Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

Green 4 Your Soul, a one-stop-shop for all your green essentials,  recently debuted a fabulous new line for mom and baby called Noli N Nali Organics.  I have slowly started to make the green transition for products for my kids, and Green 4 Your Soul is my favorite website because it is so easy to use.

Coupon code alert!  Use Green 4 Your Soul coupon code “ORANGES” upon checkout and receive 15% off your order (offer good now through 1/1/2010 – time to stock up on holiday gifts!)

You can  read and write reviews on the site which is such a great feature for me as I love reading reviews when buying products.   However, last Friday I wrote a review for a lotion of theirs I am crazy about, the Shea Terra Moroccan Mint Vanilla (LOOOOVVVVEEE the scent!), and since I was 2 days away from turning 35, I had to select the 35 – 44 age range.  It hit me that within one weekend I was entering a whole new age bracket!  Oh well, if this weekend was a sign of the year to come, 35 is going to shape up to be a good one.

I digress, on to the baby products!  The Noli n Nali Willow Baby Shampoo and Ella Bella Body Wash are fabulous –  I like that the scent is very subtle and clean (in more ways than one!)  And since I am convinced that little birds fly into my 3 year old’s room at night and build a nest in the back of her hair, the Willow Detangler is absolutely AWESOME.  It is a leave-in conditioner that makes her hair easier to comb and keeps it soft (therefore less nest-friendly – so stay away birdies!)

As a breastfeeding mom, I also use their Bosom Blossom Nipple Salve, which is fantastic.  It always weirded me out to think about my baby ingesting the nipple cream since I had to use so much during those painful early days.  It just brings me peace of mind to know it is completely chemical and paraben free.   Thankfully those painful early days are over, but I actually use it now when I pump.   I learned through my consultations with lactation consultants that you should never pump without lubricating the poor nipples.  They go through enough with that udder machine as it is!

So if you are in the market for anything green, definitely check out Green 4 Your Soul, because in this case, it IS easy being green!

I recently had an invigorating post-pregnancy wake up call at ABC Pilates for my muscles.  They had been sleeping for um, the past year, and Amy Cady, owner and instructor extraordinaire, poured them one strong pot of coffee.  Figuratively of course!    WOW.   I felt muscles I forgot I had! And although it made walking slightly painful the next day, I have to say it felt really good!  It had been one long year.

If you are a first-timer to Pilates or an old (and by old I mean “experienced”) pro, ABC Pilates has something for everyone.   Located conveniently right off the 5 freeway in Laguna Niguel, this serene, zen-like studio is the type of place you walk in and feel like you can exhale and leave your crazy day at the door.    I forgot what it was like to take one whole hour to focus on myself.   That in itself is priceless.

Specializing in pre and post natal fitness, they are accustomed to working with woman in all stages of pregnancy and postpartum.   Amy, a mommy of two herself, has worked for the past 4 years to develop a series of exercises specifically designed for the pre and post-natal woman.

She wanted to know about my pregnancy and delivery and was incredibly knowledgeable.   One thing I learned:  when we carry those precious little babies in our belly, it causes the muscles to completely split in our abdomen,  called “diastisis recti,” or separation of the abdominis muscle.    When she pointed this out, I could actually see the divide in my tummy.   They are there to help bridge the divide and bring those muscles back together, one exercise at a time.

During our workout she had great ways to explain how to properly do the exercise in a way I could visualize.  She also had great tips on things to do at home and important tips on posture.   I had been walking around with that post pregnancy slump.  You know the one? Shoulders hunched, hips sort of swayed forward, and the belly hanging out in a “not so pretty” sort of way.   Since working out with her, she has made me think about my posture  every day since.

We did some floor exercises and then moved on to the  ”exo chair” with me.  It was pretty amazing.  It combines upper and lower body exercises.  Talk about “feeling the burn!”  That little chair was one powerful piece of equipment!        

They offer a great schedule of private and group classes.   If you are in any stage of pregnancy or beyond, or just looking for a great way to get in shape, I can’t more highly recommend ABC Pilates!

Special Tiny Oranges Offers!

* Mention Tiny Oranges and receive 3 private sessions for only $125 (normally $210!)

* Sign up for a privates package or 5-or-10-class group packages and get 10% off the package price

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!

Email me at giveaways@tinyoranges.com and tell me:   Where did Amy get her certified training?  Hint: CLICK HERE to find out!  10 lucky winners will receive a FREE private session with one of their fabulous instructors.    I learned so much from doing a one-on-one workout, I guarantee you will too!

You can email all week, just have them in by next Friday, 11/20/09 at 3pm PST.

Happy Friday everyone!  Have a fabulous weekend!

I was in my prenatal yoga class one night, and we were going around the room (per the teacher’s request) sharing our due date along with any tip that we had to share.   One mom-to-be shared she had found ”bra extenders” at Target.  She raved about how much more comfortable she was since using them because of how tight her bras had become over the course of her pregnancy. 

I went right out and bought a pack that week.  They are at Target in the bra department, on the rack of “bra accessories.”  The company on the pack is ”Lingerie Solutions” and they were really cheap. I  want to say they were around $3 for 3 sets: nude, black and white.   Unfortunately I couldn’t find them online on the Target site.  

Let me tell you, these things are a God send!  I don’t like buying many bras during pregnancy, because of how much my body changes from month to month.   One bra bought today might be like a torture device around my ribs by next month.   These little bra extenders give you a couple inches more breathing room so you can use either on your regular bras in the beginning, or on your maternity bras towards the end.    Super brilliant product, just had to share! 

And, are MUCH cheaper than buying new bras!

I also found them online at Kmart, Walmart and the Lingerie Solutions website.

Just got this yesterday from Milkalicious, a breastfeeding boutique in Aliso Viejo, and wanted to pass it on!  It’s a great time to take advantage by stocking up on supplies for yourself or buying gifts for new mommy friends!  If you are pregnant and needing a breast pump, 15% off is a GREAT deal!  Here is the scoop:

“Earth Week is both a celebration of appreciation for our earth and of the environmental movement’s successes thus far as well as an excellent opportunity for discussion of environmental issues and solutions.

Study after study proves that breast is indeed best for your baby. It certainly isn’t shocking to conclude that breastfeeding is better for the environment as well.

Breastfeeding requires no energy (other than mom’s) to heat up the milk. There are no plastic scoops or containers involved, no bottles need to be manufactured or washed and it’s a 100% completely renewable resource. If the health benefits aren’t enough, breastfeeding is the easiest, least expensive, and greenest option for you and your baby.

In Celebration of Earth Week, Milkalicious is offering 15% off EVERYTHING in the store April 22nd – April 26th. Or, buy online, enter coupon code “Earth.”    

My daughter arrived early at 37 weeks 3 days and I didn’t have my hospital bag packed yet! It was very ironic, because I am a total Type A planner.  She was breech so we had a c-section scheduled for a week and a half later.   When my water broke in the middle of the night unexpectely I was soooo not ready!  My husband basically threw in my toothbrush and grabbed our cameras and we were out the door.  This time around I want to be prepared!  EARLY.  

So mamas, I need YOUR help!   I want to compile the ultimate hospital bag checklist based on experience from mamas like YOU!   You will not only help me pack my bag, but other moms-to-be as well!

Can you leave a comment below with any essentials that you can think of that made your hospital experience more pleasant or something you wish you had but didn’t pack?  It is SUPER easy. Click on the comments link at the bottom of this post, put in your name (or alias) and comment, and click “Create Post.”  I will take all the items and then do another post with everything, the ultimate checklist! 

Starting list:

• Spaghetti strap or nursing nightie that is easy to pull down for nursing (or one that buttons up)
• Outfit for your trip home
• Panties (granny style!)
• Lightweight robe
• Slippers 
• Flip flops
• Your own shampoo/conditioner, soap and lotion for your first shower (which is heaven!)
• Make-up (optional, but I felt better putting on some lip gloss and blush before visitors sometimes)
• Hair dryer (I was in 4 days for a c-section, so I liked being able to wash & dry my hair the 3rd day)
• Sleep mask & ear plugs– Totally not necessary, but it helped me nap during the day
• Couple change of clothes for baby (the smallest ones you have – “newborn” size worked best for us)
• Baby socks & mittens
• Cell phone
• Manila folder for all the paperwork you will get
• Lansinoh cream or some sort of nipple cream
• Breastfeeding book
• Breast pads
• Camera!!!
• Video camera!!

Incidentally, while looking online for cute hospital bags, I came across this great company featured on Cool Mom Picks.   Babytime Bags are chic maternity bags (pictured above) filled with both practical and indulgent items that you will need for your hospital stay.  They are even personalized with your flip flop size!   What a great baby shower gift to give!   

Thanks for your help everyone…keep an eye out for my post coming up with all your great ideas!