Ask a Groovy Gal (Bump Watch)

ASK A GROOVY GAL
TFG EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JILLIAN SWARTZ ANSWERS YOUR PREGNANCY QUESTIONS

I am five months pregnant and must start decorating. I am looking for gorgeous and affordbale nursery décor —does that even exist?—Elyse, NY, NY
I love the “Sweet” and “Splash” four-piece bedding sets from MiGi ($149, www.babiesrus.com or $179.99 for six-piece set, www.target.com). They are really adorbale without being hokey and they're so affordable. They've also got two cool new collections, “Posy” and “Pinwheel,” available at Target. There is a lot of great high-design nursery gear on the market, but most of it is just outrageously expensive. With MiGi, you get quality, style, elegance without breaking the bank. In fact, I like their stuff so much that I thought the co-owners, Michele Adams and Gia Russo, would be the perfect people to ask for some additional decoration tips. Here's what these designing women have to say: “Wall decals are an easy and inexpensive way to decorate walls and furniture in the nursery. They are also a modern twist on the classic wall mural and easier to apply than wallpaper. Not only are there numerous designs and colors to choose from but they go up in minutes and will instantly transform a plain wall into a work of art. We like to use colorful decals on white walls or furniture for a more playful look and white decals on colored furniture for a modern vibe. One of our favorite decorating tips for the nursery is transforming a dresser into a changing table. Take an existing dresser and paint it a color that coordinates with the rest of the room. Once it's painted, change the knobs. Lastly, purchase a changing table converter top with a changing pad and attach it to the top of the dresser. You'll now have a new adorable changing table. Changing table converter tops and pads can be found at most baby stores. The good news is the dresser can be utilized again when your baby's room becomes a space for a toddler or big kid. You might also be able to use the converter top as an organizer for a drawer or shelf in a closet.” For more from these chic chicks, go to www.migistyle.com.

I am pregnant and everything is starting to sag. Is there a magic cream that can help me?—Anna, Houston, TX

Hmmm...magic cream? No. Super cream that can definitely help you? Yes. I love the Body Firming Serum from Belli ($34, www.bellicosmetics.com). Just the name alone assuages most of my anxieties about the great sag. Now, I've just started using it, so I can't attest to the ultimate result, but I can say that so far -- so good. Belli advises that if used daily on your breasts, buttocks and abdomen, the serum will improve the tone, suppleness and appearance of those areas by helping to restore and repair the slackened skin. Seriously, how great does that sound?

I must also remind you that moderate exercise (as long as your doctor says it's okay) and drinking tons of water will also keep things from going south. I know—the serum is a much more fun answer than the cardio and constant water-drinking; but just think: do all three and you'll be one of those preggo moms. Here's to looking good, mama!

I just finished all those what-to-expect kinds of books and I'm only half way through my pregnancy. Are there any other ones I should be reading?—Theresa, Atlanta, GA

Yes! Yes! Yes! The minute-by-minute, month-by-month pregnancy books are good, but they often leave out so many crucial things that you need to know as you transition from woman to mom. Pick up a copy of Babyproofing Your Marriage ($19.96, www.barnesandnoble.com). This book is a hysterical take on life after baby and it is offers practical ways to fortify your relationship with your mate as your family grows from two to three (or more). It is a wildly honest, down-to-earth tool that prepares you for the road to parenthood with easy-to-understand solutions and easy-to-relate-to problems. Your relationship with your mate is the foundation for your whole family. And remember one of the best things you can do for your child is to have a good marriage.

Get more baby proofing tips in next month's article, "And Baby Makes Three."

Click here to read about Jillian's life in the 'hood—motherhood.