Wow! It's been forever since we've posted. This last year has been full of trials and tribulations thanks to the economy. Despite some questions throughout the year, we're happy to report that we're still alive and kickin'! And, even better, we've got a whole new website and new products, too!
So, what's new you ask? Well, we've basically split our offerings into 5 categories - bath & body, home, maternity, just for men, and aromatherapy. We still offer all the great products we always have but some of them have moved to the bath & body category rather than remaining in maternity. The reason for that is because we found there were a lot of people that used our products that weren't even pregnant! So, rest assured, if you want that amazing bellybalm you used during your pregnancy, it's still available; just under the name body balm and in the bath & body category.
When it comes to our new products, you'll love our lip balm and body wash, our aromatherapy products, and our fragrance and dye free laundry soap to name just a few! Really, you have to go to the site and check them all out for yourself. We're pretty sure you'll like what you see! To find the new site, go to www.emnaturals.com . You can still find us by typing in our former url www.eternalmaternal.com (you'll automatically be redirected to the new site), too. See you there!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Pregnancy-Safe Cocktails for the Holidays
So, you're pregnant, the holidays are fast approaching, and the thought of having another glass of water or soda while those around you are enjoying delicious elixers is enough to make you just want to stay at home. Don't despair! There really are lots of alternatives that will make you feel like you're still part of the party.
First, there are several varieties of sparkling juices available these days that are wonderful and, best of all, very affordable. Of course, we're familiar with sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Did you know you can also find sparkling pear and sparkling blueberry juices, too, though? The pear is really dreamy and the blueberry is my particular favorite. Think of all the wonderful antioxidants you'll be getting with that blueberry juice, too! Many of these can be found right in your local supermarket and generally for less than $5/bottle. That's a super deal for something that tastes so delicious!
Second, you can make your own beverages. It's as easy as mixing your favorite juice with a clear carbonated soda (7-Up or Sprite work well) or with soda water. I suggest using a frozen juice concentrate for this and just replacing the water you would normally mix with it with your carbonated beverage of choice. If you use juice that is already made up, mixing it with soda water or soda can tend to water down the juice and you'll lose the real flavor of the juice.
Third, if you're out at a restaurant and want a cocktail but don't want to order yet another virgin daquiri, tell your server/bartender what flavors you normally like and ask to have something non-alcoholic specially made for you. I got a great drink this way while I was pregnant with my second child. It was a combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water. It was delightful and I don't even like grapefruit juice! The key here is finding a bartender that really is experienced and creative.
And, don't forget good old gingerale. This is an often overlooked soda that is a real treat. We think of it mainly as something to calm an upset stomach but it really is a remarkably yummy soda.
Finally, and we think most importantly, don't let your inability to imbibe keep you from getting out there and celebrating with friends and family. There are lots of options and don't be afraid to bring your own beverage. We're sure no one will give it a second thought if you show up with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider to enjoy. Whatever you choose this holiday season, though, we hope that your celebrations are full of joy.
First, there are several varieties of sparkling juices available these days that are wonderful and, best of all, very affordable. Of course, we're familiar with sparkling apple cider and sparkling grape juice. Did you know you can also find sparkling pear and sparkling blueberry juices, too, though? The pear is really dreamy and the blueberry is my particular favorite. Think of all the wonderful antioxidants you'll be getting with that blueberry juice, too! Many of these can be found right in your local supermarket and generally for less than $5/bottle. That's a super deal for something that tastes so delicious!
Second, you can make your own beverages. It's as easy as mixing your favorite juice with a clear carbonated soda (7-Up or Sprite work well) or with soda water. I suggest using a frozen juice concentrate for this and just replacing the water you would normally mix with it with your carbonated beverage of choice. If you use juice that is already made up, mixing it with soda water or soda can tend to water down the juice and you'll lose the real flavor of the juice.
