(Bag | Scarf | Sunglasses)
Happy Friday friends…. we made it!! I hope you all have a fun weekend planned to celebrate your mom, yourself, or the mom figures in your life! We have a fun, family packed weekend planned, and I’m looking forward to all the festivities. Sharing my monthly Q+A today……… and I’ll see you all Monday! xx
**Apologies about the formatting… I’ve been trying to get the spacing right and it just won’t fix when it publishes!
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- Any recommendations on a swimsuit? I had a baby 8 months ago and have a little bit of a pooch. I leave for Hawaii in two days and just realized my swim suits are not up to par 😥. Plus, I’ve been focused on buying for the baby, he’s coming along. Any recommendations or help is much appreciated. I went on your blog and referred back to your Hawaii trip but you are in excellent shape and I’m not sure some of the suites you wore would look flattering on me. I’m a size 26/s/2.
So exciting!! I think my favorite abercrombie suit would look cute… if you’re worried about the lower stomach area I recommend maybe the darker color! This one is super cute too! I also think this scalloped one piece is super flattering. If you’re looking for a two piece, the white and blush stripe one I wore is very flattering on, and since it’s high waisted it holds things in nicely.
I have no clue how this multi colored stripe suit (top) fits, but it looks flattering and as if it could hold in all the right places (that’s always what I go for). Also try this suit, as it might be a thicker material than the one I shared above. I also bought this suit last year (in a different print/color) but the fit is amazing and I still wear it to this day. Hope that helps a little bit and have a wonderful time!
2. Any suggestions for a bridesmaid dress as I’m in a wedding this coming June. I’m at a loss as to what to wear because the bride has given me no direction! It is at a beautiful event center in Minneapolis. Any suggestions are much appreciated!!
No direction makes it pretty difficult for you! I think Show Me Your MuMu makes beautiful bridesmaid dresses (we had those for my sister’s wedding last summer). You can choose the color you want, as well as the style (they have so many to choose from, something for every body type). They’re well made and the fabric is loose and flowy, which I always think is beautiful for a wedding party. They’re also available at Nordstrom (they have such an easy shipping/return policy). This blush floral dress is a beautiful feminine option too.
3. I’m on my way to SD for a girls trip. I know you and TJ go there all the time. Do you have a hit list on places to eat, drink, shop, stay?
Our favorite hotel is The Pendry, great spot for drinks, eats, and the pool is great! L’Auberge is beautiful + luxurious in Del Mar. We like Sushi Nobu + Cucina Urbana for dinner in downtown.
Not sure where exactly in SD you’re staying but Flower Child is amazing, Cha Cha Matcha is a cute spot for tea, Communal Coffee for Coffee/tea, Goodonya is a delicious all organic/non-gmo spot, Mr. A’s is beautiful for rooftop cocktails. George’s rooftop is great for tacos + cocktails too.
Those spots are all over SD county so hopefully one of them will work!
4. I am going to be 25 in October, so I know I am young, but what advice would you have for putting yourself out there and meeting new people? I tend to get comfortable because I have Chron’s Disease and while it’s managed, it’s a lot for a stranger to take in. I’m such an outgoing person but this disease sets me back. I try to be myself and I am usually really good at it, but I worry the “right” person won’t accept me along with my disease. Any general tups would be helpful…..
Such a great question! I think the first thing to remember is that the person who is really right for you will accept your Chron’s condition, and will love you for so many different reasons. That being said, it can be hard to put yourself out there, but being outgoing is such a great advantage for you! Lots of great ways to meet people…. through friends, co-workers, and on-line (I know so many amazing couples that meat that way!). Accepting new social engagements would be important too…. maybe tell yourself that you’ll go for 30 minutes and leave if you’re not feeling it…that way you give it a try and if you’re not feeling it you can leave.
And the therapist part of me wanted to make a quick suggestion too…. so, if it’s too much just disregard! I think it’s also important to remember all the amazing qualities you have that have nothing to do with Chron’s Disease… like how accomplished you are…. your interests + talents…. etc, and remembering all that YOU have to offer someone will make it easier to get out of your comfort zone and not worry what other people think about CD. Not sure if any of that helps, but I hope so!
5. I love your recipes and how motivated you are to stay on track with working out! Any tips on how to stay motivated to work out with young children and working? Thanks so much!
I for sure think it can be hard to stay motivated and on track with all those demands. I think the easiest thing for me when I was trying to balance becoming a new mom was having a great at home workout program. That way I took out the extra step of having to get to the gym. I invested in some at home workout equipment, woke up early enough to get in a quick 30 minute workout. I also think having an accountability partner makes it easier to stay motivated. You can “get through it” together and encourage one another when the other is feeling a little sluggish.
6. I have a wedding to attend during Memorial Day weekend…. what are some recommendations for what to wear? I am attending with my 2.5 year old, and my husband is a groomsman, heels will be tough because she’s like Harper… running around all the time and can’t sit still. No specific dress code but it won’t be super formal. I don’t like super form fitting and I have a hard time finding pieces fitting because my waist area is on the bigger side …. I’m 5ft, 108lbs…. so quite petite.
Oh yes, completely understand needing shoes to chase after an active toddler! Starting with a few dress options…. If you don’t like fitted, a nice shift dress is a great option…. this v-neck dress + this ruffle sleeve dress are both great choices, I think a cute wrap dress could be a good option, and I think this ruffle wrap, floral wrap dress, and if you want something a longer (but I know you said it wasn’t super formal and that you’re petite) I like this floral midi dress. I also think you can’t go wrong with this lace midi dress. As far as a shoe goes, I think a neutral block heel will give you a little bit of height, but enough stability to run after your little one. This one, this one, and this one are all good options.
7. I am thinking about starting my own blog/IG page and wanted to know if you had tips on how to start one and what you found helpful to be successful, as well as how you created your site?
When my sister and I started this blog almost 6 years ago, we didn’t really have a plan. We just knew we had ideas we wanted to share, what those ideas would look like, so we just did it…. and I think that’s the best way to start… “Just Do It.” Pick a hosting provider (I use wordpress.org but we started with wordpress.com), a domaine name, and a site design (our original site design was interesting to say the least…. and the site has been through 3 changes since. You can get templates from designerblogs.com or you can choose to go the custom route which will cost more).
As far as being successful goes, I think it’s just good to remember that it takes time to cultivate a genuine + engaged reader base…. it doesn’t happen overnight… and that being open, honest, and real is the best way to connect with people. If you are passionate about what you are sharing, it will show!
As far as instagram goes, I don’t even understand it anymore with the algorithm! Haha! I always saw instagram as another avenue to share an extension of the blog…. a place where connecting with others is more interactive (especially now with stories). Quality photos will help too!
8. I have a 2 year old little girl as well and live in OC, so I love seeing what you guys are up to as well as your parenting tips. (Also love all your other topics)I have a question. We are taking a very similar trip to Cabo San Lucas at the end of this month and also staying at Cabo Azul Resort. (I read your post 🙂 I wanted to know how you deal with transportation and the car seat from the airport to the resort and going to San Jose from the resort. Did you rent a car or use a taxi? If you taxi then do you bring Harper’s car seat wherever you go? Sorry haven’t really traveled with our little one so I’m trying to figure this all out. Also you say you bring Harper’s pack and play crib is that because you don’t trust the ones at the resort or maybe she’s used to hers? Again love all the info you provide!!! Thanks!!
You’re going to love Cabo Azul… we were huge fans! As far as transportation, we brought along Harper’s carseat and just put it in a taxi each time we went somewhere. Most places have a spot you can leave the carseat… usually just with all the strollers, so it wasn’t a big deal at all. For her bed, we bring our own only because it’s what she is familiar with and I like to keep things as normal for her as possible when we travel. I hope that helps a little bit and have a great time!
9. Can you send me the links to the three necklaces you layer? I love them and want to buy my best friend one, I just don’t know which one. I love the half moon shape one as well and I thought you had a promo code/discount?
Yes! Here is my long crescent necklace, evil eye necklace, and my pendant (as well as a cheaper option).
10. I am about to give birth to my second son (your daughter and my first son are the same age) and I have gained a ton of weight this pregnancy, more than my 1st, and wanted to know what your favorite go to items were after you gave birth that made you feel comfortable? I am super into eating healthy and working out but have had a high risk pregnancy this go around and have been eating junk and have not been able to work out due to doctor orders.
So sorry to hear that your pregnancy has been difficult this time around. It’s so crazy how each time can be so different. I loved my Beyond Yoga leggings after I had Harper. They are so soft and fit like a glove. Also high waisted which I love. They aren’t cheap, but they are very well made and I’ve been so happy with all my pairs. I was also a huge fan of faux wrap tops. They were easy to throw on and nurse in… while making me feel good about that post pregnancy belly. This one is a personal favorite and one I would wear post pregnancy. A great oversized tee that can be front knotted is an easy option to feel stylish while still, again, dealing with the post pregnancy stomach. I love this one, and it’s a henley so you can easily nurse in it as well. I also a soft robe and nightgown to wear to bed and to nurse. They were both super soft and easy to nurse in…. my exact ones aren’t available anymore, but I own this robe and it’s identical in feel and shape…. and this night shirt would be a great option too. I also continued to wear my bellaband so that I could wear my jeans… this was my favorite nursing bra…. owned several of them.
11. My husband is taking me on a weekend trip to Las Vegas for my 40th birthday and I’m trying to figure out what to wear (my clothing purchases are typically from Madewell and Everlane). I would like to look polished but don’t want to purchase items that I won’t be able to wear again. Any recommendations? Vegas feels a little bit fancier /glitzier than my current wardrobe. Thank you so much!
So fun! Love Vegas with the hubs! Here are a few suggestions……
For Dinners:
I really love slip dresses and own this one. It’s super easy to dress up with some dainty accessories and a heel/sandal (I really like these )…. It fits like a dream and comes in 4 colors…
I also like jumpsuits + rompers as an alternative to a dress. A few that would be super cute for the evening include this white low back option, super cute tie front romper, and this black jumpsuit (it looks really casual styled here but with the sandals above and some jewelry it will easily dress up).
This little white dress is perfect too….
If you’re looking for something a littler different, this floral dress is super fun and cute.
This little dress is super cute too…. love the neckline and back detailing.
Daytime:
I think a comfortable pair of denim shorts (my favorites, and I just got these and they’re great too… run on the small size so I recommend sizing up at least one size, if not 2) or pull on shorts with a cute top are always a great option. A few super cute tops to pair with them include this tie front tee, eyelet top, + embroidered top.
A casual jumpsuit is also a super cute alternative… my two casual favorites include this gray option and this striped one (which also comes in a chambray color).
You’ll be walking a lot so a comfortable sandal is a great option…. I like these for all day wear.
Toss on a cute hat with those pieces and you can pull it all together.
12. I saw the hardboiled eggs you made Harper on instagram and they looked so perfect! How do you make them?
It took me a long time to get this right… I boil enough water to cover all the eggs, and once the water is boiling, I carefully place the eggs in the water with a spoon. I then let them boil for 3 1/2 minutes, and then turn the water off and let them sit for about 5 minutes. I’ve found this cooks the yolk just enough without over cooking it.
13. I noticed you’re doing the Tone It Up Bikini Series…. and that you added in additional workouts than what they have daily. Is that a personal choice or something I should be doing as well?
This is a personal choice I make based on how challenging I felt the workout was….. I typically try to do cardio + one of their classes since that’s what I have found to be the best combination for my body. That’s the great thing about their program, it is easily customizable to your personal needs/preferences.
14. I am so impressed you still manage to cook healthy dinners for you and little miss even when TJ is away! Do you have any tips to simultaneously occupy a toddler and prep a meal?
I wish I had a really great suggestion, but when TJ is out of town, I let Harper watch some TV while I prep/cook…. makes for a much smoother evening. I do try to keep my meals much simpler when he is gone though. I’ll cook more turkey burgers one night, and that allows me to repurpose them in another way for the next evening. Or, I’ll toss the main course in the crockpot in the morning, and that just leaves a few sides, which are typically easy, around dinner.
15. I was wondering if you had any suggestions for dresses to wear to my baby shower (preferably non-maternity so I can wear again). I love Free People!
Free People is always a great option for pre/post pregnancy options. I am obsessed with this dress (it’s sitting in my cart) and think it would fall nicely over a baby bump, and also work post pregnancy as well. I also think this short sleeved embroidered maxi, slip dress, and depending on how tall you are this shorter embroidered dress (I own and love this one too) would be perfect.
16. I’m 5’2 and every time I try on those loose jeans like Levi Wedgies or Madewell slim cut boot jeans, they don’t look right on me. But I like the trend. Any tips??
I always cut the hem to hit right above the ankle. That way it doesn’t make me look shorter, but still has a distressed feel. That’s what I do to all my boyfriend jeans… tutorial here.
17. Harper always looks so darn cute! I have a toddler boy and find it hard to find cute clothes. I know you get a lot of Harper’s from Nordstrom. Any other recs for cute toddler clothes?
Thank you so much! I also love Old Navy + GAP (and they always have sales)…. Peek is one of my favorite lines for Harper, it’s available at Nordstrom or on-line. There is also an Etsy shop called Little Wedgies which has the cutest items… and H&M kids has super cute items too!
