Bring on the weekend! We’re busy bees over here – Alix is heading to OC for a wedding and I’m throwing Jackson a 3rd birthday party and entertaining out of town guests. After all of that, my husband and I are jetting off to NYC and Boston sans kids so I’ll be busy organizing & packing. We have a pretty packed itinerary but send me any “musts” for the city – restaurants, museums, parks, shows? We’re going to see Hamilton and I can barely contain my excitement. Is it everything and more?! It better be. So. Much. Hype. Ok, let’s get to it. Below are this week’s Happy Hour questions – ENJOY!
I’m nursing and need some breastfeeding friendly tops that I can continue to wear after I wean my baby. Any suggestions?
This was always a challenge for me so I’ll link the tops I had and some I’ve seen that I wish I had when I was nursing. I bought the majority of my maternity and nursing tops from Target and Asos because #cheap and I knew I wouldn’t be wearing them forever. Also, unsure why the models are pregnant because you’re clearly not nursing when you’re actually pregnant but OK:
I have sun/age spots – any beauty products you recommend to help diminish the appearance?
Start by seeking a professional opinion so you know the type of discoloration you’re dealing with because using a laser on melanoma is a no-go. Once you know you aren’t at a health risk, it’s time to talk lasers and topical treatments to deal with those pesky dark spots. First and foremost, start using sunscreen EVERY. DAY. I don’t care if it’s cloudy, raining or snowing, lather your face with SPF 30+ as it will prevent future sun spots. Beauty Counter has a nice stick form or all over option here. Now, if you’re not willing to invest in a laser series (which is probably the most effective but super expensive), you can do at home power peels to start. BlueMercury has one that was recommended by Vogue here. Now you need a high tech serum to brighten and reduce the appearance of dark spots. Lancer has a pretty pricey version here. Created by Beverly Hills-based physician Dr. Harold Lancer (whose patients include Kim Kardashian, Ryan Seacrest and Ellen Degeneres), this skin brightener will diminish dark spots, improve the look of uneven skin tone, and make your look more radiant overall. But it’s $225 so if you’re looking for a more budget friendly option but still effective, look no further than here. As for ongoing maintenance, you probably want to start using prescription strength Retin A products at night since it may induce a heightened risk of sun sensitivity. In addition to exfoliating away minor discolorations, the derm-approved ingredient also helps to prevent future dark spots through a photoprotective antioxidant. I wish there was a magic potion I could give you but start here and continue with that SPF 😉
I saw you guys post a story about Daily Harvest. Tell me more about this service and do you like the smoothies so far?
I tried my first smoothie this morning and loved the flavor- I made the cherry and acai. To make it a complete meal, I had to make some additions by putting in my vital proteins, avocado (fat), and ground flax (extra fiber) to make sure I would be full and satisfied. If I was just making this for a quick snack I probably wouldn’t add much to it. You can learn more here on their website, but they also have harvest bowls, soups, lattes, overnight oats, and more on the menu. I like making my own smoothie packets but this will be fun to try new smoothie combinations and have more variety. I have to say it’s pretty fun to have a fancy smoothie all pre-portioned and ready to blend… then you pour back into the provided cup for an on the go meal or snack!
I’m thinking of getting my eyebrows microbladed. Have you done it, what did it cost and how did you find a reputable esthetician?
I (Heather) got my eyebrows microbladed right after Cam was born in February 2017 and I was initially really pleased with my results. I found my technician through a friend who had her brows done just a few weeks earlier and I went for it. In hindsight, I probably should have done a bit more research as a person doesn’t have to have any technical training whatsoever to micro blade.. terrifying because it’s legit a tattoo on your face. However, I was lucky that I didn’t get a total botch job lol. Anyways, it’s been a year and I feel like I already need a touch up.. I guess that’s normal but for an original cost of $500, I thought it would last a little longer. Right now, I definitely have to fill my brows in which is the whole purpose of getting the procedure.. so I wouldn’t have to do that. If I end up getting a touch up, I will take some before and after photos so you can see the results!
I sadly got some stretch marks during pregnancy and want to know if there’s a secret recipe for making them disappear – and fast!
