beauty rest

At this point in the pregnancy, every baby book and app is banking on the fact that you're feeling better, that you're skin has hopefully figured itself out, and that you're feeling especially "glowy." I mean, they're really emphasizing it: 

"22 weeks is the perfect time to treat yourself to a mani-pedi!"

"23 weeks? Time to go shopping - you're looking great!"

"24 weeks is a good time to schedule a hair appointment; your hair has probably never been this thick and shiny!"

Kind of seems like a lot to ask, especially if you can't/don't have time to turn your schedule into a several-month spa appointment. But quite frankly, they might be on to something (though way toned down). 

Hair: I don't know if it's because it's growing faster or because it's gotten curlier in the last few months, but my hair has been needing extra conditioning help. I love the Moroccan Argan Oil, but recently tried the Garnier Fructis Moroccan Oil and think it works as well for a fraction of the price.

Shopping: I'm still wearing my normal clothes (my penchant for big tops is coming in handy) with the addition of a BellaBand if I'm wearing my skinny jeans. I can't look at it without laughing, but it's so cozy!

Nails: I've always liked painting my own nails anyway, but I've started veering away from my normal dramatic colors (bright reds and dark navy, etc) and started doing more neutrals. My nails are growing a lot faster than they used to, and it annoys me less when neutral colors start to grow out than more obvious ones. Right now I'm wearing Essie's Sand Tropez with a top coat of some light pink Banana Republic color...it makes it less....sandy?

Extras: Every expecting lady ever raves about L'Occitane's Shea Butter, and they're not lying. I alternate it with my normal lotion, and it keeps my skin happy (or as happy as can be expected. It's being asked to do weird things.).  And this is the girliest suggestion, but putting on perfume for a normal day in which I will mostly be seeing my dog makes a surprising difference in how I feel. I'll stand by this one!