Weekend Reading – March 25th, 2018

Happy Sunday! This was exactly the weekend both Bo and I needed and wanted.  Each of our weeks was very busy, filled with work meetings and evening commitments so a few days with Katie was exactly what we were craving. She has been so happy recently. Everyone who said 9 months is a fun age was right! She is smiling and laughing from the moment she wakes up until she goes down for a nap and throughout the day she is filled with energy that lasts until we begin bath time at 6:45pm. We definitely have to continue child-proofing as she caught us by surprise this weekend, climbing four staris. We didn’t have many plans this weekend other than visiting Heather and meeting her week-old son Skyler and playing workout tag, aka working out while the other watches Katie. I did an amazing 45-minute Flywheel class with Dionna on our FlyAnywhere bike and then took a tough, sweaty Full Body Conditioning class at the YMCA with Laura.

This week, instead of Friday Favorites, I’m sharing some weekend reading which includes recipes, articles, posts and other things that caught my eye this week.

  • My manicure and pedicure still look pretty good, 15 days later, thanks to Essie’s Gel Couture nail polish. The polish lasts 14 days but doesn’t require any special lamp during the process and it’s easy to remove with nail polish remover! I’m loving Drop the Gown and Sit Me in The Front Row for spring – bright, vibrant pinks!
  • After I stopped nursing, I needed to replace my bras since my old bras were too small and I was ready to put the nursing bras in storage.  I spent almost an hour trying on countless bras in order to find one that provided the coverage and shape that I desired but was comfortable enough to wear all day. Once I tried this Natori Bra I knew I’d found a winner. It provides shape, padding, coverage and comfort all day long.  While it’s a bit more expensive than bras I’ve worn in the past, it’s well worth it as I’m no longer yearning to take off my bra at 5pm.
  • After streamlining my wardrobe, I definitely needed at least one or two tops that I could wear for work and date nights. After seeing friends and bloggers alike wear this J.Crew blouse I ordered it in two colors – black and loden green. I have worn it three times so far and am head over heels in love with it. The sleeves are a fun detail without being TOO dramatic and the crepe laid perfectly whether I tucked it in or wore it out. I’ve worn it with a fun necklace and heels for a date night and paired with dress paints and pearls for a customer meeting.
  • As I mentioned in this post as well as this week’s Instagram posts, I’m focused on doing more HIIT and strength workouts with a goal of squeezing in two per week. While it’s only been two weeks, I’m already feeling stronger after taking Total Body Conditioning and Les Mills Grit Cardio. They are both non-stop workouts that include a cardio-heavy warm-up, strength portion and tough ab routine at the end. I’ve been making some adjustments to the ab section, focusing on slow and controlled movements both otherwise have been able to do the classes without adjustments!
  • I just finished reading Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine and I still haven’t decided how I felt about the book. I didn’t find myself yearning to read it each night, but, by the final few pages, I was smiling and really pleased with the story.  I found the first half of the book depressing and hard to heart wrenching but the second half was heart warming and I really enjoyed the way the author brought everything together at the end.
  • Inspired by this weekend’s promotion and a gift card, I caved and bought a mommy and me outfit for Katie and I to wear this summer! I ordered her two of the Baby Lilly Shifts in Multi Gypset Paradise and Multi Rainbow Soleil. Since none of the patterned Lilly dresses are long enough for me, I ordered Skipper Popover and an Elsa silk top.

 

Disclaimer: This post is not sponsored and instead is a list of the things of my favorite things this week. As normal, it includes lots of beauty and fashion items which means there are a few affiliate links via ShopStyle. It takes time and money to maintain a blog so I thank you for the support and few cents that come from clicking through the links!

Share Button
Follow:

Winter Favorites – 10 Items I’ve Worn Constantly This Winter

Spring Snow

The calendar says spring has arrived but the weather says winter. Based on today’s weather, you’d never know that it is the second day of spring.  There are kids shoveling snow and others walking by with sleds.  While many other people are talking about the latest spring fashions, I thought I would say farewell to winter weather by sharing the items that I have worn non-stop during our never-ending winter.  While I love cold weather and appreciate and enjoy experiencing all four seasons, after growing up in the perpetually warm and humid Savannah, Georgia, I’m ready to say farewell to my winter wardrobe. In fact, if you follow along on my daily Instagram stories, then you will most likely recognize many of these items especially the tops and coats.

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people standing, mountain, sky, outdoor and nature

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people sitting, people standing, baby and child

Image may contain: 1 person, sitting and indoor

Image may contain: 2 people, people smiling, people sitting, baby and closeup

One of the downsides to simplifying my life and wardrobe is that I now have far fewer clothes in my closet. As I scroll through Instagram photos or our family photo stream, it is clear that I played favorites this season, even within my smaller wardrobe, and wore the below ten items on repeat.  I am ready to say hello to short sleeves, skirts, dresses and vibrant colors as soon as spring appears in Brooklyn. But, until then, since there are lots of end of season sales taking place right now, I thought it would be helpful to share the 10 items I wore non-stop this winter in case you want to stock up for next year.

Barbour Beadnell Polarquilt Jacket – Even though I’ve owned this coat for more than a year, this was the first year I could wear it as I purchased it when I was unknowingly pregnant with Katie. It became an instant favorite this year for warmer winter days and was worn on repeat when the weather was below 50 degrees and above 30.  It has large pockets that easily fit my cell phone, keys and credit card while the second set of front pockets are hand pockets –  perfectly angled and lined with fleece to keep my hands warm on cold days.

L.L. Bean Cozy Pullover – I wish I had purchased this sweatshirt in multiple colors as I’ve worn the spruce heather at least twice a week since receiving it in November. Clearly I’m not the only person who fell head over heels for this sweatshirt as every color in my size is back-ordered until late April.  It isn’t loose and baggy like most sweatshirts, instead it has a slimming cut and the hip length is perfect for wearing it with jeans or leggings. The thumb holes were an added bonus that I discovered after ordering it and the front pocket has been perfect for holding Katie’s toys or pacifier when we’re out and about.

9′  high-rise toothpick jean in classic wash  – These jeans have been a blessing for my post baby as the higher rise and stretch allow me to wear the jeans confidently without being uncomfortable all day. The cut and dark color accentuate and flatter my long legs while I also appreciate that they come in petite, regular and tall.

Sorel Joan of Arctic Cold Weather boots – I bought these five years ago when we moved abroad and just today did I notice that they are starting to show some wear and tear. These waterproof boots are perfect for snowy days as they keep my feet and calves dry and warm while also providing traction that makes me feel safe and secure even when I’m wearing Katie. I find that these run a bit small especially considering how thick most winter socks are so I would recommend ordering a size larger.

Sorel Nakiska Suede Slippers – Since I work from home, I spend more time in slippers than the average person. In fact, I wore out these amazing slippers in two years and received a new pair for Christmas. Unlike most slippers, these have a sole that provides arch support and the rubber bottom provides traction on our slippery, wooden stairs. The only down side to these slippers is that the wool lining keeps feet nice and cozy, which makes them  more appropriate for cooler months than year round.

J.Crew Dreamy Stripe Pajamas  – After buying one pair of these pajamas in gray and white I loved them so much that I bought a second pair in navy and white and have worn them almost exclusively all fall and winter. Since I have a short torso and long legs, most pajama pant sets don’t fit properly. These pajamas not only are long enough but they are also the softest pajamas I’ve found. The fit is definitely loose and I sized down in my second pair after finding that my regular size was a bit baggier than I preferred.

Tissue Turtleneck – Every year J.Crew factory sells this turtleneck in multiple patterns and colors but this year the black and white stripe was my favorite. It’s a perfect weight for layering thanks to the lighter weight and slim fit. I own four of these turtlenecks and wear them alone and under blazers, jackets or sweaters. They wash and dry well in the washer, are thick enough to not show bra lines and don’t shrink. If you want a looser fit, order a size larger than normal as they are pretty snug.

Merino Wool Sweater Blazer  – Available on both J.Crew and J.Crew Factory sites this has been one of their most popular items this season. A great classic that can easily be dressed up or down, I love that this one cotton which means it is machine washable and far cheaper than the J.Crew version which is merino wool.  It runs a bit large so I recommend ordering down one size but otherwise this has been a great staple this season and has been worn to both the farmer’s market on weekends and client meetings during the week.

Patagonia Down Sweater Jacket – This water resistant, down jacket is a lot warmer than it looks!  I’ve only worn my long, down coat a few times this season as this coat has been heavy enough to keep me warm most days, including during today’s snowstorm. The coat is more fitted than some winter coats which makes it very flattering. It is light and easily rolled up or stuffed into my purse and diaper bag but once I put it on it’s so much warmer than expected.  It is definitely an upgrade versus my long, down coat which I lovingly call my wearable sleeping bag.

Sarah Marie Design Studio Sweatshirt –  The saying on the sweatshirt makes it fun while the fit and cozy factor make it a winter time essential especially when I’m relaxing on the couch or hanging out with Katie. Every time I wear it I get comments from people on the street or Instagram as the struggle to get out of bed is very real. The fleece sweatshirt is so soft that I’ve actually worn it to sleep during colder winter nights. But, typically I wear it to and from workouts, relaxing at home or running errands.  An added benefit is that Sarah Marie Design Studio is a small business and you’re supporting a fellow runner and designer by purchasing through her online store.

 

Share Button
Follow:
Share:
Comments Off on Winter Favorites – 10 Items I’ve Worn Constantly This Winter

February Reflections

February Reflections

Happy Monday!

Once again, I’m checking in with you guys to provide an update on the goals I made for myself at the beginning ofthe year. Unlike January, which dragged on FOREVER, February flew by due to a shorter month, family visits and lots of business travel.  Thanks to these goals though, I was able to finish the month feeling pretty good, though as always, there was room for improvement.

In order to help keep myself accountable of the goals I made for the year, I want to take time to REFLECT at the close of each month. Historically, I’ve had a hard time keeping track of goals or resolutions because often I would chose them at the beginning of the year, share them and then rarely think about them again. In fact, the only times I’ve found success working towards goals is when I carve out time to reflect.  Here, my friends, is where I stand so far.

1) Disconnect more –  My life has changed so much over the past few years. I used to spend at least an hour each evening and a few hours each weekend dedicating time to blogging and working on social media. These days, due to the demands of my job and role as a mom, I’m finding that I can barely motivate myself to get on social media for even 15 minutes a day to engage and catch up, much less write a blog post. So instead of focusing on how much time I’m spending online, I’m trying to spend the “right” time which means not multi-tasking while with friends or family and instead dedicating time when I can and make the most of it by engaging with my favorite fellow bloggers, on my favorite platform (Instagram) and cracking away at requested blog posts. I really enjoy sharing daily updates via Instastories and find that this is also my preferred way of connecting with other bloggers as I enjoy seeing a glimpse into their days.

2) Run a 5k, 10k & half – I ran and loved every moment of the NYRR Al Gordon Brooklyn 4 mile race and have already signed up for two more – NYRR Queens 10k and the NYCRuns Prospect Park 5k.  The NYRR Queens 10k in June is part of Zoe’s bachelorette festivities and will therefore be a fun run enjoyed with friends and multiple photo stops. On the other hand, my initial thinking for the Prospect Park 5k is to see what my body can do at that point and run as fast as possible. I’m hoping that one of my running friends will join for the race and brunch date afterwards! 

NYRR Al Gordon Brooklyn 4 Miler

3)Survive a 90 min or double Flywheel Sports class on our Flywheel Fly Anywhere bike –  While work schedules, frigid weather, Katie’s cold and travel made it tough to stick with a regular workout routine, I was still able to squeeze in 8 spin classes last month including 1 45-minute, 6 30-minute and 2 20-minute classes. My goal this month is to do at least 60-minute classes as I know that longer class will require both mental and physical strength while also helping me increase my cardiovascular stamina! 

4) Continue reading each night –   I kept up with this goal by reading magazines and books before bed each night. I read Runner’s World and HEALTH magazine on a monthly basis in addition to the books I track on Goodreads. Last month I read Little Fires Everywhere which I LOVED, The Light We Lost which I sped through in one weekend and then started Eleanor Oliphant is Just Fine. What magazines do you read on a regular basis? 

5) Practice yoga once a month – Wow this one was a HUGE fail last month as I didn’t take a single yoga class. By the end of the month I could feel the pressure and tightness in my body and was craving yoga in a big way. Based on how my body felt, I’ve already taken two yoga classes during the first 2 weeks of March! 

6) Blog two times a week – This has been harder than expected and I only blogged five times during February and am frustrated that I left six drafts unfinished.  I have so many topics on my iPhone list AND I get constant requests from you all, that my lack of posting isn’t due to a lack of inspiration or ideas. While I finally shared Katie’s favorite foods and our journey into solid foods, I continue to have anxiety when pushing POST on family posts. There is so much mom shaming that takes place on the internet that part of me wants to abandon sharing our life as a family and focus on running and health & wellness. But, that wouldn’t be a true reflection of my life now, so instead, I’m going to try and focus my energy into blog posts versus wasting it on anxiety over strangers’ opinions. My goal for March is to share Katie’s 9-month update and share a glimpse into our morning and evening routine, as inspired by Julia’s post. 

7) Invest in my relationship with Bo – We enjoyed our monthly date night with dinner at Claro, a new Mexican restaurant in Brooklyn thanks to our amazing babysitter & friend Heather. In addition, we made a conscious effort to have dinner at the dining room table more often and spend our dinner time talking about our days and catching up versus rushing through dinner or watching television while we eat. 

This month, my goals are primarily focused on quality engagement on the blog and social media and prioritizing yoga and strength/HIIT training since these are workouts that don’t seem to happen as often as spinning and running. 

Share Button
Follow: