I'm Back (from my baby shower)!

Hey guys! Sorry this blog has been so dead, I just returned home from our fabulous co-ed baby shower. I'll have to post a few pics later but we had a great time and my parents did a fabulous job, and even incorporated a few woodland friends. Our house has officially been taken over by baby stuff, who knew that a baby needed so much stuff! I'll be posting all about my organizational tips (if I still have any left after this project) and doing an update on Project Nursery (we have artwork) in the near future on my new and improved blog (I mentioned that I'm moving as of 6/1 right?). I'll also be posting a recap of my current blog (sniff, sniff), I only have a week more with it before I say goodbye.

Woodland Creatures Party Banner from Paper Circus

Project Nursery: Shelves and Signs

For the past month we've made zero progress on our nursery. Why? Because I've been obsessing over which wall shelves to purchase. I don't know how many times I brought out my trusty tape measure to show Mr. Designs by Vanessa my shelf vision. He of course always responds that he likes my idea in an attempt to (1) to put an end to my crazy shelf obsession and (2) get me to stop bugging him about shelves. Last night I dragged him into the nursery one last time and finally made a decision (maybe), I ordered these Deep Picture Ledge Shelves from West Elm and will be displaying books on them. Who would have guessed that wall shelves would be the most difficult nursery decision for me!

Now I need your help with picking out a sign that will sit on top of one of these shelves. I originally wanted the sign to be of our baby's name but because his name has a "g" in it, the tail of the "g" won't allow it to just sit on the shelf - I would have to hang in on the wall and that defeats the purpose of a shelf sign. Still following along with me and my crazy train of thought? Ok, the first option is a "home" sign. Mr. Designs by Vanessa and I call each other our "homes" and our first wedding dance song was to Feels Like Home by Chantal Kreviazuk. So the word "home" has a very special meaning to us and we hope to pass along that love and security to our baby. The second option is a "read" sign. Like I mentioned, these shelves will be used to display some of our favorite childhood books so the "read" sign would make sense. You could usually find my nose in a book when I was a child and I hope to pass this love for reading along to my child.

Cast your votes for which sign I should get from Etsy seller William Dohman in the comments section...

Option 1: "Home"

Option 2: "Read"

Option 3: Tell me your idea, this Etsy seller does custom work.

Moody Mamas Maternity Top Review

Moody Mamas offers stylish maternity and post-partum clothing, including wraps and special gifts specifically designed to make women feel good through every stage of pregnancy. You can now find The Moody Mamas spring line of fashionable and stylish maternity clothes in the virtual racks at Target! Each piece is inspired by the runway, from easy maxi dresses to adorable chiffon trim knit dresses. All boast the luxurious fabrics that are both soft and lightweight that gives every Moody Mamas piece the feel of relaxing lounge-wear.

Moody Mamas recently sent me the Navy Blissful Box Pleat Top from their Fierce Mamas Collection to review. Yes, this is one of Christian Siriano's (from Project Runway) fierce designs! I've received so many compliments on Saturday when I wore this shirt @ 27 weeks pregnant. I love the ruffles on the sleeves and the ruched sides - very flattering and comfy! Don't I look fierce?! Moody Mamas also offers super cute dresses perfect for special occasions or just hanging out on the weekends, check these fabulous designs out:

Buy It:

Visit Moody Mamas to purchase these products. Moody Mamas is offering a 30% off discount when you use promo code "MMDiscount" at checkout. This is a onetime use per customer and all sales will be final.

Moody Mamas Target Collection: http://www.mmtarget.com
Moody Mamas Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/MOODYMAMAS
Moody Mamas Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/MoodyMamas
Moody Mamas Blog: http://www.themoodymamasblog.blogspot.com

BB Age Photo Blocks Review & Giveaway - ENDED

BB Blocks offers age photo blocks to help capture your child's (or pet's) age in photos. A creative mompreneur came up with this idea just days after her own baby was born and she wanted to document her daughter's age in pictures. Each photo block set includes 2 number blocks (number combination 1-29 are possible) and 1 week/month/year block. Don't you just love this idea?!

BB Blocks recently sent me a set of Age Photo Blocks to review and I just fell in love with this product! I'm officially in my 3rd trimester and time is just going by way too fast, I can imagine that time will really fly once my baby is out of my belly. That is why I love these blocks, they help you document those fleeting moments in time that you never want to forget. I actually wish that I had found these blocks sooner because it would have been fun to take weekly bump pictures with them and continue those pictures with my baby.

Buy It:

Visit BB Blocks to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

BB Blocks is giving away a set of Age Photo Blocks ($40 value) to 1 lucky winner! This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit BB Blocks and tell me what you love most about these blocks. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" BB Blocks on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): BB Age Photo Blocks Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/05/bb-age-photo-blocks-review-giveaway.html

8. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

9. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

10. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

11. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 29th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Weleda offers 100% certified natrual baby and skin care products - no synthetic preservatives, fragrances or chemicals. Check out their ingredient list, instead of toxic chemicals you will find flowers and herbs. Weleda recently sent me Pregnancy Body Oil, which helps smooth skin and avoid stretch marks, to review. I've said this before but I'm extremely picky about what I put on my body especially now that I'm pregnant, so I was excited to review a product from a company that I trust. Not only does the Pregnancy Body Oil smell good (this is coming from a pregnant lady with a bionic nose) but it also left my belly feeling super soft all day long. I would definitely recommend this product to any expecting mama!

About Pregnancy Body Oil from Weleda: "Expectant mothers get a soothing, powerful solution for stretch marks caused by the rapid expansion of skin during pregnancy. It’s a nutrient-rich oil and intensive hydration that nourishes and smoothes stretching skin as your baby grows.

A base of sweet almond oil works gently, delivering intensely moisturizing essential fatty acids that keep your skin supple and protected from drying. Because pregnancy is a big job for your muscles and skin, our organic arnica flower extract helps ease tightness and provides a layer of comforting warmth when you indulge yourself with a soothing massage. Nourishing wheat germ oil conditions and refines your skin’s texture with a high quantity of vitamins A, D and E. Regular use visibly helps to correct the appearance of stretch marks on your pregnant belly; your thighs, bottom and breasts; and helps prevent the appearance of new ones. Now you can take a deep breath, relax and save the deep stretching for yoga."

Buy It:

Visit Weleda to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Weleda is giving away Pregnancy Body Oil to 1 lucky winner! This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Weleda and tell me about another product you would like to try. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" Weleda on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Weleda on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Weleda Pregnancy Body Oil Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/05/weleda-pregnancy-body-oil-review.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 26th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Project Nursery: Furniture

Our furniture arrived on Friday and despite a few missing screws and instructions that came in French (did I mention that we don't know French?), Mr. Designs by Vanessa successfully put together the crib over the weekend! It's finally starting to look like a nursery, I can't believe that in 13ish weeks our little guy will be moving into his room!! Now the fun begins (for me at least) and I can start crafting!

Element Furniture Collection by AP Industries

Milan Maternity Top Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Milan Maternity is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa to offer my readers a chance at winning a stylish maternity top. Milan Maternity offers trendy and affordable maternity clothes that flatter your growing shape. Many of my friends have heard me complain of the lack of cute non-frumpy maternity clothes out there, so I was excited when I found Milan Maternity. Not only are these clothes super flattering and cute, the price tag is not bad either.

Milan Maternity recently sent me the Carissa Top in aqua and it has quickly become my favorite top. The ruched sides make this top very flattering and the v-neckline will allow for easy breastfeeding once my baby is here. This shirt can definitely grow with me throughout all stages of my pregnancy, including postpartum. I love the quality of material used and that it won't unravel after just a few washes (unlike some of the other maternity clothes out there...I won't mention any brand names but it rhimes with schmold smavy). I will definitely be purchasing from Milan Maternity in the future!

Buy It:

Visit Milan Maternity to purchase these products. Milan Maternity is also offering a 15% discount when you use promo code "VANESSA" at checkout. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Milan Maternity is giving away a maternity top to 1 lucky winner, winner's choice of top! This giveaway is open to US & Canadian residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Milan Maternity and tell me which top you would pick if you won. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" Milan Maternity on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Milan Maternity Top Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/05/milan-maternity-top-review-giveaway.html

8. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

9. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

10. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

11. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 24th and you are in! 1 winner will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Slow Down

This pregnancy is going by too fast. As much as I can't wait until the arrival of our baby boy, I also want to slow down time and really take in and remember this moment in my life. I kept a journal throughout my struggles with conceiving and when I look back at my thoughts and disappointments from just a year ago, it already feels like a lifetime away. I don't want to take that time for granted because I think it taught me a lot about myself and about the strength of my marriage. As much as I complain about nausea, heartburn, leg cramps, bloody noses (pregnancy sure is glamorous), I don't want to wish those things away because they are all signs that there is a healthy baby finally growing in my belly! I'm not sure why I'm feeling so sentimental today, maybe because our nursery furniture has arrived and things are finally starting to feel "real". We're having a baby and it is finally sinking in lol!!

Modern Baby Clock by Decoylab

WellnessMats Review

WellnessMats offers anti-fatigue mats designed to provide maximum comfort, safety, relief and well-being while you stand. They come in many different colors and sizes for use in the kitchen, bathroom, laundry room, home gym, or even shop or garage use. WellnessMats recently sent me a brown 3' x 2' mat to review and I'm now an official believer in this awesome mat! I like that it blends right in with our decor and that it doesn't look out of place in our kitchen. When using this mat, I found myself able to stand for longer periods of time without back pain while preparing dinner. Every pregnant women with backaches should have this in their kitchen! We have a you cook/I clean policy in our household and Mr. Designs by Vanessa hasn't complained once about having to wash dishes since we got this mat - this alone makes me highly recommend this product! If I could figure out a way to carpet our entire house with these mats, I totally would!

Information from WellnessMats: "WellnessMats dramatically reduces the fatigue and discomfort associated with long term or stationary standing. The unique one piece construction has a soft inner design structure that serves as a preventative approach against potential back, leg, and foot problems. Our revolutionary concept interacts with the body by suspending your body weight thus reducing impact on the joints. Your weight will frequently shift and rebalance itself, reducing the stress and strain of many daily activities. The Wellness Mat promotes better posture, proper circulation, muscle conditioning and a sense of well being."

Buy It:

Visit WellnessMats to purchase these products.
WellnessMats Twitter Page: http://twitter.com/wellnessmats

WellnessMats Facebook Page: http://tinyurl.com/26qnouh

Sun, Sun, Go Away!

Dear Summer,

It's only April, which means it is technically still SPRING so I'm not really sure why you are already showing your face here in Arizona. You were once my favorite season but after experiencing non-stop 115 degree weather for the first time last summer, I have now switched my devotion to winter. Please go away until at least June or you will have to deal with a really grumpy pregnant woman! Thank you.

My Sunshine Large Print by Nella Design Studio

Bellybar Review & Giveaway - ENDED

Bellybar is teaming up with Designs by Vanessa to offer my readers a chance at winning a prize pack of prenatal goodness. Bellybar offers snack bars, shakes and chews packed full of key prenatal vitamins and minerals (including Omega-3 DHA) women need before, during and after pregnancy. Bellybar recently sent me some of their products to review and my favorites were the Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybar and Due For Chocolate Shake. I can indulge my chocolate cravings and get in some extra vitamins for my baby at the same time. The bars are a super convenient and healthy snack to just toss in my purse and go, I'll definitely be picking up more!

Buy It:

Visit Bellybar to purchase these products. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Bellybar is giving away the following prize pack to 3 lucky winners: Mellow Oat Bellybar, Berry Nutty Cravings Bellybar, Baby Needs Chocolate Bellybar, Due for Chocolate Shake, Vanilla Dreams Shake and a pouch of Citrus on Board Bellybar Chews. This giveaway is open to US residents. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Bellybar and comment with something new you learned. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. "Like" Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. "Like" Bellybar on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Bellybar on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Bellybar Giveaway @bellybar & @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/bellybar-review-giveaway.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

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Do this by May 18th and you are in! 3 winners will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.

Picky Sticky Watch Me Grow Stickers Review & Giveaway - CLOSED

Picky Sticky, created by a creative mompreneur, offers milestone decals that adhere directly to your little one's shirt or onesie for the perfect photo opt. Picky Sticky also offers Belly Sticker Sets that you attach directly to your belly or shirt to document your belly's growth. Each sticker is 4'' in diameter and is made of transparent sticky paper, they look just like iron-on transfers or expensive boutique outfits but without the hassle or price tag. There are many fun designs and colors to choose from. What a cool invention!

Picky Sticky generously sent me a Watch Me Grow Sticker Set, which includes stickers for 0-12 months. I'm super excited about documenting my baby's growth each month with these fun stickers. Be on the lookout for my monthly Picky Sticky pictures once this little guy is out of my belly in August! I wonder if my little guy will let me take yearly Picky Sticky pictures of him until he's 30 for his scrapbook? I'm joking...sort of!

Buy It:

Visit Picky Sticky to purchase these sticker sets. A purchase is not necessary to enter the giveaway.

Win It:

Picky Sticky is giving away a sticker set to 2 lucky winners! The winners will get to pick their sticker set of choice ($17.95 value). This giveaway is open worldwide. For a chance to win, you must do the following:

Required:

1. Visit Picky Sticky and tell me which Sticker Set you would pick if you won. Make sure to leave your email address or a way for me to contact you in your comment.

Optional/Additional Entries: (Please leave a separate comment for each entry)

2. Subscribe to or follow my blog. Current subscribers/followers count!

3. Blog about this giveaway.

4. Fan Designs by Vanessa on Facebook. Current fans count!

5. Fan Picky Sticky on Facebook. Current fans count!

6. Follow Designs by Vanessa on Twitter. Current followers count!

7. Follow Picky Sticky on Twitter. Current followers count!

8. Tweet the following (can be tweeted daily): Watch Me Grow Stickers Giveaway @designsvanessa - http://designsbyvanessa.blogspot.com/2010/04/picky-sticky-watch-me-grow-stickers.html

9. Post my button on your blog or site (just copy and paste the code you see in my sidebar).

10. Enter another giveaway on this blog.

11. Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post on this blog.

12. Add Picky Sticky to your favorites if you have an Etsy account.

13. Join Designs by Vanessa's mailing list.

Join the Mailing List

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Do this by May 7th and you are in! 2 winners will be picked randomly. Please make sure that you leave a way for us to contact you or we won't be able to get this fabulous prize to you. Winners who I am unable to contact and who don't respond within 48 hours of being sent their winning email notification will forfeit their prize and I will draw another name.