Fifty Two Shades of Shay

I present to you a new weekly blog series here at Mix and Match Family...Fifty Two Shades of Shay :).

I was telling my girlfriend Andrea that I get a lot of questions about certain things I like/do/eat/wear/shop for, etc. and then I also mentioned how my goofy friend Elan said I should blog about Fifty Shades of Shay...well, being the creative genius that she is, Andrea said I should do a series featuring one shade of myself each week for a year (hence the 52 part).  

Each week will feature a different shade of my life...like what makeup I wear,  what my fitness routine is, how I keep laundry under control, what books I like to read, where I like to buy my coffee in bulk, and so on.  Fifty Two Shades of Shay...starts Monday.

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Makeup

It's the first edition of Fifty Two Shades of Shay!  In case you missed it last week, click here to see what I'm talking about :).  There is a giveaway in the post...so you better read it all!

I get a lot of comments and/or email about my makeup.  Apparently, when you think Shay...you think makeup.  Here's the thing...I'm a bit of a makeup junkie.  And I have been for years.  Some people drink when they're happy...some people eat when they're sad...I buy lipsticks when I'm experiencing any emotional up or down.  A little tube of lipstick just makes me happy.   Makeup is definitely a shade of Shay...

I wear lipstick with a gloss over it every day.  I put on my lipstick first and then apply the rest of my makeup.  The brighter the lipstick, the less other makeup I feel you need...so the lipstick sets the tone for my makeup routine.  These are my glosses.  I love MAC and Nars the best.

My favorite lip gloss is this MAC Like Venus.  It's pink with a little sparkle.  In other words...it's awesome.

These are my MAC lipsticks.  Just my MACs.  They make my heart happy.  I keep the tubes upside down, so that I can quickly and easily find which color I'm looking for.  I also keep them grouped by color as well...I tend to buy pinks, purples and nudes.  And of course, I have the famous MAC Russian Red...every girl needs one good red lipstick.

My very favorite is St. Germaine.  In my opinion, it's the perfect pink for your pout.

This is what I call my "base" drawer.  These are all of the things that I use to create a base before I add the color.

For days when I need a little more coverage, I use Laura Mercier's Oil Free Foundation in Warm Ivory, next to that is my absolute favorite tinted moisturizer, also by Laura Mercier (I wear the shade Bare Radiance).  This is what I wear 95% of the time.  Before I put either on, I apply Laura's Oil Free Primer underneath.  It just keeps everything in place.  On the far right is Sonia Kashuk's Perfecting Translucent Illuminator.  I had been reading about this stuff for years but finally just recently bought some at Target.  It's just a little shimmer to apply on those days when you're feeling (or looking) a little drab.  It didn't take me long to see why it's so popular with all of the magazines.

I used YSL's Touche Eclat #1 on most days as a concealer but when I'm needing something a little heavier, I use Laura Mercier's Secret Concealer #1.  I also love MAC's bronzer in Refined Gold and Nars The Multiple in Orgasm.  Plus, I use a little loose powder from Laura Mercier and my Beauty Blender.  That Beauty Blender is sheer genius...I apply both my foundation and my tinted moisturizer with it.

This right here is my must, must, must product.  It's Urban Decay's eyeshadow primer.  I use it every single day.  Apply it before your eye makeup and you'll never have to worry about smudges or disappearing eye makeup again.  The purple is their Original Formula and the gold is Sin.  The gold has a champagne color to it and the original is translucent.  I love, love, love them!

These are my eye shadows, eye pencils, and blush.

Nars makes the best blush!

I wear either Gaiety or Super Orgasm.  They are worth their weight in gold!

And my favorite mascara...MAC's In Extreme Dimension Lash.  I noticed that my sister-in-law's lashes were looking extra awesome and she said this was her secret.  I bought it and fell in love immediately!  Mascaras are hard to buy...but this one has proven itself a winner to me!

