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      September 4, 2017

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Baby Rabies

pregnancy & parenting

  • Start Here
    • About Baby Rabies
    • Baby Registry Top Picks
    • Favorite Pregnancy Apps
  • The Book
  • Pregnancy
    • Birth Stories
    • Perinatal Mood Disorders
  • Parenthood
    • Babies
    • Toddlers
    • School Age Kids
    • Parenting LOLZ
  • Photography
    • Photography

      6 Stunning Photos You Would Never Guess Were…

      February 11, 2019

      Photography

      Simple Tips For Editing Snow Photos On Your…

      December 13, 2018

      Photography

      I Wrote A Photography eBook And This Is…

      December 6, 2018

      Photography

      Creative Lighting Ideas To Help You Take Great…

      November 27, 2018

      Photography

      Learn How To Take And Edit Photos On…

      November 19, 2018

  • Reviews
    • Reviews

      The Answer To Last Minute Holiday Gifting For…

      December 19, 2018

      Reviews

      I Was Never A Barbie Girl Until Now

      October 1, 2018

      Reviews

      Finally! Jeans For My Jean-Averse Kids!

      August 22, 2018

      Reviews

      If Your Kid Loves Dump Trucks & Garbage…

      August 13, 2018

      Reviews

      Nobody Tell My Kids ABC Mouse Is Part…

      September 4, 2017

  • Subscribe

Fashion & Fitness

The Answer To Last Minute Holiday Gifting For Nearly Anyone
Fashion & FitnessGift IdeasLifestyleParenthoodReviews

The Answer To Last Minute Holiday Gifting For Nearly Anyone

by Jill December 19, 2018
written by Jill

Do you have grandparents, aunts and uncles frantically texting you to ask what they should get for your kids for the holidays? What should they get for you, for your partner? Are you totally stumped as to what to gift to your mother-in-law or that cousin you drew for the family gift exchange?

Stitch Fix is an AWESOME last minute holiday gifting option for nearly ANYONE! It’s so easy to gift Stitch Fix to someone by buying a gift card, which you can either print off and wrap or simply email to the recipient. Stitch Fix offers plus size and maternity options for women. There’s also Stitch Fix Men AND now there’s Stitch Fix Kids!

As a parent, if you’re dreading the onslaught of toys, but know your kids could totally use some fresh clothes next season, this is a WIN! They will have the joy of opening the gift of Stitch Fix on Christmas (maybe gift the card along with some stickers or other small trinket), they will get to help you create a fun style profile, and then they can re-live the excitement all over again when their box of clothes arrives.

Photo by Ginger Snaps Pictures

In October, Stitch Fix styled our ENTIRE FAMILY! And not only did it make family photos a breeze since they made sure to coordinate our pieces so that I could easily throw together a cohesive look for all 6 of us, but they also made our fall/winter wardrobe refresh simple. 

Photo by Ginger Snaps Pictures

Keeping 4 growing kids properly clothed is not a small amount of work, especially now that the older kids have actual opinions about what they want to wear and I can’t just grab whatever is cute and on sale at Target and throw it on them. 

Here are some photos of us rocking the pieces they sent us. From winter coats to boots to sweaters- these were all pieces I specifically asked for because we needed cold weather staples. 

I’ve used Stitch Fix for years, even when I was pregnant last time. I LOVED their maternity clothes! Scott has used Stitch Fix Men before. This was the first time we tried their newly launched Stitch Fix Kids service, though, and it was a HUGE hit!

I did an unboxing video with 3 of the 4 kiddos, and their excitement levels are off the charts and adorable.

If you’d like to see everything Scott and I got, we have another unboxing video of just the two of us.

If you’re not familiar with how Stitch Fix works, it goes like this: 

  • You create an account, and then you can add your kids to your account if you’d like.
  • You fill out a style profile for each person, including color and fit preferences, any likes and dislikes, favorite and least favorite colors and patterns, your measurements, body type, and any notes you’d like your stylist to take into consideration before styling you.
  • You pay a small styling fee, which is applied toward anything you decide to keep from your fix, and schedule your fix to arrive.
  • Your stylist consults your profile, any notes you left for them, and even checks out your Pinterest board of ideas (if you link one), and puts together 5 pieces for adults or 10 pieces for kids in your “fix.” 
  • You get your box, try everything on, put whatever doesn’t work for you back into a pre-paid envelope and send it back for free. 
  • You’re only charged for what you keep.
  • If you keep everything, you get a 25% discount off the entire box!

Re: pricing– sure, you can probably get pieces cheaper at Target or on sales racks by shopping yourself. That said, I didn’t think the children’s prices were too much higher than what I’d typically pay at Gymboree or elsewhere, and they are much more affordable with the 25% discount if you keep everything. They send you some brands you probably already know and love. For example, we got shoes from Stride Rite and jeans from Lucky. They also have Stitch Fix exclusive brands. 

And my final bit of advice is to be very, very, very detailed when filling out your style profiles. When giving measurements for your kids, consider sizing up.  I found that most of the pieces they sent the kids were very true to size, bordering on the small end. I wish I would have actually sized up to get more longevity from the pieces, which is how I would shop for them personally anyway. I never buy my kids something in their current size. They grow too fast!

And don’t forget about yourself! Seriously, if your partner is currently begging you to please tell them what to buy for you and you are pretty sure you’re going to get a wrapped end-cap-special from the first store they walk into on 12-23, send them the link to buy you a Stitch Fix gift card! 

Thank you to Stitch Fix for sending our family fixes in exchange for blog and video coverage. All opinions are my own, and links are affiliate.

December 19, 2018 2 comments
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The Perfect Tee For Moms Who Feel Like They Live In A Zoo
Baby Rabies FavesFashion & FitnessParenthood

The Perfect Tee For Moms Who Feel Like They Live In A Zoo

by Désirée July 27, 2018
written by Désirée

If you’ve ever uttered the phrase “THIS PLACE IS A ZOO!”, you might want to add this Zookeeper Tee from The Brave Mama Co. to your wardrobe.

View this post on Instagram

What’s in your mom survival kit? ??comfy tee ??yoga pants ??toddler chasing shoes ??dry shampoo (#batiste is my fave) ??mascara ??concealer (for those designer bags under my eyes) ??coffee ?? (cuz…those bags ??) ??most importantly, the word (because this mama can’t do it without Him!)

A post shared by The Brave Mama Co • Haley (@thebravemamaco) on Feb 6, 2018 at 3:47pm PST

The description on their shop reads: “Motherhood is crazy but its best done with a sense of humor!”

Yup. Sounds about right! 😉

We also love this tee and this one.

Images via thebravemamaco.com and @thebravemamaco

July 27, 2018 0 comment
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Shake Off The 1st Trimester Frump
Fashion & FitnessPregnancy

Shake Off The 1st Trimester Frump

by Jill March 6, 2017
written by Jill

A couple weeks ago, the topic of my weekly Facebook Live Playgroup was “Shake Off The Mom Frump” with my dear friend Tiffany Reese. (If you missed it, you should give it a watch. Tiff and I share all our fav. mom beauty products.) Recently, I got an email from a pregnant mom who was wondering if I had any similar tips for getting through early pregnancy frump.

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March 6, 2017 0 comment
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Our Family Through Another Lens- Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX
Dallas/Ft. WorthFashion & FitnessParenthoodPhotographyReviews

Our Family Through Another Lens- Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX

by Jill October 27, 2016
written by Jill

It’s been a long time since I’ve been on the other side of the camera without the added stress of trying to direct my husband to get the shots that I have in mind. So when photographer Kelly White reached out to me to see if she could get some pictures of our family for her portfolio, I pounced on the opportunity. A chance to have the WHOLE family in a shot with no tripod or shutter remote to be worried about? IN. Not to mention, she’s incredibly talented, and I knew she’d produce some stunning images.

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

These photos were taken when I was about 28 weeks pregnant, and wow has my belly grown even bigger since then! (Exhibit A- I’m nearly 33 weeks now.)

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.comPhotos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

I’m glad we did them when we did because I don’t know if I could make it through that nature preserve now in the wedges I was wearing. It would have to be flip flops and lots of strategic crops.

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

And that dress? I officially outgrew it in Hawaii (when I wore it to dinner and realized the inner lining wouldn’t even stay over half of my bump).

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

Speaking of that dress, let’s talk outfits! Because I LOVE how we all came together, and I owe a whole lot to Stitch Fix. I told my stylist I had pictures coming up, and she sent me an entire fix full of options. This dress was all I kept from that fix because at this stage in pregnancy I really don’t have many reasons to dress up. I loved the fall colors and knew they would be easy to find pieces to coordinate with  for the rest of the family. Plus the dress will make a great 4th trimester piece since the neckline makes it breastfeeding friendly and the tummy coverage is very forgiving.

It also helped that Scott got his first Stitch Fix Men box that same week, and the linen button down shirt and marled maroon t-shirt went perfectly with the dress!

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

I picked up everything the kids are wearing at Target! I couldn’t believe how easy it was to find pieces in the maroon, navy, black family. Must be on-trend!  And relying on some basic denim pieces to bring it all together made it even easier.

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

Kelly did a wonderful job working with our kids’ energy levels, which were off the charts during the shoot. I love that she managed to capture their personalities through her lens. It’s always fun to see how they will look at someone else when you’re used to being the one yelling at them through clenched teeth telling them, “Look here!”

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.comPhotos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.comPhotos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

If you’re in the Dallas area and looking for a family/lifestyle photographer, Kelly White Photography gets a standing ovation from us. You should check her out! I’m looking forward to working with her again after baby gets here.

Photos by Kelly White Photography, Dallas, TX | BabyRabies.com

Kelly White provided photography services to us at no charge, but I was under no obligation to blog about it. Stitch Fix links are affiliate. 

October 27, 2016 41 comments
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The Stitch Fix Maternity Box That Nailed It – I Kept It All!
Fashion & FitnessPregnancy

The Stitch Fix Maternity Box That Nailed It – I Kept It All!

by Jill August 10, 2016
written by Jill

My Stitch Fix maternity boxes have progressively been getting better and better. This is my experience with them in general- the more feedback you give, and the longer your stylist gets to know you, the better it gets.

This time the lovely Layla (my stylist who is the absolute best ever) totally nailed it, and I kept all 5 pieces. Wanna see?

Stitch Fix Maternity plus 4th trimester styling tips | BabyRabies.com #stitchfix #stitchfixmaternity

I love how colorful this box was! And so many great pieces that are cool enough for this blazing hot Texas summer, but also great layering pieces for the cooler months, too. Plus, lots of stuff that will still work the few months after baby is born.  (Scott is dying over our half pressure washed driveway. He might have asked me to photoshop that out.)

Stitch Fix Maternity plus 4th trimester styling tips | BabyRabies.com #stitchfix #stitchfixmaternity

Healdsburg short sleeve boatneck knit top- $54

This top is not something I’d spend $54 on, but since I decided to keep all 5 pieces, the 25% discount made it worth it. It’s super long and stretchy. The material is super soft without being too sheer. I loved the print, and think it will look great under a long cardigan this fall. I paired this with a pair of underbelly blue denim shorts I got from a local boutique during my last pregnancy, and my Minnetonka mocs.

Stitch Fix Maternity plus 4th trimester styling tips | BabyRabies.com #stitchfix #stitchfixmaternity

Lottie pleated maternity blouse- $64

I’m loving tops that are a little more flowy this time around. I also think this will be comfy under a loose sweater later this year. Plus, the buttons on the top half mean I can probably breastfeed in this pretty easily after baby is born.  I’m wearing my favorite Mossimo jogging denim shorts from Target’s juniors section- not maternity, just sized up. Then I threw on some silver slides from a Stitchfix box earlier this year.

Stitch Fix Maternity plus 4th trimester styling tips | BabyRabies.com #stitchfix #stitchfixmaternity

Dorianna maternity cropped skinny jeans – $98
Alma maternity knit top – $44
Bryson kimono – $48

The trifecta! This kimono was the first thing I pulled out of the box, and I was SO happy with it before I even put it on. It dresses up any t-shirt and shorts this summer, and will be a great staple next spring to throw on over nursing tanks. I hope to get a couple more.

The stretchy knit top is very similar to the blue patterned one above, in that it’s a bit more than I’d typically spend on a maternity t-shirt. But, the fit is so nice, it’s long, and stretchy and soft. The discount made it easy to say yes.

These jeans! Okay, so I can’t wear them too much right now, but they’ve made it out to dinner on me once, and they are super comfy. I love that they are an unusual color. Best part, though, is they are full belly panel and will make an awesome 4th trimester piece after baby is born this winter.

When you’re stocking up on maternity clothes, always keep that 4th trimester in mind! What tops are breastfeeding friendly (if you plan to do so)? What can you throw over a nursing tank? What pants will give you enough stretch and coverage for that shrinking, but still jiggly belly? It can be hard to do because you’re mostly pregnant in the opposite season, but basic layers are a good place to start.

I’ll probably take a bit of a break from maternity fixes until the weather starts to cool down. I’ve got a really nice summer wardrobe now with the help of my last 3 boxes. Want to see my last two? They’re both in this post. 

If you’d like to try out Stitch Fix for yourself, you can sign up at my link here! 

August 10, 2016 14 comments
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That Time I Got A Swimsuit Makeover By BuzzFeed
Fashion & FitnessLifestylePregnancy

That Time I Got A Swimsuit Makeover By BuzzFeed

by Jill August 3, 2016
written by Jill

I flew out to LA this summer, not just to take Leyna to Disneyland, but to work with a couple amazing women and friends on a Buzzfeed video where I got a swimsuit makeover at 14 weeks pregnant.

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 12.53.42 PM

Yup. Here’s me in a swimsuit while pregnant for all the world to see. I won’t lie and say I was totally confident about the whole thing.

And yes, only 14 weeks pregnant there. Hashtag: fourth baby blown out uterus.

But, Tiffany Reese (who I’ve featured here as a mega inspiration for her body confidence and weight loss journey) was my fabulous stylist, and Morgan Shanahan directed it so I knew I was in good hands.

Screen Shot 2016-08-03 at 12.52.53 PM

Turns out, we totally found an awesome swimsuit- one of my favorites ever of all time- and it wasn’t even a “maternity” suit!

The top- Women’s Crochet Flyaway Tankini by Merona for Target – $25.

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The bottoms- Women’s Paisley Bikini Bottom by Knox Rose for Target – $23.

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With each piece, we got a size bigger than I would wear pre-pregnancy -so a large top and large bottoms. I opted to keep the shoulder strap on the top to give some extra boob support. The bottoms gave me plenty of butt coverage, and Tiffany suggested a busy print since I wanted to draw attention away from my large chest and growing belly.

You can watch the video here! The other two moms look AMAZING and wound up with suits from ModCloth. 

Like I mentioned in the video, swimwear for me has become function over fashion. I just want something to keep me covered when I chase the kids, and I rarely feel good in it. I didn’t really know it was possible anymore, actually.

But the lesson to be learned here is with a little bit of time searching, you really can find a swimsuit that not only functions well but also matches your personal style. I went through several other suits on set before we found this awesome combo.

There’s still time to find your best swimsuit this summer! Don’t limit your style just because you’re a “mom.”

Also, let’s hear it for the YouTube comments. I can always count on you, people of the internet, for real LOLs.

Screen Shot 2016-08-02 at 9.13.05 PM

August 3, 2016 7 comments
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Kidbox- A Kid’s Style Box That Gives Back, Just In Time For Back To School
Fashion & FitnessSchool Age DaysToddlers

Kidbox- A Kid’s Style Box That Gives Back, Just In Time For Back To School

by Jill July 16, 2016
written by Jill

When this box of clothes arrived on our doorstep, Leyna was an immediate fan girl. She’s seen me get many a style box full of fashion for me before, and she was so pumped THIS one was for her.

The colorful box, filled with clothing from brands like Limited Too and Seven for all Mankind (along with a couple small toys, stickers and crayons) was sent to us by Kidbox. We are working together to tell you all what this kid’s style box service is all about, and I’m pretty sure a lot of you are going to LOVE it.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

At the age of 5, she has serious opinions about her clothes. And this makes shopping with her equal parts adorable and fun/ tedious and frustrating. Unlike her older brother who will still let me dress him every day, she loves to be included, so when I sat down to fill out her Kidbox style profile, I made sure to have her join me.

She helped me choose her “colors to avoid.”

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

I really wish white would have been an option because life in the Krause family, but the white pieces they did send her are actually adorable enough to make me buy and use a stain stick.

We made sure to reject any denim jeans because Leyna does not do zippers and buttons on pants. I’m certain this is an aversion brought on by years of never actually being able to stuff her chunky butt into anything other than soft and very stretchy leggings.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

And she chose her own style personality as Modern/Fab because pink twirly skirts, of course.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

I went into this with zero expectations, but was really impressed by how much GREAT stuff was packed into that box for $98. These are high-end brands and really quality and durable pieces. At retail, even on sale, these would ring up for much more altogether. PLUS there is NO styling fee.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

Leyna, of course, felt strongly about many of them – mostly good, but there was one dress she deemed “not pretty.” We could choose to send that one back, but I’m going to go ahead and keep it to either donate or see if she changes her mind… as she is wont to do. Plus, by keeping the whole box we get to help send new clothes to children in need. More on that further down.

You certainly don’t have to keep the pieces you or your child doesn’t like, though. Login to your account to let them know what pieces you’re returning, then put them in the prepaid shipping envelope they provide in the box and send them back. You won’t be charged for those.

Here are a few of the pieces she definitely loves.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

What she does not love, as has already been established, is taking a ton of pictures for me. Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

Kidbox ships out boxes 5 times a year- spring, summer, back to school, fall and holiday.  You can choose to have yours automatically shipped, but you don’t have to. OH! I think I forgot to mention that shipping is free, too!

The best way to keep up with when they are shipping new boxes is to subscribe to their newsletter.

Coolest part of this, I think, is that when you keep your Kidbox, they work with K.I.D.S/Fashion Delivers to provide brand new clothing to children in need. You have the option of choosing where those clothes go, too! Causes are always changing, sometimes directing to children affected by national disasters.

Kidbox is a kids style box full of quality brands for $98, every box kept equals new clothes donated to kids in need | BabyRabies.com

It’s a fantastic way to discuss giving with your child, and to give them some ownership over that. That part made ME a fan girl.

If you still have questions about how Kidbox works, or wonder if it’s a good fit for your family, they have a thorough FAQ page that should help.

I’ll end with this fun video I hired Leyna to help me with. Always hired, never bribed. Ha!

This post was created in partnership with Kidbox. Compensation and product were provided.

July 16, 2016 8 comments
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Stitch Fix Maternity- That’s A Thing That Exists! And I Love It!
Fashion & FitnessLifestylePregnancy

Stitch Fix Maternity- That’s A Thing That Exists! And I Love It!

by Jill July 12, 2016
written by Jill

When I finally opened the enormous plastic tub full of all my maternity clothes after Scott retrieved it from the attic, I turned to him and said, “Yeah… this isn’t going to work. None of this is going to work.” I guess I forgot how really awful 95% of it was.

To be fair, some of it wasn’t really awful almost 9 years ago when I first bought it. NINE. YEARS. AGO.

But some of it has always been awful, and I just… I don’t want to spend my last pregnancy (no SERIOUSLY THIS IS IT) in awful maternity clothes. So I saved the few staples that still functioned and looked good, and donated the rest.

Now I have a pretty trim selection, but I am enjoying filling it in with pieces I really love. I may have to wash those pieces every week, but dammit, I love them.

Part of my new maternity wardrobe includes 5 pieces I’ve received from 2 Stitch Fix boxes, and I’m going to share those below. Everything I’m wearing from SF is a size medium/8.  All SF links are affiliate. 

Stitch Fix Maternity | Loveappella dress in black | https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3312675

My first maternity box wasn’t a home run, but it brought me two pieces that I was super happy to keep. The first, the black dress I’m wearing above, is by Loveappella and was $88. I wore this last week in Santa Fe (where this picture was taken- at the El Dorado hotel) for my Keynote speech at the Type A conference.

Here’s a different view:

Stitch Fix Maternity | Loveappella dress in black | https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3312675

I love the subtle ruching on the sides and that it’s lightly lined. It’s a substantial dress that is perfect for dressy occasions.

The second piece from my first box are these Kut From The Kloth distressed denim shorts for $68. The are an under belly panel, and crazy comfy with plenty of room to grow.

Stitch Fix Maternity | Kut from the Kloth shorts, Daniel Rainn top | https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3312675

I’ve paired them with this amazzzzzing flowy black top by Daniel Rainn (the Ivanova Maternity Blouse for $68) from my 2nd box. It is so boho and soft, but also a great summer staple. Seriously obsessed. I’ll take this in 3 more colors, please.

Note: The thing about my first box is they sent me to a special “maternity” stylist. I’m sure she’s lovely at what she does. She did send me two pieces I instantly fell in love with. But my regular stylist? I’ve been with her for a year and a half. I love her. I never want her to leave me. She gets me.

So I got her back for my 2nd box, and I knew she was the one who picked everything before I even looked at the note!

So, all that is to say if you have a stylist you really super love, leave a note saying you don’t want to be passed off to the maternity team. I think/hope that will keep you with them.

Stitch Fix Maternity | Misimu Maternity Ravenscroft Split Neck Blouse | https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3312675

 

Anyway, back to the clothes. Those shorts are actually denim jogging shorts from the juniors section at Target. Yes, they have an elastic waistband. I heart them. (And bought them a size up – L – so I have room to grow this summer.)

The top is Misimu Maternity Ravenscroft Split Neck Blouse for $48. I love how long it is! I specifically kept it because it’s plenty cool for the summer, but will also look adorable with a cardigan over it this fall.

Stitch Fix Maternity | Eight Sixty Eyelet Maternity Dress | https://www.stitchfix.com/referral/3312675

The final piece I kept from my second box is this navy blue Eight Sixty Gabre Eyelet Knit Maternity Dress for $88. Another super comfy piece that also looks professional when dressed up. I have quite a few work related trips coming up, so this will be in heavy rotation. Once it gets chilly, I can throw some leggings under it.

Now, if you’re balking at the prices, let me say a few things.

  1. There’s no way I could afford to fill out my whole maternity wardrobe at these price points. I have a lot of basics from Target, for sure.
  2. I enjoy Stitch Fix not because it’s a “bargain” but because I don’t have to shop for myself. Seriously, I am not a fan.
  3. I guarantee you I wouldn’t have picked most of these pieces for myself. That’s why I love having a stylist that pushes the envelope for me. Keep in mind that Stitch Fix is a styling service.  (More on why I’m ok with Sitch Fix’s prices here.)

I’ve been using Stitch Fix for over 2 years now. I rarely blog about it because my real life reality is that I’m rarely dressed with hair and makeup done at a time when I can get my husband to take pictures of me. Most of the time, when I look like this, we are running late to something and I’m lucky to make it there without someone spilling their snack/juice on me.

Over the last couple years, though, Stitch Fix has helped me find my style! I mean, I had no idea I even had one. Now, nearly every single piece in my (very scaled down and minimized) wardrobe is from them. I’m a huge fan, and I’m SO happy their maternity selection seems to be just as awesome.

You can sign up for your first Stitch Fix here. 

 

July 12, 2016 10 comments
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8 Ways I’ve Learned to Love Going To The Gym
Fashion & Fitness

8 Ways I’ve Learned to Love Going To The Gym

by Jill April 6, 2016
written by Jill

I don’t mean to brag, but… wait. Yes, yes, I do. I have been to the gym more in that last 2 months than I went all last year. I’m on week 4 of working out 4 days a week.

I am officially one of those people you want to punch who says, “I love going to the gym! I look forward to it. I love the way it makes me feel,” and means it.

In the past, of course, I’ve gone to the gym or ran insanely long distances outside of the gym, but I never, ever looked forward to it.  I did it as a means to an end, and would make a lot of excuses not to go.

Now, I’m nearly skipping gleefully on my way after I’ve dropped the kids at childcare. And as soon as I’m done, I’m already planning my next visit. HAAAAAATTTE ME. It’s okay. Old me hates me, too.

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I did some reflection last night while pushing through a few miles, trying to figure out what is at the root of this change, and this is what I can say:

It took followthrough and about 3 weeks. In the past, I didn’t consistently work out, and as soon as I saw results, I’d let myself slack off. We’re not talking results like a six pack. Nah. Just, like, the minute my pants buttoned again, I was like, “Welp. My work here is done.” This time, I really stayed focused on long-term results, and I’m challenging myself to go 4 days a week for as long as I can. After 3 weeks, I FINALLY started to not hate it.

I found a gym SUPER close to home. A new gym just opened so close to us we can WALK there! This is sooooooo exciting, especially because we’re not used to being able to walk anywhere out here in the ‘burbs. It’s nearly like having it in our own house. Now, is it the best gym? No. There are no fancy rock climbing walls, the pool is crazy small, and the childcare is essentially a large closet with a TV and an adult who I am pretty sure will just keep them alive while I’m gone. (The childcare room is an actual joke, honestly.) But it’s EASY to get there, and it’s fast, and the kids will be fine. They will hate me, but they will be fine… I’m mostly sure of this.

I stopped running on the treadmill. I’ve run 2 marathons, so I’ve always felt like running should be a big part of my workout. But I have always hated the treadmill, yet I still subject myself to it because… why? Because I feel like that’s the only way to do cardio? I don’t even know, but it’s soul sucking, and I was done with it. Now I’m all about the elliptical, but not in the way I’ve used it in the past. No casually bouncing up and down for 20 minutes while watching TV. I set it to high/intense intervals, and I really focus (and sweat!) for 20-30 minutes. TV off, tunes up. Also…

I mastered the rowing machine. Hey, if it’s good enough for the Underwoods! Also, I met some competitive rowers in Israel and holy crap they looked amazing. It’s a fantastic full body workout, especially if you do it right, and work hard at it. Definitely read up and watch some videos on how to do it properly. (Here are some I found helpful.) After just a week of doing it for 10 minutes each workout, I noticed a difference in my upper body strength and my posture.


I got wireless headphones. The wires of my headphones always annoyed the shit out of me when working out, and I ruined 2 pair by rowing over the wires. So I made an investment in myself and sprung for a pair of Skullcandy wireless headphones. FREEDOM!! I mean, did I NEED these to work out? No, but it’s made it so much more fun to listen to my Spotify playlists, which I love customizing for my workouts.

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I keep my workout clothes clean and easy to find. Because, you know, it’s so easy to talk yourself out of the gym when you have nothing to wear. So I have a few outfits that I feel really great in, and I make sure to keep up with cleaning them.

I make it a priority. No seriously, really. I know I have to fit in 4 days in a week. I know I’d rather not be there on the weekends. So that really means I only get one weekday to skip. I always try to go on Mondays & Tuesdays so I can use the skip day later in the week if I need to. I think about what’s on my calendar that week, and plan out my workouts in my head, but I’m flexible. It’s not the end of the world if I don’t make it. I CAN go on the weekend if I have to. I don’t sabotage myself by waiting to get all 4 workouts in the last 4 days of the week.

I’m not weighing myself. For me, my goal is not necessarily to lose weight. I mean, yeah, that would be lovely and I do hope that happens, but it’s not how I’m judging my success. I want to feel better (and I am!) and I want my clothes to fit better (and they are!). I’m sure I’ll weigh myself eventually, but I haven’t stepped on a scale in 2 months. I know that if I do, and if I see that I haven’t lost what I arbitrarily feel is a number that represents all that work I’ve put in, then I’ll feel like a failure. And it’s hard to get failure-me to follow through on things.

Bonus: I’m putting myself out there, asking others to hold me accountable. I’m sharing a bit about it on Snapchat (I’m JillKrause there) and LOVE when people snap me back with their own fitness updates. I’m putting this here. I’m asking my husband to help me make this a priority and I’m helping him do the same.

I’d love for you to share what you’ve done or are doing to help make working out more fun for you. Do you love it? Share your secrets!

April 6, 2016 24 comments
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When Your Lingerie Isn’t Bringing You Joy
Fashion & FitnessParenthoodVideos

When Your Lingerie Isn’t Bringing You Joy

by Jill March 10, 2016
written by Jill

I’ve not been a real sentimental person when it comes to things… possessions. I moved a lot growing up. We didn’t take unnecessary crap with us. Clutter makes me twitchy. I certainly have no problem getting rid of any piece of clothing I haven’t worn in years.

Except….

Except when it comes to lingerie. Is it sentimental to me? No. Is it functional? No. Does it bring me joy? Also, no.  Do I even ever wear it? Yeah…. no.

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Listen, I am lucky to get dressed in actual clothes every day. And then I’m even more lucky to make it to bed that night in something that doesn’t have a combination of toddler snot and Nutella on it.

I honestly can’t even remember the last time I wore a bra and underwear that matched.

But what do you DO with lingerie?? I’m all for passing things on to the next person, but I mean… do people even want this? And if they do, I don’t think I want them to want it.

So this is a somewhat serious thing I want to explore, you guys. Am I the only one who has this guilty urge to hang onto it because… what? It’s like a bad omen, or something. Or like, you know, I COULD wear it if I wanted to. Okay? So maybe one day I might want to? But probably not.

I actually brought this topic up with some friends of mine last week, and then I joked that I should turn it into a memory blanket like people do with old t-shirts and their kids’ onesies.

And then I thought that would be amazing. And so I did. And I made this video. Enjoy!

(Funny side note: a lot of that is actually stuff I bought on clearance last week because I STILL couldn’t bear to part with all of my stuff…. that I will probably never wear again. But I am rewarding myself with matching bras and undies after this.)

March 10, 2016 5 comments
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