beauty

J’Adore Lexie Couture’s Hospital Bag

Lexie of J’Adore Lexie Couture, new mom to baby Viggo and lover of all things girly & glam shares the wonderful things she packed in her Petunia Pickle Bottom bag for her latest hospital stay to make it as comfortable and pampered as could be…

My little one has arrived and with that fact I wanted to share what I packed for the hospital stay for my baby #3.

The Bag

The Diaper Bag has to be at the top of your list. You need a fabulous bag to carry all the darling little things for bebe. I was so excited to try out this lovely cut velvet diaper bag from Petunia Pickle Bottom. I’ve heard many good things about these darling diaper bags. So, of course, I have this beauty stuffed and I am so eager to test it out. Read on to find out what I packed in my bags for my hospital stay.

I remember when it was time to pack for my first, Chloe, and how overwhelmed I felt! I literally thought that I needed absolutely everything under the sun and I was so nervous about being prepared when it came to my hospital stay and what I needed in the diaper bag.

Just like with my baby registry for my first, I had way more than I actually needed, and I also wasn’t as prepared comfort-wise for myself. Now I have an even better sense of what to gather to make things go as smoothly as possible. So, here are my essentials:

Nursing Tanks
When packing for myself the first things that rush to my mind are comfortable and easily accessible clothing for nursing. I personally love nursing tank tops because you don’t have to fiddle with a bra and a top during those first few days of adjusting to baby. I like to plan to make things go as easily as possible so I can truly enjoy the experience instead of feeling overwhelmed and uncomfortable, ya know?

I went with Gilligan O’Malley Nursing Tanks at Target because out of the different ones I’ve tried I prefer them best. They get the job done, they don’t wear so fast and I found these cute new styled ones with buttons that I’m eager to try. I packed three for the hospital and in neutral colors as well (but if they had pink as an option I would have been all over that!!!!).

Robes Are An Absolute Essential
When I was at the hospital last year with my 2nd, Ivy, I absolutely LOVED having the Target – Gilligan O’Malley Robes. I seriously lived in them while pregnant and at the hospital. They’re so incredibly cozy, comfy and breathable. This is really important to be because I absolutely hate being hot! These specific robes are so perfect for the hospital because they provide quick and easy coverage for when you’re nursing, and trying to keep covered with all of the random people you don’t know that keep coming in and out of your room.

I also packed this Plum Pretty Sugar robe that has a feminine touch to it for the special photos with my little one!

Comfy Pants
Once again I’m going to refer you right back to Target here with Women’s Fluid Knit Pajama Pant – Gilligan & O’Malley. These pants are truly a dream. Are you noticing a trend here? Gilligan & O’Malley has this comfort stuff pretty well figured out!

The comfort they provide and the breathability as well, had me buying a pair of these in every color. I really couldn’t help myself. And you know you’ll be sore, crampy and what not at the hospital so just go ahead and treat yo self with these babies.

Socks/Slippers
Call me weird, I’ll take it, but I’m really not one for wearing socks or slippers. I wear mostly ballet flats and I just like to slip them on as is but for the hospital, socks and slippers are a must. I’m not hating, what-so-ever, on hospital cleaning crews, but come on, you don’t know what’s been on those floors! (or maybe you do) so the feet shall be covered! And I picked up some cute little socks from Target to cover me here as well.

Specially-Made Hospital Gown
This was another first for me when it comes to my hospital stay and I was so excited! Pink is so me and I also happen to love polka dots, oh so very much.

I know some people may think that having a special hospital gown is unnecessary but hey it adds to my excitement and I don’t know if we’ll be having another little one so I just want to treat myself and have a girly-unique-and-not-previously-worn gown for my baby’s arrival!

By the way I got this adorable gown from Annie and Isabel, two sisters that also happen to be registered nurses that started up their darling shop, Annie & Isabel over 7 years ago. They make beautiful gowns that are not just for births too! Besides our beautiful mamas, women who have cancer, radiation treatments, and any hospital stay enjoy their designer hospital gowns. I absolutely loved wearing mine!

Belly Support
For my last two pregnancies, I didn’t actually give any belly support products a try, but this pregnancy I have done and am doing some experimenting with them.

For the hospital I packed a Belly Bandit in hopes of having more tummy support. I remember last year my belly just felt so weird those first few weeks because there was no more baby and my muscles were taking their sweet time pulling back together. This time I went to the hospital prepared with this pretty supportive band to not only add support but also get my belly back to where it was pre-baby faster! I’ll keep you updated as to how that goes in later posts just in case ya wanna know!

Undergarments
Although I like to wear nursing tanks, I also packed a few nursing bras just in case! And I just so happened to pack some You! Lingerie ones because I love their pops of color and cute feminine attention to details! I mean seriously how often do you find nursing bras like these?!

Now for panties, I packed boy shorts. For full coverage bottoms, they’re my style-go-to and I don’t want to talk too much into details, but you must know you’ll be needing a lot of coverage down there right after baby. The ones I picked up for this hospital stay happen to be Gilligan & O’Malley too! Surprise surprise lol

Going Home Outfit
Let’s not forget about your outfit for going home! You may not be feeling so glamorous at this point and that’s totally ok! If you prefer to just wear some comfy sweats on the way there’s nothing wrong with that my dear! I plan on wearing a cozy sweater, over a nursing tank, and if I feel up for it wearing my ASOS maternity jeggings with some comfy ballet flats.

Let’s Talk Beauty
My favorite thing to have on hand at the hospital (or anywhere) is a great face moisturizer and definitely dry shampoo! Cannot live with out that! Drybar by the way makes the best one ever and trust me I’ve tried so many! Any-hoo here’s just a quick list of what you should include: Brush, Makeup, Cleanser, Lotion, Moisturizer, Dry Shampoo, ToothBrush/Toothpaste, Deodorant.

All Things Baby: Here are just a few ideas for packing: Baby Gowns, Onesies, Blankets, Mittens, Socks, Burp Cloths, Caps, Car Seat, Pacifiers (just in case) and Poppy/Nursing-type Pillows.

Other Essentials: Camera/SD Card/Charger, Notebook/Pen, Cell Phone Chargers, Personal Pillow (if you’re like me and hate thin pillows) and Personal Blanket

I hope you enjoyed learning about all the things I packed in my hospital bag. I discovered My Petunia Pickle Bottom bag through my amazing registry site Gugu Guru because it matches my personal style.

About J’Adore Lexie Couture:

I love all things girly & glam & also have a deep love and admiration for every thing & anything Audrey Hepburn. Kate Spade Obsessed & You must know that the color Pink & Glitter are absolutes in my book. I have always wanted to have an outlet where I can share my passion for all things pretty as well as my desire for dressing elegantly & femininely. I wanted to create the perfect glam place to share that passion which just so happens to be my blog!

My blog is a backstage pass into my feminine-mommy-lifestyle and all that I utterly adore. You’ll find posts on what I’m currently loving, tutorials, styling advice, reviews & more. All tied together by a pretty & Pink bow! Visit: https://www.jadorelexiecouture.com

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Worry Free Beauty

by Gugu Guru 2 Comments

Your skin can absorb up to 60% of what you put onto it, so it pays to be cognizant of what you put on it during pregnancy. When Christine and Leland Dehring were expecting their first child, they quickly learned that tons of the products they used every day are actually full of dangerous chemicals that could potentially harm their unborn child. They also realized that most mommies don’t even realize that these chemicals exist. Christine and Leland decided to dedicate themselves to finding the safest, most effective pregnancy products and Bump Boxes was born. Bump Boxes delivers bundles of only the best, safest pregnancy and baby essentials straight to your door.

Here Gugu Guru editor and nationally known beauty writer, Melissa Schweiger Kleinman, co-author of Belli Beautiful: The Essential Guide to the Safest Health and Beauty Products for Pregnancy, Mom, and Baby, shares her expert tips on worry-free beauty for pregnant mamas along with her Bump Boxes product pick!

TIP: Spot Treat with Care
Acne is the most common skin complaint during pregnancy, thanks to the influx of hormones your body faces during pregnancy. But the typical acne-fighting ingredients you used before you got pregnant are no longer safe when you’re with child. Both salicylic acid and benzoyl peroxide are contraindicated during pregnancy and have been linked to birth defects. A safer alternative is products containing tea tree oil, sulfur or lactic acid.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Belli Anti-Blemish Facial Wash

TIP: Mani/Pedi at Home
Treating yourself to a manicure may sound like a no-brainer during pregnancy, but a trip to the nail salon is rife with possible dangers for moms-to-be. If the nail technicians fail to properly sterilize their tools or clean the foot spas, you could be exposing yourself to possible staph infections. And then comes the nail polish itself, which could contain DBP, toluene or formaldehyde. Instead, invest in your own nail tools and a lovely shade of 5-free nail polish and either take it to your salon or DIY.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Ella Mila Mommy Collection Nail Polish

TIP: Keep it Clean
While you may be hooked on your old-school bar of soap, pregnancy is the perfect time to take a look at its ingredients. Many bar soaps contain an ingredient called triclosan, which has links to hormonal disruption and liver tumors in animals. Instead, find soaps that contain sodium chloride, vegetable glycerin and shea butter.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Nubian Heritage – Mango Butter Bar Soap

TIP: Kiss Petroleum Goodbye
Rather than reaching for the jar of Vaseline when your lips are cracked during pregnancy or digging for your lip gloss out of your purse to give your pucker some shine, look for products that are petroleum-free. When converted into personal care products, petroleum creates a byproduct known as 1,4-dioxane which is a probably carcinogen. Instead, try a lip product containing essential oils or even lanolin (the ingredient in nipple creams) to soothe chapped lips.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: Ecco Bella Good For You Gloss

TIP: Keep an Eye out for Safety
It’s normal for moms-to-be to feel like they’re a second away from falling fast asleep at any moment. Your hormone levels are running amok and feeling exhausted is your body’s reaction to some of those changes. Mascara will help counteract the look of fatigue that is sure to remain on your face well after baby is born (welcome to motherhood!). But be smart about the ingredients you choose for your makeup, especially mascara. The eyes have mucous membranes that can easily absorb any unwanted chemicals in your mascara. To be safe, use only mascaras with iron oxides and shellac and apply mascara to only the tips of lashes rather than the base.
BUMP BOXES PRODUCT PICK: ECCO BELLA MASCARA

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Matrescence Safe Pregnancy Skin Care Review

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

One of our expectant mom testers, Caroline, tried the Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care line. Caroline is 6.5 months pregnant with her first. She lives in Miami, FL and says that living an organic lifestyle is highly important to her. Here, Caroline shares her opinion of the Matrescence Stretch Mark Relief Hydrating Oil and Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence.

Matrescence Safe Pregnancy skincare review

The Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care products are amazing! Everytime I take a shower I use them! I literally douse myself in the Stretch Mark Hydrating Relief Oil.

These products create so much confidence that I can be in a bikini at 6 months and 2 weeks of pregnancy. I decided to wear a bathing suit for the shot so you can see how healthy my skin looks, especially the lack of stretch marks on account of the Matrescence safe pregnancy skin care products. I think a lot of pregnant woman can probably relate to not showing as much skin when you’re expecting because of everything that we experience. Matrescence Stretch Relief Hydrating Oil can help with that a lot!

The Matrescence Rose Glow Brightening Essence does what the name says it does – helps you glow. The product is formulated with organic chamomile and pomegranate juice to hydrate and brighten up skin. It also helps even out your skin tone.

I think what is most important to me about the Matrescence line is that it is safe to use during pregnancy and while nursing but it still feels very luxurious and premium. I definitely recommend these products to any moms who want to prevent stretch marks or who are experiencing skin issues during pregnancy.

SHOP MATRESCENCE SKIN CARE ON GUGU GURU

About Matrescence Safe Pregnancy Skin Care

Matrescence was founded on the philosophy of “mothering the mother” and born to provide a practical application of self-care that can fit into a busy mom’s lifestyle. As moms, we sacrifice so much time but we shouldn’t have to sacrifice quality.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers

by Mel Blume Leave a Comment

Skin & Makeup techniques for working mothers are important to master because, well, mornings are an…adventure. Since we never know how long we actually have in front of the mirror, we need to think fast. And act faster. So, how do we figure out the simplest makeup routine? By starting with our skin.

Pretend you’re about to paint a picture. You have your paints lined up, your brushes ready to go. And then you take a look at your canvas. If it’s clean and smooth, you want to paint it. It’s simple. On the other hand, when there are bumps and specs of dirt that add unwanted textures, it gets a bit more complicated.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #1: A reliable cleanser

So, first, let’s master the cleansing and caring for our skin.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Anti-Blemish Facial Wash, an award-winning cleanser. It leaves skin clear while fighting blemishes and signs of aging—without over drying. Plus, it uses all-natural ingredients, making it ultra-safe for prenatal and postnatal women.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #2: On-the-spot acne treatment

Life could be stressful (the juggle is real!), and sometimes we see it come out on our face. It’s best to be prepared with a way to combat these breakouts.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Acne Control Spot Treatment. It reduces redness and provides some extra love to problem areas. And, bonus, it’s a non-greasy, non-drying blemish fighter.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers #3: A spa-like moisturizer

If you’re after that gorgeous glow (who isn’t?), you might want to find a moisturizer that leaves you looking and feeling like you just enjoyed an in-spa facial.

Gugu Guru loves: Belli’s Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator. The super-hydrating moisturizer provides anti-aging, skin-firming effects that can be seen and felt instantly. Once you look and feel good without makeup, you can get ready for work in minutes.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #4: Easy eye makeup

Start with an eyeliner that doesn’t require a ton of touch-ups. Then, reach for your go-to mascara and give those lashes some love.

Gugu Guru loves: Maybelline’s Eyestudio ColorTattoo. It’s smooth, soft and creamy, and lasts for up to 24 hours.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working Mothers Tip #5: Alternative to foundation

You might want to skip the heavy foundation and opt for a tinted moisturizer. It lets your skin breathe, while evening out the tone. And it feels really good.

Gugu Guru loves: The best-selling Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer. It hydrates and is infused with SPF 30 sunscreen. Lather it on, enjoy its lightweight feel, and top it off with a bronzer for a sun-kissed effect.

Skin & Makeup Techniques for Working MothersTip #6: A lovely lipstick

Choose a fall-perfect hue for your lips (nude to brown and every peach in between).

Gugu Guru loves: Dior Addict Lacquer Stick Lipstick. This high-shine, moisturizing lipstick comes in an array of rich shades to give you a smooch-worthy finish.

Health & Wellness Giveaway

Thanks to Belli Skincare for making this sponsored post possible.

Fourth Trimester Wellness Beauty Guide

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

True that May is the month of Mother’s Day but it is also National Mental Health Awareness Month. We believe that creating a self care routine is truly key to a mother’s health and wellness. Gugu Guru has partnered with new mom and founder of Solly Baby, Elle Rowley, on a fourth trimester wellness beauty guide rounding up some of our favorite products to help a new mother pamper herself in the early stages of motherhood and keep herself feeling well. Read on for Elle’s picks…

She will be engrossed in her newborn but a new mother should never underestimate the emotional impact of putting even the tiniest bit of effort into her appearance and well-being. Feeling even somewhat put-together can make one feel more productive and confident, and those are feelings every new mom needs in the first few weeks following delivery.

ARROW Hydrate Deodorant
Its formulation is both aluminum- and alcohol-free making it safe for breastfeeding mothers and, more importantly, it works. (Birchbox, $9)

goop Discovery Set
Essential to self-care routine; especially ideal for moisturizing and refreshing a mother’s skin when dehydrated from nursing. (goop, $125)

goop The Mother Load
Packed with beneficial ingredients like sardine oil, which is shown in studies to defend against mood disorders including anxiety & depression, and coconut oil for increasing the levels of lauric acid and capric acid in breast milk, creating milk rich in health-promoting nutrients. (goop, $90)

Glossier Moisturizing Moon Mask and Mega Greens Galaxy Pack
Offers cleaning, rejuvenating and moisturizing for slackened skin. (Glossier, $40)

BIRCHROSE+ Co Body Polish Dry Brush and Dry Brushing Oil
Exfoliates, improves lymphatic drainage, increases the release of toxins, promotes softer and lighter skin and generally encourages new cell renewal.All of these benefits are amazing in the 4th trimester when you won’t yet have the clearance to work out and you’re movement is limited. (BIRCHROSE + CO, $28)

Shiva Rose Rose Moon Sea Salt
The best treat for your first bath post baby – so beautiful and smells amazing! (Shiva Rose, $60)

CONTEXT Come Clean Lipstick
A mix between a hydrating chapstick and a lipstick; offers full coverage without the dryness of standard lipsticks. (CONTEXT, $20)

Tubby Todd Mama Bundle
Bundle of three essential, natural products: hand cream, balm and refreshing spray, are essential for nourishing skin during early motherhood. (Tubby Todd, $49)

Moon Juice Spirit Dust
Edible beauty for re-balancing your energy. Great to add to your favorite hearty smoothie recipe in the morning. (Moon Juice, $30)

Function of Beauty Haircare
Developed using custom ingredients for your often fickle and unpredictable postpartum hair. (Function of Beauty, $36)

Elle’s Picks

Feels the best: Glossier feels like a splurge

Use the most: Tubby Todd

Easiest: Arrow Hydrate Deodorant -if you do nothing else

Treat Yourself: goop Discovery set

C is for Chloasma

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

Continuing our series on pregnancy struggles, we turn our focus to the letter “C”. Sunscreen is important for everyone at any age or stage but is especially important for expecting moms. Sun exposure can result in unsightly discoloration and uneven skin tone – called Chloasma. Here Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, mom of three, a family physician, and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth talks about the #PregnancyProblem of Chloasma – also known as “Mask of Pregnancy”.

Have you heard of “pregnancy mask?” Many women haven’t. During my pregnancy, I’ll never forget how horrified I was when I first noticed a brown discoloration on my upper lip. I thought I was growing a mustache! On closer inspection, I realized that it wasn’t facial hair, but rather a change in skin pigment.

Three-quarters of pregnant women develop dark, blotchy areas of skin, called chloasma, melasma, or pregnancy mask. The blotches often appear on the upper lip, cheekbones, and brow. They usually arise around the 10th week of pregnancy.

photo credit: A Little Londoner

Unfortunately, there’s not much you can do to prevent chloasma. It’s caused by increased levels of a pigment called melanin. That’s the same hormone that causes your skin to darken in the sun. So it won’t surprise you to know that the one thing you can do to minimize it is stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen.

However, some sunscreens contain oxybenzone and nanoparticles and those ingredients should be avoided during pregnancy. Physical barriers like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are safe and effective when you’re expecting. It is best to stick with a sunscreen that is teratology-screened. Teratology screening is the process of reviewing scientific research and avoiding ingredients with links to birth defects or miscarriage.

Similar to when you get a tan or sunburn, there’s nothing you can do to get rid of chloasma. All you can do is take a tincture of time for it to fade. Once you have pregnancy mask, the only thing you can do about it is to, well, mask it. I found mine was pretty easy to disguise with makeup. Fortunately, it went away a few months after my baby was born.

To help prevent Chloasma, the team at Gugu Guru loves the Belli Pure Radiance Facial Sunscreen. Pure Radiance Facial Sunscreen is a teratology-screened broad spectrum, physical barrier, mineral SPF 25 with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Oil-free and lightly tinted to blend with most skin types, it may be worn alone for sheer coverage or under makeup.

Want to promote healthy, glowing skin during pregnancy? Enter to win a Healthy Glow Skin Perfecting Kit, Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub, Healthy Glow Facial Hydrator, Pure Radiance Facial Sunscreen and Eye Brightening Cream – a value of $119.00!

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About the author: Rallie McAllister, MD, MPH, is a mom of three sons, a family physician, and coauthor of The Mommy MD Guide to Pregnancy and Birth, in Lexington, KY.

Spring Cleaning with Well Rounded

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We have partnered up with the awesome ladies of Well Rounded again – this time for the “season of cleaning”. In Well Rounded’s latest post, three parents share their experts tips and spring cleaning registry picks for Gugu Guru. After reading the post, find their list of picks here and add them to your registry:

Jenny Greenstein of Your Soul Style, personal stylist, style coach and mom
Closet Cleaning Registry Picks:

1. Loyal Hana Marni Jumpsuit: This style works both during pregnancy and beyond with both enough room to flex with your changing shape and with hidden zippers that accommodate breastfeeding. This jumpsuit can also be dressed up with heels or down with sneakers and can be worn as-is in warmer temperatures and with a chunky sweater or blazer during colder months.

2. B&Me Booker Coat: If you’re into baby-wearing, the booker coat is a must, allowing you to be out and about while keeping baby cozy and warm. The coat can be worn as-is or underneath a heavier style like shown here.

3. MZ Wallace Bag (available at Bloomingdale’s): Both the Sutton Oxford tote and Metro Backpack are key “diaper” bags for new mamas. Super lightweight, functional, durable, water-resistant, these carry-alls will hold all of your baby essentials while keeping style on point.

Gunnar Larson, NYC Interior Designer and dad
Simple Nursery Registry Picks:

1. When it comes to toy storage, I love baskets. They can easily be moved around from room to room and be gathered in a corner out of the way while looking good together in a grouping. I love Eliza Gran’s baskets as they add a pop of color and look good anywhere in the house, especially the nursery. These Eliza Gran Venice-pom-pom-baskets can be easily paired with, cb2 Parkay Hamper for more toy storage.

2. A coat rack might seem like a good fit in the hallway but this CB2 Hidden Channel Wall Mounted Coat Rack works great in the kids room. Display cute books on hidden track and use the hooks for their bath towel, diaper bag and for displaying the cute outfit on a hanger that you can’t wait for them to wear. This allows for display and organization.

3. We all know that a perfectly clean Pinterest nursery can be hard to maintain. Sometimes we just need a place to throw all the excess. This is when 3 Sprouts Wall Organizer comes in handy. Whether it is for toys, wipes, books or socks; this wall organizer can be the perfect hiding place mounted on the wall behind the door or get a couple of them and hang them on the inside of the closet door. This helps keep all the small clutter off the floor or any other flat space in the room and keeps it hidden out of sight, but when you do see it, it’s cute.

Spirit Demerson, founder of Spirit Beauty Lounge and mom
Non-toxic Beauty Bag Registry Picks:

1. The only thing proven effective in preventing or reducing stretch marks is not cocoa butter but Vitamin E. I used this combo on my belly and tush every morning and night and even though I have always been stretch mark-prone, I didn’t get a single one.

2. I used this serum for my hair, nails, face and everything before baby arrived. Now I use it for his everything.

3. A lot of women are afraid they have to stop using anything effective when they switch to pregnancy-safe beauty. On the contrary! I would never give up my anti-aging skin care or my signature lipstick color! These non-toxic beauty heroes are even better than conventional because they’re high-performance and nourishing at the same time.

The Art of Short Form Pampering

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Photo credit: courtesy of Gisele Bunchen…
Beauty editor and new mom, Marina Klimasiewfski, shares with us some quick tips on how to feel pampered in just 5 minutes…

Before becoming a mom I would have told you that I had a pretty busy schedule with minimal downtime. A constant cycle of office and beauty industry events! Friends to visit and dishes to clean! Yet, built into my hectic routine was actually a ton of self care. Regular exercise, plus manicures and pedicures, seasonal massages, facials and haircuts were all de rigueur.

Now that I have a newborn at home the idea of having time for any one of those activities, let alone a schedule full of them, is truly laughable. The hour plus required for these tasks starts to look like a complex math problem (if A can watch the baby then I can go, subtract time for pumping while out, and add milk to fridge before leaving!). The logistical hurdles alone negate the soothing intent of any “long-form pampering”.

Just because any elaborate appointments are out, doesn’t and shouldn’t mean a total moratorium on self care. It means being a little more creative, and quick. Really the key to any quality pampering is sensory. A combination of calming and invigorating the five senses – sight, sound, taste, smell and touch. Some of these tips take a full five minutes, some take literally seconds, but all feel decadent after hours of having your hair pulled and being treated as a spit-up receptacle.

1. Sheet Masques – the mom’s version of a facial. They are infinitely easier to apply than a regular masque. Literally, tear open the packet and slap on face. Most are quite hydrating, which is a plus for weary overtired skin. Bonus, baby may think this new face is a funny game. Huge variety (to the point where it somewhat overwhelming) at inexpensive prices on beautique.com.

2. At-home Spa Water – rather than reaching for cup of coffee #gazillion (which I so do), try making spa water. It’s shockingly easy – just add orange, lemon, or cucumber slices to regular water and it becomes that much more drinkable. To make it an even more instagram-worthy experience try adding fresh herbs like a sprig of mint, basil or rosemary, or even a chunk of peeled ginger.

3. Face Brushing – spending an extra 2-3 minutes in the shower is one the easiest ways to sneak in “me-time”. Massaging the face feels soothing, removes dead skin cells and if the neck is included can help with lymphatic drainage. The traditional Clarisonic brush is great, but many budget versions provide a similar experience.

4. Lip Exfoliation – lips are full of nerve endings, so they are particularly sensitive to touch. A sugar scrub feels and tastes great, and leaves lips softer and more kissable. Clinique’s new sweet pots have a sugar scrub on one side and a lip balm on the other, making for a portable experience. It’s also easy to DIY this one – just mix large grain sugar (ie: sugar in raw) with enough olive oil to make a paste, rub on lips and rinse.

5. Scent Swap – empty the diaper garbage bin, even if the smell isn’t detectable, open a window, and light a candle in a scent similar to those recommended for spa water. Go with something citrus or herbal, not floral or fruity – for a noticeably invigorating experience.

No matter what the phone has to spend these five minutes in a different room. Mindfulness is the buzzword of 2016 with good reason. Unplugging and being present is a form of pampering in and of itself. Remember, good self care is essential to taking good care of someone else!

About Marina Klimasiewfski

Marina Klimasiewfski has been writing about beauty online for the past decade. She is the founder and author of MakeupLovesMe.com. She has been quoted as an expert source in various outlets and has served as brand ambassador for Aveeno and Nivea in the past. This fall she became a mom, and since then has been working on the art of applying eyeliner one-handed.

Mama Boxes

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

We actually learned about Mama Boxes through one of our favorite bloggers, Heather Wilson Tomoyasu of US Japan Fam, who happens to be pregnant with twin girls. Anybody that knows Gugu Guru knows that we are all about discovering new products that are right for your lifestyle (not someone else’s). Mama Boxes are a great way to find out about pregnancy-related products that you may not have heard of before but that may just be perfect for you. Each box is filled with pregnancy goodies that are trimester specific. The boxes contain sample- AND full-size products for expecting moms to discover, try and fall in love with.

We received the three trimester bundle to share with some of our pregnant mommies and we were thrilled to see the variety of products ranging from skincare to prenatal vitamins to healthy snacks. This is a terrific gift for an expecting mama. (Time to drop a hint!)

Our first trimester box included products great for boosting your overall prenatal health at this critical time of your baby’s development and also addressing some of the downsides that can occur early in your pregnancy (e.g., nausea, morning sickness, constipation).

As seen here: Preggie Pop, Credible Cravings, Manitoba Harvest Hemp Hearts, Frolic, Promise Prenatal, Prenatal Oxylent, Sibu and Slather Lemon Vanilla Bean Scrub.

In our second trimester box, we found more tasty (yet healthy) snacks to satisfy your pregnancy cravings along with some wonderful products including some that will aid and relieve your stretching belly.

As seen here: Beanfields Chips, Hello Fresh, Mommi, XO Mints, Ziaja, Breeze Bar, Dream Belly Butter, Mun, Weleda, and Everyday Happy.

Lastly, our third trimester box was overflowing with “you’re in the homestretch” goodness. In your final trimester, you need to keep caring for yourself, of course, but also start thinking about caring for the baby who’s going to be making his/her appearance very soon. This box was filled with perks for mom AND baby.

As seen here: Pampers, Ziaja, Goddess Garden, Dapple, Now For Mothers, MomIn, Doctor Kracker, S.A.C., Babies ‘R’ Us, Erba Organics, Johnson & Johnson, Lansinoh and KINeSYS.

The products inside the Mama Boxes are updated from time-to-time based on customer feedback, but here are just some of the brands you may see:

Tips for Packing a Hospital Bag

by Gugu Guru Leave a Comment

There are some no brainers that you need for your hospital bag. These include your drivers license, insurance card and eyeglasses/contacts + solution if you wear them. Apart from those items, we believe the best things to pack in your hospital bag are the little things that will make your hospital stay as restful as possible. Here is a round-up of Gugu Guru‘s top 10 picks for a more comfortable hospital stay:

For Mom

1. Nursing tank top – When your guests come visit you in the hospital, even though they’re aware that you just created a human, you’ll want to look somewhat put together (especially if there are photo opps to be had.) You’ll also need the ability to quickly nurse on-demand if you decide to breastfeed. We recently discovered BOOB Design and adore this line of maternity tops. They’re stylish, super comfortable and, most importantly, functional.

2. Pants or leggings for lounging – Of course, you’ll need a pair of pants to accompany your top – like Belly Bandit’s Leggings – for your hospital stay.

3. Slippers – You’ll want to break out of your room from time-to-time and will need a comfy slip on to walk the maternity ward. The World’s Softest Women’s Cozy Slippers in Charcoal Fuchsia Chevron are cute enough that we might wear them out and about on a regular day!

Footwear side note: you may also want to bring cheap flip flops to wear in the shower.

4. Big towel – A nice, soft towel is a key comfort of home. The towels provided at the hospital are usually not so plush – to put it lightly. Have your husband bring any used towel home to wash and replace when needed.

5. Comfy cotton undies – don’t pack thongs, whatever you do. Some hospitals offer mesh panties but we suggest picking up a pack of inexpensive full cotton briefs like this assorted pack from Fruit of the Loom.

6. Music playing device like Jawbone or your iPhone (don’t forget chargers!). It’s nice to have something to relax to aside from the little contraption emitting sound from for the TV in the hospital room.

7. Hair ties like these easy, ouchless ones from Goody (or headband – depending on the length of your hair.)

8. Toiletries (toothbrush, etc.) including your own shampoo & conditioner, body wash, lip balm and cleansing wipes for face. We like Burt’s Bees Face Wipes in Grapefruit. The scent is a sweet pick-me-up.

9. Pillow case – You’ll be spending a lot of time in bed and will have a few pillows propping you up. A soft, familiar pillow case is another comfort from home you’ll be happy to have with you. It will make your bed feel a bit more personalized.10. Eye mask and ear plugs – You may want this for some additional room darkening / quieting pleasure, especially if you’re sharing a room with another mom.

And while you don’t need them in your hospital bag, here are some things to keep in mind for Dad and Baby…

For Baby

Installed Car Seat – You can’t leave the hospital without this.
SleepBelt Hands Free Skin-to-Skin Infant Support System is a pretty amazing way to be hands-free and bond with baby.
Onesie – Something cute, comfortable and seasonally appropriate to bring baby home in.
Burp cloths or bibs – Just to tuck under baby’s chin for his/her car ride home.

For Dad

Camera / Video Recorder – Put Dad to work capturing some of the sweetest first moments with your baby.
Snacks – If there’s a long wait time before delivery, snacks are great to have. You’ll also likely wind up eating some of these after a long labor or when you tire of the hospital fare.

beauty

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