The Oscar Round-Up!

Feeling a little extra sluggish today? Could be because you stayed up late watching the Academy Awards last night- but it was soo worth it! We were happy to see the celebrities take it up a notch and deliver gorgeous Oscar worthy style. From bold metallic dresses to purple hues and feather adornments, there were lots of standouts on the red carpet this year, but a few ladies were in a class of their own. Here are our top 10 faves of the night (in no particular order):


Halle Berry gown:Marchesa ; accessories: 10 carat Neil Lane earrings.

Reese Witherspoon gown: Georgio Armani Prive; $1 million worth of Neil Lane diamond & emerald jewels

Hillary Swank gown: Gucci Premiere; accessories: Anna Hu jewelry

Jennifer Hudson gown:Atelier Versace; accessories: 165 carats of Neil Lane jewels

Natalie Portman gown:Rodarte; accessories: Tiffany and Co. jewelry

Penelope Cruz gown: L'Wren Scott; accessories: Chopard jewelry

Jennifer Lawrence gown: Calvin Klein Collection; accessories: Chopard jewelry

Hailee Steinfeld gown: Marchesa; accessories: diamond headband by Fred Leighton

Anne Hathaway gown: white Givenchy Haute Couture creation by Ricardo Tisci; gown: burgundy Atelier Versace

Mandy Moore gown: Monique Llhulier

While we loved all of these ladies dresses, there are a few that we would love "gab" about more in-depth- starting with the flawless Halle Berry. Halle blew us away in her nude, crystal encrusted corset gown with organza and silk tulle ruffles. The Marchesa gown was ideal for Halle's skin tone and showed off her fantastic physique. She looked like a true Hollywood star and was not afraid to go all out in glamour on the red carpet. Sure, many of the stars are accustomed to attending award shows, but the Oscars is THE award show and Halle made it worth watching!


We have been applauding Natalie Portman all season long for her outstanding fashion choices and her Oscar style was just as gorgeous. We completely empathize with women when they are pregnant because dressing with a bump can be a challange, but Natalie makes it look effortless. Her empire Rodarte dress was ideal for her growing belly and made it look like the perfect accessory. Natalie did not conceal her belly, she celebrated it and glowed onstage as she nabbed the Best Actress award. Job well done all-around!

Anne Hathaway had the challanging job of hosting the Oscars and dressing for it. Fortunately, she had fantastic stylist Rachel Zoe, to help her look fabulous the whole night. Though we loved all of Anne's dresses, two particular looks stood out to us. One of the gowns was a gorgeous white, jewel adorned dress by Givenchy Haute Couture. It looks fierce on Anne and did not wash out her gorgeous milky skin. The other dress that really wowed us was the burgandy Atelier Versace number with a strapless sweetheart neckline. She looked hot!


Who were your Oscar faves of the night? As always, we love hearing from you, so please do share. Have a great start to the week! March is coming....hello spring!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

TGIF!

Hooray for Friday! The weekend has finally come and the Oscars are almost here. No longer will we have to try to predict what the stars will be wearing, because come Sunday, we will get to find out! The biggest event of the year for those in the movies, the Oscars is also one of the most celebrated night in fashion. Designers clamor to dress the celebrities attending and have to hold their breath until they see their designs being worn on the red carpet because there can always be a wardrobe mal-function or a last minute decision change. Unfortunately, we are not dressing any celebrities attending this year, but we are super excited to see what the stars will be wearing and can't wait to dish about it on Monday!

In honor of the Oscars, we are looking back on the recent styles of Oscar nominated moms: Amy Adams, Penelope Cruz, Nicole Kidman and Natalie Portman.

* Amy Adams is not just a great actress, she also has great style. We think that her most "Oscar worthy" look this year was at the SAG Awards when she wore a sleek white dress. Hard to believe she just had a baby a year ago. Sigh...

* Penelope Cruz is gorgeous and usually opts for straight lines and modern looks. Occasionally, Penelope chooses whimsical and romantic dresses,which we think look great on her. Pregnant for most of last year, Penelope made pregnancy look sexy with tight dresses that showed off her curves, however we think that her most "award winning style" was worn when she went out to din-din with her hubby, Javier Bardem. She demonstrated to us that you do not need to be going to a special event in order to look "Oscar worthy". Stellar.

* Nicole Kidman recently had her second daughter via surrogate so no pregnancy looks for her this year. However, Nicole Kidman's style is always enviable and worth discussion. Occasionally, Nicole will take risks with her fashion but generally speaking her look is feminine and romantic. Our favorite look of this past award show season was the one-shoulder gown she wore to the SAG Awards. Gorgeous!

*Natalie Portman has had a fantastic year. She got pregnant, engaged, and tons of award buzz and had great style throughout it all. Natalie has worn lots of gorgeous gowns to all the award shows and demonstrated that pregnant women can still have fun with their fashion choices. We loved her dress at the Golden Globe Awards but we have a feeling that her Oscar look is going to be her best yet.


Have a fantastic weekend!!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Thursday!

It's almost Friday and it is only a few days before the "Hollywood Super Bowl" a.k.a the Oscars. One of our favorite pregnant celebrities is up for an Academy Award and what better way to celebrate than hosting an Oscar party. Gather together a few of your close friends and some good munchies for a "Sunday Fun-day". Here are some fun ideas if you are thinking of hosting a party this weekend.


* Decorate your house like it is the Oscars and have your friends "dress up" for the occasion. Grab a cheap red rollout carpet anda polaroid camera so that you can take pictures of the "stars" as they arrive. Hand out fun ballots of all the big awards such as "Best Actor/Actress", "Best Director", and "Best Movie" so your friends can fill them in before the award show begins. Whoever gets the most correct wins. If you don't want to give away a big prize, get something little for the prize winner such as some yummy candy, or a $10 gift certificate.


* Serve food that honors the movies of the year. For example, for "True Grit", serve some foods that might have been served in the old west, or maybe even shrimp and grits as an appetizer. For "The Social Network" serve mocktail versions of the drinks served in the movie. Get creative, your friends will appreciate the effort!


* Gather together some of your most comfortable blankets and ask your friends to come in their pjs. The Oscars are a long show to watch, so it might be best if everyone feels at home and is comfy. You don't need to go all out for the party, some yummy "movie foods" like popcorn, candy, and nachos is yummy. As long as there is something to nibble at, your friends will have a good time.

* If you have two rooms in the house with tv, keep the other room as a place where those not interested in the Oscars have something to watch instead.

* Get some quick-fire trivia games together to play during the commercials so that no one is ever bored.

Have some great ideas? Share them with us!! We love to hear from you:)

Have a great day!

Xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Interesting Rituals for Expectant Moms

In the U.S. it is customary for women to celebrate their transition into motherhood by having a baby shower. However, if you are looking for a different way to mark this special time in life, there are lots of interesting rituals and ceremonies you can incorporate into your event to spice up your typical baby shower. Here are some of our favorites:

* Host a “Blessingway”. Rooted in Navajo tradition, this Native American blessing ceremony focuses on the mother rather than the baby. During a “Blessingway”, female family members and friends host the event and create a sacred space for the mom-to-be in which she is pampered and honored. Each woman brings a special warm, comforting food that is especially prepared according to the expectant mom’s tastes. Candles are lit to create a tranquil atmosphere and each guest is encouraged to bring a favorite poem, prayer, or song to share with the expectant mom. Finally each guest bring should bring a bead to later string to form a bracelet or necklace so that when the mom goes into labor, she will be reminded that her family and friends are thinking of her.

* Make a plaster cast of the mom-to-be’s pregnant belly in advance and have the guests decorate it so she will always have a memento from this time.

* Buy a pouch and have all the guests bring a token to symbolize a wish for the mom-to-be or have everyone write down a wish.

* Hold a pre-birth ritual called a “Preparing”. This can be performed at any time during the pregnancy and can include males as well as females. Decorate an alter with whatever colors have been chosen for the baby’s nursery and include flowers, symbols of motherhood such as goddess figurine and representations of fertility. You will also need to gather a collection of stones to have each guest bring to the alter as well as some sort of blessing oil.

◦ Tiger’s Eye: good fortune
◦ Rose Quartz: love
◦ Topaz: good health
◦ Moss Agate: spiritual well-being
◦ Gold Feldspar: for a clear mind
◦ Hematite: to protect from negativity
◦ Lapis Lazuli: for wisdom
◦ Peridot: for courage
◦ Moonstone: for intuition and magic

A friend or family member should cleanse the space at the alter and assemble the guests into a circle. Similar to a wedding, the prayer should offer a blessing to the mom-to-be. After this, each guest should be asked to share a happy wish for the baby. To end the ceremony, you can conclude with claps or an “Om” and thank everyone for coming. The parents should keep the items from the alter as a keepsake.

Have a fabulous day!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Make your nursery eco-friendly!

Many moms and expectant moms take precautionary measures when choosing which food and products they want their babies to be exposed to, and as a result an organic route is often chosen. This eco-friendly sensibility is also important when decorating your babyʼs nursery because while your newborn is not going ingest the furniture or paint, items such as bedding, toys and paint are often made with pollutants that can be harmful to your newborn.

