Our partners at Mode.com bust up 8 common myths:
Check out Busting Pregnancy and Prenatal Fitness Myths
by Tend Editor at Mode
Busting 8 Myths About Exercising While Pregnant
Posted on October 17, 2015
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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt
This Celeb-Fave Designer’s Winter Collection is a Great Bet for The Holiday Party Season
Posted on October 16, 2015
Party Season is just around the corner and now is the time to stock up with dresses that will fit and flatter your pregnant belly around the Holidays. A good bet is usually Isabella Oliver which makes stylish dresses that are also functionally comfortable and flatters most shapes. It is a celeb fave and as you can see from the above collage the dresses look great on different body types.
I’ve worn the dresses and have a few that I still wear close to 5 years now even when not pregnant which says something about the quality construction and longevity of the garments. The runching of fabric on each side snuggles your baby bump and has plenty give to accommodate an expanding waistline as you advance in your pregnancy.
The Autumn/Winter 2015 collection is a good bet to check out as you line up your party season.
The Ivybridge dress is the versatile desk to dance floor piece, ideal for the office party. After something a bit fancier? The black lace finish of our Kinross dress provides a chic cover up for arms as well as proving a seductive peek-a-boo detail, and the Wickham dress enhances curves to perfection. For all-out glamour, our Florence floor length dress is the showstopper of the collection. Prices are reasonable starting at $130 and you can watch it and maybe catch a sale.
Burlington, IvyBride and Kimross Dresses by Isabella Oliver are Perfect for this upcoming Party season.
The Ivybridge
The Ruched T-Shirt Dress
The Florence Dress
The Kinross Dress
The Wickham Dress
The Burlington Dress
These are the Healthy Fats You Should Be Eating While Nursing
Posted on October 16, 2015
When you are breastfeeding, you are told all the things you shouldn’t eat. Common wisdom says the milk you produce will be reflected from your diet which could then impact your newborn’s digestion. It is said nursing women should avoid gassy foods, for example.
But what about the foods you should be eating?
Breastfeeding is a great way to also burn off calories and unpeel some pregnancy weight gain. And while you’re doing it, there are some healthy fats you should eat. What a great gift from nature, huh?
Check out Boost Baby's Brain Power: Healthy Fats to Eat While Nursing
by Tend Editor at Mode
Lady GaGa Bumps It Up on the Set of ‘American Horror Story: Hotel’
Posted on October 16, 2015
Getty
First Renee Zellwegger on the set of Bridget Jones’ Baby and now Lady Gaga is spotted wearing a prosthetic bump on the set of the widely popular serial hit, American Horror Story: Hotel. Gaga portrays The Countess on the show and up until now, fans may not have known that she is expecting. Thanks to leaked photos, images of the pop singer at the infamous hotel “looking pregnant ” are all over the Net.
It’s being hypothesized as being part of a flashback scene. Who knows?
No secret is safe in Hollywood for too long.
Check it out:
Lady Gaga Is Pregnant On The American Horror Story Set … : http://t.co/zOYJKD0406 . pic.twitter.com/PpBvidXeJ3
— BINGBING Play (@BINGBING_PLAY) October 16, 2015
Returning to Work after a Baby: 8 Empowerment Tips
Posted on October 16, 2015
Women need to take charge of their own success and chart their own advancement in the workplace especially women re-entering the workforce after having children.
“No one is going to hand you a huge raise each year just because you show up and wait patiently for your reward,” says Kathy Harris, managing director of Harris Allied, which specializes in recruiting technology professionals. “Likewise, women who are reentering the workforce after a hiatus need to advocate for themselves at the onset of their job search. It’s their responsibility to be clear about what they need from their new position – such as flexible hours or telecommuting – and they need to be prepared to speak about the value they bring to the company, team and role.
A woman interviewing today, especially following a hiatus, needs to present herself as relevant and accomplished. That way, no one is left surprised or disappointed by the outcome, Harris adds.
But it’s understandable why many women might feel uncertain when they are about to jump back into the game – both about the value they bring to an organization and what they can legitimately ask of their prospective employer, Harris explains. “They don’t always know what the company will expect from them or how they will manage their new workload. Plus, technology changes so quickly that many women are concerned that their technical skills are a little rusty after being out of the loop for a few years.”
Harris offers the following suggestions to women who are looking to reenter the workforce to ensure a good fit:
- Bring your skills up to speed before you start interviewing and share what you know. If you are a developer, read about current and emerging technologies. Get a GitHub account so you can see what people are working on; post samples of your code and use that online resource to get current on what’s out there. Stack Overflow accounts are also helpful – job seekers can pose and answer questions, so join the conversation. You can include a link to these sites or to your online portfolio from your resume so employers can readily check out the quality of your work.
Make sure your compensation expectations are aligned with the role. Many job postings have salary budgets posted. Make sure the compensation budgeted for the role is in line with your expectations before you apply and start the interview process. Check the employer’s website for information about work life and other benefits. Speak with your recruiter about your compensation requirements and confirm they are accurate for the market and industry.
Be prepared to discuss the gap in your resume. It’s important to be able to speak to your time away from the workplace without apologizing. Let your future employer know that you and your family made the decision for you to stay home consciously and with a plan to return to work when the time was right.
Include specific accomplishments from previous roles in your resume. Consider your achievements, honors and major projects that you delivered. Include these on your LinkedIn profile as well as on your resume.
Look at all considerations that impact how much time you will spend at work including commute, evening events, client dinners and travel. Be sure to ask about outside work events during the interview process.
Be honest with prospective employers about what work-life balance you are trying to achieve. But also be honest with yourself – know what is going to make you and your family comfortable in the long term. Be prepared in advance to have a backup plan for childcare if your babysitter gets sick, for example. Ask your employer about the kinds of hours the position requires. Ask about the work culture. Don’t be afraid to work hard, but be honest with yourself about the kind of scenario that will really work for you.
Talk honestly with your recruiter. Ask them the tough questions and be forthcoming about any concerns or restrictions you have. They want both you and the client to be happy and for you to be successful in the role. It’s important to make sure your expectations are aligned with the prospective employer’s.
Forge relationships with other women. Even if there are no or few other women in your actual department (that is especially true in IT departments), seek out other women in the company. They might be in the HR or communications departments, for example. They could become your best ally at work.
“Women who are returning to the workplace need to be able to compete in the market in order to win a great job. By being prepared with the right skills and support systems, you will limit the surprises and manage everyone’s expectations to ensure a smooth re-entry into the workforce,” says Harris.
Jesse Williams and Wife Aryn Drake-Lee Welcomed Second Child, Son, Maceo
Posted on October 15, 2015
Congratulations to Grey’s Anatomy star and outspoken social rights advocate Jesse Williams and his wife Aryn Drake-Lee on the birth of their second child, US Weekly reports.
The extremely private couple managed to keep most of the pregnancy under wraps and even the birth. They welcomed a son, Maceo, two months ago!
The couple, who wed in Los Angeles in 2012 after dating for 5-years, have an almost 2-year old daughter named Sadie.
Drake-Lee is a real estate agent and the two met when Williams was a school teacher in New York City.
We peeped a photo of their daughter on another site and she is a cutie pie!
Congrats to the beautiful couple! We’re sure Maceo is equally adorbs!
Trend: Thrifting & Upcycling, Here’s Your Complete Guide
Posted on October 15, 2015
Saving money is trendy, believe it or not and so is Thrifting! When thrifting for larger items that you may fix up, polish, reupholster and DIY (Do-It-Yourself) into a new masterpiece, it’s called Upcycling!
Rare finds like vintage armoires and antique dressers are among the best pieces of furniture to repurpose, collect, or display in your home. But even ordinary used furniture and housewares can be transformed into unique and functional pieces! Collecting and repurposing furniture and household items is all the rage right now. Images of refurbished and made-over salvaged pieces can be seen splattered all over Pinterest and Facebook.
Since part of an upcycler’s job is turning trash into treasure, it’s important to learn the ins and outs of thrift shopping. If you are new to this, knowing where to begin can be tough. This guide helps you learn what to look for while thrift shopping, where to go, thrift shopping etiquette, and money-saving tips for garage sales and estate sale shopping. It also includes suggestions on what types of housewares are easiest to upcycle, and types of furniture that are best for beginners to refurbish or make over.
Do Your Research
Start by conducting some online research. A great source for finding estate sales in your area is Estatesales.net. This site offers photos, maps, and directions, and you can search by city or county. Other sources are your local PennySaver magazine and Craigslist. Craigslist has a section for local garage sales, and under “for sale” there is a section called “free.” You can find real-time curb alerts in your area. You can also download a Craigslist app to your phone to make treasure hunting easier.
To find the best places to go, ask your friends and join social media groups. Goodwill, for example, has a vast selection of housewares available most of the time.
What to Bring
Preparation is key when thrift shopping. Keep a small bag in your car for planned and unplanned shopping trips. Here are a few things you should keep inside this thrift shopping emergency kit.
Source: Fix.com
Tote Bags: Many estate sales and garage sales do not provide bags. Keep a few neatly folded in your emergency shopping kit.
Newspaper: Newspaper or scrap packing paper comes in handy for delicate items.
Measuring Tape: Keep a small tape measure to ensure accuracy when shopping for large items.
Screwdriver: For large items that may need to be disassembled to fit in your car.
Cash: You shouldn’t necessarily keep a wad of hundreds in your emergency kit, but keep in mind that most estate, garage, and yard sales will be cash-only.
Wish Lists: It’s important to remember your needs versus your wants. It’s never a good idea to shop frivolously. Even if you are getting a good deal, it’s good to know when to say no. Keep two lists – what you need and what you want – to prevent overspending.
List of Measurements:This is handy if you are furniture shopping. If you are looking for the perfect chair for your living room, for example, make sure you know the dimensions you need. This way, you’ll be certain your new piece will fit perfectly.
Before heading out to find the perfect coffee table to paint or armchair to reupholster, be sure to measure your room. Measure its length and width, as well as any relevant wall space. Consider doors, windows, fireplaces, and existing furniture. It helps to make a rough sketch of your room and placement of your furniture. Don’t worry – it doesn’t have to be to exact scale, but this way you’ll have a better idea of what fits before making an ill-fitting purchase you may regret.
Source: Fix.com
Thrift Shopping Etiquette
Now that you are armed and dangerous, thrift shopping etiquette should not be overlooked. Here are a few helpful hints to keep in mind. Estate sale shopping is a little different than thrift store shopping. There are two schools of thought when it comes to upcycling at estate sales. You can get there early and be the first person there, or wait and go at the very end. Getting there early is good because you will have the most selection. However, if you wait until the end you have the most negotiating power. If you are just browsing, you may benefit from waiting until the end and finding an awesome deal, but if you have a specific item in mind, your best bet is to get there first.
Next, be sure to shop with heightened sensitivity. Estate sales are often conducted by someone who has lost someone that they love; the items on sale have meaning to the seller. Finally, have fun and be patient. It may take a few estate sales to get used to the process.
Money-Saving Tips
Just because you are “thrift” shopping, doesn’t mean you are always getting the best deal. Use your smartphone to compare prices to equivalent and newer items that are similar. Second, be aware of sales. You can call ahead to your local thrift or donation stores to find out about upcoming sales. For example, Goodwill stores have a special “colored tag of the day.” Look for the colored tag and get 50 percent off. Third, if you see a chip or other blemish you can easily repair, don’t be afraid to respectfully ask a thrift store clerk for a discount. Nine out of ten times they will give it to you! Finally, be nice. Try not to play too much hardball when negotiating at yard sales and garage sales, especially if it’s early in the day. It won’t be well received. Simply ask, “Can you tell me your best price for this?”
What to Look For
Estate sales, garage sales, and thrift stores are great places to get inspiration and find your next DIY project. With a little preparation, knowledge, and fortitude, you can find hidden gems and turn someone else’s trash into treasure. But for beginner upcyclers, perusing cluttered shelves and tables can be overwhelming.
Sturdy glass vases, containers, baskets, and wooden bowls can be easily painted, frosted, wrapped, decoupaged, or embellished. They can be used not only for flowers or fruit, but for storage, organization, and gift wrapping as well. Mirrors and frames can easily be transformed and repurposed as well.
Source: Fix.com
Your trash to treasure adventure can now officially begin. You know where to look, what to bring, how to act, and what to look for. Ready, set, thrift!
#TBT: These 3 Celebrity Families Do Halloween THE BEST!
Posted on October 15, 2015
Each year, several celebrity families dress up in themed Halloween costumes, outfitting up themselves and their kids to match the theme.
Jessica Simpson, NFL‘s Eric Johnson and daughter Maxwell went as a Swedish Family.
Niecy Nash and fam did the Little Red Riding Hood storybook.
Tori Spelling and Dean McDermott rocked Wolverine and other superheros theme, while Brook Shields and fam went at members of The Addams Family.
Two years ao, Snooki went as Dorothy form The Wizard of Oz with son Lorenso dressed as the lion and fiance Jionni LaValle as the scarecrow.
All very creative.
But few are great at being consistently creative, year after year and we’d give the best top three Celeb Halloween family award for consistency to Neil Patrick Harris and fam, Alyson Hannigan and fam’ amd Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey.
And First Prize Goes to the Harris’ hands down! Their Batman Themed Get Ups for 2014 alone, man!
Who do you think tops the celeb family Halloween look?
Neil Patrick Haris and Family go OVER the TOP and Nail it EACH YEAR!
There’s not a family Theme Halloween that Alyson Hannigan and family don’t like.
When they were together, Nick Cannon and Mariah Carey had great family costumes
Why You Shouldn’t Feel Bad For Grilling Parents About Gun Ownership before Playdates & Sleepovers
Posted on October 15, 2015
BLACK-ISH – “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Gun” – After a break-in down the block, Dre talks about getting a gun, and Bow is not comfortable with the idea. Which leads everyone to debate — there are many different ways to protect your family, but what’s the “best” way? Jack and Diane are shocked that they have been living in the house unprotected, Junior sets off on a quest to protect the family from the real threat, cyber terrorism, and Zoey has Pops teach her the art of Karate to defend herself, on “black-ish,” WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 30 (9:31-10:00 p.m., ET) on the ABC Television Network. (ABC/Kelsey McNeal)
TRACEE ELLIS ROSS, NICOLE SULLIVAN, ANTHONY ANDERSON
A new Washington Post Wonk Blog analysis states that every week this year a toddler has shot someone. The piece begins:
This week a 2-year-old in South Carolina found a gun in the back seat of the car he was riding in and accidentally shot his grandmother, who was sitting in the passenger seat. This type of thing happens from time to time: A little kid finds a gun, fires it, and hurts or kills himself or someone else. These cases rarely bubble up to the national level except when someone, like a parent, ends up dead.
But cases like this happen a lot more frequently than you might think. After spending a few hours sifting through news reports, I’ve found at least 43 instances this year of somebody being shot by a toddler 3 or younger. In 31 of those 43 cases, a toddler found a gun and shot himself or herself.
This scary graphic accompanied the piece:
These are harrowing statistics.
Before seeing this article, I watched a humorous episode of the ABC show Black’ish where this came up as well. In fact, the entire episode centered on the dad in the show, Andre’s (Anthony Anderson) obsession with getting a gun to protect his family and home.
In the beginning of the episode, a friend of one of the teens on the show was going to stay over for the weekend until the teen’s mom, Janine (Nicole Sullivan) asked if the home had a gun and after Andre lied and said ‘yes”, the mom grabbed her child and made up an excuse to not let him stay.
SEE THE EPISODE HERE!
This morning, one of my friends shared another piece from the Post from earlier this year, “The Question I Asked Before Any Playdate“, and it too speaks about hesitance of one mom to let her child play in the home of a gun owner who may not have all the precautions to prevent accidental shootings.
Experts say that 1 in 3 families with children have at least one gun in the house, but somehow, I never thought those statistics would include the parents at my child’s progressive pre-school. Though it is known that nearly 1,500 children will die from shootings each year, no one knows how many of those are children dying in their homes, or in the homes of friends, playing with a firearm. No records are kept on that by any government bureau; the numbers are just mixed in with gang killings, suicides, and school shootings.
But you’ve read the stories – a 6-year-old boy picks up a gun and shoots his 4-year-old sister, two kids are playing in a bedroom and one accidentally kills the other, the toddler who finds the hidden holster in his mother’s purse and shoots her in the head. Authorities say that parents don’t believe that their children know where their guns are hidden, but a recent study says that eight in 10 first graders know where their parents hide their guns. Parents don’t believe their children are capable of firing a weapon, but firing mechanisms are such that children as young as 3 are strong enough to pull the triggers of most guns.
Isn’t those last few lines the truth?
Given the ongoing incidents with gun deaths involving children, I do not think it is an unreasonable thing to ask of the parents, especially if the children will be alone and possibly unsupervised in the home for a long period of time.
Irrespective on what side of the political aisle one falls regarding gun rights and/or gun control, it’s pretty safe to say that all can agree “Responsible Gun Ownership” is mandatory for all.
There is no denying that so, moms and dads and caregivers, do ask this critical question (and appropriate follow-up questions) the next time your child will be spending any significant time in another person’s home.
Halloween: 13 Creative and Funny Dog Costumes
Posted on October 14, 2015
Halloween is just around the corner. If you celebrate this holiday, you may be looking for a costume for your child right about now. But what about the family pet? You can’t leave Buster out of the fun. If you need some ideas, check out these 13 creative Halloween costume ideas for Dogs.
These are the most creative we found around the Net:
1. Big Bad Wolf
2. Spider Dog
3. The Pinata Dog
4. ET
5. Frida Kahlo
6. Flying Monkeys from The Wizard of Oz
7. The Mad Hatter from Alice in Wonderland
8. Oscar the Grouch from Sesame Street
9. Harry Potter and Friends
10. The Blues Brothers
11. Scooby Doo, the Real Live Version
12. iPug the iPhone
13. Twitter Bird Dog
