Blog Posts by The_Stir

labor and delivery roomYou know what's amazing about giving birth? The fact that we can. And we do. Every day. Birth is something women can do just like we can twiddle our thumbs. But imagine someone said you can't twiddle your thumbs anymore. Or that you were doing it wrong and you need help to twiddle. Even though you knew your thumbs were made for twiddling, you'd start to doubt your twiddling abilities.

More from The Stir: 25 Ways You Know You're Such a Mother

Chances are you can twiddle your thumbs. And you can birth your baby. (Barring any complications which would result in a c-section, which, yes, is just another way to birth your baby.) But a new study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology has revealed that we spend "much more time" in labor now than 50 years ago makes me think this is because we are rushing to go into labor, which leads to medical intervention and therefore a longer labor.

Are we doubting our birthing abilities because of everything we

Okay, it's time to come clean. Last week I wrote about some of the deadly pregnancy sins I committed when I was expecting my baby girl (who's 5 months old today!). I thought I was being all sly and funny and bad-ass. Not really, but I at least thought I was being funny. What I didn't anticipate was that I'd be called out by some of you REALLY bad-ass moms who treated pregnancy like it was New Year's Eve on crack. At least that's what you told me in the comments. In no uncertain terms, you said some of my deadly sins were lame.

More from The Stir: 6 Toddlers Try Lemons for the First Time & Hilarity Ensues (VIDEOS)

I'm here to tell you that I wasn't entirely forthcoming before. I played it safe and chose to write about pregnancy faux pas I accidentally fell into. What I didn't tell you about were the ones I knowingly, willingly, joyfully embraced ... and let me warn you, they are seriously criminal. Let's just hope child services isn't reading THIS post.

I drank coffee.

Pregnant belly
Come on, already!So, the thing that everybody said would happen is happening right now. My due date is pretty much here, I still have no baby, and I'm getting impatient. (Really impatient.) I envisioned she'd be here already. I've made all the proper preparations. Her room is ready, the cosleeper is set up, the bottles are sterilized (as well as the apartment), and my bags are packed. I even bought a lovely bouquet of flowers last week in anticipation of her arrival. Alas, no child. Where are you, baby?! Aren't you ready to meet?

So, in the spirit of keeping things au naturel, I've started pulling out the stops. The kooky, crazy, could-totally-be-a-load-of-crap stops that supposedly induce labor sans any drugs. Hey, I'll try anything at this point.

More from The Stir: 6 Toddlers Try Lemons for the First Time & Hilarity Ensues (VIDEOS)

Here are 6 ways that (supposedly) naturally induce labor.

Walking. The classic, right? So many women I know have told me tales of

Kate WinsletAs I was flipping through the latest issue of Harper's Bazaar, I was struck by this Lancome ad. The woman looked so familiar. Almost like Kate Winslet. But of course, it couldn't be Kate Winslet. Kate Winslet doesn't look like this! This was just someone who resembled Kate.

More from The Stir: Cate Blanchett Bravely Goes Photoshop-Free on Magazine, and We Love Her for It

Curious about the identity of this Kateposter, I looked at the ad's caption and read the words ...

KATE WINSLET.

Yes, folks. In yet another example of overly airbrushed advertisements, Kate Winslet's face has been altered to the point that it now looks like someone who looks a lot like Kate Winslet.

The Lancome ad immediately brought another ad campaign to mind:

Demi Moore

Remember when this overly-airbrushed replica of Demi Moore appeared in Ann Taylor ads? Somehow, the editors managed to edit the Demi out of Demi Moore, leaving this expressionless wax figure in her place.

More from The Stir:

Emily BluntSeeing the lovely Emily Blunt in this bold red dress this past week just reminded me of the fact that the lace dress has really become a wardrobe staple.

Year after year, it shows up on the racks in virtually the same format -- and it's a fantastic way to look a little bit (or a lot, depending on the cut) sexy, without showing too much skin.

The good news? There's a pretty lace dress out there for every shape, size and budget.

More from The Stir: Latest "Real Life Barbie Doll" Is the Scariest Yet (VIDEOS)

Here are some of my favorites -- including the one I'm getting myself this spring ...

The OutnetDying to get Emily's look? This Helene Berman dress (The Outnet, $185) gives you the look -- and the label-- at a more affordable price.

TopshopOr you could opt for something more casual but still of-the-moment with this lovely sea green lace dress (Topshop, $150).

More from The Stir: Shaving My Lady Mustache Is Wildly Liberating

BlueflyIf you're looking for a dress

It's happened to us all.

You're just sitting there, doing something boring, wearing those ugly stained sweatpants with the threadbare ankles, debating eating the last cupcake or going to bed.

BOOM.

Your partner says those words. Those three words: "Wanna have sex?" And you know it's time. Time for the obligatory sex.

More from The Stir: 7 Reasons Married Sex Is Better

What is obligatory sex, you ask? C'mon. You already know. It's the kind of sex you're required to have because you're married or in a serious relationship and you've promised to be faithful 'til death do you part.

That's a hell of a long time, isn't it?

Read on to see if you're having obligatory sex like the rest of us. (Hint: If these steps leading to sex sound familiar, you probably are.)

Step 1: Frantically pore through your memory banks - DO YOU HAVE A GOOD EXCUSE? No? Onto Step 2.

More from The Stir: The Sexual Bucket List: 50 Things to Do Sexually Before You Die

Step 2: Try

lululemonSAHMs and WAHMs get a bad rap sometimes for wearing workout clothes all day long, but as a work-at-home mom myself, I can tell you that I often put on workout gear instead of regular clothes in the mornings, simply because getting DRESSED for the gym is half the battle!

If I'm dressed and ready to work out, I'm a lot more likely to actually GET MY YOU-KNOW-WHAT TO THE GYM. Make sense?

More from The Stir: 5 Good Reasons to Quit the Gym Forever

If you're like me, though, your workout wardrobe is nothing to write home about.

That's why I've scoped out some workout gear options that'll make you look good inside and outside the gym. Added bonus? They're not skin tight, so you won't have to feel self conscious about your figure while you're out and about!

AthletaI'm a big fan of this Shiva Tee (Athleta, $42), which is pretty and practical.

More from The Stir: Wear Workout Clothes in Public? I'd Rather Go Naked!

Victoria's SecretThis Yoga Off-the-Shoulder tee (Victoria's Secret,

shadows menThe reason women date many men before they get married is because we need to try them on for size. Marriage is for life -- at least we'd like it to be -- so sampling the different types before settling on just one is imperative. Some marry the first guy they kiss and that's it. But for many of us, dating around helps. And it helps us feel less slutty to think we are just on the hunt for Mr. Right even if it takes many, many men before we find that one.

More from The Stir: Guy Who Made Creepy Online Dating Spreadsheet Is Just Serious About Finding Love

You don't have to date 18 men prior to marriage (but you can and should if you want to!). Some guys posess many of these traits. These different types can help you weed out the personalities you absolutely cannot deal with. You may also find a nice combo of traits you never knew turned you on. Plus, the different scenarios that come with dating different kinds of men is a learning that you can apply to the guy you do end up