Posted on Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Importance of Female Friendships

As women age their vast group of girlfriends becomes a more close knit group of friends. It’s important to have at least one strong female friendship. The dynamic between female friends as opposed to friends of the opposite sex is totally different. In this case, it’s about quality versus quantity. This Sunday is National Women’s Friendship Day. So let’s discuss the importance of female friendships and celebrate the strong, beautiful women in our lives!

Here are my favorite things about girlfriends.

You have someone you can talk to and relate to. Sure, you can chat with your guy friends about beer and football, but do they want to hear that your period is three days late? Absolutely not. In fact they don’t want to hear about your period, ever. Sometimes you just need someone to vent to about girl issues, or to assure you that everything is going to be OK. Guys don’t go through a lot of stuff that women do, so they can’t relate. Plus, a good girlfriend is someone you can share your deepest, darkest secrets with.

They offer real advice. Guys don’t want to hear about your breakup, or maybe they do because they are excited. Maybe they’ve always seen you as more than just a friend. Face it, they probably aren’t going to give you the best advice when it comes to dating or how to get your ex back. Most women have been there so they can offer helpful tips.

Even if you don’t talk to each other for a while, it’s like you never missed a beat. You can pick up right where you left off. Reminisce on old times, or have fun creating new memories. Sending a quick text to check in every once in a while is more than enough to show you still value their friendship.

She encourages you to be the best version of yourself. Sure, she invites you to grab mimosas for brunch, but only after hitting a killer spin class. She truly cares about your physical and mental well-being. She knows that getting out and venting over eggs Benedict is just as important as getting in a good sweat session.

They have your back. Let’s face it, people can be mean, and some like to talk trash. Your bestie will always stand up for you. Having someone who loves and supports you can help others see you in a different light.

She cares about you and your self-esteem. How many times have you tried on a dress, looked and your friend and said “Ugh, I look fat.” If you’re like me this has probably happened a thousand times. But how many times has she looked at you and responded, “You’re right.” ZERO. A good friend is there to lift you up and tell you you’re beautiful. Even if it may not be the right dress for you, she offers words of encouragement instead of cutting you down. That’s what friends are for.

She likes to do girly things. Have you ever just had the urge to get up and dance? As much as we wish they did, most guys don’t like to dance. But that can be easily solved if you have a strong group of girls who support you. Grab your girlfriends and dance your heart out. It’s good for your body and your soul.

They help to relieve stress. Sometimes you just need to go out and do something fun to get your mind off of the stress of everyday life. And a good girl friend knows just how to get you laughing and having fun.

Having strong friendships and relationships are important. Now pick up the phone and thank the women in your life!

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Posted on Monday, September 12, 2016

Breakfast Done Right

Eating a healthy, nutritious breakfast is an essential part of your day. But if your schedule is anything like mine, you may find it difficult to fit in a healthy breakfast before you head out the door. This can make it tempting to breeze through the drive-thru and pick up a pastry on your way to work. But there are other quick, fulfilling options that simply require a bit of creativity.

I’m fortunate enough to have an amazing juice and coffee shop, J House Juice, literally down the street from me. On mornings that I’m in a pinch and need to grab something quick, I stop in to J House. They have everything from no bake energy bites and protein bars, to smoothies and fresh fruit. The staff is always very friendly, inviting and knowledgeable. My girl Katherine is an expert at mixing up just the right concoction to delight your taste buds and invigorate your body. Just tell her what’s going on with you and she’ll whip up a healthy juice just for you.

Here are links to popular recipes similar to some of my favorite treats:

Carrot, orange and ginger juice – no juicer required!

I hope you find this helpful to avoid drive-thru temptations. After all, it is better breakfast month!

Posted on Monday, September 12, 2016

Furnishing a Safe Room for Baby

Getting the nursery ready isn’t just about picking a wall color and deciding on a theme. It’s also about making sure everything is safe and secure for when baby arrives home. Today, we will be discussing everything you need to know about furnishing the nursery to ensure you’re ready for when you bring your bundle of joy home.

Crib and Crib Safety

There are a lot of things to consider when it comes to crib safety.

Unfortunately, crib safety regulations change all the time. So the crib that you used for your first child, who’s now 12 years old, may not be appropriate for your newborn. You can check online to see an updated list. If you do end up using one you already have or one you’ve borrowed from a family member you need to consider a couple of things; the distance between the slats, be sure the wood is in good condition without splinters, and make sure it doesn’t have a drop down piece in the front.

When deciding where to put the crib, there are several things to keep in mind. Don’t place it too close to a window. Not only is there the chance of them falling out but drapes or cords on the blinds can get wrapped around their neck and strangle them. Also, be sure the crib isn’t placed next to any other furniture that they can climb up on and get out of the crib.

If your crib requires at home assembly, be sure to do it properly; if you don’t think you can, hire a professional. Yes, it’s a great bonding experience to put the crib together as a couple, but if you’re not handy it can be extremely dangerous for your child. If you skip a step or don’t screw something in tight enough the whole crib can fall apart, leaving your baby in danger.

It’s also important to consider things around the crib. Be mindful not to hang pictures over the crib. They can fall off the wall, break and get glass everywhere. Or once the baby is standing they can accidentally pull something down off the wall and injury themselves.

When the baby is sleeping they should be in a crib or a bassinet. It’s tempting to let them sleep with you on nights where they’re fussy and have finally settled down, but that might be unsafe. The crib should be totally empty aside from the mattress — no blankets, no stuffed animals, nothing. Following these sleep safety rules will help prevent sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Other furniture in the room

It’s obvious that you never leave a baby on a changing table unattended, but you still need to make sure everything is secure. Keep everything you need to change them close by – diapers, wipes, clothes, etc. this way you don’t have to turn your back on them.

Other furniture in the room can also be dangerous. Be sure all of the furniture is anchored down. Once kids start pulling themselves up everything becomes hazardous. If they pull up on it and it’s not secure, it can fall on them.

Be mindful of electric cords. If there is a cord plugged in for a lamp the baby can pull on it and the lamp can come down and hit them. And don’t forget outlet covers.

If you don’t already have carpet in that room, be sure to get a thick, soft rug to cushion falls for when they start walking.

Also, make sure there is a smoke detector in the room in case of a fire.

Lastly, get in your hands and knees. This way you can see the room from a baby’s point of view. Did you miss anything? Once you’ve followed these steps you are ready for baby to arrive!

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