STEPPING UP and VENTURING OUT 39 WEEKS PREGANT!

At 39 weeks pregnant and counting, I debated if I had the energy to venture out today, but some things are worth the sacrifice. Step Up Womens Network is one of them (read more about the event and see other pictures here!). I went back to my trusted, comfy tank dress (that comes in tons of colors- I'm wearing an XS-- I wore the purple version - and a few other styles HERE). Plus, I add in extra support and confidence with maternity spanx.  I wore these heels only on the red carpet (pictured below) and then quickly slipped into my fold up, go to flats that fit in my purse and save my feet, completely worth the money. 

Charming Charlie was one of the main sponsors of the charitable event... Ali and I sported a few of their pieces. Ali's wearing one of their maxi dresses (under $35) and several pieces of jewelry-- and I love her purse/clutch. It's only $25! I think I'll be ordering that one. I was excited to wear these fun (incredibly affordable) earrings!

 Ali (32 weeks pregnant here) and I took a few pregnant pictures together in the press line.

I just started timing my contractions on the way home with my girlfriends...(more on that here). My husband is texting me demanding I get my hospital bag together! I can't believe we're in the last days.... better go get it together. 

 

Weddings and Showers and Summer Parties

It seems we've entered the birthday/wedding/shower season and there's no end in site.  Last weekend was packed with events.  Although I can't go to everything for obvious reasons, I am trying to not to be a hermit! And it's nice to be comfortable (I wore flats during the day!), but still in something bright and cheery.  I want to write more (and I know some of you think I'm not looking very big, so I'm gonna post side pictures later!), but heading out to another doctor's appointment. Final stages--- it seems I'm always in that office now!

The LIST Part Two

The list of my pregnancy staples is growing, so I'm breaking it down into parts. Read Part One HERE -- and scroll down for more!

5) Crisp White Shirt

Don't we find this on EVERY list of staples? I swear, InStyle magazine has this as a must have for every season, every year. 

Well, there's a reason it ends up on so many essentials list. The white shirt (I'm wearing in the picture for this post) by IsabellaOliver keeps an outfit modern, fresh. It's incredibly versatile. Works over leggings, jeans, skirts.  Wear it with leggings and converse or with jeans (see Part One) and booties. You will look put-together. And let me tell you, being this pregnant, it's hard for me to feel put together.  

 6) Leggings

I've live in leggings in general... yoga pant type leggings. I didn't subscribe to needing a pair of maternity until recently, though. Once I hit the 3rd trimester, my girlfriends kept telling me how much I'd love real pair of maternity leggings. Ali Fedotowsky loves hers and preached how much I needed a pair. I must say, once I put them on, I was sold.  Leggings are a must have. 

7) Face Wipes

The further along I get into pregnancy, the more I'm less likely to be diligent about my skincare. At the very least, I've promised myself to remove all my makeup, pollution, sunscreen etc. So, I keep facial wipes with me in my car and by my bed. Most of the time, I enjoy the full nighttime routine of taking off the day and preparing my skin to relax. But, just in case I'm about to fall asleep (happening more and more), I can at least do something.  I have a feeling these will be on my "new mom" list of survivals, too.  I also have stocked up on THESE and the ones below.

The LIST - Part One

I wish someone had just made me get the items on this list from the get-go. But, here I am well into the 9th month and still figuring out the necessities.  I've been asked several times about my "essentials" of pregnancy, so I thought I'd begin a list: a compilation of things I know I will have at the start line for the next baby, Lord willing. These are products/wardrobe pieces I found through trial and error, suggested through friends or purchased myself. Please understand these are opinions I'm revealing based on my own finds.  Always consult your doctor with anything that could affect your pregnancy or personal health. 

1) Sunscreen and Skincare.

I've been using IS Clinical Sunscreen. It's paraben free.  I try to slather it on as much as possible to prevent hyper pigmentation and sensitivity to the sun during pregnancy (and in general).  The brand's Active Serum has been a must have pre- pregnancy for me. I've been using it again to keep breakouts at bay, as my doctor feels it's safe for where I am in my pregnancy. Please consult your OB to figure out what's best and within your comfort zone. I'm also a fan of multi-tackers. Coola Suncare Makeup Setting Spray and SPF 30 is great to keep on hand. Just remember, whatever brand you choose- wear your sunscreen!

2) Stretch Mark Oil

I've used a few different ones throughout the pregnancy.  One thing I didn't understand: I should have started using something the day I found out I was pregnant.  No need to wait till the belly, thighs and buns start to grow. 

These are my favorites.  The Mama Mio is a cult classic. People rave about it the results of it. The cream does peel slightly, so I recommend the oil. My favorite smell was the Mama Bear Lavender Oil.  It dries quickly and without residue. I end up rubbing it all over sometimes- from neck to toes! And I like the Basq Resilient Oil. I like that it's a spray and easy to apply and absorbs nicely. So far, I haven't developed any stretch marks, but I am watching my backside and thighs closely.  I feel like these last few weeks I need to be on top of things, not slacking.  I'm getting so tired at night, it's easy to want to skip steps. ps- I added one very affordable option with Palmers Cocoa Butter. I haven't used this during my pregnancy, but I have heard it works well.  Not everything needs to be such an investment.

3) Maternity Undergarments- ON SALE RIGHT NOW! 

I wear them for work to smooth out the bump (because I was/am playing a character that isn't pregnant), but I also wear them to add a little confidence to my outfit...er..enough confidence to wear fun knit and jersey fabric body- hugging dresses like these. Even if we don't really need them to "look" better, I like the feel of the support for my belly and back.

 

4) Favorite Jeans

I didn't want to own a pair of maternity jeans. I may have never bought them if I hadn't needed them for work and auditions. But, I must say, there are times you just want to wear cute jeans that look like jeans- not like what our moms wore when they were pregnant with us! Some of the items on this list are investment pieces  to last throughout the pregnancy (or multiple!) and even postpartum.  

outfit details below... 

Stay tuned for Part Two of The List. And any words of wisdom, tidbits, funny thoughts, etc.- leave a note!

xo

Finding what works for you...

Maternity wear is tricky... finding what works for your body and comfort level is crucial. Once I find a style that works, I  stick with it. And I'll wear it over and over. The dresses that are ruched tend to work well with my growing belly (here is one I own - pictured with Ali Fedotowsky at her shower if you scroll down below---you'll wear over and over...plus I love all the color choices! And, I add maternity spanx.  It's fun looking back wearing the same dress, watching the belly grow as the weeks go by. Also, textured dresses that camouflage a few areas have been great, like the one I wore (again, scroll down below) to the Milk and Bookies event recently.  What I've noticed is that these don't just work for me, but my other pregnant girlfriends are loving them, too. Take the picture directly below, for instance.  Lacey (how darling and gorgeous is she here!!) and I are wearing the same ruched Ellis tank dress... she is doing the whole black and white theme! I've been drawn to more color recently (Ali and I both own this dress in blue, as well), but loved the black on Lacey so much, I went and got that one, too. I must say, the fabric on the these thicker dresses is phenomenal. You may pay a bit more, but it's worth it. I like the "supported" feeling the fabric gives the bump.  ps- Yes, that's adorable Amy Davidson that recently gave birth! She has been wearing the ruched dresses postpartum. I love knowing these cute tank dresses will work all summer as non-maternity, too.

I've tried so many, here is a round up of some of my favorites below.

SALES!! get fun summer pieces before they sell out!

SOME OF FAVORITE PIECES I'VE POSTED RECENTLY ARE NOW ON SALE!

I was 6 months pregnant here in this photo wearing this cheerful deco print combo- NOT maternity (30% of the SALE price now HERE). It's harder to tell from the front, but from the side, there was a baby bump! TODAY there's 30% everything storewide- check it out.

This was taken on our baby moon. I was 7 months here. But, so glad I have this NON MATERNITY halter to wear once the baby arrives. And now, it's under $50. It will sell out quickly, so check it out. 

Ok- this dress has limited quantities left as of now. Although it's not on sale, it's only $52. I love the comfort, the pockets, the ease of this dress. And I'm wearing it with flip-flops, but how cute with strappy wedges for a nighttime summer party. Before I tried it on and loved the fit, I was sold on the color. I'm a purple person. Again it's not maternity, I just went up a size. Below is just a iPhone shot in the mirror. 

shop the post below!

Note: some prices are not reflected until you click link/picture. You'll see the sale price on the merchant's website! Note: not all items are on sale, but I linked the items that go with the post. Happy shopping.

Pinking Ahead! (and obsessed with this dress)

Okay, kitschy title, but seriously am obsessed with this dress. And brightening up my wardrobe. I wear a lot of black and neutrals running errands and working out, and at this stage in the pregnancy marathon, I'm not exactly having a SundayFunday at the beach getting tan. My skin is fairly pale (ok- pastey Elmer's glue white).  It's nice to wear color that pops and makes me feel pretty.

 If you're reading other blog posts, I don't think it's a big secret that I've been wearing spanx occasionally. But, yesterday, I went down a red carpet feeling perfectly fine NOT wearing any because of this dress material (comes in different colors, too- if you try the white, lemme know!). The textured stretchy dress works well with keeping certain things discreet. I played with my stepson (who insisted on being in the picture above!) at the MILK+BOOKIES event (like had a serious dance party, sat at a kids' table coloring, sat on a bean bag, etc.) and the dress remained comfortable. I think I'll buy it another color. oh and Ps- I am wearing the xs. It was a bit snug, but stayed in place. This may be a good dress to read reviews, but at this price and free shipping, I'm telling you it's worth a try. Plus, I read plenty of women are wearing them during "transitioning" from prenatal to postpartum and beyond. The fabric is such that it would work way after pregnancy, so  I'm pinking ahead. Ha! Again, lemme know if you give it a try!

pps- tried out a few makeup tricks I learned from the video I did with Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg: TUTORIAL HERE. The products are below. The Makeup Fix is so affordable and kept my makeup totally in place for hours. I loved Kate's nude lipstick; I layered it with a pink gloss that kept it natural and complimented the dress.

AFFORDABLE BIRTHING MAKEUP VIDEO TUTORIAL with Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg

Watch Celebrity Makeup Artist Jamie Greenberg give me a tutorial on "how to look good while giving birth." It sounds like a joke (and we definitely laughed a lot), but it's for real. I highly doubt any of us will be concerned with our makeup while we're in the hospital, but this tactic applies to any big event in life where you could break a sweat and need a lasting makeup look (could've used some of these products for my shower!).  And we used ONLY drugstore, affordable makeup. I found some new favorites (LookBook below!). Watch and let us know your thoughts! And subscribe to her channel! 

Calling All Mom's to Be!! SUBSCRIBE to my page! http://bit.ly/jamiemakeup So. You're 9 months pregnant and you're stressing over what last minute things you need for the baby! You don't have the time to worry about what makeup to pack in your hospital bag. Well don't worry, I've got you covered!!!

shop my favorites from the tutorial below! 

SATURDAY SURPRISE GIVEAWAY!

Today on INSTAGRAM, we are giving away a medley of surprises to pamper yourself or pass on to a deserving mother (or mom-to-be) for Mother's Day. Here are the details to enter:

* Follow @AshleyAubra on instagram and like the post

* For an extra added entries, tag a deserving friend or mom and/or subscribe to our newsletter here on the site on the sidebar to the right. (We do not inundate with emails!)

* Products Included are all full size: Philosophy Large Size Purity Facial Cleaner All in One, Colour Pop Creme Gel, Colour Pop Super Shock Cheek, Usana Sense Energizing shower gel, Basq Fresh Resilient body oil, Green EnveeBrazilian Orange and Litsea Body Lotion, Len Journo Hydra-Riche Hair Conditioner, Naked Princess No.1 Lip Treatment, Naked Princess Body Souflee, Milani Color Statement Nail Lacquer and Highlighter.

Giveaway Fineprint and Disclaimer required by law:

* Winner will be randomly selected and announced after the deadline of April 18th, 2016 (midnight Pacific time) and will be DM'd for mailing address/contact information, which will not be distributed or sold whatsoever, within 1 business day.  Winner will have 3 days to respond, or entry will then be forfeited and an alternate winner will be chosen.  If you choose to send us a picture or comment associated with being the winner of the giveaway, we reserve the right to feature it on our site with no payment attached. We reserve the right to use your instagram handle to announce if you are the winner. 

* Products are selected by our website team with no affiliation to to the companies. By entering the giveaway, you release Ashley Jones and AshleyAJones.com from any liability whatsoever and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind associated with the giveaway or delivery or acceptance and satisfaction of the products associated in the giveaway (including, but not limited to claims, costs, injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation, and negligence).    

Because you asked! Blue Dress for Baby.

Even though I touched on the dress in another post, so many of you have asked about it via social media, I'm posting about  it again.

When the time came to pick a dress for the shower, I went through several options. In the final hour- and I mean, truly last minute, I wanted to go with blue for the obvious reason. This dress by Seraphine fit the bill. I learned how to (attempt to) camouflage the bump at work, but for my shower, I wanted to almost enhance it. I was 8 months after all! The cool thing about these ruched dresses (besides all the color options) is how they will stretch while the belly grows, and shrink when the belly shrinks. So, I'll be wearing them postpartum, too. I have never seen them on sale at this price! Get one while they last.

Here are some other options you'll be seeing on instagram in the weeks to come. And some you've already seen. 

Ruched pre-post baby dress

Please see the LookBook below that also includes the  maternity spanx that make me confident enough to wear form fitting dresses by smoothing out the extra bumps (not baby) that come with pregnancy. Okay, let's be honest here... I wear regular spanx even when I'm not pregnant! 

xo AAJ

Showered with LOVE!

ClaudiaCraig.com Photographer

It seems so surreal that this is my life. You know the saying 'always a bridesmaid, never a bride'... well, I felt like I was always the 'auntie,' never the mom. But, here we are... and a very special thank you to the hostesses Kaley Cuoco and Marisa Coughlan. More details to come, but in the meantime, read a bit about the weekend here!

BABIES, BABIES, BABIES!! A weekend of #babybump #babylove

If I ever worried starting a family later in life would be lonely, last weekend took those thoughts away completely. On Saturday, my sweet girlfriends, Kaley Cuoco and Marisa Coughlan, hosted a safari- themed high tea baby shower for me. (It was a wonderland!) I'll be writing and posting later about not only what an emotionally charged, memorable day it was, but also how this past weekend transformed me. 

Then, on Sunday, we celebrated Ali Fedotowsky's little BabyManno in an ethereal, mid-spring day's floral setting.  As you can tell in the picture we had fun--and I'm really embracing the bump now in this dress (it comes in many colors, too and is on the lowest sale I have ever seen!) Read more about the baby boom surrounding me HERE.

FEELING SPRING-Y... what to wear, how to feel it.

I have basically been waking up every night around 3am for a while now. If you follow me on twitter (HERE), you may have seen me tweet during these times. Is this my body preparing me for night feedings once the baby arrives? I also get these crazy leg cramps. I know it's normal, but it doesn't seem normal in the middle of the night when the pain wakes you up.  It's like a charlie horse on crack. I'm keeping active during the day and trying to remember to stretch, but they still sneak up on me! Needless to say, the lack of sleep and leg pain can leave you feeling sluggish the next day. Unmotivated. Slightly depressed.  It's nice to have something easy and bright to wear like this WRAP DRESS HERE.  I am obsessed with wrap dresses in general (thanks to DVF), and this one shows a little leg with a slightly higher cut in the front and lower in the back. It elongates the silhouette nicely. And it's under $75. It's not maternity, so I can wear it throughout the summer.  If you click on the picture OR HERE and see the model wearing the dress, it looks so effortlessly chic on her.  Seriously thinking of wearing this to my shower Saturday and calling it a day. I'll pair it with these heels HERE on sale that I'm wearing in the picture below (and bring THIS pair of flats that have been my go-to so far).

And I feel girlie and alive and ready to face the day. What are your tips for feeling and looking fresh? I hear this only gets harder, not easier, with kids. Especially newborns. Do you have your own tricks to share?  I know it's always good to remember gratitude. Grateful people are joyful people. 

xo

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SHOWER DRESS! OH WHAT TO DRESS THE BUMP?? And look at this photo of the hostesses!

MY SHOWER IS THIS WEEKEND!! EEK.

I'm so grateful to my sweet friends hosting (Kaley Cuoco and Marisa Coughlan).  Look at this picture I found of us from years ago! What a different life! Marisa is pregnant with her fourth!! We're actually due the same day, can you believe? And I think this is pre- Big Bang Theory for Kaley...

Marisa, me and Kaley! How long ago do you think this picture was taken?

I'm 8 months pregnant today! I'll never forget the day I took the test and saw the pink lines. And now I'm dressing the bump. I was talking to another preggers girlfriend yesterday about maternity clothes. I'm looking for something so specific- a fitted maxi dress.  She brought up that it almost doesn't exist.  I found this one that I love, it's non-maternity, so it doesn't "grow" with you. However, it is so affordable ($52!!) and darling and so comfortable, I'll be wearing it till I can't fit in it, then post pregnancy! I love the pockets and the v-cut back.  I'm out looking today for more shower finds, so may be asking for opinions later!

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EMBRACING CHANGE: body, life, work!

Dressing room shot after work March 8th- at 29 weeks

I haven’t openly talked about this yet.  By “this,” I mean the growing baby inside me.  I knew it would be the biggest change my body has ever gone through, but what’s surprising me is the inner journey I am experiencing. There is so much change. (Grant it, I am going through a lot of external change in life in general!) But, I’m being forced to learn some big life lessons quickly. 

For instance, acceptance.  I’m having to learn to relinquish so much control.  The obvious loss of control: my body changing.  The less obvious: the unknown. Right now, so much of life is up in the air. And the only thing I know for sure is —  for sure more change is coming.  

Some days, most days, I feel good and inspired and grateful for this experience. I like the days I get to work (update HERE).  The day I took this "dressing room selfie,"  I had just wrapped scenes with the talented Lexi Ainsworth for General Hospital. Some fun, shocking material.  Lexi's character, Kristina, is going through some big life changes trying to find, or possibly redefine herself.  Although my personal stage of life couldn't be more different, they are not entirely dissimilar. We are both attempting to embrace change.

And a special thanks to the wardrobe department for making me feel so comfortable in my "condition" of 7 months pregnant. I believe the words Shawn Reeves, head wardrobe designer, used were: "Embrace your bump!"  I loved the jacket I wore that helped me hide....er...embrace it! And I've worn the same pair of jeans for every episode! I love that Paige Denim designs for this stage of life.

I'm realizing how important it is staying focused and feeling productive. The days I tend to have more going on, the better I feel.  But, I have to remember balance.  My energy levels are completely different than normal. And they are harder to predict. I have to be ok with some downtime and not categorize downtime as “laziness.”  The more I push myself, the more I pay for it later. (I literally fainted at a coffeeshop my first trimester! Eek!) Type A, anyone? If you’re reading this and pregnant, I’m probably preaching to the choir.  Any advise? Thoughts? Please share! And stay tuned... 

BODY CHANGERS

I’m grateful for all of you who have gone before me and can share your pregnancy secrets. Nothing really prepares you for the journey of pregnancy (then motherhood), but there are a few sure fire tips that have been helpful.  I’m just shy of 8 months and so far, so good on the stretch mark front. I haven’t been as disciplined as I’d like, but I try to slather on the creams almost everyday (some people suggest twice a day). This stuff isn’t cheap, so I combined efforts.  I'm using a higher potency stretch mark cream or THIS new product Mama Belly Oil I am also loving!  And a couple of times a week, I add a drop or two of Sunday Riley’s face oil for extra hydration. (It’s expensive, so I use it sparingly, but it is worth the investment and an amazing product to wear under makeup for that special “glow.”  I also love the HydroCool Serum from IS Clinical  mixed with my foundation for this same purpose, btw!).

What other “body game-changers” can you share? Please, I’d love to know!

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And by the way, I have LIVED in prism sport workout wear (shown in picture) during this entire pregnancy. I love how the "hold my tummy" in a bit when I hike or walk or lounge, etc.