12.22.2016

My Newest Obsession: Actual Hardcopy, Hold-in-Your-Hand, Pictures

 

I hate to admit it... but my mother was right. She was just telling me how I need to start printing pictures or making picture books because the babes are going to want to see them some day. And, let's face it - by the time they're old enough for social media, Facebook and Instagram could be *gasp* a thing of the past. Shortly after my Ma was drilling this into my head, I came across Nowvel on Instagram. At first it just seemed like any other photo site like Snapfish or Vistaprint - but I was wrong... it was better, ya'll. Hear me out...

 

Nowvel is specifically designed to make it super-duper easy to create photobooks from the pictures you post on social media. They give you themed album ideas, or you can create your own - ALL on your phone. The reason I never create photobooks is because I don't have time to get on an actual computer, upload pictures to a website from my computer or social sites, and then plug in pictures and text. It takes HOURS - and ain't nobody got time for that {especially a twin-mom, amirite?!}

 

One of the themed-albums Nowvel had was a pregnancy journey—um, say what?! How perfect! I pulled in pics from my Instagram and dropped them right into the pages. I barely added anything because the wording was already so perfect. But when I needed to add text or switch around the page layout, I could just click & drag things around. Easy peasy.

 

Okay, so, the book was super easy to create in the app—awesome. But then I was worried about the actual quality of the book. What if it was flimsy, or the pics weren't clear, or the book itself was teeny tiny? But really, I love the quality of the book way more than any other I've ever gotten. The pages are thick - THICK, ya'll. And the book is perfect coffee-table size. I'm seriously obsessed {and already working on several more books}.


 

I mean, "Street Style"? How perfect is that?! 

 

My favorite page <3

 

Thick-as-thieves pages!


 

I'm gonna put on my new-mom hat & tell you that you must check out Nowvel & start putting all of your pics into photobooks. And I'll happily help you out...with a little giveaway ;-) Head over to my Instagram to enter for the chance for you and two friends to win a customized 8x8 hard cover gloss photobook! Go ahead and get snap-happy over the holidays with your fam & friends, because those pics will make the perfect photobook afterwards!

XO,
Nik

Psst...more of some of my favorite things:

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2016/09/pregnant-in-city-maternity-date-night.html

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2016/09/the-perfect-maternity-dress-for.html

12.08.2016

Twin Bump Through the Months

You didn't really think I wasn't documenting that bump, did you?! C'mon now, who do you think I am? I just decided about halfway through to hold on to all pictures so I could make one big final reveal. Ya know, give you the full effect of how this puppy grew. 


When I first started scouring Pinterest for monthly belly picture ideas, I knew I wanted to steer clear of the usual fruit/vegetable or chalkboard trend. I'm not actually against these adorable trends, it's just that...I had already been there, and tainted that, with our first pinto bean that never was

The second I saw the silhouette belly pics, I was in love. So classic, so sweet, and so simple. Now, I'm no photog, so I had no idea how to actually achieve this, but I did some research, played around in Lightroom, and walla! All you need is a bright background {we did ours in front of a window that gets a lot of light}, preferably a light colored/sheer curtain, and a black dress {or shirt and pants}. I got my dress from Old Navy {no longer available, but here's a similar black maxi dress, and here's a maternity option} and it stretched along with me & my belly.


To edit in Lightroom I would simply turn up the Exposure, bump up the Shadows and Whites a bit, and turn down the Blacks. Again, I'm no photog, or graphic editor, so I don't really know what I'm doing in LR - I just play around until it looks good!

Even though sometimes we'd forget and go weeks without taking a picture, I love that we stuck with it {loosely} through the end. Something for the baby book{s} <3

XO,
Nik

Psst...more bumpalicious posts:


http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2016/09/pregnant-in-city-maternity-date-night.html

11.23.2016

Second Trimester Fitness: Weekly Workout Schedule

 

You know how they say, "just make it to your second trimester—you'll feel human again"? "They" speak the truth! In the first trimester you might be battling morning sickness {aka, all day nausea}, you lose your breath much easier {HOW did I used to do 10 jumping jacks...in a row?!}, and the bloat - oh god, the bloat. Fun fact: your body is now pumping 40 percent more blood to allot for baby - and that's werk on your body.

But, by the second trimester, you get the pep back in your workout step. You feel—dare I say—normal. You're able to catch your breathe a bit more, your energy levels are back to the norm, and you can fit a workout into your day because you're not crashing at 8pm...okay, fine, 7pm. This is your shining trimester, so e m b r a c e it - while you can {I'm striking that part for good reason—because I hate the negative "just wait"-esque sayings. If you push and stay healthy, your "while you can" will turn into, "there's nothing you can't do" - no matter how many weeks you are or how many babies you're carrying. Don't let anybody tell you it's too hard to handle - because it's up to you {and your doctor}, not them. I digress...}

In the second trimester I mostly jumped back into one of my favorite BeachBody workouts - PiYo. I followed that and running...until I was put on "light rest" around Week 23 due to my cervix shortening. It set "me" back, but I'm no longer the priority - these babes are. You'll notice a break in my schedule, but then a reamping-up, slowly but surely. In the first trimester you listen to your body - in the second, you listen to your doctors. Trust.

Here's every workout I did for each day that I worked out in the second trimester - including links to almost every workout!

 
 142.9 lbs

Day 1: 3.5 mile run at my own pace—getting harder because I have to jump off an pee so often! & 2:00 plank & Thigh Challenge Day 5 {I love throwing a 30-day challenge in every now and then as a workout supplement. Recruit all of your friends to join you and check-in with each other every day!}
Day 2: Tone It Up {TIU} Beach Babe 3 Arms DVD & Arms/Abs Circuit Pin - Circuit 1, all with 10lb. weights, & Thigh Challenge Day 6
Day 3: PiYo Sweat & Thigh Challenge Day 7
Day 4: 21Day Fix Cardio & Thigh Challenge Day 8 {TIP: I signed up for BeachBody On Demand so I could access TONS of BeachBody workouts whenever and wherever I wanted. This majorly came in handy for me to switch things up when I got bored! It's worth it for the Autumn Calabrese Maternity Workouts alone.}
Day 5: PiYo Strength Intervals
Day 6: TIU Cardio Abs {13 minutes} & TIU Beach Yoga {20 minutes} & Thigh Challenge Day 9
Day 7: REST

 
145.4 lbs 
{Can you tell my appetite was back?}

Day 1: Thigh Challenge Day 10 was all I could manage {I worked and was on my feet all day and was exhausted! Needed a break - so I listened to my body and did not feel bad about it for one second.}
Day 2: 3 mile HIIT = 29:01! Felt good enough to modify harder a little bit! & Thigh Challenge Day 11
Day 3: Jillian Michaels Yoga Meltdown 1 {modified last move of the circuit - did crab dips instead and arched my back to work my back muscles}
Day 4: PiYo Core {no modification - but HARD!} & Thigh Challenge Day 13
Day 5: 1.8 mile walk outside with 5lb. weights & Thigh Challenge Day 14
Day 6: On vacation! But fit in Thigh Challenge Day 15
Day 7: On vacation! But fit in Thigh Challenge Day 17

 
147.9 lbs 

Day 1: REST
Day 2: PiYo Sweat & 1:30 plank
Day 3: PiYo Buns & :30 side planks each side {with 10 raises and hold throughout the :30}
Day 4: PiYo Core {no modification - but HARD!}
Day 5: 2 mile run at my pace & TIU BB3 Arms
Day 6: REST
Day 7: 3 mile HIIT = 29:40! & TONS of housework that had me up and down the stairs all day {yes, this counts as a workout!}

