I’m less than ten pounds from my pre-pregnancy weight (as in before my 4 year old son was born) and while I’m so proud to have gotten this far, I’ve definitely hit a plateau.  And, of course, my body does not resemble it’s former 20-something self.  I’m not always as consistent with my workout schedule and while I work very hard to eat fresh, natural, healthful foods, I can stray when I’m out, traveling, or simply just busy.

Thanks to Kristen Horler, founder of Baby Boot Camp, I have some tips to share with you on slimming down after baby.

1. Check in!  Be sure you’ve been cleared for physical activity from your physician before beginning any work out program.  While you may be cleared 6-8 weeks postpartum, allow your body time to heal and recover.

2. Breast is best! Just for doing what your body is supposed to, you’ll burn up to 30o-500 calories a day.

3.  Start now! Post-pregnancy weight gain has been linked to obesity.

4. Say “no” to dieting! Rather than “diet” strive to create lifelong, healthy eating habits by consuming well-balanced meals.

5. Get on a routine! New moms may get into the habit of eating erratically, particularly when the baby is up at 3 am. If you wouldn’t eat that bowl of ice cream at 3 am before motherhood, curb the craving.

6. Snack sensibly! Rather than snacking on your toddler’s crackers or your prechooler’s chips, opt for fruits and veggies (and while you’re at it, swap them out for your child as well).

7. Schedule your workouts! Busy schedules make it easy to forego exercise.  Even 15 minute mini-workouts can help improve your mood, help you manage weight, promote sleep, and boost your energy level.

8.  Consume nutrient dense foods! Lean proteins like legumes can help with muscle repair and recovery post workout, calcium keeps bones strong, complex carbohydrates provided extended energy, and Omega-3 fatty acids support a healthy heart and nervous system.

Speaking of nutrition, I have to admit that all too often I’ll pop into my favorite coffeehouse for an energy boost and order a blended drink that’s both filling and calorie-laden.  During the webinar, I was introduced to CalNatural Svelte, a line of all-natural protein shakes which contain 16 grams protein from organic soy milk and 20% of the recommended daily value for fiber.  These naturally-sweetened shakes are dairy, lactose, and gluten-free and can provide sustained energy throughout the day. They’re available in French Vanilla, Chocolate, Spiced Chai, and Cappuccino. Blend it with some ice and you’ve got a smoothie that packs more nutrition than that ice blended drink I’m craving right now.

As I’m learning, it takes time to lose the weight. But I have to be persistent about doing my part.  My daughter is 20 months old and there is no reason why I can’t lose those last 10 pounds.  As a mom, I know that taking care of myself is as important as taking care of my children…for them…for myself.

How have you succeeded with your weight management and fitness goals this year?  I’d love to hear your ideas and tips.

Win It! One of you will win a Post-Pregnancy Slim Down Gift Pack (ARV $500) which will include the following:

1 Wahoo Fitness Run Pack
1 Pair of FILA Toning Pants
1 Case of CalNaturale Svelte shakes
1 CalNaturale Svelte Gym Tote
1 Copy of Kristen Horler’s Book
1 First Baby Boot Camp Class Free Coupon
Goody Workout Headbands

Simply leave your answer to my question above in a comment and you’re entered to win.  Comments will close on August 27th at 11:59 PM PST.

US Residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. I attended a webinar hosted by CalNaturale and Baby Boot Camp and received information and a gift pack.

Photo Credit: johnnyberg

My son is now at an age where he can walk, as long as we’re not at the mall, the zoo, or Disneyland.  While I appreciate the convenience of having enough space to tote two children, a double stroller is large, awkward to navigate through crowds and small areas, and heavy.  On shorter trips, I can bring the single stroller and a baby carrier as back up, in case my son gets tired.

Recently we’ve switched out our old stroller for the new Avio from Inglesina. This gorgeous, Italian-made stroller features a compact, lightweight contemporary design and a sophisticated one-handed folding system.  After three years of strolling my children all over Disneyland, New York City, and our local mall, I’ve come to realize exactly what I want in a stroller.

First, it has to be easy to open and close for storing in my trunk.  I don’t want to have to take anything apart, or wrestle with the stroller to try to fit it back into my car.  Bonus points for the one-handed fold, inherent in Avio’s design. And speaking of my trunk, it has to fit…effortlessly…without having to take everything else out or re arrange what’s already there.  The Avio is compact once folded and fits nicely in our Camry’s trunk.

Second, a stroller has to be lightweight enough that I won’t injure myself lifting it into and out of my trunk on a regular basis, but sturdy enough that it won’t fall apart. The Avio weighs in at approximately 21 pounds, which is about as much as I can comfortably lift on a regular basis.

Next, my children have to be comfortable riding (and preferably sleeping) in the stroller for long periods of time.  Some of the features my children appreciate about Inglesina’s new Avio include a padded seat and backrest, a four position backrest which can recline up to 170 degrees, a three position adjustable front footrest, and a gracious hood flap to provide protection against our warm California sun. When it comes to comfort, I can’t honestly say that I’d change anything about the stroller.

Lastly, a stroller must be easy to maneuver.  I truly do find our double stroller to be the ultimate in luxury. But it is so wide that it’s difficult to navigate through crowds and smaller retail stores.  The Avio is only 19 1/2 inches wide and can fit through relatively narrow spaces.

Several accessories can be purchased for the stroller including a Carrycot (which is ideal for infants) and car seat adapters which are not currently available.  I like the versatility of the stroller and can see a family using it from infancy through toddler hood (or until a child is out of the stroller).  The price is higher than I would expect, considering the fact that the addition of accessories could drive the price up close to $1000.  But this could definitely be the only stroller a family would need.

Inglesina’s new Avio stroller is sleek, compact, and sturdy. It offers contemporary moms convenience without neglecting style. The stroller is priced at $499 and available online and at select retailers nationwide.  Right now, you will receive a free fast table chair with the purchase of an Avio by entering the code AVIOFAST at Diapers.com.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Inglesina and received an Avio stroller to facilitate this review.”

Nothing went the way I expected…the way it happens to other people…or in the movies.  It was harder than I thought…more painful than I imagined…  It feels like an eternity since my son was born on that warm Southern California day. The specifics of his birth are already starting to blur.

What happens on that miraculous day when your eyes meet your child’s for the very first time?  Lifetime takes you inside the maternity ward of Riverside Methodist Hospital in Columbus, Ohio to follow a set of expectant mothers as they enter the final stage of pregnancy.  One Born Every Minute captures the drama, humor, and emotion of childbirth in eight, hour-long episodes.  The docu-series is a compilation of filming that involved 40 cameras rolling 24/7 and debuts on February 1st at 10 pm ET/PT.

To celebrate, one of you will win an ISOKi Diaper Bag (a stylish designer range of reversible baby bags offering two bags in one by simply reversing to reveal a whole new look), one Baby Gund Comfy Cozy, and one Baby Gund Stuffed Animal. Simply leave a comment with something you’re looking forward to with regards to the show. Comments will close on February 8th, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.  US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Products for giveaway were supplied by the company.

Just when I reached that point where I could leave the house without a diaper bag, my daughter was born.  It’s been 3 1/2 years and my designer purse is sitting in my closet gathering dust from lack of use.  Fortunately, today’s moms have much in the way fashionably functional options for toting their baby and toddler’s essentials.

Last fall, PishPosh Mommy debuted their Carryalls at the ABC Kids Expo (which I’m determined to attend this year!).  The Carryall was created by two moms in an effort to contain all of their children’s necessities in one place without having to trade in their designer purse for a bulky diaper bag.  If you’ve ever shoved a pacifier, a change of clothes, snacks, a travel pack of wipes, and a few diapers in a jumbo plastic bag (raising my hand!) you’ll find the Carryall to be a fashionably organized alternative!

Fashion-savvy moms who don’t want to trade in their designer purse for a bulky diaper bag will find the Carryall to be a compact way to tote essentials.  I personally like to fill the Carryall with the basics for short trips to the grocery store or a meal out. If you have more than one child’s essentials to carry and organize and you’re still using a diaper bag, the Carryall is a great way to compartmentalize items so they’re easily located. The Carryall, offered in a Pull-String or Quick Zip, is roomy and contains several smaller pockets for organizing smaller items.  It’s offered in a variety of stylish prints and solid colors and made of 100 percent cotton with a water resistant nylon lining.

