Maintaining My Sense of Self (and sanity)…

I must admit, motherhood is most definitely an all-consuming job and lately, I have been struggling with maintaining a sense of self in the process. I love my little bean so completely that I have found myself putting me on the back burner. Yep, there are times I forget to brush my teeth, to eat, and makeup…well, that has simply become an extravagance!

So, as mentioned in my previous post and to reinforce my sanity, one of my top goals for the New Year is to concentrate on myself outside of motherhood. Or rather, to not lose myself within this new role of motherhood. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE being a mother. I love watching my little bean explore the world, one finger at a time. I love providing comfort and snuggles. I love his wide, curious eyes and his sideways smile. But I have to remind myself that in order for me to be the best possible role model for him, I need to take care of myself.

I typically curate my inspirations via Pinterest and then quickly forget all about them, but this year, I plan to hold myself a little more accountable by sharing my style inspirations with all of you and actually taking action…

…like purchasing these leopard loafers from Banana Republic (that no longer seem to be available…argh!). Although, I love the whole outfit – the distressed boyfriend jeans, the striped sweater, the chunky bracelets…very casual chic!

Or buying and wearing more hats because 1) I seem to have a permanent bad hair day lately, and 2) a hat can truly pull together any look (paired with red lips and a chunky scarf and you’ve got yourself a complete ensemble!).

And wearing more simple, quality jewelry like this piece.

These are all tangible, purchasable things, of course, but beyond that, they inspire me to really develop and refine my personal flair. More importantly, it inspires me to be more confident and comfortable with myself.

A couple more ways I hope to pamper myself:

Get more manicures….

…learn a few tricks to get me out of this bad hair funk. The key is quick and easy!

…and (gulp) workout! Even if for a few minutes at home. This workout is a great place to start. I’ve done it a few times already and I can actually feel my muscles working.

For all you moms out there, what do you do to maintain a sense of self (and sanity)? And how do you pamper yourself?

Counting Down the Days…(to post baby bump fashion!)

I actually had a completely different post in mind for today, but frankly, at 35 weeks, I’m feeling fat and bloated and not quite like myself. So, to remind me that there is a light at the end of the tunnel and to give myself a quick pick-me-up, I decided to concentrate on fashion. Particularly, fashion I would like to have after this baby bump has become le petite bebe!

Now, I know the first few postpartum weeks, if not months, may find me living in pajama yoga pants and oversized sweaters, but I continue to hold onto this crazy idea that one day, I will be that stylish momma prancing about in my nude pumps, skinny jeans, leopard scarves, and pops o’ color…

Ok, I’m not SO unrealistic to think that I will ever look like this…

…but a girl needs something to aspire to, yes?

So as I am counting down the weeks until I am holding sweet baby in my arms, I am also counting down the weeks until I can properly fit into chic and simple styles like this:

Or this:

This…

And definitely this!

Other than the impossible aspiration of looking anything like super model Miranda Kerr, one momma that I do aspire to is Casey Leigh of The Weigands. Holy crap that woman is hot! Her fashion style is classic with a rocker chic/bohemian vibe – I love getting glimpses of her life and style (and mad photography skilz!) via Instagram. And her children…oh my gosh. Simply gorgeous. Yep. I officially have a girl crush.

That bag, by the way, is on my wish list (or better yet, this one!). My birthday just happens to be next weekend so….(ehem, Mr. C…)

Tell me, woman to woman, did you fall back into postpartum fashion fairly quickly or do you still find yourself struggling just to shower?! (Meaning: do I need a realistic slap in the face?!)

THE PROUST QUESTIONAIRE: WHAT’S YOUR FASHION STYLE?

I’ve never considered myself a fashionista – I’m a pretty down home kind of gal with a classic sense of style. Kind of like JCrew on a Kohl’s budget with a pinch of rocker chic. I love black, I love white, I love sequins, I love the occasional leopard print, and I love the just-skinny-enough jean that doesn’t make my ass look like it’s been run over by an 18-wheeler…

Ok, perhaps I’ve got a bit of a complex – but don’t we all? Of course, if I had a personal tailor and custom made clothes (and let’s not forget the hair stylist!), I think I’d be pretty awesome. In my head, I might actually have a decent sense of style…if I had a body like Blake Lively or Jessica Biel, I’d be golden (because how could I possibly NOT look good??). But somehow, what I have in my head doesn’t quite transform into reality.

You see, in my head I look like this:

Simple, stylish, and totally rockin’ – and I’m loving that Frenchie! Via The Blonde Salad.

Trench + pop of color + nude pumps = pure perfection. Via Atlantic – Pacific.

Sequin love!

Oh yes, have I mentioned that I love fedoras? And the boyfriend blazer is divine! Via Appleday.tumbler.com.

Which leads me right back to this.

But in reality I look a little something like this…

Thanks for making me feel a little better about myself Man Repeller!

So tell me, what’s your fashion style? A little Rachel Bilson meets Ashley Olsen? Or Audrey Hepburn meets Katie Perry? Or perhaps strictly Olivia Palermo everything? Feel free to send pictures my way and I’ll share my favorites next week!