 
149.7 lbs

Day 1: PiYo Sweat & 1:00 plank
Day 2: PiYo Core & 1:00 plank
Day 3: PiYo Buns & 1:00 plank
Day 4: PiYo DRENCH!! {All the way through, NO modifications, few child poses needed, felt great!! A little tired/shaky at the end - but that's not a preggers thing, that's a PiYo Drench thing} & 1:00 plank
Day 5: 2 mile run at my pace{not a lot of time today but squeezed something in!}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: Kayaking for two hours
  
   
149.3 lbs

Day 1: 3.5 mile HIIT {Sore and exhausted afterwards! Back is starting to kill after runs. Might be time for a belly band soon...}
Day 2: PiYo Sweat {Plank section getting tough! Modified to less burpees.}
Day 3: PiYo Core & 1:10 plank
Day 4: PiYo Buns & 1:20 plank
Day 5: PiYo DRENCH! {All the way through, little mods!}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: 3 mile HIIT {Had a little big of very light pink, very light blood afterwards - but no pain. Still, something to mention to doc...} & Tricep Pin with 10lb. weights, 10-20 reps each move

 
150 lbs

Day 1: PiYo Sculpt {Yowza, I forgot how tough this one was, in general! Works those triceps!}
Day 2: PiYo Sweat
Day 3: PiYo Core {Getting tougher to do floor exercises. Feels weird and tougher to maneuver bicycle section.}
Day 4: PiYo DRENCH! {Definitely getting HARD-er, especially the plank section!}
Day 5: PiYo Buns
Day 6: REST
Day 7: PiYo Strength Intervals - After going nonstop all day on house stuff, I chose to squeeze this in at 7:30pm at night. Proof that you can squeeze something in at some point - especially when it's only 22 minutes!

 
151.5 lbs

Day 1: PiYo Sweat {Core section is tough, but busted out all burpees at the end, and all push-ups in the last segment!} & Tank Top Arms Challenge Day 1 {Followed a friend's challenge, but here's a good one to try!}
Day 2: 3 mile HIIT
Day 3: PiYo Buns & Arms Challenge Day 2 & 3 {Played catch-up. Exhausted today, but pushed through!}
Day 4: PiYo DRENCH until Flow {didn't have enough time!} & Arms Challenge Day 4
Day 5: PiYo Sculpt
Day 6: REST
Day 7: PiYo Strength Intervals & Arms Challenge Day 5

 

This is also the week I decided I finally needed a belly band. It took just a little getting used to, but all-in-all it was a great investment. Really worked wonders when I was running! Kept the pressure of my bladder and back, and didn't slip or get uncomfortable. I used this for week to support my back during runs and lower body workouts {like buns & legs}. Stopped using after the second trimester when it got harder to wrap around my belly - but I also slowed back on workouts {doc's orders} so I didn't need it as much. Bottom line, I would recommend this for the start of the second trimester and throughout! Even though you may not be caring that much more weight {yet}, your back still overcompensates and this really helps!

 
153.7 lbs

Day 1: PiYo Sculpt & 1:30 plank
Day 2: PiYo Sweat {No mods - felt great! Proof that how you feel and how your body performs will ebb and flow.}
Day 3: PiYo Core {Did great until bicycle segment - felt like I could barely breathe! Did the second round standing - and I felt like I got the same effect! Cramps in my lower abdomen when trying to do floor exercises - I think it's officially time to retire PiYo Core - womp.}
Day 4: PiYo Buns
Day 5: PiYo DRENCH {Definitely getting a little too big for this workout - things are crunched in certain positions. Pushed through, though! I think I might have ONE more full Drench left in me!}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: 3 mile HIIT = 29:42 & 1:30 plank & :30 plank each side with 10 dips each

{Noted to myself: "GREAT MONTH!!" I really stuck to my PiYo schedule and added in some challenges. Felt great most of the time, and felt like "me" through workouts.}

