Tag: organic

Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

Amazon Prime Day, The Healthy Way (And The Other Sales That Invite You To #treatyoself Today)

If you love receiving packages full of goodies you selected specifically for…you (and you have an Amazon Prime membership), then you’re probably just as excited about Amazon Prime Day as we are.
But balancing the desire for a little something new at a steal of a price can conflict with our best intentions of being conscious consumers, especially as some of us aim for minimalism, are rocking capsule wardrobes, and want to make more space for meditation and mindfulness instead of “stuff.”
Here’s how the ladies of HealthyWay HQ plan to make the most of Prime Day, without breaking the bank amassing unnecessary clutter that’ll be collecting dust come Prime Day 2019.

Audible

Editor-in-Chief Ashley is already an Audible subscriber, but she loves it enough to recommend that readers (or listeners?) take the plunge on Prime Day, when you can save a whopping 66 percent on a three-month membership.
Be aware that membership will renew at the full rate of $14.95/month after the first three months, but rather than letting this scare you off, celebrate the great deal you’ll be getting—and the books, audioshows, news, and comedy that can enrich your life between now and October without you having to turn a single page.
Find some of our favorite Audible books here…
[products ids=’1006441,1006440,1006442,1006443′ type=full]

KitchenAid Stand Mixer (aka Kitchen Goals)

Does any piece of kitchen equipment say My (culinary) best self has arrived quite like KitchenAid’s iconic stand mixer? No, ma’am.
Elevate your mixing game (and kitchen aesthetic) with the Professional 5-Qt. model STAT.

Echo Dot

Maggie’s response to the question “What’re you lusting after this Prime Day?”: “I want another Amazon Dot. I only have one, but I want moooore.”
At $29.99 (yes, that’s a 40 percent discount), it’s easy to imagine calling the shots, jamming to your Spotify playlists, and getting info on demand with this handy device that’ll have you feeling like the queen of your castle day in and day out.
Peep our fave Alexa devices here…
[products ids=’1006469,1006472,1006475,1006476′ type=full]

“Get it right, get it tight.”

I’m not taking any beauty cues from Bubba Sparxxx, but when Ashley and Maggie both recommend the same retinol moisturizer as a Prime Day treat, this girl perks up. Ashley says she uses very few products on her face (same here), but that she enjoys Baebody’s retinol moisturizing cream, which leaves her face feeling just a little more taut when she wakes up in the morning.
The cream is formulated with plant-derived hyaluronic acid, wildcrafted green tea, organic jojoba oil, vitamin E, vitamin B5, and shea butter, which will have fans of plant products and organics rockin’ everywhere.

Kindle

You know what goes great with a glass of wine and 20 minutes to yourself finally after a long day (or the beach, a long flight, or a park bench)? Silence and the company of a good book—or all 3.4 million of the e-books available through the Amazon Kindle, which you can get at a deep discount on Prime Day.
Not sure where to begin with your reading regimen? We suggest referring to our list of 18 life-changing books that every woman needs to read (on her brand new, 33 percent–off Kindle Paperwhite).
Here are the Kindles our team uses; we love e-readers!
[products ids=’1006458,1006461,1006463,1006464′ type=full]

Athletic Apparel and Shoes

Sweet, sweet Scottish singer-songwriter Paolo Nutini gets it all right when he belts out, “Hey, I put my new shoes on and suddenly everything’s right!” New shoes elevate your everyday game—especially your athleisure getups. And on Prime Day, women’s athletic wear and shoes are up to 50 percent off.
Maggie’s favorite Prime Day pair? These adidas Cloudfoam Sneakers that’ll have you walking on sunshine.

Coconut Oil–Enhanced Biotin

Want to do right by your locks? A good first step is understanding your hair type and treating your hair accordingly. Next up: Give your mane a little TLC by incorporating biotin into your regimen.
I love that Sports Research’s High Potency 5000 mcg biotin is vegan- and vegetarian-friendly as it’s encapsulated in veggie softgels rather than the gelatin ones many of us choose to avoid.

Groceries

Yes, you read that right. This year, for the first time ever, Whole Foods is getting in on the Prime Day bonanza. Prime members can spend $10 in store today and tomorrow and will get $10 to spend on Amazon during Prime Day (for those candles, am I right?). Just scan your Prime Code or use your mobile number at the Whole Foods in-store checkout.
Not sure what to stock up on? How about the ingredients required to whip up some stuffed peppers or an armful of nutrient-packed stem vegetables?

Amazon Handmade

Amazon Handmade is almost too good to be true. I was a complete Etsy nut in a past life, and Amazon Handmade combines all the goodness of genuinely handcrafted goods with the Prime shipping I’ve already bought into (because: all the things I can’t get locally and Sex and the City on Prime Video).
The Amazon Handmade products I’m after this Prime Day? Little Bee of Connecticut’s hand-rolled beeswax pillar candles. I like to burn both candles and sage in my meditation space, and I love that these pillars (which Little Bee offers in 6 inch and 8 inch sizes), are natural, non-toxic, sustainable, and renewable as they don’t contain any petroleum byproducts like the paraffin most candles are made of. Plus, few things are as soothing as the smell of an unscented beeswax candle or the gentle light it emits.
Bonus: With the Prime Day discount, these candles are cheaper than comparable beeswax container candles I’ve come across at T.J.Maxx, and they’re packaged in recyclable paper, so there’s none of the awkwardness of deciding what to do with a waxy, lidless container after your candle’s flickered its last.
[products ids=’1006451,1006450,1006453′ type=full]

Essential Oil Everything

I nabbed a few Aura Cacia essential oil blends last week (Chill Pill ftw) but have yet to get an essential oil diffuser. Senior Editor Maggie recommends this lovely teardrop-shaped cool mist diffuser from TaoTronics that is home and baby safe.
Read up on the basics of using essential oils before you get started, or take a deep dive into our guide for using essential oils to treat seasonal allergies.

A Not-So-Slow Cooker

I scream, you scream, we all scream for something delicious to eat every 👏 single 👏 day—even workdays when there’s no time for cooking said delicious dishes. Enter the Instant Pot, slow cooker extraordinaire.
You place the Prime order; we’ve got you covered with all the Instant Pot details and a delicious recipe to get you started as soon as your Prime Day package drops.

Meal prep like a pro.

  • Instant Pot ✔️
  • Stand Mixer ✔️
  • All the groceries from Whole Foods ✔️

Now you just need to store all that delicious goodness in an organized, aesthetically pleasing fashion (that’ll have you celebrating your leftover meals as opposed to lamenting #saddesklunches).
Enter Vremi’s 18 piece glass food storage container set. Stackable, airtight, BPA-free, microwave, oven, and freezer safe: All these descriptors are music to our nosh-loving ears.

Not a Prime member?

No need to fret. Target’s pulling out all the stops during Prime Day too, and that competition means deals that are accessible to everyone.
In the mood to level up your legging game? Shop Outdoor Voices’ 40 percent off sale.
Want to share your must-purchase items or Prime Day wishlist? Or did we miss a great deal? Hit us up on Instagram at @itsthehealthyway or Twitter at @healthywaymedia to let us know how you spent Prime Day (literally).

Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

Our Favorite Responses To The #inmyfeelings Challenge

If you were in a deep summer hibernation through the end of last week…and the entire weekend (we love naps, too—we understand)…you might’ve missed the #inmyfeelingschallenge blowing up…everywhere. It’s being hailed as “the summer’s viral dance challenge” by Time, and Instagrammer @theshiggyshow seems to have everyone moving (and singing along) to Drake’s “In My Feelings.”
Will Smith’s rendition took the challenge to new heights—literally—but at HealthyWay HQ, we’re always asking Where my ladies at?
In that spirit, we’ve rounded up our favorite empowered (and unabashed) lady wellness influencers’ responses to the #inmyfeelingschallenge, starting with Alison Wu of Wu Haus.
Alison’s IG vid, shot in her deliciously pastel, Smeg-refrigeratored kitchen, popped up in my feed and inspired our hunt for the best of ladies asking “Kiki, do you love me?” and busting out the type of choreography that proves just how diverse, talented, and entertaining the women we admire are.
[sul title=”Best Set” subheader=”Alison Wu of Wu Haus (In Her Kitchen)”]

A post shared by alison wu (@alison__wu) on


Everything about this video has us asking, “Can we come over in our comfiest athleisure getup for a kitchen dance party (hopefully followed by snacking on your coconut matcha macaroons)?”
[sul title=”Best Accessories” subheader=”Fashion, Beauty, and Lifestyle ’grammer Aashna Hegde”]

A post shared by Aashna Hegde (@aashnahegde) on


At least four of HealthyWay’s editors wear glasses on the regular, so between her black-rimmed specs and enviable brows, we’re feeling Aashna’s look.
[sul title=”Best Hair Whip” subheader=”Amanda Lacount of #breakingthestereotype”]


Body positive dancer Amanda LaCount shows us some epic hair whips—and her smile is completely infectious, too.
[sul title=”Best Motivational Vibe” subheader=”Choreographer and “Fit Mom” Nkateko Maswanganye”]


South African Nkateko “Takkies” Maswanganye’s moves (and maybe her outfit?) have her husband eagerly providing the motivational feedback we’re all after when we start breaking it down to whatever song we’ve been feeling. #relationshipgoals
[sul title=”Best All-Around” subheader=”Army Medical Logistician, “Gym Freak,” and Mama Savannah Spencer”]


Everything about this #inmyfeelingschallenge response from Fort Bragg, North Carolina, has us celebrating. Especially those special effects.
Inspired to venture a little deeper into your feelings? Check out our guide to implementing positive affirmations (and how they actually work) or read up on how a gratitude journal can change your entire outlook.

Categories
Food Philosophies Nosh

How Boss Bs Fuel Their Workdays

Whether it’s athletic performance, mental stamina, or emotional well-being, there’s no denying the impact of food. It’s no wonder, then, that so many badass women prioritize meals that work for them, choosing foods that will bring them the energy, nutrition, and satisfaction to continue in their badass ways.
Of course, health doesn’t have to—and often should not—look like the menu from an elite detox retreat. Happiness, balance, and success almost always look less glamorous than they appear on Instagram. (Artful rose latte made from raw dairy, coconut nectar, bee pollen, and crushed rose petals, anyone?)
To paint a clearer picture of the diverse ways go-getter women are fueling their workdays, HealthyWay asked for a peek into the menus powering the daily grinds of a fitness trainer and model in Toronto, a mother and pastry chef in Little Rock, and an Olympic athlete and consultant in New York City.
[Editorial note: These interviews have been edited for length and clarity.]

Edith Werbel

Edith Werbel is a Toronto-based certified personal and group fitness trainer, model, entrepreneur, and “crazy cat lady” with a very informative fitness blog and a BootyFull training program that promises a more shapely backside in eight weeks.
How long have you worked as a fitness trainer and a model?
My first job out of university was an office job—and I hated it. I thought to myself “what’s the opposite of this s**t?” And that’s how I became a trainer! I’ve been a full-time trainer for about eight years now, and I’ve modeled for more than 15 years. I started as a fashion model in my teens and have since transitioned to more fitness modeling.

A post shared by Edith Werbel (@traineredith) on


How would you describe what you do?
The pros: I practically get paid to stay fit, have fun, and hang out with cool clients all day. And what’s more, I feel I genuinely help people, and it’s incredibly rewarding.
The cons: The hours are long, the work unstable, and it’s very tiring in more than one way.
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far?
I think the one thing I’m most proud of is my BootyFull eight-week glute training program that I sell on my site. Glutes are my area of specialty, and I’ve helped shaped many a beautiful backside. I’m proud of this program I’ve put together that is both popular and effective and helps pull in some extra passive income.
What are three terms that pop in your mind when you think of your eating philosophy?
Intuitive, enjoyable, and healthy

Edith’s Daily Grind Menu

Breakfast

I start each morning with a coffee protein shake: coffee, coconut water, half a banana, and a scoop of vanilla protein powder. It’s a pretty light breakfast. I look forward to it every day and it keeps me fueled for a workout.

A post shared by Edith Werbel (@traineredith) on

Lunch

Lunch is usually after my workout and usually consists of a salad with chicken.

Dinner

And dinner again is often a protein with some roasted vegetables. I eat healthy and moderately most of the time, without overly obsessing or restricting myself. Once a week, I have a properly dirty meal of something like a burger and fries.

Zara Abbasi

Zara Abbasi is a lawyer, pastry chef, entrepreneur, and mother of three living in Little Rock.
How long have you been a lawyer, pastry chef, mother (and any other amazing things you are up to)?
I graduated from law school in 2013 and have been a pastry chef for five years. I have not had any professional training in the culinary department so I feel like maybe the title of pastry chef may be too important for me.
I have been a mother for nine years now, and out of all the hats I wear, that is by far my favorite. I do all these “amazing” things for my kids so that they can believe in the positivity of this world and can see that someone who works hard can achieve anything.
How would you describe what you do?
I’m a Jane of all trades. I love working different positions and learning about the world through the different challenges placed before me. But if I had to describe who I am at heart, it’s an entrepreneur.

A post shared by Zara Abbasi (@zaramadeit) on


What are you most proud of accomplishing so far, and what do you hope to someday accomplish?
Professionally, I’m really proud of finishing law school and passing the bar. I had two of my kids while I was in school and there were days I felt I would never pull through. I love being on the other side of that feeling, seeing how all the hard work paid off.
Creatively, I’m so proud to have made a name for myself in our small city by throwing caution to the wind and following through with my creative visions. It’s been remarkable to see how supportive people can be when you put yourself out there.
Physically, I’m proud of taking care of myself. I used to put my health and well-being last like most women do. But this year, I’ve made it a priority to get enough sleep, drink plenty of water, exercise, and most importantly, say “no” and guard my mental energy.
What I hope to accomplish: I hope that the hard work I’ve put forth in my business venture really pays off and I’m able to create a sustainable line of products that makes the business successful.
What are three terms that pop in your mind when you think of your eating philosophy?
Balanced, fun, homemade

Zara’s Daily Grind Menu

Breakfast

I have a pretty erratic schedule. I have a small 10-month-old baby, so I tend to follow her lead on the day sometimes. Breakfast usually consists of a cup of chai, first and foremost. I feel it has the same effect on me as does a cup of coffee on most other people. I find that I cannot start my day without it.
When I have my first cup of chai, it’s usually when I’m making some breakfast for the baby and simultaneously checking emails and messages. When it is my turn to eat, I usually stick to pretty basic breakfast staples such as oatmeal, eggs, and a fruit. I change up the type of eggs based on my mood but find that I like a healthy combo of both protein and carbs.

