Fitness clothes during pregnancy

As my belly and baby keep getting bigger and bigger, I've found that working out in clothes that are too tight or don't fit correctly make me uncomfortable within minutes.  At first I wanted my pre-pregnancy workout clothes to still fit, but then my baby belly would start showing from my shirts that were becoming shorter and shorter and my yoga pants that weren't covering my growing body.

Anyway, I hated working out in that clothing and looked at Fit Maternity for some well fitted and trendy pregnancy workout clothes to help me not only feel comfortable during my workouts, but feel covered and appropriate as well.

Fit Maternity has comfortable fitness wear from:

yoga wear, maternity workout pants and capris, swimsuits, maternity workout tanks, girdles and panties, shirts and tops that also can be worn post-maternity and for nursing.... and more 

I chose this Rouched V-Neck Maternity Tee from Ocean Lily.  I loved it, first of all it is SUPER soft and has a four way stretch bamboo fabric that wasn't restricting so I could move all about (especially with my awesome prenatal yoga).  The cut is long (which I don't need because I'm short) but I loved it because as I'm doing yoga or stretching I know that I will be fully covered and not accidentally showing my belly or bottom. The V-neck is not too high or low so I know I'm not showing anything off there as well.  

Fit Maternity also has amazing maternity pants and capris which fit amazing (and I for real wear around everywhere.... like people think I probably don't change haha).  I love these 3 in 1 waist capris which you could comfortably fold under your belly, or bring onto your belly depending which one makes you comfortable.  The reason I don't wear my old capris working out is that the panel was WAY too tight and restricting no matter if I put it above or below my stomach. I love how these capris fit to my body, but will grow with me as my belly continues to pop.

Ahh, "stretchy pants" as Nacho Libre would say. These capris are made from supplex which is shrink and fade resistant, flat seams, and is super soft and can dry FAST.  

And lastly check out their maternity workout tanks! From razer back to nursing bra tanks they have you... and me... covered!

28 Weeks Pregnancy Chalkboard

Third Trimester is here and I feel it... big that is.  I have a hard time bending and getting on my favorite shoes and I'm way uncomfortable and always have to move around to find a comfortable spot.  I'm eating a lot more and feel hot a lot so we have yummy popsicles and a snowie place down the road I go to frequently to stay cool :)  The pool is open so I'll go there, along with doing my prenatal yoga, and walking.

I swear I'm having morning sickness the last few weeks.  Everyday now I have a time where I feel really really sick, but I have my Preggie Pops to feel better. I also have some carpal tunnel in my right wrist and I have low iron from my glucose testing (that stuff was nasty!).

On a more positive note, this week we got another ultrasound including a sonogram.  Our little guy looks so big and it was fun to see his eyes open and shut with his little eyelashes and yawn.  He's moving a TON these days which I love because I know he's ok, my husband has felt him so many times (starting around 22 weeks).  It's really cute seeing him move around.

Inches: 13 inches larger around belly
How I've used my time: redecorating the nursery, preparing for girl's camp, eating/cooking
Cravings: Snowies are amazing and onions, grapefruit, and pineapple makes me feel ill.
Other facts: Feeling big, hard to put on my shoes and bend.  Feeling little one kick a ton and he's pretty active.  Saw him again in an ultrasound, he's looking good and healthy... oh, and is still a boy!

Bucket List before baby

As it's getting closer and closer to baby time, we decided to have a 'bucket list' to make sure we get certain things done before.  It's giving us ideas of what to do this summer and getting things done so we can have little or no stress and not scramble to get things ready for our little bundle of joy. Here is a quick snapshot of the beginning of our list to give an idea.

Bucket list includes two categories:

1) Things we want to do and might not be able to until a little after the baby is born

- like going to the movie theater together, my favorite restaurant, certain hikes or events

2) Things we need to get done/discuss before the baby is born

- like starting a college fund, finishing the dresser, or fixing our car so that expense is taken care of

Let me know if there are other things I should add!

Which Maternity Support will you use?

I know there are many kinds of maternity supports out there.  Some to just wrap around your waist and to discretely hide under your clothes.  Right now I'm wearing the BellyBra which not only hides extremely well underneath clothes, it supports my body and my ever-growing 7 month belly so I can get the support and comfort I need while doing my daily activities.  

Here is one of the awesome BellyBras.  You can choose from a nude color, like the one above, or black or white.  The thick elastic on the bottom is 2 inches long and is shorter in the back so the front fits underneath your belly for a slight/gentle lift feeling.  I loved how comfortable the lift was for my stomach and really relieved some of the weight on my back.

Here is the front and back of the BellyBra, as you can see, it has a built in bra with elastic under the bust.  This maternity support also has a full panel covering the stomach which I think looks smooth and comfortable under clothing like shirts and dresses. As you can see in the back, the elastic is higher and rests in your lower back and the back has a panel that is a 1-way stretch that gently pulls shoulders back.  No hooks or other metals to push against your skin and machine washable!

Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga During Pregnancy

During this pregnancy my working out is extremely limited. There is a huge list of activities to avoid while pregnant, so the two kinds of exercising I do now in my third trimester includes walking and prenatal yoga.

Both of these are low risk for problems to me and the baby and still keeps me active without overdoing it.

Prenatal yoga benefits from the Mayo Clinic: 

Improve sleep

Reduce stress and anxiety

Increase the strength, flexibility and endurance of muscles needed for childbirth

Decrease lower back pain, nausea, carpal tunnel syndrome, headaches and shortness of breath

Decrease the risk of preterm labor, pregnancy-induced hypertension and intrauterine growth restriction

Right now I'm using the Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga video in the middle (blue video).  I love how I can determine my pace for a 15, 30, 40, & 75 minute practice depending on the day and how I feel.  I'll even start the 75 minute practice and after 25-30 minutes pause the video and start there the next day/time. The other two videos have other options you can choose from as well.  

I really like how there are three people in the video doing the poses (one in first, second, and third trimester) so I can follow based on my trimester or my capabilities.  This especially helps me from overdoing it or trying to move in ways my body can't right now.  The short forms give modifications, labor poses, and yoga practices.  I'm really excited to use some of the poses I learned during labor.

From using the videos, I have felt more relaxed and particularly calm about giving birth, from stretching out it has helped my muscles particularly during the night, and I have slept better when I have done some kind of yoga during the day.

Order now to prepare your body for labor, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Videos from the Prenatal Vinyasa Yoga site start around $13.95 and again are so easy to do from home whenever you have time.

Website: www.prenatalvinyasayoga.com

Facebook: www.facebook.com/Prenatalyoga 
Twitter: www.twitter.com/prenatalyoga

Tamera and Adam's Celebrity Nursery

I came across this beautiful nursery from celebrity Tamera and Adam on Style Network.  I loved the accents they put throughout the room and their baby blue and tan colors.  They also didn't have an enormous room for this nursery, so it was more relatable for us regular people who want to decorate a room like this.

I think my favorite thing in this room is the "A" initial.  I love the subtle blue color with white and how this would look great in any room as the baby grows up.  I think the A by itself would look a little boring/small for the wall, but having the striped pattern on the wall along with the two framed stars on the side really filled up the space without too much crowding.  If you look around there are many cute accessories from the teddy bears and amazing trunk perfect to keep all of the baby toys in.

This window in the corner of the room would be awkward designing, but the curtains help even it out to make it look even.  

Love this changing table, I love how it's not just one color but has a brown top and the drawers are outlined in the same color.  You can see the red star lights around the mirror (and if you look closely, you can see a cute baby jersey hung up by a blue star) a pop of this red brings your eyes to that point and helps the room give a pop of color. They used red a few times very subtly. 

And here we are back to the crib! What a fun nursery for their little baby.  

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Oko Creations Gift Certificate Giveaway

What is Oko Creations? They are a Canadian family business that uses only the best eco-friendly textiles to make maternity, baby, and other care products. These textiles include organic cotton, hemp, organic merino wool an recycled polyester.  They use reusable and durable products including their tags on their products, packaging and shipping materials, and business cards and advertisements.  

I love how their products are high quality and so cute! Here are some of the awesome products they have, enter now through July 20, 2013 for a chance to win a $25 Gift Certificate.  

1) Baby
For Oko Creations baby products, you can find bibs, changing pads, cloth diaper liners, bibs, and more.  I love the products made from Hemp and Merino Wool which adds such comfort and durability.

Hemp baby wipes

This set of 5 wipes are perfect for changing dirty diapers or can be used for bathing.  One side of the wipes is soft and the other is textured to help clean your little one and still provide comfort.  I love how durable the hemp is and the colorful outlines that come in blue, red, green, yellow, and purple.

Organic cotton hooded towel

Merino wool baby mittens

These mittens are my favorite! They are made from merino wool and have velcro around the bottom to keep in the baby's warmth.  These mittens are so soft and are great for the cold winters and to prevent the baby from scratching his/her face.

2) Women

In Oko Creation's women's section, I absolutely love their hemp diaper bags which are super stylish and fun.  You can also find nursing pads and sanitary pads made from breathable and washable fabrics. 

Hemp diaper bag

Merino wool nursing pads

During lactation, you can go through tons of nursing pads.  These nursing pads from Oko Creations are perfect to have, not only are they reusable and eco-friendly, they are waterproof, breathable, durable, soft, and absorbent. This pack of 6 includes 4 hemp compresses and 2 wool barrier pads to allow you the comfort you need in nursing pads.  

Full set of pads

3) Care Products
Ontop of their great baby and women's products, you can also find care products like makeup headbands (so cute), washcloths, and handkerchiefs.


Enter with Rafflecopter below:
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Intelligender Test to tell your baby's gender at 10 weeks

When I saw the Intelligender kit online, I got really excited thinking maybe once and for all we can determine the baby's gender.  Quick recap.... I had two ultrasounds that said our baby was a little girl, next ultrasound we were told we were having a boy!  I was so excited to get my Intelligender kit in the mail and it was so easy and nice to use from home.

The Intelligender Gender Prediction Test can show your baby's gender as little as 10 weeks pregnant.  The kit comes with two main pieces, 1) the actual test - labelled boy and girl 2) syringe to collect and insert your urine into the test.

6 Easy Steps to Determine the Baby's Gender:

1) Collect first morning's urine in clean container
2) Remove the sticky tab from test jar
3) Use syringe to pull 20 ml's of urine, insert into exposed hole in test jar
4) Swirl around for 10 seconds
5) Place test on flat surface for 5 minutes
6) Read your test at 5 minute mark and match the color to the boy or girl color chart.

Look at what the Intelligender test revealed... It's a BOY!!!

I'm so excited to confirm our baby's gender.  I would have used this kit earlier in my pregnancy if I could have and it was so fast and easy to use.  Online pricing is $27.99 and 2+ kits are $24.47 each.

Feel free to check out and follow Intelligender on their social media sites:
http://www.intelligenderblog.com
http://www.facebook.com/intelligender
http://www.youtube.com/intelligender
http://twitter.com/intelligender
http://www.pinterest.com/intelligender

Pretty Mommies Maternity Skin Care Giveaway

This pregnancy has made my face look worse than it ever did in High School.  No matter what time of day or circumstances, my face always looks so bumpy and full of pimples.  I tried a few different products, but by far my favorite and most effective one I tried was from Pretty Mommies.
Their products are effective, safe, and targeted toward pregnant and nursing women.  They create their products to target hormonal breakouts and melasma and don't use anything that would be harmful to you or your baby.

Enter below to win a set of Pretty Mommies Skincare products.  Giveaway goes through July 20, 2013.

Step 1: LET’S BE CLEAR FACIAL CLEANSER

I use this Pretty Mommies cleanser morning and night to help my face stay clean and get rid of my oily skin. I   love the exfoliating feeling I get from using this product and how I don't even need to take off my makeup before washing my face.  This cuts through dirt and makeup to make my face clean and fresh.

Step 2: TRUTH BE TOLD SKIN BRIGHTENER

After using the "LET’S BE CLEAR FACIAL CLEANSER", I use this brightener to help tighten and brighten my skin.  Even after one use I could feel the subtle tightness especially around my mouth and forehead.  I also thank my glowing complexion to this amazing product.

Step 3: PROTECT and REFLECT SPF 30

Before going to the pool, I put on this amazing product to help my sensitive pregnant skin from getting fried. A little goes a long way and the Zinc Oxide protects my skin and reflects ultraviolet rays.

Enter with Rafflecopter below:

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Preggie Pops and Drops Giveaway

With this pregnancy I've overall feel pretty good, but it's always when I'm running errands or supposed to be somewhere I get a headache, stomachache or hunger.  Ugh, it's always such a pain because half of the time I can't just leave right away and go home, so .... being prepared and keeping some essentials with me has been such a big help.

Here's my messy purse filled with 4 essential items:
1) Preggie Pops and Drops
2) Snacks like fruit rollups
3) Water
4) Gum or mints

What are Preggie Pops and Drops you might ask?  They are drops made especially for pregnant women and help reduce morning sickness symptoms by using natural ingredients.  They are healthcare provider recommended and help pregnant women get rid of dry mouth, provide energy, and have helped me quickly get rid of headaches and pain in my stomach.

You can find these pregnancy 'miracles' in the form of a drop or a lollipop in flavors like green apple, sour raspberry, sour lemon, peppermint, spearmint, lavender, ginger, and sour tangerine. They also have Organic Preggie Pop Drops as well.

I love how discrete I can be in popping one of the drops in my mouth as I continue my daily routine and within a few minutes I'm feeling better.  The containers of the drops contain 21 pieces and can be found in so many retail stores like Buy Buy Baby, Babies "R" Us, Motherhood, Target, Walgreens, CVS, and more.

So who wants to win a box of Preggie Pops and a container of Preggie Drops!? Enter below, contest ends July 12, 2013.

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Baby-Name Reveal Party

At gender reveal parties, parents-to-be have become creative in finding ways to disclose the sex, and often learn the news right alongside their guests through practices like cutting a cake or releasing of the balloons. However, more and more, moms and dads reasonably want to know whether the child is a boy or girl right off the bat. Instead of offering your friends and family a celebration that divulges the gender of the baby, why not throw a party that reveals the chosen name? This is a fun spin on an otherwise traditional idea that will celebrate your little person as the unique individual he or she is.

Though parents find inspiration for baby names in everything from religion to celebrities, most traditional names and their spinoffs carry meaning. Why not use this significance as a motif throughout the celebration? For instance the name Ava means “like a bird”, so parents could have the invitations and napkins imprinted with this design, as well as themed mobiles hanging from the ceiling; Caleb means “whole hearted”, so heart shaped centerpieces could be situated on the surfaces along with heart-shaped cookies. An alternative to this is to create a theme around a famous individual or character who bares the same surname? Let’s say you are naming your unborn son Luke; parents who are Star Wars fans can feature R2D2 cupcakes, give out light saber lollipops and entertain guests with Star Wars trivia games; parents who are giving their children the name Robert might want to have a party inspired by the music of Bob Marley, complete with his soundtracks, Rastafarian foods and a beanie as a party favor.

Many names are passed down through generations and hold cultural origins, so perhaps honor these nations by serving the music associated with the particular country. Let the food reflect the nation as well and, depending on the particular legacy, a fun dress code could liven the atmosphere as well. For an extra touch, use flags to cover the walls and use the flag’s colors as your decorating palette.

Of course, you will want to build suspense for the actual name reveal. You can create a guessing game centered on the name. You can always go with your own version of Wheel of Fortune, have the guests break up into teams to play a round of “20 questions” with you, or hide the various letters that spell out the name in different places throughout the night so guests can find and piece them together as a group. If you would rather forego the games, perhaps design a snazzy banner, spell it out on top of pizzas using pepperoni or use Christmas lights to reveal the name on the side of your house.

Tell me parents, what are some fun ideas to reveal the name of your baby to friends and family?

100 Days Left!

100 Days left of my pregnancy! I've been shocked how fast second trimester has flown by and hope that third trimester will go by just as fast (especially with this hot summer weather).  I can't believe how hot it's been even though it's only the beginning of July!

Wearing dresses and skirts is my staple for this whole summer.  Here's  my  favorite  from PinkBlush Maternity.  Made  with beige, teal, and yellow chiffon, this dress was light and flowy and I have been given so many compliments. I also loved the silver belt with gold trim which can be taken off the dress and used with some of my favorite summer clothes!

They have similar dresses and other cute maxi skirts as well! Check out these and many more cute maternity clothes currently at 35% off of summer styles.  Believe me, you'll need them during the hot summer :) 

Neutral Nurseries

There is something really beautiful about using neutral colors in a nursery. When done right, there is an expensive feeling and a feeling of elegance and luxury. Recently I've been pinning these beautiful neutral nurseries and here are some of my favorites:

This nursery is from homeimprovementpin.com.  I love the furniture and big pieces they used which already looked elegant and added so much to the room.  They definitely went all out from the chunky white mirror, large chandelier, fur rug, and shiny silver changing table.  There is so much interest and texture all around this room.

There is a little more contrast in this nursery from the floor and wall.  This nursery featured on Project nursery  has white/tan furniture pieces and very light/white bedding to keep everything calm.

This neutral nursery uses white and light browns throughout the room.  I love the pieces of interest like the canopy over the bed, elegant chair, and cute teddy bears all around. From:  littleemmaenglishhome.blogspot.com

LOVE this neutral elegant nursery.  Things that are symmetrical are pleasing to the eye and give a settling feeling.  This crib is placed in the middle of the two windows that are equally curtained and have some minor detailing to draw your eyes as a focal point. From: babybedding.com

I love this neutral nursery because of the textures you find throughout the space. From the wall designs, crib and blanket patterns, and the amazing rug and back of the crib, there are so many things to catch the eye and avoid a 'boring' approach.  From: Pottery Barn Kids

And last on our list of neutral nurseries is this white elegant nursery from rhbabyandchild.com.  White furniture and pretty much white accessories throughout the room.  The wall, rug, and bedding have a slight color to them, but they definitely wanted to have this nursery stay neutral. 

Buttons Diapers Cloth Diapers

So I'm sure the first time you heard someone say they use cloth diapers for their children you thought they were crazy. I know my mom had used a cloth wrapped around our bodies with a safety pin and that's what I envisioned when I first heard one of my friends converting to these updated and new "cloth diapers". Well, cloth diapers have come quite a far way. I'm shocked at the comfort, durability, style, and fabrics that are now being used.

I have a giveaway currently going from Buttons Cloth Diapers for you to try, or continue using cloth diapers.    Giveaway here.  You can save so much money and help the environment without sacrificing comfort and durability from normal diapers.  To be honest, I think cloth diapers like from Buttons Cloth Diapers are more comfortable than regular diapers.  

Awesome leak proof fabric and have you wondered why all of those snaps are on the covers of cloth diapers? It helps to customize the shape and size of your baby (9-35 lbs) and grows with them so you aren't buying more cloth diapers than you need. 

Here is a view of the inside of the cloth diaper.  Inserts snap in two places to help keep them in place (I think this is such a better option than hoping your towel in the diaper will hopefully stay in place by the next time you change the diaper).  Also look how soft and comfy the inserts are, perfect and soft for your little one.

Cloth diaper (your choice of 5 colors) with 2 inserts is what  you'll get when you win my Buttons Cloth Diaper Giveaway.  Enter to win by June 30, 2013.  

Mobi AnimaLamp Review

Looking for a cute light for your child for their homework, bedside reading, or for a car ride? Mobi's AnimaLamp is a popular, and adorable, light for your child to bring with them and use wherever they go. These lights (which come in a giraffe, monkey, and bunny) work without being plugged in for up to 8-12 hours per charge and have a touchable light control which can brighten and dim the light.  

Here is the light in a closed position.  It stands on it's own and when the light is on in it's closed position, it is a perfect nightlight for your child. 

The 'heads' of the AnimaLamp tilt to provide the right angle and lighting to your child's task.  You touch the button to turn on and off the light and holding it will adjust the brightness in the 12 LED lights.  

Some of the other uses I thought of are using it for piano lessons, in the outside playhouse, nighttime nursing and diaper changing, in our dark closet or under the bed, and more.  The thing I love the most is not having to always have this cute kid's lamp plugged in, it can seriously go anywhere with me and last a long time without being plugged in. I also love how sturdy it is, and light for kids to carry and bring around.

Perfect task lighting for Lucie who wanted to play with the AnimaLamp. These cute lights have been awarded the Mom's Choice Gold, NAPPA Gold and National Parenting Center Seal of Approval awards.  

Want to get one?! Go to http://www.getmobi.com to view their cute AnimaLamps and go to my link here to enter to win.

Enter below to the Mobi AnimaLamp giveaway going on till June 30, 2013.
http://iheartpears.blogspot.com/2013/05/mobi-animalamp-giveaway.html

Buttons Cloth Diapers Giveaway

It doesn't take a rocket scientist to tell you diapers are expensive! It's amazing how much money diapers for your little one cost, Wiki estimated that kids go through about 4,500-5,000 diapers before their potty trained... dang! That's a lot of money, instead, it could cost as little as $240 with Buttons Diapers.

What I love about cloth diapers, and why I want to use for this baby, is the amount of money you save.  Buttons Cloth Diapers have affordable prices for their cloth diapers which snap into place and have elastic around the legs and tummy for a comfortable and custom fit.  The diapers are one-size to fit babies from 9-35 lbs and are made of 2 layers of wipe-able, waterproof PUL, with double leg gussets.  You can also use snap-in inserts, made from absorbent microfiber with soft moisture-wicking fleece on top, for a quick and easy diaper change as well.

So enter below, giveaway ends July 1, 2013 and winner chooses the color they like.

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PinkBlush Maternity Giveaway!!

I am so excited to announce my new PinkBlush Maternity Giveaway!  If you haven't heard of PinkBlush, they have trendy maternity clothes that have a variety of different patterns, textures, and fabrics for an affordable price.

I love browsing on their site because they always have new products and I love getting inspiration how to dress my pregnant body (some of my other favs are below).  I also love how most of their maternity clothing would be perfect to wear after pregnancy.  Enter the giveaway below for a $25 Gift Certificate to PinkBlush Maternity, giveaway ends July 1, 2013.

PS. right now they have 40% off summer essentials storewide!

Some of my favorite maternity clothes from PinkBlush Maternity:

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