And she really is happy about it!
I’m not sure where that expression came from…
Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web
April 29, 2009 By 8 Comments
Welcome to “Tuesday Tours: What’s Happening on the Web” where I serve as your tour guide and showcase the best contests, freebies, deals, and reads for moms on the web…all in one convenient location.
Contests
Enter to win a FREE head-to-toe fitness makeover, courtesy of SkirtSports and Zeal Optics. The prize pack includes a running skirt, tee, and and sunglasses (Where’s the “toe” part of that “head-to-toe” giveaway?…they should have included some running shoes or socks or something…). Deadline: April 30.
Enter to win an assortment of geeky gadgets (including a very pretty purple bluetooth headset) over at BissfulStyle prior to May 2.
I’ve always wanted to try the Victoria’s Secret clothing line (have YOU tried it?). Sarah at My Charmed Life is giving away a $30 gift card to one winner. Enter before May 2.
5 Minutes for Mom is hosting a Mother’s Day Giveaway with plenty of great prizes! I am most excited about the Blu-Ray player and Blu-Ray copy of Pride & Prejudice (That movie is one of my favorites…), the Kodak EASYSHARE Wireless Digital Frame, and the Crock-Pot Smart-Pot! All giveaways end May 9.
Enter to win a Boogie Baby Shower (valued at $5,000) that includes shower decor, flowers, a cake, $1,000 in gift certificates (to Babies R Us, Target, Wal-Mart, & more!), and a year’s supply of Boogie Wipes. Your due date and shower must occur between June 1-December 31, 2009. Enter before May 9.
Macy’s and Disney Parks invite you to enter the Celebrate Mom Sweepstakes. The winners (one from every state and the District of Columbia) will win a six-day, five-night trip that begins with a sunrise breakfast on Main Street U.S.A. at Disneyland and ends with a sunset dinner at Walt Disney World. Enter before May 10.
Announcements
The US Department of Health and Human Services, Office on Women’s Health wants to know what you think DHHS should do in the next decade to promote and support breastfeeding in the United States. Find out more @ the Motherwear Breastfeeding Blog and then share your ideas before May 31.
Cheerios is searching for the next great children’s book author…and it could be YOU! Enter your original children’s story book idea in the Spoonfuls of Stories Children’s Book Contest by July 15 for your chance to win $5,000 and a possible shot at publication by a reputable children’s book publishing company.
Freebies
This item wins my “Favorite Thing I Discovered Online This Week” Award. Amy {Living Locurto} shares a creative idea about how to plan your child’s wardrobe a week in advance…and gives you access to her super cool Free Printable Days of the Week Tags.
Good Reads
Darcie {Such the Spot} reminds us to look beyond ourselves to extend grace and warmth to hurting people (who we may not even know are hurting) : Taking A Moment.
Kim Lefko @ Graco gives some great ideas about getting dinner on the table in her recent post: “Dinner as a Family…Tips & Tricks for an ‘Easy Dinner’.”
I love comments, yes I do. I love comments, how about you? Read “Comments, please” over at the pixel boutique.
Amy Sullivan {Feasibly Fit Mom} guest posts on Workout Mommy with 8 ways to get motivated to work-out. I really needed to read that.
I have my Bachelors degree in English and I know the rules of grammar, but I’m a bit of a “rule breaker.” I totally was smiling as I read Three Grammar Rules You Can (And Should) Break on copyblogger.
Miscellany
Watch this quick, 47-second clip on YouTube about How to make a baby (If only it were that easy!).
This is a fun idea: use an old painting (from CraigsList, a garage sale, etc.) to create a masterpiece {via Like Merchant Ships}.
Amy (The Mother Load} shares a super easy Crock Pot recipe for Chicken Italiano. I think I’m going to try it!
I thought I liked Consumer Reports…until this {via Marvelous Kiddo}. Please do leave a comment/complaint on the CR post.
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*** If you have a contest or an announcement that you think might be a good fit for Tuesday Tours, e-mail me at stephanie@metropolitanmama.net.
FOR THE NURSING MAMA: Peek-a-boo
April 28, 2009 By 74 Comments
Lately, I have nothing to wear.
When I’m around the house, I’m okay. I can relax in my yoga pants with oversized tees or “indecent” camisoles.
But when I have to leave the house, I stand in my closet and hem & haw over my choices. Some of my pre-pregnancy jeans and pants fit now, but I have to squeeeeeeze into them (and who wants to be squeezed…?). Usually, I opt for one of the two pairs of jeans that I have that fit comfortably.
My tops fit, but they’re not exactly nursing friendly, so that’s where I usually get “stuck.”
Thank goodness for companies that design clothing that is friendly for nursing mothers…whether they intend to or not.
Today I’m pleased to introduce you to one such company…Peek-a-boo.
The Peek-a-boo nursing collection “enables the mother to breastfeed without exposing herself, keeping mother-baby eye contact while still looking stylish.” The collection currently includes 13 items: 9 tops, 3 dresses, and 1 pair of pants.
The pieces are “simple” and stylish in solid coloring and soft fabrics. The items are refreshingly pattern-free and quite “neutral,” which is a positive trait for new moms who probably don’t want to draw unnecessary attention to their postpartum bodies.
I received the lacy top (pictured right) for review and I appreciate the feminine detailing, the dark colors, and the “functionality” (I can nurse my baby…no problem!). That said, I think the top would be better suited for smaller-breasted woman (A-C cup). I am a modest woman and the top is just low-cut enough for me to feel uncomfortable about wearing it around town.
That said, I think peek-a-boo is “on to something.” I like their pieces and their philosophy.
Here’s what I’d like to see them design next:
- Deep V-neck tops : As in really *deep* V-necks. So deep that I could wear a nursing camisole underneath and just pull the boob out without lifting my shirt. I’m thinking a 3/4 length sleeve would be quite flattering, but short-sleeve or long-sleeve options could be offered as well.
- Button-up tops : One of the best options for a nursing mama is a button-up top with a camisole underneath. But I’d like to see a nursing company design fashionable button-up shirts with the new mama in mind. That translates into: (a) a little more “room” around the tummy, (b) styles that compliment larger-breasted women, and (c) figure flattering colors/patterns (black, dark jewel tones, vertical stripes, etc.).
- Zip-up tops : I wonder why I’ve never seen a nursing top with a zipper down the front. It seems like that could be stylish…and easy…don’t you think?
- Slouchy tops : Sometimes a mama just wants to wear a slouchy tee that can be pulled up easily. I’d like to see “baggy” tops & tees that are WAY more fashionable than just buying a t-shirt one or two sizes too big. Maybe something along the lines of what Anthropologie offers.
- Nursing Camisoles with higher necklines : I LOVE the idea of nursing camisoles, but somebody’s gotta design one for well-endowed women. The ones that I own are nice, but the amount of skin that is revealed is beyond my comfort zone. Cleavage is a good thing in the bedroom…not so much at the park with my kids.
- More nursing dresses : I applaud peek-a-boo for offering three dresses. That’s a fantastic start – especially considering that their current collection only has a total of 13 pieces. I’d like to see even more dresses that are nursing-friendly. I will be nursing for awhile and it would be nice to wear a dress from time-to-time…
I’ll eagerly look forward to the day when more companies design clothes with nursing mamas in mind. Until then, I’ll have to be creative with my wardrobe. Either that or I could just wear this t-shirt:
YOUR TURN: If you are a nursing mom, what kind of tops do you wear most often? What would you like to see nursing companies design next?
WIN IT! One winner will receive her choice of ANY one item from the Peek-a-boo collection {contingent upon availability}. To enter, look through the peek-a-boo collection and leave a comment on this post stating what item you would choose prior to Wednesday, May 6 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.). ***This contest is open to readers from all over the world.***
*UPDATE* The winner is #70 Jennifer Jozwiak. Congratulations!
FOR ANY MAMA: Carole Hochman
April 27, 2009 By 196 Comments
I haven’t bought myself a pair of pajamas in years.
It’s not that I don’t like pajamas. I do. I love slouchy pajama pants, satiny PJ shorts, shirt dress nightgowns, baby soft robes, and stretchy sleeveless tops.
But that kind of purchase seems like a “luxury” in my book. So I spend our money on milk and laundry detergent and toddler underwear…and I wear my pajamas from 1999 (ha! I’m exaggerating… sort of).
All that to say…most moms will appreciate a new pair of PJs or a new robe for Mother’s Day. And one good thing about buying sleepwear is that you don’t have to know exact sizes. Usually your best “guess” will turn out just fine.
If you decide to shop for sleepwear, take a peek at Carole Hochman‘s collection:
The pieces are “simply pretty.” Carole’s favorite color is white and you can tell in her designs. Most of the items look fresh and “clean” in white-based or pastel colors…perfect for spring.
SHOP @ Carole Hochman: Receive 20% off your order by entering promo code mmama20 (expires 5/30/2009). Be sure to shop before May 8th to ensure delivery on Mother’s Day. Free gift wrapping is included with all orders.
YOUR TURN: What “style” of pajamas do you like best?
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Floating Violets Robe (on sale for $43.20) by Carole Hochman. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, May 5 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
*UPDATE* The winner is #121 Gloria Dornin. Congratulations!
FOR THE BRAND NEW MAMA: Majamas
April 27, 2009 By 5 Comments
When I was pregnant with my first baby, I remember being a bit bewildered by all of the hospital packing lists out there. I wondered what to pack in my hospital bag…and I especially wondered what to bring as a “coming home outfit.”
Now that I have had two babies, I know what to look for. Here are the top three “criteria” you want for your outfit:
- Elastic Waistband - Put down those jeans. Yes, and that skirt with the zipper in the back too. Zippers and buttons are not a new mama’s friend. Elastic is “where it’s at” (I got two turntables and a microphone!).
- Easy Nursing Access – The last thing that you want when you’re learning to breastfeed is a shirt with lots of buttons to unsnap and hooks to undo. You want something stretchy and supple – easy to move “out of the way” as soon as baby starts rooting.
- “Roomy” Tummy – Anything clingy and tight will only make you feel fat. You want to give yourself a little grace…and a lot of room. Your abs will eventually return, I promise…but, for now, they’re on vacation.
So when you go shopping, look for those three things.
If you don’t really want to “shop around,” then you’re in luck. I actually think I found the PERFECT “coming home” outfit.
TA-DA! Allow me to introduce you to the MJ Pajama set from Majamas.
These pajamas are ultra-comfortable. The material is satiny and soft, yet also warm. These PJs (or should I say MJs?) are easy to take on and off. They’re non-clingy, non-”tuggy,” and non-”pinchy”…yet they also are flattering too. They aren’t so baggy that they look frumpy, yet they’re not so tight that they accentuate those post-baby bulges. And when it comes to nursing access, these pajamas can’t be beat.
If you want to give a gift to a brand new mama or a mama-to-be that will stand out, skip the standard baby onesie and bib set. Buy a pair of Majamas instead. It’s an item that many women won’t “splurge” on for themselves, but one that they will truly appreciate. This is a gift that “keeps on giving.” I have a feeling that I’ll be wearing my MJs long beyond the first year of babyhood.
Review: Preggie Pops
April 27, 2009 By 30 Comments
I got really sick during the first trimester of my first pregnancy. And I mean *really* sick. Like throwing-up-seven-times-a-day-and-losing-weight sick.
When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, I had a stash of Preggie Pops (“naturally flavored and specially formulated lollipops for pregnant women” that are designed to ease morning sickness) ready and waiting. Unfortunately, I never had an opportunity to try them out. I started throwing up in July on the plane ride on my way home from BlogHer and basically never stopped until September. True Story.
I didn’t think it was possible, but I was even sicker with my second pregnancy than my first. As in I-didn’t-leave-my-house-for-over-3-months-and-was-too-sick-to-even-try-morning-sickness-remedies sick.
Since I didn’t get an opportunity to try them, I thought I’d let my readers speak for the product. Here are a few of the comments that I received on my original post featuring Preggie Pops in November 2007:
“I highly recommend the Preggie Pop Drops to pregnant women. I tried both the pops and the drops, but I liked the flavor of the drops better (the lavender- and ginger-flavored pops kind of freaked me out; I’ve got to admit I never tried them). I used them throughout my whole first pregnancy!” – Miss Erica
“I lived off Preggie pops when I was pregnant as I threw up every day until 6 months. Those pops are amazing for soothing the sickness, at least momentarily.” – Mom of a munchkin
“Oh yes, preggie drops *saved* me during my first pregnancy. I had them everywhere–in my bathroom, next to my bed, in my car glove compartment, in my drawer at work…” – Anonymous
There you have it. From the mouths of moms.
Preggie Pops are available as either “drops” or “pops.” They retail for $3.95-$5.50 per container and are sold online and at a variety of baby boutiques & maternity shops.
Choose between:
- Herbal (Peppermint, Ginger, Lavendar)
- Natural Green Apple
- Sour Fruit (Sour Raspberry, Lemon, Green Apple, Tangerine)
- Mint (Peppermint, Spearmint), or
- Variety
- Organic
WIN IT! One winner will receive a Preggie Pops prize pack that includes 1 Preggie Pops box, 1 Preggie Pop Drops container, and 1 Organic Preggie Pop Drops box. To enter, leave any topic-related comment on this post prior to Tuesday, May 5 at midnight (Don’t forget to follow the rules…all generic comments like “Enter me!,” “Love it,” and “Cool stuff!” will be disqualified.).
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P.S. Are you currently experiencing morning sickness? You may want to read my previous articles:
Morning Sickness Remedies (11-3-2007)
More Tips for Combatting Morning Sickness (11-6-2007)
How to Help A Friend Who Has Morning Sickness (2-26-2009)
*UPDATE* The winner is #17 Israel Y. Congratulations!
My Favorite Commenters…And Why You Should Comment Too {HINT: free ice cream}
I currently subscribe to over 70 blogs (31 of which are my “Favorites“) and I stop in at quite a few others as well…and I am consistently amazed at the talented writers that exist throughout the blogosphere. As I read, I laugh. I cry. I sigh. I smile. AND THEN I COMMENT. Or at least I try to.
Comments make the blogosphere go round. They are the way you join the community – the way you catch up with old friends and make new friends, the way to totally make a blogger’s day.
It may seem like a small thing. A little drop in the bucket. To leave your little “hello” or “I think your daughter is so cute in those cowboy boots” or “I agree that dark chocolate is superior to milk chocolate” or “My 2-year-old is grumpy in the mornings too.”
Today, I’m happy to “surprise” 4 of my readers with a small token of my gratitude. So many of you leave incredible comments and I’ll be highlighting more of you in the future. But for now, I’ll stick to 4 (because money doesn’t grow on trees around here…otherwise, I’d be outside with a basket on my hip, “harvesting” the crops…).
These four women are loyal commenters that I can always count on to leave insightful, funny, frequent comments:
Miss Erica {blogless…but not for long if I have anything to do with it} – She’s funny. She’s pretty. She has two little girls. She lives in my neighborhood. And she REALLY needs to start a blog.
Nell {Casual Friday Everyday} – Oh, Nell. Sweet, Thoughtful, Fun-To-Be-Around Nell. If you don’t know her, you should. One day we’ll meet in real life and go to dinner and laugh our heads off together. I just know it.
Blessed {A Blessed Crazy Life} – She’s a positive lady with diverse interests (hunting, scrapbooking, cooking, hiking, etc.), a 2-year-old little girl, and a baby on the way. And I am *blessed* to know her.
Sarah T. {She has a personal blog, but I won’t link to it here because I’m not sure she’s looking to promote it} - She’s the warmest person with a heart of gold and three adorable little boys. She lives in the mountains and she is a home birthing, breastfeeding, babywearing mama.
These 4 women will each receive their choice of a $5 gift card to either Dairy Queen or Baskin Robbins. I wish I could give them a vacation getaway to Honolulu or a $5,000 clothing shopping spree, but – for now – ice cream will have to do. Ladies, leave a comment with your “pick” between the two ice cream shops and I’ll get in touch with you!
I’ll continue to surprise other active commenters in the coming months with prizes – both large and small. So please do comment. Say something important or sentimental or creative or ordinary. Or just say something. Please?
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P.S. Are you unsure about what to say when you comment? Are you afraid you’ll sound silly or bland? Read my guest column over @ Musings of a Housewife: How to Write Blog Comments That Will Get You Noticed.
NOTES: