Mom-to-be Kerry Washington and some of our past Bellyitch Bumpwatch moms and other mothers looked absolutely radiant gracing the red carpet and ballroom of the Beverly Hilton for the Essencemagazine 7th Annual Black Women in Hollywood Awards luncheon.
The event honored Lupita Nyong’o, filmmaker and first African American woman to win the Sundance Best Director award Ava DuVernay and film marketing exec Cheryl Boone Isaacs.
This is my absolute FAVORITE look of all time on Washington this award-season and pregnancy. That cobalt blue Calvin Klein off the shoulder asymmetrical sheath dress matched perfectly with her complexion. The loose ringlets fell perfectly along her face with the matte look and soft nude lips. I loved the simple black Jimmy Choo pumps. And the Emm Kuo clutch set off the look perfectly. She accented the ensemble with an EF Collection ring and House of Lavande earrings. Lovely!
Other red carpet moms bringing the bright reds, roses and oranges included:
Brandy, Tamar Mowry-Housley, Salli Richardson and Garcelle Beauvais
Looking fab in White, Black, Grey and Neutrals was …
Holly Robinson-Peete, Laila Ali, Chaka Khan and Regina King
Essence had a photo booth on site where guests did cute and fun poses…
Garcelle Beauvais, Salli Richardson, Regina King and Vanessa Bell Calloway; Niecy Nash, Tichina Arnold does over the top diva; Laila Ali frames the picture and Holly Robinson-Pete gives pretty face time.
Behind the Scenes
Kim Whitfield, Angela Bassett and Holly Robinson-Peete take a selfie
It’s Uhuru! Well really actress Nichelle Nichols looking fab
Awww Oprah hugs TV host Tanika Ray‘s pregnant belly. Cute
Tischina Arnold instagrammed fun pics
photo: Instagram, Zimbio, Michael Rowe for Essence, Starcast, Essence.com
When Ciara showed up to the 2014 MusicCares Gala in a navy Lanvin mens style pinstripe suit, many scrubbed their chins, cocked their heads and went, “hmmmm.” Not all were convinced at how fashion forward the look was for maternity wear.
Little did they know she was only channeling the spirit of her fore-mothers who rocked Androgynous maternity before her.
Behold:
Ciara has been wearing androgynous looks this pregnancy like Beyonce & Kim Kardashian did before her.
Meanwhile, the first openly gay woman athlete to sign a Nike modeling contract, WNBA player Brittney Griner was signed to model men’s apparel.
Androgynous models are coveted in high-end fashion, but the trend toward gender-neutral clothing has only just begun to reach the sports world, with NBA stars Russell Westbrook and Dwyane Wade blurring the lines in their tight jeans and fitted sweaters. No sports apparel company has taken it a step further and expressly targeted the gender-fluid crowd — and whether Nike is willing to ride the edge with Griner remains to be seen. “We can’t get into specifics,” says Nike spokesman Brian Strong, “but it’s safe to say we jumped at the opportunity to work with her because she breaks the mold.
The former Baylor women’s player and current Phoenix Mercury star won the ESPY award for best female athlete in 2011 and rocked the red carpet in men’s wear the following two years.
The era of androgyny has been a thing for a while now, but is mos def an “in” thing again.
After packing on 11 pounds from October thru December during the Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas holiday gluttony, I was stoked to finally check out Dr. Roni DeLuz and James Hester‘s “1 Pound a Day: The Martha’s Vineyard Detox Diet.” I was offered the book to review summer but honestly, kept putting off starting the detox because I knew it would require me to strictly eliminate many items from my regular diet and I knew that would be hard to do during the holidays.
The book is a follow up to the duo’sNew York Times bestselling “21 Pounds in 21 Days.” which took anxious dieters by storm and got a lot of people excited because of the promise for rapid weight loss the healthy way. In sum, the diet is really a detox from toxins in the body and from pollution we are exposed to daily. You essentially become an overnight vegan. It requires users to only drink juiced fruits and vegetables, pureed soups and broths with water for 21 days, then add back solids and other eliminated foods back in slowly for the following 9 days. You’re supposed to eliminate caffeine, alcohol, all solids, dairy and other vices from the diet as the body works to expel toxins from the body. The book contains ample soup recipes, testimonials of success cases and other advice and pointers on food, how different types of food affect the body and various herbs, and other natural elements and food that are good for the body.
It’s a strict regimen and not easy to do. You definitely need some will power or a sincere interest to complete it before even trying it. If anyone is thinking of doing it, he or she should read the book cover-to-cover first and get indoctrinated in all the benefits of detoxing. Also, those who are carrying extra weight that they want to get rid of and are serious should also read it thoroughly because it provides the other reasons to detox beyond just weight loss. Knowing the greater good may help a person stay on it.
On the first two days, I had a caffeine headache because I did not wean myself off of my cup of coffee a day addiction. I just went cold-turkey which I do NOT recommend. It’s probably best to come down by doing half-caffe for a few days, then gradually eliminate it. After those initial days, things got better. Surprisingly, I did not experience hunger pangs on the diet.but that is because I planned. I purchased sufficient broths, and made adequate amount of soups in advance so I could just have some whenever I wanted to satiate hunger. Also, I did not let myself get too hungry before getting more soup or juiced juice.
I took a multi-vitamin to keep me energized throughout the day, and took enzymes in pills, green juice, probiotic capsules to replace good bacteria lost during detox, and a sugar-control herbal supplement.
The effect is a flatter tummy within the first 2 weeks on the system, and better bodily fluid movement and riddance of any and all bloating and gas. For extra credit, you can take a homemade detox bath, or body wrap or make an appointment to see a hydrocolontherapist. There are recipes and instructions on how to do these or where to find a colonic specialist.
In a nutshell, the book is really just the 21 in 21 book but with an added 9 days that teaches you how to come off the detox better so you do not relapse too quickly into bad eating habits and pack the pounds back on. I lost about 20 pounds on it and since wrapping it up last week and have NOT felt the need to go back to coffee, sugar and all my other bad eating habits. To keep off the weight lost and continue on the downward trek in inches and weight loss, I am also adding back my regular exercise in my routine. I started ballet and running again. I plan to incorporate some of the eating advice from the book along with advice I got from another eating session I took last year around this time to maintain. I am also getting an exercise jump start with a celebrity trainer this week as well.
James Hester and Dr. Roni DeLuz
While this diet/detox isn’t an option for the faint of heart or for those with little to no will power, it does work. But like most weight-loss efforts that include eliminating certain types of foods from your diet altogether, there is a high risk of getting back all the pounds lost if users don’t alter their eating and exercise habits after wards. I learned Radio veteran Robin Quivers of The Howard Sternshow did it and got super skinny but has since packed back on more weight than before.
Overall, it’s still a good way to kick start a lifestyle change, to quickly unload some excess weight gained (like from overindulgence from the Holidays) or to prepare for an event like a wedding, reunion, red carpet event or the like.
Get the book from my Affiliate partner at Amazon.com for $19.07 hardback or $13.25 softback.
Disclosure: I received a copy of the book complimentary to test out the rules within the book and provide my honest feedback.
Today and tomorrow, July 11 and 12, is Amazon PRIME Day 2022. All around the web, you’re probably seeing your fave creator, influencer or website sharing deals.
This year, I decided to do something different and promote just two things: 1) the products I have already and love and think you should consider investing in; and 2) my wishlist of items that I really truly want to get and most likely will soon be investing in for myself.
What I have and love.
First, I want to share that we are among the 200 million PRIME members worldwide. We save hundreds each year and thousands over the years on shipping costs. With PRIME, you pay nothing for two day shipping. You also have extra benefits when shopping at Whole Foods supermarket. We live steps away from our local market so as you can imagine, we are there saving every day.
If you would like to test out the benefits for 30 days, do so by clicking HERE!
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Fire TV Stick 4K streaming device with latest Alexa Voice Remote (includes TV controls), Dolby Vision
We are a family that is usually late to all the technology. We only recently got our first Amazon personal assistant like the Echo or Dot. We use it almost everyday to play music while we cook or clean around the house. We ask it to help with basic homework questions, to check the weather and give us the traffic report. It’s a lifesave and a great investment
Echo Dot (4th Gen) | Sleek design with full sound, Bluetooth, and Alexa | Charcoal
We were late to the game when it comes to investing in a home personal assistant device like Alexa. Since we purchased our first one a year ago, life hasn’t been the same. We use our Alexa dot to stream music while we cook or clean the house, to help answer basic questions while working on homework or other work tasks, including simple calculations or geography questions. She gives us the weather forcast and traffic outlook. It’s a lifesaver. If you’re a late bloomer like us or simply want another echo for another floor or room in your home, consider getting it today.
A few years ago, we jumped on the AirFryer trend and believe me, it will also change your life, especially if you are interested in eating less fried foods. This Ninja airfryer will fry potatoes, onion rings, and even roast meats, bake fish and more. It saves time with dinner prep and is just a total lifesaver and must have for any family. Shucks, if you live at home and are always on the go or busy, you could use an air fryer too.
Now that I’ve shared the things I have a love and use, time to share my wish list of things I want to invest in this PRIME Day!
Ring Video Doorbell
We live in an old house and the doorbell has been disabled for a while but the door knocker works fine and our door is relatively new. Still, I want all the perks of a Ring:
1080p HD video doorbell with enhanced features that let you see, hear, and speak to anyone from your phone, tablet, or PC.
An update from the original Ring Video Doorbell, enjoy improved motion detection, privacy zones and audio privacy, and crisper night vision.
Receive mobile notifications when anyone presses your doorbell or triggers your built-in motion sensors.
Powered by the built-in rechargeable battery or connects to existing doorbell wires for constant power.
Easily setup by connecting your Ring Video Doorbell to wifi through the Ring app and mounting with the included tools.
With a Ring Protect Plan (subscription sold separately), record all your videos, review what you missed for up to 180 days, and share videos and photos.
Pair with select Alexa-enabled devices to enable announcements and two-way talk for convenient in-home monitoring.
We do not live in a home with carpets, only hardwood floors and it gets dirty often. I sweep on the hour these days, especially not that the kids are home. However, I do not mop that often and I think this iRobot mopper is perfect for keeping our floors clean! I can’t wait to get this and I might even buckle down and get a Roomba to sweep which is $70 today. GET THE DEAL!
Get it Today only $299 – Down from $499, a saving of over $200!
We do not live in a home with carpets, only hardwood floors and it gets dirty often. I sweep on the hour these days, especially not that the kids are home. However, I do not mop that often and I think this iRobot mopper is perfect for keeping our floors clean! I can’t wait to get this and I might even buckle down and get a Roomba to sweep which is $70 today. GET THE DEAL!
Get it Today only for $59 – Down from $99, a saving of $40!
Beats Studio Buds – True Wireless Noise Cancelling Earbuds
We do not live in a home with carpets, only hardwood floors and it gets dirty often. I sweep on the hour these days, especially not that the kids are home. However, I do not mop that often and I think this iRobot mopper is perfect for keeping our floors clean! I can’t wait to get this and I might even buckle down and get a Roomba to sweep which is $70 today. GET THE DEAL!
Get it Today only for 99.95 – Down from $149.95, a saving of close to $50!
We do not live in a home with carpets, only hardwood floors and it gets dirty often. I sweep on the hour these days, especially not that the kids are home. However, I do not mop that often and I think this iRobot mopper is perfect for keeping our floors clean! I can’t wait to get this and I might even buckle down and get a Roomba to sweep which is $70 today. GET THE DEAL!
Get it Today only for $259.36 – Down from $439.99 a saving of close to $200!
Apple Watch Series 7 [GPS 41mm] Smart Watch w/ Green Aluminum Case with Clover Sport Band.
We do not live in a home with carpets, only hardwood floors and it gets dirty often. I sweep on the hour these days, especially not that the kids are home. However, I do not mop that often and I think this iRobot mopper is perfect for keeping our floors clean! I can’t wait to get this and I might even buckle down and get a Roomba to sweep which is $70 today. GET THE DEAL!
Get it Today only for $279 – Down from $399, a saving of close to $130!
Irrespective of how controversial DNA and ancestry testing kits have become, I am still quite curious and interested in learning if there are clues in my and my family DNA to genetic abnormalities that I should be aware of and take precautions over.
Get it Today only for $98.99 – Down from $199, a saving of over $100!
Because I have a kid in college, one on his way there in a year and loads of friends and family with college-bound kids throwing trunk parties for their children, I look forward to exploring the many home, kitchen and bathroom deals.
My family is a soccer and swimming family. Those are the two main sports that our school aged children partake in so we are always on the hunt for swim goggles, jammers, swimsuits and swim bags. I plan to dig into the Swimming page and deals today and tomorrow.
They’ll be wild times, that’s for sure just like on being on safari. Bring zebras, giraffes and lions along on this wonderful journey with your cheeky little monkey.
If you have gone on safari or aspire to go on safari, you can incorporate this theme as you embark on this wonderful journey with your little one like what mrspunkybreester and her husband did.
Scoot 3-in-1 Convertible Crib with Toddler Bed Conversion Kit
The Babyletto Scoot 3-in-1 Convertible Crib is the perfect centerpiece for your mid-century modern nursery! Contrast horizontal lines paired with the angular feet create a retro-inspired, charming vibe for your baby’s new space. Modern and functional, an included toddler bed conversion kit allows you to easily go from crib to toddler bed to daybed as your little one grows.
Delta Children Reston Glider Swivel Rocker in Sailor Blue
Expertly crafted with plush upholstery and thickly padded armrests for added comfort, this upholstered chair gently swivels and rocks to help soothe your baby to sleep.
White And Natural Seagrass Paige Tote Basket With Lid
Keep blankets and toys neatly stowed under the knot-top lid of our shapely tote basket. Handcrafted in Bangladesh of a stylish, sturdy mix of natural seagrass and white recycled plastic, it’s available in small and large sizes.
Keekaroo Peanut Changer is unlike any other diaper changing pad! Its strong outer shell makes it impermeable to ”any” fluid, so clean up is easy. That solid shell on the diaper changing pad also limits bacteria growth or deterioration.
The subtly distressed polypropylene pile is patterned with a geometric tribal design, available in seven unique color schemes. Stain-resistant and easy to clean, this durable carpet is ideal for busy living rooms and entryways.
The combination of white faux fur and a gold-finish base give this Kelly stool from Silver Orchid a hip Bohemian glow that will look great anywhere in your home. The seat is thickly padded so you can use it as extra seating, as a place to sit in front of a vanity, or as a seat for a low desk.
Beautiful textile poster. The material consists of a wrinkle-free textile. Thanks to the high-quality print quality, the colors come out beautifully on this smooth material. The poster is drawn between beech wooden sticks, and the rope for hanging has a leather look. No screws or hooks are supplied for wall-mounting.
Beautiful teWE-INSPIRING PLUSH GIRAFFE: The Melissa & Doug Giant Giraffe Lifelike Stuffed Animal is an awe-inspiring plush toy with realistic details and beautiful markings.
With fall looming right around the corner, it is important to squeeze in all of your favorite summer activities before the warm weather leaves us. That means hitting the beach, lounging by the pool and spending time with family and friends outside.
If you are wondering how you can make these outdoor activities more entertaining, there is a simple answer: lawn games. Whether you are kicking a ball or tossing a bean bag, nothing is more fun than tapping into your competitive spirit.
To help you achieve some backyard fun, lifestyle expert Meredith Sinclair shared with Hoda & Jenna six fun lawn games people of all ages can enjoy. Challenge your friends and family, make some memories and enjoy summer with these must-have products, from shuffleboard to giant Jenga.
This personalized picnic blanket is the perfect form of entertainment when lounging in the yard, on the beach or even in the park. The blanket features four classic board games including checkers, tic-tac-toe, dots and bullseye. One side of the blanket is a soft fleece while the other is a waterproof polyester shell. While game pieces are not included, you can use anything to play, from stones and seashells to toothpicks.
This personalized picnic blanket is the perfect form of entertainment when lounging in the yard, on the beach or even in the park. The blanket features four classic board games including checkers, tic-tac-toe, dots and bullseye. One side of the blanket is a soft fleece while the other is a waterproof polyester shell. While game pieces are not included, you can use anything to play, from stones and seashells to toothpicks.
Shuffleboard is a classic game that never goes out of style. The colorful shuffle zone is made of high-quality indoor and outdoor carpet with a non-skid back so it will always be secure. The set also comes with two wooden cues and 10 wooden pucks.
Amazon Prime Day is coming up. During this two-day event, Amazon offers some of its premium services and most popular products at a deep discount.
This year is no different. What is new is that some of the discounts are even more significant and thus we are sharing the options that are free or over 50 percent off because after the past year we’ve had we deserve a break.
Also, we focused on the products that people really want and or have been coveted for a while and maybe have been holding off waiting for a deep discount or sale! Now is the time!
First, if you are not already a PRIME member, sign up now free for a month
Now for more free subscription services trials that are extended if you sign up on Monday or Tuesday!!!
4 Months of Amazon Music FREE!
You can try Amazon’s music streaming service, which just so happens to be one of our favorites, completely free of charge, giving you access to unlimited listening of upwards of 70 million songs. Note that your subscription will automatically renew at the regular price of $7.99 for Prime Members ($9.99 for non-Prime members), unless you cancel after the trial ends.
Typically priced around $14 a month, Prime members can now save over 50% on the first four months of Audible Premium Plus. Membership includes access to a wide selection of new releases and best sellers, plus unlimited listening to thousands of select Originals, audiobooks, podcasts, and more. After the initial four months are up, the price will automatically renew for the standard price unless cancelled.
If you have ever thought about getting Prime Wardrobe, now is the perfect time because on the two Prime Days, Amazon is gifting you $15 off of purchases of a least $100. Enter this coupon code PRIMEW15OFF at checkout.
Not officially apart of PRIME DAY, but as a service to expecting moms and dads, Amazon offers a baby regsitry which we’ve blogged about on the blog before! Check out that post to see what to add to your first registry!
Insignia full HD Smart TV is a new generation of television featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Insignia delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter everyday. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you’d expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more, using just your voice.
Echo Auto- Hands-free Alexa in your car with your phone (70% off)
Add Alexa to your car – Connects to the Alexa app on your phone and plays through your car’s speakers via auxiliary input or your smartphone’s Bluetooth connection. Includes Vent Mount.
Designed for the road – With 8 microphones and far-field technology, Echo Auto can hear you over music, A/C, and road noise.
Go beyond radio – Voice control Echo Auto through the Alexa app to stream from Audible, Amazon Music, Apple Music, Spotify, SiriusXM, and radio stations with TuneIn and iHeartRadio.
Just ask – Use your voice to play music, check the news, make calls, add to your to do-list, set reminders, pay for gas, and more.
Tote bag Pockets:One main zipper compartment with one inner zipper pocket,one back pocket and two slot pockets. 4pcs: One large handbag+one messenger Bag:+wallet clutch+card holder. Perfect for dating, shopping, working, traveling, outtings party and other occasions and keep your daily items well organized.
If you are looking for a unique gift for dad, boyfriend, husband, friends, men, women who like camping, hunting, hiking, fishing, DIY or backpacking, then our camping multitool hatchet is a perfect choice.
Camping Multitool Toolkit – 14 in 1 multitool includes: Hammer, Axe, Pliers, Knife, Saw, Assorted Hex Wrench, Phillips Screwdriver, Bottle Opener, File, Fish Descaler and more with a Safety Lock.
Heavy Duty and Well-built, made of durable and heavy-duty stainless steel. It is corrosion-resistant and not easy to rust. Strong enough to cut, pry, hammer a nail, twist the screw, open fire hydrant, saw wood, shatter the glass wall.
50ft LED Strip Lights with 44 Keys Remote Controller, Color Changing
These lights are super easy to install and will help you create an elegant aesthetic to any bedroom, entertainment center or gameroom or even a business location with the remote control.
Great for carpet and hardwood floors, pet-friendly and Alexa compatible, the smart way to clean floors! The 600 series is a great way to begin cleaning your home smarter. Just schedule it to clean up daily dirt, dust, and debris with the iRobot HOME app or your voice assistant. – for effortlessly clean floors.
Haakaa Crown Soft Silicong Teether – Teething Toy (30% off)
Haakaa is an award-winning New Zealand-based brand that specialises in safe, natural, non-toxic and eco-friendly baby products. Its popular crown-shaped food-grade silicone teething toy is perfect for teething babies ages 6 to 12 months old and toddlers. It is easy to hold, captures baby’s atention and the bumps and ridges help to develop your baby’s motor and play skills. Parents can also chuck the Crown Baby Teethers in the freezer to provide soothing and cooling relief.
This sturdy garden hose nozzle is made of metal and ABS plastic wrapped by TRP rubber coating making garden hose nozzle body strong and drop-resistant, equipped with high quality anodized process to prevent rust and corrosion, metal and rubber materials providing double protection, no need to worry about cracking that is much better than plastic hose sprayer..
DOOPER Electric Bikini Trimmer for Women also for Ear, Face,Nose,Bikini Line and leg
This groomer kit trims and shapes anywhere on your body for face, armpits, bikini regions, legs, nose ear etc. with premium attachments for quick touch-ups or comfortably close shaving
Tend Skin The Skin Care Solution For Unsightly Razor Bumps, Ingrown Hair And Razor Burns
Made in USA, Ingrown Hair Solution: Applying a thin coat of Tend Skin Solution post shaving and waxing reduces the appearance of ingrown hair, razor bump also known as pfb
Post Shaving or Waxing, Women and Men: Use Tend Skin Solution as an aftershave or wax to reduce bumps on legs, underarms, bikini lines, chin, neck or face.
Also, even though Amazon Family is not technically part of PRIME Day, it is still a good opportunity to consider signing up for Amazon Family for FREE. When you sign up, you’ll get email newsletter with paenting tips, product recommendations and exclusive deals off up to 20% off diapers, baby foord and more
Insignia full HD Smart TV is a new generation of television featuring the Fire TV experience built-in and including a Voice Remote with Insignia delivers a superior TV experience that gets smarter everyday. The Voice Remote with Alexa lets you do everything you’d expect from a remote—plus, easily launch apps, search for titles, play music, switch inputs, control smart home devices, and more, using just your voice.
As College Students and their parents start packing and accumulating needed items to start off the next school year, having 6 months of free Amazon Prime will come in handy!
If you’re not already a Prime subscriber in the US or UK, you can sign up for a generous trial period then a deep discount off the normal monthly price so you and your student don’t have to fret as much given all the other things they will be rackign up!
I’ve followed some Feng Shui techniques in the past, but to keep it simple, I used to just try my hardest to keep the children’s toys in their rooms or their basement playroom.
I keep all books, papers and office materials in my home office; all clothes in closets, hampers or laundry room etc. And if an item finds its way out of place, I put it back where it belongs, promptly. I am a firm believer that clutter creates disorder and chaos and an settled mind.
Ohdeedoh did a great post years about Feng shuing your baby’s nursery that seemed helpful to me. Essentially, it took all the most sensible, practical advice and enumerated into a simple checklist I loved!
Check out these awesome tips which I know to non-believers in the ancient Chinese principles and techniques may seem a bit odd or different, but those who have some some basic rudimentary studying of it will get it.
Common-sense things you’re probably already doing: :: Use natural materials whenever possible for bedding, curtains, flooring, rugs, furniture, and toys.
:: Keep drawers and closets organized and pruned of too-small and out-of-season clothing.
:: Have different sources of light in the nursery, some for daytime and others for evening and nighttime.
:: Limit the electrical appliances near the crib. This includes various monitors, air filters, vaporizers, fans, etc.
:: Open windows daily for good ventilation.
:: Influse scents from essential oils like chamomile, rose, vanilla or lavender.
Some more interesting tips you might also want to try:
:: Invest in a mattress made of natural organic materials.
:: Choose a soft shade of green, blue, pink, orange or beige for the walls.
If I were having a baby, I would definitely decorate his or her room in black and brown as opposed to traditional colors for babies like pastel pink and powder blue.
I love the natural earthtones of the nursery that designer Sarah Sherman Samuel created for actress Mandy Moore who is expecting her first child in coming weeks, a baby boy, with husband and Dawes frontman Taylor Goldsmith.
Samuel shared glimpse of the nursery in her Instagram stories as captured by E!
It included a black and white custom wall mural, natural materials, oak, wood and tan furnishings and decorations and a canopy!
Moore re-posted the story on her own story.
It is absolutely gorgeous!
It inspired me to create a mood board. (like Babylist’s below)
If you are expecting and haven’t yet settled on a theme for your baby’s nursery, I invite you to consider emulating the look of Moore’s.
You can start with a crib. I love the Larkin LARKIN BLACK METAL CRIB by CRATE AND BARREL
Carpet can be an allergen trap so hardwood floors are best for nursery and a nice rug in the color scheme would add flare and insulation. The Alfresco ALF rug is perfect.
It was just last October, when Women’s National Basketball Association star of the Dallas Wings team, Skylar Diggins-Smith revealed that she played an entire 5-month season while pregnant but was called a “quitter” for taking two months off to cope with postpartum depression after giving birth to her son.
And it was last year that we all took notice on how the national champs, the Washington Mystics didn’t have time for an immediate parade because so many of them had to hurry off to play overseas to support their families and compensate for the WNBA’s low salaries.
This week, after months of negotiation, the WNBA announced its new collective bargaining agreement that offers major improvements for the players, including comprehensive family planning support that allows for full paid maternity leave (it was half on the previous CBA), reimbursement for fertility support and adoption fees, a $5,000 childcare stipend, two bedroom apartments for players with kids, and mental health services tailored to working moms.
“We’ve always been a progressive league. We’ve always kind of been in the forefront of the social impact and reaching out to the community,” Women’s National Basketball Players Association’s (WNBPA) President and LA Sparks forward Nneka Ogwumike said on a press call last Monday. “But we really hope that we can set a precedent for women in the workplace, women in sports. We’re really happy to be able to be in front of that.”
Given the high number of LBTQ players in the league and a lot of players commit their most fertile years of lift to playing a sport, it was important that the benefits also include reimbursement up to $60,000 for veteran players for costs directly related to adoption, surrogacy, and egg freezing or fertility treatment.
InStyle summarized the groundbreaking aspect of the new CBA well:
Under their previous contract, players were only guaranteed half their salary while on maternity leave. Considering their pay was already paltry — according to reporting by Matt Ellentuck of SBNation, the minimum salary for players with up to two years of experience was $41,965 in 2019, while the league maximum was $117,500 — this would have been a huge blow.
WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert said that some teams “stepped up” and paid players their full salary during leave, “but it wasn’t contractual or required”…
…WNBA All-Star and vertan Sparks guard Candace Parker shared her experience as a mother this week on NBA TV. Parker had her now-10-year-old daughter on May 13 and was back on the court July 5, and then headed out on an East Coast trip.
Her daughter was six weeks old.
“I had to take my mom with me because I nursed the first 15 months, but it was out of pocket, I had to pay for my own hotel room,” Parker says. But with this new CBA and the addition of paid leave, “those things are slowly getting better for mothers.”
Kudos to those who worked hard to secure these wins!