Gettin' my fix: Stitch Fix #6

Sept 12, 2013 was the last time I blogged about my fashion passion Stitch Fix! I stopped getting my fixes because I found out in October 2013 I was pregnant- I knew I wouldn't be fitting into their stylings. Side note: they now style maternity! Wish I had held out and participated in that.

Anyways, to celebrate the good work I've been doing (I've lost over 50 lbs since having the baby and I'm finally wearing my prepreggo jeans again) I decided to get back into the Stitch Fix game! Without further ado, here is what came in my cute little box from my favorite stylist, Jackie!

Pixley- Martina SLub Knit Open Cardigan

This was pretty much just a basic comfy black cardigan. I really liked it. But, not for the price of $48. So I decided this pretty early on as a PASS.

Skies are Blue - York Geo Print Henley Blouse

I knew as soon as I saw this print I was in love. I tried it on and I love how light and airy the fit is. I tried it on with both jeans and dress pants. This was an easy choice for me. Definitely KEEP.

Market & Spruce- Aleah V-Neck Solid Dolman Sleeve Shirt

I've long wanted to try the big oversized dolman shirts, so I was glad to see one in my box. I love the material. It was super soft and very comfortable. What I don't like is this boring oatmeal color. It doesn't look good on my skin at all. Also, I get the baggy look- but this was just TOO big. It didn't make me feel good at all. Pretty easy to PASS.

Urban Expressions Elisha Zipper Accent Structured Satchel

Why is my weakness a cute bag, especially anything this color? I know I shouldn't keep it...but I did. In my defense, I'm thinking about making it my camera bag. KEEP!

Loveappella- Carlita Multi Chevron Print Maxi Dress

And finally, the dress. I love this print because chevron. Need I say more. I tried it on and for the most part it flattered what needed flattering. In the end, because I bought the purse I couldn't justify the cost of the maxi dress. I mean, almost $80 for something you basically wad up and wear to the beach. Nah. Not for me. I love you cute little dress! But, I think I can find something similar at Target or one of the boutique stores in town- maybe even amazon! This was a PASS.

Overall, I'm excited to be back on a Stitch Fix kick. I went ahead and put in for my next shipment to come right before graduation- I even special requested a new LBD- because one can never have too many of those. I can't wait to share my next box with you all. Remember, if you are interested in getting in the Stitch Fix game, I would totally love it if you used my referral :) 

So it's time for a post...

I've been itching to write, and so... Here is something I've worked on for literally months:

I read somewhere that you're supposed to talk to babies the same as you talk in conversation with adults. And that you should talk often. Well, I've been doing that a good bit with PR. 

She's a little over 39 weeks (gosh I started this post over 25 weeks ago) and we've talked a lot. We've even hit some of the "tough" subjects already. Even some pretty hilarious ones. The main thing that starts most of our mommy/baby dialogs? Everyday media and pop culture.

I'm pretty sure I can pinpoint the start of our talks to the Rockabye Baby Lullaby version of Kanye West's Golddigger song. I played it and PR loved it! She's actually very fond of Kanye's work circa the RBL style- maybe it's because when I was pregnant I listened to his first two albums a whole bunch? I digress. I remember playing the song and singing along and of course there's some very interesting subject material. Well, since she enjoyed it so much I figured I might as well explain it to her. So I did. I talked to her about what a "gold digger" was, and then I talked to her about my high hopes for her that she'll be a strong and independent woman that doesn't have to rely on anyone when she's older (but that, of course, she could always rely on her parents). 

All that to introduce what may or

may not become a feature of this blog (because let's face it I've already learned not to make plans): Baby Talks. I want to share with you all some of the fun or more interesting talks I've had with PR or talks I plan to have with her.

First up: Meghan Trainor's All About That Bass. In this house we ALL love this jam. I play it to and from work, while at work, Tim plays it to make the baby girl sleep- we are all in fact all about that bass over here!

So listening to this song over and over I got to thinking about the lyrics, my own body image and the sudden anxiety/fear I have for raising a girl. 

As the song states, "yeah it's pretty clear I ain't no size two." I have long struggled with my weight and appearance and go through phases of loving my body and hating it- this has only been amplified by being pregnant and now having a postpartum body. This is nothing unique to me, and that's actually what I love about the song because I think the song addresses that even "skinny bitches" have issues with body image as well. 

For PR, you are a beautiful baby girl and I have no doubt you'll continue to grow into a beautiful little girl and someday a beautiful woman. My hope and prayer for you is that you will be confident not just in your physical body, but your entire being. I love you, nugget. 

Strange Milk or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Boob

I am self admittedly a recent convert to the breastfeeding legion of mommies. My mother formula fed all of her children- and let me go ahead and say there is nothing wrong with any of us (ok maybe my siblings, but not me- just kidding...ha...).

Tim and I had briefly discussed it as an abstract concept before even trying to have kids, much in the same way you talk about all kinds of things you've not yet experienced or situations where you try to think you know how you'll react. He and his sisters were all breastfed and he jokingly insisted his theoretical child would be. Anyone who knows me at all knows I'm a stubborn Southern gal, and I do not take kindly to ever being told what I am going to do.

I was one of those people who thought it was "weird." Probably because I hadn't grown up with it, and the only memory I have of seeing it was at a water park where a very endowed mother was feeding a very not so small child. That probably mortified me and turned me off to the idea of ever breastfeeding. Wait- actually that IS what mortified me.

I've been blessed to teach a speech class at the collegiate level for many years now. Each class I always learn something from the various speeches- and I can remember a few students selecting breastfeeding topics. I've also had friends here and there talk about the benefits (can we say FREE FOOD). So in general I knew that breast probably was, in fact, best.

I've already mentioned the birthing class that Tim and I took, but we also took a follow up breastfeeding class as well. And let me pause to say: the lactation consultant at St Francis is Ah-may-ZING! Like seriously- we couldn't be more blessed to know Carolyn (she taught one half of our birthing class as well). For any of my friends to yet have babies and be down with all the lingo- a lactation consultant is a person who is basically a boobie/milk whisperer. They know everything, or well at least Carolyn does! If you choose to breastfeed, I highly recommend getting in touch with one and making sure it's a service your hospital offers (once again big kudos to the very pro-breastfeeding St Francis). The class was so helpful and really did give me a good base for what to expect when it came time to feed the little one. It definitely sealed the deal for me in terms of wanting to try and exclusively breastfeed our little one.

We were also blessed that so far, knock on wood, we haven't had any issues. Baby girl is almost three months, which means I've almost made it three months breastfeeding exclusively. And I'm kind of obsessed- at least with learning about and talking to others about it. I love the Kellymom website! It has great information. I also loved attending a support group that is offered once a week at St Francis. I have not been able to go because of my return to work, but I plan to attend this week on my late lunch hour.

Because I will be honest again- breastfeeding exclusively is a full time job and it is not easy. These women who make it out to be hearts and rainbows must make a happy hormone that I am lacking because starting out I was miserable (and some days I'm still miserable). Not only are you constantly feeding at first to establish your supply- the poop! Oh the poop monitoring! I have to know about each color and consistency of her poop! I never thought I would become a poop aficionado! It's enough to give me anxiety attacks. Enter the support group- it makes things so much better and it has only fueled my passion for learning more about breastfeeding.

Like I said, I'm a little obsessed and obviously a person who gets easily anxious. I was incredibly worried about returning to work and having to pump. Especially lugging this giant bag of breastmilking supplies around. I keep three sets of pumping parts so I don't have to waste time cleaning at work. I feel guilty already having to pump at work- even though I know it is my legal right and I've got it set up so I can work and pump at the same time. But, all seems to be going well. I chug a ton of Gatorade :) I'm constantly updating stats on my Pump Log app- 250 oz in the freezer yall!!!

All this to say, I'm really glad I tried something outside of my comfort zone. I feel like I'm doing the absolute best I can for this tiny little human. I certainly don't think formula is poison or anything, so if I were to "run dry" tomorrow, I'd be sad, but I know we'll all survive. Some moms can't breast feed and some simply choose not to do it- and that's their right as a mom. Babies still keep on :)

***Update*** So I originally wrote most of this a couple of weeks ago- a little here and there. I thought I should include that I truly feel like I've been inducted into the legion of breastfeeding moms because last week on my work trip I nursed in the car at a rest stop and I just didn't care. And, bless her heart, if you're my Facebook friend then you know I got walked in on at work today by my work study student. Doesn't even phase me (even though she may be mortified). It's so funny to me how we are all almost ashamed of our bodies to the point of hiding what really is a sweet moment between a mother and child. I'm not saying I'm about to throw my boob in your face, no I'm still likely to cover it up, but it's just something to think about why we're so ready to hide.

Why your plans don't matter- at least in my experience

Your plans really do not matter. Seriously- your plans are as useful as a blueprint written on etch-a-sketch. At least that has been my experience. Everything from deciding we wanted to have children, to our daughter's birth and even this blog post- it's all completely different than what I could have ever planned.

