We’ve been making some updates around the house. A few rooms needed a refresh, in part because we’ve refined our style since buying our home five years ago, and in part because we have a baby pulling up on everything now! We also had a few areas that we just never gave appropriate attention to and needed to be decorated. The entryway was one of those places that really needed help. When guests walk through the front door, we wanted the entry to give a good first impression and reflect the vibe of our home: light and airy, with art that pops.
Speaking of art, we’d fallen in love with some modern interpretations of barns that we spotted at two art fairs in the past year, but those pieces were way out of our price range. So I almost fell out of my chair when I discovered this print by Robin Ott on Minted.com–it’s so similar! Plus, Minted now offers really big sizes, so a 30″ x 40″ print became the solution our entry was begging for. I love that this simple statement piece represents the Midwest and the farmland just a mile down the road. It also reminds me of the Albert Camus quote, “In the midst of winter, I found there was, within me, an invincible summer.” Art like this makes me think of summertime, and I like that it will impart a relaxed, colorful vibe year round, which is especially appealing given the long winters here.
Given the boldness and scale of the big piece, I toned things down on the opposite wall with a gallery of prints in a monochromatic color palette. Yet another thing I love about using Minted? You can get artists’ prints framed so they arrive ready to hang. Done and done. I ordered the small prints in white frames so they almost blend into the walls, which we just repainted a warm white. I anchored the space with a jute rug that has nice earthy texture, and rounded it out with some simple benches and a large basket. I love the way our entry feels now! It’s warm and inviting, and while nothing is too precious, it feels polished. And of course, it flows so well into the rest of our home.
This post is in partnership with Minted.com, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands I love and that allow me to create fresh content for Perpetually Chic!
I’m feeling a little mind blown (and emotional) that we’re a month away from Elsie’s first birthday. I distinctly remember in those early, hard weeks that the cliche advice every mom gives that “time flies” fell on deaf ears. I couldn’t grasp that because life had seemed to stop, the days and nights ran into each other, and I had no idea what day of the week it even was. But eventually, time did start to fly as our little girl started changing and growing so fast! Since embarking on this journey of motherhood, I knew I wanted to share some of the experience, while keeping some parts private. Just finding the time to stop and reflect and do so hasn’t come easy. So it seems only fitting as we count down to year one to spill a few highlights–both things I learned and things I found helpful–starting with my pregnancy essentials. From the jeans to the body pillow to the books I leaned on during that exciting period of anticipation this time last year, here are my maternity must-haves! Anything you’d add to this list? Other mom or baby stuff you’d like to hear about?
GETTING DRESSED
Being pregnant in the summer was really a win, as I was easily able to stretch my regular wardrobe (hello cotton dresses) and only invested in a few maternity pieces. A few of my favorites:
Long tanks: The Liz Lange for Target tanks don’t look like anything special, but they are amazing. I loved them so much I bought up every single color. Then I proceeded to wear them to work, layered under my nice blazers; wear them with a sports bra for weekly workouts; wear them to sleep in; wear them on the weekend with leggings…you get the idea! They’re super soft and flattering and still–a year later–my favorite tanks.
Maternity band: I was able to hold off on buying maternity jeans and kept wearing my regular pants well into my pregnancy by using a BeBand. It was super strange feeling at first, and you have to make sure you wear a longer shirt to cover it, but it really was an essential piece for the first two trimesters.
Jeans: I opted for Citizen of Humanity’s Avedon Skinny Maternity Jeans. I intended to try a couple options, but these were the first pair I ordered and they were really comfortable, so I stopped there. I liked the elastic belly panels as I didn’t want anything that came up over my belly and added extra material there. I took my pre-pregnancy size, and they lasted me through the third trimester.
Bras: I finally started wearing this Cosabella maternity/nursing bra at the very end of my pregnancy and only wish I’d ordered it sooner. It’s so pretty, comfortable and functional. Worth the money. I’m now a big fan of all of Cosabella’s bras.
Basic clothing: Like I said, I really tried not to buy maternity clothing that I’d only wear for a limited time and then pack away. I was pretty determined about that, probably to a fault, and I bet it wouldn’t have been as easy in winter. I wore a lot of flowy dresses and tunic tops. Blazers and my jean jacket came in handy for layering over tanks. And I admittedly wore my favorite pair of black leggings a lot. But if you do want to invest in a few trendy maternity pieces, I suggest HATCH, Storq, and Rachel Pally.
SLEEPING (OR TRYING)
I didn’t sleep well while pregnant, between hitting up the bathroom constantly and tossing and turning in bed. I remember dreaming of finally getting to catch some ZZZ’s once baby arrived and we had established a nighttime routine…little did I know she would take 10 months to finally sleep through the night! But a few things that did help as my belly grew:
Body pillow: A must–I really loved Bump Nest’s perfectly soft, comfortable body pillow. It created a lot of laughs at first, but my husband quickly realized it was oh-so necessary. The cover is machine washable.
PJs: I continued to wear my favorite Eberjey sleepwear, which was soft and loose, for a good part of my pregnancy. Once my belly outgrew it, I wanted as little clothing on as possible, and wore those Target tanks with Hanky Panky boy shorts.
STAYING HEALTHY
Eating nutritiously, staying hydrated, taking vitamins, getting rest–always important but even more so while pregnant. Just a few basic staples:
Belly oil and butter:Zoe Organics all the way. I don’t know if you can really avoid stretch marks, but using a belly oil every day definitely had a placebo effect. It made me feel like I was doing something and had the bonus of calming any itchiness.
Prenatal vitamins: I used a generic brand from our pharmacy, but was excited to see that Honest has recently come out with a prenatal vitamin they’re selling at Target.
Water bottle: I’ve never been great at drinking enough water, but I really did try while pregnant. Ugh, and guzzling a bunch before ultrasounds–the hardest. I invested in a nice glass, BPA-free water bottle from Lifefactory and filled it up throughout the day at work with lots of ice, the only way I can drink it.
WORKING OUT
Your body changes in so many incredible, unexpected ways during pregnancy, and after. There’s really no better time to establish a good fitness routine than while you’re pregnant if you can. After I got through the first-trimester sickness, I was fortunate to have an abundance of energy and committed to the most regular workout schedule I’ve had in years (4 days a week). I’m sure there are plenty of opinions on this, and we all have such different bodies and metabolisms and energy levels during pregnancy, so there’s certainly no one-size-fits-all approach. But I most definitely attribute my own body’s ability to readjust quickly after birth to the consistent weekly workouts I did while pregnant.
Yoga mat: I can’t recommend prenatal yoga enough. I went twice a week, and it was both great for my body and relaxing for my mind. In fact, I was so tired toward the end of my pregnancy that I often fell asleep in modified savasana at the end of class! I was lucky to attend a very small class and got a lot of personalized help making safe adjustments along the way from my instructor, a mom of four. Bolster pillows become your friend.
Sneakers: I also attended a small-group, strength-training class twice a week. Again, I was lucky that our gym is very small and our instructors are really like friends/family at this point–they worked with me closely to make adjustments but also ensured I got a solid workout each time. My goal was to establish more strength, particularly in my arms, as I knew a lot of baby holding was coming!
READING UP
It’s absolutely overwhelming to try to read all the pregnancy and baby books out there. I also think there are a lot of opinions (which gets confusing and you start to question everything), so to some extent your best bet is to trust your gut and do what feels right for you. I personally didn’t get around to reading too many books while pregnant, but I do wish I had done a bit more reading. When you’re sleep deprived in those first weeks and months with a newborn, you really won’t feel like reading–unless you’re the ultimate multitasker and can read while nursing! And speaking of sleep, knowing what to expect and tips on what to do to get baby to sleep are things you’re better off reading up on when you can actually keep your eyes open (trust me: we learned the hard way). Just a few books I found helpful: Happiest Baby on the Block, Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child, and Bringing Up Bébé. Of course, everyone has different parenting styles, so find the few that resonate with you.
Door County is the Midwest’s answer to Cape Cod and a true Wisconsin gem. Thanks to many friends who gave us tips, plus some research and exploring of our own, we’ve compiled quite the to-do list. I know there’s even more we’ve yet to uncover, but here are a few things we did and places we ate, plus a few musts we didn’t get to with baby along. There’s always next year! You can see photos from our weekend getaway here.
WHERE TO STAY
We rented an adorable Airbnb apartment in Sturgeon Bay (owner Rob also rents another apartment next door). We loved exploring the main street, grabbing coffee at Kick, and visiting the Saturday farmers’ market. But it was a drive to visit the other towns farther up the peninsula. Next time, we’ll likely look for a cottage to rent in Fish Creek, which has the most restaurants and shops and Peninsula State Park. For couples, I’d check out the new Double S Lodge in Sister Bay. The sign caught my eye as we were driving by and the photos of this four-room B&B are just gorgeous. Definitely a chic find, which Door County tends to lack in the hotel department. Or check out the White Gull Inn for a classic Door County B&B experience.
WHERE TO EAT
We enjoyed the fish boil at Scaturo’s in Sturgeon Bay. I heard their breakfast is good too. We walked to Kick Coffee downtown each morning for coffee, and enjoyed the friendly owner and staff at Lola’s for lunch. Other Sturgeon Bay spots to check out: Bluefront Cafe for lunch and Sunflower Bakery to pick up breakfast treats. In Bailey’s Harbor: DC Deli for smoked pastrami sandwiches after checking out Cana Island Light. If you have time, get a flight of beer at Door County Brewing Company (Pastoral and Little Sister are our favorites). In Fish Creek: Wild Tomato Wood Fired Pizza is worth the wait for delicious pizza and salads (insider tip: order takeout from the house out back to avoid the wait, and take your pizza to the beach). Also in Fish Creek: Bluehorse Beach Cafe and The Cookery. In Ephraim: Wilson’s Restaurant & Ice Cream Parlor is a classic experience. In Egg Harbor: Shipwrecked Brew Pub. In Sister Bay: Grasse’s Grill.
WHAT TO SEE & DO
Hike or bike in Peninsula State Park, or stake out a spot for an afternoon on its busy beach. Explore Cana Island Lighthouse and the grassy dunes of Whitefish Dunes State Park on the Lake Michigan side. Stop in each of the quaint towns of Door County along Highway 42 and 57. Drop into Waseda Farm’s market for picnic provisions. Sign up for a kayak tour or plan your own winery tour. If you have extra time, take the ferry over to Washington Island for a day trip. Check your dates for cherry festivals and apple picking, too.
WHEN TO GO
Summer or fall, when the weather is perfect for being outdoors most of the day and all the towns are abuzz with vacationers.
Our friends–both Wisconsin locals and fellow transplants–have raved about Door County for years but for some reason or another we never made the trip happen. This summer we decided not to let another year go by without making the four-hour drive from Madison and planned a long weekend getaway. We were pleasantly surprised at what we found: A stunning peninsula jutting into Lake Michigan that bears a striking resemblance to the coast of Maine and even to Cape Cod. Dramatic shorelines, thick forests, sandy beaches, and farmland unite. Charming towns follow the Green Bay coastline, where there are plenty of restaurants, galleries, wineries, lighthouses and state parks to explore. We visited in between cherry and apple-picking seasons, but still made it home with some cherry pie in our bellies, the sweet end to a traditional Friday fish boil. Our 48 hours in Door County left such an impression that we’ve already decided we’ll go back every year for more. Click through to see some photos from our trip, and pop over to my Door County guide for tips on where to stay and eat, and what to see and do!
Wearing sunscreen is a no-brainer, but choosing one can be downright mind boggling. Comparing all the options on the market gets both confusing and frustrating, as I’ve come to realize after spending a crazy amount of time researching the best sunscreens for Elsie this summer. On one hand, I discovered that the traditional, chemical-based sunscreens–including those we’ve personally used for years–don’t score well with the Environmental Working Group (EWG) sunscreen ratings. On the other hand, mineral-based sunscreens clearly score better for safety and effectiveness for kids, but they get a bad rap for going on thick and leaving a chalky white residue. And then just when you think you’ve been using a product that fits the bill, the brand comes under fire for a change in formulation that is potentially leading to customer sunburns.
In the seemingly never-ending process of searching for the best sunscreen and testing out product after product, I had the chance to try Block Island Organics and decided to ask Kelly Hsiao, co-founder of this family-run company, to help clear up some of my questions about choosing a “natural” sunscreen. I couldn’t wait to share her responses with you today because they gave me SO much insight on how to navigate through all the terminology and really simplified how to choose a quality, safe sunscreen. Plus I learned a few things that I definitely need to change or do better myself–no spray sunscreen and actually using enough! Whether a mom or not, you’ve undoubtedly been in the same position as me when staring at the sunscreen shelves, so I hope Kelly’s guidance helps you too (she’s also giving us a special discount code for 15% off below).
Also I’d love to hear: What sunscreens do you like to use?
10 QUESTIONS WITH KELLY HSIAO OF BLOCK ISLAND ORGANICS
What makes a natural sunscreen “natural?”
There actually is no standard definition of “natural” by a US national regulating body. The US Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) do not regulate or define how the word is used. Ok, so you might be thinking then how do I determine and trust what is natural? Well in our view natural means a product that does not contain parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, dyes or artificial fragrances and contains ingredients that are naturally derived from fruits, plants, organic compounds and minerals.
When reading sunscreen labels, what ingredients do we want to steer clear of?
Now obviously we are biased as a mineral suncare company but organizations such as The Environmental Working Group (aka EWG, a non-profit advocacy group) recommend against using sunscreen with chemical UV filters due to toxicity concerns. Some of these chemical UV filters can potentially cause hormone disruption, penetrate into the body and irritate the skin. Chemical UV filters include: Aminobenzoic acid, Avobenzone, Cinoxate, Dioxybenzone, Ecamsule (Mexoryl SX), Ensulizole (Phenylbenzimiazole Sulfonic Acid), Homosalate, Meradimate (Menthyl Anthranilate), Octocrylene, Octinoxate (Octyl Methoxycinnamate), Octisalate ( Octyl Salicylate), Oxybenzone, Padimate O, Sulisobenzone and Trolamine Salicylate. To tell if a sunscreen uses a chemical UV filters – check the label’s “Active Ingredients.” Of course, we also suggest steering clear of the ingredients mentioned above – parabens, sulfates, petrochemicals, phthalates, dyes and artificial fragrances.
What about zinc oxide vs. titanium dioxide formulations?
Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are mineral UV filters that are found in mineral sunscreens (although some sunscreens marketed as “mineral” do contain a mixture of minerals and chemicals – always check the label). We personally prefer zinc oxide (as does the EWG) because zinc is the best UV protector as it offers the broadest UV spectrum protection. Zinc protects against UVB and UVA while titanium protects against UVB and only part of UVA. Plus, dermatologists often say zinc is the safest sunscreen ingredient for sensitive skin. It has antimicrobial properties that help to enhance wound healing and it’s even the main ingredient in diaper rash cream. Currently we use zinc only although we have used zinc and titanium in past sunscreen formulations. If you are interested, here is more on the UV protection range of different UV filters.
What what’s the buzz about nano technology? Should we look for non-nano?
Nano-particles have gotten a bad wrap and the buzz is regarding whether there are health risks associated with them. In particular, if they penetrate the skin. There are studies on both sides of this argument. The US FDA and the European Union also studied the issue and both concluded that nano-particles are safe and don’t penetrate the skin. The EWG agrees as well in their article entitled “Nanoparticles in Sunscreens” as long as they are not used in spray or powdered sunscreens. We’d agree with this too and add that it’s true of all sprays or powders no matter the type of UV filter used. I’ll get into the specifics more in the next question.
As for us, we’ve taken a wait-and-see approach and thus made our sunscreen non-nano. Of course, we are always reading up on the latest research. In terms of whether one should buy a non-nano sunscreen, we think that it is a personal decision that everyone needs to make by reading through the available research.
It seems most natural sunscreens are lotions. Are spray sunscreens unsafe?
Good question. Consumers definitely like sprays due to their ease of use. However, we’d say avoid avoid avoid. There are two reasons. One, inhaling them, no matter what UV filter is used, is not a good idea. It’s why the EWG recommends against them. Also, Consumer Reports has said the same thing – don’t use spray sunscreens in their article “Don’t spray sunscreens on kids, at least for now”. Two, most of the sunscreen is lost to the wind with sprays. It makes it very hard to get proper coverage. Even the US FDA is concerned. They are doing an on-going review of the safety and effectiveness of spray sunscreens. It’s also why the FDA has outlawed powdered sunscreens. They don’t want people inhaling them. Here’s a quick checklist covering spray sunscreen concerns:
Can be flammable
Difficult to achieve full coverage as the sunscreen can blow away in the wind
Potential inhalation is not good
Can get into and irritate the eyes
If you are going to use them, we recommend spraying them into your hand first and then applying them that way.
Is “broad spectrum” on the label important?
Yes “broad spectrum” is a definite MUST. SPF is only a measure of protection against UVB rays however UVA rays are also an issue. In general UVB rays cause sunburn and skin cancer while UVA rays cause skin aging and skin cancer. UVB rays do cause a bit of skin aging and UVA a bit of sunburn, but that’s a good way to think about them. To get protection from both types, you MUST use a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum”. This means you’ll get UVA protection as well as UVB. The term “broad spectrum” is regulated by the US FDA – the sunscreen has to pass a broad spectrum test.
What are your tips for safe sunscreen application?
A big one in my books is sunscreen needs to be worn all year-round, even on cloudy days. It’s estimated that up to 80% of UV rays penetrate clouds. Plus UV rays are prevalent year round – ever see a skier with a sunburn? They can even be amplified by reflecting off snow and ice. Even office workers can benefit as UV rays penetrate untreated glass. So if you sit next to a window or spend a lot of time in your car commuting those are two more reasons to use sunscreen daily.
A second tip is people often remember to wear sunscreen on their face but forget other exposed parts of their body such as the neck, décolletage and hands. Every exposed body part should have sunscreen on it.
My third tip is – use enough sunscreen! The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates most people use 25% to 50% of the actual sunscreen needed according to a study done in 2002. This means you end up with a lower SPF than stated on the bottle. How much should you use? The AAD and The Skin Cancer Foundation recommend applying about one fluid ounce (the size of a full shot glass) to cover the full body.
Any resources you recommend for identifying safe sunscreens?
The EWG is a great resource as mentioned earlier. Every year the EWG reviews products for their safety and effectiveness. In 2015, they analyzed over 1,700 sunscreens, SPF-rated moisturizers, lip balms and found that 80% of them contained harmful ingredients or offered inadequate protection against dangerous ultraviolet radiation — or both. We feel really proud and honored that Block Island Organics sunscreen made the EWG’s Best Beach and Sport Sunscreens two years in row!
Is Block Island’s sunscreen safe to use for the whole family?
Yes it is safe for the whole family – adults, teens, kids and babies over six months. No sunscreens are recommended for babies under six months. In fact, by US FDA regulation all sunscreens have to carry a statement saying not to use them until over 6 months of age. Instead, babies under six months should not be out in the sun. If you head over to our blog we have more sun protection tips for the little ones here.
Where can we buy Block Island sunscreen?
You can buy Block Island Organics sunscreen at www.blockislandorganics.com. And if you use the discount code “laurenc” from Monday, August 24th through Sunday, August 30th, you can receive 15% off your order. Please note this code is not combinable with other codes.
Summer is quickly closing in on fall. While I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to sandal weather, it’s hard to ignore the shifting seasons, especially when shopping. And as those cozy sweaters and boots hit shelves, it’s fun to start selecting some new favorites for the wardrobe. One of my favorite pairs of shoes to wear in the fall are the kilim slippers that I purchased in Istanbul two years ago. They’re made from vintage handwoven Turkish rugs and truly unique, giving any neutral outfit a colorful, stylish spin. They’re also incredibly comfortable, molding to you just like your favorite pair of jeans, and the easiest thing ever to slip on as you walk out the door. The only problem I’ve faced in wearing them has been that everyone loves them and they’re impossible to find unless you go to Turkey.
Well, in poking around online, I just stumbled on a great source and had to fast forward to a fall mindset to immediately share it with you. Check out this Etsy shop, which carries a great selection in sizes 5-10 (but only a few pairs available per size). Purchase a pair now and slip them on as soon as the weather changes. You’ll be glad you did!
I’ve been seeing acai bowls popping up in my Instagram feed for a while now. Despite a lot of pretty photos, I wasn’t sure a smoothie in a bowl—because really, that’s what it is—deserved all the hype. But after finding myself in a major breakfast rut, leading to a bad habit of just making iced coffee and grabbing a piece of toast to start my day, I knew something had to change. So I gave in and decided to try the trend for myself. Making an acai bowl couldn’t be easier: Blend an acai smoothie pack with your favorite frozen fruit, banana, and a splash of liquid. Then top with hemp seeds, chia seeds, fruit, granola, coconut flakes — whatever you like. I love that this breakfast is packed with vitamins and antioxidants to fuel your day. Plus it’s sweet, crunchy, filling, and just plain fun to eat. We’ve always been big smoothie makers at home, but the simple change of putting the smoothie into a bowl and eating it with a spoon? Well, I guess that’s what all the hype is about.
INGREDIENTS
1 acai smoothie pack (I used Simply Balanced, found in the freezer section at Target)
1 frozen banana
1 big handful of frozen strawberries
1/3 cup of vanilla yogurt (I used Siggi’s Icelandic-style)
A splash of orange juice
A tablespoon of chia seeds
1. Add the acai smoothie pack, banana, strawberries, yogurt, OJ, and chia seeds to a blender. Blend until creamy and smooth.
2. Spoon the smoothie mix into a bowl and top with the fruit, coconut flakes, and hemp seeds.
I discovered a little brand called Zoe Organics last year while I was pregnant with Elsie. I was searching for two things: A belly oil to keep stretch marks at bay and an organic bug spray I could take on our trip to Mexico to keep the mosquitoes away. Particularly for the bug spray, I wanted to find a formulation that I would feel safe using while pregnant. I became an instant fan of Zoe Organics’ Insect Repellent, which contains essential oils like geranium, peppermint, and rosemary, and is even safe for little ones. This bug spray actually smells good! The belly oil also became one of my pregnancy must-haves; I used it every night.
After that, I was pretty much sold on the brand. Their products are natural and perform and are soothing for the whole family—I’ve loved trying additional products from the line as I have transitioned from pregnancy to new motherhood. The Nipple Balm? A total life saver in those early weeks of nursing. The Refresh Oil? A perfect pick-me-up when dabbed on pulse points. The Breathe Balm? A safe aromatherapy blend for a congested baby (after 3 months). The fresh and simple packaging is an added bonus.
Have you tried Zoe Organics? If not, you can order on their site, plus several of the products are now available in Target’s new prenatal/postpartum section!
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