Celebrity

Inside the Striking Nursery of Tori Spelling’s Baby Beau

Posted on August 7, 2017

I saw Celebrity Baby Scoop went inside Tori Spelling‘s youngest child 5-month old Beau’s nursery and it caught my eye because of how ornate and it looked. She chose a strong emerald green as the dominant color and went with gold accents.

It was striking and different. You can peep it for herself here!

The True Tori star and her husband, Chopped Canada star Dean McDermott, welcomed their fifth child on March 2.

They are also parents to sons Liam, 10, and Finn, 4, and daughters Stella, 9, and Hattie, 5.

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Reviews

The One Book You Get When You Think You Suck at Parenting and Need a Pick Me Up (REVIEW)

Posted on August 7, 2017

A lot of parenting books can come off as “judgy” or “preachy”. Or, alternatively, they can overwhelm you with all the advise, suggestions and recommendations in them. You may finish them thinking that you’ll never ever be able to accomplish this thing called “parenting” successfully.

Certainly, in the public, well-meaning friends, colleagues, family and heck, random strangers, feel comfortable interjecting their opinion on your parenting skills and decisions.

“You’re Doing a Great Job! 100 Ways You’re Winning at Parenting” by Biz Ellis and Theresa Thorn is that inspirational and motivational, “don’t take yourself too seriously” book you read to decompress and realize that you rock! It’s about celebrating the tiny wins.

Within the 156 pages of this hardback coffee table gift style book, you’ll find colorful pages and over 100, pretty short entries about how awesome you are given the task at hand and the fact that you haven’t and most likely won’t cause too much harm on your kiddies.

I read the book from cover to cover while vacationing with my family this Summer and literally chuckled out loud at a few relatable and humorous quips. Like “You went out for milk…and came back afterwards. You could have used the opportunity to run away and start a new life! But you didn’t! You came back. Good job! Enjoy your milk!”

The authors, who have a very popular podcast “One Bad Mother“, did an excellent job setting the bar so low that you cannot help but smile at all the winning you’re doing as a parent every day! Yay for us!

It even covers unconventional topics many other books miss; single parenting, partnered parents and commune parents. Yeah, they still exist, I think. ha!

I would highly recommend this book not just for an expectant parent or a new one but for any parent at any stage who maybe has been beating herself or himself up about something that is likely out of their control.

It’s a quick and worthwhile read and one you can pass along to a friend in need.

Get this book at Amazon for just $10.86! Yeah can’t beat that price for a hard back book!

photo: Courtesy LA Parent by IBARIONEX PERELLO

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Inside Serena Williams’ 50s-Themed Baby Shower (PHOTOS)

Posted on August 7, 2017

Serena Williams celebrated the impending arrival of her first child at a celeb-studded 1950s themes baby shower at Nick’s 50’s Diner in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Our Bellyitch Bumpwatch alums Ciara and Kelly Rowland; and our fashion style faves Eva Longoria and La La Anthony, and her fellow Tennis star sister Venus Williams were among the guests that came outfitted in the theme and took turns taking pics in front of a cherry red truck parked in the front of the restaurant.

Serena Williams had a star-studded baby shower and the tennis champ opted to give her pals a blast from the past with her 1950s-themed celebration today at Nick’s 50’s Diner in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Williams and her fiance Alex Ohanian are expecting their first child this Summer.

Several of the party goers took to social media to post images and video from the fun-filled party and most hashtagged the event: “#ShakeRattleandRoll2017.” Check out some of the pics:

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How to Pick a Church For Your Family After Moving to a New Town

Posted on August 6, 2017

Whether you’re moving to a new area or simply need to find a new church, there are a variety of factors that parents must consider before settling on membership in a specific congregation. For many, decisions regarding their spirituality and the religious training of their children are some of the most important choices they’ll ever make. While everyone must approach this intensely personal journey from the perspective of their unique family and individual needs, there are some basic guidelines that can make the search a bit less complicated.

Children’s Ministry Programs

For single adults or couples without children who are setting out to find a new place of worship, the children’s ministry and programs available for kids generally don’t rank high on the list of considerations. When you have children and are in the process of finding a church home for your family, however, these programs are among the most important. Take the time to carefully examine the children’s and youth programs in a new church before committing yourself. If there aren’t many children in the congregation and there is nothing in place for the few kids there are, it may be difficult to get youngsters involved in church programs that are tailored to adults.

