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New Brand Spotlight: Belli

new brand spotlight, belli, belli skincare, belli beauty, maternity beauty, maternity skincare, maternity products, stretchmark lotion, stretchmark creams, maternity, pregnancy, moms, mothers, motherhood,

For expecting moms, Belli is Picky for a Purpose. Belli provides soothing, balanced skincare products that pamper and protect. Their collections – Belli Pregnancy, Belli Motherhood and Belli Baby – consider the specific skincare needs of each stage of pregnancy, with thoughtful attention to providing peace of mind. Every product is allergy tested, and free of artificial dyes, phthalates and paraben preservatives.

Belli does their homework when it comes to skincare ingredients so women can embrace life and enhance beauty. The ingredient selections in their skincare formulations are based upon an extensive review of published medical studies. The searches include four databases: TERIS, TOXLINE, DART, and MEDLINE - that comprise over 16 million published medical studies in over 5,000 international journals. Belli also LactMed* screens all ingredients in the Belli Pregnancy collection so women can continue to use the products postpartum while nursing.

*LactMed is a peer-reviewed and fully referenced database of drugs to which breastfeeding mothers may be exposed.

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Expecting Great Style: Maternity Clothing for the Stylish Mom

baby bump, belabumbum, christin michaels, maternal america, maternity, maternity clothes, olian maternity, pregancy style, pregnancy, woman, women, womens

It’s easy to fall into the whole oversized tee and sweatpants rut when you’re expecting. But we think that motherhood shouldn’t get in the way of your style, even before the little one is born.

That’s why we’ve compiled some of our favorite maternity clothes that not only look flattering, but also feel super comfy. Go ahead; wear that precious baby bump proudly!

Maternal America Twisted Dress: The flattering gathered bodice and thicker straps are perfect for lots of different occasions, including date night. (Yes, you should still have date nights!)

Belabumbum Maternity Ariel Robe: The rich pink shade and lace trim will make you feel oh-so-pretty. You can even wear this post pregancy!

Christin Michaels Maternity Cassie Ruffle Tunic: A little black dress with something extra: a flattering empire waist and dainty ruffle trim!

Olian Maternity Luxe Voile Shirt: This chic and soft tunic is great for day or night.

Belabumbum Maternity Belly, Boudoir and Beyond Loungepants (not pictured above): The name says it all! If you’re going to wear stretchy pants, make sure they’re cute and flattering like these.

Paige Premium Denim Maternity Laurel Canyon Las Palmas Jeans (not pictured above): There’s no need to give up your favorite bootcut jeans. Just grab a pair of these!

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5 Tips for Balancing Pregnancy and Pet Ownership

I considered myself a mom long before I found out I was pregnant.  While these “kids” of mine are covered in fur, they are no less important to me. For the last four years, I have been owned by two great dogs – an Italian Greyhound named Ava and a Spaniel mix named Jackson. They have taught me so much about caring for another living being, that I credit them for making me into the mother my soon-to-be-born son is going to have.

As this is my first pregnancy, there has definitely been an adjustment period for all of us – dogs included. There are new routines and new ways of doing things that everyone had to get used to. While I believe my dogs are quite in tune with me, it’s hard to make them understand what all these changes mean. They still have demands and they still have needs that I need to tend to while trying to navigate all the changes that are happening with me. It can be hard to balance it all, but it is possible!

Here are my five tips for balancing pregnancy and pet ownership:

  1. Know that your pets know. My dogs knew I was pregnant before I did. I was wondering why their personalities changed so drastically (Jackson became very clingy to me and Ava became very playful – out of character for her) and when I found out I was pregnant, I realized the change came at the same time. You won’t fool your pets – they will know a huge change is coming.
  2. Allow for some sniffing. As your pets realize there are changes occurring with you, they will try to use their best sense – their sense of smell – to get themselves acquainted with the new you. While it may seem awkward to allow your dogs to sniff you all day long, it’s how they learn and it’s important for their adjustment.
  3. Have patience. Pregnancy brings a lot of hormonal changes and your patience may be in short supply, but if you are to have patience with anything, let it be your pets. They are going to be a bit anxious sensing the changes and not knowing exactly what is to come next. Losing your patience with them will make the adjustment that much harder.
  4. Incorporate pets into an exercise regime. Pregnancy fatigue can cause you to want to do nothing but sleep, but that is not the healthiest of decisions. Pets – dogs, especially – can force you to get up and get some exercise. Use them to help you stay healthy.
  5. Start new routines early. Things are going to change when the baby comes, that is undeniable. You can help ease everyone into the new routine by starting it long before the baby forces you into it. For example, if you plan to have the nursery a pet-free zone, start implementing the new rule right away. If you plan to walk the dogs while pushing a stroller, start doing so as soon as you bring the stroller home.

