Fashion

OOTD: Cozy & Casual Vibes ✨

BasicMom

Hey, friends! Some days just call for that effortless comfort—days when you want to look cute but also feel like you’re wrapped in a big cozy blanket. That’s exactly what today’s look is all about! It’s all about keeping things simple yet stylish, because let’s be real, who doesn’t love a laid-back outfit that still makes you feel put together?

I’m rocking an oversized graphic sweatshirt that gives off the perfect “I woke up like this” vibes. It’s got that relaxed, slouchy fit that makes it feel like I’m wearing a hug. Plus, I just love the nostalgic touch of the graphic design—it’s like a little piece of retro chic that adds a bit of personality to the look. Whether it’s your favorite band, quote, or graphic, a sweatshirt like this is a must-have for those cozy, casual days. 🎶✨

Pairing it with classic black leggings is a no-brainer! Black leggings are truly a wardrobe staple because they go with just about anything and, let’s be honest, they’re probably the most comfortable thing to wear. They’re stretchy, flattering, and give you the freedom to move around without any restrictions—perfect for days when you’re juggling errands, school drop-offs, or just lounging around the house.

When it comes to shoes, I’m all about keeping it easy—so today, I’m opting for barefoot vibes. 🦶 Sometimes, shoes are just not necessary, right? At home, I love the freedom of going barefoot. But if I need to run out for a quick coffee or catch up with a friend, I’ll throw on a pair of cute sneakers or slides for that perfect balance of comfort and style.

Now, I can’t forget the little accessories that make this look my own. For today, a pop of color from my phone case adds just the right amount of fun and personality. You don’t need to go overboard with accessories when your outfit is already this comfortable and casual, but little details like a fun case can really make a difference! 📱💕

Why I Love This Outfit:

✔️ Comfy & Stylish: You don’t have to choose between comfort and looking cute. This outfit nails both! Perfect for those days when you want to feel good and look good with minimal effort.

✔️ Effortless Cool: That oversized graphic sweatshirt adds an instant cool factor without even trying. It’s the ultimate “I’m chill, but still stylish” vibe.

✔️ Mom-Life Approved: Whether I’m chasing after kids, running errands, or just hanging at home, this outfit gives me the freedom to move and the comfort I need to keep going. Plus, it’s totally practical and easy to throw on when I’m in a rush!

How Do You Style Your Favorite Comfy Pieces?

I’d love to hear how you make your go-to cozy pieces your own! Do you have a favorite oversized sweater you live in? Maybe a pair of leggings you can’t stop wearing? Let’s chat in the comments about how you style your most comfortable looks for those busy but still stylish days.

Until next time, stay cozy and chic, mamas! 🖤

#OOTD #CozyVibes #CasualStyle

Food & Drink

Start Your Morning Off Right with The Green Machine! 🍃☀️🥤

BasicMom

Kickstart your day with this refreshing, nutrient-packed smoothie! The Green Machine is the perfect blend of greens, fruit, and protein to keep you energized and feeling great. 💪✨

What’s Inside? 🥬🍌🍓

✅ Spinach – for a vitamin boost 🥬
✅ Mixed frozen berries – for antioxidants & tangy sweetness 🍓🫐
✅ Banana – for natural creaminess 🍌
✅ Greek yogurt – for protein & probiotics 🥄
✅ Honey – for a touch of natural sweetness 🍯
✅ Water & orange juice – for hydration & citrusy zing 💦🍊

Blend it up, sip, and take on the day with The Green Machine! 🚀💚

What’s your go-to morning smoothie? Let me know below! ⬇️💬

Hauls

🛍️ New Month, New Haul: Things I Absolutely Don’t Need 😆

BasicMom

Ah yes, a fresh month means a fresh start… or in my case, a fresh shopping haul of completely unnecessary items. 🎉🛒

🧥 Hoodies – Because I definitely don’t already own 10+ in the exact same color. But hey, you can never have too many cozy options, right? 😌💁‍♀️

🏋️‍♀️ Workout Attire – Will this be the month I finally commit to my fitness journey? Probably not. But at least I’ll look the part. 😅🩳👟

✏️ Stationery – Do I already have unopened notebooks and 50 pens? Yes. Did I buy more anyway? Also yes. You never know when inspiration will strike! 📝✨

No regrets… until I check my bank account. 💸😂

What’s in your unnecessary shopping haul this month? Let’s enable each other! 😆👇

Fashion

OOTD: Cozy & Cool Vibes ✨

BasicMom

Hey, mamas! Today’s Outfit of the Day is all about that perfect mix of comfy and effortlessly cool—because let’s be real, we need style that works for our busy lives. 💪

I’m rocking a Nirvana tie-dye sweatshirt that gives off major vintage band tee vibes 🎸. The muted green and white blend is the perfect mix of edgy and laid-back, while the oversized fit makes it super cozy. Plus, who doesn’t love a good throwback band sweatshirt? 😎

Paired with classic black leggings 🖤, this look is the ultimate go-to for running errands, school drop-offs, or just lounging at home in style. The best part? Leggings are basically the MVP of every mom’s wardrobe—stretchy, flattering, and comfy enough for all-day wear. 🙌

For accessories, I kept it simple with barefoot vibes 🦶 (because let’s be honest, sometimes shoes are optional when you’re at home!). A cute pop of color from my phone case adds a little extra personality to the look 📱.

Why I Love This Outfit:

✔️ Comfy & Stylish: Perfect for a busy day but still cute enough to feel put together.
✔️ Effortless Cool: The Nirvana sweatshirt adds a little edge to an everyday fit.
✔️ Mom-Life Approved: Easy to move in, perfect for multitasking, and works for any casual occasion.

What’s your go-to cozy outfit? Let me know in the comments! 💬

Fitness

🚶‍♀️16 Days In: My 30-Day Movement Challenge 🏃‍♂️

BasicMom

At the beginning of 2025, I set a goal for myself: to MOVE at least once a day—whether that meant walking, running, working out, or anything else to stay active. But to keep myself accountable, I started a 30-day movement challenge 🗓️, focusing only on walking or running.

Now, I’ve made it to Day 16 🎉, and I’m really proud of the consistency and discipline I’ve built so far. It’s not always easy, but I’ve learned a few things along the way:

🔥 1. Momentum Builds Discipline

Some days, I don’t feel like moving. But knowing I’ve already built a streak makes it easier to lace up my shoes 👟 and get it done. The more I show up for myself, the easier it gets.

✅ 2. Small Wins Matter

Not every day needs to be a long or intense session. Some days, a short walk 🚶‍♂️ is all I need to check the box and keep the streak alive. It’s about consistency, not perfection.

💪 3. Beyond the Challenge

Even though my 30-day challenge only counts walking or running, I’ve also started adding in weights 🏋️‍♀️. Strength training isn’t part of the challenge, but it’s becoming a habit alongside my daily movement.

🎯 4. Celebrating Progress

16 days in, and I can already feel the difference—in my body, my mindset, and my energy levels ⚡. Looking back, I’m so glad I made this commitment to myself.

With 14 days to go, I’m excited to see how I feel by the end of this challenge. Who knows? Maybe this daily movement will become a long-term habit.

Have you ever done a challenge like this? How do you stay motivated to move every day? Let me know in the comments! ⬇️

Motherhood

The 5:30 AM Wake-Up Call: How I Get Things Done Before 6 AM 🌅

BasicMom

Mornings with a baby are never predictable, but there’s one thing I’ve come to count on: my little one’s internal alarm clock ⏰. Whether I’m ready or not, it’s 5:30 AM and the day begins—whether I like it or not! Over time, I’ve learned to embrace this early wake-up call and turn it into a productive, peaceful part of my routine. Here’s how I manage to get things done before 6 AM, and why it works.

The Power of the Early Start 💪

Waking up before the world is fully awake might seem like a daunting task, but there’s something magical about those quiet early hours ✨. With no distractions, no emails to check, and no phone notifications pinging every few seconds, I can focus and knock out tasks that are often pushed aside during the busier parts of the day.

It’s not about having endless free time before the baby wakes up (if only! 😅). It’s about maximizing the few moments of peace that do exist before the morning whirlwind begins.

Task #1: Cleaning (Yes, Before 6 AM) 🧹

The first thing I tackle is cleaning—nothing fancy, just tidying up the areas that got a little messy the day before. Wiping down counters, putting away dishes, and making sure things are neat gives me a sense of control over my environment 🏠. It also helps set the tone for the rest of the day. There’s something about a clean space that makes everything feel more manageable, even when the chaos of parenthood kicks in.

