OUTFIT DETAILS: PLAID BUTTON UP  ||  JEANS  ||  OLD JACKET, SIMILAR HERE AND HERE  ||  DUCK BOOTS  ||  SUNGLASSES 

Last year we had a really mild winter — I think we turned the heat on twice, and I wore a coat maybe three times but didn’t ever really need one. We had planned to go up to the mountains to take the boys sledding and build a snowman, but our surrounding mountains never got enough snow. This year they’ve already had their first snowfall, so we’re excitedly planning a little weekend getaway!

So of course I’m pulling out my duck boots and breaking them in so they’re ready for the snow. They’re the perfect waterproof, cozy, and cute snow boots, especially when I pair them with a super thick and cozy pair of socks, but also work great as a clunky pair of fall boots to take exploring, or just crunch through the leaves. I paired them with plaid and my favorite lightweight jacket for a cool fall afternoon.

Also, three other things of note, just because it’s Friday:

1. Next week marks the beginning of Merrick’s Guide to the Holidays! The past two years I’ve done my Handmade Holidays, but this year I’m stepping it up with weekly themes that will include party ideas, sewing and DIY projects, gift guides, giveaways, and more, all pertaining to that week’s theme. They will start next week and run all the way through the week of Christmas. I’m so excited about it, and you will not want to miss it, so make sure you check back on Monday when it all launches!

2. I’m participating in a fun holiday campaign with Kathy Davis, all about Creating a Life You Love. I’m such a huge advocate of taking control of your own happiness and making your life special just because you deserve it, and it’s been fun to reflect on a bit of that with this campaign. Follow along on Instagram (@merricksart) so you can catch my next few posts with her!

3. Yesterday I hit 23 weeks with this pregnancy. Although I still feel like I have a ways to go, the weeks are flying by and I can’t believe I’m already this far along. Baby is 11 inches long, and he’s an active baby — especially around Halloween when I was feeding him candy. We also finalized his name last week, which is always a big weight off of our shoulders — now we have four months to say it aloud a million times and make sure it’s right. Does anyone else have to do this with baby names?

Happy Friday!

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photos by jana laurene

[boyfriend tee: target, jeans: abercrombie (altered by me), both belts: cozy boutique, earrings: gift from Brit, shoes: steve madden via plato’s closet, watch dkny]

Although I like doing these challenges, it seriously wears me out. I know, what can be so draining about choosing an outfit? I don’t know…I am weak. Good thing my husband dragged me out of the house to meet him for lunch or else I might never have gotten dressed today.

So after a week of outfits, it’s time for a casual Friday. Out comes the boyfriend tee and my insanely comfortable new favorite jeans. I’ll be back in full swing tomorrow, but right now all I want to do is lay on the couch and paint my nails with my new gray nail polish.

Til tomorrow!