Maternity Wear with Pinkblush

If there was anything I was looking for in maternity wear, it was longevity. It took me forever to finally break down and buy maternity pants, just because I knew I wouldn't wear those postpartum. But don't skip out on buying maternity pants, they're the best! When I was shopping for maternity items, I had a hard time finding things that I knew I would be able to wear postpartum and that was one of my main priorities. I don't like spending money on items that I will wear for a short period of time and maternity wear can be just that. I also didn't know if or when I would be having more babies so my maternity wear budget wasn't that big.

Not only was I concerned with longevity, but I wanted cute maternity items! Surprisingly, I found most maternity wear to be very frumpy and I think it's important to still look and feel cute even when you're pregnant. I managed to find a few items that I loved and still wear but I wish I would have found PinkBlush before I had Miss Mia. They are the ideal maternity wear shop for the young, stylish mama. I love their women's line but I really love the maternity line because it has items that I can wear postpartum and they're more so directed at the modern mama. I love my gifted clothing and Mia and I can match in our striped tops! I still can't believe this top is a maternity top!

Price point and quality is also a big deal for me with clothing. Online boutiques are my favorite because I don't have much time to shop for clothes, but sometimes quality is an issue and you won't know that until you receive an item. I love the quality of the PinkBlush clothes, especially since I plan to keep maternity wear for a long time and the price point easily fits in my budget.

Lastly, one of the most important factors in finding the right maternity clothing was finding something that I can wear to work (think: versatile). I wore my striped top to work but I can also wear it more casually on the weekends. Obviously, I am not pregnant now but this top can easily adjust to various belly sizes, while still being work appropriate. You can find this same top that was gifted to me, here. They have tons of good maternity tops!

If you're a new or expecting mama, or even if you're just searching for a good online clothing boutique- I would highly recommend PinkBlush. I love that I get to work with a brand that values all of the same things that I do in clothing- quality, versatility, affordability, and maternity wear for the fashionable mama! Their maternity line is ideally what I recommend for all expecting mamas! I'm sharing a few of my other favorite items below. I'd love to see what you find, just tag me on Instagram and hashtag shoppinkblush and prettyinpinkblush. Happy shopping!

The cutest Kimono (slims you when pregnant, looks great after).

I'm shocked this is a maternity top!

This dress can easily be worn pregnant or not, and would look great at a summer wedding.

They also have the cutest little kid apparel!

Quinoa/Bean Stuffed Bell Peppers

I'm trying to work on recipes and cooking again vs. just quick meals (2019 goals). I get so busy that sometimes meal prep is too much work (hello sandwiches) but my girlfriends and I have been making these bell peppers and they can last you for a few lunches during the week! They're so good, I had to share.

What you'll need:
-6 Bell peppers
-2 Tomatoes chopped
-4 Jalapenos chopped
-3 Cups Quinoa
-Shredded cheese to top
-Half bunch of Cilantro chopped
-Can of corn
-Can of black beans
-1 teaspoon cumin
-1 teaspoon garlic powder
-1/2 teaspoon onion powder
-1/2 teaspoon chili powder
-Salt and pepper to taste
-Lime juice to taste

Optional:
-Half avocado to top

Directions:
-Preheat your oven to 350
-Cook quinoa (I use an easy microwave pouch)
-Cut all your veggies
-Cut the top and center out of the peppers
-Drain your corn and beans
-Mix everything together (minus avocado, cheese, and bell peppers)
-I listed measurements for the seasoning but I know I use way more than that, I just season to taste
-Line a baking pan with foil and your six peppers
-Stuff the peppers and top with cheese
-Bake for 25-30 min.
-Top with avocado if you'd like!

You can store the other peppers for a day or two OR you can just do one pepper at a time so it's fresh and store the mix. I like to store the mix for the week and put on lettuce :)

Enjoy!

Skin Care Routine

I'm one of those people with really sensitive skin so I've always kept my skin care routine super simple. As in, I only washed my face with a Cetaphil bar, simple. For years I was lucky enough to not have many breakouts until I had miss Mia. After that, my skin changed completely! It's crazy what pregnancy can do to your body. Last year I even had to stop wearing makeup for a little while. This year, I decided to take control of my skin.

