorkel. You must however, go to Gannon’s at the Wailea Golf Course for outstanding food. We had our wedding reception there and were married on the upper tee box. Our guest still rave about the food.
Have a great time!
Lillian
I know everyone has already said so many wonderful things…. You will have a WONDERFUL time, from the moment you step off the plane -the beautiful air will just hit you… yum! Enjoy your trip. :)
My husband and I have lived on Oahu since 2006 so I have a long list of ideas for visitors (we have A LOT). We’ve also visited all the other islands and really like Maui. I thought the Road to Hana was a waste of time but that’s partly because the weather wasn’t great and after living here for so long you get used to amazing views everywhere. Rough, I know. :) And I hate twisty roads! Be sure to bring a light sweater or wrap for the evenings. The breezes can be quite cool. The picture you posted is of Hanauma Bay, a very popular snorkeling destination on our island. I’d be glad to offer any advice or help you might need. Feel free to email me.
Best strapless bra EVER. I love mine. I’m actually on my second one.. I’m part of the “itty bitty titty committee” so it’s hard to find bra’s period that work for me… let alone a strapless one!
Just a thought for your beach time – before I had my first child my husband and I went to Cancun. I was about 7 mos pregnant, I think. Big belly. BIG, big belly. My fondest memory is of my husband carving out a hole in the sand each day before we put the towel down so I could lay on my stomach on the beach when I wanted to. It was fabulous!! I’m a belly sleeper :) Enjoy your trip!! It’s so beautiful there.
My hubby and I actually got married in Hawaii…on the North Shore of Oahu. If you have time I really reccommend you checking out the North Shore. There is a super cool surf town-ish place called Haleiwa and then of course there is the Pipeline..and the surf is CRAZY this time of year. We actually got married there on Feb 18 years ago. Awesome time to be in Hawaii. I have always wanted to go back to go to Maui. I hope it’s amazing!!!
The road to Hana is hugely popular and outrageously beautiful but it is super super long…so be warned. (and very twisty turny…if youre not feeling well it might go south….& to be honest, the beauty is everywhere so it wasnt that worth the crazy amt of time for us) The town of Lahaina isnt that far and is absolutely awesome! Quaint, beautiful cutesy. Def going on Haleakala (volcano…mind blowing beauty and not nearly as long as Hana). Drink guava juice…esp strawberry guava. Go to the Northshore…thats the Hawaii you think of in your head. Crazy beautiful.
You look amazing and the dresses are really beautiful. Enjoy your vacation!
Here are four fun places to eat and two great beaches to visit on Maui, all in the direction of Kapalua from Lahina. First, for cheap eats, try the Aloha Mixed Plate Grill behind the Cannery Mall just outside of Lahaina proper. Sit as close to the water as you can get, relax and enjoy the view. Remember to breath. Next, try the Sea House restaurant on the beach (literally) at the Napili Kai Resort. Make a sunset reservation and take your camera. Watch for the torch bearer to light the tikis. Napili Beach is a great neighborhood beach too, if you want good snorkeling and a great place to swim away from the crowds and wind. I take a swim noodle and just bob in the water. Heaven. The next beach up the road (right next door to the Napili Kai and Merriman’s) is Kapalua Beach. IMHO, it is the prettiest beach on Maui. Just like Napili, the water is calm and a lovely swim. (You will want to retire at the Coconut Grove condos behind this beach.) Continuing up the same road to the the Ritz Carleton resort, have breakfast or lunch at the Honolua Store near the hotel. Eat on the patio and watch for bright red cardinals. For an extra treat, try breakfast at the Gazebo Restaurant at the Napili Shores hotel (at the opposite end of Napili Beach from the Sea House). Plate-sized macadamia nut pancakes. Get in line by 7:30a if you can. Enjoy.
I love Maui!!!!! Napili beach is the best place to build a sand castle and go for a little swim. I go there every moment I can get when I’m on Maui. The best place for Snorkeling is Kapalua beach. I saw an eel and a turtle out there!!! I love Maui!!!! })i({
We have lived in Honolulu for almost six years now. We are also going to Maui at the end of the month for a somewhat “staycation” at our favorite resort, the Grand Wailea”. Maui by far is my favorite island. Sad ly, when you live here, it can be easy to forget to stop and take in the beauty of the Island right in front of your eyes, because I have never lived anywhere even close to the beauty of these Islands. Have a safe and fun trip. Enjoy every minute of it! When we move this summer, my husband will be dragging me onto the plane. I will truly miss it here.