Alix- what are your favorite smoothie flavors from Daily Harvest?
I’ve liked pretty much all of the smoothies I’ve tried so far! The only ones I haven’t loved is the cold brew + almond (which I was so excited about!) and the dragon fruit + lychee. My favs are pineapple + matcha, chai + coconut, mint + cacao, and blueberry + hemp. I have an apple + greens coming my way this week I’m excited to try because I’ve heard good things. Right now I can only recommend smoothies from DH because I have not been impressed with the other products I’ve tried. I tried the brussels sprouts + tahini harvest bowl and it was good, but nothing unbelievable and did not fill me up for a meal. I tried the blackberry + majik chia parfait for breakfast one morning and thought it was average- wouldn’t order again. Lastly, I tried the cacao cookie dough sundae because how good does that sound and it was good, but didn’t do the trick for me as a dessert. I’m going to keep trying the other products because I think they have so much potential and I’ll keep you posted 😉
Here is my link for you to get 3 free cups!
Do you guys do the Tone It Up workouts? If so, what are your thoughts and does it cost money?
I’ve (Alix) never signed up for the TIU workouts before, but will occasionally do a few of their workouts at home when I’m in a pinch. I believe it does cost money depending on what plan you sign up for to get their new workouts emailed to you and they also do meal/nutrition plans, etc. I have friends that have done it in the past and have had postive things to say about their experience.
You can YouTube a lot of their workouts and also follow our fitness page on Pinterest because we will “pin” good home workout ideas. This, this, and this one are a few of my favorites. I will usually combine a few of them to get a 30-45 minute workout. I also like this TIU workout and you have to watch the intro- it’s so cheesy and amazing I crack up every time I watch it.
What was the one thing at the #NSale that you just couldn’t live without?
One? You want us to pick just one? Challenge accepted. For me (Heather), it was this Thread and Supply fuzzy pullover. When Alix and I got to the store, it was the first thing we went to in order to get our sizes and sure enough, within 30 minutes most sizes were gone. I got it in size medium for a little oversized fit and Alix got it in small. I have it in charcoal so I snagged it in ivory this year. I have Patagonias and North Face’s but honestly, this pullover is cheaper, softer and just as warm. This pullover and full zip version sold out last year and it wasn’t even on sale. So if you see your size, grab it and run.
Alix- Well Heather stole my #1 pick that I was dying to get this year. I had major FOMO not snagging it last year and you better believe I wasn’t missing out on it this year. I’m really excited about this BP plaid shirt (went with an XS in green) and even more excited to get this Rails shirt (had to online order and went with a small in navy merlot). I would say this was my biggest splurge item. Lastly, I told myself NO workout leggings, but when I got home from the sale I went online and ordered these because YOLO! Wait I guess that was more than one thing…close enough.
I see a lot of people adding collagen to coffee. What are the benefits above and beyond just hair/nails?
Let’s first start with answering the question “what is collagen?” Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and it is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, digestive system and tendons. It’s like the “glue” that holds our joints and tendons together. Sadly, the natural production of collagen slows down as we age and our bodies begin to show signs of aging (think wrinkles…eeek!) So, it is important we get collagen in our diet and one way is to add Vital Proteins in your morning coffee or smoothie. Yes, it has major benefits for hair and nail strength/growth, but it also plays an important role in gut health and digestion, reduces tendon and joint pain, improved sleep, and improve skin elasticity 😉 It can also help with post workout recovery.
Heather – are you drinking kombucha during your pregnancy? I am expecting and used to drink it daily (and miss it!) but am so conflicted if I can continue drinking it.
I do drink kombucha during my pregnancies as I got the OK from my doctor so check with your OB first. But she basically told me if you drank kombucha before pregnancy or breastfeeding and didn’t have any adverse effects, you are probably fine continuing to drink kombucha in moderation. What’s considered moderate? Limit yourself to no more than a few ounces at a time, with a maximum of 8 to 16 ounces per day, depending on how much you drank before pregnancy. Yes, there is a small amount of alcohol in kombucha but how much are we talking about here?
