The Celebrity of today has turned from the traditional names of Hannah, Sarah, James or John to names that portray spices, fruit, personality traits or objects.   Celebrities like Cher and Director Robert Rodrigues have names their children after personality traits such as Chastity (Cher) and Rogue (Rodrigues).  Other celebrities choose fruity names for their children, Apple for Gwyneth Paltrow, and Peaches for T.V personality Paula Yates. Celebrities have also “spiced” up their children’s names with Saffron for Musician Simon LeBron, and Thyme for Isaiah Washington. ActressRachel Griffiths choose a musical instrument for her son Banjo. Erykah Badu, musician, choose a sleek Puma for her daughter.   I guess when Paula Yates daughter was born, Little Pixie came to mind, and right on to the birth certificate it was placed! The same could be said of Michael Hutchence’s daughter Heavenly. Aurther Ashe chooses an object in naming his daughter Camera, as well as Toni Braxton’s son Denim. Roger Taylor got creative in the naming of his daughter Tiger Lilly, wasn’t that a name of a character in Peter Pan?   Musician Ving Rhames choose Freedom for his son, Andre Berganin choose the number Seven for his son. What ever the celebrities choose, the public will soon follow.   Different names that we wouldn’t have seen on 100 most popular names 20 years ago such as: Makenzie, Landon, Makayla, Aiden, Madison, Hunter, Maya and Peyton are firmly fixed on the list   In the next 20 years I am sure we will see names of spices, fruits, vegetables, animals, personality traits all on the 100 most popular names of this century.  It makes you wonder what the Celebrities of our children’s times will name their children? Cotton, Salt, Desk, Fireplace?   Who knows?  One thing is definite, they will be interesting.

So you’ve joined the ranks of weary parents who have spent one too many nights doing homework with their children, only to emerge with bleary eyes and a  frustrated kid (who still doesn’t get it).  And after much wavering, you’ve finally made a tough decision: it’s time to get a tutor.  Finding just the right person might feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.  You just need to do your homework!
A great shortcut to finding someone trustworthy is to ask your child’s teacher or school counselor for recommendations.  Schools often have a list of people who are qualified.  Once you locate a few names, you’ll probably start with the obvious question: “How much is it going to cost?”  Of course you want someone who isn’t going to tank your budget, but beyond that, you can narrow your search criteria to just three areas.
Here’s a checklist to help you keep your wits about you while you track down the perfect tutor: (more…)

Oh Baby! Shopping for your little one is a fun and exciting time, but it can get expensive fast. Not to worry, these simple bargain-shopping ideas will save you time and money.

1. Take Another Mom With You

There are so many items to purchase for your new baby it’s hard to know what you really need versus what is being marketed to you. I’ve found that veteran mom’s are great at steering me towards items I will really use. Even if you’re having your second or third child, it always helps to have someone along to remind you of the necessities.

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1. Make sleep a priority.

More sleep = fewer meltdowns. Fewer toddler meltdowns, fewer mom meltdowns…We all function better with regular sleep; hence, regular naps & a regular bedtime are a priority in our house, even if it means we go out less often.

2. Hoard snacks.

Keep your purse or diaper bag stocked with snacks, such as Healthy Handfuls’ organic treats or boxes of organic raisins, as a prevention of low blood sugar meltdowns that both children and moms are subject to at the most inopportune times. A package of crackers can buy you precious time in a store or office. So don’t leave home without a good supply.

3. Make good use of the bathtub.

The bathtub can be a mom’s best friend. All of my children love to be put into a bath of warm water (sometimes with bubbles or coloring as a special treat) with a handful of toys. It gives me and my children precious time to unwind and have some space to ourselves. Oh, and the child gets clean too!

4. Get dressed.

Before I start my day with my children, I work hard to get a shower and get dressed for the day, even if it means they watch a cartoon or two while I do so. Getting out of my pj’s, showering, & putting on “real” clothes makes a huge difference in how I feel about myself and in how much I get done that day.

5. Have a routine.

Children of all stages and temperaments respond well to routine. Now - your routine doesn’t have to look like anyone else’s - you don’t have to start your day at 6 am with activities at 15-minute intervals. Just make a routine that works for you, your family, and your style.

6. Stash special toys.

A trick I learned from a friend of mine was to stash a special toy or two in my bag that I reserve only for occasions when I am out at the store or coffee shop. My children look forward to playing with the toys, occupying them for a space of time that I can use to sit down in a coffee shop, even converse with a friend. The miniature containers of Play-doh work really well for this - kids love a little Play-doh time, and usually, it can be cleaned up fairly easily.

7. Ask for help.

I know, this goes against most of our inner beings, and yes, we probably could do it by ourselves. But we can do it better with help. We’re happier when we let others help us, and others around us can enrich our mothering.

8. Look at your child / children.

In the midst of the most trying tantrum-filled, potty-training, no-nap days, looking at your children - really looking at them - can transform how you are feeling…those sweet dimpled hands you’ve held since they were almost too small to clutch one of your fingers, that rumpled head of hair with its multiple cowlicks and swirls, those impossibly long eyelashes with the reddish tint at the ends…

9. Laugh (or at least try to smile).

As hard as it may seem to imagine in the moment, someday you really will laugh as you recount how your toddler daughter climbed into her younger brother’s crib, removed his diaper, and decorated him & the crib with the diaper’s contents - all without getting even a tiny amount on herself.

10. Take all advice - even mine - with a grain of salt.

99% of the advice showered upon you from friends, families, and strangers is delivered with good intentions; so try hard not to take any of it personally. And filter all of it with the knowledge that you and your husband know your children better than anyone else.

When B and N were infants and we’d be out and about somewhere, we’d occasionally encounter parents out with their older twins.  We’d give each other the Knowing Smile and Nod of Acknowledgement, and small talk would ensue.  The conversations usually went like this:

Them: “How adorable!”  How old are your twins?”

Me: “Four months old.”

Them: “Ah, yes, I remember those days.  Hang in there.  Don’t worry, it gets easier!  Good luck!”

This intrigued me.  Easier?  In what way?  I wanted details (and a date when I could expect this magical “easiness” phase to start).  I’d long since given up the idea of a decent night’s sleep, my experience with breastfeeding was a nightmare, and I was struggling with constant feelings of inadequacy as a new mother.  Postpartum depression, anyone?

As a first-time mother with little experience with children other than my own, I only had a hazy idea of what parenting would be like beyond the infant stage.  So, these random snippets of encouragement and hope from total strangers provided some comfort to me when, say, I was driving my son around the neighborhood at two a.m. praying that he would fall asleep before I did.  It gets easier!  Those other parents said so!

Well.  Fast forward to toddlerhood, and I still don’t get the “easier” part.  I suppose it does get physically easier on the parents.  My children sleep through the night; they can walk and don’t have to be carried everywhere; and they can play together and keep themselves entertained.  But I contend that it doesn’t actually get easier; it just gets different.  Take going to the grocery store.  When I had two infants, it was all about the logistics.  I had to first circle the lot until I found a parking space next to a cart return that had a cart in it.  Then load two infant carriers in the grocery cart and squeeze groceries into the remaining space.  I’d think to myself, “If only B and N could walk… this would be so much easier.”  And soon enough, they could walk, but going to the grocery store is no easier now than before.  With toddlers, it’s about maintaining control, and you’d better be on your toes and ready for anything.  You cannot relax for one second.  (On one shopping trip recently, in addition to the constant stream of “Hold onto the cart” and “Put that back,” I had to tell my daughter to STOP LICKING THE FLOOR.)

Easier? No.  Different?  Very.  Better?  I say yes.  Every day my twins find a new way to delight and amaze me.  Maybe that’s what those parents meant to say.  “Don’t worry.  It gets better!

Live next door to an annoying Martha Stewart mommy type that creates to die for quiches, 7 layer cookies, or pots du creme?  Who also has an ultra-clean house with no visible toys or sign of kid-life?  Who is dressed in long jeans, high heeled boots, cashmere sweater, and a face perfectly made up at morning school drop off?  I don’t have a next door neighbor like this but am literally surrounded by these Stepford mommies in my neighborhood.   How do these women do it?  Ahhh…the nanny and housecleaner, perhaps?  Then there’s me sans makeup, in track pants and a baseball cap, rushing my kindergartner to class, thinking about takeout for dinner.  You tell yourself (maybe during your afternoon shower if you had time), that you could do better.  That you could get it together this year.  Get organized.  And then your reverie is shattered when your kindergartner, the one who has to do everyth ing for herself says: “Let me pour the milk, Mommy,” and yes, it ends up all over the kitchen floor but luckily you have a corgi cleanup crew to help you out. Impossible, you think, my world can never be this as organized and praiseworthy as that lady’s.  Not that I’d want to be perfect, right?

What’s a girl to do?  Baking is the answer!  You may not be able to produce a 6 course gourmet dinner between diaper changes, the grocery store, and walking the dogs as your little one screams the entire time.  You can’t be “perfect” but you can bake…Okay, baking is not the answer but it’s not hard as you think and has almost instant results.  You can feel like you accomplished something for once in your hectic day.  I’m lucky, my husband loves my baking (this might be due in part to the fact, my mother-in-law’s idea of cooking includes potato bud-tuna casserole, microwave chicken dishes, and Velveeta grilled cheese sandwiches. Here are a few baking tips to make your family cheer:

1. Quick breads are quick, yes, and easy, so stock up on canned pumpkin, zucchini, bananas, and nuts.  These can be whipped up while the baby is sleeping and if you have a light sleeper most can usually be mixed with a spoon rather than a mixer.

2.  Experiment.  When a recipe calls for cinnamon, might it taste better if you added cloves, nutmeg, and ginger as well?  Or instead of just oregano, throw some basil in etc.

3.  Don’t always be in rush.  Let the kids help.  This makes you instantly feel like Mommy of the Year.  Who cares if it adds to the already big mess?  From toddlers to high schoolers, kids love to bake and sample the dough.  If you are really a Mommy of the Year, you can use this golden opportunity to teach the kids about measuring and fractions.

4. Don’t make cookies at 5 pm.  Kids always ask when your defenses are down, when the day has crept up on you.  But no one will touch their dinner, believe me, I know.

5.  Pies.  Okay, I hate pie crusts!  I’ve never been able to perfect them.  Always have a store bought one just in case your crust goes haywire.  Just tell yourself it’s the interior of the pie that counts.

6.  Invest in a good mixer.  Not for the status but for the results of course.  I splurged on a KitchenAid mixer a few years ago and haven’t regretted it.  Okay, the lady next door will have the Viking oven and the top of the line mixer from Italy but who cares, right?

7.  Don’t be afraid to try a yeast bread.  You can’t beat homemade bread! The trick is in proofing the yeast.  You add the yeast package to some warm water and sugar and if it foams, your good to go.  Also, bread making is great fun for the wee ones.  They can knead it and shape some into their very own loaf.  Think Mommy of the Year again!

8.  Non-stick cooking spray.  Great as an alternative to getting the hand all greased up and it never completely washes off method.

9.  Homemade buttercream frosting.  Stop!  Do not buy the artificial crap from the grocery store.  Cake mixes are good, but prepared frostings are not!  You can have homemade frosting made in five minutes, it’s worth it.  All you need is powdered sugar, milk, butter and vanilla.  Easy!

10.  Baking sheets.  Have dark brown baking sheets and cookies just as brown?  Have at least one cookie sheet just for cookies.  No tater tots!  Your cookies and kids will thank you.

Bake, be a real woman, right?  Nah, but it sure tastes good trying to be one!

Time is measured in a whole new way when you welcome your little bundle into the world, it is not gauged by the changing seasons and calendar days but rather by the little milestones your baby is making and before you know it their first birthday is upon you. It is time to celebrate all that you and your growing family have accomplished together. I say for all of you to celebrate because lets be honest, those first few birthday party’s are for us parents to pat ourselves on the back and high five ourselves for surviving, oh, and to make sure that, that scrapbook finishes with some cake smeared grins of course! Your little baby really couldn’t careless about what theme you choose or who attends, to them it is just another day to discover and grow.

The past three years have been a whirlwind of 1st and 2nd birthday parties for me and the themes are always as diverse as the babies themselves but those that stand out to me are not the ones that are dominated by TV characters but more the ones that are simple and soothing for baby and adult friendly seeing there are always more adults than babies.

We recently went to a 2 year olds party where her mom chose her little girls favorite color as the theme. Pink. Something so simple yet it was beautiful and girly but adult friendly too. It is easy to do; you can buy Polka Dot Wall Stickers ($12.50 per 5pk Amazon Marketplace) in your color of choice and put them on a featured wall. Everything is in that color from napkins to flower arrangements and goodie bags. The cake, again, was very simple but effective, white with pink polka dots.

Another place to draw inspiration for a theme is from the season or holiday your child’s birthday falls near. We once went to a birthday party that was close to Easter and the theme was bunnies. The Mom said it was easy to accomplish seeing all the stores were caring Easter product at the time and her little girl was thrilled. And this past fall we were invited to a pumpkin party for a 3 year old, now what child is not thrilled with pumpkin patches?

I know my little girl has her favorite stuffed animal “Stinky”, a rather beaten up giraffe that she absolutely adores. Every time we see a giraffe she squeals “Stinky, Stinky”. You can take that love and attachment your child may have for a stuffed animal into a theme for their party, it is sure to thrill them and make for a happy baby.

Even though the first couple of your child’s birthday parties are more for your satisfaction the guest of honor must not be forgotten, you don’t want them to be overwhelmed and screaming from exhaustion, so it is best to keep in mind a few things that will make for a happier day for all.

The time of day is very important; you should do it after either their morning or afternoon nap so they are well rested. Don’t let the party be too long, all that cooing and petting from Great Aunt Betty can get too much for anyone to take never mind a baby. Keep it simple, don’t over do the decorations or food, that will only stress you out and we all know a happy mom is a happy baby. Limit the guests; you don’t have to invite every person that has met your child, just those that are closest to your family. You can always send out a photo card announcing they just turned 1 or 2 so those people can get a look at how cute they are. If it is in your budget, hire a photographer so you can enjoy and take in the moment, you have worked hard to get to this point so you don’t want to be stuck behind a camera recording it for the future, enjoy it today! And most important, relax, don’t stress, just marvel in the wonder of your little baby.

1. Write it down!
If you’re like me, you spend a large portion of your day mentally creating lists of all the tasks that need to be done. Rather than spend extra time focusing on remembering these things, write them down as they come! I’ve found that by either keeping a small notebook on hand, or having a dry erase board in a central location such as on the fridge, I can check off what I’ve already done, and keep tabs on what’s left. This way, you can devote more focus to finishing the tasks, rather than struggling to remember what they are!

2. Prepare lunches in advance!
If you believe in brown-bagging it for yourself, or your children, a big time saver is to prepare your lunches for the week on a Sunday, so you can just grab and go during the week! Foods like deli meat for sandwiches, yogurts, juice packs are all kept in the fridge already, so why not place them in a sack with the day labeled on it? This way you can spend more time in the morning with your children, rather than racing around looking for that last apple or soda!

3. Designate chores!
A great deal of my time used to be spent figuring out what chore needed to be done when and by whom. By keeping a calendar handy, you can designate certain chores for certain days, and have a hard habit eventually become a second nature of ease!

4. Keep the gas tank full!
If you’re a mom on the go, why waste time searching for the nearest gas station to stop at between errands? By keeping the cars tank full, you’ll cut down on the time you need to spend stopping at stations, not to mention make it easier on yourself and the kids, who like to run around at every stop. Or cut back on the risk of waking up that sleeping baby!

5. Buy bulk!
The first month I was a mother, it seemed like I was making a run to the 24 hour convenient store every night for some item that ran out faster than I thought it would! Diapers, formula, and other supplies bite the dust before you even have a chance to blink. Not only does buying bulk save time, but it saves money!

6. Don’t be afraid to ask for help!
If you have friends or family who are always extending an offer for help when you talk to them, it’s okay to take them up on it! I’ve found that by making friends with other young mothers especially, a great way to have a day off is by having a friend babysit for you on one day, and then watching their child with yours on the next! That way the child gets some fun interaction with a peer group, and you get a day to yourself!

7. Keep shopping lists!
When I first had my son, I thought the idea of a shopping list was just a cliche. I found out the hard way that by writing down lists of what you need before you leave the house, you cut back on having to make extra trips to the store later when that milk carton you pick up in the fridge turns out to be empty!

8. Reward yourself!
A great motivation to work on saving time is knowing that you can spend that time enjoying yourself! Treat yourself to a nice dinner out, or even a good movie in, and never let life overwhelm you. Remember not to sweat the little stuff!

9. Cook large portions!
Things like mashed potatoes or corn are two of many healthy and delicious side items that go well with just about any meal. By preparing a large portion of these when you cook, you can keep the leftovers for other dinners during the week, or just as a between meal snack!

And finally,
10. Cut yourself some slack!
Remember that being a mother is a hard job, and the stress of worry only makes it harder! While every mother is a superhero, even superheros need a break sometimes! By keeping realistic expectations of yourself, there won’t be room for self doubt. You’ve devoted your life to loving your child, don’t forget to love yourself, too!

As we drove slowly by Whitman Elementary school, my Spidey-senses were tingling. The asphalt was in disrepair in the parking lot, and the odd weed snaked up through the crack. I was not impressed.

Prior to condemning my children to a morning of the torturous boredom of school-hunting, I had looked up the stats on the Internet: test scores, percentages of children on low and reduced lunches, transfer statistics, all-day kindergarten vs. half-day . . . Whitman was underwhelming. Average. So unlike my sparkling, remarkable child in the backseat.

“Mom, is this gonna be my school?” Gabe asked. “Where’s the playground?”

“Uh, nope, it’s probably not,” I said. “We can find a better playground.” I almost kept driving, but decided, for the sake of courtesy, to keep my appointment with G’s potential kindergarten teacher.

I’m so glad I did.

His teacher, Mrs. Williams, is amazing. She takes time every day when I pick G up to tell me about his day. At the beginning of the school year, when our family was struggling through a divorce and move across town, she sat down with us to talk about ways in which G might act out, and ways we could help him think positively about his new situation.

His principal walks the hallways every morning and greets all the kids by name.

The school hosted a “Family Math Night” in the gymnasium (G was excited; me, a right-brain-y math-hater to the core, had to fake my enthusiasm, at first): statistics, pattern-finding, and estimation problems were made into elaborate games. The schools staff wore costumes, and the gym was decorated to the hilt.

Our experience at Whitman has been great. I’m so glad I gave this duckling a chance. Cracks in the asphalt and last year’s playground equipment are nothing compared to the wonderful people working in the school.

We only had to give the school a visit to discover that.

Pregnancy is a beautiful and a blossoming time in your life, and each pregnancy is unique and special. Every one of us experience different symptoms but the basics still stay the same, and wherever you live in the world is irrelevant, because every expectant mother has something in common with one another.

Exhaustion

Feeling tired and worn out is a normal process. Especially in the first trimester. There are a few reasons this can take place, and it would be wise to have your blood pressure and iron levels tested. Try to get enough rest. Sleep when you’re tired and allow yourself to relax and take some time out.

Stretch marks

Unfortunately most women endure stretch marks during pregnancy. Try to apply a good Almond Oil with vitamin E, or even pure vitamin E oil or Tissue oil. If your budget is tight you can mix the Vitamin E or Tissue oil with a good cream.

Sleeping position

Sleeping on your back is not good for the baby as the main artery is cut off and blood flow will be blocked. Try lying on your sides, and for comfort position a pillow behind your back and between your legs. Put one underneath your tummy as well. This will support the weight from the baby and you will be more comfortable.

Binding with your baby

Your baby is as close to you as breathing. There are a few ways that you can begin the binding process. Play soft and soothing music. It will calm you down and baby will be soothed to sleeping.

Communicate with your baby

Read stories to your little one. They can hear you and get used to the sound of your voice. Later when they are born they will know who you are and feel safe when they hear your voice.

Low blood pressure

Eat healthy meals with regular interfaces. A good whole wheat biscuit with cheese will make a good snack to uphold blood sugar. Have regular meal times as it will be the fuel your body needs right now.

Nausea

Ginger in any form will help to ease nausea. Try a herbal ginger tea or snack on ginger biscuits. If you have a lot of heartburn or acid that makes you nauseous, try drinking something for it right after your meals, it will ease your tummy and you will feel better.

Exercise

Moderate exercise is good for you, so try to take time out to go for a luxurious walk. Nothing is as good for you as fresh air and enjoying nature. It will lift your mood and help you to sleep better at night.

Mouth hygiene

During pregnancy you might have a problem with bleeding gums. Brush your teeth after meals and floss regularly. You can also use a good mouth wash to rinse with.

Constipation

Drink lots of water, at least eight glasses a day. Try to include whole wheat breads or snacks as part of your diet. Eating at least five fruits or vegetables daily will also assist you in having relief.