Hiking With Your Toddler

Most toddlers do not need much encouragement when it comes to getting them to do outdoor activities. Children are naturally curious and the great outdoors offers up seemingly endless opportunities for exploration. Toddlers are often quite energetic too, and outdoor activities enable them to use their energy in ways that strengthen their minds and bodies. It can be difficult to know which outdoor activities your toddler is ready for at each stage of his development. For example, you may think that it will be a few years before you take to the trails with your one year old. Fortunately, many … Continue reading

A Day at The Spa

What could be more relaxing for a pregnant woman than a day at the spa (or a spa day at home)? You may be wondering what to enjoy and what to skip when it comes to pampering your pregnant body. Here is a guide to baby-friendly treatments. Facial If you’re not satisfied with the pregnancy glow, or lack thereof, a facial can be a relaxing and refreshing treat. If you visit a spa, let them know you are pregnant (if it’s not obvious) and they will adjust their treatments if necessary. If you’re doing your own facial, stick with natural … Continue reading

Sneaky Ways to Remember Your Sunscreen

Memorial Day has passed here in the States, and that means it’s semi-officially summer! Sure, you can count June 21st as the official start of summer if you like, but the pool’s open so it’s summer to me! (Back home at the Jersey shore, Memorial Day is also the official start of the summer tourist season, so that’s another good reason in my book.) In fact, I’m planning to spend a good chunk of the afternoon lounging by the pool with a book. That means it’s time for my annual nagging about wearing sunscreen! I’ll be the first to admit … Continue reading

The 4th of July: Murphy’s Most Dreaded Day of the Year

Don’t let this picture fool you. Murph may be sporting a patriotic bandana, but the 4th of July is not his most favorite day of the year. For some pets the annual trip to the vet is the most dreaded day of the year. Not for poor Murph. Vets are a piece of cake compared to the whistles, bangs, and pops exploding in the sky outside. Nothing phased our first dog, Budly. Not thunderstorms and definitely not fireworks. (But take his beloved tennis ball away and that’d spark a meltdown.) Murph, however, is very different. He’s more sensitive to loud … Continue reading

Why Should You Treat Yourself to a Massage?

We’re counting it down towards the end of the school year and Mother’s Day. For the former, it’s just 2 weeks from today and my daughter graduates kindergarten. For the latter, we have just three days left and if you haven’t already figured out what you’re doing for Mom or for yourself for this Mother’s Day – let me offer you a suggestion: treat yourself or your mom to a massage. Massage A massage may not be for everyone and I’ve known plenty of people who are uncomfortable with the idea of a body massage. There are many types of … Continue reading

The Pregnancy Blog Week in Review for Feb 10- Feb 16

Another week has passed so quickly. Pregnancy is a busy time. The Week In Review is a good way to catch up on your reading. Visit the Pregnancy Blog Archives for hundreds of articles on just about every topic related to this miraculous time of life. Saturday, Feb 10 Let’s Talk About Teenage Pregnancy – Breaking Through Stereotypes discusses the ageism that surrounds teenage pregnancy and young mothers. Let’s Talk About Teenage Pregnancy – Breaking the Big News talks about how to break the news to the father of the baby and your parents for pregnant teens. When you are … Continue reading

Enjoy Your Day at the Spa Safely

A day at the spa is the perfect way to relax and let the stress melt away. Most spa treatments are completely safe during labor. However, there are a few that should be avoided. Here’s how to enjoy your day of pampering without worrying about your unborn baby. Before you arrive for your day at the spa, be sure the staff knows you are pregnant. If possible, tell them when you book your appointment. If the day is a gift, call the spa to let them know that you are pregnant. Be sure to mention any other issues, such as … Continue reading

iPhone Apps for Home Based Professionals

As I eagerly await the as of yet undetermined day later this month when I will finally be getting an iPhone, I keep thinking of all of the things that I will want to do with it. Since I own and operate a couple of small home-based businesses, I decided to check out iPhone apps that are useful for people like me who work from home. Smartphones like the iPhone and Android are fast becoming important business tools for small and home-based businesses not just because of their portability, but because the ever-increasing number of apps for these devices enables … Continue reading

What to Consider When Getting a Rabbit

Every Easter a recurring pet fad rears its floppy ears: the rabbit. Previous pet blogger Aimee Amodio covered many details one needs to consider when getting a rabbit. Today’s blog is instead for those just curious as to whether or not their lifestyles can fit a pet rabbit at this time. I’ll cover the basics of what rabbit care will entail. As always, the first idea to consider is for whom is the rabbit intended? Rabbits live for 5-10 years, depending on their breed and their indoor/outdoor situation. Make sure the rabbit’s intended caretaker can commit to that length of … Continue reading

Hair Care During Pregnancy

The experiences women have with their hair during pregnancy vary widely. Some women have the most beautiful, thickest and easiest to manage hair of their lives during pregnancy. Others aren’t quite so lucky. In general, the hair does get thicker. This is due to pregnancy hormones. However, for some women, thicker does not mean easier to manage. The hair may be frizzy or fly away, rather than sleek and smooth, as you would see in shampoo commercials. This is a frustrating problem for many women. There are a few things you can do to make your hair easier to manage, … Continue reading