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.

As a writer for Mommies with Style, I have been fortunate to get to see and try many different types of “mom” necklaces. Though all special because they feature my children’s names, my most recent necklace, by Belladorn, is uniquely special and amazing.

This beautiful, classic necklace features a photo of my two children, encased in an antique-looking, oxidized sterling silver photo charm with deep-set glass. Two simple, sweet “J” charms dangle along with the photo charm to complete the look. (You can also choose larger initial charms, birthstone crystals, and more to customize it to your taste.) It hangs on a sterling silver ball chain.

The first day I wore my necklace, I must have gotten a dozen or so compliments. People were drawn to the necklace, loving the photo and the way Jody, the owner of Belladorn, created it so beautifully.

This is a truly special piece that you will adore wearing. Every mom I know loves to show off her most precious gift — her children — and there is no better way to do it than to wear their sweet faces around your neck, by your heart, all day long (in a classic and stylish way!)

Treat yourself with one of these amazing pieces today! You deserve it! (Or gift one as a unique and special piece for grandmom for Valentines Day!)

Thanks to Belladorn for providing an Antiqued Deep Set Glass Photo Charm and Necklace for review.

The latest addition to my jewelry collection that I love wearing is truly unique. It is made by a company called LilyMe that specializes in French style satin jewelry that is delicate and stunning. I simply adore the sample Rose shaped charm necklace I was given, and wear it all of the time. It’s very simple and elegant so that I can wear it dressed up for an evening out or everyday with a pair of jeans! The Rose charm is a sterling silver charm that is mounted on a thin satin lace necklace with a clasp. There are many satin cord colors to choose from. I was super impressed that the cord can be easily adjusted to even fit even my 6 year old daughter! She loves wearing it as much as I do and we sometimes go back and forth with each other on whose turn it is to wear it! I’ve received so many compliments on this gorgeous piece as to how unique and beautiful it looks.  I think they are a perfect gift for a tween on up! My nieces who are 9 and 15 thought it was so cool! (great to know for the upcoming holidays)!

LilyMe also carries other charm necklaces and bracelets that can be customized with an engraved name, word or initials, and are available in sterling silver or plated gold. Use code mommieswithstyle at checkout to receive 10% off of your purchase until January 1, 2010.

My new favorite necklace, which I have been wearing almost every day since I got it, is my custom, hand stamped original Tiny Tags necklace. Featuring my three favorite people — my two boys and my husband — their names are each stamped on a small, classy, sterling silver disc.

I have reviewed many personalized necklaces and pieces of jewelry over the years, and one of the reasons I especially love my Tiny Tag necklace is its classic simplicity. I wear it every day with my jeans, work out clothes, or when I get “dressed” at night. It always seems to work and look great with whatever I wear! And I love the simple yet elegant looking ball chain (which is 16″ — I like mine short — but you can get it at 18″ or 20″ too.)

This is your staple mom necklace and every mom should have one! It’s at a great price, so put one on your holiday list or treat yourself! And while you are shopping, please check out all of the other great pieces that Tiny Tags offers. From jewelry for little girls to special items for Grandmom, sister, and more, there is something perfect for every woman on your gift list. For moms, I love the original Tiny Tag, or  this simple twist on the original Tiny Tag, which has a fun font alternative. Other gift ideas include the grandchildren bracelet for Grandmom, the initial necklace for teens or friends, sister necklace for your sis, or the Flower necklace for little girls. Use code “Mommies” for 20% off your purchase.

Tiny Tag’s have been recently reviewed in Us Weekly, Tot Trendy Weekly, and recently gifted to Ali Landry who loves hers!

Want a chance to win an original tag necklace with or without a Swarovski crystal (with your favorite color or child’s birthstone!)?  Tell us what you want for the holidays this year and you are automatically entered to win! Winner will be selected on December 8th and will be given 24 hours to respond. Good luck!

When Teething Bling samples arrived last week I admired the look of these necklaces, determining which of my outfits would look great with the hip style of a heavy long necklace. (They likely all will.) I expected the pendant would be heavy. I imagined them cold and hard, like shiny rocks, and that was why they’d be great teethers and were so good looking.

How wrong I was. When I took the necklace out of the packaging tonight I was totally surprised. Because what looks to be a beautiful pendant made of heavy, expensive, polished stone is actually made of non-toxic, phthalate, BPA, PVC and lead free rubbery silicone. The necklaces (also available are bangles and keychains) hang from a black cord for baby to grab onto, play with, and, of course, mouth and teeth. So you’re looking good and your’e feeling smart because your jewelry isn’t really jewelry, its a toy camoflauged into jewelry.

I tried wearing mine tonight hoping that baby would grab on while nursing, as a distraction from grabbing onto my hair and skin. It worked. The circle pendant fit into her tiny hand and kept her calm while nursing. I’m sure Teething Bling will be a favorite toy for quite some time.

Thanks to SmartMom for providing the Teething Bling sample for this review. Use code S-BC for 20% off at check out. 

When I was offered the opportunity for Heart & Stone Jewelry to create a piece of jewelry just for me, I was so touched and ecstatic. I was so excited because their handmade pieces are truly works of art. When I took a look at their Gallery, I was literally in awe over their jewelry. They create such unique, beautiful pieces that are meaningful and stylish that you’ll want to wear your special piece everyday.

When I received my Custom Charm Necklace, I was flabbergasted! My work of art consisted of a beautiful rectangular shaped charm with my son’s name on it, an oval shaped charm with my daughter’s name on it and their birth dates inscribed on the back of each piece which was so special to me. I love how the edges on each of the charms have a groove around them.  Also attached to the necklace was a Gemstone Drop to represent my husbands birthstone and Peace and Heart Symbol Charms to represent what I love. I literally have worn it a dozen times and have yet to not receive a compliment on the days that I’ve worn it. It is truly so meaningful to me and I love wearing it close to my heart. I will treasure it forever. The quality of each charm is superior (made from 100% Recycled Silver) and is sturdy and unique.

Take a look at creating a Custom Charm Necklace for yourself or someone you love. Start by selecting a sterling chain in any length and then add as many charms as you like. Charms and Gems can be added, removed and rearranged. They can be added all at once or over time. This is fabulous if you want to create a different look every time you wear your piece or if you add a new addition to your family! You can create your own meaningful, personalized jewelry by adding a name, word, initial or date to be imprinted on the front and the back can be personalized as well. Symbol, Birthstone and Mini Tag charms can be added, as well as precious and semi-precious Gemstone Drops to add color & sparkle. They also create other unique pieces as well: Women’s Stacking Rivet Rings, Men’s Rivet Rings, Men’s Custom Necklaces, “Be the Change” Charm Necklace (25% of the sale price will be donated to America’s Promise Alliance Organization) and Autism Awareness “Solve the Puzzle” Necklace (25% of the sale price will be donated to Autism Awareness Charities). Whichever piece you choose, it will arrive in their pretty custom gift box made from environmentally friendly sources and packaged with eco-friendly materials.

Heart & Stone’s handmade Custom Charm Necklaces offer endless possibilities. Make it your own by creating a personalized, meaningful piece that you or someone you love will treasure forever; something you’ll want to wear everyday; something you can add to over time. Hint to your husband for the holidays or create one for him!  This is the one gift you both will cherish for a lifetime.

Use code MWS at checkout to save 10% off of your purchase until November 15th, 2009. In order to guarantee delivery before December 24th, all orders must be placed by December 1st, 2009.

Need a quick pick me up? Grab a pair of Bling Earrings: shiny, happy, bright earrings by JoJo at JoJo Loves You. Created in Boston, the designer uses Swarovski crystals that are handset in sterling silver posts.

With over 50 colors to select from, at a price of only $30 a pair, you’d do well to order a few pair–to match your different outfits. I was sent a pair of Denim Blue Bling to dress up all of my “just jeans” days. They’re perfect for moms on the go who don’t have the time to think about accessorizing (who has time for that?!) Just put on your Bling and you’re sparkling.

Fall seems to have started early in the mid-Atlantic, so my 8-week-old little girl and I are definitely experiencing colder weather. Which means new methods to stay warm and new ways to carry her to athletic events (can’t take a stroller to either the football or t-ball fields).

Last week I tested out the BabyHawk Baby Carrier to see if she was ready for it (which I reviewed in July). Instantly I could feel a balanced difference in my back. She cuddles so nicely inside and I’m very confident that she’s securely attached. The BabyHawk is now going everywhere with us–to preschool, t-ball practice, football games. I expect to start doing a lot less hauling the infant seat and a lot more using the carrier now that she’s in it.

Last night was bath night. A pretty regular night in our home.  But as I was wrapping baby girl up in her towel I reflected how useful and brilliant the CozyCare Cape is. It fits over my head while I bathe her, keeping me dry from little splashes. When the bath is over I can hold her against me and wrap her easily, no need to put her on the ground to dry her like I do with other towels. And when I get to the changing table, the CozyCare Cape is big enough to place her  and the towel on the table and slip it over my head, never needing to unwrap her. This will make a great baby shower gift, I’m adding it to my list of must-haves for future moms. Read my review here.

I love fall, I love the crisp air, turning off the A/C, football, crunching in the leaves. But I dread putting tights on her legs (its actually intimidating!) and, of course, want to dress her in cutesy dresses. I never realized the value of legwarmers until having a little girl. We now have about 8 pair (probably totally unnecessary to have so many, but I have to make sure she’ll match every outfit, right?) and we’re finding 2 brands we love: BabyLegs and Zootie. I also feel like they’re a good investment. They stay on her now but are very baggy and saggy, they’ll fit her much longer than and are far less likely to fray and tear tights would be.

My little one has a thing for my long, curly hair (which is a good thing since she’s starting to get her own, untameable curls!) So while her grabbing on may be a sign of affection, it also causes her to get stuck on me and my hair to get stuck on her. I’ve found 2 favorite solutions:

• When I wake up at 6:30 for her morning feeding, I pull my hair back in a Cappucino by danielleloporto on etsy. Cappucino’s do the job of a do-rag or a bandana, in fact the look is pretty much the same. However Capp’s have a covered elastic wrap on the bottom, securing your hair without knotting it or stripping it, and it stays in for an extended period because the elastic keeps it in place. I’ve been wearing Capp’s while working out for a few years now, but never as much as I do now.
• Debbie reviewed the Clever Clip last spring and I knew that it was a product that I had to try. Now that the baby is obsessed with my hair and that I have yet to find the time to actually do my hair in the morning, the Clever Clip has become my absolute favorite accessory, next to my wedding band and engagement ring. It’s so simple to pull my hair up and out of the way and it looks good every single time. Do yourself a favor, be prepared for a bad hair day and get one now.

I have a small collection of jewelry. Beloved, but small. I am picky. My pieces tend to be very high quality, highly sentimental and very personal. I choose very very carefully, as the type of jewelry I love, is the type I will still want to wear in ten years.

This is totally the case with Dillon Rogers jewelry. The pieces are classic, clean and beautifully chic. Small details like tiny crystals on a necklace or a semi precious stone bead that dangles from a leather cuff, stand out and set the pieces apart from imitations. It’s easy to see why they are a celebrity favorite and frequently featured in magazines.

My favorite pieces from the collection are the personalized leather bracelets and silver stamped charm necklaces. I love the inspirational wraparound bracelets as well but the personalized ones are more meaningful to me, and a strange source of strength. On a recent flight (I don’t fly well) I swear I was comforted by the circle of my children’s names around my wrist. It gave me courage, and calmed me.

If you are considering a personalized jewelry gift for yourself or others, I highly recommend these. You’ll enjoy creating your gift and making it even more personal on the Dillon Rogers site which gives you hundreds of ways to combine your choice of fonts, colors, and designs. Your piece will be one of a kind, and cherished forever.

Being a mommy can be exhausting and we all need reminders to take care of ourselves, breathe, take a moment, examine our priorities etc. That is why I am loving these Infinity Charm Necklaces from Rejuvenation Gifts. 

First pick your chain length and style and then choose your message to inspire yourself of a friend.There are dozens of messages to choose from. One other nice part? They don’t cost a fortune. Necklaces (with two charms) start at only $20 and you can add additional charms for $5 each. So no need to practice your Lamaze breathing when you pay for this purchase! 

Take a minute while you are on the Rejuvenation Gifts site to check out their upcoming retreats and other gift packages for busy moms like us. Looks like a dream vacation to me!