It’s no secret that I have a major sweet tooth. I’m a chocoholic…like I literally feel like I have to have chocolate (in some form) at least once a day. But with Baby P growing away, I am really trying to be conscious of just how much chocolate I am consuming– not only to make sure I have healthy weight gain in my pregnancy, but also to make sure I’m being mindful of my daily fat, sugar and caffeine intake (<–yes, there is caffeine in chocolate..small, but it adds up!)
Enter Special K Brownies. These lovely little treats are 80 calories and help me satisfy my chocolate cravings. They are super moist and taste incredibly decadent and come in two flavors (both of which are equally delicious): Divine Fudge and Heavenly Caramel.
They are made with real cocoa, chocolate or caramel chips and have a drizzle of chocolate fudge on the top. SO yummy– but with it being only 80 calories, the brownie is a bit on the small side for me (although I’m from the camp that the “fun size” candy bar size is only “fun” if it’s the size of my head. So there you go…)
I pack one with my lunch each day for a little pick-me-up at the office when I get the craving for chocolate, and you better believe I’m packing a bunch to bring on our babymoon to Florida!
Visit specialk.com for more information on the new Special K Brownies in Divine Fudge and Heavenly Caramel, available now at grocery and mass retail stores nationwide. And be sure to check out Special K on Facebook and Twitter.
How do you enjoy chocolate in moderation? Mommas-to-be out there- any tips or tricks on curbing your sweet tooth?
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Special K.
Tunic: c/o Kika (exact, and also worn here when I was newly pregnant!) | Leggings: Old Navy | Boots: Target | Scarf: Target | Belt: Old Navy | Kenda Scott-inspired Earrings: won via Boone Belles
Time for another edition of Audrey’s Putting Me Together Weekly Style Challenge! This week’s challenge focuses on pops of color. My maternity wardrobe seems to consist of a lot of black and white, so I added a pop of red to this outfit by adding a belt and earrings and it totally transforms the outfit!
In other news, we leave for our babymoon in Florida very soon, so I’ll be taking a few days off starting this weekend to enjoy some much needed rest and relaxation!
Hope you had a wonderful weekend! Ours was jam-packed, but it I’m ready for one last work week before we leave for our babymoon in Florida! I’ve got a bunch of things to do before then, including some serious packing that needs to be done ahead of time since I have some off-site meetings at the end of the week. Even though the weather won’t be terribly warm (we’re talking 60s), I’m still excited to get some Vitamin D and have my sand in the toes! Definitely bringing my fun new maternity swimsuit, this maxi dress I got for Christmas and this great jacket I got from Shopbop to wear at night for an extra layer. I’m also in search of some books on tape for both T and I to listen to on our drive down there. What good books have you read lately that you think both of us would enjoy?
PS- Back to Chicago weather-related bits. I’ve been oogling over these beauties from Sorel but they are out of stock and are crazy expensive on eBay. Anyone know of websites where I should be looking?
Oh yes, and my outfit. I love this black and white blouse. This time, I added my maroon cords for a bit of color, along with a drop necklace and LOVE how it turned out. Comfy and warm, yet still put together. Or at least I’d like to think so!
I’m a big snacker. I blame it on Baby P, but I always seem to be hungry lately! Come 3 o’clock, my stomach growls like clock work, and I’m ready for a snack. (And yes, I keep a snack drawer at work…anyone else?!)
But sometimes carrots or an apple doesn’t cut it. I want something with a few carbs and sweet flavor to hit the spot…but want it to be healthy too. So when I got the opportunity to try out Kellogg’s Special K Chewy Snack Bars, I was in heaven!
A bit more about these tasty treats:
Kellogg’s®Special K® Chewy Snack Bars are a new line of bars made with tasty, wholesome ingredients that you can see – like, rich chocolatey chunks, crunchy salted pretzels, real fruit pieces and chewy rolled oats – that deliver great taste and provide a “chewy-with-a hint-of-crisp” texture.
