Product Review – Seraphine Denim Maternity Legging

Posted on January 6th, 2012

I admit it — I was wary about wearing “maternity jeggings.” I wondered: Could skin tight jean leggings possibly be flattering on a pregnant women? Will they make me look bigger than I am?

I am here to report — I was wrong (Just don’t tell my husband) Maternity Jeggings are every pregnant women’s best friend! Comfortable and stylish, these leggings are a much have. Pair your maternity jeggings with a pair of chunky heels, a long sweater and a scarf. Add a big tote to that, and you’re set for the day.

The Seraphine maternity jegging is perfect for the easy style of wearing skinny jeans with the added comfort of leggings.

“These jeggings are fabulous. They never fall down and they look great tucked into long boots or teamed with flats. I wear them with a bright striped t-shirt and tan ankle boots a lot. “Eleonore Crompton, Style Director – Heat Magazine

Find these maternity jeggings at Mommy Appelseed for only $68.

Posted in FASHION | Tagged as: jean maternity leggings, maternity jeggings | Leave a comment

6 Purse Items To Have During Pregnancy

Posted on January 5th, 2012

1. Prenatal Vitamins – Taking your prenatal vitamins can be difficult to remember during pregnancy especially if you didn’t take vitamins before you became pregnant but these little guys are so important! Prenatal vitamins play an important role in the development of your baby. Keeping them in your purse can help you stay on top of them because the moment you remember you’ll always have them on-hand.

2. Water Bottle - Staying hydrated during pregnancy is key to being healthy, not to mention all the great skin benefits you get from drinking water. Water during pregnancy is important because it flushes waste products from the cells and aids in liver and kidney function for both you and your baby. During pregnancy, water is also needed for your body’s expansion as your blood volume increases significantly. Insufficient water intake can be a factor in constipation, preterm labor, and miscarriage, and even slight dehydration can cause or contribute to fatigue. Try being eco-friendly by buying a reusable water bottle that you can refill as needed.

3. Pregnancy Book - Even if this is not your first pregnancy, reading up on being pregnant will help you get educated on the things you don’t know and remind you of the things you do know. Reading also provides auditory stimulation for babies’ growing brains and can acclimate children to the sounds of their parents’ voices. A baby’s cognitive skills can also be improved with a variety of stimuli; reading represents one way to enhance these important developmental skills. So pick up a good book or even a magazine and start reading!

4. Healthy Snack - Hunger is a regular thing during pregnancy so look at it as frequent opportunities to feed yourself and your baby. No matter where your day takes you, make sure healthy snacks go along for the ride. Pack your purse with plenty of nutritious pregnancy snacks like: apple and cheese slices, little tangerines, crackers, hard boiled eggs, nuts and grapes.

5. Your Doctor’s Business Card - Of course we don’t walk through life expecting things to happen but it’s always best to be prepared. In any case, whether it be unusual symptoms you’re experiencing or in the event of an accident, call your doctor and follow their instruction.

6. Belly Cream – Oh yes! You’ll be needing lots of belly cream during pregnancy! Often times when stretch marks are left unattended they cause a lot of itching due to excessive dryness. Remember never to scratch them as this might lead to sores which will further darken the marks. Instead use belly creams frequently and liberally to avoid the uneasiness. You should apply the cream as often possible everyday which is why you should carry a small container of it in your purse. Use a popular brand which is easily available. You can ask your relatives or friends for suggestions.

Posted in MEDICAL, Uncategorized | Tagged as: during pregnancy, Pregnancy, Pregnancy Tips, Pregnant | Leave a comment

Alessandra Ambrosio Rocks the Runway at 2 Months Pregnant!

Posted on January 3rd, 2012

Victoria Secret model, Alessandra Ambrosio, announced her pregnancy earlier this week! She’s about four months pregnant now, which means she was over two months pregnant when she last walked the Victoria’s Secret runway. Alessandra made every effort to look her best on the runway by cutting out the sugars and lots of exercise with the help of her trainer.

Alessandra Ambrosio tells Us Weekly:

When I first found out I was pregnant I thought, ‘Oh my gosh I don’t think I’m going to be able to walk on the show,’ and I didn’t tell anybody so no one knew at the show that I was pregnant … A week before, I told my booker I don’t think I’m going to be able to fit into the clothes because I gained a few pounds already, but we were just quiet. I cut all the sugars and sweets 10 days before and I got my trainer — the one I usually get — and we were doing lots of glutes and arms and back exercises.

Alessandra Ambrosio, at 30, already has a 3-year-old daughter and mentions how she loves being pregnant and that her body loves being pregnant. Surely, this time around will be a breeze for her as well.

Posted in CELEBS | Tagged as: Celebrity pregnancy, Pregnancy, pregnant celebrities | Leave a comment

Mom’s Guide to Reading a Child’s Behavior

Posted on January 2nd, 2012

You love your children, and you want to do everything in your power to make them happy. You can buy them all the toys and nursery furniture in the world, but the truth is that keeping them happy is not the easiest thing to do, especially if you don’t understand why your child is behaving a certain way, or what is triggering the behavior. Connecting with your kids and knowing how to treat them in specific situations is very important for their happiness and well-being. Here are some tips that are going to help you understand your child’s behavior a little better.

Personality
Each child has a very individual personality, and they start to display it very early on. Some kids are energetic, curious, and brave. Others are shy and need more attention and comfort from the ones they love. It will not be hard to start seeing your child’s personality very early on. You have to learn how to treat them based on their unique personal characteristics, that way they feel accepted, and comforted. Sometimes this is difficult to do if you have more than one child and they have completely different personalities. Certain moms tend to relate to one child’s personality more than the other, and this could bring emotional issues.

Stage
Children go through different stages as they grow, and it can present certain challenges for moms to understand those stages and act accordingly. Many children start presenting signs independence very early on, wanting to do certain tasks by themselves, or maybe saying now to certain instructions that their parents give them. They may not be necessarily acting out, but simply trying to feel the accomplishment of making their own decisions. If you see that your child has a sense of independence, give them more responsibilities, or allow them to make certain decisions on their own. This will ensure that they develop the confidence they need in themselves and they feel that they can make personal decisions when the situation asks for it.

Circumstance
Sometimes the circumstance that a child is in will have an impact on their behavior at that time. If you put children in a room together for a certain period of time they may start acting out, following other children’s behavior. If they are in a group where there are unknown adults they might tend to act shyer, or even get scared. Taking them to a playground or a park will reveal a level of energy and excitement you probably haven’t seen them display in other circumstances.

Emotional Needs
Understanding your children’s behavior based on emotional needs is a crucial part of good parenting. The truth is that in the society we live in today, with so much work and so many responsibilities; create a perfect environment for children to be neglected. Sometimes the child that needs more special attention from mom will start acting out simply to get it. Some children bottle in their emotions and their needs, starting to develop serious emotional issues that could greatly affect them in the future. It is crucial to start noticing these signs right away before they create more serious damage.

The Key: Communication
The key to having a good understanding of your child’s behavior and personality is to have good communication with them. Many parents do communicate with their children the way they need to simply because they believe that all they have to do is tell their kids what to do. But a parent that really understands their child’s behavior has a strong line of communication with them, and takes the time to understand why the child is acting a certain way. A good model of communication involves open conversations, honesty, and being able to talk about any kind of feeling, doubt or concern that your child may have openly. Developing trust is crucial when it comes to having good communication and understating you child’s behavior.

These have just been a few tips that will help you understand and deal with your child’s behavior. Remember that if you get to really know your children and have strong lines of communication with them, they will certainly grow up happier and healthier.

Hello my name is Nisha, I represent a site called BabyPlanet.biz. I love to write about parenting, children and give advice to mums.

Posted in FAMILY | Tagged as: child behavior, family solutions, parenting | Leave a comment

Treat Yourself During Pregnancy

Posted on December 21st, 2011

No roller coasters, no waterslides, not hot tubs, nor caffeine. Sometimes it can seem that pregnancy is full of things you can’t or shouldn’t be doing. It’s time to treat yourself to the things you can. Your body is doing a lot of work right now and pretty soon you’ll be a busy new parent. Right now it’s mommy time.

Shopping for maternity clothes can not only be exciting but also relaxing. Many women put off buying maternity clothes until their ever growing bellies force them to. But buying maternity wear is no longer as bad as it used to be. Many places offer fashionable clothes that keep you in your pre-pregnancy styles. If you get depressed going to the mall, I understand, I have been there. Try shopping online in the comfort of your home.

Go out on the town and dress up. Take some of those great new outfits and take a trip around town. Go out to dinner and go dancing, watch a movie, go bowling, or whatever you enjoy doing the most.

Having a picnic can be a wonderful way to enjoy a beautiful day and spend time with your friends and family. This can be a great way to spend some fun time with your kids if you already have some; remember they are going to be affected when the baby arrives too.

Having a good laugh can always do the trick. Try a comedy show. You can never laugh too much.

Have an intimacy day were you and your partner can lie in bed with food and candles. Recapture the romance and let him know you couldn’t do this without him. Any special moments you create now will make things easier in the months to come when your life is thrown upside down and you’re focused on caring for your newborn.

Make a cast of your pregnant belly. There are plenty of these kits available at craft stores and online. This is a great way to remember your pregnancy and have something to show the baby when he/she gets older.

Soaking in a warm, soothing bath can help wash away the stress of the day. Try a bubble bath or choose essential oils such as sandalwood and lavender, which are safe to use during pregnancy and will help ease stress.

Visit Your Hairdresser and have a deep conditioning treatment or just try out a new low-maintenance style that requires the minimum of fuss once your time becomes a premium.

Have a Manicure/Pedicure. Most women find their nails grow faster and are stronger during pregnancy. There will also come a time when you will barely be able to see your feet, let alone give them the attention they deserve! A pedicure will keep your tootsies in top shape and might be just what your feet need after supporting you and your growing baby all day.

Enjoying a massage will reduce stress and relieve pregnancy aches, particularly backache and shoulder tension. A licensed therapist specializing in maternal massage can help relieve these conditions, allowing you to relax and enjoy your pregnancy.

If you like sports you can actively participate in a sports that don’t involve a risk of falling or impact to your belly.

Snorkeling is fine during pregnancy; it can be something fun to try if you have never been. Remember you can’t feel your weight in the water.

Going for a walk with my partner was one of my favorite activities during my pregnancy. It can give you time to relax and catch up with each other.

Once a month forget about gaining weight or heartburn. It will make you feel better and satisfy your craving at the same time. Have a treat.

Posted in MEDICAL | Tagged as: maternity clothes, pregnancy inspiration, Pregnancy Tips, Treat Yourself During Pregnancy | Leave a comment

Pregnant and Working

Posted on December 14th, 2011

Gone are the days when a woman was expected to resign from her job the moment she found out she was pregnant. With all the business women that fill our offices today, you won’t find a pregnancy stopping them from doing their work.

Most women experiencing a low-risk pregnancy can safely continue to work outside the home. Unless, your job is physically demanding (e.g., it requires repeated reaching and bending, climbing of ladders, poles, or stairs, heavy lifting, or a lot of standing); you might want to consider switching jobs or requesting a job modification for all or part of your pregnancy. Jobs such as these can increase your chances of miscarrying, going into labor prematurely, or your baby having a low birth weight. Even if your job doesn’t present any obvious threat, you’ll still need to make an effort to take care of yourself while you’re on the job.

Here are a few tips:

1. Get up and move around - at least once every two hours.
Sitting down for more than three hours at a time can lead to fluid retention in your legs and feet, reduced blood flow to your baby, muscle strain (particularly in your lower back), and tension in your back and shoulder areas. If you move around at least every two hours you can prevent these symptoms. Try taking a trip to the bathroom or walk outside for a breath of fresh air.

2. Get comfortable while you’re working at your desk.
Place a small pillow behind the your back, prop your feet up on a footstool and make sure you take regular breaks from typing if you work at a computer all day. Pregnant women are at increased risk of developing repetitive stress disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome. Also, remember to take breaks looking away from your computer to give your eyes a rest, it will reduce your chances of getting headaches. This is something you should do pregnant or not.

3. Don‘t skip out on your maternity wear.
You’ve got the rest of your life to try to squeeze into your favorite business skirt or suit, trust me they’re not going anywhere. Maternity wear is made for a reason and now days you can find the perfect maternity skirt for work. Your belly needs room to grow, not to be hidden. Wearing maternity clothing will also help you to enjoy the way you look because you won’t feel so uncomfortable. For now, focus on comfort and style. Choose cute, comfortable clothing and dress in layers so that you can remove a layer or two if you begin to feel overheated. Try buying one maternity outfit every time you get paid, remember you deserve it!

4. Eat, drink, and be merry.
Take some time for a healthy snack, no matter how crazy things may be at the office. Keep a bottle of water on your desk so that you can remember to keep yourself well hydrated. And try to keep your stress level to a minimum. (I know, I know: It’s easier said than done!)

5. Enjoy a Power Nap.
If you’re feeling drop-dead exhausted (a common condition during the first and third trimesters, by the way), then try to squeeze in a nap during your lunch hour or afternoon break. If that’s not possible, make laying out on the couch for half an hour a sacred part of your daily arriving-home-from-work ritual.

6. Don’t forget your zzzz’s.
You can’t expect to function well on the job if you‘re not getting enough sleep, so be sure to hit the hay early enough to rejuvenate for tomorrow. Your sleep needs increase while you’re pregnant. Instead of getting away with seven or eight hours a night — what a typical woman of childbearing age requires — you may find that you need nine or ten hours.

Posted in FAMILY | Tagged as: Pregnancy Tips, Pregnant, working mom | Leave a comment

Like Us on Facebook for A Special Discount

Posted on December 12th, 2011

Join us on Facebook and get a special discount for this Holiday season.

Posted in DEALS | Tagged as: Deals, Maternity Clothes Sale, Maternity Sale | Leave a comment

Depression During Pregnancy

Posted on December 12th, 2011

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders and symptoms occur in 8 to 38% of pregnant women. Pregnancy depression is defined as the occurrence of depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities along with symptoms that can include disturbance in appetite, weight, sleep, energy, and concentration. Presence of suicidal thoughts and feelings of worthlessness or guilt are also signs of depression.

Pregnancy depression is a life-altering event that can cause women to feel anxious, scared and often stressed. Prenatal depression seems to be increased in the first trimester, suggesting it is the time of maximum vulnerability. Experts believe that the rapid increase in hormone levels at the start of pregnancy can disrupt brain chemistry and lead to depression.

Pregnancy depression can increase your risk of pre-term labor and lower birth rate. Counseling, as well as medication, have been shown to be effective in lessening depression and reducing the incident of postpartum depression. If you’re uncertain about your state of mind, I would seek the opinion of your obstetric care provider. Don’t be shy about letting your doctor know if you feel low. Your emotional health is just as important as your physical health.

If you’ve experienced three or more of the following symptoms for more than two weeks, talk to your health care provider about whether you should see a therapist:

• A sense that nothing feels enjoyable or fun anymore
• Feeling blue, sad, or “empty” for most of the day, every day
• Find it’s harder to concentrate
• Extreme irritability or agitation or excessive crying
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping all the time
• Extreme or never-ending fatigue
• A desire to eat all the time or not wanting to eat at all
• Inappropriate guilt or feelings of worthlessness or hopelessness

Posted in MEDICAL | Tagged as: pregnancy depression, pregnancy symptoms, Pregnancy Tips, Pregnancy Troubles | Leave a comment

Preparing Siblings for New Baby

Posted on December 7th, 2011

It is very common in families for children to feel bummed about the new baby on the way. Feelings of resentment, jealousy and unhappiness start to develop as the date gets closer. In some cases your child may feel excited about their new little brother or sister to be born, these feelings may arise after your new baby is delivered. Children often worry that a baby will in some way replace them as mommy’s special little girl or boy.

And when your child sees all the attention you’re giving to your new baby, she’ll become even more concerned. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent your child feeling this way, and help ensure a happy household with your growing family…

Get Your Child Involved
Try to involve your older child in decision making while preparing for the baby like deciding on a name or a nursery theme. It will help your child to see that he/she plays an important roll in the family.

1-On-1 Time
It can be so easy to put aside the one-on-one time when you are preparing for your new baby or when he/she arrives. Of course, the most recent addition to the family will demand a great deal of your time but it is very important to set aside quality time with your other child. Your child really needs your undivided attention every so often. Be sure when you schedule this one-on-one time that you are not holding the baby and have the least amount of interruptions.

Encourage time together
Encouraging your child to spend time with the baby will greatly improve the chances of her accepting her new brother or sister. Sometimes it takes just two or three bonding sessions for feelings of rivalry to be replaced with love and affection. But remember, no matter how well your young child seems to be getting along with your baby, never stop giving that special attention.

Don’t expect instant love
Many parents expect their children to instantly fall in love with the newest addition to the family. Although some children do, most kids will take a little while to get used to their baby brother or sister. It’s perfectly understandable for them to initially feel indifferent or indeed jealous of the new addition. Be patient and soon you’ll be one big happy family.

Posted in FAMILY | Tagged as: family, helping children, new baby, Pregnancy, siblings | Leave a comment

Thanksgiving Maternity Clothes

Posted on November 23rd, 2011

Thanksgiving is an important time during pregnancy to wear comfortable maternity clothes. Since your pregnancy hunger will be pretty strong with all those delicious dishes around, you’ll want to focus on finding something to wear with a good amount of room in your belly area.

Maternity Dresses are perfect when looking for style and comfort. Many maternity dresses have lots of room in the belly area making them a top choice during Thanksgiving. If you’re going for a maternity dress try something like our Black Wrap Maternity Dress by Fun Mum.

Maternity Leggings are a great alternative to maternity jeans. Wearing maternity leggings is almost like wearing pajamas as far a comfort goes. Pair some cute fall boots with your favorite maternity tunic and our Black Maternity Legging by Seraphine for a completely comfortable Thanksgiving.

Maternity Jeans are always a favorite during pregnancy for any occasion. However, the key is to make sure you’re wearing a pair with the most comfort. Try going with a maternity jeans that give you full belly support so you have plenty of room to expand. Our Paige Laurel Canyon Maternity Jean will do just the job you’re looking for this Thanksgiving with it’s dark wash and it’s over-the-belly band.

We hope you find these maternity tips useful and remember. . during pregnancy, style is just as important as comfort!

Posted in FASHION | Tagged as: Thanksgiving Maternity Clothes | Leave a comment