Essential Maternity Basics You’ll Love

It’s true – I’m a creature of habit with the clothing items I love! Especially when I am pregnant, and even more so when I have found the perfect level of comfort! After two pregnancies, I can confirm that these items are my very favorite go-to’s. Most of the items are shown in black but most do come in other colors as well – I just tend to wear a lot of black when pregnant! Black tends to be a bit more slimming while lighter colors and patterns add to the cause. 🙂 All items are linked below, trust me, these are the very best – I wouldn’t steer you wrong!

Aerie Real Me Boybrief Undie

Comfort Slip On Memory Foam Slippers

Surplice Front Jumpsuit

Full Busted Seamless Nursing Bra

Play Real Me High Waisted Legging

Pure Body V-Neck Long Sleeve

Pure Body V-Neck Short Sleeve

Maternity Tank Dress

Maternity 3/4 Sleeve Dress

Ruched Waist Sleep Shorts

Secret Fit Shaping Panty

Jill & Joey Maternity Belt 

Here are some images of me wearing these items over the past 9 months:

I’m so basic 🙂

Which items will be you be grabbing? What am I missing from this list? Let me know which items you try!

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Diaper Bags for the Cool Mom {Part 2!}

Hey mamas! How are we!? Anyone getting winter depression/anxious from being cooped up in this horrid weather!? It’s a thing… LOL I certainly am! I was just in CA for 5 days and came back to a blizzard – not exactly my idea of enjoyable BUT I am glad to be back with my guys! Hopefully only 6ish more weeks left of winter…we can so do it!!

Last year I posted a list of “diaper bags for the cool mom” and got a great response on the suggestions, so here I am to do part 2! I’ve tried a ton of diaper bags and definitely prefer the backpack style OR a bag that can convert to both an over the shoulder and a backpack. You already have enough things to carry as a Mom – your diaper bag should make your life easier and allow you to be hands free.

I see posts daily on Facebook or in the groups I’m apart of where Moms are constantly asking for diaper bag suggestions. Why is a diaper bag so important? WELL – once you become a mom, your diaper bag is essentially your purse. It’s your sanity for getting from place to place in a prepared manner. No more designer or cute handbags being used on a daily basis – unless you have 3 hands to carry both, which you don’t. Your diaper bag is now your fashion identity (I wish I was kidding!) Don’t feel like your diaper bag needs to be juvenile or have puppy print and hearts on it because it is being used for your child. You can see below that I am a huge fan of the classy neutrals/solids only, in the bags I carry. I also 100% think it is worth investing in a great diaper bag – you will use it DAILY and you need to feel like it’s comfortable, efficient, easy to carry, and easy to pack. Without further ado, here are my 2018 recos:

Skip Hop Greenwich Simply Chic

Fawn Design Backpack

Skip Hop Greenwich Simply Chic Diaper Tote

JJ Cole Backpack Diaper Bag

Freshly Picked Convertible Diaper Backpack

Highbury Hill Diaper Backpack

Honest City Backpack

Itzy Ritzy® Backpack Diaper Bag

JJ Cole Arrington Tote Diaper Bag

Skip Hop Suite 6 Piece Backpack

The bag I am using in these photos is the Fawn Design original in PLUM. Unfortunately the plum is SOLD OUT right now 😦 but it does come in 4 additional colors. I really love that this bag is spacious and can convert from an over the shoulder, to a cross body, to a backpack.

^mean muggin

Does anyone have one of these bags? I’d love to hear how you like it! If anyone purchases a bag above, please let me know – would also love to see a photo! Hope this helps!

 

Affordable & Fashionable FALL Lenses {with the Glasses Shop}

Hey hey hey babes! How is it going? I’m trying to figure out where the Summer went, but I’m also veryyy excited for fall. It is my favorite time of the year, and this year, it is also the season of my WEDDING!

 I am ALSO very excited to share my best kept online shopping secret with you all: The Glasses Shop. I first wrote about this site here last year and am so thrilled to be working with them again. I mean, how CUTE are these purple frames? I’m seriously obsessed – and they are perfect for all my fellow green eyed beauties.