Special K Chewy Snack Bars are the perfect combination of tasty and visible ingredients that provide a satisfyingly scrumptious “any time” snack that you can feel good about eating. With four delicious flavors – Berry Medley, Blueberry Bliss, Salted Caramel Chocolate and Salted Pretzel Chocolate – new snack bars are the perfect option that deliver 100 delicious calories per bar.
These bars definitely curb my sweet tooth and keep me feeling full while still being a healthy snack. Since I’m a chocoholic, I have to say that the Salted Caramel Chocolate and Salted Pretzel Chocolate are my favorite, but the two fruit options are refreshing too! All of the bars definitely taste like their flavor and leave a great aftertaste. Plus the bars are big enough that you feel like you are having a substantial snack, and give a nice crunch without being as hard as a brick. They are nice and chewy and definitely easy to throw in your bag…or in your snack drawer!
Visit www.specialk.com for more information on the new Special K® Chewy Snack Bars, available January 2015 at grocery and mass retail stores nationwide. They come in boxes of six and retail for $2.69.
Thanks, Kellogg’s Special K, for the delicious goodies! Be sure to follow Special K on Facebook and Twitter.
What’s your favorite go-to snack?
This post is sponsored by FitFluential on behalf of Special K.
Psst- are you pregnant or know someone that is? Enter to win a $1,000 fitness prize pack including For Two Fitness apparel, Ergo Baby Carrier, BOB jogging stroller and Asics running shoes! Enter here through Friday!
I’m so excited to participate in Audrey’s Putting Me Together Weekly Style Challenge! This week’s challenge focuses on dresses. I recently wore this marbled shift dress from Old Navy’s maternity line, which is comfortable and cozy for winter and the subzero Chicago temps we’ve been experiencing lately. I ended up wearing black boots instead of the heels for added warmth and added a fun statement necklace for a pop of color.
Psst- are you pregnant or know someone that is? Enter to win a $1,000 fitness prize pack including For Two Fitness apparel, Ergo Baby Carrier, BOB jogging stroller and Asics running shoes! Enter here through Friday!
With all this cold weather (and likely a little nesting going on), I’ve been in the kitchen making a lot of yummy dishes that I’ve pinned from Pinterest. Below are a few I’ve tried recently and would definitely recommend, covering everything from lunches and dinners to sweet treats and desserts!
Cheddar Ranch Chicken Burgers A tasty, flavor-packed alternative to ground beef! I served mine with homemade sweet potato fries. YUM!
Buffalo Chicken Dip A fan favorite, perfect for football season! (I only add a quarter of the hot sauce it calls for…) My cousin Kelly found this recipe and once I tasted it, I knew I had to make it myself!
Tomato Soup with Parmesan Croutons Super delicious tomato soup that almost tastes more like a bisque. And the parmesan croutons?! Heavenly! (I added some garlic powder for extra flavor, too.) The soup/croutons can also be frozen for a quick weeknight meal on the fly.
And on the dessert front:
Homemade Wendy’s Frosty I’ve experimented with several copycat Frosty recipes, and this one is LEGIT! I used just three ingredients (1/2 gal lowfat chocolate milk, 1 can fat free sweetened condensed milk and 1 tub fat free Cool Whip) and combined and added to my ice cream maker for about 15 minutes. It makes a ton and tastes exactly like a Frosty!
Chocolate Chip Candy Cane Cheesecake Have a hankering for cheesecake but don’t want all the calories? Try this healthy version from Hungry Girl. I added a store-bought graham cracker crust, which was a nice addition, but you don’t need it. (Or, you could buy the individual mini pie crusts and make single serving cheesecakes!)
The Only Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe You’ll Ever Need The tastiest chocolate chip cookies EVER. Props to fellow blogger Kelly for creating these bad boys! (I think the secret is in the pudding mix…makes for a fluffy, chewy cookie.) I try to double the recipe and freeze the cookie dough for on-demand cookies whenever the craving strikes!
Recreate any Pinterest foods lately that were a hit? Share below in the comments so I can give it a try!
Linking up with Peas and Crayons for WIAW with Pinterest Favorites: Foods.
