2nd Trimester Recap and Current Pregnancy Product Lifesavers

Hey howdy hey!

My goodness- time is FLYING. I cannot even believe this pregnancy is almost over and that we get to meet our sweet girl in a matter of weeks! Pinch me….

The second trimester has been so sooo good to me y’all. In short- I have felt great. My energy returned (YEY!– goodbye 4:30pm bedtimes), food aversions lifted, and all around I have felt more joyful than ever before. I have been able to stay active- walking about 5 miles daily. This has been the perfect amount of exercise for me. What they say is true- the 2nd trimester ROCKS! 

My only issue has been fire-breathing-dragon-style acid reflux, and minor aches and pains. I now take Zantac in the morning and pop a tums for any breakthrough acid during the day. I usually need a tums at around 2am as well- regardless of what I ate for dinner that night– so I keep those babies bedside. 

I was starting to notice some aching in my back at around 15 weeks and decided to see a prenatal chiropractor.  I cannot recommend this enough- for any of my local WI readers, I see Dr. Camille Berger at Early Beginnings Chiropractic. I have been seeing her twice a week and will continue until delivery. Chiropractic care counts towards our deductible- and it might for you too, it’s worth a phone call! Our baby girl is in the transverse breech position (the worst birthing position possible- yes, this is my child 😉 ) so she is also working to help get baby into a better position too. Fingers crossed!

Now for the fun stuff…. here are some items that have made my pregnancy comfortable af... or at least as comfortable as possible. 🙂 

***None of these items are sponsored- simply a collection of things that have worked for me.

1.CRZ Leggings

If I told you how many pairs I had…would you judge me? These are so incredibly cozy…. I am almost scared to share these…..and want to keep them my little secret….

…..But alas, sharing is caring…

These leggings also come in a capri style too- which ya’ girl obviously owns as well. Perfect for summer, or winter, or literally ANYTHING. I sized up to a medium so I have room to grow- but this is just personal preference. At only $24.00– you can’t go wrong.

2. Motherlove Belly Oil/ Honest Company Lotion

At about 17 weeks I was struggling with a super itchy belly. I tried every lotion/balm out there with one clear winner- this combo. I have loved using the Motherlove belly oil and Honest Company lotion together! I put a hearty amount of each in my palm and rub it all over my belly, hips, and tata’s in the mornings, and evenings before bed. I cannot tell you the pure bliss  that I feel now that I am NOT  scratching my belly all day long. This combo is legit. If you’re struggling with itchy or tight skin- it’s worth a shot.

$19.95 and has lasted my full 1st and 2nd trimester

$7.10 I have used 1 per trimester

**full transparency- I did notice my first stretch mark on the bottom of my belly at about 29-30 weeks. SOOOO does this elixir prevent stretch marks? Not for me…and to be honest I am not sure complete stretch mark prevention is even possible in general….BUT….this is the only combination that leaves my skin hydrated and not greasy or itchy- so it’s still a complete win for me.  I will continue to use this even after she is here! 

3. BaoBei Belly Band and Bralettes

At about 17 weeks I was starting to notice a ‘heavy’ feeling in my belly. It was not quite uncomfortable- but I felt like I was slowing down and movement didn’t feel as easy. After hearing all of the praises for the BaoBei belly band- I decided to give it a shot. I was hesitant because at $64.00 – it’s an investment.

There are many cheaper options out there but after trying BaoBei – I am in LOVE.  At this point- I look like I swallowed a watermelon…but hardly feel the effects of this whoppin’ belly- I credit this to BaoBei.

The band offers so much support I cannot even recommend it enough. I will also be rocking it postpartum. I sized up to a medium- based on the size charts I should have gotten a small, but the medium felt like a better fit for my body.

I recently purchased a Bralette from BaoBei, and adore the design. No painful clasps and perfect for pregnancy, nursing, and postpartum. I need this bra in every color- for real. So dang comfortable. I went for the size small in the bra, and it fits perfectly.  They retail for $32.00.

*I am currently eyeing up BaoBei’s support bloomers and leggings for postpartum. I will let y’all know if I get them and love them as much as I do their belly band and bralette! Stay tuned 😉

4. Vionic Blaine Slip-on Shoe

I’ll be honest- these are not the cutest shoes I have ever owned. However, they are so useful and have allowed me to stay active during pregnancy.  They slip right on and feel like you’re walking on air. I LOVE these shoes. In case you haven’t noticed, my motto has become ‘comfort over everythingggg’  when pregnant. Trust me.

$44.99 – I wear them almost daily.

5. Mega Mag Supplement

If you have ever experienced a calf cramp waking you in the dead of night- you know the extreme discomfort these buggers bring.  I was noticing calf cramps at night and eye twitching spasms during the day- not cute. My doc suggested taking a magnesium supplement and VOILA – just like that NO more calf cramps or twitching. The recommended dose is 4 droppers full- I just throw one dropper worth into my morning coffee and that has been plenty. These drops are easily absorbed and are incredible. 

$11.00 for 4 oz- this will last my entire pregnancy.

6. Amazon Tank Tops

Honestly- I have these in *almost* every color. They are so lightweight and cute! I sized up to a large for pregnancy (my belly is freaking massive already).  The large is still a loose fit on me and I do have some extra fabric in the armpit area- but honestly I don’t even care. For the price? These can’t be beat. If you are not preggo- getting your normal size would probably be perfect.

$13.71 – $19.99 (price changes with size)

Well, my friends, there you have it- my second trimester recap and pregnancy must haves- so far.  I hope these items make someone else’s pregnancy a bit more (you guessed it) comfortable.  I will be doing a third trimester update in a few weeks and hopefully sharing baby girls nursery…if we ever move into our new house… 🙂

Also, please comment below and share your hospital bag musts with me! Until then….

The Cold Weather Shoes You Need. All Under $100!

Hey, howdy, hey!

So, today I wanted to do a post about some of my favorite shoes. Before I begin, I have to share how I managed to stumble upon (quite literally) the brand: Aerosoles.

Quick backstory, I broke my foot last December.

Y’all…I’d like to say it was doing something heroic or impressive. But alas, I was going to a high end holiday gala…when my teeny tiny stiletto got caught in a crack in the sidewalk. I fell, in front of a crowd, in a floor length dress, and proceeded to scream cry while bystanders watched in horror. I was the epitome of every woman’s worst nightmare. Instead of going to the hospital immediately, I decided to throw my heels back on and dance the night away. I was so embarrassed that I thought I could get up, shake it off and be cool. WRONG. Upon arriving home my foot had doubled in size. When I woke in the morning I headed into the doctors office and (surprise, surprise) I had broken 2 bones. I spent 4 months in a cast and 2 months in intensive rehab.

Moral of the story: guess what? Those cutesy stilettos… ARE. NOT worth it….especially in the winter!

Fast forward to today and you can bet your bottom that I have learned my lesson. I felt so silly at the doctors office explaining how I hurt myself because it was something so avoidable. However, my doctor informed me that these shoe related accidents happen quite often. After my injury, I searched and searched for shoes that were stylish but would give me the support that I needed. I am barely 5’3 and love to rock a nice heel. The thought of never wearing heels again filled me with sadness. Which leads me to my current favorite brand of shoes: Aerosoles! I swear, these are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. They are also on trend and all under $100!

Check out a few pairs that I love, also…they are all on sale!

This bootie is awesome with jeans and a fun fall/winter coat!

 

I can’t even with these red loafers….SO comfortable and a statement piece for the holidays!!!

 

I love styling this boot with a dress, cozy sweater, and leggings. Superb for the season.

 

You cant go wrong with a classic black bootie! Literally perfect for almost any outfit.

I love this boot because it’s a fun twist on a classic winter boot.

So, if you have never heard of Aerosoles, I sure hope you give them a try. Your wallet and feet will thank you!!