Maternity Made Easy

Find Trendy Clothing Online

2011-10-13T12:46:00.002-05:00

It is becoming increasingly more popular to purchase clothing online rather than going to a brick and mortar store to shop. It all started with catalogues. Do you remember getting those things in the mail? I could sit for hours and page through clothing catalogues, picking out my most favorite outfits.

Catalogues have evolved and while they still do show up on doorsteps these days, finding catalogue clothes online with a nice buy now pay later option is the easiest and smartest way to shop! I say this even about maternity clothing. Although, some women are reluctant to purchase maternity clothes until they absolutely have to – and by have to, I mean, when ‘regular’ clothing just will no fit and getting a bigger size just feels uncomfortable.

I always thought tunics were a great option for women who are not ready to make that leap to wearing maternity clothes but still need a bit of wiggle room.

This long-sleeved tunic is very flattering. It is made of Lyocell, an eco-fiber for soft, draping outfits. The smocking at the bust and on cuffs is what I really like:

Another tunic I found online is this embroidered blouse. I love the embroidery at the neckline and on the sleeves. I do not generally like long sleeves but the long sleeves are gathered at the cuffs, so that is a nice touch. I also like that it ties at the neckline and is gathered at the waist:

As long as you know your measurements, not just your size, there should be no problems ordering catalogue clothing from online retailers. With the holidays coming up so quickly, great online deals are beginning to emerge!

Moving DOWN

2011-08-31T11:32:00.001-05:00

This guest post from Doris Dillon

My brother and I decided a few months ago that it was time for dad to move to a smaller house since he was having real trouble keeping up with the old farm since mom died. Neither of us lived close enough to visit every day so we helped him find a small ranch in a neighborhood near mine where I could check on him often. He’s in his eighties and I know he has a really tough time getting around on the days when his arthritis is bad so I’m always worried he’s going to fall or something. I went to Http://WWW.AllhomeSecurity.Com to look into alarms for smoke and even for falling for him and I talked to a nurse in his neighborhood who agreed to go over once every couple of days to check on him since she knows I’m worried. I love him to death and I would never forgive myself if something ever happened to him because he lived too far away so I feel like it’s my duty to keep him safe.

Sassy Pregnant Momma!

2011-08-21T00:22:00.004-05:00

When you get pregnant, you think you have to shift your wardrobe to fit you expanding belly. Well, let me just tell you that you do not have to run errands wearing pajama bottoms and an oversized t-shirt. Maternity fashions have been totally revamped over the past few years and you can take frumpy right out of your vocabulary.

Hello designer maternity clothes and goodbye sweatpants! Maternity has come a long way, Baby! Pregnancy equals posh in 2011.

Become an urban goddess in this ethereal khaki dress by Mamas & Papas Maternity. Designed with a contemporary bubble hem, intricate beading and embellished layered ruffles in warm autumnal hues, its an exceptional signature piece.
A review from one buyer says, "Love this. The detail is nice the colour is lovely. The material is flattering and the style is forgiving. Can dress it up or down."

This stylish hot pink maxi is an essential for your summer wardrobe. Created using a lightweight fabric, it's designed to keep you cool and looking effortlessly chic. With adjustable straps, you can alter the fit all the way through your pregnancy. This dress is also available up to a size 16, which is another great reason to let go of any fears you may have about diving into designer clothing. You don't have to be a Skinny Minnie to look fabulous.

The most wonderful thing about designer maternity clothes is that you do not have to pay an arm and a leg to launder these new wardrobe items. Many now are machine washable, which is perfect for the Mommy-to-be. That is a huge improvement from years ago when designer maternity wardrobes consisted of only "Dry Clean Only" items. What more could you possible want when you have machine washable, affordable clothing hanging in your closet that looks like it came from the latest Couture fashion show.

Bring out the sassy side of your pregnancy, don't hide her away behind frumpy clothing anymore!

Perfectly Pretty

2011-08-16T19:32:00.002-05:00

Just because you are pregnant or a new mommy doesn't mean that you have to let your looks take a backseat. When you only have a few fleeting moments of alone time, or barely enough time to brush your hair, the last thing on your mind is fixing your hair. A ponytail seems like the best solution to the problem.

Not any more! Ponytails no more!

The ghd hairstyles guide is awesome! I never knew that it was possible to transform my hair from boring new mommy pony to sexy hot momma in minutes! Just when you think there is no time, there are five minute hairstyles. Swoon! I am in heaven.

"To recreate Blake’s premiere style, roughly blow dry damp hair. Don’t use a brush as you blow dry, unless absolutely necessary, as you don’t want the hair to look too perfect. Next, take random sections of hair and use your ghd styler to lightly curl them. Take all the hair and pull it to the side of the head, securing it with grips. Take three sections of hair and plait them for an effortlessly cool, summery look." It definitely sounds easier to pull off with a few instructions rather than looking at a picture. There are a ton of pictures and styling ideas/instructions on their site. Can't think of what to do with your hair today? There are some many cute styles, you might be tempted to change your look every time you get a chance to.

Can you imagine going to get groceries with amazing hair like this!! You'd be the talk of the town and all it takes is a few minutes with the GHD Styler and not hours at an expensive salon. Seriously, I'm jealous. Think how fabulous you will feel just know that you are using the same exact styling tool used by celebrities and stylists around the world. Glamour right in your own home. So don't skimp on the "me" time.

Personalized Gift Baskets

2011-04-21T22:17:00.003-05:00

Do you love them??

They are making a huge statement in the baby shower gifting. It's a great gift to give, but only if Mom-to-be isn't keeping the name a secret (which I also understand). Not to sound like I don't like putting effort into my gifts, but sometimes, it's easier just to let someone else do the hard work for you. I mean, I searching for personalized baby gift baskets, picked out the one I liked, and ordered it. No long lines or screaming kids.

Online shopping is simplicity at its best.

Chic Maternity Clothing

2011-03-18T20:03:00.005-05:00

Some days, it's just plain difficult to find maternity clothes, let alone find chic maternity clothing that would be suitable for work and/or date night. I came across a site by K & Co. Here are some of my favorites that I have bookmarked.

One of the huge selling points of this site is that they offer their clothes in a wide variety of sizes. For example, this dress comes in sizes 8-22. They love the ladies in all sizes. Fabulous! This dress is available in pink or white and would be a lovely spring dress.

This is another great Mom-to-be pick. And....it's MACHINE WASHABLE!!

CHA-CHING! (Okay, I may have gotten a tad bit excited there) What mom doesn't love machine washable items?? If you don't, you better start because that's all you are going to be doing.

Once again, 8-22 sizes available!

The last one I'm going to share right now is this navy & white tunic. Reminds of summertime on the lake. It's cute & comfy, yet dressy enough to wear to work. What better than a versatile piece of clothing.

See, it's not so hard. There are chic maternity clothes out there, you just have to look. Or better yet, come back to my blog & see what I've found!

Momma's need Ebates.com

2011-02-06T20:47:00.001-06:00

Just last week, I signed up for Ebates.com. It's FREE to join and you get $5 just for signing up. You get cash back deposited either into your Paypal account or they will mail you a check. It looks like they pay quarterly. You simply login, search for the online you store you want to shop and it will take you to the store while also creating tracking ticket with the date/time they directed you to the store. For example, I'll get 26% of my purchase of All You Magazine (COUPONS!!) at Magazines.com because I used Ebates.com. I'm getting ready to reserve our car for our vacation and I can get 2% cashback!! Look, I'm all about saving a penny if I can.

** This is not a paid post, rather something I am sharing with my friends!! It's wonderful to get money back!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dropping the Hint

2010-12-20T22:31:00.004-06:00

If you need help dropping the hint to your hubby, send him to Lauren Klein.com for some personalized jewelry. There are so many beautiful items to choose from on her website, and, truth be told, they are very affordable. But, I have even better news. Use the code "shp10" and you get FREE shipping on your holiday purchase.

SCORE!

Here's my hubby's hint :)

Gift Baskets

2010-12-20T21:05:00.002-06:00

I purchased several personalized baby gift baskets to give as Christmas gifts this year. It's just so much easier than having to pick out a gift. I'm all about internet shopping this year, it just makes everything easier. I stopped by Old Navy tonight and I thought I was going to have to ram my car into some bratty teenager that stole my spot. But it's Christmas time, so I refrained.

This time.

Finding a crafty spirit

2010-12-14T11:25:00.002-06:00

I'm much more the type of person to hit up a craft show and see what other people manage to dream up. I guess I just don't think I can really find the time to whip up something crafty and have it really be worth my time. With quilting, you can already buy 9 inch quilt blocks dresden. In essence, my Grandmother would call that cheating, but I do not possess what talent she had.

These wooden puppet theater patterns are adorable and sure to be a kid pleaser in your home. There is even a Melissa & Doug tabletop theater. Squeee!! Oh to be a kid again. It really seems like it was such an easy life back then.

The third thing I found today was this minicube2 ebay had for sale. Goodness, who knew wooden toys could be so expensive. I wish my Grandpa was still alive, he was such a wonderful wood craftsman. He made cradles, benches, stools, and shelves for the house. I miss him dearly.

Disney Made Easy

2010-12-02T21:19:00.002-06:00

Don't let the task of planning a Disney vacation keep you from taking your dream vacation. You can find free Disney vacation planning services if you click on the link. She will do all the hard work for you! All you have to do is pack your bags and get ready to have a lot of fun.

We are planning a trip to Disney in a few years and I can't wait. I really want to have my picture made with Eeyore. I *heart* him.

Monogrammed Baby Gifts

2010-11-19T21:36:00.002-06:00

Monogrammed baby gifts are gifts that can and will be treasured for many years to come. I remember when my sister was born, so got a stuffed teddy with a red shirt that said, "Kirby loves Brittni." We never forgot Kirby. In addition to finding many monogrammed gifts they also have personalized gifts like this Cookie Plate for Santa. How can you pass this up??

Ladybird Baby Clothes

2010-10-13T20:11:00.006-05:00

If you want you loved one to sport the most chic fashions of the season, look no further than Ladybird baby clothes. The brand has been designed with children between the ages of 0–13 years in mind. The Ladybird brand has a record which dates back to a partnership between the original firm Adolf Pasold & Son and Woolworths, which began in 1934. The brand currently has over 160 stores worldwide making it a staple in the clothing world. However it’s only in recent years the brand has expanded to include baby items such as bedding and buggies.

The online department store www.very.co.uk currently stocks a large range of attire from the label with items for both boys and girls making it easy to stock up on the latest fashions all at one time. They also offer free returns so you can shop guilt free!

This fabulous taffeta puffball style dress is a perfect example as to the superior quality of clothing Ladybird offers. It's easy for clothes to appear luxurious online but the ample reviews online back up the excellent quality of clothing. With the holidays right around the corner, it is time to start looking for those adorable outfits for the whole family. With affordable prices, you could actually have multiple outfits for your princess or prince to wear during the family gatherings.

For the boys, we have this adorable Stone color knitted cardigan to swoon over. It's fur lined to keep you little man warm in the cold months. It's also machine washable which makes it a very economical choice over the increase supply of dry clean only items. It's available in sizes 0-24 months and is guaranteed to get little one through the upcoming winter months.

Another fabulous incentive being offered right now is the option to pay nothing until next year if you spend £50!

Long time no see

2010-06-24T21:11:00.001-05:00

Sorry for the lack of posts, I've been trying to re-structure my life, which has been like building an airplane with missing aircraft parts & supplies. I've got some new stuff to update the blog with, so keep checking back!

Massage me please

2010-04-30T20:49:00.003-05:00

I'm telling you, you want to go get that massage I've mentioned ASAP. My hubby treated me to a massage in Huntington Beach for my birthday and it was fabulous. The ladies were all very professional which made me feel like a million bucks. I wanted my BFF to go with me, but she was too far along in her pregnancy to make the trip without being uncomfortable. So we will just have to go after her baby is born. I wanted to get a facial too because they reminded me of dermatologists with their nicely pressed and laundered white women's lab coats. Maybe I can spring that on him for our anniversary.

Spa Day for Mommy

2010-02-13T18:31:00.002-06:00

With Valentine's Day just around the corner, make sure to pamper yourself. You don't have to visit a day spa in Huntington Beach to get superior service. Go for a pedi or get a pregnancy massage and allow yourself to indulge in relaxation. You deserve it. Or, if you don't feel like leaving the house, have your hubby run you a nice bubble bath, close the door, and shut our the world for a bit. Either way, just relax

Baby Shower Favor Ideas

2010-01-30T13:08:00.003-06:00

I found these adorable baby shower favors today and I had to share them with you because they are so unique.

These are little soaps that you can give out as shower gifts, which is a very original idea if you ask me!

Momma Input

2010-01-25T20:42:00.000-06:00

I want to know from YOU, what you enjoyed the most from your baby shower. I have a shower to attend for a co-worker in a few weeks and I want a different perspective on what kind of gift to give. I know what I like, but that may not be the same as the next person. I could give her something to use everyday or I could pick out a baby keepsake gift for her to cherish for years to come. I could pick some personalized or I could just be generic. I definately prefer shopping for myself sometimes. I know she'll enjoy whatever I pick, but I want this to be special. She's having her first baby at age 40 after YEARS of trying and she feels very blessed. So a special gift is in order.

Hcg for weight loss

2010-01-16T13:26:00.003-06:00

My sister mentioned to me this morning about a discussion on her birth board about using the Kevin Trudeau weight loss plan after giving birth. I told her I hadn't ever tried it before but that I had seen in mentioned on some other sites in the past. She's going to look it up and give me the lowdown about it.

Nursing Bra on Sale

2010-01-09T21:30:00.001-06:00

Here is a great deal if you are looking for a high quality nursing bra that won’t destroy your budget. Made by Second Nature, this bra is available in a number of sizes. Designed by Anna Cecilia, its zippered cups are made to be comfortable and easy to use. It is made of microfiber for comfort and quick drying. At $10.49, this bra is a steal–especially since you will pay more for a nursing bra at a discount store like Target or Walmart. The original retail was $39.99. You can purchase one at kidsurplus.com.

Happy New Year

2010-01-08T14:33:00.004-06:00

Sorry for the hiatus! The holidays are overwhelming for most families and some things just have to take a back seat! The kids were spoiled rotten, they got way more than they needed. When we were picking out gifts for our nieces and nephews, I tend to lean more towards baby clothes because I know how useful that really is. My hubby stated that he would not be know as the "un-fun" Uncle and he was picking out the coolest toys he could find. They ended up getting a mix of both and everyone was happy.

How was your Holiday season?

Haircut at a childrens franchise

2009-11-27T23:44:00.002-06:00

With the economy slowing getting worse, my family and I have taken to giving the boys in the house clipper haircuts and foregoing $14 cuts at the local childrens franchise. While they are definitely not pimping a stylish Flo-Bee haircut, they do look polished and clean cut. There are still days when I tell my hubby to drop in and have someone else cut his hair when I am just too busy with work and school.

Great Baby Gifts

2009-11-25T19:30:00.002-06:00

There are tons are great, unique baby gifts out there to choose from. Sometimes, it can be very hard to choose just one item and/or stay within your budget. You can always give something off a the registry (if Mom registered for items) or you could step outside of the box and come up with your own unique spin on the baby gift.

You can always give a gift card if you just can't decide. I've actually had a few friends lean heavily towards gift cards so that they can put them towards a larger purchase like a stroller or car seat.

Whatever you choose, I'm sure your gift will be much appreciated.

Polarized Sunglasses to Protect Your Peepers

2009-11-20T23:52:00.002-06:00

Some women have notated having an increased sun sensitivity during pregnancy so it's important that your wear polarized sunglasses if you are going to be out on a sunny day. You don't want to take a chance damaging your eyes and not being able to stare at that sweet bundle of joy when he/she makes her appearance in the near future. Protect your peepers just like you would your childs!

Family Realtionship Books for your Sanity

2009-11-15T19:18:00.001-06:00

If you have an older child, you may very well be dealing with the very same issue.
Entitlement seems to be an issue that we are dealing with in our household lately. I was looking on the web for family relationship books and I ran across this:

The symptoms of entitlement in today’s youth culture….and how to teach your child the difference between “learn” and “deserve” before it’s too late.

It's worth a shot, maybe my husband will learn something useful to tackle this situation with because it's driving us both nuts. I do not understand what has caused children these days to feel that simply because they breathe, they are entitled to whatever pleases them the most.

We have no problem saying "no", it's coming up with a way to teach our son that purchases like cell phones & 4-wheelers are not something you simply demand and it will be placed in your hand, but something that CAN be earned (potentially) with having a positive attitude, good grades, and doing chores around the house.

Earn it and we'll think about it. Demanding something because you simply think you deserve it is a good way to make sure that you will never have it :)

Nursing Cover- Pay only S&H

2009-11-15T10:18:00.000-06:00

How would you like a free patterned nursing cover? Just pay shipping and handling ($8.95) after you enter the promo code “Thanks”! I’ve been told to just go to UdderCovers.com, choose Shop Now, pick the product you want (even on the 3-piece gift sets), and you’ll find yourself at the center of the page where you can type in the promo code. Using this code gives you a $32 discount every time you make a transaction. What could be better than that? There are some really pretty patterns to be had. If you’re not currently nursing, these covers make great baby shower presents.

Don't be crabby!

2009-11-09T20:29:00.000-06:00

Is this not one of the cutest, unique baby shower gifts you've seen. I love a little crab, they have so much personality & can so adorable at the same time. I think I need one of these in an adult size. Seriously. I can be such a crab at times!

Live Birth Event Streaming picking up Steam!

2009-11-07T20:01:00.002-06:00

So...

would you consider live event video streaming to oh let your Mom watch the birth of her grandchild from across the US?

I ran across an article about this the other day and I can honestly say that it never crossed my mind. I mean, I wouldn't want my birth video slapped on YouTube, but it would be a possibility if I couldn't get my Mom on a plane quick enough to witness the live birth. I'm sure we could make it private so that the entire world can't have access to it.

So what do you think?

So....

2009-11-05T20:58:00.000-06:00

Taboo topic anyone?

I was talking to a friend of mine that is currently pregnant and she was raving about this place she went to that does waxing in Huntington Beach. So of course that led to the discussion about whether or not she would continue to wax throughout her pregnancy. I guess living she wants to make sure that she is 100% glamorous in those birth photos. Once again, personal preference. Just not one that they usually discuss in "What to Expect When You Are Expecting."

You don't have to comment, but just think about it :)

Party Favors for your Shower

2009-11-01T22:42:00.002-06:00

Party favors have come a long way since hershey kisses with a "thank you" attached to them. Now you can find or come up with just about anything to make it customized to your baby shower theme. Some unique items that I have found are:

Gumball Dispensers
Lanterns
Glass Coasters
Golf Balls

Use your imagination! I found a lot of these searching on wedding sites because I've noticed that using baby themed sites sometimes limits your creativity when looking for unique, out of this world gift ideas. Don't be afraid to step outside the box. No one has to know that these items weren't specifically made for your baby shower!

Nightmares

2009-10-30T19:58:00.000-05:00

Are you going to be the type of parent that embraces a childrens franchise like Chuck-E-Cheese or do you have nightmares about it?

I have yet to take my nephew, it gives me a headache & makes me nauseated just thinking about it.

I still have time to come around to the idea :)

Work Attire

2009-10-22T18:31:00.000-05:00

A co-worker of mine hit up a huge consignment sale & walked away with some cute maternity scrubs. There is an abundant selection for the non-preggo crowd, but it seems that the selection is quite limited for a growing belly. I never though about associating women's scrubs with those huge sales. I'm always thinking about kids clothes!

Today is..

2009-10-15T20:47:00.000-05:00

National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day

Thousands of women have suffered losses & struggle with infertility. Please remember to keep them in your thoughts & prayers as they continues their journey.

Adding a New Sibling

2009-10-14T20:19:00.000-05:00

If this isn't your first pregnancy, there may be a little anxiety from your other children about the newest addition to the family. At times they may seem excited, but then when the wee one arrives, they may act out or be unusually withdrawn. These are things to think about and tackle (hopefully) prior to delivering. There are tons of family help books out there to help you with this transition. I know many maternity books cover this topic, too!

SIDS Awareness Month

2009-10-04T17:15:00.001-05:00

Not only is October Breast Cancer Awareness month, it was also SIDS Awareness Month. Two causes close to any mother's heart. Neither can truly be prevented, but awareness is the key! Tips to remember are:

1. Place infants to sleep on their backs, even though they may sleep more soundly on their stomachs. Infants who sleep on their stomachs and sides have a much higher rate of SIDS than infants who sleep on their backs.

2. Place infants to sleep in a baby bed with a firm mattress. There should be nothing in the bed but the baby - no covers, no pillows, no bumper pads, no positioning devices and no toys. Soft mattresses and heavy covering are associated with the risk for SIDS.

3. Keep your baby’s crib in the parents’ room until the infant is at least 6 months of age. Studies clearly show that infants are safest when their beds are close to their mothers.

4. Do not place your baby to sleep in an adult bed. Typical adult beds are not safe for babies. Do not fall asleep with your baby on a couch or in a chair.

5.Do not over-clothe the infant while she sleeps. Just use enough clothes to keep the baby warm without having to use cover. Keep the room at a temperature that is comfortable for you. Overheating an infant may increase the risk for SIDS.

6. Avoid exposing the infant to tobacco smoke. Don't have your infant in the same house or car with someone who is smoking. The greater the exposure to tobacco smoke, the greater the risk of SIDS.

7. Breast-feed babies whenever possible. Breast milk decreases the occurrence of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Studies show that breast-fed babies have a lower SIDS rate than formula-fed babies do.

8. Avoid exposing the infant to people with respiratory infections. Avoid crowds. Carefully clean anything that comes in contact with the baby. Have people wash their hands before holding or playing with your baby. SIDS often occurs in association with relatively minor respiratory (mild cold) and gastrointestinal infections (vomiting and diarrhea).

9. Offer your baby a pacifier. Some studies have shown a lower rate of SIDS among babies who use pacifiers.

10. If your baby has periods of not breathing, going limp or turning blue, tell your pediatrician at once.

11. If your baby stops breathing or gags excessively after spitting up, discuss this with your pediatrician immediately.

12. Thoroughly discuss each of the above points with all caregivers. If you take your baby to daycare or leave him with a sitter, provide a copy of this list to them. Make sure they follow all recommendations.

Enter the Medelita Giveaway!!

2009-09-23T18:53:00.000-05:00

Okay, this isn't maternity related, but I love a chance to win money. What preggo momma couldn't use a little cash to spend on herself. Maybe for that pedicure you have been wanting.

If you are blogger like me, it's as simple as writing a post. A winner will be chosen at random to win a $50 AMEX giftcard. So what are you waiting for??

Contest Rules:

Medelita

Everyone loves a little HCG

2009-09-17T21:00:00.000-05:00

Anyone that has ever dealt with infertility is all too familiar with HCG injections. I remember the first one I got. I cam back to work and they said that I was green in color. I guess that means I'm a bit sensitive to HCG, so I'll probably have morning sickness. Oh well. If that's what I have to do to get through an entire pregnancy, then that's what I'll do.

For those who aren't familiar with HCG, it stands for Human Chorionic Gonadotrophin. It's a hormone that most woman have a very minimal levels all the time, but it all the hormone that consitently rises throughout the first trimester in a pregnancy. It's the hormone that makes 2 lines appear on that HPT!

Maternity Scrubs

2009-09-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

So for all your pregnant mommas out there...how do you dress for clinical/hospital settings when you are sporting your bump. Do you buy bigger scrub tops, do you buy the few and hard to find maternity scrub tops? Or do you cover yourself up with a doctors lab coat?

I think a lot of the choice really has to do with how lenient your employer is with your preggo dress code. If you have some experience in this area, feel free to share.

Stuffed Animals

2009-09-10T19:46:00.000-05:00

Yeah, better get prepared.

They will take over your house.

I'm kidding, but I do love personalized baby toys. My sister had a bear growing up that wore a shirt that proclaimed, "Kirby loves Brittni." How cute is that?? I wonder whatever happened to poor Kirby. He's probably stuffed in a box somewhere.

How much shopping have you done?

2009-08-17T22:21:00.000-05:00

I know it's incredbily difficult to know shop for adorable infant outfits when you are pregnant. Of course, if you have an older child, you have to switch over to the larger children's clothes sections so they don't feel left out.

Just remember, it's not necessary for you to buy every little outfit that you see. Leave some items for us to purchase so that we can gift you when you have your awesome baby shower!!

Swelling Fingers and ankles

2009-08-15T20:44:00.000-05:00

One of the downsides to a pregnancy can be the swelling that happens towards the end of the pregnancy. It can become uncomfortable to walk around and you may even have to remove you palladium ring because your fingers are swelling too much. It's an unpleasant side effect, but for many woman one that simply cannot be avoided. Rest & fluids are always recommended and just remember the sweet blessing that is soon to arrive!

Don't forget to register!

2009-08-12T20:07:00.000-05:00

It really is easier to shop for baby gifts if you help us pick them out!

If you love Target over Wal-Mart, don't register at both! If you have friends that don't live near a Target, they can shop online, or buy you a gift card. Same goes for Babies 'R' Us and other chain stores. It streamlines the process and helps to ensure that you don't receive duplicate gifts! Do what is easiest for you, remember who has to waddle around the store and pick out items in the first place!

Fragrance Lamps

2009-08-10T20:01:00.000-05:00

Can you tell I love a good smelling home?

Nothing helps to relieve stress & help you to relax more than just simply lighting a candle or using a fragrance lamp to emit fragrance into the air. I'm partial to certain brands, because you often get what you pay for. I love walking in the door and being greeted with a fresh smelling home (not that mine smells, but you know what I mean). I generally stick with jar candles, but I'd like to try a reed diffuser sometime.

I prefer fruity smells in the summer and I transition to winter smells like cinnamon in the fall.

Woodwick Candles

2009-08-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

Check out these neat candles:
The WoodWick candle line is one of the hottest new candle lines on the market. Old Virginia Candle company, the maker of the innovative WoodWick has come up with some of the most exceptional fragrances we have experienced in a line of candles.

The elegant WoodWick candles features a natural wick made from organic wood & combines the soothing sound of a crackling fire with premium fragrances for the ultimate candle-burning experience! Each highly scented WoodWick candle includes a finely crafted wood lid. You are sure to fall in love with this most exceptional candle line .

I love a good candle!

Nursery Decor

2009-08-06T21:38:00.000-05:00

There are tons of options out there for decorating a nursery. It's almost obscene. If you are one who is easily swayed, you may end up with rooster decor for your bun in the oven. Christina Aguilera put a huge moon in her son Max's room that was a prop from her tour while she was pregnant. A little scary for me. How much time & effort you put into your nursery depends on you. Are you modest or elaborate? Do you love a chance to decorate or do you loathe the thought? My best advice is to start early.

Christina's Nursery:

Pregnancy Gifts

2009-08-05T19:55:00.000-05:00

Some men give there women gifts when they give birth. My dad gave my mom a ring for each child she had. I'm hoping my hubby takes the hint, but that's just me. I think I deserve a little bling after carrying our child for nine months. It can be something as simple as a yellow gold diamond necklace or just a nice pair of earrings.

Or I suppose, a bouquet of roses would do too!

Give the gift of relaxation

2009-07-26T11:04:00.000-05:00

Every now and then, I get the occasional male reader who will find his way to my blog. Maybe he's secretly searching for ways to help ease the discomfort of pregnancy for his wife/partner.

Pre-natal massages rank high up on my list ( I treated my sister to one during her pregnancy). You can also give her a box of her favorite pastries, or if you have other children, a nice relaxing evening away from the kids. You could hook her up with a spa day and send her on her way to be refreshed with some great products like Bella B.

There are tons of great ideas out there that you can use to pamper your wife, so hop to it & surprise her!

Date Nights are still okay!

2009-07-23T13:58:00.000-05:00

Once you add a child to your life, everything changes and sometimes that change can be a little difficult. You trade date night with your hubby for family night with the kids. Trips to candle lit romantic restaurants are often replaced with visits to kid franchises like McDonald's and Build-A-Bear. Even though you are thrilled to have children in the home, it is still possible to maintain a bit of an adult life. You may not get date night but only once a month, so make it special. Enjoy the time you have with your spouse and don't waste it fighting about stupid stuff or complaining!

Titanium Jewelry

2009-07-21T13:50:00.000-05:00

We are taking a little side trip from maternity today. Often when we think of jewelry, our minds shift towards gold, silver, and platinum. Times are changing and titanium is staring to make a huge impact on the jewelry scene. You can find everything from diamond engagement rings to black diamond rings for men. At times, titanium is a cheaper alternative to platinum while still giving you strength and durability. Don't write this alternative to the norm off until you've tried it for yourself!

Natural Body Care Products

2009-07-16T10:55:00.000-05:00

During pregnancy it's normal to only want to use the purest,natural products so that you feel as if you are doing everything you can to give your baby the healthiest start.

Bella B Natural Body care has now expanded it's all natural line to include not only Tummy Honey, but a cellulite cream, nipple cleansing pads, and even a mask cream with SPF 25.

Check them out!

Shopping is getting easier

2009-07-15T13:44:00.000-05:00

Has anyone noticed that more and more retailers are starting to add a maternity clothing collection to their lines of clothing? Most retailers are still selling the bulk of their clothing online and if you search around, sometimes you can find coupon/discount codes for free shipping or a percentage off your purchase. Just because you are shopping online doesn't mean that you can't save some money at the same time! I am a big fan of online shopping because I can do it from the comfort of my own home and in my pajamas!! Yay for convienece.

White coat Hypertension

2009-07-13T15:03:00.000-05:00

White Coat Hypertension is a phenomenon in which patients exhibit elevated blood pressure in a clinical setting but not in other settings. It is believed that this is due to the anxiety some people experience during a clinic visit, most often caused by those who wear white lab coats.

This symptom can also appear during pregnancy, or any other time in your life. If apprehensive before you doctor's appointment, you may want to let them know just so they don't automatically attribute your raise in blood pressure to be an indicator of something more serious.

Just remember, people in white coats aren't always a bad thing!

Clothing Galore

2009-07-11T13:50:00.000-05:00

Whether you are a first time mom or just adding to the brood, there is always the daunting task of find childrens clothes that not only are to look that you desire but they fit into your budget. Just about anyone will tell you that it is much hard for find clothing for boys only because the girls market seems to be larger and designers tend to lean more in the feminine direction. You don't always have to buy brand new, off the rack! There some great consignment stores that I have found in my area and some of the stuff I find still has the tags on it. Regardless of how you choose to shop and style your family, you can do it with pizazz no matter where you shop!

Kendra says no maternity clothes for her!

2009-07-10T09:56:00.000-05:00

Kendra Wilkinson, of The Girls Next Door fame, recently spoke out to US Magazine about her pregnancy. At press time, she was currently 14 weeks along and stated that "maternity clothes are not for me" and that she would just "buy bigger."

Maternity clothing now days is not your mother's maternity items. You don't have to just buy bigger. Clothes are more tailored to a pregnant woman and long gone are the days of looking frumpy. You can be a hot momma in a potato sack if you have to, it's all in the confidence that you choose to project.

Now if you never leave you house during pregnancy, there is nothing wrong with kicking back in 'jammy pants and a big shirt. There's definitely a certain level of comfort that needs to be achieved.

Personalized Bibs

2009-07-08T21:49:00.001-05:00

A never=ending trend in baby fashion is monogramming and personalized items. It's a personal choice. Some moms are more private and prefer not to have their child's name splashed on a personalized baby bib, while others prefer to flaunt it. But don't be surprised if you get items like this at your shower. Sometimes, personalized items can become a treasured heirloom, so don't discount them all together.

Stretch mark Prevention & Treatment

2009-06-29T08:08:00.000-05:00

One of things always on your mind during pregnancy is stretch marks. Some women are blessed not to get a single one, while some women seem to get them the very minute the get that positive test.

Tummy Honey is a great product for prevention and treatment. Tummy honey is all natural, hypoallergenic, contains no water, petroleum, or lanolin and includes anti- itch ingredients to soothe those growing tummies. It was awarded the iParenting Award for Excellence.

It's been given great reviews not only for it's mosturizing capabilities, but also its light fresh scent.

Need a gift idea?

2009-06-25T22:40:00.000-05:00

If you are the type of person that loves to get unique baby gifts, you should tell your friends about cute baby tee's like this one.

It's made from 100% organic cotton and is environment friendly. What a great way to starting your children on a path that will teach them to love and cherish their surroundings.

Family Website

2009-06-24T16:13:00.000-05:00

I've noticed that more & more families are creating websites for of their family. It's a great way to keep grandparents up to date with photos and updates without the hassle of using the postal service. Several of my friends have websites, some of which they handle 100% of the design and some of my friends let places like orange county website design handle all their needs.
You don't have to go overboard when creating a site. Just make it unique to your family and keep it updated regularly. It's much easier these days to direct friends and family to a website than to repeat the same pregnancy statistics over and over again.

Relax away stress

2009-06-23T23:00:00.000-05:00

Even though pregnancy for most women is a very enjoyble time, there are times when stress can be overwhelming. Preparing for the birth of a child and the expansion of a family can be happy and tiring all at the same time. It's okay to take some time for yourself to unwind. Something as simple as lighting candles can help change your mood and allow you to unwind a bit. Beanpod Candles are a great pregnancy-friendly candle. They come in various unique frangrances to suit your mood & tastes and they are 100% soy. Soy candles are cleaner burning and last longer than regular candles. They do not contain harsh petroliums and paraffin. So if you need a little bit of happiness and relaxation in your day, why don't you pick up one of these candles?

Tanning while pregnant

2009-06-23T01:41:00.000-05:00

If you search for answers on this topic, you will find some who advocate continued tanning in a tanning bed while pregnant and you will find others who turn to sunless tanning spray. The choice is up to you and whatever your comfort level is. As long as you don't get too hot, the risks to your developing child are minimal. You could chose to tan outside in the backyard. Either way, it's your decision if you want to have a little bit of color while you are pregnant. Make the decision so that you are comfortable with it and be happy!

Podee Bottles

2009-06-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

The Podee® Baby Bottle is a complete system that includes an 8-ounce BPA-Free baby bottle and all the necessary parts. It ends dropped bottles and allows for upright feeding to help reduce ear infections and colic. Parents have found it to be very reliable in feeding infants with challenges as well.

Our baby bottles are BPA-Free, PVC-Free and Lead-Free.

The Podee® Baby Bottle is the original hands-free feeding system. We have over 16 successful years on the market.

You find these at many retail stores & online.

Check out the site at Podee.com

Cloth or Not??

2009-06-13T01:30:00.000-05:00

You'll change thousands of diapers by the time your child is 2 to 3 years old and ready for the potty. Fortunately, diaper quality is better than ever, which makes the task easier. Your first major decision in the diaper department will be between the cloth or disposable kind. Both kinds have their benefits and drawbacks. On the one hand, disposable diapers are undeniably convenient, but they're also costly: You can expect to spend $1,500 to $2,000 or more on disposables by the time your baby is out of them.

Cloth diapers are less expensive than disposables, especially if you do the laundering yourself. All-in-ones and cloth "diapering systems" that close with snaps or Velcro, are almost as easy to use as disposable diapers. But you still have to wash them. Despite a resurgence in the popularity of cloth diapers, disposable diapers remain the most popular choice among today's parents, as well as day-care centers and hospitals. A disposable diaper is an absorbent pad sandwiched between two sheets of nonwoven fabric. The pad contains chemical crystals that can absorb up to 800 times their weight in liquid and hold it in gel form. This helps keep liquid away from your baby's skin, so you can leave him in one longer than in a cloth diaper without causing him discomfort.

I have friends that use cloth & some that use disposables. It all comes down to personal preferance. These aren't your Mom's cloth diapers anymore!

Welcome

2009-05-17T14:30:00.001-05:00

This blog is going to be a one stop-review the coolest maternity & baby items you can find! No need to spend hours scouring the net! If it's hot, I'll blog about it. If it's on sale, I'll blog about it.

Bookmark me & check back often for the latest & greatest!