Despite being an obsessive list-maker, there will never be a trip we take that we don’t forget something semi-important, whether it’s something small and easily replaceable, like my toothbrush, or an item pretty integral to the entire trip, like our tent. Yup. We have totally gone camping and forgot to bring the tent. Fortunately, the nearby roadside market had a smattering of outdoor gear, tents included, so rather than camping in our roomy Kingdom 6 from REI, we slept next to each other in two separate tiny tents all weekend. I’m not really sure what our neighbors thought, like were they fighting? Did they sleep in separate rooms at home? Either way, we got a ton of laughs out of the situation and we’re better about double-checking our list before pulling out of the driveway.
Pro tip: pack a small bag with extra clothes for your child and keep it easily accessible in the car. And never leave home without emergency barf bags. Finding out your kid gets car sick mid-route is never a good time. On that note, might as well throw a trash bag in the car so you don't have to shove everything in the doors.
When our son was nine months old we had a pretty ballsy trip planned. We were going to road trip and camp at several different spots along the southern Oregon coast over the course of 10 days. Things were going pretty okay (if you count breastfeeding in a tent with a child who won’t sleep okay), until it started to rain on us. Tired, cranky and now also wet, the trip was getting less fun by the minute. As we took shelter from the rain in the car, my husband nonchalantly mentioned we could easily call it quits and be home by dinnertime. Honestly, the thought hadn’t even crossed my mind at that point. Normally, I’m a ‘finish what we started’ kind of girl, but ending our trip on a high note rather than slugging through the last few days was a wise decision.
When flying we try to travel as light as possible, but the rules of packing are totally different when you’ve got a road trip ahead of you. Stuff that vehicle to the brim, baby! Depending how many hours you have to drive, you won’t regret having lots of activities on board to keep your kiddos busy. They will come in handy too at your campsite, rental, or brewery happy hour. Pending your child's age, some car activities we love are paint by sticker books, scratch art, magnetic hangman, dry-erase road sign bingo, and magic ink coloring books.
Pro-tip: get an activity tray for your child’s lap so they can play without dropping things left and right.
Road trips are only as good as the car snacks, so hit up your local Trader Joe’s and go wild. We also like to pull over at roadside markets for some local flair. Nothing beats hot boiled peanuts or a carton of fresh berries, depending on what part of the country you’re cruising through. So leave your normal go-to snacks at home and pack some variety.
]]>We get it. Finding stylish clothing can be a beast when you need access to the milk-makers 24/7. But as the flowers are starting to pop and the temps are getting warmer, we're really feeling these springtime vibes so we've scoured the internet and found the best nursing dresses that are perfectly suited for #momlife. And they're so gorgeous they just might even make your non-nursing friends slightly jealous.
The deep-V provides easy access while you strut your way to the beach.
$37.99 - Available on Amazon
While not technically a dress, I'm pretty sure I'd live in this (nursing or not).
$58 - Available on LatchedMama.com
This one is perfect for the capsule closets - it'd be so easy to dress up or down!
$110 - Available on Madewell.com
Vertical stripes FTW!
$36.99 - Available on Target.com
Perfect for any stage of pregnancy or postpartum, this beauty is made with 100% organic cotton.
$159 - Available on boobdesign.com
Allegedly, this dress was seen on Kate Middleton. Need we say more?
$79 - Available on Seraphine.com
This print gives.me.life. These colors are perfect for those vacation vibes!
$89 - Available on PinkBlushMaternity.com
The fabric is cut from a lightweight, breathable viscose from a mill in France (France!) and it makes me want to frolic in a lavender field. And it has hidden slits for easy access.
$198 - Available on hatchcollection.com
The reviews and price point are enough to click that 'add to cart.'
$24.30 - Available on Amazon.com
With some leggings, this could be adorable year round! Plus...POCKETS!
$95 - Available on LoyalHana.com
This is the most practical dress I've seen in a long time. The cut allows you to wear it through pregnancy with easy access to simplify breastfeeding.
$75 - Available on Seraphine.com
This could be an very versatile piece in your wardrobe. Dress it down with some chucks or pile on the bangles for a boho look.
$49.99 - Available on hm.com
I have a feeling this is the summer version of cute joggers. It's adorable without having to sacrifice comfort.
$57 - Available on LatchedMama.com
]]>It is well known that exercise improves mental and physical health, but what about exercise during pregnancy? Exercise during pregnancy not only boosts the mother's mental and physical health, but also has specific benefits for a healthy pregnancy, smooth delivery and faster postpartum recovery. What's more, when a mother exercises during pregnancy, both mom and baby reap the benefits!
Pregnancy imposes a lot of unique physical demands on a woman’s body. Regardless of your level of physical activity before pregnancy, there are many benefits to exercising during pregnancy for both mom and baby.
Furthermore, the benefits of maternal exercise during pregnancy extend beyond birth. This study discovered that babies whose mothers exercised during pregnancy had better motor skills than those whose mothers did not exercise during pregnancy.
Nutrition also plays a key role in maternal and fetal health during pregnancy. For more information about pregnancy nutrition and supplements, see my post, Fit Pregnancy Nutrition.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists recommends regular strength and aerobic training throughout pregnancy for women with uncomplicated pregnancies.
More specifically, the ACOG recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise each week during pregnancy, aiming for 20-30 minutes each session. These guidelines apply to women of all fitness levels, though the type of exercise and level of intensity will vary. Furthermore, women who exercised vigorously pre-pregnancy can continue to do so during pregnancy.
The following exercises will strengthen your body for a healthy pregnancy, smooth delivery and faster postpartum recovery. These exercises are safe to do in all trimesters for healthy women with low risk pregnancies. Of course, consult your doctor about what your individual exercise routine should look like during pregnancy.
Squats are an excellent exercise for strengthening your entire body, especially your pelvic floor. Many midwives and physicians recommend this exercise specifically to prepare for labor and delivery, and some women even give birth in this position! Try doing 3 (or more) sets of 25 reps 3 days a week, either with or without weight. If you are going to use a weight, it’s best to hold it at your collarbones to help with posture and balance.
Strong glutes are essential for maintaining a strong core throughout your pregnancy. Along these lines, having strong glutes will also help with lower back pain that is common in pregnancy. Glute bridges can be done in the supine position (lying on your back), with or without weight. However, exercises in the supine position can be uncomfortable for some women as pregnancy progresses. In this case, you can perform the exercise with your head and upper back elevated by a bolster/pillow, small exercise ball or bench. Perform 3 sets of 25 reps (or more!), 3-4 times per week.
This exercise strengthens the entire core unit and is a great way to ensure your core remains strong without having to do any crunches or planks, which can put unnecessary strain on a pregnant woman’s body. Bird dogs also help with balance, which is often compromised during pregnancy. Perform 2 sets of 10 reps (each side), alternating sides, 3-4 times per week.
This exercise strengthens the powerhouse muscles of the posterior chain, or back-body. This is your go-to exercise to prevent back pain! Deadlifts can be done with a barbell, kettlebell or dumbbells; however, start with light weight if you are new to this exercise. Try doing 3 sets of 15 reps 2-3 times a week to strengthen the back and core.
Push-ups are known for building upper body strength and muscle tone, but they also play a key role in core strength for a comfortable pregnancy. Plus, you’ll need strong arms to carry around a baby in a few months! Because this exercise becomes increasingly harder as pregnancy progresses, try doing push-ups on your knees, or with your hands elevated on a bench. Aim for 2-3 sets of 10 reps, 3 times per week.
Step ups are a full-body exercise that will serve as both strength and cardio! It’s simple—all you need is your body and a step, bench or box. You can also hold dumbbells to make it even more challenging! However, because balance is compromised during pregnancy, make sure the height of your step, box, or bench isn’t too high. Perform 3 sets of 15 step ups on each leg 2-3 times per week.
During pregnancy, your hips and glutes can become tight and/or weak. Monster walks help strengthen these muscles to support your changing body and help with lower body discomfort that is common during pregnancy. You can vary the intensity of this exercise by varying the resistance band. When you step laterally, make sure to lead with your hip and knee in alignment, rather than the foot, to engage the muscles properly. Aim for 3 sets of 10 steps (each direction) 2-3 times per week.
This exercise likewise strengthens the core, including the back and glutes. You can do this exercise with or without a resistance band to vary the intensity. Make sure you keep your hips and shoulders square to the floor, pressing evenly into the floor with both hands. Complete 3 sets of 15 reps on each leg, 2-3 times per week.
This exercise is the solution to poor posture and back pain that is common during pregnancy. With a light resistance band, squeeze your shoulder blades together to strengthen the postural muscles of the back. Make sure to engage your core and keep your knees soft so as not to strain your low back. Complete 3 sets of 25 reps, 2-3 times per week.
Exercise during pregnancy benefits both mom and baby, during pregnancy and beyond! There will be times where exercising is the last thing you feel like doing, and that's okay! Do your best to stay consistent while also listening to your body. Remember that exercise will both alleviate pregnancy discomfort and yield long term benefits. A regular exercise regimen that includes the above exercises will promote a healthy pregnancy, smooth delivery and faster postpartum recovery.
Lauren is a NASM certified personal trainer, wellness coach and health and fitness blogger. She shares her fitness expertise on her YouTube channel, featuring at-home workouts for women.
Lauren specializes in women’s fitness and nutrition + prenatal and postpartum exercise. She is passionate about helping fellow C-section moms heal, strengthen and regain core function postpartum. She is a mom of 22 month old Ava and is expecting another baby girl Audrey at the end of April.
]]>It’s time to reframe the ‘bounce back’ phrase to a ‘build back’ message so we can take a more sustainable approach to postpartum health and fitness. I don’t believe in ‘getting your body back’ after having a baby, nor do I really want that body. I want a mom bod, one that is strong and fierce and can lug an awkward car seat and four bags of groceries into the house at once. I want to adventure and play and explore with my child for many many years.
We’re in it for the long game, mamas, not some bounce back B.S. If you’re with me, read on below for our 3 favorite mom-focused trainers on YouTube who have enough (FREE!) content to truly build that strong, beautiful mom bod.
Lindsey Bomgren is the fitness-loving content creator behind Nourish Move Love’s much loved youtube channel. She has more than 50 prenatal and postpartum yoga and strength workouts, so whether you need low impact exercise or advanced strength training, there’s a little something here for everyone. You can browse her entire maternity catalog here.
Lauren Fitter, NASM certified personal trainer, is guaranteed to have a short and sweet workout for you, whatever your stage of life or fitness level. She’s got HIIT, strength, toning, prenatal and even c-section specific workouts. Holla! Here is a quick 20 minute low-impact HIIT for you but you can browse the entire library here.
We also are digging Jessica Pumpel’s Pregnancy and Postpartum TV channel. It is THE jackpot for pregnant women! She has so much content laser-focused for prenatal and postpartum exercise so you can get that HIIT fix while staying within your body’s comfort zone. I love this sweet mama and baby yoga video. You can browse the entire library here.
Now that you’ve hit subscribe to these channels, it’s time to roll out that yoga mat and carve out some time for yourself. Fitness guru Heather Robertson encourages women to measure their success on more than just the number on the scale. Have you noticed your mood is more positive? Are you sleeping better? Do you feel stronger? All of these things are measures of success.
Now let’s do this!
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Question: What did you do prior to opening a shop? What made you want to get into maternity retail?
Jessica- Prior to opening my shop 3 yrs ago, I was a postpartum doula, a babywearing consultant, and marketing manager for the non profit Hike It Baby. It was great to help women right after they gave birth and support them as they healed.
Shelby- Before opening my store I was a stay at home and I sewed kids clothes. As my handmade business grew, I spent more time interacting with moms in my community and saw a need for a children’s store in our area. I started out in a little 400 sq ft store for my first 2 yrs and now that I have an established customer base I’m moving into a beautiful new location that is large enough to carry both baby/kids items as well as pregnancy/nursing goods for mamas.
Tell me about your family! Who are you supporting at home and who supports you in your entrepreneurial endeavors?
Shelby- I am married to my husband Mike and we have two kids, Briar and Boone. My husband is a firefighter and he inspires me every day to use my business as a way to give back to the community. From day one it was important to me to be able to bring my kids to work and they’re always here helping customers, playing with other kids that come in and napping behind the counter. Now that I have employees the shop is still a 100% kid friendly workplace so our employees don’t need to hire childcare in order to work for us.
Jessica- Dan, Sky and I live with a dog, a cat, a betta fish, two snails, and a ton of houseplants! Sky and Dan are my biggest supporters, cheerleaders and cheerer-uppers. Dan and I have been married for over 14 yrs. He’s always been my biggest fan and I appreciate his calm, supportive presence. This year I added a business partner and Hannah and I are a really good mix together. We joke that we always panic at the opposite moments so one of us stays calm during all issues.
Photo: Jessica Featherstone, owner of Close to the Heart Maternity in Thiensville, WI
What is your favorite thing about being in retail?
Shelby- All the connections I make with moms in my community. I live in a very small town so I run into my customers every time I leave the house. I also love seeing all the kids that come into my shop as they’re the same age as my kiddos, so it feels even more important to welcome them with open and loving arms.
Jessica- Gosh, this is probably the hardest question. I love meeting and chatting with people, supporting women as they make this huge life transition and also supporting women in business.
What is the hardest part about being in retail?
Shelby- The uncertainty. There is no way to guarantee the outcome when you try something new, but sometimes you just have to jump in!
Jessica- I joke that you need to love constantly solving problems to own a business. For me, it’s always the little problems like trying to get a bluetooth printer set up or how to print graphics the exact size you need. Bonus, you get to be a jack of all trades pretty quickly!
Photo: Shelby Oden, owner of Little Alaskan in Kenai, AK
What do you do for fun to let loose?
Shelby- I like to get out and explore Alaska. There is so much beauty here. My family likes to hike, spend time at the beach, and visit all the little towns throughout the state. I share some of our adventures on Insta if you want to get a little dose of Alaska.
Jessica- O man, I love watercolor painting, embroidery, hiking and camping, and playing D&D with my friend. Taking naps. Never underestimate a good nap.
How the heck do you stay motivated during the slow times?
Shelby- I like to remind myself that there is always something I can be doing to improve or learn about. I am always reading and implementing what I have learned to improve.
Jessica- Drink a lot of coffee….but really, the slow times make it possible for the busy times. It’s all about preparation and planning for the busy times. How do we encourage people to stop in the store? What memes should we share in the group? What inventory would women want to wear and use?
What advice would you give to women who are scared to chase their dreams?
Shelby- We are inherently made to be successful, live abundantly, and achieve our dreams. The sooner you know that to be true in the core of your being, the easier it will be to take risks and move forward with your dreams.
Jessica- What’s actually stopping you? Is it financial? Can you work with the SBA? Is it time? Can you talk to a partner or friend to help? Is it fear? Of failure or of actually succeeding? Start going through what you think is stopping you. There will always be valid reasons not to chase your dreams and there will always be a way and reason to chase them.
]]>Luckily, there are some amazing podcasts out there packed full of helpful tips, inspiration and advice so you can tackle breastfeeding like a boss!
If you’re a seasoned pro or a newbie in the breastfeeding journey, this podcast will have something for you. “The Barbs” cover everything from basics, pumping, weaning, and current events in the breastfeeding world. They present a ton of facts which is an amazing approach to help you decide what’s right for you and your baby. Since no topic is off-limits here, they address some of the less commonly discussed issues which brings a fresh dose of clarity. Listen here.
If you’re feeling intimidated or inadequate in your breastfeeding journey, Marie, the host of Born to be Breastfed, is here to save you. She empowers parents to overcome the barriers that are holding them back and brings in some of the biggest names in breastfeeding to help the discussions. This is a fan favorite amongst lactation consultants and IBCLC students and professionals because the information is just that good. Listen here.
Breastfeeding Outside the Box is centered around serving families who historically have not received the help and support they need and deserve (adoptive families, gender minorities, special needs, breast surgery, etc). Their content is inclusive, sensitive, thoughtful and definitely full of passion. Prepared to be inspired by the guests on the show. Listen here.
Each week, a group of experienced moms openly discuss their success, struggles and society’s impact on how they feed their babies. It’s an open and honest conversation with a judgement-free approach to help mom’s find what works for them. Their format is amazing for keeping you motivated throughout your nursing journey. Listen here.
Hosted by midwives and lactation professionals, Heather and Maureen share TONS of insight into breastfeeding, mental health, parenting, and all things lactation. All of their content is based around scientific evidence so it’s an incredible resource, but the duo keeps it fun and lighthearted by cracking jokes and delivering advice in a friendly, non-judgemental manner. This will help you answer the questions you didn’t even know you had. Listen here.
Lori Jill Isenstadt offers new moms little ‘breastfeeding bites’ about common concerns surrounding breastfeeding and personal stories of breastfeeding from both everyday moms and lactation professionals. Lori has a sense of humor and understanding that I relished as a new mom and hearing real stories from other moms makes the newness of postpartum feel a little less isolating. Listen here.
Hosted by moms Dianne Cassidy, IBCLC and Abby Theuring aka The Badass Breastfeeder, is a weekly podcast that confronts breastfeeding myths and everyday issues new moms face in totally relatable ways. They get up close and personal because that comes with the territory, right? B-fing isn’t as natural and carefree as it’s made out to be so knowing you’re not the only one who doesn’t master it week one is more reassuring than anything else. Listen here.
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Inspired by those adorable monthly milestones, this plan helps make sure mama has what she needs to be supported throughout the first year.
]]>We know the milestones our babies should be meeting throughout the first year. Wouldn’t it be magical if mothers had the same road map? A system of checkpoints to ensure her mental and physical wellbeing were strong and supported? Unfortunately, no such thing exists because maternal care is severely lacking. We all know that one 6-week checkup is just not enough. So we have to be our own advocates and take matters into our own hands to make sure mama’s cup is full.
Christine Anastasia has the most brilliant plan inspired by those adorable monthly milestones to make sure mama has what she needs to be supported throughout the first year.
Ever seen those little decal stickers and chalk boards that have monthly milestones for your baby? Personality traits. First food. First steps. First roll. First crawl. Wouldn’t it be amazing if we considered the same important milestones and checkpoints for mom and her wellbeing? Whether you’re having your first baby or 5th, the first year after giving birth to your baby is transformative and also different for every pregnancy and birth depending on your circumstances and individual situation.
When I started to think about “essentials for mom” in the first year, it occurred to me that Flourish Fund provides the avenue and pathway for moms to build their wellbeing support within the first year of having a baby. You build your wellbeing in community and with intentional care and specialists. Building a registry for your own wellbeing is not only for the first few months, it is setting up your foundation so you can continue to nurture and support yourself all throughout your motherhood journey. Think of this as a season of life where you are creating a signature wellbeing package that fits your needs without ever missing a month to celebrate you as a mom. Every month of you being a mom is a milestone that you have contributed your energy, your heart, your care, your body and your mind to.
As a Working Mom coach, one of the pillars of my 1-1 coaching is ongoing wellbeing and maintenance for yourself while raising young kids and working. We can no longer leave mom out of the equation. Her physical, mental, and emotional health is pivotal in this time of healing and recovery. How you heal, support and nurture yourself postpartum and beyond in the early years of raising children has huge impacts in how you cope, navigate and take on challenges. And we haven’t even mentioned when “return” to work comes on your plate or perhaps pumping on the road or at work. One step at a time mamma.
Not every mom will need all of these services at the same time but I encourage you to listen to your intuition and pay attention to your body and needs as you move through the first 12 months. Even if your OBGYN or doctor doesn’t recognize your needs at the time. Get a second opinion. Trust yourself and reach out to another mom or someone you trust to get support. A 6 week check up isn’t sufficient and you need to continually check in with yourself in the early months of motherhood.
Some of the areas of wellbeing that I focused on after both my children came along were the following:
12 months in a year, pick 12 or more that fit your needs and desires!
Becoming a mom for the first time or fifth time invites change and milestones for both Mom and baby. There’s so much to prepare for in awaiting the arrival of your baby, but there’s also much to consider in the 4th and 5th trimester to support yourself and your family. From month one to month twelve mamma, make sure you’re putting yourself on the list of milestone markers. We need mammas that are thriving, not surviving.
"Taking care of your wellbeing should feel like putting in micro deposits into your account so you don’t have to take out a 10k loan to repair her. Invest and feel the abundant dividends."
~ Village Coach Mamma
Christine Anastasia is a mother and Working Mom Coach to help moms prioritize their wellbeing so they can thrive in motherhood. You can book a free discovery call or learn more about her coaching practice at ChristineAnastasia.com.
Many of the milestones she mentioned above are services you can add to your baby registry, thanks to the wonderful team at Flourish Fund, the only registry that puts wellness first. Start building your dream registry today at FlourishFund.com.
Article originally posted on FlourishFund.com.
]]>A wise woman once said, “when in doubt, find women smarter than you and ask for help.”
Okay, maybe we didn’t really hear that quote, but that’s exactly what we did. Truth is, we launched AVYN with no prior experience in apparel manufacturing, retail or business. We sketched out two designs, had friends test the prototypes, and went to market.
Once we started getting reviews from happy customers with very few returns, we knew we wanted to enhance our current products. So, we did what smart women have done before us and we asked for help from the pros. In mid-2019 we hired a design firm in Portland led by a woman with extensive experience designing bras (she actually spearheaded the launch of Aerie, she’s a badass).
From there we hit the ground running and started sourcing every single piece of the bra. That might not sound like a massive undertaking, but we’re talking fabric, elastics, threads, clasps, cups, sliders, colors, findings, the list goes on. After botching some color dyes and spending more time than we ever thought possible discussing bra pads, we had our first sample round of the Foxy Prism and Suzie Element ready for fit testing.
Our friends are amazing, like beyond amazing and we wouldn’t be in business without them. But...they’re too nice. So we fired our besties from their fit testing duties so we could make sure we collected honest feedback from people who didn’t feel any obligation to praise our products.
When selecting our fit testers we asked for their size and current mom status: pregnant, postpartum, breastfeeding, pumping, etc. We figure that while it’s impossible to please everyone, we might as well try and this approach would give us the biggest variety of body types.
We had over 40 women test samples in every size and when we say ‘test’, we really mean put it to the test. Mom life isn’t easy and we wanted these women to do it all to make sure these bras could keep up with their demanding lifestyle: yoga, hike, nap, brunch, breastfeed, launder, you name it.
After every round we evaluated the feedback with our team to determine the best modifications to make to correct any issues. Then we’d wait (impatiently) for another round of samples and do it all over again until we got overwhelmingly positive results.
Well, the time HAS COME and we cannot wait to share the new Foxy Prism and Suzie Element with you all! We know that consumers have countless purchasing options, which is why we didn’t spare a single detail. Every component has been thoroughly reviewed to ensure mama gets nothing but the best! And of course they’re fashionable because we know there’s nothing that can shatter a mama’s confidence quicker than a frumpy, beige bra. These bras are the epitome of fashion AND function.
Our previous line was named ‘Best Wireless Nursing Bra’, won gold in the Mom’s Choice Awards, and was featured in Pregnancy & Newborn’s Registry Guide, all of which are an incredible honor for our small biz! Considering that our latest launch, the Foxy Prism and the Suzie Element, offers more coverage, better support, and maximum comfort, we can’t wait to get these out in the world and share them with you all. We know you (and your milk makers) are going to love them!
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Meet our mama-friend, Catherine Vandenbosch, who is here to save your wardrobe! She's a mama of twins so she knows the struggle is real, which is why she's always on the hunt for affordable fashion finds that fit her lifestyle.
Being a mother of twins I know how hard it is to breastfeed in the summer, or at all! The heat does not help in the challenge of breastfeeding and then throwing on clothes on top of all that. But the biggest challenge of it all for me was finding clothes for summer I actually wanted to wear. Cute clothes that were breastfeeding-friendly, and affordable!
AVYN bras are the foundation you need for any breastfeeding outfit. These bras have been some of the most comfortable bras I have ever owned. I was given a couple and can't rave about them enough. The straps are designed so well! They are meant to be cute and almost flirty, there should be nothing to hide when it comes to breastfeeding. But they're also designed in a way that makes them so comfortable!
The patterns and colors are so gorgeous and fun. My husband thought I was wearing a swimsuit when I was wearing my bra the other day. Yes, I may not be breastfeeding anymore, but you better believe I'm wearing my AVYN bras.
You can shop their most recent designs here. Both styles are comfortable but I love the straps on the Foxy, and it seems to fit a little better around the ribs for me. I received a medium (I'm currently a 34-36D) and would probably be more comfortable in a large.
But let's see these cute bras in action! Here are some of my favorite kinds of styles to look for when shopping for breastfeeding-friendly clothes in the summer.
Of course one of the first styles you want to look for is anything with functioning buttons. This can be a shirt or a dress. And I think sometimes we picture the traditional military-style button-up like the one below. But be sure to look for button styles that aren't as traditional.
Plus there are so many ways to style that basic button-up! I styled this one with a jean jacket and knot at the waist. But a cute full tuck or french tuck are other fun ways to make the one top more versatile in your summer wardrobe.
This animal print button-up is a perfect example of one that you wouldn't expect to be breastfeeding-friendly. The buttons are actually connected by hoops, and they're elastic! Which makes it nice and secure for when you're not feeding the baby. A crop style makes it easy to access while feeding too. Just a quick lift and you're good to go.
Lastly, don't forget about button-up style dresses. They're so cute and so flattering! Breastfeeding style dresses can be so hard to find, but this button-up midi dress was so pretty and comes in so many colors. The best part is it's under $20! And it's always so nice to have a piece of clothing work for you after the baby as well.
Speaking of dresses I had to share these two styles as well. They are so accessible when it comes to breastfeeding and they're so cute and comfortable!
This strapless style is a fun way to show off those cute AVYN bra straps. I think this one would work so well as a swim cover also. Whether you're swimming or not you don't want to be all hot out by the water. So stay cool and comfortable while feeding the baby.
This neutral linen dress was my favorite from the whole group. It's so pretty and so easy to breastfeed in. Not only are there buttons that are functioning, but with the back being so open it's easy to just pull down a strap and breastfeed. It layers so well with a jean jacket and I loved that it was a style I could wear as is or cover up a little more. And again, it's so affordable at only $23 and something you can wear at any stage of life.
One of my favorite styles to purchase while shopping for breastfeeding summer styles is flowy tops. They are a little easier to find and something that doesn't LOOK like you're breastfeeding. I would just slip the baby under and use my shirt as my cover and call it good.
You can shop all these breastfeeding-friendly summer clothes through the links above or you can find and follow me over on the Like to Know It (LTK) app. Download the app and search for "catherine.vandenbosch" and you'll find affordable styles for the whole family.
Catherine is a fashion blogger helping women gain confidence in their wardrobe and finding great fashion deals for the whole family. She's a mom to twin boys & loves crafting and baking. You can find her on instagram (@catherine.vandenbosch) or follow her blog, theconfidentlyspeaking.com for more fashion finds for the whole family!
]]>The #1 reason camping feels intimidating Is due to the amount of equipment you'll need to haul with you. Camping gear can definitely be expensive, which is why most people acquire items over time. That way you can thrift items and invest in others once you have a better idea of what works for you.
Don't have any camping gear? No problem! There are plenty of companies that rent everything you could ever need. Check with your local outdoor/sporting goods store or visit this article from Conde Nast Traveler on Where to Rent Camping Gear.
For your first camping trip pick a location within 2 hrs of home in case you need to bail. Maybe even do a practice run in your backyard before venturing out into the forest. Start small with 2 nights max until your crew gets the hang of it.
Some sites we use to find campsites are recreation.gov, hipcamp, and campendium. Pro tip: a lot of popular camp sites book up fast. I typically go on right when reservations open and book a few summer weekends at our favorite spots. The rest we just wing and look for areas with first come, first serve. But in peak summer months you'll need to get there early Friday if you want a shot.
The success of your trip depends on how worn out your kids will be when it’s time for bed. Pick a campsite with activities nearby so you can go for a hike or take a swim without a huge to-do. Bring bikes or scooters for a jaunt around the campground. Diggers, dump trucks, little shovels and a mish mash of art supplies are fun to have on hand to turn your nature finds into artwork.
Your kids will be beyond dirty and so will you, but just know there will be a bath in their near future. Until then, have a water jug and hand soap station for washing hands before meals or a quick face wash before bedtime. If your little one is crawling, then maybe bring a pack and play for stress-free playtime. Wet wipes are essential, but you knew that already.
Cooking over a camp stove is part of the experience, so I don’t recommend cooking all meals ahead of time. However having a few items prepped cuts down on dirty dishes tremendously and who wants to do dishes when camping? Examples of foods I like to pre-cook are bacon, noodles, a hearty pasta or quinoa salad of some sort, veggies for snacking, a cocktail mix, etc.
Sleeping in a tent is verrrry exciting and sometimes a tad bit scary for kids, so don’t be surprised if they’re suddenly more energized at bedtime than you’d prefer. Plus, there’s no such thing as blackout curtains in the wild and in the summer months the sun sets pretty late. So unless you plan to go to bed at 8 pm, don’t expect your kids to. Rather than fight the process, bend the bedtime rules so the whole family can enjoy a few stories around the campfire.
I had a somewhat irrational fear that my kids would be awake all night creating high pitched screams that would echo throughout the entire campground. Rest assured mama, your kids will be so tired after the days adventures, sleeping will most likely be a non-issue.
However, if your child does happen to have a massive crying sesh in the middle of the night, it's ok - promise. Campgrounds are packed FULL of families with young kids (and the friendships kids make at campgrounds is something magical). If your kid is crying, I can almost guarantee he/she is not the only one. You're surrounded by people who understand your situation because they've been there before. Honestly, no one cares. And even if they do...you'll never see them again :)
I love camping, but I'm not an animal. Here are a few additional luxuries I pack so I don't look and feel like Sasquatch:
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Again, working mothers find themselves in another transition phase and it’s a difficult one because working from home tends to alleviate some of the #momguilt. Here are a few ways working mothers can ease their transition back to in-person work life.
]]>We know you work for a paycheck, but there’s so much more that goes into your career choice. Remember the things you love about your job and the positive impact your role plays. If you’re still coming up with nothing, look at your baby because you working your buns off means that you’re able to provide for that baby and someday they’ll understand and appreciate that.
Working from home gives us the opportunity to crush it when we’re feeling it. If the creative juices are flowing at 8pm - great! Or if the sunshine is calling your name and you want to take a long walk over lunch, done! But that’s not always possible when working in an office. Find your power hours and try to schedule your day around those. If you’re a morning person, carve out time first thing in the morning to tackle your bigger projects. If you get a burst of energy in the afternoons, start with more administrative tasks and save that brain power for later in the day.
One of the biggest perks of working from home is that it feels comfortable. Try sprinkling some of that into your office to make it feel like a space you actually want to work in. Bring in family photos, plants, an oil diffuser, you get the idea. You’ve spent a long time curating your home, spend just a little time curating whatever office space is available to you to create the same vibes.
Covid has made it very easy to bail on obligations in our social lives so start connecting with individuals or smaller groups of people. It doesn’t have to be anything formal or work related, but getting in the habit of being accountable again will go a long way when you’re trying to juggle schedules in your household.
This is where it gets fun! Spend some time in your closet and dust off those adorable clothes that you haven’t worn in a year. Get everything ironed/dry-cleaned and put together a week’s worth of office outfits. If you’re not loving what you have in your closet, treat yourself to some new work threads! I don’t know about you, but new clothes seem to put more pep in my step no matter what the occasion.
We know it feels like it’s the daily grind, but if we’re being honest, we’re really lucky that we get to work. We’re strong, smart, capable women who are able to run households and corporations! While it breaks your heart to walk out of the door knowing you’re missing out on seeing your babies grow, they see you taking on the world while taking care of them. You are setting a wonderful example of how it’s ok to work hard and pursue your dreams. You are an amazing role model and your family is lucky to have you!
]]>We've said this before, but dudes are hard to shop for. Especially for Father's Day because not every dad golfs, watches sports, or wears 'World's Greatest Dad' t-shirts around town. But we still want to show all the dads out there how much we appreciate all they do so we scoured the internet, tapped into our (male and female) friends, and revisited our most successful gifts given to deliver you an epic roundup of Father's Day gifts perfect for all the cool dads out there.
I see your basic Hershey/Honey Maid/Jet Puffed combo, but Portland-based 1927 Smores has really upped the ante by creating smores with sophistication. We’re talking cocoa espresso s’mores, lemon meringue, salted caramel whiskey, and other flavors we didn’t even know were possible in the world of s’mores. Why settle for Jet Puffed when you can have handcrafted grahams and marshmallows?
$26 - Available on 1927smores.com
You probably own a bag toss set and numerous other yard games, but are you really having fun if you don’t also have a Spike Ball Set? I haven’t played it personally, but friends say it’s the most fun yard game they’ve played in awhile. Essentially volleyball without a big net to hang up. Plus, it’s lightweight so you can take it to the beach or campsite without sacrificing cargo space.
$54 - Available on spikeball.com
Give your man the gift of power...as in the power to keep his devices fired up during a long camping weekend. Sure you might want to ‘unplug’ when enjoying the great outdoors, but he’ll still want to bump that camp playlist, take a thousand pics of the kids and not have his phone die before the weekend’s over.
Starting at $124.99 - Available on jackery.com
Patio lights are the perfect summer accessory and this modern lantern is absolutely gorgeous. The LED light offers three different settings and it’s splash resistant, cordless, portable, and rechargeable. Summer nights with this gem will basically provide the perfect platform for showing off your incredible taste.
$119 - Available on rejuvenation.com
Our household definitely got more screen time in 2020 and whenever I was on the hunt for new binge-worthy material, my friends always recommended something that was from HBO (which we don’t have so I had major FOMO). Content is king and let’s just say HBO seems to rule the domain these days.
Starting at $9.99/month - Available on HBOmax.com
Nothing says ‘you’ve earned it’ like a cigar and this is the summer to celebrate hanging with friends again after a year of Netflix. Give your hubby a box of cigars to break out and share with his buds at his first bbq of the season. My Father Cigars were highly recommended by my brother-in-law and can be found at most cigar retailers.
Available at myfathercigars.com
This craft cocktail kit makes mixology simple. The unique flavor blends of organic produce, herbs and spices will upgrade his liquor cabinet and the process makes it fool-proof. Add your favorite liquor, wine, or water, infuse for 2-3 days, strain, and you’ve got yourself a fancy cocktail.
$21 - Available on drinkmixy.com
I’m about to get these for every single occasion - obsessed! How hilarious would it be to pay homage to the man of the house by plastering your body with temporary tattoos of his face? Simply upload a hi-res photo of Dad and the Tattitude team takes care of designing the rest.
Starting at $12.50 - Available on etsy.com
My husband pulled the trigger and recently got this camping stove (happy early Father’s Day). It’s definitely not cheap, but really, you can only eat so many hot dogs while camping. This Jetboil stove has two burners that are so powerful they can boil water in under 3 minutes. It comes with a pot, pan and steamer lids and everything stows nicely in a small, compact travel bag. Basically, he’ll be able to whip up a gourmet meal in the middle of nowhere and serve you piping hot coffee stat.
$380 - Available on amazon.com
It’s all in the details with these Champion + Todd Snyder joggers. The herringbone drawstring and tailored fit add a sophisticated look to a clothing item you’d normally not want your husband to wear out in public.
$118 - Available on toddsnyder.com
This streaming service will give him access to an incredible catalog of 100+ classes taught by the world’s best on cooking, leadership, photography, writing and more. Each class includes around 20 video lessons that are about 10 minutes (short enough to hold his attention) along with an in-depth workbook. If there’s a new skill he’s been wanting to learn, this service will help him get there.
$180 for annual membership - Available on Masterclass.com
I recently picked up a bottle of Campsuds for an upcoming camping trip and had no idea how much my husband would appreciate it. In hindsight, I should have seen this coming because it’s the ultimate dude soap due to the fact it works on dishes, clothes, hands, hair, really anything that needs washing. While I personally won’t be ditching my vitamin enhanced face wash, this holiday isn’t about me and I’ll just be happy knowing that this stuff is good for the environment and my tent won’t fill up with smelly boy stink.
I actually got this for my husband a few months ago for our anniversary gift so I’ll attest to how awesome it is. Slacklining is significantly harder than it looks but this kit comes with an overhead training line (and handles) so you can hold on as you wobble your way across. Setup is simple and everything fits into a little bag, making it super easy to take anywhere. He’ll be ready to hang with the stoner kids in Boulder and provide your family with endless entertainment.
He has kids so long gone are the days of settling in and getting lost in a book for hours. Thanks to Audible he can still read up on his favorites while moving the lawn or walking the dog (see what I did there?). The subscription gives you access to their entire Audible Plus Catalog of podcasts, audiobooks, guided wellness, and Audible originals.
30 days free, $14.95/month after trial - Available on audible.com
Now that we can drink with friends again, add a fresh face to the house liquor cabinet with spirits distilled by a women-owned company. Based in Portland, OR, Freeland Spirits is known for their strong gin game, but don’t overlook the whiskey aged in pinot noir wine barrels and their healthy selection of divine mixers. Every single one would scratch that itch for a cocktail without leaving your backyard.
]]>While it is true that the caloric requirements increase slightly during pregnancy, it’s funny to suggest an apricot-sized baby needs the same amount of food as an entire second person and for many women, myself included, the thought of eating at all during the first trimester is enough to make a girl queasy.
The basic tenets of a healthy diet and lifestyle still apply when you’re pregnant. However, in addition to eating fruits, veggies, whole grains and legumes, it’s important to up your intake of certain nutrients so your baby gets all the superfoods needed for a healthy start in utero. Today I’ll talk about choosing foods for each trimester and how to sneak these powerful nutrients into your meals even if you’re not craving a kale salad anytime soon.
**As always, these are general recommendations and you should talk to your OB before making significant changes to your dietary intake.**
Vitamin B (folate), Choline and Vitamin C play a vital role early in pregnancy, both to prevent neural tube defects and also to boost your weakened immune system which takes a hit in the first trimester. While you can supplement with a good whole food-based prenatal vitamin, naturally occurring sources of folate, like leafy, dark green vegetables, asparagus, lentils, and legumes give you the most bang for your buck. The tricky part is most women run the opposite direction from these foods during this time.
Kath Younger, RD and author of the blog Kath Eats, tells newly pregnant mamas to pretend you’re a picky two-year-old and blend veggies into smoothies, sauces or soups. She also says a little creativity with recipes keeps your diet well-rounded. For example, if pancakes sound great, but eggs turn your stomach, mix eggs into your pancake batter so you’re still getting a healthy dose of choline and protein.
Many women reach a turning point once they hit the 13 week milestone and are finally able to eat a more balanced diet, rather than the bland, mostly white/yellow carb-heavy diet of weeks past. No judgment! It’s not like my Trader Joe’s shopping cart wasn’t all snacks for the first twelve weeks.
Imagine you’re eating the rainbow when you make your plate of food to ensure you’re consuming a variety of nutrients. If it’s pizza or burger night then leave room on your plate for a side salad. Oatmeal topped with berries or a pasta salad loaded with veggies will do the trick. Opt for protein-rich snacks like nut butters and chia pudding so you’ll be satiated longer.
As iron needs increase along with increased blood volume, eating iron-rich foods like red meat, legumes, leafy greens, etc. will keep you feeling strong and energized. Now is the perfect time to whip up a batch of chili with some spinach mixed in. Also, you’ll be extra thirsty and drinking water like it’s going out of style, so add something fun to your water to keep it interesting, like cucumber slices, a few blueberries, or some citrus.
You’ve made it this far so keep up the good work! While your appetite will still be there, you’ll find yourself getting full more quickly, so eat the veggies on your plate first before diving into the pasta. Keep a variety of healthy snacks ready to go so you won’t reach for that bag of chips just because it’s easy. Have a stash of whole wheat crackers with cheese, veggie sticks with hummus, and trail mix on hand.
You also may feel like rewarding your efforts with extra treats and you absolutely should, but stay mindful in your choices. If you’re craving ice cream then choose one with a short ingredient list and likewise go for dark chocolate over a snickers bar. Continue to drink plenty of water, but indulge in a mocktail when socializing so you can feel festive along with everyone else. You’re in the homestretch!
How pregnancy influences diet is different for every woman and ultimately the most important takeaway is to simply let your intuition guide your eating when nourishing yourself and your baby. Registered Dietician Laura Grazioli says this perfectly by “having a healthy relationship with food during your pregnancy is just as important as focusing on getting all the right nutrients for your growing baby”. Educate yourself, seek out the advice of a nutritionist if you have questions, and enjoy your food!
]]>We're diving into the reasons prenatal yoga is the ultimate recipe for a happier, healthier mother and all the benefits you can expect to reap from these workouts designed specifically for pregnant women.
]]>If you’re new to yoga, pregnancy is the perfect time to give prenatal yoga a shot. Yoga in general, can be a very powerful tool, but prenatal yoga is the tool that every mama-to-be should use. It’s therapeutic for the mind, body, and soul but with the added support of a community going through your same experiences. It’s basically a therapy session with your friends with some light movement and stretching added in. It’s the ultimate recipe for a happier, healthier expecting mother. It also helps change your mindset from “all of these things are happening to me” to “I get to experience all of these things” and a healthy mindset is something we can definitely get behind.
If you’ve never done yoga before, prenatal yoga is the perfect time to start! I remember walking into my first class with my teenie tiny bump, intimidated AF by all the other yogi mamas in my class. But as soon as I heard my instructor say “the next 60 minutes are yours, however you want to spend them. If that means napping in the corner, do that” I knew I was in the right place. Prenatal yoga is zero competition, judgement-free, and offers modifications to accommodate beginners and more advanced yogis.
Labor and delivery is a full on workout, and when you’re in the middle of it you’ll be very thankful you put in the work ahead of time. Prenatal yoga teaches you yogic methods of mindful breathing so your body will stay loose, making delivery significantly easier without having to fight the fear tension. Not to mention you’ll build up some strength to carry your body through the many, many hours of labor.
I was never a huge fan of mom groups, however, prenatal yoga was a different story. Maybe it’s because we all shared an interest in yoga (in addition to being mothers), but there was truly something special about the connections I made in prenatal yoga. At my studio, we started each class sitting in a circle and sharing where we were currently at in our pregnancy. It was a very open and honest conversation and provided the opportunity to ask questions to those further along or simply vent about the overwhelming stress an expectant mother feels. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air to have a group of ladies in the exact same situation, who could relate to what I was experiencing. To this day, I’m still friends with ladies I met in prenatal yoga. The bond is real.
Pregnancy can often feel like an endless to-do list and your days are spent rushing around trying to get everything done before baby arrives. For one hour a week I was able to focus solely on the fact that I was growing a human! Taking the time to pause really gave me the opportunity to stop all the noise around me and just be one with the little tiny person in my womb. Having something scheduled that allowed me to focus on just feeling everything, emotionally and physically, was magical.
I’m pretty sure all expectant mothers have one thing in common: stress. This class definitely serves up a full dose of zen by teaching you to breathe and lean into things versus running away. That paired with stretching and muscle work will leave your body and mind rejuvenated and ready to take on the world!
Your body is going through some major changes which can often be uncomfortable and painful. Thanks to the hormones, your body is way more flexible during pregnancy and your teacher can provide you with safe movements to help ease the aches and pains. I became a big fan of the bolster which allowed me to rest certain areas of my body while moving deeper into certain positions.
As your body is changing, it’s important to understand how to safely accommodate your growing belly and what movements are still safe for mama and baby. In a land of never ending google searches, it’s really nice to have someone there who can deliver the information while providing hands-on assistance. Plus, it’s a room full of mamas so if you ever have questions on anything (yoga related or not), there will most likely be someone who has experienced the same thing and will be able to drop some knowledge for you. It’s basically a trustworthy google search.
]]>We’ve collected a bunch of meaningful and restorative style gifts that are perfect for not only seasoned moms, but also for moms who are expecting because we know from experience that from the minute you get that positive test result you’re already setting aside your own life to care for another.
Feel free to share this list with your significant other as a subtle hint.
$31.50 - Available on Etsy.com
Nothing turns a house into a home like artwork. This beautiful print will look gorgeous on the walls and will be a loving reminder of her pregnancy journey.
$5.50 - Available on Etsy.com
Fanny packs are back and we are here for it! We’re loving that these have a built-in waterproof pocket for wipes (or soiled clothes) and a detachable changing pad that unfolds from the back flap.
$89 - Available on kiboubag.com
If her home gym could use a little makeover, look no further than the Ritual Rug. This thing is pretty enough to hang on your wall! Made with organic help and non-toxic foam, these yoga mats are comfortable, grippy, and oh-so-pretty. Namaste, mama!
$188 - Available on ma-wovens.com
My bestie gave me a pair of these a couple years ago and they are still my go-to kicks for comfort. These shoes are super lightweight but still have a lot of cushion to keep those tired feet moving.
$95 - Available on allbirds.com
Mama’s hydration game is going to be strong once baby comes. Water is a critical component of breastfeeding! Since she’ll be downing that H2O, these adorable boho macrame coasters will give her the perfect resting spot for drinks.
$10 - Available on Etsy.com
No one is ready to retire their wardrobe like a new mama. Spruce up her closet with some new, sustainable threads designed for new moms! This capsule collection of nursing-friendly pieces are definitely fashion forward and don’t scream ‘I need easy access to my milk makers’. Perfect for working mamas or mothers who are searching for style and functionality.
Starting at $26 - Available on OfAnOrigin.com
I tend to shy away from ‘mama’ gear only because typically, I’m such a hot mess that it’s pretty obvious that I’m a mom, no need to plaster it on my body. But this necklace is so pretty and dainty, I love it! This would have me proudly rocking my mama gear.
$37 - Available on Etsy.com
Is there anything better than a fresh smoothie (or milkshake)? For a pregnant woman, definitely not. We love that this little blender is battery powered (charged with a USB) so she can easily take it on the go. Smoothies on demand, baby!
$99.95 (on sale for $49.95) - Available on Blendjet.com
This sentimental gift will bring happy tears to any pregnant mama! This guided journal is full of inspiration and encouragement for documenting her birth story in her own words and handwriting. The gorgeous design paired with high quality assembly make this the perfect gift that is almost guaranteed to become her favorite heirloom.
$40 - Available on thebirthjournal.com
On this list of aches and pains I experienced during pregnancy, tired, aching feet would definitely be at the top. Carrying extra weight really does a number to those feet and this lavender foot soak provides relief for sore feet with epsom salts infused with essential oil and flowers from a lavender farm in Washington.
$12 - Available on pelindabalavender.com
This romper is quite possibly the most comfortable thing I’ve ever worn. The unique design accommodates pregnant bellies and easy breastfeeding access while keeping her style on point. Available in gorgeous colors, these rompers are definitely an upgrade to sweats.
$75 - Available on momperromper.com
Nothing feels better than floating in water when you’re pregnant. Taking time to slow down and enjoy a quiet soak is a practice in self-care every mama needs. I’d love it if someone bought me this bamboo bathtub tray (hint hint) from Royal Craft Wood and this rainbow bath pillow as an endorsement of self-care. Complete the look with a microfiber hair towel. Mom is now officially a goddess. $47, $15 and $25, respectively.
If you’re still struggling with the perfect gift, you can’t go wrong with a Bump Box. Each box is tailored to a trimester and they get it right every time, whether it’s the first, second, third or even fourth! It’s the gift that takes the guesswork out of wondering what your expecting girlfriend would want. Nailed it!
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First, you can’t do the job if you don’t dress the part, am I right? Invest in a few good nursing bras to support you and your milk makers. I recommend having both a basic sleep bra style and then several day to day bras. In the beginning you’ll want to sleep in a bra and with little structure or support, the sleep nursing bras are made exactly for that. For daytime I recommend AVYN Nursing Bras because they’re basically what you wore pre-baby, just modified for easy boob access. Plus, they’re cute, colorful and you’ll feel less like a dairy cow. This article from Babylist has a few good options to explore. While you’re at it, pick up some washable reusable breast pads to help keep your new bras dry if you leak here and there.
Nipple shields are really nice to have in the first few weeks of nursing, not only for protecting sore nipples, but also to help your baby get a better latch if need be. There are a plethora of brands making shields designed specifically for almost every issue that may pop up, like tongue-tie, flat or inverted nipples, or easing the pain those first few weeks. This is an item you may not necessarily need, but could be a total lifesaver if you do. Verywell Family has a comprehensive article on nipple shields here.
Let’s stay on the topic of nipples for a bit. They’re going to want some extra TLC in the beginning because they’re not used to 24/7 attention, sort of like building up callouses. Yeah, you read that correctly. Nipple ointment and cooling pads can be very comforting and prevent cracking. What to Expect has this article about ointments and my personal fave is The Honest Company’s Calm Your Nip Balm because it’s organic and non-greasy. Speaking from experience, nothing in the entire world feels better than Soothies Cooling Pads, applied directly from the fridge. Pure heaven!
Save your back and get comfy with a nursing pillow. According to kidshealth.org, a newborn baby will breastfeed 8-12 times per day. That’s a lot of hours to be hunched over bringing your infant up to your breast. There are many solid options out there so just pick one (or two if you have a multi-level house) and don’t overthink it. The Snuggle Me earns bonus points in our eyes because aesthetically it’s less bulky and looks more like a cool throw pillow.
Lastly, despite your best efforts, things might not go well at first and a hungry, crying baby just needs food. Consider having formula available even if you’re dead set on breastfeeding. Organic formula company Bobbie says that “83% of parents in the U.S. will turn to formula”. So whether you decide to sign up for some free samples or purchase a backup supply, either option can be donated if you don’t end up needing it. Make a backup plan with your OBGYN, midwife or lactation consultant beforehand so you know the best practices of introducing formula while working through your breastfeeding plan.
You got this, mama!
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In my heart I want to be a gardener but over the years it’s become apparent I definitely don’t have a green thumb. And even though my garden might be slightly neglected come late summer, I love growing veggies with my kids. It gives them the opportunity to get those little hands dirty and they learn to appreciate all the work that goes into the food that magically just shows up at the dinner table. Plus, they take pride in eating something they grew and it exposes them to all kinds of new veggies.
I’m lucky to have a neighbor who is a legit Master Gardener (meaning she’s a pro) and she’s shared some amazing tips over the years that have even helped my lacking green thumb produce a garden that actually grows something. Let’s roll up our sleeves and get this garden party started!
This step is crucial, you need good soil to produce good crops. Soil varies depending on where you live, so here’s an infographic from Schultz to help determine what type of soil you have and what you can do to improve it.
The best advice we can give you is follow the planting instructions on the tags/seed packets. Seeds need a lot of space to work their magic! If you’re using starters, check carefully because even though they often come in a pack of multiples, oftentimes the plants need to be separated.
If this isn’t your first gardening rodeo and you’re using the same plot of soil, make sure you rotate your crops every couple of years. That way the soil stays rich with the nutrients the plants need.
This is a gardener's secret weapon. Fertilizer helps give the plants extra nutrients so they’ll grow to be big and beautiful. And since you plan to eat what you grow, you don’t necessarily want to throw in a bunch of chemicals. Luckily, there are tons of organic options that you might already have on hand!
Bananas
For flowering plants such as tomatoes, peppers, or flowers, banana peels are an excellent fertilizer because they are rich in potassium. You can simply bury banana peels near your plants or throw in some peels as you start planting. You can also brew banana peel tea by putting the peels in a jar with water. Let it steep for a week or two and you’ll have a liquid fertilizer. You can either compost the peels or bury them in the garden for an extra boost.
Egg shells
Egg shells contain lots of calcium so they help plant cells grow strong bones! Broccoli, cauliflower, Swiss chard, and spinach are all calcium-packed and could use extra from eggshells.
Rinse out your eggshells so there’s no sticky whites left and leave them to dry out. Crumble them by hand and put the shells in a temperature-safe container. Pour boiling water over them and let it steep until the water cools to room temperature. If you don’t want eggshell shards in your garden, you can strain the water. But the chards can deter some pesky insects and a thick layer can deter weeds.
Coffee Grounds
Plants that crave nitrogen such as corn, tomatoes, spinach, and leafy greens will thrive with coffee grounds. A lot of coffee shops will gladly give you their grounds for free (Starbucks included). The key here is to make sure the grounds are separated. When they clump together they can actually harm the plants, so the easiest way to use them is to mix the grounds in with top soil and rake it into your garden to ensure it’s spread around.
Mulch
Mulch does more than keep your garden looking pretty. A layer of mulch on top of the soil helps keep the root cool and retain moisture. Some claim mulch can deter weeds from sprouting, but my garden begs to differ.
It’s always best to water in the early morning to make sure it doesn’t evaporate before it soaks into the soil. Depending on what you grow, it’s often best to water heavily (about 2” deep) and less frequently (once a week or so) so the plant roots can grow nice and deep.
Trimming
Make sure to keep an eye on your plant babies! Use garden snips to trim off any dead/brown leaves so all the nutrients will go to the areas that are actually growing.
If you’re growing herbs, especially basil and mint, make sure to trim them before they flower. If they start flowering, that means less energy and nutrients go into producing leaves.
Storing your tools
Storing your garden tools in a pot full of sand and mineral oil is my favorite gardening hack. The sand keeps your tools sharp and the oil protects them from rust and dirt build-up. OneGoodThingByJillee.com has an amazing step-by-step tutorial on how to make your own.
There you have it! Happy gardening!
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If you haven’t made macaroni crafts you’re not really living! We love these because kids can easily make these on their own and you probably have a lot of the items on hand. Head to TheBestIdeasForKids.com for step-by-step instructions and a free printable template!
If you have girls, this is going to be right up your alley. These boho bunny ears from @howellgals are quite possibly the easiest fashion accessory! You can either grab a pair of bunny ears at your local store (which seem to be readily available this time of year) or start from scratch. We love that it’s an easy way to reuse fabric scraps and other found objects. Again, #girlmoms know there’s plenty of beads and glitter laying around.
These giant cardboard eggs by @cardboardfolk are adorable and great for fine-tuning those motor skills. Her tips for weaving are: big holes, wrap the ends in tape, do the holes either horizontal or vertical first and thread them before doing the other direction (makes it easier for kids to follow along).
These might be slightly advanced for kids, but these bunnies from @sustainmycrafthabit are too cute not to include. With a few pieces of felt, some stuffing, and hot glue you’ll have an adorable decoration to put out on display. You can find step-by-step instructions and a free template on SustainMyCraftHabit.com.
This wreath by @mama.jots is the perfect project for kids learning about colors! Pick a couple of colors and add white to create a pastel rainbow. A paper plate never looked so cute!
We’ve shared these before, but these DIY Bunnies are the most adorable little stress balls! Our favorite crafty ladies from @jsorelle3 have the full tutorial on our blog. Bust out the flour, grab some balloons and head to our blog post to get your craft on!
]]>I look back on that time period with not only a fullness of love and joy only mothers can know, but also a tinge of regret. Regret that I didn’t honor and celebrate the experience more now that it’s passed and knowing I won’t ever experience it again. I didn’t thrive as much as I could have in postpartum and I had anxiety surrounding that nagging question “am I doing this right?” If the stars were aligned differently, aka if I wasn’t considered ‘advanced maternal age with a geriatric uterus’, then this is how I do postpartum over again. Cue the postpartum bliss.
If you’re the sort of person who is super independent with the smarts to figure things out on her own, then this will be challenging for you. Yes, you can google the answers to your questions, but why not save yourself the scary internet rabbit hole and hire an expert? Doulas offer a wealth of knowledge and hands on support that you will need at a time when you’re at most vulnerable, whether that’s in the delivery room or two weeks later at home with a kitchen sink full of dirty pump parts and a baby who is fussy. Doula services seem to be available in most communities and can also be accessed via text or video chat with a company like Major Care, among others. Other experts I would lean on would be lactation and sleep consultants. So do yourself a favor and don’t be your usual badass B on this one.
After I had my son I was so focused on his needs that I didn’t listen to my own. I recommend scheduling a few massages, a haircut, and whatever pampering activities make you feel normal and put together for when you’re around two months postpartum. It will be 10,000 times harder to schedule this time for yourself when you’re sleep deprived and have this new thing called mom guilt. Trust me, when you’re sitting in that salon chair getting a blow out you’ll feel more like yourself than you have in months!
Pre-pregnancy I was a runner, but something changed in me after I had my baby and I really didn’t feel like running again for at least a year. Instead of being hard on myself I should have applauded the time I set aside for exercise however that looked. There are lots of opportunities out there for new moms combining exercise with a community support group. For example, Fit4Mom is nationwide and is a great way to make friends who are on the same fitness journey as you. Another great option would be postpartum yoga. Based in Portland, OR, Ready Set Grow offers group yoga classes both in person (pre-covid) and online so you can practice yoga with your baby and really target those areas needing some extra TLC.
Motherhood really does take a village and in many cultures women rally around the birthing mother to take care of her. In the US, we have to specifically ask for that care because we are so independent and rarely live in an intergenerational household. Make a list of your friends, family members and coworkers who have offered to help. What are their strengths? Do you have a friend who is a neat freak and would love to tidy up for you? Someone who is organized and can manage a meal train for you? How about a friend who loves dogs and could walk yours for the first few weeks? Who do you enjoy a good gabfest with? Who could be your walking buddy? Everyone has something to offer, but it’s up to you to line them up. Trust me, your tribe will appreciate being called upon to help in a purposeful way.
Now that I have the perfect postpartum plan I’m ready to turn back time and have another baby! If only it was that easy, right? I truly hope first time moms have the confidence to guide their postpartum experience and take advantage of everything that is out there for them. The fourth trimester is really about slowing down, leaning on your support crew, and finding your motherhood flow.
]]>Swimwear ads have taken over my news feed which can only mean one thing...summer is right around the corner! However, trying on swimsuits at the tail end of winter is never a fun task, especially if you’re postpartum with a breastfeeding baby to consider. Girl, nothing is going to stand in the way of those waterfront afternoons on the horizon. We’ve gone ahead and rounded up the four swimsuits we know will look good on your mom bod plus a few kimonos to throw on over the top. So do some online shopping, pour yourself a glass of wine, and let the try on sesh begin!
We love J. Crew for their classic, timeless styles and this bandeau checks all the boxes. The side ruching on this one-piece makes for a flattering fit and in a world of cheeky bottoms we appreciate the roomy booty coverage too. The warm clementine color just looks like summer. $98 - Available on J.Crew.com
Another brand we are digging is Cupshe. If you haven’t tried their high waisted bottoms then you are missing out! We found this one-piece that has a few cute color options and the shirring design will compliment any body shape. At $24.99 you really can’t go wrong. $24.99 - Available on Cupshe.com
If your baby bump is popping in the heat of summer, chances are a dip in the pool will feel like absolute heaven. Andie Swim has got you covered! The Maternity Amalfi come in black, navy and red. $95 - Available on Andieswim.com
If you prefer a swimsuit that is most definitely made for nursing, then this is your gal. It has clips similar to a traditional nursing bra and generous booty coverage. $59 - Available on Amazon.com
When you are breastfeeding in a swimsuit a cover-up can be super handy, not only for keeping yourself covered, but also for providing a nice shady spot for your baby’s nursing sesh. I mean, we can appreciate that, right? This simple chiffon kimono from American Eagle comes in three prints, raw sienna, leopard and snake. $34.95 - Available on AE.com
Last, but not least, is this oversized beach shirt from ASOS. It’s breezy and lightweight, exactly what you want in the heat of summer. $28 - Available on ASOS.com
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Let’s talk about baby registries. If you’ve ever been pregnant and faced the daunting task of creating a baby registry, then you know it can be an enormous time commitment when you’d rather be decorating the nursery and doing cat cows in your coziest sweatpants. Well, Gugu Guru is here to help with that. Inspired by her teenage obsession with the quizzes in teen mags, founder Monica Banks thought to herself, "There should be a quiz that helps a mom discover her ideal baby registry based on her lifestyle and personal style" and that was her a-ha moment. After taking a short lifestyle quiz, a concierge will give you unbiased, personalized recommendations for the products that you not only need the most, but that also fit your lifestyle. Are you a city urbanite or a suburban dweller? Do you hit the pavement or trails with your stroller? All these factors will come into play with the products they recommend specifically for YOU.
Another fresh face on the registry scene is Flourish Fund. While most registries focus on material things, anyone who has had a baby before knows what mom really needs, aka some TLC. That’s why Melissa Bowley created the Flourish Fund, which is going to be the next big thing in the pregnancy world, IMO. Think less stuff and more support. The Flourish Fund is the only registry that puts wellness before material things so mom can register for what she really needs, like prenatal massage, yoga and sleep consultants. Gifted funds can also be applied wherever they are needed most. Hello meal delivery!
Okay, so now you’ve had your baby and you’re ready to embrace postpartum. This is where Major Care takes the stage. Expectant moms are matched with a certified doula who can provide 24/7 virtual support from pregnancy through the fourth trimester. Moms can text, call or video chat with their assigned doula and get the answers and trusted guidance they need without having to bundle up the baby for an appointment across town. Sometimes you just need someone to talk to without making it a whole thing! Founder Mandy Major says “Mamas and birth persons are totally left out of the equation, and we’re suffering because of it. You have your own recovery, questions, and a very real need for information, encouragement, and connection.” Preach, sister! They are also launching My Fourth App, a free day-by-day guide for the fourth trimester with videos, evidence-based tips, a wellness tracker, resource library, and access to on-demand virtual doulas (for a small fee). Similar to all those baby bump apps you had when you were pregnant, but for postpartum! Currently in beta, you can glimpse a preview of the app here!
Now that maternity leave is over and you’re heading back to work, you’re beginning to wonder where you’re going to pump that liquid gold. Mama, meet Mamava, the company bringing private, clean, freestanding lactation suites to locations all over the U.S. They come equipped with everything you need to pump or nurse an infant. Just download their app to locate a suite near you. Founders Christine Dodson and Sachsa Mayer say “Our goal is to raise the profile of breastfeeding by celebrating the realities and logistics involved for the many mothers who need to be away from their babies. Every day we receive tweets, emails and Facebook messages from moms thanking us for what we do. There’s nothing more rewarding.”
Leave it to women to use their own childbirth experience as fuel to launch a start-up business. The maternity industry is primed to embrace the entire transition to motherhood and not just the nine months of pregnancy. Thoughtful buying decisions, wellness-focused registries, virtual postpartum support, and lovely little lactation spaces are finally bringing the maternity space up to speed with the modern world and we couldn’t be more hopeful for the future of maternity care.
]]>"Our aim is to introduce families and educators to best-in-class products and services,” explains Dawn Matheson, Executive Director of the Mom’s Choice Awards. “We have a passion to help families grow emotionally, physically and spiritually. Parents and educators know that products and services bearing our seal of approval are high-quality and also a great value. The MCA evaluation program is designed to incorporate the expertise of scientists, physicians and other specialists; but we also engage parents, children, educators, and caregivers because they are experts in knowing what is best for their families.”
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As a working mom it is easy to find reasons why your needs can come last. Truth be told - your needs need to come first. I know it's crazy right? But hear me out... I promise you'll thank me. If not DM me and we can talk about it, k?
So here's the thing when you're doing for others every day, burnout is glaring its nasty lil head. I've experienced this too many times as the CEO of clover PR, a conscious creative and PR agency, mom of two under 3, recovering perfectionist, former yes girl and running Sōlspace, a social space and podcast helping women navigate going from me to mama... it's safe to say I am familiar with having too much on my plate.
It is a lot to constantly be putting the needs of work and others first -- and this was something I suffered from doing prior to kids so it only was compounded when I had my children. As I worked on myself with wellness tools like meditation, astrology, reiki and journaling I started to realized in order to stop feeling stressed and overwhelmed with all that was on my plate, I needed to do the following:
Carve out time for me daily instead of putting myself last
Feels weird right? It will until you make it a habit, just like brushing your teeth or washing the dishes, it will feel weird but keep going! I created a process called "Sunday Set Up" where I write down 5 things to do for ME to get in my rhythm of putting my needs right alongside the needs of my family work and friends. Sunday Set Up is about setting up your week - not your to do's. Maybe it is taking a nap, maybe it is organizing your pantry because you binged Home Edit and it will make you happy. Maybe it is booking a massage or planning a girls trip. Whatever will bring you joy (read JOY not productivity) write it down and make sure that for 5 of the 7 days in the week you're doing one thing for you a day.
Delegate or postpone tasks instead of pushing through because I can "do it all"
This was a hard one for me. I always "got it." But really I don't. I get it done but at what cost? I want you to write this down: "Other's needs are not worthy of you burning out. YOUR NEEDS MATTER." Read it again and repeat it. We can't keep sacrificing our own wellness and mental health for others' needs. I shared a bit on my instagram highlights about this as well so take a peek.
Take a breath instead of holding on
When in doubt, remove yourself from the situation (this is probably why mamas hide in the bathroom so much) and take 4 deep breaths, inhale and exhale through your mouth. Can't do that. Turn on a show for your kids and listen to a meditation. Even if you can't meditate it will transform your nervous system just by listening. It is wild what just breathing can do for your body to help you reset and gather yourself. I loved this breathing technique that Sahar Martinez, a MFT, posted on her instagram to help you coregulate too.
Ask for help confidently instead of feeling shameful or guilt ridden about needing support or time away
Help is not a four letter word. It should not be anything except normal to ask for help. We all need it! By asking for help you are being brave, respectful of yourself and conscious of others needs as well. Computers need to recharge. We plug in our phones at night or silence them. Why do we respect our electronics more than our own mental health and bodies? We all need to recharge and take breaks.
Create a transition instead of going from one thing to the next
So many of us have lost our commutes to have quiet time and reset. I actually worked from home long before all of this, and it was hard when I lost my 2 hours of silence a day (but not hard to lose that commute). So I created a wind down time for me. 30 mins before my childcare is over I hop off work, meditate, take a bath or do something for me. It allows me to go from being a CEO to Heather then to Mom with more grace than if I just went from work to momming so hard.
Clean up your social media habits
Social was a slippery slope for me until I became clear on what the social space is about for me. If you're hopping on and the mindless scroll and feeling more bad, overwhelmed or discouraged than positive, I want you to consider this. "How can you reframe your mindset on social media or clean it up to be a space that makes you happy?" Maybe you need to delete some friends/experts or hide their posts. Could be you have to limit how long you're on or take extended breaks to reset. If it is for work check out this blog I shared on how you can be in or on social media for work but also disconnect.
I'd love to connect with you to hear how these resonated with you or just say hey! So don't forget to follow me @solspace.co or tune into my podcast, A Space for Sōl.
Heather
She is 36-years old, married and has two young children, so when all that isn't keeping her busy you can find her napping, meditating or enjoying wine in silence on a patio with a view. She works well when her cup runs a little over but has recently embraced the idea of space without plans or responsibilities as a new form of self care even though stillness and silence is a little foreign to her.
]]>The Badass Breastfeeding Podcast
The Badass Breastfeeding Podcast, hosted by moms Dianne Cassidy, IBCLC and Abby Theuring aka The Badass Breastfeeder, is a weekly podcast that confronts breastfeeding myths and everyday issues new moms face in totally relatable ways. They get up close and personal because that comes with the territory, right? B-fing isn’t as natural and carefree as it’s made out to be so knowing you’re not the only one who doesn’t master it week one is more reassuring than anything else.All About Breastfeeding with Lori Jill Isenstadt offers new moms little ‘breastfeeding bites’ about common concerns surrounding breastfeeding and personal stories of breastfeeding from both everyday moms and lactation professionals. Lori has a sense of humor and understanding that I relished as a new mom and hearing real stories from other moms makes the newness of postpartum feel a little less isolating.
Baby Steps with husband and wife duo Ned and Ariel Fulmer. They are parents to a busy little toddler and also a brand new baby, so they’re more than qualified to share their tips for not-so-perfecting parenting through a sleep-deprived, slap-happy lens. We love their down to earth banter back and forth and hearing from a Dad’s perspective adds a nice balance to the show. Tune in and live your messy truth right alongside them.
3 in 30 Podcast with Rachel Nielson is a great source of quick, succinct 30 minute episodes on somewhat heavy topics related to being a mom and raising kids. Each episode wraps up with 3 takeaways and I always walk away feeling like a better mom and human being. A few of my favorite episodes include “How to Teach Your Children About Disability”, “Why and How to Talk to your Kids about Skin Tone and Race” and “How to Stop Judging Yourself”Mom Truths with Cat and Nat is like a happy hour with your oldest girlfriends where you get to have real talk about parenthood, sex, random things that drive you crazy, etc. I have seriously LOL’d to their raunchy, hilarious episodes and I can speak from experience this is truly good for your soul. You’ll want to listen with your airpods in if you know what I mean.
The Mom Hour with Meagan Francis and Sarah Powers, two moms with eight kids between them. While their children are older and the topics tend to be geared toward school-aged kids, I really appreciated hearing their advice and wisdom as a first time mom, similar to seeing the light at the end of the tunnel. Their episodes touch on a range of topics about motherhood, parenting, dating as a single mom, and just plain girl stuff, because as women we’re so much more than just a mom, right?
The Postpartum Revolution with Annie Hopkins, PT, RYT talks a lot about your pelvic floor…..and I didn’t think this was something I needed to hear about until after I had a baby. How is it possible to see your prenatal OBGYN 10,000 times during your pregnancy and postpartum pelvic health is not even mentioned once? Annie interviews integrative medicine professionals, nutritionists and pelvic floor therapists about all these things no one talks about but should.
So You Had A Baby with Portland mom Krista Kahmann is working to empower new moms in their postpartum journey and breakdown stigmas that often surround childbirth and the 4th trimester. Krista sets this podcast apart from all the others out there by interviewing women who channeled their postpartum struggle into something much larger than themselves, like starting a new business in the midst of it all. I can’t think of anything more empowering than a postpartum mama bear on a mission.
The Real Moms Podcast with Amber and Nikki launched a few months ago so they’re a new face in the scene, but definitely not one to be missed if you’re looking for a fresh dose of relatable content. There are parts of motherhood that are overwhelming and definitely not glamorous, and these two mamas aren’t afraid to go there. They share their struggles in all things parenting with a side of comic relief that makes you feel like you’re not alone.
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While apps should never replace medical advice, there’s a lot on your mind when you’re pregnant and tracking everything with pregnancy brain (it’s a real thing) isn’t always easy. Whether you’re trying to conceive, searching for mom friends, craving a workout, or on the hunt for names, here are the best apps for you and your baby bump.
Best for tracking fertility and ovulation: Ovia Fertility
This app has everything you need to track your cycle so you can accurately predict ovulation. There’s a plethora of articles and fertility information, but we really love the anonymous community of women. Trying to conceive can be a very trying time and it’s nice to have a group to turn to. IFKYK.
Learn more at oviahealth.com.
Best for Seeing Baby’s World: Sprout Pregnancy
Next Generation Interaction lets you experience your baby’s world from their point of view! You can see lifelike movements so you have a better understanding of what’s happening inside that beautiful belly.
Learn more at sprout-apps.com.
Best for Anti-Mom Groups: Preglife
If you’re not one for publicly sharing your pregnancy journey, this is the app for you. It has plenty of info on what’s happening in your body week-by-week without the pressure of asking you to join a community.
Learn more at preglife.com.
Best for Registering: Babylist
Babylist is the mother of baby registries. With the ability to add items from any store, this sleek app makes stocking up on all the gear super simple. We love that you can add meaningful gifts that you can’t find in stores. Home cooked meals or a dog walker? Yes please.
Learn more at babylist.com.
Best for Dads: Who’s Your Daddy
Mamas aren’t the only ones in for some major life changes! This app is genius for dads and helps them navigate the pregnancy with weekly updates on what to expect, a timeline for the important dates, and daily tips such as “that hot girl over there? Don’t even think of looking.”
Learn more at whosyourdaddyapp.com.
Best for Medicated Mommy: Mommymeds
This app helps ensure safe breastfeeding while using prescription and over-the-counter meds. You search or scan the barcodes of medications and get easy to understand info on the drug safety and ingredients. Mama wants to do what’s best for her baby and this gives her peace of mind knowing the info without decoding Rx labels.
Learn more at mommymeds.com.
Best for Bump Pics: Baby Pics
There’s a few apps with photo features for documenting your pregnancy, but this one by far has the best artwork. There’s over 1100 icons to choose from to decorate your photo but we promise, they aren’t tacky clip-arty icons. The templates and comparison collages make it super easy to document your journey, and even easier to share on the ‘gram!
Learn more at babypicsapp.com.
Best for Baby Names: Baby Name
This Tinder-like approach makes naming your baby a fun affair for you and your partner. Either person can enter names and swipe to like and the app saves the matches you both love.
Learn more at babyname-app.com.
Best for Labor Prep: Full Term
Heading into delivery? The contraction timer on this app is amazing! You can add notes and intensity levels to see graphs tracking your progress. And it’s pretty nice knowing you can export everything to send to your doctor.
Learn more at fulltermapp.com.
Best All-in-One: BabyCenter
Pretty much everyone I know had this app at one point. If you’re looking for weekly updates on what size of fruit your baby is, this is your place! But it’s packed full of tips to keep you and baby healthy throughout pregnancy and the opportunity to connect with other mamas due your same month.
Learn more at babycenter.com.
Best for Mom Friends: Peanut
Parts of this journey can definitely feel isolating. Peanut delivers an incredibly supportive community so you can connect with other women in similar situations. Having someone share your experiences and understand your struggles works wonders! And if you’re looking for some social interaction or playdates, there’s a function to search for local mamas so you can meet face-to-face.
Learn more at peanut-app.io.
Best for Prenatal Health: WebMD Pregnancy
There’s a lot of changes happening in your body and this app helps you find accurate information to curb those late night panic googling sessions. Get guidance every step of the way with doctor-approved tips and health information and week-by-week content tailored to you.
Learn more at WebMD.com.
Best for Finding Inspiration: What To Expect
This is one of the most well known pregnancy apps out there, and for good reason. It’s focused on providing mama with the emotional support she needs throughout pregnancy. With a personalized daily content feed you get clear information broken down by week and expert advice to cope with every challenge you might face.
Learn more at whattoexpect.com.
This is so much easier than paper for those hard to wrap gifts! And if you think it’s going to look funny, rest assured it’s going to be gorgeous. The Japanese have been doing this for centuries and they have a keen eye for aesthetics.
If you look around your house, most likely you’ll find some piles of paper. Now, before you go grabbing a stack of old bills, here are some better ideas to get you started.
Mamas never have enough storage. Consider using something that can be repurposed!
Now, here’s where you can make it pretty! If you have little girls like mine, you probably have tons to work with laying all over your house.
Whatever you use, have fun with it! There are plenty of options out there to keep your gifts looking glam while keeping Mother Earth (and your wallet) looking green. Happy gift wrapping, mamas!
]]>If you're looking for an easy way to incorporate a daily mental health break, I highly recommend starting a gratitude practice. And if you're like me and not sure where to begin, our mama friend, Rachel, is here to walk us through her practice that works wonders for her mental well-being.
In my first-hand experience I have found gratitude to be a key in feeling happier, more present and grounded. Gratitude to me isn’t about feeling happy 24/7 or denying the negative, it’s about taking time each day to acknowledge and focus on what is good in life at the present moment. Showing appreciation for those inherently good things in your life that often go unnoticed, those positive things that can coincide with the bad times.
Years ago, I started my morning gratitude routine with the goal to do it for 21 days straight. I had read somewhere that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit and retrain your mindset.
In the morning, I list out mentally or write in a journal 3-5 things I’m grateful for. I find it helpful to write it down if I have a few extra minutes, this way I retain it more and can focus my energy more on the task. Gratitude lists don’t have to be lengthy or time consuming, they can be as simple as being thankful for being able to wake up that day and be alive, be able to breathe, utilize your body and mind.
Some days I take it a step deeper and list out very specific things, a stranger smiling at me or holding the door open, a gesture of kindness I was able to give to someone, something I love about myself that took me years to love. The more I did this practice as part of my morning routine, the more easily I noticed things throughout my day to be grateful for that normally would’ve gone unnoticed. It shifted my mindset to one of abundance, I view my life as more rich due to actively expressing gratitude for it.
I have kept this practice going way beyond the 21 days I originally set, since I saw how much it was benefitting my relationship with myself and others. I found the more days I woke up and took a moment to be and feel thankful in my life, the more I appreciated the people in my life and my life overall, so much deeper.
Another way I was able to incorporate this gratitude exercise in my daily routine, beside journaling or doing it privately in my head, was extending it out to people in my community via a group email. This is a fun, informal way to be held accountable, hold non-judgmental space, and inspire each other. For 21 days straight I had people share in a group email 3 things they were grateful for. We all had till the end of the day to respond and it could be as personal or impersonal as you wanted.
Doing a daily gratitude list as a group instead of privately on my own had the same result of increasing my mental well-being and happiness, but a difference I noticed was how inspired I was by seeing what others were thankful for. The energy would carry with me throughout the day as I continued to see positivity and vulnerability being spread throughout our email group.
At first I was hesitant to share any personal gratitudes in a group setting, but as others got more comfortable sharing so did I, and I felt seen and heard more and more each day we did this. Throughout each day I would feel uplifted to read so many things listed out by others to be grateful for, some made me happy for others, some made relate, some made me acknowledge where I was lacking and created the motivation to work towards attaining that, and some simply reminded me of things I had been overlooking in my own life to be thankful for too.
There it is, a couple ways I have found gratitude to work well in my life and for my mental well-being. If privately works best for you, I encourage you to get a journal (make it fun and find one that expresses your taste), and take a few moments each day to jot down at least 3-5 things you feel are going well in your life or you’re thankful to be blessed with. Or if you want to try branching out and having fun with a group of people you feel safe and seen with, gather a few friends/acquaintances and get a group email going to hold each other accountable and inspire each other to spread the positivity.
But I don’t want to just buy a bunch of stuff for people because I have to. I want my purchases to be purposeful and something I can feel good about. We know first hand how hard this year has been on small businesses, and don't even get us started on how detrimental covid has been for women in the workplace. And we also know how convenient big box stores make it with their fancy shipping times and low prices, but we want to support good people doing good things. These people are the heart and soul of our communities.
Without further ado, here's what we're eyeing for our friends, family, and kids (and a few things for ourselves)! All of these shops are either a small business, woman-owned, or socially responsible. Quickly the list outgrew this blog post so we paired it down to our absolute faves and dropped the rest of the ideas into this Pinterest board. Now you can put your hard-earned money toward businesses who deserve it the most. Happy Shopping!
Kids:
You might notice that our gift guide doesn't include a ton of gifts for kids. We're going to let you in on a little secret: we thrift 80% of our kids toys. This time of year you can usually score some good finds! It saves a bunch of money and keeps more plastic toys out of the landfill. If thrifting isn't your thing, here are a few other ideas:
Men:
Our men are hard to shop for. They hate 'stuff' and definitely don't get too excited about clothes. This year we'll be going for experiences over physical items so here are a few ideas to get you started:
AVYN 2020 Gift Guide
For anyone surviving 2020
Hand sanitizing looks as good as it feels with Love Dirty’s chic, eco-minded reloadable system. This antibacterial, prebiotic and nourishing ingredients cleanse, condition and balance the skin’s microbiome while killing 99.99% of germs. It’s basically sanitizing skincare that hands will appreciate throughout the winter.
$12.50 - Available at LoveDirty.com
For the Beauty Queen
Swan Beauty just launched and we're not even sure we're cool enough to talk about it. Co-founded by one of our favorite humans, Lindsey Regan Thorne, Swan Beauty delivers curated beauty boxes with hand-picked items tailored to your needs. You fill out their beauty quiz and a beauty expert will send you a box of hand selected products based on your profile, budget, and needs. This business is going to be a huge success thanks to using artificial intelligence to really personalize the skincare/beauty shopping experience.
Available at SwanBeauty.com
For The Yogi
2020 was the year of the home gym but aesthetically, ours is anything but motivating. This eco-friendly yoga mat from PopFlex is easy on the eyes, making it even easier to find the motivation for a little self-care stretch sesh.
$59 - Available at PopflexActive.com
For the Crafty Kid
I can guarantee you I’ll be giving each of my kids a subscription box this year because we need more things to do at home. Sure, it might be semi-selfish but if I don’t have to comb Pinterest for activities I’m all in. This Creative Kit by Cottonwood Home comes with everything for six activities and I love that it’s a combo of crafts and cooking. Recommended for ages 4+.
$29 - Available on Etsy.com
For The Woo Woo Warrior
Before you write these off as too woo-woo, let me just tell you these have given me life in 2020. A quick dumbed down version of why I like them: they give you a focus that enhances your life in some way. Each animal has emotional traits with descriptions on what to do if you’re out of balance to bring it all back together. Pairs nicely with a yoga sesh.
$39.99 - Available on TenderLovingEmpire.com
For the Modern Family
Add some artsy flair to a family photo and have a custom digital portrait made by Elle W. of Shapes and Faces on Etsy. Personally I have a hard time framing and hanging pictures of myself around the house, like it feels weird to have photos of myself everywhere. But I could definitely get behind displaying these colorful and whimsical renditions of a family photo on a wall or two.
Starting at $90 - Available on Etsy.com
For the Caffeinated Crowd
Coffee for a cause? Dog treats? Yes please! This woman-owned company is moving mountains by promoting inclusivity and accessibility so handicapped individuals can enjoy the great outdoors along with the rest of us. The owners of Mira Moves Mountains, five year old Mira and her mom Nikki, are selling small batch coffee and dog treats made from spent grain from local breweries in KC with a portion of their profits benefiting nonprofit Variety KC. Now this is a gift I can feel warm and fuzzy about!
$16 - Available at MiraMovesMountains.com
For the Wannabe Bartender
No home bartender’s setup is complete without a few bitters on hand. That’s why we’re gifting all our friends (and ourselves) the Classic Bitters Kit from The Bitter Housewife. This little trio of bitters is a great intro to crafting drinks at home and comes complete with recipes to get you started. If you’re new to bitters, I recommend adding a few dashes to your sparkling water to kick it up a notch. Owner Genevieve Brazelton also has a lovely cardamom bitters which she likes to pair with earl grey tea and a hint of milk and sugar.
$30 - Available at TheBitterHousewife.com
For the Art Lover
I don’t know if this is a 2020 thing, but earlier this year I added a little stained glass art to my bedroom wall and the amount of joy I get from seeing the beautiful shadows cast from the morning sun is pretty ridiculous. It’s a simple pleasure, but that’s life this year. These midcentury modern meets Art Deco pieces are handmade in Oregon using new and vintage glass. Embrace the rainbows, baby.
$50 - Available at OroPDX.com
For the classy cannabis connoisseur
Sugarhouse Ceramic Co.’s handmade geometric spliff trays are not only gorgeous, but perfect for holding up your burning roll of CBD or other herbal supplements. These hand glazed beauties come in an array of colors that we can’t get enough of.
$48 - Available at SugarhouseCeramicCo.com
For the Health Nut
Eat your greens the easiest way possible, directly from the source! This little grow kit enables you to grow nutrient dense microgreens right in your home home, even with low light! Bring on the vitamins!
From $35 - Available on hamama.com
For the Charcuterie Cutie
You might remember Bijou from our blog on Being A #Momboss in a Man’s World, so you know our love for her custom woodwork runs deep. This handmade walnut charcuterie board comes packaged with Z Candle’s limited edition fig and honey candle and an adorable jar of strike matches. Plus, it’s engraved for that added personal touch. Bust out the nuts and dark chocolate for a subtle hint it’s a gift to be shared.
$108 - Available at BigFirDesigns.com
For the grateful gals
This gratitude journal from Kinshipped is the perfect gift for those who know how awesome it is to start your day with positive thoughts. If 2020 taught us anything, it’s how to be grateful for what we’ve got. Bring it on, Positive Polly.
€ 15: Available on Kinshipped.co
For the foodie friends
This adorable salt monster is such a clever and convenient way to store fancy salt. It’s a unique gift, but with the additional amount of home cooking these days, it’s definitely a useful gift. Plus, the spoon with provide endless entertainment for those tiny helper hands.
$80 - Available at MuddyHeart.com
For the boho babe
We were initially drawn to the Marrakech sweatshirt but after discovering the Ice Dye kit, there was no turning back. Made right here in Portland, this kit comes with five colors and everything you need to transform those textiles. From what we’ve seen, you can’t really go wrong, but there are patterns ideas included for those who need a starting point.
From $40 - Available from @annajoyce on Etsy.com
For the Water Babies
Coral reefs are expected to be gone by 2050 if we do nothing to protect them. Seeing as though coral reefs are the lungs to the oceans and half of the air we breathe comes from oceans, well, it just makes sense we should start doing something to save them. Coral Gardeners makes it easy to give a gift that keeps on giving. Name your coral, they care for it and send you an adoption card.
€25 - Available on CoralGardeners.org
For the pervy penpal
For your stationary friends that can take a dick joke, Craft Boner’s cards are the perfect combo of crude and class. They’re perfect stocking stuffers to make anyone LOL or give as a collection to always have a memorable card on-hand.
$4.50 - Available on CraftBoner.com
For the Cuddle Lover
This adorable troll doll just brings a smile to our faces. Maileg, a Danish design brand of children’s toys, creates limited release toys that are well-made to help children thrive with simpler toys rather than plastic. In our opinion, we wouldn’t mind having this cute little guy passed down for generations.
$50 (on sale for $38) - Available on Mailegusa.com
For the plant lover
I picked up a planter from Katie M Mudd Ceramics last year at a local craft fair and have pretty much been obsessed since. This pretty planter has a drainage hole but it’s really the suede laces and copper accent that we’re swooning over. There’s no doubt this would look pretty in any corner of the house! Made locally in Portland, OR.
For the Little Cruisers
Scandinavian design meets mid-century charm. These kids’ balance bikes are way cooler than so many of the tacky ones on the market. Plus, each bike is built with high-end materials (steel frame, aluminium handlebar) so it will last through all the adventures. The real hero, the wicker basket, is perfect for carrying all the snacks.
$195 - Available on Banwood.com
For the scented sweetie
We’re not going to lie, we haven’t actually smelled this candle in person but we’re already sold. The candles are handmade from recycled and upcycled bottles (collected from local restaurants), so when your candle is done, you have yourself a margarita glass...or a flower vase but let’s just go with margaritas. We love earthy scents especially during the cozy months but there’s plenty of other options if that’s not your thing.
$20 - Available on HenrysDaughterDecor.com
For the fitness fan
In-home workouts are all the rage this year and this weight is by far the most beautiful piece of gym equipment we’ve ever seen. The UBarre by Equipt is so thoughtfully designed, but don’t let the good looks fool you. This piece is designed to target every inch of your body and comes in varying weight to really take those workouts to the next level.
From $129 - Available on Equiptmovement.com
For the Milk Makin’ Mama
Breastfeed like a boss! This kit has everything a new mama needs to tackle those late night feeding sessions: creams, teas, smoothies, and (much deserved) lactation treats. It’s the perfect way to find some new favorites and the adorable water bottle will help keep her supply up with that oh-so-essential hydration!
$50 - Available on TheStorksWarehouse.com
For the organizer
These ethically made storage sets from Pehr are so cute we might not even cuss every time we’re putting away toys. From the nursery, to the kitchen, to the car, this durable cotton-canvas storage is essential for rounding up your little one’s bits and bobs, wherever they may be.
From $24 - Available at shoppehr.com
For the Craft Cocktail Lover
CAMP Cocktails is the perfect little gift in a mason jar you can possibly find. Based out of Jacksonville, FL, this woman-owned biz makes spiced and dried fruit craft cocktail mixes in a jar. Just add alcohol and you’re ready to imbibe! The flavors in the new Winter Pack couldn’t be more perfect for cozy, fireside winter nights.
$100 - Available at campcraftcocktails.com
For the responsible one
Things I never thought I’d admit: I get face mask envy. You know what I’m talking about, when you look good, you feel good. And since they cover half your face, you might as well get one you love! Chickadee Baby Co is the honeypot for on-trend masks. Modern florals, unicorns, leopard print, you name it, we love them all. But we really love that they’re made right here in the PNW!
]]>Covid has definitely increased our alcohol consumption and with the holidays coming up, if we're going to make it through with a high functioning liver, it's time to party with the pregnant ladies with some booze-free mocktails! We rounded up four super hip brands who are bringing complex flavors right to our fingertips. Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply want an alcohol alternative, here are four tasty options that are sure to scratch that cocktail itch.
]]>I’ve always enjoyed and looked forward to happy hour, that most splendid time of day when you’re ready to set your productivity aside and savor a hard-earned beverage. While covid has certainly put a pause on happy hours at my corner pub, don’t think I’m not still eyeing the clock for an acceptable time to start happy hour thanks to my energetic four year old son. However, if I’m going to make it out of this pandemic with a high functioning liver and still have the motivation to grow my business and thrive in motherhood (no pressure or anything!), then I’ve gotta take some days off here and there.
I’ve found the only way to make this happen is to have tasty non-alcoholic options readily available and I don’t mean sparkling water. Listed below are four super hip brands who are bringing complex flavors right to our fingertips. Whether you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or simply want an alcohol alternative, here are four tasty options that are sure to scratch that cocktail itch.
Located in Portland, Oregon, RAFT Cocktails are makers of all-natural, small batch cocktail ingredients. Their flavors read like a love letter, for example Cranberry Five Spice and Citrus Rosemary. Be still my heart! The owner, Liz Cowan, recommends trying this warming recipe for ‘The Raft Not Toddy’ featuring a new syrup they are launching now.
Another trendsetting, libation company we like is The Bitter Housewife. Known for their stellar lineup of bitters, they now have a new premixed product called Bitters and Soda. These little cans are perfect for those cutting out booze and they have absolutely no sugar or alcohol. Their first flavors, Aromatic and Orange, are available now via pre-order. Owner Genevieve Brazelton recommends this warm, comfy drink idea perfect for the holidays. The bitters balance out the sweetness and kick up the mulling spices for a sophisticated version.
I didn’t think replicating a margarita without alcohol was possible until I came across Ritual Zero Proof. This lifesaver of a company makes booze alternatives that still manage to capture the essence of the liquor taste. Their motto is ‘so you can celebrate tonight and still crush tomorrow’. This would be an excellent option at a baby shower or simply when you’re throwing a get together and want to have an NA option other than La Croix and juice boxes. They have three ‘liquors’, Tequila, Gin and Vodka. Try their bright, fresh and simple recipe for the classic Mexican Paloma.
This last company is truly on to something cool. In fact, I don’t even think I’m cool enough to consume their beverages. Kin makes drinks, or euphorics as they call them, that are infused with mood lifting ingredients. They’ve swapped alcohol for adaptogens, botanics, nootropics and a few other things I don’t fully understand to give you relaxing, feel good vibes. Check out the Kin Spritz!*
*Not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.