Emma Magazine Feature

Oh my heavens! We can’t believe it’s finally here! Our spread on the Emma Magazine May ’13 Issue is now live. A special thanks to our amazing photographer Jess of By Jess Photography, who aside from being so incredibly talented she is so fun to work with and probably one of the sweetest people we’ve ever met!  To read our feature article click here (Find us on page 52).

Thank you EmmaMag!

** DON’T FORGET to enter our Isabella Oliver Giveaway for a chance to win one of their most popular items, the Ruched Maternity T-shirt Dress!

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Motherhood by Sharstin Miller

My Thoughts on Mommyhood ….

Becoming a mom is like no other. Even when I was young I was excited to be a mom someday, and would talk about favorite baby names and how fun it would be to have a baby.  When I did become a mom for the first time, it changed me forever.  Of course it is a huge adjustment in a life where you are just used to taking care of yourself–a little overwhelming–but the best thing in the world.  I never knew so much love as I feel for my littles. The love and bond that you have with this little human being that you carried for 9 months, and all ready feel like you know. My kiddos have made me a better person, more patient, more aware, and they teach me everyday.

What I love most on a day to day basis are those little moments–when they wake up with the crazy bed head  and want loves, when we are riding in the car and they are asking me a million questions about everything and anything, and when I get to have one on one time with them.  I love to watch the kiddos experience new things–the everyday happenings can be something so amazing and exciting to little kids–it makes you want to really stop and enjoy those small things in life that we rush through.

Is being a mom tough? ummm…yeah! hardest thing there is! Some days i don’t know how i will get through the day in one piece–but boy is it worth it! I am a huge believer that you need to have time for yourself and have those hobbies and passions outside of your roles at home–if I didn’t, I know I would be a crazy person.

I truly believe being a mom is the best job in the world–I feel so blessed that I have these babies in my life.

What are some things you’ve found helpful in helping your older children connect with your unborn child?

• What we have done is just try to involve them as much as possible. They always get to hear the names we are thinking of, and like to add their input. They love to help get things ready in the nursery, and come to the appointments and see the baby. They constantly ask when the baby is gong to be here and if he is sleeping in my belly or awake. With our littlest Nora who is 2, we just talk to her about the baby and how much fun it will be to have him in our family. 

What have you been craving during this pregnancy? 

• I love anything lemon all the time, but especially when i am pregnant! it is my favorite thing. I try to eat healthy–but on a friday night when i feel like a butterfinger ice cream shake, you better believe i am going to have one.

How do you stay so fit while pregnant? Did you lucked out with great genes? 😉

• I wish i had those amazing genes! and was one of those incredibly cute pregos! ha!  I am an avid runner and love to exercise, so i really try and keep that up as long as i possibly can while i am pregnant. As i get farther along, it gets a little tough to do everything i want to do, but i will just modify and not go as hard. I think the key is to listen to your body.

From past experience, how did you wean your children from breastfeeding?

• I was only able to breastfeed one of my babes– so I don’t know that i am to skilled in this area–but starting out, i tried to introduce the bottle early, just giving her one every few days or so. That way I felt like if I was out, or needed to gone for a while there wouldn’t be an issue of trying to have her take a bottle. I breast fed for 8 months, and since she was all ready used to getting a bottle every now and then the transition was really easy.

 Diaper Bag Essentials

• Timi and Leslie convertible diaper bag. I love that it just looks like a purse instead of a huge diaper bag.

• Stretch island fruit leather–for me and the kiddos. A delish lil snack–and little teething babies love them too.

• I always like to have an extra swaddling blanket-Marquisette swaddler in grey is a perfect lightweight one for the summer and i also love this little striped number {here}

• i always have a few of the board books- a favorite is the very hungry caterpillar The Very Hungry Caterpillar.

• Lipstick – A favorite cheap go-to is Maybelline Coral Crush – It’s just a subtle coral and just adds that bit of color you want  on a day to day without being too bold. It is a lot like MAC Impassioned but only $5 at the drugstore.

• Always carry an extra onesie for those blowout moments – that happen more than we like to admit.

• Diapers and wipes, of course! We go for the Kirkland brand – Why? Because getting in bulk at Costco is always a bonus.

• I always carry an extra pair on sunnies in my diaper bag – usually just a cheap pair from Forever21.

• Hand sanitizer is a must-have! I like the Bath & Body Works.

 

Find this gorgeous mama and talented photographer at Me & Mine

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The Daily Dish Contest {CLOSED}

For all my Utah readers, I have some exciting news to share with you today! I’ve been invited to be a guest on  ABC4′s The Daily Dish, March 25th, where I’ll be highlighting several Spring maternity looks. My plan was to style and bring 3 models but then thought it would be extra fun to bring a reader with me. So we have decided to bring another model, one of you!

In order to pick who will be coming along with me to the show, we’ll be having a mini contest. The winner will be personally styled by Mychicbump, get to wear one of the gorgeous outfits we’ll be highlighting during the segment, get to appear on TV, and have a meet & greet with the gals behind Mychicbump over lunch, our treat!

In order to enter, you must …..

• #1 requirement BE PREGNANT
• Be a follower of Mychicbump via Email (Click on the ‘Follow’ button on the bottom right side corner)
• Take a picture of your pregnant self, post it to Instagram with #mychicbump @karenzaro
• Leave a comment on the blog explaining why you’d like to come.

For additional entries …

• Follow Mychicbump on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram (@karenzaro)

Contest runs until 11:59pm on Friday, March 15th

Feel free to nominate your friends! I can’t wait to see all of your cute pregnant pictures!

Good luck!

New Features & Exciting News …

An exciting new adventure has come my way! I am happy to announce that I will be joining Mom’s Best Network‘s team of amazing women as their Pregnancy Fashion Expert!! I could not be more thrilled for this incredible opportunity! Check out the first of many posts to come here. I’d love to hear from you and know what you think! Be sure to leave me a note here or there.

Also, have you heard? Seraphine Maternity has now launch their new blog called Seraphine Life. There you will find Seraphine’s latest news, fashion inspiration, health and beauty, helpful tips, recommendations from bloggers around the world, and many many more! We feel so incredibly honored to have been invited as one of their very first blog contributors! Here is a little taste of this week’s post ….

” And then the moment comes… you’re pulling on your favorite pair of skinny jeans, ready to head out with your hubby and something just isn’t working. GASP! That’s when you realize that your regular clothes just wont cut it anymore. So now what do you do?”

To read more on what to look for when investing on maternity clothes click here, under Timeless Maternity Pieces by Mychicbump

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Sweet Little Peanut Feature

We are so excited to announce we are being featured on Sweet Little Peanut today, a style-savvy guide to bringing up baby! We’ve already seen an incredible amount of love and can’t thank you enough for all the sweet comments and encouraging words you’ve shared with us. If you haven’t yet, head over to see our guest post here

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