2 days more left in 2010!

Happy Thursday! Two days let in 2010....how has the year been for you? It was a great year for pregnancies in "tinseltown " - from rockers, to reality stars, to movie stars! Most of them exhibited great style throughout it all, and demonstrated that it is possible to look chic and fashion forward when pregnant. Here are some favorite pregnant leading ladies and our 2010 "MM Style Awards" nominees. Look out tomorrow for the most stylish pregnant lady of 2010!

1. Penelope Cruz

2.Ali Larter

3. Christina Applegate

4. Celine Dion

5. Alicia Keys

6.Mariah Carey

7. Pink

8.Jen Schefft Waterman

9.Miranda Kerr

10. Laila Ali

Let us know who you think should win the award for best style? Who knows, we might even design a look based on their style for our next collection! Enjoy your day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

The countdown to New Years Eve begins today and you best have an outfit ready!! What to wear as we enter into a new decade? Sure, there are the obvious choices, cute dress, sparkley accessories, a "New Years" tiara, but what can you wear to bring you prosperity in the new year? Here are some fun ways to dress to help you attract good luck:

* It is thought that wearing new clothes for New Years Eve or New Years Day will increase the likelihood that you will receive lots of new clothes in the new year...we like this one!

*Wear yellow or gold! These colors exude optimism and are said to bring financial prosperity so by wearing it you will be ensured good fortune in the new year

* Wear white! This color is said to bring peace in the new year

* Wear red! Red is associated with warmth and luck in love. If you choose to wear red undies, you will increase the chances of having some good "amor" in the new year.

* Wear green! Green is thought to be luckiest of colors in Ireland and signifies positive change, serenity, and wealth.


Do you have lucky color traditions? Share them with us!! Have a fantastic day!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Hope everyone is having a fun holiday week! Two big "parent" news breaks today to report! Natalie Portman and her fiance announced that they are expecting and Elton John and his partner welcomed a baby boy via surrogacy. Oh happy day! Congrats to everyone!

So, it is tips Tuesday and we are just a few days away from ringing in the new year...how to celebrate when you are expecting? This year, you might want to avoid the loud bars and clubs but what can you do instead to make the evening still special? Here are some ideas to help you have fun and make it until midnight:

* Plan a special evening for you and your loved one. After the baby comes you will wish that you arranged more of these so take the time to enjoy each other's company. Go to a special restaurant, or create a memorable meal with all of your favorites.

*Get together some friends or family for a festive pot luck dinner. Serve all the foods that are considered to bring help bring prosperity into the new year like black eyes peas and collard greens or foods that are "coin shaped".

*Check out a different venue to celebrate the evening like going to a concert or a jazz club. A little more rowdy than a quiet night at home but you're less likely to have people drunkenly stumble and scream into your ear.

Have some other great options? Share them with us! Also, remember our giveaway ends December 31st so enter it today!! Only a few days more:)

Enjoy the day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

We hope that everyone is enjoying the holidays! Congrats to Alanis Morissette and her husband who welcomed a baby boy this past weekend! They must be thrilled:)

So, we know that a lot of people are snowed in today and of course there is still plenty to do when stuck indoors. Some of our favorite things to do? Bake, enjoy a hot cup of cocoa with marshmallows and watching a good movie or two. Here are some of our favorite picks for "snowed in" movies:

*Little Women (the one with Susan Sarandon)- this movie is romantic and has all the right tools to make you feel warm and tingly while stuck indoors

*The Notebook- this movie is great for any occasion, especially when you are looking for a tear jerker

*The Shawshank Redemption- a classic and so well acted

* Breakfast at Tiffany's- amaaaazing for any weather

*When Harry Met Sally- so funny and just in time for New Year's Eve

Have a wonderful day!!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Holidays!

Tomorrow night is Christmas eve so for those who celebrate, it's time to get the house ready! We are craving delicious holiday fare , so in honor of the holidays, here are some delicious treats to bake to get in the spirit!

The following recipe was taken from new mom, Bethenny Frankel's blog and it sounds scrumptious!

*Spice Cupcakes with Cream Cheese Frosting

2 1/2 cups oat flour 1 1/2 cups raw sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon cocoa powder 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 cup low-fat almond milk & lemon juice Applesauce or bananas (in place of two eggs) -- you can possibly add vinegar, brown sugar and cinnamon 3 tablespoons beet juice (from a can of beet juice) 1 teaspoon white vinegar 1 teaspoon real vanilla extract Additional Ingredients for Cream Cheese Frosting 8 ounces vegan cream cheese, softened 1/4 cup nondairy butter, softened 1/2 teaspoon real vanilla extract 1/4 teaspoon almond extract (it’s worth buying if you don’t have it, just to make this frosting!) 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Put liners in a cupcake or muffin pan. Make in batches if you don’t have enough pans for the full amount. In a large bowl sift flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cocoa powder. In a different bowl, whisk the vegetable oil, almond milk, egg-substitute, beet juice, vinegar, and vanilla extract. Mix the flour and oil mixtures and beat with an electric mixer until very smooth, about 2 minutes. Pour the batter into the cupcake liners and bake for about 20 minutes, rotating the pan after 10 minutes. The batter is pretty thin, so be careful when you pour it in the liners! Finally, mix the frosting ingredients in a large bowl and beat with an electric mixer until smooth. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes if the frosting isn’t firm enough, and be sure the cupcakes are fully cooled before icing them. *Here is a really yummy recipe that we actually made last night- some of the best chocolate chip cookies around...this recipe was originally taken from Alton Brown, then was "doctored up" by www.recipegirl.com. 2 1/4 cups bread flour 1 tsp kosher salt 1 tsp baking soda 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter 1/4 cup white granulated sugar 1 1/4 cups dark brown sugar (packed) 1 Tbsp half & half cream (or milk) 1 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice 1 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract 1 large egg 1 large egg yolk 2 cups chocolate chips (I prefer bittersweet) 1. Sift together flour, salt and baking soda; set aside. 2. Melt butter in medium saucepan over low heat. Continue to cook on low heat, stirring often, until butter is browned. Turn off heat and stir in white and brown sugars. 3. Scrape into a medium mixing bowl and use electric mixer to cream the butter and sugars together. Add half & half, lemon juice, vanilla extract and eggs. Mix in until well combined. Add half of the flour mixture and incorporate into the batter with electric mixer. Add the rest and mix until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chocolate chips. The cookie dough will be very soft and buttery. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and chill until firm (an hour or two). 4. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Scoop up heaping Tablespoonfuls of cookie dough and use your hands to roll into balls. Place 12 balls on a sheet, keeping about an inch and a half between each ball. 5. Bake 10 to 12 minutes, depending on how large you’ve rolled your balls (mine took 11 minutes). Yield: About 2 1/2 dozen Have a wonderful day! xoxo, The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

Happy "hump" day! Congrats to Ali Larter and her husband who gave birth to baby Theodore Hayes. What a wonderful early Christmas present!

Two days until Christmas eve for those who celebrate and what to wear? Here are some of our favorite ideas for dressing up for the holiday:

* Go festive and wear red! Red screams "Christmas" and looks great on just about everyone- however tones do matter when it comes to skin tones. Red lipstick has been making a comeback this season so if you don't feel like going all out, pick a rich red hue to add a pop of color to your best accessory- your face! Another great option? A beautiful red dress. We might be a little biased, but we love our affordable and adorable dress options that are currently available on http://www.mmtarget.com/. All on sale now for $34.99 if you buy now, you can have it time for Christmas!

* Add sparkle! As we mentioned last week, with this trend, a little bit goes a long way. However, nothing adds "fun and glamor" to an outfit like a touch of sparkle. Whether you accessorize with a sparkley shoe or go all out with a sequin top, getting glittered out is a way to add pizzaz to any outfit. We love our Natalie Dress (pictured above) that is available on http://www.moodymamas.com/. Classy and elegant with just the perfect amount of embelishment.

* Smile and stay positive! Nothing brings good cheer to a holiday gathering better than a smile and a jovial disposition. No one likes a scrooge and no matter what you are wearing, if you are a "debbie downer", your mood will bring down the crowd. It's tough to be preggers at this time of year...you might feel tired, bloated, or emotional but if you can muster it up, try to smile, enjoy the holidays and the time spent with your family.

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

P.S. We are so close to our 100th person giveaway!! Keep up the good work to win your well deserved prize!

Tips Tuesday!

Good Day! Did anyone catch the lunar eclipse last night?Unfortunately, we didn't stay up late enough to see it but we bet it was beautiful! So, it is tips Tuesday and just in time, an interesting study came out about gestational diabetes. According from the "Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality", one in sixteen women in the U.S. who give birth (over 250,000) have diabetes.

Diabetes is not only dangerous to the mom's health but it can be harmful to the baby's as well. Some of the effects of gestational and pre-existing diabetes include: an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and low blood-sugar and jaundice in the infant. What to do if you are pregnant and are at risk for gestational diabetes? Unfortunately, there are no guarentees but according to the Mayo Clinic, the more healthy habits you adopt during pregnancy the better. Here are some tips to staying healthy while preggers:

* Eat healthy. Choose foods low in fat and calories. Focus on fruits, vegetables and whole grains...Duh. However, no need to compromise taste when eating healthy. There are tons of delcious varieties of healthy foods available in supermarkets that offer organic foods like Whole Foods and Trader Joes so check them out!

* Get some phyical activity. Pickng up the remote and putting it down does not count. Aim for 30 minutes of activity a day. Feeling a little lazy? Go for a leisurely walk. Another slower paced option? Yoga or pilates- still a physical challange and great for your core muscles.

*Plan ahead. If you are planning on getting pregnant and you are overweight, losing weight before you are pregnant might help you have a healthier pregnancy.

*Maintain a healthy pregnancy weight and try to stay within what is considered the "desirable" weight for your weight and height.

Have a great day!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

We hope that everyone had a wonderful weekend! Last minute shopping and holiday parties might have made it difficult to relax so we hope that those of you who are preggers are taking a little quiet time today. As always, it's back to the work week so in attempt to make you feel jolly, we are here to banish your case of "the Mondays" with some happy news.

*Congrats to Moody Mamas fan and wife of Vince Vaughn, Kyla Vaughn, who gave birth to daughter Locklyn Kyla Vaughn this past Saturday!

* Here's a lovely story about the power of breast milk...A few years ago, actress Jenna Elfman was trying to breast feed her son, Story, but he wouldn't take to her milk. Regardless, Ms. Elfman continue to pump the milk and stored it in her freezer in case he finally changed his mind. Though her son never did end up using Jenna's breast milk, a family friend's sister was a drug addict and as a result had given birth to a drug addicted baby. When Jenna heard about her family friend's sad situation, she offered her supply of breast milk because the poor baby could not keep formula down. The second the baby started drinking the breast milk, he was able to digest and all of his medical issues started to disappate. The baby started going through withdrawal easier, was able to gain weight and is now a thriving three year old who was adopted by Jenna's friend. Yay for the power of breast milk and for a happy ending:)

*If you can't sleep because you are uncomfortably pregnant or if you are up at 2am due to a feeding-you're actually in luck! According to NASA, a very rare total lunar eclipse will occur in the early hours of December 21. The fun will begin at 1:33am EST when the moon will enter the Earth's inner shadow and depending on weather conditions, the moon will start to take on either a copper shade or a red brown shade (changes according to pollution in the atmosphere). After 2:41 am the moon will be fully eclipsed and will remain eclipsed until 3:53am. The moon will then begin to come out of the Earth’s shadow and will once again become fully visible 5:01 am EST. Hopefully you will not be up to watch the entire (you need your precious sleep), however, if you are up to catch a little of the action, enjoy!!


Have a great day!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Finally Friday!

Friday has finally come and the weekend is almost here! TGIF. We couldn't be more thrilled and pressured because it means time to shop. Though we are sure that most of you have at least begun the holiday shopping, we alas have NOT. Ahhh!!! What to do? Fortunately for us, there are some fabulous sales going on everywhere and in many cases you don't have to leave the comforts of your home to find something! Knowing that many of our readers are pregnant, some on bedrest, we came up with a few of our favorite sites and products to help you give something special this year all for under $100.

1. Red Envelope- http://www.redenvelope.com/. "The place for unique and personalized gifts" this online shopping destination is a great place to find fun and unusual items for everyone in your family. One item that we love? The father and child braided leather bracelet. Perfect for the father to be or a new father, this leather bracelet can be monogrammed with your children's initials and is a special keepsake but still looks "manly". Enter "Save10" and get a 1o%discount on your order today.

2. http://www.etsy.com/. One of the coolest sites on the web, this online destination is like a virtual flea market. Buyers and sellers can sift through antique, artisan and handmade items at a variety of price points. The perfect place to buy a gift for your best friend, sister, or mom we highly recommend checking out this site. A great find? A custom silhouette necklace of your favorite profile from your child's to your pet dog. The image is then backed by antique brass ring. Perfect for the first time grandma? We think so!

3. http://www.williams-sonoma.com/. Sure, everyone loves Harry & David, but if you are looking to give a present to the "foodie" in your life or perhaps your beloved OB-GYN check out this fabulous store. Williams and Sonoma offers delicious gourmet food items and a portion of the proceeds go to No Kid Hungry Campaign- it's a gift that keeps giving! Want to look like you spent a lot of time on the gift even though it's last minute? Send a personalized gingerbread house. Adorable and thoughtful! Free shipping for all items purchased today.

4. http://www.uncommongoods.com/. Sure, you're pregnant, but that's no excuse to eat all the jellybeans from your co-worker's secret stash! Pay her back with this adorable gift from fun site, http://www.uncommongoods.com/. So many interesting items to choose from, you'll be sure to find something fun!

5. http://www.moodymamas.com/ Enough shopping for everyone else! You know that you deserve a special gift. We are having awesome sales going on right now! Check them out!!

Have a fabulous weekend!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Seeing Double!

Congrats to Mariah Carey and Nick Cannon who revealed that they are having twins! Ms. Carey will be joining the list of famous celebrity moms like Celine Dion, Sarah Jessica Parker, Julia Roberts, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Lopez all who got lucky twice!

A growing trend, having mulitples is not only a "Hollywood" thing. Fertility drugs and the increasing number of women having children at an older age are making multiple pregnancies more common. Though having twins can mean "double the trouble", it also means "double the fun" which is why so many women desire multiple pregnancies Though the following tips are by no means proven ways to conceive multiples here are some fun wives tales and truisms about increasing your odds of a multiple birth naturally:

* Eat yams. According to some theories, there are certain cultures that have more twins than others and it could be attributed to the amount of yams they consume. Though this is not proven in science, some people believe that yams contain a chemical that helps women have twins. We're not so sure about this one...the food that comes to our minds regarding the "yam" theory?Bologna!

* Be a twin. If you were lucky enough to be a twin, you are more likely to produce them yourself. If you are not a twin, there is not too much you can do to change that. Sorry!

* Come from a family of twins or multiples. If you come from a family where multiples are common (mostly on the maternal side), then you have an increased chance of conceiving twins naturally.

* Breastfeed while pregnant. Not only will you have "Irish twins", you might have "Irish triplets". Some studies have shown that the depletion of calcium in your system while nursing, can effect the egg during conception and ovulation causing it to separate.

Once again, most of these methods are not tried and true, however it is all in good fun so go ahead and indulge in a sweet potato or two if you want to try for tri!

Have a wonderful Thursday!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear It Wednesday!

Happy hump day! It's the middle of the week and time to start thinking about what to wear to those holiday parties you have this weekend. This week, we were inspired by a variety of trends- from the future Princess to the animal prints, here are some ways to style up your outfit for those shin-digs, all for under $100!

1. Look like a Princess (or a future one at least...)! Kate Middleton has been a style starlet for those across the pond for years. However, since the announcement of their engagement, Kate Middleton has been pictured everywhere and has a sense of style that most ladies would love to emulate.

Here is our version of Kate's fabulous royal blue wrap dress. Perfect to wear to holiday parties or wear it with a cardigan for a great work look- this dress is available on www.nordstrom.com for $88.

2. You sexy animal! Animal prints are everywhere this season and you too can wear them. Many women are afraid to wear prints when they are pregnant because they think it will make them "look bigger". Oh contrare! Prints look great on pregnant women. Try to a sexy leopard print to vamp it up for a hot night on the town. Trust us, your loved one will thank you.

Get this fierce look on www.moodymamas.com for $48

3. Color your world! Like prints, a lot of pregnant women are afraid to inject their wardrobes with color because they are afraid they will like a giant colored blob. How wrong you are! First of all, pregnant ladies have awesome curves and nothing shows off them off like color.

Looking to brighten your wardrobe? Check out our www.mmtarget.com cowl dress for $39.99.

Have a wonderful day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Around the holidays, most people are stressed about presents, travel, and what to serve for the holiday dinner. However, when you are pregnant and are anticipating a holiday delivery, you are probably experiencing an entirely different kind of stress- the pressure to deliver "on time" and not on Christmas or New Years when your doctor or health care provider might be on vacation.

In fact, it is fairly common for women who are expecting around the holidays to be told to try and "schedule" their deliveries around the holidays. However, Marilyn Curl, the president of Lamaze International warns that scheduling a delivery around the holidays rather than the baby itself can actually put the newborn at risk. Some of the complications of scheduling the baby's birthday in cases such as this is that the baby will be delivered just a little too early and this can result in a slew of health hazards including death.

Expectant moms can play a key part in avoiding the pressure to deliver unnecessarily.Often times, it is the expectant women themselves who "want to get the pregnancy over with" in time for the holiday celebrations. However, remember that those last few weeks and days inside the uterus can be crucial to the baby's health, so if you are due around the holidays be sure to consult with your healthcare professional about your baby's development and be the best advocate you can be! Here are some tips to avoid the pressure to unnecessarily deliver early:

-Though you might be anxious to get the birth "over with", delivery is not to be played down. The delivery is one of the most important parts of the pregnancy process and needs to be taken very seriously.

-Repeat the mantra "I will let my labor begin on its own" to help you calm yourself down when you feel frustrated that your baby is not seemingly ready even though you are!

-Surround yourself with support and love so that you have reminders that it is not about when the baby comes that matters, it is the idea that when the baby comes that will be a celebration in itself.

-Try not to feel guilty about being "due" and not "delivery". If you end up delivering on a holiday, no biggie! Your care providers are professionals who experience births very often and understand that the baby waits for no one.

-Enjoy the holidays! Being plus one (or more) gives you the excuse to devour all the delicious food you want so relish in it for as long as you can!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

We hope that everyone had a fantastic weekend!! If you were snowed in like most of the Mid-West, we bet you watched tons of holiday movies and watched the gorgeous snow-fall from inside. Lucky you! All that relaxing and fun can make you feel especially sad when Monday comes around...Well,turn that frown upside down- as always, we have some happy news to share with you in case you are suffering from a case of the "Mondays".

Best wishes for a long life full of love and prosperity to newly weds Nicole Richie and Joel Madden. After being together for four years and raising two adorable children, the couple got married this past Saturday. Hooray!

It's a bird, it 's a plane, no it's Chris Rock! The comedian was within a few feet from a pregnant woman when her water broke at a Neiman Marcus in New Jersey this past weekend. Sure, going into labor is no laughing matter, but Chris Rock apparently brought comic relief to the situation and even made the lady laugh until the ambulance arrived. Who needs lamaze when you can have Chris Rock keep you calm? We guess laughter really is the best medicine after all!

Only a year ago, Michelle Duggar from the reality show, "19 Kids and counting" gave birth to micro-preemie, Josie. Born at just 25 weeks and weighing only 1 lb, 6oz, Josie suffered from devastating medical issues and was not anticipated to survive. However, despite her many early obstacles, the "miracle baby" is now a thriving one year old. Her survival and resilience is an inspiration and show us what a difference a year truly makes!

Get into the giveaways! Moody Mamas is giving away great products right now on so many blogs including this one!! In order to participate, all you have to do is check out our Target.com collection on www.mmtarget.com, tell us your favorite 2 fall items and voila! you are registered to win a fabulous piece from this collection.

New Giveaway about to launch as well!!! We are sooo close to hitting 100 followers!! Prizes will be awarded to follower 100-105 so start "following" us! We want to see your pretty faces on the sidebar of our blog!

Stay warm and have a fabulous Monday!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Rec

In Memorandum

“The days of our lives, for all of us, are numbered,” she wrote. “We know that. And yes, there are certainly times when we aren’t able to muster as much strength and patience as we would like. It’s called being human. But I have found that in the simple act of living with hope, and in the daily effort to have a positive impact in the world, the days I do have are made all the more meaningful and precious. And for that I am grateful.”
- Elizabeth Edwards




The 61 year old attorney, best-selling author and estranged wife of former presidential candiate, John Edwards died in her home this past Tuesday. Politics aside, Elizabeth Edwards was a couragous wife and mother who had to cope with some of life's most difficult hardships including her husband's infidelity, her son's tragic death and her own public battle with cancer. Through it all, Elizabeth Edwards demonstrated grace and strength. Elizabeth provided comfort to her family but her reach went far beyond her inner circle for she touched the lives of many with her fortitude.

A devoted mother, Elizabeth Edwards was said to be have been influenced by the 80's movie, "Terms of Endearment" and began writing a letter to her children decades before she told about her disease. Written to help her children cope with the loss if one day she was to die, her "dying letter" to them also served as a manual on how to live.

Whether you have started your family or are preparing to have a child, perhaps you can learn from her example and create your own version of a "life's guide" for your children. The message does not need to be sad in nature and it does not even need to be a source for if and/or when you die. Teaching your children the lessons you learned in life is important; as are your family traditions. Taking the time to chronicle these experiences allows you to leave your stamp on life so that it can be passed on for years to come.

Elizabeth lived life to the fullest and serves an inspiration to " have faith in the power of resilience and hope".

Mourners are asked to make donations to the Wade Edwards Foundation, which was created in honor of Edwards' son who died in a car crash at age 16. www.wade.org/donate.htm

If you want to learn about Elizabeth Edwards in her own words:

http://www.cnn.com/video/#/video/us/2010/12/09/natpkg.elizabeth.edwards.life.cnn?hpt=C2


Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Thirsty Thursday!

Holiday parties abound, perhaps you even have one tonight? You want to fit in and have a drink, but you don't feel comfortable drinking alcohol anymore...what to drink? Here are some our favorite holiday beverages that you can sip sans the booze that are just as delish as the alcoholic fare:

Christmas Cheer Punch

This drink, made in a punch bowl is a mixture of sweet and tart fruit juices. Garnish the top of the punch with thinly sliced orange slices or dangle a candy cane on the side of the cup.
1 bottle (128 ounces of cranberry juice (chilled)
1 carton (64 ounces) of orange juice (chilled)
5 cups of water
4 cups of pineapple juice (chilled)
3 1/4 cups of sugar
3/4 cup lemon juice (fresh or real lemon juice from bottle)
Simply add all the ingredients to a large punch bowl. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
This will yield 34 servings (8 quarts) in punch bowl cups.

Martha knows best...this recipe was taken from Marthastewart.com and is one that we tried and loved!

Apple Ginger Sparklers
1/4 cup Ginger Syrup
4 1/2 cups sparkling apple cider
6 cinnamon sticks
6 pieces crystallized ginger
Directions
Place 2 tablespoons ginger syrup in each of six glasses. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour in cider, and stir to combine. Garnish with cinnamon sticks and fresh ginger, and serve. Read more at Marthastewart.com: Apple-Ginger Sparklers - Martha Stewart Recipes

Eggnog Punch
1-3/4 to 2 qt. French vanilla or cinnamon ice cream
2 qt. dairy eggnog or canned eggnog, chilled (8 cups)
1 liter cream soda, chilled
Peppermint sticks, cinnamon sticks, and/or candy canes (optional)
1/8 tsp. ground cinnamon
Directions
1. Place ice cream in an extra-large punch bowl. Add half the eggnog. Stir and mash mixture using a potato masher until ice cream is melted and mixture is well combined. Stir in remaining eggnog. Slowly pour in cream soda, stirring to combine. To each glass add a peppermint stick, cinnamon stick, or candy cane. Sprinkle lightly with cinnamon (about 1/8 teaspoon per serving). Makes about 24 (6-ounce) servings.

Have a fabulous Thursday! One more day til Friday!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

Sequins are everywhere this season! From the red-carpet to holiday parties, wearing a touch sparkle can add flair to any outfit. However, like any good thing, a little bit goes a long way, so when wearing this sequined apparel, try not to go overboard or you will look like a Disco ball!

Here are a few ways to where this look and get it right:

1) Pick one great statement piece (ie. a shirt,a dress...) and combine it with a more neutral item. If, you decide to wear a fabulous blinged out top for example, pair it with a less ostentatious bottom such as a great black pant or skirt. The overall look will appear more modern if you let the embellished piece serve as the focal point and keep the rest of the outfit clear of "fuss".

2) Try a colored sequin. Sequins look great when they are black but try other colors as well. Metallic sequins such as silver and pewter are gaining popularity and look just as chic.

3) Sparkle by day. No need to save your embellished pieces for night. A touch of glimmer can add fun to your every day outfit as well. Wear a pair of flats with a sequin detail out to lunch or top off your office look with a top that features subtle embellishment.

4) Accessorize! If you like this look but don't want to go over-the-top, look for clutch or a necklace with some bling. You can still shine without overdosing on the sequins!

Moody Mamas offers some great pieces if you are looking to bedazzle your wardrobe. Here are some of our favorite looks featuring this trend:

*The Dana Dress available on http://www.nordstrom.com/

*The Enid Dress available on http://www.moodymamas.com/

*The Natalie Dress available on http://www.moodymamas.com/

*The Milly Dress available on http://www.moodymamas.com/

Have a "dazzling" day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

PS. For more fashion tips from MM check out our fashion article on the Access Hollywood Blog

http://bit.ly/htoCTM

Tips Tuesday

So here's a weird piece of advice for "Tips Tuesday"-sharing is caring, but don't buy your breast milk off of the internet without a good judicious screening. Strange as it may seem, there is new trend emerging where women are purchasing breast milk off of online networks such as craigslist and facebook. Some of you might be saying "gross" and some you might not see the problem with it. However, this "new" trend is not so "innovative", after all.

Women have been sharing their milk with each other for eons- haven't you heard of a "wet nurse" before? An ancient practice, wet nurses were extremely commonplace until contemporary societies were introduced to infant formula. Now that we have modern medicine and are more aware of the risks involved with sharing breast milk, it is best to use cautionary measures when buying milk from a "milk bank" or when purchasing online- afterall, this is not like buying a used Ikea dining room table.

The FDA recently sent out a warning stating that the "FDA recommends against feeding your baby breast milk acquired directly from individuals or through the Internet. When human milk is obtained directly from individuals or through the Internet, the donor is unlikely to have been adequately screened for infectious disease or contamination risk." Thus, if you are looking for a quick fix solution, it is best to go with powdered or pre-made formula.

If you are interested in purchasing someone else's breast milk for your child, it is best to screen the donor (to make sure that it is drug and nicotine free), request a blood test, and flash-pasturize the milk . Similar to the process in which blood and transplant donations work, you should take every precaution to make sure that your baby stays safe from harm.

Here's the good news- due to its growing popularity, the FDA is now going to research and publish their conclusions of this topic in the near future, so we will soon be able to accurately assess the risk vs. reward.

Speaking of rewards...who wants to win a free MM piece from the Target.com capsule collection?? All you have to do is go to www.mmtarget.com , let us know what your favorite 2 pieces are via "commenting" on our blog and you are golden!! Enter today!!!

Have a wonderful day:)

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

Happy Monday! The weather was really crummy in many parts of the country so if that was the case, we hope you enjoyed your weekend despite it!

Looks like Mariah Carey had some fun this weekend, where she rocked out at Disney World and showcased her fabulous bump!

How adorable does she look? Dressing in "cutesy" holiday gear is a definite do when you are pregnant. Festive and fun, why not? We don't sell any of this sort currently on http://www.moodymamas.com/ but never say never!

To prevent you from having a case of "the Mondays", we wanted to cheer you up with these two silly videos about pregnant. First up-our favorite pregnant actress and comedienne, Christina Applegate stars as Roxy Fedaro in a hysterical skit about pre-natal pole dancing. Check it out here. Be forewarned, there is a mild use of expletives and sexual suggestion, so don't watch it around the kiddies!

Equally funny, a few weeks ago, Rachel Zoe announced her pregnancy and we said that we could not wait to see how she dressed her baby fashionista....well, apparently we don't have to wait anymore! Click here to "literally" watch her dress her future baby in this silly parody.

Lastly, to bring you "good cheer", check out some of our favorite sites to enter their MM giveaways for a chance to win awesome prizes:

talkbirth.wordpress.com

http://www.thelaughingstork.com/

http://www.mamabzz.com/

http://www.shopwithmemama.com/

And of course register to win on this blog for a chance to win a piece from our new Target.com collection! All you have to do is go to http://www.mmtarget.com/ and tell us which 2 pieces are your favorite via "commenting" on our site.

Have a wonderfully amazing Monday! 4 more days until the weekend again:)

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Baby Names 2010

What's in a name? Well, for some of you, a name means tradition. For others, a name may mean that your baby will be able to share the same name as your favorite characters or famous person.

Today's generation of parents are more inclined to refer to pop culture when chosing their child's name according to Baby Center. In fact, according to this year's studies over 36% of expectant parents were inspired by social media when it came to chosing their baby's name. As for the psychology behind the name , it seems that positive connotations are particularly important. Hence, our beloved characters from the movie/book, "Twilight" have ascended to top 10 status this year. Love "Quinn" from Glee? Bristol Palin from "Dancing with the Stars" or Bode Miller from the winter Olympics? You're not alone. These names are gaining momentum because in our culture, celebrities our royalty and who wouldn't want their child to be a Prince or a Princess? Now, for the Top 10 Names of 2010 :


Top 10 Girls' Names:

1. Sophia
2.Isabella
3.Olivia
4.Emma
5.Chloe
6.Ava
7.Lily
8.Madison
9.Addison
10. Abigail

Top 10 Boy's Names:
1. Aiden
2.Jacob
3.Jackson
4.Ethan
5.Jayden
6.Noah
7.Logan
8.Caden
9.Lucas
10.Liam


Remember to register for our Moody Mamas Giveaway by checking out our Target.com capsule collection and telling us your favorite 2 pieces on this blog via "commenting" so that you could look fabulous this holiday season for free:)

Have a fabulous weekend!!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Gift time!

Black Friday and Cyber Monday has come and gone, but have you made those holiday purchases yet? If you are saying "no", then join the club! Why do we get such a kick from last minute present shopping? That rush of adrenaline, that feeling that you'll never be able to get it done in time...Something about it makes the experience all the more exciting, doesn't it?

Giving and receiving gifts is what the holiday season has come to mean for most of us but sometimes it is important to get back to the real reasons why these holidays exist. For us at Moody Mamas it is a time when we give gratitude to the people who we have worked with, give thanks to our fabulous customers, and reflect on ways to better ourselves for the new year.

Perhaps if you have not made those big purchases yet, you should consider the following quote:

“Gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To yourself, respect.”

-Oren Arnold

We hate to get all preachy on you, but we liked the quote, so we shared:) Since some of the best gifts in life are free, in gratitude, we are giving you all the chance to get an MM piece for free! We have joined forces with a ton of fabulous blogs to host Moody Mamas giveaways; some of the current blogs hosting are:

http://www.hipmamasplace.com/

http://www.feistyfrugalandfabulous.com/

http://www.mamabzz.com/

http://www.talkbirth.com/

http://www.thelaughingstork.com/

Additionally, we have a giveaway going on right now on our own blog for a chance to win a piece from the Moody Mamas Target.com collection. All you have to do is go to www.mmtarget.com , choose two of your favorite pieces from the MM collection and make a "comment" on this blog.

Have a great Thursday!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Hanukkah!

Tonight marks the first night of Hannukah! For our Jewish friends, it's time to light the Menorah, play with the dreidel, eat traditional food, and best of all exchange presents. Though Hanukkah is rooted in Judaism, the wonderful thing about the holidays is that we can all enjoy certain traditions of each holiday. For example, food. The traditional food that is served for Hanukkah is sure to please all, Jewish or not because a lot of the foods served are fried! Symbolizing the sacred temple Menorah (candleabra) that miraculously burned for eight days when it was only supposed to last one,many traditional foods are fried in oil, to represent the oil that lasted eight days.

In honor of Hanukkah, here is delicious recipe for latkes (potato pancakes) for you and your family to enjoy:

Ingredients
1 large egg
3 tablespoon(s) chopped chives
2 tablespoon(s) matzo meal or all-purpose flour
2 tablespoon(s) grated onion
1 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon(s) salt
1/4 teaspoon(s) coarsely ground black pepper
2 1/2 pound(s) baking potatoes, peeled
1/2 cup(s) vegetable oil, for frying
Applesauce and sour cream
Directions
Preheat oven to 250 degrees F. Line cookie sheet with paper towels.
In bowl, with fork, lightly beat egg. Stir in chives, matzo meal, onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. In food processor with shredding disk, shred potatoes. Place potatoes in colander in sink; squeeze out liquid. Stir potatoes into egg mixture.
In nonstick 12-inch skillet, heat 3 tablespoons oil over medium-high heat until very hot. Drop potato mixture by scant 1/4 cups into oil to make 6 latkes. Flatten each latke into 3-inch round.
Cook latkes 8 to 10 minutes or until both sides are browned and crisp, turning over once. With slotted spatula, transfer to lined cookie sheet. Keep warm.
Repeat, stirring mixture each time before frying and adding more oil for each batch. Serve with applesauce and sour cream.

Still haven't made your list or purchased your holiday present yet? Check out http://www.moodymamas.com/ for some great present ideas!

Have a great day and a Happy Hanukkah!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Don't go nuts while pregnant or nursing! As new mom Kourtney Kardashian can attest, infant allergies can be very scary for both mommy and baby and are relatively common. In fact by age two, approximately six percent of children may develop a food allergy and for infants with a family history of allergies, the likelihood of developing an allergy may be two or three times greater. Therefore, all expectant mothers and new moms should be made aware of the seriousness of food allergies.

The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the American College of Allergy, Ashtma & Immunolgy (ACAAI) are great recources for prenatal education about the basics and prevention of food allergies. Tips such as " refrain from eating peanuts through the duration of pregnancy and breastfeeding to avoid introducing peanut proteins to (your) offspring"and "a nursing mother should avoid eating other foods that a baby is commonly allergic to such as eggs and cows' milk" are all available on their sites.

Since this is tip Tuesday here are some helpful hints for dealing with food allergies:

Carefully check all ingredient labels
Learn other names of the food responsible for the allergy
Exercise caution when eating out because restaurant staff is not always aware of specific ingredients or how food is prepared

For more information regarding food allergies, we recommend checking out the "Preventing or Delaying the Onset of Food Allergies in Infants" brochure at http://www.foodallergy.org/, contacting FAAN at (800) 929-4040 or you can visit the at http://www.allergy.mcg.edu/ or call them at their toll free number (800) 842-7777.

On a happier note, here is another tip granted to you by the ladies of Moody Mamas- check out our Target.com collection and enter to win a piece from the collection. All you have to do is click here www.target.com/s/moody-mamas and tell us what your favorite two pieces are on this blog via commenting. We also have some great sales going on right now on http://www.moodymamas.com/ so be sure to check them out!!!

Have a wonderful day:)
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Monday, Monday...

We hope that that everyone had a wonderful holiday weekend! Thanksgiving weekend was fabulous for the fashion world! Designer Stella Mc Cartney and her husband welcomed their fourth child, daughter Reiley on November 23 and Nina Garcia of Project Runway fame announced the birth of her son Alexander!

Equally exciting, two members from the Moody Mamas family got engaged over the holiday weekend! As they say, first comes love, then comes marriage, then comes the baby in the baby carriage...very exciting news all around!

Does anyone have a case of "the Mondays"? After such a wonderful mini-vacay, it's sometimes difficult to get back into the swing of things...especially work! Being gone for even a few days can make the emails pile up and the stress start to mount. Good thing is the "Oh God it's Monday" feeling will turn into "Thank God it's Friday" in just a few days! Here are a few fun ways to get rid of the Monday's:

• Take advantage of Cyber Monday! The fabulous follow-up to Black Friday except you do not need to exert as much energy! Most of the major store chains and online stores including our own, will be hosting special deals today so check them out. Some of our favorite sales sites- www.moodymamas.com, www.nordstrom.com, and www.target.com. Ok, shameless self promotion but check them out for some deals!

• Monday night tv specials! Since we are now in the full swing of the holiday season, television specials like "CMA Country Christmas" are on, a lot of times on Monday night. Not everyone's source of mental medication, but t.v. can definitely be a stress reliever, especially when it full of holiday cheer!

• Don't feel like cooking? A lot of restaurants and fast food chains offer special weekday discounts just for people like you! Check sites like metromix for daily restaurant deals near you.

• Speaking of eating...did anyone else binge eat for the past few days? Not as fun, but Monday is the perfect day to start your week off right. Whether it is starting to eat healthier, going to the gym, or finally doing that laundry that has piled up for the past two weeks...Monday is the beginning of the week and is a great day to make some positive lifestyle changes.

Remember to enter our Moody Mamas holiday giveaway for a chance to win a piece from our new fabulous Target.com capsule collection! All you have to do to enter is go to http://www.target.com/s/moody-mamas , tell us your favorite two items on this blog in the comments section and voila you are entered. The contest ends December 31st. Have a great day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Black Friday!!

We hope that everyone had a delicious holiday! We are definitely in a turkey coma right now and excited to burn off some calories shopping! Though we anticipate that the mall will be a mad house right now, we know that there will some great finds. Feeling a little sluggish or don't want to leave the house? We have some awesome deals going on right now in all of the places Moody Mamas is sold in. Check out Target.com, www.nordstrom.com, or www.moodymamas.com for great steals and deals all in the convenience of your home.

Tis the season of giving so we are giving you the chance to win a Moody Mamas piece from our Target collection. All you have to do is go to www.target.com/s/moody-mamas , pick out your favorite 2 pieces and comment about them on this blog.

Now, stop reading this blog and get to your shopping!! Have a wonderful weekend,

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy almost Thanksgiving!

The time has come, the day is near, turkey time is almost here!! We bet that you are scrambling your way through crowded airports, swamped train stations and tons of traffic just to get to your next meal! It will be worth it in the end. Just remember the old adage, "patience is a virtue".

Friday is the official start to holiday shopping and we are so excited about all of the wonderful deals that are coming our way. We too have fantastic deals on http://www.moodymamas.com/ going on in celebration of Black Friday and Cyber Monday so keep your eyes open and your computer near. Also, if you are looking for a freebie, be sure to check out and register for our Moody Mamas giveaway in honor of our fabulous and affordable capsule collection at http://www.moodymamas.com/. All you have to do to enter is check out our Target collection and tell us which two pieces are your favorite via "commenting" on our blog and ta da, you are enrolled for a chance to win a great piece. It's as easy as that!

Since many of you will be traveling in the next few days here are some tips to help you have a more enjoyable travel experience:

1) Play music for yourself and the baby- your baby might get a little cranky from being in the car too long as well, so whether in utero or already born, play some good jams for you both to enjoy

2) Enjoy silly car games of yesteryear- remember those funny games like "try to find a license plate for every state" while you are on the road, or "count how many people are picking their noses while they drive"- you might feel like a kid again and it will make the time pass faster

3) Do a magazine exchange- ever been on a long plane ride, finish your magazine collection only to find out that you have 2 more hours left?!!! Don't panic, make a new friend (who has a similar stack of magazines)and ask if they want to switch. You might end up talking for the remainder of the trip or at the very least you will have something new to read!

4) Bring delicious snacks- sure the "big gorge" is tomorrow, but no need to put off the yummy snacking today. Having something tasty to look forward to always make the journey more enjoyable. If you are in the car and have the money to make some rest stops, check out some local restaurants or specialty chains along the way to spice up the trip- heading down south? Check out Cracker Barrel. Awesome biscuits and a really fun store.

5) Chat- how often are you in tight quarters with your family? Take the time to get into some good convos. Try to make them light and humorous. Yelling and screaming on the road is dangerous and not pleasant for anyone...


Congrats to Kelly Preston and John Travolta on their baby boy, Benjamin!! Safe travels everyone!!

xoxo
The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Award shows, concerts, and parades are all things that celebs have to look forward to come this time of year. Generally, it does not stop for stars even when they are pregnant. Imagine feeling sluggish and hungry, then being told that you have to show off your newly pregnant belly to the general public? Well, if you are the singer, Pink, you might feel excited about it! Baring the belly is something a lot of celebs do when they are pregnant, Demi Moore started that trend and as we mentioned recently, Miranda Kerr was pictured recently posing nude as well. However, we ask you, do real folks like to bare their bellies in public when expecting? If so, is this a fashion DO or a fashion DON'T?

There are lots of fashion DO's and DONT's even when you are pregnant that you might want to consider around this time. Perhaps you are not a celeb, but we bet you have lots of events to attend to, beginning with Thanksgiving. Here at MM, we think it is a DO to get dressed up for occasions like Thanksgiving dinner. Of course, we are biased since we sell fabulous dresses (if we do say so ourselves) but we encourage you to dress for special occasions when they present themselves. We have noticed that a lot of pregnant ladies don't dress up for occasions or events because they are afraid they will not be comfortable, or they like having the excuse not to. We get it, but isn't it sometimes fun to have something to get dressed for? Being pregnant, you are most likely saying no, but once you find that perfect outfit (other than your sweats), you might find that you feel more confident. Maybe being confident when pregnant isn't about baring your belly, but maybe it is more about covering yourself in clothes that make you feel good about yourself. Therefore, this Thanksgiving, we invite you to be a fashion DO and get dressed in something that makes you feel comfy (you will be eating a lot) while looking fabulous. In the market for some affordable and comfortable looks? Check out our capsule collection at Target.com. http://bit.ly/helHYe and http://www.moodymamas.com/ for some looks that will have people ooh-ing and ahh-ing over your style. Want to incorporate our styles with some pieces you already have? Here are some tips for looking great for your Thanksgiving din din.

• Go jersey! Not jersey shore...we mean fabric. Soft and comfortable, most jerseys have an innate stretch that will feel fantastic on your skin and will not bind to your body in an uncomfortable. Whether in the form of a dress or a top, we highly recommend this fabric!

• It's a cinch! Grab a belt to separate the bust from the belly when putting together a flowy top or a top that does not show off your adorable figure. Trust us, the belt will show off your killer curves.

• Accessorize! There is nothing worse than looking at your closet and finding NOTHING to wear. Shake up even your most dull drum outfit with a few fun accessories. We are loving chunky necklaces right now as well as sparkley bracelets. People will be staring at the jewels so they won't even notice the outfit!

• Brighten up! Sure you might not being feeling bright on the inside but no one has to know that... In fact, studies have shown that when wearing bright colors people's moods can change for the positive. We are loving colors like fuschia and turquoise right now.

Two days until Turkey Day! Gobble gobble:)

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

The View!!

Last Friday, MM was seen on The View, in a segment featuring designer Liz Lange's favorite maternity picks! Is this teal dress available on http://www.moodymamas.com/ and http://www.nordstrom.com/ one of your faves? Let us know for a chance to win the Moody Mamas Holiday Giveaway! In case you missed us, you can check us out here: http://www.hulu.com/watch/194618/the-view-fri-nov-19-2010?c=0:1339.

Happy Monday!

Food shopping anyone? Whether you are hosting Thanksgiving this year or going to a friend or relative to celebrate the holiday, Thanksgiving is a holiday that can be delicious and very stressful (for the cooks especially!). With the increase in hormones, you might find yourself a bit wistful as the day approaches. Perhaps it is because you are anticipating the endless cooking or having to deal with the aunt you cannot stand, relax because there are certain steps you can take to prevent yourself from going batty:

1) Get enough sleep and try to nap! This one is obvious but not that easy to get...fortunately, this year you have an excuse to put your heels up and take a breather. You will emerged refreshed and ready for round 4 of stuffing.

2)Pre-set boundaries- Are you imagining Aunt Sally rubbing your belly while your mother-in-law pushes her baby name ideas on you this Thanksgiving? Enter the holiday with certain polite quips so that you will not erupt when someone pushes your buttons. For example, "Thanks Susan for such wonderful name ideas but we are thinking of keeping our name a surprse" or "Hey Aunt Sally, my stomach's feeling a little gurgly today". Keep the eye rolls and the silent screams for your "alone time".

3) Count to ten- if that doesn't work, keep counting- We get it-family members can be annoying, burning your turkey can be smelly and frustrating, but when things go wrong try closing your eyes, taking in a deep breath and counting to ten. Thanksgiving is about "giving thanks" so try to think about all of the things you are thankful for rather than the things/people you could do without. Other options, "go to your happy place" , think of a song that you love, or stuff your mouth with turkey...it's better than saying something you will regret later! Talking with food in your mouth? That is a no-no...

Special shout out: Thanks Bon Bon Rose Girls for sending over so many of your wonderful followers! Last week we announced our MM holiday giveaway. All you have to do is check out our items on http://www.moodymamas.com/ and our capsule collection on Target.com : http://bit.ly/c19jrt and tell us which 3 items are your favorite for a chance to win a MM item! Lastly, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday on the horizon, we would also like to offer you a 30% off discount code (30%MMPR) towards our http://www.moodymamas.com/ website. This code expires on December 31st so your readers can enjoy holiday discounts all month long!

Have a wonderful day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas