Make Up Tips for Nights Out, Indian Brides and More

Posted on October 29, 2018

Steps to Having Date Nights Like the Happiest Couples

Posted on October 25, 2018

With children in the house, romance is often one of the last things on a parent’s mind. From running errands, picking up the kids at school or daycare and balancing everything else on your agenda, there’s not much time left at the end of the day for your significant other. Date night’s aren’t always an option, so instead, consider these three ideas to rekindle the romance.

Sleepover at Grandma’s House

Is there ever a time where you get to relax at home without the kids anymore? Not likely. The home used to be a place where you could have solace, peace and quiet — but that idea went out the window when you had kids. Next time you’re thinking about date night, instead of dining out or catching a movie, stay in. Give the babysitter the night off and send the kids over to grandma’s for a sleepover. Just think about how nice it will be to have the home to yourself with your spouse. No tucking the kids in for bedtime, no nighttime routines and certainly no early morning wakeup calls from the kiddos. Just wine, Netflix and if you’re lucky, breakfast in bed. Quality time is key to some people’s Love Language. It’s all about giving the other person your undivided attention.

Consider doing this every few months as a way to maintain romance with your spouse, talk about something other than the kids and relax. Scheduling time away from the kids is especially important for new parents. Once you’re comfortable leaving your kids with a trusted caretaker, consider giving yourself more time away from your children, like a weekend getaway or staycation.

Meet for Lunch

Parents with full-time jobs know that time away from work is sparse and time away from the kids is more so. For parents who work outside of the home and either drop off the kids at daycare or school each day, meeting for lunch is a great way to reconnect and catch up without the little ones tugging at your clothes or getting fussy because dinner isn’t ready yet. An hour is just the right amount of time to have a little dose of quality time.

Make time each week around your lunch hours to meet at your favorite lunch spot for a picnic or plan to get together at a new restaurant. Choose locations that are close to your job sites and be sure to switch up the locations each week so that the commute to lunch doesn’t fall on the same person each week. This doesn’t have to have a “date” feel. Whether you’re grabbing lunch for $5 or $50, it’s the time spent together that matters. Check out Groupon for new lunch places.

Give Something Special

There are a variety of different Love Languages, including the aforementioned “quality time.” All are valid. For some, receiving gifts is what makes them feel most loved. If you know that this is true of your spouse or significant other, be sure to treat them to something special once in a awhile.

When giving, your gifts don’t have to be expensive. Small, thoughtful items are just as meaningful when given from the heart. A simple bouquet of beautiful roses can communicate your love. Show your spouse that you are thinking about them with a sexy note or thoughtful card to go along with your gift.

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Take These Fun Online Baby Hair, Gender and Eye Color Predictors

Posted on October 24, 2018

From the moment a woman becomes pregnant, she and her partner start to wonder what features the baby will have. What color will her eyes be? Will he have red hair like grandma? And of course, they are curious if their baby will be a boy or girl.

There are fun online applications out there that help parents come up with the answers using theoretical calculations formed around genetics. Here is the address of two such applications to check out that have users input the eye and hair color of baby’s grandparents and parents and spit out a percentage in liklihood of what the baby will have when born.

I checked them out but in my opinion, these predictors are a bit limited, and not inclusive of diverse ethnic groups. For example, the eye color predictor is limited to brown, blue, green and undefined- colored eyes.

https://www.predict-eyes.com

The hair predictor includes blonde, strawberry blond, brown and red hair. Find it here: https://www.predict-hair.com

The gender predictor (https://www.baby-gender-predictor.com/) has the user enter mom’s birthday and the rough time of conception, then spits out a prediction using the Chinese and a Mayan calendar and parameters. There is a full explanation below the answer.

It’s fun stuff. Try them out!

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Vitamins to Take At Every Age

Posted on October 22, 2018

Vitamins are essential in our daily routine, but how do you know what you should be taking in your 20’s compared to your 40’s, or 60’s? Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York-based Osteopathic Physician board-certified in family and anti-aging medicine, is sharing his top recommendations for vitamins you should be taking through the generations:

· Your 20’s –In our 20’s, we’re super active, so Vitamin B is really important. Vitamin B will keep you energized throughout the day and prevent you from crashing. Vitamin C is another important vitamin that will boost your immune system and slow down the skin’s aging process.

· Your 30’s – Our 30’s require a lot of vitamin D, which helps strengthen bones and keep your teeth healthy. Vitamin D deficiencies can cause health issues such as bone abnormalities and increased bone tenderness, which can lead to osteomalacia. This is especially important in the winter months as Vitamin D levels from the sun are harder to absorb.

· Your 40’s – Once you reach 40, be sure to get a lot of calcium and potassium. You should also be taking a multivitamin daily. A multivitamin helps with memory loss and lowers the chance of cancer.

· Your 50’s – In our 50’s, Omega 3 is a key vitamin in your 50’s since it lowers blood pressure and prevents heart disease. There are three types of Omega-3’s, one being DHA, that improves eye health. These fatty acids can also fight off inflammation in the body.

· Your 60’s – Come 60, Vitamin B12 is known to keep nerve and blood cells at its healthiest, while also preventing anemia, making you tired or weak. Iron maintains healthy muscle function as well, so this is a must.

Be healthy!

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How to Prevent Diaper Rash

Posted on October 22, 2018

New parents are subjected to a veritable flood of information over the first few years of their child’s life, mostly through advice of the unsolicited variety from family members and friends. This advice usually covers every subject from parenting skills to preventing diaper rashes, and many times the advices changes as quickly as the people who give it do. Despite the onslaught of contradicting information, frequent changes, wipes, and ointments are all part of the diapering process for most parents as standard preventative measures, but even the most carefully-monitored baby can contract diaper rash.

A form of dermatitis, diaper rash most commonly occurs as a result of moisture trapped inside a diaper that irritates the skin and causes inflammation. Rashes can range from mild to quite severe, and some babies have skin that’s more sensitive and thus more susceptible than others. Parents should realize that a diaper rash isn’t an indicator of poor parenting or neglect; diarrhea, changes in diet, and even allergic reactions to the wipes and ointments designed to prevent such rashes can cause them. Additionally, urine isn’t the only source of potentially irritating moisture; even sweat can be trapped inside a diaper after a particularly vigorous play session and cause the delicate skin to become red and irritated.

Frequent Diaper Changes Are Your Friend

The most common cause of diaper rash is a soiled diaper that’s left on for too long, so the most effective way of preventing most rashes is to simply change your baby’s diaper every time it’s soiled, as soon after as possible. The same holds true for any time your child becomes sweaty after exerting himself, or gets damp from spills or other contact with fluids. By changing your baby’s diaper often you can also combat the spread of inflammation-causing bacteria carried by eliminatory waste. During a diaper change, be sure that you pat your baby’s bottom dry rather than rubbing it, which can further irritate already inflamed skin or cause inflammation to healthy skin.

Avoid Irritating Chemicals

Unfortunately, the fact that a product is marketed towards new parents for use in their baby’s care doesn’t automatically mean that it’s free of chemicals, fragrances, and dyes that can be irritating to his sensitive skin. If you’ve been vigilant about diaper changes and still find that you’re battling frequent diaper rash, it may be time to take a closer look at the wipes, ointments, and even the diapers themselves. Alcohol can burn his skin, and products containing propylene glycol may be responsible for spreading bacteria around the diaper area, rather than keeping it at bay. Look for brands that are specifically marked “fragrance free” and do not contain dyes or other coloring agents. Parents that opt for cloth diapers need not worry about the diapers themselves containing the same deodorizing chemicals as their disposable brethren, but should make sure that those diapers are laundered with detergents formulated specially for use with newborn and infant clothing items. Adding a half-cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle for cloth diapers can also reduce the alkalinity of the fabric, which may afford further protection.

Allow Air Flow

No one wants to deal with a leaky diaper, but swaddling your baby’s behind too tightly can cause a diaper rash quickly. Whenever possible, allow your baby to go without a diaper for short periods of time to promote drying and healing through natural air circulation. Using a plastic or rubber sheet to protect his crib mattress and letting him nap sans diaper on occasion is also an effective method for both prevention and treatment, though it can be relatively messy, especially as baby’s age.

Diet Can Contribute to Diaper Rash

Another powerful weapon in the diaper rash prevention arsenal is to breastfeed your baby for as long as you possibly can. The World Health Organization suggests that babies be breastfed for the first year of life, but any period of breastfeeding is better than none. The immune system boost that he gets from breast milk can help him avoid a prescription for antibiotics, which often cause diaper rash and even yeast infections in infants. Be prepared for irritation during the transition to solid food, and make sure to check and change his diaper more frequently than normal as his body adjusts.

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Trending Indian Salwar Suits: How to look stylish Without Cultural Appropriating

Posted on October 21, 2018

I’ve blogged before about how a lot of American celebrities have embraced fashion and culture of India. In recent years, celebs like Beyonce, Coldplay, Major Lazer, DJ Snake and others traveled to India to shoot videos, after borrowing Indian instruments and sounds to create their hit songs. You can see elements of Indian dress and suits in the videos as well. Granted a lot of them like Selena Gomez, who donned a bindi during a Bollywood-inspired performance on Dancing with the Stars, get accused of cultural appropriation.

As Everyday feminists once wrote:

“The sari was originally intended to keep teenaged girls and women both comfortable in the heat and to look ‘modest,’” noted Palash Ghosh in the International Business Timesp.
That doesn’t mean non-Indian women can’t ever wear them; when in 2013, British first lady Samantha Cameron wore a sari to a Hindu temple to celebrate Diwali, a temple-goer told the Guardian:
“The fact that Mrs. Cameron made such a huge effort to dress as per Hindu customs most definitely shows how much she values our culture, religion and traditions.”
Oprah accomplished a similar effect when she donned a salwar kameez for the Jaipur Literature Festival in 2012, in Jaipur.
On the other hand, when a non-Indian tosses one on without much understanding of its origins, Gosh wrote, it feels like watching trick or treaters on Halloween

One way of avoiding the label is to learn more about the culture and clothing you’re honoring and respecting the tradition, heritage and history. Here is a little bit more about Indian Salwar Suits which are trending items during its annual Festive Season that happens this time of year.

Salwar suits, a traditional Indian wear, is one of the most-preferred outfits during all kinds of auspicious occasions. It’s a three-piece dress, traditionally consisting of pants called shalwar or salwar, a top called Kameez, and a stole called dupatta, which makes it quite a comfortable attire. This ethnic wear originates from the Northern part of India; however, it has gained popularity in the rest of India. Due to its adaptability and versatility, this outfit is one of the primary Indian ethnic dresses.

A salwar suit looks elegant on all occasions. It adds grace and accentuates the charm of the wearer. With festive season here, it’s the best time to flaunt your love for this traditional wear. Here is a list of trendy salwar suits styles you might want to consider before you decide your dress

Palazzos: This trend is a rage among Indian women. This trend requires a Kurta paired with wide and relaxed fitted bottom pants. It’s comfortable and adds class to the personality. The wearer can choose from various styles of Kurta to team it up with a Palazzo pant. From a short length top to a flared Anarkali kurta, all kinds of tunics look great with palazzos. Take your fashion game to the next level by choosing a heavily embroidered palazzo designed on sheer fabric and pair it up with a solid colour plain kurta. This reverse style is newest in fashion and looks extremely stylish.
Extra baggy salwars: The most popular suit style is Punjabi, also known as Patiala salwar suit. These pleated styles of salwars have a timeless appeal and are perfect for all body shapes. Their baggy fitting makes them very comfortable. However, the newest style of baggy pants popular among young girls is Harem pants, dhoti style pants and Afghani pants. All of these pants come in relaxed fit. While Afghani pants have pleats, Harem doesn’t. However, both come with tight-fitted edges at the bottom. Meanwhile, Dhoti style pants are loose from top to bottom, but they are wider at the thighs. Pleats on the thighs give it a beautiful structure. All of these pants can be teamed up with different kinds of Kurtas, but they look best with short tunics. Heels or flats both look equally elegant with these pants.
Floral patterns: Floral patterns are quite a favourite among Indian women. The sophisticated and suave flower patterns enhance the feminine allure of the wearer. Florals on salwar suits look great in prints and embroidery. You can choose from a heavy floral kurta to an opulent flower-patterned dupatta to team up with the shalwar. The dainty florals have unique appeal when done on soft pastel shades of pink, blue, yellow, peach, etc. Also, whites and ivories with multicoloured thread work in flowery designs are a new trend.
Jacketed Salwar Suit: Jackets add regal charm to a simple salwar suit. There are tons of style to experiment with. You can pick a long jacket for a classy look or a short one for a chic look, depending on the event. However, an intricately designed floor length jacket will make you look nothing less than a royal queen. Jackets design with heavy embroidery, zardozi, or zari adds an ornamental appeal to the outfit. Brocade jackets are back in vogue and are perfect for balmy weather.
Cape and shrugs: Layering is not only restricted to jackets. Capes, ponchos and shrugs give a modern twist to this traditional wear. For a contemporary and modish look, opulently designed cape and ponchos are great options. These make for a perfect cocktail and dinner party ensemble. This is the best time to update your wardrobe with newest fashions and avail Diwali offers. Grab salwar suits online or in a nearby store at discounted prices.
Crop tops and skinny pants: Salwar suits do not have to be worn in the traditional way always. Changing times brings changes in fashions, traditions and preferences. One of the most modern avatars of a salwar suit is Crop top and skinny pants. Since crop tops are a new rage among young girls, they love pairing it with skinny pants, also known as cigarette pants designed on dupion silk fabric. With sheer sleeves and a trail attached to the blouse, it becomes a spectacularly stylish masterpiece. If cigarette pants are not your thing, then you can team up the crop top with a designer palazzo or a sharara.
Shararaas salwar suit: Speaking of shararaas, these type of shalwar kameez are back in fashion and creating quite a stir in the fashion industry. Originating from Pakistan, this outfit is quite popular in wedding parties and other auspicious occasions. It’s a three-piece suit with a Kurta, a dupatta and a flared lower. Usually, the lower is joined above the knee and are heavily embroidered with zari and sequin work to go with it. Traditionally, it is worn with a short Kurta. However, one can experiment with anarkali style kurta or a crop top to make a statement.
Pastels: Pastels have been quite a fad since 2016. These soft and soothing shades of colors are now taking over the ethnic fashion industry. While solid and bright colours have taken a backseat, women prefer wearing pale and softer tones of colours these days. Pastels ooze out youthful and princess-y allure. The subtle hues have a unique grace and poise that look attractive in daytime events. These colors can be worn all-round the year. Traditional embroideries like chikankari, phulkari, Mukesh, aari, and others done on pastels has a resplendent charm. Even the brides are ditching traditional reds and pinks for their bridal wear and prefer pastel peach, sage green, and dull pink. At the same time, whites, ivories, dull gold and beige are picking up as preferred colors of fabric for traditional wears like salwar suits.

More popular salwar suits trends worth mentioning are sheer Kurtas, Anarkali style salwar kameez, gowns, and churidars. These styles have been popular for a while and it seems these trends are here to stay.

Indian salwar suits have been the hot favourite of women among other Indian ethnic wear. With new trends, this conventional dress is suitable for a formal occasion, wedding, ritual, traditional ceremony as well as an office meeting. Meanwhile, the dupatta is now just an accessory that you can simply skip if you want a more edgy and contemporary look. Pairing this outfit with statement jewelry and stylish footwear completes the look that will make the heads turn.

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4 Natural Ways to Cure Common Nursing Problems

Posted on October 21, 2018

Nursing a newborn is not as simple as it may seem. Veteran moms are usually able to make it look easy by the time they get to their third or fourth child, but for new mothers, the simple fact is that breastfeeding can be challenging in numerous ways. Remember, it is not just the mother who is learning this new feeding method; it is also new to the baby, who of course cannot read books or take instructions from lactation consultants. This makes learning doubly difficult. But it is important to remember that most new mothers experience difficulties initially, and most soon get the hang of it.

Fortunately, many of the common nursing problems that new mothers face have simple solutions. Let us look at a few of them.

1. Poor latch

The most important aspect of breastfeeding is how your baby latches on to the nipple. For a proper latch, the baby should open her mouth widely to encompass both the nipple and the areola. While the milk mostly comes from the nipple itself, it is important for the baby’s latch to be wider so she can get proper suction and stimulate the flow of milk.

There are several methods for getting a baby to form a proper latch, but the most common one involves these steps: (1) Hold the baby in a feeding position. (2) Compress the end of the breast to give it a more bottle-like shape. (3) Tickle the baby’s cheek with the nipple. She most likely will instinctively turn her head and latch on. (4) If the baby’s nose and chin are touching the skin of the breast, it is a good latch. Another sign of a good latch is that only very little milk runs down the baby’s cheek as she drinks.

2. Slow milk supply

Milk production starts out slow, but the good news is that babies do not get very hungry during the first couple days of life. The colostrum (the clear, milk-like substance new mothers produce until the milk comes in) is usually enough to satisfy all the baby’s nutritional needs for three to four days. After that, milk supply depends on demand. If the baby feeds often and the breasts are frequently drained, more milk will come.

You will know your milk supply is good if the baby creates wet and soiled diapers several times a day and is able to sleep long stretches without waking and becoming fussy. If you suspect your supply is low, there are a few tricks, including:encourage a proper latch;

drain both breasts at each feeding;

feed whenever the baby shows signs of hunger (it is not possible to spoil her at this age);

if she falls asleep while feeding, move her around frequently;

avoid formula, pacifiers, and bottles, which can interrupt the baby’s learning process;

try pumping after and between feedings to stimulate abundant milk production;

eat well (400 to 500 more calories per day than before you were pregnant), sleep as much as possible, and drink plenty of water.

3. Sore and engorged breasts

There is no way around it: New mothers’ breasts become large, hard, and often sore. This is a necessary part of the process. The good news is that your body will adjust. While engorgement will continue until you are no longer breastfeeding, it will become less painful (and the milk leakage, another common issue for breastfeeding mothers, will more or less come under control).

To deal with engorgement, the best solution is to breastfeed as often as your baby asks to be fed. And if engorgement becomes an issue while the baby is sleeping or just not hungry, use a breast pump to express the excess milk. For soreness, make sure the baby is getting a proper latch, and use ice packs and warm compresses between feedings to ease any swelling.

4. Plugged ducts

Milk is produced not in one location, but in numerous ducts located in the nipple. When one of these ducts gets clogged, it causes a soft lump and can lead to backup in the milk supply. Untreated, these clogs can lead to infection, but they are usually relatively easy to clear. The key is to drain the breast as much as possible, massage it and apply warm compresses, and wear loose clothing (or no clothing) around the breast as much as possible. Continue breastfeeding even if the clog is a little painful, and call your doctor if it does not go away after a couple of days.

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Halloween: Signs Your Child is Overdosing on Candy

Posted on October 20, 2018

With Halloween just two weeks away, kids will be eating all the candy they can find and sugar levels will be through the roof. But how much sugar is too much, and what are the signs your child is sugar overdosing?

Dr. Christopher Calapai D.O., a New York-based Osteopathic Physician board-certified in family and anti-aging medicine, gives the rundown on sugar intake and what you need to know to keep your child out of a sugar coma.

How Much Sugar Is Too Much?

For children, it depends on their age and their calorie intake, but 12-25 grams a day is just enough.

What Are the Signs of Too Much Sugar?

#1: Sugar High

A sugar high happens when there are extremely high levels of blood sugar, which results in high energy and shaking of the hands. The candy equivalent is three Butterfingers, which is 30 grams.

#2: Sugar Crash

A sugar crash usually happens within an hour, and glucose levels in the body will drop, causing energy to decline as well. During a crash, you’ll most likely be fatigued, hungry, and may also have a headache. To get rid of a crash, your child’s best bet is to eat an apple or banana.

#3: Your Child is Craving More

Sugary foods release dopamine, which is the same chemical released during drug use. Once your child starts eating more sugary foods, such as those Halloween treats, the craving for more will continue. Pears are a great alternative, since it has almost 14 grams of sugar and reduces the risk of heart disease.

#4: Sleeping is Almost Impossible

Serotonin is released, which is our relaxation hormone, and is needed for a child to have a good night’s sleep. If insomnia issues arise, it’s time to reduce sugar intake.

Good luck parent

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First Time Moms-To-Be: This is Why You Sterilize Your Newborn’s Bottles and Clothes

Posted on October 20, 2018

I was shocked when I saw my then 3-month old nephews skin covered in an unexplainable rash until I discovered his mom had put him in a brand new romper that had not been previously washed.

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 and even gifted my last kid’s to my ungrateful baby sister too soon. But I digress. ha!

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10 Ways to Make Your Kids Playroom Magical!

Posted on October 19, 2018

It’s every kid’s dream to have a fantastical playroom of their own. It can be wonderful space to explore, play and run wild is perfect for building up confidence and nurturing creativity. And let’s not forget the extra value: it can help keep the rest of your house clear of toys, clutter and mess.

If you have space in your home, why not build a playroom for your little one or brood? Explore this great infographic that the folks at The Rugseller made to get you started.

From storage with a twist to imaginative décor to inspire your kids’ creativity and furniture with room for all the toys, this infographic will give you some pointers as to how you can design your own playroom:

Creating a Cool Kids Playroom Infographic by The Rug Seller

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