Blog Posts by Babble.com

8 tips for surviving summer with a babyI went into labor with my firstborn smack in the middle of one of those sun-baked, sweltering New York City 4th of July weekends. I spent the last week of my pregnancy sitting in front of a blasting AC unit in granny underwear. The first weeks postpartum were equally glamorous.

There are perks to having a baby (and maternity leave) during the summer, but it just gets a little sticky sometimes. So on that note:



Related: 5 essentials for taking a baby to the beach

Here are 8 ways to beat the heat when you're extremely pregnant, in labor, or carrying a newborn during the dog days of summer:

1. DRINK UP
Dehydration is a leading cause of premature labor. It also causes problems with labor. Pregnant women have 40-50% increased blood volume to support and then, if you're breastfeeding, you need to replenish fluids. So start now. Drink water, or something like coconut water, frequently throughout the day even though this does mean even more trips to the bathroom.

2. DON'T SWEAT THE SWEAT

Some people consider themselves 'dog people'. Others say they are 'cat people'. But, I don't think that most dogs or cats care much about what us 'human beans' think. (Yes, they call us 'human beans'.)

Because as you'll see in a moment/if you don't already know: cats and dogs have been loving on each other since we started trying to convince them to give our caves a try, since we've been trying to convince them to live with us. Sure, they have their moments, there is no denying that. But I think a lot of that has to do with their own particular species need to act tough and protective in front of their owner.

Maybe I'm dead wrong (I usually am), but sometimes it seems to me as if the whole dog chasing cats thing is just an inside joke they play on us. It's like it's just a little pageant they put on to entertain themselves; a pageant that convinces us, for whatever crazy reason, that all is well if the one is chasing the other.

Well, a picture is worth a thousand words, they say.

Asparagus, tomato and spinach frittataThe beauty of summer cooking is that food can be made so fast and fresh with the bevy of fresh fruits and vegetables that are available. Sure, they can be doctored up and heavily prepared, but they often don't need to be. It really only takes a few fresh chopped greens to making delicious green goddess dressing, baking asparagus takes 30 minutes or less, and a simple arugula salad merely takes minutes! I love taking advantage of this time of year, specifically the green vegetables that are available.


Here are 8 simple recipes for your summer fruits and veggies that you can prepare in 30 minutes or less:

1. Asparagus, Tomato and Spinach Frittata

Ingredients:
olive oil, for cooking
1 small bunch asparagus, ends trimmed, chopped into 1" pieces (about 2 cups)
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
1 garlic clove, crushed (optional)
1-2 packed cups baby spinach leaves, torn or chopped
5 large eggs (or 3 eggs, 3 whites)
1/2 cup grated old cheddar,
Monterey Jack,

Summer is a time of freedom, exploration, discovery, and fun. What better way to kickoff the first days of summer than throwing a huge backyard party with your kids? Everyone will enjoy the quality time spent together in the beautiful weather. Make your party the best it can be with these tips. Here's a collection of 7 DIY outdoor party games to get your creative juices flowing.

- By Rachel Faucett

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For 3 more DIY backyard games for the perfect summer party, visit Babble!

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Now that the kids are almost on summer break it's time to start planning those daily activities. My biggest predicament is trying to find activities that I don't feel are completely mindless (gotta keep those synapses firing, right?). What better activity to do with them than a fun science experiment? Learn all about the crystallization process with geodes and test the power of physics by watching sound dance. Your afternoons are guaranteed to be tons of fun and educational with these 8 at-home science experiments…

- By Jacinda Boneau

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For 17 more fun at-home science experiments, visit Babble!

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25 things EVERY kid should experience

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7 things you should never say to your kids

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Everyone from Katy Perry to Jessie J has been seen sporting bright, tribal-inspired nails this year, and there's a reason why. With endless amounts of colors and geometric shapes to try out on your fingers, this trend can hype up any outfit and is a great conversation starter. Get inspired by tribal prints from the past like Native American art and Aztec Mythology, or come up with something completely fresh and unique. Check out our 7 totally tribal nails to get you in the summer spirit.

- By Jaime Morrison Curtis

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For 3 more tribal-inspired nail ideas to try this summer, visit Babble!

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7 Cupboard Beds for KidsChildren love finding secret nooks where they can hide and play. Imagine how much easier bedtime would be if going to sleep felt like just as much of an adventure. These 7 whimsical cupboard beds are a cozy way to keep kids tucked in and excited for nighttime. Sweet dreams, indeed!








Gypsy Wagon 1. Gypsy Wagon
Sleepy trails to you... This super fun cupboard bed available from Netherlands-based store Kid Factory is great inspiration for an adventurous DIY project!












Swedish Cupboard Bed 2. Swedish Cupboard Bed
This Swedish-inspired cupboard bed is located in the historic home of painter Karen Jenson in Milan, Minnesota. The room is painted blue, and a mural on the inside of the cupboard bed makes this sleeping nook a work of art.











Colorful Cupboard Bed 3. Colorful Cupboard Bed
This cupboard bed makes the room pop with colorful shutter doors and built-in drawers. Who could resist such stylish storage?









Related: The 20 most outrageous kids rooms...EVER


Simple Cupboard Bed 4. Simple Cupboard Bed
Cupboard beds don't have to be overly ornate -- or fully enclosed --

Do you buckle up your pet when driving?Do you buckle up your pet when you go for a ride? If you don't and you live in New Jersey, you just might face fines.

The New Jersey Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals is cracking down on motorists who are traveling with unsecured animals. When you think about it, it makes sense.

"You wouldn't put your child in the car unrestrained, so you shouldn't put your pet in the car unrestrained either," says Col. Frank Rizzo, superintendent of the NJSPCA.

Related: 20 adorable moments between kids and their pets

USA Today reports that under New Jersey state law, NJSPCA officers can stop a driver they believe is improperly transporting an animal. If officers find owners who aren't following proper safety procedure, they can issue tickets which range from $250 to $1,000 per offense.

There are many common mistakes owners of all kinds of pets make when driving. "Of course a dog traveling on a driver's lap is bad. But so are dogs hanging their heads out of windows, birds traveling on