No one’s telling you to throw back a few shots of whisky after supper, but the small amount of alcohol in kombucha is different. Store bought kombucha has about 1-3% alcohol, while homemade has .5% or less. When kombucha is bottled, either for sale or during a second fermentation, this can increase the alcohol content to that 1-3% level. GT’s Kombucha has two kombucha varieties, one with a higher alcohol content (which you need to be 21 or older to purchase) and a lower alcohol version called GT’s “Enlightened”. Stick with the Enlightened when pregnant and nursing.
You didn’t post any of your beauty or accessory finds in your Nordstrom Anniversary post. I understand those things are personal but can you share what you purchased or have your eye on?
There are a ton of beauty deals to be had and we have our eyes on these: I already have this set and love her products for a more natural and dewy look. Charlotte Tilbury has a great lip set we love here. Mac’s nude lip trio has the BEST colors included. The GloPro micro needling set is $100 and it will sell out. I haven’t splurged yet but I am SO close. Lastly, people who have this facial trio are obsessed and I’ve heard nothing but amazing reviews.
As for accessories, we both got these Sonix aviators. If you’re into the cat eye, these Sonix are extremely popular. These Quay versions are even cheaper and just as cute.
Also loving this Madewell bucket bag in black, this scarf (A got it), this Baublebar set and this Halogen cardigan wrap.
Alix got this Calvin Klein camo bralette and these undies (great for working out). I’m also obsessed with these thongs for working out.
How long did you breastfeed for and when did you introduce formula?
Heather: My motto has always been “fed is best” and not “breast is best.” I have never felt pressure to breastfeed longer than what made sense for me and my kids so with that being said, I breastfed Jackson for 7 months and Cameron for almost 4 months. Jackson was my first and I felt a LITTLE pressure to go longer but I went back to work at the 4 month mark and could no longer keep up my supply. This is when we introduced formula and after doing so, I wish I had done it sooner. He was SO much happier, fuller and slept longer stretches after supplementing with formula.
Therefore, when Cameron was born, I supplemented with formula the second we got home from the hospital. I have never had an overabundant supply of milk. Contrary to popular belief, it does not matter how big your boobs are (and I’ve got some tig ol’ bitties), your milk supply will vary and I have always struggled in this department despite trying all the tricks. Secondly, it made the transition to home so much easier because anyone could feed Cam.. he didn’t have to be attached to me like a cow. Yes, I nursed as much as possible but I didn’t feel this crazy pressure if I left the house that I had to be back in 2 hours to feed him. My husband could also feed him.. day or night. Talk about a game changer.
So when big 3 comes, I’ll absolutely breastfeed him and give him formula from day 1.. or when we get home from the hospital. I am also going to try and breastfeed for at least 4 months but hey, who knows what will happen. Caring for two toddlers and a newborn can throw a wrench in my plans so I am not putting any pressure on myself.
With all that being said, there is so much mommy shaming and opinions out there regarding breastfeeding and expectations. At the end of the day, it’s a personal decision and nobody’s business but your own.. and a fed baby is a happy baby 😉
Alix: My goal was to breastfeed for at least 6 months. It was challenging because we moved to Seattle from CA when she was 4 months old, and all the stress from moving and transition made it difficult to keep up that demand. I introduced formula when she was about 1-2 months to top her off at night because I didn’t know how much milk she was actually getting and being a first time mom I was paranoid she wasn’t getting enough then thought she wouldn’t sleep long stretches at night because she would be too hungry.
Around 2 months she started getting SO distracted on the boob, so I started pumping a lot more so I knew how many oz she was actually getting…it was exhausting. My time was spent either giving her a bottle or pumping while she was napping. By 6 months my supply was low and she was getting mostly formula at this point. Definitely so much guilt and mixed emotions when you stop breastfeeding, but I knew I had done my best.
Thanks for sending in your questions! Have a great week. xx