I am always shocked when people remind me how expensive frames and lenses are at your typical brick & mortar stores…and most of the time they are not fully covered by insurance. Ain’t nobody got time OR money for that! Insert: The Glasses Shop. Your online shop for affordable, functional, and convenient frames & lenses. The tag line is technically: “budget buy eyewear site.” Like, really affordable:

• Frames are BOGO with code GSBOGO

• And your whole order is 30% off with my code GSHOT30!!

Update: here is a holiday 2019 deal for you as well:

Your next question may be – what about the quality? I was SHOCKED when I received my first pair of glasses last year. The lenses were immaculate, the frames were sturdy, and they came with both a case and cleansing cloth. I would 100% recommend this (hence why I’m doing a full blog post!) site to anyone looking for glasses!

Because they are so affordable, I like choosing a few pairs as “fashion” pieces. When lenses & frames are typically costing you $300+ at other locations, you want to get the most basic, “go with everything” pair. When you buy from The Glasses Shop you can afford to do a black, a brown, a clear, and even a PURPLE pair if you’d like! I have a feeling that glasses will be my #1 FALL FASHION staple at this price!

Here is the easiest way to order:

• Call your eye doctor and have them email over your prescription and PD (papillary distance) which is essentially the distance between your eyes to fit the glasses – you will need these for placing the order

• Find a pair of glasses that you like & upload a picture of yourself so that you can virtually try them on – this is a really cool feature of the site!

• Order a few pairs and wait for them to arrive!

• Enjoy!

A few more pairs that are in my cart from The Glasses Shop:

 

Douglas Oval – TortoiseFlynn Round – Black

Park Oval – Crystal 

Kimberley Rectangle Purple Frames

Lace-Up Hoodie

Lancer Sneaker (want in every color!)

Lexie Beary + Kiss for a Cause LipSense

I hope you all have an amazing weekend – please share photos with me if you purchase a pair of eyeglasses off this site! love ya!

Rompers are a Mom’s Best Friend!

Hi Guys! Happy Tuesday. I hope you all had an amazing long weekend<3

I posted earlier last week that I took about a week off of posting on Instagram, and that sometimes real life needs you more than social media does. Do you agree? This is not to say that social media isn’t real life, but it is only PARTS of a person’s life, and that’s okay. It felt good to take a break from posting but …I am back because I have wayyy too many blog drafts started for my own good – time to crank out some shiz just in time for the warmer weather!

Let’s start with a discussion on my favorite Spring/Summer fashion necessity: ROMPERS. Are they not a Mom’s best friend? I’ll tell you why.

Have you ever tried chasing a toddler in a dress? The amount of bending over, squatting, and running around just does not mix well –enter: Romper. Still flowy and loose, but with built in shorts! I also feel as if choosing one piece to wear is easier than choosing two. Lastly, there is something so comforting to me about having something around my waist. Is that weird? I was like that before Calvin, but feel like a waist band (or at least spanx) are 100% necessary after having a child. Makes me feel more…secure? lol

Gimme all the affordable MOMpers in the world.

I found this affordable and gorgeous romper at no other than a Mom’s 2nd best friend…Target! I am obsessed with both the color and the sleeve cut.

I’m not a huge clothing shopper to begin with, but when life gets crazy, I don’t shop hardly AT ALL! It’s nice to find something affordable and quick for the weekend when stopping for diapers, groceries, or running errands. I highly suggest checking out Target for more affordable romper finds such as these:

Aztec Queen Ruffle Cold Shoulder Romper

Women’s Double Stripe Romper

Women’s High Neck Lace Romper

Women’s Off-the-shoulder Romper

What is your summer go-to? Where can I find? Please catch me up – need to get my mama style together! 🙂

Feeling Peachy in Pink Blush {+another giveaway!}

HI BABES – HOW WAS THE WEEKEND?! It’s been a MINUTE since I posted – will share where I have been (& why) later this week<3

You all should know by now that I am a huge PINK BLUSH fan – this is my 3rd time working with them and I could not be more excited!

