Pages



Monday, December 12, 2016

Better Sleep With The Zen Swaddle From Nested Bean

I'll admit, getting my babies to sleep on their own has never been a skill of mine. I vow to let them sleep on their own and not in my arms or bed and then the sleep deprivation gives in and I do whatever I can so that they, and I, can get a little shut eye, It's hard mamas.

Taylor for the first few weeks of her life and I felt like a pro, and then she WOKE UP and I was like, this is HARD. I'd nurse her gently to sleep and she's slumber softly in my arms, but the moment I'd set her ever so gingerly down in her crib and quietly tip toe out of her room she'd wake up and cry within mere minutes (usually around the time I would snuggle myself in my own bed after high-five-ing my hubbie for our awesome baby-sleeping skills)


We were desperate and sleep deprived and would do anything for a few hours of uninterrupted sleep. That's why I was so stoked to hear about the Zen Swaddle from Nested Bean.

No joke, Taylor slept better with the Zen Swaddle from the very first night. Her longest stretch of sleep used to be 2-3 hours and it went immediately to 3-4 hours in a  row. After 2 weeks of sleeping in her Zen Swaddle she now sleeps a continuous 6 hours at night and last night she slept for a continuous 8 hours - talk about life changing!


We've noticed too that the human-like weighted touch of this swaddle helps to sooth her back to sleep on her own. So during the night or daytime naps she may still wake up several times and even cry out, fidget, and open her eyes, but she almost always is able to soothe herself back to sleep. It's amazing!

I swaddle her up for her naps and for bedtime and always place her in her crib for consistency and I think both have helped her tremendously for developing healthy sleep patterns and being able to soothe herself back to sleep if she wakes up.


The idea behind the Zen Swaddle was conceived from a personal need by the founders. They too had a second child that struggled to calm and would immediately wake when he was put down in is crib. Guided by mother's intuition and a research team, the Zen Swaddle was born. My hubbie and I are believers!





Saturday, November 26, 2016

Baby Favorite Sales this Holiday Weekend

Hi All! I wanted to do a quick post on all of the sales this weekend!! These are all things that I use often and LOVE!

BOB Revolution Stroller - I use this for all my runs and walks and it's on sale for 32% off here.

Doc a Tot - Little Taylor loves to sleep in this because it makes her feel safe and secure! Save $10 here.


Bao Bei Maternity Nursing Bra - because running with boobs is HARD but this makes it so much easier. My favorite nursing sports bra for sure! On sale today here for $49 plus free shipping!

Figure 8 Maternity - 25% off entire site! Free shipping and free returns too. This is where my favorite BOOB designs nursing hoodie came from. Shop here.

Altra Shoes - My favorite running shoes of all time! They have a bunch of shoes for 30% off right now. Shop here.

Nesting Days Carrier - My favorite wrap style carrier for little Taylor. Everyone comments how comfy and cozy she looks in it and is is SO SIMPLE to use. Use code NEWBORN-NEST to save 20%. Shop here.

Nested Bean Sleep Swaddle - I haven't gotten a chance to review this yet but the concept is awesome (read about it on their site) Since sleeping in this swaddle little Taylor's longest sleep stretch went from 2-3 hours to 4-5 hours - sold! Save up to 25% here.

Bun Maternity - My FAVORITE nursing tops because they are super soft and stylish and don't look like nursing tops. I own 6! They are having a HUGE sale - 40% off everything with code BUNFRIDAY! Shop here.


Cover Me Ponchos - My favorite! I use these as a car seat cover on all my runs and when I bring the car seat into stores and restaurants and I also use it as a nursing cover! I have 2 and keep one in her stroller and one in the diaper bag at all times! They are having an awesome sale - $45 for 2 plus $1 shipping! Shop here.


Belly Bandit - I loved their support belt while pregnant and am now loving their high waist Mother Tucker Capris for postpartum. They are having 25% off their entire store here.


Spearmint Love - The cutest online baby store and they NEVER have sales but today they are offering 20% off everything!! I love and use this Little Unicorn Deluxe Swaddle Set daily! There are the softest and biggest muslin blankets and just so awesome. Shop them here.

