Post Work Out Nutrition

I was introduced to nuts.com and after chatting with them about all the cool things they have going on I decided to bring you guys a little post-workout snack inspiration.  Believe it or not this ol' mom bod makes it to the gym at least once a week.  Weather I am at the barre studio, hitting up the pilates reformer, or out for a power stroll with my tiny taskmaster.  I am determined to keep moving throughout this pregnancy.  While I am headed into the newborn days eyes wide open this time, I am also eyes wide open at how hard bouncing back to pre-baby normal can and will be.    

One of the things about working out while pregnant that I find most challenging is finding protein packed snacks that leave me feeling full and running on an even keel.  There is nothing worse than feeling light headed after a work out and craving some sugar to keep going.  I've never claimed to have the most self control but it is that moment of weakness that has me running for a latte.  To avoid that I tend to keep little snack sized portions of trail mix or almonds in my bag.   They keep me feeling full and energized without feeling guilty for snacking after a workout.  My work out days are usually days my son is in daycare.  I pack that day full of errands and keeping my energy up is super important.  You can find some other high protein snacks here.

I realize many of you probably aren't gearing your snack choices towards pregnancy.  But these snack options they have come up with are really great ideas for anyone who works out, or is looking for a healthy option to avoid the 3PM crash that has my local Starbucks backed up every afternoon.  For tips on healthy snacking check their list out here complete with recipes.

Nuts.com also carries a wide variety of dried fruit, nuts, beef jerky, candies, even candy by the color for you candy bar needs.  Because if you want to be the cutest hostess and most hated mom voted by other moms on the toddler birthday scene, you have a candy bar of course!  

So hop on over to nuts.com order up some snacks for your home, office or party and visit them on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram for more snacking inspiration.

Weekend Recovery

After a long weekend at camp, I wasn't ready for Monday. By not ready I mean Sunday night I left camp in tears because my child became so overtired and obsessed with his Grandfather I literally was in no position to parent anymore.  His refusal to ride home with either of his parents left me free to get groceries alone, clearly not passing up that opportunity even if my eyes were red from sobbing the whole way home.  Come Christmas I hope I have detoxed from these hormones and no longer cry so much... what gives?!

With my Monday morning errand already completed the night before, I scrolled Facebook and remembered some other mamas were planning to head to the beach for the day.  Annoyed I had been kicked to the curb all weekend I decided we should take his grandparent hangover to the beach to get in some quality time my soul desperately needed.  When in doubt head to the water.

I needed some last minute beach essentials, and my Starbucks fix before I could send myself back to the isolation of another lake.  He really is my best bud.  We waded in the water.  Cheers-ed with our SB cups.  Snuggled when the wind got a little crazy, and got to catch up with our MOPS friends.  Could that surfer hair be any sweeter? I vote no.  

He proved how overtired he really was by frequently acting like he was taking a nap on the beach.  Being an adventurer is exhausting people!  It was so nice to snap back to reality by easing into our week.  I am still looking for more places to day trip, and need to put some of Maine's amazing festivals on our calendar before the summer escapes us and we become a family of four! 

Summer Wanderlust

The weather around here has not been ideal.  In all honesty it has been sucky at best.  Yesterday I was in a rotten mood, I had no motivation and my little sidekick was feeling the same.  We sat around, I did a little crying (hormones and grief are a major bitch) but once the sun warmed up around lunch time I threw as much as I could in a bag and took off.  I honestly thought we were going to Bar Harbor but then decided to head to Fort Knox.  We got there around one in the afternoon, the breeze was warm and our mood was light.  

We toured the fort, he loved looking out all the windows and was terrified of the tunnels... me too kid,  me too.  We then picked up rocks and climbed the cannons over looking the river.  He held my hand the whole time leading me from one exciting thing to the next.  He kept saying "mom, look!" I love that he likes to share his excitement with me, and that he wants me to have fun too.  As we walked together he pointed out the lupines and wanted to pick them.  He hands me them one by one and encourages me to smell them.  Seriously.  Melt my heart.  

We then went over to the observation tower in the bridge.  He loved the elevator and looking out at all the "fish" which were actually fishing boats.  He hugged me in between running around in circles at the top of the tower and kept giving me kisses.  We basically had the whole place to ourselves which of course made enjoying the tower much more fun for us both.  

