Some better options

I LOVE sweets. Chocolate, and ice cream, and cookies, and cake, and more ice cream, and more chocolate, and more cookies. Truely my biggest weakness. And when I am pregnant/nursing, it's even harder for me to resist the cravings. And I am a firm believer that giving in to cravings a little bit is better than denying yourself the treat and then bingeing when you do finally give in.

Luckily there are options that are slightly better than others. Here are a few things you can try.

--According to Dr. Oz one option of a healthier alternative is double churned (or slow churned) ice cream. It has more air in it, but is still creamy. It is also made with real cream, which means its less likely to have artificial sweetners. Half a cup is around 100 calories, which is better than most frozen yogurts.

--Another healthier alternative that Dr. Oz suggests is dark chocolate rather than milk chocolate. It has flavonoids, which are an important antioxidant that helps lower blood pressure. You want dark chocolate with a cocoa conent higher than 70%. Another good option is to have dark chocolate with almonds since they provide healthy fat.

--Now that the weather is cooling down a bit, a good option when you are craving chocolate is hot chocolate instead of a candy bar or cookies. Swiss Miss has a breakfast blends hot cocoa that has only 60 calories. Or you can go for the marshmellow hot cocoa for 110 calories.

--If you are baking treats yourself, use applesauce or canola oil in your cakes and cookies instead of butter. Just make sure to use the natural applesauce, not the kind that has loads of sugar to sweeten it up.

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Milan Maternity Vittoria Winner!

The winner of the Milan Maternity Vittoria Dress Giveaway as chosen by random.org is:

And the coordinating comment:

Congratulations! Please e-mail service@milanmaternity.com by October 28, 11:59pm PST to claim your prize, or another winner will be chosen.

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From one to two

Going from one child to two was a very hard transition for me. In fact, my daughter just turned 10 months, and I'm still adjusting. I needed to see this when I read my weekly update from baby center today!

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Saranoni Lush Blanket Review and Giveaway!

I have a four year old that likes to wear shorts around the house everyday, no matter the temperature, so she pretty much has a blanket in every room. They're all very loved and used, so it was getting to be about time to buy her a new blanket. When Saranoni contacted us recently and asked if we'd be willing to do a review of their one of their luxurious blankets, I jumped at the chance! Saranoni carries blankets, clothing and shoes, and other designer baby gifts (check out their CUTE matching bracelets for mommy and baby).

Saranoni carries three sizes of blankets:

Mini blankets, which are 15x20 inches and perfect for travel or when your child needs a "little lovey".

Regular blankets- 30x40 inches and great for babies and toddlers.

Extra Large blankets- 60X80- Great for adults and family snuggle time! Over 5 pounds of warmth! I was thinking I might need to snag one of these for myself after being envious of the blanket Saranoni sent my daughter, but this size is currently sold out due to high demand, and will be restocked at the end of November! Looks like it'll be just in time to be a Christmas present to myself!

We were sent the 30x40 Pink Swirl/Chocolate Lush blanket, and my daughter absolutely LOVES it! It's incredibly soft, with a luxuriously smooth and soft chocolate lush side, and slightly textured pink swirls on the other, with a minky boarder. One thing that I was extrememely happy and surprised by, was how thick it is. It's really thick and REALLY warm.

Perfect for my shorts wearing daughter. Despite her summer wardrobe choices, she's all cozy and warm thanks to Saranoni. Saranoni blankets are also machine washable and wash really well compared to others we've had. Hands down, Saranoni blankets are a favorite in our house!

Saranoni is generously giving one of our readers a bundle prize of both a 30X40 lush blanket AND a 15X20 lush mini blanket! Lucky!

Here's how to enter: (leave a comment for each entry completed)

1. Visit Saranoni and comment on your favorite blanket design.

Extra Entries:

2. Multiple Entries-Share this giveaway with one of the "share buttons" at the bottom of this post. It's super easy to share to Facebook, twitter, your blog, or e-mail! (One entry for each way shared, and for each day shared)

3. Follow Saranoni on Facebook

4. Follow this blog

5. Follow Milan Maternity on Facebook

6. Post one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (one entry for each)

7. Enter our Vittoria dress giveaway

Giveaway open until Thursday, November 3rd 11:59pm PST. Winner will be chosen by random.org. Good luck!

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Halloween Costume Ideas

If you haven't already, be sure to enter the Milan Maternity Vittoria Dress Giveaway!


Halloween will be here in just a few weeks! And for those of us that celebrate being pregnant during Halloween can be even more fun, or it can be yet another thing to worry about. If you are looking for the perfect thing for you and your baby bump to wear this Halloween, here are a few ideas.

If you're not into dressing up, this t-shirt from Cafe Press might be a good option for you.
Or if you want to bring a little more sarcasm into it, there is also this one from Cafe Press.If you would like to go with a more predictable costume, you could always eccentuate your bun in the oven with this costume.Or perhaps, you'd really like to put it out there, litterally, for all the world to see. In which case the belly painting kit would be perfect.The possibilites with this are endless. A pumpkin, fish tank, basketball or softball, globe, watermelon....the list goes on and on. What costume ideas do you have or have used in the past to dress your bump?

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Vittoria Dress Giveaway!

I am a nursing mother. I am also a mother that dresses up at least once a week. And I am a mother that likes to wear dresses. Dresses and nursing aren't always a good mix, which is why I love the Vittoria dress.



It's a super cute dress made specifically for pregnancy AND nursing. I always get compliments when I wear it, and people are none the wiser that it's a maternity/nursing dress. And lucky for me, the dress transitions perfectly from summer (matched with flip flops or sandals) to cooler weather, matched with....

This cute little cropped jean jacket from Old Navy.

And these comfy, cute ballet flats from Dr. Scholl's. (Because we all know that if we are pregnant, we want comfy shoes. And if we have a new little baby, we want comfy shoes because we always end up spending most of our time standing with said baby)


Or perhaps you want to spice it up a bit but still stay comfy and go with these cute ballet flats from Rebel.

Or perhaps you are more of a boot girl, and want to pair the Vittoria dress with these awesome boots by Libby Edelman

As you see, the transition possibilities to fall/winter with the Vittoria dress are endless!

We would like to give away a Vittoria dress to one lucky winner, so you can transition it into fall for yourself!

To enter (post a separate comment for each entry):

-Leave a comment telling us what you would do to transition the Vittoria dress from summer to fall/winter.

-Share this giveaway with one of the "share buttons" at the bottom of this post. It's super easy to share on Facebook, twitter, your blog, or e-mail! (One entry for each way shared, and for each day shared)

-Follow Milan Maternity on Facebook -Follow this blog -Follow Milan Maternity on Twitter -Post one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (one entry for each)

Giveaway open until Monday October 23, 11:59

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Making baby food

I have had my eye on the Baby Bullet ever since I saw the infomercial for it months ago. I never thought I would want to make my own baby food but the Baby Bullet made me feel like I should. The only problem was the price. Since my attempts to feed my daugher baby food have all failed, I couldn't decide if it would be worth it.

But then while out shopping a few weeks ago, I saw that Munchkin brand has a baby food grinder. The one I saw was $10, and I figured it was worth a shot. It worked great, and my daugther actually eats the food that we grind up for her. I have to say it was money well spent. You can buy one here for $7.99, or probably find it at any of your department stores.

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Milan Maternity Spotlight

Meet Megan. Also known as MNMspecial. She is a wife to an Air Force husband, which means she has moved her family A LOT in the past 10 years. She is mom to 4 kids, the youngest of which is a sweet little baby born in July.

Here's what Megan had to say.

The first time you were pregnant, was there anything about it that completely surprised you or that you wish you had know about being pregnant?
Honestly, I was shocked to be pregnant because I was told for years it wouldn't happen so I had no clue about anything.

Have you announced your pregnancies to your husband or family members in any fun and memorable ways? Our fourth baby was given the same due date as our first. We arranged to tell our family at Christmas just as we had nine years earlier. We had our two year old change her Little Sister shirt to a Big Sister shirt in the same color and waited for anyone that notice. It was a fun time.

Have you found any tricks that work really well for you with morning sickness?
I had morning sickness a lot. I ate a lot of cold cereal and drank ginger ale all day long. I even sucked on sour candies when I was running around town.

What have you found to entertain and keep your kids busy when you've been too drained?
I turned on movies in my bedroom with a child lock on the door so they couldn't escape while they watched and I drifted in and out. The one time I didn't I had waterproof mascara all over my brand new cream colored couch!

With your first child, was there anything you wish you had known about labor that you weren't prepared for?
That you have the right to be the boss.

What things help your older children adjust to having a new baby in the home?We have a five year span between the older two and the third child. They thought that the baby would come home and play video games and run outside with them. They weren't ready for the crying and the lack of movement. We bought books at the hospital about being older siblings. The toddler also got a book and a baby doll to practice with.

