Fall Sweater 5 Ways

Easy mom outfits that make me feel confident and function with 3 kids 5 and under are essential to my lifestyle. While spending some time in the DC area this fall, I have quickly realized that I need some Fall mom fashion that is versatile + comfortable. Enter my current go-to sweater this fall.

This Target pullover sweater is easily the thing that I grab the most right now. The versatility is endless. It is soft, comes in neutral colors that can go with anything, and its short sleeves make it the perfect transition piece. While it’s still cool, I have been pairing it with camis or tanks underneath and as it gets cooler, I will swap those for long sleeves.

Got a growing baby belly? This is another great option for maternity mom fashion. Since this item is a ‘one size fits most’ option, you don’t have to worry about outgrowing this piece before your newest addition arrives.

Here are five ways to style my favorite sweater for easy mom style.

School Drop Off Mom Style

My priorty in the morning is getting everyone out the door, not how fashionable I am. But this sweater kills two birds with one stone (I really don’t like that expression). Honestly, this look if my fall mom fashion staple.

Day Date Mom Style

I love that the mornings are cool, but the days are warmer right now. If you have a day date, or even a casual office, this is a great look for daytime. But if you’re going to be chasing the kids, think about swapping out that heel.

Apple Picking Mom Style

Apple picking, but make it fashion. Don’t act like you won’t be putting the picture on IG anyway! This is great option for fall mom style when you will be pending and lifting a lot - no concerns about flashing cleavage or butt crack here!

Girls Night Mom Style

If you’re getting some drinks with the girls before Friendsgiving, this look allows you to both look hot and then shovel all that delicious food into your face.

Also, if you missed SNL with Kim Kardashian, watch this Grown Ass Women at the Club sketch. So accurate.

Running Errands Mom Style

Honestly, I wish I could pull this one off. I love this fall mom style for those days when you have a million things to get done. I have found that when I look my best, I perform my best. Grocery shopping - check! PTA meeting - check! Depositing your big fat paycheck - check! Get it all done and feel confident with this mom style.

Work Wear Mom Style

One of my best friends mentioned she would wear this sweater to work, so I wanted to give you one bonus mom style! This is a great option if you don’t want to wear a full sweater into the office quite yet. Add a pop of color in your jacket to add interest to the look or a swipe of Charlotte Tillburry Pillowtalk lipstick for the perfect power babe finishing touch.

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And there you have it - my favorite fall sweater for moms styled 6 ways. Whether its a day out or running late to pick up the kids, this sweater has you covered.

Toddler Girl Spring Wardrobe 2021

one | two | three | four | five | six | seven | eight | nine | ten | eleven | twelve | thirteen | fourteen | fifteen | sixteen | seventeen | eighteen | nineteen | twenty | twenty one | twenty two |

Top Knot Hack for Thin Hair

I have tried it all - root lifters, texture spray, powders, mousses, teasing- to get some fuller looking hair. But I have been blursed with A LOT of thin hair that just hangs there. If this is my cross to bare, I think I can manage it.

In reality, all I have time for on a daily basis is to throw my hair up in some kind of bun. It is (supposed to be) quick and easy. Also, I have to keep my hair away from my nearly 1 year old with grabby little hands. So when those top knots flop around and are embarassingly limp, I cringe.

Then, a little angel from my past found its way to the top of my bathroom drawer this week - the donut. No, not the tasty treat, the hair donut from the early 2000s “As seen on TV” section of your local pharmacy.

I figured it was worth a shot. I was assuming that this would only create a ballerina perfect bun, but with a the lack of attention I’m able to give things these days, I managed a delightfully messy top knot in 3 simple steps.

1. Make a high messy pony with a standard hair tie.

2. Thread your pony through the donut and spread your pony over the entire thing

3. Secure your hair over the donut using a large elastic. And secure your ends as needed for the perfectly undone look.

Check out the quick video below for a visual for what all that means.

There are a lot of sets of hair donuts on Amazon that include pins and elastics, etc. You don’t need all that. The only reason that I would suggest getting one of those sets is if you want several size options either becuase you don’t know what will work best for your hair or you want to do a variety of styles like a half up top knot which would require a smaller donut.

I also tested this top knot through a run, and it didn’t budge. I opt to redo it once in the middle of the day when my hair gets a bit heavy and I just want to let if down for a bit, otherwise this is my new go to for a messy top knot for my fine hair!

How I Use My Smart Watch as a SAHM

There is nothing chill about being a SAHM. There are not long breaks on the couch while my children harmoniously pick flowers in the backyard. It is chaos.

There are constantly demands of you both physically and mentally. The one thing that truly saves my sanity from a logistical standpoint is my smart watch. I specifically have an Apple Watch, but I’m sure the functionalities that I will mention cross brands.

When I have the groceries in my arms along with the keys, the baby, and my water bottle, there is no chance that I will be able to whip out my phone to do one more thing - cue the handsfree option!

Here are the most common ways that my Apple Watch saves me on a daily basis and the apps that I use.

Timer

I use the timer on my watch more than any other application. I time how long things are in the oven, how long the bottle has been heating up, the inevitable time outs, limitations on screen time, etc. I use the Apple Timer app.

Weather

If a SAHM is telling you that she doesn’t plan her day around the weather, she is lying. If I miss an opportunity to get my kids outside to play, everyone suffers. I keep the weather on the face of my watch so that I can look down and immediately see if it is too hot. I use the Weather app from Apple on the watch face , but I prefer The Weather Channel app to see the forecast on my wrist.

Emails

I do not have the ability to sit down at the computer throughout the day to tackle any emails that come through. Especially when I’m expecting something important, I like to see the email come through immediately so that I can work some quiet time into the day so that I can handle it. I use the Gmail app.

Grocery Shopping

I use my watch to shop whether I am in person (rarely nowadays) or using Instacart. When I am in person, I set up my grocery list on my watch. Maneuvering the cart, three children, and the list on my phone which each of the three children are trying to grab the phone for various reasons is not easy. This way I can just look at the list on my wrist, and the tiny monsters barely notice. I use the Google Keep app.

When I have someone shopping for me, I set up text alerts for change notifications as they shop. I have a child with a food allergy, so replacement items that would typically be fine are not always something that we can have in our house. This is set up through your shopping profile (varies on grocery store) and then I use the text app.

Listening to Music

I hate silence. We always have music on at the very least. I usually have Spotify on a Disney Hits playlist or some chill music depending on our activity level throughout the day. I can pause from my wrist when I need to be sure that I am heard.

I also love this option when I am exercising. I hate having to fumble with my phone while I’m running so being able to skip or like a song is one of my favorite ways to use my watch.

Fitness/Exercise

On days when the last thing that I want to do is exercise, I will whip open my fitness tracker and see that I have already walked 7k steps and be ok with that choice. Or I will see that I am really close to another goal, and it will motivate me to workout. I use the Activity app for this.

I also enjoy tracking distance, pace, and heart-rate when I exercise now since I don’t have Orangetheory doing it for me. This is in the Workout app and then transfers into the Activity app to go into your step count, etc.

Podcasts

When I have a few moments when my kids are playing quietly (or at least in another room) and my baby is napping, I will turn on a podcast. Oftentimes these include cursing, so being able to quickly pause it when I hear the pitter patter of little feet nearby is essential. I use the Podcasts app.

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Since I have my watch on 24/7, I love a good reliable bands. I am partial to the silicone sports bands because it can withstand the trauma of my day - paints, chlorine, glitter (eek!), spaghetti sauce, sweat, sand, etc. When we used to go out for dates, I would swap my band for an affordable faux leather one to elevate my look a bit. Below are some that I am eyeing for the next time I update my band. (affiliate links below)

A Humidity Proof 5 Minute Face for Summer

Summer in Florida means heavy air and hot temps. We usually hit the 90s well before noon, and it stays that way until the sun is fully set. When we enter this season, I have little motivation to put on a full face of make up knowing that I will be sweating it off by 10am.

However, during the recent quarantine period, I have noticed that a little bit of make up goes a long way when it comes to my self esteem. So I started a new beauty routine that checks all the FL mom summer boxes - quick and long lasting.

