Colors of Colleen

I’m officially into the third trimester and starting to think back to all of the different stages of this first pregnancy with the excitement, nerves, and hormones flowing! it’s truly amazing how much this baby has grown over the past 6 months and will continue to grow in these last 2 months. The female body is incredible in all the ways it changes to become the home to this little peanut. I’m just starting to get a tad uncomfortable and tired again so cannot wait to finally meet him or her in just two short months!

I thought it would be a good time to round up up some of my favorite pregnancy products for the pregnant mamas out there that I’ve used throughout the different stages of my pregnancy and answer some frequent questions I’ve received regarding pre pregnancy self care. All products are safe for mommy and baby to be! I don’t like to recommend products unless I’ve tried them for while, so most I started using within my first trimester and now some into my third.

The hatch belly oil is by far my favorite tried and true body product and it is so worth it! I had tried a comparable belly oil but it had made me itchy and red, so back to the hatch oil I went. Into my second trimester I was using it 2x a day in a circular motion on my belly, hips, and thighs the most. It’s for use throughout the entire pregnancy and into the 4th trimester. I even put a few drops into my bath to soften my skin and it has a very soft calming scent. There’s the cleanest ingredients in it too so it had me sold even though it’s on the pricier side. The roller ball size is perfect for traveling and can go in your carryon. Now into my 3rd trimester I’ve been using it 3x a day and not a single stretch mark, yet!

I also have become hooked on baths so I’m loving the Pink Stork Bath Flakes. They’ve helped a ton with nausea earlier on but mostly soothes and relaxes my sore muscles and feet, while helping with sleep. I’m a bath fanatic so this combined with some of my favorite lush bath bubbles is my favorite!

Last month I had shared our pregnancy reveal post and promised I’d give more details into how we worked toward conception. In all honesty, we don’t don’t think it’s just one lifestyle change or one kind of supplement we tried, but a combination of things we tried and kept patient with. Everyone’s body and situation is different so what works for one person may not work for another. We had already been living fairly healthy lifestyles, walking everywhere and throughout the week we cook in to be mindful of what we are eating.

I firmly believe that if you stay positive without overthinking and treat your body well the benefits will come. If you’d like to read more about our pregnancy story you find that here.

Pre Pregnancy Prep

Throughout this journey I’ve been given so many helpful tips, tricks, and words of advice around a mama’s changing body and more to prepare me for motherhood. It’s become so special to be part of a whole new circle of support from friends, relatives, and family I’ve been put at ease more than I thought! These are just some of the products and tips we tried to add into our lifestyle to boost fertility.

Pre Natal Vitamins

I liked this organic brand I started taking 3-5 months before conception as recommended by my doctor.

Pre Mama Fertility Support for Her & Him

Vegan all natural drink mix that I added to my water once a day. Kevin also did the same, his was actually a little tastier with a strawberry flavor whereas the one for woman is flavorless. There’s also this birth control cleanse as “step 1”. It’s a 28 day cleanse to boost your body’s hormones for pregnancy. I personally never tried this since I had already stopped taking the bill a year prior to conceiving (as Dr. recommended)

Pink Stork Fertility Tea

I love this tea! I started having it once a day in the evening, then had two cups a day on weekends. It has a refreshing peppermint taste I enjoyed. I didn’t even finish the container of tea before we conceived. Be sure to read the directions, as there’s a best time to take this in your cycle. It’s not recommended to continue use after conceiving! There’s other teas from Pink Stork and products that are for before, during, and after pregnancy. You can find all their products here.

Pink Stork Morning Sickness Tea

I would have this in the morning in bed with crackers to subside any nausea in the beginning of pregnancy. Luckily I barely had morning sickness but I did have weeks of nausea. The trick was never letting my tummy get un full and staying away from any greasy/fatty foods.

If you or someone you know could benefit from trying any of these tips please pass this post along. I’m happy to answer any more questions if you leave a comment!

Cheers friends! We finally made it to the month of February! It felt like January would never end and it’s always a dreary month in New York full of gray skies, snow, and cold weather. So glad spring will come earlier this 2020! Winters are never easy for me so I try to use February as an opportunity to engage in some self love and care spent hosting with friends or making our space feel a little festive. It’s become one of my favorite months because I know spring is right around the corner and my husband’s birthday is at the end of it.

After photographing this bar cart I realized I’m clearly channeling my indulgence for sweets these days, since I’ve been on a hiatus from the actual use of our bar cart. Although my husband has been able to mix me up some delicious mocktails. I’m thinking we need to create one with candy as a garnish!

If you haven’t tried the Malfy Gin collection it’s a must if you like gin. Each is made wihin the Amalfi Coast of Italy, one of our favorite regions. Each flavor, blood, orange, or grapefruit are all equally refreshing.

For this cart I kept everything more minimal than usual since we’re on full on nesting mode over here and I’ve been trying to declutter every square inch! Last year I transitioned the bar cart to more a hot chocolate stand. You can see my 2019 February bar cart post here. This year I combined some new and older pieces for both the bar cart and table scape and went with reds and pinks.

Fresh flowers are a must for me through these winter months and can bring so much life into a room especially during the darker winter months.

Thank you to the talented and creative Sarah of Eight Peonies who generously gave me these beauties. If you’re an upcoming bride looking for a floral/event designer or want a customized arrangement for Valentine’s Day definitely message her over on instagram. She’s been putting together stunning arrangements within our building that light up a room. Her entire feed is so uplifting!

Whether you’re planning on hosting a Galentine’s gathering or staying in with your significant other on Valentine’s Day it doesn’t take much to brighten up your space. I try to think of pieces I can use year to year when I decorate with a theme in mind so definitely recommend starting there.

I find most of my items from Target such as the garland, the heart string lights, and the mini chalk board. I always find great home decor at great prices at HomeGoods or TJMaxx or Hobby Lobby. That’s where I picked up the Valentine’s Day heart table napkins. The placemats are old from Target but these Opalhouse version are just as sweet too and super affordable.

Check out the widget below for some fresh updates to your space this February that won’t break the bank and will last across seasons.

Before baby Siskar arrives I’m soaking up all of the friend time I can. My friend is hosting a Galentine’s Night this weekend and I’ll be attending some NYFW events (as much as my swollen feet can handle). As I’m heading into week 32 it’s time to start taking it easy and check off the baby to do lists.

What are your plans for the month of February? Do you celebrate Valentine’s Day with friends or loved ones or prepare to pamper yourself? I’d love to hear from you in the comments!