I discovered a great book for any mom-to-be, called One Year to an Organized Life with Baby by Regina Leeds (professional organizer) and Meagan Francis (parenting expert). I really enjoyed this book. It gives you a week-to-week guide to get ready for your baby and helpful suggestions on how to keep your family organized (keeping you sane in the process!)

As it should be, this book is extremely organized and is laid out in a very easy-to-read format. It’s also very digestible, broken up into month segments and then by week, so you can focus on what you need to do each week in a logical and organized manner. The book has two parts, one is “getting ready” and the other is “baby’s here!” Both sections help you with practical suggestions, timelines, checklists, and tips.

As a mom with two other children, I didn’t know how useful this book would be to me. However, I did find a lot of great tips and reminders on what I should be doing and when to get ready for my baby. For first-time moms, this book is priceless. If you are an organized person who likes to plan ahead, you will absolutely love this book. And if you are not that type of person, you will still love this book because it will help you get organized (something you will need to be once baby comes!)

This book will help you get your home, health, work, and life ready for your new baby. Some of the topics the book covers include creating your nursery, determining what baby gear you need and what you can skip, preparing for maternity leave and going back to work, packing your diaper bag, creating effective household routines, organizing baby photos and documents, childproofing your home, and much more.

If you are pregnant or know someone who is, One Year to an Organized Life with Baby is a great addition to your pre-baby/baby library. Definitely don’t skip this book!

Want to win a copy for yourself? Comment below on what you feel you need to organize before your baby comes (or now that your baby is here) and you’ll be entered to win a free copy!

I happened to have some Belevation undergarments in my drawer that they were kind enough to send me to sample. I gave them a try and was SO THRILLED with the comfort and support that I had throughout the day around my belly. I wish I had tried these undergarments sooner!

I tried both the brief as well as the Belly Band. Both were great and so supportive. I loved that the brief was comfortable, didn’t ride up (or fall down, a problem I have been having with my regular underwear!), and fit perfectly around my belly and waist. The Belly Band is perfect to wear for layered looks. All of the  Belevation products are made with a unique, seamless, four-way stretch microfiber construction with moisture wicking, breathable mesh that is extremely comfortable. And the nude Belevation products are made with CelliantLife(TM) a unique smart-fiber clinically proven to improve overall comfort.

Belevation also offers a cute boy short and is coming out with a great-looking Yoga pant soon, too!

Now that I have discovered and tried the Belevation undergarments, I will not go to the gym or play tennis without wearing one. It’s almost a necessity to keep me comfortable. Every mother-to-be should have a pair or two of these great products to keep them feeling as comfortable as possible! Event better? Take $4.00 off your purchase using code MWS. Enjoy!

Tummy Rub Butter (for award-winning stretch mark protection)

Boob Tube (because those great pregnancy boobs are temporary)

Bump It Up: TRANSFORMING YOUR PREGNANCY INTO THE ULTIMATE STYLE STATEMENT by Amy Tara Koch (Ballantine Books)

Expecting mamas will thank you as they slather on the wonderful products and curl up with Amy’s book.

Get it here (shipping is free right now).

Bellybuds are a safe and convenient option for sharing music, voices and/or sounds with your baby-to- be. The set comes with 1 set of Bellybuds belly phones that attach to your belly using reusable and skin safe hydrogel adhesive rings. The cord can then attach to any musical device such as an MP3 player, but I chose to plug it into my computer so I could use them while I was working. I chose to play classical music since I heard that is very peaceful for the baby, but  just for fun I did play him some Michael Jackson to see if he’d get into the groove… and I think he liked it!

The newest feature for Bellybuds is their Voice Share recording. The feature is currently being Beta tested, but you can still use it. Voice  Share allows Parents-to be, friends and relatives to share loving messages with baby. It’s great because you can even send e mails to loved ones asking them to record messages that can then be downloaded to your musical player. It’s always nice to give Grandma and Grandpa the opportunity to say hi to baby too!

The Bellybuds Deluxe Package ($49.99) comes with..

• 1 set of Bellybuds bellyphones
• 2 sets of medical grade, reusable and skin safe hydrogel adhesive rings
• 1 set of Bellybuds buddons that dampen the external sound, allowing you to wear your bellyphones anywhere anytime
• 1 neoprene storage pouch with clip
• 2 bellyphones docks (to keep rings clean between uses)
• 1 audio splitter that allows you to hear the same audio as your baby

I have enjoyed using Bellybuds and I think it would be a great gift to any expectant mother. Any product that helps me bond with my child even before he is here gets thumbs up from me!

Bellybuds provided me with a set of Bellyphones for the purposes of this review. As always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Flutter Top in Heather Black (pictured to the left) is a soft maternity shirt with  flutter sleeves & gathered hem. It’s got akind of a 80′s style, and is made with eco-friendly fabrication and dye-process.This 50% cotton and 50% modal top looks good on me! It also comes in Tangerine.

Amy personally signed copies of her book and hosted a “maximum style, minimum maternity” fashion show — yes, that’s me modeling on top, next to Amy. I wore Annee Mathew’s fabulous Carmen Faux Wrap Dress ($99), which I had received for a recent review. Amy accessorized me with a fun ruffled magenta scarf, a long necklace (which was really a belt) and a jeweled cuff by Kara Ross. Lindsay from Frederick Fekkai did my hair and Lancome did my makeup. I felt like a proud, pregnant diva! The amazing POUCH Versatile Dress (which can be worn 7 ways !) was also modeled, as well as a gorgeous dress from More of Me Maternity. Amy also had Author and TV Host Samantha Ettus modeled one of Amy’s own vintage nightgowns. In her book,  Amy talks about wearing “inner wear as ready to wear…an inexpensive way to get the look of Versace is to wear animal print nighties!” Lancome did a terrific job of brining  the “faux glow” to life. Bliss Spa offered mini spa treatments (pregnancy approved, of course). Kara Ross showed off her bold baubles and bags (which fits with Amy’s mantra…”in pregnancy, accessories must match the bravado of one’s bump!”. Mama Mio offered skincare tips and heavenly hand massages. Frederick Fekkai did “five minute fixes” for busy moms and moms to be and offered solutions to tame “tressed out” hair.Britax showed off their amazing new B-Ready Stroller (that can take a second seat and their Chaperone Infant Car Seat or a bassinet).

There was a raffle featuring a Britax Chaperone Travel System, Medela’s Freestyle Breast Pump, huge gift baskets from Giggle and Pampers, BabyBjorn’s new Comfort Carrier, hooded towels, nursing cover, and bibs from Bebe Au Lait, plus many more items. The gift bag featured mini sizes and samples of products from Mama Mio, Lancome, Bliss Spa, Tasty Baby Organic Gummies, and Tide To Go.

Click here to purchase Bump It Up on Amazon for $12.24 (on sale from $18)

Click here for Amy’s Facebook Page or here to follow  her on Twitter.

Writer received a gift bag with samples.

I also checked out the fab Olivia Dress ($29.99). The sleeveless dress  can be worn casually or dressed up a little with some cute jewelry. It’s a knee-length jersey dress with a v-neck and a cute back time. I love that it also is machine-washable and can be tumbled dry on low.

Find Chiarakruza at Target.com or in Target stores.

Writer was provided with samples for review purposes.

Also worth checking out — the romantic Kate Dress ($89) in dusty pink and dove grey, the elegant Chantel Dress ($89) in golden olive and black, and the sexy Evita Wrap Dress ($99) in black, crimson, pewter and violet rose.

Annee Matthew also makes adorable short sleeve and long sleeve tops, pajamas, swimsuits, nursing covers, and pants,

Click here to find a retailer.

Sample was received for review purposes.

Their clothes are perfect for work or casual occasions. I love the chic look of the Classic Suit Dress (shown above) —even though I don’t have an office to go into everyday. The Ring Shirt ($110) would look great with the Classic Suit Skirt ($125) and Suit Jacket ($200). While these aren’t inexpensive clothes, they’re built to last and will work for years, before and after pregnancies. So you are getting more value for your money!

Designers Maria D’Anza and Deborah Munies created Vivique’s  patent-pending waistband, which according to their site, “allows bottom garments to tip out and expand, allowing them to be worn before, during and after pregnancy!”  This was inspired by Maria and Deborah’s own experiences during pregnancies. They knew what they didn’t like wearing and set out to create something better. We’re all been there — either tugging up huge stretchy panels or not fitting in certain pregnancy pants when your tummy gets too big! With Vivique’s new patent-pending waistband, women can keep their pants up and even wear a belt!

Next week, they’re coming out with Cargo Pants ($120) – see picture above and a whole jeans line. Slim leg, boot cut, capri jeans and a jeans skirt will be available, in indigo or wash options. They’ve also got fabulous Bermuda Shorts coming soon.

Check out Vivique Maternity Apparel!

Exclusive Discount for MWS Readers: Use code: MWSV10 for 10% off. Valid until May 30, 2010.

Disclosure: While I do know Deborah professionally, I asked to write up her line and did not receive any compensation or samples for writing this post.

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.