Academy Awards: A Visual History of Bumps on the Oscar Red Carpet
Posted on February 9, 2020
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Jeneba Jalloh Ghatt
Valentine’s Day Meal Deals for Couples and Singles
Posted on February 8, 2020
Valentine’s Day is one week away and if you still haven’t made plans, you can take advantage of some deals out there that won’t break the bank and keep more of your coins in your pocket.
Here’s a rundown of a bunch of deals from big chain restaurants . . .
1. Chick-fil-A is selling an entire Valentine’s Day dinner with 30 nuggets, six chocolate chunk cookies, and 10 Chick-N-Minis, all served in heart-shaped tins.
The offer is good the entire month of February, or while supplies last.
2. Hooters is bringing back the “Shred Your Ex” promotion this year.
Destroy a photo of your ex either in theue restaurant or on its website and get a BIGO coupon for 10 free boneless wings when you buy 10 wings.
3. Qdoba is also reviving its “Qdoba for a Kiss”dealwhich gets you a free entrée when you buy and share a kiss with someone on Valentine’s Day.
And if you’re single it still works . . . kissing your dog or even a photo on your phone counts.
It comes with soup or salad, dipping sauce for breadsticks, a sharable entree, and a dessert, starting at $35.
And you can get a breadstick bouquet too.
5. California Pizza Kitchen is also doing a $35 dinner-for-two promo as well.
And you can also get a heart shaped pizza for no additional charge for that special crust.
You can also take advantage of its buy one pizza get a gift card for one pizza on a return visit deal.
6. Burger King will give you a free Whopper just for bringing in a photo of your ex to stuff in a box.
Eco Friday: How to Have a Plant-Based Vegan Pregnancy the Healthy Way {Plus Book Recommendations}
Posted on February 7, 2020
I’m one of those off ramp/on ramp vegans and currently I am just vegetarian, but for each of my pregnancies I didn’t dare stay away from dairy or meat because I feared iron deficiency knowing that baking a baby requires even more iron than normal.
Also, the fat from dairy, I thought was needed.
But for people who have been completely vegan for at least a decade straight, is it possible to have a healthy pregnancy while vegan?
The Examiner’s: The Vegan RD , Virginia Messina offered these tips for a Vegan Pregnancy recently:
Pregnant vegans can meet nutrient needs by following just a few simple guidelines:
- Consume at least 5 servings per day of protein-rich plant foods. A serving is ½ cup cooked beans, tofu, or tempeh; 1 ounce of meat analog, or 1 cup of soymilk. (Fortified almond, rice, coconut or hempseed milk are fine to drink, too, but they are too low in protein to count as a protein-rich food.)
- Include a good source of vitamin C at every meal to boost iron absorption. Good choices are cantaloupe, kiwifruit, mango, citrus fruits and juices, papaya, pineapple, strawberries, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, sweet peppers, and tomatoes.
- Eat plenty of leafy green vegetables like collards, kale and spinach. They’re good sources of folic acid, a B-vitamin that is especially important in the very early stages of pregnancy. (Vegans typically have higher folate intakes than meat-eaters but still may not meet the needs of pregnancy.)
- Include a serving or two of nuts and seeds in your daily menu to help meet zinc needs.
- Emphasize calcium-rich foods in your daily menu: leafy green vegetables, calcium-set tofu, tempeh, soynuts, fortified plant milks and fortified juices are all good choices. If your diet falls short of the RDA (1,000 milligrams), a small supplement can help make up the difference.
- Your doctor will most likely prescribe a prenatal vitamin supplement that includes iron and folic acid (usually recommended for all pregnant women). Make sure your supplement includes zinc, copper and iodine as well. Pregnant vegans (like all vegans) should be sure to have a chewable vitamin B12 supplement, too, providing 25 to 100 micrograms of B12 per day.
Talk to your doctor about the need for a supplement of the omega-3 fat DHA. The jury is still out on whether pregnant women need these supplements, but vegan versions are available.
- Avoid super-restricted types of vegan diets. Diets that are too low in fat or are based on mostly raw foods can reduce nutrient absorption and make it harder to meet nutrient needs.
Finally, here are some Vegan pregnancy books to get you started:
heck them out:
Vegan Pregnancy Survival Guide by Sayward Rebhal
The Vegan Pregnancy Cookbook: Over 200 Recipes to Keep You and Baby Happy and Healthy for All Three Trimesters (and Beyond)!by Lorena Novak Bull
The Whole 9 Months: A Week-By-Week Pregnancy Nutrition Guide with Recipes for a Healthy Start by Jennifer Lang MD
Disease-Proof Your Child by Joel Fuhrman
Skinny Bitch Bun in the Oven by Rory Freedman
Creating Healthy Children by Karen Ranzi
Feeding Baby Green by Alan Greene
Rawsome by Brigitte Mars
Happy Healthy Pregnancy!
