Mon Jun 02, 2008
Book Find: The Handbook New Moms Have Been Waiting For
Category:
Books
What: The Rookie Mom’s Handbook
Why: I remember the first few months with my son being a mixture of several emotions. My new mom glee was tempered with fear (what the heck am I doing?), crisis management (what just came out of that diaper?) and sometimes boredom (
now what?). My friends with older children—even months older—weren’t much help. Once their child had achieved a milestone, it seemed like they forgot what it was like to be there. I recall wishing aloud that there was some sort of guidebook to help with each stage as it happened.
The
Rookie Mom’s Handbook is the book I was yearning for. Written by two friends who experienced new motherhood together, this book was borne from the same insecurities, boredom, and downright confusion that every new mom experiences. Whitney Moss and Heather Gibbs Flett have pulled together more than 250 activities organized by month that will help keep you busy, stimulated, and at least
looking like you know what you’re doing. There’s the practical (how to make a swaddling blanket), the silly (host an ugly baby clothes contest), the thrifty (finangle a free portrait) and the personal (go to bed early—wink, wink). Whitney and Heather are so disarmingly honest about the struggles and charms of new motherhood, you’ll love diving into this book for advice between midnight feedings.
And if all your kids are out of diapers (and you don’t plan on any more babies), you might want to buy a copy for a baby shower or that new mom pal of yours who might need a pick-me-up. (In case you, too, have forgotten about the perils of late-night feedings and chapped nipples.)
Price: $10.17
Find it: amazon.com
Tue May 27, 2008
Baby Find: Signs of Love
Category:
Books Children How To
What:
Illustrated Signs in a Baby Board Book
Why: Perhaps you’ve known mommies who sign to their babies, or you’ve started it yourself.
More Please
, by ASL signing expert Nancy Cadjan offers an interactive story that teaches basic signs along the way. You and your baby can cuddle up and learn signs for “food,” “milk,” “play,” “hugs” and others. By presenting signs in a story book,
More Please encourages practice in a creative setting. It’s another opportunity to review signs you may be already using in your daily life.
If you’re interested in more extensive signing with your baby, pick up Nancy Cadjan’s easy to use instructional book,
Baby Signing 1-2-3: The Easy-to-Use Illustrated Guide for Every Stage and Every Age
. It flows naturally, starting with first signs and expanding your sign vocabulary as your baby develops. Start signing with your infant at four months and by 10 months she could be signing back to you. Just imagine how you’ll feel when your baby signs “I love you.”
Price: $7 - $10
Find it:
amazon.com
Thu May 08, 2008
Sponsored Post
Jen Singer Tells Us What ‘Good Moms’ Really Want for Mother’s Day: Five of You Will Win Her Book!
Category:
Books Mother's Day
Who: Jen Singer, parenting humorist and author of
You’re a Good Mom (and Your Kids Aren’t So Bad Either)
What Jen Says: Think you know exactly what to give the beleaguered, “mom-aholic” in your life this Mother’s Day? Maybe dinner and a movie or give her a nice bouquet of flowers? Stray away from the “same ‘ol, same ‘ol” and give her something she really wants.
1. Sleep: If sleep is the new sex, then moms probably think of sleep every five minutes. Give Mom homemade coupons for a full night of uninterrupted sleep.
2. Time off for good behavior: In a 24/7 job with no vacation days or sick days, sometimes Mom needs to wander the mall alone. Give her an entire day off, to visit a spa, lunch with friends or see movies that aren’t animated.
3. Recognition: Everybody needs a pat on the back, but moms don’t get a performance review. Give her a holiday bonus: money to spend on just herself along with a homemade certificate of recognition.
4. Her own space: She shares everything from her mini-van to her lunch to her computer with her kids. Make a “Mom Only Zone,” the one spot in the house where kids are not allowed to park their toy cars or share with Mom.
5. A night out, sans kids: You simply can’t have a quiet, romantic dinner at home when someone is shouting your name from the potty. Take her out, alone, to a restaurant that doesn’t provide crayons for coloring on the tablecloth.
