Tiny Oranges – Fresh, fun blog for OC moms

I had been looking for a prenatal yoga DVD, because with my toddler I can’t always make it out to the classes as often as I would like to, when I came across Jennifer Wolfe on Twitter and got her Vinyasa Yoga 2 DVD Set.    

It has been great for gaining strength, flexibility and stamina.  What I love most is that I can choose from 15, 30, 45 or 75 minute practices.   So perfect for a busy mom and you never get bored!   Even if I just have 15 minutes during her naptime to do the practice, I feel much more energized afterwards.

These DVDs are made for people who have been practicing yoga for awhile, and are created to give moms-to-be a great workout and challenge.  However, even if you are a beginner, you can follow her 3rd trimester modifications to make it not quite as strenuous.

{Of course, always check with your doctor or health care professional before beginning any new prenatal exercise.}

Hooray! It’s a Tiny Giveaway!  Jennifer Wolfe is giving away a free DVD to one lucky winner! To enter, send me an email to giveaways@tinyoranges.com.  Include your first and last name, mailing address, and the answer to this question:  Which would be your DVD of choice?    Hint: Click here to see the options.  You can enter all week, just make sure your emails are in before 5PM PST on Friday, March 20th.   Good luck!

I have been taking the Prenatal yoga classes at YogaWorks and let me tell you, it has done wonders for both my body and my psyche! I never considered myself a “yoga person” before, and in fact, I was really intimidated to even try yoga.  I am incredibly inflexible and feared that I would be surrounded by people folding themselves into pretzels when I cannot even touch my toes!     

That is so not the case!  The teachers are so wonderful, and they always emphasize how  there is no judgement in yoga. You do what your body can do.  Just working on the breathing alone is helpful.  I admit I am a pretty tightly wound so practicing yoga is a major de-stressor.  I think it will be really helpful for my delivery as well.  But, most of all, I just cherish the hour and a half of PEACE and QUIET to myself!!!  

Right now (through March 31st) they are having a special, where if you refer a friend, both you and the friend get $50 Yoga bucks to be used towards packages as well as a week for free.   I currently have a package there, so if you want to sign up for classes, you can use my name and get $50 credit towards your classes (and help me subsidize my yoga habit!! HA!)   If you buy a 20-pack (valued at $240), it brings the cost down to $190, which makes it $9.50 per class. 

Email me at info@tinyoranges.com if you are interested, and I can send you the info!

I was recently introduced to a fabulous women’s health website called What Women Want to Know   and I am hooked!   It is a very informative, well-written community website addressing issues pertaining to general health and well-being, parenting, women’s health and more.   It is written by Dr. Mona Saint a board certified Ob/Gyn in practice in Orange County and local Laguna Niguel mama of two. 

It is very refreshing to hear important health issues addressed in a very straight-forwarded manner.  You can can leave comments on the site and even email Dr. Mona herself to ask a question (anonymously if you prefer!) I think it is fantastic that a busy doctor and mother would be open to share her time and expertise with us.  I signed up for their free weekly e-newsletter and look forward to it each week.   

www.whatwomenwanttoknow.com

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!  You have until 5PM PST today (Friday) to email me to enter Monday’s HAPPYBABY giveaway! Check Monday’s post for details.  See you back this Monday for another fun giveaway…here’s a hint:  it might include a little early Valentine’s gift! 

I know many of us (if not most of us) have been touched by someone affected by breast cancer.  Self Magazine  wants to hear your personal story on who has inspired you to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer in the “Who’s Your Suzy?” essay contest going on this month. Click here to enter!  You just might end up winning a donation in their name to the Komen Foundation and a fabulous vacation.  I myself am incredibly inspired by Nancy, the sister of Susan Komen, who started the foundation as a promise to her dying sister to do what she could to fight this disease. Can you believe the difference ONE woman will a mission has accomplished?    

One of my very dear friends was just diagnosed with breast cancer this past month.  She is moving forward with a double mastectomy in a few weeks.   Fortunately they caught it early, which we all know is super important.    I just can’t  imagine how hard this time has been for her.  Through it all, she has been so strong and positive and has been an inspiration to me.   She now wants to dedicate herself to bringing awareness of the importance on getting an ultrasound or MRI in addition to a mammogram for women with dense (lumpy) breasts.   The MRI is what detected her cancer.  She stressed to me that if you have been told you have dense or lumpy breasts (of if you know from doing self-exams that you do), it is important to talk to your doctor about getting an ultrasound or MRI in addition to your regular mammograms.  Did anyone see Christina Applegate on Oprah recently talking about her battle with breast cancer?  She too is fighting to give woman more access to MRI’s and genetic testing.   Obviously, the most important thing is to talk to your doctor, and find out the screening options that are right for you.  Be proactive and an advocate for your own health!

So, let’s all do something for ourselves today in honor of all those amazing women that have been affected by breast cancer.  I know we have all heard about the importance of doing monthly self-exams, but do you know the correct way to do one?   I found this amazing instructional video on the Komen website.  I have to admit after watching it,  I really had no clue on the correct way to do a self-exam.  It is worth taking 10 minutes of your time today to watch this potentially life-saving video.          

One last thing!   I just learned about this organization and signed myself up and I want to spread the word!  The Army of Women is an organization with a goal to recruit one million women to sign up to be volunteers in research studies to identify what causes breast cancer so it can be STOPPED for good.   They need women of all sizes, shapes, ethnicities, ages, with or without kids, risk factor levels,  women with kids, without kids, with breast cancer and without,  basically, they need ALL women and they need YOU!   Signing up is easy, then they email with research opportunities in your area.  When emailed, there is no obligation to participate.  Click here to register. 

Please help spread the word!  Have a great day, everyone.  See you back tomorrow!