Wear It Wednesday!

With the 4th of July weekend activities scheduled, what better way to celebrate than with adding some patriotic pop to your outfit. From stars and stripes, to red white and blue, here are some fun ways to incorporate our national colors on Independence Day:

*If you are feeling really patriotic you might want to turn your belly into art and paint a flag on it. Not everyone's cup of tea, though it will most likely draw a lot of attention and some good chuckles.

*Wear blue and white stripes with some red flats or flip flops. Check out our option on sale at www.target.com.

*Accessorize! Don't want to go all out but want to show a little pride? Pair some color appropriate accessories with your outfit to spice it up!

Have a fabulously fashionable day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

Summer time is a great time to throw a baby shower. While you can have a gorgeous baby shower without putting much into it, if you want to go all out and have a theme, we say get creative and go for it! Here are some adorable themes for making your baby shower a special day:

* We love the "Pretty in Pink" themed baby shower as seen on the fabulous site, www.hostessblog.com. Like the awesome 80's flick, this girl themed baby shower is super fun!

* Thinking about getting a tent? Check out this gorgeous circus themed baby shower from www.stylemepretty.com or this gorgeous blue themed "Cirque du bebe" theme from www.ivillage.com

*Dreaming of reading fairytales to your baby once he/she is born? Try this "Once Upon a Time" baby shower theme from www.marthastewart.com.

Hope these cute ideas will get you off to the right start!

Have a wonderful day:)

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

Tips for the Summer!

Hope you enjoyed your weekend! Summer is now officially in full swing. Can you believe that the 4th of July is just around the corner?! We wish the winter months would fly by as summer seems to! Even though we love so many things about summer, now that you are preggers there are somethings that you need to consider in order to keep yourself healthy during these warm months:

* Travel- as great as it is to take those summer trips, if you are getting on in your pregnancy, it might be best to check with your medical provider about your destination. It is always better safe than sorry!

*Sunscreen safety- expecting moms should pay attention to the ingredients listed in their sunscreen because some have harmful chemicals that could pose an increased risk of birth defects according to a recent study published by Consumer Reports. For more info check out this link: http://news.consumerreports.org/health/2011/05/new-advice-for-pregnant-women-when-choosing-sunscreens.html

*Summer heat- while we love the hot weather, it can pose additional discomfort due to dehydration and other heat related illnesses. Be sure to keep hydrated and do not over exert yourself. If you are feeling a little lightheaded, fast breathing, or any bizarre symptoms get inside and seek medical assistance immediately.

*Stay indoors and in air conditioning as much as possible. A simple fan will not prevent heat related illnesses.

*Wear lightweight, loose fitting clothing to help avoid sweating so that you prevent an additional loss of body fluids and another cause of overheating.

Though it might seem like there are a million things to worry about when you are pregnant, know that it is best to be prepared so that you could have a healthy and happy summer!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Friday!

Happy Weekend!! We hope that you are off to a great start to summer and have lots planned. Things to consider to do this weekend to enjoy:

*Pick up some fresh watermelon.

*Go to the beach or lake.

*Take a stroll (but stay hydrated).

*Have an impromptu bbq.

*Check out your local pool.

* Go "glamping"- ie. if you have a backyard, head outdoors for a night under the stars.If you don't like sleeping outside, you could always head indoors.

*Get some fro yo or ice cream.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

TGI( almost) Friday!!

Are you keeping your baby's gender a secret until you have a big family and friends reveal? Here are some fun ways to make finding out a celebration!

* Do like the Duggars- famed family of the TLC show "19 and Counting" celebrated with a gender cake. Keep the ultrasound a secret and have the results sent to a bakery. Ask the bakery to color the inside of the cake either pink or blue until you cut the cake open. If you are having more than one baby, order another cake or two.

*If you want to make it a big shin-dig. Go all out. Get a pink and blue banner and serve pink and blue themed foods. Grab some clothespins and some pink and blue ribbons to tie onto all of your guests so that everyone can have a chance to make a guess before the big reveal. Make a notecard with a pink heart if it is a girl or a blue heart if it is a boy. (taken from www.manamanifesto.com)

*Ask your friends to come wearing pink or blue depending on what they think you are having and have a low key party. You can serve anything from pizza to just desserts.

Do you have some creative ideas that you would like to share? We would love to hear from you!

Have a great day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

Shopping online has never been better! Between flash sale and membership sites, getting a deal has never been easier.The great thing about membership sites, a newer phenomenon, is that you get to try a variety of products for a reasonable price. From make-up to shoes, these sites have great selections and are a fun way to try new things. Here area few of our favorites:

* Sole Society- each month for $49.95 you get a pair of shoes,selected based on your general taste. The shoes are picked out for you based on your "style personality" and offer a few options. If you are thinking of joining this club, you might need another closet just for your shoes!

* Jewelmint- a subscription based company endorsed by actress Kate Bosworth and her stylist, this site is all about jewelry. For $29.95, this site offers you a selection of jewelry based on quizzes that identify your taste in accessories. The great thing about this site is that it offers this money as a credit so if you are not digging the current month's choices you could use that credit towards something additional another month.

*Birchbox- for $10 a month or a $110 yearly flat free you will entrance into this fabulous beauty oriented site.You will receive samples and a product every month of some recognizable and a few lesser known brands. If you are beauty junkie this one is for you because you will have the opportunity to try something out for a while without committing to the product.


Happy shopping,
Xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

Yay for Summer!!

Balmy and warm, just the way we like it! It's the first day of summer and the longest day of the year. In honor of bathing suit season being underway, we have some tips for getting "bikini" ready in case you care to bare. Rememer, it is not about having the perfect body, or a being Hollywood star- it's about confidence. If you don't have it, fake it, but we bet that you are looking great-bump and all. Check out some of our tips for looking like your best in your suit:

*If you are not comfortable wearing a suit at all, do not hide yourself in a muu-muu. Find yourself a cool cover-up and strut your stuff without baring your skin. If you are pool side, remember to keep some cool beverages handy so you don't overheat and dip your toes and legs in the pool often.

*Get rid of that hair! We know it is hard to see below that belly, but once your in public, others will know how hard it is too:) Schedule a waxing appointment to help you "clean up" if shaving is not doable. A little bit painful, but sometimes beauty is pain!

*Try on different types of suit. Your first choice might be a tankini, but you might end up looking better in a bikini- if this is your first pregnancy, try on a variety of types and brands to find something that makes you feel good. Don't give up if you don't find something right away, bathings suits can be difficult to fit, so "if at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

* Stay out of the sun! Your skin is suseptable to pigmentation at this time and you might end up with some pretty funky spots if you over expose yourself. Put on some good spf, a chic hat then grab a few great reads and head to the shade.


Have a wonderful day!!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

We hope that everyone enjoyed their weekends celebrating dads and soon-to-be dads! Tomorrow is the official start of summer. In honor of summer here are some things you can do tomorrow to celebrate:

*Have a casual backyard bbq. Break up the monotony of the weekday and have a few friends over for some delicious hamburgers or more interesting bbq fare.

*Head to the pool. Try out that new maternity bathing suit and head out to your local pool facility for a swim.

*If you live near water, go for a stroll along the beach or lake at sunset. Romantic!

*Get something yummy and frozen like Ben & Jerry's or some yogurt. Splurge a little in the name of the "summer heat".

* Make a picnic. Grab a towel and some tasty treats, then head outdoors for some good eats al fresco.


Have a wonderful last day of spring!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

TGIF!!

Happy Friday and Father's Day Weekend! Roles and relationships often change when couples have a baby. Often times, the woman is given most of the responsibility when it comes to handling the newborn and feels like the primary parent. However, it can be advantageous to have both partners involved and allow eachother to tackle the challanges of parenthood as a united front. Here are some of our favorite ways to encourage dad's involvement:

*If you are breastfeeding, it might be tough to have the father handle feedings. However, he can share in intimate caregiving in other ways like bathing the baby, changing the baby or rocking the baby to sleep.

* Give your partner credit for being competent. Many woman of fearful of letting others hold or care for the baby including their loved ones. While it might not seem insulting, this can be frustrating to the father. Be careful of his feelings and trust that the baby will be okay in his care without being a "helicopter" mom.

*Each parent should be given alone time with the baby. This will permit the parent to bond with the baby and will give the other parent time to do an activity, run an errand or catch up on some much needed zzz's.

*Discuss your childhood and your own parents roles with your partner. Just because you grew up in a household with an absentee parent, doens't mean your child has to. Each person comes to this new experience with their own ideas of what parenthood should mean. Having an open discussion allows for you to talk out your differences before an argument arises and allows for you to create common goals.


Have a wonderful weekend!
xoxo,
The Moody Mamas

TGI( almost) Friday!!

It's almost the weekend, and you do you have your Father's Day gifts yet? If not, here are five easy peasy gifts to get that expectant father for his special day.

*Get him two picture frames. One with you and one to fill once the baby is born.

*Book him a massage. It's tough being preggers, but sometimes it is difficult to be the person who is dealing with the hormonal challenges:) Book him a massage as a thank you for handling you with grace.

* Buy him a bottle of his bubbly and some cigars to use for celebration once the baby has arrived.

