Mommy & Me Yoga

Mommy & Me Yoga is a fun way to multi-task while taking care of yourself and bonding with your new baby.  This style of yoga is designed to be safe after childbirth and focuses on the muscles used in labor and delivery, as well as a routine that integrates participation with baby.  This is a wonderful way to rebuild strength in the postpartum body, learn techniques of relaxation (crucial to a new mom), provide a time of self-love and get in shape.  All this while creating a life-long bond of yoga with baby.  It is also wonderful because mother does not have to be separated from the child,  which may cause a great deal of anxiety.  

Mommy & Me Yoga helps to develop a rich communication with your baby through touch, eye contact, stretching, massage and movement. Yoga is great for the healthy development of baby, as well as being very healthy for mommy and it is something that can easily be incorporated in the daily routine ... no matter how busy you are.  

As your baby grows, so will the routine and often the child will grow to love yoga just as much as the mother does.  Yoga is great way to bring a gentle and easy appreciation for exercise and meditation into a child's life.  I have watched videos that truly inspired me online with mom and infant, as well as toddler and daddy too - all practicing the asanas together as a family.  

Whether you join a class or purchase a DVD, Mommy & Me Yoga is fun, practical and designed to support the postpartum body’s recovery in a safe, supportive environment.  Nourishing to the spirit, a new mom is sure to thrive because this style yoga gives a women the space to concentrate on her needs, as well as the needs of the baby, during this time of transition. 

Maternity Clothing Reviews

Cake Lingerie - Blue Berry Torte Feeding Camisole & Blue Berry Torte Lounge Pant

Thyme Maternity  MODERN Dress Pant

Trendy Tummy Maternity Stylish Kate Empire Waist Maternity Cocktail Evening Dress 

Mountain Mama Lassen Hooded Jacket

Bellydance Maternity, NOM Raleigh Dress

Aqua Sphere Isis Nero Avorio Maternity Swimsuit

Cake Lingerie Licorice Twist Flexible Wire Maternity Bra &  Licorice Twist Brief

Mountain Mama San Juan Eco Hoodie

Melinda G Cami Sutra Nursing Cami

Melinda G Glorious™ Contour Tee-Shirt Soft-Cup Nursing Bra

Thyme Maternity  Now & After Short-Sleeve

Thyme Maternity V-Neck Stretch Tee

Review: HollyBeth Organics

HollyBeth has done a great job creating an organic line of body products that are safe, nourishing and smell divine. All products are hand made with love and passion in HollyBeth’s Studio in Atlanta, GA. This USDA Certified organic beauty line makes the perfect gift for yourself or someone you want to impress.   HollyBeth actually makes all her organic products herself.  All of her products are reasonably priced, for such high quality hand made products.  USDA certified for consumption, your pores will soak up the nourishment.  I reviewed 5 products from the HollyBeth's Natural Luxury line.  They are all fabulous ...

HollyBeth Organics Pros

• Each product is hand made
• Proud signer of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics
• Uses simple, easy-to-pronounce natural ingredients
• Certified USDA organic
• Artisan-Crafted from family recipes
• Uses only the highest quality, freshest ingredients available
• Contain 0% water
• Environmentally Sustainable
• Made with 100% organic and natural essential oils (exceptional quality and are therapeutic-grade)
• Chemical-Free
• Gluten-Free
• Certified Cruelty-Free by the Coalition for Consumer Information on Cosmetics’ (CCIC) Leaping Bunny Program
• Made with fair trade ingredients
• Supports non-profits with every purchase
• Affordable

Ingredients of products that I am reviewing 

Citrus Body Cream: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil* , Beeswax*, Citrus Aurantium Bergamia (bergamot essential oil)*, Citrus Aurantifolia (Lime) Oil*, Citrus Aurantium Dulcis (orange oil)*, citrus medica limonum (organic lemon) peel oil*, Litsea Cubeba (organic litsea Oil), Melaleuca Alternifolia (tea tree) Leaf Oil*, Lecithin (lecithin )* * organic  

 Grits & Honey Scrub: Zea Mays (Corn) Kernel Meal*, Honey, Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (organic sweet almond) Oil*, Tocopherol (organic vitamin E). *organic 



 


Organic Cleanser - Chamomile: Cocos Nucifera (coconut) Oil*, Simmondsia Chinensis (jojoba) Seed Oil*, Olea Europaea (olive) Oil*, Aloe (vera) Barbadensis Extract*, Rosmarinus Officinalis (rosemary) Leaf Extract*, Rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary)Oil*, Oenotera Biennis (evening primrose) Oil*, Chamomilla Recutita (matricaria) Flower Oil* *organic 



Rose & Geranium Face Moisturizer: Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis Oil (sweet almond oil)*, Camellia Oleifera (Camellia) Seed Oil, * Simmondsia Chinensis (Jojoba) Seed Oil*, Rosa Mosqueta (Rosehip) Fruit Oil*, Beeswax*, Rhamnoides (Sea Buckthorn) Fruit Oil*, Tocopherol (vitamin E), Pelargonium Graveolens Oil (rose geranium oil)*, Pelargonium Graveolens, Lecithin*. * organic 


 


Orange Peppermint Shea Butter Cream: Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea Butter) Fruit*, Mentha piperita (Chocolate Peppermint) Oil*, Citrus sinensis (Orange) Peel Oil*. *organic

My Experience

HollyBeth Organics - Natural Luxury line is like having a friend of family member who makes products for you ... I like to think of HollyBeth as my auntie who makes these healthy products from her home and sends them to me as a gift.  The quality of HollyBeth is unsurpassed ... it is luxury at its finest.  The Rose & Geranium Face Moisturizer and Grits & Honey Scrub have been must-haves in my house hold every since I used them both last year.  They are two of my all time favorite products.  The HollyBeth Orange-Peppermint Shea Butter smells good enough to eat and moisturzes like magic.  My husband is a big fan of this one.  It has a gritty-sand like consistency, melting into the skin like butter on a warm biscuit.  MMmmm!!!  The Citrus Body Cream is one of my new favorite body creams ... nourishing, rich and ... well citrus!  Did you know that guys are known to love citrus.  Mine sure does!  If you want beautiful, healthy looking and soft skin fast, the HollyBeth shea butter of body cream will do the trick. I was really surprised by the way the Chamomile Foaming Cleanser made my skin look.  This gentle castile-based-cleanser did not strip my skin of moisture, rather removed make-up and oil, giving my skin a nice, fresh, dewy appearance.

Worth twice the price, I highly recommend all the products that I tried!!! For more information, please visit HollyBeth Organics.

Ephemerides Reviews

In astronomy and celestial navigation, an ephemeris gives the positions of astronomical objects in the sky at a given time or times.  Ephemerides (plural for ephemeris) are used in celestial navigation, astronomy and astrology.  An astrologer myself, ephemerides are necessary.  It is a table giving the positions of one or more celestial bodies, often published with supplementary information. Ephemerides were constructed as early as the 4th century bc and are still essential today to the astronomer and navigator.  An ephemeris is a reference book showing precisely when certain celestial phenomena occur making it possible to accurate predict through astrology.  Over the years I have found myself growing to love the collection of ephemerides, and have a growing collection on my personal library shelves ... some a little more dusty than others.  Recently I added three.  Here are my thoughts ...

World Ephemeris for the 20th Century 1900 to 2000 at Noon, by Para Research

This World Ephemeris is computer calculated and typeset with letter-quality printing.  The Sun’s position is accurate to the second of arc; the Moon’s mean Node and nine planetary positions are given to the minute of arc for every day of the 21st Century ... one hundred and one years in all.  Within one volume, this ephemeris gives the longitudes of the Moon, Sun and planets once every twney-four hours.  Precise and trustworthy, I recommend this ephemeris.

The Astrolabe World Ephmeris 2001-2050 at Midnight

The Astrolabe World Ephemeris has Longitudes and Declinations for the Sun, Moon, Planets, Chiron and the Asteroids.  With accuracy and precision of data, it is easy to read and use.  I am especially fond of the preface ... with lots of helpful information.  Recommended!

The Astrolabe World Ephmeris 2001-2050 at Noon

The Astrolabe World Ephemeris has Longitudes and Declinations for the Sun, Moon, Planets, Chiron and the Asteroids.  With accuracy and precision of data, it is easy to read and use.  I am especially fond of the preface ... with lots of helpful information.  Recommended!

Review: NOM dress, BellyDance Maternity

I love dresses, especially when I am pregnant and this snap tank dress by NOM, from BellyDance Maternity is a sexy, gorgeous maternity dress that is flattering, comfy and adjusts into a nursing dress after the baby is born.  I love the nursing feature especially because this dress is so cute ... and I want to keep wearing it.  It fits perfectly throughout my pregnancy and I receive many compliments every time I wear it.  It is indeed complimenting ... my husband loves it on me.  The length, just above the knee, makes me feel super sophisticated and classy.  Sleeveless, I have the option to pair this piece with a sweater, shawl or jacket ... or wear it alone, to keep me in control of my fluctuating temperature throughout the day.  It is great for work, an evening out, a special event or simply a day at home.  Extremely comfortable ... This is my favorite maternity piece in my collection.  It is easy to wash to ... throw it in the washer and dry flat.

Highly recommended!!!
.
Made in USA
92% rayon, 8% spandex.



For more information, or to order please visit BellyDance Maternity.

Expectant Moms Must-Have List

Hello Everyone,

I have a great list of mom-to-be must-haves for all you glowing moms out there with a sweet bun in the oven. 

Liquid Health: Liquid Prenatal Multi Dietary Supplement

Prenatal Vitamins are an essential part of pregnancy and I was determined to find one of the best.  I am very pleased with this liquid prenatal.  It is an organic whole food formula that is sugar free, naturally sweetened and non-GMO.  It tastes great too, containing prebiotics, non constipating iron and is 100% vegetarian.  Also there are no artificial coloring or flavoring, no sugar (as mentioned earlier), no starch, no salt, no wheat, no gluten, no yeast and no milk derivatives.  This yummy liquid prenal vitamin delivers the most nutrients to mother and baby. Liquid supplementation allows the body to readily absorb vitamins and minerals since the body does not need to break down a pill or capsule ...  ideal for women who have a hard time swallowing pills. Liquid Health Prenatal Multi is made at Liquid Health, Inc.’s Southern California manufacturing facility. Liquid Health, Inc. is NSF and cGMP certified and the leader in liquid dietary supplements. One months' supply is a reasonable price of just shy $37 with shipping. 

Dream Belly Butter 

Dream Belly stretch mark butter is a natural, nourishing formula to help soothe, protect and heal stretch marks.  Rich and creamy with a light, pleasant scent.  This is certainly one of the my favorite stretch mark butter, as it is extremely moisturizing and works well.  I put this belly butter on every night before I go to bed. I love it ... very comforting, reasonably priced and affordable and effective.

 
Bio-Oil

Bio‐Oil is a specialist moisturizing oil that helps improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks, uneven skin tone, aging and dehydrated skin.  This is America’s #1 selling multi use skincare oil.  I love this oil because I can use it on my face, stretch marks and pretty much anywhere I want to improve my skin ... even on scars.  It has won 135 skincare awards since its global launch in 2002 ... wow, right?  Reasonably priced, with a sweet, soft scent ... I anoint myself like a goddess!


Daddy Plays: Classical Piano Lullabies

This is a lovely album of classical piano lullabies that is perfect to soothe and comfort expectant mother and her baby.  When baby is born these lullabies will continue to nurture the emotional needs of the baby and mommy.  What I really love about this CD is the classical element.  I adore piano too.  The entire family settles down when this album is playing.  Perfect for those who have a difficult time sleeping, a common part of pregnancy.

Some experts say that music has a profound effect on fetuses and that newborns can recognize music their parents played for them when they were in the womb and even perk up or fall asleep when they hear a familiar song.  Some also say that fetuses breathe in time to music they enjoy. California obstetrician Rene Van de Carr says he's observed a 33 week old fetus pattern his breathing to the beat of Beethoven's Fifth Symphony.

Chakra Balance: Healing Music for Meditation & Yoga

Another great album, this is the CD that I cannot get enough of.  It is my favorite when meditating and practicing yoga.  The album can be used either as a soothing chakra meditation to create brainwave entrainment or as a healing soundtrack for yoga, massage, reiki and sleep.  It has a healing element to it ... emotionally, an important part of pregnancy, and is often playing on repeat for days at a time in my studio. This album makes it easy to let go of stress and immerse yourself in sacred healing sound.  I can literally feel my energies lift ... I LOVE IT!

The specially composed brain tones and frequencies in this brainwave music allow you to heal and align your chakras, bringing you into a state of total relaxation and inner balance. Vibrational blocks and areas of resistance are dissolved as you are left completely calm and filled with inner peace.

Healthy Mom, Happy Baby: Prenatal Yoga DVD

Ladies, it's no secret, yoga is good for you ... especially when expecting.  In fact, yoga is regarded as the ideal form of exercise for pregnant women.  The perfect way to meet the 30 minutes of exercise prescribed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) ... it may even make delivery much easier. 

Designed for all three trimesters of your pregnancy, Healthy Mom, Happy Baby is a gentle prenatal yoga practice that is easy to incorporate into the day.  What I like best about this DVD is that it is not too difficult ... it is gentle, and eases stress, rather than creating more.  The beginning of the DVD has a small part on pregnancy education.  I highly recommend this DVD to every mother who is expecting, no matter what trimester she is in.

BellyDance Maternity

If mama loves to look hot, BellyDance Maternity is the place to be.  I am so happy with this company.  Their clothing is hip, stylish high-quality and affordable ... with a huge selection to choose from.  Their clothes outfit every part of expectant mom's sacred time ... work, home, formal occasions, outdoors, sleepwear and lingerie.  They have excellent customer service too.   Pregnancy is a sacred rite of passage and BellyDance Maternity helps celebrate this time, with a fashion savvy edge that sets them apart.  They have lots of hard to finds, such as tights, etc and lots of other mommy must-haves.

I LOVE THEM!!!

Kuumba Made 

Kuumba Made is one of the best places to find high-quality, affordable and natural perfumes, lotions, herbal first aid and many other love thyself products.  I am careful of the products I use when pregnant and feel safe with Kuumba Made.  The oils just melted into my skin, nourishing and anointing me with an aroma that makes me feel like a goddess ... sexy and exotic. Some scents are so soft, so delicate, so subtle, that it doesn't smell like I'm wearing perfume.  Rather it is as though the scent just is a part of me. I love this! Kuumba Made helps me turn my pregnancy into a Sacred Pregnancy.

Review: Aqua Sphere Isis Nero Avorio Maternity Swimsuit

Aqua Sphere Isis Nero Avorio Maternity Swimsuit

Pregnant and proud…

All you mommies-to-be are going to fall in love with this swimsuit.  Made for a goddess, the Aqua Sphere Isis is in a class by itself.  It is flattering, comfortable and has front seams that allow the suit to grow with belly during pregnancy. 

Aqua Sphere is a global company, born in Genoa, Italy in 1998.  They are the premier swimming equipment manufacturer for triathlon events, fitness swimming, equatic exercise, swim training and recreational swimming.  Aqua Sphere has sponsered athletes such as Luke Mckenzie, Faris Al Sultan and Alexandra Louison, to name just a few among many.

This chic maternity, one-piece black swimsuit fits my belly beautifully, from conception to full-term.  It is a technologically advanced suite, 80% Polyamide-20% Elastane, that is unlike any other on the market ...
 
Flattering and sheek, regardless of your style, the Isis will surely bring out the Goddess in you.  You can easily wear it through the end of pregnancy and beyond as convertible straps allow you to add support on top.

Preggo bellies have never looked this good in the water ... Get pregnant, go swimming!  Get that much needed exercise.  This suit fits well after delivery too.

Pros

Comfortable
UVA UVB Protection
Breathable
Quick drying
Stretch with your body
Fits well
Expanding seams
Bust support
Adjustable straps
Machine washable

Cons

Color and design options are limited

Price: $89.95

Review: Cirqulate Active

New Mom Must Have Gifts - Cirqulate Active

Happy Moms make exceptional moms and moms that feel good about themselves are sure to be all smiles.  Cirqulate Active is a new line of motivational, active fitness wear offering dual sizing with features designed to flatter a mom’s new body.   Made from the safe company that makes the popular belly wraps the Cinch, Cirqulate Active's has built-in features that give new moms shape support for a confident workout.  I absolutely love this brand of active wear.  It is really comfortable and flattering and inspires mama to take good care of herself with pride.  Anything from Cirqulate Active makes a great gift.  I cannot recommend this enough.  When mom-to-be or new mom has Cirqulate Active, she is supported to achieve a healthy and active lifestyle.  I love the Jovial Pants and Focus Pants, both around $70 - $80.  They are really durable and look new for a long time.  Highly recommended!  

This is the very best in postpardum active wear.  Treat Mom Right ... For more information, please visit Cirqulate Active.

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles

The Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature bottles are wonderful.  I 100% love these bottles. As a breast feeding mamma I wanted to make sure I could give my son a bottle without causing confusion.  These bottles made the transition from nipple to bottle easy and smooth.   The nipples are similar to the breast and easy for baby to use.  They are easy to clean and have held up well, very durable.   The nipple doesn't collapse as long as you keep the vent faced down and my baby hasn't had any problems with gas.  I've been using these for almost a month now and would definitely recommend them to others.

• Mimics natural feel flex & movement of breastfeeding
• Soft, natural-feel silicone nipple
• Anti-colic, anti-gas easi-vent helps prevent air ingestion, which can lead to gas, colic and fussiness
• BPA-free  
• Unique, easy-latch-on nipple shape 
• Easy to hold bottle for maximum comfort
• Super-sensitive valve

Glow Bug Diapers

I have been hearing about cloth diapers for the last few months on a daily basis.  Everyone is using cloth these days and I have to be honest with you, I could not imagine why.  I was told several times, by numerous people one sunny summer day that I should use cloth diapers ... they are healthier, better for the environment, cost-efficient ... A friend of mine continued to go on and on about how fabulous and superior they are and it was at that time that I decided to go ahead and give them a one month trial run in the household.  She even made me promise that I would do it for an entire month.  No fingers crossed, I agreed!

I was nervous ... down-right scared you could say.  I even had a dream, or should I say a nightmare about the cloth diapering experience.  I really did not want to do it, but I had made a promise to a friend and there was no turning back ...

My commitment left me with a big problem.  There are literally dozens and dozens of companies out there that make cloth diapers.  What kind should I use?  My friend suggested Glow Bug Cloth Diapers, so I sent them an email and they sent me a diaper.

Cloth diapers these days are nothing like they used to be.  Gone are the days of big white rags, dangerous safety pins and plastic covers.  The modern diaper is oh-so-cute and super easy to wash, easy to use and keeps baby dry and comfortable.  A least that is what my friend had told me.  We will see?, I thought, We will see?


 

Glow Bug Cloth Diapers Review

The first thing that I noticed is how excellent the Glow Bug customer service is.  They were aware that I was a "rookie" and helped me with any and all questions that I had about diapering.  I had a pretty clear understanding of cloth diapering, via the Glow Bug website and excellent attention to my questions from Glow Bug customer service before even receiving the diaper in the mail.

Waiting for my diaper to arrive, I began to study the history and story of the company.  Glow Bug was born from the cloth diaper needs of two yoga moms Sarah and Neta, who befriended during pre-natal yoga class.  Frustrated that they could not find a quality, affordable cloth diaper that fit all the criteria of a superior diaper, they created Glow Bug.

As I studied the company I became excited about Glow Bug.  I did the math and realized how affordable cloth diapering would be (compared to disposable) and how completely adorable the styles are that are available.  I could help our beautiful mother earth, protect my child from the harmful chemicals in disposable diapers, save loads of money and have something important to talk about.  I must admit that by the time that diaper arrived I was already sold on the idea of cloth diapering ... at least in theory!!!

My Glow Bug arrived quickly, within a week or so ... I received one, one-size pocket diaper with snaps (the only available diaper from Glow Bug) and two absorbent snap-in inserts.  I immediately noticed the vibrant colors and high quality of the diaper.  The true test for me is all in the experience ... and so ... I did as the directions said and washed them first before using.

Washed and ready for use, I began to study my Glow Bug.  A glow bug diaper will fit your baby from the day they are born until the potty training years (7lbs-35lbs).  I noticed all the great features ... snap-in inserts, waterproof flaps, SlimDry™ fabric ... (See below for entire list, video and picture of features)

The Verdict ...

Cloth Diapering Rocks.  After I received one diaper from Glow Bug for review purposes, I quickly ordered an entire set so that I would be able to cloth diaper exclusively.  Honesty, my glow bug experience has really been rewarding.   I did not have any problems with them and learning really was a snap ... It really is easier than you may think.

Glow Bug diapers are stylish, with original prints that I have not been able to find anywhere else.  The designs are fabulous.  Cloth diapering turns diapers into a fashion statement.  It is awesome.  If you are new to diapering you, like me I immediately thought that cloth diapering is great ... and it is, but the reason I was so successful with it immediately is because I began with this diaper.  Glow Bug spoiled me right away.  When you find something this good, there is no need to use any other kind ... and if you are worried about new styles for your little one, Glow bug creates new styles often.  One diaper will fit for years, because of the adjustable nature of the diaper.  They come in sets of 12, with either boy, girl or neutral fabrics and colors, 24 inserts and a free cool, designer wet bag.  The entire package is $150.00.

Glow Bug Diapers are the perfect gift for your loved one! 

 

Design Features:

• Waterproof flaps in the front and the back of each diaper to prevent leaks
• Double gusset through the leg for an extra barrier of protection
• Two openings in the pocket makes it easier to get the absorbent inset in and out
• NEW SlimDry™ fabric keeps baby’s skin dry without the bulk
• Double rows of snaps with square tabs for a trim fit through the hip
• Four size settings fitting babies from birth through potty training (7lbs-35lbs)
• Coordinating colored snaps for every print
• Snap-in inserts to keep it in place while baby’s on the move
• Two sets of cross-over snaps through the waist band for a perfect fit around newborn tummies

Pros

• Made with NEW SlimDry™ fabric for the trimmest fit
• Customer service is fabulous
• Well-made
• Affordable
• Super cute
• Versatile
• Adjustable
• Fit for years
• Durable

Cons

• Cannot buy diapers individually

Price: $150.00, package of 12 diapers, 24 inserts and matching wet bag