Basic Maternity Fashion for Moms-To-Be

If you are pregnant, you should wear clothes that are comfortable but also chic and fashionable. Choose materials that are skin-friendly like cotton, with a share of lycra or spandex so it stretches with your growing tummy. Here are some basic items that you should have to accompany you during your pregnancy 

1. Comfortable Shoes: Whether you choose for ballerinas or mules with a low heel, they are simply easy to put on - you just slip your feet in and they are also never go out of style. With such shoes, you also do not have to bend over your growing tummy to, for example, tie your laces or adjust straps. Choose styles that have a slightly tapered tip as rounded ones will tend to optically shorten your legs. Choose good quality shoes, as there is a high chance that you will still be wearing them post pregnancy.

Mama straight jeans in dark wash from H&M.

2. P-pants / jeans: It is always good to have a pair or two of p-pants or mama pants. Choose a pair with a dark washing, because it optically makes you look leaner than light jeans, and a pair with a straight cut. These pants have an elastic adjustable band to ensure optimal comfort. Allow time to try a few pairs until you find one in which you truly feel comfortable in.

Tunic blouse from Esprit.

3. Tunics: Tunics have been a trend for sometime now and you can choose one that doesn't have to be a maternity model. These type of clothing are cut wide and long and offers enough space where a mom-to-be needs it the most: on the bust, of course in the tummy area, and also around the hips. Choose cheerful colors or with a decorated neckline. A round or v-neck cut may show a bit of skin but it optically lengthens the neck.

Wraparound dress from H&M.

4. Wraparound: A wraparound dress made from elastic material accentuates your figure. The V-cut beautifully emphasises your growing décoletté. The band slung around the waist optically separates the tummy and the bust and emphasizes your feminine figure. This flexible dress also grows along with your growing tummy. There are also styles that are breastfeeding friendly.

Mama jersey leggings also from H&M.

5. Leggings: black or dark colored leggings or elastic pants are comfortable and fashionable all year round. You can pair with a knee-length boots in winter or with ballerinas or sandals in summer.  Maternity leggings have an extra adjustable band. Just be sure to pair your leggings with a top that reaches down to your hips and  bottom!

So these are just some of the basic clothing to have during your pregnancy. What are your maternity fashion must haves? Do share them with me! 

Tweet

Accentuate Your Fashion Style With Traditional Mehndi Designs

Are you looking for a "new" style that will accentuate your fashion sense with a bold, colorful statement of intent? Perhaps you're interested in learning more about classic fashions that feature the best Mehndi design? If you're new to Mehndi designs, there's a lot to learn, but you'll have so much fun doing it that it will hardly seem like encyclopedic research! In a nutshell, Mehndi designs are currently taking the world by storm, thanks to their sensational combination of ancient religious tradition and timeless beauty. This is one "new" fashion trend that is centuries old, yet ageless.

What Is Mehndi And Where Does It Originate From?

For those of you who are completely new to the Mehndi design phenomenon, a bit of catching up may be in order. Mehndi designs originate from India, and were first developed there a few centuries ago in the wake of the Mughal invasion. Since then, these innovative and timeless designs have spread from India into Pakistan, the Middle East, and the Far East of Asia. Anywhere you see women wearing brightly colored saris, you're sure to see them sporting classic Mehndi themed fashion items as well.

Why Has Mehndi Become So Popular?

There is no one easy answer to the question of just how and why Mehndi designs have suddenly become so popular in the 21st century. Perhaps the fact that the Internet has brought the world closer together in such a relatively short period of time has had a decisive impact on the ability of fashion styles to suddenly impact parts of the world where they were previously unknown. Regardless of the reason, the truth is that Mehndi fashion is now everywhere, and more popular than ever.

Mehndi Designs Are Taking The Internet By Storm

Mehndi designs are currently taking the Internet by storm. There are countless pages on Pinterest, Etsy, Ebay, Tumblr, and other areas on the web that are devoted to showing off or advertising these classic traditional designs. For example, companies like Craftsvilla and others are selling jewelry and clothing designs that are based on the traditional Mehndi style. No matter whether you're searching for a new dress, brooch, pair of earrings, or a bracelet, you are sure to find the Mehndi items that will complete your new ensemble. This is the year of Mehndi designs, so don't be left behind!

Tweet

Give Your Club or Spa the Right Flavor

When prospective members come to your club to take a look around, they are not just assessing the amenities of your business, but they are also evaluating your staff in terms of courtesy, friendliness, and professionalism. A great way to give your team an even more professional look is with the right uniform.

There are some great separates found from online uniform merchants that can comprise the perfect country club uniforms for your distinct club. Depending on the atmosphere that you want to eject to the visitors and members of your club, there are various aprons, shirts, pants, and ensembles to suit the setting and give your club a bit of personal flair. 

This provides an easy way for those visiting your club to identify who works there, and who to ask for assistance or help when needed. There is a polished, chic look to a club where each staff-member has a neat and contemporary uniform and this equates to a look of pride among the employees. There is no better way to groom an air of confidence and unity among staff than a really attractive, well-fitting uniform. Consider this when looking at ways to enhance or restore your current club.

Tweet

Grey's Anatomy: Hooked Again

I have always enjoyed watching this drama TV series about medical interns. It was so popular back in the mid 2000's and I was really hooked into it. First came McDreamy and then McDog and then came McSteamy. :D And it is being run here on TNT series and because the husband enjoys watching, I find myself watching it too. There are some scenes that I have already forgotten and it was kind of nice to watch them again. 

Original cast of Grey's Anatomy.
Photo from en.wikipedia.org

I loved how each character developed, how they cope with the very busy world of being interns and how they resolve their personal conflicts. I laughed and cried and have gone through a roller coaster and whilrwind of emotions with Meredith, Issy, George, Alex and Christina. 

I love it most when they don their sky blue scrubs... Everytime they are in their scrubs, they are really serious at giving it their best. And who could ever forget Dr. Burke's personalized scrub hats? I am not a medical person but they really do justice to their roles. And even though the medical cases are almost out of this world, you couldn't help but think of all the what ifs.

Now it is running on its 10th season.. Gosh, I have a lot of catching up to do!

Tweet

Accessorize With Cuffs

Want to make a statement?

Then go to the next party you are invited to wearing a sleek sterling silver cuff. Or liven up your everyday outfit with a cuff. I am sure your office mates can't help but notice this chic addition to your wardrobe. Cuffs can instantly punch up any kind of outfit, no matter how simple it may be.

This sterling silver cuff bracelet is contoured
and features a sequence of smooth,
ridged rows and a hinged closure.

Cuffs come in different designs: from bold to sleek to ridged. They may be of leather, silver, metal or gold. They can be worn either on the wrist or on the arm. You can use two matching cuffs like Wonder Woman or Daenerys Targaryen does or use it to adorn just one arm as most Hollywood celebrities are wont to do. Although cuffs are not everybody's favorite kind of accessory, they definitely go well with evening wear.

Tweet

Do You Wear Pearls?

Freshwater pearls for many generations have been the huge craze, fashion trends exploding, brides going nuts for the newest collection, and most importantly thousands worldwide participating in the trend. These gems, being the only ones created from a living organism allows for limitless diversity amongst the different varieties of shapes and colors. They are in fashion trends around the world and they can’t seem to escape the hearts or any women. These gems are way too desired without the high price that everyone seems to assume they are. These natural gems are worn by thousands throughout the nations and will continue to become more popular. Not only do they have powers to enhance your life, they also are very unique and diverse from each pearl, creating the statement of individuality. Personally I love them so much that I have a few sets of my own. I wear them every day, any occasion, and just about every second I get the chance to show them off, I do!

The accessories I love the most are my pearl necklaces. They are beautiful with each outfit I wear and they always happen to complete my outfit in a way I didn’t think was possible. Jewelry is a huge fashion statement and to follow all the latest trends, pearls are always incorporated someway. The simplicity with accessories like them is a wonderful thing to invest, because they honestly go with everything you have in your closet. It is a real challenge to find something they do not go well with. The extra special thing about these gems is because they are always in style they can be passed down from generation to generation and will always look just as great! Start a new family tradition and find your pearls today!

Tweet

Turquoise Anyone?

When you encounter the word turquoise, what first comes to mind?

Image Source: edelstein-koenig.de

One could easily associate it with a gem of the same name but it is more commonly associated with color. Turquoise or türkis (in German) is a color with a blueish tone of light green. Seeing this color alway reminds me of pristine, shallow waters of white sandy beaches.

Photo source: http://www.stylefruits.de/

This color is also very popular in the spring season so that it is more or less a must in your spring wardrobe collection. Popular fashion items include footwear, accessories, tops, belts, dresses, even nail polish color. With this color in your wardrobe, you are surely on the right track.

Tweet

Model For A Day

So the photos are out, on Facebook I mean! And I want to share them with you guys too! Thilo Bruehl (our kind and very accomodating photographer) gave us a CD of all the raw photos in JPEG format plus an edited 40cm x60cm fine print that is yet to be collected at the studio.

These photos are fresh from the studio. And when I say fresh, it meant unedited. Well, except for the part just below the right corner of my daughter's lower lip, which I had to Photoshop to remove a small patch. She unfortunately had cold sore and was still under medication on her appointment date. We couldn't cancel because Thilo is a busy man...

So here are some shots that I love:

My little girl is wearing dresses which we bought using the money she received on her birthday. In the first two photos, she is wearing United Colors of Benetton. In the third, she is wearing Staccato and in the fourth, she is wearing S. Oliver Kids. Thanks to her generous sponsors!

These photos will also go in my next Photobook project. Which photo is your favorite?

Tweet

Gift Ideas for Medical Professionals

Christmas is just around the corner. In fact, today is the first Sunday of Advent. Are you already done with your Christmas shopping list? I must admit, I haven't even started mine yet. Right now, I am looking for gift ideas.

Are you looking for gift ideas for family and friends too? If you know of someone dear to you who works in the medical field, here's something that will surely delight them and will help spread the Christmas cheer: Christmas-themed medical uniforms. Scrub tops in seasonal print is just the perfect gift for the nurses and doctors and other medical professionals.

I would even gladly buy myself one... I have always wanted to don a scrub top. In my younger days, I loved to watch my aunt who is a nurse as she leaves for work and as she hangs her uniforms. I always thought that scrub tops are cool. Wouldn't it feel freat to also be wearing one? Even if I am no medical professional, I am the official nurse in the house. Perhaps owning a scrub top won't be so bad after all.

Tweet

Horseback Riding

Have you ever gone horseback riding? I have never ever been on one, not even at the carnivals and fairs. But my little girl has. Lucky her! At this age, I don't think I will ever master the courage to get on a horse's back. They say that a horse can smell and sense your fear so that if they know that you feel that way, the more would they not allow you to ride them.

I do love horses. I think they are very magnificent and strong creatures. Did you know it was from their strength that a car's power was measured? Really. You will know that a car is powerful if it has a large horsepower in its engine.

When I was younger, I dreamt about being an equestrian or having my own horse. But I know it was impossible then since we have other more important priorities. I also didn't know that if you ride a horse, it is not that simple. You don't only ride it, you need to have a relationship with it so that you need to learn the basics of horse care, how to groom them, which equipment are used, and the jargon used. I didn't even know what the term english horse tack or simply, "tack" is! Ignorant me!

But for the information of everyone, a tack is a term used to describe any of the various equipment and accessories worn by horses in the course of their use as domesticated animals. They come in different forms, like saddles, stirrups, bridles, halters, reins, bits, harnesses, martingales, and breastplates. If you want to sound like a real horse person, it is good to know that "equipping a horse" is often referred to as "tacking up".

Now I know a little bit more about horses. Does that take me a step closer to achieving my childish dream?

Tweet

Summer Should Be Shirt Mode

The good thing about living in a continental climate is that you get to wear different kinds of clothes. In the summer season, we stow away our thick pullovers and jackets and long sleeved shirts and take out the light, thin-materialed clothing and shirts to make the heat more bearable.

Problem is, it is the middle of the summer season here and the sun is hiding. Yes, you read it right... No sun for like more than a week now. We have been getting cloudy and rainy days, with thunderstorms in between. We are lucky if we can feel the sun shine even for a couple of hours. It was raining the whole day today and I had to hang my laundry inside to dry. It is really sad, to think that in a few months, autumn will be here. I am even thinking of wearing funny t shirts just to keep the days brighter and cheerier (if there is ever a word) and to take humor with me. And it really is unbelievable to see people wearing thick jackets in the middle of summer! Even I refused to take out my jackets and just stuck to wearing my cardigans as jackets and they are not enough to ward off the cold. Seriously.

The weatherman said that it will be better in the days to come, with clouds and sun and dry days but the temperatures are still between 13-21°C. I know I shouldn't complain too much, with so many people especially in tropical and dry countries wishing for cooler days but I so miss the hot summer weather that I grew up to.

Tweet

How Do You Tell Time?

My daughter really enjoys wearing a watch, particularly the one that contains her favorite cartoon character in it. It is digital so that it would be easier for read. It is about time that I teach her how to tell time the traditional / conventional way. I know it will be very interesting for her especially if I let her turn the small and big hands.

For now, she is content with the cheap, plastic children's watches but I know that when she is older and has her own preferences, she would ask for the more chic and fashionable designs like michael kors watch. Until that day comes, the children's watches will do.

I guess I will have to first make a clock face for her. We could write the numbers together and teach her how to distribute the numbers evenly. It would also really be interesting for her to learn that a clock has two hands, one long and one short. Then we can start with telling the time... but not in german but in english. Oh, what fun that will be!

Tweet

Summer Clothes for Little Kids

I was cleaning my little girl's closet last weekend and wanted to set aside the winter clothes as they will no longer be needed. They have also eaten up a lot of space in the chest of drawers because they are mostly thick and bulky. While putting them away, I realized that I have sent most of the summer clothes that she had from last year to the Philippines so that she only has a few left for this summer. And now that she is having toilet training, she will be needing more than a set of change of clothes both in the kindergarten and here at home. Counting the shirts and shorts that she has available, one can say that there is a "major deficit in the supply".

There is therefore a need to buy her some new summer clothes that she will still be able to use in the next summer season. I have been eyeing some baby clothes Personal Creations and found them really nice. My daughter love Elmo and Dora and a bunch of other characters and seeing her name beside these characters will definitely make her happy. I can already imagine her big toothy grin as she wears this red elmo bucket hat with "SAMANTHA" written beside it. This hat will just perfect to protect her face from the scorching heat of the sun and it will be very easy to recognize her from a crowd. This hat and many other items will totally complete her summer clothing.

Tweet

TCP#89: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Hello Couchers! Welcome to the 89th edition of Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Wow, I can't believe we are already on the 89th. It's that fast, huh! I think I'd better get ready for another giveaway. Please watch out for the giveaway announcement which I will be posting soon.

Last week, we had Fashion Movies and film The Devil Wears Prada seems to be the favorite pick among the Couchers. I wonder which film will make to the Top Pick for this week's theme: "Iconic Hat".

My pick for this week is Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Yes, we are all familiar with Indiana Jones' hat and it has become one of the fashion statements to be wearing a cowboy hat just like the ones he is wearing. People would automatically connect the hat with the movie so that it has become an icon.

Here's a plot summary from IMDb.com:


During the Cold War, Soviet agents watch Professor Henry Jones when a young man brings him a coded message from an aged, demented colleague, Henry Oxley. Led by the brilliant Irina Spalko, the Soviets tail Jones and the young man, Mutt, to Peru. With Oxley's code, they find a legendary skull made of a single piece of quartz. If Jones can deliver the skull to its rightful place, all may be well; but if Irina takes it to its origin, she'll gain powers that could endanger the West. Aging professor and young buck join forces with a woman from Jones's past to face the dangers of the jungle, Russia, and the supernatural. Written by

I enjoyed this movie for it's being very adventurous and mysterious, as usually the case with Indiana Jones movies. I loved it because it's from George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg. You can also compare how much Harrison Ford has matured and aged since his first appearance as Indiana Jones in the Raiders of the Lost Ark back in 1981.

What's your Iconic Hat movie this Tuesday? Come share it with us here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes by entering your TCP entry's URL in the linky below:



Thank you for joining us this week here on TCP everyone! I hope to see you all again next week for another movie feature with the theme: "It's Complicated", movies about love and it's complications.

Tweet

TCP#88: Raising Helen

Hello Couchers! I am so sorry for being so late in posting today. Many thanks still to those of you who waited patiently for this week's theme to be posted. Today's movie theme is "Catwalk: It's All About Fashion" so if you know of an interesting movie that perks up your interest in Fashion, then come and join us this week here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes.

My Fashion Movie pick will be Raising Helen, starring Kate Hudson as the glamorous and carefree aunt whose life suddenly changed when she was named guardian of her sister's three children: 15-year-old Audrey, 10-year-old Henry, and 5-year-old Sarah. I really enjoyed watching this movie as it is very heartwarming and Helen had a lot of realizations in the end. It is funny, it is sweet, it is good movie to watch with friends, sisters and (bigger) nephews and nieces. I loved the fact that she chose her three new loves instead of the career that she loves.

Here's the movie trailer:

What's your FASHION MOVIE? Come and share it with us here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes by entering your entry's URL in the linky below:

Thank you for joining us this week here on Tuesday Couch Potatoes. Next week, our movies will still have to do with Fashion as we feature movies with the theme: "ICONIC HATS". Hope to see you next time Couchers! Have a good week and a Happy TCP!

Tweet

Precious Time

Time is a very precious commodity. Once it has passed, one can never turn it back. That is why through the years, watches have been developed to be precise as possible so that man is able to work efficiently and that not a second is wasted.

But top quality watches are very hard to come by because when you say precision watches, they also come with a very high price. And for the ordinary human being, having the real thing would just be too much, unless of course, it is given as a gift. Good thing there are now Replica watches at Replica-mania.com. It is very close to the real thing but at a more reasonable price and it tells you the time correctly too.

Replica watches have become famous these days because they look almost like the real thing. Most probably because they are copied down to the finest and smallest detail. The material and clockwork may be different but they are still made with quality and durability in mind. If you have an eye for Swiss precision watches but cannot afford one in the mean time, getting yourself a Rolex replica  is surely not a bad idea. Or if you want to feel like a pilot or an aviator, go get yourself a Breitling replica. They may not be the real thing but wearing them sure can give some self confidence.

Tweet

Summer Shopping

Summer is fast approaching and it would be great to add some new collection to your summer wardrobe, right? But sometimes, shopping can be such a task especially if you are looking for clothes that are in special sizes for women. I am not sure if I am already a plus size, perhaps not yet but I am bordering on it. I have looked into some shops here that carry special sizes, particularly plus sizes for women and it looks like they are still too big for me. I would smile and rejoice, saying "Hurrah!" to myself. It is such a relief that I am still on the safe size. Lol!

But if you are big on some parts of your body, here are some safe tips that you could use:

1. If you love stripes, wear the vertical ones to give the illusion of a slim figure.

2. It would be a good idea to skip the low-rise jeans and opt for jeans that fits you well instead.

3. Always match light tops with dark pants. Instead of going for blacks, which does not always slimming give that slimming effect that you need, go monochromatic instead. 

4. Add high heels to your wardrobe. It will make you look more confident.

5. Do not be afraid to wear printed tops. Make sure though that the prints are not large.

I know I can still do something about my big tummy aside from buying an entirely new set of wardrobe. I could either work my butt off and sweat it out in the fitness studio or I could just insist to hubby that he get me pregnant, pronto. But then again, getting pregnant would mean I would need to get new maternity clothing because my old ones were for the winter season. Oh well, might as well do some exercise. It is good for the body and helps relax tense muscles.

Tweet

Why I Love Backpacks

While many women would die to own a designer leather bag, I would opt for the more sturdy, bigger and classic backpacks. All my life, I have always used a backpack. I guess I only used a leather handbag when I was working at an English conversation school back in Japan.

Why do I love backpacks like dakine backpacks? Because they are perfect for someone like me who is a student and a mom and wife who likes to go places. You know how it is when you move around a lot and you need to have as many things handy as possible: notebooks, lunch boxes, pens, keys, baby bottles, wet tissues, bottled water and medicines to name a few. All these things just seem to perfectly fit in one backpack. And because it is a backpack, you have both hands free to do other things or carry other stuff. Most designs these days are also ergonomic so that you don't get backaches from carrying a backpack all day. A backpack is very functional and if you want something that looks hip and chic and interesting, you can always choose one that has colored or printed fabric. You'd be surprised at the variety of colors and sizes available in the market today and how the designs have evolved since the word "backpack" was coined in the US in the 1910s.

Tweet

Mommy Moments: Favorite Color

It's still difficult to tell what my little girl's favorite color is. After all, I am the one who buys her clothes and decides what she will wear for the day. However, because she is a girl, pink and red and purple will always be a part of her wardrobe. And she just enjoys wearing these stuff because she sees me delighted when she wears them. Lol! I think she has a preference for pink though because she can associate the color with Hello Kitty, Barbie, Strawberry Shortcake (Emily  Erdbeer). 

Although she wears mainly these girly colors, I also love it when she wears gray and brown and other neutral colors. I think any color suits her so let's just wait and see what her favorite color will be in the years to come. For now, Mommy pulls the strings when it comes to choosing her clothes for the day. I do look forward to the day though when she starts to choose what I should wear. I just know she'll be a better fashion consultant than me.

Tweet

New Winter Jackets Please!

When we first came here last year, I never realized that it could get very cold in autumn. Maybe because I don't go out so often and just content myself staying inside the house and taking care of my little girl. But my current situation is totaly different. I have to wake up at five in the morning to prepare breakfast and prep myself and my little girl for Kindergarten, then bring her to Kindergarten and then hurry off to the university. I don't know to drive and I don't have my own car to begin with so that I commute on a daily basis. And I can really feel the cold!

I sure could some more winter coogi clothing like this fur-lined parka for added insulation especially on those cold, windy and rainy days. My old winter jacket is the one I am currently using and because it is not lined with fleece or any insulation at all, the cold can get through the material, leaving me shivering. 

Tweet