With all of the moving around your family has to do, how do you help your children adjust with each move?
We pack a tote bag for the car with their favorite stuffed animal, favorite blanket, and pictures of family members. We talk a lot about the new town and new house before we leave. I also let them pick out new paint colors or decorations for their bedrooms.

What are some of your children's favorite activities to do during the day?My oldest two are in school now, but they have started dance classes and an archery class to meet friends. My toddler is a busy little girl that believes she is a princess. During the day we have tea parties, watch princess movies, and play dress up.

As mothers we have some special moments with our children that we always remember and cherish. Do you mind sharing one or two of those experiences?
My older kids were asked to sing in church in front of a lot of people in a program. The song was difficult and they only had a few days to practice. They sang beautifully and there was not a dry eye in the audience.

Who has been a great example for you as a mother and what have you learned from that person?Of course I am going to say my mom, but I have taken a lot from my grandmother because she raised the woman I wish I was like, although I'm not.

When you are having a rough day, and counting down the hours until your husband gets home so you can get a break, what is it that you are looking forward to do as a stress reliever?
Sitting down and having some adult conversation.

When we are pregnant or have kids, it seems like we get all sorts of advice, wanted or not, from all sorts of people. What is one of the best pieces of advice you have gotten?Hire a babysitter. I do all the time. If I need to get out and my husband is working or I just want to spend time with him, we leave for an hour or so.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt like you just couldn't handle it, and what got you through that?
I have those moments all the time with four kids and one of them with special needs. Sometimes there is screaming all day and brotherly/sisterly fighting. My grandmother's voice rings clearly in my head, "This to shall pass". She tells me this quite often.

What is the most rewarding thing about being a mother?
The thank you they give you after you wipe their bottoms, pour them a glass of milk, kiss their booboos, read a story and hug them tight.

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

As we all know, October is Breast Cancer awareness month. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in the US.

Visit the Center for Disease Control here and Susan G. Komen for the Cure here to read more about facts and statistics, risk factors, and early detection and screening, or to donate to research. The more informed we are, the better.

Our hearts go out to all of those who have suffered, or have a family member or loved one who has.

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Baby talk

If there is one thing us women know how to do (generally speaking) it's talk...a lot. Which turns out to be a good thing when it comes to our babies.

Research shows that even before babies know how to speak, language plays an important role in their lives. Before they can speak, they begin to learn the general meaning of words and begin to understand tone. Talking to your baby helps them out later in life. It improves their reading, writing, and interpersonal skills. Our babies are little sponges that absorb everything around them.

So make sure you talk to your baby from day one. It seems kind of silly at first. I remember being at home with my newborn son, just the two of us, and I would talk to him because that's what I knew I was supposed to do and I felt kind of ridiculous. But then when he got older, I remember clearly the day that I told him we were going to put his shoes on, before he could really even talk, and he went and got his shoes. I remember clearly the feeling that I had that taking to him really does make a difference,

-Tell your baby what you are doing as you go through out the day. Say things like "We are going to ride in the car", "Let's change your diaper", and "We're going into the kitchen."

-Repeat common words like "Momma" and "bottle" so your baby can start to associate those words with their meanings.

-When your baby is babbling, let them babble and respond to them. Having this back and forth "conversation" with them teaches them the give-and-take of adult conversations.

-Do your best to respond, smile, and gesture to your baby when they are babbling.

-Use short simple words like "cup" and "ball" and show those objects to your child.

-Don't limit it to just talking to them. Make sure to read your baby plenty of books and sing them songs.

Having your child know what you mean when you tell them what you are going to do, or hearing your baby say their first words is so exciting and rewarding as a parent. No doubt talking to your baby through out the day helps them achieve this milestone.

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Milan Maternity Spotlight

Say hello to this weeks spotlight, Erin. She is a stay at home mom to sweet little Stella, who is almost 6 months old. Here's what Erin had to say when I asked her the questions we all wanted answered.

Was there anything about pregnancy that completely surprised you or that you wish you had know about being pregnant?

I was surprised that I couldn't remember anything!! My memory was shock almost my entire pregnancy. haha!

Did you announce your pregnancy in any fun and memorable ways?

My parents were the first people we told. We invited them over for dinner and when we told them my mom started clapping and bouncing in her seat like a kid. It was too cute.

Did you find any tricks that work really well for you with morning sickness?