BelaBumBum Maternity - An awesome online maternity and nursing site that is having 25% off and free shipping on their entire site with code BLACKFRIDAY2016. My 2 favorite insanely comfy nursing bras are from this site. They are sports bras but cute enough for all day everyday use! Love them so much!! Shop here

LaLaBu Soothe Shirts - The sweetest way to snuggle your newborn! I am in love with the ease of this shirt and little Taylor loves to be snuggled all up! They even sell dad shirts now and are having their lowest prices of the year here.


I'm sure I missed some brands and products and sales because there are SO MANY out there so please comment below if there's any sales I need to check out! What has been your favorite maternity, new mom, or baby product that you just LOVE?

Friday, November 18, 2016

Boobie Box Review

I was so excited when I heard the owner of The Boobie Box wanted to send me their November box! I immediately fell in love with the concept. It's a monthly box that is full of treats and useful items for nursing and pumping moms! When you sign up on their website, you can select a one time shipment or 3 or 6 month subscription plan (each monthly box is less than $20!). You also fill out a short (optional) survey so that the owner can customize your box just for you and also customize any feeding advice or questions you may have (she's a certified lactation specialist and breast feeding mama herself!)


What to see what was in my box?


-Latch Pal. This is a really cool mom invention, designed to hold up your shirt while you feed or pump, genius!
-Silicone Manual Breast Pump. This can be used to catch milk or to express milk manually. Very handy and I'm so glad this was included in my box!
-Fuzzy Socks. Love the bright fun color on these and I know they'll be super handy for when my tootsies get chilly this winter!
-Milk Cloud Tea. I'm super into having a cup or two of tea a day and lactation tea is so helpful! I loved the mild flavor of this one.
-Mama Rosa's Pumpkin and White Chocolate Lactation Cookies. So yummy and they help me produce more milk? Sold!


I really can't think of a better way for a nursing mama to treat herself during these postpartum months than a little pick me up like this box! It would also make a super thoughtful gift for a new mama friend too! It introduced me to some new products and brands and I am able to use everything in the box because it was hand-selected just for me!

The Boobie Box owner wants to send one of my followers a December Box!! Head over to my Instagram page to be entered to win! Check out this awesome mug that is going to be in every December box (I want one!)


Thursday, November 17, 2016

Figure 8 Maternity BOOB Brand Hoodie Review

It is finally hoodie weather in Phoenix! When Figure 8 Maternity sent me this BOOB Design Nursing Hoodie I was so excited to wear it, but the warmer weather stayed steady this year in Phoenix for so long!

Figure 8 Maternity is an awesome online retailer for maternity and nursing wear. They carry all of the best national brands and offer FREE shipping and FREE returns too (I always appreciate this because sometimes it is so hard to buy clothing online!). They often have great sales  (Follow them on Instagram for updates!). 

When I received my BOOB Design B-Warmer Organic Knitted Nursing Hoodies in the mail from Figure 8, the package was wrapped up like a present! Their presentation was awesome. My hoodies was in a fancy box, wrapped up in tissue paper and had a giant bow on top. It made me excited to tear it open for sure!


When BOOB Design made this hoodie they thought of everything. It has a very flattering slim fit design (I am wearing an XS), its made of the softest organic cotton. It is long enough to cover my butt, so I feel comfortable wearing it with leggings...which basically makes it the PERFECT postpartum new mama outfit that you'll get SO MUCH use out of! I LOVE the burgundy color (it also comes in a few other colors too!) It is light enough to wear inside and warm enough to wear outside.

It can easily be dressed up or down. I have worn my hoodie casually around the house, around the fire pit relaxing with my family, and it is also the perfect for fall and winter running outdoors.


It is super breastfeeding friendly because of the front overlap, making it a breeze to nurse in public!  I LOVE that they lined the overlap with a soft fleece material that keeps the bust area nice and warm!



This hoodie is one of those nursing pieces that I will truly wear all season long and  probably continue to wear post-breastfeeding because it really is so cute, comfy, and stylish!

#figure8moms #figure8maternity

Sunday, October 30, 2016

Runtastic Fitness Channel Review and App Giveaway

Over the past year, I have really grown to love and realize the importance of cross and strength training to develop a well-rounded runners body. When I cross-train I look, feel, and am stronger, and more injury-proof. Being a busy working mom of (now) two, I don't have time to go to the gym to strength train, I prefer to do quick and easy targeted moves at home, which made me so happy when I was introduced to the Runtastic Channel on YouTube (Do yourself a favor and subscribe now. there's so much good stuff on there you won't want to miss!)