Happy Monday! For all you fellow pregnant ladies out there (or even if you know someone who is!), I’ve got a great giveaway to tell you about! I am thrilled to partner with For Two Fitness for an amazing New Year giveaway: a $1000 Pregnancy Fitness Prize Pack from For Two Fitness! I love their fitness apparel- so perfect for emphasizing the bump! Check out the details below from For Two Fitness and get to entering!
Happy New Year! We are so thankful to YOU — our community, customers, and friends. To express our thanks, we are hosting a huge giveaway this week in partnership with some amazing brands and our ambassadors. The Grand Prize is valued at $1000. We have phenomenal prizes, including the newest offering from BOB – a Revolution FLEX jogging stroller – plus prizes from ASICS, Ergo and Maison Drake baby boutique, and For Two Fitness – all facets of your healthy mom lifestyle are in this prize pack!
The grand prize winner will win everything you see listed here. Prizes have been furnished by our wonderful brand partners in connection with a sponsoring ambassador (Katie from Mom’s Little Running Buddy and Melody from Will Run For Margaritas). Here are more details about the amazing products that have been generously donated for you to win and enjoy:
Grand Prize Giveaway items:
The New BOB Revolution FLEX single stroller
For Two Fitness maternity athletic outfit (top and bottom of winner’s choice)
Ergo 360 Baby Carrier furnished by Maison Drake baby boutique
Asics Running Shoes (1 pair of the winner’s choice)
Wow! We are thrilled to give away these amazing prizes. This contest runs from Monday, January 12th through midnight on Friday, January 16th. Visit the For Two Fitness site to enter or click here. Be sure to follow @ForTwoFitness and our co-hosts @run4margaritas and @momslrb on Instagram in order for your entries to be valid.
Thanks for celebrating the New Year with us! Good Luck!
A few days ago, I received Wantable‘s January Accessories Collection. I have to admit- the past few months, I had been sending back my box to use that credit on a box I really loved (which is hassle free and easy to do!) Needless to say, when this box came, I was thrilled because I loved it all!
Here’s what I got:
Sandi Necklace Gold ($21)
Such a great simple, elegant necklace. It has three gold chains at various lengths and has colored beads, gold bar and gold tassel.
Kyle Scarf in Houndstooth ($24)
This soft, cozy infinity scarf is green and black and perfect for winter! Can’t wait to wear this!
Silver Charlie Earrings ($8)
These simple studs have a gray/silver stone. Very versatile and classic!
Silver Amy Necklace ($24)
This tassel necklace will go with plain sweaters and tunics. Love the classic, streamlined look! (Just have to get rid of those kinks in the chain!)
If you add up everything, it comes to $77. Definitely worth the price…it’s a keeper!
Learn more about Wantable and how it works here. The accessories, makeup and intimates collections are $40 (one-time purchase) or $36 when you subscribe monthly. Sign up here. <—my referral link.
Read my other reviews on the Wantable collections (fitness, accessories, makeup, intimates) here.
Which piece is your favorite? Have you tried Wantable or another accessories box before?
Wanted to start off the new year by showing one of our latest DIY projects: a staircase makeover! This was one of the last projects we had on the docket (besides Baby P’s nursery) so we were glad to get this one done!
When we bought the house, the floors were a very light laminate wood and the stairway matched and was very beat up. Once we installed our amazing vinyl plank flooring, we wanted the staircase to match in color, and we also wanted to add carpet because T and I would constantly slip, and so would Izzy.
So, we got to selecting a carpet for the stairs. We went with one that was a blend between the upstairs carpeting and had specks of dark, rich brown to blend with the flooring on the main level. (And bonus- it doesn’t show dirt/stains as much!)
Then, T got to staining the existing handrails and treads to a deep, dark brown color. We also replaced the newel posts with slightly larger, more decorative ones since the old ones really weren’t worth saving. I LOVE the brown and white combo and it really ties the whole house together! Plus, it’s nice and quiet when Izzy goes racing up and down the stairs…good to know we all have a bit more traction now!
(Check out my post on our DIY Chandelier/Light Fixture here.)
And a couple before/after shots:
Check out our other DIY projects here. Have you ever done a DIY Staircase Makeover?
Blocks: c/o BB Blocks. Get 10% off with code “stylefiles” at BBBlocks.com!
Week 24 Bump Update:
How far along are you? 24 weeks 3 days…well into the 6th month now. Crazy to think how fast time is flying by!
How big is baby?: According to The Bump app, Baby P is the size of a cantaloupe, measuring 10.5-11.8 inches and weighing in anywhere from 12.7 to 20.8 ounces. Wowzers! Symptoms: Feeling like I have to use the bathroom every few minutes– especially when I’m on the treadmill! Also having some lower back pain towards the end of the day, or after a Pure Barre class where we are at the barre doing leg exercises.
Sleeping: Decent. Luckily, I don’t have to wake up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, but if I do wake up, it’s because I had a crazy, whacked out dream. I’ve been having lots of those lately.
Cravings/Aversions? Raspberries and baked goods. Not loving quiche or vegetables.
Fears: The whole labor and delivery thing is starting to freak me out. I need to get started on reading my books from fellow mamas and preparing myself! I also hear that they key is just being able to relax and breathe. That said, I’m considering signing up for some prenatal yoga classes…anything that can help me chill out because I’ll need help! Any recommendations on this front?
Miss Anything? Not being so tired all the time. Pre-pregnancy I was able to go-go-go all day without a second thought. Now a long day takes its toll & I am ready for bed by 9pm like clockwork! Also, a good mimosa.
Generally Feeling: Wonderful! I’d say the bump is out in full force now, and I am officially feeling kicks, which makes it so real.
Looking Forward To: Baby shower dates are in the works!
What I’ve Been Loving: T has been working hard and we have the nursery in a good place! All painting is done, including the bookshelf that we re-purposed. Also picked up a dresser that we will double as a changing table. (Don’t worry, a nursery reveal will come soon!)I can’t wait for the ottoman/glider to arrive just so I can sit in there and soak it all in…
Maternity Clothes? Oh yes. And “Santa” spoiled me with a few new pieces too! Now if only the frigid Chicago temps would go away, I wouldn’t have to layer up with 20 articles of clothing just to go outside…
Boy or Girl: Well, I mentioned in an earlier bump update that we were going to do a gender reveal for T’s family at Christmas. It went well! We had each person open a box with a pink or blue ornament, one by one. We told them that whichever color there were more of was the gender! It was very suspenseful…
And the reveal from my side of the family… (see explanation here)
But in the end, I am happy to finally share the news! Baby P is a….HE! #whatcravings
So excited to meet our little man and not have to worry about the he/she in conversation…that was tough! Movement: Definitely feeling flutters over the past few weeks, mostly when I am laying down on the couch or in bed. Then, the day after Christmas and since then, I have definitely been feeling more defined kicks. SO cool! On NYE, I was laying on the couch (getting over my cold), and I could literally see Baby P’s more powerful kicks through my shirt. CRAZY!
What I did/got for baby: Registry is complete! Found MamaRoo on Craigslist for a steal. Assembled crib. Nursery is now painted!
Izzy: Where’s the top to this baby cage?!
Best moments of the week: Feeling defined kicks, and my parents even felt it when they visited! Incredible…
Baby P was also spoiled with several Christmas gifts from cousins, grandparents and other family. He got some great books for his library, adorable onesies and the cutest hand crocheted beanie hat from my cousin!
Now that I have my energy back in the second trimester of pregnancy, I am trying to stay devoted to workouts. My current routine as of now? 3 days per week running intervals on the treadmill, 2 days a week of the Tracey Anderson prenatal DVDs, and at least 1 Pure Barre class a week (as my work schedule allows).
Luckily, Pure Barre Deerfield is super close to work and the staff there is super friendly. When I told the studio manager I was pregnant a few months ago, she demo’ed all the pregnancy modifications for class and gave me a nice reference handout too. I’ve heard great things from fellow Pure Barre fanatics that it is great for pregnancy, and I believe it!
Many people will tell you that during pregnancy you shouldn’t workout your core. But firing up your abs during pregnancy helps when it comes time for labor (fingers crossed). During pregnancy, your center of gravity is off balance due to your growing belly and baby. Keeping a strong core during pregnancy not only helps prevent injury, but it also keeps you balanced and stable, and helps get your body back in shape once you deliver. As for me, I always modify the moves based on what my body needed that day. When the instructor called for leg raises or crunches, I kept myself in boat pose and grabbed behind my knees and tucked away. I’ll also put a ball under my lower back for extra support and try to avoid twisting moves. I was still able to workout my core, but without the strain on my lower abdominal muscles.
I’m also keeping my arms toned, but avoid the twisting moves and have opted for less heavy hand weights. And at this point, nearly all the thigh/seat work is very doable for me…I just know not to push it like I would if I wasn’t pregnant.
Another thought: strong thighs are also essential part to a healthy pregnancy and smooth labor. I’ve heard that pregnancy is like training for the biggest marathon of your life. Following the modifications provided by the Pure Barre instructors, I’ve been able to work my core just enough to maintain it’s strength and work my thighs to keep my pelvic floor lifted and toned… Win win!
Don’t live close to a Pure Barre studio or don’t want to leave your house during the cold, snowy winter days? Did you know that Pure Barre has a line of prenatal DVDs? My Mom got me one for Christmas and I am excited to try it out!
And through January 7th, get a 20% discount on all DVDs & DVD packages with code “PURERESOLUTIONS” at checkout on the Pure Barre website!
Any tips for taking Pure Barre while pregnant? Tell me in the comments!
Please note: I am not a medical professional by any means, so these are just my opinions! Always, always listen to your body. Disclosure: This post is powered by Pure Barre Deerfield. Thanks for your support!
Hello lovelies! I’m off, enjoying the last day of vacation before going back to work on Monday and thought I’d share my latest Stitch Fix. This arrived right before the holidays so I snapped some quick photos (the lighting is horrible, sorry) before sending things back.
This time around, I asked my stylist for maternity items to see what kinds of offerings they had in this area, since I had been seeing other pregnant bloggers talk about their Stitch Fixes. So here goes, my Stitch Fix Review: Maternity Edition.
First up was the Denna Maternity Skinny Jean from Kut from the Kloth. The wide elastic band was SUPER comfortable and the jeans fit like a dream! But at $78, I couldn’t justify spending that when I have a couple pairs of cheaper Old Navy maternity jeans and a New Year’s resolution to uphold. Verdict: Back they went, sadly.
Next up was the Halloway Cotton Maternity Knit Shirt by LA Made Maternity. It was a deep, rich plum color and had ruched sides. The neckline was a cross between a boat-neck and scoop-neck and would show my bra straps. A nice, plain cotton top– but not worth it for the price tag in my opinion. Verdict: Back she goes!
The third item in my fix this month was the Martina Slub Knit Open Cardigan from Pixley. I had requested an open cardigan, as they work well during pregnancy and after, so thought I’d get some mileage out of it. Was hoping for more of a thicker, sweater material, but this black cardigan was quite thin and the collar gave way to the pockets, giving it a unique detail, but I didn’t care much for how thin it was. Verdict: Pass.
Next up was a 3-pack of Maternity Camis from Stitch Fix directly. Super handy to have and goes with everything, and a great price point for the three (they came secured together). They are made of a very stretchy material, have no built-in shelf bra (YES!), and were quite long in the torso. Only problem was that they were a little tight for my liking (I had them in large), so if you request these, I’d suggest sizing up. Verdict: Buh-bye, back to the Stitch Fix warehouse.
And rounding out my Stitch Fix this month was this Colibri Plaid Printed Tab-Sleeve Shirt from Market and Spruce. I had pinned this top on my Pinterest SF board (although it was a slightly different plaid color) and got this beauty. It isn’t maternity but is longer in the torso and is roomy without being billowy. The colors are gorgeous too- would go SO well with my green Hunter boots. This top can be worn during and after pregnancy and was a great price point (plus I had some credit), which meant I would only pay $3 out of pocket for it. YES, please! Verdict: Keep!
Since I kept this one, I had a bit more time to take a quality photo to show you the color. I can’t seem to find another on the Internets at this point in this color…so pretty!
So there you have it! Stitch Fix does offer some nice maternity pieces, and non-maternity ones that work well for the bump too!
Sign up for Stitch Fixhere <—please note, this is my affiliate link.
Happy New Year! Hope everyone had a lovely time celebrating. As for me, I came down with the flu on the eve of New Year’s Eve, and am slowly recovering. Glamorous, right?!
I also wanted to share this outfit with you for this month’s #LovelyLookbook January theme: boots/booties. This is the first pair of booties I own, and I kinda love them! The gathered look makes my size 9 feet look not so big, which is a plus. And, they go with everything and can be worn with regular ankle socks so my feet stay warm. I just have to treat them with some waterproof suede spray, and I should be good to go!
Looking back on 2014, it has been quite the year. Most notably in terms of running, I had set a 5k PR in July, 10k PR in April and Half Marathon PR in May. I also discovered Pure Barre as a great compliment to my workout routine. I stood up in two weddings of friends of mine, spent time up north at the cabin with friends/family, got a sweet custom desk/office space and celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary. And best of all? T and I were blessed with the news that we are expecting in April! It has been a wonderful year, indeed.
What are my 2015 resolutions?
I’d like to keep it simple and focus on a few things, mainly keep it themed around:
Next year, I will be a mother. This will certainly be the most rewarding and challenging experience I’ve encountered and I just want to be able to find focus, intention, balance and most of all, patience, in taking on this wonderful role.
And to be the best mother I can be, this also means that I want to keep fitness a priority (would love to do a half marathon post-baby), focus less on the “stuff” AKA stick to our budget and our needs vs. wants, and spend quality time with the other wonderful rocks in my life: my husband, family and friends.
Cheers to a wonderful 2015!
Check out my previous resolutions here: 2013 | 2014
I’ve been a long-time subscriber to Milwaukee-based Wantable for quite some time. They offer monthly boxes in either makeup, accessories or intimates (see how it works here and see my past Wantable reviews here.)
Just recently, however, Wantable added a fitness collection to their lineup, so I had to give it a try!
Unlike their other collections, the Wantable Fitness Collection is a little different and it structured like more of a Stitch Fix. Basically, you can try on 5 handpicked items in the comfort of your own home before paying for them. Item prices are based on your personal preferences but usually range from $20-$60 each. The fitness collection is a monthly subscription, but you can skip a month or cancel at any time. Currently, it is only available to customers in the US. There is a $20 styling fee, but that is applied towards any item(s) you keep. Keep 3 or 4 items and get 20% off your total, keep all five and get 30% off your total.
So, I took the fitness quiz to give the stylists an idea of what I was looking for. I told them I was pregnant and would like them to size up and include supportive sports bras. Here is what I got:
Cecilia Hoodie from Nux ($72)
Lightweight hoodie with thumb holes. Cute, but not worth the price tag to me.
Jala Maksha Jogger from Jala Clothing ($62)
Not my style- I can’t pull these off- prefer more form fitting capris…
Acceleration Capri ($62)
This capri claims to life the butt and whittle the waist and there is a scrunched jacquard detail along the sides of the capri. They run very small, and if they were in another color, I might have considered keeping them!
Attitude Seamless Bra by Be Up ($29) This claims to be high compression, but it definitely isn’t. It looks like more of a cropped tank top and is more for lounging/yoga than anything high impact.
Crosby Top by Body Language Sportswear ($54) How cute is this sports bra?! There are optional padded inserts, too. (Totally doesn’t fit me right now, but love that V-shaped neckline!)
So there you have it- my first Wantable fitness collection!
In the end, I didn’t end up keeping anything (I had some credits with Wantable so I didn’t really lose my $20 styling fee), but I definitely plan to try it again post-baby and see what I get! I could live in athletic wear so thought this was a fun way to incorporate some new pieces into my collection.
