Are you trying to adjust to the time change? If you’re anything like us, it takes a little while to fully acclimate to losing an hour of sleep but gaining some extra sunshine (we’re especially excited about that!). Even though this week may feel a little “off”, that doesn’t mean we perked right up when we saw the best spring sales out there! In fact, we’d go so far as to say that our favorite deals and steals get us more excited than our favorite iced oat milk lattes.
There are a lot of reasons to shop this time of year, too! Easter is coming up. Spring break vacations are being planned. Mother’s Day is around the corner, followed by graduation season and Father’s Day. It makes sense to start our shopping early so we’re not scrambling at the last minute to be prepared. So if you find your kiddos needing new shoes, if you need to replenish your house cleaning supplies, or you just really love saving money, read on for the best spring sales!
Boden
Mid-Season Sale: Take Up to 50% Off With Code USMS (3/21 - 4/2)
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Denim is the fabric that’ll keep up with them. These are the best kids’ jeans from Boden!
Kids are tough on clothes. Whether it’s grass stains, finger paint, ketchup, or just general kid stuff, their clothes can really take a beating. It can be a bit of a challenge to find things that can hold up to their day-to-day activities, and sometimes it’s best to turn to the classics. They’re classics for a reason, right? That’s where denim comes in. No shade to all the new fabrics out there that have arrived on the scene, but denim is the tried-and-true, face-it-all go-to that’s been around forever. And with spring right around the corner, there are lots of new denim styles that we can’t get enough of. Check out some of the best kids jeans from one of our favorite brands, Boden!
These styles are not only ridiculously cute and on-trend, but they’re ready for just about anything your kiddo throws at them. And since not all denim brands are created equally, quality is a major factor, especially with our littles’ clothes. Boden doesn’t mess around when it comes to quality, so naturally, they were the best place to start. Their spring line has some truly adorable styles that will look great and hold up, regardless of what your kids put them through. And with Boden’s President’s Day Sale happening right now, you’ll get 30% off with code N4R7 through 2/20! There’s no better time to snag some of the best kids’ jeans!
Vintage Embroidery Straight Leg Flare Jeans
We did mention spring is around the corner, right? The floral embroidery makes these jeans ready for the sunshine!
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Family pics, family party, family movie night. These Valentine’s Day outfit ideas for the whole family are ready for the 14th!
Can you feel it? Love is in the air. Candy is on the shelves. Valentine’s Day crafts are trending on Pinterest. It’s Cupid’s time to shine! And what’s the Season of Love without dressing the part? Fall and early winter can feel a little dark, a little grey. The time between January and Spring Break is all about bringing some color back into our lives (and into our wardrobes!). Of course, we believe you can wear whatever you want, any time of the year. The rules are totally outdated, but there’s definitely a trend happening after we ring in the New Year—more color, more print, and bolder statements are popping up everywhere. So there’s no better time to embrace all of those trends than Valentine’s Day (and beyond.). And there’s no better time to start looking into Valentine’s Day outfit ideas for the whole family!
As long as we’re leaning into more color, more print, and bolder statements, we’re naturally going to lean on Boden! We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Boden knows how to do color. It’s a signature British style move to take classic silhouettes and wear them in deeply saturated hues. Those classic styles make everything Boden creates so easy to wear. Their absolutely adorable kiddo’s line, Mini Boden (can you even handle how cute that is?), takes precious prints and daily essentials and adds a twist! On the other hand, their pieces for mom and dad are just as much fun and great for mixing and matching. So when it comes to Valentine’s Day outfit ideas for the whole family, Boden is the first place we turned.
There’s no better time to shop Boden, too, thanks to the major sales happening now! Take an Extra 30% off Sale With Free Shipping & Returns Over $49 With Code: EX30 (1/27 – 1/31) Up to 15% Off + Free Shipping and Returns When You Spend $49 with Code F2L9 (Now – 2/28) Children’s Wear Spend & Save: Spend $50 Get 15% Off Selected Styles With Code: Q3R3 (Now 1/31)
Mom
Valentine's Day at the Office
We'll never get enough red and pink combinations, and you can easily take these on-trend wide-leg trousers into the spring with you! Not to mention the extremely versatile belt and striped top that can be dressed up or down.
If you were up late baking Valentine's Day cookies, this adorable and casual ensemble is super easy to throw on and still look oh-so-put-together. Those slouchy jeans are going to end up being your favorite for sure (go ahead and size down if you prefer a more fitted silhouette!).
Who says Valentine's Day has to just be about romantic love? Galentine's Day gives us an excuse to celebrate our girlfriends, mom crew, and chosen sisters, so getting dressed in something cute like this darling red dress (that can go from desk to dinner in a snap) and heading to brunch is a great way to embrace all the love in our lives! Add a pop of print with the leopard flats and you're set.
So you miscounted the number of Valentines your kiddo needs for their whole class and now you're running straight to the store after school drop-off. Yep, we've been there. Luckily, our fave comfy aesthetic doesn't mean compromising your style! This oh-so-soft sweatshirt and updated joggers are as cute as they are comfy. We're crushing on leopard, so add the sneakers, T-bar necklace, and a versatile crossbody and top it off with the classic denim jacket (try rolling the sleeves to let the pink sweatshirt cuffs peek out!).
Parents everywhere understand that snagging a date night isn't always possible. May we suggest taking advantage of lunch hour (or hour and a half) with a great meal, catching up on your day, and appreciating each other? This is such a sharp look, especially since individually, each piece can be worn in a bunch of different ways. A tee will be great with the cords, and the button down can be added to jeans!
Maybe it's a full potluck, maybe it's a cookie exchange. Maybe someone brought pink frosted donuts to the break room. No matter how the office celebrates Valentine's Day, this layered look is on-trend and features mixed prints (so British!) and our favorite men's corduroys!
Boden's soft fabrication makes picking clothes out for our littles so easy! We have major heart eyes for the corduroy leggings, and layers are never a bad idea when it comes to kiddos.
All that classroom party fun feels even more special with a special outfit. This twirlable skirt is perfect for Valentine's Day, and the sweater and tights will keep her warm (even if she refuses to wear a jacket).
Popcorn, a bag of conversation hearts, and the comfiest velour set makes for an epic V-Day movie night! We couldn't resist those rain boots and matching hair slides, so she can also rock this outfit at daycare or the playground, too.
Surprise! These jeans may look like denim, but they're actually jersey! That means he can play all day with the pals in total comfort. The perfect Mini Boden Tee and the contrast sneakers is the play outfit any kid needs.
It's easy to get your minis to dress up a little with those incredible soft jersey jeans and button down shirt with retro cardigan! Bonus: this outfit will be awesome for Easter or picture day, too!
If it's playdate duds you're after, this combo from Boden will be your go-to for him! Versatile (and thankfully durable) joggers, solid cotton henley, and a sock set to keep him going every day of the week!
Talk about photo op-ready! This sweet little dress and tights combo makes their first Valentine's pics extra-postable (on the Tinybeans App, of course!).
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‘Tis the season to shop for fall gear and coordinated family photo looks. Janie and Jack has your kid crew covered from head to toe with plaids, reindeer, sherpa lining and “soft pants” dominating our list of favorites. Now through 9/27/21, you can save 25% sitewide by using FAMILY25 at checkout. Check out our top pics for the season.
Disney Mickey Mouse Puffer Jacket
Perfect for the Disney-obsessed little one in your life, this puffer jacket is a great option to bring along with you in case the temps dip.
Sizes: 6mo-12
Get it here, $69. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Skinny Jean in Night Sky Wash
Who doesn’t need a new pair of jeans in the fall? These adorable skinny jeans are a dark wash, which means you can dress them up and down. They have an adjustable waist and have 2% spandex for that perfect stretch.
Sizes: 3-6 mo-10
Buy them here, $39. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Velvet Puff Sleeve Dress
The holiday season is nearly here, and your tween will be needing fancy clothes for those parties and family gatherings. Without tons of frills but with plenty of class, this red velvet dress is perfect for older kids. Sizes: 8-16.
Buy it here, $89. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Reindeer Shawl Collar Cardigan
How cute will your little one look when wearing this sweater for pictures with Santa? TBH, we might just let them wear it all winter long.
Sizes: 6mo-12
Get it here, $59. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Parisian Girl Tee
This 100% cotton jersey t-shirt comes with an adorable illustration of a chic little girl and her dog.
Sizes: 3-6 mo-12
Buy it here, $22. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Denim Sherpa Lined Coat
Can we all agree that we wish this so-cozy jacket came in our size? It's perfect for easing from fall into winter, especially if you add on a fun scarf.