The feeling of responsibility to shield your newborn from potential harm and the innate desire to ensure the health and well being of your baby is natural and can sometimes be overwhelming. With so many toxins out there, it is a challenge to decipher what items are dangerous and what items are safe. If you are looking to create a sweet sanctuary for you and your baby to enjoy, we recommend taking some of these “green living” tips into consideration when decorating your nursery:

* While colored paint is perfectly fine for your baby, VOCʼs (volatile organic compounds which are found in some paint fumes) are not. To be sure that your baby is not breathing in these toxic fumes, look out for non-toxic, zero VOC paints or those that are water based.

* Make sure that your crib meets the federal Consumer Products Safety Commission's (CPSC) guidelines. Some cribs contain composite woods that are made with formaldehyde or additives that are not ideal for your baby to have exposure to. Best bet is to look for a crib that is made from pure, wooden crib that is either unfinished or has been finished with natural oils.

* Bedding is something important to consider because it touches your babyʼs skin. Some infants are more prone to skin irritations from soaps, laundry detergent or chemical treatments on bedding so when choosing sheets or blankets, look out for untreated cottons or sheets that are free of bleaches, formaldehydes, dyes and pesticides.

* Rugs. Since your baby will be spending lots of time wriggling on the floor, it is important to make sure that your floor is free of dirt and dust. Dust mites are a common trigger for asthma, so having a clean floor is ideal if you want to allow your baby to play on the floor. If you choose to put a rug on the floor, a washable, natural fiber rug is best. Vaccums cannot always reach dirt and pollutants so if you are able to put the rug in the wash, all the better.

Though getting your nursery and house prepared for the baby can seem daunting and time consuming, it will assist your pre-natal efforts to create a safe environment for your your baby once he/she is born and will be well worth it!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

It’s the start of the last full week of February. Wow, this month just flew by!

We're sure you’ve all been told numerous times that being pregnant is the most amazing experience you’ll ever go through. Well it is! And we’ve put together our top 5 reasons to love being pregnant and to cherish this special time in your life.

1. The new foods you’ll try- You probably have had a few odd cravings for foods that you never thought you’d bite into, but now can’t seem to go a day without. Plain old weird, or just new, discovering food is a fun activity and when you are pregnant, no need to feel guilty! When you are eating for two, you can indulge in a few extra sweets too without feeling remorse. Try out the new bakery down the street or buy a cooking book and whip up a new recipe. Be creative! Who knows, you might just like that strange creation post-pregnancy as well!

2. Your constantly the life of the party- Everyone wants to know how the baby and you are doing. It’s an incredible experience that can lead to many new friendships from bonding with others about their previous or current experiences with pregnancy and parenting.

3. Becoming at peace with your body- During pregnancy, the body changes so fast that we begin to appreciate the power that the body has. It's amazing to think about the miracle of pregnancy and your ability to connect with your baby when it is in utero. While it is natural to be self conscious with your changing body, those curves are sexy so flaunt that beautiful baby bump around town!

4. You now have the perfect excuse to buy a new wardrobe- This is obviously our favorite part of being pregnant. Moody Mamas allows you to still dress chic and fashion forward, so wearing muu muus is no longer part of being pregnant. Now were not suggesting you go over board and replace your entire wardrobe, but when your significant other looks at the bills and asks what you’ve been up to, simply remind him/her that you're the one carrying the baby for 9 months! Consider that a deal.

5. You get to experience more than just the cards behind Mother’s Day- The love between mother and baby is better than any romantic feelings you’ve ever experienced. It’s like a magnet that draws you in immediately when you first look into your baby’s eyes. When Mother’s Day rolls around this spring, you’ll more than likely feel a greater connection behind the greeting cards and flowers. You’ll have experienced the gifts of motherhood and how special it truly is.

Hope these tips have brightened up your Monday and gotten you even more excited about becoming a mommy!

Xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Friday!

What a relief! It’s finally Friday and the temperatures are starting to break from the brutal cold front that was across the U.S! Yay! This comforting weather means it’s time to prepare ourselves and our closets for the transition into spring. With so many places to look to for fashion inspiration, it is easy for fashionistas to start shopping for their wardrobes. Many spring trends have emerged on the red carpet this award season, but next Sunday marks the most exciting event of them all, the Oscars! The most anticipated award show of the year, the Oscars is especially intriguing this year, because a few of the attendees such as Marion Cotilliard and Natalie Portman are pregnant.