Good skin starts from the inside out. I believe having good gut health is one of the best things you can do for your body and skin. I always take a probiotic and I started incorporating more super foods (hemp oil, dark greens, etc.) and fermented foods (Kombucha) into my diet. I also keep up a good water intake and try to get enough sleep. Overall health is first and then the skin care products come into play.

The first thing I did with my skin care routine was switch from foundation to an SPF tinted moisturizer. I tanned without sunscreen for years when I was younger so I'm trying to make up for my lack of SPF back then. This helped me get extra moisture for my dry skin and it doesn't clog my pores. The color in this automatically matches to your skin for a little coverage. The Gentle Cetaphil bar has always worked for me so I wasn't about to take that out of my routine. It's gentle but gets my skin very clean. I stuck to just using this for one week then started incorporating other products into my routine to see how my skin would react. I saw one of my favorite bloggers mention she used the Pond's Cream Cleanser and I remember my grandma always used Pond's (she had AMAZING skin), so I decided to give that a try. I use this to take off all of my makeup and then wash my face with my Cetaphil bar. The Pond's Cleanser was a GAME CHANGER for my dry skin. It takes off make up and moisturizes my skin. I noticed if I use too much moisturizer I break out but I still need moisture, badly. I use the Pond's regularly and every so often I'll use my Fresh moisturizer for extra moisture. The Fresh moisturizer has rose water in it and it's the only moisturizer I've ever been able to use. If I need just a spritz of freshness real quick then I'll use my Mario Badescu spray which I've used, and loved, forever. The spray also has rose water which acts like a gentle toner and it brightens my skin. It also has anti-inflammatory properties and it's basically a quick refresher for my face.

When it comes to breakouts, the first thing that I had to stop doing was touching my face! I am so bad at that. Then I use this acne spot treatment for blemishes and sometimes in the summer I have to use an Apricot scrub to get a deep clean. The spot treatment dries pimples up right away and any scrub is good to clean your pores, this one is just more gentle than others. If I'm feeling like I really need to get some toxins out of my skin then I use this clay mask. It's the best I've ever used and I found it thanks to my sister (and brother in law, haha). It is really strong though and can dry you out if you over use it.

Lastly, I found a few other products that I like to use on occasion. I love this mask for hydration, the honey in it is awesome and so hydrating. I use this eye cream nightly to help my fine lines (darn genes) and reduce inflammation. I also wanted to start incorporating a vitamin c cream and I love this one. Vitamin C really helps with dry skin, dullness, and uneven texture. I love it!

Mainly, I try to use just my tinted moisturizer, Pond's, eye cream, and Cetaphil on the regular and then I add the other products when needed. I think it's best to not use too many products at once because they'll counteract each other and sometimes too many skin care products results in breakouts.  I want to try and keep my skin as natural as possible! I'm happy to report that my skin is now looking its best since miss Mia arrived! I'd love to know what skin care secrets work for you all as well!

Currently

A few months ago, "don't touch your face Katie!"-note to self

Diary of a Single Mom

Let me preface this by noting that when I say "single mom" I mean I'm raising my daughter alone, I'm not a single woman looking for love. (lol) Just so you know what this post is about before you start reading.

It's taken me awhile to write this post because being a single mom isn't glamorous or easy but I don't want this to come off as a pity party. There are a lot of single moms (and dads) in this world and I believe it's actually something to be proud of. So I wanted to come on here today and re-introduce myself because a lot of my new readers probably don't know some of these things about me.

I'm twenty six years old and I am a full time account manager for a wonderful company in town. I have been with this company for almost six years and they're my second family. I graduated with my Masters in Business Administration in 2017 and I actually love to work. I thrive on having a full time job that keeps me very busy and gets me out of the house. I started to blog in 2015 when I was struggling with an eating disorder because I wanted to share with other women who may have been struggling with the same issue. Finding someone that I connected with over my eating disorder is actually what helped me over come it. I've continued to share my life and thoughts over the years to hopefully inspire other women that need an average role model, not someone with some ridiculously lavish/unattainable/instagram perfect lifestyle. I hope to be that same inspiration for my own daughter.

