My Good Things

Move over Martha, it's time for Mindy's Good Things. Translation: I'm about to waste 3o minutes (or more?) telling you about all the awesome things I am loving lately.

Forever 21
Who doesn't love Forever 21? Fashion forward clothing and jewelry at prices so low it doesn't matter if you only wear them one season. Really. Why am I loving Forever 21 right now? Because they have come to my saving once again with "maternity" wear. I can't tell you the struggle I've had shopping for maternity clothing. Apparently being pregnant means you've resolved to look like you're wearing a sack at all times. 99% of maternity clothing I looked at is 1) unstylish, 2) shapeless (when we're in need of proof we have a shape most!), 3) only in solid colors, 4) if it is remotely cute it is too expensive, and 5) not fit for anyone under 40, and maybe not even then. (Strange, because who over 40 is pregnant anyway?) Lucky me, I wandered into Forever 21 seeking jewelry and hair pieces, and while I did find that, I also found multiple tees and blouses that fit nicely--almost as if they were meant to--over a bulbous belly. I suppose I am lucky that current fashion allows for this sort of thing. Either way, thank you Forever 21 for allowing me to feel pretty while pregnant.

Leggings
I had also hit a bump in finding maternity bottoms. Yes, I know Citizens of Humanity sells maternity jeans and while I always swore I would splurge on a pair, parting with that $200 isn't so easy. And once again, the affordable maternity options are, in my option, hideous AND uncomfortable as the belly band cuts, conveniently, right into your baby when you sit, making it not only uncomfortable for you but probably the baby.
On the same shopping trip (it was a good shopping day and I had early birthday money from my mom) I decided to try on my first pair of spandex leggings in the Gap. I decided I was finally ready to make the jump to wearing leggings not just under short dresses, etc. but with normal shirts too. Another success! $17 for leggings that fit (even the non-maternity type), are super comfortable, surprisingly cool in hot weather, and make me feel stylish AND skinny, even pregnant. Thank heaven once again for the current styles!
The only draw back? "Tyler, I notice my butt a lot when I wear these. Do you think other people look at my butt too?" "Yeah, they do." Oh well.

Bumble and Bumble Thickening Shampoo and Conditioner
I have all but given up on hair product. When I use anything that claims to "bodify" or "thicken" my hair, at best it does nothing and at worst it makes my hair lay flatter. After a decade of experimenting with various hair regimens, I have finally developed one I am happy with involving a limited and strict use of a few hair products. And I never venture out. I haven't tried a new hair product in at least 5 years. But I have this theory that shampoo/conditioner sets need to be rotated out or else they loose their "power," and since my set was out I after 2 years (I use this stuff slowly) I was faced with needing to pick a new set. Imagine my delight when I found my new hairdresser has the same theory as me and told me she rotates out my recently empty set with the Bumble and Bumble Thickening set. I was skeptical but B & B haven't let me down yet so I figured I would give it a try. And what a fabulous product!! After a couple of weeks I realized that it was actually working! Like I said, I've never had a hair product that actually thickens or gives body like it claims and THIS DOES! What a novel idea, a beauty product that noticeably does what it says it will.

Sketchers Shape-Ups
Sure, they're nothing to look at, but I have jumped on board the Sketchers Shape-Ups train and am now an official disciple. I have a bad lower back and the combination of having to have stopped exercising for months and gaining weight and having my posture thrown off have made the problem go from bad to worse. I knew it was time to get proactive when I started limping around the house. I got some Sketchers Shape-Ups because I had heard good things about how they improved people's posture and strengthened walking muscles, etc., but ultimately how they reduced pain. I was skeptical and kept the tags on them for a week to be sure they would do what they claimed because these shoes are a pretty penny. Lo and behold, after a week of wearing them a couple hours a day around the house and my back pain is GONE. No joke, it's completely gone! I don't even feel it when I bend over now let alone enough to make me limp when I walk. I've taken the tags off and they're mine for good.

Yoga
It's trendy to praise yoga. I've always liked power yoga but usually only work it into my work out regimen about once a month. When deciding to be more proactive about my back pain (see above) I had also prayed to know what I could do to help my body out. Afterall, I have 15 more weeks of pregnancy to get through and I didn't want to be broken down already. I had the distinct impression one night while getting ready for bed to do yoga. Even at 11pm, I broke out my mat and did an hour of power yoga. I have been doing it only about twice a week for the past two weeks and, combined with the Shape-Ups, the results are incredible! It's amazing to me that while I am doing yoga I actually forget that I am pregnant. It's amazing that I feel more powerful, balanced, relaxed, flexible, and in control when balancing upside down than when walking and standing through everyday life.