If you haven't guessed yet from the title....we expecting Baby B #2 in early February 2016!
Here's a special announcement from his or her's big brother:
The last 2 months have been a bit rough and I've felt pretty craptastic many days. I'm finally feeling a bit more normal and functional as I creep into the second trimester....thank goodness! My energy levels were terrible, felt nauseous all the time and dealt with some pregnancy insomnia. I'm definitely glad to be feeling back to normal and hoping that with my increased energy I can get back to blogging more regularly.
The last few months I pretty much stopped yoga and running. :( I just didn't have any extra energy to give and when I did workout, I was left feeling completely drained for the day and sometimes even the next. Now that I'm feeling better, I'm slowly working into getting more active again because I really missed it.
My appointments have been great so far with Baby B2's heart rate in the high 150-160's and growing right on track (slightly larger actually). The very beginnings of a baby bump is starting to form. Life is about to get crazy with two little ones running around. Aiden will be just over 2 years old when his sibling gets here and I'm really interested to see how he is going to react. It's probably going to be tough for him to go from having all of our attention all the time to having to share it with a newborn.
Excited to share the special news with you and to share the rest of this journey!
Being a stay at home mom, there are many days that it can be really difficult to get a workout in. I often take advantage of nap time for a quick yoga session or HIIT, but some days there are other chores/errands/etcetera that need to be done during that time. I'm thankful enough that I was generously gifted a wonderful jogging stroller and I LOVE IT!
It's so convenient being able to pop our toddler in and go. We both love being able to get some fresh air, it can lull him to sleep if need be, stimulates his senses, allows me to get a good sweat session in and allows each of us to zen out for a bit. I'm thankful that he really digs being in his stroller (the faster we run, the better), but there are definitely steps that I take that can make it much smoother of a run.
Below are a few tips for making your stroller runs smooth and tear-free!
SNACKS! - I always make sure to have snacks on hand for our son. If he starts to get a little antsy, giving him some yummy fish crackers, fruit or raisins to nosh on can completely allow me to get another mile or two in.
DRINKS! - Make sure to pack drinks for both of you! A lot of the time I'm so busy getting his stuff together, that I forget my own drink. DOh! There's been a time or two where his sippy cup definitely came in handy for me as well. Lol.
DRESS APPROPRIATE - I get super hot quickly, so I always wear lots of layers. Make sure to do the same for your kiddo. Remember, while you might be hot, your child could be cooler since he's not expending very much energy while sitting there are you run (plus the wind from movement can add a chill). I always keep a light blanket in his stroller for additional warmth or sun coverage. A hat to shield your child's face is a must too for sunny days. Don't forget bright colors and reflectors on clothing as well.
SUNSCREEN - Use it and use it liberally. I always lather both of us up a half hour before heading out the door to make sure to have full protection.
ID - Always carry ID. You never know when you might need it or in case of emergency. I usually keep $10 in my stroller too, just in case.
ATTACHED TOYS - We have toys that are always in the stroller and attached via links. No one wants to have to backtrack when a favorite toy is thrown out and also it prevents potential trips and falls.
WRIST STRAP! - I cannot stress this enough, use the wrist strap that comes with your jogging stroller. If you don't have one, get one ASAP. Using the straps ensures that if you were to fall or lose grip of the stroller that you child and stroller don't go flying down a hill, ravine, into water and so on. I've read tragic stories of parents losing control of strollers with dire consequences. It's not worth it and gives you additional peace of mind. This story solidified it for me. PLEASE, use one. Accidents happen.
BRAKES/LEVERS - If you need to stop, use the back brakes or levers so that the stroller doesn't roll off with your precious cargo.
RUNNING FORM - Be aware of your running form. It can take some time and practice to get used to running with a stroller. Your gait changes and arms are actively being used. Run tall, don't slouch and alternate what arm you use to hold the handle.
SCHEDULE WISELY - Don't go during your child's fussy times (before meals, while tired unless you want them to nap while you run).
5 POINT HARNESS - I highly recommend a stroller with a 5 point harness. They protect your child better in case of a quick stop.
AGE - Be aware of what age is safe for your child to ride in a jogging stroller. Most professionals warn against jogging with a stroller before 6 months of age (some even 12 months). While young, their neck muscles are not strong enough to support their heads and for the potential jarring motions during a run.
May 31st, is National Stroller Running Day! If you don't have a jogging stroller and are looking to purchase one, now is a great time to do so since many companies (BOB gear definitely is and their strollers rock!) are offering amazing promotions in celebration.
For more information on National Stroller Running Day check out Moms Little Running Buddy! Also, be sure to tag your photos on Instagram with #StrollerRun15
Do you plan on getting out and running this National Stroller Running Day?
The sun is out, the temps are finally out of the teens, and the snow will hopefully be melting soon. I feel like this winter has been the absolute longest winter yet. The bitter cold temps made it nearly impossible to leave the house and spend any time outside, especially with a toddler. I'm ready to get out of this house and have had the worst case of cabin fever ever.
The warmer temperatures and bright sun have me itching to get out and run. I've ran on and off through the winter when temps were above 20 degrees, but it's tough getting out often since I do most of my running in the later evenings or with a jogging stroller. So for the last few months it's been a ton of yoga, HIIT and kickboxing.
Pretty, but over it!
I won't miss this!
Now that it's spring, I've been busy making some race season goals and plans:
Run one race a month
Run a half marathon
Increase overall speed (would love an under 25 minute 5k)
I like the idea of having a race every single month (starting in April) because it will keep me motivated and having something to look forward to is always a bonus. I'm planning on having a mix between some 5k's, 10k's, a 20k and the half marathon. I'm aiming to run the half marathon by late June to mid July.
My half marathon is still undecided, so if you have any recommendations for an awesome first half marathon in Michigan, let me know. I'm also looking for some recommended training plans too. The longest distance race I've ran was the CRIM (10 miles) last August and I prepped for that by just running a lot, without any real plan. I'd like to have a more structured plan for the half marathon.
I was thankful enough to be able to get a few walks in this week with the kiddo. We both enjoyed the fresh air and warm sunlight.
Several days ago the prAna and FitApproach #TakeTheLeap yoga challenge began. I LOVE yoga challenges, but sometimes have a hard time staying consistent with them, especially as many of them seem to be aimed at extremely advanced yogi's. I've done yoga for several years, but took some time away from it when I got pregnant because I had no energy left after working full time (I wish I had stayed with it through pregnancy though).
The last few months, I've been working hard into getting into a new solid yoga routine. We've recently had a new yoga studio open up in town (The Yoga Retreat & Boutique) so it's been so fabulous to go to classes again. I look forward to it every weekend and it's a great time for me to be able to zen out and refocus. The great thing about the prAna and FitApproach #taketheleap challenge is that you can choose your daily pose. It's completely up to you so you can work toward your own goals and use the poses that feel and work best for your body. There's no showing up one another and forcing a pose that may not be suitable for you and your body. One of my goals is to work towards inversions again, but it's going to be a long road to get there and I don't want to rush it and risk hurting myself.
Another bonus to the challenge: PRIZES! When you join the challenge you become eligible to win $500 worth of new prAna gear (they have AMAZING stuff, check this top out) and able to gift $500 to a person of your choice. Pretty awesome, right?
Below are my first 4 poses to start the challenge off...
A little loving from my boys...
Join the challenge on Instagram (add me!), Twitter (follow me!) and on your blog by using the hashtags:
#TakeTheLeap
#Prana
#FitApproach
Also tag @prana and @fitapproach!
Don't forget to join the Facebook group and event page!
A few weeks ago (ok, actually more like a few months ago), my friend Liz sent me some Jamberry nail wraps to try and blog about. I had been seeing more and more post all over social media about these wraps and was really curious about them since I have a horrible track record with nail polish. I LOVE having my nails painted, but I'm lucky if polish lasts more than a day before it starts chipping. I'm extremely hard on my nails. I wash my hands ten million times a day while working at the hospital and changing dirty diapers at home, not to forget all the cooking, cleaning and gardening (without gloves) that I do on a regular basis.
To start, here's a little information on the wraps and application process from the Jamberry website:
About the product:
How many wraps are on each sheet of nails? One regular sheet includes 18 Jamberry nail wraps. One sheet of Jamberry Juniors wraps include 42 nail wraps.
How many applications does one sheet provide? One regular sheet of nail wraps can be used for two to three applications, depending on the size and length of your nails. One sheet of Jamberry Juniors can be used for up to six applications.
How long will my nail wraps last? Jamberry nail wraps last up to 2 weeks on fingers and 4 weeks on toes.
There are so many CUTE varieties! There is definitely something for everyone.
Really affordable. Much cheaper than getting a manicure/pedicure regularly, plus you don't have to worry about bacteria/disease from the salon. $15 a sheet which is enough for 2-3 applications or more depending on your use.
Application:
Simple & Easy:
Push back cuticles and clean nails with an alcohol wipe.
Match nail (finger or toe) to the nail wrap that best fits.
Peel off nail wrap and warm the adhesive side with a mini heater or blow dryer (that's what I used) for 3-5 seconds or until soft/flexible.
When warm, press wrap onto the nail. Apply firm pressure around edges to adhere wrap to nail.
Trim the top with scissors and file off remaining wrap using a downward motion (really important to file in that motion!) to remove excess.
Apply heat and pressure to the wrap again until it is bonded to the nail.
My tips for application would be to make sure to have cuticle scissors to cut the wraps. I used regular scissors because I couldn't find my cuticle scissors and it would be much easier with smaller scissors to use. Also, using tweezers to hold the edge of the wrap while warming makes application easier. And finally, have a newer file to use to be more efficient and get a smoother file. I was surprised how easy it was to do once I got the initial hang of it.
My opinion:
I honestly really liked this product. I had my reservations since I've had really bad luck with most nail products and their longevity, but these actually stayed on and didn't show wear like normal nail polish does. The application process was simple and didn't take too long (which is great since my free time is very little anymore with a baby in the house). I applied the nail wraps on my hands and they last nearly two weeks before I removed them. At the time of removal I was starting to get a little bit of the wrap coming loose near the tips of my nails. Regardless, I would have been removing them anyway since my nails had grown so much that there was a large gap at the bottom (thanks prenatal vitamins for nails that grow at super speed!). The ones on my toes are still hanging strong at nearly 3 weeks which is pretty amazing since it's sandal season and I walk barefoot most the time and log 15+ miles of running weekly. These babies are durable!
It's nice to have a little splash of color and festivity on my nails without a lot of work, especially being a stay at home mom most the time. This is a great product to add to your beauty routine that's worth the money and time. I'm definitely planning on ordering some more, the hardest part will be picking out of the many designs!
Day of application!
Isn't the design adorable! So many styles for every occasion.
A few days after application and still no signs of wear.
1 & 1/2 week after application : minor wear, but more than anything just nail growth.
Nearly 3 weeks later!
Only signs of wear is one divot from me dropping a toy on my toe (ouch!)
and nail growth.
If you're interested in ordering or learning more, check out or contact Elizabeth Block at:
http://lizblock.jamberrynails.net
NailsWithLiz@gmail.com
Special note: They have a subscription service called Style Box that seems pretty awesome! You get a minimum $30 of Jamberry nail products, nail file, orange stick and monthly style guide each month for $25 (including shipping). Might be worth checking out!
Have you used Jamberry before? Is this something you'd try?
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