Darling Little Life

Fashion motherhood

Postpartum Recovery Must Haves

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We’re in the final days before baby comes! (I’m a little over 39 weeks but we haven’t gotten around to taking an updated bump photo yet!) We’re so excited to meet her. It’s tough to wait it out during the last week or so, but generally I’m feeling good and I want her to be able to grow and develop as long as she needs before making her appearance into this world! I’ve appreciated all of your kind words and excitement!

My hospital bag is (mostly) packed

I used the list that I put together when I had Olivia. You can check out the full post and download the free Hospital Bag Checklist here. It’s not a minimalist packing list, quite the opposite in fact. If you’re an over packer for everything else in life (like I am), this is a great list for you. No shame in my overpacking game, especially for an occasion as big as this!

The one big change I’ve made with my preparation is focusing more on my postpartum healing.

Going into my first labor/delivery, I was so nervous and excited that I spent all of my energy prepping for that. I had absolutely no idea what a number giving birth does to your body! Everyone has their own postpartum recovery journey, but without trying to scare new moms, recovering from giving birth has you dealing with things like stitches/tearing, hemorrhoids, bleeding (for a long time), postpartum uterine contractions/cramping, swelling, etc.

If I’m being honest, I definitely struggled with my recovery the first time around and it took much longer than I had anticipated. You can read more details in Olivia’s birth story here.

Before I get into some specific products I’ve picked up for postpartum recovery this time around,

I’m so excited to announce that I am partnering with Amazon in their influencer program.

What this means for you, is that it’s now easier than ever to shop some of my favorite items with my Amazon Storefront Page!

You can find my pregnancy/postpartum/breastfeeding must haves, as well as fashion, beauty, home decor recommendations, etc. Click here to check it out!

You can also easily access it in the “shop” section of the dropdown menu on my blog!

Here are a few items from my Amazon storefront that are specific to postpartum recovery:

I receive a small commission when you shop through my links (with no extra work or fees from you).

A few other beneficial things to have on hand: epsom salt, Tylenol/ibuprofin, stool softener, and a rice heating pad. This isn’t an exhaustive list– I’m adding things continually! I’d love to hear your recommendations! leave me a comment here or on my facebook or instagram page! If you are expecting, be sure to check out my amazon shop page with more recommendations for pregnancy and breastfeeding.

And here are a few clothing items from Target that are currently packed in my Hospital bag that will be perfect for the first few weeks postpartum:

Fashion

Black Friday Sales 2019

I’ve got a roundup of some favorite stores to shop at for Black Friday. Many of them have deals going on right now! I’ll update these sales throughout the week, so that you have the most current info!

I receive a very small commission when you shop through my links (with no extra work or fees from you). I so appreciate your support and thoughtfulness in doing so!

For those of you shopping from your phone: if you have a specific store app (like Amazon or Target), when you click on one of my links, it may automatically bring it up in your app. Unfortunately, I do not receive credit for these purchases. You can simply click out of the app and open in your web browser to shop instead. It’s annoying, and obviously shop in whatever way is most convenient for you, but I just thought I’d give you a heads up!

Clothing

JCrew– 50% off Nov 25-Dec 1

JCrew Factory– 60% off everything, extra 50% off clearance

Old Navy– Pre Black Friday sale 50% off Sweaters, Jeans, and Outerwear, Old Navy Cash: $10 for every $25 Spent (now-Dec 6)

Nordstrom– Sale Prices begin Nov 27. Fan Favorite items will sell out FAST, like these staple investment pieces:

  • Spanx faux leather leggings (on sale for $78.40)
  • Hunter original tall gloss packable boots (on sale for $99)
  • Zella Live in Leggings (on sale for $38.90)

Nordstrom Rack– Nike up to 45% off, boots, coats, sweaters at least 60% off, free shipping orders over $49

Banana Republic– 50% off regular priced items, extra 10% off when you use your gap inc. credit card

Abercrombie- 50% off for members starting Nov 25, 40% off non members

Loft- 40% off your purchase with code BESTWEEK, now-Nov 27

Carters- entire site/store 50%-60% off, free shipping on all orders + an extra 20% off orders of $40 or more with code REINDEER

H&M– up to 60% off Black Friday Deals, free shipping over $40

Miscellaneous

Amazon- Head to the link for their Black Friday Countdown deals. They’ve got a lot of good deals on electronics. My husband got me the Fire HD 8 Tablet for Christmas, on sale right now for $50!

shop my amazon favorites page

Kohls- Daily Black Friday Deals this week. $15 Kohls cash for every $50 spent, Extra 15% off with code GIVETHANKS through Nov 29. View their Black Friday Ad (it’s a novel) here.

Walmart- tons of pre Black Friday deals. It’s almost overwhelming! If you have gifts, electronics, cooking gadget needs- definitely recommend checking here.

Target– they’ve got an ad so you can preview their deals, and they have a lot on sale (toys, electronics, home decor, etc) now through Nov 27. A few random items to note:

Best Buy-looks like lots of good deals. Electronics aren’t really my thing (my lack of knowledge is seriously embarrassing), so I’ll leave it at giving you this link to shop away!

Shutterfly- Need your Christmas cards printed or some sentimental Christmas Gifts for family? Shutterfly has up to 50% off, plus an extra 20% off with code EXTRA20, now through Nov 28

Furniture

Ikea- Variety of deals: $200 off select sleeper sofas and 20% off all daybeds, 50% off some table lamps and wingback chair (11/27-12/8),

Wayfair– tons in their Early Access Black Friday Blowout. Things like:

  • up to 70% off Living Room Furniture
  • up to 80% off Rugs
  • Dining room furniture from $75

Beauty

Ulta- lot’s of current deals on favorite brands and holiday kits. Free shipping on $35 purchases. Door buster deals starting 4pm online and 5pm in store on Thanksgiving.

Sephora– up to 50% off select items daily. Ends 12/2

Local shops

Last week I wrote a post on 3 Reasons to Shop small first! To continue to support our wonderful small shops, I wanted to give a chance to feature some small shops and local businesses:

Eco Buns- sign up to get their email with deals on Wednesday at 4pm for Black Friday and small Business Saturday

Tip Toes– for every $50 spent on Friday and Saturday, earn $5 back. (use your tip toes cash between 12/6-12/13!)

Risen Timber Design- the most gorgeous modern wreaths. 50% off the whole shop from 11/26-12/5!

If you are a small shop and want to send me your Black Friday/Small Shop Saturday info, I’d be more than happy to add it to this post!

Fashion

3 Reasons to Shop Small First

This post is sponsored by Tip Toes. All opinions and views expressed are mine.

Olivia’s clothes and accessories are all sold at Tip Toes!

When I started chatting with Tip Toes, a local Holland, MI shop that offers clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, and gear for babies to children, about partnering together, I immediately got to thinking about why I love to “shop small” at their boutique vs. shopping at chain stores. There’s just something about a small shop that brings nostalgia, charm, and high quality products.

I’ll be the first to admit that I love the convenience of shopping online and at chain stores when I’ve got a huge holiday gift list to cover. This post isn’t meant to guilt anyone out of doing so. Rather, I’d like to suggest that you consider just heading to your local business first to check out their products, get some advice and get in the holiday spirit.

Here’s a few reasons to shop small first:

1. You support the local economy and your community when you shop small

“An average two-thirds of every dollar ($0.67) spent at small businesses in the U.S. stays in the local community.”. From the American Express Small Business Economic Impact Study, 2018.

Not only does shopping small help boost the local economy, it also helps non profits making a difference in the local community. “Small businesses donate 250% more than larger businesses to local non-profits and community causes.” from SCORE and OnDeck, 2019

2. you get high quality product when you shop small

A small business is going to be selective on the products they put out in their shop floor. They are passionate about their items, and it shows! They will also be able to provide input and advice in a way that you won’t be able to get otherwise.

3. you get a personalized experience when you shop small

When you step into a local shop, its not just about picking up an item you want/need. It’s also about how you feel when you step into the store. There are local shops that I make a point to visit just because they make me feel cozy, happy, and inspired. This is especially true around the Holidays. Small shops go all out to deck their spaces out in Christmas cheer!

I love how Tip Toes literally has a big tree house in the middle of their shop. It’s stocked with toys for kids to play with! It makes it so fun for me to bring Olivia along while I shop.

Be sure to check out all that Tip Toes has to offer! If you’re not local but see something you love, you can shop many of their products online! And BIG NEWS! Tip Toes has given you, darling reader, a special coupon code:

Use code: darling20

This code only lasts a few days, now through 11/27/19. It works for in store purchases and online. Plus, you can select in store pick up if you don’t want to ship!

exclusions: sale items and kickee pants oceanography collection.

North face, Patagonia, other kickee pants collections are normally excluded, but they’ve graciously included them just for you!

Don’t forget, today is the last day to enter the $75 Tip Toes gift card giveaway on my Instagram!

Feeling festive? Check out my Rustic Glam Christmas Garland for some inspiration!

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