Archive for the ‘Health’ Category
August 2nd, 2010 | Beauty and Exercise, Events, Health, Maternity Wear, Preferred Vendors | No Comments |
Set your calendars mamas-to-be! On August 17th, the La Jolla maternity store, Modish Maternity, will be co-hosting a mixer at their store on August 17, 2010. Bliss Nine’s preferred vendor – personal trainer for mommies pre/post partum – Connie Marshall will be there to demonstrate prenatal exercises. There will be food and shopping! (cost: $10 per person) See below regarding the details of the event and RSVP soon!
Please join Connie Marshall, Certified Pre/Post Exercise Specialist and Owner of LifeFitness4Me and Tammy Layson, Owner of Modish
Maternity, San Diego’s BEST designer maternity store for their Mama-2-Be Mixer event!
When: Tuesday, August 17, 2010 from 5:00PM-6:30PM
Where: Modish Maternity
1000 Torrey Pines Road
La Jolla, CA 92037
(858) 551-1800
Admission: $10.00 per person
RSVP: Email connie@LifeFitness4Me.com for RSVP Link (RSVP Deadline: Saturday, August 14, 2010) – SPACE IS LIMITED
Guests can…
• Shop the racks of Modish Maternity for some of the hot designer maternity clothes;
• Sample delicious foods prepared by Julie Barber, Personal Chef and Owner of Bellyful Meals;
• Learn some great prenatal exercises demonstrated by Connie Marshall, Certified Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist and Owner of
LifeFitness4Me;
• Mingle and make friends with other mamas-2-be;
• And more…
http://www.LifeFitness4Me.com ~ http://www.modishmaternity.com ~ http://www.bellyfulmeals.com
May 14th, 2010 | Beauty and Exercise, Eco-friendly, Gifts, Health, products | 1 Comment |
Being pregnant, my clients are always concerned about what they are eating and whether the food is safe or good for the baby. During my second time around, I was concerned about what affects lotions and other skin products would have on my baby. Since skincare products absorb into your skin, you can’t be too careful of what your unborn baby may be absorbing as well. So my last blog entry (informally Pregnancy Skincare Part I) was about the Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Stretch Oil for the belly. I also said I used the California Baby Lotion for my belly and I used it for the rest of my body. It’s a great natural lotion with a light scent, and is paraben free.
During the beginning of my pregnancy I used the Clean and Clear sunscreen moisturizer – really only because I got it for free from a friend who worked at Neutrogena. But I really wanted something paraben free and organic (i.e. safe for me and baby). So after reading reviews, talking to some Sephora representatives, I decided to try Josie Maran’s Protect Daily Sun Protection. Ms. Maran’s skin care line’s main publicized ingredient is Argan Oil and you can view her product ingredient information page for more information on her ingredients. Apparently, Argan Oill started being “trendy” a couple of years ago. Read this review on Argan Oil’s history. The claim is that Argan Oil contains antioxidants, Vitamin E and nourishes and protects the skin.
I tried it on my hand at first and it had a sticky feel. The sales representative at Sephora said it would feel different on my face. So, with that in mind, and the reviews I had read about this product, I purchased it for $32 and tried it out. It does leave light film on the face, but with an SPF of +40, it seems to do it’s job in providing skin coverage and moisturizing. I put a bit of foundation on top after letting it absorb for 15 minutes, as suggested by the product packaging. The ingredient list reads like a chemistry texbook. And since I’m not a chemist, I’m relying on the product’s claims of being organic as well as some basic research on the individual ingredients listed. Check out Treehugger’s recent blog about whether Josie Maran’s award winning products are indeed “green” and judge for yourself.
As for me, I will definitely try her makeup products – as makeup is known for their lack of strict regulations and phthalates. Here is a simple reference to the Environmental Working Group’s Shopping Guide for Safe Cosmetics. Also, Mother Love’s website has a great article on the chemicals to watch for in body lotion ingredients.
September 17th, 2009 | Beauty and Exercise, Events, Health, Preferred Vendors | 1 Comment |
Have you always wanted to try a prenatal massage but wasn’t sure if you would be comfortable or whether it would be safe? Then you must sign up for a free pre- and perinatal massage therapy session, being held the afternoon of Saturday, September 26th. You will be massaged by a student learning the specialty of prenatal massage under the watchful eye of long-time certified expert, massage-therapist, teacher in the field – Carole Osborne-Sheets, of Body Therapy Associates.
Bliss Nine is ecstatic to have Body Therapy Associates be our preferred vendor in prenatal massage therapy. Carole is extremely knowledgeable (she is currently updating a textbook on massage therapy), and has been training and certifying therapists in Southern California for many years in prenatal massage therapy. We recently visited her new location in Kensington, and it is the cutest place and so relaxing for her clients. She showed us the cushions used to make pregnant women comfortable and some new products she was working on in improving the comfort and well-being of her clients. We love the unscented massage oil, which not only helps women who dislike certain scents, but the oil doesn’t leave you oily! We can’t wait until we can try it out ourselves in a full massage one of these days. And Carole herself is just a calming presence. She is eager to share her knowledge and make you feel comfortable in her space.
The free massage session is open to women who are beyond twelve weeks pregnant and whose pregnancies are low risk and without complications. Please call (858) 277-8827 or (800) 586-8322 or email cos9@aol.com for more information and to reserve a session time. There are currently 10 spots open. The spaces will go fast. Who couldn’t use a FREE massage?! Not pregnant, tell someone about the upcoming event!
If you can’t make the September 26th massage session, you get a discount to Carole’s services through Bliss Nine. Contact us for more information.
August 15th, 2009 | Beauty and Exercise, Health, Preferred Vendors | 1 Comment |
I never told Connie this story, but months ago, my husband texted me the following: www.lifefitness4me.com. I had no idea what that meant and forgot to look it up and he didn’t remind me to look it up. Then one day I received an email from Connie Marshall, who told me she was referred to me and we set up a time to meet.
Upon meeting her, you get the immediate vibe that she has her stuff together! Connie recently started her business but has been working personally and professionally to get the experience and certifications to specialize in the prenatal and postnatal training of women. She is certified in high risk training and is nationally certified as well. I was completely drawn to her knowledge, her professionalism and enthusiasm in what she does – which is customized personal training. She will go to your home and show you customized ways to do your personal physical best. Check out her website for information on her training and the benefits of exercising while pregnant as well as after giving birth. We are all busy women, and Connie just makes things easier to be your physical best. We can certainly appreciate that.
So when I told my husband I met Connie, he immediately asked if she owned “Life Fitness 4 Me”. I said yes! He said, he had seen her car at the gym and texted me to give her a call. So for some reason or another, Connie and I were meant to meet and work together!
As a preferred vendor, you will get a discount for Connie’s services through Bliss Nine.
August 12th, 2009 | Beauty and Exercise, Celebrities, Giveaways, Health | 2 Comments |
It’s important to exercise or get some movement during pregnancy. Studies have shown that women who exercise during pregnancy have an easier time during delivery of their baby. Pregnant with her second child, Gabrielle Reece worked with a doctor and trainer to film 15 minute workouts from each month of her pregnancy as well as three months after her pregnancy. This DVD covers all 3 trimesters consisting of nine 15 minute exercises for women during their pregnancy as well as warm up and cool down sessions.
The video requires some equipment to start, such as elastic bands and an exercise ball (make sure you use an anti-burst ball/maternity ball). So have those on hand before starting. Also have some water and a towel nearby, should you need it. Don’t be frustrated if you feel like she and the trainer move faster than you are ready for. I often find that with the exercise DVDs. Once you get the hang of the exercises, you will be moving just as speedily along. This DVD Retails at $19.97.
To win: please submit a comment on why you would like to win this DVD.
August 2nd, 2009 | Beauty and Exercise, Health, Preferred Vendors | No Comments |
We are going to give guest blogging a try here since we have met so many great people and vendors in the industry. We are pleased to introduce our first guest blogger, one of our recently added preferred vendors, Connie Marshall, who is a certified personal trainer and frankly, has it going on! We will do a blog about meeting her later.
Recently, a Mamasource reader had a question about when the best time to work out would be given her busy schedule and raising 2 kids. And can’t we all relate to that question?! When do we squeeze in the time? Here is what Connie, a certified personal trainer and has certifications in pre-natal and post-partum fitness training, has to say.
“First off, good job with making the effort to workout during your pregnancy! Whenever we start something new, we start with great excitement and determination, however, it can be difficult to keep the motivation going, BUT don’t give up! Set small obtainable goals and reward the small changes you make – it will make the transition to exercising that much more rewarding and easier to stick with. Also, remember, it’s only been a week that you started this new workout regiment and the body doesn’t like it and it will want you to stop, but give it 2-3 weeks of consistency and you’ll soon find that you’re body will be “expecting” that workout. As for the pros and cons to working out in the evening versus working out in the morning is purely a personal preference – some people prefer the morning to get it out of the way. If you choose to workout in the evening you should wait between 60-90 minutes after eating to workout. This will allow the body to time to focus on digesting the food and minimize cramping. I also recommend you’re you workout at least 2 hours before bed time to allow the body time to come back down from the endorphin high, so you can get a good night rest. Remember to stay hydrated during your workout and have a protein shake immediately following your workout, at least 1-2 hours before bed.”
Connie Marshall
Pre/Post Natal Exercise Specialist
http://www.Lifefitness4Me.com
THANKS CONNIE! Remember, you get a discount through Bliss Nine with our preferred vendors, including Connie’s services!
May 30th, 2009 | Gifts, Health, TO DOs | 1 Comment |
It’s summertime and unfortunately, some of us don’t have air conditioning for those hot crazy months of July and August, which will be here before you know it. Imagine the stress that comes with having a baby during the summertime, when it can get well into the 90s and even low 100s in the inland areas of Southern California.
1. If your baby likes to be swaddled, use a muslin, gauzy swaddling blanket that is breathable and will keep baby from overheating. One great summer product is The Peke Moe, which is a light cotton sleeping bag for baby. The enclosed sack keeps baby cool and keeps their hands from scratching their faces. You can swaddle them tightly or let them loose, if you or your baby so choose.
2. Stay out of direct sunlight and apply the sunscreen: American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies under 6 months not be exposed to direct sunlight. If you must do so, use a non-chemical sunscreen. There are a number of organic sunscreens for infants from California Baby SPF 30 Sunscreen to Earth’s Best Organic Chemical Free Sunblock.
3. When outside, try to stay in the shade, dress the baby in lightweight cotton clothing and put a brimmed hat on baby to keep baby’s head cool.
4. Fans are your friends – you can carry a mini fan in your diaper bag to fan your baby if you are caught in a store with no A/C, or blast a larger fan in your home. Using fans are also an eco-friendly way to save energy and money if it’s not too hot and you just want a breeze.
5. Don’t forget to stay hydrated and cool yourself. You want to be in good health and in a good mood to care for your baby.
May 14th, 2009 | Charities, Events, Gifts, Health, Uncategorized, products | No Comments |
The San Diego USO Charity Ball will be held on May 30, 2009. There are hundreds of items being auctioned off in a silent auction and we are so excited to be amongst the high caliber of items being auctioned for such a great cause. Please check out our earlier blog entry describing the USO. Below is an alphabetical list of the donated items being submitted to the silent auction. Bliss Nine would like to thank the generous vendors who took the time and heart to donate:
Aquario Studio Photography: Award winning and nationally recognized wedding photography studio, Aquario Studio offers a gift card toward a maternity, newborn, family or graduate portrait session at the beach of in the studio. Also a gift card for one photo session in studio or on-location with a print credit.
Bliss Nine: As a San Diego based concierge and baby planning service, Bliss Nine will ensure the mother-to-be’s needs and wants are met for the arrival of her bundle of joy. The winner can either use Bliss Nine as an hourly concierge service or redeem the gift certificate for the Baby Prepare & Care Luxe package. Gift certificate for a package of baby planning services.
Boon Bug Pod: Boon Inc. creates innovative and stylish children’s products that help make parents’ lives easier. The newest member of the Boon family, the Bug Pod joins the Frog Pod to help with children’s bath time clean-up, providing a drainable scoop for collecting and rinsing toys and a wall-mounted base for storing bath products. It attaches to the bathtub wall with either super-strong adhesive strips or screws, makes bath time clean and easy, reduces mold and mildew, stores and organizes accessories.
Cuddle Up Blankets: “Made In America” hand-made baby blanket by Cuddle Up. A beautiful, high quality 100% cotton flannel cream colored fabric paired with cream minky dot fabric measuring 30” x 35”. This local designer and creator has a background in art from SDSU. This great blanket is a patriotic way wrap baby up in warmth.
Hot Mama Gowns: Stylish and comfortable hospital gown, which is made of soft organic cotton and dyed using only 100% natural dyes or low-impact dyes that greatly reduce the harmful effects to the environment. You can look and feel great about what you are wearing. The gown is short sleeves for blood pressure checks and IVS and a snap open back for epidurals/spinals, while being fully covered in the front. There are built in panels built in for easy access to nurse the baby and you don’t need to remove your arm from the gown to access your breast.
Modern Baby Company: The Modern Baby Company has donated a 28 x 35” blanket with terry cloth backing. Soft plush microfiber pairs with stylish designer cotton prints to make the perfect modern baby blanket. The Modern Baby Company believes in the beauty and sophistication of clean, simple lines and minimalist design. By combining modern designer textiles, creativity, and thoughtfulness, we offer quality products for today’s style conscious families. The Modern Baby Co. LLC products are manufactured in the USA.
Shishu Home and Baby: Shishu has donated two blankets, which are both soft, luxurious, hand-woven blankets and throws made from bamboo. They are free of unnatural and chemically treated fibers. The large home throw is sized as a 50” by 60” blanket. The celadon baby blanket is 30” x 40” in size.
Sundin Photography: Local photographer specializes in candid portrait photography. This gift certificate offers a lifestyle photography portrait session for maternity, newborn, toddler, family or engagement photographs which includes a 1-2 hour photo session of 1-5 people and at least 25 edited images available for viewing and purchase in a private online gallery. The gift package also includes a CD of all of the images from your photography session.
Tiny Prints: Tiny Prints was created in 2004 by three friends who shared a love for giving and receiving good paper. Tiny Prints has grown quickly from a baby company to a preferred destination for everyday stationery. This quality stationery is sure to provide eye-catching baby announcements and thank you cards. Two gift cards, sample packs and thank you cards.
April 19th, 2009 | Health, Safety, TO DOs | No Comments |
Right about now, in this great weather, you are thinking about planning the upcoming summer vacation or trip to the beach and not what you and your family should do in case of a blackout or earthquake. But really, you should. It’s not a bad time to plan because not being prepared at all could be disastrous. Gather a sturdy container and set it aside as a go-to container for emergency products. Include water (three gallons per person), toilet paper, first aid kit, can opener, disposable cups and plates, non-perishable goods, food (include baby food and formula), clothing, diapers, flashlight, radio, ID cards, contact numbers and a large blanket. In an event of a fire or evacuation, you can grab the container and throw it into your trunk.
When I was pregnant, I purchased a large plastic water container for camping that holds up to 7 gallons of water and has an attached spigot. Every month (or two, when I forget), I empty it onto my lawn and then refill it.
Be prepared, you will feel so much better.
March 19th, 2009 | Health, TO DOs | No Comments |
Ideally, before you conceive, you should check with your health insurance company as to what type of prenatal coverage is offered. If you don’t like the coverage, or the obstetrician you like is out of the insurance network, think about switching insurance. You may want to change from a PPO to an HMO – do a complete investigation of your options under each program.
When you first find out you are pregnant, it is important to know what the out-of-pocket costs will be for you. Deductibles! Deductibles! Deductibles! Find out what your deductibles, if any, are for prenatal visits and delivery, and ask what tests and procedures your insurance covers. Don’t get surprised by a bill for a high deductible. Also, there may be extra costs for such things as an epidural, which may not be covered by your insurance. Depending on the state, a cesarean can cost as much as $20,000. Also, co-pays are another out of pocket expense to consider. Since you will be seeing your physician at least once a month while you are pregnant, you will need to add that to the list of costs.
While you are at it, check on coverage for your baby. For an emergency early delivery, neonatal intensive care and any extraordinary situations, you may find yourself with out-of-pocket medical costs. If you don’t have health insurance, contact your local health department and some non-profit organizations to see if they offer programs that can help.
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