tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13058504040958119872024-03-15T00:12:58.274-07:00Milan MaternityUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger291125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-56712384611062423992014-02-17T06:40:00.000-08:002014-02-17T06:40:00.037-08:00And the Winner Is...<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2800e20/" id="rc-2800e20" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a><br />
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Congratulations Jenny V!! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"> Please email service@milanmaternity.com!
</span>aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-70910848600533267002014-02-10T06:31:00.000-08:002014-02-10T06:31:19.464-08:00New Arrivals and Gia Review!<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Have you checked out Milan Maternity's new arrivals? Here's a sampling!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pzkOuCRB9GjIdWj_VX5LhUO-aP19r6fmOzibNbowvP5uxo-lG1hEJZPnK8b9jxn1_v1CX_qDzD_cjgqk2kBsuatD2HFD111O10zUgr2v3qjmMw9HcYx-GqqbmCk6P8-Vc3BRFH3T1uEn/s1600/IMG_8876r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_pzkOuCRB9GjIdWj_VX5LhUO-aP19r6fmOzibNbowvP5uxo-lG1hEJZPnK8b9jxn1_v1CX_qDzD_cjgqk2kBsuatD2HFD111O10zUgr2v3qjmMw9HcYx-GqqbmCk6P8-Vc3BRFH3T1uEn/s1600/IMG_8876r.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7wZ4U7lwWHwfOM7A3cvbqc04lKUbWfbShQBACmc_-wXZGkGLJxXoebhy6SmLJROx_GGt5PHZGh8qX4m2cYDNOEVElBYOyE1N-AMIDdQLLi9D4nuu_fjpnkoWdrwfQdMWkKe593f7-B8_/s1600/IMG_8823r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF7wZ4U7lwWHwfOM7A3cvbqc04lKUbWfbShQBACmc_-wXZGkGLJxXoebhy6SmLJROx_GGt5PHZGh8qX4m2cYDNOEVElBYOyE1N-AMIDdQLLi9D4nuu_fjpnkoWdrwfQdMWkKe593f7-B8_/s1600/IMG_8823r.jpg" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17zapCVriv_cUwo_jjqI9L3X59JMFqTMDPg5XFKW4JLy4EJHey3xvB_nNDy1ug5iksGTaORkNs0UoieeGrdPnhHsNw1UF_jNPGbrwtdltOzl7GOTLDBSzmvLld31JsQaB1j_tCL7-B3U8/s1600/IMG_8727r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi17zapCVriv_cUwo_jjqI9L3X59JMFqTMDPg5XFKW4JLy4EJHey3xvB_nNDy1ug5iksGTaORkNs0UoieeGrdPnhHsNw1UF_jNPGbrwtdltOzl7GOTLDBSzmvLld31JsQaB1j_tCL7-B3U8/s1600/IMG_8727r.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ET_H-ye41USBY1qQDsESCYbm3xOLepMbSB7O-a5T8VWNMUF5ViOeiwqJtGbGHDo0GCB5p1RiLIElhcScGsuXcmmLpawhnHMMsXcQKLQAS_N1ZWNKBr6DeJqIaBNuCS04y42d1Bm4P2M/s1600/IMG_8786r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM1ET_H-ye41USBY1qQDsESCYbm3xOLepMbSB7O-a5T8VWNMUF5ViOeiwqJtGbGHDo0GCB5p1RiLIElhcScGsuXcmmLpawhnHMMsXcQKLQAS_N1ZWNKBr6DeJqIaBNuCS04y42d1Bm4P2M/s1600/IMG_8786r.jpg" /></a><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It was soon after finding out I was pregnant with baby #4 that I saw Milan Maternity's new arrivals. I knew immediately I needed the Gia dress. If there's anything I've learned from my 3 previous pregnancies it's that a cute, comfortable dress that is great for maternity AND the nursing/transitional phase after baby is born is a NECESSITY! </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The hard part was deciding...blue or black? After much consideration, I opted for the Gia in black. (But let's be honest, I'll happily take one in EVERY color they could ever make it in.) </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29IzLi93FPkWueG6148iYIh9jrPCHZLNkVRpDfZfL8kk2buxP95mLceLcQ0ydw-2wi3-QIZApS8eCmC6pSTZ9XS8WfpD2MtIPR1i2wdayp3kcAhbfS1W_KVcaMEdkG0vKhERfKcYrSSsM/s1600/IMG_8870r_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29IzLi93FPkWueG6148iYIh9jrPCHZLNkVRpDfZfL8kk2buxP95mLceLcQ0ydw-2wi3-QIZApS8eCmC6pSTZ9XS8WfpD2MtIPR1i2wdayp3kcAhbfS1W_KVcaMEdkG0vKhERfKcYrSSsM/s1600/IMG_8870r_1.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDOjT1FUPAob1-IUS6FSCv-5t5MYWJXnAMWQpJVskhdlmJnu9fMD-9fKcZcEYcVh5aPGaCBL0RnrE5kWFH-MFO63amNiIS18pp0T8x_Xt1ASO1SvcKCwPtDwwKQqIs2w8K6xZEioyrXPf/s1600/IMG_8847r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhDOjT1FUPAob1-IUS6FSCv-5t5MYWJXnAMWQpJVskhdlmJnu9fMD-9fKcZcEYcVh5aPGaCBL0RnrE5kWFH-MFO63amNiIS18pp0T8x_Xt1ASO1SvcKCwPtDwwKQqIs2w8K6xZEioyrXPf/s1600/IMG_8847r.jpg" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Now, the website describes the Gia as "<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="line-height: 18.600000381469727px;">One of the cutest and most comfortable maternity/nursing dresses you'll own!" I can tell you, it's true! My package arrived and I waited patiently for the kids bed time so that I could take the time to check it out and try it on. I slipped it on and I didn't want to take it off!! I'm not exaggerating folks, my first thought was--Oh my goodness, this is so comfy! And I wondered if my husband would think I was weird if I wore it to bed. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.600000381469727px;">When you add the amazing comfort to it's cute design, it's a win-win! I love the black and gray stripes on top! (Just enough stripes for style, but not so many that you start looking like you are pregnant with quadruplets) I love the empire waist, that is fabulous for any pregnant lady! I love the tie in the back! And I love the cap sleeves with the cute tie detail! And 6 months from now, I'm going to love the functionality of the nursing insert!</span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.600000381469727px;">If you haven't checked out Milan Maternity's new arrivals, head over to www.milanmaternity.com to check them out and start stocking up! </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.600000381469727px;">And now's your chance to win a Milan Maternity item of your own!</span></span><br />
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<a class="rafl" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/2800e20/" id="rc-2800e20" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
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<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.600000381469727px;">start stocking up on your favorite items!</span></span></span>aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-75519172489277583512013-03-20T09:52:00.000-07:002013-03-20T09:53:29.110-07:00líllébaby COMPLETE Original Carrier WINNER!<span style="font-size: large;">And the winner is:</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Uim4EHI8MnsauJItZN81j66mv99q4VJE_xrRQdpWPL_4LGdRQywqpexdqVZteRzBozQ_JbtutK07kgDQ1EVOmyEfNJexVEwJAWNB9j_bbrzp-vCs4yYFZpvv-6DKjVL-e5fDC6i7oMfd/s1600/winner01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Uim4EHI8MnsauJItZN81j66mv99q4VJE_xrRQdpWPL_4LGdRQywqpexdqVZteRzBozQ_JbtutK07kgDQ1EVOmyEfNJexVEwJAWNB9j_bbrzp-vCs4yYFZpvv-6DKjVL-e5fDC6i7oMfd/s320/winner01.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ann, please <span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">email service@milanmaternity.com with your address by March 22 11:59 pm to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #282828; line-height: 19.1875px; text-align: justify;">Thank you ALL for participating! For those of you that didn't win, make sure you are keeping up to date with the </span><span style="color: #282828;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">líllébaby facebook page, as they will be doing a giveaway a week! </span></span></span><br />
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aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-42226640622792667222013-03-13T05:00:00.000-07:002013-03-13T05:24:56.178-07:00líllébaby COMPLETE Original Carrier Review and Giveaway<br />
Now, as most of you probably know when most people do giveaways, it's because they received a product for free, tested it out, and do the review and giveaway. This time I bought a product, loved it so much that I contacted the company about doing a giveaway, and they agreed. That's just how much I love all of you and they do, too!!<br />
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So it wasn't until recently that I learned how important it is to have a baby carrier that is <a href="http://lillebaby.com/learn/complete-ergonomics/" target="_blank">ergonomically correct for babies hips</a>. I knew that I needed to find something comfortable for ME because the one I had was killing my back. And when I started researching, that's when I learned about how important it is to have a carrier that has a wider seat to support the baby/child in a seated position to support proper hip development and prevent hip dysplasia. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fz6f6gR8BetX-FZEuyJRI4Egu9fJsPtt1NnBkp7KeSob2GE6rsd4emK2QDRRFG9VGcwnbWrigKeOt6X_LJdu3G4X_5LrkSRngZxQ1tjC4Q08L2e-5jivt4UH-Tnp2SG4SG-facfgIoaH/s1600/lillebaby02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Fz6f6gR8BetX-FZEuyJRI4Egu9fJsPtt1NnBkp7KeSob2GE6rsd4emK2QDRRFG9VGcwnbWrigKeOt6X_LJdu3G4X_5LrkSRngZxQ1tjC4Q08L2e-5jivt4UH-Tnp2SG4SG-facfgIoaH/s1600/lillebaby02.jpg" /></a></div>
After reading around online and asking for suggestions, I decided on a carrier. It was a no-go. I couldn't get it to fit comfortably on me, and my baby just kept grunting the whole time he was in it. I tried another carrier. It was better, but I still wasn't 100% comfortable wearing it. And that's when fate brought me to<a href="http://lillebaby.com/" target="_blank"> líllébaby</a>, and the <a href="http://lillebaby.com/baby-carriers/" target="_blank">líllébaby COMPLETE carrier</a>. After doing a search online, I found them listed on consumerreports.org under their baby carriers section. Once I looked at the líllébaby website, I was pretty convinced that this was the carrier that would finally win me over. <br />
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I needed the carrier soon, so I contacted them on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Lillebaby" target="_blank">their facebook page</a> to ask if their was somewhere locally that had their carrier. They responded the same day giving me a couple of locations that were doable. I went and tried it on and knew that it was the one. Just to be absolutely, positively sure I tried on yet another carrier and it only confirmed that the líllébaby COMPLETE carrier was the one for me.<br />
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Immediately after my purchase, our family went to this amazing (ie, very large) park to let our older kids play.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GIGlMk4ZQWLRaBuDpx1KK_rFeHaOu0rJ2spMLhx0k9BKlTbwcebXcGJJI4QaXTOd8y7Tb1DqrMv1CJAnwttw9gtRQBp_bVU-s09QEFNsxKnokqVs9P7dgiHii4F4KVE11PYTFqtyHbaD/s1600/GEF+aerial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6GIGlMk4ZQWLRaBuDpx1KK_rFeHaOu0rJ2spMLhx0k9BKlTbwcebXcGJJI4QaXTOd8y7Tb1DqrMv1CJAnwttw9gtRQBp_bVU-s09QEFNsxKnokqVs9P7dgiHii4F4KVE11PYTFqtyHbaD/s320/GEF+aerial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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For an hour and a half I followed my kids all around this park, and for an hour and a half, my back never ached! And there my 4 month old slept comfortably! (See, look how comfy we are!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVNL3RWY9qsyS5drLYjtan_yUoaIrnptZSHKxcuIoxfmkFXvOrR1M2w_IPrpCFuCK_6L3Gt8CVNZGqEbpcoBjQPvSIkDXOeZoZBkrZymljuBofkq2i8EqHHHtKSE-GMqUfDi2ydvKCW6W/s1600/2013-03-09+14.48.26.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVNL3RWY9qsyS5drLYjtan_yUoaIrnptZSHKxcuIoxfmkFXvOrR1M2w_IPrpCFuCK_6L3Gt8CVNZGqEbpcoBjQPvSIkDXOeZoZBkrZymljuBofkq2i8EqHHHtKSE-GMqUfDi2ydvKCW6W/s320/2013-03-09+14.48.26.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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What I love:<br />
--It has several different positions of wear (front carry, back carry, side carry, forward facing) that are all safe for babies hips (seat can be adjusted to fit newborns without being so wide).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFfIZGpC9ZDbKkTrwynCA4Rgnj0LMgXZp_Vcc3nt8_0g4facZjFADGoGSneG-91GWW8IvbzzgAzvK5h0bFn-eArVQ9oAlS7MaUYLXq28_K2EMj8wektGk-SvF79DhXEIEiR7FDFgq5OJ4/s1600/lillebaby04.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="79" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUFfIZGpC9ZDbKkTrwynCA4Rgnj0LMgXZp_Vcc3nt8_0g4facZjFADGoGSneG-91GWW8IvbzzgAzvK5h0bFn-eArVQ9oAlS7MaUYLXq28_K2EMj8wektGk-SvF79DhXEIEiR7FDFgq5OJ4/s320/lillebaby04.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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--It fits newborn up to 45 lbs. This carrier is with you and the little one for the long haul!<br />
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--I could actually get a great fit on my shoulders. For some reason with the other carriers the shoulder straps always felt loose and like they were going to slide down and I just couldn't get them to adjust correctly. I could get the straps to fit perfectly on the líllébaby COMPLETE.<br />
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--Not only does it have a hood for sleeping, but it also has adjustable back support for newborn babies. And then you snap it down when they are bigger and don't need the support so they can see around better. This was HUGE for me since the other carriers came up so high and it was hard for my little ones to see around.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcrNiwUD0VfjgP9ApGkddCjpBTwNfzdlSjo-CBxrfiMFNwYEGvE9yzIhr7Z1hKlJDR-dryCIzgVkp7jPZcAgbiNxc-WyEMMqTEcESEfovvwgzvA2NO_d2E-i-2-cAGu8lmgIDIDTPAvRL/s1600/lillebaby01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTcrNiwUD0VfjgP9ApGkddCjpBTwNfzdlSjo-CBxrfiMFNwYEGvE9yzIhr7Z1hKlJDR-dryCIzgVkp7jPZcAgbiNxc-WyEMMqTEcESEfovvwgzvA2NO_d2E-i-2-cAGu8lmgIDIDTPAvRL/s1600/lillebaby01.jpg" /></a></div>
--They have great color options in soft and comfy 100% cotton (organic is an option!). They don't have super fancy designed fabrics, but that is just fine with me! I chose the warm orange carrier, and I think it convinced me that it needs to be my new favorite color!<br />
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--When it calls itself the COMPLETE, it's the truth. I love all of the options! (Ok, maybe I do wish there was a zippered pouch for a few of my things, but it's awesome enough without it.)<br />
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The only downside:<br />
I wish there were videos! I'm such a visual learner that even the best directions and pictures aren't good enough for me. I like to see it being done. (But the good news is I found out they are in the process of getting videos together!!) <br />
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It should be noted that if I have learned anything in my quest for the perfect carrier, it is that it takes time to learn how to use them and figure it all out. But once you do, they are the handiest things ever! And my líllébaby COMPLETE Carrier will definitely be getting a lot of use!<br />
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So now, your chance to win a <b>líllébaby COMPLETE Original Carrier</b> of your own! <br />
<div class="pgtContainpgt" id="pgt382166523pgt">
(Please use this box below for entry. Comment entries will not be added to the drawing)<br />
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(We're trying a little something different than the normal comment to enter that we do. We hope it works smoothly for you, and please let us know if you'd rather us go back to the other way for future giveaways!)aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-51251625119037575482013-02-05T06:38:00.000-08:002013-02-05T06:38:01.012-08:00Transitioning your child into a toddler bed<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGQzbZC_WpidBIXREU4gkEQx7pZsN3z8MCGrWbJWJ5yOXBE5MoC3pXGprXMfYNgeRiJrRghdmmfiuSW9Sspmc_Cp7EtNWB61c-NEsfLa4kvECts-8h3a-TVwmbIqVA8C3F7dL6o1JzIo/s1600/021056bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGQzbZC_WpidBIXREU4gkEQx7pZsN3z8MCGrWbJWJ5yOXBE5MoC3pXGprXMfYNgeRiJrRghdmmfiuSW9Sspmc_Cp7EtNWB61c-NEsfLa4kvECts-8h3a-TVwmbIqVA8C3F7dL6o1JzIo/s400/021056bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Many parents are content to keep their children in a crib as long as possible. It makes complete sense. They are safe, confined, and protected from everything else in the room they could get into. They can't roll out of the crib, nor can they leave their room and wander around your home at night.<br />
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But, eventually, every child will need to make the switch into a more conventional bed. Some children are transitioned because of their dangerous habit of trying to fly the coop and climb out of their crib, some children are transitioned because of younger siblings coming into the picture, and some children are transitioned because it just seems like the right time to their parents. <br />
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Whatever the reason for the switch may be, here are a few tips to help along the way:<br />
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<i>Plan the switch when you have several days of extra time at home with your child.</i> Whether you plan this around a holiday schedule with less parental work requirements or on a Friday night with the weekend ahead- you'll likely need it. Your child may be initially very nervous or scared of the change, especially if you are moving to a different room, and you may find yourself spending much more time during nap and bedtime routines. <br />
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<i>Plan to be VERY off schedule for a few days.</i> As your child is getting adjusted to their new bed and/or new room, they may wake more often or become more upset when they do wake initially. It's an adjustment period, and they'll likely bounce back quickly once they understand the situation, but increased night-wakings or earlier morning wake-times are always a possibility. A toddler who normally takes one nap per day might need two per day initially when transitioning to a toddler bed if they haven't had very restful sleep the night before. Keeping watch of your child's signs of fatigue is important the first few days.<br />
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<i>Make sure your child's room is safe.</i> Lining the floor near the bed with pillows in case of falls, securing furniture to the walls, installing closet door locks, and hiding or securing cords and plugs out of your child's reach or ability are essential. Some pediatricians will even recommend putting a baby gate in front of the child's door (if you choose to leave the door open) or a door handle babyproofing device on the inside of the door (if you choose to leave the door closed) so that your child is unable to leave their room and get into other non-babyproofed rooms in your home in the middle of the night. <br />
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<i>Use transitional tools, like books.</i> If your child is old enough to understand, reading books about the transition to a "big boy" or "big girl" bed may be helpful. Referring to the crib as something that babies sleep in and their new bed as something that big kids sleep in may be helpful. Showing them pictures of the transition can be extremely helpful to those little ones who don't yet have the language to understand you explaining it to them.<br />
