I've had never needed to relax more...
Ladies and gentlemen! Here's the truth, I've been through some ups and downs in life. Real hardships, real heartbreak, real tears, real mourning, real medical procedures and in those moments it's easy for me to ignore self-care. The default, for me, is to ignore the things I likely need most during those times- feel the feelings quickly if at all, get back to my career and let it go, whatever it might be. I will say, pregnancy was a game changer for my push through and just do the damn thing mentality. It's just like, it doesn't stop coming at you and at some point if you don't pause to really nourish your body, care for your emotions and love yourself the way that we probably should prior to pregnancy you'll pay for it or collapse. It's like, pick one. The good news (for my body) bad news (for my wallet) is that some of the product I researched or was introduced to by those who love me and care for me cannot leave my routine now. They're good, really good. So while it might sound like it, this post is for everyone; pregnant, without child/ ie wild and free (stay out all hours of the night, it's fine), men, women, grandmas and tired mamas. Try some of these things, you won't regret them! Also, if you have favorites, PLEASE share. I'm loving this try the thing game.
Scroll down for the product goods...
All products are linked. None of these are paid ads.
I'm starting strong with my #1 favorite skin care product. My hair stylist + OG girl crush, Jess Anderson (who is pregnant with her fifth) handed me a bottle of Davines OI body wash oil and it changed my life. A) It smells like heaven. B) It's the only thing while you're the size of a small elephant that you only need a pea size of to cover your whole body and C) while living in a DRY - next level DRY climate body OIL in my soap?! felt like a gift. My skin felt clean while moisturized and I was literally able to cut my lotion consumption in 1/2.
Next up, Honest Body Lotion. Again, painfully dry climate and I went through about five lotions before discovering that this lotion was so good on my skin. When your skin is stretching at a rapid pace in places you didn't know could stretch all of the hydration you can slab on feels incredible. I love that this lotion holds the hydration in my skin and I didn't have to go back for my second coat 15 minutes after application. I started with their lavender scent but recently switch both Amos and I to unscented. (PS, I do not use this on my face, only my body.)
Keep scrolling for more goodies....
Can you say water?! Again for all of the reasons, life, fitness, hydration, dry climate, pregnancy or not... We need water. I feel like I was spending all of the dollars on the convenience of a Smart Water bottle and while I love the stuff, it's silly. Even when they're 2 for $3. So bye bye water bottles and hello reusable, large, cooled bottle. I picked a size that fit well in my bag but I only had to drink 3 of per day to know I was getting enough.
I didn't start using oils until after we had Amos but if I could go back and incorporate some of Young Living's Stress Away oil and a diffuser in my life, I'd be all over it. I don't sell them but there is a link here if you're wanting to check it out.
THIS IS GOLD. A sweet friend gave a small jar of this to me + peonies and while I have hated baths my whole life... water relieves the weight of the baby and this felt so good the entire last month of my pregnancy. I seriously looked forward to the end of the day for the sake of my bath theses Tired Old Ass salts from Whole Foods. Now I have the massive jar and when my mom comes out I make her warm baths and she's always like, "Karen, that bath was SO much nicer than my usual ones. What's in there?!"
My name is Karen and I have an addiction; to lulu lemon. Also, these pants saved my expanding waistline life. Also, my best comfort life post babe.
Scroll one more time for the last of the faves...
Ok Hi. So I'm standing at a bridal show and the table across from me is handing bath bombs out like candy. And so I'm like oh yeah, if there is one left over at the end, I'll grab it. Guys, I got nervous 1/2 way through and asked to take one. These are locally made (to CO), they're chemical free ENTIRELY, they feel like butter and smell like, YUM. That's a scent. I cannot find the one I grabbed (I could cry), but these are the jam. Again, dry climate + moisturizing bathbomb? Game over. ENJOY Buff City Bathbombs...
Okay and last but not least... My breakfasts seriously became a vital part of my day. I woke up feeling like a ravenous animal that hadn't eaten in days.
1/2 scoop of a plant-based protein powder (i used vanilla/low sugar)
1/3 cup frozen organic mango
1/3 cup Fage Plain greek yogurt
2 tbsp hemp seed (trader joes)
1/4 cup carrot juice
fill to the fill line with coconut water and blend.
Lid, cute straw.. Out of the door.
I hope this helps you feel good.. I hope it helps you take time to care for yourself just a little better and trust me, there are more to come. This is just to kick things off.
xx-k
These photos are each by Melissa Young Photography. She's literally, the best.
And then he showed up and was like, "mama....I think I liked it better inside."