Tim and I decided we wanted to start a family back in June of 2012- I remember this because the same night we talked about it, we went out and bought a Playstation 3. Hindsight: I now realize that is maybe one of the many reasons we weren't ready to be parents just yet! Regardless, we had decided and I'm a stubborn Southern gal and I wanted to have a baby right then. Of course, it didn't happen. And it kept not happening. Talk about major discouragement and wrecking plans! It wasn't until 16 months later that we would find out that we were expecting.

Fast forward to birthing classes. I like to learn, I like to prepare...I like to plan- so I signed us up to take birthing classes at St. Francis. It is worth mentioning that Tim was not a fan of this idea at first, but he was a good husband and decided to actively participate. I had also joined a mom's group on Facebook for July 2014 moms. Between the two I learned about birth plans. Birth plans are these cute little lists, sometimes really elaborate and illustrated, of all the things you think you want and don't want at birth. Sounds normal for someone like me who loves making lists! But really, what I think snapped me into the reality of "your plans don't matter" is when we played a game that included all these crazy scenarios that meant you couldn't have your epidural, or your natural birth etc. I remember going home after class that night and telling Tim, "you know...birth plans are stupid because anything can happen. I think we need to play this as it comes." Sounds like maybe I had made an adult and very mature conclusion....but really in the back of my head I was still probably thinking "I WANT ALL THE DRUGS!!!" Actually I know I wanted the drugs because I clearly remember asking for them during birth and was told "Oh honey, you need to push..."

On that not, fast forward just a little bit more to the birth of our daughter. Many of you already know, but our kid is known as Six Minutes at the hospital. Basically, I labored all day at work, and then some at home, and then a little at the hospital. Apparently not enough though. I was sent home from the hospital with an Ambien and told to go home and relax after three hours (are you kidding me???). We made it home...I took a bath, a shower, got in the bed...then my water broke. Little one decided she needed to get out. She almost came in the car. I begged my husband to pull over because I knew our baby was coming...alas..he did not oblige- he had his own plan. From the time I got out on the curb of the ER, to the time my baby was born...SIX MINUTES! There were no IVs, no hospital gowns, no time for checking in new paperwork, most importantly to a wimp like me...NO DRUGS!!! I basically took off my ill fitting sweatpants and gave birth. I mean talk about a HUGE slap in the face to planners! Nothing about what happened to us was in any sort of game plan (actually well, I'm glad I had started earlier that week packing a hospital bag for everyone- that did help- even if they weren't finished). I can honestly say though I never expected to have a natural birth like that! Some people tell me they are jealous...but I don't know. It was pretty scary- and then there's the lovely fact my daughter was birthed into this world while I wore a shirt that said "Sleep Now, Study Later."

Even this blog post. I had all these plans for maternity leave, and now here it is - I'm seven weeks in, and I "plan" to go back after nine weeks. I was going to blog every day- every single milestone about our little one. I was going craft all kinds of stuff, even make her scrapbook. Geez, I was going to at least finish her nursery. None of that has happened. I am breastfeeding on demand and wow- that takes up a lot of your time- basically all of your time because you never know when the baby will want to eat. Luckily, she is starting to form some patterns, plus we have Nana helping us with chores, etc. I also attend an amazing breastfeeding moms group.

So let me reiterate this life lesson I'm actively learning. Planning is great, but don't agonize over every single tiny detail (so.hard.for.me.to.type.that.) because life has its own plans. I'm taking it one day at a time and enjoying getting to know this beautiful baby:

Little Miss

Mommy and baby

Already a month old! Almost two!

New Adventure, New Blog Name!

I decided to just do it already! I'm reviving my blog. I've been working on a post that I hope to have ready soon, but rather than putting off and putting off I wanted to get started right now. I'm so excited to finally be a mom! Yes, that's probably why my blog was dormant for almost 10 months now. I was busy making my mini-me.

Miss Peyton Rae

Isn't she adorable? I love her so much and enjoy getting to know her more each day. Even if I'm totally sleep deprived, covered in spit-up and completely clueless on how to care for a newborn. I can't promise to write daily, or even weekly. But, I do have lots of things I'm thinking while I'm here at home with baby girl and I think my blog is the perfect place for them! Here is to a new start.

The Cure-All to a Bad Day: Stitch Fix #2

Definitely needed the pick me up tonight and I was so excited that not only did my JCREW dress arrive today, but my StitchFix came as well! Three cheers for StitchFix!

So again, the quick run down on StitchFix: you pay a $20 styling fee and they SERIOUSLY listen (in my experience) to what your preferences are and send you five items to try out. Anything you like you keep and pay the price. They have a scale of pricing options so you know going in about what to pay per item. The $20 you paid gets applied to your total, and if you keep all the items you get  25% discount off your total.

Now. For the main event, my items!!!

Daniel Rainn - Shanae Printed Tie Waist Dress $88

Tried it on!

Loved the print of this dress, but wasn't sold on the fit. It was a little too baggy in the unflattering parts of my body. The price for this was $88. In the end, PASS.

Back view

Front view: Honey Punch Payge Striped Cross-Back Sweater

And it's on.

Back view.

I enjoyed the front, but the back is just not me. This sweater was believe it or not- very snuggly and warm! It was $48 and I said PASS.

Mak - Jaclynn 3/4 Sleeve Button-Up Cardigan

Loved it!

The only problem I had with the cardigan is the color. I own this same color already :( This one was $38 and I had to PASS.

Kut from the Kloth - Warhol Polka Dot Button Up Blouse

Can you say War Eagle?

Or even Go Gators I guess. ;)

By far, my absolute favorite from the box. I felt like it was a good price too! $28 and so comfy and cool. KEEP KEEP KEEP!

41Hawthorn Amani Cowl Neck Sleeveless Blouse

Despite the photos, this baby is dark Hunter Green.

The last fix I bought a 41Hawthorn shirt, but this one didn't really do it for me. I enjoyed the cut, and fit, but Hunter Green. It was $48. I just don't have anything I think I could wear with it. So based on the color, I said PASS.

I'm pretty impressed by two things: 1) I got "Jackie" again :) and 2) they seriously pay attention! That's what I'm amazed by; it's not like Birchbox where I have lately more misses than hits. It seemed pretty planned out. I'm going ahead and scheduling a third box. This is becoming my new treat to myself! So shameless plug: try StitchFix by clicking here and signing up. I recommended in the last blog of mine that if you have a friend with a similar size, you can always go in halfsies and split boxes! Or get two boxes together and mix and match your finds. I'm certainly hooked!

Dinner at Our House: Low Sodium Living

Hello friends! It has been a little bit, but that's just my style I suppose. I pop in and out of the blogosphere whenever the mood strikes. I definitely wanted to update you all on what's being going on here at our house.
Dinners are a-changin'. Tim went to the doctor last week and discovered he's got some blood pressure issues. So step one was to limit his caffeine, and step two was to get his sodium under control. Now let me tell you what I've learned: EVERYTHING I LOVE IS FULL OF SODIUM. I'm not a gal who ever adds salt to a meal, but OMG, it's in everything delicious. Or so I thought. I'm also learning that I can make things on my own. Behold! Two experiences from the past two days: low sodium taco meat and low sodium ranch dry mix for roasting potatoes.

Low Sodium Taco Meat

All this was found in the house (OK, so we had to buy a couple items, but no biggie)

The recipe I made based on a couple of internet searches ended up being:

1 tablespoon Chili Powder

2 teaspoons Onion Powder

1 teaspoon Ground Cumin

1 teaspoon Garlic Powder

1 teaspoon Paprika

1 teaspoon Ground Oregano

Ooohhh ahhh! The colors! Did I mention it smells wonderful?

All shook up! ;)

I always use lean ground beef from Publix and after browning it I added the mix and 2/3 cup water just like you would do on the taco mix. Turned out pretty similar as far as consistency went.

See!

Now check this: 270 mg per serving, times 6 = 1,620 mg total! And what on earth is all that stuff listed in the ingredients? OH! And did I mention this packet is the "Low Sodium" version? Laugh!

When I do the math using myfitnesspal my whole mix is 83.6mg of sodium! And you already saw all my ingredients. Insanity! But, the important question is this: does is pass the taste test? It's a bit different, but I think it's something I can definitely continue to research and play with.

Low Sodium Ranch Dry Mix (I used it to roast potatoes)

If you're a follower of mine on Instagram you saw I made roasted ranch red potatoes the other night. I used a ranch packet and cooking spray to cut calories. Too bad I still had TONS of sodium in the recipe. So tonight, we had the rest of the bag of red potatoes to use up before they spouted legs and walked away (ha, ha, get it?). I again did some internet searching and decided on the following:

2 Tbsp dried parsley
1 tsp dried dill
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried thyme

This one really smelled yum!

Annnd mixed!

I once again cut up red potatoes and sprayed them in a light coating of cooking oil and then mixed in the dry spices. Threw them in the oven for about 45 minutes on 450 and stirred every 15 minutes. They smelled AWESOME! Every time Tim did a taste test he'd eat more, that's how I knew they were going to be awesome. So sodium comparison? A ranch packet has 2,160 mg of sodium!! My mix? 16.1mg! Win!!

Nom nom nom - we had it with low sodium BBQ chicken.

Did I mention that the potatoes are only 3 points per cup? Oh yes! I feel like a rockstar! Here's to trying new things and learning how to live in this low sodium lifestyle!