Mommies With Style

Thinking about having a baby?  Know someone who is expecting?  Already pregnant?  Whether you’re shopping for a gift or just for yourself.  Here is my list of the top 7 items that have kept me happy (and sane) these past 8 months of pregnancy. 

Number 1: Maternity Pillows 

I can’t imagine these past few months (and the next one) without my Select Comfort Maternity Pillow.  About the middle of my second trimester I began to wake up with a sore back and realized that I needed some extra support.  I tried sleeping with a throw pillow between my knees, propping an extra pillow under my head and building a pillow blockade to keep me from rolling over onto my back.  None of these seemed to do the trick.  It wasn’t until I received Select Comfort’s pillow that I began to sleep soundly again.  The pillow is really two pillows in one.  A pillow to support your back and one to rest your ever-expanding belly are connected by an adjustable velcro pad in the middle.  It folds in half and has little cloth handles for travel.  And believe me, this pillow has gone with me anytime I was planning to sleep away from home.  The pillow is currently on sale for $29.99 on Select Comfort’s website, but hurry – the sale ends at the end of January!

Number 2: Leggings

I can’t even begin to tell you how wonderful it is to be pregnant at a time when leggings are in fashion!  To me, they are the most comfortable thing to put on besides sweatpants, and I’m even able to dress them up to wear them to work.  The best part is that you don’t even have to buy maternity leggings – since they’re stretchy you just have to go up a size. 

Number 3: Organic Body Products 

Even before becoming pregnant I dabbled in natural and organic body products.  But from the moment my pregnancy test turned positive, I tossed all the old face wash, lotions and body wash and replaced them with products that I knew were safe for both me and my baby.  I figure that I’m exposed to so many chemicals and pollutants from everyday life, that the least I should do is try to reduce any additional contaminants I put in my body when I actually have control of it.  Sweetsation Therapy has a wonderful line of organic body products.  Two that I’ve been using throughout my pregnancy are the Aqua*Tica Organic Botanical Night Cream and Q*Lumiere Organic Day Creme with Cucumber and Co Q10.  Both of these pregnancy-safe skin treatments not only prevent wrinkles, but also treat skin discoloration that often occurs during pregnancy.  The ingredients list on both of these products is full of vegetables, flowers, herbs, and plant extracts.  They smell fresh and they’ve certainly done a fine job of replacing all the face lotions I used pre-pregnancy.  Sweetsation Therapy has a wide range of organic and natural products on their site for everyday use, pregnancy and even for babies.  Use coupon code Mommies with Style at checkout to receive 20% off of your purchase.

Number 4: Water Bottle

For someone who’s never really thirsty, the amount of water you need to drink while pregnant is staggering.  I quickly learned that if it wasn’t in front of me at all times, I was definitely not drinking enough.  Very early in my pregnancy I purchased a 750ml, BPA-free water bottle that has been filled with water and hasn’t left my side since.  It’s kind of like a baby bottle for pregnant women, though it’s certainly kept me from getting in trouble with my doctor!

Number 5: Layering Tees 

Pregnancy and layers just go hand in hand.  I could be overheating and sweating while my husband’s teeth are chattering in the car.  It’s the complete opposite of my life for the past 30 years, but it’s something I’ve learned how to overcome…it’s called layers.  It’s not very often these days that I leave the house (or my room for that matter) without at least one or two layers of clothing that I’m able to take off througout the day.  Between my tank tops and long cardigans, I’m usually wearing a long-sleeved tee.  One of my favorites is one I received from Love My Belly.  They are an online maternity clothing shop specializing in tees, though they also sell dresses, bottoms, and baby clothes.  My double-sleeve tee is a short sleeved black t-shirt with longer, patterned sleeves sewn into it.  It’s perfect with a pair of jeans or leggings to be casual or paired with a long skirt and short-sleeved cardigan for work.  And it’s extremely comfortable.  Place an order on the Love My Belly site with coupon code MWS20 and receive 20% off.

Number 6: Yoga DVD 

Now I have to be completely honest – I haven’t used my Pregnancy Yoga DVD much.  However, just the knowledge that I have it and that it’s ready for me whenever I have the motivation to actually use it keeps me feeling pretty good.  Pre-pregnancy I was all about working out and going to the gym.  Staying active and fit was pretty important.  There’s just something about being pregnant that takes that drive out of you, but that’s where a good yoga DVD can come into play.  I received a Yoga 4 Pregnancy DVD led by Brenda Strong of Desperate Houswives.  It’s a great workout for all three trimesters.  She even gives some great labor techniques that you can do with your partner.  The exercises aren’t too challenging and I’m sure they will certainly help during labor.  So if you’re expecting or may be in the near future, it’s definitely something to have on hand….just in case!  You can purchase the DVD for $24.95 from the Yoga 4 Fertility website.

Number 7: Accessories, Accessories, Accessories! 

I’ve always loved adding accessories to any outfit, though since I’ve been pregnant I’ve learned the value of doing so.  All it takes is a coordinating scarf, a chunky bracelet, or some big earrings to take the focus off of an ever-expanding baby bump.  Plus, with all the stretchy cotton pieces you’re likely to wear while pregnant, some fun accessories can help to make any outfit a little bit more exciting.  Twister Silver has some stunning jewelry that will liven up any outfit.  Despite the name, they have more than just silver and the styles range from delicate to showstoppers and from classy to bohemian.  Their prices are extremely reasonable and the pieces are definitely unique to anything you’d see in a department store.  I have a pair of their Glacier Earrings with a Victorian design and dangling Swarovski crystals.  They’re definitely stunning.  Check out all Twisted Silver has to offer on their site.  Their jewelry makes a wonderful gift for any woman, expecting or not!

Samples of some of the above products were provided for review on MWS.

Looking for a few little gifts to fill her stocking?  Need something small for a friend?  Here are a few last minute ideas:

Keep mom on her feet with GRiPPiES products.  These adhesive grips are perfect for pregnant moms to prevent slipping.  I’m not always wearing shoes or slippers when I’m home.  With a house full of hardwood floors and the instability of a 7-month pregnant belly, adding GRiPPiES to a few pairs of my socks has really helped to keep me upright!  They offer two lines of products: iron on adhesives and peel + stick adhesives.  GRiPPiES can also be used for kids’ socks and tights.  Once applied, they are machine washable and dryer safe.  GRiPPiES retail for $5.99 and can be found at Target stores, Buy Buy Baby, or grippiesonline.com.

With all the stuff that travels with mom and baby, it’s difficult to stay organized and quickly find what you need.  The last thing you want to do is crawl around the backseat looking for a missing binky.  Bella Tunno’s best-selling Bella Binker keeps binkies close and clean and is simply designed to take up minimal space – no more life-size giraffe and teddy bear clips!  Bella Binkers are made from grosgrain ribbon with a simple silver clasp and velcro loop.  There are almost 100 stylish designs to choose from to make a child’s outfit funkier and a mom’s life easier.  They retail for $8 and can be found in more than 4,000 boutiques nationwide as well as online at bellatunno.com.

Help mom pamper herself for a good cause with Perfect As Is Lip Balm.  This ultra-moisturizing tinted lip balm is 75% organic, and all profits, after taxes, go to support women’s health advocacy and human rights issues.  The .25 oz tube has a fatter than normal packaging making it easy to find in a messy purse/diaper bag and simple to apply.  It smells and tastes delicious thanks to the rosebud oil and stevia it’s infused with.  It feels smooth and silky for hours after application and has a sheer pink tint to add a bit of color.  Perfect As Is Lip Balm retails for $7 and can be purchased at iamapeacekeeper.com or at select Parfumerie Douglas.

Give a naturally sweet mom some naturally sweet snacks.  Peeled Snacks are individually wrapped servings of dried fruit.  The snacks have no added sugar, oils, preservatives or other fillers and provide a full serving of fruit.  These organic snacks are a natural source of vitamins, minerals and fiber.  The small packages are quick and easy to throw into a diaper bag for a quick, healthy snack.  They’re not too sweet like many of the other dried fruits available today. You can buy them individually or in gift packs with cute gift boxes or, my favorite, the Cute-2-the-Core Gift Box which includes one of each flavor as well as an adorable onesie. Available flavors include apple, pineapple, apriocot, mango, banana, and cherry. Peeled Snacks can be purchased at Whole Foods, Amazon.com, Nordstrom, or at peeledsnacks.com.

Mom doesn’t have to change her shirt after a deodorant mishap. With just one wipe of a Skid Out sponge, deodorant, drips and drool simply disappear. This specially-textured sponge has no need for moisture and is not treated with any chemicals. It’s safe to use on almost all fabrics. Use it to remove toothpaste stains, baby drool, pet hair, deodorant skids, and makeup smudges. Best of all – it really works! This small round sponge is perfect to throw in your purse and keep in the bathroom where most of these mistakes happen. The sponges come in packages of two and retail for $4.95. They can be bought at Nordstrom stores or online at drugstore.com and garmentguard.com.

Samples of these products were provided for review on Mommies with Style.

3 DAYS ONLY:  Get FREE Shipping on all orders at Sephora.com. Enter code SHIP4FREE at checkout. Offer is valid November 28th through November 30th.

Get 20% off Bare Escentuals Foundation Kits at Sephora.com. Offer valid now through December 1st. No coupon code needed.

Get a free floral clutch with 8 samples inside when you purchase $25 worth of product.  Enter coupon code CLUTCH4U to receive your floral metallic clutch.  Can’t be combined w/other coupon codes.

Since finding the time and money to hit day spas are often rare for moms, DIY spa treatments are a great alternative. One of the latest skin treatments to become available at-home is LED light therapy. For years dermatologists and skin care professionals have been using LED light therapy to treat acne and decrease signs of aging like fine lines, large pore and dullness. LED skin treatments can also improve normal cell turnover and the production of collagen. But individual treatments at a spa can cost between $100-$200 per session with multiple sessions required to see results. But now, you can brings this treatment into your house (and into your price range) with the at-home, DIY Baby Quasar. The traditional red Baby Quasar produces four different wavelengths of red and infrared light that smooth skin and fine lines, shrink pores, decrease discoloration and fade acne scars and inflammation. Baby Blue (sold separately or in a combo pack) emits a blue light that kills the acne bacteria.

How do you use it? Each device is compact, handheld and plugs into an outlet. It’s ready to go as soon as you turn it on and the treatment process consists of moving the device slowly over your face. You don’t need to do it in front of a mirror and can easily watch TV, read or work on the computer (one handed) while you do a treatment. The Baby Quasar has a built-in timer that beeps when it’s time to move onto the next section of your face (2 min for each of the 6 sections of your face and then repeat on the second setting) and is suggested three times a week. Baby Blue should be used for about 15 minutes once or twice a week. The devices can be used separately though those with acne will see additional healing benefits by using both the red and blue light treatments. The treatment is completely painless – just make sure you don’t shine the light in your eyes!

So the question of the hour is…..does it work? I’m going to do a follow-up post in about six weeks to give a definitive answer, but here’s what I can tell you so far. I used the Baby Quasar red three times and each time I noticed that my skin felt plumper, calmer and more radiant. I’ve also used the Baby Blue a handful of times and have found that it did decreased a few blemishes that were forming. The target audience for the Baby Quasar is 35+ which I don’t quite qualify for, so I’ve passed it on to a friend who will report back after six weeks of treatment.  We even took some before pictures to compare.

Baby Quasar retails for $450, Baby Blue for $350.  While this is cheaper than multiple treatments at a spa, it still is pricey in my book.  BUT…today and tomorrow on GILT.com, an invitation-only shopping website, you can get Baby Quasar for $350, Baby Blue for $260 and the Power Pack, a combo of both of lights, for $600. If you’ve been thinking about trying out LED light therapy this is a great chance to pick up the Baby Quasar at an incredible discount. But it’s only for today and tomorrow! So I invite you all to join GILT Groupe (it’s free and there are incredible deals on designer clothes, accessories, kid stuff, and things for home – I’ve already bought a pair of jeans and a gift for my husband through the site). Click here to see the invitation and snag a Baby Quasar at more than 20% off retail! Sale ends 11/19 at 9pm PST.

Or check out the Baby Quasar website and add it to your wish list this holiday season. I’ll check back in about six weeks with a follow-up on both devices!

Samples of the Baby Quasar were provided for this review by the company.

Congrats to Tracy from Massachusettes and Heidi from Georgia! Both will be receiving Boob Tubes from Mama Mio.

Boob Tubes are great for softening the skin on and around your breasts, chest and even arms. After a few weeks, even days, of consistent use, you’ll notice your skin doesn’t just feel smoother, it looks smoother. I’ve shared a lot about Boob Tube and other Mama Mio products in the past, and you can read my reviews here.

Thanks to Mama Mio for donating the product for this giveaway. It was part of their Breast Cancer Campaign, where proceeds from purchases of Boob Tube made during the month of October were donated to Breast Cancer Awareness.

After the baby was born, my skin kinda went crazy. I had painfully itchy patches that I scratched so much they were becoming raw. Yeah. I know. Gross.

I was desperate. I swear I spent more money on OTC creams, lotions and potions. I talked to pharacists, doctors, moms. Nothing was working. And I didn’t want to try anything perscription because I’m breastfeeding. And then I got an e-mail from MammaMio about their new O-Mega Wonder-full Balm, packed with O-Mega vitamins and natural oils. I read the subject line: “Fix Fried Flip Flop Feet.” It was August. I felt my feet. Yeah. Fried was a good way to describe them. And if something can fix them, surely it can fix my patches. Right?

I tried it, of course I did. Its like the thickest Vaseline you’ve ever touched. Like beeswax. Plus, it smells much better than Vaseline and its less greasy. It goes on smoother than some of the baby products I was trying out (yes, I even tried products made for babies).  After about a week my fried feet were feeling more smooth (it took a little longer than a week to feel unfried) and my patches weren’t painful. Eventually, after loading Wonder-full on at least twice a day, my patches disappeared.

I’m so totally hooked on this stuff. I now use it on my hands and while it starts out a tad greasy, its totally swallowed by the skin, yet theres moisture left on the outside. When I think about the cold weather we’ve had and the fact that I’m changing infant diapers, all I can think is thank goodness for O-mega Wonder-full Balm. Its a skin saver.

Thanks to MamaMio for providing a sample of O-mega Wonder-full Balm for this review.

This is the second installment in a series of reviews of products that will help shave some minutes off your morning routine.  Check out the Face/Body review here.  Now, onto hair…

1.) Conair Infiniti Cord-Keeper Tourmaline Ceramic Ionic Hair Styler – the name may be a mouthful, but this is a hair dryer worth remembering.  Let’s breakdown the name….Conair – a trusted name in hair care for over 50 years.  Infiniti – one of a dozen different collections offered by Conair.  Cord-Keeper – this is probably my husband’s favorite feature who isn’t a fan of cords dangling all over our bathroom.  With the quick press of a button, the cord retracts seamlessly into the hair dryer for easy storage.  Ionic – emits negative ions which neutralize positive ions in the environment helping to dry your hair faster, cut down on frizziness and give your hair great shine. Tourmaline Ceramic – creates the highest level of ions as well as infrared heat which dries your hair from the inside out, a gentler and faster way to dry your hair. The end result? My hair looks shinier and dries faster with less heat (and less noise) than my previous hair dryer used. The Infiniti Cord-Keeper has two speeds, three heat settings, a cool-shot button, a removable filter and comes with a concentrator and diffuser attachment.  Learn more about this time-saver at Conair’s website.

2.) Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron – Does this sound familiar?  You’re rushed for time, but you need time to shower, time to dry your hair and time to straighten your hair.  That’s a lot of time.  Fortunately the Remington Wet 2 Straight Flat Iron combines your last two steps in one simple product.  The Wet 2 Straight use tourmaline and ceramic to product high ionic hear that works quickly, but safely to give you smooth, frizz-free hair.  It has 30 different heat levels to choose from based on your hair type and whether your hair is wet or dry.  Plus the Wet 2 Straight heats up fast – about 30 seconds and it’s ready to go. I was able to dry and straighten my hair with the product in about 5 minutes.

3.) Conair Infiniti You Style – When I don’t need to dry my hair as well, I’ve also become a fan of the Conair You Style that allows you to straighten or curl your hair  with one tool.  The You Style has 1″ ceramic coated straightening plates, heats up quickly and has a salon-style swivel cord.   With the You Style, I can easily straighten the majority of hair and curl my ends.  Or create gentle all-over waves.  One tool, multiple uses that saves both time and space – love it.

4.) Ojon Rub Out Dry Cleanser – I don’t know why it took me so long to discover dry shampoo.  Or why this is not a staple given to every new mother at her baby shower.  As you know, having little ones tends to eat up much of your time for self maintenance.  Showers become a luxury that can make a mom giddy.  But with dry shampoo, you can still feel fresh and ready to face the world…even if you haven’t stepped foot inside the tub for a day or two.  I tried a handful of dry shampoos and ultimately settled on Ojon’s Rub Out Dry Cleanser. Here’s how it works:  You spray it on your hair, focusing on your roots.  Rub it into the scalp for a minute, brush it through your hair and then style as normal. Done! It definitely has a smell to it which I describe as a cross between baby powder and musk.  I found it pleasant and much better than the medicinal smell of many of the others.  The major problem with dry shampoos is the white cast they can leave on people with brown or black hair.  I’m a medium brunette and had no problem with any white cast with the Ojon. Available in 4.5 oz ($24) or a 2 oz travel can (only $10!), I recommend trying it out at Sephora which allows free returns if the smell turns you off.  And while you’re at it, pick one up for the next baby shower you’re going to.  The mom-to-be might not understand it now, but once her little one arrives, she’ll think you’re a genius.

I can’t tell you guys how excited I am about this one.  Although I’ve been hearing about e.l.f Cosmetics for years (Mariana, one of our first product reviewers first blogged about e.l.f on Mommies with Style back in 2005), I hadn’t actually tried any of the product until this summer.  I attended an e.l.f cocktail hour at BlogHer back in July.  e.l.f gave me a nice little swag bag of goodies to take home.

I’ve been playing with a bunch of their make-up since then – my personal favorite has been the Mineral Booster, which I have to say is as high-quality as any other booster I’ve tried.  And you just can’t beat the price. ($5 for small; $8 for the large) 

So I was thrilled to hear they were coming to Target.  From the press release, “The initial 3 ½ foot endcap in the Cosmetics section will feature $1, $3, $5, and $10 products, packaged in sleek black packaging for Target Stores.
 
The Holiday shipment will  be products from the $1 line.”

Can you say, stocking stuffer?  Hint, hint Dads – this one is a winning purchase.

If you’ve spent some time on MWS, then you already know we’re big fans of Mama Mio. And while its a struggle to determine my absolute favorite of their creams, lotions and gels, the Boob Tube is among them.  Especially now that I’m breastfeeding, but also when pregnant, I slather on the ‘Tube often to smooth and soften. (Okay, that was so not planned, I promise!)

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Mama Mio is giving away two Boob Tubes to two very lucky MWS newsletter subscribers. Even if you’re not preggo or breastfeeding, you’ll love the difference Boob Tube makes on your chest area.

During the month of October, Mama Mio will donate $1 for each Boob Tube sold at MamaMio.com to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Earlier this month I had the privilege of hosting one of the very first E.L.F. MUAH or “Make Up at Home”  parties. This new program from Eyes Lips Face allows you to see, touch and feel their cosmetics before you order. It’s also a ton of fun.

When was the last time you sat around with your girlfriends and tried on makeup for the sheer fun of it? Went all out for new look inspired by a celebrity or the fashion runways? If you are like me, probably right around your 13th birthday.

Well guess what? Playing with make up is even more fun now that you don’t have to worry about being caught by your mom and told to wash your face!

For my party, I had ten friends come over. ELF supplied a bounty of cosmetics in a range of skin tones for us to play with. The selection included picks from their fabulous mineral line, their studio collection and their classic line. We also go a bunch of their excellent make up brushes so that we could apply the cosmetics like the pros. I had each of my friends bring a picture of a celeb look to replicate, and then the fun began!

My friends and I were all blown away by the quality of the cosmetics. ELF products are almost unbelieveably inexpensive. This is due in part to the fact that they are sold primarily online. Seeing the products firsthand and playing with them was a real eye opener for us all. My favorites include the Mineral Line eyeshadows, Studio Line Eyeliner/Shadow Combos and Nailpolishes.

At the end of the evening my friends got to take home some of their favorite products and a list of what they wanted to order in the future. Even the die hard high end $$$ cosmetic divas were rethinking their ways and excited about saving $ by buying comparable ELF products for pennies on the dollar.

ELF MUAH parties are coming to a town near you. Want to see all the pictures from my party, and how much fun my friends and I had? Check out the Whrrl story we did!