Author: aj

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Ash’s obsessions

September is here (actually, it’s almost halfway over!?!) and I am in the mood for some fall sweaters!

Stripe sweater.  Simple and classic.  Pair it with jeans, skirts, cutoffs – literally goes with everything!

Boatneck sweater.  Love the relaxed vibe and bold color of this one.  Looks so cozy!

Ruffle sweater.  Neutral color and girlie ruffles- yes, please!!

 

Aj’s obsessions

Nike Crop top. The perfect top to throw on over your tank when you’re leaving the gym- or running to the store and haven’t quite made it to the shower/get dressed part of your day yet!

Numerical Dress. I can’t quite put my finger on why I like this dress- but I do. Probably because it is just so unique!

Color block one-piece swimsuit. I clearly can’t get over the fact that summer is over! I keep finding cute swimsuits!

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My csection hospital bag

Well, it’s almost time so that means I needed to pack my bag for the hospital. I have scheduled csections so my bag is a little different than those mama’s doing it the “traditional” way. I’ve also been through this song and dance twice now, so I know what I like/don’t like and need/don’t need for this journey.

Here are my must-haves for the big day and days following, in the hospital:

toiletries:

Anything that will make you feel “normal”. For me this is my own shampoo/conditioner and soap- but in travel size. Now, they don’t sell my normal stuff in travel size so I just get whatever sounds good during my target run 🙂 Also, toothbrush, toothpaste, makeup remover/face wipes, razor, hair brush, rubber band / bobby pins, hairdryer, & my make up. Yes, you read that right- I take my makeup. For me, personally, the first day they let me, I love to shower, fix my hair and put on makeup. It makes me feel normal and refreshed.

clothes:

I take a few different things: comfy sweat pants, loose comfy tops/tshirts, a robe, house slippers, regular shoes (think comfy- birkenstocks, sneakers, etc) Also –  I don’t breastfeed so I pack several tight sports bras to keep ‘the girls’ contained! Then, if you like to get dressed up when you go home- maybe a loose dress or leggings and cute top.

my belly bandit:

You’ve heard me rave bout it before here. It is a must for a csection mama. This will just make your life that much easier. Clothes won’t be able to rub on your incision and overtime you laugh, cough, or sneeze you won’t double over in pain. It’s a game changer for csection recovery.

my own pillow.

cell phone & charger.

good book / iPad / magazines

That’s it! Simple, straight forward, and not too much unnecessary stuff.

Here are some of the things/ some similar things to what I have packed:

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4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

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Bring on the big day!

xox

aj

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Pregnant & fit-ish: legs

Alright ladies- the last segment in our pregnant & fit-ish journey: Legs!

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Now, I’ll admit- at 37weeks pregnant my workout routine is pretty non-existent. I found a few weeks ago that when I would work out in the morning the rest of my day was SHOT and with a 2 year old and 5 year old, laying around in bed all day really wasn’t an option. I don’t know why this is or why it came on so suddenly, but when it came down to mothering or working out, I couldn’t really skip mothering for the next several weeks… Like I’ve said before in my pregnant and fit-ish posts- listen to your body and do what you feel is best. My body amazed me at keeping up with running/working out for close to 9 months so I guess I’ll cut it some slack these last few weeks.

 

So, other than chasing my littles around, I think my workouts have come to an end until post baby.

 

BUT- this was my go-to leg workout for the last several months. It’ll kick your pregnant booty – just enough 🙂 Now, you can do these with our without weights- whichever you feel most comfortable with.

 

squats x 15

 

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plie/sumo squats x 15

 

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calf raises x 25

 

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clamshells (each side) x 12

 

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Leg lifts (each side) x 12

 

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repeat x 4 (or 5!) times!

 

enjoy the burn!

xox

aj

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back to school

It’s official- I have a kindergartener! It’s a big deal when your first born starts REAL school. My little Hadley though, has been ready. She LOVES school.

Now, I got to skip out on the back to school shopping for the most part, because she wears uniforms- BUT that doesn’t mean I missed out on grabbing some good stuff during all the sales. Here’s some of my favs:

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I also created this little template and attached two bracelets to it to give to her on the first day of school. Download the template here: bracelet-1st day of school : so you can use it if you’d like! My daughter loved the surprise on her first day.
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And- we spent the weekend before baking and freezing a bunch of zucchinis muffins for quick breakfasts on the go – because let’s face it- I’m just not used to having to function this early yet! Also, a big batch of protein balls to get Beckam and me through the day, as well as a healthy dessert treat in Hadley’s lunch.

hope everyone is having a great back-to-school!

xox

aj

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Gruyere dip

You guys. I have made the dip of all dips! It combines two of my favorite things: Gruyere cheese and caramelized onions.

The pics may not look like much- but I never claimed to be a food photographer- I just know good food when I eat it 🙂

It. Is. Heavenly.

You make this for an event, or just for your family, and I promise it will be a hit. Eat it with some warm bread and try not to eat the whole thing yourself…

Gruyere Dip

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups caramelized onions (approx 3-4 onions)
  • Dash of balsamic vinegar
  • Butter/Olive Oil
  • 1/2 cup Mayo (get the real stuff!)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (not the low fat stuff)
  • 1 1/2 cups of shredded Gruyere cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Black pepper to taste

Directions:

  1. Caramelize  your onions. Now this is a labor of love- you have to be patient- don’t rush this process. Cut your onions in half then down the middle and slice into very thin sections. Melt your combo of butter and olive oil in a saute pan on medium heat. Add your onions and toss to coat them. Let them saute for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Don’t stir them too often or they won’t brown. You may need to turn the heat down to low after awhile. Once they are to your liking (pretty brown- but NOT burned!), pour a DASH of balsamic vinegar into the pan-I’m talking just a small drizzle- a little goes a long way- and cook until the liquid has evaporated/cooked off.
  2. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
  3. Combine your onions, mayo, sour cream, 1 cup of the cheese, garlic powder, and the black pepper into a bowl and stir.
  4. Pour into a small (8″) cast iron, or similar oven proof baking dish and top with remaining cheese.
  5. Bake for 20 minutes or until everything is nice and bubbly! Let cool slightly and then serve with some crusty, yummy, bread!

 

enjoy!

xox

aj

 

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Ash’s obsessions

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Yumi Kim maxi dress.    Floral chiffon maxi dress.  Sweet, sassy, breezy.

Vince loafers.  Comfy and sleek – I love these paired with jeans and a cozy card.

Slouch jeans.  Skinny jeans have been all the rage for a while now, but these high-waisted slouch jeans are my current fave.

Aj’s obsessions

Leather Sandal. Super cute sandals! Love that they are different from your typical sandal.

Embroidered Free People Dress. This dress does not look like much in the picture- Ill give ya that- but I tried it on a few weeks ago and it was so cute (yes, even super pregnant!) It comes in a bunch of different colors – they were all cute.

French Courtship Dress. It is back in stock! I bought this a few years ago for family pics and have worn it a ton since. It is so pretty on! It now comes in 7 different colors! I have the “tea” color.

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