Tennis Skirts

 Gals, tennis skirts are my new favorite addition to my wardrobe. I want lots of them in lots of colors to wear lots of places! Everywhere except the court because I don't know how to play although, after seeing some friends learn to play recently, I'm considering lessons.  It would be another great form of exercise, a first time sport for me (Ryan says ballet didn't count) and there are so many clubs near our house. Not to mention a fun way to make friends - the more the merrier when it comes to gal pals :)

My Top & Skirt

When I say I wear them everywhere, truly I've worn them biking riding, sight seeing in the city, running and in the gym. Not only are they pretty and feminine but they provide more coverage and flattering on the hip/leg area (the place I'm most self conscious!). 

BEST part - there's a 'long' version which is what I'm wearing ... clearly it isn't long, I'm petite at under 5'2"

My White Skirt

11 colors/print options

I LOVE the flowy design!

These skirts truly are for every activity. I even plan to wear them on play dates at the playground.  I have found that the shorts underneath are much more comfortable today than in designs of the past.  They grip without digging in to allow for comfort and ease of movement. I also enjoy the higher rise to pair with shorter athletic tops. 

Note: I size up one in shorts/skirts from my legging size.

Here are some super cute tennis skirts:

Classic

10 colors - 2 lengths

Flare

8 colors - 3 lengths

Back Pleated

17 colors

My Black Skirt

classic side pleating

3 colors

Dress Beautifully in a Tennis Skirt

XOXO Sarah Louise

Friday Favorites: Workout Wear

TGIF! Gals, I've had such a good week, now that I mention it I feel like I share that sentiment with you every Friday. The truth is, Life is so Good and I'm grateful for it! #amen

Grandma came to visit, we learned at the library, played at the park, the splash pad and outside at home.  To top it all off, Mr and I celebrated 9 years of marriage yesterday, WAHOOOO!!! Not a day or even a few hours goes by that I don't give gratitude to God for such a loving and hardworking husband.  It's not perfect, but life together is the BEST!

Also, Vivian Louise is 18 months old today!!! How is that even possible, that my teeny tiny baby is a year and a half??! #babiesdon'tkeep

Now to the point of this post ...

It seems as though every major retailer/designer has a athletic wear line.  While I'm trying to accept that everyone wants to be comfortable, I still don't believe in ever wearing workout wear outside of actually working out! (I'll try not to preach on that too much but UGH leggings are NOT pants!)

I do believe in exercising! And I believe there is both form and function when it comes to workout wear.  Yes, I do want to feel pretty and coordinated while I sweat.  I also need these pieces to hold me in, allow my skin/sweat to breathe and to not slide around/bunch as I move.

When you do find pieces that are constructed well (strong stretch), fit your body and cute they tend to be pricey.  So, I buy a piece every now and then to spread out the cost and always shop sales.

TIP: Don't forget about Nordstrom Rack & Marshalls/TJ Maxx to find pieces at great prices.

Given that your workout wear is its own wardrobe investment, you need to take care of them.
I wash all of my pieces on the delicate cycle together with NO cotton garments, only synthetic.  I also  NEVER dry them in the dryer.  My guest bathroom turns into a drying room once a week.

I have go-to styles that I will buy multiples of because I know they do the job....

Here they are ...

The Sculpt Tank II is my all time favorite top and I have several!

The Speed Up Short 4" is my favorite for running, again I have several!

This sports bra is heavy duty but you can't compromise on support! I love that it comes in bra sizes for a great fit.

These leggings have the best waist band and don't slide down
(yanking a pair of leggings up because they don't hold their shape/poor stretch is the WORST)

These socks are a splurge but completely worth it.  For running and high impact exercises taking care of your feet is very important.

Dress Beautifully in Workout Wear

XOXO Sarah-Louise

Mamma Monday: Strong as a Mother

Hey Mammas! Confession, I've had epic writers block when it comes to these Mamma Monday posts, so please send me some suggestions of what you'd like to read, learn or need suggestions for.
I had a dear Mamma friend message me yesterday asking me what my secret was to being fit.

So thanks to Christina I have something to write to you about :)

Here are some guidelines to which I live a healthy and fit mom life:

1. Earthly Eating
This means I don't eat things that are prepackaged or processed. If it comes from the earth I eat it.  ALL fruits, vegetables and yes I eat meat with lunch and dinner.  I bake or grill everything. Nothing fried. I also don't eat dairy not that I necessary think it's bad (well sorta) but luckily I just don't like it.
Tip: Salads are great but dressings can ruin their nutrition so choose wisely.

2. Balance Your Intake
If you indulge on date night or at an event you must do damage control.  There's only so many calories, sugars and fats allowed per week. #balance

3. One and done
I manage portions by using smaller plates and never going back for more.

4. Homebody
I rarely eat out! I reserve it for date nights and social events. And when I am out I refrain from eating chips, bread and other tempting items.

5. Sweat ALL 7
I exercise daily! I LOVE to move. I don't have a set routine but when the weather's nice you'll find me running pushing my sidekick.  I make sure to have at minimum 3 intense cardio sessions a week. I run and take group classes.
I do wear a Fitbit so I can monitor my activity.
Side note: I'm seriously thinking of moving over to the Apple Watch for it's unique features but the fear of additional 'plugged in connections' has me hesitating.

Tip: choose exercises that you like. I'm not a fan of cycling or rowing so I don't do them very often but I will push myself to take a class to give my body variety. Don't do something because you think you should or because everyone else is doing it.  Sweat sessions should be enjoyed! 

6. Lift
Weight lifting is epically important when it comes to being fit.  I pump iron just as much if not more than I do cardio.  Weight bearing exercise is extremely vital for women to strengthen us as we are vulnerable to osteoporosis. I also think muscles are soooo HOT! I feel empowered when I finish lifting weights.  And then the next day I feel like a feeble old woman with my sore limbs. haha
Body weight exercises are fantastic too! Think burpees, jump squats, push ups, pull ups etc ....

I don't believe in striving for perfection!  In fact I was reminded yesterday when trying to take a picture with baby Vivian Louise of our Sunday best and she was a complete wiggle worm, that the best is in the laughter and happiness of life. That IS perfect. (This is now one of my favorite pictures) Aim for healthy and strong not a dress size!

Tip: Work days make it challenging to fit in exercising so focus on just 2 week days and hitting it hard Saturday and Sunday.

I encourage you to take care of your body by feeding it healthy fuel and to strengthen it with regular sweat sessions.

Dress Beautifully with Healthy Eating and Exercise

XOXO Sarah Louise