NakedPaint Belly Butter

I recently got the chance to try out NakedPaint Belly Butter. This is a very rich moisturizing cream that is great for pregnant tummies. A little really does go a long way. I found the butter to be very moisturizing without being greasy. The best part for me was the delightful smell that comes from the addition of jasmine and heather oils. The fragrance was light and not at all overpowering. NakedPaint Belly Butter is geared toward expectant moms, but makes a great multi-purpose moisturizer for anyone.

Celebrities love NakedPaint too. Jennifer Garner and Mira Sorvino have used NakedPaint Belly Butter during their recent pregnancies.

Find out more and purchase NakedPaint at http://www.nakedpaint.com/.

Win a Laugh & Learn DVD Set!

Enter to win a Laugh & Learn instructional DVD set. The Laugh & Learn series is a set of instructional DVDs that help you prepare for childbirth, nursing and newborn baby care. The DVDs are taught by certified Lamaze Instructor and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant Sheri Bayles,RN. Sheri's casual and informative approach is easy to understand and fun to watch.

I just finished reviewing the Breastfeeding DVD and found it to be a great resource for new moms. Sheri covers all the basics with great visuals that make it much easier to understand than simply reading a book. All the Nursing Positions are covered in detail and all your questions are answered in a warm and humorous way. Sheri also covers Burping the Baby, How to Breastfeed Twins, How Often, How Long?, Is Your Baby Getting Enough?, Overcoming Obstacles, Diet, Pumping, Bras, Nightgowns, and Pads.

The Childbirth DVD covers the topics of Anatomy and Preliminary Signs of Labor, Three Actual Signs of Labor, Three Breathing Techniques, Labor and Delivery, Pushing, Medications used in Labor, Induction, Forceps, Vacuum, Monitoring, Cesarean Delivery, Post-op C/S and Postpartum Vaginal Delivery. This DVD will really help prepare you for childbirth and make you more at ease going in to have the baby.

The Newborn Baby Care DVD covers the topics of, The Sponge Bath, Diaper Change and Dressing a Newborn, Swaddling, The Tub Bath, Diaper Change and Dressing a 3 Month Old as well as the Baby Supplies You Need. This DVD will really help you once you come home with the baby.

These DVDs are perfect for moms-to-be looking to prepare for and understand all the essentials of childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care. To enter the contest and win your free set, simply either comment on this post or email us at contests@stellamaternity.com. The contest will run through December 14th. Don't miss out on your chance to win. This set is a $79.95 value! Good Luck!

If you don't want to wait or you don't win, you can buy the set at http://www.laughandlearn.com/store/. Laugh and Learn is offering our readers 20% off with coupon code "Stella Maternity". Trust me, you will be glad you have this information once the baby comes.

Celebrity Baby Update!

Supermodel Niki Taylor and her NASCAR husband Burney Lamar are expecting their first child together. Niki is due in March.

Brotherhood actress, Annabeth Gish, and her husband Wade Allen welcomed their second child, a baby boy named Enzo Edward Allen. Enzo was born Saturday night in Rhode Island and weighed 7 lbs. Gish and Allen also have 21-month-old son named Cash.

Foo Fighters singer Dave Grohl, 39, and his wife Jordyn, 32, are expecting again. This will be the second child for the couple who have a daughter named Violet Maye born in April 2006.

SNL comedians Amy Poehler and Will Arnett have welcomed a baby boy. Archie Arnett was born on Saturday, October 25th and weighed in at 8 lbs., 1 oz. This is the first child for the couple.

Caroline Rhea and her boyfriend, Costaki Economopoulos, welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on Monday, October 20th in New York. Ava Rhea Economopoulos weighed 8 lb., 15 oz. and measured 22½" long.

Actress Alyson Hannigan and her husband, actor Alexis Denisof, are expecting their first child. Alyson is due this Spring.

X-Files star Gillian Anderson and boyfriend Mark Griffiths welcomed a baby boy on October 15th in London. Felix Griffiths weighed in at 6 lbs., 15 oz.

Kevin Costner and his wife Christine are expecting their second child together. The couple's first son, Cayden Wyatt, was born in May 2007. Kevin Costner also has three children from a previous marriage to Cindy Silva.

Life On Mars actress Lisa Bonet is expecting. Bonet is seven months along. Lisa and her boyfriend, actor Jason Momoa, also have 14 month old daughter named Lola. This will be the third child for Bonet who has a 19 year old daughter named Zoe Kravitz with ex Lenny Kravitz.

Country star Brade Paisley and his wife, actress Kimberly Williams-Paisley, are expecting their second child in April. The couple's first child, a son named Huck, was born in February last year.

Fall Savings!

Stella Maternity is offering 10% off your entire order now through November 15th. Simply enter coupon code HH10 at checkout.

Need a fast Halloween costume for baby? Pair our Jack-o-Lantern, Itsy Bitsy Spider or Bones BabyLegs with a simple onesie or baby tee for a festive and simple costume.

Stock up on warm long sleeve maternity shirts using our 10% off coupon. Our maternity hoodies and thermal tees worn with a great fitting pair of maternity jeans will help ward off the chill in the air.

Happy Halloween!

Vote for Stella!

Stella Maternity has been nominated for a Love! This Site award from Divine Caroline. Show us your love and vote for our site by clicking the Love! link above.

Divine Caroline is a place for women to connect and discuss all aspects of their crazy lives. Women can express themselves on all topics ranging from parenting, travel, home and food to careers and more. Check them out and give us a vote while your at it.

Thank you!

Maternity and Baby Style!

Stella Maternity has made it even easier to find maternity and baby clothes that fit your sense of style.

Our new "Shop By Style" section allows you to find items that reflect your individual style. Our new style sections include Punk and Tattoo Maternity and Baby, Organic and Eco-Friendly Maternity and Baby, Hawaiian Baby Style, Camo Maternity and Baby, Funny Maternity and Baby clothes, Rock Star Baby and Rocker Baby clothes, Bob Marley Baby and Maternity clothes and color sections that allow you to find Pink, Blue or Black maternity and baby clothes. Take a look and express your style!

If there are other categories you think would be helpful or want to see, please let us know.

The It Diaper Bag!

This is the diaper bag I have my eye on right now. The supple silver leather and hot pink interior accents make the leather Sheri diaper bag from Baby Kaed really stand out. This bag is the ultimate in chic rocker style. Loads of pockets and accessories make it practical, but this diaper bag will never be called ordinary. I can see using this diaper bag long after baby is out of diapers. Throw over your shoulder to glam up any play date!

Check out the Sheri Silver Leather Diaper Bag or find your own "it" diaper bag.

Celebrity Baby Update!

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt welcomed twins, a boy and a girl, on July 12th in Nice, France. The baby boy, Knox Leon, weighed 5.03 lbs. and the baby girl, Vivienne Marcheline, weighed 5 lbs. Angelina delivered by Cesarean section. Jolie's doctor told People magazine, "The babies are doing well. The operation went just perfectly."

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban welcomed a baby girl on July 7th in Nashville. Sunday Rose Kidman Urban weighed 6 lbs., 7.5 oz. Sunday was named after early 20th century artist's muse Sunday Reed. Her middle name, Rose, is after Keith Urban's late grandmother Rose.

Isaac Hanson, of The Hanson Brothers, and his wife Nikki welcomed their second son on July 1st in Tulsa. James Monroe Hanson weighed 8 lbs., 11 oz.

Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves welcomed a baby boy on July 7th in Los Angeles. Levi Alves McConaughey was born at 6:22 pm and weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. This is the first child for the couple.

The Pregnant Man, Thomas Beatie, gave birth to a baby girl on June 29th in Oregon. Beatie began life as a female and legally switched to a male identity while still preserving his reproductive organs.

Pro skateboarder Tony Hawk and his wife Lhotse welcomed a baby girl on June 30th. Kadence Clover Hawk weighed 8 lbs., 8 oz. and measured 21" long.

Britney Spears little sister, Jamie Lynn Spears and her fiance' Casey Aldridge welcomed a baby girl on June 19th. Maddie Briann was born around 9:30 am at a hospital in Mississippi.

Tori Spelling and husband Dean McDermott welcomed a baby girl on June 2nd in Los Angeles. Stella Doreen McDermott was born at 3:13 pm and weighed 6 lbs., 8 oz. and was 19 3/4" long. This is the second child for the couple who also have a 1 year old son named Liam Aaron.

Jessica Alba and husband Cash Warren welcomed their first child, a baby girl, on June 7th in Los Angeles. The couple named their new daughter Honor Marie Warren.

Buy BabyLegs and Win!

Now through July 15th, buy specially marked Baby Legs Leg Warmers and win prizes!

BabyLegs that are specially marked with a "Sew Golden" logo will be randomly stuffed with winning tickets. Prizes include Buy One Get One Free coupons, free BabyLegs for a year, free baby shoes, free baby clothes and gear, and a grand prize trip to Seattle. The trip to Seattle includes airfare, hotel, car and entertainment!

BabyLegs are adorable baby leg warmers that keep little legs (and arms) warm and stylish. The innovative design allows for easy diaper changes and offers protection for delicate knees when baby is crawling.

Shop for your BabyLegs and your chance to win now!

Crib Bedding Sale!

Get ready for baby! It's time to get the "nest" together in preparation of your baby's arrival.

Now through June 15th, save an extra 10% on all crib bedding at Stella Maternity. Just enter coupon code "NESTING" during checkout to save big on unique crib sets. And, as always, shipping is free on orders over $150.

Shop the crib bedding sale now!

Win a Serena & Lily Nursery Style Book!

Enter for your chance to win the Serena & Lily Nursery Style book.

Nursery Style is an inspiring guide to finding your personal style and creating a one-of-a-kind nursery. Each chapter of this fabulous book shows you how to implement your theme with color, fabrics and accessories making this the ultimate guide to decorating baby's room.

For more inspiration check out Serena & Lily's collection of luxurious crib bedding at SerenaandLily.com. Their designs are elegant, modern and sophisticated. My favorites are the Rory crib set, which is modern and would work for a boy or a girl, and the Wren crib set, which is pure luxury with it's heirloom embroidery on 350 thread count Egyptian cotton.

To enter the Nursery Style book contest, please email us at contests@stellamaternity.com. Include your name and an email address where we can reach you if you win. The contest ends April 30th. Good Luck!

Request Serena & Lily’s FREE catalog Here

Personalized Story Book!

I recently received a personalized story book, "The First Adventures of Incredible You," from Custom Made for Kids. The story was made for my 4 1/2 year old son, Ethan. Since I just had a new baby, I thought having something just for him would make him feel special.

The book was even better than I expected. The story was adorable and my son thought it was so cool that it was about him. He wants to read it over and over! The hardcover and the richly colored illustrations make this a really high quality keepsake. When ordering, you answer a series of questions regarding your child. (Such as the child's name, favorite park, playmates, etc.) The book is then made especially for your child. The story incorporates all the things that are special to your child and includes a dedication page so your child will always know this book was from you.

These personalized books would make perfect gifts and are a great way to get a young child into reading. Who doesn't want to read about themselves?

Get yours at http://www.custommadeforkids.com/.

Jackson Reese is Here!

I haven't been posting much lately and here is the reason why...

My husband and I welcomed a baby boy on March 14th at 12:08 am. Jackson Reese weighed in at 8 lbs., 5 oz. and was 20.5" long. He joins big brother Ethan who is 4 1/2 years old. We are so excited and also sleep deprived!

Cool Baby Bouncer!

I am 9 1/2 months pregnant and just received the Combi Pod Baby Bouncer. I can't wait to use this thing! Besides looking like a cool little insect, the Combi Pod Bouncer has great features that make it stand out from other bouncers on the market.

This bouncer has a seat that reclines for nap time, soothing vibrations and music. The music that comes with it is nothing great, but on the back of the bouncer is a place to connect your iPod (or other MP3 player). What a great idea! Now I'm not stuck listening to the same annoying song over and over. Now I just have to create a playlist for baby on my iPod...

The speaker on the bouncer isn't very powerful, but you wouldn't want it to be very loud anyway. The simple clean lines, wooden toys and modern colors really add to the appeal of this bouncer.

Check it out at http://www.amazon.com/Combi-Pod-Bouncer-in-Wasabi/dp/B0010BPM24.

Celebrity Baby Update!

Desperate Housewives actor Kyle MacLachlan and his wife, Desiree Gruber, are expecting their first child in July. "We are really excited," says the mom-to-be, 39, who is the executive producer of Project Runway.

Scrubs star John C. McGinley and his wife Nichole welcomed a daughter on Saturday, February 2nd at 1:36 a.m. Billie Grace weighed in at 8 lbs. and is 21 inches long. The baby was delivered in a birthing tub at the couple's home in Malibu, with a midwife in attendance.

Former E.R. star Julianna Margulies and her lawyer husband Keith Lieberthal welcomed a baby boy.

Mary Lynn Rajskub, who playsChloe O'Brian on Fox's 24, is pregnant. Rajskub, 36, and her boyfriend Matthew Rolph, 27, are expecting their first child at the end of the summer.

Ethan Hawke is about to become a father again with Ryan Shawhughes, described as the former nanny to his children. Ethan also has two children with his ex-wife Uma Thurman.

Gwen Stefani and her husband Gavin Rossdale are expecting their second child together. According to Britain's The Sun, the singer is 13 weeks pregnant.

Dixie Chick Martie Maguire is pregnant. Martie told People magazine; "I'm very excited," adding, "We know what it is – it's a girl."

Actor, Fred Savage and his wife, Jennifer Stone, are expecting another child. "We've got number two cooking right now," Savage, 31, told People magazine. The pair is already proud parents of a son. "We're due in May," Savage revealed, but Stone said the baby's name and sex are going to be a surprise.

Olympic champion ice skater Scott Hamilton and his wife, Tracie, welcomed a baby boy on Monday, January 21st at a Tennessee hospital. Maxx Hamilton, who arrived at 7:51 a.m., weighed in at 7 lbs., 8 oz., and measured 20 inches long. Scott and Tracie also have a 4-year-old son named Aidan.

Chris Noth and girlfriend Tara Wilson have welcomed a baby boy. Orion Christopher Noth was born in Los Angeles on Friday, January 18th and weighed 7 lbs., 10 oz.

Daniel Baldwin and his wife, Joanne Smith-Baldwin, have welcomed a baby girl. Avis Ann Baldwin was born Thursday, January 17th at 12:59 a.m. at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. She weighed in at 7 lbs. 10 oz.

Actress Constance Zimmer and her boyfriend, director Russ Lamoureux, welcomed a baby girl on January 5th. Colette Zoe Lamoureux weighed in at 8 lbs.,10 oz. at Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena.

Former Survivor star Jonny Fairplay and his fiancée, ex- Top Model contestant Michelle Deighton, have welcomed a daughter. The baby girl, named Piper Addison, was born Wednesday, January 16th.

A Playboy Playmate, Miss March 2005 Jillian Grace, 22, claims she is pregnant with comedian David Spade's baby. Spade tells TMZ: "I had a brief relationship with Jillian Grace. If it is true that I am the father of her child, then I will accept responsibility."

Matthew McConaughey and girlfriend Camila Alves are expecting a baby together. "My girlfriend Camila and I made a baby together," McConaughey writes on his web site. "It's 3 months growin in her womb and all looks healthy and lively so far. We are stoked and wowed by this miracle of creation and this gift from God, and so excited for the adventure that will come in raising this child, being mother and a father, and shepherding him or her through this life."

Casey Affleck and wife Summer Phoenix welcomed a baby boy. No other details have been announced. This is the second child for Affleck, 32, and Phoenix, 30, who also have a 3-year-old son named Indiana August.

Christina Aguilera and Jordan Bratman welcomed a baby boy on Saturday, January 12th at 10:05 p.m. This is the first child for the couple. Max Liron Bratman weighed in at 6 lbs. 2 oz. and is 20.5 inches long .

Nicole Richie and boyfriend Joel Madden are the proud parents of a baby girl. Harlow Winter Kate Madden was born Friday, January 11th at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and weighed 6 lbs. 7 oz.

Comedian David Alan Grier and wife Christine Y. Kim welcomed a baby girl on Thursday, January 10th at 1:04 p.m. by planned C-section. Luisa Danbi Grier-Kim – Danbi means "sweet rain" in Korean – was 7 lbs., 6 oz and 20 inches long.

Courtney Thorne-Smith and husband Roger Fishman welcomed a baby boy, Jacob Emerson Fishman, on Friday, January 11th. This is the first child for the couple.

Fashion designer Stella McCartney, 36, has given birth to her third child, a baby boy. Beckett Robert Lee was born Tuesday, January 8th in London. Beckett joins brothers Miller Alasdhair James and Bailey Linda Olwyn.

Phthalate Free Baby Products!

The latest news surrounding the use of Phthalates and other Xenoestrogens in baby products is downright scary.

In a recent study researchers found evidence of chemicals called phthalates in the urine of 163 infants exposed to a baby product such as shampoo, lotion or powder. The true long term consequences of exposure are not fully known but exposing babies to these chemicals could hurt their reproductive ability later on in life.

To be safe, it would be wise to switch to Phthalate free baby products. Belli Cosmetics makes some great baby skin scare products without these potentially harmful ingredients. The Belli Baby Gift Set includes baby body wash, baby lotion and talc-free powder that is safe to use on your babies skin. Every product, including their pregnancy skin care line, is allergy tested and free of artificial dyes, fragrances, pthalates, and other xenoestrogens.

Read more about these potentially harmful chemicals in this ABC News article.

Note: At Stella Maternity, we are also currently looking into offering more baby skin care and other baby products that are free from these chemicals.

Shake, Rattle and Roll!

Noah's Arcade is a new line of cool baby tees and onesies created by two friends after the birth of their sons. They wanted edgy, alternative styles for their baby boys and had trouble finding clothes to suit their unique tastes. This prompted the two friends to create their own brand of boys clothing. Their unique designs are printed on super soft cotton for comfort and style.

The Shake, Rattle and Roll baby tee is a cool rocker baby tee with a distressed skull and rattle image. The Little Squirt baby onesie is an edgy design done in the modern color combo of blue and brown. The black P.I.M.P. "Poopie in my Pants" baby tee is all about attitude.

These cutting edge tees will definitely make your baby boy stand out in a crowd!

Celebrity Baby Update!

The latest baby news from Tinseltown!

Actor Jack Black and his wife Tanya Haden are expecting a baby. Jack recently told reporters: "Yes, she's expecting." The due date was not announced. This will be the second child for the couple who have 1½-year-old boy.

Rapper T.I. (real name Clifford Harris) and his on again, off again girlfriend Tameka "Tiny" Cottle of the '90s R&B group Xscape, are expecting a baby boy together. The news of the pregnancy comes in the middle of T.I.'s house arrest sentence in Georgia for illegal weapons charges. T.I. was arrested last October for allegedly trying to buy machine guns and silencers. He was released on a $3 million bond until the outcome of his trial and is currently under home confinement.

Without a Trace actress Poppy Montgomery, 35, and her boyfriend, actor Adam Kaufman, welcomed a baby boy on December 23rd. Jackson Phillip Kaufman, was born in Los Angeles and weighed 7 lbs., 4 oz. This is the first child for Poppy and Adam.

Model/volleyball star Gabrielle Reece and her husband, surfer Laird Hamilton, welcomed a baby girl on New Year's Day in Hawaii. Brody Jo Hamilton weighed in at 8 lb., 2 oz. This is the second child for Gabrielle and Laird who have a 4-year-old daughter named Reece Viola.

Boxing champ Oscar de la Hoya and Millie Corretjer welcomed a baby girl on December 29th in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Nina Lauren Nenitte de la Hoya arrived at 4:36 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs., 13 oz., and measured 20.5.

Olympic gold-winning gymnast Dominique Moceanu and her husband, Dr. Michael Canales, welcomed their first child on December 25th. Carmen Noel Canales was born just after 3 p.m. on Christmas day at Cleveland's MacDonald Women's Hospital. The baby girl weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measured 18.5 inches.

Yulia Volkova, of the Russian duo t.A.T.u., welcomed a baby boy on December 27. The baby boy was born in the morning at 6:35 a.m. (Moscow time). The child's father is identified only as Parviz. The baby's name is being kept a secret at this time.

Actress Teri Polo and her musician boyfriend Jamie Wollam welcomed a baby girl on December 20th in Los Angeles. Bayley was born at 3:02 p.m. and weighed 7 lbs. This was the first child for Teri, 38, and Jamie together. They each have sons from previous marriages.

British singer Lily Allen, 22, is pregnant with her first child. Lily has been dating the Chemical Brothers' Ed Simons, 37, since September. Allen's rep stated, "As the pregnancy is at a very, very early stage, the couple ask that you respect their privacy. The couple will be making no further comment but they are obviously both thrilled by the news."

Actor Chris O'Donnell and his wife, Caroline, welcomed their fifth child, daughter Maeve Frances O'Donnell on December 10th in Los Angeles. Maeve was 8 lbs. and 21½ inches long when she was born and she joins sister Lily, 8, and brothers Chip, 7, Charlie, 4 and Finley, 1.

Britney Spear's 16-year-old sister Jamie Lynn Spears is pregnant. She is reported to be about 14 weeks along. The father is Jamie Lynn's longtime boyfriend Casey Aldridge. Nickelodeon, which carries her TV show Zoey 101, released a statement: "We respect Jamie Lynn's decision to take responsibility in this sensitive and personal situation. We know this is a very difficult time for her and her family, and our primary concern right now is for Jamie Lynn's well being."

Actress Helena Bonham Carter and her director boyfriend Tim Burton have welcomed their second child together on December 15th. The baby girl was born in London and joins big brother Billy, 4. Helena's rep stated, "They are absolutely delighted they have a daughter. It's a lovely Christmas present for the family."

Actress Jessica Alba is pregnant with boyfriend Cash Warren's child. Alba's rep stated, "I can confirm that Jessica and Cash are expecting a baby in late spring, early summer." Jessica, 26, and Cash, 28, have dated since the fall of 2004 after they met on the set of The Fantastic Four.

Rascal Flatts singer/guitarist Joe Don Rooney and his wife, Tiffany Fallon, are expecting a baby next May. This will be the first child for the couple. Rooney released a statement: "We are so excited to be adding a new life to our home." Fallon, who was Playboy's 2005 Playmate of the Year, added: "We cannot wait to become parents and cannot believe this time next year, we will be celebrating Christmas with a child!"

Crossing Jordan star Jill Hennessy and her husband, Paolo Mastropietro, welcomed a baby boy named Gianni on November 21st in New York. This is the second child for the couple. Jill's rep stated: "Both Jill and the baby are healthy and the family is thrilled."