Last night, she and her husband Shawn “Jay Z” Carter accepted a 2019 Brit Award for Best International Group via Instagram and while doing so gave a salute to first-time mom-to-be Meghan Markle.
“Thank you to the Brits for the award for Best International Group,” Queen Bey captioned her photo of her and Jay standing in front of a portrait depiction of Markle dressed as a queen. “I won this award back in 2002 with my besties, Kelly and Michelle [of Destiny’s Child}. How lucky am I to have been in a group with my other best friend, the GOAT Hova. ?? In honor of Black History Month, we bow down to one of our Melanated Monas.
“Congrats on your pregnancy! We wish you so much joy.”
Bey was referring to the Duchess of Sussex who was treated to a baby shower hosted by one of her besties Serena Williams yesterday.
It is an ode to the couple’s signature photo in front of the Mona Lisa they took back in October 2014 during a family visit to the famous and popular museum.
We saw them return to it when they filmed the video for their song off the “Everything Is Love” album, Apesh*t, last year.
Being a working mom is a tough job. Juggling work, family time, and your own hobbies and social life is something that many working moms struggle to do.
Usually, moms who work away from home feel that they are missing out somewhere, and that their routine is unbalanced in some way.
Here, we’re going to look at things you can do to live a happier, more balanced life when you’re a working mom. Take a look and you might find some inspiration.
Let Go Of Your ‘Mom Guilt’
You can’t allow yourself to feel guilty about not being able to spend every waking second with your kids, as much as you may want to. Focus on the positives of you working instead. For instance, it’s very admirable that you are working, and you are setting a great example for your kids as a result!
Utilize Time Saving Hacks
There may be shortcuts you can use to save time. You may be able to also plan strategically so that you’re not wasting time unnecessarily. For instance you can order your food shopping online, and perhaps even see if there are ways you can work remotely. Preparing food in advance is a good plan, as well as picking out outfits the night before.
Maintain Open Communication With Your Manager/Boss
You should expect changes as a working mom. You may have appointments you have to keep, as well as sick kids you must deal with from time to time. It’s important you explain how you will continue to do your job well and what your place of work can do to help you. They will be impressed that you show your transparency and dedication to your job. Perhaps they will help you to further your career by enrolling you in courses from Kettering Online Education or another institution. Don’t be afraid to say what is going on with you!
Kick Distractions And Time Wasters To The Curb
Social media, emails, your phone, the TV – we have all of these distractions and more. Without these things, we can spend more time focusing on family. Time spent together will be far more meaningful when you’re not staring at a screen.
Have Meaningful Family Activities Planned
Plan activities that everybody is going to look forward to and enjoy. For example, you could plan a family games night, or you could stay active together by going on walks. To level up your walks, try geocaching!
Share The Housework
Housework should not be your job alone. Delegate simple tasks to your kids depending on their age and abilities. You will be teaching them valuable lessons and skills, and they will grow up being more organized and tidy.
Learn How To Say No
Overbooking your kids and overscheduling yourself is a bad idea. Allow time for more ‘me’ time and family time. If you overschedule your kids with things like after school activities, you will be little more than their chauffeur. Don’t say yes to things that you really want to say no to!
Duchess of Sussex whisked into New York this weekend for a relaxing getaway mini vacay and to celebrate the impending arrival of her first child at an intimate baby shower.
Several source place the former Meghan Markle at The Mark Hotel in NYC before heading to the Met Breuer art museum, a contemporary art museum in Manhattan’s Upper East Side, then a meet-up with friend and ex-Suits co-star Abigail Spencer at The Surrey hotel.
The UK Mirror reports that a small gathering of about 15 friends hosted a celebration for the baby and a lot of pink roses were seen being ushered into the hotel— perhaps a sign that she is expecting a baby girl!
But then we saw other colors so…yeah.
An insider toldHello! that the theme was a “little slice of Paris in the middle of New York City.”
The better your baby sleeps, the better your chances are to take care of yourself, including getting the rest you need. The right sleep environment can make all the difference between a good night’s sleep and tearful hours for the whole family.
Take extra care and diligence when selecting the part of the crib that’s always in constant contact with your baby: the mattress.
Why a Crib Mattress Is Important
As much as you might love to watch over your newborn every second, it’s simply not possible. Everyone needs to sleep! Set up a secure sleeping environment so you and your new baby can rest easy. A safe crib mattress is:
Firm: It may feel strange to put your baby on a hard, empty bed instead of somewhere soft and snuggly, but AAP guidelinesrecommend a firm mattress for safer sleep. Avoiding crib bumpers, blankets, and toys reduces the risk of suffocation.
Breathable: When your baby is able to roll back and forth from tummy to back, you don’t need to creep in and move them if they roll in their sleep. While it’s recommended for babies to sleep on their backs, rollovers will inevitably occur. Instead of worrying about if and when this happens, having a fully breathable crib mattress allows you to rest assured since air flows freely for optimal breathability, no matter what sleeping position your baby prefers. Additionally, greater breathability helps little ones avoid overheating.
Healthy: Researchers from the National Science Foundation found that some foam-based mattresses may release chemical off-gassing while your baby sleeps. Play it safe and protect your baby from potentially harmful chemicals by shopping for a mattress certified for the lowest level of VOCs and other chemical emissions. Look for the Greenguard Gold seal for products that emit the lowest possible VOCs and help to improve your indoor air quality.
Clean: Accidents happen, and every parent eventually has to deal with a diaper blowout in the crib. Ideally, you should be able to wash mattress covers and the mattress itself to eliminate messes. A fully breathable, fully washable mattress makes it easier to get rid of any smelly traces of a blowout.
A newborn baby can sleep as much as 17 hours a day, and even toddlers need 12-14 hours of sleep. Thus, a crib mattress is an especially important investment by virtue of the sheer amount of time your little one will spend there.
Factors That Affect Babies’ Sleep
“When will my baby sleep through the night?” is one of the most pressing questions for new parents. Newborn sleep can seem enigmatic, but there are various elements you can control to promote good sleeping habits early on, such as:
Routine
Temperature
Where the baby sleeps: The AAP recommends that you share a room with your baby, but always put babies to bed on a safe sleep surface (i.e. a bassinet or crib with a firm mattress and tight-fitting sheet).
The crib and mattress may affect more than you think. It’s never too early to start practicing a sleep routine so you and your partner develop the habit, although your baby won’t be ready for actual sleep training until around four months of age. A dependable, feed-rock-sing-crib routine may help your baby grow to associate the look and feel of the crib with sleep time.
Depending on the mattress makeup, it can also play a role in promoting comfortable temperature. If you notice your baby has a sweaty back after lying in the crib, that’s a sign of overheating, which can be dangerous. A breathable mattress allows better air flow through the mattress, reducing the risk of your baby overheating while she sleeps. A bassinnett or some of the best rated mini cribsmay be an option as well.
Still struggling to get through the night? If you’ve set up a safe, cozy sleep environment and checked any medical concerns with your pediatrician, a baby sleep expert can help you develop a personalized plan to improve sleep.
Real Housewives of Atlanta star Porsha Williams covers last month’s edition ofRolling OutMagazine.
On the cover and in inside pics, the gorgeous and buxom mom-to-be poses on the patio near a scenic locale and is shrouded in a beautiful yellow lace embroidered and sequined designed off-the-shoulder bump-hugging yellow gown with flowy bohemian sleeves and fringe skirt
The reality TV star dishes about her connection to Atlanta, her Civil Rights roots as the granddaughter to noted icon Hosea Williams, who marched alongside luminaries like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Coretta Scott King, and Andrew Young; and gives advice to other mom entrepreneurs.
“I knew Atlanta was special from a very young age, just through charity work,” Williams told the magazine. “My grandfather, Hosea Williams, created the charity Hosea Feed the Hungry and Homeless. I worked in it, and it was right in the heart of Atlanta. All of my life I’ve been very close to the community and have known the people. We like to work together, we like to build each other up, we like to network; it’s a very [forward-looking city].”
Williams, who is a host on the nightly syndicated gossip radio talk show Dish Nation and has several ecommerce brands gave advice to other moms who are in business for themselves.
“Mommy entrepreneurs must be sure to have a great support system,” she offers. “You have to make sure that the type of business that you want to start will be good for you and your family. I wouldn’t get into just anything. If you don’t have someone to keep your kids and the best support, you may want to start a business that’s online, where you could be working from home. Start a business that’ll be practical for your real lifestyle. Research it and just go for it. Dream big and put in the hard work. Always use your kids as the focus and the purpose and the drive for what you’re going to do.”
And entrepreneurship was in her blood and family.
“My father was an entrepreneur,” the Bravolebrity shares. “He owns his own chemical company. My mother is also an entrepreneur, owning numerous childcare centers throughout Atlanta. I started out working in the family business, which was childcare. I ended up starting my own childcare center [at] 24 years old. Being an entrepreneur gives me the power to come up with a product that is close to my heart, and [a chance to] offer something to inspire other women and help them express themselves.
“I wouldn’t get into just anything. If you don’t have someone to keep your kids and the best support, you may want to start a business that’s online, where you could be working from home. Start a business that’ll be practical for your real lifestyle. Research it and just go for it. Dream big and put in the hard work. Always use your kids as the focus and the purpose and the drive for what you’re going to do.”
Obesity in children is an epidemic in America and worldwide. Although not all overweight people are unhealthy, the fact is being obese or severely overweight makes one more susceptible to developing a range of health problems and conditions from high blood pressure to obesity to heart disease.
It puts a child at higher risk to and so it is up to parents to do what they can to help stave off, curb or decrease excess weight in their kids.
1 Talk to Your Child: A conversation about weight needs to be handled delicately so that you don’t hurt your child’s feelings. It’s important to be empathetic while educating yourself and your child on the detrimental effects of added weight. It’s best to let your child guide the conversation to keep an open line of communication. While speaking with your child about his/her weight, refrain from making statements and ask questions instead. For instance, instead of saying “You’re not very active” rephrase it into a question “How can you become more active?”
2. Encourage Healthy Eating Habits: Eating a balanced diet is a great way to help control weight. Be sure that your child is eating plenty of fruits and vegetables and buy whole grain foods instead of white. It’s also best to limit beverages loaded with sugar and opt for more water. Let your child get creative with his/her water by adding some fruit to naturally sweeten it and make it more exciting.
3. Go slow: If you introduce too many new things at once you may overwhelm your kids. Go slow and remember that every little step helps you accomplish the bigger goal of better health. For example, every meal might not be 100% low fat or low sugar, but a good place to start might be to reduce the serving of salt or sugar you use to prepare a dish, slightly reduce portion sizes, exchange water in place of soda or juice, and offer a serving of veggies at each meal.
4. Make Activity a Family Event: Being active at least 30 minutes a day is a great way to help remove excess weight and strengthen muscles. Brainstorm with your child some outside activities that he/she enjoys and make a plan. Even if you don’t have much time during the week to be active with your child, make activity a family event on the weekends. Go to a park, take a walk in nature, or visit a zoo. Those include lots of walking and provide some education along the way.
5. Include Your Child in Healthy Decisions: Children want to feel included in family decisions so let them participate in the healthy decisions. Ask your child what he/she would like to have for dinner or where he/she would like to go on family activity day. Including your child increases the likelihood that your child will stick with a healthy lifestyle.
6. Make it fun: After including them in the discussion, be sure to make it fun for them. When your kids look forward to something and get enjoyment out of it, they are more likely to want to engage. For example: you can invite their friends to partake in an outdoor activity or offer them something to look forward to if they eat well for a week.
7. Set the example: Children are always watching every move their parents make. If you want your children to eat better and be more active, you must also model this behavior. You lose credibility with your kids if you tell them to do something but you don’t practice what you preach.
8. Get help: There are a lot of food choices, recipes and recommendations out there, and sometimes it can all be confusing. When in doubt about what’s right for your kids, always talk to their pediatrician or seek the advice or a dietician or nutritionist who can help clear up any confusion or questions you have.
I was motivated by a recent quasi-viral tweet about Meghan Markle where the “tweeter”, while commenting on Markle’s amazing fashion sense, pointed out that she refuses to wear maternity clothes.
It was a compliment on the Duchess of Sussex ability to stay fashion forward “despite the fact” that she is pregnant and should be wearing maternity clothes.
As those of you who follow this blog know, for over a decade, I have showcased hot maternity designers who have been coming out with chic, stylish and very adorable and cayooot dresses, outfits, clothing for women who are expecting.
The idea that maternity clothes should be relegated to muu muus and overalls is outdated.
And even then, maternity brands and chic preganista are finding a way to even make those two items trendy!
So in response to the tweet, I told the person who sent out the message that she inspired me to do this post highlighting the way influencers and maternity brands have proven, once again that maternity fashion is very fashionable and nothing that any mom-to-be should be afraid of or avoid!
Decorating is a lot of fun, especially when you have a daughter who’s old enough to get involved. She’ll have plenty of opinions regarding the colors, fabrics, and overall look of the bedroom, and working with her to make it beautiful is a blast.
However, sometimes our imaginations can get the better of us and our budget can’t always keep up. If that’s the case for you, you need some tips to get the look you’re searching for in her bedroom without all the expenses. Consider some of these ideas.
Focus on the accents
If your daughter has a relatively neutral color scheme in her room right now, you can always add fresh life with accent pieces. Start with a few well-decorated kids pillows. These can be placed on the bed, a chair, and even in a corner of the floor for a little reading nook. The best part is these pillows are often low-cost and easy to switch in and out whenever you or your daughter are ready for a change.
Other accents that can easily overhaul the look of the room include rugs, shelves, bedspreads, and even storage organizers. Rugs make a huge impression on the room, and they can usually be purchased for less than $100.
Replace window treatments
Window treatments are another accent piece that make a huge difference. First of all, good window treatments can improve the efficiency of the room. They can keep the outside air outside so that your HVAC system doesn’t have to work overtime. They can also create the right ambience in the room by filtering or completely blocking light according to your preferences.
Good window treatments include blinds, roller shades, shutters, and curtains. The most affordable options are probably shades, blinds, and curtains. Roller shades are a great, budget-friendly option for home decor because they usually come in varied colors and patterns, providing a simple way to update your room. A possibility is to use perspex as it works much better as a material than metal and some other plastics.
The same can be said for curtains, although they are often a little pricier. Look for discount curtains or make your own from simple fabric. Consider layering curtains over shades or blinds to increase efficiency and make it easier to customize the light.
Decorate the walls
Perhaps the simplest way to update a child’s bedroom is wall decorations. You and your daughter can have a lot of fun with these, and each decoration hung on the wall can be adjusted to match her interests and chosen color scheme.
A fun way to decorate the walls is through a gallery wall. This allows your daughter to express some creativity while sticking with the theme of a well-decorated room. A gallery wall features framed photos, canvas prints, colorful initials, paintings, and other artwork that represents your daughter’s tastes. Altogether, it makes a very fetching wall.
Experiment with DIY projects
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, you can save a lot of money with DIY projects. Spend some time on Pinterest or Etsy to get ideas regarding DIY projects for her bedroom.
If you need furniture, this is a good place to start. Sometimes, it’s very expensive to replace furniture, so look for pieces at yard sales or thrift stores that you can repaint and make your own. You’ll save a ton of money while still getting the look you want.
There are other DIY projects that you can try with your daughter, like making decorating wall hangings or sewing a new bedspread. If you’re intuitive and like following internet tutorials, you won’t have any problem delivering beautiful products while saving big.
Athleisure is big and will be an $83B market by 2020, according to recent estimates!
But while top brands like Lululemon, Lucy and Athleta dominate the market among higher cost luxe brands, other retailers are cashing in on the craze and offering super low cost options.
I was on my way to the pharmacy when I peeped the work out clothes aisle in the corner of my eye. They were selling these bright pink sports bra and I have gained a bit of weight recently and needed to get a new “temporary” pair until I dropped a few. So I was up for purchasing a less expensive bra.
You have to excuse my mirror and one pop bedroom slippers ! lol
You cannot beat that price and so I didn’t mind checking them out because if they were ill-fitting or didn’t last, at least I would have only invested about 6 bucks!
I was pleasantly surprised to slip them on a couple of days later to discover how super soft they are! I wore them to bed and snapped a photo for my Instagram which auto posted to my personal Facebook page.
Right away, I started getting comments and in box messages from friends and followers who said they would make their way to their local Walmart to pick up their own pair! Woot!
I found them selling online too but as part of a set that includes one solid pair for $12.88. They go up to size XXL. Mine is an 11-12 and you can see how they fit on me in these photos on this post!
I think you can pair them with a casual sweatshirt, t-shirt or crop top and wear them out and about casually or with a PJ top and wear them to bed.
The next day, I was running late to my boot camp class and rather than fish a pair or athletic leggings out the drawer, I just slipped on a sports top and Made Right jersey screen long sleeve T ($9.88) and headed out to the gym.
My instructor, who is known to wear some pretty funky and cute work out clothes stopped mid class to compliment me on them!
I’d say they are a hit! I’m going to return later to look for some more.
Man, I thought I had a decent Valentine’s Day. A lot of our celebrity bumpwatch alums celebrated the day of love by sharing their gifts, and love notes from their respective.
The gifts Khloe Kardashian alone got from her sisters, mom, family and friends! My word. See it here before her stories expire.
