Category Archives: Health and Wellness

Climbing out of our Comfort Zone

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Classes, Classes for Kids, Day Trips, Day Trips, Health and Wellness, Out and about..., Party, Reviews, RNYM's Picks .

Disclaimer:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As a child, when we were driving somewhere and we would pass tall rock formations on the side of the road, I would daydream about climbing them.  I’ve always been a very physical person, I like to push my body’s limits, to try new things.  But I never got around to trying it.  I was super excited when we were invited to the climbzone to try it out, as was my action/adventure loving daughter.  My son, a true first child, was a bit more skeptical.  

So we made an appointment to go try it out and wouldn’t you know, my daughter gets sick.  She was SOOOO bummed. Gotta love the cold and flu season.  

We went on a Tuesday so that it wouldn’t be super crowded, and decided to make it a mother son date of sorts, we would grab some food afterwards and have an evening out.  It is easy to find in the food court and is slightly intimidating at first.  

The staff was friendly and took the time to explain the safety measures to us first and foremost as they fit us with harnesses and went over the safety procedures.  They chatted with us about how long they had worked there, and about the ratings of the different climbing walls.  We decided that as a first time, we would stick to the 1-2’s. 

BOY WERE WE NERVOUS!  Our first climbs were our lowest, as we cautiously learned the ropes.  Slowly during our time we began to challenge ourselves and then each other.  Eventually making it to the top of the tower of London, and scaling a dinosaur skeleton.  At the end one of the employees even suited up and climbed with us (it is not fair how effortlessly she was able to climb, just saying).

We had a BLAST.  Though A and I tend to be more cautious, we really got up there, and afterwards said we would definitely do it again.  Especially because E missed out, we will have to go back. 

It was good though, because A is the harder sell on this one.  He loves the puzzle type places where you work to solve something, but is more skeptical of some of the adventurous ones.  When we went to dinner afterwards, I asked his honest opinion.  He said he loved it, would do it again, and wants to go when I bring E. 

It’s a great activity for a fun birthday party, and I can see it being perfect for any scouts, as well as team building opportunities.  When I asked A if there was anything special that he wanted me to add to the review, he said to make sure that I mentioned multiple times how lovely the staff was.  They didn’t just do their job, they got to know him, laughed with him, challenged him to climb higher, and complemented his behavior.  

It was a super good experience, I enjoyed watching A overcome some of his inhibitions and challenge himself physically and mentally.  I look forward to returning, and bringing with us the most fearless of the crew so that she can in turn challenge us to do even more. 

As Always if you should choose to visit Climbzone after reading our review, please let them know you heard about them here <3

 

Family Friendly Paint- Available at Wallauer Paint and Design

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Rockland Babies, Rockland Real Estate .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

When RNYD and I purchased our first home together, like most others, we didn’t know much about home renovation.  Newly “house poor” we didn’t know that there was a difference in paints. What we knew was that we needed clean looks, on a budget. Now 17 years later we certainly do.  Instead of looking at the instant price tag, we look at the quality of the paint, the products and at how well it lasts.

That last part is super IMPORTANT.  Our house gets USED.  What I mean by that is that we LIVE in our house.  Anything we do to it, or put in it, needs to be made to last, to withstand two active, energetic kids, as well as two active, energetic Labs.  Things that show wear and tear quickly have no place in our home.  If this sounds like you and after a year and a half of staring at your walls and you are ready for a change, this is for you.

This is a photo of my actual messy paint cans from my lake house reno this year (LOL).

The ONLY interior paint we purchase any more is Benjamin Moore Regal Select- which is available at Wallauer Paint and Design.  While a bit more expensive than your typical box store brand paints, it is well worth it.  The coverage of this paint is beyond compare.  It is a premium-quality, 100% acrylic paint and primer combined with excellent hide, spatter resistance, and seamless touch-ups. It offers exceptional flow and leveling for a smooth application, and quick dry time.  So what does that mean?  Less work with better results.

Here is a photo of the master bedroom at our lake house, this is a VERY bright color that we had to cover.  We chose to change it to grey.  
This was a fairly bold move. 

As if that wasn’t enough being that it will save you time if you do it yourself, and money if you are paying someone to apply it, there’s more.

  • Stain release technology that is easy to clean with less scrubbing (I can vouge for this, I am always cleaning my walls- two kids two labs).
  • Mildew resistant coating
  • Engineered with Gennex Color Technology (a proprietary system that includes-long lasting vibrant colors, consistent colors, and better coverage a few of the benefits).
    Did I mention it was beadboard?
    Also- this paint is safe enough for my kids to do the painting (YES!).

Here’s the other biggie.  Regal Select is a No VOC product.  This is important to us because we try to be environmentally friendly in everything we do (see our solar panels), but the health of our kids and our pets is number 1.  As stated on the Benjamin Moore website “VOCs are Volatile Organic Compounds. When it comes to paint, VOCs are often added for better open time and freeze-thaw resistance and are emitted as gasses from liquids that evaporate as paint dries. Certain VOCs are harmful when inhaled and may pose indoor air quality concerns.”

Why am I super concerned about this?  Well, I first became concerned about such things when pregnant, I followed ALL THE RULES- like a soldier.  I learned that the paint in a baby’s room should have No VOC back then.  Once I had them, it became a bigger deal, because my (E) has asthma, even more important.

Where can you learn more?  Wallauer Paint and Design in Nanuet (that’s the Rockland one but if you are reading this from elsewhere, check out their website for the closest one).  Not only do they have this fabulous paint, they offer design services for those like me who have an idea of what they want, but aren’t sure how to accomplish it.

Wallauer’s design staff is committed to quality and service providing our customers with the newest in color schemes and the latest in design products. They give their customers the one on one attention they deserve to use these services, call or go online to make a virtual appointment or in the convenience of your home. The design team listens to their clients ideas and needs to design space that reflects one’s personality creating a functional and comfortable environment.

Wallauer is truly a one stop shop design center providing their customers with all interior design and home décor needs to fit any budget.  Not just color consultations (although that is where I would have to start). They have a new line of custom-made simple drapery and a custom inspired cellular blind program that can match your wall colors.

Once you get started, they’ve also got all the tools you need to complete the job too since they are an ACE Hardware.

Here are some current specials to help you get started.  A Buy one Get one Free Paint sample, and $10 off at ACE to get the job moving.  If you are purchasing a new home, there is a special place on the site to click to register for a free color consultation, a free design session, and a new homeowner package!

Oh yeah, and here’s the finished bedroom :o)

Take the Trip…

Posted on by Posted in Birthdays, Health and Wellness, Money Momma, Opportunities, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Services, Things to Do!, Thoughts.., Travel .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

A little while ago, I posted about how I am done giving gifts of “things” and am moving toward gifts of time and experience.  I am about to turn 40. I don’t only believe in time and experience for others, I do for myself too.  I’ve always dreamed of traveling, especially to Europe, but everywhere.  For one reason or another it just hasn’t happened.  Well with 40 knocking on my door I decided to do something about it.  

EDIT TO ADD:  I wrote and was supposed to post this article early fall, but I am kind of glad that I didn’t.  Due to normal “Life” situations, I am more glad than ever that we got a chance to do Disney this year as well as to have taken this trip myself.  I do not know when the next time I will be able to take the family on a trip or go myself might be able to happen.  Those who know me know that I am not exaggerating, my new advice…..When you have the chance, Do it.  I intend to try to figure out how to continue to travel, and bring the family along, but its going to take a whole lot more work now.  

Due to unforeseen circumstances RNYD was not available to travel (which is cool anyway cause he’s much more of a home body), so I begged my bestie Michelle to come with me.  I gave her a list of places on my bucket list and let her choose.  I also wanted to hit up a cruise if possible because I have never done one.  She was game, and she choose Greece.  Perfect for a cruise, and really one of my top two trips.

We picked a cruise and booked it, since it left and returned to Rome and neither of us knew when we would be back, we decided to take 2 days to explore there as well.

Here’s what I’ve learned.

  1.  I will never book a trip with a travel agent other than Scott Walters (sorry dudes say what you will, he’s bailed me out 2x now).
  2. Cruises are great because you don’t have to pack up your stuff every day to move, you have a home base.
  3. You can make friends on cruises, which is neat for when you are done sightseeing for the day you can meet for dinner/drinks/dancing later.
  4. Get the drink package (just saying)
  5. Try all the different foods
  6. Clarks are the best sandals ever (and yes you can find some that don’t look like your grandmothers shoes).
  7. Greece is REALLY HOT in the summer so May or September may be better.
  8. I AM OBSESSED WITH TRAVEL.

At each of the islands we went to Scott sent us 2-3 excursions that he thought we would like based on our “profiles” and we chose 1-2 for each.  The tours that we took were so complete that I actually don’t think we missed anything, BUT we didn’t have tons of time so it was more like a taste test, I may have a list of places that I’d like to get back to if I ever check off my list the other trips I want to take.

Travel Agent Extraordinaire Scott Walters helped  me out immensely on this trip, and I am so grateful.  I have just reached out to him again, about a possible trip for 2021, that I would like to start saving for.  I am so excited, and hopeful that we can make it happen despite our challenges.  He’s been super helpful in understanding and helping us with the physical needs of our family, and I am hoping that his expert advise will help us to be able to make the trip happen for our whole family.

cott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work!  Worth noting here that I always thought I couldn’t afford a travel agent.  Turns out that you don’ t pay one, they are paid by the people they book your trip with.  The few times I have reached out to him to see if he should be consulted about a trip and he couldn’t help me with a deal, he encouraged me to book on my own to save the money.

To a Cleaner, Healthier 2020

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Reviews .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

Do you have anyone in your house with breathing issues due to Asthma and Allergies?  When was the last time you changed out your pillows?

Little (E) was one of those unlucky kiddos that ended up with RSV when she was an infant.  As a result she has asthma, luckily the kind that she’s supposed to grow out of, and it IS getting better.  When she get sick though, she goes from about zero to 100 in an hour.  A little cough can become pneumonia over night.

Over the years we’ve done things to help he with her allergies and asthma, like for instance she has an air purifier near her bed, got a vacuum with a hepa filter, installed a filter in our AC System, and also use non chemical cleaning aids.  She is under a pulmonologist’s care, and we do have instructions for when she starts to get sick.  Don’t ask me why I’ve never attacked her pillows before, because it makes sense.

The Average Household Pillow

(information from Spry therapeutics website)
  • The average pillow has 1 million spores and as many as 16 types of fungus.
  • After 12-18 months, a new hospital pillow is heavier due to human waste buildup inside the pillow.
  • The average pillow is used for about 3,000 hours each year, and with that comes 20 gallons of sweat.

This information has me acting like Leia on Endor “Somehow i’ve always known…”

Sooo, when I heard about Spry Theraputics and their PURE line I was intrigued. Their Nano-barrier keeps out allergens, viruses, and bacteria, while allowing the pillow to breathe.  So, that thing that my kid puts her head on every night wont be continually soaking up all the grossness that comes to bed with her.  Additionally, it won’t be spewing harmful bacteria back into the air as she lays her head on it like her current pillows are.  You don’t have to wash them, except maybe topically with water, which is awesome because I can’t tell you how many times I’ve washed a pillow and prayed that it’s dry on the inside… The pillow is water proof, so sweat doesn’t get absorbed either making it heavy and gross, or allowing bacteria to grow.

BUUUUUUT,  are they comfortable?  Yeeep.  The benefits are so great that I am wondering how all hospitals aren’t making the switch, especially during the current season of cold, flu and the dreaded RSV.  My daughter now refuses to sleep without her “asthma” pillow.  It was actually difficult for me to get the pillow so that I could try it out for a while, since my 6 year old reported that it was comfortable, and that she loves it, but I don’t feel like it was enough.  I wanted to be able to speak for myself, to give you all a better idea.  After all, this isn’t a regular old pillow, its an investment.  Also worth noting that it comes in memory foam or polyfill and we have the fill (which is recommended for little people).

The pillow is light, and even the fill is plenty supportive (for my head).  I don’t find it to feel “facility” like at all.  With the case on it, it really feels just like a regular pillow, but I did really enjoy my sleep.  My pillows are of course old and tattered, so this would ABSOLUTELY be an upgrade for me.

My conclusion.  We’ve had the pillow about a month.  (E) enjoys sleeping on it, and because of that I am going to replace all her pillows with it.  I can think of a handful of people in my life who would really benefit from this.  My mother who seems to always end up with breathing stuff (that’s just how she get sick), a few of my in-laws who also suffer from asthma and allergies, and even myself- and my son who don’t but I’d like us to live cleaner healthier lives.

EDIT:  Over this holiday break BOTH of my kids ended up with respiratory sicknesses.  My daughter recovered rather quickly, my son has been on antibiotics for 4 days, and finally went back to school this morning, only to be sent home for coughing.  I am currently throwing out my old pillows and replacing them with these spryPURE pillows.

For more information on the spryPURE pillow please click this link: https://sprytherapeutics.com/pure/

 

What do you know about Pillows?

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Items, Reviews, RNYM's Picks, Self Care, Shopping, Specialty Items .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.

We have the honor or welcoming SPRY Therapeutics to our “For the Home” Directory page, where we have services and products for the home that we love and endorse.  Spry has two special types of pillows that have us reeling;  one “Recovery” which is absolutely perfect for RNYD who has had 8 back surgeries (his most recent cervical), and anther “Pure” which is perfect for my asthmatic and allergy afflicted (E). 

Deep down I think we all know how dirty our pillows become, but reading the information available on their website was a real eye opener.

Here is some background info for you to check out, full review to come.

https://sprytherapeutics.com/ 

At Spry, it is our mission to make your everyday life healthier and more comfortable. All Spry products are designed using innovative technologies that are created to give you customized comfort and better solutions to improve your health, whether you’re looking for relief from allergies and asthma, pain relief or a comfortable support pillow.

about Spry Recovery®

Made with our patented Flo-Form® technology, this pillow uniquely contours to your specific shape and curves to help support proper body alignment.

The size of the pillow makes it easy to carry and store, and its versatility makes it the perfect companion for any situation. It comes with a soft, breathable cover that can be easily removed and washed. Add a hot or cold pack to the Spry Recovery to help soothe muscles and dull the sensation of pain.

about Spry Pure®

Waterproof and breathable, Spry Pure’s PneumaPure® filtration offers full protection from viruses and bacteria, allowing only clean air to pass through. Spry Pure is the perfect solution for asthma and allergy sufferers. Plus, the pillow never requires laundering — simply wipe down the water-resistant exterior with a mild solution to sanitize the exterior.

Spry Pure is currently available in memory foam and polyfill. For children specifically, our polyfill pillows are a great option.

Calling all Moms (and Dads) who struggle with weight management (and time)

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness .
Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post.  All opinions posted are our own.
Calling: all moms who have struggled with fad diets (and nothing has worked!) and those looking to learn some great clean eating hacks for the whole family! With the summer months approaching, we’re all hoping to look and feel our best self!
 
If you’re interested in learning more, (and I promise we do not spam or stalk people) we’d love for you to join us on our private Facebook Live this Sunday night from the privacy of your own home at 7:30pm EST to learn about a plan that is changing lives across the nation. 
 
On our 30 day challenge, we will help you with accountability, shopping lists, recipes that the WHOLE family can eat, and tons of support!
 
If you are interested, please join us on our Live Wellness workshop Sunday, June 16th, at 7:30pm EST.  Click Add to Join our private group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/414359439034129/ & be sure to mention RocklandNYMOM.com – or feel free to reach out directly to heather.glotzer@gmail.com with any questions. 
 
Looking forward to meeting you!
Heather

3 Great Ways to Unlize that Tax Refund (if you got one)

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Money Momma, RNYM Savings!, RNYM's Picks, Rockland Real Estate, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  Those listed below are vetted directory members and we speak from experience.

It’s tax time.  If you are anything like us, you’ve got a decent refund coming and ideas for what you’d like to do with it, but MAY be unsure of who you can use  and trust to accomplish those things. Here’s a list of RNYM APPROVED places to use that savings to improve your life <3

Save it–

  • That’s cool we always try to sock away half- saving up for a vacation home on a lake someday.  We also spend $100 a month on gift cards to save up for the holidays, so now is a good time to get a jump on that.  Put some away for the other two options, and then maybe save up for something big like we are :o)

Travel-

  • We recently took our first REAL “family trip” to Disney- and let’s just say we are hooked.  The kids are PERFECT ages and were such an absolute pleasure that I am DYING to take them on our next adventure.  Picking a travel agent is NOT easy, but you need one knowledgeable, trustworthy and interested in the good time you will have.  I’ve used several locals and can honestly say that Scott Walters is your guy.  He saved me more than a few times for Disney. Best part?  You don’t pay extra for his assistance, you pay what you would if you booked it yourself, but you’ve got his help with the details!!

Here’s his info-

Scott Walters (845) 558-1225

scott@goawayoftentravel.com

http://www.goawayoftentravel.com

A full service travel agent specializing in family vacations to amazing destinations. From simple weekend getaways to multi generational once in a lifetime bucket list filling journeys, Go Away Often Travel can get you there. It’s YOUR VACATION, let me do the work!

Update and Upgrade the House-

  • For the 11 years that we have lived in our home we have used at least a portion of our refund to improve or update the house.  We’ve got a great directory members for that.  We have some of this that we have to do too. (It never ends does it?)

Northern Windows is Perfect for windows, siding, doors, insulation and so much more.  Steve is GREAT, candid, easy to talk to and has reasonable pricing.

The last has me <3

PURGE

I don’t know about you but I am DYING to clean out and organize right now… yeah we’ve got someone for that too!!!

Tel: (914) 230-6238

Clutter can be overwhelming and most don’t know where to begin- that’s where I come in!
My goal is to ease that anxiety, declutter your space and organize your home. 100% judgment free!
When you clear the clutter, your clear your mind!
Services:
Organizing, De-cluttering, Packing, and downsizing.
•Closets
•Bedrooms
•Playrooms
•Kitchens
•Mudrooms
•Garages + more!
Free Assessments
Fully Insured

 

 

Welcome Askenas Chiropractic!

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness .

Disclosure:  This is a sponsored post as Askenas Chiropractic is a page sponsor.  All opinions expressed are my own, as he is my family Chiropractor and we SWEAR by him.

Welcome to Askenas Chiropractic, your trusted resource for chiropractic care in Rockland County. Under the leadership of Pearl River chiropractor Dr. Todd B. Askenas, our clinic provides individuals and families with a wide range of natural, alternative, health, wellness and physical rehabilitation services. Our success at helping patients with everything from herniated discs and sciatica to whiplash and sports injuries has secured our reputation as a provider of extremely safe and highly effective conservative care. We hope you’ll take the time to view this website in detail and learn more about the many things we offer — and we are confident you’ll like what you see.

Get to Know Our Pearl River Chiropractor in Rockland County

Any chiropractic clinic stands or falls on the quality of its practitioners. Our Pearl River and Rockland Country chiropractor offers many years of extensive training and experience, especially in the field of sports injuries. As a member of the prestigious PGA Medical Staff, Dr. Askenas has treated many professional golfers in such major events as the Sanderson Farms Championship and the Shell Houston Open.  Dr. Askenas also serves on the Medical Staff at the Adirondack Ragnar and the Dew Tour – Brooklyn where he has treated many professional elite athletes. His detailed understanding of musculoskeletal function and human biomechanics enhances his value as a Pearl River chiropractor, not only for sports injuries, but also for the everyday health challenges we all face. You don’t have to be an athlete to benefit from our combination of skill, expertise and compassionate one-to-one care!

Chiropractic Care for a Lifetime of Better Health

Our many services and techniques are suitable for all ages, addressing a broad range of neuromuscular and musculoskeletal problems. Many of these techniques reflect cutting-edge innovations in modern conservative care. Our Rockland County chiropractor can provide you and your loved ones with such helpful services as:

  • Chiropractic adjustments to correct painful alignment problems in your vertebral joints
  • Spinal decompression to relieve nerve impingement and treat spinal disc disorders
  • Soft tissue techniques including Active Release Technique to treat muscle, tendon and ligament
  • Corrective techniques such as customized exercises, stretches, and specific core strengthening
  • Physiotherapy and laser therapy to stimulate healing and reduce pain without drugs
  • Lifestyle advice and evaluations, including Golf Fitness Evaluations from our chiropractor in Pearl River

Many of these techniques complement each other to provide holistic or “whole body” benefits. Our chiropractor in Pearl River can develop a personalized health and healing strategy that combines several of these healing modalities, giving you a powerful push toward your desired health and fitness goals.

Our Rockland County Chiropractor Is Ready to Help You Heal

If you’re in Pearl River, Montvale, Upper Saddle River, Woodcliff Lake, Nanuet, Blauvelt, Tappan or anywhere in Rockland County, you owe it to yourself and your loved ones to learn more about the many ways our chiropractor in Rockland County can help you heal more thoroughly, experience less pain and enjoy a higher quality of life. Call (845) 777-8026 to set up an in-person visit to Askenas Chiropractic!

Improve Your Body… Improve Your Life!!

Dr. Todd Askenas
Pearl River Chiropractor | Askenas Chiropractic | (845) 777-8026

67 S. Main St.
Pearl River, NY 10965

Helping People with Disabilities Prep for Parenthood

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, In the Home, Rockland Babies, Self Care, Uncategorized .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored informational post.  Ashley is a mom with first hand experience, who wanted to get some great information out to our readers. Feel free to send her questions.

Ashley has severe scoliosis. She created DisabledParents.org to provide information and resources to fellow parents raising their children while living with disabilities.

Photo by Pixabay

Bringing Home Baby: Helpful Tips for Disabled Parents

There are plenty of books and online articles touting advice for what to expect when you’re expecting and how to prepare your home for your new arrival. However, what many of these articles lack is what makes your situation unique – your disability. It hasn’t stopped you up to this point, and it certainly won’t prevent you from being a wonderful parent, but it would be nice to receive some helpful advice with you in mind. Parenting with a disability will look different from family to family, but the following tips are helpful nuggets of knowledge for everyone.

Get the House in Order

One of the most important things you can do is make your home more accessible for you and safe for your little one. Zero-step entrances, widened doorways, and slip-proof flooring make it easier to safely navigate your home with your baby in tow if you have mobility issues, not to mention it can decrease the chance of injuries once your child becomes mobile. Set up a one-stop shop area in your home complete with baby and parental essentials so that you aren’t constantly getting up and down – this can serve as a play area too. Baby-proofing is a must too, especially if you aren’t able to respond to a loud crash (or lack of noise) as quickly as you’d like. These infographics (courtesy of the Bump) will make sure all the rooms in your home are safe.

Find the Parenting Tools That Work for You

With a little research and online browsing, you’ll find that there are several baby products made specifically with disabled parents in mind. There are cots with an open side for easy access to your baby from the comfort of your bed, walking wings so you can experience the magic of helping your child learn to walk minus the bending, and even bathtub sets at the perfect height for parents in a wheelchair. Keep in mind that the tools you need are unique to you. For example, Verena Cristofaro-Frydberg, a mother of two with MS, has live-in child care and gets creative with her parenting hacks, such as making the bed with three layers of sheets to make changing easier and keeping the car stocked at all times to avoid the “I forgot it” moment.

Plan for the Future

A new baby is in your future, but adding to your family means planning beyond that as well by putting safety nets in place. First and foremost, it’s time to update the will. This is where you designate who will inherit what, as well as choose a guardian (and an alternate) for your child. Rather than a joint will with your spouse, it is best to create separate wills so that the survivor can make changes without having to jump through any legal hoops. While you are dealing with the not-so-fun stuff, considering purchasing burial insurance. Similar to a life insurance policy, the benefit is used for funeral-related expenses, which can ease the burden and stress on your spouse and family members should you pass away earlier than expected due to medical issues. On the opposite end of the spectrum, don’t forget to add your baby to your life insurance policy. You typically have a window of 30 to 60 days to enroll your child, and coverage will begin on the date of birth. The birth of a child is full of new experiences (and plenty of newborn doctor’s visits), so having that coverage offers peace of mind.

Take Care of Yourself

For parents, self-care can’t be emphasized enough. Not only do you need to stay on top of your health, including doctor’s appointments, medications, and exercises, but you need time to relax too. Make time to read, drink a cup of coffee, or simply ask a friend to watch your little one so you can eat lunch in peace. The bottomline: Don’t be afraid to treat yourself and ask for help. Look for support from your family, friends, and partner. Even something as simple as having someone take over baby duties for one afternoon each week can free you up for self-care. Your support network likely wants to be as close to the baby as you are. There’s a good chance they won’t mind spending some quality time with their littlest family member while you tend to your own needs for a change.

Congratulations on becoming a parent! New experiences await you, and you’re more than ready to handle them. Parenting is challenging, but your disability has prepared you for the challenges you will overcome, making success that much sweeter.

Need some help with home adjustments?  WE have a directory for that (for the home) and Chris Kissik Painting and Construction

Moms Gone Wild- An Unlikely Girls Day Out

Posted on by Posted in Health and Wellness, Items, Out and about..., Reviews, Self Care, Services, Shopping .

Disclosure:  This is an unsponsored post.  We had a noteworthy experience, and sometimes that means you just have to share.

**WARNING- NO NUDITY- BUT WE TALK ABOUT BREASTS AND BRAS HERE**

We went shopping… but not just any shopping. We went BRA shopping.  Yep that’s right, C, K and I went shopping FOR THE GIRLS.  Three of us friends were bitching about ill fitting undergarments and finally decided to do something about it.  Determining that there was safety in numbers we made a date and went.

Not only did we go, we went for the gusto.  SO three frugal (large chested) mommies who hate spending money on themselves, went to Nordstrom at the Garden State Mall to tackle over the shoulder boulder holders.  Yes this is worth mentioning because we usually shop at wherever has a sale on bras just like everyone else.

So a crazy unlikely girls day out ended up being one of my favorite mom dates ever.

We found the lingerie section (in the basement) and were at once greeted (perhaps we looked lost?).  The three of us aren’t skiddish- so we took a dressing room together.  Kathy went right to work asking who wanted to go first.  She measured all three of us and left.  Upon her return she had several different bras for each of us to try on.

Here’s what I love- she made note of some super interesting info about each of us that I am not sure everyone would pick up on right away- my love of earthtones, Chelsea’s love of the dramatic, and Katy’s sensibility- and brought bras that appealed to each.  There were of course bras that were sensible- but I gotta be honest, I haven’t bought a PRETTY bra in quite some time, and even my “sensible” purchase was pretty.

Some of them weren’t right, it was trying on and required some work.  But those that did.  Dude- I am a 34 DD and I don’t feel like I am wearing a BRA.  Also, the girls don’t look pointy, aren’t hanging out, nor do they cut into my shoulders or sides.

Yeah yeah yeah lets get down to the nitty gritty for those of you who don’t really wanna hear the romantic parts.  Like how I took dressing room selfies to compare how they looked in my shirt :o)

Facts:

  • Despite my greatest fears the bras were not that much more than ones I’ve purchased at Kohls.  I was certain they would be $200 a piece and they were not- more like $60-70 for mine the most expensive I considered being $84.
  • No tax it’s Jersey so “whew”.
  • The larger band sizes (40 and above) have less options, and although the overall fit is much better, they do still feel like a bra is on.
  • Didn’t love their panty selection- so even though I really wanted new ones to coordinate and go for the whole shebang, I am heading elsewhere to find some.
  • Splurged on a lingerie bag to wash them in so that I can keep them in good shape.
  • I learned valuable fitting and care information (shared below).  Guys- I’m 38 and I didn’t know any of this stuff.
    • You should have a minimum of 4 bras that you alternate, not including your strapless or special occasion one.
    • Bras should be replaced every year (whoops).
    • When you are purchasing you should be on the last hook as over time they will stretch and you will have to move it in.
    • They need a day to rest in between wears.
    • They should be washed every 2 wears on a normal day, more often in Summer and more like 3 in the Winter if you aren’t sweating.
    • Bras should be laundered in a lingerie bag, clipped together, on the gentle cycle and hung dry (yeah I’ve never done ANY of that).

We wore new bras out of the store (yep chucked the one I wore in right then and there) then finished our outing with a nice lunch at the mall.  Being super proud of ourselves we even shared photos of our new organization, and disposing of our old ones.

I can’t speak for everyone- but overall everyone is happy.  It was a nice afternoon with ADULTS, and we did something for OURSELVES.  I feel comfortable and pretty.  I constantly try to remind myself to do something for me every now and again and this fit the bill.  We DID promise to go again in a years time to be measured and purchase new as we should- focusing on the fun and scheduling more girls time.

I don’t care where you go- but go and get fitted.  Spend some time on you.  If you are anything like me you have extreme guilt when doing so.  RNYD constantly tells me to go ahead, to get what I need, to do something for myself.  I hold myself back from doing so most often.  This felt good.

**Dads if you’re reading this, you can help them by purchasing a gift card and taking the kids for an afternoon.  Heck, call her friends and arrange it.  Once RNYD scheduled a date for me and my BFF to go to a show and it was awesome, anther time he surprised me with a GC to my favorite salon.  I never would have done it for myself.**

Moms with larger band sizes- where would you suggest a momma who need a 40+ go for a GREAT fitting and nice look?  Also- Favorite place to get some cute (but functional) undies to coordinate with my new bras??? Love to hear your thoughts.