Five lucky readers will win a copy of Singer’s book,
You’re a Good Mom (and Your Kids Aren’t So Bad Either)! To be considered, tell us which of Singer’s Mother’s Day gift suggestions you want the most by Saturday, 5/10/08 at 11:59 PM. Five winners will be chosen during a random drawing and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize. One comment per person.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
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on May 08, 08 - 10:00 am |
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Fri Apr 18, 2008
Tell Us: What Do You Think of a Children’s Book About Mommy’s Plastic Surgery?
Category:
Books Hot Topics
If you thought there was a children’s book for everything, well now there is.
My Beautiful Mommy is for little kids ages four to seven, whose moms are thinking about having cosmetic surgery.
According to a story on
Newsweek.com, the book, by Dr.Michael Salzhauer, a plastic surgeon in Florida, tells the story of a mom who takes her tot along to her cosmetic surgery consultation, where they meet Dr. Michael.
Mommy tells the child how her body has stretched and that she doesn’t fit into her clothes anymore, and Dr. Michael is going to help her. The child learns that after the bandages come off, she’ll be the same Mommy, only “prettier.”
With all the plastic surgery and
“Mommy Makeovers” going on, I’m guessing there’s a market for this book. If you’re a mom who’s counting on
“My Beautiful Mommy” to explain where your cushy tummy is going, you can pick up a copy for $19.95 when it comes out...on Mother’s Day.
Tue Apr 01, 2008
Porn for New Moms – This is No April Fool’s Joke
Category:
Books
What: Porn for New Moms
Why: Did we get your attention? Don’t worry. We’re not peddling
porn at MomFinds. But if you’re a new mom, you’ll definitely get turned on by
Porn for New Moms. Picture page after page of hunky guys fulfilling those fantasies of…wait for it…late night feedings and diaper changes, and gourmet meals and cleaning house. Sounds sexy, right? Yeah, Baby! For just $12, you can surprise your exhausted new mom friend and maybe get one for yourself. You won’t even have to hide it under the bed.
Price: $12
Find it: uncommongoods.com
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on Apr 01, 08 - 12:00 pm |
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Kid Find: It’s a Pop-Up Book, It’s a Mask
Category:
Books Children Toys
Fri Mar 07, 2008
Erika Lenkert Shows You How to Look Fabulous When Pregnant – Five of You Will Win Her Book!
Category:
Books Giveaways Maternity
Who: Erika Lenkert, author of the newly released
The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy: Fresh and Practical Advice for Navigating the Next Nine Months
What Erika says: Here’s the thing about pregnancy fashion: While today’s astounding selection means women are no longer relegated to the tent look, the price of a chic wardrobe may make you wish the muumuu was back in style. However, there are ways to look and feel wonderful without blowing Baby’s college fund. If you integrate the following mix-and-match basics into your pregnancy purchases and embellish them with your existing accessories, you’ll waddle through your trimesters in style—and perhaps save enough to justify a few extra well-deserved maternity massages.
A great pair of maternity jeans: When I asked more than 100 mothers to list their absolute must-buy maternity items, denim topped the list, and
GapMaternity
ranked number-one. No surprise there—they’ve got an astounding array of options, the most popular of which is the
Demi Panel Style
.
Cotton underwear: If you wear G-strings or thongs you may not need larger underwear during your pregnancy because those stretchy little hammocks may just fit you even at your fullest. (Although if you develop hemorrhoids, the pain will inspire you to forget about flossing!). Invest in some basic comfy cotton underwear, like these
Old Navy
numbers, which will allow you more breathing room, so to speak. Whatever you do, don’t spend big on undies because the minute you give birth you’ll never want to see them again.
An array of V-neck T-shirts: V-necks create a shape that diverts the pregnant woman from the usual pear look. It also accentuates the positive—your newly super-sized cleavage. Get a couple of clingy selections in a few different colors. Don’t forget to buy one in ever-slimming black, such as this newly discounted splurge purchase from
Pea in the Pod
, which can easily be dressed up or down.
A versatile sweater-wrap or jacket: Pregnant women run hot and cold—literally. Though often you’re more likely to feel the heat of the bun in the oven, there are still plenty of times when you’ll want to snuggle up in something stylish. Yes, this particular
Juicy Couture pick is a major splurge. But on the bright side, you can always hawk it on
eBay
or Craigslist after the fact and probably get around half of your money back.
Chic flip flops: At some point you will give up the desire to slip anything onto your feet other than good ol’ rubber sandals. And why not? There are tons of super-cute styles out there. If you find a pair you love, buy an extra set before you’re too big and lazy to care that your favorite slip-ons have started to smell like a boy’s locker room. When shopping for selections, keep in mind that it’s better for your pregnant body to wear shoes with a little support. Luckily, you can always turn to the pretty practicality of
Havaianas High Heel Lights.
Win a copy of her new book,
The Real Deal Guide to Pregnancy: Fresh and Practical Advice for Navigating the Next Nine Months!
We are giving away copies to five lucky readers. In order to be considered, share with us your favorite mom-to-be fashion tip by Monday, 3/10/08 at 11:59 PM. Five winners will be chosen during a random drawing and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize. One comment per person.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to Jennifer J, Jessica C, Kendra C, Heather N and Michelle R!
Posted by:
on Mar 07, 08 - 12:00 pm |
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Tue Mar 04, 2008
Annabel Karmel Shows You How to Have Fun in the Kitchen: Five of You Will Win Her Book!
Category:
Books Children
Who: Annabel Karmel, author of the newly released
The Toddler Cookbook
, as well as the
Mom and Me Cookbook
and
First Meals
, all available from DK Publishing.
What Annabel Says: When my children were little I was just starting my career, which meant spending a lot of time writing new recipes for my books. From the age of three I involved their helping hands, and I learned from this that sharing in real life activities can be more pleasurable than any toys you could buy! The delight they showed in baking something themselves and offering their cakes to others, beaming with pride, gave me a huge “feel good” factor. Even better, I knew that they were learning many skills that would benefit them later in life. Children learn lots of skills when they are cooking including basic math – weighing, measuring, and understanding time - all without noticing. It’s never too early to start. By the age of 3 children love to mix and stir, roll out dough and cut out shapes using cookie cutters.
Even in today’s hectic world, the busiest of moms can still spend quality time with the kids. The kitchen is a great place to start, especially if you’re already cooking meals for your family there anyway!
Here are few of my favorite products to get you started:
1. A good apron is essential and there is a great range at
Growing Cooks, in a variety of sizes and colors, and they offer custom aprons for something extra-special. They also have high quality, small size utensils (spoon, whisk, spatula, fish slice/turner) at a good price.
2.
Williams-Sonoma’s Rolling Pin Set is a great investment. It’s silicone, non-stick, and comes with a silicone mat. Another great item on their site is the
Learning Tower, which is a safe and secure platform for kids to stand on so that they can reach countertops while they cook. The adjustable height is perfect for growing chefs! Also their cookie and muffin mixes are usually good quality, and I think their pink
Princess Spatula adorable!
3. Decent cookie sheets, muffin tins, and mixing bowls are great assets in the kitchen. I recommend
Bed,Bath & Beyond, as they have a great selection at very reasonable prices.
4. For a great selection of cookie cutters, head to
Off The Beaten Path. They have over 800 affordable, stainless steel options.
5. Fondant can be a real pain to get hold of, but is fun for kids to decorate cakes with, since they can roll, cut and mold it. The
Wilton online store has fondant in many colors, among their many great decorating options.
Win a copy of her new book,
The Toddler Cookbook from MomFinds!
We are giving away copies to five lucky readers. In order to be considered, share with us your favorite kid-friendly kitchen activity by Thursday, 3/6/08 at 11:59 PM. Five winners will be chosen during a random drawing and will be notified via e-mail to receive the prize. One comment per person.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Congrats to Mia B, Kathy P, Staci A, Miranda A and Julianne B!
Posted by:
on Mar 04, 08 - 12:00 pm |
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