News

Straws in McDonald’s Milkshakes in Japan Reportedly Mimic Breastfeeding

Posted on September 24, 2015

You’ve heard plenty of times of the benefits of breastfeeding and apparently whoever created the straws that are given with McDonald’s milkshakes in Japan did too.

Mashable, citing RocketNews24 as its source, says McDonald’s Japan designed the straws to mimic the pace and experience of breastfeeding.

To support this claim, RocketNews24 points to a quote from McDonald’s Japan founder Den Fujita, who died in 2004.

“When humans drink something, the speed that produces the most delicious feeling is the speed at which babies nurse,” Fujita wrote in a book series called “Den Fujita’s Business Strategies 2: Overwhelming Business Strategies. “McDonald’s straws are designed so that when used with a shake, the speed will be the same as that of an infant drinking breast milk.”

McDonald’s Japan has not returned Mashable’s request for a comment so all we have to do now is plot a trip to Japan to check this claim out for ourselves!

ha!

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Fashion

Rebranding Posh The Socialite – GET HER LOOK!

Posted on September 24, 2015

After saying goodbye to our parenting blog, Bellyitch Parent, we decided to dedicate more time to fashion as opposed to music, hip hop lifestyle and culture on our sister blog, Posh The Socialite.

We’re going to shift the focus to be almost purely hip, trendy and chic fashion for the millennial to thirty-something cosmopolitan woman with a passion for fashion.

Look for it soon and pardon our dust as we reconstruct and refocus some of our most popular sites and brands.

Oh and if you like what Posh is wearing at a recent event celebrating our founder and Editor-in-chief’s birthday earlier this month, you can get a similar look here from our partners at Shopstyle Collective:

Sacai pleated skirt • Sacai • $158.31

Stella and Jamie IRIS CROPPED DENIM BUSTIER – DENIM BLUE • $218

Rebecca Minkoff Stud-Trim Leather Hobo Bag, Black/Light Gold • Rebecca Minkoff • $395

BCBGMAXAZRIA Women’s Everling2 Dress Sandal • BCBGMAXAZRIA • $83–110

Tahari Arthur S. Levine Seamed Stand Collar Jacket • Tahari • $90–139

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BumpNews

These 6 Herbs will help Boost Your Family’s Immunity This Fall

Posted on September 23, 2015

Today is the first day of Fall and as the temperatures begin to dip, many worry about cold and flu season.

There are herbs that are naturally available that can be taken to help keep you and your family’s immunity system strong. With the right nutrients and ingredients, these herbs are sure to help keep sick days to a minimum.

Here are world-renowned herbalist, Dr. Christopher Hobbs, Ph.D., L.Ac, A.H.G of Rainbow Light‘s pick and explanation of the health benefits of each herb:

1. Echinacea – Echinacea is a popular herb that has been identified to boost immunity. Combined with goldenseal, another herb, or enjoyed alone as tea, this member of the daisy family has been found to prevent and treat upper respiratory tract infections as well as the common cold.

2. Ginseng – This herb has many varieties ideal for boosting immunity and overall health. Its main active component, ginsenosides, has been proven to have anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Clinical research studies have demonstrated that it may improve immune and psychological functions as well as conditions related to diabetes.

3. Garlic – This spice has had a long history of medicinal value. Studies have shown that garlic promotes overall immune health, that it is active against specific bacterial infections of the respiratory tract, and that it may bolster the ability of the respiratory tract to defend against viral infection. What’s better? It’s also a great tasting spice to use while you cook!

4. Ginger – This herb has been shown to reduce inflammation, cardiovascular conditions, blood clots and cholesterol. Also a great ingredient to help aid digestion, we include ginger into many of our Rainbow Light products, such as the Women’s One and prenatal line of products, to help those with a frequent upset stomach.

5. Turmeric– This spice contains curcumin, which has notable antioxidant properties. It also has antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and stomach soothing benefits. It reduces inflammation by stimulating the adrenal glands to increase the hormone that lessens inflammation. It is also used against headaches, bronchitis, colds, fever and menstrual problems.

6. Spirulina – worth a discussion, as this natural ingredient is often misrepresented as an herb. Although technically a marine organism, this ingredient is a powerhouse of immunity. Amino acids make up 62 percent of spirulina, making it a complete protein. It’s one of the few known plant sources of vitamin B12 and it’s full of amino acids, enzymes, and probiotics that help to enhance your immune system and digestive health. It’s a key ingredient in our Rainbow Light products – that’s how much we love it!

Dr. Christopher Hobbs, is an internationally renowned herbalist, licensed acupuncturist and botanist, has been formulating market leading natural supplements exclusively for Rainbow Light® since 1985. With more than 35 years of clinical experience in herbal medicine, Hobbs has authored 25 books, including Herbal Remedies for Dummies and Women’s Herbs, Women’s Health. He shares his knowledge of herbal medicine with consumers and educators all over the world through lectures, and utilized his expertise in this field to found the Institute for Natural Products Research. He also serves as a consultant to the herb industry.

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Report: Kim Kardashian selfies boost Makeup industry

Posted on September 23, 2015

Kim Kardashian‘s selfie obsession is actually doing some good for the economy. A new report from NPD Group attributes it’s boost in makeup sales to the reality star’s pictures.

According to the study, face, eye, and lip makeup sales have seen double-digit growth over the past year, with a 14.3 percent increase.

“Celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Beyonce and Cara Delevingne have inspired a generation of women to post selfies on social media channels such as Instagram and Facebook,” said June Jensen, director of UK beauty at the NPD Group, reports BBC. The celebrity photos have attracted a new set of buyers lhoping to recreate their look.

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News

Study: Pregnancy Complications linked to Heart Disease Later

Posted on September 23, 2015

Women who experience complications during pregnancy may be at greater risk of dying from heart disease later in life than women with uncomplicated pregnancies, according to new research in the American Heart Association‘s journal Circulation.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of American women. According to the American Heart Association, 399,503 women died of CVD in 2013. CVD is also the leading cause of death among American men.

Researchers analyzed data from the Public Health Institute’s Child Health and Development Studies (CHDS), which enrolled 15,528 pregnant women in the Oakland, Calif., metropolitan area from 1959 to 1967. As of 2011, 368 women (average age 66) had died of CVD. Researchers confirmed several pregnancy complications associated with CVD reported in other studies (pre-eclampsia, pre-term delivery and small-for-gestational-age delivery) but here also found that preeclampsia in early pregnancy strongly predicts premature CVD death before age 60.

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Parenting

Here’s How to Connect to Your Child Using his Emotional Intelligence

Posted on September 22, 2015

We’ve all heard of educational games that improve children’s intelligence but with new research scientists are also stating that games can also improve their emotional intelligence.

Playing games with your child is great for them. Playing is the method by which most animals learn social and physical cues which help them reach their potential within the group. Humans are no different.

Our children also learn by playing and they can learn how to express their emotions through play.

Teaching your children that emotions are constructive and not destructive will help them on their journey to becoming well-rounded adults.

Hugging your child is one of the most clichéd ways to calm them down after they become upset or irate but you can use games to turn their mood around and save you embarrassment in a crowded shopping mall, for example. Ask for a hug by letting your child know you are running low on hugs. This action shifts up and distracts from whatever annoyance has led to a melt down. You can even tickle them and see if you can get them to give you a chuckle.

Mood altering games can help pick up a child who is sad. Here is an example of one: Start by each selecting a word that you say to your child commanding your kid to repeat after you in the same tone. Start out in a grumpy tone and then move up to a happy and cheery tone. In no time, your child will find herself repeating back in a similar way. As the game progresses start to say it in more of a happier way and they’ll follow, which will start to make your child feel happier as well.

Another great idea for a game we got from Bingosweets is to have some quiet time to recharge by sitting with an iPad or tablet and learning some interesting facts. This time taken away from physical games can help your child unwind calm after a run around and can even be used as some chill out time before bed. You can transform your nightly routine from tears and screaming to a relaxing trip to bed without any tantrums.

Implementing these strategies will help you better manage your child’s emotions for greatest positive impact.

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Inside Mark Zuckerberg & Wife Priscilla’s Coed Baby Shower

Posted on September 22, 2015

Some of Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s past students and mentees threw him and his wife Priscilla a surprise baby shower earlier this month.

The couple are expecting their first child after years of loss and fertility struggles.

“Students I mentor in the community threw me and Cilla a surprise baby shower!” the head of the popular social media networking site captioned the photos he shares online. “So much love and so much fun.”

Indeed! They guys played the drink out of a bottle race game.

They made poor Priscilla and her bump scoop marshmallows on a pan on her head whilst so preggers. Ha!

No worries. Mark did crazy games too.

The expectant couple were gifted a handmade blanket.

It looked very low key and super fun!

See the rest of the pics:

Photos: Facebook

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The J.Crew Fall Maternity Slim Pants You’ve Got to Stock up On

Posted on September 22, 2015

This fall, stack up on slim fitting and stretch maternity jeans and pants to wear underneath your crisp white shirt for a nice fall ride on a cool day thru the foliage.

Other occasions:

Throw on a stretchy long sleeve tee on top for a comfy day running errands on the weekend.
Pair them with a nice blouse and accent the look with big pearls or bold costume jewelry for an after-work networking event or a Sunday brunch.
Wear them with a black tank top or tee for a sleek cosmopolitan date night outfit.

The other thing I adore about the fit bottoms made out of stretchy materials is the fact they also have a comfy yet slimming effect of cinching you all in. These are versatile and stylish pieces to include in your fall maternity wardrobe.

I love J. Crew jeans for their chicness and durability in quality. They last season in and season out and are a great investment.

If you do too, you’re in luck as J.Crew is in the final stages of an Extra 30% off sale so jump on this and get ready for the cooler temps moms-to-be! Use code TIME TO SHOP at checkout!

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GOT’s Lena Headey channels character Cersei’s signature Dress Hue at the Emmys

Posted on September 22, 2015

You know who else was looking Amaze Balls on the red carpet to this past Sunday’s Prime Time Emmy Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles, California?

Second time nominee and brand-spanking 2nd time new mom Lena Headey looked stunning.

The deep auburn -colored-hair damsel was up for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Drama Series for her role on The Game of Thrones, which took home a record number of statues including a coveted, first time ever Best Drama win.

The magenta Zuhair Murad Couture dress Headey wore is of the same hue of the signature gown she wears often when portraying Cersei Lannister on the hit HBO TV show.

The gorgeous Brit radiated in the gown she accentuated with Jimmy Choo shoes and Harry Kotler Platinum Diamond jewelry.

Headey welcomed her second child, a baby girl, on July 10.

She has a 5-year old son named Wylie with ex hubby Peter Louhgran.

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This Very Smart, Savvy Mom Consignment Shopping Secret in MD just got BIGGER – HUGE!

Posted on September 21, 2015

Okay. This luxury baby products consignment extravaganza hosted in Maryland twice each year has to be one of the most innovative things around!

The schtick: Get savvy, sophisticated, smart and eco-conscious moms who love and value quality designer clothes, baby goods and products together to upcycle items they and their children no longer use and fit and earn some extra cash in the process.

And for those who don’t have much to sell or are brand new moms or mega shoppers, invite them to come shop for FREE and stock up on durable top brand merchandise and gently-worn clothing for their brood at a tiny fraction of the cost of buying new!

That’s the idea behind Wee-Sale of Maryland which is going on this weekend. The organizers outgrew one of their old locations and have decided this fall to combine their Anne Arundel, Charles and Prince George’s County sales they host each year into one mega sale at the Wayne Curry Sports and Learning Complex in Hyattsville, Maryland.

“If you loved any of our sales in the past, this mega sale promises to be the best yet ,” said Mimi Shea, founder of the Wee-Sale. “We simply outgrew our old locations and are thrilled to now work in the most spacious of venues yet! The Sport and Learning Complex is ideal to display the thousands of kids/baby items our consignors bring season after season. It is centrally located for most of our past consignors and shoppers and we hope to add some new fans of the Wee-Sale too! We are so very excited about the Wee-MEGA-Sale!!”

Gymboree, Baby Gap, Ralph Lauren, Janie and Jack, Wheat, Peg Perego, Graco, Fisher Price, Pottery Barn Kids, a wide array of boutique fashions and much more to fit newborns to kids size 16 – all will be available.

And, I love the fact it has a New Mom day for brand spanking new moms or those who have recently adopted a baby. For $10, they get to come a day ahead of the 4-public days and shop first. Sadly, space for that day is already sold out this year, but isn’t it a great concept?

Those who donate must give a minimum of 30 items to sell but with no max, tho there are max limits for clothing for space purposes. The hosts keep 45% of the sales but those who donate clothes can earn a higher commission on their items by volunteering!

So, for example, if you work three 4-hour shifts, you can keep 70% of your sales and get chances to shop early yourself.

It’s a super ingenious way to staff the event without having to incur added overhead costs of hiring sales staff.

And it pays. The creators say the average consignor pockets about $250 in cash. Sweet!

But what if you’ve got too much going on and don’t have time to sort, wash, prep and price your stuff? Don’t sweat it!

You can pay a $30 drop off fee and give up a small percentage of your consignment commission to a “Busy Mom” associate who will do all that for you! So smart!

At the end of the weekend, all unsold merchandise get donated to charity so it’s a win-win-win situation!

Public sale hours are Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24-25 from 9 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, Sept.26 from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (25 percent off day) and Sunday, Sept.27 from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (half-off day). Admission and parking are free. Due to safety concerns with a high volume of shoppers on opening day, no children are allowed at the sale on Thursday, Sept. 24.

The Fall Wee-Sale will take place Sept. 24-27 at the Prince George’s Sports and Learning Complex in Hyattsville, MD. More than 800 consignors will bring over 80,000 items and 75,000 square-feet worth of children’s clothing.

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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt