**FYI: The Baby Tooth page has been updated with Lucas’s 3 Month update!**
I’ve been trying to get this post together for a few days now, but between little man has been needing some extra lovin’ this week (not sure if teething is started, if he’s going through a Wonder Week, or something else…it’s all a guessing game right now) so my hands have been a bit tied.
BUT…now that I have a few extra minutes to spare, I figured I’d check in with you all and let you in on some deets of my recent NYC trip. Soooo, let me go back to a little over a month ago…
I received an email from someone at Fitness Magazine with some really exciting news. At first, I wasn’t quite sure if it was even real, but sure enough, after some volleying of emails back and forth it was indeed a real thing.
As it turns out, Lands’ End was interested in using me in a photo shoot, which was being coordinated through Fitness Magazine! At first, of course, I was totally psyched and completely thrown off guard. Then the reality set in a bit and I started worrying…
“Umm, I wonder if they realize I just had a baby a little over two months ago? I’m not exactly the picture of “fitness” right now!”
Since I’ve been a (very, very small) part of the world of modeling before, I know and understand that sometimes needs and wants are very specific. I quickly addressed these concerns with both Fitness and Lands’ End (I even sent them pictures of myself just so there were no “surprises”) but they agreed that I was still, in fact, what they were looking for.
WOAH. Hold the phone. Now it was getting real (and I’ll get to more of my feelings on that in a second).
Email correspondence continued back and forth for a few more weeks and, eventually, travel and logistics started to fall into place. So last Thursday evening, Jay, Lucas, and myself hopped on the train and headed down to NYC for a photo shoot.
Yes, all of that was for a trip not longer than 24 hours. Boy how things change when a baby is involved!
Thankfully, Lucas was amazing on the trip down. He fell asleep in the car on the way to the train station, and stayed asleep for about three quarters of the ride down. Once he woke up, he was happy as a clam and remained easily entertained by his two silly parents. We checked in to our hotel no problem on Thursday night, we all got a good night’s sleep (Lucas only woke up once, as per usual), and then I was up and at ‘em bright and early Friday morning.
A car came to pick me up from the hotel to bring me on set for hair and makeup. When I first got there, I was surprised to see it really just looked like a big, random building. But inside, I discovered that each floor had spaces that companies could rent out for various photo shoot needs. It was really pretty cool to see everything all set up!
Shortly after finding my way to our space, breakfast was catered so I helped myself to a plate while waiting for what was next.
First things first, we had to make sure that the clothing fit, so we had a quick fitting (they even had a seamstress on set to make sure that the clothes were tailored to fit me perfectly…so cool, right?!). Once we had that settled, I went and had hair and makeup done by my stylist.
He was such an awesome guy. It was actually him and my clothing stylist (gosh, it sounds so fancy, doesn’t it?) who were the two that I dealt with the most during the day and they were both fantastic. So helpful, accommodating, nice, and friendly.
The shoot took all day long – I arrived on set just after 7:00am, and we didn’t wrap until a little after 5:00pm – and by the end of the day, I was pooped.
Having people poke, primp, fix, move, and adjust you all day long can be exhausting, but it was still ridiculously fun. There was a break for lunch somewhere in there between shooting and touch ups, so I made sure to relax and grab a plate (the asparagus was soooo good).
I also made sure to take a few breaks to spend time with my boys, who were on set almost all day (a separate car picked them up a little later in the morning).
By the time we wrapped up (it even ended with a “That’s a wrap!” with applause…just like you see on TV, haha), we had a little time to get our things together before a car was due to pick us up and bring us back to the train station.
Unfortunately, Mr. Lucas was not loving the car ride home (couldn’t fall asleep, super fussy, needed to be held-standing, of course, yadda yadda…) but we managed. By the time we got home around almost 11pm though, I was more than ready for bed. Whew.
So while I can’t get into any specifics of the shoot and/or what it was for YET, I CAN tell you that you will most likely be seeing my mug (and maybe even Lucas’s! ) in an upcoming issue of Fitness Magazine, as well as an upcoming catalog for Lands’ End.
I’m still trying to wrap my head around the whole thing…
At first, as I mentioned before, I was a little nervous about the timing. Just having had a baby a little over three months ago, I’m not exactly in my fittest shape (nor would I expect to be!). I won’t lie…I was feeling pretty self-conscious at first, and I doubted whether or not I should be the right choice for them. And sadly, I was surprised to see just how quickly my mind initially started going back to my old ways of thinking…
“How can I get ready for this? Should I cut out sweets? Limit carbs? Exercise more?”
But it didn’t take long to snap back to reality and realize I can’t do that anymore. Not only do I have zero desire to travel back down that road again, but more importantly, I have a precious baby boy who needs my body strong enough to be able to nourish him. Never in a million years would I have wanted to do anything that could have impacted my supply for breastfeeding, so that was that. I continued eating what I’ve been eating (including a big ol’ bowl of ice cream the three nights in a row leading up to the trip) and I’ve still only had one legit workout over the last three weeks. It’s just how it is right now.
And the fact that Lands’ End and Fitness were okay with this and excited to use me for this project just the way I am made me even more excited to be a part of it. The pressure was off, and the only “nerves” I had/have left were the fact that I’m going to appear in a national magazine and catalog…and that would happen no matter what size I was or shape I was in!
But honestly, EVERYONE I dealt with during the day was absolutely incredible. The photographer, the creative director, the seamstress, the girls from Fitness Magazine, the writers, producers, videographer, lighting guys (they probably have a more official sounding role, sorry), and everyone else were just SO nice. And I’m not exaggerating when I say that. They offered to help take Lucas once in a while to give Jay a break, they were super flexible with allowing me to feed him and/or pump throughout the day, and they all chatted with Jay quite a bit too, making him a part of the experience. We both agreed that everyone together made the whole experience just that much better.
So from here, there’s still a couple months until more details of the photo shoot can be revealed, but I’ll be sure to share them all with you as soon as I can!
Linz @ Itz Linz says
that sounds SO FUN! i can’t wait to see the pictures!
pat says
: )
Mallory says
That is so awesome, Courtney! I’m not surprised they scouted you at all – you are a gorgeous woman!
Karen says
That is so cool!! I can’t wait to see the pictures!!
Parita @ myinnershakti says
That’s so exciting, Courtney!!! AND I’m happy to read that you didn’t change your ways of being for this. You should be so proud of yourself!
Brittany (Healthy Slice of Life) says
Clearly Fitness magazine recognizes true beauty, both inside and out! What a wonderfully awesome experience and I can’t wait to see the pics!
Erin @ Sugar Magnolia says
What an awesome opportunity!! Love that your boys got to go with you too!
Alicia says
How exciting!!! Can’t wait to see your face in a magazine!
Amanda @ .running with spoons. says
Awwr girl! Congratulations on the awesome opportunity! And how sweet of them to let Lucas and Jay come along. I love that you were honest about your thoughts but that you managed to overcome the negative ones and just be your beautiful self. Can’t wait to see the final pics!
Heather @fitncookies says
You are beautiful and I love that they picked you for who you are! I cannot wait to hear more about it and see pictures!!
Stacey M. says
HOW EXCITING IS THIS?! Gosh, I feel silly being so excited over something that didn’t even happen in my life, but I’m just so happy for you! What an absolutely awesome opportunity … you would have been crazy NOT to do it. So excited to hear more about this photo shoot, and I will definitely have to buy a copy of the magazine when it hits the stands just to catch a glimpse of you in it!
I understand how you could have felt nervous / anxious about accepting this offer, given that you’re a new mommy and all. BUT, I’m sooooo glad you decided to do it. There is absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t be proud of yourself and your body for that matter. You are a beautiful person and I think that’s why you were selected for this role. It makes no difference that you were once a size *whatever* and are now slightly larger than that. I applaud you for the confidence you have in yourself now to just go out there and do it. Honestly, I can relate to you and your blog so much more now that you aren’t working out all the time, cutting back on carbs, etc. Be proud of who you are and just remember how great it is to finally be “free” of all the worry over calories, exercise, blah blah blah. You’re healthy and happy – that’s all that really matters.
Congratulations Courtney!
Tara | Treble in the Kitchen says
This is TOO COOL!!! I cannot wait to see you in the magazine!!! Please share details (I know you will) when you find out which issue :) congratulations!
Chantel says
That is awesome!! I can’t wait to go through the upcoming issues of fitness and lands end to see the pics! How exciting!
Shari says
That is so neat! What an interesting experience it sounds like! :)
Katie says
Congrats Courtney! How very awesome! I think you look gorgeous, but I know how you feel with post baby body, I feel the same way too! Very exciting and I can’t wait to hear more details and to see! <3
sarah @makingitmyhome.blogspot.com says
SO EXCITING! having a baby and eating ice cream three nights in a row is what we want to see! thats called living life and we should proud to have bodies that are able to withstand exercise because its good for the body and bellies that enjoy ice cream.
looking forward to seeing what this is all about
Hope @ With A Side Of Hope says
Congrats Courtney!! That is so awesome that you picked to do something like this! :)
Lauren says
This is just the coolest opportunity and couldn’t happen for a more deserving, beautiful person!! :) I never buy either of those magazines really but I will definitely check them out to see you!
Love your mindset on working out and eating these days too…another reason why you are one of my very favorite bloggers :)
Bridget says
This sounds like an incredible day! What a fun story you and Jay will have to tell Lucas!
Congrats on a great opportunity and even more on your healthy attitude about it. I love that you shared your while thought process – from your doubts to well-earned confidence. Go Courtney!!
Lisa says
That’s so awesome! Congrats on that!
Can’t wait to see the photos!
Shel@PeachyPalate says
Eek so excited for you! Hope you can share some of the photos once they’re printed!!! Did they interview you as well? Long drive to NY? I always assumed you were pretty close! Great that you could have your boys with you for the day!
Morganne @ Nut Butter Runner says
That’s AMAZING! I can’t wait to see the photos! Congrats! You are so deserving! xoxo
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says
Love this! I am so glad you got to be a part of this! Love your take on your body. I do not have a child but in the next year or two am considering starting to look into having a child so I am already trying to fix my view on foods and nourishment so that I can be the best I can at that point!
Brittany @ The Fit Phoenician says
That’s so exciting!! Good for you :)
Kelly says
I’ve been reading your blog for quite sometime, but never commented. I just wanted to chime in and agree that having a child changes your mindset SOOO tremendously regarding self image. I struggled with the same thing (obsessing over food, working out, etc.) and when I had my first child, it just put things into perspective. Those thoughts dropped down on the priority list and I think my child helped distract me and made me realize how much more to life there was than how good I looked! Not sure if I worded that well, but you get the idea. :) p.s. What a FUN and pampered day that was for you. Awesome!
Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat says
Wow, what an amazing and fun experience! Congrats Courtney!
Melanie @ Beautifullu Nutty says
Your outlook on healthy livig is exactly what people need to hear and see. You are an inspiration to so many and I’m so happy they chose you for this opportunity! You deserve it!
Jana @ Happy Wife Healthy Life says
Let me just say how incredibly excited I am that you have this opportunity! Oh my gosh girl, what am experience! Also, Fitness and Lands End both know exactly what they are doing by choosing you to be a model – a sweet and gorgeous woman from the inside out! All your readers love you for your honesty, class and beautiful spirit that shines through your writing and stories! Can’t wait to hear more details in the future! :)
Kristen @ notsodomesticated says
This is so awesome in so many ways. I love that you had such an incredible opportunity, but I also love the fact that you realized you needed to take care of your body, despite feeling pressure (not from them but yourself) to look a certain way. I also love that they wanted you just as you are!! They know you’re gorgeous, regardless of how much working out you’ve been able to do (or not do!). Love ya, girl!! <3
Chelsea @ A Fit LittleOne says
This is so cool!!! I can’t wait to see the photos :D
Sam @ Better With Sprinkles says
Ahhh this is so exciting! I can’t wait to see the final result.
Jessica says
That sounds so exciting! I can’t wait to see the photos, your little guy is so darn cute, I bet they call him back for something else for Land’s End.
Mollie @Sprinkles of Life says
Very cool! Can’t wait to hear more about it!
Jenny says
Congrats lady!!! So happy for you! can’t wait to see the pictures!
Ashlee@HisnHers says
Ahh Ive been dying to hear what the trip was for! That is awesome girl! I can’t wait to see how it turns out. It sounds like yall had a blast!
Katie @ Talk Less, Say More says
what an AWESOME opportunity! I can’t wait to see some of the photos when you’re able to share!
Ruthie Hart (@ruthiehart1) says
Such a crazy cool experience…. you look amazing girl! I cant wait to see the finished product!
FitBritt@MyOwnBalance says
Very very cool! Good for you for being true to yourself and comfortable in your own skin!
Gina says
Courtney, I am so happy for you! That sounds like so much fun and you DEFINITELY deserved it! I read your blog everyday and just admire the woman that you are. I know you struggled with going back to work after that cutie pie Lucas was born, but you have done an amazing job and I am so happy you got to experience such a wonderful day. I can’t wait to see the pictures in fitness Magazine!
Miranda @ Lovely Wife Lovely Life says
OH MY GOSH that is so cool!!! I love Fitness Magazine so it will be awesome seeing your face popping out from one of the pages!!! :)
Jolynn @ Lift Pray Love says
That’s so incredibly awesome!! Congrats!!
Marielle says
I love this!! Sounds like so much fun, can’t wait to see more pictures! I’m sure you were lovely!
Holly says
That is so cool! You are gorgeous, and I’m so glad you didn’t go back down that path. I’m excited to learn more!
Katie@LifesNextBigStep says
This is so awesome! I can’t wait to see it!!
Ali says
That’s awesome!! Good for you. I’m sure you looked wonderful too.
Betsy says
CONGRATULATIONS!! That is so exciting. I can not wait to see the magazine and catalog, please keep us posted when they come out!
Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries says
Wow, look at you! That’s awesome, Court! I love your mindset and attitude. Thanks for being honest and sharing all of your thoughts surrounding it!
Kaylie @ FitnessMovesYou says
Wow what an amazing experience! Food for you for not giving into that silly voice we all have in our heads sometimes that makes us consider restricting our diets too much. I’m sure you looked gorgeous!
Ashley @ Power, Love, and Self-Discipline says
This is so cool! Can’t wait to see the pictures!!
Christina says
You have no idea how shocked I am to see that my FAVORITE blogger is a model for Lands’ End! I work for Lands’ End at their corporate headquarters in Dodgeville, WI as a wellness coordinator and fitness instructor. I have an idea that I know what you were working on and I am excited to be part of the project as well! So cool!! I have been a fan for a long time and think the connection is so crazy! I hope your photo shoot went well and I am VERY VERY excited to see what is to come of it!
Kelly @ The Fit Skool says
What a fun day! I can’t wait to see it. I am sure the pictures came out amazing.
Jess says
What an amazing experience!! It seems really fun! The best of it is your approach to self-acceptance. Lots of people, including me, tend to struggle a bit with it, but you have taught a great lesson. Thanks for sharing it! Looking forward to see the photoshoot :D
cait @PIECEOFCAIT says
WOW! how awesome! I can not wait to see more pics and learn more about your adventure! :)
Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl says
That is so neat!!! What a super fun experience. I can’t wait to see the pics!
Brittany @ proteinandpumps says
How exciting!! Can’t wait to see the ad and read more about the project : )
Nicole says
Look at you!!! That is so cool. You must feel so proud! Lucas and Jay are proud too I’m sure :) Can’t wait to actually see the pictures. Go girl!
Annette@FitnessPerks says
That is SO SO cool!!! Congrats! And I love your thoughts on all of it–you ARE perfect just the way you are. Glad the magazines got that message too!
Can’t wait to see pics <3
Kerry @ Half Healthy, Half Nuts says
So exciting!! And I’m so glad I subscribe to Fitness, so I won’t miss you! :)
Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl says
What an awesome experience! I can’t wait to see the pictures! Also, I am loving the picture of you getting your hair done…I love that you can see your hubby and lucas in the background together..SO cute! :)
Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run says
That is SO cool! Can’t wait to see the photos!
Jamie @ Sometimes Healthy Living Blog says
Sounds like such a cool experience! Can’t wait to see the results. Congrats :-)
Stacie says
How exciting! I’m glad you (and Lucas) had such an amazing opportunity!
Courtney @ Our Latte Love says
Wow! That’s awesome, I can’t wait to see what you were modeling:)
Natalie says
Courts!
Congratulations! How cool is that?!? I guess you can offically call yourself a
YUMMY MUMMY :) I know some woman hate that… But, it is true, as you are!
Ellie@Fit for the soul says
EEEEEEKKK what a fun and memorable experience that must have been! I had a feeling it was sommmmething cool like that but not 100% about the details. :D I don’t even look at magazines but now i’m excited to peruse through that one just for you! hehe.
Erica @ For the Sake of Cake says
Ah, so exciting! Congrats!!!
Jess @ Blonde Ponytail says
Congrats Courtney!! So pumped for you!!!
Amanda Perry @ Sistas of Strength says
That sounds like an incredible experience!!!! How fun!!!!
Kelly says
That’s SO COOL!!! How exciting for you!! I look forward to receiving that issue of Fitness! haha
Nicole says
What a great day – what a great experience – and what an AWESOME place you are at! This was awesome to read!
Danica @ It's Progression says
This is just so awesome! They certainly made a good choice – can’t wait to see it in Fitness!
Sarah @ Making Thyme for Health says
So exciting!! Congratulations Courtney! You are beautiful and deserve every bit of attention you get. Even if you aren’t the fittest you’ve ever been, you are still an inspiration to so many of us!!
Koryn @ High Heels & Healthy Alternatives says
Wow, that is so Awesome in SO many ways! CONGRATS!!! Fitness Mag. & Land’s End couldn’t have picked a better person for their shoot! :) Can’t wait to see the pics – I’m sure you look fantastic! Good stuff!
Leigha @ Minougirl says
OH MY GOSH! This is possibly the coolest thing ever! I’ve always dreamed living a life this this haha.
It’s great that you didn’t restrict your food or anything – your and Lucas’s health is much more important than how you fit the clothes!
kristen @ livinlifeinlouie says
HOW EXCITING! and I have to say I’m a bit jealous too haha, but I think I would be self conscience too. Can’t wait to hear more in a few months,
Gina @ Health, Love, and Chocolate says
The photoshoot sounds so exciting. I have no doubt you looked fantastic!
Carol T. says
Courtney:
Can’t wait to see you in Fitness Magazine.. I subscribe to it and it is one of my favorites…. what a wonderful and exciting experience..
Sarah says
Wow! Sounds like an awesome experience for you and your family to have! Congrats! You are absolutely gorgeous and I look forward to reading more about it/seeing some cool professional pics of you! Love your blog! That picture of your son is soo cute! With his little hat and jumpsuit omg. xo
Kelly @ Femme Fitale says
Just catching up with all of your posts.What an amazing opportunity, Courtney! Very excited to see/hear more about the final product when the time comes. I love how you bring body image into this post as well. You are a role model for so many new moms who feel incredible pressure to look a certain way. Good on the magazine for knowing what real women can relate to :)
Olivia @ Liv Lives Life says
Wellll I’m a bit late to this, but…that is SO cool, Courtney!! I’m super excited for you, and can’t wait to get my Fitness magazine! You’re absolutely gorgeous, inside and out, and I love your words on loving your body for what it is. Totally what I needed to hear right now, because it got me thinking about myself, too. Again, congrats on the awesome opportunity!