Here’s what I do:

Sunscreen base + CC cream

I love this Supergoop sunscreen for everyday. I either use it solo on days like beach days or I mix it with my favorite CC cream if I want a little tint and evenness to my skin tone. The CC cream itself does have SPF, but I’m very fair and live in Florida so I double up. If you’re trying to make this step easier, go for the MatteScreen by Supergoop. It has a universal tint that I scoffed at initially, but now I rave about it.

Buyer beware: There is a version of this CC cream that comes with “illumination”. Avoid this unless you want to look like a vampire in Twilight.

Undereye Powder + Concealer

Again, as a proud low maintenance girl I was not eager to have to use under eye powder to keep my mascara from congregating under my eye, but it works and takes two second and I get to use that fluffy brush that I didn’t have a use for before. Win-win-win : Michael Scott would be proud. (Kind of an obscure reference, still with me?)

I am also fully on board the Tarte Shape Tape concealer train. I don’t have drastic under eye circles, but I am a tired mom so I need something, I literally take a dab from the applicator onto my finger then put it under my eyes. You do not need much of this stuff - I have had it for months and I still have half the bottle left.

Brows

I swear by this gel styler by Almay. It can be very subtle or a statement if you are a bit more heavy handed. The tint gives definition and the gel keeps it in place - two birds, one stone.

Cream or Liquid Blush

I love a matte finish, but I know that doesn’t have staying power when up against 70% humidity. I have been using Nars liquid blush with a flat top brush, and I am pleasantly surprised with its application. Again, a little goes a long way - one pump is plenty for the day.

Cream Highlighter

This little stick is magic. I often use it when I just put sunscreen on and the two products make me look like I have the fresh glow of a college student. (Pause for a moment of remembrance for the college days of fresh skin and minimal hangovers.) I apply to the top of my cheekbones and then I do a line right down the center of my face and blend with my fingertips.

Mascara + Primer

I have searched high and low for a great mascara. I’ve tried all the pricey options, but I always comes back to my drugstore(/Amazon) favorite. The primer is key here. It provides all the length and the actual mascara provides the volume.

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That’s it! You can go along your day feeling protected with SPF and a little put together. If you’re looking for the quick and dirty shopping list, check out below.

Supergoop Play Everyday Sunscreen or MatteScreen

It Cosmetics CC+ Cream

Laura Mercier Secret Brightening Powder for Under Eyes

Tarte Shape Tape

Almay Eyebrow Styler

Nars Liquid Blush

Milk Highlighter

L’oreal Voluminous Primer + Mascara

(post may contain affiliate links)

How to Make Your At Home Manicure Last

When we were DINKs, I was at the nail salon like clockwork. Once the kids came around, time and money weren’t as discretionary so I cut the salon in favor of at home manicures.

I own a gel set with the UV light, but that remains as time consuming as a salon visit. There is definitely an art to the at home gel manicure that needs to be perfected if you want your manicure to last as long as a salon gel manicure.

Once I noticed that trend, I decided to focus efforts on making a typical at home manicure last. This is the most time sensitive and cost effective way to get that fresh from the salon look. That being said, any at home manicure is going to have a shorter life than a salon gel. So set your expectations accordingly, and buckle up!

Here are the steps I take and extra tips to make your manicure last a solid 5-6 days chip free.

Prep

This is the most overlooked step and the most important. Before every at home manicure, I do the following in this order:

Trim nails

Soak your hands in warm water long enough to get your cuticles pliable. Just a few minutes. Push back your cuticles and trim skin as necessary ( I rarely actually trim the cuticles but now would be the time to do so)

Pro Tip: If you don’t like to sit and soak, do this set as you get out of the shower. Your cuticles will be pliable.

File nails in a uniform fashion.

Buff your nails.

Wash your hands of all the nail residue and extra skin.

Use a cotton pad with nail polish remover to get any remaining residue off the nail

This is essential. ESSENTIAL.