I received this beautiful peachy/coral off the shoulder shirt earlier this month and fell in love immediately – I love the unique details on the straps and off the shoulder draping. It is an amazing color, flattering, perfect for Spring, and comfortable – what more could a girl want?

Pink Blush is NOT just maternity wear – they carry a full women’s, accessory & shoe line – and every item is adorable! Many of the items in the shop will take you from pre-pregnancy, through pregnancy and post-pregnancy as they are flattering and made for all stages of a women’s life.

I want to gift this shirt or any item you choose this week to one follower – so I teamed up with Pink Blush to give away a $50 gift card! I just announced the giveaway and entry rules on my instagram so head on over to enter! Winner will be choosen on Friday, May 12th.

I hope you have an amazing week – kick some ass & take some names!

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PS — Can we please talk about my new Cincinnati photographer Hyun Ah Perez Photography? I posted back in March that I was looking for an awesome new photographer to work with after our move back to OH and in the midst of LIFE I started to fall behind on my posts because I was running low on time to find someone great that would just “get” what I was looking for. Through the fate of the universe Hyan (Hannah) found ME on Facebook and here we are! I highly recommend her services – you will be seeing a lot more of her work in the future on Running with Strollers 🙂

 

 

 

 

V-Day Chill Mode + February Favorite Gift Picks!

Hi Guys! We’re well into the month of love and I’m pretty sure we’ll be celebrating this on the blog until March. A lot of people say February isn’t a great month for them but I love it because it is a month for a few special birthdays, including mine and Calvin’s! Also, it’s my first V-Day with two Baes and that’s a pretty cool thing. We don’t typically do anything too special and this year won’t be much different…especially since Calvin is tucked in by 7:30pm each night and we won’t have a babysitter.

ENTER: CHILL MODE

Chill Mode is my favorite mode since becoming a Mom and Feb 14th will be no different. I’m not going to lie, besides seeing Calvin’s sweet face after work, my 2nd favorite part of the day is when he’s finally asleep and I get a moment to just take a deep breath and TAKE. A. BREAK.

Chill Mode often translate to my style as well…I love this comfy, V-Day inspired look. I’m not typically a “pink” girl but this cable knit sweater is the comfiest (#1 priority) – and it’s so festive for Feb!

Sweater

Charcoal Leggings

Chill Mode on V-day for us will probably be dinner at home (maybe we’ll even get crazy and get some Chipotle), a glass of wine (haven’t really been drinking much more than that lately), and probably a netflix movie (we watched finding Dory this week, without Calvin, because we’re really cool.) It’s the little things, you guys. Do you have any other ideas? What are parents supposed to do on Vday? How else do we chill?

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I feel like most people don’t do much more than a card, chocolate, and/or flowers for Vday so you should probably ask for one of these blush picks (or just get it for yourself, duh!) I own all of these items and they are my current February Favorites! 

1 – Burts Lip Gloss

Love how all Burt’s products are 100% natural!

2 – Hearts Mug

Less than $10 and THE CUTEST!

3 – Blush Sneakers

On sale for $20! More colors available. Same pair I am wearing in the photos.

4 – Kindred Goods

This is Old Navy’s new beauty line – Orange Blossom scent is amazing! Pick up in the checkout line in your local store.

5 – Rose Gold/Blush Aviators (similar)

The ones I am wearing in the photo are actually from Forever 21, but I cannot find online. Check out these or find in store @forever.

 Splurge! – Rose Gold iwatch 

I got an iwatch for my birthday and it is helping me so much to stay on track with my workouts! I have gold but love this ROSE gold for the holiday!

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2016 Best Wrap Coat Round-Up!

Hey hey all!!! How are we hanging in before the holidays!? 12/22 is my last day of work until I am off until January – so excited! But this day has arrived so. slowly. Can’t wait for a few days off with my family. I explained why in this instagram post.

We got our holiday pics done earlier this month with my gal Henrietta of The Real HB Media and I wore my favorite holiday red wrap coat. I bought this coat last December when I was in desperate need of a winter coat and knew that since you can wrap it to any size, it would fit this year as well. Wrap coats are honestly the best – so flattering, and great for any size (pregnant, postpartum, no kids, etc.)

I first posted about this coat and linked my favorite wrap coats of 2015 here. So now I bring you…..my favorite wrap coats of 2016 below!

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The ‘merlot’ colored coat I am wearing above is actually Vera Wang (but last season) so here is the look alike:

T Tahari (they have the best wrap coats) Marla Wool Blend

BCBG Wool Wrap CoatEllen Tracy Faux Shearling

T Tahari Wool Blend Belted Wrap

 Marla Leopard Wrap Coat

Calvin Klein Short Belted Wrap Coat

Charles Gray London Plaid

Vera Wang Wool Leather Sleeve 

Ralph Lauren Wool Blend Wrap

IVANKA TRUMP Wool-Blend Belted Coat

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As it gets colder and colder outside, these warm coats come in handy -and like I mentioned I really feel you can re-wear from year to year. Such a key piece to invest in! Which one is your favorite? Where is your favorite place to purchase pretty winter coats?

Happy Holidays in advance my loves!

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The 10 Best Diaper Bags for the “Cool Mom”

Hi Friends!! How’s it going? How are we feeling about the holidays? #Stressed? #Blessed? Have you made a list of what you’d like? The concept of asking for gifts gets stranger to me the older I get. Like, if I want something, I probably can’t wait till Christmas and I will most likely just buy it for myself at some other time in the year. I’m not saying that to come off like I can buy anything I want, but more to say I have no self control when I really want something, LOL!

My mom usually likes to get us one “big” gift for Christmas like a nice purse, a pair of boots, a new watch…basically it’s usually an accessory that is our one larger or more expensive gift. I’ll never forget the year that I needed a new CHI hair straightener but my little sister got one instead – I got really mad because I was selfish little jerk and these are the types of things sisters fight over. Am I right? Fortunately, I’ve grown out of this stage and know that gifts are truly one of the least important parts of the holidays at this point in my life.

When trying to think about the ONE gift I’d really want to ask for, I was actually having a lot of trouble, and still am! Normally I would have no problem adding like 10 purses to a wish list, but now it just seems silly to ask for that when 99% of the time I’m either at work or out with the baby – aka trying to minimize my bags and consolidate. When we go out on the weekends, I always throw my personal belongings in the diaper bag and hardly end up using a purse. Things you don’t think about before you have a baby. I first wrote about this here.

Alas, I’ve rounded up the best, most stylish diaper bags for you babes. Very KEY to remaining a cool mom. I have the first two and switch between them often! I think these are all great gift ideas for your own wish list, or for the “cool mom” in your life (yes I’m calling myself cool.)

Skip Hop Chelsea Diaper Bag

Skip Hop Chelsea Downtown Chic Diaper Bag

The Honest Co City Faux Leather

PPB Pathway Backpack

Little Unicorn Manifest Bag

Fawn Design GraySkip Hop 2-in-1 Diaper ToteMaxi-Cosi Rachel Zoe Jet Set Diaper BagBabymel Ally Faux Leather

Little Unicorn Brookside Tote

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I hope everyone is having a great last “full” week before Christmas and New Years! Hang in there mamas, we’re in for a great holiday season!

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More Neutrals [with CupShe] + Options to Accessorize!

Hi Friends – I can’t believe this is the first time I’m posting this month. Let’s just say it’s been a crazy December and I’m just trying to make it through 2016 in one piece 🙂 Although this is one of the best times of year, it can also be the most stressful! Who else is with me?

I’m excited to finally share this shirt from CUPSHE – my newest fave online shop I just recently ordered from for the first time. Their items can only be found online and are super super affordable if you’re looking to mix it up! Also- I was actually blown away by the quality of the items I purchased!

