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.

Newly Designed BG Birthing Gowns have Arrived!

Our most popular hospital delivery gowns are back in stock and have been redesigned with even more thoughtful features.  The BG Birthingown has been updated to include deep side pockets with slits for easy fetal monitoring by healthcare professionals.  Now wires can easily be threaded through the gown, so no more tripping over tangled wires.  The soft birthing gowns wrap around the body and tie in the front to allow for a one size fits most gown.  Velcro tabs at the shoulders allow for easy nursing access.  These gorgeous delivery gowns come in 3 different colors, blush, blueberry pie and black, as well as a sassy leopard print.  Not only will these labor and delivery gowns help you to feel more comfortable during the birth process, but they can be worn after delivery for nursing and lounging.  Make sure to have one on hand before your due date!

New Tattoo Maternity Styles have arrived!

We just added some great new tattoo inspired maternity clothes for Spring!  These edgy designs are fun to wear and will take you through pregnancy and beyond.  Whether your maternity style is punk or more conservative, these new designs look great on all Mamas-to-be!  Check out the full collection of tattoo maternity clothes!

Stylish Hospital Maternity Delivery Gowns!

Stella Maternity now carries the DearJohnnies line of super chic and stylish hospital maternity delivery gowns and maternity robes!  The founder of DearJohnnies had the idea when she was pregnant with her first child.  She knew there would be many photos taken during the hospital stay and dreaded wearing the ugly faded, ill fitting hospital gowns.  She also realized that it is about more than just vanity...it has been proven that when you think you look better, you also feel better and heal faster.  The delivery gowns feature snaps at each shoulder for easy nursing and medical access.  The comfy robes can be worn long after delivery for added value.   Celebrities fans of these delivery gowns include Trista Sutter, Tori Spelling, Samantha Harris, Jennifer Garner, Kelly Preston, Bethenny Frankel, Angela Bassett, Poppy Montgomery and more!

Designer Delivery Gowns!

No more faded, ill fitting, chemical smelling hospital delivery gowns. This is the big day and a stylish delivery gown can offer a little personal comfort when you need it most.

The Hot Mama Gowns delivery gowns are for extended use and can be worn for nursing after your hospital or birthing center stay. These are extremely well made delivery gowns that have many thoughtful features, such as ribbon tied panels for easy and discreet breastfeeding, short sleeves and a full coverage snap open back. New York Housewives star, Bethenny Frankel, wore the Antionette Hot Mama Gown pictured above!

If you are looking for a less expensive and disposable option, the Pretty Pushers delivery gowns are priced at only $24! These gowns are made to be disposed of with raw unfinished hems and made of lightweight cotton that will break down easily. The gowns have a halter neckline, with a low back for an epidural.

Check out the entire collection of Designer Delivery Gowns!

DadGear Diaper Bags!

DadGear diaper bags are now at Stella Maternity. Super functional design combines with cool graphics and styles. These are diaper bags that any man would be proud to carry. The DadGear baby bags come in classic styles, punk style graphics, retro designs, camouflage and even collegiate sports teams.

Don't worry moms, you can carry one of these bags too! They are designed to appeal to men with masculine designs, but I'm a mom and I would definitely carry one of these.

Pin Up Girl Maternity Tees!

These tees are some of the coolest we have seen. Our new bump hugging black maternity tees from Hip Chick feature retro tattoo inspired pin-up girls.

Surfer girls will love the Barefoot & Pregnant pin-up girl maternity tee. This will surely make some waves at the beach!

Rocker chicks will be smokin' in the Foxy Mama pin-up girl maternity tee. This sexy pin-up will upstage any boy in the band!

Father's Day Gifts for New Dads!

Shopping for a man is hard enough, but what do you get a father-to-be or a new dad?

Shop our collection of gifts for new dads and find something that will make him feel special. A seriously manly diaper bag makes a great gift for the father-to-be. This way he won't feel silly toting around something with teddy bears or ducks.

Happy Father's Day!

Enter to Win a Muze Maternity Tee!

CONGRATULATIONS Amanda C.!!!!

We are giving away a Muze Maternity Shirt inspired by the movie Scarface. This great fitting and super soft maternity tee features the saying "Say Hello to my Little Friend". The shirt is a size medium and will stretch to fit through your entire pregnancy.

Muze makes funny maternity tees all inspired by your favorite lines from your favorite movies. Loved by celebrities, this line of tees is super fun to wear.

To enter the contest and win your free tee, simply either comment on this post or email us at contests@stellamaternity.com. The contest will run through April 30th. Don't miss out on your chance to win. This shirt is a $54 value! Good Luck!

Check out the entire line of Muze Maternity Tees!

Get your body back after baby!

Everyone wants their body back fast after having a baby, but there seems to be no time in the day to work out. The innovative 60 Second Circuits fitness flipbook is perfect for time-pressed women that want to burn fat and stay motivated without going to the gym!

60 Second Circuits works by encouraging you to do as much of each exercise in 60 seconds …with no reps to count! Combining the exercises gives you a workout ranging from 10-40 minutes with guided intensity levels appropriate for every fitness level.

The high-quality flip-book is designed to go anywhere. Take it to the gym, the park or use it while you watch your favorite TV show! No equipment is necessary for this fast and effective total-body workout. This book travels like a personal trainer in your pocket – ready with a new workout every time. Innovative circuit training sequences incorporate strength, core and cardio for complete, time-efficient workouts.

This workout was created by Susie Shina, Fitness Lifestylist, after struggling to lose weight after her own pregnancy. Susie states, "Time is a precious commodity. I prefer getting a total-body workout 3 times a week in 10-20 minutes and have more time to enjoy the things I really love!"

Learn more about 60 Second Circuits at www.60secondcircuits.com.

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.

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/.

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.

Luxurious Leather Diaper Bags!

The "it" accessory for any new mom is a fashionable and chic diaper bag. Made to look like a regular chic handbag, leather diaper bags add style to any outfit.

Baby Kaed offers leather diaper bags that are perfect for fall. Choose the Jaipur leather diaper bag in tangerine or skye blue for a touch of stunning color or go with the Masala leather diaper bag in black night or brick for a more classic look.

If your style is a little more rock-n-roll, the Fleurville black leather diaper bag with a hot pink interior is sure to fit the bill.

Check out all the designer diaper bags and find one to fit your unique style!

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.

Gifts for New Moms!

Earthen Vessel Designs offers beautiful jewelry that every mom would appreciate.

After going through labor, every new mom deserves something pretty. The handcrafted unique jewelry at Earthen Vessel Designs makes a great gift for any woman. The designs are made with natural stone, Swarovski crystals, semi-precious gemstones and cultured freshwater pearls. The necklaces, bracelets and earrings are also reasonably priced to fit any budget.

The Red Jasper Necklace featured is one of my faves and at $35 is quite a steal!