(Sweatshirt | Joggers)
Happy Friday friends! We arrived in Hawaii yesterday afternoon, after quite a day of travel. We’re here with my entire family this time around, so I’m looking forward to a weekend filled with Mai Tai’s, laughs, and ocean air (and don’t forget helping a toddler adjust to a time change…..). Sharing my monthly Q+A below… hope the answers help!
Have a great weekend friends! xx
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1. What style is you LV bag? I want to start saving for a nice handbag like that.
This bag is the Speedy 30 (it’s an older version, as it used to be my mom’s and she “loaned” it to me…. for the past several years). It is definitely a great bag to consider if you’re looking to invest, as it holds a lot. I can get baby wipes, a diaper, and some snacks, along with all my belongings into it comfortably. I also highly recommend getting it with the strap, because sometimes it’s nice to not have to hold it (which I rarely do… only for photos).
2. What do you use in your hair before blow drying and after? Do you have a mask you recommend? And a dry shampoo? I just highlighted my hair and I need some tips.
Before I blow dry my hair, I use this leave in spray and this oil. After I style it, I use a little more of the oil to tame away fly aways (I have some breakage in my hair). I use this conditioning mask everytime I wash my hair… and I love this dry shampoo.
3. I’m looking for some fashion insight for a good low heel leather bootie to be able to wear with leggings etc that’s comfy enough to run around with kiddos! I’m small boned and petite- 5’3″ 🙂
I know you mentioned you wanted black leather, but I own
these, they’re a perforated suede material, and super comfortable…. and
these were just marked down majorly, and I have them in my cart.
Sole Society shoes are typically very comfortable, and I think
these and
these are super cute (leather). The
buckle detailing on this pair makes them a little different, love the
studded detailing on these, and this
flat pair by hush puppies is practical (and their shoes are always comfortable).
4. I’m 20 weeks pregnant and I am looking for a dress to wear to a wedding. Everything I find makes me look frumpy. I’m looking for something fitted and to match my husband who will be in navy… and they don’t have to be maternity! The weather isn’t very cool here. Any suggestions?
5. I’m sorry if you’ve done this before, but could you do a post on what you buy at Trader Joe’s? I go there and I’m lost but I love shopping there.
Here is a list of some of my favorite items:
Garlic Herb sausages
Diced cauliflower
Diced onions
Super spinach salad (I don’t use the dressing)
Pumpkin Rx bars (seriously, so.good.)
Rolled oats
Salsa verde
Pre-packaged brown rice and quinoa (frozen)
Microwaveable lentils
Micro greens
Cauliflower pizza crust (frozen food section)
Turmeric carrot juice
Chili lime seasoning
Everything bagel seasoning
6. Random question, has Harper ever used a pacifier? Or does she currently use one?
In the first month or so she took a pacifier, but around 6 months, when she refused to take a bottle of breast milk, she also refused the pacifier. So, we were never able to give her one, as she would refuse it. She does use the sucking motion of her mouth thought to soothe, but doesn’t have an interest in a pacifier. I hope that answers your question!
7. You are so good with Harper. She reminds me of my little daughter. Any advice on how you stay so patient? I feel like I am constantly saying “No” and I hate that.
Thank you so much! I for sure am not always patient, but I try to use the skills I used to teach parents when I was a practicing therapist… so, I use a lot of “when/then” + “if/then statements”…. “when you finish putting this away, then we can listen to music….” or “if you put this away then we can go outside….” and I try to state things in teaching phrases… so, if she’s throwing her food, I say something like “we don’t throw food, we eat food and put it down on the plate.” I also give her countdowns (i.e. In 1 minute we have to put that away, 3 more times then we have to leave the park) that way she is at least prepped for the fact that what she is currently doing will be ending soon (it doesn’t always avoid a meltdown, but it helps). I’d say it’s helpful 90% of the time. But, then there are times when it’s been a long day and I don’t use any of that (#LetsBeHones). If your Ella is anything like Harper, I feel ya momma!! Hope it helps a little!
8. When you wear think t-shirt dresses, what type of underwear do you wear? I constantly struggle to find something that won’t show lines. Random questions, but figured you would have an answer.
I like to use underwear that lies flush on my skin (I don’t know if that makes sense). My all time favorites, for years, are
Hanky Panky’s line. They aren’t cheap, but they last forever… I still have ones from 8 years ago…. I’ve worn them with bodycon dresses (
this one most recently), as well as this
soft t-shirt dress.
9. How do you like your Kristin Cavallari mules? I really want to Nicholas Kirkwoods, but feel like there are so many great, cheaper options out there.
The
K.C. mules are my favorite. I’ve had two pair, for over a year, and they’re still a go-to shoe. Some people say that they are poor quality, but I haven’t had that experience. They do turn in on the sides, slightly, but that doesn’t bother me at all. I own the
Nicholas Kirkwood ones too, and to be honest, the KC mules are much more comfortable… and a better price.
10. What are your top 5 favorite cardigans for the season? I know you love all things comfortable, so I’d love to have you narrow them down!
So right. I do love my comfort. I’d say my top two to invest in would be this
knit cardigan (I own it in the blush, and bought it last year… it was an investment, but happy I made it), as well as this oversized
ribbed cardigan (another favorite from last year). I also recently purchased this
shorter,marled cardigan (sized up 1) and am obsessed… as well as this
blouson option (which is super comfortable too). I also think a duster cardigan is a great option, and one of my favorites is this
hooded being one.
11. How do you find time to workout in the morning? How early do you go to bed? I’m struggling… 5am is too early for me! I have such low energy and I don’t do coffee either. Any tips??
It’s the only time I can work out, so I have to make it happen! I wake up at 5:30am for a 45 minute workout! I go to bed around 10 every night. I’m much more of a morning than a night person so it makes it much easier for me. If you’re looking to start waking up in the morning, I did so my waking up a little earlier every couple of days (try 10 minutes)…. set the clothes out before hand too. I also love tone it up. They have great workouts that you can do at home. I do them sometimes when Harper is running around… she thinks I’m dancing so she just dances next to me! I hope that helps a little.
12. This is a weird question, but do the Outdoor Voices leggings you wear show crotch sweat marks after cycling? I’ve had heather grey leggings in the past and they always show sweat marks after hot yoga or a cycling class.
These
leggings are great. They don’t show any sweat marks, which makes them even better!
13. Would love to know about your eating in vs. eating out habits, budget, etc. I’m trying to be better about eating in!
We try to eat at home as much as possible, for a couple of reasons. One, it’s typically a little healthier, and two it gets pretty expensive to eat out multiple times during the week. That being said, we typically reserve most of our “out” meals for the weekends…. when we like to go out to breakfast, get take-out, or head to a favorite dinner spot. Sometimes during the middle of the week, cooking just isn’t something either TJ or I want to tackle that evening, so we head out for a small bite to eat. When I’m eating out, I typically try to follow the guide in this post (it’s a very old one!) to stay as healthy as possible. From a budget stand-point, we factor in eating out 3-5 meals a week.
14. My 38yr old Bestie (and Momma of 2 yr old boy) just got diagnosed with breast cancer. It has rocked me and now i am obsessed (even more than before) with getting clean products and food in our home. As a super girly girl – i am struggling to find amazing makeup lines that actually work like my (so bad for you) MAC. I live in MN now so don’t have the west coast shop access I used to have. have you come across anything?
I am so sorry to hear about your friend. I can only imagine what that must be like for you. Cancer is one of my biggest fears. I, too, like you, have yet to find any make-up products that I like as much as my large department store favorites. I have started to shift out cleaning products and body products, but have struggled in the make-up front. If I find anything I will for sure keep you posted… and please do the same for me!…. **In going back and forth with her, we thought it would be great if anyone had great make-up products that are “clean” to share below…. to hopefully help others who are looking! Thank you!
15. I was wondering if you could recommend some everyday handbags in the $200-$250 range. I’m looking for something in a basic color like black, gray, or saddle that I could wear with most of my everyday outfits. I’m a mom so I’m typically wearing something simple like jeans and a top or a casual dress. I love your black Chloe Marcie crossbody bag but that’s just not in the budget right now. Thanks!!
Yes! I am a huge fan of the Rebecca Minkoff saddle bag. It’s gorgeous and comes in right at $250. It comes in several
different colors here (but $275), and the
black option as well ($250). I think it has an almost identical shape to the Chloe bag, and the whipstitching is a great added detail. It’s on sale ($209) in the
gorgeous olive color, This
RM bag ($245) is also an almost identical option too.
16. I know it’s early, but I am at a loss at what to get my 9 month old for Christmas. Any ideas?
Last year for Christmas we did a few basic gifts for Harper, since she didn’t really need anything and the concept of gifts was beyond her. We got her a little stuffed animal from Hazel Village, some winter clothing items, a pair of FP moccasins, a few books, and a musical instrument set. For family members who asked what to get her, we mentioned that a contribution to her college fund would be nice, since, as I mentioned above, she did not really understand “gifts.” Most did just that, with a small toy (i.e. stuffed animal).
17. Any really good warm shoes you’re loving for Harper? I love the Native shoes for my 19 month old but probably need something warmer for the next 3 months. I’m in Texas so it doesn’t get THAT cold.
We’re still dealing with temps in the 90’s over here, so Harper is still living in sandals! Buuuut, she has these
mocs and these
Chuck Taylors and walks and runs really well in them. She loves
these booties (didn’t want to take them off) too, and I’ll likely buy her these
mini Uggs for a few cold weather trips and the few chilly days we will eventually get.
18. Do you ever feel burned out? And if yes, how do you get through the slump??
Yes, I feel burned out from time to time… and it’s usually when I have way to much on my plate. I usually get through it with a good cry (it can really do wonders for feeling better), taking a break, minimizing what I have on my plate, and doing some self-care. With blogging, I get burned out every few months…. coming up with new content, keeping up with social media, writing posts… and taking care of Harper full time… weighs on me. So, when we went to Hawaii last time I made sure I completed all posts prior to leaving (which probably contributed to the burn out) so that I could disconnect and have some space. It’s usually in those times “away” that I get re-inspired again.
19. I love seeing Harper and reading your blog updates on her! Do you plan on sending her to preschool? If so, when? I’m so torn on when to send my daughter to school. I’m a former teacher and I know she needs the social interaction but I cannot make up my mind on when she should go. I would love to know your plans!
Yes, I have every intention of enrolling Harper in pre-school. I am thinking that by two years old, I will have her in some sort of day program…. whether that is a few days a week for a couple of hours, I think the socialization component is so critical. I will be looking for a warm and friendly atmosphere, where they have some structure and a balance between education and play (both are so important, IMO). I will likely seek recommendations from my friends in this arena. Hope that helps!
20. I recently got the black and white old school Vans. Besides a basic tee, what would you style them with?
21. Do you use any supplements to help with bloating? Or know of anything that helps? My stomach has not been the same since having my son 20 months ago!
I feel ya. My stomach isn’t the same either (…. looks wise too…). I have been taking
TULA probiotics (15% off with code
SHANNON15) for the past month and have noticed a difference in bloating and regularity. I also take the
OLLY BELLY supplements. Drinking one kombucha a day has also really helped!
22. What do you eat before your workouts and what brand of tortillas do you use in your home??
I workout so early in the morning that I don’t eat a full meal before… yet, I do break off a piece of a
perfect bar to give me just the amount of energy I need.
23. What type of hair do you have? Is it naturally straight, wavy, or curly??
I like to say I have a natural frizzy curl… some pieces naturally frizz, and then some pieces turn into a nice curl/wave.
24. I also have a 22 month old and I feel like I have to change something in his routine, but not sure what. Can you share Harper’s daily routine please?
Of course. I have listed her schedule below:
7:30-8am: Wake-Up
8am-8:30am: Breakfast
8:30am-10:15am: Walk/Park
10:15-11am: Inside time (I get ready for the day here)
11-12: Free/Run errands
12-12:30: Lunch
12:30-1:30pm: Playtime
1:30pm-3:30/4pm: Afternoon Nap
4-6pm: We are usually out and about, and sometimes TJ takes her to the park again
6pm-6:30pm: Dinner
6:45pm: Bath, Book, Songs
7:15/7:30pm: Bedtime
