Celebrity

Cardi B Tells Howard Stern She is Expecting a Baby Girl (LISTEN)

Posted on May 10, 2018

Mom-to-be Rapper Cardi B told Howard Stern during an appearance on his radio show this week that she is expecting a baby girl with fiance, rapper Offset of the group Migos.

She also told the shock jock on his Sirus/XM show that she is not interested in being a pregnant bride. When Stern asked her if she had plans to get hitched soon, the “I Like It” singer said, “people that don’t have this job wouldn’t understand…truth of the mater is that’s it’s hard to plan a wedding right now.”

The always candid personality said, “First I am not having a wedding pregnant. I want to wear my dream dress and I want to get drunk on my wedding and I want to go on a honeymoon and I want to be drunk for a whole week.”

But it’s all in the timing. “I know for a fact though next spring we are planning our wedding. but it has to be planned at to a point where there’s no worries.”

During a previous visit to the Sirius/XM studios for another show, the “Invasion of Privacy” album recording artist said she thought she would be able to hide her pregnancy and was suprised how difficult it was. She revealed the news during her first appearance on Saturday Night Live (SNL).

Listen to the entire interview here:

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Get Outside With The Kids This Summer and Here’s How

Posted on May 10, 2018

In what is suddenly starting to feel like a few short weeks, your kids are going to be on summer break. And right now is the time for you to start preparing for that. Because when you know that you want to spend the summer with your kids, if you leave everything to the last minute, you’re just not going to be able to enjoy your time together as much. Instead, you’ll want to start planning.

The best news is, there’s a lot that you can do right now to get those plans in place. From just thinking up ideas to researching the best things to do, you’ll easily be able to come up with a summer schedule that you’ll all enjoy. So let’s kick things off with these ideas.

Spend Some Time Outside

One of the best things that you can do any summer is just to get outside. Right now, you know that your kids spend so much of their time glued to screens. But that’s just modern life. However during the summer, when the weather is really nice, it’s a good idea to get outside a bit more. This is something that you can look to do every single day, even if you have no other plans in place. It’s easy to just head out for a walk or to the local store – anything just to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine. Because you never know where the day may take you.

See Some Notable Sights

The best thing about this incredible country is that there are so many notable sights for you to see. And why wait to see them? This summer, you have the perfect opportunity to introduce your children to some of the most amazing attractions in the world. So pick out some that you’d really love to show them and plan a road trip or a weekend break so they get to see as much as possible.

Visit Family

If you have family across the country, why not make some plans to see them? Going on a road trip or two and enjoying a mini vacation around your favorite family members can be a great way to break up the summer and shake up your scenery too.

Enjoy Fun Days Out

From here, you’re going to want to think about enjoying a day out or two. Whether you want to have a fun day out at the escape room or to head to a local zoo, there’s a lot of different activities that you can do as a family. Make sure you research to see what’s local, as this is often a great way to bulk out your schedule.

Bond Better

Finally, you’re going to want to make sure that you think of things you can do to just bond with your children better. From planting a vegetable garden to having a slumber party, choosing the enjoy some quality time with them, without any gimmicks or distractions is often the best way to spend the summer with your children.

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Celebrity

Jada Pinkett Smith’s Red Table Talk FB Show Tackles Blended Families in First Episode

Posted on May 9, 2018

Today, the U.S. Census estimates about 50% of families are some form of step family. A good number of Americans have half siblings, step siblings, and/or live in household with a blend of relations. The blended family has become the modern family.

Some of the dynamics of such families was the first topic of discussion on the new Facebook Show that actress, humanitarian and director/producer Jada Pinkett Smith stars in with her 17-year old daughter Willow Smith and mom Adrienne Banfield-Jones. Red Table Talk is described as a series of groundbreaking, intimate and candid conversations. The weekly format brings together three generations of women with three very different viewpoints as they reveal their personal experiences and thoughts about today’s most compelling issues.

The 10-episode show debuted this Monday and in it, Jada and her husband Will Smith‘s ex wife Sherree Zampino chat about the bumpy road that eventually led the position where they are now that they co-parent Sheree’s son with Will.

It’s some compelling stuff and I love that it decodes and provides some introspective look into the dynamics of a divorce, and intricacies and aftermath of it when children are involved. I love that it shows a more balanced view of the “baby mama drama” trope of the angry and vindictive mom. The show was hot and got 12 million views and close to 100,000 shares in a few days.

