31 Jan 2012

Celebrity stylist Jenny Altman shares her tips finding the perfect bra when pregnant

So….you’re pregnant. Things are growing, moving, expanding and changing. Your breasts have most likely taken on a life of their own by now (especially once you pass the four month mark). As important as it was to get properly measured for a bra before, it’s even more important now for comfort and support. Here are a few key tips to know when it’s time to move on (in size) and move up (in fit).

Need to go up in size? Here’s when you know it’s time:

- If the bra is not laying flat at the center gore (between the breasts) then it’s time to go up a cup size.

- If you’re spilling out over the bra on top, or over the sides, time to go up a cup size.

- If the band is too tight around the rib-cage (especially now with all of the pregnancy indigestion), go up a size in the band. This will affect the cup size, so it may be a bit of trial and error to decide if the cup and band increase or just the band at first.

- If your padded or demi-bras are looking too full in the cup, it’s time for a more full-coverage bra (even if you’re small busted). The cups may start to runneth over, not a good look for anyone. A little molding is nice for coverage, but a single or double lined bra will allow more room for expansion.

How to measure for your new bra size (all you need is a tape measure):

-Put on the best basic bra you have; nothing padded or push up and not a sports bra.

-Stand in front of a mirror and hold the tape measure around your rib-cage just under your bra line (evenly all the way around). That is your band measurement. If it’s an odd number, round up one. This is measurement 1 (for example you get a 34).

-Move the tape measure up to the fullest part of the breast (crossing over the nipples), still holding it evenly all the way around the body. This is measurement 2 (for example you get a 38).

-For each number difference between measurements 1 and 2 (we have four between 34 and 38) count up a cup size from A (so we have A, B, C, D). Our person would be a 34D.

-This number isn’t always exact, and size fluctuates between brands, but it’s a great place to start the try-on process.

The key is to understanding that your breasts will continue to grow until at least month seven. You may need to buy a few new bras. That being said, you don’t have to make a big financial investment. Pick bras that are comfortable (cottons and microfibers are nice) without too many seams or too much embroidery (which may cause irritation). Once you’ve gotten to month seven or so, and you just don’t think you’ll get any larger, it’s ok to start buying maternity/nursing bras. This way the investment won’t be as painful since you can wear them through the end of the pregnancy and for months after having the baby.

There is no rule that large size bras or nursing bras need to be ugly either. If a little polka dot or pink stripe is what will make you feel happy, then you deserve it! Pretty bras are something I always LOVE.

By Jenny Altman

Style Expert and Chic Executive Officer of ILOVEAGOOD.com

18 Jan 2012

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Please meet Odelle, our somewhat new addition to Team BLANQI ;)

We would like to formally introduce you to Odelle, our amazing Multimedia Assistant, who in addition to being our behind-the-scenes gal, will be bringing you stories and information from a never-been-pregnant point of view. She’ll be tackling those burning questions that we all had and were, in some cases, too afraid to ask. Stay tuned for some amazing things to come!

Meet me: barely 5’ tall, born-and-raised Puerto Rican firecracker, loud but sweet as can be, with more enthusiasm and eagerness than a Labrador puppy. Super quirky and loveable, she happily takes on any challenge! She’s a makeup fanatic, is deathly afraid of bugs, and sleeps with her camera under the pillow…just in case…you never know…

17 Jan 2012

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Real BLANQI girls’ video reviews

There’s nothing like hearing how much our BLANQI Body Styler is supporting our girls out there! Here’s a little collection of videos we wanted to share with you:

Jill of Baby Rabies

Valerie Rowenkamp of Charmed Valerie

Natalie of The Busy Budgeting Mama

Sarah of For the Love of Blog Therapy

6 Jan 2012

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Pregnancy nutrition do’s and don’ts – Frances Largeman Roth, RD, fills us in on what, and what not, to eat when you’re pregnant!

The number one New Year’s resolution is overwhelmingly to lose weight. New year, new you, right? Well, what happens if you’re pregnant? If you’re among the majority of women who give birth in September, you’re in the early stages of growing your precious baby, and your focus should lie with providing the most nutrients possible to that bundle of joy. So what exactly should you (and should you not) be eating? We had the honor of asking Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, Food & Nutrition Director at Health magazine, author of Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide and co-author of the bestselling The CarbLovers Diet and The CarbLovers Diet Cookbook, and here is what she recommends:

www.franceslargemanroth.com

First off, mazel tov! Pregnancy is such an amazing, wonderful time in your life. But as thrilled as you are about that new life inside you, you’re probably also a little freaked out about what exactly you should and shouldn’t do when it comes to your health.

Pregnancy increases your need for several nutrients. Eating a diet that’s rich in whole, unprocessed foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, dairy, and lean meats will help make sure you’re covered. Here are the biggies you need and where to find them. And check out the list of what to avoid—a few may surprise you.

1. Folic acid-rich foods, such as fortified cereal, lentils, edamame, spinach,

asparagus, and citrus fruits.

2. Iron-packed foods, such as beef, bison, chicken, eggs, salmon, Swiss

chard, dried apricots, and tofu.

3. Protein, which can be found in lean meat, poultry, seafood, soy-based

foods, nuts, low-fat dairy products, and quinoa.

4. Omega-3 fatty acids, which are plentiful in salmon, tuna, enriched

eggs, walnuts, and flax seeds.

5. Choline, a nutrient important for baby’s brain health, which you’ll get in

eggs, soy-based foods, pork chops, cauliflower, and liver.

6. Calcium to build strong bones and teeth, found in milk, yogurt, cheese,

spinach, and broccoli.

7. Vitamin B12, a vitamin found in cooked clams, beef liver, fortified cereal,

trout, salmon, and beef.

8. Vitamin D, a critical vitamin that’s abundant in eggs, salmon, sardines,

fortified milk, and good old sunshine.

9. Vitamin C, which you’ll get in strawberries, red bell peppers, and citrus

fruits.

10. Zinc, a mineral that you can get in fortified cereal, beef, pork, chicken,

yogurt, beans, and cashews.

Bonus Do: Keep Moving!

If you were exercising before you were pregnant, you can keep it up with your doctor’s OK. If you weren’t exercising and don’t have any complications, you can start a walking program. Exercise during pregnancy has a ton of benefits:

Staying physically active now will help you feel better and manage your stress and anxiety levels
Reduce your risk of developing gestational diabetes
Lower your risk of mild to moderate depression, which can creep up during pregnancy
Keeps you regular (constipation can be a real issue during pregnancy)
Can help you have an easier and shorter labor, with fewer complications
It’ll help you get back in shape faster post pregnancy!

Don’ts

1. Booze. Drinking alcohol while pregnant can lead to fetal alcohol syndrome. No amount of alcohol has been shown to be safe during pregnancy.

2. Tobacco and all other drugs. Smoking while pregnant doubles your risk of having a low-birth weight baby because it slows fetal growth. It also increases the risk of preterm delivery and can cause problems with the placenta.

3. Caffeine; It’s tough—I know! Just when you’re most tired, you need to cut back on your morning Joe. Limit it as much as possible. If you can’t go totally caffeine-free, ask the barista for half caff. And don’t forget that caffeine is found in energy drinks that contain natural forms of caffeine, like guarana, yerba mate, or ginseng.

4. Unpasteurized (raw) milk, juice, and other beverages. These products may contain listeria and other bacteria, which pose a serious risk to your baby.

5. Unpasteurized soft cheeses, such as Brie, Camembert, blue cheese,

feta, and queso fresco.

6. Processed meats, such as lunch meat, hot dogs (unless they’re steaming

hot), lox, meat spreads, and pâté. These foods can carry listeria, which can cause miscarriage in early pregnancy.

7. Raw foods, including meat, fish (sushi), shellfish, eggs

(that includes raw cookie dough too), and sprouts (including alfalfa, mung,

clover, and radish).

8. Fish that are high in mercury (cooked or uncooked), such as swordfish,

tilefish, king mackerel, and shark.

9. Herbal supplements. These aren’t tested for safety in pregnant women, so steer clear.

10. Artificial sweeteners (unless you’re diabetic). While many artificial sweeteners are deemed safe to use by the FDA, my opinion is that you should avoid them as much as possible. Why add more chemicals to your system? Of course, it’s important to keep the real sweets in check too.

Frances Largeman-Roth, RD, is a nationally recognized health expert and has helped thousands of women across America lose weight and feel incredible with her healthy recipes and smart diet and nutrition advice. She is the author of Feed the Belly: The Pregnant Mom’s Healthy Eating Guide and co-author of the bestselling The CarbLovers Diet and the upcoming (out December 20, 2011)The CarbLovers Diet Cookbook. You can keep up with Frances at www.franceslargemanroth.com and on Twitter @feedthebelly.

13 Dec 2011

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Sparkles are a girl’s best friend!

29 Nov 2011

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SIZE MATTERS – how to handle the “perk” of the instant breast augmentation courtesy of pregnancy

Some may say that one of the “perks” of being pregnant is the instant breast augmentation. As your belly grows, so do your boobs. This much coveted size increase is warmly welcomed by most, but what happens when your perfect 34C breasts increase to D, then DD, then E, and gasp…F?

You spent years upon years trying to find the perfect bra for the breasts you were born with, and now, nearly overnight, your breasts are changing at an alarming rate. By the time you find a bra that fits, chances are you’ve grown a size and need to yet again go shopping. How do you perfect in an instant what you spent years trying to achieve? The simplest answer: get fitted and consult the experts!

Specialized maternity boutiques such as A Pea in the Pod have amazingly educated consultants who know everything there is to know about pregnant and post-partum boobs. They will tell you things about your boobs you never even knew! If you don’t have a maternity store in your area, don’t fret. Try to find the nearest lingerie specialist; most are very knowledgeable and have a fit-expert on hand that can help with maternity bras.

Online intimate apparel retailers such as BareNecessities and Journelle are very helpful and often carry a much wider selection of bras and sizes (t-shirt, sexy, sleeping, or nursing bras galore) than stores generally do. They have customer service specialists who can walk you through step-by-step measuring sessions so that you may size yourself in the privacy of your own home should you prefer not to get poked by a stranger during this fragile time.

The bottom line is, don’t let your growing breasts defeat you. You are not the first woman whose breasts have grown at Olympic speed. Find a specialist and ask for guidance. They have done this before! And get a few well-fitting bras that will last you through multiple stages of pregnancy. Just make sure you take care of it before it’s time for the next one! When that happens, just rinse and repeat.

You can read this blog entry by Sabina on I Love a Good’s website, ILOVEAGOOD

23 Nov 2011

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Happy 30th Valerie!

Thank you, Valerie, for 4 amazing years, and thank you for being the best business-partner and friend one could ever dream of! Happy 30th birthday mama! Here’s to many more laughs (and tears, of course )! xo Sabina

22 Nov 2011

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Thanksgiving pregnancy style tips

Let’s face it, there’s enough going on during Thanksgiving that the last thing you should worry about is what you’re wearing. We love this comfy-yet-stylish combination. Pair it with a Body Styler to complete your ultimate Thanksgiving pregnancy look!

xo Sabina & Valerie

1. Cable knit cardigan, Zara

2. Minnetonka Fringed Tall Boot

3. Butter London 3-Free polish in La Moss and Hoorah Henry

4. Asante long necklace, All Saints

5. IZZE sparkling ginger

10 Feb 2011

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Ok, so you’re not a celeb like these dads, but here’s how to be one in your pregnant wifey’s eyes (collective “awwww”)

Score some points with your pregnant wifey! She’s achey, tired, uncomfortable, and blames you for everything that could possibly be or go wrong Giving her a Bodystyler will totally save the day. She’ll love you for wanting to help her feel better, be more comfy, more secure and confident, and you won’t have to walk on eggshells for at least a few weeks. Score!

Check out these celeb dads eyeing BLANQI Bodystylers:

Evan Handler of “Californication” and “Sex in the City”

The lovely Rich Sommer of “Mad Men” (whose wife is ADORABLE!)

Tori and Dean’s “Guncles”, Bill Horn and Scout Masterson

And Entertainment Tonight’s Kevin Frazier

23 Jan 2011

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BLANQI girls with Entertainment Tonight’s Nancy O’dell, Samantha Harris and Kevin Frazier

The lovely Nancy O’Dell of Entertainment Tonight stopped by to see our bodysytler (no, she’s not pregnant She was there with husband Keith Zubchevich and their super cute daughter Ashby ( she also has stepsons Tyler and Carson.) And for the record, Valerie and I are both wearing heels and Nancy flats – she’s tall!

Entertainment Tonight and Dancing with the Stars’ Samantha Harris was due any day, and in fact gave birth just two days after this photo was taken, on January 19. This photo was taken in the lounge, which explains the purple lighting , where she spent most of the time sitting as she was understandably fatigued

E.T.’s Kevin Frazier came by with his adorable son with wife Yasmin Cader,Reece, born July 5, 2010. Kevin has two other sons as well. He was super sweet and wished us the best of luck

XO Sabina and Valerie

10 Jan 2011

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BLANQI ❤ LA

We have 2 more days before taking off for LA – The Pre-Golden Globe event is going to be AMAZING! Tons of celebs, press, excitement, and a bit of madness Can’t wait to share with you!

XOXO Sabina and Valerie

30 Dec 2010

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2010 Incredible Moments…and more to come!

This year has been an amazingly crazy whirlwind, and we are bracing ourselves for 2011 – everyday gets more fantastic, and we can’t even imagine what the coming year will bring (well, we have an idea, and it’s HUGE, HUGE, HUGE, but we cannot tell you yet – sorry!

Thank you all sooo much for your support, kind words, and encouragement – we are super excited to share 2011 with you! Here are a few goodies from 2010:

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to our DREAM-COME-TRUE Retailers!

Meeting a then-pregnant NINA GARCIA, fashion director of Marie Claire magazine and renowned judge on Liftetime’s Project Runway…speechless

And Heidi Klum

The first editorial coverages – surreal!

Having the chance to gift Kaitlin Olson in person – such a sweet girl!

New York Fashion Week

Chatting with Cynthia Rowley

CBS Atlanta with Kim Fettig

Lovely feedback!

AND last, but certainly not least, the birth of Valerie’s beautiful Nico!

XOXO Sabina and Valerie

“Happy New Year” photo courtesy of Odelle Marie, www.odellemarie.com

23 Nov 2010

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Sabina’s big, (formerly) pregnant belly in desperate need of support from a bodystyler

Ever wish someone could just hold your baby bump for you, if only for a second so you could catch your breath? I definitely did when I was pregnant, when, let’s be honest, I had a HUGE belly!! – Not a day went by without having to hear “awww, you’re having twins!” Though only one in the oven, the weight of my belly might have rivaled that of a twin belly, and I can’t even begin to tell you have badly I needed support. It was very heavy! I researched and tried everything out there from belly bands to maternity support belts, but nothing did the trick. As we grow throughout our pregnancies, strain is placed on the back, the abdominal muscles, the bladder and the pelvic floor. Uncomfortable weight gain and carrying that very heavy belly definitely puts a damper on it. In comes the BLANQI bodystyler! It’s that extra hand, that extra support to help you carry your baby bump around. The bodystyler is revolutionary in that it lifts and provides that much-needed support, eases pain and discomfort, decreases pressure on the pelvic floor, and reduces back and abdominal pain, all the while fashionably comfortable. When you take it off, your belly literally drops – it’s pretty amazing! I will post shortly how the bodystyler supports your baby bump. This is me, Sabina, at 32 weeks, looking VERY pregnant!!!

❤ Sabina

17 Nov 2010

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BLANQI attending Pre Golden Globes Celebrity mom & baby event, The Boom Boom Room!

11 Nov 2010

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Sending ❤ to all of our servicemen and women!

Proud of all our Veterans!

My brother-in-law Chad is a former Marine who served in the Gulf war, and my stepson Andrew, who is currently in the Army, has served in both Iraq and Afghanistan. I am so incredibly proud of both of them, and so thankful for all of the other brave men and women serving. Valerie and I would just like to say Thank You to all!!!

Below the photos is a beautiful poem by Joyce Kilmer, Prayer of a Soldier in France.

Andrew, my stepson

Chad Cook, my amazing brother-in-law

Prayer of a Soldier in France

Joyce Kilmer

My shoulders ache beneath my pack

(Lie easier, Cross, upon His back).

I march with feet that burn and smart

(Tread, Holy Feet, upon my heart).

Men shout at me who may not speak

(They scourged Thy back and smote Thy cheek).

I may not lift a hand to clear

My eyes of salty drops that sear.

(Then shall my fickle soul forget

Thy Agony of Bloody Sweat?)

My rifle hand is stiff and numb

(From Thy pierced palm red rivers come).

Lord, Thou didst suffer more for me

Than all the hosts of land and sea.

So let me render back again

This millionth of Thy gift. Amen.

❤ Sabina XOXO Valerie

19 Oct 2010

Meet Odelle!

Say hi to Odelle, our photographer/makeup artist/assistant! Born-and-raised Puerto Rican firecracker, she is adorable and always puts a smile on our faces:

23 Sep 2010

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BLANQI ❤ Cynthia Rowley

Met the amazing and lovely Cynthia Rowley after her show at Fashion Week.

Cynthia’s S/S 2011 Collection

VISIT CYNTHIA ROWLEY.COM

22 Sep 2010

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We gifted Heidi Klum & Nina Garcia!

We are beyond thrilled and ecstatic that Heidi Klum and Nina Garcia now each own a BLANQI bodystyler! A former Victorias Secret model and host of Project Runway, Heidi isn’t pregnant, but we thought that she, having experienced multiple pregnancies, would appreciate it nonetheless
Nina Garcia is the Fashion director at Marie Claire magazine and is also a judge on Project Runway, and she IS pregnant! Yeay Nina! I met her outside the Pea in the Pod Fashion’s Night Out event in New York, and she was absolutely lovely! So sweet, and so beautiful! She is teeny with a tiny bump! We wish Nina all the very best and hope that our bodystyler will help make the remaining months of her pregnancy a little more comfortable

Sabina gifting Heidi

A glowing Nina

21 Sep 2010

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Mercedes Benz Fashion Week

Lincoln Center, Sabina inside @ Mercedes Benz Fashion Week 2011.

17 Sep 2010

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Fashion Week Sightings

Kim Kardashian looking lovely!

Gossip Girl’s Jessica Szhor

Models outside Jill Stuart

16 Sep 2010

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Fashion’s Night Out – Bergdorf Goodman

The line to get in to Bergdorf Goodman literally wrapped around the builiding! It was madness – they did, however, have some amazing window displays to occupy the very, very long wait time:

15 Sep 2010

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Fashion Week . Part 1

Wade and I arrived in New York on Friday, September 10, and the rest is like a blur ( no, not that kind of blur A fashion blur.) We ate, slept, and breathed Fashion Week. It was go, go, go the whole time!

We started our trip by attending the Pea in the Pod event hosted by Heidi Klum (amazing to sell our BLANQI BodyStyler in the same store as her.) She just launched her fall line, and showcased it along with a “history of maternity clothes” exhibit. Lots of yummy food and drinks. Loved it!

❤ Sabina

8 Sep 2010

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2D, 3D…4D? Which ultrasound

Choices, choices! I had 2D and several 3D ultrasounds during both my pregnancies as they were high-risk. I have a whole photo album full of cuteness! Studies show that women who get these ultrasounds develop a stronger pre-birth bonding, and are more likely to take care of themselves and their unborn baby.

So what’s the difference? 2D is flat, 3D is round, and 4D moves…kind of…so, for a more scientific explanation , read this article:

ULTRASOUNDS

Here is a photo of Valerie’s 3D ultrasound – pretty amazing!!

❤ Sabina

2 Sep 2010

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Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney welcome son Axel Lee!

CONGRATULATIONS to Kaitlin Olson and Rob McElhenney on the birth of their son Axel Lee! He is no doubt the most handsome boy on the block! And with his parents’ genes, no doubt the greatest comedian-to-be!! Congratulations again – we wish you all the best!

❤ Sabina XOXO Valerie

26 Aug 2010

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To tattoo or not to?

I want one, but I can’t commit…it needs to be done like Valerie’s – all or nothing!

❤ Sabina

21 Aug 2010

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Obsessions of the week

I (Sabina ) am in looove with the following beauties!

This is probably my obsession for the rest of the year – I will not rest until they lie in my hands!

ALEXANDER WANG Devon Open Toe Bootie

buy at shopbop.com

FILIPPA K Jacket and Sweater

check for nearest retailer

MAYFOURTEENTH Sunglasses

mayfourteenth.com

❤ Sabina

28 Jul 2010

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Pregnant Angel

Doutzen Kroes is the next Victorias Secret Angel growing a perfect little baby belly!

These girls are scorned for being too skinny, setting unrealistic standards, and increasing the pressure on “regular” pregnant women to look the same. In their defense, however, it is their job to look good. They, if anyone, are under insane pressure to be “perfect.” It’s probably not fair to be angry with them

On a lighter note, I wish Doutzen an amazing pregnancy and that she enjoys every second of it!

Doutzen’s wearing the Very Sexy Push-up Wireless bra ( perfect for a little pregnancy va-va-voom )

Victorias Secret Very Sexy

❤ Sabina

17 Jul 2010

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Obsessions of the week – All Saints kids’ boots, Polarn o Pyret, and Tea Collection

I HAVE to have these for Kai. I know they’re a splurge, but I am completely in love. Pair them with some rolled up cargos and a plaid button up. Cute!

All Saints – click to buy

AND, if I was pregnant, I would pick up one of these ( maybe I will for Valerie ) Polarn o Pyret sripe tunic. Just add our BLANQI bodystyler to shape that little bump, and you are one sexy mama

Polarn o Pyret – click to buy

This beautiful dress by Tea Collection. So cute with some leggings

Tea Collection – click to buy

16 Jul 2010

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(baby) food thievery

The other day, after serving Kai and Sienna their bowls of ice-cream, I found myself hovering, wishing that they wouldn’t be able to finish it so that I could. As I snapped out of it, I thought to myself, “what is the matter with you!” I could just go scoop some of my own, but that would mean that I am actually eating dessert. I mean, drinking left-over ice-cream doesn’t really count, right? I’m not REALLY eating ice cream if I’m just cleaning up the bowl…Ok, so I am really eating ice cream, and by the time I take care of both bowls, I might as well have had my own. Those left overs and the calories REALLY DO count. Conclusion: If you’re going to slurp it, just grab the tub and a spoon and enjoy every second of it.

Photo courtesy Odelle Ramos-Cook

Am I alone in this?

❤ Sabina

11 Jul 2010

Very berry picking

So I spent the week in the North Carolina mountains – amazing weather, views, and company We went to Stoney Hollow farm, a beautiful, pick-your-own, organic farm. Plums, blueberries, blackberries, peaches, tomatoes, apples, raspberries, cherries…everything! Just wanted to share some photos for you, courtesy of Odelle Ramos:

❤ Sabina

5 Jul 2010

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On my wish list are…

These INCREDIBLE booties by the AMAZING Camilla Skovgaard. I have been chasing her shoes forever!! Latest run-in was at Opening Ceremony in L.A. where I drooled over a pair for about an hour

on shopbop.com

http://www.shopbop.com/heart-cut-out-ankle-bootie/vp/v=1/845524441872092.htm?folderID=2534374302085331&fm=browse-brand-shopbysize-viewall

Winter Kate silk cardigan, on nordstrom.com. Perfect for summer. love.

http://shop.nordstrom.com/S/3091062?Category=&Search=True&SearchType=keywordsearch&keyword=winter+kate&origin=searchresults

Butter London nail polish in La Moss. Delicious. AND, is free of phthalates, toluene, and formaldehyde….hence the name “3 free” – will blog about this later

http://www.butterlondon.ca/drupal/lacquers/choose

♥ Sabina

29 Jun 2010

1 Comment

Is it a boy blanqi bump? or a girl blanqi bump?!

It seems these days everyone finds out if they are having a girl or a boy as soon as they can, right around 20 weeks…

…except me! With my first pregnancy with my son Jude, my husband Will liked the element of surprise, so we waited. As much as I fought it, I have to admit it ended up being fun to find out right after giving birth. It really added to the excitement of the moment we had waited 38 long weeks for! So now this time we are waiting again, but I am even more anxious than ever! Since this pregnancy is a bit different than my first, I have googled every wives tale to see what I may be having this time and belly photos of mommies-to-be either having a boy or a girl! Intuition says boy, Blanqi bump says boy, cravings say girl…October 6 can’t come soon enough! My beautiful sister Natalie happens to be pregnant as well- a bit further ahead and due August 10 with her second also. She always finds out what she is having. Here is a photo of her a couple weeks ago…what does that bump say? …boy or girl? Scroll down to see…

(I pulled it off her blog www.thebusybudgetingmama.blogspot.com..sister’s can do that!

Fot those of you that find out if you are having a boy or girl before the big birth day, I suggest that you do what Natalie did and plan a…..ULTRASOUND REVEAL PARTY!! HOW CUTE IS THIS?!? Us Blanqi girl’s LOVE parties..and love ANY excuse to have one!! http://thebusybudgetingmama.blogspot.com/2010/03/ultrasound-reveal-party-boy-or-girl.html

I am not nearly as domesticated as my sister. But since the launch of Blanqi I am at UPS nearly every day making it easier to get care packages in the mail. So of course I had to send a present for the party….again taken from her blog! LOL

It has been so fun to be pregnant simultaneously with my sister while launching BLANQI!! Everyone keeps asking me does the pregnancy bodystyler do everything Sabina and I hoped it would when we designed it…and I respond with IT EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS!!! I am carrying rather low, which seems to be typical for second pregnancies. So the support and lift of my belly bump is amazing. It really replaces all the bulky belts and other bands out there that are not nearly as comfortable, fashionable or versatile as ours. Of all my emotional meltdowns, none have been over not having anything to wear! So I will just have to keep flaunting my unknown Blanqi baby bump, but my sister’s Blanqi bump………..

19 Jun 2010

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We are on CNN’s ireport ;)

Ok, this is our first home video, so don’t hold it against us! We are working on our tv presence and hope to improve with each embarrassing attempt and yes, we had a very obvious cheat-sheet!

click link below

DOC-456284

18 Jun 2010

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Gift for Georgina Chapman

Just sent a sample for Georgina Chapman – she is absolutely gorgeous, and we cannot wait to see her dress that baby bump of hers in Marchesa- she is undoubtedly the most fashionable mama-to-be!

16 Jun 2010

Father’s day – late but great gifts

So I know that father’s day is right around the corner, and had I been a good planner, I would have bought something weeks ago, but I’m not, and since my husband usually buys me gifts the day of, to be delivered 3 days later, I think its okay for me to get something for him last minute (he’s actually usually really good about it, just trying to justify my lateness ) These are just a few super great daddy-day gifts that I (Sabina) am loving:

Every guy needs a plaid shirt this summer and fall. My husband Rob loves his button-up by Life/After/Denim that he is wearing in the picture and is available to purchase on Nordstrom.com

http://shop.nordstrom.com/C/6024387/0~2376777~2374612~6024387?origin=productBrandLink

Sunglasses by Mosley Tribes. He will be the coolest shaded dad at the beach.

http://www.mosleytribes.com/shop/enforcer.html

Just in case their is any man out there who has not watched this -pretty amazing! Band of Brothers Blue-Ray DVD on HBO.com

http://store.hbo.com/detail.php?p=263400&v=hbo_shows_band-of-brothers

Last but not least…P90X…I know what you are thinking, but trust me, he has watched the infomercial and secretly wants to be Tony Horton.

http://www.beachbody.com/product/fitness_programs/p90x.do

10 Jun 2010

Jacqui

A couple of more shots of our model Jacqui Maxwell – she is wearing the black, long, sized large bodystyler, with Valerie’s husband’s jeans – add some flip flops and it is pretty much what I lived in when I was pregnant (with my husband’s jeans, of course )

♥ Sabina

XOXO Sabina and Valerie

❤ Sabina

It seems these days everyone finds out if they are having a girl or a boy as soon as they can, right around 20 weeks…

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