Making Babies Review and Giveaway

**The Winner is: Jessica B** You have been sent an email!

Guest Post by Jennifer Allen

I had the opportunity to review the Making Babies DVD series, and the Making Babies Book as well. In the Making Babies DVD series you will be purchasing 3 DVDs for $75.00. Shoshanna Easling presents her information in a very energetic and informative manner. I was impressed with the wide range of information shared in the course of 7 hours of instructive pregnancy and postpartum help.

In Making Babies DVD Volume 1 you will find recipes, remedies, herbal concoctions, and information about pregnancy in the first trimester such as dealing with morning sickness. There is some brief information about fertility and conception.  This DVD is 2 hours 30 minutes long.

In Making Babies Volume 2 you will learn how to make healthy recipes, remedies, herb concoctions, and information about the second and third trimesters, exercise, birth preparations, and more. This DVD is 2 hours 15 minutes.

Making Babies Volume 3 is full of more healthy recipes, remedies, herbal concoctions, and information about birth, postpartum, loosing weight, getting into shape, and more. It is 2 hours 20 minutes long.

I found each DVD follows the general format of a lovely outdoor location where Shoshanna shows you how to make a herbal concoction or remedy. Following this is a pregnancy tip, followed by a recipe she shows you how to make in a beautiful indoor kitchen, and some more helpful tips. You are following along with Shoshanna during her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum time. I learned a great deal of herbal information I was not aware of shared in the DVD’s.  Some of the tinctures and herbal recipes shared would be worth the purchase of the DVD’s on the merit of that information alone. I was impressed with the quality of the filming for these DVD’s.  It made watching these very pleasant, along with Shoshanna’s cheerful sharing of information. 

I enjoyed watching Shoshanna in the kitchen as she shares many healthy recipes in the DVD’s. A huge part of a healthy pregnancy and baby can be on the way you eat. I thought she shared some delicious looking recipes.  At the end I was so inspired by her recipes that I want to try and use them solely for next month's menu plan. She uses lots of vegetables and good proteins without tons of exotic items that would cost you a fortune when grocery shopping. She does feel it is best to go gluten free during portions of your pregnancy and after baby's birth so there are gluten free recipes shared as well.

Following the Making Babies DVD series is the awesome Making Babies Book available for $35. Talk about being impressed! I was blown away by this 480 page book. The minute you open the book the first thing that jumps out at you is how beautiful it is. That may sound funny, but the photography is so gorgeous throughout the book. With bright lovely photos, Shoshanna’s signature energetic style jumps out at you through the pages. 


Beyond that, the book begins following the Making Babies DVD’s. You will find the recipes and herbal remedy recipes from Making Babies DVD Volume 1, followed by the recipes for Volume 3 and 4. Moving on from there is a large section titled My Pregnancy Cookbook.  There are over 100 recipes shared running from Beverages to Breads, Desserts, Breakfast, Main Course Salads, Sauces and Condiments, Vegetables and Side Dishes. Following this is a “Did You Know” section with basic tips and suggestions shared for a healthy pregnancy. Grandma’s Remedies section covers practical recipes for pregnancy, nursing, and beyond. A Baby Diary is included with approximately 50 pages to fill in for the 1^st month of pregnancy to the birth of your child. Despite the Making Babies title I would recommend this book to any woman on the basis of healthy recipes and herbal remedies alone. I know I will be using it for next month’s menu plan!

Would you like to win a set? The Bulk Herb Store has graciously agreed to giveaway a set! Enter using the Rafflecopter Form below (email subscribers please click through to enter). 

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Spring Scarves at Zulilly!

If you have been wanting to try add some scarfs to your outfits, Zulily has some cute lightweight spring scarfs on sale. The best news is that they are up to 80% off! 

Look under Italca of Italy at Zulily to find the scarfs.

***

Don't forget the 30% off sale at Lilla Rose! The sale ends on the 29th.

Modest Mondays {and a Link Up!}

Today's Modest Monday outfit shows what I wore to church yesterday. My sister and I went shopping Saturday at Target and Maurices and I bought two scarves while I was out, which was a splurge for this mama. :) They were so pretty though, and just what I had been looking for. So I picked an outfit out to wear based on one of the scarfs. 

Outfit

Top: Cream Sweater - hand me down from my sister. 

Skirt: Midnight Stretch Skirt from The Modest Mom. 

Pantyhose: Spanx brand (they are so comfortable! I only wear hose to church or other special occasions though. I wear leggings or warm  knee high socks during the week). 

