Before having Henry, I had a lot of big questions. They essentially all revolved around being a good parent and doing the best we could by Henry. These questions still exist, but I've noticed SO many smaller questions popping up since he arrived. 

One of the biggest questions I had post-birth was what items needed to be in the diaper bag. I mean, I understand that diapers are a good idea, but I didn't know what else to add! Now that we've had some time to adjust and some outings to practice with, I've come up with a list of essentials that absolutely must be in the bag! 

So organized (for the moment)!

To begin, let's talk about the gorgeous monogrammed diaper bag from Courtney Bock Designs! I ordered this prior to Henry's birth and wanted to keep it gender neutral so that I could use it again with future babies (if we're blessed with more). Therefore, I chose just a monogrammed P in a gorgeous mint green (mint, gray, and lavender have been my colors of choice since our wedding!). I absolutely LOVE that this bag is roomy enough to hold everything we need, but stylish enough to add some spunk to my outfits! And, I think I could use it later as just more than a diaper bag!

From left to right, here are the other items that are must haves in my diaper bag.

Lanolin: A must have for breast feeding mommas, this tiny tube came in a package of three. A gift from my godmother Diane, I love that I don't have to remember to take my large tube with me! 

Pacifier wipes: These are perfect for those moments when your little one chucks his pacifier on a mucky store floor and then screams when it's not immediately back in his mouth! I'd rather wash it, but these work wonderfully in a pinch! 

Reusable changing pad: My diaper bag came with this adorable polkadot pad! 

Diaper rash cream: Knock on wood, we've been diaper rash free so far, hence why ours is still in the box. But, I don't want to be without it if we need it later! 

Toy: Distraction tool. 'Nuff said. 

Blankie: We've been carrying a thick, warm blanket with us on the car seat, but I like having a back-up blankie with us too. This gray and white lightweight fleece one can be used as a playmat, burp cloth, breastfeeding cover, changing pad... The possibilities are endless! 

Back-up pacifiers: Again, necessary. 

Wipes and diapers: Since this is the primary function of the bag, I'm glad we have them! Note: Always pack more than you think you need, and always keep the bag stocked! 

Extra outfits: Our extra outfits consist of a short-sleeved onesie, a long-sleeved sleeper, and a little teeny hat, just in case. Bonus: I would also consider adding a pair of scratch mittens if, like us, you have a little one who likes to have his hands by his face! 
Not pictured

Disposable changing mats: We've yet to need to use these, but I LOVE this concept! These disposable changing pads will be perfect for times when the changing table looks less than savory. I love these for things like trips to the mall, the zoo, or a day at the park. Use it and toss it without dirtying your reusable changing pad!

Burp cloth: Ours was, ahem, in used condition at the time of the photos. But, also a must have for the bag! 

Hand sanitizer: Mine is currently in my purse, but I love those tiny Bath and Body Works hand sanitizers for the diaper bag! Again, if you're ever without water, it's nice to get clean-ish hands after a diaper change!

What other necessities do you keep in your diaper bag? I would love to know if you find anything else to be a must have!

Jewelry review: Why Sparkle Box rocks!

Spring is in the air (maybe just wishful thinking on my part?!), and it makes me all sorts of happy! I love everything about spring: the warmer weather, the springtime activities, and the gorgeous spring colors. 

And I had all of this in mind when I made a request for my most recent Sparkle Box. In the event that you don't know what Sparkle Box is, allow me to introduce you to this fabulous company! Sparkle Box is a jewelry by mail company that allows you to order as often or as infrequently as you like! Head over to  Sparkle Box (sign up for emails, and save 10% on your first order!), and select your personal style. You can choose from a variety of styles like the brand new Avant Garde style, Subtle Style, On-Trend, Boho Beauty, or Quirky/Handmade. Once you've chosen your signature style, you can decide if you want this to be a one-time gig or if you want to keep receiving Sparkles more frequently. Check out, and within seven business days, you get a lovely box of hand-picked jewelry just for you! (Bonus: Shannon often throws in an extra bonus gift!)

Just a few of the many things I love about this company... first of all, the jewelry is gorgeous (see below!)! The quality is excellent, and I've loved both boxes I've gotten so far so much! I also love that your $19 actually purchases something (unlike online jewelry rentals -- this one's yours to keep!). And, there's literally a style for everyone at Sparkle Box. There's even an option for the young ladies in your life who might want a little sparkle!

You can read all about my first Sparkle Box (I selected Subtle Style) here!

While I'm normally a Subtle Style through and through, for this box, I was in the mood for a surprise. I ordered a Surprise Me box and requested something springy. It arrived yesterday, and I couldn't wait to see what I got! 

Naturally, Shannon knocked it out of the park! What waited inside for me was a gorgeous minty statement necklace and a bonus set of earrings that match it perfectly! I couldn't wait to try it on! I love the gold tone and the way it offsets the mint and crystal elements of the piece. I think this will look perfect dressed up for a night out, or it can be paired with a t-shirt and jeans for a gorgeous casual look! I have an event tomorrow night to honor a student of mine, and my outfit us totally going to be planned around this jewelry now! 

I'm so glad I got out of my comfort zone and let Shannon pick for me! This is something I would have looked at in a store and thought I couldn't pull off. But once I actually tried it on, I love the way it looks! Cheers to stepping outside the comfort zone and trying something new (and springy!)!

Want to get your own Sparkle Box? Head over to the website, and check out all the options! You can read the blog, read up about each style, and even see Sparkles that have been delivered to others! 

Stuff I'm loving Saturday #12

It's Saturday, and I'm thrilled to bring you another edition of Stuff I'm loving Saturday! Shockingly (or perhaps not shockingly!), this week's list focuses on surviving and thriving (is there anything else you can hope for with a six-week old?! Methinks not!)

The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

Ohmigosh, if you're not watching this show, you need to tune in immediately! This Netflix original series focuses on Kimmy, a woman who has just been freed from 15 years in an underground bunker/religious cult in Indiana. The writing for the show is hilarious, and Kimmy's naïveté and witty one liners will have you laughing out loud in no time. We finished the first season in a week, and I really hope a second season is just around the corner! 

This blog
I'm in a few mom groups on Facebook, and one of the moms posted this blog post written from "baby" to mom. It struck a chord with me, especially since our little buddy refused to sleep at first unless Dan or I had him in our arms. It's nice to know we weren't the only ones feeling this way!

Coconut milk

I've been trying to take it easy on dairy the last few weeks to help out Henry's tummy. Umm, do you KNOW how much of our diets are dairy?! Maybe it's just me, but I have dairy at almost every meal! Enter coconut milk! I first tried it a few weeks ago at Starbucks, and it was love at first sip! 

Boppy and Twitter love

Milk coma baby! 

Now that I'm home, I have lots of different opportunities. One of them came last week when I joined a Twitter chat sponsored by What to Expect and Boppy products. Their chats are always informative, and, bonus, I won some Boppy  prizes at the end! I'm super excited to get them, and I'm extra excited for the next chat!

The 5-2 makeup rule 

On one of the morning shows recently, they discussed the idea of wearing makeup for five days during the week and not wearing makeup for the other two days. They talked about how it will lower inflammation in the skin and might make wearing makeup the other days obsolete! Now that I don't put makeup on daily, it seems to be true! I have a lot less redness in my skin! Give it a whirl for a few weeks and see if it works for you (the days don't have to be in a row either! Break it up however you want!)! 

Working up to working out: How to come back strong after a baby, a break, or an injury

For the last ten years, I have been an avid exerciser. I don't think I've taken more than a week off from working out in that time, and even then, it was for sickness or surgery. 

So now that I've been off of working out for five plus weeks after Henry's birth, it's mildly daunting to think about going back, especially since soon I'll be teaching Jazzercise classes again. It's one thing to accept struggling through a workout, but there's a whole other added element here when I think about being a motivator on stage. If I'm huffing and puffing, it might be more difficult to encourage others in the room to pump it up! 

Instead of prematurely worrying, though, I'm trying to set myself up for success with some easy tips to come back strong. Whether you're coming back from a baby, an injury, or a long exercise hiatus, the tips below will help ease us all back in. 

Pump up the water
Before you head back to work out, try pumping up the water. We all need more water in our lives, and this is especially true once the sweat starts pouring! Try to up your water intake -- whether that's an extra cup, an extra 10%, or an extra bottle a day. Being hydrated will help get you started on the right foot! 

Focus on the positives
It's easy to have negative self-talk when you're heading back in to the gym. "This is going to feel hard," or "I'm going to have a terrible workout" might be easy thoughts to have, but change that tune! Focus on the positives! "I get to workout today!" "I can't wait to move my body again!" "It will be so nice to put on my iPod and tune out!" Any positive things we can say to ourselves are good, especially if you can drown out the bad things! 

Cut yourself some slack
There's a solid chance you're not going to pick up right where you left off. That's okay! Don't be too hard on yourself. If you're a runner, it's totally fine to start back with walking or a run-walk program. If you're an avid aerobics class taker, there's nothing wrong with low impact until you can add the bouncing back in. Do what you can with what you have, and be happy to be moving! 

Don't compare yourself to others
It can be tempting to look at others and their accomplishments in comparison to yours. But the fact that you're back to working out is incredible, and you can't compare yourself to others (well, you can, but you won't feel good about it!). Let go of worrying about what others can do and focus on you. Celebrate YOUR accomplishments! 

The one phrase all new moms need to hear

When we found out we were expecting, we were excited, shocked, elated, and nervous. I'd spent a lot of time around children, and I love kids, but I knew it would be incredibly different when it was our child. 

Henry's arrival in to our lives has been wonderful. And it's also been hard. Our entire lives have changed. Nothing is easy anymore. We can't quickly run errands or make a meal or shower without planning ahead. Sleep is elusive, and even when it does happen, we are now the lightest sleepers in the whole world. I have personally gone from being a super task oriented person with 50ish tasks a day to just one task - keep Henry happy. 

To say it's been an adjustment would be a massive understatement. 

And I wouldn't change any of it. 

As an adult, I really haven't been a person who has needed a ton of reassurance from others. For the most part, I can reassure myself. But I've quickly learned there is one simple phrase every new mother (and probably every mother, period) needs to hear:

You're doing a good job. 

There are so many unknowns when you're a new parent. Is what my baby's doing normal? Is that cry a hungry cry (or a pained cry or a dirty diaper cry or a cuddle me cry)? Am I doing this right? It's hard when everything is new, and you are the one making all decisions. 

So, really, you can dispense advice (that may or may not work for the new parents), or you can tell them about something you've read online (ditto for maybe working), or you can simply offer the reassurance that the new parent is doing a good job. Because that really might be all that is needed. 

Well? That and a snack. 

Stitch Fix review #10: Transitioning to mommyhood

It's been quite some time since my last Stitch Fix! I received a few during my pregnancy (Stitch Fix caters to maternity and petites now!), but held off the last several months since I didn't want to purchase a lot of items I wouldn't be able to wear long. A few weeks post-baby, with about 12 pounds left to go to my pre-pregnancy weight, I decided it was high time I placed another order! 

If you haven't heard of Stitch Fix (referral link!), let me tell you a little about the concept! Stitch Fix is a subscription service, and you can decide how frequently (or infrequently!) you'd like a shipment. Then you'll fill out a detailed style profile about your sizes, style preferences, and budget. At that point, you can choose to get a shipment on whatever day you'd like! Once you've scheduled, Stitch Fix will send you five clothing or accessory pieces to try on in the comfort of your own home. I love this because you can pair the items with your own clothing and accessories to see what might work with your current wardrobe. Your Fix also arrives with detailed styling cards to give you ideas of what to wear. Each Fix costs $20, but that fee is credited toward anything you decide to keep. When you've decided what you don't want, you simply mail it back in the prepaid mailing envelope and sent it on back. If you decide to keep everything, you get a 25% discount! 

AND, if someone signs up through your referral link, you get a $25 credit to use toward your next purchase! I love this service because it allows me to try things I would never normally pick up in stores.

You can check out some of my other Stitch Fix reviews here:

Stitch Fix #1
Stitch Fix #2
Stitch Fix #3
Stitch Fix #4
Stitch Fix #5
Stitch Fix #6
Stitch Fix #7
Stitch Fix #8
Stitch Fix #9

This time around, I had specific requests for the stylist. Since I'm on maternity leave, comfort is the name of the game as most days are pretty casual for us. For tops, I wanted items that were nursing friendly, but I made sure to point out that my top half is back to pre-pregnancy size. I also asked for stretchy bottoms since my bottom half is NOT back in pre-baby shape yet. 

