10 Things I Love: Maternity Must-Haves

One of my favorite design bloggers, Elsie at A Beautiful Mess, does a recurring Sunday post, 10 Things I Love Sunday. Since becoming an avid reader of her blog, I have become so inspired by her sense of design. I'm also inspired to create my own "10 Things I Love" post. Enjoy!
 

1. Belly/Tummy Band/Sleeve

If I could, I would live in my Tummy Sleeve. I love this thing. It holds up my unbuttoned non-maternity pants, allows me to wear my shorter non-maternity tanks and tees, and overall smooths out any, um, bulges.

  

(left) Lace BellaBand by Ingrid & Isabel® $26-$32
(right) Tummy Sleeve by Motherhood Maternity $17

2. A Gym Membership

We've been trying to hit the gym once or twice a week where I can usually be found for a half hour on the elliptical machines. Obviously I'm not looking to get results from my gym trips. I go because it makes me feel good. I love going to the gym while pregnant because I don't feel any pressure to really work it; I can move at my own leisurely pace. Plus, it's funny to see the looks people give pregnant ladies at the gym.

  

3. A Body Pillow

I recently purchased a full body support pillow made specifically for pregnant ladies. I know regular pillows probably would have worked, but they take up too much precious bed space. Although I'm still trying to find the best set-up, I'm totally loving mine.

  

 (left) The Boppy Total Body Pillow; available at Target $45
(right) the Snoogle Original; available at Target $55

4.  A Stash of Sweets

I realize not every prego woman craves sweet things, but I do. Sweet, fruity things to be more specific. Which is why I try to always have fruit on hand (seriously, I can't walk through the produce section of a grocery store without salivating). I also have a small stash of fruit flavored candy, organic fruit flavored Greek yogurt and low-fat mint chocolate ice cream (for those times when my newly awakened sweet tooth takes me in a different direction).

5. A Cool Pair of Shades

Hey, if I'm going to be big and pregnant during the gorgeous, sunshiny seasons of Spring and Summer, I might as well have fun with my accessories, right?  I picked up these cheerful sun glasses the other day and can't wait for the rain to clear so I can wear them.

 In the Moment Shades by Anthropologie $24

6. A Blog for the Family

I'm horrible about emailing and calling people, so when I want to update my family and friends about pregnancy happenings, I write a post on a blog specifically for this purpose. Granted, I'm not any better at blogging than I am emailing, but at least this way my news is in one central location that can be perused at their leisure and won't get lost in an overcrowded inbox.
    

7. An Etsy Wishlist

As if I need to explain this. Here are a few items currently on mine. (p.s. I am madly in love with Buttercup the bunny!)

(top row, left to right) Blue Bird Lucy's, pi'lo, Decoy Lab
(bottom row, left to right) Sabor Design Studio, Sleepy King

8. A Supportive, Loving Man by Your Side
Or woman. Or other supportive person. Whatever applies to your situation. I don't know that I could remain sane during all of this if it weren't for the support I have. And the pampering is pretty nice too.

9. Lounge Pants
I have an awesome pair of maternity "active" pants that I wear for working out at the gym in, sleeping in, and lounging around the house after a long day at work. If I could wear them to work, I probably would.

Under Belly Active Pants by Motherhood Maternity $15

10. Sunshine!
My moods are greatly affected by the seasons and weather. Bright, sunshiny days cheer me up and pull me out of whatever funk I might be in, which is why I'm so glad my 2nd and 3rd trimesters are occurring during the sunniest times of year. I couldn't imagine having to be moody and uncomfortable during late fall and the long, depressing months of winter. Bring on the sun, Mother Nature, bring on the sun!

p.s. All of these opinions are mine. I was in no way compensated for writing good stuff about any of the above good products.