Moms, put on that Swimsuit

"You've got two choices every summer -- to put on a swimsuit or to skip it.

I have a lot of friends who do the latter.

They go to the pool with their kids, but they only put their feet in the pool. They sit on the sidelines, too concerned about what they look like and what others will think to embrace the joy of swimming with their kids...."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5521937?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Are You Lonely, Mama?

http://www.whenathome.com/are-you-lonely-mama/

6 Reasons to Delay Baby's First Bath

"There are many reasons to consider not having your baby bathed in the first hours or even days after birth. Many hospitals seem to have an urgent need to have the baby bathed in the first hours after the newborn has been born, but as parents, you can make the decision on when to bathe your baby and who is the one to do it. There are several benefits to delaying baby's first bath and you may reconsider when you would like it to happen after learning about the advantages of waiting. (Much of the research on bathing newborns is related to the preterm or low birth weight baby.)"

http://pregnancy.about.com/od/hospital/ss/6-Reasons-To-Delay-Babys-First-Bath.htm

7 Crippling Parenting Behaviors That Keep Children From Growing Into Leaders

http://www.forbes.com/sites/kathycaprino/2014/01/16/7-crippling-parenting-behaviors-that-keep-children-from-growing-into-leaders/

When Toddlers Interrupt Your "Quiet Time"

http://www.truewoman.com/?id=2851

How to Raise a Low Media Child (Without Going Insane)

http://www.mamanatural.com/how-to-raise-a-low-media-child/

TO WIVES: BEFORE YOU WERE “MOMMY”

"If only our instructor had sat us down and said, “Ladies, before you were Mommy, you were his. Men, before you were Daddy, you were hers. Remember this. Hold on to this. Keep these words precious to you.'”

http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/01/24/before-you-were-mommy/

The Organizing App Store: The Best Apps For Home & Life Organization & Home Management

The Organizing App Store

The Best Apps For Home & Life Organization
& Home Management

http://www.home-storage-solutions-101.com/app-store.html

WHAT WOMEN NEED TO SAY OUT LOUD DAILY

"While there are requests made of us as wives, mommies, and women that we can meet, ultimately, we are not responsible for making sure that everyone is happy all of the time.  When we free ourselves from having to please everyone, we can step out from the burden of carrying the weight of everyone else’s happiness. There are some moments when contentment is the most important lesson, and the word “no” is perfectly acceptable."

http://www.scissortailsilk.com/2014/06/05/what-women-need-to-say-out-loud-daily/

Am I Enough?

"Every day I have this desire to accomplish something. But every day it feels I accomplishnothing. I try to clean something, but I don’t finish. I want to do a house project, make my space more beautiful, but all those gorgeous pics on Pinterest look like something from another world. Not mine. I leave to buy something, but roam aimlessly around in the store. Nothing to bring home. I try to write, but this little person cries for all of my attention when I sit at the computer. I clip coupons and price match, and still go way over on our budget. Agh. At the end of the day, there’s nothing to show for the last 9 hours of exhausting effort. Of doing what? "

http://barrentobeautiful.wordpress.com/2014/05/23/am-i-enough/

100 of the Best Restaurant Copycat Recipes

"Growing up, my mom called me "the fast food queen".  I absolutely LOVE going out to eat!  My husband and I still go out to eat about once a week (bad, I know).  I love the atmosphere of restaurants, the variety of food, and the people watching, but I especially love not having to do the dishes.  If we are too busy to go out, I will try to make a restaurant recipe at home that tastes just as good.  You may have to do a few dishes, but at least you won't have to pay a tip!"

http://www.sixsistersstuff.com/2013/04/100-of-best-restaurant-copycat-recipes.html

Adrenal Health

Great help during post-partum days...
http://www.womentowomen.com/category/adrenal-health-2/

14 Things You Need For Your Postpartum Body

"Diapers?  Check.  Onesies?  Check.  Car seat?  Check.  Things to help you take care of your postpartum body?  Umm…"

http://simplyrebekah.com/2014/03/25/things-you-need-for-your-postpartum-body-pre-baby-shopping-list-mommy/

Slow Cooker Loaded Potato Soup

http://www.cookingclassy.com/2013/12/slow-cooker-loaded-potato-soup/

It’s Tough Being a Woman; It’s Even Tougher Being a Prideful Woman

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/03/its-tough-being-a-woman-its-even-tougher-being-a-prideful-woman/

Why Are America’s Postpartum Practices So Rough on New Mothers?

"America is hyperfocused on mothers bouncing immediately back after childbirth, yet most other cultures allow for an extended period of pampering and rest. Hillary Brenhouse on why U.S. moms are missing out."

http://www.thedailybeast.com/witw/articles/2013/08/15/america-s-postpartum-practices.html

9 Things Never to Say to the Parents of a Newborn

"... it has become abundantly clear that there are times when people just don't know what to say to me."

http://m.huffpost.com/us/entry/5024417

Missional Motherhood

“I want to ‘go,’ but I’m afraid the farthest I can ‘go’ these days is to the baby’s crib and back,” one brand new mom told me with a sigh. Sometimes moms see their ministry to their children as insignificant when compared to other ministries. After all, crowds of thousands gather in open-air theaters and cheer to hear the good news.

Because motherhood is missional, there’s something of eternal value taking place in the realm of the unseen."

http://www.desiringgod.org/blog/posts/missional-motherhood 

When You’re Tired of Kids Complaining

"Perspective can always adopt gratitude — and gratitude always parents joy."

http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/03/when-youre-tired-of-kids-complaining-15-ways-to-happier-grateful-kids/

How to Educate Your Child in Body Safety

"We teach our children water safety and road safety — it is equally important to teach our children ‘body safety’ from a very young age. As both a teacher and a mother, I strongly recommend to all parents that ‘body safety’ become a normal part of your parenting conversation. The sexual abuse of children has no social boundaries, and providing children with body safety skills both empowers them with knowledge of what is good and bad touch, and teaches simple but effective assertiveness — a crucial life-skill."

http://somesecrets.info/blog/2013/12/29/how-to-educate-your-child-in-body-safety

A Letter to My Friend, About to Be a Mom

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/sarah-powers/a-letter-to-my-friend-about-to-be-a-mom_b_4942250.html?ncid=fcbklnkushpmg00000063

Clamping Down on Early Elective Births

"In the '90s it become all about convenience and schedules," Hayes said. "Patients started becoming more empowered in their care, and pushing doctors to induce on a date that worked best."

http://m.timesfreepress.com/news/2014/mar/17/labor-delayhospitals-put-brakes-on-early/

Basics for Baby

Minimized baby stuff

http://intentionallysimple.com/basics-for-baby/