Cannot Live Without, Must-Haves for Pregnancy and Beyond!!!

As I am counting down the days to Baby's arrival, I am reflecting on the past 9 months. Husband and I were chatting about all of the neat things that are available these days. I feel thoroughly blessed to have found pregnancy products that have kept me as comfortable as can be, and possibly kept hubby as sane as can be. Here are the top items that I could not have lived without during pregnancy...

Boppy Total Body Pillow

This was my very first keep-me-comfortable-during-pregnancy purchase. I recommend getting something like this early on in pregnancy. Every trimester comes with discomforts, especially bedtime ones, so something like this will do you wonders during pregnancy and even afterwards. I have two of these. Sometimes I sleep with one in front and one in back, sometimes both in back, sometimes I fold them up for different positions, whatever. I also have brought these in the car for long rides. I feel sorry for the pregnant people who didn't have Boppy pillows.

Be Maternity BeBand & Ingrid and Isabel's Bellaband

This was my very first pregnancy-necessity purchase. Before you are even showing, you are bloated and having trouble fitting into your pants. With these bands, you can unbutton and wear your jeans and this band looks like a camisole underneath your clothing. Be Maternity recommends that you use this during the first, second, and the legendary "fourth trimester". I even used my bands occasionally during the third trimester for those moments when, for lack of a better phrase, my ass was hanging out. This is a great item to use when you want to wear your pre-pregnancy clothes for as far into pregnancy as you can, and for afterwards when you want to start wearing your pre-pregnancy clothes again. They hold up your pants and even allow you to wear your maternity bottoms sooner, when you need the comfort but don't quite fill them out yet. I also used these bands in my second trimester when I felt like my belly needed some support, since you can wear them folded in half, wear them full, or any way you feel comfortable doing so. I have these two brands and like them a lot.

Motherhood Maternity Compression Hosiery

At $7.98 you cannot go wrong! I have so many pairs of these in every color that they offer. I would wear these anytime I would be on my feet a lot, or sitting down more than I'd like to be. I never experience any feet or leg swelling when I wear these; they just work really well for me. My doctor checked my ankles at a visit and was so surprised at how I wasn't swollen. I told her that I swear by my Motherhood Maternity Compression tights. They have all different tights that allow room for your belly and that to me is so comfortable with a nice dress and a pair of ballet flats. I also felt support of my growing belly while wearing these. When not wearing them, if my feet or ankles swell, I put these on and actually see a difference right away. Also, I have washed these many times and have never gotten runs or snags in any of them. Therefore, they can be reused for the next pregnancy. Love these! 

Boppy Pregnancy Wedge

Another one of their fine pillows, the Boppy Pregnancy Wedge is an essential towards the end of the second trimester (or whenever your belly starts to pull and ache while laying on your side) and throughout the entire third. Us pregnant ladies must sleep on our sides, preferably the left, in order to ensure the proper amount of nutrients and oxygen are supplied to our babies. As pregnancy progresses, the uterus and growing baby inside of it puts too much pressure on the major arteries that pump from you to your baby. Therefore, to avoid depriving your baby of anything and to avoid getting dizzy and sick yourself, you should really only sleep on your side and not on your back. As your belly grows, the weight of it pulling and dropping down to the bed, is very uncomfortable. It comes to a point where you will just need something there for support. A regular pillow sort of works, but once you use this wedge, you see how it is perfectly designed for the pregnant body, relieving you of pressure and pain immediately. I also use this for my back as well. I switch sleeping positions throughout the night, and find that when I can prop my belly against my husband's back, and put the wedge pillow behind my back, it creates a nice cradle. Definitely experiment with different methods and positions. I have had really comfortable sleeps during pregnancy; I think these little extras really help.

Medela Sleep Bra & Gilligan and O'Malley's Sleep Bra 2-pack

In the first trimester, the girls will be sore. I cannot picture living without these bras. I used the Medela bras in the beginning for day and night actually. Then I used the Gilligan and O'Malley bras towards the end for sheer comfort. The girls start getting sore again as your body prepares for breastfeeding. I have also packed these in my hospital bag because these will be great for nursing, as they also double as nursing bras. I walk around the house in yoga pants and the Gilligan and O'Malley bras. They are really cute. 

Motherhood Maternity Demi Underwire Nursing Bra & Bra Extenders

During the middle of pregnancy, I used nice Motherhood bras in nude and black (that also look sexy and are super comfortable) and purchased bra extenders so that I could use them as I grew, as well as use them after pregnancy for nursing. The extenders can be taken on and off and adjusted to many different sizes. Always take advantage of products that you can use during pregnancy and afterwards. Any maternity buy that you can find, whether it is clothing or something else, that can do double-duty is so worth it.

Motherhood Maternity Bikini Panties & Bravado Designs Maternity Panties

Motherhood Maternity and Bravado Designs make the most comfortable maternity panties ever! No matter what style you choose whether it is bikini, thong, brief, these are great and you will love them. I don't know how anyone can go without maternity panties. These are great for under the belly and extremely comfortable, as that area tends to get sensitive as it stretches. Both brands make fold over and I love them too. They are super soft in the front and are perfect for if you are having a c-section. Yet another product that you can utilize afterwards. When you are achy and uncomfortable, a great pair of maternity panties feels like paradise. You will want to find the little comforts wherever and whenever you can. And there is nothing more annoying than when you have on horrible underwear. Now that can sometimes be the difference between a mood-swing or no mood-swing. Just in case you don't want to spend the money or your partner is wondering why you need all these things, just be reminded of mood-swing prevention. Keeping mom-to-be comfy and happy is key during this wonderful time.

Oh Baby by Motherhood Maternity Nursing & Maternity Pajama Set

After a long day of carrying around extra weight and growing a person inside of you, there is nothing better than taking a relaxing shower, putting on those glorious maternity panties that we talked about, and slipping into this uber soft pajama set. It comes with three pieces, the pants, a camisole (with clips for nursing), and a robe. During pregnancy you want light-weight and soft pieces to wear, especially at bedtime. Love these pj's, they are so comfy. They are also perfect for your hospital stay, recovering, and nursing.

I purchased all of these products at the following stores: Target, Macy's, Motherhood Maternity, and Babies-R-Us. I've seen them all over the place. I've also seen these items on Amazon. I like going to the stores for stuff like this to ensure everything fits properly. In my experience, I have not been one size during pregnancy and different brands fit me differently. Warning: if you go shopping and are especially tired out, and happen to try on the pj's, you may want to wear them right out of the store. Just sayin'.

Everything else that I have are more like luxuries rather than necessities. However the above items are must-haves for me. Are there or were there any pregnancy items that you totally could not live without?

Fabulous Baby-Safe Jewelry For Moms!!!

Here I am, days away from having a baby. As you know, I love to dress up and accessorize, and pregnancy has been very good for that. See, you have this beautiful new body and this gorgeous baby bump to show off. Now towards the end of the pregnancy journey, I am thinking about what I can do to be the best mom ever...but also a fashionable one at the same time. During recovery, I'm imagining I will feel kind of blah. So when you don't have time for make-up and the whole nine yards, the next best thing is to wear huge sunglasses and accessorize well. I have lots of distracting, clunky, fun costume jewelry that will do the trick, but is it safe for baby? No, probably not. She can pull the beads, they can pose a potential choking hazard, the paint on them is probably not baby-safe, clasps might be sharp or jewelry might scratch delicate baby skin, and the list goes on. I've been thinking about this for quite some time now. So, you can only imagine how thrilled I am to have found Teething Bling by Smart Mom Jewelry!

Our hospital bags are packed and I am pleased to announce that I will be including my fabulous Jade Teething Bling necklace and bangle. Who says I cannot be the most stylish new mom in the maternity unit? To most, perhaps these gorgeous pieces look like stone. Well they are not stone, they are actually baby-friendly, and made from the same FDA approved teething material as most baby toys. YES, actual jewelry made for mom and safe for baby! Baby can pull on these, baby can stick these in her mouth, baby can even teeth on these - they are completely safe and that is what they are made for. These are vegan-friendly and chemical-free as well.

On the necklace, the cord is a breakaway cord and it is silky, making it safe if the baby pulls on it. It has a nice length so as you are holding baby, you will be comfortable, and baby can grasp or munch. This necklace and bangle are a perfect size as not to pose a choking hazard to baby and to also let mom stand out. I wore these out yesterday and received compliments on them. I love that in the hospital I can wear Teething Bling and hold my new baby, without worry of scratching her. I love this concept and the folks at Smart Mom are absolute geniuses! Unsafe jewelry and babies pulling and eating mom jewelry has been a problem for forever, I am ecstatic that there is finally a cool solution. I love these and cannot say enough good things about them. If you are a mom-to-be, a mom, or know someone who is, what a great gift! These come in a multitude of colors and styles on the Smart Mom Jewelry website and you can also find these baby-friendly baubles at baby stores (I recommend using the retail locator if you happen to be planning one of your baby store outings and want to check them out). Their website seems to have every color and style imaginable if you are a no-fuss kind of gal who just wants her Teething Bling...like stat!

Don't feel left-out Dads, Smart Mom Jewelry has you covered with the Babe Magnet Tie! It comes equip with squeaker and rattle! Perfect gifts for the expecting parents in your life; a Teething Bling gift set and a Babe Magnet! I have been invited to a few baby showers recently and will be getting these for the parents-to-be just because I love them so much.

I could go on and on and on, but I won't. If you want to feel as fabulous as I do (about to pop any second here), you might want to get yourself some Teething Bling. I feel confident that once I am ready to start dolling up in the hospital, I will look pretty and be baby-safe with these totally neat mom accessories.

PS - I DO NOT envy moms of the past who had to live without such cool stuff that us gals have today. This is a wonderful and liberating time to be pregnant and to be a mom. Makes you feel quite special, doesn't it?

Could it be Nesting?

"Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will." -Mahatma Gandhi

Do you find that (especially late in pregnancy) you are exhausted, it is hard to move, your body aches, you don't want to go anywhere...besides the baby store? Why is it that picking up a few groceries right down the street seems like a struggle, however we can fold freshly laundered baby clothes at warp speed? Or how about when hubby and I are shopping and he goes off to the restroom, I can waddle so quickly to the baby isle and be back at the restrooms waiting for him, holding armfuls of 0+ clothes and toys?! Is it nesting?

The other day I was thoroughly pooped out. Let me tell you, towards the end of your pregnancy you will be pretty tired. Your body has done a lot of work in 9 months. Yet, when we have something that needs to be done in the nursery or that is baby-related, move over hubby, here we come! Even feeling very tired out, when my husband brings up a fresh load of baby laundry, I pounce on that with cheetah-like speeds and everything is soon nestled away in perfectly organized, Better Homes and Gardens nursery-worthy, fashion. What I can (or am willing to) do, I really put my all into it.

Has anyone else experienced this strange phenomena? A surplus of energy that comes to you when you have the opportunity to take part in baby preparations? Is that nesting or what?

What We Had For Dinner Last Night

Hungarian-Style Braised Mushrooms

This is my favorite PETA recipe that my hubby and I have been making for years and years. We absolutely love it! Tons of flavor and you can change the recipe up by using different types of mushrooms for variety. We served this over spaghetti, but we've had it over any grain like rice, quinoa, or different types of pastas. It is also delicious by itself as a type of soup or stew.

Fun DV Fact: PETA's recipes really saved my ass when I first became vegetarian and subsequently vegan. I also bought their recipe cards, that I still have to this day, and I spent a lot of time on their website and online learning everything I possibly could about animal rights. The reason I am the Dirty Vegan is because I watched an undercover PETA video that exposed animal cruelty at a factory farm. I started posting in the PETA2 forums and wished that I could be more of a voice for animals. I then started writing letters to companies, politicians, and law enforcement in response to action alerts. Every chance I could get, I would promote veganism and have been an animal rights activist ever since I became veg, which was the second I viewed that PETA video. Now, thousands of people from all over the world read this blog. I've received lots of emails from folks who were inspired to become veg after reading my work. Even if someone were to make my recipes, or go meatless sometimes in order to try them, we are still saving lives. Whether it is big or small, it is joyous to see the positive changes we are making for our cause and movement.

This is what this amazing Hungarian Mushroom dish looks like once you add in the cashew cream. Yummy! Definitely one of my favorite dinners ever! You should really check out the recipe.

What is your favorite dinner? You know, the type of dinner that if you had to choose only one dinner to eat for the rest of your life, you would choose it.

Quick Breakfast Sandwich Idea

 Make a quick southwestern tofu breakfast sandwich on the fly! Being pressed for time shouldn't mean skipping important nutrients and protein in the morning.

Press some tofu, slice it, and pan-fry it with vegan butter. Also, pan-fry veggies like peppers, onions, and fresh baby spinach. Melt vegan cheese on top, dollop on some salsa, and place between two slices of your favorite toasted bread.

And well...enjoy! 

Tofu stuff like breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and scrambles are my go-to breakfasts for when I want something filling and need to put it together in a flash. What is your go-to breakfast?

Love Me Some Soda Pop!

I don't drink a lot of soda, but when I do I opt for regular and never diet soda. I stay away from the chemicals in diet sodas and a little bit of sugar won't likely hurt a healthy person. However, for us vegans, we never know what sugar is vegan-friendly and not processed with animal bone char, unless it is confirmed. I tend to stick to definite vegan products, ones that someone has confirmed are vegan-friendly. I came across these sodas at Trader Joe's on our last grocery shopping trip, and I wanted to share.

 These vintage sodas taste amazing and the bottle is cool! I love drinking soda from a glass bottle because the beverage gets really cold and I find that it tastes more refreshing.

I like these vintage Trader Joe's sodas. As you can see, this one is gluten-free (I'm sure most, if not all, are free of gluten) and contains no artificial flavors or preservatives. I used to be real keen on Jones Soda, however Jones does contain "natural and artificial flavors". These Trader's sodas are a real good option if you are skeptical on soda, but want to include it in your life occasionally. I know a lot of people who ban soda in their household, and I probably would have felt that way too if I hadn't found an inexpensive and all-natural soda like this.

Are you still a soda drinker? How do you feel about soda and including it in your family's diet?

Crazy Pregnancy Craving Turned Amazing!

Welcome to the world of crazy pregnancy food. We pregnant women get cravings of all kinds, but the most intriguing of all, are the odd combinations. This combo came out pretty darn delicious and I just had to share the recipe with you.

Crazy Pregnant Dip

• 2- 3 tbsp salsa
• 2 vegetable burgers (either Trader Joe's Marsala or Dr. Praeger's), microwaved for about 1 minute or so
• 1/8- 1/4 cup Daiya Jack cheese wedge, sliced

Mix all ingredients together and microwave for 1 minute. Stir and microwave for 30 seconds more, if needed. Enjoy with crackers or chips!

What are/ were some of your (or your spouse's) pregnancy cravings or interesting combinations? Do you believe the old wives tale that what you are craving is what your body actually needs during pregnancy? I wonder if there is any truth to that.