(Sweatshirt (30% off code GMSHANNON30), Joggers, Harper’s joggers/sweatshirt)

Happy Friday friends! Can you tell we’re excited for the weekend? We landed in Utah, and headed up to Park City, yesterday afternoon for our annual trip before Thanksgiving. We’re looking forward to some quality family time, and disconnecting before the holiday season begins. I hope you all have a great weekend as well! See you Monday…

Sharing my monthly Q+A below…..
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1. I feel like I have dozens of questions for you…. but for today, I was just wondering if there is a brand of men’s watches you would recommend? I would guess you’re going to do a gift guide for the holidays, but I just thought I’d check if there’s something TJ really likes. I feel like my husband has a similar style, and he’s in need of something new. Thanks so much!

Yes! I’ll be doing a gift guide for the men in you life in a week or so (I like to wait until after Thanksgiving). As far as watches goes, TJ wears a watch that I bought for him when he graduated from him MBA program several years ago. It’s a Tag Heuer and he has been incredibly happy with it over the years. Some less expensive brands that he really likes though include Jack Mason + Boss.

2. I am interested in starting a blog/Instagram page and wanted to ask you how you got started and what you did to get started? Any advice or tips would be greatly appreciated! Hope you have a beautiful rest of your day! (there were several questions related to this topic)

How exciting! Blogs are such a wonderful way to be able to share your passions with others, so I think the most important thing to remember is to stay true to yourself. That being said, I started this blog, initially with my sister, about six years ago. We did all the research on our own, looking up blog hosting platforms (wordpress vs. blogger… I use wordpress.org today), setting up our social media accounts, and then just started posting. I think our first blog post ever was a protein smoothie. You really don’t need much to get started… just a blog design (you can search online for a lot of pre-built sites that can be customized to your preferences), a concept, and a passion. I would recommend sharing good quality text so that you are pulled up in SEO (search engine optimization) which will increase your blog traffic (SEO is not something I can explain by myself, so I recommend looking it up online), and good imagery to bring your text to life. Start your social media channels as an extension of your blog, and set up an e-mail subscription list (companies such as MailChimp + Mailerlite are great options).

I’ve been asked “how” we got started, and it really just developed out of a desire to share topics we were passionate about outside of our regular 9-5. We hoped one day it would turn into something that we could do as a full time job, but knew that would take years (which, it did… 3.5 to be exact). We relied, and still do, on organic growth and engaged readers over a mass following. Being able to connect on a deeper level is much more important to me than a huge following (which, I guess is how I treat friendships as well…).

And lastly, I really recommend just starting. Just do it, flow with it, and see where it takes you. There will be frustrations + blips along the way… but have fun with it, be passionate about it… and that will shine through.

3. I love your style and look and I wonder where do you do your maternity shopping?  I do notice that it’s not quite focused yet on that and perhaps you are mostly still rocking your prematernity clothes. Sizing up too when available?  There is a lot of bad maternity out there so I am hoping you might help narrow my focus. Thank you so much in advance!  And congrats again!

4. Do you have an absolute favorite pair of leggings? I’m working on my Christmas list for the hubs and want to make sure I’m getting something worth the money! I’m thinking a pair from Alo but there are so many options! Help!

ALO leggings have slowly taken over my workout drawer…. they’re so well made, stylish, and really stay put during my workouts that they’re one of my favorite brands. That being said, if I had to pick my single favorite pair right now, it would have to be the Airbrush Tech Lift Capri Leggings…. they are high waisted, hug in all the right places, stay put (even during my most intense workouts), and they come in so many great color options. I own them in gravel, olive, and black.

5. Do you still use the TULA products for your skincare needs during this pregnancy? When I was pregnant with my first I had no idea what to use because there were so many harmful ingredients in other skincare products. Want to be prepared when we decide to have #2!

I love TULA products and have been using them for about 2.5 years. That being said, I still use a few of their products during pregnancy, but a lot of them contain retinol which many suggest avoiding while pregnant. My doctor has okayed a few of the products, but I have incorporated other products into my daily routine lately. I’ve been really happy with this moisture locking mask, turmeric brightening exfoliating mask, serum, eye cream, evening moisturizer, and daily moisturizer.

6. I have a question about athletic leggings. Which are your favorite for your most intense workouts? Best moisture wicking/breathable? I tend to sweat in the inner thigh and booty area and I hate when it shows through… so embarrassing! 

I feel you on that one! Some of my favorites for my most intense workouts are the Zella Hatha legging. For me, the show no sweat, stay put, hug in all the right places, and are breathable. I own them in a silver, blush, and dark grey color… they’re an excellent price point as well.

7. What are the best outfit ideas for family/extended family holiday cards? What types of outfits are great for photos in general? Our color palate is red, blue, cream, and gray. And anything from jeans to dresses would be great! 

This has been a popular question, obviously, this holiday season. As far as our family photos have gone over the years, we’ve never been too coordinated… and I am always a big proponent on wearing what you feel/look best in, since that will bring out true smiles. That being said, I recommend picking a color palette that compliments your family’s skin tone…. and one that captures their personalities…. as well as appropriate to location (if you’re taking photos at the beach, I obviously wouldn’t recommend boots…). When TJ + I took photos in Paris we opted for a fancy dress + suit combo to fit the vibe of the city… when we took them in Park City, we chose boots, beanies, and fun coats/jackets…. and this year, when we took them at the beach, we opted for more laid back dresses, rompers, and shorts.

As for the specific color scheme that your family is opting for (not sure of your location of photos), I love a flowy cream dress for the women (I own this dress and it’s beautiful in photos), paired with booties…. or you can opt for a beautiful cream sweater, cognac boots (pair with jeans), and a beautiful scarf (you can keep the scarf neutral, or pull in the other colors here….). If you have little girls, I think this cream colored dress is beautiful (Harper owns it and it looks really cute on), or you could do a cute skirt + top combo. For the guys (and if you have little boys) I’d do jeans, shoes similar in color to the women, and a nice collar shirt in the colors you like… and maybe a grey v-neck sweater (this one comes in all your colors) over (or this cute cable knit cardigan…)….

8. I know you have a background in therapy and was wondering if you can give me any good couple’s advice. I’ve been trying to work on my anxiety and the only time I feel it creep is in when I feel like I’m doing something to let someone down, feeling like I don’t do something my boyfriend or family won’t love me anymore or I’ll let them down… to the point that it causes me to push too much. Do you have any strategies for helping with that? 

It really sounds like you already have some insight into the reasons behind your anxiety, so that’s a great starting point. Without having a full history background, and able to dialogue back and forth with you it is a little difficult to provide specific strategies. That being said, most of anxiety comes about worrying about/living in the future… “What if I fail?…” “What if they don’t love me anymore?….” “What if this upsets them?….” and most behaviors that we utilize during these times are to reduce the anxiety (fears/thoughts) that we are feeling (sometimes these mechanisms are effective and other times they are less effective…). I wrote a blog post a while back about anxious thoughts that might be somewhat helpful.

9. I’m looking for some work pants (I’m a teacher) that aren’t jeans, but are comfy and not super skinny. Do you have any idea where I might start? I found some great joggers at Ann Taylor that I can dress up but need a couple more options. Thanks so much!

My sister is a teacher, so when I picked out these options, I kept in mind what a typical day looks like for her, and what would be practical, comfortable, stylish, and keep in line with a dress code… I hope it helps! Ann Taylor has some excellent options. I also love these dressy joggers from Urban Outfitters (featured above). They fit so well and can easily be dressed up, since they’re a silky material (not your typical cotton option). This black pair can easily be dressed up as well. I also highly recommend LOFT for great styles, and prices. I own two pairs from them and love the fit. A few favorites include these slim tie waist pencil pants (and 4 more color options…I’d pair them with a beautiful cream colored sweater) + these skinny ankle pant (I don’t believe these would be as fitted as skinny jeans….).

10. Do you have any modern, or nice, toy box recommendations? My daughter’s toys are all in our main living space and I want something to throw them into… 

Amazon has some really great options, and this white (or wood) box looks like a chest that might blend in nicely with a living area. I’m also a big fan of pretty baskets, which you can find at TJ Maxx home store, Target, or any home shop. I own a few of these pom basket for Harper’s toys and really like them.

11. This is my first pregnancy and I worked out very intensely before (lifted pretty heavy, mid distance running, and spinning). I downloaded tone it up and have been loving it…. but don’t know what exercises to avoid. Did someone give you a list? I’ve tried to find info on the internet but it’s overwhelming and conflicting. 

Congrats on your pregnancy! As far as a specific list goes, I don’t have one of those. I did speak with my doctor, and then I just monitor my intensity + exertion, and any moves that feel uncomfortable. Moves I do avoid during pregnancy include ab work (I still do planks to keep the core strong for delivery + recovery), and anything that requires I lay on my stomach I avoid. Hope that helps a little!

12. I know you live in sunny California, but I’d love to know some of your favorite outerwear pieces. We’re getting snow soon and I need some cute pieces. 

Jealous of your snow! In our move, I misplaced my huge puffer jacket I’ve had for the past two years, so had to buy one at the last minute. I decided on this black + faux fur option (currently 30% off). This is also a great shorter length option + this is a beautiful burgundy teddy jacket. I also love these Sorel boots (brought them with me to Park City), this beanie, this scarf, and this cozy cardigan jacket (35% off right now).

13. What are some of your favorite movies + books? 

You can see my favorite books here, and as far as  movies go, I like all different kinds. The last one I saw was I Feel Pretty which I highly recommend…. and I love a good comedy… The Hangover, Wedding Crashers, Christmas Vacation… I’m also a huge fan of documentaries and series. The Crown, about the royal family, was really interesting.

14. I just started working from home. Any ideas for refreshed athleisure? Other tips?

Even with my 9-5 job I had the ability to work from home and loved it. Over the years, I’ve found following a regular routine to be the most helpful to helping me be efficient…. and that includes actually getting ready in the morning…. doing my hair + make-up and getting dressed.  My favorite types of pieces to wear are nice leggings/joggers, cozy cardigans, and comfy tees, somedays tossing in a comfortable pair of jeans. Since we’re getting into the winter season, I love this cozy cardigan, these faux leather leggings (they’re super comfortable + fit really well), joggers (these are seriously so soft), and these are my all time favorite basic tees (I own in 3 colors). I also think a nice, oversized, chambray top is a great choice to pair with the leggings or joggers…. and under the cardigan as well.

15. Can you share some maternity holiday outfit suggestions please? (a couple questions related to this topic). 

I plan on sharing a few styled posts on this topic, but some pieces that work well with, or without, a bump (I’m just not a huge fan of the side ruching a lot of maternity lines carry, so I opt for non-maternity styles instead) include this beautiful balloon sleeve velvet dress (shared this on stories the other day), backless velvet dress,  lace off the shoulder dress (it’s material should be stretchy), ruffle hem dress (again, a stretchy material), and this mock neck bodycon dress. If you’re looking for something that isn’t a dress, I think faux leather leggings, a black top (love Hatch because it can be worn pregnant + not pregnant), and this metallic blazer would be perfect. You can always use faux fur + accessories to give an all black look holiday perfect.

16. How did you start running? Did you use an app? Any suggestions for a beginner? 

I started running in college, when I lived in San Diego by the beach… and it just continued from there. When I became more serious about running, and wanted to increase my distances, I started off slow. I would run for 5 minutes, walk for 5 minutes to help me build my endurance. As my endurance became stronger, I would run for longer periods of time without walking. I eventually decided to train for a half marathon, and followed a training program for my first, along with the app iMapMyRun. I know use Nike Run app to track my runs. If you’re just starting out, I recommend getting a good pair of running shoes + socks… an excellent playlist… and work on building up your endurance.