Heather: Have you lost all of your baby weight and if not, what are you doing to slim down?
OMGGGGODDDDDD no! I do know that I have about 17-20 lbs to go before I am back to my pre-baby weight but I am not focusing on the scale or a number.. because it doesn’t matter. If my jeans and jackets fit, then I know I am back.. and they don’t right now. I was in the best shape of my life one year ago and it’s going to take me at least another 6 months to get back there. My diet is pretty “clean” with veggies, fruits, whole grains and protein but I know it’s the freaking wine that’s keeping me from really seeing the results. I just can’t quit you. So see next question for what I’m doing to stay healthy and fit and get back to my pre-baby jeans.
How often do you workout and what type of workouts are your favorite?
Alix: I workout 5-6 days a week and vary my workouts a lot. I don’t have a set routine and use ClassPass to help keep a varied workout schedule because I get bored easily. My goal is yoga 1 x week and the rest of the week I’m either doing a spin class, Orange Theory Fitness or running outside for cardio then barre or pilates for a more low impact training day. Also sometimes Heather and I will do a HIIT routine at the gym and we have all those saved on our Instagram highlights.
Heather: I workout 4-5 days a week right now (the goal is 6 but not possible with these rugrats) and if I don’t get a workout in, I am walking and trying to get at least 10,000 steps a day, which is honestly pretty easy chasing after three kids. I try to run 2x a week and yoga 1x. And like Alix said, sometimes we hit the gym for a 30 minute HIIT workout, which honestly burns more calories than most of my other workouts!
I’m going to Whistler at the end of the month and need some warm basics to bring. What do you recommend?
Step one: fleece lined leggings. Whoa, hello game changer! Bought these and linked these on last week’s happy hour. Warm enough to wear in the snow with boots and a big ass coat. Which brings me to a jacket. If you can’t afford Canada Goose, try Aritzia’s version here (this is the one I have and it’s now on sale!) or I found this version currently on major markdown. Next, you’re gonna need some cute but functional boots (Sorel’s are my fave and v v warm). Lastly, I layer with these ribbed tees, this Lulu jacket (good for so many other things too) or this zip up jacket (warmest) and this beanie. Have fun!!
Heather: Is Parker on any sort of newborn routine and how long is he sleeping at night?
My post for Monday is Parker’s “routine”.. and I say that with quotes because it’s LOOSE. But to answer your question, he is KIND OF on a schedule. The first 3 weeks, there was no schedule. I learned my lesson the first time around.. babies are gonna do their thang and you just gotta let it gooooo (Frozen?!). However, Parker is pretty predictable now and fell into his own groove. He really did it on his own without me interfering much.
He wakes for the day between 6:30-7 am, has about three naps a day and is down by 7 every night (up 1-2 times at night). And then we do the WHOLE THING ALL OVER AGAIN THE NEXT DAY #groundhogsday.
Do either of you use essential oils? If so, what do you use them for?
Alix: I use doTERRA essential oils mainly for anxiety/stress relief. I have a diffuser next to my bed which I love. I will also sometimes just rub behind my ears, under my feet, or on my chest. I use the doTERRA On Guard for immunity and to fight colds…I’m obsessed and swear by it. I also just bought the CALM EO oil from Whole Foods and like to diffuse that. You can also put in your bath, add a few drops to your body lotion. There are some doTERRA ones you can ingest and people put them in their water to a mood and energy boost. I like their Wild Orange and Lemon in water.
Heather: I recently got an oil diffuser from Costco that I keep on my bedside table. I diffuse lavender at night before bed to promote a good night’s rest (my husband is super into it) and I also put a few drops on our pillow cases. I put it on the bottom of the baby’s feet as well.. apparently that helps soothe them and helps them fall asleep but verdict’s still out on that one lol. In the mornings, I love to diffuse tangerine (or any citrus) to wake me the F up.. something about it stimulates my senses. I got mine at Whole Foods. I haven’t used any oils for medicinal purposes but I have friends who ONLY use oils to treat illnesses and have never looked back.. not quite there but maybe one day!
Have either of you done cupping? I want to try it but need to know more about it first? Does it hurt?! What are the benefits?
Alix: I used to do cupping more frequently when I was working with an acupuncturist in Berkley. I just had it done at a day spa that offers it, but I’m looking to find a new acupuncturist because I want someone more clinical to do it and also start needling again. Benefits include decreases pain (back pain for me), increases circulation, decongests toxic tissue (blood and fluid build up), draws out stagnant blood, and helps with fatigue and anxiety. It doesn’t hurt and IMO it feels good especially when the cup is taken off. You can be a little sore afterwards. Drink LOTS of fluids, rest, and no booze for about 48 hours because your liver is in detox-mode afterwards. These are my opinions and experience so definitely do your research before and go to someone you trust to make sure it will work for you 😉
Heather: never done it but after talking to Alix about it.. I’m into it! Might try it soon.
Ok, I am seeing CBD everywhere.. have either of you tried it for anxiety? Does it work? I’m scared that my body won’t react well to it.
Alix: I’ll start by saying I don’t smoke pot and the few times I have I’ve literally thought I was going to die. So, I was definitely weary of CBD products, but they don’t contain THC (which is what makes you trip) and claims to just have the more calming side effects. I bought this oil and think its helps a little?? I don’t notice a significant change in my body TBH and I’m going to invest in CBD lotion next for my back.
Heather: same same as Alix.. I don’t smoke, never liked the stuff and I am a wayyyyyy more fun drunk than high person lol. At least I think I’m fun 😉 Anyways, the few times I’ve done CBD, I didn’t notice a huge change in my anxiety.. maybe it calmed me a tiny bit?! I have friends who absolutely love it and take it daily for anxiety and it totally works for them. But for me, I just need to lay off the booze and get a good nights rest if I don’t want my anxiety flaring.
Have you tried dermaplaning (done by a professional) or shaved your face yourself? I have baby hairs all over my face and was contemplating shaving or dermaplaning.. curious about your experience with this!
Heather: Let’s start with the definition of dermaplaning- it is a skin care treatment that removes dead skin cells and vellus hair, aka peach fuzz. An aesthetician uses a small, sterile blade while holding the skin taut, swiping the blade in gentle upward motions. The procedure involves the use of a 10-inch scalpel, which curves into a sharp point. The blade is used on clean, dry skin on the forehead, cheeks, chin, nose and neck. You can expect to see an instant improvement in skin texture and tone, while the long-term effects are increased cell turnover, fewer wrinkles and dark spots, reduction of acne scarring, and the removal of fine facial hair. The only people who should NOT dermaplane are those with severe acne.
Now… Alix and I both used the Tinkle razors to shave the lower part of our face (neverrrrr go above your cheeks), which is a lot less exfoliating than that of dermaplaning or waxing. Alix wrote about her negative experience below but I did not have any adverse side effects. I saw the following benefits: my makeup application was so much better.. prettier even.. the products went on beautifully. And my skin care products absorbed into my skin deeper. However, if you’re going to shave, only do it when your face is at its best and clearest.. like NOT when you’re on your period. Also, the only reason I ever started doing this was because I saw Michelle Money (for my Bachelor fans! She’s BEYOND gorgeous) do a YouTube video on it and I was like SOLDDDDD!
Alix: I have not done dermaplaning but did use these razors and shaved my face for a few months and swear it caused me to breakout. I went to a facialist that said we need those fine baby hairs to keep germs and dirt away from our skin, so since then I haven’t done it. But it felt SO great having a smooth face.
Thanks for the questions this week!! These were some fun ones to answer 🙂 Email or DM us with more! Champagnetheory@gmail.com
Cheers, H&A
