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Newborn Christmas Photography Ideas and Tips

December 9, 2014 by Momstart 1 Comment

If you or your partner has not long given birth then this Christmas is going to be absolutely magical (and probably quite sleepless). Everyone is going to want to come and visit, or insist you go round and visit them, and you’re going to want a lot of photographs.

With that in mind, here are some photography tips and ideas for you and your newborn, and if you get a camera for Christmas, then even better!

Get the whole family involved

Everyone is going to want a piece of the new baby action, so you might want to think about getting everyone involved in your photos. You may now even have a few generations of your family, so having them all present at the same time will make some fantastic photos. You might need to draw up a rota, however, as everyone will want a hold!

Create a photobook

If you’re celebrating you’re little one’s first Christmas then it might be an idea to make a photobook all about it. You can fill it with all sorts of pictures from their first Christmas, including their first present, first Christmas dinner, first nap in front of the film when they’ve eaten far too much – that kind of thing! Companies such as Photobox are pretty good at this kind of thing.

Go professional

If you really want something to cherish forever then having professional photographs done could be the way to go, plus it also means that one of you want have to take the photos! A company such as Venture will spend a while with you getting the photos right and the results are pretty impressive. You can also get maternity photography at Venture too in case you’re not quite ready to drop and fancy doing a nice before and after comparison. Again, you can get the whole family in on the photos too.

Dressing your little one up

Dressing your baby up in Christmas attire is one of the rights you have as parents if you have a baby around Christmas. Santa, reindeer, Christmas puddings – it’s all fair game! You do have to be careful, however, as you need to make sure the clothing offers them all the warmth they need. This reindeer onesie is absolutely perfect!

Consider their nap and feeding times

You’re going to want your newborn at their best for the photos so take things like their nap and feeding times into consideration. For example, if you aim to take the photos right over the time they’re due to be fed then they could get very grouchy. If you want pictures of them feeding, though, then again this should be taken into account and plan accordingly.

Have You Given up on Your New Year’s Resolution?

January 31, 2014 by Beeb 4 Comments

I attended the Kenmore Blogger Summit last year.

It’s the last day of January, and predictably, many people have long since written off their New Year’s Resolutions – according to a new survey by Harris Interactive on behalf of Sears, 53% of Americans have already given up the ghost on their resolution. To help keep you motivated, Kmart and Sears have teamed up with frugal expert Andrea Woroch for some fast tips for staying on track with common goals, along with some product recommendations from the ShopYourWay “Resolve to Redeem” New Year’s Sale:

Eating Better: To save time, Andrea recommends picking one night per week to chop up healthy vegetables and fruit in advance so it’s ready-to-go through the week, thus reducing temptation to hit the drive-thru for a quick fix. 35% of those surveyed stated that getting a new kitchen appliance motivates them to cook healthy – if this sounds like you, then you can save $20 on this Hamilton Beach Big Mouth Juicer at Kmart; ShopYourWay Rewards members get an extra $5 off.

Exercise: Working out at home, either by following fitness videos online or using home gym equipment, is one way to stay on track. Try DailyHiit.com for free workout videos – or if you fall into the 38% surveyed who said that a new treadmill would motivate them to exercise more, use your ShopYourWay Rewards points to save on a new NordicTrack T6.1 Treadmill.

Togetherness: With Valentine’s Day coming up, it’s a great time to get on that resolution for keeping date night going! Andrea suggests looking at afternoon movie matinees or restaurant happy hours as an inexpensive but fun way to get out of the house.

For more tips from Andrea on how to keep New Year’s momentum going, click here! For more product suggestions, visit ShopYourWay Rewards’ “Resolve to Redeem” page for more 2014 deals.

Game Day…Super Bowl…Football Party, Whatever You Call It We have Party Tips #HormelFamily

January 23, 2014 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Hormel Foods has partnered with football and entertaining expert Leigh Anne Tuohy (the inspiration behind the hit film The Blind Side) to share her top entertaining tips and create recipes for a few game-day favorites, and tips. I’m interviewing her later this week and will include some of her recipes with that. Bur for now I wanted to share her tips on how to have a successful game day. (I received samples)

With such a passion for pigskin, she’s develop quite a few entertaining tips for hosting football-related gatherings, and wanted to share her best advice with you as you prepare to celebrate in a few weeks. Here are her top five:

1. Always smile. Don’t let you guests know you are stressed – bring a smile and remember it’s not what you do for someone, it’s what they think you do for them!

2. Delegate! People are always asking how they can help, so give everyone something to do. Even if it is something as simple as pouring the wine or putting napkins on the table, it’s one less thing for you to worry about.

3. Tailgating means potluck in the south. Let everyone brings something – but have some guidelines. (Maybe have a theme to your party.) It gives people the opportunity to be creative and it lightens the load on you!

4. Don’t sweat the small stuff. My mother always taught me if you have friends, great lighting, and good music then you have a party. Use old Christmas tree lights for lighting, plug in your IPhone for instant music, and use cut flowers from your backyard for decoration. You will be amazed how pretty it looks and how simple it can be.

5. Plan ahead. Do what you can the night before. Have everything in containers and ready to go – you may not always have much time to prepare before a game, and you want to enjoy as much time as you can with friends and family!

Stay tuned for more tips and recipes from her!

Back to School Healthy Lunch Tips

August 8, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Back to School Healthy Lunch Tips

Guest post from Sprout Food

It’s difficult to believe that it’s almost time to send our little ones back to school. This year, fix healthier lunches by stocking up on foods that you and your child will love. Try new packaged snacks like Smash Smoothies from Sprout Organic Foods as a nutritious and delicious option for lunch or after-school. Cute superhero packaging is fun for kids while parents can rest assured that their children are getting proper nutrition from the wholesome organic ingredients like veggies, fruits, coconut milk, quinoa and Greek yogurt. They come in a handy squeeze pouch with a re-sealable top too. Here are some other suggestions when packing lunches this year:

1. Make a low shelf or a basket that has all healthy options and let you child pack their own lunch. By allowing them to make decisions, toddlers and children feel like they are in control of their eating and won’t feel forced to eat what they don’t like.

2. Plan ahead by having your child try all of the foods before putting them in their lunch bag. There’s nothing worse than having a full lunchbox go to school and a full, uneaten lunchbox come home. If your child tries everything ahead of time, they’ll be likely to eat their meal.

3. Eat the rainbow by providing a wide variety of colorful foods. Chances are if the lunch bag has all white and neutral foods, there are too many carbohydrates and not enough balance.

4. Make clear definitions about dessert. Perhaps specify one or two days a week for a sweet treat to keep them special.

5. Write a short note to your child reminding them that they are so special and loved.

About Sprout Foods

Sprout Baby Food’s mission is simple: provide children, and the parents who feed them, with fresh and delicious whole foods that encourage happy and healthy eating. Founded in 2009, the entire product line is organic and features dishes and recipes created by renowned chef Tyler Florence, a 15-year Food Network veteran, author and father of three and one of Sprout Food’s founders. Using unique cooking methods and seasoning the recipes with gentle, beneficial herbs and spices, Sprout Foods has created tasty, unique, nutritious combinations that children – and their parents – love.

For more information, and to see the complete Sprout Food product line, please visit: http://www.sproutorganicfoods.com.

4 Creative Ideas for Parents in Need of a Romantic Evening

April 3, 2013 by Momstart Leave a Comment

Get a Babysitter Tonight: 4 Creative Ideas for a Romantic Evening

Husbands love to hear the incredibly sexy phrase, "I got a babysitter." It means that you are going out for the night, and planning to sit at the big kids’ table for a change. Here are a few steamy, creative ideas for couples that need a break from sticky hands and Cheerio necklaces.

Get a Hotel Room (With Two Beds)

Image via Flickr by Espensorvik

Once you have children, not everything is related to sex. Most couples just want to be home alone for a change. However, when you have kids that are too young for sleepovers, the only choice is to leave them with a sitter and get a room.

A hotel room is perfect for a couple that wants to cuddle in bed and watch R-rated movies like The Green Mile after years of waiting patiently. Whether you spend the night or not, getting a hotel room for quiet privacy is romantic and peaceful. It will make you both feel like you did before children, again: carefree and calm. Sometimes the most romantic thing of all is getting to sleep in separate beds, together.

Go Out Alone

By planning ladies’ night and a man-date for the same evening, you and your partner can each have a great time and miss one another a bit. Enjoy a bit of rowdy chaos with your friends, and when you return home your partner will seem all-the-sexier.

Choosing to invest in separate hobbies or friends can be a great thing for a couple. It can make you seem more interesting to one another, and give you something to talk about. Don’t be surprised if there are fireworks after the sitter leaves that evening: getting time alone can be quite an aphrodisiac!

Rent a Fantastic, Sexy Car for an Occasion

If your husband has always dreamed of a Porsche but your budget calls for a minivan and Spaghetti-Os, then you can always rent his dream car for an anniversary or Valentine’s Day. He will love driving it fast up winding canyons to make out point, and seeing your hair flowing in the wind from his periphery.

When you arrive at a quiet, hidden cove surprise him with a sexy Valentine gift or birthday present. Something sweet and unexpected like a Porsche key chain or watch engraved with "You are worth 100 Porsches" will set the memory in stone. Make sure you snap a few photographs of him in his dream car, too: print one out and write a promise on the back to buy him a Porsche when you win the lottery.

Set Your Alarm & Leave Early

Image via Flickr by Betchaboy

Evening dates are traditional and romantic, but sunrise dates can be much more exciting. Set your alarm for the early morning and have a sitter prepared to wake up the kids. Head out to the beach or a mountainous overlook for sunrise with a picnic basket and blankets.

You and your loved one will experience the serene bliss of sunrise without crying kids and spilled milk. Nothing is more special than a moment that reminds you why you got together in the first place.

Creative, romantic ideas show your loved one that you care and are trying. By surprising him or her with special moments you can keep the mystery and romance both alive and kicking.

Keep The Germs Off Your Cell Phone: Flu Tips From AT&T and Medical Apps

January 22, 2013 by Momstart 1 Comment

Nowadays, people take their phones with them everywhere they go, from the gym to the bathroom and then to the dinner table and even to bed. Throughout your day, you inevitably shake hands, touch doorknobs and staircase railings – and then you touch your phone and put it against your face. With flu season in full swing, it’s crucial that we keep our phones germ-free. The flu has been spreading fast across the country this year, with more than half of states reporting widespread activity. In fact, this year’s flu outbreak is one of the worst in a decade, says the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

I’ve had the flu twice already this year and it’s a nasty one. So take steps to keep yourself healthy, here are a few tips from Dr. Geeta Nayyar, AT&T’s Chief Medical Information Officer.

1. Consider getting a flu shot. If you are sick and experiencing flu symptoms, do not share your phone and stay home to avoid infecting others. Keep your germs to yourself.

2. Avoid sick people. If you share your phone with friends or family be careful, you may be sharing more than just your phone, you may be spreading a virus!

3. Wash your hands frequently. Sing a verse from a familiar song (e.g., “Happy Birthday”) while lathering and rinsing. Don’t rush. If soap and water are not available to wash hands then use disinfectant like hand sanitizer.

4. Wash your phone! If you think it has been contaminated, disinfect your phone. Follow your phone manufacturer’s instructions on how to clean your device properly. (Remember that washing your hands and then touching a dirty phone or keypad is self-limiting).

5. Try using a Bluetooth device or other hands-free headset, minimizing your keypad-to-face exposure

6. Don’t – please don’t – use your phone in a restroom. Some things can wait!

Find more information about the flu at the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Medical APPS and Flu Tracking Apps

FYI – CDC Challenge Winners

Fight the Flu app

HealthMap: Outbreaks Near Me

CDC Influenza

AT&T sent me these tips and information to share with you.

Plan Your Christmas Decorating Now For A Stress-Free Holiday

November 6, 2012 by Momstart 15 Comments

Guest Post

Plan Your Christmas Decorating Now For A Stress-Free Holiday

The Guest Poster has requested that this article be taken down. So I have this post to share with you instead!

Just go Home Made:

More green ideas from Summer, Today it’s about getting in the kitchen and making something fun and useful with your kids.

Get the kids involved and make outdoor tree ornaments. During the winter months when our little woodland neighbors have a harder time finding food use a non-coated, pure cotton thread which is biodegradable but can be used by the birds in nests once the food has all been eaten. Thread popcorn, fresh or dried fruit, citrus peel, and nuts or seeds. Choose foods containing no sugars and no additives.

Another form of bird feeder can be made by taking an apple core spread in nut butter or shortening and rolled in bird seed. If you live in an area with sturdy, woody pine cones you can use that instead of an apple core.

My son helping me make string ornaments

Strings made by me and my son

Pinecone made by my son at preschool

I love these ideas, in fact, Zoe was able to make a bird feeder at a recent party she attended. One of the party activities was to make bird feeders. They had pine cones, and covered them with peanut butter. Than they tossed them in a paper bag along with birdseed and then they had bird feeders. I was surprised at how little of a mess it made. I expected there to be peanut butter and bird seed everywhere, but there wasn’t!

Thank you Summer for the great idea!

PBS Kids: Resources to Teach Kids About The Election

November 3, 2012 by Momstart 22 Comments

To help get kids informed and excited about the election, PBS has a slew of offerings for home and classroom:

· The Democracy Project:

PBS KIDS has redesigned The Democracy Project, a free interactive mobile and online community, to provide fun, interactive election-themed activities for early-elementary age kids (ages 6-9) to learn about the candidates and the election process, online, offline and on tablets. The Democracy Project includes campaign posters, presidential trade cards and more:

· Election 2012 Collection:

PBS LearningMedia, a *FREE* online media-on-demand service for K-12 teachers, has launched the Election 2012 Collection, an online resource featuring an Elections 2012 newscast, which includes highlights from the campaign trail, as well as a multimedia glossary, an interactive digital game called “Road Trip to the White House,” and lesson plans geared towards high school students and teachers.

· On-Air: DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD Election-themed Episodes:

PBS KIDS’ newest series, DANIEL TIGER’S NEIGHBORHOOD, will have special election-themed episodes to help expose kids to the voting process. Parents can check local listings for air-times:

“The Class Votes”

At school, Daniel and his classmates get to choose their new class pet! Teacher Harriet explains that they can either get a bunny or a turtle. The kids learn what it means to ‘vote’ and that sometimes it doesn’t always turn out your way. Luckily, ALL of the kids find something to love about their new pet, ‘Snowball’!

“The Neighborhood Votes”

The Tiger family is going to Clock Factory Park today to hear a big announcement from King Friday. Daniel has to make several choices throughout the day, culminating in one BIG group decision: King Friday announces that the kids can choose one new piece of playground equipment and everyone gets to speak up for what they want by voting!

Home Depot Fire Safety Month – Three Tips From the Local Fire Department

October 26, 2012 by Momstart 11 Comments

Home Depot Fire Safety Month – Three Tips From the Local Fire Department

By: Ashley

Did you know that at most fire stations, you can just stop by if you want to say hi? For some reason, I thought fire stations were kind of off limits places, but it’s actually just the opposite. The people at our local station were incredibly friendly and welcomed Atticus and I on into their home away from home. Our fire fighters work hard to stay well trained, in shape, and ready to help at a moment’s notice.

The guys at the station let Atticus check out ALL of the trucks. Along the way, we learned a few lessons. First of all, some of the fire fighters keep their gear beside the truck and ready to go. This way, when the alarm sounds, they can literally jump into their gear and into the truck to respond as quickly as possible.

Once in the truck, some seats are equipped with oxygen tanks. These tanks can be strapped on while in route to a house fire or any situation where fresh air is in short supply.

It’s good to know that the fire fighters at our local fire department are ready, but what’s even better is knowing how to keep your family safe. Here are 3 tips that my local fire department shared with me.

– Check you smoke detectors every six months.

Everyone hears this, but it is so important to follow through. Smoke detectors should be tested and the batteries should be checked every six months.

– Keep things clean and clear.

Have your vents cleaned once a year, especially before you turn on your heat when it starts to get cold. Don’t forget to have your dryer vent cleaned out, too. Keep the area around space heaters and baseboard heaters clear of furniture, fabric, paper… clear of anything!

– Make a plan.

It’s important to make a plan just n case there’s a fire. Everyone in your family should know how to get out of the house safely. You also need to make sure you have a set meeting place where everyone should go once they are safely out of the house.

About Ashley (Managing Editor at MomStart): Ashley is a mom, wife, sister, daughter, friend, and former teacher working to navigate through the mysterious world of Mommyia. Read more about her adventures at Momicles and follow her @Momicles2010

The Home Depot partnered with bloggers such as me to help promote Fire Safety Awareness Month. As part of this promotion, I received compensation for my time. They did not tell me what to purchase or what to say about the products used. The Home Depot believes that consumers and bloggers are free to form their own opinions and share them in their own words. The Home Depot’s policies align with WOMMA Ethics Code, FTC guidelines and social media engagement recommendations.

Tips On Having The Perfectly Happy Halloween

October 16, 2012 by Momstart 28 Comments

In our house Halloween begins with Pumpkins and my husband let the kids pick out our house decorations this year. I’m quite impressed with how they exceeded at picking out vibrant fall colors with their choices and of course the most adorable little pumpkins. My son calls the striped pumpkin a popcorn pumpkin and he was very proud that he picked it out. We begin with pumpkins but we end with a family perfect happy Halloween chocolate included. I love a good frozen HERSHEY’s Peanut Butter Pumpkin shaped Cup.

Here are my tips on how to have the perfect Halloween:

Get the whole family involved:

We let the kids pick out the decorations, the candy and their own costumes. I try very hard to convince them to wear something they already have. I’m really big on imaginative play so they have quite a few costumes.

We also work very hard at making some fun holiday crafts. The kids can cut out leave in different fall colors and use them as decorations all over the house. We have some in the house that are almost three years old. Plus last year we made our own jack-o-lanterns out of glass jars and paint

Decorate in Fall Colors

By using fall colors to decorate for Halloween you can roll right into Thanksgiving with ease. You might use more pumpkins at first but then you can easily replace those pumpkins with more gourds and leaves. Natural elements (even fake natural) brings life into the house.

Give the house a nice deep scent:

Through either candles or cooking, you can make the house have a fall harvest scent, or like a freshly baked pumpkin pie, which happens to be my husband’s favorite flavor of pie and I try to make at least six pies a year.

We also love to sit at dinner time with a candle burning. It’s become a family tradition and I’m on the lookout for a nice fun Halloween flavor. Currently we’re using the Pumpkin Caramel Latte candle and it’s doing the job. My next one will smell more like grape candy, I bet the kids would love that.

Just Get Creative

Having the perfect Halloween is just doing what your family will find fun in the spirit of Halloween. I love dressing up and so do my kid so we do that. I love to bake and so do the kids so we do that. The kids love crafts so we do them. We love candles and decorations. Just do as much or as little as you want and you’ll have a good time as long as you’re doing it together.

You too can celebrate with Hersheys.com

Enter to Win:

Halloween HERSHEY’S Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling me about your favorite Halloween and what made it so special.

I am participating in the HERSHEY’S BOO BLVD. campaign via Mom Bloggers Club. This post was sponsored by HERSHEY’S. All opinions expressed are 100% mine.

This giveaway ends October 31st. Please see the giveaway rules.