The Key Three

This past year, I have dramatically changed my life.  Duh!  What mom hasn't?  For me, it has been changing 40 years worth of everything from clothes, shoes, my home...the list could go on, but you get the picture.  Probably the hardest thing about being a mom for me is just how set in my ways that I have become.  Yep, I sound like an old lady.  I'll own that one.

Probably the first week of motherhood, I said to my own mother, "I don't want to look like a mom."  Reflecting, I don't really know what that even means.  I know lots of moms that look great.  They are pulled together and seem to be flawlessly styled regardless of the occasion.  

I'm not going to say that I have achieved that level of poise.  However, I am trying to figure it out.  Simplicity is always a winner in my book - even before King Diaper came into the picture.  Accessories and classic items can always be incorporated into any wardrobe regardless of season or occasion.  

This all leads me to my own personal "Key Three".  These are the items that have been life savers and staples in my everyday life.  

1.  Britta Water Bottle

2.  Nude Flats

3.  Chew Beads Necklace

Maybe not the list you were expecting.  But, these are certainly my "go to's".  

Britta makes several filtering bottles that you can take with you every where you go.  I put mine on the stroller while walking the baby, in the car on errands, around the house while doing work.  Its with me constantly.  And, if you are breastfeeding, water is a must!  Its also a good way to help shed that baby weight.  This bottle will save you a head in bottled water too!  

I don't think I'll ever loose my love for sky high heels.  But, picking up a baby and toting him around isn't always easy to do in 5 inch heels.  Therefore, I have traded in my heels, sometimes, for a nice pair of flats.  Nude is my color of choice.  You can pair it with black or brown.  It goes with any color really - even white.  Throw them on with jeans or a dress.  Either way, you are ready to go and look well groomed.  

Finally, once your baby starts teething, you can kiss your jewelry good bye for a bit.  Our mister tries to rip every piece of jewelry off of my body for inspection and chewing.  Chewbeads has a cute line of teething jewelry that you can wear with baby in mind.  Lots of baby shops have them.  They come in a variety of colors and designs.  You can select from necklaces and bracelets.  

And while we are at it, the bracelets can serve double duty.  If you are breast feeding, put the bracelet on the wrist where you feed from the next time.  Its a handy and stylish reminder for which breast is in rotation.  Yes, you will be tired enough for a reminder at some point.  I pumped for 5 months while our son was in the NICU.  After a while, I couldn't remember to swap wrists to remind me.  

You may have your own "Key Three" list of mommy friendly items.  Let your Key Three reflect who you are.  However, don't let these items be tennis shoes, maternity pants or work out gear.  These things all have their place.  But, don't live in them.  After a while, you will be in a funk just from the boredom of it all.  Making wise choices can keep you feeling good about yourself and help you embrace being and 'looking' like a mom!