Top from Forever 21 | Skirt from SheInside | Shoes from Charles & Keith |
Purse from Coach | Sunglasses from Armani

There’s that joke about a husband coming home from work and asking his wife on maternity leave what she did all day. Or that other joke about an ill-informed friend saying to a stay-at-home-mom that it must be nice to be at home chilling all day. Sadly, these jokes are not really funny at all, at least not to the mama in question. Being on maternity leave or staying at home with kids full time is no joking matter. It’s a whole lot of work! While maternity leave can undoubtedly be a challenging time, I also like to see the opportunities in it. Here are the 3 reasons why I’m enjoying and making the most of my precious maternity leave!

#1: Quality time with the fam-jam

If you’re a working mom, you know how crazy it gets having to perpetually juggle different responsibilities. Your mind is constantly pulled in different directions: whether it’s sorting out playdates while scheduling working meetings at the same time, or planning your family’s next meal while organizing your next business trip out of town. You want to do justice to both your home life and professional life but never quite feel that you do. Sound familiar? Enter maternity leave. No one ever claimed that it’s a walk in the park, but at least you get the opportunity to focus entirely on your home life and take a breather from the office setting. Your mindspace isn’t having to constantly compete with work stuff and neither does your guilty conscience play a number on you. I’ve found my time during maternity leave to be a special time to connect with my new baby and reconnect with other members of the family – my older son who gets to spend a lot more quality time with me, my husband with whom I share 3 am conversations while up feeding the baby, and my mother who spent so much time helping me care for the baby. I know that when I eventually go back to work, I’ll feel a lot more rejuvenated emotionally and mentally.

#2: Weekday hangouts

You know that when you have a day job, any other engagements and appointments have to get squeezed into weekday evenings and weekends. Well, the bright side of being on maternity leave is that you don’t have to! Once I had recovered from delivery and became more mobile with the baby, I love how I can randomly meet a friend for lunch in the weekday, run errands without having to face the weekend crowds in stores, or get my nails done in the middle of the day without the wait (for some “me time”). It’s awesome! My stretch goal for this mat leave? Catching a matinee show on a weekday for a Bollywood movie!

#3: Time for creative pursuits and other side projects

I know better than to get overambitious while being on maternity leave. Some days, you're lucky if you can even get time for a shower or to send off an email! However, you will find pockets of time to work on things that were put on the backshelf for a while. Baby’s napping? Let me finally organize that kitchen pantry! Baby’s napping again? Great, let me work on that blogpost I was planning in my head! Someone can watch the baby for a while? I can step out for that errand that was pending for so long. Knowing that these activities can only be accomplished in byte-sized timeframes (because it’s very hard to get long, uninterrupted stretches of time to yourself with an infant), I’ve created a list of things I’d like to do during my maternity leave…from redecorating certain parts of the house, getting involved in community service with my older son, to my creative pursuits with the blog. It’s really a great way to keep myself engaged without feeling that every moment of the day is all-consuming with the baby. I find myself to be in a happier and more fulfilled state of mind this way.

And speaking of creative pursuits, this is my first style post since having the baby. Embracing my post-pregnancy body - the extra pounds, scars, and all! I know I'll get back in shape eventually so I'm not rushing it. It's all about enjoying this time and focusing on eating right for yourself and the baby. 

Photography credit to White Room Studio which captured this picture of us
during a maternity shoot

  It’s been a month since I delivered baby Arjun and I honestly don’t know where the time has flown. I’m revisiting all the joys and challenges of having a newborn but with less of the worries, freak out sessions, and self-doubt experienced the first time around. This is why I felt compelled to share some of my insights and experiences gained from my two pregnancies and post-partum life. For you new moms and moms-to-be out there, the following are not meant to scare you. They are merely meant to equip you with some of the knowledge and useful pieces of random info I wish I had the first time around to deal with the somewhat trying times ahead.

First, the serious stuff…

1. You still look 6 months pregnant after birth. I didn’t know that the first time around and it was made painfully clear to me when just after having a baby, one ignorant male friend of mine said in jest, “Hey! You planning to have another baby?” Needless to say, it was not funny. It took our bellies 9 months to stretch and expand to bake a little bun in the oven. So it’s only fair to give your body several weeks and even months to get back to what it was before. (And yes, it wouldn't hurt if others were a bit more sensitive to this). The uterus has to contract to its original size and the internal organs have to reposition themselves. Our bodies are incredibly resilient but just remember to give it time! So those maternity clothes? Hang on to them for a little while longer.

2. Breastfeeding does not necessarily happen naturally or intuitively. I don’t get why society makes it seem like it’s the easiest thing in the world to do but it’s not. It takes work. It’s like a tango – you and the baby are getting to know each other and your dance moves. It takes a few tries and some practice before both mother and child get the hang of it. But when you figure it out, it can be an incredibly positive experience.

3. You’ll find that your body behaves in the weirdest, most unexpected ways. Like how? Like the tingling, pins & needles-like sensation you get in your breasts every few hours. That's basically due to the milk flowing from your ducts to your nipples. Or the milk flow you get simply by hearing your baby cry (it’s a reflex reaction called “letdown”). Crazy! 

4. What you eat really does affect the baby. This not an old wives’ tale but in fact based on truth. There were times when I had cabbage or beans only to regret it later on when my firstborn would cry blood murder later in the night. Lesson learned! In the first few months after birth, babies are especially susceptible to what you eat. As their digestive system is still maturing, they may be prone to stomach aches and gas issues if you don’t watch your dietary intake. So avoiding gas-inducing foods, eating well, and continuing to take your prenatal vitamins will go a long way to ensuring that you and your baby are well nourished.

5. Baby acne is a thing so don’t freak out if you see your baby break out into small red spots on their face. It usually happens around week 3 and will go away on its own.

The not-so-serious-but-still-incredibly-true stuff…

6. As a mother, you will develop a unique superpower that enables you to hear your baby cry two doors down even if you’re in a crowded room.

7. Sleep (yours and the baby’s) will become a topic of conversation with your spouse over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. It’s going to be the case for a long time. Be forewarned.

8. Grandmothers will always think your baby is not warm enough even if wearing a beanie in 40 deg C weather.

9. You will do things with your limbs and other various parts of your body that you didn’t know you could, like turning a light switch on and off with your nose and developing amazing dexterity with your toe. 

10. It’s written as Murphy’s Law – the moment you lie down to take a rest, the baby will decide it’s the right time to wake up crying for a feed or a diaper change. EVERY. TIME.

Just learn to smile through it all!

Hi everyone, as promised in my previous post, I'm super excited to announce my collaboration with Linen & More. If you haven't heard of it, you should definitely visit this Singapore-based store in person. Think boho chic as well as trendy dresses, tunics, and summery kaftans that can be worn for everyday wear or dressy occasions (check out their website here).

The blue kaftan I'm wearing below is from the Beach collection - Love the pom-pom detailing, the bright blue color, and the comfy fit! It's actually not a maternity dress but you can see I've made it work for me! I've worn it as a casual summery dress but you could also wear use it as a cover-up over your bathing suit. There's a drawstring in the front which can make the kaftan more fitted on you ladies with more svelte figures. I find it a very flattering and versatile piece, and in the tropical Singapore weather, you won't lack for occasions to wear this.

This is the giveaway dress, and the winner would receive a new piece with the choice of this kaftan in blue or pink color from the store. To enter the giveaway, please do the following:
1. Follow my instagram handle: @urbanmantra1
2. Follow the sponsor on instagram: @linennmore
2. Tag 2 friends on my post about this giveaway on instagram

The winner of the giveaway will be announced on June 30, 2017.

 Blue kaftan from Linen & More | Purse from Nine West | Arm cuff from Accessory Concierge | Shades Raybans | Earrings from Lovisa | Shoes from Charles & Keith

Hello everyone! Isn't this pink turtle dress the cutest? It also perfectly embodies my current physical state. Now at 37 weeks, I'm literally moving around slowly like a turtle! This dress is actually a regular dress that I styled for my maternity look. The dress is from Linen & More, a Singapore-based store that houses a lovely collection of linen and cotton dresses, tunics, and kaftans. The owner, Manisha, sources high-quality linen and cotton material directly from India to create a very wearable collection of clothes with beautiful colors and embroidery. I'm really excited because I'll be sharing a collaboration with Linen & More really soon - so stay tuned for an awesome giveaway coming up!

Pink Turtle Dress from Linen & More | Rope bangles from Ammos Accessories |
Earrings from Lovisa | Sunglasses from Emporio Armani | Pink pumps from Charles & Keith

It's not often that we get to be up close to nature and animals in the urban cities we live in. Mother's Day already passed two weeks ago but I'm still fondly remembering the family brunch we had at Rider's Cafe. The cafe is located in a unique spot, removed from the urban city area and amidst lush greenery. Located right next to the Bukit Timah Saddle Club, Rider's Cafe is a fantastic place to have a weekend brunch while overlooking the green slopes and open spaces. I also love coming here because there's something to keep kids entertained. They can get free pony rides, walk around the stables and feed the horses standing lazily about. The horses have the cutest names too, like Muffin, Soldier, and Frosty!

Dress from India | Purse from Calvin Klein | Earrings from Lovisa | Sunglasses from Ralph Lauren

Smiling away as he enjoys his ride on Lily the Pony

All smiles after his delicious brunch and pony ride!

You guys, maxi dresses are the best when you're preggers! I got this Island Shop dress (not maternity, mind you) during my first trimester when my bump was barely showing. But I bought the dress in a bigger size, knowing well that it'll be handy later down the road when all other clothing will refuse to fit me! Sure enough, during the final stages of my third trimester, this dress has become a closet staple. It's made of a light fabric which is super breathable and comfy - an important distinction in this humid, tropical weather in Singapore! Island Shop (locations in Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand) has a nice collection of casual and beach wear that embodies the tropical, island style. I've been able to get mileage out of this maxi dress at work by pairing it with a structured denim jacket, for evening dinners with heels and a nice clutch, and for casual weekend wear with cute sandals. The best part? Since it isn't a maternity dress, I can still wear it after the baby arrives! Win-win.

By the way, this dress isn't the only non-maternity item of clothing that I've been making work for me. I have 2 pairs of regular jeans from Zara that I purchased at bigger sizes and I wear them with a belly band (see here and here).  I got a white top from Forever 21 which I wear often for work (paired with a blazer) or casually outside of work (see post here). Then the pink embroidered dress from Mogra Designs is another example (see post here). They are still wearable and comfortable even at this late stage in my pregnancy.

So bottom line for making non-maternity clothes work for you? Pick items that you foresee as being closet staples. Then buy them at a size bigger than your current state. A-line or roomy dresses, blazers, jeans, and loose tops are articles of clothing you will potentially wear throughout your pregnancy...so you don't always need to specifically shop from a maternity store for them. Just make sure they suit your body shape and don't make you appear like you're wearing a tent. Pregnancy is no excuse for looking frumpy! Lastly, these clothes can always be adjusted post-pregnancy with tailoring, as needed.

Thank you Kamana from SocialandStyle for patiently taking these pictures for me! :)

Dress, belt, and bracelet by Island Shop | Shoes by Charles & Keith |
Crossbody purse by Coach | Sunglasses by Emporio Armani | Watch by Kate Spade

When people think of Chinatown, they imagine narrow, bustling streets, crammed stores and people milling about, selling of fake handbags and electronics, street vendors, and hole-in-the-wall Chinese diners, etc. Interestingly, the Chinatown of Singapore is a far cry from that.  Yes, there are some old mom & pop shops, street stalls and vendors for sure. But you'd be surprised to know that a good portion of Chinatown here is actually quite trendy and happening. Walk along certain parts and you will see colorful shophouses that have been converted into cool restaurants and bars while still maintaining their original exteriors. Inner street alleys have funky stores selling TinTin collectibles or varieties of different teas and tea accessories against the backdrop of the Old Buddha Relic Temple. Wander into narrow winding streets, like Keong Saik Road, and you will see an old Hindu temple just a few steps down from a hidden speakeasy called The Library which requires a secret password for entry. It is definitely a mix of old and new, unexpected yet still authentic.

This is me over the weekend walking around Keong Saik Road, sticking to the casual weekend basics: torn jeans (these non-maternity Zara jeans still fit me because I purposely bought them a few months ago at a bigger size), white top, and a fun bomber jacket. And when your hair is greasy like mine, just wear it up in a bun and pretend that was the plan all along. :)

Jacket and top from Forever 21 | Zara jeans | Mules from DMK, Singapore |
Rebecca Minkoff Round Sofia crossbody bag | Sunglasses from RayBan

While it may be hard to think about how to look dressy when you're pregnant, sometimes simplicity in style is best. Go for a well-cut and well-tailored dress with one thing that makes a statement. In this case, I had the color RED do the talking. This ASOS maternity dress just pops because of its bright color. I took it to the tailor to get it altered a bit so that it would fit me better across the shoulders. But other than that, it was good to go! Perfect for an evening date, a night out with friends, or any event that requires you to dress up your bump!

I wore this dress during my recent trip to Hawaii for an evening date with my husband. To add a bit of local flair, I threw on the Hawaiian kukui nut black shell necklace but felt it looked kinda hippy...so then I decided to wrap the beaded shell necklace around my hands like a bracelet. I think it works better! So you'll notice in the pictures why the necklace is suddenly missing around my neck!

ASOS Maternity Dress | Fendi embellished leather shoulder bag |
Sunglasses by Persol | Shoes by Charles & Keith

I'll be honest with you: pregnancy isn't all that it's cracked up to be. Probably not an earth-shattering proclamation but it's a good reality check to hear it from a real person's perspective, right? So often women get swept up with the aura built around pregnancy and motherhood from social media, magazines, websites, and pregnant celebrities who make it seem like rainbows and butterflies. Yes of course it's a blessing, a beautiful, cherishable, and life-altering experience for a woman. But it's also one of the more challenging phases that a woman goes through. All pregnancies are different and some may experience an easier time than others. But regardless, cooking a bun in the oven is no walk in the park. Pregnant women may experience morning sickness, nausea, fatigue that can sap the life out of you, discomfort from bodily aches and pains, gestational diabetes, sciatica, stress incontinence, mood swings, aversion to certain foods, etc. And yet, we soldier on and power through this phase. We still pick ourselves up and go to work, manage our households, fulfill our familial responsibilities, and maintain our social networks - all the while, withstanding any discomfort we may be facing from the pregnancy and the resulting changes in our body. It's a credit to the emotional, physical, and mental strength that we are capable of dealing with.

So what actions have I taken to make this pregnancy as smooth as possible (or as bearable as possible)? I find that going through a pregnancy is easier when you put yourself in a better state of mind. This may sound a lot like general life rules to live by but I just want to be positive and don't dwell on the stressors and negativity around me. I've made a conscious effort to continue staying physically active by going on walks, climbing stairs, doing yoga, and exercising appropriately. I've tried really hard to eat healthier than I normally do while still allowing some indulgences (my weakness is sweets and desserts). I'm doing simple things that make me happy, like taking time out for my morning cuppa chai, baking, blogging, shopping, reading...and lastly, doing my best to look good while pairing it with big heels and an even bigger grin on my face. :)

ASOS Maternity Print Dress | Marc Jacobs Crossbody Bag | Charles & Keith pumps | Gorjana bracelet | Sunglasses from Cole Haan | Dangle earrings from Island Shop (Singapore)

Hello dear friends! It's been a while since I posted on the blog. Lots of life events were going on that deterred me from dedicating the due time to posting consistently. If you follow me on instagram (@richatiwari81), you'll know that I recently shared some happy news on the personal front: I'm expecting baby #2! So you can imagine why I became distracted away from the blog. I wanted to focus on myself for a little while and at the same time, lots of personal and work travels kept me quite busy!

Anyway, happy to say I'm back and inspired to post again! I just came back from an amazing trip to Hawaii and will be sharing a travel post on that soon (where to go & what to do if you're traveling with kids while still wanting to enjoy yourselves as adults!). I've got a few pregnancy fashion posts coming up soon on work-, party-, and weekend-style as well. So stay tuned!

This is an outfit post from my Hawaii trip. Achieving comfort without looking like a beached whale starts to get more and more challenging once you reach the third trimester of your pregnancy. You're lugging around a heavy weight around your mid-section and you don't feel all that glam. But I find that ASOS has some pretty good maternity clothes which still help you achieve that comfort combined with an everyday style factor. This loose top is super versatile - you can pair it with distressed jeans and sneakers to get a sporty look. Or you can throw on a pair of heels (yes, I am still wearing heels at this stage! I can't let go of my heels!) and a cute purse and make it look a bit more dressy. Needless to say, this top is a wardrobe staple at the moment for me!

Top: ASOS Maternity | Jeans: Zara | Crossbody bag: Fendi | Shoes: Charles & Keith |
Bracelets: Nakamol | Watch: Kate Spade 

Image Source

In the past several months, I’ve had to replace lifting weights with lifting a baby, cleaning spit ups instead of clearing sit-ups, pushing a stroller instead of doing push-ups. As a fitness junkie, I was eager to get back to working out as soon as the doctor said it was okay to do so. But as a new mom, I soon discovered the challenge of fitting exercise into my daily routine. True, I have had the good fortune of spending my maternity leave back home in Asia, surrounded by family who can help me look after Baby K. Yet I still struggle sometimes to find time in the day for fitness. The problem is, I never really get a good chunk of time to do anything at length. I always heard about how babies need constant attention. I’m now experiencing that firsthand for myself. It’s always a spare 20 to 30 minutes here or there. Maybe if I’m lucky, I get a couple hours to myself when the baby is napping during the day.

But where there's a will, there's a way! I recently started setting aside 30 minutes in the morning for exercise and have managed to stick with reasonable success. On days when I’m feeling lazy or plans go astray, I still try to do some yoga stretches or go for a walk with the baby. Currently, I’m doing the 30 day squat and plank challenge, a great way to firm up the quads, hamstrings, abs, and butt and strengthen the back! The combination workout targets multiple muscle groups so it's a great postnatal workout for new moms who want to tone up. And the best part? It can be done anywhere - in the nursery while the baby naps, in your office cubicle, in the park, or in the bathroom if you so choose! I’m hoping I’ll see results by the end of the 30 days (I'm only on day 6 so far). Watch out for a post-challenge report on the blog!

Check out the 30 day squat and plank challenge schedule I put together below. 

A few additional tips:

• Please be sure to follow correct form and technique for these exercises (Youtube videos for squats and planks)
• Try to follow up this short exercise with lower body stretches so that you aren’t sore the next day. (Some yoga stretches that I found helpful were pigeon pose, lizard pose, and the kneeling hamstring stretch)
• Remember to breathe while doing squats and planks! For squats, breath in as you bend low, breathe out as you stand up
• For more intensive squats, sink low and try to get your thighs parallel to the floor
• You can do the squats and planks in whatever order you want - it's up to you!
• If the number of squats is getting too much for you, you can break them up throughout the day or build them into a longer workout. For example,  on the day you have to do 100 squats, you could do 25 squats at four different times in the day. Or you could do 25 squats after every 10-15 minutes of running on the treadmill
• Partner up with a friend for this fitness challenge - it’s more fun that way and you’re more likely to stick through the whole month!