Teething has turned your sweet baby into a drooling, clingy, cranky mess, and none of your go-to remedies seem to be working. You’re giving them all the extra cuddles (the best treatment for most baby drama), extra boob or bottles, you panic-ordered the iconic banana teether toothbrush, and you’re now best friends with Sophie La Girafe, but your little one is still a disaster. Luckily, there are so many other ways to help soothe a teething baby. Try these teething tips to ease your babe’s discomfort fast—and don’t forget to keep wiping that waterfall of drool pouring out of their mouths! (The last thing you need is irritated skin on top of teething pain.)
1. Rub baby’s gums. After washing your hands, give your baby a gentle gum massage. The pressure from your fingers will counter the pressure of the teeth breaking through. It will feel good and offer your little one some relief from sore, swollen gums.
2. Refrigerate a pacifier. Chilling a pacifier makes it even more soothing by lightly numbing gums to dull the pain.
3. Wear baby-safe teething necklaces. Teething necklaces (jewelry for mom with chewable silicone pieces) give your child an easy-to-grab item to gnaw on when you're holding them. Just don't put any jewelry (e.g. amber necklaces) on your baby—these are choking and strangulation hazards.
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4. Try a mesh feeder. Freezing some fruits in a mesh feeder can be a lifesaver for cranky kids and their equally cranky parents. Not only does it chill and soothe sore gums, but your baby or toddler will be occupied for a solid chunk of time before they get through all that frozen goodness.
5. Make milk/formula popsicles. Some babies and toddlers refuse to eat while teething, mostly out of discomfort. Popsicles keep your little one fed and hydrated while soothing those gums. Use silicone popsicle forms to make them, and fill with breastmilk or formula. When eating, slip a bib on your babe or place them on a washable towel or blanket since popsicles can get messy.
6. Wear your baby as much as possible. Strap your clingy child into a structured carrier or wrap, facing inward. They'll feel comfort from being close to you, and you can still get things done. Win-win.
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7. Freeze a wet, textured washcloth. Moisten a textured washcloth, wring it dry, and place in the freezer before giving it to your baby. Terrycloth or a ribbed texture will offer added relief by creating friction as baby gnaws on it.
8. Refrigerate a small spoon. A spoon is something your child can hold on their own, chew on, push against their gums, and even play with to distract themselves from teething pain. Keep a few spoons in the fridge so you always have one at the ready. Those new teeth can really sneak up on you.
9. Serve chilled purees. Chill pureed foods prior to feeding your baby so the food is cool on their gums. It will feel nice and may encourage your child to eat more.
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10. Become a chew toy. Wash your hands in cold water and then offer a chilled pinky for your child to gum on. You can also show your child how to gum on their own fingers, to help them self-soothe.
11. Give your child a foot massage. Studies in reflexology have identified connections between toes and the head and teeth. Gently massage your child’s toes for comfort and a distraction from their pain.
Make sure to capture all the pics of those adorable new teeth—and share them with your family and friends near and far—with the Tinybeans app. The secure platform puts parents in total control of who sees and interacts with photos and videos of their kids.
Big (little) things are coming. It’s babymoon time.
Whether it’s your first, your last, or somewhere in between, expecting a baby is never a small thing. There will always be so much planning, prepping, researching, and the list goes on. And we’re not complaining. The excitement is undescribable. There’s just…a lot going on. Between all that work and, you know, growing a baby, we really can’t think of anyone who needs or deserves a break more than you, mama. Enter: the babymoon. Or, rather, the best babymoon rentals for inspiration.
In case you haven’t heard, you’re entitled to a babymoon, baby! What’s a babymoon? It’s the getaway you and your partner take before your little one joins your family. It’s typically a weekend or a few days of lowkey, kick-your-feet up, major relaxation. Babymoons aren’t usually a zip-lining or waterfall-jumping vacation; they’re meant to encourage you to rest. But with everything on your plate, you don’t have time to research where to go. So we did that part for you. We’ve put together more than 50 of the best babymoon rentals across the U.S. right here, so all you have to do is hit “Book Now”!
