Vacation Essentials

Vacation Essentials

How is it already the last weekend in April?! With summer like temps, and spring in full swing I'm in full on vacation planning mode. Our San Francisco and Napa Valley trip is rapidly approaching, but we're also narrowing down our first family trip with lil' miss in the fall. Beaches and palm trees are a pre-requisite, and I can't wait to instill in her the amazingness that is wanderlust.


Vacation Essentials

Nothing makes me happier than a tropical getaway or lounging by the pool or at the beach, and BP. is killin' it yet again with their Beach Please hat. Completing the look for laying out in style is this blue scalloped two piece, Billabong coverup, and fun tote. And who wouldn't want this fun call bell for refills in the prettiest mason jar ever. Because pink pineapples! I broke out my mini flamingo and swan drink floaties last weekend, but now I think I need to make room in my pool loving heart for a golden swan drink holder that holds up to 4 drinks at once. I also get excited to break out Rose which was a sweet surprise from Emily for my birthday a few years ago.

If you struggle to blow up these fun floaties like I do, then this electric air pump will be a lifesaver! And last, but certainly not least is a pretty pineapple towel and waterproof radio. Hopefully it's playing some 90's throwbacks!

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Not So Basic White Tee

Not So Basic White Tee

Another re-worked piece that's in constant rotation is this Jack by BB Dakota top. I styled it with my faux leather leggings here, but also love how it looks paired with destroyed denim for a day of micro-brewery hopping.

Top - Jack by BB Dakota | Jeans {sold out - similar} - Express | Wedges - Tommy Hilfiger | Bag - Deux Lux | Sunnies - Le Specs | Cuff - Gorjana | Necklace - Kendra Scott | Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple - Essie | Lipstick in Rose Stiletto - YSL






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Barre3 in the Park

Barre3 in the Park

Hello Monday, I'm going to show you who's boss with multiple cups of coffee today because this girl is still sore from the wonderful Barre3 in the Park event over the weekend. It had been a while since I did a Barre3 class, and I felt like I was cheating on my Bar Method babes. (You can find my comparison of Barre3 and The Bar Method here.) Those Barre3 signature finale holds will get me every time!


It was a Lululemon and Zella clad day with plenty of sunshine, and the perfect way to celebrate Earth Day. Pamela and I arrived bright and early to check in, and claim our spot on the grass with our yoga mats. The music was bumping, and there were several vendors who came out for the event ranging from athleisure gear to organic juice bars and some fun raffles. Lots of shaking and quaking which was a great kickoff to the weekend ahead.





*This tank is sold out, but you can find similar options at Simply Workout here*







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Joining Biana and Meghan for Weekending

*Cheers to a fabulous week*

Champagne is Always a Good Idea

Champagne is Always a Good Idea

We took lil' miss on her first picnic a few weeks ago which is one of my favorite ways to relax on a weekend afternoon in the spring.

Cake and Champagne Picnic

 Graphic Tee - Express | Shorts - Gap | Shoes - Adidas | Picnic Basket - Crate and Barrel | Plates, Blanket, Cake Knife, and Serving Set - Kate Spade | Champagne Flutes - Gift Boutique 

A cozy chic outfit is my go-to for these outings since comfort is key. I'm all for fun graphic tees where the pun is totally intended such as this champagne tee for sipping bubbles under a tree canopy by the lake. I was gifted the Salut plates from Kate Spade and not only do they have fun cheery sayings on them, but they're plastic so they won't break in the great outdoors or for backyard parties. Perfect for noshing on bread, fruit, and cheese and of course dessert because cake. Champagne just compliments cake doesn't it? Especially when enjoyed outside.

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Showstopping Florals

Showstopping Florals

I wanted to feature another fabulous piece I wore last summer while pregnant that still works great post-bump. The dress falls better in the front and the back, but still worked great with my 7 and 1/2 month bump last August.

Dress {60% off} - BB Dakota | Sandals and Sunnies - Tory Burch | Clutch - Rebecca Minkoff | Cuff - Gorjana | Watch - Kate Spade | Lipstick in Rose Stiletto - YSL





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Today is the last day to enter the $25 giveaway to Mixology. Good luck! 


Weekending Glow

Weekending Glow

I hope everyone had a fabulous Easter weekend with family and friends. The long weekend was much needed, and I enjoyed every second with my little family, a happy hour with Pamela and the boys at our favorite local spot, and Easter dinner with friends.

Spring and summer is hands down my favorite time a year, I just love the longer days and outdoor living. And that sun-kissed glow? Yes please! I was excited to try out the new Marc Jacobs Dew Drops Highlighter which is nice and lightweight, and blends well either into your foundation or directly onto your skin for that summer glow. And the best part is that it's lightly scented with coconuts which transports you right to a tropical beach.

Highlighter - Marc Jacobs




*I was sent this complimentary product for review, but all opinions are my own*

Off the Shoulder Pastels

Off the Shoulder Pastels

Like I mentioned on Monday, I couldn't be happier for the OTS trend to continue this year. This dress is a favorite of mine that I picked up last year that had room for my growing bump. It was even comfy enough to wear on the plane, and board the cruise for our babymoon to Bermuda. I love re-working the pieces I wore last year, and will continue to re-work outfits that I wore while pregnant now that I've got my groove back.

Dress {similar} - Velvet |  Wedges - Tommy Hilfiger | Sunnies - Tory Burch | Bag - Kate Spade | Watch - Michael Kors | Bracelet - Gift | Necklace and Double Ring - Kendra Scott | Lipstick in Bombshell - MAC







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Don't forget to enter my giveaway for $25 to Mixology


Off the Shoulder Love + Giveaway

Off the Shoulder Love + Giveaway

Hello Monday, time to switch my bubbles for all the coffee this morning. The weekend was full of celebration, local breweries, and a relaxing movie night. As much as I love going out and having fun, there's nothing like being curled up on the couch with my ol' pal Netflix.



Spring is definitely in the air! I'm so happy to see the off the shoulder trend still in full bloom this year, and am loving all the options at Mixology. Dresses, tops, cold shoulder detailing - I want it all!

Dress {similar} - Velvet |  Wedges - Tommy Hilfiger | Sunnies - Tory Burch | Bag - Kate Spade | Watch - Michael Kors | Bracelet - Gift | Necklace and Double Ring - Kendra Scott | Lipstick in Bombshell - MAC


*Perfect for the transitional weather*

*How fun would this dress be for dinner while on vacay in Mexico or the Caribbean*


*Mixology's Shipping Policy: $8.99 flat rate for all orders under $75, with free shipping on all orders $75+ for the contiguous 48 United States.*

Top {60% off + free shipping} - re:named | Shorts - Express | Shoes {similar} - Soludos | Sunnies - Le Specs | Cuff and Necklace - Kendra Scott


*This giveaway is a partnership with Nakturnal, with a prize of a gift certificate to Mixology*

How I Got My Groove Back

How I Got My Groove Back

Happy Friday! I've had a lot of questions about staying fit throughout my pregnancy last year, and bouncing back *almost there* once baby girl arrived. I am in no way an expert, so please take my advice with a grain of salt and do what works best for you and your body. I'm outlining below what worked for me, and helped keep me happy and healthy this past year as my body went through all those wonderful changes.



Keeping up with barre and yoga throughout my pregnancy was an amazing experience. But let me tell you dragging myself to class during the 1st trimester nausea and exhaustion was no joke! However, once I was there I was so glad I forced myself, and I always felt so much better once class was over. I truly believe that staying fit and active helped me keep a lot of symptoms away (or minimal) such as swelling, back pain, and trouble sleeping. And cute workout clothes make it even more fun to get motivated and get to class.


I guess you could say I was a minimalist throughout my pregnancy. I did all the important things like taking pre-natal vitamins, drank plenty of water, kept up with my workouts, designed and decorated the nursery, slathered on all-natural belly butter, and attended all my doctor appointments. However, I didn't buy any maternity clothes (except for my baby shower dress), I didn't go crazy eating all the things, and I didn't even purchase a pregnancy pillow. A king size pillow worked perfectly at night to help me sleep more comfortably.

During Pregnancy


  • I kept up with my workouts that I was already doing which were going to The Bar Method 3-4 times a week during lunch, yoga, weekend bike rides, and at home workouts such as Jillian Michaels' 30 Day Shred and George St. Pierre's Rushfit. 
  • Modified my workouts to fit my changing body. No more twisting, jumping, splits, or any moves that required you to lay on your stomach like "supermans".
  • Drank a lot of water
  • Drank more water
  • Slathered on all-natural belly butter after every shower 
  • Didn't over indulge on food and cravings. Trust me, I had my moments and requests for Chic Fil A and trips to the local ice cream shop were common, but I mostly stuck to my usual eating habits of lean meats, salads, greek yogurt, cereal, and light pasta meals. Mmmm pasta. In the words of Emily from The Devil Wears Prada "I eat carbs".
  • Took pre-natal vitamins and an additional vitamin D supplement daily

*1st post-bump blog shoot about 10 days post-partum*

*1 month post-partum*

*6 weeks post-partum, and cleared for workouts again*

*3 and 1/2 months post-partum*

* 5 months post-partum*

Post-pregnancy


  • Took off the first 6 weeks from exercise which is standard until you get the ok from your doctor to resume working out. I was also recovering from an emergency c-section, so I thought I'd have to wait longer, but I was so thankful to get the go-ahead at my 6 week appointment.
  • Lots of stroller walks around the neighborhood. We both got some fresh air and Vitamin D, and I was able to get in some light exercise before starting my workouts again.
  • Continued to drink a lot of water. Great for me, and for the baby since I am breastfeeding/pumping.
  • After a few weeks, I moved on to exclusively pumping due to a nasty bout with mastitis. Breastfeeding isn't for everyone, and a lot of moms find out that they're unable to. This is what worked best for my baby and me. She was happier with the flow out of the bottle, and no longer got frustrated and I also knew how many ounces she was receiving at each feeding. Some people  swear by breastfeeding/pumping to shed the baby weight. I honestly don't know if it made a difference, but it may have. 
  • Eased back into a workout routine which is still modified to a degree since I can't jump or run without holding my c-section incision area. That will take about a year to fully heal according to my doctor. 
  • I am doing ab work, but nothing crazy per the doctor's orders. He said ab work is fine, just don't overdo it and listen to your body.
  • Staying active and present. As much as I love being that sweet little girl's mom I also make time for me whether it's blog related, pampering at the nail spa, or a night out. I am also still a wife, sister, daughter, and friend. Balance is key for every aspect of life.


For those of you at home with a new little one or will be at some point, I just want to let you know that no matter how hard it is, how exhausted you are, or how overwhelmed you feel those first few weeks - I promise it will get better. Those baby blues are seriously no joke! Fresh air and a change of scenery work wonders!

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If you're interested in checking out a barre class, you can find my comparison of Barre3 vs. The Bar Method here. I haven't tried Pure Barre yet, but have heard that it's similar to The Bar Method. And Central FL friends ~ don't forget about the Barre3 pop up in the park on April 22nd. Did I mention it's totally free?

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