Tag: pregnancy

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Mommy Picks: Top 5 Pregnancy Reads

the stork bag - Mommy Picks Top 5 Pregnancy Reads - pregnant woman reading

So you’re pregnant and want a good book to get lost in, right? Well, we’ve got some top picks for you to explore. Whether you like to document your pregnancy with a journal, learn about healthy snacks with a cookbook, or disconnect and have a laugh with a great comedy book, we’ve compiled a list of our Top 5 Pregnancy Reads. 

img-2First, let’s talk about journaling!  9 Months of Happiness: Pregnancy Journal (Maintaining a Blissful Pregnancy) is PERFECT for documenting the roller coaster of physical, mental and spiritual waves. Another great thing about this journal is, it also includes ‘blissful tips’ throughout, some ‘Did You Knows’ and writing exercises!  9 Months of Happiness: Pregnancy Journal (Maintaining a Blissful Pregnancy) can be purchased from most online book stores including Amazon.com.

img-3Great latter pregnancy/postpartum read! The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother is a wonderful read. It helps the reader explore the new journey of motherhood through great recipes, sound advice and wonderful guidance. The First Forty Days: The Essential Art of Nourishing the New Mother can be purchased from most online book stores including Amazon.com.

img-4Oh Jenny, you crack us up! It’s been over 10 years since Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirthis a great LOL book! This New York Times Best Seller is sure to get the reader laughing as Jenny McCarthy candidly shares the many joys of pregnancy. Belly Laughs: The Naked Truth About Pregnancy and Childbirth can be purchased from most book stores both online and physical stores as well as Amazon.

img-5Hip & Fabulous + Pregnancy, Yes please! Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy is definitely a must read pregnancy book!  In this book, maternity lifestyle guru Latham Thomas, shares great tips ,techniques and guidance to help the reader embrace pregnancy and prepare for a new abundant life as a mother. Mama Glow: A Hip Guide to Your Fabulous Abundant Pregnancy can be purchased from most book stores both online and physical locations as well as Amazon.com.

img-6Week by week updates! Your Pregnancy Week by Week is a fan fav around these parts. This great book helps the reader journey throughout pregnancy with week by week updates on what’s happening in the pregnant body and how baby is developing. For first-time moms and repeat moms alike, this book is definitely a must have pregnancy staple. Your Pregnancy Week by Week can be purchased from most books stores both online and physical locations as well as Amazon.com.

We hope this short list helps you out with picking up some great pregnancy reads throughout your journey. 

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The Magic Cream: 21 Reasons to Use Shea Butter

The Stork Bag - The Magic Cream 21 reasons to use shea butter

Shea Butter is a fat that is pulled from the nuts of the shea tree also known as the Vitellaria tree. This cream has been used for centuries as a beauty product because it has a high concentration of minerals, vitamins and fattty acids, which make us feel, oh so good!

It is one of the best creams you can use because it natural and works for nearly all skin types. It can be used on faces, bodies and our poor feet.

It is quite honestly, as close to a miracle cream as it comes. The amount of time required for optimumal results, depend on each condition, but geneally you will feel immediately softer skin. Itchiness will also be resolved immediately. Wrinkles, for example, will require 4 to 6 weeks of daily use. We have pulled together a list of 21 conditions that you can use shea butter for.

1. Dry skin
2. Skin rashes
3. Skin peeling, after tanning
4. Blemishes and wrinkles
5. Itching skin
6. Sunburn
7. Shaving cream for a smooth silky shave.
8. Small skin wounds
9. Skin cracks
10. Tough or rough skin (on feet.)
11. Cold weather,
12. Frost bites
13. Stretch mark prevention during pregnancy
14. Insect bites
15. Healthy skin
16. Muscle fatigue, aches and tension
17. For before and after strenuous exercise
18. Skin allergies such as poison ivy or poison oak
19. Eczema
20. Dermatitis
21. Skin damage from heat (hot grease while cooking, radiation treatment for certain medical problems, etc.)

We include belly butters in our second trimester boxes to help keep you feeling and looking good!

