This post may contain affiliate links and CorporetteMoms may earn commissions for purchases made through links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Ooh: it’s nice to see that there are three new beige colors for the popular, highly rated, under-$100 Flex pump. Zappos has even more colors, as does Amazon. Michael Michael Kors ‘Flex’ Pump
(L-5)
Sales of note for 9.10.24
(See all of the latest workwear sales at Corporette!)
- Ann Taylor – 30% off your purchase
- Banana Republic Factory – Up to 50% off everything + extra 20% off
- Boden – 15% off new styles
- Eloquii – $29 and up select styles; up to 50% off everything else
- J.Crew – Up to 50% off wear-to-work styles; extra 30% off sale styles
- J.Crew Factory – 40-60% off everything; extra 60% off clearance
- Lands’ End – 30% off full-price styles
- Loft – Extra 40% off sale styles
- Talbots – BOGO 50% everything, includes markdowns
- Zappos – 26,000+ women’s sale items! (check out these reader-favorite workwear brands on sale, and some of our favorite kids’ shoe brands on sale)
Kid/Family Sales
- Carter’s – Birthday sale, 40-50% off & extra 20% off select styles
- Hanna Andersson – Up to 50% off all baby; up to 40% off all Halloween
- J.Crew Crewcuts – Extra 30% off sale styles
- Old Navy – 40% off everything
- Target – BOGO 25% off select haircare, up to 25% off floor care items; up to 30% off indoor furniture up to 20% off TVs
See some of our latest articles on CorporetteMoms:
Click here to see our top posts!
And — here are some of our latest threadjacks of interest – working mom questions asked by the commenters!
- The concept of “backup care” is so stupid…
- I need tips on managing employees in BigLaw who have to leave for daycare pickup…
- I’m thinking of leaning out to spend more time with my family – how can I find the perfect job for that?
- I’m now a SAHM and my husband needs to step up…
- How can I change my thinking to better recognize some of my husband’s contributions as important, like organizing the shed?
- What are your tips to having a good weekend with kids, especially with little kids? Do you have a set routine or plan?
Anonymous says
I’m looking for a couple pregnancy-friendly (I can size up) or maternity wrap dresses that can work for the next few months. Ideally 3/4 but short sleeve or sleeveless may work too…and ideally these could also be nursing friendly?
Anyone have ones they are currently using and love? I’m tall, so they need to be generous of length.
BKDC says
Take a look at Isabella Oliver. Yes, they can be pricey, but I have a workhorse or two that have worked well for two pregnancies now. Work appropriate and as flattering as it is going to get at this stage of pregnancy.
Another pregnant anon says
How is the sizing on Isabella Olivier? TIA!
Anon in NYC says
Second looking at Isabella Oliver. I also had some great Seraphine dresses during my pregnancy and I felt comfortable in my conservative business casual office.
GGFM says
Third looking at Isabela Olivier and Seraphine! I wore the Emily dress from I.O. (technically not a wrap, but looks like one) and received a lot of compliments. I had a wrap dress from Seraphine that worked o.k. with a cardigan but was a bit too gape-y without, and a couple of simple non-wrap 3/4 length dresses that grew with me the whole pregnancy (I.O. worked for the last 8 weeks but was too big initially).
Both were technically designed for nursing postpartum but I never used them for that. Initially I was worried about staining them with milk/spitup, and once I got better at nursing I’s lost enough of the weight that they just made me too paunchy.
Maddie Ross says
How early are you? If you are in the early stages, I would suggest the regular Gap wrap dresses in tall sized up one size. I got a lot of wear out of those on the way up and the way back down. The tall for me was enough length that it didn’t get too odd looking, even towards the end. There reached a point in the third-tri where it didn’t work though obviously.
Anonymous says
I loved my gap maternity faux wrap dress. Not sure. They have them right now.
IO Fangirl says
I am wearing my Isabella Oliver Emily dress today and I am not pregnant. I wore it to death when I was pregnant, the upper wrap was great when I had enormous nursing b**bs, and I am still wearing it now that I have a toddler. I dont think it looks obviously like a maternity dress and always get compliments on it. It is the only piece of maternity wear that I kept. Also, I got it on ebay for somewhere around $75 or 80, so you can get them without spending $150+.