The Caryall retails for $44.99 and is available online and at select retailers nationwide.  Babies R Us also offers an exclusive design in both the Pull-String and Quick Zip for $44.99.

For more information about PishPosh Mommy’s entire product line including the Diaper Clutch and Pad Set, just visit their website.

Win It! One of you will win a solid print Carryall! Simply leave me a comment with one way you’d use the Carryall.  Comments will close on January 25, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST.  US Residents only.  Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one. Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Like me on Facebook

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post. Products for review and giveaway were supplied by the company via RoleMommy.

Earlier today, Southern California moms headed to the posh Beverly Hilton for Jayneoni Moore’s She’s Having a Baby Event.  This was the ultimate baby shower for new and expectant moms and featured some of the top, “must have” baby products.  New parents had an opportunity to get “hands-on” with the products, which is rare when shopping online or in conventional stores.  Parenting experts discussed topics such as breastfeeding and autism and celebrities could be spotted throughout the day.  Moms were showered with some of the products featured at the event and proceeds from the ultimate baby raffle were donated to charity.  Here are some of the highlights from today’s event:

Stay tuned!  I found some great companies and products I’ll be be sharing information with you about over the coming weeks.  So what was my favorite find?  The Baby Mats and Hugga Pets from Bestever!

No monetary compensation was received for this post. I received a ticket to the event courtesy of the sponsor.

No…I’m not pregnant (hehe). But if you know someone who is and lives in Southern California, they won’t want to miss Jayneoni Moore’s She’s Having A Baby Event.  Jayneoni Moore is a style expert and children’s wear designer, known for her Hollywood Boom Boom Room gifting suites which are attended by mom and dad celebrities every year.  Last year I attended one of her events which featured some of the best baby products.

Here is a little more information about the event:

She’s Having a Baby is the ultimate baby shower where 409 moms-to-be, celebrity moms, and new moms will come together to see product demos and receive exclusive views on new baby products.  Spotlighted vendors include Stokke, Fisher Price, Orbit, Skip Hop, Giggle, and Bratt Decor.

What:  Presentation of top baby products, shopping, pampering, sweets, new parenting discussions, maternity fashion show, celebrity appearances, and giveaways

When:  Sunday, May 23, 2010 10am to 3pm

Where: 

The Beverly Hilton Hotel

9876 Wilshire Boulevard

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Cost:  $45 (guests will take home a gift bag valued at $500).

If you’re pregnant and confused by gear and brands, or an experienced mom looking for some nursery design tips, check out She’s Having a Baby.

Win It! Two of you will win two tickets to She’s Having a Baby.  Simply list a product or company featured at the event that you’d like to know more info about.  Comments will close on May 20, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

No compensation was received for this post.  I will be attending the event, courtesy of the sponsor.

If you’re pregnant (or thinking about having a baby), you know at some point you’ll be wearing maternity clothes.  It wasn’t until my second pregnancy that I discovered fashionable options beyond the mall maternity store.  Pregnancy is a beautifully awkward time in a woman’s life.  Clothes don’t fit quite like you think they would.  One of my favorite maternity lines is now at Target stores!  And Target equals affordable.

The Moody Mamas spring line of fashionable and stylish maternity clothes hits the virtual racks this week at Target.   Hollywood moms like Heidi Klum, Jessica Alba, Tori Spelling and Bethenny Frankel have been spotted wearing Moody Mamas.  This spring, they’ve created a created a fabulous, colorful spring capsule collection for expectant moms who want to look beautifully chic this season.  Each piece is inspired by the runway, and includes easy maxi dresses  and adorable chiffon trim knit dresses. The collection boasts soft, lightweight fabrics, giving each piece the feel of relaxing loungewear.  I have one of their nursing pajama sets and I love how soft and comfortable it is.

The collection is limited in quantity, so be sure to visit your local Target store (or go to their website) for Moody Mamas new spring line.  With prices that range from $39.99 – $49.99, you can get several maternity pieces that will last the duration of your pregnancy.

If you’d like to do some shopping on their main site, you can use the coupon MMDiscount for 30% off (one coupon per customer) which is a really great deal!

Win It! One of you will win a $50 gift card for Moody Mamas. Simple leave me a comment with the name of two pieces you’d love to have.  Comments will close on May 18, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn. Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow Moody Mamas on Twitter

Like Moody Mamas on Facebook

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  This giveaway was sponsored by Moody Mamas.

Bellybuds – Want to raise a music lover?  Start early with the fashionably portable bellyphones from bellybuds.  These wearable speakers adhere to your belly to play tranquil sounds to your baby while you go about your day.  Retails for $49.99.

City Bag by MommaCouture -  Want a diaper bag that doubles as a purse?  Check out the fashionable, functional bags by MommaCouture.  The City Bag is a fully insulated Messenger, roomy enough to fit essentials. The bag includes an on the go wipes pocket to store wipes. Retails for $70.00.

Cake Lingerie - Inspired by vintage old-school glamour, the Australian line of designer lingerie has made it’s debut in the US.   Cake Lingerie offers gorgeous lingerie pieces, designed to inspire and celebrate new and expectant moms. Prices vary.

Belle Baby Carriers – Babywearing promotes bonding and makes it easier to juggle things, like dishes and grocery shopping.  Belle Baby Carriers incorporate style and comfort into their new organic carriers.  They’re made from 100% rich Romanian hemp and soft organic cotton and use natural, un-dyed fabrics.  May be use from 8-30 pounds.  Retails for $119.95.

Baby Emi Jewelry -  Baby Emi’s Anklet encourages babies to use their arms and legs in movement since babies love the auditory noise of the jingling bells.  They’re made from sterling silver and designed to last a child a long time.  Retail for $60.

Bumbleride - If you’re looking for the comfort and features of a full-sized stroller without the additional weight, check out The Flite. At only 13 pounds, it’s easy to travel with this stroller. It features standard four-wheel suspension and larger/wider profile tires making it extremely maneuverable in tight spaces. Retails for $249.99

Bravado – If you’re looking for simply THE most stylish, comfortable nursing bra, check out Bravado.  Their bras have lasted through both babies.  The best thing about these bras is that they don’t LOOK like nursing bras. The Body Silk Seamless Nursing Bra is my favorite and retails for $49.

Belli – Pregnancy wreaks all kinds of havoc on your skin (at least that was the case when I was pregnant…twice).  Belli offers an incredible line of skin care products designed for all stages of motherhood including pregnancy, postpartum, and infancy. I’m impressed with their safety standards which include screening for teratogens and xenoestrogens.  Prices vary.

Check out more Great Gift Ideas for Mother’s Day
No compensation was received for the above post. Product samples were provided by Bellybuds, MommaCouture, Cake Lingerie, Belle Baby Carriers, Bravado, and Belli.

When my son was born, I knew my incision would be painful.  I knew that my body would shed what had been stored up for over 9 months.  But I was not prepared for the discomfort I would experience in the early days of breastfeeding.  There were nights where I would cry because the pain of latching my son was so severe.  I struggled with engorgement, plugged ducts, and multiple bouts of mastitis.

While I’ve yet to experience plugged ducts or mastitis, I have had my share of discomfort while nursing my daughter.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a line of all-natural breastfeeding products to help ease some of the discomfort.  Regardless of how easily a baby latches, I believe that some discomfort is inevitable.  Since I don’t like the sticky nature of lanolin, I usually dont use anything to ease the soreness.  Earth Mama Angel Baby offers a Natural Nipple Butter that feels nothing like lanolin and works just as well (if not better).  The company offers the first organic, all-natural, plant-based balm, designed to soothe sore nipples.  It’s made with organic calendula, cocoa butter, shea butter, and mango butter and feels incredibly rich and smooth (unilke lanolin which is very sticky).  It’s safe for moms and babies so it doesn’t have to be washed off before nursing.

I really like the texture.  It’s not sticky and rubs in very well.   The Natural Nipple Butter does a great job of providing relief for sore, irritated nipples.  It doesn’t have an odor and my daughter never even noticed I had it on (I’m not currently using it any more because I’m no longer experiencing soreness).  Right now I’m using it on her body after baths for massage.

I am so glad I have yet to experience a plugged duct or an episode of mastitis this time around.  I had an oversupply of milk with my son, which I believe was the result of excessive pumping.  This time around I did things differently.  While the first several I experienced a lot of discomfort from engorgement, my body has finally started to regulate itself and I’m no longer waking up engorged.

Earth Mama Angel Baby offers Booby Tubes, natural gel-free breast packs made with a 100% organic cotton shell and filled with all-natural flax seed.  They can be used warm or cold, but I always prefer heat when I’m engorged.  They’re easy to use (either put them in the freezer or the microwave) and effective at relieving engorgement when heated (I have never used them cold).  Heat can help maintain open milk ducts, encourage milk to flow, promote let-down and provide comfort during episodes of engorgement or mastitis.  I like to use them several minutes before I nurse or pump.  When used cold, they can help reduce swelling and tenderness associated with engorgement.

Earth Mama Angel Baby also offers Bosom Buddies, designed to ease the symptoms of engorgement, clogged milk ducts, and sore, cracked nipples.  I haven not tried this yet, but I would definitely consider it if warranted.

Earth Mama Angel Baby’s Postpartum Recovery line includes products designed for women who have had either a natural or casearean delivery.  Their C-Mama Healing Salve is amazing.  My incision became infected this time around and I ended up on antibiotics to clear it up.  I used the salve at the same time and felt like it helped ease the external discomfort at the incision site.  The C-Mama Healing Salve includes Vitamin C, essential fatty acids and amino acids to help with wound repair.  I’m actually still using this since it can be used on wounds, scars, stretch marks, rashes, and burns.  Be sure to check out the company’s entire Postpartum Recovery line for product designed to ease the discomfort from a natural birth.

Earth Mama Angel Baby recently introduced their Happy Mama Body Wash.  Stay tuned for my review coming soon!  Now through March 16th, you’ll receive a bottle free with the purchase of their Mama’s Pregnancy Essentials Kit.

Earth Mama Angel Baby is unique in many ways.  The company “uses the highest-quality, certified-organic or organically grown herbs and oils for [their] teas, bath herbs, gentle handmade soaps, salves, lotions and massage oils.”   Their products are “100% toxin-free, cruelty-free, vegan, and free from all artificial preservatives, fragrances and dyes.”  I appreciate their transparency with regards to the ingredients in their products and their view on pregnancy as a life stage (as opposed to an illness) aligns with my own.  Earth Mama Angel Baby is also green on the inside and the outside.  Their packaging is derived from eco-friendly recyclable or reused/resuseable materials.

For more information, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided to facilitate this review.

During pregnancy, a hormone called relaxin loosens pelvic joints and ligaments in preparation for childbirth.  The result is a widening of the hips.  And I know I experienced this flattering phenomena because by the end of this last pregnancy, I could barely fit into my maternity jeans.  When I read about this product that could help put me back together, I readily agreed to give it the full 8 weeks to try out.  Here is a bit more information about Shrinkx Hips from the site:

[Shrinkx Hips] provides constant, even pressure to gently guide your hips back to their pre-pregnancy position.

I received this when I was about 3 weeks post-partum/post c section and immediately wore it when I could, for as long as I could.  Initially, I couldn’t wear it as long as I wanted to because I was still having incisional pain.  It was mostly uncomfortable when I was sitting down.  However, I gradually became accustomed to wearing it and found the level of compression that felt comfortable.  Eventually I felt like it helped give me a bit of support for the incision, although that isn’t one of the stated benefits.

In order to get the most use out of this product, it has to be worn within the first 8 weeks of delivery when Relaxin is still present in your body.  If you are breastfeeding, the hormone will stay present for that amount of time. Shrinkx Hips is easy to use.  You simply velcro it around your hips and adjust the level of compression.  It’s made from Nylon and Spandex which makes it relatively comfortable.  You can (and should) wear this under your clothing, but you’ll need a longer shirt to hide it.

According to the site, 95% of women returned to their pre-pregnancy hip size after using Shrinkx Hips.  If I would have thought about it, I would have measured before and after.  The only real way I know it’s made a difference is that I’m able to fit into my pre-pregnancy jeans, especially considering I haven’t  lost all of the baby weight (only 24 of the 37 pounds I gained).  One question I have about the belt is whether or not wearing it after the 8 weeks makes a difference.

Shrinkx Hips is a comfortable, discreet way to help you get your pre-pregnancy hips back.  For more information, just visit their website.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.