After I had Mushy in 2011 I gave away all my maternity clothes.
Because, I was all "totally done" with having kids, right?? #eyeroll
Well needless to say, I've had to purchase all new maternity clothes now.
I wore my pre-pregnancy clothes up until about 18 weeks, then finally broke down and bought some.
Here have been my favorite pieces so far! Keep in mind, I work from home and the places I frequent on a daily basis are the boys school, the gym, and my house.
My daily attire is pretty much either workout clothes or athleisure.
Motherhood Maternity Secret Fit Leggings
These are super stretchy and comfy. The full panel is NOT tight. I don't wear these to the gym, just normal everyday wear. Pre-pregnancy I was a size 6 so I ordered a Medium. They are a tiny bit loose, but I can grow into them.
Secret Fit Belly French Terry Maternity Leggings from A Pea in the Pod.
I actually like these ones as well, but the Motherhood ones are my favorite every day wear.
Overalls
I thought all the pregnant models were so adorable in these, so I bought them. They are super comfy and very cute!!!
Articles of Society Maternity Jeans
These are my favorite maternity jeans.
They ALMOST feel like leggings. ALMOST.
Yes, they are a bit pricier, at $88, but they've been well worth it!
Lululemon Wunder Under Workout Legging
These are my go to workout pants, pre-pregnancy.
Once I got pregnant I could still wear them, but only certain pairs. Others were just too tight on my belly.
I did size up in them, went from a 6 to an 8, and that helped a bit.
I'd say they're great for the first two trimesters of workouts for me.
I'm closing in on my 3rd trimester and I haven't been reaching for them as much as I was in the beginning.
Z Supply Pocket Tee
I get asked all the time where I get my plain shirts. They are SO COMFY!
I was wearing them pre-pregnancy in a size Medium, which were loose fitting, and just recently sized up to a Large for the length.
They are a bit loose, but again, I can grow into them.
Lululemon Love Tank
This is one of my favorite workout tanks.
Again, I just sized up from a Medium to a Large for pregnancy and it's worked great!
Old Navy Semi Fitted Run Tank
Another great workout tank!
Old Navy Full Panel Workout Pant
These have been my favorite workout pants the past few weeks.
Good compression and I like the full panel.
My only complaint about these are that they are always out of stock!
H&M Full Panel Jogger Sweats
I got these in gray, but it looks like they only have black available now.
They are THE COMFIEST sweats ever!!!
I got a Medium, then ordered a Small as well. The medium fit good, but loosen up the more you wear them, so I sized down to a Small.
Target Cowl Neck Sweatshirt
This sweatshirt I wear all the time. It is super comfy and flattering! And it's only $25
Aside from these, I can still wear a lot of my pre-pregnancy flowy tops and sweaters!
These are just a few of my favorite maternity pieces! Hopefully you can find a new favorite out of these, too!
Tuesday, January 16, 2018
Monday, January 15, 2018
FAQ's
I feel like I answer the same questions over and over, which is fine! I just wanted to put them all in a post for you to refer back to!
These are some of the questions I get most on a daily basis.
Let me know if you have any others!
*Some affiliate links included.
What activity tracker do you wear?
I have an Apple Watch Series 2, 38mm. I don't have a screen protector on it and yes, I absolutely LOVE IT! It can get wet, track steps, track activity, calorie burn, etc.
What makeup products are your favorite?
Blush -
Foundation-
I have 2 favorites. I like it Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact (I wear Light in the winter and Medium in the summer), and Ashley Sievert Mineral Velvet Cream (I wear color Paris in the winter and LA mixed with Paris in the summer).
Mascara-
Do you have your eyebrows microbladed?
Yes I do! I went to Christine Rodriguez at Lashes by Christine in Frisco, Tx. She's awesome!
I had them done about 2-3 years ago and I need a touch up, but they've held up great!
What self tanner do you use?
I use Loving Tan. I got the 2 Hour Express Dark and it's awesome!
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS WITHOUT A MIT! It WILL stain your hands!
What are your favorite seasonings?
I LOVE Tacticalories Carving House. It is my favorite seasoning I've ever found!
I put it on meat, veggies, eggs, you name it! It is so flavorful!
Casey's seasonings are all really good!
You can use code Brandi for FREE SHIPPING!
How often do you workout? What do you do?
I am currently working out 5-6 times a week. I have gotten to the point in my life where it is a NORMAL part of my day. I don't look at it like punishment, but as something I need to help me feel good!
I am spinning 4-5 times a week, lifting 2-3 times a week and getting in walks/runs a few times a week as well.
What do you do for a living?
I actually do a few things to bring in income. I am an Independent Advocare Distributor, I do social media marketing, I work with brands to promote their products via social media, I sell shirts and merchandise, and I've got a few other things in the works as well!
Most importantly, I am flexible. I get to work from home, be very present in my kids lives and make a living by doing what I love. :)
What is your skincare regimen?
I have had 4 laser skin treatments called mini fraxels in the past 2 years 1/2 years.
I went to Laura Harris at Regional Skin & Laser.
This is a laser procedure to help correct sun damage, skin resurfacing, correct melasma, acne scars, etc.
This has helped my skin TREMENDOUSLY over the past few years.
I also get Botox about every 6 months, (obviously not while pregnant).
Aside from that I maintain my results with ZO Medical products and DAILY sunscreen!
Do you still use your Peloton?
YES! I will admit, I do love a good spin class. It's the atmosphere I'm addicted to, but the Peloton is great when the boys are home or when I can't quite make it to the gym!
What is your daily AdvoCare regimen like now that you're pregnant?
I am drinking my Spark & Rehydrate mix every morning still.
This stuff saved my life in my first trimester. I would save it until the afternoon when the exhaustion would hit HARD!
Now I mix it up in the morning and sip on it throughout my workout.
Peaches and Cream Fiber because EVERY pregnant woman needs fiber, ifyaknowwhatimean.
Omegaplex and Coreplex with Iron are what I use as my prenatal vitamins. I love that they don't give me the nasty aftertaste that most prenatal do.
Catalyst before every workout.
Probiotic every day, twice a day, because I NEEDS IT!
Ready to drink Vanilla protein shakes and meal replacement shakes are my go to snacks.
*all products were cleared by my dr.
Why do you eat Jasmine rice and not brown rice? I thought brown rice was healthier.
FOR ME, it comes down to Jasmine rice being easier to digest than brown rice.
People tend think that brown rice is "healthier" than white rice, but what they don't realize is how little of a nutritional difference Jasmine rice is to brown rice.
If you'd like more information, here is a great article on it:
https://www.aworkoutroutine.com/brown-rice-vs-white-rice/
Are you still going to get a tummy tuck after the baby is born?
This is still up in the air. Obviously, I will need the baby to be a bit older if I decide to, due to the fact that I won't be able to hold him for awhile. So if I DO, it probably won't be for a few years.
How has your diet been since becoming pregnant?
I am eating pretty mindfully (minus around the holidays where it was a dang free for all).
I'm eating lean meat, rice, veggies, avocados, eggs, toast, skim milk, pizza, tacos, Chiloso, Panera, fruit, etc.
Basically, I am just paying attention to what I eat, but not strictly by any means.
Everything in moderation. :)
What is your favorite dry shampoo?
I LOVE Dry Bar Detox
The key to dry shampoo is using it BEFORE your hair gets too oily! I start using my dry shampoo immediately on freshly washed and dried hair.
That way, I am using it as a preventative measure. I can get 4-5 days out of one wash!
Why do you not share your man with us?
For now, I prefer to keep my private life private. There may come a day when I feel comfortable sharing him with my social media, but for now, I like keeping that part of my life between him and I.
These are some of the questions I get most on a daily basis.
Let me know if you have any others!
*Some affiliate links included.
What activity tracker do you wear?
I have an Apple Watch Series 2, 38mm. I don't have a screen protector on it and yes, I absolutely LOVE IT! It can get wet, track steps, track activity, calorie burn, etc.
What makeup products are your favorite?
Blush -
Foundation-
I have 2 favorites. I like it Cosmetics Confidence in a Compact (I wear Light in the winter and Medium in the summer), and Ashley Sievert Mineral Velvet Cream (I wear color Paris in the winter and LA mixed with Paris in the summer).
Mascara-
Do you have your eyebrows microbladed?
Yes I do! I went to Christine Rodriguez at Lashes by Christine in Frisco, Tx. She's awesome!
I had them done about 2-3 years ago and I need a touch up, but they've held up great!
What self tanner do you use?
I use Loving Tan. I got the 2 Hour Express Dark and it's awesome!
DO NOT EVEN THINK ABOUT USING THIS WITHOUT A MIT! It WILL stain your hands!
What are your favorite seasonings?
I LOVE Tacticalories Carving House. It is my favorite seasoning I've ever found!