This black, brown and white top is so ME – that sounds so cheesy but it’s true! Anyone who knows me would agree. I’ve mentioned before that I love any piece of clothing or accessory that I can mix with black and brown, so I had to have this shirt. It was only 23.99 and can be found here.

Because this shirt is super casual, I wore with leggings (because they are technically pants) and brown booties.

^Michael Kors watch
^Purse is Adrienne Vittadini
Get this look from CUPSHE:

CupShe is currently offering some deals on already great prices now – 12/26. Banners below will allow you to redeem the deals:

Some accessories to go with:

We have a packed weekend ahead of us – Calvin dr appt, blog pics today (much needed!), brunch on Sunday with some co-workers, oh and we NEED to pick up our apartment. It is a disaster during the week and we always use the weekends to tidy up! What are your plans?  Are you done Christmas shopping? I’m not even close!

Love you all & hug those loved ones tight this weekend ❤

*this post may contain affiliate links in which I would receive some commission for your purchase*

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It’s Officially Sweater Weather (+a DOUBLE Pink Blush Giveaway!)

It’s finally SWEATER WEATHER! The comfiest time of the year (I’m ALL about comfort so it’s my favorite.) A co-worker asked me the other day how many comfy sweaters I have (since I’ve been wearing them alot.) Literally a million – this is what I live in during the fall/winter much like everyone else! You know that meme saying “my swimsuit body wasn’t ready but my sweater body is on point?” Well, that is 100% me this year!

I am kicking off SwEaTeR wEaTheR with a Pink Blush giveaway!

I first experienced pink blush earlier this year when featuring this mint floral dress and I was hooked! So flattering and a great fit for my new post-partum bod at that time. Pink Blush is the best one stop shop for transitioning from pregnancy, post-baby and beyond – I love ANYTHING that can be repurposed and re-wearing everything *guilty* so these pieces are my favorite.

“PinkBlush brings the latest trends in maternity clothes to the modern mother so that she can transition into pregnancy without skipping a beat, delivering bold prints in vibrant hues to make sure you stand out in style. We offer a comfortable, stylish, and always affordable look for every occasion from Baby Showers to Weddings in a simple and enjoyable shopping experience. It’s your one-stop shop for every wardrobe essential from maternity tops and maternity jeans to shoes and accessories. Fortunately, these styles will not only dress your growing bump, but effortlessly adjust to motherhood and beyond.” – shoppinkblush.com

I paired this Navy Heavyknit Turtleneck Sweater with black jeggings (I swear I live in them) and my go-to black booties.

Calvin is wearing this gray and navy henley, koala baby jeans, and navy slip-ons. He looks so handsome!

I am currently hosting a giveaway on instagram for a $50 Pink Blush giftcard! Super easy to enter and an e-gift certificate will be sent straight to the winner via email. Giveaway will close on 11/8 at 11:59pm. SO head over to IG ASAP & good luck entering! ❤

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I want to give one of my pregnant mama friends or new mama friends with that ‘new mom bod’ this fabulous, comfortable, beautiful Pink Blush dress pictured below. This giveaway will be exclusive to the blog, meaning there will be no other way to enter that right here at RWS. Less people will probably enter, so your chance of winning is greater.

This dress has a value of $65, is almost sold out on the site, is a size Medium – fits true to size – and is brand new with tags on!

Please let me know if you have any other questions about the dress.

To enter to win this dress, all you have to do is enter your email below to subscribe to Running with Strollers! If you already follow RWS via email, comment below and let me know, then I will enter you in the giveaway.

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I’m so excited about this DoUbLe giveaway – so make sure to take advantage now through 11/8!

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As always, thanks babes for following and reading! My ONE YEAR anniversary of blogging is coming up on 11/9…the only thing that keeps me going is my blog friends and readers 🙂

HAVE AN AMAZING WEEKEND!Don’t forget to follow me on my socials! I’d love to have you!

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Telling Time w/ JORD Unique Wood Watches

I’ve talked about “time” in several previous posts – the shortage of time we are all up against, and how fast time flies, especially when we get caught up in “life.” I joked in my instagram post yesterday that I need a watch to constantly check out the time I don’t have 😂 how true is this though? I know so many of my other friends feel the race against the clock each day and truly understand that time is the most valuable asset we can possess. So I guess I wasn’t really joking afterall! I’ve been feeling this so much lately. Blocking time and being smart with how I use it is suddenly more important than ever.

On a lighter note – I’m so excited about this partnership with JORD Wood Watches not only because the importance of staying ” on track” each day, but because I am obsessed with watches – they truly bring a look together! I love neutral watches that I can wear with a variety of outfits. I have my ‘go-to’ silver, gold, black, and now a WOOD watch to wear on repeat.

Yes, this very good looking watch is made of super high quality wood! The face is large and the look is pretty masculine overall which I actually prefer. I don’t have a super feminine style and this dark color is perfect for all the brown and black I have been wearing this season. My exact style, called the Frankie in Dark Sandlewood & Smoke can be found here.

JORD offers both a line of men’s and women’s watches – both which are stunning, different, and eye catching to others. I’ve gotten so many compliments since wearing mine in both the office and social settings!

Because I want to share the love (duh) you can enter here to win $75.00 off a wood watch of your choice. Just by entering, you will receive a complimentary $20 off code for a watch of your choice. With the holidays coming, this would be a super cool gift for either a guy or girl in your life.

The contest will close November 6th at 11:59pm. Both the $75 and the $20 codes will expire on January 1st 2017.  So get to entering 🙂

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What else am I wearing?

Sweater  (Old Navy)

Boots – Similar (Old Navy)

Jeans (Gap)

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*this post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches*

Watch Gift Ideas

Family Pumpkin Patching (in Free People!)

 We finally made it to the pumpkin patch yesterday – which means it officially feels like fall! The past two weekends have been rainy and dreary here, so this was the first weekend we’ve had in a while where we could even make it outside. We took full advantage….I think all of central NJ was at this same orchard!

I said we were going to get Calvin’s first pumpkin, but I really wanted to go for the apple cider and donuts…duh! We waited in line 45 min for a bag of donuts, but there was no way I was leaving without them. Craig had never had warm, orchard made, cider donuts (aka he has never lived) and he said the wait was #worthit.

I wasn’t originally going to do a post on our pumpkin patch adventure but we ended up getting some great photos that I wanted to share in one spot. I can’t get over Calvin in his plaid and jeans. I also realized that both the top and jeans I wore are some of my favorite ‘Free People’ items that I own, so I linked below and left some tips on where and when to find this brand on sale.

I LOVE Free People clothing – the material is so soft, quality, and comfy! BUT I never buy full price…watch for this brand at Nordstrom Rack and in the sale sections of Macy’s, Lord & Taylor and Nordstrom. You can absolutely get items discounted year round! The shirt I am wearing is originally $98 and I got for 54% off at Nordstrom Rack. The jeans are originally $78 and I got for $25 at Nordstrom Rack. The cheapest I found online right now is at Macy’s for $32 (but they have 25% off sitewide!) I highly recommend sizing down (this is a Small and it’s big!) & Free People as a brand in general, but do not recommend paying full price 🙂

Free People Purple Hi-Lo Blouse – Purple

Free People Hi-Lo Blouse – Black (54% off!)

Free People Purple Top – Similar (40% off)

Free People Relaxed Skinny Jeans (on sale!)

Large ‘K’ Pendant Necklace 

Kayla Sunglasses

Craig’s Plaid Flannel

What are some other fall family activities we could do with an infant? Any ideas!? I loveee seeing all of your fall family pics, keep them coming friends!

PS – I am also still loving Snapchat (as opposed to instastories) and I need some new friends! Follow us @greenskm:

We are off to meet our friends’ new baby today, get some blog shots for upcoming posts (some exciting partnerships!) and I want to make some chili for football! Have a great Sunday…talk soon!