Polish

Choosing a quality polish is key. I have tried every product under the sun. The only readily available polish that will last more than 2 days chip free is Essie Gel Couture. I will be trying Olive + June next, but haven’t been able to find it easily.

Start with thin layers. Essie Gel Couture dries quickly itself but regardless of the product, more thin layers will be better than fewer thicker layers.

Stay away from your cuticles. If you get polish on your cuticles, it will be more likely to lift. It is better to have a little bit of bare nail showing vs. lifting polish in a day.

This realization is a game changer. Just plan on leaving a bit of bare nail showing.

Extra Tips

If you do get a chip early on, buff that part of your nail. It will be less obvious and the polish around the chip will be less likely to peel.

If you have to buff a large portion, add another layer of top coat on to make all your nails look uniform and shiny.

Try to keep it to 3 layers maximum. Some sheer colors won’t allow this, but those manicures are likely to chip sooner.

My Favorite Colors

• Essie Gel Couture Pre-show Jitters

• Essie Gel Couture Matter of Fiction

• Essie Gel Couture Fairy Taylor (very sheer)

• Essie Gel Couture Sizzling Hot

• Essie Gel Couture Caviar Bar

This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I may earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through my link without any extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

The Best Mom Shorts for Spring

I am by no means a fashion blogger. I am a casual girl who occasionally will wear a wedge and think I’m hot shit.

My uniform is typically shorts, a tee, and sandals. I live in Florida so there are literally only about 2 months out of the entire year where I have to throw on a pair of full length pants, so I like to purchase my shorts wisely.

A few weeks ago I noticed that the temperatures were warming up drastically during the day. Since I only had one pair of shorts at the time, I knew that it was time to make a few purchases to fit my body as this point, 5 months postpartum.

I am no where near the weight that I was before having kids. My trouble areas are still my trouble areas, but I feel just as strong as ever. Just so that you have a frame a reference if you choose to use my words as a source for your own purchase - I most certainly have a mom pooch and large (strong) thighs. Those two together make purchasing shorts particularly laborious.

So here is the criteria that I had when looking for the best pairs of mom shorts to get me through the next few months:

No flashing when I bend over

High waisted

Loose around the thigh

Versatile - could be styled different ways

Affordable - no single piece pricier than $50

Here are the contenders that I found:

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1 Old Navy High-Waisted Boyfriend Jean Shorts for Women - 3-inch inseam ($34.99)

2 American Eagle Curvy Denim Mom Shorts ($41.04)

3 Target DENIZEN from Levi’s Women’s High-Rise Jean Shorts

4 American Eagle Stretch Curvy Denim Mom Shorts ($45.60)

5 Amazon Essentials Women's 4" Denim Short ($18)

6 Old Navy Mid-Rise Slim Midi Distressed Jean Shorts for Women - 5-inch inseam ($29.99)

And here are my findings:

First of all, when did ‘mom shorts’ become a style? Is it supposed to be an attempt at mocking the late eighties style mom jeans? I still am not quite sure why a store whose main demographic is teenagers is trying to make ‘mom shorts’ a thing, but I digress.

The three stand out winners were:

American Eagle Stretch Curvy Denim Mom Shorts ($45.60)

Yes, they were the most expensive of the contenders. They were also the softest. The fit was comfortable without looking frumpy. I think they would more appropriately be called boyfriend shorts. I do think they run a bit large. I had to order one size down to get the best fit - and that is saying something for a woman who has had three kids.

Amazon Essentials Women's 4" Denim Short ($18)

If I was only able to buy one pair from this whole experiment, it would be these. They are almost as soft as the pair almost triple their price. They aren’t distressed so you could dress them up - FL girls know what I’m talking about. They are also short shorts without showing the whole world your whole business.

Old Navy Mid-Rise Slim Midi Distressed Jean Shorts for Women - 5-inch inseam ($29.99)

I was surprised I liked these so much because a 5” inseam seems long on a 5’5” woman. However, these are the shorts I will wear if I find myself outdoors for a long time in the dead of summer. The length will help keep the aforementioned large and strong thighs from chafing. (Excuse me while I high five a million angels Liz Lemon style.)

The biggest loser was:

Target DENIZEN from Levi’s Women’s High-Rise Jean Shorts

Holy Smokes - just awful. They felt like sandpaper. They were baggy in all the wrong places, but the waist was appropriately sized and somehow I had camel toe at the same time. Stay far far away from these.

The rest were just average. I knew that I was aiming for three pairs that could be worn in different situations that were comfortable and stylish. The other contenders just didn’t check the boxes as well as the top three.

This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I may earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through my link without any extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Utility Jacket 3 Ways

It might seem early, but spring has sprung in Central Florida. We are averaging highs in the low 70s and cool mornings. Pretty much the only jacket I grab in this kind of weather is my utility jacket. My exact utility jacket is from the A New Day brand at Target and I LOVE it, but it is no longer available.

I easily fall into the same mom uniform , so I am posting this as much as inspiration for myself as for my loyal reader in the hopes that you can shop your own closet with variations of these outfits. Each outfit is mom friendly - shoes you can run (maybe jog) after a child in and no low cut tops so you can bend down to pick up said child.

Shop Utility Jackets

LL Bean | Old Navy | Target | Nordstrom | Madewell

Date Night

Graphic Tee

Faux Leather Leggings

Booties

Boho Casual

Blouse

Jeans

Espadrilles

Elevated Everyday

Dress

Sneakers

This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I may earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through my link without any extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Christmas Family PJs

I’m going to assume that pretty much everyone has jumped on the Christmas jammies tradition. I hadn’t heard about it until I was pregnant with Brooks. I love it! It’s a great way to be festive and cozy. Last year we wore our PJs all day! It was great considering we had a 1.5 year old and a one month old to manage.

Below are some of my favorites. I love the Hanna Anderson brand, but if that’s not in your budget there are some great options below. This year we opted for a more winter holiday Target option vs. tradition red and green. They are so soft! Highly recommend those as well. And if you’re looking at this last minute, there are some Prime options too.

Happy Cozy Holidays!

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This post contains affiliate links. An affiliate link means that I may earn a referral fee if you make a purchase through my link without any extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!

Florida Mom Fall Capsule Wardrobe

This post was updated in August 2020. Links below may be affiliate links.

Since becoming a mom, I have realized two things:

I recycle what I wear A LOT

I do laundry A LOT

With these two things I mind, I have decided to embrace a capsule style wardrobe of high quality basics mixed with some affordable more seasonal items to develop a mom and Florida friendly fall capsule wardrobe.

That means I don’t do heavy jackets or low necklines that flash the goods when picking up small people. I do embrace sensible shoes, comfortable pants and dresses with a little length. Dry clean only? Nope, not an option. Gimme all the light, layering pieces!

denim jacket | sweatshirt | utility jacket | cream cardigan | oxford | tee | chambray shirt | henley | tank | dark wash jeans | black leggings | black jeans | denim jumpsuit | short sleeve shirt dress | perforated sneaker | cut out booties | hat | tote

A few notes about my favorite pieces:

Old Navy Tees + Tanks

The Luxe line of shirts are super soft. They’re also surprisingly durable for the price tag. They don’t fade quickly, and will easily last wash after wash.

Distressed Black Jeans vs. Dark Wash Denim

I love the versatility with these two kinds of pants. Sure, they are similar but once you change the shoes with each or roll the cuff, you have a completely different look. I have a distressed black ankle pant and then a basic skinny jean in a dark wash. They’re different enough that the end looks stand out.

Dresses

Typically I opt for pants when I have the boys with me, but sometimes I like to feel a bit more feminine. When that’s the case, I choose dresses with length and a higher neckline. Again, changing the shoes and adding outwear give you a brand new look.

Shoes

I will always be falling back to sandals (hello, I am a FL girl), but these sneakers + slides give the aire of fall while still being FL heat friendly. The perforations on the sneaker and open back on the slides allow air flow. I aways wear footy socks with the sneakers just to help with the sweat/stink.

Tote

This is definitely a splurge, but it is so worth it. I am a bag lady. Not the homeless kind, the obsessive kind. I haven’t purchased another bag since I got this one nearly a year ago. It goes with everything. If you don’t want to get it yourself, put it on the top of your holiday gift list.

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These essentials will get me through really the entire fall/winter season in Florida. With these in tow, I can grab a view trendy pieces to add in - hello, leopard and plaid!- and be set for the season. So let’s grab that PSL, set the AC way low, and pretend that its a balmy 60 degrees, Floridians. Then reign it in, it’s still 90.

Where to Shop for the Postpartum Mom Bod

About a month before I had my first son, I realized that I had zero clothes to wear once I had him.  I knew I would likely be back into my midsize maternity clothes, but I was also hopeful that some weight would fall off quickly. 

Since I was unsure of where my body would be, I knew I didn't want to shell out tons of money for cute clothes that would likely only be worn around the house and be covered in spit up.  My top two criteria were comfort and cost, but here are some other thoughts I had while shopping: 

• I don't want anything touching or rubbing my tummy (C-section momma here)

• I'm efficient, so my clothes need to be too.  If it doesn't allow me to greet guests and take a nap, it's not for me

• I want to feel like my old self (carefree style, without looking frumpy) as soon as possible! 

• I won't touch 'dry clean only' with a ten foot pole

With all of that in mind, I consistently found myself filling up the digital cart at Aerie, Loft, and Old Navy.  

Note: If you buy anything from these stores that isn't on sale, you're a sucker.  There are always sales! Be patient! You will be able to snag something good under $20. 

Below are some items that I love from each store, and why they are a great option for the postpartum momma.  

AERIE

Wait, you mean the satellite store from American Eagle? You bet I do! If you feel uncomfortable shopping in a store overflowing with judgmental preteens, maybe just shop online.  

This store has the most comfortable loungewear! Soft and stretchy without sacrificing style is the name of the game.  I especially love the bralets.  Most can just be pulled aside when nursing, and you feel cute falling back to sleep in them.  Plus, you won't sweat all over a cute sleep shirt when the night sweats kick in.  (Ain't life grand?!) 

Plus, they have oodles of underwear at a reasonable price.  I found that getting back to my usual style of underwear after bleeding for weeks (again, that life is just grand!) was an instant mood booster.  I immediately felt better about myself when I wasn't sliding into stained parachute sized bloomers. 

Aerie is also one of the first brands to embrace body positivity.  Their #AerieReal campaign is flawless and empowering.  It would be a great place to look when your body still doesn't quite feel like yours yet. 

LOFT

With each child, I seemed to have an event (wedding or otherwise) after just a few short weeks. [ READ: Something to which I couldn't wear loungewear.] To my delight, Loft, a store that I frequented before two tiny humans forever changed my body, still worked for postpartum. Every season they have looks that incorporate a wrap style, which for the fashion novice is considered universally flattering.  In addition, Loft isn't usually one for form fitting clothes, so shift dresses and flowy and feminine are easy to spot here! 

OLD NAVY

Old Navy has been the end-all-be-all for me- the holy grail- if you will.  First, the clothes are ridiculously affordable AND cute.  But the thing that always brings me back is the Rockstar brand of jeans. 

Let me tell you, I HATE JEANS SHOPPING WITH THE PASSION OF 1,000 FIRES. It is sweaty and soul crushing.  But the Rockstar brand always works for me - jegging, straight leg- all of them.  In addition, nearly every style offers mid and high rise, which after the development of my eternal mom pouch was essential for my ego. 

I was also recently shocked to find the most comfortable sandal for the summer ( in Florida that is March-December)  at Old Navy.  My mom always critiques the amount of support that my shoes [don't] have, and these passed that test! There are still a few colors - buy them now! 

Bonus about Old Navy - the baby clothes.  They are precious + affordable.  I'm talking $4 for onesies.  My favorite is the footed, zipper pajamas.  When you don't have to find 1,000 teeny buttons at 3am, you'll be thanking Old Navy.  

I've ordered from all these stores online, and returns have been a piece of cake when something hasn't been right.  

As you are approaching your postpartum bod, I hope these stores bring you back to your old self like they did for me! 

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