great baby gifts...

Take-Me-Home Gift Set - LOVE!

Aden + Anais Snap Bib Set

Stokke Xplory Stroller

Diaper Bag

Bloom Fresco Chrome High Chair

Cute gifts for an expecting mom.... Click subtitles to shop!

Xx, Lauren

beauty products...

Flawless Foundation: Giorgia Armani | Concealer: Laura Mercier | Face Cream: La Mer | Lipstick: Tom Ford | Mascara: Chaintecaille

Xx, Lauren

best stretch mark creams, lotions and potions...

A Jar of Hope, Whipped Body Butter, a homemade gift from the wonderful Hope Dworaczyk

Virgin Coconut Oil

Everyday Shea

Jojoba Oil 

Bio Oil

Click the subtitles to shop these items or learn how to obtain them via provided link <3. 

Let me start off by saying, I have thus far not gotten one stretch mark during my pregnancy and am so grateful! I am sure some people are simply blessed with good genetics when it comes to not getting stretch marks, but I really haven't wanted to take any chances, and I am confident many women share this concern. I have been working hard to prevent them! Here is my personal list, above, of the best stretch mark creams, lotions and potions to help keep your skin soft, supple and beautiful. Apply 2x daily to belly, breasts, hips, lower back, buttocks and thighs!

The first photo depicts two glass containers of  "A Jar of Hope, Whipped Body Butter", a homemade gift from the wonderful Hope Dworaczyk Smith, my absolute favorite anti stretch mark cream, hands down. You can check our her fabulous blog here. She literally whipped these pregnancy anti stretch mark body butters in her kitchen, crafted from her own unique recipe. She used her own body butters during her pregnancy with Hendrix and never got one stretch mark. The ingredients are all natural with the most hydrating, purest ingredients. So far, Hope is sending out jars to her pregnant friends, but she hopes to make this fabulous body butter available for all soon, so stay tuned!

I have so far used all of the above twice daily starting from the moment I discovered I was pregnant, excluding Bio Oil. I introduced Bio Oil only once I was half way through my second trimester and beginning to run out of my now favorite "Jar of Hope". (Once Hope's body butter is available for sale, I think we all should just buy enough to last our entire pregnancy, and then some... it's THAT good!) I have been trying to stay as all natural as possible, with slight exceptions where needed and in good judgement.

I began to up my usage, pretty much combining all these products, from 2x a day to 3x a day as I hit week 21. These products have made my skin incredibly soft and supple, and it makes me feel better physically and mentally. I also use whatever is left over on my hands for the bottom of my ankles, which for some reason are dry during my pregnancy and never have been before. I am SO glad I have had these products on hand, thanks to sweet friends' recommendations and Hope's "Jar of Hope Whipped Body Butter" pregnancy gift. I HIGHLY recommend these products! Happy stretch-mark free pregnancy!

Xx, Lauren

fringe for fall...

Jasmine Tosh, fashion blogger, as seen in the Lauren Lorraine black fringe Dolly boots from Nordstrom.

Seriously, how stunning is Jasmine Tosh in the Lauren Lorraine Dolly boots from Nordstrom? She is looking so haute! Fringe is SO in style for fall. Snag your pair, or give them as a gift this holiday season, in either black or red!

Xx, Lauren

holiday heels...

Heels: Lauren Lorraine at Nordstrom

The holidays are near! And that means fabulous fall fashion, lots of events to dress up for, galas, parties, get togethers, gatherings, eating - and lots of it! - and wanting to look your best! The great news is you don't have to look any further for your special occasion shoes because Lauren Lorraine heels from Nordstrom are not only stunning in design, but they are comfortable too! The most comfortable styles, according to our amazing customers and their feedback, are the Lauren Lorraine Candy sling, because it sits atop a hidden platform, the Paula 2, because of its great lower heel height, and the Arielle, because you can dance the night away with an adjustable ankle strap - and actually keep your heels ON! The Elissa 2 is also very stunning and a popular choice among shoe fanatics. Heck, for the prices, you can truly have them all! Happy shoe shopping! 

Xx, Lauren

fabulous pregnancy hair...

Hairdryer: Ghd | Brush: Mason Pearson | Curling Iron: Thairapy 365 | Long Hair Lengthening Treatment: Alterna | Styling Spray: Oribe | Volumizer: Sachajuan | Conditioner: Living Proof

Pregnancy plus: beautiful hair! Well, sometimes, but not always. Some pregnant women experience bouncing, gorgeous locks, while others may experience dull or flat hair that just won't cooperate. If you are on the latter end of things, or in the market for new hair products in general, check out a few of my favorite items I personally use to achieve GREAT HAIR every day! Here is a list of the products I used for my baby announcement photo shoot. When combining these useful tools, you can unlock the secrets of gorgeous salon blowout hair every day! Reduce frizz and flyaways, boost volume, and create beautiful styles that last longer - all on your own. Happy styling!

Xx, Lauren

Photo: Adam + Alli

ecstatically plus one...

This year, I’m so unbelievably grateful for my wonderful family. My husband is my entire world and I’m so blessed to have him in my life. As you can see from my growing belly, there’s a new addition coming to our family in the spring 2016 and we couldn’t be more thrilled!!!! Feeling thankful. Photo by Adam + Alli.

Xx, Lauren

easy tees...

Top: Anthropologie | Shoes: Lauren Lorraine

Hey guys! As we head into the Fall season when the weather is changing constantly, I love a great t-shirt that is easy to wear under blazers, with jeans or slacks, and which still looks good when the sun comes out and it feels too hot out to keep your jacket on. Transitional weather is perfect for layering so I wanted to suggest cute shirts, like this Zenobia tee from Anthropologie, as an easy go-to fall fashion staple. It has sheer silk lacy sleeves, which makes it not-so-basic, and it's great under a blazer or by itself. And for quick day to evening shoes, I always recommend Lauren Lorraine, notably the black Elissa 2 heels from Nordstrom because they are classic, yet updated, and create a sophisticated chic look. Happy fall shopping!

Xx Lauren