Bella Gravida

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Bella Gravida. I received a complimentary subscription and a promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

kimono: Pink Blush c/o Bella Gravida
I mentioned it about a month ago, but I got a chance to try out a new company called Bella Gravida. It's basically like Netflix but for maternity clothes.  Bella Gravida means beautifully pregnant in Italian, and their goal is to help pregnant woman feel beautiful, with lots of wardrobe options!  You fill out a profile, what sizes you are, what clothing items you like and what subscription plan you choose.  For the plan I have you get three clothing items at a time and can send each item back whenever you'd like.  There were a few times I didn't love the item or it didn't fit right so I sent it back right away.  You can go in your profile and let them know it's on the way, and they will get your next item sent out right away!  Shipping is super fast, and you don't pay anything extra for shipping either way.  Just send your items back (you don't even need to wash them - they'll do that for you!) in the prepaid envelope and stick it in your mailbox.  

Here's a look at my current "closet."  I really hope they send me that fur vest next! You pick from a bunch of items to add to your "closet" and then when you're up for a new item, one of them is sent to you.  I really like just about all the items I got.  Sometimes I knew I wouldn't have a chance to wear a dress soon because it was dressier than my day to day style, so I sent it back.  This would be so great if I was still teaching or working.  Maternity clothes are pretty expensive, especially ones nice enough for work, so it'd be nice to have lots of options and not have to pay for each one.  

Both of these tops were in my first package, as I'm sure you can tell it was from awhile ago, hence the much smaller bump.  Both tops are from Pink Blush, which is my favorite maternity shop.  I love them!  You also have the option of keeping any items for purchase.  I actually still have the red one because I love it so much! 
This would also be perfect for the holidays.  Even though I'm not working, the holidays are one time of the year I have more chances to dress up and it'd be great to not have to go shopping for maternity dresses and spend the money on fancy outfits.  Speaking of holidays, this would be a great gift to give to a pregnant friend! In a few weeks, there will be a "Give the Gift of Style" option on Bella Gravida's site, so you can do just that!
I loved getting a chance to try out this service and am excited to help spread the word about this company.  Monthly plans start as low as $39, but for a limited time you can get your first month subscription for free!  

Workout Favorites

“I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Influence Central for Dove. I received a product sample and promotional item to thank me for my participation.”

tee: old navy   pants: tjmaxx

1. Cute clothes.  Fully true that cute workout clothes make you feel better and more motivated to work out.  And since I end up wearing them hours and hours after (or before) working out, it's even more important.  My favorite tees to wear working out are the old navy v-neck tees.  I love finding workout clothes at TJMaxx because they are cheap and cute.  My American Eagle yoga pants are my favorite leggings, pants, workout clothes, wear all the time clothes.   2. Workout dvds.  I finished doing 21 Day Fix Extreme two weeks ago and started again.  I don't know what I would do without workout dvds because going to the gym regularly isn't an option right now.  Some weeks I can get there twice and I love going to group classes, but most days I do a video right after I put Addi down for her nap.  
Workout setup: DVR, workout video on my computer, baby monitor.  

3.  Aasics.  For years and years I've been a fan of Aasic shoes,  I've surely seen and had much cuter workout shoes, but unlike clothes I feel like it's much better that they fit right and are good shoes then how they look.  
4. Deodorant.  Here's the thing.  If I pick working out during Addilyn's nap, which is what I do all days but Saturday, a shower does not often happen afterwards.  Usually not until after bedtime or more likely the next morning.  Gross, I know.  But it doesn't really bother me as long as I can't smell myself.  Which means having great deodorant. 

So I was happy to try out the Dove Advanced Care Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant.  When I was in high school soccer I went as far as wearing men's Old Spice because I thought that worked way better than any women's deodorant.  But smelling like a man now is not on my list.  So I love that this deodorant smells way better, is smooth, and lasts 48 hours, which is another excuse to skip a day showering.  I used to put on deodorant a few times throughout the day.  In the morning, after a workout and then if we were going anywhere in the evening.  Since trying this new one I've only had to put it on in the mornings.  
Addi has always been obsessed with my deodorant and took the first chance she got to put some on herself.   If only she could get it in her armpit on not her arm or belly.  

