Too cold OOTD (featuring my deer print coat) and how I'm trying to stay active this winter

That hasn't been true this week but last week it was too cold to take outfit photos. Still I tried... and although I removed my hat and scarf, I tried and quickly decided not to take off my coat. I don't think I've blogged it before so that's a good excuse. It's very warm and from the end of season clearance sale last year. The closest they offered this year was the Windermere Coat. Though I do like the Duffle. By the time I bought my down filled padded parka from Boden, it was more than 75% off so I'd keep waiting for bigger discounts if I was in the market for a new coat. I do love the deer print and Emilia has a deer print coat from baby gap to semi match!

Details:
Boden deer print padded parka
See by Chloe dress (blogged here also)
Tory Burch flats
Spanx tights

In a lot of ways the weather fluctuations have made it difficult to stay active this pregnancy. To be fair, this is the first time I have been pregnant during winter. And it's my first time navigating the challenges of being a pregnant mom. I'm short on "me time" to go to the gym and out of necessity, I tend to put self care at the bottom of my list of things "to do." That's why I so appreciate at-home, indoor-friendly workout solutions.

I recently was sent this Adjustable 4-Way Resistance Band from TKO. TKO used to be a boxing equipment company but has branched out into the broader fitness market. This Resistance Band is inexpensive and packs easily into my bag for long on-campus days when I'm stuck indoors. It also is easy to store when I'm not using it. I appreciate its lightness and ease of use. I can do a quick arm set no matter what I'm wearing. Although I love my trusty old free weights they have been collecting dust under my bed since I got the bands. Thank you, TKO for helping make easy portable workout equipment for folks like me and for providing me with this sample to review!

What I wear to the gym

I have been in a fitness slump for a very long time but I'm trying to turn it around at my own pace. Before I had Emilia, I used to belong to a gym and went with regularity until my third trimester of pregnancy. At that point, something called pelvic girdle pain made it too uncomfortable to continue using the equipment I liked. After she was born, I let my membership lapse because I didn't prioritize it. I had less "free" time than ever before and I needed every spare minute to finish my PhD. But even after I finished (two years ago!) I didn't go back.

Since then my kid has grown, becoming more and more active herself. While trying to keep up with her, I've noticed the loss in my own level of fitness. So I am trying to make a few small changes. We signed up for mommy and me swimming classes and we joined the Thelma Lovette YMCA, where they are held. We also have planned outdoorsy weekend trips to Ohiopyle and Erie where we hike and ride bikes. I was very out of practice with cycling but I am getting better. I also upgraded to a lighter bike that Chris found on Craigslist. We put Emilia in her Ibert Safe-T Seat so we can all enjoy bike riding together.

It feels good to use my body in this way again. And although I'm far from "fit," I'm enjoying these activities and trying to work my way back into a regular exercise routine to boost my stamina. I've been helped by my (mostly new) workout staples.

I use an old Longchamp as a gym bag where I keep a hand towel, my wallet, water bottle, headphones, phone, keys, etc. I used a Zappos gift card from a few Christmases ago to buy my new sneakers. And because I know there are few things that motivate me more than a new outfit, I scored some cropped leggings from the Lululemon warehouse sale as well as a few supportive sports bras from Old Navy.

The TKO Soft Grip Jump Rope was sent to me to try and I really like it. On days when I can't get over to the gym during child watch hours, I use it in the back yard or basement while Emilia naps. It's easy to get a pretty decent workout by just jumping rope! It burns about the same amount of calories as my elliptical routine. These specific jump ropes were designed by boxing training equipment folks so I feel a little like Rocky using it. You can buy the jump ropes at Macys.

With these items, I feel better equipped to tackle my fitness goals and be active with my family.