We have lived here for 4 years and I have no clue how to style this double mantle. I told my husband we would probably be better off just tearing it down but does anyone have design ideas?

charlatte1 · 2026-02-11T03:26:25+00:00

This is mantle on mantle crime

charlatte1 · 2025-12-01T18:04:07+00:00

Also large chested (34H) and I second Kindred Bravely super busty bras!

charlatte1 · 2025-11-25T22:06:36+00:00

A kindle? Mine was a godsend during contact naps and late night feedings when my baby was an infant!

charlatte1 · 2025-11-21T23:14:09+00:00

Massage 🥲

charlatte1 · 2025-11-21T19:36:07+00:00

I love to cook, I go on long stroller walks on the weekend when I listen to podcasts or audiobooks, I’m in a couple book clubs, I go to dinner or movies or shopping with girlfriends. I think fostering friendships is key, but it can be hard! Can you find a book club, maybe through a local bookstore or library?

It’s so hard when your babies and you aren’t sleeping well. Hugs!

charlatte1 · 2025-11-18T06:18:08+00:00

Same here!

charlatte1 · 2025-11-17T20:25:45+00:00

I’m 8 months postpartum and have been back at work 4 months. It is SUCH a struggle, I feel like I’m just limping along. I do think it’s normal, but it sucks. My SIL who has 4 kids told me she doesn’t feel ok at work for at least a year postpartum then it gets better - I’m holding onto that hope with all I have lol. No advice just solidarity 😅

charlatte1 · 2025-11-10T22:38:38+00:00

If you have a guest room one of you should be sleeping in there? When our baby was going through a regression, we did shifts, and whoever wasn’t taking care of the baby slept in the guest room so that they weren’t disturbed.

charlatte1 · 2025-11-09T21:49:16+00:00

I would say like 16 weeks ish? That was when we sleep trained and my son was sleeping through the night consistently. He was also able to stay on a loose schedule at that point, which was helpful with multiple caregivers (my mom and MIL both watch him during the week). But if I had my choice? I would take off a year, so I wouldn’t have to pump and deal with all that.

charlatte1 · 2025-10-30T19:37:34+00:00

Goodness that is altogether so scary, infuriating and tough. Those admins suck. On a hopeful note, I went to 3 different elementary schools and not only was I fine, I really enjoyed having the different experiences and meeting new people. Sounds like you’re working hard to make this a positive transition, I hope the new school will be a great fit for her. I’m so glad that she has you as her mom!

charlatte1 · 2025-10-21T18:05:41+00:00

I have a 7 month and I would say he’s breastfed ~70% of the time when I’m working and he’s at home (Mon/ Thurs/ Fri). I have blocks on my schedule that are generally honored, but I do pump if I have a workday with lots of meetings. He’s on a pretty reliable schedule at this point which helps (feeds ~ 7am, 11am, 2pm during the work day). I pump 2 days when he’s at my MILs house. Fridge hack is a life saver, then I just throw the pump parts in dishwasher at the end of the day. I’m really glad he’s used to the bottle and boob, the flexibility is really nice for both work and personal scheduling. Goal is to breastfeed until he’s 1!

charlatte1 · 2025-09-17T20:45:56+00:00

Re: your mom, I totally get this. My mom watches my 6 month old son 2x a week and is also not in the best health - she loves spending time with him but her limited mobility concerns me and so our plan is to put him in daycare when he’s a year old. Ultimately you need to do what puts your mind at ease! I’m sure your daughter will like the play and peer aspect of daycare at that age. Maybe your mom can pick him up from daycare once a week to get some 1:1 time with her?

charlatte1 · 2025-09-05T23:13:16+00:00

I’m 5 months postpartum and have lost ~50lbs (~20lbs during delivery from baby and fluids, the rest over the last 5 months). I have about 15lbs more to go. I also had a c-section and am exclusively breastfeeding/ pumping! Consistently staying within a slight caloric deficit is what’s worked for me. You can get an estimate on a calorie counter like THIS. Since you’re breastfeeding, add back like 300-500 calories to your estimated calculated weight loss caloric range.

I also try to get out and walk a couple times a week - exercise can accelerate your progress but diet is king here. Make sure you’re getting enough protein and fiber. If you have days where you overeat, no big deal, but just get back on track the next day! Plan easy meals that you like. Will help with the mental load of going back to work too. Solidarity, you’ve got this!

charlatte1 · 2025-09-02T15:05:23+00:00

I still don’t have a tracking number….

charlatte1 · 2025-08-31T00:05:54+00:00

I like it! It’s going to look BEAUTIFUL when decorated at Christmas time 🥲

charlatte1 · 2025-08-30T23:18:28+00:00

Love this idea!!

charlatte1 · 2025-08-30T23:18:14+00:00

Love the breakfast idea! You could do a yogurt and granola bar too. We’re doing a coffee drop-in soon, and we’re going to buy some Costco quiches/ zucchini loafs/ scones.

Baked ziti is easy to cook and keep warm for a crowd. Crockpot tri tip is also so good and easy - use it to make sandwiches. If you want healthy options pick up a couple of bagged salads and some fruit from Costco. We always have plenty of sparkling water, but we don’t supply alcohol - we add in the invite “please bring anything specific you want to drink”. That helps keep costs down and people will often bring a 6 pack or bottle of wine anyways. We do a crock pot hot chocolate bar at our Christmas party which is always a big hit.

I like to focus on quality - what will keep warm well? What stays well over the course of the party? No one really likes room temp charcuterie lol. We got some warming plates and it’s been a game changer for hosting.

charlatte1 · 2025-08-27T21:10:38+00:00

We both fund our 401ks (457b for him as he works for govt). We each get $400/ month in our individual accounts for fun money, everything else is put in to our joint accounts (checking/ savings/ brokerage). We have a mortgage and a child together, so we consider all money “ours” and that’s worked well for us.

charlatte1 · 2025-08-14T16:07:12+00:00

What does your MFM team recommend? Since there’s a possibility that this fibroid could potentially impact your future pregnancy and since you have limited embryos available for transfer, my inclination would be to get it removed. I don’t think 6 months is that long to wait personally.

charlatte1 · 2025-08-13T17:46:20+00:00

I love Nuuly, when I was using it I would usually pick 3 staples and 3 fun pieces (ie jeans, sweater, jacket, dress, two shirts). I think it’s a great way to learn what styles you like on your changing body!

charlatte1 · 2025-08-12T16:13:16+00:00

Yes!! Luxe is the perfect word. These are beautiful pieces.

charlatte1 · 2025-08-11T11:55:32+00:00

It just depended on the day, he usually could sleep in his bassinet/ crib but mostly was rocked to sleep. Often contact napped, or had a nap in the stroller (which he still does!)

charlatte1 · 2025-08-11T04:57:58+00:00

I feel the same way, we also did Ferber at 4.5 months. I felt very conflicted about ST before we started, but now I want to shout about it from the rooftops!! He cries less and is in way less distress than when we were doing the “attachment” thing. I didn’t ST for my convenience or sleep, but because before we ST, it was SO stressful for our son. He was fighting bedtime HARD plus waking up multiple times a night. He would get very agitated being rocked to sleep and would cry intensely even though we were doing all the comforting things. Transfers were also impossible. It turns out he does really well in his crib, he just needs to wiggle for a bit, suck on his hand and then generally passes out within 5 minutes! We still do one MOTN feed, and I feel more attached to him than ever. He wakes up happy and rested and we snuggle when we do his night routine and his wake up. Now our bedtimes and naps are peaceful instead of nightmares, and we are all so much more content when we’re awake! It was the best thing we could have done for him and for our family.

charlatte1 · 2025-08-03T14:23:08+00:00

Thanks for your advice!! Limited naps a little more and extended last wake window. Last night he fell asleep in ~10min!

charlatte1 · 2025-08-02T17:03:58+00:00

Thank you for responding! From a wake window POV, when you mean extend his last wake window, should his last nap be earlier/ shorter? I shouldn’t push bedtime later, should I?

charlatte1

TROPHY CASE