Third, if you're out at a restaurant and want a cocktail but don't want to order yet another virgin daquiri, tell your server/bartender what flavors you normally like and ask to have something non-alcoholic specially made for you. I got a great drink this way while I was pregnant with my second child. It was a combination of grapefruit juice, cranberry juice and soda water. It was delightful and I don't even like grapefruit juice! The key here is finding a bartender that really is experienced and creative.
And, don't forget good old gingerale. This is an often overlooked soda that is a real treat. We think of it mainly as something to calm an upset stomach but it really is a remarkably yummy soda.
Finally, and we think most importantly, don't let your inability to imbibe keep you from getting out there and celebrating with friends and family. There are lots of options and don't be afraid to bring your own beverage. We're sure no one will give it a second thought if you show up with a bottle of your favorite sparkling cider to enjoy. Whatever you choose this holiday season, though, we hope that your celebrations are full of joy.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Pregnant? Get Plastered the Safe and Easy Way!
The holidays are upon us - festive music plays 24 hours a day on local radio stations, children are busy making wish lists, and pregnant women everywhere have the opportunity to get plastered. OK, not with hot buttered rum or mulled wine but with our belly casting kit!
And, getting plastered is really easy! First, you have to have a buddy. This may be your spouse or partner, your sister, mom, or best friend. Whoever it is, remember that getting plastered is a two person job...at least!
Seriously, though, this holiday season why not put a belly casting kit on your wish list? This pregnancy of yours is wonderful and miraculous and fleeting. Capturing that magic with a bellycast is a real treat and a fun experience to share with someone special to you. Our kits offer everything you need to create a memory that will last a lifetime, including simple, easy-to-follow instructions for your buddy! Best of all, we're always just a phone call or email away. We'll be happy to answer any questions you or your buddy may have and help you understand the process further.
Once your cast is done, you can leave it 'raw' or choose to decorate it. Decorate to match the theme of the nursery or do a sports theme or pay homage to your heritage. Whatever you choose, let your imagination run wild, and you'll come up with all kinds of options.
So, whether you're looking for a unique gift to give this holiday season or are hoping to be on the receiving end, our belly cast kit is a gift that will be cherished by many for years to come!
And, getting plastered is really easy! First, you have to have a buddy. This may be your spouse or partner, your sister, mom, or best friend. Whoever it is, remember that getting plastered is a two person job...at least!Seriously, though, this holiday season why not put a belly casting kit on your wish list? This pregnancy of yours is wonderful and miraculous and fleeting. Capturing that magic with a bellycast is a real treat and a fun experience to share with someone special to you. Our kits offer everything you need to create a memory that will last a lifetime, including simple, easy-to-follow instructions for your buddy! Best of all, we're always just a phone call or email away. We'll be happy to answer any questions you or your buddy may have and help you understand the process further.
Once your cast is done, you can leave it 'raw' or choose to decorate it. Decorate to match the theme of the nursery or do a sports theme or pay homage to your heritage. Whatever you choose, let your imagination run wild, and you'll come up with all kinds of options.
So, whether you're looking for a unique gift to give this holiday season or are hoping to be on the receiving end, our belly cast kit is a gift that will be cherished by many for years to come!
Monday, November 23, 2009
MS or Epilepsy Doesn't Equate To Significantly Riskier Pregnancy
In a story published yesterday in The Oregonian, scientists at Stanford University have reported that pregnant women with epilepsy or MS do not have significantly riskier pregnancies than those who do not. While their studies did show that women with either disease experienced abnormal fetal growth rates, the percentage was less than 5% in each case and less than 2% more than women who did not have either disease.
This is great news for women who experience either disease and have been cautious about becoming pregnant because so. Epilepsy and MS are both neurological diseases for which there are no known cures. Both can be experienced at varying levels as well. While some may have very mild cases in which they rarely experience the effects of their disease, others experience symptoms that significantly affect their daily lives. Even in more mild cases, those with these diseases often take medicines to help control their disease, and this can be a cause for concern for a woman that is thinking about becoming pregnant. After scanning records of babies born in the US between 2003 and 2006, including thousands that were born to mothers with either epilepsy or MS, researchers concluded that, although women with either of these diseases should be monitored more closely during pregnancy, their diseases did not necessarily predispose them to experiencing a higher risk pregnancy.
On a personal note, I have a few family members with MS. Each experiences the disease in their own unique way but a common thread to anyone with the disease is that it can be exacerbated by stress. I've said it loads of times but, it bears repeating...if you're pregnant (and even if you're not!), take time for YOU! It doesn't have to be a whole day - although that would be nice - but make time for you. Whether it's reading a book or magazine for even just 15 minutes or treating yourself to some pampering time, "you" time can make a huge difference in how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.
This is great news for women who experience either disease and have been cautious about becoming pregnant because so. Epilepsy and MS are both neurological diseases for which there are no known cures. Both can be experienced at varying levels as well. While some may have very mild cases in which they rarely experience the effects of their disease, others experience symptoms that significantly affect their daily lives. Even in more mild cases, those with these diseases often take medicines to help control their disease, and this can be a cause for concern for a woman that is thinking about becoming pregnant. After scanning records of babies born in the US between 2003 and 2006, including thousands that were born to mothers with either epilepsy or MS, researchers concluded that, although women with either of these diseases should be monitored more closely during pregnancy, their diseases did not necessarily predispose them to experiencing a higher risk pregnancy.
On a personal note, I have a few family members with MS. Each experiences the disease in their own unique way but a common thread to anyone with the disease is that it can be exacerbated by stress. I've said it loads of times but, it bears repeating...if you're pregnant (and even if you're not!), take time for YOU! It doesn't have to be a whole day - although that would be nice - but make time for you. Whether it's reading a book or magazine for even just 15 minutes or treating yourself to some pampering time, "you" time can make a huge difference in how you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
Simple Tips for a Healthy Season
The season's have definitely been changing. Fall has set in with it's chillier mornings, cool winds and rain showers. But, it's not just fall and the upcoming winter season that we're all experiencing. We've also moved into cold and flu season.
Whether you're one that believes in the value of a flu shot this year or not, getting sick when you're pregnant is no fun. Not only do you feel miserable, you're limited as to what medications you can take and your baby could be at risk, too.
To help you stay healthy this season, here are some simple tips that you can put into practice right away.
1. Wash your hands! Frequent hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. Pick up a travel size container of hand sanitizer to keep in your purse, diaper bag, or in the car, too. In the event that soap and water isn't available, you'll still be able to keep germ free!
2. Quit touching your face! You'd really be surprised how many times you touch your face each day. Since viruses have to enter your system through your mouth or nose, touching your face is an easy way to accidentally introduce them to your system. Unless you're eating or bathing, try to stick with a hands-off approach throughout the day.
3. Gargle with salt water. This is a simple and inexpensive yet very powerful preventive method. Viruses typically take a couple days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling twice a day can prevent this.
4. Cleanse your sinuses daily. This is the same concept as the gargling tip above but needs only to be done once a day. You can use a simple saline spray found at most drugstores or use a neti pot. If the thought of water up your nose is something you can't bear, simply blow your nose hard once a day and follow it up by swabbing both nostrils with a cotton swab dipped in warm salt water.
5. Get plenty of vitamin C. During fall and winter, it's easy to fall short of adequate vitamin C levels. Pick up some oranges or grapefruit at the store to boost your daily intake. Check with your doctor/pharmacist to determine if taking a vitamin C supplement is right for you, too. They come in a variety of forms from tablets to powders that can easily be added to tea or water.
6. Drink plenty of warm liquids. Just as gargling prevents proliferation of viruses in your throat, so does drinking warm liquids such as tea, coffee, broth, etc. The warm liquids wash proliferating viruses away and into the stomach where they cannot survive or do harm. Plus, it's a good excuse to take a few minutes for yourself while you sip away!
7. Get some sleep! Sleep is so critical to our health but an area that we often overlook. Be sure you're getting plenty so that your body is well rested and healthy.
8. Eat a healthy diet. We're all busy but steer clear of processed foods that provide little to no nutritional value. Keep healthy snacks such as dried fruits and whole grain crackers nearby and be sure to eat plenty of veggies, too.
9. Hydrate! Just because it's not 90 degrees outside doesn't mean that you don't have to keep properly hydrated. Continue to keep that water bottle close at hand.
Whether you're one that believes in the value of a flu shot this year or not, getting sick when you're pregnant is no fun. Not only do you feel miserable, you're limited as to what medications you can take and your baby could be at risk, too.
To help you stay healthy this season, here are some simple tips that you can put into practice right away.
1. Wash your hands! Frequent hand washing is the number one way to prevent the spread of germs. Pick up a travel size container of hand sanitizer to keep in your purse, diaper bag, or in the car, too. In the event that soap and water isn't available, you'll still be able to keep germ free!
2. Quit touching your face! You'd really be surprised how many times you touch your face each day. Since viruses have to enter your system through your mouth or nose, touching your face is an easy way to accidentally introduce them to your system. Unless you're eating or bathing, try to stick with a hands-off approach throughout the day.
3. Gargle with salt water. This is a simple and inexpensive yet very powerful preventive method. Viruses typically take a couple days after initial infection in the throat/nasal cavity to proliferate and show characteristic symptoms. Simple gargling twice a day can prevent this.
4. Cleanse your sinuses daily. This is the same concept as the gargling tip above but needs only to be done once a day. You can use a simple saline spray found at most drugstores or use a neti pot. If the thought of water up your nose is something you can't bear, simply blow your nose hard once a day and follow it up by swabbing both nostrils with a cotton swab dipped in warm salt water.
5. Get plenty of vitamin C. During fall and winter, it's easy to fall short of adequate vitamin C levels. Pick up some oranges or grapefruit at the store to boost your daily intake. Check with your doctor/pharmacist to determine if taking a vitamin C supplement is right for you, too. They come in a variety of forms from tablets to powders that can easily be added to tea or water.
6. Drink plenty of warm liquids. Just as gargling prevents proliferation of viruses in your throat, so does drinking warm liquids such as tea, coffee, broth, etc. The warm liquids wash proliferating viruses away and into the stomach where they cannot survive or do harm. Plus, it's a good excuse to take a few minutes for yourself while you sip away!
7. Get some sleep! Sleep is so critical to our health but an area that we often overlook. Be sure you're getting plenty so that your body is well rested and healthy.
8. Eat a healthy diet. We're all busy but steer clear of processed foods that provide little to no nutritional value. Keep healthy snacks such as dried fruits and whole grain crackers nearby and be sure to eat plenty of veggies, too.
9. Hydrate! Just because it's not 90 degrees outside doesn't mean that you don't have to keep properly hydrated. Continue to keep that water bottle close at hand.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
If You Just Need a Giggle...
The good folks over at Evian put together this video. It's only a minute long so take a second (ok, take 60 of them!) and watch. Babies on rollerskates will surely make you smile!
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Are Group Prenatal Visits Right for You?
Read this great blog this afternoon. It seems that women going to prenatal visits in groups tend to have more positive pregnancies and even fewer premature births. They were even more likely to initiate breastfeeding!
This doesn't really surprise me given that women, in general, tend to be social creatures who find security in the friendships and relationships that a group can bring about. Having a shared bond sure doesn't hurt, either. Brings a whole new dimension to the saying that "it takes a village to raise a child!"
Read the whole article by clicking on the link below!
Pregnant mothers see benefits from group prenatal visits
This doesn't really surprise me given that women, in general, tend to be social creatures who find security in the friendships and relationships that a group can bring about. Having a shared bond sure doesn't hurt, either. Brings a whole new dimension to the saying that "it takes a village to raise a child!"
Read the whole article by clicking on the link below!
Pregnant mothers see benefits from group prenatal visits
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