Currently: 07.30.13

CURRENTLY...

Obsessing Over: Making my new home a pretty place to live in. Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it is official. I have moved, but not too far away from where I was before.  This time I'm just a little closer to our families and my best girl ;-) In fact, she's been helping me make everything pretty around here so for that I am thankful.  I'm just hoping that all of this excitement about beautifying things around here isn't just NESTING in disguise.  Either way, I'm packing my hospital bag just in case.

Working On: Writing in my spare time and trying to document everything.  I didn't start a pregnancy journal or anything when I found out I was pregnant, but I did start documenting my feelings and thoughts concerning the goals and plans I created for 2013.  I hope to share some of these thoughts with you guys soon, so stay tuned!

Thinking About: How I should get my hair styled next. I'm looking for something cute and low-maintenance to get me through the next month or two.  Do any of you guys have any thoughts or ideas to share?  I need some hair inspiration!

Listening To:  Lots of praise & worship music lately.  Nothing makes me feel better than waking up in the mornings listening to Tasha Cobb's "Break Every Chain," Kierra Sheard's "Indescribable," and William McDowell's "Closer (Wrap Me In Your Arms)."  Listening to these songs among others helps me focus and center myself.  With all of the lifestyle changes I'm going through lately, I feel like God is right here with me taking care of everything in His perfect timing as I listen to these songs and lean on His word.

Anticipating: The Baby Shower.  At first, I was apprehensive about having a baby shower, because I'm on baby #3, but it has been 7 years since I've had a newborn and I didn't have any baby stuff in the house prior to learning I was pregnant with JJ. And the fact that my mommy is throwing it for me and it's gonna be a small gathering of family and closest friends, I feel great about it. There's nothing like mixing it up on a good occasion with those you love the most!

Drinking:  Lots of water.  My doctor forbade me to drink my beloved sweet tea, I had to give up coffee several months ago, and now they're saying I can't even have fruit juice. It's not like I'm getting any extra calories from drinking "the wrong things" because I haven't gained hardly any weight this whole pregnancy. It's probably because my baby is always showing off and showing his athletic side each time I go to the doctor and they think I'm doing something to make him hyper lol.  Now where was I? Oh yes, drinking water. *side eye*

PREGGO UPDATE- 33 WEEKS

 *Here's a few pregnancy questions I saw on my girl Brook's site Urbanscenes and decided to answer*

How far along: 33 weeks-- 5 more until I'm full term!

Total weight gain: Hardly any.  Can you believe I've only gained about 9 lbs? Word of advice-- be careful what you ask for!

Maternity clothes: I've been wearing my regular shirts or my honey's shirts paired with maternity pants.

Stretch marks: I have the same ones I've had for the last 8 years, plus a few extra stripes around the midsection. I feel like a warrior! NOT!

Sleep: I feel like I'm sleeping on the baby's schedule already.  At this rate, I'm getting a full four hours of sleep before I'm interrupted by kicking or nature calling lol.

Best moment of this week: It's still a bit early in the week to say.  But so far, I will say being able to sleep in the same bed with my honey this weekend was the greatest.  It doesn't happen most nights, so I was excited about that.

Miss anything: Sleeping on my stomach.  Having a stronger bladder. Having the energy and balance to run after my little ones.

Movement: He is always moving! But I can tell a slight difference in his movements from last week. It feels like he's actually taking longer naps in the daytime. Now the night is another story!

Food cravings: I haven't really had any severe cravings. I've been sick for most of this pregnancy, so just being able to eat solid food with no problems is enough for me. I do, however, have a tendency to long for the things I can't have (like sushi and sweet tea, as I mention ALL THE TIME).

Labor signs: I've been having Braxton-Hicks contractions (or as honey calls them, Tamar Braxton contractions--lol don't ask me why) these last couple of days, but nothing to write home about.

Wedding rings on or off: On. I don't have any swelling at all, so there's no need to take them off :-)

Happy or moody most of the time: It's hard to say. I think I'm mild-mannered and content for the most part. But when I get hot or hungry I turn into the diva from the Snickers Bar commercials. And I've been very sensitive this whole pregnancy.  Everything makes me tear up!

WHAT'S CURRENTLY GOING ON WITH YOU?

Friday's Letters

Dear Mom & Dad- I can't thank you guys enough! You both have been such a great support system through everything and I really don't know how I could have made it this far without you both.  This week has been crazy, but we made it through! I can't wait to make you guys dinner from a new kitchen ;-)

Dear Aunt Von- I thank God for allowing you to be my mommy's best friend. You coming through for her was coming through for me and I really appreciate it more than you will ever know.  You're the best! You and your "mini-me!"

Dear Hubby- I'm so proud of you. You defy the odds. You're something like my own personal Superman. And I love you more and more each day. Just make sure to take a little time out for yourself every now and again :-)

Dear coffee- I miss you way too much. I can't wait until September hits so that I can get reacquainted with you each morning alongside my Thomas Everything Bagels filled with smoked salmon and onion & chive cream cheese. Don't you miss me too?

Dear sushi- When I have the baby, it's gonna be me and you.  So be prepared. In fact, I hope someone makes a note to get me a super crunch roll from Nikki's and bring it on to the hospital to me the next day! Lol I'm so serious though. These smoked salmon cravings are driving me nuts.

Dear Baby J- Your keeping me up in the middle of the night with pressing all down on my bladder and all that kicking and stuff must be preparation for the future months.  I'm gonna go ahead and get ready for more sleepless nights, because I remember your big brother doing me the same way.  All in all, I'm getting so hyped about seeing you and can hardly contain my excitement! And I think it's super cool that you're looking like your daddy already! Technology is amazing.

Dear Kids- You guys bring me so much joy! And you say the darndest things! Where do you get all these thoughts and ideas from? I promise it feels like you guys have been here before (as the older folks say lol). I'm so thankful God gave you to me!

Dear round ligament pain- PLEASE GO AWAY. NOW.

Dear Nookie- You blow my mind each time I talk to you.  I just can't tell you enough how proud I am of you.  And know that all that hard work you're putting in will definitely pay off sooner than you think! Love you just like you were my own. :-)

Dear Family & Friends- Can't wait to see you all in two weeks! Get ready for lots of fun and games! And someone, help me find something cute and comfortable to wear lol.

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GIVEAWAY: Firmoo Classic Eyewear

Hello ladies and gentlemen!  Do you guys remember a while back when I posted about this awesome opportunity I was given to try Firmoo eyewear? In case you don't, Firmoo is a popular online eyewear retailer that sells both fashion and prescription lenses for very affordable prices. Through this opportunity I was able to score a cute, sturdy pair of eyeglasses and I told you how you could get them also. Well this time, I'm joining up with Firmoo to bring you all a giveaway!

Firmoo is giving me six $20 vouchers to share with you all. You can use this $20 voucher towards any pair of classic series range glasses.  This is an awesome deal, as they have a large selection of glasses that are actually under $20.  All you have to do is visit the site by clicking the Classic Series page here and leaving me a comment telling me which pair of glasses you would like to receive. Easy peasy, right? It is!  Just make sure in your comment you leave your name, email address (to be contacted you if you win), AND the pair of glasses you would like to use your voucher on. Also, this giveaway is international-- just make sure Firmoo ships to your country by clicking this link.

For additional entries:
-Be a follower of this blog (via GFC, Bloglovin, Email Subscription, Facebook, or Twitter)
-Like Firmoo Online Optical Store on Facebook

And as an added perk, if there are 40 valid contestants, Firmoo will throw in an extra prize of free glasses INCLUDING shipping to one lucky winner!

Please note that your entry will only be valid if you tell me what pair of glasses you want in the comments!

Here are a few pair of my favorites:

#CP6082 in Blue: $19.00

#SD2267 in Tortoise: $19.00

#FZL028 in Purple: $29.00

Also, to get you all more familiar with the Firmoo brand, I'm gonna share some information about the Firmoo First Pair Free Program.  You can share this great deal with all of your friends and family members, as I have done! With this program, you or your family/friends are able to try your first pair of Firmoo glasses FREE! All you have to pay for is your shipping. Looks like everyone's winning with this offer, doesn't it?  For more information about this amazing program, click here.

If you have any questions about this giveaway, please don't hesitate to email me at missdre910@gmail.com.

If you need help placing an order with Firmoo click here and if you have a concern about shipping or tracking, click here.

ACT FAST! THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS ON AUGUST 7TH AT 11:59 PM EST!

Skin Care Products + Regimen (Summer 2013)

Hey guys! Just wanted to take a few moments to give you all a small update on my skin care routine. This is the current skin care regimen I've been following for quite a few months now. Some of these products I have been using for over a year, others have just joined the bunch some months ago. And trust me, these products have been doing an awesome job of keeping my skin in check.  I have combination skin, which causes my t-zone to be more oily in the warmer months and fairly dry in the winter months.  My biggest skin concerns are keeping my skin radiant and firm and further correcting my acne-scarring and hyper-pigmentation (as I've been doing better in this area). With this regimen, I've been able to take care of these issues quite well.