Task #2: Coffee, My Lifeline ☕

Let’s be honest: coffee is not just a beverage; it’s a survival tool 🔋. After a night of baby wake-ups (or sometimes no sleep at all 😴), I need that first cup of coffee to feel like a functioning human. The quiet moment of brewing it, the steam rising from the cup—it’s almost like a ritual 🙌. For those first few minutes, it’s just me, my coffee, and the calm before the storm 🌤️. It’s my reminder to take a deep breath and start the day with intention.

Task #3: Laundry (The Never-Ending Cycle 🌀)

Laundry is a constant in any household, especially with a baby 🧺. But early mornings are the perfect time to start a load or two. It’s a low-effort task that I can set and forget while I move on to other things. By the time the baby is up and needing my attention, I’ve got one less thing to worry about.

Baby in the High Chair = Mini-Productivity Break 👶🍽️

Of course, I can’t get everything done without a little help. Enter the high chair 🪑. After the baby’s first snack of the day, I pop them into their high chair with some finger foods or a small breakfast 🥑🍓, and that’s when I make a break for it. For a brief window of time, I can unload the dishwasher, fold a few towels, or sip that much-needed coffee while the baby is content and entertained 👏. It’s a win-win.

Why It Works for Me 💡

Does it always go smoothly? Of course not. Some days, the baby might decide it’s time to wake up even earlier 🛏️, or decide that the high chair snacks just aren’t cutting it 🍪. But overall, this early routine helps me feel more in control of my day and makes me feel like I’ve already accomplished something before the world starts demanding my attention.

As a parent, finding moments of peace and productivity can feel like a balancing act ⚖️, but embracing those early mornings has been one of the best decisions I’ve made. It’s a way to reset, check things off my to-do list, and prepare for the busy day ahead—all before 6 AM ⏳.

About Me

Welcome to Mom & Beyond! ✨💖

BasicMom

Where we celebrate the wild, wonderful, & ever-evolving journey of motherhood — & everything that comes with it! If you’re a mom that’s juggling it all (or at least trying to), you’re in the right place. 💪🏼👶🏼

This isn’t just about mom life — it’s about living life to the fullest in all facets. 🌍💃🏽 We’re here to dive into everything from the latest fashion trends 👗 to staying fit & fabulous 🏋🏽‍♀️, fueling your body & soul with delicious food & drink 🍽️🍷, jet-setting around the world ✈️, squeezing in a little me time with a good book 📖, & making your work life (& mom life) work for you. 💼💡

Here’s a sneak peek of what you can expect:

👗 Fashion: From cozy athleisure to date-night looks, we’ve got you covered on how to dress for all the roles you play—mom, boss, friend, & beyond.

💪🏼 Workouts: Quick, effective fitness routines for busy mamas who want to feel strong & energized (we’ll even sneak in some tips for squeezing a workout in between school runs).

✈️ Travel: Whether it’s a weekend getaway or a dream vacation, we’ll share tips on how to travel with (or without) kids & make the most of your adventures.

📚 Books: Must-reads for moms who love to get lost in a good story (because, yes, you deserve that time).

💼 Work Life: Tips on balancing your career, side hustles, & all the things that make you feel like a #bossmom.

👩‍👧‍👦 Mom Life: Real-talk about everything from toddler tantrums to teen talk, plus the challenges & rewards of raising kids while trying to keep yourself together.

🍽️ Food & Drink: Delicious, easy recipes that the whole family will love, plus some fancy cocktail ideas for those rare moments when you get to unwind! 🍹

💆🏽‍♀️ Health & Beauty: Because looking and feeling your best starts from the inside out. Skincare routines, self-care ideas, & wellness tips to keep you glowing. ✨

💄 GRWM (Get Ready With Me): Fun beauty routines, makeup hacks, & getting dressed in a way that makes you feel like a million bucks, even if you’ve only got five minutes.

🎉 And so much more: We’re all about embracing the full spectrum of life, & there’s plenty more where that came from. The sky’s the limit! 🚀

At Mom & Beyond, we’re here to remind you that YOU are more than just a mom. 💕 You are a woman with passions, goals, and dreams—& you deserve to thrive in every aspect of your life. Our hope is to inspire, inform, & empower you to live your best life, all while juggling the beautiful chaos of motherhood.

So, grab your favorite beverage ☕🍷 and settle in. We’re so excited to be on this journey with you!

Let’s do this, Mama. 👏🏼✨

With love,
Meredith – Momfluence 💖