A friend loaned me these J Brand Mama J Skinny Jeans, which have worked out just fine, but I don’t love them. The elastic on the sides ended up stretching out for me—they were great when I first put them on, but I found myself having to tug them up often.

I tried on the Loved By Heidi Klum Under Belly Jeans at A Pea in The Pod, and I was pleasantly surprised. They have a great dark wash and fit really nice. My only concern was if they would stay up as my belly grew. I think what’s nice about having a panel on maternity jeans is that they hold up around the waist a little better. You can’t beat the price though at $39.98.

Do you have a favorite maternity jean? If so, please share!

1. Grateful for Bed digital book 2. Rock Star Stroller 3. Aerosmith CD 4. Guitar Chalkboard Decal by RoomMates 5. T-Shirt by Kaos 6. De Rosa Drum Set 7. Speaker Beanbag Chair by Woofall

Find it on sale today for 24-hours only!

Right before I got pregnant, I started doing The Bar Method. Thankfully, The Bar Method offers prenatal classes, and the regular classes can also be modified. According to their website, The Bar Method “integrates the fat-burning format of interval training, the muscle-shaping technique of isometrics, the elongating principles of dance conditioning and the science of physical therapy to create a revolutionary new workout that quickly and safely reshapes your entire body.”

Even on days when I am tired, I have been pushing myself to go. In the end, I am so glad I did. I definitely feel better and am more energized. It has helped me to stay strong and fit, and my weight gain so far has been less than my first pregnancy. I also love all of the stretching we do; I think it has helped to ease the aches and pains of pregnancy.

Whatever you decide to do to stay active, you will definitely need some comfortable items of clothing to get you through the next nine months. I have a few favorites that can carry you through your entire pregnancy.

First are the Active Compression Pants by Old Navy. They have a wide waistband that will comfortably support and accommodate your belly ($34.94).

Like Johanna, I can’t say enough great things about Lululemon’s tank tops. Sure, they are a little bit pricey, but they are worth every dime. I have tops I wore during my first pregnancy, after, and now during my second pregnancy. They are long enough to cover your belly, they wash up extremely well and retain their shape. The new Hot ‘n Sweaty Tank is one of my favorites ($52).

One true maternity item you will need to invest in is an active wear jacket. After a few months, a normal jacket just won’t zip! I like the Full-Zip Active Jacket by Gap. It’s well priced and has good style and seam detail to keep it flattering ($59.95).

What exercise regimes have you used during pregnancy? Do you have any favorite workout clothes?

We love their cute clothing sets—wouldn’t that sock caterpillar make an adorable shower gift?

They have a wide variety of accessories to add that perfect finishing touch to your child’s room. Who knew a wastepaper basket could be so sweet?

Pink Polka Dot Wastebasket by New Arrivals

Not only can you find a number of gliders and chairs at Royal Bambino, they also have many customizable chair options, allowing you to pick from over a hundred different fabric choices.

Nara Glider by Babyletto

There’s plenty of baby gear to choose from, including strollers, high chairs and baby bouncers.

Sdraietta Melodia Baby Bouncer by Peg Perego

Not to mention darling blankets and bedding. Who wouldn’t want to snuggle a baby in this cozy blanket?

WIN IT! One lucky Project Nursery reader will win a $75 gift certificate to Royal Bambino.

HOW TO ENTER: To enter, visit Royal Bambino, and let us know which product you’d love to take home with a comment below. Contest ends Friday, January 13, 2012 at 11:59pm PST.

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That was until I discovered Hatch Collection. My inner fashionista was giddy with excitement as I browsed through each of their perfectly styled looks. A classic trench, a chic wrap and something as simple as a striped tee all looked so effortlessly chic. You can’t help but want to transform your entire closet with their clothing.

Hatch was conceived after new mom Ariane Goldman found that many style-savvy moms were looking for something that could go the distance in their wardrobe. Women want timeless pieces that can go from the nine months of pregnancy and beyond. So, voila! Hatch was born, and now we have this finely edited collection of stylish wardrobe essentials that women can wear before, during and after pregnancy. Genius, don’t you think?

I am dying for this wrap, which also comes in red or navy. I would live in this piece, and it would make the perfect travel item ($278).

I think it’s hard to make an oversized, crisp white shirt look good, but they hit the nail on the head with this one. They kept it modern with the covered placket and blouson sleeve. It would also look just as good belted—perfect for when you get your waistline back after the baby! It comes in twill or silk ($248).

I am right in the thick of trying to dress my growing belly, as I have just hit my 17th week of pregnancy. Going through this a second time, I have learned so much about what I like, what is worth investing in and where you can save some money. I am excited to share with you some of my favorite go-to items that will take you from your early months to the end of your pregnancy and beyond.

All I have to say is thank goodness for leggings. They are honestly a pregnant woman’s best friend! No matter what time of year you are pregnant, this is a great piece to incorporate into your wardrobe. The best part is, you don’t even need to buy maternity leggings. Right now, Hue makes a fantastic wide waistband style legging that is comfortable and fits perfectly right under your belly.

I have found cardigans to be a staple in my closet this pregnancy. I have been buying longer styles, which I wear with my leggings layered with tanks and accessorized with a scarf. I also love that you don’t have to buy an expensive version to look cute. I found some great styles at places like Target or H&M. This military v-neck cardigan is by Old Navy.

You will not regret purchasing a handful of longer tank tops to layer under your cardigans or long-sleeve tees. I fell in love with the Michael Stars Supima Long Tank my first pregnancy, and I am wearing them again this time. I like that they are not super thin, and that they retain their shape. They are also  long enough to get you through the majority of your pregnancy.

Unfortunately, it’s not just your belly that is growing over the next 9 months. You may find that your feet grow too. Speaking from experience, I pretty much ruined my feet my first pregnancy. I would recommend investing in a really comfortable and supportive flat shoe. You won’t regret it, and your feet will thank you in the end. I purchased a patent leather flat by Cole Haan with Nike air technology that feels like I am walking on pillows. They are divine!

I am excited to share more great maternity finds with you over the next few months. As you know, each trimester brings about new fashion challenges.

Enjoy amazing finds with direct links for purchase from a very talented group of party stylists, bakers, designers and bloggers featured in the 2011 TomKat Studio Holiday Gift Guide!

Almost everyone knows about TOMS, but in case you don’t—with every pair you purchase, TOMS will give a new pair of shoes to a child in need. One for One. They have shoes for everyone in the family, from your newborn to dad!

ever/after will donate 25% of the net profit from every garment that you buy to the cause of your choice. They have partnered with charities that share their vision of creating powerful and sustaining change in the lives of children in need. My son is obsessed with the pants in their collection. They are so comfortable (and the cut is fabulous); he rarely wants to wear anything else.

The UNICEF website has an assortment of gifts, including puzzles and books, which donate to the UNICEF and help children around the world. My personal favorite is the I Never Forget a Face Matching Game. It helps teach children that people look beautiful and different around the world. It is also an Oppenheimer Best Toy Award Winner.

If helping children has a special place in your heart, then another great gift resource and foundation is FEED. Each Feed Our Small World Bag purchased helps generate funding to UNICEF to help supply children with a year’s worth of Vitamin A supplements, which are essential for a growing child, and sadly, there are so many children around the world who don’t receive enough of this simple vitamin. The Feed Our Small World Bag is a hip and functional bag great for carrying lunch or items back and forth from school and friends’ houses. The children on the strap represent children of different cultures from around the world.

Now for mom, my favorite bag (perfect for a plane ride with kids for carrying all those toys, snacks and supplies) is the weekender bag. The company Rising Tide Fair Trade not only promotes fair trade for artisans in developing countries to earn fair wages, but a portion of their profits is also donated to charity.

For more ideas, visit the blog Milkshake, which focuses on featuring companies, causes, people, places and products that give back and make a difference.

Are you dreaming of a blissful holiday season with the house looking cheerful, all the shopping completed early and the entire family picture ready? Then you will need some smashing duds for the kiddos. Two words, Busy Bees. This chic line of children’s clothes has a classic feel with a dash of preppy. The 2011 Holiday Collection features beautiful pieces, including the essential holiday plaid and velvet. Just imagine how darling the kids will look in those family photo sessions.

Busy Bees was created by two moms who loved classic children’s clothing but wanted to give it a modern update for a comfortable and lasting fit. They’ve been generating buzz with features in GOOP, Daily Candy and Lucky Magazine, just to name a few. The super soft polos can be worn again and again and still look great. With its clean lines and sophisticated basics, Busy Bees will be the clothes your kids will love to wear and you will love to see them in. Our favorites for the holidays include the preppy ski sweater, velvet dresses and vintage-inspired pajamas.

PN Discount: Order Busy Bees now and receive a 10% discount on all orders. Enter promo code PN10 at checkout.

WIN IT! Busy Bees is giving away a $150 Gift Certificate to one lucky Project Nursery reader! The winner can shop their current or Holiday 2011 Collection

To enter, visit Busy Bees, and tell us which clothing item you would love to have this holiday season! Contest ends Friday, November 11, 2011 at 11:59pm PST.

EXTRA ENTRIES
1. “Like” Project Nursery and Busy Bees on Facebook, give a shout out on our walls and tell us you did with a comment below.

2. Follow Project Nursery and Busy Bees on Twitter, tweet about it and tell us you did with a comment below.

3. Subscribe to our Weekly Newsletter or let us know you are already a subscriber with a comment below.

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