Sunday, June 30, 2013

Post-Natal Pilates {even 2 years later!}





Did you know that post-natal Pilates isn’t just for brand new mommies?!? If you haven’t yet reclaimed your pre-baby body, or if you’ve never had abs of steel, Libby from Studio Sculpt has the perfect exercise for you. Libby introduced me to Pilates just recently and boy have I been pleased with the results!! So naturally I asked Libby to share her ultimate post-natal Pilates move with you:

 Hi Chicks,

The number one muscle women forget to retrain, and keep training, after having a baby is the deepest core muscle, the transverse. This muscle has nothing to do with your six-pack, but actually this is the core muscle that hugs and holds your spine in place like a natural corset providing core strength and support for your back.  One of the best moves you can do for your deepest core is the knee hover.

The Knee Hover

  1. Start by coming on all fours, hands underneath shoulders, and knees underneath hips.
  2. Tuck and round your lower back, think about tucking your hips under.
  3. Take a big inhale and exhale without losing this round in the lower back (this is the most difficult part), lift the knees off the floor.
  4. Hold for 5 seconds eventually challenging yourself until you can hold this position one minute.
  5. See if you can get your core to shake, if your core is not shaking relax your shoulders. Shaking is good, that means the core is working.

At first this may seem impossible, but slowly this will make the deep core muscles start to fire, eventually your body will start to use this muscle when it is under strain, instead of your back. Now how cool is that?

Depending on where you are post baby, whether you are just starting back into your fitness routine, or your child is old enough to do this move with you, this should be a part of your core work at least three times a week.

-Libby

Check out Studio Sculpt’s PINK (Pre and Post Natal) class that focus on activating the deep transverse core, counteracting imbalances from holding children on one side, and deep pelvic floor and core connecting exercises like the knee hover. For more information visit www.studiosculptpilates.com

This blog is meant to inform and entertain the general public and other healthcare providers on nutrition and health issues. Information on this blog does not replace that of your own health care provider. The opinions presented on this blog are my own and do not necessarily represent that of my employer. Please consult a physician before beginning any new physical activity program.

my name is Libby, i am a lover of all things fitness, food, and fabulous things! i spend most of my time working with clients and teaching them how to move better and live better through pilates.  ive come to find that moving everyday, eating clean, and experiencing fabulous things is when i feel the happiest. I started this adventure of pilates and eating cleaner in LA and NYC almost 7 years ago.  at the pulse of fitness and health i found that getting your core to work properly is the secret to it all, and believe it or not it is pretty simple with pilates.

Saturday, June 29, 2013

I Scream, You Scream… {Clueless Chick Giveaway}

I know two little guys (and one big one) who are a tad bit excited that Mama is now a Brand Ambassador for Breyer’s :-) Needless to say we had to celebrate with some, you guessed it, ice cream.

For this special occasion, each of the boys got to pick out their own favorite flavor.  
Needless to say they were in heaven!

Dada of course couldn’t be left out of the fun ;-) 
Unfortunately he didn’t get to take his ice cream home


In true Clueless Chick form, this quick trip to Target had to include a little hunt for some fun inspiration.  You would be amazed at how many of my ideas start when I’m wandering the aisles of Target.  On this trip I was limiting myself to fun items I can use for all of the ice cream fun we’ll be having this summer, and I had to be quick with all 3 boys in tow.

What I found, for $1.48 each, are true little gems that will surely be making appearances at a variety of summer parties:
You can't beat frozen ice cream bowls for $1.48!


These adorable ice cream bowls can be frozen which makes them extra versatile.  I look at these bowls and I don’t just see ice cream bowl, I see:

  • Grape and strawberry serving bowls at a pool party
  • Dip bowl at a backyard BBQ
  • Fresh mozzarella serving bowl at a bitty bites baby shower
  • Whipped cream serving bowl on your ice cream sundae buffet
  • Cheese square snack bowl at a second birthday party

The bowls will also of course be making guest appearances in various Breyer’s Delicious Moments throughout the summer.  What other fabulous ideas to you have for these little gems?  Leave a comment below and the best idea will be incorporated into an upcoming post!

What else do you have to look forward to?

In addition to the fabulous Party Planning Tips you’ve come to expect form the Clueless Chick, we will be brining you all sorts of fun ideas to create Breyer’s Delicious Moments throughout the summer.  What could be more fun than cold ice cream on a hot summer day?  Don’t worry, we’ll have plenty of healthy delicious moments ideas too!  

I am thrilled to be working with Breyer’s and I can’t wait to share with you exclusive recipes, product sneak peeks and host some fun giveaways!  Breyer’s is kicking off a summer of Delicious Moments where you can enter even more contests online and attend some Yummyfun events in Orlando, Richmond and Raleigh in July – so stay tuned for even more info.

{Giveaway}

Without further ado, our first Breyer’s Giveaway of the summer!  Today you can enter to win a $25 Target Gift Card and some awesome Breyer’s coupons so that you can create Delicious Moments of your own - or pick up some paper towels ;-)  I’ll be drawing a winner on July 15th so enter early and often.  Good luck!

Until next time,
Jennifer
aka Chick #1


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday, June 28, 2013

Toddler + Restaurant = Stress-Free??



On June 19th I was lucky enough to appear on My Carolina Today again and meet the new co-host Mike Morse.  What fun we had this time!  Well, we always have fun, but this time I got to test Volanda and Mike’s traveling with baby knowhow with a little quiz on eating our with your little one from Baby Traveling Tips for the Clueless Chick.

So let’s test your knowledge!

1.  You should never take your little one to a restaurant that does not normally serve children?
False
If your child is well behaved, feel free to take her to any (yes any) restaurant, even one that doesn’t have highchairs.  Just don’t forget your On The Go Booster Seat and Gripper Sipper from The First Years.

2.  You should worry about the cleanliness of highchairs and tables at any restaurant?
True
Try as they might, it is nearly impossible to keep highchairs clean, especially when people turn them over to rest an infant carrier on the “bottom”.  All you need is a Green Sprouts high chair cover and table topper and you’re ‘covered’ he he ;-)

3.  It is easy to travel with homemade baby food?
True
By prepping your baby food in Baby Cubes or a Little Green Pouch, you can pop them in your diaper bag and you’re good to go.  If you need to thaw frozen food, just ask the waitress for a cup of hot water.

4.  When eating out you have to order from the Kid’s menu?
False
First, bring a few snacks like your favorite NurturMe yum-a-roo’s.  Second, look for a meal that you can share with your little one – what are the chances you’ll finish your entire dish anyway?  Third, if you have 2 little ones, let them split one kid’s meal.

5.  Keeping a toddler occupied long enough to have a nice meal is impossible?
False
Always, always, always have baby’s favorite Linki Uni and snacks handy.  Be sure to have an extra few crayons and Post-it notes in your diaper bag for craft time and don’t forget to ask for the check as soon as your food arrives just in case you do need to make a quick exit ;-)

Taking your little one to your favorite restaurant, or eating out while you are traveling can be surprisingly stress-free with a little strategic planning.  Now don’t get me wrong, if you’re in the throws of the terrible twos or your little angel likes to hurl his peas across the room, I’d skip the restaurant and order in ;-)

For more must have tips for traveling with your little one, pick up a copy of Baby Traveling Tips for the Clueless Chick.  Use coupon code SAVE25 to get 25% OFF!

Until next time,
aka Chick #1

A BIG thank you to the companies who provided samples of their products for this taping:
The First Years (part of the TOMY family)

Each of the above mentioned manufacturers provided samples of their products for use as props.  I was in no way compensated for my honest product recommendations.  These are, in my humble opinion, some of the best products out there!