Lunch

For lunch, I usually have more time to myself, because it usually coincides with the baby’s nap. This is where I really like to take care of myself. I usually make myself a salad of some sort. I’ve been known to stock my pantry and fridge with ingredients to make no less than seven varieties of salad at any given time. It makes lunch less boring, and [having] the staples on hand keeps me from noshing on things I probably shouldn’t. I follow up my lunch with plain Greek yogurt (FAGE is my absolute favorite) with a little brown sugar sprinkled on top.

A post shared by Zara Abbasi (@zaramadeit) on

Snack

I usually snack in between lunch and dinner and head to our dry pantry for those snacks. I find myself going to pretzels, cheddar popcorn, and roasted nuts around that time because I find I need something salty before I need anything sweet.

Dinner

For dinner, I like to plan pretty elaborate meals sometimes. Some nights we’ll have handmade pasta and meatballs, other nights we’ll have a full French three-course meal including coq au vin, roasted vegetables, and crème brûlée. And then on other nights, we will have something simple like chicken and dumplings or a pot of chili. We like to keep dinner interactive with the kids and keep it rotating so we don’t fall into meal ruts.

Nzingha Prescod

Nzingha Prescod is a foil fencer—a 2012 and 2016 U.S. Olympian, a 2015 Senior World Championships bronze medalist, and four-time world champion—and a consultant for a Big Four accounting firm in New York City.
How long have you been a professional athlete?
I have been on the senior national team for nine years—through high school, college, and right now as I balance my athlete life with a career in business. I’m a consultant at EY [formerly Ernst & Young], so my schedule is a bit packed. As the games approach, I’m looking to dedicate more time to fencing and everything that comes with it (speaking engagements, photo shoots, clinics, etc.).

A post shared by Nzingha Prescod (@nzinghap) on


How would you describe what you do?
Consulting is really mastering learning on the job. I am aligned to the data analytics practice so I’m primarily assigned to projects where my team helps the business structure their data and report/present it in the most intelligible way. Every client has different data and systems, so each engagement requires different skills!
What are you most proud of accomplishing so far and what do you hope to someday accomplish?
I’m most proud at any moment I overcome self-doubt, especially in uncomfortable situations, i.e., competitions! Every time me or my team has medaled at world championships, I’ve been able to affirm to myself for the entire day that I am capable. I hope to continue sharing what I’ve learned through sport and opening doors for children to have similar opportunities and experiences as I did.
What are three terms that pop in your mind when you think of your eating philosophy?
Balance, moderation, and experimenting!

Nzingha’s Daily Grind Menu

Breakfast

If I have time to eat a bowl of cereal I’ll have Alpen and Honey Bunches of Oats with skim milk. I always add in a couple of walnuts and coconut flakes so my bites are more exciting. I really look forward to it most days when I wake up. If I am heading in to the office, I’ll get a bowl of oatmeal with peanut butter, granola, blueberries, brown sugar, raisins, and coconuts flakes in the cafeteria. If I’m looking for something more savory, I’ll have bacon, egg whites, and pepper jack cheese on multigrain bread.
If I have an early workout and need some sustenance quickly, I’ll have Belvita breakfast cookies with Greek yogurt. Whatever I’m having, I make sure it’s balanced between protein and carbs. I switch my carb intake for breakfast depending on my activity for the day. So I’ll have less cereal or only one slice of toast if I’m not as active that day.

Snack

If my meal was more than two or three hours before my workout, I’ll have a snack like apple or banana with peanut butter, seed crackers with hummus, or piece of banana bread. If my meals aren’t awkwardly spaced I may just have some fruit to snack on throughout the day. Post strenuous workouts, I’ll have a scoop of protein powder with skim milk to promote recovery and prevent soreness.

Lunch/Dinner

For lunch and dinner I try to have some form of vegetables in both meals. I aim for half a plate of veggies, quarter protein, quarter carbs. This isn’t always the case, but whenever a meal is heavier on one spectrum, I try to even it out later in the day!

Dessert

I have been eating a lot of Oreos (no cream) and milk!

Takeaways: Protein, Veggies, Enjoyment, Balance

As you can see, there are a handful of common threads running through the menus. All of these women prioritize protein and vegetables, they consume fruit in at least one of their meals, they talk about enjoying something that they eat every day, and they aim for balance, whether between macronutrients like carbohydrates and protein or nutrient-dense foods and “junk” foods. Most of them also mention hydration and regular exercise.
This is smart living. As we know, water is literally life, and the benefits of exercise are as infinite as the internet.
It’s smart nutrition, too. “Protein is essential for building and maintenance throughout the body,” registered dietitian Christeena Haynes (full disclosure: also my sister) tells HealthyWay. “Vegetables, fruits, and other complex carbohydrates are the body’s largest source of energy and provide fiber, vitamins, and minerals the body needs to keep things running smoothly. Fiber and protein also help you stay fuller longer, meaning you’re less likely to overeat and fill your body with empty calories.”
This balancing of proteins and carbs mentioned gives “your body what it needs to function well…so you’re not overeating carbs, which affect blood sugar levels more,” says Haynes. What’s more, some research suggests that the combo may be better suited to improving athletic performance and recovery than carbs alone.
The fulfillment these women seek in their noms is also good practice. “If you don’t enjoy what you’re eating, just from my own experience, you’re probably not going to maintain what you’re doing,” says Haynes.
Beyond the intuitive component of eating bites you find exciting, it also makes physiological sense. In his book The Gospel of Food: Everything You Think You Know About Food Is Wrong, sociologist Barry Glassner references a study from the 1970s that suggests we might actually absorb more nutrients from foods that please us.
“In one of my favorite studies, Swedish and Thai women were fed a Thai dish that the Swedes found overly spicy,” Glassner wrote. “The Thai women, who liked the dish, absorbed more iron from the meal. When the researchers reversed the experiment and served hamburger, potatoes, and beans, the Swedes, who like this food, absorbed more iron. Most telling was a third variation of the experiment, in which both the Swedes and the Thais were given food that was high in nutrients but consisted of a sticky, savorless paste. In this case, neither group absorbed much iron.”
We’d love to see a more recent reproduction of the above study, but until then, we’ll stand by one takeaway: Pursue pleasure in your diet.
It’s easy to let the prescriptiveness of “healthy eating” erase desire. Nutrition does not equal dull and flavorless meals. The way food looks and smells, its taste and texture in your mouth, how it makes you feel after you eat it, and the rituals surrounding mealtime—these are part of living, and they’re worth your attention.
Stay hungry, boss Bs.

Categories
No Gym Required Sweat

A Beginner’s Guide To Bouldering

Gripping neon moldings, hanging upside down, arms quivering, scanning the wall for where you’re going to plant your hand next—not exactly the badass image you had in mind when you decided to try bouldering.
That’s probably many climbers’ first experience with ropeless rock climbing, though. You might envision yourself straight out of a North Face ad, scaling a mountain, but it takes time to get the hang of anything. With a little work, though, a realistic version of that image might be possible, and it’ll be worth it for your mind and body.

