Yes, it is customary to provide the Mommy-To-Be with some type of gift at the baby shower. Gifts can range from all shapes, sizes, and prices. Here are some helpful guidelines below:
a) If it is the Mommy-To-Be's first baby and shower, it is helpful to bring more practical gifts (diapers, blanket, pacifiers, formula, etc)
b) If it is the Mommy-To-Be's second baby or baby shower, feel free to be a little more spontaneous with what you get the Mommy-To-Be. Check out her registry as well as our gifts page for more ideas.
c) Ask the Mommy-To-Be's Mother or sister in what she really wants that is reasonable. You may find some ideas in the invitation that may have a list of places to go or a theme you want to purchase a gift around.
d) It is absolutely okay to ask the host if she may know what the Mommy-To-Be really needs or even the Mommy-To-Be herself.
e) There is no right or wrong gift since you can just as easily bring a $5.00 gift as well as a $100.00 gift, depending on your budget and what you feel like.
f) Feel free to go in the gift with others to all pitch in money to purchase something extra nice if you want.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Benefits of Whey Protein
In recent years, the subject of whey protein has come up often in health discussions. Know what whey protein is, its possible benefits and side effects and more as you read on.
What is Whey Protein
Whey protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow’s milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not be discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin.
Similar to protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved fitness and health.
Bio-active whey protein is an active source for protein but exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic food value. Native whey protein
What Makes It Good for the Body
Because whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.
Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein
A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, it grow faster and better and more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.
Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts
For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that’s why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.
How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries
In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes heal faster and feel better.
A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases
Although you can’t truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system and the skeletal system.
Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated through chemotherapy, surgical operations and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes and AIDS have symptoms that causes muscle strength and growth to deteriorate – an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.
Where to Buy Whey Protein
Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.
Ending with a Warning
Whey protein is good for the body – no doubt about it – but too much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the normal variety as the former has less lactose content.
What is Whey Protein
Whey protein is actually a term used to describe a group of globular proteins that can be separated from whey. When cow’s milk is used to manufacture cheese, it also leads to the production of whey, which may or may not be discarded. It is a mixture of lactoglobulin, alpha-lactalbumin and serum albumin.
Similar to protein found in egg white, whey protein can also be irreversibly changed by heat. When made part of the pasteurization process, it becomes less bio-active. If not, whey protein naturally becomes bio-active which basically means it contains a high concentration of cysteine and consequently glutathione, an antioxidant that is essential to improved fitness and health.
Bio-active whey protein is an active source for protein but exposure to extreme heat can easily reduce the amount of cysteine in it without affecting its protein content and basic food value. Native whey protein
What Makes It Good for the Body
Because whey protein contains an inordinate amount of essential and non-essential acids, it frequently plays a prominent role in most low-carb and high-protein diets. Another reason for this is because of its low content of fats and of course, carbohydrates.
Why Pregnant Mothers Love Whey Protein
A number of OBs have advised their gravid patients to increase their intake of whey protein because it will provide the basic amount of amino acids needed by the growing infants inside their bodies. An increased intake of whey protein will naturally improve and speed up the development of the baby. Also, increased intake of whey protein will indirectly improve the immune system of the baby. In its growing stages, it is highly vulnerable to different types of illnesses. With the help of whey protein, it grow faster and better and more equipped to defend itself against any health complication.
Whey Protein for Bodybuilding Enthusiasts
For bodybuilders, muscle growth is everything and that’s why they love whey protein so much. Studies have satisfactorily proven that whey protein can lead to acceleration of muscle development. This is welcomed news especially for bodybuilders who are only a few weeks away from the date of competition but is still in high need of muscle growth.
How it Helps Athletes Busy Recovering from Old Injuries
In this case, whey protein saves the day once more because it can be used to supplement diets of individuals who are suffering from compromised immune systems. Basically, it helps athletes heal faster and feel better.
A Weapon against Degenerative Diseases
Although you can’t truly say that any disease is less painful than the other if both have life-altering consequences, it is an inarguable fact however that degenerative diseases are one of the worst health complications to suffer from. These illnesses tend to subject people to a protracted form of suffering and with symptoms with increasing levels of severity. They commonly affect three systems in particular: the nervous system, the muscular system and the skeletal system.
Although rarely curable, degenerative diseases can be treated through chemotherapy, surgical operations and the proper diet. Whey protein is often a part of this diet because of its rehabilitative benefits especially when it comes to muscle growth. Cancer, diabetes and AIDS have symptoms that causes muscle strength and growth to deteriorate – an undesirable effect that can be combated with increased intake of whey protein.
Where to Buy Whey Protein
Are you sufficiently convinced of the benefits of whey protein then? If so, you should be happy to know that you can avail of commercial whey protein product in most supermarkets and specialty food stores specializing in healthy food.
Ending with a Warning
Whey protein is good for the body – no doubt about it – but too much consumption of anything is never beneficial. Too much intake of whey protein can lead to unnecessary complications of your liver. And need we remind you that the liver is the next most important organ in the body? Lastly, lactose intolerant individuals must consume whey protein isolate rather than the normal variety as the former has less lactose content.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
Staying Fit During Your Pregnancy
Keeping fit during your pregnancy is great for you, not only will it help you keep your body toned but it also can help when it comes time to push that baby out. Every pregnant woman wants to be able to go back to her pre-pregnancy weight after the baby is born, but the only way to do that is to make sure you can. By excising or working out every day you are making sure you don’t add fat to your body. During labor it’ll be much easier to push the baby if you’ve been strengthening your leg and stomach muscles. Who knows, it may even make labor a little bit shorter. Isn’t that what we all want?
Plus when you are tired and just feeling a little blue, just by exercising you actually increase your energy.
Here are a few quick things you can do to stay fit during pregnancy, without really having to break out a sweat. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of yoga, this is a very good thing for you to practice, especially if you haven’t always been in the best of shape. Not to worry, there are beginning levels here, you don’t have to jump into the human pretzel right away. Try purchasing a set of small weights that you can use throughout the house, like hand weights or wrist weights that can use while walking. Instead of just laying on the couch while you rest you can be lifting small weights.
Get a chair and try doing a couple crunches, 5 to 10 in the beginning to make sure you don’t pull anything. Don’t worry you can always add to it as the weeks go on.
Try running, walking or jogging outside. Not only will this boost up your energy but it’ll also help get your spirits up, especially if you’ve been inside all day. Remember, if you are going for a walk to always bring a drink with you. You don’t want to dehydrate out there. Always make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, before you leave the house. If you didn’t always run, ask your doctor if you can. Sometimes a doctor may suggest you walk around the block at first and increase it from there, if you didn’t always do it before you were pregnant.
If you can you may want to try going for a swim or try bicycling. However, if you find that you are accident prone you may want to stay away from the bike. A bike accident is something that can easily happen, even when you’ve always road a bike. Swimming can help you relax and stay cool. Take a dip in the pool near you, they may even have a swim class for pregnant women in your area. This would be a great way to meet other moms.
Whenever you are doing exercises, make sure you aren’t overdoing it. If you believe you could be stop immediately and take a break. You never want to do anything that’ll harm the pregnancy.
Plus when you are tired and just feeling a little blue, just by exercising you actually increase your energy.
Here are a few quick things you can do to stay fit during pregnancy, without really having to break out a sweat. I’m sure by now you’ve heard of yoga, this is a very good thing for you to practice, especially if you haven’t always been in the best of shape. Not to worry, there are beginning levels here, you don’t have to jump into the human pretzel right away. Try purchasing a set of small weights that you can use throughout the house, like hand weights or wrist weights that can use while walking. Instead of just laying on the couch while you rest you can be lifting small weights.
Get a chair and try doing a couple crunches, 5 to 10 in the beginning to make sure you don’t pull anything. Don’t worry you can always add to it as the weeks go on.
Try running, walking or jogging outside. Not only will this boost up your energy but it’ll also help get your spirits up, especially if you’ve been inside all day. Remember, if you are going for a walk to always bring a drink with you. You don’t want to dehydrate out there. Always make sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes, before you leave the house. If you didn’t always run, ask your doctor if you can. Sometimes a doctor may suggest you walk around the block at first and increase it from there, if you didn’t always do it before you were pregnant.
If you can you may want to try going for a swim or try bicycling. However, if you find that you are accident prone you may want to stay away from the bike. A bike accident is something that can easily happen, even when you’ve always road a bike. Swimming can help you relax and stay cool. Take a dip in the pool near you, they may even have a swim class for pregnant women in your area. This would be a great way to meet other moms.
Whenever you are doing exercises, make sure you aren’t overdoing it. If you believe you could be stop immediately and take a break. You never want to do anything that’ll harm the pregnancy.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Party Favors
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 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
Sunday, January 20, 2008
Baby Shower Idea Of The Month
It is fun to integrate the new year with the baby shower by popping open some apple cider (that looks like champagne as the mommy-to-be should not be drinking the real stuff) as well as throwing confetti and bringing in the symbol of baby new year! It is also fun to tell the mommy-to-be advice for the new year relating to raising a baby! Enjoy the year!
Monday, January 14, 2008
Baby Shower Foods and Drinks
Caramel Corn
6 quarts popcorn, popped
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
Melt butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly till dissolved. Let boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and baking soda then mix well. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Turn into baking pan and bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Baby Blue Punch
1 2-liter bottle of Sprite
1 64-ounce white cranberry juice
1 package blue, berry-flavored unsweetened drink mix
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup white sugar, or to taste
In a large punch bowl, stir the drink mix, lemon-lime soda and white cranberry juice. Add scoops of ice cream to the top. The ice cream will melt and turn the punch a baby blue color with frothy white clouds floating on the top.
6 quarts popcorn, popped
1 cup butter or margarine
2 cups brown sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. baking soda
Melt butter, sugar, corn syrup and salt over medium heat, stirring constantly till dissolved. Let boil without stirring for 5 minutes. Remove from heat. Add vanilla and baking soda then mix well. Pour over popcorn and mix well. Turn into baking pan and bake at 250 degrees for 1 hour stirring every 15 minutes. Allow to cool before serving.
Baby Blue Punch
1 2-liter bottle of Sprite
1 64-ounce white cranberry juice
1 package blue, berry-flavored unsweetened drink mix
8 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 cup white sugar, or to taste
In a large punch bowl, stir the drink mix, lemon-lime soda and white cranberry juice. Add scoops of ice cream to the top. The ice cream will melt and turn the punch a baby blue color with frothy white clouds floating on the top.
Saturday, January 5, 2008
All About the Invitations
Here are some great baby shower invitation theme ideas for your baby shower planning. I hope you find them 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. Thanks to Mary for this great baby shower invitation idea!
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. Thanks to Mary for this great baby shower invitation idea!
Tuesday, January 1, 2008
Baby Shower: The Welcoming Committe on Board
Finding out your pregnant is the best news of all. Well, second to hearing the grand proposal of a lifetime. After a successful wedding ceremony, hearing that your love has borne fruit is the icing on the cake. For first time expecting mothers, it is a difficult and herculean task to search and look for all the right stuff and equipment the baby will need. Moms-to-be need to list down all the things the baby would need at the soonest possible time so that little by little, each item can already be purchased and readied for the baby's arrival. But there is another easy way to almost have it all, without getting too much headache over it. The solution is to hold a baby shower party! The only headache mom-to-be would have is the menu she would have to prepare on that day and that is easier for her.
Now the burden of searching and looking for baby stuff is passed on to the invitees. But another concern is raised. How will the baby shower go about? The best answer there is, is to have a theme that would guide the flow of the baby shower. There are several ways of choosing and deciding on a theme. Do you want it to be based on color? In case you already know the gender of the baby, pink or blue is used to universally represent a baby girl or a baby boy. Or baby items such as a pacifier or a baby bottle? How about character-themed baby shower such as the Sesame Street, Power Puff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory or the Looney Tunes? It could also be a time-of-the-day baby shower whereby each invitee is tasked to bring something the baby would need or use during that time of the day.
From www.best-baby-gift-guide.com, it suggests wonderful baby shower gift ideas such as a baby gift basket, a layette gift set, vital baby equipment, beautiful baby linen, a baby massage set, or a baby gift certificate. Each gift idea is unique. For the baby gift basket, some ideas they suggest is to create your own baby gift basket or go for the classical clothing baby gift basket where you can never go wrong. You can also go for monogrammed baby gift baskets, fun baby basket, mother and baby basket, gift basket for twins, or a pampering baby gift basket. They also have different suggestions for baby girl and baby boys. For the complete descriptions for each item, just visit their website and read on to find fantastic baby gift ideas.
Once the baby shower is finished, take stock of what is already there and not. For those items still missing from your list, make the necessary arrangments to have it readily available once the baby arrives.
Just some last few tips for a successful baby shower: hold it four to six weeks before the due date, establish a theme, write down the guest list, set the tone and size of the baby shower, plan the games, plan the menu, create baby shower party favors, and last but not the least, set the time and location, if it will not be held in your residence. Remember, baby showers are a fun way to welcome the baby that would be coming soon enough.
Now the burden of searching and looking for baby stuff is passed on to the invitees. But another concern is raised. How will the baby shower go about? The best answer there is, is to have a theme that would guide the flow of the baby shower. There are several ways of choosing and deciding on a theme. Do you want it to be based on color? In case you already know the gender of the baby, pink or blue is used to universally represent a baby girl or a baby boy. Or baby items such as a pacifier or a baby bottle? How about character-themed baby shower such as the Sesame Street, Power Puff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory or the Looney Tunes? It could also be a time-of-the-day baby shower whereby each invitee is tasked to bring something the baby would need or use during that time of the day.
From www.best-baby-gift-guide.com, it suggests wonderful baby shower gift ideas such as a baby gift basket, a layette gift set, vital baby equipment, beautiful baby linen, a baby massage set, or a baby gift certificate. Each gift idea is unique. For the baby gift basket, some ideas they suggest is to create your own baby gift basket or go for the classical clothing baby gift basket where you can never go wrong. You can also go for monogrammed baby gift baskets, fun baby basket, mother and baby basket, gift basket for twins, or a pampering baby gift basket. They also have different suggestions for baby girl and baby boys. For the complete descriptions for each item, just visit their website and read on to find fantastic baby gift ideas.
Once the baby shower is finished, take stock of what is already there and not. For those items still missing from your list, make the necessary arrangments to have it readily available once the baby arrives.
Just some last few tips for a successful baby shower: hold it four to six weeks before the due date, establish a theme, write down the guest list, set the tone and size of the baby shower, plan the games, plan the menu, create baby shower party favors, and last but not the least, set the time and location, if it will not be held in your residence. Remember, baby showers are a fun way to welcome the baby that would be coming soon enough.
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