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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt

Best Celebrity maternity style of 2014

We’re at the end of another fab year at Bellyitch Blog. The team got together and voted on who the top ten most fashionable pregnant American celebrities were in 2014. Here they are:

1.  Blake Lively
First time mom-to-be actress Blake Lively is doing an excellent job being playful with colors, textures and accessories. She mixes cute capes and necklaces and has perfect flowing hair. The Gossip Girl alum totally changed the maternity fashion game with her effervescent and seemingly effortless style. We are sure there is a stylist somewhere who deserves credit too. We think.

 2. Stacy Keibler
Stacy Keibler channeled BoHo Chic this first pregnancy by accenting her various casual looks with cute fedoras gladiator sandals and playful fringe purses. When going out and about, the former WWE wrestler sticks with a black palette but kept it playful with color. Her debut bump in a black cut out dress kept the gossip and fashion blogs talking and catapulted her to the top of the bump watch list this past summer. 
3. Zoe Saldana

Currently pregnant with twins, Zoe Saldana carried off her best looks early in her pregnancy rocking a super cute black shirt dresses, slip dresses and bump hugging pencil-skirt length dresses while attending fashion week shows and promoting her various projects. We loved her styled look for the cover of Elle the best because it was so unexpectedly sexy and wild. 
4. Carrie Underwood
Country singer Carrie Underwood was one of the hardest working pregnant celebrities this year. The American Idol winning singer-actress could be found in baby doll dresses, Grecian gowns, and mini dresses while hosting award shows, and performing at major concert events all across the country. 
5. Ciara
Ciara introduced us to her maternity style in a custom 20s style pin-striped suit this summer. She kept her fans and followers following her on Instagram on their toes with her cute ensembles and even cuter dance moves and mini-IG fashion shoots. There was no stopping this singer-songwriter who welcomed son Future recently and promptly dropped the weight and rocked Paris Fashion week.
 6.  Kelly Rowland
Singer  and award-winning chart-topper Kelly Rowland kept it comfy in the bump-hugging jersey maxi-midi dresses she sported much this pregnancy. She also wasn’t afraid to experiment and change up her hairstyle often all pregnancy long going with a bold and different halo braid at the Grammy awards in Los Angeles. 
7. Kourtney Kardashian
The eldest sister in the Kardashian klan, Kourtney, mixed it up a bunch this third pregnancy. She was trendy in overalls early in her pregnancy, played up stripes with a bold yellow shoppers bag by late second trimester. She showed lots of leg in mini mini dresses but also wore ringlets and maxi dresses at other times. It was all unexpected and no set pattern with Kourt. 
8. Kerry Washington
Kerry Washington stayed low-profile with her pregnancy but once the word was out, we got to see her all award-season long, she sported different designers’ custom looks and never stopped mixing it up. She even worked in the crop top trend from last spring into her maternity red-carpet wardrobe. Yass, Kerry! 
9. Molly Sims
Former model Molly Sims  has been having the best styled year on red carpets this second pregnancy. From cropped and fishtails to glam and beaded, Sims has been a head turner these days. It’s definitely a step up or in a different direction than first round. And we also like how she has been very versatile with her hair styles doing Hollywood waves, sleek and straight and 80s flips at different events. Werk. 
10. Savannah Guthrie
This TV journalist Savannah Guthrie bumped it up daily on TODAY and kept a big bright smile as an accessory . Although, she made knee-length dresses with side scrunching a staple, we love how she mixed it up with color, accent collars and necklaces, and threw in denim and other fabrics in her look every now and again. She was definitely a style maven for the professional preggers mama at the office.   
Honorable Mention: Yandy Smith
We love any celebrity, pregnant or not, who experiments much with color and isn’t afraid to go with hot pink at one event then flip the switch and go with cobalt blue at another and that’s why we couldn’t leave out Love and Hip Hop‘s Yandy Smith to rep the reality TV show genre along with Kourt.  This music industry manager and reality TV star also kept her hair game on point, sporting luscious long ringlets at promotional events for her various projects. 
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Why the celebrity masculine names for baby girls trend is great

Mila Kunis and Rachel Bilson both gave their baby girls, birthed this year, masculine names

This year saw another surge of celebrities giving their newborn daughters masculine names.

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher named their daughter Wyatt while their good friends Rachel Bilson and Hayden Christensen named their daughter Briar.

This time around Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard went with a more feminine name for their second daughter, Delta. But last year, the couple named their first daughter Lincoln. It was the same year that TV journalist Lisa Ling and her husband named their daughter Jett.

And while many didn’t follow Mariah Carey‘s lead in naming their daughter the masculine name Monroe as Carey and husband Nick Cannon did, several celebrities who gave birth this year did opt for it as a middle name.

Jenna Von Oy named her newest daughter Marlowe Monroe; Tila Tequila named her daughter Isabella Monroe while reality TV alum and baby concierge & maternity designer Rosie Pope named her daughter Bridget Monroe. Poppy Montgomery went with the trend but for her son, naming him Gus Monroe.

I am 100% in support of the unisex or masculine name for a girl trend.

Recently, I was reminded of a riddle about a father and son who got in an accident where the son survived and when he arrived in the emergency room for treatment, the surgeon declared, “I can’t operate on him. He is my son.”

Many people guessing that riddle were stumped how could it be. It is because many picture professions like surgeons to be male. The answer is the surgeon is the boy’s mother.

Similarly, in my professional life, because my name is odd, whenever I get unsolicited pitches at my law firm  for services via email or snail mail, the sendees always err on the masculine and address me as Mister. The assumption is most lawyers are males and it’s a safer guess.

But it doesn’t stop in predominantly masculine fields.  When I ran a small boutique public relations firm, whenever I would eventually meet a client or someone I was only corresponding with electronically or over social media, they’d tell me they thought I was a male. This would be the case despite the fact that PR is a traditionally heavy-female field. Perhaps, business owners are thought to more likely be male.

But from that experience, I know that I was granted any benefit of the doubt and extra leeway given to males by accident. Naturally, the presumption will be trumped once there is an in person meeting but by then, we would have had plenty opportunity to prove our value on the merits and not be burdened by any negative stereotypes or limitations heaped upon women.

If but for that, I say go for masculine names for girls. Give them a head up and without the burden of sexism across a computer screen.

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Bellyitch/Beyond Baby Mamas GRACO Modes Stroller System Grand Prize winner announced!

Congratulations
 to 
Pareece Nasario
on winning the 
GRACO Modes
Click Connect 
3 in 1 Stroller Travel System (Reviewed HERE) in the


Narasio was the best (and only) eligible entry… foreclosing the need to do a run-off!
We are shipping out the prizes to the runner up and other prize winners THIS WEEK!
Thanks to all who entered
CONGRATS!

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6 Holidays survival tips for couples struggling with infertility

The holidays can be a difficult time for anyone. Our culture promotes an ideal of the perfect holiday season with unrealistic expectations, and when that experience inevitably falls short, it can lead to disappointment. For those coping with infertility, the joy of the holidays can seem even harder to attain.   
The holidays are focused on family, with children at the epicenter. Those who long for the child that has not yet come can feel isolated, sad, and discouraged.
“The holidays tend to remind those dealing with infertility that family building has not gone the way they imagined,” says Dr. Ariadna Cymet Lanski, a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois. “Seeing your siblings and cousins with their children can remind you of what you don’t have, and that’s not easy.”
Dr. Marie Davidson, who is also a clinical psychologist at Fertility Centers of Illinois, agrees. “For couples experiencing infertility, there can be deep sense of alienation from the spirit of celebration. As a result, you may not want to participate in the usual family rituals, and you may search for ways to protect yourself from the distresses of social comparison.”
Yet the holidays and family gatherings can still be meaningful and enjoyable. Drs. Davidson and Cymet Lanski offer advice and techniques on how to navigate the emotions that surround the holidays.  
1. Acknowledge Your Feelings Don’t judge your own feelings; they are important and real and you have them for valid reasons.  It is normal to feel envious and even angry that you are “left out”. Holding everything inside doesn’t help. It actually takes more mental energy to hold your feelings back than to express them. Allow yourself time to feel the sadness, anger, and frustration. 
2. Reach Out  If you feel lonely or isolated, seek out support from your partner or a close friend. Talk about your feelings together. Keep in mind that men and women cope with stress in different ways. Women are more likely to express their sadness, while men tend to hold things inside. Neither way is wrong, just different. Whether it’s your partner, a friend, professional counseling, groups, or online forums, finding somewhere to talk with people who understand can help you feel less alone.
3. Choose the Gatherings You Attend  Discuss holiday gatherings with your partner, and decide how much celebration to participate in. If going to that family dinner will send you over the edge, don’t go. Going to every minute of family gatherings isn’t necessary – it is important to put your needs first. Your family will move on in time.
4. Plan Ahead  Plan, plan, and plan ahead.  Anticipation is half the battle. People have a way of asking inappropriate questions at inappropriate times. Be ready for the nosy questions and the possible “We’re pregnant” announcements.  Come up with an answer in advance that feels comfortable to you.


5. Make Special Plans of Your Own  Plan for memorable events of your own. Host an adults-only holiday party, or plan a romantic evening out with your partner. For some, it might even mean skipping a family gathering and planning a holiday getaway of your own. For example, one couple we know spent Christmas at a quiet cabin with another couple and enjoyed hiking, playing board games and relaxing. While their families didn’t quite understand, both couples said it was a rejuvenating and memorable holiday. 


6. Remember This is Not Forever  Remind yourself that this holiday season or the way you choose to celebrate this year is not how it will be for the rest of your life. Your fertility struggles will resolve at some point and things will change.

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Emotional Eating in Motherhood: How to Break the Cycle

Let’s call a spade a spade, shall we? It’s a long known fact that motherhood can also mean the end to a woman’s figure. It could be that after baby, a woman becomes so preoccupied with caring for her newborn, then infant, then toddler, then pre-schooler, then second child and then her family that she no longer makes healthy eating and regular exercise a priority in her own life. 
Also, when children start become challenging to discipline, they also trigger emotional eating in many moms. We all know many women (sometimes including ourselves) who are guilty of “letting themselves go” once they become mothers. 
But there is a way to break the cycle for emotional eaters anyway. LiveInNanny.com shared with us tips on how to let overeating get the best of us during parenthood.
Know Your Triggers
The first step to breaking an emotional eating habit is to understand why it happens in the first place. Figuring out the situations and feelings that spur you to grab a snack when your body knows it isn’t hungry can help you avoid that behavior in the future. Think about the times when you eat as an emotional response and the situations that lead up to them. If there’s a common thread or two, you’ve discovered some of your triggers. When triggering situations arise, make a point of reminding yourself that food shouldn’t be used for comfort.
Enjoy a Parent’s Day Out
Every once in a while, it’s worth it to spring for a sitter and enjoy a day to yourself. When you’re in the house with children day in and day out, it’s easy to fall into their eating patterns and to choose their comfort-food fare over more healthful options. Getting out of the house and into the world to enjoy a hobby or simply enjoying a few kid-free moments can not only help you manage your stress, it can also help you step away from the chicken nuggets and hot dogs your kids are noshing on.
Question Your Cravings
Avoid Eating out of Boredom
While it may be a dull one, boredom is still an emotion. It’s also one that can push you into a pint of ice cream in the blink of an eye. Downtime is rare when you’re a parent, but the lulls in activity that leave you bored can be the most dangerous to your resolutions to eat more healthily. When you’re enjoying a bit of peace, it’s better to spend it doing something constructive than having a snack.
Try to Manage Your Stress Level
One of the most common reasons for people to eat as an emotional response is stress. Managing stress is a challenge for everyone, but there are ways you can reduce the pressures in your life from time to time. Don’t let stress take over your life, and when you are stressed, make a conscious effort not to smother it with food. Yoga, a relaxing massage or even some quick breathing exercises can be a useful tool.
Think About the Behavior You’re Modeling
If all else fails, try to keep in mind that everything you do sets an example for your children. When you move towards the pantry to cover your negative emotions, you’re modeling the concept of food as comfort to your children and potentially instilling in them the same battle that you’re fighting. Think of your kids’ needs and the lives you’d like for them to have before you reach for an edible source of soothing.
Keep a Food Journal
When you’re chasing kids around the house, managing their schedules as well as your own and trying to keep up with the demands of a busy household, the idea of adding another daily task to your plate may be a repellent one. Taking a moment to jot down what you eat and how you were feeling when you ate it, however, can force you to think about the foods you consume and the motives behind your eating. You can also discover more of your triggers in order to build a more effective defense system against your own internal urge to cover negative emotion with food.
There are plenty of methods for controlling emotional eating, but the most effective one is a plan tailored to your individual needs. You may also find that reaching out to a support system like Overeaters Anonymous or even just an Internet message board community can help you feel as if you’re not alone in your fight.

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Gwen Stefani, Jourdan Dunn & 20 Other Doll-Faced People

I was scrolling through my the feed of one of my favorite  Pinner on Pinterest and happened across Vanessa Robinson’s very eclectic and diverse collection of boards. The celebu-Pinner boasts over 29,000 followers and has this very interesting board of human beings who resemble real live dolls. With make up and seemingly perfect and proportional features, Gwen Stefani and model Jourdan Dunn, both past Bellyitch Bumpwatch alums fit squarely within the mold and collection. 
Here they are with 20 other people who caught my eye with their doll-like makeup and facial features 

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I found the perfect New Year’s Eve dress for a pregnant woman

I spotted this marvelous Isabella Oliver  Ashwell maternity dress float across my radar and thought how perfect it would be for a New Year’s eve party for a pregnant woman. The halter criss cross bodice looks as if it would accommodate a woman with ample bossoms, fuller because she is pregnant. Also, a long sleeve style is ideal for women who are not that comfortable with having her arms exposed as many evening dresses are either strapless or come with spaghetti straps or cap sleeves.

Red is a perfect color for winter and the holidays and even if one isn’t comfortable with mini dresses and having their legs exposed, this dress can be worn with wedge boots to limit the amount of legs shown and exposed.

I do think it’s the perfect New Year’s eve dress for a pregnant woman. Currently, it’s down to $101 from the original $169. And though it comes in a brown for those who are fearful of bright colors, I challenge you to go brave and the the year on a boom and get the red! There’s still time to order this dress or hunt for  similar style.

Here are some alternatives I also spotted while surfing my Shopstyle partner’s website recently.

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Alicia Keys gives birth to 2nd son, Genesis Ali

Congrats to Alicia Keys and her husband producer Swizz Beatz on the birth of their second son on Saturday, December 27. 
The couple, who are parents to 2-year old son Egypt, named the new addition Genesis Ali. 


“The joy of joy is joy!! It’s a boy!! we are so grateful!” the Grammy winner captioned her birth announcement which was the newborn’s feet print, with the  the hashtag “blessings” and six hearts. 

Here are ways to engage rather than just entertain your child

Now that Christmas is over and kids are busy playing with their video games and other technological, modern parents still struggle on engaging with their children. It’s different than just handing them a video game or tablet and letting them entertain themselves. That has its purpose and uses, especially when a parent is busy and need distractions for their child while they focus on something else in the home or just relax and unwind 
It is harder to engage them and engage with them to make sure they are learning from playing as well. BecomeANanny.com shared with us these crucial question to ask yourself and then offered suggestions for engagement.
As you consider the time you spend with your child, ask yourself:
  • Am I actively interacting with the children?
  • How does the entertainment I offer deepen or enhance their learning experience?
  •  Is the activity the children are doing designed to benefit them or me?
  • Am I nurturing the children’s sense of curiosity about themselves and their world?
  • Am I providing tools for hands-on learning?
  • Is technology trumping your relationship?
  • Are we going places more than doing things together?
If your answers lead you to believe the children would benefit from more engagement and less entertainment, consider spending more time engaging the children by:
  • Playing play-dough
  • Building blocks
  • Doing arts and crafts together
  • Playing board games
  • Having a tea party
  • Rolling a ball back and forth
  • Taking part in fantasy play
  • Playing outside
  • Putting on a puppet show
  • Baking cookies.
Good luck!

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