Sizes: 6mo-16
Get it here, $89. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Buckle Sweater
How cute is this sweater? Thick and warm, with little details, they’ll want to wear this over and over.
Sizes: 6-12mo - 12
Buy it here, $56. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
The Twill Jogger
There's nothing that sends a kid over the edge like having to wear "tight pants." This issue is solved with these joggers. They're soft but look dressed up and bonus, there are pockets for all the treasures.
Sizes: 6mo-16
Get it here, $42. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Faux Fur Bomber Jacket
Your glam tween will stay cozy warm and stylish through the winter months with this faux fur bomber jacket. It’s fully lined and is machine washable.
Sizes: 8-16
Buy it here, $94. Plus, 25% off when you use FAMILY25 through 9/27/21.
Back-to-school shopping is in full effect! Trying to figure out what’s cool for school this year? We’ve partnered with OshKosh B’Gosh, the iconic kid’s brand, to bring you the top three trends that are coming back in a big way. Now you don’t have to guess: “Will they like this? Will they wear this?” because we’ve got the trends they’ll love so you can keep calm and shop on!
It’s not just for hippies—all the cool kids are wearing it (chances are you’ve picked up a few colorful tie-dyed pieces for yourself!). What’s not to love? Tie-dye sends instant cool vibes and is just plain fun. These psychedelic fashion statements are a simple way to add a pop of color to their wardrobe this fall and beyond. Clothes with benefits: Color is the ultimate pick-me-up any day of the week! We love OshKosh’s trendy tie-dye duds. Check them out and buy now, here. Peace and love (and so much fun)!
2. Denim
You may be thinking: “Yes, of course, denim!”. It may seem like a no-brainer because denim is classic, but the kind of denim is crucial to what’s cool this season, specifically overalls and jackets. Who knows kids denim better than OshKosh B’Gosh!
They’ve been in the denim game since 1895, when they started making rugged hickory-striped denim overalls for Northwestern Line railroad workers on Commerce Street in OshKosh, WI. By the 1920s, they began making child-size overalls and jackets. These denim styles have historic cool vibes, and we are loving it—check the latest from OshKosh here.
3. Athleisure
Nothing says “cool without even trying,” like athleisure. It’s comfy, uncomplicated and comes in a range of styles and colors to fit any personality. Bonus: This easy-breezy fashion trend goes from gym class to math class effortlessly, so you get more bang for your fashion buck with these multitasking threads. OshKosh has you covered, with new laid-back styles you can find here.
The latest: OshKosh is bridging the gap by bringing history to the present, by celebrating the confidence and determination of icons before they were icons, to show the next generation it’s ok to dream boldly about who you’ll become someday! Check out “Today Is Someday” here—happy shopping!
Parenthood is a total game-changer when it comes to personal priorities, relationships with your spouse and family, communication, intimacy, hygiene, song-selection, and complete exhaustion. The pre-baby “itch” typically consists of euphoric daydreams of that new baby smell, silly giggles, perfect spoonfuls of baby food effortlessly popping in/out of tiny puckers, hot-mom bod sliding in and out of those skinny jeans, and trolling the streets with an innovative stroller system and matching shades like a boss.
You can’t possibly contemplate why everyone is asking you to “wait and enjoy life before kids… because everything changes.”
Thankfully, one intuitive mama named Fran sent me a special message to my “Ask Ruthi” advice column and put it out there. She asked the golden question that many want to know:
What really changes after having kids? What am I supposed to appreciate, besides the obvious, before preparing for parenthood?
As an experienced mom with four kids, please allow me to be your candid tour-guide into the future and break it down to you with my top 10 unfiltered truths about life before kids.
1. Enjoy Peace on Your Porcelain Throne
You may not appreciate it yet, but you are queen of the crapper right now… alone. Go ahead—sit, squat, pee, or poop in complete serenity! You have it better than you know right now. Once kids come into play, your throne becomes a magnet for little ones. You are no longer queen of that throne, more like a loyal servant. The doors become their personal drum… and that’s only if you are able to close the door. Locking the door for any reason whatsoever sends an ultrasonic mental alarm instructing them to bang on it nonstop in complete hysteria as to why you are locking them out. If you choose to leave the door open for a quick piss, you’re likely on standby to break up the next sibling issue or simply signalling for an audience. Just don’t become the “camel bladder mom” who forgoes a bathroom break altogether until the end of the day when you give up and Cailou comes on.
2. Enjoy Your Birthday Suit
Some parents believe that nudity around their kids of all ages is acceptable, and more power to them. You may or may not agree, but in any case, enjoy your body and your random will to be naked… at any time! Kids are curious and parenthood will offer you more questions than you bargained. Your personal sense of modesty may likely change when you have constant spectating eyes, pokey fingers, and a flurry of questions at all times. Let’s face it, your body will totally morph after pregnancy, labor, and about a few too many tubs of Nutella because “you just need a break.” If you breastfeed, your once perky boobies may resemble more of a deflated Hacky Sack after a few rounds of kids. Enjoy your enviable perky boobies. Squeeze them, bounce them, and hold them up high in your best cleavage-boasting bra. Enjoy your freedom of random nudity. Frolic in your freedom, my friend. Heck, both of you walk around naked any time for any reason and shout profanities because you can!
3. Enjoy Your Veggies
This may sound like a strange topic, but please hear me out. When you are pregnant, your belly may grow to shocking proportions and resemble an overripe watermelon of sorts. When everything eventually makes it’s way back to pre-baby weight and you are done celebrating with a tub of Ben & Jerry’s, you may experience your first real bloat that will give you PTSD over your 9 months of stretched-out skin that finally retracted. Broccoli, brussel sprouts, onions, beans, spinach, mushrooms, etc. will unfortunately be followed by a new veggie baby bump. You may even instinctively begin cradling it, rocking side-to-side, and watching that gas-baby stretch to drastic proportions, my friend. Veggies will no longer be the same. By nighttime, you and your hubby may even bid on what month your bloatacious broccoli baby appears to be measuring. The most humiliating part happens to the best of us when an unsuspecting mom says those 5 words that change your friendship forever. “Congratulations, when are you due?” Please think of a good comeback line now for that one, because the shock will leave you speechless and daydreaming of kicking her in the face, long after the incident.
4. Enjoy Loud Loving
Shout, scream, howl, sing opera, and/or slam that headboard to your heart’s content while bumping—whatever your jam. Just go for it at any time, and enjoy it loudly. Once kids come in the picture, things become quiet as a mouse to avoid little feet tip-toeing towards images they will never be able to erase. Your once wild frolic will be more of a pantomime romp if you both stay awake long enough to enjoy. The only loud loving you’ll be doing will happen during scheduled nooners if your kids are all in school.
5. Enjoy Mealtime Conversation
Barking out orders for kids to stay at the table, pleading for bored kids to eat their food, entertaining each bite, begging kids to “try” their veggies, and cleaning up spilled drinks will take up most of your focus during a meal with kids. Older kids will have “big ears” and lots of questions over every secret conversation or whisper you try to succeed. As your hubby rolls his eyes and you frantically try and keep the peace while instilling good table manners, adult conversation will be better suited for nighttime.
6. Enjoy Your Day Off
Once you have kids, there’s no turning back. Welcome to the world sans sick days, bye bye loud parties or drunken stupors, no more hangovers, and no more reckless behavior. Parenting means all eyes, all ears, and all questionable behavior closely monitored and analyzed by little humans learning from their superhero role models. Don’t screw up, because one day they will be pushing your wheel chair and paying for your nursing home.
7. Enjoy Couples’ Vacay
Vacation won’t be the same once you assume the role of parent. Your lounging, late-morning, and over-indulging romantic getaway will soon be replaced by water slides, floaties, tantrums, early mornings, goldfish snacks, and photo ops with strangers wearing large cartoon costumes. Everything will be about the kids at all times. Grab your glass of wine now while you soak it all in.
8. Enjoy Nasty Talk
Potty mouth, sailor mouth, foul language, cursing, swearing—whatever you call it, shout it out in plain sight… and then do it over and over again until it’s out of your system. No you did not say shoot, ship, oh nuggets, or shut the front door! Let it out like a mama peeling out of those skinny jeans at the end of the day! Free those swear words like a mama taking off that tired bra because you just had enough. Let it all hang out, sista’! Let loose and don’t hold back because once you have munchkins in your vicinity, all ears will be parroting back your bad habits.
9. Enjoy Your Music
You may be taking it for granted and have no idea whatsoever. Right now you gracefully sit in the car without wrestling a single small human into any car seat, and you just turn the radio on. You scroll through those stations and listen to anything YOU want and turn it up louder than little ears should be exposed. Before you know it, your tiny humans will own you. They will own your brain even long after they are in school, as the “Wheels on the Bus,” “Laurie Berkner” or “Cailou” tunes torture your tired brain as you do grocery shopping or sit through another status meeting at work. However, this phase will likely pass by the second or third kid—I assure you—as their nursery rhymes will be replaced by the best rap or pop music in your stage of mental rebellion and you develop reflexes like a cat in quickly muting the inappropriate parts.
10. Enjoy Your Sleep
This advice seems overrated and tired, since it’s typically the very first recommendation you receive without much explanation. Here’s the truth, my friend—once you have kids, it’s for life and karma will pinch you nasty if you screw up. The “sleep now” advice seems like crap to you, I’m sure—but what you don’t realize is that whether you are super-pregnant and managing sleep like a whale on dry land; sleeping in 15-second increments as a newborn screams for more cuddling and milk; sleeping with your toddler’s elbow, knee, and toes somehow crammed up your nose through the night; or returning into different bedrooms for the eighth cup of water; sleep will be obsolete, even on the days that you sleep with one eye opened because you’re worried why your kid actually slept through the night. Once you’re preggo, you’ll sleep in about a decade later, unless you have more than one…no worries.
Please do not be discouraged by this list, as having kids is a beautiful, life-changing, all-encompassing journey and gift that can ever happen to a person. I would never have it any other way. This incredible phenomenon known as parenthood is a rollercoaster ride that comes with its own bag of ying-yang and a bucket of karma that will carry us through time, age, and experience, only to ultimately offer us the sharpest wisdom from the best and worst of our personal experience.
Just remember to enjoy every step of your journey—and learn to laugh, forgive, love openly, and be the most compassionate and selfless part of yourself you can express. After all, you and your life partner will soon be the guardians of tiny, precious humans.
With Love,
Ruthi
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Ruthi Davis is a the Founder of Ruth Davis Consulting LLC with over two decades of success in advertising/marketing, media/publicity, business development, client relations, and organizational optimization for a variety of clients. Ruthi is a proud mom and influencer in the parenting and family market as founder of the Superfly Supermom brand.
Cooler weather is upon us and that means it’s time to dust off your denim. Whether your style is a pair of retro mom jeans, Good American jeans, women’s boot cut jeans or you just need that perfect size chart for jeans, we’ve got something for you. Keep reading to find your new best jeans; you can thank us later.
Whether you rock ankle length, crop, raw hem or light, dark or distressed washes, 7 For All Mankind has a pair of jeans for you. The premium denim maker offers versatile styles that easily transition from a busy morning with kiddos to a girl's night out. Our editors love the variety of high waisted options, torn looks and eight unique styles that make this denim the perfect option for moms who want a little style with their comfy jeans.
Coming out of quarantine we're all here to admit that soft stretchy clothes just feel better than anything tight, stiff jeans. The perfect mom-on-the-go jeans, Anatomie's Kate Stretch Denim Cargo Jeans are the perfect stylish upgrade from yoga pants: they're as soft as leggings but with just enough structure to feel like a pant. And those bonus pockets are just what any parent needs. If you're going to splurge on a pair of jeans this year, wrinkle-free travel jeans with extra pockets are the way to go.
These aren't your mom's high rise jeans! Madewell's curvy styles are fashion-forward and comfy––no pleats allowed. The stretchy pants come in varying rises (we personally love the nine-inch height) to keep things in check while allowing ample room for moving. Our editors report that they keep their shape and are great for everyday wear. The best part? When you bring in a pair of old jeans (any brand!) to a Madewell shop, you get a $20 credit towards a new pair!
The brainchild of Emma Grede and Khloe Kardashian, Good American jeans are better than good—they're great jeans for mom. Styles range from good flare to good curve, but Red Tricycle editors love the good waist and good leg style. Not sure which style is the best? Head to Good American and select the model that best matches your size to see how they look on a real woman.
With tons of styles and fits, Paige jeans are a great option for moms. You can choose from maternity and petite to skinny and boyfriend and these designer duds are equally relevant for a night out as they are for the hustle of a busy day with kids. We love all the color and print options, and we know you will too.
Our readers can't get enough of the budget-friendly High-Waisted Straight Jeans and Rockstar styles from Old Navy. Opt for the Built-In Sculpt styles, which offer extra support and shape in all the areas you need most. Old Navy styles also come in Never Quit Shape Retention, which means you'll be chasing the kids all day without sagging around the waist or rear.
Universal Thread styles come in the perfect weight denim to help smooth and sculpt, one of the reasons these stylish and affordable jeans are a fave. Target has also redesigned the waistband in many styles for a better back-rise fit, so you're not pulling them up all day. With tons of options for color, fit and size, mamas are bound to find the perfect pair of jeans for them.
Mother Jeans are perfect for laidback mamas. Inspired by California summers of the '70s, styles come in tons of frayed, cutoff and looser fits with fun embroidered details. While a more relaxed style, Mother jeans are made from the highest quality denim in Los Angeles and are easily dressed up or down with the perfect sandal or bootie.
Think that wearing mom jeans means wearing stuffy styles? Think again. Measure & Made is a company that uses a patented FITLOGIC system to ensure you get the best fit and style for your body. Take a quick (less than a minute) quiz that takes your body size and shape into account, and then helps guide you to the right size for your body. There are several styles, but we especially love the skinny ankle jean.
This mid-rise straight jean from Flying Monkey is a classic fit—you can dress these up or down, whether you're dressing for a casual Friday in the office or last-minute date night with your partner. As a plus, Flying Monkey has a whole section labeled specifically "mom jeans," and there are dozens of other styles with mid- and-hi-rise waist options,
Before you panic at the word "jegging," know that these popular high-waisted jeans from American Eagle are extremely popular, especially for post-partum moms. Made with real denim with plenty of stretch for a comfy fit, they sit over an inch above the belly button, which is ideal for moms who don't want to worry about muffin tops. Plus, there are tons of different washes, and you can choose between a high, super-high or curvy-high fit.
Yes, you read that right. Spanx has jeans. And there's no jean you're going to covet more than this totally on trend distressed jean in gray. Sturdy, with real pockets, they hold it all in without feeling like you're wearing...well...Spanx.
Just Black jeans rose to popularity in Stitch Fix boxes, but you don't have to subscribe to get these super trending button-fly jeans that are high-waisted enough to keep your "extras" cinched in. Stretchy and long lasting.
The Not Your Daughters Jeans brand is known for being among the first of the "new" wave of mom jeans: trendy styles and cuts with forgiving details like higher rises and 4-way stretch. The Barbara Bootcut will quickly become your go-to jean that can go from the office to a playdate.
If you've ever considered a Pajama Jean, you're going to think you've died and gone to heaven with Liverpool's pull-on Chloe. The fabric is as soft as your favorite weekend leggings, but they don't feel like you're wearing jeggings, either.
OshKosh B'gosh is celebrating 125 years of making adorable clothes for families, and now you can snag a pair of overalls that are just like the ones you remember as a child, complete with clover design, real metal hardware and the classic patch.
Can you still call it a postpartum body if your baby is one?
Actually, he’s fifteen months, but I know people don’t like it when you say your child’s age in months.
It has been fifteen months since I had my eight-pound, two-ounce baby via c-section, and I’m still not happy with how I look.
Now, don’t bombard me with your diet plans people. Thanks. In. Advance.
So here’s the deal. I’ve always been what my mom calls “curvy”. After I had Baby Boy #1, she pretty much told me that I would never get my old body back. And that really lit a fire under me. If someone tells me I can’t do something, I work my booty off just to prove them wrong. So I got into a clean-eating and exercise routine that actually had me looking better than I did before I had my baby. And I was proud of myself. Looking back, I didn’t give myself enough credit.
So I just figured that after having Baby Boy #2, I would jump right back into my clean eating and exercise routine and I would be back in my skinny jeans in no time.
NOPE. Didn’t happen.
What I didn’t realize is that when you have a toddler and a newborn, life gets a hell of a lot more hectic. Add in a full-time job, my blog, my side hustle of doing books, a husband that works full time and coaches a baseball team and a health scare with the baby, and I wasn’t doing much clean eating. What I was doing was cleaning out the fridge and pantry and the local McDonald’s while eating everything.
I did continue my workout routine. It was something that made me feel good. It gave me energy. And it was the only part of my day where I could be ALONE.
But I still look in the mirror and see that ten extra pounds that has settled around my waist like a spare tire. The bags under my eyes can’t even be covered by makeup sometimes. I thought I had running mascara one day and grabbed a makeup remover wipe to realize that it was just the dark bags under my eyes.
I looked at myself in a picture from an event I attended this summer with my husband and a few other couples. All I did was pick apart what was wrong in the picture. The tops of my arms were fat. You could see my belly sticking out. I was pale. My hair was a hot mess. All the other women were skinny and stylish and looked like they could do a makeup tutorial on a real YouTube channel. Why was I being so hard on myself? They were moms too. But I was the only one that looked like she walked to the event five miles in heels in 100-degree heat while herding dirty donkeys.
Why am I so worked up about this?
Because I have spent the last two years being someone that empowers women to be the best they can be. But also reminding them that you can’t be too hard on yourself and that no one is perfect. To not feel bad about themselves for drinking wine, or hiding in the bathroom to get some alone time, or cry in the shower because they just feel defeated because their kid drew on the wall with a Sharpie.
And I think that’s why I am so frustrated with myself now. I know that no one is perfect. But I’m stuck between, “Your body grew two beautiful babies and you are freaking busy so don’t be so hard on yourself” to “Put down the cheeseburger, Jamie. Your a*s is growing by the minute.”
So to narrow it down, I am trying to say that I am mad at myself for being too hard on myself but also mad because I can’t lose ten pounds but also craving a cheeseburger and to “Treat Yo ‘Self.”
So somewhere in the middle, there has to be a happy medium right?
I honestly think this probably encompasses a lot of moms I know. We want to be skinny and beautiful, but we also want to play with our kids in our pajamas with no makeup on, and we want to sleep late and eat a long john donut from the Rolling Pin every chance we can.
But we can’t have it all can we? Because I sure as hell haven’t slept late in the five years.
So for now, I’ll keep working out. I’ll try to be healthy, and I’ll treat myself because my life is crazy and we all need a little down time and a cheeseburger from the Big Dipper. I’ll stop trying to be perfect and just be. Be a mom. Be a wife. Be me.
Even if that mom I am has a spare tire and dark bags under her eyes.
I am a full time working mom with two little boys, Henry and Simon. I write about real life and real life gets messy. Contributor for Motherly, HuffPost Parents, Scary Mommy, Today Parents, Love What Matters and Her View From Home.
Exercise is one of the best ways to burn off steam, stress, and calories (and keep your sanity as a parent). That’s why finding a gym with childcare is key for so many NYC moms and dads. Knowing your gym provides safe, reliable babysitting can go a long way when it comes to getting motivated and making it out of the house. Whether it’s a hard core boot camp class or stress-reducing yoga and steam room session you’re after, here’s where you can get fit while the kids have fun. Read on for our top picks of NYC gyms with daycare!
YMCA
Dodge YMCA
A membership to the Y is one of the best gym deals around and the NYC branches are better than you might imagine. Besides, even a family membership costs less than top NYC gym chains. Many have pools and class schedules offer an impressive array of options, including baby-and-me classes for new moms and fun drop-ins for kid members. When you need someone to watch your kid, ages 6 months to 7 years old, drop him at Child Watch for up to two hours - it's free! Reservations are recommended and it does fill up during peak times. Visit ymca.net for locations and details by site.
Get a tough workout and feel pampered all at the same time. Sweat through a challenging class from one of NYC’s top fitness instructors and cool down with a chilled eucalyptus towel found in mini-fridges throughout the gyms, all while your child stays at the Kids Club. And we won't tell if you just show up for a luxurious shower - you'll love the Kiehl's products and the ability to dry your hair without worrying you hear your baby's cries. Childcare is offered for kids ages 3 months to eight years. Equinox charges $14 for an up to two-hour session. You can save by buying a 10 or 20-pack of vouchers. Find the Kids Club at several of the NYC Equinox locations including Upper East Side and Upper West Side gyms, as well as Tribeca, Brooklyn Heights,Brookfield Place and Printing House in Hudson Square. Childcare hours vary from club to club, but hours are typically 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Bring your tiny dancer to The Bar Method Cobble Hill where you can sculpt and get lean using your own body weight and the ballet barre. Childcare is offered for kids as young as eight weeks months, as long as they are up to date on shots, and as old as eight. The service is $15 at 9:30 and 11 a.m. classes. (Classes last 45 minutes to an hour.) Advance registration is required, and you can book and pay online.
267 Pacific St. Cobble Hill 718-522-3350 Online: barmethod.com
Just one Crunch gym location has childcare, and guess which one it is? If you said Park Slope, Brooklyn, you're a winner! It's affordable, too: Just $4 for the first kid, and $2 for siblings. Be sure to indulge in the on-site Rituals spa products while you're there!
With more locations than any other gym chain around the city, it’s not hard to find a New York Sports Club near you. But be aware, some locations do not have childcare, and hours vary from club to club, so be sure to call ahead to check with your nearest gym. That said, many NYSC locations, do offer babysitting, including several on the Upper West and East sides, downtown, in Bay Ridge and Midwood, Forest Hills, Glendale, the Bronx and Staten Island. (Search NYSC locations by babysitting service here.) NYSC babysitters, which have undergone background checks and are AED/CPR certified, are available for kids ages 3 months to 10 years old. Rates vary from location to location; some, like the 106th Street and Third Avenue location include childcare in the membership; at Cobble Hill in Brooklyn the rate is $19.99 for two hours, and at 80th and Broadway, it's $15 for two hours.
LA Fitness is an affordable gym (under $50 a month) with childcare as part of your membership for an additional $15 a month. Babysitting is offered for kids six months and up, with hours varying by location. (You can find hours for each listed on individual clubs' sites.) You'll find LA Fitness in Howard Beach, Queens, and in Staten Island.
If your kids are as interested in being active as you are, this Brooklyn Heights club offers something for everyone from racquetball courts and a small pool for you to a Junior Academy featuring karate, basketball, ballet, volleyball, swimming and more for kids. The gym also offers no-reservation-required babysitting for kids ages 6 months to six years old. (There is a maximum of eight kids at a time, so be advised.) Childcare is open daily from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Childcare vouchers (good for an hour-and-a-half of babysitting) are $8 for one (expiring in a month), or $60 for a ten pack, which expire in six months. (Psst! There's a spa here, too.)
Astoria's Club Fitness New York describes itself as "a 40,000-square-foot gym with state of the art equipment and enriching amenities." (They will not, however, describe their membership rate — you need to drop by in person to get that; expect to pay at least $60/month.) You get a lot for your money, including classes like spin, Boot Camp, belly dancing, pilates, boxing, Fat Burn and two kinds of yoga. The gym is home to extensive weight-training and cardio facilities, including a trippy-looking spin studio, as well as a day spa and an organic cafe. Child care — for kids ages one to 12— is included with all memberships, and is available Mon- Fri. 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 -9 p.m., and Sat. 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
With an initial New York area location in Staten Island, Retro Fitness has expanded to Manhattan, Brooklyn, and beyond and offers childcare at its Park Slope, Flatbush (Church Ave.), and Hoboken gyms. Childcare is included with membership, the rates for which vary by location. The gym also offers classes ranging from yoga to Zumba to spin, TRX Glute Camp and more. Equipment is internet-connected and outfitted with docks for iPhones and you can even work on your tan there if that's your thing. Stop by the smoothie bar for a post-workout snack when you're done.
Harbor Fitness began in Bay Ridge nearly 30 years ago. Since then, they've expanded to locations in Park Slope, Marine Park and Mill Basin, all of three of which offer complimentary childcare seven days a week. There is a two-hour limit and children must be up to date with shots. In addition to cardiovascular equipment, strength machines, free weights and boxing, each club has recently been upgraded for HIIT turf training. For classes, take your pick from intense circuit training, barre and Pilates, to Zumba, Brooklyn Boot Camp and more. Visit their website for details on each club's offerings and membership rates.
If there’s one thing every mom needs its support—and we’re not just talking about the emotional, mom village kind. We’re talking about “tuck in that muffin top and suck it all in” support—the support that only a pair of mom jeans can provide. Enter: the new Levi’s ribcage jean.
The newest style from Levi is the highest rise jean ever released by the company, coming in at crazy 12 and one-eighth inches! It sits at the waist right below your rib cage, which puts it squarely into next-level “mom jean” territory.
The company says the new design was inspired by one of their 1990’s 501s, and honestly we couldn’t be happier with their willingness to jump back on the high-waisted train. The slim-fitting waist, straight leg and wider leg opening (read: no skinny jeans here!) make this a perfect everyday jean for moms.
Currently, Levi’s ribcage jeans come in three styles—the Straight Leg, Pleated Crop and Split Flare—and range in price from $98 to $128 a pair. Pick from tons of washes and plenty of hems, like chewed or frayed.
The best part about the new ribcage style is it can be styled high or low! Tuck in a top to accentuate your curves, or pair with a long sweater for a sleek and smooth feel. There’s no wrong way to high waist!