We all know Pirelli is known less for their tyres and more for their calendars. Well they are in my circles anyway.
Here they are getting raunchy again. This time on pregnant model Adriana Lima - the first model to be shot forwho is visibly pregnant.
Not that they've just snuck up on Lima. It's not like she was just hanging about by that wall, having massaged a healthy slathering of baby oil over her belly.
And yet... There's something that doesn't sit well with me. And I'm not a prude. I love pregnant women. I think they are blossoming, beautiful, so feminine and so sexy. It is one of my favourite times of my life, being pregnant. I felt so much like a woman. The curve of that belly. Swoooooon! But this photo.. I just can't put my finger on it.
Photographer Steve McCurry (famous for *that* National Geographic cover featuring the Afghan girl with the piercing green eyes) went for a less bare look this year - but with more bump? He's been quoted as saying this calendar will be a calendar of the soul. And pregnant bellies.
Maybe when I see the calendar in its entirety I'll feel different, but for now, I'm not convinced.
You? You dear reader? What do you think?
PS - Fashion Friday is currently on hold. At least until I get out of my jammies.
I am really excited to see this documentary ASAP. If you're a long time reader of PMM, you'll know I am very passionate about birth. If you're new to PMM, FYI - I am very passionate about birth.
It features one of my all-time favourites, Sheila Kitzinger. During my pregnancies I read a lot of her books. I love her, she's pragmatic and passionate and just down-to-earth and smart.
Being pregnant is probably one of my favourite past times. In fact if I could be pregnant all the time I would be (well within reason). Sans morning sickness.
I think pregnancy has been undeniably one of the favourite things of my life. I love it. That blossoming belly. Those first ripples of your babe moving gently in your belly. The kicking. It's that sweet communication between baby and mama. (Clearly I have filed the indigestion, back pain and foot wedged under the ribs and constant discomfort when sleeping in the darkest corners of my brain).
When I found these gorgeous images over at The Byron Life, I knew I had to share and link. You can click over to Megan's The Byron Life to read more, and see more of these incredibly sensual images by Australian photographer Olivia Martin McGuire.
Ages ago I said I'd write about subjects that have stigmas growing all over them. I've been avoiding them myself. These stigmas, they're shunted into the corner and left to thrive with other stigmas sprouting all over them. I've dragged this one out into the sunshine. Hosed it down, given it a scrub, dried it, and now here it is. Especially, sparkly and delightful, for you to enjoy.
You can cover your ears, look away, sing loudly, whatever you like, but here it is - I'm never going to run around and desert you.
During my pregnancy with Tiny, in the latter stages, I noticed a wee bit of.. er.. wee. A little bit leaky if you will. So during a meeting with my midwife I told her. I had visions of the above happening to me.
She referred me to a physiotherapist, and I was scheduled for some appointments. And boy was I in for a surprise. I never knew physiotherapists dealt with such matters as weak pelvic floors. Lucky them!
My physiotherapist had a, I'm not sure what it's actually called, but I guess it looks a.. It looks like a dildo ok?
Yep. That was a surprise. Surprise PMM! Look what I have here.
Let's fast forward because:
a) this was a wee bit humiliating
b) my parents are reading this
c) I don't wish to revisit this series of appointments whereby the physiotherapist gauged my pelvic floor muscle condition by squeeeeeeezing the probe.
Needless to say, exercising your pelvic floor is important for both men and women.
I won't go on with any medical jargon (because I have none), but I do know after my sessions that exercising your pelvic floor is integral to not weeing all over the floor. And for after hours interludes. And for your own self-esteem. And for childbirth.
Regardless of whether you've had a baby or not, but particularly if you have given birth, those muscles are streeetched and need tightening pronto!
After my first physio session I set my alarm clock on my phone four times a day to remind me to exercise. This was known by rote in my family. Even my Dad would say 'PMM time for pelvic floor exercises.'
I don't do my exercises while I am driving because I can't focus on either thing. I need to be doing something such as folding washing, or watching TV, that doesn't require another part of my brain.
Anyway - ladies, if this post acts as a reminder, I will be chuffed, because the world around us will not only enjoy stronger pelvic floors, but it will not be flooded by wee. And that my friends is a good thing. Yes?
As is the mantra in the totally ace film 'Away We Go' - 'don't reach for another bagel, do another Kegel'.
There ends my first stigma post. I have more up my sleeve. Promise.
I was just wondering why I didn't see any pics of Amy Adams at the Oscars. I love Amy Adams. I loved her in Julie + Julia. Liked totally loved her. I loved her in Junebug. I loved her in the almost woeful Sunshine Cleaners. I just point blank love Amy Adams. She's beautiful.
So I googled her, et voila!
Here she is sporting a beautiful baby belly and blue silk chiffon Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti dress..
And here's Paula Patton (Precious) rocking a more fitted gown. Did you know that Paula is married to Robin Thicke?! I did not people. Until now.
Beautiful blossoming bellies rocking couture. Big love.
