Lifestyle

  • Beauty,  Clean Living,  Lifestyle,  Uncategorized

    Maternity Must-Haves

    Well… it’s hard to believe but my days of this pregnancy are numbered. Such a mix of emotions.. excited, anxious, bittersweet, thankful… you name it. Since I’ve had two pregnancies in the last 3 years, I want to make sure I make this list before I forget what items were so crucial to me. Being pregnant opens up a whole new world to a woman… and an overwhelming one at that. Millions of options for things you didn’t even know you needed. Your body goes through so many changes… and with that so does your wardrobe, skincare, medications… you name it. This list is a thorough compilation of the items…

  • Clean Living,  Lifestyle

    What’s in Your Water?

    Water. It’s literally our life force. And we are SO lucky to live in a country where we can access it so easily. My world was recently SHOOK when I learned that refrigerator filters only filter for taste. They may remove a few simple chemicals, but can behind leave HUNDREDS of other toxic ones. Yes, you heard me right. HUNDREDS. TOXIC. Think about how much water you consume or are exposed to daily- your morning coffee, in the shower, brushing your teeth, drinking water, making food, etc. Even if you aren’t gung ho about going non-toxic in your home ( I get that it can seem extreme), this is a…

  • Clean Living,  Lifestyle

    Clean (& Non-Toxic) Floor Must Haves!

    Let’s face it. Sweeping sucks and mopping is miserable. Then the Swiffer Sweeper entered our lives and changed the game. Follow that with the Swiffer wet cloths, the wet jet machine and many others like it. While those DID made life easier, and cleaned dirt… they also douse our homes with chemicals, many of which are toxic. I remember looking up the Orange Glo floor cleaner that I used to polish my hardwoods with and it scored a big fat F… including “high concern for developmental and reproductive toxicity”… my baby was scooting all around those floors. I tossed those cleaners and haven’t looked back since. I mean…does it really…

  • Clean Living,  Lifestyle

    Non-Toxic, Cheap & Easy Homemade Cleaning Solutions

    Let’s start this off by first letting you know, I am in no way a clean freak. My living room looks like a freakin natural disaster erupted and I am that annoying person that leaves the cabinets open (just ask my husband). But that being said, events in recent years forced me to take a second look at the health of our home and impacts it could be having on my family and I. A Little Background If you know anything about our first infertility journey , you’ll know that I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Endometriosis following a Lap surgery to clear a blocked tube after struggling with infertility.…

  • Infertility,  Lifestyle,  Raising Charlie

    My 13 Month Breastfeeding Journey

    First, I want to start by saying that each woman has to do what works for them. While this was my journey, I don’t mean to say what is right for others. This can be a sensitive topic in the mommysphere and while we live in a pro-shaming society, I don’t intend to do that here. Fed is best, whatever that may mean for you and for your family.  Sour Milk? Is it just me, or do you feel like so many conversations about breastfeeding focus on the negative? It’s painful… it’s hard to get the perfect latch…it’s time consuming…you can’t drink alcohol or copius caffeine….you may leak….you may get…

  • Lifestyle,  Uncategorized

    Our Story

    “Tell him you’re busy… for the rest of your life”. I’ll never forget Chip’s words when he learned that I’d moved on after he moved to Costa Rica and then subsequently broke up with me. Those words were a defining moment for us. Months later we were not only back together, but he had moved from Costa Rica to NYC and asked me to join him. I quit my job and moved across the country to be with him. Talk about taking a leap for love… Let me back things up a bit. First you need to know, this is not your “high school sweetheart” love story… nor is it…

  • Lifestyle,  Raising Charlie

    What to Pack in Your Hospital Bag… Simplified

    I find it only fitting to follow up my previous post, “Post Partum Stuff I Wish I Knew” with this one. I remember being pregnant and getting on Pinterest to search what to bring to the hospital… and y’all. OVERKILL. Yes, those lists look pretty and cutesy, but it is wayyyyy overboard, in my opinion. And I don’t think I would describe myself as a low maintenance person either…At a Labor and Delivery Class offered by our hospital, the nurse was my kinda gal, who gave it to us straight. She told us less is more and that the hospital will pretty much have everything we need (and also to…

  • Beauty,  Lifestyle

    Current Skincare Routine: For the 30 Something Gal

    How it all Began…. It’s no secret that I am a freak when it comes to skincare. This habit addiction has grown over the years and while I’m no expert, I can say that I’ve tried the buzz worthy products as well as the classics. From high end to low end and all that’s in between. While I like makeup, I feel that skincare is the real thing humdinger… if your skin looks good, so will your makeup. I shudder at the thought of cake face makeup over lumpy bumps. I am all about a fresh, dewy glow and have been obsessed with skincare since I was a girl. But…

  • Lifestyle,  Raising Charlie

    Post Partum Stuff I Wish I Knew…

    I’ll never forget my sister driving me to the OB a few weeks after having Charlie. I was crying in the backseat, holding an ice pack on my lady parts. I don’t think I’ve ever been in more pain… While I had a totally normal (incredible) delivery and recovery, both of my stitches fell out about 3 weeks early… leaving my tear (albeit small), wide open. I had thought this was normal, until the pain became unbearable. THAT BEING SAID, I truly believe I could have easily prevented this from happening if I had made a few minor changes to my post partum care (more on this in a few).…

  • Lifestyle

    My Dad Watches The Bachelor

    Frat guy. Musician. Life guard. World traveler. Air Force Kid. Married the Lambda Chi Sweetheart (shout out, mom)… my dad is as cool (and manly) as they come. My Granny always said that had he joined the armed forces, he’d have been a general.  Aside from being crazy tough, he is also the most logical thinker, with an incredible sense of direction and judge of character. He shoots it to you straight and unapologetically. He is confident, yet caring. And stubborn too (hmm that last part sounds familiar). My Granny was right at most everything…. and I think she was right about him too. His hobbies include working out, playing…