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Slow Down! 4 Tips to get you there

Posted on March 2, 2015

Guest Post

Imagine it’s finally Friday night, the beginning of a weekend of freedom, which also happens to include your birthday. Your family, friends and spouse all have celebratory plans for you.

You have a rewarding career and a network of beautiful people who want to rejoice in your life. As you walk out to your car to officially kickoff the fun, a giddy thrill washes over you.

But as you click the seatbelt into place, rather than sitting in awe of how lucky you are, a list of concerns begin worming their way into your consciousness: “I need gas, but the conveniently located gas station charges more than others … I hope it’s not a surprise party … Maybe I should get the beverages I like before going home … I haven’t been to the gym all week … Did I pay the electric bill?”

And so it goes.

“I think we’ve all had this experience, which often has us psychically living 30 minutes into the future – no matter how great the present circumstances might be,” says Steve Gilliland, a member of the Speaker Hall of Fame and author of the widely acclaimed “Enjoy The Ride,” for which he is set to publish a follow-up that will be released in May 2015. “Are we doomed to this torrent of noise which distracts us from enjoying our life? We don’t have to be.”

1. Don’t live your life 30 minutes ahead of the present. If you won’t live your life now, in the present, then who will?
“An older man came up to me, grabbed my hand, and said he wished he’d heard me speak decades ago,” Gilliland says. “After I asked why, he said that when he was eating lunch on break or dinner with his family, he was always thinking about what he had to do after the meal, which represented his daily life. ‘At the age of 97,’ he said, ‘I’ve officially lived my life 30 minutes ahead’ – 30 minutes ahead of whatever he was doing at the moment.”

2. Laugh more! It’s better than crying before you’re hurt. Don’t put your umbrella up until it rains. Worry restricts your ability to think and act effectively, and it forces you to mortgage fear and anxiety about something that may never occur. Laughter is the opposite. When you laugh, you’re living almost completely in the moment, and it’s one of the best feelings you can have.

3. No one can ruin your day without your permission. As much as we cannot control in life – our genes, our past and what has led up to today – there is much control we may take upon ourselves. Today, for example, we can understand that life picks on everyone, so when the going gets tough, we don’t have to take it personally. When we do take misfortune personally, we tend to obsess, giving a legacy to something that may make you a day poorer in life.

4. Cure your destination disease. Live more for today, less for tomorrow, and never about yesterday. How? You might have to repeatedly remind yourself that yesterday is gone forever, yet we perpetually have to deal with now, so why not live it? And what if tomorrow never occurs? There is a difference between working toward the future, which is inherently enjoyable in light of hope, and living in an unrealistic future that remains perpetually elusive. If tomorrow never comes, would you be satisfied with the way today ended?

“It is not how you start in life and it is not how you finish,” Gilliland says. “The true joy of life is in the trip, so enjoy the ride!”

About Steve Gilliland

A member of the National Speaker Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame, Steve Gilliland (www.stevegilliland.com) is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world. Recognized by his peers as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, he can be heard daily alongside Jeff Foxworthy and other celebrities on SiriusXM Radio’s Laugh USA and Blue Collar Radio. Also, he is a prolific writer who has achieved popular acclaim with his books “Enjoy The Ride,” “Making a Difference,” and “Hide Your Goat.” His new book “Detour, Developing the Mindset to Navigate Life’s Turns,” which will focus on change, will be released in early May 2015.

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Ludacris and Wife Eudoxie are expecting their first child together

Posted on March 2, 2015

As many speculated and suspected, Ludacris and his new wife Eudoxie Agnan are expecting their first child together.

“Beautiful day on the beach,” is how the Gabon, West Africa native, medical student and philanthropist captioned the above Instagram photo of herself in a bikini with the rapper-actor kissing her bump.

Sources close to the couple confirmed to E! that the couple are indeed expecting though there is no source as to the date of the photo.

Ludacris, [ real name Christopher Brian Bridges] is already a dad to two daughters including a one-year old he won exclusive custody rights to recently.

E! also reminded us that Robert Griffin III and Justin Timberlake also announced their respective wives’ pregnancies in a similar fashion. Call it a “trend.”

Not that this mode of a pregnancy announcement hasn’t been overdone by thousands of men before them and was not pioneered by either of them but yeah. (smile)

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Dolce & Gabanna Milan Fashion Week show featured models and babies

Posted on March 1, 2015

It was a treat to see photos from Dolce & Gabanna‘s Fall/Winter 2015 Milan Fashion Week fashion show featuring mom models and their babies. ”

The inspiration for the show was the extraordinary beauty and strength of mothers, model Karli Ross wrote.

The couture brand tapped top models like Bianca Balti to walk the runway with their own babies, toddlers and young children.

It also had some pregnant models walking.

Much of the colorful, well-designed, ready-to-wear fashion also included the kids wearing matching shift dresses with rose embellishments or a doodle-print. Some are saying it is a clear ode to Angelina Jolie‘s wedding dress which featured artwork from her and Brad Pitt‘s children.

I loved it! Bravo! Being a mom doesn’t mean you have sacrifice your interest and love of fashion.

@dolcegabbana #dgmamma
A video posted by bat_gio (@bat_gio) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:43am PST

@TabithaSimmons on Instagram

@dolcegabbana @biancabalti viva la mamma !! @stefanogabbana #dgmamma
A video posted by bat_gio (@bat_gio) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:33am PST

@netaporter on Instagram

The inspiration for the @DolceGabbana show today was the extraordinary beauty and strength of Mothers ❤️ my friend @ashinstagood and her sweet daughter Emily walked the show together today.
A photo posted by @karliekloss on Mar 1, 2015 at 9:20am PST

@dolcegabbana @stefanogabbana #dgvivalamamma #dgmamma
A video posted by bat_gio (@bat_gio) on Mar 1, 2015 at 5:36am PST

photos: Instagram, Netaporter

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10 Winter outdoor play tips

Posted on March 1, 2015

With rising childhood obesity rates and the increasing illnesses that accompany a sedentary lifestyle, it’s no secret that kids should be encouraged to get outside and engage in active play. As the lower temperatures approach, so does cold and flu season, which can be greatly exacerbated when kids are held indoors where germs can easily be spread through respiratory droplets and exhalations. Keeping kids safe while they’re out in the cold, however, is an absolute necessity. The following guidelines can help you ensure that your kids’ activity levels don’t suffer at the onset of winter and that they stay safe until the spring thaw rolls around.

Use Sunscreen – Protecting kids’ skin from the damaging rays of the sun is a major priority for most parents and caregivers during the summer months, but one that often falls to the wayside when temperatures cool down. In fact, the reflection of the sun off of snow and ice can be almost as damaging as direct exposure. Make sure that your youngsters are slathered with sunscreen before they hit the outdoors.

Waterproof Clothing is Key – Keeping kids warm during the winter chill relies heavily upon your ability to keep them dry. Melting ice and snow can leave most fabrics wet, soggy and very cold. Make sure that you invest in some waterproof or water-resistant clothing and shoes, especially proper boots.

Know the Signs of Frostbite – Frostbite occurs when your child’s skin or extremities are literally frozen. The nose, ears, fingers, cheeks and toes are most commonly affected, and it can be quite dangerous when these extremities suffer from frostbite. Signs of superficial frostbite include itching, numbness, tingling or burning sensations. The affected skin may become white, flushed, yellow or blue and appear frozen, and will be cold to the touch.

Dress for Success – Just because your kids are bundled against the cold doesn’t necessarily mean that they’re wearing safe clothing. Hoods and hats don’t take the place of helmets for activities like biking or skating, while tight clothing that restricts movement can present a danger as it inhibits kids’ ability to move and balance properly. Be sure that your brood is dressed appropriately for outdoor play, not just for cold temperatures.

Insist on Warm-Up Breaks – When kids are enjoying themselves and are particularly absorbed in an activity, it’s easy for them to lose track of time. That’s why it’s important for you to insist on periodic warm-up breaks to check for signs of hypothermia or frostbite and ensure that they don’t get too cold.

Keep Ice Skating Safe – Ice skating is a beloved, time-honored cold-weather outdoor activity. It can also be quite dangerous, though. Public areas designated for ice skating are far safer than ponds or bodies of water on your own property, which may not be thoroughly frozen and could crack under kids’ weight. Be sure that any ice your children are going to skate on is frozen solid, and that they’re wearing the right protective gear.

Smart Sledding – Racing down a snow-covered hill on a sled is one of life’s great thrills, even for adults. Kids love sledding, but it’s important that they understand the basic safety rules before setting out. Sledding down hills that terminate near a road, down paths that have obstacles like jumps, rocks or bumps, or down icy slopes are all sledding safety no-nos. Kids should also never be pulled on sleds behind moving vehicles of any kind.

Don’t Forget About Dehydration – Dehydration isn’t a concern reserved solely for warm-weather months. While your children are enjoying a session of outdoor play, be sure that they’re taking in plenty of fluids.

Scarf Safety – Scarves are useful tools for protecting against the cold, as they can be wrapped around almost any part of the body that feels cold. However, they can also become ensnared in moving parts of toys or overhanging branches, closed in doors, or otherwise tangled in a manner that presents a strangulation risk. It’s better to opt for cowl-style scarves until kids are a bit older and less rambunctious.

Double-Check Equipment – Making sure that any equipment for outdoor play, whether new or old, is in good condition, fits properly and is otherwise suitable for use before sending kids outside with it. Damaged or broken equipment can very easily cause injuries, especially if kids are using them improperly to compensate for the damage.

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Harper Beckham beats Blue Ivy and North West as most coveted celebrity child model

Posted on March 1, 2015

So Blue Ivy and North West aren’t the most sought after child models after all?

The UK Telegraph claims that Harper Beckham‘s parents Victoria and David Beckham have been offered up to $30 million worth of modeling contracts since she was spotted sitting in the front row at her mom’s New York Fashion Week show last week.

“Companies see her as the greatest role model for a wholesome, modern family image,”an insider reportedly stated. “She’s surrounded by a happily-married working couple and go-getting brothers. You cannot buy that kind of appeal.”

The same insider said that mom and dad have rejected all offers.

Must be nice to be able to afford to turn down all that dough.

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Dad whose wife died after quadruplets delivery will raise babies alone

Posted on March 1, 2015

New dad to quadruplets Carlos Morales has the most heart-wrenching story of the week.

“I went from having the best day of my life,” speaking about the January 15, 2015 birth of his four children, “to the next morning experiencing the worst day of my life.”

His wife since 2007, Erica, died of excessive blood loss during the C-section delivery and never got a chance to even hold the babies she and Carlos wanted so badly to have. The couple had endured miscarriage and IVF to conceive the children.

Erica Morales pregnant with the quads.

Fortunately, the three girls and one boy, born at only 7 months gestation at between 2 to 3 pounds each, are all healthy.

Morales is left to raise them alone. Before the birth, he and Erica hadn’t decided on what to name one of the girls and fittingly, after Erica’s death, Morales chose to give that child her mom’s name.

The one she will never get to meet. How utterly sad.

A GOFUNDME page has been created to help Morales cope with the cost of raising his babies. As of this posting, it has raised $228, 000 of its $500,000 goal.

Read the complete story at PEOPLE.

photo courtesy Carlos Morales

Repost

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Celeb Moms (and their Kids) on Instagram (PHOTOS)

Posted on March 1, 2015

It’s back. A rundown on what some of the celebrity women we’ve covered here in Bellyitch are sharing recently on Instagram. Today, we’re reposting some of the more adorable moments Celeb moms posted of themselves with their kids (and a few without).

Ali Larter enjoys the morning with her new daughter.

Third-time new mom Savannah Brinson shared a photo of her boys with hubby LeBron James.

Ivanka Trump and her brood pose for a photo shoot.

Garcelle Beauvais and her twin boys.

Cheering on dad Chris Bosh who was sidelined with a lung blood clot is his wife Adrienne and their kids.

Still digging this family photo of Josh Duhmel, Fergie, their son and nephew.

Lil Kim‘s daughter Reign is soooo cute!

Alicia Keys unveiled a photo of her new son Genesis Ali in a cute family black and white with hubby Swizz Beatz, their older son Egypt and Swizz’s son Kaseem from a previous marriage.

Zoe Saldana and hubby Marc Perego team up to take twin sons on a nature walk.

It’s belated but this photo of Tori Spelling and her large brood at their Super Bowl party is so cute!

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Saint Patrick’s Day: 25 sites to visit for crafts, recipes & other ideas

Posted on February 28, 2015

Saint Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. Educators, parents, nannies and craft lovers who want to celebrate the day may be looking for crafts, and other ideas for kids. Our partners at Babysittes.net want you to check out these 25 blogs with Saint Patrick’s day craft, party decorations, meals, desserts, and activities ideas for the children to do for the Irish holiday:

Crafts

Make these simple crafts with your kids as part of your celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. This often overlooked holiday can be really entertaining if you make a point to celebrate it just like you would other holidays with special crafts, decorations and food. These five blog posts will share some craft projects you can enjoy with your kids.

Decorations

Up your house’s festivity factor this St. Patrick’s Day by decorating in plenty of green and gold. Some of these decorating ideas are appropriate for younger children, while others are better suited for the older kids. Get together as a family and enjoy some creative time together decorating your home.

Meals

All things green are up for grabs on St. Patrick’s Day. What, you don’t think your kids will be excited about spinach and kale and other green leafy food? No problem! Just make regular food green instead and see what the kids think of it. It doesn’t have to be just for dinner, enjoy these five blogs that have breakfast, lunch and dinner ideas.

Desserts

While green is definitely the star color for St. Patrick’s Day, it isn’t all confined to just that color. After all, you can’t forget about the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Make some rainbow inspired desserts instead of just green ones this year. For some inspiration check out these five blog posts.

Activities

What kind of things can you do as a family or with the kids for St. Patrick’s Day? Some cities have St. Patty’s Day parades, so you might see if your city is having one. Or you might decide to have a party for the kids in the neighborhood. Take a look at these five blog articles for some ideas on activities that your kids or your family might enjoy.

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Google launches new YouTube App just for little kids

Posted on February 27, 2015

Each of my kids have been addicted to YouTube and YouTube videos beginning at age 6, but as a parent I am always concerned that they could easily navigate away from family-friendly cartoons and mine-craft play and onto the more nefarious and R-rated content that can be found freely on the social media video sharing site.

Good news! Google has built, from the ground up, the first ever YouTube Kids app for kids ages 2-8. It’s available for FREE in the Google Play and Apple Store in the United States now.

The app features a fun, bright and playful design and is packed and pre-loaded with age-appropriate videos, channels and playlists. To add an educational component, there is also a focus on early literacy. The icons are larger, bolder and brighter to appeal to young audiences.

And parents remain in control with its parental control options:

o Timer: Let the app be the bad guy with a built-in timer that limits kids’ screen time. The app alerts them when the session is over so you don’t have to.

o Sound Settings: Parents have an option to turn off background music and sound effects, so your kids can keep watching quietly while you catch up on chores or simply take a break in peace.

o Search Settings: If you’d rather limit your children to just the pre-selected videos available on the home screen, you can turn off the search feature.

o Product feedback: The goal is to continuously improve YouTube Kids App, so there’s also a space for you to give YouTube your feedback.

Sweet! The app has different categories, depending on the interest of each kid in your family. I have a nature and animal lover, a tech kid and a pony and little figurine fan.

Among the favorites are: Jim Henson TV, Mother Goose Club, Talking Tom and Friends, National Geographic Kids, Reading Rainbow and Thomas the Tank Engine, and discover new videos coming soon from beloved YouTubers like the Vlogbrothers and Stampylonghead.

It was great to see that a non-profit watchdog group I know and love has also approved and highly recommends it!

Common Sense Media said, the app is “an exceptionally fun way for kids to browse online videos and for adults to guide their viewing.”

Cool beans!

“It’s a serious contender as a family’s go-to way for kids to watch videos online,” according to the non-profit organization which provides education and advocacy to families to promote safe technology and media for children. “There’s something for everyone on YouTube Kids. Toddlers to big kids will be able to find a show, some music, or some educational content that fits their interests.”

Check it out, friends! Here is a promo vid:

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Molly Sims’ fab Oscar after-party look (Get the LOOK)

Posted on February 27, 2015

File this in the category: Missed from Oscar red carpet coverage.

Second-time mom-to-be Molly Sims also wowed in a gorgeous blue sequin evening dress by wedding gown designer EZRA Couture at the Vanity Fair after Oscar party.

Her fab team of stylists paired the look with a Salvatore Ferragamo clutch, and jewels from Sutra. Great look!

Sims and her husband Scott Stuber are expecting their second child, together. They have a 2-year old son Brooks.

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