He napped the whole way home and when he woke up he was in the best mood still so we went to the farm for ice cream and a little chicken chasing.  We also got an X rated goat show which was quitting time for me.  Of course we weren't on the same page and he attempted to slap me while I was loading him in the car kicking and screaming.  I of course cried again while telling him he could not hit mommy... seriously hormones you can chill.  He told me it was "ok mama" and that he was in fact sorry.  

I live for days like today when everything isn't right with my soul and yet my heart can be full.  I am navigating pregnancy and grief the best way I can.  The hormones make the emotional roller coaster of losing a parent even less predictable.  Yet my heart is full, full of adventure and love.  I am so thankful I will have more days like today with him before he gets promoted to big brother.  I need to check out a few other places to day trip but we will definitely be heading back to Fort Knox... especially since it Cost $5 for the park and $3 for the ice cream... cheap date!

Pregnancy Obsessions

I go in phases with my obsessions.  A couple years ago when we moved in to our new home it was all things housewares.  I had a moment where I HAD to have fancy holiday china.  I did a long stint in crazy town and acquired an embarrassing amount of Tory Burch shoes... like around the same number as my age.... grossly over done but I still browse for a good deal and want more.  I had a weird pack n play problem for a while and we ended up needing four and are now down to two that are not appropriate for a newborn, go figure.  Pajamas have been my jam off and on for years.  I have several drawers full of them for different moods, seasons and travel.  Because who wears the same thing alone with their husband that they would an overnight trip to camp with the in laws? Obviously no one.  Of course pregnancy brings out a whole new animal in me that can't get enough of certain things and none of it makes any sense.

Lemon, cucumber and mint water.  It's my jam right now.  I drink at least two pitchers of it a day at home.  I gave up diet soda when I found out I was pregnant with bambino numero dos.  I actually drank it with Leavitt.  I had so much morning sickness, dizziness and constant exhaustion from being up at three in the morning for work and being on my feet all day.  Then running over to our new house and playing assistant GC to the actual general contractor who needed me to make decisions every single time I showed my tired face.  My diet coke addiction kept me from passing out after long shifts and my doctor didn't seem to mind even if I did get dirty looks from my mom and other 'natural' moms... so not my friends basically.  Anyways... tangent much.  This time it tastes disgusting to me and have been downing my favorite infused water all day every day.  It supposedly has detoxifying benefits, reduces inflammation in the body, and is super hydrating all expecting mama wins.  Another drink switch up is, almond milk instead of skim milk in my daily chai.  I am making them at home and the almond milk is not only less calories but is supposedly better for your gallbladder which I had some trouble with during my first pregnancy.  So far so good.

Sunless tanner.  Ok this is kind of gross but I can't help it.  I have bright blue varicose veins that look like worms making up a road map on my right leg.  It's super annoying to me and the only thing that seems to help the appearance other than all that water I'm drinking is to apply sunless tanner to my legs.  They honestly make me a little nervous and should have them looked at after pregnancy.  They reared their ugly head when I was pregnant with Leavitt and reduced in size but didn't go away after I had him.  Two and a half years later they are back with a vengeance and I'm less than trilled about it.  I also have been hitting the moisturizer up like crazy after my daily shower.  I have a long lotion routine that is getting annoying to even me.  I use the Jergens gradual tan on my legs.  Wash my hands.  Micellar water on my face.  Jergens natural glow for face.  Wash my hands.  Palmers coco butter oil on my belly.  Wash my hands.  Coconut oil lotion on my arms.  Essie feet in the clouds lotion on my feet.  Wash my hands.  It's getting a little out of control all the different lotions and washing of hands.  I had a real spray tan yesterday to even things out a bit and luckily I just look like I've been on vacation... a girl can dream.

I am obsessed with diffusing essential oils right now especially grapefruit.  I love that I can diffuse the oils for up to eight hours, and unlike a candle I can leave the house or the room and not worry that the house will burn down or my toddler will try to play with it.  Grapefruit is uplifting, clean, and energizing, all things this pregnant lady needs. 

Speaking of energizing and uplifting, the blood orange white pepper Bliss scrub and body wash have me starting every day with a citrus party in the shower.  I get these at Tj Maxx usually, but you can get them online too at Blissworld.com.  I normally don't gravitate to citrus smells but either the summer or pregnancy have to loving all things citrus.  I am also loving all things lady maintenance because I feel like a guest in my own body right now, so these little things help my state of mind.

I am sure like all of my obsessions I will be phasing things in and out like the moody pregnant person that I am.  I am really enjoying these little changes to my everyday routines.  I am also obsessively researching double strollers and am pretty sure I have picked one but if you have a suggestion send it my way! I am also pack n play shopping which is killing me to need another one.  Hope you all had a fabulous weekend! 

Who. What. Wear.

|| Dress || Vest similar || Sneakers similar ||

I found this dress on super sale at my local target for $8 when I was newly pregnant.  Right now you can get it online for 40% off with code BUMP40.  The vest is something I picked up forever ago at TJ Maxx and it keeps popping up everywhere at every TJ Maxx I go to... I have it in tan and gray also.  I wear them all the time in every season and I'm pretty shameless about it.  I linked a similar one I am coveting right now because its pretty hard to mess this super easy outfit up.  Just add screaming toddler and you are ready for the weekend.  I ran errands and had a quick lunch out with my little family... we consumed our weight in chips, salsa and guac and spent the afternoon in the bounce house.  There is no better way to spend a day in my book. 

|| Top || Similar Top || Jeans || 

I kinda hate this shirt.  Its for sure going to be more adorable when there is more baby in that bump.  For now the elastic kinda hits me funny (i.e. makes its way under my boobs) and the shirt is way fuller than whats going on underneath.  Thats the worst part of maternity clothes for me.  I buy so they will fit until the end but getting there is a challenge! I linked a sort of similar top because there is only an XXL left memorial day sales tend to do that to maternity selections... not cool.  Not going to lie I wear these jeans embarrassingly a lot.  I did a couple errands from home online and had coffee at my house with a friend.  I tossed my white converse on at some point in the day and got groceries with Leavitt in the embarrassing flaming truck cart while he hammed it up for all the gray hairs.   I'm still loving that flamingo cup!!

|| Vest similar || Sandals similar || Dress similar ||

I wore this to lunch with a friend and the whole darn thing is old.  The vest is Max Jeans and I found it at TJ Maxx, the dress is J Crew and I actually removed the nautical rope tie from the waist while I'm styling my bump and the shoes are old Tory Burch I found on super sale at the outlet in Orlando a good 2 years ago.  The similar linked items were as close as I could get it.  Lets be honest this outfit is a desperate attempt to get dressed and be a little normal.  My friend proved what a good friend she really is by pretending not to notice that I took the string out until I pointed it out.  Thats love people. We had the best lunch, sat outside by the river, chatted while her little one slept, and had the slowest waitress which is just perfect for a day without the toddlers.  I love a leisurely lunch with the ladies.

|| Sneakers similar || Jeans || Top ||

This is standard mom uniform day for me.  I can not wear a dress alone with him all day unless I show all the world my cookie.  Too much bending over and picking things up off the floor for that. No thanks.  The jeans and sneakers are repeat offenders.  The top is grossly comfortable and comes in a hunter green I am tempted to snag.  The sunglasses are Cole Hann, not the fancy over priced Ray Bans everyone else has because I am the proud mother to a toddler who has already made these crooked on my face and I am bound to leave them somewhere.  I took my mom uniform out and about, we stopped at Starbucks, the grocery store, my husband's work, and the playground.  Which is a fairly typical day in the life of Bringing Up Leavitt. 

|| Vest similar || Jeans || Sneakers || Clutch ||

Ok so I am just now realizing I wore every single Max Jeans vest I own last week.  Creative I am not.      The linked vest is a great look a like, because obviously I got mine at TJ Maxx, I also got my sneakers there but they are on the converse website which saves me.  I should note the jeans are out of stock in most common sizes online but they are in most stores... or at least my local store where you can almost never find anything.  The clutch is my favorite go to for lunch with the girls, which is exactly what I was doing this day.  We ate at Blaze and hit up the cupcake place for macaroons and cupcakes for our sweet husbands who work while we lunch.  One of my friends and I ran to Target which ran a little over my last second to get to daycare on time so I kidnapped her and took her to daycare with me... friggin Target gets me every time.  

So, ladies, especially those that emailed me about maternity clothes I hope I did not let you down.  I am not a fashion blogger, or model, shocking right? Ha! I don't take myself seriously at all and was a little nervous to share with you what I have been clothing the lumps and bumps in lately but this is super accurate of my everyday life.  I also love the messages I get from people about clothes because while I love to shop,  I really love a deal.  Helping a fellow mama find a deal is pretty much friendship material in my book! 

Summer Adventures

I don't know about other peoples kids, but my little one is capable of using fresh air to energize himself the way mama needs a dirty chai to get through the day.  One good inhale of that waterfront air and suddenly he's back on screech and I'm following behind like some desperate personal assistant.  I have been trying to take him down there as much as possible since the weather has been nice.  

I feel like even when we are only going to be out for an hour tops I have to pack for the unpredictable meltdowns.  My bare necessities are juice and a snack.  I wouldn't even dream of leaving without those two things.  I am obsessed with sippy cups mostly because they are essential to life around here.  Nuby has just come out with this cup called the Busy Sipper which describes my kid to a T.  As you can see he pretty much goes about his business while sipping on whatever juice and water concoction I have put in there.  This cup is different because it comes with the silicone spout that is spill free like mama wants, but also comes with a pop-up top like you would see on a water bottle for older kiddos.  My husband laughed at me that there is a belt clip on this cup and at first I thought that it was a little gimmicky.  Then he took off,  had a fit and I ended up carrying him and stashing that thing hooked to my pants.  Another thing I love is that it holds 12 oz so I don't need to stop to refill him as often.  It also has no internal parts so washing is super easy.  You can grab one at your local Walmart or on Amazon.  I linked the two pack because you want two trust me.  

I am also loving this new snack keeper that will be available mid June at Babies R' Us and Amazon.com.  The designer series is for sure my favorite.  I love that the colors catch my little ones eye, but the patterns are more for Mom.  Simple and adorable.  Leavitt loves to hold his own snacks, and can't be bothered to wait for me to help him.  He likes a snack on hand in the stroller and in the car, but lately the car is looking like a goldfish plant exploded in the the back seat because I haven't had a container handy he can use and not make a mess.  When I got these in the mail I can't even tell you how excited it made me.  Stylish baby gear that saves me on clean up... this folks is a no brainer. Leavitt was also a fan, because he can get his fingers into it without a problem.  Some snack keepers are a little stiff and can pinch fingers, this one is a super soft silicone.  

I am loving this weather and being able to be on the go more with my little one.  I hope we get to spend most of the summer adventuring and making memories just us.  This fall will bring some big changes for my man and I just want to keep him little as long as possible.  He will start school part time, get a little brother, be leaving the daycare he loves so much and hopefully he will be able to take it all in stride.  Hopefully we can keep our baby gear game on point and skip as much of the drama as possible while making memories.  OK mama friends what baby gear do I need to get me through the summer? Or for two babes?  Send me a message!

Brining up Leavitt is a Nuby Parent Blogger and was given products in exchange for reviews.  All opinions are and always will be my own.

Retail Therapy

As many in my real life know my Dad passed away on May 13th.  The day after was my birthday, and we found out the end was near on Mother's Day.  In my couple weeks away from this little space of mine I have hardly been sitting around feeling sorry for myself, although that happened too.  I spent three days of those two weeks serving jury duty.  Two feeling utterly sorry for myself because part of me loves birthdays so much it was hard to even celebrate with the people who wanted to.  The rest of the time has been spent soaking up the love from friends and family who have made me so happy to have this life of mine.  Four years ago I was starting over, my Dad and half sisters were the only ones I trusted, I had Nick and a couple of new friends.  At the time I was bitter having to give up my family and friends.  Now I realize God was positioning me to endure these hard but fabulous years with the people I would need.  They have been glorious years don't get me wrong but they have had challenges.  There has not been one day since Mother's day where a friend hasn't called to check on me.  After my Dad passed someone showed up with flowers, gifts, cards, food and hugs every day since then.  I got constant reminders that people were lifting us up in prayer.  I kept thinking how lucky I am to have so much support from people who have never even met my Dad.  So much thoughtfulness has flooded my life and once again given me a little more hope that everything is going to be ok. 

Now to lighten things up I have had the chance to get in a little retail therapy lately, and while you can't really shop away the pain you can find things you love to brighten your day.  If you are rolling with us on instagram you may have seen a couple things, if you aren't following on the IG you basically are missing out on mediocre iPhone photos of all the things I am obsessed with.  I am mixing in the new with old and as promised sharing my bump style with you all.  However so far I am still rocking my non maternity stuff for all of you not currently expanding at the waist.

|| Similar Sleep Shirt || Similar Coffee Cup ||

I bought the most comfortable sleep shirt from Ralph Lauren at my local Marshall's, it happened to be on sale for $10 and the original tag said $54 like the one I linked.  I don't need to remind you that I am dressing for two these days so this shirt although not maternity is so soft it easily accommodates my bump in my pre-pregnancy size... yes please.  The cup is from Portobello by Inspire.  I love a happy coffee cup.  I think everything tastes better from bone china and this cup just makes me smile. I snagged it in the check out line at Homegoods for $5 and have been using it every single time it is clean since then.  Unfortunately both of these pink beauties are not for sale online.  The cups are on Ebay but I don't even know how to shop eBay so I am not going to bother linking that for you.  My suggestion would be to peruse your local Tj Maxx, Homegoods & Marshall's and find similar items you love for a much better deal... because saving money is half the fun.  

||Clutch || Similar Dress || Similar Sandals ||

For Mother's day we went to Bar Harbor and the husband snagged me this clutch that I am obsessed with and you may have spotted on my mother's day shopping guide.  The dress is from Tj Maxx... sorry, but I linked the same brand in a tank ombre version and not going to lie I like the linked one much more.  Sandals are a couple years old and were a gift from Nick to spruce up the mom wardrobe when Leavitt was first born.  The dress while I love it in person looks like a sack in the picture, its also not maternity so I'm to blame for the ill-fitting lady lumps cover... I care but I don't.  This outfit I actually wore to lunch with my gal pals, because a clutch is only an option sans kiddos.

|| Similar Sneaker || Bracelet ||  Cuff || Tote ||

By now you know I like things made in Maine, or Maine inspired.  My roots could not be more Maine rooted.  My Grandfather on my Dad's side had a potato farm and my Great Grandfather on my Mom's side was a fisherman.  I love that so many small shops are popping up left and right that are stylish and are full of Maine pride.  The Sneakers are from Tj Maxx I snagged them for $29 recently and have been rocking them on the regular.  The Ropes bracelet Nick got for me with my clutch for mothers day.  The lobster cuff one of my besties gifted me on my wedding day.  The cuff is actually a lobster gauge that fishermen use to determine if they can keep the lobsters they catch.  The L.L. Bean tote my in laws gave me for Christmas.  The bag is one of my favorite things I have been gifted, I love that it has a masculine vibe being that I am going to be using it a lot with two boys.  I consider camo a  neutral so it will get plenty of use with my everyday basics.  It wipes clean unlike the Louis Vuitton never full my husband gave me that is stained inside now from baby wear. 

|| Similar Shirt ||

As you can see the bracelet, cuff and sneakers are on repeat.  The button down is older and from TJ Maxx.... Girlfriend loves a deal I can't help it.  It is the same brand as the chambray dress and I am obsessed with their fabrics.  Everything is super soft, washes and wears well, and is low maintenance.  Can I get an AMEN?! I decided to link a short sleeve version that is still nautical in color but lighter for summer.  This is a fall version but I am dying to get the one I linked.  Save yourself the drama of  trying to find the long sleeve version and go straight for that one.  I have layered this top with vests, worn it alone, and now wearing unbuttoned while pregnant.  I will be wearing it distressed when it starts to finally fall apart on me.  

So there you have it all the things making me a little happier these days, the reason I have been MIA, and how I am attempting to style my bump without going full on mumu because even Princess Diana looked frumpy in a mumu.