Another Celebrity Ergo Fan

Courtney Thorne-Smith was spotted wearing an ERGObaby Carrier this week in Santa Monica.

See the pics here

Check out the fabulous feedback from other Ergo owners in the comments section.

For more info or to buy the carrier, visit Belly Beyond ;)

Don't stress! Top 5 things not to worry about in Pregnancy

I was talking with a friend recently, who is about to be a first-time Mum, and she is very nervous after a long road to get this far. I think it's pretty universal to feel a bit scared of the unknown and with lots of things to worry about, here's a list of the Top 5 things not to stress about during pregnancy.

1. I don't feel (or look) pregnant! Not feeling sick enough? Don't panic, lots of women experience little or no morning sickness and for a while your baby bump might be well hidden or simply look like you've had a big meal! (greaaaat). Unless they are your Midwife or OB, ignore people if they say "oh, you aren't very big" - they mostly do not have a clue, and shouldn't be making comments like that anyway!
   
   
2. What if there is something wrong with baby? I remember asking the same question to Heidi the week before my daughter was born. Her answer was a revelation to me, not only about pregnancy but one I have learnt to apply to lots of areas of life. When I asked her, "but what if there's something wrong?", she replied "we'll deal with that when it happens." This is such good advice. Be informed, eat well and look after yourself as best you can but don't worry about things that haven't happened yet.
   
   
3. How will I cope after the baby is born? I don't think it matters if it's baby number one or baby number five, there will always be a pang of worry about how everything is going to go once baby is here and immediately after and a lot will depend on your birth and recovery. If you are worried, make a post birth support plan - talk to your family and friends about being on call during those early days to help you out. Organise someone to take your other children out for a few hours so you have quiet time (or even better a nap!) with baby. Just knowing that you have a good support network set up can be a great relief.
   
   If you are worried about breastfeeding then definitely be pro-active. If you have a friend who is breast feeding ask if you can see how they latch their baby. Find out the phone numbers of your local La Lache League leader and put it somewhere safe so that they are handy when you need them. If you need help, ASK. LC's are often available free at the hospital or birthing centreand LLL is a fantastic organisation of women who can help! See our breastfeeding tips for new Mums here
   
   
4. I'm freaking out about the birth. It's hard not to worry when you don't know what to expect, so take time to educate yourself of the stages of labour and the birthing process. Be selective about what you read (and hear) and by that I mean focus on the postive and don't get bogged down by the horror stories. Sure they exist, but they really are in the minority. Deciding what sort of birth you would like to have is a good step because then you can plan towards that and surround yourself with like minded people. Whether you are a "bring me the drugs!", a go-with-the-flow type or determined to have a natural birth having the end goal in your head will naturally lead you there. And of course, be flexible - it might not go as you've imagined!
   
   
5. Will I ever get my body back? No, it won't ever be the same. But that doesn't have to be a bad thing. Your body has just created life and it's likely it will go on to nuture life for some years so it won't ever be the same as what it was pre-baby. Your boobs will completely change (again, this can be a good thing!) and unless you are planning surgery you are likely to have baby tummy of some description. Lots of women lose weight whilst breastfeeding and being active and eating as well as you can is the best thing you can do. And I think it has a lot to do parenting maturing you as a person.  Lot's of mums have a better body image after they have their babies, perhaps because it's much less of a focus?

What were your big fears during pregnancy? We'd love to have your comments :)

A good nights sleep

I remember those sleepless nights during pregnancy, tossing and turning (as well as one of such rotundness can) trying to find a comfortable position. If only I'd known about these amazing full length body Maternity pillows from Inspired Living.

You can sleep on your side, as recommended during pregnancy, and it supports for back, belly and knees - bliss!

One of our lovely customers emailed the morning after she'd received her pillow:

"I love my Maternity Pillow - I have had a peaceful nights sleep".

Her Business Glam

Well we were one of three Finalists in the Bloom Her Business Best New Business Category! Alas, we didn't win this year but it was so cool to see our name up on the big screen!!


Here's a shot of what outfit I decided on (of course you're all dying to know) and a more important one of my gorgeous business partner Heidi and me at the awards.

Susan Devoy was a great speaker and Heidi and I felt a bit spesh when she sidled up to us at the start and chatted away for a good 10 mins.

Fab to chat to Ange from HOTmilk too - they were up for an award this year but missed out so we were in good company :)

OUTED, the Mr Belly Beyond's aren't figments of our imagination - here's the photographic proof ;)

What to wear? what to wear?

Ok so completely vain post from me today. What am I going to wear to the awards????

I dunno, looks a bit "man in a dress"?

Maid's Day out?

Frilly Milly

Can I do the boots or does it make me look like a Hobbit?

Kindy Snobs

So what type of Kindy Mum are you? Are you friendly, say "Hi", give a smile and a brief chat about your day or are you aloof, bordering on rude?

My four year old started kindy a couple of months ago and I'm amazed at the reaction of some mums when I proffer a friendly "hello" or "how's it going?". Nothing - no smile, no reply. I could be completely invisible.

Now, I realise people are shy, me included! I have to force myself to say hello or I'd simply run in, drop my child off and run back out again at full speed. But it strikes me as particularly odd, that these Kindy Snobs live in the same street as we do and we often see them out and about - it's not as though we are so dissimilar as to be unable to relate on any level.

Why do I care? well I know I shouldn't but I'm curious as to why I am so ignorable! :P

Anyway, off I go to pick up, practicing my "hi, how was your day?" I might even be surprised with an answer.

Free Babylegs with every Ergo Baby Carrier

FREE STUFF YAY!

Every Ergo Baby Carrier purchased from us, gets a free pair of Babylegs. Absolutely perfect for the cooler months to elimiate Gapiosis.

Read about Gapiosis here

Photo Tent

I have to give a shout out to Lou, (the other Lou ;) who is the brains behind Skout Trade Fair and the lovely members thereof.

On a recent thread someone recommended Photo Tents so because I was looking for a way to improve on our 'home' shots I went and got one. I probably would never have even heard of them had it not been for Skout and it's another example of why it pays to be a Skout member.

Well, I'm so thrilled. The results are great! Sure, they clearly aren't professional studio shots but they are 100% better than the rubbish I was creating with my parque floor as a background.

Above is a shot of the set up, although I took todays in the garden in full sunlight without artificial lights and here are a couple of the results!

The Panda BearView looks a little evil in the product shots (!) so I wanted a close up to show how very cute his little face actually is and here's a sneak peak at the very exclusive sling Unido have created just for us. It will ONLY available at Belly Beyond.

Natures Sway Baby Hammocks

A friend asked recently if I thought it was worth buying a Natures Sway Baby Hammock - I laughed and said it was my favourite baby purchase and I think everyone should have one!

I loved our hammock and so did Elliott. We took it with us whenever we needed her to have a familiar bed so it travelled to Australia, Northland and often across the sea to Waiheke when we visited my parents. You can purchase a stand for it which was great at my parents but we just used the door clamp usually.

We had it bolted into the ceiling in the lounge and she had her days sleeps there until I couldn't put her in it any longer (around 13 months I think)!

As a useful baby purchase it rates a 10/10 for me.

Holy Truck Batman - we're Finalists!

I received the coolest email this morning!


WOW!!!!!!! So excited! And as a funny juxtapostion, this Her Business of the Year Award Finalist is about to change a poo nappy followed by approximately 2 hours data entry. (oh joy)

Fairy Delight

Have to share this gorgeous toy that we have on loan from the Toy Library this week. The fairy beds are the little drawers that slide out from underneath along with individual pillows and duvets! Awww.

Panda BearView available

We have a new BearView style available now. It's the very cute Panda and he will no doubt elicit many wonderful smiles from your little one. Babies love to look at themselves in the mirror and the BearView mirror surface is plenty big enough for them to do this either in the car or you can take it out of the car and use it as a play mirror.

But more importantly when fitted in the car YOU can see what baby is up to with a quick check in your rear vision mirror rather than having to pull over or attempt a level four yoga neck twist manouver!


Also available in every popular Puppy and the cheeky Monkey style. This really is a must have item for parents and makes a fantastic gift. More info

Latest HOTmilk style - HOT OFF THE PRESS

Gorgeous!! The latest shot from HOTmilk of their new style Her Radiance Enchanted Him just in.

And don't forget you only need to buy ONE set of HOTmilk now and receive a FREE pair of milkMAN boxers! Score!

See the range here