by Melanie Darnell | Jun 26, 2015 | 10-Minute Workouts, Fitness, Pregnancy Workouts
It’s summer, so let’s get outside for today’s 10-Minute Pregnancy Workout Challenge! It’s Day 3, so I want to get you moving with some fun exercises inspired by cardio kickboxing. From some squat-kicks to some good punching combos, you’ll...
by Melanie Darnell | Jun 25, 2015 | 10-Minute Workouts, Fitness, Pregnancy Workouts
Welcome to Day 2 of the 10-Minute Pregnancy Workout Challenge. I put together a slightly more advanced workout for you today to increase your heart rate and build strong muscle to support you and your growing baby. As always, my workout program includes pregnancy-safe...
by Melanie Darnell | Jun 24, 2015 | 10-Minute Workouts, Fitness, Pregnancy Workouts
I have exciting news! I’m now producing 10-minute workout videos for pregnant moms who want to stay fit, but need inspiration for quick, full-body exercises. I decided to start creating these programs because I believe it’s important to stay active during...
by Melanie Darnell | Jun 9, 2015 | Recipes, Smoothies
There are several key vitamins and minerals pregnant moms need in their diet. I’m going to briefly share what they are, how you can get them from whole food sources, and provide you with a tasty smoothie recipe which incorporates everything you need. Folic Acid It’s...
by Melanie Darnell | Jun 1, 2015 | Baby-Led Weaning, Recipes
In a previous post I explained why Paul and I have chosen a vegan lifestyle for our family. I would now like to share what we have learned about providing Sage with the nutrients he needs as a growing vegan toddler. Neither Paul or I grew up as vegans. And, most...
by Melanie Darnell | May 26, 2015 | Baby's Firsts, Parenting Advice
If you have one child, I’m sure at this point you, your husband and your little one are now comfortable with the family of three you have become. Your first child is currently the center of your world, your days are planned around his nap schedule, all toys in the...
by Melanie Darnell | May 19, 2015 | Baby Gear, Helpful Hints, My Favorites, Parenting Advice
When I was putting together Sage’s playroom I wanted to create a space that would facilitate learning and allow Sage to have full control over his activities. Many of my ideas and design concepts for the playroom were inspired by the Montessori philosophy. The...
by Melanie Darnell | May 16, 2015 | Developmental Activities, Parenting Advice
If your toddler is anything like Sage, then I can guess your child loves to open and close cabinets and mimic everything that mommy does in the kitchen! From pretending to mix bowls with whisks, to moving kitchenware in and out of cabinets, toddlers enjoy the hustle...
by Melanie Darnell | May 12, 2015 | Baby-Led Weaning, Recipes
Next to diapers and wipes, the most important items in my diaper bag are the snacks! We try to eat most of our meals at home, but Sage is a hungry boy so I always pack several snacks for him when we are out. A well-fed toddler is a happy (and healthy) one! What I look...
by Melanie Darnell | May 2, 2015 | Recipes, Vegan Meals
People become vegans for many different reasons; whether it’s for animal rights, environmentalism, health reasons, or the simple fact you don’t like the taste of dairy or meat products. Today, I would like to share my journey into veganism and why I chose this path...