The Scene on Maternity & Style

Kelly Ripa Dishes on Parenting, Marriage and More

Chloe — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Morning show host Kelly Ripa gave an intimate interview to Good Housekeeping this month. She dishes on everything from parenting, marriage, staying fit and being a working mom. Here are some highlights:

On her husband, Mark Consuelos: "I think he makes me better. He makes everything in our lives better...Oh, sure. We argue about children, discipline, homework, good-cop/bad-cop. He says he's the bad cop and I'm the good cop, but really they associate him with fun and after-school activities. They associate me with inoculations, X-rays, and stitches. He's more apt to dole out discipline, but my punishments are real. I'll take away my son's iPod if he's fresh. When we're traveling, Mark will say, "If you don't stop, I'm going to have the pilot turn this plane around." I'll whisper to him, "They know you can't do that. The airline isn't going to turn this plane around because you're punishing the kids. You need to come up with something real."

On staying fit: "I work out every day. It's part of my life. That's one of the benefits of having kids in school full-time. I'm usually done with work around 11 A.M., so I have time before I pick the kids up from school. I do it more for my insides than my outside, but the outside gets a nice benefit, too. I feel like my mind is a little quieter when I exercise. And I don't have the best family history heart-wise, so I really try to keep my heart strong...I work out with a trainer, Anna Kaiser, three days a week. We do what I would call cardio ballet and power yoga. I take spinning classes at SoulCycle, which I love, and I run. I get bored, so I like to mix it up a little bit. I try to make my heart beat out of my chest, hard-core, once a day for at least a half hour. I think that's very important."

On choosing to exercise: "Before I started exercising, I was exhausted all the time. I remember when Joaquin was about 7 months old, I was carrying him up the stairs, and was completely winded when I got to the top. I thought, I've got to figure this out, because I shouldn't be exhausted like this. My husband encouraged me and said, 'If you worked out, you'd feel so much better, and it would quiet your mind down.' Because I'm a worrier. And he was right. I started out three days a week, walking for a half hour on a treadmill; then it was five days a week, and then I started jogging. It was like a drug. The gateway drug is the treadmill."

On discipline: "We don't let them watch TV during the week anyway, but [if we need to punish them] we'll take that away on the weekends. We have a computer in the kitchen, the common area, and it's usually used for homework, but on the weekends they can FaceTime [video chat] with their friends. We'll take that away — which is like taking oxygen out of my daughter's lungs. The fact that she doesn't have a cell phone has ruined her life. She'll be 11 in June, and according to her, she's the only one of her friends who doesn't have a cell phone yet. But I don't believe that!"

What she would say to her younger self: "Appreciate every second, even when you're exhausted. I remember when Michael was 14 weeks old and I was thinking, I can't wait until he's 14 so I can sleep through the night. You don't sleep through the night when they're 14. You stay awake for other reasons. The worries become so much more significant and bigger — you just want them to feel good about themselves, you want them to do well in school, you don't want them to be influenced by any bad peer groups. When they're 14 weeks old, you can cradle them. Now it's [him saying], 'Please don't acknowledge me at the track meet. Don't cheer me on.'"

On trying not to embarrass her teen: "This year he said, 'I'm the only kid at school who gets dropped off and whose mother picks him up. I don't want that anymore.' I said, 'Fine.' Now, when the bus comes, I wait on the opposite corner, across the street, and I watch him walk home with his friends. He doesn't know I'm there. He's never seen me. I'm literally like a cat burglar following him home. In my opinion, when you take your eyes off them, sometimes they can get in a lot of trouble. He's a very sweet kid, but I still hold on to that little ounce of keeping an eye on him. I do it my way, so he doesn't have to know. He still has his freedom, but it's a monitored freedom. I'm sure there will be a parenting expert reading this and saying I'm doing it wrong. I read that book How to Hug a Porcupine [by Julie Ross] — it's my parenting bible. They say you have to trust your children and give them freedom. I say, OK, but this is New York City!"

On keeping it together: "I deep-breathe, and I do a lot of yoga. There's no real manual on being a parent. There's no real manual on being a wife. I keep reminding myself, My mother did all this, only she never got to leave the house. OK, I can do this. We're all learning on our own learning curve. I remember when Mark and I got married, my parents bought us this enormous television with a projector screen that was all the rage, and it came with this [massive] instruction manual. When we had Michael, [the hospital staff] were like, 'OK, here's your newborn baby and a leaflet.' I was like, I can't believe they're letting us walk out of here with this. It's up to us to learn as we go and to do the best we can. I always remind my kids, 'I'm your parent, but I'm a human being, too, so I may not be perfect.'"

Can you relate to Kelly's parenting?

Kelly: Live & Uncensored [GoodHousekeeping]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | kelly ripa | interview

14 Maternity Valentine's Dresses Under $100

Chloe — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Looking for something fun and flirty to wear this Valentine’s Day? Even if you just need a good date dress for your pregnancy, there are some perfect frocks out there to suit the occasion. Admittedly, Asos seems to have cornered the market with bright, warm-hued dresses with alluring cuts, but there are a few to be found at local department stores as well. Here are the best 14 maternity dresses to “wow” that special someone. Listed from top left of the image to bottom right:

Red Grecian Dress from Asos - $62.67

Black Dress in Stretch Jersey from Asos - $35.81

Black and Pink Party Dress with Mesh Overlay at Asos - $29.54

Red Ruched Dress with Bow from Asos - $32.23

Sangria Katie Lace Dress from Asos - $48.34

Cream Textured Dress from Asos - $80.57

Wild Astor Midi Dress with Rouching from Asos - $46.55

Strapless Navy Maxi Dress from Asos - $68.93

Plum Sleeveless Cross Back Maxi from Motherhood Maternity - $79.99

Raspberry Pleated Dress from Asos - $28.65

Black Elbow Sleeve Dress from Motherhood Maternity - $49.99

Black and Cream Slash Belt Dress from Motherhood Maternity - $34.99

Multi Print Flutter Sleeve Maxi from Motherhood Maternity - $49.98

Black and Cream Short-Sleeve Dress from Target - $24.99

What are your Valentine’s Day plans?

Spring Maternity Trend: Full-Length Skirts

Chloe — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

A maternity trend is afoot and you can easily join the trendsetters in the earliest phase. Pregnant celebrities are increasingly being spotted out wearing full-length maternity skirts. The look is pretty, delicate and perfect for ushering in spring. Hilary Duff, Alessandra Ambrosio, Molly Sims and Elsa Pataky (Liam Hemsworth's wife) have all been spotted pushing this trend. Here are few items you can use to join in:

Black Floral Print Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $29.99
Brown Shirred Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $59.99
Black Skirt from Motherhood Maternity - $29.98
Black and White Striped Skirt from Motherhood Maternity - $19.99 (S only)
Charcoal Skirt from Motherhood Maternity - 19.99 (XS only)
White Tiered Skirt from Motherhood Maternity - $49.98
Black and Gray Striped Skirt from Motherhood Maternity - $29.98
Pleated Multi-Colored Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $79.0
Black Pleated Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $99.99
Denim Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $99.50
Brown and Black Stripe Skirt from a Pea in the Pod - $99.99

Do you ever wear full-length skirts?

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | trends | shopping

How One Mother Made Millions Selling Diaper Covers

Chloe — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

We've all had days when we dreamed we could just quit our jobs and start our own business that would theoretically catapult us into riches. In reality, starting a business is not often a recipe to become a millionaire, but one North Carolina mother of two is actually living that dream.