While we have no idea what these ladies will be wearing, based on their past looks, it is fun to speculate what styles they will be sporting come the Oscars. Natalie Portman looked fabulous when she wore that gorgeous strapless sweetheart gown with just a touch of rhinestones. Another great maternity red carpet look was the flashy metallic dress Jane Krakowski wore to the Golden Globe awards. What we love about this past award season is that it is proving to women everywhere, that you can still have fun with your clothing and look hot when you are pregnant. Whether it's simple white, glitzy glam, or one shoulder, these women are demonstrating how accessible the spring trends are for pregnant woman!

Since we can't predict who the Oscar winners are going to be, we think it is fun to place our bets on what styles stars like Natalie, will be wearing. Because Natalie has already sported long gowns with sweetheart necklines consistently, we would bet that she might take a risk with her Oscar gown. As a frontrunner, she has received a ton of attention for her movie, "The Black Swan" so we would like her to nab that win with a winning ensemble. Natalie’s one shoulder look at the Critic’s Choice Awards nailed the one shoulder trend and looked smoldering. Our hope is that she will show off her gorgeous curves and go bold.

On that same note, we hope that you have been inspired to take risks with your pregnancy fashion. We encourage you to amp up your style and try something new. If you have been wearing bulky sweaters and leggings all winter, show a little skin this spring. Changing up your wardrobe and making yourself feel sexy on the outside can often yield rewarding results when it comes to making you feel good on the inside. Maybe you don't have a red carpet event to attend to, but even if you are just going out to dinner with your loved one, taking those extra few minutes to give yourself a new sense of style can also invigorate you and you give you a new sense of self.

Have a fabulous weekend, and enjoy the rising temps!

Xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Thursday!

Many moms and expectant moms take precautionary measures when choosing which food and products they want their babies to be exposed to, and as a result an organic route is often chosen. This eco-friendly sensibility is also important when decorating your baby’s nursery because while your newborn is not going ingest the furniture or paint, items such as bedding, toys and paint are often made with pollutants that can be harmful to your newborn.

The feeling of responsibility to shield your newborn from potential harm and the innate desire to ensure the health and well being of your baby is natural and can sometimes be overwhelming. With so many toxins out there, it is a challenge to decipher what items are dangerous and what items are safe. If you are looking to create a sweet sanctuary for you and your baby to enjoy, we recommend taking some of these “green living” tips into consideration when decorating your nursery:

• While colored paint is perfectly fine for your baby, VOC’s (volatile organic compounds which are found in some paint fumes) are not. To be sure that your baby is not breathing in these toxic fumes, look out for non-toxic, zero VOC paints or those that are water based.

• Make sure that your crib meets the federal Consumer Products Safety Commission’s(CPSC) guidelines. Some cribs contain composite woods that are made with formaldehyde or additives that are not ideal for your baby to have exposure to. Best bet is to look for a crib that is made from pure, wooden crib that is either unfinished or has been finished with natural oils.

• Bedding is something important to consider because it touches your baby’s skin. Some infants are more prone to skin irritations from soaps, laundry detergent or chemical treatments on bedding so when choosing sheets or blankets, look out for untreated cottons or sheets that are free of bleaches, formaldehydes, dyes and pesticides.

• Rugs. Since your baby will be spending lots of time wriggling on the floor, it is important to make sure that your floor is free of dirt and dust. Dust mites are a common trigger for asthma, so having a clean floor is ideal if you want to allow your baby to play on the floor. If you choose to put a rug on the floor, a washable, natural fiber rug is best. Vaccums cannot always reach dirt and pollutants so if you are able to put the rug in the wash, all the better.

Though getting your nursery and house prepared for the baby can seem daunting and time consuming, it will assist your pre-natal efforts to create a safe environment for your your baby once he/she is born and will be well worth it!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

While we love gabbing about fashion, we also love to get glammed up! Fashion trends often relay into beauty trends so when it comes to color for your lips, eyes and toes a lot of the hues that you have in your make-up kit will resemble those that you have in your wardrobe. We are not saying that if you are wearing a red dress, that you have to wear red lipstick, or that if you love neutral colors for your clothing, you need to go bare with your makeup; however, we do recommend that you be on the look out for fun color options so that you can be "on trend" with your make up too. Like clothing, it is important to have enjoy putting yourself together!

As we have mentioned, metallic colors like silver, bronze, pewter, and gold have been hot on the red carpet- and wouldn't you know it- these are colors are on trend for your eyes, fingers and toes too! While you might not feel like you could pull of the "heavy metal" look right now with your clothing, you can still incorporate this look into your beauty regime with a fun mani/pedi in these colors, or with a great eyeshadow. This look does not have to be harsh because there are lots of lovely soft metallic options out there as far as color palettes go. Perfect for any age or skin color, soft shimmery tones look great on everyone.

Speaking of nail color, we know that many pregnant women are hesitant to use nail polish because they fear that the fumes will endanger their babies. However, nail polish is safe for mom and baby as long as you avoid the“potentially” harmful chemicals: formaldehyde, toluene, and DBP. We recommend looking at the ingredients of your favorite polish and if it gets the green light, just bring it with you the salon, so that you don't have to worry.

Another favorite color trend that is lends itself well to both beauty and wardrobe is jewel tones. Colors such as dark green, royal blue, and purple look fab when worn on the eyelid and create a rich-looking smokey eye. Great for a night out on the town, the sultry look of a smokey eye that is created with a "pop" of color rather than just the typical grey or black, really brings out the eyes. Bold and sexy, we love jewel tones for clothing and make up because they are powerful colors and make a statement.

Bares and neutrals. You've seen it already at award shows, and you will continue to see the pale color trend progress into spring. From see-through tops to sandy and muted colors, subtle colors are demure, simple and not at all boring when worn properly. Whether you want to "dare to go bare" with your clothing or makeup- make sure to pick a color that compliments your skin tone. Generally speaking, you should choose a neutral color that is darker or lighter than your skin, but never the same tone or it will wash you out.

Refreshing your color palette for spring is a great way to get excited about the warm weather and it will ease those winter doldrums!

Have a wonderful day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

New York City is bustling with fall 2011 fashion previews, but we have not even entered spring! No need to rush the seasons, we need to concentrate on what to wear as the weather starts to heat up!

The Grammy Awards this past Sunday debuted a lot of interesting new "spring" trends such as gorgeous gold and silver "heavy metal" dresses, sexy skin baring gowns, and thigh high lengths for mini-dresses. A little more rocker and little less chic, the overall Grammy style seemed to appeal to the glitz trend that has been dominating the award season this year as well as some other choices that might not be "fashionably correct" but were fun regardless.

Who could forget Nicki Minaj in her leopard "ensemble" with a partially leopard print coif and accessories to boot (see above) or California girl, Katy Perry's Georgio Armani dress with built in white feather wings and a corset top embellished with sparkling crystals? Most eccentric choice of the night could be the egg-yolk inspired ensemble with flesh colored horns worn by Lady Gaga who arrived in an egg- the perfect "accessory". While these styles are not necessarily "wearable", they are wacky and entertaining which is what the Grammy's is all about, right?

In honor of this being "tips Tuesday", we are not going to tell you what "not to wear" as a result of the styles demonstrated by the Grammy awards, but rather we are going to show you how to turn wacky into wearable.

* Like leopard? We do too...just in moderation. If you want to pull off this sassy look, we recommend sticking to one item such as a cute top (such as ours available on Nordstrom.com) or a leopard printed accessory rather than a whole "ensemble".

* Love plunging necklines? Deep v-necks look great when you are not big busted or have tape to keep the tata's in...however, this cut is not ideal if you are trying to stay "demure" and are a little bustier. We love to showcase the pregnancy boobs, but we prefer to reveal a little cleavage rather than worrying about having an "oops" moment and letting it all hang out. If you want to take the "plunge" look for a v-neck that hits an inch or two above your cleavage "sweet spot".

* Who loves short skirts? If you have rocking legs like J Lo (who is also a mom), then by all means dare to pull of a shorter length skirt. However, due to the burgeoning belly, extremely short skirts are difficult to pull off because the belly tends to bring bottoms such as skirts up a few inches making them even shorter. We recommend looking for a length that hits a few inches above the knee for a contemporary look.

* Sky high heels. The higher the heel the better for some women, and this spring you will be seeing some really really high heels. However, this is not a trend that we recommend for pregnant fashionistas because while they make your legs look great, these shoes are dangerous. When you are pregnant, your center of gravity is always changing and back pain is a common ailment, so why aggravate these issues more? Trust us, this trend is not worth it.

Dare to wear something different today! Have a good one:)

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Valentine's Day!

We hope that you are are having a very sweet day filled with lots of love from friends, family and loved ones. More than just romantic love, the purpose of Valentine's Day is celebrate love and the people in your life that you are fortunate to have. Of course candle-lit dinners, roses and chocolates are lovely but kind words and thoughtful gestures are wonderful too. We recommend that you take the time today to embrace the spirit of this holiday and demonstrate your love for those around you. Looking for cute ways to spread love for those other than your partner?

* Call your family just to say "I love you"

* Help an elderly neighbor by running an errand for them

* Send a friend a Valentine's Day e-card

*Give yourself some "me time", hey- you need to show love to yourself too!

* Bring some treats to share with your co-workers

*Do something that you love!

* Bake cookies and bring them to a homeless shelter

* Write love poems with your kids and let them eat one treat that they "love"

More to love...Fun Facts about Love and Valentine's Day

* In the 1800's doctor's actually prescribed CHOCOLATE for those suffering from heartbreak

* There is a Valentine's Day star- it is called Betelgeuse and it is a red super giant star that apparently shines bright in the southern sky

*The biggest Valentine's Day gift ever granted was the TAJ MAHAL- better than roses, this gift was bestowed to the wife of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan of India. Sweet!

* One minute of kissing burns 26 calories

* Women purchase 85% of all valentines

* The Italian city of Verona, where Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet characters lived, receives about 1,000 letters to Juliet every Valentine's Day (which inspired the Letters to Juliet movie)

Valentine's Day Superstitions:

* If an apple is cut in half on Valentine's Day, the number of seeds found inside will indicate the amount of children you will have

*If you see a flock of Doves on Valentine's Day you will have a very happy and peaceful marriage

* If you received a Valentine's kiss this morning, you will be lucky in love this year

Have a very happy Valentine's Day! We love you!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Fashion Friday!

Happy Friday lovelies! Finally the weekend is here. Hooray! As we mentioned yesterday, Fashion Week in NYC is off and it began with our fierce and fabulous pal, Christian Siriano's Fall 2011 collection. We don't want to come across as biased, but it was gorgeous and beyond. Luxurious silks, leather, rich dark hues, this collection included grecian inspired gowns, billowy tops and clean silhouettes. If this is what fall 2011 looks like, we likey! We couldn't be more proud of our dear friend. Yay Christian.

It's looks like we are going back to the 70's and the 90's next fall based on the lines that have showcased their collections so far. BCBG Max Azria premiered the fall 2011 on the runway yesterday with 70's style shapes, soft silks, and drapey silhouettes. While Jennie Kayne and Vena Cava, were influenced by the edge that represented the 90's style.

As far as color goes, dark hues likes blacks and greys (which were soo grunge 90's) ruled the runway but military hues and even some bright

colors have added "pop" to the designer collections. Camel, navy, khaki green were all popular this year so if you have these colored items in your wardrobe, keep them for next year!

If you want to stay up to date on all of the hottest shows and catch some videos of the latest collections to head down the runway, go to www.mbfashionweek.com

Have a fabulous weekend!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Treats Thursday!

Happy almost Friday! Today, marks the first official day of the NYC Fashion Week for fall 2011. We wonder what hot, new trends are going to emerge for next year! We'll be scoping them out and reporting on what we see so that when it comes time to do some spring cleaning, you will know what to keep and what to ditch!

V-Day is only a few days away and like many of you, we have been hit by cupid's arrow! We love the holiday and about love- not because we are cheesy, but because it is a sweet holiday that is universal and can be celebrated in a variety of ways. Whether it is making it a special day for you and your loved one, or going festive for your kiddies to enjoy, Valentine's Day is a good time to think about all of the people in your life who you love and show them how grateful you are. Looking for a sweet way to demonstrate your affections? Make some sweet treats!!

*Perfect for your loved one- melt his or her heart with chocolate fondue. Chocolate is delish and is an aphrodisiac that will surely put you in the mood for romance. Light some candles, put on some Al Green or John Legend, and get dipping. We love this recipe from "Good Housekeeping Magazine" :

• 6 ounce(s) semisweet chocolate, coarsely chopped
• 1/4 cup(s) half-and-half or light cream
• 1 tablespoon(s) flavored liqueur such as cherry, orange, coffee, or raspberry, optional
• 1/2 teaspoon(s) vanilla extract
• Fruit such as whole strawberries or chunks of banana, pineapple, or pear
• 1/2 cup(s) almonds, toasted and finely chopped (optional)

---

Directions

1. In heavy 1-quart saucepan or fondue pot, melt chocolate with half-and-half over low heat until mixture is smooth, stirring frequently. Stir in liqueur and vanilla; keep sauce warm.
2. To serve, arrange fruit on large platter. Spoon fondue into small bowl if you like. Place nuts in another small bowl. With toothpick, dip fruit into fondue, then into almonds if you like.
3. * We also like using marshmallows, broken up cookie pieces, angel food cake or pound cake bites and pretzels!Yum, yum!

Cute for the kiddies! This recipe is super adorable and easy peasy! Grab your favorite roll of pre-made peanut butter cookie dough (we like Pillsbury), a bag of Hershey's kisses, (you need appx.36 unwrapped), and a few teaspoons of sugar to dust on top. If you or your kids don't like peanut butter buy your favorite flavored (sugar, chocolate chip)cookie dough.

• 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Shape dough into 1-inch balls; roll in sugar. On ungreased cookie sheets, place balls 2 inches apart. 2. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. Immediately top each cookie with 1 kiss, pressing down firmly so the cookie cracks around the edge. remove from cookie sheets and place on cooling racks. Let cool.3. Eat and enjoy!
  * For your pooch! Who says that your family dog, doesn't deserve some attention on V-Day? Make your "canine baby" a little something on Valentine's Day. Of course, check with your vet first to make sure this treat is acceptable for your pup, but we love this pet-friendly Rachel Ray recipe:1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil1 carrot, peeled and shredded1 celery stalk, finely chopped1/4 pound ground beef1/4 cup tomato sauce*1/4 cup frozen peas1/4 cup chicken broth or water

  DIRECTIONS:

  1. In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the carrot and celery and cook until slightly softened, about 5 minutes. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 5 minutes. Stir in the tomato sauce, peas and chicken broth and continue cooking until warmed through, about 3 minutes. *Do not use tomato sauce containing onions or garlic, which can be toxic to cats and dogs

  Have a favorite Valentine's Day recipe??? Share it with us! Enjoy your day:)Xoxo, The Moody Mamas
  
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Wear It Wednesday!

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and if you’re pregnant don't be afraid to show off your beautiful body for your special someone! We've put together our top 3 recommendations to help complement your bump and still make you feel sexy this Valentine’s Day.

* Don't be afraid to "dress" it up! Dresses are one of the most comfortable items to wear when you’re pregnant. They don't restrict your belly and allow you to still be comfortable all evening long, no matter where your Valentine’s Day adventures may take you. We recommend choosing a dress with an empire waistband right below the bust or with side rouching to accentuate your curves and to provide you a slimming appearance. If you are in the market for a little somthin' special, try the Enid dress from our Nordstrom.com collection. The gorgeous color and lightly beaded neckline adds just the right amount of fun for any event. Add a black cardigan to dress it down, or if you've got a slight chill!

*Staying in for a little romantic "R & R"? Your plans probably call for something a little more casual. No problem! Try a simple sweater dress and a pair of leggings or a pretty little tunic and your best pair of jeans. Pair it with a nice black blazer or leather jacket and you’ve got a comfy cute outfit. To add a little sexy touch to the look pair it like we did here with a pair of black booties, or add some fun glitzy jewelry, like oversized rings or bracelets. Just because you are staying in or keeping the night casual, doesn't mean you should put on sweats and call it a day. V-Day is a special occasion so put on some make up, do your hair, wear something sexy under (for later) or whatever it is that you "get in the mood". A little bit of effort goes a long way!

* Can’t bear the thought of trying to walk around in their super tall pumps all night just to feel a little sexier. Well ,we’re here to let you in on a little secret; you can still feel sexy in your shoes without sacrificing hours of pain in your heels! We recommend opting for a pair of fabulous flats! These are just a few of the styles we love that can glam up any look easily and allow you to keep them on all night long.

*Don’t worry we didn’t forget about you new mom’s and your adorable little ones too. Make your baby’s first Valentine’s Day special and dress them in an adorable onesie. Or, if you want to remember the day for years to come, bring them in to get some professional shots done in one of these adorable valentines’ outfits that we love!

Have a fabulous "hump" day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Love is in the air! That's right, Valentine's Day is upon us. Perhaps you are having a baby for the first time, or you might be a baby-making machine, but no matter what, Valentine's Day is a great day to mark the occasion of what got you pregnant in the first place...making love.

It's easy is it to forget about romance and sex when you have got a big ole belly and can't see your toes. We totally get it. However, when you are pregnant you have got a good amount of estrogen in your body so despite the physical woes, you might be feeling a little feisty. What better day to celebrate the sex drive than Valentine's Day?? Though it is uncomfortable to discuss and even gives us a bit of the squirms, a little bit of sex ed when it comes to pregnancy can be necessary because there are a lot of misconceptions on this topic. So, let's talk about sex...

Fact:
Sex is OK to have during pregnancy as long as you feel well and able. At first, you might not feel sexy and might feel downright nauseous so if you are in your first or third trimester, you just might not be feeling up for it. However, around the second trimester, increased blood flow to your sexual organs and other "tender" areas may make you feel "ripe for the picking".

Fiction:
Some couples worry that sex will cause a miscarriage or harm their baby. Sex is not a cause of miscarriages and due to the amniotic fluid around the uterus, the baby is free from harm during sexual activity.

Fact:
Though oral sex is safe during pregnancy, you have to be careful that your partner does not blow air into your vagina. Though it is extremely rare, there is a chance this action can cause an "air embolism" which is the result of a blocked block vessel and this could endanger both you and your child.

Fiction:
Sex is not as good when you are pregnant. NOT TRUE! Sex in pregnancy can be wonderful! You just have to be creative and try positions that work for you and your growing belly. In fact, some women actually are more orgasmic during pregnancy than they are when they are not pregnant because the "area down there" is much more sensitive.


We say try it and see for yourself! Looking for something to put you in the mood this Valentine's Day? Check out our adorable lingerie picks on sale now on Zulily.com. We have everything from pre to post natal options!

Have a sexy day!

xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

With Valentines being only one week away, some women are frantic about what to do for that special day! We know that you want to show your appreciation for your significant other, but some of us are on a budget! This is especially true if you are an expectant mommy; all you may want to do is save up for the baby. Here are some inexpensive, romantic ideas for Valentine’s Day. You can even use these ideas for any day of the year!

*Love notes

Love notes are a great way to tell your significant other how much you love him or her. You can try a hidden message: with a pencil eraser, write a love note on the mirror before your loved one takes a shower. The hot steam from the shower will make the hidden message appear!

Stick a message under his pillow saying something like “wish I was sleeping next to you” if you are an early riser and your mate loves to sleep in. Your honey will wake up feeling loved!

Stick a love note in his shoe or in a place where it can be found early in the day. Say something meaningful like, I can’t wait to wrap my arms around you tonight! It will be found while at work and will definitely bring a smile to his face!

Make a home made Valentine’s Day card. Incorporate a love note within the card, it is very thoughtful and shows your mate that you put effort into it instead of buying whatever you come across at the store.

*Home made gifts

Make IOU coupons to give to your mate. Incorporate sweet things like, home made dinner for two, a massage, or a movie marathon night.

Make your own fortune cookies to open up after dinner, use them to woo your love on Valentine’s Day.

Put together a collage of pictures and memories throughout the years. Add some love notes to it, and give it to him/her as a reminder of your appreciation.

Buy a cute decorated jar, and put a lot of little pieces of paper with love notes or reasons why you love your mate on them in the jar. Tell your honey that he/she can only open one once a week!

Create a year long calendar with pictures of you two on the top of each month.

*Name a star after your loved one

There are some organizations that will give you a certificate of the name you chose for the star, and where it is located.

*Recreate your first date

Go to the place where you two had your first date. Re create the emotions that you both felt for each other. And tell your mate what you felt when you first met him/her.

*At home Dinner

Pull up a sofa next to the fire place and make a romantic dinner with dishes in the shapes of hearts. Buy some rose petals and strew them across the floor and table for special ambiance. Serve chocolate covered strawberries for an extra treat. Light some candles and put some sensual music on as well.

Hope these ideas make your Valentines day extra special!

XOXO, The Moody Mamas.

Go Red for Women!

Wear red today! Today is National Wear Red for Women Day in honor of heart disease prevention. Did you know that heart disease is the #1 Killer of women? It's true- 1 in 3 women die from heart disease each year. Though many pregnant women do not associate pregnancy with cardiological diseases, pregnancy is one of the physiological conditions that places a considerable burden on the heart, forcing it to work harder for a relatively long period (9 months). Women who have had a history or a family history of heart disease, heart murmur, rheumatic fever or high blood pressure should consult with their health care provider about these issues to avoid complications.

To avoid heath related conditions that may develop in otherwise healthy women who are pregnant, take care during your gestational period and avoid smoking, stay active, and eat healthy.We want you and your baby to have a healthy and happy pregnancy, so be mindful!

In honor of the Go Red for Women campaign, we have chosen some of our favorite red Moody Mamas items that are sale now for under $50! Not only are these items real bargains, but they will come in handy for Valentines Day which will be here in no time!

* The Eva Dress - available on www.moodymamas.com for $45 (pictured above)

* The Red Sateen Dress- on sale for $50 (70% off!!!) www.moodymamas.com

* Red ruched dress- $23.99 on

There's more where those came from so go hunting and nab some of the great deals we are currently offering!

Enjoy your weekend and the Super Bowl!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas