How I am dealing with Post Partum Anxiety

Hello lovelies,


I have always had mild anxiety ever since I was a teenager. Overthinking things. Wondering "what if I did that" or "what if I said this instead". It was never an issue, it was always something I dealt with and for me, it was my "normal". 

Fast forward to having my first child and finding my new "normal" as a mother was hard, because I dealt with pretty severe PPA and never told anyone, not even my husband. After my first pregnancy, my anxiety was something I truly suffered with, especially social anxiety. My mind would conjure up the worst what if's possible and it got so bad that I could hardly even speak to my own friends and family without turning red and shaking with anxiousness. I never went on medication and it did start to get noticeably better after I went back to work at 8 months post-partum. For the most part it was gone after less than a year PP. 

Fast forward to me getting pregnant a second time and this time with twins, I told my husband everything. I wanted to be "prepared" this time and I also wanted him to know the signs and what to watch out for on my behalf. Being pregnant with twins, literally does mean double the hormones, which this time in my case, also meant double the anxiety. My PPA came much later than it did with my first, however it was still prevalent early on in different ways. I became very irritable and impatient in the beginning and then around 10 months PP it turned into anxiousness, nausea, and severe irritability.  

I am not the type of person to go on medication, I like to deal with things internally and through mindfulness. Being a mother of three (and twins) is definitely a challenge at times. Add my hectic work schedule and having a life on top of it all, while still dealing with PPA (15 months PP), I have come to accept many things. I have also come to accept the fact that I do need to have more me time and also be open to trying new things. With that being said, taking ownership in the fact that anxiety is now a part of my new "normal", I have been on the look out for natural products to help relieve my stress on a day to day basis - for when it can all get a little too overwhelming. 


I recently stumbled upon Birch + Fog on Instagram and they were kind enough to send me some products to try out. I picked out some of their edibles that are infused with CBD (cannabidiol) and if you know me, you would know that of course I picked their EP Simply CBD Dark Chocolate and their Simply Jane Double Dose Milk Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup. CBD is an all-natural cannabis compound that provides all of the medicinal benefits of cannabis without the feeling of being “high”. In fact, CBD can actually counter-balance the effects of THC, which makes it a great tool for re-stabilizing your consciousness after a night of fun, or in my case, a night of work from home and crazy kids  who don't like too sleep. 


Whenever I am feeling anxious at work or if I want to wind down at the end of the day, one square from the bar, or a bite from the peanut butter cup does the trick.

If you want to try out products from Birch + Fog be sure to use my promo code "annpaige" at checkout to SAVE $20 off your purchase!
They offer a wide range of other CBD products, as well as oils for headache and menstrual cramp relief (also a new fav product of mine!), to THC and hemp products. Also be sure to check out their skin care and bath bombs too!

In addition to trying out CBD products, I also practice deep breathing and never leave the house without my mala bracelets. Collectively they are all really helping me to live with and manage my anxiety. If you too are dealing with anxiety, just know that you are not alone. Let those closest to you know what you are going through, so that they can be aware and also help you find the right tools that work for you.

I hope that this post has been helpful to any other mommas out there who are also coping with PPA or just anyone in general who is living with anxiety.

Thank you so much for reading this post and comment below if you have any tips or favourite products that help you relieve stress and anxiety.

Until next time....

xoxo
annpaige

Maternity Style

Hello Lovelies!

Maintaining my style during pregnancy is something that has always been important to me. During my first pregnancy I was unable to wear maternity clothes and this time around, I wanted to find clothing that fits my growing bump without sacrificing my own fashion sense.

Below are some of my favourite outfits that I have worn through out my pregnancy, with links on where you can find the same or similar items. I hope you enjoy them and find them resourceful if you yourself are pregnant!

Wrap dresses are great for everyday wear from early on in pregnancy and after to use for nursing, so of course I had to show one of them!

Dress: Carry Maternity

Overcoat: Vince

I LOVE wearing high-waisted skirts during pregnancy. This one from Mendocino is a skirt that I have had since before pregnancy, but works perfectly as an over the bump skirt for during.

Top: Gebe (sold out find similar here)

Skirt: Room Service from M for Mendocino (similar)

Shoes: Justfab

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I have always loved my jeans and especially early on in my pregnancy, I would wear them as much as possible (knowing that they would only fit for so long). This top from Jules & Jim is a soft stretch knit, that I am still able to wear now, while I am huge and it has continued to keep it's shape.

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Jeans: Old Navy (similar)

Cardigan: Lole

Shoes: Lole (similar)

When the time came, I went straight for maternity jeans. Having maternity jeans during pregnancy makes you feel like you again. Paige jeans are made with a blend of rayon that make them comfortable and super stretchy and they also sit under the bump, which is my personal preference.

Top: Ripe Maternity

Cardigan: John + Jenn

Jeans: Paige (Maternity)

I love this outfit! When I wear this outfit, I feel fashionable, comfortable and the top has ruching on the sides, so it fits my growing bump perfectly. And, let's talk about this vest! I got this vest from Dynamite last year and I had been waiting forever for Fall to start so I could wear it.

Faux fur vest: Dynamite (similar)

Top: Jules & Jim (similar)

Leggings: Dynamite

Boots: Justfab (similar)

My everyday go to staples even before pregnancy have always been jeans and a boyfriend blazer. Not giving up my style during my pregnancy was what I said was very important to me, so finding the right styles that work with my new shape, was super important to me.

Jeans: J Brand

Sweater: Similar

Blazer: Similar

If you are pregnant or just love Fall fashion, comment below and let me know which looks were your favourite. Also let me know if there are any other pregnancy related posts that you would like to see me do. 

If you are not yet be sure to follow me on Instagram and Facebook for all of my latest blog updates, as well as a sneak peak into my everyday life!!! You can also subscribe to my post updates on the right hand side of this post, so you never miss a new post!

As always thank you for reading and...

xoxo

annpaige

Updated What's in My Purse

Hello lovelies,

It has been a long while since my last What's in my purse post and I always find these posts to be one of the most interesting. Finding out what others deem as essential must have items to keep with them everyday. It's a personal post and also fun to read. So, without further ado, let's get to what is in my purse.

Outfit:
Top: Gebe Maternity
Skirt: M for Mendocino
Shoes: Justfab
Necklace: Ricki's 

Items I must have with me at all times include pretty much everything that you see here and it is the main reason why I can never carry a small purse. 

Purse: Coach

Wallet: Coach

Mints, for both a breath refresher and nausea killer, while pregnant.

Lotion, because I hate having dry hands.

EOS lip balm.

Hand sanitizer, because I can be a total germaphobe, especially while pregnant.

Earphones from Sony.

My current fav lipstick in Affluent from Younique.

Sunnies from H&M.

My rosary, because I am Catholic and I pray daily.

My agenda and organizer. My agenda is from Bando and it is my favourite. It is a monthly and daily planner with a lot of room for notes and it comes with stickers!! They have so many prints and designs and this one was my fav!

A pen, of course, to use for writing in my planner and because you never know when something will either need to be signed and/or filled out.

Clear polish for those pesky times when my nail polish chips or my actual nail chips while out.

And, that is everything I carry with me on a daily basis. I also ensure to always have water and snacks in my purse everywhere I go, typically both for myself and for daughter.

What are your purse must haves?? Let me know in the comments below and as always thanks for reading!

To stay up to date with my posts, subscribe by email and also be sure to follow me on instagram!

xoxo

annpaige

Minimal Statement - Outfit

Hello lovelies,

Are you heading out to dinner after work, or do you need an outfit for an event? Here is the perfect look.

When shopping for a Fall wardrobe, there are some basics that every woman needs, including a classic white dress. The dress I chose for this look is a basic shift dress with an embellished collar, making your jewelry choices that much easier.

Another piece that we all need is a coloured blazer. A coloured blazer is great for every season and this Fall the colours are navy and burgundy. I chose a burgundy blazer for this look as the statement piece to give a more fashion forward look.

When wearing an outfit with a clothing item as the statement piece, tone everything else down by adding neutral pieces like I did with the purse and jewelry.

Shift dress - Dynamite
Blazer - Smart Set
Two toned pumps - Aldo 
Tote - Dynamite
Earrings - Aldo
Watch - Aldo 

  

Would you wear this look?

Until next time....

xoxo
annpaige

Classic layers

Hello lovelies,

Fall is all about layering different textures and patterns and when doing so I love to look great and also feel warm and cozy and I have the perfect outfit for that. Whether you are heading out to lunch or to work you can easily tweak this look to suit your needs.

When transitioning to Fall I love neutrals, because they make your look appear as of you spent a lot time getting ready, when really you just threw everything together last minute - at least that's usually my case.

A perfect polish for Fall if you don't want anything too dark or bold:
Nail Polish in Malala - Julep
An easy to wear top that goes with practically everything:
Printed sleeveless tunic - Dynamite
A statement piece that is so comfy and cozy:
Long open cardigan - Dynamite
Black jeans need no explanation:
Levi jeans - Aritzia     
A comfy and stlyish bootie that helps to pull the whole look together:
Disantis bootie - Aldo
A classic tote for any occasion:
Michael Kors Saffiano leather tote 
A scarf to add a touch of colour:
Scarf - Ardene

Would you wear this look?
What are your favourite go to pieces for fall?

xoxo
annpaige

Fall Trends - 2014

Hello lovelies,

The weather is getting cooler, the leaves are changing colours and everyone is dressing in layers. It is finally Fall!!!! There is something about the coolness in the air and the fresh crisp smell of Fall that I have always loved.
I have been on maternity leave for the past few months and to be honest, shopping is unfortunately not very high on my list at the moment. But, that doesn't mean that I am not furiously scouring my favourite stores online collections, because I totally am!!!

Here is the first outfit that I have put together with some of my fav pieces from my fav stores.

- Salinger Blouse from Sunday best - Aritzia $60
- Faux leather Perfecto Jacket -Dynamite $69.90             
- Guess jeans in silver $78.98 
- Sigiletto bootie - Aldo $99.98   

This would be the perfect look for an evening out to dinner or hitting the town with the girls!!

More outfits to come through out the week!! What Fall pieces are you loving right now?!?!

xoxo
annpaige

Win a $5000 Shopping Spree!!!

Hello lovelies,

Who doesn't love a shopping spree? Especially a shopping worth $5000 where someone else is paying!!!!
Here is how you can have the biggest shopping spree of the Summer!!!!!

Schick Quattro for Women is having an amazing contest celebrating stylish Canadian selfies in a contest called Your #Selfie. Your Style. The contest is open until July 22nd.

All you have to do is upload a selfie of YOU to Instagram with the #QFWSelfie hashtag and tag @QFWCanada or you can also upload your selfie to the Facebook app here: http://bit.ly/QFWSelfie.

You can check out the Schick Quattro for Women Facebook page for more info and don't forget to hit the like button while you're there!!!
And if you want to enter on instagram here is your link @QFWCanada.

Now what are you waiting for?!?!?!?
Start uploading your #selfies and enter to win!!!

Good luck everyone!!!!

xoxo
annpaige

*This is a sponsored post*

CLOSED - New Shick Intuition Razor & Contest!!!

Hello lovelies!!!

As you all know I have tried and reviewed the Schick Intuition razor on my blog before and I fell in love with it! Now, Schick Intuition has come out with a new Advanced Moisture razor and I had the opportunity to test it out.

The Schick Intuition razor instantly became my go to razor because it is easy to use, glides over any and all curves (perfect for legs and around the knees) and most importantly, you don't need shave gel. The cartridges are amazing and especially the new Advanced Moisture razor cartridge. Infused with Shea and ribbons of moisture, your legs will be as soft as a baby's bottom, with no razor burn or bumps!! And what girl wouldn't love a pink razor?!?!

The company that sent me the razor are also giving all of you the chance to try it too!!! The first 20 people to comment below will be sent there own razor to try and review. You will also be entered to win a $100 credit gift card!!!! Super exciting right?!?!?! The contests rules are as follows....

Contest Rules:

- The contest will be open for two weeks June 2nd - June 16th, 2014.

- You must be a follower of my blog, using GFC or Bloglovin'. Please state which you are following on and your username.

- You must be over the age of 18 or have your parents permission to give out your mailing information. (Please note that the mailing information provided to me will also be provided to the PR company, as they will be the one's sending you your razor)

- You must live in Canada, or at least have a Canadian mailing address to enter with (the gift card will be issued in CAD $)

- Leave a comment below with your email address stating that you would like to be entered into the contest. (Comments without a valid email do not count as an entry)

- All qualifying winners will be contacted by email on June 17th

- Once you have been selected and have received your razor I will then ask that you try it out and send me by email a review of your thoughts on the product.

- Once I have recieved all reviews, one winner will be chosen at random to receive the $100 credit gift card!

*All reviews sent to me will be combined into a new blog post specifically reviewing the Schick Intuition Advanced Mositure Razor(if you do not wish to have your real name or full name listed on my review blog post, please specify that in your email when you send me your review.

Good luck everyone!!!

Until next time....

xoxo
annpaige

*This is a sponsored blog post, however all views and opinions on the Schick Intuition Razor are that of my own. I was not paid to give a good review on said product*

Spring 2014 Fashion Trends

Hello lovelies,

Spring weather is slowly starting to arrive here and it has inspired me to do this post once again, as I do every year.

I love Spring fashion because it is the introduction to a new and beautiful season both in Fashion and in nature. Colours become alive and it is finally time to get rid of all of the dreaded layers and of course our winter boots.

Here are some of my favourite fashion trends for this upcoming season...

The ever loving Pastel trend:
Wear a full coloured suit or be more subtle and pair your fav pastel with neutrals or even your most beloved denim.

Cropped Boxy Jackets:
Wear this trend as an easy work to dinner look. Pair with a narrow bottom and sexy heels or booties for the perfect modern look.

Bomber Jackets:
Bomber jackets aren't just for exercising anymore, they are now for the exact opposite. I love this trend with a simple tank, dark denim, a statement necklace and killer heels. The bomber jacket will easily replace any blazer you have and still offer the same versatility.

Wide leg trousers:
They are finally coming back!!!
Find the right shape and fit for your body type and remember balance. Cropped tops are easy way to update this look.

Denim on denim(The Denim suit):
Wear your favourite chambray top or denim jacket with your favourite denim jeans in a similar (if not the same) tone it's that simple. Pair with a pop of colour underneath like coral or a subtle pastel and some rockin' boots.

Printed Pants:
Denim or trousers it doesn't matter, print is all over our bottoms. Subtle or bold in your face the prints (and colours) are there. Wear with neutrals or go all out and wear with a matching coloured top.

Does this season not remind anyone else of the 90's once again? I love it!!!!

What's your favourite trend for this Spring?

Palazzo pants - forever 21
Beige Cropped boxy blazer - dynamite
Black and white printed pants - dynamite
Pastel short suit - forever 21
Denim on denim - guess
Colour blocked bomber jacket - dynamite

xoxo
annpaige

Living on the edge (200th post!!!)

Hello lovelies,

I have finally reached my 200th post!!!!

I am so grateful for all of you and as cliché as it sounds, I wouldn't be blogging if it weren't for you!

I know I don't have hundreds of followers and that's not why I started my blog. I started my blog, because I love writing. I love fashion and make-up and sharing my looks and ideas with all of you and anyone who happens to stumble on my blog. I love reading other blogs and getting the chance to connect with people all over the world!!!

For my 200th post I thought it would only be fitting to do an outfit of the day for you all, so here it is....

Tee: H&M - men's t-shirt (I stole it from my boyfriend, when he wasn't looking :| he..he..)
Jeans: Garage
Flats: Ardene
Necklace: Rickis
Braceletes: H&M
Sunnies: Dolce & Gabbana
Purse: Guess

I have been loving wearing my distressed denim with tee's and girly-ing it up with make-up and accessories or heals lately.
I have also really been obsessed with my sunnies that I bought while on vacation in New Jersey/New York.

What look/style are you loving right now?!?!

If you have any requests on posts that you would like to see related to fashion or makeup leave them in a comment below!!!!

If you are Canadian and have not yet entered my Giveaway, click on the link here - Giveaway - and enter to win goodies from Hawaiian Tropic and a $50 visa gift card!!!!

The deadline to leave your review on the Schick razors from my last giveaway is coming soon, so be sure to leave your review so you can be entered to win Part 2!!!

Some exciting news, I can now leave the house without my splint on my wrist!!!!
If any of you are wondering the surgery went really well, it has been two months post. I was bandaged up for a month, then I had a splint for a month. I still wear my splint, but only at work, or if I am in big crowds. My wrist is still really stiff and also tender near the incisions, but it is healing really well. I start therapy in a couple of days and I am both nervous and excited!!!!

Until my next post....

I hope you all have an amazing day/night!!!

xoxo
annpaige

Review and Giveaway - CLOSED

Hello lovelies,

I was recently contacted by a PR company to review a new product and they also wanted to give all of you the opportunity to try out this product too!!!

As you all know I love Schick razors!!! I recently did a post featuring my Schick Intuition razor and how much I love it, so I was really excited to host this contest for you all. 10 of you will have the chance to win a pack of the new Schick Hydro Silk disposable razors plus the chance to win a $50 Visa giftcard!!!!

As I said above I did try out this razor and I love it!! The razor comes with 5 blades, for an extremely close shave. The handle is the perfect shape making it easy to grip and control. When shaving the razors fits perfectly into all of my curves and it moves so smooth and effortlessly. I also love that when the razor gets wet it has a moisturizing serum to help glide the razor on my skin, so I don't cut myself. I am going on vacation next week and you better believe I am bringing this razor with me. It's portable and reliable!!

Contest Rules:
(Open to Canadians only since the Visa Card will be in Canadian dollars)
There are two parts to this contest.
Part One - Razor Try & Review
- you must be following my blog by either GFC or bloglovin (both links on right hand side)
- leave a comment below with your email telling me that you would like to enter.
- 10 readers will win the chance to try and test out the new Schick Hydro Silk disposable razors
Part Two - Visa Gift Card
- If you are a selected winner I will need your mailing info. that I will pass along to the company in order for you to recieve your Schick Hydro Silk razor.
- Once received and reviewed come back to this post and leave a second comment below telling me your thoughts on the razor and this will enter you into the draw for the $50 Visa giftcard!!!! (That once again will be sent by the company).
- Please ensure that you are over 18 years of age or that you have parental consent to give out your address.

Contest deadlines:
- Part One of this contest will end on July 15th 11:59pm EST and I will contact each winner on July 16th (for the razors) by the email you provide in the comments.
- Part Two
All reviews (comments) need to be posted below by August 2nd to ensure your entry for the $50 Visa giftcard.

I am so excited to be hosting this giveaway for you all. Please comnent below to enter and good luck everyone!!!!

*This is not a sponsored giveaway. I am not getting paid to host this giveaway. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own!!!

xoxo
annpaige

LEGAL DISCLAIMER: I understand that my text/materials transmitted on this blog will be treated as non-confidential and non-proprietary, and may be re-published in any form of media, without my further consent or compensation from Schick.