What I got was mildly disappointing, mostly because I was sent a pair of size 2 jeans. Umm, four weeks post baby, a size 2 I am not! BUT, have no fear, because Stitch Fix totally redeemed itself when I reached out! I had the same stylist from my last two Fixes who was supposed to cater to those of us in maternity, and I think she just missed the mark this time. I'll definitely be requesting my old stylist, Tan, back for Fix #11! 

And this is just one more reason why I love Stitch Fix. When I emailed them to express my disappointment in the pant size and the loose tops (the exact opposite of what I'd said!), they emailed me within 12 hours to apologize and say the next styling fee is on them! The credit is already in my account! I'm a big fan of any person or company that admits a mistake and tries to make it better. 

Without further adieu, here's what Fix #10 brought me! (Note: I'm a new mom. It was late at night. I have no makeup on. We're lucky I took a shower today and blew my hair dry. The lighting was terrible. The pictures are not the best (my fabulous photographer might have even cut my head off in one... but they'll do!). You have been warned!)

1. Kut from the Kloth Danny Knit Pant, $68 and 2. Le Lis Jalinda Cowl Neck Knit Top, $48

As far as Stitch Fix pants go, these are on the more reasonable side price wise, and I was actually excited to see them in my Fix... Until I saw a zipper, a button, an actual waistline, and my old size on the tag. Stupidly, I tried the jeans on! Mistake. With 12 pounds of baby weight to go and two more weeks until I'm cleared to workout, the sight wasn't a pretty one. Back to SF they go! The shirt is...okay. The material is super soft, and I like the color and 3/4 length sleeves! What I don't like, though, is the fit of the shirt. It's oversized. And hangs funny. And makes me look still pregnant. Not a fan!

3. Honey Punch Mya Plaid & Lace Button-Up, $48

I liked the springy colors and feminine feel to this shirt right off the bat. The shirt is made of super soft cotton, and I really don't have anything like this right now. But once I put it on, it was just... Big. I think if I hadn't been wearing loose clothing for nine straight months, I would have liked this one better, but I just didn't want another loose top right now! 

4. Loveappella Salton Cross Front Top, $48

Tops like this with the banded bottom usually aren't my style, but I wanted to be open minded. I should have trusted my instinct. The banded bottom draws attention to my widest part, and the v-neck isn't really stretchy enough to nurse in. It's heading back too! 

5. Staccato Mauricio Drape Cardigan, $44

I loved the sherbet color of this sweater immediately on taking it out of the box, and I was pleasantly surprised that this was the least expensive item in there! There's a subtle Aztec pattern in it, and I don't own anything with that vibe. I fell in love immediately! Paired with a nursing tank, I absolutely love it for spring! I can throw it on and walk out the door without a coat, which means one less thing to carry! Total winner here. 

So that was Stitch Fix #10, and while there were some definite misses, I'm thrilled the company admitted it and went on to make it right. That's just another reason I love this company -- their customer service is second to none! 

Ready for a style reboot? Now is the perfect time to give Stitch Fix a try! Head over there and fill out their style extensive style profile. Link up your Pinterest style board for an even better experience! Choose a date that works for you, and, wallah, your package of awesome will arrive! Shirts, sweaters, tanks, pants, skirts, shorts, dresses, purses, accessories, and more, you can request any or all of these items in your Fixes!

I'm planning my next Fix for some time in April, and am hoping for some springy items. What's one thing you want to add to your wardrobe this spring? I'm looking for ideas! 

The art of slowing down

Since the time I was little, I have been a mover and a shaker. I've always had a hard time sitting still, and idle hands have never been my style. 

Enter Baby P. 

Boy, have I slowed down. We spend a lot of time together on the couch with him sleeping on my lap (he sleeps best there!)! I spend a lot of time sitting in general because when daddy holds him, I want to have family time. Plus, I'm tired whether I'm holding him or not, and sitting is preferable to standing. 

I won't be cleared to work out for a few more weeks, so I'm finding my normal stress relief from exercise in other ways. 

Cuddling. Reading. Binge watching daytime television. Peanut butter. Whatever. 

