How to Reduce Anxiety Around Doctor Visits
Today, Judy (also of Talking Thirty) shares 9 tips for reducing anxiety around doctor visits:
Visits to the pediatrician have become a nightmare since our little one has entered toddlerhood, a stage in which he's old enough to remember past experiences (particularly painful ones like shots) yet still too young to comprehend everything and be reasoned with. From the moment we enter the waiting area until we leave the building, he is in hysterics, occasionally resulting in an incomplete exam. Anxiety over visiting the doctor is common for kids, but can become stressful and troublesome when it is so severe that it interferes with the doctor doing his/her job. Here are 9 ways we've been working with our toddler on reducing anxiety around these visits:
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Spring is almost here -- ready to feel the burn? Today, 
Not long after I returned from 
I first heard about 
Today, 
One thing that has become very clear in the 3-4 months that I have been wrestling with Violet's eczema and potential food allergies is that I 
Today, 
Today, 
Good morning friends -- I hope you had a great weekend! For the first time in what seems to be a long time, we found the perfect blend of relaxed family time, focused grownup conversation time, new adventures (roller skating!), reconnecting with old friends, taking care of household chores, and even some work time for me. It sounds like a lot but weirdly, it all came together in a very easy way and didn't ever feel as if we were pushing too hard. I need to bottle up whatever it was we did to make that happen! Meanwhile, I hope you're gearing up for a great week -- here are some handy/fun ideas to consider in this week's 
Last year I engaged in a quest to find the perfect shade of red lipstick. After I found it (more on that in a second), I reserved the look for evenings, but recently started sporting a red lip periodically for day events. At BlissDom, I decided to 
Last week I hopped onto a chat at The Motherhood about 
Today, 
Every winter I struggle with painful dry, chapped hands -- resulting from the cold weather, my lax hand moisturizing tendencies, endless dish washing, and increased hand washing to combat germs. And it turns out Laurel is prone to the same chapped hand syndrome. I've tried a variety of hand creams but haven't found the perfect one, so I decided to turn to 
Today, 
Today, 
Particularly given how hot it's been this summer, when I need to head out for meetings or events, I love the concept of the sleek ponytail -- in which you make a ponytail, wrap a piece of hair from the ponytail around the elastic, and bobby pin the hair wrap into place. However, my hair is thick and super straight, which makes pinning difficult; not to mention that I've always found it hard to see whether things look even in the back.
I recently wrote about getting back to basics with 
I love supporting the businesses of friends and family, so last year, when I learned that my high school pal Ashley was an 
Hello everyone -- I hope you have fantastically relaxing plans for the Memorial Day long weekend! We're going to be staying local and keeping it low key since June will be a bit crazy, but at the very least, yummy food and fun and games with Laurel and Violet are on the docket. (Admittedly, hopefully we'll also chip away a bit at some household to do's.) Meanwhile, I thought I'd share 12 bits of web awesomeness to entertain you over the long weekend. Enjoy! 
I met Joslyn Taylor of 
Despite the unusually warm weather this week, I'm pretty sure winter is not done with us, so it was perfect to chat yesterday about 
Today, 
If you didn't have a chance to watch 
I've always been a proponent of assessing and using what you've got instead of always buying new. And if you're looking for a little inspiration in this domain, tune in to 
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Today, 
Last September, in honor of National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, contributing writer 
Last month I served as a practice dummy for 
I have always advocated for the airline mantra, "Put on your own oxygen mask first before helping others" when it comes to parenting, and expecting and newly delivered moms are especially in need of some time to put themselves first. Whether you want to get some self care goodies for yourself or a mom friend, check out 
During my recent quest for non-tchotchke awesomeness for Jon's birthday, I was thrilled to discover 
I'm a major proponent of tchotchke-free gifting and one of my favorite gifts to give is soap; it's useful, one can never have enough of it, and it can look like little works of art. Jon and I have a tradition of soap gifting around his birthday and this year I wanted to try some new brands. Following a query on 
Today, 
Here are some lovely links that caught my eye this week around the web. Clearly I've got DIY projects (and travel) on my mind. I love this pretty 
Today from 
My respect, admiration, and affection for Liz Gumbinner and Kristen Chase of 
One of the great things about 
Today, 
Today, 
Though I’m not worried about aging per se, at some point during the last decade I started listening to my mother’s advice to stop sunning and start taking better care of my skin. I’ve heard a lot of people extol the virtues of Arbonne (including a few girlfriends with lovely, creamy skin...), but it wasn’t until late in the summer that I started using 
Whether her nails are exposed during summer or concealed by socks and mittens during winter, Laurel loves having her nails painted; she typically wants at least four colors in one sitting. Subsequently, I only use non-toxic products and am a fan of 
Back in March I gave myself a really excellent gift and started 
My mom and I never discussed birds, bees, or any other metaphorical critters, so it’s not surprising that I was completely unprepared when my period started. I’m thus committed to educating Laurel 
Today, 
In light of September being National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, today, 
Today, 
I admit that after years of rolling my eyes during my mom’s lectures about skin care, I finally get it. It’s important to take care of your skin, whether you’re concerned about wrinkles or simply need a reason to carve out some you time. And for those looking for gentle yet effective plant-based skin treatments, consider 
Whether a woman's delivery mirrors her birth plan to the letter, or is the complete opposite of what was envisioned (as was the case for me), postpartum recovery can be challenging; self care is hugely important but often takes a back seat to caring for baby. And the folks at 
I’ll admit that in the early, particularly weary parenting days, the prospect of sleep often won out over skin care at the day’s end. But as the years have passed, I’ve become more vigilant about taking good care of my skin. And for those looking to revive their skin care regimen, check out 
Today, 
Welcome to 
Last year 
Today, 
Today, 
A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of being in on an 
Detangling Laurel’s hair can be one of the most challenging parts of our morning routine; she has very fine hair that’s prone to bird nesting in the back overnight, and chopping off length (short of a buzz cut...) doesn’t solve the problem. So I set out on a mission to identify effective natural and organic kids hair detanglers. Read on for my report, which also includes some discount shopping codes and a Goody giveaway!
It’s been a busy (and rather spicy) week in the mom blogosphere. Here’s what caught my eye around the web – including marketing ideas for mom bloggers and PR folks, the power of online solidarity for fitness, and the latest in mom guilt and nursing wars - per Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!
Despite the disaster that is my inbox, clearly my mind is elsewhere on domestic matters. Here’s what caught my eye around the web this week – interesting for those who enjoy pets, baking, gardening, and/or not getting sick - per Love These Links!, where I share clever, resourceful, thought provoking, and/or hilarious links that I think would be of interest to the fabulous readers who peruse Boston Mamas. Enjoy!
If there’s one lesson I've learned from my mom, it’s that it’s never too early to start caring for your skin. And today we offer a little something for the daddies who read this site (yes, daddies apparently read this site) and/or the women who like to gift them. 
Despite the glorious weather of the last couple of days, no doubt there’s more winter in store. Today, 
I love supporting local, indie retailers, and I love it even more when I learn about one who knows how to deliver as well as - or better than - the big chains. One such example is 
Today, 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
I love how resourceful moms are. This tip comes courtesy of my girlfriend Heidi:
Today, 
Does your kiddo have sensitive skin? Today, 
There’s no time like the holidays for spa treatment, and for our seventh installment of Giveaway Goodness, Parisian skin care company 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
As much as I love summer, I’m always relieved when fall arrives and I no longer need to slather Laurel in sunscreen. The task is completely necessary, but nobody enjoys it. Even after summer, though, skin protection is important and I love the nifty little shortcut that 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Just in time to cope with the start of dry skin season, for the second installment of Giveaway Goodness we’re offering amazing goodies in partnership with Parisian skin care company 
As the cool weather sets in, so do the colds and skin care battles, making it ever more important to find safe, nourishing body products for mom and babe. And 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Since launching Boston Mamas, I’ve met (virtually, anyway) countless artists, inventors, retailers, and PR firms through my 
Looking for a way to bond with baby while encouraging relaxation and good digestion? Today, 
I love body products - the delicious smells, the pretty packaging, the pampered feeling. And there’s a cool new collection on the block in 
As someone who consumes mostly water, fruit juices tend to be too sweet for me, and I found myself especially intolerant of intense sugar levels during pregnancy. And whether you’re pregnant, nursing, or actively chasing kids, here's a tasty new way to keep hydrated and vitamin infused. 
Sensitive skin needs to be taken seriously, and if you’re looking for body products to treat your little one during babyhood and beyond, consider 
Staying fit during pregnancy benefits mind, body, and delivery, but it can be challenging to motivate to waddle over to the gym. To make maternity workouts easier, today, 
The saying goes that it takes more muscles to frown than smile, and if your face needs frown therapy, you’re in luck. Today, 
Amidst the many ups and downs associated with pregnancy and postpartum, one constant is that your body weathers a major storm, complete with stretching, discoloration, and a variety of discomforts. Luckily for moms looking for cover and relief, there’s 
Although my scientific training has inspired a general interest in knowing how things work, every so often something mysteriously magical presents itself to me and I just don’t bother asking questions. 
I used to be a gym and swim rat, but traditional exercise just doesn’t do it for me these days. I need creative movement, and while I used to attribute my inability to hula hoop to stiff hips, I now know better: it’s all physics, and hooping makes for a fun, unexpected workout. The trick is that 
It’s no surprise why babies get showered with goodies, but moms need attention too - particularly postpartum - and that’s why I dig 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
Someone told me that April typically is crazy as people come out of hibernation and get ready to party. This certainly has been the case for me in the realm of scheduled events, and last night kicked off Chapter 1 of a crazy but fabulous April, via an event where I played hostess to some of my family, friends, and colleagues as a Boston 
Whether you’re chasing children or the elusive carrot dangling in front of you on the treadmill, you need to rehydrate. Today, 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners: 
I’ve never understood why Laurel would rather scratch an itch bloody than ask for lotion, but I’m now convinced that until recently we just didn’t have the right goods. 
It wasn’t until last summer – when I could use the prospect of nail polish as bait – that I was able to clip Laurel's nails while she was awake. Prior to that, I’d crouch in the dark next to her crib, or bend uncomfortably over the rails (an increasingly challenging task as her mattress level lowered...), holding a flashlight in my mouth. Seriously. If this sounds familiar, get yourself a 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners: 
Coconut scents can go terribly wrong (think overpowering suntan lotion), but sumbody’s 
Need help hanging with that health and fitness resolution? Today, 
And now for our weekly dose of web highlights from some of our stylish blog partners:
When I was very pregnant with Laurel (i.e., unable to reach my toes), I developed my deep love for professional pedicures. But in the winter, when my dry skin needs the TLC most, even this devotee can’t bear pedi flip flops in the snow. Luckily, there’s the 
Your little yogi or yogini deserves better than typical yoga mats made of PVC (a plastic material containing toxic additives). Luckily, 
. Like all products in California Baby’s impressive line, this bubble bath contains organic and sustainably grown ingredients (free of nut oils, gluten, soy, oat, dairy, or parabens) that are safe for babies, kids, and adults. California Baby also offers a number of products that are specially formulated for 
, 
, 
, 
, 
, and 
, these hypo-allergenic sponges are infused with an unbelievable amount of soap to ensure plenty of use (and a squeaky clean kid). Per Circle of Friends’s dedication to cultural awareness, each flavor is associated with a character and bit of trivia from a different country.
and 
provides traction and grip as you tip. Place the towel over your regular yoga mat; the face up side is absorptive while the face down side features silicone nubs that grip the mat, keeping hands and feet in place even when the sweat starts to flow (a little sprinkle of water on the absorptive side pre-session also helps get the traction going). Now you can meditate and breathe into the burn of a pose rather than worry whether your wheel is going to be a back flop, or if your headstand is going to land you in the hospital (or atop a neighboring yogi).
(shown; from 
, and general confusion (when my period finally did come I had no gear).
(a clever Christmas party favor given by my sister Sharon) in an aggressive attempt to stave off an oncoming cold. My introduction to this fizzy vitamin drink reminded me that a papa pal wrote in to report how much his daughter loves 
(shown; 36-pack currently on sale for $9.77 at 
