In the past, summer has been my season for a busy race schedule. And while I still love a good race, it's a bit more challenging this season with a toddler and a now 3 month old. Regardless, I still love to be active and aim to work up a sweat 5 days a week. My current workout schedule consists of 2-3 days of spinning, 1-2 days of strength training and 1 day a week to actually run (which is usually pushing my three year old for a 5k loop in my neighborhood.) For quite a while, I was crushing Read More
Recipe: Blackberry Bran Muffins with Oxo
Throughout the summer, Bryce has been helping me cook and bake in the kitchen. It's something we enjoy doing together, and it's great to see him learn as he counts, measures and follows directions. We've been making a batch of muffins every week or so, trying new recipes each time. They are perfect to have on hand for quick breakfasts or snacks. This past week, we made an extra special recipe for a wonderful cause with OXO, a brand we love. OXO has a Cookies for Kids' Cancer campaign, where OXO Read More
Our Bathtime Routine
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #GetJohnsonsBaby #ChooseGentle #CollectiveBias Summertime with kiddos is so much fun. Fairs and farmer's markets. S'mores and swimming. Popsicles and impromptu playdates. Gotta love it. This summer has been particularly wonderful with the addition of Blake to our family, maternity leave from work and my husband's paternity leave. We've been soaking up every moment! Summers are also Read More
My Top Ten Newborn Must Haves: The Second Time Around
This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #DiaperGenieForTheWin #ForBetterBeginnings #CollectiveBias With Blake a little over a month old now, we are officially making our way out of the newborn stage. Man, time really does fly. He's been out of newborn clothes and in size 1 diapers for a few weeks now. And while I am still *slightly* sleep deprived, I've been able to give some thought to a list of my top ten newborn must Read More
Things I’m Loving Lately: June 2018
It's been a little quiet on the blog here lately, and for good reason- we welcomed a new family member! Blake Elliott was born one month ago (what?!), and we are all just smitten with him...especially his big brother, Bryce. We've all been getting used to being a family of four, and enjoying this exciting new chapter of our lives! That said, over the past month, I've been curating a list of some of my favorites that I thought I'd share with you...many of which are baby or mom Read More
Things I’m Loving Lately
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
