6 Ways to Help You Get "Your Groove" Back!

Thanks to Olay for sponsoring today's discussion, they know what a mama needs! With that said, all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

Are you ready to get your groove back?

No, we aren't talking about anyone named Stella today... and getting your "groove back" is most definitely easier said than done as a new mom. It's hard enough to find the time to shower and put product in my hair, as I've shared recently, so talking about getting back to being the old you is basically like discussing how you'll be riding a unicorn to your next rainbow convention. The thing is when you give a child life, your life is forever changed and getting back to who you were pre-baby just isn't going to happen.

While you won't ever be the "old you", that doesn't mean you can't get back into the swing of things, you can totally still find your groove again. I'm easing back into "my groove" and well, some days I walk around with my hair in a top knot and peaches on my ear lobe, but as I'm getting used to life with a little wild child, the days that involve a little hair straightening and a dress seem to be happening more and more often and for that I'm thankful.

Okay, so I'll admit, I haven't entirely perfected "my groove" and I'm far from a "supermom", today I want to share a handful of ways to hopefully get you feeling a tiny bit more like a human and a little less like a meal on heels. Whether you're in the same, stay-at-home-mom, breastfeeding 24/7, teething like it's no bodies business boat, or you're sailing the treacherous seas of a sassy toddler, I hope you're able to find a little piece of you again and maybe a little peace of mind... and here's how I suggest you do that:


1. Make lists and schedules - I'm the queen of list making here on the blog, but believe it or not, I stink at staying organized in my daily life. That's changed since having D though and I'm working on prioritizing and I've even made a daily schedule and a meal plan as of late. Living spur of the moment is all fun and games, until you have kids... then it's seriously time to start making a plan so you can get stuff done and that's where lists and scheduling comes into play.

2. Find your people - Speaking of play, finding your people and getting some "play time" in is so important for mama mentality. Instead of always jabbering in baby talk, take a day off from mom duties every once in a blue moon, and treat yourself to a pedicure with your bestie or a walk around the block while playing pokemon with the neighbor kid, whatever suits your fancy - just find your people and spend time with them.

3. Freshen up with Olay - Speaking of finding things, once you have kids you will need to find skin care products that work for you. While life is full of rewarding moments as a parent, I will say having Delainey has aged me a little. Smile lines, a few wrinkles in my forehead... I'm starting to look 28. Instead of stressing (and possibly causing more wrinkles), I'm doing my best to prevent anymore signs of rapid aging by being proactive and that's why I participated in Olay's 28 Day Skin Study.

Instead of guessing which products I need, I used Olay's Skin Advisor Tool and found out my I'm in need of the Depuffing eye roller, because hellloooooooo dark circles... and the 7 in 1 Total Effects Anti-Aging Moisturizer is the perfect product for my freckled, sunkissed skin, it's light enough to feel comfortable but definitely gets the moisturizing job done! I grabbed both on a Walmart run and my life and skin care routine forever changed!

Adding these two products to my daily routine for the last 28 days has been life changing. I feel like a whole new woman, with a fresh face... and that means a lot for a tired mom.

Are you interested in finding out which Olay products would help your skin? Whether you're a "young mom" hoping to prevent more damage and those pesky under eye circles or your the Gigi of a precious little babe, it's time for you to meet your match. Check out the line and find out which products are best for you here.

4. Own your truth - Admit that you can't do everything - as much as you want to. We all want to be super mom, but honestly, some days we need a little help. If you're having a rough day, ask a friend to come over and get some baby snuggles. If you need a break from the chaos, step outside and lay down in the hammock for a little bit while dad wrangles the kids. It's okay to ask for help... and it's also totally okay if you are a planner and great at multi-tasking too, keep up the good work, just know it's good to take a break and breathe every once in a while as well.

5. Do your thing - While taking care of a baby is time consuming, finding time for your hobbies will help you feel more like you. So once baby goes down for the night, bust out some paints and canvas or pull out your violin and get to strummin'.

6. Move - I don't mean pick up and move to another city... unless that's something you want to do, then hey - go for it. I mean get out and wiggle around on the dance floor or take a class at Orange Theory, get your body on the move and your "groove" will be back in no time. There's just something about those workout endorphins!

With that said, it's time for me to be on the move... but I'd love to hear about where you stand with "your groove"? If you're in the swing of things and feeling fine, I'd love to hear how you got there and if you have any tips to share... and if you're in the same hot-mess-mom-in-transition situation as me, I'd love to hear about your struggle with your minion. Tell me all about it in the comments below.

The BIG SECRET to Keeping Your Skin Hydrated All Year Long!

Living in the Sunshine State has its perks, there's no doubt about that. One perk is the sun and all the gorgeous weather, but the downside of all this Vitamin D is it makes my skin super dry if I don't keep it hydrated. That's where Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer comes into the picture.

Whether you live by the sun or spend time in the cold, Curél® is the answer to your dry skin blues. Want proof? Lucky for you, Curél® and a bunch of bloggers (including myself) teamed up to apply Curél® Hydra Therapy daily and officially reveal to you how you can keep your skin hydrated... all year long!

Believe it or not, applying Curél® Hydra Therapy after my shower, once a day, really does make my skin softer and no joke: I noticed a difference after just one use. It’s a little different than my usual moisturizer. I applied this right after I got out of the bath, before toweling off. Why after the shower though? After showering, your pores are open, providing an easy pathway for moisture to absorb into your skin! There isn’t even a need to rub the moisturizer in, just towel off and go about your day. Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer with Advanced Ceramide Complex penetrates deeply into the skin's surface at this point bringing moisture to the source of dryness. It absorbs immediately and with daily use will end your dry skin! I’ve found that the dry, rough patches I had before now look much smoother, and my skin overall appears more hydrated and well nourished. I’m super happy with it!

Not only will Curél® Hydra Therapy hydrate your skin, this moisturizer is immediately absorbed - leaving no greasiness! Plus it's fragrance free and dermatologist recommended, so you don't have to worry about it irritating your skin, even if you’re like me and you have super sensitive skin!
With all of that said, I think I'm ready to reveal the big secret Curél®, 39 other bloggers and I have been working on together. Check out this "End of Dry Skin" graphic, it really will be the beginning of so much
more for you:

Speaking of the beginning of something much more, I think we need to talk about something important! I'm giving away $100 to ONE lucky commenter! So tell me, what's your favorite part of the "End of Dry Skin" graphic...? Will you start adding Curél® Hydra Therapy Wet Skin Moisturizer into your shower routine? I'd love to hear what you think in the comments below!

Entry Instructions:
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You may receive (2) total entries by selecting from the following entry methods:
1. Leave a comment in response to the sweepstakes prompt on this post
2. Tweet (public message) about this promotion; including exactly the following unique term in your tweet message: “#SweepstakesEntry”; and leave the URL to that tweet in a comment on this post
3. Blog about this promotion, including a disclosure that you are receiving a sweepstakes entry in exchange for writing the blog post, and leave the URL to that post in a comment on this post
This giveaway is open to US Residents age 18 or older (or nineteen (19) years of age or older in Alabama and Nebraska). Winners will be selected via random draw, and will be notified by e-mail. The notification email will come directly from BlogHer via the sweeps@blogher email address. You will have 2 business days to respond; otherwise a new winner will be selected.
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This sweepstakes runs from 3/2-3/31
Be sure to visit the brand page on BlogHer.com where you can read other bloggers’ posts!

4 Reasons You Should Add Crown & Ivy to Your Wardrobe

I admit I'm a shopaholic, there's no denying that fact... so today I need to share I'm absolutely head-over-heels with some new pieces I added to my wardrobe. I mean, when you find jeans you just LOVE and tops that are the perfect mixture of cute and cozy, that's when everyone you know needs to hear about it, am I right? If you agree... get ready to fall in love with Crown & Ivy as well! Here's 4 reasons you should add this amazing brand and their cute clothes to your wardrobe today!

4 Reasons You Should Add Crown & Ivy to Your Wardrobe

1. Sisterhood of The Traveling Pants style jeans - That's right, their jeans are unbelievably comfortable and have just enough stretch that my new mama bod looks great in them still. They offer just enough structure that I don't feel like I'm rocking jeggings but they are comfortable enough that I don't even notice I'm wearing pants, the perfect combination for a cozy winter day - in my opinion!

2. Patterns and Design - From open flare backs with fun dancing elephants, like my new top, to playful reindeer on a sweater, Crown & Ivy has a little bit of everything and it's all so cute. I walked around the Crown & Ivy section of Belk and went on a bit of a shopping spree this past week. After having a baby I need some new winter items and fell in love with everything C&I had out on the shelves! Whether you want to add a cute new vest or a funky new scarf, Crown & Ivy likely has the perfect new quirky addition you are looking for and that's why I love this brand so much!

3. Sold at Belk - When I go shopping, I like to go where I'm treated well and the service is attentive and that's exactly what happens every time I step into a Belk. I love that I was able to find the items I needed and the lady that helped check me out was super helpful and friendly and even made sure to apply hand sanitizer before handing me my receipt, she said she was doing it "just in case" but wanted to make sure"to keep my baby healthy" by not exposing her to any extra germs. It may not seem like a major detail, but customer service like that matters BIG TIME to me. I like that at Belk I feel like the employees actually care about the customers, it says a lot about the company!

4. Dressy or Casual -  Crown & Ivy has you covered! This brand offers a little bit of everything, as I mentioned. I loved being able to grab something a bit more sophisticated and sassy like the open back sweater and then I was able to grab a fun and funky, cozy long sleeve tee with a giant pineapple on the back! It's this playful nature to the Crown & Ivy line that keeps drawing me in, yet I'm still able to dress like an adult. 

With all of that said, I think it's easy to see why I'm so in love with the Crown & Ivy line at Belk. Interested in seeing all the other adorableness in the winter 2016 collection? Click here and tell me your favorite item from the line, I'd love to hear all about it... or take a second and stop in to your local Belk sometime soon!

5 Fall Fashion Tips for You + a $$$ saving coupon!

I've always been one that's excited to find a bargain, whether I'm hunting down the coolest styles on the racks at a local thrift store or scouring the web for a new trendy piece of clothing. So when I heard about ThredUp and the awesome deals they offer on designer items, I was just a little excited... and by just a little, I mean like incredibly, super excited!

Instead of just adding a few items to my cart as I perused the app, I added nearly everything I saw. With featured picks and a variety of galleries, I spent hours adding oodles of items into my cart, if you've ever used the app - you know what I mean.

After I decided I only really need to buy a handful of items, it was time to check out. Instead of paying a jillion dollars for my new designer duds, I ended up paying nearly nothing! While the items in my cart totaled to $93.96, their actual worth was $370 if I had went in stores and made these purchases, and get this - with this coupon (LNB15) I saved enough to make my purchase for only $56! Enough about the money, let's get to the real important stuff - the fashion tips and my new additions to my wardrobe!

1. This fall, keep things deep and dark with pops of color. Blacks, browns, and deep shades of navy are what you'll find me in this fall... but only with pops of color or other deep colors added into the mix! Take this adorable black blouse from Ted Baker for example. Paired with a black pair of leggings and a super fun pair of shoes, this is the perfect look this fall! Add a flowy cardigan for a warmer addition to the look and you're set!

2. The next item is also part of the deep color scheme, but it's addressing a different tip - don't be intimidated by any style! While fitted styles after having a baby sound like they may not look amazing, I have to brag about this gorgeous navy lace skirt from Ambiance Apparel. It's the cutest new addition to my closet, paired with a comfy blazer or a chambray shirt and a pair of boots - this is a piece I'll be rocking all through out the chillier weather! For now, I love this look with heels...

3. Speaking of boots, my next tip is to not follow just one "style trend", take the time to find your own way in the fashion world - like this outfit for example: This casual dress from Express has an intricate detail and would typically be paired with a fancy pair of heels to compliment the elegance, I made it my own by adding a pair of riding boots and I love the way it looks! It's the perfect mixture of bohemian and classic, two of my favorites, with my own little twist.

 

4. While having your own style is great, the tip above leads me to this tip - stay true to the classics if nothing else works. Like this black blouse, it's a great classic piece that will remain timeless and is a great asset to any closet.

5. My final tip is never pay full price, for any item in your closet! We all love designer items, but you can find amazing deals on ThredUp for all the same items at prices that are unheard of! Get 15% off your order if you've used ThredUp before with the code "LNB15" OR if you've never shopped ThredUp before use the code YHJ75 for $30 off $75! Now click here and start shopping!

So tell me, what are your fashion tips? I'd love to hear all about your preferred styles in the comments belo!

Fall Stitch Fix: Learning to Love My Fuller Figure with This Fix!

After having a baby, I hoped to have my pre-baby body back in days... I would have even been okay with seeing my weight jump back to a normal number within weeks. But alas, I'm still carrying around a couple of extra pounds and I'm totally rocking a mama pooch at this point. While I'm not exactly satisfied with my shape at this moment, I'm learning to find confidence in my mom-bod... just like the "dad-bod" was fully embraced by society, I'm trying to do the same for myself.

One of the best ways I've found to embrace my curvier figure is continuing my Stitch Fix subscription post-natal. The maternity fixes they sent were amazing and I loved my box when I was thinner, but having a stylist help me style my fuller-figured self this month was life changing and so incredibly flattering.

On that note, we'll start with the most flattering items in my fix. I fell in love with this fun and funky striped, polka dot, and floral-pocketed top and the leather and trimmed leggings. Both items are so incredibly adorable and the perfect additions to my wardrobe. The top is the perfect mixture of all things trendy and a great addition to my statement pieces and the bottoms are classic with a twist, my personal favorite way to rock a classic look!

The next item in the box that I am debating on keeping is the green tunic top. It's a great classic piece, but other than the color - I'm not so sure I "just love" it! I will say it's super soft and a great casual looking item. What do you think of it... Should I keep it?

Another item from my fix I'm seriously considering adding to my wardrobe is the grey asymmetrical jacket. It's definitely another fun and funky piece but I think maybe it isn't the most flattering looking for my post-baby body. The pockets are a HUGE bonus in my book but the cut of the jacket makes me feel like I'm larger than I am.

The last item in my fix, that I thought I would love but then didn't just go gaga over once it was on was the adorable patterned sweatshirt. I love, love, love this look but the way it fit my curves left something to be desired. It's so incredibly soft and just the right amount of cute so I may have to buy it in a size up or keep it just so I can plan on rocking it once I'm a little closer to my goal.

So tell me,what would you keep in this fix and what needs to go back? I love hearing your opinions and can't wait to see what you say in the comments below!

Happiness Delivered: My POPSUGAR Must Have Box for September

Thanks to PopSugar for sending this box full of items I "must have", regardless all opinions expressed below are completely my own.

If you're a fan of subscription boxes, then the PopSugar Must Haves box is one you have to try! When you sign up for a subscription you sign yourself up to essentially receive a present from yourself in the mail, each month... with two different options, a subscription and a mini subscription!  It's the best way to get to know innovative brands and try out full-sized items for yourself and your home.

While I'm a few days late posting, I can't help but brag about what arrived in my Must Haves box in September.

We'll start with the cutest little hat on the block. This fashion must have from Jack + Lucy is so-in-right-now I can't get enough of it. If you want to add a bit of a chic vibe to your style, this little beauty is the best way to do so. Add to any fall outfit and your set for the day, no hairstyle or makeup required... yes please!

Speaking of hairstyles, if you've been struggling to get your hair to cooperate then the beauty must have is just what you need! Whether you blow dry, curl, flat iron, apply a handful of products, or all of the above, your hair likely goes through a lot - instead of adding more distress to try and repair the problem, send your hair to the "spa" instead. The Briogeo Don't Despair, Repair! Deep Conditioning Mask is the perfect way to treat your hair to what it really needs! It does the job in minutes and leaves your hair feeling silky and beautiful.

Feeling beautiful doesn't just start with your hair though, a little bit of lip gloss can make a girl glow... if it's the right gloss, that is! Another beauty must have from this box is Smith & Cult's Lip Lacquer in The Warning. It's an alarming color and perfect for a pop of color this fall! Plus, it's a paraben free formula, which helps extend the wear, whether it's worn with lipstick or by itself. If you're looking for a gloss that really helps make your beauty shine, The Warning may be the perfect option!

The next item in the box doesn't come with a warning but it does involve the E.R. The NCLA MANI-ER Tool kit is so handy, literally! In this tiny little pouch, you have everything you need to make touch ups and polish your mani, especially in an emergency situation.

Another item I think they included in the home must haves that may come in handy in an emergency outside the home is the Flint Lint Roller! It's conveniently sized to fit practically anywhere and winds up and down for use - keeping you dog fur and lint free in seconds flat!

The last item in the box is maybe my favorite. Since hubby is gluten-free I always get excited when I see yummy snacks that tote this designation and The Gluten Free Bites in Dark Chocolate Coconut are some of my new favorite snacks in our house. With just the right amount of coconut and dark chocolate to leave me craving another one, I love popping these little guys in my mouth to treat myself after a long day.

So there you have it, my most recent Must Haves box was amazing... I think we all can agree! Are you a Must Haves subscriber? Click here and order your own box (don't forget to use the code SHOP5, which never expires, to get $5 off your first box)! Also, if you feel like chatting, tell me about one item you hope arrives in your box when you sign up!