SIMPLICITY "wraps" up the day (with a drop of bliss- read more!)
/Happy hump day! I love the simplicity of this dress, not to mention the functionality (and the PRICE- it's under $55). It easily shifts from work to dinner or business attire cocktails. We're entering that season of going straight from work to holiday cocktails or parties. I can wear booties or throw on some heels for a dressier look. I actually have on a black sweater wrap, too (not pictured, I guess that part is obvious), which ties in the booties.
For the holidays, the dress comes in a pastel and a brilliant red color. It's funny how you change the color and it completely changes the feel of the outfit! And for more of a night out feel, there is a shorter version, also (and check HERE for more sizes). This is a classic wrap dress, which works really well for my post baby body. The wrap dress gives the illusion that I have more of a waist than I actually do at this point. And I add a little extra help, too! (read: spanx!) For the purposes of my meeting today, I'm keeping a more business attire theme and embracing the simplicity of the dress. I wanted to keep the makeup fresh and the jewelry to a minimum. However, I added some flair with these bliss drop earrings (that I end up wearing all the time). They make a statement without being over-the-top. Plus, they're only $20!! How can you go wrong?
ps- a side note to breastfeeding/nursing moms out there.... wrap dresses are genius (more options here, too) . and PPS- I know sizes are selling out quickly, but I was told new shipments are coming in, so check back if your size isn't there! and finally--- MOMS wanting to share ideas, please do! Check out the latest post!
My visit to OZ!
/I got to visit and chat with Dr. Oz today.
I'm excited about this segment. Stay tuned for more details, air date and BTS photos, etc. What I will say is this: I had a great experience. Dr. Oz and his crew are every bit as awesome as you'd expect. He was so lovely about General Hospital, too! All you GH fans will enjoy that we chatted about our mutual admiration for Maurice Bernard. And guess what soap was filmed on this very set for years? (I'll see if anyone knows before I reveal).
Outfit details are below... I am in love with this sweater. I have been wearing things that are easy to nurse in (also, search: "nursing" in the search box for other attire)---this one is obviously not, but worth the extra trouble because it makes me feel so ladylike with it's ethereal thistle print. note: I'm wearing a size 2. It's not too tight, even with the nursing going on! I decided it was time to invest in great pair of black, up to date pants. There are also these that I like that are not such an investment, a bit more #budgetfriendly.
IT'S FRIDAY, I'M IN LOVE ... AND FULL OF QUESTIONS. HELP!
/I wish I could show you what I look like right now... you know...I might try because I just finished breastfeeding and putting Hayden down in his Halo. I am now pumping while I'm trying to write this post and shop the last days of the #NSALE! And I need some advice. I haven't kept it a secret that I had some issues with breastfeeding. Now, I'm having trouble with milk supply. He's totally getting fed! I'm just supplementing with formula if he's still hungry after I breast feed him- mainly at night. I'm drinking a lot more water (I was drinking plenty before, but I guess this process requires an abundant amount of H2O) and adding fenugreek oil. However, does anyone have any advice? One consultant recommended a hospital grade pump to increase supply. Thoughts?
Also, did anyone else feel like they were gaining weight after they initially lost some of the pregnancy pounds? Is this due to breast feeding? Of course, he's worth all of it a million times over! Just curious if there were something else I should be doing/know about. Like more cardio (ha!!)!
I have more questions, but perhaps I should start with these two topics first. Both are fairly big conversations! Hope you all had a good start to the weekend. xo
Hidden Gems...like zippers on nursing attire!
/On a recent early date night (yes, we brought Hayden because he's at a good age and we made it a very early night) I thought I had it all planned out perfectly. But, alas, I'm learning there is no "perfect" with a newborn and nursing. He needed to eat sooner than I expected and I happened to be prepared. These nursing dresses are pretty genius with the hidden zippers. (And if you've followed me for a bit, you know I'm a sucker for pockets, too).
Just picked up these booties that will work with this dress (and in other patterns here) through the fall and winter. Speaking of fall and winter, I also grabbed some wraps that work for nursing in public (like on this date night), but will double for cozy warmth in the colder months with or without nursing.
TAKE A LOOK BELOW AT A FEW OTHER (SOME SALE) ITEMS:
NO MORE CRYING OVER SPILLED MILK! What items are saving me (and my milk)!
/UPDATE: AUGUST 2020. I hope this helps even one of you out there! I am so grateful I was able to have this time with Hayden and give him breastmilk. I also supplemented on occasion because I didn’t produce enough for his growing body. That combination worked for us. But, I spent so much time feeling guilty I wasn’t producing more. I look back and just wish I could have celebrated all the milk I did produce that fed his healthy body (there was a lot!). It’s easy to feel inadequate during this time and please do not fall into that trap! If you are reading this and have a baby, I hope you have a support system at home that builds you up and does not tear you down. If you don’t have that, there are groups online for new moms. You are doing great, mama!! Fed is best!! Whatever that looks like for you and your baby.
If you’re a new mom or know a new mom and have any questions, please leave them here. If I don’t have the answers, I will do my best to get them.
xoAshley