155.3 lbs

Day 1: PiYo Buns & 1:30 plank & :30 side planks with 10 dips each side
Day 2: PiYo DRENCH {Woo-wee - tough, but I did it!}
Day 3: Triceps Pin {15-20 reps} & 1:30 plank & :30 side planks with 10 dips each side
Day 4: 2.25 mile run outside at the beach {ROUGH start - didn't think I would be able to do it, but I paced myself, concentrated on breathing, and pushed over the hump at .5 miles. Ended up feeling great!} & 1:30 plank & :30 side planks with 10 dips each side
Day 5: Yoga on the beach - 1 hour {Very relaxing and chill vinyasa}
Day 6: Stand-up Paddle Boarding Bootcamp - crazy!! First time paddle boarding and did not expect the extent of this workout. Did intervals and "sprints" on board - burned over 400 calories in an hour!
Day 7: 3.5 mile HIIT {Pushed through and felt good. Some side pains in the beginning just when I was trying to get loose and find a rhythm - but they quickly dissipated. Note to self: push through the first mile to get into the rhythm!}

 
156.6 lbs

Day 1: Turbo Fire 40 {Some modification - less hopping/jumping and more "shuffling." It was LONG and rough at times, but I stuck through! Great cardio workout. Fire 40 takes the "fire drills" out of Fire 45, which I likely couldn't do anyway because of the intensity of them, so it worked out perfect.} & 1:30 plank & :30 side planks with 10 dips each side
Day 2: TIU BB3 Beach Bombshell DVD - drop set of weights 10, 8 and 5lbs. {Light modifications but mostly stuck through it! Reverse plank dips were rough - mostly did crab dips.}
Day 3: 30 minute treadmill HIIT
Day 4: SkinnyGirl Yoga 40 minutes {Hadn't done this one in a while - it's much tougher now! Have to remember that I'm lifting a lot more weight now. Modified a bit, especially at the end, but was able to do a 3-count wheel!}
Day 5: Diary of a Fit Mommy Bun in the Oven Prenatal workout -30 minutes at my own pace {Did all the way through but modified on side planks when needed - they were tough!}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: 3.5 mile HIIT {Felt great!! No pains, had good energy, felt like I could keep going! Which is ironic, since...}

 
157.6 lbs

Day 1: Put on "light rest" due to cervix trying to "funnel" open. Will be kept under a close eye from here on out. Best case scenario - we're told we'll make it to 28 Weeks. You'll notice over the next few weeks that I ween back in to workouts - this is only due to my doctor's permission. Little by little I could add things back in, and if my cervix remained stable then I could add a little more back in. LISTEN to your doctors - they are the only reason I got as far as I did!
Day 2: REST
Day 3: REST
Day 4: REST
Day 5: Booty Blast Day 1 {Friend's challenge, but here's another good one!} & Tricep Pin - 10lb. weights for 15 reps per move {Took it super slow and easy, but had to do something. Promised myself I would stop immediately if anything felt off.}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: REST

 
156.2 lbs

Day 1: Booty Blast Day 2 & Tricep Pin - 10lb. weights for 10-15 reps per move
Day 2: Booty Blast Day 3 & TIU Bikini Arms - 8lb. weights for 10-20 reps per move, no swimmers - did lateral raises instead
Day 3: Booty Blast Day 4 & TIU Arm Routine x3 - 10lb. weights for first two rounds, then 8lb. weights for third round
Day 4: 1.8 mile walk outside with 5lb. weights
Day 5: REST {on feet all day working - that was enough!}
Day 6: TIU BB3 Arms - 8lb. weights {Not bad considering it's been a while - hung it and it flew by!}
Day 7: TIU Thigh Pin & Short Triceps Pin - 8lb. weights for 15-20 reps per move & My own made-up triceps workout with band - 25 minute workout total

 
159.9 lbs

Day 1: 20 minute walking incline treadmill workout - 1.25 miles {Backed off to 3.5mph when needed!} & Diary of a Fit Mommy 15-minute Abs & Core workout - 30 reps each move
Day 2: REST {Pains - listen to your body!}
Day 3: TIU BB3 Arms with 8lb. weights
Day 4: 1.8 mile walk outside with 5lb. weights
Day 5: REST
Day 6: Autumn Calabrese Maternity First Trimester workout with 8-10lb. weights {GOOD workout!! I was expecting way less, but it worked me!}
Day 7: TIU Bikini Arms Pin x1 with 10lb. weights - no swimmers


