Advice for first pregnancy? I’m newly pregnant and so excited but also a bit terrified!
You’re never going to be prepared! You can read all the books, listen to all the advice and you truly never know what is going to happen until you’re in it. I think that helped me not to put so much pressure on myself when it came to “preparing” for baby. Also ask for all the help! It is the biggest life change ever and having a support system is the biggest gift.
How’s the low plastic journey going? I’m on one too!
It is a journey! I think I can easily get overwhelmed by it (everything is in plastic!) so I’m trying to just do what I can with what I have and make more conscious decisions when I’m out shopping.
Are you eyeing any vests or jackets for fall?
Yes! I just ordered this cute denim barn jacket, I also love this shorter barn jacket, I think this jacket is so beautiful for nights out, this floral puffer is on sale from last year and I still love it, I love this floral Rhode coat and this fuzzy pullover.
How do you stay so positive? Are you always? I love your outlook on life!
Trust me I have my moments! I’m definitely not always positive but I think in general I don’t take things too seriously and I’m pretty relaxed when it comes to anything outside of my family. I am not always positive with my fam (they always see the worst, right?) but I think that is in big part due to just general life/motherhood anxiety, guilt, fear, worry. I still definitely have all of those things!
I moved to CHS from midwest. 2 years in. Do goodbyes after seeing family ever get easier?
Yes! And no. I cried leaving my parents this summer knowing it would be a few months before I see them again. It does get easier as you settle in, and you make more frequent plans and life moves fast so the time apart starts to feel shorter. But it is still hard!
How to manage eating out with baby & routine? I’m having anxiety but need to live and go out!
I get it! With Charlie we were way more obsessed with his schedule but with Jack and George we let things go a little bit. It is hard because babies really do thrive on routine which ultimately makes life easier for you! But I would say just plan an earlier dinner, get a babysitter, go for walks. I would slip in any outdoor activity I could in the short time slot that we had between naps. You have to make your mental health a priority! Even if that means a quick walk (or drive!) to a coffee shop and back.
How loud is the walking treadmill? Trying to see if my colleague could hear it next door.
Not loud at all! I think it depends on how hard you thump your feet, ha. I love my little walking pad!
I’m redoing my master and love your aesthetic. Any suggestions?
I would start with a color that you love and go from there! We gravitated towards green and I knew I wanted some pattern and texture in the fabrics, dressers, bed that we chose.
Best flattering, comfy mom jeans that make you look put together but can wear everyday?
Pistola Lexi jeans ALLLLL DAY!! For sizing, I am a true 26.5 in jeans and I own both the 26 and 27. The 27 are perfectly relaxed and the 26 are snug but then loosen a bit. The jeans “relax” well without having a ton of stretch.
Do you do a weekly dinner planner in advance? What day do you make it?
I don’t specifically plan but I have an idea of what I want to make. It usually revolves around what protein I have on hand (I usually buy ground beef, chicken and steaks) and go from there. Some of my favorite recipes are these turkey burgers, taco bowl casserole and chicken pesto ravioli (I make all of these at least every 2 weeks)!
Do you have any foundation/concealer recs?
I don’t wear a lot of foundation but I do love Iris & Romeo’s Weekend Skin! I wear the Universal shade. I also love Saie Beauty’s Slip Tint concealer (I wear 3).
How do you find motivation to exercise daily? I’m tired working and momming to 2 boys.
I know this is the most annoying response but I just do! I have made it a habit and I stick to it. My biggest advice is to start small – 10-20 mins a day. I love Sculpt Society quickie workouts for that! And working hard to just make it a consistent part of your daily routine. Then those little goals become bigger and you make sure to create the time to get them done.
If you could have one purse for the rest of your life, what would it be?
I am a small tote kind of gal. I don’t like to carry a lot of stuff (but I always have my car stocked). That being said – I really want this black Prada bag for fall (and also think it is so classic!) but this Cuyana bag is so similar. I think this style can be casual or dressy and I prefer a more “relaxed” silhouette to more structure.
What boots are on trend for fall? How are people wearing them? Feel like its changed!
If I’m being honest, boots are hard for me! I have short legs and they either look ok or terrible. I gravitate towards a tall boot (I love love love the Loeffler Randall Goldy boot) or I bought these boots last year and love them. I will not be investing in the long square toe style – I look like a weird witch in that sort of vibe, ha.
Struggling to find “me” in momhood – any tips?
I would say try to connect to you before becoming a mom. What qualities made you feel like yourself? What things fueled your personal joy? And then work those into your routine. I can tell you from my own experience that a lot of my postpartum was experiencing this and once I gave myself a break from the identity of “mom” I started to find balance of ME AND being a mom.
If you were pregnant in 3rd tri (due nov), how would you dress your bump this fall?
My favorite maternity jeans were the Hatch boyfriend jeans (also loved their overalls) with an oversized button down! I just got this one from Boden for fall and I love it!
30th birthday destination ideas for February!
I always opt for either Caribbean (or somewhere warm!) – I love Turks & Caicos and the Bahamas OR I love committing to a cold weather trip like Colorado and Sun Valley, Idaho.
Dress to wear to a January wedding in NY! And shoes!
This dress just stopped me in my tracks! I would pair with some velvet platforms.