Check it out here:

In upcoming episodes, the trio will be joined by celebrity guests to help them tackle some of these topics! Can’t wait! Follow the show on Facebook and look for a new episode every Monday and a live Q&A chat with the women on Wednesdays.

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This is How to Encourage Healthy Eating in Children of All Ages

Posted on May 9, 2018

Children must eat healthy foods to help their bodies and brains grow and avoid diseases. Kids with healthy eating habits are also more likely to make healthy choices as adults. However, with fast food and candy providing such tantalizing options, getting your kids to eat right can be tough. Follow this advice to encourage your children to eat healthy, no matter their age.

Plant Fruits and Vegetables

Planting fruits and vegetables at home will help your children understand where healthy foods come from. The growing process can really excite children; don’t be surprised if they’re much keener to eat the fruits and vegetables you grow than anything from the grocery store. Homegrown produce also tends to taste better, which should help overcome any reluctance they have. A backyard garden is ideal, but don’t dismiss the idea if you’re short on space. Strawberries, cherry tomatoes, and herbs can grow in small pots on your patio or on your windowsill.

Get Kids in the Kitchen

Expand on that idea of helping your kids understand where food comes from by getting them involved in the kitchen. This process can start with creating meal plans. Working on a meal plan together can improve your family’s organization and minimize the risk of mealtime tantrums. What’s there to complain about when your kids chose what you’re eating? When your children are used to making a meal plan, they’re likely to continue the habit when they’re in college.

Even small children can then help you cook the meals. Make sure to allocate age-appropriate tasks. For example, small children can measure ingredients and stir mixes, while older kids can chop ingredients and brown them off in a pan. Kids usually feel so proud of the healthy dishes they create that they’re happy to eat it without a fuss. Kids who cook are also more likely to experiment with new ingredients and eat more widely.

Eat Meals as a Family

With parents typically working full-time and being run off their feet with errands and social engagements when they’re not, finding time to eat as a family can seem like mission impossible. However, there are some compelling reasons to carve out time to share a meal with your partner and kids.

A Stanford University study found that nine- to 14-year-olds who ate family meals consumed more fruits and veggies and less fried foods and soda than their peers. Their diets also contained more fiber, calcium, and iron. Eating meals as a family lets you model healthy eating habits and talk about good food, which can benefit kids of all ages.

Limit Unhealthy Foods

Make any food taboo, and your kids are likely to want it all the more. Eating a truly balanced diet is about enjoying a little of everything, including life’s indulgences. Limit unhealthy foods like desserts and fried foods, rather than banning them outright, to make sure your children develop a healthy relationship with these treats.

Children of all ages need a helping hand to make healthy eating choices. While leaving them to their own devices might be easier, your efforts today will benefit their health now and in the future.

photo source: Flickr woodleywonderworks

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Celebrity

Whoa!Jordin Sparks Rocked Red Carpet For Her New Movie Days After Giving Birth!

Posted on May 9, 2018

We know that Kate Middleton emergeged the same day as giving birth looking like a bed of fresh roses.

Amazing but not normal, well at least nowhere near the average experience of most women!

We know that celebs are subject to unrealistic pressure to bounce back and quickly re-emerge into the public eye after having a baby.

We don’t know if Jordin Sparks was thinking of any of that when she decided to hit the red carpet last Saturday at the TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood on May 5th., a mere days after giving birth to her first child, son Dana Isaiah, Jr.

Then we figured out the new mom was probably under contract to appear at the premiere of her upcoming movie Show Dogs where she voices the role of the dog Daisy in the movie!

She probably jetted right back home or nurse and snuggle with her gorgeous baby boy right after!

Well one thing This appearance did confirm for the celeb stalkers: she did not deliver her son via c-section because those deliveries usually require the mom to be hold up on a bed, recovering from major surgery and probably having a catheter and still stapled bikini line incision for at least three days before being sent home.

The American Idol alum also looked super cute in a floral Saloni dress, Schutz shoes, and Melinda Maria jewelry.

The baby boy was born May 2 at 9:04 p.m. PT at the Natural Birth Center & Women’s Wellness in L.A. DJ weighed 8 lbs. 4.5 oz. and measured 21.5 inches, People reports.

Sparks describes the birthing process as “miraculously beautiful,” saying, “Dana caught him with my midwife, Simona, and when he handed him to me, I was absolutely overwhelmed with joy. He was and is everything we imagined.” Days after becoming a mother, Sparks told People, “I’m feeling pretty good! I am so grateful for my husband and amazing team at the Natural Birthing Center. I don’t think I would be feeling this great without them!” Sparks adds she “already” loves nurturing her son, gushing, “The joy, laughter, scrapes and bruises…I can’t wait for it all!”

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7 Parental Burnout Triggers and How to Deal With Them

Posted on May 8, 2018

Has it ever occurred to you that being a parent could be stressful? Of course it has–everyone talks about it! They’ll complain about how difficult it is to take care of their kids, they’ll mention how stressed they are when they try to make their children happy and they’ll tell you about all the cleaning up and washing they have to do. Most people just accept this as part of being a parent, but did you know that it could eventually pile up and cause you to break down?

Parental burnout is a phase that parents reach when they struggle to cope with their children. It could be due to the stress of their professional careers or it could happen when you fail to beat fatigue while raising your child.

The pressure often comes from trying to be a responsible and reliable person for everything. Whether it’s refusing to eat fast food and always cooking healthy meals for your children, or refusing to ask for help because you feel too proud, parents can often feel too responsible for their children.

But what are the triggers of parental burnout? What exactly causes it, and how can we prevent it? There are actually many different ways to beat parental burnout, but it does require you to understand how to avoid it in the first place and what the triggers are. Below, we’ve listed seven of the most common triggers of parental burnout and what you can do to avoid them.

Children Asking the Same Thing Over and Over Again

Have you ever wondered why your children ask the same thing over and over again? It can help you understand why, but it doesn’t really help the fact that they’re frustrating you with their comments. The best way to avoid being burned out by this situation is to just stay calm, relax and answer their questions as best as possible. Don’t let it get to you–it’s a phase that will eventually pass.

Children That Refuse to Listen When You Ask Them for Something

Have you ever asked your children something, only for them to refuse to answer you or do what you said? Rebellious children aren’t new, but it can get incredibly frustrating and you may even snap and shout at them. You never want to raise your voice at your children. Instead, be more patient with them. Try a different tone of voice, be more positive and use body language to communicate.

Children That Force You to Repeat Yourself

This coincides with both of the previous points. If you feel like your child has to be constantly reminded of something, then again, you just need to be patient. Unfortunately, there’s no easy way around this other than to stay positive and be consistent with the way you reply. Eventually, your children will get out of this phase, so do your best not to get frustrated and raise your voice.

Children That Prevent You From Getting Enough Sleep

If your children are constantly waking you up at night or causing you to get less sleep, then you should consult a guide for parents on how to get better quality sleep. Not getting enough sleep will make you grumpy and you could snap at your children.

Children That Make a Mess Wherever They Go

Teach your children better manners and how to act around the house. Don’t use physical contact to discipline your children when they don’t listen or do something against your word. Instead, let them know why their behaviour is unacceptable and use a time-out area.

Children That Clutter the Home

If you find that your children are constantly throwing their toys around and always requesting new toys when they already have lots, then you’ll need to start being more strict about how you spoil them. It’s fine to purchase them a few toys and games here and there, but too much and they’ll eventually get used to it and complain when they don’t get what they want.

Children That Won’t Let You Have Some Peace and Quiet

It’s important that you spent a bit of time away from your kids every now and then. It could be a holiday, a night out or even a just an hour of relaxation in the garden on your own. Make some space for yourself. Give yourself some time to relax away from the stress of your kids each day and you’ll find that it can help melt the stress away.

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Yellow, Gold and Celestial Beings at Met Ball 2018 Red Carpet (PHOTOS)

Posted on May 8, 2018

So the annual fundraising gala to mark the opening of the new Spring exhibit at The Metropolitan Gallery of Art in New York City went down last night.

As with this event every years, guests are asked to come dressed according to the theme of the new exhibit: Heavenly Bodies: Fashion & The Catholic Imagination. This year’s official hosts were Anna Wintour, Rihanna, Amal Clooney (above in Richard Quinn) and Donatella Versace (who dressed a lot of the attendees this year)

With a theme like that not only do you expect some backlash at what could be expected as a parade of sacrilegiousness, but you sorely expect some interpretations of Angels, the Virgin Mary, the Pope and Cardinals! They all were there last night too.

We just cover the moms and other celeb women we have frequently covered starting with two moms-to-be: Homeland star Claire Danes who is expecting her second child with husband Hugh Dancy and rapper and reality TV star Cardi B who is expecting her first child with her fiance rapper Offset.

