Downtown Diaries 04
Notes from a NYC Mom: What I’m Loving, Wearing & Trying
Hello, February! It felt like it took forever to get here. My birthday is on the 20th—proud and typical Pisces over here—and I’m so excited to turn 35 as a mom of three! As another trip around the sun approaches, I always take a moment to reflect and soak in the gratitude for everything I’ve built and the person I’ve become.
I grew up an only child, always dreaming of a big family of my own—and I went ahead and created it. Motherhood has been a wild, transformative journey, shaping me in the best way possible. I know I wouldn’t be who I am today without my babies or my husband. Every year keeps getting better, and at 35, I truly feel like I’m just getting started.
Excited for the year ahead and hoping this is the year I get a Mini Kelly (lol).
Currently Reading
I finally got a Kindle, and my only regret is not getting one sooner! I love it. If you’ve been on the fence, let this be your sign. I’m making a conscious effort to be more intentional with the content I consume, and this is already helping.
Let Them by Mel Robbins
This book is having a major moment—and for good reason. I love simple, digestible ways to better myself, and Let Them is exactly that. It shifts your mindset and reminds you not to waste energy trying to change or control other people’s actions, opinions, or decisions. Let them. Instead, take that energy and put it toward yourself. I just finished and telling everyone to read it.
Up Next
Fourth Wing
This is not my typical genre, but I figured I’d give it a try. Apparently, it’s filled with dragons and sex. Stay tuned for my thoughts.
Add to Cart (and My Closet)
Postpartum dressing at 4 weeks is not fun. I was so excited to finally dress cute after pregnancy, but it still feels far away. I miss my closet. I caved and got two pairs of Levi’s in a bigger size (3 sizes up), and I think they should work in the next two weeks.
Both are the 501 ‘90s style but in different fabrics. The first pair, in the wash Fun Flare, is lightweight, super soft, and perfect for early postpartum—comfortable and easy to wear. The second pair, in the wash Take A Hint, is your classic rigid denim. I love a good rigid jean because they’re always more flattering, but I think I’ll need to wait a little longer before these fit just right.
And before anyone asks—the sweater is Khaite from last year. I scored it 40% off on NAP, and honestly, it was a very good purchase if I do say so myself.
My advice for anyone postpartum: don’t go crazy buying a ton of new pieces right away. Your body is going to change every week—it takes me a full year (or more) to truly feel back in my body. Get a few staples to hold you over—for me, that’s jeans and basic tees. And as someone who never weighs herself, watching those jeans get bigger over time is very satisfying.
Two other purchases I made recently? A Saks Potts coat and Miu Miu sunglasses—because a great find is hard to pass up.
Apparently, Saks Potts is shutting down in the spring (so sad!), and since I already own a couple of their jackets, I had to grab one last piece. I scored this coat for 40% off directly from their website (a win!), though I did get hit with duty fees upon arrival. Regardless, I love it and know it’ll get plenty of wear.
As for the Miu Miu sunglasses—they’re not my usual style, but when I tell you they make me feel instantly cooler?! I’m obsessed. I know they’re not a forever piece, but I plan to enjoy every second of them while they’re having their moment.
My Wellness Comeback
One thing about me—I like to do it all. I love self-care, I love trying new wellness trends and treatments—it truly sparks so much joy for me. Pregnancy put a pause on a lot of that, and even though I’m still breastfeeding, there are so many things I’m excited to get back to and try.
I have to say, I missed this the most. I’ve slowly started incorporating it back into my routine—keeping it on a low setting and using it for about 30 minutes. It gives me that endorphin release I love from working out, which makes the six-week no-workout rule a little more bearable. Use code Madison15 for 15% off.
I’m counting down the days! I’ll be booking an appointment right after my six-week postpartum check-in. Colonics make me feel light and energized, and after nine months of not being the most regular, I cannot wait. I go to Cassie at Colon Therapy NYC. She does gravity-style colonics, which I personally think is the best—it’s way more gentle and works with your body.
Navel Pulling: Castor Oil on Your Belly Button
This has been all over my FYP, and I’m such a sucker for trying something new—especially when it’s actually been around forever. Castor oil has been used for centuries in various cultures for its health benefits, and the list of what it can do is pretty impressive. It’s been known to support liver detox, aid digestion, relieve bloating and constipation, ease period cramps, and even promote reproductive health.
The method is simple: apply castor oil to your belly button before bed, cover it with a patch, and let it work its magic overnight. I’m intrigued and definitely giving this a try—stay tuned for my thoughts!
Microcurrent Magic with SB Skin
A microcurrent facial uses gentle electrical currents to stimulate facial muscles—essentially giving your face a workout. This treatment helps tone, lift, and firm the skin by boosting collagen production, improving circulation, and supporting cellular repair. Even without extractions, my skin always looks noticeably better afterward.
I first tried this facial before my wedding in 2017, and not only did I love the results, but I also formed a special friendship with Sharama, the queen of microcurrent. She has locations both here and in Miami, and lucky for me, she’s back in NYC next week! I’m treating myself to a session as a little birthday gift to my mid-30s face—because a lifted, sculpted glow is the best kind of present.
Ear Candy
Sharing my birth playlist, and let’s just say—it screams I AM A MILLENNIAL. But honestly, I needed music that would motivate me, keep my mood elevated, and push (literally) me through labor. It was exactly what I needed, and bonus—it was a huge hit with the hospital staff too!
Things I am looking forward to…
Getting back to Tracy Anderson workouts (two weeks left)
Finding my rhythm as a mom of three
Feeling motivated and confident in myself again
Finally sleeping through the night (three months away)
Wearing jeans again
Warmer weather in NYC
Seeing Countess Luann de Lesseps perform this May in NYC
Diving deeper into To Be Magnetic
I know you’re a former trainer, so I’d love to hear any tips for easing back into TA post partum. I’m a streamer (one drawback of being in the Hudson Valley), so I’m trying to self pace back into the routine once I’m cleared!
I’m 6 weeks postpartum and seriously can’t wait to access my wardrobe. It’s painful to look and not be able to wear!!