{If It Worked For Scarlett O'Hara...}

The other day some fellow moms and I were having a pow-wow and crazy plastic surgery talk. No one denied that they'd forgo a procedure (or 5) if money (and some morals?) was never an issue. Of course I said my "girls" would take the number one spot on the list (followed by my bunions), but I was surprised to learn that most said "A tummy tuck, hands down. And hip/thigh lipo, I guess."

And that's when I got up, pregnancy buzzums out, chin up, and said "Scarlett O'Hara never had a tummy tuck and she was able to get her waist back to 22 inches."

Just kidding, I didn't said that. I would have gotten stoned.

But I had a point and told them about the BEST post-partum advice my mom gave me. She told me to get this:
...and pretty much mummy myself for at least 40-60 days after that delicious babe invades my life.

It's called binding or wrapping and it's been done for centuries. I guess sometime in the 60's of this decade it was stopped; all those darn hippies wanted to be free, so along with their bras they burned their shapewear too. You know what happened afterwards? Clothes became shapeless and ugly. In the 80's I guess they recognized there's truly a crisis so they introduced shoulder pads bigger than my head, thinking it could make the waist appear smaller. Uh-huh. I'm going to stop here before I get out of hand.

Back to binding/wrapping.

I can testify that my mother's advice worked. Yes, some credit needs to be given to genetics, but I can confidently and shamelessly say that three months after giving birth, my waist was pretty much back to normal. I can't say the same thing about my thighs, but honestly, unless you're willing to walk some stairs and do squats/lunges NOTHING will get that *general* area back to where it was.

So, how to do it? The day you get home from the hospital, take a couple of the widest ACE bandages you can get your hands on (I used 6 inch ones, biggest I could find online and in drug/sport stores) and starting from right below the bra line wrap yourself downward (securely but not too tight) to the middle of the hip. This is the gentlest and most bearable method. For all I care you can even sleep with them at night, if you can bear it.

When I went out and wore a dress, I wore these SPANX knock-offs called Assets . You can find them at Target as well.
Then I went to Marshall's and got me some "sausage" underwear and cut the undies part into a thong because I didn't like having four butt-cheeks when wearing jeans. But times are a changin' and now designers recognize the need for shapewear that does its job and made of breathable fabric. I found these and got them the other day.
Then I went to Walmart and got a cheap, but effective corset for $10 to wear over my ACE bandage wrapping for a little extra extra, if you know what I mean. But if you have money laying around, you could get Brooke Burke's Baboosh version for $60. This Belly Bandit from Target is also great to wear alone or over the ACE bandage wrapping.

The point is, your uterus stretched out almost 1,000 times in the past nine months. Yes, read that again. Ya think it will go back with some exercise and dieting? Sure...if you eat a carrot a day and hire a bootcamp trainer to kick your butt for three agonizing hours. The muscle literally needs to be put back in it's own place, otherwise even when you've accomplished a six-pack a few months (or years) later, you'll still have "the pouch"...which we all know is NOT necessarily fat but the way the uterus settled in forward.

Makes sense?

Here's what else I got this time around as well.

A nursing tank with built-in shapewear/tummy support: I love it that it's long!
A binding band thingy magiggy intended for those who had a c-section (which I did with my first babe) but is also beneficial for ALL moms. I got it in the mail the other day and let me tell you, it's worth every penny ($30). The cotton is super soft and it has the perfect amount of supportive stretch. I'm taking it with me to the hospital and putting it on right away.

Again, I'll still wrap myself with an ACE bandage because this bandit only does the work for the lower section of the torso - where the uterus is located AND where most support should be provided - but my mid section needs some lovin' too.

And that concludes the lesson for the day. If you don't know what to give a mom at a baby shower or what to bring along when you visit her at home, do her a favor and come with a meal in one hand and one of the above items in the other. Maybe some Bon-Bons as well. A little treat never killed anyone.

If you're NOT pregnant or a mom who just had a baby (I'm talking about in the past year...it's not too late for you!) I would still look into getting a soft corset or some type of shapewear (like SPANX) to wear during the day underneath your everyday clothes. You'll be amazed how much smoother your waist area will become and how, over time, it will actually shrink. It will also keep you in check on your amount of food intake. Just sayin'. Don't kill the messenger, mkay?

Jetplanes on the move...

Hello to all you lovely and sassy military wives out there.

So sorry for being completely MIA. The Jetplanes are officially moving next week to Seymour Johnson AFB? Anyone stationed there?

The move had to be documented and a moving announcement had to be sent... And since we are sans "real children" our furbabies had to get in on the act.

Our family and friends also get Valentine's Day cards with our babies on them too.... yes we are one of 'those' people. The late 20s people with no kids and treat their pets as their children... yes we are very much those people.

The names and addresses have be changed to protect the innocent, mainly ME. The tag line says... Milo's gonna drive, Charlie's gonna hold the map...cross your fingers we get there!

I promise to be back in action once we move, however the blogs may be a little more home decor than fashion..since this lil lady will be working from home...and won't be that fashionable, unless you count shorts and t-shirts as fashionable.

Photography by: Oeil Photography and Card Design by Nina

((Big News)) For The Jetplanes

I apologize for my rampant MIA lately. The Jetplanes have been incredibly busy and I haven't had much time to keep up with multiple blogs.


What is our exciting news you ask? No! There is no lil Jetplane on the way! Sorry... to disappoint you and all our family.

If you follow my own blog, (which you don't have to, but it would be cool if you did) you'll be well aware that the Jetplanes will soon be homeowners.



Yeah for a mortgage.... Yeah for adulthood. Yeah for the craziness that is my life right now with getting all the paperwork together, preparing for our upcoming move, and Mr. Jetplane going to survival school for 3 weeks prior to our move in August.

We close on August 26th. I can't believe it.



So now the REAL fun begins... I can't wait to get started decorating my own house. So forgive me for my absence and I'm happy to take any and all recommendations for great home decor blogs.


That being said... anyone reading live on or near Seymour Johnson AFB?

{What The Nude - Pumps! - Can Do For YOU}

Once this babe comes out and I do the 30 Day Shred, first thing I'll do is go and get me a pair of these jeans. I'm willing to be tortured for a full month just so I can properly fit into them. I'm not giving up bacon and butter but I'm willing to sweat.
Then, I'll go get me a pair of nude pumps, like you see in the above pic. I've been wanting the perfect pair for the past two years (even before they became a trend) but haven't had luck finding some that fit AND look just right on my humble budget. I keep running into either too slutty or too grandma. I think I might just have to fork over a bit more and get a pair that satisfy my soul. I might have to sleep in them to justify the cost, but I'm not above it.

Why the nude pumps?

*They elongate the legs
*Make you look like Giselle
*Go with EVERYTHING in your closet
*Improve your sex life
*Improve your self-esteem
*Give you toned calves
*A sexy look equivalent to the nude dress Carrie Bradshaw wears on the side of the bus in SATC
*Make you sassy, in case you already aren't enough
*If not married, surely score you a good man. If you are, once more make him drool over you

I could go on but then you'd think I'm plain crazy.

Ideally, I'd get these. And three years ago I would have chosen a pair with a higher heel. But something about managing a toddler and newborn keeps me from doing that. Not that I would wear these to the playground (I'd be stoned by other moms!) but I'm thinking church and date night/girls night out. Because, you know, I want to wear something to church that improves my sex life.
But since I'm a stay at home mom and a military wife, I can't just fork over nearly $600 for ONE pair of shoes. In another life I would, but now I have to buy things like diapers and food. Don't these companies/designers know we're in a recession?

Here are some other (affordable!) options I'm thinking of:

SLY pump from Nine West

Mary Janes from Johnston & Murphy

Kitten Heel Peep Toe from MANGO

Sandal with bow from Guess
I leave you with this photo. This actress is only about 5'3'. But take a look at how long her legs look because she chose a nude/bronze sandal to wear with her dressy shorts. Right, almost forgot: try and find a pair that match your skin tone as much as possible. Like a nude bra!

{The Good, The Bad and Some Necessities}

Good casual Heidi:

Bad casual Heidi:
Seriously, where did she get that thing? Yes, it might be comfy, but please restrain yourself from getting one should you come across such a...piece of work. I can see this working on someone tall, thin and NOT pregnant, with a perfect tush. Even then, you have to have some major sass to pull it off. My husband calls it the "oompa loompa pants".

Good dressy Heidi:
This was taken while she was in her second trimester and I bet the dress isn't even maternity. Love it. Fortunately, I haven't come across any bad outfits she wears to formal/promotional events. And that's why her stylist gets paid big bucks.

If you're a mama to be (or know of one) head on over to my personal blog and see all my "necessities and must haves" for a new mom. It doesn't involve a breast pump or granny panties. Just warning you in case you got your hopes up high.

{Belt The Belly}

One of my tricks for looking somewhat stylish when pregnant is by accessorizing like they'll dissapear from my closet tomorrow. I crank up on the jewelry, scarves, belts, and... sass. I also crank up on the chocolate milkshakes, french fries, pancakes, and Dr. Pepper floats intake, but we won't talk about food right now because I can get out of control.

Here are two examples of how to belt the belly. I do need to say that you need not hold back, doubting you can't pull it off. You most certainly can, from week 6 to week 40. It's the one time in life you can get away with ANYTHING. No one will come up to you and call you ridiculous. And if they do, you can throw your milkshake at them then demand they order you a new one - from Godiva.

Dress: Xhilaration, from Target: $19.99 (see what I mean when I said you don't need to shop only the maternity department?)
Belt: Vintage Talbots, from Goodwill: $1
Shoes: BCBG, from last Spring: $60
Picture taken at 18 weeks.
Before belt...

With belt!


Dress: Jean Franco Ferre, from Saks 5th outlet, bought 10 years ago (non maternity)
Belt: H&M, bought last year - $7
Necklace: J.Crew, last year's mother's day gift - $?
Shoes: Ralph Lauren, from Ross - $18
Picture taken at 25 weeks.

Now, go stock up on all sorts of belts and give it a go. Best place to start is Thriftshops, Target, H&M, Forever 21, Kohl's, Ross, Marshall's, TJ Maxx. No need to spend lots of money, you could find plenty of options at under $10 a piece. Try all widths, colors, even prints. Play up the jewelry but don't get all crazy. The more colorful and eclectic the jewelry, the better (this only aplies if the dress is bland and simple). Oh, and you don't have to limit the belt options to dresses only, you most certainly do this with tops as well. In the famous words of Tim Gunn (I'm totally making this up): You won't know if it looks good until you try it.

{I Made Up Some Rules...}

As I entered the second trimester while pregnant with Charlie Faith two years ago, beginning of Spring - and in Yuma, this is pretty much summer weather in the 90's - I found myself needing clothes and jeans that can't be fastened with a rubber band (you mama's know what I'm talking about: put a band in the loop, make a hoop, and fasten around the button...wear a longer tank top or the belly band to cover the....uhm....exposed area). But after trying a few pants and jeans at the only maternity shop Yuma had to offer - Motherhood Maternity - that made me look like I have a booty the size of the continent we live on, I decided that I'm just not going to wear pants while pregnant. Pockets that sit on my waistline instead of my butt? No thanks. Always say NO to "mom jeans", no matter how bad life seems to be. Besides, it was (and I quote my loving Marine) "hotter than two squirrels {procreating} in a wool sock." The word in parenthesis is actually a four letter word.

Anyways......

I looked at some of their dresses and, apparently my chest area didn't register that I was pregnant yet, because while things fit all the other places, it didn't fit up top, exposing half of the side of my bra not just my armpits. I'm 5'4, weighed about 125 at that time, and I'm assuming that's average height. I really digress the way clothes are made these days...lacking in quality and proportion, but that's a post for another day. Their selection of tops didn't impress me much either.

So I challenged myself and sought out to find things I could wear purchased at non-maternity places. I went to Target, Marshall's and Old Navy. No joke, that's all Yuma has (Lord have mercy on you if you ever do get stationed there). But it was summer and they all had plenty of maxi, roomy, empire-wasted dresses. You know what else they had? All sorts of long - but fitted - stretchy tops. And you know what else? Drawstring linen pants. And what else? Skirts with soft elastic waistbands. ALL CUTE. NONE MATERNITY. And they all fit better than the maternity stuff.

Yes, the entire pregnancy I didn't buy ONE maternity item. And last summer when I wasn't pregnant I wore all those clothes again. If that's not being "green" I don't know what is. I'm not bragging (well, kind of), I'm just letting you know that if you're going to shell out a chunk of money on a new wardrobe, why not buy something you could wear again? Some of the things I bought were in a size bigger than my original, and believe me, those came in handy when nature kicked back in after delivering the baby.

I say if you're expecting, shop your closet. Don't run to the maternity store just yet (unless you're having multiples, of course). See what you can still wear. In the warmer months, it could be a flowy top that you've always had. In the cooler months it could be that chunky knit sweater. If it comes a bit short, wear a long cami underneath to cover the bottom part of the belly (these are also good to have for those see through-ish tops, and they smooth out bra lines as well): I purchased one in black, white and nude at Motherhood Maternity, and I wear them all the time. Super affordable too.

Here are examples of non-maternity tops I've had for years that I was able to wear while pregnant (and love wearing them when I think I have a six-pack as well):

And a couple of dresses...

I know what you're thinking. These options would only work for the first and second trimester. That's mostly true (depending on how you tend to carry), but I say it depends more on the fabric than anything else. If it's got a bit of a stretch, I say you're safe. Look for stretchy cotton, jersey, etc. That's practically all Target carries, anyways.

I also know you're thinking that you won't even want to look at the stuff you wore while pregnant after you give birth. And that's where I challenge you. Embrace what yo mama gave you. Learn to love and respect your body now while it's nurturing and sustaining the miracle of life...a mini you. I know that's hard to do when you can literally see your thighs expanding right before your eyes, with dimples appearing left and right. When wearing these clothes again in the future, don't let your thinking be that is was a time period of your life where your body wasn't your own (big and fat) - because it's NOT - but rather as a time when you knew that from this point on, there's NOTHING you can't handle that life throws at you. And on top of it, you can brag that you didn't wear ugly clothes while pregnant :-)

First Year As Mil Wife Completed

This weekend (yesterday) the Jetplanes celebrated 1 year of martial bliss. It flew by so fast I think I have whiplash. It was a great and difficult first year. We spent about 7 months of the 12 months away from each other with Mr. finishing T-38 school in MS and EWO in TX. But we made it through. I kept telling myself this time is preparing me for a future deployment and that I'll look back at this time like... "Gosh... that was so easy."

Thank you Mr. Jetplane for making me your wife. I love and adore you.

My heart will forever and always belong to a man in uniform.

{Learning From a Celebrity Mama}

Simple. Chic. Fashionable. Doable. Comfortable.

Here I go again praising the fashion choices of Nicole Ritchie. I would have died a thousand deaths before you'd catch me say something like that about her a couple of years back. I used to be one of those people who disliked her so much that if she was highlighted even in the smallest article in a magazine, I wouldn't read it. But for some, there are certain events in life that changes a person so much, that they become completely different. Some events can make you weaker as a person, or it can make you into one that learns to persevere...into the individual you were created to be in the first place. For Nicole, it was MOTHERHOOD. I can fully relate. Can't say that I ever doped up on drugs and alcohol and drove on the other side of the freeway, but I can relate.

Becoming a mama has made me realize how much of a woman I am, how brave I can be, how much pain I can take, how much I'm capable of loving, how much I'm loved by my heavenly Father, how every time I make a decision I now think twice - once for my baby and once for myself. It's no longer about me anymore. Nothing I do, decide, give or receive is for myself any longer.

I don't know what brought this on when all I really intended was to post these two photos that portray AWESOME maternity fashion choices. I'd like to do more posts on such a topic since I still have 4 1/2 more months to go looking like I swallowed a watermelon seed, but I need to know if there are ANY expecting mamas out there.

Please raise your hand (and comment) if you are pregnant, whether you're 8 weeks or 8 months!!! If there are two or more - and you're welcome to share how far along you are - I would be delighted to go on and do a weekly post on how to dress up the belly and deal with the canckles. And feel free to ask any questions you might have as well. I have many ideas and eager to share but don't really want to if it's not relevant for anyone following this blog (which is really hard to believe, since you're part of the baby breeding machine called "The Military") because I have better things to do, like watch The Housewives of New Jersey.

So, leave a comment and your thoughts with it too :-)

Cheap and Sassy Summer Finds

Well, Mrs. Jetplane is a shoe addict. I have a ridiculous amount of shoes, Mr. Jetplane will attest to that fact. I am a true believer in spending money when quality is required such as in heels for work or in a pair of quality boots, they are investment pieces that will last for several years.

That being said when it comes to sandals, I'm a firm believer in quantity over quality and Target is my go to.

Here are a few great sandals for sale at Target right now, and all are under $20. You can't beat that for a pair or two that will take you through the entire summer. As a girl living in Florida I live in sandals....

Have no fear... we'll have more summer must haves on a budget in store...