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Baby Monitors 101

Posted on September 4, 2014

It really feels great to the couple when they become parents of their new born baby. It is certainly one of the most magical moments of their life which truly could not be expressed in words. Every baby born brings lots of happiness to the family. The schedule of the family gets changed immediately. Keeping all the things aside, the top priorities are given to the infant for his perfect caring.

large part of an individual’s time goes in looking after the needs and essentials of the baby. Of course every baby needs utmost care during his initial days in this world. Every thing is made and modified as per little one’s convenience and comfort. Obviously every one wants to provide a perfect console to the baby throughout the day and night. Precisely an individual never compromises regarding the care and safety of his baby.

Well, no doubt an infant brings happiness in the home but at the same time, he also brings too much of responsibilities. There are lots of things which you need to do for your tot and if you are a first time parent, then you might feel for assistance. There are times when you can’t remain near to your baby all the time, as there are many other pending works including cooking, managing your home, your office tasks and many such other works which also you need to do isn’t it? And you can’t leave your baby alone too.

Such situations put you between the horns of dilemma. Almost all the parents sometimes experience this scene. Hence to avoid this issue of parents for their tots, manufacturers have provided a very effective solution through which you could watch out your baby at the times when you are at some other part of your home due to some work. It is the baby monitor, which is very innovative and at the same time highly useful.

What is a Baby Monitor?This is a device which has been specifically designed to look after your baby when you are out from the sight regarding some work in your home. The device keeps on sending the reports of every single moment instantly which lets you know about the current position of your baby. Hence you could be there at the time when your baby needs you.

The Advantages-One of the best parts of this device is that a baby monitor is portable. It means that you could carry it along wherever you move in your home. You could conveniently carry out your other tasks being away from your baby keeping the long ranged monitor in front of you. The other compelling feature of this device is the uninterrupted communication which never gets affected by any interference.

The Convenience- Baby Monitors have been developed a lot than their earlier versions. In general, you could easily get some great qualities of baby monitor in Melbourne as they are available in abundance. They are now configured with state of the art sensors which alerts you instantly as soon as your baby makes a move. However, make sure that you choose the monitor equipped with the best motion sensors.

A Valued Aspect- At the times when you couldn’t do the work of your home properly, due to half of your attention over your little child, baby monitors at the same time keeps you out from such worries and hence you could carry out your work without being panicking about your baby.

To summarize, you could keep a perfect balance between the care of your baby and performing house hold tasks now. The invention of baby monitors has really provided an ultimate convenience to the schedules of first time parents.

-Daniel Clark, contributor

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GQ Man of the Year Award: Moms in SeeThru on red carpet

Posted on September 4, 2014

It seems as if “see-thru” was the protocol wear for many of the stars who graced the red carpet to Tuesday, September 2nd’s GQ Awards at the The Royal Opera House in London, England.

Our Bellyitch BumpWatch alums supermodel Jourdan Dunn stunned in a sheer, lace and material Zuhair Murad gown, while Kim Kardashian West turned heads in an all beaded Ralph and Russo skirt paired with a latex Atsuko Kudo body suit.

Kardashian West won the woman of the year honors and appears nude inside a special edition of the magazine out soon.

Not a mom yet but Rita Ora, Kim’s bro Rob’s ex looked amazing as well…

As did Nicole Scherzinerwith her beau.

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Bump Watch: Alicia Keys launches new fragrance

Posted on September 3, 2014

Last night, 2nd time mom-to-be Alicia Keys rocked a black and white printed top and skinny black maternity pants with a black and white geometric printed shoes while promoting Givenchy’s newest cologne Dahlia Divin.

The platinum recording artist, who already has a son Egypt with husband of 4 years Swizz Beatz, spoke of the importance of diversity in brand endorsement when the design house announced that she would be the new celebrity spokesperson earlier this year.

“It seems that only one type of beauty is seen as beautiful. I think it’s very important that we stretch that concept and the way that it’s viewed,” the singer-songer told Women Wear Daily, “The biggest mistake is to think that beauty is physical.

“Beauty is so internal, and it’s about who you are and what you believe in, what you stand for,” adding “that’s what makes you beautiful. I think that’s really important to infuse into the conversation in the beauty world. I would like to see different representations of what beauty is. I’d like to see women with a little more voluptuousness.