I have been able to really allow my dogs to investigate and acknowledge all the changes that are taking place with me and our family dynamic, and by doing so, they have taken everything more easily that I could have imagined. They still become anxious at times, especially during a new phase of the pregnancy, but with a little patience and understanding, they are able to adjust and take it all in stride.

Next phase: introducing them to the baby they have been sensing for the first time.

*Guest blogger Heather Reynolds is a pet lover and internet journalist at Trupanion, North America’s fastest growing pet insurance company. Trupanion offers 90% coverage of veterinary bills with no payout limits. Enrolled pets receive lifetime coverage for diagnostic tests, surgeries, and medications if they become sick or injured.

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Maternity Style: Best Pant Styles for the Mom to Be

While it may be tempting to spend your pregnancy days in drawstring pants, yoga pants and lounge wear, the time will come when you want to dress up a little or enjoy a weekend getaway with an eye-catching outfit. When you’re expecting, you can choose from several different maternity pant styles that will flatter your figure and make you feel great day and night.

Rollover pants are your best bet when you’re dealing with long days of feeling bloated and swollen. These pants fit snugly around your baby bump but have a little extra ‘give’ around the hips and waist so you feel super comfortable all day long. You also don’t have to worry about tugging or straightening these at the waist, because the elastic fit will conform to your body.

Belly leggings are another great match for the mom-to-be. These will accommodate for your growing belly, and can still flatter your body with their body-hugging fit . Leggings are a necessary backup piece for your maternity closet and can be coordinated with dozens of different tops including tunic tops, oversized sweaters, wraparound shirts and button down blouses.

If you need a pair of more formal pants for the office, look for a pair of twill pocket pants or bootcut pants from the maternity department. These will create the most figure-flattering silhouette for you throughout pregnancy, and can be matched with a number of tops and sweaters for your eye-catching ensemble.

For those days of rest and relaxation on the weekends, step things up a bit with a pair of cargo pants. Maternity cargo pants designed with an elastic waistband will fit snugly over your baby bump, and the wide-leg cut is ideal for lounging in. Pair these up with some cute flats or gladiator sandals for a cool, comfortable and fuss-free look on any day off.

Finding the right pair of pants during pregnancy can be a challenge, but you don’t have to settle for baggy jeans and oversized lounge pants through each trimester. Add any of these stylish pants to your maternity closet so you can be comfortable and fashionable season after season.

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Maternity Style: Casual Wardrobe Picks for the Third Trimester

You may long to wear muumuus and oversized sweaters during the last few months of pregnancy, but you don’t have to compromise fashion and style just to be comfortable. The last trimester can be one of the most challenging to dress comfortably in, but there are some key pieces you can add to your wardrobe that will make you look chic, stylish and super comfortable. Here are your best picks for the casual wardrobe during the third trimester:

The Leggings and Tunic Combo
A pair of stretchy leggings in black or brown paired with a printed tunic are a great fit for the mom-to-be during the last trimester. Look for leggings from the maternity department instead of going a few sizes up on regular styles for the most flattering silhouette. The sky’s the limit when it comes to tunic tops and stick with bold printed designs and v-neck or scoop neck cuts to make the most of this look.

The Flowing Summer Dress
A loose, flowing summer dress is perfect for the last trimester of pregnancy because it not only helps you stay cool, but is also flattering to your growing figure. Stick with dresses that have empire waistlines and wide straps so that you can stay plenty comfortable all day long.

The Long Black Skirt
A long black skirt is an important staple for your maternity wardrobe, and is a great choice for special occasions and events that demand a little dressing up. Stick with a skirt made with stretchy material and a modest slit to create the most attractive silhouette.

Bootcut Pants
Bootcut pants and not flare leg or skinny jean types are the best match for you during your last trimester, and are a staple for weekend errand-running and casual days at home. Look for a pair of bootcut pants made with either a stretch or lightweight linen material for the ultimate fit. Just make sure it’s from the maternity department so you’re not struggling with the waistband.

The Button Down Shirt
Whether you’re gardening or shopping for groceries, a well-fitting button down shirt is a great match for casual days during the third trimester. Look for stretch cotton blends that will accommodate for your baby bump, and consider wearing a tank or tunic top underneath for some extra support.

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Maternity Style: What to Wear when You're Plus-Size and Pregnant

Being plus-sized and pregnant doesn’t mean you need to wear miu-miu dresses and tops, hide in oversized tunics and t-shirts, and shy away from flaunting your figure. Plus-size moms-to-be can be just as stylish and trendy as their thinner counterparts because looking great has nothing to do with your weight!

Pregnancy is a great time to become more comfortable with your body and wear clothes that flatter you. In order to wear the latest styles and trends, you’ll need to invest in some quality clothing that accommodate for your growing body. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Stick with Lycra and knit tops. You need clothes that will stretch and conform to your changing body shape, not clothes that will constrict you or hug you too tight. Choose knit tops that are made with Lycra so you can enjoy the benefits of stretch fibers throughout your term.

2. Shop the maternity line, even in the plus-size section. It can be tempting to just go up a few sizes when shopping for maternity clothes, but you won’t fit into these pieces of clothing properly. Shopping for maternity clothes in the plus-size section ensures that your clothes will fit you properly and accommodate your growing belly.

3. Get fitted for your pants and skirts. If you’re unsure about the size you should wear for pants and skirts, get fitted by a tailor so you truly are wearing the right size. Once you know your size, you can purchase pants and skirts from the maternity department, because these are made with elastic waists and will accommodate baby bumps with ease.

4. Wear empire-waist tops and dresses for special occasions. Empire-waist tops and dresses are ideal for the pregnant woman because they emphasize your natural waistline and don’t cinch or pinch around your baby bump. Look for these styles when shopping the special occasion section of the plus size department.

5. Wear larger prints and patterns to complement your figure. Wearing bold and large prints will complement your larger figure better than teeny-tiny flower prints and other delicate patterns. Look for these prints in either your top or your bottoms for a figure-flattering look.

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Maternity Style: Tips for Looking Elegant During Pregnancy

Whether you’re heading out for a special celebration or hosting a dinner party at home, there will be a time during pregnancy that requires you to dress elegantly for the occasion. Unfortunately, the days of pregnancy can make you feel less-than glamorous, and it might be hard to find the right dresses, skirts and other fancy pieces of clothing to pull off an elegant look. Need some help for that special event? Here’s how to look elegant with very little effort during pregnancy:

1. Stick with the all-black ensemble. Monochrome outfits are every pregnant woman’s best pick, especially on days when that bloated feeling just won’t go away. A black dress, an all-black pantsuit or a black skirt with a black top can be plenty glamorous (and not funeral-worthy) when you accessorize with some bold and bright jewelry or a scarf. Look for maternity dresses and skirts in black to create an effortlessly elegant look.

2. Wear layers. You don’t have to wear a sleeveless cocktail dress or a Hollywood-inspired jumpsuit for that special occasion when you’re pregnant. One of the essential keys to looking elegant is wearing something that you feel comfortable in. For many women who are expecting, this means wearing layers. Layering maternity tank tops with a cardigan and fuller skirt is a great way to look pulled-together without compromising your comfort zone.

3. Try a wrap top or a wrap dress . Wrap tops and dresses are great for pregnant women because they accentuate your figure in all the right places, without being too figure-hugging and causing you discomfort. Wrap tops and dresses are also very elegant, so you won’t be breaking the dress code for that special occasion. Consider wearing a wrap top with some wide-leg pants or a straight-cut skirt for a chic and stylish look. If you’re wearing a wrap dress, complement the outfit with some patent leather Mary Janes and a stylish clutch.

Looking elegant during pregnancy is possible, but you need to focus on finding clothes that make you feel comfortable and flatter your figure. Try layering, wearing a wrap top and stick with neutral, one-color outfits so you can enjoy your evening in style!

Celebrity Gossip: Something's in the Water

Bad boy and actor Colin Farrell may be expecting another child sometime soon, this time with Polish actress and Ondine costar Alicja Bachleda. The couple were spotted at LAX on August 16, with Bachleda sporting what appeared to be a sizable baby bump. The actress reportedly rested a hand on her growing belly as she made her way through the airport. If the rumors are true, this would be Farrell’s second child. His first child, son James, is 5 and was diagnosed with Angelman Syndrome several years ago.

But Farrell’s not the only one with news of a baby on the way. Singer Celine Dion, 41, is ecstatic about her new pregnancy . Dion and her much-older husband Rene Angelil, 67, struggled with infertility for years before conceiving their son Rene Charles, now 8.

And the baby news doesn’t stop there. ‘Jackass‘ star Johnny Knoxville is going to be a father again. His girlfriend of nearly a year, Naomi Nelson, is several weeks pregnant. Knoxville has daughter Madison, 13, from a previous marriage.