Todays post is not my typical blog post. What I want to talk about has nothing to do with this outfit either. The two most requested topics I’ve received lately is how I lost my baby weight and more casual outfit posts. We’ll get into that later but I kind of just need to brain dump…
If you’re new to the blog or maybe you don’t know this but blogging is my full time job (besides being a mommy). I left my successful real estate career because it was toxic and sucked the life out of me for 14 years. You can read more about it here. I LOVE what I do now. I feel extremely blessed and grateful every single day. However…in the midst of all the collaborations, tight deadlines and trying to keep up with social media, I’ve forgotten why I even started this blog to begin with. Don’t get me wrong, I am SO grateful for all the opportunities and by no means complaining. I’m able to stay home with Milan and do what I’m passionate about. Life doesn’t get any better than this!
Since becoming a mommy, I’ve struggled. I’ve struggled with trying to find balance, keeping up with my business and at the same time trying to be the best mommy possible to Milan. I know I’ve talked about it before but social media can be so misleading. If you scroll through most Instagram feeds, it certainly does not portray real life. From the new Instagram algorithms to negative comments, it can be just plain draining. How sad is it that the number of likes and comments you get on a photo that you work so hard on can affect your mood. It can also determine if a brand wants to work with you or not. Has it come to this? Instagram is frustrating at times yet it’s the livelihood of my business. It’s a double edge sword.
I’ve been asked so many times, how do you do it all? Honestly, I have no idea and sometimes I barely get through the day (lol). Most people think of blogging as a hobby and we get to wear fancy clothes and pose for photos. That is so far from the truth. It’s all fluff. We post only what we want others to see, not really what is happening behind the scenes.
Blogging is just like any other business and you have to treat it as such if you truly want to build your brand. It looks super easy but it’s NOT. Just like real estate, everyone wanted to make a quick buck and thought they could cut it but most tried and would fail. Blogging is no different. My advice to anyone who wants to be an influencer/blogger/social media star, do it for the right reasons and not to make money.
How I lost my baby weight
Okay so how did I lose my baby weight? It took me about a year to get back to my pre-pregnancy weight and I still have a few pounds to go (still nursing). I gained 27 lbs. during pregnancy and now am down to 94 lbs. I inadvertently lost my baby weight and haven’t exercised at all. Cue a hundred *eye rolls*. Yeah I get it, it’s annoying but I’m not telling you this to brag. I actually would love to exercise and need to for my own health! I think my weight has a lot to do with genetics however diet obviously plays a major role.
Taking care of myself or losing weight has taken a back seat. The only reason why I even lost any weight is due to trying to figure out what was causing Milan’s eczema. After trying every natural cream/remedy on the market, the only thing left was the process of elimination diet. Which meant I had to cut out dairy, wheat, grains and all processed foods to see if what I was eating was affecting Milan. It was SO hard! I did not enjoy this but was willing to do anything and everything in hopes that it would help us figure out the source of what was flaring up her skin. Unfortunately we didn’t find the answer we were looking for but in the interim, I lost the majority of my baby weight during this time. By no means am I suggesting you do this to lose weight. Make sure to consult with your doctor or health care professional before attempting to do any type of diet.
Having a baby completely changes your body and unless you have the time to devote to working out, it’s not easy to shed those pounds you gained from creating a human. Even though I’m down to my pre-pregnancy size, my waistline probably will never be the same. Clothes hide a lot so don’t be deceived! LOL
What do I do for exercise? I try to get out and walk for at least 30-45 minutes each day. Even a short walk is better than nothing and getting fresh air and vitamin D is just healthy for your mind and body. I eat (or try to) mostly all organic and as little processed foods as possible. What I’ve learned over the past couple of years is that food is medicine for body. The choices we make and the food we eat has a great impact on how our bodies react. Do I always make the right choices? Heck no. I’m only human and love carbs and chips (lol). I allow myself to indulge here and there so I don’t go crazy. I may do a post on what I eat to give you an idea of my diet. There’s a LOT to cover.
