Celeb Moms at the E! People’s Choice Awards {PHOTOS}

Posted on November 11, 2019

The women of Keeping Up With The Kardashians took home the People’s Choice Award for best reality show and Khloe won for Best Reality TV Star beating out fellow mom Kandi Burruss of the Real Housewives of Atlanta show of the Bravo TV franchise. She didn’t realize it and failed to thank her fans for voting for her because the show combined the wins in one presentation.

She took to Twitter to defend herself when a fan called her out for not acknowledging the honor.

It’s so beyond loud in there. I had no idea I won an individual award until we walked off stage. I feel so badly right now. I am so fucking grateful and appreciative! I can’t believe I didn’t say anything but I didn’t hear that I won until after ? https://t.co/R06N7kB1IH
— Khloé (@khloekardashian) November 11, 2019

Also Gwen Stefani won the 2019 Fashion Icon Award

GWEN STEFANI

In Vera Wang

KHLOE KARDASHIAN

In LaQuan Smith

KANDI BURRUSS

JENNA DEWAN

In Monique Lhuillier

KELLY ROWLAND

In Iris Van Herpen

KIM KARDASHIAN

In Versace

KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN

In Naeem Khan

Third-time Mom-to-be Teddi Mellencamp

Tamera Mowry-Housley

P!nk

in Giorgio Armani

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News

5 Surprising Things To Do Now to Fight Cold Weather Short Days Blues

Posted on November 6, 2019

That post-summer sluggishness usually kicks in every October as we head into fall.

The temperatures drop and the one thing that makes winter’s rapid approach evident regardless of climate is the loss of daylight. For many, this loss of daylight also leads to a loss of energy, an uptick in short temper and even bouts of depression.

So how can we ease into the rapidly approaching winter months?

Dr. Sanam Hafeez, an NYC based licenses clinical psychologist and faculty member at the prestigious Columbia University Teachers College, offers practical tips to prepare for the clock change.

Before we get into the tips, it’s important to understand the clock change’s impact on our brains and therefore our bodies, so we understand what is actually going on.

Hafeez explains that a cell in the retinas of our eyes contains a pigment that gets activated in the sunlight which then regulates our bodies biological functions. This daily process triggers another gland called the pineal gland which is in charge of melatonin secretion, she adds. It peaks at night and wears off by daylight.

“In simpler terms, the less light exposure we get, more out of whack we feel,” Dr. Hafeez sums up.

According to Dr. Hafeez, the following simple adjustments leading up to the clock falling back can make a significant difference for those who don’t struggle with more severe depression or bipolar disorder.

1. Avoid alcohol.

When the clocks are turned back in the fall, many bars stay open an additional hour. This is typically celebrated by people in their 20’s and 30’s who only pay for it the next day opting to sleep away their Sunday. Drinking alcohol before turning back the clocks can add more sluggishness the next morning. “Even with just a one-hour clock change, our body’s circadian rhythm is thrown off making our brains a bit confused. Alcohol only heightens these effects,” explains Dr. Hafeez. Imagine the double whammy of a hangover after the fall back clock change?

2. Enjoy physical activity during the daytime.

The more time spent outside in the daylight doing physical activity, the less sluggish you will feel once the clocks fall back. Fall is a great time to powerwalk or go for a run. If you’re an early riser then you will love the earlier sunrise at least for the next few weeks.

“A lot of people shift their exercise routines to include more high energy group workouts in the evenings to give themselves something to look forward to as a way to shake off the workday.

“You really want to pay attention to when you feel most energized and align your exercise to that,” suggests Dr. Hafeez.

3. Don’t sleep in. Go to bed earlier instead.

In the days leading up to the clock change, add extra “wind-down” time before bed and get to bed an hour earlier. On the Sunday morning of the clock change, people mistakenly opt to sleep in.

You really want to stick to the same wake-up time while getting to bed earlier. That’s the key according to Dr. Hafeez.

“People think they are gaining an hour of sleep, they’re not because at bedtime they’re losing it,” explains Dr. Hafeez. “When you keep the wake-up time and get to bed earlier that extra hour isn’t felt as much the next day,”

4. Avoid watching the news before bed.

People think that getting to bed an hour earlier means it’s ok to watch TV in bed before sleep.

TV or any kind stimulates the brain. Your favorite show causes you to focus when you’re trying to shut down stimulation. The news is even worse.

You get wrapped up in the doom and gloom watching the news.

“If you want to really make sure you still wake up refreshed, opt for tranquil music or guided meditations available on YouTube or an app, recommends Dr. Hafeez.”

5. Plan ahead! Consider taking Monday off!

For those who find their mood is negatively impacted after the fall clock change, consider taking Monday off and make it about self-care.

Waking up early, taking advantage of the early light, enjoying a healthy breakfast, getting a massage or catching up on reading, tidying and whatever you feel necessary to feel good, do it. “

People can feel the effects of the clock change for up to 3 weeks. Taking a day off to focus on your own well-being can become a nice post clock change ritual,” she says.

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Parenting

How to Make Your Own Baby Food {A Primer}

Posted on November 4, 2019

Bellyitch Rewind

There have been a few baby food recalls in recent weeks that have prompted some new moms to consider making their own baby food from scratch for their little ones. The idea of blending, pureeing, storing, thawing and making batches of baby food or toddler pouches can seem daunting, and time-consuming, but fortunately, in recent years, technology in the form of baby food blenders and scores of new books have cropped up to demystify and simplify the process.

Blender

To start, you may want to go out and get a blender with a puree function on it. I like the Magic Bullet for making smoothies and milkshakes for my little ones because it is easiest to clean. The company that makes it also sells a special version just for baby food making called Magic Bullet Baby Bullet Baby Care System which retails for $59.99 on Amazon but is sold in retail stores like Target, Walmart and the like.

Storage

Next, you’ll have to invest in tiny containers to store the foods you make. The Baby Bullet comes with its own containers and lids but you can also order storage containers. Sage Spoonfuls Big Batch Storage Set includes twelve 4 Ounce containers for about $20, enough for vegetable, desserts and other purees. They are freezer, dishwasher and microwave safe and durable portable jars with leak proof and easy to use screw on lids.

Recipes

Then comes the hard part: whipping up yummy recipes. Here are some books with tips, recipes and other suggestions.

ONE

The Amazing Make-Ahead Baby Food Book: Make 3 Months of Homemade Purees in 3 Hours ($17.88) This popular hardback book will give you to tools and tips for making up to three months’ worth of healthy, homemade baby food in just three one-hour blocks of time. It has unique combos like Peachy Strawberry Salad, Coconutty Mango Lassi, Plum-Gingered Brocco-Quinoa, and Purple Papaya Flax Yogurt, blending in a rainbow of nutritious options while expanding your baby’s palate.

TWO

Real Baby Food: Easy, All-Natural Recipes for Your Baby and Toddler ($10.79) The toughest part really is making the time but this book helps new moms create a routine that is easy, fast and flexible. The author starts with the building blocks of solid foods, and shares how to recognize food allergies, and easy ways to cook in bulk. Recipes progress from single-ingredient purées to multi-flavor blends like Salmon, Kale, and Sweet Potato Smash; then move on to finger foods—Turkey Meatloaf Bites, Maple Graham Animals—and finally toddler meals and snacks. Most can be made ahead and frozen, many are easily adapted for grown-up tastes, and all include full nutritional information. Nice!

THREE

101 DIY Baby Food Pouches ($10.99) specializes in baby food pouches for older babies and toddlers. This book includes instructions for filling your own pouches for cheaper, healthier, and eco-friendly options for your little one.

FOUR

Fast & Fresh Baby Food Cookbook: 120 Ridiculously Simple and Naturally Wholesome Baby Food Recipes ($11.87) This book targets the early stage new mom who “can’t keep up with the laundry” or “can’t fit into anything but yoga pants” and “can’t make your baby sleep through the night.” The book promised to help this mom “make the best food for your baby in 30 minutes or less.”

FIVE

Little Foodie: Baby Food Recipes for Babies and Toddlers with Taste ($13.59) This book comes from a certified baby chef and blogger over at Baby FoodE, Michele Olivier. She offers over 100 food recipes, helpful FAQs and a comprehensive overview. Baby food recipes include: Apple + Mint + Ricotta Purée / Fennel + Pea + Peach Purée / Pumpkin + Thyme Purée / Sesame Tofu Sticks + Peanut Sauce / Curried Egg Finger Sandwiches + Mango Chutney / Slow Cooker Chicken Tagine + Couscous / Sausage + Kale Over Creamy Polenta / DIY Toddler Sushi Bar, and more.

