HEATHER + ALIX

The Champagne Theory

Happy Hour

hat | sunglasses | top | necklace | backpack

The sock boot seems to be on trend for fall and I’m not sure I can pull it off. Have you seen any purchase-worthy pairs and how would you style them?

Neither of us purchased any sock boots for fall but I have seen them styled in a way that has me rethinking my decision. However, I feel like the sock boot trend is so specific and I’d need to have an outfit planned in my mind or an event where I’d wear them. Instead, I purchase booties that I can throw on with any outfit during the fall (like these.. go with everything and on sale AGAIN! or this classic style). But I’ve pinned some outfit inspo ideas on our Pinterest page and found similar boots that I’m tempted to try here | here | here. For me, black is the only color I’d wear in a sock boot.. I know white and tan are popular for fall but I just can’t pull it off.

What’s the calm tea you drink before bed? Do you think it would help with anxiety?

I wrote my thoughts about this product here in this week’s grocery store find post.  I take it every night and I do think it helps “calm” me before bed time.  I don’t think this product alone is enough to help someone with severe anxiety, but it’s a nice addition to other stress and anxiety reducing practices.

It’s basically a magnesium supplement…the goal being to help balance the magnesium to calcium ratio in our body.  Magnesium helps our muscles relax and blood to flow freely.  Read more here on the company’s website.

What are you favorite fall recipes.  I want to start baking some fall pumpkin bread this weekend.

Yes!  I’m also thinking about making something “fall-ish” this weekend! This is my fav pumpkin bread (sub the canola oil for coconut oil) and these pumpkin muffins look so good!  These pumpkin pancakes are delish and this turkey white bean pumpkin chili is a great soup to make in the crock pot when the weather cools off. I also LOVE these PSL energy snack bites and these pumpkin pie protein bites.  OK this just motivated me to whip up something this weekend!

Heather – I love your black backpack in your last post. Can you share some budget friendly backpacks good for carrying my things as well as my toddler’s?

Thanks! I got this one after scouring Nordstrom’s website for a couple weeks before pulling the trigger (also check your local Nordstrom Rack because I’ve seen some FAB finds there recently). Backpacks are big for fall and as a mom, I wanted something edgy and cute but also functional.. so it had to zip. The drawstring styles are cute but SO annoying to get in and out of.

These are some of the styles I had in my cart before purchasing the one linked above (I love both black and tan styles in all of these):

How do you modify your workouts during pregnancy and what’s been labeled as “safe” as far as ab work?

I didn’t start modifying my workouts too much until I hit the 20 week mark. Up until that point, I continued doing the same things at the gym or in my classes except I didn’t do lower ab work because #whatsthepoint? In yoga classes, you shouldn’t be doing any twisting or spine strengthening on your tummy. Doing open twists and cat/cow on your hands and knees are the best alternatives. I was told by my doctor that continuing with upper ab work is perfectly safe throughout pregnancy but consult with your physician first. It’s not like I’m doing intense ab work but I do as many sit ups as I can tolerate on a medicine ball to support by back and not put too much pressure on my stomach. I am actually a huge proponent of ab work during pregnancy… what else do you think you use to push that thing out (besides serious willpower)?!

I wear an Apple watch to ensure my heart rate never spikes and I was told you should be able to sing “Happy Birthday” all the way through without running out of breath when pregnant and working out. The only workouts that I do where my heart rate gets high is Corepower and Orange Theory so I am very careful during those classes and take lots of breaks. I just listen to my body and don’t push myself like I used to.. my goal is to break a sweat every single day (got this tip from Matthew McConaughey lol), walk 10K steps and stay sane with the occasional babysitter 😉

I tried Starbucks new protein powder smoothies and they are gross. Do you have a similar but better recipe you can share?

Agreed! Yes, I got you…try this smoothie recipe instead:

    • 4 oz cold brew concentrate from Trader Joe’s
    • 4-6 oz unsweetened almond milk
    • 2 scoops Aloha chocolate protein powder (or your fav choc. protein powder)
    • 1/2-1 frozen banana
    • 1 tablespoon almond butter
    • handful ice cubes

I love ice cream as much as the next person and try to make smarter decisions at the grocery store but with so many ice creams on the market labeled as “healthy,” I am so confused what I should be buying. What are your favorites?

If you can tolerate dairy then I recommend just eating the real deal stuff. My motto is always eat real food! Any of the “diet” types of ice cream are loaded with a bunch of “crap” to replace the perfectly good fat that was taken out.  The serving size is 1/2 cup…that is the important part to try and stick to 😉  If you go for the “diet” “low cal” ice cream you’re most likely not going to be satisfied after 1/2 cup and end up eating the whole pint.  The fat and real ingredients in real deal ice cream will fill you up and will be more satisfying.  Try topping with fresh berries.  Ice cream doesn’t need a lot of ingredients…milk, cream, sugar and maybe some chocolate or vanilla extract for flavoring. If you can, I would go with a brand that is organic and local.

I see you girls wearing Abercrombie and American Eagle a lot lately – they seem to be making a comeback. Can you share some of your recent finds?

Seriously can’t get enough of Abercrombie and AE these days.. it’s such a good price point, trendy but quality pieces and SO comfortable. These are the things we’ve purchased recently:

Thanks for stopping by and sending in your questions to champagnetheory@gmail.com. Have a fun and safe Labor Day Weekend! xx

Comments

  1. Alix – Thank you for the helpful information on calcium/magnesium ratios, and how this affects our bodies. Would magnesium supplements in pill form be just as helpful? Would you recommend taking at night, as with the “tea?”

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