It’s Friday!! Here is a fun quiz to start out the week.
Which Sesame Street character are you? (QUIZ)
Posted on March 6, 2015
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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt
Weekend Mom All Black Style Guide: SPLURGE or SAVE
Posted on March 6, 2015
The weekend is here. If you’re not hold up and snowed in like many in various parts of the United States, you may be looking for a cute and chic weekend look or style inspiration.
Today, I’m into black. Well, everyday I’m into black, and not just because it is slimming but because it’s an easy color to appear chic and put together in if you’re going to do monochromatic.
I’ve curated some top celebrity looks from moms we’ve featured here in the past including Gwen Stefani, Gisele Bundchen and Alessandra Ambrosio who were spotted looking fab in recent weeks in all black.
I’ve included a splurge version that includes some of the actual designers the celebs are in and a SAVE version that cost about $100 or less.
GWEN STEFANI
SPLURGE
SAVE
GISELE BUNDCHEN
SPLURGE
SAVE
ALESSANDRA AMBROSIO
SPLURGE
SAVE
Daylight Savings Time: Tips for helping baby adjust sleep schedule
Posted on March 6, 2015
Bellyitch Rewind
It happens to everyone despite your best intentions and best efforts.
Whether it is due to traveling, sickness, sleeping in a new place, changing for daylight saving time, or just a babysitter who could not get him into bed as scheduled, there comes a time when your little one gets off his sleep schedule.
While the disruption can be minor if it is not too much of deviation, getting significantly off a routine can not only throw your little one off, it can also make it seem like you have no time to yourself or time to get anything accomplished without having a tiny child under foot.
Shift the time gradually
This is the gentlest approach to moving a bedtime or nap time. Each day sneak up the time you put the little one down by five or ten minutes. It is a slow tactic, so for large disruptions this may take longer to reset a skewed bedtime than you want to take. But because it is slow, it is easier to execute and adjust without major fights.
Tire him out
If you are trying to get back to naps after missing a few, or trying to reclaim an early bedtime, a tired child will fall asleep easier than one who is well rested. Try increasing your child’s activity level. Take them outside to run around. Spend time at a playground chasing them. Add a playdate with active children. Try introducing a new game that requires plenty of running or jumping. Any activity that gets them moving will help spend energy. Be careful to time your activities; too active too early and your little one might just take a longer nap and still be wide awake when you want him to go down for the night.
Create a calm environment
Trying to get a young one to go to sleep on time, let alone getting back on schedule, is hard to do when there is excitement. If you know you will have your little one out of the house for a special event, or if you have visitors that can provide overstimulation, it is not the time to worry about resetting a schedule. Wait until visitors have left, schedules have settled down, and order is restored to your house. Once you have normalcy, you can create a calm atmosphere that will be more conducive to sleep. Remove all distraction and turn the light down. Make being awake as boring as possible.
Good luck!
Jaime King names Taylor Swift as her baby’s Godmom
Posted on March 6, 2015
Jaime King announced this week that she has selected pop singer Taylor Swift to be the god mother of her soon-to-be born second child.
The Hart of Dixie actress shared the above photo with the caption “And @taylorSwft will forever be looking over our new baby @kyle_newman – we all love you!!!! Xx” on Instagram this week.
Swift herself shared the news on social media, writing, “Guess who just got named Godmother of this little one… (ME),” Swift captioned the below photo.
King and her producer hubby Kyle Newman are parents to 1-year old James and married in 2007.
VIRAL: Dad has hilarious interview with his new baby (VIDEO)
Posted on March 5, 2015
If you’re snowed in like I am and looking for a little light humor to perk up your day, check out this hilarious viral video of vlogger La Guardia Cross of “New Father Chronicles“ YouTube channel who sat with his then 6-week old baby Amalah for a formal interview.
Her responses (which daddy inserted and superbly edited for maximum comedic effect) are precious and perfect!
Cross posts new videos each Wednesday on “Music, Art and the Misadventures of a New Dad”.
Enjoy!
Tamera Mowry-Housley plans to wear makeup for second birth (MAKEUP VIDEO TUTORIAL)
Posted on March 5, 2015
During a recent interview with PEOPLE magazine, mom-to-be Tamera Mowry-Housley said she plans to wear makeup when she delivers her daughter later this Spring.
“I feel like I have to up my fashion game already,” she joked to the magazine. “I want to be an inspiration to her from birth. I already know I’m going to do my hair, I’m going to do my makeup because it’s so weird what having a daughter does to you. You just become more girly.”
Some may wonder, huh, ‘who is thinking of looking pretty in the middle of all that pushing and sweating?’
We totally get it. You get a lot of visitors after giving birth and will be in tons of photos also, for some, makeup just makes you feel more pretty and more beautiful and lifts the mood. It’s not all about vanity.
Here is a great video tutorial from Vlogger Carah Amalie for how to quickly do your make up while in the hospital as you prepare to deliver and/or receive visitors.
[NOTE: If you are not expecting, this video is also GREAT for a natural look for everyday]
During the interview, Tamera also says while she was waiting for 8 weeks to tell her sister Tia Mowry Hardrict about the pregnancy Tia called her to ask if she was preggers. It’s that twintuition, the celeb moms always talk about in interviews! Very cute!
35 Dr. Seuss Quotes for Adults! – Happy Belated Birthday, Doc!
Posted on March 5, 2015
Bellyitch Rewind
Monday was the anniversary of the birthday of that great children’s book author Dr. Seuss (real name Theodor Seuss Geisel) who was born on March 2, 1904. He wrote over 60 books before his death on September 24, 1991.
Many of the author’s quotes from his various stories are actually beneficial for adults as well. Here are 35 of my favorite Dr. Seuss quotes that I rely on to motivate me and get me through life and various bumps in the road. They uplift and inspire and great to know and share! Enjoy!
1. “Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.” ― Dr. Seuss
2. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You’re on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who’ll decide where to go…”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
3. “Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.” ― Dr. Seuss
4. “Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.” ― Dr. Seuss, Happy Birthday to You!
5. “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
6. “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” ― Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who!
7. “I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!” ― Dr. Seuss
8. “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” ― Dr. Seuss
9. “Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” ― Dr. Seuss
10. “You’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting,
So… get on your way!” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
11. “If things start happening, don’t worry, don’t stew, just go right along and you’ll start happening too.”― Dr. Seuss
12. “Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one.”― Dr. Seuss
13. “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, The Places You’ll Go!
14. “Adults are just obsolete children and the hell with them.”― Dr. Seuss
15. “If you never did you should. These things are fun and fun is good.” ― Dr. Seuss
16. “All alone! Whether you like it or not, alone is something you’ll be quite a lot!”
― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go! and The Lorax
17. “Only you can control your future.” ― Dr. Seuss
18. “You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.” ― Dr. Seuss, I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!
19. “They say I’m old-fashioned, and live in the past, but sometimes I think progress progresses too fast!” ― Dr. Seuss
20. “I’m glad we had the times together just to laugh and sing a song, seems like we just got started and then before you know it, the times we had together were gone.”
― Dr. Seuss![post signature]()
21. “You can get help from teachers, but you are going to have to learn a lot by yourself, sitting alone in a room.” ― Dr. Seuss
22. “Be awesome! Be a book nut!”― Dr. Seuss
23. “Remember me and smile, for it’s better to forget than to remember me and cry.” ― Dr. Seuss
24. “Think and wonder, wonder and think.” ― Dr. Seuss
25. “You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
26. “So the writer who breeds more words than he needs, is making a chore for the reader who reads.” ― Dr. Seuss
27. “I know, up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights.” ― Dr. Seuss, Yertle the Turtle and Gertrude McFuzz
28. “Oh the places you’ll go! There is fun to be done! There are points to be scored. There are games to be won. And the magical things you can do with that ball will make you the winning-est winner of all.” ― Dr. Seuss, Oh, the Places You’ll Go!
29. “Oh, the things you can find if you don’t stay behind!” ― Dr. Seuss
30. “When he worked, he really worked. But when he played, he really PLAYED.” ― Dr. Seuss
31. “You are you. Now, isn’t that pleasant?” – Dr. Seuss
32. “Today is your day, your mountain is waiting. So get on your way.” ― Dr. Seuss
33. “Everything stinks till it’s finished.” ― Dr. Seuss
34. “It is better to know how to learn than to know.” ― Dr. Seuss
35. “Sometimes you will never know the value of something,until it becomes a memory.” ― Dr. Seuss
Feds bust Cali ‘Maternity Hotels’ for foreign women to stay before birthing a US citizen child
Posted on March 4, 2015
On Tuesday, US federal agents raided over three dozen “maternity hotels” in Southern California that housed foreign women, mainly rich Chinese, who came to America solely to give birth to a US citizen baby.
In 2012, about 10,000 Chinese women gave birth in the US which more than doubles the 4,200 who gave birth in 2008, CNN reports citing Chinese state media.
Companies use social media to advertise the scheme promising to house women in these hotels and some apartment complexes in Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties. The women paid between $15,000 and $50,000 for housing, transport food, but not necessarily medical care, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement said in a report.
Court papers indicate that bank statements for one maternity tourism company showed monthly gross receipts of $213,968.79 and annual income of $1,283,812.74.
The families are wary of the pollution and food shortages in China and they believe a US Passport could be a ticket for the family out of China in the future. The children would get access to good education and other benefits and can later petition for their entire family to emigrate to America when the baby turns 21.
Traditionally, such activity is associated with Hispanic American women and men from Mexico and south of the border nations who cross the border without authorization, settle in America and have children who provide ample opportunity to remaining in the United States. Some anti-illegal immigration advocates have previously used the derogatory term “anchor babies” to apply to such children.
This current scenario is certainly outside of that previous aspersion, but to some would arguably equally apply. Arguably, one can empathize with parents who are simply looking for better opportunity for their children and families. However ,the argument can be made they should not be exploiting the laws of the United States to jump ahead of legal immigrants waiting for visas or to get government aid especially when their families wouldn’t have paid taxes up until the children grow up and get a job to support such aid.
This is not new either Each year, and as recent as 2012, there were raids on similar birth tourism operations. It’s an ongoing challenge for US immigration.
What are your thoughts on the matter? Comment below.
Guide to style of most fashionable celebrity kids
Posted on March 4, 2015
Certain celebrity children have distinctive styles of their own. Whether it is selected for them by their uber fashion-conscious parents like North West or a product of their own eclectic individuality as we see with Willow Smith, there is no doubt they are and can be trend setters.
Today, we break down some of the most talked about celebrity kids whose fashion aesthetic are highly desirable.
Nori West – This tiny tyke can be seen on the front rows of all the couture fashion shows from London to Milan to New York. Most recently, the only child of Kanye West and Kim Kardashian had jaws flapping over her $3500 fur coat at New York Fashion Week. Her color of choice: black, black and more black.
THE INSPIRATION LOOK:
Kingston Rosdale: Gwen Stefani and Gavin Rossdale‘s oldest son has that casual boho South Cal look down to a tee. He’s known for his spiky mohawks, seersucker jackets, graphic tees and high top sneaks. Kingston is a Santa Monica skater dude and Aspen skiing kid all in one.
THE INSPIRATION LOOK:
Blue Ivy Carter – This 3-year old is richer than most kids her age yet she has a cute typical toddler style of dress. Blue can be seen in age-appropriate frocks, while barefoot on the beach or in some ballet slippers at one of mom Beyonce‘s special fancy events. This globe-trotting jet setter looks a lot like dad Sean Jay Z Carter.
THE INSPIRATION LOOK:
Violet Affleck
Willow Smith – This free spirited rocker child of Will and Jada Pinkett Smith has a singing and acting career and is so over school. She has the best individual style and doesn’t follow any trends but rather can be seen setting them in her Monster High lace up boots, leopard shawls, colorful arm gloves, ripped jeans and wild hair. Whether cropped and purple, mohawked or whipped, Willow has experimented with it all.
Mason Disick – This preppy tot is the apple of mom Kourtney Kardashian and dad Scott Disick‘s eye. He’s mischievous and playful and can be seen playing hide and seek on TV in nautical boat shoes, smart vests and straw hats. When out and about, Mason looks comfortable in khaki shorts and doesn’t seem to squirm when outfitted in a collared shirt and a bow tie. He’s quite the stylish little boy. His style is akin to Skylar Berman, Rachel Zoe and Rodger Berman‘s kid.
photo: starcast, Parenting
Why you should sterilize newborn’s bottles & brand new clothes before use
Posted on March 4, 2015
Folks who are having their first baby are bombarded with advice and tips. They read and everyone tells them that they should wash the baby’s clothes before wearing it on him. Few may wonder if it is just a right of passage or if there is reason behind the advice. For several reasons it is a good idea, including (1) the fact that many hands touch children’s clothes in stores before they are bought and (2) there are many allergens, agents and other chemicals that are used at manufacturing, shipping and packaging plants that transport clothes. It is so easy and very common for a baby to develop a rash on account of having their sensitive skin exposed to un-pre-washed clothes.
Dreft and Ivory Snow make mild detergent that is great for washing clothes of babies, and especially those with allergies or prone to break outs, or with extra sensitive skin.
Similarly, it is so easy to want to cut corners and save time and skip sterilizing the baby’s bottles ever so often after a use or two. Little babies immune systems aren’t developed enough to fight off the friendly bacteria that grows inside moist bottles after time. Case in point, my nephew (again, my infant example for everything these days) caught an awful cold. Of course, her mom blames me and my kids who came to visit that weekend, but that I am defending the kiddies on this one and pointing the finger at lax bottle sterilizing.
The absolute best and my favorite tool for quick easy sterilizing is Phillips Avent Express Microwave Sterilizer. The product is marketed with the Avent bottles, but the contraption itself can be used with any brand bottles, but especially the shorter smaller bottles.It retails for about $50.00 and is a MUST ADD baby registry item, if you ask me. You load up the washed bottles, add water and pop it in the microwave for several minutes. Voila! instant sterilization.
Now, if you are one of those folks concerned over the latent or unknown future effects of microwaves on plastics, you may want to stay away from this product made of sturdy plastics. I swear by it and used it for all three children.