Christine by Van Thomas Hair Care Review!

I recently had the privilege to review the Christine by Van Thomas "Complete Package" set.  The "Complete Package" set includes Christine Shampoo, Reconstructive Conditioner, Protective Glaze and Body Wash.

During pregnancy (or any other time in a mom's life), taking a few moments for yourself can be extremely rejuvenating.  These hair and body products are luxurious and will make your shower feel like a spa.  My favorite thing about this line is that it is sulfate and paraben free (which is really important for expecting moms.)  Also, the light citrusy floral scent is pretty without being overpowering to a pregnant woman's sensitive sense of smell. 

The Christine shampoo provided excellent lather.  The manufacturer states that is was created with "micro-lather technology to provide a rich luxurious lather made up of extremely tiny bubbles" to provide a thorough cleaning of the hair and scalp. I found this to be true and my hair felt very clean without feeling stripped.

My favorite product was the Reconstructive Conditioner.  It left my hair soft and shiny, which isn't easy considering my hair is much coarser and frizzier since my two pregnancies!  The manufacturer states that the reconstructive conditioner helps prevent split ends and breakage by passing through the protective cuticle tiles and delivering essential proteins and nutrients deep inside the hair (where other products can't reach.)   It definitely made my hair look much healthier.

The Protective Hair Glaze was also an awesome product.  I usually flat iron my normally wavy/frizzy hair and this glaze helped to protect it from heat damage.  My hair looked much shinier and I was able to go 3 whole days between shampooing!  I found the glaze to really help lock-in my hair style.  Yeah!  With two young boys, anything that saves me a few minutes is great!

I also really enjoyed the Christine Body Wash.  The light pleasing scent and the luxurious lather made showering a more relaxing experience.  The manufacturer also states that the body wash is gentle enough to use as a face cleanser.  I didn't use it on my face, but I think that it probably would work well.

All in all I was very pleased with the results these products provided.  They cost more than the usual products I buy, but if you can afford it, they really do work well!

For our readers, they are generously offering a 30% discount.  Use code "haircare15" at checkout,  http://www.vanthomasconcepts.com/.

The "Complete Package" retails for $70.  The "Shampoo and Conditioner Duo" retails for $45.  The "Body Wash" and "Hair Glaze" are $15 each.  All of these products can be found on their website: Christine by Van Thomas Concepts.  Also, check out their About Van Thomas page, which gives some background into the man who created this line.  The FAQs page, includes interesting question and answers with Van Thomas.

Note:  Press sample.  All of the reviews and opinions are my own.

Fresh Legs Maternity Compression Leg Sleeves

I recently had a chance to try out Zensah's Fresh Legs Maternity Compression Leg Sleeves. I found them to be really comfortable and to offer just the right amount of compression without feeling too tight or uncomfortable. The Leg Sleeves allow you to wear them discreetly underneath pants or jeans and still be able to wear open toed shoes or sandals.

Wearing compression leg sleeves or socks during pregnancy may help you avoid some of the common side effects associated with pregnancy such as varicose veins, restless legs syndrome and swelling. These can also be worn while sleeping to help prevent painful Charlie horse leg cramps that can happen during pregnancy.

Check out their full line of colorful maternity compression leg sleeves. They retail for $39.99 and come in 3 sizes to fit everyone.

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/.

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.

Fall Maternity Clothes!

Fall is here and it is the perfect time to update your maternity wardrobe with some stylish and warm maternity clothes.

Layers are key to staying comfortable in the unpredictable weather. Try pairing a long sleeve maternity tee with a lightweight maternity jacket and a pair of great fitting maternity jeans for a stylish and versatile outfit. Another good bet is a long sleeve maternity hoody over a maternity tank top.

Maternity dresses can be paired with boots or tights to welcome the cooler weather. For a truly versatile dress, try the Japanese Weekend 3-in-1 maternity dress/crop top/skirt.

Don't forget to also pamper your skin with a great belly oil or belly butter. Pregnancy skin care is especially important in the fall and winter when skin can become chapped and itchy.

Belli Pregnancy Skin Care

Belli Cosmetics makes pregnancy and baby skin care products that are luxurious and safe for mom and baby.

The founders of Belli, Annette and Jason Rubin, really know their stuff. Jason is a board-certified family practitioner with broad experience in obstetrics, pediatrics and dermatology. His wife, Annette, has 17 years of experience in the cosmetics industry, beginning with executive positions at Estee Lauder Corporation overseeing the Clinique brand. Together they were able to come up with a line of skin care that is super effective without the use of harmful chemicals that could possible be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream during pregnancy or breastfeeding. These high standards make Belli Cosmetics the #1 brand recommended by Ob-Gyn physicians.

The Belli Elasticity Belly Oil has become a cult favorite among moms-to-be. Not only is it effective in preventing stretch marks, but the lavender scent is amazing. The Belli Stretch Mark Minimizing Cream is a powerful solution for decreasing the appearance of existing stretchmarks.

Shop for Belli Cosmetics Skin Care.

New Spa-like Belly Casting Kit

Every pregnant women should make an imprint of her bulging belly to keep as a reminder of this amazing time. Belly casts make great nursery room artwork and keepsakes. I hung my own in my son's nursery with a simple white ribbon.

Belly Vita makes an interesting casting kit that I look forward to trying out next time I'm pregnant. It is touted as more of a spa experience than just another messy casting kit. The Belly Vita Belly Imprint is made with a single piece of sculpting fabric, instead of the strips most use. The best part is that the kit also includes an aromatherapy Balancing Belly Oil to be massaged on your belly as the first step in the casting process. The belly oil contains lavender, neroli, frankincense, palmarosa and rosewood. Besides smelling great, these essential oils are said to help prevent stretch marks and are safe for pregnancy. Plus, you can use the extra oil for a foot massage (something a very pregnant woman would certainly appreciate).

Check it out at www.bellyvita.com.