Shoes:  My black shoes are from Walmart.  

Accessories 

Scarf: Soutash Lace Scarf from Maurices

Earrings: Antique Pink Earrings from Wired Vintage on Etsy

Flexi Clip: My hair is pulled back in a flexi clip from Lilla Rose ( Circle of hearts and flowers clip is 30% for a few more days! ). 

Link Up Time! 

Please feel free to share posts about anything concerning being a godly feminine woman. Topics include:   being a wife, mother, homeschooler, homemaker, cooking, sewing, ect. 

Please no business link ups! Thank you! 

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This post is linked up at: 
The Better Mom
Titus 2 Days

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30% off sale at Lilla Rose!

There is a special going on at Lilla Rose for five days only! 

You can save 30% off on select items that are retiring. To view the selection, click on the item you are interested in and scroll through the page to see the items on sale. Every size of the flexi clip have some items on sale, plus hair sticks and more! 

Go here to shop. 

                                       

Google Friend Connect is Going Away!

If you subscribe to this blog through Google Friend Connect, please be aware that come March Google Friend Connect will no longer be available to use on any blogs but blogger. I'm currently working on an exciting project, and very soon will be switching to Wordpress (with a whole new look!). So you will no longer be receiving updates if you follow me through Google Friend Connect.

That being said, please subscribe to get our updates in your email here. You can also follow The Modest Mom blog on Facebook or Twitter.

I appreciate all my followers and I hope you will continue to follow through email!

Establishing a good milk supply

So you've just had your baby and you want to nurse. As a first time mom I well remember the awkward feeling trying to learn how to nurse a baby. It did not come easily for me when I had my first. My son lost weight for the first three weeks, and only after much prayer and perseverance on my part did we establish a good nursing relationship.

I'm currently nursing our fifth baby and so far everything has gone just beautifully. Here is what I do to get off to a good start:

1. Do NOT set a schedule! It is absolutely critical when trying to establish a good milk supply that you nurse whenever the baby wants to nurse, and avoid any sort of schedule. That pretty much means the first few weeks you sit and hold the baby and nurse. Now is a good time to grab a great book, or find some encouraging blogs to read. Or read aloud to your other children!

2. Avoid pacifiers or bottles. You don't want to confuse the baby with artificial nipples when trying to establish your milk supply. Let your baby nurse for comfort as well as for nourishment, it will really help  build your milk supply. I've introduced pacifiers after a month or two if needed, but by then most of my babies would not take one. Deborah has yet to like one, she acts like I'm choking her when I've tried it!

3. Drink lots of water. Everyone says this but it really is true. You need lots of water to sustain a great milk supply. Keep a water bottle by your chair and drink, drink, drink! I ask my two oldest children to refill my water bottle throughout the day for me as I nurse.

4. Use a good nipple ointment to avoid cracked nipples. Nothing hurts more than nipples that are open and bleeding. I've had that happen before due to thrush and I've never felt more like screaming from pain than during that time. I've always used lanolin but I really dislike how sticky it is. Before having Deborah I purchased Natural Nipple Butter from Earth Mama - Angel Baby brand. It was wonderful! I put it on frequently as it wasn't a bother to use, and I even used it Deborah's hands and feet when they were dry and peeling.

5. Have a nursing pillow close by. While not necessary, a nursing pillow can be very useful during that season where you do little else but nurse. My favorite one is called My Breast Friend (this happens to be the same one Michelle Duggar uses). I've used a boppy before, but I feel this gives a lot more support for both you and the baby.

6. Supplement as needed. If after doing all these things your supply is still low, use some herbs God has given us for the breastfeeding mom. Fenugreek, blessed thistle and alfalfa are the ones commonly used. The Bulk herb store has a tea you can drink called mama's milk tea that has excellent reviews.

7. Pray, pray, pray! Sometimes that is the only thing that gets you through. With our oldest son we had tried lots of different things, but one day it just all came together and he started nursing and gaining weight. I really feel that God blessed us in that. We had done all we could and it still wasn't working. So don't forget to pray for God to guide you and bless you if you are really struggling establishing a milk supply.

Snuggle and hold that wee one close, they grow so fast! Nursing is a wonderful time to sit and gaze at your little one, talk to them, and pray for them. Yes, at times it can be trying as you feel so stuck to your baby all the time. There is no break and you are the only one who can keep the baby satisfied. But it is very worth it as you are giving your baby the nourishment God designed for it!

New Blouse and Belt!

We have a cute new blouse for springtime at The Modest Mom! 

This Blue Pinstripe Blouse is so feminine and pretty! 

We are now carrying the most adorable belts to go along with our skirts! They are fabric flower belts that come in black or white. The belts are made out of spandex, and stretch to fit most sizes. I love them, they are so pretty! 

Don't forget you can save 10% off any order right now with the code: 10offmodestmom when you checkout. This code is good until the end of the month! 

Modest Mondays Outfit {And a Linkup!}

This past week has been long. I was very dizzy all week long and couldn't figure out why. Anemia and Low Blood Sugar problems had been ruled out by my midwife. Finally I told my husband I just couldn't take it any longer so I saw a Dr. I was thinking I might have an inner ear infection, but he told me I have Strep Throat! I was so surprised as I always thought you would have a sore throat with strep. I've been on an antibiotic, and the dizziness is slowly getting better, but I'm struggling with pressure headaches which I've heard also go along with strep. I'm really hoping that this time next week I feel all better! If you've noticed that the blog has been a bit quieter this past week, that was why.

I've also been quite busy taking care of seven week old Deborah. She is quite sweet and quite demanding of me. :) She doesn't like to be put down much, so the house is barely staying together while we attempt to keep her happy. I know this time will pass quickly so we are trying to stay positive about the demands of a fussy baby.

For this week's modest monday post my sweet sister Jennifer is the model! Trying to find decent places to take pictures in the dead of winter is hard, so forgive the background. It is her old shed. :)

Earrings: small pearl studs 

Brown blouse: East 5th from JCPenny

Scarf: Ditsy Floral Scarf with Fringe from Maurices (I just discovered Maurices and they have some really cute items mixed in with the immodest ones!)

Skirt: Khaki Ruffle Skirt from The Modest Mom

Shoes: Mudd Flats from Kohls

I'm going to start doing the link up every week, and open it up for posts about anything feminine. While I still would love to see blog posts about modesty, feel free to also share posts about anything concerning  being a godly feminine woman, which involves being a wife, mother, homeschooler, ect. 

If you link up please grab the button below so others can come here and join in! Thank you! 

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Great deal on Undercover Mama Nursing Tanks!

*Update! If you are new to Plum District you will receive $5.00 added to your account for signing up. So it makes the Undercover Mama tank just $8.50!*

Today on Plum District you can get $30 to spend at Undercover Mama for just $13.50!

I love the Undercover Mama nursing tanks as they make nursing so easy! Just slip the tank on and attach it to your nursing bra, and then your sides will stay covered as you nurse. I own several of these and have been using them a lot since having our fifth baby.

To take advantage of this deal:

1. Go To Plum District and create an account if you don't have one already.

2. Look for Kansas City (the deal is online so it's good anywhere, I just didn't see it listed under the everywhere section).

3. Add the voucher to your cart.

4. Use the discount code: visa10 to save an extra 10%, bringing your total down to $13.50.

Your voucher code will be available in your account at plum district, and then you just enter that at the checkout area of Undercover Mama. If you purchase just one tank then the voucher covers the shipping also!

Postpartum Tummy Wrapping...

 

Deborah two weeks old

I've received several emails and comments from you all asking how I got back in shape so quickly after giving birth, so I wanted to pass along what I have done (which isn't much!).

This birth and recovery has been the easiest yet, and I attribute my easier birth to the herbs I took during my pregnancy. I also tried something new after having Deborah and wrapped my tummy.

The tradition of postpartum belly wrapping is quite common in other countries, but very foreign here in America. People have looked at me funny when I've told them what I did, but I'm getting used to the strange looks over things I do in life. : )

I've read that it is actually considered cruel to a new mother not to wrap their belly after having a baby. Once you deliver a baby you have organs that are loose and needing to get back in place. Not to mention all the extra skin you have in your tummy. The concept behind tummy wrapping is that it helps shrink your flabby skin, as well as put your organs back in their proper place faster. I was skeptical that it would really work, but I've been pleasantly surprised.

When you start researching wraps it can get overwhelming. A typical postpartum wrap runs $60-$100 and up. Yikes! That was over my price range, and I was reading so many mixed reviews of the expensive wraps that I didn't want to waste my money on something that I might not like.

I finally ended up reading enough good reviews about the Underworks Post Delivery Girdle Belt that I decided to try it out.

Deborah was born in the evening, and my midwife asked that I wait until morning to put the wrap on. A lot of ladies put it on during the first hour after giving birth, but I did wait until the next morning. I wore it faithfully for two weeks after giving birth. I wore it most nights to bed, though I gave myself a break a few nights.

I can't say it was so comfortable that I couldn't even tell it was on. I did have to adjust it, it would ride up from being in bed the first week, so when I got out of bed I would have to pull it down. I did get a chance to try on the popular Belly Bandit postpartum wrap. While it was a littler softer, and made out of more comfortable fabric I don't think I would spend the extra money on it.

After having Deborah I've read really good reviews about a 9" three panel binder and wish I would have gotten that one. As I lost more weight it was harder to adjust the binder exactly how tight I needed it, but with the three panel binder it would have made it much simpler. 

Just because I love you all so much, I'm going to share pictures I had my sister take that are of my tummy one week postpartum. Yes, I'm actually doing this. Yikes! 

Side view of my tummy wrapped in the Underworks Girdle Belt:

*Gulp* Side view of my tummy without the binder on:

I'm sure you can tell a big difference in the pictures! For the first time ever, within two weeks after giving birth, I only have five pounds left to lose of my baby weight. 

After two weeks of wearing the postpartum girdle I then started wearing a shape wear garment similar to this one. 

I'm now seven weeks postpartum. I still have flabby skin and weight I would love to lose but I just now feel ready to start exercising. I'm hoping with the weather warming up soon that we will start taking more walks and getting outside. 

I'd love to hear if anyone else has done postpartum tummy wrapping, and what your experience was.  If you have never tried it, I'd highly recommend it!

                                                

       

MamaRoo Review and Giveaway!

As the birth of Deborah grew closer I realized that I needed to purchase a new bouncy seat. After having four children our previous bouncy seat had finally seen it's last days.

I saw the mamaRoo being reviewed on different blogs and it interested me. I was thrilled when I was sent one to review, and even more excited when the company agreed to give one away to one of you!

The mamaRoo was designed two mimic a parent naturally swaying and bouncing their baby. This unique seat sways from side to side and up and down in five different motion settings.

The seat comes with different sounds you can turn on for your baby, but what is really neat is the option to plug in your mp3 player and play your own music for the baby!

When the mamaRoo came we found it packaged extremely well.

Here are all the parts taken out of the box. 

My husband assembled it in little time and found it very easy to do. 

I choose the plush silver fireworks pattern as the plush version unzips and can be washed. With as much as babies spit up I thought that would be wonderful to be able to throw the main part of the seat in the wash! 

Here is a video explaining more about the mamaRoo. 

This is Deborah in the mamaRoo seat! 

We have this in the dining room to use while I'm cooking dinner. We've been given a baby who wants to be held more than anything else, so the seat and our swing we have has not been used that much. She did fall asleep once in this, and that was nice. Now that she is just over a month old she is starting to look at the mobile more. 

 A few minor negatives you might want to be aware of are the plush mobile has (what we would call) scary creatures on it, and the soothing nature sounds are while perhaps soothing to the baby are not quite so soothing to the parents (they are low quality). 

Overall I think the mamaRoo is a neat design, we just haven't been able to use it as much as I had hoped due to our baby wanting held a lot. On the plus side of this seat, it is very well designed and is made out of high quality materials. You can tell they put a lot of thought into every detail of this product.

To enter the giveaway, use the rafflecopter entry below! 

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New Fabric at The Modest Mom!

We have new fabric available for skirts at The Modest Mom! 

Most of this fabric is in very limited quantity, so if you want a skirt made from it you might want to hurry and place your order before it's gone! 

Choose from our women's line of ruffle or a-line skirts, or our maternity ruffle or a-line skirt, then pick your choice of beautiful spring and summer fabric! These are all high quality 100% cotton fabric. 

To view all of our fabric selection go here. 

Don't forget today is your last day to save $5.00 off your order of $20.00 or more with the code: fb5off at the checkout! 

Cream Pie Recipe

After giving birth to Deborah dear friends brought meals over every other night for the first two weeks. One family brought us over this very yummy cream pie. I was thrilled when she sent me the recipe as I've looked a long time for a cream pie recipe that does not call for cool whip.

This is super easy to make, and would be a perfect dessert to make with your daughter! 

Cream Pie

1 8 oz. package cream cheese, softened

1 cup heavy whipping cream

1/3-2/3 cup sugar (you can decide how sweet you want the pie)

1 tsp. vanilla 

1/2 Tbsp. plain knox gelatin, dissolved

1 graham cracker crust

Topping Ingredients

1 Tbsp. butter, melted

2 Tbsp. graham cracker crumbs

1 Tbsp. sugar

3 Tbsp. finely chopped walnuts

Dash of cinnamon

Directions:

Place 2 Tbsp. cold water in a metal measuring cup and sprinkle gelatin into cup. Let stand until softened. Place measuring cup on burner (metal measuring cup!) and warm on medium until dissolved, stirring. Set aside.

Whip cream until stiff peaks form. Set aside. 

Mix cream cheese and sugar in mixing bowl until there are no lumps. (Wipe sides several times.) Add vanilla to cream cheese and mix on medium. Drizzle gelatin in while mixing. 

GENTLY fold cream into cream cheese mixture with spoon and then place in graham cracker crust. Set into the refrigerator to begin chilling. 

Combine topping ingredients and spread out on an oven-safe plate. Toast in oven for a few minutes so it isn't so soft. (watch closely as it will burn quickly!)

*Be very careful adding your cream into your cream cheese mixture. Barely mix it together or it will start to lose the fluffiness!*

You can add lots of different toppings to this. I made this one plain and we enjoyed it! Fruit toppings would be especially yummy! 

I hope your family enjoys this easy and delicious treat. 

I'm linked up at:

Life In A Shoe

Heavenly Homemaker

$100 Vision Forum Gift Card Giveaway!

Are you looking for encouragement to be a better mother? Vision Forum offers wonderful resources that have blessed me over the years. The following are a few of my favorite items they sell. 

The Family by J.R.Miller

Loving The Little Years by Rachel Jankovic

Large Family Logistics by Kim Brenneman 

Vision Forum is devoted to the family. They want to promote and encourage the reemergence of the biblical family.  If you are looking for godly resources, look no further than Vision Forum! 

Now for the exciting news!! 

Vision Forum has graciously agreed to giveaway a $100 gift certificate to one winner! 

To enter, use the rafflecopter form below. Make sure and press the green "Enter" button when you complete the requirement. 

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Lilla Rose Giveaway!

Do you like to fix your daughter's hair? Lilla Rose offers amazing hair products that will help you style your daughter's hair (or your own) in just minutes! 

When I first heard about the flexi clip I was skeptical until I actually tried one. Much to my disbelief they actually work on my silky smooth hair! 

The flexi clip is a one piece clip that works in all different hair textures and lengths. It comes in mini to mega size, so there is a size for everyone! 

I use a mini to pull my three year old's hair up in a half up, as shown in the picture below. 

Lilla Rose also sells O-Rings, Hair Bands, Hair Sticks, Bobby Pins, and You Pins. You can see all of the products here.  

To watch the sizing and styling video go here. 

To enter to win a $15 gift certificate good for anything at Lilla Rose $15 and under, enter using the rafflecopter form below! 

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The Modest Mom Giveaway!!

A long denim skirt is hard to find these days. In a culture that seems to revel in baring all, we can show love to our children by setting a good example in how we dress. As we raise our children, they should know that there are standards in dress. Our daughters should not feel the pressure to dress in skimpy clothing that shows every curve and crevice on their body.

I started The Modest Mom to offer a resource of modest clothing for ladies. As a mom of five children 8 and under I have little time to go clothes shopping. When I do get to go, half the time I don't find anything. When you go shopping at The Modest Mom, you don't have to worry about slits in skirts, low cut necklines, and skirts that reveal all.

I know a few ladies who can appreciate this dilemma - 4000 of them to be exact! Through Friday you can use the coupon code: fb5off to save $5.00 off your order of $20.00 and more. This is in celebration of the fact that we hit 4000 Facebook fans! (A thank-you to all 4000 of you!) 

To further celebrate, I would like to give one of the following denim skirts away to one of you. You may choose from...

Sailor Skirt

Nantucket Skirt

Rainbow skirt (my favorite!)

To enter, use the rafflecopter form below! 

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Thirty One Gifts Giveaway!

Have you heard of Thirty-One Gifts? I actually had not heard of them until two years ago, where I saw a booth at a consignment sale I was at. The booth was very inviting, as the bags they had on display were beautiful! 

Thirty-One sells bags of all sizes that can be customized, organizing baskets and totes, aprons, stationary and more! I love that the name Thirty-One comes from the verses of Proverbs 31. 

If you are looking for a feminine new purse or tote bag, look no further than Thirty-One! Rachel from Thirty-One has been kind enough to offer one of you a $50 gift certificate to her website! 

To enter just use the super simple Rafflecopter form below! Make sure and hit the green "enter" button on the form after completing the request. 

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