Shirt: Socialite cutout choker tee (size XS) | Jeans: 1822 Denim step hem jeans (size 24, another option HERE) | Sneakers: New Balance for J.Crew mesh sneakers (also have these in pink) | Purse: Gucci soho disco bag | Hair wand: T3 whirl trio styling wand | Lipstick: YSL | Nails: Acquarella (similar HERE) | Sunglasses: Tory Burch (similar HERE) | Watch: c/o kate spade holland bracelet watch
I better stop while I’m ahead because I could go on and on….so let’s get to this outfit. I never thought in a million years that I would do a post wearing jeans and sneakers but this what I’ve been wearing a lot lately. This cutout choker tee is one of those items that looks WAY better in person than it does online. It’s not as low cut as it appears on the model and sizing runs small. I’m wearing XS and it fits like a basic tee. Very comfortable and available in a bunch of different colors. Also these jeans are actually step hem jeans that I rolled up twice because they are slightly too long. I love the wash, minimal distressing and the fit is very flattering. The best part? It’s only $45! If you like raw edge jeans, this one is only $44. I have my eye on these darker wash skinny jeans for only $39.
As much as I would love to say that I wear fancy clothes everyday, that is just not my life right now. I enjoy getting dolled up and wearing pretty dresses and heels but the reality is, I’m just a regular gal trying to navigate my way through this journey of motherhood and making sure I stay healthy, positive and happy for Milan. Because at the end of the day, she’s the only thing that matters to me. 🙂
SHOP THE OUTFIT
This post was super interesting to read! I think it is amazing that you were willing to do all of that to help your daughter.
-Noelle
Hi Noelle! Thank you so much! I would do anything for Milan! 🙂
I’m sure the long-term breastfeeding also contributes, but you’re right that having to change your diet for your baby sheds the weight. I had to go on a really healthy diet the last trimester because of gestational diabetes and continued the diet after birth, though not as strict. I also don’t exercise (legitimately tired), but I have to push the baby in the stroller around the house for a half hour 3x/day in order to get him to sleep. Funny how we probably wouldn’t make these changes if just losing weight was the end goal, but what’s good for baby benefits us, too. You’re looking great, Annie!
Aw so sorry you had to go through gestational diabetes…my sister had that and it was rough! I hear ya mama….legitimately tired is no joke! Your LO won’t sleep/nap in the crib? Milan didn’t either until I sleep trained her. Have you read that post? That may help free up some time for you during the day 🙂
Good for you Annie and great insight about motherhood and juggling many things at once! Always love your blogs and the fact that the outfits you picked are stylish yet affordable! I also can relate because although back to prepregnancy weight my body is not the same and still trying to find best fits that work.
Thank you Delia! You are so sweet and I think trying to get everything done when you are a mommy is just not possible. There aren’t enough hours in the day! lol Our bodies go through so much but it’s so worth it when we look at our LO. Congrats on your baby! XO
I love your transparency, Annie. I know what you mean about social media. It can be exhausting and things are not always as they appear. Thank you for keeping it real. You’re a wonderful mommy to Milan. I so enjoy seeing your IG stories and posts with sweet, Milan. Keep up the great work!!
Thank you so much Debbie! You are such a wonderful supporter and it really means A LOT! XO
Thank you for a very honest and real post and for sharing an inside look at a career in blogging. I too left a very toxic and stressful sales position to find my true passion. I’m still looking but I do believe in the saying “if you love what you do, the money will come”. I love your blog and although I can’t afford most of the high end items, I still get inspiration and love your fashion sense.
Thanks Gloria! You left a toxic and stressful career too? Good for you! That makes me happy when people share stories like this because I don’t think anyone should suffer at their job EVER. So proud of you! I would rather have less money and be happy than work my butt off and be stressed out every single second of the day – what’s the point of having money if you are unhappy right? 🙂
Thank you for being so real! I love when you show your “mommy outfits” as I have a 1 year old and I as well find myself in jeans or yoga pants a lot. I’m always looking for ways to “cuten” it up a little!
If you’re ever in Charleston, I could use some help with Fall shopping 🙂
Aw thank you so much Tara! Hahaha nothing wrong with yoga pants or jeans – we are busy mommys! I do think it’s important for us to get dressed up so we can feel good because when we feel great, baby is happy! I will def keep you in mind if I’m in Charleston (so pretty)! XX
I appreciate your blog and check for new posts every single day! You’ve made a difference to me, please don’t think that what you do doesn’t matter. Parenting is hard, blogging on top of that must be extremely hard! Keep up the good work mama!
You are so sweet Aleksandra! I really appreciate your comment and kind words. Parenting is NO JOKE. Trying to get anything done during the day is almost impossible. lol Thank you for making my day! XOXO
Hi Annie, I enjoyed your blog today, you seem like a really sweet and approachable person, I like your humbleness unlike other bloggers who seem to full of themselves. I have been wanting to ask how you became a blogger, so this is pretty close but can you add how did you actually started, like who was your first collaboration with and so forth. To be a blogger I’m sure you also have to look good, be fit, etc. I have been wanting to find a blogger of older age, petite and curvy do you know of any? Not that i would stop following you, you’re one of my favs for all the things I mentioned before and love to see Milan too , she’s adorable! ????
Hi Loren! Thank you so much for your kind words and support! I know you are a loyal reader and I hope you know how much I appreciate you taking the time to read my blog! OMG my first collab – I don’t even remember it was so long ago, probably some small company since I was just starting out. FYI you don’t need to look good or fit or be anything to be a blogger. That’s the beauty of blogging. There’s a blog and niche for everyone. I don’t know of any petite and curvy older bloggers but I will take a look and get back to you! 🙂
Oh and do bloggers get the items for free or do they get paid how does that work? Thanks Annie sorry if I’m asking too many questions, lol
No worries! It depends on the collaboration but sometimes the item is gifted and you will see a c/o (courtesty of) next to the item or if the post is sponsored, you will see the disclosure at the bottom of the post: Thank you (Brand) for sponsoring this post or something along these lines. Each blogger is different and how they choose to receive gifted items or how they get paid. Also, when you click on an affiliate link, a blogger earns a very small commission if you make a purchase. Hope this helps:0
You’re the sweetest, thank you for answering my questions, that helps a lot, I always appreciate your hard work, I also like that you share some more affordable items for some of us who can’t (but wish) afford high end items. I also like that you keep it real! Thank you!
I am a petite working mom and if it weren’t for your blog I would still be wearing my clothes from 10 years ago. I don’t have time to shop so I just click through your posts and order online. The executive I work for always complements my outfits. So know your work is making a positive impact on this mom’s life!!
Hi Beth! awe thank you so much for leaving this comment! It totally brought a smile to my face and need to hear this once in awhile. Sometimes I wonder if my blog helps or not…lol I appreciate the support! XOXO
May I ask, do you use any special editing tool or any preset for these picture because it look very bright or you just use the T3i and the 50 mm? Thanks
I use lightroom to edit my photos 🙂
I love reading your posts! It must be so hard to filter out negative comments. You look great! I recently had twins and I mostly lost my weight, besides eating healthier, by not sleeping much honestly. Twins are super cute but in reality they run me ragged, and it was so hard the first year. I have an older son that I have to give attention to as well, and I am just so tired all time. I try to make time for myself but time is limited. Your posts are wonderful because you do the trying on for me and I can just online shop and still look good. Thank you and keep up the good work!
Hi Dassi! Congrats on your twins! OMG how exciting! You must be one busy mama! lol Negative comments are the worst but it comes with the territory of blogging so I try not to pay any attention to it. People love hiding behind their computer screens and it’s easy for everyone to judge. I really appreciate you reading and for the support – means a lot to me! XOXO
I heart this post. I’m a full time working mom. It’s sooo hard. I can relate to everything you said. You’re not alone!
Aw yay Lori! Being a full time working mom is NO JOKE. lol
Motherhood changes everything! And I love those shoes…
It really does! So worth it 🙂
i lost all my baby weight too while i was nursing (was down to pre preg weight). my son also had severe eczema so i went on an elimination diet which didn’t cure anything. i stopped breastfeeding when he turned 1, and slowly but surely all my weight came back and now, when my son is broaching 3, i’m heavier than i was when i was 9 months pregnant. i’ve tried several diets but nothing really stuck, oh well. i think i just lack commitment to dieting because my life is all about him now but i know i must find some sort of balance. anyway, i did find out what caused his eczema after we got him to do an allergy test. apparently he was allergic (and still is) to cow milk, eggs, nuts, sesame seeds (he was and is not allergic to wheat and soy anymore). augh.. and we are due for another allergy test. When we cut all that out of his diet, his eczema quickly receded. it only flares up now when he’s out in the sun or eats one of is allergens.
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