P2 Family: Another Baby Bump

Happy Monday and Good Morning! I’ve been up since 6:45am feeding and playing with baby Ilana. She’s growing up so fast; I can’t believe we are already planning the 1-year birthday party. Fortunately, I’ll be able to relive those first few baby-month-milestones very soon.

Oh, did I mention I'm pregnant, again?!!!!!! 

Showing off the 4-month belly after an event.
Showing off the 3-month belly on my babymoon.

PS The first trimester was brutal, which is why I've been MIA on this blog, on TV and just about everywhere else. So, it turns out having one after the other requires a bit more rest than I anticipated. Off to bed for 45 minutes before Ilana Rose gets up from her morning nap. :-) 

Pregnancy Tales: MILF in Training vs Pregnant Slob, Make a Choice

I’m a MILF in Training and proud of it – confident, coiffed, styled and sexy all the way through my belly bump. Pardon my rant, but here goes. I’m sick of seeing so many pregnant (and while I’m already going there, non-pregnant) women looking like a hot mess. Would it kill you to tame your mane, wear something other than sweatpants while running errands, showcase your best asset (trust me, you have one, if not more!!), and for G-d’s sake put on a little rouge? Surely, you can, and you must, find time to get yourself together in the morning!   

I know what you’re thinking, “this bitch is crazy, she has no idea what my life is like, and she has no idea how hard it is to juggle kids/work/family responsibilities/guilt…” Maybe you’re even thinking, “Why bother? My husband isn’t attracted to my pregnant body anyway. What’s the point?” Or “Well, if I had a celebrity budget that allotted for a personal trainer, a nanny and other perks, maybe I could find time to look amazing like Jessica Alba or Gisele Bundchen, but I live in the real world.”

Allow me to confess, I didn’t grow up with a lot of money. However, I grew up with a mom who always – ALWAYS – looked put-together and taught her daughters the importance of looking good and living a beautiful life on any budget. She was a 360degree role model for how a woman should present herself because she knew it was her job to look good - for herself, for my father and for her children. Finances are not an excuse. If you can’t afford a personal trainer or even a DVD, there are plenty of tips online of what you can do at home with commonly-found items like a chair or nothing at all. As for clothing, ladies, I live in T.J. Maxx and Marshalls, occasionally visit H&M and ZARA, and indulge (when it’s a worthy investment) at Bloomingdale's and Saks. There are NO EXCUSES for looking like a slob and not caring. It all comes down to will power and your desire to NEVER SURRENDER your sexuality, sanity and self-esteem.  

The point and the reason for my rant, this blog and every segment I do on TV is that it, your appearance, DOES matter. Personal grooming and style are tools you and I should use on a daily basis to look amazing in order to feel amazing about ourselves. And, when we are pregnant and dealing with crazy pimples, peeing while sneezing (what the F!*K), sciatic nerve-induced limping and sleep deprivation, we can use every ounce of amazing goodness we can grab onto! Moreover, when we feel amazing we are naturally going to be better wives, better role models for our children, and more productive/happier workers. You know damn well that when you have your shit together, you have a whole different outlook on life and the challenges of the day ahead.

I truly care about you which is why I want you to WAKE UP, get angry with me and then realize your midnight craving for cheesecake or lack of desire to combat stretch marks, isn’t doing you any good.

As I sit here typing at 2:30am because my baby girl is kicking so hard I can’t sleep, I see two choices before us pregnant gals:  MILF in Training or Pregnant Slob. It’s harsh, but that’s the reality of the situation and there is no middle ground.

As always, I welcome your comments.  Something tells me you’ll have a lot to say.

Pregnancy Tales: Hitting the Gym - Never Surrender

 

Hitting the gym. Leading by example. No excuses. Most definitely aiming to be in the MILF in Training club. Must be beach ready for St. Lucia, come January. Celebrities aren't the only ones who can look fabulous with a baby bump. See my inspiration, below.

Victoria Beckham

Kourtney Kardashian

 Gisele Bundchen

 Gisele Bundchen

Pregnancy Tales: Shopping for Herve Leger, Be the Sex Bomb with a Belly

What can I say? I'm addicted to Herve Leger, as you may know from the amount of times I've worn various skirts and dresses in the last month, alone. (psss Follow me on Instagram for daily style pics.) 

With month five right around the corner, size xxs isn't going to cut it - its going to cut my circulation! So, I popped into BCBG on 40th and 5th Avenue, which has their Herve Leger brand upstairs. Fortunately, there was a 40% off sale going on. I never pay full price; even with wacky pregnancy hormones and the desire to stay sexy, I'm not about to pay retail. Eek - retail.
 
Watch the video and remember, pregnant or not, you need to always be your best you. Right now, that means MILF in Training ;). What, yes, I went there! Can someone get me a "MILF in Training" t-shirt?  



If you believe, as I do, that maintaining your sexuality during pregnancy is essential because the alternative is a loss of intimacy, sanity and self-esteem, leave me a comment and tell me how you did it/are doing it. 

 

Pam Tube: Pregnancy Tales in Video ... Here We Go

I'm about to do something scary and beyond my comfort zone. You've seem me on TV, perhaps you follow me on Twitter or have seen me quoted in your favorite magazine. I love being in/working in the media, but here goes something new and epic ... sharing unedited videos about the trials of being a full time entrepreneur and a full time lab experiment (aka mom to be). The first two videos were taken last week, which was jam packed with TV shoots, new segment bookings, sample pulls, meetings, and 2013 planning.

I welcome your comments, as always.  

Pregnancy Tales: Baby Steps, Salvaging a Shitty Day

Waking up at 10am, when you think it's 7am already screams it's going to be one of those hard-to-smile-through-it days. Yesterday's 4:30am to 7pm work day is biting me in the ass. Or maybe it's just that dam sciatic nerve that is gnawing at my right side, mainly around my ass-et. I have no desire to see anyone or do anything. I should probably call my assistant and tell her to work remotely. And, is now a good time to share that my pimple situation isn't getting any better?!? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I'm exhausted, hormonal and not fully prepared for my Skype conference call.  

That was my morning dialogue. A good cry soon followed.

To quote a song, "Mama said there will be day's like this." But, my mama also taught me to rise above it. Wallowing is easy. Surrendering is easy. I chose a different path.

On my way out the bathroom, I spotted the Daniel Green bootie slippers from yesterday's Cyber Monday segment, which proved to be a stylish alternative to socks (heels in the office was physically/painfully impossible -- Side Bar: they were still worn for all appointments!!). The booties led to a ski bunny-inspired ensemble complete with a faux fur vest.  

 

Was I beginning to see a smile form on my face?

Pimples were properly moisturised, treated and then left alone while I indulged in a yummy croissant with lox and cream cheese. Then, the pimples were quickly covered up. I went as far as to put on my "TV face". Like I said, I knew it was going to be one of those days. I needed to take all the necessary baby steps to buffer my mood.

Lastly, some bling. A sparkly bracelet from Ann Taylor and a silver python cuff from Ted Rossi completed my look and helped me climb one more step up the ladder of confidence and happiness.

I'm not going to say that at present time (6:30pm) I feel honky dory. But, rest assured, if these baby steps of pampering were not taken, I'd be worse off and likely wallowing in bed waiting for my husband to come home. Boy would that be an attractive gift at the end of his long day! Because he loves me, my misery would become his misery. Nothing says "lets fornicate" like a sappy wife. Instead, well, I have OTHER plans tonight ;).

If you are having a difficult day, be it due to pregnancy, self doubt, parental issues, whatever, think about the baby steps you can take to improve your outlook. Leave me a comment. I welcome your thoughts and hope that my story helps you strive to achieve your best you.  

Pregnancy Tales: My Face Looks Likes Mars, aka Pimple Drama

I woke up this morning, sashayed into the bathroom to brush my teeth, and found more pregger presents - more red bumps, white spots, PIMPLES. My face is officially turning into Mars thanks to hormones caused by the little bun cooking in my oven. It's devastating, unattractive and a confidence kills. Oh, wait, am I supposed to feel grateful at every step of this pregnancy? Am I supposed to go with the flow? I WILL NOT SURRENDER. 

I don’t care if you are pregnant, post-menopausal or PMSing; you always need to look your best and take care of yourself. It’s not easy, but it’s your job. If you want to avoid losing your sense of self, sexuality and appeal to men (oh ya, babies can be marriage or at least romance killers) then I suggest you follow my mantra: Always Be Your Best You. 

Back to the pimples. I've reached out to three amazing beauty/skin experts to share their tips on how to fight the barrage of pimples popping up on my face. First, some thoughts from my friend Amber Katz of BeautyBloggingJunkie.com. 

PP What causes pimples?  

AK Anything from hormones to dry-out from a plane ride to the clogging of pores from sleeping in your makeup can lead to breakouts. When you're pregnant, it's the hormones! 

PP What is the best method to deal with pimples?   

AK  For mild to moderate acne, Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Peel Pads work well. Use them every other morning to exfoliate. I also love Mario Badescu Drying Potion.  

PP What's a pimple myth you'd love to pop?  

AK One myth is that you shouldn't moisturize and that oils will further aggravate the acne. This is entirely untrue. The less you moisturize your face, the more it overproduces oil to compensate. Natural oils like Rodin Olio Lusso and La Face Hydrating are a great bet as they contain no mineral oil, which can clog pores.  

PP What is the best makeup to use to cover up pimples?  

AK My favorites are Cle de Peau Concealer for its dry consistency, which lasts longer and Hard Candy Glamoflauge Concealer Pencil. The name's clever and it works perfectly to dab on top of eruptions that can feel like a second head is growing out of your skin.

Check back next week for insight from a dermatologist and beauty-industry veteran. 

Pregnancy Tales: Stylishly Working It While Nauseated

It's spring 2013 market week and my first time doing these back-to-back, cross-town appointments while pregnant. So, you can imagine how elated I was when Autumn Hawk, a designer I met this morning, complimented me by says, “You’re the best dressed editor I've seen all week!”

Little did she know, I felt like sh*t. Between hormones, extra time devoted to covering up pimples caused by those hormones, finding the prefect non-maternity maternity outfit, and the nausea of taking a bus or taxi just to get to an appointment, looking sharp is a challenge.

But, there are no excuses, not even a lemon-sized fetus inside your belly. I felt confident and beautiful all day because I chose to fight through the struggles of managing my work day while pregnant.

My mission is to make you see that when you look good you’ll begin to feel confident and happy in your life.

If you’re pregnant or going through your own personal or professional setbacks, take the time to dress up, get your nails done and spritz on the hairspray. I welcome your comments and can’t wait to chat.

PS Speaking of non-maternity, maternity wear, Autumn Hawk New York has some amazing pieces that are sexy, stretchy and comfy. Time to work out my credit card.