WHO SHOULD USE SHEA BUTTER:

Everyone! Every household should have a jar of Shea Butter, either among the beauty supplies for soft smooth better looking skin, or in the medicine cabinet for minor skin injuries around the house. SHEA BUTTER IS THE SKIN’S BEST FRIEND!

The information provided here or elsewhere on this site is not intended to constitute professional medical advice for treatment. We encourage you to consult your personal physician with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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What Every First Time Pregnant Mom Should Know

What Every First Time Pregnant Mom Should Know

*This article from our archives was written by The Stork Bag Founder, Ericka Perry*

I am so excited to be doing another post for The Stork Bag and I’m grateful for the opportunity to share my experience and make some mommas out there happy. Hope you guys are doing good out there, this one is for all the first time mamas. Being pregnant is a beautiful thing, so enjoy it while it lasts! However, here is what I feel you should know from the time you see that double line on the test kit and you call out to your hubby “Honey! We’re having a baby!” Oops! Don’t get it wrong girl: you and your partner are having a baby alright, but it’s you who’s going to carry the baby to term.

1. I can’t stress this enough: you are pregnant and not your partner – just you hun (you will understand once the nausea starts to kick in and most especially when labor cramps sets in.)

2. This is sad, but you can kiss your wine and cigarettes good bye for at least 9 months.

3. Get ready to know the types of pillows and their uses. Trust me when I say that one size does not fit all. You will need different types of pillows for every stage of your pregnancy, including special ones that you will need after delivery.

4. You get to develop a superhuman sense of smell. Suddenly, it will seem like every smell is twice as strong – especially the sharp or repulsive ones!

5. Do yourself a favour get a new bra now (preferably a sports bra; thank me later). You might have to go up to two sizes bigger during your pregnancy, and no I am not joking.

6.Get a good massage oil (personally I love argon) and have your partner help you out, or if you can budget for it, I highly recommend a visit to a good masseuse or the spa.

7. Squeeze half a lemon into cool water and be sure to take it everywhere with you. This refreshing drink will come in handy throughout your pregnancy.

8. During my pregnancy, I couldn’t get enough natural lemon scent – I loved having them around the house. Find a scent that works for your and indulge in it.

9. Don’t ask any moms too many questions or specifics about their birthing experience – trust me when I say that you don’t want to know all of the details.

10. There are lots of helpful apps to help you manager your pregnancy, so be sure to try a few and find one that works for you

The good news is that for 9 months you don’t have to worry about period cramps – but you will have more serious stuff to worry about. Sorry!

It’s an experience that can be explained but is best experienced. It’s a life changing journey, and one that comes with inexplicable joy at the end.


Congratulations to all first time moms out there – your joy is right around the corner!

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The Stork Bag Recipes: Yummy and Colorful Fruit Pizza

The Stork Bag Recipes: Yummy and Colorful Fruit Pizza

How could you not love this easy, colorful recipe that puts a fun twist on pizza.

Check out this yummy recipe straight from the kitchen of The Stork Bag Founder, Ericka Perry.

What you need:

2 Cans of Pillsbury Grands Homestyle Biscuits (Not sponsored) They fluff really well and taste extra yummy with the cream cheese and fruit.

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese (Softened)

1 tsp. of lemon juice

1 1/2 Tbsp of White {Cane} Sugar

Kiwis Peeled and sliced

1 1/2 Strawberries rinsed, dried and sliced in halves

1 Cup of Blueberries (rinsed and dried)

1 Cup of Raspberries (rinsed and dried)

*or substitute similar fruits to make your own yummy creation!

Directions:

Step 1: Remove biscuits from cans and set aside in a bowl at room temperature.

Step 2: Place softened cream cheese in mixing bowl, add lemon juice and mix on medium until well blended. Set cream cheese and lemon juice mixture aside.

Step 3: Remove biscuits from bowl and place on lightly greased flat surface. Next you’ll want to mold the biscuits together and flatten until the biscuits are in a rounded pizza dough like form. Place your biscuit “pizza dough” on a cookie sheet and bake at 350 degrees for 13-17 minutes or until golden brown. Remove and cool for 15 minutes.

Step 4:  Spread your cream cheese mixture over the entire cooled biscuit crust.

Step 5: Place all of your fruit on top of the cream cheese and sprinkle with sugar. Place completed Fruit Pizza in the refrigerator to cool for 1 hour.

Step 6: Enjoy!

We hope that you enjoy this yummy treat!

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Review: The Power Of A Positive Mom

The Stork Bag - Review The Power of a Positive Mom

*This article from our archives was written by The Stork Bag founder Ericka Perry.*

Hi mommas, this is an unsponsored, ‘in a nutshell’ review of one of my latest reads, The Power of a Positive Mom by Karol Ladd. I received this book as a gift and I have to say, I love it.

The breakdown of the book is great for busy moms, as it gives you 7 different principles broken down into separate sections. I totally don’t want to give away the wisdom within this book but I will say that the power of mommy’s actions and thoughts directly impact that of the child and families. One part of this book that was my favorite was having an ‘Attitude of Gratitude’. This section of the book speaks about ‘Creating a Thankful Environment’ where the author uses real life examples to illustrate the meaning and importance behind this. Karol also writes about gratitude being contagious and how we shape our children’s attitudes by implementing a consistent attitude of gratitude.

This book also explains the importance of ‘Harmony With Hubby’ and ‘The Power of Strong Relationships’. The breakdown of this section within the book provides ‘Fire Builder’ tips, which help with ideas to keep the flame going in your marriage. Exemplifying strong relationship skills is key to leading by example for your children. When children see the positive impact that having strong relationships can have on life, they are more inclined to want these types of relationships as well. This is incredibly beneficial to the social development of your children.

‘Living Lesson Books’ is also one of my favorite parts of The Power of a Positive Mom; it illustrates how our actions speak louder than words. I think as parents it is important for us to not only tell our children what is right and what is wrong, but to also show them this through our actions. Our children are watching us even when we don’t realize it, and as parents we have the responsibility of shaping another person for this world.

The Power of a Positive Mom is a great read for every mother.

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Tips For Expecting Mothers With Toddlers

Tips For Expecting Mothers With Toddlers

*This guest blog was contributed by Dee Styles*

I’m scribbling and crossing out as I try to write my article for The Stork Bag – it’s a bit difficult to concentrate now as an expecting mother. And my 2 year old toddler isn’t helping at all, with her constant questioning; “Mommy what is this? Mommy what is that?”

One of the hardest parts of writing these blogs is finding the right topic, which my fellow moms will find fun and insightful. I was just about to grab my hair and start tearing it out, when I thought to myself, “exactly!” I’m going to write about how to get by as an expecting mother with a toddler! My hubby and I are expecting our second baby and we are super excited (well he is more excited than I am since I’m the one going through the discomforts that come with pregnancy!).


It’s been an adventurous journey so far, taking care of my toddler (a super hyper active 2 year old girl), my hubby and myself, plus the little one in me. Trust me, it’s no joke -sometimes I wonder how moms with twins get by!


But it’s not all bad, and below are some tips to make your journey through this phase a little more comfy.

  • First, you need to have a good support system.  Surround yourself with friends and family you can trust and that can cater to your needs or help you out when you really need them – especially on short notice. Maybe having a parent or sibling on standy if you need someone to watch your toddler for a few hours so that you can have a (much needed) break.
  • Second, talk to your toddler about the coming baby, prepare them mentally, and try engage them in DIY activities such as crafts. Fostering independence in your child will benefit both of you
  • Third, when you forget to take care of yourself (as we mothers tend to do every once in a while), remember the little one inside you. For their sake, you need to ensure that you are healthy and fit.

Try to eat a balanced meal each time whenever possible: infuse green leafy vegetables, tomatoes, cucumber, and fruits into your everyday meal plan. If you are a busy mom like me and you run around and driving a lot, it helps to have a water bottle or smoothie, along with a protein bar to take with you on the go.


Carry healthy snacks around like apples, dried fruits, nuts or a healthy sandwich. As the pregnancy progresses, I’ve discovered that I burn more energy quickly while catering to my toddler and the little one inside of me seems to want food more often than usual (especially when I am out!). Rather than get hungry and stop for some unhealthy fast food, I go to my pre-packed healthny snacks. Best of all, I can share these with my toddler if they are long.

Waking up in the morning has become a major chore as I am getting closer to my 3rd trimester and preparing my toddler for daycare every morning is always easier when I plan ahead the night before. I sort out her backpack with a change of clothes, ensure she has her snack and lunch for the next day available the night before, so all I have to do in the morning is warm it up and package it.  I also sort out her clothing for the day the night before. Being a fashion oriented mom, I’m kind of particular about what my kid wears to school.  

p.s. Remember to look after yourself! I can’t stress this enough. If I feel the need to rest I don’t push it. I found out the hard way during my first pregnancy that high blood pressure in pregnancy is not good for you or your baby. Relax, and take the time for some self-care.


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7 FREE and Fun Family Activities

The Stork bag - 7 free and fun famly activities - family at the park

With colder weather, it’s easy for cabin fever to kick in if we stay cooped up in the house too long. With that scary notion in mind, we’ve come up with 7 fun activities to keep your family busy without costing you a dime! Check them out:

Museums: Yep, believe it or not, some museums have free days or times for families to come and visit during the winter months. Although many of them have specific free times, this is still a great outing for the entire family. Pack a lunch and head out to your local museum!

Parks: I know, I know the park is outside but hear me out. In many of the colder states public schools allow the kids to play outside for recess anytime the temperature is above 32 so bundled those babes up and head out to your community park for some good old’ fashion fun. Pair your outdoor fun with some yummy hot cocoa and you’ve got yourself a free fun day!

Gyms: Have a gym membership? Bring the kiddos along for a family work out. Many families don’t think about this but imagine the fun games you could come up with by mixing your workout routine with some dance breaks!

Home Movie Night: Who knew the family room could be converted into a movie theater? Pop up some popcorn, grab some juice boxes and pull out that Halloween candy (I can’t be the only one still holding on to 3-month old candy)! With so many video streaming services and on demand movie access, you’re sure to find a movie that the whole family would love! This actvitiy is fun, free and convenient!

Rec Center/YMCA: This community gem is a gold mine for fun and free family adventure! From a friendly game of basketball to a little swimming time, there is all sort of fun to be had. Plan ahead and check out your local recreation center’s event calendar before you leave to avoid any disappointment.

Sightseeing: Pack everyone in the car and head over to the next town for some sightseeing. Live in or near a large city? Even better, there’s always so much to see in new or big cities. Even venturing to your local downtown area would be a treat; all the antique shops and old diners make for a good history lesson. Don’t forget to pack the snacks!

Your Local Library: This gem has so much free fun hidden away at your local library! From allowing the kiddos to pick out their very own book with their very own library card, to enjoying story time, arts and crafts and even movie time, the list goes on and on! Many local libraries have an event calendar as well with upcoming events they have, which are usually free of charge. The adventures tucked away at the library are endless and a true gem for the entire family.

These are just some of the great activities that you family can have for fun, and free – if you’ve got others, we’d love to hear about them!

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Adventures of Motherhood: Planning (Shared By A Mommy of 3 Under 3!)

The Stork Bag - Adventures Of Motherhood: Planning?!–Shared By A Mommy Of 3 Under 3!

*We hope you enjoy this guest blog from The Stork Bag Archives.*

Planning. Yep, you read it right! This mom of three under three had plans and NOTHING was going to keep me from them. The snow had us house bound for the last three days but I was determined to have the last say. We were breaking free from the house and I had my mind set on a day of outside fun and adventure for me and my kiddos. I was determined to plan a fun day for myself and my young children.

