momblog – Everyday Glam Guide

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!

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!

Rompin’ Around {in Rose & Wesley}

So you may be wondering why I am writing and sharing a red, white & blue themed post and outfit for Calvin approximately 3 weeks after the 4th of July …. well this Mommy is just a littttle behind on blogging but we’re going with it. Does anyone else feel like life is running them over? JK, that’s an exaggeration. Kinda. Calvin sure looks like he is ALWAYS proud to be an American anyways:)

I had the pleasure of working with Mandi from Rose & Wesley – the cutest online boutique where all of the items are handmade and the tagline is “Making Playtime Beautiful.” She was so sweet and sent me this hand sewn romper for Calvin. So. cute.

Cal is wear the LIAM romper which is so so soft and comfy for an active little boy. The romper is stretchy so it slips right on from the bottom up. I can’t wait to get more for him – just like I love a good “momper”, they also work for the babes.

|Hat is from Jack and Winn|Shoes are from Converse |

Use code KGLOVES for 15% any order at Rose & Wesley!

Livin’ in Athleisure (with Old Navy!)

Hi Friends! Happy Hump Day 🙂 How are your weeks going? We are heading to our tasting for our wedding tonight and I’m pretty excited to finally focus on some planning…and to eat some yummy food (…as I write about athleisure…)

I wasn’t originally going to write a whole post on this but after some good response and questions from my last IG post, I had to write about one of my latest obsessions – activewear from Old Navy! I have been off work for a few weeks and have been LIVING in these items. Now…if only I can find a way to continue wearing when returning to the office. We do have a gym here so I will be bringing with me for workouts when I can!

My brother in law, who by the way has amazing style, asked me where I got this outfit because it “looked expensive.” SCORE! Jokingly I said, it’s from like Lululemon or something like that…

But really, the pants, bra and shirt are all from Old Navy and I am so impressed by the affordability and quality of these items. Although I do believe that expensive activewear is always worth it, I love that I can get that quality from Old Navy and have even more of a variety.

I love putting on “athleisure” type items on weekends or days when I’m off – they are comfortable/easy to move in and honestly, I’m more likely to workout (either run or do a home workout) when I am already dressed. Sometimes getting ready is the hardest part for me!

Hyun Ah Perez Photography

Here are the outfit deets–

Go-Dry Ultra-Light Surplice-Back Top : now on sale and available in 5 colors. I am wearing a size Medium in “Prom Queen Neon.”

Go-Dry Strappy Light Support Sports Bra (similar) : now on sale and available in black & floral. I am wearing a size Large. If I were to run or do something more high imptant, I would have to wear a full coverage bra or add another bra. #bigboobprobs this lighter support bra is perfect for true athleisure wear or yoga/barre/pilates type exercises.

High-Rise Go-Dry Compression Capris: now on sale – wearing a Medium in “Black Mini Dot.”

Where do you shop for activewear/athleisure? What am I missing out on? You babes always have the best recos!! Have a fantastic rest of your week, mamas!

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All images captured by Hannah from Hyun Ah Perez Photography.

Moms Matter Too: Post-Partum Stress/Anxiety + The Importance of Self Care

Alright guys, I’m going to do it, I’m going to be another #momblogger writing about self care. Honestly, before I was a mom, I didn’t even understand what “self care” meant and I sure as hell didn’t understand why so many moms were talking about it. I mean, it’s not that hard to take care of yourself, right? But at the beginning of this year, I feel like I got hit by a truck in my understanding of it and why self care should be our #1 priority. Yes – I said #1, before baby, before husband, before work, etc. If you aren’t talking care of yourself, ALL of these things suffer. I have felt it first hand.

I am bringing this up because I think a lot of moms read my blog probably think that I have it all together – a good job, a beautiful and healthy baby, a great fiance, a blog with pretty pictures that I am able to keep up even when life gets crazy…but that doesn’t mean that this shit is easy or that the last year has been all fairies and rainbows. In fact I sincerely hope from some of my other heartfelt posts that I don’t come across that way. It wouldn’t be honest of me if I didn’t talk about this part of motherhood.

For the second half of 2016, I was doing okay on the outside, but literally scraping by on the inside. The stress of returning to work and a normal life, only now with a baby, was probably the hardest life transition I have gone through. Having a baby that didn’t (still doesn’t always) sleep through the night and then going to work all day, left me exhausted by 7pm each night. I curbed that exhaustion with an excuse to not exercise and eat cookies every night if I wanted, because.. I (didn’t) GAF. I didn’t want to get out of bed in the morning because lack of exercise was leaving me even more lethargic, and my body started showing stress in many different ways that I had never experienced before (grinding my teeth, headaches, muscle twitches in random places.) When I ended up seeing a doctor in January for unrelated issues, I brought up my concerns. She is the one who explained to me that stress can present itself in many weird ways and my concern that I had developed a muscular disorder resulting in muscle twitches, was probably just stress.

If all of this sounds concerning to you, it’s because it is. I finally realized at the end of 2016, right around the time I stopped breastfeeding, that I had slowly bottled up a lot of Post-Partum Anxiety (I don’t say Post-Partum Depression, because I don’t think it got to that level) on-set NOT ONLY by life with a baby but stressful work, wedding planning, expectations on this blog, family health issues, and LIFE. I know it wasn’t anxiety caused by baby alone. I have explained this feeling to others as feeling trapped…that’s the best word I have for it. Not depressed, just trapped in a cycle that I couldn’t get out of. I had never once felt anxiety before having a child, and suddenly I was consumed by it. Craig asked so many times how he could help, but he was already pulling so much weight and I realized it was my responsibility to start taking care of myself and figure out how to make it better.

I have become extremely passionate about making sure that Moms Matter – once we have baby, we tend to shift the focus there, lose ourselves, and then fall into an anxiety ridden state of no longer having your own life, goals, and significance. Please tell me this isn’t just me, that others have longed for freedom and time to just focus on what YOU want for once.

For me, PPA was not immediate upon the birth of my son like it is for some – it was a gradual decline starting at about 4 months PP until about 10 months PP. Only now can I look back, reflect, and write about these things, because I finally feel that I am coming out on the other side. I was too deep in it before and too STUCK to be able to realize what was happening, how to get out of it, or how to help other Moms. In that same doctor appointment that I referenced before, she gave me a mini therapy session on small steps I could take to relieve some stress and anxiety – I had no choice but to try and take her advice. These are the things that have helped me feel more like myself, defend against PPA and create more energy in my life:

Consistent Exercise

I went from exercising 5-6 days/week before pregnancy, continued exercising until 20 weeks, and then pretty much stopped completely. I started again when Calvin was 8 weeks and felt amazing. Then I went back to work, then I made excuses, then I completely fell off the wagon. Turns out it is the most important wagon of all. Once I got back into a consistent (still not as much as before!) routine, a lot of stress and anxiety subsided, grinding of my teeth lessened, and I just felt overall better about myself and had more energy. If someone is going wrong in your life, I suggest taking some time to get moving and see if that helps.

Do Something you Love for YOU

I’m sure a lot of people in my life have wondered why I haven’t given up blogging when things get busy or I get overwhelmed – I mean it’s just an extra THING that takes up more TIME, right!? WRONG. This blog is what I started when I was pregnant for ME. When I was suddenly unexpectedly pregnant, working in a stressful environment, and newly living 600 miles from all friends and family, I needed an outlet…I needed to create something to focus on outside of the other stressors. I posted on instagram here that this blog started out about ME and trying to inspire others, but the opportunities that have come to me and the people I’ve met have inspired ME and I now write for all of YOU as well. I think everyone needs something of their own to work towards, a creative outlet, a business, a platform, that they can be proud of. I’ll be announcing soon Part II of RwS soon – aka my latest endeavor. What can you do for you?

