Favorite new running accessory!

I have been running and training the past 4 months for races this summer. I must admit it's been harder to train since having my baby. It's been challenging finding consistent time to get in my longer runs. I have been doing what I can, when I can. Trying not to beat myself up for not sticking exactly to my training schedule as I have always done in the past. You learn to prioritize your life when you become a mom and realize not everyday will go according to plan. So the days I even get a workout in I consider a victory! This has been a humbling experience for me. God has shown me so much in the process! Basically not to sweat the small stuff and count it as a blessing anytime I am able to get out on my own for a run. 

Since my time to run alone is so precious I was needing to make the most if it. I usually just head out on my run and have a rough estimate of how many miles I was running and didn't really worry about time. This is a very relaxed way of training. I am not looking to break any kind of records here, I simply want to cross the finish line of my race and enjoy myself. But I felt I was needing a little bit of a push to get through my runs and track my progress.

So recently I purchased the Garmin Forerunner 10. I have been wanting a running watch for sometime now, with GPS to track my running routes and be able to pace myself. This does that and so much more! It counts my calories as well. I love that I can look down at my wrist and see my pace as I am going. It seems to motivate me to want to continue at a certain pace or push me to go faster. Plus I see how many calories I am burning which also motives me to want to push myself a but more.

This style comes in a few fun colors (pink, purple, black) and is not too big and bulky. Because what lady doesn't want to still look cute and sporty while she is running!! Am I right ladies??!

I will also wear it when I am walking with my son or when we go hiking as a family this summer. It will track how far we go and how many calories burned! 

I definitely recommend this watch for any kind of runner or even walker. It is user friendly and will help you with whatever running/walking goals you have this summer! Check it out!!

I love telling my friends about new things I am learning about. Whether it be about my experience being a new mom, running, fitness, fashion, home decor, new recipes, health. I just want to encourage other moms, and woman out there by sharing the things I am doing/learning and being transparent. So thanks for reading my thoughts and following my blog!

Bermuda shorts

I'm liking the longer length Bermuda shorts this summer. 

These shorts are comfy and classy. I wore this outfit to a baby shower. I brought my son to the shower so I knew I would be sitting in the floor playing with him. This was the prefect outfit to do so, yet I still felt put together and a little bit dressed up.

Top: Loft

Shorts: Gap

Belt: Loft

Wedges: Target

Summer basic: black Maxi worn 2 ways

You can't go wrong with a basic black maxi dress for summer. It can worn casual for running errands during the day, a coverup for the pool, or dressed up for a date night or even a wedding! 

Casual look:

Black Maxi dress: Treads 4 Thought

Grey tee: American Eagle

Purse: Vintage Coach

Bracelets: Forever 21

Necklace: Vintage

Dressed up look:

Black Maxi Dress

Scarf: Target

Belt: Vintage Calvin Klein 

Black&White clutch: Ulta 

Gladiator Sandals: Sam Edelman

Bracelets: Forever 21

Building your wardrobe with the right basics is the best way to maximize your outfitting possibilities and your budget! 

Baby wearing

I am a first time mom and I would say one of the most important things I have learned since having my son is how much I value baby wearing! I researched a lot about kangaroo care and baby wearing before I gave birth and how significant it can be in an infant's development. Doing all my research convinced my husband and I that we wanted to implement this parenting technique with our son. 

Kangaroo care is a parenting technique that focus's on skin to skin contact with your infant everyday by way of baby wearing. Studies have shown that baby's are more content, sleep better, eat better and develop and adjust easier if they are given a significant amount of skin to skin contact everyday in the first few months of life. This can be done with both mom and dad!

So the baby carrier we decided to buy was the Boba Wrap. It is like a giant comfy t-shirt that wraps around you and baby to keep them close enough to hear your heartbeat. The best part of this wrap is that it is hands free! I was able to be close to my baby, give him skin to skin contact, but also get things done around the house at the same time. The laundry, dishes, cooking and cleaning were all easily completed as my baby slept soundly right on my chest in the Boba wrap. I thought this was pretty

much the best invention ever made. 

As my son grew bigger and was able to support his own head I started using the Ergo Baby carrier. This carrier is more structured and does not require any fancy tieing techniques. It also rests on your hips taking the pressure off your shoulders as you carry baby. I love to use the Ergo when we go on hikes, walking, or when I need to run into the store, I can quickly put the carrier on and place my son right in front of me. You can also put baby on your back using the Ergo, which is a nice option to always carrying baby in front, like with other carriers I have seen. 

Baby wearing has been a huge part of my son's life and he loves it! I am so thankful for both my Boba Wrap and Ergo Baby carrier. I strongly encourage you mom's out there to check out these carriers and see which one works best for you and your baby. I promise you won't regret this purchase!!

Fashion Friday: lazy hair day & yoga sling sandals

The summer season is here! As the hot weather approaches I am definitely more inclined to get my hair up out of my face and in a ponytail. But I love to add a little something extra like a cute headband, braid or in this case, a bandana. I like to tie mine on the top and have the knot showing. I bought this grey one at Michael's for $1.50! 

I have also found my new favorite go to sandals for this summer!! They are Sanuk's and made out of yoga mats! Yes, the soles are real yoga mats. It's like walking on marshmallows, (minus the sticky mess). They can be worn casual or dressed up. These wonder sandals will be adorning my feet all summer long. I might have to buy another pair in a different color!! 

Pullover: Velvet Wolf (Littleton Boutique)

Layer tank: Gap

Denim: American Eagle

Sandals: Sanuk's 

Sunglasses: Ray Ban

Bandana: Micheal's 

Fashion Friday: Casual in boyfriend jeans

My boyfriend jeans are my favorite pair to wear! I can dress them up or down and  are super comfy. 

Today I am out running errands and this is always my go to outfit. I feel casual, yet also put together. Adding a fun scarf and cute sandels will always add style to a basic tee and jeans. 

As a nursing mom I am all about being comfortable and having easy outfits I can throw on quickly.  If you only have a minute to get dressed remember that adding accessories, like a scarf, necklace, or hat and some dressier flats is the easiest way to elevate your look. 

Give it a try! Happy Friday everyone!! 

The May Squat Challenge

So, I came across this challenge on Pinterest a few months ago. I pinned it with the intension of doing it sometime in the future! Well, as the month of May approached I figured now was a great time to actually do it, not just talk about it!! 

It is day number 8, I'm up to 90 squats and I am feeling great! I challenge all of you to give this a try and push yourself to a new fitness level. Whether that be to get your legs ready to bare shorts this summer, or to improve your leg strength like I am doing in preperation for my up coming half marathon in June. 

And for all my fellow moms out there this is a great exercise to do at home, no equipment or gym needed. You can also hold your baby while you squat to add some extra weight and really feel the burn! 

Come join me in the squat challenge for 30 days and let's gets our booties in shape!