Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts
Showing posts with label motherhood. Show all posts

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Emily's Fashion Tips for the New (and On-the-Go) Mom

fashion tips for on the go and new moms

Constantly dealing with baby spit up and playing in the wet sandbox with a toddler prevents me from being too creative with my wardrobe. But that doesn't mean moms should be confined to a life of oversized hoodies and leggings. New moms should be able to feel cute enough to go out for coffee without much fuss, and still be comfortable enough to play at the park. So how do we juggle the need to be accessible to our kids and still feel like hip mamas? Here are a few common conundrums and my tips for getting by:

1, 4. Always running around? Ditch the bulky diaper bag. Especially now with two kiddos, I need both hands available and I run in and out of the house several times before getting on the road. Go for versatile slip on sneakers and a cute backpack. I opt for the Foldsack No. 1 and these comfortable Bensimon Tennis Shoes. Hey--check it out! Assemble colors!

2, 6 + 7. No time to shower? Use dry shampoo, a pretty scarf (this one's from the always subtly chic J. Crew), and some NARS lip gloss. I just discovered dry shampoo last year, and it's a miracle! And, the NARS makeup can be used as blush or eye shadow!

3. In-between sizes? Instead of black leggings, which are an easy habit to fall into while losing your baby weight, find high-waisted jeans with a little stretch. These high-risers from Madewell are my go-to pair.

5. I'm late already?! Get a watch - time moves faster with wee ones. Try to find an easily wipe-able band. I like this one from Breo.

8. Breastfeeding. I despise those wrap-style jersey nursing tops. Opt for button-downs (for easy access, yet full coverage) and choose a pattern, like this adorable one from the GAP, since they help hide messes.

Images as linked above.


Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Emily's Tips: Five Things You Can Do For a Second-Time Mom

I'm two months (to the day!) into life with two kids, and wow! Things sure are very different the second time around. I appreciate helpful gestures now more than ever. Here are a few things my friends and neighbors have been doing that makes my life more manageable that you might be able to use for your friends who have a second (or third) babe in the house.


Photos via our Instagram

1. Help around the house! The first time around, I didn't really want too much domestic help. I wanted to figure out my little bundle and how to juggle being a mom. I was also embarrassed of my stack of dirty dishes and unswept floor, so I didn't want anyone thinking I couldn't do it. This time--please, PLEASE come grab a kid, do the dishes, vacuum, make the beds...no more shame, just desperation.

2. Tell her she's doing a great job/looks great. Tell me lies, tell me sweet little lies! I know things are frazzled around here, so please ignore that I'm still wearing my husband's sweatpants for the third day in a row.

3. If you go to the store and live nearby, ask if you can pick something up. With one kiddo, getting out of the house was a nice treat. I enjoyed getting coffee, or running lots of errands. But with two, the thought of shopping is unbearable, yet I always could use something random.

4. Bring food. We've gotten so many wonderful goodies from the neighbors. We've received the following, which have all been saving graces: A frozen meal--nice to be able to save it for later. A hot homemade meal--perfect to have delivered piping hot right before dinner. A bag of healthy snacks--non-perishables like chips, salsa, soup, left at the front door. A take-out dinner delivered--give us the menu, you order and deliver! We've loved it all.

5. Keep checking in. Sending notes, emails and texts makes me happy, but it can be impossible to respond quickly, or sometimes at all. I need connections to the real world, so please know that I'm here and still appreciate those shout outs.

Got any suggestions of your own? What saved your life when you had a little one?

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