Mom Fun: Celebrities Expecting Babies In 2019

Hello 2019!  Another year is inching to a close, which means that
all the most recent pregnancy announcements are going to be for
babies due in the New Year. With our favorite celebrities especially,
 it’s particularly exciting to hear about all the recent baby news.

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While many of the celebs expecting babies in 2019 are growing their 
already large families with the newest additions, there are a few other 
celebs who are having a baby for the very first time!

JESSICA SIMPSON & ERIC JOHNSON

Surprise! Looks like these boots are made for carrying lots of baby weight as Jessica Simpson is pregnant with lucky #3.

ROBIN THICKE & APRIL LOVE GEARY

Although fans were quite shocked to hear about Robin Thicke and Paula Patton’s split in 2015, it does appear to have all worked out for the best as he’s going to be a dad again.

JOSH PECK & PAIGE O'BRIEN

You may know Josh Peck as the latter part of the famous Drake & Josh TV show that ran from 2004-2007 on Nickelodeon. Although the show has long ended, it’s still fun to know that the actors of yesteryear are now all grown up and starting families of their own.

TAYLOR & NATALIE HANSON

Remember the Hanson brothers? Not only are they still performing but all three brothers are officially off the market and with kids of their own! In fact, the middle brother out of the trio, Taylor Hanson, recently announced that his already-large family is growing once more as they are expecting their sixth child!

TIFFANY THORNTON & JOSIAH CAPACI

Who could forget Disney Alum and former Sonny’s with a Chance’s 
star Tiffany Thornton? She may not have done much acting since her 
big Disney break but it’s still fun to know that she’s expecting 
baby number…. Three!

How To: Moms Need to Practice Self-Care in 2019

As a mom of several young kids, if I'm being honest, some weeks I can't find time to shower for more than two days (thank God for hats!). I ate dinner last night while checking homework, doing laundry, and catching up with my mom. At least once a day, I'll have to pee for so long that I start doing the potty dance like my 6-year-old until I can barely make it the bathroom. With how my crazy jam-packed schedule is, you may think it would be impossible to make time for self-care. But after many years of mommying, I've learned that if I don't take care of myself, everyone suffers. So in 2019 I'm determined to do one thing for myself every day of the year, even if it's just for a few minutes.

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Let's face it - my happiness and sanity depend on it.

"A little goes a long way," is my self-care mantra, but I didn't always go that way. When I was much younger, if I didn't fit a 4-mile run (today?  Ha!)  into my day, I got cranky and resentful toward my family. As we've added to our brood over the years, however, I have realized that there won't always be an extra hour to devote to my personal fitness goals. There may only be 10 minutes when the baby is napping, the kids are playing alone, and before I need to start dinner or run someone to Girl Scouts or swim practice. But that 10 minutes is better than nothing. Maybe I'll roll out my yoga mat and do ten sun salutations. Maybe I'll stretch and focus on breathing deeply. Moving my body is always the best medicine for parenting angst. I feel my stress melt away and my patience recharge.

Still, it took my husband to point out that I am a better mom when I take the time to feel good about myself. He reminds his "control-freak wife" there's no reason to feel guilty when I leave the kids with him on a Saturday morning so I can take a walk with a friend or try a new yoga class. He jokes that "everyone wins" when mom is in a good head space. And the truth is, if I don't get that break to pay attention to my needs, I'll find myself snapping at one of the kids when they ask where their clean socks are or starting to cry as I'm nursing my son, feeling trapped and smothered. 

To any parent out there who thinks they shouldn't take time away from the kids to do something for themselves, whether that's getting a manicure once a week or reading a book that isn't Goodnight Moon, I'd say you need to ask yourself who you're serving by neglecting you. Trust me; I've been there, when it feels impossible to find even a few seconds in the day without a child hanging off of you. I can't tell you how many times I've showered with all four of my kids complaining and crying outside the shower door. I feel like I want to scream, and sometimes, I do. Then, I'll mentally berate myself for letting the kids down if I want to exercise instead of play My Little Pony or hide-and-seek after. Those are the moments when self-care is the most important — when I need to put myself first. Then, when I feel refreshed, I can play with a smile on my face rather than holding back tears while wondering what happened to my life.

Next year will only bring more parenting chaos and stress, especially since we are considering having another baby (yep, we're crazy!). Still, no matter what's happening in our family, I will not let one day go by when I don't take a time out for self-care. Some days I may get an hour, and other days it might be 5 minutes. It's about remembering, each day, that my needs are important, too.

New Years Goals for Your Family

We all probably realize that when you think “kid-friendly holiday”, New Year’s Eve probably isn’t the first holiday that comes to mind.  Even though the kids might not stay awake long enough to see the sparkling ball drop, doesn’t mean they can’t participate in the idea.  In fact, New Year’s Eve is a great time to come together and set some family goals for the upcoming year.

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Most of us are so busy, we always appreciate some helpful ideas.  So here’s an easy list of our New Year’s Resolutions for Families.  Take a look and see that a lot of them are things that you’re probably resolving to do for yourself this year anyway – we just added a family twist!

Get Outside More

Make the choice to get outside more with your kids. This can be hiking, bike-riding camping or even simpler like exploring your back yard together.

Practice Gratitude as a Family

This is true; the more grateful your kids are, the happier they’ll be.  We should shout this from the rooftops.  In 2019,  try setting up a regular family gratitude practice.

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Adventures as A Family

Yes, we already mentioned to leave the house.  But you can go further.  Weekends, evenings and vacations can be opportunities for adventure.  Get muddy, visit a new city or landmark, Make a bucket list of the fun you want to have as a family — then get those ideas on the calendar.

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Read Together

With Harry Potter as an example, in 2019 make a concerted effort this year to read to, with, and around your children.  If your kids are no longer interested in "story time" before bed,  graduating from simple story books to chapters of classic adventure books, like Lord of the Rings, or the Red Wall series.

5 Ideas for Your Budget-Friendly Holiday Party

Let’s be honest: Every family we know loves a good party — especially a good Holiday party. During the holiday season, between office parties and events, we can see just how much we love these parties by busting our budgets, all in the name of making our Christmas shindig the talk of the community or the office.

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But if your budget is tight, hosting a Holiday party can be a real challenge. You want to be just as festive as the next guy, but you don’t want to completely derail your budget — which might feel pretty darn tough to do. The good news is, you don’t have to overspend to entertain! Here are a handful of budget-friendly ways to help you host a Holiday party on a budget.

Hosting a Christmas Party That Doesn’t Break Your Budget

1. Make a Holiday party budget and stick with it.

Really think through how much money you’ll need to host a party this year.  Set aside a realistic amount in your budget and mark it “Holiday Party” so you know exactly how much you can spend.

The best way to stick with your budget when you’re hosting a Holiday party is to track your spending as you go. It’ll help you know exactly how much you’ve already dropped on the party and how much you have left to spend.

2. Set your Spending priorities.

Before you start spending, make a list of everything you want to buy. Start with what’s most important when it comes to hosting a Holiday party: paper goods, main dishes, appetizers, desserts, drinks, decorations and tablecloths. That way, if your money runs out along the way, you can cut things from the bottom that don’t matter as much and focus on the Holiday party ideas that you really want to do.

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3. Opt for a hot cocoa bar over booze.

Look, we’re not trying to be a Scrooge about your Holiday “spirits” here, but the reality is, booze is expensive — especially when you’re buying it for a large group. If you still want to be festive while saving major bucks, then forgo the spiked eggnog and mixed drinks and offer a hot cocoa bar.

It’s pretty simple too. Just make a large portion of hot cocoa, provide Christmas-themed cups, and offer all the delicious toppings for guests to pile on. Of course, marshmallows are the obvious favorite, but don’t forget things like candy canes, whipped cream, sprinkles and whatever else gives your heart that cherry-on-top feeling.

4. Keep the Whole Party Manageable.

You don’t have to throw an over-the-top, black-tie event for 100 people. Invite 10 friends to your house for a casual potluck dinner instead! You’ll save a lot of money and reduce the stress level of your Holiday party planning. And with a smaller group, you’ll actually be able to hang out with your guests rather than act like a catering service.

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5. Beg, borrow, or (buy for a) steal.

You don’t need to spend a fortune on tablecloths and serving trays to make your holiday spread look great. Get what you need from a friend, thrift store or dollar store. All those cake stands and punch bowls can add up fast if you buy them new!

DIY Craft Gifts the Whole Family Will Love this Holiday

Well, Mom and Dad can be tough gifts, but all parents (and family) are moved by the sweet thought of their children giving them a hand-made present for the holidays. So, what are you thinking for a gift? DIY, you betcha!

We picked our favorite (and easiest) gifts that we think will give parents a bright smile on their faces even after the holidays are over. 

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DIY VINTAGE PHOTO CANVAS

You may not notice but usually, your family loves looking at their past memories together and reminisce in their past and when Mom and Dad were crazy in love and so many other family milestones. 

DIY PICTURE FRAME MEMORY WREATH

This is not only a beautiful wall hanging but has tremendous meaning as well too. Just look at those photographs. So many memories and moments.  By now, you know that Mom, Dad and family members  just love looking at the past.  Here those windows are “picture frames”.

DIY PICTURE CLOCK

Such a creative idea for a gift. The fact that you made it as a craft with your own hands helps it be beautiful and sentimental.  Parents and family will love it!

DIY PAINT DIPPED KITCHEN UTENSILS

Almost every Mom in the world knows how to cook, or thinks they do. Your Mom probably already has everything in her kitchen but a kitchen utensil that has your personal touch is just special.  We bet she’ll use these the most.

DIY VINTAGE TEACUP CANDLES

A vintage candle teacup is a sure love to your Mom’s eyes. Not only will she treat it like treasure but she will surely love the idea of litting it up for a special family dinner!

Help Your Kids Host a Grinch-Themed Holiday Party

With the new Benedict Cumberbatch hit The Grinch movie in theaters this holiday season, it’s fun to share the silly bah-humbug spirit with your kids and their friends!

This holiday season, serve up an extra helping of good cheer with a wonderful, whimsical Grinch party! Our ideas will make it easy with tips for Grinchy crafts, games and even a Grinch-tastic meat roll-up. So gather your favorite Whos, young and old, and start your own Grinch celebration tradition!

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WH2O water bottles

Everyone in Whoville realizes that drinking water is super good for you! Now your little Whos can enjoy some arts and crafts time making their own WH2O water bottles with this fun craft — perfect for holiday parties!


Crumpit Popcorn

Put a pop in your Grinch party by serving our Italian-flavored popcorn—Whoville style. Topped with herbs, oregano and basil, Crumpit Popcorn adds just the right amount of crunch— and green — to your party spread.

To make, simply drizzle popcorn with one tablespoon of olive oil. Combine basil, parsley, garlic powder and salt, then sprinkle over popcorn and toss.


Pin the Heart on The Grinch

Help! The Grinch needs a bigger heart so he can enjoy the holidays! Young party guests come to his rescue with this fun spin on the classic game. You or the kids can draw your best green Grinch and cut out some red hearts (put double-sided tape on the back). Then tie on the blindfold and let the game begin!

Grinch Santa Hat Kabobs

Kids love playing with their food, and with our Grinch Kabobs, now they can! Just grab some toothpicks, green grapes, strawberries, bananas and mini-marshmallows for a party activity they’ll eat right up!

Meat Roll-Ups

A feast wouldn’t be a feast without the Whos’ Roast Beast! Fill all the tummies at your Whoville party with this healthier take on the Grinch’s main dish! Roll low-sodium deli turkey in spinach tortillas with chopped veggies and low-fat cream cheese for a treat that will warm any heart!

A Mom's Guide to Surviving the Stress of the Holidays

You’ve survived Friendsgiving parties and Thanksgiving dinners.  But now the whole crush of holiday activities soars forward until New Year’s — so many chances to make memories with your little ones and family.

BUT WARNING! Holiday stress can add to mom stress and build into a perfect storm for husband hysteria, child tantrums and even mom meltdowns.

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Check out tips for avoiding being overwhelmed and keeping the season fun—for you and your family!

Yes, of course this is the season of giving and expressing gratitude yet, we’re often so rushed trying to buy everyone their perfect gift or create their perfect meal that we feel exhausted by the end of it.

This year, as the holiday chaos begins, set aside some time to envision the memories you want to create this year. What sort of memories do you want your family to have this holiday season?”


When you’re trying to cook a meal or decorate the house with little ones underfoot, it can be challenging. Sometimes, you’re doing your best just not to ruin or break anything as you avoid tripping over toys in the kitchen.

Find ways to get your kids involved in the process. Ask them to help wrap presents, mix ingredients for a recipe, draw holiday cards, or come up with a silly play routine for their favorite holiday song. They’ll feel involved and proud that they could help with holiday activities.

In 2018, we’re lucky that kid-friendly holiday parties and events are popular.  They are great because they keep our kids busy and entertained for hours and usually make your kids tired and ready to nap (Yes!). But too many activities can leave your kids feeling more worn out and exhausted over time. It’s easy for babies to get overstimulated—and fussy—with all of the extra activity so you might want to be prepared to take baby to a quiet place during a party if needed. Decide what events are most important to you and make sure those happen. It’s important to make sure little ones are still getting enough sleep and eating well so they can enjoy this special time. Put family events and downtime on the calendar to ensure balance.

As moms we feel a lot of pressure to do it all, and to do it all by ourselves. For some of us, it’s uncomfortable to admit we need help, but allowing others to help us also creates a stronger network of social support. It’s reassuring to know there are other adults in our children’s lives whom we can trust.

And remember: You’re not the only mom who needs a break. Don’t forget you can always return the favor and offer to watch a friend’s children, too.

The most important thing at the holidays is to be kind to yourself and not beat yourself up for things you didn’t do, or that didn’t go exactly as planned. You’ll be late to activities, and everyone will understand. Your table might not look exactly like the Pinterest image you were aiming for, but your guests won’t even know.

January 2 will be here soon enough, and you’ll be back to a more normal routine. So, just like the baby years, remember that the during the holiday season the days are long but the months are short. Enjoy what you can and let the rest go.

Happy Holidays!