Belly Blossom

Our Fall 2008 shipment of Petunia Pickle Bottom Diaper Bags just arrived, and I am in love!  The styles and colors are really stunning.  We have the touring totes, the boxy, and the clutch.  Yes, people you heard right.  There is a diaper bag that is in the shape of a clutch, with a detachable changing mat and wipes holder included. 

The best thing about the Petunia Pickle Bottom diaper bags is that you will continue to use these bags after your kids are potty trained.  I am the perfect example.  I thought that I could finally put away my diaper bags since my youngest is finally potty trained, and we have done away with the diapers.  After seeing these new bags I will continue to use the PPB bags because they are too cool not to use them.

My favorite right now is the new glazed clutch called sightseeing in sumatra (pictured above).  Makes me want to hop on a plane and start jet setting again.  This time with my kids in tow, and of course my cool diaper bag clutch!

You are so excited about being pregnant.  Not to excited about shopping for maternity clothes.  Maternity clothes have changed so much that you will wish you could continue wearing maternity  clothes, way after your tiny bundle of joy has arrived.  Important elements when shopping:  function, feel, and fabulous factor!

Function is important.  Do you need work clothes, or are you chasing your cheerios thowing toddler all day.  Do you entertain clients, friends, and family?  What do you wear out for date night with your husband?  Night out with the girls? Running errands?  Basically, you need to look at your pre-pregnancy wardrobe and key in on your favorite outfits and essential items.  This will help you start your maternity wardrobe. 

After you know the function of your clothes, the feel is important.  Many preggers are sensitive to different fabrics and to pressure on the belly.  The good news is that many maternity designers take this into account, and try to find fabrics that are soft to the touch, and also making sure the band around the belly is comfortable.   Most maternity clothes will have lycra (how else will your clothes last 9 months), but there are some designers who only use cotton, especially soft supima cotton, and cut the clothing to last throughout the pregnancy.

So now that we have the function and the feel, now it is time for the fabulous factor!  The fabulous factor is simple.  Trust me, people are going to notice you are pregnant.  What you want people to notice is that you also care how you look while you are pregnant.  For example, “You look fabulous.”  “Wow, what have you been doing.  You are glowing!”  “You are so stylish.”  

Our confidence stems from how we perceive ourselves.  Now I am not a psychologist, but if you look in the mirror and you are wearing only maternity hand me downs from 10 years ago, well you are going to look frumpy, feel dumpy and well not yourself.  On the flip side, if you have new clothes from today, that you handpicked your self, well you are going to feel hip and sexy, a woman of the times.  With all the maternity options out today from maternity boutiques, to Gap and Old Navy, there is no reason for you not to look fab!  This will make you a modern mama! 

Enjoy your blossoming belly! 

Tina 

1. Stylish maternity clothes.  A one size fits most Michael Stars tee in shine is always a good choice!
2. A blank book to use as a pregnancy journal.  She can capture all her thoughts and emotions during this amazing time in her life.  Or if she is not too creative, give her a copy of Hot Mama.  This book will remind her that she can be pregnant and still be hot!
3. A digital camera or camcorder.  This is a splurge item.
4. A pretty hair accessory.  With all that folic acid her hair will be growing so fast.  Some sparkle in her hair will make her feel fab.
5. Sexy maternity lingerie.  Yes, I used those three words in the same sentence.
6. A spa service, such as a pedicure or massage will be much appreciated.
7. Music CD
8. Skin care products or essential oils.
9. A week or two of maid service.
10. Home cooked meals.

For those who really need help, please do not give these gifts to that pregger you know:  a workout DVD or personal training gift certificate, spa service for waxing,  sweatpants, a bottle of wine, and finally do not give a box of chocolates. 

SALE will take place Friday, July 18th and Saturday, July 19th

Extra 25% off all SALE items. 

On maternity clothes, diaper bags, bathing suits, baby items. 

Savings from 75% - 90%. 

Shop early for best selection. 

All sales will be final on sale items.

Our Summer Sale is in progress right now in our Durham, NC store. Those who are new to our area, summer lasts well into the end of September! Lots of good deals, but it won’t last long.

There are some items that I find essential for breastfeeding, and other items that you may or may not need. Just remember, having a good sense of humor will get you through a lot, and trust me there will be some funny things happening. Here is my list.

1. Nursing bras and/or tanks. You should get daytime bras/tanks, and sleep nursing bras. The general rule is you will need 3 nursing bras for sleeping. One that you are wearing, one that is in the wash, and one in the drawer. Trust me on this one. The worst feeling is waking up for the 2am feeding, and realizing that you have leaked milk and that you do not have an extra nursing bra to replace it with. For daytime wear, there are really great nursing tanks that can work double duty, especially in the summer time. It can be a tank that is worn on its own or layered under another shirt. Can be worn as part of your lounging wardrobe. Also, great for yoga or strolling around the neighborhood. My personal favorite is by Bravado. The quality is more superior to anything else out on the market, it can be worn during your pregnancy because it is a longer length, and really does give support “in holding up the girls.”

2. Nursing breast pads. There are so many different options, and it really is about your personal taste. This is my personal opinion on breast pads. My number one choice is going with washable breast pads. They are better for the environment, and actually feel better on your skin. Again, Bravado makes nursing breast pads that are cotton terry on one side, and has coolmax technology. Coolmax is the same fabric that is used in active wear, that is meant to wick away moisture and dries super quickly. The disposable nursing pads are a good option for back up. Keep a pair in your diaper bag, just in case you have an accident, milk leakage. And the latest to hit the scene is LilyPadz. These pads are made out of 100% medical grade silicone. These are washable, and actually prevent leakage. My recommendation with LilyPadz is they are especially good to wear when you are wearing lighter fabrics, since they adhere to your skin and do not show through your tops.

Wink: Keep your used washable nursing breast pads in a lingerie bag in baby’s hamper. You will be doing baby’s laundry so much, that you will always have clean nursing pads available.

3. Nursing cover. A nursing cover provides extra privacy when you need to nurse your babe, and added comfort when you have to nurse in busy or unfamiliar surroundings. A nursing cover also gives you use of your two hands, because let’s face it a blanket is going to slip off those shoulders as you try to situate your baby to latch on to your breast.

A few years ago, I would have said that a nursing cover is optional. Now, I would say it is a necessity. I did not use it with my little diva, but used it with little dude…and what a difference. I nursed for a longer period of time, and never missed out on any conversations because I did not have to excuse myself to nurse. If you are a bit modest (surprisingly, I am) or if you have a lot of family and relatives that will be visiting you in the hospital or at home (yes, I entertained more than 30 visitors in just my hospital room) than a nursing cover is an essential. I do believe that you should nurse anywhere, and at anytime. If baby is hungry, then you have to be available. I do not believe in nursing in bathroom stalls. That is just plain gross.

Wink: Nursing covers can also be used as a shield on your stroller when baby is sleeping. It is more lightweight so you do not have to worry that it is going to get to warm as your little dude snoozes.

4. Nursing pj’s or gown. Some might think this is not necessary, but if you end up nursing while you are lying down (especially in the middle of the night), it makes nursing so much easier. And if you have not noticed, I am all about convenience. Not to mention, you will feel so much prettier wearing something that is meant for nursing, than a baggy t-shirt or your husband’s shirts. Having a nursing gown in the hospital, will also make you feel good especially with all the pictures that will be taken.

5. Resources, resources, resources. Having the right support is really a big deal in terms of success for your breastfeeding experience. Whether you choose your resources via online, phone, or a physical person, this support is invaluable. The Le Leche League is probably the best in support since it is moms who have been there and can give you advice. Or if your best friend, sister, neighbor can be your support even better. Husbands/Partners are also good support in the sense of just listening to you and being there to get you water as you nurse, making sure you are comfortable, cheering you and telling you what a great job you are doing, and helping out with siblings. Also, at the hospital a lactation consultant will come and talk to you. She can help you by helping baby latch on properly, and answer any questions you may have. Also, get a great reference book for those 2am questions you might be pondering. My favorite book is Mama Knows Breast.

These are things you may or may not really need.
• Nursing pillow. I say go ahead and register for it. If you get one great, if you don’t you can use pillows and it works just as well.
• Nursing stools. This helps to raise your lap so that there is less strain on your back. You may have an ottoman at home that you can use.
• Breast shells or shields. This is a plastic dome that covers a plastic ring that goes over your areola. They protect sore nipples, and allows air to circulate around the nipple so that it can heal quicker. If you are getting sore before you even leave the hospital, mention this to the lactation consultant, and maybe if she is nice she will give you one (I got one because little diva did not latch on properly, and boy was I sore).
• Cream for soreness. Not all women have pain when breastfeeding. Really. Some women are such naturals that they get it as soon as baby is put on the breast (I was not one of these women!). If you do end up having nipple pain or soreness, then you will need either a lanolin cream or a hydrogel. If you are in the hospital tell someone immediately. Again, I was in the hospital and my lactation consultant gave me some Lansinoh for free.
• Breast pumps. This is optional, because some women never use a pump and some use it everyday. It depends on your plan. Go ahead and register for one (register for one that is a double electric pump) if you are planning on going back to work full time and will continue to breastfeed. There are other accessories you will need with a pump in which you don’t need me to list for you. Again, I received a free manual pump from one of the nurses while I was in the hospital. I ended up using the manual pump a few times, mooooooo (No one get mad with the moo comment). I won’t get to the details why I needed it, but soon realized it was much easier for me just to nurse from the breast.

Cheers!

Trying to come up with the perfect name for our unborn children can be a challenge. And even when you think you have come up with that perfect name, someone out there will just not like it. For example, today at the pool a 6 year old told my daughter that she did not like her name, which is Maya. When my husband and I came up with that name we thought that it was great! It means so much in so many different languages, it was not considered trendy so the odds of having more than one Maya in her class was low, and it was so simple that we did not have to give her a nickname. Though we do have a few nicknames for her out of love…Maya papaya, Mayalicious, and M…we could pretty much keep her name the way we gave it to her.

Which brings me to another point when naming your child. Consider the consequences if you give baby a name that is not easy to spell. Double whammy if the last name is difficult as well. Do you really want your baby to have to spell out their first and last name for the rest of their life. Again, my last name is Saib, and I always have to spell out…S as in Sam, A, I, B as in boy. Add to it that I am always asked how do you pronounce it. I made sure my kids had easy names. Maya and Adam. No questions there.

Lately I have been hearing some pretty names in the store, and some are on the popular side. For girls, I am hearing Olivia, Lily, and my favorite right now is Ellington. For boys, Cooper, Jackson, and Tyler.

Just know whatever you name your baby, there will be some people who will love it, and some 6 year olds who will hate it.

Cheers to your belly!

There are 5 essential items that you should look for when purchasing a diaper bag. You will need to look at your personal taste and your lifestyle when choosing a diaper bag.

1. FABULOUS DIAPER BAG—Some people go classic, and some go for a fun pattern when choosing a bag. And let me say for the record, you do not need to buy pink trim for a girl and blue trim for a boy. Trust me, the baby will not know. And any new mom will tell you, even if your child is dressed head to toe in pink, strangers will still say “He is so cute.” If you love purses (or get bored quickly) then you may want to buy two bags. Buy a bag for fall/winter, and one for spring/summer.

There are messenger style bags, backpacks, tote style, shoulder bags, and slings. The style of the bag should be based on lifestyle. If you are outdoors a lot, then a backpack makes more sense. If you are a mall crawler, then a bag that is carried on one shoulder will be fine. If the bag is going straight to a babysitter or grandmas then a tote will work out fine. It might make sense to even have two!

Note: Buying a big tote or a purse not meant to be a diaper bag will not help you, unless you like the feeling of searching in a big, black hole.

Big Hint: Buy your husband his own diaper bag. There are specific ones out there targeted for men. This way when you are choosing a bag, you do not have to think twice about how your man will look like carrying that pucci print bag.

2. POCKETS, POCKETS, POCKETS—A bib, diapers, ointments, wipes, toys, digital camera, and I can go on and on (see checklist). It all needs a place. Again having pockets in the bag will make it easier to find things when you need it, well only if you put things back where you got it from to begin with. Also, in these pockets, it would be good to have a key ring holder. Sounds so simple. It really is a timesaver. Juggling baby in one arm and digging in your bag trying to locate your keys can look like a circus act. But it does not have to be. Trust me on this one. Knowing your keys are in the same place every time you need to go anywhere will help you keep your sanity. Also, insulated pockets are helpful. This is really nice, so that you do not have to carry extra bottle holders that take up space. Some insulated pockets have elastic to stretch to fit any size bottle. Splendid!

3. EASY TO CLEAN INTERIOR and EXTERIOR—Really think hard about this. Do you want simple to clean bags, that you can take that wipe and clean that mess, or do you want a bag that you have to spot clean and take the dry cleaners? There are so many bags these days that are made with easy to clean materials, and I do not mean vinyl! Think of all the cheerios, juice, milk, and that will be spilled in the course of a few years.

4. STRAPS—A padded strap will be what you need after carrying that bag for an extended period. Also, one that is adjustable is a big plus. With all the essentials you will feel you a carrying a small condo in your bag. Trust me, paying a little extra for this…your back and shoulders will thank me later!

5. ACCESSORIES—I am not talking about earrings here. It is a plus if your diaper bag comes with a changing mat, dirty duds pouch, pacifier holder, a wipes case, and I could go on and on. It would be nice to have some of these included. But if you do not have it, and you love the bag, you can always buy these accessories a la carte. Baby’s essentials do add up, but do not forget about your own personal essentials that will be in the bag.

Big Hint: Buy yourself a CLUTCH for your personal essentials—The best way to keep your bag organized is to put a clutch with your personal items. Store your credit cards, cash, lip gloss, etc. in a clutch that you can take in and out of the diaper bag with ease. If you are shopping, and your husband volunteers to take care of the little diva or dude, then you can grab the clutch and head to your favorite stores. Same thing if you are at home and you are able to escape for a few minutes to grab a latte or a pedi. Grab your clutch…and run!

There are 5 essential items that should make up your maternity wardrobe. Add pieces to the essential mix to fit your personal lifestyle and flair.

1. BASICS—
Invest in a few basic tops that will be a bit longer and stretchy. The basics will cover your growing bump and take away the stress of daily dressing. These basics can be worn solo, layered, or even with your non-maternity wardrobe. V-necks, crew necks, scooped necks. Capped sleeves, long sleeves, ¾ length sleeves. Tanks and camis. There are so many choices out there. These days the basics are black, white, and a chocolate brown. Add a basic in a pop of color if it makes you happy! Mix in other tops with prints to add a bit of spice to your wardrobe.

2. BLACK DRESS—
You have heard it a million times, and it is not different when you are pregnant. A fashion must is a basic black dress. The worst feeling is an unexpected event, and having to go through the “I have nothing to wear” when pregnant. If you normally do not wear dresses, you will be pleasantly surprised how flattering a dress is on a body with a bump. If you work, go for a classic dress that can work in the office and with a change of shoes and jewelry can take you to any unexpected event.

3. DENIM—
Investing in a good pair of jeans will do wonders for your self. There are so many options these days, from maternity and non-maternity designers. Ideally you will want two pairs. You will want a pair for daytime wear in a lighter wash, and for nighttime a dark wash. You may also consider having two different lengths, one pair to be worn with flats, and the other with heels.

4. ESSENTIAL BLACK PANTS—
Black pants are definitely a staple for all gals. Basic black pants are a great way to give you a slimming silhouette…really! If you work, definitely invest in a pair of pants that best suits your budget. These pants are going to get so much wear, that you will want something that will last throughout your pregnancy.

5. WAISTBAND EXPANDER—
This will give you more wear to your pre-pregnancy clothes. Some consist of a stretchy fabric that covers your unbuttoned button on your pants, but still holds your pants up. Other expanders consist of fabric that covers the unzipped fly.

After 4 years working hard in our store in Durham, NC, we are so excited about the launching of our new and improved website! We have been working for months with a wonderful designer in San Diego (shout out to Staci and her team at www.quirky-bird.com). We hope you like our new look, and enjoy shopping on our site!

We will be adding new items daily, so please check back often. You know that you can always reach us at the shop if you are looking for something in particular.

Cheers to your blossoming belly!