One thing I will say– the arms on that dress are very skinny. I’m a size 2/4 on top and the sleeves on my size 1 dress are snug on me.
GGFM says
Posted above about not liking the Emily dress postpartum. I just tried it on again (now that more of the pregnancy belly is gone…) You’re right – it does look great and non-maternityish. Definitely worth the $ (got on sale from IO.com for about 80). Glad I can wear this again!
twin mom says
I bought 4 wrap dresses from Last Call Neiman Marcus online for post-partum size changes and nursing/pumping. I just sized up and sorted by price, and wound up with a handful of dresses I’ve gotten lots of compliments on.
Pigpen's Mama says
Balance bikes vs. Trikes? Recs for brands?
I’d like to get my almost 20 month old (how the heck did that happen) kiddo some sort of riding toy. I’ve heard great things about balance bikes, but she seems a bit young for those. I’m also eyeing the push trikes that convert to a real trike — it would be nice to have something we can use around the neighborhood/to go down to the park. I did some searching online but there are a lot of options with varying reviews and prices.
Any favorites? I’m fine with paying a reasonable amount for something that’s good quality, but we’re also not looking for something that needs to last through multiple kids.
TIA!
mascot says
We had a radio flyer tricycle. He loved the compartment in the back where he could store his “treasures” (rocks and pinecones)
Maddie Ross says
We have the same one. We loved that one. We also bought LO a balance bike recently (she’s 3 now) – she can’t quite get it. At 20 months, I’d definitely stick with a real trike.
Anonymous says
Is it a push trike? We tried a friend’s push trike recently and my 2 year old didn’t “get” pedaling or even steering, so we had the parental controls on the entire time. She loved it! But the one we tried (Little Tikes brand) was a little clunky and hard to maneuver for my taste. Can you link to the one you like?
Anglophile says
We have the same one and absolutely love it – it starts as a push trike but you can gradually adjust it until eventually it becomes a stand alone tricycle. My husband and I are both tall and it can be a little bit of a bend if you are going uphill, but not too bad. We were impressed with the build quality, especially for the price. The canopy on it is really handy too when we walk outdoors. It is called “Radio Flyer 4-in-1 Trike.” I will post separately with an amazon link.
Anglophile says
http://www.amazon.com/Radio-Flyer-4-in-1-Trike-Red/dp/B003AVIO4K
NewMomAnon says
My kiddo is 27 months and just got a balance bike – she loves it and is very excited about it, but she can’t use it without significant adult assistance. She also has the Radio Flyer trike and has been using that without help since last fall.
I would suggest holding off on the balance bike for a while. It was so much fun to see my kiddo excited about her new bike, and I don’t think she would have understood the concept enough at 20 months to be excited about it.
EB0220 says
We have both and my 4 year old still doesn’t really get the balance bike. She’s the cautious type, though. A three year old in our neighborhood was zooming around on the balance bike…so I guess it just depends on the kid.
In House Lobbyist says
We use the Chico balance bike from Amazon. We have gotten one for both our kids and our nephew for the 2nd birthday. They never had any problems with them as long as they can touch the ground all the way with their feet.
Anonymous says
We did balance bike at 2.5 yrs – she really got it last year at 3.5 years and this year she can ride her peddle bike with no training wheels. We were able to go straight from balance bike to peddle bike with no training wheels.
Anonymous4 says
My 19 month old has a Scuttlebug. No pedals, just a little push trike. He got it for his birthday and only now has he really got the hang of it. Moves well indoors on carpet and wood flooring, seems great outdoors on cement. My favorite feature: it folds up for easy travel or storage.
Anonymous says
Balance bike all the way. The pedal motion is very natural, but balancing is the hard thing to learn. A mom with three kids in my neighborhood said that it took her first two kiddos about a year each to get rid of training wheels. She got her third kid a balance bike and she never needed training wheels. And they are all very athletic kids.
Sarabeth says
Love the Wishbone trike that converts to a balance bike.
nanny q's says
We finally found one that has a great childcare philosophy, great English skills (difficult to find in our area) and generally competent. However, she did make a comment about not getting on the floor to play with baby too much, and being glad that there weren’t stairs in our apartment building. She also doesn’t want to wear baby to protect her back. She’s 56 yo. My son is 6 months. I can’t decide how important it is for him to have someone who can get down on the floor with him around and hold him more often. I think if he were closer to 2yo and could move more independently, I would have much less of a problem with this. But, it’s not like if he were in daycare somebody would be holding him all the time either (which we would have no problem doing if he got off the waitlist). The other twist is that we are moving soon to a house that has a second floor. But I think we could consolidate all baby activity/care to the first floor, except the bathroom.
I’m leaning towards thinking that this is a non-issue until proven otherwise, but interested to hear what others think or what others have as nanny dealbreakers. It’s been such a grueling process to find the right person…
layered bob says
hmmm, I’d keep looking. I feel like our seven-month-old is pretty physically demanding – she likes to be bounced to sleep, loves to have me down on the floor with her, needs to be put in and out of her high chair, stroller, car seat, etc. over and over, sleeps in a floor bed, and sometimes just has moods where she needs to be carried. We do not let my MIL watch her because my MIL has a bad hip and can’t easily get down on the floor or bounce her.
layered bob says
also at least at the daycare my daughter was at before we hired our nanny (which we loved and left only because we needed evening childcare coverage), the caregivers managed to hold all the babies a *lot* and they were always down on the floor with the babies. So I would expect my nanny to be able to do that too.
Glad it is Friday says
I agree – we have the same issue with my mom. She only gets to help in a mommy’s-helper kind of way, or when baby is down for the night. I would worry about how she might get him in and out of strollers/carseats/cribs/highchairs.
Betty says
A few questions for you to consider: How will she interact with the baby otherwise? What is her plan for the day with the baby? Will she be able to do the bending and lifting that is necessary when caring for a 6 month old (lifting to a changing table, into and out of stroller, into crib, etc.)?
The other thing to consider, is that for me anyway, I find it hard to change course in child care. Trying out a nanny for a month or two and then deciding to find someone different is hard on everyone, and I have stuck with a caregiver longer than I should have because of the logistical and emotional challenges of finding someone new.
anon says
I would ask the nanny these questions. She may have work-arounds she uses. But actually ask her how they would spend the day, how she would get baby into/out of high chair, changing table, etc. — give her a chance before making assumptions!
nanny q's says
Thanks, everyone. I don’t think I am concerned about his safety – she can lift him in and out of things just fine. I think she just doesn’t want to be holding him a lot, it seems. She previously worked for a family with a 2yo and a 10 month-old in a multi-level house, and they did not have any concerns on the topic. I was surprised to hear her make these comments about her physical limitations since she never seemed in pain or uncomfortable. I am going to ask her about it, but I have a feeling she will tell me that it’s totally fine…
Anon says
I’m not sure, actually. My kid’s daycare had 2 older women (40s and 50s) in the infant room and while they were much less “get on the floor and play,” they were VERY “rock in the chair and snuggle.” My mom is also in her 60s and has had lifelong back issues–no way she’d use a baby carrier. But she had absolutely no trouble caring for our babies (for weekends etc).
If she’s physically not going to be capable of putting the baby in/out of high chair s and car seats, unable to put baby on the floor for tummy time, can’t reliably monitor him/her while crawling, having issues with the changing table etc I’d be concerned…but that might be a conversation to have vs a reason to keep looking.
That said, when the kid is 18 months-3 and wants to play, I’d think there is more concern. My 2.5 year old does much better with young college age sitters than older women at this phase. They are up to their elbows in mess and fun and she weighs 30+lbs
LSC says
How long do you plan to keep her? I find babies require lots of lifting and floor time, and as your child gets older he or she will want someone who can engage with them while they play with toys, blocks, and books. If this person will not able to do those things, save yourself the trouble and heartache now and keep looking. It’s so tempting to overlook something small, especially when you need reliable care so much, but don’t short change yourself. The right fit is out there!
Meg Murry says
How soon are you moving to the house with the second floor bathroom? Have you mentioned that to her – she might opt out when she hears that.
Also, is your plan to use a nanny long term, or only until a daycare spot opens up? I’d be more likely to be ok with a not-so-active nanny if it was only for the first year.
My concern would just be overall safety – can she safely put him on the floor or pick him up in and out of a PnP or his crib on a lower setting with her bad back? Or would she take shortcuts like leaving him on the couch when she runs to the bathroom so she wouldn’t have to lean all the way back down to the floor to pick him up when she comes back to the room? We were warned by another family member not to take up an older relative’s offer of free babysitting for young children because the relative would do unsafe things like the setting the baby on the couch – and their baby rolled off and (luckily) was ok, but even after that scary incident the relative still wouldn’t/couldn’t put the baby on the floor or PnP.
nanny q's says
We are moving in a couple of months, and she previously worked in a multi level house so don’t think she would opt out. I’m not so much concerned about safety, but just more the social aspect of not being held as much for play, etc. Not sure how long term this situation will be for us. I think we are open to daycare, but not sure if we would 100% go for it if we got in.
Meg Murry says
I think it’s worth mentioning it to her – its possible that she made the stairs comment because she put up with the multi-level at her last job but that that is one of the things she is happy to be leaving – maybe she was feeling sore at the end of every night and knows it will only get worse as she ages. If I started a new job and then found out only a few months later that my office was moving and the people that hired me knew that but didn’t think it worthy of mentioning before I took the job I’d be annoyed – so I think you owe her the courtesy of honesty. I know you mentioned that she didn’t seem in pain but there is a huge difference between how you feel after doing something for a few minutes vs how you feel after an 8 hour workday.
As others have said, I don’t think these limitations make her an automatic “no” – I think you need to follow up with her and ask how she would handle these things. My bigger concern would be what others mentioned – is she going to be ok in a couple of years keeping up with a 2 or 3 year old or are you going to be in the place of having to fire a nanny that is otherwise good but can’t physically keep up. Like Betty points out, making changes to childcare is hard, so you want to look for someone you potentially see working out for the next couple of years, unless you are both in agreement that it is only shorter term.
nanny q's says
Thanks to you (and everyone!) for your comments! Really appreciating the readership over here lately as a new mom!
Anona Mama says
I’d suggest moving on and keep looking. If she is bringing up her physical limitations (and not playing with the baby too much!) in the interview stage when she’s trying to present herself in her best light, I’d take that as a warning sign. Also, things like giving a bath in the tub, retrieving toys that get flung under furniture, etc. are all physically demanding and require getting down on the floor. Also, it doesn’t sound like she’d be particularly interactive/stimulating for the baby, which matters more and more as your baby gets older.
Glad it is Friday says
Did anyone else who BF get MAJOR PMS before they re-started their period? I have been a raging b**** for the whole week – snapped at my daycare ladies, started fights with my husband, grumpy with clients. I have a 6-month-old who I EBF/pump for and I am wondering if I am about to start my cycle again. As a related side note, did anyone use a menstrual cup before and after pregnancy? Do I *have* to size up? I’ve been putting off buying a larger one but am pretty sure I should get on that if I’m about to need it…
Anon says
not PMS but when my period came back it came back with a vengeance. I’m now pregnant again and not having periods is the best part. I had normal periods all my life but post baby they were crippling (pain meds/heating pads/wither on the couch for a day or two bad)
Glad it is Friday says
UGH. Very much not looking forward to this… and afraid I am getting close. Baby is sleeping a little longer and will start solids soon so I expect it is inevitable. Another joy of motherhood I suppose (#obligatoryallworthitthough).
Meg Murry says
FWIW, I had one period after my kiddo started solids and then it was gone again for the rest of the time I was nursing, other than some spotting. However, I would occasionally get all my PMS-symptoms (mood swings, crampy, etc) and then only tiny spotting or nothing – and it wasn’t regular at all. I have PCOS and have always had weird things going on hormonally, so I’m not totally “normal” but I know more than one woman that had periods come back slowly – it didn’t just go from none for months back to bam! regular but rather an occasional period every month to 3.
Glad it is Friday says
This comment, and your name, make me happy. FTR my daughter (at 6 months) already owns all of Madeleine L’Engle’s books :)
Anon in NYC says
I didn’t have mood swings, but I had my normal PMS symptoms (achy, etc.) and my period returned around month 5. And, sorry this is TMI, my period was crazy heavy for me (as in, change tampons every 2 hours or there will be problems kind of heavy), whereas it was much much lighter pre-baby. My dr said that it will eventually return to normal and I’m crossing my fingers that’s true.
Anonymous4 says
I had terrible mood swings and ended up being treated for hormone imbalance. If it doesn’t calm down over the next few months I’d have your hormones checked.
Anonymous says
I don’t use a cup but it was the topic of a discussion amongst many of my mom friends recently and everyone said they had to size up after childbirth.
Glad it is Friday says
Thanks – I think I just have to bite the bullet and do it – they aren’t cheap!!
eh230 says
You may want to try softcups instead. They are awesome, change it once per day and aren’t as rigid as a regular menstrual cup.
MDMom says
I don’t have my period back yet but I did buy a larger cup in preparation.
katala says
Late to comment but I bought a bigger size and it was too big. I ended up buying another brand in its smaller size and it was better though I didn’t get to try it on a heavy flow day.
Fun side note, my cycle came back 2-3 weeks after pp bleeding stopped and has been regular, and heavier than before, since. It’s crazy how different everyone responds to pregnancy/BF!
Natasha says
I did not have to size up, and was able to keep using my prepreg cup. Might as well give it a try before you spend the money.
Constipated says
First trimester here, second time around. Majorly constipated. I’ve been trying to remedy with what I eat (fiber rich foods, dark green veggies, fruit), but it’s hard when I don’t always feel like eating. Recs for other things I should consider trying? I will raise this at my next appointment with my OB but would appreciate any ideas in the meantime. I tried prune juice last night and almost gagged. I might try mixing it into a smoothie? Help! TIA!
layered bob says
1) you don’t actually have to take your prenatal if that is making your constipation worse – my midwifery practice no longer routinely recommends prenatals if you’re getting your nutrients elsewhere.
2) squatty potty
3) so much water
lsw says
We have a small, lidded trash can in our bathroom and I put my feet up on that (same philosophy as the squatty). I was pretty desperate. Also, drink so much water – especially if you are increasing your fiber. And go – at least to sit for five minutes – as soon as you think you might even HAVE to go. These were things that helped me.
CPA Lady says
Iced coffee. I think you might even be able to get a large one at Dunkin without going over the caffeine recommendation. Definitely a medium. Rainbow Light’s prenatal vitamins have probiotics in them to help with that too. They didn’t bother my stomach, and I can be prone to that issue.
Also, even though I completely disagree with her ignorant stance on vaccines, Jenny McCarthy’s Belly Laughs book has a chapter on pregnancy constipation that had me laughing so hard that tears were streaming down my face.
mascot says
PlumSmart was much better than prune juice but did the same thing. Also, my doctor was fine with my using Colace pretty much my entire pregnancy. Probiotics are helpful too. I like the CVS womens health version.
Natasha says
Haha once I told the nurse at my checkup that I hadn’t gone in a week (since I weighed 6 pounds more in a week) and she said “Oh, honey! Take a Colace every night.” It definitely helped.
anon says
ALL THE WATER.
Anon says
I too am pregnant with #2 but while I was EXTREMELY constipated the first time I’ve been spared so far with this one!
I couldn’t stand prune juice, but a mix of orange and prune juice worked. I also took stool softeners toward the end.
Anonymous says
Try actual prunes instead of prune juice. They basically dried plums and taste like any other dried fruit. If you can eat a dried apricot, you can enjoy some prunes (& I’ve seen them covered in chocolate too – yummy!)
twin mom says
Lots of water and (with doc’s okay) a stool softener every day…
GGFM says
Same here – OB said Docusol (sp??) was fine as early as first trimester.
EB0220 says
When this happened to me I ate a whole package of dried apricots.
On the way to my in-laws’ house.
This was a terrible idea.
FVNC says
I know this must have been horrible at the time, but thanks for my Friday lol
Pogo says
Ha, my friend did a similar thing – ate an entire 4-pack of Fiber One granola bars with chicory root in them before a cross-country flight. Obviously terrible at the time, but funny in retrospect.
I’m not pregnant but am dreading this when I am. My mom apparently had terrible constipation when preggo with me, ugh.
Syd says
This seems counterintuitive but some prenatal vitamins actually contain laxative ingredients to combat this problem. The ingredient is polyethylene glycol. I think the Target up and up vitamins have it and maybe Nature Made??
Anon in NYC says
Chia seeds. Reduce your intake of bread and potatoes (which were the only things I wanted to eat during my pregnancy).
SC says
I had this issue during my second trimester. Besides fiber, lots of water. My doctor said it was fine to use colase. I also tried probiotics. As for prenatals, I think it’s the iron in the prenatals that causes constipation, so with your dotor’s approval, you could try switching to one with less iron.
octagon says
Probiotics! Start ASAP and keep them up your whole pregnancy (and postpartum period).
Also colace or another stool softener until you are regular again.
stripes says
Make sure there is no iron in your vitamins. If there is, get another one (and discuss with your doctor, who will probably approve, but check to be safe).
MDMom says
Milk of magnesia! It works so fabulously for me. You can get in capsule form (try just one to start) or flavored ones. Don’t try to take the original…
LSC says
Wheatgerm in your yogurt or smoothie and probiotics will change your life.
nanny q's says
Also – high chairs – worth it to get a pricey one? Looking at the Stokke Steps vs. the Ikea Antilop. The Tripp Trapp was also tempting but it looks hard to clean which kind of freaked me out…
LSC says
I had the antilop and it was impossible to clean because the tray was really difficult to get off. I have the tripp trapp and love it. I don’t find it hard to clean at all. The steps also looks nice though.
mascot says
We had the FP Space Saver highchair for ages 4 months to 18 months. Then we switched to a Kekaroo (similar to the tripp trap) for the next 4 or so years. We never used the tray on that chair, but otherwise it was really easy to clean and super sturdy for a wiggly toddler. I scoffed at first too, but ended up getting my money’s worth. It also can hold an adult’s weight so you have some flexibility. I liked that it slid up to the table and looked more like a real chair.
shortperson says
i knew i wanted a tripp trapp but was not thrilled with the baby setup so for the same price as the baby add on we got the fisher price ez clean. which is an eyesore but so easy to use and perfect for a little baby. at 18 motnhs we bought a tripp trapp and it’s great. it’s easy to clean without the baby pieces.
anon says
We have and LOVE the antilop. I don’t find it difficult to get the tray off – we just snap it off for cleaning. So easy to wipe down the whole high chair! It’s comfy for our baby, too, and you can also take the tray off and pull it up to the table.
JEB says
We also have the Ikea antilop and love it. I usually don’t even remove the tray to clean it. I just wipe it down with a Clorox wipe followed by some water. But it’s not that hard to remove when I need to. Easy to clean, cheap, durable, easy to transport if needed…love it!
MDMom says
Also love the antilop. I did have trouble getting tray off at first but got the hang of it. It also loosens up and gets easier with repetition.
TGIF says
Just need to say that I am so. glad. this week is almost over. H was out of commission with a nasty stomach bug for 2 days that I am living in fear will spread to someone else in the house, I’m totally swamped at work, and the icing on the cake is that I got a fever call from daycare 2 hours before a huge deadline. Working from home with Thomas & Friends on TV. Ugh.
Anon in NYC says
Ugh – sounds awful!