Featured Sponsor: Petunia Pickle Bottom
Petunia
Pickle Bottom was born out of a desire to give new mommies
something
to fuss over for a change! Founded on the philosophy that
motherhood
doesn't have to mean a complete loss of individual style or
autonomy,
Petunia Pickle Bottom transformed the tarted teddy bear diaper
bag industry
with its daringly fashionable bags and accessories. This month
Petunia
Pickle Bottom will debut its new "Touring Tote" diaper
bag. A remarkably versatile bag that fuses a new level of
innovation
and style, it is the first of its kind to offer a truly elegant
shoulder-to-stroller
flexibility and promises to change the way modern mothers travel
with
tots in tow. Available in five eye-popping fabrics, the Touring
Tote
can be had for about $150 in boutiques nationwide.
More about Petunia Pickle Bottom
Bellybar Nutrition Tip
Do
you ever get that uncontrollable, inexplicable need to eat
something
right now? Especially while nursing and pregnant, those ravenous
cravings
catch us when we least expect them. We have an easy solution:
toss a
delicious Bellybar into your oh-so-sweet Petunia Pickle Bottom
Diaper
Bag! Bellybar provides you with key prenatal nutrients that you
need
to chase around your toddler or nurse your newborn. You'll be
well armed to deliciously survive the next sneak snack-attack!
Click here to buy Bellybars from BabyCenter.com
Dress Like the Hot Mama You Are
When
shopping for maternity clothes, resist the idea that you must
limit your
shopping to the apparel sold in maternity stores. In fact, all
kinds
of stores sell pregnancy-friendly clothes (at cheaper prices),
be they
tight-fitting, slinky garb or less slinky but comfortable
clothes that
actually look fashionable and appealing. The trick is to have
the right
attitude when you shop. Just keep and open mind and believe that
somewhere,
in some store, on some rack, is a piece of clothing that will
make you
feel like a Hot Mama for the duration of your pregnancy, and
perhaps,
even beyond.
The only reasons for stepping into a maternity store are: to be greeted by a plethora of "ooohs" and "aaaahs", to vent or rave about your pregnancy to a highly rapt audience, or to purchase necessary items like nursing bras, maternity leggings, panties, and bathing suits. But for everything else, you can shop everywhere else.
Sage advice from: Hot Mama: How to Have a Babe and Be a Babe
Pack a Lean Diaper Bag
It
seems counterintuitive, but less is more when it comes to your
diaper
bag. It's easy to be more spontaneous and carefree when you
travel light,
and your back will certainly thank you.
Simply pack:
• Diapers (one for each hour you'll be out)
• Wipes (in resealable baggie).
• One change of clothes per half day plus one extra
onesie (poop
happens)
• Washable changing pad.
And that's really all you need. Anything extra (toys, snacks for you) is simply and irritation destined to stand between you and a clean diaper—usually when your child's bare bottom is suspended inches above a public restroom floor.
Win These Prizes
This week, we're giving away the following prizes. If you haven't=20 entered our sweepstakes, do it already!
(NOTE: If you've already entered, you're automatically eligible for every bimonthly giveaway.)
An assortment of four diaper bags for all stages from Petunia
Pickle Bottom.
Retail value: $700.
Subscription
to FitPregnancy magazine.
Retail value: $12.97.
DVD
box set from Laugh and Learn.
Retail value: $90.
Hot Mama=20
book from Chronicle
Books. Retail value: $11.
A box of 12 Bellybars. Retail
value $30.
Congratulations to Jennifer Lee from Temple Hills, MD! Jennifer won our first round of prizes!
Every two weeks, we're giving away high-end prizes for pregnant women and new mothers. If you've already entered the sweepstakes, you're automatically eligible for each bimonthly giveaway. A new winner will be announced every two weeks until January 2007 in this e-newsletter—so spread the word and invite other expecting or new moms to join in!
Additionally,
every two weeks, you’ll receive Bellybytes®,
this parenting e-newsletter, filled with helpful tips on
parenting, nutrition
and pregnancy and special information about our featured
prizes.
No purchase necessary—a purchase won't increase odds of winning. One entry per person. Duplicate entries will be deleted.
Tips of the Week
Here's how to look great for those all-important first new-mom photos:
Wear makeup: Lipstick, powder, even a bit of mascara if you can steady your hand long enough. You'll be glad you made the effort. Really, really glad.
Don't wear your hospital gown: Take your own pajamas to the hospital, or change into some cute sweats.
Stand up (if you can): Nobody looks glamorous tucked into a hospital bed.
