With a newborn babe that not only demands your attention for general care,
but also sucks you in every other waking moment due to his absolute cuteness -
I mean, who doesn't want to play with / love on this 24/7?!
- a new mom may find it incredibly difficult to shed those final pounds.
All 10 of them, in my case.
Enter: New Mom Workout Plan
1.
Complete the above daily exercises,
whenever the hell you can squeeze them in throughout the day.
(I envision squats while holding your laughing baby,
maybe some calf raises while doing the dishes?)
Note: If you are unfamiliar with some of the above exercises, like "bird-dogs", well...you're probably at a disadvantage already in the fitness department. But hey, there's always google and it's never to late to start workin' on your fitness.
2.
Add a nice, long, daily walk with your baby and/or spouse or friend.
(Hills encouraged.)
3.
Pound water whenever you can.
4.
Oh, and as Kanye so kindly recommends:
"Eat your salad, no dessert."
Disclaimer: I have no idea if any of this actually works, but considering I am desperate for these 9-ish pounds to disappear from my mid-section and am lacking on time/energy to otherwise do so, I am going to give it a good old college try. Will keep you updated!
It's the end of the week...and the start of a 3-day weekend!
Waaahoooo!
Here are four fun things that I'm loving this week,
and one thought-provoking article...
1.
Color-block leather totes.-
The perfect summer bag? Maybe!
I'm digging this navy blue one from Neiman Marcus.
Available for 40% off in a variety of colors {HERE}.
2. Evening strolls + ice cream eaten in the backyard.
Last night's flavor du jour?
Neopolitan + Caramel Cookie Crunch + Hot fudge
YUM.
3. Hobnail
My Grandma Pearl had the most amazing collection of authentic hobnail.
She had it displayed on this fantastic, huge shelf
in front of a bright window in her dining room.
But if you can't afford the "real" deal,
check out {this} version at Anthropologie, $10 each.
A perfect addition to your brunch tablescape!
4. Spruced-up home offices.
Ah, again the wonders of spray paint!
The white stripes on that corkboard / inspiration board
elevate this office to another level of fabulousness!
5.
A heartfelt post about a couple's struggle with infertility.
1/3 cup small-dice red onion (about 1/4 medium onion)
For the coleslaw:
1 pound flat-leaf kale (about 2 bunches)
2 medium Granny Smith or Fuji apples, or 1 of each
INSTRUCTIONS
For the dressing:
Place the vinegar, honey, mustard, poppy seeds, and salt in a large, nonreactive bowl, season with pepper, and whisk to combine. While whisking constantly, slowly add the oil until all of it is incorporated. Add the onion, stir to combine, and set aside.
For the coleslaw:
Wash and dry the kale. Cut out and discard the tough stems. Arrange the leaves into stacks, slice crosswise into 1/4-inch ribbons, and add to the bowl with the dressing. Core the apples, cut them into 1-1/2-inch-long matchsticks, and add to the bowl. Toss to combine. Let the coleslaw sit for at least 15 minutes and up to 1 day for the flavors to meld. Toss again before serving.
For other fun, healthy, non-traditional summer salads,
Along with a house comes a garden!
I have to say it's, by far, the best one I've been able to cultivate yet.
Here's a look at some of the things we've got brewing...
Hot pink peonies!
White chlamatis!
Ferns + Hostas!
Moon plants?
(a.k.a. the two weird antenna flowers that are now taller than me).
If you know what they're called, please tell.
Roses!
Lilacs!
Tulips!
Lillies and rhubarb!
Bleeding hearts!
Gotta love perennials.
Cutting some rhubarb today!
Can't forget my little herb garden...
which I look forward to completing with basil and cilantro this coming weekend
at the Farmers' Market.
Too bad the dandelions seems to multiply the more we pick them!