Tuneful & Trendy: Maternity Styling Tips

Fashion is hard as an elementary music teacher. We are up dancing, moving around instruments or sitting on the floor for a circle game and so much more. My skinny jeans and high heels WILL NOT cut it.
Now, add being pregnant into that mix. Every day is a new adventure.

WARNING: I'm about to be honest and candid throughout the rest of this blog post. I was extremely sick during my entire pregnancy. I ended losing 30 pounds. It was scary but Harper was safe, sound and growing beautifully the whole time. Each day, I'd open up my closet and decide what is going to be comfortable, appropriate and not too precious enough to get thrown-up on. It stunk. Some days I was so hot in my room (with two fans), that I wore a tank top during my breaks. Most days I was proud of my bump, but on self-conscious days I wanted to cover up.  So, how do you go about having a wardrobe as a pregnant elementary music teacher without breaking the bank? Well, first I took note of what I already had that would work well as my belly grew (stretch, empire waist, flowy fabric, etc.). Here's what I came up with from my closet:

• leggings, leggings and more leggings
• palazzos pants (flowy and stretchy)
• empire-waist, wrap or maxi dresses
• cardigans & kimonos

I LIVED in black leggings, solid tops and kimonos or cardigans. Chiffon kimonos provided coverage if I needed it, but also draped nicely with my bump. I swapped those for cardigans as it got colder. Sometimes I did a solid, but more often I chose a patterned one for a little more fun with my look.

Now, what if I have a dress or top that makes me look like a big blob? I'm feeling confident and want to show off my bump. What can I do?

Add a belt! It will create more definition for your bump and help make those unflattering dresses a little more appealing. You might already use belts to create an empire waist with some outfits. I didn't previously, so I grabbed some skinny belts from the clearance section of Torrid for $3. It also helped to dress up a regular outfit for Conferences, church or a program. 

Many people love maternity stores while others hate shelling out money for something you'd only wear for 9 months. I recognize and utilized both ideas. There are some key staples that I purchased from the maternity section that really made my life easier and my bump happier. 

• maternity belly band
• band insert denim
• graphic t's

Since I lost so much weight, my bump wasn't exactly "noticeable" for a long time. The belly bands I purchased helped round and support by bump, but also showcased it a bit more. I also purchased some denim capris and jeans with the support built-in. I couldn't make the denim I already have work with all the "tricks" out there, so I just splurged (and was much happier!). 

Finally, I got some graphic tees as holidays approached. These were a few of my favorites:

We didn't get maternity photos done because my pregnancy was all over the place and we weren't sure when Harper would arrive. One of the last photos I got was in front of Christmas tree on Christmas Eve. I had a basic, long black tunic and leggings. For Christmas Eve services, I added a red lace kimono from LuLaRoe. 

Two weeks later, our miracle arrived. She is everything good, pure and happy in this world. I'm the luckiest mommy in the world.

Before I end this post, I know I didn't talk about shoes. Footwear is such a unique situation and preference for each person. What works for you might not work for another expecting momma. Or, your feet might change as pregnancy progresses and then stay that way. Personally, I wore flip flops most of my pregnancy - yes, even in the winter.
Many of these items (maternity or not) work well for the postpartum phase as well. I had a C-section followed by a gallbladder removal at 2 months PP. Because of these, I had to be very careful about stitches, healing and the placement of waist lines. My kimonos, cardigans and leggings were really helpful and comfortable. 
My biggest piece of advice is find something that makes you feel comfortable and beautiful. You are bringing a life into this world. There may be days when you aren't glowing and that's okay. Don't feel like you have to squeeze yourself into a cocktail dress or wear stilettos. Breathe. You will rock it, momma, no matter what you wear!

Elementary Music Programs 17/18

Time to share my programs from the previous year! With my pregnancy, they were not my best showings or preparations. But, the kids had fun! 

Don't forget to check out my programs from previous years. You can search for them or use the sidebar. Let me know if you have any questions regarding my programs. Have a great weekend!

Be a Musical Marigold

Wow - it's been a whirlwind the last few months! My daughter is almost 8 months now and she is our world 💗 However, it's time for a new school year! I have been anxious about this school year for several reasons:

1. Not pregnant
2. Only 1 building again
3. Setting expectations
4. Meeting expectations
5. Being innovative

Basically, I had a rough year being pregnant, trying to be in two buildings and maintaining my best teacher-self. This year I want to remind everyone why I'm a music teacher and how music can positively impact people. At the same time, I am hoping to bring some new ideas into my classroom while preserving those tried-and-true, core lessons. Above all, I want to have more joy in teaching.

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Wait - you're a teacher....shouldn't you be joyful and love what you do every day?
I wish this were the case for myself and all the other teachers out there but it isn't true. I struggled during and after my pregnancy. I wasn't my best self. I clung to several friends, family and teachers who could answer my questions, be an outlet and just understood what was happening. 

When we started professional development sessions, I was immediately touched by the idea of marigolds and walnut trees.

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Uhhh - what does this have to do with teaching?

Read this article. DO IT NOW! Don't skim. Truly take a few minutes and digest the goodness of this article. 

Did you read it? If not, scroll up and click. This is the most relevant, powerful and unique article I may have ever read. For those of you who didn't read it (shame on you!), here's the gist of it:

• Marigolds help other plants thrive
• Marigold teachers in your career will help you be successful
• Walnut trees take from others and drag plants down
• Everyone knows a few "walnut tree" teachers who are always negative
• This can also be applied to family, friends AND students
• If you're negative or convene with those that are, your teaching and life is affected. If you find your marigolds, they will lift you up, provide support and make you a better teacher

Now, this is nothing compared to the article. It was written by Jennifer Gonzalez from Cult of Pedagogy. She originally wrote it for beginning teachers, but it can be applied to anyone. These were truly the words I needed to hear to put my feelings and thoughts into an idea. Not only am I going to work to be a marigold this year, but specifically a musical marigold. Music has the power to touch people and I want to use it to support and celebrate my fellow teachers and students. 

My classroom environment is joyful. My students are joyful music makers. I haven't been joyful - until now. 

I challenge you to find a marigold in your life. I also challenge you to be a musical marigold and use music as a tool to raise others up. You might even start to change a negative walnut tree into something beautiful. 

Here's to a new school year - which one will you be?

#MomLife

She's here!

Harper Louise Skog made her debut on Saturday, January 6th. There are not enough words for how much we love this little bundle. 

I'm on maternity leave until February, but momlife is no joke! In time, I'll definitely get back to blogging, being active on social media and creating more products.

Thank you for understanding the hiatus as my husband and I embark on this amazing new step in our lives!