Beauty tip: Blow dry your hair faster
February 28, 2009
You thought you were pressed for time now? Just wait until baby comes! In the meantime, practice your time management skills by learning this tip to blow dry your hair in half the time.
According to expert stylist Ashley Javier from Cosmopolitan, your hair will dry faster if you use less beauty product. She recommends you wash and dry as normal, dry hair well with a towel and apply a lightweight mousse.
“But apply half the mousse you’d normally use — the less product, the faster hair will dry.”
She also recommends pinning up the top section and dry the lower half first, followed by the top half. “Forget about making the underside look perfect — no one sees it anyway.” Style the pieces around your face for an instant polished look.
Read More:
How to conceal pregnancy pimples
Pregnancy hair care: How to hide dark roots
Hip maternity clothes all under $50
February 28, 2009
Most of us do not have time to run from store to store on from site to site to find stylish maternity clothes that are also affordable. Your time crunch and money crunch are both solved with Gap’s “Maternity clothing bestsellers under $50″ section.
Featuring everything from tanks to blouses to yoga pants and cropped cargos, you are sure to find something to add to your maternity wardrobe.
Some of my favorites include the printed crossover top ($48, pictured), available in blue paisley or pink paisley. This feminine top will look great throughout pregnancy and beyond.
I also like their basic tanks, such as the lace-trim ribbed tank for $19.50, and their solid color v-necks. These tops will look great layered or worn on their own.
Cropped cargo pants are a maternity must-have, and for $39.50 they are priced too good to pass up!
Check out the entire Gap Bestsellers under $50 here.
Read More:
How to stretch your winter maternity wardrobe into spring
How to stretch your winter maternity wardrobe into spring
February 28, 2009
Everyone is watching their wallet, and splurging on an entirely new spring wardrobe is out of the question for many moms-to-be. Here are some easy tips to stretch your winter maternity wardrobe into spring.
Black: Pair black with white for an instant spring makeover. If you have black pants, pair them with a flowing white top. If you have a black top, pair it with a flowing white skirt or white linen pants.
Long sleeve printed tops: To instantly lighten up your wardrobe, pair long sleeve printed tops with shorts or white pants.
Cardigan: Pair your cardigan with a colorful ruffled top for an instant spring makeover.
Boots: Pair your boots with a printed sundress for an instant casual and hip look.
Pictured: Bank Panel Button Tab Capris in Optic White ($54.50) from Gap.com.
Read More:
Hip maternity accessory: Fringed scarf
How to layer your spring wardrobe
How to conceal pregnancy pimples
February 28, 2009
How do you minimize and conceal a pregnancy pimple when most acne treatments are forbidden when you are expecting? Find out what household products will safely reduce the swelling and how to use makeup to make that blemish disappear.
Because acne treatments are not safe to use during pregnancy, using ice, a dab of toothpaste or a raw potato will all help reduce a pimple eruption, says Kori Ellis from SheKnows.com.
What is the best way to conceal the pimple? Follow these easy steps:
Apply a gently toner to the blemish, followed by a light moisturizer. After the moisturizer has dried, apply green concealer with a brush. The green concealer helps to offset the redness of the pimple. Blend well and set with loose powder.
Read More:
Pregnancy skin help
How to deal with pregnancy pimples
Cute maternity sleepwear options
February 28, 2009
Are you looking for comfortable and cute maternity sleepwear that won’t break the bank? Check out these options for a peaceful slumbar.
The 3/4 sleeve maternity-nursing sleepwear (Tummystyle.com, $59, pictured left) from Japanese Weekend is perfect for lounging, sleeping and even would be a great set to take with you to the hospital. It also features a criss-cross design which makes nursing a breeze once baby is born.
If a sleeping gown is more your style, you will love the comfort and sexiness of the Japanese Weekend Nursing Night Gown ($44, tummystyle.com). This short sleeved nursing is cut to flatter your pregnancy curves and is the perfect sleepwear after baby is born. It also features a wrap bodice to make nursing a breeze.
Maxine Bahns: Get her casual maternity style
February 28, 2009
The Mentalist actess Maxine Bahns looked boho-chic in a flowing printed top and jeans. Find out how you can copy her laid-back maternity style.
Bahns, who is expecting her first child (a girl to be named Madison Rose) any day now, let her cute tummy peak through as she showed off her casual cool style. “I’m very excited,” she is quoted as saying to babyrazzi.com. “The whole pregnancy has been amazing and I can’t wait to love this baby.”
To get her boho vibe, pair this green sleeveless v-neck babydoll maternity tee ($44, APeainthePod.com) with distressed jeans and chunky wooden bracelets. Another great option would be the brown spaghetti strap scoop neck babydoll maternity tee ($34) from APeainthePod.com.
Read More:
The Boho trend: Trendy and affordable maternity tops
How to update your maternity look
Photo: People
Homemade stretch mark cream
February 27, 2009
Between buying baby’s nursery furniture and baby gear, the last thing many pregnant moms-to-be can afford is expensive stretch mark cream. Check out these easy and all-natural stretch mark creams that are as easy on your tummy as they are on your wallet.
For an easy stretch mark with only one ingredient, simply massage pure olive oil, cocoa butter or pure vitamin E onto your belly.
Try this homemade stretch mark recipe, courtesy of Homemademedicine.com:
Combine:
1/2 cup virgin olive oil
1/2 cup aloe vera gel
liquid from 6 capsules of Vitamin E
liquid from 4 capsules of Vitamin A
Mix ingredients together in a blender and pour into a jar. Keep refrigerated. Apply this mixture to places where you get stretch marks — tummy, hip, thighs and breast — on a daily basis.
Read More:
What beauty products are safe during pregnancy?
Top 3 products to prevent stretch marks
Pregnancy hair care: How to hide dark roots
February 27, 2009
Whether you don’t want to be exposed to the harsh chemicals of bleach or it is just not in your budget to get a touch-up, how can you hide your dark roots?
Use a zig-zag part: A straight part will clearly show your dark roots, however a zig zag part will break up the line concealing your dark new growth.
Use face powder: Use light pressed face powder simply use the powder applicator to apply to roots. Not only does it conceal your roots, but it also blots up oil!
Consider the style: Avoid straight hair styles and slicked back or ponytails because they will only highlight your roots. Stick with hair with wave or curl.
Bumble & Bumble Hair powder: If all else fails, use Bumble & Bumble hair powder to conceal your roots. At $34, this temporary hair powder will instantly light your roots.
Read More:
What beauty products are safe during pregnancy?
Pregnancy safe exfoliator: Epsom Salt
February 27, 2009
Are you looking for a pregnancy safe exfoliator to smooth rough patches on your body, face and (if you can still reach them!) your feet? Check out the multiple uses of Epsom salt.
Kori Ellis of SheKnows.com describes the exfoliating benefits of Epsom salt.
Get a glowing complexion by mix 1/2 tablespoon of epsom salt into our normal cleansing cream. Gently massage into your skin, rinse with cool water and enjoy your fresh, smooth skin.
Your feet are carrying around you and your growing baby, so pamper them by smoothing the rough patches away with epsom salt. If you can no longer comfortably reach them, talk to your man into pampering you a little. For an all-natural foot scrub, mix 2 cups of epsom salt with 1/4 cup petroleum jelly. Rub the mixture over your heels and other rough patches. Smooth feet are sure to follow!
Read More:
All natural homemade facial cleansers
Natural homemade hair conditioners and treatments
Are essential oils safe during pregnancy?
February 27, 2009
Not all essential oils are safe to use during pregnancy. In fact, there are no licensing requirements and no FDA guidelines in place for aromatherapy products.
Sure, aromatherapy products smell good — but are they safe to use during pregnancy? The National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) have recommended NOT using aromatherapy because there are no studies that have been conducted to gauge the safety and the effects on your growing baby.
The following oils, when well diluted, have reportedly less chance for adverse side effects: chamomile, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli, sandalwood and ylang ylang. Avoid chamomile and geranium until you are out of your first trimester.
My advice? Talk to you doctor, but I would err on the side of caution and avoid essential oils until baby is born.
Source: Associatedcontent.com