(Editor’s Note: If you’re pregnant, please make sure your doctor has approved airplane travel, physical activities such as hiking or swimming, and using a hot tub/Jacuzzi. Everyone’s pregnancy is different and we want to make sure yours is as healthy as possible.)
Wonder Valley, CA—Stargazer Private Desert Dome Tent
This Tolkien-inspired stone cottage has 1 bedroom, 1 bed, and 1 bath, a wooden barrel hot tub, glass mosaic fireplace, bednook, and is surrounded by 27 acres of serene woods.
The guest house in this Palmer, AK subdivision boasts 1 bedroom, 1 bath, a smokeless fire pit, chicken coop, fruit and vegetable garden access, fresh eggs, and stunning Alaska surroundings.
Feeling a boho vibe? This casita in Prescott, AZ is, too! It's a modern open-plan studio with a king-size bed, kitchenette, sliding barn doors, and the most incredible views. It's also dog-friendly!
Combine a comfy queen-size bed, plush chairs, and carpet with a spacious tent and pristine Las Vegas mountain views and you have the get-back-to-nature babymoon of your dreams!
All pink inside and out, this ultra-Instagramable property is so much fun, you may not want to venture out. But in case you do, this beauty is only 10 minutes from The Silos!
Located in cabin-famous Broken Bow, this luxury property sits on an acre of land and includes a gourmet kitchen, Jacuzzi, outdoor dining, fire pit, bistro lights, and more!
This fully renovated cottage-style home is within walking distance to Ames' restaurants, shops, and coffee. It also includes a sweet outdoor space with a firepit!
Self-proclaimed "enchanted" Wolf House (and it does look pretty magical) offers an incredibly unique interior and a fantastic location in the NE Minneapolis Arts District!
At West 82nd Street between Columbus and Central Park West, this classy apartment is within one minute of the Museum of Natural History, Central Park, and the subway!
We'll admit that the front door caught our attention first, but this newly-constructed cottage 6.5mi from downtown Meredith, NH has incredible views and sits right by Lake Winnipesaukee!
Combine a custom cabin and observatory tower, and you have Seclusion Cabin! It's ultra-unique and romantic, plus the koi pond makes it even more serene.
The Trail House is aptly named, thanks to the private trail down to the water's edge, and offers a huge deck, huge windows, and is located in a private, gated tiny home community!
On the 17th floor of the prestigious Maisons Sur Mer high rise in Myrtle Beach, the views are breathtaking, the interior is beautiful, the property also includes putting green, heated pool, tennis courts, restaurant, and more!
A stunning brownstone located in the heart of historic downtown Savannah, you'll get the full Savannah experience, right down to the private courtyard!
All the products listed are independently & personally selected by our shopping editors.
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Massage therapy involves the manipulation of muscles and other soft tissues of the body to relieve pain and heal injuries. Both pre-natal and postpartum massage help to relieve muscle soreness, manage stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality. At Moon Rabbit, we encourage both moms-to-be and new moms to schedule pre- and postnatal massages; not only do they feel great, but they are also good for you and your baby’s health. Here are a few benefits to both pre and postnatal massage therapy.
The Benefits of Pre-Natal Massage
1. Relieves nerve and muscle pain. Many women experience joint pain during pregnancy. Prenatal massage therapy focuses on inflamed nerves by helping release tension in nearby muscles. This also improves blood circulation, reducing the swelling of the joints during pregnancy by stimulating soft tissue and decreasing fluid build-up around the joints. Additionally, improved blood flow helps the body’s lymphatic system (part of the circulatory and immune systems) work more efficiently by assisting in the removal of toxins and tissue waste. Along with joint pain, prenatal massage therapy can help reduce neck and back pain including sciatica, edema (swelling of the feet), and leg cramping.
2. Provides stress and anxiety relief. Studies have shown that prenatal massage helps to increase serotonin and dopamine—two of our happy, feel-good hormones—while decreasing stress hormones like cortisol and norepinephrine. Prenatal massage improves overall relaxation and health, including decreased depression and anxiety. A study including women who received bi-weekly massages for only five weeks, results showed reduced levels of cortisol and norepinephrine, as well as increased levels of dopamine and serotonin. Especially during a woman’s second and third trimester of pregnancy when women are typically most uncomfortable and in need of relief, prenatal massage can act as an effective tool to ensuring mental and physical comfort.
3. Improves labor outcomes and newborn health. The positive changes in hormone levels also lead to fewer complications during birth and less instances of birth complications, such as low birth weight. This strongly suggests that there are maternal and newborn health benefits when prenatal massage is included into regular prenatal care. In a study focusing on labor pain, women who were treated with prenatal massage therapy experienced significantly lower pain levels and their labors were on average three hours shorter with less need for medication. Additional evidence shows that massage can decrease carpal tunnel syndrome during pregnancy.
The Benefits of Postnatal / Postpartum Massage:
1. Improves lactation. One of the causes of the disruption of breastfeeding is the decrease in milk production. Postpartum massage has been shown to increase levels of prolactin, the main hormone involved in lactation. Relaxation in the chest muscles opens the shoulders, improving lactation; postpartum massage not only relieves breast pain, but also decreases sodium levels and improves newborn suckling. Studies determining the effectiveness of postnatal massage have shown that postpartum mothers experienced a significant positive effect on the production of prolactin, easing the sometimes emotionally and physically taxing process of breastfeeding.
2. Improves recovery time of uterus. “After pains” consist of the uterine contractions experienced after the delivery of the placenta. These contractions serve to restore the uterus to its pre-pregnant state and can be uncomfortable—hence, the name. Fundal massage is a uterine massage technique used by medical professionals to help the uterus go back to its usual size. Additionally, abdominal massage has been found to benefit mothers by encouraging uterine involution, the process of the uterus returning to its pre-pregnant state, and the expelling of lochia (postpartum bleeding).
3. Decreases stress and improves sleep. It’s common to feel exhausted after giving birth and especially as mothers take care of their newborns. Postnatal massage can ease fatigue, encourage relaxation, and improve quality of sleep. Research indicates that postnatal massage helped sleep quality among women who suffered from postpartum insomnia. Sixty postpartum women reporting poor sleep quality were randomly assigned to an intervention group (undergoing massage therapy) or a control group (no massage therapy). Those assigned to the intervention group reported significantly better sleep quality.
Both prenatal and postpartum massage benefit the mental and physical well-being of new mothers and their newborns. Keep these benefits in mind when scheduling pre and postnatal massage appointments can help ensure a more comfortable, manageable pregnancy and postpartum journey.
Gudrun Snyder is the founder of Moon Rabbit Acupuncture, a holistic health practice in Chicago. Snyder instills a “whole body” approach to health and wellness that focuses on the body as an interconnected whole, developing custom treatments rather than limiting treatment to one small ache or pain.
These funny first-day-of-school pictures will have you laughing into your (cold) coffee
Forget about the letterboard back-to-school school pictures, one mama has a genius first-day photo tradition of her own and her idea will make you laugh.
Leslie Brooks started her fabulously funny first-day of school photo shoots back in 2013 when her daughters were elementary school-aged. Now that her kiddos are teens and tweens, she’s made the pics into an annual event.
Brooks’ photos celebrate the freedom that back to school-time brings to parents, with scenes we all kind of dream about. From a relaxing doorstep massage to floating in the pool (on a unicorn while drinking a Starbucks Frap), Brooks’ pics totally nail the first-day vibe—from the mom’s perspective of course.
She’s not the only one who looks forward to the annual event. Her IG followers and friends wait anxiously to see what kind of picture Leslie and her crew will display each year. One commenter said “The most anticipated Instagram post of the year. We all look forward to the “First day of school” pic. You never let us down. 😂😂😂😂. Those faces. 😂😂😂😂😂”
So what do Brooks’ kiddos think of her annual photo shoots? The mom toldGood Morning America, “The kids say to me all the time, ‘this is our awesome tradition.'” Brooks went on to add, “We have so much fun with it, they really have come to look forward to the pictures every year. They even started coming up with costume and prop ideas.” But is she really THAT excited to see them go? Not really. “I adore my children,” Brooks said. “Summers are awesome and I really don’t look forward to them going back to school. I miss them incredibly.”
Moms. They are the absolute glue of a family, they raise you, look after you, and love you all while balancing the rest of their life. This can oftentimes be thankless work, so it’s our job to make sure they feel the gratitude they deserve, at least once a year! This Mother’s Day, take care of mom like she’s taken care of you. Need a little inspiration? We’ve got you: below are just a handful of some of the wonderful gift ideas to surprise her with this May!
Loyly Sauna has two Portland locations to choose from. The larger Northeast facility features two cedar saunas, a cold shower cooling room, and therapeutic massage and holistic skincare services. The Southeast location is slightly smaller and features a cedar sauna, steam room, showers, locker rooms, along with their signature therapeutic massages and holistic skincare services. Purchase your special mama a gift card for a massage and sauna experience and we guarantee she’ll be feeling like a million bucks! The whole family will be feeling her afterglow.
This northeast Portland flower shop is exactly where you want to go for your Mother’s Day bouquet. With flexible pricing options, same-day delivery, and an endless amount of customization options, these master florists are guaranteed to piece together something thoughtful and beautiful. Beaumont Florist targets a certain temperament with each of its bouquets and offers additional gift items like chocolates or balloons to pair with your arrangement! Truly a one-stop-shop. Check out their sister shop in the Laurelhurst neighborhood of Portland, too!
4201 NE Fremont St., Portland, OR 97213 (503) 281-5501 Online: beaumontflorist.net
Sammy's Flowers Personalized Arrangments
Open seven days a week, this adorable, Parisian gem builds beautiful arrangements that are sure to leave you satisfied and your mother’s dining room table looking great. Want to depart from a standard bouquet and give her something that she can cherish for longer? Sammy’s Flowers sell beautiful orchids in several dazzling shades, as well as cards and chocolates for the ultimate flower-gifting experience! Want to build mom an arrangement made especially by you? At Sammy’s Flowers, that’s no problem! Just pick out some of their individually priced flowers and they’ll arrange and wrap them for you. Make sure to jump online or give them a ring soon, Sammy’s gets especially busy during the Mother’s Day week.
1710 W Burnside St., Portland OR 97209 (503) 222-9759 Online: sammysflowers.com
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Moonstruck Chocolates & Cacoao Sweets
Mom's love is oh so sweet, so why not get her some luxury sweets for her special day? Grab a box of the classic truffle collection at Moonstruck Chocolates. If she likes bars, there's a delectable variety to choose from. And don't forget to scope out the bundles that let you mix and match her treats.
Need a few things to help mom feel like she’s pampered? Good news: Tender Loving Empire has everything under the sun for helping mom feel adored and appreciated! From incredible-smelling candles and adorably-designed tote bags to jewelry and spa-night kits, they’ve got you covered! Come with a plan or come without! You’ll be sure to leave with something special for that extra-special woman who you call mom.
If you frequent NW 23rd, it is more than likely that you’ve found yourself in Lush Cosmetics dazzled by their soap collection. This Mother’s Day, Lush is pulling out all the stops so you can be in awe even more. From scents like earth and herbal to citrusy and floral, and need-levels like soothing or deeply cleansing, Lush has the gifts that mom needs to let those shoulders down and enjoy a bit of an at-home spa night. Whether it’s a bath-bomb, a shower scrub, a face mask or a vegan body wash, Lush will help you help mom take a load off and enjoy herself. Head online to see their full list of options, or head in to the store today!
