CELEB PARENTS: THEY wear infant BJORN infant CARRIERS just like US!

This is the second installment of our BABYBJÖRN-sponsored series, as well as we believed we’d have a bit fun with star parents today. We’ve observed exactly how prominent the BABYBJÖRN front provider is among parents of both genders as well as have collected a lot of pictures here.

source: PacificCoastNews.com

Aww, Beyonce, we’re pleased of you for getting out of the home keeping that bit one so quickly! Did you understand that as soon as your infant is 8 lbs, you can wear him or her in the infant BJORN infant carrier?

As Heidi Klum says, “In fashion, you are either in or you’re out!” as well as in this case, her fourth child, Lou, was IN! Take note of Lou’s arm positions, since this is exactly how it’s done.

source: momfinds.com

How it’s refrained from doing is this:

source: star infant blog

Come on, Jolie-Pitts! You’re not rookies! put those twins arms with the appropriate armholes already.

You’re busted, too, SJP. (Circa 2010)

source: celebritybabies.info

source: star infant blog

Nicely done, Alyson Hannigan. note that the appropriate setting results in the parents capability to lean down as well as kiss the top of the baby’s head with a gentle nod.

photo source: growing your baby

How’s rookie mommy Jillian Michaels doing (above left)? Does she requirement to change her straps to get the infant riding up higher on her chest? secure your back, Jillian!

This publish was sponsored by BABYBJÖRN with whom we have worked to bring you a whole series of great stuff this summer, including providing away lots of of their products (hint: click that sentence to enter).

Find out a lot more about the BABYBJÖRN carriers on their website.

5 ways To health and wellbeing

There’s such an onus on physical health that our mental health often feels like it takes a back foot at times, and wrongly so. With loneliness causing greater health problem than cigarette smoking, it’s crucial we commit to consistently working on feeling content, surrounding ourselves with those we love and pursuing activities that support our wellbeing.

I’ve had an exceptionally hard year personally after losing my beloved Auntie Zak just 4 months after being diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of thyroid cancer and a close relative was also very unwell last year.

I spent 3 weeks last summer feeling depressed: a dark cloud descended just as it had done after my traumatic birth with Oliver, and it frightened me. So much so, I’m only able to write about it now.

Luckily, however, this time, rather than enduring for 10 hideously long months, the depression dissipated after a few weeks.

When I spoke with my therapist at the time, who I immediately reached out (thank you the NHS), he reassured me that these bouts tend to be shorter each time you experience them as you’re better prepared to get rid of the anxiety/depression.

It was an dreadful time for me but I received helped swiftly and although the things below were the last things I wanted to do, I pushed myself to exercise etc and found I felt better quickly.

I hope they help you too.

I’m equally writing this post to remind myself of what has helped me before at a time I’m struggling with despair as we near towards Christmas, Zak’s much-loved time of year.

I still can’t believe she’s not here.

Grief is exceptionally odd and inconsistent. Some days I feel in control of it, it’s never not there but its severity dims slightly, whilst others sees me low and crying non-stop.

I can do nothing but accept the waves as they come, letting them crash over me, being kind to myself where possible.

Today has been a better day. I’ve seen good friends, I’ve laughed a bucket-load, and I even kicked off my day with a run to clear my head. I know well-being is an on-going commitment and it’s something I want to dedicate a lot more time to, so I hope together we can help one another.

If you’re making new Year’s resolutions, please consider investing in your mental health this year. In taking guilt-free time out, to moving your body as much as possible and more.

We all should have to feel content and these 5 ways will hopefully help you.

Be open about how you feel. Suppressing emotions e.g. crying etc. can cause depression and anxiety. It’s healthy for body and mind to let things out: to show emotion, to write about it (this post has helped me), to process how you feel and vitally, not concern vulnerability. We’re all human and prone and need to express how we feel and seek assurance and love from those who care about us. If you’re feeling low, speak out, reach out and cry it out when you feel you need to. Don’t suppress yourself. research shows that emotional tears help flush out negativity. Whenever I’ve held in grief, ‘trying to be strong’, I’ve ended up feeling far worse, suffering from insomnia, and then night terrors once I slept. If you feel you need extra help, please speak to your GP and consider seeing a therapist and trying CBT too, which I found helped me hugely after a hard time with my firstborn.

Exercise. What a gift exercise it. I actually bumped into a heart surgeon the other day (as you do, in whole Foods) who told me that exercise is in fact a lot more crucial than the food we eat. yes eating healthily matters of course it does but don’t forget to  do eat well but don’t forget to get your heart rate up and pump it up every single day if you can. Run, walk, cycle, heck, jump around in your living room with your get your sweat on and regularly, so you release endorphins and help your mind as much as your body. yoga is an emotional life-saver here too, it helps me to zone out and kick back whilst lengthening and strengthening my body to boot.

Love. wrap yourself in life-enhancing, unconditional love. keep those who genuinely care for you, close, the people who want the best for you in life, who are always sincere and true. step away from drama and negativity and stick with those who bring light into your life. I feel so lucky to have so lots of extraordinary women and men in my life, so much so, I literally feel like crying thinking of the people who touch my life every day and offer so much happiness and support. It’s never too late to make new friends either. You should have the best army of mates in life so go get ’em if you don’t feel you have a strong unit already! Carve out real time to wind down and kick back with your mates and loved ones whether it’s a regular date night with your partner or cocktails with the girls, as it’s crucial for both your relationships and your mental health to do so. Also, when I feel down, I often close myself off from others, at a time I need my friends most. I’m learning to push myself to get out when I feel like shutting myself indoors as I know it distracts and also lifts me up.

Do what you love. sounds so basic but it’s genuinely the only way to live. find a occupation that makes your heart sing and try new things or even return to old things you used to love but haven’t got around to doing in ages. I’ve taken my own recommendations recently when it pertains to painting after not picking up a brush in years despite exhibiting my work in what feels like another life time. I spent years self-sabotaging when it pertained to art (that I’d studied film not art at uni so had no ideal to keep painting) and the longer I’d NOT painted, the harder it was to start. I recently got out to see some exhibitions, gotten myself some oils and pastels and just cracked on FOR MYSELF and it felt amazing.  Remember, you don’t have to be good at something to take pleasure in it either. When I was little I used to bake the worst cakes, I’m talking cakes missing crucial ingredients, cakes which wouldn’t rise and looked so floppy, all they deserved was the bin…Yet, I never stopped making them, because it was so enjoyable, plus my brother would eat everything I made declaring the lot a triumph! We need to return back to our child-like selves who were brave and ready to have a go. remind yourself that no one has to see or even eat the end product, so just DO WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY.

Help others. I can’t anxiety enough how getting out of your head and proactively helping other people will help you as much as the recipient. people need to feel valued and loved in this life to be happy, and by supporting those in need, you will feel just that, whilst touching another person’s life. Be thoughtful, be empathetic and kind.

Please know that whatever you are going through, it will pass. That it’s not a weakness to feel overwhelmed, anxious and sad. That once you commit to exercise and speaking to others, and reaching out for support, you will feel strengthened and eventually strong. When I drop the ball (literally) and stop consistently taking time out for myself, exercising and spending quality time with those I love, my mental health suffers. Make yourself a priority because when you’re happy, everyone else is too.

If you need to speak to someone this Christmas or anytime, please call the Samaritans who are open 24/7 on 116 123.

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Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio

My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home and uses insight into how to create a digital service or return to work with confidence.

Mumboss: The sincere Mum’s guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (UK 2nd Edition)

Available on Amazon or Audible

The working Mom: Your guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (US/Canada Edition)

Available September 8th 2020. buy now on Amazon

Like what you’ve read? then why not follow Vicki on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram

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AMAZON mommy DOESN’T know MY spouse

I love Amazon, and so does my husband. He is all about efficiency and setting things up to take care of themselves. We never run out of vitamins, toothpaste, or hair product, thanks to whatever he does on Amazon.

I have a a lot more flexible schedule, so while I’m a lot more likely to pick up toilet paper at a store during the day, Ryan keeps himself stocked in shaving cream by means of the Internet. For comfort sake, when he’s placing an order, he uses his computer science brain to optimize the buy by throwing in stuff we’re going to need eventually, like sunscreen.

Taking care of our family is one of his skillz.

Amazon Mom, a subscription program from Amazon.com, encourages parents to “set it and forget it” when it pertains to diapers. Or does it not encourage parents, but rather moms, due to the name of the service?

Amazon includes this sentence in the description on their website: Amazon mommy is open to anyone, whether you’re a mom, dad, grandparent or caretaker.

So why is it called Amazon Mom?

While Heather and I created this web site for moms, because we were focused on a phase of life that included postpartum healing and breastfeeding, we have another web site for Bay area parents called 510Families.com. We thought long and hard about the name of that site, and because the content focuses on local activities for kids, we did not want to exclude men from the name. Wouldn’t any parent be interested in finding out what family-friendly weekend events are coming up? We think so.

By using discounts and conveniences on diapers and other baby supplies, Amazon is supplying a terrific service to families. No parent wants to run out at 7 am to pick up diapers to leave at their baby’s daycare. for this reason the name Amazon uses in the UK and other countries, Amazon Family, for the same service, is a better choice.

This matters, you guys. We have to break open the assumption that diapers and shopping are women’s issues. even if they are in your house, we have to welcome participation and accountability from parents of both genders. And, dads who stay home, or take on a lot more childcare, diapering, or shopping duties, shouldn’t be made to feel that they are playing mommy when they do those things.

The daddy blogging community has been getting vocal on this issue, asking Amazon to make the change. If you would like to see Amazon change the name, you can sign this petition.

Please note that I am not suggesting a boycott of Amazon, because I have to live here.

Related: Are these daddy stereotypes true, fair, or productive?

GENDER reveal FIREWORKS! how TO celebrate THE new spark IN YOUR LIFE!

gender reveal is no longer a small announcement among family and friends with a text or a Facebook post. No, now it includes a party and an sophisticated reveal scheme. You might be wondering, how sophisticated have these reveals become? Well, we think we have found the peak. gender reveal fireworks are now a {pretty awesome} thing and we’re sharing the news with you just in time to add them to your 4th of July celebration. They’re the best way to reveal the gender of your future little firecracker. just make sure to follow the laws of your city, and keep in mind their policies for legally setting of fireworks.

Gender reveal Fireworks! how to celebrate the new spark in your Life!

Invitation for a gender reveal Firework Show

This 4th of July themed invite

Or this firecracker invite

You can opt for a colorful design

Check out this whole set with a invitations, a banner and cupcake toppers

We love all the gold in these invites

The best invites if you’re having a bbq

Firework Cake Ideas

You’ll probably want a cake that goes along with your party theme. check out all these cute ideas!

A little pin! {Bit Katy Perry Inspired}

Pink or Blue Kaboom

This pretty Cake topper   

A Cake for 4th of July Celebrations

These Toppers are basic Yet Perfect

An Ombré Red, White and Blue creation   

Options for gender reveal Fireworks

Keep in mind that shipping any fireworks will probably come with a large shipping fee, so they can get to you safely. It still might be worth it! just make sure to check out local firework shops to see what they have to offer as well.

Phantom Fireworks

Check out their site here to buy some gender reveal fireworks. They also have smoke and streamers if you’re trying to find some extra excitement. They’re fireworks set off 12 shots and end with an extra bright bang. The colors are really clear, which is incredibly crucial when you’re trying to tell if it’s an announcement of a kid or girl!

American Fireworks

These will set off 25 shots into the sky. check out the video they have on their site and I think you’ll be sold on the idea.

Captain flourish Fireworks

Captain flourish has tons of options for gender reveal fireworks. They have some with a star effect which we think are pretty cool. Take a look at them all on their web site and place an order!

Sparklers

These can be a really fun option and can get a lot more people involved rather than just one person setting off the fireworks. This set comes with 25, so you can genuinely have one for everyone old enough to safely hold one. This is a good place to purchase some blue sparklers at a very affordable price.

For a less intense option, check out some of these smoke bombs too! These or these are both great options.

You might also enjoy

10 awesome gender reveal party Games

10 remarkable gender reveal Cakes [you won’t want to miss!]

The best gender reveal decorations + special reveal Ideas

Pin for later – Gender reveal Fireworks! how to celebrate the new spark in your Life!

WHITEBOARD YOUR BABY’S INNERMOST thoughts

We admired this adorable idea from blogger Jen Johnson on Pinterest.

What a cute way to capture and share baby news.

Keep in mind that her lighting is absolutely perfect and unless you live in a photography studio, yours might be less so. I’m not sure about the painted frame around the whiteboard. looks like the baby is laying on it (ouch?), but I would just move my baby up so his whole body is laying on the board.

Tips:

Keep color scheme of baby’s clothing and pen color simple

Find a glare-free spot in your home or a shady patch outdoors

Use a chalkboard instead like Heather did for these ultra cute pictures. (Um, Honey, can you install a chalkboard on our wall?)

Add the date so you can keep track of milestones, “I busted my swaddle open today!”

Investing in a huge whiteboard or chalkboard will pay off later. They are such fun things to have around the house. My children received a whiteboard (like this one) for Hanukkah and they love using it to draw and play school.

COOK and PLAY

Still having trouble getting dinner on the table? us too! It seems like places like Emeryville’s dinner source are popping up all over the country to fill the need for quick, convenient, healthy meals.

The idea is that we go there and assemble fresh, tasty meals and leave with dozens of future meals. and they do the prep and clean up! Pay a little extra for organic options. sounds too good to be true? Whitney and I went to dinner source and it was practically perfect. I highly recommend as a mom’s group outing or to stock up before the new baby arrives.

Have a look at the meal Assembly Network to find a place near you. They seem to list a bunch of different chains and independent ones too.

5 things Which help ease My anxiety

anxiety can be crippling, and I’ve suffered with it considering that I was a tween. An imaginative, creative soul and empath, the downside to boundless imagination is bouts of often paralysing anxiety.

I was the kid, and now 36 year old, who always has Rescue remedy in her back pocket for peace of mind. I think I always will.

The funny thing is, a lot of people probably assume I’m this super-chilled human being (I hear it a lot) and weirdly, I can be..but suffering from PCOS and acute PMT indicates I do suffer from mostly hormone-induced periods of anxiety and there’s zero shame in that. lots of visibly-confident women suffer from anxiety and depression and it’s time to myth-bust the fact that we’re all living our best lives, calm as can be 24/7. nobody is.

Some periods of anxiety are short-lived of course, others niggle away at me as they have been recently stopping me from being as productive as I’d like.

Dolly got it ideal when she sang about it being hard to be a woman didn’t she?!

Oh, and once childbearing, rearing and monthly periods are out of the way, I’ve got the dreaded menopause to look forward to.  I’d like another baby at some point too maybe but concern the chaos of my body and mind that can come with the fruits of my labour. yes the kids are worth it but it’s still a scary prospect nonetheless.

But that’s a whole other blog post.

For now, I want to share my top 5 Anxiety-Busters which help me feel less anxious and helpless when the wobbles hit.

Please do chat to your GP with your worries of course, I’m not a doctor and can only write from my own experience here using my suggestions. I do hope they help give you some peace of mind when you need it most.

Don’t forget to talk about your worries to someone you depend on as they arise, be kind to yourself and take time out when you need it.

Most of all, know that you are not alone.

What helps me feel less anxious:

Distraction. Oh hey there sweet much-needed ‘keep my mind busy’ distraction when anxiety rises, be it meditation apps like Headspace/ exercise or blogging and vlogging because art will save us all, right?! When I’m stressed, I write, process and digest then write some more, feeling calmer in the process. I typically become so lost in my words and the moment-the act of creativity that my anxiety dissipates and before I even consciously realise it, passion replaces fear. Distract yourself doing what you love.

Rescue remedy is my everything. No, this isn’t sponsored but RR and I go way back, and that blend of Bach flower remedies always stops panic in it’s tracks for me, with a few drops or sprays depending on the bottle. That magic mixture has gotten me through every milestone I can think of from driving tests (I passed 6th time), exams, uni: a BA and MA, lecturing and directing gigs, two weddings to the same man, two births (to the same man)  and pretty much any bad news days I’ve ever experienced. I literally don’t know what I would have done in life without that reassuring tincture in a bottle. I also love a cup of hot chamomile tea with Manuka honey at night to help me sleep.

Yoga. another gift to mellow anxiety and fear, yoga helps to centre me, encouraging me to be present in the moment and relax, as well as functioning as a preventative for anxiety too. You only need to do a few minutes a day to make a difference so put off the excuses and start now (google ‘yoga from your desk’ if you’re incredibly short on time). If you can add some classical music to the mix too such as stretching out to Chopin, then all the better for it! Equally, exercise that gets your heart rate up is crucial for positive mental health. goal to get sweaty 4 times a week using sport as a stress-reliever and endorphin-liberator.

Become immersed in nature. I felt anxious the other day but pushed myself out to meet a pal in the park despite not wanting to leave the house. Trees soothe as the Japanese practise of forest Bathing testify with health benefits spanning lowered heart and blood pressure levels. We recently checked out center Parcs for the first time, and I’ve never felt a lot more kicked back thanks to ‘forest living’.

High strength multi-vitamins also help support my mental health. I was recommended to try Premteese by PMT expert Maryron Stewart who informed me that magnesium is important to hormone function. read her recommendations on overcoming PMT here.

Lavender Oil. A few drops in the bath or on my pillow ease my mind and set me off on a restful slumber, even at the most tough of times.

Bonus content: my pal Sunita from lucky things blog has shared her own comforting ideas on what helps her when she feels anxious so don’t miss her post.

What are your thoughts? I’d love to read about what helps you to chill out when the worries set in?

Photo by Anders Jildén on Unsplash.

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Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio

My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at workand at home and uses insight into how to create a digital service or return to work with confidence.

Mumboss: The sincere Mum’s guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (UK 2nd Edition)

Available on Amazon or Audible

The working Mom: Your guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (US/Canada Edition)

Available September 8th 2020. buy now on Amazon

Like what you’ve read? then why not follow Vicki on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram

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Subscribe to HonestMum for my weekly email newsletter where I share my new blog posts, blogging tips, event invitations, competitions and news about my new book. I never share your personal data with third parties.

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SUPERHERO-IZE YOUR STUFFED animals

Yesterday, my kids opened a drawer in the dining room that was packed with retired bibs. They were sort of thrilled to see the bibs, as if they were old friends. When I realized we don’t use bibs whatsoever anymore, it seemed apparent what their future would be: stuffed animal capes.

Julian had a whole plan about how he was going to entertain younger children by flying these men around attached to a rope. He was not going to let the younger children touch the stuffed animals. (His plan was flawed.)

I was thinking I’d just put a star in the center of the bibs with a Sharpie, but the dictator Julian had a much more particular process in mind. Ultimately, we ended up with a wonder Pets-inspired look. I think a less costume-obsessed child would probably be ok with an unadorned bib.

A family Feast at honest Burgers celebrating Their 10th birthday

Sunday was all about a cheesy-going lavish feast of a family lunch at honest Burgers Windsor where we celebrated the restaurant’s 10 year birthday anniversary and relished every single bite (sorry for all the dad puns!).

Seriously though, for the juiciest burgers, direct from their very own butchers) with vegan and veggie options on the menu, too (the plant based burger gets its close-up below) the crispiest of rosemary salted fries and the tangiest of slaws, you really must make a check out to one of their branches. located opposite Windsor Castle, our local Windsor honest Burgers restaurant is the perfect spot for a long (or speedy) lunch depending on your requirements, or early dinner before taking a stroll on the famous (almost) 3 mile tree-lined long walk by the castle before enjoying an ice cream by the river. Bliss.

Every day feels like a holiday in Windsor and honest Burgers is one of our favourites. Go enjoy a delicious feast and don’t forget to sip on their fresh mint lemonade. It will make your day!

Happy birthday HB, here’s to many more!

Buy my bestselling book in paperback or audio

My debut book is my guide to surviving and thriving at work and at home and offers insight into how to create a digital business or return to work with confidence.

Mumboss: The honest Mum’s guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (UK 2nd Edition)

Available on Amazon or Audible

The working Mom: Your guide to Surviving and Thriving at work and at home (US/Canada Edition)

Available September 8th 2020. order now on Amazon

Like what you’ve read? then why not follow Vicki on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Pinterest and Instagram

Never miss A Post!

Subscribe to HonestMum for my weekly email newsletter where I share my new blog posts, blogging tips, event invitations, competitions and news about my new book. I never share your personal data with third parties.

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TECH TUESDAY: save HASSLE WITH CAN I STREAM.IT

I share this idea in the really hopes that I’m not the last person on earth to discover Canistream.it.

My household has “no cable;” instead we have a hodge-podge of other membership services like Hulu-plus as well as Netflix with a bit Amazon streaming as well as iTunes thrown in for great measure. Consequently, when we choose we want to enjoy a household motion picture (which according to my other fave, CommonSenseMedia, is at the proper maturity level), I have to search around all the locations to discover out if we can screen it for complimentary before comparing the rental terms as well as costs on iTunes as well as Amazon.

And I do this over as well as over as well as over since I am affordable like that. [See also: we have “no cable”]

After a number of months of this protocol, my husband, Alec told me about this site where you can go into a TV show or motion picture title as well as it does all that digging for you. Wow. Mind blown.

Last night, we put it to the test to discover out where we might stream the totally-too-mature-for-Sawyer James as well as the gigantic Peach. Score! It was “free” on Netflix. as well as with hugging in any way the frightening parts, our two-year old liked it.

Wondering when you can enjoy Frozen at house for free? I embedded the results below so you can poke around on the nav buttons as well as see where you can stream it this second as well as for exactly how much. Canistream.it likewise will email you when your favored channel becomes available. I haven’t tried that function yet.

Find Disney Frozen on CanIStream.It>

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Nope. Not sponsored, just a great idea for hectic parents.