what's in my diaper bag

Emily Fossier October 1, 2017

Is it strange that I am fascinated with how people pack their diaper bags? I have no idea why it's so interesting to me but it totally is. Maybe because I know just how challenging it is to get out of the house with a baby and I'm in awe of how other mothers manage it. I wanted to write this post when Pier was an infant, but I wasn't confident in my diaper-bag-packing abilities then. New mama Emily was usually a hot mess that forgot the majority of the useful things (but somehow remembered to pack a baby hat in 80 degree weather?). I'm still a hot mess but I like to think I'm a hot mess with a few more years of experience. And as a result, I write these posts because I care about you new mamas and want you to learn from my mistakes. Plus it's just fun.

Like other areas in my life, I try to keep the contents of my bag simple. But life with a baby and a toddler is never really simple. You can't keep your diaper bag too bare bones because of the "expect the unexpected" factor that children bring (you just know that blow-out-onesie-ruining-diaper is going to happen at the most inconvenient time). Let's just say I've had my fair share of horror stories during Pier's infant days.

My secret for maintaining a simplified diaper bag? I designate 3 separate zipper pouches to distinguish between my stuff vs. kids stuff. I find this one trick keeps me sane and organized. I was gifted Pier's zipped up pouch but HERE'S the one I use for Eulalie and THIS is the one I use for myself. Side note: Does it make me high maitenence if my list is longer than the kids?!

mama bag

LIPSTICK
TIDE-TO-GO PEN
HAND SANITIZER
TRAVEL SIZED SUN SCREEN
RXBAR
SUNGLASSES
EO ANTI-ANXIETY ROLLER BLEND
HAND LOTION
MEDICINE
CREDIT CARDS + CASH + LICENSE

newborn bag

3 DIAPERS
PACIFIER
EXTRA ONESIE
SOFT TOY
BURP CLOTH

toddler bag

3 DIAPERS
2 NON-PERISHIBLE SNACKS
BANDAIDS
T-SHIRT

Once those things are taken care of, then I have the rest of my necessities free to roam around the bag as they please. You'll notice I don't have any wipes in the kids bags...that's because they are probably my most frequently used item and must be easy to access at all times. I usually keep a full sized (aka non-travel) pack of THESE around. My other must have items are a NURSING COVER, DIAPER CHANGING MAT, and my WATER BOTTLE that usually gets confiscated by a certain two year old. And I'll have my SOLLY BABY WRAP or WILDBIRD RING SLING tucked away during the fourth trimester period. I'll also sneak THIS in my bag if we're going out to eat with the kids...it's perfect if I we need to hold his attention for an extended amount of time.

My diaper bag is the convertible day bag from NENA & CO. and I love it so much (and get compliments galore whenever I wear it out!). Like all baby-related items, you're going to have personal preferences as to what works for you. I've just accepted that the three magic words of parenthood are trial-and-error -- a mantra that even can be referenced to a bag for your kids diapers. It's my personal opinion that backpack diaper bags are crucial. I did the non-backpack thing for a while and quickly realized I'm not an over-the-shoulder-bag kinda mama.

If you're in the market for a backpack diaper bag, I rounded up a few of my online favorites for you:

What are your diaper bag must-haves? Any tips and secrets you'd like to share with this newby mama of two are welcome!

ethical fashion | outfit no. 5

Emily Fossier September 28, 2017

It's officially fall! You know what that means... goodbye sundresses and hello boots, scarves, and chunky sweaters. It's been like 80 degrees here so those particular seasonal accessories might have to wait awhile before I break them out of my closet. This cardigan, however, was an investment purchase with the intent to wear it year-round. I'm all about a good grandpa cardigan and this one is perfect for layering in the winter, or keeping in my car during the summer (because, air conditioning).

Dressing for fall is too much fun and I can't wait to show you some of the new pieces I've added to my capsule wardrobe. That being said, I tend to want to buy every little thing when a new season comes...convincing myself that I need yet another somethin-somethin in my closet when, in reality, I don't. That's why capsule wardrobe-ing (that's a word) is so helpful. I love to get creative with my fall pieces and transition some of my summer favorites too.

So I gabbed about the cardigan but what about the other parts of the outfit? The olive green shirt is a perfect year-round basic and underneath the chunky cardigan, you get a great fall palette contrast. I'm also someone who doesn't follow the "white after labor day" rule. This eggshell white skirt is a fantastic versatile addition to your wardrobe. I will probably wear it with a black shirt, leggings, and boots in the winter and a flowy tank in the summer.

outfit details:

SHIRT | everlane
CARDIGAN | babaa knitwear
SKIRT | etsy, similar here and here
SHOES | born footwear

working out with little ones

Emily Fossier September 27, 2017

I don't know about you, but finding time to exercise with two little ones around is next to impossible. Usually you'll find me squeezing in a quick work out during nap time or once the kids are in bed for the night, but every now and then I have to do my exercising when Pier plays (or watches a video) and Eulalie stares intently at me from her bouncy seat. Exhibit A:

Pier thinks it's a big game whenever mama puts on her exercise videos...it's cute as can be but it usually involves in me pausing whatever I'm doing 100 times before finishing what I started. I gotta do what I gotta do to make any type of exercise happen -- even if it's just for a few minutes. I'd like to think that I'm setting a good example for my kids by investing in my physical and mental health. Exercise isn't something I get really excited about, but I know that I always feel better whenever I finish a work out. Pilates, in particular, is something I go to whenever I feel stressed or need some me time. I'm not great at it, but I love the way it relaxes me and establishes a beneficial mind-to-body connection.

About a year and half ago, I joined an online Pilates community called the Balanced Life, run by instructor Robin Long. Robin is one of those talented people that you can't help but gravitate towards. Her "grace over guilt" mentality is exactly what I need postpartum. Having a baby changes your body in remarkable (and a bit unsettling) ways...it's easy to become discouraged getting back into any type of work out rhythm. She's gentle and kind and has a gift for teaching. The workouts are challenging and effective, yet completely doable no matter what your fitness level. When you're a mom you hold babies, nurse babies, and wear babies all day long, leaving you with all kinds of aches and pains. Pilates has helped tremendously with my bad posture and back tension. I can't recommend it enough! But my favorite thing about Robin is that she never makes me feel "less than". Didn't get to work out today? or this week? or this month? The Balanced Life community assures me that it's ok to try again...Tomorrow is another day to start fresh. One baby step leads to another and then another and before you know it, exercise is a part of my routine on a regular basis.

So what does this look like in my every day? Well, a lot like the photos you see here. When you join the community, Robin and her team will send you an e-mail with your monthly work outs and a recipe bundle (which help me tremendously in the kitchen whenever I'm in a recipe rut!). Usually your workout schedule for the week consists of three short Pilates workouts (typically under 15 minutes) and two longer ones that run 30-40 minutes. You don't need any fancy equipment. I don't even have a mat! All you'll need is internet access and a willingness to try something new. I don't strictly follow the schedule -- some days I'll take a long walk or do 15 minutes of dance cardio instead. I like to switch things up and listen to my body. But no matter what,a calming Pilates routine is my go-to whenever I'm stressed or feeling overwhelmed.

I wanted to take the time to talk about this because being a member of the Balanced Life has helped so much whenever my depression and anxiety act up. I know many of you are busy mamas, so if you're looking for something new to help you get back on the work out track, I encourage you to look into Robin's mission. She's got some great resources and youtube vidoes online, but if you're interested in joining the Balanced Life Sisterhood you can use my referral link HERE. I can't tell you how impactful is to be a part of a community of beautiful women who uplift and encourage!

from a mom of two.

Emily Fossier September 25, 2017

I've been wanting to write this post for weeks now, but I just never had the time to sit down and reflect on how things have been now that I'm a mama of two. Part of me feels as if she has always been here, but the other part has definitely noticed the massive shift that has happened in our family since her arrival. In short? Being a mother of two is dare I say it....easier. If you remember my reflections on motherhood a year after Pier's birth, you'd know how hard the transition to my new title as "mom" was for me.

Before Pier, I was so used to having things go my way on my time. It was a brutal wake up call whenever I had to put someone else's needs over my own, not just once, but time and time again. With Eulalie I already grew a lot in that area so I didn't struggle *as* much My main struggle now is how do I give enough attention to them both. What do I do when they are both crying? How do I discipline a toddler? Why is my house so loud all the time?!?! What is sleep?! Eulalie's presence has changed things in a remarkable way. Watching her grow (so quickly!) reminds me to slow down and truly be present to the things that matter. She helps me cherish the moments that I would otherwise take for granted.

Pier is the sweetest big brother. He's already a fairly sensitive boy, and I'm noticing it even more so now that there's a newborn around. For example, whenever the baby starts crying, Pier does too. He also comes and finds me wherever I am and screams "YOU-WEE CRYINNNNN" (He calls her you-wee...and yes, it's as adorable as you think it is). Whenever she cries in the car he sings her Twinkle Twinkle Little Star and she calms down. I love seeing him love his little sister -- always pointing out her "tiny hands" "tiny hair" and "tiny toes". He points to her eyes in amazement as he tells me, "look mommy look! you-wee has blue eyes!". WIth his newfound sibilinghood has come lots of moments of jealousy too. He is a toddler, after all, and my days are usually spent trying to calm down those big toddler emotions. We are working on sharing our toys with Eulalie (even though she can't play with them yet) and he's learning that certain things around the house are just for babies (like pacifiers, baby bouncer, boppy pillow, etc.) It's been a transition for him, but I honestly think he's handled all the change really well.

Eulalie fits perfectly in our family. She is such a smiley baby and loves to snuggle. She eats every two hours and loves being worn in my ring sling. I think she's a champ at nighttime sleep, but naps only happen if she's being held or if I wear her. She's worn all day long which is super helpful because I don't know how I would get anything done! Plus, I need two free hands to constantly chase my very active Pier. I am genuinely loving the newborn days...can they just stay this little forever?!

Which brings me to my final point, how am I doing? Honestly, amazing. I can't tell you how much of a gift it is that I'm enjoying these months instead of being in a constant state of overwhelm. I've been vocal about my postpartum depression here and it's no secret that I still struggle.I am still taking my medication and I know that in particular plays a crucial part in how I am handling things right now. (For those concerned, yes it is safe for breastfeeding and yes my doctor is keeping a close eye on me...I knoweveryone has opinions about this, but please understand that it is 100% the best decision for me and my family.) My head and my heart are so at peace this time around. I haven't cried once since having Eulalie. The weight of anxiety and sadness has lifted and I can fully enjoy my children. Is this what it's like to be a normal mom?! I mean yes, there are moments (lots of 'em) where I want to scream and hide and pretend that I'm on an island with a margarita in my hand, but I think that's normal too ;). I just wanted to give you a quick update because so many of you have reached out to me to see how I'm doing. Thank you for investing in me and my family. Your prayers and love has meant so much to me!

ethical fashion | my fall picks

Emily Fossier September 18, 2017

I'm currently putting together my capsule wardrobe for fall and thought I'd share some of my favorite pieces and trends I've been eyeing for the upcoming season. I'm loving shades of plum, rust, and olive green this year and looking forward to integrating some color in my otherwise boring black and gray neutrals.

I've picked six things that I think would be great investment pieces for your cooler weather wardrobes. A linen dress in a classic check print (o1), a rust colored coat (o2), a warm wool kimono (o3), the perfect windowpane fall blouse (o4), a verstile cardigan that can be worn three different ways (o5), and a pair of well made flats that go with everything in your closet (o6). Click the image to view the sources and let me know what you're thinking of adding to your fall capsule!