Gifting a living plant is a long lasting present that will forever remind your loved one of your thoughtful gesture. Pop by one of Portland Nursery’s two locations and find the perfect house plant. Pick from aloes or bonsai to cacti and succulents.
Love our city? So does With Love From PDX! Maybe mom doesn’t live here in town (but she should!) and you want to treat her to a little bit of the place you call home. That’s where With Love From PDX comes in. They’ve got curated gift boxes that will fit exactly what you need, whether that’s the ultimate charcuterie set or a gardening box for the green-thumbed lady in your life. Have a friend with a newborn? Send her With Love From PDX’s “Mama + Baby” gift set, so they’ll both feel a bit of your love. Can’t find all the right things in one box? No worries, you can create your own custom box, so both gifter and gift-ee can rest satisfied! All the goods in each of these bundles of love are filled with locally-made goods from Portland, so you can give gifts and support small businesses! Head online to check things out today!
Your body has done some amazing things over the past few months, more than anything, it has created and give birth to a tiny human! As your baby grew, your body cleverly accommodated it but for many, even most women, the abdominal muscles will have accepted some degree of separation to allow for your growing bump. This is totally normal and with the right approach and the right exercises, these muscles will find their way back together.
Let’s start with breathing! For a lot of post natal mums, the art of breathing and engaging the core muscles correctly requires some reminding and retraining. It is hugely important to restore good breathing techniques in order to form a foundation for which to grow on. There are a number of disciplines of exercise that rely on correct and proper breathing techniques and this is by no means just about fueling the body with oxygen, it is actually to make sure that you can properly connect with the core muscles as day to day movement relies on correct core engagement. By starting with a good breathing technique, you will lay the foundations for a stronger core.
How to Breathe Correctly
Start by lying on your back with one hand on your tummy and the other hand on the side of your ribcage
Breathe deeply into your tummy and into the side of the ribcage feeling your tummy rise and your ribcage expand
As you breathe out, you should feel your tummy relax
Once you have mastered this and you are sure you are activating your pelvic floor muscles you can move onto movement based exercises below.
Hip Bridges: Aim to do 2 sets of 12 reps
Lying on your back bend your knees so that your feet are flat on the floor
Raise the hips off the floor squeezing your glutes (bum) and activating your pelvic floor muscles
Hold at the top for a few seconds then relax back down to neutral position
Squats: Aim to do 2 sets of 12 reps
Start with your feet hip width apart
Breathe in as you sit back into the squat as if to sit onto a chair
Keep a neutral back throughout with weight evenly distributed through your heels
Squeeze your bum to stand back upright to starting position
Half Press Ups: Aim to do 2 sets of 8 reps
Start on your knees with your hands under your shoulders
Knees, hips and shoulders should all be aligned
Breathe in as you bend your elbows wide and lower the chest to the floor
Keep your head aligned with your spine
Breathe out as you push yourself back to the starting position
Remember only even do as much as you feel you can do, listen to your body and ease into it.
Checking your tummy gap (Diastasis Recti): Understanding your own tummy gap, core and pelvic floor activation levels is key to fully restoring your postpartum strength and fitness. Remember that everyone is unique and everyone’s starting point is personal. For more physiotherapist led core series including Diastasis check and scar massage check out CariFit.
I have been helping new moms get back into exercise for over a decade. Dubbed the "baby man" after carrying the babies for moms whilst they exercised, I saw that by merging babywearing and fitness, we could remove the barriers to exercise and I launched CARiFiT 6 years ago!
Moms are superheroes. They cook, clean, remember appointments, schedule playdates and delegate chores. They are only human, though, and sometimes they may forget things. Trying to juggle all your kids’ responsibilities, your obligations, your home life and potentially your career can push all other thoughts out of your mind. However, just because you’re doing so many things for others doesn’t mean you deserve less than that for yourself.
Less than 50% of moms would rate themselves as doing a spectacular job at motherhood, whether they have jobs or stay at home. While you’re looking after everyone else, you can still take small steps toward improving your own life, bit by bit.
1. Schedule Your Appointments
With all of your kids running around, it might be difficult for you to remember that you have appointments, too. Your health is important and shouldn’t be neglected. Just as you take care of your kids, you must take care of yourself, too.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when you’re managing too many appointments at once. If you schedule everything for one day of the week, you might find it easier to keep up with them. You might have to take your child to the doctor one day, and the following week, it’s your turn.
Those weeks you might have off could be dedicated to catching up on social appointments. When’s the last time you got together with a friend? Just as your kids should have time with other children, you also need to socialize.
2. Budget for the Best Future
As difficult as it is to think about, you need to ensure your kids have the best future, no matter what happens. Before they’re born, you might want to set up a fund that can be used for college or another route after they graduate from high school. If you already have children, planning your will clearly and concisely will go a long way to making sure they’re protected.
3. Eat Healthy
Another part of taking care of yourself, your partner and your children is to prepare quality food that adds nutrients to your diet. It might be easier to go to a fast-food restaurant, but cooking allows you to teach your kids new recipes and give them more autonomy by allowing them to help with the little things.
If grocery trips are overwhelming, plan your meals ahead of time. With kids tagging along and asking to add multiple snacks to the cart, it’s hard to keep your mind on what staples you should add to your pantry. Being prepared prevents you from running into that issue because you’ll have a list. That way, you can quickly go through the aisles and keep track of what you pick up while also allowing a little room in your budget for your child’s favorite treat.
4. Set Goals for Yourself
Whether you have a full-time job or are a stay-at-home mom, you should have personal and professional goals for yourself. You must know yourself well and select specific objectives that don’t leave room for interpretation. By choosing these goals and writing them down, you’re committing yourself to be the best you can be—as a partner, a working professional and a mom.
Keeping your objectives in your mind will allow you to move forward with intention and grace. Every step you take will lead you closer to achieving the realistic and attainable goals you set for yourself.
5. Make Time for Self-Care
Who’s going to look after you and everyone else when you get sick or need some me-time? If you allow yourself to be run down, your daily home life will be disrupted. That isn’t to say you don’t deserve time to yourself—quite the opposite. Taking a break means you won’t hit a brick wall mentally or emotionally. It means your household will continue operating at a steady pace without you.
Basic self-care is essential. As a hardworking mom, you should allow yourself luxuries beyond that. Ask your partner to watch the kids while you get a massage or go out shopping with friends. After everything you do, you’ve earned a break.
6. Cherish the Memories
Your kids are only little once. Since time travel isn’t possible, every moment you spend with your family should be treasured, no matter what it is.
Even if you experience some setbacks in your day, one negative moment means nothing in the long run. Focus on the positives in your day-to-day life, and find things to be grateful for from the second you wake up to the time you go to bed. Changing your mindset to be more positive while allowing yourself to feel the negative emotions will make you a happier person overall.
You’re human, so you’re bound to make mistakes. Nobody expects you to be the perfect mother, and it’s OK to lose track of things now and then. As long as you center and take care of yourself, you’ll be well-equipped to look after the people you love, too.
Kara Reynolds is the Editor-in-Chief and founder of Momish Magazine. A mom of four and matriarch to her big blended family, Kara wants nothing more than to normalize differences in family structures. She enjoys peeing alone, pancakes, and pinot noir - but not at the same time.
Shopping at Costco can be a bit of an adventure––you never know what kind of treasure you may find. While we can’t get enough of the bulk paper products, oversized bags of cheese and furniture choices, the warehouse retailer also sells some interesting and expensive items you may not know about. Keep scrolling to see our roundup of some of the more ridiculous things you can check out on your next Costco run.
Mario Andretti Signed 1969 Camaro Pool Table
For the game room, how about this unique pool table? Signed by the legendary car driver, it's got real rims, tires and working lights, and can be yours for only $19,999. There's even a white glove delivery service included!
Mountain House 1-Year Food Storage
You never know when disaster will strike, but Costco has you covered. For the bargain price of $5,000, you can outfit your home with 3,986 total servings of food to get you through whatever comes your way. With 220 cans that cover entrees for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks and a shelf life of up to 30 years, that zombie apocalypse's got nothing on you.
D’Artagnan Premium Locker Pack of Sustainable Meats 41 lbs.
While the idea of having enough chicken, steak and pork to last a year seems like good planning, we're not even sure who would have the freezer space to store 41 lbs. of meat! If you do, it'll only cost you $499.99 to have this delivered to your door.
Cheese lover? This 72 lb. Kirkland Signature Whole Wheel of Parmigiano Reggiano is for you! Imported from Italy, the 24-month aged cheese is actually quite a steal at $12.50 per pound. The beautiful rind make it a great gift or wedding appetizer!
Don't have your own wine cellar? No problem! Costco stocks the Wine Enthusiast 300 which holds––you guessed it––300 of your fave vino bottles! The compressor-cooled fridge comes with Vino View so you can proudly display those fancy labels and a surprisingly affordable price tag of $1,899.99
Round Brilliant 10.03 ct Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Show how much you care by picking up a stunning diamond platinum solitaire ring on your next Costco run. This 10 carat, near colorless diamond has a VS1 rating and a gorgeous platinum band. Act fast––there's only one available and at $420,000 you don't know when this ring will be gone forever.
Urns & Caskets
Costco is all about putting affordable products at your fingertips so it's no surprise they stock a line of urns and caskets. Plan ahead or order in a pinch, most of the products for funeral needs are under $1,000 and make the details of a difficult time a little easier.
Looking to buy a home or refinance? Check with Costco before you do! Members can take advantage of the warehouse's Mortgage Program where up to four lenders will communicate with you on available loans. Costco also offers Veteran options, too!
Almost Heaven Fayette 6-person Steam Sauna
Stop wasting money on a gym membership and just buy your own 6-person sauna the next time you head to Costco. The Almost Heaven Steam Sauna ($4,700) is a sound investment that heats in 30-60 minutes up to 190°F. The outdoor designed product is made with thick cedar, comes with two long benches, backlighting and is "easy" to install in just 4-5 hours.
Osaki OS-4D Pro Maestro Massage Chair
Forget expensive spa memberships when you can come home to a great massage in your $3500 Osaki Massage Chair. The in-home treatment features Bluetooth speakers, touchscreen remote, 3D heated rollers, and knee kneading, toe, foot and ankle air massage.
Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset
We are all about kids having fun, and if you're ready to fork over the $4,000 it takes to play on the Gorilla Playsets Wilderness Retreat II Playset then more power to you! Your backyard will be the talk of the town with the unit's two play decks, three slides, two swing stations, one ring station, rock-climbing wall, fort and picnic table, phew! And don't worry––installation is included.
We all know that last year was especially tough on parents—and there’s plenty of hard data to back that up. With Mother’s Day quickly approaching, a new survey found that in light of those challenges, this year’s holiday might be more important than ever.
The research surveyed 2,000 people and found that 65 percent say they view mom as a superhero. The same data showed that on average, individuals missed out on 28 days of in-person time with their moms over the past year due to the pandemic.
That’s why the majority will go to great lengths to make the upcoming holiday extra special for mom. Seventy-six percent of respondents said they want their mother to “have the best day ever” after 2020 wreaked havoc on typical plans, 84 percent are more eager to visit their mom on Mother’s Day than ever before and 60 percent cited in-person time with family as the driving force to get vaccinated.
Quality time is the top activity listed for Mother’s Day plans, followed by buying mom flowers, taking her to a nice restaurant, or cooking a meal for her. Other popular gifts include a massage, shopping trip or spa day. All presents will be carefully considered: seven in 10 of those celebrating the holiday emphasized that they need mom to like her gift this year.
The survey was commissioned by Groupon and conducted by OnePoll. Moms will surely love any gesture of appreciation after 60 percent said that 2020 was their most stressful year as a parent! Fortunately, 64 percent of survey respondents said the past year has made them even more appreciative of their own mothers.
––Sarah Shebek
Video courtesy of Groupon and SWNS/Feature photo: arto_cannon/iStock
Our new series, Tiny Birth Stories, is aimed at sharing real-life stories from our readers to our readers. In just 100 words or less, we’re bringing you the raw, the funny and the heartwarming stories you’ve lived while bringing babies into the world. Here are five stories that will have you laughing, crying and nodding your head in solidarity.
Interested in telling your birth story? Click here.
I gave birth to two sets of twins by Jennifer S
This still blows my mind. Both were very easy deliveries, as they were both c-sections. Round 1, I made it to 38 weeks and 2 days, my scheduled delivery was 39 weeks. My son decided he was tired of being pushed around by his sister, my water broke at 11pm on September 28, 2011and it was time to go – complete water works in the hospital parking garage, like a scene in the movies. My babies were born at 4:00 and 4:01 a.m. the next morning. Round 2 was uneventful, I made it to my scheduled c section at 38 weeks (I refused to schedule one at 39 weeks again). Babies were born and completed our family on November 13, 2013. Our current lives are much more exciting than my deliveries were!
Photo by Heidi Daniels
I felt like we were both being born by Stevie M
My birthing room in my mother’s home was adorned in hanging affirmation, candles, and pictures of the women who had gone before me. In the quiet of night, a circle of loving support, including my furry guardian, held space as baby and I labored in the tub. Working together…we were both being born. In the water, he was born into the hands of his father and exceptional midwife. Completely at peace and in awe, our new family curled around each other.
Born on her due date by Carrie D
I had very subtle contractions start at 1am Monday morning (the due date). I had a scheduled appointment that morning to see how things were going, which all looked good. I came home and worked a few more hours then by lunch I could not focus anymore. The contractions were growing in strength and I knew I didn’t want to be stuck in the hospital so I hopped in the bathtub. That was amazing! Contractions were getting stronger and by 4:30p I felt like I had to get to the hospital or I’d be having the baby at home. We arrived around 5:30p, I was 7cm dilated so was admitted. After a little waiting and some progress, it was time to push! Our sweet girl was born at 10:20pm
My parents brought me the goods by Sherry B
17 Hours, at home (on purpose), no drugs, back labor (wouldn’t wish it on my worst enemy), Lots of massage by my squad. Moaning, breathing, grunting, and yelling at my hubs to turn of the XBOX. Internal dialogue “I can’t do this” the very next contraction “I am a warrior” Daughter born in a birthing tub in the living room. Nursing within 20, with family surrounding. Hardest and best thing I have EVER done. My mom cooked grilled cheese and hand fed me b/c she is the best. Then my dad brought pizza which I also ate.
A stay in the NICU by Cara S
My water broke at 2:30 am, with contractions starting at 4 minutes apart. My alcoholic fiancé was passed out so I walked the dog, watched a little tv, then went to the hospital when they were 2 minutes apart. I was told immediately no pain medication because my daughter wasn’t moving. Nine hours later, they decided an emergency csection was the way to go. I was crushed, and felt like a huge failure. But when they laid her perfect little body on mine, none of that mattered. She was here. Beckett was in NICU for 10 days, the worst 10 days of my life, but the day I brought her home, it didn’t matter how she came to be here. Just that she was.