Who is Your Model Mom?

My model mom has eight legs, five biological children, three adoptive ones, two dewy eyes and a gigantic heart of gold. In honor of Mother’s Day, I’m turning the spotlight on motivational moms who have made an impact on my parenting techniques. While there are many exceptional women out there raising kids in ways that warm the heart and stir the soul, this post highlights a unique mother I’ve admired since my daughter was a toddler. She embodies the fortitude of Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the diplomacy of a Nobel Peace Prize winner, and the flexibility of a Cirque … Continue reading

Getting the Idea of Exercising from Your Mind to Your Heart

So you have probably polished off the last of the pumpkin pie and have hopefully awoken from your turkey coma. The mashed potatoes and gravy may still feel like they are sitting around your middle but you are determined to get a head start on a fitness routine. Why wait until the New Year? Why not get started now? There is nothing wrong with looking at certain opportunities as the perfect time to start a fitness routine. The fresh start of a new year, the day after your big Thanksgiving feast, or the day you celebrate a birthday…no matter what … Continue reading

Five Basic Exercises for Successful Labor

Delivering a baby requires a little flexibility. I’m not talking about compromising your birth plan, either. When you’re trying to squeeze a seven or eight pound baby through a space that is pretty small to begin with, you’re kidding yourself if you think you won’t have to contort into a number of rather awkward positions to make it happen. If you don’t stretch and limber up your muscles beforehand, you can expect quite a bit of extra soreness after you deliver. Who wants extra pain? Getting your body ready for delivery is not difficult, it just takes a little planning … Continue reading

Moms-to-Be: Work Stress Can Be Harmful to Your Baby

A Dutch study published in the American Journal of Public Health took a look at work stress in the first trimester of pregnancy — and the impact it can have on an unborn child. More than eight thousand pregnant women participated in a survey focused on employment and working conditions — they were asked about the number of hours worked per week and their stress levels (among other things). More that seven thousand women continued in the study, and were in contact with researchers again after giving birth to report the weight of the newborns. The results? Women who worked … Continue reading

Celebrity Moms’ Unique Ways to Get Fit and Inspire Kids

Supermodel Cindy Crawford doesn’t want her daughter to fall into society’s trap of being super skinny, so she employs a simple tactic to encourage 7-year-old Kaia to snack: She goes out of her way to eat ice cream and potato chips in front of her. Does anyone else see the humor in this? Grimaces aside, Crawford is serious about keeping her kids fit and encouraging them to establish healthy body images. The 42-year-old mom recently told reporters that she is determined to keep her daughter from sacrificing her health for her figure, so she goes out of her way to … Continue reading

More Ways to Get Fit After Giving Birth

You had your baby three months ago and now you are dying to get back into your old jeans, but your body is not cooperating. So what now? The last thing you want to do is go on a diet. It may sound strange, but experts maintain that going on an official “diet” could derail your post-pregnancy weight loss goals. The reason: Studies show that moms who feel deprived of their favorite foods while experiencing stress from a new baby actually pack on extra pounds. Rather than diet, experts recommend eating a healthy menu featuring a variety of fresh foods. … Continue reading

Baby Blog Month in Review: November 2008

I hope that you had a good holiday with your little one(s). November went by so fast, it is hard to believe that december and the holidays are already upon us. Here are all of the blogs that we posted last month in the Baby Blog. November 1st Baby Blog Week in Review: October 20th Through October 26th As parents, we always worry about our children. It is so important to stay informed, whether it is an issue with BPA in plastics or baby clothing that is causing medical issues. Explore the posts in the Baby Blog for the week … Continue reading

Running While Pregnant

In a previous blog I marveled at a spirited mom who was featured in a recent issue of Runner’s World magazine. She ran a marathon while she was eight months pregnant and is now preparing to run another with the son she carried in utero. Having struggled to complete the various marathons I’ve run (while not pregnant) I can’t imagine the mindset this mom possesses. It’s simply amazing to me. While sharing my thoughts about the fearless mom with a fellow running friend of mine I was reminded that super runner Paula Radcliffe also trained for the New York City … Continue reading

How Effective are those Fancy Exercise Machines?

If you are trying to get into shape then those incessant commercials hawking fancy (see: expensive) exercise equipment are bound to catch your eye, draw you in and have you contemplating paying five easy installments of $99.99. But wait! Before you get out your credit card consider the information in this blog, which provides details on one of the hottest exercise machines on the market. The Skorcher promises to deliver major results in half the time, but does it? SKORCHER The Skorcher is a fitness machine that is designed to specifically target the thighs and butt. The commercial claims that … Continue reading

Frugal Living Month in Review: July 2008

July went by so quickly for us! There were so many fun and frugal activities and events for us to explore, from a science camp to free movies and sand sculpting. I hope your July was equally fun and frugal. Summer is a busy time, I know. Did you miss any frugal articles last month? If so, here is an opportunity to catch up on what you missed. There are new ways to save money on food, clothing, kids, gas and more. Feel free to leave a comment on any frugal post. I read all of the comments myself, no … Continue reading