APRIL 2014
YOUR TEEN SHOULD YOU LET
BECOME A FASHION MODEL?
LIVING RICH
IN A READY-MADE WORLD
beach season
A Swimsuit Guide for ALL Women
MOTHER'S OF THE
Living in Harmony
REVOLUTION The Power of Forgiveness
BLENDED FAMILIES
THE PERFECT
VACATION
URBANParenting APRIL 2014
C O N T E N T S
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BEACH SEASON A swimsuit guide For all women
10 12 14 16 18 24
Celebrate your child's Uniqueness Can you stay at home? Should you let your teen Become a fasion model?
Pregnancy body care tips The perfect vacation BLENDED FAMILIES Living in harmony MOTHERS OF THE REVOLUTION The power of forgiveness Living rich in a readymade world MEMORIES NOT MADE Spending more time with your children
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PUBLISHER’S NOTE
It's Time for Change! “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we've been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”- President Barack Obama Truer words have never been spoken! We are no longer on the precipices of change as we are the change that we have been seeking all along. Welcome to a new day, welcome to the new Urban Parenting Magazine! Can you believe it’s been a year now since Urban Parenting hit the shelves? Just as with our children, we have those solitary moments when we look back at what we’ve created and think to ourselves, “where has the time gone?” In that fleeting time of reflection, I thought about why we started Urban Parenting in the first place and then it hit me; we wanted change! We were tired of what was “normal” and “typical”. We wanted a magazine that spoke directly to a newer generation of parents that believed that parenting or being a parent wasn’t life sentence, but rather, a lifestyle. A generation of parents who believed that it was okay to be a bold and different, breaking the societal “norm” while still providing nothing but the absolute best for our children and families! As we grew, we listened and read every one of your comments, suggestions and concerns about how “parenting” as a whole was being approached. We analyzed over and over on how we could make a better product for you, our readers, our family; and here we are. No longer will we seek change for we are the change of a thriving generation! ALL of us are game changers. I believe we were born solely to continue breaking the mold and to change the game. We all are innovators. We don’t just live; we change! We’re enthusiast and it is with this same passion and drive we should approach parenting and family living! So, with all of that being said, we’ve decided to give Urban Parenting Magazine an “facelift” while still remaining true to our brand and what we stand for. Urban Parenting is still all about empowering families, but we also represent the modern parent. We are more than just uplifting; Urban Parenting “is a lifestyle”.
Urban Parenting Magazine Published 11 times a year by Urban Parenting Magazine LLC., in West Palm Beach, FL. Editorial submissions and reader correspondence are welcome. We reserve the right to edit, reject or comment on any material submitted. We are not responsible for the return of unsolicited material. Urban Parenting Magazine is available online and at numerous locations within diverse communities free of charge. Publication and distribution of the magazine does not constitute an endorsement of information, products or services. The publisher reserves the right to reject any advertisement or listing which is not in keeping with the magazine's standards. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Any reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without written permission.
PUBLISHER Wilson Manigat EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Debbie Manigat Founded by Wilson and Debbie Manigat in 2013 How to Contact Us www.UrbanParentingMagazine.com info@urbanparentingmagazine.com
As we move forward let’s continue to shape and reshape what it means to be an “Urban Parent”. Lets continue to destroy the status quo and provide the absolute best for not only our families, but us as well!
Office: (954) 560-8326
From the bottom of my heart, I can’t thank you enough for believing in Urban Parenting and sticking in with us. From a following of a couple of close friends to having over 16,000 plus followers collectively on our social media sites, thank you. We couldn’t have made it this far without you, and I am here to promise you that things will only get better. Continue sharing, tweeting, re-tweeting and liking what we provide. Continue to let us hear your thoughts, because this is YOUR magazine. YOU are in the driver seat. YOU decide the direction of what we will deem today, as the “Urban Parenting Movement!” With love, thank you again for believing in change.
P.O. Box 222911
Respectfully,
Wilson Manigat Publisher
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Correspondence: Urban Parenting Magazine West Palm Beach FL 33422
Just like a snowflake or a fingerprint, every child is unique in their own special way. Every child has a unique way of feeling, thinking, and interacting with others. Some children are shy, while others are outgoing; some are active, while others are calm; some are fretful, while others are easy-going. As a loving and nurturing parent, it's your job to encourage them to embrace their uniqueness and celebrate their individual qualities. Allow your child to express themselves through their interests. They may find a creative outlet in theatre, dancing or art, or they may be exceptionally talented in the sciences. Encourage them to embrace what they like to do, what interests them, and what makes them happy. Help them realize that they don't need to worry about being 'like everyone else.' Teach your child to make positive choices,
Celebrate Your Child’s Uniqueness and praise them for good deeds, behaviors and positive traits they possess. Encourage them to become actively involved in their community, and introduce them to activities that promote a sense of cooperation and accomplishment. Be firm yet fair when handing down discipline for misdeeds or misbehaviors, and make
Remember that your child is an individual. Allow your child to have his or her own personal preferences and feelings, which may be different from your own.
certain the rules and consequences for breaking the rules are clearly defined. Show a cooperative, loving and united front with your spouse when it comes to discipline.
Accept and celebrate your child's uniqueness. Remember that your child is an individual. Allow your child to have his or her own personal preferences and feelings, which may be different from your own. And finally, encourage your child to be true to themselves by doing the same. Show your child how to make positive choices with the choices you make, and that nobody is perfect and you too make mistakes. Show your child that mistakes can be a great learning experience, and that they should not be ashamed or embarrassed about making them.
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Can You Stay Home? One of the first things you have to figure out when you realize that you want to stay home with your kids is whether or not you can afford to do so. You are probably used to living on two incomes, so making the switch to a single income may not be easy. However, it may not be as hard as you think.
If you have children already, the first thing that goes away when you decide to stay at home is the cost of daycare. However, if you work at home, part of that cost may remain, unless your work is such that you can keep the children home with you. Take a look at how much of your income right now is going to daycare. That cost alone may prove to you that you don't need a high-paying work at home job to stay home 単 a simpler one may suffice. There are several other costs that will drop if you stay at home. You'll be in a different tax bracket. You'll probably drive less, eat out less often and you won't need clothes for work, which can save both on shopping and on dry cleaning bills.
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When you're figuring out how much it costs you to work outside the home, don't assume that becoming a stay at home or work at home parent will cause you to stop eating out. You will have those days where you decide to take the kids out, more likely than not.
Figure out how much income will be necessary and how much risk you are willing to take. Work at home jobs are harder to come by, but home businesses are by their nature more risky, and it may take a few years to earn an adequate income from a business.
One thing many parents forget to think about when they decide to stay at home is to handle retirement planning. Now, if you're just staying home for a year or two, it's probably not a big deal, but if you plan on staying home for many years, this can be a huge impact on you when you do retire. You may not have the finances to fund your retirement account well when your family is living on only one income, but you should try to do at least a little. See
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my article on retirement planning for stay at home parents for more information. Use this information to figure out what you will need to earn while staying at home. Some will be fine as a single income family, but others will need the stay at home parent to earn some kind of income. Ideally, this will be a relatively small amount, as the whole point of having a stay at home parent is to have more time with the kids and benefit them, not maintain a freely spending lifestyle. However, if a single income isn't enough, a work at home job or home business will likely become necessary. Figure out how much income will be necessary and how much risk you are willing to take. Work at home jobs are harder to come by, but home businesses are by their nature more risky, and it may take a few years to earn an adequate income from a business. Plan accordingly, and know that you might not be able to live your preferred lifestyle right away. Fortunately, by the time you take out the costs of working outside the home, you will likely find you don't need to earn what you used to. Half or even less of your previous income may be quite adequate. It may require sacrifice, but that's what being a parent is about.
SHOULD YOU LET YOUR TEEN BECOME A FASHION
Model? A
re the parent of a teenager? If you are, have you ever been asked by your teen to be a fashion model? While a large number of teens who want to be fashion models are girls, there are some boys who also wish to do so. Although your teen may wish to become a teen fashion model, the question is should you let them?
hard to determine if they haven't yet lined up any appearances, but it still something that you will want to take into consideration. Teen fashions include a wide range of clothing pieces. There are swimwear pieces that are often modeled, as well as summer clothes, and so forth. If your teen is interested in participating in a local fashion show, will they screen or keep an eye on all viewers? Unfortunately, with many local fashion shows, just about anyone can enter, including possible child predators. Making money as a fashion model is a great way for you child to learn about jobs and money, but it is important that you also remember to keep their safety in mind as well.
When it comes to determining whether or not you should let your teen be a teen fashion model, there are a number of important factors that you may want to take into consideration. One of those factors is where they would model. Is your teen only interested in participating in local fashion shows, like ones that may be run by local fashion designers Working as a teen or local fashion store owners? model is a great way Or, are they interested in “making it big?” These are to prepare your child important questions that you for working in the may want to get answers to because it may actually mean “real world,” but it is the difference between a yes a decision that and a no answer.
As previously stated, if your teenager would like to become a teen model and if you are fine with them doing so, you may have better luck targeting local fashion shows. With that in mind, however, if you would like to help your child “make it big,” there are a number of different steps that should be made by Another factor that you may you can take. Some of those the whole family. want to take into steps may include getting consideration is jobs. Was professional photographs of your teenager recently them taken, as well as the approach by a local fashion designer or fashion hiring of an agent. The only thing that you store owner? Did they happen to see a local need to do is be careful with who you choose to advertisement asking for teen models for an work with. With the recent interest in teen and upcoming local fashion show? If they did, your child models, many parents are getting teen likely stands a better change of actually scammed by unsavory individuals. Do the becoming a teen fashion model, even if it only proper research first and you shouldn't have any is for a day or two. Teens who aim high as troubles trying to get your teen into modeling. fashion models likely have a lot of drive and ambition; unfortunately, it is extremely difficult The above mentioned factors are just a few of to make it as a professional teen fashion model. the many that you may want to take into That is just something that you may want to consideration, should your teenager ask about keep in mind. becoming a teen model. As previously mentioned, working as a teen model is a great Another factor that you may want to take into way to prepare your child for working in the consideration is the type of fashions that your “real world,” but it is a decision that should be teen would be modeling. This may be a little bit made by the whole family.
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The
Perfect Vacation
a
beach vacation is something all of us can use, as it provides time away with the family, friends, or just that special someone. Beach vacations are also a great way to unwind from the pressures of life, and just have a blast.
All around the world, there are literally hundreds of places that you can choose for your beach vacation. You can choose from beaches in the United States, or choose to go overseas to more tropical climates and romantic beaches. Those of you who are looking to get away with a husband or wife, would find the Maui to be the perfect beach vacation. Located in Hawaii, Maui is one of the most romantic beaches in the world. Also well known for honeymoons, Maui offers you plenty of breathtaking beaches with plenty of other things to do as well. Another well known area for a beach vacation for couples is the Virgin Islands. The Virgin Islands have been a popular vacation spot for many years, offering couples the chance to get away from it all and just spend some well deserved and well needed time together. For a family beach vacation, there are many places you can go. One of the most popular is California, as there are many other things to interest the kids as well. There are several beaches in the state, with Huntington beach and plenty of attractions as well, including Sea World and the San Diego Zoo. When you choose the perfect beach vacation, you need to choose a spot that will cater to who you are taking with you. Couples wouldn't want to go to a family resort destination, while families wouldn't want to go to a couples resort that offers plenty of romance. No matter where you decide to go, you can rest assured that there are plenty of locations for you to choose from. You can search online using a search engine, which can help you locate deals that are simply too good to pass up. Before you decide to rush off to your beach vacation, you should plan first. Decide on where you are going, research your destination spot, and make sure that it offers something for everyone. Beach vacations are truly inspiring, although it also helps to have other activities available as well. Once you plan your beach vacation very carefully, you'll be more than ready to take off to your destination and relax. You'll enjoy yourself much better if you plan carefully, which will also help to remove a lot of the stress that can be involved with planning for a beach vacation - or going on your destination unprepared.
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Pregnancy Body Care Tips
Being pregnant means following a healthy lifestyle is more important than ever. It's crucial to understand what steps you can take to keep you and your baby in good health.
P
renatal care is one of the vital factors that ensure a smooth pregnancy. The first checkup should occur during the first 6 to 8 weeks of your pregnancy, when your menstrual period is approximately 2 to 4 weeks late. For women who are relatively healthy and have no complicating risk factors, you will probably see your health care provider every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy, and then every 2 weeks until 36 weeks of pregnancy. After that you will have an appointment every week until you give birth through inducing labor or otherwise.
Although a healthy diet is fundamental to caring for your body during pregnancy, it's actually quite simple to integrate healthy living into your daily life. Maintain a well-balanced diet by following basic dietary guidelines. Lean meats, fruit, vegetables, whole grain breads and low-fat dairy products are all essential to maintaining good health.
Real, healthy food will provide your body with much-needed nutrients. At the same time, during pregnancy certain essential nutrients are required in higher-than-normal Exercise is a great way amounts. For example, calcium, iron, and folic acid to feel great throughout an are especially essential in the diet of a pregnant woman. entire pregnancy. Although your doctor may prescribe vitamin There's no reason to stop supplements, your diet still needs to contain nutritious physical activity once food to provide your body with most of its you become pregnant; nourishment.
Nutrition: Proper nutrition is one of the best ways to enjoy a happy pregnancy. Because you're eating for two, it's doubly important to consume healthy foods and stay away from things that may harm your baby as it develops. When you're pregnant, dieting and cutting calories is not a good thing in fact, dietary guidelines you will need to take in On a normal basis, women about 300 more calories a need 1,000 mg of calcium suggest that you take 30 day to ensure you and your per day, but during minutes or more baby are properly nourished, pregnancy, calcium especially as your pregnancy consumption should rise in each day to work out at progresses. Caloric intake, order to keep up with however, can vary from calcium loss in your bones. a moderate pace. woman to woman. For thin You can get calcium from a women, and women wide range of food products, carrying twins, you may be including low-fat dairy required to consume more products such as milk, than 300 extra calories. Or, if you are currently cheese, and yogurt; orange juice, soy milk, and overweight you might need less. No matter what, cereals that are fortified with calcium; dark green you'll need to contact your healthcare provider to veggies such as spinach, kale, and broccoli; as well determine what's best for you. as tofu, dried beans, and almonds. Of course, pure calorie consumption is not the only goal - you need to make sure that what you eat is nutritionally sound. Nutritious foods contain the essential vitamins and minerals that contribute to a baby's growth and development.
A pregnant woman requires 27 to 30 mg of iron per day because iron is used by the body to make hemoglobin, which is what helps red blood cells carry oxygen throughout the body. A lack of iron leads to a dearth of red blood cells, meaning the Contd. on Page 27
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Blended Families
Living In
HARMONY
t
housands of marriages end up in divorce every year. Not only is this a traumatic time for the husband and wife, but it is especially hard on the children in the family. Many parents who got divorced remarry someone else later. The children have to adapt to a new parent and possibly new siblings as well. It can be a challenge to keep everyone living in perfect harmony in a blended family. If this describes your family situation now and you would like some advice on a smoother transition, this article may have information that can benefit you. One area that must be consistently maintained in the approach to disciplining the children. For all of the parents involved, a consensus must be reached in how discipline will look. Your child is in middle of all of this. If he perceives that one set of parents is more lenient than the other set of parents, he can use that manipulate the situation to get what he wants. He may learn to play one parent
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against the other. However, if the same kind of discipline is carried out consistently by either set of parents, the child will be less confused. This is really the better way to handle discipline in a blended family.
Talk about what values will be taught in the families. The values should be consistent in each household and they should not conflict with each other. Discuss how these values will be taught. Will it be through example or modeled behavior? What context will be used when teaching these values? Even though you may have differences with your former spouse, all of you must come to a compromise and come into agreement of one approach. This for the better in your child's development. Also talk about what responsibilities each child is expected to have. What chores will each person be responsible for? What is expected in one household should be the same at the other household. Again, consistency is the key so your child will not play game in playing one parent
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against the other. Although you are separated from your former spouse, it is important that your children still see you and your former spouse as one unit in terms of parenting. This reduces confusion and problems of feeling like one parent not treating him fairly. You want to prevent your children from picking sides between you and your ex. Show them that your personal difference with your ex does not affect how both of you raise them as your children. Your parenting responsibilities have not changed, and your children must understand that.
Be mindful of how you behave toward your former spouse when your children are around. As hurtful as the divorce might have been, you cannot let your feelings show around your children. You must keep your emotions in check and maintain an even keel. The transition from one family unit to another can be a challenge. However, if you keep the above in mind, you can minimize problems with this transition.
Â&#x; Show them that
your personal difference with your ex does not affect how both of you raise them as your children.
Mothers of the Revolution
The Power of
FORGIVENESS Blood drips from the fingertips of evil.
This is the only way I could describe a person that willfully kills an innocent child inevitably destroying that child’s life and their own.
W
Michael Dunn, who then parked next to them, demanded they turn down their music. A verbal argument ensued and Dunn shot and killed Jordan Davis over loud music.
hen someone commits an act of murder, it creates a ripple effect of pain. For the victim, he leaves behind a grieving family; a mother, father, sister, brother, aunts, uncles, cousins and even friends will all be affected. Then, on the other side- the side of the perpetrator, he/she too also leaves behind a grieving family as they sort through the reality of having their loved one in physical or mental prison. Recently, there have been two national cases that have highlighted an adult male taking the life of an innocent child. In September we had an opportunity to shed insight on one notorious case in our “State of the Black Family” edition. We revisited the Moniyhan Report on the black family then and now, discussed the political rising of our youth in memory of Trayvon Martin, and called out the madness of gun violence. In this issue, we’re honored that we get an opportunity to uplift the memory of Jordan Davis.
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Even though no physical contact was made between Mr. Dunn and the kids, who didn’t even get out of the car, Michael Dunn fired his weapon multiple times at the four unarmed teenagers killing Jordan Davis. The trial lasted eight days, yet the most pivotal words remembered during that time was the immediate forgiveness of Michael Dunn by Jordan’s mom, Lucy McBath. Davis, was a 17 year old student from Samuel Wolfson High School in Jacksonville, Florida. He had just celebrated Thanksgiving with his family and then like many young people his age, planned a trip to the mall to get in on some Black Friday deals. After a trip to the mall, Jordan was in the backseat of a SUV enjoying music with his friends as they pulled into a gas station at 7:30pm.
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“I don’t want eternal damnation for him [Michael Dunn], there is so much more God in me then the enemy in him” shares Mchbath, “If I didn’t forgive him I wouldn’t be able to do what I’m doing now to share Jordan’s legacy.” McBath describes Jordan as a very fun,
and bodyguard! He was a champion for the underdog who knew who he was and had lost of wisdom. McBath states that she raised Jordan to love, accept and forgive and that is what she knew in her heart was the right thing to do for Michael Dunn. “I feel empowered by God, God is why I’m here and growing in His love, I’ve been able to learn the power of forgiveness and I believe Michael Dunn is in a constant state of hell… He has to deal with those demons.”
“I feel empowered by God, God is why I’m here and growing in His love, I’ve been able to learn the power of forgiveness and I believe Michael Dunn is in a constant state of hell… He has to deal with those demons.” loving child. He loved learning, spent a lot of time traveling, and family was very important to him. He had compassion for people and many kids gravitated to him. McBath jokes that her home was a mini United Nations because Jordan had the charm and persuasiveness to get bullies to eat out of the palm of his hands and then they would become his best friend
Today McBath continues in a spirit of love and forgiveness with the “Walk with Jordan Scholarship Foundation”. Its mission is to provide charitable and educational assistance to graduating high school students from Davis’ community. As indescribable as it is to lose a son, McBath has used her journey and experience to continue a platform for peace and tolerance. Her essence is truly genuine; I could hear the freedom of compassion in her voice that she has wholeheartedly extended to Dunn and I could feel the passion she has to uplift her son’s memory. Today, McBath advocates across the nation on the importance of executing our right to vote and stricter gun laws. She is a testament to the power of forgiveness. To learn more or donate to the Walk with Jordan Foundation, visit: www.walkwithjordan.org
LIVING RICH IN A READYMADE WORLD
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T
hese days decorating doesn't have to be about custom design. It can be about where to find it now and how to make it work for you. There is such a wealth of readymade elements both at retailers, online, and in mail order catalogues. You can do it yourself or get the knowledge and expertise of a professional decorator, transforming your house into a home without ever leaving your chair. Best of all you can have it all immediately. No
waiting, no anticipation, just take it home today. The trick is in knowing what to buy and how to make it not look like everyone else's. Read on for the real scoop on living rich in a readymade world. Firstly, it's not what you have that gives you style, but what you do with it that really counts. Using the big box retailers for decorating is a real time saver, but it's up to you to personalize. Certainly photo frames are easy to make yours. Consider
theme-ing the groupings; a family wall is usually a real favorite. Another option is to do a travel wall with collage matting so you can display multiple photos within one frame. You can have one frame dedicated to each trip. You can also do groupings of individual frames united by a theme. Think about forming a collection or two, displaying the frames en masse for greatest effect. Layer your rooms to create maximum
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character. Start with the floor adding rugs, even over wall to wall carpet. Rugs are artwork for the floor and anchor furniture arrangements. To add depth to your upholstery, layer pillows and the occasional throw for softness. On your tables be sure to include practical ideas like a coasters along with room for a book or even a plate of food. (I always make sure there is enough space on the coffee table to put up your feet. Life is about comfort!) Lamps are another opportunity to build layers and can really add personality and punch. Don't match them unless you have matching tables (boring and formal). Have fun with the variety of shapes and sizes available, not to mention the host of shade variations, including beaded or feathered. Once you've got the basics of rugs, upholstery, tables, and lamps you are ready to add drapery. This is often an overlooked element and really necessary to finish a room. Whether your goal is to frame the view, control light or gain privacy, draperies are important in bringing softness and color vertically in a room. Last but not least are the artwork and accessories. Find pieces you really enjoy rather than just adding elements to take up space. Remember it's your home, so make it count.
kitchen cabinets. It is a seemingly little change that has a big impact. Changing a light fixture over a breakfast table can make a dramatic and often very cost effective improvement to a room. Save your old chandelier to put back up when you sell your house so that you can take your favorite light fixture with you. This stretches your decorating dollar and becomes a flexible and lasting investment. Changing plate glass mirrors to framed mirrors also really finishes off a bathroom. (Do any of us really want to see ourselves reflected so much anyway?) To avoid boredom with your interiors change your accents with the season. Think hot colors for the winter and fall months with reds, oranges, golds and persimmons. For the summer and spring
more care, and you have to consider light, temperature, and water needs. Living plants are often not ideal for those that travel frequently or have pets who tend to dig in the soil or bite the leaves. Readymade doesn't necessarily mean cheap. Consider your sources, and instead of being locked into bargain basement and everyman looks, try the more exclusive catalogues like Horchow, Gumps, Frontgate and Chambers. Whatever you can imagine is likely already there for the ordering. Certainly there are also many online sites with goods from all over the world. You can purchase mementos from trips you haven't even yet taken.
Perhaps you haven't a clue about decorating or don't have the time or interest to make this transformation a reality. That's alright. All you need to do is know who to call to make it happen. Even if you aren't going custom it still makes sense to call in a professional decorator or designer and have them work with you to create a master plan to avoid expensive mistakes and lost time in returns. Often if you explain you want it all immediately and are willing to go with off the rack goods, readymade couture for the Go for comfort, not just good looks! I know you saw Go for comfort, not just home, they will work with that really cool chair in that catalogue and had to good looks! I know you you exclusively on that saw that really cool chair in basis. Make a road map have it, only to find that no one, including you, will that catalogue and had to of the changes and sit in it, because it is woefully uncomfortable. have it, only to find that no improvements you want one, including you, will sit to make in each room. in it, because it is woefully This can be a list by room uncomfortable. Remember or even a sketch if you are try cool blues, fresh greens, crisp whites it needs to function as well as look good. feeling artistic. Keep a file by room of and soothing lavenders. By changing out Upholstery in particular is for sitting on, favorite finds in catalogues and magazines. your pillows, an art piece or two, a couple not looking at, so be sure you either are (Be sure to look up the resource in the back of accents or even a rug, you can familiar with the maker or can sit test it. of the publication.) Bookmark favorite transform and re-energize a room. Tables need to be the right height. For a online sites for quick and easy future coffee table 17-18ĂŽ is usually optimal, end reference. Need to add life to your spaces? Add tables need to be at a comfortable height greenery. Whether you've got a green coming from the arm of the seating piece Lastly, plan a celebration, a housewarming thumb or do better with silk plants, next to it. Too low and they are awkward. for each room or the whole house. This greenery in every room really brings the Too high and you'll knock things over gives you added incentive to get the project room to life. This isn't a license to run wild when you reach. On many elements you off the ground and move forward. with flowers, though. Absolutely no can check them out on approval before Remember too that people are coming to plastic and no dried arrangements please making a decision, which is very helpful your house to visit you, not your stuff, so (they look dead and are!). Buying good because seeing them in context is relax and let them bring something to silks and taking care of them is easy and important. This is often the case with rugs, contribute. Consider registering at some cost effective. They will last indefinitely lamps, artwork, and even some tables. of your favorite retailers for some finishing and require only a once a month spritz of touches. This sure beats getting bath floral cleaner (no wiping, it dissolves dust Little changes make a big difference. goodies or another tie that you really won't on contact.) Real plants need a good deal Consider changing the hardware on your use!
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BEACH SEASON
Women A Swimsuit Guide for All
It is the time of the year that every woman dreads - Swimsuit season! No matter what size a women is, she probably panics over picking out a swimsuit and worries that it fits her figure well. Of course, every woman wants to accent her best features while minimizing her weak spots in any clothing, but this is especially true in swimsuits.
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s
wimsuits are so revealing, there is very little margin for error when trying to choose the right one. All women want a swimsuit that looks good on them, but if they are going to be spending a lot of time in the water over the summer, then comfort is also important. Here are a few tips and hints you can follow that will make your swimsuit shopping much less stressful.
Large Busts Woman with large busts should find a swimsuit that fully supports them. The best swimsuits for that are ones with haltertops or molded under wire cups to keep everything in place. A swimsuit with the additional strap across the back, along the bust line, also provides additional support. Women with an inverted shape (their top is wider than their hips), should choose a two-piece with a skort or shorts. This will help balance their top and bottom, making them look more proportional.
Large Hips and Thighs A woman with a large rear end should look for swimsuits with boy cut bottoms. This helps hide your rear but also looks cute and is comfortable. The skirted bikini bottoms are also cute - giving a hint of your legs, but still hiding your rear end. Avoid the skimpy bikini briefs at all costs! For the top, you can also choose something that is catchy and brightly colored. This will draw attention upwards away from your rear end. Again, avoid horizontal stripes, as they will make your rear look even larger than it actually is, although diagonal stripes might create a more flattering illusion. Curvy women should consider the tank-ini. The tank-ini is a two-piece swimsuit with a top that resembles a tank top. With it, you can pair the hipster bottoms. These cool looking bottoms provide far more support for your curves than the traditional bikini bottoms. You may also want to try on one of the one piece swimsuits with cutouts on the sides. This can have a slimming effect while still showing off your curves.
Larger Belly If you have a large stomach, you should stick to a one-piece suit. However, if you really want a two-piece, look for one of the halter-tops that fall over the waist of your bikini bottoms. This not only hides your stomach, but also helps elongate your body, making you appear taller and thus slimmer. You may also want to check to see if the
store has a swimsuit that offers tummy control. A printed suit will also take the focus away from your stomach and make you look slimmer.
Plus Size Swimsuits Large women probably have the hardest time picking out a swimsuit. If you are overweight, you are probably self-conscious enough when choosing regular clothes, but do not let this discourage you from enjoying some fun in the sun. Stick to dark colors like navy blue and black to help make you look slimmer. Avoid a swimsuit with horizontal stripes, as that gives the optical illusion that you are wider than you actually are. Spandex is a good choice for swimsuit cloth because it stretches, but it is very important that you get the right size swimsuit. Do not try to squeeze into a swimsuit that is two sizes too small for vanity reasons. Picking the appropriate size will always look better on you. Many stores let you mix and match tops and bottoms, so if you are top heavy or bottom heavy, you can make sure you get the correct size for each section. Remember that swimsuits usually run smaller than regular clothes, so you may have to set a size or two larger than you normally wear. The most important thing for you to know when purchasing a new swimsuit is to know what works best for your features. And, don't purchase the first suit you try on unless you just really love it. Take several in the dressing room with you and see which one looks best. It may even help to take along a friend to give you an honest opinion of how it looks www.urbanparentingmagazine.com U R B A N P A R E N T I N G
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MEMORIES NOT MADE
Spending
y
More Time with Your Children
ou are busy. I know. Working all of the time to "provide" for your family. Trying to "make ends meet" and acquiring all of that stuff you want. Just keep in mind what you may be giving up in the process- the precious memories you fail to create with your children.
You see, as you grow older you begin to place less emphasis on acquiring and more on reflection where you begin to truly take notice of all of your accomplishments as well as painful regrets. Now take a minute and put yourself into the future when it becomes this time of reflection. Imagine you in a time where your children have grown into respectable adults raising families of their own. Imagine the all the time that has passed of your children's lives that you will never have a single chance to see again. As you imagine yourself into this position, begin to think all of the stuff you "have" acquired. You know the big house and the big screen TV, fancy cars, elaborate vacations, etc. Take notice of all the feelings this stuff gives you. Think about all of that stuff but without a single memory of your children. How would you feel? Would you feel as if you had regrets of NOT creating memories of your children? Wouldn't these regrets be a bit painful to have knowing there is nothing you can do to change the past? Now imagine yourself without all of that that stuff. Just thinking of memories of your children in their early years and that is all. Think of all of the simple
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things that moved you emotionally and the time spent with them. Take notice of all the feelings these beautiful memories give you. Look at their faces, their smiles, and their actions as you see them growing through the years. How much stronger are your feelings now? Would you feel any regrets NOT having stuff ? Wouldn't these regrets seem rather insignificant compared those warm memories you have made? By imagining yourself in the future reflecting on life you can get a glimpse of what really matters most. I am not saying it is "evil" to acquire possessions, rather I am saying to get too caught up into it that you loose sight of some of the things that are more important in life- memories. These memories are yours to keep and will fulfill your life now and into the future more than any possession can. Think about all that stuff you acquired that ended up in the trash or you no longer use? More than likely if you think about that stuff now you will realize that the emotional impact they once created no longer has the same effect. A memory of your child has just as much impact as it did when the memory was created. And it LASTS through your life as you look back upon them from time to time. Remember also that the memories you create with your children are their memories also. They get to carry them through life. They get to reflect upon those times with you or the lack of. They will use them as references throughout their lives in which the will base their future actions upon. Keep this in mind as you consider making changes in your lifestyle to spend more emphasis creating memories and less on acquiring temporary stuff.
WHAT I AM SAYING IS: Sometimes you need to evaluate your position in life. Many times we spend so much time in needless acquiring that we tend to overdo it. Spending our money and dragging ourselves into needless debt to where we are FORCING ourselves to make "ends meet." Keeping ourselves at our jobs late sacrificing the little time we do have here on earth for the things that end up being less important. Yes, you do have to provide for your family. But when you have yourself financially extended because of needless spending you may be ultimately sacrificing the most important thing in your life as well as your children's lives- memories.
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body's tissues and organs don't receive enough oxygen. With a baby on board, women need to pay extra attention to their iron intake. Iron is found in both plant and animal matter, but the body absorbs it more easily from meat sources. The following are some foods that contain a good amount of iron: red meat, dark poultry, salmon, eggs, tofu, enriched grains, dried beans and peas, dried fruit, leafy green vegetables, blackstrap molasses, and iron-fortified breakfast cereals. Many people have already heard about how important folate (folic acid) is for a pregnant woman. For pregnant woman, or those planning on becoming pregnant, it is recommended that you take 0.4 milligrams of folic acid every day. Many women choose to supplement their diet with vitamins in addition to any folic acid intake they receive from food. It has been found that consuming folic acid 1 month before and during the first 3 months of pregnancy reduces the risk of neural tube defects by 70%, which is why it's considered so critical. The neural tube is formed during the first 28 days of pregnancy, which is usually before a woman even realizes she's pregnant, and it eventually develops into the baby's brain and spinal cord. Lack of sufficient nutrition, particularly a lack of folic acid, may result in a neural tube defect such as spina bifida. To remain healthy while pregnant, it's also key to drink plenty of fluids. During pregnancy your blood volume increases, so drinking plenty of water is the best way to avoid dehydration and constipation. Exercise is a great way to
Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy can take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as best you can - it will do wonders for how you feel! feel great throughout an entire pregnancy. There's no reason to stop physical activity once you become pregnant; in fact, dietary guidelines suggest that you take 30 minutes or more each day to work out at a moderate pace. During pregnancy, regular exercise prevents excessive weight gain, reduces problems such as back pain, swelling, and constipation, improves sleep, increases energy, promotes a positive attitude, prepares your body for labor and lessens recovery time after labor. Proper sleep is another factor in maintaining health and comfort during pregnancy. Pregnancy can take its toll, and after a long day you will feel more tired than usual. As the baby grows bigger, it will be more difficult to sleep, but try to sleep as best you can - it will do wonders for how you feel! Once you are ready to give birth and are considering inducing labor it is wise to consider all the advantages and disadvantages. Indeed, several authorities recommend you give informed consent before labor is induced. Of course, the baby is an important concern when considering induction of labor, especially the baby's ability to breathe once delivered. Following a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, exercising, and drinking plenty of fluids are all important to your overall well-being during pregnancy. If you strive to eat nutritious food and maintain a positive attitude during the course of your pregnancy, the good moments will definitely outshine the difficult ones. www.urbanparentingmagazine.com U R B A N P A R E N T I N G
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