The Products

1. Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel-Though this cleanser is non-foaming, it does a great job of giving the skin a nice, deep cleanse. It contains Papaya Extract, an Alpha Hydroxy Acid that rejuvenates dull skin.   
2. Mario Badescu Whitening Mask- The whitening mask contains Kojic Acid, Licorice Extract, and Grape Extract--all of which reduce hyperpigmentation and soothe inflamed skin.
3. Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Serum- This serum does a great job of reducing hyperpigmentation as well, containing all organic ingredients.  Read my full review of Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Serum HERE.
4. Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub-  This scrub has skin brightening properties, which helps my dark spots fade quicker.  It sloughs off dead skin so gently, it can actually be used daily. 
5. Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Cleanser- This cleanser heals and hydrates, containing organic lemon, cherry and aloe. Read my full review of Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Cleanser HERE.
6. Simple Skincare Replenishing Rich Moisturizer- I love how rich and replenishing this moisturizer is. It keeps my face moisturized through the night and makes my skin feel so supple when I wake up!
7. mark. See Things Clearly Brightening Moisturizer- This moisturizer has radiance-boosting properties also. Though very light in texture, it is chock-full of antioxidants such as lotus flower, that help keep the skin clear.
8. The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost- This product does just what it says--gives the skin a boost! It adds a radiance to the complexion that I love and it smells great too!
9. Olay Professional Pro-X Brush- The Pro-X brush used in conjunction with my cleansing bar, gives me a deep cleansing for a fraction of the price of a Clarisonic.  This brush is very budget-friendly!
10. Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller- The cooling eye-roller combined with all the "skin nutrients" this product has makes it great at fighting eye puffiness.

Daytime Routine

Each morning I cleanse with Mario Badescu Enzyme Cleansing Gel using the Olay Professional Pro-X brush. After rinsing and while my face air-dries, I moisturize with mark. See Things Clearly Moisturizer. After moisturizing, I add just a small drop of The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost to my face for added radiance. I then apply my Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Puff Eye Roller to my under-eye area.

On Fridays I add an at-home steam facial to the regimen: I simply heat distilled water and rosewater, grab a towel, and bask my face into the steamy goodness (just not too close to the water)!  At times, I replace the rosewater with peppermint oil. 

Evening Routine

In the late evenings, I cleanse with Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Cleanser using the Olay Professional Pro-X brush. I then use my fingertips to massage the Juice Beauty Blemish-Clearing Serum into my face. After letting the serum completely dry into my face, I apply a small bit of Simple Skincare Replenishing Rich Moisturizer to keep the moisture locked in throughout the night. Just recently I've began to follow up by using Mario Badescu Glycolic Eye Cream (not pictured) around the eye area to decrease fine lines. I've just started using this product, so I'm not sure if I'm gonna add it into my regimen yet.

Bi-weekly (Tuesdays and Thursdays), along with my evening cleansing and moisturizing, I add an additional step to my routine by exfoliating with Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub. On the nights that I don't exfoliate with Aveeno Smart Essentials Daily Detoxifying Scrub, I apply Mario Badescu Whitening Mask to my dark spots only.  I do this after cleansing and before moisturizing. 

The Lifestyle

I've been able to pretty much keep my skin in check by doing the same seven things I listed in my last skin care update, which are:

1. Drinking plenty of water

2. Eating foods that are high in Antioxidants and Vitamin C

3. Changing my pillowcase at least twice weekly

4. Cleaning my satin scarf twice weekly

5. Keeping my cellphone clean or away from my face, if possible

6. Wearing less makeup

7. Pampering myself and eliminating stress

To read more about these seven things, check out my last skin care post HERE. Mind you, all of us are different, so some things that work for my skin may not work for your skin or vice versa.  I haven't found the perfect product in anything that I use, but when I really like a product/find it to be quite effective, I love to tell others about it. Seasons change, my skin care needs change, and now with this pregnancy, my hormones make my skin do some things that I'm just not used to yet.  So this is what's definitely working for me right now. If anything changes, I will be sure to share it with you guys :-)

HAVE YOU TRIED ANY OF THESE PRODUCTS?

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS?

WHAT IS YOUR SKIN CARE REGIMEN LIKE?

I would love to hear about it all in the comments!

Hair Journey Update: Summer 2013

Summer is here and for me and my hair journey goals, it's time for another Hair Journey update! I've been on this journey for a couple of years now, complete with its peaks and valleys.  Nonetheless, I'm continuing to make note of everything going on with my hair through journaling and sharing updates here on the blog with you guys.  I've enjoyed reading so many of your hair journey related blog posts, so I hope I can get some feedback from you guys concerning mine!

Hair Characteristics: (Thanks Fancy Flair Lady)

Curl? Relaxed

Strand Thickness? Fine

Porosity? High Porosity

Overall Hair Density/Volume? Thin

Chemical Treatments? No-Lye Relaxer

Hair Stats: (Thanks Worldly-Journey)

Last relaxer: July 5, 2013

Next relaxer: October 11, 2013

Last Trim: ???

Current Hair Goal: Obtaining overall thickness; Growing back crown breakage

Hair Length Goal: Full APL, then BSL

Current Length: Grazing APL--much shorter in the crown

Recent Purchases: Hair Trigger Growth Elixir

Hair Needs: Repurchasing of HE LTR Leave-In Conditioner (my favorite summer time moisturizer)

Trying Out: Pre-pooing and Scalp Massages with Hair Trigger Growth Elixir

Disliking: My thin ends

The goals I set for myself this year are as follows:

1. Achieve APL length by Summer 2013  ✓

2. Try new low-manipulation hair styles (such as roller sets, twist-outs and braid-outs)

3. Stick to my routine! Remain consistent in my hair care.

4. Achieve more thickness to my relaxed hair, as opposed to length (new goal as of Spring 2013)

In remaining consistent, I must make sure to stick to these tasks:

1. Only one heat pass per 6 weeks.  Try not to use any direct heat at all.

2. Moisturize and seal nightly.

3. Deep condition weekly under the dryer.

4. Massage scalp with hot oil mix Hair Trigger 2-3x weekly.

5. Baby my edges with JBCO nightly.

6. ALWAYS sleep with my scarf or bonnet on. No excuses!

The Stretch

Prior to July 5, 2013, my last relaxer was on March 29, 2013.   So this stretch lasted 14 weeks, which was 2 weeks less than my last stretch.  During my 14 week stretch, I think I've been consistent with my regimen, considering I kept my hair away for the most part.  I moisturized with my Herbal Essences LTR Leave-In until it ran out and then started using African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer. Instead of sealing my moisturizer with jojoba oil, I've been using strictly grapeseed oil. Grapeseed oil contains ceramides, something I felt I needed to add to my hair care regimen if I wanted to achieve thicker relaxed hair.  And I must say I'm already noticing a difference as my ends weren't as see-through as before.  To take it a step further, I added a drop of JBCO to the ends of my hair every other night after moisturizing and sealing. It seems to be doing the trick!

excuse the "just got out of bed" look lol

I will admit I've had a lot of lazy days during this stretch. When I didn't feel like doing anything to my hair, I simply spritzed my Aloe Vera Mix all over my hair and put it in a bun.  If you haven't heard me rave enough about the Aloe Vera Mix, let me tell you it is very moisturizing and makes my new growth so soft!  And I made sure not to wear my bun in the same position for too long, as I am trying to correct the breakage in my crown.

I also started using Hair Trigger Growth Elixir in May, as I wanted to try something new for my hair.  I think it may be too soon to see if my hair has had a huge amount of growth due to this product, but I can say that my new growth got super thick really fast! And I got the honeydew melon scent added to my elixir so I have received a lot of compliments on how great my hair smells. 

I've also made sure to add some protein to my regimen this stretch also. I decided to re-up on my Aphogee Green Tea & Keratin and 2-Minute Reconstructor.  Both have helped decrease any shedding I was experiencing before and my hair really does feel fuller after using them.

The Results

I was pretty pleased with my results from this stretch.  I can't say that I've seen a dramatic amount of growth, but it was not as thin as it was after the last relaxer.  Of course, I decided not to flat-iron anymore, whether I wanted badly to measure growth or not. Following my final rinse (after the relaxer process), I sprayed my hair with my Aphogee Leave-In, moisturized with my African Pride Olive Miracle Moisturizer, sealed with coconut oil, and followed up with a tiny drop of GVC Silk Remedy all over my hair.  I loved how soft and shiny my hair was the next morning after I took my bonnet and scarf off.  

In the upcoming months, I'm still gonna be focusing more on the overall health of my hair.  I'll be adding more ceramides to my regimen as well as making sure my moisture/protein levels are balanced so that I can achieve the thickness that I desire. Paying close attention to my crown is also a main objective of mine, as I will make sure to give it just as much moisture as I do the rest of my hair and refrain from doing styles that will create tension in the crown area.  Hopefully I will finally style my hair in a few braid-outs or twist-outs also. And last but not least, I will also continue to baby my fragile ends with JBCO.

ARE YOU ON A HEALTHY HAIR JOURNEY?

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR HAIR GOALS?

Getting Familiar: Season Two of "the Unwritten Rules"

If you've been following my blog for a while, you know I love a good web series. And if you follow me on Twitter, you know that the web series "the Unwritten Rules" is among my favorites. "the Unwritten Rules" is a web series based on Kim Williams' 2004 book titled 40 Hours and an Unwritten Rule: The Diary of a N***er, Negro, Colored, Black, African-American Woman.  The series follows Racey Jones (played by Aasha Davis), a black woman who seems to be the minority in her predominately white workplace.  With each episode, viewers are given a front row seat to the everyday situations Racey deals with at work, especially those concerning race.  Being someone who has had experiences as "the only one" at work or in other social settings, I was immediately drawn to "the Unwritten Rules" and have been hooked since the first episode!

I recently had the opportunity to have a little Q&A session with cast members Aasha Davis (Racey), Gabrielle Christian (Lauren), and Lyn Ross (Kaneisha Jackson) and was able to gauge their thoughts about their respective characters and the progression of  Season Two of "the Unwritten Rules."

Cast member and producer Aasha Davis is no stranger to awkward situations when it comes to race relations in the workplace.  In fact, she thinks everyone has had to deal with this at some point or another.

What advice would you give to others who may be experiencing the same things? I think experiences like the ones in "the Unwritten Rules" are just bumps in the road as we learn to "all get along."  If you're working (first of all, be happy you have a job) just think this is a step in how we are learning to share an equal space as brothers and sisters. I try to approach  it in a positive way.  Like if my brother or sister didn't understand something about me and I had to explain it how would I do that.  Treat others the way you want to be treated and hopefully they will follow your lead. 

"the Unwritten Rules" explores race relations that many of us are not comfortable discussing, with the element of humor-- making it easier to digest.  What do you feel would make conversations about race in the workplace easier to have? I read that some teachers are screening "the Unwritten Rules" in their classroom and then opening up the floor for  discussion.  After watching episodes with my friends of all different races they will often share their own "fish out of water" experiences which would make me feel more connected to them. I think fear comes from the unknown.  The more we share our stories, no matter how difficult that might be, the easier I believe it will be to move forward. 

  

In what ways are you similar to your character, Racey? I've often been the only one in a situation and I understand what it feels like to be the ambassador of your race or sex. When Kim Williams and I met about my involvement with the web series we agreed that feeling different isn't just a black and white issue but can translate in same race situations.  I went to a lot of predominantly white boarding schools and when I would come home for vacations my neighbors and certain family members would make me feel like I wasn't black enough to hang with them and would make fun of me for being or sounding "white."  

In what ways are you different? I don't think about race issues quite as much as Racey.  I very rarely generalize. I think good people and bad people come in all different colors. Which is why I love that Racey also has those moments of pre-conceptions just like her co-workers. I also don't have quite as much gumption to say no in situations as Racey does. I would probably succumb to the pressure to pay more than my share. 

Cast member Gabrielle Christian, who plays Racey's co-worker Lauren, can also be remembered for working alongside Aasha Davis in the hit TV series, "South of Nowhere." She loves working with Davis and feels that "after a decade of friendship (starting with SON in 2004) [their] chemistry on-set is just as strong as [their] chemistry off set."

How is the work you're doing on "the Unwritten Rules" different from any other role you've played on previous shows (SON, House, Numb3rs, etc)? Well I tend to have a history of playing "the girl next door." However, on "the Unwritten Rules" I feel that I am able to express a darker side of comedy as Lauren is pretty naive. 

Tell us more about your character, Lauren. Although Lauren has a heart of gold, she is clueless when it comes to stereotypes and offending people, particularly Racey. However, as the series unwinds, Lauren does try to deepen her friendship with Racey by finding common interests between them.

What challenges do you face in filming "the Unwritten Rules?" I just hope that our audience finds the humor in the things that Lauren says and does. There's a lot of truth in comedy!

What message do you hope people receive from tuning in to "the Unwritten Rules?" To be more open-minded and respectful when it comes to people of different communities & cultures.

What can we expect to see from Lauren in Season Two? Lauren attempting to build a better friendship with Racey, in a pretty comical way. :)

Cast member Lyn Ross blew all viewers of "the Unwritten Rules" away when she made her initial appearance in the final episode of Season One as new CEO, Kaneisha Jackson.  As Lyn states, "[Kaneisha] represents the change that is coming to the Unwritten Rules and she is a comfort for some and a threat for others."

What are your thoughts on the First Episode of Season Two? The first episode was “funny.” Fear and ignorance can bring out comedic human behavior.

What can we expect from Kaneisha Jackson's character in Season Two? In Season Two you can expect my character to face challenges that one in Kaneisha’s position would face, in more ways than one. Though, they may not come from who you would expect.

Do you have any experiences with being "the only one" or the minority in the workplace?  Do you have any advice for viewers of "the Unwritten Rules" who may be having similar experiences? Yes I do have experiences being the only one. My advice to anyone having similar experiences is to stay true to yourself and accept everyone for who they are. From an early age I was exposed to many different cultures and types of people, so I am comfortable around most. “I ain't got time for that!" I did my job and went home.

What impact do you hope "the Unwritten Rules" has on the viewers? What would you like for them to take away from your character this season? Acceptance, Openness, that is the impact I hope the Unwritten rules makes on the viewers.  When you judge someone on his or her appearance, you miss out on a lot. You may have more in common with others than you think.

So now we've gotten up to speed a bit on what "the Unwritten Rules" is all about, please check out the episodes here and get familiar (if you haven't already). If this looks like the show for you, please be sure to subscribe to the Inkspot Entertainment channel on YouTube, follow on Twitter, and become a fan on Facebook. New webisodes will continue to air on Youtube every first Wednesday of the month.  

Episode Two of Season Two, which aired last Wednesday, has reached 14,000 views so far! So go catch up so we can discuss the episodes here, on my Facebook page, or on Twitter! I can't wait to hear your thoughts!

Summer Beauty Wish List

1. Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe, Herbs and Rosewater (shop)

2. O.P.I. Nail Lacquer in You're Such a BudaPest (shop)

3. NYX The Curve Eyeliner (shop)

4. The Body Shop Vitamin C Energizing Face Spritz (shop)

5. The Body Shop Vitamin C Facial Cleansing Polish (shop)

6. MAC 187 Stippling Brush (shop)

7. MAC Lipstick in Candy Yum-Yum (shop)

8. Juice Beauty Green Apple Age Defy Moisturizer (shop)

9. Beauty Blender Beautyblender & Blendercleanser Duo (shop)

HAVE YOU USED ANY OF THESE ITEMS?

WHAT'S ON YOUR BEAUTY WISH LIST?

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Maternity Style: Out & About

Fellow mamas and mamas-to-be, how are you ladies styling your baby bumps this summer? During the late winter and early spring months, I found it quite easy to find things to wear, as I wasn't showing much.  But now that I'm in my 29th week of pregnancy, I've decided it's high time to stop trying to conceal my tummy.  Since my wardrobe choices now reflect that I'm only going out for doctor's appointments, store runs, quick errands, lunch dates, and just being out and about, I decided to share some of my wardrobe inspiration created on Polyvore with you guys.  Hopefully these three looks will tide you all over until I can post some baby bump pics later this week :-)

I would wear this look on days that I want to look cute & classy, yet comfortable. The Betsey Johnson earrings, Guess bracelet, C. Wonder sandals, and Dorothy Perkins bag give the look a touch of FAB. And of course, the Rihanna inspired makeup look adds a polished finish.

This look would be ideal for the 4th of July cookouts I plan on attending Thursday. I would be comfortable and cool in this trendy dress and still styling in the Tory Burch sandals and Dooney and Bourke bag. And of course, I'd be rocking my MAC Riri-Woo lipstick!

And while some may avoid stripes like the plaque, I happen to love them.  I call this my "on the boardwalk" look because I can envision myself taking a stroll down the boardwalk catching the summer festivities with my hubby or girlfriends in this look.  Since I'm loving shades of teal and seafoam lately, I would create a look with this limited edition Lancome Six Pan Palette and rock a manicure done with OPI Polish in Thanks a Wind-milion (from the Holland Collection).

MAMAS, WHAT IS YOUR GO-TO OUTFIT FORMULA?

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