First Things First: What is bouldering?

Is that even a verb? Yes. To quote REI, “Bouldering is climbing in its simplest form, sans ropes, harnesses, and hardware on rock faces that are shorter than the walls at cragging areas.” The route to the top of a boulder outside or wall inside is called a problem, and the climber’s goal is to find the solution—that is, how to get to the top.

Why should I try bouldering?

Physically, bouldering is pretty much a full-body workout. Not only do you work out your arms, but you also use your back, shoulders, core, and leg strength to move yourself up. While at first glance bouldering would be considered a strength exercise, any type of rock climbing is also considered a cardio workout. A 2004 study concludes, “During climbing, there are increases in oxygen consumption and heart rate, suggesting that it requires utilisation of a significant portion of whole body aerobic capacity.” Increased oxygen intake (aerobics) happens simultaneously with increased heart rate (cardio). Besides that, watching pros climb, you can see that bouldering requires that you bend your body in ways you wouldn’t ordinarily, boosting flexibility.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BhtkcXLDe92/?taken-by=shaunacoxsey
Mentally, there’s some problem solving involved, hence why the climbs are called problems. In addition to using your mind strategically, bouldering is also an exercise in mindfulness. This kind of mindfulness therapy can treat mental health disorders, with one study proving that bouldering helped mitigate symptoms of depression. Sounds like a win-win to me.
Socially, you can also get the benefit of working out with others. Climbing gym communities can be pretty tight-knit, and watching each other try to scale (and fall) makes the individual activity more social than you might expect.

Where can I get started?

If hopping on a boulder outside seems a little daunting as a beginner, start out at a climbing gym. Gyms usually mark the grips for different problems and label sections for varying difficulties. Plus, there are mats around the gym to make the falls somewhat less traumatizing, plus knowledgeable employees you can [linkbuilder id=”6572″ text=”ask for help”].
The popularity of climbing gyms has continued to grow steadily, so most sizeable towns should have an option for indoor bouldering. Inside, you can master some of the basic skill sets before venturing outdoors. Like lots of fitness activities, the gym’s expert climbers might intimidate you as a novice, but odds are they’ll be welcoming and might even teach you a thing or two. Still, you can start out in a class or join a beginner group.
Once you do make it outside (if that’s one of your goals!), the possibilities are plentiful. Since bouldering doesn’t require great heights, even non-mountainous regions have areas outside where you can try it. You can do a little internet searching, but asking around at your local climbing gym might be the best bet for finding safe spots for beginners.

What gear do I need for my first bouldering sesh?

Especially if you’re going outside, where rentals aren’t likely, it’s best to invest in some essential gear.

  • Crash Pads (for outdoor bouldering): Not as scary as they sound, crash pads are just mats, like gyms have inside, to catch you when you fall.
  • Climbing Shoes: You can rent these at most gyms, but if you decide you like bouldering, it’ll pay off to invest in a pair.
  • Chalk and Chalk Bag: Chalk dries up any moisture on your hands and improves your grip.
  • Spotters: i.e. friends who will be there to catch you when you fall and yell words of encouragement as you climb.

What’s next, boulder babe?

Getting into new fitness activities can be a little daunting, but if you’re in a workout rut or simply want to find a new hobby, bouldering is a super badass way to shake up your routine. The first time I bouldered was a haphazard attempt on a service trip in Appalachia that proved to be a physical challenge and a great bonding experience.
To make yourself a bit more comfortable prior to your first climb, read up on some basic tips and terminology so you have some understanding of what’s going on around you. Then try it out for yourself!
[related article_ids=1001204,26396]

Categories
Mom x Body Motherhood

Must-Have Workout Gear For Moms

Hey moms, remember that time you tried to jog with a regular sports bra while sporting your new milk-filled double Ds? Total disaster, right?
Between leaking through your shirt and the weight of your new breasts (seriously, it’s like having two bowling balls attached to your chest), going for a quick run isn’t exactly the invigorating, restorative experience you imagined. Throw kids into the workout mix, and, well, exercise probably isn’t happening at all.
That’s why mom-friendly workout gear is a must-have. If there’s a product out there that makes it easier for me to get my mom sweat on (a winning scent that’s equal parts spit-up, dirty diaper, and my own natural musk), I’m all over it.
So listen up, ladies: If your kid’s knack for skipping naptime is stopping you from exercising, I can’t help you with that because my kid never naps. Ever. But if the only thing holding you back from regular exercise is a lack of the right gear, we’ve got a roundup of the best workout gear designed specifically with busy moms in mind.

Supportive Clothing

As a mom, the only clothes I now wear hold everything up and in, and preferably have an elastic waistband. That’s even more important when working out, especially if you recently had a c-section, since you’ll want to provide support for your incision as it heals.
I love these high-waisted leggings from Spanx ($88). Spanx is the first name in supportive clothing, so you know they’ll hold everything together. From sizes XS to XL and 1X to 3X, they’ve got a wide range of figures covered.
Even though I got back to my pre-pregnancy weight pretty quickly after giving birth, my body is just different now. I have a lot more jiggle to love, and I definitely need more supportive clothing. Bye-bye clearance sports bra! I love the Anita Active Dynamix sports bra ($76), because it allows me to nurse on the go if I need to and provides super support without hurting my back.  

Pee-Proof Panties

Sometimes milk isn’t the only thing leaking out of you. I’ll just be frank: Even if you religiously did your kegel exercises, you’ll still pee on yourself, especially if you had a vaginal delivery.
If the thought of wearing bulky pads or disposable undies makes you cringe, then give ICON pee-proof undies ($28–$39) a try. They’re designed by THINX, the makers of period-proof panties, and are designed to withstand small bladder leaks. One woman described them as “wearing a swimsuit with a panty-liner,” so they aren’t too bulky. Plus, because they are a thicker fabric, they may provide a little extra support.

Insulated Bottles for Both of You

If you’re formula feeding, one of the most annoying things is having to stop and mix a bottle mid-workout or lug a big cooler full of ice and pre-made bottles to the gym.
But with the Pura Kiki Insulated Bottle ($25), you can keep formula or breastmilk fresh for hours. Pura Kiki also designs bottles for toddlers, bigger kids, and adults, so there’s an insulated bottle for everyone in the family.
Nursing can make you so thirsty, especially if you’re also working out. This personalized water bottle ($20+) from Etsy seller Limboae Designs is made to remind you to drink your water every hour. It’s must-have workout gear for any new mom.

Kettlebells

Kettlebells are having a workout moment right now, and for good reason. They’re great for strengthening your shoulders, back, and legs. Plus, you can do kettlebell workouts at home, which is great for busy moms who don’t want to spend $20 for babysitting during a trip to the gym.
I have zero upper body strength, so I started with extremely small kettlebells and worked my way to heavier kettlebells as I got stronger. I recommend investing in a kettlebell set, like this Fitness Gear Adjustable Kettlebell ($50). That way, you can easily move up to heavier weights without having to find a place to safely store several kettlebells away from baby’s grasp.
Ready to try kettlebells? Give our kettlebell workout series a try!

