Workout Gear from Amazon

First off, I really really don't like cheap clothing.  You know the kind I'm talking about - the shirt that falls apart in the wash.  The pants that come out of the dryer with legs different lengths.  And so on and so forth.

That makes me really hesitant to buy clothing from Amazon.  But their Prime Wardrobe option has made it SO MUCH EASIER!

While I love my Athleta workout leggings, I just don't want to spend that much money on a pair of leggings that I wear to an hour class.  I've also had a hard time finding workout tops I like at Athelta.  Some of the fabrics just don't feel good to me.  (a texture/sensory thing?  I don't know)

I have some 90 Degrees by Reflex leggings from Amazon that are awesome, but I really needed another pair to round out my workout gear (and help cut down on needing to do laundry before Pilates), so I headed to Amazon to fill up my Prime Wardrobe and I ended up finding some awesome pieces.

First up
Core 10 High Waisted Legging


I purchased Black in a Small.
For size reference - I wear between a 27 and 28 in jeans or 4/6 in pants.  I almost could have gone with an XS, they run a little big.  (And this is not for my vanity.  I would NEVER buy an XS in anything, they are just very stretchy yet very supportive leggings)
And when they say High Waisted - they mean HIGH waisted.  They are by far the highest waist legging I own.

Postpartum mamas - I wish I had these after my babies, more than any other pair of leggings I own.

They've been washed 3 or 4 times now (never dried) and they look and feel brand new.

Mippo Open Back Yoga Top


I went with Wine Red in Medium
You can seeing me wearing it in my previous Life Lately Post.

I have a long torso, so it hits me a little shorter than I'd like.  But if you are more evenly proportioned, it should fit just fine.

I love how soft the fabric is, and how the back isn't WIDE open, more of a hint.   It's washing up well and I feel like the quality exceeds the price.

Lastly
Core 10 Yoga Crop Top

I went with Teal in a Medium.  Now I thinking I need something in blush...

This top is a little outside my comfort zone, but I wanted something with long sleeves and it looked so cute on the model.

I also really like everyone at the Pilates Studio, and I knew I wouldn't really feel judged by them.  So I bit the bullet and added it to my Wardrobe.
I'm SO GLAD I DID.

It truly is light weight - so I don't worry about getting too hot in class when the weather outside requires a warmer wardrobe.  This is Montana - that means 9 months out of the year.
When I pair it with the Core 10 leggings, it doesn't even look like a crop top!

Do you have any workout gear favorites?

Baby Gear We Don't Want to Live Without

Two kids in and four years later, I have a list of baby/kid items I absolutely love.

These aren't the basic items everyone recommends:
Jumper
Rock N Play
Boppy
Etc, etc, etc.
(P.S. Lucie's List is a GREAT resource)

These are the items that I didn't know I needed.  Now that I have them, I never want to be without them.

First up

A Rocker/Glider

Sure, everyone says one is necessary.  No one talks about how you LIVE in this thing the first few weeks, or how you may fall asleep in it in the middle of the night.  No one mentions that this rocker/glider will be a staple in your life for the next 6 plus YEARS (per kid!).

So...get yourself a really good one.

I love my PB Kids Comfort Swivel Glider.  Why?

The arms are wide enough to hold a plate of food.

The lap is wide enough for the boppy to lie flat across your lap.

I can hold both boys in my lap while reading a book and everyone is comfortable.

The back is high enough I can fall asleep and not get a kink in my neck.

Washable SLIPCOVERS!

This rocker/glider will be in our home for at least the next 10 years.   Once it's out of the boys rooms I'll order a new slip cover and move it to a new home (either our room, living room, or TV room)

Next on my short list

Nightlight

I wish I had found this years ago.

The Vava Night Light is perfect for those middle of night diaper changes, breastfeeding (or bottle feeding) adjustments, and it's portable!  PORTABLE!
Yes, the egg light can be removed from it's charger base and carried around.

I used it a lot for middle of the night snacks after nursing.  What can I say, I was hungry. :)

It has two light features - amber and bright white.  It's dims from a bright light to a night light with one touch and never gets hot to the touch.

We have an Ok to Wake clock in #wiggydiggy's room, so he doesn't need two nightlights.  However he asks to carry this one to bed every night and he loves turning it on and off for us.

My last 'Can't Live Without' product:
Stroller Fan

We have two.  I may get a third.  Haha.

I carry a portable charger in my purse, and the fan gets first dibs in the summer.

It's perfect to clip on car seats/head rests in the summer.  It clips on strollers to face the baby on walks (or you).  I aim it on myself when I'm sitting and nursing.  When the stroller is in double mode, both kids get a fan to blow on them.  We've even put in on the hiking backpack.

Bonus - it creates a white noise effect that helps keep the baby napping longer.

It's also great to take to the gym and clip on your bike or elliptical. 

🙃

What are the baby/kid items you can't live without?

ThredUP - NEW BOXES!

So I may be TOTALLY late to the party on this one - but guys, GUYS, ThredUP is doing Goody Boxes!

Right now, for $10

YES 10 DOLLARS

You can get a box of your favorites, or even one curated for your specific request (9-5, personal style, etc)

Merry Christmas Gift to yourself.

