Maternity Essesntials

Maternity Clothing Essentials

• 2-3 maternity/nursing bras. We like the Bravado Body Silk Seamless nursing bra
  

• 1 Bella Band in either black or white so that you can wear your non-maternity clothes longer or wear your larger maternity clothes sooner.

• 1-2 good pair of maternity jeans. It is worth it to invest in at least one good pair of jeans. They may be more expensive, but they will last your entire pregnancy and they will make you look and feel great! We love Paige, Juicy, Paper Denim, and Serfontaine
  

• 3-4 maternity tees. We love Michael Stars Maternitee's! They are one size and most can be worn after you have your baby and some can be used for nursing, too!
  

• 2-3 soft yoga type pants or leggings.
  

• LBD! At least one Little Black Dress for date night with your husband!
  

• Comfortable shoes, i.e., flip flops! You might need to get a pair that is about a half size bigger to allow for swelling of your feet. Also, don't be surprised if your feet grow bigger and don't get smaller after you have your baby!
  

• Work wardrobe (if you still work) You don’t need a lot of suits now that your are pregnant. Your co-workers will likely be forgiving and more than understanding!

Comfort Essentials

• Full length body pillow which will help you to sleep more comfortably. Don't forget that the safest way to sleep is on your left side!

• Pregnancy wedge is nice for belly support when you are in bed

• Preggie Pops or Preggie Drops for morning sickness. These are just great to keep around the house in case another member of the family gets a stomach bug!
  

• Stretch mark cream or belly oil for itchy skin, which may occur as your belly expands. We love either Bella Mama oil or lotion or Mama Mio Tummy Rub/Lotions/Oils.
  

• Prenatal vitamins as directed by your doctor
  

• Folic acid is an important part of your diet. It is recommended that you take 600-800 mcg while pregnant.

• Always talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns.

Essential Pregnancy Books

• What to Expect When You’re Expecting, by Heidi Murkoff, Arlene Eisenberg, Sandee Hathaway

• The Belly Book, by Amy Krouse Rosenthal

Sale

After Christmas Year End Sale! Most inventory 50%-75% off on-line and in store!

http://shoppematernity.com/sale.asp

Holiday Gift Ideas

This is one of the Hottest tee's this Season! It is one size and super cute on!
http://www.shoppematernity.com/product.asp?lt=d&deptid=5926&pfid=MSH00530

Bella Band

We cannot keep the Bella Band in Stock! We just received a replenishment of Size 2 Bella Band's in Black and White. Size One just sold out but we will receive another order in time for Christmas! Please call store to order yours today as we do not, at this time, sell them on-line.

Chiarakruza Sale

• Check out our big Sale on Chiarakruza....40% off entire Chiarakruza inventory! This is just in time for the Holiday's, too. Chiarakruza offers such great styles that flatter and fit all body types perfectly! Now is a good time to buy some cute Spring dresses and tops because they are priced so great!

• Also, would you like to receive a 35% off coupon? Then, don't forget to bring in your gently used maternity/baby clothes, packages of diaper/wipes, or any pregnancy and newborn essentials that will be donated to the St. Garard House in St. Augustine, FL.

• Check our site often b/c you will always be able to find a coupon or some great savings!
  

Belly Bandit

We are so excited about the Belly Bandit! It arrived a couple of weeks ago, and the response has been amazing! Had the Belly Bandit been around when I had my kids, I'm sure I would have bought one and used it, too! Take it to the hospital with you and and after giving birth, it is safe to begin wearing it. Even if you have a C-Section, you are still good to go to wear it! Definately check with your doctor, but I'm sure he will approve! Not only will it help shrink your tummy faster, but it will support your back when breastfeeding. If you have used the Belly Bandit, let us know what your thoughts are on this great new product!!

ITEM OF THE WEEK!

Item of the Week

10.12.2008 to 10.18.2008
All Books, Journals, & Novelty Tee's
50% off original price for one week only!

Item of the Week

ITEM OF THE WEEK
Michael Stars Maternitees
50% off
One week only!

Item of the Week

This week, take 50% off any Juicy Couture items! Don't forget this is for 1 week only! Buy as many as you want at 50% off! Have fun shopping!!!

Item of the Week!!!

ITEM OF THE WEEK

50% off Caden Lane Grocery Cart Covers!

Doubles as a highchair cover! A must have for mommies on the go. Equipped with clips for baby toys and a front pocket for snacks, etc... Safety belt comes attached for added security and cleanliness.

$79 Regular Price
$39.50 Sale Price

Discount will be applied after order is placed. Please call with any questions. Shop now..this item will be 50% off for one week only!

Item of the Week

50% off!!!

For this coming week, in honor of the Democratic and Republican national conventions, it seemed only natural that we have Juicy's "My Baby for President" tank as the item of the week!
reg. price $62
sale price $31
Price will be adjusted at time of purcase

Item of the Week

This week the item for sale is the Juicy Extra Wide Leg Jean.
Regular Price is $188
Sale Price s $94

Hurricane Fay

Just a reminder for pregnant mommies in the Florida area who is watching Hurricane Fay to keep lots of bottled water handy just in case. Pregnant women should not drink tap water even if it has been boiled if a hurricane were to hit. If you happen to be out stocking up on any last minute essentials, stop by the store. We will be open weather permitting. Mention this blog post and receive 40% off any single regular price item tomorrow and Thursday. Stay Dry!

Item of the Week

New at the shoppematernity.com....ITEM OF THE WEEK!!

Each week, I will have a new item that will be on Sale. This week, I have started by making the Paige Wide Leg Jeans 50% off. This will give you the chance to buy your self something fabulous! Either check your mail or check the blog and see what the item of the week is! If you have any suggesstions for what the item of the week is, post it here! If I get enough posts for that item, I will make it the next item of the week!

Jelly Bath is Here!

JellyBath just came in today! This is just as great as I remember it being when I bought it! There is nothing like this! My 7 year old had a food fight birthday party and one of the "events" at his party was a little tub filled with jello and the kids got to play in it and throw it on each other. This is like and adult version of playing in a tub of Jelly! I think I added too much water, but it still felt AMAZING!

For all the pregnant mommies out there that want a little relief from your swelling, uncomfortable body, you must try JellyBath. I have the Tub Soak and two different sizes of Foot Soak at my store. Check out the Fast Facts page and read all about it! Call the store to place your order!

World Breastfeeding Week

Did you know that it was world breastfeeding week? Tomorrow is the last day so tomorrow all nursing items and products will be 10% off!

There is this really great new product to us that will be arriving very soon to our store! It is called JellyBath! It is so wonderful! It will be great for all moms-to-be...and anyone else who wants to pamper themselves! It is great for swelling, too! This exciting new product will be available in the store only! However, when it arrives, you can call and order over the phone and we will gladly ship to you!!!

SPIN Magazine:
"Just add hot water and transform an ordinary bathtub into a womblike experience"

I just got back from market and I am so excited about some of the new products I picked up for the store! Lots of great new mommy gifts! T-shirts, jewelery, gifts, books, organizers, photo albums, and bath and body products! Can't wait for you to see them!

Welcome Miles Ryne!!!

Holly, one of my friends who helped me with the web site had her baby on June 27th! Baby Miles was 5 lbs 3 oz! He is so cute and has a head full of hair! Congratulations!!!!

New Juicy has Arrived!!!

New Juicy Couture has arrived and it is really cute! My favorite is the tank that says,
" My Baby for President"!
Really Cute! Plus, a huge shipment of our new favorite jean by Juicy....the Cali! Plus, don't forget to stop in and check out our huge Summer Sale! All Summer essentials are 50% off until the end of July! And, don't forget that we will buy back your maternity clothes that are still in excellent condition.

As always, thank you for being such great customers!

My Space

Come visit us at My Space!
myspace.com/shoppematernity

Summer Sale

Hey!
Summer is just getting started and I know in Jacksonville, FL it already feels like it is going to be a HOT one! You should check back often because I am always doing markdowns! Thanks for your continued support and for shopping with us!

Buy Back Program

Hey!
We want to buy back your old maternity clothes! When you no longer want them, bring them in and we will buy them from you on the spot! We especially want them if they came from our store!!! We will then, re-sell them in the store. We will take the pieces that are in good condition. We will not buy any brands that come from chain stores. This will be great for everyone! Everyone loves a good deal!

Also, if there are any stores that have overstock inventory or inventory from season, please contact us. We are interested in buying your overstock!

Welcome Caitlin Rose!

Christina, who helped me out with taking pictures for the web site, just had her baby last Saturday, May 3. She had a little girl, Caitlin, who weighed 6 lbs 5 oz! They are doing great! Christina has a lot of help at home with her 5 year old son and 3 year old daughter! Congratulations!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day! Have a happy and restful day today!
Love,
Kristin

Cucumber for Swelling? Say What???

One of the most annoying side affect of pregnancy is swelling. Water retention can make you look and feel much heavier than you really are. A possible solution for swelling of your feet, fingers, and legs, is.....eat one cucumber a day!! Can you believe that by eating one cucumber a day you can reduce swelling during pregnancy? A nurse at my ob/gyn office told me that she used to work with diabetics and a great way to reduce swelling without taking traditional medicine is to eat a cucumber a day! It is worth a try, right? If it does not work, no big deal! You and your baby have just enjoyed a healthy, yummy snack!

$20 Overstock Sale!!!

Check out this overstock inventory! Four total racks and lots of bins filled with even MORE overstock inventory! You must stop in and check out all these great pieces at an even greater price! All sizes still available! Also, if you cannot come in the store, give us a call. You can tell us your size and tell us what you need, and we can put together a package and send it to you! See you soon!
Kristin

Juicy Couture "Cali" Just Arrived

Hey,
Just wanted to let you know that the "Cali" by Juicy Couture just arrived in White!! I know there are a lot of you that have been waiting for them to arrive! Stop in now while all sizes are still available! See you soon!

Celebrity Style!!

Actress Brooke Burke was photographed recently out and about in Malibu, CA in her BLUE COUTURE Peanut Shell.

Eggplant Recipe from Pregnancy and Baby

jump-start labor?

Can something you eat actually cause labor to begin? Here are two recipes you can try -- maybe you can jump-start the birth process!

For more than twenty years, women have gone to Scalini's Italian restaurant in Cobb County, Georgia, with one thing on their minds: To go into labor. They always order the Eggplant Parmesan, which, so far, has helped encourage more than 300 babies to come into the world within 48 hours of their mom eating the meal.

The restaurant promises results within two days. If you haven't had your baby by then, expectant moms get a gift certificate for another try.

The chefs at Scalini's shared their recipe with us. If it doesn't work, sorry, there's no gift certificate -- but you can use the recipe again, absolutely free of charge. (For best results, don't try it until your due date.)

Eggplant Parmesan alla Scalini's Ingredients:
3 medium size eggplants
1 cup of flour
6 eggs, beaten
4 cups fine Italian bread crumbs, seasoned
Olive oil for sautéing
8 cups of marinara sauce*
1/2 cup of grated Romano cheese
1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 lbs of mozzarella cheese shredded
2 cups of ricotta cheese

Instructions:
After you wash the eggplant, slice them into 1/4 inch thick slices. You may choose to peel the eggplant before you slice it, however you may want to leave the skin on since the skin contains a lot of vitamins. Place the eggplant slices on a layer of paper towels and sprinkle with a little salt, then cover with another layer of paper towels and hold it down with something heavy. This will drain the excess moisture. Let them set for about an hour.

Working with one slice of eggplant at a time, dust with flour, then dip in beaten eggs, then coat well with bread crumbs. Saute' in preheated olive oil on both sides until golden brown.

In baking dish, alternate layers of, marinara sauce eggplant slices, ricotta, parmesan, and romano cheeses, until you fill the baking dish about an 1/8 inch from the top. Cover with shredded mozzarella cheese and bake for 25 minutes in 375 degree oven. Let set for 10 minutes before serving.

Scalini's Marinara Sauce
2 tablespoons of chopped garlic
3 tablespoons of olive oil
8 cups chopped tomatoes (fresh or canned)
1 cup onions chopped
1/2 cup of fresh chopped parsley
1 teaspoon of oregano
1 teaspoon of crushed red pepper
1/8 cup of fresh chopped sweet basil
Pinch of thyme
Pinch of rosemary
One teaspoon salt
One teaspoon black pepper

Lightly sauté the onions in olive oil in large pot for a few minutes. Add garlic and saute' another minute. Add tomatos and bring sauce to boil, then turn heat to low. Add remaining ingredients, stir, cover and let simmer for one hour, stirring occasionally.

Macaroni and Cheese with A-1 Sauce
"About a week ago, a friend of ours told us that he had a sure-fire method to 'induce' a late birth by eating a specific recipe," says Ric, father of four. "He had NEVER seen it fail. Of course, we were incredibly skeptical, but we did it and, whether total coincidence or not, it WORKED!"

Here's what you do: "Make sure that you eat the following AFTER midnight of the day that you were actually due." (You don't have to eat it at night, just don't eat it before your due date is over with.)

Macaroni and Cheese with A-1 Sauce: Cook the mac and cheese as usual. When you go to eat the Mac and Cheese, put as little or as much A-1 sauce on the meal as you think you can handle.

"It isn't the tastiest thing on the planet," Ric admits. "Just make absolutely sure that you eat a reasonable portion of the mixed concoction. Within 24 hours, you should have your baby."

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Hey! Welcome to Maternity Shoppe of San Marco's Blog! We are so happy to be on-line and have our blog up and running!