Witness for Fitness: Pregnancy Fitness

I'll tell you what. Working out this time around hasn't been easy. I'm not sure if it's the fatigue or the sickness, maybe it's both. With my first I did water aerobics and lots of walking. This time I might take a spin around the block if all the stars align properly. Now that I am starting to get my stride back I thought it would be a good idea to see what kind of workouts are out there for pregnant women. Of course I went straight to Pinterest.

                                                                           

                                                                                              Source: fitpregnancy.com via Tia on Pinterest

I still plan to take yoga once a week. I didn't attend any of the January classes due to my new obsession with football. If I can get some additional gym time in that would be great. I liked that these articles gave instruction on what to do in the gym outside of the organized classes. I may have to start posting those obligatory gym pics on Instagram for accountability purposes.

                                                                             Source: fitpregnancy.com via Tia on Pinterest

Staying in shape while pregnant is very important to me. Mainly because I feel like it helps me get back into shape after the baby is born. As a young woman, before my married days, I was super in shape. There was a time in my life where I made working out a priority and I relished at the fact that I had perfectly square shaped abs. My goal is to get that body back. I know I'll never be in my young twenties again but there's nothing wrong with trying to get that body back. So I'm starting another Witness for Fitness series. It will be pregnancy related for now, but after the baby is born it will switch over to non-pregnancy related workouts. How did you stay in shape while pregnant? Do you have any tips for me?

Flying with a 2 year old

Savannah and I are taking a little trip back east to visit family and friends. It will probably be my last trip before the baby arrives. I must admit I was a little terrified about flying solo with her. Things are so much easier when you can tag team with your husband. Not to mention there is someone to lug the stroller and luggage around. Anyway. Overall I am going to consider our trip a success. There was no crying or meltdowns. That's a win in my book.

Going through security was pretty fun. Sav had no problem but I of course got "beeped" several times before I was cleared. Note to self. Adorn your wrist with arm candy after you've gone through the security check point. After being stripped of all my jewels we went to Dunkin Donuts to pick up some breakfast.

We made it to our gate right as they were boarding people with small children, strollers and wheelchairs. It sounded like they were letting all the people with a lot going on board first. Good idea. We found our seats and got comfortable.

She entertained herself by reading all the pamphlets, coloring and playing with her Leapfrog Leap Pad. Savannah also thought it would be nice to treat all of the surrounding passengers to a medley of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star, The ABC and a little something she made up right there on the spot. I thought it was hilarious!

What has your experience been like flying with a little one?

- posted from my chic iPhone

Style Review: eShakti Sheath Dress

Have you all heard of eShakti? I was fortunate enough to receive one of their dresses for a review. I decided to go with a jersey sheath style to accomodate my growing belly. I immediately fell in love with the coral and black print. Since it's such a lightweight fabric I can wear throughout my entire pregnancy. Super excited about that! 

Perhaps the best thing about shopping with eShakti is the ability to customize your item with your exact measurements. Awesome, right? The prices are great and the shipping was extremely fast. What I loved most about my dress was discovering that it had pockets. I didn't recall reading about the pockets in the description so I was very happy to find them. I felt so comfortable and cute in this dress!

What do you think? Enjoy the rest of your weekend! Oh. And if you love the idea of getting something made especially for you check out A Diary of a Chic Mommy's blog for an eShakti giveaway! She's giving away a customized item of your choice. Love it! Good Luck!

Dress: eShakti - Cowl Neck Jersey Sheath Dress {out of stock}, $59.95 Cardigan: Express - Fly Away Cardigan - {old} Shoes: Steve Madden - {very old}

Thought Bubbles...

I have so many reviews to do for this blog. Dish soap, hand cream and a banging dress that I haven't even had the chance to wear because it's been too chilly...

I called a car seat rental company this morning to inquire about a rental. The rental fee was dirt cheap but the delivery fee was $50. I can't. Who would do that? You can buy a seat from Wal-Mart for much cheaper than that...

I have lost all the weight I gained so far during this pregnancy from being sick...

Food aversions are going to be the death of me. I just want to be able to eat like a normal person...

Kim Kardashian also announced that she was due in July. Is she trying to steal Princess Kate's shine or mine, LOL...

I really need to find a long term protective style for my hair. I'm thinking about getting braids again...

Are stores still selling glove sets for toddlers? I need to get Sav a pair before our trip...

American Idol was pretty entertaining last night. It confirmed why I am not a Nicki Minaj fan. Although she did seem sweet, I just can't get with all that look she has and all those different voices...

Tonight is Scandal Thursday. Olivia Pope is amazing and if you aren't watching this show you are missing out...

I am following someone on Twitter that I want to unfollow. It's so hard turning your head away from a train wreck though. Am I right or was that mean? It's not like I gave out her twitter handle...

It's very rare that I will say this but I am so glad to be living in Texas right now. Short winters have become one of my new favorite things...

I am addicted to the new game Ruzzle. Even though I stink at it. Send me an invite if you would like to play. You will win and it will boost your confidence... (chicsahm)

Sharing a Room...

Before I get into what this post is actually about I just wanted to share if you didn't know (or don't care) that Princess Kate has announced that she is due in July. Well. Guess what Kate? Me too! Me. Too. My blogger friend Baby Teems was right. I don't appreciate all these celebs trying to steal my shine, haha! Just kidding. So many of my friends have been announcing that they are expecting on Facebook. I feel like there's a new announcement from someone just about everyday. So. I'm in good company and it's a great time to be with child. Apparently.

So. Anyway. Now that I'm a little further along I've been thinking about where this baby is going to sleep. I know. Too soon? Possibly. But for anyone that knows me in real life you know that I'm all about having things planned out. I decided that it would be so much easier for me if the kids just shared a room. We'll probably move again within a year of me having the baby so this option will work out well until it's time to move again. Even though there is currently space for a separate nursery it would involve too much work. Someone would have to clear all the furniture out of the extra room (which is currently an unused "man cave" but we won't get into that) and then move it to a storage facility. I am not trying to spend money on storage and I don't want to give up the other room that's used for guests.

Still with me? Has anyone had a toddler and a newborn share a room? How did it go? Here are some of the ideas I've found on Pinterest. I am using these as inspiration for furniture placement. If it's a girl we'll keep the same decor that Savannah already has. If it's a boy I'll try to neutralize the room as much as possible. 

                                                                                   Source: houzz.com via Tia on Pinterest

                                                                                       Source: blogs.babble.com via Tia on Pinterest

                                                                                  Source: melissaesplin.com via Tia on Pinterest

Friday Funny

No special plans for us this weekend. My husband has a basketball tournament so I am pretty sure I'll be going to some (or all) of that. On Sunday if it's not too cool I am planning on wearing a dress to church that I was sent to review. The dress is so cute and I can not wait to share it with you all. Got anything fun happening this weekend? Enjoy these funnies! I don't think I'll ever get sick of them!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Maternity Style: Texas Winter

Now that I am starting to show a little I thought it would be fun to start looking at some maternity clothes. I've already dug out all my stuff from my last pregnancy and I'm so happy that I kept everything. Since I was working while pregnant with Sav the majority of my pregnancy clothes are office wear. I have a few dresses, a few tops, a couple pair of jeans and some weekend maxi dresses (that aren't "maternity"). I don't have any bump friendly cold weather clothes. Luckily, we are back in Texas and it will be hot for the majority of this pregnancy too. Lucky me.

I am actually looking forward to it warming up. I remember how easy it was to dress my bump when it was hot. All I needed was a dress, sandals and a pair of earrings. Done and done! Until it gets warm I'll probably wear leggings and sweaters. Super easy. I already own a couple sweaters that aren't maternity but will get the job done. I plan to go thrifting to find a couple more. I am a big fan of cardigans and they are perfect for a winter in Texas. 

Playing With Old Navy Maternity by mana-g

GAP Inspired by m3mom featuring gap maternity

Untitled by m3mom featuring gap

I can't wait to go thrifting to see if I find any of these tops!

First Trimester Tips

Since I am almost done with my first trimester I thought it would be helpful to share some of the things I've learned. This is my second baby and I had many similarities and a couple differences from my last pregnancy. Hopefully these tips will help someone else who finds their first trimester to completely miserable. Babies are a blessing but let's face it, it sucks being sick for weeks at a time. Blame Eve.

Nausea. I had it with Sav but it was no where near as bad as it is this time. I found it really helpful during both pregnancies to keep a bag of lemon heads near my bed. I noticed that laying down or sitting still directly after eating helped me keep my food down. Any kind of post meal motion would send me hovering over something. Another thing that helped me was to eat lots of small meals. If I start feeling done after a couple bites I quit eating. You can always go back for more later. Apparently the key is to never get too full or too hungry.

Get your husband involved. I know we all like to think at times that we don't need any help. I know I sometimes think that I can do it all. Well. This has been one of those time where I had to put in my back up quarterback. We like to joke that I'm Eli and my husband is Peyton (Manning). Delegating tasks when needed gave me the opportunity to rest. My husband has been doing almost everything. Grocery shopping, cooking, some cleaning, etc. 

I always say that there are two times in a woman's life where it really is all about her. Wedding planning and pregnancy. Figure out what works for you and have your family adjust as much as possible. Last night we learned that chicken (the smell of it) does not agree with me right now. I looked at my husband and said, "No more chicken until after the baby." He's cool with it. With Savannah we were "pregnant vegetarians"because any meat made me sick. You have to find what works for you and then stick with it. What worked for you during your first trimester? Share some tips for others in the comments! 

Friday Funny

Enjoy a couple of the funny things I saw on the web this week! Have a great weekend!

- posted from my chic iPhone

Thought Bubbles...

I don't like watching the Today show if Savannah or Matt are out...

Why are Canon cameras so much more expensive than Nikons?...

I hate dreaming about food. Last night I dreamed about Mei Fun (Chinese). I am convinced that Mei Fun is only sold in the Chinese restaurants where I went to college...

They are calling for sleet and snow in Texas tomorrow. That's going to be interesting. Thank God I don't have to leave my house. The people here can't drive in sunshine so I can only imagine what inclement weather will do for their skills...

I should have gotten Sav an iPod touch, Leap Frog or some kind of tablet for Christmas. She accidentally bought an app on my password protected phone yesterday...

So glad that my "baby" acne is starting to clear up. I swear I have every single pregnancy symptom you could possibly have...

Am I the only one that doesn't care that Kim Kardashian is pregnant? I'm looking forward to seeing her maternity style...

I'm starting yoga classes on Sunday. It better be relaxing...

My go-to makeup look lately has been concealer, blush, eyeliner and mascara. It does wonders...

I still like wedge sneakers but I feel like the trend has already had its moment...

I didn't think the new reality show about preacher's wives (The Sisterhood on TLC) was that bad. I'm pretty sure we all know women in the church like them. Honestly. I thought they (for the most part) were pretty normal and I found it to be quite refreshing. It was nice to hear/see them be regular women. However. I will say that if the show takes an ugly turn that's going to be pretty bad. For so many reasons...

Brandy got engaged. Again. But this time it's real...