*If your man is a sports nut, grab him tickets for an upcoming sports game. Even allow him to bring a friend, instead of you so he can get some "man time" in.

*Since you two are probably not going out on weekends as often now that you are pregnant, make staying in especially fun for him. Get him a boxed set of his favorite tv shows or grab a few of his favorite dvds. Pair it with some of his favorite edibles, and you have a great gift!

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Wear it Wednesday!

In honor of Father's Day, we have perused Hollywood for some of the most stylin' fathers. Here are some celebrity dads who are fashionable and of course dreamy- perhaps your men can take a couple of pointers from these guys!

Our personal top 10 (in no particular order):

1) Brad Pitt

2) David Beckham

3) Johnny Depp

4) Will Smith

5) Ben Affleck

6) Matt Damon

7)Hugh Jackman

8) Orlando Bloom

9) Matthew McConaughey

10) Gaven Rossdale

Have a fashionable day!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

New moms are celebrated with a baby shower, but new dads rarely have a chance to get in on the fun. Expectant dads do not need as much "equipment" as expectant moms do but they still deserve some gifts (besides for extra sleep once the baby arrives). Here are some gift ideas to get the expectant father in your life for Father's Day:

*Super athletic? Get him a jogging stroller. It might end up being a gift for both of you because you if he likes taking the baby out more, you will probably end up with some alone time.

* Adventurous? Have him take on the challenge of fatherhood with a masculine baby backpack. Perfect for long walks and sturdy enough to last a few years, this bag will work for all types of terrain.

* Gadget obsessed? Go digital. Grab him a new digital camera or a mini flip video camera so that he can carry it everywhere and make sure that he gets every special moment.

*Get him a few good books written by men for men to help him conquer his new role as a father. Perhaps if it is in guy language he will understand the process more? :0)

Hope these help! Have a great day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Tips Tuesday!

New moms are celebrated with a baby shower, but new dads rarely have a chance to get in on the fun. Expectant dads do not need as much "equipment" as expectant moms do but they still deserve some gifts (besides for extra sleep once the baby arrives). Here are some gift ideas to get the expectant father in your life for Father's Day:

*Super athletic? Get him a jogging stroller. It might end up being a gift for both of you because you if he likes taking the baby out more, you will probably end up with some alone time.

* Adventurous? Have him take on the challenge of fatherhood with a masculine baby backpack. Perfect for long walks and sturdy enough to last a few years, this bag will work for all types of terrain.

* Gadget obsessed? Go digital. Grab him a new digital camera or a mini flip video camera so that he can carry it everywhere and make sure that he gets every special moment.

*Get him a few good books written by men for men to help him conquer his new role as a father. Perhaps if it is in guy language he will understand the process more? :0)

Hope these help! Have a great day!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas

Happy Monday!

Though we love our new moms, in honor of Father's Day, this week we are going to celebrate new dads. Fathers can be an integral part of the parenthood experience and can prepare for this role just like mothers. While some men are comfortable being very involved with the birthing process, other men have a difficult time preparing for their role as a new dad. If your man is planning on being involved in this journey, here are a few ways that he can start prepping for his new role:

*Attend childbirth classes. Sex-ed classes generally broach the subject of child birth, but usually do not go into detail. Encourage your partner to attend a class with you so that he can learn more about the "birds and the bees".

*Your hubby might be sympathizing with you by putting on "baby weight" but he might not have a clear understanding of what your body is actually going through. Invite your partner to accompany you on a doctor visit so that he can learn more about the changes that occur while your pregnant. Who knows, you might end up getting some extra massages...

*If your partner is going to present at the birth, create a birth plan together. Take a tour of the hospital with your husband or partner and create a map with the fastest route so that you could get to the hospital as soon as get those contractions.

* Have your partner create his own packing list for the hospital, equipped with a change of clothing and some snacks.

Have a wonderful day!

xoxo,

Moody Mamas

TGIF!!

Happy Friday! The weekend is a wonderful time to get some fun/necessary errands done such as getting the nursery ready. Nurseries today are far more whimsical and glam than they used to be. Sure you can paint and decorate your nursery in pink and blue, but if you are looking to make your nursery unique, here are some celebrity nurseries to get you inspired:

* Laila Ali has a gorgeous nursery that even adults would love to stay in. Classic and elegant, this room has soft tones that are calming for baby.

*Mariah Carey's luxurious nursery is stunning. Perfect for her little prince and princess, the details of the room, such as the giant giraffe, makes this room especially interesting.

*Preggers for the third time, Tori Spelling prefers a modern aesthetic when designing her baby nests.

Have a wonderful weekend!!

xoxo,

The Moody Mamas