Find a Strong Relatable Community

ALL Moms want to come across strong, like they are conquering the world, and let’s be honest, we are. Moms often answer with, “good!” when we first ask how it’s going…but if you really sit down and talk to a new mom, a veteran mom, or anyone caring for other humans, they will get real with you. I don’t think we feel like we can really say how we are feeling often enough and we think that everything we are experiencing, everything we are feeling is just “normal” for a new mom. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t. I know we can all relate to the tough stuff, and having a community in which you can talk with, helps so much. Just to know that someone else has been through or is going through the same challenge you may be facing is really helpful. So, please reach out to me and we can chat if you feel so inclined – I would love that!

Break Free of Comparison & Social Media Pressure

I read an article recently talking about how parenting now is harder than parenting was 20, 30 years ago because of the insane amount of pressure put on us to do it all, have it all, while looking and feeling amazing. I don’t think that our parents had it easy by any means and can’t say I totally agree with that statement BUT I think social media is the cause of this statement. The only pressure we should feel is from wanting to better ourselves and our family. If you feel that pressure from other moms or what you see on social media is messing with your parenting, I would highly suggest taking a break. Now that is easier said than done – if you’re a blogger or business owner, your success likely is dependent on your social media presence and interacting with others. Find the balance. Set aside time to be 100% engaged with your family and set aside time to be on your phone (after work until Calvin’s bed time I am in 100% family mode.) Remember that REAL life is happening and passing quickly as your scroll through your feeds. Stay in your own lane, know what your goals are, and don’t let someone else’s success or statements bring you down.

If you’ve been here and can relate in any way, I’d love to hear from you – any other suggestions? Like I said, I finally feel like I have broken free from the PPA cycle and can talk about it with other moms. Thanks so much for reading and for all your support along the way.

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{Part One} Calvin’s First Fiesta Photos!

Hi Guys! Sooooo it’s March?! I honestly don’t know what just happened the past 3 weeks in my life – it was my birthday, then it was Valentine’s Day, then it was Calvin’s Birthday where I planned a party in one week, then we moved across the country. All while trying to keep up with taking care of a 1 year old and working full time. And I somehow got 5 blog posts up in Feb, which was my goal. Wait what? I wouldn’t recommend this level of chaos honestly, lol!

The moving surveyor thought I was insane when he came to our place on Feb 15th, asked when we were moving and I told him the 27th. He said “of this month?” as he not-so-silently judged the baby toys strewn across the room and amount of items we HADN’T packed. He proceeded to say, “you know you wouldn’t want to bite off more than you could chew.” Oh moving man, don’t you know that’s the theme of my life?

So FINALLY I want to share Part 1 of Calvin’s special day – these pictures really just show the wonder, curiosity, and joy we see in him every single day. We had about 40 of our closest friends, my family, and co-workers at our clubhouse in NJ to celebrate and enjoy a Fiesta themed party for our little man. It was very bittersweet to have everyone who welcomed us to the east coast, supported us and have been our friends over the past two years together in one room. We are so so thankful for each and every one of you and are glad to be taking lifelong friendships with us.

[all photos taken by Henrietta of HB Media]

^He LOVES all of the gifts he received. Now that we are moved, he can finally start opening & playing with them fully!

If you ever want to entertain a baby, just buy him a set of maracas, which are apparently the key to happiness.

^We “made” this last minute smash cake – I’ll share more on this in the 2nd post with decoration details.

Calvin started by veryyy gingerly touching his personal cake. He eventually took some bites, picking apart little pieces with his thumb and index finger only. I would say he was a very politically correct cake smasher.

Finally going for it ^^

^Drum sticks rivaled the entertainment from the maracas, but we ultimately decided that a baby running with drumsticks could be the cause of a Mommy panic attack

We want to say thank you one more time to our friends who made this one of our favorite days we’ve had yet and to my family for ALL your help in the party setup and clean up! We couldn’t do anything in our lives without our friends & family.

In Part 2, I will share all of the Fiesta decoration details/photos and 4 tips on planning a successful party in just 1 week! I have so many friends who will be planning parties for their little ones so I will try to get that posted in the next week!

I’ll let you know when that’ll be up – or you can subscribe to my blog by entering your email below, so you never miss another post 🙂 Have a great rest of your week, friends!

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{Month 11} + Soliciting People Who Know How to Freeze Time

We are in Month 11 and only 14 days away from having a 1 year old. It’s actually terrifying how quick 11 months went. Where did the time go? Did I enjoy it enough? Was I present enough every day? I am both happy, yet sad because I already forget many of the days that we’ve had with Calvin. I don’t forget them, but I don’t remember every moment like I wish I could. It’s impossible to do so in the midst of busy weeks, days, and months. I think I’m going to do some research on being present/living in the moment, try it out, and then blog it in the very near future. It’s a topic that I’ve been thinking about so much lately!

I remember when he was trying so hard to roll over and he just couldn’t yet. A few days later he was rolling over left and right and could get across the room by doing so. Then I remember when he could get to his hands & knees and wanted to crawl so badly, but he just couldn’t yet. And in the blink of an eye he could crawl across the room faster than you could count to ten. Then he started reaching for the couch, the table, and trying to pull himself up. A few weeks later and he is walking across the room on the his own. Watching him learn and grow is one of my favorite past times. I am loving his age and size right now – does anyone know how to freeze time?

^pretty sure he has a boogie in his nose…^I bought this bear figurine for his room and thought it was going to be like a foot high. Got it in the mail and it is this big…I was laughing so hard. Note to self: read dimensions on things before buying…

11 month stats & facts

weight: 23lbs. 9oz.

still loves his bath but can’t sit still

can walk across the room on his own

talking up a storm

wearing 12-18 month clothing

eating big boy foods on his own

good at signing “more”, “gentle”, and “all done”

eyes are now hazel colored

the center of attention anywhere we go

goes to bed around 7pm, wakes up at 545am – still wakes up once in the night occasionally

Overall, Calvin is a wild man. The cutest wild man I have ever seen. He is extremely determined, independent, and I can tell he is going to be a go-getter. He made the Aquarius cut off by one day, but he fits this sign perfectly – much like his Mom. I say that he is a Mamas boy all the time, and I think that’s true, but he is also obsessed with his Dad. Each night after I feed him his bottle he starts yelling, “Dadadada” because he knows Dad is the king of rocking him to sleep. It has been just us three on our own for the past year and we are pretty much obsessed with spending and valuing our time together as a family.

I know so many others who have an “almost” one year old. I can’t wait to watch all your babes celebrates their first birthdays this year! I’m off to try and put a birthday party together in 2 weeks – will be posting about that at the end of the month ❤

Hope you all have an amazing week – kick ass & take names!

Dear Mama-To-Be: What I Wish I Knew One Year Ago

Last year on this very day, I was told I would be having my baby any second. I was 3cm dilated and 10 days from my delivery date. I was having braxton hicks contractions on the reg, and felt like I was going into labor every single night. My client at work had requested that I start to work from home at this point and they questioned me with horror in their eyes, “WHY are you still coming to the office!” I took their advice and proceeded to work from home until Calvin was born 18 days later (he decided he was comfy and that he would come 8 days late.)

BUT this is not a birth story, or my story of labor & delivery.

This is a story for soon-to-be mamas who have no idea what to expect or how they will feel as soon as that baby comes. I didn’t have many friends who were Moms when I had Calvin. In fact I am one of the first in my group of friends to have a baby. I didn’t study Motherhood before he came or read “what to expect when…” In fact, I guess you could say I went in blind and was wingin’ it as I went.

Honestly, I wish I had some more heartfelt, really really’s given to me before motherhood. I wish no one gave horrible advice like, “Enjoy it! because you’ll never sleep again!”FYI – that’s not necessarily true and it’s certainly not helpful advice. I wish I had some heart to heart’s with mamas I knew before hand to say this is what’s really awesome, and this is what’s really going to suck. I avoided those intimate conversations but secretly wish someone would’ve written me a true & honest letter on what to expect. Trying to handle anything on your own or in your own mind is recipe for a new mom to go certifiably insane.

SO – here it is…..

Dear Mama-To-Be,

Get ready for a wild ride. The next year will likely be the most rewarding, yet most challenging year of your life to date. I bet you tend to see all the positives of motherhood on your social media feeds – the milestones, the smiles, the cuddles, because overall, these moments WIN. They are the reason we decide to have a baby in the first place and they are the reason you can’t wait to have your bundle of joy outside of your belly. You probably don’t see the challenges, the frustrations, the times of anxiety you will feel a first time mom but you should know that they are ALL going through the same highs, lows & emotions – it’s just that few will actually say it out loud.

Get ready to have an exhausting, yet beautiful experience in the hospital. You will spend the entire first night up with baby – not because they aren’t sleeping, but because you feel that you should be watching & waiting at every beck & call. You’ve never had a human rely on you for their existence. You will be so exhausted, thankful for the help, yet excited to get released and be in the comfort of your own home.

Get ready to experience the ups & downs of your breastfeeding journey as you learn what works together. If you can’t/aren’t breastfeeding, get ready for looks from other Moms, but know you are doing what is best for you and your baby, and ensure you are both HEALTHY.

Get ready to look at your body and wonder how all the hard work you had put into being fit before baby is no longer reflected in the image you see in the mirror. But know that you will look at that same body and have a greater appreciation for yourself, the effort you put into growing that baby, and for the first time in your life you will realize that having a perfectly flat stomach is no longer what brings you your worth.

Get ready to be really annoyed with your partner for the simple fact that they aren’t MOM… you are, and you are baby’s holy grail. This places a target on your back (or boob) to be caregiver #1 for all of eternity. Your relationship is on the back burner -but through reflection, effort, and awareness you will realize you have no idea what you would do without this human’s support, that he is the best Dad in the world & he is there to save you from yourself time and time again.

Get ready to have VERY limited time for yourself and know that it’s OKAY if you miss your life & freedom pre-baby. You will probably hear people say all the time, “I don’t know what we did before baby.” Don’t feel guilty if a photo sequence of you sleeping in, having time to focus on your own dreams & goals and in general do whatever the F you wanted, whenever the F you wanted, flashes before your eyes. Know that you are still YOU and making time for that is not only important, but necessary.

Get ready to not necessarily never sleep again, but to never sleep when YOU want to again. Your sleep schedule is now baby’s and eventually baby WILL sleep through the night. Can’t promise it will be consistently, but you will value that shut-eye as if it were gold and wake up with a human alarm clock. Know that you won’t think twice about getting up when you hear baby cry, you will just do it, because it is what you are called to do in this season of your life.

Get ready to face the toughest Monday of your life as you take baby to daycare and head to the office solo. You will cry, and you will feel guilty. Know that letting yourself feel these things, and then pulling yourself together and getting back into a routine will help. If it doesn’t get better, take it upon yourself to change your life circumstances before they change you.

Get ready to feel anxious, different, not like yourself – but know that it’s okay because you ARE different. You are now a Mom, the most selfless job title you will ever hold. This is normal and if you can find other mama’s to relate with, it will help.

Get ready to truly understand the saying, “time flies,” & make an effort to BE PRESENT in this whirlwind of growth, smiles, snuggles, and milestones. Even the toughest of nights are important. Your baby will never be as little as they are in that present moment, so make all of them count.

Lastly, good luck, you got this, and I’ll see you on the other side as you enter a new phase of your already amazing life.

Love,

A 1 year Post-Partum Mama

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The Best Winter Bargain Beauty Buys (under $10!)

Hi Hi! How is everyone doing?! What a crazy start to the year it is been (I feel like I’m always saying this) – filled with chasing our WALKING baby, lots of work, a few sickies, traveling for my job, and it goes on! We are almost out of my least fave month (bye, Jan!) & into mine AND Calvin’s bday month…I can’t believe it! I’m expecting an amazing February full of changes, birthday celebrations, successes and more blog posts than I was able to produce creatively this month.

With all the craziness, I have, however, had the time to try some new products! If you’re like me, you find things you love and buy them over and over – but every once and a while it’s just time to mix it up. The winter can be so rough on your skin, hair, and look over all, so it’s important to take extra care. Here are the affordable drugstore beauty faves that I’ve been trying (and loving) for the past 4-6 weeks:

Simple ‘Kind to Skin’ Facial Cleanser

I had never bought the Simple brand before but I was looking for a new cleanser and this one caught my eye. I love a good foaming cleanser and there are no artificial perfumes, dyes, or harsh chemicals. It does a good job removing even my eye makeup and my skin just feels super CLEAN after I rinse. The cleanser doesn’t leave behind a bunch of residue or excess product that I’m wiping away with a towel, it truly feels like I’m washing everything off and am left with a squeaky clean fresh face.

Neutrogena Alcohol Free Toner

Even though I feel the Simple cleanser does a great job and I don’t wear a TON of face makeup every day, I like to use a toner to get off anything that may be left behind. Most toner’s are very harsh and contain astringents/alcohols as the main ingredient and tend to strip out all moisture, which actually causes more breakouts in the long run. This alcohol-free toner is light, fresh, and doesn’t dry out my skin. Just apply a small amount to a cotton ball or cotton pad and gently scrub face to feel like an angel before bed

Coconut Oil

I know, I know I am LATE to the coconut oil game. I have been using it religiously as a face moisturizer twice a day -once in the morning and then once at night right before bed. In the morning, I will put it on after I wash my face and then put my foundation on right away, which is a total game changer. My makeup goes on so so much better, is so much more even, and leaves almost a dewy (not oily) look behind. I would seriously take a bath in coconut oil if I could. Or maybe a shower of coconut oil to be more efficient. When traveling for work this month, I obviously couldn’t take my whole jar with me so I didn’t take it at all and I had withdrawals (and a peely face.) Plus, it’s 100% organic!

NYX Tinted Brow Mascara

Brow Mascara: so necessary!!! If you fill in your brow with a pencil (like I do) it’s easy to leave behind lines in the brow that can look uneven. A mascara helps to fill everything in and even out the brow. So, this is step #2 in my brow game. For reference, I use the BRUNETTE shade and it is plenty dark to match my hair. Just brush into brows from inner to outer and then slightly brush brows UP – I feel like this lifts my eyes and makes everything seem more awake. Weird?

Rimmel Scandaleyes Mascara

Out of any make-up product, I am probably most picky about my mascara. I have to have a curved brush because it helps to perfectly curl the lashes without the step of an eyelash curler (no one has time for that.) I LOVE this mascara – it is not clumpy, but enough comes out to not need a million layers and it stays all day, but it’s not hard to wash off. Oh, and it’s under $5 on amazon! So much cheaper than my normal Lorac $22 go-to!

Garnier Brazilian Smooth Flatiron Express

This Garnier heat protectant smells like heaven! It says “flat iron express” but you don’t have to be straightening your hair to use it. I use less than a dime sized amount on my ends and around my face where I have post-baby breakage to protect from the heat of the blow dryer and any other tools I use on my hair that day. In addition to using a protectant, I try to only style my hair with heat 2 times a week, max! This is really the best way to protect damaged hair. If you have to style multiple times a week, try this, I think you will love it! PS – if I’m being honest, I’ve been using this one a lot longer than 4-6 weeks and one bottle has lasted me several months!

It’s always nice to have salon grade beauty products (and I do invest in more expensive shampoos/conditioners because of my color treated hair) but having affordable go-to drugstore options is so much more realistic for most of us. We have a wedding to pay for this year and I know all our babies take our $$$ by the second, lol! Quite literally, Calvin loves pulling things out of my purse. ANYWAYS – What are your go-tos? What do I need to try next? Would love your suggestions and recos!

Let me know if you try any of these – love ya all!

PS – I had a cute helper while trying to get a product shot:

{Month 10} + Why Mobility Changes Everything!

Wow, I’m really late getting this one up! I took Calvin’s 10 months pics on time (actually 1 day early, go me!) but obviously did not get around to posting along with my monthly mama thought…which is all about my baby becoming mobile!

You guys, a mobile baby changes. everything. I’ll be honest in saying that Calvin really spoiled us as a baby (I’m talking like 0-6 months of age.) He was an exceptional newborn, such a little angel, and we could take him anywhere – we actually still can which has been nice. He didn’t love sleeping, and still doesn’t, but we are really lucky to have had such amazing experiences. He is still awesome of course, but once he started rolling, crawling, standing, pulling himself up, and taking steps, the ass-kicking (for Craig and I) set in and exhaustion ensued (even more.) He is a wild child and cannot sit still for one second – but what 10 MO can right? I now understand (for real, this time) the following statements that I had heard from moms that came before me:

Chasing my baby/toddler/child is my daily workout
You’ll never sleep again – [however I would correct this to you’ll never sleep again when you want to]
I barely have time to finish brushing my teeth or shower
Babyproof EVERYTHING! [Calvin particularly loves to grab make-up brushes from under the sink and eat them]

When a baby is not yet mobile, you can put them in a swing, rock n play, mamaroo, etc. Then they learn how to sit-up, then they learn how to wiggle out, then they are too big to even fit in the contraption to begin with. I remember saying to Craig, “what are we going to do when we can no longer put him in something and walk away for a second? Or when we can lay him in the rock ‘n play and lay down beside him?” That comment feels like yesterday and I cannot believe that we are only 6 weeks from his 1st birthday. How did we get here?

Calvin is changing so much every week and truly starting to do things that make me realize he will be a little boy (and no longer a baby) before I know it. I really want to live in the moment and take in all of these memories as much as I can.

What a blessing it is to watch him play, learn, grow and develop. We know we are so fortunate to have a healthy, happy baby and love the excitement and energy he brings to our home.

All that aside – do they make baby chill pills? LOL I am JUST KIDDING. But I feel like the change from small baby to mobile infant/toddler has been huge. How are you mamas feeling about this stage??

THE LATEST:

-We sat him on the scale at home and he weighs ~25lbs.

-He can take approx. 4 steps on his own

-He now has 6 teeth (4 top, 2 bottom)

-Officially in all 12+ month clothing

-Can say mama, dada, up, hi, book, hot, yay, baby, and is very good at mimicking almost any word we give to him

-Is obsessed with making this new surprised, “oh” face on camera

-loves all his stuffed animals…sometimes he is cuddly, sometimes his is biting off their faces

-Loves self feeding himself bananas and raspberries

Some of our favorite items we actually own that teach mobility and learning:

Little Tikes Light ‘N Go Walker

Baby Einstein Discovering Music Activity Table

V-Tech Sit to Stand Walker

Thanks for following along and keeping up with Calvin! We love you all.

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5 Easy Ways to Set Yourself up For Success in 2017

The holidays have come and gone in what feels like a huge blur – it was an awesome time with family, time off work, and seeing the bright lights of the season through my babies’ eyes for the first time. This time of the year is stressful yet fulfilling, chaotic yet relaxing – and usually positioned as the biggest climax of the fiscal year.

And then…

JANUARY.

I don’t know about you all but I feel like January is the least exciting, roughest month of the year. We are back from holiday “break” and responsibilities of life start to set in big time. In the midwest, it’s always when it starts to get brutally cold, gray, and there’s really not much going on.

It’s also a time where expectations are high…aren’t we supposed to have huge resolutions and lose like 10 lbs in this month? It’s seriously overwhelming and such an anxiety ridden start to the new year you are supposed to OWN.

I have gathered here 5 small steps you can take to make it all seem less daunting – and allow you to kill it in the new year.

1.) Write down your goals

I have wrote about this topic when I hit 1 year of blogging and how it helped me, but I need to reiterate it again. Take 5 minutes, grab a journal and write down 5-10 small things you want to accomplish this year. It can be within your career, your family, your side hustle, your blogging/social media goal, your health. Just get it on paper, and make them specific! For example: don’t write “I want my blog to grow.” Write, “I WILL increase my following by 500 on X platform and post at least 2 times/week.” I’m no analyst, but pretty sure it’s scientifically proven that you’re more willing to stick to goals when you get them physically written down. By doing this, you are also putting into the universe that you want opportunities to come your way.

2.) Get moving!

Going to the gym after eating your body weight in Christmas cookies, candy and holiday ham is THE. WORST. Like on the level of vom – but you HAVE to get moving! The hardest part is getting dressed and going. Start small and work your way up. Just do a few minutes, if necessary. I went for the first time this week after about a week off and just did some cardio & abs to get myself moving again. Once the junk is out of your system you can increase intensity and set your gym goal for 2017 in which you will write down with the rest of your goals. See where I’m going with this?

3.) Determine the next big event to look forward to

This is so key for me. I am a big advocate of having things to look forward to. Not that I don’t look forward to every day with my babes but after Christmas, Hanukah, NYE is over, find another big event in the NEAR future to look forward to or prepare for. For example, my birthday is 2/4 and Calvin’s 1st birthday is 2/18 – 2 events that I will look forward to and get excited about!

4.) Find something that inspires you

What inspires you or keeps you going? It is a book, a podcast, a friend, a child? For me, taking action is what inspires me to keep going. I want to grow my blog because it is my favorite thing I do for ME – if I don’t write for a few days, have an idea brewing, or post something, I honestly get anxious (what am I doing with my life?) and antsy. That’s how I know I should keep going. Maybe action is uncomfortable for you but you get inspiration by reading from your favorite author or listening to a podcast on your commute – keep doing those things.

5.) Buy or do one small thing that makes you happy

Alright – materialistic Kayla is coming out. I’m not saying you have to go get a $150 massage or buy a new Michael Kors purse – but go do something small or buy something small that will make you happy. I know we just got holiday gifts but let’s be honest – the holidays are all about the kids now. Go buy something you maybe didn’t get and enjoy it. For example, a new coffee/tea mug, a pair of warm gloves or a comfy blanket for relaxing at home. Maybe you should go get that hair trim or color that you’ve been putting off due to little time. Tell your significant other that getting out for an hour or two would help you and go do what you want. It’s the little things, ya’ll.

What are we wearin’?

Calvin

Navy Vest (similar)

Vest (similar)

Boys romper

Brown Boots (similar)

Beanie (similar)

Kayla

My navy sherpa coat is originally from GAP and is completely sold out! I’m so sad – I searched the internet high and low for some similar options.

Coat (similar)

Coat (similar)

Coat (similar)

Coat (similar)

Boots

Plaid shirt

Beanie (similar)

We are in Cincinnati until Sunday and will spend New Year’s Day heading back to NJ. What are your plans? Have an amazing New Year with the ones you love! Talk soon, Friends!

Don’t forget to find me on my socials as I would love to connect!

Instagram

Facebook

Pinterest

Twitter

Snapchat @ greenskm

Happy Holidays from the (soon to be) Cantors ❤️

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah & Happy New Year to all our friends & family! Thank you for letting us share a piece of our lives here on Running with Strollers – it’s been an amazingly big year for us and we can’t wait to see what 2017 brings. I hope this holiday season and New Year brings you health, wealth, happiness, peace and many more blessings ✨ We love you all! ❤️

(Craig & Calvin)