Adding exercise to life with a newborn

Of course we all know it’s best to stay active. It’s good for your heart, it’s good for your lungs, and it’s good for your waistline. The thing that surprises some new Mommies, though, is how hard it is to stay active with a new baby.

When you’re going on a few cat-naps a day instead of real sleep, when your boobs are sore and you haven’t had a hot meal in a week, the absolute last thing you want to do is hit the gym. All you want to hit is your bed, or maybe all those smiling super-mom types who seem to make it look easy…in their skinny jeans and already-perfect figures.

But WHY???  Click here to read more...

The 1st Birthday Party Is A Cinch

I’ve been reading a lot lately from different party planners and parents that they’re planning on organizing huge birthday bashes for their soon-to-be 1 year-olds. Some of these plans have included sending invitations to the entire daycare, decorating the entire house with mini-mobiles hung from the ceiling and undertaking huge craft projects to celebrate their baby on their special day.

To me that seems a bit ridiculous. There will be plenty of birthday opportunities to rent ponies and hire clowns and magicians. The first birthday party is a celebration between immediate family and a few close friends.

I talked to my own sister about her plans for her soon to be 1-year-old’s first big day. She echoed my sentiments. Below are her ideas for throwing a low-key, stress-free 1st birthday party.

Short and Sweet  Click here to read more...

How To Recycle Your Nursery Items

After the family expansion initiatives have come to an end, we find ourselves with a room full of baby furniture and knick knacks that we no longer have use for. Now that your nursery needs to be transformed into a kids’ room, the crib, changing table, crib bedding set and building blocks have got to go! If your items are still in good condition, the first thing to do is give away, sell or donate your items.

Nursery items can be very expensive and it would be a shame to let them go to waste. Ask friends, family or anyone they know and I am sure someone will be able to take them off your hands. Craigslist and garage sales are excellent ways to sell your nursery items and make some extra money. Or if you would like to donate your goods, check out Goodwill, Freecycle, local churches and thrift shops. During this economy, expectant parents need to save all they can. I know I did!  Click here to read more...