One half of the husband-and-wife musical Youtube sensation, Us The Duo, Carissa Alvarado, is as lovely and gracious, as she is easy on the eyes. Pregnant with her first and about to go on tour, I swung by her home to play dress-up, swoon over their epic love story, and chat about how she plans to manage to be on tour while pregnant. @carissaalvarado

Very excited and a little overwhelmed. I don’t really know what to expect.
I know that my life is about to completely change, in a good way and I’m looking forward to the adventure of teaching her how to treat people and how to love.

I feel like the way we met is a lot like a movie. About 7 or 8 years ago, he was helping a friend move to LA and when he was in town, a mutual friend/fellow musician invited a few of us over for a jam session and video shoot. When I got there I knew everyone, except him and his friend. So, I introduced myself and we totally hit it off. But, I had a boyfriend at the time so I didn’t think anything of it. However, he later told me that when he left that night he told his friend, “I’m gonna marry that girl. She’s amazing.”

He went back home and we stayed in touch via social media. In the meantime, my other relationship ended and Michael was always there for me as a friend — he never hit on me or made me feel uncomfortable in any way, which I really respected and appreciated about him. As soon as I broke up with the other guy we gradually started talking more. One day he asked if we could FaceTime, as he had an idea for a song. Apparently, that was his plan to see me. We talked about the song for all of five minutes and then stayed up the entire night talking about life until the sun came up. By the end of that call, I blurted out, ‘I’m going to marry you and have your babies. I see a future with you.’ He immediately let out a deep sigh of relief and was like “oh thank God, because I’ve felt that way since the night I met you.” As they say, when ‘you know, you know’.

He moved out to LA and we got married a year later. That was 6 years ago. Once we got married we decided to take music seriously as a duo. I feel so grateful that we can make music together as it’s so special to be able to do what I love with the one I love. Plus, knowing that we have each other, when we’re on tour performing, makes all the difference in the world. It’s incredible.

Before getting married and teaming up, we were each pursuing our own music career however after got married we realized that we not only harmonized well in life but also in music. We released a handful of short covers on Vine, and within 30 days, we had a million followers! Then we posted our wedding song ‘No Matter Where You Are’ and it went viral! After that, Oprah called and asked us to tour with her! It’s been a wild ride, to say the least!

Omg! I have no idea. People are saying that I’m crazy for thinking I can go on tour while pregnant, but I’m like ‘No way!’ Women are strong and I can do this. It’s a state of mind. Plus, it’s going to be such an incredible memory that I can share with her when she’s older. The tour lasts a month and we’re planning to set times for me to rest before and after the shows. We’re also going to have a stool on stage for me. 🙂

There are so many good songs! I would say My Girl by the Temptations. Because she is my girl and I already feel like we have this really deep connection. Whenever we’re singing, rehearsing, or playing music she starts moving and reacting. It’s so cool that she already loves music — not that she has a choice! Also, Rock With You, by Michael Jackson, because she rocks with me and makes me want to dance.

A lot of sweets! I’m in this really weird ice cream sundae phase. I bought classic vanilla ice cream with Hershey’s chocolate syrup and sprinkles! I’ve basically reverted to all my childhood eating habits. Since the first trimester I’ve wanted sugary cereal, Ego Waffles, and Pop Tarts.

Outside of my crazy teenage cravings, my diet has actually been really balanced. Luckily my husband loves to cook and always makes super healthy, delicious, and well-portioned meals for us. Throughout the day I try to snack on fruit to get my sugar fix. 🙂

Sushi. 100% Sushi! And, wine. I joke around with my family that I need both of these things right when the baby comes out! Immediately. I’m at the point now that when I’m out with friends or family and they have a drink, I ask to smell it because I feel like I can taste it by smelling it.

How much I love it. Prior to being pregnant, I heard so many complaints from women about how hard it is, but honestly, I love being pregnant. It makes me feel so good to feel her move around in there and the glow that I have, plus the fact that I haven’t been sick at all has allowed me to really enjoy it. I’m scared I’m going to miss it.

Jumpsuits and dresses. I like to accentuate the bump and show it off. I’m proud to be pregnant!

Yes-ish…I wish I could say ‘hell ya!’, but my libido has been super low. I know it’s different for everyone. I’ve heard for some women it’s super high and others not so much. But, I have my moments, and I tell my husband it’s ‘now or never’.

I’ve been trying to stay fit. I’ve been doing some at-home workouts with different apps for yoga and weights — especially trying to keep my arms toned. Plus, we’ve been going on walks with the dogs around the neighborhood. The weather in LA has been spectacular with hot nights, so we watch the sunset and catch up — I look forward to these every night.

I was hoping that my boobs would get bigger! That’s the one thing I was really looking forward to, as I’ve always been somewhat flat chested — which I’m totally fine with, but thought it would be fun to have a bit of cleavage. However, they have yet to come. Maybe it will happen at the end. Who knows. As far as my body, I’m so impressed by what its capable of. I haven’t gotten stretch marks yet, plus, I haven’t gained too much weight other than in my belly — which I’m thankful. I also apply a crazy amount of Palmer’s Stretch Mark lotion, which has worked wonders for me!

Absolutely. Showing your kids to follow their passion, by example is such a gift and an important life lesson.

If you have a dream, go for it. It doesn’t matter everyone supports you or not, as there will always be haters. But, if YOU believe in what you’re doing, then go for it. There’s enough room in the world for everyone to chase their dreams. It’s all about surrounding yourself with people that love you. If you have a good support system, I truly believe you can do whatever you want.