I didn’t get stretch marks with my first pregnancy but it’s true what they say.. you grow at a fast and furious pace with your second so with Cam, I got a lot of stretch marks on my tummy and sides. Sad face. I even applied all the coconut oil, coco butter and expensive serums – it didn’t help. After he was born, I was desperate for them to disappear. I ended up getting a laser treatment that of course, was not proven to actually reduce stretch marks because if you do any research, stretch marks will never completely go away. Yes, in time they will fade but you have to let nature run it’s course. I paid WAY TOO MUCH money to get a laser treatment that essentially did nothing. Actually, it just made the stretch marks darker and redder because I tried frying them off my skin ha. Anyways, it’s been a full year, I’ve been exercising consistently and losing the baby weight in a healthy way which has translated to my stretch marks. I can barely see them anymore. So long story short, there’s no secret recipe. If you’re going to get stretch marks, you’re going to get stretch marks and over time, they will fade. And you know what? Stretch marks aren’t the end of the world. Just a little reminder of the miraculous things your body does during pregnancy 😉 Warrior marks if you ask me.
Alix- I saw one of your stories where you made your own coffee and it looked amazing but I didn’t know what half of the products were. Can you explain?
Lol I sometimes get a little carried away with my morning beverage if I have some time on my hands (aka Quinn doesn’t wake up in a grumpy stage 5 clinger kinda mood). I think you’re referring to the “dirty” tumeric latte I posted on stories about a week ago (currently saved under nutrition highlights for anyone that didn’t see it) Anywho..here is the recipe:
- 1 tsp Gaia Golden Milk
- 175° water (~4-6 oz) I’m obsessed with my electric tea kettle
- Steamed almond milk (~4-6 oz)
- 1 tsp Ashwagandha**
- 1/4 tsp Rhodiola**
- 1 tbsp Kiss My Keto MCT oil
- 2 scoop Vital Proteins collagen peptides
- 1 shot espresso
- cinnamon (amount per personal preference- I like A LOT)
- 1 tsp raw honey
I blend it all together in the Vitamix for 1-2 mins
**These are both adaptogens which are herbs used to help the body get back (or remain) in a homeostasis state. I use Ashwagandha and Rhodiola to help manage stress and fatigue. Do your research before adding these (or other herbs) into your regime. I can do a longer post on adaptogens if people are interested.
I’m 7 months pregnant…how the heck do I dress cute with this bump?!
When I was pregnant, I didn’t invest or buy a ton of maternity clothes because I knew it would be short lived. I bought one pair of designer jeans, a pair of Splendid leggings (which I wear to this day because they are LIFE. CHANGING) and a few Target pieces. This top is great for work as is this dress. But for every day style, I just sized up and bought everything a bit oversized and I can still wear most of it after pregnancy, especially in the winter. My advice is invest in a couple pairs of pants and nursing tanks that you can wear during and after pregnancy. And invest in a good nursing bra like this one by Cake. Otherwise, wear your normal clothes as long as possible and size up on cheaper shirts from Gap, Target and Old Navy.
I’m wondering what were you favorite postpartum works and how you managed to get in a workout with a newborn?
Alix here…Don’t rush into this and definitely talk with your doctor before engaging in any physical activity. The first few weeks were just walks and getting outside…a newborn sleeps SO much, so take advantage of it! I made a goal every day to just get outside once and many times it would be only a few blocks to a coffee shop then I worked my way up to longer distances. To be completely honest I was going stir crazy and my doctor cleared me to do (very modified) barre at 4 weeks postpartum (PP) which looking back I shouldn’t have done. My body wasn’t healed enough so I would recommend just walking until week 6 PP once you’re hopefully cleared. The first few months when my husband would get home from work I would go to barre, yoga, or even just take the dog for a walk for a little alone time 🙂 Around month 3 PP I slowly got back into Orange Theory. We moved to Seattle when Quinn was 4 months old and I joined a local Stroller Strides. I personally did not love it here or find the workouts very challenging, but I’ve heard amazing things about it in other areas so definitely check it out in your area! If you’re a runner you want this stroller to jog with your babe (once they are ~6 months ask your pediatrician). If you need to do a workout at home while the baby naps I would recommend getting the Pure Barre DVDs or sign up for the SWEAT app. Heather and I are loving this right now and I wish I had it when Quinn was a newborn. You can squeeze in a great quick workout at home. Tone It Up has some great online workouts like this and this (my fav!) Pinterest has a lot of good options as well. Lastly, once your babe gets a little older try to find a studio or gym with childcare. Barre3 has been a life saver for me. And maybe one day this bike…a girl can dream!
Have a great weekend!
