BumpNews

We loved Carrie Underwod’s look at the Concert for Valor

Posted on November 13, 2014

We loved Carrie Underwood‘s look at Tuesday night’s Concert for Valor in Washington, DC on Veterans Day. She dazzled in an Alice + Olivia coat, knee-high fitted velour Amanda Gregory boots in a sensible heel for a mom-to-be and a fab scarf by Halogen. She accented the look with

Vincent Peach earrings.

E! reports:

Pregnant Carrie Underwood wowed the crowd at The Concert For Valor in Washington, D.C. on Veterans Day, singing a song that has brought comfort and hope to scores of military families, and also recently shared a touching personal story to mark the bittersweet holiday.

The 31-year-old country star showcased a winter wonderland-inspired look on stage at The National Mall, wearing a black, long sleeve, empire waist, flowy, tuxedo-collar coat dress with a speckled skirt that draped over her growing baby bump, paired with an ivory scarf and black, stiletto over-the-knee suede boots. She is expecting her first child, a baby boy, with husband Mike Fisher, 34, in spring 2015.

Tuesday’s Veterans Day concert aired on HBO and also featured performances from Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, Zac Brown Band, Metallica, The Black Keys, Rihanna, Eminem and fellow American Idol alum and Grammy winner Jennifer Hudson.

Underwood sang her 2013 single “See You Again,” her 2006 hit “Before He Cheats” and her new song “Something in the Water,” backed by the Singing Sergeants of the U.S. Air Force, Time magazine reported.

photo: Getty for HBO

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BumpNews

Study challenges the ‘baby fat’ myth: Overweight kids stay that way into teens

Posted on November 12, 2014

A new survey suggests that kids who are obese at 11-years old stay that way through age 16 and after.

Researchers tracked close to 4,000 children in three US metro areas for 5 years and discovered that 83% of obese 10th graders were also obese in the 5th grade. A mere 12% were able to “thin out” and “lose their baby weight” as the old wives tail goes, and transitioned to normal weight.

“Parents sometimes think that it’s just baby fat and their kids will outgrow it, but we found a lot more constancy [of extra weight over time] than we anticipated,” study author Dr. Mark Schuster, chief of general pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital said of the findings published in the November 10th edition of journal Pediatrics.

“Certainly, once you’ve gained weight and become obese or overweight, it’s harder to change the habits influencing that,” he added. “But just because kids are gaining weight as they get older doesn’t mean they can’t lose weight — they definitely can.”

The research also suggest that kids of parents who are also overweight or from families with less education are also less likely to lose weight and become normal weight over time.

It also implied that living around, going to school with and being in communities with a good number of substantially overweight people contributes to a social normalization of obesity.

Compared to kids from 40 years ago who didn’t see that many overweight peers and adults, today’s children do and are not so ostracized if they are packing a few extra pounds.

Also, a more sedentary and super-convenient society fed on a steady diet of high-fat, heavy carb processed foods contribute.

“People are less likely to walk places or go to a park,” Schuster said. “There’s also a lot of fast, convenient, high-processed food available that’s higher in calories and less nutritious. A lot of what we’re trying to encourage is to eat a healthier diet and engage in more physical activity — and that’s true whether a child is obese or not.”

Finally, the data also showed that children who were heavy in the 5th grade who spent more time with screens, TV and video games, were less likely to lose the weight than kids who had limited screen time.

The solution seems to be for parents to actively encourage their teens to get involved in organized sports, go out more and regularly and watch their diets so that they do not overindulge in bad foods.

h/t WebMD

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BumpNews

‘Coming to America’-themed baby shower, birthdays, weddings, fashion are a thing

Posted on November 12, 2014

The pop culture cult classic film “Coming to America” turned 25 last year. Remember that movie?

About Eddie Murphy‘s character, a prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda who would have adult flower girls sprinkle petals on the ground as he and his dad King Jaffe Joffer (played by James Earl Jones) walked?

Yeah that movie.

In the movie, Prince Akeem renamed Randy Watson, traveled to Queens, NYC to find a bride and pretended to be a poor former goat herder and took up a job at the fictional McDowell’s fast food restaurant.

We’ve seen an increase in ‘Coming to America’-themed events lately.

Friends and family of Washington DC-area based soul, jazz singer Green Tea Soul who is also a baker, mother, fitness guru, Zumba instructor, motivational speaker and blogger threw her a coed coming to America baby shower for her and her husband

Cute, eh?

Congrats, mama!

It’s a popular theme.

Flashback to September this year, mom-to-be Alicia Keys threw her husband Swizz Beatz a “Coming to America” 36th Birthday party.

See the video HERE.

Bravo TV‘s Real Housewives of Atlanta Kandi Burruss’ October 2013 wedding to TV producer and reality TV star of Kandi’s Wedding Todd Tucker had ‘Coming to America‘-like dancers prelude their entrance. It’s an ode to the wedding scene at the end of the movie.

And just this Halloween, Bellyitch friend and DC socialite Diane Tackie dressed as actress Shari Headley’s character Lisa McDowell from that movie in a Coming to America themed Halloween party.

And I only just recently noticed that designer Jeremy Scott for Moschino featured the logo of the fictional McDowell’s burger joint, a humorous rip off of McDonald‘s in the movie, in his Fall 2014 line.

Fun stuff!

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BumpNews

Carrie Underwood, Jennifer Hudson headline Concert for Valor [LIVE! VIDEO STREAM LINK!]

Posted on November 12, 2014

Going on NOW! Tune in to HBO to peep two of our Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood perform during the first of its kind Concert for Valor to honor US Veterans for Veterans Day today going down at the National Mall.

Other performers include Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Metallica , the Zac Brown Brand, The Black Keys and more.

Or if you don’t have HBO you can Watch it LIVE on the event’s website HERE:

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Reviews

REVIEW: Style RX pill boxes, WIN ONE NOW (GIVEAWAY)

Posted on November 11, 2014

In recent years, I got into herbalism and began studying up the value of natural herbs as nutritional supplements to my diet. It meant that breakfast also came standard with having to take several tablets and pills. Same with lunch and dinner, sometimes.

Some pills needed to be taken at different times of the day.

So while I am not an elderly person who would necessarily need a pill reminder box for various medications to ailing conditions, I could very easily see the need for one as a multi-vitamin pill popper! Keeping track of what you’ve taken can be challenging.

That’s why I was pretty geeked to get the offer to sample out Style RX very pretty and feminine tapestry covered pill boxes.They were created by mom of a 4 year-old girl Dawn Gibel who realized when she was pregnant that she struggled to remember to take her daily prenatal vitamins.

She needed a way to keep them with them separated in each cube during her long morning and afternoon commute. Throwing them in a plastic baggie or tucking them away in a pocket could get them lost, contaminated or forgotten.

They very feminine printed boxes are small enough to slip into a purse, laptop sleeve or diaper bag, keep in the car’s center console or on the kitchen counter. The magnetic closure keeps medication secure inside. And if you purchase an additional case for $5, you can interchange it for extended use or while away on longer trips.

Each box costs $34 each and come in two uniquely designed patterns printed on cotton canvas.

I love my set and recommend them to breastfeeding and expecting mom or for veteran moms like me who just need to keep track of all her various herbal vitamins. You can also get them for your elderly mom, grandmom or other relative who take multiple vitamins and would love to be able to track them in a pretty box!

Get them at InspiredbyDawn.com and select specialty gift shops OR you can win a box too by entering below.

Now thru November 25th! Open to US residents only! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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BumpNews

Happy Veterans Day: Military-inspired Nail Art

Posted on November 11, 2014

Today, we in the United States honor and salute the brave men and women who have served in the military!

Just for fun, if you’d like to wear your salute on your nails and have a day off, consider also decorating your nails in a military -inspired designs or nail art.

Find this tutorial HERE:

And check out these other designs:

Marines

Army

Navy

Air Force

Coast guard

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BumpNews

9 Times Alicia Keys proved she may be the hardest working pregnant musician

Posted on November 11, 2014

I see Carrie Underwood out here grinding, hosting award shows, performing at concerts all throughout her first pregnancy and I think to myself, “now that’s the hardest working pregnant musician right now.”

Then, last night, I spot Alicia Keys a month and a half from her due date on stage across the pond in Glasgow, Scotland pounding on a baby grande!

I think to myself, well Keys is a true contender with all the globe trotting and bi-coastal criss crossing she has been doing this last trimester in her second pregnancy.

Above is a photo collage of 9 times, the mutli-Grammy award winning, platinum selling artist was out there grinding for causes, promoting her new single “#WeAreHere” and performing or making appearances at events worldwide.

1. On September 16 Keys who truly broke out with her hit 2001 song “Fallin” appeared on the The Elvis Duran Z100 Morning Show in New York City

2. The “Girl on Fire” singer performed during the Ruby Dee Memorial Service at Assembly Hall of the Riverside Church on September 20, 2014 in New York City during the day.

3. Then she schlepped across country to perform onstage during the 2014 iHeartRadio Music Festival at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada that same day but at night. What?!!?

4. The Secret Lives of Bees actress then headed back to New York City the next day to the 2014 Social Good Summit at 92Y on September 21 in New York City.

5. The following week, the Billboards chart-topper was back in New York City at the 2014 Global Citizen Festival to end extreme poverty by 2030 in Central Park on September 27.

6. The next month, Egypt’s mom and dad Swizz Beatz attended the Angel Ball 2014 at Cipriani Wall Street on October 20, 2014.

7. Keys was spotted backstage during We Can Survive 2014 on the left coast at the Hollywood Bowl on October 24, 2014 in Los Angeles, California.

8. Then was out again with the hubster at the Keep A Child Alive‘s 11th annual Black Ball at Hammerstein Ballroom on October 30, 2014 in New York City.

9. Last night, Keys performed during the outside broadcast of the MTV EMA‘s 2014 at the 02 Academy on November 9, 2014 in Glasgow, Scotland.

Phew! If anyone every tells you pregnancy is a fragile and delicate condition and that pregnant women need to slow down and take things slow, show them this post! That girl is on fire!

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BumpNews

Most Stylish Mom and Son Fashion Duo: Blogger Cara & son Hanes

Posted on November 11, 2014

Bellyitch Rewind

I spotted Cara Loren Van Brocklin browsing around Pinterest one day, followed the 23-year old fashion blogger to her website and was mesmerized by her awesomely fab personal style and the oh-so-super-handsome way she dresses her equally gorgeous toddler son, Hanes.

I immediately thought, “forget Rachel Zoe and Sklyer”… now this is a duo that could give them a run for their money as most stylish mom and pre-schooler son around.

Check these beautiful pics from her website: http://www.caraloren.com/

Photos: http://www.caraloren.com

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BumpNews

Not Blake Lively: The Battle for the Most Stylish Pregnant Celebrity

Posted on November 10, 2014

So…this weekend Gossip Girl actress Blake Lively was spotted out and about in New York City in some pretty fab looks. Many fashion outlets (US Weekly, Harper’s Bazaar, Cosmopolitan) are declaring her the most fashionable pregnant celebrity ever….

collage courtesy US Weekly

Blake Lively puts all other pregnant women to shame: http://t.co/rjpZBDClZU

— Us Weekly (@usweekly) November 10, 2014

This stunning new photo of Blake Lively’s baby bump is so perfect you will CRY TEARS OF JOY: http://t.co/qRh9oDiTij pic.twitter.com/ZX1PwtGSG8

— Cosmopolitan (@Cosmopolitan) November 9, 2014

*eye roll* Cry? Really, Cosmo??

Anyway, not so fast!

Lively, who is expecting her first child with husband Ryan Reynolds, did look fab in her Michael Kors cropped top and white flare embroidered daisy skirt, topped with a Thomas Sires coat and accented in vintage Christian Louboutin pumps and a bold turquoise statement necklace.

But I’m not gonna cry tears of joy over it.

As a matter of fact, I still maintain that Miroslava Duma former editor of Harper’s Bazaar Russia was the most stylish pregnant “celebrity” ever.

And I also maintain Instagrammer Up Close and Stylish who boasts over 1 million followers was the most stylish social media celebrity when pregnant and is still unseated.

That’s my opinion. Anyone beg to differ or have proof otherwise they’d like to share? Hit me up in the comment section.

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BumpNews

10 endearing ways to show your child love

Posted on November 10, 2014

It seems like these days everyone is always rushing around, working late, and struggling to cross things off a to-do list. Not surprisingly, this go-go-go mindset makes it’s hard for parents to meaningfully connect with their children. One way parents can nurture this relationship with their children is to express love in tangible ways. If you’re looking to foster connection and demonstrate love, consider implementing these 10 things into your day. [And so from our friends at Babysitting.net:]

Give her random hugs. Showing affection to your child is one way to connect with her on a physical level. Kids need a soft place to fall, and knowing that that place is with you will go a long way to make your relationship a close one. Dole out hugs often. Doing so can lead to a healthier and more emotionally well balanced child according to Dacher Keltner, a professor of Psychology at Berkley.
Put notes in her lunch. When she is young, having a smiley face or some other sticker in her lunch is a fun surprise to find. Once she gets older and is able to read, you can send along notes of encouragement for an upcoming test or audition. Notes are an easy way to let her know that you are thinking about her.
Surprise her with a small gift. There’s something about being surprised with a small gift that makes the occasion special. Gifts on holidays or birthdays might be expected, but a gift just because it’s Tuesday is a fun way to say, “I love you.”
Bring her a balloon, just because. Balloons are so bright and fun that they always bring a smile to a child’s face. Little things that you can do to brighten her day will show her that you love her.
Leave her notes on the mirror. The mirror is a good place to leave notes for a couple of reasons. The first reason is that everyone starts their day in the bathroom and will likely see the note which will create a good start to their day. Secondly, as kids get older they stand and look at themselves in the mirror and are often critical. Leaving notes that tell her how beautiful her eyes are or what shiny long hair she has will remind her of her assets instead of letting her focus on her flaws. Being told nice things first thing in the morning will definitely let them know they are loved. This is a good idea for working parents that may not see their child before they are off to school.
Fix her favorite meal. Putting forth the extra effort to make her favorite meal will let her know that you care about her and that she is loved. Celebrate the little things like a lost tooth or winning student of the month.
Bake her favorite cookies for an after school snack. Most kids will grab a snack right after school. Many times it will be something like fruit or some chips, nothing special. On a day when it’s rainy or when you know she’s been down, it’s a loving gesture to make her favorite cookies for a snack. Comfort food isn’t called “comfort food” for nothing.
Take her for a special date night. Create a date night just for the two of you. Take her to the salon for a pedicure or to see a ballgame. Spending one-on-one time with her will give her time to share with you and for you to let her know how much you care about her.
Tuck her into bed and sing her a lullaby. Yelling good night as she heads off to bed by herself isn’t as loving as walking with her to her room and taking the time to tuck her in and sing her a lullaby. Older kids may think that they want to be grown up, but especially in those tween years when they are caught between wanting to be a teen and wanting to still be your baby, tucking them in will be appreciated.
Cuddle up with her to watch TV. Put in a movie, pop some popcorn and cuddle up on the couch to watch some TV. Doing so can serve as a time to relax and reconnect with each other. Special times like this will strengthen your bond and remind her how much she is loved.

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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt