Fashionable Runner

I might take on a half marathon has turned into I am running a half marathon.  I have been around a lot of negativity, had a lot of judgements and opinions given on my parenting and it has just brought me down.  I know I shouldn't let others opinions get to me but, when people who are never around were saying I was neglecting my daughter because I was determined to breast feed I'm a little pissed off.  We spent hundreds of dollars in doctors visits, lactation consultations, and renting a hospital grade pump and not to mention I didn't leave the house for 2 weeks.  Uggh Then there's always the others you should really just let her cry it out your teaching her bad habits blah blah blah.  So, am I neglecting my daughter or giving her too much attention?  Which is it?  I completely respect opinions and I am more than willing to take advice but, don't expect me to parent exactly the way you did.  So here I am down and out over everyone, the drama, the negativity, the gossip. I know that training and completing a half marathon will give me my confidence back.  The endorphins, the body changes and the exercise high is a perfect way to combat the negativity.  I've started to run more, and I'm trying to find the perfect race.  Of course the one I want to run is already sold out so, I have to pick another one.  I mean fashionable mom has to run the half that ends at winery with a wine tasting right?  But, no not this year it's sold out.  Boo. I will find one and when I'm crossing the finish line I will stand tall and think to myself IN YOUR FACE.  I am an amazing mom, I am beautiful, I am strong and I just ran 13.1 miles so all you negative mean people... well you can just suck it. 

Is it my birthday yet?

This past week was rough.  No sleep, busy days, crying baby, crying mommy.  Uggh I'm beat.  Then last night the stupid movement sensor went off while Lo was sleeping and like any tired mom I stumble run into her room.  On my way I kicked the door jam and broke one of my toes.  My foot is swollen, and its hard to walk.  Lately I totally feel like Bruce Almighty.  I'm an ant and gods a kid with a microscope burning my feelers and watching me squirm.  I can't catch a break so to make myself feel better I got Lo her first big girl stroller, a pair of converse for myself (my one super casual obsession) and got my haircut.  Hopefully this week is better, and since my birthday is next week its looking up I got a couple gift certificates to Ragz! Yes first shopping spree since Lo was born. Cleaned out my closet of any clothes I'm not wearing and I'm ready for a new pair of jeans, a new pair of boots, skirts, a leather jacket, a couple cute tops and accessories.  For now though I'm stuck on the couch going crazy with my foot swollen and my lil' girl wanting to play all day.  Oh the joys of being a mommy.  All I want to do  now is shop shop shop.  Retail Therapy baby it's the only way to go.  I keep telling myself there are other ways to deal with stress and hard times but, what is better then coming home with a new Juicy bag honestly? In my world NOT A D*MN THING!!

Be your own fashionista

I think I'm going to sign up for Image Consultant classes.  After watching a million episodes of What Not To Wear and staring at my closet and my large collection of MAC makeup.  I think I have found my calling.  I will always enjoy what I learned from the fitness industry and teach a yoga class here and there but, as always I'm bored and ready for something new. I'm excited to find a program worth going to that will really educate me beyond what I have learned on my own.  So, here I am researching all these programs and looking back at all the books I have read and things I have learned.  I thought I would share a couple great books for anyone who wants to kick up their image a bit.  uggh lists I hate lists but, I love all these books and I do think where ever you are at in your life, if you want to make a good impression they are great tools.  Here it goes...  1. Color Me Beautiful by Carole Jackson and this is the original not the revised one or second book or whatever the heck they are calling it.  I don't care that the book was published in 1980, it's a good start.  2. Inspired Style Top Image Experts reveal strategies to always look your best this book has a million authors so, here is the first person listed Ginny Baldridge. 3. Beauty by Bobbi Brown and finally 4. it! 9 secrets of the rich and famous that will take you to the top by Paula Froelich.  Check out 1 or all of them as for me I am going to try and be a super hero mom and take on a new career, teach yoga (including mommy and me which I've never done before), keep up with Lo's busy social schedule, and still find time to be holly the housewife.  I'm also thinking I might do a half marathon.  Here I go, I am going to buy a cape and give myself an awesome super hero name.

One more Pregnant blog

The day Lo was born

3 months

 

8 months

Some more pregnancy fashion because I know I struggled to put together outfits by the end of my third trimester.  Anything with an empire waist that flows away from the body can give you the room for junior to grow.  You can do a dress with sandals (no flip flops they are for beach use only) or an empire waisted shirt and jeans.  Watch "the sisters" remember your boobs will grow as you get closer to your due date.  You may want to do a more flowy shirt or a tunic.  I'm pretty tall and my belly was huge so empire waist shirts didn't always cover my belly or they cut into mu bust line.   I loved showing off my lil' Lo growing so, I was ok with fitted clothes.  Although sometimes it was terribly uncomfortable.  I had a couple tunics that were great, and vests were in style so I paired that with a shirt and cute accessories for a good outfit.   I always shopped at my regular store and bought a size or two bigger.  I had a philosophy during my pregnancy if I wouldn't wear it out while not pregnant it's not going to be worn while pregnant.  You want to be comfortable BUT, that doesn't mean yoga pants every day.  I teach yoga and the only time I wear workout clothes is when I'm WORKING or going to DO YOGA.   Which you should definitely do your entire pregnancy.  Walking and yoga are two great ways to keep in shape and make your labor smooth and hopefully easier.  For your delivery bring a cute pair of pajamas and make-up.  You will feel so much better while you stay in the dreaded hospital.  Be excited for the stretch marks, the engorged boobs, the sleepless nights, the dark circles under your eyes, your mood swings that are to come.  Then think how am I going to look good and take care of this bundle of joy.  Don't ever forget during all of this you are entitled to look good, feel good, and have time to take care of yourself.  Ultimately your happiness and sanity is needed to make this babies life the best life he/she can have.  Until next time. :)

9 months of fashioning a watermelon

28 weeks pregnant

25 weeks pregnant

9 whole months of my body losing it's shape.  One thing I learned from watching others have babies is... You are NOT eating for two.  I watched what I ate and I exercised every day.  In fact the day I went into labor I had done a 90 minute yoga class and walked 3 miles.  I gained 20 lbs. and was still wearing my a&f size 4 jeans.  I was using a rubber band through the button hole to keep my pants up but, hey they still fit.  To everyone who is pregnant or trying to have a baby you really only need 200 calories (at the start of your pregnancy) - 600 calories (at the end of your pregnancy) which equals out to no more than a snack or one small meal a day.  I am so happy I stuck with this.  I didn't have to buy all new clothes at any point and trust me my belly was huge.  I looked like I had swallowed a watermelon.  As for tops thank goodness fashion had been perfect for a pregnant lady.  Leggings, jeggings, loose fitting tops it was amazing.  I went out bought some long spandex tanks and just a couple shirts to accommodate my belly and I was set.  For the cooler months the best thing you can put together is a long tank, Jeggings, a cute sweater and a pair of boots perfects.   Also I was in love with the longer sweater/sweater dresses they were perfect over leggings.  If you are pregnant in the summer months you are even more lucky pair shorts (rigged with a rubber band of course) a long tank with a cute loose fitting shirt and a ballet flat or a pair of short boots.  I highly recommend the long tanks you can put them under anything  add a cute sweater, shrug or shawl and you have a cute comfortable outfit.  I am also a big fan of belts and since I didn't want to be cramming a belt between my boobs and my belly I found a ribbon works too. You can do a belt, thick or thin ribbon and it still pulls an outfit together well.  Finally of course you need accessories which thank goodness (for the most part) will fit you no matter how much weight your little Lo packs on you.  Necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings and hats!! :)