“There’s no way in the world that we’re all a size 2, and people beat themselves up if they’re not small enough or light enough or dark enough or skinny enough. It’s tricky to navigate that.”

We do find it ironic that in the first visual images released for the campaign back in March this year (above), Keys is seen quite overly photoshopped with a longer than normal neck and a face that is much thinner than her face is in real life.

Keys is also a longtime friend of Givenchy creative director Riccardo Tisci, who is also really good pals with our Bellyitch BumpWatch alum Kim Kardashian’s husband Kanye West.

Small intimate celebrity world.

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Chelsea Clinton steps down from $600K NBC journalism gig

Posted on September 3, 2014

Mom-to-be Chelsea Clinton announced to People magazine on Friday that she is stepping down from her cushy $600,000 a year gig as a special correspondent to NBC in order to prepare for becoming a parent this fall with husband Marc Mezvinsky.

Clinton will stay on at her dad’s Clinton Foundation where she works on climate change, economic development, global health and women empowerment initiatives. The has traveled numerous times to Africa to introduce sustaining projects there for local communities.

The Oxford PhD holder raised some eyebrows when she started at NBC about 3 years ago because despite her advance degrees, she had very little practical journalism experience. Nonetheless, during her time at NBC groups she covered like Arkansas-based TOPPS program, for example, raised $300,000 after Clinton covered their work to filling “the hunger, education and safety gaps for kids of all ages” in the community.

Before getting hired, Clinton worked at McKinsey & Company and the Avenue Capital Group.

The couple have chosen to not find out the gender of the baby, who her mom potential 2016 US Presidential candidate Hillary Clinton has been waiting on for years.

Last year, Chelsea told TODAY she planned to start trying to get pregnant after she became devastated over the death of her maternal grandmother.

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10 ways to save money on child care

Posted on September 3, 2014

Hard economic times have forced many households to make tough financial adjustments, and families in need of childcare services have thus been presented with a daunting challenge: how do you cut expenses while still maintaining a high level of childcare? For those who find themselves in that predicament, there is some good news: there are several ways to cut back on the expense of childcare without sacrificing the quality.

Nanny Share – It’s becoming more common for dual income families to share the services of a single nanny. The cost of her service is also shared, and the nanny alternates care of the kids in one of the families’ homes. This allows both families to maintain the quality of care their kids receive, at half the cost.
Split Shift Care – A family with school-age children can reduce their childcare expenses by paying a nanny to work only the hours that the kids are home from school, giving her the rest of the time off. The family could save 35-40 hours’ worth of salary each week.
Alternative Compensation – A nanny’s salary can be structured so that non-monetary benefits are substituted for financial compensation. In other words, some nannies may be willing to accept less of a wage if their salary package includes a gym membership or some other desirable benefit. Some benefits, like contributions to health insurance premiums, can also save employers money because those contributions are tax-free.
Telecommute – Working parents who have the option should consider working from home when they can. Since education and experience influence a nanny’s salary, opting for a less educated or experienced nanny when you’ll be in the home may reduce your childcare costs.
Flexible Hours – Alternately, some companies offer flex time to their employees, allowing them to work non-traditional hours. This can allow parents to work a schedule that reduces the need for child care. Filling in the gaps with part-time nanny care, rather than having full-time coverage, can cut childcare costs significantly.
Budget – Assign a strict budget to your household expenses and make sure your caregiver adheres to it. Buy food in bulk, use coupons wherever possible, and cut out expensive snacks in favor of much more affordable ones, like celery sticks and peanut butter.
Live-in/Live-out – If you are presently employing a live-out nanny, you may want to re-think your options. A live-in arrangement might save you some money if you add in the accommodations to your nanny’s compensation at a lower salary.
Reduce Duties – Families whose nannies are doing double duty as cooks or tutors or who have taken on other additional responsibilities may consider working up a new job description and contract. Sticking with essential child care duties could save you a bit in salary.
Referrals – Some nanny placement agencies offer discounts or rebates when families who contract with them provide them with referrals. If you can find some families who need quality affordable child care, send them to your agency. Securing and screening a caregiver on your own can also save you costly fees associated with using a placement agency.
Flex Accounts – Companies frequently offer their employees a flex account that provides the family an annual sum that they can apply toward any health care – or childcare – expenses they incur that aren’t covered under their insurance plans. Take advantage of those dollars and apply them toward paying your nanny.

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How Having a Baby Can Revive your Career in Hollywood

Posted on September 3, 2014

In 2011, Mommyish’s did a post about so-called “DList” celebrities who got more famous after having a baby. Actually, it reminded me of a piece we did earlier, in January that year that writer and TV personality Teresa Strasser wrote for us, “Top Celebrity Baby Exploiters of 2010“.

In that piece, Strasser exalted about how pregnancy can easily launch a reality TV cast member into the public spotlight and on the cover of the top gossip mags.

That was also the year for the 20th anniversary of Demi Moore’s iconic Vanity Fair cover which we’ve determined was also the start of the public’s infectious interest in celebrity pregnancies.

And it’s gone even more mainstream in recent years.

While watching back episodes of Keeping Up with the Kardashians (again late as usual), I noted Kim Kardashian stating that since she got pregnant, the paparazzi were even more ferocious and viral in search of pics. So true, as we’ve blogged before here, Kim, Kate Middleton, Victoria Beckham, Snooki and Beyonce‘s respective pregnancies garnered the most stories written by traditional media and other outlets that do not usually cover celebrity parents and pregnancy.

In year’s past, we’d say such media organizations and writers may have even looked down on gossip blogs and mags that “bumpwatched.”

Not anymore. They’re right here in the pepper pot with the US Weekly, In Touch Weekly, OK!, People, PopSugar, E!Online, CelebLaundry, Perez Hilton and BellyitchBlog‘s of the world!

Yes, the Celebrity Bumpwatch Phenomenon is alive and thriving.

Indeed!

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Back to School: 5 Superfoods breakfast to fuel your day

Posted on September 2, 2014

As the school year starts, getting a healthy nutritious breakfast to keep one going becomes more and more important for kids and parents.

Nutritionist offers these tips of 5 nutrient-rich breakfast items that can fuel your day.

Soothing Sips
Green tea usually gets all the attention, but black tea is packed with theaflavins, antioxidants that a study from Rutgers University in New Jersey suggests may speed up recovery from muscle soreness after exercise. Drinking a cup of any brand of black team may also reduce risk of heart attack – plus it’s a great way to warm up on a chilly fall morning.
Go with Grains:
If you’re looking for a heartier breakfast choice, go with the powerful superfood combo of Oats and Greek yogurt. The oats are a source of soluble fiber which helps maintain healthy blood sugar levels, in addition to lowering cholesterol. Greek Yogurt has double the amount of protein as regular yogurt, in addition to probiotics that aid digestion and boost the immune system. However, regular yogurt has roughly 10% more calcium than Greek yogurt, so if calcium is your focus, you might want to stick with regular yogurt.
To add some color and antioxidants to your bowl, add some blueberries. In addition to antioxidants, this popular superfood contains potassium and Vitamin C. It also has a high water content, which makes them a great source of hydration for your skin and entire body.
Pile on the Protein
If you’re looking for extra protein in your breakfast, an omelet is a great choice. I recommend Egg Whites, which have a high amount of lean protein that will keep you fuller, longer. They also help you maintain strong bones, muscles, nails, and hair. Along with your eggs,Spinach is a leafy-green packed with antioxidants that will make a great addition to your dish. Just one cup of Spinach provides about twice the daily requirement of Vitamin K, which plays an important role in cardiovascular and bone health. Toss in some sliced tomatoes and a sprinkle of feta cheese and your omelet will be filled with enough nutrients to get you through the day.
Fresh, Flavorful Fruit
Fruit is a great addition to any breakfast – especially Grapefruit. It’s packed with antioxidants such as Vitamin C that provide anti-aging benefits, boost immunity, as well as help in lowering cholesterol. All you need is a half of grapefruit to get all its nutrients – and feel free to sprinkle a little sugar on top for added flavor

Michele McRae, MS, CN – Certified Nutritionist at Rainbow Light:

Michele McRae is a nutritional counselor, certified nutritionist and formulator at Rainbow Light. With 18 years in the Nutrition field, Michele’s firm belief in holistic, natural health has allowed her to understand and perfect her formula for health success with patients in the form of eating organic, healthy whole-foods and partnering a clean diet with natural supplements and vitamins.

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Anelina Jolie’s wedding dress had her kids’ artwork imprinted on it

Posted on September 2, 2014

Since everyone seem to be talking about it, we thought we too would share a sneak peak at Bellytich Bumpwatch alum Angelina Jolie‘s wedding dress.

In an international multi-publication deal, Jolie and her husband Brad Pitt brokered with Great Britain’s HELLO! magazine and America’s People magazine, readers get to see inside pics and learn more about the surprise nuptials that took place this past August 23 in a chapel at the couple’s Chateau Miraval, the family’s French estate in the village of Correns.

This is the front of Angelina Jolie’s wedding dress..but you MUST see the back: http://t.co/gtSIa19nSz pic.twitter.com/y9jymdsQbv

— ELLE Magazine (US) (@ELLEmagazine) September 2, 2014

Most gasp-worthy is Jolie’s wedding gown.

The front of the satin dress designed by Luigi Massi of Atelier Versace is not as controversial, but the back is causing lots of buzz because it includes their children’s artwork.

“It was important to us that the day was relaxed and full of laughter. It was such a special day to share with our children and a very happy time for our family,” the newlyweds told HELLO! adding that it was “great fun putting it together.”

It was also a low budget affair — sort of.

Pit wore a suit he already wore and their 10-year old son Pax made the wedding cake.

People reports:

“Eldest sons Maddox, 13, and Pax, 10, walked their mom down the aisle; flower girls Zahara, 9, and Vivienne, 6, tossed petals gathered from the garden; and Shiloh, 8, and Knox, 6, served as ring bearers. The kids also helped write their parents’ vows. And Pax baked the cake! “

The couple told the magazine, “it was important to us that the day was relaxed and full of laughter.”

This is Pitt’s second marriage. He wed Jennifer Aniston in 2000 before divorcing in 2005.

Jolie was previously married to British actor Jonny Lee Miller for three years in the late 90s and to Billy Bob Thornton for three years before divorcing in 2003.

Congrats!

your thoughts?

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Trend Alert: Fall Black and White is back!

Posted on September 2, 2014

The Black and White trend is back for Fall 2014 and we noticed quite a few of our Bellyitch Bumpwatch alums have recently rocked the trend on the red carpet to events.

We are loving the script art crop top and matching pants that Mel B wore at the America’s Got Talent’ Post-Show Red Carpet held at Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Jennifer Lopez too was spotted in the black and white during the New Orleans stop at the American Idol auditions tour. She wore a $3,490 Valentino Bow Embellished Wool Blend dress.

Bellyitch blogger Posh (middle) and many of her friends who joined her to celebrate her birthday earlier this year wore Black and White and it wasn’t even planned that way.

Pregnant ladies too can rock the trend in black and white maternity dresses this season or mixing it up like the celebs in the featured header post above.

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Tips for conceiving after age 35

Posted on September 2, 2014

Access to education and more career opportunities is the reason behind the shift in the age women conceive their first child.

According to Pew Research, in 1990, 13 percent of all births were by teen moms while women women 35 and older gave birth at a rate of only 9 percent.

In 2008, that number flipped where teen birth rate was 10 percent to 14 percent for women over 35.

Stats suggest education can account for the shift. Now, 71 percent of mothers ages 35 and older had some college education, compared to 41 percent in 1990 (for all mothers). The U.S. Department of Education, data show that less than 20 percent of women went to college in 1967, but in 2012, that number has more than doubled (44.5%).

Currently, women receive 60 percent of the bachelor’s degrees. With more education comes access to more work opportunities and the delay in starting a family.

“Advanced maternal age is becoming more common as women are living different lifestyles than before,” said Dr. Vivian Romero of the Spectrum Health Maternal Fetal Medicine Clinic.

Dr. Romero adds that in her office, she sees many patients that have delayed childbearing due to the demands of their education and opportunities to have a career.

She offers these tips for women who decided to have children later in life.

Before trying to conceive:

Start or continue to exercise regularly.

Eat healthy foods and get the nutrients you need.

Start taking prenatal vitamins.

If you have a pre-existing condition, such as diabetes or hypertension, optimize your health.

Lose weight if you are overweight or obese.

While trying to conceive:

Your menstrual calendar is not same as those under age 35.

Don’t wait too long to call your doctor.

If you have been trying for more than six months, you may need a reproductive specialist.

“Age is nothing to be concerned about, but the more information and knowledge that you have, the more prepared you will be for a healthy pregnancy,” Dr. Romero said.

The availability of more fertility treatment and options also is encouraging women to delay starting a family. Technology is helping women extend that proverbial biological clock.

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