Must-Haves

ThriftyMama’s Guide to Maternity Wear

What to wear, what to wear - one of the many concerns of all women during the magical time of pregnancy. One conundrum we face is the rapid change of both our size and the seasons during the joyous nine-month long extravaganza. Put down your pregnancy books and let's chat about shopping just for Modern Mom-to-be. This week, we asked Mom and Editor-in-Chief of ThriftyChick.com, Lizabeth Sorensen to find what's hot in spring/summer 2005 maternity chic that won't cost a bundle.

To Panel or not to Panel

Well I will tell you one thing I never thought I would go so far as the dreaded panel, butalong month 7 or so it happened. I was full out belly buster panel girl. How did it feel? Great! Where do you go to get a super smooth supportive belly paneled pant for less than $20? IMaternity.com

My Girl Wants to Party All The Time Be a guest this picnic party season, not the party tent! Wear a dress that hugs your curves just right Shop MimiMaternity.com and get this dress for only $49.99 while supplies last!

Need some support? Your regular control tops just are not going to cut it. If you are to invest in anything it should be a great pair of hose to wear when the occasion arrives. Spanx.com has started a line of Maternity support systems that are your key to comfort and elegance in any situation. Shop Spanx.com

Shield your Belly from the Rain You probably don't like the idea of buying a coat that you may only wear for a few months, but honey- please you can't let your belly hang out in the rain. Do not worry, our friends at OldNavy.com are here to save your rainy day and you won't have to save up! See their growing selection of maternity outerwear. This hottie is on sale right now for only $24.99 & Get $5 Flat Rate Shipping on your entire order at OldNavy.com!

Have something to say? Can't they already tell that you have a bun in the oven? What is with all of the questions? Well you know that centuries of funny, nosey and well-meaning intrigue is not going to stop but a fun and hip new line of t-shirts plays right back with humor. Check out Due and Sprout in boutiques near you and coming to a major department store and online this spring.

Lizabeth Sorensen the Mama-in-Chief of www.thriftymamadaily.com. Sign up for The Daily Stroll and hear what really works in pregnancy and baby fashion. Head on over to www.thriftychick.com to get the latest in fashion and a weekly Fabulous Finds Newsletter to lift your shopping spirit!

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Better Late Than Never

When my second son was born last May, I vowed to get back on a regular exercise regimen as soon as I got the thumbs up from my OB. That was seven months ago.

So, I then refocused my energies on the New Year. After the holidays, I was going to straighten out my eating habits, get back to my kickboxing and Pilates workouts and shed the pregnancy pounds I'd let sit for much too long. How am I doing? Well...2005 kind of snuck up on me so I haven't actually gotten completely back on track yet.

Sound familiar?

Now, fresh from a sobering reality check this weekend when I had to get ready for a last minute black tie event and NOTHING in my closet fit, I'm ready to go for it. And I'm inviting anyone else who wants to get their New Year's resolution back on track to join up.

The Modern Mom Challenge

I personally have decided to supplement regular workouts with the South Beach Diet.

Any Modern Moms who are up for the challenge can join me and other fellow moms. I'll be keeping a daily online journal about my successes (and failures) and we've set up an online forum where we can share recipes, get support and vent. We'll also add tips from nutritionists, fitness experts, exercise plans and more to supplement the wealth of information, resources and tips available on the South Beach Diet.

Hopefully, though this effort, we'll all emerge leaner, stronger and ready to hit the beach or pool this summer!

Join the Modern Mom Challenge!

2005 Gear Guide: Part II

Each year, we break down the must-have gear every Modern Mom should consider to make life more convenient, fun and stylish.

This year's list includes some old favorites and newcomers that we couldn't live without...and neither should you. Part Two of our Gear Guide features our essential picks for older babies and toddlers.

BEST ACTIVITY SAUCER LeapFrog's new Learn & Groove Activity Station entertains babies with music, fun sounds, lights, and dance beats. Your mini-DJ can switch between "Learn" and "Music" modes for two different experiences on each item. Plus, this saucer easily folds down flat for storage. $89.99 at Target.com

BEST HIGH CHAIR Stylish, compact and safe, the Svan highchair grows with your baby from 6 months to 6 years. The modern, bentwood design features no sharp edges and is remarkably light! $225.95 at Babystyle.com

BEST TODDLER BAG Fleurville's Escape Pod is perfect for bringing along the essentials on a quick trip to the park or market. This streamlined case features compartments for wipes, 1 - 2 diapers, your wallet, keys, cell phone and other little essentials. $49.95 atPokkaDots.com

MUST-HAVE FEEDING ACCESSORY Table Topper's stay-in-place disposable placemats make mealtime fun for baby and clean-up easy for parents. The portable mats come in packs of 50 - we stash them everywhere! $19.99 at Amazon.com

Gear Guide 2005 - Part I

Each year, we break down the must-have gear every Modern Mom should consider to make life more convenient, fun and stylish.

This year's list includes some old favorites and newcomers that we couldn't live without...and neither should you. Part One of our Gear Guide features our essential picks for baby. Next week, we'll feature our top choices for older babies and toddlers.

BEST OVERALL STROLLER Despite the hefty price tag, the Bugaboo is our top choice in strollers once again this year. In addition to optimal support, room and features for baby, we LOVE the compact wheeled board attachment that allows older children to ride along comfortably. Plus, the Bugaboo easily converts from a bassinet, to forward or backward facing stroller, to high chair (just adjust the seat and wheel it on up to restaurant tables) with ease. $729.99 at TravelingTikes.com.

BEST JOGGING STROLLER Maclaren's fairly new Mac 3 All Terrain stroller isn't just for runners. It can be taken anywhere, folds down smaller than any other stroller of this type and offers ample space for everything you need. And, the adjustable handles are a must for comfort while taking baby for a spin. $299.99 at JoggingStroller.com

BEST BABY CARRIER Chicco's Smart Support 3-Way Baby Carrier is the most versatile carrier we've seen. In addition to the standard facing in or facing out positions, Chicco's new carrier also allows you to recline baby for easy feeding and comfortable napping. The carrier also comes with a sturdy, removable shade that we haven't seen with other carriers. $67.95 atPregnancyStore.com

BEST DIAPER BAG Finally! A diaper bag that doesn't feel like you've got a week's worth of luggage on your shoulder. Loom's Marsupial diaper bag is the perfect size to fit everything you need for yourself and baby without the bulk. Our favorite features are the no-slip shoulder strap and carabiner key clip - say goodbye to adjusting your bag while balancing the baby and no more searching for keys! $130 atBabyOliverBoutique.com

BEST INFANT SEAT As far as seats go, you really can't go wrong because almost every one out there is equal as far as comfort for baby. So, Oeuf's new baby lounger takes our top honors just because it's the most stylish infant seat we've seen. $99 atModernSeed.com

Up next week - our guide to the top gear and accessories for toddlers!

Explaining Tragedy To Children and Helping Those In Need

As we take in the images and try to grasp the devastation in East Africa and South Asia, what are our children going through as they see and hear about the lives lost and families being torn apart?

Is it possible to reassure your child at a time when you, yourself, are horrified by the images of intense pain and grief you see in the hearts and on the faces of parents half way around the world?

ModernMom.com contributor Chick Moorman offers his advice on how to explain world tragedy to children.

And, you can also help those in need by donating to programs that are already working with local groups to support relief efforts, such as:

Save the Children

The American Red Cross

Oxfam International

USA Freedom Corps

USAID

Include children in the decision to help those abroad and explain what the donation will do to aid the vicitims of tragedy.

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