So...now, you see my makeup stash.  I think the important thing is to find a brand that works well with your skin type and that stays in place.  For me, that's a lot of MAC, Nars and Laura Mercier.  I also love shopping for makeup at places like Sephora and Nordstrom because they make returns so easy.  I hate spending money on makeup only to realize when I get home that it's not the right color or it doesn't apply like I had hoped.  These two stores are great at letting you return makeup you've already tried.

Now...time for a giveaway!!  I will be drawing one random winner to receive a $30 Nordstrom gift card (to use on makeup or whatever else your heart desires!).  I will draw the winner from my Face Book followers. If you don't follow me on FB yet, no worries, click here to see my page, like it and you're entered to win.  I will select the winner this Friday morning at 4:30 CST, so you have plenty of time to "like" me.  The winner will be announced here and on Face Book that day.  Good luck!

Next up: Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Spring Shopping for Kids...it's that time of year!

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Spring Shopping for Kids

Before I start today, I have to wish my sweet hubby a HAPPY BIRTHDAY!  We love you Andrew!  Happy, happy birthday!!  XOXO

Here we go...another Shade of Shay.  This time, it's Spring Shopping for Kids.  I love putting away my kids cold weather gear and pulling out their clothes, pjs and swimsuits for warmer weather.  The bright colors and lighter fabrics just look and feel like summertime.  When it comes to shopping for my kids, I try and buy things on sale, that wash well, and things they can wear more than one season (which often means I buy things a size bigger).

My favorite stores for kids clothes are simple...

Here is why I like these stores...

1. They make ordering and returning online SIMPLE!  In fact, Nordstrom always has free shipping, no minimum purchase.  So, if you're a busy mom like me, you can shop from home easily without worrying about paying extra for shipping.

2. Gap and Old Navy almost always have sales going.  In fact, unless it's on sale, I don't buy it (because it will be on sale the next day!).  I check both sites every morning for their sales and I pay attention to how much things cost full-price, this way, when a sale does happen, I'm prepared with what I like and what the original cost was.

3. Nordstrom is THE BEST at returns...and when you have small kiddos, you need that!  Several times, I have bought my kids shoes from Nordstrom only to learn later that my kids don't like the way they fit, they tie, etc., and Nordstrom will return and/or exchange without any questions asked.  Shoes are probably the hardest thing for me to buy my kids (because you just don't know how well they'll work until you actually have your kid walk around in them for a few days), so knowing that Nordstrom will return them, really gives me piece of mind.

4. Nordstrom will match the lowest price.  I think some people are hesitant to buy from Nordstrom because they think it will be expensive, but Nordstrom has a price match guarantee, so you don't have to worry about paying more...they will match it.

So, what are the essentials my kids need for this season...here you go...

Girl Stuff (for Kensington)

1. I like to buy her little dresses like this one...

...because she can wear them with leggings and a denim jacket into the fall.  More bang for your buck.  Plus, they wash and wear well.

I'm also into these little patterned shorts...

...I love a patterned short because they hide a multitude of sins.  After the park, lunch and whatnot, her shorts can look kind of grimy...but with a cute pattern, you won't be able to tell.  I'd pair these shorts with a top like this one...

...a bright fun color that looks fresh and summery.

And for swimwear, I like Kensington to wear two-piece suits that hide her middle.  For me, a two -piece is just so much easier for her to potty in.  Trying to get a wet one-piece off of her to go potty is hard work, a simple two-piece makes life so easy!

This Old Navy suit is perfect for my four year old by the pool.

And for the perfect cover-up to that suit...

...I love this zip-up terry cloth cover-up.  This is so easy to get on and off and perfect poolside.  

And for shoes this summer, here are my faves...

Toms because they're easy to get on and off and look cute with bare little legs.

I use to frown on Crocs...until I had toddlers and then I realized how wonderful these little shoes are!  They're easy to get on and off, they can be hosed off, they're perfect for the pool and the park...they're great for young kids!

Boy Stuff (for Smith)

I like to buy a few boy pieces that look like this...

...it's long sleeve, so he can wear it into the fall but paired with cute plaid shorts, this is perfect for a chilly spring evening.  The bright color also gives it that fresh summer look.

How cute would that yellow shirt look with these Old Navy shorts?!  Plus, it's just like I mentioned before, a little boy could color on himself, spill on himself, and get a little dirty in these shorts...and they'll still look good (compared to a solid pair).  Plus, when it gets really warm out, I could pair these shorts with this kind of shirt...

...a bright solid Polo from Gap.  Perfect for spring and summer and great for fall too (with a long-sleeved tee underneath).

When it comes to swimwear, my boy has to have trunks and a rashguard...

...I love this one from Old Navy!

And I love rashguards like this one...

For boy shoes, these are my faves...

...I love, love, love these shoes from Gap.  They are rubber (like the Crocs), so they clean so easily.  Smith can just slip them on and go.  Love them!!

And for a more formal feel (meaning, you wouldn't want to hose them off...), I love these little Sperry's.  So cute on boys!

Well...that about wraps up Spring Shopping for Kids.  I get a lot of questions about how I shop for my kids, so this should answer most of them.  I buy online, I buy from places that have an easy return policy, I buy on sale, and I buy things I can mix and match for other seasons.  

Next week, Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Traveling With Your Kids...I have a lot to say about that!

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Traveling With Your Kids

Today's Shade of Shay has been highly requested.  I mean...some people have flat out begged me to talk about it (I won't mention any names Ashley Vaughan...), so I'm really excited to share and hopefully, give you some great ideas and tips.  This post is full of info...I tried to cover everything!

Here's the thing...I am not the perfect parent.  I have a lot of struggles with my kiddos...potty training has never come easily, eating all of their veggies is a battle of the wills, my kids hate when I take their picture...seriously, I have a long list of things we are not great at over here at the Shull house...but there are two things I have mastered...getting my kids to take long naps and traveling.  I am your go-to girl for both topics.

Just to lay the groundwork...here are some quick facts about my kids and traveling:

1. They both flew on planes for the first time as infants.

2. They've each been to 13 different countries.

3. They've each flown up to 16 hours at a time.

4. They've both been on cruise ships.

5. We've survived every trip we've taken (you think you won't survive sometimes, but you will!).
6. They travel well in the car too (Andrew's family lives 6 hours away and we always drive)

Mine and Andrew's favorite thing to do is travel...I've been traveling since I was a small child and so, it's just a part of my nature.  We told ourselves that even though we have kids, we are not going to let that stop us from traveling.  About half the time, we take the kids and about half the time, we travel without them.  

Here are some benefits of traveling with your kids:

1. They learn patience.

2. They learn about how airports, security and flight crews operate (it's way more educational than just watching a Bubble Guppies episode...they really absorb this stuff!).

3. They learn to eat, nap, be quiet, etc. in other locations than just home.

4. It's great bonding!  You really feel like a team when you're getting from A to B together.

5. You're removed from the distractions of every day life.

I know that my kids will never remember going to Russia with us...but Andrew and I will always remember taking them.  Don't travel for your young kids to remember things, travel because you want to enjoy their company and experience things with them in tow.  My kids might not remember exactly where they've been...but they have a sense of family, a sense of togetherness that formed by them being away with us.  And Andrew and I have some amazing memories...


I'm first going to cover traveling in the car...and then I'll cover traveling by plane.  Here we go...



Traveling in the Car

1. Bring blankets
For whatever reason, my kids are much more quiet and content on a long car trip if they're snuggled beneath a blanket.  They also nap longer in the car if they have a blanket.

2. Try and leave early in the morning or late at night
I find that my kids nap more and are more content if we load them up early in the morning or late at night.  It might be more work for you but it will help your little ones.

3. Dress them in comfy clothes
As a grownup, the worst thing is sitting in the car for a long time in tight, uncomfortable clothes, so the same is true for your kids.  I let my kids travel in their pjs.  I'm just trying to keep them happy!

4. Limit their beverages
I'm not saying dehydrate them but don't hand them a Big Gulp either.  Kids get squirmy and whiny when they have to potty...and you don't want to have to stop every hour for a restroom break, so limit what they drink and everyone is happy.