Photos by the lovely Maura Jane

Mia was born September 2017 and last year I became a single mom. Single mom was not in the bio that I dreamt about as a little girl. Honestly, that's a shame because it's very empowering to be a single mom and know you can do this on your own. It took me being a single mom to understand the value in it. When I became a single mom, it was by decision. Wedding Save the Dates were sent and all. I won't go into detail out of respect for those involved but I will say it was the best decision for all of us involved, including my daughter. I know a lot of people that struggle with these tough decisions and all I can say is go with your gut. Sometimes people aren’t meant to be and that’s okay and I believe "staying together for the kids" is not always the best answer either. I had a rough year emotionally last year. I had days where I blamed myself and days where I felt like a total failure at life. But regardless of those feelings, I would not take any of my decisions back. I am much happier and stronger today because of all my past decisions and Mia gets to see a better me. She helped create a better me. I have created a special home for my little family (I am also a basset hound mom) and I refuse to let any negative people in my life. I still have days where I struggle but seeing Mia and Leo in a positive environment helps make my bad days less and less. I once hit a point where I thought I couldn't do this alone but then I remembered that when I was younger, I had promised myself to become an independent woman so that I would never have to rely on someone else. I didn't break that promise to myself and I will raise miss Mia with that same mindset.

Even though I'm writing this on an open forum, it feels good to be honest. Writing has always helped me whether it's about fun things like fashion and organization, or tough subjects like eating disorders. So I decided to share today. I'm writing so other moms (or dads for that matter) know that they aren't alone or if they are facing the hard decision to be alone- go with your gut. I understand it's different for everyone and there are a lot of single parents that really struggle day to day but there is always a way to find a better life. Don't ever give up on living your best life even if it takes a few tries. Even on my worst days, I still don't regret being a single mom.

Fun fact: Mia was a chunker as a baby and I strained my neck after this shoot, haha but look at those cute squishy cheeks!!

Toddler Room Organization

I have been putting off organizing Mia's room for way too long because it just gave me anxiety, haha. Finally, after Christmas I decided I couldn't stand it any longer! I also still had items in her drawers like burp cloths and swaddles (haven't used those in a LONG time). So first we went through everything and decided what to store and what to donate (because I still can't part with some of her things). I say "we" but really it was me while Mia made more of a mess out of her room. Sharing my tips below!

Oldie but goodie, photo by Maura Jane, I just love these pictures!

Below, is just one corner of her room!! We would pick up at night but everything was just being shoved into one corner or another so it looked semi "neat" aka I could enter the room.

1-I started by going through everything and clearing out items not needed anymore. I made a pile to store and a pile to give away. Then I took toys she doesn't use as often anymore to the living room cubbies and her books are also in the living room. She likes to bring me books when we are all in the living room together.

2-I have all of her clothes organized by size and I've done this from the beginning because it makes for an easy clean out.

3-I did have to move the room around for optimal storage which also makes it feel larger. I measured everything before so I could maximize this space.

4-I bought one of the cube systems from Target and I LOVE it. Between the six cubes and three baskets, it was less than $60. I have one in my living room but it has the cloth cubes which are harder for her to pull out. Also, plastic baskets are way more kid proof. I categorized the baskets and I put heavier toys on the bottom so she doesn't hurt herself. These systems can be nailed to the wall for safety too!

5-I also love cloth baskets like the one on the left. I found them at Walmart for a great price and they're easy to move, she can crawl in them and not hurt herself, and they fit stuffed animals perfectly or odd shaped items.

6-I re-organized her dresser making more room for blankets that were just laying on her chair. You can actually see everything in these drawers now too, (wow, amazing concept). Folding things differently really helped to maximize her dresser space. Then I stored her large toys in the corner so they are somewhat hidden and out of the way.

