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Grace Derocha

Enjoy a Healthier Easter with Your Family

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When you receive an email with a subject line that includes the words “bunny poop” — as a blogger, you have to open it. Well, maybe that’s just the key to my heart, or at least the key to getting a guest post with me!

Anyways, today I am excited to have an awesome local Registered Dietitian Grace Derocha from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan chatting about some simple ways to make Easter healthier. I so appreciate these tips since I am on my own health journey and know I need to avoid those Reeses Eggs like the plague. {I wish they would just keep them in the candy aisle so I could steer clear, but NO! they are everywhere!}

I’m also excited because these ideas are so much fun for kids and I can’t wait to try them with Kinley. Because, what kid doesn’t like the idea of eating bunny poop?

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By Grace Derocha, BCBSM registered dietitian

Easter is not only a celebrated religious holiday; it’s also a time for chocolate, candy, jelly beans and Easter basket treats. Trust me, I am not against chocolate or treats, but you want to be careful when overdoing it, especially for the kids.

With a little creativity, you can come up with some healthy holiday treats.

Healthy Easter Basket Alternatives:

  • Bunny poop: Combine dried raisins, cranberries and blueberries, drizzle with chocolate.

BCBSM Easter Tips_Bunny Poop

  • Rice Krispies® treat eggs: Shape marshmallow Rice Krispies® treats (using melted Peeps®) into egg-shaped balls and add dried fruits or nuts.
  • Peeps® s’mores: Melt chocolate on Peeps® and put between slices of apple.
  • Bunny ears: Take a persimmon, pear or mango slices to look like bunny ears and dipped in chocolate.
  • Cottage cheese bunnies: Shape cottage cheese and a half of a canned pear into a bunny shape. Use fruit to make its face and decorate it.

BCBSM Easter Tips_Cottage Cheese Bunny

  • Fruit snacks: Dried fruit is best, but fruit snacks are an easy alternative to candy make sure they are made with 100% fruit juice to reduce the amount of sugar.
  • Golden eggs: Mix in some kumquats (a citrus fruit the size of a grape tomato), grapes or grape tomatoes with your chocolate eggs.

Think outside of the box with fun gifts or better yet active treats that don’t involve chocolate or candy:

  • Movies
  • Socks
  • Little toys
  • Balls
  • Chalk
  • Jump ropes
  • New tennis shoes
  • Music
  • Activity or coloring books
  • Crayons, pens  or markers
  • Jewelry
  • Games – include an Easter egg hunt with fun physical activities inside a plastic egg for the kids to do (like 10 jumping jacks or hop on each foot eight times), have some field day activities, like a bunny hop race or walk an egg on a spoon race.

Grace DerochaGrace Derocha is a registered dietitian and certified diabetes educator at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Mrs. Derocha is a featured blogger at A Healthier Michigan. Grace is also a certified health coach, teaches group fitness classes and has a certification in weight management. She graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in dietetics and a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology. Grace has also earned a Master of Business Administration specializing in marketing from Wayne State University.

Grace is a lover of food and a lover of life. She is a wife, a mommy and loves dancing and music. She is very passionate about helping the world become a healthier and happier place.

Grace A. Derocha RD, CDE, MBA

Photos by Helen Battersby, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

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Thanks for the ideas, Grace! What are your favorite healthier Easter basket alternatives? Leave me a tip!

Fab5: Simple, Delicious Pinterest Recipes

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We can all agree Pinterest is fabulous for new recipes, right? Well, I love finding inspiration on there for everything — from DIY’ing and crafts to all things food-related. I’ll be the first to admit, I’ve tried some not-so-great recipes {I won’t call out pins}. But others? Outstanding. And soooo simple. Here are five of my favorites that require minimal ingredients:

  • Crock pot chicken tacos {from My Chocolate Therapy}. Chicken, salsa and taco seasoning. That is it. I love them on whole wheat tortillas with a little light sour cream and lots of avocado. I especially this with salsas with black beans and corn, or any thicker type of salsa.
  • Crock pot buffalo chicken {from Tread Softly}. Chicken, Frank’s wing sauce and a ranch packet. Boom. This is for people who like spice! It makes enough for a small family for leftovers and tastes great on lettuce, in a wrap, on a bun or as nachos.
  • Funfetti cake batter cookies {from Six Sisters Stuff}. Healthy? No, not all. Delicious and perfect for a party when you’re in a pinch? For sure. Plus, they are pretty and require just a few ingredients. {Pictured above}
  • Pulled pork {from Sweet and Savory Food}. Pork butt/shoulder, Sweet Baby Ray’s, a can of diet Pepsi {or your dark soda of choice} and Lawry’s. That is all. Another one that can be used in a variety of ways and is great for a party.
  • A bazillion grilled cheese ideas. I don’t have one specific pin, but let’s just say if you search, you can find all kinds of ideas – some relatively healthy, others not, on good ideas for grilled cheese stuffing. I’ve made all kinds including pizza, taco, basil and tomato and avocado and spinach. Grab what’s in your fridge and go to town! Plus, these are guaranteed to be a hit with kids.

What are your favorite super simple yet delicious recipes you’ve discovered through Pinterest?

Fab5: Social Media Tips for Bloggers {#socmed for #bloggers}

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Social media is kind of my life. It’s my job, but it’s also my passion. I love helping businesses grow using social channels. At the end of the day, strong content is still king when it comes to sharing. Here’s 5 other simple tips that will help you grow your blog on social channels.

1. Use Twitter to your advantage. Use it to network with fellow bloggers, big brands and of course, your readers! I’ve received countless opportunities through Twitter. The best Twitter folks are those who engage. Don’t just post — respond to posts, thank people when they share your stuff and always share other blogger’s posts too! Another tidbit: Use hashtags in titles when it makes sense. That way, every time your post is retweeted, it reaches MANY more people. {Example: Some people specifically look for giveaways on Twitter. If you have a giveaway where you’d like a lot of entries, simply hashtag the word #Giveaway in your post title.}

2. Make sure your blog is connected with your social sites. For example, I use the Shareaholic WordPress plugin to help with sharing my posts. That way, if someone hits my Twitter share button at the bottom of a post, it will always pop up with MY Twitter handle. This is fab because I can see when people tweet my stuff and thank them accordingly.

3. Use Facebook under your blog’s name. Not only is this great for connecting with other bloggers, but it’s great for networking with other pages. Love a specific brand? Why don’t you let them know by linking them directly to your blog? Go comment on their page so they know where to find you. {Here’s how to use FB as your page: Go to your page, click on “edit” at the top and scroll down to click on “Use page as BLOG NAME.” When you’re through commenting, click back to yourself.}

4. Think Pinterest. If you are great at photography and post a lot of recipes, think like Pinterest! On your best images, be sure to include your blog URL. As long as it’s not everything you pin, I think it is perfectly acceptable to pin your stuff — just be sure to disclose it’s from you. Personally, I just have a “My blog” board to avoid confusion. I get a good chunk of traffic from Pinterest – especially with recipes. This is such an amazing tool all bloggers should use to their advantage.

5. Don’t underestimate the power of quality photos. Great photos make for great sharing, period. If PhotoShop isn’t in your budget (it sure as heck isn’t in mine!), try PicMonkey. You can even use it to make customized Facebook cover images, Pinterest-friendly posts and more. You can even slim yourself and whiten your teeth. Best of all, it’s free! If taking a photography class is in your budget, do it! Strong images drive traffic, no matter the social site.

What are your favorite social tips for bloggers?

Fab5: Nutritional Resources

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Since I’ve begun my journey toward a healthier me, I’ve been trying to research food up the wazoo.

Not surprising that many of the foods I love(d) are loaded with artificial crap. Super disappointing in many ways, but thankfully there are tons of websites out there to help me learn, and in many instances, come up with healthier alternatives that taste *almost* as good.

My goal has not been losing a ton of weight, although that’s always a nice side effect. It’s simply knowing my foods and understanding their labels. Here have been a few of my favorite resources so far:

1. FoodFacts.com. This is the mother website for learning about what REALLY is in all the foods you love. Most of the time I am super shocked to learn foods I would think would be given in A, are actually loaded with controversial ingredients. This site has been mega helpful at helping me learn about the breakdown of ingredients. It has also helped me to be super aware of kid-specific foods…Even the organic options aren’t always that great, sadly.

2. Hungry Girl. This is a great website for finding fab recipes that are less fattening without sacrificing taste. My favorite feature of hers is the printable Fall 2012 Supermarket List. It’s so helpful in letting you know which lower-cal foods are worth the money. {Note: Many of the foods she discusses are processed. I don’t love that, but there are certain things that are just too hard to give up! Hopefully one day I will be able to say I can eat 100% “clean.”}

3. 100 Foods Dr. Oz Wants in Your Shopping Cart. OK, not gonna lie — Dr. Oz drives me crazy at times. But I absolutely love this list because it has helped me to rethink the way I shop. Now I typically spend 90% of my time at the store in the produce section, which I know is best for me and my babies. So I suppose I need to give him some cred.

4. SugarStacks.com. Sugar is my weakness and unfortunately has made me popular with my dentist since I have a lot of work headed my way in 2013. This website has helped me to visually SEE how much sugar is in things because it shows how many sugar cubes are in foods. Before, I really had no idea what it meant to have 36 grams of sugar in my yogurt. Now that I’ve seen that the yogurt I was eating contained as much sugar as a can of Coke, I’ve started buying better, lower-sugar yogurt. If you’re a visual learner, check it out.

5. Pinterest. I’ve found gobs of horrible-for-you recipes and pinned them all. But, there are also tons of healthy recipes and tips for healthy snacking, work-out inspiration and more. Makes me wonder how I ever found anything cool on the internet before Pinterest.

What are your go-to resources for a healthy lifestyle?

Fab5: Tips For Playing It Safe With Halloween Face Paint

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I love being able to highlight rockin’ companies and people on Fridays, so was super excited when my friend Angela reached out to me about her parents amazing business, PegFX, which is based in metro Detroit. Today, they are sharing tips on Halloween face paint — one of the very cool services they provide — along with balloon twisting, body art and more. Be sure to check out their gallery to see all the neat things they can do for parties!

Photos provided by PegFX

1. It’s not paint. Professional face paint is makeup, an FDA compliant product that’s specially designed to be used on the skin. Never use craft paint, acrylic paint, tempuras, markers or pens, which can cause an allergic reaction and can be very difficult to remove. Also remember that “non-toxic” doesn’t mean it’s safe for use on skin. Trusted brands of professional face paint include Snazaroo, Paradise, Mehron, Kryolan Wolfe FX and Ben Nye, to name a few.

2. Use brushes for detail. Using cosmetic sponges to apply face paint is not only safer, but it’s also a faster and more effective way of covering the face. Paintbrushes should only be used to add detail to your design—and always remember to use caution near the eyes.

3. Add some sparkle. Cosmetic glitter is a great way to add a little something extra to a design, but its important to use only cosmetic grade glitter (not craft glitter), which is smaller and more lightweight. You can purchase cosmetic glitter at most beauty supply stores.

4. Think outside the box. You can use any color face paint for Halloween designs. Use colors to match your costume, or, think outside the box and get creative with a pink cat, a blue skull, etc. It’s best to practice a trial run before the party, so you can create the design you’re looking for. Or, you can contact a local artist to make an appointment to have your Halloween face painting done professionally!

5. Ask the artist. If you’re at a fall festival or event, be sure to ask the artist what type of product he or she is using on your child’s skin. When in doubt, you can always ask to conduct a patch test on the inside of your child’s elbow to test for sensitivity to the makeup before proceeding with a design.

How fun is this jack-o-latern preggo belly?!

Peggy Hernandez is a professional face painter and owner of PegFX Face Painting and Family Entertainment. For more information, visit www.pegfx.com or call (313) 204-6644. To connect with PegFX on Facebook visit www.facebook.com/pegfx.

What are you or your child planning to be for Halloween? Will you be using face paint? Be sure to follow Peggy’s tips!

Fab5: Helpful Tips for Moms Juggling Kids, College and Married Life

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Since work-life balance is so important to me, I was happy to have guest poster Aniya draft a post to highlight a situation dear to her heart. She has some great tips to share for those balancing kids, college and being married…But let’s be honest — these tips can apply to any woman balancing a lot!

Photo Credit

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Society seems to put a lot of pressure on mothers these days. They are expected to keep the perfect house, have a happy marriage, adorable children and possibly even a lucrative, fulfilling career. Whew, I’m exhausted after just writing that. As my younger sister anxiously awaits the arrival of her firstborn, these are things that are no doubt on her mind.

I try to give her what advice and guidance I can, but the truth is her situation is much different than mine was when I had my first child. I was a stay-at-home mom who didn’t have to worry about anything other than my family, our financial situation and house. She, on the other hand, is in her first year of MBA school, 6 months pregnant, with hopes of one day being a high-powered executive.

I can’t even imagine being in her situation. Her current schedule is hectic enough. Between coursework, married life and the contract assignments she does here and there to stay relevant, it’s a wonder she has time for anything else. And in 3 months they’re going to factor in a baby?  Bye-bye sleep, free time and sanity.

But, as I start to think about it, several women go through similar situations all the time—I just wasn’t one of them. In fact, my best friend had her first child shortly after she started law school, but that didn’t stop her from graduating on time and successfully passing the bar exam, so clearly it can be done. I just didn’t know how to explain that to my sister.

After talking with my best friend for a while, she came up with a short, easy list of tips to help her not just survive, but thrive, during this demanding, stressful time. Read on to learn more.

Set up a Schedule

…And try to stick to it. I’m sure more than a handful of you laughed at this ambitious notion, because if anyone knows anything about life it’s that it’s unpredictable at best. Yet, although that may be true and life has a tendency to get in the way, it helps to have a routine in place for when things do go right. Set aside specific times to do everything on your typical to-do list. For instance, let’s say you do your best critical thinking in the morning—well, sounds like you should make a point to do all of your school assignments then, and plan the rest of your responsibilities around that.

Use your strengths to guide your decisions

Arrange for Date Nights

This is honestly an important tip regardless of your situation. Anyone can get caught up in the rigors of day-to-day life and neglect their relationship. This is a huge mistake, as every partnership takes time, commitment and attention to succeed.

Couples expecting a child should implement this as soon as possible, so that they get that quality time in before their world’s change forever. Then, once the chaos of your new life with your baby calms down, try to stick to it.

My friend said she and her husband had a rough patch when she first started law school because she was overextending herself and, thus very stressed out. Without meaning to, she was taking much of her frustration out on him, that’s if she made time for him at all, but she realized the error of her ways and took the steps to fix it.

Silence Your Guilt

Now, this last tip almost didn’t make the cut. At first, my friend imparted some superficial advice about investing in a good calendar app to help my sister stay on top of things. But after she said that she paused for a minute and offered a much more powerful grain of wisdom for new mothers who are expecting to juggle motherhood, school, work, etc. She stopped and looked at me and said to remind my sister to silence her guilt. Tell her to ignore that inner voice that gives her a hard time when she occasionally sleeps in; silence the “conscience” that makes her feel bad for wanting a break sometimes. Allow herself the opportunity to fail and make mistakes. Because, although we all strive for this much sought after “perfection” it is an unattainable, shallow pipe dream imposed on us by societal pressures that are beyond our control.

What we do control is our own sense of happiness and contentment. It is only when we let external forces dictate our feelings that we truly fail.

So, if you know a special mommy-to-be in your life who is stressing about her impending schedule, please share these tips with her. She and her loved ones are sure to thank you.

A freelance blogger and writer for over ten years, Aniya Wells now regularly contributes to theOnlinedegreeprograms.com blog. She is passionate about giving potential students advice as they embark on an online or traditional degree program. Aniya is very excited about the latest advances in technology that have made a comprehensive education more accessible to all. Please direct questions or comments to aniyawells@gmail.com.

Looking to share helpful tips and want links back to your website? Feel free to send your idea to laurenmarieweber[at]gmail . com.

How do you balance it all? Share tips with us!

Fab5: Pregnancy Nutrition

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Today I have a guest poster who reached out to me to use my blog as a platform to discuss a topic she is very passionate about — pregnancy and all things related. Since I just went through being pregnant myself, of course I was curious of what she’d have to say about pregnancy nutrition! There are some great tips in here I plan to follow as well since I’m a nursing mama. Thanks for the great info, Katie!

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My pregnant belly with Kinley. Photo by Sweet Memories Portraits.

Can the words “pregnancy” and “diet” go together? Many people would say, “No.” Often, people think that the word “diet” means that one is eating less than normal in an attempt to lose weight. However, the word “diet” only means the kinds of food that a person eats. Pregnancy is actually a great time to overhaul your diet and become more aware of what you are putting into your body.

Even if you start out your pregnancy overweight, if you are careful with your diet, you can still have a healthy pregnancy. Remember to speak to your doctor before you make any big changes regarding your diet, as you should consult with them throughout your whole pregnancy about different topics i.e. pain management medicine, cord blood banking, and even circumcision.

If you have struggled with your weight in the past, you may have no idea what healthy eating really looks like. In the attempt to lose weight from time to time, you may have restricted carbohydrates, gone vegetarian or cut out all fat from your diet. However, a healthy pregnancy diet can include these five food groups in moderation.

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates have gotten a bad reputation in the past couple of years. However, not all carbohydrates are equal. A bag of potato chips is not the same nutritionally as a bowl of steel-cut oatmeal. In pregnancy, you should choose the highest quality carbohydrates to eat. These choices should not be loaded with sugar or salt, but they should have plenty of fiber to keep your digestive system on track and your stomach full for longer amounts of time. Three or four one-cup servings from this group should be plenty of carbohydrates each day.

2. Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and veggies are one food group of which you cannot overeat in pregnancy. You should strive to include at least five half-cup servings in your diet each day during pregnancy. However, if you feel like eating more than that, go right ahead. Fruits and vegetables are loaded with vitamins and minerals, while being very low in calories.

3. Meat, Nuts and Proteins

Consuming adequate amounts of protein during pregnancy is crucial, since protein is the substance from which your baby’s body tissues are created. Meat is an excellent source of protein, but you should choose lean meat, like boneless chicken breasts, rather than fatty cuts, such as bacon. Beans and nuts are good sources of protein as well, but, with nuts, you should keep in mind that they are high in fat, too. You should consume a total of about 70 grams of protein each day, which translates to about four three-ounce servings of meat or two one-cup servings of beans.

4. Milk and Milk Products

Milk products are loaded with calcium, which contributes to the bone formation of your new little one. If a pregnant woman does not get enough calcium, her body will take calcium from her bones to nourish the developing baby. Pregnant women need three or four servings of milk, yogurt or cheese each day. Make these of the highest quality that you can afford to buy, and try to get low-sugar yogurt most of the time.

5. Yogurt with Fruit

This snack packs a big nutritional punch, giving expectant mothers one serving of dairy food and one serving of fruit. The nuts provide protein to help you avoid hunger pangs later in the day

½ cup yogurt, plain or vanilla
½ cup canned mandarin oranges, drained of juice
1 tablespoon honey or other sweetener
1 tablespoon chopped almonds

Stir together the honey and yogurt. Gently fold in the fruit. Top with the chopped nuts.

Pregnancy is a wonderful time to change your diet from unhealthy to wholesome. You and your baby will both benefit from changing the way that you eat during pregnancy. Indulging in a pleasurable food item, like chocolate or ice cream, is okay, but you should limit your indulgence to perhaps two or three times a week!

This is a guest post written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the Mom-o-sphere of the blogging world. Just after becoming a Mom herself, Katie took to blogging to share her knowledge and passion for motherhood, pregnancy, children, fitness and overall health. She enjoys spending time with her family, writing and researching, and connecting with others! If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact by visiting her blog “Moore From Katie,” or her twitter @moorekm26.

What healthy foods did you crave during pregnancy? I ate TONS of fruit both times — especially watermelon. Yum!

 

Fab5: Skin Cancer Prevention Tips

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I received some great information from the Wayne State University Physician Group about how to protect your skin from the sun and wanted to share.

This topic is important to me because my mom has had basal cell carcinoma skin cancers (thankfully, the least dangerous) removed from her body a few times now, and it scares the daylights out of me, not only for her sake, but mine too. I never used to protect my skin when I was younger and now I regret it and have vowed to visit the dermatologist as needed when something questionable pops up.

There are some great tips here I thought were important enough to share!

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“The rates of melanoma are rising faster than any of the seven most common cancers, and is the most common form of skin cancer for young adults ages 25 to 29.” – The National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention

To promote skin care throughout the year, the Wayne State University Physician Group offers these skin cancer prevention tips, courtesy of the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention:

  • Use extra caution near water, snow and sand, as these surfaces reflect the damaging rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn.
  • If you’re outdoors, seek shade whenever possible between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when the sun’s rays are the strongest.
  • Wear long-sleeved shirts and pants when comfortable, and always wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
  • Use a broad spectrum sunscreen with a sun protection factor of 30 or higher. Apply 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours.
  • Don’t rely on the sun for Vitamin D. Instead, take vitamin supplements and eat a healthy diet of Vitamin D-rich foods such as wild caught salmon, light tuna packed in oil, milk, mushrooms, eggs and ricotta cheese.

For my metro Detroit readers:

The Wayne State University Physician Group Dermatology Services offers a range of treatments for patients with dermatological problems, including specialty dermatology, cosmetic and pediatric concerns, with locations in Dearborn, Monroe and Sterling Heights. For more information or to find a University Physician Group dermatologist, call 313-240-4900 or visit www.upgdocs.com.

At 11 a.m. Sept. 5, the Wayne State University Physician Group Dermatology Services will visit the Detroit Zoo, in conjunction with the Zoo’s Tri-County Senior Day. The visit serves as a reminder to residents of all ages that sun damage happens all year, not just in the summer. Sunscreen and informative skin care brochures will be distributed outside the zoo gates and within a senior resource area inside the zoo.

What do you do to protect your skin?

Fab5: Pinterest Crafts to Keep Kids Entertained

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Today I have a guest poster chatting about 5 rockin’ crafts found via Pinterest. I seriously can’t wait to try all of these little Kinley – such fun ideas that are simple, inexpensive and will fill your child’s eyes with wonder.

{Follow me on Pinterest here!}

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Finding new and creative ways to keep your child from uttering “mom, I’m bored” might be a little harder to do now that summer vacation is almost over and all of your great ideas have already been used. But if you’re looking for some new, fresh ways to keep your child entertained, you might want to consider doing some fun and easy craft and construction projects. The ones we’ve had selected below were found simply searching the Pinterest database. They’re designed for both girls and boys ranging from 3-to-12, some even incorporate science.

Bird Feeder

This neat craft idea is probably the easiest out of the bunch to make. All you need is an empty toilet roll, some peanut butter, and bird seeds and voila! Your child gets an instant bird feeder to hang outside the front or back yard—no building or construction tools required. Your child can sit back and watch as the beautiful birds flock to the food. For step-by-step directions, visit Indulgy.

Fairies in a Jar

This cute craft project, which was originally pinned by Vippins.com, is tailored more for young girls but some young boys might find it equally as entertaining since it involves destroying a glow stick and pouring the contents into a glass jar. To get the “Tinkerbell” shimmer, all your child needs to do is add a capful of diamond glitter, seal up the jar with the lid, and give it a good shake.

Slime

Similar to putty in consistency, this recipe from Tot Treasures uses regular clear liquid glue, liquid starch, and food coloring to create some slime that can entertain your child for hours—they can stretch it, squish it, or try to create shapes.

Crystal Egg Geode

If your kid is really interested in science and likes to see things transform, this craft project from Martha Stewart will definitely do the trick. It’s a little more complex than the rest since it lets your kids get a look of the crystallization process, but it can definitely keep your child entertained for the entire day. While this craft project was originally released just in time for Easter, you don’t have to use egg dye to form crystals during the summer.

Lava Lamp

Last but not least is constructing a traditional, but highly simple lava lamp using ingredients that can be found in your pantry: vegetable oil, food coloring, and Alka-Seltzer. For step-by-step directions from Family Magazine, click here.

For more crafty ideas, do a simple search in Pinterest!

A freelance writer with a specialization in all things construction, Kristie Lewis writes about everything from working in the field, to choosing the best construction management schools, to doing simple construction craft projects. For more information, contact her at Kristie.lewis81@gmail.com.

What are your favorite summer crafts to do with little ones?

Fab5: Grocery Saving Tips from Bargain Shopper Mom

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Last week, I participated in my very first money-saving/coupon/meal planning class, courtesy of Savings Nation and Bargain Shopper Mom, a blogger who just so happens to live very close to me.

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I’ve been couponing for awhile and know a few tricks, but I definitely learned a lot more in her class. These tips are so helpful — especially for moms like me who’d rather spend money on vacations and wine than groceries 🙂

Here are some of the fab tips she taught me that I never knew before:

1. Look for coupons EVERYWHERE! Don’t be too fussy about grabbing multiple copies of the Sunday paper. There are plenty of coupons to be found online, on Facebook, in magazines and more. Many women at the class chimed in to say the odd places they have seen them – from the doctor’s office to convenience stores. {Bonus tip: If you purchase a Sunday paper each week, go to the Dollar Tree first thing in the morning — it’s only $1 there versus $1.50 everywhere else!}

2. Pay attention to the price per ounce. On all shelf tags at the grocery store, there’s a price per ounce (usually it’s in yellow at my Kroger, for example). The bigger item isn’t always a better deal, and sometimes it makes more sense to buy the small one.

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3. Most grocery store products run on a 4-week sales cycle. In other words, depending on the deal, stock up as much as you’ll need for 4 weeks. For example, shredded cheese generally will be about $1.67 every 4 weeks at my Kroger. Load up on any coupons you can and then purchase enough for one month to avoid ever having to pay full price.

4. Items on the top and bottom shelves are cheaper. Did you know brands pay extra to be at a customer’s eye level? Now that I’m looking more at the top and bottom of the grocery shelves, I’m learning about brands I never even knew existed. Be sure to scan the entire vertical area to determine which brand has the best price.

5. Know the acronyms bargain bloggers and big-time couponers use. Not gonna lie, it took me awhile to understand all the code words bargain bloggers use. Here’s a quick rundown of some of the meanings of acronyms most often used:

  • SS = SmartSource coupon insert
  • RP = RedPlum coupon insert
  • PG = P & G coupon insert
  • GM = General Mills coupon insert
  • IP = Internet printable coupon
  • MFG = Manufacturer’s coupon
  • MIR = Mail In Rebate
  • OOP = Out of Pocket
  • OYNO = On Your Next Order
  • WYB – When You Buy

If you’re interested in signing up for a future class with Bargain Shopper Mom, visit here. Additionally, if you’re not from metro Detroit, check out this listing of other Savings Nation workshops across the country.

Have you learned any great money-saving tips lately? Please share in the comments!

Fab5: Pantry Essentials from Nino Salvaggio {+$50 Gift Card Giveaway}

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The Clinton Township Nino Salvaggio store. How beautiful and welcoming is that?!

Last night, I had the opportunity to attend a mega cool event for bloggers at Nino Salvaggio’s International Marketplace – one of metro Detroit’s most amazing stores ever (in my humble opinion).

Let me tell you, this store is foodie HEAVEN. Nino’s was love at first sight for my husband and I. Can I just say the man loathes shopping, especially with me, but I can get him to go to Nino’s in a heartbeat. We love the kiosk at the front of the store for ordering our lunch meat (standing in line at the deli counter is no fun), the produce is beautiful and lasts, and we always walk out with a new foodie treat — many of which the people of Nino’s have created in their own kitchen (the meat counter, bakery counter and wine section are phenomenal).

Is Nino’s my go-to store for crackers and tomato soup? Nah, I save those things for the boring grocery stores where I can use coupons. BUT, Nino’s has it going on as far as the good stuff goes, so if you can make room in your budget, DO IT. The store makes grocery shopping so much more interesting!

Part of the event was set-up for Nino’s sommelier Jennifer Laurie and head chef, Pete Loren (yes, a chef – told you they have good stuff), talk about things that are essential for your pantry and kitchen. Here are 5 of my favorite tips he shared that I loved:

1. Invest in some good rugs. Your feet will thank you if you get a few anti-fatigue rugs to go in front of the spots you stand in most – i.e. the kitchen sink and stove. The less pain you’re feeling, the more you’ll actually want to stay in the kitchen.

2. Don’t be afraid of restaurant supply stores. There’s no need to spend big bucks at Williams-Sonoma kind of stores. It’s easy to score things cheap so you have more bowls, spoons, spatulas, etc. for your kitchen.

3. More is better when it comes to utensils. Get a crock and fill it with colorful spatulas, wisks and ladles. Not only will it look as beautiful as a flower arrangement on your counter, but it will be super functional with no need to head to the sink a few times to wash between dishes.

4. Use a thermometer to determine when food is ready. Too often we rely on the recipe to tell us what the time and temp needs to be. Avoid over-cooking and other mishaps by using a thermometer to tell you when your food is done.

5. Crank up the tunes in the kitchen. Listening to music in the kitchen makes cooking so much more fun. (I agree!)

Of course Pete shared tons of other great tips, too. Check out more on one of his recent blog posts here.

Nino’s Chef Pete Loren and Sommelier Jennifer Laurie

Follow Nino’s on Facebook | Twitter

I told you the people of Nino’s rock, right? Well, they have graciously provided me with a $50 gift card to give away to one of you lucky people. Enter away using the Rafflecopter form below. Must live in metro Detroit or be willing to drive {store locations in Troy, Clinton Township and St. Clair Shores}. Giveaway ends May 31st at 12:01 a.m.

Disclosure: I received a goody bag and gift card to attend the event. All thoughts and photos belong to me, however.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Fab 5: Advice for WAHMs

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Rocks and pinecones help me to get work done, hence the choosing of this photo!

Each and every day I thank my lucky stars that I am pulling off being a work-at-home mom {WAHM}. I won’t sugar coat it — most days I am ready to pull out my hair {or pass out, but I blame that on being pregnant}. Regardless, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I get to be the one to take care of my little monkey while bring in extra cash, fulfilling my need to be social and continuing to learn more about my profession.

I recently was interviewed by a local magazine, Metro Parent, about being a WAHM. I talked a lot about what I do with Hay There Social Media, a great company I work for. {Check out the article here. Just one minor detail if you read it — I’m not having a boy…I’m still team pink!}

While working at home is not all hearts and flowers, I’ve found ways to make it work. Here are 5 things I think are crucial:

1. Waking up before baby. I’m lucky – I have a good little sleeper at night. I try to wake up before her so I can have some time to collect myself — check email, figure out what I need to accomplish for the day, and most importantly — drink a cup of coffee.

2. Make a consistent time for play and fun. I like to spend our mornings doing things. We’ll go for a walk, go on a playdate or go on a special excursion to a spot where she can get stimulation…and hopefully get worn out! I always have my iPhone nearby if I’m needed.

3. Stick to a schedule. This is a hard one because Kinley doesn’t like to nap everyday and let’s face it, some days require more errand-running. We try to do the bigger stuff in the morning, get home for lunch and try for a nap around 2 p.m. so I can pop in as needed, make calls and answer emails. It doesn’t always work though, so some days I rely on Sesame Street to give me an hour to do work {am I supposed to admit that? Mother of the year!}.

4. Make the most of evenings. Sure, I pop onto Twitter and Facebook {I manage accounts on these platforms} and chime in on friends posts, but most of my evenings are spent doing the nitty-gritty writing I have to do. Sadly, many times this means I have to pass up walks and playtime, hence why it’s so important to me to have mommy-daughter morning time. I do also make it a point to cut out around 10 p.m. most nights so I can chat with the hubby and read a book so I don’t dream about typing and deadlines.

5. Have a supportive spouse. This one is absolutely necessary. My husband does way more than his fair share of bathing and putting to bed. He never complains when I say I can’t help due to deadlines or getting some work done — whether a freelance writing gig, social media work with Hay There or the occasional blog post 😉 He really is the one who makes me working possible.

A bonus point: ENJOY the weekend!!! I try not to check my phone and computer much on the weekends. That is family time and husband time!

If you work from home, how do you manage?

Fab5: Books to Read

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During the past year, I have made it my goal to read for pleasure more. It has not only helped me to relax, but it has been something my husband and I do together before falling asleep. {Yes, we’re that old couple now!} I feel so fortunate to have read many amazing books during the past few years that have taken me to places all around the world – Ireland, Afghanistan, made-up worlds, and more.

It’s no secret I’m a big supporter of my library. Books are one of the most amazing FREE things out there, how could you not love it? Thanks to the GoodReads website and iPhone app, a super cool social network for word nerds, I have found plenty of awesome books to dive into. {Check out my profile and be my friend on GoodReads here!}

Here is a list of five of my favorites with descriptions from GoodReads:

A Thousand Splendid Suns (Fiction)

A Thousand Splendid Suns is a breathtaking story set against the volatile events of Afghanistan’s last 30 years, from the Soviet invasion to the reign of the Taliban to post-Taliban rebuilding, that puts the violence, fear, hope and faith of this country in intimate, human terms. It is a tale of two generations of characters brought jarringly together by the tragic sweep of war, where personal lives, the struggle to survive, raise a family, find happiness, are inextricable from the history playing out around them.

{Sounds intense, I know. But it’s hopeful and inspiring at the same time – I promise!}

The Red Tent (Fiction)

Her name is Dinah. In the Bible, her life is only hinted at in a brief and violent detour within the more familiar chapters of the Book of Genesis that are about her father, Jacob, and his dozen sons. Told in Dinah’s voice, this novel reveals the traditions and turmoils of ancient womanhood–the world of the red tent. It begins with the story of her mothers–Leah, Rachel, Zilpah, and Bilhah–the four wives of Jacob. They love Dinah and give her gifts that sustain her through a hard-working youth, a calling to midwifery, and a new home in a foreign land. Dinah’s story reaches out from a remarkable period of early history and creates an intimate connection with the past.

{If you’re not religious, don’t fret — this is NOT a religious book, it’s just very loosely based off a Biblical story. The excerpts about how women gave birth during B.C. is amazing and was literally what I thought about while trying to push Kinley out…Can’t believe how they gave birth back then!}

Have A Little Faith (Non-Fiction)

What if our beliefs were not what divided us, but what pulled us together? In “Have a Little Faith,” author Mitch Albom (“Tuesdays with Morrie” – also an AMAZING book) offers a beautifully written story of a remarkable eight-year journey between two worlds–two men, two faiths, two communities–that will inspire readers everywhere.

{I loved the storytelling in this book. It’s a quick and inspiring read for people of all faiths. Probably helps that it takes place in Detroit, too!}

The 5 Love Languages (Non-Fiction/Psychology)

Couples who understand each other’s love language hold a priceless advantage in the quest for love that lasts a lifetime — they know how to effectively and consistently make each other feel truly and deeply loved. That gift never fades away.

{I’ll admit it: This book has some cheesy parts. But, learning how my husband and I communicate our love for each other was priceless. I highly recommend this for any couple that is struggling, or just wants to deepen their bond. Just be sure to take the quiz too to figure out what your language is: Words of Affirmation, Physical Touch, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts or Acts of Service. Our ‘language’ has definitely changed since have a child, too!}

Angels In My Hair (Biography)

Angels in My Hair is the autobiography of Lorna Byrne, a modern-day Irish mystic with the powers of the saints of old. Lorna physically sees and talks with angels every day and has done so ever since she was a baby. As a young child, she assumed everyone could see the angels who always accompanied her, but adults thought she suffered from a mental disability because she did not seem to be focusing on the world around her. Today, sick and troubled people from all around the world are drawn to her for comfort and healing, and theologians of different faiths seek her guidance.

Angels in My Hair is a moving and deeply inspirational chronicle of Lorna’s remarkable life story. Invoking a wonderful sense of place, she describes growing up poor in Ireland, and marrying the man of her dreams—only to have the marriage cut short by tragedy.  

{At first I was a tad bit skeptical about this book, but some of her explanations for why bad things happen made complete sense to me…One example: When a woman suffers a miscarriage, that baby follows the woman around as her angel forever. How beautiful is that? This is a very inspiring read for anyone in need of hope.}

My list could go on and on and on…I also loved a lot of the “trendy” books – The Help, Water for Elephants, The Hunger Games, but wanted to include books you may or may not have heard of.

What is the last GREAT book you’ve read?

Fab 5: Facts About Food Allergies

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Today for my Friday Fab 5, physicians with Wayne State University Physician Group Family Medicine practice at Crittenton Medical Professional building in Rochester Hills, Mich., (www.wsufamilycare.com) share their five tips on a hot topic these days – food allergies.

The practice will host a FREE Keeping Kids Healthy Fair on Saturday, April 21 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at 1135 W. University Dr., Suite 250, Rochester Hills, inside Crittenton Medical Professional building on the campus of Crittenton Hospital Medical Center. And they’re giving away one iPod nano to one lucky guy or gal under 18 years old who attends, so why not come out and learn all about how to keep your kids {and you} healthy for spring, summer and beyond?

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Photo courtesy of Wayne State University

It seems like everyone’s talking about food allergies these days, so we thought it would be helpful to break down some of the most common questions we get at the Wayne State University Physician Group Family Medicine practice. In general, food allergies tend to be over-diagnosed. Believe it or not, only about 5 percent of children have true allergic reactions to food.

1. What should I look for? Your child may have a food allergy if he or she has any of the following allergic symptoms within two hours after eating: lips, tongue, or mouth swelling; stomach cramps, diarrhea, or vomiting; hives or itchy red skin (especially if a child already has eczema). Some less common symptoms are sore throat or throat clearing, nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, or sniffing (especially if a child has hay fever).

More rarely, some children have a severe allergic reaction (called an “anaphylactic reaction”) that may be life-threatening. The symptoms of a severe reaction generally occur within minutes to two hours after contact with the food. Symptoms are sudden trouble breathing or swallowing, weakness from a sudden fall in blood pressure (shock), or confused thinking. Call 911 immediately if you think your child is having an anaphylactic reaction.

2. What causes all this? Allergic children produce antibodies against certain foods. When these antibodies come in contact with the food that causes the allergy, there is a reaction that releases chemicals (such as histamines) that cause the allergy symptoms. The tendency to be allergic is inherited. If one parent has allergies, each child has about a 40 percent chance of developing allergies. If both parents have allergies, the chance of food allergy rises to about 75 percent for each child.

3. What are the most common allergies? There’s good reason why many schools are peanut-free these days. Peanuts (and peanut butter), plus eggs, cow’s milk products, soybeans (and soy formula), and wheat cause over 80 percent of food reactions. These foods, plus fish, shellfish and tree nuts, cause over 95 percent of all food reactions. Chocolate, strawberries, corn, and tomatoes are often blamed for allergic reactions, but actually these foods rarely cause them.

4. Can I prevent them?  If food allergies run in your family, you may be able to delay the onset if you are careful. Consider cutting out peanuts while you’re pregnant. If possible, breast-feed your baby for at least the first 12 months. The breast-feeding mother should avoid eating or drinking milk products, peanuts, and eggs during this time. If you cannot breast-feed, use a formula made from protein hydrolysate (called an “elemental formula”) or soy protein. The allergy-prone child should not have any solid foods until six months. Avoid milk products, eggs, peanut butter, soy protein, fish, wheat, and citrus fruits in the child’s diet during the first year of life. Try to avoid peanuts and fish until 2 years old.

5. How do we figure out what food is causing this? Always contact your child’s doctor first. Keep a diary of symptoms and foods for two weeks. Remove the suspected food for two weeks, then, with your doctor’s permission, give your child a small amount of the suspected food — NEVER do this if your child has had a severe reaction. Look for a reaction within 10 minutes to two hours. Skin prick tests or a blood test may also be used to help figure out to what food your child is allergic.

And good news moms and dads: At least half of children who develop a food allergy during the first year of life outgrow it by the time they are 2 or 3 years old. Although up to 4 percent of all babies have a cow’s milk allergy, less than 1 percent of that group is allergic to milk for the rest of their lives.

Does your child have a food allergy? If so, to what is it and how do you handle it?

Fab5: Facts about Children’s Oral Health

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Little K had her first dentist appointment yesterday. Knowing how much I fear the dentist, I’m pretty sure I was more nervous than she could ever be, but turns out it was a very positive experience for both of us.

Checking out her new green toothbrush she picked out all by herself.

Regardless of my dental fears, I am very passionate about oral health and understand its importance in relation to our overall health. Part of my job at Hay There Social Media is to help our dental clients find their way in the social space, and I have to say, my favorite part is learning great information I can follow in my own life and in turn, share with friends.

As a first-time mom, I’ve gotten some great advice along thanks to my pediatric dental client, Drs. Tracht and Briskie, and thought I would share some surprising facts about children’s oral health.

1. Some surprising tooth-friendly foods include: certain cheeses (Monterey Jack, Swiss and aged cheddar), low-fat chocolate milk (!), black licorice, peanuts and cashews. These items can help heal early breaks in tooth enamel and block the buildup of plaque on the teeth.

2. Juice is not highly recommended for babies. Apple and grape juices especially have high amounts of acid, which can cause tooth decay. If your child drinks juice, it’s important to dilute it 1:1 with water and serve in moderation. (And of course, brush twice daily!)

3. Do not send your baby to bed with a bottle if possible. This can cause the liquid to pool around the upper teeth, bathing in acid for hours and causing decay.

4. How often your child snacks may contribute more to cavities than what they eat. It takes 20 minutes after eating or drinking for the acid in our mouths to return to non-cavity producing levels, so let little ones binge – it’s better to do that than eat every 20 minutes for several hours on end.

5. According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a baby should see the dentist at the first sign of a tooth or around age 1.

Interesting stuff, eh?

How old was your child when they had their first dental visit?

Fab 5: Easy Ways to Help Your Clothes Last Longer

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Today for my Friday Fab 5, I have a guest post from Angelita on some tricks on helping your clothes to last. There are some great tips here I’ve never thought about. Learn away…and HAPPY FRIDAY!

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One of the easiest ways to save money on clothes isn’t necessarily scouting for sales, but rather ensuring the clothes you already own are handled with care, preventing the need to constantly replace holey and faded shirts and jeans—in other words, what it really all boils down to is the way you do laundry. To learn 5 quick laundry tips that will help your clothes last longer, read below.

1. Always Turn Clothes Inside Out: It may seem a little too simple, but turning your shirts and pants inside out before washing them can really help preserve its vibrancy as well as prevent incidental damage. Decorative embellishments like zippers, buttons, and hooks make our clothes attractive, but they’re also the reason why we get holes and loose seams in most of our “other” clothes—zippers for example can actually snag and pull on other clothes while in the wash. So turn clothes inside out for protection.

2. Stick to Cold Water: Even if the care instruction tag says to wash in warm/hot water, it’s best to wash your clothes with cold water instead, especially if you have an up-to-date washing machine. The cycles are powerful enough to clean clothes in cold water and you don’t have to worry about shrinkage or fading. As a bonus, less hot water means you’ll save more on overall energy costs.

3. Don’t Use Excess Landry Detergent : You may think that adding-in a bit of extra laundry detergent will help get your clothes get “cleaner” but in reality that extra soap can really end up destroying your clothes.  This is because laundry detergent is specifically designed to eat away dirt and stains. When too much laundry detergent is used, the soap never fully washes out and continues to attack the fibers in your clothes, causing them to consistently fade. Carefully read the recommended amount of laundry detergent that should be used with the size of load you have located on the packaging—you might even be able to use a little less than that. You’ll keep your clothes’ color intact and you won’t go through detergent as quickly, which can save you a bit of cash.

4. Use Low Temp Dryer Setting: The worst thing you can do is “over dry” your clothes—this is the fastest way to shrink all of your favorite T-shirts and jeans. So don’t just leave your clothes in the dryer and wait until they’re extra dry (or until the timer goes off)—check on them frequently. If they’re a little damp still, that’s ok. Take them out to hang dry (this will keep your clothes wrinkle-free). Or at the very least leave your clothes on a low dryer setting.

5. Do Not Put Delicates in the Dryer: Last but not least, you don’t want to put your delicate undergarments in the dryer—they’re called delicate because, well, they’re delicate. If you decide to put them in the wash at the very least place them in a mesh bag to prevent tearing and stretching. But never put them in the dryer. Lay them flat to dry. You’ll be thankful you did.

Byline:

This guest post is contributed by Angelita Williams, who writes on the topics of online courses.  She welcomes your comments at her email Id: angelita.williams7{@}gmail.com.

Anyone have any other neat clothes-preserving laundry tips? Please share in the comments!

 

Fab5: Easy and Cheap Crafts for Kids

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Today I have a guest poster…ENJOY and HAPPY FRIDAY!

Doing crafts with kids doesn’t mean you have to spend a lot of money. Kids are entertained by simple things, and simple means cheap. The next time you are planning crafts with your kids, why don’t you try a couple of these easy and cheap craft ideas?

1. Treasure box – This craft project is very simple. Just find a box with a lid and get to work. Have kids decorate the box with glitter, macaroni, pictures clipped from magazines, or anything else they love. Gold glitter and fake gems make a treasure box fit for a princess, and then they have a place to store all the little things they pick up.

2. Collage – Have your child personalize their room and enjoy a fun craft doing it. Making a collage is super simple and fun for kids to express themselves. All they need is a piece of poster board and some glue. They can use photos, ribbons, and more to make the collage truly representative of their interests. Include the year and make them annually for a visual timeline of your child’s changing interests.

3. Journal – Having a journal that they decorated can really encourage a child to write. A simple spiral notebook can be turned into a special journal by decorating the cover. Safeguard the art from harm by covering it with clear packing tape and the journal will be sure to survive your child’s adventures.

4. Storybook – Like a journal, a storybook is a great way to encourage writing ad imagination. All you need is some construction or other thick paper and some yarn. Hole punch the construction paper and bind it together with the yarn to create the book. Then have the kids write and illustrate their own fairy tale.

5. Fun with boxes – Any large box can become a gateway to adventure. Kids can turn a large box into a rocket, a house, a car, or a castle. They are only limited by their imagination. Help them out by cutting in window and door openings and then give them a handful of markers and let them go wild.

There are many ways to do crafts with your kids without having to invest much money. If you just use a little imagination and things you already have around the house you will discover many more crafts to do with your children.

Photos courtesy of MorgueFile

Mary Edwards is one of the contributors and editors for best dating sites. She is passionate about thought leadership writing and regularly contributes to various career, social media, public relations, branding, and parenting and online dating community. She can be reached at edwardsmary936 AT gmail.com.

Fab5: Pregnancy Pros and Cons

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Being pregnant for the second time is definitely more exhausting than the first time, but I knew that was coming with a curious toddler running around the house.

As much as I feel like I’m not soaking in this pregnancy as much as I did with Little K (where are my baby books?!), I still find growing a little human to be up there among one of the most beautiful gifts a woman could ever receive. Plus, now that I’m feeling the baby do somersaults in my belly, it seems even more real…and I’m taking this as a sign that I’m in for an energetic child!

With that said, there’s also some seriously annoying parts to being pregnant, too.

I solicited some thoughts from my blog’s Facebook page on the best and worst parts of being pregnant. Here’s what my friends had to say:

The worst part of being pregnant is ___________.

1. Not being able to take strong medications while sick. – My contribution (especially since I’ve been fighting a sinus infection the past few days)

2. Insomnia! – Stacy B.

3. Any time of day “morning” sickness. – Deanna M.

4. Swollen ankles. – Debbie K.

5. Being slow and uncomfortable, clothing never fits right – and I always gained weight in all the wrong places (especially the face!) – Jolyn F.

And now on to the positive side of things…

Photo Credit

The best part of being pregnant is ___________.

1. Knowing you are creating life and that you have a darn good excuse to relax (or be tired)! – My contribution

2. It’s the only time elastic-waisted pants are acceptable on any occasion. – Christina S.

3. Being able to eat absurd amounts of naughty food. – Heather K.

4. The kicking! – Serena H.

5. I noticed more doors would be opened for me by strangers and people would look at me and smile…I think when people who have children see a pregnant woman, it reminds them of their children and takes them back to the time when they were excited about the birth of their child. It is amazing how this can bring joy to people of all ages! – Kimmy K.

Overall, I won’t complain too much about being pregnant. It’s such a blessing, and I feel thankful to have another addition to my family on his/her way!

What were (or are) your favorite and least favorite parts about being pregnant?

Fab5: Ways to Save on Baby Gear

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I’m not cheap by any means, but when I have an opportunity to save some dough somewhere, I try my best. Shopping for an infant’s first year of life can be extremely expensive. In fact, according to the book Baby Bargains [2010 edition], it costs approximately $7,040 to purchase everything a baby should need in the first year of life.

In my opinion, that number is way higher than it needs to be! You can spend a lot less than that and still not have to sacrifice quality. Try these tricks when looking to save:

1. Shop resale, Mom 2 Mom sales and Craigslist for items that don’t have to be new. Great used finds: extra car seat bases (just double-check they will work), pack n’ plays, high chairs (for grandparents), Bumbos, clothing and shoes. Bonus: Your child will get some unique items this way!

Another one of my favorite things to check out are local library used book sales. I always find some great kids books for dirt cheap. Check out Book Sale Manager for a list of book sales nearest you.

2. Be practical when shopping for a nursery furniture. Nothing irks me more than when I see a mom who is on a budget buy an $800 crib. I’m sorry…you only use it for a limited time…don’t spend that much money on it. Get something nice, yes, but a princess bed made of gold isn’t needed.

Photo Credit. And FYI – This crib costs more than $4,000!

A few secrets about cribs:

– Whether you’re getting a Walmart crib or something from a boutique, they all meet the SAME safety regulations, so in a sense, they are all created equal.

– Crib brands can be tricky…some of the same manufacturers that make cribs for Walmart or Target also make cribs for Sears, Babies “R” Us and other department stores, under a different name and  higher price tag (i.e. LaJobi, Babi Italia and more, sold at department stores = Graco, sold at Walmart). Don’t fall for slick marketing.

3. Read reviews. Baby stuff isn’t cheap, so tune into what real moms are saying to ensure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. I often find the most expensive items are FAR from the best. It pays big bucks to do a little digging. If you can’t find anything legit online, ask your Facebook or Twitter friends for advice!

4. Don’t be brand loyal. Buy what’s on sale.

DIAPERS: We all love Pampers diapers, but if they are not on sale and paired with an amazing coupon, skip them. They are extremely expensive, and let’s face it, those Pampers rewards aren’t that cool. Are all diapers created equal? No. But, when they are just used for pooping and peeing in, there’s no use spending a lot of money on them. (One of my favorites is the Target brand diapers. I can get twice as many for the price of one box of Pampers.)

FORMULA: If you formula feed your child and they don’t have any allergies or other issues, don’t turn your nose up to the off-brand. Check out the ingredients – they are exactly the same typically. See StoreBrandFormula.com for a side-by-side comparison. According to the site, by purchasing store brand formula, parents can save $7-$11 per can, which adds up to approximately $416 – $572 in total savings a year.

5. Try to avoid stores that have BABY in the name. I know, it’s unavoidable at times, but Babies “R” Us and Buy Buy Baby, et al, can be overpriced (even with coupons!). And if you’re like me, you can never find anyone to help you find what you’re looking for anyways. You’re much better off shopping in a mass retailer if you really are looking to save.

Using these tips = More money for a college fund! Because what could be more important than your child’s education?

Photo credit.

What are your favorite ways to save on baby gear?

Fab5: Soothing Songs for Little Ones

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Before Little K was born, I researched up the wazoo on iTunes for cool new music that was soothing for little ears, just banking that she’d be like me and love music. Well, that paid off for sure because music still to this day is the one thing that calms her down when she’s upset. I have tons of music that’s not annoying for us big people to hear, so I thought I’d share 5 of my favorite softer songs that her and I both love. I’m hoping baby #2 enjoys this music just as much as we have!

1. Forever and a Day (Always) by Jewel…In fact, I love her entire lullaby CD — so gorgeous and relaxing (for baby AND mom!).

2. Lullaby by Matt Costa and Jack Johnson (from the Curious George soundtrack). Such a cute, happy song.

3. You Are My Sunshine by Johnny Cash. I just love anything by Johnny, but I especially love this song since it shows the softer side of the “Man in Black.”

4. Always by Plumb. The words in this song just give me the chills and bring tears to my eyes — they completely capture the way I feel as a mom.

5. Bridge Over Troubled Water by Simon and Garfunkel. I grew-up listening to S&G so I have a special spot in my heart for them. This is another song that could be interpreted as a parent speaking to his/her little one. Beautiful words and harmony.

What are your favorite songs for soothing little ones?

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