Danes wore a custom floor-length empire waist Marni precious duchesse red, magenta and caramel color block gown paired with Marni Monile handbag and multicolour platform sandals.

Cardi looked regal in a custom golden bejeweled white Moschino gown. She was accompanied to the event by designer Jeremy Scott though her fiancé was there with the other two members of his group, Migos.

Of our other Bellyitch Bumpwatch alums, we noticed a few trends within the theme.

Gold was one. Kerry Washington in a gorgeous floor-length Ralph Lauren dress with her afro serving as a halo! Evan Rachel Wood, Kim Kardashian-West in Versace and Irina Shayk.

We saw structure, ornateness and royal crimson in Solange‘s Iris Van Harper ensemble, Blake Lively, Jennifer Lopez‘s spectacular Balmain modern take on Joan of Arc and Scarlett Johanssson.

Yellow was a prevalent theme and color and everyone wearing it last night looked stunning including Lily Aldridge in Ralph Lauren, Huma Abedin and Gabrielle Union in Prabal Gurung dress, Tasaki jewels, Stuart Weitzman shoes and a Tyler Ellis clutch.

Anne Hathaway went with volume in her Valentino gown which she paired did James Banks earrings, a The Code bracelet and Jimmy Choo heels.

Meanwhile, Gisele Bundchen did old Hollywood glam but in an environmentally friendly way by working with Versacd to repurpose an old dress.

“Thank you @versace for working so hard to make me an eco dress. The fabric and lining used are both 100% organic silk ecologically dyed, the threads are 100% organic cotton and everything is certificated as GOTS: Global Organic Textile Standard,” she captioned a photo of herself in the dress before heading out to the ball.

Kylie Jenner made her first official official red carpet appearance in a black velvet Alexander Wang gown with Chopard jewelry with her beau rapper Travis Scott since the two welcomed their first child together, daughter Storming

Uma Thurman was accompanied to the event by Maya Hawke, her daughter with Ex Ethan Hawke and donned a white Gabriela Hearst dress, Giampiero Bodino jewelry, and Manolo Blahnik heels

Most people played it safe but understandingly so because they probably didn’t want to cross the line and have to dodge lightning bolts! ha!

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These Pregnancy Apps Are Out Here Giving Bad Advice, Causing Eating Disorders

Posted on May 7, 2018

Popular pregnancy apps could be wrongly telling women to cut foods from their diet and could encouraging eating disorders, health experts have warned.

A Telegraph investigation found a number of smartphone apps, which have been downloaded thousands of times are offering women advice inconsistent with NHS guidance on what to eat while pregnant.

Items wrongly included on lists of “foods to avoid” were chamomile tea, tuna sandwiches, eggs, soda and pepperoni pizza.

According to the NHS, women should avoid raw meat, mould-ripened soft cheeses, alcohol, certain types of fish, liver and pate. Canned tuna is safe to eat but should be limited to four cans per week.

It also provides nutritional guidance…

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Celebrity

Airing Tonight: VH1’s Mother’s Day Tribute Show ‘Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Moms’

Posted on May 7, 2018

annual Mother’s Day special “Dear Mama: A Love Letter To Moms” co-hosted by Black’ish‘s Anthony Anderson and Power‘s La La Anthony. The event features celebrities who make poetic, song or other tender presentations and tributes to their respective mothers followed with a performance by a celebrity performer.

Celebrity guests and participants of the event, which took place at Theatre at Ace Hotel in downtown Los Angeles, California, include our Bellyitch Bumpwatch alum Teyana Taylo, Sean “Diddy” Combs, Colin Kaepernick, a red carpet fave Gabrielle Union, Ne-Yo, Jhené Aiko, Bobby Brown, Jessie J and Patti LaBelle. The e

Viewers will see the co-hosts stimulate the audience with their banter and commentary on today’s political climate, sparking laughs and nods of approval from the audience.

During the event, Taylor welcomes her mother, Nikki, and acknowledges the tremendous impact that she made in Taylor’s life before welcoming surprise guest Bobby Brown to the stage.

Gabrielle Union also will be seen tonight showering her mom Theresa with praise and thanking her for raising Gabrielle in a home filled with love, learning and acceptance before surprising her mom with an appearance by award-winning recording artist Ne-Yo who performs a medley of his hit singles “Good Man” and “Miss Independent.”

