Just entering her third trimester, the always-stylish star accents her blue-and-white floral maxi and form-fitting jacket with vibrant red-frame glasses and perfectly matched lipstick.

Gwen Stefani hasn't sacrificed her cool and edgy style just because baby number two is on the way! People.com has a great slide show of images pinpointing her daring fashion choices as her due date draws near. Check it out here.


Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | gwen stefani

Oh, epsom salt—who knew that such an uninspiring ingredient could inspire such devotion? Read on for 13 ways to use epsom salts, including a face scrub, a foot soak and a hair volumizer.

Adapted from the Epsom Salt Industry Council:

1. Face cleanser: To clean your face at night, mix a half-teaspoon of epsom salt with your regular cleansing cream. Just massage into skin and rinse with cold water.
   
   
2. Homemade skin mask: Apply the mask to damp skin. For normal to oily skin, mix 1 tablespoon of cognac, 1 egg, 1/4 cup of non-fat dry milk, the juice of 1 lemon, and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt. For normal to dry skin, mix 1/4 cup of grated carrot, 1 1/2 teaspoons of mayonnaise and a half-teaspoon of epsom salt.
   
   
3. Foot soak: Soothe aches, remove odors and soften rough skin with a foot soak. Add 1/2 cup of epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry.
   
   
4. Skin exfoliator: Massage handfuls of epsom salt over your wet skin, starting with your feet and continuing up towards the face. Have a bath to rinse.
   
   
5. Remove excess oil from hair: Epsom salt soaks up excess oil from hair. Add 9 tablespoons of epsom salt to 1/2 cup of oily hair shampoo. Apply one tablespoon of the liquid to your hair when it is dry; rinse with cold water. Pour lemon juice or organic apple cider vinegar through the hair, leave on for 5-10 minutes, and then rinse.
   
   
6. Remove hairspray: Combine 1 gallon of water, 1 cup of lemon juice, and 1 cup epsom salt. Combine, cover and let set for 24 hours. The next day, pour the mixture into your dry hair and let it sit for 20 minutes. Then shampoo as normal.
   
   
7. Hair volumizer: Combine equal parts of deep conditioner and epsom salt. Warm in a pan. Work the warm mixture through your hair and leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse.
   

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Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | beauty | epsom salt

With Britney Spears embroiled in a seemingly neverending custody battle and 17-year-old sis Jamie Lynn Spears expecting her first child very soon, it's hard to imagine a family under more scrutiny these days than the Spears clan.

But in spite of all the outside pressure on them, it was nothing but good times for the Spears sisters when they reunited on May 2 for the Zoey 101 star's baby shower.

"It was wonderful to be able to spend time with her and just be girls again," Jamie Lynn told OK! magazine in an exclusive interview about seeing her sister for the first time in months. "We painted our nails and did stupid stuff."

Even better, explained Jamie Lynn, was that she was able to have some one-on-one time with Brit: "To be able to be in the privacy of our own home and just be sisters again was wonderful."

Mother-of-two Britney even shared some words of wisdom with her pregnant sibling. "She told me, 'There are going to be some long nights, but it is completely worth it,'" Jamie Lynn recalled to the rag.

Check out the full story here.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | britney spears | jamie lynn spears

You never know what's true and what's not when you read the covers of the lasted celebrity tabloid magazines, but Star recently reported that "Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt are thrilled to be adding two more daughters to their rainbow brood." The birth of twins would raise their family count to six children all under the age of seven.

Star also claims Angelina is having a difficult pregnancy. Before leaving for France she reportedly passed out and fell. Thankfully, a traveling medical team alongside her was able to check her out quickly and determined all was well.

Whether you view Star as a reputable source for celeb news or not, you can read the rest of the story here.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | brad pitt | angelina jolie

"I didn't even know you got a shower for your second baby!" said American Morning anchor Kiran Chetry, surveying the scene at a baby bash thrown in honor of her impending arrival. Chetry's CNN coworkers joined her for party at New York City's Sparty, where they enjoyed an eco-friendly afternoon of manicures, massages and plenty of baby talk.

Source

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | kiran chetry | baby shower

Being a hot mama is a lot of work. As Mother's Day approaches, moms around the country are waiting breathlessly for a little relief from their endless house cleaning, fixing and picking up of things, maintaining themselves (tweezing, exfoliating, masking, manicuring, ect), cooking, socializing, bill  paying, and all the other endless things that go into making up a life these days.

One of my favorite things to do when I need to unwind is go for a long walk around the neighborhood. This Mother's Day, why not give yourself (or a special mom in your life) the gift of fashionable walking gear? Carolyn Leber has a great post on her blog suggesting just that.

In addition to the fun items above, you even include an iPod with a personalized song list for walking. What a lucky mom!

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | cynthia rowley | badger | petunia pickle bottom | mother's day

The New York Times published a great story yesterday about the outrageously high prices tabloid rags will pay celebrities to run the first images of their new babies. Richard Perez-Pena writes:

Not long ago, when a magazine paid a celebrity more than a person might earn in a lifetime in return for a set of pictures, media critics questioned the ethics of both the publication and the star.

That is so passé. Writing an enormous check for a celebrity photo spread and interview has become pretty routine for People magazine and OK! weekly.

So the better question now is, is it worth it? Can a few snapshots of a baby or a bride, accompanied by a fawning article, really be worth millions of dollars?

On the whole it probably is, industry executives and consultants say, acknowledging that is a tough question to answer.

To read the rest of the story, click here.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | baby photos | celebrity babies

Pretty underwear is one of those little things in life that can give us a lift (no pun intended) and make us feel special. Don't pregnant and nursing women deserve the same?

Amoralia, the leading brand of beautiful lingerie for pregnant women and nursing mothers, has the ideal solution for chic summer undies this season. The Embrace maternity strapless bra and matching briefs is perfect under halter-neck tops and strapless dresses and shows off new curves and cleavages, whereas Canelle, a multi-way bra with detachable straps adds a little glamor to any summer wardrobe.

The designers at Amoralia understands that pregnancy doesn’t mean an end to style. In fact, most women want to feel as feminine as possible while enjoying their growing bump, so t’s no surprise that the brand counts Hollywood stars Toni Collette and Rachel Weisz, as well as supermodels Karen Elson and Laura Bailey amongst its fans.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | maternity bra | amoralia

Though she says life’s been “beyond amazing” since giving birth to her daughter in January, the diaper-duty demands of motherhood leave Nicole Richie pining for her old party days, according to Star magazine.

“Nicole is torn between being a mommy and being a party girl,” an insider told the publication. “She wants to go out and have fun, but when she does, she’s like, ‘Uh-oh, Harlow needs me.’”

The dramatic lifestyle change is catching to the new mom, said another source. “Nicole really misses her carefree life. Before Harlow came along, Nicole never had to worry about anything. All she did was party with her friends and go shopping. Now she’s totally overwhelmed by her new responsibility, even though she adores her daughter. Nicole still can’t figure out if she’s happier when she’s home with the baby or hitting the town with her friends!”

Source

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | nicole richie

For generations, women have sought out certain natural therapies to ease morning sickness, so the healthcare professionals at Three Lollies have developed a solution: convenient, delicious, high quality and all natural lollipops specially formulated for pregnant women.

Preggie Pops offer relief using a combination of essential oils and aromatherapy. In addition, they alleviate dry mouth, provide quick calories and energy during labor, and are an overall soothing and comforting way to address the needs of pregnant women. Preggie Pops are also drug free and healthcare provider recommended.

Prices range from $3.95 to $5.50 at threelollies.com.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | three lollies | preggie pops | morning sickness

Known for its award-winning nursing covers, Bebe Au Lait has launched an organic line for eco-conscious mothers. Enter for a chance to win this star-studded nursing cover with autographs from stars like Bridget Moynahan, Ali Landry, Angela Bassett and Denise Richards. Check out bebeaulait.com for a chance to win from April 25th until May 31st.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | bebe au lait

The verdict is in on the Britster's parenting know-how.

But we're just going to have to wait a little bit longer to find out if she gets a thumbs up or thumbs down from the court.

E! News has confirmed that a child custody evaluation report detailing the pros and cons of Britney Spears' mothering has been completed.

The report, commissioned by a Los Angeles family court in Spears' ongoing battle with ex-hubby Kevin Federline over young sons Sean Preston and Jayden James, was filed Friday by Dr. Jane Shatz.

Lawyers for both Spears and Federline declined to comment on the substance of the document.

While no specific positives or criticisms have been made public, the report's findings are expected to get a full airing at the next hearing in the case, set for May 6, when attorneys are planning to debate merits of a modified custody arrangement.

Spears, who has typically avoided courtroom showdowns in the matter, may actually show this time to defend herself.

Source

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | britney spears

If the mom in your life is a yoga junkie, this trendy all-purpose blue tote from Plank will definitely become her hottest accessory. The oversize cotton canvas bag can hold all her yoga gear, including her beloved mat. When she's not heading to class, this chic tote is great for shopping or the beach. And if you feel like an extra splurge, you can add on a unique yoga mat that features a photo, of a half-eaten blueberry muffin, for example, or text, like rows of the calm-inducing word "chocolate."

Price: Tote, $230; mats, $60 to $125

Available at PlankDesigns.com

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | mother's day | yoga

The Brangelina brood has hit France, scouting locations for its next big project: Baby-delivering.

Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt and all four kids are holed up in Microsoft cofounder Paul Allen's Villa Maryland in Saint Jean Cap Ferrat on the French Riviera.

The family arrived early Monday night via private jet at Nice airport with two nannies and three security guards says an onlooker. As E! News first reported last month, Angelina is due this summer and plans on having her baby in France.

"It's a breathtaking villa with views out over the Mediterranean [Sea] and they have roughly 12 staff on hand at all times to get them anything they need," says a source. "They've stayed there before and love the house, it's very private and no one can see in. The insider says that Jolie, who has two films opening at next month's Cannes film fest, will kick back while Pitt goes house-hunting. "They love France and will now be here until after the babies are born and Angie is looking at Marseille hospitals as a potential place to give birth."

They also stayed at Paul Allen's villa for a week during Angelina's pregnancy with Shiloh in the early summer of 2006. Jolie met Allen, who helped bankroll DreamWorks, when she was filming Shark Tale in 2004.

Source

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Isabella Oliver is one of my favorite maternity lines, which is why I get so excited when they give away free stuff! The super-chic maternity line is giving stylish mommies-to-be the chance to win one of five of their signature empire wrap dresses. Check out isabellaoliver.com for a chance to win from April 25th until May 31st.

Technorati Tags: pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | isabella oliver