No pics from Week 27 - Whoops!
160.7 
{Gained 17.8 pounds in the second trimester. Up 21.8 pounds total!}

Day 1: Autumn Calabrese Maternity Second Trimester workout with 10lb. weights {Modified jumping jacks and side planks, but otherwise quick and great!}
Day 2: REST
Day 3: Autumn First Trimester workout with 8-10lb. weights
Day 4: TIU Bikini Arms x2 - first round with 8-10lb. weights for 20 reps, second round with 8-10lb. weights for 14-15 reps {Pelvis pain! So I took it easy.}
Day 5: Cize Crazy 8's! {Fun and low impact cardio workout!}
Day 6: REST
Day 7: 1.8 mile walk outside with 5lb. weights

While I started out strong in the second trimester, I am still so happy that I got to do something to finish it out - even if the workouts weren't close to my normal level. At the end of the day, the twinlets are more important than some toned arms. Still, being able to ween back into some modified and low-impact workouts kept my mind sane, my body moving, and me and the babes healthy. Always, always, always listen to your doctor. They are not trying to jeopardize your healthy lifestyle - they are trying to kickstart your babes' health, period.

Until the third trimester wrap-up... {Which, P.S. Has a lot more Autumn Calabrese Maternity, and Shaun T's Cize - because nothing is funnier than seeing a mega-preggo dance around the living room.}

XO,
Nik
  
Psst...more workout-aholic posts:

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2016/07/first-trimester-fitness-complete.html 

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2015/10/my-fitness-journey-beginners-guide-to.html 

10.10.2016

Three Simple Braid Tutorials: Sweet, Edgy & Trendy

Proof that a braided hairstyle doesn't have to take hours, or tons of practice. These are the three simplest braid styles that are my go-to's—one for when I'm feeling especially sweet {rare}, one for when I want to up the edge-factor, and my personal fav - the ever-so-trendy half-bun with a braid. Pin, practice & tag me on Instagram when you're ready to show off your favorite braided style!
 
Tools & products used for all styles
Teaser comb {with boar bristles is my favorite}
Bobby pins
Elastic hair ties
*Can start curly or straight hair!

{Sweet: Headband Braid}
 

{Edgy: Hard-part Side Braid}
 
 

{Trendy: Braided Half-Bun}
 
 

 What other tutorials do you want to see? Let me know in the comments!! 

XO,
Nik

Psst...More hair how-to's this way:

   

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-like-big-hair-buns-and-i-cannot-lie.htmlhttp://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2015/04/i-like-big-hair-buns-and-i-cannot-lie.html

9.24.2016

The Perfect Maternity Dress for a Fairytale Baby Shower


When I set out to find the perfect dress for my baby shower and maternity shoot, I didn't think I was being too picky... I just wanted a light and airy floral dress that hugged my bump just right—not too tight, but not too mumu—and fit the theme of modern-day fairytale. I mean, is that too much to ask!? 

Apparently so - according to Zara, Francesca's, Forever21, Macy's, Lord & Taylor... I could go on, but I think you get the gist. I walked the mall and maneuvered my way around fitting room-after-fitting room enough to have put me in to labor. Zilch, zip, nada - that's what I would tell the hubs after every unsuccessful mall trip. ::womp::


Then I discovered Pink Blush Maternity, which, you should know from my previous post, is not actually maternity {bonus points for them!}. I fell in love with this dress - like, full-on obsession, love. So much so that I had to talk myself down because I knew something would go wrong. It wouldn't come in on time, it wouldn't fit right, it would be too tight, or too loose, or the WORST: itchy—there's just no way it was going to work as perfectly as I wanted.

HA. Yee of little maternity faith. It arrived in a flash and I immediately got butterflies when opening the package. The fabric is that slinky jersey fabric that's light enough for a pregnant belly to breathe, but heavy enough so that you don't see every nook and cranny {read: cellulite}. I took a deep breath and tried it on {I'm not over-exaggerating - it was THAT serious of a moment. Think wedding dress jitters, people}. After that I went into a giddy-spiral of selfie snapping and texting my closest gf's and fam - because it was the ONE. The Obi-Wan Kenobi of maternity dresses. But again {and I can't stress this enough} - not actually maternity. Which, for anyone who knows me and my hatred of ruching and belly bands, was the number one appeal of this brand. 


Bottom line: for my fellow-preggo's - don't brave the mall, just order from PBM. And for my non-preggo's - ditto that, because their clothes are all-inclusive of ladies with or without bellies. 

Thank you, PBM, for making me feel like a modern-day princess at my modern-day fairytale baby shower <3





 

 Dress: Pink Blush Ivory Floral Wrap Dress {Also comes in three other dreamy colors!} // Flower crown: Homemade 

And, oh hey, what if I set you up with a $75 giftcard to Pink Blush to get your newest obsession started?! All you have to do is hop over to my Instagram page, follow along {make sure to follow PBM @shoppinkblush, too!}, scout the post for the PBM giveaway, give it a "like," tag a friend {or 2...or 5} and walla - you're all entered. I'll announce the winner on Saturday, October 1st!

Photo cred: Erin Michelle Photography {Follow on Instagram & Facebook for pictures of mamas-to-be, adorable kiddos, stunning weddings & more!}

XO,
Nik 

Psst...More maternity fashion:

 

9.07.2016

Pregnant in The City: Maternity Date Night Style


When I first got pregnant, I was determined not to become....matronly. I refused to succumb to maternity style, wouldn't step foot in a Motherhood store, and absolutely would not be caught dead in a jean shirt with a tie above the belly, or ::shudders:: a belly band.

Now, look, I get it—the stretch, the ease, the comfortability—it's all very appealing. But why—WHY—do the styles have to be so mom-meets-stepford-wife? The stripes, the ruching, the khaki shorts way beyond fingertip level - it's just not me. Why, oh why, can't someone make some trendy boho styles, but with a little more belly stretch?!


Oh, but someone can. Thanks to a fellow first-time-preggo with a similar breezy style, I was introduced to Pink Blush Maternity. Now, here's the other thing—I wasn't too keen on shelling out tons of money on maternity clothes, especially when I plan on this being my one and only pregnancy {twins - one boy, one girl - need I say more?}. So, when I visited PBM for the first time and saw their clothes modeled on a babe with a bump AND on a babe without, I thought - how could this be!? Non-maternity, maternity clothing that I can wear now and later?? And at a reasonable price? Sign. Me. Up.

To all of my fellow mamas-to-be {M2M} who are holding out on growing their wardrobe along with their bump—hold no longer. Because every bump deserves amazing stretch, and every M2M deserves to feel sexy on date night!

{Make sure to follow them on Instagram for a heads up on ALL the sales - like the one running right now {{9/6/16}} for 50% off all clearance items with the code HOTOFFTHERACK}







Dress: Pink Blush Black Lace Dress {also available in burgundy & royal blue} // Kimono: Pink Blush Black Paisley Print // Necklace: Oldie from Nordstrom Rack {Lucky Brand}; similar in a fun blue pendant // Hat: Gifted; similar // Booties: Oldies from Kohl's; super similar, and uh, I NEED // Bracelet: Dare I say - I don't remember? {#pregnancybrain}; similar boho style

Photo cred: Erin Michelle Photography {Follow on Instagram & Facebook for pictures of mamas-to-be, adorable kiddos, stunning weddings & more!}

I have a feeling you'll be seeing a lot more PBM on this blog... 

XO,
Nik

Psst...more from the preggo-files:

http://creatingthesilverlining.blogspot.com/2016/07/a-gender-reveal-for-books.html
 

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