America Ferrera is Not Letting Pregnancy Slow Her Down
Posted on February 7, 2020
Superstore star and second-time mom-to-be America Ferrera is still working hard, promoting her projects and looking fierce while doing it.
The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants star looked glam in a bump hugging pencil dress, hoops, sharp patent leather heels and a sleek updo while sitting on a panel with co-stars and creators at Netflix in a program produced by the National Association of Latino Independent Producers (NALIP) to promote one of her latest project, Gentefied.
What started as a series of web shorts about a family-owned taco stand that faced relocation due to gentrification has turned to a Netflix series that premieres this upcoming February 21 and starring Ferrera.
Just last month, Ferrera was in Utah at the Sundance Festival attending The Latinx House And Netflix Host Their Joint Kick-off Party on January 24, 2020 in Park City, Utah.
And before that, she and The Black Panther and The Walking Dead’s Danai Gurira were announcing the nominees for the Screen Actors’ Guild awards before getting on stage to present one of the awards during the actual show later.
The Ugly Betty alum is LA born of Honduran parents. She and husband Ryan Piers Williams, welcomed their first child, a healthy baby boy back, Sebastian, in March 2018.
How to Host (Or Enjoy) a Parents Night Out: Valentine’s Day Edition
Posted on February 6, 2020
There is nothing like having your spouse lose his wedding ring while on vacation. We’d go out to bars on the weekend and young women would hit on him the minute I was out his sight, perhaps because he wouldn’t have a ring on.
Frustrating! A replacement has been ordered and in the meantime, we’re preparing to enjoy this upcoming Valentine’s Day at a Parents Night Out event.
What is “Parents Night Out”: It’s an organized day or nighttime event usually among parents in one social circle, neighborhood block, or your church, civic or other local community organized which hosts a social event for kids and allow the parents to drop off the kids and have an adult day (or night) out alone.
The day care center I used to send my kids to when they were younger had such an event each quarter.
It’s perfect for young families, new parents and for those who do not live near extended family who can give them a break and let them get out alone once in awhile.
If you’ve ever gone to a movie theater and seen a couple with a baby, toddler or young child at night, you know the importance of these events like these. They are also sometimes cheaper than a baby sitter.
Right now, if you Google the term “Parents Night out near me ” {<—Click this link}, you’ll get a listing of local events near you to sign up for and ideally, there may still be one available for Valentine’s Day for you and your significant other to partake in.
And if you love the idea and would like to host one for the parents in your circle or community, here are the steps to get it done:
Step one: pick a theme: Movie Night, Arts and Crafts, Paint party, game night;
Step two: pick a venue: host it at the home of someone with a large basement, a church community room, a civic hall;
Step three: ascertain the cost of purchasing food, supplies, renting space;
Step three: determine how many couples would need to say yes to offset the cost of the supplies and select a price;
Step four: send out invitations or make informal calls, decide a modest fee for the event per child, then collect payment via Venmo, Paypal, Stripe or Zelle;
Step five: hire local teens or solicit some to get school volunteer hours to be chaperone;
Step six: confirm attendees and create an emergency contact sheet with allergy info, doctor’s number, insurance info, permission to administer medicine or transport in case of emergency and send out form to parents;
Step seven: On night of, decorate, set up and accept kids;
Step eight: If you are not going out and on the team to host the night, enjoy the fun with the children participating.
If you are like me, who would likely be the one doing the dropping off of my teens to help out, and head out with with your husband to the movies, dinner and dancing.
Also, if you’re me and have grown frustrated with your spouse going out at social events without his wedding ring, you will be excited to see him wear the gorgeous Infinity wedding ring you got him from AU-Rate to replace the one lost or stolen last Christmas season and enjoy the fact he won’t be hit on by all the hot young girls looking for a sugar daddy at the bar. ha!
However, you do it! Enjoy the night out!
This post was published in partnership with Nakturnal but all content and opinion are mine.
The Expensive Ways Celebrities Prepare For a New Baby
Posted on February 6, 2020
For most people, the glamorous life is a fantasy and something some aspire to attain. It’s why we love celebrities and high profile people.
It’s why shows like Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous and more recently, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills and half of the Bravo TV line up do so well.
If we were to be totally engaged with that lifestyle, here is one of the ways we would make our 2020 amazing.
Get Extravagant PUSH presents like Sports Cars
One of the best ways that you can make your 2020 more glamorous if you are a celebrity is to invest your money in a new sports car. Travis Scott famously gifted his ex Kylie Jenner a $1.4M Ferrari after she welcomed the couple’s first child together, Stormi Webster.
Take Luxury Babymoons
Us peons may take a Babymoon to Miami to get away before baby arrives.
Celebrities have access to more luxurious locales. Ciara who is expecting her third child, but second with her husband Russell Wilson announced the news while chilling on a rock in Turks and Caicos.
They just whip out their list of some of the most glamorous destinations that you can visit and close their eyes and pick!
Start a Maternity Fashion Line
When we get pregnant and can find something chic to wear, we hold on to our non maternity clothes for as long as we can before having to break out the overalls and succumb to the belly. Celebrity women just call up a few sponsors and brands and start an entire fashion line. Several famous women like Heidi Klum, Victoria Beckham and Jessica launched maternity fashion lines while expecting.
If we wanted to emulate that sort of extravagance we would have to do stuff like hit the vintage shops or sell our old clothes on sites like Depop
Buy New Homes for Baby
When baby makes three, the average new family convert the old study into a nursery or clean out the spare room. Stars purchase a larger home to accommodate the nanny and extra staff that will be on board to help them navigate parenthood.
To prepare for the arrival of their first child together, Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis upgraded their home and purchased a $10M 3 bedroom, 4 bath Beverly Hills home to accommodate their growing family, according to US Weekly. They aren’t the only ones.
Purchase the Most Expensive Crib
Finally, while the rest of us are scouring sale ads and stalking Groupon for deals on strollers and car seats, celebs like Beyonce splurge on high price top of the line products like purchasing a $3,500 lucite crib for her first child Blue Ivy.
And not just cribs, these high paid figures can afford to get the most expensive car seat, designer new born clothing and more. It’s part of the perk of being wealthy.
In the meantime, we gawk and point and admire from our computer screens.
Becoming a Parent via Adoption: Everything You Need to Know
Posted on February 6, 2020
Becoming a parent is an exciting, transformative time in one’s life, and that is true whether you’re carrying your own baby, working with a surrogate, or adopting a child into your home. For would-be parents looking at the wide range of options out there for expanding their families, adopting a baby or a child can be a controversial decision because of widespread social attitudes about biological heredity.
The fact is, adoption represents a way to put children with loving families and to make lives better for the biological parents, the adoptive family, and the kids themselves. If you are ready to move forward with the process, there are a few things you should know before you get started.
Understanding the difference between adoption systems, as well as the fact that they vary from state to state in their requirements, is vital to making sure you know how to navigate this process before you plunge in.
Voluntary vs. State-Sponsored Processes
In most states, there are separate resources for would-be parents who are looking to adopt an infant through a voluntary process and those who are looking to adopt through the foster care system after parental rights are terminated, because generally speaking the state’s child welfare resources do not concern themselves with voluntary adoptions. Instead, the transfer of legal parenthood happens through a court petition.
While adopting a baby from a voluntary biological parent is generally a smooth process because both parties are seeking the arrangement, there are details to negotiate that can represent some sticking points. By contrast, when seeking an adoption through state placement, the process involves weighing the best placement choice for the child. In the U.S., 59% of all placements are through the child welfare system.
Here’s what you should know about the two systems:
- State welfare agencies seek to act as quickly as possible after parental rights are terminated, provided placement can be found and proven to be in the best interests of the child
- Some states include placement subsidies to help cover the costs of children adopted through the system, especially older children
- Most state placements will not be infants, although many are very young children
- Placement takes longer when you have more specific requirements, whether those are related to age, genetic background, or other factors, and regardless of the type
- Voluntary adoptions can be open or closed, with several degrees of compromise, if parties want the biological parent to be involved
If you do choose to use the voluntary system, then you need to know how to navigate it, because there is not a centralized system for administering placements when you are adopting a child who is voluntarily placed with a family. Luckily, there are information networks to avail yourself of if you’re looking.
You might need to put more time and effort into the search, taking on a few processes for yourself that state placements handle for you. On the other hand, you have additional options, including international adoptions, which can increase your chances of finding the perfect fit for your new family much more quickly.
Networks for Parents Adopting Privately
Private placement agencies are operating around the country to identify and facilitate these processes, and some lawyers even specialize in this niche as part of a family law practice. They tend to have resources for finding available parents looking to place children soon after birth, so they can help. Lawyers do have costs, though, as do agencies that do the legwork to bring people together.
Private religious institutions are also known for both placing children through voluntary processes and also for maintaining larger networks with other organizations looking to place kids.
Catholic organizations are especially good at this, in part due to the church’s international efforts toward child welfare and in part because of its traditional investment in institutions like hospitals. If you are seeking a private process and you’re intent on adopting an infant, these networks can be a huge help. Luckily, for those who are considering adoption as a biological parent, the demand is high enough that working with a good agency that has an established reputation should be all you need to find a range of possible placements for your child.
Queen and Slim’s Jodie Turner-Smith Claps Back at Her Pregnant Body Shamers
Posted on February 5, 2020
Pregnant Queen and Slim Jodie Turner-Smith showed off her bare bump during an appearance on popular British television program the Graham Norton Show on Friday, January 31, where she let it slip that she is apparently expecting a baby girl with husband Joshua Jackson.
She also had to battle pregnant body shamers on social media after the broadcast who made negative comments about the fact that her bare bump was revealed in her outfit, a one shoulder halter and matching wrap skirt.
“Nobody wants to look at your baby bump,” one tweeted and another said “I don’t think pregnant women should wear outfits exposing their bellies.”
Nobody wants to look at your baby bump. Put me off watching the Graham Norton show. Have you no respect for yourself
— Shiv14 (@Shivd1414) February 1, 2020
This may be an unpopular opinion but I don’t think pregnant women should wear outfits that expose their bellies.
Jodie Turner-Smith does look really beautiful but the outfit is a no.#GrahamNortonShow— Kelle Salle ?? (@Kelle_S6) January 31, 2020
To these commenters, who are the minority that chose to be vocal but certainly represent the opinions of many other out there, Turner-Smith replied with her own commentary:
The actress revealed the baby’s gender, perhaps accidentally when responding to host Norton question about her baby and replied “I think she’s bored.”
She also confirmed that she’s in the homestretch.
“I’ve just got a couple months left,” she told Norton. “I’m at the finish line, I think. Well not the finish line, but very close.”
10 Rules of Email Communication With Your Ex After Divorce
Posted on February 4, 2020
Although this is a celebrity pregnancy blog, the fact of the matter is a lot of couples do not last the pregnancy. As blogged before, Kelis, Amber Rose, Christina Milian, Heidi Klum, January Jones, Melanie Brown, Denise Richards and Shar Jackson and several other high profile women’s relationship and marriages fell apart before baby could arrive.
It’s a bitter pill to swallow but many times, the separation is best for all parties involved including baby. In the case of divorce, or in other scenarios, the child usually binds the couple together for life.
Communication becomes a touchy subject, and to help exes navigate this area, matrimonial lawyer Jacqueline Newman has penned a new book called “The New Rules of Divorce“, available now from Simon & Schuster, matrimonial attorney Jacqueline Newman recently shared her 10 practical tips for communicating with an ex during this tumultuous period.
1. Try to limit the topics to no more than three issues in an email. I find people do not tend to read or retain more than three points at a time.
2. Number the points and separate each point by a space. If you number the points, you increase the odds of all three questions being answered, and spacing makes it seem less overwhelming than a huge ranting paragraph.
3. Try to phrase your questions so answers of yes or no are possible. If you can get back a simple yes or no, you increase the odds of your questions being answered.
4. Keep the three points short. If it takes someone more than one thumb swipe on their phone to read the whole email, the odds drop that your full email will be read.
5. Try to use email for issues that do not need an immediate response. Use the phone for emergencies and figure email should have a window of twenty-four to seventy-two hours for response.
6. Try to use neutral words because you need to assume that the written word will be taken in the worst tone possible.
7. Don’t cc other people on the emails and suck them into your drama. That gives the response a bigger audience and will cause more reaction. (You can just forward it to your sister to read after you send it instead.)
8. Try to write your emails at times of the day when you know he/she will read them. If you know your ex has a manager’s meeting every Tuesday at 8:30 a.m., do not write your emails during that time.
9. Do not write an explosive email while he is spending parenting time with the kids.
10. Try to end all emails on a positive note—even if you don’t mean it.
Good luck!
Love and Hip Hop’s Erica Mena and Safaree Welcome Daughter
Posted on February 4, 2020
Love and Hip Hop stars Erica Mena and her husband rapper Safaree Samuels welcomed their first child together, a baby girl.
“These past 24 hrs have been an adventure to say the least!!” the brand new doting dad captioned a photo of his daughter holding onto his finger he posted on Instagram announcing the news. “I’m a part of the #girldad club now ??. Perfection is here ❤️”
Mena later shared a photo of Safaree loving on his newborn.
The couple married last October 2019 in a lavish ceremony in Atlanta. He is best known for penning several songs for his ex Nicki Minaj. He is from the Hollywood permeation of the hit VH1 reality TV series and she from Atlanta.
“Just here staring at my husband as he obsesses over our daughter ♥️??? I thank God,” she captioned the sweet photo. “I prayed for this life.”
Earlier in the day, she revealed that the newest addition to their family is a rainbow baby, a baby born after a loss such as a miscarriage or still born. Mena has 12-year old son named King from a previous relationship.
While pregnant, Mena displayed the cutest style which featured a lot of animal print!
And earth tones
And soft jogging suits
And in wedding dresses?