Canada's Yummiest Mummy

Hey Ladies,

I just got an email about this awesome contest:

THE SEARCH FOR CANADA'S YUMMIEST MUMMY IS ON! You could be crowned the yummiest mummy and win our grand prize of 25,000 Airmiles – that’s a Trip of a Lifetime plus a ton of online shopping at airmiles.caTo win, you have to create videos starring you. Once you upload your video, get everyone to vote for you. This is a popularity contest. So make your videos funny, naughty, entertaining - whatever it takes to get those votes!We're NOT looking for the next Steven Spielberg or Martha Stewart. Just a simple video shot on a digital camera or cell phone filled with personality and yumminess!Plus, when someone votes for you, they’re automatically entered to win great prizes as well.So register now at http://www.yummiestmummy.com

Make sure you check it out!

Super Cool Idea

I have seen a lot of maternity belly casts but I haven't seen any that are this spectacular. To check more great ideas for painting your belly cast visit this link: http://www.proudbody.com/bellycastgallery.htm

Maternity Shopping Tips

Here are some tips to make shopping for maternity clothes enjoyable and effortless:

1. Make sure you buy a pair of good maternity jeans. You are going to be wearing these pants so often that you need to buy a new pair that looks good on you.

2. Take the time to look for clothes that are comfortable and stylish. Don't believe for a minute that you have to sacrifice one for the other. Maternity clothes have come a long way in the last few years.

3. Don't buy maternity clothes until your current wardrobe becomes too tight. If you buy to early you may find that your maternity clothes don't fit correctly later on.

4. Make sure that your shirts have growing room for your belly and boobs!

5. Buy yourself a few good basics, jeans, black trousers, a button down shirt, etc., and then fill in your wardrobe with hand me downs from girlfriends. Don't settle for a maternity wardrobe full of second hand finds, invest in some good pieces for your self especially if this is your first pregnancy.

Introducing Zara!

I know that some of you have probably been wondering what happened to me over the last few weeks....well, I had a baby girl! Due to a drawn out and slightly trying labour I was out of comission for almost 3 weeks, but I am back and will be posting fashion advice once again! In the meantime enjoy the pic of my little peanut.

Slenderizing Tips.....

So I am fast approaching my due date...5weeks to go! I don't know about the rest of you moms to be, but I've been feeling a little frumpy lately. I started thinking about all of the tricks I use to look slimmer and I thought you might want to hear about them too, so hear we go:

• Flip Up Your Shirt Collar! Popping up your shirt collar lengthens your neck and casts a flattering shadow along your jawline.

• Put a crease in your pants! A clean, sharp crease straight down the front of each leg of your pants is an instant body sculptor.

• Wear a V-neck! The "V" draws attention to your cleavage (which lets face it has never looked better!) It also draws the eye to the centre of your torso, and away from the width of your body.

• Choose nude hose and shoes! When you wear a skirt, try flesh toned shoes and hosiery. They blend in with your skin colour to extend your leg line - making your gams look slimmer!

If you have any of your own slenderizing tips please share!

Nursing Covers

We are excited to announce the launch of a brand new product, Nursing Covers! Right now we have just rolled out our first colour, but you can expect so see several new colours in the next few weeks. Some of the features:

· Our nursing wrap provides modest and complete front to back coverage

· It is compact enough to slip into a diaper bag or purse.

· There are no awkward straps or buckles. Just slip on over either shoulder and nurse confidently.

· Lightweight and breathable. 100% cotton fabric allows infant to nurse comfortably without overheating, yet is opaque enough to ensure complete privacy.

· Our flexible neckline allows easy viewing or baby

· Our product has been pre-laundered, so no worries about shrinkage. Fabric is also washer and dryer safe.

Regular sale price for nursing covers is $29, however, until August 15th you can purchase a pink cover for only $18 as part of our launch sale! If you are interested in ordering, send us an email at concept9maternity@telus.net or give us a call at 604-859-1417.

Pet Peeves

Recently Today'sparent.com polled visitors to their website and asked what bugs them most about maternity wear. Hear are the top complaints:

Peekaboo

Maternity tops are too short to cover the panels in maternity pants

*Concept 9 Maternity bottoms are only made with demi panels so you can barely even notice them

Pockets

Why don't maternity pants have any? Is it really ture that when I am pregnant I no longer need to carry anything

*Okay, so in the past I have been oblivious to this idea and only made jeans with pockets. Moving forward I will be including pockets in my dressier bottoms as well.

Pants

They never stay on during the first 2 trimesters!

*2 words: Belly Bands!

Plus Sizes

There are just no mat clothes out there. Bigger women get pregnant too!

*Concept 9 Maternity is available in sizes 2-18!

Trend Alert: Silver Pumps

I am always on the lookout for trends that anyone can follow, and this one is definitely my favorite trend of the year. Silver pumps are the way to go this summer. There are so many options and they look good with everything. After doing some searching online I have decided to do with a classic style myself. The ones seen here are by Stuart Weitzman and and usually retail for about $249.00. However, online you can get them for around $130.00 and many websites are also offering free shipping.

If you don't think closed toe pumps are for you, there are many varieties of open-toe pumps, strappy heels, and even wedge heels available in silver right now. If you feel like hitting the mall, check out your local Aldo, they have some good options. Happy shopping!

Swimsuit Season

Just last week I was faced with a huge dilema. Where to find a bathing suit that not only flatters my larger than life posterier but also fits over my ever-growing baby bump. I know that many of you moms to be are in the same boat as me, so I decided to do some investigating.

Normally if I needed some maternity wear I would just check out the clothes I have in stock, however, we don't make swimwear. So, I was forced to go into the mall and check out the available stock of swimwear for Yummy Mummies to be. After much deliberation I decided that I didn't like anything. But don't despair, I have found the best tankini's for pregnancy, believe it or not, they come from Old Navy maternity. The style I like best is only available over the border or online but it is totally worth the wait. Not only is it comfortable and cute, it is also cheap! The best part is you can mix and match the tops and bottoms from this collection. Check it out, and let me know what you think!

Denim Maternity Skirt

Also on sale until July 1st is our straight cut denim skirt. Right now it is only $23 taxes included. A great staple piece for your summer pregnancy - I know I'm going to be wearing mine a lot this summer! Again, shipping is only $6 anywhere in Canada and the US.

This skirt is available in sizes 2-18, please send us an email to get a detailed sizing chart: concept9maternity@telus.net

Maternity Jeans On Sale!

From now until July 1st, you can get these amazing 5 pocket stretch maternity jeans for only $34 (tax included!) Trust me, these are the most comfortable maternity jeans out there. I have been living in mine for the past 3 weeks. And the best part, shipping anywhere in Canada or the US is only $6. You can beat this price anywhere.

Check Out Our New Logo!

Let us know what you think: concept9maternity@telus.net

Double Duty Diaper Bag

I saw this pic of Dancing With The Stars judge, Cari Ann Inaba, and I could not take my eyes off her diaper bag!

This is definitely the most stylish diaper bag I have seen recently, and I leaning towards selecting it as my "new baby" accessory this fall.

The Beca Bags Cargo It Bag is not only stylish and hip, it is also antibacterial! And it is full of compartments to help you stay organized. If you are interested in the bag check out: http://www.rosenberryrooms.com/209-beca-bags.html

Pink Belly Band to Support Mary Kay Ash Foundation

From April 23rd-May 31st we will be donating $1 from the sale of every pink Belly Band to the Mary Kay Ash Cancer Foundation. This amazing organization is committed to eliminating cancers affecting women by supporting top medical scientists who are searching for a cure for breast, uterine, cervical and ovarian cancers.

You can learn more about the work of the Mary Kay Ash Foundation by visiting: http://www.mkacf.org/WomenAndCancer.aspx. And you can support this vital cause by purchasing a pink Belly Band for only $14 CDN. Purchase your band today and help us reach our goal of selling 500 bands by May 31st.

Contact us at c9_maternity@hotmail.com to make your contribution.

Belly Bands

Concept 9's Belly Band is a must have fashion accessory whether you are pregnant or not. Since a lot of people ask me about the uses of the band I thought I would give it to you in point form:

If you are pregnant:

• Extend the life of your non-maternity pants by wearing them unbuttoned or unzipped under your Belly Band


• Use your Belly Band to hold up maternity pants that don't quite fit


• Layer the Belly Band under stretchy non-maternity tees to avoid buying maternity shirts


• Wear it over your chest like a tube top to cover exposed necklines


• Plus, you can wear your Belly Band to hide exposed skin when you are nursing after your delivery

If you are not pregnant:

• Use the Belly Band to avoid exposing yourself when wearing low-rise pants, (no "plumbers crack" ladies!)


• Create a fashionable layered look under your t-shirts


• Wear it over your chest like a tube top to cover exposed necklines rather than adding another layer with a camisole

Colours:

Our Belly Bands are available in: black, white, light blue, pink, lilac, and navy. Please email us at c9_maternity@hotmail.com if you would like to receive a picture or swatches.

Sizing:

Concept 9 Belly Bands are available in 3 Sizes: extra small (size 0-4), small/medium (6-12), large/xl (size 14-20).

Ordering:

If you are interested in ordering a Belly Band, please send us an email at c9_maternity@hotmail.com, and we will forward you an invoice which can be payed via paypal or cheque.