If you’re a frequent reader, then you’re well aware that our fearless leader Brit Morin happens to be pregnant right now! In fact, she is due in less than a month, and we’re getting so excited to meet the newest member of the Brit + Co family. Aside from excitement about and good wishes for this new addition, there’s one thing that came instantly to mind when Brit let us know the big news: Halloween costumes for hip mamas-to-be!
We’ve got a mix of classic baby-bump-friendly costumes, punny costumes and even a techie one! Read on to see how to create your own clever maternity Halloween costume. As with so many of our killer costumes, major props to Misty Spinney for bringing each of these ideas to life.
We’ll kick things off with a fried egg, sunny side up of course. This punny costume is fun because of the whole “egg” thing, but also because it takes a matter of minutes to put together! Just add felt!
1. Sunny Side Up
2. Treasure Troll
What you need:
– a brightly colored wig
– nude or tan bodysuit or slip
– gem
The key here is getting that wig just right. It’s like back combing on major steroids. The other key? You’ve gotta completely own this look. Like we said, it’s a bold move for anyone to wear what is basically a nude suit, so make sure you have fun with it.
Next, we’ve got everyone’s favorite pregnant teen, Juno! Channel a little bit of attitude and apathy, grab an empty Slurpee cup, and you are well on your way.
3. Juno
What you need:
– orange and white striped shirt
– plaid skirt
– jeans
– hoodie or cargo jacket
– sneakers
– Slurpee!
If you grew up in the ’90s, you might have a few of these pieces in the closet at your parent’s house… especially that plaid mini!
Of course, you can always BE a pumpkin. It’s easy, classy and still gets you points in the clever department.
4. Classic Pumpkin
What you need:
– orange leggings
– orange Boo! t-shirt
– black felt
– optional: mini plastic pumpkin
We found a t-shirt that already had BOO! printed on it and add the Jack-O-Lantern face with hot glue and black felt. So simple.
Drumroll please… it’s time for the official bun in the oven costume! We’ve seen a few iterations of this idea online, so had to throw our DIY skills into the ring as well.
5. Bun in the Oven
What you need:
– cardboard box
– silver spray paint (get a friend to help you!)
– black sharpie
– silver duct tape
– paper towel rod
We turned a box into the oven for this one. Spray paint most of the box silver, then create the door by painting it black. We used a paper towel rod to act as the oven handle. Add a few knobs and shoulder straps, and you’re just about there.
We had to get a little geek chic action in here as well. This one uses a working iPad to display your baby’s very first photo, the sonogram. (Note: this could also be a cool idea if you wanted to turn yourself into a Magic 8 Ball.)
6. See-Through Sonogram Belly
What you need:
– black dress
– black t-shirt (you’ll be cutting this open!)
– iPad mini + case
– VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back for Fabrics
– VELCRO® Brand Stick Back Dots
First, the base outfit. Wear a black dress or a black t-shirt. Then, get another black t-shirt that you’ll layer over it. Trace your iPad mini onto the shirt while you’re wearing it. Cut a hole that is about 2 inches smaller than what you traced, all around. Next, save a copy of your sonogram onto your an iPad mini (or tablet). Then, get a cheap iPad case. Add VELCRO® Brand Stick Back Dots to the back of the iPad case. Now, add VELCRO® Brand Sticky Back for Fabrics onto the base dress or shirt. Layer your t-shirt over it, and voila!
You know what other icon has a jolly belly? A garden gnome! :)
7. Garden Gnome
What you need:
– blue hoodie
– black belt
– black leggings
– cotton balls (to create a beard)
– white card stock (beard base)
– red card stock (for the hat)
– a giant glass stein (for water, of course!
This costume is a cinch to create. After you’ve tracked down a blue hoodie, fire up the hot glue gun to create the cone hat and cotton ball beard. Fill up a giant glass stein with water and prepare for a LOT of strangers to ask you to take selfies.
That’s right. We turned Brit’s belly into Miley’s wrecking ball. Please don’t make the mistake of taking this too literally — it’s simply a fun play on one of the most iconic songs of 2013. Miley face/tongue optional.
8. Wrecking Ball
What you need:
– black leggings or jeans
– black t-shirt
– aluminum foil
– silver duct tape
– chain
– Barbie (to turn into Miley, duh)
Simply wrap the belly in aluminum foil and use thin pieces of silver duct tape to attach it. Give Barbie a haircut that mimics Miley, and there you have it.
Bonus points if you’ve got a couple friends who are down to dress as anonymous backup dancers ;)
Your relationship with your finances is one of the most important relationships you'll ever have, and you can't avoid it. That said, for many of us, the pandemic only added to our financial stress. If you find yourself feeling frazzled, just remember that financial insecurity isn't a net-worth issue — it's a mindset issue. And, we happen to have plenty of advice on how to turn your money mindset around so you can take charge of your funds once and for all.
To start, feeling secure begins with a strong foundation, and there's no better time than now to get started stacking the bricks. It's easy to get swept up in the January "new year, new me" mentality, but really? Any time is the right time to get yourself in order. You don't need to wait for a new year, a new moon, the right moment, or a sign from above. You don't even have to start on the first day of the month — you just need to start.
Introducing NerdWallet: A Safe and Reliable Money App
To help with that, we've put together a list of the just-right-for-you ways that NerdWallet can help you monitor your financial outlook. Haven't heard of them yet? NerdWallet is a personal finance company that helps consumers make smarter financial decisions. Their website and app let you compare different financial products, find articles and tools to make financial decisions with confidence, and keep tabs on your finances (hey there, credit score, I see you!) all in one place. Plus, NerdWallet has over 75,000 glowing reviews in the App Store (and a 4.8 star rating) if you want to read up on any more testimonials.
Tim Chen, NerdWallet's CEO and co-founder, started this financial journey in 2009 after his sister needed help finding a credit card. Even with an economics degree and a Wall Street background, it took awhile for Tim to find the right recommendation (so don't feel too bad when it takes you a while, too). Their mission is to bring clarity to all of life's financial decisions.
So it's safe to say that NerdWallet is a pretty good sherpa for your journey, too.
Get the most from your money
Did you know that the money you park in a savings account can lose value? Harsh, but true. If your money isn't earning interest that's on pace with inflation it will actually be worth less to you in the future. And if the bank charges fees? Forget about it. Make sure you're earning the interest you deserve and come out on top. NerdWallet has researched dozens of financial institutions to help consumers find the best options. The hard work has already been done for you, so you can just select the account that works best for you and your nest egg.
Keep an eye on everything, securely
Once everything is set up, tracking and managing your finances is what will keep the money machine running smoothly. You can create an account either through the site or the app and link your bank accounts, then keep tabs on all your finances in one place. Get a clear picture of your saving and spending, get insights into how to master your money, and even build your credit score all in one place.
Get extra credit points
Do you have the best credit card for your lifestyle? Some cards give cash back on every purchase, ones with travel perks, and ones that charge way less interest than you're paying now. NerdWallet takes the guesswork out of choosing the right credit card with simple side-by-side comparisons of different credit cards so that you feel confident choosing the right one. Whatever you want to do, NerdWallet can help you find the best credit card to get it done.
Know your options for settling down
Mortgage rates are pretty low and it looks like they're going to stay that way for awhile, so buying a home might be the move sooner than you think. But there's so much more to a mortgage than just the interest rate! To help you choose a mortgage lender, NerdWallet has in-depth reviews on multiple lenders in a mixture of categories so you get the home loan with the mortgage rate, term, and fees that's right for you.
Settle an old score
NerdWallet helps you monitor your credit score for free and helps you see how little things (like raising the limit on your credit card or paying your bills on time) can increase your score. NerdWallet partners with TransUnion® to provide your VantageScore® 3.0, based on information in your TransUnion® credit report. Your score and credit report information are updated weekly. But that's not even close to all:
- They provide you with tips from experts on how you could build or optimize your credit score
- You'll get a detailed look at your credit score and all the factors that go into it—your payment history, credit utilization, the age and type of accounts, balances, and any recent inquiries
- The credit simulator tool gives you an idea of how your credit score would change if you applied for a new credit card, closed your oldest credit card, or got a new auto loan
- You also get free, unlimited access to your credit report
When it comes to managing your money, safe and reliable is where it's at. Establishing a healthy relationship with your finances begins when you take control and practice habits that build wealth. Signing up just takes a few minutes. Set your intentions to build a solid financial foundation, it will only strengthen your relationship with your finances. And don't be afraid to get a little nerdy while you're at it.
Photo via Shutterstock