1.21.22 – Cozy Catch Up – Life Coaching, Why Aren’t There Maternity Stores, and Cozy Random Thoughts

@tim.bar_ / Timothy Barlin

Earlier this week, Michelle and I went for our weekly walk and talk in the woods which I was sadly not prepared for. I was warm enough, thank goodness, but the slushy pathways had frozen over making our walk quite treacherous at times and more like ice skating. The last time I did that, I fell and chipped my front tooth in half, making that just one of many dental emergencies I would experience in my lifetime. Thankfully, I found us both walking sticks to help keep us on our feet.

Don’t ask me why I didn’t have my trekking sticks or snow trax on my boots. I was very annoyed by this. Is it too soon to blame pregnancy brain? Either way, from here on out, I have decided to keep my winter walk must-haves in my car – this way I am always prepared.

This is your gentle reminder to be careful on that ice out there and get what you need to enjoy (and not pass away) on your winter walks.

Ok, let’s get cozy and catch up. This week we’re chatting about life coaching, the struggle to find clothes for my belly, and some random cozy thoughts.

Life coaching…

This past Tuesday I had my very first coaching session with Aviva Brill from Co-Pilot Wellness who happens to be an incredible listener, note-taker, and thinker. I am blown away by how much I learned about my daily habits, setbacks, challenges, and goals just from my very first hour with her. The focus of these sessions is to work on time management/optimization, goal setting, prioritizing, and all-around self-management.

I’ve never had a coach of any kind before, well except for a poms coach and others for sports I was not very into. But this, this type of coaching, I am quite into.

There’s something about having a human there to hold me accountable. I definitely don’t want to feel like a loser so I will do what I am told and thus far, doing what I am told is paying off.

To begin this process, I am working on a vision board concentrating on four areas of my life I want to progress in, committing to an earlier wake-up time, learning smarter ways to prioritize my to-do lists/time, and building a foundation to better support my biggest goals.

So far, this experience is something I didn’t know I so badly needed in my life.

Well, this part is more difficult than I expected…

We’re 14 weeks this week and from what my apps tell me my baby is the size of a troll doll. Doesn’t get better than that one.

So far my biggest struggle is finding clothes that not only fit but are comfortable. Things are changing and they’re changing fast so I decided it was time to get shopping. The issue is that I am not an online shopper. I need to see, feel, and try on the clothes I’m interested in. I’m picky and I know what I want. And I want a brick and mortar.

I drove to Oak Brook where I found ZERO maternity stores or maternity sections of department stores. Nothing. This was disappointing as I was certain with so many growing families and people popping out babies left and right in the suburbs there would be a plethora of stores to choose from. Not the case.

Back to the city I went whereupon doing a simple google search, I found what appears to be two (yes, TWO) maternity stores in the city of Chicago. I’m still confused about how this can be true, so feel free to fact-check that. But trust me, I’ve been on the hunt.

I decided to check out A Pea In The Pod on Damen in Wicker Park first and all I have to say is PRAISE SWEET BABY JESUS. I was saved.

To be honest, shopping for my new and ever-changing body was a bit emotional. While looking in the mirror I was surprised but also in love, yet at the same time, it takes some persuasion and some getting used to. As I stood there in my bra and underwear getting acquainted with this new vessel of mine my phone chimed, it was my Mantra App. It read:

You are perfect just the way you are. 

That is exactly what I needed to hear at that very moment. 

A massive thank you to the store manager, Samantha, who guided me along the way. She was marvelous and made me feel supported, empowered, and excited. The store is only two months old and I must say, my first experience shopping for my bump was an amazing one.

But the question remains…why are there barely any stores for pregnant women to shop in? I am quite perturbed by this.

Random cozy thoughts….

Waking up at 6:15 (opposed to 7:15) is a gamechanger. I read The Nightingale, meditate to Insight Timer, journal, and my favorite part…sip on my Trader Joe’s instant coffee with a splash of Oatly Barista Oat Milk. To add to the ambiance, I keep most of the lights off and enjoy the early hours by candlelight. It makes me feel very cozy and very Oregon Trail.

There is a viral green goddess salad going around. I tried it, it sucks. Now you don’t have to waste your time, money, or extraordinary garlic breath on some helpless victim. If you do try it, add some grilled chicken, tofu, chickpeas, and/or feta. Just add something. It needs more. Way more.

I did, however, make a creamy cabbage soup and this was much tastier. Would be delicious with the addition of ham.

I may head over to the lakefront this weekend to see if there are any natural ice sculptures. I’ve been on the hunt since I experienced these down at Promontory Point a few years back.

If you know a pregnant person in your life, please share this brand with them. I am IN LOVE with my Kate Bump Suit and foresee myself getting another one before July rolls around. It’s insanely comfortable, form-fitting, and I basically want one of each in every color. They also have beautiful nursing bras for shower gifts.

 Ok well, that does it for this week. I love taking the time to share my behind-the-scenes with you. Wishing you a lovely weekend. 

Oh and I’d love to hear from you – leave a comment below and let’s chat.

Until next week, stay cozy.

Lauren xo