Moments of Musing

New-Fashioned Mom

Filed Under: body image, postpartum //

You know that saying “Out with the old, in with the new”? Well, that’s exactly what myself; Julie from The Drifting Anchor; Stefanie from Not The Typical Mom and Rachael from Sandy Toes & Stilletos are doing!

Each week, we will discuss a topic and how our perceptions and/or experiences regarding it have changed–or not–since becoming moms. This week, the topic is Beauty & Fashion.

Tune in TODAY to my Facebook page to watch me live at 12PM EST. I’ll be discussing how my perceptions of beauty and fashion have changed for the better despite the body changes I’ve gone through during my motherhood journey so far. It’s my first time going live, EVER, so I am both nervous and excited!

For some background, here are prior posts of mine that touch on these topics:

See you at noon!

Currently (30+5 Weeks)

Filed Under: baby #2, currently, pregnancy //

This post is sponsored by PinkBlush but all opinions are my own. 

This weekend was spent at home reading and hosting brunches thanks to all the rain. So, in lieu of a weekend update or something of the sort, I figured I’d do an update on other things:

reading James Patterson and Maxine Paetro’s Swimsuit + baby books about becoming a big brother to my little guy (#momlife)!
writing blog posts, collaboration pitches galore, and work projects that I want to have done by the time I go on maternity leave.
listening to Z100’s morning show with my husband during our commute. 
thinking about what we should do to prepare for Baby #2’s arrival. 

smelling my husband’s cologne. 
wishing for good health for everyone in my family, and for a healthy delivery of Baby #2. 
hoping for more sun + warmer weather. This weekend was rainy boooo! 
wearing this beautiful robe. It’s delicate and comfortable (see: big enough) to feel covered in it while pregnant so I know it’ll be a good fit postpartum at the hospital. It’s actually the only thing that I know I am packing in my hospital bag so far. 


loving one-on-one time with S while he’s our only kiddo + nonstop baby kicks. 
wanting to practice presence and patience more–I don’t think there could ever be enough of either. 
needing to budget because it helps my financial anxiety (if that’s not a thing, I’m making it one lol) a ton. 
feeling (relatively) energized and excited for our family to grow in just about 8 weeks! 


5 on Friday: Postpartum Swimsuit Wish List

Filed Under: 5 on Friday, postpartum, postpartum body, swimsuit //

This post contains affiliate links for products, the purchases of which I may profit from.

I don’t know about you but I’ve been dreaming about vacation. Since I am creeping on 31 weeks pregnant, though, I am not getting on a plane any time soon. It sort of makes me sad. Last year, it felt like we were on the go a lot towards the end (Disney World, California and Michigan) so it has been nice to stay put for a little while… however, now that it has been a little while I want to be on a plane and headed to a beautiful beach.

I am hoping we can road trip somewhere before our next big vacation in September but if not, there is always summer. We live in a town with private beaches and pools so I plan to take advantage of that. While dreaming of said summer, I have come across one piece swimsuits that I think would flatter my — and others’ — postpartum bodies.

I got a lot of questions about the above suit I wore last year in Puerto Rico so I figured I’d share my picks for this year’s swim suit season:

What do you think? I’ll be sharing some two-pieces (high waist bottoms) soon!

Self Care as a Mom

Filed Under: motherhood, self care //

This post is sponsored by Luxe & Co. but all opinions are my own. 

When I became a mom, my self care quickly fell to the waste-side. I was tired and overwhelmed but more than that, I wanted to spend as much time as possible with my new baby. I’m sure this is common among moms. 

In my 20 months of motherhood, I’ve gotten only three manicure/pedicures (one for a wedding in which I was a bridesmaid), one hair cut, and two hairstyles (one for that same wedding). I haven’t even used my spa day my husband gifted me last Mother’s Day…

It’s easy to get caught up taking care of my baby and prioritizing his needs while sometimes forgetting to take care of my own. Plus, as a full-time working (away from home) mom, taking even more time away to do things like a manicure just feels selfish — but not rightfully so. 

Over time, I’ve made it a point to do things here and there for my mental health (work from home days, vacations, eating healthy(ish), working out, dinners with a girlfriend(s), and writing). But I want to make indulging in beauty self care more of a priority, especially with another little one on the way. I’m sure I’ll really need it then. 

This past Saturday, I took the opportunity to indulge and went to Luxe & Co. in Babylon, New York for a wash and blowout. It is a chic and intimate blow dry bar that offers great service. 

Upon entering, the cute decor caught my eye. The space felt warm and inviting, and the women were welcoming. I was was offered water, coffee or tea, and my bag was put away for me. I opted for a mix between the Louis Vuitton and Dior blowouts — basically wavy with some volume, and was really happy with the result. 

 
It felt great to be pampered and relax for a bit prior to our Baby Sprinkle. My husband even commented that I seemed happier and more chipper when I got home, and I believe it. Simply put, I loved my blowout and the time for myself. Plus, it only took an hour to get it done and be back home. (The time felt even shorter because it was so easy to chat with my sweet stylist.)

As time goes on, I’m realizing more and more that taking care of myself allows me to be my best self and mom. If you’re in need of some self care, don’t think twice. (If you’re in the area, visit Luxe & Co.!)

Mama, you deserve it. 

Sprinkled with Love

Filed Under: baby sprinkle, pregnancy //

On Saturday, our families “sprinkled” us with love. Some people didn’t know the symbolism behind “sprinkle.” For those of you who don’t either, it’s similar to a baby shower in that it is a celebration of a pregnancy/ expectant mom.

The difference is it is usually for a second, third, etc. baby whereas a baby shower is for the first. Because of that, and because the expectant parents have a lot of baby items already, guests sprinkle –instead of shower– them with presents instead.

My cousin/ sister/best friend Trish went above and beyond putting the decor together. She had help from my cousin and aunts — they did such a great job. Everything was so cute. Without further ado, here are some photos: