If you’re a parent, you know you would do anything to make your child comfortable and happy. When we found out about Magnus’ egg allergy via a traumatic visit to the emergency room, we took the next steps to make sure we were doing everything in our power to make sure he was comfortable. We eliminated eggs from the foods he was trying, but he was still having reactions in the form of hives, and we knew there was plenty to learn about what was upsetting his body. I was referred to an Allergist that, naturally, couldn’t get him in for three months. After breaking out in hives about once a week a ..read more

Something about a leather look is so chic. I have been looking for a pair of good faux leather pants for, I kid you not, years now. I was shopping at Abercrombie and thought, heck, let’s make this pair of leather pants be the one hundredth pair I try on that don’t work and was shocked… They fit, they were comfortable, and reasonable affordable! I would say it was a win-win-win! Shop the pants here. In addition to a good pair of leather pants or leggings, I loved the look of this faux leather blazer. It can be dressed up or down and will be a fall 2022 fashion staple! In this look I paired it w ..read more

I’m officially eight months postpartum, and boy, can I tell you how I’m feeling mentally compared to the 4th trimester is night and day. As Mental Health Month approaches, I have partnered with Moms Mental Health Initiative to share my postpartum experience. Moms Mental Health Initiative is a Milwaukee-based nonprofit organization dedicated to helping moms navigate perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by sharing information, connecting them to resources, and providing peer-driven support. They truly are doing amazing work in the community.  I have always struggled with anxiety durin ..read more

My ultimate favorite restaurant that I’ve been frequenting for over 15 years Not much has changed and that’s why I love it.  Delicious and authentic Mexican food (served on paper plates), it’s the perfect place for a quick and cheap eat! Their margaritas are tasty, but dangerous My go-to order: two tostadas, one cheese and onion enchilada, and rice and beans. If you are visiting Milwaukee and are looking for a cheap and quick eat, Conejito’s if your spot. You can get a full meal and drink for less thank $15. Have you been to Conejito’s?   Riva. The post Milwaukee Moments: C ..read more

As we are at the height of the most exciting time of the year, who doesn’t love a gifting opportunity!? I have partnered with Southridge Mall for their 12 Days of Gifting this holiday season, and I can’t wait to share! I posted earlier this week a fun giveaway with H&M and today I am running a giveaway with the local gift store, The Village Shoppe! If you are not familiar with the local Wisconsin shop, the store truly has a gift for everyone. When I was offered the opportunity to shop and pick a gift for this giveaway, I was immediately taken by the vast selection of their holiday gnomes ..read more

If there is one thing we have learned over the last few years, it’s to value and support our local businesses! Rather than purchasing an unneeded item, I urge you to consider purchasing from a small family business to help support the community you live in and to have heirloom pieces that will last generations! Some of my favorite pieces of jewelry are my grandmother and my mothers pieces that have been passed down to me. Speaking of heirloom jewelry, let me remind you of one of my favorite jewelers, Tobin Jewelers! One of the reasons I love partnering with the fine jewelers is when you visit ..read more

When it comes to maternity and postpartum clothing and accessories, it can often feel like a guessing game when ordering online. Hell, sometimes it’s hard to even when in-store when there is no one to help guide you. Will the items fit me, do I need them, how do they fit? These are all common questions and it can be frustrating not to have the answers. Luckily, I found a local retail store for all of my mom needs, Close to the Heart Boutique in Thiensville, Wisconsin! Not only does Close to the Heart have a huge inventory, but you also have the helpful and knowledgeable staff to help you find ..read more

One of the first things to go when I found out I was pregnant was a good quality night’s sleep. On top of the hormones and anxiety, my old mattress was the icing on the cake for lack of much-needed rest. Honestly, throughout my pregnancy, sleep has been hit or miss, which is frustrating when you aren’t feeling well to begin with. With the addition of my giant pregnancy pillow and 80-pound dog, my queen mattress was not cutting it, and I knew it was time to upgrade before our baby boy made his arrival. As many people like to remind me, I will be sleep deprived as a new mother. I knew a good qu ..read more

Well, I will start this off by saying, things aren’t pretty for first trimester pregnant Riva. It was probably for the best I wasn’t able to voice all my aliments and complaints with you all because you would have been annoyed. Whoever invited the saying, ‘morning sickness’ should have called it, ‘all-day sickness’. I honestly felt crappy most days, mostly like I had an all day hangover that never went away. Luckily at this point I was working from home and was able to take it easy and not have to socialize/meeting with clients as much. Can we get a hallelujah for Zoom and emails!? Some things ..read more

If there is one thing that can make or break your day, it is a good night’s sleep. That all stems from a good quality mattress. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t picky about my mattress as I mature in age. It wasn’t something I thought about until I experienced a good quality mattress and what a difference it really makes for my sleep schedule. And really when you think of it, we sleep a third of our day, so why not enjoy the rest and recharge with a good quality mattress. When it came to picking a new mattress, I wasn’t going to pick one online and have it shipped to my house without trying ..read more