Exercise Ball...A Must Have

An exercise ball or birthing ball is a must have for pregnant women. Working out using the exercise ball during pregnancy helps to decrease discomforts and prepare the body for labor and birth. These are workouts I use during the third trimester of my pregnancy to relieve back pain and other discomforts.

Sit on the Ball. Just sitting on the ball can improve posture, balance, stomach muscles and relieve back pain.

Bounce on the Ball. While in a sitting position, bounce on the ball to strengthen leg and abdominal muscles. You can also rotate your hips in a circle to strengthen abdominal muscles.

Lunge. Place the ball against a wall and then place the small of your back against the wall. Stand with your legs spaced a little further than your hips. Extend your left knee (so you're lunging) and hold for 5-10 seconds. Return to the start position and then do the same with the right knee. Do this for 12-15 reps. You could also sit on the ball, with the pelvis tilted back and do the same exercise to strengthen leg muscles and improve balance.

Hands and Knees. Get into a hands and knees position and lean over the ball so your cheek is resting on the ball. Rotate your hips or do a pelvic tilt while in this position. To do a pelvic tilt, tighten your stomach muscles so the pelvis tucks under. This will help to relieve back pressure not only during pregnancy but also during labor.

Remember to always check with your doctor before starting an exercise program during pregnancy. When doing exercise ball workouts use caution...your center of gravity is not the same and it is possible to fall of the ball and injure yourself.

Are You A Fan Yet?

Now that I have a toddler and another baby on the way, I am always looking for great deals at children's stores. Especially for clothing and baby gear, that's why I became a fan!

I am a fan of The Children's Place and Babies R Us personally and on Facebook. They recently updated their Facebook pages to keep their fans informed about steals and deals for the latest fashionable clothing and upcoming events and sales. For example 10/24 only, Babies R Us launched a printable 20% coupon to use in-store for any one baby item.

From now until October 31st The Children's Place is giving away a $50 gift card EVERY DAY to one of their Facebook Fans regardless if you are new or old! And all you have to do to enter is become a fan!

To become a Facebook Fan click on the links below and start saving. Who knows, maybe you'll be the next $50 winner of The Children's Place giftcard!

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Childrens-Place/46687203018?ref=mf

www.facebook.com/pages/The-Childrens-Place/46687203018?ref=mf#/babiesrus?ref=ts

Infant & Children's Tylenol Recall

The drug company McNeil announced a voluntary recall of twenty-one children and infant's Tylenol, due to possible bacterial contamination of an ingredient used to make the product. There has been no bacteria found in the finished product, but the recall was announced as a precaution. Consumers may contact McNeil customer service for a coupon to replace the product at 1-800-962-5357.

For a list of the 21 recalled products go to http://www.nowpublic.com/health/tylenol-recall-2009-list-infant-and-childrens-tylenol-recall

Loaded Pumpkin Muffins

Looking for a healthy and delicious pumpkin recipe? These muffins are great for breakfast or to have as a mid-day snack. This recipe makes 24 regular size muffins or 72 mini muffins. These muffins can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days of freeze up to three months.

Ingredients:

3 Cups Wheat Flour
2 T. Baking Powder

1 t. Pumpkin Spice

1/2 t. Salt

4 Large Eggs

1 Cup Brown Sugar

1 1/2 Cups Milk

1/2 Cup Butter

15 oz. Can Pumpkin Puree

3/4 Cup Raisins (optional)

3/4 Cup Walnuts (optional)

Cooking Spray

Optional Frosting:

Combine 8 oz. of light cream cheese, 1/2 t. of vanilla, and 3T. of powdered sugar.

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees and spay muffin tins with cooking spray. Mix first five ingredients together. In a separate bowl combine eggs and sugar than beat until smooth. Add milk, butter, and pumpkin puree until blended. In two batches add dry ingredients to the wet ingredients. Mix well than add raisins and nuts if desired.

Spoon mixture into muffin tins and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let muffins cool completely before frosting.

For those of you who have followed by blog and fellow blog readers, I apologize for the lack of posts. Due to life circumstances, I had to temporarily put my blog on hold. But I am back and plan to continue with many posts!

Thank you for your time, patience, and support! Stay tuned for new posts.