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7 Bridesmaid Tips for the Wedding Day

June 28, 2021 Leave a Comment

I’ve been a bridesmaid a few times, and that’s given me some big opinions on weddings, bridesmaid-ing, and more. So I thought I’d share some tips to those who are taking on the bridesmaid gig!

1. Wear a Button-Up or a Wide Neck Top

On the day of the wedding, you likely have make-up and hair to happen, and it would be great if you could easily change your shirt without messing either! So wear a button-up, a wrap dress, or a wide neck top.

2. Chip in for Coffee or Something

I know, I know! Weddings are expensive, especially when you’re a bridesmaid! From hair to makeup to dress to other beauty items, the costs skyrocket. But if you can, treat everyone to coffee on the day of the wedding!

3. Pack Your Emergency Kit

This kit has served me for two weddings so far, and the items that seem to get the most used are quick stain removers, fashion tape, and bobby pins. This last wedding I was asked for Aloe Vera or a tiny screw driver; unfortunately, I didn’t have either.

4. Speak Up About Your Style to the Make Up Artist

One of the most challenging things for makeup, especially if you do your own, is that you have your own way of applying makeup. So if you don’t wear makeup very often, then please tell the artist. It can make your final look more like you.

5. Make Sure You Eat!

Wedding day is busy, even if you’re just waiting. Be sure to either pack snacks or have a meal planned (sometimes the bride handles this). Nothing is worse than a bunch of cranky women (and men).

6. Take a Few Moments to Yourself

If you started the wedding day at 6 am and you know the day won’t be over until after 10 pm, make sure you take moments for yourself. Find a quiet room or hide out in the bathroom for a few. It’s completely and totally okay!

7. Be Prepared for Dancing!

If your dress is full length, use safety pins to hold up your dress. And why not bring tennis shoes, you’ll be able to dance for SO MUCH longer. I don’t know. I kind of love the fancy dress with practical shoes.

Have you been a bridesmaid before? What are your best bridesmaid tips?

Is Wodbottom Sustainable and Do They Have Ethical Practices?

June 14, 2021 2 Comments

About a year ago, I discovered that a brand I loved (Fabletics) was unwilling to be transparent about their Ethics from people-care to earth-care, and I was not okay with that. While I may not be “rich,” I do have the ability to be a smart, environmentally conscious, and people-focused consumer.

It can be annoying because sometimes I just want the cute thing, but a brand that subscribes to a good standard of ethics and sustainability is often pricey.

After Fabletics, I asked friends and workout buddies who their go-to brands were for great people ethics and earth conscious materials.

Jess, a CrossFit friend, suggested WodBottom.

Is WodBottom Sustainable and Do They Have Ethical Practices?

Wodbottom has branded itself as a women-run, women-focused company with workout outfits specifically for women who lift or do yoga. Even more, this company comes with a cause: Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS). My friend Jess raves about their customer service and quick shipping, and she quickly became an ambassador for their brand.

If you want to help yourself to a percentage off of your final price, use Jess’s code (no she didn’t ask me to write this post; she doesn’t even know): JESSFIT1426

When I’m choosing how to spend my money, I want to know that the company I’m supporting is not only creating quality products but that they are doing their best to be transparent about their people practices and their sustainability choices.

CHECK! Quality Products

It’s pretty clear that the quality of the products are great, especially as soon as you put on the leggings or sports bra. Wodbottom offers a few different types of fabric to choose from so you can get the fit that you want. And they’re always coming up with new patterns!

I really loved the height of this high-waisted legging. It’s snug, fitting my waist and containing my booty!

CHECK! Customer Service & Interaction

Wodbottom has a GREAT social media presence. Whoever is running their social media is offering fun content and great interaction with people who love their brand. They’re quick to reply, like, and comment.

And when I emailed them “sticky” questions about sustainability and ethics, their email came back quickly. What I loved is that they didn’t offer vague answers.

CHECK! Sustainability Transparency

Wodbottom products are manufactured across the world, and so it really depends on which product you’re curious about. Many of the Wodbottom shorties come from factories in China and Columbia while the shirt blanks come from wholesalers in the USA, including StarTee Apparel and Bella/Canvas.

I did go and research StarTee Apparel and Bella/Canvas, and they had passable transparency on their sustainability on their websites. I didn’t dig deeper than their websites.

The sports bra back is SO CUTE, and while it was hard to wiggle into, I really love the compression. Fiona enjoyed her sniff too.

CHECK! Ethical Practices for Factories

Wodbottom shared that they chose to work with factories in China and Columbia that are inspected for safe working conditions and fair wages for employees. This was a positive for me. While I can’t know for sure that this is the case, I appreciate that Wodbottom was quick to reply and didn’t tip toe around the questions.

It can be super tricky to find brands that are willing to be open about their practices. And, then, are they actually? Yah know?

But I think I’d rather support a company that is putting forth good effort to care about people and the world from the consumer all the way to the factory workers, and even more with a great cause like DAIS.

Hot Take on I HEART U WodBottom collection!

While I haven’t needed any new workout clothing for a while, I have an aerial event coming up that I needed a cute outfit for…and so it was time to buy something from WodBottom!

I chose the I HEART U legging and bra.

Remember, you can get a discount if you shop with Jess’s code: JESSFIT1426 (and if you do, you should tag her on Instagram @jreitz14 because she loves getting excited about other people’s purchases)

This “Whoopsie” shirt was a fun option. I liked the mystery. It’s a longer crop than I’d prefer, but it’s easy enough to knot it at my waist.

Another thing I enjoyed about WodBottom is that they have a “Whoopsie” Mystery Shirt purchase where they sell shirts that aren’t quite up to their level of quality. This shirt was one such item, and I can barely see what the problem was. It’s super fun!

If you’re looking for a new brand to support your workout practices with great care all around, I think WodBottom is a good choice.

Tell me in the comments if you agree or disagree and WHY!

June 2021 Inspiration

June 7, 2021 Leave a Comment

Oh heyyyy, June. Can you believe we’re in SUMMER now?! And does anyone feel like they need to make up for some “lost time” due to the shutdown and pandemic last year?

Yeah, well, okay, sure. But listen, let’s try to keep some of the rest going on because we discovered some deep goodness in the dark of the shutdown. Let’s keep some of that.

Anyway, let’s get to my June Inspiration!

What I’m Being Inspired By

Current Jam:

This song has embedded itself in my bones, and I keep finding myself clicking play again and again. I can’t stop. And this is the first time that I’ve watched this video, but I’m already kind of obsessed. Have you heard it?

Current Food:

If you’re local to Pittsburgh, you should DEFINITELY check out Coop De Ville. It’s all sorts of fun packed into one location. They combine this feeling of a Tuscan vineyard with an arcade and coffee shop. Suddenly, you can have your very own unique experience whether you want to dine (it’s pretty self-serve) or play games.

Current Read:

I’m on a journey, and it’s an uncomfortable one — I’m determined to understand the truth of my existence in this world while also honoring the experience of other humans as well. It’s not easy, especially when I’m reading a book like Know My Name by Chanel Miller.

This book cracks into the dishonor of having your body used when you were an unwilling participant. It’s painful, but I don’t want to look away. When we turn our eyes away from the reality of pain and hardship, we refuse to bear witness to the story.

Current Obsession:

I’m in love with Fiona’s yellow studded collar. It’s so ridiculous and yet I just love it. You can find it at this link!

I’ve also gotten into painting again, and I’m finding so much joy in creating art from inspiration discovered on Pinterest. Yes, I absolutely work off of other images to create my paintings. You can buy canvas, paintbrushes, and paint (this is my favorite acrylic paint so far)!

Current Quote:

I’m learning that this is a super empowering phrase, but I’m only just learning how to use it. It’s scary, right?! I don’t maybe that’s just me.

What’s Inspiring YOU?

Tell me in the comments! I’d love to know!

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