Amber Schaub (32) was searching for a frilly type of diaper cover she remembered as a kid to buy for an expecting friend. Unable to find the ruffled bloomers, she decided to start her own company called RuffleButts. She says of that pivotal time in her life: "At the time I really struggled with what I was doing and what my purpose in life really was. So I quit my job, taking some time to do that search and about three months later I started RuffleButts."

Three years later, the company had become a success and her husband quit his job as vice president of a mortgage company to help out. Now they employ 15 people and have an annual revenue of approximately $2.5 million as of 2011.The company sells 75% of it's products online.

Have you ever dreamed of starting your own business?

Making a Bundle on Baby Boomers [Inc]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | baby products | business

Jenna Fischer Didn't Lose Weight From Breastfeeding

Chloe — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 17:00:00 GMT

There are many benefits to breastfeeding your baby, including the fact that it burns a lot of extra calories while you probably have no time to exercise. Unfortunately, breastfeeding doesn't help every new mother get back into shape after giving birth. The Office's Jenna Fischer opened up about the postpartum weight-loss myths perpetuated in Hollywood to USWeekly.

"Let me please stand in solidarity with all of the women who are not a size 2 six weeks after leaving the hospital. I thought, you read all of the stuff in magazines like, 'Oh, I breastfed my baby and I am so skinny now.' I am breast-feeding my baby and I am not getting any skinnier! I think I'm just going to be a little bit bigger for a little bit longer, and that's fine with me."

Fischer gave birth in September of 2011. She attended the 18th Annual Screen Actors Guild Award Ceremony this week in a beautiful custom-made blue dress (by Max Azria Atelier, designer of Angelina Jolie's famous green maternity gown), which she said, "made me look the smallest I could possibly look right now after just having had a baby."

Despite her difficulties getting back into pre-pregnancy shape, she is enjoying motherhood immensely: "I love being a family. I love going from two people to three people, and it has deepened the bond between me and my husband. We love being together, the three of us. Our little unit."

Even so, she was happy to have a night out: "It took a special occasion for us to leave at first, but we have a babysitter that we really trust now, so I feel like because of that, tonight we can really relax and have fun. We'll check in and make sure Weston gets to bed OK."

Did breastfeeding help you lose weight?

Jenna Fischer: I Haven't Lost Any Weight From Breastfeeding [USWeekly]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | jenna fischer | postpartum

Fashion Blogs of Celebrity Babies and Toddlers

Chloe — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Have you ever seen a picture of one of Tori Spelling's kids and wondered where they buy their clothes? Apparently, you can find out what the McDermott sisters and their good friend Simone (daughter of Tori's great friends, "The Guncles") are wearing on their personal fashion blogs. The Simone Fashion Blog features the clothing choices of little Simone (pictured), who just recently moved from her crib to a bed. On the McDermott Sisters Fashion Blog, you can see a breakdown of the clothing that Hattie and Stella McDermott wear. Both blogs feature very affordable outfits that are usually purchased at Target, H&M and other inexpensive stores. However, if you're really looking to spend some money on kid's clothing, you can also check out the Suri Cruise Clothes Blog.

Would you set up a fashion blog for your little one?

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | suri cruise | tori spelling

Celebrity Maternity Looks for Less: Alessandra Ambrosio

Chloe — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Victoria’s Secret model Alessandra Ambrosio walked the catwalk this week while five months pregnant. The majority of the outfits were nothing to write home about, but one ensemble stood out as a practical look for any pregnant woman to achieve. Brazilian designer, Colcci, sent Ambrosio down the runway in a pair of short beige shorts (possibly leather) and an oversized knit sweater. The look was completed with wine red accessories.

If you don’t want to shell out any cash for a new sweater, you can probably borrow one from the closet of one of the men in your life. Pair with short shorts (any khaki drawstring shorts can work) and accessorize with matching gusto. If you feel like shopping though, here are some relatively inexpensive items you can use to recreate the look:

Ladder Sweater in Olive - $95

Maternity Full-Panel Twill Shorts from Old Navy - $22.94

Call it Spring - $27.99

If you prefer flats try: Indigo by Clarks - $35.97

Magenta Clutch - $51.99

What do you think of her outfit?

Alessandra Ambrosio: five months pregnant and still on the catwalk [TelegraphUK]

Bryce Dallas Howard Gave Birth

Chloe — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Actress Bryce Dallas Howard (30) and husband Seth Gabel welcomed a baby girl to the world! Beatrice Jean arrived on January 19th. Proud Grandfather, director Ron Howard, tweeted the news: "Beatrice Jean Howard-Gabel born Jan 19 2012 8lbs 6oz. Bryce & Baby B are spectacular. Daddy Seth & brother Theo are beaming ear to ear"

Beatrice joins big brother Theo (4 1/2), who correctly predicted that the couple was expecting a girl even though his parents stayed mum on the sex. Howard has spoken publicly of her bout with postpartum depression after her first pregnancy, but says she has been feeling euphoric during her second.

Congratulations to the happy family!

What do you think of the name Beatrice?

Bryce Dallas Howard Welcomes Daughter Beatrice Jean [People]
RealRonHoward [Twitter]

Photo credit: David Shankbone

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | bryce dallas howard | celebrities

Why Don't French Children Throw Food?

Chloe — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

A new book by Pamela Druckerman is causing a parenting controversy across the web. In French Children Don't Throw Food, Druckerman talks about her experiences raising a baby in France where all the children seemed to be better behaved than hers. She began by asking how French mothers appeared so "cool and sexy" with toddlers in tow and found some pretty practical answers.

Druckerman's ears perked up when she heard a French woman express embarrassment that her son took so long to sleep through the night. As an Englishwoman with a six-month-old, she was ready to commiserate on the drudgery of waking up several times a night. She was baffled, however, when the woman said it took four months. About a year later, she noticed another stark difference - as her baby was acting up at a table of friends, their babies were sitting quietly, waiting to be fed fish and vegetables. After contemplating the relaxed faces of her friends with babies, she decided to investigate the parenting differences.

She highlights a few key differences: "French women certainly don’t suffer the same guilt about everything." "C’est moi qui decide" or "It is me who decides" is the prevailing parenting wisdom among French parents. She explains: "While I kind of assumed that when I had a baby, my marriage and my body was going to suffer, and I wouldn’t have any time for myself, the French just don’t assume that. They don’t have any illusions, but won’t subjugate themselves entirely to the will of the child."

She eventually learned how their babies were sleeping through the night so quickly: "When I heard these stories about babies sleeping through at six weeks, I initially thought the French parents were just being horrible and leaving their child to cry for hours. But they weren’t. Instead they employ what I call 'the pause.' French parents don’t jump on their baby the moment it wails, but give it a chance to self-soothe. And they do that every time. The idea is that the baby is not helpless, but a thinking being who needs to learn the skill of sleep."

Of French toddlers' impressive eating habits she says: "One thing they don’t have in France is this sense of grown-ups’ food and kids’ food. They have this principle which is 'you just have to taste it, even if it’s just one bite.' British parents have that, too — and usually, junior takes one bite and pronounces he doesn’t like it. The difference is the French don’t give up after two or three tries and assume that’s it. They just keep introducing it." In addition, Druckerman notes: "They have one official snack, le gouter, around 4pm, but other than that kids eat only at meal-times. Which means that when they do sit down they’re hungry. Meals are not at the same time every day, but kids know that meal-times are when you eat."

Another common trick she describes is to allow the child one "bad" word, such as "poopypants" or "caca" they can use to vent frustration and which they are limited to.

A downside to the French way of parenting described is the fact that the "terrible twos" are just not considered a phenomenon. Kids are given no leeway to have tantrums and are physically hit if they display any such behavior.

Needless to say, French parenting has been a bit romanticized in the book, but it's still an interesting contrast to take into account. Many English parents are currently panning it on blogs and articles across the web.

Do you practice any of these French parenting techniques?

Slimmer, Better in bed, now we're told French women are better mothers too! [DailyMail]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | pamela druckerman | books

Celebrity Maternity Looks for Less: Jennifer Garner

Chloe — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Jennifer Garner made an appearance on the Tonight Show in her best maternity outfit to date. The outfit is simple, comfortable and flattering. Pairing a red chiffon dress with black tights is an easy way to look incredible during your pregnancy. Here are a few inexpensive pieces you can use to replicate her look:

For the alluring red color and the beauty of chiffon, try the Asos Midi Dress with Belt - $62.67

If you prefer the cut of the chiffon dress but don't care for the red, this Maternity Dress with Wrap and Chiffon Sleeve in Berry is your best bet - $44.76

If you really want to save some bucks, try the Merona Twist Wrap Sweater Dress at Target - $20.98

Black Maternity Tights from Motherhood Maternity - $7.98

She’s wearing heels like these: Black Pumps from DSW - $69.95

…but you might be more comfortable in flats like these: Black Glitter Ballet Flats - $49

Scattered Stone Gold Pendant from Bloomingdales- $50

Brass Bracelet - $22

Oval Stone Ring from Loft - $24.50

What do you think of her outfit?

Jessica Alba Launches Eco-Friendly Baby Product Website

Chloe — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Actress Jessica Alba has spoken publicly about chemicals found in traditionally used baby items. Just last year she said at the Safe Chemicals Act conference in Washington, D.C.: "I was like, this is nuts, from baby bottles to baby toys, to pacifiers to diapers, and it's completely unregulated, these toxins that companies are allowed to put in these products and they're basically just fillers." The politically active actress is standing behind her principles by starting an eco-friendly baby website called The Honest Company, found at honest.com.

This website is not the usual fluff put up by many celebrities - Alba has the help of Christopher Gavigan, the CEO of Healthy Child, Healthy World, a reliable source of information concerning the toxicity of certain children's products. He will be overseeing product formulations. The website mostly sells skin care products, detergents and diapers for the time being and shipping is currently free in the US. Customers sign up for a monthly delivery of the products they choose.

Do you look for baby products that are eco-friendly?

Jessica Alba Launches Website Selling Eco-Baby Products [thestar]
The Honest Company [honest.com]
Jessica Alba Fights for Safe Chemicals Act [M&S]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | jessica alba | eco friendly

Workout Moves for Moms on the Go

Chloe — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

At this point in January, the majority of people who made resolutions to lose weight or get in shape have officially quit their workout goals. If you've continued on with your fitness goals, give yourself a pat on the back. Whether you've stuck to your fitness goals or not, incorporating exercises into your daily routine is the easiest way for busy moms to get fit and stay fit. Here are a handful of ways you can workout without hitting the gym:

1. While you dry your hair. Assuming you are still finding the time to dry your hair before work each morning, why waste it looking for fine lines and enlarged pores when you could be toning your quadriceps? Squats are a great way to tone your hips, butt and thighs, strengthen the core and pelvic floor.

2. While brushing your teeth. Again, you can sit there analyzing the difference between you and your favorite actress, OR, you could tone your buns. Try doing a ballet move, called an arabesque, improving your grace and your gluts.

3. When you have a couple minutes. Okay, so you might never have a couple minutes to do some jumping jacks, but they're a great way to get your heart rate up. The next time you're waiting for your partner to head out the door, do a few sets of jumping jacks, they tone your calves and prevent varicose veins.

4. Anytime. One of the best exercises for your pelvic floor are kegels and you can do them any time of the day.

5. If you're standing somewhere. Anytime you're standing about, try popping up on your toes repeatedly. A simple lift on your toes is a great way to tone the backs of your legs.

6. Walk as you talk. While you're on the phone with family members, it's a great time to take a walk around the house or around the block. Burn a few extra calories as you catch up.

7. As you cook. While you're waiting for the water to come to a boil or the microwave to count down, put your hands on the counter and do a few push-ups.

8. While you clean the dishes. Although washing the dishes is the perfect time for daydreaming, it's also the perfect time for leg lifts. While you're at the counter, keep your spine straight and alternate lifting legs out to the side, stretching the groin and strengthening the hips.

9. Dance with the kids. A great way to get exercise and have fun is the spend some time dancing with your little one(s). Turn on some upbeat tunes and get your groove on.

10. During tummy time. Every baby needs tummy time, but new moms can get some much needed core strengthening at the same time. Try doing the plank near, or over your baby.

11. At a commercial break. I know, you're finally relaxing after the baby has been put to bed - the idea of fitting in some extra exercise is kind of crazy. Nevertheless, a quick lift could help tone your thighs, biceps and abs. Next time there's a commercial break, try doing a bridge.

Have you found any ways to incorporate exercise in your daily routine?

The Working Mom Workout: 20 Easy, Multi-Tasking Moves You Can Work Into Your Day [ivillage]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | fitness | exercise

Celebrity Maternity Looks for Less: Hilary Duff

Chloe — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Hilary Duff has mostly stuck to a fashion formula during her pregnancy, pairing black leggings with long tops, but not long ago she was spotted in an outfit that is chic, flattering and did not include leggings. A touch of burgundy takes a pale gray and pink outfit and turns it into something special. Here are some inexpensive versions of the items Hilary is wearing:

Dusky Orchid Long-Sleeve Top from Gap - $24.95

Luichiny Scarlet Platform Pump - $50.04

Or for a lower heel,

Anital Maribel Wine Calf Tumbled Nubuck - $89.99

Gray Drawstring Hobo Bag - $59.90

Gold Filigree Pendant Necklace - $16.95

Round Cubic Zirconia Earrings - $35

Philip Persio Wrist Watch from American Apparel - $48

Grey Secret Fit Stretch Skinny Flares from a Pea in the Pod - $99.99

Or for less money,

1969 demi panel long and lean jeans from Gap - $39.99

Molly Sims is Pregnant

Chloe — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

photo: Christopher Peterson

Actress/model Molly Sims (38) and her producer husband Scott Stuber (42) are expecting their first child together. The Project Accessory host revealed on her website that she is due at the end of June:

"I am absolutely, positively, downright over the moon to announce that we are pregnant! There are simply no words to describe the feeling … I finally get what they mean when they say pregnant women GLOW. Our little bundle of joy is a honeymoon baby, due at the end of June. A first pregnancy is a nerve-wracking experience of course, but mostly we are just thrilled and excited. We can’t wait to meet him or her."

She also shared the creative way she revealed the news to her husband:

" I hijacked the fortune cookie and typed a new message so that when he opened his cookie at the end of the meal, he found out he was going to be a daddy. You can only imagine how nervous I was during the entire meal (I think I ate a total of two bites…), but the look of surprise and pure joy on his face was priceless."

The couple were married last September.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Molly Sims Expecting First Child [People]
My Exciting Baby News [Molly Sims]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | molly sims | celebrities

Sienna Miller is Pregnant

Chloe — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 17:00:00 GMT

Sienna Miller (30) is pregnant with her first child! The actress who first found fame in the movie Alfie is expecting with her boyfriend of one year, actor Tom Sturridge (26). They have no plans to marry according to a source. Miller ended an on-an-off relationship with Jude Law last February.

Sources say the actress was surprised by the news but the couple is very happy.

Miller is a true fashionista, so it will be exciting to see how she works her maternity outfits.

Congratulations to the happy couple!

Report: Sienna Miller is Pregnancy [CelebrityBabyScoop]

Technorati Tags:pregnancy | maternity | maternity clothes | fashion | style | maternity style | baby | sienna miller | tom sturridge