Chasing Davies

Blog Swap with Kristina from Simply Bold

2012-01-27T08:01:00.003-06:00

Hello Chasing Davies friends! I'm Kristina, the author of the blog Simply Bold, where I spill my inspirations on my own evolving personal style, diy, & little loves along the way. My style is classically tailored (a'la J.Crew) with an indie twist (a'la Anthropologie). I love to mix patterns, colors, and incorporate vintage pieces.

Right now I have a giveaway going on so make sure to stop by and enter! I want it to be interactive and fun for you all so for every 20 new followers, I'll add something to the giveaway total! In the line up are items from J. Crew, Anthropologie, Kate Spade, Sephora, Urban Outfitters, and LOFT.

On Tuesdays I'm starting a new weekly DIY/Tutorial series. I'd love for you all link up your fashion DIYs, home decor DIYs, makeup tutorials, organization tips, and recipes! It'll be a great place to gather creative inspirations!

cardigan, scarf: old navy, similar bracelet, jeans, shoes: anthro (similar), Lipstick: NARS Schiap

On my blog you'll also find outfit inspirations. Every week I show 3 different ways to style up one article of clothing or trend. We all need to get the most out of our wardrobes! Versatility is key!

Visit Meggy on my blog today & feel free to stay awhile! Also, make sure to enter the giveaway while you're there!

Thank you so much Meggy for having me! It's been great being your blog swap partner!

much love,

Kristina

Lots of Color

2012-01-26T07:23:00.000-06:00

{Turtleneck & Skirt - Anthropologie; Vest - Thrifted; Clutch - gift/ASOS; Watch - gift/MK; Boots - Endless.com}

If you follow along with my friend, LuLu's blog, you'll see our weekly feature of "I See, You See" and with this week's theme of "color" you'll have gotten a glimpse of some of my closet color. Here I really pushed the color envelope all in one outfit...green, navy, pink and orange. Gray being my grounding neutral.

Now all I need is my new lipstick on my lips! I'll wear it soon! :)

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New Old Navy Duds

2012-01-25T07:42:00.000-06:00

Here are my new flats that I posted about yesterday! I'm currently loving a touch of neon with a southwestern print, very cozy sweater, both from Old Navy. Seriously, Old Navy is really doing it for me lately. I've been hitting it up way too much lately... A few other items I picked up with the above two:

So I guess I'm a lot obsessed with neon...

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Part Neon

2012-01-24T07:25:00.000-06:00

Yellow Cap-Toe Ballet Flats, Colorblock Button-Shoulder Sweater, Pink Frosted Clutch,
Nude & Hot Pink Sandals, Corded Neon Bracelet

I love a pop of neon, and in fact, these Old Navy ballet flats are on their way to me right now. With neon so on trend right now, I like a pop of it here and there instead of head to toe to keep from looking all Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, 1990s.

Are you wearing neon?

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Batwing

2012-01-23T07:38:00.000-06:00

{Sweater - Anthroplogie, Denim Tunic - Gap, Denim Leggings - Old Navy, Loafers - Steven by Steve Madden, Necklace - Baublebar, Watch - gift/MK}

Oversized chunky sweaters + sparkly jewelry in a winter favorite of mine, but this batwing sweater is making me look a little wide. I actually got this when I was pregnant, because if the oversized-ness it fit over my big bump. Now it's long enough to wear over leggings and pretty comfy - even if I look extra wide.

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Pinterest Inspiration: Get the Look

2012-01-20T18:51:00.000-06:00

I have been using Pinterest since soon after it came out. I pin everything from fashion ideas to home inspiration to DIY projects. I try not to go over board on pinning without actually doing and this is my next outfit recreation goal. I already have a yellow dress...

Inspiration Outfit:

{Pinterest via SpicyRose}

Get the look:

Yellow Dress ($53), Sandals ($89), Marc Jacobs Bag ($428)

This week on Friday Fancies at {long distance loving} with Pinterest Inspiration link up - check out a bunch more inspiration ideas here!

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Sunny Day

2012-01-19T07:41:00.000-06:00

{Jacket & Stripe Tee - Old Navy, Black Skirt - Target, Necklace - c/o GS Lillian, Watch - gift/Michael Kors, Loafers - Steven by Steve Madden}

January has been crazy. No big snow storms or icy roads. No fridged temps too cold to leave the house. No dark days. Well, at least yet. It's been sunny and many days above 50 degrees! I'm loving it and also scared of what's to come - winter is bound to come, right?

So one thing to point out in my outfit... this awesome necklace! I'd been eyeing it for awhile and than over the holidays, sweet Shelly sent it to me! She creates amazing jewelry that you must check out here. I've worn a couple times since, and get tons of compliments every time. Huge thanks to Shelly for the sweet gift!

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Style for the Nursing Mama from an Pro

2012-01-18T07:25:00.001-06:00

Huge thanks to Amy for guest posting for me today. This is a super big topic for me, as I'm finding it harder to get dressed for easy breastfeeding access than I did when I was pregnant!

When Meggy asked me to write a guest post for her a few weeks ago, this was the first

topic that came to mind. Because nothing has challenged my wardrobe – and my sense

of personal style – like breastfeeding. I hope these ideas can help other new mamas who

are as perplexed as I was!

When The Pup was born two years ago, I was so excited to get back to

dressing “normally.” I thought the biggest challenge to my closet would be pregnancy. I

was completely, totally, ridiculously wrong. A baby belly simply doesn’t compare to the

need for 24/7 boob access. We breastfed for a year, and my closet changed dramatically.

Here are some examples of my breastfeeding style – all of these photos were successful
breastfeeding outfits, too.

Before The Pup, even during pregnancy, I was a dress girl. Dresses for day, dresses for
night, in fabrics from chambray to cashmere. I owned only a single buttondown shirt,
as finding ones that fit on my curvy frame can be difficult. I was more comfortable
in skirts than pants. I had a whole collection of cashmere sweaters that I wore almost
daily and dry-cleaned meticulously. I wore heels every day and didn’t think a thing of it.
Suddenly I was holding this tiny, messy, wriggly, adorable, and needy ball of flesh – and
my whole wardrobe seemed like it was laughing at me.

Dresses? I couldn’t breastfeed in them without lifting the whole darn skirt up.
Cashmere? Yeah, not a match for a reflux baby and constant spit-up. Skirts above my
knees? I was flashing the world when I breastfed, because crossed legs don’t really work
with a wriggling infant. And I could hardly run to check on his cries in heeled pumps.
Everything changed. Especially in those first three months, when I’m pretty sure The
Pup was latched 20 hours a day, I needed some clothes that worked with my very new
lifestyle.

These formulas saved my sanity and my style (on my blog, I call them “mom-ulas,” with
the idea that every mom can make a stylish outfit with just a few guidelines). But first,
the basics.

Breastfeeding Basics
• Nursing tanks. Buy a half dozen in different colors. Wear them under
everything. I loved them, even under tees, because they keep your stomach
covered when you hike up your shirt to nurse. I’m all for breastfeeding in public
– but I also felt more comfortable when I was showing less skin.
• Layer tanks and tees. Not only will you keep your stomach warm, but the extra
layers of fabric are also useful for hiding one of the hardest sartorial challenges of
breastfeeding – the nursing pad.
• Scarves. The Pup would never, ever, ever eat under a nursing cover. He’d squall
and kick until I took it off. So, I learned how to artfully drape a scarf around us
while we latched, then drape it over everything but his head. Plus, a scarf can
hide a multitude of sins – from a spit-up stain to a still-jiggly post-partum tummy.

• Belts. At first, you won’t want to, and that’s okay. The idea of a constricting

piece of leather around your stomach will seem hideous. As time goes on, you’ll

love the idea that you can fake your waistline. A belt will help you bring back

some pre-baby style juju.

• Patterns. A great pattern – or even better, a mix of patterns! – hides everything

from baby stains to a pooch. Mix freely.

• Washable, breathable, natural fabrics. I have switched over to almost all cotton.

I still wear cashmere and other woold (and hand-wash instead of going to the dry

cleaner), but almost all synthetic fabrics are gone from my closet. They don’t

wash well, and they were scratchy on the baby’s skin.

The Breastfeeding Mom-ulas

The Open Cardigan and Jeans

Breastfeeding - Cozy Cardigan by bibliomomia featuring slip on shoes

All hail the open cardigan! They’re the answer to a breastfeeding mama’s dreams, and
they’re everywhere. Find one with a lot of draping in the front, and it will be easy to use
as a nursing cover as well. Also invest in a pair of high-waisted jeans that fit you NOW,
not in some size you hope for in the future. Yes, seriously – they’re everywhere right
now, and they do wonders for a post-partum stomach (I own three pairs of the BDGs
in this collage). Finally, don’t be afraid of some serious layering – here, the nursing
tank under the striped tee adds some skin coverage, while the cardigan in a different
print adds some warmth and style. Finally, don’t be afraid of finding some fantastically
comfortable flats. I’ve worn my moccasins more than any other shoes since The Pup’s
birth, and I think they’re the perfect mix of style and trend and comfort for casual outfits.

The Buttondown and Maxi

Breastfeeding - Rugged Buttondown by bibliomomia featuring a maxi skirt

Giving up dresses was very hard for me – until I rediscovered the maxi skirt. You get
all of the femininity and style of a pretty dress with the coverage of pants, and they’re
also insanely comfortable. I adore this sweater version for winter. A classic chambray
buttondown shirt adds just a bit of rugged edge, and it’s very easy to breastfeed in –
especially with a nursing tank underneath. Add a leopard belt and some cozy leopard
TOMS. Everything about this outfit is more exciting than a boring plaid buttondown
with jeans! Consider adding a scarf in a contrasting pattern for some extra warmth and
nursing coverage, if needed.

The Breastfeeding-Friendly Dress

Breastfeeding - Bohemian Dress by bibliomomia featuring topshop maternity

These are elusive creatures, but they exist. Look for necklines that can be yanked down
or over (on this dress, you can easily untie a shoulder for nursing access), or wrap dresses
that can be untied, or crossover bustlines that can be pulled down. Strapless works too,
of course, but the baby might just yank down your dress to gain access to his dinner!
I love the slouchy and casual silhouette of this dress, which would be forgiving for
postpartum wear, too. This gorgeous but comfy nursing bra is proof that your lingerie
doesn’t have to transform to a sea of beige. The bright pattern begs for a patterned tight
(and Spanx will be your new best friend for a while), as well as a classic leather belt
to break up your top and bottom halves. Add a rugged but comfortable boot to traipse
around town with your newest, constant, hungry companion.

In outfits like these, I felt like myself. And when I was sleeping less than 2 hours at a
time and barely able to grab a shower, my clothes became my armor.

But here’s an important final note, mamas. As much as I believe breastfeeding is great
for the kiddo, my personal mantra has become “happy mama, happy baby.” For a million
different reasons, breastfeeding might not work for you and your child. Don’t waste
precious time that you could be spending with that squiggly mass of baby flesh worrying
about it.

If you have questions about breastfeeding, mama style, or how to get spit-
up out of cashmere, please come say hello at BiblioMOMia!
A million thanks to Meggy for inviting me - welcome
to the great wide wild world, little Liam!

A super wonderful post I'll be referring back to many of times! Thank you SO much Amy!! xox

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Layering

2012-01-17T07:12:00.000-06:00

{Leopard blouse - Old Navy, Stripe top - Banana Republic, Denim Leggings - Old Navy, Boots - Endless.com, Watch - Gift/Michael Kors}

I'm using these layers to hide my still baby belly flub I have going on. I'm pretty please how fast it's gone down (from carrying a fully formed human being at 8 lbs one hour to an empty uterus the next), but let's face it, until I can get to the gym, I'm probably stuck at this point.

Unfortunately since I had a c-section and I've been pretty sore, it'll probably be longer than the average postpartum lady until I can work out, but until then, I'll just hide my belly under layers and ignore my thighs.

Stripes and leopard together helps ease my body pains.

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From Black to Bright: How Veronika Learned to Embrace Color

2012-01-16T07:05:00.001-06:00

Thank to Veronika from Veronika's Blushing for guest posting today!

Hugh Hefner once said that he was going through a blonde period (reffering to his platinum-haired godesses...or was that Charlie Sheen?) Either way, I had a blonde period of my own, and during that time I was all about wearing black. I loved the way black made my blonde haircolor pop and made every outfit look sophisticated even when I was crunched for time.

My love for black was evident when I started to blog. I began getting comments about how my outfits were always black, how I wore too much black, how I need to stop wearing black...and, well, you get the picture.

Black was a security blanket for me. It felt easy and comfortable and chic. Why experiment with color when I was perfeclty happy in my ebony emsembles?

The truth is, wearing black all the time got boring. I would see other bloggers rocking prints, colors and brights and I wanted to be able to have the confidence to wear those colors as well.

Here's how I went from head-to-toe black to a color-infused closet:

Add color via accessories---a hot pink handbag was the catalyst for it all. I also added lots of gold jewelry and turquoise to add a pop of color. It's so much easier to add color when you do it one thing at a time.

Start slow--- add a brightly colored top or cardigan to your black outfit to break it up a bit. Or, wear a black top but try a brightly colored skirt.

Resist buying more (black)--- I had to make a conscious effort while shopping not to buy black clothing. It's so easy to be attracted to black clothes and want to buy them because they look great---but remind yourself that you already own way too many black pieces and venture out of your comfort zone.

Get inspired---when you see a blogger who's wearing a color combo you love---save the photo and before your next shopping trip, be sure to reference the photos you love so you can look for similar colors to add to your exisiting wardrobe.

Create a working closet--- don't let your closet become a mish-mash of everything you own---organize it so it's easy to select your outfits and organize it by color (I like to go from light to dark). Put all of your long sleeve tops together in color order, then short sleeves, then sleeveless, etc. Make your closet easy to navigate and it will be easier to infuse your colorful new purchases into your daily outfits.

Be confident--- the first few times you vere away from that comfort-zone black, you may feel a little awkward, but remind yourself how much brighter and more fun you look. I have a few items that always put a smile on my face when I wear them---the colors just put me in a great mood!

Do you tend to wear black all the time like I used to, or do you live for color? Leave me a comment below or come visit me at Veronika's Blushing.

xoxo,

Veronika

Thank you Veronika! I think you dress fabulously. xox

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Color Crush

2012-01-13T06:35:00.000-06:00

I'm excited to be back to posting for Friday Fancies via {long distance loving}'s blog link up! This week, we're showcasing the color we're crushing on! I'm currently loving lots of colors, but one in particular...

Teal Skirt ~ Stripe Top ~ Mustard Cardigan ~ Wedges ~ Taupe Tights ~ Colorblock Bag

I think teal is a great color to go from winter right into spring, and looks great mixed with many other colors, like mustard yellow. Other colors I wear (and will wear) with teal this winter and spring...

orange, yellow, blue and pink

Check out all the other colors people are crushing on and outfits around them here.

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Shoe of the Day: Smoker Flats

2012-01-12T11:30:00.000-06:00

These Mossimo Vilda Smoker Flats from Target are adorable.
I'm particularly eyeing the turquoise and pink pairs...and at only $20, I might just get both!

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Push Present

2012-01-11T07:16:00.000-06:00

Even though I didn't exactly push the baby out, I did have quite the labor ordeal, not to mention carrying this beautiful child for 9 months, so husband gave me something I've been wanting for awhile.

Obviously the greatest gift of all was a sweet healthy baby, but I am also thankful to now have a big girl watch!

Michael Kors Horn Jet Set Watch

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Polka Dots on Polka Dots

2012-01-10T07:54:00.000-06:00

{Forever21 Cardigan, Urban Outfitters Tee, Loft Skirt, New Kate Spade Booties}

Ok, so this weekend I used my own brain and got dressed in real clothes again. It was just to got out to dinner with friends (our baby + their kids and all). But it was fun to feel a bit like my old self.

What was quite the different experience? Trying to find a place to sit at the restaurant that would accommodate 4 adults, 1 toddler and 2 car seats. All the tables in the place were reserved from some event, so all that was available were booths, yet the car seats didn't fit between the table and booth seats. Thankfully there was a corner booth available that was larger and the table moved a bit, so after the hostess walked us around the place trying different tables, we were able to make this one work. But I guess we looked like we came with too much baggage and the older couple sitting at the table next to this one promptly asked to be moved away from us... Not babies even cried, sheesh!

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I Finally Got Dressed

2012-01-09T07:11:00.003-06:00

{J.Crew Sweater; Forever21 Necklace; Anthropologie Skirt; Steve Madden Loafers}

And thanks to my numero uno inspiration, the blogging world and the hundreds I read, I didn't even have to think about my outfit. This post-preggo brain is easing back to my creative side (and getting dressed in things other than fancy sweat pants & oversized cardigans), and this outfit was totally copied from Jessie's outfit!

Last week it was also mid-60s out, thus the bare legs (icky white & lack of a good workout as well). In January. I could really get use to this, in fact, I kind of have and am really dreading any sort of winter that is heading our way. The mild 50s with the few even nicer days have been divine.

Post-Preggo Update: These pics were taken 3 weeks postpartum. My incision point is still pretty sore after a more active day - which includes a little walk around the neighborhood and laundry (hah! way different than my pre & during pregnancy activity). Skin on my tummy is still pretty loose, but getting better each week. My uterus seems to be shrinking back to regular size well, which I think breastfeeding is helping with that. Once I get the all clear from my doctor, I really can't wait to start easing back into my regular workout routine. I really miss the gym & yoga.

P.S. Part 2 of Baby Liam's birth story is now up (Part 1 here).

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Friday Fancies from the Creator Herself!

2012-01-05T23:00:00.001-06:00

Happy Friday! My name is {av} and I'm the blogger behind {long distance loving}. I'm so happy that Meggy asked me to fill in as she and her beautiful little one get situated at home! Today, I'm sharing what I like to call my Friday's Fancies. What is that you ask? It is an outfit I'd love to have if budget were no issue, of course. This outfit center around those gorgeous Jimmy Choos since it is all about putting our best foot forward in the new year. I hope you like how it all comes together below...

1) I don't normally gravitate toward dresses like these, but the winter white of this 3.1 Phillip Lim Utility T-Shirt Dress called my name. I love the detail on the shoulder--and that it would be big enough to hide the post-holiday paunch ;)

2) There is nothing better than a BIG purse like this Marc by Marc Jacobs Classic Q Baby Aidan Bag to hold everything but the kitchen sink. I need a larger purse when I want to carry my SLR around, so this beauty would fit the bill perfectly.

3) I was lucky enough to find a different colored J.Crew Bubble 18-Karat Gold-Plated Acetate Necklace at the outlet last summer, but I have been lusting over this classic black version for months now. I'd like to think it could be in my closet for many years to come.

4) These Jimmy Choo Biel Patent-Leather Wedges really bring this standard black and white outfit to life. I have loved brights in the past few seasons, so I thought these stunners would help me put my best foot forward into 2012!

Many thanks to Meggy for being such a loyal linker for Friday's Fancies over the past few months! I am so lucky to have readers like her who have such incredible fashion sense and keep my outfits up to snuff ;) I hope you all have a phenomenal weekend! Be sure to stop by and check out the other Fancies today!
xoxo {av}

Thank you to {av} for guest posting! Everyone go visit her! xox

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Last Purchase of 2011

2012-01-04T15:59:00.000-06:00

These little booties were my last purchase of 2011. I got them at Kansas City's new Kate Spade store on sale and with a gift card! Score! They aren't avail online, so check your local store!

What was your last purchase of 2011?? Or first purchase of 2012?

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Style Tips for New Moms by Kristin

2012-01-03T07:36:00.002-06:00

Hi there...Kristin from BonBon Rose Girls here. I'm elated to be guest posting on Meggy's fabulous blog while she's wading her way through the new mama trenches!

Since becoming a mama myself, my style has evolved quite a bit. When my little dude was a wee one, I definitely had to change the way I put together my looks. Before he came along, I didn't give a second thought to throwing on swinging chandelier earrings or a pristine white sweater. After my baby was born, however, jewelry that he could grab, and consequently break, was replaced with sturdy cocktail rings. Clothing that spit up stains would be highly visible on gave way to prints that were better at camouflaging them. These little hints are what I always share with my friends when they join the motherhood!

Having kiddos doesn't mean you have to give up your style. It just means you might have to change it for a bit. Now that my son is three, I'm back to rockin' my statement earrings, but not for long. Bambino number two is due in June!

For full outfit details, visit my Polyovore set!

Thank you so very much, Kristin! Huge honor to have you over here today. :)

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Birth Story, Part 1

2012-01-02T20:57:00.000-06:00

I'm going to start weening the baby talk to my other, newer, baby blog - Chasing Babies. I know not everyone who reads Chasing Davies is into all the baby talk and now that most of the excitement has passed I feel like it's a good time to start the transition!

Starting with, the first part of my baby's birth story! If you're interested in how it all went down (which I think was pretty crazy), click here!

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2011 Year in Review

2011-12-31T07:40:00.000-06:00

2011 was quite the year for me! You can see what I was up to very clearly in these photos:

And all this growing culminated in one beautiful blessing...

I still promise to provide the complete birth story! Coming soon, I promise!

Happy New Year, may 2012 be as wonderful as 2011 or better. Be safe celebrating tonight!

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How Motherhood Effected Anna

2011-12-30T07:06:00.001-06:00

I'm so honored to have Anna from In Honor of Design here today to share her perspective on becoming a mama! I can totally relate to her story...

Meggy, thank you so much for having me on Chasing Davies, and allowing me to share on motherhood. I am so happy to be a guest!

What I never could have prepared myself for when I actually became a mom?

I grew up the second oldest of eleven children, so I thought I had the baby thing down. Growing up, I loved playing mommy with my little brothers and sisters. I was pretty sure I knew everything I needed to know about how to make babies laugh, change a diaper quick, and rock them to sleep.

Well, of course when my first son was born, I found myself wondering why I had never been informed about things like how warm the water should be when giving him a bath, how to make sure they are breathing okay at night, or even how to plan your day around breastfeeding. I was calling my mother (a pro in my books) on a daily basis.

However, luckily being around babies growing up did give me a pretty calm and laid back approach when I became a parent. However, I was not prepared for how emotional of a person I would become! Suddenly I found myself becoming one of those parents...

You know, the kind that cry when their child grows into a new onesie size, or sees their baby crawl for the first time. I also became a commercial crier (aka someone who cries at random commercials), and a cronic movie crier. It seems as though when your heart grows, your sensitivity to life does also. I often joke about how annoying it is to be so emotional now, but the truth of the matter is, I am so thankful that I have been given the chance in this life to know love in the depths that you experience with motherhood, and if sensitivity is a side effect, so be it;)

Thank you so much, Anna!

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2 Weeks

2011-12-29T07:12:00.001-06:00

Popping in to say hi and a little update. My lil man is already over 2 weeks - time sure flies. And I think I'm starting to look a little less pregnant, though I have a long way to go.

{Target (Gift) Black Coat, J.Crew Vest, J.Crew Outlet Shirt, Gap Black Denim Pants, Urban Outfitter Heels}

We also took the little one on his first outing that didn't revolve around a pediatrics appointment. We went to dinner with a bunch of friends that are all in town - and he did great. The car ride put him to sleep and the sounds of the restaurant kept him sleeping the whole dinner. I didn't even have to dip into my bottle of pumped milk I brought.

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Staying Real, New Mama Advice from Terra

2011-12-28T07:57:00.025-06:00

Hi everyone! My name is Terra from Stylish White Female. I have the honor of guest posting for Meggy while she spends time with her precious little guy.

Meggy asked me to offer up a little perspective on my experience as a new mom {I had my little one in September}. Pardon me if I am a little too honest.

There are lots of things that I learned as a new mom. Mostly, I learned that all of the things that people told me would happen, didn't. You know why? Every pregnancy is different. I have found that, if I want to inquire about a woman's life as a new mom, I ask her a very general and open-ended question. Something like, How's it going as a new mom? When you say things like, you must be exhausted, huh?, you're making an assumption about what her unique experience is like. Plus, you are kind of insinuating that the woman to whom you are speaking looks haggard, which is probably the last thing you want to do.

There's something else I want to address. I have heard so many times about how a woman gives birth and the moment the baby was placed in her arms she never felt love so powerful. And while I don't necessarily doubt that is true, I am here to say that is not what I felt. I immediately felt a crushing sense of responsibility. Being pregnant was a cake walk. Now this wiggly little creature is out in the open and it is my job to ensure nothing bad happens to her. That's really intense. As my little one started developing her own personality, I started feeling that powerful love everyone talked about. But I think it's important for women to know that it's okay if love isn't the first sensation you have when you have a baby.

I will leave you with just one more little nugget that I have learned since having my babe. It has been imperative to my sanity to spend a little time every day taking care of myself. I try to eat well, workout when there is time, and above all, I put on a little makeup, do my hair and put on clothes that make me feel human. Now, I might not always wash my hair. But I do something with it. I personally really love this incredibly easy up-do.

Meggy, congratulations on your bubbly little boy! Welcome to the mommy club. It has just gotten a little more fabulous. ;)

Thank you Terra for your amazing post on being a new mom. I couldn't agree more about your stand point! xox, Meggy

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New Mama Diaper Bag Tips by Gigi

2011-12-27T07:13:00.001-06:00

One of my very first favorite bloggers, Gigi of Gig's Gone Shopping and more recently with her new bundle of joy, Gigi's Gone Parental, has a great guest post today all about what is in her diaper bag! Great tips for a new mama! Thank you Gigi for guest posting!

Congratulations, Meggy D! I'm so so very happy for you. I wish you radiant joy and immeasurable happiness w/ your new bundle!!

I'm a first time mom of a 3 month old. We are past the rougher part of sleepless nights (crosses fingers) and getting out into the world. Of course we cannot leave the house without gear. What's in your diaper bag? That query doesn't have the ring of a certain credit card issuer's slogan, but it's an important question I ask myself every day. I try to do a diaper bag check when arrive home from an outing. That's because I've usually neglected to put something in the bag and find out only when we're out and I need it. My number one piece of advice is to clean out your bag when you get home and replenish it right away. Don't wait to do it in the moments before you leave because there's a higher chance of forgetting something -- at least in my experience. I don't care how perfect & organized you are. If you are a new mom, you're just trying to get by on whatever sleep you've cobbled together and that lack of sleep affects your skills to a certain degree.

I though about getting a chi-chi diaper bag, but went with a plain one like this one by Fisher Price. What attracted me to it was the various compartments and the ability to be able to pop open the front of a case of wipes without unzipping the entire bag or evening opening it. The top part of the wipes case is exposed on on one side of the bag and it's oh so handy. I'm very happy w/my plain black bag.

This is my bag, pretending to be organized.

I didn't like the diaper pad that came w/the bag. I have textural issues and would get that nails on chalkboard feeling every time I touched it. I donated that one and stole my husband's diaper bag pad. He has a Skip Hop and the pad that comes with is one of the thicker ones I've felt. And it's not very thick. The Skip Hop bag is very, very cool, btw, but not enough room for me. I need to carry my breast pump around at times.

One day I'm gonna order some diaper bag dispensers. For now I fold Target bags up and put a rubber band around the pack. I like the aesthetic of the bags on a roll, but they're not a necessity at all. Plus, I am recycling the Target bags by using them, which is good. I've learned that I need bags for dirty diapers and for dirty clothing. I've also learned that some bags need to be doubled!

Spare clothes! I always have a spare outfit for my Mini G. After my experience yesterday, I'm thinking that I need to have more than one outfit. Perhaps there are fancier inserts to hold the clothing, but a plastic Ziploc is working just fine. I like that I can see what's in the bag very easily. I have a onesie, pants, sweater and a bib in this particular plastic bag. I also have a beanie hat/cap tucked in the side of the diaper bag. It's nice to have that in an easy-to-reach place.

Cleansing stuff! Wipes, wipes, wipes. I always feel that I am leaving the house with enough wipes and it seems I deplete the hard case (not pictured) each time I am out. I have a couple packs inside the bag as backup to the main set of wipes. I like to wipe my hands and also the baby's hands, esp if someone has touched her. I don't know why people do that. Babies put their hands in their mouths. Anyway, a maxi pad is also handy. Multiple ones if you're in your first month post-partum. And breast pads. I always have two sets in the bag. Sometimes you leak thru them and the ones I have are not reusable. I also have a small canister of disinfecting spray, which I haven't felt the need to use yet. It's from the travel section @ Target. I'm sure it'll come in handy one day. Oh and stain removal wipes. There will be spitup and drooling. Shout Wipes are awesome.

Chow! I've been breastfeeding, but I also supplement with formula. Sometimes it's not convenient to find a place to feed bf Mini. Also, I once gave her a bottle from the front seat while waiting in traffic. We were about to cross a bridge and it would've been a long, tearful ride if I wasn't able to do that. I was able to reach back w/one arm and hold the bottle, while navigating the slow, bumper-to-bumper traffic. Little victories, I tell ya. I used to use Avent bottles, but switched to Dr. Browns. I do feel they've helped w/gas & digestion issues. I don't know how others do it, but I put water in the bottles and later add the formula when I'm out and about and ready to feed her. I recently bought the blue formula dispenser by Munchkin. Reviewers are right about the compartment issues and formula bouncing from one section to another, so I'll be looking to replace it. The Gerber formula (far left) is something I bought while out. I didn't realize it's for kids who can drink out of a straw. When the baby is screaming and you're tired, it's hard to think straight. I don't know what was going on that day to cause me to make a special run into the store for formula. This is why you prepare and pack the nite before! The other day I put the formula in a different bag than my diaper bag. Having the spare Gerber formula came in handy. Thankfully, Mini G is flexible and has taken the boob, Enfamil, Similac, and now Gerber.

Toys! Mini is 3 months and acutely aware of her surroundings. She's starting to swat at things and reach for them. Also, trying to put everything in her mouth. She loves the Oball. I like it because it's thin enough for her to put her fingers around. She can keep a good grip on it for awhile. Some of the other teething rings are thicker and don't work as well. The cloth star is a teething blanket by Learning Curve. The red point has a squeaker, which she can't squeeze yet. She likes it when I squeeze it. The zebra point has material inside of it that makes a crinkly noise. She likes that as well. The white plastic thing holds a pacifier. Mini rarely wants to take one, but that doesn't stop me from carrying at least two of them in the bag. And I always try to have a cloth diaper for burping, spit up and drooling.

Ummm...diapers! I almost forgot the diapers. I put those in a Ziploc as well. Again, nice and clear so I can easily see the number I have in the bag. I remember when one of my ocd friends said, 'You're gonna use the Swaddlers. Write that down.' The friend kept looking at me till I wrote it down, so I obliged. I was thinking that I might like to try Huggies vs. Pampers and choose for myself. The hospital gave us Swaddlers and we loved them. My brother got us Huggies, which we tried for a whole, huge, big ole box. Friend was right. We're Pampers peeps.

That's what's in my bag. I've added a 2nd outfit to the bag since drafting this post. Thank goodness because we had an active day ofmovement, including a blow out. I definitely needed 2 extra onesies. One thing I want to add is a small book. If you have any book recommendations or anything else I'm missing from my bag...

...please share...

♥

http://gigisgoneshopping.com

http://gigisgoneparental.com

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My Christmas Goods!

2011-12-26T08:28:00.000-06:00

I really scored this Christmas. Besides my favorite Christmas gift of all...I also picked up:

Kindle Fire (+ case) - Which I'm already loving! This reader + tablet is perfect for me. I have been using a ton while feeding the baby, in bed, or for following a recipe already!

Tracy Anderson Post-Pregnancy workout DVD - when I get the workout all clear, I'm doing this baby!

My first pair of TOMS - my next pair will be the ballet flats coming this Spring.

A nice black coat. Can you believe I only had 1 black coat, my sporty-warm North Face, so wanted a nicer one and love this ruffle wool coat from Target.

Kate Spade gift card to use at Kansas City's new Kate Spade store!

Panasonic DMP-BDT210 Integrated-Wi-Fi 3D Blu-ray DVD Player - Which all that means, a super cool Blu-ray/DVD player that is connected to the internet and I can watch streaming Netflix at the push of a button (hello Vampire Diaries), Skype & Tweet + more. Husband got this for me for our bedroom TV for those late baby nights or lazy baby mornings. He gave it to me early and I'm already through 9 episodes of the first season of Vampire Diaries. Love it!

West Elm Rectangle Silver Tray for our new family room (in the being-decorated-phase).

These are just a few things I was lucky to get. What did you get for the Holiday??

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