Best Amazon Purchases

I love Amazon.
No secret here.

#truth



I do know that the review section can be both overwhelming, and full of false review from "paid" sponsors.  That's why I love real reviews from real women that I know.

1.
kinder Fluff Car Sun Shade

I LOVE these!!  They use static cling to stay on your windows and come in two different darkening styles.  I keep the darkest on #biggywigs side and the lighter ones on #wiggydiggy's side.  I love knowing that they won't Pop off the window and become a projectile, can't be pulled up and down (like other ones we have....) by a interested toddler, and I can adjust them with a quick movement.

I received these right before our two week road trip and they were amazing.  I could adjust them when we stopped for potty/nursing breaks and keep the sun off the boys at all times.  When my mom visited, she loved them so much she ordered a set for herself!

2.
COSRX Acne Pimple Patch

Holy crap these work.

They work best if the pimple has a head or been broken, then they suck out all that grossness.

I have had pimples disappear overnight.  Others have decreased dramatically in size and redness.  I've even worn one all day at work without anyone saying a thing.

As long as hormonal acne exists, I'll buy these.

3.

Sinland Microfiber Face Cloth

Basically the cheaper, smaller sister of the Makeup Remover Cloth

I use these every night to clean my face.  I originally ordered the two pack because I was doubtful they worked as great as my Makeup Remover Cloth.  Turns out they do!  So I ordered two more :)

I'm all about the skin care now that I'm in my 30's.  Totally regretting not focusing on it a decade earlier.  Boo.

4.

90 Degree by Reflex - High Waist Power Flex Legging

These have a cult following and now I know why.

I ordered Black/Black (meaning the logo's are dark too) and they are awesome!

For workout leggings, I still prefer my Athleta 7/8 Salutation Tight (because holy softness!) But these are a close second for $20.00.

I also love that they are thick enough and high waisted to wear as athleisure. They keep me sucked in, covered, and hold up their shape great.

For size reference, I wear a 28 in most jeans (AG, J. Crew, 7 for All Mankind) and a size 6 in Banana Republic.  The small fits great.

I also love the length.  I have short legs for being 5'7" and prefer a 28" inseam.

5.

CGID Computer Glasses

Check the price often, I bought them at $10!

I started suffering from eye strain last year and my eye Dr. recommend I get blue screen filters for my work computers.   I was given two new monitors at work that had the option to remove the blue screen, but my eyes were still strained and tired.  So I spent $10 and it was the best $10 I've spent.  Between my phone, computer, tablet, and TV, my eyes need as much help as they can get.

And of course my Subscribe and Save.  My constant purchases:

Diapers

K-Cups

Scrub Daddy

Vitamins

Reynolds Liners

I can't talk about Amazon without mentioning our Echo!

Or Alexa.  Whatever you call it/her.

We have the previous generation, so no fabric cover.  But dang, I kinda love the sandstone option!

We have one in our room, the kitchen, and the dot in #wiggydiggy's room.  I created a station just for him on Amazon Music and he LOVES asking Echo to play a specific song.

What do you love from Amazon? 

5 on Friday

1.
So....have you heard??

It was Amazon Prime Day on Tuesday and the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale started yesterday!!

*Sarcasmfont*

Haha.
No, really, I don't think I've read more than two blog posts all week that are NOT about the sales.
And I'm guilty as charged :)

Justin saw the price of the Echo and jumped at it.  Now we'll have one in our room and another one in the kitchen.  (honestly, I'm super excited about it)
We are also very boring and bought a scale.
(It's still on a great sale)
Ours broke a few months ago and keeps saying Justin and I weigh the same.

LOL for Days

As for the Anniversary sale?  I don't have a card so I'm not shopping early.  I AM browsing through to see if there's something I just cannot live without.

2.
And on a complete opposite side of the spectrum, I think I've take three car loads full to goodwill this week.  Our guest room is full of items I need to list for sale or put in a donation pile.

I'm trying to purge and it's going VERY slowly.
Please send help.

3.
I painted our front door a while back.

We are currently working on finding/buying new sliders and french doors for the house.  While in Home Depot, we found a few front doors that we really liked.  One was painted this beautiful navy blue.

Similar color:

Link

I think this color may win as the new front door color!

4.

We replaced the exterior lights on our "new" patio.
Before

with bonus old birds nest!

Progress

We even picked up the BugZapper light bulbs, and they barely fit.  Hallelujah

5.

This weekend consists of more Goodwill trips, listing on Buy/Sale websites and the like.

One day I'll get to enjoy my house, right?

My Bellefit Story

Half way through my pregnancy I started to see Bellefit Girdles everywhere online.  From Instagram and blog posts to Pinterest and Facebook.  It was enough to peak my interest to look into this 'amazing product.'

I ended up following Bellefit on Intagram to read their user reviews each week.  Every time I read a real woman's positive review of their product, I was sold.

Now, I may be a fortunate one, but I wore the girdle only three times between giving birth and #wiggydiggy's two week check-up.  At that appointment I was already at my pre-pregnancy weight.  In the weeks following, I still haven't worn the girdle as often as I should.  However, on the days I wear it, I feel better.  My back is supported, I have better posture and I don't have to think about 'sucking it in'.