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<i>How old was your child when you transitioned to a toddler bed? What were your experiences?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-8475494372180444262013-01-29T07:51:00.000-08:002013-01-29T07:51:00.331-08:00Blogging to baby? New technology is replacing the baby book.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL9jOV8VwNs-06IiUhCReDZK_GvUfXtei5umLREFHRUarnnxprOv98tfRIrBYKZ19gDHXsq-PHZc-2BHMgP_8WBaP5s_pEgiNWPBYnaA_saU-cW9bhc7xFRLy9G-EhD_Ih7jczEqsCSA/s1600/tt6100386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghL9jOV8VwNs-06IiUhCReDZK_GvUfXtei5umLREFHRUarnnxprOv98tfRIrBYKZ19gDHXsq-PHZc-2BHMgP_8WBaP5s_pEgiNWPBYnaA_saU-cW9bhc7xFRLy9G-EhD_Ih7jczEqsCSA/s400/tt6100386.jpg" width="315" /></a></div>
As the younger, more tech-savvy population grows and has children, it seems that less and less of the more formal traditions regarding children are holding steady. Sure, there are some people who still send out birth announcements or family pictures via snail mail, but you are much more likely to see parents sharing pictures through Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram to their family members and friends. <br />
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Just like the newspaper is slowly fading into the internet news phenomenon, it seems that the traditional act of keeping a baby book is slipping aside to email and blogging. <br />
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Parents these days are setting up email accounts for their children- where they write notes and messages, send pictures and scanned drawings/art their child has created. Instead of keeping all of this information in a book, many parents are now opting to send it to an email account they've created for their child to later view.<br />
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Other parents have begun "Letters to ____" blogs. If you do a web search for "Letters to" and then add in a name, you find blogs dedicated only to parents documenting and chronicling their children's lives from a young age on the internet. Sort of their own virtual baby book, to replace the print book our parents may have used. <br />
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Initially, the thought can be somewhat nerve-wracking. What happens if that email server goes under, and you have to transport all that data from one account to another? What if you don't want your child's information on a public blog? Can you make a private account? How do you share information with your family and close friends while not with the general public? However, you could lose a baby book in a natural disaster, and as for safety, as a parent, you use your best judgement and do what you are comfortable with, just like you would in any other situation. <br />
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Thankfully, the new wave of using technology to highlight your baby's first steps does seem to make it a bit easier on a tech-savvy parent these days. A quick post to a blog and your video is saved in one place, sorted by month and date, and accessible by your child when they reach the proper age. Instead of hand writing a story out seated in your office in front of your baby book, you can upload a video or picture with the quick tap of a finger on your mobile device. It can make the process much quicker, which can help you to document more!<br />
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<i>What are some ways you've used technology to chronicle your children's lives?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-49622583068800895982013-01-23T06:33:00.000-08:002013-01-23T06:33:00.740-08:00Baby Monitors- How to make a choice <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOg69jQyfUsW8x3sINdDInARxdnPaSEUb5IPVgCtUrXIsM9rfJPhErsnP4yHCigmSO4d52N0lF2VNw19bML5G_YXfwxDjt9lPJyEYgpeMRB5y2gsozM7Fxt8HK58yx7RFi8WPchqeWcY/s1600/dp1941972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPOg69jQyfUsW8x3sINdDInARxdnPaSEUb5IPVgCtUrXIsM9rfJPhErsnP4yHCigmSO4d52N0lF2VNw19bML5G_YXfwxDjt9lPJyEYgpeMRB5y2gsozM7Fxt8HK58yx7RFi8WPchqeWcY/s400/dp1941972.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
As a new parent, there are plenty of options for just about every baby device you can think of or imagine. It is so overwhelming to look at all your options and know which one is right for you and your family. For many people, the decision is as simple as going to your local baby store, and standing in the aisle staring at monitors until you become overwhelmed and just pick one. However, there may be a better way to choose.<br />
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For starters, talk to your mommy friends. Many already-been-there mothers know a thing or two about what did or did not work for them, and why. Word of mouth suggestions on a product can be some of the best.<br />
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Check out reviews on websites like Amazon or specific store websites. Sure, there are always going to be positive and negative responses for each product, but if the majority are negative or you see a pattern as to why, you may just have your answer to move on to another product. <br />
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Learn the market before you buy. There are plenty of different options you may not even have known about. Did you want a simple, audio monitor? Or were you looking for something that you can watch a video stream from your smart phone? Did you want to know when the baby stops moving or breathing? Did you want to be able to watch from outside of your home and have more remote access? Because all of those options are currently available, in a reasonable price range. <br />
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Look outside of just the baby monitor market. Several electronic stores sell monitoring devices that actually provide more information for often a smaller price tag than traditional baby monitors. You may also be able to buy traditional baby monitors at these stores for a lower cost. It's always better to know your range of choices!<br />
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<i>How did you choose your baby monitor?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-84934765633881872692013-01-15T05:56:00.000-08:002013-01-15T05:56:00.055-08:00Keeping up with photographing your child<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrYjKcq3wgH5hkkeLAncSA6GBvIdIWlaqmZQSSoGMm1K3H7PFZBxjEyGhQdPK2XvA9G4p3vygzWLVdVSFfwqg52tD6p2l01Ai7gMn_tkTqpCyLbEhLTZjCSvKNyyql_zWPYYbxHRU9wg/s1600/culs107792.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZrYjKcq3wgH5hkkeLAncSA6GBvIdIWlaqmZQSSoGMm1K3H7PFZBxjEyGhQdPK2XvA9G4p3vygzWLVdVSFfwqg52tD6p2l01Ai7gMn_tkTqpCyLbEhLTZjCSvKNyyql_zWPYYbxHRU9wg/s400/culs107792.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
When you have one or more small children at home, it is fairly easy to get caught up in the day to day grind and fail to take pictures of your children. Some parents are great at keeping up with photographing their children, but for others it is a struggle to remember. If you have difficulty remembering to grab your camera and click away, here are some helpful tips:<br />
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- <b>Use your mobile phone.</b> A picture is a picture, even if it's grainy. Having some pictures that may not be the optimum quality are better than having none.<br />
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- <b>Set aside a specific day per week where you plan on taking pictures.</b> This can be during an outing or just a plain Wednesday at your home. If you make it part of your routine, you'll do a better job at keeping up.<br />
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- <b>Keep your camera in an accessible place.</b> If your camera is on a different floor or up in a closet somewhere, you probably won't use it as much. Keeping your camera in a safe place in the main area of your home where your child plays ups the possibility of you grabbing it for a cute shot!<br />
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- <b>If all else fails, go with the pros.</b> Purchasing a photography session or package from a professional photographer keeps track of your child's development and is a scheduled appointment that you'll take more time to go to. Whether you sign up for a plan where you have pictures taken every few months, or even once a year, it is still landing the responsibility on someone else, you just have to show up!<br />
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<i>How do you do with taking your child's pictures? Are day to day pictures and video something you remember to do? </i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-51549207462406760492013-01-08T18:03:00.000-08:002013-01-08T18:03:00.463-08:00Surviving a winter pregnancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYp8-9pjNuN5w2UcgREOBZAXPSIdt5971Kihh_2w7zHL27-pwFOO-eAzKxVAA-tHxDbNuJKV8-hAew4a5NyyWLGYW3bXZzo5s6umfUKrIpPZ2vQkM7-H-TmaxCM8MO3WFya_6gfTvkzB4/s1600/ptg01887252.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYp8-9pjNuN5w2UcgREOBZAXPSIdt5971Kihh_2w7zHL27-pwFOO-eAzKxVAA-tHxDbNuJKV8-hAew4a5NyyWLGYW3bXZzo5s6umfUKrIpPZ2vQkM7-H-TmaxCM8MO3WFya_6gfTvkzB4/s400/ptg01887252.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
Many women who've been pregnant say that a summer while largely pregnant is troublesome and difficult at times. However, winter pregnancies aren't always a piece of cake either. You have, depending on your location, snow, ice, sleet, and a whole different set of problems.<br />
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Not only is winter a bit more dangerous than the summer for pregnant mamas-to-be, it can be much more inconvenient in many ways. <br />
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Here are some tips to help you through a winter pregnancy:<br />