Dove is inviting women across the U.S. to try Dove Advanced Care and share their love for a chance to win a trip for 2 to Paris, or one of hundreds of other prizes. Consumers can get involved by visiting Dove.com/LoveAtFirstSwipe to create their love note for Dove Advanced Care Antiperspirant and then share it on Twitter, Facebook, or Pinterest for a chance to win. 

*NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Void where prohibited. The Dove Love at First Swipe Sweepstakes is sponsored by Conopco, Inc., d/b/a Unilever. Open to individual, legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., who are 18 or older. Begins 12:00 p.m. ET on 4/20/15 & ends 11:59 a.m. ET on 6/15/15. For Official Rules, visit Dove.com/LoveAtFirstSwipe.

Marathon Update

 This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Slimfast, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #14daystoslim  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV

favorite workout clothes:  kohls tank top & old navy running capris 

About a month ago I wrote a post with an update on marathon training.  It's crazy that it's been another month.  Time really is going fast these days! (Hello one year daughter?)  
The other day on my training app it said 85 days until race day.  That no longer seems that far away.  I still have moments of being nervous and questioning signing up to run.  But the longer distances I complete, the more confidence I have that I can do it. 

Speaking of the app, I am still loving it.  There is something really satisfying about seeing your miles rack up. When I passed 100 miles for under two months I felt really proud. 
I find myself here and there getting frustrated with my speed, when I think about how fast others are running. I think the struggle of comparison creeps into many areas of my life.  I need to remind myself that this race is about me and that's it.  
That being said, I'm actually doing pretty good with my goal.  I'd love to run ten minute miles on race day, as that has always been my goal but I did not reach it the first two times.  Really my main goal is to finish, but I'd be extra happy with close to a ten minute mile.  So far I'm on track but there are so many factors that go into race day, so we'll see.  
Healthy eating.  I wrote before that I don't want my running and all my calorie burning to be cancelled out by eating more junk.  Don't get me wrong though, I definitely indulge a little extra on long run days.  Ten mile runs definitely deserves a little (or big) cup of soft serve ice cream.  
But overall, I'm trying to eat healthier.  My biggest weaknesses are sweets and snacking.  I've done really well not eating desserts during the day.  And really the only way this is possible is to not have them in my house.  Hence the after dinner ice cream runs.  
The other issue is snacking.  I'd rather eat snacks all day long then three real meals a day, but I realize that isn't the healthiest option.  One of my favorite snacks is granola bars.  Remember when I gave up sweets for a month?  I would just eat chocolate covered granola bars as a "snack."  Hello cheating? Maybe.  
So I needed to find a better option for a snack that has protein and is more filling than a chocolate covered granola bar.  Plus I also need something that is easy to grab and eat with a baby at my legs. (Someone please tell me how you get pictures like this that aren't blurry thanks to a moving certain somebody.) 

Hello new snack bar.  These Greek Yogurt & Honey bars are delicious and only 110 calories.  I ate one each day for six days straight and was sad when they were gone.  

I remember when I was little my mom drinking Slimfast shakes.  I did not realize there were so many options besides shakes, meal bars and lots of snack options.  Peanut butter chocolate covered bars? Yum. 
Since I'm still nursing and running quite a bit of miles a week, I know it's important to keep up my calories and while I'd love to lose weight training, I want to be careful how I do so.  I think the most important thing is to have healthy, long term habits.  And part of that is finding easy, healthy snacks to eat along the way.  
And speaking of nursing, that is somewhat a concern.  Still nursing away at least four times a day.  I'm not really quite sure how to go about this whole weaning thing and while the marathon seemed far away at the time, it'd be real helpful to not to need nursing "relief" on race day as I'll be away from Addilyn for a good part of the day.   Advice? Tips? Moms? 
So I'm still plugging along.  Mile by mile.  Working on moderation with trying not be crazy and follow the training schedule to a T, indulge a little here are there (and there) and do my best to eat healthy.  And take it day by day.  
If you're looking to jump start a new fitness journey you can be part of the Slimfast 14-Day Slimdown and lose up to 6 pounds in two weeks.  Swap two meals daily with their protein shakes or meal bars, enjoy three low calorie snacks a day, along with 30 minutes of cardio and lots of water!  You can sign up here for Slim Coaching and find daily motivation, expert tips and fun videos.   Plus follow along on facebook and pinterest!