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My mood is getting lazier by day.  The last month of pregnancy is in full swing and all I crave are naps and chocolate.  It’s extremely tempting to sleep all day, and I usually give in to the unproductive urge.  It’s one of those life moments when you convince yourself you deserve all the indulgences you are allowed, and I am very lucky the boy spends most of his days trying to meet these indulgences.   Outfits are becoming repetitive, and I’m thankful for my little collection of flowy dresses that are carrying through these precarious few weeks.  Today felt like Spring and just in time.   Hopefully the baby will arrive on a beautiful sunny day and love blue skies and fresh flowers just like I do. 

How far along?
 33 weeks

Maternity Clothes?
None. Rotating the same few dresses and loving my Topshop maternity leggings.

Stretch Marks?
still none 🙂

Sleep?
I am falling asleep very late and waking early but I take a three hour nap daily.  Naps are becoming my favourite part of the day.  

Best moment of this week?
Receiving the moses basket my Mom ordered for us from Little Merry Fellows.   Organic and has the softest sheets in the world.   I wish they made the sheets for adult size beds.  Can’t wait for her to sleep in it. 

Worst moment this week?
Feeling more swollen and tired than usual.  I’ve found pregnancy extremely easy until this final month.  I get worn out a lot more easily which causes a few extra tantrums.

Miss anything?
My pre-pregnancy things

Food Cravings?
Eating normally this week with a few cupcake and cake indulgences each day.   I am craving fruit now that it’s getting warmer.

Anything making you feel sick or queasy?
Nothing.  Only when I eat too much in one sitting.   Little and often works better.

Symptoms?
Swollen legs.  Water retention.

Belly button in or out?
Still very in!

Happy or Moody?
Up and down.   Mainly happy until I”m tired.  Then I’m grumpy.

Looking forward to?
Our next ultrasound and finishing up all the preparations for her arrival. 

xx




March 18, 2014 0 comment
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So I have discovered Pottery Barn Kids.  I am obsessed and just so sad there isn’t one in HK.  Luckily they ship to HK, and not for extortionate amounts either, especially considering their very affordable prices. I am most definitely ordering the personalised baby blankets and animal baby towels.  We may get some nursery decor too.  Even if you aren’t going to order, check out their nursery sets for styling inspiration.  Mommies beware, hours can be wasted on this amazing site.

xx



March 10, 2014 0 comment
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How far along?
 32 weeks

Maternity Clothes?
A few Emma Jane nursing bras.  They are so comfy and perfect for pregnancy and nursing afterwards.  I have this style in three colours now.

Stretch Marks?
None! Yay! Fingers crossed it stays that way.  Still using Bio Oil and Palmers Cocoa Butter. 

Sleep?
Around 6 hours a night and napping a lot. Especially after meals.  Haha. I’m in full on lazy mode.

Best moment of this week?
Going on a baby preparation shopping spree this weekend and getting everything prepared for her.  We have almost everything now.  Who knew babies needed so much stuff?

Worst moment this week?
It really wasn’t a terrible moment, but going to the Playboy x Lane Crawford event when we were photographed by all the press in front of the step and repeat with two Playboy bunnies.  Not feeling the most confidence 8 months pregnant in flats 🙂  Not my usual fashion event self…

Miss anything?
Heels.  They really make certain outfits.  Sometimes a flat shoe really does not do a dress justice.

Food Cravings?
Junk food. And fast food. Consumed Pizza Hut, KFC, and Mcdonalds all in one week.  Yikes will do better this week I promise.

Anything making you feel sick or queasy?
Nothing.  Maybe dairy,but I don’t eat much dairy most of the time anyway.

Symptoms?
Still feeling super sleepy and very hungry. 

Belly button in or out?
Still very in!

Happy or Moody?
Happy! Especially excited!

Looking forward to?
A few fun dinners this week and nights in with the boy.  It will be a quiet month.

xx




March 10, 2014 0 comment
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The Sweet Mommy Parka is a perfect rainy day piece.  Looking for jackets that zip up over a burgeoning bump can be an impossible and unflattering task, but this coat is slimming, on trend, and best of all wearable after the baby arrives.  Check out the website to see the detachable baby pouch which can be worn on the front or back. So many uses in just one piece.

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Wearing these leggings and super soft tee makes me believe you can stay true to your style and show off that bump.  Both pieces are so comfy, bump friendly, and easy to mix and match with your existing wardrobe.  The tee is also a nursing tee, so perfect for post pregnancy months.   Definitely a one of my favourite preggers looks.  

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I’m not usually a demure dress type of girl but have been a little more self conscious about my body as I reach the end of my third trimester.  I wanted to try something that wasn’t my usual mini length, and bump accentuating rather than camouflaging.  This dress is made from a ridiculously comfortable stretch jersey, and features a belted waist to give the perfect shape.  It works for dressy events, but is easy to lounge around in as well.  I toughened up the girly style with a leather jacket and felt instantly ready for date night.

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I’m edging into the end of my third trimester and have pretty much avoided maternity wear until this point.  Aside from a pair of leggings and tights I have managed to stay in my floaty dresses and wearing shorts just under that bump, but these solutions are starting to look a little futile as we reach pass week 31.  Last week I went to check out Mayarya in Sheung Wan to check out their bump friendly collection and pick out a few outfits that are both stylish but comfortable for a mommy to be.  

I loved their fashionable and varied collection incorporating work wear, trendy separates, resort pieces, and even a few event ready dresses.   They also have an alluring selection of maternity, nursing bras, swimwear, and stretch mark avoiding skin care products.  My favourite part was many of their pieces are very wearable after pregnancy, so you aren’t wasting funds on something you will only deign to look at for a few months.   Top picks include the faux leather leggings, pocket tees that are bump and nursing friendly, trendy diaper bag backpack, and comfy yet cute stretch lace nursing bras.  A great shop for those who are skeptical about maternity wear and aren’t willing to give up their fashion flair. They also offer a VIP pick up service to and from the store and incredibly friendly and helpful staff to ensure your shopping experience is an enjoyable and relaxing one.  A definite must visit if you are expecting.

xx 

Mayarya
http://www.mayarya.com

G/F, 26 Jervois Street, Sheung Wan
(+852) 2968 0929

Shop 104, 1/F Stanley Plaza, Stanley
(+852) 2968 0939

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March 2, 2014 0 comment
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I saw this questionnaire on a few pregnancy blogs and thought it was a cute way to document each week.  I’m pretty far along now so there won’t be that many, but you guys can share my third trimester with me. I’ll update weekly with the same list of questions.

How far along? 
Almost week 31! So excited!
Maternity clothes? 
I’m waiting on a few maternity tees from Asos and a new maternity bra.  I’m kinda sick of wearing the boy’s tees so thought I should try a few maternity ones before this is all over.   I’m pretty into oversized clothes anyway, so I’m sure I can wear them as dress or tucked into shorts after pregnancy 😉

I got this baseball tee and boyfriend tee.  Both from Asos.

Stretch marks?
None. I was really worried about this as the women in my family have pretty sever stretch marks, but I’ve been using Bio Oil and Palmers Cocoa Butter religiously twice a day.  My bump also isn’t huge, so I guess I may get away with it.   Hopefully!!!
Sleep?
I sleep really well, but I always have.   I’m am known to be a very good sleeper and napper. I find myself waking earlier than usual, but have been finding it easy to nap in the day if I’m still tired.  We have just rearranged our bedroom and the new bed is comfier than ever.  Think I’ll be camped out here most of my days.
Best moment this week?
Cleaning and redecorating our apartment and doing a big shop at Ikea for new wardrobes.  I’m feeling very organized and loving cleaning up our place one room at a time so we can make plenty of space for the baby. 
Worst moment this week?
I’m feeling huge and my legs feel more swollen and sore.  I’m really ready not to be pregnant.  I didn’t feel many changes in my body or size until 6 months in, so the sudden bump and swelling is very foreign to me. I’m getting used to this new body that hopefully won’t last long.
Miss anything? 
My old tummy and thighs 🙂  Also a glass of wine with dinner and wearing my tiny denim shorts.  
Movement?
She moves all the time and I can feel her getting stronger.  She’s all stretched out so her little feet are tickling my ribs a lot.
Food cravings? 
Sweets.  Cakes and chocolates.  I hope this goes away after pregnancy, because I didn’t used to be a sweet person and it feels like a bad habit is developing.
Anything making you feel sick or queezy? 
I’m more sensitive to smells but I haven’t been sick at all the entire pregnancy which is lucky 🙂
Gender? 
Girl!!
Symptoms? 
I am sleeping more.  I’m tired all the time and need a nap most afternoons.   I also think I feel Braxtons Hicks contractions now but still unsure.  I get a bit of cramping that lasts for about 20 seconds then goes away.  
Belly button in or out?
Still very in.   Hasn’t changed at all.
Happy or moody?
Happy!
Looking forward to?
March arriving and passing very fast.  Our new wardrobes arriving on Thursday and setting up the crib next week.
February 25, 2014 0 comment
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One of the biggest questions I had when finding out we were expecting was which doctor and hospital.   Being relatively new to HK, I asked all my mommy friends about hospitals and pre-natal care.   I found this price list on GeoBaby, which was hugely useful and helps you budget for the very expensive bill that will come with your new arrival.   
Definitely check out GeoBaby for more advice about having babies in HK.  I found the forums helpful when choosing doctors and hospitals and where to shop in preparation for the baby.
February 25, 2014 0 comment
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I have been contemplating the car seat dilemma for several weeks now.   We definitely don’t want to be lugging around a stroller, heavy car seat, and whatever else the little one may require every time we leave the house, but the boy and I are taxi addicts and generally steer clear of public transport.  We also take weekend car journeys to my Dad’s place in Shenzhen, so a two in one option sounded ideal.  The Sit N Stroll is a one stop fix for our travel needs.  Car seat and stroller in one, and it’s airline approved.   Perfect for our nomadic lifestyle and I think it looks more minimalistic and chic than other stroller varieties. We plan on taking our first trip with the baby when she’s only 4 months old, and it will be a long haul flight, so we are very happy with this easy to travel solution.   Who can argue with something that is approved by hottie yummy mummies, Jessica Alba and Giselle Bunchen?  Not me.
February 24, 2014 0 comment
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I have never been a huge fan of classic maternity clothing and especially didn’t want to buy something that I would only wear for a few months.  So far I’ve gotten away with only purchasing one pair of maternity tights and a pair of leggings, both I highly recommend. I could not get through a day without my comfy Topshop maternity leggings.  As my bump expands my favourite thing to wear has been printed flowy dresses.   These from my C. by Christing C. collection have a great a-line shape and have been accomodating my growing bump nicely.  Late in my 2nd trimester, most people didn’t even notice the bump under my Portobello Dress.  I recommend sizing up for added length and growing space.  All of them are made from 100% silk and available for pre order at Christing C.

xx 

February 19, 2014 0 comment
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At 29 weeks I can really feel the extra weight and am feeling a bit of anxiety about losing the baby weight.  I am definitely a crop top, bikini loving girl, so flat tummy is pretty important on my list.  I know now is not the time to be vain, I’m bringing another life into the world…but I think it doesn’t hurt to take precautions to make sure I’m feeling like the best me I can be after inviting our little one into the world.   A confident and happy mommy will be a better one.  
I have been reseraching a lot of information about belly wraps and have decided I will definitely be using one of these post delivery.  I am going the elective c-section route and not only are these girdles/wraps meant to help with the post baby bulge, but they give extra support for your c-section incision and can actually ease healing and pain. Remember that while they are quite similar, girdles are not the same as corsets, so it could be worth checking out the differences between corsets and girdles before hunting down the best girdle. Here are my top three picks.
Bellefit:
Doctor recommended and medical grade.  Easy front closures so you don’t have to pull up if you have a c-section scar healing. Promotes lymphatic drainage.  Looks comfy and easy for sleeping.  Not noticeable under clothes.  This one has a great response on Amazon and a very useful size determination guide for those of us who are still pregnant and unsure of which size to order.
Wink Shapewear:
I think Wink looks the most like normal underwear, especially if you get the bikini version in black.  The side closures make it easy if you have had a c-section and it’s adjustable sizing means you can wear it for longer.  It is made from 2 layers of medical compression material, but still looks silky and soft.
Shrinkx Hips Ultra: 
I am considering wearing this over my corset underwear.  Also features adjustable sizing and straps on over hips to utilise the relaxin that is still in your body to get your pre-pregnancy hips back.  The site says 95% of Moms return to their pre-pregnancy hips or smaller which sounds like a great statistic to me. 
February 19, 2014 1 comment
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Little Merry Fellows
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Little Green Sheep

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Baby sleeping arrangements are a big decision we have been trying to work out.   We have come to the conclusion that keeping our options open is a good way to go, as I am still unsure how I will feel once the little one arrives.  Will I want her right beside me each and every night, or would it be better for her to be in the next room in a cot of her own?  We will have full time help, so I am not sure if I will be doing all the night feeds or maybe alternate nights with the nanny? Both the boy and I came to the conclusion that she will have her cot as well as a moses basket next to our bed.  That way we can make the decision when the time comes.  When choosing a moses baskets, I knew immediately I wanted a natural look and organic bedding and materials.   After serveral hours of perusing different sites and comparing reviews, these two were my top choices.
Little Merry Fellows:  I love the look and feel of this brand. Natural and organic products with a distinct bohemian allure.  I fell instantly for the poetry inscribed and heart shaped receiving blankets all contructed from organic materials.  The beautiful Lafayette Moses Basket set would fit perfectly in a field of wild flowers and comes with a fluffy organic faux shearling base mattress.  Everything looks delicate and cozy, perfect for a pampered little girl.  They don’t ship to China/HK yet, but if you have friends or family in the USA maybe you could go that route?  We are getting ours here via a separate shipping service. 
Little Green Sheep: This British brand comes highly recommended by several magazines and tv shows.  They fuse practicality with organic materials and great service.   You can find custom fit organic mattresses for your moses basket as well as fitted or flat sheets made from 100% certified organic cotton.  Everything is chemical free and has a great natural look.  Their Organic Moses mattress is handmade in Wales and safe for babies will allergies and eczema. I also love their cute, simple sleepwear sets. The best part is they have next day delivery in the UK and deliver to China and HK.  
Let me know if you guys have any recommendations for organic bedding and clothing.
xx
February 17, 2014 0 comment
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