I hope you’ve all had a great week! We’re heading into the last few days of our vacation and I’m planning on soaking up every minute of it…. TJ has been working the past couple of days, so lots of family time is on the agenda…. with nothing in particular planned expect the beach, cocktails, and sunsets. Hope you all have a good one!!
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1. I’m on the hunt for an everyday low brown bootie that’s especially good for us petite girls with skinny-ish ankles!
I bought this pair at the Nordstrom sale (in the blush) and absolutely love them… very comfortable and practical. They aren’t the cheapest, but if you’re looking to invest in a pair this fall, I highly recommend them. Other options include this diamond cut-out pair, stacked heel option, and this bootie with cut-out sides.
2. What do you use to measure how many miles you run in the mornings?
I use the NikeRun app and find it to be pretty accurate. I’m looking into an apple watch though. My sister currently has one, and she has me intrigued. My husband uses iMapMyRun and has had success with that as well.
3. I’d love to know your thoughts on baby #2. I think your experience with becoming a mom was very similar to mine (my girl is almost 13 months) and feeling so many mixed emotions about doing it again and when/if would be the right time. Would love your thoughts!
I have so many different thoughts on baby #2. I feel so blessed to have been given an opportunity to carry, birth, and now raise Harper. I was chatting with one of my girlfriend’s moms this back weekend and she mentioned that at toddlerhood “the good is so good, and the bad is so bad.” She nailed it exactly. For me at least…..
At 33 (34 in December… ohmygosh…..) I know that I have a clock that’s ticking and with every year that passes it will become increasingly more difficult to conceive, yet I also don’t want that to be the reason we have another little one. TJ and I talk about this often. I found the transition to motherhood not as easy as others (I have always been candid about this in my motherhood updates), and while we still travel and live a fun life, in transparency, there are days I miss the ease of just worrying about the two of us… and the thought of adding another little munchkin to the mix makes me a little anxious. We also love watching Harper grow up…. and watching her take in all her new experiences. I worry that I won’t be a good mom to two little ones…. that I won’t be able to equally divide my attention and give them both all the love they deserve. Something TJ and I have both agreed upon though is that until Harper is potty trained and starting to dress herself, we likely won’t be having another one. Another thought I have (I apologize that this answer is lengthy and tangential) is “can I really do it all again??” I know the answer is yes, and it’s so worth it, but for me personally, I want to be fully prepared…..
All that to say, I am sensitive to the fact that some people cannot have a baby… that many have struggled for years, gone through rounds of IVF, and have not been able to conceive. I can only imagine the sadness and sense of loss on a monthly basis. So, I do hope that my answer is not offensive, or comes off as callous, as I do recognize that there are many who would love to go through what I explained above.
4. What kind of face moisturizer do you use? I’m looking for a moisturizer for sensitive skin.
I’ve been using this intense evening moisturizer and this daily moisturizer for the past year and love both products (SHANNON for 20% off). I also use this daily moisturizer as well.
5. I’m looking into upgrading my hair dryer and straightener. I was wondering if you could give me any suggestions?
I love t3 products. They aren’t cheap, but they’re very well made and not as harsh on the hair as other tools I’ve used. The hair dryer works in half the time of a cheaper option, which is very valuable time for me! I have this little travel version and it’s a great for everyday use as well!
6. What are a good brand of jeans that are in a budget friendly price? Looking for high waisted and $75 and under price range. I like skinny and jegging style!
I always think that Free People brand has some great jeans. I recently purchased this pair and they are well made and have the perfect amount of distressing (I also own them in grey). I haven’t personally tried this brand but have heard really great things about it. I’m considering purchasing this pair and this pair.
7. How do you and your family budget for trips, going out, nice things (lol!), etc… sorry if this is nosy! I just need to budget more and not live so in the “now.”
Budgeting is always an interesting topic. A while ago, my girlfriend who is a Certified Financial Planner, wrote a blog post for me on the topic. We try to follow her tips as closely as possible. Each month, we put aside the necessary amount for savings, Harper’s college, and “accidentals.” Then we allocate the bills (never fun) and what is left we consider “fun” money. This concept has changed over the years, but we divide the funds between travel and miscellaneous (i.e. eating out, babysitter, workout classes, shopping, etc). It’s something that has worked fairly well for us over the years, and I think what has always helped is knowing exactly what he have to “play” with. If there are bigger ticket items that either of us are eyeing we typically save from that pot in order to purchase them.
8. Do you have any tricks for slides or shoes that are slick on the bottom? Bought a pair or two that I love but I slip on certain floors chasing after my toddler. Any ways you have found to remedy this?
I just bought a pair of slides that I had this exact same problem with. While I’m not sure if this is very ingenious, or a “trick,” I just wore them outside and scuffed up the bottoms on the concrete. Solved the problem pretty quickly.
9. Could you share some fall wedding outfit suggestions? Going to three weddings this fall and have my own rehearsal dinner this November!
I’m loving the deep hues, florals, and luxurious textures for fall… and there are so many beautiful options that are wedding guest appropriate. This maxi floral dress has been on my wish-list for a few months (dress it up with heels and down with booties and a suede jacket) and I love this gorgeous pleated velvet dress in blush. This yellow floral dress is stunning….and the cut of this burgundy off the shoulder dress is gorgeous. I also think this navy lace midi dress (comes in a pretty mauve color too) is beautiful. For your rehearsal dinner, if you’re open to not wearing white, I am obsessed with this gorgeous velvet rose colored wrap maxi (I would totally wear it to mine if I could go back…. I didn’t wear white though…) or turquoise lace midi dress (such a stunning silhouette). Yet, if white is what you’re wanting, I love this bell sleeve fit and flare dress, blazer ruffle dress, and this beautiful eyelet wrap dress.
10. What are you must-haves from Trader Joe’s?
My must-haves from Trader Joe’s include the microwaveable lentils, chili lime seasoning, everything bagel seasoning, spinach super salad, rolled oats, salsa verde, cauliflower pizza crust, and their chicken sausages. Those are the items I specifically get at Trader Joe’s that I can’t find anywhere else (that I like as much….).
11. I would love to know what type of exercise you continued during pregnancy. I am newly pregnant and have this awful fear I’m going to lose the baby if I continue my cardio! I know that’s crazy but first time mama fears I guess. I ran, did stairs, and barre classes pre-pregnancy.
First of all, congrats! Such exciting news! I feel as if your fears are so normal… we all have our own fears as first time moms since we don’t know what to expect! I jogged and did my normal cardio up until the day I have birth. I also continued weight training… and yoga as much as possible (I mean, some of the moves just weren’t possible with a belly…). I also did the Tracey Anderson Pregnancy Project, which I loved. I did consult with my doctor though when I first found out I was pregnant and she assured me that as long as I could carry on a conversation I was fine…. and to avoid road cycling and skiing since those could result in traumatic falls.
12. I love your healthy eats! Do you have any easy and tasty vegetarian or vegan recipes you can share that Harper also likes? Or just you and TJ? We’re planning to go either pescatarian or mostly plant based when we get back from our travels and wondered if you have any great go-to dinner recipes?
A few favorites include this fried rice, lentil soup, shrimp ramen, coconut curry, and this black bean and sweet potato chili (one of my absolute favorites).
13. How did you train your hair to not have to be washed as often?
It’s funny because i used to wash my hair every other day and my hairdresser would always tell me that wasn’t necessary. So, when Harper came along, it pretty much became necessary for me to follow her advice. I can’t say I put my hair through a “training” process though. I basically didn’t wash it, used dry shampoo, and blew it out (when the hair was dry) to make it look “fresh.” I typically like how my hair holds a curl on days 3-5 best, but after that it’s not as easy to manage and isn’t the ideal situation…. more of a time issue. I use this dry shampoo though, and often double shampoo my hair when I wash it to get it extra clean (that’s a trick I learned from my hairdresser).
14. How do you manage meal prep and workout prep? If that makes sense?? How do you get it all done?!!
Sometimes I feel as if I don’t. Haha! You can read about how I meal prep for the week here…. I squeeze in my workouts very early, before anyone else is awake in the house. It’s the only way I can get it all done. So, I guess the answer is I wake up very early, and follow the tips above!
15. HOW do you get yourself up so early for a run? I have a half marathon coming up in December and really struggling to train!
I had to train myself to do so. Before Harper was born, I woke up around 6:30 every morning… but still had to train myself to do that by waking up 15 minutes earlier every couple of days. Once Harper was born and I needed to work out around 5:30am I did the same thing. Eventually my body got used to it (although, it’s not always easy I know I won’t get a workout in if I don’t just get myself out of bed).
16. I’m searching for a post workout cardigan open front sweater/wrap for fall/winter! Any suggestions??
I own this one (bought it last year) and love it… it’s slightly oversized though. If you’re looking for something a little more fitted, this one is a great post-workout and everyday choice, and I also own and love this wrap front cardigan. This one is specifically meant for post-workout wear and looks super soft.
17. Is there a specific “diet”that you follow?
I don’t follow any specific diet, as I believe each one of them is a little too restrictive for me and it’s all about finding a healthy lifestyle that fits for you, and is manageable daily. That being said, some days I eat meat, some days I don’t. I do avoid dairy as much as possible (this was recommended to my by my acupuncturist). I prefer foods with minimal ingredients, or ingredients I can easily pronounce and don’t need to look up what they are. I also incorporate healthy carbohydrates such as quinoa, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and fruits…. and try to eat as many vegetables as possible. I try to create a balanced “diet” that leaves me satisfied and properly nourished… with small indulgences along the way.
18.What healthy kid snacks do you recommend for grab and go options…. when there just isn’t time to cut up fruit and veggies?
I did this post on 16 healthy snacks a little while ago, but a lot of them do require some preparation. My favorite grab and go snacks for Harper include string cheese, siggi’s yogurt packs, Late July peanut butter crackers, dried cranberries, Love Grown O’s (identical to cheerios), these KIND fruit + veggie bars, both Hormel Naturals + Horizon Organics have good grab and go snack packs with cheese, crackers, and meats too.
19. Any suggestions on gift ideas for toddlers?
I think the ideal gift idea for a toddler is anything active (read: anything that will wear them out), or something that promotes imagination. I was at a birthday party recently and someone brought a slide (which was adorable). I also love this car, kitchen set, doctor kit (Harper loves taking care of her stuffed animals), and these puzzles. I also think you can never go wrong with books… and a bottle of wine for the parents (wink, wink).
