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Planning the Perfect Baby Shower

October 15th, 2009

The excitement of a party! We expect a good time with our friends. We expect lots of good food. Depending on the party we may take a present for the guest of honor. But there’s a little surprise we don’t expect, and that’s party favors, a little memento to take home. Kids in particular love a kitschy little something. But so do the guests at a baby shower. Baby showers can be as much fun as a kid’s birthday party, and baby shower favors can be just as memorable. Let’s talk about baby showers.

The first rule of baby showers is that they are given by a friend. Everyone knows you never give a shower for yourself. The first thing to plan is the guest list. Don’t pad the list just to get more gifts. Just choose among the mom’s closest circle of friends. Real paper invitations are a nice touch. I know we rely on the phone and email for the bulk of our interpersonal communications, but a party invitation is one thing that should be stamped and sent by mail. The guests will be pleased to get something in the mailbox that isn’t a bill or junk mail. The paper invitation also gives the recipient a concrete piece of paper to hang on the refrigerator as a reminder of the date and time.

Next is the theme for the decorations. In the old days, the mom didn’t know the sex of the baby at the time of the shower, so shower colors had to either be a neutral yellow or green or a combination of pink and blue. Most showers are put on near the end of the gestation period, so these days it’s common for the hostess to know whether to decorate with pink or blue. Crepe paper streamers are kind of corny, but a few streamers around the ceiling give a festive look to the party room. Another decoration can be a banner announcing that it’s a baby shower. Storks are a good addition. See whether you can come up with ways to incorporate baby items into the decorations. You could make bouquets of baby rattles or rolled up bibs and undershirts. Hang baby toys from the chandelier like a mobile. Temporarily hang decorations for the nursery wall on the wall above the food or gift table.

As for the party food, you need to accommodate both the people who watch what they eat and those who enjoy a party for the forbidden food. Fresh fruit and vegetables are good snacks for everyone, but you also want a pretty, decorated cake, various fatty munchies, and a pretty punch.

The best party activity is to buy enough baby shirts and a selection of fabric paints and paint brushes. Then each guest can custom decorate a little undershirt for the baby. These will become treasured mementos for the mom and her baby. The other best game is for the guests to drop a piece of string or yarn on the floor to estimate the size of the mom’s expanding waist. (I always win this game by pulling out one yard of string and laying it on the floor. Works every time.)

Connor R. Sullivan and his wife have recently attended several baby showers and have noticed that the party favors are becoming more elaborate. His wife purchased online baby shower favors for a baby shower she is hosting.

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The Lost Art of Savoring

October 15th, 2009

My five-year-old niece is sitting in karate class. The instructor asks the kids in class a question. “What is your favorite meal?” One by one the kids answer: Pasta! Hamburgers! Pizza! My niece answers: “Dessert.” She absolutely adores dessert. One of her favorites is chocolate.

She loves dessert so much that she eats it too quick. And then she wants more. Then she gets that cute little look on her face. She’s in a little quandary. She so wants more, but her Mommy is trying to make sure she eats as nutritionally as possible. And that ultimately takes most of the enjoyment out of it. She is disappointed for two reasons: She had only a few moments to enjoy something she loves, and she is slightly frustrated because she won’t be getting anymore.

So I taught her how to “savor” with a small piece of chocolate. I told her to let it slowly melt in her mouth. We had a contest to see who would make the chocolate last longer and she won. She saw the benefits to savoring: it was much more pleasurable than wolfing down dessert in a heartbeat. When her Mom noticed her eating her dessert slowly one day, she got concerned! She said…

“What’s wrong…why are you eating your dessert so slowly?”

My niece replied with a contented voice…

“I’m savoring.”

When was the last time you, gracious reader, savored? Was it when you were on vacation at the beach? When you were lying on the beach, listening to the rush of the waves, feeling the warm breeze lightly caressing your skin, enjoying the warm soothing bright light of the beaming sun on your face?

All of us should savor more everyday. Savoring takes practice. Savoring is an art. The French savor when they eat. I’ve read French people observe the meal as it’s set before them. They admire the presentation. They breathe deeply the aromas coming from the plate. They discuss the many nuances to the meal: texture, seasoning, where the flavors hit in their mouths: tongue, lips, back of the mouth.

The French are passionate about food. Savoring is passion! Passion for the moment you are experiencing….right now. Savoring is pleasure. Let’s start right now. Here are some ideas for you:

Close your eyes and savor the moment, and breathe deeply. Eat and savor your meal tonight like the French do. Tickle someone. Savor a piece of chocolate like my niece does.

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Remedies For Monthly Cramps

October 13th, 2009

Do you struggle with stomach cramps and all the symptoms that go along with your period? I have struggled since the beginning with terrible cramps that leave me in bed for days. Unfortunately, the medicine they have available causes side affects for myself. Usually I have to debate every month whether to take on the pain or the side effects of the medicine. With the knowledge of my reaction to the common midol, I have had to find new remedies to relieve my monthly cramps. Here are few of my own ideas and suggestions to get through that time of the month.

One way I have found to ease the pain of my cramps is to use an electric heating pad. I keep a heating pad right next to my bed, which has a control setting of 1-4, 4 being the hottest which is where I usually keep it. Also a hot bath can be soothing and relaxing. Turn an audio book on, a few candles and a drink and you might just get a little relief or at least an attempt to get your mind off the pain. Over the last few years companies have come out with sticky heating pads you can place on your stomach, right where the cramps are. Personally for me they have not worked but that is not to say they might work for you. My third suggestion is to have your husband or someone that loves you alot to give you a good deep back rub. For me this feels wonderful, it doesn’t take the cramps completely away but does get me a little more relaxed.

My last remedy if all else fails bear the pain with a box of chocolates or your favorite goody, a good movie, a tall glass of iced tea and some comfy clothes in your bed. I figure make the most of your situation and if you don’t feel up to getting around make the place you are at as enjoyable and comfortable as you can!

Struggling with cramps monthly is only one thing I deal with. Along with that I have been diagnosed with Epilepsy when I was 14. I have come to understand my hormones effect my body alot. Check out my website http://www.livingwithepilepsytoday.com for my story and more.
Sarah Porr - Expert Author

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Sexual Harassment – A Symptom of Power Play

October 12th, 2009

Ever since women have entered the workforce in large numbers, the problem of Sexual Harassment has gained a momentum of its own. Though women may be highly educated, have the requisite qualifications and work shoulder to shoulder with men, almost 60% are subjected to unwelcome sexually determined behaviour by the opposite sex. Even women doctors are not exempt, and many are harassed by senior doctors, consultants, interns and male patients. In educational institutions, about 55% of students complain of harassment by teachers or fellow students. One cannot walk on the roads or travel by public transport without being harassed by bullies or eve teasers. Sexual harassment cuts across all socio-economic barriers.

Gender discrimination and role stereotypes are the reason for such behaviour. Some men feel that the biological roles of wife, mother and home maker are violated by women who step out of their homes for employment.

Women too have come out with extreme ideas of playing “super woman.” Some aspects of Feminism make men feel distinctly uneasy and paranoid. They try to get even through sexual harassment. After all, they too are victims of stereotyping. Most men think that “good women” don’t get sexually harassed. But “bad women” invite trouble by their behaviour and dress.

In the context of this rapidly changing socio-economic scenario, more women are likely to seek employment outside their homes. It is therefore time for society to remember that women are human beings too, and must be allowed the dignity of their rights.

What is sexual harassment?

Every woman is entitled to her own private space. When that space is violated by verbal, non verbal or physical forms of sexually suggestive behaviour, it amounts to harassment. This covers a range of behaviour starting from unwelcome comments about a person’s body to sexual abuse and sexual assault. The harasser may be openly sexist in his remarks or present a veneer of respectability, but make sly passes or propositions when the victim is alone.

Types of harassment.

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Women’s Self-Defense – From Curiosity to Fear – Understanding Your Intuition

October 12th, 2009

When we teach our women’s self defense programs, one of the things we encourage our students to practice is listening to their intuition.

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Comfortable in Your Skin – The Glory of Mid-Life

October 12th, 2009

I do my best to avoid “pushing against” anything. I know it’s a giant waste of time. I also know that regardless of how much we say we aren’t, by the mere pushing we ARE giving it our attention. Near as I can tell, you get what you focus on. Every time. No exceptions. So…I do my best to avoid pushing against.

That being said, there are some things that just trip my trigger so fast that I’m compelled to expel the fury of words that want to come screaming out of my mouth. Or, in this case, my fingertips. Am I pushing against? Maybe. Or maybe I’m simply aware that the reason it trips my trigger is because I have something of value to offer…and maybe even help a few people get past some old thinking. Either way, I’m going to pose this little dialog and let you decide.

I came across an article today that was beautifully written by a woman who owns a website called “Feisty Side Of Fifty”. She is a marvelous, humorous, brilliant woman who does a terrific job helping women move past their fears (of aging) and into the glorious adventure of this new start in life. I adore this woman for her spirited deliveries and her incredible humor. In any case, she wrote this article about a little ‘aha’ moment she had while perusing a Talbot’s magazine. She noticed that the models in the pictures were actually smiling. She also made note of the fact that while very (very!) young models may look perfectly fine with those sour, pouty faces on the cover of high fashion magazines, it just wouldn’t suit for women over a ‘certain age’ to do the same. In short, she was basically saying “It’s okay to smile!”

Right below the article were several comments. One woman, who appears to be a fashion ‘consultant’ made a statement that tripped that trigger I was just telling you about. She said, “I stressed in both my books that in order to remain modern, and youthful-it is essential to peruse magazines-Last minute research (and prayer) before a hair appointment would be unnecessary if style was more casually integrated in your life.

I think a certain comfort level with oneself is a wonderful thing to attain as we age-but we should still challenge ourselves to remain current and up-to-date.

My books are all about bridging what you see on “these young women” (and men) and yourself-appropriately and agelessly. I hope more and more women begin to realize that curiosity and aesthetic exposure is the key to being youthful-”

Now, I don’t know about you, but it seems to me there’s a HUGE glitch in all this. While this woman may be a “fashion consultant”, I wonder who she’s consulting and why? Or rather, why would a woman who knows who she is and loves that “who”, why would she need a CONSULTANT to tell her how to dress? I’m guessing she wouldn’t. Which leads me to my point (yes, I do have one):

From what I can tell, most women – somewhere around 50ish – come to this beautiful place of acceptance. They find comfort in living in their skins. They enjoy who they are and don’t give a RIP about what anybody says or thinks about them. They have, in sweetest terms, COME INTO THEIR OWN. A marvelous, splendid, delicious place to live. Finally, after years and years of trying to be what everyone else wants us to be, we get to this place…and we take our stand. It is, in my on experience, one of THE BEST places to live.

Arriving in this glorious place where we don’t give a flyin’ hoot about what anybody has to say about who we are is about as fun and liberating as anything I can think of. We are, at long last, Brazen Bodacious Beings. If we feel like wearing flowy, flowery MooMoos or big baggy shorts or cowboy hats and lizard boots or funky looking cat-glasses or slinky tulle with sequins….we do it with flair and confidence. Because, my dears, CONFIDENCE is the essence of beautiful. It is in the knowing of our selves that we emote that beauty that we tried so hard to copy before we got here. It is in the knowing of our truest selves that we show the world just how awesome it is to be a woman…not a girl, not a lass, not a 90 pound skeletal excuse for a woman.

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What Are the Causes of Ovarian Cysts?

October 12th, 2009

Let’s begin by explaining what an Ovarian cyst is. An Ovarian Cyst is a fluid filled sac that forms within the ovary. There are different types of cysts and I will identify a few a little later. But first, you should know that the forming of ovarian cysts is common and the majority of the time they are not cancerous and not painful. In fact, for most women the cysts go unnoticed and go away on their own. And, when they are detected it will usually occur during a routine examination at their Obgyn.

Now, what are the causes of these cysts? The most common type of cysts are known as functional cysts and these are the result of fluid that forms around the developing egg. There are two types of functional cysts:

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Liberate Yourself From the Superwoman Myth

October 12th, 2009

On July 3, 2009, the day before Independence Day, I made my own Declaration of Independence. I declared myself free of the Superwoman Myth. That myth that started in the 60’s that says women can have it all. A later version of this is “We can have it all, just not at the same time.”

This superwoman myth drives many of us to work longer than we intended, take on additional projects when our plate is already full, begin projects either we are excited about and want to do or that we don’t want to do, say yes when we mean no, push ourselves with little sleep to take care of work, family, friends and community. All because there are women out there who do this successfully (or so it seems) and we think we should do the same. We don’t want to admit we have limits.

You may not agree with me, however, I believe that women are more effective when we are focused and don’t spread our energy and our precious time across many responsibilities, tasks, commitments, relationships and opportunities.

I’ve decided I want to liberate myself from feeling like I have to do it all. I grew up when women first gained access to birth control, which gave us the freedom to work outside the home. What we took on as a gender is that we can maintain the home plus do all the outside activities. With more money coming in to the family, the kids were free to participate in more activities. Moms ran (and still do) around like crazy because no one realized the model of the perfect family was now changing. As a result, the Superwoman was born, because we didn’t want to admit we couldn’t do it all and we didn’t know how to talk about it and ask for what we needed and wanted.

From now on, I’m going to listen to my thoughts when they are telling me that I have to do something or I should do something. I declare myself liberated from the tyranny of those words and promise to ask myself if there are other ways something can get done, particularly when I have a lot of deadlines and family responsibilities for example. I don’t have to assume that I am the only one who can do it all or that I do it better and faster than someone else would. That is a Superwoman myth.

I admit this is easier to write than to do. What I do know is that when women are rested and relaxed, nurtured and fulfilled that their businesses and their whole family benefits. Decide what you want to be free of in your life. What do you want to let go of?

Just for the next few days, experiment with doing what you want, when you want and schedule yourself some flexible time. Instead of giving it away to other people around you, claim back some time for you. This morning, I decided to write this article first instead jumping into my long to-do list. Of course I’ll get to my list; however, writing is enjoyable for me and with less time, I’ll get those things done faster anyway.

Ban the Superwoman and enjoy life!

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Positive Women – How a Positive Woman Transforms a Bad Day Into a Good Day

October 10th, 2009

Some days make being a woman with a positive attitude more challenging than others. Because women are nurturing by nature, we often take other people’s issues on as our own. You may have noticed, in doing this, the person with the issue may be less focused on it than you are. It either isn’t that important to them or they rely on you to fix it because you have done so in the past.

Although being nurturing is positive, nurturing the wrong person or the right person in the wrong situation can be a detriment to both people involved.

We, as women, also find challenge in replying, “No” when asked to do something since we pride ourselves in being able to “do it all.” It’s true, women are awesome and can do an amazing number of things in a day but taking on too much depletes our ability to handle important things effectively. Saying, “No” to someone else, is saying, “Yes” to yourself.

Here are some options for those “not so easy to be positive days:”

Start a new day whenever you want

You can begin your day over whenever you want. It can be 2:30 in the afternoon and if you dislike how your day has gone or feel you’ve been less productive than you’d like, start over.

Real-Life Example:

One night, I was too frustrated about my non-productive day to sleep. At 11:30 pm, I started my day over. I organized the attic and my closet as if I was in a race. It took two hours. I felt so productive afterward, I slept like a baby. Ever since that night, I’ve known that I can make every day good even if I get a late start.

There are 24 hours in a day. That may not seem like a lot if you are used to thinking of your day in work, commute, family, sleep segments but think of all the things you can accomplish in 30 minutes, one hour, two hours or even 15 minutes. Switch your segments around to enhance your productivity, remembering frustration can be transformed into powerful positive energy by determining an expectation with a timeline.

If you would like to be more positive, empowered, successful and have greater peace of mind, I invite you to visit http://www.TeleWomenars.com. You will receive invitations to positive telephone seminars for women and an empowering TeleWomenar audio replay as my gift to you.

Submitted by Kelly Rudolph, “Your Personal Safety Trainer” and Host of TeleWomenars.
Kelly Rudolph - Expert Author

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Short Skirts, Stockings and High Heels

October 9th, 2009

Short skirts were all the rage in the late 60’s even if you didn’t have ‘the legs’ to wear one. Jean Shrimpton was the yardstick we all measured ourselves against and back then, she was considered a very skinny example. But, oh boy, did she ever cause a stir here in Australia!

Stockings had only just changed over to the wearing of pantyhose and high heels were what women wore to show off their legs more advantageously. Now getting the right size stocking pantyhose back then was not an exact science like it is today because the manufacturers were still coming to grips with how many sizes were actually needed to cover the majority of the women in the world.

They learnt very quickly that three sizes, that is small, medium and large, among women simply didn’t exist. I think they solved a few of these problems when they came up with spandex instead of nylon because spandex like its name implies, expands.

So with wearing a short skirt and a pair of not-well-fitting stockings balanced precariously on a pair of overly high heels was a recipe for a disaster looking for a place to happen for many of us.

I found my ‘place to happen’ on a Sydney Harbour Ferry between Neutral Bay and Circular Quay. It was morning rush hour and everyone wanted to get off the ferry and up to the train station quickly.

It was also a wet morning and the deck stairs were slippery. Down I went and landed on my knees amid a shoving crowd. It hurt but I wouldn’t show the handsome young Policeman just how much because I was so embarrassed. Besides, I may have lost one of my false eyelashes if I had cried.

I had split my stockings right across both knees and the nylon hung like dead skin down my legs. I had lost the heel off one of those stupidly high heels, split the crutch of my stockings and tried desperately to get away from that pushing Ferry crowd with some dignity intact.

One shoe was 5 inches higher than the other and I was hobbled by stockings that were trying to escape my legs and a short skirt rucked up around my backside trying to help them off.

Needless to say, I simply moved onto the closest Ferry seat and returned home to Neutral Bay to ring the office and tell them I wasn’t coming to work that day because I had had an accident. Thank goodness for an understanding boss but I think he actually liked us girls to wear our short skirts, stockings and ridiculously high heels around his office anyway.

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