When I ordered my girdle I was assigned a size small, my only issue is that my long torso has the top of the girdle hitting me in the middle of a rib.  If it was a half inch longer, it would fit perfectly.

Without Bellefit at 3 weeks postpartum

With Bellefit at 3 weeks postpartum

It may be a small difference, but it's noticeable to me.  Mostly I feel better when it's on.  Right now I'm still on the outside setting of the corset and my goal is to be on the tighter setting before my 30th birthday (January 30th!).  I know that when I wear it regularly, I'll be able to reach that goal.

I had looked into other tummy binding products on the market, and I can honestly say that Bellefit is exceptional.  The results I see and feel are worth it.  I'm so happy that I've been in pre-pregnancy clothes since I got home from the hospital!!  All thanks to the help from my Bellefit :)

I have not been compensated by Bellefit in anyway.  This is my own personal opinion I wanted to share with all of you!

Update 1/28/15

Bellefit shared my story on their Instagram and Twitter accounts!!  Wow!  

Also, on January 3rd I hit my goal of using the tighter setting. After two solid weeks of 12 hours a day on that setting, I retired my girdle until my (maybe) next pregnancy. The girdle is now too big!

I love the results Bellefit helped me achieve!

That Whole Capsule Thing

Back in August I mentioned that I was on a closet purge inspired by The Un-Fancy Blog.  Every week I'd take another item or two out of my closet that I just couldn't see myself wearing anymore.  Either it never fit well, I hadn't worn it in years, or it just really wasn't my 'size'.  After a few months of this, my closet has been picked through pretty well, but I still have a lot of clothes.

What I have parted with is going one of three places: Good Samaritan, Twice and ThredUp.  Twice and ThredUp are online consignment stores that buy and sell brand name, gently used clothing.  I've had lots of success with selling and buying from both of them and highly recommend them!

But the still stuffed closet?  This is partly due to the fact I have no idea what size or shape I'll be after this baby has arrived and partly due to the fact that maternity items are mixed in.  I don't want to part with items I really do love because "they may not fit again".  I also am a big fan of the concept - if you love it, buy multiples.  My thought is if I really do love an item, I'll wear it often.  If I have two of the same, they won't wear as quickly, and I'll have the option to wear it twice in one week ;)  Not a single item that was put in the purge pile was a duplicate.   

Those duplicate items?  They are all staples.  Items I wear every single week, both for work and play.

White or black Merona V-Necks from Target (a score at $10!)  I also kept every v-neck in other colors.  They wash and wear so well.

Black Dress Pants from the Limited.  I did get rid of a few pairs that I bought in 2006 and were a size too small.  I have both the Drew and Cassidy fits and I'm not sure what fit will be more appropriate after baby, so I kept all of them in the appropriate size.  Just a side note - I haven't bought a pair since 2011 and they all still look brand new.

Winnie Pants from J. Crew Factory.  Granted, I think I won't ever fit into them again after baby :(  I'll probably need a size larger, but they are my favorite dress pants Spring - Fall.  So worth the investment.  

I also couldn't part with any of my jeans (because they all fit pre-baby) or any of my blazers and most cardigans.  I love to layer, especially at work, because I tend to run cold.  It is also one of the fastest ways to change up an outfit without having to change everything.  Going from work to a dinner date?  I'll quick take off the blazer and throw on a scarf and cardigan and feel like I'm wearing a whole new outfit.

HOWEVER, and this is a BIG however, I've spent the last three years being very conscious of my wardrobe spending.  I've been focusing on better quality pieces that will stand the test of time.  I look for classic cuts, quality fabrics and a quality brand.  (Yes, I did buy some cheap maternity items because I know this is a season of life that ends quickly and I won't be wearing maternity clothes all year/every year.  I didn't want to spend a lot of money on wardrobe supplements that would only be in my closet for 4 or 5 months.  I'm still wearing most all non-maternity clothes!)  

My next step is to go through everything that is left and sort it by 'Maybe, Baby' and 'Stands the Test of Time.'  The items in the 'Maybe, Baby' pile will be questionable items that I think won't fit again or sizes that have me on the fence.  Those items will be moved to one side so when I'm able to start trying them on again, I'll be able to purge or keep.

At this time, I haven't even touched my drawers.  I have plenty of 'lounge' clothes that I'm refusing to part with for the foreseeable future.  My next 4 months will be at home with a new baby and the more lounge clothes I have, the less laundry I have to do while I adjust to life as a new mom!  I know there are quite a few items that really should see the trash can, but I think I can hold out a few months until I have a handle on this whole Mom thing.  (Also, if I wear it and it needs to see the trash, it can head there once it's dirty.  Multi-tasking at it's finest!)

I may not ever make it to the "30 items per season" like the Capsule Wardrobe aspires too.  I love my fashion and love to mix and match to pull new outfits together.  I have a private board on Pinterest that I will put outfit ideas I want to try for that week and I've put many new outfits together from using this method!

Now I just need to start on the husband's side......

Linking Up with Catholic All Year