The night before I had done some browsing on the Internet to find a few things we could do the next day. I found an indoor hands museum for kids and right next to it, a new ice cream parlor with all the fixings that had just been built. Plus, on the way home, we would stop off at the Dollar Tree so the kids could pick out a new toy. BINGO! There you have it! My plans were totally awesome and sure to get me “oohs” and “aahhs” from my kiddos. As a matter of fact, these plans would deem me the best mom on the planet. Darn it, I should get a star on boardwalk after all the time I put into scheduling the day. (I know I’m a bit dramatic but bear with me!). I bathed the kids and picked out their clothes the night before and laid them down to bed by 8:30.

“This mama was on a roll and quite honestly, I was proud of myself. Adventure, here we come!”

 

My alarm went off by 8:00AM and I was determined to be out of the house by ten in order for us to arrive at the museum by 11. As I’m scrambling to get the kids dressed so they can eat breakfast, I heard my husband yell, “Hey honey, can you make me a breakfast sandwich really quick? I’m running behind to get out the door for work.” Breakfast Sandwich? Breakfast Sandwich? It wasn’t what I had factored into my morning 2 hour timeline but it would only take about 5 minutes or so to fry an egg and bacon right? So why not! I hurried up and dressed the kids and sat them down for breakfast while I got started on hubby’s sandwich. “Mommy my hair!” my two year old Chloe reminded me. She’s a princess in every sense of the word and has to look her best at all times. “Ok Chloe. Eat your breakfast first and mommy will do your hair,” I reminded her. I managed to get all the kids seated for breakfast as well as make my husbands breakfast.

“I checked the clock – 8:45AM. I’m still doing OK.”

Once I helped get hubby out of the door, I went to the back and grabbed the brush and comb to get started on Chloe’s hair. When I called for her to come here, she answered, “I coming Mommy! I ate all my food!” Well folks, that was an understatement. She ate all her food and apparently her shirt did too! There were bananas and milk all over her face, hair and clothes. This could not have happened at a worse time! I rushed to get her cleaned up, changed her clothes and got her hair squeezed into two ponytails. Her hair wasn’t particularly a work of art, but hey, it would have to do. The clock read 9:15AM. We were cutting it close but we could still make it!

As I got the kids ready with their hats and coats on, I realized I didn’t have my wallet on me. Where the heck could it be? I searched the house up and down and couldn’t find it anywhere! After 18 minutes of searching, I finally located it under the couch. As I got ready to place my 11 month old in her car seat, this putrid smell filled the room. What is that awful smell?! I went from kid to kid investigating the source of the smell and quickly realized the baby had a blow out that went all the way up her back. It had seeped out of her clothes and into her carseat. Welp, there goes our plans. I undressed the kids from their coats and got the baby cleaned up.

“I felt deflated and defeated.”

The kids were sad when I told them we weren’t going to be able to go because I had to run Haven’s car seat cover through the wash and we wouldn’t make it in time. I managed to find some ice cream we had had in the freezer and 4 measly maraschino cherries in the refrigerator. To spice things up a little more, I rummaged through the cabinet to find some sprinkles from the kids Christmas party 3 months back and let them use those as well (don’t judge me!). After we got our sundaes situated, I popped some popcorn, and we all nuzzled in front of the TV to watch Tangled. I felt awful – as if I had let them down. Here I was with these big lavish plans to get them out of the house, and they all fell flat, leaving us bound to the house again.

Right before I was about to sneak to the bathroom to privately sulk, my son Josiah turned to me with his ice cream mustache smile and said, “Mommy I happy! This is so much fun!” Those words penetrated every frustration I had had in that moment and completely melted them away. At the end of the day that was my main purpose, wasn’t it? Here I was upset about my plans falling through. I was so upset that I almost let the possibility of creating amazing moments with my kids at home slip by. Whether at a fancy new ice cream parlor, or at home eating ice cream sundaes with Christmas sprinkles from months before, the things that mattered most to my kids were that we were together and creating another memory.

“I quickly learned to be easier on myself and give space for the unexpected things to happen.”

Plans don’t always go as planned and that’s ok. Sometimes we have to make the best of the current situation we are presented with. Don’t let the disappointments of what could have been steal the joys of what is. The kids and I had a cozy afternoon together and I was so grateful to be able to still spend that quality time with them at home. The day turned out amazing… better than if I had planned it myself.