Monday, April 30, 2012

Mommy Tips Monday

Are you a family friendly writer or blogger and would like to submit a column for review and inclusion? Please contact us at MageeMommy (at) gmail (dot) com

WHEW! It is starting to get hot hot hot here already! So how in the world can we beat the heat if we are venturing out of our A/C caves?

Here's a couple ideas...

POPSCICLES - Ohhh these delicious, inexpensive treats are great for cooling down quickly!

POOLS! - What a great, fun way to spend the day with your family! Just make sure and bring lots of sunblock!

KEEP HYDRATED! - Even if you're at the pool and lounging in water, make sure to keep drinking plenty of water! It's hot out there and even being in the pool all day you could get dehydrated. whew!!!

SPRINKLERS!!! - It's been sooo long since I've gotten to play in a sprinkler but aren't they fun?! The neighborhood kids were outside laughing hysterically last week so I went to check to see what all the fuss was about... a sprinkler! So much fun entertainment at such a little price and effort!

BE COOL IN THE SHADE - If you're hanging out with family at a picnic or barbeque, make sure and set up in the shade if possible. It's just wayyy too hot out there to be in the direct sun for any length of time.

And lastly, my favorite tip for beating the heat... AHHHH AIR CONDITIONING! :) Hope everyone's week is great and you are all staying cool!

Got some family tips and would like to have your blog featured here? Submit an article to MageeMommy (at) gmail (dot) com

Sunday, April 29, 2012

The Basics of Preparing for Childbirth

Childbirth is something that pregnant women think about from the moment they decide they are ready to start a family. The thought of delivery, for first time moms especially, can be intimidating, albeit exciting. While there is little that mom can do to change her feelings regarding childbirth, she can alleviate some of her fear by doing as much research as possible and by preparing her mind, body and home before her baby is born. When a woman finds out she is expecting, visiting an ob-gyn is the first step to start monitoring her health and the progression of the pregnancy. When you visit your ob-gyn, speak to him or her about your current diet and exercise routine. You can discuss how to alter both to help promote a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby. Exercise, which used to be thought of as a cause for miscarriages, actually helps prevent excess weight gain during your pregnancy (which can be unhealthy for mom and baby)_ and can help during delivery because you’ll have greater muscle control. As labor gets closer, moms can finish up preparations in the home. Having your nursery set up, all of baby’s new clothes and linens washed and folded, and the baby’s car seat properly installed in the car will all help you feel ready to welcome home your newborn. You can also have your hospital bag packed and in the car so you are ready to go when labor arrives. Before delivery day comes, decide what you’d like to do regarding pain management during labor. Perhaps write out a birth plan with your preferences outlined. Barring any medical complications, pain management comes down to your preference of whether you want to go natural or use medication. There are a few other ways you can plan on naturally managing your emotions and pain during labor by constantly reminding yourself to relax, ask your partner for a back or foot massage, take deep breaths and even have soft, comforting music playing in her hospital room. Other things to consider when writing out your birth plan include post-delivery decisions. Deciding whether you’d like to breastfeed or formula feed is a personal preference that you can make for yourself and your baby. If you choose to breastfeed, consider attending a breastfeeding class to learn more about it. You can also consider optional procedures like cord blood banking for the future health of your baby. Cord blood banking is where the blood that remains in the umbilical cord after birth is collected and stored for potential use in treating a future medical condition. With all the preparation and research that you can do before delivery day, relaxing and going into the delivery room with confidence will help your delivery go smoothly and let you focus on bringing your new bundle of joy into the world. "This article was written by Katie Moore. Katie is an active writer within the blogging community who discusses maternity, motherhood, prenatal health, childbirth and other topics within this niche. If you have any questions or would like to connect with Katie please contact her via twitter @moorekm26."

Friday, April 27, 2012

Enter To Win CASH!!!

This contest is hosted by ContestChest.com I've listed some of my giveaways on this site and it's easy to list them and fun to search for giveaways to enter. :) a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Monday, April 23, 2012

Mommy Tips Mondays

Are you a Mommy writer or blogger and would like to submit a column for review and inclusion? Please contact us at MageeMommy (at) gmail (dot) com

Two of my very first tips I received and utilized as a mommy... These are great tips though for any household or family to follow!

The first tip I was given from my mom who suggested that no matter what, when I got out of bed for the day to go ahead and make it. As a new mom, I didn't know how tired I would be and how a bit depressed I could get over the messiness of my home. So making my bed first thing in the morning, which generally only takes no more than 2-3 minutes, gives me a feeling of accomplishment at the start of my day. It's wonderful! Also the rest of my house might be a complete disaster but my bedroom becomes a refuge and a retreat because the bed is made and it reminds me that I CAN accomplish things even when going on 2 hours sleep from baby-been-crying all nighters! LOL

My second favorite tip I received when I first became a mom was from a very close friend of mine who told me, no matter what you do every morning make time for 5 minutes for yourself. Lock your bathroom door and wash your face, apply makeup, brush your hair, put on perfume(some days I'm just feeling happy and lucky when I have time for the deoderant swipes haha). What she was getting at was do something that makes me feel good about my appearance. What great advice!

As a mommy or caregiver a person can feel overwhelmed with turning attention 100% away from themselves and to others, so taking this little tiny amount of time can make a person feel rejuvenated, feel girly(or manly if you're a guy reading this tip), feel like I'm not just the crud on the bottom of everyone's shoes. I'm somebody and yep, it's ok and good for me to take 5 minutes for myself to look good, feel good, or even smell good! Because like my mom has taught me, "If I don't love and respect myself, how can my children learn to love and respect me!" Another great tip. Just throwing that in for fun!


Check back each Monday for a variety of types of tips... from self/family help, housecleaning, how to save money, how to get organized, and more!

Tuesday, April 17, 2012

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Monday, April 9, 2012

SpermCheck Review and Giveaway!




My husband and I were married for 9 years before the first time we became pregnant. It’s not that we weren’t trying to not get pregnant all those years either. We never really discussed infertility and what our options were in determining if we even could or could not have children. This is the reason why I was glad to be offered to host a review and giveaway for the male fertility home test called SpermCheck.

According to the SpermCheck.com, 7 million couples who try to have a baby this year will have fertility issues. And even though male infertility is the cause of 50% of infertility problems only 80% of men in infertile couples will not receive a fertility evaluation. And really who can blame them. It’s such a sensitive subject that these statistics are not surprising. That’s why I think this product is great for couples that are facing infertility issues.

A couple that is facing fertility issues was kind enough to review the product for this post. I asked questions regarding the home test kit and here is a synopsis.

Was the packaging discrete or understated? Yes.

Where directions easily understood and easy to follow? Yes.

Anything else you’d like to mention? The literature included in the test is very informative.

Would you recommend the product? Yes! It is so much better because we could be discrete about having this test done by not having to go to a fertility doctor. Plus, it’s so much cheaper!

If this product would have been available while my husband and I were facing fertility difficulties, we would definitely have tried it. I like the fact that it is something that can be done from home and instead of being something embarrassing and awkward for couples to go through it can be made into something fun!

Are you or someone you know facing fertility issues? SpermCheck is the only FDA approved home test fertility kit for men. It is as accurate as lab testing – 98% and affordable at $39.99. It is available at Walgreens.com and CVS.com and in stores at Walgreens. Learn more about the test on their website at SpermCheck.com or their facebook page.

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Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Sign Ups for Facebook/Twitter Blast!

Sign Ups for $100 Amazon Rafflecopter Facebook/Twitter Blast are going on now and you can ENTER FOR FREE!!! Yahoooo!

Check it out here...
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The Fig Tree - A Story About Faith...

Early in the morning, as he was on his way back to the city, he was hungry. Seeing a fig tree by the road, he went up to it but found nothing on it except leaves. Then he said to it, "May you never bear fruit again!" Immediately the tree withered. When the disciples saw this, they were amazed. "How did the fig tree wither so quickly?" they asked. Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, if you have faith and do not doubt, not only can you do what was done to the fig tree, but also you can say to this mountain, 'Go, throw yourself into the sea,' and it will be done. If you believe, you will receive whatever you ask for in prayer." Matthew 21:18-22

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

Tickled Tuesdays!

A patient goes to the doctor and said, "Help! I got amnesia what should I do?"

The doc replied, "Forget about it!"