SIX

Super Easy Baby Food Cookbook: Healthy Homemade Recipes for Every Age and Stage ($11.74) This book focuses on super simple recipes with just 5- ingredients each and includes over 150+ nutritious recipes that grow with your developing child. It has time saving sample menus for kids 4 to 18 months.

SEVEN

The Baby and Toddler Cookbook: Fresh, Homemade Foods for a Healthy Start ($15.68) Packed with over 90 recipes and loads of nutritional information, The Baby & Toddler Cookbookmakes cooking healthy meals easy, even for busy parents. By setting aside only a few hours a week, you can make and store an array of nutritious foods to keep baby happy and fed. All along the way, this book will give you helpful hints, guidance, and plenty of recipes to ease your path to nutrition.

EIGHT

Top 100 Baby Purees ($10.52) Like the other books, you’d learn to wean your baby who is transitioning to solid foods, discover food allergies and how to make 100 Baby Purees with information tricks on finding the hidden nutrition in everyday foods. Dr. Michel Cohen, New York pediatrician and author of The New Basics: A-to-Z Baby & Child Care for the Modern Parent opens the book with a forward.

NINE

Cooking for Baby: Wholesome, Homemade, Delicious Foods for 6 to 18 Months ($12.30) This book is organized by age and has smart tips on prep and storage with added suggestions on transitioning as baby grows. From celebrated children’s-food author Lisa Barnes, Cooking for Baby is a fully illustrated, gorgeous, four-color book that takes parents through the basics of preparing nutritious, delicious (and easy!) meals for your child, from six to eighteen months.

TEN

The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers: Practical Answers To Your Questions on Nutrition, Starting Solids, Allergies, Picky Eating, and More (For Parents, By Parents) ($12.30) A team of doctors came up with this comprehensive manual for feeding your babies and toddlers during their first crucial yeas of life. With The Pediatrician’s Guide to Feeding Babies and Toddlers, you have the expertise of a team of pediatric medical and nutritional experts—who also happen to be parents—in a comprehensive manual that takes the guesswork out of feeding. This first-of-its-kind guide provides practical, easy-to-follow advice to help you navigate the nutrition issues, medical conditions, and parenting concerns that accompany feeding. With recipes, parenting stories, and recommendations based on the latest pediatric guidelines, this book will allow you to approach mealtime with confidence so you can spend more time enjoying your new family.

ELEVEN

201 Organic Baby Purees: The Freshest, Most Wholesome Food Your Baby Can Eat! ($10.25) When you can have 100 recipes, why not 201?! This book has even more healthy recipes that are organic and blends classic combinations such as turkey, sweet potato, and corn; Superfoods like avocado, blueberries, and spinach; and Puree-based transition recipes including soups, biscuits, frozen desserts.

TWELVE

The Happy Family Organic Superfoods Cookbook For Baby & Toddler Hardcover ($14.54) This book comes from the organic family-focused food company Happy Family Organics and Cricket Azima, founder and CEO of The Creative Kitchen. Inside, find more than 70 easy-to-prepare recipes made with all-natural ingredients. It includes recipes with ingredient vegetable and fruit purees, including Happy Family’s best-selling spinach, mango & pear recipe, to recipes with quinoa, chia, and kale —Shazi’s and Cricket’s superfood recipes will nourish and please every kind of baby. Recipes for toddlers (1–3 years) include avocado & chicken whole wheat pizza; 3 bean farro risotto; and baked salmon with peas & rice balls; toddlers will love tasty snacks like strawberry-beet pudding with coconut milk and chia; avocado, melon & mint smoothies; banana, chocolate chip & quinoa muffins; and grilled nut-butter sandwiches with smashed berries. Good luck!

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Use These Tactics To Make Halloween Less Scary for Small Kids

Posted on October 18, 2019

After a young child watches a scary movie or is frightened by a Halloween costume, parents should reach for a can of anti-monster spray before bedtime, says Theresa Kruczek, a counseling psychology professor at Ball State University.

“Preschool children and those in early elementary school often have a difficult time with Halloween,” she says. “Children this age often struggle with separating fantasy from reality and a result they may get confused and think the scary elements of Halloween are real.”.

“After a frightening experience, children may have nightmares. They really can’t tell us too much about the dream, but we can take some precautions to ward off those dreams by using a can of air freshener, otherwise known as anti-monster spray, to keep monsters at bay. Monsters don’t like nice-smelling stuff.”

Kruczek also advises:

Limit preschoolers to 30 minutes or less of activities, including trick-or-treating, and only during daylight hours.
Ask friends and strangers to take off masks to show children that there really is a person under the costume.
Parents and siblings should never wear masks around youngsters afraid of such items.
In families with children of varying age ranges, allow each youngster to participate in age-appropriate activities.
Avoid haunted houses unless the facility offers age-appropriate activities.

“Just because you love haunted houses doesn’t mean your 4-year-old will,” Kruczek says. “Parents are in the best position to know what frightens their child and to help them cope with Halloween. If kids freak out during a scary movie, they’ll freak out at a haunted house or when someone in a scary outfit comes by.”

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Celebrity

Internet Sleuths Figured Out Drake and Sophie Brussaux Celebrated Son’s 2nd Birthday Together

Posted on October 15, 2019

Internet sleuthing fans and the media figured out that rapper Drake and his ex Sophie Brussaux celebrated their son Adonis’ 2nd birthday together at Drizzy‘s Toronto mansion.

He posted a photo from the celebration event on his Instagram page which showed off large mylar balloons spelling out his son’s name with a tiny art rendering of Sesame Street character Elmo in the corner.

“Happy Birthday King ?”, he captioned the photo.

Around that same time, Brussaux posted the same photo and an outside portrait of herself standing in front of a floral Sesame Street charter Cookie Monster display in front of the outside of the mansion.

View this post on Instagram
Happy Birthday King ?
A post shared by champagnepapi (@champagnepapi) on Oct 11, 2019 at 4:05pm PDT

On his actual birthday, the visual artist posted on her Instastory a throwback pic of herself in a bump-hugging black dress with the caption,“Today, it’s been 2 years I was having 50-sec contractions every 3 min for 24 hours man…all worth it.”

The visual artist added: “Only a handful of weeks left, over 200lbs. Looks like I’m carrying twins, but I swear I’m not.”

She is extremely private about her son with Drake and usually displays of her colorful oil paintings featuring landscapes, stills and portraits of celebrities like Angelina Jolie, Angela Bassett, Amy Winehouse, Leonardo DiCaprio, Michelle Obama and Beyoncé.

View this post on Instagram
A proud, PROUD, birthday mom ?
A post shared by Sophie Brussaux (@sophieknowsbetter) on Oct 12, 2019 at 6:10pm PDT

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Fashion

Fall Hunter Boots To Get NOW!

Posted on October 13, 2019

When it comes to classic and timeless fashion items, Wellington boots by Hunter are up there.

The rubber goulashes are made by the company which originally was established as North British Rubber Company in 1856. Today, the heritage label maintains its authentic brand identity and has earned worldwide recognition and a royal warrant for its outerwear and footwear collection.

The boots now fuse function with fashion and come in an eclectic range of colors and styles. You can get them in wedge boot style, ombre, in bright colors like teal and hot pink, with quilted calf, and with the sock in sole for as low as $40 on sale at some online retailers worldwide.

We love them because they are mom and mom-to-be friendly. The boots are pretty easy to slip on because they have a large calf are and the rubber soles make them slip resistant and pretty safe and secure for the expecting woman with the displaced center of gravity and precious cargo on her front.

We love Hunter! Check out some inspiration sites below!

Click to buy but they sell out pretty fast so good luck!

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Celebrity

Natalie Imbruglia Welcomes Son, Max Valentine Imbruglia

Posted on October 10, 2019

Congrats to Aussie singer Natalie Imbruglia who welcomed her first child, a baby boy named Max Valentine Imbruglia.

The “Torn” recording artist shared the news on her Instgram this week. The single mom conceived her child via sperm donor.

View this post on Instagram
Welcome to the world.. Max Valentine Imbruglia ? My heart is bursting ??? #myboy
A post shared by natalie_imbruglia (@natalie_imbruglia) on Oct 8, 2019 at 3:18pm PDT

“Welcome to the world.. Max Valentine Imbruglia ? My heart is bursting ??? #myboy” she captioned the sweet shot.

The new mom announced her pregnancy news on Insta back in in July that “No I haven’t swallowed a watermelon” but was pregnant.

“For those of you that know me, this has been something I have wanted for a very long time and I’m blessed that this is possible with the help of IVF and a sperm donor — I won’t be saying anything more on that publicly,” Imbruglia wrote in her announcement post.

View this post on Instagram
Recording with the super talented @myriotmusic I can’t wait for you to hear these tunes! ?❤️? #newmusic #bmg #whereismydiaphragm We miss you @kttunstall ?✨
A post shared by natalie_imbruglia (@natalie_imbruglia) on Sep 3, 2019 at 4:05am PDT

The mom-to-be has kept her pregnancy out of the lime light but she did post a photo of her pooch cuddling up next to her bump this summer:

View this post on Instagram
Bonding with #bump ? #mrwilson ????
A post shared by natalie_imbruglia (@natalie_imbruglia) on Aug 20, 2019 at 2:57pm PDT

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The 5 Things You Can Do To Beat Cold and Flu Season

Posted on October 10, 2019

As I sit in bed suffering from my first cold of the Cold and Flu season, I thought I’d repost this blog article from a few year’s back on what you, as parents, can do to help your child avoid getting sick.

It’s inevitable that from time to time you and your child will be exposed to people who have a cold or who are spreading airborne germs. While the odds are that your child will catch the occasional cold, there are certainly a few ways to reduce the number of colds that she gets.

Try to keep ahead of the germs. Disinfecting wipes or a water and bleach solution can be used for this task. Make sure that you are regularly cleaning door knobs, handles, cabinets, toys, and anything else that little hands might come into contact with. For every gallon of water, 1 ½ teaspoons of bleach should be added to create a solution to disinfect surfaces and toys. For diapering and toileting areas, 1 tablespoon of bleach can be added to 1 gallon of water. Let the bleach solution sit for 2 minutes before wiping it down. If you are worried about your child coming into contact with chemicals, look for all-natural sanitizing solutions. You’ll also want to make sure that everyone in the house frequently washes their hands with warm water and soap.
Change toothbrushes often. Toothbrushes can harbor germs and re-infect your child if the germs are not killed. Dentists recommend that toothbrushes be replaced every 3 months if you are healthy, more often if you are not. Toothbrushes should also be replaced after an illness. To kill germs soak the toothbrush in antiseptic mouthwash for 5 minutes or run your toothbrush through the dishwasher. Warning: Boiling your toothbrush or running it through the dishwasher will wear out the bristles faster.
Feed your child a healthy diet. If your child eats a proper diet it will strengthen his immune system and he will be better able to fight off cold-causing germs. Make sure he eats plenty of fruits and vegetables, as these contain the proper vitamins and minerals needed to build up his body’s natural defenses. Eating foods high in vitamins is better for absorption of those vitamins than taking vitamin tablets.
Encourage your child to drink plenty of water. Water not only keeps your body hydrated during the very dry winter season, but it helps your body flush out unwanted toxins. Water also helps your lymph system run better, which is part of your body’s immune system, and it fights off illness.
Make sure your child gets enough sleep. Sleeping is extremely important, and most people don’t get enough of it. Doctors recommend that children sleep 10-11 hours per night. A lack of sleep can affect how well your child grows because the body produces a growth hormone during sleep. Digestion also takes place during sleep. Bodies need this down time to recover and rebuild after a busy day of being a kid. By getting enough sleep the body is better prepared to fight off germs.

Also, study this chart or print it out to figure out if you or your child is suffering from seasonal allergies or a cold. I was not sure at first but this chart helped me figure it out:

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12 Simple Baby Food Making Books to Add To Your Library

Posted on October 8, 2019

There have been a few baby food recalls in recent weeks that have prompted some new moms to consider making their own baby food from scratch for their little ones.

The idea of blending, pureeing, storing, thawing and making batches of baby food or toddler pouches can seem daunting, and time-consuming, but fortunately, in recent years, technology in the form of baby food blenders and scores of new books have cropped up to demystify and simplify the process.