Yoga Mat

“I don’t need a yoga mat! I have the living room rug!” That’s what I said when I was gifted a yoga mat during my pregnancy.
But boy, did I eat those words. My yoga mat has been a workout lifesaver now that I’m a mom. A good yoga mat is must-have workout gear for moms, and not just because it doubles as a great nap pad for littles.
With a yoga mat, you can take your workout anywhere. I love to take my little nugget to the park where we do a yoga flow together before strolling around for a well-deserved nap (for the baby, of course—moms know no sleep).
I like the Manduka eko lite mat ($72), which is biodegradable, made of eco-friendly rubber, and weighs just 4 pounds.

Jogging Stroller

Even if you don’t run, a jogging stroller is a must-have workout accessory for any mom. It’s great for off-roading on trails or the beach, and baby gets a nice, smooth ride.
Babylist, an online resource that I’ve used to help figure out the best type of baby products for my munchkin, rates the BOB Revolution SE Stroller as the overall best jogging stroller. But at a price point of $459, I better be able to use this stroller ’til my kid goes to college.
A more affordable option is the Graco Fast Action Fold Jogging Stroller at $179. This stroller works with all Graco car seats and really does live up to its name; you can easily unfold it with one hand while you hold baby with the other.

Baby Bike Seat/Trailer

If jogging just isn’t your thing, consider cycling for exercise. It is recommended that you wait until baby is at least 9 months old before they ride along with you. For younger kids, the front-mounted Thule RideAlong Mini ($170) is a great option because it allows you to easily check on and talk to your child.
For longer rides, where your child might fall asleep, most bike enthusiasts recommend a rear-mounted seat like the Thule RideAlong seat ($230), which reclines for more comfortable napping and can fit children who weigh up to 48 pounds.
If you have more than one child, a bike trailer is probably your best bet. The Burley Bee bike trailer ($299) is one of the top-rated bike trailers. Its bright yellow color makes it easy for road traffic to see, and it has tinted shades to protect your tykes from the sun.
So get out there, mamas, and get your sweat on! And, if you have any tips for nap time…well, I’m listening!

Categories
Nosh Nutrition x Advice

GoFitJo’s 10 Tips For Healthy(ish) Summer Snacking

HealthyWayLife on the go has become the universal battle cry of multitasking women everywhere. When we’re busy taking care of ourselves and others, breaking glass ceilings, and chasing our dreams, that doesn’t leave much time in the day for perfectly structured eating—and hey, that’s perfectly okay!
My days are usually spent bustling to and from meetings, managing my girls’ schedules, fitting in time to take care of moi, and a few unknown surprises—meaning that snacking is often an essential means of keeping my days moving and my mind and body properly fueled.
More and more, we’re accepting that snacking is not inherently unhealthy and that it’s really all about being intentional with what we eat. My primary philosophy for healthy snacking is to choose nutritious, wholesome options that don’t come in a package. When that’s not a realistic possibility, because…life…I look for labels with simple ingredients that my 8-year-old can read, which usually steers me clear of artificial ingredients and wonky chemical additives.
For days when snacking is as essential to keeping you fueled as a good cup of coffee, I’ve put together my top tips to help you keep it healthy and simple. Read (and snack) on, girl!
HealthyWay

Jo’s Snacking Takeaways

  1. This is my top tip, so I’ll say it again: Stick to 100 percent natural ingredients as often as possible. Our bodies haven’t evolved much over the past hundred years, but more and more foods are being manufactured with marketing and shelf stability—rather than digestibility or nutritional value—in mind. Stick to natural snacks whenever possible.
  2. Keep it simple. I’m a minimalist when it comes to food, and I love to bring this point of view to life in my snacking selections. A simple snack like sliced apples and peanut butter can help keep hangry you from coming out.
  3. Healthy fats like nut butters, nuts, and avocados can help you feel full for longer without turning to simple carbs or snacks that are loaded with salt or sugars.
  4. Prep snacks early. Store sliced fruits and vegetables in the fridge so you’re able to serve them with hummus or another dip of your choice on demand. This will prevent panic and regrettable snacking decisions when hunger strikes!
  5. Keep healthy snack items in your line of sight. In our house, we leave fruit out on the tabletops, counters, and in a hanging basket. This makes for a convenient and healthy grab-and-go routine—no packaged food necessary.
  6. Drink lots of water. Thirst is often misinterpreted as hunger, so load up on lots of H2O.
  7. Load your desk drawer, backpack, or diaper bag with nuts or another long-lasting healthy snacking option. I love to keep a few RXBARs in my desk drawer for days when I’m stuck at my computer.
  8. When it comes to portion sizes, use your hand to measure. A thumb size is roughly an ounce of nut butter, four dice is an ounce of nuts or raisins, and a lightbulb is roughly an ounce of popcorn or pretzels. Keeping these portion sizes in mind encourages a better understanding of what you’re eating.
  9. It’s worth throwing in a reminder to prioritize balanced meals—complete with protein, carbs, and veggies. This helps to curb the mindless snacking that we want to avoid.
  10. Get enough sleep. Yes, sleeping well can impact our snacking. I find that I tend to mindlessly snack when I haven’t had a good night’s sleep the night before. On days that I have had proper rest, I’m more mindful of how I nourish my body.

HealthyWay
 

Categories
Life x Culture Lifestyle

Ladies Get Paid, A Group Working To Close The Gender Wage Gap, Got Sued

Still No Pay Equity for Women

Claire Wasserman founded Ladies Get Paid in the summer of 2016 with the mission of helping to close the persistent gender wage gap. She created the group, which provides resources for women to excel in their careers, negotiate salaries and pay raises, and ask for what they’re worth, after a freelance art director she knew discovered that she wasn’t making as much money as her male counterparts but didn’t know how much to charge for her work.
Less than a year and a half later, Ladies Get Paid has grown to more than 20,000 members, coming from all 50 states and 60 countries. They connect in person and online through “town hall” open forums, Meetups, conferences, and a private Slack group organized by industry and location.
But the young, growing organization may have to shut down.

HealthyWay
Courtesy of Ladies Get Paid

United States of Aggrieved Dudes

Ladies Get Paid events were advertised as being for cis and trans women and non-binary people only, in an attempt to create “a space where we could be vulnerable and share our workplace challenges, free of judgment or intimidation.”
Enter Dudes Who Want to Prove a Point. Two men who say they were turned away from events, together with an attorney who has made a career of taking down women-first events and organizations, sued Ladies Get Paid, Claire, and six of the group’s event organizers, alleging discrimination under California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.
The attorney was formerly listed as secretary of the National Coalition for Men (NCFM), a men’s rights group founded in 1977. While NCFM self-identifies as a “gender inclusive…charitable corporation,” a few minutes spent on their website—which casually references the “men’s liberation movement”—suggests that they are more spiritually aligned with the kind of tool who responds to your cordial rejections with, “But you had sex with [literally any other man]. Why not with me?”
A November 2017 post offering “a few quick thoughts on the current sexual abuse hysteria” tries to argue that, while “all male sexuality is potentially criminal nowadays,” women have achieved perfect freedom because we are allowed to wear leggings and “blatantly sexual makeup.” The author then goes on to imply, confoundingly, that a woman who wore a revealing dress to an awards show in the 1990s is “hypocritical” for decrying sexual abuse. (Ironically, a few months later, this woman would explain that the dress was actually a silent scream after a rape she had hidden from the public. The fashion choice was “a political statement”—a middle finger before the days of subtweets.)
The conundrum of the gender pay gap, like all social issues, will not easily be solved. But Ladies Get Paid and other women’s empowerment groups that approach these issues with intelligence and compassion and provide resources—professional networking, education, emotional support, confidence-building—are the grass roots of progress. (Unless, that is, they’re continually trod on by men who appear to hate women.)
In order to keep existing, Ladies Get Paid has turned to crowdfunding to pay their legal fees and fund more community services. We reached out to Claire to talk about the lawsuits, disillusionment, and moving forward with the organization she loves.

HealthyWay
Courtesy of Ladies Get Paid

This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
You’ve mentioned in a couple of your interviews that you had this eye-opening experience at Cannes Lions Festival in 2017. [Claire also worked as a marketer and an independent film producer.]
The thing that happened at Cannes was—a big reason why I was disappointed—you know it’s this amazing festival with like the industry’s top, top people. So whether you run a brand or an agency, it was going to be the best of the best. I was there with Working Not Working [where she worked as director of marketing], and I was excited to be able to meet people, but also that this is going to be a great business opportunity. We were looking for clients.
And the first night I was there I walk into this party and I noticed it was mostly white men, because, again, if you’re sending the heads of these companies, the heads of them tend to be white men. And the first thing that anybody says to me—this older man comes up to me and he just goes, “Hi! Whose wife are you?” You know what I mean? So innocent. And it was like, “Oh, not only are there not many women here—like, this is how it’s going to be.”
And it is always, like, the “innocent comment.” It’s so deeply ingrained that it’s problematic.
Yeah. It was a week of just, every night, fending off these guys who were really gross, objectifying me. I’d go to parties where they’d hire models and it’s—it was just gross.
They would hire models to just walk around?
There was one party that did that. It is a brand—I will not say their name—but, you know, a brand that has since gotten in a lot of trouble during the #MeToo stuff that’s happened. It was seven days, seven nights of that, so I felt really demoralized.
I remember having this experience where a bunch of women—we were all in the ladies’ room and we were all, whether we knew it consciously or not, we were all kind of hiding. Because it was so—it was like danger zone out there. [One well-known male singer] was talking about, like, finding women to f***. You know what I mean? It was just constant. So it was only in the ladies’ room—
Wait, he was out there doing what?
I don’t remember exactly what he said—something about he was looking for somebody to have sex with. I was just like, I can’t even. I can’t even engage. I was like, I wish you were the only person I heard that from this week. And everyone’s laughing, and, you know, having some of the quote nice guys be like, “Don’t worry, I’ll protect you.” And it’s just like, “No! That’s not the point of this.”
But yeah, I mean being in the ladies room, it was like a safe haven. And we’d be like, “Alright, you go now.” It’s like you put on lipstick and were going out for battle. [laughs] So that was a turning point for me.
I think in my entire career there had been things like that happening but I had brushed past it because I’m moving so fast, I don’t want to, you know, point fingers at anybody else. A lot of these guys who would do inappropriate things, I liked them anyway. So it really took this experience to kind of snap me out of all of that and go, “Hold on. There is something going on in the gender dynamics in our workplaces that is just exaggerated here.”
HealthyWay
Courtesy of Ladies Get Paid

The spirit of the Ladies Get Paid community—does it feel markedly different from one event to another?
Good question. So I actually traveled the country last year. I hosted town halls, like the first one I did called “Women and Money.” I think I’ve done them now in like 17 cities. The deal is, whenever we open a new chapter, the committee will organize events under the brand of Ladies Get Paid. I go out and I do the first town hall with them. And so, in doing that, it’s been really interesting to see how the women across the country want to talk about money. Because technically, it’s the same subject, but of course it can mean a lot of different things to people. And one thing that just strikes me is that, actually, everybody wants to talk about the same thing.
We all have universal fears, struggles, whatever—some cities want to focus on a certain part of the conversation more than others. I would say what’s different are the ways that these women express themselves. Some of these women are like vocalizing, right? They’re clapping, nodding “uh-huh.” They’ll stand up and shout things out. And then in other states they’re like laughing politely or they take a lot of notes but don’t want to speak up. So the subject is the same; the way they express it is different.
Are there any personal stories that particularly moved you? Success stories? Anything that stands out?
God, there are so many. I mean I get a ton of emails every day. The email that I get after all of these events tends to be, “Wow, I thought I was the only one.” And they’re not. Everybody who comes just walks away realizing there’s like a hundred other women there who are all vocalizing an experience this woman had and had previously thought she was crazy for having it. So that’s been, by far, the pattern of feedback that I get.
It’s very interesting, specifically the “I thought I was crazy,” because the gaslighting of—you know, the whole experience of womanhood. So after all of the amazing advocacy that you guys have done for women, you’ve gotten sued for gender discrimination…by some men.
Yeah.
Okay, so who are they? They’re able to get away with this because of a civil rights act that they’re taking advantage of?
Yeah, so these guys, they are all—they may not say that they are—but they [seem to be] members of the National Coalition for Men. The lawyer has personally been the lawyer in hundreds of cases all under this civil rights act. [He] sued the Oakland A’s for giving out hats to women [for] Mother’s Day. It’s sort of anything and everything.
The way that our legal system is, I mean, the only people who can go to court are people who can afford to go to court. We literally don’t have the money to do it. And we’re not a nonprofit so we didn’t get pro bono counsel. And with a civil rights case, if you lose, you actually have to pay the legal fees of the other side. Given that, this guy—it seems to be all that he does—why would he not drag this out? So this could have been very financially risky for us. And so even if we felt, you know, “We don’t want to settle! We believe we’re right! We think maybe we could win!” It’s like, it doesn’t matter, you just have to settle, because we’re totally broke anyway.
That was why we decided to settle. It still took seven months. Because they were not just suing Ladies Get Paid and me, but they were suing six women who have to organize our events—we call them “ambassadors.” So we covered them. It was—it was—I cannot wait until this is over. It wasn’t just financially draining. It was a huge emotional upheaval for us. We lost so much productivity.
HealthyWay
Courtesy of Ladies Get Paid

Right. It’s a huge blow.
And it still will be. After the campaign, it’s not like you just snap your fingers and now everything’s okay. This is still going to be hanging on us for some time.
But, you know, obviously, as horrible as this is, it would be nothing compared to how horrible I would feel if I had to shut Ladies Get Paid down.
They served you on the day of the Women’s March, so, Jan. 21, 2017.
When I came back home. I got sued in San Diego in October. I didn’t get the notice of being sued for L.A. until December. I did not get served for anything until January. So, keep in mind, that’s a lot of months of feeling like, “What’s going on?” And the six ambassadors, they actually served them at an event that they were doing, in front of everybody.
What?
Yep. And they served one of our ambassadors as she was literally walking on stage to moderate.
How does that happen?
Well, you can serve anybody anywhere. It was mortifying and scary. He wouldn’t leave the lobby—it was at a hotel. They called me really upset. And I hadn’t even been served yet, so I’m just like, “Wow, I am the reason for this lawsuit and everybody else is getting served and I’m not.”
I wasn’t served by a person, the envelope was just on my doorstep. And we just knew it. It was this big envelope. We’re like, “I think that might be it.” We’re just looking at this going, “Wow. Out of all the days, it took them this long, and it’s this day?” And funnily enough, we settled on Valentine’s Day. So, you know, we have a lot of symbolism in the days we’ve chosen in this lawsuit. [laughs]
They were waging emotional warfare.
Yeah. Yeah. I mean, this isn’t just a lawsuit. This is an ideology. They fundamentally disagree with what we do. He didn’t come to the event to try to get in; the lawyer says he was trying to prove a point.
So I’m like, what is this? Prove a point? There’s no discussion here about what we can do together. Your point is that you want to cripple a company.
But we’ve changed our policy.
When did that happen? Because I saw that, you know, men who were obviously trying to do this—make a statement—came, they were let in, and then they left because they didn’t actually want to come.
We changed our policy the minute I got sued, which was in October, and we told everybody, “Everybody should let men in.” Like, “Better do it.” We called all of our friends who ran similar organizations to ours.
And then, I can’t say it was them—but of course it was, because we know what they look like. But two “unidentified men” came to our town hall in L.A. They asked, “Can I come in?” They were told yes. And they said, “Okay.” And they just walked away. The problem, though, is, since they didn’t register, we can’t say, “Oh it’s definitely those guys, because we know their names.”
So it’s just shitty, because, like, I would love to say that in the press, that it was them, but rather it was like, “There were two men that came—” So the two men who walked away, we told them they could come in, [and they] clearly didn’t want to.
Right. Oh, man. So, once you decided to talk about all of this happening, you said you’ve been intimidated by them?
Yeah, he—the lawyer—reached out to my lawyer and said that one of the journalists I spoke to called him and mentioned something like, I had referenced the settlement as being expensive, and he reached out to my lawyer accusing me of breach of confidentiality, though that isn’t the case. In our agreement, I simply cannot state the number that I settled for. But the fact that I even said that the settlement cost anything, in his opinion, that was breaching confidentiality. My lawyer shut him down, and we’ve moved on.
HealthyWay
Courtesy of Ladies Get Paid

What’s been most surprising to you about all of this?
I don’t know, my loss of innocence? [laughs] I didn’t know anything about men’s rights groups, or, you know, incels—do you know what that is?
The incels?
Yeah.
I know about the Red Pillers, the MGTOW—
Yeah, this is like involuntary celibates.
Ah, yes.
Then there’s another subcommunity of men who are voluntarily celibate, or hate women, I don’t remember.
I think it’s Men Going Their Own Way, which, for short, is MGTOW. It’s supposedly this—it’s just a rebranding of the Red Pillers.
I didn’t know about any of those things—and now I do. So what surprised me is how awful humanity might be. I have been so naive.
It’s a rude awakening. I’ve spent a lot of time in those threads, you know, and you just are like, “Wow. They really hate us!”
What are you doing spending time in those threads? [laughs] Why would you do that to yourself?
I know! Self-care. Gotta pull myself out.
Right?
So what do you need to move forward?
I mean at this point it’s just spreading the word. Giving to the crowdfunding campaign. Then, hopefully we can get back to doing what we wanted—you know, actually running this company. I miss it so much. I miss coming up with a curriculum and not talking about these guys.
We agree—f*** those guys. Let’s pay some ladies instead.
If you want to get involved, you can contribute to the crowdfunding campaign here, find Ladies Get Paid events, or join their online community.
https://youtu.be/uGHo3i6r7H0?t=41s

Categories
Mindful Parenting Motherhood

5 Reasons Your Child Isn't Listening To You (And How To Fix It)

Some days, I feel like I’m talking to the wall.
I’ve got really sweet kids who seem to have a genuine interest in doing what is right. They’re still kids, though, and all three of them have trouble listening on a daily basis.
Repeating myself is exhausting, and it’s easy to find myself angry or even hurt when I can’t get their attention. I still don’t completely understand why their thoughts scatter just as we’re trying to safely cross a parking lot or get out the door for the day, but knowing it’s actually normal has helped me keep my frustration at bay.
Yep, sorry to tell you, mamas, but when your kids have trouble listening or even push back against direction, that isn’t just typical—it’s developmentally appropriate. Selective hearing is a huge part of growing up.

Here’s Exactly Why Your Kid Doesn’t Listen

First things first, we’ve got to be honest about how humans tend to behave. All humans, no matter their age, have a tendency to retaliate when they’re being pushed to behave or think a certain way. This often shows up in kids: They resist if they’re not on board with the directions they’re being given.
And, as much as we parents might find ourselves wishing our kids would just grow up already, children mature and develop at their own pace. For instance, until a child turns 3, it is totally normal to only be able to follow two-step directions. It isn’t until a child is between 4 and 5 years old that they are able to understand directions that include multiple steps.
Although it is usually true that having a hard time listening is all a part of being a kid, there are a few signs that something bigger is going on that you may want to address. Parents of kids who don’t meet their developmental milestones—specifically those who have more extreme listening and comprehension difficulties—might want them to be evaluated for an auditory processing disorder.

Five Ways You Might Be Making It Worse

Mistake #1: Saying Too Much

Kids, especially younger kids, need clear and concise directions. Saying too much might overwhelm them or confuse them, so keep it short and sweet when you are trying to get your point across.

Mistake #2: Expecting Too Much

Remember those milestones we touched on above? Expecting your child to handle more than what’s developmentally appropriate only creates frustration for the parent and the child. Keep your expectations realistic, stick with small tasks, and help your little one listen with reminders if needed.

Mistake #3: Expecting Obedience, Not Cooperation

We all want our kids to obey, but blind obedience isn’t the ultimate goal. We want to raise kids who can think for themselves. Instead of asking your kid to “just do as I say,” offer explanations when possible and provide them with intentionally selected choices so they can maintain their sense of independence.

Mistake #4: Getting Emotional

When kids get amped up, they simply can’t think straight. It helps when parents can stay calm, so take a break if you feel your anger running away with you. In his book, No Drama Discipline, Dan Siegel, MD, suggests using connection (like physical affection) to help kids calm down before offering further instructions.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Distractions

It’s hard to focus when you’re distracted! Keep this in mind when talking to your kids. Help them focus by adjusting their environment or even taking them to a quiet location before you try to talk with them about something important.
Remember these principles and slowly begin to weave them into your everyday life as a parent. When things don’t go well, you might get frustrated. But no parent is perfect, and that’s okay! Just be sure to model humility by apologizing before you start fresh.

Categories
Fresh Fashion Lifestyle

6 Trends We Never Thought We'd See Again (And How To Rock Them In 2018)

The year may be 2018, but a glance at current fashion almost suggests otherwise. Love ’em or hate ’em, old trends are new again. Though we usually advocate for donating what you no longer use, it’s time to raid those bags of old clothes you’ve been hiding in your attic.
Fortunately for those of us who would rather keep our high school fashion faux pas in the past, there are plenty of new ways to style these old trends. On the other hand, if you’re loving this blast from the past, get excited.
We’ve picked out the cutest pieces from brands that are eco-friendly and socially responsible; sustainability is the trendiest way to take it back to the ’80s and ’90s.

