Stress During Pregnancy ~ How It Effects Baby

Most women wouldn’t dream of smoking cigarettes, drinking a few glasses or alcohol, or even doing a few illegal street drugs while pregnant. Several organizations have made efforts over the last few decades to reach the public, educating would-be parents on the dangerous effects of certain lifestyle choices. But how often do people think about the impact of stress during pregnancy?

It’s unclear whether unmanaged stress during pregnancy is a minor issue or as potentially harmful as the lifestyle habits we try to discourage during pregnancy, but mounting evidence suggests a closer look is needed.

Traditionally stress has been seen as an inevitable part of life that couldn’t be avoided, so no lifestyle recommendations were made around it. Yet amongst the growing recognition of the damaging affects of stress on the general population, more and more health experts are questioning whether too much stress can have repercussions for a baby’s development during pregnancy.

To reach any valid conclusions about whether or not acute stress can be harmful for a fetus, some researchers have begun to explore the physical effects of significant maternal stress on fetal health. And although not all research indicates a direct cause and effect relationship, some research has noted legitimate connections.

Researchers have demonstrated that chronic stress does pose health risks for the proper development of a fetus. Studies note that elevated cortisol, which is the hormone released when we experience stress, freely crosses the placenta and is able to directly affect a baby.

The continued secretion of cortisol due to ongoing stress or anxiety is associated with inhibited brain function, which can later result in behavioral, emotional and learning issues. In a study published in the Journal of Child Development in 2004, Belgian researchers noted a connection between women who felt high anxiety in early pregnancy and the subsequent development of hyperactivity in their offspring by the age of eight or nine.

Stress can also be harmful during pregnancy because it reduces blood flow to the baby through the uterine arteries. This in turn means that fewer nutrients are able to reach the baby.

Some of the other observed, though not necessarily substantiated, consequences of intense stress during gestation include miscarriages, premature deliveries, preeclampsia, asthma, and allergies.

It’s important to keep in mind is that these complications do not relate to reasonable amounts of stress. All pregnant women experience some stress and this is recognized as a normal and natural part of life and is not dangerous. What I’m referring to here is the presence of intense and constant stress.

So just what is a pregnant woman to do? To start with, whenever possible, pregnant women should work with their families and employers to balance out their workload in relation to how they feel. This is especially true for women who are experiencing difficult pregnancies.

Women should also be proactive about managing stress before it becomes an issue. Setting aside downtime or incorporating relaxation activities such as prenatal yoga or meditation into their day, or at the very least, their week, should be essential.

Physically relaxing activities such as prenatal massage or outdoor walks with loved ones can also be beneficial on many levels. In the past, some women have regarded these practices as luxuries, but we need to change that thinking and recognize these stress reducers as priorities for maintaining healthy pregnancies.

If a pregnant woman is experiencing unusually high levels of stress due to trauma or loss, she should seek out professional help immediately from either her doctor or a trained therapist. She shouldn’t try and handle her problems on her own. The outcome could be fatal.

When it comes to the subject of infant health, we are increasingly realizing that healthy, happy babies are generally born to healthy, happy mothers. As part of our efforts to shield our future generations from preventable health issues, as both parents and a society, we need to take a more closer and healthier approach and work to protect the physical, mental and emotional health of our mothers.

Award Time!

I was informed today that I received an award.
What a wonderful way to end such a busy, hectic week!

Here is my award!

I received the “One Lovely Blog” Award from Jana of Boobies, Babies & A Blog.
Thanks Jana!

Wanna award your favorite bloggers with this lovely award?

Rules: Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award, and his or her blog link. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you’ve newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

Here are my picks. This award goes to:

1. Fashion And Other Stuff
2. Frugal Family Funspot
3. PTPA Media
4. Tales From A Shopaholic Mommy
5. Lizzy Dear’s Life
6. The Braggin’ Mommy
7. 5 Minutes For Mom
8. Mommy’s Hangout
9. Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House
10. The Bear Bunch
11. Styleezta
12. Multiple Blessings
13. Dexter’s Super Savvy Mommy
14. Blogmania
15. Simply Being Mommy

My Pretty Pink Box review & giveaway

Have you ever wanted to try a new beauty product but were too afraid to actually purchase a full size container for fear that you would not like it or the product would not do what it claimed? I know I’ve been there and actually been disappointed a few times in my purchases.

Well, surprise… you no longer have to do that with My Pretty Pink Box! Linda Granillo recently sent me the February box to give me an idea of what you might find in a typical My Pretty Pink Box. Each month is different. A new surprise every time. It’s like receiving a nice little Birthday gift of something you didn’t expect.

Wanna know what was in my box? Here, take a peek….

Ok, now I’ll tell you. hehee. My box contained:

A full size bottle of Simply Stylin’ hair product. This is a no-frizz styler that gives you longer, healthier, shinier hair.

Beauté Minéral Alluring Eyes Mineral Eye Color in Athena sample. Beauté Minéral creates makeup that looks and feels natural.

Dr. Michelle Copeland Skin Care Daily Moisturizer with SPF-30 and 2 packets of Rewind Eye Formula. Dr. Copeland’s skin care products are clinically tested and specially formulated to reduce signs of aging—helping you achieve and maintain supple, vibrant, healthy-looking skin.

Pin Up Cosmetics Glamour Mineral Face & Body Shimmer. Pin Up Cosmetics carries natural and vegan products which are always cruelty free.

Purus Cosmetics Shaliners in Cinnamon Tea and Leafy samples. Use these Shaliners as eyeliner, eyeshadow, face color, highlighter, blush, bronzer, mix in the nail polish, lip gloss, and more!

Lue Cosmetics Mineral Blush in Antique Rose sample. Lue Cosmetics brings you a truly natural blend of minerals with a color palette you will enjoy.

Each My Pretty Pink Box will contain at least 1-2 full size containers. Prices vary per month and is announced a few days before each release. The price of the February box is $11.99 + shipping.

My Pretty Pink Boxes go on sale once a month at 7:00 am Pacific time. If you would like, you can receive an email prior to each release. There is a purchase limit of 3 boxes per account, per month.

I honestly had never tried any of these products before and I had fun experimenting with each. The label on the Pin Up Cosmetics sample reminded me of a risque calendar my Grandpa had hanging in his garage. Va Va Va Voom! hehee. Though I don’t think I’ve become a huge fan of any of the samples in this specific box, they really were not bad.  I do love mineral makeup because it gives you a nice, smooth, matte finish so that would have to be my favorite of the mix. I’m very interested in seeing what next month will bring.

For more information about My Pretty Pink  Box check out their FAQ’s.

One of my readers will win 1 March box and 1 April box. Will it be you?

Win It!!!

1 Winner will be chosen at random at the end of the entry period 03/28/10. Prize consists of 1 March My Pretty Pink Box and 1 April My Pretty Pink Box

** MANDATORY entry: Go to My Pretty Pink Box and tell me one other brand you would find in a My Pretty Pink Box. AND you must be following my blog via at least one of the sources listed below in order to win.**

Extra Entries!

You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

** PLEASE make sure if you are following my blog that you specify by which means and what your username is there so I can verify you are following. If I can’t verify it the entry will not count. ** Please do not tell me you are following if you are not. I do verify the information. Thanks!

1.) Enter the eSkakti Woman contest (add Bella So Savvy to the entry form under the Blogger who referred you)

2.) Follow me via Twitter @MyBellaMia

3.) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect. (currently visible on Google Chrome and Safari browsers)

4.) Follow my blog via NetworkedBlogs.

5.) Become a friend on  Facebook (please leave me your facebook username in a comment). Make sure you are “friending” via the link here (Bella-Mia, not Bella So Savvy).

6.) Place my button on your blog. Please comment below with your blog URL so I can verify button placement.

7.) Tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet up to 5 times per day for extra entries every day but you must copy your status update URL and paste it in a comment below! You can copy & paste:

Review & Giveaway! Enter to win 2 My Pretty Pink Boxes of goodies  http://www.bellasavvy.net/archives/1703 ~ Ends 03/28/10.

*The retweet can be reworded but must include the url link to the giveaway & must spell out that the prize is 2 My Pretty Pink Boxes.

8.) Blog about my giveaway (post a link to the direct page of your blog post)

9.) Follow My Pretty Pink Box on Facebook.

10.) Follow My Pretty Pink Box on Twitter.

Contest ends at 9pm. EST on March 28th when I will draw the winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond! If winner do not respond an alternate winner will be chosen at random out of the remaining entries.

Open to US Only.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one My Pretty Pink Box of samples to test.

Baby Shower Planning

Baby Shower Planning, a Step-By-Step Guide to Hosting a Successful Baby Shower

Hosting a successful baby shower comes down to planning and organization. The following timeline and step-by-step planning guide will help you organize and prepare a successful baby shower, stay in control during the baby shower party and ensure the mommy-to-be has the time of her life.

Creating the Baby Shower Guest List
The first step to planning and hosting a successful baby shower is to create a guest list. Creating the initial guest list will help you get an idea of how many people will be ultimately be invited to the baby shower, which is the biggest factor in what your shower budget will be.

It’s always a good idea to find out if mommy-to-be is going to have other baby showers hosted for her by another family member or friend. Talk to the mommy-to-be’s family members about the other shower dates and invite list. Other than her family members, you do not need to invite people that are attending the mommy-to-be’s other showers unless you want to.

Make sure you have up-to-date addresses and phone numbers for everyone. Type out your guest, including addresses and phone numbers. You will be able to use the potential guest list to keep track of RSVPs and give it to the mommy-to-be so she has everyone’s correct address to send Thank You cards.

Budgeting for the Baby Shower
We suggest that you determine your baby shower budget early in your planning process. It will determine the location of the baby shower, its menu, decorations and more. If you have a smaller budget, don’t worry – you have options:

If you have a smaller group, your home or someone else’s may be a good option. Location and food are typically the biggest costs, so if you’re able to host the baby shower at a home, you will save a significant portion of your budget that be reallocated to food, decorations, etc.

If you have a large guest list, you may want to look for co-hosts because you’re likely going to need to host the baby shower at a restaurant. Good co-hosts can be other close friends of mommy-to-be or her family members. Family members may even just contribute money. Once you have a budget, you should make a list of all of the baby shower costs.

Choose a Baby Shower Theme
Decide what type of theme you want for the baby shower. It will set the tone of the party and may impact where you host the baby shower, as well as its menu and decorations. Baby shower themes can be as simple as blue or pink if you know the sex of the baby. It’s important to consider what mommy-to-be’s style is and what theme she will like. You might also want to take the guest list into account.

Determine the Baby Shower Date
You will want to host the baby shower on a Saturday or Sunday between four to eight weeks before the baby is due. With baby’s due date in mind, decide on a few dates that you can host the baby shower. Contact important guests, especially out of town family, to make sure they are available on dates you have in mind. Remember that Friday night and Saturday baby shower parties are usually more expensive than Sundays if you are having it at a location other than a home.

Choose A Baby Shower Location
The number one rule is to make sure that the baby shower location is large enough to accommodate your guest list. No matter if you have the baby shower at a home, restaurant, hotel or rented space, make sure everything is planned and it will be an excellent shower!

You will save a considerable amount of your budget if you will be hosting the baby shower at a home. However, you will spend money on plates, napkins, cups, eating utensils, and possibly table rentals.

If you will be hosting the baby shower at a restaurant, start looking for locations early. You will want to call and even visit locations to make sure it will accommodate your group, works with your theme and serves food that mommy-to-be and your guests will enjoy. Make sure you also consider whether the location you choose will match your shower theme and allow you to decorate it.

Order Baby Shower Invitations
At least 8 weeks before your baby shower, you should be finalizing your baby shower guest list. After sending out the baby shower invitations, if you have not received RSVPs from some invited guests, call those who have not yet responded. When you begin to look at baby shower invitations, remember that your invitations should:

• Match your theme
• Include its location, date, time, your phone number and the RSVP date (which should be about seven daysbefore the baby shower).
• Include a map to the event location
• Send invitations five or six weeks before the event.

Choosing the Baby Shower Menu
Baby showers have lots of menu options. You can serve appetizers or a full meal.

If you’re hosting the baby shower at a restaurant you will need to work with someone at the restaurant on the menu. If you’re unable to visit the restaurant, which we suggest you do if you haven’t been there, ask them to fax you their party menu. The restaurant may be able to provide food in a sit down setting or put out a buffet, and they may even be able to help you match the menu to your shower theme.

If you’re hosting the baby shower at a home you can choose to cater, make your own food, or a combination of both. If you are having the baby shower catered, ask the caterer to fax you a menu. Again, you will have the option of setting up a buffet or cooking a sit down menu. Just leave room for cake!

Buy Baby Shower Decorations and Supplies
You’re going to want to buy balloons, streamers and other decorations. But if you’re hosting the baby shower at a restaurant, find out what decorations they allow.

If you’re not hosting the baby shower at a restaurant, you’re also going to need plates, napkins, cups and eating utensils. Make sure you have enough napkins and forks for appetizers and cake as well as making sure you have cups for both hot and cold liquids. Baby Shower Decorations

Baby Shower Games and Prizes
We have assembled the most comprehensive collection of baby shower games on the Internet. Visit the baby shower games page for lots of great baby show game ideas.

Tips: 1) Be sure you have writing utensils for everyone, 2) Wrap games prizes and 3) Make sure to have extra prizes in case of tie games.

Buy Baby Shower Party Favors
The baby shower party favors are one of those nice touches to finish off your successful baby shower. Party favors can go with the theme or not. Some popular baby shower gifts include:

• Fill-able baby bottles
• Jelly Belly It’s a boy/girl candy
• Mini pacifier sweet tarts
• Baby feet Lollipops
• Personalized candy bar wrappers

Baby Shower Party Favors

Baby shower party favors are one of those nice touches at the baby shower. It’s common for the host or hosts to give small, thoughtful baby shower favors to each of the guests to thank them for coming. These are small gifts that are in addition to the game prizes that some guests may have won during the shower. Some hosts like for the favors to tie in with the theme of the shower, but it’s up to you!

When should you give out the baby shower favors? It’s up to you! You may want to decorate with them. For instance, depending what you choose, they can help decorate the tables. You can also use the party favors to help add some color here by placing them around the room. Then again, you might want to save the favors for the end of the shower. So that you don’t forget to give someone their favor, you might put all of them out on a table so that your guests can take on when they’re leaving the shower.

Here are some great ideas that are sure go over well with your guests:

• Baby bottles filled with assorted candies – these make great balloon weights during the party
• Scented votive candles, which smell beautiful during the baby shower
• Baby socks – buy assorted candies, fill the socks with the candy and tie the top with a ribbon
• Cookie cutters in the shape of babies, baby bottles, pacifiers, etc.
• Personalized Candy Bars – buy personalized wrappers to wrap mommy-to-be’s favorite candy bars
• Pretty bath and body soaps, lotions, bath salts wrapped in lace
• Cute ceramics of baby booties, bottles, teddy bears or carriages
• Small picture frames for your guest to fill
• Flower pots or vases with a small, fresh cut flowers
• Candles in the shape of baby bottles, baby booties, duckies or bunnies
• Yellow soft stuffed animal duckies or rubber duckies that squirt water in the bath

You can also buy these great candy party favors:

• Jelly Belly It’s a Boy/Girl Candy
• Mini Pacifier Sweet Tarts
• Noah’s Ark Gummy Animal Favors
• Baby Feet Lollipops
• Baby Shower Cookies in the shape of baby bottles or carriages
• Lollipops (blue or pink) in the shape of baby bottles, baby feet, or rattles
• Baby Magnets with Mommy-to-be’s due date
• Baby fabric bags filled with potpourri, bath beads or candy
• Fortune cookies with Thank you messages
• Assorted tea bags wrapped in pretty fabric bags tied with a lace ribbon

Baby Shower Games

The Diaper Game

What you need: a dozen disposable diapers, permanent marker, a dozen different candy bars, plastic spoons, paper and pen for each guest

Number the diapers 1 to 12 with the permanent marker. Away from everyone’s view (in the kitchen), hostess puts a different kind of candy bar in each diaper (a piece about half an inch big is enough). She then microwaves each diaper just long enough for the chocolate to melt.

The “dirty” diapers are passed around and guests try to guess what kind of candy bar each diaper contains. Have your camera ready, because this game makes for some HILARIOUS photos! (People putting “dirty” diapers up to their noses, people tasting the chocolate “poop”) and the different varieties of “poop” make people laugh. (Candy bars with nuts, caramel or coconut work very well. Think Mr. Goodbar, Almond Joy, Snickers).

What’s In The Diaper (many foods version)

In 10 small newborn diapers, place 10 different spoon fulls of each food in each diaper.

You should have 10 diapers each with different foods, ie…green beans, squash, apples, pears…

Pass the diapers around to people.

They will have to open the diapers and see, smell and if brave enough, taste to find out what is in the diaper.

The one with the most answers wins!

Clay or Play Dough Babies

You will need about one can of dough for every two people. Pass out the dough and have the players make little babies. The mother-to-be then judges and the winner gets a prize.

It is neat to watch the guy’s artistic abilities when it comes to babies.

Dress The Baby

This is a great game for a coed party. Each of the women who are invited are told ahead of time to bring a diaper bag with an outfit to dress “their baby”. As the couples arrive each are escorted to a private bedroom where the wives dress their husbands as “their babies”.

All couples cooperate and it is a hoot!  Prizes are given for cutest, most authentic looking, humorous, and ugliest baby. There are enough categories for each couple to win at least one prize and all the husbands are great sports! In fact mine even went home dressed in his diaper at the last shower!

Empty That Bottle!

This game is really more fun to watch when its just for the guys – for those of you having a shower where everyone is invited!

Fill as many 4 oz. (or smaller) baby bottles as you will need with water, juice, or even beer depending on your party gathering (something they won’t mind drinking). One for each male at the shower…fill the bottles equally so its fair for all!

Time the fellas with a stopwatch (or watch with a second hand) to see who can “empty that bottle” the fastest!

This game is really fun! It’s a hoot watching grown men suck from a baby bottle!

Make sure you have a “manly” prize for the winner! (Perhaps a $10 gift certificate to the local hardware super center!)

A Face Only Mama Could Love

Each guest is asked to bring a baby picture of themselves. Upon arrival, the hostess takes the baby picture and arranges the picture onto a poster board. Under each picture, she assigns a number. Each guest gets a piece of paper and is told to match the adult guest name with the corresponding baby picture. Example: Aunt Sue is baby number 3….etc. Each guest puts down all of their guesses and the guest with the most correct matches wins! This is a good ice breaker game. Don’t forget to ask for the picture when you mail out the invitation!

Baby Price Is Right

Hostess buys small baby items and keeps a list of what each item costs. Then she makes a list of each item for every guest without the prices on the guest lists. Guests write what they think each item costs and then total all items.

The closest one to the correct cost wins.

Baby Shower Decorations

Baby shower decorations are a great way to increase the excitement at the baby shower and to make the party more festive. Baby shower decorations do not have to be expensive and can be hand made instead of bought at the store. We always suggest doing a combination and have listed baby shower decorations below that are easy to make and fun to create.

Baby Jars

Empty baby jars from a friend who has a baby are a great way to decorate the room! Baby jars can be hand painted in different colors or you can get a baby magazine and cut out baby pictures, pregnant mothers and baby toys as well as other baby items in making the jars colorful and related to the baby shower. Use these jars for:

• Centerpieces with flowers
• Centerpieces with candy
• Centerpieces with candles
• Baby Bottles

Empty baby bottles are a great way to decorate the room. Either ask a person who does not need their empty bottles anymore or go to a store and purchase inexpensive bottles. Decorate them with paint or magazine ads and glue that have baby shower related pictures. Use these bottles for:

• Centerpieces with flowers
• Centerpieces with candy
• Centerpieces with candles
• Condiments like mustard and ketchup when eating
• Game playing by placing blue or pink jellybellys in one and having the guests guess how many jellys (winner gets to keep the bottle)
• Miniature Baby Bottles – Binky’s

Take three lifesavers together and place white frosting around them together. Take a pink jelleybelly or a blue jellybelly on top of one of them whether they are having a boy or girl. If not sure what the couple is having, do a pink and blue jellybelly mix. The white frosting should hold the jellybelly into place and then you will have little baby shower bottle decorations to spread across the room or on the tables.

Baby Shower Card Decorations

When everyone arrives at the baby shower, have crayons, markers and pre-cut paper in the form of a card. Have each baby shower guest create a personalized card with a picture on the front and a word of advice for the mommy-to-be inside. Place the cards immediately around the room as decorations which can be collected at the end of the baby shower by the mommy-to-be to read.

December Baby Shower Decorations

If having a December Baby Shower, decorate a small Christmas tree in blue or pink lights and hang baby shower toys on the tree that the mother-to-be can take and use. Use small stuffed animals, bottles, rattles, baby bottles, etc., along with more normal items like christmass orniments and snowflakes. A great way to be festive for the holiday and the baby shower party!

Usable Baby Shower Items as Decorations

Get a basket and place baby care supplies (baby shower skin care, rattles, binky’s, lotions, non-tear shampoo) and placed them in the center of each table at the shower. Whether the baby will be a boy or girl, tie baby blue or pink ribbons on the basket to liven up the basket. You can also use baby shower related pink and blue balloons to finish off the baskets that will be used as centerpices. It was a great way to help the mommy-to-be get some essential items as well as making a table look nice.

Baby Shower Decoration Party

For those baby shower guests that are in charge of the party, it would be fun to have everyone over to create baby shower decorations by getting construction paper, glitter, glue, and other art supplies to create cutouts like:

• bottles
• crib
• blocks with a-b-c’s
• rattles
• stroller (for more advanced artists)
• pacifiers
• baby food containers
• bibs
• duckies

This can be a pre-party for building the excitement to the main baby shower party and all the planners will have a ball creating these items.

Baby Shower Rattle Decorations – Bake a batch of rice crispy “balls”. (Form the rice crispy into the shape of a ball, allowing it to set and firm up.) This acts as the top of a baby rattle. Use a Popsicle stick as the handle of the rattle. You can either write on the popsicle stick with Blue for a boy and pink for a girl saying……”It’s a girl/ It’s a boy” or paint it on if you’re really crafty. If the gender has not been determined, phrases such as “Baby on the way”, works too. Wrap the top of the rattle (the rice crispy balls) with a cellophane or plastic wrap, and secure it in place with a ribbon color to suit the gender of the baby.

Baby Shower Invitations

Baby Shower Invitations

To start the baby shower excitement, baby shower invitations have become a big part in the planning process of any baby shower! Depending on the mood, theme, season, sex of the baby (if known), the Mommy and Daddy to be’s interests, you can have a fun and creative time planning the baby shower invitations. Important information regarding baby shower invitations are listed below:

The first questions to ask are:

• How many people are attending
• Are there any themes
• Are there any creative people that are helping plan that want to create the invites
• What types of things does the mommy-to-be like?

Travel to a card store and check out the baby shower invitations they have to either decide to purchase them or to create something like them. If you purchase the baby shower invitations, make sure to give yourself enough time to order them and send them out. The baby shower invitations should go out around 2 to 1.5 months in advance and the guests should have at least 2 weeks to reply as well as some time to invite anyone else that was on an alternate list

Make sure to include the following information on the baby shower invite:

• Name of Mommy-To-Be and host(s)
• Location
• Date
• Directions (important)
• Phone number in case questions
• RSVP
• Where Mommy-To-Be is Registered
• Theme of the party (if chosen)
• Dress (formal or casual)
• Let the guests know if there is anything they need to bring>

BABY SHOWER INVITATION IDEAS

Here are some great baby shower invitation theme ideas for your baby shower planning. There are so many ways to be creative with the invitations. Many baby shower planners like to tie in the baby shower invitations with the theme of the shower. Below we have listed some of the more popular baby shower invitation ideas. I hope they are helpful:

Baby Bassinet Invitations - baby bassinet with baby inside decorates this baby shower invitation baby boys or a girls, two bassinets are also cute for twins.

Baby Bib Invitations – make a baby shower invitation in the shape of a bib, great for boy or girl baby showers.

Baby Blocks Invitations – ABC and 123 blocks decorate this invitation that’s great for both baby boys and girls.

Baby Bottle Invitations – your baby shower invitation can be in the shape of a baby bottle or decorate the edges of the baby shower invitation cute little baby bottles.

Baby Carriage Invitations – adorable baby carriages decorate this baby shower invitation that can be used for a baby boy or a girl, also fun to show two baby carriages for twins or three carriages for triplets.

Baby Shower “baby” Invitations – It is always cute to send out baby shower invitations with actual pictures of babies or clip art pictures of babies. If you know the sex of the baby, make it a baby boy or baby girl on the baby shower invitations.

Stork Invitations – There is nothing like a stork on your baby shower invitations that symbolizes a new birth. There are many cute cards on the market that have a picture of a stork delivering a baby or with cute captions!

Baby Items Invitations – Some of the cutest cards I have seen have multiple baby items (bib, burp cloth, diapers, basket with towels, onesies, etc.) to signify the baby shower is coming! Many are in “blue” or “pink” to signify the sex of the baby. A very cute baby shower invitation idea.

Cute Animals – A furry teddybear or butterflies are always nice to see on baby shower invitations. Any little furry animal (well almost any) are cute to place on baby shower invitations and can be very cute!

Baby Shoes Invitations - There is almost nothing cuter than baby shoes since they are so small and signify a new baby is on the way or already here. I used baby shower invitations that had shoes and were very cute.

Baby Bottle Invitations – Purchase some small baby bottles to send out the invitations. Open each bottle and toss in some confetti. Write the invitation out on a long skinny piece of paper that will fit in the bottle. roll it up, tie it with a ribbon and place the invite inside bottle. The lids snap in place pretty snugly, but you can add a bit of hot glue to make sure they don’t come off if you like.

Bacteria & Makeup Don’t Mix

Do you know how old that powder, foundation, eyeliner, or mascara you have in your cosmetic bag is? Those cosmetic products could be bacterial breeding grounds. Ick!

If you are unsure how old your makeup is, chances are they are past their expiration and it’s time you throw them out. Old makeup not only harbors bacteria but it can really wreak havoc on your skin and cause unwanted breakouts. And no one wants to wake up with a shiny new, red pimple. Take these simple steps & your skin will thank you later:

Take Special Care to Prevent Eye Infections ~

These cosmetic products need special attention:

• Eyeliner – Wipe off your eyeliner pencil with alcohol on a fuzz-free cotton pad which you can find near the cotton balls at your drugstore; with alcohol, it will dry quickly and stay sterile. Don’t use the eyeliner on the moist, pink part of your eyelids. Most eyeliners are not designed to be used there nor close to your tear ducts (the inner corner of your eye).

• Mascara – To avoid conjunctivitis and other eye infections, replace your mascara every 3 to 4 months. Mark the month you purchased the mascara on the side of the tube with a permanent marker to help you remember to buy a new one. Also, don’t shove the brush back and forth in the tube to get more mascara on it — when you do that, you’re also pushing air and bacteria inside the product. Instead, spin the brush around in the tube before you pull it out and use it. And be careful when using mascara not to touch or scratch your eye – apply only to the tips of your lashes. Otherwise, you risk scratching your cornea and raising your risk of eye infections or vision loss.

• Cream or powder eye shadow – These cosmetic products should be treated the same way as foundation and lipstick: Use a brush or spatula and pallet. Don’t touch eye shadow with your fingers.

Remember to replace all of your beauty care products every year, and your mascara every 3 months. Make sure you don’t touch your makeup with your fingers, and keep all of your makeup applicators clean and sterile. This kind of careful treatment will keep germs and bacteria at bay and your skin looking fresh and beautiful.

Kolcraft Contours® Options® 3 Wheeler review & giveaway

Have you seen the newly redesigned 2010 Kolcraft Contours^® Options^® 3 Wheeler? It’s sleek, stylish and affordable yet it does not skimp on quality. Kolcraft has added some really nice features — a removable child cup holder, a height adjustable canopy for growing babies and an easy-reach parent tray that’s wide enough to hold an iPhone. Parents now have deeper, dual ventilated cups for those sport bottles too.

The Contours^® Options^® 3 Wheeler is described as an all-terrain stroller yet it is SO light and steers SO easily. A Cadillac of a stroller in my opinion. And if you are an active parent who loves the outdoors you don’t have to stick with just a light stroll. This thing can really move. A great piece of equipment for the jogging family. Your baby will love the generously large canopy. It stretches out to hide the hot sun from baby’s sensitive skin. But there is a peek-in window so she/he can still see the white fluffy clouds and the soaring birds if she/he wants to.

One feature I really like is that the seat can be positioned in 3 ways or removed altogether to make room for your own infant car seat. You can set it to forward facing so baby gets a perfect view, reverse facing so Mom or Dad can keep an eye on their newborn and reclined which makes a comfy spot for baby when she/he wants to nap.

All of you parents know that when you travel with babies, there’s tons of necessary luggage that goes along with it. The Contours® Options® 3 has a huge basket underneath that will accommodate a bulky bag with no problem. If you have toddlers, this will be the place they’ll wanna be. teehee. Hiding from Mommy. You know how it is.

Taller parents will love the longer handle. No more hunching over to push baby around. Even if you aren’t tall, I’m 5′ 3″, this is still very comfortable to push. It has a wide, soft, foam covered handle that feels good to grip.

Installation was not hard at all. At first we couldn’t figure out how to take the seat out of the reclining position but after actually reading the manual, ahem, we figured it out. hehee. The seat and canopy was already put together so all that remained was the frame, handle and wheels. Speaking of wheels, the Contours® Options® 3 comes with an 8″ front wheel that can swivel in a full circle and 2 – 12″ rear wheels. This stroller glides over gravel very easily.

For safety, there’s a 5-point harness that is height adjustable not just a safe ride but also a comfortable one. The infant head rest is removable as well so when your baby grows, just remove it to give your child more room to move. And don’t forget the child cup holder. It opens easily for child access. Now parents and children are getting spoiled. hehee

This stroller has a wider wheel base that may feel a little awkward at first but it moves SO easily and smoothly you won’t even care. It comes with a rear 1-touch brake for when you want to rest or maybe even enjoy a picnic in the park. Storage is now easier with the redesigned model too. It has easy trigger levers and a free-stand fold. It stands upright to prevent getting dirty. That’s a huge plus in my book! It took me a few tries to learn the technique of folding but once you’ve done it a few times and gotten the steps down, it’s a snap!

You can find the Contours® Options® 3 Wheeler at Target, Babies ‘R Us, Amazon.com and ChitChatBaby.com. Prices may vary per store.

Check out the Specs:

• JPMA Certified
• Stroller weighs 25 lbs.
• Only use this product in the reclined position until child can sit up unassisted.
• 50 lbs. maximum child weight

Accommodates the following infant car seats (infant car seat not included):

• Baby Trend^® Flex-Loc
• Baby Trend^® Latch-Loc
• Chicco^® Key Fit
• Cosco^® Designer 22^® Series
• Cosco^® First Ride DX
• Evenflo^® Discovery™
• Evenflo^® Embrace
• Graco^® Snug Ride^™ Series
• Graco^® Safe Seat™
• Maxi-Cosi^® Mico™
• Peg Pérego^® Primo Viaggio SIP
• Safety 1st^® Designer 22™
• Safety 1st^® Starter™

The Kolcraft® Contours® Options® 3 Wheeler comes in two color combinations:

Cinnamon

Sangria

We have had so much fun with this stroller. It truly is great. It makes me want to be a kid again so I can go for a spin. hehee

The Contours 3 Wheeler stroller retails for $159.99 or up.

Kolcraft is about to make one of you readers a very happy one. You can win one of these wonderful strollers that offers a balance of style and function!

Win It!!!

1 Winner will be chosen at random at the end of the entry period 03/26/10. Prize consists of one Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler.

** MANDATORY entry: Go to Kolcraft and tell me one other product you would love to have. AND you must be following my blog via at least one of the sources listed below in order to win.**

Extra Entries!

You can do any of these things for an extra entry. Make sure to leave a separate comment for EACH thing you do.

** PLEASE make sure if you are following my blog that you specify by which means and what your username is there so I can verify you are following. If I can’t verify it the entry will not count. ** Please do not tell me you are following if you are not. I do verify the information. Thanks!

1.) Enter the eSkakti Woman contest (add Bella So Savvy to the entry form under the Blogger who referred you)

2.) Follow me via Twitter @MyBellaMia

3.) Follow my blog via Google Friend Connect. (currently only visible using Google Chrome or Safari browsers)

4.) Follow my blog via NetworkedBlogs.

5.) Become a friend on  Facebook (please leave me your facebook username in a comment). Make sure you are “friending” via the link here (Bella-Mia, not Bella So Savvy).

6.) Place my button on your blog. Please comment below with your blog URL so I can verify button placement.

7.) Tweet about this giveaway. You can Tweet up to 5 times per day for extra entries every day but you must copy your status update URL and paste it in a comment below! You can copy & paste:

Review & Giveaway! Enter to win a Kolcraft Contours 3 Wheeler ($159.99+ value) http://www.bellasavvy.net/archives/1635 ~ Ends 03/26/10.

*The retweet can be reworded but must include the url link to the giveaway & must spell out that the prize is a Kolcraft Contours 3 Wheeler.

8.) Blog about my giveaway (post a link to the direct page of your blog post)

9.) Follow Kolcraft on Facebook.

10.) Follow Kolcraft on Twitter.

Contest ends at 9pm. EST on March 26th when I will draw the winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile. Winner will have 48 hours to respond! If winner do not respond an alternate winner will be chosen at random out of the remaining entries.

Open to US Only.

The views & opinions expressed in my reviews are simply mine. My views & opinions may differ from other consumers. I did not receive a cash payment for my review but did receive one Kolcraft Contours Options 3 Wheeler to test.

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