I put it on meat, veggies, eggs, you name it! It is so flavorful!
Casey's seasonings are all really good!
You can use code Brandi for FREE SHIPPING!
How often do you workout? What do you do?
I am currently working out 5-6 times a week. I have gotten to the point in my life where it is a NORMAL part of my day. I don't look at it like punishment, but as something I need to help me feel good!
I am spinning 4-5 times a week, lifting 2-3 times a week and getting in walks/runs a few times a week as well.
What do you do for a living?
I actually do a few things to bring in income. I am an Independent Advocare Distributor, I do social media marketing, I work with brands to promote their products via social media, I sell shirts and merchandise, and I've got a few other things in the works as well!
Most importantly, I am flexible. I get to work from home, be very present in my kids lives and make a living by doing what I love. :)
What is your skincare regimen?
I have had 4 laser skin treatments called mini fraxels in the past 2 years 1/2 years.
I went to Laura Harris at Regional Skin & Laser.
This is a laser procedure to help correct sun damage, skin resurfacing, correct melasma, acne scars, etc.
This has helped my skin TREMENDOUSLY over the past few years.
I also get Botox about every 6 months, (obviously not while pregnant).
Aside from that I maintain my results with ZO Medical products and DAILY sunscreen!
Do you still use your Peloton?
YES! I will admit, I do love a good spin class. It's the atmosphere I'm addicted to, but the Peloton is great when the boys are home or when I can't quite make it to the gym!
What is your daily AdvoCare regimen like now that you're pregnant?
I am drinking my Spark & Rehydrate mix every morning still.
This stuff saved my life in my first trimester. I would save it until the afternoon when the exhaustion would hit HARD!
Now I mix it up in the morning and sip on it throughout my workout.
Peaches and Cream Fiber because EVERY pregnant woman needs fiber, ifyaknowwhatimean.
Omegaplex and Coreplex with Iron are what I use as my prenatal vitamins. I love that they don't give me the nasty aftertaste that most prenatal do.
Catalyst before every workout.
Probiotic every day, twice a day, because I NEEDS IT!
Ready to drink Vanilla protein shakes and meal replacement shakes are my go to snacks.
*all products were cleared by my dr.
Why do you eat Jasmine rice and not brown rice? I thought brown rice was healthier.
FOR ME, it comes down to Jasmine rice being easier to digest than brown rice.
People tend think that brown rice is "healthier" than white rice, but what they don't realize is how little of a nutritional difference Jasmine rice is to brown rice.
If you'd like more information, here is a great article on it:
https://www.aworkoutroutine.com/brown-rice-vs-white-rice/
Are you still going to get a tummy tuck after the baby is born?
This is still up in the air. Obviously, I will need the baby to be a bit older if I decide to, due to the fact that I won't be able to hold him for awhile. So if I DO, it probably won't be for a few years.
How has your diet been since becoming pregnant?
I am eating pretty mindfully (minus around the holidays where it was a dang free for all).
I'm eating lean meat, rice, veggies, avocados, eggs, toast, skim milk, pizza, tacos, Chiloso, Panera, fruit, etc.
Basically, I am just paying attention to what I eat, but not strictly by any means.
Everything in moderation. :)
What is your favorite dry shampoo?
I LOVE Dry Bar Detox
The key to dry shampoo is using it BEFORE your hair gets too oily! I start using my dry shampoo immediately on freshly washed and dried hair.
That way, I am using it as a preventative measure. I can get 4-5 days out of one wash!
Why do you not share your man with us?
For now, I prefer to keep my private life private. There may come a day when I feel comfortable sharing him with my social media, but for now, I like keeping that part of my life between him and I.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
25 Weeks with Trace
We're nicknaming this baby Trace (as in Tres- Spanish for 3, as in baby #3).
That's not his actual name though. We have one we like better. :)
I'm 25 weeks today and I'm feeling really good.
I am working out 5-6 days a week taking spin classes at the gym, at home on my Peloton, lifting weights 2-3 times a week (not setting any PRs by any means, just lifting light to moderate weight), and running and walking.
Well, it's more like a jog, really.
I will tell you, when I was pregnant with my first in 2009 I didn't move off the couch, unless it was to go get the gallon of Moolenium Blue Bell ice cream in the fridge. Annnnd then back to the couch.
After I had him I began the weight loss process losing 60 lbs. before getting pregnant with #2.
During that pregnancy, I ran a lot. Up until 38 weeks. But that's essentially all I did.
I ate pretty mindfully and gained 31 lbs. with him.
Fast forward to 6 years later.
Here we are, 25 weeks pregnant with the 3rd baby I thought I'd never have, and I feel really friggin good!
I truly believe it's because I've been living a healthy lifestyle for the past several years that it's just NORMAL for me now.
The only thing I've been dealing with is acid reflux (Zantac has helped a TON) and my hips going numb at night because I'm a side sleeper.
This was an issue in both my last pregnancies as well.
But other than that, I have no complaints!
I am so much more laid back with this pregnancy. I got rid of all things baby several years ago so I have literally nothing besides a mini crib for our room (Trace's room is upstairs and he'll be sleeping in our room for awhile bc I'm not trekking up and down those stairs a hundred times in the middle of the night), a few outfits, and some odds and ends.
But I'm not stressing about it.
Anything we need we can buy, and it's just not a huge stress factor like it was with my first two.
I'm also not stressing about work or having time off, etc. This was a huge stress factor with both the older boys. How much time would I get off for work? Would I be able to handle going back to work after having them? What about daycare? Could we afford it?
All things that are no longer factors.
It really couldn't be a better time for me to have a baby.
We are really excited and though I know I'll be completely starting over, I can't wait to see the big boys with their brother.
Mushy keeps telling me every day "uuughhhh, I wish our baby was coming today!"
It makes me smile so big that he wants to meet him that badly!
And bonus- I'll have helpers this time!
Big T was 2 when I had Mushy, so he was no help at all! :)
I'm pretty excited about that!
Up next is getting the nursery set up- though we won't be using it much, and trading the Jeep in for a 3rd row vehicle *cough* NOMINIVAN *cough*
All in all, things are going really well and moving right along!
Here is a pregnancy comparison picture from 25 weeks with Big T & 25 weeks with Trace.
Lots of years of hard work in between there! :)
That's not his actual name though. We have one we like better. :)
I'm 25 weeks today and I'm feeling really good.
I am working out 5-6 days a week taking spin classes at the gym, at home on my Peloton, lifting weights 2-3 times a week (not setting any PRs by any means, just lifting light to moderate weight), and running and walking.
Well, it's more like a jog, really.
I will tell you, when I was pregnant with my first in 2009 I didn't move off the couch, unless it was to go get the gallon of Moolenium Blue Bell ice cream in the fridge. Annnnd then back to the couch.
After I had him I began the weight loss process losing 60 lbs. before getting pregnant with #2.
During that pregnancy, I ran a lot. Up until 38 weeks. But that's essentially all I did.
I ate pretty mindfully and gained 31 lbs. with him.
Fast forward to 6 years later.
Here we are, 25 weeks pregnant with the 3rd baby I thought I'd never have, and I feel really friggin good!
I truly believe it's because I've been living a healthy lifestyle for the past several years that it's just NORMAL for me now.
The only thing I've been dealing with is acid reflux (Zantac has helped a TON) and my hips going numb at night because I'm a side sleeper.
This was an issue in both my last pregnancies as well.
But other than that, I have no complaints!
I am so much more laid back with this pregnancy. I got rid of all things baby several years ago so I have literally nothing besides a mini crib for our room (Trace's room is upstairs and he'll be sleeping in our room for awhile bc I'm not trekking up and down those stairs a hundred times in the middle of the night), a few outfits, and some odds and ends.
But I'm not stressing about it.
Anything we need we can buy, and it's just not a huge stress factor like it was with my first two.
I'm also not stressing about work or having time off, etc. This was a huge stress factor with both the older boys. How much time would I get off for work? Would I be able to handle going back to work after having them? What about daycare? Could we afford it?
All things that are no longer factors.
It really couldn't be a better time for me to have a baby.
We are really excited and though I know I'll be completely starting over, I can't wait to see the big boys with their brother.
Mushy keeps telling me every day "uuughhhh, I wish our baby was coming today!"
It makes me smile so big that he wants to meet him that badly!
And bonus- I'll have helpers this time!
Big T was 2 when I had Mushy, so he was no help at all! :)
I'm pretty excited about that!
Up next is getting the nursery set up- though we won't be using it much, and trading the Jeep in for a 3rd row vehicle *cough* NOMINIVAN *cough*
All in all, things are going really well and moving right along!
Here is a pregnancy comparison picture from 25 weeks with Big T & 25 weeks with Trace.
Lots of years of hard work in between there! :)