The Runrastic Channel is uploads new 5-10 minute workouts, recipes, and more weekly, that are all geared towards runners. The head trainer, Lunden is so cute and easy to follow, it's like having your own personal trainer friend in your living room! 



The other day I did her7 Minute Fat Burning HIIT for Summer workout. It was a combo of 7 moves that we did for 40 seconds in a row, followed by a 20 second transition, before moving into the other exercise. Some of my favorite moves from this workout were the burpee/punch sequence and the back lunge heel raises. 

This week, November 1-5, I'm going to be participating in an Instagram Challenge, doing one Runtastic Video a day (I'm thinking this will help to counteract all of the Halloween Candy I may be tempted to eat!) I'd LOVE for you to do the challenge along with me (and win some cool prizes too!)
The schedule is:
I'll be posting daily prompts on my IG and giving away one Runtastic 12 month premium subscription everyday!

To kick off the challenge, the amazing folks at Runtastic, have given me 4 12 month Runtastic Subscriptions to give away to blog readers!! Their premium fitness app has customizable training plans for all distances and skill levels, I'm excited to use it for my upcoming 2017 comeback race season! To enter, comment below with your favorite cross or strength training move! Winners will be notified by the end of the week!

In the meantime, subscribe to the Runtastic Fitness Channel so you'll be all set to join me in the challenge this week! 

#RFCFallFit #RuntasticFitness #SweatPink

Tuesday, October 18, 2016

Thrive by GoMarco Review

I was super excited when GoMacro contacted me to try and review the newest addition Thrive! I'm a BIG fan of GoMarco's original bars because they are made with REAL, plant-based ingredients that you can see and taste in every bar. Being a new mom who is nursing, I am trying my best to make smart food choices because I know my nutrition is my baby girls nutrition too!


There are 6 flavors of the new Thrive GoMarco bar line-up. My favorite was Caramel Coconut with the Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip coming in a close second. Just look at the ingredients in the Caramel Coconut Bar:
They are all organic and all real super-food ingredients. One of the many things I love about these bars is that they combine the super-foods that we all hear about and know that we should be incorporating into our diets like: Quinoa, Hemp Hearts, and Flax, but that we may not know how to conveniently add them to our diet. These convenient yummy tasting bars are the perfect solution!

These bars are all right around 200 calories, making them the perfect filling snack. They have just the right amount of healthy fats and protein to keep me full in between meals. I packed a few of them in my hospital bag and they were the perfect way to keep my energy up in between baby feedings! I also carry one or two around in my diaper bag because with nursing a new baby the never ending hunger is real!
I love that you can actually SEE the ingredients that are listed on the label in each bite of every bar. Real food and real ingredients are wear its at. They are also 100% Vegan and Gluten free.
GoMarco has kindly given you a 30% off discount code that can be used to purchase the Thrive bars in their online store. The discount code is Thrive30. I'm hosting a giveaway for a FREE sampler box on my GoFastMommy Instagram account. Follow GoMarco and Myself and enter to win a box of wholesome goodness yourself!

Monday, October 17, 2016

Taylor's Birth Story

To accurate tell Taylor's birth story I must back up to the morning before. I had gotten up at 5 am, like I had practically every morning of my pregnancy, to run. But after a long night of getting up FIVE times to use the bathroom, I decided there was no way I could run that day (plus it was my rest day anyway...) so I headed out for a walk. I was so excited for that evening, it was going to be Adam and I's last date night before she arrived and we were going to see my all-time favorite band in concert, Mumford and Sons.

I came home from my 3 mile walk and immediate used the bathroom. TMI warning, but I noticed what looked like my mucus plug was beginning to shed. Excited, I bounded up the stairs, flipped on the lights in our bedroom, and dramatically exclaimed, "I think we are going to have our baby in the next 48 hours!" What a way for Adam to wake up, haha!


That whole day, I texted friends, googled my symptoms profusely, finished up as much work and laundry as I could, and even found just-in-case back up plans for our concert tickets that night. We decided to go to the concert anyway, figuring I had waited so long for it, and that I might as well labor and be in a little pain at the concert, than at home.


The concert was AMAZING!! I got tears I my eyes the first few songs, I was so happy in that moment. I had my favorite band, my amazing man, and we were going to meet our sweet girl within 24 hours!

So we arrived home from the hospital around midnight (which was saying a lot for us as we are usually in bed my 10, max). We were winding down at home and I was feeling some contractions. I figured before we went to bed, I should probably time them. So I downloaded a free timer app and sat on the couch for a good while timing them. I was actually shocked that they were the magical 5 minutes apart! They still weren't too strong though so I told Adam that we had better go to bed because it looked like we'd have a big day ahead of us tomorrow!

Well we headed upstairs and he, of course, fell asleep right away, I, on the other hand, couldn't sleep because the contractions were coming on stronger and more rapidly. So I stayed awake for the next hour or two and continued to time the contractions and they were still staying a steady 5 minutes apart, So I woke Adam up around 2:30 and told him I was going to call me doctor. She told me, "It sounds like you're in labor, why don't you head to the hospital." eeek! I started to tear up thinking, "this is really happening, I can't believe it!" We packed up a few more things, woke Brayden up (who at first was like, "Why are you waking me up so early?" and then when we told him why he got VERY excited!)


We arrived at the hospital a little around 4 AM (I wore my concert t that Adam had surprised me with that night). We got checked in and headed to triage. They checked me and I was disappointed that I was only a 3. But I knew that I had to get there early, because I had tested positive for GSB so they would need to give me as many bags of antibiotics before I gave birth as possible to protect both Taylor and I.

They had us walk the halls for an hour to see if that would get things moving. I remember thinking, "I wish I wore my fit bit for this" haha as we walked the halls until 5:30. After that the labor ward got busy, like really really busy. We still had our little triage room, but they were women laboring in the lobby and all of the delivery rooms are full. So the three of us continued to just hang out in our room. Meanwhile my contractions we getting strong and stronger. I was in so much pain. Every time one came on I had to grab Adam's hand so tightly, grimacing. Time ticked on and I started crying. I remember thinking, "I can't do this, I just want to rip this IV out of my arms and walk out of here." It hurt SO bad.

Finally a labor room opened up around 10:30 and tears were streaming out my face the entire walk over there. I did not remember being in this much pain when I had Brayden. When we got settled in to the new room, the nurse told me, "Okay so you are in pre-labor, dilated to a 3." I told her I was a 3 at 4:30 AM and hadn't been checked since then. She was shocked and checked me and was like, "Oh my goodness, you are at an 8! You poor thing, I'm so incredibly sorry, we need to get the anesthesiologist in here right away for your epidural and call your doctor too." THANK GOD!! I was in so much pain, having received no pain medication or anything up until that point.


I got my epidural, they broke my water, and my doctor came and around 11, they told me that the game plan was to finish the last bag of antibiotics around 11:30 and then we would be ready to start pushing. I couldn't believe things were moving so quickly! I had the nurse and my doctor remind me how to "push effectively" and after 5 minutes of pushing sweet Taylor Tate was born! They all knew that I was a runner and completely attributed the quick and easy birth to how fit I had stayed throughout my pregnancy.


I cried immediately when I saw her. I was just so incredibly happy and kept saying over and over, "I can't believe she is ours!" We've been home for about 10 days now and she is just so perfect. She's a terrific sleeper and wonderful eater and just so stinkin adorable! Her big brother Brayden is such a great helper and loves her so much. We all do. It's amazing how one little baby can bring so much joy to everyone's lives. We can't wait for her to grow up in such a loving close family like ours.  Taylor Tate, we love you so much and it's been such a privilege to be your mommy.

Monday, October 3, 2016

What's In My Hospital Bag

I don't know about you but I have always LOVED seeing what others mamas-to-be bring with them to the hospital so I thought I'd share what I packed in mine! (Warning, I am an over-packer, but I'd rather have too much stuff than not enough!)


 Clothes For Me: Robe, Nursing Tanks, and Comfy PJ Pants for me to wear at the hospital. I'll wear the issued hospital gown for the delivery because I know that things get messy, but I wanted to have some options this time around for myself for my hospital stay. Last time I brought a lightweight robe and I really liked having that to wear over my hospital nursing gown, but wanted the option to feel more covered this time around. I packed some comfy PJ pants from Victoria's Secret and a couple of nursing tanks from Target and Bun Maternity. I'll wear one of the nursing tops home from the hospital along with some black Luluemon leggings that worked well for me throughout my entire pregnancy (because lets be honest, we all think we are going to leave the hospital fitting into our normal clothes, but we are puffy and leggings are just way more comfy!)


Clothes For The Baby:
I have packed several cute little swaddle sets and blankets (all with coordinating headbands because I'm having a GIRL!!!!). I am in LOVE with this adorable set from Mint & Arrows!! It's so soft and babies are supposed to love the comfy little pouch. I also LOVE these swaddle blankets from Little Unicorn. They are the softest things I have ever felt in my life. I also packed a couple basic onsies for her ride home and a few pairs of socks too.




Nursing Essentials:
I am bringing my Bellifly Pillow which has been a LIFESAVER for sleeping during pregnancy but also doubles as a breast feeding pillow for the baby! I love double duty products. I'm bringing Medela Lanolin and also my hairdresser (and really, don't they know EVERYTHING) recommended Vitamin E so I bought a small bottle too along with disposable nursing pads and a comfy nursing bra that I can sleep in (from Mothers Essentials).

I've also packed my new breastfeeding poncho from Cover Me Ponchos. I'm pro-breastfeeding but not comfortable feeding in front of others so I know that this will come in super handy! It also doubles as a car seat cover so I'm excited to try that out on walks around the neighborhood too. Plus its so cute :)


Odds and Ends:
I've backed a little gift bag for Brayden with some snacks and art supplies that we'll give him when we get to the hospital. We want him to be there with us the majority of the time so we are also packing his IPad to help keep him entertained as well.

The hospital that I'm delivering at really is the best in town and has round-the-clock room-service, but I still want to back some snacks for Adam and Brayden while I'm in labor and for myself afterwards. I just tried these new GoMarco Thrive Bars and really like them!


Additionally, I have a list of last minute things we'll need to grab to pack before we leave that we use everyday and can't pack up ahead of time.

I think that's it, but is there anything you think I'm missing that I should bring with me?




Sunday, August 21, 2016

Baby Girl's Nursery Reveal

I have basically been mentally planning my baby girls room for the last 20 years. So as soon as we had that magical ultrasound at 18 weeks confirming she was indeed a SHE, I jumped at the chance to begin planning the perfect little room for her! I knew I wanted plenty of peach, pink, and coral, my favorite colors, with gold accents. I had already purchased her a crib and dresser at an amazing second-hand price, that was antique black, which I thought would add a great contrast to the girly color palette.


I fell in LOVE with these sweet muslin patterned blossom crib sheets the moment I saw them and sort of designed my nursery around this style, sweet girly boho. The crib skirt is actually just a yard and a half of fabric I purchased from Hobby Lobby! It went perfectly and was super inexpensive.

I knew I wanted a collage over her crib. I made or painted most of these pieces. The pink framed print over to the left has a VERY special meaning to me. It reads "Be Your Bravest". I got it less than a week after I started dating Adam. I knew I REALLY liked him but was so afraid of getting invested and getting hurt and I knew i just had to Be My Bravest and go for it, and believe that my happiness was worth it. I got this print when shopping at a craft fair with Brayden and put it in my bedroom so I could see it every morning. I LOVE that it is now going to hang over our baby girls crib.


I knew I wanted to make a dream catcher to hang near her crib and love how this one turned out!

Across from her crib is her dresser. I've always just put a changing pad on top of the dresser.


 I fell in love with these giant paper flowers I saw all over Pinterest and knew I had to make some for her room. The first flower I made took an hour and I got 3 glue gun burns in the process and almost gave up! I picked the project back up a couple of weeks later and powered through in a few hours and I'm so glad I did! I LOVE how they tuned out and think they look so pretty on her wall!

This is a super comfy rocker we purchased from Target in a soft grey fabric. I love the pink and white blanket and throw we got from the anniversary sale at Nordstrom. The framed print actually was hanging in our hallways going up the stairs but I quickly realized that it was PERFECT for above the rocker. Not only do the colors match exactly with her decor, but the quote is from my FAVORITE band of all-time Mumford and Sons and reads "Love the One You Hold..."  The band is actually coming to town 11 days before her due date and we have AMAZING seats...if she doesn't make her appearance eraly!

I just love how her nursery turned out, so peaceful and perfect. I find myself going in there at least once a day to just sit and rock and dream, I waited 7 years for this little girl and I can't believe
I get to meet her in less than 8 weeks!