So far I have been really good and purchased only 2 new things for our baby girl and only just recently purchased a few things for myself since we will now be going into the 6 month of our pregnancy this Friday!
I've been having fun making little inspiration boards for baby girl's "nook" (she'll have a small space within our room for the first year of her life) so I thought I'd go ahead and also make a board for my recent "me" purchases (which since diving into being self employed since last May are actually very far and few in between!).
1.
Isabella Oliver Sleeveless Ruched Dress I have a thing for navy blue and asymmetrical lines and Billy really loved this dress as well. I probably only buy around 4 maternity pieces while pregnant and I have long admired Isabella Oliver's maternity line and feel so blessed to incorporate one of their iconic pieces into my teeny, tiny maternity wardrobe. I know I will wear the heck out of this dress so it's definitely money well spent.
2.
Active Birth This book was referred to me by another pregnant mother and I'm so glad I picked it up. I've read so many books this pregnancy from developing a birth plan to reading birth stories told through the eyes of a seasoned midwife...however with this book I feel like it's really helping me to actually prepare to be ACTIVE in the birth of our daughter. I have felt in the past that birth was something that happened to me and I was kind of just "along for the ride" but with the information/facts in this book along with the exercises it recommends, I feel (still scared as heck) but actually ready for labor and birth.
3.
Erbaviva Soap I first started buying this about 5 years ago when I worked in a local children's boutique here in town. The boutique has since gone out of business, but my love for Erbaviva has stayed strong. Erbaviva is an all natural, organic line and this soap is not only gentle it smells wonderful!
4.
Erbavia Back Rub Oil Long before I was pregnant I've suffered from back problems. I have a slight curve in my back and so carrying around extra weight tends to bring out some extra back pains. I love our local spa, Spa Therapy, and try to go every 4 weeks, however this essential oil rub is perfect for the end of the night when I retire my tired body to bed and Billy nicely rubs my back (thanks Billy!)
5.
Eminence Citrus Exfoliating Wash When I get pregnant my skin tends to go a bit crazy for the first trimester. I have been faithful to the same products (BION, Cosmedicine, and Murad) for years but with this pregnancy even when my skin went back to its "normal" it stayed perpetually dry. I decided to use up the last of BION glycolic wash and then I invested in this organic face wash. Not only does it smell terrific, it does its job while not being as harsh as the BION wash that I was previously using.
6.
Eminence Wild Plum Tonique Jen, the owner of Spa Therapy, has sprayed this on me several times when I visited but I never really saw the point a toner before. However with the skin changes this pregnancy brought on I decided to give it a go and picked up this product. Like I'm discovering about all Eminence products, it smells fabulous and is perfect since I've stopped using the Cosmedicine MegaDoser serum because the smell is now way too strong for me.
7.
Eminence Persimmon and Cantaloupe Moisturizer SPF 32 Around month 5 with this pregnancy I had to have a biopsy done on some tissue on my stomach for skin cancer. This is the second time in my life I've had this done (previously on my arm) and it is really unnerving and stressful. My dermatologist recommended that sunscreen go on my face every day (which I previously did not do, but to be honest I'm not in the sun that frequently). I decided to splurge on this moisturizer and I have not been disappointed. It's definitely richer than what I was using (though it's still considered 'lightweight') and I love that it also offers me sun protection. I no longer have a peely face constantly now like my other beloved products were leaving me with! My skin feels quenched and although I was hesitant because it costs double what I was using, this is a quality, organic product and a little goes a long way.
So. There ya go! I hope you enjoyed reading my 'essentials' list! I'd love to hear what helps get you through your pregnancies! I wish I had a "magic" product on my list that cures morning sickness! What products make your life easier while you're growing your baby?