7-I also have a narrow three drawer nightstand that I keep diapers, wipes, lotion, etc. in. My mom found this at an estate sale (BEST place for well priced, good quality organizational items) and I like that it doubles as a nightstand and storage.

If you're feeling lost on how to organize your little one's room, I hope this helps! My biggest tip is take all the storage you can get- skip a nightstand without storage for one with drawers, get a bench that has storage, etc. Maximize your space! Linking some great kids/storage items below. Right now Target has a 25% off online home sale going on as well! I always like to create a home with purpose and love and I hope this inspires you!

American Eagle Try On

January always brings the best sales and it's a good time to stock up on some last few winter items. I actually did this try on in December and now all of this stuff is on sale! Most of it is under $20. I love all of their cozy sweaters and the Aerie line. Enjoy!

This fits true to size and would be good for leggings too!

This I actually sized down one in this because it's pretty long.

This I also sized down one because it's long.

I love this it's so cozy and TTS!

This is also TTS and very cozy

I have this and love it! Sized down one.

This is sold out :( but I found some similar items and they are all TTS.

This is my favorite sweater! I sized down one and you can dress it up, wear it to work, or with leggings- the best!

Here are a few other items on sale that I love!

Why I Gave Up the Gym and 2019 Goals

Starting 2019 with a snow day and by sharing some of my own fitness goals for the year! I’ll be honest, working full time, being a mama, going to the gym, having time for family and friends, taking care of a home, and sometimes blogging-was a lot in 2018. I had promised myself I wouldn’t give up doing a few things for myself and one of those was working out. While I didn’t give up working out in 2018, it was always quick gym trips that actually caused me to lose motivation. I was just in there to get a quick workout in and get out. It wasn’t really “me” time anymore, it was just another chore. While I love the gym, I finally decided at the end of 2018 that it was time for a change. My life had changed and I just had to roll with it! It's all about a healthy lifestyle, not just "going to the gym". So, I decided I was going to invest in workout equipment and start working out at home. So far, I love it because I don’t have to rush through a workout to make it back home and it’s becoming my “me” time again. I feel rejuvenated because of this decision and I’m sharing my 2019 goals below! 

-I would like to work out at least 4/5 days per week (more if possible with at least one rest day)

-I would like to really push my workouts and take my fitness to the next level

-I need to stretch with every workout and work my core at least 1 to 2 times per week (core is everything)

-I want to keep my motivation up by taking breaks when I need, continue doing workouts I enjoy, and switch it up when needed- aka making sure this is my "me" time and not just a chore

-I want to cook more at dinner time instead of quick meals and start sharing recipes again

-I also want to make sure I continue drinking enough water and adding lemon, drinking apple cider vinegar when needed (read up on these health benefits, so good!)

We're so ready for 2019!!

New Year's Eve Outfits

I'm super excited for my casual NYE this year! Planning on a sushi date and back on the couch before midnight! If you're still looking for a last minute outfit, I'm sharing some below. Most of you voted for casual outfits, however, I wanted to share a few dressy looks if you're planning on a big night out. I also linked a few other fun items at the bottom of this post.

I love this skirt from American Eagle! I preferred a size down for a better fit. I feel like this outfit can be casual or dressy.

I love these leggings because I feel like they can also be dressed up or down. I may be wearing this option on NYE!

Or, I may wear this option! I feel like sweater dresses are very versatile to dress up or down. I sized down in this one size.

This is my favorite dressy option! I love jumpsuits and they have great colors for the holidays. Good fit too- size down one.

A few extra fun finds below..

Happy New Year's!

New Years Resolutions: Saving

I really love New Year's because it's like a fresh start to look forward to. Kinda silly, since it's really just a new month but there is just something great about a new year and setting new goals. The last two years I've tried really hard to work on my savings and control where my money goes. The same goes for this year. I’ve found a lot of different ways to achieve some of these goals and I’m sharing a few below if you need some help!

• The most important part of saving for me is to set a monthly budget and use cash for things like groceries, fun money, etc. When the cash is gone, it's gone. I know I can easily get swipe happy with a debit card so this helps me. Seems simple but a lot of people don't do this, including my past self, lol. Then I can budget for my saving.
• Look into Dave Ramsey! A lot of my own tips I learned from him when a friend suggested him to me a few years ago. His book, "Total Money Makeover" is my favorite and he is a little hard core but I 100% agree with what he talks about if you're in debt. 
• Set a budget for vacations, big expenditures, etc. For example, set your Christmas budget ahead of time by listing who you are buying for and how much you can spend. If you need to, spread this out over a few months so you don't end up living off Ramen for all of December. I set mine in September to make sure I had a few months to stretch it out if needed.
• Shop on Poshmark! I have found the best gently used designer items on Poshmark (like my Hunter boots) that I love. I've also sold on here and the process is super easy. Honestly, I do not care if something is gently used if it saves me money. If I really want something, I will hunt for a deal.
• Speaking of selling.. it's always a good time to clean out your closet and make some extra cash!
• Download all the coupon apps like the Target app with the Cartwheel feature that lets you scan items for savings in store and Retail Me Not where you can search certain stores for coupons. There are also good cash back sites like Ebates and I really love wholesale memberships if you have a family and plenty of storage for bulk items.
• Simple, don’t buy what you don’t need! Easier said than done in this world.. but still a good reminder.
• Work on having somewhat of a good size savings for emergencies so you don't reach for a credit card.
• Watch the small buys like a cup of coffee every morning, they add up.
• Personally, I like to avoid convenience buys like paying for someone to deliver my groceries. It sounds super awesome but I can do that myself and save money. #aintnobodygotmoneyforthat
• Set rules and stick to them. Lately I've been telling myself if I want a new piece of clothing that means I have to donate or sell one of my own. I do not need to keep everything I don't wear.
• Some of these points are small but I’ve found they help me a lot in the long run!

Target Gift Guide for All

For all of you last minute shoppers (I'm guilty, I have a few things I still need) I decided to do a gift guide for all from my favorite store. Everything is under $50!

MEN
PJ Pants- who doesn't love a good pair of pajamas in the winter
Roku- I think this is a great price for a streaming device and I like the Roku
Watch- I really like the wood accents on mens watches because they can be dressed up or down
Corn hole set- A fun gift for an active guy and you can customize it with his favorite football team
Putting green- For the golfer in your life
Lunch box- or beer cooler, works both ways and always good to have

WOMEN
Water bottle- I love these because they're affordable, good for on the go, and I can track how much water I'm drinking
Makeup bag- very cute and we are always in need of these
Cozy jacket- have this, love it!!
Faux fur scarf- dressier option
Earring gift sets- very pretty and a good stocking stuffer
Blanket scarf- These are great for day to day and so soft!
Plush sweater- so cozy and can be dressed up or down (can you tell I'm into being cozy)

KIDS- tried to go for various ages here, as for teenagers I'm at a loss
Legos- these are always great gifts for both genders because they're fun and interactive
Toy tractor- how cute is this!
Shopkins- I don't understand these but they're popular right now!
Shopping basket- this is Mia's favorite toy right now (she's 15 months)
Interactive puppies- they have a boy and girl puppy and they're cute and have a lot of learning capabilities
Bath toys- Mia also loves these, makes bath time fun
Scooter- these were the bomb when I was a kid and they are a good price now! (are these still cool or am I old?)
Leapfrog Scribble & Write- I love the Leapfrog toys I feel like they're good learning tools for young kids

Target Sweater Sale

Target is having a buy one get one 50% off sweater sale so naturally, I tried them all on! Sharing some of my favorites below. I added some different accessories that I would style them with as well. This post was a fun one!

Sized down one in this

This was true to size and good quality, could be dressed up or down

TTS and good for work

I love this detail! TTS or go one size up if you want it a little longer

I really love this one, TTS but you'll need a tank underneath.. may have to go back and grab this one

TTS also good for work

TTS and so plush and cozy

TTS and also, so cozy