It's been a while since I've done a "Things I'm Loving Lately" post. So let's jump in, shall we?! Thrilled to share that I was selected as an ambassador for the ZOOMA Women's Race Series for Great Lakes in September! This will be my first race post-baby in beautiful Lake Geneva. Join me and get 10% off your registration (any Zooma race, any distance) with code VALERIEP2018. Hurry- prices increase for this particular race May 1st. Who's in with me?! Sign up here. My tub of protein powder Read More
Toddler Fun with Babbleboxx
This post is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. Spring is *finally* here! It took a couple snow and ice storms to get here in Chicagoland, but nevertheless, I am embracing it with open arms! I'm eager to welcome Baby P soon and swap out our indoor activities for more fun and adventures in the fresh air. Recently, Babbleboxx sent some great spring kid items for Bryce and I to try out and share with all of you. These products are all ready to grab-n-go, so you can worry less about what to pack Read More
Boutique Finds: Mini Me Style…and a Giveaway!
I don't know about you, but I love browsing boutiques for cute options for my toddler. I enjoy finding unique clothing that isn't from a big box store and have their own style about them, because there's something about a little dapper dude that looks like a little man that makes my heart start gushing, right?! And now that spring is slowly rolling around, I've been taking inventory of Bryce's capsule wardrobe and realized we are in need of some spring options since he is growing like a weed-- Read More
My Go To Weekday Lunches
Since I'm at home most days of the week, I try to keep staples on hand to keep my lunches simple and nutritious. It's key to helping me make smart choices, especially when some days are busy with errands, playdates, or just plain pregnancy exhaustion :-) I do a weekly shopping trip after planning our menu for the week ahead (which mainly centers around our dinners, and then stock up on breakfast, lunch & snack staples). While I like to switch up our dinner recipes and try out new ones to Read More
This Mama’s Vehicle Spring Cleaning Checklist
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #EarthDayDriveAway #CollectiveBias Source Spring is finally around the corner and *hopefully* that means no more snow, ice and salt on the roads. That said, I am SO looking forward to doing a little spring cleaning on my vehicle. Maybe it's the nesting going on with baby #2, but I am eager to get the winter grime build up off my floor mats, get car wash to get the salt residue off and Read More
Gift Ideas for the New Big Brother…and a Giveaway!
I've been giving some thought to gifting Bryce something when Baby #2 is born. Something to make him feel special and recognize his new title as big brother. Beyond a cute big brother shirt (or a set like this that I absolutely love), I knew a book would be perfect for Bryce since he LOVES reading. But I didn't want any ordinary big brother book...having a personalized book made it extra special. Enter I See Me! books. They make the most amazing books that can be personalized in a Read More
Combating the winter stir craziness…for dogs.
This post was sponsored by Milk-Bone as part of an Influencer Activation for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. This winter just seems to go on and on, am I right?! January felt like it had 75 days in it, and February is shaping up to be the same with the harsh winds, snow and sub-zero wind chills. Ugh! It seems like we are all going a bit stir crazy at this point- Izzy included. It's too cold to take her for walks or play time outside most days, so we've Read More
For Two Fitness Maternity Activewear Review and Giveaway!
Back in 2015 when I was pregnant with Bryce, I LOVED wearing my Sweating for Two® top from For Two Fitness® (see the post here). And now that I'm pregnant with Baby #2, I was thrilled to team up with them again so I could workout in style. 34 weeks with Baby #1 24 weeks with Baby #2 There are so many elements of being pregnant that make working out a bit tougher than it is when your body is the same as it’s always been. So far, I've been sticking to my regular workouts (minus Read More