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- <i>Wear reasonable shoes.</i> No one wants to walk around in a pair of sneakers their entire pregnancy, because it's just not really all that fashionable. However, you can be more reasonable in your shoe choices. When your balance and proportion is already off AND you're dealing with slippery, icy ground, there's no reason to ask for a fall by wearing too high of a pair of heels. Opting for flats or at least purchase non-slip pads that adhere to the bottom of your shoes to stay on your feet.<br />
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- <i>Invest in winter extras while pregnant.</i> Stock up on salt for your home, buy the more expensive de-icing windshield wiper fluid, and don't be hesitant to spend a little bit of time sitting in your car waiting for it to defrost before you go out and manually scrape. For a few extra dollars, you can make the season a bit easier on yourself. While this isn't something you may normally do, it is highly beneficial when you are close to your due date.<br />
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<i>- Plan on having back up.</i> If you're planning on having your baby in the hospital, make sure you have a few back up options. In case of a large storm, if possible, enlist the help of a friend with a large truck or all terrain vehicle. The last thing you want to do is get stranded somewhere on the way to the hospital. If you have an older child at home, be sure to call your babysitter or family member as soon as you think your laboring begins. Even if you have a false alarm or two, it is better to be prepared then to find yourself in a situation where you are braving the elements with your older child or children because their care couldn't get to you in time. <br />
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- <i>Stock your freezer.</i> Whether you can't get out before or after the baby is born due to inclement weather, keeping some freezer meals on hand is really helpful in feeding your family and yourself. If you feel particularly inclined, there are plenty of recipes on Pinterest and around the internet for freezer meals. If you just need to grab something quick to have as a back up, your local grocery store will likely have family size freezer meals available for purchase.<br />
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<i>What are some ways you get through a winter pregnancy or delivery?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-38655987436662542092012-12-20T06:00:00.000-08:002012-12-20T06:00:13.784-08:00How to handle the holidays with children<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrqncE1DS_1es8gETyEcSwQV1X4KIL7AY3LQl3IIxi9CsGZ4dyojDq1YskL1X4S1dBfBBs1X6v_FznOWRA0_iRYYV7XfqKeqkxVbX8MHJCDPDsBNRtAWlqtmjnc0w2jNqLPA76BQq7r8/s1600/dp1780733.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZrqncE1DS_1es8gETyEcSwQV1X4KIL7AY3LQl3IIxi9CsGZ4dyojDq1YskL1X4S1dBfBBs1X6v_FznOWRA0_iRYYV7XfqKeqkxVbX8MHJCDPDsBNRtAWlqtmjnc0w2jNqLPA76BQq7r8/s400/dp1780733.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Your first holiday as a family with children can be quite a bit different than your childless holidays. From family gatherings to your typical traditions, your experiences may be very different with an infant or toddler. Here are some general guidelines that may help you and your family through your first holiday season together.<br />
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<i>- You may have to skip things, or spend less time at gatherings.</i> With a new baby, most times you will suffer the consequences of throwing them off their routine for days after the actual event you attend. If you're willing to accept that fact, then go right on ahead and do everything like you did the year before. If you're not, then chances are you'll have to plan your holiday get together's around your baby's schedule. That may mean skipping later parties or only coming and staying for an hour or skipping the sit-down meal. <br />
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<i>- Keep extra sets of clothes in your car or diaper bag.</i> Chances are either you or your babe are going to end up with some sort of explosion on you, whatever kind that may be, and it always ends up happening when you're already dressed for the event. Keep an extra set of clothes handy for both you and baby!<br />
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<i>- Try Santa pictures with your babe, but be prepared for it to not work.</i> Most parents who celebrate Christmas look forward to their child's first picture with Santa, but it can go from a fun experience to a meltdown in record time. Plan ahead to have one parent close to your child and one parent taking extra pictures, because you are going to need to double team this one in case of a scary Santa encounter.<br />
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<i>- Make your own new holiday traditions. </i>Sure, it's easy to focus on how different the holidays will be from now on initially, but there are plenty of new traditions you can develop for your own family. Have a cranky little one? Try putting them in their car seat for a drive while you and your significant other or spouse looks at holiday lights. Calming for the baby, fun for mom & dad. <br />
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<i>What are some ways your holidays have changed since having a child?</i><br />
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<br />the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-87542062188265487542012-12-19T05:42:00.000-08:002012-12-19T05:42:00.057-08:00GIVEAWAY WINNER<br />
The winner of the Milan Maternity Fall/Winter giveaway chosen by random.org is:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm1ro15F8uD4JCkFqkp7LMIp3f8FCQfNMdAIQsu0AWLHcuELlyQ5Fm76REkMrYZH6XFcx8JVwkQt1cIQQbst0cRKsdV472LRRntTAl1_76fPaCmd_TVWssRA1836ZvN1JPRWadMLMp5OO/s1600/giveaway02.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXm1ro15F8uD4JCkFqkp7LMIp3f8FCQfNMdAIQsu0AWLHcuELlyQ5Fm76REkMrYZH6XFcx8JVwkQt1cIQQbst0cRKsdV472LRRntTAl1_76fPaCmd_TVWssRA1836ZvN1JPRWadMLMp5OO/s1600/giveaway02.png" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLeSGclDunvvAmjrxgDqQV_OEhRipsuM8FivpbUwDJ7UcqG87bC5EClG25szzzF5Q3O-mEf-JUH1DzYov95HMvK4KXNdZFkd9ltdHXBFLA_vDGV83qcu2oqDAHObm6QaNpE2GqNeLPlzO/s1600/giveaway01.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="51" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLeSGclDunvvAmjrxgDqQV_OEhRipsuM8FivpbUwDJ7UcqG87bC5EClG25szzzF5Q3O-mEf-JUH1DzYov95HMvK4KXNdZFkd9ltdHXBFLA_vDGV83qcu2oqDAHObm6QaNpE2GqNeLPlzO/s400/giveaway01.png" width="400" /></a></div>
Beth R, please email service@milanmaternity.com by December 22 11:59 pm to claim your prize or another winner will be chosen.<br />
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Congratulations!aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-83286329756655167972012-12-18T07:17:00.000-08:002012-12-18T07:17:00.814-08:00Stand by holiday gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6D4KVO5LLMfhkOT1Li14tfmCvA7DjoB9i08BeAugNz4FSGzqEF3MCbZ1h0cItUi8GYr2UdA58Jp4qLEf1WstpsOdbkdEdc62lPiYiOXfQBpposJvJLpI6ODSFVl1K_7Da1WxwL4dJ8c/s1600/faa077000079.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY6D4KVO5LLMfhkOT1Li14tfmCvA7DjoB9i08BeAugNz4FSGzqEF3MCbZ1h0cItUi8GYr2UdA58Jp4qLEf1WstpsOdbkdEdc62lPiYiOXfQBpposJvJLpI6ODSFVl1K_7Da1WxwL4dJ8c/s400/faa077000079.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
It seems like every holiday season, there is ALWAYS someone who buys you a gift that you hadn't thought to reciprocate. As a new parent, this is somewhat more difficult, because it isn't always easy just to run out and pick something up, wrap it, and have a nice card prepared. Here are a few good standby options of gifts to keep just in case:<br />
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1. Soaps. Everyone uses soap, right? This is an easy, although somewhat tried method.<br />
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2. Movie passes or gift cards. Having a night out is a fun time for most everyone I know, and getting to do it on someone else's dime makes it even more enjoyable. I'd certainly not turn down a free movie night out!<br />
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3. A movie rental voucher and some popcorn/snacks in a small basket. Same idea as above, just at home! Pajamas not included. :)<br />
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4. A grocery store or gas card. Because, after the holiday season, everyone could use some free groceries.<br />
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These are some great go-to options for a quick card or gift to give to someone you may have omitted from your holiday gift list. Best thing about ALL of these gifts? If you don't need to use one or all of them as a back up gift, they are all really functional things that YOU can use, so they won't go to waste!<br />
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<i>What are your standby gifts for the holiday season?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-52875854242843046672012-12-17T05:12:00.000-08:002012-12-17T05:12:00.114-08:00Another review and DON'T FORGET THE GIVEAWAY!!Don't forget to enter the giveaway for one of the new Fall/Winter Milan Maternity tops! <a href="http://www.milanmaternity.blogspot.com/2012/12/fallwinter-collection-review-and.html">Click here to find out how to enter!</a> You have until 11:59 tonight!<br />
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Now, when it comes to my wardrobe, there are two colors I have a lot of. Something that I think everyone should have a lot of. Because they are easy colors, can go with almost anything, and it's simple to pair it with what you need to. Those two colors are brown and black.<br />
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And that is why when the new Milan Maternity Fall/Winter tops came out, I also had to have the <a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/maternity-collections-clothing-trendy-tops-skirts/milan-maternity-fall-winter-maternity-clothing/julietta-brown-maternity-nursing-top.html">Julietta in French Roast</a>. Brown is a great go-to color. And this top is great for pregnancy, that transition period after having a baby, AND nursing! It's comfortable no matter what stage you're in, and it's cute with the ruffle details and buttons and empire waist.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj598SUFeBh_u05F6Pc-Kr3pihagDQVEjGeTItEYqnv6bsY6TtyIqn2hbSMskqVIHAeC2JhCiUTk5JxgevLYxSWbsvxED02sy9zrnmA1YthObskzgNfMUKm5nJ2PMEP4B-jxHmypDxyHNW-/s1600/browntrsquare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj598SUFeBh_u05F6Pc-Kr3pihagDQVEjGeTItEYqnv6bsY6TtyIqn2hbSMskqVIHAeC2JhCiUTk5JxgevLYxSWbsvxED02sy9zrnmA1YthObskzgNfMUKm5nJ2PMEP4B-jxHmypDxyHNW-/s320/browntrsquare.png" width="320" /></a></div>
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You pretty much can't go wrong with it! So make sure you <a href="http://www.milanmaternity.blogspot.com/2012/12/fallwinter-collection-review-and.html">enter the giveaway</a> so you can enter to win a new top of your own!<br />
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aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-30149462521504223312012-12-10T12:48:00.002-08:002012-12-18T05:33:31.316-08:00Fall/Winter Collection Review and GIVEAWAY!!!Hi, everyone! It's me, aniC, back for a review and giveaway! <br />
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Now that I have a 5 week old baby, I'm reminded about this phase. The phase when my regular clothes aren't fitting but I want to be done with most maternity clothes and they don't fit right either. Not to mention needing clothes that are conducive to having a nursing baby. So I was excited for the new Milan Maternity tops for fall/winter to came out. I always love the transitional and nursing tops.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm_oGCk-JfYhcViOKpxADtjiKoiZFhWjQ2kXrDTjIsEvBOu4V-oYIHkK61rez_CyvJCHMSMiaaVoi47SkgAvCVIM-6e3f4_UfEQLI7phjhga8cAJKBSQ7Gdmt0ucO6h2ZJwussK2Luazd/s1600/rosalielibertygreen.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKm_oGCk-JfYhcViOKpxADtjiKoiZFhWjQ2kXrDTjIsEvBOu4V-oYIHkK61rez_CyvJCHMSMiaaVoi47SkgAvCVIM-6e3f4_UfEQLI7phjhga8cAJKBSQ7Gdmt0ucO6h2ZJwussK2Luazd/s320/rosalielibertygreen.png" width="320" /></a></div>
I was immediately drawn to the <a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/maternity-collections-clothing-trendy-tops-skirts/nursing-maternity-tops-shirts/rosalie-maternity-nursing-top-green.html">Rosalie top</a>. Specifically the Rosalie in Liberty Green. I absolutely loved the color. I absolutely loved the ruffle detail. And I absolutely loved the color of the vintage buttons in contrast of the color. And not only did I love the Rosalie in Liberty Green, but also in Raisin. I had to have them both! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6-pCvHOxhOh1EG31QmbdCtHKmSQGWISloqKIwRjcWBYH6WCgGX0gtrzKg_wiiqsS4IpnlGRCWpizw0Q684zmDywwwSb5ps4ou5lvk-koye8k3yCC5XV4ojA1SlgkNkaR16NUd3gTfllR/s1600/rosalieraisin.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji6-pCvHOxhOh1EG31QmbdCtHKmSQGWISloqKIwRjcWBYH6WCgGX0gtrzKg_wiiqsS4IpnlGRCWpizw0Q684zmDywwwSb5ps4ou5lvk-koye8k3yCC5XV4ojA1SlgkNkaR16NUd3gTfllR/s320/rosalieraisin.png" width="320" /></a></div>
When I got them, I wasn't disappointed. The colors really are great. The material is soft and the fit is great for a postpartum body. And of course the the inner tank inside that can be lifted to use for discreet nursing is great. My only complaint: They didn't come out until after I had the baby. I would have loved to have worn them as maternity wear!!<br />
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Now, wouldn't you love to win the Rosalie, or one of the other awesome new fall/winter tops?!? You can!<br />
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<b>Here's how to enter <i>(remember to leave a separate comment for each thing you do)</i></b></h3>
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<span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">1) Go to the Milan Maternity <a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">we</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/" style="color: #999999; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">bsite </a>and tell us which new item you would like if you win.</span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></b></span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">2) <span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">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, leave a separate comment for each)</span></span></span></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;" /></b></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /><span style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">3)F<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ollow </span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Milan-Maternity/66951578565?ref=search" style="color: #e06666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Milan Maternity on Facebook </a>, f<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ollow this blog, follow </span><a href="https://twitter.com/#!/MilanMaternity" style="color: #e06666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Milan Maternity on Twitter </a>, p<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">ost one of our buttons on your blog and leave the link (</span></span></span></b></span><b style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms'; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">leave a separate comment for each</span></span></span></b><span style="font-weight: normal;"> </span><span style="font-weight: normal; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">)</span></span></span></b></span></span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">4)Pin your favorite top on Pinterest with "I want to win this in the Milan Maternity giveaway. You can enter, too: http://milanmaternity.blogspot.com/2012/12/fallwinter-collection-review-and.html" Leave a link showing your pin.</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><br /></span></span></span></b></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><b style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Good luck! Giveaway ends Monday December 17, 11:59 pm.</span></span></span></b></span></span><br />
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aniChttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05081383274974114127noreply@blogger.com187tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-15402046939955101962012-12-10T05:19:00.000-08:002012-12-10T05:19:00.109-08:00Child-proofing your holiday decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NvgsyzkRwYPnSEV66Miq-2ovynNS5buCVT9kDTZa9I3ZAH2WAC4LtOvnmsiVRHGnwbCAEMRhJTzmiVPwDQ4FVdSruiiRGleAxvO4sNTZHNTxnfzbOp_Uc41ib4G2JdjVjuJm3m6Qias/s1600/faa076000428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3NvgsyzkRwYPnSEV66Miq-2ovynNS5buCVT9kDTZa9I3ZAH2WAC4LtOvnmsiVRHGnwbCAEMRhJTzmiVPwDQ4FVdSruiiRGleAxvO4sNTZHNTxnfzbOp_Uc41ib4G2JdjVjuJm3m6Qias/s400/faa076000428.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
Imagine your holiday home for a moment. <br />
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A fire crackling in the fireplace, a tree trimmed with sparkling lights and bright ornaments, wrapped gifts sitting underneath the tree, and a glass of egg nog in your hands.<br />
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Then open your eyes, and remember that you have a toddler. And that whole scenario is one big pit of danger. But, it doesn't have to be one scary toddler death trap after another, and here's how:<br />
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- <i>Learn where to scale back. </i>Don't put packages or presents near or under the tree until Christmas Eve or Christmas morning. Otherwise, you risk your toddler not only damaging the gifts or the packaging, but also moving them around the room to use as stools to get up on other furniture. Keep candles out of reach or completely away for a few years until your little one gets a bit bigger.<br />
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- <i>Baby gates are your friend.</i> While it may not look beautiful, putting a play yard around your tree will help to keep your child away from your tree for a few Christmas seasons when fun and new shiny things go into their little hands and mouths. Not to mention if the tree is off limits completely, your little one can't climb on it or pull it down.<br />
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- <i>If you do opt for decorations, try safer alternatives. </i> Plastic ornaments and ribbons are excellent alternatives to traditional ornaments and decorations. Adding larger bells onto your tree or around your home on your decor can alert you to when your child is getting into something, if your eyes are not always able to be on them. Stuffed holiday toys like reindeer and elves can provide a safer look of the holidays in your home.<br />
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<i>- Keep child-safe rooms.</i> If you want your holiday decor to remain somewhat similar to before having children, make sure that you have designated play rooms where your child can't get into your decor. <br />
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<i>What are you doing to keep your holidays child-safe?</i>the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-53028425844363553682012-12-04T06:02:00.000-08:002012-12-04T06:02:00.380-08:00How to pack your hospital bag<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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As your pregnancy nears toward the third trimester, a lot of mothers begin to think about packing their hospital bag. While this is an extremely personal task to complete, there are several guidelines that help to cut down on some of the confusion or constant questioning in packing your bag.</div>
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1. <i>Check with your hospital's guidelines before you begin to pack.</i> Depending on your hospital, there may be some restrictions as to what items you may bring with you. While it seems like a silly thought, it's better to be safe than sorry if they have restrictions!</div>
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2. <i>Plan well! </i>Many women tend to be over-packers. Give yourself an estimate of 3-5 days and think about the bare minimal things you will need for those days. 2-3 pairs of pajamas, an outfit for you to go home in, an outfit for baby to go home in, the car seat, toiletries, etc. Begin with only the basics, and make sure you're not over packing those!</div>
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3. <i>Talk to other mothers who've delivered at the same hospital.</i> Many/most hospitals provide you with items like underwear, feminine hygiene items, diapers for baby, etc. Speaking with another mother who has recently delivered at the same hospital can help you know what items won't be necessary to pack.</div>
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4. <i>Pack questionable items in a second bag that stays in the car. </i>Some items, while may be helpful, are not necessary. We packed a breastfeeding pillow, but ended up leaving it in the car. I brought a straightener and blow dryer for my hair, and didn't use either. For my second birth, those items will be packed, but stay in a separate bag left in the car to save space in the hospital room.</div>
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5. <i>Know yourself.</i> If you always wear at least a little makeup, bring a small makeup bag with the essentials. Unless you have visitors 24/7- you'll have time, even if you don't have energy. If you aren't a TV watcher, but stay connected to the Internet, then make sure you bring your laptop or some movies. But if at home your TV and smart phone are enough, chances are they will be enough to occupy your free time at the hospital as well. No need to bring your laptop, a personal DVD player, your smart phone, and 10 DVDs. There is a very small likelihood you'll use ALL of that.</div>
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6. <i>Plan ahead on someone who can pick something up for you.</i> If you have a person with access to your home in advance, you'll likely pack lighter and not stress so much over packing your hospital bag. Most times, a family member or good friend can always make a quick run to pick up something you've forgotten or didn't realize you'd need!</div>
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What are some items you plan to pack in your hospital bag?</div>
the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-30700413926307164882012-11-29T07:02:00.000-08:002012-11-29T07:02:00.146-08:00Four friends every mother should have<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
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Every new mother needs a support group. Often times friends are a large part of your support, as family tends to be more scattered across the country than it used to be. <br />
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Here are a few mom-friends it would be helpful to have:<br />
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1. <i>The Helper.</i> This friend is always willing to lend a hand, whether that be holding your new baby while you shower, throwing in a load of laundry, or bringing you a warm meal. While these things seem simple and before your child you probably would not ever ask for help in completion of these tasks, after your baby is born having these tasks completed by a willing friend is so beneficial. <br />
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2. <i>The Night Owl.</i> Having a friend who is known to stay up late can be extremely helpful in the first few months of being a parent. Just knowing that there is a listening ear one text message away at 2 a.m. can be comforting, even if you don't often need to send the message.<br />
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3. <i>The been-there-done-that mom.</i> Everything is extremely new and confusing as a first time parent. Having a friend who has been through many of the same situations you're encountering can be a blessing. Being able to use your friend as a sounding board and having someone informal to whom you may ask questions can ease your nerves quite a bit.<br />
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4. <i>The friend who doesn't have children. </i>Many a new mother will tell you, while they LOVE their children and family, there is a good feeling about being able to step out to a dinner or movie just yourself and a close friend. With your friend who doesn't have children, the conversation won't revolve around your child unless you choose it to do so. Having a few hours of "me" time can bring you back refreshed and better for your family.<br />
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Do you have any friends who were extremely helpful after the birth of your child?the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-50470882996808895872012-11-25T16:17:00.001-08:002012-11-25T16:17:58.340-08:00Cyber Deals-- 30-60% off! Don't Miss!We've got something exciting lined up for Cyber Monday! In addition to the 25% off you can save with code "BLKFRI25", and $3 flat rate shipping, we'll be featuring some of our pieces in our "CYBER DEALS" section at 30-60% off! We'll have at least one maternity/transitional piece and one maternity/nursing piece listed every two hours starting at 8am MST, and ending at 10pm on Cyber Monday. Here's a sample of some of the pieces you'll see tomorrow, starting at just $13! Keep a close eye on our <a href="http://www.facebook.com/milanmaternity">FACEBOOK</a> page and don't miss out; we'll post the deals as they change there!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Viviana - Cyber Deal $15</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/M/g/Mgrey-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/M/g/Mgrey-1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mia - Cyber Deal $18</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_134_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_134_1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luciana - Cyber Deal $19</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/b/r/browntrvertical.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/b/r/browntrvertical.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julietta - Cyber Deal $23<br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-30780107289464916022012-11-24T08:14:00.000-08:002012-11-24T08:14:00.317-08:00Black Friday/Cyber Monday Milan Maternity PromoWe hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving and a not-to-crazy Black Friday! Don't forget- some of the best shopping is online! Through Monday, save 25% off all MM purchases with code "BLKFRI25", and take advantage of our $3 flat rate shipping! Plus, as a little bonus, we're throwing in a pair of super cute vintage style earrings on all orders over $50! Here's a little sample of some of the deals you can snag with this code:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/e/redtrsittingvertical.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/e/redtrsittingvertical.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Adriana Maternity/Nursing top in Bordeaux<br />
Regular Price: $39<br />
Sale Price: $29.25</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_47_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_47_2.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosella Maternity/Transtional top in Heather Gray<br />
Regular Price: $34<br />
Sale Price: $14.25</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/a/q/aquasittingvertical.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rosalie Maternity/Nursing top in Liberty Green <br />
Regular Price: $39<br />
Sale Price: $29.25</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/M/b/Mblack-1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/M/b/Mblack-1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Elisabetta Maternity/Transitional top in Black<br />
Regular Price: $39<br />
Sale Price: $22.50</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_134.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/f/i/file_134.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Luciana Maternity/Nursing top in White Dot<br />
Regular Price: $39<br />
Sale Price: $21.75<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/b/r/brownblstanding_1.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/b/r/brownblstanding_1.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Julietta Maternity/Nursing top in French Roast<br />
Regular Price: $36<br />
Sale Price: $27</td></tr>
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<a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/e/redtrsittingvertical.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/t/a/taupetrsquare.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/t/a/taupetrsquare.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All orders over $50 get a FREE<br />
pair of vintage style earrings to match their MM purchase!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<a href="http://www.milanmaternity.com/maternity-clothes/media/catalog/product/cache/1/small_image/208x311/5e06319eda06f020e43594a9c230972d/r/e/redtrsittingvertical.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
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</a><br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-80373039335930559892012-11-19T06:14:00.000-08:002012-11-19T06:14:00.166-08:00How to stay style savvy postpartumLet's be honest. Postpartum style is hard to achieve. Not only does your body look like you are still pregnant, but you're barely sleeping, only intermittently eating, and your body is recuperating from your delivery.<br />
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Then you add into that scenario the fact that friends and family want to visit, you need to take the baby to doctor's appointments, and need to attend your own doctor's appointments. In the thick of all of that, you are just trying to look like you hadn't been run over by a mack truck of baby. :)<br />
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However, there are some simple things you can do to look your best:<br />
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1. Ask your significant other (or a support person if available) to give you a half hour each day to shower, brush your teeth, put on a little make-up if you feel so inclined. Not only will you be more presentable if unannounced guests do arrive, but actually having that shower every day can help you feel like a real human being again for a few minutes. It is highly worth your time!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcfSpAoiWOHM7QcY_VxErCGb_qLK9kebvtqOu0SnQKCfSV68K-gGYYqgibjjTpYd88Pecg8bUEMEfJdAjvICIU2_NWhn_KzsAPEFf8Xg2DK-BvD0-tq1PuOpANCeAl10XicesKvc_r7U/s1600/file_134.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFcfSpAoiWOHM7QcY_VxErCGb_qLK9kebvtqOu0SnQKCfSV68K-gGYYqgibjjTpYd88Pecg8bUEMEfJdAjvICIU2_NWhn_KzsAPEFf8Xg2DK-BvD0-tq1PuOpANCeAl10XicesKvc_r7U/s1600/file_134.png" /></a></div>
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2. Wear clothing that isn't extremely form-fitting. For MOST women, your body will still look significantly pregnant for some time after you have your baby. Wearing loose knit tops, sweaters, and blouses can give you a little coverage and modesty- and help you feel more self-confident in entertaining guests.</div>
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3. Style your hair. I'm not talking about hours with your stylist or curling iron, but you can do something with your hair. Often a low, messy bun or a quick braid here or there can keep you looking put-together when it's all you can do to get your teeth brushed some days.<br />
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4. Always pack an extra outfit for YOU (and the baby) to keep stored in the car. If you're on the way to the doctor's office and the baby spits up on you as you leave your car, throwing a quick sweater over your soiled top can fix your situation!<br />
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What are some ways you plan to (or have) kept your style postpartum?<br />
<br />the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-2028904452164912592012-11-13T06:01:00.000-08:002012-11-13T06:01:00.179-08:00How to find mommy friends<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oLmN4_hCDTfH_1NSPoUDZm-VqOdBnuYE1PfEpFq3Vwc7kUVCgyn32LyLE1lMgpQXsFu1C4XRp-vQgBJSXdfdx5aJiFor4xysF3CRhfGvnM7aQqHLK0ge7yvQA_j06iQuKi804uuYqs/s1600/wm374808tt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9-oLmN4_hCDTfH_1NSPoUDZm-VqOdBnuYE1PfEpFq3Vwc7kUVCgyn32LyLE1lMgpQXsFu1C4XRp-vQgBJSXdfdx5aJiFor4xysF3CRhfGvnM7aQqHLK0ge7yvQA_j06iQuKi804uuYqs/s400/wm374808tt.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">Image by photl.com</span></td></tr>
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If you happen to be a new mother without any other "mommy friends", the thought of now developing new friendships at this stage of your life can be intimidating. Here are some options to find other women in your same situation:<br />
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1. <i>Join free classes. </i>Most local libraries offer free classes for mothers and their children. Becoming involved in these classes opens you and your child up to meeting other mothers and children you'd never have interacted with otherwise.<br />
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2. <i>Join support groups. </i>Some local hospitals run support groups for new parents, new mothers, new fathers, breastfeeding mothers, formula feeding mothers, etc. A quick call to your hospital can lead you to a group of new friends. Some communities also offer groups called MOPS, or mothers of preschoolers. These groups also foster relationships between new mothers in your community.<br />
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3. <i>Get out of the house! </i>Whether it includes walking through your neighborhood, going to a local park, or spending time at a local coffee shop or bookstore with your new babe in tow, you'll always have more opportunity to meet people when you're away from your pajamas and couch!<br />
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4. <i>Use the internet. </i>Babycenter.com, TheBump.com, and several other sites exist with sections of "Mommy Message Boards"- where you are able to message with and connect with other mothers either in your area or across the country for information, friendship, and some support as well. <br />
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5. <i>Use your connections.</i> Don't know any other new mothers, but your friends do? Ask them to set up a lunch date between you/your babe, your friend, and their friend/their babe. Blind dating still happens after you have babies! If things go well, you can always ask to meet up for a play date or park get together!<br />
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What are some ways you've met new friends after becoming a mother?the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-75802390246654292372012-10-09T05:20:00.000-07:002012-10-09T05:20:00.701-07:00A review of the Marianna topIf you don't own the Marianna maternity/nursing top from Milan Maternity, you seriously need to grab this soon for your closet! I was able to snag the Marianna top in both white and blue, and I just LOVE these shirts. Check them out below, and then let me tell you why :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgslq1SfPOUOLyX3gpTwzJcWNSD3orVGr9dLey5zM908FGXh6eaa746hNZ6LefIC0e0pA9pihYZwoIzjhWDSl5ZucRs-dUClMLqOh3vMVJdm-l-B9GP4nL4gBZOmql8uQBPO8Oj0Vfu4M/s1600/file_94.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgslq1SfPOUOLyX3gpTwzJcWNSD3orVGr9dLey5zM908FGXh6eaa746hNZ6LefIC0e0pA9pihYZwoIzjhWDSl5ZucRs-dUClMLqOh3vMVJdm-l-B9GP4nL4gBZOmql8uQBPO8Oj0Vfu4M/s400/file_94.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UnogZRr4E3RErkHjw-kYvPRtCX4-WQJtgy1u3Nn2MpXf7ScAewOPVspxHK1X86Tq6uEYUWCiVHPJMX6zoHjs8Cakeu253LC6Vl3_diMXgOzGgRBZnyCpZnrLpmQUqCbTvUbxiMEcCCw/s1600/Mblue-square.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1UnogZRr4E3RErkHjw-kYvPRtCX4-WQJtgy1u3Nn2MpXf7ScAewOPVspxHK1X86Tq6uEYUWCiVHPJMX6zoHjs8Cakeu253LC6Vl3_diMXgOzGgRBZnyCpZnrLpmQUqCbTvUbxiMEcCCw/s400/Mblue-square.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's start with the logistics of the top. Per the Milan Mat<span style="font-family: inherit;">ernity shop, it is a "h<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18.6px;">enley maternity top with pintuck detail and mandarin collar. 3/4 length button cuff sleeves. Unbutton to desired length and lift up the inner tank sheath for modest and discreet nursing."</span> It is </span>really nicely fitted in the chest and arms but does allow some room with their again awesomely stretchy material around the waist to accommodate your growing babe. </div>
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This shirt hits all of the top marks for me: It is REALLY easy to nurse in, it is form fitting while still being modest and appropriate, and it makes my flabby mama arms look amazing! The best part about this shirt though? You can practically pair it with almost anything. I've worn this top on cooler summer days with a pair of shorts or a pair of capri pants, as well as I'm now wearing it in the fall temperatures with jeans or khakis. I definitely forsee it being something I'll add a scarf or a light jacket to in the fall and wear throughout that season as well. The fabric is light and airy, but clings to your skin so it does provide some warmth when in cooler temperatures. I am so glad I decided on getting both colors of this top, I could wear this all week! </div>
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Hint, hint Milan Maternity! Make more colors of this top! :)</div>
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What do you like most about the Marianna top?</div>
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<br />the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com267tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-64403895822135686592012-10-04T06:46:00.000-07:002012-10-04T06:46:00.335-07:00Avoiding unwanted pregnancy advice<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvRTvfHDLQkCJAxlpZ6uPD4RuizsDHo-jgkj7_UVneh88oZlubhe7uQnho9xsJGtp-W4asW6SUx1YVWYPPyZ8OtOep0xkJ4wMhG1tqCf7V3lwfdGhp8tXlT0FinbH1XpQWvjr3KBfHK4/s1600/020262bl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidvRTvfHDLQkCJAxlpZ6uPD4RuizsDHo-jgkj7_UVneh88oZlubhe7uQnho9xsJGtp-W4asW6SUx1YVWYPPyZ8OtOep0xkJ4wMhG1tqCf7V3lwfdGhp8tXlT0FinbH1XpQWvjr3KBfHK4/s400/020262bl.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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Let's face it. Pregnancy brings about so many wonderful, amazing things, but it also brings out SO much unwanted advice from friends, relatives, medical personnel, and heck, even strangers get in on the action! No matter where you stand on any issue of parenting, child-raising, or even how you approach your pregnancy, there is always going to be someone who did things differently than you did or will, and they surely just have to tell you about it. Here are some tips and tricks I've used during both of my pregnancies to avoid unwanted advice.<br />
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For whatever reason, a lot of the pregnancy advice I was given both times around was from strangers. I don't know if I had a sign on my forehead that prompted people to come up to me and discuss my bump, but it happened a lot. My main go-to in this situation was to pretend I didn't hear them or was too engrossed in what I was doing. Mainly, I could tell by their first remark if it was going to be a good or bad conversation, for example, when an elderly woman recently pointed at my belly and said to me, "I know what you've been doing!" Um, yep. When I start to hear those remarks straight out of the gate, I get really interested in what I was doing and pretend either I didn't hear them, or didn't know they were talking to me. It seriously works like a charm for people you don't know, I promise!<br />
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I've also found during my second pregnancy, that so many less people attempt to give me advice when I am either with my toddler or when I tell them I have a toddler at home already. I wish I would have known this the first time around, because it if would have avoided some of those awkward conversations with strangers, I may have just fibbed a little and said I already had a child at home. <br />
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For people who know me, however, it is a little tougher. <br />
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Over the phone? My husband happens to be on the other line sometimes, or all of a sudden, "Oh, shoot, little man is getting into XYZ, gotta go!" both seem to be really excellent ways to politely end the conversation.<br />
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In person? Well, if you really know them (like well-intended family member advice), there is always the <i>I have to use the ladies' room for the 50th time this hour</i> excuse. <br />
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If push comes to shove though, and you find yourself being given advice that is either completely unwanted or totally opposite of how you plan on doing things, you may have to just grin and bear it. I've found that just nodding and smiling works wonders to end the conversation sooner, because if you disagree, most of the advisers are going to try and tell you why you're wrong, which is always fun. And, being polite and nodding through a few short conversations isn't going to hurt anyone sometimes.<br />
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What is some of the worst advice you've been given while pregnant?the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-83294734509072499462012-10-01T05:31:00.000-07:002012-10-01T05:31:00.154-07:00Make-up Tips During Pregnancy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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Anyone who has been pregnant can tell you- it's not all glow and beauty. Pregnancy is an amazing, beautiful thing, but to be honest, you may not always feel the most beautiful during certain parts. Along the way during pregnancy, there are several tips and techniques that make looking great just a little bit easier, especially when it comes to make-up.<br />
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1. Keep it light! Especially during the first trimester, it is really tempting to layer on the make-up to cover up how tired or sick you may feel. But adding on extra layers of concealer, foundation, powder, etc. can just lead to looking cakey and overdone. As you get into the end of the third trimester, many women experience swelling, and your face is not immune to this. A swollen face caked with make-up is not the look you're going for!<br />
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2. Watch your products! In my first trimester during my second pregnancy, I broke out with more acne than I had ever had in my life. However, most face washes, scrubs, or treatments were very harsh and drying to my skin. Your skin can react completely differently to the same exact products you previously used prior to your pregnancy, so be careful that your lotions, washes, and scrubs aren't making the problem worse!<br />
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3. Waterproof is key for your eye make-up. I'll just leave it at a few key words to explain: morning sickness, hormones, and happiness. Enough said. :)<br />
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4. Highlight, highlight, highlight! A good highlighting cream or powder when applied sparingly to the right places can completely wake up your face in a fresh and glowing way. Putting a few dabs or sweeps on your upper cheekbones, right below the crook of your eyebrow, and close to your tear duct on the inside of your eye, when done lightly, can really give you back that glow, even when you don't feel so glowing!<br />
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5. Find a safe sunscreen and use it. During pregnancy, as we mentioned before, your skin changes and reacts differently to your products, your make-up, and the environment. While your face may not have suffered a sunburn before, it may now. Keep your skin healthy by protecting it!<br />
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What are some tips and tricks you use in your make-up routine while pregnant?the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1305850404095811987.post-82749580180358039732012-09-20T06:58:00.000-07:002012-09-20T06:58:00.209-07:00A review of the Lauretta topWhile browsing through the Milan Maternity store, the first shirt that jumped out to me was the Lauretta top. How cute are those buttons on the sleeves? I knew I had to have it. So, naturally, it was the first top I ordered from the Milan Maternity site, and I'd love to share here just why I love it so much more now that I own it.<br />
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I've compiled a list of important features in maternity/nursingwear and organized my review with those guidelines in mind below:</div>
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- Style: This section is an obvious win just by looking at the Lauretta top above. Just because you are trying to fit a pregnant body doesn't mean you need to wear a tent. And the Lauretta top oozes with trendy fall fashion to me. I picture it with a pair of cute jeans, a pair of boots, a printed scarf, and a cup of hot chocolate on a crisp fall day. Perfection.</div>
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- Comfort: I border on being size medium or large in different brands, so it is always a gamble on where I'll fall in a new brand. I ordered this top in a medium, and was second guessing my choice when I saw how small it looked in the box. However, once I put the top on, it was completely stretchy and oh-so-comfortable. I wore this through a full day of work, chasing after my toddler, errands and grocery shopping, and even giving my dogs a bath, and it still felt comfortably stretchy without becoming loose or baggy, like so many other maternity shirts of different brands. When I read in the item description for the top that you can wear this AFTER you have the baby, I was questioning just how nice the shirt would look at that point. But I can tell you right now after wearing it, this is 100% a shirt I can and will wear after I deliver my child. It has enough stretch to make it look like a normal, ruched shirt, even at the end of the day.</div>
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- Modesty: (Yes, this is a feature I look for!) Most maternity tops I have from my first pregnancy were not designed with increased chest size in mind. I constantly felt like I was either showing too much or looking like a nun, with no in between. The Lauretta top does a wonderful job of keeping everything in the right place and being modest while still looking young. A+ in this category!</div>
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- Nursing: Since I am still nursing my toddler, the nursing access feature was one I was able to try immediately, instead of having to wait until I give birth to baby #2. I also own a few nursing tops from my first child, and let me tell you- this top is WAY easier and more convenient than anything I have! The cowl neckline lifts up and the lower seam of the neckline folds down (you can see the seam in the picture above) in order to give you discreet nursing coverage. My main problem with most nursing tops is that the panels/openings try to be so discreet that there is too much fabric, and it interferes with baby's nursing. None of that problem here, as the stretchy fabric moved away where I wanted it to, and stayed put without me constantly having to mess with it while my son was nursing. Excellent!</div>
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Overall, the Lauretta top is high on my list of maternity/nursing shirts, and probably the number one shirt in my closet that I am reaching for now that the weather is getting a bit cooler around here. My only complaint? Make it in more colors!!! :)</div>
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<br />the naptown organizerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07065433185128079044noreply@blogger.com0