Most of my m.s. was actually in the evening. I drank a lot of ginger ale and ate a lot of saltine crackers. B6 is what someone suggested but that was after my sickness had started to subside. I'll try it next time though.

What is your go-to dinner when you don't know what else to make and you need something quick and tasty?

My husband and I eat this Skillet Chicken about once a week. It is so easy and so delicious. Make sure you use a skillet that can go in the oven. Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Season chicken thighs with salt and pepper. Brown chicken in a little olive oil and add parsnips and potatoes. Pour in enough chicken broth to fill about and inch of bottom. Add garlic according to your liking ( I use about 2 teaspoons of minced garlic). Add a 1/4 cup of lemon juice. Top with more salt and pepper and fresh thyme. Place skillet in oven and cook for 40 minutes. I usually try to baste the chicken once during cooking and then after it's done.

You can't go wrong with one pan to clean up!

What is one of your favorite moments with your baby so far that you will always remember?

One of my faves is when we took her to her first baseball game. We were visiting my father and went to an Orioles game. She was 6 weeks old. She was so alert the entire time. She loved watching all of the people sitting behind us. It was such a great evening.

What do you like to do when you get the opportunity to have some "me" time?

My me time usually consists of getting my butt kicked by my trainer. I like to get massages about once every couple months too.

Do you have any beauty secrets of what you do when you only have a few minutes to get ready?

Dry shampoo has been a great new staple in my bathroom! The stuff is amazing!

When we are pregnant or have kids, it seems like we get all sorts of advice, wanted or not, from all sorts of people. What is one of the best pieces of advice you have gotten?

Crying is not going to hurt her. I was obsessed with picking Stella up everytime she made a peep. I was losing my mind because I fekt like I couldn't even get a glass of water. The first time I didn't run to pick her up, she settled down within minutes.

Have you ever had one of those moments where you felt like you just couldn't handle it, and what got you through that?

Yes, definitely. Remembering how many woman have done this worked everytime.

Who has been an example of motherhood to you, and what have you learned from that person? My mother. Patience.

When you and your husband are able to get out of the house on your own, what do you like to go out and do?

We, luckily, get out once a week and have kinda started a tradition. We now o to the same place for sushi and then to a movie. It's funny because we're home by 9:30 everytime. lol

What is the best thing about motherhood?

Stella looks at me like I'm the most important person in her world. When she raises her little hand and touches my cheeks or lips, my heart melts. Sometimes I can't stop kissing her. Knowing that I need her just as much as she needs me is like nothing I ever imagined.

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It's a date!

One of the most important things I learned from my parents was the importance of dating even after having children. Actually, I didn't really learn how important it was until I started having children myself. My parents went on a date every week when they had kids at home. Actually, they still go on dates every week. I remember my mom telling me how important it is to keep dating, and I remember her telling me that even if you are broke and all of your money goes to the babysitter, still go out even if it means having dinner at McDonald's. (Or Old McDonald's as my son calls it.)

When I started having children, I soon realized how they take up all of our time. And even though children are absolutely wonderful, it is still so important to get some one on one time with our significant other so you can still stay connected. Once my son got to the age where he could be with a babysitter, my husband and I tried to go out on a date once a week, and it really helped to strengthen our relationship. We haven't gotten to that point yet now that we've had our second, but I look forward to being able to do our weekly dates again.

Hiring a babysitter and going on a date is expensive, but there are lots of fun date ideas that don't cost a lot. Here's some fun things to do:

-Go on a picnic.

-Tour historical sites, which often times are free or inexpensive.

-Walk around the mall (which was very often what my husband and I did)

-Go to a playground and...play! Swing on the swings and go down the slides.

-Go grocery shopping. (Another thing we often did, which I know sounds silly, but we had to buy groceries anyways, so why not do it just the two of us, just like we did before we had children)

-Play board games in a park.

-Just go to a park. Stroll through the park hand in hand, feed ducks, sit on a bench...all those things you don't get to do when the kids are around.

-Rent a movie at the library, or rent a Redbox movie, and use a portable dvd player to watch in your car. It's like a drive-in...on a much smaller scale.

-Go to a bookstore and peruse books together.

-Go for a drive through the country, exploring back roads. And now that fall has begun, it's a beautiful time to do that.

-Bowling! There are usually times when they have special deals. And you'll feel like kids again.

-Go on a hike.

-Go on a lunch date or go see a matinee, which is cheaper than dinner and a movie at night.

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