5. Pack some candy

Or pack some kind of treat...traveling is the time to indulge, so if they're being extra good...or extra cranky and you need to make them smile, pack something extra fun (but not too messy) like jelly beans, Sweet Tarts, etc.

6. Bring a ton of wet wipes and plastic grocery bags
Nothing is worse than a big mess in the car while driving 70 mph through the middle of Oklahoma...carry a ton of wet wipes.  And carry those plastic grocery bags for your wet wipe trash (or any other trash).

7. Use movies and/or music
If your car doesn't have a DVD player in it, you can buy one like this for road trips and airplanes...

...or you can use a i-Phone or i-Pad.  I've learned that my kids like a few familiar things to watch and a few new things.  You can buy the headphone splitters that allow two people to use headphones and watch the same movie or of course, you could play it in the car without headphones.

My number one tip for packing for car road trips is this...don't over pack.  If you're traveling within the US, then whatever you forget at home, you can find where you're going.  Trust me.  At first, Andrew and I would over pack to drive to his parents' house in Missouri until I realized that....hey, they have a Walmart too!  If I run out of diapers, or wipes, or baby wash...I can pick some up in Missouri, I don't necessarily have to bring a year supply from home for my short weekend stay.  Don't fret about not having what you need when you get there...you will be able to find it or something close to it...relax.


Things to consider packing:
1. A pack 'n play or other type of crib
2. A sound machine (so baby can't hear others and others can't hear baby during nap/sleep time)
3. A light weight stroller
4. Garbage bags to bring your dirty laundry home in
5. A few of your kids favorite toys, books, or blankets (it's good to have a few familiar things)
6. Clothes you can layer for your kids (to accomodate any type of weather)

And if your kid screams for a while in the car...don't worry...at least your not on an airplane full of annoyed strangers...which leads me to...


Traveling By Plane

The first time we flew to Europe with our kids, Smith was 5 months old and Kensington 21 months old.  Because they were under two, we didn't have to buy them an airplane seat...so, it was just me and Andrew holding them in our laps the entire way there...if I can survive that and live to blog about it, you can too!  Here are my best tips, tricks and ideas for flying with your kids...

1. Bring umbrella strollers instead of anything bigger.

I have all sorts of fancy big strollers, but when I travel, I always bring one umbrella stroller for each kid.  They're light weight, they're easy to fold up, you can take them right on board the flight with you, and if you want to separate with your hubby (or other traveling partners) you can, and each one has their own kid with their own stroller.  Plus, airlines are hard on things like strollers, so don't bring your nice, expensive one.  Just bring one like this...

Even though Kensington is almost five, I still travel with a stroller for her.  Her little legs just can't keep up all day long traveling...it's so much faster to stick her in a stroller when we need to move quickly.  And don't feel like you have to buy more than one umbrella stroller if you have more than one kid...borrow one from a friend (sweet Erika's stroller has traveled with us all over the world...it need its own passport!).

2. Don't worry with car seats! 

I get a lot of emails from people asking me how to travel with their car seats.  In almost five years as a parent, I have yet to travel with a car seat.  Car rental agencies let you rent them out, so that's what we always do.  The last thing I need is to lug car seats through a crowded airport with my kids and luggage.  And again, airlines are hard on baby gear...I don't want them damaging my kiddos' nice car seats.  Reserve a car seat from a car rental agency right there in your arriving airport and you're good to go.

3. Put your kids in easy clothes

And by easy clothes, I mean something that looks like this...

...it's soft and comfy, it has a pattern (so spills and messes won't stand out as much), and it would be easy to take her potty in (unlike jeans).  Also, make sure you put them in shoes that are easy to come on and off (and not for security, young children don't have to remove their shoes any more while going through security...it's for when she takes them on and off on the plane and you're wedged in a small, confined seat trying to put them back on her).  I love these for traveling...

...Toms.  They're just so easy.

It's also smart to bring a light weight jacket just in case the airport or airplane is chilly.

4. If your kiddo is at least 3, give them their own back pack of stuff to entertain themselves
My kids love having their own bag on the airplane.  We load it full of coloring books and crayons (not markers!  Markers will make your life miserable on a plane!), stickers, candy, small toys, and their little blankets (again, bring their own blanket!).

5. Bring snacks, snacks and more snacks
I almost always bring my snacks from home for our plane trips.  If it's not a liquid, you can take it past security.  If you wait and purchase your snacks when you arrive at the airport, you'll end up paying $5 for a Kit-Kat...and who want to do that?!  I'm all about eating in moderation and limiting a child's sugar intake.  I provide healthy, balanced meals for my kids every day...but on a plane, when I'm trying to keep them happy and quiet, all rules go out the window!  I keep my bag loaded with suckers (because it takes longer for them to finish it than a bag of M&Ms) and candy.  In an emergency situation, it's amazing what a sucker can do.

6. Load up on the $1 aisle at Target
The dollar aisle at Target is the perfect place to buy plane goodies (or the $1 Store).  I load up my kids' back packs with all sorts of stuff the occupy them while they're in their seat.   Don't spend too much money on this stuff because let's face it, the odds of you making it back home with everything is slim to none...that's why stuff that's only a dollar works best.

7. Bring something for them to eat as a meal
If you're on a flight that is long enough to warrant a meal, I would go ahead and pack something for your kids just in case the meal that is served isn't what they would like.  (We were on a flight six months ago and my kids' options were cold fish or Curry something...needless to say, they passed.)  Bring a sandwich, piece of fruit, bag of chips...simple stuff that will pack well.  Better safe than sorry in the food department.

8. Let everyone know you know flying next to a kid sucks
When my kids were little, the very first thing I would do when we boarded a flight was apologize to the people sitting around us.  I would tell them that I know flying with kids is awful and that I'm so sorry that they had to sit next to us...and you know what?  Ninety-nine percent of the time, they would tell me how they have their own kids/grandkids/niece/nephews and that they love children and don't mind at all.  I think by you recognizing what a pain it is, makes people feel sympathetic towards you and extra nice about the situation  Trust me, try this...it works brilliantly!

9. If you're flying with an infant, ask for a bassinet
Who knew they had bassinets on airplanes???  Until I had babies, I did not know this!  Many, many airplanes reserve seats that have a clip on spot for a baby bassinet.  When the plane is in the air, the flight attendant can attach this little bassinet and your baby can sleep right inside.  When you make your reservations, ask about this!  Now that I know about it, I notice people doing it quite often.  This is a great tip if traveling with a baby.

10. The flight attendants will keep your bottles cold 
I've learned that flight attendants are really great with people and babies...because they don't want to hear your baby cry either!  If you have something that needs to be kept cold, just inform your flight attendant.  They will handle it for you.

11. If you have young kids, you can board your plane early
If you are traveling with a young child (even if that child is old enough to have its own seat), you can board your flight when they first start calling passengers (like with the First Class people).  You should board early if for nothing else, to secure as much overhead compartment space as possible.

12. There is a changing station in the airplane bathroom
Yes.  There is.  It folds up against the wall, but there is a place to change your baby on board the plane in that tiny little bathroom.  Ask a flight attendant if you need help.

13. Load up on movies and games for your kids (and practice wearing headphones!)
Make sure you bring some i-Phone, i-Pad, DVD player or something with headphones for your kid.  Most flights these days even have places where you can charge these types of electronic devices.  Also, make sure your child practices watching their movies while wearing headphones because on a flight, they'll have to.  Give your kid a movie and a snack and watch how well they behave.


Ok...and my number one tip for flying with your kids...

RELAX!  Yes!  You really should!  Let's say it's the worst case scenario and you take a long flight with your kid and he/she screams the entire way...who cares?  You will never see those other passengers again.  You might think it's awful but once it's over, it's over, and you've arrived.  Believe it or not, most people aren't paying attention to you anyway.  If your kid screams, they scream.  You just stay calm and keep chanting to yourself, "This is ok, I'll never see these people again".  The more worked up you get, the more worked up your kid will get.

I have received some questions about medicating kids prior to flights.  I've tried this a couple of times and it has never worked for me...so, I don't do it.  (You know, given them something like Benadryl before a flight.)  I wouldn't if I were you, just because I don't think it works well.  My hubby always says, just leave them alone.  When your kid is on a flight, if they're quiet and content, just leave them alone.  Don't bother them, don't try and pull out a million toys for them...if they're quiet, just leave them alone.  I think that's great advice too.

Things to pack in your carry-on bag:
1. extra sets of clothes for each kid
2. an extra shirt for you
3. 10 large Ziploc baggies (for dirty diapers, soiled clothes, holding toys and books, leaky bottles, etc.)
4. snacks
5. bottles, pacifiers, diapers, wipes (and more wipes...you can never have enough!)
6. Identification for your child (a passport is required if leaving the United States, a birth certificate if you're staying within the US)


Next week, I'm going to do a completely separate post on just taking your kids to Walt Disney World...because I get a lot of questions about that!  At the end of that post, I will answer any questions you might have from this post.  So, if you have questions, leave me a comment and I'll answer it next Friday, April 19 on my Disney post.  I will also do a Shade of Shay in a few weeks about preparing and planning for vacations...saving for them, determining which destination you should go if you're going just with your spouse, with your kids or with friends.  Look for that post April 30.

And next week...it's Fifty Two Shades of Shay: My Fitness Routine :)

Here are just a few pics I have of my kids traveling...

Have a wonderful day!!

Fifty Two Shades of Shay: My Fitness Routine

Before I begin today, I just want to share that my heart is sad and heavy for the people affected by the bombings in Boston yesterday.  If you know me at all, you know that my Texas heart belongs to that wonderful city.  I'm actually taking Kensington there in just a few weeks for her first visit.  

I am praying for the families of the victims and for all of those injured.  I watched the Red Sox win in Boston yesterday morning on TV and thought to myself, what a wonderful day to be in Boston.  Life is just so precious.  Treasure every day.

Today's Shade of Shay is all about how I make fitness a part of my daily life.  This is a really important shade of who I am!

Before I get started, let me make this disclaimer...I am not a personal trainer.  I am not educated in health and fitness. This post is just about how I make fitness a part of my daily life...it's my opinion and stories from my own personal experiences.  A lot of my insight comes directly from my fitness guru Sagi Kalev...he educates me and I'm just repeating some of it back to you.

I grew up in a very active family.  My dad works out and exercises on a daily basis... I cannot remember a time when my dad didn't fit fitness into his daily life.  My mom...is different.  My mom has never had a gym membership or anything fancy like that, but she incorporates healthy living and activity into her daily life too.  She walks almost every day, she does all of her own yard work outside (and if you've seen my mom's massive yard, you know how much work that is!), and she is active (you'll never find her sitting around the house during the day).  Both of my parents taught me that being active is important to your personal well-being.  I learned from both of them and developed my own since of fitness.

A little history...

I started dancing when I was three years old and danced consistently for the next 15 years.  That was my sport/hobby/extracurricular activity of choice growing up and it kept me really active.  When I was 14, I started going up to the gym with my dad several times a week and learned how to use the cardio equipment and attended group exercise classes because they were fun and I enjoyed them...so, he got me my first gym membership.  I went to the gym because it was fun (not to lose weight).

So...after high school, I parted ways with my ballet slippers and tap shoes and took up yoga instead.  I began my yoga practice in college and still practice today.  I love, love, love yoga because it stretches me out, relaxes me and works muscles I didn't know I had.  Along with yoga, I became a runner...

...that's me running a marathon.

For me, running was a fabulous hobby.  I could do it when I wanted (which was early in the morning for me), I didn't need another person to do it with me (like tennis or something), and I could zone out and just enjoy the scenery as I ran.

I ran races for from the time I was 19 until I had Kensington at 27.  I thoroughly enjoyed all aspects of racing and long distance running...but, after I had my sweet baby, I didn't want to spend the hours necessary to be a long distance runner any longer (I would run 3 short runs a week and then a long run on Saturdays that would last 3 to 4 hours).  I checked "running marathons" off my bucket list and hung up my running shoes.

So...what's a gal with an infant suppose to do for fitness???  I found the blessing of stroller fitness...

The day Kensington turned 6 weeks old, I joined my local Baby Boot Camp franchise.  I showed up with my stroller and my infant and met these random girls for the very first time.  Well, well, well...almost five years later, I count these girls as close friends and absolute blessings to me.  

Baby Boot Camp became one of my favorite things to do.  Every morning, I would load up my baby (and then a few months later, my second baby) and head off for our hour long workout with other mamas and kiddos.  If you've read my blog for years, you know how much I love my Boot Camp ladies.  Not only did I get a good workout in but I had this wonderful opportunity to meet and socialize with other moms.  I say all the time that Nancy and Helen taught me how to be moms.  Their boys were a little older than Kensington, so anytime I had a question, I would let Nancy and Helen answer it for me.  Those two ladies taught me everything I know...and I love them to pieces for it.

After two years, our Baby Boot Camp branch closed down and so, we joined Stroller Strides (which is now Fit4Mom)...as a group, we moved to our new location with our kids and our strollers and did the same thing for another year.  After one full year of Stroller Strides, it was time for several of us to reevaluate our routines.  With kiddos starting preschool and outgrowing their strollers, several of us decided it was time to join a gym with a great kids' area...so after 3 wonderful years, we parted ways.  

Let me say this...if you are looking for a way to get out and about with your kids, a place to socialize, a place to exercise in a non-threatening, comfortable environment, I highly, highly recommend you looking into some type of stroller based fitness like what I mentioned above.  Participating in the stroller fitness was one of the very best things I did for myself as a new mom.  I was truly blessed by the friendships, the fellowship and the fitness.  And don't worry if you're a mom that works during the day...both of these companies offer night classes as well!

Ok...so after 3 years, I retired my big stroller and joined a gym about 18 months ago.  I was nervous at first...would I get bored, would I be unmotivated without friends there, would my kids cry at drop-off???  So many doubts...and yet, it turned out to be such a wonderful experience for me and my kiddos!

Right now, we go to the gym 3 or 4 mornings a week.  I drop the kids off and they "exercise" while I do too.  I really enjoy group exercise classes, so most mornings, that is what I do.  Other mornings, I do 40 minutes of weight training and then 30 minutes of cardio.

My tips for working out at the gym...

1. Before you join a class...look at the instructor and the participants and think to yourself, "is my fitness goal to look like them?".  

If the instructor has the body you're going for (she's tone and looks fit!) and at least a couple of the participants look the same way...I would take that as a good sign.  If I see an instructor that looks out of shape...I'm out of there!  How should I expect them to whip me into shape if they can't whip themselves?

2. Go to the gym when it's convenient for you!  

For me, mornings are the most convenient time, so that's when we go.  If you're trying to make yourself go when it's not convenient, then you'll never make it there on a regular basis.  

3. Leave it at the door.  

As girls, I think we tend to over-think things and be hard on ourselves.  I used to leave the gym and think "I could have done that harder, ran faster, lifted more weights, stayed 20 more minutes, etc", and then I read a great fitness article that said "once you put your gym shoes on and walk into the gym, leave it all behind".  I go, I workout, I leave and I don't have regrets.  Sure, some days, I'm more into it than others...and sometimes, I don't feel great or I'm having a bad day, so I just go for 20 minutes and do a little cardio and leave...but I don't beat myself up about it.  You went!  Celebrate that!  

4. Walk on the treadmill and pay attention to what others are doing.

When I first joined this gym, I would walk on the treadmill and watch the trainers with other people.  I learned how a lot of the equipment was used, got great ideas for myself and was able to watch and evaluate things while still doing a little cardio.  At my gym, you are given a few free training sessions when you first join in order to acquaint yourself with the equipment...if yours doesn't offer something similar, I would consider paying for at least one training session just to help you get to know your gym and the equipment there.

5. Find classes you love!

I'm going to be honest.  I've tried Zumba three times and I hated every second of it.  I understand that some people are passionate about Zumba...but I am not.  I want to scratch my eyes out and scream for mercy the entire time I'm in there...so that's why I don't go any more.  I personally love boot camp style classes (that mix cardio and weight training) and spinning classes...so, that's what I do.  I love my classes because I don't have to come up with the workout for the day, my instructors do.  I just show up, workout and go home.  It's my favorite!

6. Shower at the gym

You might think this sounds nutty...but trust me, it's life-changing.  About three months after I joined the gym, I decided to start showering before I picked up my kids...and it totally made my day easier.  Some days, I just hop in the shower and get right out and put on a clean pair of sweats...but you know what, I'm clean.  I can run errands, go home and do work, make dinner..and know, I'm at least clean (and as a mom, sometimes, that's all we can ask for!).  Some days, I take a few extra minutes and put on clothes and makeup...but no matter what, I pick up my kids clean and feel even more refreshed.  Moms don't treat themselves to many luxuries, so if me taking 10 minutes to clean myself up a bit is my only luxury for the day, I'll take it.  Trust me...try it once and you'll understand.

Things that motivate me...

I have been using MTV's Power Yoga DVD for over 10 years!  I still use it about once a week.  I've tried others...but to me, this is the very best one!  I can do it without volume now...I know it by heart.  If you need a good yoga video for your house, this is a great one.

I also love Tracy Anderson's Mat Workout DVD for days when I can't make it to the gym.

Need some more motivation?  Try buying some fun workout clothes and shoes.  Wearing old, crummy clothes to the gym can make you feel drab...try a new outfit in a bright color and see if that doesn't motivate you just a bit...I like this...

I love these shorts from Athleta!   Athleta is great about letting you make returns (even after you've exercised in their clothes!).  Plus, these shorts come in some great colors and always wash and wear well.

If you're looking for a yoga pant, I love these by Old Navy.  I wear them on airplanes sometimes too.  They're really comfy!

I also love this top by Athleta too!  Not only does it come in great, bright, happy colors...but it's not clingy to your body, so you can workout without feeling like you're showing off too much of yourself.

This tank comes from Gap, and I have it in two colors.  It's perfect for indoor or outdoor exercise.

And a new pair of shoes really does make a huge difference when working out.  I love me a Nike.  Whether you're taking a group class or working out on your own (or just going for a walk around your neighborhood), a new pair of shoes does motivate you to get out and get going.

So...in a nutshell..

I have done it all.  I've done the gym, I've worked out at home with just a few DVDs and some free weights, I've run marathons, I've done stroller classes and I've even done Zumba ;).  The most important thing about creating a fitness routine for yourself is to find something you enjoy...whether it's running, tennis, salsa dancing, cycling, swimming, yoga...whatever...just find something and do it.  And when you get bored and burned out, find something else and keep things fun.

I'm very grateful that my parents made fitness a part of their lives because it's always come so natural to me to make it a part of mine.  I just want to be active most days...even if that's just walking the block.  I want my kids to be active, which right now is riding bikes and going for a swim.  Just add a little activity into your daily life.

One last note about working out while pregnant...

I worked out during both of my pregnancies.  Obviously, check with your doctor, but for me, it was nice to get out, stretch my legs and do something good for myself.  With Kensington, I did a lot of swimming and prenatal yoga and with Smith, I did Baby Boot Camp.  Just get out and be active!

Alright...hold on tight...next week, we're going to move from Fitness to finding a swimsuit.  Fifty Two Shades of Shay: Swimsuit Shopping.  It's almost summer ladies!

(don't be scared!)

And PS: Today, I'm featured on Hi Sugarplum's blog...click here to see me play 20 Questions.

For the Stella and Dot giveaway, click here.