Winter Projects

Cabin fever anyone?  When I get restless during winter because of the weather, I concentrate on indoor projects, such as painting or redecorating my house.  I recently came across these wonderful books that I would like to share with you, because they include a multitude of ideas that anyone can use to shake off the winter boredom and beautify his or her living space.

100+ paint projects: Fresh ideas for your home 

Whether you want to paint walls, furniture, fabric, or tiles, this book will give you inspiration for creative and affordable redecorating.  Just look inside the book and roll up your sleeves!

New Decorating Book

This book provides a modern approach to creative home decorating.  It offers a room-by-room design guide, whole house tours, and a comprehensive workroom section full of ideas and resources.

Studio Spaces

Want to turn a boring and chaotic work space into inspirational and organized place?  Then this book is for you!  You will find here ideas on how to transform your work space to reflect your creativity and personality, how to declutter, organize, and spruce up your studio.

Have fun!

The Mother of All Pregnancy Books

by Sandra Sexton 

Planning to get pregnant?  Start reading The mother of All Pregnancy Books by Ann Douglas now, before your baby arrives!

This books explores not only pregnancy and its issue, but also serves as a great guise to pre-pregnancy planing on a physical and emotional levels.  It talks about pregnancy complaints from A to Z, demystifies the labor day, and more.

I especially liked the chapter "When Pregnancy isn't perfect".  My sister's last pregnancy was high risk and we both read this book together to get a better understanding of issues related to preterm birth and associated health complications.

Great read for moms-to-be out there!

Green Hygiene

What is the benefit of using organic bath and beauty products?

Well, for starters, your skin will not be harmed by harsh chemicals. Some cosmetics contain ingredients such as dietholamine, which is a known carcinogen. Others may contain hormone disruptors, lead, or mercury. Daily exposure to such chemicals may result in health problems later in life.

Using organic cosmetics will not pollute our waterways when these toxic compounds go down the drain when you wash your face.

If you care about your health and environment, try natural cosmetics, such as Burt’s Bees, a line of natural cosmetics for women, men, and children. They even have products for infants, such as baby shampoo and more. 

Or try Tom’s of Main, a selection of natural deodorants, toothpaste, mouthwash, and soap.

You can also find earth-friendly bath and beauty products at Whole Foods Market or possibly at your local health food store.

Pregnancy Book

By Sandra Sexton

If you are expecting, you might have a lot of questions about what to expect during your pregnancy.  I would like to suggest a book for you: You & Your Baby: Pregnancy by Dr. Laura Riley, OB/GYN.

Dr. Riley is an author, the medical director of labor and delivery at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, and a mom to two daughters.  In her book, she talks about how a mom's-to-be body changes week-by-week and what symptoms expecting moms can experience.  She also offers advise on how to deal with the morning sickness, mood swings, and lower back pain. 

You & Your Baby: Pregnancy gives moms-to-be a good overview of the amazing journey that pregnancy is.  She suggests exercise programs, healthy diet, addresses safety issues in preparing women to progress through the pregnancy as healthy as possible, and helps them to conquer childbirth fears.

It is a great read full of very good information.