Baby's Here but Your Body is Not...

The long awaited day finally is here...baby has arrived and everyone's excited. "But wait!" you cry. "Where's my body? My pre-baby body?!"

Many new mothers are caught by surprise by their post-baby figure. While it's a common hope that you will leave the hospital in your favorite pair of non-pregger blue jeans, a more realistic expectation is for your "belly" to be about the same as around five months pregnant.

Now, before you completely freak out, let's re-focus. The recovery of your pre-pregnancy figure is a NORMAL part of the process. We often tell expectant mothers to think of having a child, the maternity phase, as a twelve month process (at least!) The post-baby hurdle is often largely a psychological one. And we know it's not easy.

Here are a few helpful hints:

1. Set realistic expectations for after-baby self. It took a solid nine months for your figure to accommodate baby. It's going to take, at the least, a few weeks or months to rebound.

2. Don't compare your post-baby body to or envy your neighbors, co-workers or friends. That skinny girl down the street that wore her regular jeans only two weeks after giving birth is NOT the norm. She's lucky. Just like she was before she ever became pregnant. Easier said than done, we know.

2. Don't unpack the pre-baby clothes too quickly. Just like keeping them in your closet when you knew you needed to be wearing maternity clothes, putting them back in your closet too early will only frustrate you, not inspire you.

3. Try on your all your maternity clothes again after baby has arrived. Box up or give away the ones that are far too big or make you feel frumpy. Keep the pieces that fit nicely and feel good. Better to wear what flatters and fits. No one will know they are maternity unless you tell them.

4. Go ahead and buy a few NEW pieces of maternity clothes that fit you NOW and are comfortable and flattering. A good sales associate can help you find styles that work with your changing figure (hey, at least it's getting smaller this time). Consider these the foundation of your "transitional" wardrobe, but don't be afraid to keep wearing them long after baby. Many of our customers continue to shop with us for months after baby has arrived because the clothes fit better and that makes our girls feel better. Most good maternity clothes these days are easy to wear even if you've never been pregnant! (Trust us. We take them home all the time.)

5. Stay focused on the big picture. You have just received one of the greatest blessings in life, a baby. Make this time about baby and about feeling good, not about size and labels. Eat healthy, exercise as your doctor advises, and enjoy this amazing phase of life. It will all pass so quickly and you'll be glad you didn't waste any of it.

Shop Local USA

Happy Birthday, America!

Despite our gripes and moans and the current economic struggles, we are indeed blessed to enjoy the many privileges of being Americans. We pursue life, liberty and happiness with unfettered gusto. In particular, we appreciate the joy of family and friends and an active role in our community, both as citizens and as a business.

This week, independent businesses across the United States are celebrating these roles with an "Independents' Week" campaign, aiming to raise awareness of the role of small business as a backbone of the American economy and way of life.

"As we honor national heritage and liberty, we also celebrate our nation's local independent businesses who have given so many citizens opportunity and underpinned and underwritten community life and prosperity. It's also a time to consider the independent decision-making ability each of us possesses to choose the future of the place we make our home." (American Independent Business Alliance)

Please help support the local businesses in your own community. When you patronize local businesses, approximately $68 of every $100 spent stays in the local economy, compared to only $43 spent at a national chain. (Civic Economics Study, Sept. 2008) so, think local. Shop local.

_{CRAVINGS CUE: We are proud to be a member of Shop Local Raleigh. For more information on local businesses in our area, please visit: http://www.shoplocalraleigh.org/}

Mothers of Multiples: The More, The Merrier?

Once you've gotten your mind around life with multiples, for many expectant parents, a series of questions and concerns are quick to follow. An article by journalist Terri Sapienza of The Washington Post offers some great ideas for how to cope, resources and some interesting statistics. We've pulled a few of these below, but be sure to check out the article for much more information (http://www.newsobserver.com/105/story/993497.html).