A Family Atmosphere

Some churches are simply more welcoming to families and young children than others, which is an important trait to look for when you’re choosing a new church. Your children and their spiritual education are two very important factors in your happiness with a church, and it may be difficult to get them interested when their needs aren’t being met. Traditional services can be a bit monotonous and short on stimulation, making it hard for kids’ to focus on the message that’s being passed along to the grownups in the congregation. If a church seems to have a more adult-centric atmosphere, it may not be the best place for your young family.

Shared Doctrinal Beliefs

There are many subsets of the Christian church, from Baptist to Pentecostal, to Methodist to non-denominational. In order to feel truly at home in your new church and ensure that your family is receiving the religious education you desire, it’s important to take doctrine and doctrinal teachings under consideration. While the basic premise of Christianity is the same across the board, those relatively small differences in interpretation can be surprising sticking points. Before even visiting a new church, think about the doctrinal association and what that means in relation to your own affiliations. If you’re not sure that you can comfortably submit to doctrinal teaching that differs from your own, it may be best to think twice before getting involved.

Congregation Size

The size of a church’s congregation may be more important than you initially realize, with pros and cons for both very small and very large churches. Massive churches with hundreds or even thousands of congregants will almost always have an impressive array of programs to choose from, including those focused solely on kids and youth ministries, but can also be somewhat impersonal. It’s difficult for even the most dedicated pastor to keep the names of thousands straight, so you may have little more interaction with such a pastor than a passing handshake.

On the other hand, very small congregations are very personal. Everyone tends to know one another, offering a very friendly and supportive atmosphere. However, those groups may also be so small that they can’t support many ministry or outreach programs.

Deciding which factors are most important to you can help you make the decision, as can selecting a church that falls somewhere in the middle on the size spectrum.

Visit More Than Once

The first time you visit any church is unlikely to be indicative of the actual atmosphere. Some services may be more heavily attended than others, or have more difficulties than others. In order to make an informed decision and give each church on your shortlist a fair shake, try to visit for more than one service.

Get acquainted with a few members of the congregation, and make your decision based on a few visits, rather than a snap judgment made after a single service.

Take Your Time

While your spiritual health and that of your family is of the utmost importance, it won’t ultimately be served by a church that’s an ill fit.Rather than rushing headlong into a church membership that’s less than ideal for your family simply to ensure that everyone is attending services on a regular basis, take your time. Make sure that the church you eventually choose is one that will nourish your family spiritually.

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Celebrity

Serena Williams in Her Fave Underwear Pens Emotional Letter to Unborn Child (VIDEO)

Posted on August 6, 2017

Serena Williams discovered Australian underwear company Berlei while playing in the country in 2006. She has since worn the underwear to every Grand Slam tournament ever since, the company boasts on its website. I could see why, the brassieres are for an athletic build and look like they can support the breasts and provide ample coverage and support.

Naturally, they formed an endorsement relationship that spans even during her pregnancy.

The Tennis champ recently starred in a promotional campaign for the company where she penned an emotional and heart-felt poem to her unborn child.

“You’re one in A million.

One in 6 billion, even.

Flawed but flawless.

Human.

Be yourself.

Trust youself.

You are all you ever need to be.

And I can’t wait to meet you.”

Combined with the visuals, the music and cinematography, I found it breathtaking!

Watch:

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News

Why New Moms Attempt Suicide A Year After Giving Birth

Posted on August 5, 2017

Depression, Hormones and societal expectations are among the common reasons women attempt suicide within the first year of giving birth.

This summation of facts are among many eye -awakening revelations in a report about mental health and pregnancy in a recent Washington Post expose.

Author Michael Alison Chandler notes “mental health disorders are the most common complications of pregnancy, but just 15 percent of the women affected by postpartum depression seek professional help.”

She relays a few relatable examples of women who experienced mental breakdowns before, during and after pregnancy.

If you didn’t know how prevalent it is, know that “at least one in seven women experience anxiety or depression during pregnancy or in the first year after birth, making mental-health disorders the most common complication of pregnancy.”

Also illuminating:

About 80 percent of women experience “baby blues” within the first few weeks of child birth, often defined by mood swings and irritability or sadness.
Maternal depression is longer lasting and has more-severe symptoms, which can include anxiety, sleeplessness, extreme worry about the baby, feelings of hopelessness, and recurrent “intrusive thoughts” about hurting themselves or the baby.
Women are more likely to attempt suicide during the first year after childbirth than during any other time in their lives, and they tend to choose more lethal means.
These mood disorders are triggered by fluctuating hormones, including estrogen and progesterone, that ramp up during pregnancy and then drop off sharply after birth. Another significant hormonal shift occurs when women stop breast-feeding.
Researchers are trying to understand what predisposes some women to be more sensitive to these hormonal fluctuations.
It’s clear that environmental stressors play a role. The prevalence of depression is far higher for women who are poor or in abusive relationships or for women whose babies are born premature or disabled.

The good news is that medical practitioners are doing a better job at “screening for depression” and even lawmakers are beginning to look for solutions for expanding treatment options.

For example, last November, Congress passed the Bringing Postpartum Depression Out of the Shadows Act as part of a large medical research funding bill to provide federal grants to states to create programs that screen and treat women for maternal depression. The bill had broad bipartisan support, but as usual with Congress, it is stalled on how to fund it.

According to the Post, the House also last week approved just $1 million of the $5 million originally allocated. The Senate has not voted on it yet.

Congresswoman Katherine Clark, D-Massachusetts introduced the bill because she said many women struggle silently through what is supposed to be “the happiest time of their lives.”

“Moms have a lot of guilt about how they feel, so they don’t seek treatment,” she told the Post. “We want to reduce the stigma and increase awareness that this is highly treatable.”

Read the complete WashPo article here.

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You Won’t Believe What Kate Middleton is Being Criticized For Doing to Her Family

Posted on August 5, 2017

The former Kate Middleton is known for being a style icon, a down-to-earth Royal and a positive and influential example of modern motherhood. For example, she bans her children from playing with tech devices and urges them to play with real life toys, not digital ones.

But, she is also criticized often in the British and Aussi press for a lot of random stuff we find ridiculous.

For example, one Royal watcher said Catherine, the Duchess of Cambridge has taken the “magic” out of royalty . Um… exsqueeze me?! It was the claimant’s back handed compliment way of saying that she has managed to relay relatively normal life and as a result, she is more relateable, albeit seemingly because she is a commoner, approachable and has removed the mystique from what it meant to be a royal. Errr. Okay. Sure, dude.

Another post by an Australian website went after her for color-coordinating her family’s outfits when they go out, knowing they will be photographed.

*gasp*

I mean how dare she try to portray a pleasant aesthetic! The horror!

Personally, we like the coordinated outfits!

While visiting the Poland and Germany this Summer, Kate kept it neutral, arriving at the airport tarmac in a white Alexander McQueen Double-breasted wool and silk-blend peplum coat and her fave pair of nude Gianvito Rossi pumps, Princess Charlotte matched in a red and white floral dress with red Mary Janes and Prince George in a plaid shirt with complementary colors.

Landing in Berlin with her family in a blue Catherine Walker coat dress, again with her nude Gianvito Rossi pumps and accented with Kiki McDonough jewels.

How adorable is this floral Erdem dress paired with these nude Stuart Weitzman strappy heels that has a hint of gray in it to match with William’s grey tie with white polka dots?

Love this crimson off-the-shoulder Alexander McQueen dress.

photos: Getty

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Train Your Baby from the Crib to A Toddler Bed With These Tips

Posted on August 5, 2017

Transitioning your child from a crib to her big-girl toddler bed can be a bittersweet time. Between the excitement of reaching new milestones and the hint of sadness that comes with watching her grow up and get one step closer to independence, actually figuring out when she’s ready to make the big switch can be a bit confusing.

Work on Your Child’s Timeline

If your child has physically outgrown her crib, then it’s probably time to start transitioning to a toddler bed. Before then, there’s no hard and fast rule dictating when you have to move her out of the crib, although most children are ready to be moved by the time they reach 37 inches. If your eighteen-month-old is ready to move and eager about the prospect of a big-girl bed, or if she’s pushing three and still seems reluctant, you can and probably should work on her schedule. If you’re worried that an active little one is showing signs of attempting to climb or even jump out of her crib, then you should take that into account for safety reasons. You should also take into consideration, however, that toddler beds are designed to allow her to get in and out independently. She will be able to crawl out of her new bed when you’re fast asleep, meaning she could potentially get into a dangerous situation. If sleeping through the night is still an iffy proposition, lowering the crib mattress as much as possible will make it harder for her to climb over the sides. It is worth noting that some children can become even more attached to their cribs the longer they sleep there. Weighing the benefits and drawbacks of the switch and paying close attention to your child’s reactions can help you determine when you’re both ready to move her out of the crib.

New Additions

One common reason for parents to begin a transition from the crib to a toddler bed is to prepare for the impending arrival of a new baby. If this is the case in your situation, you’ll want to shoot for having your child totally accustomed to sleeping in her new bed at least six to eight weeks before your due date. If she’s still attached to the crib and considers it “hers,” her perception after the baby’s arrival may be that the new sibling is taking over a place that still belongs to her. One solution to easing the transition when there’s a new baby involved is to keep your newborn in a bassinet in your room for the first few months, that way your older child has more time to get used to the idea and you’re better able to tend to a new baby’s needs in the middle of the night.

Generating Excitement

As with so many milestones in childhood, the key to success often lies in your ability to create a sense of excitement and anticipation surrounding the big event. Letting your child pick out her own bedding and accompany you to purchase her new bed are both great ways of helping her feel more excited and like she has a role in the transition, rather than like she’s simply having a change forced upon her.

Establishing a Routine

Making sure that you begin your child’s transition when she’s not facing any other major lifestyle changes is another way you can help ease the process a bit. Establishing a bedtime routine is a key part of helping things run smoothly. Picking out pajamas, brushing her teeth and reading a bedtime story every night before bed, for instance, can help your child understand that the bedtime ritual is part of going to sleep each night.

Patience is a Virtue

For some children, the transition to a toddler bed is quick and painless. For others, it can be a bit more difficult to manage. If your child falls into the latter camp, the best thing you can do is simply be patient with her and continue providing her reassurance until she becomes accustomed to her new bed and no longer feels anxious about making the change. More often than not, younger siblings have an easier time moving to a big-kid bed because they’re anxious to emulate the older siblings that they look up to. As a result, the most difficult transition will probably be with your first child. Just keep in mind that, like adults, some kids respond better to change than others, and do your best to make her feel as secure as possible along the way.

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Celebrity

Cristiano Ronaldo’s Expectant Girlfriend Georgina Rodriguez Covers ¡Hola! Magazine

Posted on August 4, 2017

After months of speculation and being stalked by photogs, model Georgina Rodriguez finally confirmed that she is indeed expecting a child with international soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo.

To accent the glorious news, the 23-year old mom-to-be is featured inside the latest edition of ¡Hola! magazine.

Rodriguez opens up about her loves and desires to the Spanish-language magazine.

“I’m very family oriented, I love kids, nature and animals,” she told the mag. “I like to surround myself with those who inspire me to be a better person every day and who have good energy.”

She added: “I try to take natural products and avoid eating heavy meals. I don’t strictly follow any diet, as I indulge myself too. What would life be without those little pleasures?!”

To workout, the former Ballet instructor and got qualified as a teacher by the London-based Royal Academy of Dance.

She told the mag that she also enjoys yoga and spinning, though ballet has been a love from age 4.

“I did ballet for 15 years,” she revealed. “My involvement in classical dance has instilled in me a love of art, camaraderie, discipline and the importance of living a healthy lifestyle.”

This is her first child but her beau Ronaldo has three children: 7-year old son Cristiano Jr., and 2 months old twins Eva Maria and Mateo.

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News

Teacher Sues Public School Over Out-of-Wedlock Pregnancy Firing

Posted on August 4, 2017

A former special education teacher at Grinnell Elementary School is suing the Derry Cooperative School District, claiming she was fired because she was pregnant.

Sarah McLean of Dover filed a four-count civil lawsuit this week in Rockingham County Superior Court alleging pregnancy discrimination, wrongful termination, retaliation and violation of the Family Medical Leave Act.

The suit names the school district and School Administrative Unit 10 as defendants.

According to the suit, McLean was hired on April 13, 2015, for the $51,595 per-year position and let go at the end of the school year on June 30, 2016, due to the pregnancy “and/or the perceived inconvenience of her being pregnant and needing maternity leave.”

The school district has not yet responded to the suit. Interim Superintendent Mary Ann Connors-Krikorian and school board Chairman Dan McKenna did not immediately respond to emails seeking comment on the case.

McLean claims that during her one year at the district she received “generally positive performance reviews” and never faced disciplinary action.

McLean, who is represented by Manchester attorney Sean List, learned that she was pregnant during the early winter and informed principal Mary Hill of her pregnancy on Jan. 4, 2016, the suit said.

She also disclosed the pregnancy to some colleagues, the suit said, including one who inquired about when she would be getting married.

The questions about marriage made McLean “uncomfortable” because the colleague “seemed to disapprove of Ms. McLean’s out-of-wedlock pregnancy,” the suit said.

McLean claims that between December 2015 and February 2016 she took a half-day of sick time for an “urgent OB/GYN issue” and left an hour early on two occasions for medical appointments related to the pregnancy. The suit said she had enough sick and vacation time to cover the absences.

The second time she asked to leave early for an appointment, McLean claims that the assistant principal expressed concern that if the requests became regular “the students would miss out on instruction.”

During a regular review meeting in March 2016, the suit said McLean told Hill that she would be taking her 12-week maternity leave after her baby was born on the expected due date of July 11, 2016.

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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt