Happy Holidays! - Take 50% off Sweaters

 

A  little before Christmas Gift for you!  Take 50% off all regular priced sweaters.  Now is the perfect time to get that last minute present (yes, you can even buy one for yourself!).

Savings for YOU!

Print this bad boy out and bring it in to save 20% off of any item!

(restrictions apply)

Tip of the Day – Shirts Getting Too Short?

As your belly grows, obviously your shirts are going to get shorter and shorter.  Don’t forget that layering is IN and putting your Bella Band underneath your short shirt will take care of the problem instantly!

KJZZ – watch us!

We’re gonna be talking about layering for the upcoming seasons tomorrow morning, November 11th, on Channel 14 KJZZ between 10am-11am.  Watch for tips and ideas on how to make the most out of the clothes you have!

Skinny Mini

Hey all, Kristy here.  I’m so excited right now, I’m pretty much bouncing off the walls (ask my kids, they’re over it).  Anyway, I’m so so so grateful for this new product that I found after I had my baby that I have to tell you all about it.  Seriously, it is the answer to my dreams (and I was SO skinny in these dreams)...

So, it takes us all nine months to put on the joyous 30+ lbs of pregnancy weight.  But, that weight can just not come off fast enough!  Towards the end of my pregnancy (my 4th mind you), all I could think about was getting this beautiful baby on the outside.  The sleepless nights, crazy bladder urges, swollen ankles, and a bootie to match my belly were all worth it…but seriously - let's get this show on the road.

Well, my darling little Avery was born healthy and perfect!  It sure made all the weight gain and hormonal rages worth it.  But, as I left the hospital and my belly had gone down (barely) I felt that the rest of my body had ballooned up!  I was fat and bloated and kept thinking, "This is the last time I will ever be the size of a whale – EVER"!  At least I had an excuse 2 days earlier, not the case anymore now that baby was born.......so sad.

After recovering from the delivery and taking it easy for a few weeks, I was ready to get this squishy body back into shape!  I lined up my workout plan, renewed gym membership and was READY to go!  I woke up early and dragged my tired, sleep- deprived body to the gym.  I worked out like crazy trying to get my body back in shape as quickly as possible.  The weight.........was not coming off.  After chatting with a trainer about my frustration of my slow weight loss, he told me "Kristy, just EAT LESS and EAT HEALTHY".  He then told me that I could run 10 miles a day, but if I'm eating like a pig, the weight won't come off.  He totally figured me out.  I ate like a PIG.

Well, (and here’s where it gets good) our sister Heather had been losing weight with some new weight loss product.  I have never really bought into the whole world of weight loss scams, but this one seemed different.  I noticed her at family meals.... EATING LESS.  She didn't talk about it, she didn't complain about what she couldn't eat - she just wasn't eating as much.  This is out sister Heather Hansen who was one of the finalists on NBC's "Biggest Loser", so this girl normally really likes to eat.  It was then that I wanted to know more about the product she was taking (she is also the spokesperson for this company so I figured she’d give me the REAL scoop).  Well, after she explained to me what it was and how it worked I was on board.   It seriously is brilliant! 

Click here to watch the video and see how it works.

Within 10 days, I lost seven pounds.  I didn't feel like I was depriving myself, I was just eating less.  Eating smaller portions, but still eating what I wanted to.  I was just full - all the time!  Anyway, the concept is so smart: put something into your stomach to make it feel full, and VOILA  you eat less.  It is even safe while nursing, which was very important to me.  The gist of it is that you take a pill 30 minutes before eating, it expands, takes up space in your stomach and solidifies, and then after 4 hours or so it liquefies and passes out of your body.  It doesn't absorb or digest, so absolutely no side effects.  I lied, one side effect..... WEIGHT LOSS.  Yeah!  Pretty dang crazy, but like I said earlier – I really am grateful that I found this product.

If you want to read up and get more information CLICK HERE.

Signing off,

Kristy

Little Angels Photography

Here are some pictures that Kristy just had done with little Avery Grace and the rest of her kiddos…

Right now for those that spend over $250 at Expected we will PAY YOUR SITTING FEES at Little Angels Photography!

Whenever the girls in our family have babies we always go get  newborn pictures done.  Babies are tiny for such a short period of time that it's just too precious to not capture those moments...not just for our sake, but for our kid's too. 

Here's one reason why…

For my birthday a few years ago my mom took me to lunch and told me all about her pregnancy with me...how she was on a jump roping team until she was 9 months pregnant and then had to stop because her teammates wouldn't "turn" for her anymore (that would explain my never being able to sit still), how I was a cholicy baby and she would lay me in the sun and move me as the rays moved across the carpet throughout the day (I still prefer to take naps in the sun on the floor), how I was the easiest baby and most pleasant out of all my siblings (suckas!), she told me about funny things I said as a toddler and other sweet things that only a mother would know.  Then she gave me a photo album with pictures of all those stages she told me about.  The first picture was done professionally and took my breath away.  Was I really that tiny?  Was I REALLY that bald?  It was honestly one of the sweetest birthday presents I have ever been given. 

So my sisters found a really great photographer that captures those tiny moments just perfectly.  And of course, as a mother to a newborn you HAVE to have proof of how darling your baby is!  Bragging rights ladies!  The photographs are timeless and classic.  Anytime anyone asks me where to go for infant pictures I always send them to Tanya at Little Angels Photography.  Her and her digital artist, Brooke, literally make magic.

You can visit the website at www.littleangelsphoto.com or click here to visit their their blog.

What's New?

Do you gals ever think, "Come on Expected, get some new stuff up on your website already" ... because we do.  :)  But since we're just a little mom & pop (ok, sister & sister) shop we have to rely on either funding our own photo shoots or getting photos from our vendors, and because it's so expensive to do photo shoots we aren't able to do it as often as we'd like.  So for those of you who don't know, we have TONS more things in the store than we have online and until we're millionaires and can have everything photographed we're going to have to rely on our sweet little blog to tell you about new fun things we have.

Here are a few fabulous new jeans we recently got in:

7 for all Mankind - "A" Pocket Jeans in Medium LA Wash

 

Rock & Republic - Tyler Maternity in Varnish Wash

 

We also have a BUNCH of cute stuff by Michael Stars and Sweet Pea.

And as always, if you ever have ANY needs or specific requests ("I need a fuchsia dress with puffy taffeta sleeves and a tutu skirt for a wedding…also dyed to match shoes, do you carry dyed to match shoes?") give us a call and we'll try to round up what you need, or at least point you in the right direction.

Birth Control is for Sissies!

You're pregnant, and people are just automatically going to look at you and notice your growing belly.  So why not have fun with it?!

Our moms and grandmothers always tried to hide the fact that they were pregnant.  I can't tell you how many baby-boomers say to me, "When I was pregnant you hid that belly as much as you could".  Well I say be proud!  Show the world that you are growing a sweet little baby inside of you and that you couldn't be happier about it!  I also say, every now and then push the envelope.  Go for shock value, or even just a little chuckle.  Nothing goes over better than a good sense of humor, and we all know that when you're pregnant a good sense of humor is necessary!  My cousin was pregnant with her 8th (yes EIGHTH) baby and she bought one of our shirts that said "Breeder" on it.  She would wear it to Costco or soccer games with her hubby and kids (who I must say were mortified) and she just got the best reactions.

We've got some pretty cute tops at the store that you should check out, and if you can't figure out where to wear them remember - they are always perfect for the gym!  My favorites are:

• "Birth Control Is For Sissies"
• "I Doubt This Is The Threesome Husbands Had In Mind" - for those with a serious sense of humor!
• "MUTHA"
• "Wild Child" - screen printed across the belly where that wild child is living!
• "Baby Love"

 

 

The Belly Bandits - WIN ONE!

Cultures all over the world have a history (and a long one) of belly binding after women give birth - and for good reason...Every woman wants to get her post-baby body back to it's pre-pregnancy hotness as quickly as possible.  It's actually unbelievable to me that this product just barely made it on the market here in the USA - it's one of those "duh" things (like the Bella Band) that should've been around forever.  Well luckily for us, NOW IT IS!  Hurray for The Belly Bandits!

For centuries, Japanese mothers have used their “Sarashi”, while Hispanic mommies can't live without their “faja”. No matter what she calls it, women in Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Latin America, Mexico, Spain, England, and the Philippines have benefited from using an abdominal compression wrap after childbirth. No wonder so many US celebrities have gotten on board!  And PS, have you noticed how many of these cultures are known for their teeny tiny women?  It's all making sense to me now.

So here is why belly binding has stood the test of time (they do WAY more than I thought, I was just going for the vanity reasons myself!).

1. Speeds up weight loss, for real
2. Toning of the abdominal muscles & skin
3. Gets organs back in place after the baby
4. Brings pliable hips back together to post pregnancy width (I've even heard people say they get SMALLER after using compression wraps...SOLD.)
5. Closes the birth canal
6. Speeds up getting rid of waste blood
7. Promotes great posture
8. Protects back, core and legs - think of weight lifters on this one

And I thought Spanx were best thing ever!  Well, they are too - let's be honest.

If you're finding that you just can't live without one of these click here to get your own.

TO ENTER CONTEST: Leave a comment!

• Click on "Comments" link at the bottom of the post
• Be sure to fill out your email address.  It won't be displayed and will not be used except to notify the winner.

"I Just Want My Baby To Be Healthy"

Yesterday one of our favorite customers, Kathryn, was in the store and had just found out the gender of her baby.  I asked if she had a preference of boy or girl before she found out what it was and she said, "You know, I always heard people say it but never really believed it until I was in this position, but to be honest I didn't care what the gender was - as long as my baby was healthy".  Even though this is her first pregnancy, that was spoken like a true mother.

I think (and hope!) that most everyone who goes through those months of having a baby develop in their body is always concerned about the health of the baby, wanting to bring a perfectly happy child into the world.  It's difficult to know what tests to have, since some of them can potentially be harmful to you or the baby.  But on the flip side - not having them could put the baby at risk.

Many women undergo tests during pregnancy to check for birth defects, genetic disorders, and other problems. A few of the most common tests are ultrasound scans, the alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) test, amniocentesis, and chorionic villi sampling (CVS). Each of these can be helpful in diagnosing problems, but the tests are not necessary for every pregnancy. Check with your doctor about what tests, if any, are appropriate for you.

If any of you have had any experiences with one or more of these please comment about it.  Everyone is different and your comments could help somebody going through your same situation.

ULTRASOUND - Ultrasound technology uses high-frequency sound waves to form pictures of the fetus on a computer screen. The test can verify a due date, determine causes of bleeding, check the overall health, development, sex and position of the baby, measure the amniotic fluid, and check the condition of the placenta. There are no known risks from the tests, and many women have one or two ultrasounds in routine pregnancies. However, there is little scientific evidence that normal pregnancies benefit from ultrasound tests.

ALPHA-FETOPROTEIN SCREENING (AFP) - A simple blood test that poses no risk to the fetus, AFP screening measures the levels of alpha-fetoprotein in the mother's blood. Abnormal levels can indicate a brain or spinal cord defect, the presence of twins, a miscalculated due date, or an increased risk of Down syndrome. Because AFP levels can be elevated for a number of reasons, a positive test is usually repeated or followed up by other tests before a diagnosis is made. Very few women with elevated AFP levels are found later to have babies with birth defects.

AMNIOCENTESIS - This test examines the cells shed by the fetus into the surrounding amniotic fluid. Performed about 16 weeks into pregnancy, the test involves inserting a long, thin needle through the mother's abdomen to extract fluid from the womb. The cells must be cultured in a laboratory and it may take up to a month for test results to be ready. The test is a reliable indicator of chromosomal abnormalities such as Down syndrome or genetic disorders such as Tay-Sachs disease, Hunter's syndrome, and others. While usually safe, amniocentesis can trigger cramping, leakage of amniotic fluid, and vaginal bleeding, and it may increase the risk of miscarriage by about 0.5 to 1 percent. The test is only done on women at increased risk of having babies with genetic disorders or to assess the maturity of the baby's lungs in the last trimester.

CHORIONIC VILLI SAMPLING (CVS) - Performed between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy, CVS can detect the same genetic abnormalities as amniocentesis. It involves inserting a catheter or needle into the womb and extracting some of the chorionic villi (cells from the tissue that will become the placenta). The chorionic villi contain the same chromosomes as the fetus. The test is relatively safe but it has a greater risk of miscarriage than amniocentesis. While there has been some concern that the test itself may be associated with limb deformities, many geneticists believe that CVS performed between 10 and 12 weeks of pregnancy does not increase that risk.

Comment away!

What is a Healthy Eating Plan for Pregnancy?

So APPARENTLY it’s very important to eat healthy while you’re pregnant.  Hmm, who knew.  So what is eating healthy?  We all know what you’re NOT supposed to do (raw fish, alcohol, smoking, etc.), but what SHOULD you do to make sure you’re taking care of yourself and the lil’ guy or gal in your belly?  Have you ever heard of the 5 food groups?  Sounds familiar doesn’t it.  Well a healthy eating plan contains a wide variety of foods from the those very same food groups.  Try to stick within eating these foods every single day:

• 6 or more servings of bread, cereal, rice, or pasta.
  • One serving equals one slice of bread, 1 ounce of ready-to-eat cereal (about 1 cup of most cereals), or 1/2 cup of cooked cereal, rice, or pasta.
  • If you are physically active, you can eat more servings (up to 11 servings if you are very active).
• 3 to 5 servings of vegetables.
  • One serving equals 1 cup of raw leafy vegetables such as spinach or lettuce, or 1/2 cup of chopped vegetables, cooked or raw (raw is always better).
• 2 to 4 servings of fruit.
  • One serving equals one medium piece of fruit like an apple, banana, or orange; 1/2 cup of chopped fresh, cooked, or canned fruit; 1/4 cup dried fruit; or 3/4 cup of 100-percent fruit juice.
• 2 servings of milk, yogurt, or cheese
  • One serving equals 1 cup of milk or yogurt, 1 1/2 ounces of natural cheese like cheddar or mozzarella, or 2 ounces of processed cheese like American.
  • If you are 18 years or younger and pregnant, you need at least 3 servings of milk, yogurt, and cheese.
  • Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products most often.
• 2 to 3 servings of meat, poultry, fish, dry beans, eggs, or nuts.
  • One serving equals 2 to 3 ounces of cooked meat, poultry, or fish-about the size of a deck of cards. Choose lean cuts and eat no more than 5 to 7 ounces of meat, poultry, or fish a day. One cup of cooked beans such as kidney beans or 2 eggs count as a serving.
  • Four tablespoons of peanut butter or 2/3 cup of nuts also equals a serving.
• At least 8 glasses of water.
  • Drinking milk, 100-percent juice, seltzer or other non-alcoholic beverages counts toward your amount of daily water.

Preventing Stretch Marks – Fact or Fiction?

Everybody seems to have an idea of whether you can prevent stretch marks or not and here is the absolute truth: genetics play a roll in whether you will get them or not. However, they also play a roll in how you get wrinkles as you age. Just like your face, if you TAKE CARE of your skin and use preventative measures you can make sure that you come out on top with the best skin you possibly can.

So how do you take care of your skin and prevent those angry little lines from popping up? Here are a few tips:

1. Start Early & Drink Your Water – Everybody’s bodies are different and grow at different rates, and depending on what number of pregnancy you’re on that will also play into the lovely growing game that every pregnant woman gets to play. The second you get pregnant your body starts to take care of that little piece of heaven in your womb. One of the things it will do is deplete you of water, which means two things: 1. drink more water, and 2. lotion up! If your skin starts to get itchy you are way behind the game and really need to make sure you are lathering yourself up day and night. Moist skin stretches easier, thus preventing stretch marks!

2. Be Consistent – This cannot be stressed enough. Seriously. Sleep with your favorite stretch mark prevention cream next to your bed, have it ready and available when you get out of the shower, and always have some in your purse as you’re out and about. This is the number one key to keeping your skin beautiful.

3. Use It Everywhere – Yes, it’s true…when most people think of getting stretch marks they tend to only think about the belly. But to many people’s surprise (including my little sister’s), it is very common to get stretch marks in other places as well. When Brittany was pregnant I sent her the Tummy Honey Butter and Tummy Honey Stick and she was FAITHFUL in slathering it all over her belly. She was so proud of herself and just knew that her belly would be beautiful and glowing and snap right back to her pre-pregnancy skin. And she was right, she didn’t get a single stretch mark on it. What happened is that she got them on her boobies and hips. She was so mad - “why didn’t anyone tell me to put that stuff everywhere?!” So ladies, I am here to tell you right now – PUT THAT STUFF EVERYWHERE. Thighs (inner and outter), hips, upper arms, breasts, and of course – your stomach.

4. Take Your Vitamins – Add some extra Vitamin E and B Vitamins to your pre-natals and you won’t be sorry. Vitamin E is really good for overall skin care (both orally and topically) and a good B Vitamin will help with eczema and other dry skin conditions.

Here are a few items that are great for preventing stretch marks. You can get them individually or buy them in a 3-pack. They also contain anti-itch ingredients and are all natural, but definite pluses.

Tummy Honey Cream – Stretch Mark Fading Cream + Prevention

Tummy Honey Butter – great for your bathroom or by your bed

Tummy Honey Stick – perfect to just throw in your purse.

Maternity Fashion Tips

Right about now your body is doing things that you never thought it would do. Grrr! Doesn't it listen to you?  "Stay exactly how you are just maybe give me a little bump that my baby can grow in…and maybe some really fabulous boobs."  Yeahhh, doesn't exactly work that way. Since you suddenly have to dress a foreign body we've got a few tips to help you through those tough days, weeks and months.

1. Make Sure You Are Balanced  I'm not talking about taking your pre-natals or seeing your therapist. I mean literally, when you look in the mirror make sure you look balanced. If you're wearing loose bottoms make sure you have a form fitting top on, and vice versa. If you have a flowy top on make sure that you have streamlined bottoms on. For example, a flowy skirt with a flowy top doesn't work (it’s especially critical when you’re wearing skirts). You'll look frumpy and matronly. Pair a pencil skirt with a flowy top or nice fitting jeans.

  2. Give Yourself Some Shape Now I know that it's super important to be comfortable when you're pregnant, and loose fitting shirts are really comfy, but they aren't always the most flattering. It's important to make sure that at least somewhere you have shape. Babydoll tops are great for this because your rib cage is fitted so you don’t look like you’re wearing a moo-moo, but you also get the comfort of a loose fit around your midsection.  If you want everything up top to be open and flowy go for something that comes back in at the bottom in a comfortable band.

3. They Make Maternity Clothes For A Reason  It might sound good to buy a couple sizes bigger of regular clothes to get through your pregnancy, but believe it or not baggy and bulky clothes make you look bigger, not better.  Keep your silhouette slim buy buying clothes that fit where they are supposed to and offer growing room in your belly.   Chances are your upper torso isn’t going to gain most of the weight, so you need to make sure that you’re not drowning yourself up there in order to create room for your growing belly.  Also, don’t forget that if you buy great basics you can use them with future pregnancies or swap with friends!

  4. Accessorize A pair of jeans and a fitted white t-shirt can go from plain to just plain ADORABLE by adding creative accessories.  Wear a scarf in your hair, put on big earings and a long necklace and wear some funky shoes.  (ps, a long necklace will add vertical dimension, automatically elongating and slimming your look).  Accessories will literally turn ANY outfit into something fabulous if done right.  And remember, you can wear accessories during any part of your pregnancy and after – so don’t skimp!

Top 10 Fitness Tips for Pregnancy

We all see those adorable mommies that are just 100% belly - and yes, sometimes it's genetic, but chances are those little ladies are getting their behinds up and moving from day one to the end of their pregnancies.

Here are some tips that Kristy found and she LIVED by them during all 4 of her pregnancies. As soon as I can steal some of her photos of right before she delivered you'll see that she most definitely was fit and healthy...ready to deliver perfect babies...and on track to get her pre-maternity body back!

To Do:

1. Select a fitness program that includes cardio, strength training, and flexibility components.


2. The American Pregnancy Association generally recommends that cardio training be limited to between 15 and 30 minutes and should include low-impact cardiovascular activities such as brisk walking, running, elliptical, biking, or low-impact aerobics classes. Athletes and other highly fit individuals, meanwhile, are authorized to work out for longer periods, but again, should consult their physician regarding their proposed fitness routine.


3. Pregnant women should keep their heart rate during cardiovascular activities to no more than 140 beats per minute.


4. When strength training, pregnant women should be sure to train the shoulders, upper back, chest, and arms (trust me, when you’re schlepping around a 10 lb baby, you’ll appreciate the advanced training.)


5. Abdominal exercises are also encouraged throughout pregnancy, although personal trainers recommend that you sub conventional sit-ups and crunches (which are both strictly prohibited after the first trimester because they can reduce blood flow to the fetus) for pelvic tilts in either a standing, seated or all fours position.


6. Pregnant women are also encouraged to stretch before and after workouts. Specifically, women are advised to stretch their hamstrings and backs (which become strained as a women’s burgeoning belly—and boobs—throw off her center of gravity). Ankle rotations are also recommended to reduce swelling, although personal trainers recommend against foot flexion during pregnancy as it can result in calf cramps.


7. Although recommended as part of any fitness program, warm-ups and cool-downs are particularly important during pregnancy to allow the mother’s heart rate and blood pressure to adjust in a slow, safe and controlled manner.


8. Shell out for new sneakers. During pregnancy, feet can increase as much as two full sizes and, perhaps even worse, the effects can be permanent! When shopping for new kicks, select a pair that provides good ankle stability and has added arch support.


9. It is especially important for women to remain hydrated during exercise. Experts recommend that women drink one pint of water prior to exercise and an additional cup for every 20 minutes of sustained activity to maintain optimal hydration.


10. Eat up! While you aren’t technically “eating for two,” pregnant women—and particularly those who exercise—need to be sure to scoff an additional 150 to 300 calories per day (pickles and ice cream anyone?)

The main thing is just get out there and do SOMETHING and listen to your body. Exercising while pregnant results in a higher-than-normal increase in oxygen demand (likely due to the baby pushing up against the diaphragm and reducing its ability to expand and contract), meaning that you will feel tired more quickly.