Over the past seven-plus years at Cravings, we have found a notable increase in the number of customers expecting multiples. Hence, we recognize that comes with a whole unique set of pregnancy and parenting questions. We want to help connect you as best possible to some answers. (Be sure to check out the Cravings Cue at the bottom of this article for tips on fashion for moms with multiples!)

We encourage you, our customers and readers, to make Curious Cravings a place where you can exchange ideas and meet other mothers like yourself. Feel free to use our comment button below to post ideas, local resources, and tips you've found helpful in sorting out life with multiples...or expecting multiples. (And if you're not expecting multiples, chances are you know someone who is so please forward this blog to them!)

MULTIPLE BABIES BY THE NUMBERS (From The Washington Post)
Numbers of Wipes Used Annually:
Twins: 6,670
Triplets: 10,000
Quadruplets: 13,333

Number of Diapers Changed Annually:
Twins: 4,533
Triplets: 6,800
Quadruplets: 9.067

Number of Bottles Used Annually:
Twins: 4,420
Triplets: 6,630
Quadruplets: 8.840

RESOURCES FOR PARENTS OF MULTIPLES (From The Washington Post)
National Organization of Mothers of Twins Clubs: www.nomotc.org
Twinslist: www.twinslist.org
Twinsight: www.twinsight.org
Mothers of Supertwins: www.mostonline.org
Triplet Connection: www.tripletconnection.org
Center for the Study of Multiple Birth: www.multiplebirth.com
Twin Services Counseling: www.twinservices.org
Twins Magazine: www.twinsmagazine.com
1-800-DIAPERS: www.diapers.com
Online Freebies: www.storknet.com/cubbies/freebies/twins.htm

CRAVINGS CUE: While figuring out how to "fit" your pregnant figure can be challenging with one baby, it takes on a new level of uncertainty when expecting multiples. This is when a good maternity boutique can really be your friend! Some do's and don'ts that may help you get started.

• DON'T buy regular clothes in bigger sizes -- it will only frustrate you and waste your good money. You'll still outgrow these clothes quickly and feel frumpy in the process.
• DO try going up a size or two in maternity clothes, especially tops and dresses. These clothes are more proportioned for the changes your body will undergo. With good quality maternity lines, you should not find a huge difference in the shoulders, but you will gain needed inches in the body and length.
• DON'T be afraid to ask your sales assocaite for help with which styles and designers will get you more mileage than others.
  
• DO stick to knits and "stretchy" fabrics and steer clear of wovens (like blouses and structured cuts). More fluid fabrics will be more flattering as your belly blossoms. Tunic length tops are always a great idea for ensuring your belly will stay covered as your belly extends forward.
  
• DO "buy as you go" by picking up a few pieces every two or three weeks. This will make you feel more confident in your purchases and help your sales associate adjust fit as you grow.
  
• DO invest in good quality fabrics and styles. Remember, you will likely wear your maternity clothes for quite a bit after your babies arrive and quality pieces will rebound better with you as your body recovers.

Triangle Maternity Stores Work Together as One Closes, One Stays

Maternity Stores Working Together to Ensure Customers Are Taken Care Of...

http://www.newsobserver.com/business/nc/stock/story/1575129.html

"10 Ways to Simplify Life as a Working Mom"

Summertime isn't always a word that conjures relaxation and easy living. For many mothers, it's a time of increasingly complex scheduling. We came across an article, via our beloved "Today Show", that we thought may be aptly timed for those who may struggle to balance life with a less structured format. Though targeted at working mothers, we found a lot of great tips for anyone trying to keep life itself running smoothly.

http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/30807563/

Feel free to post comments here on Curious Cravings with your own tips -- or struggles -- in achieving that oft elusive work/life/motherhood balance...and how summer affects that for YOU. We've always believe there are no better "experts" than those women on the front lines of motherhood!

CRAVINGS CUE: "SPRING INTO SUMMER" SALE!

ALL Spring Styles NOW 30% to 50% Off,
including swimsuits & Michael Stars flops!

ALL Bravado panties, bras & tanks also 30% off!

"Beyond Baby" Event THIS Saturday!

BEYOND BABY EVENT THIS SATURDAY!

You have questions.
We have answers.
(Okay, so we know the people that do.)

Drop by. Shop a little. Learn a lot.

SATURDAY, JUNE 13th
11am until 1pm

Cravings, A Maternity Boutique
North Hills Shopping Center, Raleigh
919.510.8773

Participating Consultants:

• Cord Blood Banking: Via Cord Blood Banking + Research
• 3D/4D Ultrasound: Triangle Imaging Center
• Financial Planning for Life with Baby: First Citizens Bank
• Pregnancy Skincare: Luxe Apothecary
• Pre- & Post-Natal Fitness: Healthy Moms Fitness

Register to win prizes! Light refreshments provided.

Registration requested but not required.
indulge@cravingsmaternity.com

Banking for Baby

We heard an interesting tip on the Today show this morning from financial editor Jean Chatzky.

If you are considering the option of staying at home after your baby is born, you should "bank" one salary while you are pregnant and practice living on just one salary. This is a useful endeavor even if you are not pregnant yet but considering your options.

During this time, track expenses so you know exactly where your money is going. You will know by the time you have the baby if living on one income is feasible for your family or not.

CRAVINGS CUE: We will host our second "Beyond Baby" event at Cravings on Saturday, June 13, 11am until 1pm. A financial advisor will be present to discuss options for Financial Planning: Factoring in Baby...particularly future planning such as education and savings plans. Mark your calendars now!

Finding a Friend...

It's a different world these days, every day. As technology progresses, it seems the avenues for keeping connected are constantly multiplying and expanding. (No pun intended although we DO encourage multiplication and expansion of a different sort!)

It's hard to figure out the way to be most helpful to our friends and customers. Gone (thankfully) are the days of having to print postcards, label & stamp them, and wait for our beloved post carriers to deliver them. Now, we can literally do things in the blink of an eye and we think that's a good thing...most importantly, for our customers!

We are encouraging you to forward our blog (this edition would be a good one with which to start) to friends who are expecting, may be expecting soon (or not so soon), and even new moms, as we'll have some gems for them along the way, too. There should be a small envelope icon that makes it easy to forward "Curious Cravings" to your friends & family. Whether someone is in the "baby making" phase of life or an excited expectant grandparent, we know they're keen on all the information they can get and will be grateful for the discovery.

Here are the top four places to find us these days...electronically speaking, of course -- as you can find us IN OUR SHOP six days out of seven!

• Our Facebook Group: Cravings, A Maternity Boutique - Join our group! Here you'll find up-to-the-minute updates on our latest shipments, lines, promotions & more...not to mention a place to trade ideas with other expecting & new moms.
  
• Our Blog: Curious Cravings www.cravingsmaternity.blogspot.com -- (Well, you've clearly found this one...) This will be a broader look at the maternity fashion industry, challenges of dressing your pregnant or recently delivered self, tips and links to bits we think you'll find intriguing and useful, the such. We would love you to follow us. Click on the icon on this page and our blog updates will come right to you.
  
• Our Website: www.cravingsmaternity.com -- More static than the others but here you can get a good feel for our "style", some lines we carry, and our basic 411 like phone, location, hours, etc. Plus, check out our list of links.
  
• Our eMailing List: indulge@cravingsmaternity.com -- Let us know if you'd like to be added by shooting an email to us. We generally use our email blasts for specific specials, sales & promotions...you can expect to hear from us about 2-3 times a month. We don't share your contact info and we try not to clutter your inbox. Promise.
  

FACEBOOK FRENZY FRIENDS DRIVE!
Perhaps one of our personal favorites, this is such a quick & easy -- but non-intrusive -- way to keep all of our group members current with up-to-the-minute news on the latest arrivals, new lines & products, sales, promotions and events. Facebook lets us send invitations for specific events but it allows YOU to check in, even daily if you want, to make sure you know the latest happening at Cravings. We also include information on fun things happening around the energetic North Hills area of Raleigh.

In fact, we love Facebook so much we are having a Facebook Frenzy Friends Drive. Anyone who joins our Facebook group by May 31, 2009, is entitled to a 20% DISCOUNT good for use now through June 30, 2009! Pass the word.
More info on our Facebook page (search: Cravings, A Maternity Boutique).

Part Three: Lean on Me...

Lean on Me...
Any sales associate worth her (or his) salt at a good maternity boutique could possibly be your best friend for the next nine months or so. Use those sales associates! Here are some ways they should be able to make your maternity clothing journey as painless as possible...

• Don't be too quick to say you don't need any help. Let your sales associate assist and educate you. Just like being pregnant is a new experience and you take your doctor's advice, you should learn as much as you can about from your sales associate so you can make the smartest choices/purchases.
  
• We, the boutique babes, only benefit when you feel and look good. Quality sales associates want to send you out in the most flattering fit possible. As the saying goes: when you look good, we look good. You are our best form of advertisement, so we won't steer you wrong!
  
• Your sales associate sees the clothes "on" every day and should be an expert at reading what would be a good fit for your figure. (Yes, you still have a figure and one that is unique to you -- just like before you got pregnant!) Let her see how things fit; she will be better able to make suggestions for you. Try on things she suggests. You will be surprised. Trust me.
  
• Sometimes, the sales rack is a goldmine. Sometimes, it's just a batch of things that didn't work so well. Don't assume your sales associate is only trying to "up-sell" you when she suggests you look beyond the sale rack. Many times, you'll find easier and better fits in the non-sale inventory.
  
• Take advantage of the high level of service you should get in a boutique. More often than not, the experience will be a more personal service with a better quality of information. If you are searching for a specific type of item, ask your sales associate to call you when new shipments that fit the bill arrive. And when she calls, hustle in before someone else snaps up the new styles or your size!
• Be sure to sign up for newsletters, email blasts, Facebook pages, etc. so you can keep an eye out for new lines, items, and especially, sales and promotions!
  

CRAVINGS CUE: It was a sure marker of some kind of achievement (questionable though it may be) when the first group of customers started coming in and saying: "My friend shopped with you and she said you'll tell me if my butt looks big. That's why I'm here!" If nothing else, we serve it up with humor and honesty here at Cravings...

Part Two: Freaking Out.

Part Two: Freaking Out...
Okay, take a deep breath in. Now, breathe out. And reelllaaaaxxxx. Relax. These are NOT your mother's maternity clothes. Hear that again: these are NOT your mother's maternity clothes. Very likely, they're not even your older sister's maternity clothes. No matter how many older, well-meaning friends and relatives tell you that you'll need big, baggy clothes -- do not listen!

The maternity industry has come a long, long way -- even in the past few years. Many of the lines today are designed by women from your favorite fashion houses who were frustrated with their options during their own pregnancies. The result: clothes that look like your favorite designer pieces but fit your pregnant figure more appropriately and more comfortably than stretching out your existing wardrobe. In fact, many of the lines we carry at Cravings ARE designed by your favorite non-pregger designers.

Quality maternity clothing is designed to grow with you throughout the length of your pregnancy. The clothing is based on your pre-pregnancy size. People tend to outgrow maternity pieces if they experience significant "growth" in the bust line or the rear/thigh/hip line. Some things may run short at the end of your pregnancy if you carry very far forward, but we can cross that bridge if and when we come to it.

We suggest you avoid any line which advises it is designed for only specific trimesters. This is lazy design work and a waste of your money. There are so many other good-fitting options out there that DO work throughout your pregnancy. Let's focus on those.

As with regular clothing lines, some lines run bigger or smaller than others. Shopping in a good boutique will be a real advantage here, as your sales associate can advise you in size selection. As a general rule, unless you've noticed significant increases in the bust or rear, start with your regular size and possibly one size up when you head into the fitting room. We can always go up or down from there. If you are straddling the size line, always start with the bigger size. There is often not a huge difference between one size and the next; going up one size may give you a little more "wiggle" room for shrinkage in the wash or expansion in the bod.

A few do's and don'ts as you start dressing this new "baby and me" body...

• DON'T buy regular clothing in just bigger sizes. These are not proportioned for a maternity fit and you'll only feel fat and dumpy...and outgrow these too quickly.
  
• DON'T buy maternity clothes that are too big for you; fit the body you have now. See above.
  
• DO expect to find a flattering fit and look around until you find a store with lines that can offer you that.
• DO expect value for your money. Spending a little more on a good top or pair of pants, even tee shirts, will be most cost-effective in the long run. You'll be able to wash and wear those pieces over and over without them losing shape and color. Many good pieces will hold up through multiple pregnancies -- even you think you may not.
  
• DON'T get frustrated if you don't love everything you see the first time or two out. You'll get more accustomed to your changing shape as you go and the clothes will be an easier fit as you begin to show more.
• DO try things on. Maternity clothes look very, very different on a body than on a hanger -- nine out of ten times, that's vastly better ON you than hanging. Trust us on this one; you'll be surprised.
• DO ask around for recommendations. Ask your friends and co-workers where they shopped. Where did they have good experiences? Shoot, ask the girl in the grocery store where she got her cute top. She'll be flattered and you'll have a great new resource. Look online for reputable shops in your area that offer a knowledgeable sales team and outstanding service.

Cravings Cue: Cravings offers a full range of sizing, which generally runs as follows: XS (0-2), S (4-6), M (8-10), L (12), & XL (14). Our designer jeans are sized like non-maternity designer jeans. We may be able to special order petite, long and plus sizes in a limited number of styles.

Part Three: Lean on Me...the Benefits of a Good Sales Associate

Part One: To Every Season...

Over the years, we've noticed most expectant women have no idea what to expect from a maternity boutique. And why would you? But now that you are in the market, there are some bits about how the maternity fashion industry "works" which may be extremely useful to you.

In this week's three part series, we'll break down the basics and help you feel empowered as you peruse your style options for the months ahead. (Yes, you will still have style and many, many options. Your style life is NOT over.) Even if you've been pregnant before, the maternity fashion industry is making terrific modifications year to year so. there's something here for you, too!

Part One: To Every Season...
In general, the maternity industry works just like the ready-to-wear industry. We have two primary "seasons" for clothing: Fall/Winter (July thru December) and Spring/Summer (January thru June). While new things will arrive weekly throughout the year, the majority of inventory ships during the same peak months as in your favorite "non-pregger" boutique or department store. These peak months run just ahead of the calendar seasons. You will want to plan ahead as best possible. (How will you know what will fit? More on that later this week. We can help you with this, too.)

Your peak shopping months for Spring/Summer are February thru May; for Fall/Winter, shop August thru November.

Cravings Cue: We carry many "year round" fabrics in our boutique, so even with fall clothes beginning to ship in the thick of the North Carolina summer, we will have options available for you to wear immediately. We're just saying: the BIGGEST selection is during these peak months.

Welcome Aboard!

So, you've found us...we think that's a good thing. We're finally on board with this whole blog concept. Likely, you're here because you are one of our valued customers or friends. Possibly, you're here because you stumbled across our blog in the cyber-universe or someone referred you here. Regardless, welcome aboard!

At Cravings, we've spent over seven years committed to delivering the latest in maternity style to expectant mothers in the Triangle region of North Carolina and any visitors to our area. Our focus has always been on indulging mommies-to-be with style, comfort and quality at moderate price points. Having been selected as Best Maternity Clothes from the Triangle to the Coast since we opened in 2002 (Metro Magazine annual reader poll), we like to think we're doing something right!

We thought this blog would be a natural next step in building our relationships with our customers, friends and vendors. There's no master plan. We're going to feel our way as we go. It'll be a blend of of musings, finds, new products, style tips, and more. You may find things you wish to add to the mix. Jump right in! We want this to be your spot as much as ours. And we hope it will become a place to meet and exchange ideas with other moms and moms-to-be as well.

Much like hearing you're pregnant, it's an exciting, scary and wondrous time! Thanks so much for joining us on the journey.