Blog Posts by Charlene Prince Birkeland, Shine staff

Most moms like to dispense advice to their daughters and sons, especially when their own kids become parents.

My mom? She is big on the reality check and when she senses I'm exasperated, she almost always says (in Spanish), "Honey, you have to remember that he's only (insert age of kid causing exasperation). Being a mom is hard, but being (insert age) is really hard, too.)" I usually sigh but know that she's right, and that I need to look at the situation differently.

What about you? What's the best parenting advice your mom has given you?

The Consumer Product Safety Commission and crib manufacturer Jardine today issued a voluntary recall of 96,000 cribs made by Jardine. The cribs are sold at Toys "R" Us, Babies "R" Us, KidsWorld and Geoffrey stores. According to the CPSC, the wooden crib slats can break and create a gap, which can pose "an entrapment and strangulation hazard to infants and toddlers."

This is the third such recall by Jardine in one year--320,000 units were recalled in June 2008 and 56,450 units were recalled in January 2009.

Check out the slide show to see the photos and information about the cribs that are included in the recall. You should also visit Jardine's site for recall information. And you can contact Jardine at (800) 646-4106 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

I've always thought it a sweet idea to give a Mother's Day gift to an expectant mom. While it's the thought that counts, why not make that gift super useful for the mom-to-be?

I recently received a review copy of Postcards from the Bump: A Chick's Guide to Getting to Know the Baby in Your Belly (US$10 and no, I'm not pregnant...again, read: review copy!). It's definitely one of those items where I thought, "I would have loved this book when I was pregnant!"

Postcards from the Bump was written by coauthors Ame Mahler Beanland and Emily Miles Terry. It's a cross between a pregnancy book and a memory keeper. It's filled fun and quirky details and tips about pregnancy, such as recipes to make while your pregnant and ideas for comfortable yet fashionable maternity wear. Other pages called "Postcard to the Bump" let expectant moms jot down memories of their pregnancy ("The sweetest thing your Dad did while we were pregnant was..."). And finally, the book includes stories and quotes from

Feline pets dig their catnip. Why not package it in a cute little pillow for them?

This week our "Etsy for Animals" pick is handmade by Woofpurrcreations. Check out the sweet fabric hearts that are filled with organic catnip. And? Five percent of the sales will go to Woofpurrcreations pet charity of choice.

Six bucks via Etsy.

Related links on Shine:
"Etsy for Animals" pick of the week: Sassy pet collars by TheModDog

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesYou've been reading about some of our favorite gift ideas for Mother's Day. (And we'll definitely be posting more!)

But this time we want to hear from you.

What's your favorite Mother's Day gift -- either to give or receive?

Related links about moms on Shine:
5 Things Your Mother-In-Law Won't Admit
Who to buy a gift for on Mother's Day?
Mother's Day Menu Ideas
Mother's Day gift idea: A customized "mommy ring" (or necklace...or bracelet)
Is "Mom" jewelry cute or a little too corny?

Photo Credit: Getty ImagesWhile we continue to chat about the medical pros and cons of drinking while pregnant, most moms seem to be more resolute in the decision to not breastfeed after they've been drinking tons of alcohol.

Stacey Anvarinia from Grand Forks, North Dakota was arrested in February and charged with child abuse and neglect for breastfeeding her baby in front of police officers while "extremely intoxicated."

Officers were called to Anvarinia's home to investigate a domestic disturbance. While police were there, she started nursing her infant. According to the police report, they told her that breastfeeding while drunk is not good for her baby. Medical studies have reported that "breastfed babies of women who alcoholic beverages on a daily basis are slower in acquiring motor skills (such as crawling and walking) than babies who had not been exposed to alcohol."

First, let's differentiate between drinking a few glasses of wine and then breastfeeding versus being blitzed while breastfeeding.

The

Every mom needs a cute lunch bag.When I had my kids, I knew that at some point they would need a lunch bags for trips to the park or for school. But I never really thought about my own lunch, since I always just tossed it in my purse or a backpack. But there's something nice about having your own cute, little bag for your meal while on the go.

I came across Green with a Twist at my first grader's school--they were selling the bags as part of a fundraiser and I couldn't resist. I picked up several pint bags (US$12) and gave them to friends for Christmas to use as lunch bags. (They are also perfectly sized for small pick-me-ups at the farmers' market.)

And? I also think they'd make a perfect gift for Mother's Day.

The bags are made of 100% cotton canvas and the designs are sweet. You can purchase them by calling the Southern California office of Green with a Twist to place your order (you can't buy them online yet).


Related links on Shine:
Who should you buy a gift for on Mother's Day?
Mother's Day gift idea: A

Mom jewelry I can dig."Mom jewelry": I think I'm ready to make peace with you.

If you're like me and you love silver jewelry, behold the prettiness at Heart on Your Wrist. Because along with the lovely designs, the jewelry is custom-made for moms...by a mom!

The Mommy Rings (US$50 and up) are my favorite. They are simple and elegant, but they can be hand-stamped with the names of your kids. Equally adorable are the many mommy necklaces and bracelets. And compared to the many overpriced mom baubles on the market, I think the Mommy Rings and other pieces are very reasonable priced, considering they are customized and of good quality silver.

With Mother's Day only a few weeks away, you should definitely add Heart on Your Wrist as a site to check out for potential gifts for a mom or grandmother in your life. (Or do what I did and just order something for yourself!)

Related links on Shine:
Is "Mom" jewelry cute or a little too corny?