Jhené Aiko will be joined on stage by her daughter Namiko Love to perform a poem for her mother, and sing a song that they wrote together, “Sing To Me.”

Finally, guests also got to enjoy singer-songwriter’s Jessie J’s sweet tribute to her mother, Rose, who encouraged her to write music that stands the test of time. The phenom introduces her newest song “Queen” before getting the crowd on their feet with her rendition of the iconic hit “I’m Every Woman.”

After joking that his mom Teresa didn’t know what football was until he got to college, Colin Kaepernick talks about what his life was like growing up in a world where the privilege of his parents did not always protect him. He praises his mom for doing everything she could to give him the best possible life and says that she “chose [him]” and she’s “stuck with [him]!” Teresa joins him on stage, since “moms always have the final word” and says that Colin was always a wonderful son, student and athlete, and she’s overwhelmed with pride, even if he “doesn’t call his mom enough!”

In a sweet video message, Sean “Diddy” Combs and five of his children talk about all the things they love most about their “Mimi,” and Diddy takes the stage to recognize the tremendous sacrifice that his mom Janice made to ensure that he always had everything he needed.

For his final surprise, Diddy introduces music legend Patti LaBelle for a show-stopping performance of “You Are My Friend.”

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Tips

Teacher Appreciation Week: 9 Gifts Under $20

Posted on May 7, 2018

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.

Parents may want to use this opportunity to give their child’s teacher a nice gift as a thank you for the school year so far.

In a lot of school systems, it may be not permissible to spend too much money on a gift so I curated a guide of 9 unique and thoughtful novelty gifts, all under $20, that would put a smile on the face of your child’s fave teacher and may be used in the classroom for years to come, even…

Tears of My Students Gift Mug – $13.49

This funny mug by Tekoware is microwave and dishwasher safe and is a clever take off of the “tears” drinking-memes in the Internet e.g. drinking the tears of someone who is whining or complaining. Typically, it is short for “save it! I’m not falling for it.” A teacher with a good sense of humor would appreciate this mug.

2. Math Wall Clock – $15.95

This unique clock signals the time with a simple math equation that equals the number that would ordinarily be on an average clock. This novel gift would warm your kid’s math teacher’s face and make a fun classroom ornament.

3. Handmade leather Journal – $16.99

Any teacher would appreciate this eco-friendly handmade leather cover journal by The Great Indian Bazaar. It is not lined so it can be used to jot down notes, doodle, sketch, as a recipe book, organizer or travel journal. It is unisex and can be given to a male or female teacher. It has an old world charm to it.

4. Camera print Pillow – $9

The art or photography class teacher will just love this linen cotton covered pillow featuring an old time camera on it. The 100% natural blend pillow by Monkeysell is 18×18 shaped and is a delightful and attractive home decor item that can also be used to support teacher’s back during a long or late afternoon class.

5. Field Notes -$12.95

Whether it’s a teacher retreat or planning day or a continuing education lecture, every teacher needs to organize and chronicle her mental notes into some nice space. This 3-pack of field notes journals is perfect and functional. Show your fave teacher that you got her back!

6. Aloe Vera Eye Mask – $15.99

Though every teacher considers his/her students to be perfect angels, there is no doubt that s/he need some pampering and self-care time to decompress after challenging lesson or after grading 30 papers on the Gettysburg address. Phew!! Give her some eye relief with these aloe-vera eye gels that can be cool or hot.

7. Composition Notebook Tote – $18.00

The one thing that is on every school supply list every year is a composition book. And wouldn’t it be cute to gift your teacher this 100% cotton tote made of a print like that same book? The company “Out of Print” makes this bag and gives to charity one bag for each bag purchased. Your gift to teacher would also give back! How perfect! With this gift, your teacher will be the talk of the next teacher convention or retreat!

8. Funny Socks 5-pack – $19.99

These fun socks by Socks n Socks come with science, nature studies and other school subject themes printed on them. They are a zany but fun gift for any teacher. They have spandex in them and can fit anyone wearing men shoe size 7 -12.

9. Peace and Tranquility Candle – $13.00

During the busy school year, your teacher may not realize sitting in a room while a scented aromatherapy candle burns may be just the therapy s/he needs after a rough semester. You can come to your fave teacher’s rescue by gifting her/him Chesapeake Bay candle company’s Peace and Tranquilty candle from its Mind and Body collection. If permissible, teach can burn this candle after recess to get rid of that gym class funk! ha!

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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt