Pregnancy Beauty Favs

As some of you know, i'm a total beauty junkie... i love me some products. i read reviews on all kinds of beauty products and have spent way too much money at Ulta, Sephora and the drugstores trying out new skincare, make up, hair care and nail polish.

Anyway, i thought i'd let you girls know what some of my tried and true favorites are that i've switched to throughout pregnancy. It's mostly skincare, but a few other goodies too!

Trader Joe's Refresh Body Wash
Guys, this stuff is great. It's citrusy, cheap and natural... cleans and lathers well and isn't tested on animals. Total win in my book! If you don't have a Trader Joe's nearby, you can order on Amazon.

La Roche Posay Anthelios SX Daily Moisturizer with SPF 15

OK, so this is my go-to moisturizer. It was recommended by my dermatologist before pregnancy and even though its not all natural, i believe the protection it provides with the SPF is worth it. You really only need the smallest drop to cover your entire face. This stuff lasts me forever! I buy it at CVS when I have a decent coupon.

The Balm Time Balm Cucumber Face Toner
I found this on Hautelook and decided to try it out. It's on the pricier side for toner ($12.50 for 6 fl oz) but so far I am really liking it. I wanted something that was more natural and alcohol-free. I started using this in the winter and it has lasted me a really long time! I would definitely consider purchasing this again.

Philosophy Purity Face Wash
This is such a great face wash for all skin types. I used this even before I got pregnant and it has been a staple in my routine for a very long time. I like to use this with my Clarisonic a few times a week for a deeper cleaning. Pre-pregnancy I used a wash with a salicylic acid in it, but since they say to stay away from that with pregnancy, I just use this or Simple Cleanser. I also picked up a Neutrogena Naturals cleanser/make up remover this past weekend that i've been trying and liking. There are so many options for pregnancy friendly cleansers out there.

Bio Oil
I've been using a few different oils for my belly/boob area to try to prevent stretch marks and this is one of them. It has a nice fragrance and has so far (knock on wood) kept the stretch marks away! I like the bottle, you can pour the oil out pretty easily, unlike some of the others I 've tried that have an annoying pump (50 pumps later, you finally have a decent amount).

Zoya Nail Polish
Ah! Finally, a non-skincare pick! One of my favorite brands of nail polish, though its hard to find these in stores. I've found a few at Ulta, the rest I bite the bullet and order online. These are touted as pregnancy safe. They don't contain any of the 5 dangerous chemicals that are supposedly bad for pregnant gals. I love the Pixie Dust line and the polishes are really nice consistency. I also love Zoya's polish remover. If you do your nails a lot, definitely try this brand out!

Fekkai Brilliant Glossing Creme
This next one isn't so much pregnancy friendly in terms of health, but it is a staple in my hair care routine. Pregnancy makes you tired. And tired girls like to get away with washing their hair not as often as pre-pregnancy. Or maybe I am just lazy. That is a totally legit statement as well. But, i only wash my hair 2, maybe 3 times a week. I curl my hair on certain days and run this stuff through it and the curls really stay put. I love it, though I do NOT love the price.

OK so that's it for today's edition of some of my favorite beauty products... of course I have a TON more... let me know in the comments if you'd be interested in seeing more!

*s

Oops... Time is Flying! Bumpdate: 26 weeks

Hi friends! Oh my word... was the last time i blogged really back in July?
The shit hit the proverbial fan at work, and i've just been a busy busy bee.
Which is a good thing, i suppose... job security right?

Anyhoo... since i'm way too busy lazy to go back and find my usual bumpdate topics, i'm just going to do this bulleted style for you today!

• Today I am exactly 26 weeks along. Baby is the size of a head of lettuce? OK... don't get me started on these weird fruit/veggie comparisons... they are just bizarre.
• Kick kick kick... this kid is going to be a soccer player for sure! Active is quite the understatement for this little one! Wonder if he'll kick this much OUTSIDE of the womb as he does on the inside.
• Hubby has only felt 1 or 2 kicks so far on the outside... i think he's a little impatient with waiting to feel anything... i mean, he expects the baby to kick on command? not gonna happen daddy-o! LOL
• Everything is planned for this little guy's shower... invites went out, so i'm super excited to see all my friends and family in about 6 weeks
• Registry is DONE! Yippee! After endless hours in Babies R Us, and finding the cutest little loafers for little man to wear for Christmas, i don't plan on setting foot in that store for at least the next couple of months
• Pregnancy symptoms: nasal rhinitis (snoring like a 300 lb man), tailbone pain (ouch! i sit on an inflatable donut at work like an 80 year old), WRIST pain (this is a new one, and i don't know whether i sprained something or if this is truly pregnancy related), indigestion, the beginnings of constipation (which i've heard is going to get worse, eek! benefiber is my bff), peeing 8,000x a day (i think baby is low and pretty much on my bladder)
• Next week is my 1 hr glucose test, wish me luck
• I have yet to open the exercise DVDs but am SWEARING i will do one tonight. definitely. maybe. probably... the excuses continue.

Think that's it for now since i'm getting slammed with more work... here are some pics from the last few weeks that i've been MIA! (sorry if some are recycled from Instagram).

At the Jets game (25 weeks, 1 day)

Someone stole the Boppy!

24 weeks

Selfie before a girls day out...

Cutest little loafers!!!

Jets slippers! I'm a sucker for cute shoes!

Ceiling fan and light installed, thanks hubby!

Some fun onesies from Old Navy

Have a great week and i hope to be back sooner rather than later!

*s

The Sweetest Surprise...

This weekend we got a lot done for Baby C's room. I taped up all the walls, hubby did the painting. We picked out a ceiling fan and bought curtains... everything is coming along so perfectly, we'll be ready for this little guy with lots of time to spare!

The MOST exciting thing we've gotten for the room so far though...

This ADORABLE mobile from my BOFF Jenn! This was seriously the sweetest surprise that showed up at my doorstep on Friday afternoon. I had 2 boxes waiting for me when I came home from my pre-natal massage (if you're preggers, go get one, it's heavenly); my organic fruit/veggie box and another box... i racked my brain trying to think of what, if anything i had ordered. And once I opened said box, i was just so super surprised i could not stop smiling... i may have even teared up at Jenn's sweet message. Of course I immediately had to snap a pic and put it on Instagram and Facebook.

After all, i just finished making the registry this past week and it's the very first gift we've received off of it! Good job Jenn, #winning! (And yes, I will make sure your thank you card is in the mail ASAP! LOL!) I'm so excited for the nursery to be ready so I can hang this baby up!

Jenn - thank you SO much for your sweet, thoughtful surprise. I'm so so happy we've become such good friends over the past couple of years. People come in and out of our lives, but I sure am glad you came into mine.

And here's a pic of the bump from the weekend... I'll be back soon with a bumpdate and some pics!

*s

Halfway There!

Hi Friends! Happy 20 weeks to me! Yes, we are finally half way there!

We also had our anatomy scan on Monday and everything is looking absolutely great, thank you Jesus! Baby boy was moving and shaking all over the place and it was so surreal to see all his little body parts in such detail!

Here are some pics!

chillaxin'

cutest little foot!

hehehe, little boy parts!

How far along: 20 weeks exactly. HALF WAY THERE!

Baby size: Baby is the size of a banana! Our official weight was 13 oz, which is a bit ahead of the average. And he was measuring 4 days ahead in size.

Weight gain: Still holding steady at 10-12 lbs. haven't got on the scale in a while and that's A-ok with me!

Stretch marks: none yet, hoping they stay away!

Mood: Pretty good, motivated to get stuff done so i am organized and prepared for the fall.

Sleep: UGH. Still waking average of 3x per night to pee. And also being woken up by hubby because apparently i snore like an old man! #oops. thanks pregnancy rhinitis!

Gender: B-O-Y!

Movement:  Lots and lots and lots. This guy decided he was going to have a major dance party in my belly for the past two days now! Lots of kicking and flipping all over the place! Feels totally weird and cool and freaky! Love knowing he's actually in there and wiggling around!

Best moment this week: The anatomy scan of course! Also picking out paint colors for the nursery was great too.

Looking forward to:  4th of July weekend and having a 3-day weekend.

Food cravings: Hot dogs. And that craving was satisfied today thanks to an awesome co-worker! He brought me a chilli cheese dog AND a hot dog with mashed potato, bacon and ranch dressing. It was like i died and went to hot dog heaven.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. Just the gagging, which I have a feeling will just stay with me for the entire pregnancy. 

Labor Signs: Stay away labor signs! At least for another 15 weeks please!

What I miss: Ice. cold. BEER. Summer = blue moons & coronas.

Symptoms: Dance parties in my belly, constant hunger, constant peeing, stuffy nose, some round ligament pain, oh and leg cramps. Lord help me they are bad! They strike in the middle of the night and hurt like hell.

Workouts: Um, next week maybe? Maybe?

Oh and for your viewing pleasure, taken in my office this morning... don't mind my face, i look a little crazy, but i was trying to set the timer to take the picture without anyone seeing me! LOL

Bumpin' along at 20 weeks

Have a great 4th of July! If you're on the East Coast, stay dry! We've got a tropical storm coming our way!

*s

First Kicks!!

Hello there! Yes, I've been MIA for a few weeks now, work has been insanity and June is just flying by! I finally have a few minutes to stop and take a deep breath.

So without further ado, a little bumpdate for you all! (with no pics because i suck).

How far along: 18 weeks, 6 days - big 19 weeks tomorrow!

Baby size: Baby is the size of a mango! About 6" from head to rump.

Weight gain: i think we're in the 10-11lb range. To be honest, i'm trying not to focus on weight gain, and just try and enjoy the ride and eat what i want when i want without being a total glutton. Luckily i'm into lots of fruit for the summer, so i'm making some good healthy choices.

Stretch marks: haven't seen any yet, still slathering on the bio oil!

Mood: My mood has been GREAT. I'm finally feeling good and my energy levels are up. We are planning the nursery and i've bought a few things for this little bambino! I've also more than popped so it's definitely fun dressing my bump.

Sleep: Bah.... i can't complain too much... getting up so much to pee in the middle of the night is annoying, but i can usually fall back asleep right away. Crazy vivid dreams are off the charts right now (including lots of sex dreams, mmmmmm). My Snoogle pillow has been a lifesaver!

Gender: BOY!! Still trying to figure out a name... good thing we have months to decide!

Movement:  YES!!! started feeling the first little blips last friday, wasn't quite sure it was bambino moving around... but now i still feel the same little bubbles/muscle spasm feeling right where my uterus is so i'm pretty sure its him. I can only feel them intermittently and when i am very still. He is very active at night after 9pm, and yesterday morning, i got 2 distinct pops when i first woke up and was still lying in bed. I think it was his way of telling me to get up and eat some breakfast!

Best moment this week: Well, feeling little boy moving is totally great, but so is finally agreeing on and picking out his furniture and bedding! And we ordered the glider!

Munire Jefferson Collection

Little Castel Madison Glider (ours is in beige)

Lambs and Ivy Bow Wow Buddies

Looking forward to:  Our anatomy scan next Monday! And getting to the halfway mark!

Food cravings: Fruit! Lots and lots of fruit... nectarines, watermelon, plums, strawberries and cherries. Glad i'm craving healthy stuff and the fruit is helping to keep me regular (TMI?). Oh and even though i can't have it, totally craving a giant italian sub. Hubby knows he is to go straight to the deli and get me a huge one once baby boy makes his appearance.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Not too much anymore. Though a random bite of anything at anytime can still make me gag. And brushing my teeth in the morning is still somewhat of a challenge.

Labor Signs: Nooooooooo. No time soon! I still have to take the child birth class at the hospital so i know what i'm doing!

What I miss: Italian subs and sushi this week.

Symptoms: Lots of pressure in my lower abdomen, its not helping that my pants and seatbelt press right on this area... pregnancy rhinitis combined with seasonal allergies... emotional roller coasters (aka crying at pampers commercials)... hunger every 2 hrs on the dot... and lots and lots of peeing.... i was in BRU the other day and HAD drop everything and RUN to use the facilities, only to have about a teaspoon of pee come out. it was annoying.

Workouts: Let's not even talk about this. I live in a 3rd floor condo, does climbing the stairs everyday count? Let's pretend it does. One of these days i will unwrap the dvds. Maybe. I have at least been taking the dog out for walks outside so i'm not a TOTAL bum.

Anyhoo. That's it for me. I PROMISE i'll be back next week with an update from our anatomy scan, and some bump pics. I'm also going to be researching stuff for our registry this week and next so maybe i'll try to do a post on some of that stuff. We'll see. Or i might just be lazy. Because work sucks the life out of me.

Toot-a-loo sweet thangs!

*s

Hump Day Bump Day - Week 15

Wow, i can't believe we're at Week 15

14 weeks, 2 days

How far along: 15 weeks today!

Baby size: Baby is the size of a navel orange. About 4" and 2.5 oz!

Weight gain: 7 pounds according to my scale at home. we will see what the dr scale says on monday (though i think their scale LIES!)

Stretch marks: no no no! hoping they stay away! still using bio oil nightly...

Mood: pretty good except when i get hungry, then watch out. hubby has witnessed the transformation first hand and it ain't pretty!

Sleep: becoming more uncomfortable as the belly starts to grow. lots of tossing and turning. oh and apparently now i snore... ugh. thanks congestion!

Gender: BOY! Daddy's Little Jet Fan!

Movement:  No, but i definitely felt pressure below my belly button, and when I used the fetal doppler, sure enough, heard the baby's heartbeat right where i felt the pressure!

Best moment this week: Making my husbands dreams come true with a little boy he can take to all the football games and do all that male bonding stuff with!

Looking forward to:  Our next dr appt on Monday, its been way too long since i've been to the dr, i'm starting to go into withdrawl (said only half sarcastically!)

Food cravings: still pickles, always pickles. to date, i've eaten about 3 jars of pickles. Starting to crave lots of sweet summer fruits (cantalope, nectarines, peaches, strawberries) and finally some healthy things like salads!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Just my morning vitamin and BP meds. I'm almost thinking it might be psychological at this point, as i'm not really sick from anything else. Weird.

Labor Signs: Stay away labor, we have a while to go!

What I miss: Wine. Fruity alcoholic drinks.

Symptoms: Gas (lots of it), congestion (but could also be allergy-related), still pretty tired and going to bed earlier than usual, twinges and pressure in my lower belly, random bouts of nausea.

Workouts: Been trying to take the pup for a few walks... still have yet to open the prenatal workout DVD's... they are sitting in the living room though. Maybe one of these days. LOL

Hope everyone is having a great day!

*s

Results are in!

I'm totally shocked, but very happy and excited! I seriously thought it was a girl the whole time, but am so happy to give my husband the son he always dreamed of.

And results are all normal for the trisomies too, so a HUGE relief!

Happy Memorial Day weekend!

*S