In all seriousness though, I'm learning more and more about the art of slowing down (because, yes, it's an art form!). 

1. Embrace the little things. Henry will never be this small again. I want to embrace every moment with him like the sweet little faces and coos he makes.

2. Enjoy quiet moments. Because non-quiet moments mean we're unhappy and moving in an attempt to get happy again.

3. There's nothing wrong with a little rest. Not every moment needs to be productive. This is a tough lesson to learn... But I'm getting there.

4. Baby cuddles beat productivity any day. The house hasn't been cleaned since Henry arrived and it takes me days to write a blog or get a bill paid. But it's all so worth it. 

Month 3: My Bock Box subscription review!

It's March, and that means my latest Bock Box has arrived! I'm super excited to share what I got this month (spoiler: it's my favorite month yet!)! 

If you haven't heard about Bock Box, you can read about my first month here! Essentially, the Bock Box is a subscription service of all sorts of things monogrammed and personalized just for you from Courtney Bock Designs. CBD is a great, local business that offers tons of apparel, home goods, jewelry, and kitchenware that can't be found anywhere else! I fell in love with CBD this past summer when I got the chance to be a Brand Rep for them (I don't get free items or compensation for sharing my opinion, but I do get a small discount!). I've loved everything I've gotten from them, and the Bock Box is no different. You'll fill out a questionnaire that asks you about your sizes, interests, hobbies, and favorite/least favorite colors. Each month for the length of your subscription, a beautiful little box will show up with goods in it just for you! 

Last month, I got the awesome Kate Spade Break the Ice Tumbler. I can't tell you how much I've used it since having Henry (these little guys will dehydrate you quick!)! And speaking of Henry, this month's box focuses on my new little love! 

My box this month was very light, and I was thrilled to see a pretty gold piece in a small black bag when I opened it! And upon closer inspection, it's a piece just for me monogrammed with "Henry" on it! I LOVE the Gold Plated Bar Bracelet (it retails for $24.95), and I especially love that I can carry Henry with me even when I can't be with him!

I honestly can't wait to wear it ( I mean, I'm wearing it now with sweatpants, but I'm excited to wear it with a real outfit!)!

The importance of capturing precious moments

**This blog originally appeared as a guest post for OMG Photography. 

As I write this, my husband, Dan, is pacing around the kitchen with our two-week-old sleeping son. How has he been here for over two weeks? Time is already flying, and it makes me both excited and sad to see him growing and changing. 

Already he is different. His cheeks are starting to fill out, and the child who refused to unfurl from a little ball in the hospital now stretches out leisurely during feedings and naps. His once always sleepy eyes now look around in alertness when he hears noises or voices he recognizes. 

He's still our sweet newborn, but he's changed so much already. 

And this is why Dan and I decided very early on that we wanted to capture these moments in photos. Try as we might, we know it will be difficult twenty years from now or ten years from now or even a year from now to remember what our precious Henry looked like as a newborn. We'll struggle to conjure up that image of how he fit perfectly in the crook of our arms, and we'll push ourselves to remember the series of faces he makes now (like the grumpy one I love so much!). I can't imagine looking back months or years down the line and not having those photos to greet us. I want to be able to show Henry what he looked like as a baby and show him how much he's grown. 

So while I'm happy to let these moments live forever in our memories, I'm even happier that we'll have these moments live forever in images too. It's too true what they say -- these moments go way too fast, and we intend to capture every one that we can. 

OMG Photography did such an amazing job of capturing all of the things we love about our son. His sweet little faces, stretches, and personality all came shining through in Kaity's photographs. We feel so lucky and blessed to have these photos in our collection, because I know we will cherish them forever. 

Our first professional family photo together is one I will cherish always. I adore the cascading love in this picture - husband to wife, parent to child. This perfectly captures our family love. 

Seeing our son in my husband's arms fills my heart with joy. These two boys are the most important people in my life, and this photo perfectly captures their bond. I also love how Henry has his hands up by his face (I don't want to forget that this is his favorite arm placement!)!

Henry's almost smile in this picture just exudes innocence and joy. He looks perfectly content (despite being mildly fussy that day!), and I love that it also captures special blankets from our friends. Our little man doesn't smile regularly yet, but this is a great sneak peek of what he'll look like when he does!