Stretch Mark Prevention

I find myself looking at my belly lately for any trace of stretch marks. I can't help but wonder if my days of frolicing in a bikini with a stretch mark free stomach is behind me. However, no matter if I get them or not I am at peace with it because of the miracle that is taking place inside my body. I mean don't get me wrong, I would rather not have them but if they do appear, there's no point in worry or stress. Stretch marks occur when the skin is stretched so tightly that the elastic fibers of the skin break. I have been taking precautionary measures to assure that my belly and chest area are oiled up daily. I'm pretty much on the all natural route for my pregnancy and I have been using Home Health's Almond Glow Rose Skin Lotion. It's more of an oil than lotion. I try to put it on once a day, especially after I get out of the shower. I find the results are working so far but of course, I cannot predict the future. The best thing about Almond Glow is that it has no parabens or preservatives.

  Model/ blogger Molly Sims has a great all natural recipe that I have yet to try that can be found here. She recommends nourishing your skin even before you are pregnant.

Model Heidi Klum recommends Basq, which is not too pricey at all. The website is a little overwhelming because there are several products that claim to fight stretch marks.. You can find those products here.

Fashion Designer/ former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham used Elemis Japanese Camellia Oil Blend, which costs $45 and can be found here.

Must Listen - Yeah Yeah Yeahs "Sacrilege"

I'm a little obsessed with the lead singer of the Yeah Yeah Yeahs Karen O. She is super goddess, music warrior and a fashion princess in my eyes. I've followed the YYYs career since they first started their band in 2000 and even got to see some of their first gigs when I was in college in NYC. The song above is the first song released from their new album Mosquito, which comes out in March. I love the gospel choir at the end. Enjoy!

Rainy Day Mommy-To-Be

Rainy Day Mommy-To-Be by baybaymama featuring j-brand

T By Alexander Wang silk top / rag & bone long trench coat / J Brand j brand / Alexander Wang lace up ankle booties, $1,210

TED Talks - What We Learn Before We're Born

I just hit my 24 week mark so I am starting to think what my baby will be like. I love TED Talks. It is like a rabbit hole and I can fall down it for hours and just watch several lectures in a row. The following is by writer Annie Murphy Paul . She discusses what babies learn before they are born. It's amazing how much the mother-to-be affects the baby with what they eat, how they feel, etc. Enjoy!

Weekend Mommy To Be

Weekend Mommy-To-Be by baybaymama featuring alexander wang

IRO leather jacket, $675 / Topshop maternity / Topshop maternity / NIKE black basketball shoes / Alexander Wang / Alexander McQueen , $375

Must Listen - Hot Chip's Remix of Foals' "My Number"

I've been extra vigilant about finding music that makes me want to work out at the gym.  I have to admit that being pregnant has decreased my gym libido but I have powered through it with the help of great tunes.  Last night Hot Chip (who I saw live in Brooklyn and are absolutely fabulous) debuted their remix of Foals "My Number" on BBC Radio 1 last night.  The original version is off of Foals' album Holy Fire, which is also worth listening to as well.

Rock Me Mama Tees

Rocker tees are a staple in my wardrobe.  As my belly grows and grows, my t-shirts stretch and stretch. I am now reluctant to wear some of my collector t-shirts like my original 1974 Grateful Dead t-shirt and my Led Zeppelin John Bonham 1980 memorial t-shirt for fear of the wear and tear.  I'm not ready to kick my rocker/ grungy edge for the sake of being pregnant.  I stumbled across this line of Rock Me Mama Maternity t-shirts on unbottonedmaternity and my heart went pitter patter.  Pair with a pair of motorcycle boots, black leggings and leather jacket and you're ready to rock.  To order a shirt, click here.

It's A Beautiful Morning

I wake up hungry. In fact, I sometimes lay in bed in the morning thinking about what I want to eat. I basically eat the same thing every morning and treat myself on the weekends for some home made brunch. Being pregnant, I think about every little thing I eat - nutrients, how it will affect the baby, how it will make me feel, etc. My favorite cereal that provides all vitamins and nutrients I need is called Ezekiel Sprouted Whole Grain Golden Flax Cereal. I discovered it when I was on a raw food diet years ago in Brooklyn. The cereal is high in fiber, vegan and made with sprouted grains. It does taste rather plain and some people call it rabbit food, but I find it best served on top of another cereal. Currently, I mix it with Barbara's Shredded Spoonfuls Multigrain Cereal and add blueberries on top for some antioxidants. Ezekiel is a pricey cereal. In both New York and California, a box costs as much as $6 but for me, the wellness and I am a believer that breakfast is the most important meal of the day.