Category: maternity

in case you missed it…

THE MOST POPULAR POSTS AND PRODUCTS FROM OUR OCTOBER BLOG ARE LINKED BELOW IN CASE YOU MISSED THEM THE FIRST GO-ROUND!

OOTD:  Leopard Dress

Okay, so I thought the dress was a leopard print, but some have been telling me it’s more of a cheetah print.  Regardless, it’s only $35 and it is soooo super cute!!

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ASOS Maternity

Expecting a wee little one soon or know someone who is?  Check out this post for Aj’s ASOS maternity picks!  Asos has a ton of cost-effective styling solutions to expectant moms.

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Dress Delivery!  Lace Love

You guys!!! I was so excited to receive these dresses that I didn’t even put any makeup on before snapping photos!!?!?!  All of the dresses are from ASOS and less than $100.  And if you don’t see your size, check back often!!  The blue one popped back in my size and I snatched it up! 🙂

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Popular Products

Leopard Dress  |  Sorel Booties  |   Amina Flats

 

xoxo
-jl

ashLeave a comment

ootd ASOS maternity

Asos was a life-saver this last pregnancy for me- and I think Ash would say the same for hers. They have great maternity stuff at super affordable prices- which is a must for me when I have a really hard time spending money on something that I am only going to fit in for a short amount of time.

Here were some of my ASOS maternity favs:

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1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

10 | 11 |12

13 | 14 |15

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment

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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1 | 2 | 3

4 | 5 | 6

7 | 8 | 9

10 | 11 |12

13 | 14 | 15

Bring on the big day!

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment

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

ajLeave a comment

Workout pick-me-up

Alright- the honest truth- this week, I am now 34weeks pregnant and I’m lacking motivation. Motivation to shower, get myself dressed, and definitely to work out. The fatigue has set back in, I’m not sleeping well, and let’s face it- around 4:30 every day it’s like I’m suddenly hauling around an incredibly heavy cinder block. Gravity wins by that point every day and my muscles and ligaments just seem to give up.

tank similar here | shorts similar here | shoes

BUT, I’ve told myself, as of today, GET OVER IT! 6 more weeks and I’ve done so well up to this point maintaining a healthy-ish, fit-ish pregnancy so I can’t stop now! What have I said before about one of the ways to get your motivation back when you’ve lost it with working out/running?

New gear! 🙂

Here are some of my favorites right now that are sure to get you motivated if you’ve lost your UMPH like I have!

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1 | 2 | 3 | 4

5 | 6 | 7 | 8

9 | 10 | 11 | 12

13 | 14 | 15 | 16

happy shopping!

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment

Pregnant & fit-ish : arms

Continuing on our pregnant & fit-ish journey:

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30 weeks and counting people!

On the days I run, I typically do arm day. The incline walking days I do legs. Today we will chat about arm day!

I’ll preface this like I do all our pregnant & fit-ish posts: I am not a doctor, or a professional, or a super fit chick!  Just a mom/gal who likes to sweat to feel better- so, please consult with your doctor if you are pregnant and wanting to start a workout routine.

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Some days I do 10 reps, other days I bump it up to 15. Just depends on the day!

Here are examples of some of them- if you don’t know how to do one that isn’t pictured- just google it and I’m sure you will get tons of examples!:

Inside curls

Outside curls

Hammers

Butterfly

Upright row

Shoulder press

Front raise

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Palms in – shoulder press

Shrugs

– hang your arms by your sides and shrug your shoulders up towards your ears.

Lateral raise

       – same as front raise above except out to your side vs the front

Triceps

Now, what I am comfortable with, may be completely different than what you are comfortable with! The main thing is keeping your heart rate in check (Can you talk in a complete sentence?) Staying hydrated, and not overdoing it! As my doctor told me, think more reps, less weight. Longer distance, less incline & speed. etc. But please—consult with your doctor and figure out what is best for you and your babe!

There have been weeks I’ve done nothing and weeks I’ve worked out every day- I just listen to my body and go with it!

 

happy arm day!

xox

aj

ajLeave a comment