Tag Archives: budget

Babymoon Bliss

18 Feb
"Maui Beach"

Beautiful beach in Maui

Who says a special romantic getaway for two is only for after the wedding?  Babymoons are becoming a popular tradition for many parents-to-be.  It’s a great way to enjoy some relaxing time away before your twosome becomes a threesome!

A babymoon can be any type of trip,  from a night away at a local B&B to a weeklong jaunt on a tropical island.  It only depends on your budget and imagination.

Traveling when you’re expecting can present its own set of challenges so here are some tips for making sure you have a pre-baby blast.

-Try and schedule your trip for the second trimester after the nausea is gone and before the third trimester aches and bloating set in.

-One way to make it extra special is to have your ultrasound technician put the sex of your baby in a sealed envelope and then open it together on your trip.

-Look for resorts that are adult only so you can enjoy some peace and quiet (while you still can).

-Check out special packages that may include extras like breakfast and spa treatments.

-If you and your hubby prefer to be active when you travel make sure there are plenty of appropriate prenatal activities in the area (aside from things like wine tasting and bungee jumping).

-Whether you are traveling to your destination by car or plane make sure you wear comfortable clothing, pack plenty of snacks and water and get up and stretch/walk around often.

-Bring your medical information with you and locate a hospital near your destination in case you need anything while you’re away from your doctor.

-Make sure the hotel knows it’s your babymoon so they can give you special treatment! Sometimes it won’t make any difference but occasionally you’ll be treated to extras like fruit and chocolate or a room upgrade.

-If your schedules are flexible, look for last-minute deals on sites like travelzoo.com.

-Don’t forget the romance!  Bring some lingerie that fits and flatters your new curves so you can feel confident and beautiful.

Building Your Maternity Wear Wardrobe

10 Feb

We are lucky ladies to be pregnant with so much amazing maternity clothing on the market!  Now it’s easy to maintain your sense of style even while you’re sporting a bump!  But for first time moms it can be overwhelming to know where to go.

Before you even start to show, invest in a BellaBand for about $25.  It ‘s a stretchy and comfy band that will allow you to wear your pants and skirts for a while before even stepping foot in a maternity store!

When you’re ready to start shopping, there are options in every price range so let’s start with the lower-end.  Old Navy and Target are great for building some basics without breaking the bank.  Liz Lang tank tops at Target (about $10 each) have been my staple for working out or layering under non-maternity tops to cover my tummy.   Motherhood Maternity also has very reasonable prices but I found their stores to be cluttered and it was tricky to find what I was looking for.

Moving up the maternity ladder are shops like Ann Taylor Loft,  A Pea in the Pod and Nordstrom.  The prices at Pea are pretty steep but I found some great tops and sweaters on sale.   My big splurge there was on a couple of pairs of designer  jeans which were worth every dollar.  Ann Taylor Loft is great for work attire.

If you’re looking for high-end at low-end prices, check out your local upscale consignment stores where you can buy and sell designer duds.    They often feature children’s clothing too so if you find one you like it can be a great resource even after the baby comes.

San Diego, as well as most major cities,  is also full of adorable boutique shops.  My favorite is Baby Mabel’s which sells maternity, non-maternity and children’s clothing.  If you’re looking for a great shopping experience you’ll get personal attention in an adorable setting!  It pays to do a little research on Google to find the hidden gems in your neighborhood, or just ask your mommy friends!

Think outside of the brick-and-mortar stores  if you want something more unique like a shower dress or an edgier going out ensemble.  Three of my favorites are Belly Dance Maternity, More of Me Maternity and Isabella Oliver (also a celeb favorite).

Regardless of your style there are lots fabulous options out there at every price point .  So get shopping!

SDBB

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