Stirrup Pants (and Leggings!)

These pants were first introduced in the 1920s as a crucial addition to horse-riding attire and were later embraced by Olympic skiers. It was enough of a shock when the Jane Fonda-inspired fitness craze of the ’80s brought them back in a major way.
Though they were thrown into a corner and long forgotten, stirrup pants are officially making their comeback. From the likes of fashion blogger Pernille Teisbaek to the runway at Balenciaga, we’ve seen the style steadily pick up speed since late 2016.
The modern version of stirrups are edgy and chic; this style is one you’ll be itching to have in your wardrobe.
Wondering how to style the trend you probably rocked in preschool?
Try these full-length Show Off leggings from Alo ($98). The stirrup strap is pure ’80s fun, but the mesh brings it up to date. For something a little more work-appropriate, try & Other Stories’ trouser-style stirrups ($85). (Pro tip: This time the strap goes over your heels.)

Giant Logo Tees

We’re taking it back to the halcyon days of the ’90s when you could wear obnoxiously branded gear without being labeled a sell-out. From Calvin Klein to Tommy Hilfiger, giant logos were everywhere—and, somehow, people hadn’t gotten sick of them yet. They went into hiding for a while, but the ragged tops we grew up wearing are now considered the perfect balance of vintage and chic for this year’s look.
[related article_ids=1006771]
Take it back a couple decades by grabbing a vintage adidas shirt off eBay. Or make it a little more au courant with Outdoor Voices’ neon take on the trend ($35). From the gym to girls’ night out, you truly can’t go wrong.
We’re excited to see how more major brands decide to play around with their logos. Big and bold, baby.

Vintage Denim

Ready for a chance to pull out those mom jeans and escape your routine pair of painted-on skinnies? This vintage wave has its perks. Crafted in every possible cut, rise, and fit, these retro-looking jeans are flattering on every body type.
That’s right, we’re welcoming back no-stretch, 100-percent-cotton denim. What’s more timeless than the tried and true Original Levi 501s? Shorts, jeans, overalls, jackets…it’s open season. From wardrobes boasting boho chic styling to those that are perfectly prim, there’s an option for every gal.
A super eco-friendly option is Everlane’s modern boyfriend jean ($68), which is made of Japanese denim at a factory in Bien Hoa, Vietnam. Everlane partners with ethical factories around the world, and you can read more about the factory where these jeans were made on Everlane’s website. We love it in the light blue wash paired with a crisp blazer, like this one ($175) from Grana, a socially responsible favorite.

Wide-Leg Trousers

They’ve been saying skinnies are dead for years, but we haven’t seen the evidence. That said, wide legs are managing to hang on for yet another year, and we love the way we can play with new silhouettes in 2018: cropped, high-waisted, or even paper bag-esque.
Whether you’re tucked in an office or meandering the farmers market, pair Reformation’s Saylor pant ($178) with a tucked-in breezy blouse for a summer outfit that’s sure to turn heads.

Embroidered Everything

Most commonly worn as formal wear during the ’60s and ’70s, embroidery has since been left for our grandmothers’ closets. Well, until this year. Even Louis Vuitton spruced up their silk coats with meticulous needlework. What’s not to love? That level of attention to detail has us wanting to reach for our wallets.
Flower power goes comfy with Amour Vert’s Marie sweatshirt ($88) that’s perfect for gloomy days. When the occasion to be formal arises, embroidered dresses like this open-back maxi from British eco-fave Needle & Thread ($293) have us (im)patiently waiting for summer to roll around.

Hoop Earrings

Here’s a trend we can all get behind. Although hoop earrings never fully went out of style, 2018 is promising their return to center stage. Popular throughout the decades, this design is one of the oldest pieces of jewelry dating back to even the earliest civilizations.
We can assure you that no matter what your style is, there’s a hoop made just for you. For a sophisticated twist, pick up the triple hoop earrings from ethical fashion pioneer Soko ($60). If you’re more into silver, the Legacy hoops by ABLE ($64) were made by hand in Nashville. We’re loving them paired with a low bun and a bold lip.

Categories
Mom x Body Motherhood

Mom On The Run: These 8 Picks Are Perfect For Moms Getting Fit

We get it: You used to grab your shoes, iPhone, and keys and go. Now you’re exercising with a baby in tow, which can seem slightly more complicated—but it doesn’t have to be! Sometimes you just need to have the right gear on hand to get out the door. From running to biking to going on long hikes, here is the stuff you’ll need to keep up your active lifestyle.

Jogging Stroller

No, you can’t use your Bugaboo or your City Mini. As lovely as those strollers are, you will trip and fall on your face! Jogging strollers are built with more space for your legs so you don’t feel encumbered, and a fixed front wheel that won’t spin around on you as you’re in the middle of your groove.
Splurge: The Thule Urban Glide 2.0 jogging stroller is a compact stroller that will give you an easy jog and your little one a smooth ride.
Save: The Graco Fastaction Fold Jog Stroller gives you all you need: a place to put the baby and enough room to jog at your own pace.

Shop More Strollers:

Baby Carrier

When possible, ditch the stroller entirely and go hands free! With a supportive baby carrier, you can do everything from bouncing your clingy baby around the house to taking a family stroll in the park with the pup in tow.
Splurge: Definitely the most popular of carriers, the Ergo Baby Carrier allows you to carry the baby from birth (with infant insert) to the time he’s a toddler. You can carry on your front or back, which helps when the baby gets to be heavy! The numerous straps support mom’s back and keep the baby cozy and safe.
Save: The Boba Wrap can be tied numerous ways. Though it’s ideal for newborns, some moms like to use this with older children as well. Some find, however, that once their kid gets to a certain weight, this wrap doesn’t provide the back support they need.

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Babe-Carrying Backpack

These packs are for the super-active mom who isn’t going to let having a baby keep her from hiking a mountain.
Splurge: Deuter’s Kid Comfort allows you carry a toddler in style and comfort and is ergonomically designed to support your spine while you do your thing. As a bonus, it’s super supportive for both kid and mom.
Save: The Baby Backpack Cross Country Carrier has a lightweight aluminum frame (because your kid is heavy enough), allowing you to tote your little one all over the zoo, fairground, or campsite. Plus it has a sun visor to boot.

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A Great Sports Bra

Obviously your boobs aren’t what they once were. In the months after delivery, they’re likely bigger and more cumbersome, which can be an impediment to working out. As the postpartum period wears on, they may start deflating on you, leaving you needing more lift than ever. And there’s nothing worse than feeling like your girls aren’t properly supported when you’re jogging, dancing, lifting weights, or even just walking around Target.
Splurge: The Enell Sport is designed to lock the girls down. This workhorse isn’t as beautiful as less functional bras, but as the product description asserts, it’s “a critical piece of athletic equipment that answers the prayers of well-endowed athletes.”
Save: Glamorise Women’s No-Bounce Bra is built a little more like a traditional bra with a hook in the back, but with mesh, breathable panels to keep you from getting too sweaty. Again, it won’t be stocked by slinky lingerie shops any time soon, but when you’re postpartum and on the move, you need the support.

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