Postpartum Style

 

As important as it is to find the right pieces to dress your bump, I feel it is even more crucial to find fitting pieces post baby. It is a time where most all of our focus goes to the baby and mom duties. If we do happen to get any “me time” we usually chose to sleep am I right?! So on the rare occasion that we do change out of our pajamas it would be nice to have a few go to pieces. To help you out I have compiled a list of items I’ve been loving/living in recently.

 

{shirt free people/ pants Lucy}

 

1. Lucy Perfect Core Leggings.

These yoga pants are just so great. They are flattering and super comfortable. They are called the perfect core because they are high waisted with a supportive panel that comes up to your belly button. Totally tucking everything in and smoothing out your belly. The top part sort of feels like spanx, but looks so stylish. Thank you Lucy!! I practically live in mine. I have found that I can wear them not only to the gym, but also with tall boots and a slouchy sweater. They are a bit of an investment (around $100 for yoga pants), but they are such a staple piece for me, and absolutely worth the money.

{shirt free people/ pants Forever 21}

2. Free People Tent tops.

This one is a no brainer. Flowy tops totally disguise the oddly shaped middle we are left with once baby is evicted. The reason I specifically love free people tops is because the middle is loose, but the arms are still made small and tight. That way it looks like you are purposely wearing an oversized top, not drowning in your husbands shirt. There are just so many ways to wear them. Down and flowy, tucked in, or knotted up. Also breastfeeding? Hello! No need for a breastfeeding smock. Your baby fits great right under your shirt. These tops range from $48-$98.

{hat free people/ button up American eagle/ tank Blanqi/ pants Nordstrom}

3. Button ups with snaps.

Not much explaining needed here. Snaps > Buttons when breast feeding. I try and find dark colors or patterned tops for a slimming illusion.

{hat free people/ shirt Blanqi/ pants Nordstrom}

 

4. Blanqi support tank

This tank was a life savor during the last few months of my pregnancy. The material is breathable, yet supportive. Best of all I felt so confident when wearing it. It was one of my go to pieces near the end and continues to be a staple now. I just can’t say enough about the material. It is such quality. I’ve been wearing it as a layering piece to provide extra slimming.

 

{shirt Urban Outfitters/ joggers Target}

 

5. Jogger Pants
I have three kids. I’m always on the move. I need my wardrobe to be as comfortable as possible. Jogger pants are so great because they feel like pajamas, but look like you put an outfit together. Lately I’ve really been digging these ones from the Gap.

 

 

 

6. Floppy Hats

Accessorize! I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gotten all the kids dressed and ready only to realize I have no time left for myself. It’s jeans and a t-shirt and I’m out the door. No time for makeup or outfit planning? Just throw on a big floppy hat and a chunky ring and you’ll look all put together. A cute hat covers crazy unbrushed hair and bags under the eyes. Two things us moms know all too well.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bumpdate- 34 weeks

34 weeks! Wow this time has flown by. To be honest I’m not wishing it away at all. Other than being a little uncomfortable I can’t complain much. I’ve never enjoyed a pregnancy like this one, so I’m trying to savor every last moment. I’m taking it all in. All the kicks, crazy cravings, and even the tiredness. I sometimes get frustrated when I feel like I have to take a rest because there is just so much to do, but then I quickly remind myself that it’s because the baby is growing and I need to just give in to my body. The heat doesn’t make it any easier, but I’m not complaining. I’ve scoped out all the nearby kiddie pools and most days that’s where you’ll find meand the kids.

A lot has gone on since the last update. I guess it’s because we are getting down to crunch time. I had my maternity photos taken by the ever so talented Ashley Elizabeth Moore. I just love how she captures pure beauty and makes the moments in my life so special. I’m dying to see the rest!!

My BFF Erin came all the way from Michigan to throw me the most girly shower there ever was!! She spoiled me rotten with every pink treat imaginable. Baby girl sure is blessed to have so many amazing women in her life.

I’ve gotten a lot of work done in the nursery. There are still things to do in there, but I feel content with the progress. I feel like if she was to come early I’d be ready. It’s funny because we all love to just hang out in this room. I catch the boys playing in there all the time!! When I need quiet time this seems the be the place I retreat to. Oh baby sister we have no idea whats coming do we?!

I’ve continued to work my makeup business even though 8 hours on my feet can be tough at times. I just love it so much and a little extra cash never hurt right?! Especially when you have a little diva on the way. On a sad note we say good-bye to our best friends and neighbors this month. Jared and Nell are moving to Minnesota for his job and I can barely talk about it. Brooks and I are so sad but we know that our friendship is strong enough to last the distance. Hopefully they move back someday!!

(See that LARGE shark cake, yeah that’s called giving in to my cravings!)

 

34 Weeks

How far along: exactly 34 weeks

Baby is the size of a: cantaloupe. About 4 3/4 lbs and 18 inches long.

Maternity clothes: I still never gave in and bought any. I got a couple things from Pink Blush Maternity and had a nice pair of designer jeans from last time around but that’s it! I happened to have a couple pairs of jean shorts that were bigger on me that fit great and I’m loving elastic bands, maxi dresses, and kimonos. I’ve also taken over all of my husband’s super soft v-neck tees. Good thing he’s got style cause most of his tshirts are now in my closet 🙂

Sleep: It’s getting harder to sleep. I have not had too much heart burn, or any acid reflux this time which is awesome, but my belly is so heavy that it is hard to get comfortable. Plus I’m waking up to pee and then I’m kind of wide awake. I guess it’s my internal clock getting ready for baby.

Exercise: Just this week I gave it up. I kept up with my yoga and running till 34 weeks and it just seems too much for me now. I almost blacked out in class the other day and decided I needed to stop. I think I would continue to go to gentle yoga if it wasn’t such a hassle to lug both boys in to kid zone. The summer is so busy and you have to make a reservation on Saturday for Tuesday’s class otherwise you stand there and wait for other children to leave. Like I’m thinking about Tues on Sat!!! Now I take Kempton on bike rides and Emmy on walks as a way to keep my body moving.

Movement: She moves all the time! I’m to that point where my stomach gets totally distorted depending on where she is laying. Almost anyone who is around me has seen my whole belly moving around. She reacts the most to cold drinks.

Any Cravings: Ice!!

Miss Anything: Bending over to pick things up with ease. Coffee. Running. Crop tops.

Anything make you queasy or sick: Nope but my smells are still very en heightened.

Any Labor Signs: Lots of braxton hicks while riding in the car.

Wedding ring on or off: on. I’ve had no swelling this time.

Happy or moody: Errr probably more moody than before. I’m still mostly happy, but being out of breath and not being able to bend over makes me grouchy.

Looking forward to: Getting special custom Etsy orders in the mail and my MI trip

Best moment of the week: Finding a City Mini double stroller brand new for 1/4 the price!!

Until next time! (If there is another bumpdate 😉 ;))

xo, Mandy

The Friday Five- Autumn Glitz

I’m calling this week’s friday five Autumn Glitz because they are all things to glamorize your comfy cozy! I’m really enjoying putting together these weekly idea boards. Crazy how the things going on in my head actually coordinate!

Number 1 on the list is warm, cozy, over the knee socks. I want to wear them with tall boots, short boots, leggings and skirts. I want to snuggle up by the fire in them. I want to eat popcorn, sip tea and watch a movie in them. I want some from American Apparel, Free People, Urban outfitters and Madewell. Basically this week I want to live in over the knee socks!

2.  Lucky Boy Sunday. I love their kids stuffed animals, the play houses, quilts, and pillows. Some of their art is a little out there, but their muted colors and unique combinations look fantastic in a modern kids room.

3. Anthropologie golden monogram mugs *limited edition. These are a no brainer. Sip your warm coffee out of a blinged out mug!! Only $10

4. I’m obsessed with using gold feathers as decorations right now, and it seems to fit perfectly with the upcoming  Thanksgiving holiday. I’ve been glittering, spray painting, and hanging feathers all over. They can easily transition into Christmas or even stay up all year long.

5. CHALKBOARD EVERYTHING!!! Stay tuned cause I’m about to do some crazy chalkboard projects in mi casa!

Happy weekend everyone! Make sure to add some glitz into your everyday actvities. It makes the mundane so much more fun!!

The Friday Five

So I’m starting this thing over on my instagram and I thought why not share it with all of you too! It’s called the friday five: five things I’m obsessing over for the current week. This week is autumn cozy and glam all in one.

 

1. Free People black hat. I’ve been searching for the perfect fall hat for some time now. I finally have it narrowed down to buying one at Free People, but have yet to figure out the exact style. There are so many to choose from. They range from $48-$168

   

2. Nars matte eyeshadow shade- New York. It’s a reddish, brownish, aubergineish  color that is to die for!! Used alone or for contouring it’s a color that you simply must have in your makeup bag for the fall.

 (New York is the color on model’s lid)

 

3. Wall decals! These little stickers are all the rave right now. They jazz up any room just by sticking them on the wall (no paint needed AMEN!!) I’m loving the patterns and color choices that Walls by Mur offers. On top of loving their style they are having an anniversary sale right now with up to 75% off. You can’t beat that!

4. Rebecca Minkoff mini mac cross body bag in GOLD! I am obsessed with gold and obsessed with my RM bag so how could I not love this combo! So many pockets, so small and compact, and such a trendy design.

5. Target’s Threshold Decorative Stag Head Wall Sculpture- 18″.  At only $39.99 this item won’t last long. I have a list of ideas that I want to do to mine including: painting the antler tips, putting a flower crown on it, hanging a wreath around it’s neck. So many things to make this guy fit in your home decor and make him festive!